Started out at 7-30 this morning arrive at Apora Wood at ¼ to eight on the walk up to the wood I had Great Coucal, Common Ioras,Rufous Treepie, as I approached the wood there were a lot of small birds calling Purple Sunbird, Black-Lored Tit, Fan trailed Warbler, Little Bee Eater, only had a quick look for the Pitta no luck expect I’ll get this bird when I’m not looking for it then I met a couple of birders Just as I spoke to them we had a Rufous Woodpecker a good bird for this site I also got onto a Common Hawk Cuckoo, we then found 2 Golden Fronted Leafbirds, then we had about 20 Monkeys go through the tree tops back to the birds Coppersmith Barbet, Grey headed Bulbul, Barn swallow, Mountain Iperal Pigeon, Brahminy Kite carrying nesting material. On my way back to where I had parked I had Loten’s Sunbird, Little Bee Eater,
Next stop was the paddy that I visited yesterday not as many Small pratingcoles plenty of Little Egrets and Great white Egrets a couple of Marsh Sandpiper extra wader today was Green Sandpiper I had the Osprey again flying around then some of the waders got up and I found a Bersa flying towards me on the wires nearby I had Malabar Lark
As I am here for awhile I am playing with some of the settings on my Video Camera so hope to have some good footage which I will need to down load when I return to the UK
List is currently stands at 161
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
26th December Boxing Day
Well after yet another night’s sleep interrupted by the people in the next room coming in at about 3 o’clock and slamming the doors and rearranging the furniture I did manage to get some sleep and was up and out by 7 o’clock
I decided to start by having a look at Baga Hill (Baga Jungle) I had a White Breasted Sea Eagle on the way to the Hill I took the scooter to the top of the hill no walking for me park up and walk out onto the hill I had only been there a short while when another birder appeared, we got talking and exchanged some details of other sites spent a couple of hours up here also met another birder some more information changed hands Birds seen included Peafowl, Greenish Warbler, (these are quite common) Radd’s Warbler,(good views) The usual 2 Kites, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Ashy Drongo, Purple Sunbird, Red crested Bulbul, Thick Billed Crow , House Crow, did not see the Quail that I had been told about
Next stop was a paddy at Apora more information from the birders I met on the hill they said I would not be disappointed and I was not Small Pratingcole c 150, Pacific Golden Plover c12, Kentish Plover c25, Marsh Sandpiper c4, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Great White Egrets c15, Little Egrets c20, Indian Pond Heron c30+, Little Cormorant,On the wires were Barn Swallow, Needle Tailed Swallow, Long Tailed Shrike, Little Bee Eater, Black Drongo, here I met some more birders and while I was talking to them we had a Osprey flying around in front of us I will be visiting this site more Know I now of it
Next stop Apora wood in the hope of seeing Indian Pitta no luck I will keep tryong
I have not put all the birds I have seen or heard today as this would just take up space my Goan list is around the 150 mark at the moment
Now time for Breakfast so a full English is called for and very nice it was
Now as the heat is getting to much it’s back to base for a few hours (I have ac this time and very welcome it is)
This evening I decided to take a look at Augarda again after the Indian Pitta still no sign but I did hear one calling other bids here included Red Whiskered Bulbul, White Breasted Kingfisher, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Paddy field Warbler,
I decided to start by having a look at Baga Hill (Baga Jungle) I had a White Breasted Sea Eagle on the way to the Hill I took the scooter to the top of the hill no walking for me park up and walk out onto the hill I had only been there a short while when another birder appeared, we got talking and exchanged some details of other sites spent a couple of hours up here also met another birder some more information changed hands Birds seen included Peafowl, Greenish Warbler, (these are quite common) Radd’s Warbler,(good views) The usual 2 Kites, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Ashy Drongo, Purple Sunbird, Red crested Bulbul, Thick Billed Crow , House Crow, did not see the Quail that I had been told about
Next stop was a paddy at Apora more information from the birders I met on the hill they said I would not be disappointed and I was not Small Pratingcole c 150, Pacific Golden Plover c12, Kentish Plover c25, Marsh Sandpiper c4, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Great White Egrets c15, Little Egrets c20, Indian Pond Heron c30+, Little Cormorant,On the wires were Barn Swallow, Needle Tailed Swallow, Long Tailed Shrike, Little Bee Eater, Black Drongo, here I met some more birders and while I was talking to them we had a Osprey flying around in front of us I will be visiting this site more Know I now of it
Next stop Apora wood in the hope of seeing Indian Pitta no luck I will keep tryong
I have not put all the birds I have seen or heard today as this would just take up space my Goan list is around the 150 mark at the moment
Now time for Breakfast so a full English is called for and very nice it was
Now as the heat is getting to much it’s back to base for a few hours (I have ac this time and very welcome it is)
This evening I decided to take a look at Augarda again after the Indian Pitta still no sign but I did hear one calling other bids here included Red Whiskered Bulbul, White Breasted Kingfisher, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Paddy field Warbler,
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday 28th November
Had a look at some of the local spots around Baga and found some new ones that look good for some morning birding before work have some of the bird song and calls so this should help
Rest of the week up to Friday more of the same
Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th December
Decided to try some new sites which I had found some information on not a successful couple of days there is a lot of new building going on so some of the sites do not hold that many birds now
One bird I did get a very good view of this week was a Orange Headed Thrush normally they skulk but I had taken the scooter up on to baga ridge you can walk but it is a bit of a clime so I rode up just as I was coming back down the bird was sitting in the middle of the road and of cause the camera was in my rucksack on my back so no chance of a picture
Sunday 5th December
Booked a taxi for today planned on having a look at Carambolim Lake and area the other side of the village. The taxi arrived at 7 o’clock and we set of arrived at the lake at ¼ to eight got caught at the railway crossing take ages for the trains to pass, but soon as we have I notice some duck on the lake but decide to have a look at the other side of the village first where there is some mud flats and a good marsh area opposite this there is a good grass area had a look at the mud flats first there were a lot of waders which included Redshank, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Black Winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, and Temminck;s Stint. After about ¾ of a hour all the waders took of I turned around and found a Osprey sitting on a dead tree where it stayed for the next hour. I then had a look at the grass area found a shady spot and set up my scope the first bird was a Peregrine sitting on a post but this took off and flew over me and out of sight. Other birds were more of what I have been seeing in this sort of area Black Drongo, Cattle / Intermediate / Little / Great White Egrets, Black Kite, Great Couracal , then sitting on a bush not that far away I found a Grey Shrike (will need to check on this has I have been told you do not get Grey shrikes here) then is was back to the taxi and back to have a look at the lake the duck where still there Lesser Whistling Duck other birds seen where Indian Pond Heron, more Egrets, Purple Swam Hen c30 , Bronzed Winged Jacanas, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Brahminy Kite, Pied Kingfisher, as it was now getting busy as it is Sunday I decided to have a look at the Paddy fields at Santa Cruz as the grass is still on the long side very kittke mud for waders plenty of the normal birds Black Kite c70. And 6 White Breasted Kingfishers did not stay to long will see what it is like in a couple of weeks (this is a good site for getting close to some of the waders) I then mentioned to the driver about some vague information about another spot nearby could not find it from what info I had but the driver said he knew of a good spot so we went to have a look for another day as the heat of the day was upon us and it looked very interesting so hope to go back next weekend (need to have a look at the map and give this site a name as I have not found it mentioned on any of the reports that I have read) Looks like it could be good spot for Birds of Prey as it was now getting hot returned to base ending a very good mornings birding.
Had a look at some of the local spots around Baga and found some new ones that look good for some morning birding before work have some of the bird song and calls so this should help
Rest of the week up to Friday more of the same
Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th December
Decided to try some new sites which I had found some information on not a successful couple of days there is a lot of new building going on so some of the sites do not hold that many birds now
One bird I did get a very good view of this week was a Orange Headed Thrush normally they skulk but I had taken the scooter up on to baga ridge you can walk but it is a bit of a clime so I rode up just as I was coming back down the bird was sitting in the middle of the road and of cause the camera was in my rucksack on my back so no chance of a picture
Sunday 5th December
Booked a taxi for today planned on having a look at Carambolim Lake and area the other side of the village. The taxi arrived at 7 o’clock and we set of arrived at the lake at ¼ to eight got caught at the railway crossing take ages for the trains to pass, but soon as we have I notice some duck on the lake but decide to have a look at the other side of the village first where there is some mud flats and a good marsh area opposite this there is a good grass area had a look at the mud flats first there were a lot of waders which included Redshank, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Black Winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, and Temminck;s Stint. After about ¾ of a hour all the waders took of I turned around and found a Osprey sitting on a dead tree where it stayed for the next hour. I then had a look at the grass area found a shady spot and set up my scope the first bird was a Peregrine sitting on a post but this took off and flew over me and out of sight. Other birds were more of what I have been seeing in this sort of area Black Drongo, Cattle / Intermediate / Little / Great White Egrets, Black Kite, Great Couracal , then sitting on a bush not that far away I found a Grey Shrike (will need to check on this has I have been told you do not get Grey shrikes here) then is was back to the taxi and back to have a look at the lake the duck where still there Lesser Whistling Duck other birds seen where Indian Pond Heron, more Egrets, Purple Swam Hen c30 , Bronzed Winged Jacanas, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Brahminy Kite, Pied Kingfisher, as it was now getting busy as it is Sunday I decided to have a look at the Paddy fields at Santa Cruz as the grass is still on the long side very kittke mud for waders plenty of the normal birds Black Kite c70. And 6 White Breasted Kingfishers did not stay to long will see what it is like in a couple of weeks (this is a good site for getting close to some of the waders) I then mentioned to the driver about some vague information about another spot nearby could not find it from what info I had but the driver said he knew of a good spot so we went to have a look for another day as the heat of the day was upon us and it looked very interesting so hope to go back next weekend (need to have a look at the map and give this site a name as I have not found it mentioned on any of the reports that I have read) Looks like it could be good spot for Birds of Prey as it was now getting hot returned to base ending a very good mornings birding.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Back in Goa
Well I am back in Goa so will be doing some birding while I am here
Saturday 13th of November
I decided to try a site that I had not been to before my intension was too take a walk along the river at Candolin not far from where \i am staying this time round I set off with the information that I had been given all well until I try and find the footpath that was mentioned I arrived at the spot directed no sign of a footpath so I ask how can I walk along the river told to go to the track up the road by the chapel did this only to be told no access to the river I am well prepare for what happened next so I said no thanks (he asked for 500 rupees) so did not get to have a walk by the river after trying a few different spots decided that this was a waste of time so I then went for breakfast and a nice one it was (will be going back again) then it was back to my room this time round I have Air Con and what a welcome it is in the heat of the day at about 4 o’clock I decide to have a look at the area behind the hotel Beira Mar in Baga this can be watched from the other side of the marsh from a small road which is nice and quite at about 5 o’clock I then decided to take the road out of Baga to Calangute where I found some paddy fields that looked like they might be of interest (note to have a look here in the morning
Sunday 14th November
First stop today was the marsh behind the Beira Mar hotel in Baga spent some time here plenty of birds calling not aiming to get them all out of the way as I will be here till the end of Jan 2011 I then returned to the Paddy fields that I found last night and spent the rest of the morning here as there where a few birds to film found a nice quite spot in the shade all the birds are more of what I have already seen so will start putting my list together soon we had some rain late afternoon so did not do any birding to night
Saturday 13th of November
I decided to try a site that I had not been to before my intension was too take a walk along the river at Candolin not far from where \i am staying this time round I set off with the information that I had been given all well until I try and find the footpath that was mentioned I arrived at the spot directed no sign of a footpath so I ask how can I walk along the river told to go to the track up the road by the chapel did this only to be told no access to the river I am well prepare for what happened next so I said no thanks (he asked for 500 rupees) so did not get to have a walk by the river after trying a few different spots decided that this was a waste of time so I then went for breakfast and a nice one it was (will be going back again) then it was back to my room this time round I have Air Con and what a welcome it is in the heat of the day at about 4 o’clock I decide to have a look at the area behind the hotel Beira Mar in Baga this can be watched from the other side of the marsh from a small road which is nice and quite at about 5 o’clock I then decided to take the road out of Baga to Calangute where I found some paddy fields that looked like they might be of interest (note to have a look here in the morning
Sunday 14th November
First stop today was the marsh behind the Beira Mar hotel in Baga spent some time here plenty of birds calling not aiming to get them all out of the way as I will be here till the end of Jan 2011 I then returned to the Paddy fields that I found last night and spent the rest of the morning here as there where a few birds to film found a nice quite spot in the shade all the birds are more of what I have already seen so will start putting my list together soon we had some rain late afternoon so did not do any birding to night
Monday, July 12, 2010
Life in GOA
Spent the weekend looking at some of the main spots that are good in the dry season plenty of local birds only the 2 Kites in the way of birds of prey as most go till the monsoon is over will get around to doing a sea watch this week just need to get up early will update when I have done a few
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday 28th June
Early start for work today left at 06-45 on the edge of Anjuna I had a family of Wild Boar cross the road just ahead of me watch them for a short time when they disapeared out of sight
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Update
Not a lot happening at the moment Monsoon has started so not doing much birding hope to get some sea watching done over the coming weeks will post a report then
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Weekend In Maharashtre District of India
Spent the weekend up in the jungle area north west of Kolhapur Maharashtre I was travelling with one of the English chaps who are working out here at the same factory as myself we started of late Friday.We started of collecting some of the things to take with us once done we headed for Kolhapur where we where staying the night
Saturday morning our first stop was for provisions as the place we will be staying is in a remote area on route we picked up more of the people who would be joining us this included a party who had drove from Bombay not long after we arrived it started to rain and every one was hopping it would not last long but it lasted three and a half hours witch put a bit of a damper on the afternoon as there was no where to shelter ended up in the car for part of it when it did stop I managed to do hour and half of birding birds seen included Streaked Throated Woodpecker, Common Myna, Laughing Dove, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Red Collared Dove, Long Billed Crow, Greater Coucal, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Common Wood shrike, Bluethroat, and a Indian Pita a bird I have been looking for in Goa . (any new birds seen on this trip will be added to my Indian list
Sunday we drove to the dam that is near by some of the party went for a swim in the reservoir I went for a walk along the edge and up into the jungle area birds seen included same as I had yesterday plus Steppe Eagle, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Short Toed Eagle, White Eyed Buzzard, House Swift, I also saw a Wild Boar, We returned to the shelter of the canopy that had been put up and just spent the heart of the day relaxing where I had Shirka, Steppe Eagle, Red Vented Bulbul, then a Vulture put in a appearance witch turned out to be a long Billed Vulture after the heat of the day had died down I went for a walk around the village there are only a hundred people live here which makes it nice and quite and peaceful, after lunch every one else gone for a swim I had a wander down the lane opposite the gate more of the same birds seen
Monday took a walk along another of the tracks that lead to another of the small farms same birds seen as the last couple of days plus a Blue Bearded Bee Eater after we just chilled out till 12-00 when we left Our drive back took us through some very scenic countywide and we arrived back in Anjuna at 17-30 so ending a very enjoyable weekend, Now it’s back to Goa Birding
Saturday morning our first stop was for provisions as the place we will be staying is in a remote area on route we picked up more of the people who would be joining us this included a party who had drove from Bombay not long after we arrived it started to rain and every one was hopping it would not last long but it lasted three and a half hours witch put a bit of a damper on the afternoon as there was no where to shelter ended up in the car for part of it when it did stop I managed to do hour and half of birding birds seen included Streaked Throated Woodpecker, Common Myna, Laughing Dove, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Red Collared Dove, Long Billed Crow, Greater Coucal, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Common Wood shrike, Bluethroat, and a Indian Pita a bird I have been looking for in Goa . (any new birds seen on this trip will be added to my Indian list
Sunday we drove to the dam that is near by some of the party went for a swim in the reservoir I went for a walk along the edge and up into the jungle area birds seen included same as I had yesterday plus Steppe Eagle, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Short Toed Eagle, White Eyed Buzzard, House Swift, I also saw a Wild Boar, We returned to the shelter of the canopy that had been put up and just spent the heart of the day relaxing where I had Shirka, Steppe Eagle, Red Vented Bulbul, then a Vulture put in a appearance witch turned out to be a long Billed Vulture after the heat of the day had died down I went for a walk around the village there are only a hundred people live here which makes it nice and quite and peaceful, after lunch every one else gone for a swim I had a wander down the lane opposite the gate more of the same birds seen
Monday took a walk along another of the tracks that lead to another of the small farms same birds seen as the last couple of days plus a Blue Bearded Bee Eater after we just chilled out till 12-00 when we left Our drive back took us through some very scenic countywide and we arrived back in Anjuna at 17-30 so ending a very enjoyable weekend, Now it’s back to Goa Birding
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
21st April 2010
Wednesday 21st April
Well day off today so decided I would book a taxi and go back to Santa Cruz with the intention of finding the area that the reports call Santa Cruz creek the information that I have is a bit vague so I have plotted on the web map what I think is where I want to be so we set off at 07-00 hours on arriving at Santa Cruz the driver asked where we go first so I said we try and find the creek so with a sketch map I took from the net we set off got it slightly wrong (nothing new there then) but after talking to some young men we did find where I had pin pointed on the map and yes I am sure this is where we should be so on with the report
After getting out of the car I did a quick scan of the area and thought I will be spending some time here a few Intermediate Egrets, Little Egrets, Great White Egrets and Indian Pond Heron to start with I then walked along the road for about 150 yards ( sorry not going to do it in metres) and found some shade under some trees it is now only a quarter to eight and the heat is getting up I could hear waders calling now this is what I had come here for first wader I saw was Ruff then it took over half a hour to find some more the vegetation is high so to see the birds it is best to concentrate on one area this I did I then had 2 Pintail Snipe which I watched for about 10 minutes then another bird appeared from the right this turned out to be a Jack Snipe then I continued to walk down the road where I had both the Kites these are the most common raptors that I see on a daily basis and have to say the numbers are good (If I can not identify a Black Kite after being out here for 3 months then I should give up birding that’s meant to be a joke) so what next well the only way to see anything is just scan a area on doing so I found a White Breasted Water hen ( will tell you all about my first one later) right lets continue birding the time now is only half past eight I then walked back down the road and found some shade under a tree just off the road quite a busy road so to be able to get away from the traffic was nice (I’m now getting to see the same people and getting the same greeting every time Good Morning Papa ) at least the dogs are used to me I then spent over a hour scanning and picking up a few waders Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper then a small flock arrived I got on 4 off them and they are one of the smartest waders to watch Marsh Sandpiper while I spent some time watching them some more waders joined them 2 went out of sight but the other 2 came a bit closer and turned out to be Terek Sandpiper so my Goa list is increasing I have now added 2 to the list could it get better well the answer was yes a stork flew over and put up a good flight show this turned out to be a Lesser Adjutant yes another one to the list which at this point stands at 143 I also had a common Kingfisher perch on a rock briefly so after watching the waders for a while I decided it was time to visit the paddy fields on arriving about nine 50 I noticed that there where not that many Egrets or Indian Pond Herons as on previous visits so was a bit concerned of what I might see but I continued down the path still plenty to see and hear White Breasted Kingfisher where calling Common Myna then sitting on the wires a Stork Billed Kingfisher plenty of kites but no other raptors today I walked along the path as normal just the same birds not a wader in sight until I was on my return to the car only wader I had was a Little Stint so ending a very enjoyably mornings birding and the list now stands at 144
Well day off today so decided I would book a taxi and go back to Santa Cruz with the intention of finding the area that the reports call Santa Cruz creek the information that I have is a bit vague so I have plotted on the web map what I think is where I want to be so we set off at 07-00 hours on arriving at Santa Cruz the driver asked where we go first so I said we try and find the creek so with a sketch map I took from the net we set off got it slightly wrong (nothing new there then) but after talking to some young men we did find where I had pin pointed on the map and yes I am sure this is where we should be so on with the report
After getting out of the car I did a quick scan of the area and thought I will be spending some time here a few Intermediate Egrets, Little Egrets, Great White Egrets and Indian Pond Heron to start with I then walked along the road for about 150 yards ( sorry not going to do it in metres) and found some shade under some trees it is now only a quarter to eight and the heat is getting up I could hear waders calling now this is what I had come here for first wader I saw was Ruff then it took over half a hour to find some more the vegetation is high so to see the birds it is best to concentrate on one area this I did I then had 2 Pintail Snipe which I watched for about 10 minutes then another bird appeared from the right this turned out to be a Jack Snipe then I continued to walk down the road where I had both the Kites these are the most common raptors that I see on a daily basis and have to say the numbers are good (If I can not identify a Black Kite after being out here for 3 months then I should give up birding that’s meant to be a joke) so what next well the only way to see anything is just scan a area on doing so I found a White Breasted Water hen ( will tell you all about my first one later) right lets continue birding the time now is only half past eight I then walked back down the road and found some shade under a tree just off the road quite a busy road so to be able to get away from the traffic was nice (I’m now getting to see the same people and getting the same greeting every time Good Morning Papa ) at least the dogs are used to me I then spent over a hour scanning and picking up a few waders Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper then a small flock arrived I got on 4 off them and they are one of the smartest waders to watch Marsh Sandpiper while I spent some time watching them some more waders joined them 2 went out of sight but the other 2 came a bit closer and turned out to be Terek Sandpiper so my Goa list is increasing I have now added 2 to the list could it get better well the answer was yes a stork flew over and put up a good flight show this turned out to be a Lesser Adjutant yes another one to the list which at this point stands at 143 I also had a common Kingfisher perch on a rock briefly so after watching the waders for a while I decided it was time to visit the paddy fields on arriving about nine 50 I noticed that there where not that many Egrets or Indian Pond Herons as on previous visits so was a bit concerned of what I might see but I continued down the path still plenty to see and hear White Breasted Kingfisher where calling Common Myna then sitting on the wires a Stork Billed Kingfisher plenty of kites but no other raptors today I walked along the path as normal just the same birds not a wader in sight until I was on my return to the car only wader I had was a Little Stint so ending a very enjoyably mornings birding and the list now stands at 144
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
15th April Sea Watch & Local Birds
This morning I spent just over a hour sea watching of the Anguna coast not a lot happening at first then after about 20 minutes I had 5 Lesser Crested Terns go by followed by a Gull Billed Tern there was a movement of Yellow Legged Gulls then close in a Slender Billed Gull past by, I then decided to have a ride to the next beach along the coast but not much else the House Crows and Long Billed Crows where noisy as ever over head the 2 Kites put up a good show (Black Kite & Brahminy Kite) I then rode around and had some of the birds that I see most days Black Drongo,House Sparrow, Intermediate Egret, Greater Coucal, Common Myna, White Breasted Kingfisher, Green Bee Eater, Indian Pond Heron I then had a look at the pond on the edge of Anduna (need to give it a name) as I arrived there where Red Wattled Plovers, and plenty of House Swifts then a bird flew across that caught my eye immature Black Crowned Night Heron it flew into a tree where I could see 4 more 2 Adults and 2 more immature nice to see them going to roost will try again to see if I can get any pictures as I was ridding back for breakfast I had Malabar Lark on the wires
this is the best time of day to see the birds nice and cool part of the day
this is the best time of day to see the birds nice and cool part of the day
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Goa Update
Couple more to add to the list today so far my bird list stands at 130 bear in mind that i have not been to the western ghats or any of the big reserves yet so I do not feel thats a bad number I only have a few hours at a time for birding I am out here to work which takes up a lot of my time having to work six days a week hope to go some where new this weekend will keep you all informed
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Dawn In Goa
Early this morning about 05-30 the dogs where making a lot of noise outside so I went to investigate at first could not see what they where having a go at then at the end of the lane there it was a Indian Wild Cat had been told some time ago that there was one in the area there are not that many cats around so a good one to spot
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Mistake
In the last blog I put a Bay Backed Shrike this was a mistake after checking the books that I have with me in fact the bird was a Brown Shrike
Monday, April 5, 2010
4th April 2010 Goa
Santa Cruz Paddy Fields
This is a area that I like always seem to turn up a few different birds so far arrived at 07-30 set of down the path under the shade of the palm trees this shade is very welcome a bit later as the sun comes up
First bird I saw was a Glossy Ibis by the time I had my scope set up it had flown but still plenty of Egrets and Indian pond Heron to watch, I then moved a bit further down the path where there is a area of small pools in the fields waders seen Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, 5 Temminck’s Stints, Ruff plus in the trees Common Myna other birds included Thick billed Crow, House Crow there was a good thermal of Kites Black & Brahminy I then continued to he spot that I normally turn back at but decided to continue on I walked for another half hour nearly reaching the highway where I had superb views of a Black Kite sitting on a post as I passed a small pool area I flushed a Slaty -Breasted Rail I then returned along the path and scanned the pools on my return where I found Wood Sandpiper I then returned to the car and watched the fields the other side of the road here I had Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Bronzed Winged Jacana, Red Rumped Swallow, White Breasted Kingfisher, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Bay Backed Shrike.
We then tried to find the creek with no luck did not have the map with me think I know where to go next time, We drove through Santa Cruz and found a spot that looked like it might be worth a look I spent the next hour getting to grips with some of the small birds witch included Paddyfield Pipit, Malabar Lark, Richards Pipit, Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark, baya Weaver, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Green Bee eater, Greater Short Toed Lark, White Breasted Drongo, also another very close Black Kite (no photos as still have a problem with camera) this has now been sorted changed some of the settings so hoping to get some video shots on the way back had Stork Billed Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher, Black Drongo, Long Tailed Shrike
This evening I took a ride around the north of Anjuna found a small reservoir where I had Red Wattled Plover, Thick Billed Crow, Great Coucal plus a few birds calling that I still need to identify so ending another birding day in Goa
This is a area that I like always seem to turn up a few different birds so far arrived at 07-30 set of down the path under the shade of the palm trees this shade is very welcome a bit later as the sun comes up
First bird I saw was a Glossy Ibis by the time I had my scope set up it had flown but still plenty of Egrets and Indian pond Heron to watch, I then moved a bit further down the path where there is a area of small pools in the fields waders seen Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, 5 Temminck’s Stints, Ruff plus in the trees Common Myna other birds included Thick billed Crow, House Crow there was a good thermal of Kites Black & Brahminy I then continued to he spot that I normally turn back at but decided to continue on I walked for another half hour nearly reaching the highway where I had superb views of a Black Kite sitting on a post as I passed a small pool area I flushed a Slaty -Breasted Rail I then returned along the path and scanned the pools on my return where I found Wood Sandpiper I then returned to the car and watched the fields the other side of the road here I had Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Bronzed Winged Jacana, Red Rumped Swallow, White Breasted Kingfisher, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Bay Backed Shrike.
We then tried to find the creek with no luck did not have the map with me think I know where to go next time, We drove through Santa Cruz and found a spot that looked like it might be worth a look I spent the next hour getting to grips with some of the small birds witch included Paddyfield Pipit, Malabar Lark, Richards Pipit, Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark, baya Weaver, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Green Bee eater, Greater Short Toed Lark, White Breasted Drongo, also another very close Black Kite (no photos as still have a problem with camera) this has now been sorted changed some of the settings so hoping to get some video shots on the way back had Stork Billed Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher, Black Drongo, Long Tailed Shrike
This evening I took a ride around the north of Anjuna found a small reservoir where I had Red Wattled Plover, Thick Billed Crow, Great Coucal plus a few birds calling that I still need to identify so ending another birding day in Goa
Sunday, April 4, 2010
3rd April 2010 Goa
Carambolin Lake and area
Today I returned to Carambolin lake but instead of having at look a the lake I had a look at a area east of the lake this was some information that I fond on the net some one had posted a sketch map of the area witch included grassland, marsh 3 small woods and a mud flat area so I was set for the morning left my lodgings at 07-00 reached the area just before 08-00 we found the area with no trouble has I had the Sketch with me
On arriving I stood on the raised bank and scanned the marsh area the first birds that caught my attention where some small birds in the bushes in front of me they turned out to be Grey Breasted prinia I also had Intermediate Egrets, Darter, Indian Cormorant, Black Kite, Black Drongo I then walked along the bank for a short while and had very good views of Coppersmith Barbet and Purple Sunbird I then had a walk around one of the woods where there were Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Plum Headed Parakeet as I came to the edge of the wood I flushed a Indian Pond Heron so tried to get a picture still having problems with the camera then I spotted a bird of prey sitting on the wires some way off I walked towards it and to my surprise it turned out to be another Black Shouldered Kite witch I watch and filmed (the video not the best) as I tried to get closer I was stopped by the fact that there was a ditch in the way but did have great views through the scope I then walked back through the wood to where the taxi was waiting then decided to walk beyond the edge of the wood to see if I could get any better views over the mud flat area as I approached the gate to this area one of the chaps remembered me from my last visit to the lake and just waved me through here I had 8 Black Headed Ibis my first Black Winged Stilt I also had Curlew, Kentish Plover, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit then some small waders flew across to the marsh area where there are a few pool these turned out to be Green Sandpiper and along the edge there where Clamouse Reed Warbler I then had a look at the other wood with more or less the same birds I then walked around the corner to view the mud flat are again from a different angle but nothing different as we drove back past the lake I had Purple Swaphen, Bronzed Winged Jacanas more Egrets and Pond Herons Lots of House Swifts, Red Rumped Swallows so ending another pleasant mornings birding
Today I returned to Carambolin lake but instead of having at look a the lake I had a look at a area east of the lake this was some information that I fond on the net some one had posted a sketch map of the area witch included grassland, marsh 3 small woods and a mud flat area so I was set for the morning left my lodgings at 07-00 reached the area just before 08-00 we found the area with no trouble has I had the Sketch with me
On arriving I stood on the raised bank and scanned the marsh area the first birds that caught my attention where some small birds in the bushes in front of me they turned out to be Grey Breasted prinia I also had Intermediate Egrets, Darter, Indian Cormorant, Black Kite, Black Drongo I then walked along the bank for a short while and had very good views of Coppersmith Barbet and Purple Sunbird I then had a walk around one of the woods where there were Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Plum Headed Parakeet as I came to the edge of the wood I flushed a Indian Pond Heron so tried to get a picture still having problems with the camera then I spotted a bird of prey sitting on the wires some way off I walked towards it and to my surprise it turned out to be another Black Shouldered Kite witch I watch and filmed (the video not the best) as I tried to get closer I was stopped by the fact that there was a ditch in the way but did have great views through the scope I then walked back through the wood to where the taxi was waiting then decided to walk beyond the edge of the wood to see if I could get any better views over the mud flat area as I approached the gate to this area one of the chaps remembered me from my last visit to the lake and just waved me through here I had 8 Black Headed Ibis my first Black Winged Stilt I also had Curlew, Kentish Plover, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit then some small waders flew across to the marsh area where there are a few pool these turned out to be Green Sandpiper and along the edge there where Clamouse Reed Warbler I then had a look at the other wood with more or less the same birds I then walked around the corner to view the mud flat are again from a different angle but nothing different as we drove back past the lake I had Purple Swaphen, Bronzed Winged Jacanas more Egrets and Pond Herons Lots of House Swifts, Red Rumped Swallows so ending another pleasant mornings birding
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Goa Update
Been busy with work over the past week so not done much birding did have a Spotted Eagle fly over me on the way to work yesterday just the same kites this morning Black Drongos on the wires by side of the road hope to be doing some more birding this week
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
22-03-2010
Had to go back to my lodgings as I had forgotten something on the way back had a Nice Black Shouldered Kite on the wires by the road about 8 ft away but no camera so will have to start taking that to work with me the normal Kites sen today Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Black Drongo, White Breasted Kingfisher,the two crows had another look for Indian Pitta but still no luck so will keep trying
Sunday, March 21, 2010
weekend in goa
Hi
another weekend in goa slipped into the Indian working week witch means I have to go in on Saturday spent Sunday getting to grips with the Scooter reminds me of some of my birding days in the UK but much more fun out here Have been given a spot for Indian Pitta no luck today but will be trying again only takes 25 minutes to get to work so will be doing some birding on the way in a lot of the sites are on route taken me a few days to get back into it it
another weekend in goa slipped into the Indian working week witch means I have to go in on Saturday spent Sunday getting to grips with the Scooter reminds me of some of my birding days in the UK but much more fun out here Have been given a spot for Indian Pitta no luck today but will be trying again only takes 25 minutes to get to work so will be doing some birding on the way in a lot of the sites are on route taken me a few days to get back into it it
Friday, March 19, 2010
Lunch Walk
I am back in Goa for another month
Took a stroll at lunch time today the normal kites plus I had 4 Vultures need to sort out what they where no book with me today hopping to do some more birding this weekend so will be posting what I get up to
Took a stroll at lunch time today the normal kites plus I had 4 Vultures need to sort out what they where no book with me today hopping to do some more birding this weekend so will be posting what I get up to
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday
Monday 08-03-2010
Went back to Baga today I was looking for a spot mentioned in one of the trip reports that I have still not sure if we went to the right spot ended up on the beach and headed for the headland to the north where I found a spot to sit down and then watched the sea for over a hour lots of Gulls and Terns going by Pallass Gull, Heuglines, Brown Headed gull and Yellow Legged Gull, Terns included Lesser Crested, Sandwich, Gull Billed on the edge of the beach there were Grey Heron Little Cormorant In the bushes behind me I had Red Throated Flycatcher then on the drive back I had a thermal of Black Kites & Brahminy Kite the total number was a count of 50 birds mainly Black Kites plus the mix of Egrets and Indian Pond Heron in the fields plenty of House Crows, Thick Billed Crows on the wires at the side of the road had Green Bee Eater, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Black Drongo,
Tuesday 09-03-2010
Today headed for Santa Cruz took about ½ hour to get there the driver said this is one of the best spots for birding a quick scan and I was hooked from where we had parked I could see some waders so I walked down a path in the shade of the palm trees and was not disappointed about 20 minutes after arriving the sky was alive with kites c80 in with them was a Oriental Honey Buzzard I then continued on and found 6 Ringed Plovers, Watercock on the wires I found Long Tailed Shrike, Blue Tailed Bee Eater I also had 4 Wooly Necked Storks fly over so now was time to look for the waders Marsh Sandpiper followed by Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Temminck’s Stint Just about to move when a Snipe caught my attention it did not look right on closer inspection turned out to b e a Pintail Snipe there were lots of Indian Pond Herons, Intermediate Egrets, Cattle Egret, Thick Billed Crows and House Crows, Common Myra, Great Coroucal, Rock Pigeon
On the way to the bar tonight I had Indian Nightjar
Wednesday 10-03-2010
Well my final day in Goa so where to go well I think I left the best till last so it’s back to Santa Cruz on arriving a Asian Openbill flew over there where the usual selection of Egrets and Indian Pond Heron Wader wise much the same as yesterday plus Greenshank, Over head the kites showed very well on one of the thermals I found a Changeable Hawk Eagle
So ends my birding in Goa will be putting full lists of birds together over the next couple of days
Went back to Baga today I was looking for a spot mentioned in one of the trip reports that I have still not sure if we went to the right spot ended up on the beach and headed for the headland to the north where I found a spot to sit down and then watched the sea for over a hour lots of Gulls and Terns going by Pallass Gull, Heuglines, Brown Headed gull and Yellow Legged Gull, Terns included Lesser Crested, Sandwich, Gull Billed on the edge of the beach there were Grey Heron Little Cormorant In the bushes behind me I had Red Throated Flycatcher then on the drive back I had a thermal of Black Kites & Brahminy Kite the total number was a count of 50 birds mainly Black Kites plus the mix of Egrets and Indian Pond Heron in the fields plenty of House Crows, Thick Billed Crows on the wires at the side of the road had Green Bee Eater, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Black Drongo,
Tuesday 09-03-2010
Today headed for Santa Cruz took about ½ hour to get there the driver said this is one of the best spots for birding a quick scan and I was hooked from where we had parked I could see some waders so I walked down a path in the shade of the palm trees and was not disappointed about 20 minutes after arriving the sky was alive with kites c80 in with them was a Oriental Honey Buzzard I then continued on and found 6 Ringed Plovers, Watercock on the wires I found Long Tailed Shrike, Blue Tailed Bee Eater I also had 4 Wooly Necked Storks fly over so now was time to look for the waders Marsh Sandpiper followed by Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Temminck’s Stint Just about to move when a Snipe caught my attention it did not look right on closer inspection turned out to b e a Pintail Snipe there were lots of Indian Pond Herons, Intermediate Egrets, Cattle Egret, Thick Billed Crows and House Crows, Common Myra, Great Coroucal, Rock Pigeon
On the way to the bar tonight I had Indian Nightjar
Wednesday 10-03-2010
Well my final day in Goa so where to go well I think I left the best till last so it’s back to Santa Cruz on arriving a Asian Openbill flew over there where the usual selection of Egrets and Indian Pond Heron Wader wise much the same as yesterday plus Greenshank, Over head the kites showed very well on one of the thermals I found a Changeable Hawk Eagle
So ends my birding in Goa will be putting full lists of birds together over the next couple of days
Monday, March 8, 2010
Friday / Saturday / Sunday In Goa
Friday 05-03-2010
Last night on the way back we went to see if we could find the easy way to watch Pilerne Lake after asking someone for directions we found it you get out the car and have a walk of 20 feet so will be going back again
This morning did a retune trip to Morjim Beach but this time I spent it looking at the scrub and bushes behind the beach cafes and bars birds seen included Red wattled P)lover, House Crow, Large Billed Crow, Oriental Skylark, Pied Kingfisher, Paddyfield Pipit I had a scan of the see where I found Lesser Crested Tern plus the usual gulls the two kites where seen also seen and White Breasted Kingfisher, Red- Rumped , Swallow, Common Myna, Barn Swallow, Dusky Craig Martin then just before I returned to the car I found a Indian Robin so another good mornings birding
on the way back to Anjuna tonight I had Blue Tailed Bee Eater,House Swift,Common Kestrel and Red Necked Falcon so ending another day in Goa.
On the way back from the bar to my loggings I had Spotted Owlet
Saturday 06-03-2010
I mentioned to my driver last week that I would like to go on one of the river trips one of his friends run these trips so today we set of for old Goa where I boarded a boat for what turned out to be a great 3 hours on the Zuari River and creeks the main thing you are looking for is Mugger Crocodile bird wise this is a trip for Kingfishers there are 6 to see if you are lucky as we set of I had the Black & Brahminy Kites it was bit quiet for the first half hour then as we got into some of the creeks it livened up White Breasted Kingfisher followed by Common Kingfisher then after about a hour we found a crocodile in the water you could just see its head we carried on and had Pied Kingfisher and then I found a Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, we also had Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cormorant, The captain was very good at pointing things out then he says Collared Kingfisher (target bird for me) had good views but no picture as it then flew off as we continued on I had Western Reef Heron and sitting on a low branch a Black Crowned Night Heron and then what was to be the final Kingfisher of the day Stork Billed Kingfisher so giving me 5 of the 6 not bad over head we had a small thermal of Black Kites, Then the captain said crocodile on the bank as the boat pulled up alongside there it was all 6 meters of it I have some video of this I will put it up when I’m back in the UK so as everyone was happy it was back to shore and what a very pleasant way to spend three hours
Sunday 07-03-2010
Today I went to Lake Mayem and really got to grips with a lot of the birds I have been listening to and some I got better sights of as the driver wanted to take me to the lake’s edge we finally found our way in we ended up driving along a track then had to stop and do the rest on foot of about ¾ of a mile and find our way to the edge where I had Red Wattled Plover, White Browed Wagtail, White Breasted Kingfisher, Little Cormorant, Rock Pigeon, now ¾ mile would normally take me about 15 minutes to walk this took me over 2 hours as the birds came thick and fast the track had a lot of paths leading of it you only had to go a short way up each one you then came to a clearing where you could look down the hillside so getting views of the birds in the top canopy of the trees well let’s start the following list includes birds seen today and those from the past week that I have finally identified Red Whiskered Bulbul, Red Vented Bulbul,White Browed Bulbul, White Eared Bulbul, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Purple Sunbird, Great Coucal, Puff Throated Babbler, Yellow Eared Babbler, Lolen’s Sunbird, Oriental White Eye, White Bellied Drongo, Small Minivet, Asian Koel, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Green Bee-Eater, Coppersmith Barbet, Jungle Myna, Palm Swift, Common Iora, Common Woodshrike, Orange Headed Thrush, Earasian Blackbird, Brown Shrike, Rufus Treepie, Black Hooded Oriole, Black Headed Cuckooshrike, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Baya Weaver, Plum Headed Parakeet, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Yellow Fronted Green Pigeon, then on the way back we stopped at Chilli Anroma as I had noticed a few pools on the way here I found a small reed bed where I found Clamorous Reed Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, we then continued to Anduna after short while we came across some birders watching a area at the side of the road they were watching Yellow Wattled Plover nice to see another only my second so far other birds seen on the way back House Crow, Intermediate Egret, Black Drongo, Common Myna, Both Kites,
This evening I went for a stroll on the edge of Anduna where I had more White Breasted Kingfishers, Cattle Egret, Black Kite, Tawny Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rock Pigeon,
Last night on the way back we went to see if we could find the easy way to watch Pilerne Lake after asking someone for directions we found it you get out the car and have a walk of 20 feet so will be going back again
This morning did a retune trip to Morjim Beach but this time I spent it looking at the scrub and bushes behind the beach cafes and bars birds seen included Red wattled P)lover, House Crow, Large Billed Crow, Oriental Skylark, Pied Kingfisher, Paddyfield Pipit I had a scan of the see where I found Lesser Crested Tern plus the usual gulls the two kites where seen also seen and White Breasted Kingfisher, Red- Rumped , Swallow, Common Myna, Barn Swallow, Dusky Craig Martin then just before I returned to the car I found a Indian Robin so another good mornings birding
on the way back to Anjuna tonight I had Blue Tailed Bee Eater,House Swift,Common Kestrel and Red Necked Falcon so ending another day in Goa.
On the way back from the bar to my loggings I had Spotted Owlet
Saturday 06-03-2010
I mentioned to my driver last week that I would like to go on one of the river trips one of his friends run these trips so today we set of for old Goa where I boarded a boat for what turned out to be a great 3 hours on the Zuari River and creeks the main thing you are looking for is Mugger Crocodile bird wise this is a trip for Kingfishers there are 6 to see if you are lucky as we set of I had the Black & Brahminy Kites it was bit quiet for the first half hour then as we got into some of the creeks it livened up White Breasted Kingfisher followed by Common Kingfisher then after about a hour we found a crocodile in the water you could just see its head we carried on and had Pied Kingfisher and then I found a Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, we also had Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cormorant, The captain was very good at pointing things out then he says Collared Kingfisher (target bird for me) had good views but no picture as it then flew off as we continued on I had Western Reef Heron and sitting on a low branch a Black Crowned Night Heron and then what was to be the final Kingfisher of the day Stork Billed Kingfisher so giving me 5 of the 6 not bad over head we had a small thermal of Black Kites, Then the captain said crocodile on the bank as the boat pulled up alongside there it was all 6 meters of it I have some video of this I will put it up when I’m back in the UK so as everyone was happy it was back to shore and what a very pleasant way to spend three hours
Sunday 07-03-2010
Today I went to Lake Mayem and really got to grips with a lot of the birds I have been listening to and some I got better sights of as the driver wanted to take me to the lake’s edge we finally found our way in we ended up driving along a track then had to stop and do the rest on foot of about ¾ of a mile and find our way to the edge where I had Red Wattled Plover, White Browed Wagtail, White Breasted Kingfisher, Little Cormorant, Rock Pigeon, now ¾ mile would normally take me about 15 minutes to walk this took me over 2 hours as the birds came thick and fast the track had a lot of paths leading of it you only had to go a short way up each one you then came to a clearing where you could look down the hillside so getting views of the birds in the top canopy of the trees well let’s start the following list includes birds seen today and those from the past week that I have finally identified Red Whiskered Bulbul, Red Vented Bulbul,White Browed Bulbul, White Eared Bulbul, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Purple Sunbird, Great Coucal, Puff Throated Babbler, Yellow Eared Babbler, Lolen’s Sunbird, Oriental White Eye, White Bellied Drongo, Small Minivet, Asian Koel, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Green Bee-Eater, Coppersmith Barbet, Jungle Myna, Palm Swift, Common Iora, Common Woodshrike, Orange Headed Thrush, Earasian Blackbird, Brown Shrike, Rufus Treepie, Black Hooded Oriole, Black Headed Cuckooshrike, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Baya Weaver, Plum Headed Parakeet, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Yellow Fronted Green Pigeon, then on the way back we stopped at Chilli Anroma as I had noticed a few pools on the way here I found a small reed bed where I found Clamorous Reed Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, we then continued to Anduna after short while we came across some birders watching a area at the side of the road they were watching Yellow Wattled Plover nice to see another only my second so far other birds seen on the way back House Crow, Intermediate Egret, Black Drongo, Common Myna, Both Kites,
This evening I went for a stroll on the edge of Anduna where I had more White Breasted Kingfishers, Cattle Egret, Black Kite, Tawny Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rock Pigeon,
Thursday, March 4, 2010
More from Goa
Wednesday 03-03-2010
Fort Aquada a cliff top site (used to be a former prison) had a wander along the cliffs plenty to see and here starting to get to grips with some of the calls not always seeing the bird as some are very secretive but fun trying the usual kites had Peafowl when we arrived at our next spot the old helicopter landing area just wandered round the edge seeing and hearing more of the same did find a Red Whiskered Bulbul sitting out in the open another site I will be returning to
Thursday 04-03-2010
Today decided to take a look at Pilerne Lake this is tucked away in a small valley hidden by trees, but once we found the way in had a short but hazarded walk needed to go across a channel just two planks spanning this but once at the lake edge what a nice and pleasant surprise had to walk along the side to get better views of the birds also mind full of the cattle, the first bird I put my bins on was what In had come here for Yellow Wattted Plover, there where plenty of egrets present Cattle, Great White, Intermediate and on the lily pads Bronzed winged Jacanas plenty of Indian Pond Herons as I only had a limited time I concentrated on what was on the water and the edges rather than the bushes, while scanning for the Plovers some waders landed which included Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, and a Marsh Sandpiper then it was back to the car where the driver said he had spoken to someone and there might be a better way in which we will check out tonight and I will be coming back to this site again
Fort Aquada a cliff top site (used to be a former prison) had a wander along the cliffs plenty to see and here starting to get to grips with some of the calls not always seeing the bird as some are very secretive but fun trying the usual kites had Peafowl when we arrived at our next spot the old helicopter landing area just wandered round the edge seeing and hearing more of the same did find a Red Whiskered Bulbul sitting out in the open another site I will be returning to
Thursday 04-03-2010
Today decided to take a look at Pilerne Lake this is tucked away in a small valley hidden by trees, but once we found the way in had a short but hazarded walk needed to go across a channel just two planks spanning this but once at the lake edge what a nice and pleasant surprise had to walk along the side to get better views of the birds also mind full of the cattle, the first bird I put my bins on was what In had come here for Yellow Wattted Plover, there where plenty of egrets present Cattle, Great White, Intermediate and on the lily pads Bronzed winged Jacanas plenty of Indian Pond Herons as I only had a limited time I concentrated on what was on the water and the edges rather than the bushes, while scanning for the Plovers some waders landed which included Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, and a Marsh Sandpiper then it was back to the car where the driver said he had spoken to someone and there might be a better way in which we will check out tonight and I will be coming back to this site again
Tuesday 02-03-2010
Tuesday 02-03-2010
This morning the taxi picked me up at 7 o’clock and we headed of to Morjim beach target birds where Pallass Gull Heuglines Gull also had Brown Headed gull and a few Black Headed Gulls but no sign of any Terns but I will be going back here again after watching the gulls for awhile I moved further along the beach and had Lesser & Greater Sand plovers, After this I had a look at the scrubby area behind the beach where I had Oriental Skylark, House Crow, Black Drongo, Tawny Pipit, plus the usual Kites Black & Brahminy just as I was about to move off I had a Oriental Magpie Robin sitting on the wires showing very well but was gone before I got the camera set up, On the way back in the evening I had a Indian Roller sitting on a post by the side of the road because I am birding on my own I am still not identifying everything I see or hear which means I will have to go back to some of the places
This morning the taxi picked me up at 7 o’clock and we headed of to Morjim beach target birds where Pallass Gull Heuglines Gull also had Brown Headed gull and a few Black Headed Gulls but no sign of any Terns but I will be going back here again after watching the gulls for awhile I moved further along the beach and had Lesser & Greater Sand plovers, After this I had a look at the scrubby area behind the beach where I had Oriental Skylark, House Crow, Black Drongo, Tawny Pipit, plus the usual Kites Black & Brahminy just as I was about to move off I had a Oriental Magpie Robin sitting on the wires showing very well but was gone before I got the camera set up, On the way back in the evening I had a Indian Roller sitting on a post by the side of the road because I am birding on my own I am still not identifying everything I see or hear which means I will have to go back to some of the places
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My First bit of Birding In Goa
Been in Goa just over a week have been busy most of the time but have done some birding as It looks like I might be out here for a while after this three weeks I decided to go birding on my own rather than book a guide, I have arranged with a taxi driver to take be to some of the spots that I am aware of from reading trip reports found on the net (Let me just say here that if you come to Goa and only have limited time I would suggest that you use a local guide) this takes me back to the beginning of my birding days trying to work out calls (must see if I can find any on disc) and identification but I am slowly getting there spent two days over the weekend doing just that
Day One Carambolin Lake
This is a spot recommended by most people so we set of at 6-00 and it took 45 minutes to get there on arriving the driver spoke to a local who said that he would give me some information on watching the lake and fields which was very useful. So I set of and like everyone says the number of purple swamp hens is just amazing just scanning from where we had parked I saw bronzed winged jacanas, little egret, great white egret, intermediate egret, moorhen, Indian pond heron, I then walked down the east side of the lake where I added Purple Heron, White breasted Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Pheasant tailed jacanas, Stork Billed Kingfisher, I then spent some time getting to grips with Swallows and martins, barbets and minvets then it was off to scan the fields for Small Pratincole which I found after a short time birds of prey included , Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Shrika, then at 11-00 hrs it was time to go back as the heat of the day makes it impossible to continue birding
Day Two
Today decided to go to Baga where from the information I had sounded good and it was there is a marsh behind one of the hotels as we could not see how to get to it the driver asked and they let me in so I spent 2 hours birding from the patio area first bird seen was Indian Pond Heron have a picture of it then it was back to sorting out minvets and barbets also had Wooly Necked Stork, black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Purple Heron, and then a White Bellied Sea Eagle put in a appearance on the wires there where Black Drongos, green Bee-eater, then a couple of dogs run across the marsh and put up a bird I was hoping to see Great Painted Snipe and there where a few birds I still need to Identify, after leaving the hotel grounds I headed for the area by the football pitches where I had more barbets and a few of the bulbuls and again because of the heat it was back to my room and the comfort of the fan.
Day One Carambolin Lake
This is a spot recommended by most people so we set of at 6-00 and it took 45 minutes to get there on arriving the driver spoke to a local who said that he would give me some information on watching the lake and fields which was very useful. So I set of and like everyone says the number of purple swamp hens is just amazing just scanning from where we had parked I saw bronzed winged jacanas, little egret, great white egret, intermediate egret, moorhen, Indian pond heron, I then walked down the east side of the lake where I added Purple Heron, White breasted Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Pheasant tailed jacanas, Stork Billed Kingfisher, I then spent some time getting to grips with Swallows and martins, barbets and minvets then it was off to scan the fields for Small Pratincole which I found after a short time birds of prey included , Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Shrika, then at 11-00 hrs it was time to go back as the heat of the day makes it impossible to continue birding
Day Two
Today decided to go to Baga where from the information I had sounded good and it was there is a marsh behind one of the hotels as we could not see how to get to it the driver asked and they let me in so I spent 2 hours birding from the patio area first bird seen was Indian Pond Heron have a picture of it then it was back to sorting out minvets and barbets also had Wooly Necked Stork, black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Purple Heron, and then a White Bellied Sea Eagle put in a appearance on the wires there where Black Drongos, green Bee-eater, then a couple of dogs run across the marsh and put up a bird I was hoping to see Great Painted Snipe and there where a few birds I still need to Identify, after leaving the hotel grounds I headed for the area by the football pitches where I had more barbets and a few of the bulbuls and again because of the heat it was back to my room and the comfort of the fan.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Goe Here I Come
Hi
Well It is final happening I am Off to Goa for the next tree weeks this is to work out there but I hope to do some bird watching ( and Mammals watching If I can) so keep watching i will be posting some Pictures and Videos if time allows
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Iberia Lynx 23rd to 27th January 2010 Summery
We where based at the Apartments Los Pinos 
El Escorial (lynx watching and birds of Prey)
The dam at Jandula reservoir (this is where we were looking for the wall creeper but with no luck)
The river Jandula (this used to be the spot for watching Lynx) also a good spot for Otter which we did not see
The church at Santuario Virgen de la Cabeza
in the Si8erra de Andujar we had a apartment witch consisted of 3 bed rooms a sitting area and a small kitchenette this was very useful as we could do our own breakfast and packed lunch as and when we wanted to. This was a ideal base as we where only ½ hour drive from the good spot for Iberian Lynx 
Places we visited where as follows
El Escorial (lynx watching and birds of Prey)
The dam at Jandula reservoir (this is where we were looking for the wall creeper but with no luck)
The river Jandula (this used to be the spot for watching Lynx) also a good spot for Otter which we did not see
The church at Santuario Virgen de la Cabeza
where my sister had a look around (she said it is well worth a visit)
Area Between the bridge at the river Jandula and the apartment complex
fuente de piedre
Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
Mammal List
Iberian Lynx 5 sittings
Iberian Hare
Rabbit
Red Deer
Fallow Deer
Mouflon
Birds of prey
Golden Eagle
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Black Vulture
Griffin Vulture
Buzzard
Black Shouldered Kite
Peregrine
Sparrow hawk
Kestrel
Area Between the bridge at the river Jandula and the apartment complex
fuente de piedre
Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
Mammal List
Iberian Lynx 5 sittings
Iberian Hare
Rabbit
Red Deer
Fallow Deer
Mouflon
Birds of prey
Golden Eagle
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Black Vulture
Griffin Vulture
Buzzard
Black Shouldered Kite
Peregrine
Sparrow hawk
Kestrel
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Iberian Lynx part four
Day Five 27-01-2010
After breakfast we set of on the drive back to Malaga on route we had Raven , Buzzard, Crested Lark we returned to fuente de piedre to see if we could locate the Lesser Flamingo witch after some effect I found as it came out from behind one of the islands it then disappeared behind the same island and did not reappear it then started to rain so it was back into the car and continued on towards Malaga, we then spent a short time at the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve, where we had a look at the sea where we had Audouin’s Gull, Med Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Balearic Shearwater, Gannet, Little Egret,
We then headed for the airport where we had 3 hours to kill before our flight I will be putting together a summary of the trip.
After breakfast we set of on the drive back to Malaga on route we had Raven , Buzzard, Crested Lark we returned to fuente de piedre to see if we could locate the Lesser Flamingo witch after some effect I found as it came out from behind one of the islands it then disappeared behind the same island and did not reappear it then started to rain so it was back into the car and continued on towards Malaga, we then spent a short time at the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve, where we had a look at the sea where we had Audouin’s Gull, Med Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Balearic Shearwater, Gannet, Little Egret,
We then headed for the airport where we had 3 hours to kill before our flight I will be putting together a summary of the trip.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Iberian Lynx part three
Day four 26-01-2010
We had a change of plan for today, We had a earlier start and went back to the Lynx spot (This is the best place to see Lynx) about a hour into the watch my sister found a Lynx and I had a brief view through her scope it then diserpeared out of sight then about half hour later my mate found it on top of the ridge we were watching where it sat down for a short time it then again diserpeared but at least it was another sighting of the Iberian Lynx, We had some more Red deer, Fallow Deer, and 2 more Mouflon’s Then it was back to the hotel for lunch and a short break. Bird wise more of what we had already seen
Then at 13-15 we set off to a spot for a walk along the river jandula where we had Red Deer & fallow Deer. Bird wise Black Vulture, Griffin Vulture, Grey Heron, White Wagtail, Hawfinch, Crested Tit, Hoopoe, Long tailed Tit, Woodpigeon,
We then drove up to Santuario Virgen de la Cabeza were we had a coffee and my sister had a look around the church. Witch I will report on later, we then started the drive back to the hotel where we stopped at a lay by to see if we could find any more Lynx we spent over a hour with no luck, Then as we were driving back to the hotel we Had a Iberian Lynx at the side of the road very briefly So ending our final day with 2 sightings of the Lynx, we then had a hour relaxing then another excellent meal so ending another day in Spain.
We had a change of plan for today, We had a earlier start and went back to the Lynx spot (This is the best place to see Lynx) about a hour into the watch my sister found a Lynx and I had a brief view through her scope it then diserpeared out of sight then about half hour later my mate found it on top of the ridge we were watching where it sat down for a short time it then again diserpeared but at least it was another sighting of the Iberian Lynx, We had some more Red deer, Fallow Deer, and 2 more Mouflon’s Then it was back to the hotel for lunch and a short break. Bird wise more of what we had already seen
Then at 13-15 we set off to a spot for a walk along the river jandula where we had Red Deer & fallow Deer. Bird wise Black Vulture, Griffin Vulture, Grey Heron, White Wagtail, Hawfinch, Crested Tit, Hoopoe, Long tailed Tit, Woodpigeon,
We then drove up to Santuario Virgen de la Cabeza were we had a coffee and my sister had a look around the church. Witch I will report on later, we then started the drive back to the hotel where we stopped at a lay by to see if we could find any more Lynx we spent over a hour with no luck, Then as we were driving back to the hotel we Had a Iberian Lynx at the side of the road very briefly So ending our final day with 2 sightings of the Lynx, we then had a hour relaxing then another excellent meal so ending another day in Spain.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Iberian Lynx part two
Day Three 25-01-2010
After breakfast we headed back to the spot to see if we could find any Iberian Lynx where we stayed until 13-00hrs with no luck on the Lynx, We then headed for the dam as there had been a wintering Wall Creeper there for the past 2 months we had no luck in locating it, then we returned to the Lynx spot where we stayed until 17-00hrs but again no luck with the Lynx but we did have Red Deer, Fallow Deer & a Mouflon . Birds of note included Imperial Spanish Eagle, Golden Eagle, Black Vulture, Griffin Vulture, Little Owl, Southern Grey Shrike, and around the hotel I had Crossbill, Hawfinch, Serin, Crested Tit plus the common birds.
Tomorrow we are of to a different site for The Lynx
After breakfast we headed back to the spot to see if we could find any Iberian Lynx where we stayed until 13-00hrs with no luck on the Lynx, We then headed for the dam as there had been a wintering Wall Creeper there for the past 2 months we had no luck in locating it, then we returned to the Lynx spot where we stayed until 17-00hrs but again no luck with the Lynx but we did have Red Deer, Fallow Deer & a Mouflon . Birds of note included Imperial Spanish Eagle, Golden Eagle, Black Vulture, Griffin Vulture, Little Owl, Southern Grey Shrike, and around the hotel I had Crossbill, Hawfinch, Serin, Crested Tit plus the common birds.
Tomorrow we are of to a different site for The Lynx
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Iberian Lynx part one
Short break to Spain
23-01-2010
Me my mate and my sister are on a trip to Spain in search of the Iberian Lynx
We started our day at 2-45am on Saturday 23-01-20010 by taking a taxi to Gatwick for our 5-55am flight to Malaga the flight was 15 minutes late taking off we arrived on time and met Jules (Of Olivia Rama Tours who we are booked with for the next 5 days) we then drove to fuente de piedre looking for a lesser flamingo but because of the rain we did not see it but did have 50+ common cranes
On route we had common buzzard, kestrel, golden plover, yellow legged gull at the airport and as we were traveling along the motorway we had a Black Shoulder Kite sitting on a pylon so we went to the next exit and drove back to see if we could re locate it which we did and had excellent views of it, We also had some of the common species, we then headed for our hotel were on arriving we had a large flock of Azure Winged Magpie, my mate went for a walk and added a few more birds on to his list, After a short time relaxing at our hotel we then had our evening meal and what a meal it was so back to our rooms so ending a long and enjoyable but tiring day
Day two 24-01-2010
After breakfast we headed for a spot to watch for the Iberian Lynx after about a hour we had a sighting of a Lynx so what a start to a very enjoyable day .
We stayed at the spot until about 16-00 hrs were we had Griffon Vulture, black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Firecrest, Blue tit, Long Tailed Tit, Woodlark, Chaffinch,
We then drove to the dam were we had more Spanish Imperial Eagles, Golden Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstar, Black Wheatear, Grey Wagtail.
We then drove back to the spot for another look to see if we could see any more Lynx, we gave ourselves till 17-00 hrs just as we were about to leave I had a lynx cross the path that we were watching I saw it for about 10 seconds and it then diserpeared out of site so we got ready to leave and where called back as they had another Lynx on the path which we watched for a short time until this one diserpeared, as this was a diffrent one to the one that I had cross the path that makes 3 Lynx for the day.Then it was back to the hotel
Bird of Prey Count
Griffon Vultures 100+
Black Vulture 20
Golden Eagle 3 (1 Adult & 2 Imm)
Spanish Imperial Eagle 5 (2 Adults & 3 Imm inn in diffrent stages)
23-01-2010
Me my mate and my sister are on a trip to Spain in search of the Iberian Lynx
We started our day at 2-45am on Saturday 23-01-20010 by taking a taxi to Gatwick for our 5-55am flight to Malaga the flight was 15 minutes late taking off we arrived on time and met Jules (Of Olivia Rama Tours who we are booked with for the next 5 days) we then drove to fuente de piedre looking for a lesser flamingo but because of the rain we did not see it but did have 50+ common cranes
On route we had common buzzard, kestrel, golden plover, yellow legged gull at the airport and as we were traveling along the motorway we had a Black Shoulder Kite sitting on a pylon so we went to the next exit and drove back to see if we could re locate it which we did and had excellent views of it, We also had some of the common species, we then headed for our hotel were on arriving we had a large flock of Azure Winged Magpie, my mate went for a walk and added a few more birds on to his list, After a short time relaxing at our hotel we then had our evening meal and what a meal it was so back to our rooms so ending a long and enjoyable but tiring day
Day two 24-01-2010
After breakfast we headed for a spot to watch for the Iberian Lynx after about a hour we had a sighting of a Lynx so what a start to a very enjoyable day .
We stayed at the spot until about 16-00 hrs were we had Griffon Vulture, black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Firecrest, Blue tit, Long Tailed Tit, Woodlark, Chaffinch,
We then drove to the dam were we had more Spanish Imperial Eagles, Golden Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstar, Black Wheatear, Grey Wagtail.
We then drove back to the spot for another look to see if we could see any more Lynx, we gave ourselves till 17-00 hrs just as we were about to leave I had a lynx cross the path that we were watching I saw it for about 10 seconds and it then diserpeared out of site so we got ready to leave and where called back as they had another Lynx on the path which we watched for a short time until this one diserpeared, as this was a diffrent one to the one that I had cross the path that makes 3 Lynx for the day.Then it was back to the hotel
Bird of Prey Count
Griffon Vultures 100+
Black Vulture 20
Golden Eagle 3 (1 Adult & 2 Imm)
Spanish Imperial Eagle 5 (2 Adults & 3 Imm inn in diffrent stages)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Short Trip to Spain
We are on a trip to Spain in seach of the Iberian Lynx not a bad first day but no Lynx yet because we were put of by the rain (But Jules has seen the Lynx with the grizzled skipper) but bird of the day was Black Shouldered Kite seen from the side of the motorway and what views we had will be posting a report of the first 2 days tomorrow
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Fleet Pond
on Saturday 16th Jan on my way home from work I missed my train and as the next one was stopping at fleet I decided to get of there and have a look around the pond witch is next to the station, I walked through the car park to the far end where you can get onto the path that goes around the pond on the edge of the pond I had Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Jay, Blackbird, Song Thrush, so adding a few to the years list, then I decided to have a wander along the east side of the pond where I found a flock of tits that included Great, Blue, Coal and a Marsh, a bit further along I found a few Redpolls with 6 Siskins, As it was now getting a bit dark started the walk back to the station at the bridge I had a final look at the pond where I had a Bittern fly across this was the bird I was hoping to see so it was worth missing my train for a good hour wandering around fleet pond
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Beddington Sewage Farm
Sunday 3rd Jan
Was going to go to Fleet pond today but after checking found that there was engginerring works going on so decide to have a look at Beddington Sewage Works have not been here for a few years a lot has changed but still had a pleasant wonder around the edge of the works the target bird was Tree Sparrow wich I did locate other wise a lot of Grey Herons and a good selection of Gulls plus a few other bits
Hope to keep my blog updated a bit more this year will be posting some more of my videos and pictures from my archive
Was going to go to Fleet pond today but after checking found that there was engginerring works going on so decide to have a look at Beddington Sewage Works have not been here for a few years a lot has changed but still had a pleasant wonder around the edge of the works the target bird was Tree Sparrow wich I did locate other wise a lot of Grey Herons and a good selection of Gulls plus a few other bits
Hope to keep my blog updated a bit more this year will be posting some more of my videos and pictures from my archive
Start To the year
Well as the last 5 months of 2009 just seemed to fly by with very little birding going on due to my work witch now includes working Saturdays so am hoping to do a bit more this year
Saturday 2nd Jan
Went to see the Brown Shrike on Staines Moor only got a couple of glimses as the bird was being chassed around so am not supprised if it has gone
then spent some time at the pits at Thorpe Park where after a while did manage to find a female smew along with a number of other ducks while taking a toilet break on the edge of one of the pits I found a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so not a bad start to the new year
Saturday 2nd Jan
Went to see the Brown Shrike on Staines Moor only got a couple of glimses as the bird was being chassed around so am not supprised if it has gone
then spent some time at the pits at Thorpe Park where after a while did manage to find a female smew along with a number of other ducks while taking a toilet break on the edge of one of the pits I found a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so not a bad start to the new year
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