Spent the weekend at Pagham Harbour on Saturday just picking up some of the common birds also had the Hen Harrier flying along the north wall birds in the harbour included Ringed Plover, Redshank, Little Egret, Grey Plover, Black Tailed Godwit, and a Spotted Rerdshank behind the church at church norton I had a Chiffchaff
On Sunday started at Chichester Pits for the Little Gull then on to Selsey Bill for a Sea Watch very quite but did manage to see Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and a early Sand Martin in of the sea so slowly getting back into british birding
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunbury Waxwings
Here are a few pictures of the Sunbury Waxwings not the best but it was raining at the time
Sunday, February 27, 2011
White Tailed Eagle
Was thinking of going to Norfolk for the Northern Harrier but had a few things to sort out at home so decided to day to go and see if we could see the White Tailed Eagle in Hampshire set of at 10-30 well the next 3 hours and that is what it took to get there the M3 was closed between junction 3 and 4 so we where diverted on arrival it started raining so we decided a drink in the pub sounded a good idea (no I am back in the UK at 3-60 a pint) once the rain had stopped by 14-00 so of we set we stopped at the spot it was reported yesterday with no luck a local told us it had been seen further up the road at 11-00 so we went to have a look but again the rain started and no sign of the bird so i decided we would return to the spot we had started at we where then told that it was behind the barn down the lane but as it is a private road so no access but after a while I had the bird flying along the back of the buildings then Carol says here it is and yes the White Tailed Eagle flew over our heads it took a hour and half so in the end well worth it also had a few Bramblings
Monday, February 14, 2011
Back to British birding
Yesterday 13th February
I went birding with my mate we decided to go east to try and escape from the rain we headed for Dungeness our first stop was the RSPB reserve as this was my first full days birding this year in the UK most birds would be new for the year list and there were a few target birds to see we had a look from the information centre where we had Gadwall, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Common Gull, Coot, Mallard, then we decided to do the walk around the reserve to see if we could find any of the target birds as we set off I had Pied Wagtail we then stopped in the first hide were we added Great Black Backed Gull, Then we had a look at Christmas dell hide on the way I had Little Egret as we approached the hide we the 2 Ravens that a present in the area (these are my first in Kent) we did have a look for the Firecrest but with no luck as it was quite windy we had a look in the hide just to get out of the wind for a while where we had Teal, Pochard, Shovler, Great Crested Grebe our next stop was the Denge Marsh Hide where there had been reported a Black Necked Grebe and a Red Necked Grebe we found both and had good views as it was now starting to rain but only a drizzle we headed back to the car on the way we had Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Our next stop was the ARC pits we drove along the road and had a look from the car where we picked up Goldeneye, Black Headed Gull, Moorhen, and on the end of the bushes in the middle we had a Chiffchaff, We then had a look at the long Pit again for Firecrest butr as the rain was a bit heavy now still no luck then we drove to the car park on the ARC pits and walked to the hide where we had Smew, Grey Heron, and more of the same ducks we had seen earlier we did have a walk around the Willow Trail as a Firecrest had been seen there this morning but the wind and the rain made it difficult to see any small birds so no sign of Firecrest today, Our next stop was for another of the target birds Glaucous Gull we knew it was somewhere on the beach near the boats so we stop along the road when we spotted some large gulls coming in but these turned out to be more of what we had already gull wise so we continued along the road until we found another large flock of gulls but still no luck as we were scanning along the shingle beach we could see that the Gannets where very close in so we thought this would be a good sign to do a sea watch later the Bob says there it is flying along the beach so another target bird seen, It was now time for a coffee and a pasty to keep out the cold after we headed for the beach and tried to get some shelter from the wind which was blowing straight at us we could now see why the Gannets where so close as were some of the other birds which included Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Red Throated Diver, then Bob called diver flying left when we got a good view we could see it was a Black Throated Diver another good bird to see as we where both at each end of the hide it was difficult to hear one and other I then found a Slavoion Grebe which Bob did not get on but he had already seen Slav grebe in the end the wind drove us back to the car as it was difficult to keep the scope still, So we next had a look at Great stone beach but the tide was to far out to see much did have Oystercatcher, Our next stop was for another of the target birds Purple Sandpiper that Bob had seen last year at Hythe we tried one spot with no luck so we then drove further along the coast to where there were some more rocks and after a short time we found 2 birds now as the rain was setting in and it was getting dark we set of for home so not a bad days birding back in the UK total species seen today was 62
I went birding with my mate we decided to go east to try and escape from the rain we headed for Dungeness our first stop was the RSPB reserve as this was my first full days birding this year in the UK most birds would be new for the year list and there were a few target birds to see we had a look from the information centre where we had Gadwall, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Common Gull, Coot, Mallard, then we decided to do the walk around the reserve to see if we could find any of the target birds as we set off I had Pied Wagtail we then stopped in the first hide were we added Great Black Backed Gull, Then we had a look at Christmas dell hide on the way I had Little Egret as we approached the hide we the 2 Ravens that a present in the area (these are my first in Kent) we did have a look for the Firecrest but with no luck as it was quite windy we had a look in the hide just to get out of the wind for a while where we had Teal, Pochard, Shovler, Great Crested Grebe our next stop was the Denge Marsh Hide where there had been reported a Black Necked Grebe and a Red Necked Grebe we found both and had good views as it was now starting to rain but only a drizzle we headed back to the car on the way we had Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Our next stop was the ARC pits we drove along the road and had a look from the car where we picked up Goldeneye, Black Headed Gull, Moorhen, and on the end of the bushes in the middle we had a Chiffchaff, We then had a look at the long Pit again for Firecrest butr as the rain was a bit heavy now still no luck then we drove to the car park on the ARC pits and walked to the hide where we had Smew, Grey Heron, and more of the same ducks we had seen earlier we did have a walk around the Willow Trail as a Firecrest had been seen there this morning but the wind and the rain made it difficult to see any small birds so no sign of Firecrest today, Our next stop was for another of the target birds Glaucous Gull we knew it was somewhere on the beach near the boats so we stop along the road when we spotted some large gulls coming in but these turned out to be more of what we had already gull wise so we continued along the road until we found another large flock of gulls but still no luck as we were scanning along the shingle beach we could see that the Gannets where very close in so we thought this would be a good sign to do a sea watch later the Bob says there it is flying along the beach so another target bird seen, It was now time for a coffee and a pasty to keep out the cold after we headed for the beach and tried to get some shelter from the wind which was blowing straight at us we could now see why the Gannets where so close as were some of the other birds which included Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Red Throated Diver, then Bob called diver flying left when we got a good view we could see it was a Black Throated Diver another good bird to see as we where both at each end of the hide it was difficult to hear one and other I then found a Slavoion Grebe which Bob did not get on but he had already seen Slav grebe in the end the wind drove us back to the car as it was difficult to keep the scope still, So we next had a look at Great stone beach but the tide was to far out to see much did have Oystercatcher, Our next stop was for another of the target birds Purple Sandpiper that Bob had seen last year at Hythe we tried one spot with no luck so we then drove further along the coast to where there were some more rocks and after a short time we found 2 birds now as the rain was setting in and it was getting dark we set of for home so not a bad days birding back in the UK total species seen today was 62
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Picturtes
Been asked how I am getting some of my pictures will explain later but hope you are enjoying them I am hoping to go back to Goa next January for a month not many new birds but just good birding hope i have it now sussed so should be a good trip
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday 26th January
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Well another early start pick up at 05-45 for my third trip to this sanctuary had 2 target birds for today as we arrived we saw some other birders some I had seen earlier in the week at Apora Woods not sure what it is with birders and guides out here no one seems to want to tell anyone anything so we started at the same spot as before and after a short time Rayman says Heart Spotted Woodpecker we had good views but just too far to get a picture so one of the target birds seen while at this spot other new birds for me where Spangled Drongo, Flame Throated Bulbul, other birds seen here included Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black Rumped Flameback, Indian Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Black Napped Oriole, Long Tailed Shrike, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Changeable Hawk Eagle , Ashy Drongo, White Cheeked Barbet, we then moved on to another spot that we had not stopped at before we had just got out of the car and Ruth said theres a female Malabar Trogan which we got on we then had a male but they were very flighty and after a short time we lost sight of them second target bird seen but as always who knows what you might see so we continued birding well at this spot more new birds Vernal Hanging-parrot was the next then while Rayman went looking for the Trogan myself and Ruth had Verditer Flycatcher yes another new bird then as we started to get back in the car another new bird appeared Malabar Woodshrike so turning in to another great days birding we then continued on to the picnic area near the zoo hoping to see the Blue Eared Kingfisher but no Luck after a short break for a drink and some food we then started back on the way Rayman says we will take a look around the temple which is on the way here we had Ashy Woodswallow ,Indian Black Robin 2 more new birds so ending another great days birding now I have seen most of the birds here next time I come I know it will be some good birding I am planning on coming back to Goa early next year
My Bird List Stands at 242 so still a few more to see
Well another early start pick up at 05-45 for my third trip to this sanctuary had 2 target birds for today as we arrived we saw some other birders some I had seen earlier in the week at Apora Woods not sure what it is with birders and guides out here no one seems to want to tell anyone anything so we started at the same spot as before and after a short time Rayman says Heart Spotted Woodpecker we had good views but just too far to get a picture so one of the target birds seen while at this spot other new birds for me where Spangled Drongo, Flame Throated Bulbul, other birds seen here included Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black Rumped Flameback, Indian Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Black Napped Oriole, Long Tailed Shrike, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Changeable Hawk Eagle , Ashy Drongo, White Cheeked Barbet, we then moved on to another spot that we had not stopped at before we had just got out of the car and Ruth said theres a female Malabar Trogan which we got on we then had a male but they were very flighty and after a short time we lost sight of them second target bird seen but as always who knows what you might see so we continued birding well at this spot more new birds Vernal Hanging-parrot was the next then while Rayman went looking for the Trogan myself and Ruth had Verditer Flycatcher yes another new bird then as we started to get back in the car another new bird appeared Malabar Woodshrike so turning in to another great days birding we then continued on to the picnic area near the zoo hoping to see the Blue Eared Kingfisher but no Luck after a short break for a drink and some food we then started back on the way Rayman says we will take a look around the temple which is on the way here we had Ashy Woodswallow ,Indian Black Robin 2 more new birds so ending another great days birding now I have seen most of the birds here next time I come I know it will be some good birding I am planning on coming back to Goa early next year
My Bird List Stands at 242 so still a few more to see
Thursday, January 27, 2011
More Pictures
a few more Picture
They are
Indian Golen Oriole
Changeable Hawk eagle
Black Napped Oriole
Brahminy Kite
White Breasted Kingfisher
They are
Indian Golen Oriole
Changeable Hawk eagle
Black Napped Oriole
Brahminy Kite
White Breasted Kingfisher
Sunday 23rd & Monday 24th January
Sunday 23rd January
Today I had a quick look at Siolim paddy fields not a lot going on as the fields were being worked I then dropped into Apora Woods to see if I could find the Brown Fish Owl witch I did locate but it did take a long time to find not a lot else today just had a ride round watching much the same as most days
Monday 24th January
Morning Apora Woods / evening Baga Hill
Got to Apora Woods by 7-30 took a slow walk in not a lot of bird life to begin with set myself up at the quarry where there were a couple of birders already some of the birds seen included Golden Fronted Leafbird. Red Whiskered Bulbul, Purple Sunbird, Ashy Drongo, White Bellied Drongo, Greenish Warbler, Jungle Babbler, Common Woodshrike, Spotted Dove, House Crow, Scarlet Minivet, Green Bee Eater, Puff Throated Babbler, Grey Headed Babbler. A White Bellied Sea Eagle flew over, then one of the other birders got onto a warbler at first glance we thought Greenish but hold on said he it does not have a wing bar we then lost sight of it about half hour later in reappeared in the bush at the other side of the path where we had excellent views the bird was not acting like a greenish now just slowly hopping about the bush after checking in the book we came to the conclusion that the bird was a Tytler’s Leaf Warbler so another new one for me as it was now getting on for about 11-00 time for breakfast then back to base for a rest
Baga Hill
Took the scooter to the top of the hill this evening and watch from a few different spots on the way back down did not go onto the top of the hill today just stayed on the road birds seen Red Whiskered Bulbul, Green Bee Eater, Orange Headed Thrush, Greenish Warbler, Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Black Kite, White bellied Sea Eagle, Treepie, Jungle Babbler, Common Myra, Only a few more days left so will make the most of them
Today I had a quick look at Siolim paddy fields not a lot going on as the fields were being worked I then dropped into Apora Woods to see if I could find the Brown Fish Owl witch I did locate but it did take a long time to find not a lot else today just had a ride round watching much the same as most days
Monday 24th January
Morning Apora Woods / evening Baga Hill
Got to Apora Woods by 7-30 took a slow walk in not a lot of bird life to begin with set myself up at the quarry where there were a couple of birders already some of the birds seen included Golden Fronted Leafbird. Red Whiskered Bulbul, Purple Sunbird, Ashy Drongo, White Bellied Drongo, Greenish Warbler, Jungle Babbler, Common Woodshrike, Spotted Dove, House Crow, Scarlet Minivet, Green Bee Eater, Puff Throated Babbler, Grey Headed Babbler. A White Bellied Sea Eagle flew over, then one of the other birders got onto a warbler at first glance we thought Greenish but hold on said he it does not have a wing bar we then lost sight of it about half hour later in reappeared in the bush at the other side of the path where we had excellent views the bird was not acting like a greenish now just slowly hopping about the bush after checking in the book we came to the conclusion that the bird was a Tytler’s Leaf Warbler so another new one for me as it was now getting on for about 11-00 time for breakfast then back to base for a rest
Baga Hill
Took the scooter to the top of the hill this evening and watch from a few different spots on the way back down did not go onto the top of the hill today just stayed on the road birds seen Red Whiskered Bulbul, Green Bee Eater, Orange Headed Thrush, Greenish Warbler, Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Black Kite, White bellied Sea Eagle, Treepie, Jungle Babbler, Common Myra, Only a few more days left so will make the most of them
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Pictures from Goa
Here are a few pictures I have taken of birds seen in Goa
They are
Whimbrel
Spotted Owellet
Small Pratincole,
Indian Pond Heron
Orange Headed Thrus
Green Bee Eater
Blue Headed Rock Thrush
Black Drongo
They are
Whimbrel
Spotted Owellet
Small Pratincole,
Indian Pond Heron
Orange Headed Thrus
Green Bee Eater
Blue Headed Rock Thrush
Black Drongo
Saturday 22nd January
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
My second visit to this reserve again with Rayman and the birder and his wife that I did the last trip with early start 5-50 we arrived at the first stop at 5 past 7 this was the same spot we stopped at the last time some of the same birds Asian Fairy Bluebird, Hooded Golden Oriole, Golden Oriole, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and some good views of Black napped Flameback, Long Tailed Shrike, Bronzed Drongo, Plum Headed Parakeet, Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, White Headed Starling, Golden Fronted Leafbird, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Green Bee Eater, and two new ones Crimson Backed Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, we then started to drive to the second spot on the way we heard a Grey Jungle Fowl calling so we stopped to see if we could locate it we just took our bins with us as we approached where the call was coming from a bird of prey flew across in front of us and landed in a tree some way off but you could tell it was a Changeable Hawk Eagle and the Jungle Fowl had stopped calling as we headed back to the car Rayman caught sight of a Dark Fronted Babbler another new one we also had good views of Greater Flameback we where now some distance from the car where our cameras and scopes where and then all of a sudden birds started appearing Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Bar Winged Flycatcher Shrike, White Rumped Shame, White Tailed Flycatcher all new birds as I said no camera still there is always another time, as we were about to get back in the car Rayman spotted a Flycatcher with red on the breast the flycatcher you get here is the Red Throated but there was some doubt that it might be Red Breasted Flycatcher as you do get both but the Red Breasted is scares he but the bird just kept moving away from us until we lost it so Flycatcher sp, Our next stop was the second spot we did last time more of the same that we had last time but a good spot for getting pictures of Blue Headed Rock Thrush other birds seen here included Forest Wagtail, Western Crowned Warbler, Bright Green Warbler, Brown Fronted Flycatcher, Black Napped Monarch, still no sign of Trogan which is the bird we had stopped for, Then it was on to the car park by the zoo entrance Rayman and Ruth went to have a look at the zoo I had a wander down by the stream with the other birder more Dark Fronted Babblers not a lot else then we had a break and while we sat at the picnic benches a Orange Headed Thrush gave very close views and we managed to get some good pictures watching the video last night it was not that good as the bird was to near and slightly out of focus another one to try and get again did get a couple of pictures through the scope now the heat of the day was upon us so it was time to return to Calagute we did have a look by the small reservoir for Trogan no luck on route back we had a Greater Spotted Eagle sitting in a tree near Calagute so will have to see if I can locate again so ending another goods days birding as I am still missing a few of the birds you can see here I have arranged to go back next Wednesday with the same birders as I know there is something that he is after and this is a good spot to find it with a bit of luck
Bird list is Currently 225
My second visit to this reserve again with Rayman and the birder and his wife that I did the last trip with early start 5-50 we arrived at the first stop at 5 past 7 this was the same spot we stopped at the last time some of the same birds Asian Fairy Bluebird, Hooded Golden Oriole, Golden Oriole, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and some good views of Black napped Flameback, Long Tailed Shrike, Bronzed Drongo, Plum Headed Parakeet, Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, White Headed Starling, Golden Fronted Leafbird, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Green Bee Eater, and two new ones Crimson Backed Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, we then started to drive to the second spot on the way we heard a Grey Jungle Fowl calling so we stopped to see if we could locate it we just took our bins with us as we approached where the call was coming from a bird of prey flew across in front of us and landed in a tree some way off but you could tell it was a Changeable Hawk Eagle and the Jungle Fowl had stopped calling as we headed back to the car Rayman caught sight of a Dark Fronted Babbler another new one we also had good views of Greater Flameback we where now some distance from the car where our cameras and scopes where and then all of a sudden birds started appearing Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Bar Winged Flycatcher Shrike, White Rumped Shame, White Tailed Flycatcher all new birds as I said no camera still there is always another time, as we were about to get back in the car Rayman spotted a Flycatcher with red on the breast the flycatcher you get here is the Red Throated but there was some doubt that it might be Red Breasted Flycatcher as you do get both but the Red Breasted is scares he but the bird just kept moving away from us until we lost it so Flycatcher sp, Our next stop was the second spot we did last time more of the same that we had last time but a good spot for getting pictures of Blue Headed Rock Thrush other birds seen here included Forest Wagtail, Western Crowned Warbler, Bright Green Warbler, Brown Fronted Flycatcher, Black Napped Monarch, still no sign of Trogan which is the bird we had stopped for, Then it was on to the car park by the zoo entrance Rayman and Ruth went to have a look at the zoo I had a wander down by the stream with the other birder more Dark Fronted Babblers not a lot else then we had a break and while we sat at the picnic benches a Orange Headed Thrush gave very close views and we managed to get some good pictures watching the video last night it was not that good as the bird was to near and slightly out of focus another one to try and get again did get a couple of pictures through the scope now the heat of the day was upon us so it was time to return to Calagute we did have a look by the small reservoir for Trogan no luck on route back we had a Greater Spotted Eagle sitting in a tree near Calagute so will have to see if I can locate again so ending another goods days birding as I am still missing a few of the birds you can see here I have arranged to go back next Wednesday with the same birders as I know there is something that he is after and this is a good spot to find it with a bit of luck
Bird list is Currently 225
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