'A' Listers and their families

So Driving back from Hull I dropped into Slimbridge WWT since we had heard of Cranes and Avocets nesting. I wasnt disapointed! After paying my dues and walking through the main attractions and trying not to get too annoyed with the cages, pens, huts, clipped wings and netting I got to the real thing. So without further adue here is the crane.

Common Crane

Common Crane

Common Crane

I was very fortunate since it wandered from across the river bank all the way to the small pond in front of the Martin Smith Hide. There was a bit of excitement when a couple came in and the woman, after seeing the Crane, became very excited over what she thought was a Turtle Dove. Much waffling about has anyone got a book, look in the book, Oh my god etc etc. It was a Stock Dove!

So After all that I wandered down to the Holden Tower. What a beautiful structure it is to! This is where the Avocets where. Looking at them feeding I wondered where the young where. Well I noticed one Avocet crouching on the far bank of the small pond. Sure enough as it stood up four little chicks came running out. As they wandered feeding happily they where bothered by not only the noisy neighbours the Lapwings who also had four young ones to protect, and protect they did except when they just few off and left them! but also a rather grumpy and naggy Shelduck from down the road. Its like watching Corrie!! Heres the latest episode.................

Chicks under Parent Avocet

Avocet Pair Feeding

That was a good day

To Hull and back

I had a business trip up to Hull so I took the opportunity to pop into a local nature reserve. By chance I came across the Paull Holme Strays just past Hull. A few hours spent there was only a little rewarding. A very peaceful place indeed with only the cry of the Whimbrel, so synonymous with estuaries, and the thud and drone of the harbour on the opposite bank. There is something haunting about industrial areas within estuaries and wetlands. They have a beauty that offsets the different beauty of the natural environment

A bit of Industrial offset

My first spot was a Whimbrel wandering across the newly sown field on the land side. Only when it walked did I spot it

Good isn't it

So on I trudged to the hide and stood looking across the Humber Estuary in total bliss and only passing a couple of dog walkers and an elderly jogger. Bending down to open my backpack I was startled by the huffing and slobbering of a rather large but friendly Labrador. I turned and gave the owner 'The evils' and was then greeted by another slobbering labrador. Another shot of 'Evils' to the owner who informed me that 'Sorry mate you have to accept there are dogs around here. Now I'm not a dog lover but neither am I a dog hater. What I do hate is owners who don't train their dogs and think its funny or acceptable for their dogs to go running around sniffing into other peoples backs etc. Then declare the dog 'dont worry its only being friendly' With a stream of conversations with the dog about 'come here, don't go there' etc etc. Well train them then you wont have to constantly talk to them. I think they actually enjoy the hassle of having to call them constantly. Which is exactly what the owner did. She then proceeded to bellow at the top of her voice to the dogs to 'come here, we're not going down there'. Well Im sure you've been there.

Anyway, I set up and had a good look around. Avocets feeding, shelducks feeding and far off into the distance Plovers feeding. Oh and a pair of Oyster Catchers feeding.

Avocet

A bit more Industrial Offset

Oyster Catchers

Golden Plover (I told you they where a long way away)

My final sighting which I could get a shot off was on the way back. I finally saw for the first time in my life a Hare. I know, never before. One ran across the Whimbrel field. Oh and there was what now seems to be the obligatory Little Egret!

Beauty and the Beast

Well we were invited over to Mr Riley's new gaff today. Very nice it is to but needs a lick of paint here and there. There was another reason other than the cup of tea on offer though. He had informed me that his Honeysuckle covered apple tree had a resident Mistle Thrush on nest. So off we sped and over a cupper and up a step ladder I managed to get some nice shots.

Mistle Thrush on Nest

Mistle Thrush on Nest

Couldn't tell if it was a male or female since they are so similar but it's probably the female who tends to remain on the nest. I didn't try and see if there where eggs.

So with that over and done with we carried on with the cuppa's and chat when we spied a cheeky little chap flitting back and forth from the weeds to a chicken feeder. It was not one but two young Brown Rats popping out for a grain of corn and a sip from the feeder. Cute but who knows how many there are in the weeds or infact whether it was just the two or a different one each time!

One of the cheeky little Brown Rats

I will leave it up to you as to which of these two is the beast!

The early bird catches the worm

5:30 am.   Its not a time I see too often, which is fortunate. I found myself wide awake on Saturday morning.  To my surprise the sun was shining in and the birds were happily singing away.  A far cry from those dark and dank winter mornings.  An early morning visit to the levels was in order!

With surprising vigour I was up and ready to go.  I got to the reserve fulling expecting to be the only human about.  Except there were about 10 cars in the car-park already.  Surely the hides wouldn't be full?

I passed by a small house on the left on the way into the reserve.  Camera at the ready (more on this later) I crept closer to the feeders which the owner often puts out.  Half a dozen Goldfinches were munching away along with a much greater prize.  A woodpecker.  Unfortunately in my excitement I raised the camera to quickly.  The movement caught the bird's eye and in a flurry of pied feathers he was gone.

Into the reserve.  My senses were quite overwhelmed.  The birds act differently in the morning.  They seem happier!  A Chiff-Chaff boldly announced his presence on an overhead wire.  Goldfinches sang their twinkly song and Cettis were filling the air with that short, explosive tune.

Then something started up which I hadn't heard before.  Loud and proud and rather nice to listen to.

A lone, Lycra clad  cyclist looked slightly bemused as I stood staring at a hedge and stare I did.  For a good 5 minutes, trying to locate the owner of the powerful song.  Then without warning it jumped out right in front of me.  I took half a dozen shots, the camera whirring and complaining as I strained its (rather slow) auto focus.  Moments later the bird had returned back into the foliage.

As I took the photos I noted a ruddy coloured tail.  I fast becme aware that this was something a bit different from the norm... A Nightingale.

Flushed with pride I examined the photos.  That when an upwelling of dissapointment set in.  I had set the camera to a a shutter speed approaching that of a Cheetah on steroids.  Way too fast.  I eneded up with a black blob perched an a thin, dark twig.

The Nightingale continued its harmonious song from deep in the thicket.  I cursed.  Things went from bad to worse when a psychotic blackbird arrived on the scene.  It gazed down upon me all wide eyed and twitchy.  I knew what was going to happen... Sure enough it belted out an hysterical warning cry. 

The Nightingale fell silent.  Happy in the knowledge that it had ruined my morning the Blackbird flew off down the path. Cackling manically.

Dejected I stayed for a few more minutes.  It was no use.  The Nightgale had fallen silent.  I picked up my bag when suddenly he started up again.  Perhaps he had grown used to the Blackbirds frenzied chorus and had learned to ignore it!

Finally I located the songster amongst the leaves...

A first for me and the EFRS!

I stayed for about 5 minutes before he went to far in to the hedge to be seen any longer.

At the hide, there was plenty of heron activity.  Plus a Kingfisher landed on a distant reed with a hapless stickleback in his bill.  I did get a picture but was awful.

As I was the only one there the birds seemed a bit more bold with the Pochards and a Little grebe coming quite close.

The water was absolutely still and the light was quite unusual which allowed me to catch these shots of a Great crested grebe

Despite the tranquility, my mind was slightly occupied with thoughts about cameras.  This was going to be my Nikon's last outing before I bought an SLR.  I have had a slightly long and boring relationship with various cameras, SLR or otherwise and can never make up my mind.

Back home the winning buyer on ebay was emailing me enthusiastically about  when I was sending it and what condition it was in.  Meanwhile, the SLR I was bidding on seemed a bit less tempting (200mm lens doesn't get you all that far...)

In a fit of decisiveness I issued a full refund and the Nikon survived another day.  I'm glad I took it with me as its final early bird outing has proven to be one of its best.

Old Favourites Return

My Favourites are back! There is nothing more beautiful than that perfect black silhouette in a perfect blue sky. I love Swifts. They are the perfect bird. Sleek and elegant. So quintessentially Vaughan Williams English yet at the same time so foreign. They take me back to Laurie Lee days of hot and dusty Spanish Castille towns. That dry screech, the silent swoop. There is nothing like it. Tier upon tier as you crane your neck in dizzy, confusing searches. One look away and your eyes have to wait until they declare themselves again like summers day phantoms. Wonderful stuff.

The ones we see here are the lucky ones. The ones that made it through the hale of shot from the continent!

My vain attempt at photographing a Swift over Ham Wall

But to start at the beginning...........

As I rose the crest up to the old railway bridge at Aqueduct Crossing I was greeted with the sight of a Hobby being harassed by a group of House Martins. I swear they where doing to the Hobby what Crows do to Buzzards. They drove it off anyway. A good start. All day I was watching up to a dozen Hobbies at once. A week or so ago it was ring the church bells a Hobby. Now they are here and as I said in a previous post, its as if they always were.

The Enchanted Path leading up to Aqueduct Crossing Bridge

View from the Aqueduct Bridge

Not the best shot but its a Hobby. One of about two dozen I saw

A quick trip to the Reed Hide (I don't know if its called that but seems appropriate due to its location) revealed a family of Canada Geese just back from a swim. The young ones where still drying themselves off when I arrived and the parents where keeping watch. They then snuggled under mothers wing for an afternoon nap. Sweet.

The magnificent Male Marsh Harrier was patrolling 70 Acres as usual and three others where dancing in the sky close by. Couldn't get a good shot of them but this shows the effect.

Dancing Marsh Harriers over 70 Acres

Through Ham Wall and Shapwick, avoiding a vole running across my path, I took the road to our new route up to the Hawk and Owl Trust reserve. It was very peaceful for lunch. Nothing as yet to see since most of the raptors are sitting on eggs for now. We did see four Whimbrels earlier in the week.

View to the Tor from The H&O Reserve

The day was finished with not a breath of wind at Viewing point 2 of Ham Wall in glorious sunshine listening to the booms of Bitterns and frustrating Cuckoos in the distance. Two of the most elusive birds. I did see 3 bitterns and two Woodpeckers though. So not to bad.

In the Dog House!

The EFRS went hi-tech this week but more of that later. I've said it before and I'll say it again..... What a beautiful day it was. It is still a little deceptive though, that sun might be bright but the wind is still keen so its not advisable to venture out in the wilds without a coat. So with James' tee shirt flapping in the breeze we started early and headed off for a full circuit. Whizzing down over the Aqueduct crossing and on to the start of Ham Wall viewing platform 2 gave little to look at so onward to VP1. Again this held little of interest to those who have been there regularly before. (Are we becoming complacent or just turning into grizzled old hands) But now there is the added adventure into the midst of the reeds with the new hide. From there we had excellent views of two Great White Egrets and many Herons skulking around. This is where James managed to capture a close up video of a Little Egret who quit blatantly dropped down right in front of the hide. Are they becoming more accustomed to humans? This would never have happened a few years ago. Even the Great Whites where disinterested in us despite us being within ear shot and definite eye shot of. How times change. There was endless sightings of Hobbies which turned out to be either Buzzards or Crows. The fever had struck.

The rout continued with a brief stop in the company of the esteemed Jeff Hazell otherwise known as The Levels Birder. There was something very interesting in the bushes but we're not allowed to say what. Mums the word I'm afraid. We didn't see it but we did hear it.

We skipped over to Shapwick where we stopped in front of a couple who had fixed their sights on the skies above Noahs. I instantly knew in my blood what they had spotted. Sure enough, high above there were two genuine, 100% Hobbies. Finally we had spotted our first of the season. Joy of joys! As a celebration we had lunch.

From here we ventured to new pastures. At the end of Shapwick we turned left, well actually we turned right and popped down to Eco-Bites for a cuppa and a biscuit. As we munched and supped we heard a call in the sky, jokingly I declared they were Cranes thinking they were either Geese or Swans. They lady in the RSPB next door ran up and declared that four Cranes where circling. The EFRS rushed to action and binoculars were quickly focused on the giants way up high. Along with a fellow birder we watched for some minutes hoping they would head for Catcott but no joy. They soared higher and higher then sailed off as dots. They truly are a wonderful sight even at a distance. Perhaps even more at an enigmatic distance. They are still a tantalizing experience when seen. Its not known if they were wild or the reintroduced.

So, yes, we headed left past Canada Farm and round the corner where the new Hawk and Owl reserve had just opened the week before. Well done to them. Its big, easily accessible and the hide is well placed with views from both side, either to the feeders close up or from the top of the ridge over fields not to mention the Badger hide. This promises to be an excellent place and be assured the EFRS will be visiting it regularly.

Another advantage is the track carries on and links up to the Canada Farm hide. James was keen on getting a Kingfisher or two since we hadn't seen one all day. We were greeted by a very large dog running free and the calls of its owner shouting for it to come to heel. Thats good for nature spotting! The sanctuary of the hide was our only escape. As I approached the door was open. Okey someone is coming out or in? But no, out of the gloom there appeared another very large tan dog, well I say dog it was more of a wolf. Exasperated I went in and came directly out. The dogs had their day there I'm afraid!

Not deterred we sped off down to the Heronry at Tealham. A little quiet but still some nice views of Herons preening, calling and flying in and out. Little Egrets joining them at times. Its a very odd sound they make when they gobble away. I really like Herons, more than the Egrets. At this point I decided to show off my new found filming skills. Tripod out and camera at the ready, I aclimatised myself, no rush just settle down to film a Heron coming in to land. Well, lets just say that the film you are about to see which was taken unbeknownst to me by James has had the sound removed to save delicate ears and my blushes. We would have to but an age restriction on it otherwise. Pride before a fall springs to mind. I did however get a nice video of a White Throat on a wire and a Heron and Little Egret preening on their nests as a conciliation.

The day was done, or was it. On the way back we popped into the Sheppey at Godney for a debrief and pint but despite the door being open, lights on and music playing they were shut apparently! We had to make do with the Who'd a thought it in Glastonbury. Now a year or so before we were sat in just that place having a debrief when two Red Kites flew over. This time we were treated to a Sparrow Hawk being harried by two Crows and two Gulls. Poor thing didn't stand a chance.

Heres the video of our day

Now on to the Hi-tech stuff. I've got yet another bag for my bike. Its a top bag for smart phone and I use it along with a back up power pack to plot our routes. Heres an image so you can see where we've been. It even shows the aborted attempt to go to the Canada Farm hide and the Sheppey pub. Love it.

Hard to Swallow

The sun was shining and I had the opportunity to get out and about.  I toyed with the idea of cycling down to Greylake but I was just feeling a little lazy and opted for four wheels rather than two.  Driving really isn't the best form of transport. It always makes me feel a bit detached from the surroundings.  When you are on a bike you are part of it and it just feels better.  Still at least I could get there quicker.

Wandering along the boardwalk at Greylake I considered the flooding that had taken place only a couple of months ago.  It was hard to believe that the whole reserve had been underwater.  Surely the animals living there would be depleted or worse still... 

I was especially concerned for that much maligned beast, the Grass snake.  Greylake has always been a good spot for these, the largest of our slithery reptiles.  At that point a big female slid into a ditch and then disappeared into some long grass (a large female snake, just to avoid confusion).  At least one had survived then...

I tried pointing it out to "the lady".  She will be known by this name as she plays are part in the story.  But she arrived about 2 seconds to late...

I decamped at the raised hide and had a good scan around.  A Great White Egret was fishing to my left and a Little Grebe was struggling with a hapless Roach. He was finding it hard to swallow.  But eventually the plucky duck eventually won and gulped down his prize.

Then I spotted a yellow flash out in the field.  Locking on with my binoculars I spied a Yellow wagtail.  What a splendid bird.  Very similar to a Canary.  Two other chaps were also casually viewing.  I tried my absolute best to show them where it was and even offered up my scope but to no avail...  they could find it.

The exact same thing happened when "the lady" popped into the hide.  At this point a second wagtail had joined in.  Being a polite sort I persevered but it didn't work.  I always feel that an experience shared is always for the better.  Perhaps the large swan sat next too me saw wagtails as well.

Then there was a rather loud "clack, clack, clack" under the hide.  It sounded like someone firing a pop gun.  A frenzy of uncertain looks and pacing around the hide ensued.  But there was nothing.  I had no idea... neither did anyone else.

On the way back "the lady"  told me that she had seen an RSPB warden and he thought it was something hitting the electric fence... what an anti climax.  I had hoped that it was some king of exotic vagrant that sound like a pop gun.

Still this Reed Bunting was fairly happy to be gawped at, as was this Chaffinch at the feeders in the carpark.

Next stop was Catcott.  I was hoping that the Garganeys might be there.  On the way I noticed a new carpark and... a new reserve!  I hopped out and with half an hour was in a brand, spanking new hide.  I did get a good view of 2 displaying Sparrowhawks and 2 Roe deer munching on some grass.  At this point "the lady" walked in. 

I pointed out a Blackcap which promptly flew off as soon as she walked across to see it... It was the theme of the day.

I did notice a raptor flying low and fast, but it all happened so fast I couldnt I.D. it.  I would place my bets on a Sparrowhawk but it might have been something more unusual.


This will be a great spot in the winter.  Watch this space!

On the way back I chatted with "the lady".  We discussed various birding stories and encounters.  Now birders can at times be show offs (there, I have said it).  If you have seen an elephant than they have got a box to put it in.  I was very careful to avoid this and luckily she did to. 

The lady was off to Ham Wall.  I decided that 3 encounters would just be weird so on i went to Catcott. 
Here I found the first cute chicks of the year.

Bless.

Other than that it was pretty quiet.  I was told that I had missed 2 Marsh harriers (typical).  After a couple of Egret flybys I had had my fill.  Last stop was Tealham Moor.

It was like stepping back in time.  At one point I half expected a T.Rex to come crashing through the trees.  The herons were making all sorts of primeval barks and weird bubbly, gurggly sounds.  They really are from another time.  I think we take these ancient  fisherman a bit for granted as they are truly impressive birds.

Heading home I stopped to look at a swallow sat on the wires.  These heralds of spring a one of my favourite birds.  But they don't like sitting still.  Unfortunately my camera struggles with fast moving subjects (and slow ones in poor light).  Still a bad workman always blames his tools.

I settled for this shot and thought it looked quite nice in black and white (just to be different).  Hopefully I can get some better ones as the summer begins.

Its definitely hard to Swallow...