Great Grey Shrike has eluded me on several occasions recently and so one that had been faithful to an area of Cannock Chase seemed to be a good bet this morning. It was a stunning morning, bright sunshine but gale force winds were blowing across the cleared fell area and it was two & […]
Two major British rarities were over wintering in Hampshire and although not “Lifers”, were well worth the trip down to the New Forest. There were also a number of other good birds in the area. The first, a male Spanish Sparrow was frequenting gardens in the small village of Calshot, the bird had apparently
The new birding year always starts with a trip to the North Norfolk coast. With several major rarities on offer, this weekend was no exception and several Barn Owl were seen on route. So we kicked off at the infamous Norfolk Trust reserve at Cley-next-the-Sea and despite several hours of searching and waiting, we dipped
You simply just cannot get enough of Waxwings. One of the most charismatic and beautiful birds that visits our shores from Scandinavia during our British winter. Unfortunately, this year hasn’t been a very good Waxwing year and there are very few in the country at this time. Fortunately for me, five birds have
Well 2012 has really kicked off with a bang! A day birding in the NE at Hartlepool and the surrounding area certainly got us some good birds. At Hartlepool Fish Quay an obliging brute of a 1st winter Glaucous Gull put on a great show. Also in the harbour – Black & Red-throated Diver;
My year list for 2011 was slightly better than last year, I managed to see 267 species in Britain and I had 4 lifers plus an armchair tick (Siberian Stonechat) so I’m creeping along ever closer to the big 500! My highlights of the year were trips to Speyside, Scotland in April; Shetland in September
My 2012 year list got underway at Carsington Water this morning. A very grey and overcast morning and later heavy rain put paid to the day. We ended on 70 species with highlights being the adult winter Great Northern Diver at Carsington along with a Redshank & a pair of Pintail; 6 Goldeneye; drake Goosander;
For several weeks a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard has been favouring an area of old pit workings just north of the city of Nottingham. It may well over winter here and it seems to be finding plenty of food. Only 20 miles from home, so well worth the visit. The bird showed well intermittently
