Steady start at Salford Priors GP

Gravel Pit birding (Flock of Teal just above skyline)

Sparrowhawk (Steve Nash)

With a late morning airport run looming I had to restrict myself to a just a couple of hours down at the Gravel Pits on Sunday.

Viewing was difficult at times as fog seemed to come and go. A Sparrowhawk was hunting the migrant hill on the farm despite getting harassed by a couple of Magpies. I was quite hopeful a Goldeneye located midweek may be around but sadly no luck. The Green Woodpecker seemed very busy around the plantation as I looked for the Long-tailed Tits that still remained outstanding on the year list for the site. Jon reported he had flushed a Tawny Owl and a Woodcock but neither myself or Lee had the same luck.

The main pit contained the normal suspects however Teal number had increased to 112 and a count of 32 Cormorant was above average. As I edged along the main pit 3 Goosander (one Drake) circled looking to land but then opted to move on sadly. I had a total of 10 Jack Snipe and 25 Snipe throughout my walk and the main meadow had four Skylarks and Meadow Pipits which I watched closely through my scope. Only other notable sighting was the orchard were still full of Fieldfare and Redwing.

A good visit but gutted to have missed Tawny and Woodcock. I did thankfully see our local Barn Owl on the previous Monday evening after Lee had seen him hunting on the Sunday. I would really like to try and capture him on a good photograph but he doesn't seem to come out to hunt until its dark.

The Sparrowhawk photograph was sent to me some time ago by Racing Post photographer Steve Nash who I've known for a good many years. Thought it would be good to show it on the blog.

Bewick's Return

Entrance to Slimbridge

Bewick Swan Family

My arty attempt of Pintails

Curlew

White-fronted Geese

Wigeon

Teal

Common Crane (GCP)

Bewick close up

The superb book shop

After a great start to the day in Bristol I stopped in at Slimbridge to catch up with the returning Bewick Swans. It was nice to see them at close quarters in the Rushy pen but also out on the Dumbles with the thousands of other birds. I managed to count around 40 Bewicks include a good number of young birds.

There were two pairs of Cranes showing territorial behaviour and one pair fully chased off the second pair and lets hope they manage to breed again next year. 

From the Holden tower I picked up the Juvenile Marsh Harrier I observed on my last visit whilst other sightings included a Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, 500+ Dunlin, 1000 Golden Plover, 200 Barnacle Geese, 200 Lapwing, 50 White-fronted Geese and 2 Little Stints.

The Tack Piece was full of birds including 4 Crane, 20 Ruff, 50 Curlew, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Dunlin, 600 Wigeon, 40 Pintail, 200 Teal and 800 Lapwing.

After a good scan and sandwiches on the move I had a good trawl through their great range of books, avoiding drawing the debit card out !