Round about birding

Tawny Owl

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

Tree Sparrow

Corn Buntings

Corn Buntings

Charlecote

Ladywalk Nature Reserve as fog lifts

Trouble in the reeds

Water Rail

Stunning drawing of the pits

With no sports on the agenda (except watching England in South Africa on TV) I was keen to get out as early as possible at the weekend taking into account we had been out the previous evening celebrating Mrs D's birthday at the Moat House, Alcester.

My first stop was Morton Bagot where my target birds were Tawny Owl & Redpoll which we recorded with ease. The Tawny was sat in his favourite spot enjoying the winter sunshine. The Little Owl teased me with a glancing look before disappearing whilst the Flash was pretty quiet except for some Teal, Shoveler, Mallard and Greylag. A Greater Spotted Spotted Woodpecker looked stunning on a tree top as I headed back to the car. It was good to see so many Reed Buntings along the path with the Goldfinches but I didn't record any Yellowhammers.

The pits was my next stop but it appeared there had been some early disturbance as it was very quiet. Myself and @1stbirdoftheday noted a Jack & Common Snipe whilst one of the regular Ravens flew over.

After a quick lunch stop and picking up Mrs D we headed over to Charlecote Park. We stopped twice en route, first for some Tree Sparrows at a burial site and then at a private site for Corn Bunting. It was good is see local birder Gus as we don't often see him. He keeps a close eye on this local population. In our short stop, I counted nine birds with a couple in good voice. I need to go back here when I have more time to record some video as it's a great little spot.

We wrapped up the day by visiting Charlecote Park where we had a nice walk, recording two Little Egret & many Fallow deer, and a good brew.

Finally, if you are on Instagram please drop a follow on the account recording_the_countryside, Jenny the artist is a regular visitor to pits who records her sightings on a fantastic journal.  

Yellow Wagtails arrive at Salford Priors

Yellow Wagtail

Plantation

It was an early start at the Gravel Pits on Sunday but the forecasted showers did not materialise leading to very little passage of migrants.

My first Lesser Whitethroat was recorded at Pophills whilst a Common Whitethroat was singing further up on hedgeline. Five Common Sandpipers were on the shoreline (another 4 on main pit).

On the main pit three Dunlin were on the main spit which was then joined by two Yellow Wagtails which I was pleased about. We recorded a total of five during the walk.

The Jack Snipe was still present in his usual place and it was good to hear the Cetti's Warbler.

Yellow Wagtail became my 99th species of the year at Salford Priors this year, what will bring the magic 100 up ?

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.

Fog on the pits

 Always going to be tough work

Fieldfare at the hedgerows

Pophills Pit

Thick fog greeted me on arrival on Sunday at the Gravel Pits and matters got worst when a jogger flushed every bird on the Pophills Pit except for a few Coot. Not the best start. After watching a Goldcrest at close quarters I set off with Jon on the reverse of our normal circuit hoping the fog would clear by the time we reached the main pit. 

A Grey Wagtail whizzed over our heads and there were good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare along the east border. Passing the first lagoon the wintering Common Sandpiper took flight away from us. With plenty of time on our hands we walked through the main meadow where we found 20 Snipe and one Jack Snipe.

A pair of Shoveller were on the small pit where the Cormorant roost. Four Cormorant took flight as we passed. 

We then walked to a strip of woodland on the south end of the pits. There were a flock of 15 Goldfinches and then we picked up my first patch Treecreeper ! A real find for us. It was good to see this little bird go about its daily business. Leaving the woodland we flushed another 15 Snipe, one Jack Snipe as two Roe Deer crossed the meadow in front of us. 

Finally reaching the main pit it was good to see the female Scaup was still present among the Tufted Ducks and Pochard. Hopefully the weather will be better next weekend and I can report a more comprehensive species count.