American Horned Lark

Staines Reservoir, Surrey
I Don’t usually do twitches that far away but I had the day off and decided to scratch an itch I’ve had for a while now and go for the American Horned Lark. I wasn’t sure if the weather was going to be on my side but I threw caution to the wind and made the trek up to Surrey. On the way up I was stuck at 15MPH behind a tractor (cursing as you do) on the A303 about 10 miles from Stonehenge but I soon changed my tune when I noticed a group of Partridge pottering about at the edge of a field/ road and was able to pick out a Grey Partridge. I managed to stop a bit further up the road and walk back. The Partridges had moved further in to the field but I managed to scope them and there were 3 Grey Partridge.

During the rest of the journey I was treated to 5 Red Kite at various locations on the A303 and M3. As I was on the M3 I noted quite a bit of snow around and wondered what Staines would be like. The  roads were clear of snow so I soldiered on.

I arrived at Staines in good time and was surprised how easy parking was and how easy it was to access the reservoir. I bumped into a local birder who told me the Lark had just been here (yes, I thought. No lengthy walk) but he continued to tell me it flew over to it’s favourite spot (the opposite side of the reservoir (which is a bit of a walk). Anyway, off I trod in the thin covering of snow. There were a few species to keep me occupied on route. Double figures of Common Pochard, several Great Crested Grebe and a few Meadow Pipit.

I finally made it to the location the nice local birder had pointed out and BAM! There it was! Now this may sound strange but this is my 400th species. Yes a lifer, as I’ve never seen a normal one! However, what a species to get for your 400th. It’s also special as as far as I have read it was once on the British list but got disproved and duly removed. There have been a few other not accepted claims. So if the BOU accepts this it would be a UK first. There’s then also the chance of an armchair tick if the IOC split it. It’s been muted that there could be around 6 full species of Horned Lark.

Viewing the bird was a little tricky at times due to the fence but I did manage a few snaps.

American Horned Lark
American Horned Lark

American Horned Lark
American Horned Lark
  
On the way back to the car, the nice local birder pointed out this bonus Water Pipit

Water Pipit

On the M3 on the way home I was treated to 2 more Red Kite.

Enford, Wiltshire 
I made a nature stop conveniently at a spot that I know can be good for Corn Bunting and I was in luck as there was a distant flock of around 20 birds.

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
I got home with enough time to catch the rising tide. Good numbers of Dunlin were on view plus a few Grey Plover and Common Ringed Plover. There was also a Knott of the Matt variety (sorry I couldn’t resist). Matt’s company was welcomed in the cold conditions and I do enjoy our conversations. Matts beady eyes got me on to a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and a few distant Sanderling. Also of note were reasonable numbers of Ruddy Turnstone and a Mew Gull.

Mediterranean Gull

A3052 near Crealy, Devon
After my interesting Buzzard on Sunday I decided to have one more look after work but no joy. I guess it will have to go down as a WTF was that bird.

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I decided to give the Otter a look over to see what Gulls we’re hanging about. On arrival there were 4 Common Ringed Plover resting on the edge of one of the channels. They were accompanied by 2 Dunlin and there were several Common Redshank around. I moved up the footpath, to the first viewing platform and noticed a few Gulls on the river but they were obscured for a lot of the time. In amongst the Black-headed Gulls was a smart adult winter Mediterranean Gull (my first of the year). Try as I might I couldn’t get a photo. The Tawny Owl was roosting in a hole in one of the larger trees to the right hand side of the scrapes. Also on the river was a Little Grebe, some Eurasian Wigeon and Eurasian Teal.

The Gulls looked like they would be viewable from the beach path so I relocated but once I got there they had mostly cleared off. There were however 18 Brant Geese close in and a very brave Eurasian Rock Pipit.

Common Ringed Plover
Eurasian Rock Pipit
Brant Goose
European Herring Gull

Buzzard Quest And Bramblings

A3052 near Crealy, Devon
After my interesting Buzzard from yesterday. I had a look at a few locations around Crealy (before and after work) without a sniff of any sort of Buzzard. I will keep looking (As long as the snow holds off) even just to put it to bed as an odd looking Buzzard. I know there are some birds that you just have to let go but I don’t like to let go without a fight!

Uphams Plantation, near Yettington, Devon
I gave up on the Buzzard quest with just enough time for another quick walk around the plantation. I arrived just in time to catch the Finches coming in and start to roost. Numbers of Common Linnet and Common Chaffinch were quite a bit lower than my last visit but Brambling numbers were slightly up with C40. Also 2 Goldcrest and 10 Eurasian Goldfinch but no Red Crossbill today.

An Odd Buzzard

A3052 near Crealy, Devon
On waiting at the junction leaving Crealy around 2pm (after the weekly, wear the kids out trip) a Buzzard flew very low over the road and across the junction. So low in fact, it nearly got hit by an oncoming car! As it banked to avoid said car a few metres away in front of me, I was immediately drawn to the amount of white on the upper part of the tail and a thin black bar across the end of the upper tail. It was an otherwise, (plumage wise) very Common Buzzard sort bird. I wish I could have studied the plumage in greater detail but I was sat in a car and the sighting was over all to quickly. I did manage to log the direction it was heading but the kids wanted to get home and there’s a lot of farmland around there with little or no access. So time wasn’t on my side and I also wasn’t able to pop back due to other commitments.

Now I’ve seen a number of paler Buzzards in the area this year. So they aren’t an unusual site to me but if I’m honest, this bird stood out a bit. The general jizz of the bird seemed different to me too but I can’t really put my finger on it. I guess we all have that gut feeling when we think we’ve seen something a bit different?

Initial research keeps pointing me towards Rough-legged Buzzard. I know “don’t be silly Spencer” so, I must stress that I’m not for one minute saying this bird is one. However, I really think it was interesting enough to warrant further investigation and I will be checking the area in more detail over the next few days. If this is one though, WOW, it would be a damn good record for Devon. And I will of course put the news out via the various media sources if I come across the bird and can give a positive ID. I would however need a very clear and precise photo to be 100% sure of that.

Raptors And Finches

Uphams Plantation, near Yettington, Devon
I had a walk around the plantation after work and there were a few things on offer. At one point there was a group of 4 Common Buzzard flying low over head. Probably looking for some supper. A Common Kestrel wizzed through a bit later on. Then I noticed a lot of Finches coming in and starting to roost. I lost count but there were C100 Common Linnet, C150 Common Chaffinch and C20 Brambling. While I was watching this, a male Red Crossbill pottered about briefly before taking off. Also of note were 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Northern Raven, 2 Goldcrest, 7 Coal Tit and a single Meadow Pipit.

Brambling (Female)
Brambling (Female)

Cirl Buntings

Undisclosed site, Near Exmouth, Devon 
I had a quick visit after work to a site I know of that holds Cirl Bunting. Sorry to disappoint but due to sensitivity reasons I won’t digress where so please don’t comment asking. Anyway, there were 3 birds on offer. 1 male and 2 female. Try as I might I could only manage one half descent photo of a male.

Cirl Bunting (male)

Dartford Warbler

Hawkerland Common
A quick scan with the scope from the entrance near the car park for Aylesbeare Common. On offer was a single European Stonechat, 7 European Greenfinch and a nice male Dartford Warbler (albeit very distant)

Aylesbeare Common
Around the common were 7 Yellowhammer, circa 50 Common Linnet and circa 30 Meadow Pipit. I had hoped for some Lesser Redpoll but again my luck was out on that front. They can be rather tricky to catch up with around here. On leaving there were 20 White (Pied) Wagtail drinking and pottering around a large puddle at the car park.

Northern Goshawk And Willow Tit

Undisclosed site, Devon
I finished work very early as I had an appointment to go to which took less time than expected. So I decided to do a swift trip to a site I know that’s good for Northern Goshawk. It proved worth the visit as one was circling overhead as I parked up. I managed descent views of the bird for a few minutes before it drifted out of sight.

Stover Country Park, Devon
Time wasn’t really on my side but on the way home I stopped off at Stover for a lightening quick walk to the feeder and back. 15 Common Merganser were on the lake, 1 of them being a drake.

Common Merganser (Male)
Common Merganser (Females)

On the feeder (although it was devoid of seeds) were the usual species but it was nice to see both a male and female Eurasian Siskin and best of all, a Willow Tit. I initially put it down (obviously) as a Marsh Tit. However it came down to the platform (as someone had sprinkled seeds by the bench) and closer scrutiny showed that the crown was matt and not glossy. It’s cheeks were brilliant white and obviously larger, pale panels on the secondaries showed through and it was a warm buff colour underneath.

I managed a few other dreadful photos.

Great Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Eurasian Coot

Fieldfares And Siskins

Bicton and Woodbury Commons
An hours circular walk from the model airplane car park to Uphams plantation car park then across the road and back up to the model airplane car park. Around 30 Common Linnet, 3 Eurasian Siskin, a few Eurasian Goldfinch and European Greenfinch over head. Not much else to report apart from a flock of around 50 Fieldfare circling about looking to settle down for the night.

Tawny Owl

Otter estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I managed an hour or so look around the Otter. I only covered the Cricket pitch and the path up to the hide. On arrival I bumped in Matt Knott who had seen and got me on to a Tawny Owl roosting in a distant tree. Thanks again Matt.

I think Matt and I had the same idea to look for Gulls but there wasn’t much on offer. Apart from the Tawny Owl the only other notable birds were 2 Common Ringed Plover. My first of the year (as was the Tawny Owl) and I always enjoy watching these little birds scurry about.

Tawny Owl (Honest)
Common Ringed Plover

Finches And Lots Of Them

East Budleigh Common, Devon
This last week I’ve had an urge to see Lesser Redpoll and have started to checkout the commons around Exmouth. Today was a walk after work was along the road that goes from Blackhill Quarry heading to Hayes pig Farm. Checking out all the trees produced no Lesser Redpoll but I did see the following. 2 male and 2 female Eurasian Bullfinch, 1 Eurasian Siskin, 4 Mistle Thrush and a large mixed Finch flock starting to get ready for roosting. In the flock were several Common Chaffinch and European Greenfinch with around 250 Common Linnet.

Common Linnet

Common Linnet


Italian Sparrow Again

Cadbury Gardens, East Budleigh, Devon 
After work I decided to have a look at the putative Italian Sparrow. I did try on Tuesday but the news of a Water Pipit in my last blog distracted me. On arrival the bird in question was nowhere to be seen but with the amount of House Sparrow feeding and in the surrounding bushes I knew it would be along soon. There were a few other species to keep me entertained while I waited. A Common Buzzard flew overhead and a Male Eurasian Bullfinch gave a fleeting view. There were the usual Common Starting around and a European Robin popped on to the feeder.

European Robin

Common Starling

Then the Sparrow flew in and stole the show.

Putative Italian Sparrow (Male)

Putative Italian Sparrow (Male)



Water Pipit

Cricket pitch, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After work, Matt Knott alerted me to a Water Pipit that he had viewed earlier in the day. I happened to be up the road looking for the Italian Sparrow at the time. Having already seen the Sparrow a few times, I thought I would give it a miss and decided to head over and have look for the Pipit.

On arrival there were a number of Eurasian Rock Pipit and White (Pied) Wagtail feeding on the Cricket pitch but I couldn’t locate the Water Pipit. Around 30 Common Linnet and a single European Greenfinch were chattering away in the hedges / trees around me.

I then moved to the scrape in the hope it was feeding there. Again no sign but had nice views of 2 Common Snipe. There were good numbers of Gulls comprising of Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, European Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull. A few Northern Lapwing and a single Eurasian Curlew were busy pottering about. I didn’t see any Common Ringed Plover, which I half expected to see on the scrape. 

After a short while, I decided to locate back to the pitch and on the first scan I picked out the Water Pipit. It was rather distant and I tried to get a picture but (I know my photos aren’t great) none are worthy of posting. Nevertheless a nice bird that I don’t get to see that often. So it was great to have had the opportunity. Thanks to Matt for the info.

Snow Goose (In The Snow) And A Well Earned Bonaparte’s Gull

Powderham, Devon
I managed to get a few hours out (or should I say off family duties) so I could have a look at the Snow Geese at Powderham Corner. I arrived just as a bit of a snow shower kicked off (appropriate I guess) after the flurry easied off the 2 Snow Geese decided to come out of the ditch they were hiding in. I found myself wondering if these were the same 2 birds that I saw with my mate Pete at Maer Lake, St Ives, Cornwall last November. I’m not sure what the final thoughts on those where. Well no matter what the origin of these birds, they were nice to observe. I managed a couple of aweful record shots.

Snow Goose

Snow Goose

Exmouth quay, Devon
I then decided to give the Bonaparte’s Gull another go and was only at the quay for 10 minutes and my luck was in as it flew past the quay and in to Shelley Beach. A very quick look off Shelley Beach was fruitless. I’ve tried for this bird countless times this year so I’m pleased I had (brief) but close views of the bird in flight.

Gulls, Gulls, Gulls And Some Other Good Stuff

A day trip to Cornwall
A few days before this outing I had planned on going to Cornwall but I didn't feel up to the drive so Ham Wall looked like this place to go. I met up with my good pal Pete but on route we had both heard the news that the M5 had been shut. I later, sadly found out that it had been closed due to a fatality. So a quick decision saw us reverting to the original plan of Cornwall.

Trenance Pool, Newquay, Cornwall
Our first port of call was the boating lake in Newquay for the 1st winter Ring-billed Gull. We picked the bird up sitting on the island and it posed very nicely. Also around the lake were 3 Muscovy Duck.

Ring-billed Gull (1st winter)
Ring-billed Gull (1st winter)
St Gothian Sands, Gwithian, Cornwall
Our next leg was a quick trip down the road to see the Male Greater Scaup and juvenile Glaucous Gull. The Greater Scaup was on display but due to the blustery conditions I couldn't get a photo. There was initially no sign of the Gull but on leaving it popped on the island.

Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)
Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)

Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall
We moved on further into the depths of Cornwall, with more white winged gulls our target. On arrival at the harbour this Iceland Gull was showing so amazingly. We didn't even need our binoculars to view it. The best views I have ever had of this species!

Iceland Gull (1st Winter) 
Iceland Gull (1st Winter)
Then to top it off, the second Glaucous Gull of the day (and my third of the year) dropped in and gave equally stupendous views.

Glaucous Gull (2nd Winter)
Glaucous Gull (2nd Winter)


Marizion, Cornwall 
A lightening quick stop to look for Loons proved fruitless but a distant Sinensis Great Cormorant was a nice to see.

Drift Reservoir, Cornwall
Still in complete awe with the views of the Gulls. We moved on to Drift Reservoir in hope of the Pink-footed Goose. Distance views were obtained of the Goose in with a group of Canada Goose and Greylag Goose. Also distant views of a Black-necked Grebe.

Hayle Estuary, Cornwall
A quick stop off for the Eurasian Spoonbill proved a success as the bird was showing beautifully on Ryans field. Also of note were countless Lesser Black-backed Gull and a few Mew Gull.

Eurasian Spoonbill
Eurasian Spoonbill

Dozmary Pool
The last stop of the day, in search of the Male Lesser Scaup. I have managed to see this bird at this site for the last 4 years and today didn't disappoint. Again I couldn't manage any pictures in the blustery conditions. Also on the pool were a pair of Common Goldeneye. Around the pool were several European Golden Plover and I also managed vey brief views of a immature / Female Hen Harrier as it dived into cover.

So we headed for home very happy indeed with the species seen and the views of the Gulls will stick with me forever. Cornwall never fails to deliver.

Finally.... A Stonechat

Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon
A very swift lunchtime walk to the hide, gave me my first European Stonechat of the year. I can’t believe it’s taken me until now to see one! 2 individuals feeding in the reeds to the left of the hide. From the hide 10 Northern Lapwing, C30 Eurasian Curlew and a few (very frozen looking) Eurasian Teal.

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
A walk after work for the white bridge to the mouth of the estuary. 4 Little Grebe around the bridge, a single Northern Lapwing on the scrapes near the hide, 2 Eurasian Rock Pipit on the cricket pitch, a group of Brant Goose near the estuary mouth and a calling (but not seen) Tawny Owl in the direction of the farm shop, were the best of the bunch.

No Snow But A White Common Pheasant

Near Woodbury, Devon 
This morning whilst driving to work I came across a white Common Pheasant on a the road from four fits cross to Woodbury, Devon. I’m no expert on game shooting but I am lead to believe that these are bred as either ‘marker’ birds that are used in order for the shooter to locate the stock of birds. Or they are ‘bogey’ birds that incur a fine to the person that shoots it. Anyway its (believe it or not) the first I have seen in Devon. An interesting bird to look at. As I only had access to my iPhone I took this really awful picture.

Common Pheasant (White variation)

Bearded Vulture

BOU Decision 
I was lucky enough to see the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) up near Princetown, Devon back in May 2016. For any fellow readers that were also lucky enough to glimpse it the BOU have released their decision on whether it would be accepted to the British List.

Well bad (although probably expected) news. It has been assigned to Category E of the list. More details here. https://www.bou.org.uk/british-list/cat-e-5-feb-2018/

No news yet on the Dalmatian Pelican. I was also lucky enough to see that beast of a bird fly through Hayle estuary, Cornwall. I believe this is still in circulation with the BOU committee and no decision has been made as yet.

Another Crealy Adventure

Crealy great adventure park, Devon
Our weekly visit to Crealy to get the kids to burn off some energy. Whilst they were playing, I managed to get away for a walk around the pond. I always pray that it will produce an unusual Gull or Wildfowl species. No such luck today but couldn't resist a few iPhone pictures of some of the residents.

Mute Swan

Canada Goose

Western Jackdaw

Treecreeper And Another Failed Attempt

Bystock Pools, Devon
An hours walk around the meadow and bordering woodland area produced 2 Eurasian Nuthatch, a very vocal Male European Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a few Coal Tit and what I hoped to see, 2 Eurasian Treecreeper (my first of the year).

Exmouth seafront and quay, Devon 
Another failed look for the Bonaparte’s Gull. This is becoming a bit of a bogey bird for me this year! Nothing else of note except the usual Gull species, Eurasian Oystercatcher and Great Cormorant.


Red Crossbill In The Cold

Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon 
An hours (very cold) visit after work produced 2 Brambling in amongst the small Common Chaffinch flock, 1 calling flyover Red Crossbill was my first of the year. 1 European Green Woodpecker surprisingly again, my first of the year, 10 Redwing several Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit plus 20 Common Linnet.

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