St Saviours Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon
I had a quick look around this area after work. 1 White-throated Dipper, 1 Common Kingfisher, 1 Stock Dove and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Showing posts with label Common Kingfisher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Common Kingfisher. Show all posts
Common Kingfisher
Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon
I thought I would take an evening look from the tower hide in the hope the Osprey was still around. It was a no show and I believe it flew out to sea a bit earlier on. Oh well, there's always time for another. There was this stunning Common Kingfisher on show, which I always enjoy.
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| Common Kingfisher |
Mandarin Duck
Cadhay Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon
I had a wander around the bridge area mid afternoon and the first bird I heard was a Common Kingfisher and within seconds I had nice views before it Spotted me and flew off down river. Oddly, my first sightings this year. Also around the Bridge were a few Sand Martin and a Little Egret. Near the entrance to the wooded area was a busy Southern Migrant Hawker and in the wooded area were Eurasian Treecreeper and Eurasian Nuthatch.
Gosford Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon
I moved on to this area and made my way north. Last year I saw Mandarin Duck at this location and after a patient wait they are still there. Also more Sand Martin and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull. Not a Common sight here.
Exploring My Surroundings 2
Cadhay Bridge to Taleford, Devon
I had a walk along this public footpath that takes in some of the river Tale. A Common Kingfisher seen from Cadhay Bridge was my first of the year. The Common Merganser were in their usual place. Along the river Tale path was a single Grey Wagtail. In one of the fields were 3 Stock Dove. Not much else to brag about but I see this as a great spot for White-throated Dipper.
I had a walk along this public footpath that takes in some of the river Tale. A Common Kingfisher seen from Cadhay Bridge was my first of the year. The Common Merganser were in their usual place. Along the river Tale path was a single Grey Wagtail. In one of the fields were 3 Stock Dove. Not much else to brag about but I see this as a great spot for White-throated Dipper.
Merlin
Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon - 2nd December
A quick visit after work at sunset. I looked around the ponds and hide area. First bird I saw was a Common Kingfisher. My first one at this site for quite some time. From the hide were decent numbers of Brant Goose but the best bird was a Merlin hunting the pond area briefly.
A quick visit after work at sunset. I looked around the ponds and hide area. First bird I saw was a Common Kingfisher. My first one at this site for quite some time. From the hide were decent numbers of Brant Goose but the best bird was a Merlin hunting the pond area briefly.
Topsham Rec
Topsham Recreation Ground, Devon
We took the kids to play in the park so I couldn’t resist a look around. A few Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. 2 Common Greenshank, a Common Kingfisher and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolling overhead.
We took the kids to play in the park so I couldn’t resist a look around. A few Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. 2 Common Greenshank, a Common Kingfisher and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolling overhead.
Lots Of Year Ticks In Somerset
Near Lower Durston, Somerset
I popped along to a site in Somerset that I know holds Common Nightingale. I wasn’t disappointed as I had good but brief views of one bird. Also on site were a few Common Swift, Eurasian Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of Song Thrush. Also on the Dragonfly front were good numbers of Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Hodders Combe, Somerset
I have never been to this site but inspired by Dave Stones blog I thought I would give it a try. Within 10 minutes of being on site I was on to a Wood Warbler. I eventually came across 2 birds in total. Also on site was White-throated Dipper, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper and Eurasian Blackcap. I liked this site and I will visit again soon.
Ham Wall, Somerset
My last stop off to get a few more year ticks. Great flight views of Eurasian Bittern, 2 Eurasian Hobby, a flyby Common Kingfisher and a very distant Common Cuckoo. Also of note where 4 Great Egret, 2 Western Marsh Harrier, what seemed to be a larger amount of Common Swift, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Common Reed Bunting.
I popped along to a site in Somerset that I know holds Common Nightingale. I wasn’t disappointed as I had good but brief views of one bird. Also on site were a few Common Swift, Eurasian Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of Song Thrush. Also on the Dragonfly front were good numbers of Blue-tailed Damselfly.
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| Blue-tailed Damselfly |
I have never been to this site but inspired by Dave Stones blog I thought I would give it a try. Within 10 minutes of being on site I was on to a Wood Warbler. I eventually came across 2 birds in total. Also on site was White-throated Dipper, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper and Eurasian Blackcap. I liked this site and I will visit again soon.
Ham Wall, Somerset
My last stop off to get a few more year ticks. Great flight views of Eurasian Bittern, 2 Eurasian Hobby, a flyby Common Kingfisher and a very distant Common Cuckoo. Also of note where 4 Great Egret, 2 Western Marsh Harrier, what seemed to be a larger amount of Common Swift, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Common Reed Bunting.
Merlin
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I took a walk north from the White bridge to the aqueduct after work. I was hoping for Common Kingfisher. I came away not seeing one but a Merlin sat on a distant post near the aqueduct was a delightful compromise. I picked it up on binoculars by accident as I was looking at a Grey Heron. Unfortunately, it few before I could get my scope set up for a photo! However, a few fields down was an obliging Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
I took a walk north from the White bridge to the aqueduct after work. I was hoping for Common Kingfisher. I came away not seeing one but a Merlin sat on a distant post near the aqueduct was a delightful compromise. I picked it up on binoculars by accident as I was looking at a Grey Heron. Unfortunately, it few before I could get my scope set up for a photo! However, a few fields down was an obliging Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
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| Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Female) |
Some Somerset Stuff
Oathe, Somerset
I had a work meeting in Somerset today and after it finished I popped to this area for half an hour as it was around the corner. The reason for the visit was that I had heard there were Whooper Swans here. I couldn’t find any but I was impressed by the amount of Northern Lapwing in the area. I didn’t do an accurate count but it was was in the several hundreds. I walked along the road and flushed a Common Kingfisher and best of all a Jack Snipe. There were also a decent amount of Redwing and Fieldfare.
Swell Wood, Somerset
I also popped into this RSPB reserve for 10 minutes. I didn’t leave the car park as someone had dropped Seed all over the place and there was a real feeding frenzy of woodland birds. Lots of Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit and Great Tit with a couple of Marsh Tit mixed in. Also a Eurasian Nuthatch and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker. This seemed like a really nice reserve and has a Heronry lookout hide.
I had a work meeting in Somerset today and after it finished I popped to this area for half an hour as it was around the corner. The reason for the visit was that I had heard there were Whooper Swans here. I couldn’t find any but I was impressed by the amount of Northern Lapwing in the area. I didn’t do an accurate count but it was was in the several hundreds. I walked along the road and flushed a Common Kingfisher and best of all a Jack Snipe. There were also a decent amount of Redwing and Fieldfare.
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| Fieldfare |
I also popped into this RSPB reserve for 10 minutes. I didn’t leave the car park as someone had dropped Seed all over the place and there was a real feeding frenzy of woodland birds. Lots of Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit and Great Tit with a couple of Marsh Tit mixed in. Also a Eurasian Nuthatch and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker. This seemed like a really nice reserve and has a Heronry lookout hide.
Nightingales, Bitterns And Lots Of Cool Stuff
Bridgewater and Taunton Canal near Lower Durston, Somerset
There is a little spot I know of on this canal that holds a few Common Nightingale. I got there to be greeted with the delightful song and encountered stonking views of 2 individuals. Also around the area were a few Eurasian Blackcap and Common Chiffchaff.
Greylake, Somerset
As this was just around the corner, I popped in for a quick look around. I didn’t stay long as I struggle with this reserve. I have only been a few times but I find the reserve hard work as I seem to be looking at head height reed all the time. I did see a few Eurasian Reed Warbler though.
Ham Wall, Somerset
My next stop was just up the road at Ham Wall. I have visited a few times this year but not seen Eurasian Bittern so this species plus Common Cuckoo were my priority birds. It was rather busy today but it didn’t deter the birds. The first bird of note was a Great Egret, I eventually racked up 10 by the time I left. I was treated to a Male Marsh Harrier next and numerous Common Swift were screaming above. In fact there were so many Common Swift I lost count of the numbers. Next I managed to get one of my 2 bogey birds of this year in the form of a Common Kingfisher... phew. Typically (once you see one the flood gates open) I ended up seeing 2 birds. I had heard both my target birds calling by this point so I kept going to the Avalon hide being treated to quite a few Garden Warbler and Eurasian Blackcap. There were no sightings of either species at the hide but I was delighted to see a ball of fluff... I mean Tawny Owl chick. A gorgeous looking thing indeed. I moved back to the Tor View Hide and I was instantly treated in flight views of a Common Cuckoo and within a minute 2 flight views of Eurasian Bittern (its like waiting for a bus). There were a lot of Eurasian Reed Warbler around the Reserve and several Cetti’s Warbler giving it large (as they do).I was surprised not to see a Eurasian Hobby though. With my boots filled I stopped for a coffee and ate my lunch before heading off elsewhere.
Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon
As I left Ham Wall I decided I would head back to Exmouth and check the sea as conditions looked pretty good. I watched for around an hour and half and managed a few good sightings. First off were 2 Great Skua that were rather distant and didn’t hang about but enjoyable all the same. Tern activity got good at one point with circa 20 Sandwich Tern and a couple of Commic Tern. In amongst this was a Little Tern, this surprised me a little as I though this should be on a breeding ground by now. Then I picked out a bird that looked to have a different jizz to it. It always stayed distant so I couldn’t get a full positive ID but it was looked a tad smaller than Sandwich Tern and looked to have shorter wings and a slower and shallower flight pattern. My only thought is a Roseate Tern. Looking at BirdGuides there have been a couple reported so it’s possible this was indeed one but as I mentioned, I couldn’t get enough on it. During my time there around 20 Manx Shearwater passed through, all heading west and 1 Auk species and a single Northern Fulmar.
When all is said and done, a rather productive and very enjoyable day out.
There is a little spot I know of on this canal that holds a few Common Nightingale. I got there to be greeted with the delightful song and encountered stonking views of 2 individuals. Also around the area were a few Eurasian Blackcap and Common Chiffchaff.
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| Common Chiffchaff |
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| Eurasian Blackcap (Male) |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Nightingale |
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| Common Vetch |
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| Ground Ivy |
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| Chinese Hawthorn |
As this was just around the corner, I popped in for a quick look around. I didn’t stay long as I struggle with this reserve. I have only been a few times but I find the reserve hard work as I seem to be looking at head height reed all the time. I did see a few Eurasian Reed Warbler though.
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| Field Mustard |
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| Common Comfrey |
Ham Wall, Somerset
My next stop was just up the road at Ham Wall. I have visited a few times this year but not seen Eurasian Bittern so this species plus Common Cuckoo were my priority birds. It was rather busy today but it didn’t deter the birds. The first bird of note was a Great Egret, I eventually racked up 10 by the time I left. I was treated to a Male Marsh Harrier next and numerous Common Swift were screaming above. In fact there were so many Common Swift I lost count of the numbers. Next I managed to get one of my 2 bogey birds of this year in the form of a Common Kingfisher... phew. Typically (once you see one the flood gates open) I ended up seeing 2 birds. I had heard both my target birds calling by this point so I kept going to the Avalon hide being treated to quite a few Garden Warbler and Eurasian Blackcap. There were no sightings of either species at the hide but I was delighted to see a ball of fluff... I mean Tawny Owl chick. A gorgeous looking thing indeed. I moved back to the Tor View Hide and I was instantly treated in flight views of a Common Cuckoo and within a minute 2 flight views of Eurasian Bittern (its like waiting for a bus). There were a lot of Eurasian Reed Warbler around the Reserve and several Cetti’s Warbler giving it large (as they do).I was surprised not to see a Eurasian Hobby though. With my boots filled I stopped for a coffee and ate my lunch before heading off elsewhere.
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| Common Kingfisher |
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| Common Kingfisher |
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| Garden Warbler |
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| Tawny Owl (Chick) |
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| Greylag Goose |
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| Common Swift |
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| Great Egret |
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| Great Egret |
Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon
As I left Ham Wall I decided I would head back to Exmouth and check the sea as conditions looked pretty good. I watched for around an hour and half and managed a few good sightings. First off were 2 Great Skua that were rather distant and didn’t hang about but enjoyable all the same. Tern activity got good at one point with circa 20 Sandwich Tern and a couple of Commic Tern. In amongst this was a Little Tern, this surprised me a little as I though this should be on a breeding ground by now. Then I picked out a bird that looked to have a different jizz to it. It always stayed distant so I couldn’t get a full positive ID but it was looked a tad smaller than Sandwich Tern and looked to have shorter wings and a slower and shallower flight pattern. My only thought is a Roseate Tern. Looking at BirdGuides there have been a couple reported so it’s possible this was indeed one but as I mentioned, I couldn’t get enough on it. During my time there around 20 Manx Shearwater passed through, all heading west and 1 Auk species and a single Northern Fulmar.
When all is said and done, a rather productive and very enjoyable day out.
The Otter Again
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I took another look around the white bridge area of the Otter Estuary after work. Again no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail. These are definitely my bogey birds of the year! A Cetti’s Warbler again called and showed briefly right by the bridge. A bit further north of the bridge I heard the briefest of calls of a Common Whitethroat. I couldn’t however locate it and it didn’t call again. South of the bridge I glimpsed a mating pair of Eurasian Reed Warbler. Also around the area were 2 Barn Swallow, 2 European Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
I took another look around the white bridge area of the Otter Estuary after work. Again no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail. These are definitely my bogey birds of the year! A Cetti’s Warbler again called and showed briefly right by the bridge. A bit further north of the bridge I heard the briefest of calls of a Common Whitethroat. I couldn’t however locate it and it didn’t call again. South of the bridge I glimpsed a mating pair of Eurasian Reed Warbler. Also around the area were 2 Barn Swallow, 2 European Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Cetti’s Warbler
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After a rough day at work I had a walk along the Otter. I started at the white bridge and headed north.
On arrival I was treated to a Common Kestrel sat on the wires. It’s not that often I really get to appreciate this species as I normally see them in flight or hovering. So I enjoyed watching it for a while. Then I heard the unmistakable call of the Cetti’s Warbler. No matter how many times I hear it, the call still amazes me. It’s so powerful and loud for such a small bird. I have often jumped out of my skin when one calls right beside me.
The Cetti’s Warbler showed beautifully in the reeds by the bridge but in typical Warbler fashion it nipped into the undergrowth as soon as I was about to get a picture. Needless to say it never called or showed again.
I headed off up the path. Secretly hoping for a Common Whitethroat to start singing from the bushes. This is bizarre but I have yet to see a Common Kingfisher or Water Rail this year. So I also had high hopes of both these species today. Unfortunately my luck was out with all the mentioned species. It’s early days yet thought. There wasn’t much else of note apart from the sound of a few Common Chiffchaff and Song Thrush but it was nice to be out in the sunshine and it was a lovely walk.
After a rough day at work I had a walk along the Otter. I started at the white bridge and headed north.
On arrival I was treated to a Common Kestrel sat on the wires. It’s not that often I really get to appreciate this species as I normally see them in flight or hovering. So I enjoyed watching it for a while. Then I heard the unmistakable call of the Cetti’s Warbler. No matter how many times I hear it, the call still amazes me. It’s so powerful and loud for such a small bird. I have often jumped out of my skin when one calls right beside me.
The Cetti’s Warbler showed beautifully in the reeds by the bridge but in typical Warbler fashion it nipped into the undergrowth as soon as I was about to get a picture. Needless to say it never called or showed again.
I headed off up the path. Secretly hoping for a Common Whitethroat to start singing from the bushes. This is bizarre but I have yet to see a Common Kingfisher or Water Rail this year. So I also had high hopes of both these species today. Unfortunately my luck was out with all the mentioned species. It’s early days yet thought. There wasn’t much else of note apart from the sound of a few Common Chiffchaff and Song Thrush but it was nice to be out in the sunshine and it was a lovely walk.
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| Common Kestrel (Female) |
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| Common Kestrel (Female) |
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