Baikal Teal

Greylake, Somerset 

Having only fluked some flight views of the Baikal Teal. I decided to give the bird one more go. I arrived at the left hide and was told it had not long been flushed but looked to drop to the left. After a little bit of scanning I stumbled upon the bird with it in full view. I excitedly shouted "Got it" and panic ensued with many in the hide. It was difficult to give directions with the hundreds of birds on view but with a bit of help from Dave Boult. We managed to get people on to the bird. It slept pretty much all the time we were on it bar another quick lift of the head so pretty rubbish record shots. However, if you look carefully (especially the second photo), you can see the vertical white strip on its breast and the darker head colour can be seen in both pictures.. Also on site were Western Marsh Harrier, Great Egret, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Snipe. 

Baikal Teal 

Baikal Teal 

Baikal Teal

Greylake, Somerset 

I finally saw the Baikal Teal on my 4th attempt yesterday. Only a brief and very lucky to pick out flight view but a view non the less. Also good views of Western Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Great Egret, European Golden Plover and Common Snipe.

Baikal Teal

Greylake, Somerset 

I had the day off do I thought I would give the Baikal Teal another go as I dipped 2 Sundays ago but only had 1 hour on that attempt. Sadly, I spent 4 cold hours waiting with no joy. However, good views of a pair of Bearded Reedling, a Water Rail a few Western Marsh Harrier and a Great Egret. I'm sure the Baikal Teal won't be going anywhere for a while so I will give it another go soon. 

Western Marsh Harrier 

North Curry, Somerset 

On the way home I quickly pulled into a lay by just when you get on to the minor road from the A361 and managed quick bin views of 2 Whooper Swan.

Whooper Swan 

River Warbler

Ham Wall, Somerset 

The lure of this amazing lifer was too great today so I popped up this evening. I also gained a companion for the trip. Kevin Hale joined me for this great bird. Once on site and on route a fellow birder advised us its really showy, so we were confident we would see it. We could hear the bird reeling on our approach and we're on to the bird before even setting up scopes. The reports say "showing well" and they aren't lying. The whole time we were there it only went into cover for around 15 minutes. I wish every lifer was as easy as this. Also on site was a stunning Male Western Marsh Harrier, 1 Great Egret and plenty of Common Swift. On the way back to the car Kevin got a Eurasian Bittern that I missed. A great bird and great to meet and chat with Kevin. A very enjoyable evening.

River Warbler 

River Warbler 

River Warbler 

Garganey

Undisclosed site near Lower Durlston, Somerset 

I had the day off today (well earned after an 11 hour shift yesterday). I have been longing to get to the levels so off I popped. I headed for Ham Wall but topped off at a place I know is good for Common Nightingale. After a bit of hanging around, it was obvious I wasn't going to get lucky today. 

Ham Wall, Somerset 

I walked up to the first viewing platform and was treated to Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler on the way. On arrival I was informed of a Male Garganey. The bird was sleeping but I enjoyed the views. 3 Western Marsh Harrier put in an appearance soon after arriving as did 3 Great Egret. I short wait produced a lovely flyby Eurasian Bittern. An equally nice flyby Eurasian Hobby and as I was leaving a Common Whitethroat popped up and treated me to a song. A few Orangetip Butterfly was also pottering about. 

Shapwick Heath, Somerset 

I took a walk up to Noahs lake and on the way up, bumped into a local that advised there were 3 Little Gull on the lake. You cant yet get into the hide but I did manage to see the 3 via various gaps. Also on site were, 1 Western Marsh Harrier and 3 Great Egret. On the Butterfly front there were a few Common Brimstone and a single Peacock. 

Garganey (Male)

Great Egret

Laughing Gull Dip

Chew Valley Lake
I had a look around for the Laughing Gull. This morning but despite trying several locations around the lake, I failed. Did see a female Western Marsh Harrier, 3 Great Egret, a pair of Common Goldeneye and good numbers of Mew Gull.

Great Egret And Whooper Swan

Greylake, Somerset
A very rare occurrence happened today. I had a few hours to myself. So I popped across the border in hope of the Garganey. After a decent search, I was unable to locate.I did see a few Great Egret, Common Shipe and Northern Pintail.

Curry Moor, Somerset
Despite some closed roads due to flooding I managed to find a spot to look for the Whooper Swans. After a bit of a look I was able to positively ID 2 birds as they were incredibly distant, even for the scope.

Spotted Crake

Greylake, Somerset 

I had a day off so me and Pete went to Somerset for the Spotted Crake. Very soon after arriving at the hide the bird showed extremely well very close to the hide. Rob and Steph Murphy arrived as it was showing and we all got superb views. Also on site was a Great Egret and a Eurasian Hobby was around the car park.

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Ham Wall, Somerset 

Next stop off to look for the Black-winged Stilt. We made our way to the second viewing platform to stake it out. A Great Egret popped in as did a Western Marsh Harrier. A few Waders kept us entertained with a Green Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. Rob and Steph joined us after a while but relocated to widen the search and up our chances. Unfortunately the bird was nowhere to be seen. 

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.

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.

Great Egret

Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon 

As I pass here on my commute to work it seemed really rude not to call in to see the reported Great Egret after work. The bird showed nicely if not distantly at the back of the lagoon from the hide. This is my second bird this year in Devon after a surprise one at Bowling Green Marsh back in February.

A Nice Surprise

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
I popped to the hide first thing before work in the hope of catching up with the reported Glossy Ibis. Fellow birder Dave Stone was already in the hide and I soon discovered that there was no sign of the bird. Dave kindly updated me on a few highlights on the reserve which included circa 150 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Pied Avocet. Dave was still in the hide when I left, so he may have added to that list. As we were chatting I could see that Dave had clocked something over my shoulder, so I turned to look in the direction he was looking (left of the hide). We both saw a large white bird flying out of the tree line and head towards Darts Farm. At first I simply thought “Swan” but within a couple of seconds we both realised we were watching a Great Egret! It flew over the railway line and dropped out of site. A very good record for the reserve and I went to work a happy chappy!

Powderham Marsh, Devon
After work I done a super quick walk to the viewing platform and back. I was hoping for the Snow Goose. I know the bird is of questionable origin but I still enjoy seeing it. No joy but I spotted my first Peregrine Falcon of the year, sat on one of the pylons. Nothing much else of real note, just the usual suspects you would expect there.

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.

Common Chiffchaff

Eurasian Blackcap (Male)

Common Nightingale  

Common Nightingale  

Common Nightingale  

Common Nightingale   

Common Nightingale    

Common Nightingale  

Common Vetch   

Ground Ivy

Chinese Hawthorn  

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.

Field Mustard  

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.

Common Kingfisher

Common Kingfisher 

Garden Warbler 

Tawny Owl (Chick)

Greylag Goose 

Common Swift

Great Egret

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.

Green Heron And A Possible Black Kite

Llan Mill, Pembrokeshire
My boss was kind enough to let me have a last minute day off so that I could go and see a bird I have longed to see for some time. I missed out on the Cornwall bird in 2010 so I was determined not too miss out on this one. My mate Pete has never seen one of these either so he meet me and we headed off early. The drive up was nerve racking and we had got passed the Severn bridge and still not got news of a sighting. As with any long trip, there's always the chance of a no show so we started wondered if this was going to be a hell of a dip. We finally got the news it had been seen and you could feel the tension ease immediately. Now it was just a case of getting there and hoping it shows in the time I had there as I needed to be back in Exmouth for 5:30pm so time was of the essence.

On route, near Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire. Our minds were distracted for a few moments as we were treated to excellent low views of a Red Kite. The traffic had been more than kind to us and we arrived in good time. The bird in question is in a private garden pond on the property of local MP Simon Hart. There was the obligatory charity bucket which we gladly added to and we set up along with 40 - 50 other eager birders. I was impressed with the garden, it was a large pond and the garden looked more like a wildlife reserve. We didn't have to wait long to get our first glimpse of the bird. Phew, pressure off and job done. As my pictures show, it never came fully out in the open and the several views obtained were of it peeking through the reeds. With our boots filled we headed off and were treated to another great Red Kite near the Pembrokeshire / Carmarthenshire border.

Green Heron

Green Heron

Green Heron (Butt view)

We have even made the local paper (Left hand with Green coat)

Ham Wall, Somerset 
On the way back we both needed to stretch our legs for an hour. So we decided here would be as good a place as any to stop. We only walked up to the first viewing platform and back. On the way to the platform we were treated to views of a Eurasian Hobby (first of the year) and several Common Swift. Around the platform and surrounding trees were 2 Great Egret, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Eurasian Reed Warbler and several Eurasian Blackcap. Disappointingly, there was no sign of yesterday’s Mealy Redpoll. We left feeling a bit refreshed and on the way back (a few miles back into Devon) we encountered another Kite species. I say Kite species as this was no Red Kite. We knew straightaway from the jizz that it was Kite but the fork in the tail was small and the bird mainly dark underneath. So we think this was a Black Kite

What a cracking day! The Green Heron was a stunner of a bird and as knackered as I am writing this, it was well worth the trip. The only downside was that my folks live in Swansea that I had to pass twice on the trip and I didn't have time to even call in for a quick cuppa.

Somerset Levels

I had a day off and opted for a trip to the Somerset Levels

Ham Wall
Me and my mate Pete headed off and got to site for around 9am. The rain hadn’t hit but it was rather windy. We had only been on site 10 minutes and got a Great Egret. As we advanced around the site we were impressed by the amount of Gadwall and Common Pochard. No Eurasian Bittern seen despite hearing a few booming. 1 Cetti’s Warbler seen and several others heard. A total of 3 Western Marsh Harrier seen with 2 males and a female. We also saw a total of 4 Great Egrets and on leaving, a group of circa 20 distant Sand Martin.

Eurasian Coot

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Grey Heron

Great Egret

Common Pochard (Male and Female)  

Eurasian Teal (Male and Female) 

Gadwall (Male and Female)
Common Pochard photobomb!!

Westhay to Burtle
We had a tip off on the location of the Western Cattle Egret so we headed off on the road between the villages of Westhay and Burtle. In one of the fields we found a total of 5 birds hanging out with 10 Little Egret. A mass of Gulls were in the next field, with manly Black-headed Gull a number of Lesser Black-backed Gull and a few Mew Gull. These were all put up when a party of 3 Common Buzzard and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk flew through.

Westhay NNR
Our last stop of the day. A little disappointing as there was little on offer with the best birds being 2 Greylag Goose. I did however hear a few pings of a Bearded Reedling but couldn’t locate any birds.