Blewits, Balearics, and Bird Racing

If you're not interested in my Surrey Bird Race, do skip down to yesterday.  I realise my blog is rather hard going when there is a lack of pretty pictures!

5th

Today, I was back in my old stomping ground of Surrey, to take part in a fledgling bird race for what was once my local RSPB group.  Only ourselves (me and two others) were racing this year, in order to set a benchmark to try and beat, hopefully with more teams, next year.

I'd never done a bird race before, but it has always been something that appealed to me.  I have to say it well and truly lived up to expectations, and was tremendous fun!  Due to the rather frenetic style of the day, there wasn't really any time to take pictures, sorry!

We had considered cancelling as the forecast was poor, but in the end we decided to chance our arm.  We started first thing at Staines Reservoir with the sun just rising.

There had been a suite of goodies seen yesterday, so we began scanning for birds on the water.  No problem with the common wildfowl, which we mopped up in no time, but where were the scarcities?  Whilst scanning a distant flock of Tufted Duck in the south-west corner of the south basin,  I noticed a bird with very white cheeks, and a reddish head.  Smew!  We weren't expecting to get one of those!

Soon enough we had managed to find a Black-necked Grebe, and I also spotted a very distant small grebe with very white cheeks on the far shore, which I thought looked good for Slavonian Grebe.  I subsequently learnt that other birders saw it better, and confirmed my suspicions!

Just as we were about to leave, I found the male Scaup, against expectations, in one of the closer flocks of Tufties!  I was concentrating on the distant flocks!

28 species straight on the list (without any of the small birds of course, no bushes at 'The Res'!).

Site No. 2 was the small car park at Papercourt, which got us a myriad of passerines, including a large flock of Redwing, Fieldfare, and Mistle Thrush, as well as one of the only Buzzard of the day sitting on a pylon. 

Up to 45 now.

Next, we just popped round the corner to Papercourt Farm, which is where we hoped might be some Little Owl.  Incredibly, We were immediately greeted by a pair, in full glare mode!  Also in a nearby field was a bonus pair of Egyptian Goose.  The weather was holding nicely.

51 was the score.

Onto Puttenham Common, and a quick glance at Cutt Mill and The Tarn lakes.  The main target at Cutt Mill was worryingly absent on arrival, though a small flock of Mandarin were no problem. 

The first Mallard of the day was seen (!), and in the surrounding trees were Treecreeper and Nuthatch.  Siskin and Redpoll were only fly-overs.

We were just about to move on, when a sudden splash announced the arrival of 5 Goosander!  We needn't have worried, as a brief look at next door Tarn lake produced 11 more!

On a respectable 58 now.

We weren't planning it, but we thought we better quickly pop to Frensham, just to be able to say we had Glossy Ibis on our list!  The bird was no problem, and this area was really alive with other birds in addition.

62 by lunchtime.

As we arrived at the centre-piece of Surrey birding, Tice's Meadow, the rain started, plus The Mound was very exposed to a strengthening wind!

Even so, we added another 10 species, though it was frustrating that we missed Skylark, Water Rail, and Green Sandpiper, which were all present.  Chiffchaff and Snipe were the best additions.

The rain had now stopped, and we had a ponder as to what to do next, then decided to stick to our plan, and head for Crooksbury Common.  This unassuming little heath has surprised me on more than one occasion, and today was no exception, as it initially appeared rather lifeless!  We did manage to see Stonechat and Coal Tit on the walk out, but I wasn't expecting much more than that.

Then, a rather frantically-flying Feral Pigeon going over drew my attention to what was on it's tail, a Peregrine! 

Finally, we managed to witness a nice spectacle of the Finch coming to roost, including the hoped for Brambling.  At least 30 seen, and some close views too.

77 was the score now, but that was it surely?

Well, we thought so, but as we still had a little light left, we took a chance of possible Barn Owl back at Papercourt Water Meadows.  The wind was now quite strong, and a combination of that, plus the fact that the meadows were flooded, meant there was never going to be much chance of Mr Alba.  However, in the half-light, we jammed a last minute Kingfisher on the swollen river!  A fitting finale.

So, we finished on 78 species, and a cracking effort I think.  The only glaring omission then was Skylark, but it was disappointing we didn't get Water Rail, Little Egret, Grey Wagtail, or Linnet.  We were very lucky with the weather!

Nonetheless, I think we'll find it tough to beat next year! 

We raised £50 for the RSPB, and had a wonderful time.

Yesterday

Another afternoon watching Portland Harbour from Weymouth Watersports, another unexpected storm-driven seabird!

After work, I was scanning the harbour for seaduck etc., when I came across something dark shearing in the distance towards the Marina.  My initial reaction was a small Skua, but I was equally delighted to realise it was in fact a Balearic Shearwater!

It was rather an odd sight, as it flew back and forth along the south shore of the harbour, desperately looking for an exit!  At one point is was even amongst the kite-surfers!

Interesting to note this bird's behaviour, as a Skua for instance would think nothing of heading up over the beach.  Shearwater clearly will not go over land, even as thin as Chesil Beach.

A quick look from The Bill later, and I had a Balearic go west past only just beyond the rocks!  The closest one I've ever seen.

I feel sure it was the harbour bird, that had managed to get out by going back on itself.


Today

A quick look from Weymouth Watersports and at Ferrybridge produced little to shout about (except the patch tick of Ringed Plover!).  Seems odd that I barely care to mention the likes of Great Northern Diver and Red-necked Grebe these days!

I briefly popped into Chesil Cove next, where I witnessed the 'destruction' from the storm.  I put that in quotes, cause all I could see was a scatter of pebbles over the seafront path, plus the presence of Environment Agency vans.

Even though the wind has eased, the sea is still pretty spectacular.

 

I headed for The Bill once again. 

 

On the way I found a good flush of Field Blewit on the fields, which I think is in fact a lifer.  Nice to be able to report a non-bird sighting now and again!

 

 

 

On arrival at the obelisk, I couldn't resist more stormy sea shots.

 

 

There was absolutely nothing on the sea, except the usual Gannet, Kittiwake, and Auks.

 

But, I was delighted to finally see the wintering flock of 5 Purple Sandpiper with a few Turnstone.

 

They found a snug roosting place behind the cliff-edge, and they were obviously determined to play hide and seek with me!

 



 

They did eventually pop down the cliff to feed, as a news cameraman, obviously attempting to film the stormy seas, watched.  Perhaps the birds managed a 'photobomb' and will be on the news later?

 

I look forward to some calm weather to explore the Bill a bit more!

 

The Barley Bassanus

Before I get into today, here is the Balearic video from yesterday, hopefully reproduced a lot better (watch it in full-screen):

I headed out first thing this morning, not in any particular hope of anything.  I went on down the Bill, seeing little but a few Wheatear.

Seawatching could have been an option after yesterday, but the wind had weakened, and swung round to the west.  Nevertheless, I thought the best use of my time was to join the others watching from the Obs.  Not like me I know, but it did actually pay off.  Not on the sea mind, where only a trickle of Manx and Balearic Shearwater could be found, but in the bushes.  A very confiding female Pied Flycatcher allowed everyone to photograph it, as it kept coming back to a particularly exposed and well-lit perch.

 

A short video of it.

 

 

 

I had seen the scarce Fly Tachina grossa a few weeks back at the High Angle Battery, though only ID'd it some days later.  Today, I had the chance to photograph this monster, as two were trapped in the Obs lounge.  This is the largest of the Tachinid flies, and like all members of it's genus, lays it's eggs on caterpillars (I think you can guess the rest).  This species targets Oak Eggar and Fox Moth larvae.

 

 

In the late morning, early afternoon time, I went out on a walk with my Mum and Step-dad, to show them the sights.  The wildlife highlight was yet more Clouded Yellow, and finally I was able to photo one (including a rare view of it's upperwing!).

On the East Cliffs near Cheyne Weares, we found this rather beautiful mineral encrustation on a cliff face, something I'd not noticed previously.

 



 

And a walk around Church Ope Cove produced this Portland plant tick of Common Calamint.

 

We were just getting back to the flat along Barleycrates Lane, when I noticed a white flapping thing in the corner of my eye.  All I initially saw was a large white bird with black wing-tips, floundering about in the barley field.  My first reaction was a Snow Goose or some kind of Feral Goose (they're kept up the road).  But, it soon became apparent that it was actually an adult Gannet!

 

I called the Obs.  No answer.  What to do?  I had to go and tackle the thing myself. 

 

So, I went traipsing through this field (probably trespassing) with a blanket.  It was amazingly difficult to locate at first, but once found, it was fairly easy to capture.  It growled at me as they do, but I just threw the blanket over it's head, and quickly grabbed it's beak!  Although unsuccessfully at first, as it grabbed my finger through the blanket!  I did manage to subdue it in the end, and carried it under one arm back to the car park. 

 

My Mum and Step-dad kindly drove me to the Obs.  If they hadn't been there I'm not sure what I would've done.  Quite possibly chucked the thing into the back of my camper and driven (carefully) down there!

 

Once at the Obs, it became apparent that Martin the warden was out for the afternoon!  Myself and the visiting ringer put it into a small metal cage, and it seemed quite happy.  It had no obvious injuries.  The ringer consulted the books, and reckons the bird is a 5 year-old female.  I waited patiently in the hope that Martin would get back soon and be able to release it that afternoon.  Sadly not, but hopefully, all being well, it will be released tomorrow morning.  How it came to be in the barley field remains a mystery.

Now excuse me while I have a bath, to rid myself of all the Lice which decamped from the bird, when they decided I would make an excellent new home!

Fea'ld

That title relies on you pronouncing Fea's as 'Fay-uz', rather than 'Fee-uz' or 'Feez' (which just so happens to be one of the topics of conversation that kept us seawatchers going this afternoon).  The title also requires you to read the last two letters as L and D rather than ID, which is what it looks like.

Yeah, it's not such a great pun of a title if I have to explain it I guess. Anyway, on with the catch up!

13th:

There had been a bit of a fall on the island, as I realised when I went to work via Barleycrates Lane and found several Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.  So, I decided to cover as much ground as I could.  I went first to Verne Common, where the absolute jungle of vegetation was a nightmare to cover as usual.  I bumped into a guy who had seen a Spotted Flycatcher, though it failed to show itself to me.  I did at the very least see a Lesser Whitethroat, which could conceivably be one of the local birds, rather than I migrant.  Whatever, it was virtually the only small bird I saw there!

I took a quick look at Old Hill and then Pennsylvania Castle woods in the vain hope of a Wood Warbler, though found only more Willow Warbler, one of which did it's best to sound like a Greenish!

After a further exploration of the woods, I did a short circuit around the Bill area, and did at least bump into a Whinchat at the Privet Hedge, as well as a few Wheatear.

14th:

All I managed today was a short seawatch in the evening, as the wind strength and direction looked promising.  As usual, it was slow, but I did at least see an Arctic Skua, and a few Balearic Shearwater.

15th:

Literally, all I could bear to do today in terms of birding was to stick my head out the window of the flat to see what was airbourne!  I've already managed to get Peregrine, Raven, and Black-tailed Godwit on the 'Flat list', and today I even managed to scope a Gannet!  I also saw a few Swift, which shortly will start to become rather notable, plus a pair of talon-grappling Sparrowhawk.

16th:

I did an extended looped walk today, taking in Reap Lane, Top Fields, Culverwell, followed by Suckthumb Quarry and Barleycrates Lane on the way back.  Other than a few Wheatear, no notable birds were seen.

At various sites, and at different times, different species of butterfly have been the most numerous.  I have already experienced the Chalkhill Blue, Marbled White, Green-veined White, and Common Blue 'phases'.  Today I found that walking along any rocky path, Wall Brown were the most numerous (I realise some of you would be delighted to see just one in the area you live [I never saw one in Surrey]).  Amongst these, I found probably the most tatty butterfly I have ever seen, and it could still fly fine!

 

Many weeks ago I found the area of Wild Cabbage growing on the West Weares by the flat.  In my plant book it states that Wild Cabbage leaves are always 'ravaged by the caterpillars of the Large White butterfly'.  Up to now, I'd seen no evidence of this at all.  That was until I found these eggs on one particular plant.

 

The traps at the Obs were not particualry bursting, though I did finally get my chance to improve on my appalling photo of a Chinese Character a while back.  Surely the best 'bird poo-mimic' in the business!

 

On the walk back I found this very confiding and conveniently-placed Grasshopper, though I wish I knew the species!

 

 

17th

 

So, today was initially shaping up as a brilliant one for seawatching.  I was contemplating rushing down to Cornwall after work, to at least get a few hours in at the famous Porthgwarra.  As it happens, it wasn't quite the mega seawatch that everyone was predicting and no news came out of the site by lunchtime, though as it turned out, I still would have got three lifers had I gone! 

 

Nonetheless, I was quite happy putting some time in at the Bill, which really felt very promising in a strengthening south-westerley.  My first couple of hours past with a steady, though unspectacular passage of Manx and Balearic Shearwater.  Things were enlivened a tad by an Arctic Skua,  followed by a juvenile Arctic Tern.  There were also a few very (fool)hardy Swift heading out to sea!  I also had the frustration of a group of four birds pass distantly, that looked all the world like three Black Tern and a Sabine's Gull.  I'm pretty certain the latter was a Kittiwake, and the Tern were probably Commic.  I was rather hoping someone else might have picked up this little group, though sadly not.

 

After taking cover at the Obs for a couple of hours as some heavy pulses of rain passed over, I headed out yet again, fresh in the knowledge that a Fea's Petrel had just passed Berry Head, which is just down the coast to the west.  Had I realised that the report referred to three hours earlier, I might not have been so intent on scanning to the west!

 

There were still plenty of Shearwater passing, though rather strangely, all were now heading east, rather than west as earlier.  I managed to get some footage of a Balearic Shearwater passing.  I've just realised that the quality of this Blogger video is appalling!  I'll have to put it on YouTube and post it again sometime.  You can actually tell what the bird is in the original video, honest!

 



 

The wind continued at full pace, but numbers were still not as hoped.  We did manage to get 2 more Arctic Skua together, plus a total of 3 Great Skua by the evening.  I also saw three Common Tern pass by during a period of particularly heavy Gannet and Fulmar passage (the three Terns I saw earlier going back?).  Martin managed somehow to pick out a distant Sooty Shearwater, though I only just saw the bird before it disappeared behind the rocks, and couldn't get any detail.  Hopefully, there's more of those to come!  No Fea's appeared, and there was I rather looking forward to gripping Joe off! ;-)

 

The weather is quietening down in the next few days, which may reduce seabird passage, but may hopefully improve passerine migration.

 

(and just in case you still haven't got the title, it's supposed to sound like 'failed'!  Like, what the pun has just done!)