Valleybirding

Flushed

2012-02-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

I spent a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday on the patch this weekend and really had some superb local birding. A Jack Snipe on both days, and is a patch tick for me. I am still kicking myself that I did not get a picture of it, as it was in the stream behind the play ground area. It was only feet away but didn't see it, till I nearly stepped on it. The same happened on Saturday but his time flushed from Ingrebourne Hill. Also this weekend I had my 2rd Woodcock of the year flushed from the small paddock. The Little Owl has returned too. The Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were feeding in the same stream were it was free from ice. Unlike most of the small stream had iced over. A Buzzard was seen on both days too. I Still can't get over the Jack Snipe, nearly 18 years on the patch with out seeing one Jack Snipe. Then two come along at once.......

Female Grey Wagtail

Might do a bit more work in getting a better photo of this male Kingfisher in the future, like a temporary hide?

Glad to to see this Little Owl in its favourite tree again after weeks of not seeing a single one in the valley.

What's on your feeder?

2012-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

As the cold weather seems like its here for a while and with night time temperatures are below minus, birds are moving around bit. So this evening and like many, I made sure our garden feeders and bird table were full. Hopefully, with this cold movment I might get a garden tick Brambling or Snipe over would be nice?

Siskin

Elvedon Forest

2012-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a short break at Centre Parks in Elvedon Forest Suffolk with the family. Its one of our favourite places to go for a short break. Most of our time was spent playing Badminton, Table Tennis and swimming, so there was'nt that much time to go birding. So I made the most of the little time I had, by sitting down in the hide watching all the birds come down to a feeding station. Superb....

Siskin

Brambling

Marsh Tit

Local birding

2012-01-29T11:08:00.001-08:00

It was a cold and foggy start to the day, but a bit of Gull watching at Ferry Lane North where a few hundred Gulls were gathering on the Industry roofs soon warmed my appetite. Five species of Gull were recorded but not the Iceland Gull which I was after. So just up the road I popped into Rainham Marshes to try and get some new photos of Bearded Tit which have been on site for a while. They were seen early on in the day but I missed them. So below are some shots of a Male Stonechat, not a rare bird but a bird which was not recorded at the Ingrebourne Valley last year, probably due to the harsh winter we had. Hopefully it will make this years patch list?

Wild goose chase

2012-01-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

This week I've added Kestrel,Little Egret,Golden Plover and on friday before work White-fronted Goose to this years patch list. The Geese have been prsent for a couple of weeks in the valley but I just could'nt locate them. I Will try to get some up todate pictures of them soon......

The above photo was taken from last year

EL Sparrow and Junco

2012-01-15T01:46:00.000-08:00

Twitching. Love it or Hate it? Yesterday was the former. Why? I went along to Calshot in the New forest to see the Spanish Sparrow. It showed well. I was able to take pictures. The locals served bacon rolls and tea. Great company. Other good birds as Crossbill, Bullfinch etc. Excellent. Then down the road to the very smart Dark-eyed Junco which showed really well too. They are such a smart American Bunting. Red Kite on the way home and Paulboy and Martin Redfern to share the cost of Diesel. Bring on the next twitch.......

Spanish Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco only my second one, the first being at Dung

Male Crossbill

Buzzard just by the roadside

Jono, David and Nick at the Junco

A winter wonderland in the New Forest

Lesser White- Fronted Goose and Year listing

2012-01-08T02:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to Buckenham Marshes in Norfolk with Paul and Martin to see the LWF Goose. I dipped it last year, so when it returned again with Taiga Bean Geese at the same place, I was keen to try again. Apparently its been difficult to see again, but around 8.30am near the railway track it showed well in the scope with the Taiga and White-Fronted Geese. At times it fed along a ditch and become out of view and then reappeared showing its large white blaze on the crown, small bill and its long winged tips project beyond the tail making it obvious compared to the other geese. Also on the Reserve were Barnacle Geese, 3 Bewick Swan and although common, the sound of 1000 Golden Plover going over head is fantastic. Then on to Horsey for Common Cranes but unfortunately we could not find any, but Pink feet and Peregrine made it on our list. I turned the car around and headed to Rollesbury Broad for the Great Northern Diver which was a bit distant. Back in the car and to Lowestoft for Black T Diver, 4 Purple Sand, Med Gull and Kittiwake off shore. A quick chat with Bradders dad who was out year listing as well. Then to Roydon for 16 Waxwing which entertained us and are always great to see. A quick stop at Abberton for Smew, which we did not see but still masses of other duck and Geese. It was a long and busy day birding with Paulboy and Monkey but always a great one.

Waxwing

Purple Sandpiper at Lowestoft

New Years Day on the patch

2012-01-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

Just over for four hours on the patch (Ingrebourne Valley) and I managed a good day total of 62 species, which is my best start ever over 17 years. The bird of the day was a Adult Marsh Harrier going south, which ended up being seen at Rainham RSPB. Other than that nothing out of the ordinary, although 11 Wigeon on the first day is always good. So lets hope this year is a good one and Happy New Year to you all....

Southend Pier revisted

2011-12-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed myself so much the other day at Southend pier, today I returned again but this time with my family and Martin Redfern family too. We parked at Chalkwall and made the long walk to the pier in very windy conditions. Once at the pier the wifes and kids headed to the tea rooms and myself and Martin headed over to see the Purple sand still sitting there in the same place as the other day. As it was so windy it was just nice to get some flight shots of the gulls with some ok results. After fish and chips for lunch,we were all treated to a Starling spectacular as we watched hundreds of Starlings go to roost making all sort of shapes as they whizzed over head.

2rd Winter Med gull

1st Winter Common gull

Adult Kittiwake

The Purple Sandpiper only stayed for about five mins while we were there

Turnstone

Sanderling

Southend Pier

2011-12-27T10:42:00.001-08:00

Today I went out with Paulboy and Roger for a couple of hours at Southend. Started off with taking pictures of the Sanderling and Turnstone along the front and then caught the train to the end of the pier for great views of the Purple Sandpiper in roost with the Turnstone and of coarse the beautiful Med Gulls. Took a lot of photos today so here are just some of them.

Birding at work

2011-12-18T11:26:00.001-08:00

I've been busy working all week and all weekend, so not had time to do much birding. However Wednesday lunchtime I had 2 calling Crossbill go over where I was working in South Ockendon. This got me thinking what else I've seen while at work. Well, I am not talking about twitching the Brown Shirke in my lunch break the other year. I mean just by chance looking out of the window or driving to and from work. Here are some birds that I've seen at work : Osprey,Marsh Harrier,Bittern,Red Kite,Med Gull,Waxwing.

Waxwing on my seen list while at work ;)

Western Sandpiper at Cley

2011-12-11T08:14:00.001-08:00

I made my way up to Norfolk yesterday morning to twitch the Western sandpiper at Cley NWT and almost never made it, as my car hit some ice on a bend, for a few seconds it seemed like I was reversing the last two miles there!! Once there though things were much brighter as the sandpiper showed well with a group of Dunlin on a small spit. I was so carried away watching the peep I forgot to take some record shots of it. To me it looked like a well marked miniature Dunlin but fed much more active. I must say I'm glad it stayed as I could'nt get up there last weekend and thought it might do a Friday night bunk. The Green winged teal was on show all the time and both birds were worth the four pound fifty paid for the privilege. After that I stopped off at a few places on the way to Titchwell to try for the Arctic Redpoll but time wasn't on my side as it showed once I left Norfolk after I was there for two hours freezing in the cold. Oh well.....

The Green winged teal at Cley (Pauls ex bogey bird)

GWT

Kestrel

Black headed gull at Cley

One of many Robin at Titchwell

Making the headlines!!

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Dave, Paul and myself made headlines this week in the Barking and Dagenham Post. Well, not actual headlines page 30!! promoting Barking bay and the birds that can be seen there. So if you have not been there before come along on Saturday morning at 11.00am and the three of us are leading a walk around the site.

High tide count

2011-11-27T11:31:00.001-08:00

Today myself and Martin Redfern helped out on the High tide wader count. Organised by Dave Mo. We done ok considering the windy conditions. So here are the results. 415 Dunlin,321 Black tailed Godwit,40 Redshank,4 Lapwing,7 Snipe. Also at the Stone Barges were Rock pipit and a very smart Water pipit. These photographs show how important structures are for roosting birds at high tide and need safe guarding.

Barking Bay

2011-11-24T12:40:00.001-08:00

I visted Barking Bay again at the weekend and have started to enjoy this great site. Over the months and years Dave and Paul have found some great birds and I hope that I can too in the future as I am going to visit the Bay more often. I will still bird the Valley aswell and by having these two sites it keeps me interested enough to bird more locally, instead of travelling miles in the car for a days birding.

Short - Eared Owls

2011-11-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

With calm and bright conditions this afternoon I choose to go look at the Short- Eared Owls at Rainham Marshes instead of going to see the Humes yellow brow in Suffolk which I still need, and to be honest I can wait for tick. Four Owls were on show and two of them showed really well. One of them marking a very unusual noise when it saw me sitting in the long grass as it went over my head. It beats sitting in the car for five hours any day. So the Humes will have to wait.

(click on photos to enlarge)

S E O

2011-11-14T12:12:00.001-08:00

On Sunday most of my time was watching our daughter play hockey at Wimbledon in a tournament but I still managed to get out and see two Short Eared Owls. Although it was nearly dark, here are some record shots.

Ring ring

2011-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Standing on a rubbish tip early on a Saturday morning is not everybodies cup of tea! But I really enjoyed myself, so here are few more photos from the ringing session at Rainham Marshes landfill site.

Gull ringing at Rainham Marshes

2011-11-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Firstly I would like to thank Paul Roper and the North Thames Gull group for a fantastic day spent at Rainham Marshes landfill site, where I was able to take part in ringing gulls. Once Paul went through health and safety, I was able to see the experienced ringers go about there work. Before we even started I noticed a group of Swans going West, which turned out to be 8 Whopper Swans a great start for the day. Also a 1w Caspian Gull put in a brief appearance too. It was great handling and seeing the gulls close, from start to finish it was fun, educational and gave a real insight to gull ringing and something I would like to carry on doing in the future.

The nets laid out and ready to go

A Lesser Black backed gull leaving its mark on my arm

Yellow legged gull

While the others went back, Paul boy, David Callahan and myself waited for our lift back and it was a real stroke of luck as we watched six Yellow legged gulls and a cracking Adult Mediterranean Gull all feed on the fresh rubbish which had just been dumped. While the lorries were moving back and forth the gulls would move out of the way but the Med Gull would always return to the same spot.

Yellow legged Gull

Short eared Owl surprise

2011-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, we held our local bird meeting up the pub. I say meeting, its just the local birders getting together and having to many beers and eating takeaways that we would not order, if we were sober. As the meeting or piss up went on till late, I didn't have a early start on the patch. The Valley didn't throw up any surprises, just 12 Redpoll, Fieldfare and 4 cracking Bullfinch were the highlights.So I went home for bit of lunch and about 3.30pm made my way to Rainham Marshes to look for Short eared Owls as Dick had a couple last week. Within minutes I had 3 birds hunting in front of me, not close but really great views, Poor light for pictures but stunning views.

Late Wheatear at Rainham Marshes

2011-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of hours at Rainham Marshes this afternoon just along the foreshore, where this confiding Wheatear showed down to about 3 Meters. I think it looks good for Greenland. What do you think? Also seen Spot Redshank,Grey Plover and a couple of Dunlin being the Wader highlights.
(Click on to enlarge)

29 years ago was the first time I saw a Wheatear and still enjoy watching them

Birding in the dark

2011-10-28T11:31:00.001-07:00

I've been so busy working latley that I've not done that much birding, but when I have been able to get out its nearly always dark on the patch. Wednesday evening taking the dog out for a walk at 8.15pm had a Woodcock go over calling and had a Barn Owl too this week. So what else is there in the dark?

I wasn't the only one out on the patch in the evenings

It could be better

2011-10-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Was on the patch this morning and for the three hours there it was a bit quite. With few Siskin, Redpoll and a couple of Kingfisher being note worthy, that was it really. Even the camera seemed like I was carrying it round for a fashion accessory. But that's patch birding for you. Some times its great and some times, like this morning, its shit. I did however add Rook on Thursday evening for the patch year list, making it 110 so far. Yes, a bloody Rook has taken me only ten months to get. Anyway I might find something good soon?

See you soon?

2011-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went up to Norfolk to try and see the Rufous Tailed Robin with Paul and Monkey, but unfortunately it had moved on. With five hundred other birders there I wasn't the only one disappointed, did it spoil my day? No! With a day list of Blue throat, Yellow Browed, Raddes Warbler, Merlin, Curlew Sandpiper and some Viz Mig we had a great days birding. Would I swap a tick for a good days birding? Never.

Brent Geese

Closer than close

2011-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Starling pictures were taken at Wells Quay, where we all enjoyed the best fish and chips in Norfolk. The Starlings thought so too, as a large flock gathered around us for dinner. They may be common but still very smart. The Black headed Gull and Knot was from Titchwell.

The above picture was taken by Martin Redfern showing how close the Arctic Skua was at Titchwell. A moment that I won't forget for along time. Stunning.

On the beach with Sanderling

2011-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Although the weekend in Norfolk did not provide nice calm conditions for taking photographs or winds from the East to find some good birds. I still enjoyed myself laying down in the sand trying to get some pictures of these fast running waders as they came close and then decided to sprint past me.

Arctic Skua at Titchwell

2011-10-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple of shots of a Arctic Skua at Titchwell Norfolk on Saturday. This cracking looking bird flew over my and Dave Mo's head giving us our best views ever. Martin Redfern was also there, and managed to get some shots of the dark phase skua going over our heads. After getting such close views of the Skua, I think its going to be a long time till we get better views of one.

The weekend was also spent with Paul, Monkey and Jono, so there will be more photos to follow . Thanks lads for great weekend.

Sandhill Crane in Suffolk

2011-10-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Amazingly the Sandhill Crane was still in Suffolk this morning, as I thought it would keep moving south which its been doing all week. So Paul and myself went for a after work twitch to try and connect with this stunning looking bird as both of us could not go on Sunday. We were treated with great flight views and watched it feeding about 200 meters away. STUNNING......

You may of guessed that the last few photos on the blog are digiscoped pictures, its because I dropped the camera Lens and its being fixed at the moment, and I am really missing it and hope to get it back soon.

Semipalmated Sandpiper

2011-10-01T06:37:00.001-07:00

All week there had been some twitchable Semi p's around, so I was hoping to twitch one this weekend after a small influx from North America. Luckly I did'nt have to go far, as Paul Wood found one at Coalhouse Fort Essex. Paul has also found some other great bird's in the past on his patch and many have been tick's for me. It was nice being the first person there to congratulate him. It showed well with some great scope views. It looked more stockier than a little stint, which it was some times feeding with. The primarys were level with its tail. It had dark lores and a clear cut supercilium and its breast sides were more diffusely streaked than the Little Stint. This was a very smart juvenile Semi P. Also the bird could be the one that was found last week at Cliff, which is only a stone throw away.

Honey Buzzard over

2011-09-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

Today at 4.40pm a Honey Buzzrd was being mobbed by 4 Crows over my garden and went NE towards the Ingrebourne Valley. Which was a garden and patch tick. Honey Buzzards have a narrow head and neck,longer tail and a more elastic flight action than the more Common Buzzard that we normally get over the garden/patch.

Raptor watch point (my garden)

Pallid Harrier in Essex

2011-09-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

While some of my birding friends enjoyed some quality birds in the Isle of Scilly today, Paul,Monkey,Dick and Myself enjoyed a quality bird at Colne point Essex. A juvenile Pallid Harrier. After an hour wait, we had great scope views of the harrier going over the fields and reed channels. The under parts was a nice rufous colour and you could pick out the light collar.A great bird for Essex and a very nice find for someone? Also seen there were two Marsh Harriers, one which was wing tagged with a white tag on is left wing.

Well Choughed

2011-09-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

The pair of Chough in Cornwall was the best view I've had ever had. In the past they all have been fly overs. What was a bit of a surprise, is the amount of colour rings each bird has on each leg?

Showing well

2011-09-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures from the weekend, why can't it always be this good...

This Sabine's gull was on KGV reservoir

Cornwall for 24hrs

2011-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

The weather forecast looked good for the weekend in Cornwall, so Paul, Monkey and myself made the trip down over night on Friday. Saturday morning we were sea watching at Porthgwarra and had great time. The highlight being a Great Shearwater as it pasted inside of the runnel stone. I must do more sea watching I really enjoy it. After adding to our year lists we checked out the Black Kite in Polgigga, which showed well over Bosistow farm. Then on to Drift Reservoir where the Pectoral Sandpiper showed really well. Such a lovely bird close up and too were the other waders there. So for now, here are some shots from the weekend and will update more in the next day or two.

Whinchat passage

2011-09-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

With numbers of Whinchat into double figures, we are having the best year of passage of these smart birds. What is also good about this year of Whinchat is they are being found all over the valley. Like most Whinchats this individual did not let me get too close, even when I was crawling along the floor like a commando and dodging the horse poo, they always move a bit further away as you get near.

Western Bonelli's Warbler at Cromer

2011-08-28T00:58:00.001-07:00

It was third time lucky for Monkey and myself to twitch a Bonelli's Warbler.On Friday, news broke that a Bonelli's had been seen at Warren Wood Norfolk.So Saturday morning we were on the road at 5am, and some six hours later we had great views of the Bonelli's in with the tit flock feeding in the Sycamore tree's. Although some of us had brief views before that,we could'nt be 100% sure of it's true identity due to the weather conditions, it was pissing down most of the time but, Once the rain cleared and the sun came out it was worth the wait. After getting some record shots, Martin and I made a short trip up the road for the escaped Burrowing Owl in the field next to the caravan park. I've not seen one before and although it's plastic ie: it's an escape, it was still nice to see. What was also good about the day, was the good company of Paul boy,Bradders and jono we always a good laugh.

(click on to enlarge)

A escaped Burrowing Owl

Bloody Computers

2011-08-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the computer is now working after two weeks,and I must admit that I've missed it.Most of the action on the patch is from the top paddock, where Wheatear,Whinchat and Yellow wagtails have returned. Also a Peregrine has been seen a few times. Went on a twitch on Wednesday for a Bonnelli's Warbler but dipped it at Dungeness, but still had a nice evening birding with Monkey and Bradders. However we did see 2 Black redstart, 2 Redstart, Whinchat and Wheatear.

Subalpine Warbler

2011-08-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

It was a bit of a rush this evening after work but, I wanted to see the Subalpine Warbler, which was showing well on and off all day at Holland Haven Essex. So I met dick on the way and Martin Redfern there. It showed straight away, as it fed along the hedges of the car park and seemed to like the Blackberry bushes. A very bright male it was too, but not sure yet if its eastern or western, so I will have to have a little read up on that one. As I was in so much of a rush I forgotten my camera bag, a school boy error. After good views we made our way to the scape and had good views of Woodsand, Grenshank, Blackwit, Snipe etc. Not bad for a Monday night ;).
>
Picture by Paul Hawkins

Macro Lens

2011-08-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

As its been quite on the patch bird wise, its times like these I should have a Macro Lens, it would be a lot easier.

Red-eyed damselfly

Common blue damselfly

More from Norfolk

2011-08-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

A Seal trip in Norfolk from Morston Quay was enjoyed by all the family, as we saw over a hundred Grey and Common seal on Blakeney Point.

I would like one of these on the patch. I just think there so smart Little Terns.I could watch them all day long.

A Bedstraw Hawk moth was a tick for me, seen at Holme

Avocets at Titchwell.

Norfolk

2011-08-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a weeks holiday in sunny north Norfolk with the family. Where the weather was fantastic. Most days were spent relaxing on the beaches like Holkham,Hunstanton and Holme or going on long coastal walks to Wells,Thornham and Cley. Here are some shots for now and more will follow soon. Other highlights were a cracking Montagu's Harrier which flew over our car very low, Spoonbills at Cley and the seal trip at Blakeney.

(click on photos to enlarge)

A young Meadow Pipit at Cley

A Ruff at Titchwell

Juv Common Tern

Little Tern

Common Terns

Avocet

Black tailed Godwit

Juv Moorhen

Window cill bay

2011-07-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

It was a nice surprise this morning to see a Chiffchaff in the garden. Only the second one I've had in 17years. It stayed for about an hour and even started singing. With the nice weather, I done some sky watching and recorded Common Buzzard,Hobby and a few Sparrowhawk over.

Quite before the storm?

2011-07-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

With the water levels high at the viewing area the waders have been pushed off. So I've been checking the other areas of the valley and a Barn Owl was the only good bird this week.

A young female Green Woodpecker feeding on Ants.

A buff tip moth was at our front door this week. With its markings mimicking a broken twig.

Cow's suit

2011-07-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've cracked it. I am gonna make millions. Forget the camouflage gear and get a valley cow suit, why? Well for the last few weeks on the patch I've noticed that the birds on the viewing area are not bothered by cattle grazing and they can get within meters of them, unlike us birders. As there is a fence around the area to stop disturbance, photography can be difficult because of the distance you are away, but if I was dressed as cow I would be able to get much closer without the birds taking flight. Only one problem, I need someone else as mad as me to wear this suit!!!!

A juvenile Black-headed gull looking very smart last night on the patch, showing its rufous upperparts and the first one of the year in the valley.

The Greenshank has been around for more than 10 days now.

Return Passage

2011-07-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

With nine Green sandpipers and Two Greenshank, the viewing area is still pulling in waders in the last few days. Greenshank is a scarce bird in the valley and we have recorded a few already this year. So hopefully more will follow.

Wren

2011-07-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Friday evening our garden wren was busy feeding its chicks.

Repetitive

2011-06-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

The last five days on the patch has only produced a Green Sandpiper which is new in, other than that its the same birds being seen. Sunday morning I managed to see five White Letter Hairstreaks but they always stayed in the canopy, so did not get any good pics. So I had to make do with the following below which are common but still smart.

Male banded demoiselle

Female banded demoiselle

Back to Patch

2011-06-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

The idea of getting up early was to try and get some shots of the Common Terns. As I've been watching them feed on one of the lake in the valley all week, but this morning they choose to feed on one of the other lakes. So only managed a couple of shots as they were to far away. It's always the same with birding it's so unpredictable. So to see the Little Owl again after not seeing one for a while it was great to just sit down and enjoy some close views.Also seen this morning Kingfisher,Cuckoo.

Recent pictures

2011-06-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Below are some pictures of Herring Gulls from a recent trip to Kent.

Rock and Roller

2011-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the worst record shot your likely going to see of this unmistakable bird.

Well yesterday after work, I was able to go and see the Roller in Suffolk. A bird that I've wanted to see for a long time in Britain,even as a young boy looking at my (Oxford Book of Birds) thinking WOW and I was not disappointed. After an hour watching it on the boundary fence and high five with Monkey,Dick,Paul Boy and young Bradders. I made my way back home via Burger King at Ipswich for dinner with some of the locals, thats local Rooks who shared my chips with me. In return for some close up views.

Sun sea and Fulmars

2011-06-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Having enjoyed a great day out at Broadstairs in Kent with the family. We drove a short distance away and got some amazing views of Fulmar as they glided along the cliffs and at times some of closest views I've ever had.

Broad-billed sandpiper

2011-05-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

On Saturday myself and Paul made our way to Breydon water in Norfolk to see the Broad-billed sandpiper, after searching through the large amount of Sandling,Turnstone,Dunlin and Ringed plover it was clear this was going to be my third one I have dipped this smart wader. So we drove south and went looking for some of our British breeding birds and the first stop was Lowestoft harbour for the Kittiwake colony.

Please click on picture to enlarge

Kittiwake

A young Dartford warbler waiting for food. After our cold winter this year the Dartford warblers seem to be doing ok on Dunwich heath.

One of many Woodlark that were seen and heard at Dunwich heath

Good Times

2011-05-22T01:39:00.001-07:00

Saffron and Simon King 2008

Martin dipping Ptarmigan 2010 Scotland

Monkey and Jono having just seen the Two Bar Crossbill in 2008

The lads on tour in the Isles of Scilly 2009

The camera never lies 2009

Temmincks Stint at the viewing area

2011-05-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight Dick Jeffree found a Temmincks Stint at the viewing area our first for the site.Its another great passage bird to be found and goes to show what again can turn up on any local patch if you put the effort in. We have been checking the viewing area regularly this spring and this makes up for the times when we see nothing.....Again some poor record shots below.

Steve,Rob,and Dave Mo

Dave,Dick and Paul boy

Whinchat in the paddock

2011-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well....in my last post I was talking about that my next new bird in the Valley would be wader but I couldn't have been more wrong, as on Friday Dave McGough found a Nightingale singing. It's been a couple of years since our last one so is was great to see and hear these beautiful birds return. An afternoon walk at the valley today produced a cracking spring male whinchat in the top paddock on the fence and below is a record shot of it.

Male Whinchat

Willow Warbler

Ton up

2011-05-04T11:39:00.001-07:00

This evening at the Ingrebourne, I added Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, which brings my total so far this year to 100 species for the patch. With the Viewing area looking really good, we could add another wader following on from the weekend birds. The Greenshank was still there tonight with 2 Green Sandpiper.

Garden Warbler
Hobby

Bar-tailed Godwit at the valley

2011-05-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

On checking the viewing area this morning at about ten o'clock I had 7 Snipe feeding at the back, which was a nice start but when I walked around to the black bridge to get a different angle on the viewing area a Bar-tailed Godwit was asleep in front of me "Bloody Hell" as its a site first, I rang the others straight away and Dave Mo,Dick Jeffrees and Les quickly came to see it and luckily it stayed for all to see. As for wader records go in the Ingrebourne any wader is good, just hope more are on there way.

Back to Rainham Marshes

2011-04-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

As a lot of my birding time is being spent over the valley, I thought it was time for a change and went to Rainham Marshes with Martin Redfern and both took the kids, while they played in the play area, we done the circuit highlights were 5 Hobby,2 Greenshank and a very showy male Reed Bunting.

The happy couple

2011-04-29T06:50:00.001-07:00

As millions around the world look at the happy couple on there big day. Another couple look forward to their future together but in less grand surroundings. The Ingrebourne Valley was the venue for the Little Ringed Plover, poor record shots but hopefully interesting ones.

Grasshopper Warbler

2011-04-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

It was a early start on the patch this morning and was rewarded with good views of a Grasshopper Warbler which showed well at times. A Garden Warbler was the only new bird in, for the valley patch year list.

The Friday Night Heron

2011-04-23T00:19:00.001-07:00

In Essex yesterday a Savi's Warbler, Hoopoe and the Night Heron were on show. Well, to some anyway. Unfortunately we did not see the Savi's or the Hoopoe but the Night Heron at Two Tree Island showed really well. Which was a Essex tick for Paul,Monkey, Jono and myself. We also had Nightingale and cuckoo there.

A big thank you goes to Jono for carrying the BIG lens that I hired for the evening. Cheers Jono!

Green Hairstreak

2011-04-22T04:32:00.001-07:00

This morning I finally caught up with the Green Hairstreak, which have been on the wing for five days now and managed to see 5 of them. Bird wise this morning added Common Tern and Yellow Wagtail for the year list.In the week I've heard reeling GrassHopper Warbler's but been unable to get any pictures yet.

A Red Kite is the highlight

2011-04-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend birding the patch with a couple hours on both days and seeing Hobby,Cuckoo,Lesser Whitethroat,House Martin,Red Kite and bringing my patch year total to 90 I am more than happy.

A Whitethroat showing well near the viewing area.

A record shot of today's Red Kite which went straight through the valley heading North East at 1.55pm and only my second record for the Ingrebourne.

A male Adder found in the afternoon,it's not just early morning's that you get to see them.It's just knowing where to see them.

Wonderful Wheatear's

2011-04-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Again I went over the Ingrebourne Valley at the top paddock to see the wheatear's that are going through at the moment ,we are having some good numbers this year and I am enjoying them when I can . They are just cracking birds to watch.

The Viewing Area

2011-04-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

The viewing area once again looks really good with the water levels just right at the moment and this evening as the last three evenings it's held LRP,Redshank,Green Sandpiper,Snipe.

Little Ringed Plover

It's not only birds in the Ingrebourne Valley, like this Common Lizard which I see regular.

Wheatear on Ingrebourne Hill

2011-04-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

The last two evening's there has been a couple of Wheatear's on top of Ingrebourne Hill. Both picture's below are of the same bird but in different light. Also new in are swallow, sedge, Reed and grasshopper Warbler's this evening.

In the Valley this week (Craig David Style)

2011-04-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Had a Green Sandpiper on Tuesday,Had a LRP on Thursday and two Redshank on Saturday.Ok enough of that.This mornings walk at the Ingrebourne still did not produce a Wheatear or Ring Ouzel but plenty around to keep me happy. The photo's below were taken this morning.

Cetti's Warbler

2011-03-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

If you have ever visted the Ingrebourne Valley you would of notice that we have a few pairs of Cetti's Warblers, with it's explosive song you would of probably heard them too. Normally they are sulky but for once this one showed well.

This evening's walk over the Ingrebourne Valley produced the following Green Sandpiper,Snipe,Little Egret,2 Blackcap and 15 Sand martin were the highlights.

Grim Treecreeper

2011-03-26T09:51:00.001-07:00

With only Twenty five records the Short-toed Treecreeper is a rare bird, so that's why Paul,Monkey and myself went to Landguard Suffolk this morning. After about a hour we got good views of it in the compound in unlike spring weather, it felt bloody cold..........

Snakes and Ladders

2011-03-20T06:39:00.001-07:00

I've visited the Ingrebourne Valley three times this week and added a couple more for the patch year list and they are Little Grebe , Golden Plover and this morning had 3 Siskin but still no Wheatear. As the weather is warming up, so are the Adders and found two this morning.

Rainham Marshes Gull/Raptor Day

2011-03-12T12:58:00.001-08:00

Today I spent at Rainham Marshes helping out with the Gull day but it turned out to be more like raptor day.I started off with six Corn Bunting near the turnstile and as I got near the new hide a message came over the radio that a Female Marsh Harrier was coming towards the hide followed by some crows. A minute or two later it was joined by another Marsh Harrier but a immature male and the female Hen harrier went up as well all at the same time and what with a female Peregrine sitting on one of the plylon it was amazing sight. Later we were treated with fly over Buzzard,6 Snipe and 30 Golden Plover. Now we were all there to watch gulls and Andy T made every one happy by finding a 1st Winter Caspian Gull and a very smart one too.Also of note the Ingrebourne Valley had a couple of Chiffchaff singing which are new in.

Male Reed Bunting

Female Peregrine

Corn Bunting

Marsh Harrier

Central Park

2011-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

When walking through New York's Central Park, I was surprised how close the birds were and they didn't seemed bothered by you being there. I do have a few yanks on my British list but none of them showed that close as the birds in the park did, I was amazed when walking from Strawberry Fields to Belvedere Castle that the flock of 100 American Robin's let me walk pass them so close without moving or flying off, I had to tip toe pass them.

American Robin

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-throated Sparrow

More of New York City

2011-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from Central Park and still more to follow. The light was good there on Saturday unlike our own of late, as this year seems dull and Grey all the time. All pictures were hand held. I've only been back one day and miss the place already.

Tufted Titmouse

House Finch

Mourning Dove

Downy Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Ringed-billed Gull

New York City (part one)

2011-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

As a surprise 40th birthday present to me, my wife arranged for the family to visit New York City.Its a fantastic place for its architecture, fine dinning, shopping, site seeing and of coarse Central Park for it's Birding. I met up with a couple of local birder's who kindly showed me around. The park is not at its peak for numbers of birds at this time of year but I was more than happy with what I saw in a couple of hours birding in the morning, the numbers of birds go through the park in migration time is amazing.

American Robin

Northern Cardinal

Blue Jay

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-throated Sparrow

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Fox Sparrow

Slaty -backed Gull on the tip

2011-02-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to take part in the high tide count on Sunday 20th February along the Thames with other birders to count the waders in roost, my position was to count from the stone barges at Rainham Marshes. As I got out of the car a fellow birder said to me "thought there would of been more birders here" and I replied "erm I thought it was just me doing the count here?", the guy said "NO the Slaty-backed Gull back am I in the right place?". I replied "WHAT THE F..K" so it was a long run back to the tip and viewed the bird from the fence with the other 30 birders who were there. It did look like a right brute of a bird and the wide tertial crescent stood out really well, so, do I sound lucky?, well yes but I did miss it three times before...........

Waxwings at the Valley

2011-02-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

I only popped out for milk this morning and ended up finding 54+ Waxwings at the Ingrebourne Valley behind the bus depot at 10.50 am, so a quick drive home to get the camera and get some record shots of this smart birds. With poor light and the Waxwings only staying for ten minutes here are some of them. Steve Smith and my daughter managed to see them and best of all they flew off and went over my garden for a long waited garden tick......

Rufous Turtle Dove

2011-02-19T08:54:00.001-08:00

Picture the scene, I got up at 4.30 a.m. have been in the car for 2 hours with Paul Boy and Martin (Blow Monkey), plus it's pissing down. There is a queue of 200 birders which are in front of us to try and see the Rufus Turtle Dove in Chipping Norton, Oxford. It's not your normal Saturday morning but that's what us birders do! Paul and I and a few of the other birders in the queue got a brief flyover view of the dove going into one of the gardens to feed, so we were pleased that the dove was still there. Twenty minutes went by when we gained better views of the dove when it was seen in a large tree preening in a large tree between 2 houses and very smart to. Later we had a quick run to the corner of the road where we had good scope views of the dove sitting in a large ash tree at the back of the field where we viewed from behind the gate, unlike some twats!!!!

The Good,the bad and the ugly

It's been a good week

2011-02-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

With Waxwings turning up everywhere locally most birders have now got them on there year lists, but how many birders have them on their self found list.This week I managed to find 11 in Grays Essex and 30 at Brent Mead place near Brent Cross London and its all down to luck because of the amount of traveling I've done for work this week. This mornings trip to the Ingrebourne Valley did not produce much, but had a Shelduck mid week, which puts me on 70 species for the Ingrebourne year list.

White Fronted geese are back

2011-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

At the Ingrebourne valley this morning was one of the best days on the patch, ok it was cold and the light was bad for photography but the quality of birds was excellent and this why I like patch birding. Four White Fronted Geese returned for their fourth year and I also saw 2 Bittern, Kingfisher, 2 Bullfinch and Little Owl.

American Wigeon

2011-01-26T11:08:00.001-08:00

On Sunday seeing the American Wigeon in Norfolk got me thinking how long ago it was since the last one I saw and it was back in 2007 at Barlycroft GP with Paul, and I had forgot how smart they look. Although this is a record shot through the scope the picture does not do it justice ,so I apologise .

A day's birding in Norfolk

2011-01-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I spent the day birding in Norfolk with Dick and although it was cold and grey skies it was fantastic. We started at Thornham for the Northern Harrier which showed well with the scope and birded the way back along the coast, where we also saw American Wigeon, Marsh Harrier ,Hen Harrier,Peregrine,Pink Feet and White fronts plus the birds below.

A Sanderling at a very cloudy Titchwell

Some of the 30+ Snow Bunting at Salthouse

Flooded

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

After driving one hour to work, I had to turn back as one of the roads was flooded to a height of four foot and it only took me 2 hours to get back as the A127 was closed, but I was back on the patch and forgot all about it.With clear skies I thought I would get a Buzzard but no luck today, I did get the Little Owl,Redpoll,RN Parakeet,5 Cetti's Warbler and a Sparrowhawk.The Ingrebourne Valley river has burst it's banks as well.

Little Owl

Little Owl

No sign of the Waxwings today but the Mistle Thrush was still in its favourite tree

One of the Waxwings from Sunday morning

Waxwings cost less at sainsbury's

2011-01-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

A Sunday morning at Sainsbury's is not the normal place I would go at the weekend but I wanted to see if the Waxwings were still there from yesterday. There were 4 waxwing when I arrived at 9.00am and by the time I left at 10.00am there were 25. As like Saturday the shoppers wanted to know what the strange birds are and seemed very interested .

Harrier and Waxwings

2011-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Started at the Ingrebourne Valley and had a good year tick with a Marsh Harrier over, but the pull of the Slaty -backed gull got to much, so went to see if it was still there with the other 700 birders but no luck. Myself and Martin Redfern done a quick circuit to see if we could locate the gull some where else after looking for it on the tip for 2 hrs but no luck. Then got home and Dave the beard had found 32 Waxwing in sainsbury carpark in Hornchurch, so I went back out again.

A first winter Waxwing

Some of the crowd looking for the slaty- backed gull at Rainham Marshes

The Mistle Thrush was not to pleased with the Waxwings having all its berries.

Year Patch Listing

2011-01-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Once again I am doing a patch year list and added a couple more this afternoon bringing my total so far to 61 and a very smart Little Owl was the today's highlight.Last weekend I met up with Dave Morrison for a early start and we had 3 Tawny Owl and 2 Bittern being the best birds of the morning.

Little Owl

New Year Day

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

Having had a late night and one or two many drinks on New Years Eve I wanted to go for a walk and took the family to Southend on Sea to get some fresh air. So today got me thinking about the patch and all the waders I saw today a Turnstone is the only one still missing from my patch list. Will 2011 be the year, we will have to wait and see?

Turnstone

Waxwings

2010-12-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

I went to see the waxwings at Pitsea this morning and had 35+ which were mobile but still managed a few shots in misty conditions, they have been there now for some days now and having already seen a couple this year I couldn't resist another look at these cracking birds. As the morning went on more birders turned up and it started to get the public interested in what we were all looking at and some seemed generally amazed how stunning they are.

Bittern Bonanza

2010-12-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

Two Bittern's showed well this morning at the Ingrebourne Valley, having put in a lot of hours on the patch I was rewarded with great views. As the lakes are frozen its important not to disturb the birds feeding, so I tucked myself out of view and waited for them to come to me.

Boxing Day Birding

2010-12-27T00:17:00.000-08:00

Just managed a short visit to the very cold Ingrebourne Valley before family arrived for dinner

Managed to see the Bittern again searching for some where to feed in freezing conditions

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

As all the lakes in the valley are frozen at the moment this Cormorant was fishing the small stream before drying out on a lamp post.

Waxwings

2010-12-24T08:13:00.001-08:00

People say there is a lot of luck in birding and today could not be more true. Paul boy and myself had been to Lakeside for some last minute shopping and on the way home we notice some birders viewing the apple trees in the Optimist Pub car park were we jammed in on four Waxwings. A quick phone call to my good lady wife Jo and I am taking pictures of these cracking birds.

Wader count

2010-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

This morning I met up with Paul Hawkins at Cold Harbour Lane where we were part of the London Birders high tide count, before we started the wander count we had a quick look at the bushes and 100 Meters after the barrier Paul refound the wintering Ring Ouzel on the fence.After some record shots we made our way to the Stone Barges to start the count and we had some good numbers of the following : 196 Black tailed godwit , 371 Dunlin , 60 Redshank, 2 Jack Snipe , 5 Common Snipe, Common Sand, Grey Plover, and a Buzzard but I missed the Smew on the river to the delight of Paul and Dave MO. Some times you can't see every thing......

Black Tailed Godwits, Dunlin,Redshank

Ring Ouzel

Common Buzzard

Bittern at the Valley

2010-12-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

This mornings outing at the Ingrebourne Valley was to try and find some Waxwings and Bearded Tits, which have both been seen this week and are still patch ticks for me. Well I did not see any of them but had great flight views of one the Bittern's which show now, I haven't been able to get any pictures of them till today although in poor light, I am pleased to get some record shots of them. Also saw a Woodcock and a male Brambling in with the Chaffinch flock.

Easy like sunday morning

2010-12-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

This morning was spent at Rainham Marshes mostly along the sea wall area as the Reserve was shut due to the amount of snow on the foot paths. A Jack Snipe was with 5 Common Snipe on the saltings as were 6 Corn Bunting and a fly over Brambling. Two Grey Plover was on the fore shore and a Black Tailed Godwit with Dunlin . Two Bearded Tit and Cetti's Warbler was seen briefly and a Ruff flew over the reserve.

Kestrel

Cetti's Warbler

Grey Plover

Once Bittern twice shy

2010-12-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

A lazy start for me this morning as I had rare lay in and was not on the patch till 10 o'clock. First up was a Snipe going over the main car park I then walked to the small paddock and the Chaffinches,Jays and Black birds were mobbing a Little Owl in the far corner.A flock of 30 Redpoll went over east the biggest group I have had for five years. Then on to Berwick Ponds which is (permit only) and had two brief views of two Bitterns together in flight which were to quick for me to get any pictures of them. So here are so shots of some birds that were not that shy of the camera.........

Water Rail

Cetti's Warbler showing its dark brown undertail coverts

Your not singing anymore

2010-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

With Birdwatching I go by the theory as always expect the unexpected and last night did not think the theory worked being a West Ham fan but we won 4.0 against Manchester Utd in the cup a fantastic result.......

Redwing

On Sunday I walked the Ingrebourne Valley and had 11 Siskin, 2 Bullfinch and a Brambling was the best that I could do but 2 Bittern and a Merlin were seen by others.

Bearded Tits

2010-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Bearded Tits at Rainham Marshes have been showing well for a while now and today was no different with a pair just near the turnstile giving great views early this morning.I did see six in total but many more are still around the reserve.

Goldfinch

Reed Bunting

Not dull at Rainham Marshes

2010-11-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

A dull Grey start was brighten up this morning at Rainham Marshes with great views of Black Redstart near the firing Butts and the Bearded Tits near the turnstile.The immature male Marsh Harrier was seen as were 2 Avocet,Curlew,168 Blackwit,Kestrel and 100 Golden Plover made a great mornings birding with Paul Hawkins.........

American Robin

2010-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

So there we are traveling from Essex to Devon, three and a half hours to get there and still no news on whether it was showing. As we started to walk around Exminster Marshes Dave B's pager comes to life saying it was there. It showed really well with great scope views, eating berries and flying down to a ditch to have a drink and carrying on feeding, such a cracking looking bird. This was no tick and run..............we watched it for over an hour and then carried on a circuit around the reserve.

I made a big mistake and left my Digi Scope set up in the car (DOH)

YellowHammer

Mute Swan

Pied Wagtail

Then on to Labrador Bay to see Cirl Bunting and from the car park we watched a male on the Bramble and counted sixteen while we were there and a Great Northern Diver off shore.

Then we all made a quick stop to Budliegh Salterton to see the Glossy Ibis just before dark

Glossy Ibis

Other birds seen were 2 Peregrine,10 Buzzard,Black tailed godwit,Brent Geese and thanks to Db,Jono and Nick for a great days birding....

Rainham Revisited

2010-11-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

I visited Rainham Marshes again this weekend to try and get more pictures of the SE Owl. It showed well again but a Little bit distant for the camera and always being harassed by one of the local crows (thats my excuse)for not getting photos of it.Other birds of note while I was there were 4 Corn Bunting,2 Bearded tit,2 Stonechat,Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Also on site Dominic had a Curlew Sandpiper in with some Golden Plover.

Sparrowhawk

Good views at Rainham Marshes

2010-11-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

I started my walk this morning at 8.00am and headed straight towards the dragonfly pool where the Bearded tits have been showing well all week and as I got near to the reed beds I could hear them calling away. Five where seen by myself and showed really well also 3 Stonechats and a fly over Greensand. After getting some pictures I made my way back to the visitor centre and got told there had just been a S E Owl hunting, which gave really good views. Its just a shame I could not any good photos of it(Bugger).......

A couple of record shots of the Short Eared Owl hunting along the sea wall at 10.00am

One of many Lapwings going over the sea wall