OLDBURY POWER STATION:
3 Mute Swan, 38 Wigeon, 80 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 130 Lapwing, 17 Dunlin, 11 Curlew and 53 Turnstone (W King).
SPANIORUM HILL:
A very late Hobby seen (M Dadds).
NEW PASSAGE:
Little change, 300 Wigeon, 50 Teal, a Little Egret, 250 Dunlin, single Bar-tailed Godwit, 91 Redshank, 15 Turnstone and a Common Gull (RF Reader).
PORTBURY WHARF:
Absent in the morning, the Spoonbill was back on the island in the afternoon (A Gibb).
AVON GORGE:
A Common Sandpiper and a Raven near the suspension bridge stretch (AD Scott).
Friday 21 October 2011
Thursday 20 October 2011
Sightings 20/10/11
CHITTENING WARTH:
At Stup Pill, a Goldcrest, single Fieldfare, a Sklark, 92 Starling, 26 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 20 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting (M Dadds).
No sign of the recent Short-eared Owl today.
BATH:
2 Peregrine at the university grounds and a Tawny Owl at Quarry Rock Gdns (D French).
FROME:
At Stup Pill, a Goldcrest, single Fieldfare, a Sklark, 92 Starling, 26 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 20 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting (M Dadds).
No sign of the recent Short-eared Owl today.
BATH:
2 Peregrine at the university grounds and a Tawny Owl at Quarry Rock Gdns (D French).
FROME:
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| 20.10.11 Tree Sparrow © Allan Chard, many thanks |
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Sightings 18/10/11
CHITTENING WARTH:
Stup Pill: a single flock of 150 Starling plus 350 more birds in small groups (M Dadds).
No sign of yesterday's SE Owl or Wheatear.
Stup Pill: a single flock of 150 Starling plus 350 more birds in small groups (M Dadds).
No sign of yesterday's SE Owl or Wheatear.
Monday 17 October 2011
Sightings 17/10/11
CLEVEDON COAST:
160 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 140 Mallard, single Cormorant and Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, single Peregrine, 26 Oystercatcher, 10 Grey Plover, 55 Lapwing, just 24 Dunlin, 100+ Curlew, 175 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Turnstone and 2 Wheatear (HE Rose).
Steep Holm 15/10/11:
3 Crane seen high over the channel near Steep Holm and Flat Holm, then flew towards Burnham-on-Sea and inland towards the levels.
Staff at the Somerset Great Crane project have also reported 3 wild Cranes joining their released birds on this date also.
Many thanks to Julie and Peter Ottley for this information.
160 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 140 Mallard, single Cormorant and Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, single Peregrine, 26 Oystercatcher, 10 Grey Plover, 55 Lapwing, just 24 Dunlin, 100+ Curlew, 175 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Turnstone and 2 Wheatear (HE Rose).
Steep Holm 15/10/11:
3 Crane seen high over the channel near Steep Holm and Flat Holm, then flew towards Burnham-on-Sea and inland towards the levels.
Staff at the Somerset Great Crane project have also reported 3 wild Cranes joining their released birds on this date also.
Many thanks to Julie and Peter Ottley for this information.
Sunday 16 October 2011
Sightings 16/10/11
LITTLETON WARTH:
WeBS count: 210 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 71 Mallard, single Grey Heron and Little Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Ringed Plover, 90 Dunlin, 145 Curlew, 65 Redshank, 8 Turnstone, 185 BH Gull, single Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing, 7 flyover Siskin, 7 Redpoll, single flyover Crossbill and Reed Bunting (J Martin).
PILNING:
2 Redpoll over the garden this morning (J Martin).
NEW PASSAGE:
Highlights were: a dark-bellied Brent Goose, the Spoonbill again, 1 Sparrowhawk, a Kingfisher, a late Reed Warbler and a flyover Crossbill. Starling numbers increasing too (J Martin, per severnsidebirds).
SEVERN BEACH:
Noteworthy were: a Little Grebe (on the sea), a male Merlin and 5 Blackcaps (per severnsidebirds).
PORTBURY WHARF:
Plenty of common stuff on show, pick of the bunch as follows: 11 Little Grebe, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 47 Coot, a Green Woodpecker, 2 late Willow Warbler and 6 Reed Bunting (A Rhodes).
SEA MILLS:
WeBS count: 69 Mallard,8 Grey Heron, 30 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Curlew, the usual Greenshank, 70 Redshank, 85 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 8 Herring Gull, a Kingfisher and a flyover Yellowhammer (AD Scott).
CLEVEDON:
Wain's Hill mig watch: 180 Woodpigeon, 10 Skylark, 237 Starling, 3 Song Thrush, single Redwing, 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 844 Chaffinch, 26 Greenfinch, 25 Goldfinch, 12 Linnet and 8 Siskin (per clevedonbirds).
WeBS count: 210 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 71 Mallard, single Grey Heron and Little Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Ringed Plover, 90 Dunlin, 145 Curlew, 65 Redshank, 8 Turnstone, 185 BH Gull, single Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing, 7 flyover Siskin, 7 Redpoll, single flyover Crossbill and Reed Bunting (J Martin).
PILNING:
2 Redpoll over the garden this morning (J Martin).
NEW PASSAGE:
Highlights were: a dark-bellied Brent Goose, the Spoonbill again, 1 Sparrowhawk, a Kingfisher, a late Reed Warbler and a flyover Crossbill. Starling numbers increasing too (J Martin, per severnsidebirds).
SEVERN BEACH:
Noteworthy were: a Little Grebe (on the sea), a male Merlin and 5 Blackcaps (per severnsidebirds).
PORTBURY WHARF:
Plenty of common stuff on show, pick of the bunch as follows: 11 Little Grebe, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 47 Coot, a Green Woodpecker, 2 late Willow Warbler and 6 Reed Bunting (A Rhodes).
SEA MILLS:
WeBS count: 69 Mallard,8 Grey Heron, 30 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Curlew, the usual Greenshank, 70 Redshank, 85 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 8 Herring Gull, a Kingfisher and a flyover Yellowhammer (AD Scott).
CLEVEDON:
Wain's Hill mig watch: 180 Woodpigeon, 10 Skylark, 237 Starling, 3 Song Thrush, single Redwing, 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 844 Chaffinch, 26 Greenfinch, 25 Goldfinch, 12 Linnet and 8 Siskin (per clevedonbirds).
Saturday 15 October 2011
Sightings 15/10/11
CHITTENING WARTH:
Sea bank leg: single Goldcrest and Redpoll.
Stup Pill: best bird was a Short-eared Owl.
Migrants noted here: 70 Jackdaw, 20 Skylark, 12 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 9 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, a Stonechat, 13 Pied Wagtail, 31 Meadow Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, 8 Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Reed Bunting (all M Dadds).
ABBOTS LEIGH:
Sea bank leg: single Goldcrest and Redpoll.
Stup Pill: best bird was a Short-eared Owl.
Migrants noted here: 70 Jackdaw, 20 Skylark, 12 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 9 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, a Stonechat, 13 Pied Wagtail, 31 Meadow Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, 8 Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Reed Bunting (all M Dadds).
ABBOTS LEIGH:
Overhead migration 7.30-8.15am: 29 Woodpigeon, 3 Skylark, 140 Redwing, 6 alba Wagtail, 43 Meadow Pipit and 6 Chaffinch (A Rhodes).
Friday 14 October 2011
Sightings 14/10/11
OLDBURY POWER STATION:
35 Canada Goose, 31 Wigeon, 1 Peregrine (caught a starling), 5 Ringed plover, 64 Lapwing, 55 Dunlin, 17 Curlew, 14 Redshank, 5 Fieldfare,, 2 Raven and a Rock Pipit.
RUDGEWAY (south Glos):
5 flyover Swallow and 20 Fieldfare/Redwing this morning.
NEW PASSAGE:
c.60 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 14 Lapwing, single Curlew Sandpiper, c.200 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Raven plus the usual Wigeon/Teal and Redshank.
PILNING:
Single garden flyover Fieldfare and Redwing this morning.
GORDANO VALLEY:
35 Canada Goose, 31 Wigeon, 1 Peregrine (caught a starling), 5 Ringed plover, 64 Lapwing, 55 Dunlin, 17 Curlew, 14 Redshank, 5 Fieldfare,, 2 Raven and a Rock Pipit.
RUDGEWAY (south Glos):
5 flyover Swallow and 20 Fieldfare/Redwing this morning.
NEW PASSAGE:
c.60 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 14 Lapwing, single Curlew Sandpiper, c.200 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Raven plus the usual Wigeon/Teal and Redshank.
PILNING:
Single garden flyover Fieldfare and Redwing this morning.
GORDANO VALLEY:
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14.10.11 Mealy Redpoll © Dave Nevitt |
A Mealy Redpoll ringed at the ringing station this morning. A very welcome record as many potential Mealy's fall by the wayside due to identification problems with the other Redpoll races. Many birds are only separable in the hand.
Very busy at the station today, birds ringed were: 2 Blackcap, the Mealy Redpoll, 33 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
Around the hut also: 3 Chiffchaff, 30 Siskin, 70 Redpoll and 10 Reed Bunting.
Overhead mig recorded: 300 Woodpigeon, 30 Skylark, 3 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 3 alba wagtail, 40 Chaffinch, 4 Crossbill and 10 Reed Bunting.
Many thanks to the GVRS team for this detailed information.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Sightings 12/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: this mornings highlights
Others: 340 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 85 Teal, 290 Mallard, single Pintail, 8 Cormorant, 18 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 42 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed Plover, 210 Golden Plover, 25 Lapwing, 125 Dunlin, 300 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 160 Redshank, 72 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, 20 Skylark, 55 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, single Grey Wagtail and 8 Pied Wagtail.
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12.10.11 (sick Fulmar) © Tony Scott |
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12.10.11 Little Stint © Tony Scott |
CLEVEDON COAST:
Highlights: a Hen Harrier at Yeo Bank Farm, 4 Curlew Sandpiper at Yeo Est and 9 Wheatear.Others: 340 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 85 Teal, 290 Mallard, single Pintail, 8 Cormorant, 18 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 42 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed Plover, 210 Golden Plover, 25 Lapwing, 125 Dunlin, 300 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 160 Redshank, 72 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, 20 Skylark, 55 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, single Grey Wagtail and 8 Pied Wagtail.
Monday 10 October 2011
Sightings 10/10/11
A windy day with a few seabirds seen off Severnside.
NEW PASSAGE:80 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 40 Oystercatcher, singles of juvenile Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, 200 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, an immature YL Gull, 2 Raven, a Kingfisher and a flyover Redpoll.
SEVERN BEACH:A windy day, seabirds this morning were: 1 Fulmar, 2 Shag, a Great Skua and a Black Tern. Other birds of note, a Pintail, single Bar-tailed Godwit and 110 Curlew.
BLAGDON LAKE:
2 Long-billed Dowitcher reported at the Ubley-Bells Bush end of the lake today.
NEW PASSAGE:80 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 40 Oystercatcher, singles of juvenile Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, 200 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, an immature YL Gull, 2 Raven, a Kingfisher and a flyover Redpoll.
SEVERN BEACH:A windy day, seabirds this morning were: 1 Fulmar, 2 Shag, a Great Skua and a Black Tern. Other birds of note, a Pintail, single Bar-tailed Godwit and 110 Curlew.
BLAGDON LAKE:
2 Long-billed Dowitcher reported at the Ubley-Bells Bush end of the lake today.
Permits req'd for some parts of the lake, check out:
http://www.bristolwater.co.uk/leisure/birdwatching-information.asp
Saturday 8 October 2011
Friday 7 October 2011
7/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: L Wheatland
1 Merlin, 2 Golden Plover, a Little Stint, 3 Snipe and 2 Redpoll.
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
The Stup Pill leg still producing birds, 1 Peregrine, a Jay, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 21 Meadow Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail.
PORTBURY WHARF: L Wheatland
A Little Egret and a late Swallow of note
1 Merlin, 2 Golden Plover, a Little Stint, 3 Snipe and 2 Redpoll.
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
The Stup Pill leg still producing birds, 1 Peregrine, a Jay, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 21 Meadow Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail.
PORTBURY WHARF: L Wheatland
A Little Egret and a late Swallow of note
Thursday 6 October 2011
Sightings 6/10/11
PORTBURY WHARF: A Gibb
A Merlin reported in the fields along Sheepway Lane track towards the sewage farm.
A Merlin reported in the fields along Sheepway Lane track towards the sewage farm.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Sightings 5/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
Not much change: 135 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 2 Peregrine, 1 Ringed Plover, single Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Dunlin, 60 Redshank and 35 Turnstone.
Not much change: 135 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 2 Peregrine, 1 Ringed Plover, single Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Dunlin, 60 Redshank and 35 Turnstone.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Sightings 4/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: J Martin
PORTBURY WHARF: S Hale, CJ Stone
A Spoonbill on the north pool island mid-morning to approx 1pm but not seen after that. A Mediterranean Gull on the tide-line late afternoon.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Highlights were: 400 Shelduck, 42 Wigeon, 135 Teal, 65 Mallard, 5 Grey Heron, 14 Little Egret, 42 Oystercatcher, 7 Ringed Plover, 275 Dunlin, single Whimbrel, 270 Curlew, single Common Sandpiper, 200 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, 14 Skylark, 6 Wheatear and 2 White Wagtail.
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| 4.10.11 Curlew Sandpiper © John Martin note bill |
104 Wigeon, an immature male Shoveler, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (1 with a straight bill), 260 Dunlin and 2 Wheatear.
PORTBURY WHARF: S Hale, CJ Stone
A Spoonbill on the north pool island mid-morning to approx 1pm but not seen after that. A Mediterranean Gull on the tide-line late afternoon.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Highlights were: 400 Shelduck, 42 Wigeon, 135 Teal, 65 Mallard, 5 Grey Heron, 14 Little Egret, 42 Oystercatcher, 7 Ringed Plover, 275 Dunlin, single Whimbrel, 270 Curlew, single Common Sandpiper, 200 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, 14 Skylark, 6 Wheatear and 2 White Wagtail.
Scilly Isles Sept 2011
Some photos sent in by club member John Thorogood after a week on the islands:-
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| Solitary Sandpiper © John Thorogood, many thanks |
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| Pectoral Sandpiper © John Thorogood, many thanks |
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| Lesser Yellowlegs © John Thorogood, many thanks |
Peregrine Falcon
Ian Carnew sent us this link regarding a Peregrine attending a football match last Saturday. Presumably it was playing on the wing.....
Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-15149039
Many thanks Ian.
Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-15149039
Many thanks Ian.
Monday 3 October 2011
Sightings 3/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
18 Wigeon, lots of Teal, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 300 Dunlin, a Ruff, 60 Curlew and 50 Turnstone,
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
Sea Bank: 1 Redpoll and 5 Siskin.
Stup Pill: 1 Buzzard, 14 Oystercatcher, single Kingfisher, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 30 Pied Wagtail, 72 Meadow Pipit, 90 Goldfinch and a Redpoll.
STEART (Wall Common):
18 Wigeon, lots of Teal, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 300 Dunlin, a Ruff, 60 Curlew and 50 Turnstone,
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
Sea Bank: 1 Redpoll and 5 Siskin.
Stup Pill: 1 Buzzard, 14 Oystercatcher, single Kingfisher, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 30 Pied Wagtail, 72 Meadow Pipit, 90 Goldfinch and a Redpoll.
STEART (Wall Common):
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| 3.10.11 Snow Bunting © Allan Chard, many thanks present here since late September and showing well |
Brandon Hill Birds (Cabot Tower Watch Group) Ed Drewitt
Another plug following our 22 September posting.
Ed sent us these pics and asked us to put a Sci-Fi flavour onto the posting but we have found this extremely difficult for 2 reasons:-
1. There is only 1 sun (star) in the sky so it's impossible to re-create that romantic planet Tatooine moment in Star Wars when Luke realises where his destiny lies.
2. Ed looks nothing like Luke Skywalker, though we can see some uncanny resemblance to those creatures in the jazz bar...
And in case you're still wondering, the Dark Side isn't stronger.......it's just more seductive.........
Ed sent us these pics and asked us to put a Sci-Fi flavour onto the posting but we have found this extremely difficult for 2 reasons:-
1. There is only 1 sun (star) in the sky so it's impossible to re-create that romantic planet Tatooine moment in Star Wars when Luke realises where his destiny lies.
2. Ed looks nothing like Luke Skywalker, though we can see some uncanny resemblance to those creatures in the jazz bar...
 |
| Samaritan workers talking Ed out of doing a bungee jump with no bungee..... |
Anyway, enough of the Farce, the Birds over Bristol project has been officially launched now and it's well worth checking out their website http://birdsoverbristol.wordpress.com/ to see some of their preliminary findings as well as finding out what's planned for the future and how you can take part in it.
And in case you're still wondering, the Dark Side isn't stronger.......it's just more seductive.........
Sunday 2 October 2011
Sightings 2/10/11
NEW PASSAGE: B Lancastle, RF Reader
Best birds were 2 juvenile Spoonbill this morning, seen well on the tide-line, they flew off at around 9.30am.
(5 Spoonbill were seen here on 14 September, they later turned up at Chew Valley Lake).
Other sightings: 10 Wigeon, the usual Teal swarm, a 1st cy Peregrine, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 300 Dunlin, single Ruff, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 2 Raven, 2 Wheatear, a flyover Tree Pipit plus some more flyover Siskin and Redpoll.
PORTBURY DOCK: CJ Stone
54 Shelduck, 35 Ringed Plover, 100 Dunlin, 66 Curlew, 243 Redshank*, 20 Turnstone, a 1st winter GBB Gull, 3 Chiffchaff and a calling Siskin.
*Redshank groups were 143 birds along river Avon shore and another 100 birds on estuary towards Portbury.
CLEVEDON COAST: HE Rose
Not much change from yesterday, pick of the birds were: 14 Little Egret, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Curlew, 100 Redshank, singles of Green and Common Sandpiper and 4 Wheatear.
Visit this link for some moving pics of Wheatear and Rock Pipit at the Clevedon coast this morning. Many thanks Alex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNA3mnMLXGE
SAND PT: per westonbirds
A Wryneck at the point this morning.
MENDIPS:
Best birds were 2 juvenile Spoonbill this morning, seen well on the tide-line, they flew off at around 9.30am.
(5 Spoonbill were seen here on 14 September, they later turned up at Chew Valley Lake).
Other sightings: 10 Wigeon, the usual Teal swarm, a 1st cy Peregrine, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 300 Dunlin, single Ruff, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 2 Raven, 2 Wheatear, a flyover Tree Pipit plus some more flyover Siskin and Redpoll.
PORTBURY DOCK: CJ Stone
54 Shelduck, 35 Ringed Plover, 100 Dunlin, 66 Curlew, 243 Redshank*, 20 Turnstone, a 1st winter GBB Gull, 3 Chiffchaff and a calling Siskin.
*Redshank groups were 143 birds along river Avon shore and another 100 birds on estuary towards Portbury.
CLEVEDON COAST: HE Rose
Not much change from yesterday, pick of the birds were: 14 Little Egret, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Curlew, 100 Redshank, singles of Green and Common Sandpiper and 4 Wheatear.
Visit this link for some moving pics of Wheatear and Rock Pipit at the Clevedon coast this morning. Many thanks Alex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNA3mnMLXGE
SAND PT: per westonbirds
A Wryneck at the point this morning.
MENDIPS:
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| 2.10.11 Crossbill © Jason Wiliams, many thanks seen whilst looking for the Pallid Harrier today |
Saturday 1 October 2011
Sightings 1/10/11
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
Sea Bank: Single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Stup Pill: another good showing of migrants here this morning: 2 Buzzard, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Swallow, a Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, a Reed Warbler, 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 39 Meadow Pipit, 7 Redpoll and 3 Reed Bunting.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Shed-loads of birds here this morning:
3 Mute Swan, 5 Brent Goose (Yeo), 325 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 75 Teal, 165 Mallard, single Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck (Yeo), 4 Cormorant, 16 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, singles of Buzzard and Peregrine, 47 Oystercatcher, 40 Ringed Plover, 90 Knot, 7 Curlew Sandpiper (Yeo), 300 Dunlin, single Snipe, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 345 Curlew, 150 Redshank, 47 Turnstone, 750 BH Gull, 10 Skylark, 14 Wheatear, 175 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 50 Goldfinch and 125 Linnet.
MENDIPS:
Sea Bank: Single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Stup Pill: another good showing of migrants here this morning: 2 Buzzard, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Swallow, a Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, a Reed Warbler, 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 39 Meadow Pipit, 7 Redpoll and 3 Reed Bunting.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Shed-loads of birds here this morning:
3 Mute Swan, 5 Brent Goose (Yeo), 325 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 75 Teal, 165 Mallard, single Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck (Yeo), 4 Cormorant, 16 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, singles of Buzzard and Peregrine, 47 Oystercatcher, 40 Ringed Plover, 90 Knot, 7 Curlew Sandpiper (Yeo), 300 Dunlin, single Snipe, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 345 Curlew, 150 Redshank, 47 Turnstone, 750 BH Gull, 10 Skylark, 14 Wheatear, 175 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 50 Goldfinch and 125 Linnet.
MENDIPS:
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| 1.10.11 juvenile Pallid Harrier © Gordon Youdale, many thanks |
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| 1.10.11 juvenile Pallid Harrier © Allan Chard, many thanks |
Some shots taken today of the Pallid Harrier at the Black Down part of the Mendips. The area straddles the Avon-Somerset border, hopefully someone will record as it flying in Avon airspace as it would be a 1st county record for us.
Spotted Sandpiper & Pallid Harrier
Both these birds have been star attractions recently, especially with the photographers.
However, for some truly embarrassingly bad and awful pics of Chew's Spotted Sandpiper and the Mendip Pallid Harrier, check out http://pixelbirds.co.uk/October2011.html
Many thanks for your patience Gareth.
Spotted Sandpiper & Pallid Harrier
Both these birds have been star attractions recently, especially with the photographers.
However, for some truly embarrassingly bad and awful pics of Chew's Spotted Sandpiper and the Mendip Pallid Harrier, check out http://pixelbirds.co.uk/October2011.html
Many thanks for your patience Gareth.
Bristol (Redland) 28/9/11: M Hill
A garden flyover Redwing heard.
Our earliest date ever is 7 August 1979.
Friday 30 September 2011
Sightings 30/9/11
CLEVEDON COAST:
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| 30.9.11 Skylark © Paul Green, many thanks |
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| 30.9.11 Redshank © Paul Green, many thanks |
Taken at the Lower Strode Rd locality again. The big tides are still offering good photographic opportunities.
MENDIPS (Black Down):
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| 30.9.11 Crossbill © Allan Chard, many thanks |
A party of 22 Crossbill seen, plus Siskin and Redpoll. The Pallid Harrier still present but elusive at times.
Thursday 29 September 2011
Sightings 29/9/11
CHEW VALLEY LAKE:
CLEVEDON COAST: H E Rose
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| 29.9.11 Water Rail © Allan Chard, many thanks Herriott's in the evening |
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| 29.9.11 Oystercatchers © Paul Green, many thanks photographed at high tide this morning near Lower Strode Rd |
A similar spread of birds to yesterday: 3 Mute Swan, 170 Shelduck, 1 (escaped) Rosybill, Yeo Est), 26 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 130 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Little Egret, single Buzzard, 34 Oystercatcher, 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, a Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 65 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 170 Curlew, 75 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper,16 Turnstone, 450 BH Gull, single Rock Pipit, 4 Wheatear, a Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff and 25 Goldfinch.
MENDIPS: V Savery
The Pallid Harrier still present on Black Down today, it went missing for a while but it was back on show from 4.30pm.
MENDIPS: V Savery
The Pallid Harrier still present on Black Down today, it went missing for a while but it was back on show from 4.30pm.
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Sightings 28/9/11
Outside of Nirvana today:
A Pallid Harrier reported on Black Down
A Semi-palmated Sandpiper at the Axe Est
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
A good showing of migrants and other birds at the Stup Pill leg: single Buzzard, a Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, 1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 26 Pied Wagtail, 65 Meadow Pipit, 75 Goldfinch, a Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
PILNING:
ABBOTS LEIGH: A Rhodes
Overhead mig watch this afternoon gave: 4 Stock Dove,8 Swallow, 100 House Martin and 4 Thrush sp.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Lots of birds here on the jumbo tide, 19 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Goose, 225 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 200 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck (Yeo Est), 3 Cormorant, 14 Little Egret, 14 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier (Wick St Lawrence area), single Buzzard and Hobby, 48 Oystercatcher, just 7 Ringed Plover, 12 Knot, 8 Curlew Sandpiper (Kenn Est), 65 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 25 Black-tailed Godwit (Kenn Est), single Whimbrel, 240 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 140 Redshank, 22 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, single Green Woodpecker, 14 Wheatear, 110 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 15 Long-tailed Tit and a Chiffchaff. Phew!
SOMERSET LEVELS: R Belson
Meare Heath: 3 Bittern, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 84 Lapwing, 2 Knot, 4 Snipe and 83 Black-tailed Godwit,
Noah's Pool: 3 Little Egret, 3 female Marsh Harrier and 2 Cetti's Warbler.
A Pallid Harrier reported on Black Down
A Semi-palmated Sandpiper at the Axe Est
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
A good showing of migrants and other birds at the Stup Pill leg: single Buzzard, a Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, 1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 26 Pied Wagtail, 65 Meadow Pipit, 75 Goldfinch, a Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
PILNING:
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| 28.9.11 Little Owl © Rod Holbrook, many thanks usual place |
Overhead mig watch this afternoon gave: 4 Stock Dove,8 Swallow, 100 House Martin and 4 Thrush sp.
CLEVEDON COAST: S Sanins
Lots of birds here on the jumbo tide, 19 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Goose, 225 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 200 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck (Yeo Est), 3 Cormorant, 14 Little Egret, 14 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier (Wick St Lawrence area), single Buzzard and Hobby, 48 Oystercatcher, just 7 Ringed Plover, 12 Knot, 8 Curlew Sandpiper (Kenn Est), 65 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 25 Black-tailed Godwit (Kenn Est), single Whimbrel, 240 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 140 Redshank, 22 Turnstone, 500 BH Gull, single Green Woodpecker, 14 Wheatear, 110 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 15 Long-tailed Tit and a Chiffchaff. Phew!
SOMERSET LEVELS: R Belson
Meare Heath: 3 Bittern, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 84 Lapwing, 2 Knot, 4 Snipe and 83 Black-tailed Godwit,
Noah's Pool: 3 Little Egret, 3 female Marsh Harrier and 2 Cetti's Warbler.
Colour-ringed Curlews - Ed Drewitt
Calling all coastal watchers
A request from Ed for everyone, but coastal birders in particular to look out for colour-ringed Curlew and to report them. In our area, the estuary sites at Oldbury, Severnside and Clevedon are near certain candidates to have some of these birds, so please do take time out to check out those Curlew roosts.
30 birds were colour-ringed at Chepstow last night (Tuesday 27th) and numbers are starting to build up dramatically this month as returning birds pour into the area.
Recent ringing programmes on these birds have had unusually high recovery rates, yielding valuable information.
The rings are very visible, so if you think you can see a large wader going to a football match.......it's almost certainly one of Ed's boys.
You can report these birds to www.ring.ac, all sightings are acknowledged with feedback.
Ed Drewitt was born in Outer Space, his dad is a Time Lord on the planet Gallifrey, which is how he manages to keep his boyish good looks.....
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Sightings 27/9/11
Just outside Avon:
- a Snow Bunting at Wall Common near Steart
- an American Golden Plover at Newport Wetlands
NORTHWICK WARTH: AD Scott
6 Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Curlew and a Whinchat this evening.
BRISTOL:
- a Snow Bunting at Wall Common near Steart
- an American Golden Plover at Newport Wetlands
NORTHWICK WARTH: AD Scott
6 Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Curlew and a Whinchat this evening.
BRISTOL:
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| 27.9.11 Buzzard on Purdown today © Allan Chard, many thanks |
CHEW VALLEY LAKE:
LYDNEY (Glos):
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| 27.9.11 Spotted Sandpiper © Len Ingram, many thanks |
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| 27.9.11 Wheatear © Allan Chard, many thanks c.30 birds around the harbour today |
Monday 26 September 2011
Sightings 26/9/11
NORTHWICK WARTH: L Wheatland
5 Wheatear and a flyover Redpoll this afternoon.
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
13 Wigeon, 'shedloads' of Teal, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Ringed Plover, 19 Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 120 Dunlin, single Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 70 Redshank, 7 Turnstone, a GBB Gull and 2 Raven.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE:
5 Wheatear and a flyover Redpoll this afternoon.
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
13 Wigeon, 'shedloads' of Teal, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Ringed Plover, 19 Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 120 Dunlin, single Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 70 Redshank, 7 Turnstone, a GBB Gull and 2 Raven.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE:
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| 26.9.11 Spotted Sandpiper © Gordon Youdale, may thanks still showing well at Herriott's today |
Sunday 25 September 2011
Sightings 25/9/11
The Spotted Sandpiper was a popular bird at Chew today.
CLEVEDON COAST: HE Rose
Passage waders and Wheatear numbers tailing off here.
110 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 125 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 18 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed |Plover, 12 Dunlin, single Whimbrel, 140 Curlew, 90 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 15 Turnstone, 250 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 6 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE: A Rhodes, V Savery
Our 4th Avon record following others in 1982, 2003 and 2007.
BARROW TANKS: S Davies, CJ Stone7 Gadwall, 1 Lapwing, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Wheatear.
CLEVEDON COAST: HE Rose
Passage waders and Wheatear numbers tailing off here.
110 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 125 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 18 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed |Plover, 12 Dunlin, single Whimbrel, 140 Curlew, 90 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 15 Turnstone, 250 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 6 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE: A Rhodes, V Savery
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| 24.9.11 Spotted Sandpiper © Rich Andrews, many thanks more pics at http://www.cvlbirding.co.uk/logbook/2011september.html |
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| 25.9 .11 Spotted Sandpiper © Brian Lancastle, many thanks Enjoy the spots while they last......... |
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| 25.9 .11 Spotted Sandpiper © Allan Chard, many thanks |
Herriott's: the Spotted Sandpiper still present today, it first turned up yesterday. Conveniently, it was flirting with a Common a times so direct comparisons could be made.
Our 4th Avon record following others in 1982, 2003 and 2007.
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| 25.9 .11 Pectoral Sandpiper © Allan Chard, many thanks |
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| 25.9 .11 1st w. Mediterranean Gull © Allan Chard, many thanks |
Saturday 24 September 2011
Sightings 24/9/11
OLDBURY POWER STATION: A Middleton
6 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 157 Mallard, 2 Peregrine, 6 Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwing, 17 Dunlin, 35+ Redshank, 23 Turnstone, a Blackcap, 4 Wheatear and 1 Grey Wagtail.
NEW PASSAGE:
CHITTENING WARTH: M Dadds
Sea Bank: 2 Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail.
Stup Pill: at least a Snipe, 2 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, at least 14 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll and 4 Reed Bunting.
PORTBURY DOCK: CJ Stone
40 Ringed Plover, 8 Knot, 30 Curlew and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull.
PORTBURY WHARF: CJ Stone
60 Ringed Plover, 22 Knot, 126 Dunlin and 40 Curlew.
GORDANO VALLEY:
CLEVEDON COAST: H Taffs
Shore to Yeo Est: 6 Knot, 3 Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper of note.
Wain's Hill: a Mistle Thrush, 2 Redpoll, 6 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.
6 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 157 Mallard, 2 Peregrine, 6 Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwing, 17 Dunlin, 35+ Redshank, 23 Turnstone, a Blackcap, 4 Wheatear and 1 Grey Wagtail.
NEW PASSAGE:
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| 24.9.11 Ringed Plover © Brian Lancastle, many thanks just 4 Ringed Plover and 65 Dunlin of note here |
Sea Bank: 2 Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail.
Stup Pill: at least a Snipe, 2 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, at least 14 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll and 4 Reed Bunting.
PORTBURY DOCK: CJ Stone
40 Ringed Plover, 8 Knot, 30 Curlew and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull.
PORTBURY WHARF: CJ Stone
60 Ringed Plover, 22 Knot, 126 Dunlin and 40 Curlew.
GORDANO VALLEY:
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| 24.9.11 Blackcap fault bars © Dave Nevitt, many thanks |
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| 24.9.11 Chiffchaff fault bars © Dave Nevitt, many thanks |
A disturbance in the Farce caused those Dark Lords of the Sith at GVRS to send us some pics...
Darth Dave Nevitt writes: They show good examples of fault-bars on the tail of Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
If a bird has a constant good food supply whilst it is growing new feathers, the resulting feathers are uniform and strong. Fault bars occur when there is a dip in the food supply to a bird that is growing new feathers (these two whilst growing in the nest) resulting in weak bands across the feathers.
In extreme cases, the feathers can snap at these weak points, leaving the bird severly handicapped. It is usually associated with poor weather affecting the availability of food.
Interestingly, many of the blackcaps and chiffchaffs caught today at GVRS showed fault-bars, indicating that wherever they came from suffered poor weather at some point during the summer.
CLEVEDON COAST: H Taffs
Shore to Yeo Est: 6 Knot, 3 Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper of note.
Wain's Hill: a Mistle Thrush, 2 Redpoll, 6 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.
Friday 23 September 2011
Sightings 23/9/11
AUST WARTH: B Lancastle, AD Scott
3 Buzzard, a Kingfisher (Cake Pill), 2 Wheatear and a Stonechat.
NORTHWICK WARTH: B Lancastle
A Buzzard, single Snipe, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Whimbrel.
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
1 Little Egret, 52 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, at least 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 20 Dunlin, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven and the usual groups of Wigeon, Teal and Redshank.
SEVERN BEACH:
3 Buzzard, a Kingfisher (Cake Pill), 2 Wheatear and a Stonechat.
NORTHWICK WARTH: B Lancastle
A Buzzard, single Snipe, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Whimbrel.
NEW PASSAGE: RF Reader
1 Little Egret, 52 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, at least 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 20 Dunlin, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven and the usual groups of Wigeon, Teal and Redshank.
SEVERN BEACH:
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| 23.9.11 Sparrowhawk © Rod Holbrook, many thanks one of the worst raptor pics we've ever seen, we really don't know why we're posting it.... |
This Sparrowhawk is a regular visitor into Rod's garden at the beach. This particular bird has its head on back to front......BWP doesn't have much to say about that, perhaps we're onto to something here....we can feel a 'paper' coming on.
SOMERSET LEVELS:
EXMOUTH:
Taken at the seaside today:-
SOMERSET LEVELS:
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| 23.9.11 Osprey © Allan Chard, many thanks |
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| 23.9.11 Peregrine with chums © Allan Chard, many thanks |
All the other suspects on show too, Bittern, Hobby, Marsh Harrier etc. Don't go to the Somerset sites if 'you want to get away from it all'..........!
EXMOUTH:
Taken at the seaside today:-
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| Grey Phalarope © Gordon Youdale, many thanks |
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| Sabine's Gull © Gordon Youdale, many thanks |
Thursday 22 September 2011
Sightings 22/9/11
AUST WARTH: B Lancastle
This evening, a female and a Wheatear. At nearby Aust Cliff, 1 Buzzard, a female Merlin, a male Peregrine and 2 Raven.
NORTHWICK WARTH: B Lancastle, RF Reader
8 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 2 juvenile Knot, 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 30 Dunlin, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Turnstone, 4 Wheatear and a Lesser Redpoll.
GORDANO VALLEY:
This evening, a female and a Wheatear. At nearby Aust Cliff, 1 Buzzard, a female Merlin, a male Peregrine and 2 Raven.
NORTHWICK WARTH: B Lancastle, RF Reader
8 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 2 juvenile Knot, 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 30 Dunlin, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Turnstone, 4 Wheatear and a Lesser Redpoll.
GORDANO VALLEY:
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| 22.9.11 Treecreeper © Dave Nevitt, many thanks 2 ringed at the station this morning |
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| 22.9.11 Lesser Redpoll © Dave Nevitt, many thanks |
Other ringing highlights: 39 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, a flyover Tree Pipit and a Reed Bunting.
A lot of Siskins also appearing, we could be in for a Siskin autumn/winter.
Brandon Hill Birds
We thought members may be interested to take part in this project looking at 'over the city' bird migration.....and with our own customary coastal autumn migration watches already set in the diary, it would be useful to compare results....and there could be some surprises!
The project is being co-ordinated by Sam at Brandon Hill and he writes:-
The project is being co-ordinated by Sam at Brandon Hill and he writes:-
Cabot Tower Bird Study Group and Migration Watch
I am planning on forming a visible migration watch and bird study group that will meet once weekly at the top of Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Nature Park, Clifton for the remainder of the autumn migration period, and depending on success, reforming in the spring. I've got a concessionary key so we can access the Tower as early as we want.
We will be monitoring passage migrants and looking out for raptors over the city.
Our results will be submitted to BirdTrack and we will also be comparing results with the Tower 42 Bird Study Group run by David Lindo in central London (http://t42bsg.blogspot.com/).
I am currently talking with the parks to gain early access to Cabot Tower and am looking for birders of any experience to join me.
The sessions will most likely take place on Thursday or Friday mornings, depending on when David and the Tower 42 BSG are meeting.
If you are interested (or know anyone who might be) in being put on a mailing list or finding out any more information, please contact me here: brandonhillnature@gmail.com.
Sessions will be c. 4hrs, during which you would be free to attend and leave at any point depending on commitments and I will send out a group email 1 week in advance with exact times and dates.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Sightings 20/9/11
PILL: V Savery
M5 bridge: singles Grey Heron and Cormorant, 3 Curlew, a Greenshank, 2 Redshank and 3 Common Sandpiper along the river Avon shore.
Vladivostok: J Sparks
M5 bridge: singles Grey Heron and Cormorant, 3 Curlew, a Greenshank, 2 Redshank and 3 Common Sandpiper along the river Avon shore.
Vladivostok: J Sparks
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| 12.9.11 Black-tailed Gull |
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| 14.9.11 Mongolian Plover |
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| 13.9.11 Red-rumped Swallow © all photos John Sparks, Большое спасибо |
John just back from a trip to the far eastern reaches of Russia (beyond ST 78) and sent in these pics.
....и большое спасибо за Ваши добрые слова ...
....и большое спасибо за Ваши добрые слова ...
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