27th APRIL 2007.

RESCHEDULED REPTILE WALK. (100th Blog entry!!!!)

Tim was waiting for us when we reached WWT Barnes; a pleasant surprise as he was not supposed to be there until about ten o’clock! The other pleasant surprise was that the yellow Flag Iris were blooming on the Entrance Lake. Leon and I had been to the Leg O’Mutton LNR earlier to see the Sparrowhawks and had had quite a good morning. The weather was not as good as we had been told it would be; it was quite chilly and there was a bit of a breeze. I had, in fact, had to put my fleece on to keep out the chill!

A NICE SURPRISE, FIRST FLAGS 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

Making our way inside we went straight to the restaurant to get a hot drink and to talk about the possibility of the Reptile Walk being cancelled. We had been here a month ago and the weather was just like todays’ although it was not raining.
It was still chilly and a bit breezy when we left the restaurant although Tim and I thought that it seemed a little brighter. We popped into the Observatory for a quick ‘scan’ of the area; there were quite a few bids to be seen. We didn’t stay long as there was a school group present and we needed to ‘lose’ them!

'OLD CHARLIES' LEFTOVERS!

Photo; Reg Norman

Making our way to the Wildside area we were a little dismayed to find that there was very little birdsong and even fewer birds! This improved a little when we stared walking around the Summer Walk; there were certainly plenty of warblers around. They had arrived at last and jolly pleased we were to hear them! We had a go at teaching Tim the difference between Reed and Sedge warblers; I think that he got it!
From the Wildside hide I was pleased to see that the Cowslips on the Thames-side bank were still in flower; a sight that never disappoints me. We could see the warblers in the reedbeds flitting from place to place, their song increasing in volume all the time. Whilst we were at the hide the site office ‘phoned to say that the Reptile Walk had been cancelled due to the cold weather! Although a little disappointed again we could understand the reason for calling it off. Tim ventured that the weather would now improve dramatically.

A COOT FAMILY OUTING

Photo: Reg Norman

We moved on to the Waterlife area, stopping briefly at the Headley hide, to see if our luck would improve. On the way we were treated to some great views of a Kestrel hunting over the Main Lake boundary. In the short time that it took to reach the Waterlife area the weather had improved dramatically! The wind had dropped somewhat and the sky had lightened. The sun even managed to poke its’ face through the clouds every now and then!
Lots of spring flowers had started to flower; I pointed out Ragged Robin and Leon found Ox-eye Daisy for Tim. It will not be long before the daisies will blanket the Grazing Marsh borders.

FIRST OXEYE DAISIES 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

There were only a few birds at the feeder; we saw the Brown Rat (he seems to have an injured / deformed back leg) which made Tims’ blood run cold! He is not keen to say the least!
The Sheltered Lagoon walk was very quiet; you can usually guarantee some good sights along here, perhaps the weather was keeping the bids quiet. We walked along, slowly and quietly but saw very little. As we reached the Wader Scrape hide Tim and I saw a Blackcap; it was there one second, gone the next!
Inside the hide it was quite busy; people had obviously come specifically to see the Little Ringed Plovers. There was only one on show; sitting on a nest under a wire ‘crow-stopper’. One of the people kindly let me have a look through his ‘scope at the bird.
There was a nice group of people in the peacock Tower; I believe they may have been a visiting ‘birding’ group. They all seemed very knowledgeable and were keen to help everybody else to find different birds.
We had stunning views of a Sedge Warbler; he was sat on the edge of some reeds, singing his heart out. Everybody in the hide was entranced.

FIRST ARUM LILIES 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

We had had an interesting day and as it seemed that we were destined not to see too much more we made our way out of the centre and on to ‘the office’. It was now a glorious afternoon blue skies and the sun beating down!

BIRDS SEEN: Wren, Canada Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, House Martin, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Sand Martin, Wood Pigeon, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Robin, Pochard, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Starling, Mute Swan, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Ruddy Duck, Greylag Goose, Swift, Kestrel, Cormorant, Redshank, Stock Dove, Magpie, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Long Tailed Tit, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Green Woodpecker, Ring Necked Parakeet, Blue Tit, great Tit, Coal Tit.

22nd APRIL 2007.

OLD FRIENDS, A NEW FREIND, KITES AND TERNS.

Leon and I had spent the first part of the day at the Lonsdale Road LNR; a great way to start the day in anyones’ book! The weather continued to be as good as one could want this early in the year and I was glad that I had packed a cap ‘just in case’.
We popped into the Observatory to ‘kit-up’ and were immediately struck by the number of bids on view; this looked promising! In fact one of the first birds that we spotted was a Reed Warbler, a first for the year here. You could, in fact, hear them (along with Sedge Warblers) from different areas but it was to be the only sighting of the day.

SNEAKING UP ON DUCKLINGS!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

In the lower section of the Observatory we spotted our friends Terry and Liz so we went down to meet up with them. They gave us a few details of their birdwatching holiday to Slimbridge, the Forest of Dean and the surrounding area. We were to hear more during the day; I must say that I did feel a little envious! We were also joined here by Philip, one of our ‘regular’ friends. He had just poked his nose in for a quick look before moving off to the Peacock Tower.
All four of us went into the restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast although Liz did not eat anything, just a coffee. Whilst we ate we were serenaded by the Marsh Frogs in the pond just outside.
Having eaten we made our way to the Wildside, by way of the Log Cabin area, which would have been our normal start to the day. As we moved off somebody pointed out some soaring shapes in the sky. Red Kites! We watched these beautiful birds for some time; they just seemed to be ‘hanging’ in the air! There were, by all accounts, three birds but I could only see two! We saw many Finches and Tits as we moved along; many were starting to sing extremely well. Everywhere the spring flowers were starting to bloom and I was particularly pleased to see the Guelder Rose starting to show. The Marsh Frogs were kicking up quite a racket but fortunately there were enough ‘little darlings’ about to drown them out!

GUELDER ROSE, SURE SIGN OF SPRING

Photo: Reg Norman

Whilst walking around the Summer Walk, just before the Wildside hide, we were to get some fabulous views of a Blackcap. Then another, with beakfulls of nesting material. This second was particularly accommodating; it sat well for some time. To make sure it moved off, Terry took out his camera and as he was trying to set up for the shot, it moved off!
Into the Wildside hide we went and looked for the warblers that we could hear in the nearby reedbeds. You could occasionally make out their darting forms but could not make a positive id from where we were. Terry commented on the number of crows on the site, about sixty at that time. I told him that the week before I had counted upwards of one hundred and fifty, including those in the boundary trees! “Ought to shoot’em” said Terry. Now, why on earth would anyone want to shoot the boundary trees? Perhaps the noise frightens the crows off!
Time was getting on and so we moved back towards the Centre; stopping at the Headley hide briefly on the way. We also stopped, once more, at the restaurant as we all needed a drink. We sat outside in the sunshine and listened to the now cacophony of the Marsh Frogs. Terry quickly whipped out his camera and did some digiscoping of the frogs. The results were very pleasing; the practice whilst he was away obviously paying off!

CRACKING FIRST SHOT OF FROG

Photo: Terry Burton

The feeder station was our next port of call, stopping only very briefly at the Dulverton hide. There was not much to be seen; perhaps a mixture of being there late again and the heat. There were some pigeons that were joined by a rat that almost ran among us! Philip joined us once again on his way to the restaurant; he had news of the Little Ringed Plovers.
As Philip was about to move off, another young man approached and was promptly introduced to us by Terry and Liz. Mike Beard had met the two of them some time before and they had gotten onto the subject of this blog. Mike, it appears, is an avid reader of this diary (which in itself shows great taste!) and was immediately popular for his appreciation of the good things in life! Mike was to join us for the rest of the day and jolly nice it was too. I am sure that we shall meet up again soon; I certainly hope so.

ONE WAY OF KEEPING COOL!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

The heat, as we walked around the Sheltered Lagoon walk, rendered the use of ‘scope and binoculars almost useless due to the heat haze. There were, however, plenty of small birds moving about in the shade.
I, for one, was actually glad to get into the Wader Scrape hide as this gave us a chance to get out of the sun and to cool down a little. We could not see the Little Ringed Plovers but we had some fine views of Lapwing sat upon their nests. A Common Snipe also emerged and started to feed along one of the muddy banks. We were joined by a couple of ladies who were obviously just starting out ‘birding’ and so we got great pleasure in pointing things out for them; Terry and Mike both allowing them to have ‘peeks’ through their ‘scopes.
We moved on to the Peacock Tower, stopping on the way to look for warblers, where the LRP’s were pointed out to us. We could also get even better views of the Snipe as it continued to feed along the shoreline.
Earlier in the afternoon we had had some quick glimpses of a couple of Common Terns; now we could see them properly as they wheeled, spectacularly, around the Main Lake and beyond.
We stayed at he Tower for a good time before deciding to move back to the Centre and then on to ‘the office’. We said our goodbyes to Mike and made our way, via the WWF hide for a ‘quickie’, homewards.

WHO'S WATCHING WHO?

Photo; Terry Burton.

Before leaving we suggested to Terry that he might like to go to the Lonsdale Road LNR before starting his duties next weekend. He should be able to get some good shots of the Sparrowhawk nest and the Herons on their rafts! I will cal for confirmation during he week and will hopefully contact Mike on the ‘BirdForum’ site to see if he fancies an early start.

BIRDS SEEN: Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Wren, Moorhen, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Mallard, Lapwing, Green Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe, Starling, Redshank, Heron, Wood Pigeon, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Stock Dove, Dunnock, Common Tern, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Cormorant, Ring Necked Parakeet, Swift, Reed Bunting, Long Tailed tit, Blackcap, Robin, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Duck, Pied Wagtail. Kestrel, feral Pigeon, Sparrowhawk, Common Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Egyptian Goose, great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Blackbird, Shoveller, House Martin, Sedge Warbler, Coal Tit, Coot, Pochard.

14th APRIL 2007.

ARRIVALS ARRIVING!

We arrived at the Centre today having already had a lovely early-morning walk in Richmond Park. We had met at about seven o’clock and walked the short journey to the park. The weather was beautiful and the park had been busy even at that early hour. We were beginning to feel the heat even as we arrived; the coffee at breakfast would be well appreciated!

NEW LIFE EVERYWHERE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Being here on a Saturday was strange, but Leon had to work on the following day so we made the best of both being off. The day may have changed but the plan for the walk about the site had not. We would start at the Observatory which would enable us to kit-up and scan the site in comfort. As we walked towards the Observatory we saw our first Swift of the year; I thought for a moment that it was going to join us in the building it came so low! Then it was gone. We would not see another today.
Having got ready in the Observatory and the time getting on, we decided to have breakfast before moving on anywhere. Just as we started on our meal, some of the ‘regulars’ who were sat outside in the sunshine, got up and started scanning the sky over the Visitor Centre. We, of course, moved out to join them to see what was of interest. Here was a raptor high in the sky; everybody was hoping that it was the Goshawk that had been reported in the area a couple of times recently. It was not to be; we were watching a female Sparrowhawk.
After finishing our meal we moved off toward the Wildside area all the while enjoying the lovely weather. We were also enjoying the relative quiet as there seemed to be very few ‘little darlings’ in attendance! The Marsh Frogs were trying to make up for them though! The newly-arrived Sand Martins were all over the site; their twittering filling the air. It was good to have them back but when scanning an area they can lead yours eyes away as they flash past!

THE MULTIPLYING CROWS

Photo; Leon Rusk.

We could hear a Blackcap singing in the bushes and shrubs along the Castlenau bank but were unable to see it until it broke cover, did a ‘victory roll’ and vanished over the boundary!
From the Wildside hide we had lots of ducks and waterfowl to watch but, there appeared to be no Teal or Wigeon around at all. There was one bird of interest; a hybrid of Ring Necked Duck x Tufted Duck. We had seen this bird on several occasions before, pointed out by an eminent ‘birder’ who takes some of the ‘event’ walks.
We missed out the Headley hide, only because of the time, and made our way to the Waterlife area. The feeders were not very busy; we decided that we were there too late and that the birds had all had their breakfast and were now resting. Perhaps they were saving themselves for the coming courtship and mating rituals.
The Sheltered Lagoon walk, too, was fairly quiet although we did see a Chiffchaff and heard more of the same. We also had three House Martins above us for the briefest of time; I believe they went off to play with the Sand Martins!
The Wader Scrape hide was very quiet too; the Snipe must have been sheltering from the sun rather than the wind this week!

FRITTILARY MEADOW STILL BEAUTIFUL

Photo: Leon Rusk.


It was good to see the ‘regulars’ in the Peacock Tower; no sooner had we arrived than we were shown some Little Ringed Plovers (not visible from the WS hide) and a Wheatear out on the Grazing Marsh. The Wheatear was particularly amenable and stayed out in clear view for quite some time.
There were no Black Headed Gulls on view; this surprised me as there were a few other species in small numbers. We stayed for a while, watching the birds and chatting amongst our friends, and just as we left for ‘the office’ a couple of Black Heads came down by the Headley hide. It had gone quiet and so we moved off.

BIRDS SEEN: Blackbird, Starling, Blue Tit, Heron, Mallard, Coot, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Swift, Egyptian Goose, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Redshank, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Pochard, Feral Pigeon, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Magpie, Greylag Goose, Sand Martin, Ruddy Duck, Blackcap, Gadwall, Little Ringed Plover, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Wheatear, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Shoveller, House Martin, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Chiffchaff.

6th APRIL 2007.

THE LONE GOOD FRIDAY. (By Leon Rusk)

Good Friday, a day off, Reg works Bank Holidays so I go on my own to the Wetland Centre.
I popped up the road to the hospital to meet Reg and see the gutted look on his face as I was and he wasn’t, if you get me! Queen Marys’, Roehampton, is where we ply our trade Monday to Friday. I am a brain surgeon and Reg, well, looking for a donor! I am on call 24/7 so if there is anyone out there!
Anyway, back on planet Earth, I just went to say ’hello’ and pick up my camera. I arrived a bit late at the WWT; Reg locked me in a storeroom because of the smug look on my face!
Phew! Out! Got there at 10:15, that’ll teach me! As is our way, I checked the birds upon entering the site, always nice; there was a Heron on the Entrance Pond and, nearby, some Mallard ducklings. Victims to be I am afraid!

MALLARD DUCKLINGS

Photo: Leon Rusk.

In and off to the Observatory. Again the usual but nothing that I was hoping to see. From there I went on our tried and trusted route.
The day was mild and sunny so I was hoping to see a few new arrivals. Boy, was that hope shot to pieces!

THE LOG CABIN AREA

Photo; Sue Blair.

Off to the conifers by the log cabin to maybe see the Goldcrest and more lbj’s, but, again, not much was showing. From there I headed to the Wildside and moved around the banking where I was rewarded with a lovely view of a Chiffchaff at the top of a tree. As Reg would have told you, once you get familiar with the call, it does help with spotting the bird. On to the Summer Walk, not much happening, at least not while I was passing through. A few butterflies, but then again, too few to mention, I went on my way (sorry!) getting nearer to the Wildside hide I was to find a dead rat, just off the path, not welcome! Our mate Tim would be pleased, he hates rats!

FIRST IN A COLLECTION OF DEAD RAT PHOTOS!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Reached the hide and, again, quiet; maybe it was me and my crap timing! I then decided to go to the other side of the centre, on my way passing quite a few of Regs’ favourite small people.
Once again, apart from seeing the few remaining Teal and Wigeon which was nice, nothing to get me, apart from the fact of being at the wetlands. The birdfeeder was exceptionally quiet and so I went on around the Lagoon, stopping at a bench to listen to the song.

THR FRITTILARY MEADOW

Photo; Sue Blair.

From there, on to the Wader Scrape hide. Zilch! Near enough by then, sun over the yardarm sort of thing, I ‘phoned our mate, Tim, to see what he was doing. Tim tells me that he is on Wimbledon Common with his granddaughter, Sadie, walking the dog. So, I arranged to meet him in ‘the office’, 12:30ish.
I quickly check the Peacock Tower but whatever as happened I’ve seemed to miss it. Wrong place, wrong time I guess. I leave the wetlands, a bit disappointed, but it’s always a special place.
I reach ‘the office’ at 12:40 to find Tim and Sadie already there, Lush!
Mmmm… chi Doh! Mmmmmmmm…… beer!

SPRING BLOSSOM

Photo: Sue Blair.

BIRDS SEEN: Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Coot, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Teal, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Feral Pigeon, Heron, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Gadwall, Starling, Sand Martin, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Magpie, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldfinch, Shoveller, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pochard, Redshank, Stock Dove.

1st APRIL 2007.

SHORT REPORT DUE TO LOST NOTES!

I am not quite sure how I did it but I seem to have lost my short notes for todays’ report. Some unkind people might say that it had something to do with my going to the Half Moon in Putney to celebrate Fulhams’ draw with Pompey with some chaps from work. Some put it down to the fact that I went back to said pub to watch the Hamsters at said pub later in the evening. I just put it down to plain old bad luck! It must follow, then, that this will be a very short report.

CANADA GEESE OUTSIDE THE WILDSIDE HIDE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Arriving at the Centre we first made our way to the Observatory. Within seconds I had incorrectly identified two Egyptian Geese as Canadians. I remember that Leon did a lot of giggling during the whole morning. I remember little else although I did feel much better after visiting ‘the office’!

COOT CHICKS, WATERLIFE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

BIRDS SEEN: Egyptian Goose, Starling, Wren, Blackbird, Coot, Moorhen, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Lapwing, Teal, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Heron, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Magpie, Chiffchaff, Redshank, Jack Snipe, Greylag Goose, Carrion Crow, Wigeon, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Coal Tit Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Sand Martin, Great Black Backed Gull, , Lesser Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Jackdaw, Herring Gull, Common Snipe, Black Headed Gull.

30th MARCH 2007.

SNAKES ALIVE!

Today was to be a little different in that we had booked for one of the events that have been organised by the Centre. It was a reptile Walk day and both Leon and I were looking forward to it immensely. We were also to be joined by one of our best friends, Tim, who also works with us.
The weather had been promised to be warm and sunny but had deteriorated over the previous few days and we were not sure that the walk would be going ahead It was very cold and there was rain in the air; not a promising start when hoping to see reptiles. Still, the walk was not until early afternoon and so it might just cheer up a bit!

LIGHT IN THE DARK.

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Leon and I turned up at the usual time in order to get some early ’birding’ in. Tim was coming along a little later and I had brought my spare glasses with me so that he might get the best out of the day.
Although cold and miserable there were quite a few birds out and about as we watched from the Observatory. We had decided to wait around in this area as Tim would be not long behind us. It was soon time to meet him in the Visitor Centre and we started ‘proper’ birding just after ten o’clock.
Tim got into the whole thing very quickly and seemed very interested in the different kinds of birds, their habits and their habitat. He also asked lots of good questions which made it very enjoyable.
We did the tour of the site in our usual fashion, taking in as much of the site as we could. On the way to the Wildside hide we pointed out a Chiffchaff singing to Tim. He listened intently but we did not see the bird. At the hide we spent a fair time scanning the area as there were plenty of birds about; again Tim showed great interest in everything about us.
We made our way back towards the Headley hide after a while and on the way back Tim recognised the Chiffchaff song and where it was coming from. The next minute he had seen it and pointed it out to us! Not bad for his first real day out ‘birding’!
At the Headley hide there was a good showing of Cormorants on the rafts and feeding in the water. We could also watch some of the different ducks feeding quite close up; we were able to show Tim the different feeding strategies of some of the species on view.

TIM AND REG, THE WILDSIDE.

Photo: Leon Rusk.

Coffee was next on the agenda. It is a shame that you cannot get a hot breakfast at the Centre on weekdays as all three of us could have polished a large one off!
Although Tim had been to the Centre before this was his first ’real’ outing and moving into the Waterlife area we could show him some more habitats up close. He was particularly surprised by the number of small birds at the feeder station. We also spotted a Kestrel hunting over the site; it stopped at fairly regular intervals to hover.
We next took a leisurely walk around the Sheltered Lagoon, hoping to pick up some early migrants but were unlucky. There were lots of small birds about and once again Tim picked out a Chiffchaff. Some people love to show off! He saw it first as well.
Reaching the Wader Scrape hide we were glad to get in out of the weather which seemed to have taken a turn for the worse. There were not many birds out on the water but at least there were a few Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall. We did not stay long and soon moved to the peacock Tower.

GLOOMY DAY AT WWF HIDE!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

The Tower was not very productive either; the weather was just not on our side today! Tim was at least able to see a Common buzzard, briefly wheeling over the Visitor Centre. We had a good look around, covering just about every nook and cranny that we could find. Leon was soon on to us about moving back to the Centre to meet our guide for the Reptile Walk. As we made our way back, not really thinking that we would see much as most snakes would be well hidden and warm, unlike some people, we were rewarded with some more excellent views of the Buzzard again. It was a little closer and lower than before so that we were able to get some quite good views. I just hope that Tim doesn’t think that it happens like this all of the time!

BRIGHTENING UP A MISERABLE DAY!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

Our guide introduced himself as Andy and immediately ventured that we might not see very much due to the adverse weather conditions. We replied that we thought that the walk would have been called off anyway. Undaunted, Andy led us off to have a look around and pointed out places where one could see snakes sunning themselves (weather permitting!) and other places of interest. He led us up onto the southern bank and proceeded to lift many of the shelters that have been left around to encourage the snakes. None contained anything but slugs; others did not have slugs which suggested that Slow Worms may have been feasting there!

TIM AND SLOW WORM.

Photo: Leon Rusk.

Not to be defeated, Andy suggested (on our return to the Centre) that we went for coffee, or something stronger, and that he would return home to collect a snake for us to see. I am glad that he did because he brought the most beautiful Corn Snake, from South America, with the name ’Shirley Bassey’! He also brought along a lovely Slow Worm, but I didn’t catch his name! We spent a good long time handling the creatures; all three of us thoroughly entranced. Not only had Andy rescued the day, but we were told that we would be able to come along again on the next Reptile Walk. We will, of course, be going!

REG AND CORN SNAKE.

Photo: Leon Rusk.

Our final port of call for the day was, of course, ‘the office’. We certainly had lots to talk about and so had to stay a little longer than usual. Somebody has to do it

TWO SNAKES!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

BIRDS SEEN: Blackbird, Coot, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Ring Necked Parakeet, Chaffinch, Wren, Moorhen, Mallard, Lapwing, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Starling, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Heron, Cormorant, Feral Pigeon, Mute Swan, Ruddy Duck, Shoveller, Teal, Kestrel, Greylag Goose, Sand Martin, Black Headed Gull, Redshank, Little Grebe, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Robin, Dunnock, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Great Crested Grebe, Chiffchaff, Gadwall, Reed Bunting, Wigeon, Great Black Backed Gull, Common Buzzard, Goldfinch, Coal Tit, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker.

25th MARCH 2007.

A LOVELY SPRING DAY.

Compared to last week the weather today was excellent! It was very mild and there were some good breaks in the cloud. There was also not much wind to talk of!
We arrived at the Centre at our usual time; this gives us time to enjoy a few minutes at the Entrance Lake and its’ surrounding area. Most people walk straight past this place but we have learned, over the past couple of years, that you can sometimes pickup the odd bird here. We saw our first Fieldfares and Redwings at this place.

FIRST COWSLIPS, 2007!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

As usual, we stopped at the Observatory first to get ourselves properly sorted out. There were quite a few birds about and the prospects for the day looked good. On the way in we had noticed that the House Sparrows were starting to use the purpose-made nest holes in the Centre building; I personally love to hear their ‘cheeping’. We had also bumped into our friend Terry who was once again working as a volunteer. He was on ‘meet and greet’ duties for the first part of the day.
Entering the Wildside area there were many small birds on view; many were singing the little hearts out and most were sporting their courtship finery. From the Wildside hide we could see many birds but the numbers of our winter visitors seemed way down. A Kestrel was to make the first of many sorties over the site, scattering the Lapwings and Starlings; even a few of the smaller gulls went up each time he passed!

THE EAST ASIA RICE PADDY.

Photo: Leon Rusk.

Breakfast was next on the agenda; it is not surprising that we get so hungry, we leave early and the fresh air seems to help! We enjoyed our meal and also watching Terry at his post on the Entrance Bridge!
At the Dulverton hide we were able to see lots of birds but again the numbers of our winter visitors was definitely down. We looked for the Snipe that usually hid in the vegetation just outside the hide but to no avail. We had also been told that there was a Jack Snipe about but didn’t see that either!
We walked along to the feeder area stopping at the Coots’ nest on the way. The little birds were doing well and were paddling about and being fed by their parents. Terry joined us at this point; he was now walking around the site offering help and information to visitors. As we said our hello’s Terry looked up and asked what the bird was, high above us. It was a Common Buzzard; one had been seen several times just recently and here it was displaying well for us! We watched it for a while and it slowly moved off towards the north of the site.

SPRING: BLOSSOM AND BUDS!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

We walked along with Terry for a while, stopping every now and then to answer questions and to look at various things. We could hear Chiffchaffs in the Willow trees and bushes; we were to see them later in the day but Terry didn’t claim one. He knew what one sounded like now and, so armed, would know where to look in future.
The Kestrel was still appearing periodically, putting the more timid birds up into the air every now and then. We had a particularly good view of him from the peacock Tower hovering over the Headley hide and its’ locality. We also got some good views of the Common Snipe of which we saw three.

THE SHELTERED LAGOON WALK.

Photo: Leon Rusk.

The Redshanks now at the site were moving about all over the place; you could track them by their calls and the flash of their wings as they alighted in each new position. I thought that they didn’t seem too interested in pairing up just yet but were concentrating on feeding themselves up for the coming courtship period. Who knows?
As we were making our way back to the Visitor Centre to say our farewells to Terry, we had another fine view of the Buzzard wheeling around in the sky over the Boileau.
We retired to ‘the office’ to discuss the days’ happenings and some of the events for which we have booked our places.

KESTREL : LEON GETS WHOLE BIRD!

Photo: Leon Rusk

BIRDS SEEN: Wood Pigeon, Starling, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Moorhen, Coot, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Egyptian Goose, Cormorant, Feral Pigeon, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Shoveller, Lapwing, Heron, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Ruddy Duck, Reed Bunting, Sand Martin, Common Buzzard, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Ring Necked Parakeet, Magpie, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Stock Dove, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, Great Black Backed Gull, Little Grebe, Redshank, Common Snipe, Herring Gull.

18th MARCH 2007.

MOTHERS DAY SURPRISE!

Leon and I had made an early start to the day with a visit to Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens. The weather had not been kind it being extremely windy. There were sunny patches in the sky and no rain but the wind was horrendous! We arrived at the Centre at about 10:20 and went straight to the restaurant for breakfast; both of us were really hungry and still a little cold from the wind earlier in the day!

SUNNY, BUT SOOO WINDY!

Photo: Leon Rusk

Whilst eating we received a really nice surprise. Our friend Terry joined us; he had already told us that he would not be around today as it was Mothers Day and that he would spend it at home with his wife, Liz. They had decided to bring their granddaughters to the Centre, along with one of their small friends, and Liz had said that Terry could ‘have an hour or so birding’ on his own! We saw Liz and the girls walking past but could not attract her attention. We thought the best thing to do was to wander around the Waterlife areas first for a change as this would give us the maximum time together.
It was still very windy and most birds seemed to be staying well in the cover. The feeder area was a particular disappointment as there were no birds at all on view!
Walking around the Sheltered Lagoon produced only a few birds and the birds on the Lagoon itself were keeping in the lee of the banks and islands. I cannot say that I blame them!

THE ROBIN HAD MORE SENSE THAN US!

Photo: Leon Rusk

The Wader Scrape was to prove to be more productive; although still quite open it was benefiting from the shelter of the bankside vegetation and fencing. It was noticeably calmer than the areas that we had already visited. There were quite a few more birds showing here although not o the numbers we would usually have expected. One of the first birds we spotted was a Common Snipe on one of the islands. He had found himself a relatively sheltered spot behind one of the gravel ‘shelves’ also slightly sheltered by some bankside vegetation. He was trying to grab some shut-eye whilst standing on one leg; almost impossible even in the much reduced air flow! Terry had the idea of trying to digiscope the bird using his ‘scope and Leons’ camera. This worked fairly well for a first attempt.

THE BOYS' FIRST ATTEMPT!

Photo: Leon Rusk / Terry Burton

Moving on to the Peacock Tower we were once again to be disappointed by the number of birds on view. We should have been expecting it to be so but we live in hope! We did see our first Redshanks of the season and were even lucky enough to see a Water Pipit that had been hanging around for a few days. He didn’t hang around long though and soon vanished into cover. The bird had been kindly pointed out by ‘the regulars’ and they allowed us a quick peek through their ‘scopes. The waves on the Main Lake were larger than I had ever seen them and I do not blame the birds for staying in the lee of the islands or sheltering amongst the dead reeds.
We moved on to the WWF hide where the story was much the same. We noticed a Heron sheltering amongst the reeds and the boys decided to try for some pictures using the ‘scope again. Once more, for beginners the results were not too bad at all!

SECOND DIGISCOPING ATTEMPT!

Photo: Leon Rusk / Terry Burton

Terry had to be making his way back to meet Liz and the girls so we accompanied him some of the way before saying our good-byes.
The Wildside was our next destination; we expected much of the same and were not disappointed! There were birds about but they were staying well into the cover and when we arrived at the Wildside hide everything was on the wrong side of the available cover for us to see anything!
We decided that, like the birds, we needed to take cover somewhere a little warmer than where we were! We thought about this for some time and decided on moving to ‘the office’ where we could warm up and talk about the days’ events.

WORSENING CONDITIONS!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

BIRDS SEEN: Moorhen, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Shoveller, Tufted Duck, Lapwing, Cormorant, Heron, Mallard, Teal, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wigeon, Wren, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Great Tit, Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Gadwall, Stock Dove, Common Snipe, Redshank, Starling, Blackbird, Water Pipit, Magpie, Goldfinch, Robin, Mute Swan, Green Woodpecker, Feral Pigeon, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunnock.