Western Reef Heron

A few weeks ago, I went in search of a bird that was a first for the UK. The Western Reef Heron had been moving around the Welsh coast for two or three weeks at this stage. Starting off down South and then moving to the North West, before spending a few days in Conwy. It was too tempting for me not to go and see if I could find it. 

It was an early start to get to the RSPB reserve where it was last reported, but it wasn't there. Word came through that it was on the estuary a few miles away. I soon, got my binoculars on it, before setting up my tripod and watching for a couple of hours. An amazing looking bird that usually resides in West Africa, it was similar in size to a Little Egret, but a rather nice looking blue colour instead of white. I was delighted to get it on the list.😀😀

You can see my escapade here:

Western Reef Heron

Pied Flycatchers

I spent a morning watching a pair of Pied Flycatchers feed their young recently. I got myself tucked out of the way, so as not to disturb the birds, and let my long lens do the hard work. It was a lovely warm  sunny morning, and it was a real joy and privilege to be able to spend time with these amazing little birds. I hope to head back in a few weeks to check up on them, but if they've fledged it could be a tricky task to track them down.

You can see my morning with the Pied Flycatchers here:

Male Pied Flycatcher

Female Pied Flycatcher

The Temperature's Rising

It was a very hot day, so I took myself to the Goyt Valley, where I was hoping that the tree cover and elevation may give me some respite. It did to a degree, but it was still a scorcher. Thankfully the birds were very active, as they have to feed their young no matter what the weather is doing. It was a very fruitful visit, with lots of new in Spotted Flycatchers, Pied Flycatchers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Redstarts, Tawny Owls and so much more. Everywhere had something to look at and watch. Even a little Goldcrest came nice and close for me, and these are not that easy to pin down.

You can see a more detailed version of my trip here:

Goldcrest

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Pied Flycatcher

Redstart

Spotted Flycatcher

Swallow

 

Spotted Flycatchers are back!

I'd started my search for Spotted Flycatchers a few weeks ago. I knew that I was a bit early, but a bit like Christmas, I get very excited by these birds and the apprehension and build up to them arriving has me looking earlier each year. I am usually then disappointed, but I know that it's just a matter of time. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of other birds around to keep my spirits up. Birds like the Redstart, and on this occasion some Tawny Owls. Anyway, I did eventually find my Spotted Flycatchers, and I'll be making regular visits to see how they're getting on over the next few months.

You can see my latest adventures here:

Spotted Flycatcher

Tawny Owlet

Common Redstart

Norfolk Birding

The weather was not so great on day two and three, but at least it didn't rain. I wandered to the sea and was delighted to see good numbers of Little Terns going past. These were joined by Common and Sandwich Terns. I had a distant Whimbrel on Arnold's Marsh, and the odd Bearded Tit in the reeds, but it certainly seemed a little quieter.

That said, it certainly got a lot better, when news of a Hoopoe came through, and just around the corner from my parents too. I was lucky enough to get a couple of shots of it on a roof, before it made off out of view. What a special bird.

You can view my latest adventures here:

Hoopoe

Little Tern

Sedge Warbler

Wheatear

Whimbrel

Bearded Tit

Bar-tailed Godwit

Wall Brown

North Norfolk Birding

I had a brilliant Bank Holiday at my parents in Norfolk recently. It's possibly the best time of year to visit this marshy coast line, as the reeds, pools, marshes and sea hold so many different varieties of wildlife all at once. Sedge Warblers were in abundance, singing constantly from their chosen bush or reedbed, while the accompanying Reed and Cetti's Warblers, Whitethroat, and Lesser Whitethroats all added to the cacophony.

There were plenty of waders on show too, with the Redshank particularly active as they defended their territories. These were supported by good numbers of Avocet, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, Bar and Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Knot, Avocet and Curlew. Add in raptors such as Marsh and Hen Harrier and it really was a bird field weekend.

You can see my latest wanderings here:

Lesser Whitethroat

Little Ringed Plover

Garganey

Redshank

Reed Warbler

Ringed Plover

Sedge Warbler

Wood Sandpiper

Reservoir Woods

I took a walk around one of my favourite reservoirs and it's woodland last week, and it was alive with birdsong and wildlife. There was plenty to see, even if some of my subjects didn't make it easy. Their song always gave them away, and helped me locate them. 

There were Pied Flycatchers and Common Redstarts, plus some bonus birds like the Garden Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Common Sandpipers. It was a lovely sunny day, and the temperature lifted nicely too. 

I found some nesting birds, and others in good locations. So that all bodes well for when I return in a few weeks time, to hopefully find some of them feeding young.

Common Sandpiper

Great Crested Grebe

Mandarin Duck

Nuthatch

Pied Flycatcher

Common Redstart

Sparrowhawk