Grasshopper Warbler

I had a really nice walk in the Goyt Valley recently, and on a side of the valley that I don't usually visit. It turned out to be a really productive walk, with plenty of birds and butterflies to see. There was a Red Kite over and plenty of Kestrels around. Stonechats were plentiful, with lots of juveniles on the walls and ferns. 

I did pick up on a bird that I was not expecting to hear, and that was a Grasshopper Warbler. These birds are not often easy to see, as they like to sing from within the grasses and bushes. This one however, kindly came out to show itself for me, and I was delighted as I'd not seen one all year. I had heard one other, but on that occasion it stayed hidden. These are great looking birds and another of our Summer migrating species. I was really pleased to see this one, and on a lovely sunny day.

There were also some really good looking butterflies around this day, with some Clouded Yellow, and my first ever Dark Green Fritillary. It's a stunning butterfly. (see below)

You can come with me and see my travels here on my YouTube channel.

Grasshopper Warbler

Dark Green Fritillary

Small Skipper

Red Kite

Stonechat

Whinchat on the Patch

I had one of those days that you dream about when walking around your local patch last week. I always walk around in hope of finding something good, and usually go away satisfied that I've seen much the same as the previous day, and if the sun was out too, then that's a real bonus. But this day I turned up and straight away I heard a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the hedgerow. A great little bird, that's not often that easy to see, and very rare on my patch.

Then I continued my walk, with all the usual suspects singing or in position, until I spotted a bird jumping around the top of the hedge. I thought it might be a Stonechat, but then I saw the stripe over it's eye, and knew instantly that this was a Whinchat. A much prized bird for me, and I was absolutely delighted. So much so that I went back again that afternoon to see it again, and this time it was even closer and the right side of the sun. Superb!! It was still there the next day, but much further away and a scope was required. 

You can see my latest wanderings here:

Lesser Whitethroat

Stonechat

Whinchat

Patch Birding

The weather has turned recently (for the better) and it is beginning to feel as though Spring is finally on the way. The sun has been out and the temperature has risen a little. I've noticed the Blackthorn is in blossom, along with cherry and the Magnolia. Chiffchaffs are here and singing and even some butterflies are on the wing again. There is light at the end of what feels like a very long winter.

I've taken some very nice walks on my local patch at Woodford, where there is a real cross over of the seasons, with winter Thrushes still around and Daffodils and Summer migrants singing. It has lifted my mood and put a real spring in my step. Add into that mix an early afternoon Barn Owl, and you can imagine my excitement. Can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring in.

Come with me on my trip around my local patch here:

The Barn Owl came out to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine.

Curlew

Redwing

Ring-necked Parakeet

Stonechat (female)

Stonechat (male)

Stonechat

I'm fortunate to have a few pairs of Stonechats locally. They're one of the birds that really triggered my interest and excitement in birds again over 20 years ago. Unlike most other birds, they allow you a few opportunities to ID them, as they will often sit up nicely on a branch, bush, fence or fence post. Regularly dropping down to pick up a snack. 

This pair were doing what they do best along the East Bank, Cley Marshes. Luckily for me the sun was out, and they were not too far away.

Female Stonechat

The male. So frustrating that the blade of grass wouldn't blow out of shot.

Not so Early Birder

With Autumn now in full swing, early morning birding doesn't really happen. Sunrise is nearer to 7:30am and it's a bonus if there is no cloud cover. When it is clear though, the sun can give off some really nice light. I took a walk around some local areas recently and there was a good mix of things about. Chiffchaffs are still here, and I'm wondering if these will now stay over the winter, as many now seem to do. I look forward to their song in the Springtime, so to still hear them singing in mid Autumn is strange, but nice all the same.

Chiffchaff

Formation flying by these Mallards

Robins are setting up their winter territories and are very vocal at the moment.

This pair of Stonechats used to only overwinter on this particular site, but they actually stayed the summer and successfully bred this year. They are still here now and they looked great in the morning sunshine.

Mute Swan

Autumn Feeling

 With the weather taking a more autumnal feel in the last week or so, it felt fitting to make a trip up to the mooors, where there will be a bit more going on in the months to come. Well, if there is not much going on it is certainly a very nice place to take in the scenery. 

A bird that will become more conspicuous is the Red Grouse. There were a few family parties around and all looking splendid in the sunshine. I love to hear their bubbling calls and to watch them scurrying around, trying there best to stay out of site, but then always popping their heads up as they give their position away.

Another upland bird that will soon be making it's way down the slopes in the weeks to come is the Stonechat. They nest up in the moors but will be looking for warmer lowlands and food soon. I found this juvenile flitting in and out of the bracken. It seems to be a good year for Stonechats.

Patch Birding

A walk around my local patch serves to remind me that there is always something to see. Any bird of prey always gets me looking more than twice. Kestrels are common in my area, but it's always nice to see them and watch where they go and see what they do. It was a bit gloomy, but the colour came out ok.

Kestrel

There have been a pair of over-wintering Stonechats on a nearby golf course, Some days I can be looking for 10 minutes and not see them. Other days they are there in front of me for some time. Just shows that you never know what you'll see and just because they aren't seen one day, doesn't mean they are not still around. 

Male Stonechat

Not a common bird any more, but there is a good flock of Tree Sparrows around near me. Lovely birds to see, just not an easy find these days.

Happy New Year

Happy New Birding Year to you all. Thank you once again for all your comments. They do mean so much, and remind me that people are actually looking and enjoying the posts I put on here. I hope to bring you lots more this year.

I started the year off nice and early. Well as early as the sun would allow. It's the worst thing about the winter months for me. I much prefer to be out at 5am and get a good few hours in before the world wakes up. Hey ho, roll on Summer. There were some really good birds around too, and lots of them quite local. That said, I headed to the Wirral to give the new year list a real boost. I started at Shotwick to tick a fairly long staying Long-tailed Duck. It's usually a bird I have to make a special effort for each year, so thought I'd get it out of the way early. 

I found it fairly quickly, on what was quite a substantial bit of water. On my way back to the car, I was escorted by a pair of Stonechats. Cracking little birds, and always a joy to see them.

Stonechat

The Long-tailed Duck on the right, with a Tufted Duck on the left. It kept it's distance, so no more than a record shot.

I headed up to Wallasey where there were reports of 5 Snow Buntings on the beach and dunes. When I arrived it was absolutely manic with people on the beach. I thought there was no way they'd still be around, but these were the most tolerant birds ever. They just took off and later a few feet away each time they were disturbed. Gloomy light by this time unfortunately, so the shots are not too good.

Snow Bunting