Large Blue - Lifer!

 At the weekend, Jayne and I were down in Bristol, so, on the way back, we decided to pop into the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's Daneway Banks nature reserve, to see some butterflies.

We arrived at about 11am, to  a mixture of clouds and sunshine. Our first species were Ringlet and Meadow Brown that were both present in good numbers. We carried on, adding Marbled White and Large Skipper 6-spot Burnet moth, Small Heath and Small Blue to the list. 

Our target species, Large Blue, was however, a little harder to find! Eventually, after about an hour on site, Jayne spotted a "blue" butterfly, which I managed to get onto as well. I grabbed a few photos, and was able to confirm a female Large Blue!! Unfortunately, in my rush to get a photo, I didn't pay attention to the settings, and the few shots I got weren't very well focused! 

Large Blue

Linacre Insects - A New Species!

 I was down at Linacre on Thursday (29th) doing the last check on the nestboxes (more details to follow). The weather was pretty decent, with sunny spells and temperatures in the high teens, so I managed to spot a few insects too, including a new species for Linacre - Burnet Companion. 

Burnet Companion is a species of day-flying moth. It's pretty common, but hasn't been recorded here before, so this sighting was a very nice one.

Burnet Companion

Other species seen were: Common Blue Damselfly (3 males), Wall Brown ( 1 worn male), 1 Scorpion Fly, Nettletap (moth), Swollen-thighed Beetle, Large White (1) and a couple of hoverflies; Helophilus pendulus and Myathropa florea.

Common Blue Damselfly

Two more Ticks

Our base in Northumberland was at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, on the outskirts of Amble and Ashington.

The lake is a great place, especially in winter, but, whilst there last week, we had a great time looking at the breeding birds, and the summering Black-headed Gulls. Most birds appeared to be 1st summer birds, with a few adults. Many of the 1st summer birds have a full brown hood, but still retain the juvenile feathers.

Black-headed Gull

Another great bird for me was the Whooper Swan (177). This bird appears to be a resident bird, who I first saw here in January 2024 (see here). He/she was present around the site, and was quite tame, allowing some great views from the car park.

Whooper Swan

Other birds seen here were: Greylag and Canada Geese (with goslings), Mallards, Pied Wagtails (juveniles), Mute Swans (13 in total, with at least 6 metal ringed), Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and, perhaps the most surprising, for me at least, Tree Sparrows (adults and juveniles).

Tree Sparrow

Our last stop was in Whitley Bay. We started off at St Mary's Island, where we saw the Grey Seals, along with  a few Terns (possibly Sandwich), which were flying past, and finally, a single Fulmar (178). We then had a few hours on the beach at Tynemouth, where we were lucky enough to watch a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins (including at least 1 juvenile), swimming, feeding and jumping out of the water!!!! The final highlight was a singing Whitethroat, that posed beautifully.

Whitethroat

Northumberland Dip!!

 Whilst in Northumberland, I had a coupe of early morning visits to Lindisfarne to see if I could spot an American Golden Plover, that had been present for a few days. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful (!), but I did have a great time looking at the few, breeding- plumaged waders, including a single Year Tick, Knot (176), that were feeding up on migration.

Knot

Knot in varying plumages!

Whilst there, I also saw Ringed Plovers (10s, if not 100s!), Curlew, Oystercatcher, Eider Duck (with ducklings), Sanderling, Little Egret and Dunlin.

Dunlin

A couple of Harbour Seals were also seen.

Harbour Seal

Northumberland - 25th May 2025

 Jayne and I have just spent a few days up in Northumberland. Whilst there, we added another few species to the year's "Year List".

Our first stop was the National Trust's "Long Nanny" tern colony. The main reason for visiting this site was to see the returning American Black Tern (167). Although not yet a full species, it was wonderful to see this elegant bird flying around the Arctic Tern (168) colony, looking for a mate. The bird, a female first seen in 2020, was seen just once during our visit, and it landed briefly behind the grass, allowing a quick, distant photo.

American Black Tern sub. surinamensis

Other birds seen at the colony included the Arctic Terns (settling down to breed), Little Tern (169), Skylar, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift.

Arctic Terns

Afterwards, we drove up to Amble, where we had spotted out first Eider Ducks (170), bobbing around in the harbour. We then went out on a boat to the RSPB's Coquet Island. Unfortunately, landing isn't allowed, but we sailed around the island, spotting Gannet (171), Puffin (172), Guillemot (173), Kittiwake (174), and, best of all, Roseate Terns (175). The Roseates were tricky to see, but I did manage to grab this one, long distance shot!

Roseate Tern

Eider Duck

Year List Update

 Over the last few weeks, Jayne and I have added several new birds to the Year List. 

The first species were Wood Warbler (163) and Grey Partridge (164). The next two were both seen, on Thursday. They were: Nightjar (165) and Woodcock (166).

Pleasley Dragons and Butterflies

 Yesterday, the temperatures hit 23 degrees, with lots of sun and blue skies, so Jayne and I drove across to Pleasley Pit to see if there were any dragon and damselflies about. In total, we saw 5 species and 6 species of butterfly.

The first damselflies we saw were Large Red Damselflies. In total, we saw a minimum of 15 pairs "in tandem" and ovipositing. Next up, were Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies, with just 1 of each seen. 

Two species of dragonfly were seen: Broad-bodied Chaser (1 male seen) and Four-spotted Chaser (2 seen).

Four-spotted Chaser

After the dragonflies, we had a quick check on the Small Blues. 10+ were seen, along with 1 Common Blue,  1 Holly Blue, 1 Orange Tip, 1 Brimstone, Large White and a single Burnet Companion (day-flying moth). 

Derbyshire Hoopoe!!

News came out on Bird Guides yesterday that a Hoopoe (162) had been discovered near Bolsover, Derbyshire. I couldn't get over then, but I popped across after school today, and got great views, as it fed on the lawns. I managed a few photos. 1 Little Owl was also seen.

Hoopoe (and friend)

Another species that I added to this year's "Year List" was Swift (161), when 7 were seen over New Whittington, Chesterfield.

Little Egret in Bakewell

 I very rarely post about a single species, especially one that is now relatively common in Derbyshire, but last week's encounter with a Little Egret on the River Wye, in Bakewell, was a little bit special.

Little Egret (fishing)

The first reason why it was special, was that it was the first time I've ever seen this species in this location The second reason was because of the bird's behaviour, again, a first for me. The bird was first seen perched on the edge of the island , and appeared to be fishing. After a few minutes, however, it moved away, and walked towards the sandbank, and a small group of Mallard ducklings! The female bird started quacking, and was obviously annoyed with the egret. The egret then began actively hunting the ducklings! The female Mallard did a great job of guiding the youngsters away, and, after a couple of minutes, the egret went back to the island to fish again. Disaster averted!!!

After the ducklings!

Chillin' again!

A Few More Birds!!

 Since my last post, Jayne and I have been out and about, and have managed to add another 6 species to the "Year List!.

The first new species was Pied Flycatcher (155), a single male heard singing at Linacre on 24th April. Several other were also seen and heard at Padley Gorge today. The next species, Garden Warbler (156), was special, as it was a female bird, with a brood patch, that was caught and ringed at Linacre on 26th April. Fingers crossed for successful breeding this year.

The other new species were all seen or heard at Padley Gorge and Big Moor this morning. Cuckoo , 1 heard (157), Redstart, several heard, but none seen - annoying leaves!! (158), Tree Pipit, 1 seen and heard singing (159) and finally, Whinchat - 1 male seen on Big Moor (160).

Tree Pipit

Whinchat

One new butterfly was also seen at Padley Gorge, namely, Green Hairstreak.

Green Hairstreak

Year List Update - 21st April 2025

 This last week, I've been out and about a few times, and have managed to add 6 more species to this year's Year List.

The first bird, Garganey (149), was a male bird that was seen at Catcliffe Flash, in Sheffield on Tuesday. It was asleep the entire time I was there (!), and quite distant, but I managed to get a record shot, along with a couple of Tufted Duck, a Gadwall and some Teal.

Garganey

The other 5 species, were added today in Lincolnshire. The first one, Common Crane (150), was added in a field about 1 mile away from the Willow Tree Fen reserve. In total, there were 18 birds all feeding in one field. Quite a sight, and not one I was expecting to see!!

3 of the 18 birds present

The last 4 new species seen were Sedge Warbler (151), Reed Warbler (152), Whitethroat (153) and Yellow Wagtail (154), which were all added at RSPB Frampton Marsh.

Yellow Wagtail (with friend)

Whilst there, Jayne and I also spotted a good number of other species, including: Canada, Greylag and Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Ruff, Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Linnet, Pintail, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, and, best of all, a self-found male Green-winged Teal!!!

Green-winged Teal (asleep)

Linacre - 19th April 2025

 I had a couple of hours at Linacre this afternoon. It was 15 degrees, but overcast and a few sunny spells. Despite this, I managed to record a few hoverflies (including a new species for Linacre!!) and a very late record of 4 breeding-plumaged Black-headed Gulls! 

The new hoverfly was a tiny thing (!) called Meliscaeva cinctella. It is a widespread species, throughout the UK, but, this is my first record for Linacre, so pretty chuffed to have found it. Here it is. to other hoverflies were also photographed, both identified to Syrphus sp.

Meliscaeva cinctella

Birdwise, it was quite quiet, but I did record singing Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Wren and Robin. On the water there were: 6 Mandarins (5males and 1 female), Mallard (c.20), Tufted Duck (c.15), Coot (first 2 nests of the year), Moorhen (2), Lesser Black-backed Gull (15; 9 over and 6 on the water), Herring Gull (3 adults) and 3 Cormorants (1 adult and 2 immatures).

Cormorant (adult)

Cormorant (1st summer?)

Linacre Nestboxes 2025- A First Visit

 This week, I've been up to Linacre a couple of times to have a first look at the nestboxes. 

In total, 13 nests were found, with the first eggs, all tits, being found on 15th. They included two clutches of 12 eggs!! Several other clutches were still being laid. The owl boxes were also checked, but, unfortunately, this year, none were in use by owls. 2 of the boxes showed signs of use by Mandarin Ducks.

All nests will be recorded, and submitted to the BTO's Nest Record Scheme.

Ring Ouzels

This morning, Jayne and I went out into the Peaks to have a look for Ring Ouzel (148). After a bit of a false start, due to heavy mist, we managed to spot a couple of birds (1 male and 1 female).

The birds were first seen flitting around rocks and feeding on the short turf, just by the path, at the top end of Burbage Valley. We had decent views. despite the mist (!) and headed back to the car. Just as we'd finished putting everything away, we looked up and spotted the (presumably) same two birds feeding on the ground in the car park!! Luckily, I was bale to get the camera, and, as we sat in the car, the male bird came to within 5m and began feeding. The female stayed a little further back, in the heather. All photos taken from the mobile hide!

Ring Ouzel

Whilst watching the Ouzels, a large bird of prey flew in and landed in the heather. This flushed to Ouzels, and I managed to grab a few photos (through the mist!), of what appears to be a female Sparrowhawk. 

Sparrowhawk

Several Meadow Pipits and Red Grouse were also heard. 

New Forest, Poole Harbour and RSPB Arne

 After our visit to Salisbury, Jayne and I spent the next four days in The New Forest and Poole Harbour/Swanage area. Whilst there we added 9 more species to the Year List.

Our first new bird was House Martin (139), which was seen around our accommodation in Fordingbridge. Firecrest (140) was added during a walk in Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary in The New Forest, as was Willow Warbler (141).

Firecrest

On 9th, we had a 3 hour cruise with Birds of Poole Harbour, where we managed to see 3 Spoonbills (142), 2 distant Ospreys (143), and, best of all, amazing views of a female White-tailed Eagle (144).

WT Eagle G466

The White-tailed Eagle that we saw was a female, G466, that was translocated from The Isle of Skye into the Isle of Wight in 2020 by the Roy Dennis Foundation. She has been settled in this area, with a male bird, G463. See details here. Whilst on the trip, we also saw Black-headed, Great Black-backed, Herring and Mediterranean Gulls, Black-tailed Godwits, a Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Great-crested Grebes, Curlew, Lapwing, Canada, Greylag and an Egyptian Goose, 3 Little Ringed Plovers (145) and Sandwich Terns (146). 

Our last addition to the Year List was Dartford Warbler (147) that was seen on Hyde's Heath at RSPB Arne. Unfortunately, no photos, as the two birds we saw, decided to keep low down in the gorse, to avoid the attention of a pair of Stonechats!

Great Bustards, Corn Buntings and Stone Curlews

A couple of years ago, Jayne and I went down to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, to visit the Great Bustard Project, where we had great views of the birds. Last Monday (7th), we went down again.

As before, we took part in a guided visit, travelling around the site in a Land Rover. We visited the group's hide, where we had fantastic views of a single male bird, displaying to approximately 7 females. This was something we hadn't seen on our previous visit. Over the course of the next two hours, we saw another 2 displaying males and approximately 10 female birds. Great Bustard (137).

Great Bustard (male and female)

Whilst there, we also saw a single Corn Bunting (136), which was surprising, as we'd seen a dozen or so on our last trip. Other wildlife seen were: Red Deer, Brown Hare, Red Kite (including 5 together), Stonechat, Yellowhammer and Buzzard.

Afterwards, we travelled to RSPB Winterbourne Down, where we saw a single Stone Curlew (138), Skylark, Brimstone and Peacock butterflies and a couple of Dotted Beeflies.

Brimstone

Linacre 5th April 2025

 We've had a couple of weeks of warm, sunny weather, so, having a free afternoon, I popped down to Linacre to see if I could see the first butterflies of 2025. In three hours, and temperatures of 12 degrees, I spotted 16 butterflies of 5 species.

The first butterflies seen were Peacocks, and, in total, I recorded a minimum of 9 around the site. The next commonest species was Orange Tip, with 5 males and 2 females seen. Also seen were: Comma (1), Large White (1) and Green-veined White (1).

Peacock

Other insects seen were: Tawny Mining Bee (1 male), another Mining Bee sp (possibly Clarkson's), Broad-bordered Beefly (20+), Eristalis sp (hoverfly) and 4 species of Bumblebee; Common Carder, White-tailed, Buff-tailed and Red-tailed.

Flowers were also out in good numbers: Lesser Celandine, Bluebell, Wood Anenome, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Daisies, Cowslip and Stitchwort. 

Last, but not least, the birds! I had 2 "Year ticks", with Swallow (134) (3 birds over the middle reservoir) and Blackcap (135) ( a minimum of 4 birds singing). Other birds were: Chiffchaff (9 singing), Buzzard (2 over), Sparrowhawk (1 displaying over the middle reservoir), Great-crested Grebe (5 birds; a pair each on the bottom and middle reservoirs, and 1 single bird on the top reservoir), Cormorant (1), Mallard (c.20), Mandarin (6), Tufted Duck (17), Lesser Black-backed Gull (c.30 flew over!) and Greylag Goose (4 birds on the middle reservoir).

Another "year tick" was Dipper (133) that was seen flying over the main road in Dronfield on 4/4!

RSPB St Aidan's - 29th March 2025

 Jayne and I went up to RSPB St Aidan's today. We walked around the reedbeds and added 4 new ticks to the "Year List", as well as enjoying great views of not one, but two Little Owls.

Little Owl

The new birds for the year were; Cetti's Warbler (128), Sand Martins (129 - c.15 seen), a drake Green-winged Teal (130), Bittern (131 - at least two heard booming) and Black-necked Grebe (132).

Green-winged Teal (asleep!!)

Other species seen were: Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pochard, Teal, Mallard, Greylag and Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Reed Bunting (several singing), Chiffchaff and Blackbird.

Rufford - 2nd March 2025

 My latest visit to Rufford was on 2nd March, when I had an hour, and spotted 14 Black-headed Gulls, including new birds; 2V03 (ringed on 18th January, as a 5, born last year), 218F (ringed by me, as a 1st winter bird, on 12th October 2024) and J3018 ( a new Norwegian-ringed bird, that was ringed, as a free-flying juvenile, in Oslo, on 5th August 2024).

2V03

218F

J3018

Other gulls seen were: 206A, 258A, 273A, 293A, 251B, 254B, 207C, 258C, 270C, 298C and 230F.