While on a lunch time mission (13:30-14:00), I was lucky enough to come upon 11 Waxwings perched in tree tops along Mayne Avenue where it runs alongside Bedmond Lane in NW St Albans (map ref: TL128064). The Waxwings were not in a flock but rather one or two perched in each tree, none of which was berry bearing. Indeed there were no berry bushes in the immediate vicinity.(although various berry-bearing ornanmental shrubs were seen when I later drove further into the estate). All the Waxwings were apparently fly-catching, flying out from their perch before turning and gliding back to the same perch, or moving along to the next tree. It was mild at lunch time, about 11oC and calm, but I could not see, even with binoculars, what the Waxwings were catching (if anything). I have not seen too many Waxwings previously but all have been feeding at berry-laden bushes and usually in a flock.
Monday, 31 January 2005
Sunday, 2 January 2005
Going Solo : New Year’s Day, 2005
For the first time since I started my New Year’s Day (NYD) big birdwatch I would be going out alone. My constant companion since 1994 has been eldest son, Andrew but he now has job at Henlow Grange and was shifted to work on New Year’s Day 2005. As usual, my aim was to record as many species within 10 km of home, in the Bedfordshire village of Henlow and try to better the 65 species I had recorded on NYD 2004. My home range, the area within 10 km Henlow, stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.
By 06:15 I was preparing to set off on a mild, calm, dry morning (another first for me on NYD in Bedfordshire!). At least two Robins were singing by the lights of the Henlow street lamps as I packed the car. And then I was off, touring the Southhill – Old Warden area in a search for owls before daybreak. First stop was Clifton cricket ground where the quacking of Mallard from the ornamental pond was interrupted by the tremulous hooting of a Tawny Owl (06:25). Rabbits were numerous on the roadside verge by Stanford plantation and a Muntjac stood frozen in the headlights. Next a very pale bird was seen perched in a sapling beside the Stanford – Ireland road. There was no other traffic about at this time on new year’s day, so it was safe to reverse and there watching me watching him was a magnificent Barn Owl (06:35). It eventually tired of looking at me and drifted off over the fields to the north of the road. A good bird to get this early. Wood Pigeons roosted in the roadside trees and other Tawny Owls were seen flying over the pub at Ireland and across the road into Keeper’s Warren where another Muntjac was seen on the edge of the woods. Another Tawny Owl was heard to the west of Old Rowney Lane, but try as I might I could not find a Little Owl, probably one of the commoner owl species. As the sky began to lighten in the east Carrion Crows and Pheasants were heard calling followed soon after by the chuntering of a Red-legged Partridge.
Last year after visiting Swiss Gardens in mid-morning, Phil Whittington had suggested this would be a good place to be first thing, so taking his advice, I headed through Old Warden, disturbing a Blackbird from the verge and pulled in at the green box lay-by. It was still not properly light and I was still hearing more birds than I was seeing. Robins and Wrens were singing, a Moorhen squawked, a flock of Greylag Geese honked and a mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws headed north-west, silhouetted against the lightening sky. As I made my way towards the woods, the thin whistle of a Redwing was heard, a Dunnock joined the weak dawn chorus and a Great Tit (20th species at 07:35) called from the roadside trees. On the Swiss Gardens pond there were two Tufted Ducks and 29 Mallard (17 males and 12 females). It was still quite gloomy under the trees and I was still hearing more than I was seeing. The calls of Nuthatch rang out and a Fieldfare ‘chakked’ as it flew over, then a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming and a Green Woodpecker yaffled. As I wandered through the damp woods Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Magpie were heard. Back at the pond, a pair of Mandarin Ducks swam out from beneath the overhanging trees and a Dabchick, drab in its winter plumage, dived repeatedly at the far end of the pond where there were also a couple of Coot. A second circuit of the wood in conditions more conducive to seeing the birds only added Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit but there were now two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers. I left Swiss Gardens with 30 species and had picked up Nuthatch (missed last year) but not Treecreeper.
I now retraced my earlier owling route seeing a Sparrowhawk glide across the fields near Old Warden church, several Collared Doves in the village and a couple of Buzzards perched in oak trees near Warden Street. Nearby a flock of Starlings were feeding in a horse paddock. I was just about to close the car window, it had been opened to get a better view of the Buzzards, when I heard a familiar call, but one to which I struggled to put a name until I suddenly realised it was Tree Sparrow. I scanned the nearby hedges and eventually located two near the stable block. I think that is the first time I have recorded this species on a NYD birdwatch in this country and certainly a surprise to get it before House Sparrow! Along Old Rowney Lane was a single Stock Dove, a flock of seven Goldfinches feeding on teasel heads. Black-headed Gulls drifted over and Coal Tits were heard calling form the conifer woodland of Warden Warren. Eight Pochard seemed to be the only waterfowl on Southill Park lake where there was a solitary Grey Heron perched in bushes on the south side of the water. Between the lake and Southill village a field of sunflowers was attracting a large flock of seedeaters including Yellow Hammers, Greenfinches and numerous Wood Pigeons.
I reached Broom at 09:45 and got out of the car for my second walk of the day. The weather was still fine, cold (2oC), overcast with a light breeze. A flock of Lapwing had settled on the pit nearest G&M Growers while Pied Wagtails fed on the old out-wash pit. A single Skylark flew over calling. Another birder, ahead of me on the track disturbed a Green Sandpiper which circled the pits flashing its dark underwings and white rump while making its distinctive call. On the deeper pits, closest to the Biggleswade – Caldecote road, were the hoped for waterfowl including Teal, a pair of Mute Swans, a single Shelduck (50th species at 10:07) was an unexpected species, and a male Gadwall. Canada Geese stood on the banks between the pits and a solitary adult Cormorant flew over. In the woods near the moat house a Treecreeper was seen in a mixed flock of tits (we thought we had heard one hear last year, but did not manage to confirm it). The water in the new workings, between the moat house and Broom village, was much more extensive than on my last visit. An adult Lesser Black-Backed Gull bathed in the shallows as a flock of 7 Golden Plovers flew SW over the pits. As I walked round the new workings a single Meadow Pipit was disturbed. A small flock of c.20 Wigeon fed on the grassy banks of the landscaped pit closest to Broom village while on the rough ground of the new workings was a flock of c.30 Linnets. I left Broom at 11:06 having seen 59 species and high hopes of beating last year’s score.
From Broom, I drove by way of Holme (Jordan’s) Mill (no sign of Grey Wagtail around the various weirs and sluices) to Langford Mill where a Mistle Thrush fed on the playing fields and House Sparrows (61st Species at 11:40) were seen in the surrounding gardens. Again I missed out on Grey Wagtail and the Water Rail which I have seen on a couple of occasions below the mill weir. I had intended parking by the mill and having my lunch overlooking the water but the parking spaces were filled so I decided to head south-east to Clophill and Cainhoe sand-pits. The only species of note on the 20-mile drive were a Buzzard soaring over the fields to the north-west of Rowney Warren and a Common Gull among a flock of Black-headed Gulls on fields near Haynes Park. As usual most of the waterbirds at Cainhoe were on the easternmost (and furthest from the village) pit. There were disappointingly few new species, two pairs of Shoveler and a Great Crested Grebe in breeding plumage. I felt the time spent driving could probably have been better spent closer to home. I retraced my route to Swiss Gardens, seeing my first Kestrel of the day, characteristically hovering over the roadside. Another circuit of the Swiss Garden woods added nothing new although the Great Spotted Woodpeckers were still drumming.
I decided to spend the last light of the day on Biggleswade Common and Warren Villas nature reserve. Parking in Biggleswade, I followed the River Ivel north and almost immediately heard a Kingfisher, which was seen perched briefly in a willow over-hanging the water before disappearing along one of the numerous drainage ditches. Among the many gulls flying north-east over the common was at least one Herring Gull but no Great Black-Backs. At Warren Villas, I saw all the species I had seen at Cainhoe, including a Kestrel hunting over the fields, so could have saved myself that round journey and spent more time in the field. Among a flock of Greylags feeding in a field to the north of the pits was a single Barnacle Goose, which I am not certain can be counted, so have omitted from the final tally. In the pond side alders a flock of 20 Goldfinches extracted seeds from the small cones but no Siskins or Redpoll which seem rather scarce this winter. As I reached the furthest point of my walk, the sky darkened, threatening rain so I decided to make haste back to the car. As I walked back a Snipe flushed from a damp patch on the common was my first of the day. Meanwhile, as the light dropped, numerous Starlings and Pied Wagtails flew west over the common to their roost at Sainsburys. I beat the rain back to the car, just and in worsening conditions (well, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire without some rain) decided to wend my home. Near the Shuttleworth collection a covey of 6 Partridge flew across the road and landed nearby. With no traffic on the road, I was able to stop and was pleased to find they were all Grey Partridges which turned out to be my 69th and last species of the day.
My third NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than the previous two and with longer in the field I had recorded four more species. However, after a good morning (59 species by 11:08) I had only added a further 10 species in the afternoon. Better planning to pick up some of the trickier species is required for the afternoon session. I had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 72 miles (30 miles further than last year!). As usual there were several species that I hoped/expected to see including Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon (which I probably did see but not note down), Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush (which I seem to miss each NYD), Jay, Siskin, Redpoll, and Reed Bunting. Five species, Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Linnet and Barnacle Goose (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in Bedfordshire. On three New Year’s Day birdwatches in Bedfordshire, I have recorded 75 species – not a bad target to aim for next year!
By 06:15 I was preparing to set off on a mild, calm, dry morning (another first for me on NYD in Bedfordshire!). At least two Robins were singing by the lights of the Henlow street lamps as I packed the car. And then I was off, touring the Southhill – Old Warden area in a search for owls before daybreak. First stop was Clifton cricket ground where the quacking of Mallard from the ornamental pond was interrupted by the tremulous hooting of a Tawny Owl (06:25). Rabbits were numerous on the roadside verge by Stanford plantation and a Muntjac stood frozen in the headlights. Next a very pale bird was seen perched in a sapling beside the Stanford – Ireland road. There was no other traffic about at this time on new year’s day, so it was safe to reverse and there watching me watching him was a magnificent Barn Owl (06:35). It eventually tired of looking at me and drifted off over the fields to the north of the road. A good bird to get this early. Wood Pigeons roosted in the roadside trees and other Tawny Owls were seen flying over the pub at Ireland and across the road into Keeper’s Warren where another Muntjac was seen on the edge of the woods. Another Tawny Owl was heard to the west of Old Rowney Lane, but try as I might I could not find a Little Owl, probably one of the commoner owl species. As the sky began to lighten in the east Carrion Crows and Pheasants were heard calling followed soon after by the chuntering of a Red-legged Partridge.
Last year after visiting Swiss Gardens in mid-morning, Phil Whittington had suggested this would be a good place to be first thing, so taking his advice, I headed through Old Warden, disturbing a Blackbird from the verge and pulled in at the green box lay-by. It was still not properly light and I was still hearing more birds than I was seeing. Robins and Wrens were singing, a Moorhen squawked, a flock of Greylag Geese honked and a mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws headed north-west, silhouetted against the lightening sky. As I made my way towards the woods, the thin whistle of a Redwing was heard, a Dunnock joined the weak dawn chorus and a Great Tit (20th species at 07:35) called from the roadside trees. On the Swiss Gardens pond there were two Tufted Ducks and 29 Mallard (17 males and 12 females). It was still quite gloomy under the trees and I was still hearing more than I was seeing. The calls of Nuthatch rang out and a Fieldfare ‘chakked’ as it flew over, then a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming and a Green Woodpecker yaffled. As I wandered through the damp woods Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Magpie were heard. Back at the pond, a pair of Mandarin Ducks swam out from beneath the overhanging trees and a Dabchick, drab in its winter plumage, dived repeatedly at the far end of the pond where there were also a couple of Coot. A second circuit of the wood in conditions more conducive to seeing the birds only added Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit but there were now two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers. I left Swiss Gardens with 30 species and had picked up Nuthatch (missed last year) but not Treecreeper.
I now retraced my earlier owling route seeing a Sparrowhawk glide across the fields near Old Warden church, several Collared Doves in the village and a couple of Buzzards perched in oak trees near Warden Street. Nearby a flock of Starlings were feeding in a horse paddock. I was just about to close the car window, it had been opened to get a better view of the Buzzards, when I heard a familiar call, but one to which I struggled to put a name until I suddenly realised it was Tree Sparrow. I scanned the nearby hedges and eventually located two near the stable block. I think that is the first time I have recorded this species on a NYD birdwatch in this country and certainly a surprise to get it before House Sparrow! Along Old Rowney Lane was a single Stock Dove, a flock of seven Goldfinches feeding on teasel heads. Black-headed Gulls drifted over and Coal Tits were heard calling form the conifer woodland of Warden Warren. Eight Pochard seemed to be the only waterfowl on Southill Park lake where there was a solitary Grey Heron perched in bushes on the south side of the water. Between the lake and Southill village a field of sunflowers was attracting a large flock of seedeaters including Yellow Hammers, Greenfinches and numerous Wood Pigeons.
I reached Broom at 09:45 and got out of the car for my second walk of the day. The weather was still fine, cold (2oC), overcast with a light breeze. A flock of Lapwing had settled on the pit nearest G&M Growers while Pied Wagtails fed on the old out-wash pit. A single Skylark flew over calling. Another birder, ahead of me on the track disturbed a Green Sandpiper which circled the pits flashing its dark underwings and white rump while making its distinctive call. On the deeper pits, closest to the Biggleswade – Caldecote road, were the hoped for waterfowl including Teal, a pair of Mute Swans, a single Shelduck (50th species at 10:07) was an unexpected species, and a male Gadwall. Canada Geese stood on the banks between the pits and a solitary adult Cormorant flew over. In the woods near the moat house a Treecreeper was seen in a mixed flock of tits (we thought we had heard one hear last year, but did not manage to confirm it). The water in the new workings, between the moat house and Broom village, was much more extensive than on my last visit. An adult Lesser Black-Backed Gull bathed in the shallows as a flock of 7 Golden Plovers flew SW over the pits. As I walked round the new workings a single Meadow Pipit was disturbed. A small flock of c.20 Wigeon fed on the grassy banks of the landscaped pit closest to Broom village while on the rough ground of the new workings was a flock of c.30 Linnets. I left Broom at 11:06 having seen 59 species and high hopes of beating last year’s score.
From Broom, I drove by way of Holme (Jordan’s) Mill (no sign of Grey Wagtail around the various weirs and sluices) to Langford Mill where a Mistle Thrush fed on the playing fields and House Sparrows (61st Species at 11:40) were seen in the surrounding gardens. Again I missed out on Grey Wagtail and the Water Rail which I have seen on a couple of occasions below the mill weir. I had intended parking by the mill and having my lunch overlooking the water but the parking spaces were filled so I decided to head south-east to Clophill and Cainhoe sand-pits. The only species of note on the 20-mile drive were a Buzzard soaring over the fields to the north-west of Rowney Warren and a Common Gull among a flock of Black-headed Gulls on fields near Haynes Park. As usual most of the waterbirds at Cainhoe were on the easternmost (and furthest from the village) pit. There were disappointingly few new species, two pairs of Shoveler and a Great Crested Grebe in breeding plumage. I felt the time spent driving could probably have been better spent closer to home. I retraced my route to Swiss Gardens, seeing my first Kestrel of the day, characteristically hovering over the roadside. Another circuit of the Swiss Garden woods added nothing new although the Great Spotted Woodpeckers were still drumming.
I decided to spend the last light of the day on Biggleswade Common and Warren Villas nature reserve. Parking in Biggleswade, I followed the River Ivel north and almost immediately heard a Kingfisher, which was seen perched briefly in a willow over-hanging the water before disappearing along one of the numerous drainage ditches. Among the many gulls flying north-east over the common was at least one Herring Gull but no Great Black-Backs. At Warren Villas, I saw all the species I had seen at Cainhoe, including a Kestrel hunting over the fields, so could have saved myself that round journey and spent more time in the field. Among a flock of Greylags feeding in a field to the north of the pits was a single Barnacle Goose, which I am not certain can be counted, so have omitted from the final tally. In the pond side alders a flock of 20 Goldfinches extracted seeds from the small cones but no Siskins or Redpoll which seem rather scarce this winter. As I reached the furthest point of my walk, the sky darkened, threatening rain so I decided to make haste back to the car. As I walked back a Snipe flushed from a damp patch on the common was my first of the day. Meanwhile, as the light dropped, numerous Starlings and Pied Wagtails flew west over the common to their roost at Sainsburys. I beat the rain back to the car, just and in worsening conditions (well, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire without some rain) decided to wend my home. Near the Shuttleworth collection a covey of 6 Partridge flew across the road and landed nearby. With no traffic on the road, I was able to stop and was pleased to find they were all Grey Partridges which turned out to be my 69th and last species of the day.
My third NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than the previous two and with longer in the field I had recorded four more species. However, after a good morning (59 species by 11:08) I had only added a further 10 species in the afternoon. Better planning to pick up some of the trickier species is required for the afternoon session. I had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 72 miles (30 miles further than last year!). As usual there were several species that I hoped/expected to see including Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon (which I probably did see but not note down), Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush (which I seem to miss each NYD), Jay, Siskin, Redpoll, and Reed Bunting. Five species, Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Linnet and Barnacle Goose (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in Bedfordshire. On three New Year’s Day birdwatches in Bedfordshire, I have recorded 75 species – not a bad target to aim for next year!
Wednesday, 27 October 2004
Margaret’s Merlin
A Merlin is a small, dashing falcon. Margaret is
Australian. Margaret was on a brief visit to the UK. Margaret is a birder.
Margaret had never seen a Merlin. Driving past Broom Gravel Pits, en route to
the RSPB HQ at Sandy to look for the Dartford Warbler that was temporarily in
residence, a Meadow Pipit flew fast and low across the road in front of the
car, hotly pursued by a small falcon. Merlin! Almost of its own volition, the
car veered across the road and into the handily placed and vacant lay-by before
those in the back realised what was happening. Margaret, in the front, was
trying to get out of the car before it had come to a complete stop but was
persuaded to stay in her seat while a lorry thundered past. When the view
cleared the chase was still on. The Meadow Pipit climbed and dived, twisted and
turned and jinked this way and that across the field but could not shake the
Merlin from its tail. As the aerobatic display continued the pipit climbed
vertically, followed by the Merlin, and then dived for the hedge. The pursuit
which must have lasted about three minutes from when the birds first flew in
front of the car came to a sudden end when the Merlin struck as the pipit
sought the safety of the hedge. The Merlin flew north over the field carrying
its prey and was eventually lost to view amongst (or against) the belt of
trees. Margaret reckoned it was the best raptor chase she had ever seen.
Margaret is Australian. Margaret was on a brief visit
to the UK. Margaret is a birder. Margaret has now seen the small, dashing
falcon that is a Merlin.
Friday, 2 January 2004
New Year’s Day, 2004 : The Tenth Anniversary
Ten years ago, on 1 January 1994, Phil Whittington and I (accompanied for half the day by Jenny, Andrew & Matthew and Brian Bond) set out from Caerlaverock WWT reserve to tour the Dumfries & Galloway countryside with the aim of seeing as many species as possible. We recorded 60+ species starting with Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose on the reserve, Goosanders on the River Nith in Dumfires, waders at Southerness Point, White-fronted Geese at Loch Ken and finishing the day with a Dipper as dusk fell. We had had a good days birding but covered a lot of miles. That was the start of my New Year’s Day (NYD) big birdwatch, which has now become something of a tradition. I now limit myself to an area within 10 km of home (wherever that may be) both to reduce the distance travelled and to maximise birding time. In the intervening years I have spent five NYDs around Codicote, Hertfordshire, England, three around Altona, Victoria, Australia and last year, for the first time, around Henlow, Bedfordshire, England. Fittingly for the 10th anniversary of that first NYD big birdwatch, Phil Whittington was back in the UK, having forsaken summer in South Africa where he now works on gulls for winter here, and did not need much encouragement to join Andrew, my eldest son and I. Our aim was to better the 62 species we had recorded on NYD 2003, our first in Henlow.
Our still relatively new home range within 10 km Henlow, stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.
Our early morning plans were scuppered when we woke at 05:30 to wind and driving rain. Start of play was delayed until 06:30 as we opted for an extra hour in bed. When we resurfaced the wind had dropped and rain eased. It was almost light by the time we had breakfasted and the first birds were recorded, Carrion Crow, Blackbird and Robin as we loaded the car with the necessary provisions. At 07:28, it was already too late for any owls and my latest ever start on a NYD birdwatch. Thankfully, the rain had all but stopped as we threaded our way through the lanes west of Henlow heading towards Clophill and the Cainhoe sand-pits. Rabbits were plentiful on the roadside verges. In the vain hope of a late-calling owl we pulled in at Stanford forestry plantation but only heard Redwings flying over head and a distant Mallard. Back on the road a Sparrowhawk flew fast and low into the plantation. Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws were seen en route to Ireland, where Andrew spotted a Buzzard feeding on the ground. Also seen near here were Pheasants, Rooks, a small flock of six Fieldfare and some winter-plumaged Black-headed Gulls. Near Haynes we came across our first covey of Partridge. Standing still within 10 m of they road, they allowed us a close view and proved to be Chukar, lacking the necklace of their red-legged cousins. A garden feeder attracted a Great Tit and as we approached Clophill we saw Magpie, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Collared Dove (our 20th species at 08:20).
The yaffle of a distant Green Woodpecker, the song of a Dunnock and calls of Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Coal Tit were heard as we followed the narrow footpath between the houses towards Cainhoe sand pits. Carrion Crows and Moorhen fed in the horse paddocks and the second Sparrowhawk of the day, a male, soared overhead. The pit nearest Clophill, held few birds, as usual, but we did record our first Coot and Tufted Duck. On the further pit were more wildfowl, including Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall plus winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe. On the low-lying swampy area between the two pits was a gathering of gulls including Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, a single Great Black-backed Gull and a small party of Lapwing. Closer scrutiny of the marshy area revealed up to 50 Teal feeding and snoozing but no Snipe. While checking out the water birds a Meadow Pipit had flown over, identified by call, and a Wren was heard. Some Greylag Geese were feeding on the northern shore of the pit. Heading back to Clophill, a single Skylark flew across the open expanse of field to the west of the pits. A Cormorant had appeared on the first pit and a Heron stood sentinel on the bank (had we missed him on the way out?). Near the footbridge over the fast-flowing River Flit we heard and then saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the top of an alder tree and a Goldfinch flying over. We followed a flock of Long-tailed Tits along a hedgerow back into the village (48th species at 10:03).
It was still grey and murky as we left Clophill but at least we had not had to contend with the wintry squalls of last year. A Jay was seen in a garden on the edge of Rowney Warren while nearby were a flock of 120 Fieldfare and a covey of Red-legged Partridges. Along Old Rowney Lane, a female Kestrel was perched low in an oak tree and several small flocks of Golden Plover flew over most heading northwards. On a set-aside field near Abbey Farm were a flock of c.30 Chaffinches that included at least a couple of Yellow Hammers. Phil managed to get us onto a Stock Dove flying away and we heard a Mistle Thrush. It had now started raining and we thought we might be in for a repeat of last years wash-out. Undeterred, we stopped at Southill Lake where we peered through gaps in the trees to see if there were any waterbirds. Nothing new for the list (7 Great Crested Grebes and c.20 Pochards) but we heard a Goldcrest and saw a Grey Squirrel. A final scan along the south shore of the lake turned a white plastic bag into a Little Egret (57th species at 11:30), probably the biggest surprise of the day. From Southill, we retraced our steps to the deciduous woodland of Swiss Gardens. No new woodland birds were seen but the small pond held a pair of Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler. The third Sparrowhawk of the day flew over. Phil was of the opinion that we should have started the day at Swiss Gardens, to have more chance of picking up those elusive woodland species, such as Treecreeper and Nuthatch. We headed home for lunch via Jordan’s and Langford Mills without adding anything new, so finished the morning on 59 species.
Over lunch of the now traditional delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls we kept an eye on the garden recording, Greenfinch, Starling, Great Tit, House Sparrow and Chaffinch on the feeders. A Wood Pigeon and two female Blackbirds fed on cotoneaster berries where Jenny had earlier seen a Song Thrush (we did not see one all day!). In contrast to last year the weather after lunch slowly improved. Accompanied by Matthew and Brian Bond we set out for Broom sand pits, counting a flock of 57 Redwing on the Pyghtles, Henlow’s sports ground. At Broom we quickly added Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, winter-plumaged Dabchick and the long-staying sub-adult male Scaup but struggled to find anything else. Phil thought he might have heard a Treecreeper near the moat house, but we could not locate it. The highlight of the day was watching a flock of 100+ Golden Plover wheeling over the pits, with the weak late-afternoon wintry sun catching and flashing on their white underwings. We rounded off the day with a repeat visit to Swiss Gardens where we stayed until dark in the hope of an owl and were rewarded with the hoot of a Tawny Owl, our last bird and 65th species of the day.
Our second NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than NYD2003 and we recorded a couple more species. We had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 42 miles. Four species, Little Egret, Scaup, Redshank and Chukar (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in southern England. As usual there were several species we had hoped/expected to see including Grey Partridge, Snipe, Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Reed Bunting. As I get to know my home range better, hopefully some of these species will appear on future NYD lists.
Our still relatively new home range within 10 km Henlow, stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.
Our early morning plans were scuppered when we woke at 05:30 to wind and driving rain. Start of play was delayed until 06:30 as we opted for an extra hour in bed. When we resurfaced the wind had dropped and rain eased. It was almost light by the time we had breakfasted and the first birds were recorded, Carrion Crow, Blackbird and Robin as we loaded the car with the necessary provisions. At 07:28, it was already too late for any owls and my latest ever start on a NYD birdwatch. Thankfully, the rain had all but stopped as we threaded our way through the lanes west of Henlow heading towards Clophill and the Cainhoe sand-pits. Rabbits were plentiful on the roadside verges. In the vain hope of a late-calling owl we pulled in at Stanford forestry plantation but only heard Redwings flying over head and a distant Mallard. Back on the road a Sparrowhawk flew fast and low into the plantation. Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws were seen en route to Ireland, where Andrew spotted a Buzzard feeding on the ground. Also seen near here were Pheasants, Rooks, a small flock of six Fieldfare and some winter-plumaged Black-headed Gulls. Near Haynes we came across our first covey of Partridge. Standing still within 10 m of they road, they allowed us a close view and proved to be Chukar, lacking the necklace of their red-legged cousins. A garden feeder attracted a Great Tit and as we approached Clophill we saw Magpie, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Collared Dove (our 20th species at 08:20).
The yaffle of a distant Green Woodpecker, the song of a Dunnock and calls of Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Coal Tit were heard as we followed the narrow footpath between the houses towards Cainhoe sand pits. Carrion Crows and Moorhen fed in the horse paddocks and the second Sparrowhawk of the day, a male, soared overhead. The pit nearest Clophill, held few birds, as usual, but we did record our first Coot and Tufted Duck. On the further pit were more wildfowl, including Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall plus winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe. On the low-lying swampy area between the two pits was a gathering of gulls including Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, a single Great Black-backed Gull and a small party of Lapwing. Closer scrutiny of the marshy area revealed up to 50 Teal feeding and snoozing but no Snipe. While checking out the water birds a Meadow Pipit had flown over, identified by call, and a Wren was heard. Some Greylag Geese were feeding on the northern shore of the pit. Heading back to Clophill, a single Skylark flew across the open expanse of field to the west of the pits. A Cormorant had appeared on the first pit and a Heron stood sentinel on the bank (had we missed him on the way out?). Near the footbridge over the fast-flowing River Flit we heard and then saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the top of an alder tree and a Goldfinch flying over. We followed a flock of Long-tailed Tits along a hedgerow back into the village (48th species at 10:03).
It was still grey and murky as we left Clophill but at least we had not had to contend with the wintry squalls of last year. A Jay was seen in a garden on the edge of Rowney Warren while nearby were a flock of 120 Fieldfare and a covey of Red-legged Partridges. Along Old Rowney Lane, a female Kestrel was perched low in an oak tree and several small flocks of Golden Plover flew over most heading northwards. On a set-aside field near Abbey Farm were a flock of c.30 Chaffinches that included at least a couple of Yellow Hammers. Phil managed to get us onto a Stock Dove flying away and we heard a Mistle Thrush. It had now started raining and we thought we might be in for a repeat of last years wash-out. Undeterred, we stopped at Southill Lake where we peered through gaps in the trees to see if there were any waterbirds. Nothing new for the list (7 Great Crested Grebes and c.20 Pochards) but we heard a Goldcrest and saw a Grey Squirrel. A final scan along the south shore of the lake turned a white plastic bag into a Little Egret (57th species at 11:30), probably the biggest surprise of the day. From Southill, we retraced our steps to the deciduous woodland of Swiss Gardens. No new woodland birds were seen but the small pond held a pair of Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler. The third Sparrowhawk of the day flew over. Phil was of the opinion that we should have started the day at Swiss Gardens, to have more chance of picking up those elusive woodland species, such as Treecreeper and Nuthatch. We headed home for lunch via Jordan’s and Langford Mills without adding anything new, so finished the morning on 59 species.
Over lunch of the now traditional delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls we kept an eye on the garden recording, Greenfinch, Starling, Great Tit, House Sparrow and Chaffinch on the feeders. A Wood Pigeon and two female Blackbirds fed on cotoneaster berries where Jenny had earlier seen a Song Thrush (we did not see one all day!). In contrast to last year the weather after lunch slowly improved. Accompanied by Matthew and Brian Bond we set out for Broom sand pits, counting a flock of 57 Redwing on the Pyghtles, Henlow’s sports ground. At Broom we quickly added Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, winter-plumaged Dabchick and the long-staying sub-adult male Scaup but struggled to find anything else. Phil thought he might have heard a Treecreeper near the moat house, but we could not locate it. The highlight of the day was watching a flock of 100+ Golden Plover wheeling over the pits, with the weak late-afternoon wintry sun catching and flashing on their white underwings. We rounded off the day with a repeat visit to Swiss Gardens where we stayed until dark in the hope of an owl and were rewarded with the hoot of a Tawny Owl, our last bird and 65th species of the day.
Our second NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than NYD2003 and we recorded a couple more species. We had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 42 miles. Four species, Little Egret, Scaup, Redshank and Chukar (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in southern England. As usual there were several species we had hoped/expected to see including Grey Partridge, Snipe, Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Reed Bunting. As I get to know my home range better, hopefully some of these species will appear on future NYD lists.
Tuesday, 3 June 2003
Flycatching Mandarins
Mandarin Duck Aix sponsa was high on the wanted list of bird-watching friend Len Tolhurst visiting from Australia. With this in mind we visited Swiss Gardens (map ref. TL146446) on 3 June 2003. On the north bank of the ornamental lake we found a sleeping male Mandarin, which sadly remained in this comatose state throughout our stay so we were unable to fully appreciate his beautiful plumes.
Later, at the east end of the pond, we came across a female Mandarin accompanied by five downy young, each about ¼ (one quarter) adult size. In the still and muggy conditions there were large numbers of midges (sorry I am not an entomologist, so cannot be more precise) low over the surface of the pond. While the female Mandarin swam sedately across the pond, all five ducklings were actively feeding on these midges, snapping at those flying close and stretching their necks to reach those slightly further away. Occasionally, the ducklings would rush across the water leaving quite a wake, then jump clear to ‘flycatch’ a passing insect. This behaviour continued for the ten plus minutes we were on the bank of the lake and was delightful to watch – the ducklings really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I cannot recall seeing any waterfowl behaving in this way before.
Swiss Gardens has recently been a regular site for this species according to observations listed on the BedsBirds email group (BedsBirds@yahoogroups.com) and I had seen a pair there on New Year’s Day 2003. There were no records from this site in 2000 (Brind 2001) and only one winter record in 2001 (Brind 2002). The latest Bedfordshire atlas only records ‘probable breeding’ for this tetrad (Dazley & Trodd 1994). Is this the first confirmed breeding for this site?
Brind, R. (ed). 2001. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2000. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 55(2):10.
Brind, R. (ed). 2002. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2001. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 56(2):12.
Dazley & P.Trodd. 1994.
Later, at the east end of the pond, we came across a female Mandarin accompanied by five downy young, each about ¼ (one quarter) adult size. In the still and muggy conditions there were large numbers of midges (sorry I am not an entomologist, so cannot be more precise) low over the surface of the pond. While the female Mandarin swam sedately across the pond, all five ducklings were actively feeding on these midges, snapping at those flying close and stretching their necks to reach those slightly further away. Occasionally, the ducklings would rush across the water leaving quite a wake, then jump clear to ‘flycatch’ a passing insect. This behaviour continued for the ten plus minutes we were on the bank of the lake and was delightful to watch – the ducklings really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I cannot recall seeing any waterfowl behaving in this way before.
Swiss Gardens has recently been a regular site for this species according to observations listed on the BedsBirds email group (BedsBirds@yahoogroups.com) and I had seen a pair there on New Year’s Day 2003. There were no records from this site in 2000 (Brind 2001) and only one winter record in 2001 (Brind 2002). The latest Bedfordshire atlas only records ‘probable breeding’ for this tetrad (Dazley & Trodd 1994). Is this the first confirmed breeding for this site?
Brind, R. (ed). 2001. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2000. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 55(2):10.
Brind, R. (ed). 2002. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2001. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 56(2):12.
Dazley & P.Trodd. 1994.
Sunday, 1 June 2003
Blue Tit Parus caerulus Behaviour
We did not put up our new nest box until 30 March 2003. A bit late in the season, but better late than never, we hoped. So, we were surprised but very pleased when within a week a pair of Blue Tits had begun visiting the nest box regularly. These visits were generally brief, with one bird (we were not certain if it was the male or female) perching at the circular entrance hole, looking into and occasionally entering the nest box. After a while we noticed that the dark brown wood-stain around the nest box entrance hole had been chipped away. Closer observation over the next couple of days revealed that one of the birds would perch at the nest box entrance and peck at the surrounds until the bare wood was revealed. Occasionally, the Blue Tit would perch in the entrance and peck at the inner edge of the hole. This behaviour continued for the next three days, with the pale scar slowly increasing in size, until it was approximately double the size of the entrance hole. We think only one bird was involved in this behaviour, but cannot be sure. The other bird of the pair was usually perched in a nearby lavender bush.
I have checked other nest boxes currently occupied by Blue Tits, nest box photographs from a variety of sources (????) and television footage (Gardener’s World) and have not seen similar scarring on any of the nest boxes. Male Blue Tits are reported to tap around the entrance of a nesting hollow when trying to entice a female (BWP) but I can find no reference to such extensive “re-decoration” of the nest entrance.
During nest building in the nest box, the Blue Tits paid frequent visits to the window frames of both our and our neighbours’ houses, most frequently to the upstairs windows but occasionally downstairs too. We could not determine what the birds were collecting or eating when we observed them through binoculars. We could not see any insects when we made a close inspection of our kitchen window frame where the Blue Tits had been seen and decided they were probably collecting spiders webs for nest building.
This nest box lid was difficult to remove, so we kept our investigations of the nest box contents to a minimum. The nest was complete when we looked on 8 May 2003. By 23 May 2003, the adults were paying frequent visits to the nest box suggesting the young had hatched. We heard the young for the first time on 27 May 2003. Following the hot dry spell at the end of May, all adult activity had ceased. When we checked the nest box on 1 Jun 2003 it contained one dead chick and one unhatched egg.
I have checked other nest boxes currently occupied by Blue Tits, nest box photographs from a variety of sources (????) and television footage (Gardener’s World) and have not seen similar scarring on any of the nest boxes. Male Blue Tits are reported to tap around the entrance of a nesting hollow when trying to entice a female (BWP) but I can find no reference to such extensive “re-decoration” of the nest entrance.
During nest building in the nest box, the Blue Tits paid frequent visits to the window frames of both our and our neighbours’ houses, most frequently to the upstairs windows but occasionally downstairs too. We could not determine what the birds were collecting or eating when we observed them through binoculars. We could not see any insects when we made a close inspection of our kitchen window frame where the Blue Tits had been seen and decided they were probably collecting spiders webs for nest building.
This nest box lid was difficult to remove, so we kept our investigations of the nest box contents to a minimum. The nest was complete when we looked on 8 May 2003. By 23 May 2003, the adults were paying frequent visits to the nest box suggesting the young had hatched. We heard the young for the first time on 27 May 2003. Following the hot dry spell at the end of May, all adult activity had ceased. When we checked the nest box on 1 Jun 2003 it contained one dead chick and one unhatched egg.
Thursday, 2 January 2003
New Year’s Day, 2003
Wet?! Looking out the window at 05:30 was like looking through a waterfall, so it was back to bed for a while. By 06:00 the rain seemed to have eased somewhat and my sons Andrew, Matthew and I decided to take our chances. While getting breakfast and loading provisions (and two teenage boys require a lot of provisions) the only sound was the drumming of rain on the conservatory roof. The local Robins that have been singing by the light of the street lamps in the recent mild conditions, were ominously quiet. Once again we wondered if we would not be better off back in bed. By 06:30 we were ready and decided to brave the elements for our ‘New Year’s Day Birdwatch’ where we try to see as many species as possible within 10 km of home.
During 2002, we had moved 25 km (15 miles) north from Codicote in the depths of darkest Hertfordshire to the Bedfordshire village of Henlow. Our new home range stretched from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.
Our plan was to drive west past various plantations and woods on the greensand ridge hoping to pick up some owls, and any other birds that might be moving, before reaching Clophill at first light where we would walk around the Cainhoe sand pit. From there we intended to head for Swiss Gardens, stopping at likely spots en route for any farmland and woodland birds, then visiting Broom sand pits before heading home for lunch. No plans were made for the afternoon when we hoped to pick up any species still missing from our list. Our aim was to at least match the 68 species we had seen on New Year’s Day 2002 within 10 Km of Codicote, Hertfordshire.
As we pulled out of Henlow, the windscreen wipers were working overtime. Nothing else was stirring, not too surprising this early on New Year’s Day. Brief stops at Stockbridge Farm and Clifton cricket club failed to get our list started and all we heard was the wind and the rain. Our next stop was the car park nestled among the coniferous trees on the north side of Stanford Plantation and here we got lucky with a Tawny Owl calling, our first bird of the new year at 06:49 (some 44 minutes later than our first bird last year). Rabbits were numerous on the verge and Wood Pigeons disturbed from their roosts in small roadside trees as we drove towards Ireland. On the sheltered north side of Keepers Warren, a Tawny Owl flew across the road and when we stopped the car two more were heard calling. The sky was beginning to lighten, but it was still raining as we drove through Haynes where we heard Robin, Pheasant and Blackbird. Between Haynes and Clophill, a Kestrel moved from telegraph pole to telegraph pole as we slowly followed it. Carrion Crow was the only other species we saw along this stretch.
We reached Clophill at 08:00, donned our wet-weather gear and set off along the footpath towards Cainhoe sand pits. The rain had abated (a bit) but it was still a grey and murky day. As the light and weather slowly, very slowly, improved birds were becoming active. We heard Great Tits from a village garden, Redwings flying over and, more distantly, a honking flock of Canada Geese was on the move. Magpies, Jackdaws and Chaffinches fed on the ground in the horse paddocks behind the houses while a flock of Siskins (estimated at 100+) fed in the alders growing alongside the River Flit. Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings drifted over on the wind, like us heading towards the sand pits. By now the rain had stopped and I was no longer wiping the drops from my glasses every 5 minutes. A Wren burst into song as we crossed the swiftly flowing Flit on the narrow footbridge and then we had our first view of the pits; the nearest bordered with steep sand cliffs. This first pit was largely devoid of bird life but there was a solitary Great Crested Grebe in its breeding finery, a few Coot and a lone Cormorant glided in, to land on the water. Many of the gulls and Lapwings we had seen earlier had congregated on a marshy area between this first pit and another further east. We counted 300 Lapwings plus 3 Gadwall (our 20th species at 08:31) and c.30 Mallard. We followed the footpath that is routed along the western ‘cliffs’ to get a better view of the marshy area and eastern pit. A mixed flock of Skylark and Starlings were feeding on the open expanse of ploughed field. At the southern end of the pits, the mound of a ruined motte and bailey gives views over the whole complex. In scrub at the base of the mound, we saw our first Blue Tits while a mixed thrush flock feeding on the sheep-cropped sward included Fieldfare and Song Thrush. Herring and Common Gulls were found among the Black-headed Gulls on the marshy area where there was also a flock of 12 Wigeon and 22 Teal feeding on the shallows. There were many more waterfowl on the eastern pit, including rafts of Tufted Duck, among which were a few Pochard. As we turned to head back to the car we faced another wintry squall of rain and did not enjoy our trudge back towards the village. We did hear Meadow Pipits calling and see them perching on the wire fence but they were not much more than blurred shapes through my rain-spotted specs. A brief detour to the small sewage farm produced 4 Pied Wagtails and our first Moorhen of the day plus a noisy flock of Long-tailed Tits and a quieter Dunnock in the riverside scrub. In the village we saw Collared Doves and our first House Sparrows (39th Species at 10:05), but we were intent on reaching the comfort of the car and did not linger.
From Clophill we retraced our route of earlier, seeing Greenfinch visiting a feeder, a flock of Rooks in a stubble field and a Jay flying across the road. To the north of Keepers Warren, Andrew spotted a Buzzard on the ground. When we stopped the car for a better look it lumbered into the air and landed on a nearby telegraph pole. For a while the rain had again stopped and we took the chance to again venture out of the car. A flock of 50+ Fieldfare flew across the road and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into a roadside oak. Nearby a male Kestrel, looking very wet and bedraggled, perched on a dead snag – trying to dry out in the weak wintry sun – we knew how he felt! On the edge of a stubble field we found a covey of Red-legged Partridge and among a mixed flock of Chaffinches and Greenfinches were a few Yellow Hammers.
Our next stop was the deciduous woodland at Swiss Gardens, alongside the Shuttleworth Collection. As we got out of the car, a pair of Mistle Thrushes flew over and perched in the top-most branches of a bare tree. Goldcrests were fairly numerous in the undergrowth of the woods where Robins sang, Blackbirds foraged in the damp leaf-litter and Grey Squirrels were only our second mammal of the day. At the small ornamental lake we were treated to a double bonus. First, a pair of Mandarin Ducks, (50th species at 11:27), were swimming close to the bank, remaining under the over-hanging branches. While we were marvelling at the splendour of the male with his strange orange sail-like plumes, we heard a high-pitched whistle and two Kingfishers streaked low across the water, coming to a stop and perching a mere 10 m from where we were standing. They gave us ample time for a good look before they both flashed away down the length of the lake. Two bonus birds and the highlight of the day for all of us. Our visit to Swiss Gardens ended with a Tree-creeper spiralling up the trunk of an oak tree.
En route to Broom sand pits, we were detained by bird activity in the plantation beside the Old Warden- Southill road. Most of the birds turned out to be Goldcrests, but including a few Coal Tits. While searching through the Goldcrests, we heard the distant calls of a Nuthatch and Andrew spotted a Sparrowhawk soaring high overhead. When we eventually reached Broom, a charm of 12 Goldfinches was feeding on the dead-heads of some teasels and thistles and a Grey Wagtail flew over to land on the roof of the big house. There were few birds on the wash-out pit, but on the more over-grown pits to the east we saw Snipe and Mute Swan, before the rain returned and prompted us to dash for the car. It was time for lunch we decided. On the way back to Henlow, we saw a flock of Greylag Geese by the landscaped pond just north of Broom, a few Feral Pigeons among the 60 Collared Doves perched on overhead wires near in Stanford and a Heron, hunched up against the weather, standing in a flooded field near Clifton cricket club. We were well satisfied with our morning total of 62 species given the inclement weather and that we were not yet familiar with our new home range.
Over lunch of delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls the weather deteriorated and by the time we came to go out again it was raining heavily. Still, accompanied this time by Brian Bond, venture out we did. A flock of Golden Plover was seen north of Caldecott but nothing else was added to our list. We drove around for another hour but with no sign of the weather improving gave it up as a bad job at 15:30. This was the first time we had finished our New Year’s Day birdwatch before dark.
On our first New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire we had recorded 63 species of which the undoubted highlight was the Mandarin Ducks and Kingfishers at Swiss Gardens. There were several species we had expected to see including Stock Dove, Little Owl and Green Woodpecker. With the exception of Wigeon, I had recorded all species on previous NYD birdwatches around Codicote, Hertfordshire. Given better (at least drier) weather we hope to improve on our total next New Year’s Day.
During 2002, we had moved 25 km (15 miles) north from Codicote in the depths of darkest Hertfordshire to the Bedfordshire village of Henlow. Our new home range stretched from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.
Our plan was to drive west past various plantations and woods on the greensand ridge hoping to pick up some owls, and any other birds that might be moving, before reaching Clophill at first light where we would walk around the Cainhoe sand pit. From there we intended to head for Swiss Gardens, stopping at likely spots en route for any farmland and woodland birds, then visiting Broom sand pits before heading home for lunch. No plans were made for the afternoon when we hoped to pick up any species still missing from our list. Our aim was to at least match the 68 species we had seen on New Year’s Day 2002 within 10 Km of Codicote, Hertfordshire.
As we pulled out of Henlow, the windscreen wipers were working overtime. Nothing else was stirring, not too surprising this early on New Year’s Day. Brief stops at Stockbridge Farm and Clifton cricket club failed to get our list started and all we heard was the wind and the rain. Our next stop was the car park nestled among the coniferous trees on the north side of Stanford Plantation and here we got lucky with a Tawny Owl calling, our first bird of the new year at 06:49 (some 44 minutes later than our first bird last year). Rabbits were numerous on the verge and Wood Pigeons disturbed from their roosts in small roadside trees as we drove towards Ireland. On the sheltered north side of Keepers Warren, a Tawny Owl flew across the road and when we stopped the car two more were heard calling. The sky was beginning to lighten, but it was still raining as we drove through Haynes where we heard Robin, Pheasant and Blackbird. Between Haynes and Clophill, a Kestrel moved from telegraph pole to telegraph pole as we slowly followed it. Carrion Crow was the only other species we saw along this stretch.
We reached Clophill at 08:00, donned our wet-weather gear and set off along the footpath towards Cainhoe sand pits. The rain had abated (a bit) but it was still a grey and murky day. As the light and weather slowly, very slowly, improved birds were becoming active. We heard Great Tits from a village garden, Redwings flying over and, more distantly, a honking flock of Canada Geese was on the move. Magpies, Jackdaws and Chaffinches fed on the ground in the horse paddocks behind the houses while a flock of Siskins (estimated at 100+) fed in the alders growing alongside the River Flit. Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings drifted over on the wind, like us heading towards the sand pits. By now the rain had stopped and I was no longer wiping the drops from my glasses every 5 minutes. A Wren burst into song as we crossed the swiftly flowing Flit on the narrow footbridge and then we had our first view of the pits; the nearest bordered with steep sand cliffs. This first pit was largely devoid of bird life but there was a solitary Great Crested Grebe in its breeding finery, a few Coot and a lone Cormorant glided in, to land on the water. Many of the gulls and Lapwings we had seen earlier had congregated on a marshy area between this first pit and another further east. We counted 300 Lapwings plus 3 Gadwall (our 20th species at 08:31) and c.30 Mallard. We followed the footpath that is routed along the western ‘cliffs’ to get a better view of the marshy area and eastern pit. A mixed flock of Skylark and Starlings were feeding on the open expanse of ploughed field. At the southern end of the pits, the mound of a ruined motte and bailey gives views over the whole complex. In scrub at the base of the mound, we saw our first Blue Tits while a mixed thrush flock feeding on the sheep-cropped sward included Fieldfare and Song Thrush. Herring and Common Gulls were found among the Black-headed Gulls on the marshy area where there was also a flock of 12 Wigeon and 22 Teal feeding on the shallows. There were many more waterfowl on the eastern pit, including rafts of Tufted Duck, among which were a few Pochard. As we turned to head back to the car we faced another wintry squall of rain and did not enjoy our trudge back towards the village. We did hear Meadow Pipits calling and see them perching on the wire fence but they were not much more than blurred shapes through my rain-spotted specs. A brief detour to the small sewage farm produced 4 Pied Wagtails and our first Moorhen of the day plus a noisy flock of Long-tailed Tits and a quieter Dunnock in the riverside scrub. In the village we saw Collared Doves and our first House Sparrows (39th Species at 10:05), but we were intent on reaching the comfort of the car and did not linger.
From Clophill we retraced our route of earlier, seeing Greenfinch visiting a feeder, a flock of Rooks in a stubble field and a Jay flying across the road. To the north of Keepers Warren, Andrew spotted a Buzzard on the ground. When we stopped the car for a better look it lumbered into the air and landed on a nearby telegraph pole. For a while the rain had again stopped and we took the chance to again venture out of the car. A flock of 50+ Fieldfare flew across the road and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into a roadside oak. Nearby a male Kestrel, looking very wet and bedraggled, perched on a dead snag – trying to dry out in the weak wintry sun – we knew how he felt! On the edge of a stubble field we found a covey of Red-legged Partridge and among a mixed flock of Chaffinches and Greenfinches were a few Yellow Hammers.
Our next stop was the deciduous woodland at Swiss Gardens, alongside the Shuttleworth Collection. As we got out of the car, a pair of Mistle Thrushes flew over and perched in the top-most branches of a bare tree. Goldcrests were fairly numerous in the undergrowth of the woods where Robins sang, Blackbirds foraged in the damp leaf-litter and Grey Squirrels were only our second mammal of the day. At the small ornamental lake we were treated to a double bonus. First, a pair of Mandarin Ducks, (50th species at 11:27), were swimming close to the bank, remaining under the over-hanging branches. While we were marvelling at the splendour of the male with his strange orange sail-like plumes, we heard a high-pitched whistle and two Kingfishers streaked low across the water, coming to a stop and perching a mere 10 m from where we were standing. They gave us ample time for a good look before they both flashed away down the length of the lake. Two bonus birds and the highlight of the day for all of us. Our visit to Swiss Gardens ended with a Tree-creeper spiralling up the trunk of an oak tree.
En route to Broom sand pits, we were detained by bird activity in the plantation beside the Old Warden- Southill road. Most of the birds turned out to be Goldcrests, but including a few Coal Tits. While searching through the Goldcrests, we heard the distant calls of a Nuthatch and Andrew spotted a Sparrowhawk soaring high overhead. When we eventually reached Broom, a charm of 12 Goldfinches was feeding on the dead-heads of some teasels and thistles and a Grey Wagtail flew over to land on the roof of the big house. There were few birds on the wash-out pit, but on the more over-grown pits to the east we saw Snipe and Mute Swan, before the rain returned and prompted us to dash for the car. It was time for lunch we decided. On the way back to Henlow, we saw a flock of Greylag Geese by the landscaped pond just north of Broom, a few Feral Pigeons among the 60 Collared Doves perched on overhead wires near in Stanford and a Heron, hunched up against the weather, standing in a flooded field near Clifton cricket club. We were well satisfied with our morning total of 62 species given the inclement weather and that we were not yet familiar with our new home range.
Over lunch of delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls the weather deteriorated and by the time we came to go out again it was raining heavily. Still, accompanied this time by Brian Bond, venture out we did. A flock of Golden Plover was seen north of Caldecott but nothing else was added to our list. We drove around for another hour but with no sign of the weather improving gave it up as a bad job at 15:30. This was the first time we had finished our New Year’s Day birdwatch before dark.
On our first New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire we had recorded 63 species of which the undoubted highlight was the Mandarin Ducks and Kingfishers at Swiss Gardens. There were several species we had expected to see including Stock Dove, Little Owl and Green Woodpecker. With the exception of Wigeon, I had recorded all species on previous NYD birdwatches around Codicote, Hertfordshire. Given better (at least drier) weather we hope to improve on our total next New Year’s Day.
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