A fine, clear, calm night had caused the temperature to plummet and when I woke at 06:00 there was a crisp frost. The cold had not deterred the birds: Goldfinches and Greenfinches were breakfasting at our seed feeders while Wood Pigeon, Collared Doves and Dunnock fed on the ground below. After my own breakfast, I headed out on my regular walk (although not as regular as I would like) which takes me from Henlow via Henlow Grange to Langford then north alongside the River Ivel to Langford Mill before turning south-westwards and crossing Langford Meadows to Stanford Lock and then home by way of Clifton. Overnight the Collared Dove nest in our silver birch tree seems to have succumbed to the local moggies, as there was broken shell under the tree and the flimsy nest looked even more fragile. The Pyghtles, Henlow’s playing fields was white with frost, except for the close-shaved strip of the cricket pitch, prepared for the opening game of the season later today. A flock of 40 Starlings were the only birds but on the nearby school fields was a group of four Stock Doves and a lone female Mallard. My first warbler of the day was a Chiff-chaff, rendering its name from the plantation on the bank of the R. Ivel. In the cold morning air the fishing lakes were steaming, hiding any but the closest waterfowl that might have been present. I only saw Coot and Mute Swans but Blackcap and Willow Warblers sang from the scrub surrounding the lakes. Beside the northernmost pond, a water-side tree rising above the mist provided a perch for four Cormorants. Even though the sun was now up, the frost still remained. On the edge of Langford village a male Whitethroat was an incongruous sight as moved through the dense tangle of a frost-rimed bramble. Further Whitethroats and Blackcaps were seen and heard in shrubbery beside the R. Ivel. Now the sun was higher, the frost had disappeared from all but shaded areas and as I crossed Langford Meadows my boots got a soaking from the now very wet grass. Faint at first, the reeling song of a Grasshopper Warbler, often likened to the sound of fishing line being reeled in, was heard on the still morning air. The Gropper was eventually located in the middle of a large bramble on the bank of a stream but I never saw it, not even a flicker of movement. While I was in the area, for nearly 20 minutes, it reeled almost continuously with only short pauses, none longer than a minute. Nearby by in another streamside bush was a much more obliging Sedge Warbler, which was not only heard but also seen, bringing my warbler tally for the morning to six. Near Stanford Lock, I saw my only Swallow of the morning, a single bird following the R. Ivel north-westwards. Many summer visitors, including Swallow seem later arriving and/or less numerous than in previous years. Later perusal of the web suggested that Swallow numbers were down 90% compared with recent years (BTO’s Bird Track, www.bto.org/birdtrack/index.htm). Theories for this include problems in sub-Saharan Africa where large amounts of pesticide, used to quell last year’s locust plague, could have seriously reduced the insect prey available to migrant birds heading for Europe. Near Clifton I heard the unmistakable call of a Cuckoo, my first of the year. I was back in Henlow about 3-hours after setting out having recorded 47 species on my local patch.
Sunday, 17 April 2005
Saturday, 26 March 2005
Brambling in Henlow
Since we moved to Henlow in June 2002, the first week of the Beds Bird Club Summer Garden Bird survey has seen a new species added to our garden list. In 2003 it was a pair of Grey Partridge feeding on our front lawn and in 2004 it was a male Siskin visiting the peanut feeder. This year it was a male Brambling which joined the local Chaffinch flock and fed on seed that had been put out on the shed roof. It was first seen on Saturday morning (26th March) and was present regularly throughout the day, usually in the company of Chaffinches but once on its own for 10 minutes. It even fed during the heavy rain in the afternoon. At one point we had four species of finch feeding in the garden, Brambling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch). The Brambling also visited other nearby gardens that put out food for the birds. It was seen briefly on Sunday 27th March.
It was a male Brambling, moulting from winter to summer plumage. It was noticeably larger than accompanying Chaffinches. The bill was pale with a dark tip and its head was mostly black but heavily mottled with brown/grey. The breast was pale orange and clearly separated from the white belly. This was a very noticeable feature when the bird was perched facing you. The upper scapulars were a similar colour to the breast while the lower ones were paler but not quite white. The back was mottled like the head. The rump was a large white oblong and the most noticeable feature when the bird flew.
It seemed to favour the stripy sunflower seeds, which it picked up flat. With a flick of its head, it turned the seed until it was held on its thin edges and then cracked the husk between its mandibles. The seed was then dropped and the seed heart eaten.
It was a male Brambling, moulting from winter to summer plumage. It was noticeably larger than accompanying Chaffinches. The bill was pale with a dark tip and its head was mostly black but heavily mottled with brown/grey. The breast was pale orange and clearly separated from the white belly. This was a very noticeable feature when the bird was perched facing you. The upper scapulars were a similar colour to the breast while the lower ones were paler but not quite white. The back was mottled like the head. The rump was a large white oblong and the most noticeable feature when the bird flew.
It seemed to favour the stripy sunflower seeds, which it picked up flat. With a flick of its head, it turned the seed until it was held on its thin edges and then cracked the husk between its mandibles. The seed was then dropped and the seed heart eaten.
Wednesday, 2 February 2005
Waxwings in St Albans, continued
I drove into work via Mayne Avenue, St Albans, at 08:30 this morning. TheWaxwings were again present and behaving in a more ‘typical’ Waxwing-like manner. 22 were perched in one tree beside Mayne Avenue, making quiet trilling calls. I checked through the flock, but could see no rings on any of the birds that showed their legs. After a while the trilling calls became more insistent (louder?) then half the flock circled over the houses to land in a small tree on the north side of Glevum Close where the other 11 birds joned them shortly. From this perch the birds flew across the road in ones and twos, to a berry-bearing tree (identified as a Sorbus, by Alan Gardiner in an earlier email to HertsBirding). I could happily have spent all morning watching the Waxwings, but when I left to continue on my way towork all the birds were in Glevum Crescent. Some were perched in the tree on the north-side of the street while others fed on the Sorbus berries (fruit?)There was a regular movement to and from the two trees .I have driven home via Mayne Avenue each evening (at about 16:30) since first seeing the Waxwings on Monday (31/01/2005), but have not seen them on eitheroccasion.
Monday, 31 January 2005
Waxwings in St Albans
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.
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.
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