More Goodies

Wheatear

Tuesday evening I managed to get across the canal to Napton Reservoir in search of the reported Black-necked Grebe which Richard Mayes had kindly informed me about earlier in the day.

I was joined by Kevin Groocock and luckily enough the bird was still on site but remained quite elusive, darting in and out of the reeds, but a local tick nevertheless!

The weather overnight was clear and the wind had dropped to a gentle breeze when I left the boat this morning just before 6am. As I walked up the west path to my car I was alerted to no less than 3 juvenile Kestrel, which were making enough noise to wake most of the slumbering boating population.

Southern Hawker Click to enlarge

With Brandon Marsh desperately quiet of late I decided to revisit Draycote Water after Monday's excellent days birding and arrived just as the sun was breaking over the horizon. At first glance as I entered from Thurlaston church the place seemed pretty quiet but thankfully this didn't last long!

As I rounded the corner towards Toft Bank an adult Merlin flew silently over my head, disappearing into the trees over towards Grays Barn, a great start. On the shore Monday's Shag was having a breather on Toft Bank and several Dunlin were also on view.

I decided to have coffee at Farborough Spit and had an exceptional half hour recording Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, Redshank, 1 Common and 3 Arctic Tern, plus Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and Raven.

Redshank

After moving further down Farborough Bank towards the Sailing Club I met up with the Draycote duo Richard and Bob who delivered a little bit of sad news. Apparently Monday's Gannet had been reported dead over towards Lin Croft Point. It wasn't long before a short scan across in the general direction confirmed the news. A little baffling as the bird seemed to be in great condition and showed no signs of fatigue or injury on Monday!

A stunning Southern Hawker Dragonfly (I look forward to your pictures Bob) another 2 late Swifts and a total of 5 Greenshank before my back decided I was pushing it a little and I departed to Brandon for lunch.

Brandon still remains quiet and the best of the visit was 2 Wigeon on East Marsh Pool, 3 Green Sandpiper on Teal Pool and 2 Willow Tit near the Central Marsh Path. Over lunch in the Badgers Tea Room I was treated to some good views of Spotted Flycatcher. Birding luxury, Brie and Bacon Pinini, Coffee and Flycatcher, what more could you want!

Finally worth reporting that upon my return to the marina two huge flocks were recorded around the dog walking pound. At least 50 Goldfinch and C150 Linnet, a great end to the birding day!

Blow In!

Draycote Gannet - Click to Enlarge

Having suffered with my back problems for most of the summer I was delighted to complete the five mile walk around Draycote Water today without any side effects, and what a superb day it turned out to be!

Accompanied by Jim Rushforth we made an early start in gale force winds meeting up at Thurlaston and taking a clockwise route. A Greenshank was feeding along Toft Shallows and as we walked past the bird hide a brief view of Hobby heading east.

It's my first visit to Draycote for a good while and looking at the low water it's easy to see why the place is doing so well for Waders. As we reached Farborough Spit several Dunlin were feeding, accompanied by Ringed Plover, Juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and a single Little Stint. Yellow Wagtails were in good number too, at least a dozen, and a lone Meadow Pipit was also recorded.

As we continued, almost getting blown off our feet, we met the 'Draycote Duo' (Richard Mays & Bob Hazell) who were good enough to put us on to a Shag, (remember we ARE birding) which we eventually came across near the Sailing Club. Can't remember the last time I saw one of these birds inland and definitely a Warwickshire tick.

Black Tern - Click to Enlarge

After a well deserved coffee and a brief rest bite from the wind we sort out further refuge at one of the sheltered benches. A good scan out towards the centre of the water produced Black, Arctic and Common Tern. Hirundines were in excellent numbers, which included a substantial number of Sand Martins.

Battling on around Rainbow Corner and on towards the Valve Tower produced Wheatear, but unfortunately no sign of yesterdays Red-crested Pochard, although we did manage a single ♀Goosander and a couple of Wigeon. 

After reaching Biggin Bay we took yet more refuge on a well provided bench for lunch and here we enjoyed the lovely sunshine and another Black Tern battling the wind. In the bay itself were more Dunlin, two Greenshank and various numbers of Plover.

Greenshank

One of the reasons for visiting on such a brutally windy day was the possibility of something unusual getting blown in and we weren't disappointed! Over to the west the amazing site of a fully adult Gannet and it wasn't long before we were treated to some great views and several dives. Yet another Warwickshire first and once again I can't remember seeing one of these birds so inland.

A terrific day and worth mentioning the excellent numbers of Chiffchaff around, a single Willow Warbler was also recorded along with a late Swift. An awful day for photography but I did manage a few shots, make sure you click on the images to enlarge!

Proud Moment



Water Vole - A proud Moment for Brandon

A far cry from last weeks balmy temperatures and sunny skies I left the boat this morning in gale force winds and heavy rain. Still, this is perfect weather for downed migrants so I was quite excited about the possibilities!

The marina had the usual two dozen or so Pied Wagtails and I managed two of our resident Tree Sparrow population, plus a a small flock of Goldfinch but nothing unusual. On route to Brandon Marsh I stopped off at a couple of locally known hotspots but alas the wind was simply too strong for any decent birding. Napton Reservoir as you would imagine was like a wind tunnel and the best I could pick out were two ♂ Pochard sheltering in the distance.

I arrived at Brandon around 06:45 and took my usual route, accompanied by Derek Bennet, another of the Brandon Volunteers. To be honest there was very little to get excited about, a Kestrel hunting over the top reed bed, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler the best of the bunch. It wasn't until Derek and I reached the Newlands area that yet again Jim Rushforth came up trumps with a Spotted Flycatcher, typically in an area we'd recently passed!

Diverting back it wasn't long before I had my first Brandon Flycatcher of the autumn in my sights, keeping a very low profile in amongst the Elder and Buckthorn, but sitting up beautifully occasionally and offering some good views.

The best during the rest of my visit were the hundreds of Swallow and House Martins, plus the odd Sand Martin, which were constantly on the move. A Hobby scooped in while at big hide trying but failing to bag a Hirondine, 1 Snipe on Wigeon Bank and two Green Sandpipers, one at West Marsh and one at Carlton. Also worth a mention were a total of 4 Goldcrest during my visit, always a pleasure to report.

I'm also delighted to report that over the past two days and after decades of work by the Trust and the Brandon Marsh Voluntary Conservation Team, 200 Water Voles have been released on site. This is the ‘next’ phase in the development of the reserve. The water vole is the UK’s fastest declining mammal – so threatened that it is now completely protected by legislation. Populations of water voles have been steadily declining in the UK due to a number of factors including the loss of habitat, pollution and predation so this is a proud moment for the reserve.

The project is also supported by the Environment Agency, Natural England and local landowners.

Autumn

Migrant Hawker Dragonfly

If like me you work on the meteorological calendar then today was the first day of Autumn. In real terms it felt like the first day of summer with temperatures up to 23C.

When I went to bed last night at around midnight the sky was crystal clear and when I left the boat this morning at 5.30am there still wasn't a cloud in the sky, a perfect night for migration.

I arrived at Brandon Marsh just before sunrise and spent the first part of the morning with some of the Conservation Team. Not surprisingly there was very little of note as I imagine lots of the warbler population had taken the opportunity to move on, the best was 3 Kingfisher, a lone Snipe and 2 Wigeon on East Marsh Pool.

Conservation Team at Rest!

I'm still not really fit enough to rejoin the working party just yet and knowing that the East Marsh Pool was due it's end of summer hair cut I made my way across to West Marsh. I spent a very enjoyable hour with Geoff Haynes at Steetley Hide, another Brandon regular and we were entertained by a very patient Kingfisher and a very determined Hobby, which kept us spellbound with some amazing aerobatics, two Green Sandpiper's were also recorded.

After leaving Geoff I made my way around to the 'Tip' area and River Meadow for the remainder of the morning. Here the Dragonflies seemed to be having their best day of the year so far with excellent numbers in flight, the best of which were Migrant and Southern Hawker. No surprise then when two more Hobby were recorded both taking advantage of the veritable feast on offer.

Butterflies unfortunately have not had their best year at Brandon, however there were still plenty on offer and I spent a very enjoyable hour photographing and recording the few that were around: Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Brown Argus, Green-veined White, Small White, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown.

Willow Tit
(Now on the RSPB 'At-Risk' list)

I decided to return to the East Marsh for lunch and took the route through the Central Marsh area specifically in the hope of coming across a Tawny Owl, which has been quite vocal during the day in recent weeks. Although the bird, probably a youngster, was heard yet again I've still to make contact. Two Willow Tit and various numbers of Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were recorded, the latter found in the increasing numbers of Long-tailed Tit flocks, always worth extra scrutiny at this time of year!

I joined the conservation team once more as they were completing the final stages of the East Marsh hair-cut, a bang up job once again with all Islands and banks now cut, plus the famous Bittern Ride, a channel which is cut into the reed bed directly to the left of 'Big Hide' and is an excellent place to see Bittern during the winter months. The final birds of note for the day were two Yellow Wagtail which flew across East Marsh Pool just prior to leaving.

Regarding Tuesday's Brandon visit, which I didn't get time to post, the best on offer was a single Wood Sandpiper, which flew in while I was having lunch in 'Big Hide'.

Marina Update

With the heavy rain showers and more prolonged torrential downpours over the past few days the marina has certainly been the place to be! I’ve spent all my spare time sky watching from the comfort of the boat, my large windows provide an excellent vista with uninterrupted views of the sky and surrounding low hills.

Common Redstart

Visible migration continues at pace with hundreds of Swallows and House Martins, along with the odd Sand Martin, passing through constantly throughout the day. Swifts are now at a premium and I’ve only been able to record a single bird over the last week. The odd Wader has also dropped in with brief visits from Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, 2 Snipe were also seen near the marina entrance Thursday evening.

Things got even more exciting when I took a walk around the dog-walking field early yesterday morning after a heavy downpour and discovered a very attractive ♂Wheatear and was further rewarded with 2 Yellow Wagtail. The best however was on the walk back to my mooring when I was delighted to see 2 Black Tern whizzing through.

Black Tern

Out and about this morning after heavy overnight rain, goodness knows we need it with the canal at a desperately low level, and even more excitement when I came across a very flighty ♂Common Redstart. Later this afternoon a late Swift, 3 Common Tern, 6 Wigeon and yet another Black Tern, this time hanging around a little longer than the previous two.

Most birds from our small Reed Warbler population have departed but a few still remain, no Sedge Warblers have been seen for several days.

Away from the migratory birds a large flock of around 50+ Goldfinch has been constantly feeding within the grounds and smaller flocks of Linnet are also regular visitors. Pied Wagtails are still coming in each evening to roost and a quick count yesterday produced 82 birds, it has to be said mostly Juvenile! Tawny Owls are once again calling each evening from the surrounding woods but no recent signs of our local Little Owls. Common Buzzards, which have had a terrific breeding season locally, have stopped mewing which seemed to be a constant over the past few weeks. Maybe the cooler weather has finally calmed them down.

Visible Migration

Local ♂Bullfinch

Another weekend out on the local canal system and a further sign of visible migration in progress with several Swift and a constant trickle of Swallows, House Martins and Yellow Wagtails. During our Saturday evening BBQ at least 3 Whimbrel were heard passing overhead before the rain set in.

Sunday morning produced 2 Hobby and good numbers of Warblers passing through, in particular Blackcaps, but smaller numbers of Willow Warbler and Common Whitethroat also included 2 Lesser Whitethroat.

Similar to last Thursdays visit Brandon Marsh this morning was awash once again with Warblers feeding up on the many fruit baring trees and plants: Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler. A very pristine looking Willow Tit also made a brief appearance. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to connect with any of the recently reported Spotted Flycatchers.

Today also had several large Tit flocks, always worth a look, and produced Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest within. On the pools the first Pochard have begun arriving back with 4 on East Marsh Pool; 3 Snipe also flew in during the course of the morning and 4 Green Sandpiper’s were on West Marsh Pool.

The biggest surprise of today’s Brandon visit however was when I was walking through the Central Marsh area with Paul Norman. I can’t remember if I’ve ever heard a Tawny Owl calling during the middle of the day before. It took us so much by surprise that Paul, who was a little way ahead, thought it was me having a joke.

This afternoon a tour of the marina grounds produced more evidence of birds fattening up with a feeding frenzy in many of the Bramble and Hawthorn bushes. This evening large numbers of House Martins have taken precedence over the Swallows and can be seen skimming through taking on water as they pass.

A Sparrowhawk was also flushed from the dog-walking paddock as I passed through, not surprising really as the paddock also contained large flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch. Around 15 Tree Sparrows were also very vocal today and it’s good to see our local population still doing so well. Our Pied Wagtail flock is also on the increase with at least 100 birds coming in to roost yesterday evening, in fact they are once again beginning to arrive as I post. Families of Common Buzzard and Raven are also entertaining us with amazing aerobatics as they take to the thermals.

With the poor light and rain this morning photography was at a premium but I did manage the above ♂Bullfinch at the marina late evening, always a pleasure to see.

Seasonal Change



Newlands Phase Three Reed Bed Project

It was a balmy 5C when I left the boat at 6am this morning, Orion was rising to the East and the Pleiades were well up, a definite sign of autumn in the air!

It’s great to be back in the fold once more and this was going to be my second visit of the week to Brandon Marsh after an eight-week layoff with back problems.

On Tuesday I was delighted to be able to completely walk my usual circuit, the highlights being: Hobby, Ringed Plover, Green and Common Sandpiper, with Teal and Shoveler now beginning to arrive back in small numbers. Today I met up around 06.30 with Jim Rushforth our site recorder and we had an excellent start to the day when a Sparrowhawk was seen around Grebe Pool as we passed the wind pump. While we were scanning a second raptor whizzed thru’ shortly followed by at least 200 Lapwing up from the adjacent East Marsh Pool. Our guess was Peregrine but we can only reflect on literally a few seconds observation so we’ll leave that one as un-recorded!

More signs of the seasons changing when a small flock of 16 Siskin flew over our heads as we passed by the Sheepfield Gate. Large numbers of Swallows were also moving through constantly throughout the morning. East Marsh Pool had the usual selection of waterfowl with Shoveler and Teal continuing to arrive. Other highlights before moving on to Carlton Hide were Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler, Goldcrest, Kingfisher, Barnacle Goose and Common Sandpiper, plus the Jays have begun their Acorn harvesting in earnest with at least 10 birds seen today.



Garden Warbler

Carlton Hide provided the best viewing of the day with a second Kingfisher and three Green Sandpiper, but in particular lots of Warbler activity in the Elder and Bramble: Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, plus Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Song Thrush were all recorded. The phase 3 Newlands Reedbed project will be ongoing for at least another fortnight and the plant machinery has now begun to excavate the new pools. I just pray we’ll have enough water in the present climate.

Despite the best efforts of the conservation team Teal Pool is now completely devoid of water and looking around the other pools the situation is becoming quite critical. The River Avon is probably at its lowest level for many years. Even here at the marina the water level I would estimate is at least a foot down on normal and restrictions are already in place at Napton Lock Flight, where traffic is only allowed through from 10 am until 2pm to safeguard the dwindling water levels!

Another Cruise

Lots of Yellow Wagtails Sunday

Another opportunity for a weekend on the canal and for this particular outing we chose to moor next to the old LNER railway bridge just after Bridge 101 Grand Union.

When I cruised back to our home mooring and few weeks ago the combines were out in force raking in the grain crops and over the weekend it was clear to see that now the job is almost done. With the majority of fields cut the birding is made a lot easier and the cruise up on the Friday evening produced of note: Hare, Roe Deer, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Red-legged Partridge, Yellow Wagtail, at least 10 Kestrel and a large flock of House Sparrows as we passed Flecknoe Fields Farm.

I'm getting Closer!

Several weeks ago when we’d moored here with friends I was lucky enough to locate a lone Turtle Dove, my first local patch bird but was unable to get any decent photo’s. You can imagine my surprise when shortly after we’d moored up what I believe to be the same bird flew low across the adjacent field and perched on the exact same power line. Notwithstanding I was able to get a little closer this time resulting in the above image. The bird seems to visit this particular spot in the early morning or late evening before dropping down into the field to feed.

Saturday's weather wasn't as bad as anticipated and although it remained overcast for most of the day it stayed dry with some late evening sunshine. We enjoyed an evening BBQ during which time we watched the full moon rising to the south and despite the moons presence still managed several of the brighter Perseid Meteors. Little Owl and Barn Owl and a small number of Pipistrelle Bats further entertained us, plus many strange sounds of creatures lurking in the bushes behind kept us guessing.

1950's Vampire Jet Trainer

Sunday was a brighter day with longer periods of sunshine and the day was spent just sky watching. An early morning glimpse of Turtle Dove along with the many Common Buzzards and Kestrels hunting in the now bare fields. Delighted to be joined by Paul Norman our Brandon Volunteers Chairman for coffee around midday and we all three sat watching a noisy pair of Raven enjoying a thermal. Interesting to note too that during the course of the whole day I must have counted at least a dozen Yellow Wagtails coming through.

Finally, the cruise home later this evening was spent watching other flying objects as we were treated to our very own flying display, when the Coventry Airbase 1950'2 Vampire Jet Trainer performed a number a acrobatic turns and summersaults right over our heads!

Out At Last!

Wood Sandpiper (Library Image)

Can’t believe it’s been almost a month since trapping my femoral nerve and what’s even more frustrating is the painstakingly slow recovery period. I must admit that it’s sometimes extremely difficult to remain positive but it’s simply not in my nature to be anything otherwise!

Yesterday I was determined to visit Brandon Marsh no matter what and duly arrived at around 7am after a six-week absence. I figured my best plan of action was to park within the reserve compounds as close to big hide as possible and plonk myself within for a few hours birding. Being part of the conservation team does indeed have its advantages.

When I arrived the recent mini heat wave had given way to some much-needed rain and so I made my way tentatively along the central marsh path. I should have known better than to expect a normal visit! I was literally only half way down the path when two recognisable figures, Jim and Derek came bowling around the corner.

Only some quick pleasantries needed as I new instantly we were on to something and before I knew it I’d turned heels and was in Baldwin Hide minutes later looking at a Wood Sandpiper, a not too regular visitor to the reserve.

After that I’m glad to say that things settled down to some normality and I did indeed spend a few hours in big hide catching up with the team on the latest reserve news. The main difference of course since my last visit is the plant machinery now on Newlands reed bed preparing the ground for the ongoing phase 3 project. (A news item in relation to the work can be seen HERE).

The Wood Sandpiper appeared to depart a short while later to be replaced by two other of his related species, Common Sandpiper and at least 4 Green Sandpiper. Interesting to note that A Wood sandpiper was also seen at the nearby Draycote Water, same one?

Juvenile Pied Wagtail @ Wigram's

A little home news now and after a slow tour of the marina this afternoon I located a small party of three young Spotted Flycatchers which seemed to have taken a liking to the place. Common Terns are regularly coming through dropping in to fish each day. Worth a mention too is the nightly visit of around 20+ Juvenile Pied Wagtails, which seem to enjoy perching on the neighbours boat and peering in at us while were having dinner. I also noticed a few more Dragonflies around than of late with Broad-bodied Chaser, Emperor and Southern Hawker.

Butterflies too are in reasonable numbers with Red Admiral, Peacock and my very first Painted Lady of the year, which completely refused to settle for a photograph!

Anyway it’s just brilliant to be able to get out and about once more and see the wildlife (Brandon team included), but as my physio told me yet again today, “your not out of the woods yet” thanks to everyone too for their good wishes and support!

Lone Cruise



Be careful where you navigate!

With Dee away in Scotland at the weekend I decided to take a lone cruise and moor up for a few days around the Flecknoe area, in my current condition this wasn’t as easy at it sounds. Nevertheless after my physio on Friday I set straight off and I’d moored up under my favourite willow tree by around 5pm without incident!

The cruise up wasn’t as busy as I’d expected for the time of year and I encountered the usual wildlife on offer such as Hare, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Kestrel, Buzzard and a good selection of Butterflies. Dragonflies and Damselflies seemed to be in better numbers than my last cruise the previous weekend, Banded Demoiselle and Common Hawker the majority. I spent the evening on the towpath enjoying a few beers and watching the many Buzzards and Kestrels trawling the open fields.

On Saturday the weatherman got it completely wrong once again and after predicting a cloud-covered day I woke early to a lovely mist on the water and a completely cloudless sky, which lasted the whole day apart from some fair weather stuff.



Water Vole a rare sight on the canal!

I spent the morning repainting my roof top storage boxes, re-housing the many spiders therein to the freedom of the towpath. Once again I watched one of the rare local population Water Voles, one of the reasons I moor at this particular spot, busying himself swimming in and out of the reeds. An absolute pleasure to watch and a sign that thankfully there arn't currently any Mink around. Another rarity, which only a few years ago was a regular on this stretch, a Kingfisher flew straight past while I was having coffee, a sight to cheer the heart. Another unexpected visitor was a brief stop from a Marsh fritillary butterfly, a species I don’t recall ever seeing in this area.

I was delighted to be joined by one of the Brandon team later in the afternoon when Mike Lee appeared in full cycling kit, cycling up from Coventry especially to see me! We enjoyed a superb few hours over tea and biscuits just enjoying the sights and Mike was delighted to see Hobby, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk during his stay.

A bit of a lazy Sunday just chilling and watching Lewis blow the Grand Prix and while having a beer in the early afternoon the bird of the weekend in the form of a juvenile Osprey, which floated majestically over the mooring and appeared to be heading in the general direction of Draycote Water.

Spot the Owl!!

I took the decision to take a late Sunday evening cruise back to the marina and set off for home around 6pm. The 2-hour cruise was extremely enjoyable in the late evening warmth with most fields busy with combines the air full of the dust shimmering in the evening sun, the farmers taking advantage of the glorious weather. I must say I would describe it as a very rural British scene and one that makes you proud to be British, a rarity in itself.

A bit of a navigational issue pictured above as one of the ancient traditional wooden working narrowboats has finally given up the ghost, after what is probably nigh on 100 years! Easily seen from a distance as someone has kindly marked the spot with a large blue plastic barrel. We just need British Waterways to get their act together now and remove the blockage!

Two Barn Owls on the cruise home, too distant to photograph but I did manage to take a record picture of a cute Little Owl who was perched on top of the ruins at Lower Shuckburgh. Not easy when the wife’s not around to take the helm, a most enjoyable weekend!!