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!!

Frustrating Times!

Sooty Copper (New to our list for France)

I can’t tell you how frustrating the past few weeks have been not being able to get out at Brandon or my local patch! Apparently I’ve damaged my femoral nerve quite badly and the prognosis for recovery is anything from one month to three. So I suppose I’d better get used to it!

Anyway I’m trying hard to make the best of things and Dee and I took the boat out at the weekend along our favourite stretch of the Oxford Canal for a change of scenery. Butterflies were out in good numbers with more Large Whites about than of late and several Peacock were also on the wing. I did manage a few sortie’s up the towpath, although not very far, and had a decent count which included Small Copper, Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral.

Sedge Warbler

A large flock of Goldfinch entertained us all weekend, around 30 or so, which were constantly coming and going into the Weeping Willow Tree we were moored under. In the reeds opposite a very busy Sedge Warbler was constantly feeding her brood. Yellowhammers were as prolific as normal and a pair of Raven seemed to be regular in the area too. I’m unsure whether it’s the painkiller drugs or not but a Quail heard several times in distant fields remained unseen and a mystery?

The past few weeks have also given me an opportunity to identify a number of the Butterflies Dee photographed in France. Thanks to Fred Stokes for his help on this one and it appears we’ve now added two new species to our French list with Sooty Copper and Knapweed Fritillary.

Young Tufty @ Wigram's

Common Terns are beginning to pass through the marina on a more regular basis now as we head towards the autumn. Buzzards have had a great summer locally with seven seen in thermals from the window as I write this post. The unusual sight of a family of six Tufted Ducks, accompanied by a not so vigil parent, which have now been on the marina waters for the past 10-days and are becoming quite daring and even competing for food with the local hybrids! A very vocal Barn Owl has been quartering the surrounding fields more recently and Dee and I got some good silhouetted images as it passed over the mooring at dusk the other evening.

It's seems that the word is out that Napton churchyard is a great place to see Spotted Flycatchers once again. Several visitors to the area have emailed or texed me to confirm this. Hopefully and god willing I’ll make that short trip soon!

Wheeled Home

Granville Fritillary

We arrived back from a very enjoyable but frustrating visit to France yesterday evening with Ryanair and for the first time I find myself quite impressed with this so called ‘low-cost’ airline, we only use them when there is literally no other alternative! My praise was mainly due to the fact that being unable to walk I was delivered to and from the aircraft in a wheelchair! Forgive the pun but a far less painful exercise than purchasing priority boarding.

Unfortunately I never did manage to get to Chauvigny for the Bastille Day celebrations but we did manage another drive out, this time to La Pinail reserve, one of our favourite spots whilst staying at Dee’s parents. Situated in the Châtellerault area, this is the only Natural Reserve of France to be found in the district known as La Vienne.

The result of millstone quarrying has given way to a mosaic of 3,000 ponds, which are surrounded by moor and heath land rich in rare fauna and flora. Amongst the many bird species you can find here such as Montague, Hen Harrier and Dartford Warbler are 48 species of dragonflies.

Black Redstart

As per usual on route to Pinail we stopped to check out every bird we found perched on the wires and every flower meadow to check out the butterflies. I had Dee, ‘god bless her’, going from pillar to post, camera in hand, recording literally everything that moved. Unfortunately one of the problems I’ve now got is getting the camera back when things return to normality; Dee enjoyed my new lens and had a great time!

We lost count of Red-backed Shrike; one seemed to be around every corner, and also managed Stonechat, Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and Black Redstart. Butterflies included Swallowtail; so flighty Dee was unable to get a decent shot, plus Marsh Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Long-tailed Blue, Short-tailed Blue, Silver-studded Blue and Wall.

Migrant Hawker

We eventually arrived at La Pinail and happily I struggled on my newly acquired crutches to enjoy at least a tiny part of the reserve. Yet another Turtle Dove, which seem to be doing well in this area, a Purple Heron that over flew but the most frustrating thing was hearing Dartford Warbler and not being able to get anywhere near! No signs of any Harriers on this visit but lots of Linnet and the odd Stonechat. We eventually headed for home after adding Yellow Wagtail, several Dragonflies, which included Migrant-hawker and along with the Common Green Frogs we located a single Natterjack Toad.

It's What You Make It!

Today's Red-backed Shrike by Dee

By now I would have hoped to be reporting on my birding exploits here in France, but fate dealt me a nasty blow shortly before arriving at the airport on our way here, when by back finally gave up the ghost rendering my left leg almost useless. I can’t even explain the excruciating pain that accompanied it, something I’ve never experienced before.

I eventually arrived with Dee at Limoge Airport to be greeted by her mother, who looking for the usual 6’5” strapping husband accompanying her daughter through arrivals looked down to find me squashed into a wheelchair, a sight to behold.

So, since arriving on Sunday evening I’ve literally been a prisoner at Dee’s parent’s home, but did manage short drives out yesterday and today with Dee, having been drugged up by an excellent French doctor. Mind you I use the expression a prisoner light-heartedly, as yet again Dee and I have been treated like a lord and lady by her parents, home grown and home cooked food, beautiful wines and excellent conversation.

Dee's Turtle Dove Record Shot

The grounds of their beautiful house have also provided a haven for many species of birds, butterflies, insects and mammals and quite simply provided me with my very own personal nature reserve. Birds of note whilst sitting in the garden have been; Turtle Dove, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Hobby, Black Kite over, plus many Common Buzzard. Barn, Tawny and Little Owl have also been heard from our bedroom window and while sitting out in the evenings having dinner we’ve been entertained by both Noctule and Pipistrelle Bats, the latter of which roost in the door overhang.

Each evening Dee has toured the grounds with her mum and dad in search of Glow-Worms and with great success, seeing several on each trip. As a bonus for me, who absolutely adores thunderstorms, we were treated to real cracker early Monday morning which produced some spectacular lightening and seemed to rumble on forever.


Scarce Swallowtail By Dee

During our drives out we managed to locate several butterfly meadows and while I sat in the air-conditioned car finger pointing Dee went exploring, paying for it with a few nasty bites but producing some excellent shots of Scarce Swallowtail, Marbled White, Clouded Yellow, Granville Fritillary and several more yet to be identified! We also discovered a very active family of around five or six Red-backed Shrike, which entertained us along one the many secluded country lanes. Corn Bunting, more Turtle Doves, Kestrel, Buzzard, Wood Warbler and Nightingale, unfortunately being slightly late in the year not entertaining us with a song.

Tomorrow is Bastille Day and hopefully all being well I’ll make it to Chauvigny for the celebrations and so were told a magnificent firework display, even if I have to sit in the car! So despite my predicament my cup always being half full I can honestly say that with a fantastic wife at my side and with the help of Susan and Graham I’m having a great time. I must also say a big thank you to all who have texed and emailed to see how I'm doing, much appreciated.

Brandon Cuckoo

Cuckoo & Dunnock Record Shot!

Despite suffering from a bad back and gammy leg I decided to play the martyr and head for Brandon Marsh just after sunrise before the real summer returns later this afternoon.

As an alternative to my usual route I decided to head firstly to the West Marsh in the hope of recording some Kingfisher photographs in the morning sunshine. Walking through Horstail Glade this early in the morning is always a delight and currently it’s awash with an excellent spread of Enchanters Nightshade. A Nuthatch calling and a Chiffchaff singing made for an idyllic location and I sat on the bench at the top end of the glade for a short while just enjoying the peacefulness.

I arrived at the West Marsh Hide and was greeted by a very generous Kingfisher who posed patiently for several shots before heading off across towards the River Avon, job done! Martin, a very quiet young lad who I often see around Brandon, joined me a short time later and we sat enjoying the sights and sounds before a phone call from Jim Rushforth had us scurrying away.

Jim had rang to tell us of a young Cuckoo which he and Mike Lee had come across being fed by a Dunnock close to the wind pump. I can tell you that when Martin and I arrived a very short time later my back and leg had just about given up the ghost!

Juvenile Cuckoo @ Brandon

Anyway after relocating the bird in question shortly after arriving, as per usual the bird had disappeared, both Martin and I spent a happy 15 minutes snapping away, the only downer was poor light and the fact that the bird was 6 feet into the bottom of a Willow. Anyhoo I’ve posted two of my photos, one a record shot of the bird being fed, apologies for the blurries.

After leaving the hard working Dunnock and her giant size toddler and for that matter Martin, who was still frothing at the mouth, I spent a very enjoyable morning with the other Tuesday chaps touring the reserve. I didn't bother to investigate the damage that had been caused by some mindless morons who had decided to burn down the Roman Roundhouse on Saturday evening. However, I was delighted to hear that some other numpties who decided to extract the lead from the barn roof over the weekend had been captured red handed by the local constabulary!

Other birding highlights of the morning were 5 Green Sandpiper on Carlton Pool, 3 Redshank, 1 adult/2juvinile, on Teal/River Pool and 5 Little Ringed and two Ringed Plover on East Marsh Pool. The general consensus regarding the two Wood Sandpipers reported on Saturday is that they were probably the two juvenile Redshank.

Finally, Butterflies were in excellent numbers today which included the first signs of some second generation Common Blue, plus my first White Admiral of the year, which flew past the tool store.