Hants, Berks and Surrey Borders

[colonelboris]

I though I'd start a thread for North-East Hampshire as HOS is mainly for South coast rarities. I tend to see a lot more mundane stuff up here, but it's still nice to hear from other people in the area. A spotted flycatcher might not make it onto HOS sightings, but I'd still like to see one...

[colonelboris]

Stock dove, nightingale (nice views, too), moorhen and coot chicks, return of the Egyptian geese to the pond and families of young great and blue tits in the birches. A couple of jays having a disagreement with a magpie (and staying for photos) and a nice shot of a young magpie taking off.
Not too shabby.

[colonelboris]

Looks like the jays are coming back again after a while of not showing.
Managed to get a nice shot of a very thoughtful-looking female house sparrow in the garden, too.
We're also getting more goldfinches here than we ever did. They've taken to perching on the TV ariels.

[colonelboris]

Over at Minley Manor -
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Mistle thrush
Bullfinches
Swifts
Swallows
Grey wagtails (at least 300 yards from any open water)
Grenn woodpecker

[JohnnyH]

I though I'd start a thread for North-East Hampshire as HOS is mainly for South coast rarities. I tend to see a lot more mundane stuff up here, but it's still nice to hear from other people in the area. A spotted flycatcher might not make it onto HOS sightings, but I'd still like to see one...

Hey Tony,

Another NE Hants birder here, I'm in Aldershot, my local patch is Tongham GP & the Blackwater Valley area just N of Aldershot. Have turned up a few goodies here on occasion like Waxwings in two successive winters apart from the last. If you'd like to see Spot Flys, I can recommend Frensham Great Pond nr Farnham, I saw three there a couple of weeks ago. They breed there annually along with Redstarts, if you need any more info give me a shout.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

wow, thanks!

I know there's a few more NE Hants people out there as well...

Just had a female chaffinch in our garden. Sounds a bit 'so what?', but I've never seen a chaffinch in our garden.
However, on announcing it to my lovely lady wife, she replied 'Oh yeah. I saw one of them in the garden yesterday, but I forgot to mention it...'

[colonelboris]

Mistle thrush has turned up again. I've been hearing its call for a few days now, but saw it on next door's ariel.
Which was nice...

[colonelboris]

Got up at 4 am (involuntary...) and went for a five-hour walk over the army ranges and Yateley Common.
saw:
Linnets, Dartford warblers, whitethroats, two grey herons, a family of GS woodpeckers (m, f and a juv), several families of assorted tits, skylarks foraging on the burnt patches of the common, stonechats, a veritable nursery of baby robins and a fair bit of other common things. No woodlarks, though.

[Gavin Haig]

.........and went for a five-hour walk over the army ranges and Yateley Common.........
Glad to see you're still with us, too! Nice selection of birds seen.

Does Fleet Pond come under NE Hants? Twitched there a couple of times some years ago - nice spot. Also have seen GG Shrike at Frensham (?) in the past, I think, so not all mundane stuff. Look forward to hearing what you see ;)

[colonelboris]

Glad to see you're still with us, too! Nice selection of birds seen.

Does Fleet Pond come under NE Hants? Twitched there a couple of times some years ago - nice spot. Also have seen GG Shrike at Frensham (?) in the past, I think, so not all mundane stuff. Look forward to hearing what you see ;)

Sounds like you've seen some really good stuff about - thanks for dropping in here!

Fleet Pond's certainly in. I'd have a pop at an area for NE Hants, but where to draw the line?
Frensham's in Surrey, but the main Surrey birds site seems to be a specialities only place like the HOS site. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I do like to hear about more common things too. I guess we could add in West Surrey. Berkshire's very well served by www.berksbirds.co.uk, so it's be superfluous to add much from there in to this one, although close to the border would be alright.

Today's garden activity (and not just because I haven't left the house today...): a family of goldfinches including one juvenil that was being studiously ignored by its parents while they were feeding, two mistle thrushes on my ariel at the same time (I haven't seen them together since April) and a greenfinch on the feeder for ~5 min.
It's not that exciting, but not bad for a garden that used to have very little in it.

[colonelboris]

Anyone else from this area notice that there are a lot of very pale coloured tits round here? There's a blue tit that I thought may be partially leucistic, but since then I've seen a few others and pale great tits as well. I know a few miles into Surrey and you start getting melansitic great tits, but wondered if it's just a few strange birds or a local thing.

[colonelboris]

Anyone know any other good sites in the area that aren't so well known? I can occasionally bag lifts off of Dad on his breaks, so may get round to them.

[Allen]

Anyone know any other good sites in the area that aren't so well known? I can occasionally bag lifts off of Dad on his breaks, so may get round to them.

Colonel Boris

Nice to see another NE Hants birder - I'm over in Farnborough so not far. Moor Green Lakes is cycling distance for you and very good - you should give it a go. PM me if yu want any info.

Allen

[colonelboris]

Walking distance for me as I haven't dug out the bone shaker in a while... ;)
I like that place a lot - some very nice stuff there. The membership is also really very cheap for the year (£5 pp).
I'm waiting until I've sorted membership or repaired my old tripod as the hides are members only and the gaps in the sight screens are taller than my current tripod.
Good site for semi-feral groups of snow, barnacle and Egyptian geese.

A site you might like is Yateley Common South on the A30. Knee deep in a certain type of warbler as well as linnets and stonechats aplenty. If you want the details of the best bit to go to, drop me a pm...

Good to see another of us!

[JohnnyH]

Anyone know any other good sites in the area that aren't so well known? I can occasionally bag lifts off of Dad on his breaks, so may get round to them.

Thursley Common nr Elstead, Surrey is excellent at this time of year, supports breeding birds such as Hobby, Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, Redstart, Tree Pipit,Curlew,Nightjar & Cuckoo. Good site for Great Grey Shrike & Raptors during the Winter too. One of my local sites - Tices Meadow on the Hants / Surrey border can attract some interesting stuff too, recent sightings have included Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Curlew, Little Egret, Little Ringed & Ringed Plovers. Earlier in the spring we also had several Wheatears, a Whinchat, & Yellow Wagtail. Being that you live in Frogmore, I presume that you already know Moor Green Lakes at Finchampstead which is also pretty good, Bramshill Forest is worth a look too.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

well, todays offerings from Shepherd's Meadows on the River Blackwater were...

* 3 x reed bunting (2 seen, 1 heard) on the river
* 15-20 house martins over the river and Balancing Pond, several juveniles, too
* 5/6 coot chicks still alive (local lady said she saw the parents drown the other one) on the Balancing Pond
* at 3/4 moorhen chicks still alive on the Balancing Pond
* 6 new ducklings on the BP
* 5 cygnets, a couple of months old on the river
* 2 grey wagtails, 1 on the river, 1 over the BP

The reed buntings and house martins are firsts for me on that stretch of the river.

[Kev Rylands]

"Fleet Pond's certainly in. I'd have a pop at an area for NE Hants, but where to draw the line?"

The local area used to be well served by the HSBBR Hants Surrey Border Bird Report. Well worth getting hold of a copy of the old avifauna of the area. Included sites outside Hants such as Moor Green, Frensham etc.

Nice to get a reminder of the old stomping ground, used to cover Rowhill and Badshot Lea in Aldershot, plus the Bricksbury Hill Ranges. Tice's Meadow didn't exist when I lived there but gets some good local birds.

Keep up the thread and good luck with the birds.

[colonelboris]

Thanks for the tip, Kev - I'll have a look.

Today's offerings:

River Blackwater, Shepherd's Meadows and Sandhurst Balancing Pond.
4 Juveniles moorhens coming into their adult plumage and looking very smart in dark brown and cream.
Still five coot juveniles, no further sign of coots nesting.
Very new mallard ducklings, only two. Not many mallards remaining.
Egyptian geese have gone again.
Grey wagtails walking on the lilly pads on the river.

'A local pond'
A large black and white domestic mallard with the most wonderful assorted ducklings (two butter yellow, one pale grey, two grey and white blotches and one dark with a white front like its mother). I think she's a Swedish blue.
A very striking pale female mallard.
And, best of all, a possible female/juvenile red crested pochard.
(I'll disclose the location a bit later on when I've got a positive ID)

Not too shabby for the day.

[colonelboris]

For 'a local pond' read 'duck pond on Frogmore Park Drive'.
Had it confirmed by a few people earlier that it is a red-crested pochard.
Nice!
http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50590
http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50602

[colonelboris]

Well, concencus points towards a female. It's still there today and quite tame. Came up to a few feet for bread. It also has a bit of a limp.
Also saw the 'dad' of the mallard ducklings. I've never seen such a monster mallard before. It could have eaten several other ducks and it wouldn't have shown.

[JohnnyH]

Quick walk around Tongham GP this morning produced nice patch tick - stunning male Bullfinch. Other birds seen / heard included Blackcap,Chiffchaff,Sedge Warbler,Reed Warbler,Whitethroat, & the solo Male Wigeon who has remained since the Winter. Walks planned later today at Brickfields & Rowhill reserves so more reports to follow.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Sounds pretty good!

I've seen the juvenile mistle thrush for the first time today and there's something very strange sounding out the back which sounds a bit like a budgie.
Also a possible (and for the moment, I stress possible) tree sparrow near the meadows roundabout.

[colonelboris]

I think it's safe to go from 'possible' to 'pretty certain'...

[JohnnyH]

On walk back home via Tongham GP after a kick about with my son down at Aldershot Park tonight, I saw the local pair of Little Ringed Plovers.I hadn't seen them since the pool at Tices Meadow dried up a few weeks ago so good to see them still around.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Off to see if I can get some shots of some rather tame little grebes...

[colonelboris]

Found 'em. Two adults and a chick, which is quite a bit down on last year when there were several pairs. Still fairly tame, but still had to resort to digiscoping to get any shots. Also saw a meadow pipit, but nothing else too far out of the ordinary.
I'll post a photo in a bit.

[colonelboris]

here's the photo...
A bit sketchy, but it was digiscoped and it's enough for me to paint from...

[colonelboris]

Hopefully, Fleet Pond tomorrow...

[colonelboris]

Well, weather was pretty poor, but there's a bit about on the pond.
two egyptian geese and four juveile mandarins, quite a few great crested grebes, half a dozen common terns, tons of canadas and greylags and a fair few reed warblers.
I'll chuck a photo on in a bit...

[colonelboris]

Thought I'd have a break as I've been on the computer for six days straight for twelve hours a day writing up.
Took a walk down the Blackwater from Swan Lane. Not much about, but did see two groups of Canada geese of all ages swimming and waddling along the rive. One group of 16 and a second of 33. Some of them were quite small and were just coming into their adult plumage. Sandhurst Balancing Pond is a bit of a state - looks like the blue-green algae has got in there. Still coot chicks and a small clutch of mallards. Didn't see much else as I went home half-way along as my cold's still making me a bit knackered.
However, I may still go for Dinton tomorrow, just for something to do as I've gone on strike from work for a couple of days...

[JohnnyH]

Have you been for the Red Footed Falcon at Moor Green yet Tony? It was still about today & if you've got a couple of days spare, bit of a no brainer eh.

Cheers,

John.

[London Birder]

good stuff Tony ...

[colonelboris]

Hi Johnny, I haven't yet and I didn't make it to Dinton either. I'm just waiting for the membership details for Moor Green so I can use the hides while I'm there as well. There's some hobbies there too.
At the moment it looks like I'll be up there on Tuesday as we're away this weekend and we've got a lot of stuff to sort out first.
Speaking of which, if you find yourself in Kent, in the vicinity of Richborough, I'm one of the archers on the Roman side...

Des - cheers!

[colonelboris]

A bit of a mixed bag lately. The square root of sod-all in the garden until today, but even then, nothing really (house sparrows, dunnock, blackbird). I did see a whole family of long-tailed tits in formation fly over the A30 on the way to Camberley. The house martins are still flying in and out of the eaves of the building over the McDonalds in Camberley as well as pied wagtails near the Meadows roundabout.

Looks like a green woodpecker has moved into the area. We've heard it close a few times in the last week, but no sightings.

A few days ago, it seemed the black-headed gulls were starting to accumulate on the Sandhurst Balancing Pond again, as well as a few more mallards and Canada geese. All four of the moorhen chicks are growing up well and still avoiding the foxes. The coot chicks have completely disappeared, probably off to pastures new (so one would hope). There were also five or six house martins over the pond.

Over on Yateley Common, there's not a lot about. Some juvenile blackbirds, blue tits, a family of green woodpeckers jumping from tree to tree, a willow warbler and a chiffchaff, of which I got a very poor photo which I'm too ashamed to show here.

The one downer was the female common pheasant who copped it at the Hawley roundabout (A30) today. Looked like a broken neck and took a few minutes to lie still, but no chance of me weaving amongst the moving cars to put it out of its misery, poor thing.
The foxes will get that tonight.

With some luck, I'll give myself a break from thesis writing (current rate 170 pages/year) and get to Moor Green, although the RFF has long gone by the look of it. As Noel Coward once said 'I always arrive somewhere just in time to miss something. I find it very relaxing.'
Or something like that.

[colonelboris]

Ah, forgot to say, on the little island on Bracknell Mill Pond, there was what looked like a chinese goose. Obviously plastic, but are they an 'artificial' breed (like khaki Campbell ducks) or just domesticated?

[Jos Stratford]

Does Fleet Pond come under NE Hants? Twitched there a couple of times some years ago - nice spot. Also have seen GG Shrike at Frensham (?) in the past, I think, so not all mundane stuff. Look forward to hearing what you see ;)

Exact ditto!

[colonelboris]

Does Fleet Pond come under NE Hants? Twitched there a couple of times some years ago - nice spot. Also have seen GG Shrike at Frensham (?) in the past, I think, so not all mundane stuff. Look forward to hearing what you see
Exact ditto!

Fleet Pond's definitely in. Although every time I go there, the weather's terrible or I can't do any birding as we're hiking there with the Scouts.
I'd like to go and have a look at Frensham, but it's just a case of cadging lifts depending on where Dad's working. The RSPB have bought a bit of it there and set up a reserve.

Fleet Pond's where I saw this little warbler chappie, although no clue as to what it is, even after posting it on the ID thread...

[colonelboris]

Looks like a possible bit of bad news for the house sparrows round here. They've done well this year and there seems to be a lot more of them, but they mainly live in the bushes over the road. Unfortunately, these bushes are part of someone's hedge and I think words must have been had as they look set to trim it back a lot (we have a lot of people round here who'll go to the housing association at the drop of a hat...).
It'll be interesting to see if they cope ok.

And exciting bird news from my sister this morning:
'There were two birds in the garden earlier.'
'What did they look like?'
'Err, birds. They had feathers and stuff.'

[Jos Stratford]

Fleet Pond's where I saw this little warbler chappie, although no clue as to what it is, even after posting it on the ID thread...


tricky one as it is the head only of a recently fledged youngster (yellow gape) - from what I can see, I would ask if Cetti's occur there these days?

[colonelboris]

Well, it was mentioned, but I didn't hear any, only reed warblers. Here's another photo - showing the rump of a second bird next to the first and a third showing the underwings of the nearest bird.
Sketchy, I know...

[colonelboris]

Lasy night's 15-minute trip over Yateley Common South gave a pair of juvenile Dartford warblers playing in a shrub and a green woodpecker. Wasn't out quite late enough for nightjars.
Today we've had a juvenile robin in the garden and saw a juvenile grey wagtail being fed by its parent after attemping to hawk some flies on the Blackwater. And the usual long-tailed tits along the river.

[colonelboris]

Todays garden sightings were two very neat juvenile house sparrows and the juvenile robin again. A whole inch has disappeared out of the feeder in the last two days. The last inch took a month.

[JohnnyH]

Watched Female Kestrel eating what looked like a frog from no more than 6 feet away at Tices Meadow tonight, the kids were well impressed! Also new record of 8 Grey Herons at the gravel pit.

John.

[colonelboris]

Nothing as exciting as a kestrel, but saw a ton of long-tailed tits along the Blackwater. As usual, the camera decided it couldn't focus on anything nearer than 400 ft unless it had moved just after the shutter was pressed, but just prior to the shutter opening.
Also saw what looked very much like a white wagtail in company with a pied at the Meadows roundabout. light grey body and black head, body didn't look dark enough for a female pied.

[Spradders]

Hi Folks

Just thought I'd introduce myself - a Yateley Dweller - Just getting into the local birding scene so looking to get any tips on decent locations - esp for Photography - I find the hides at moor lakes too high to get any decent eye-level shots. Feel free to email/pm me with any suggestions of locations where I can get down close to the water and where there will be something interesting to see!!

[Allen]

I think it's safe to go from 'possible' to 'pretty certain'...

Hi Tony

Just seen this posting - Tree Sparrows are pretty much extinct up in NE Hants so wondered what makes you pretty certain as you may want to let the local recorder know.

Allen

[colonelboris]

Hi Allen,

Ah, the lack of field notes made at the time makes me realise just how much of a newbie I really am - the main characteristics I saw were a brown top to the head and the cheek patches. I checked with people here about the flight (slightly undulating, going from low in a bush to high up in a tree on the other side of the road), but I did only see it for a second. I posted an enquiry on the ID thread as soon as I got a chance and the flight didn't seem to fit with dunnock (which it really didn't look like as I couldn't see any of the lead grey).
Short of hypnotherapy to get a sketch of exactly what I saw, i can't really provide an awful lot more than that, so I guess I could have been a bit hasty on that one... ;)

However, I'll keep an eye out at the spot (just over the A30/River Blackwater bridge into Hampshire in the bushes opposite the fast food shops) and see if anything else turns up.

Cheers,

Tony

[colonelboris]

Hi Folks

Just thought I'd introduce myself - a Yateley Dweller - Just getting into the local birding scene so looking to get any tips on decent locations - esp for Photography - I find the hides at moor lakes too high to get any decent eye-level shots. Feel free to email/pm me with any suggestions of locations where I can get down close to the water and where there will be something interesting to see!!

Hi Spradders!

A good place to look for locations and birds is www.berksbirds.co.uk, which has good reports on sightings at places along the Berks/Hants boders as well as the rest of Berks. The HOS site is more based around rarities, and mostly in the Southern half of the county, but is also good (www.hos.org.uk).

For the most part, I plod around the River Blackwater, Yateley Common South (the army ranges) and occasionally round to Moor Green, Minley Manor (good for raptors - sprawk, kestrel, red kite and buzzard) and occasionally further afield if I can scrounge lifts from Dad and when I get a break from writing.

The thing that gets me about the Yateley area is that there's so many lakes and ponds, but hardly any access due to some really bolshy fishing wardens.

Well, good luck and keep us posted on how you get on!

Cheers,

Tony

[deborah4]

Hi CB

You're doing well here! Building it up nicely. Sounds like you've got some great spots there. Keep up the good work!

Ps. You're not a million miles away from Pagham, so if you ever get the inclination ... :t:

[Chris Monk]

Hi Spradders!

A good place to look for locations and birds is www.berksbirds.co.uk, which has good reports on sightings at places along the Berks/Hants boders as well as the rest of Berks. The HOS site is more based around rarities, and mostly in the Southern half of the county, but is also good (www.hos.org.uk).

Tony

Try the new HantsBirds newsgroup:


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[colonelboris]

That'll do nicely!

[colonelboris]

Well that's gratitude, isn't it? You put out feed and water for the birds in the garden, but they'd rather get closer to the cat than me...
Just went out to have a go at the cat for stalking a juv. robin, but when I got out there, both were unconcernedly staring at each other until they saw me and the robin scarpered...

Has anyone else noticed that the tits seem to be flocking together again already? Just had a mixed flock go through the garden. I thought they did that later in the year.

[Chris Monk]

Try the new HantsBirds newsgroup:

Hello,

Welcome to the HantsBirds group at Yahoo! Groups, a
free, easy-to-use email group service. Please
take a moment to review this message.

To learn more about the HantsBirds group, please visit

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To start sending messages to members of this group, simply
send email to

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If you do not wish to belong to HantsBirds, you may
unsubscribe by sending an email to

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Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[colonelboris]

I'm in (as of this morning) !

[colonelboris]

Not much birdlife by the Blackwater this afternoon, great spotted and green woodpeckers, grey heron, 10 moorhens on the Balancing Pond.
However, there were a lot of little critters about, tons and tons of shieldbugs, a big grasshopper (currently being ID'd) and other bits and pieces.

Edit: I forgot the sprawk! It spooked a wood pigeon and then a whole load of magpies piled into a tree and then I saw it over the field.

[Spradders]

Thanks for the Tips guys! Will join the news group...

[colonelboris]

News from my brother's patch (next to my stomping ground) on Minley Manor and Cove is that there's at least a pair of buzzards, several kestrels, tons of swallows and no sign of the red kite anymore. He's only really into raptors, so there's probably a fair bit more about...
News from my patch: next to nothing as I'm still sulking about the pranging of my camera (see 'help! camera dropping inceident' in the cameras section) and working out how to dismantle it...

[colonelboris]

I thought I'd ask first as there's a few people who post on this thread now, but I was thinking of asking the mods if they would change the title of this thread to 'Hants, Berks and Surrey Borders' as the 'NE Hants' bit might scare off some people from over t'border...

[JohnnyH]

I thought I'd ask first as there's a few people who post on this thread now, but I was thinking of asking the mods if they would change the title of this thread to 'Hants, Berks and Surrey Borders' as the 'NE Hants' bit might scare off some people from over t'border...

Good idea Tony, some excellent birding areas around the border areas, I tend to work these areas rather than just concentrate on NE Hants.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Motion carried!

I'll go and ask...

[colonelboris]

That was quick...
Nothing much doing on the Blackwater on the last few times I've passed, although I've seen a lot of house sparrows at the Meadows near the Tesco loading bay which I hadn't seen there in a long time.
Still trying to pin my brother down for a trip to Moor Green...

[colonelboris]

At Moor Green, we had, tons of lapwings, gadwalls, coots galore, linnets on the Tern Island, assortment of other ducks (tufted, pochard), but best of all, a hobby swooping over th lake after dragonflies, although it did have a pop at spooking the lapwings a few times. My brother was pretty chuffed as he's quite into raptors ('Lapwings? Oh. They're pretty boring, aren't they...')

[colonelboris]

Finally! Saw the green woodpecker that sits ouside my house (it's been over a month now since I first heard it). I was almost standing on top of it before I saw it, clinging to the side of a small tree. Cunningly, I didn't actually think to walk back to the house and get the digiscoping gear (as I don't have a photo), but walked towards it.
Durrrrr.

[colonelboris]

Had to stop work for two hours so my sister could chat to her friends online that she was out with yesterday (because that's obviously more important than finishing my thesis). However, put it to use and went birding over Yateley Common South. Found a flock of ~25 birds, which on closer inspection turned out to be woodlarks, with one skylark in for good measure. Also saw a ton of Dartford warblers (at least 15), 20-odd stonechats, 3 GSW, heard two green woodpeckers and saw one redstart, a tick for me as I'd not seen one before. The Dartfords are getting tame again after being quite wary over the summer, which is good for me as I'm due my new camera any day soon.
All in all, not bad.

[colonelboris]

Ha! Got him!
Finally got as shot of the green woodpecker out the front of the house. It's hardly cause a stir at the next wildlife photographer's awards, but I'm happy...

[colonelboris]

Saw two whinchats over Yateley Common South while looking for the county recorder, who I must have missed by a matter of minutes. Very happy with that as I'd not seen those before. I'll try and get some proper notes tomorrow.

[colonelboris]

Well, the county recorder had seen a juvenile whinchat at the same place, so that's good.
Today's highlights were a pair of bullfinches outside Tesco's at The Meadows.

[colonelboris]

Yateley Common South today:
16 Stonechats, some juveniles.
5 Dartford warblers seen, another four heard.
Minimum 10 woodlarks in one big flock. Looks like there were quite a few more, but those are just the ones I saw leaving after the big flock came in.
1 grey partridge, low and fast over the heath.

[JohnnyH]

Anyone know how to find the hide at Vyne Floods? Went down this afternoon with my 10yr old daughter to go for the Pec Sand that was reported on Birdguides. I parked in the NT car park & then walked back down the road looking for a public footpath which we eventually found. This led us across two fields, past a farm, & reached a small footbridge over a stream. No hide was visable in any direction, so we decided to call it a day, bit of a wild goose chase! :storm: If any N.Hants birders reading this can enlighten me I'd be most grateful.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

May be worth dropping a PM to Farnborough John as he seems to get about a bit round here.

[JohnnyH]

May be worth dropping a PM to Farnborough John as he seems to get about a bit round here.

Yep could do Tony, ta

[JohnnyH]

Buzzard drifting over Rowhill LNR at lunchtime, seen from the Royal Arms garden. Not bad, a patch tick whilst enjoying a beer! B (:

John.

[colonelboris]

Quite few widgeon and teal at Moor Green. Also several pairs of shovelers, several tufties (males mostly in eclipse, as were shovelers), feral snow and barncle geese, Egyptian geese, tons of Canadas, fair few lapwings, little grebe (which ate a three-inch fish with some difficulty), kestrel, several gc grebes. Feeders have been up since September 10th and have a group of tits and chaffinches around them.
Still not quite sure how I spent five hours there, though...

[colonelboris]

Well, stretching it a bit to include in my patch (but fitting in here ok), very quiet at Dinton Pastures yesterday, apart from the kingfisher (http://www.tonykeenebirds.co.uk/bbirds/kingfisher.html) showing nicely and posing for some digiscoped shots. Some snipe also (which I missed, but Mrs Boris got to see) and quitre a few shoveler, some teal and a fair number of cormorants.

Fleet Pond tomorrow, which from previous experience, means that it will be tipping it down with rain...

[J Moss]

Apparently, a Hoopoe has been seen somewhere in Hampshire. Any idea where, exactly, as i dont have access to Birdguides

Jason

[J Moss]

Also, Yateley Common sounds like an amazing place. I will have to try and visit sometime, as im currently staying in Pompey. Are the birds you saw in the previous thread resident, or passing through?

[colonelboris]

I know there was one near Gosport earlier this year, but I can't see anything on www.hos.org.uk.
I don't know many other birders round here, but maybe someone will know, possibly Farnborough John as he seems pretty well informed.

[colonelboris]

Also, Yateley Common sounds like an amazing place. I will have to try and visit sometime, as im currently staying in Pompey. Are the birds you saw in the previous thread resident, or passing through?

Yateley Common is good at times. The Dartfords are resident, not sure about the woodlarks, but the linnets seems to come and go. Give me a shout if you come up and I'll take you for the tour...

[J Moss]

That would be really great. Ill PM you if I decide to visit (maybe this weekend?)

[John P]

Hoopoe was reported here (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&GridE=-1.69566204865149&GridN=50.8944758244385&lon=-1.69566204865149&lat=50.8944758244385&search_result=&db=grid&lang=&keepicon=true&pc=&advanced=&client=public&addr2=&quicksearch=su215106&addr3=&addr1=) yesterday.

[colonelboris]

Ooooh, if only I could get over my intense dislike of the New Forest...

Fleet Pond today was the quietest I've ever seen it. Only a few pairs of mallards, although maybe 40 great crested grebes. Quite a lot of cormorants and a single female widgeon that was being harassed by a mallard. Quite some number of great spotted woodpeckers, some looked like they were scrapping over territory.
Did find an obliging robin which posed for some nice shots as well as a juvenile grebe that didn't seem too bothered by me, but that was about it.

[J Moss]

Hmm, thats a bit of a trek. Think ill give it a miss. Thanks for the info tho. I guess ill wait until it lands in my garden!

[J Moss]

ColonelBoris, your PM box is full, so im not sure if my last message got to you.
Let me know

J Moss

[colonelboris]

J Moss came over yesterday, and luckliy the Dartford warblers were showing nicely on Yateley Common South, as were the many stonechats. There were mipits in abundance, sometimes flock of 15+, but only one possible woodlark. Interestingly, even though it's some way to the nearest open water, three or four reed buntings were about on the heath. There were also ~20 linnets in a flock and a few more singles.
Over on the North side, a very large tit flock, also with a few chaffinches thrown in, which isn't very common over that side. A male kestrel also turned up, but not an awful lot else. It's only over the road from the South side, yet there are almost no stonechats or Dartfords. Or much else, really.
A quick trip up to the River Blackwater gave us another tit flock, heard a kingfisher peep-peeping up the river (but out of sight below the bank) and a female grey wagtail.
Then on to Moor Green Lakes where there were several pochards, teal, widgeon, shoveler, tufties and a few Egyptian geese on Colebrook Lake. Over on the new workings were a pile of lapwings and a few more Canada geese.
Not too shabby, at least the birds were showing.

[J Moss]

I agree. Twas a realy good day. Great to see the Dartford Warblers, especially. It would be interesting to hear what people think of the Reed Buntings. we saw winter males and some 1st winters (I think). Tony, have you ever seen them before on the pool on the North side?

Thanks for the tour

J Moss

[JohnnyH]

Crag Martin at my patch - Tices Meadow briefly at 13.45 today sparked a twitch. Loadsa nutters frantically looking for the bird in atrocious conditions, myself included! Needless to say I dipped!

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Evenin' all,
Been away for a week, but interesting to read about the crag martin.

[colonelboris]

Hadn't noticed them before, but there were ~50 pied wagtails outside the Marlands Mall in Camberley yesterday at the Boots/Lloyd's entrance in the tree there. At least 25 on the WMC roof and the other 25 is only a rough guess as to how many were in the tree, let alone those flying about. Seemed to be congregating at dusk.
Not as good as the ~180 at Frimley Park Hospital last December (they kick you out of the maternity ward for two hours each afternoon and there's not a lot else to do...), but not bad.

[J Moss]

Spent the afternoon at Farlington marsh today. Got there around 1pm. The weather was overcast, with a fairly strong wind. Not ideal, especially considering the tripod on my scope is rubbish. Isnt usually too much of a problem though. i like to try and sit or kneel when i'm using the scope cos the tripod is about 2 inches too short for me.
The birds I was aiming to see today were the Black Necked Grebes, which have been seen regularly, but I have yet so see, and I also hoped to get a good view of a Merlin, if one was present. The Lake held the usual wildfowl; Pintails , Wigeon , Shoveler , Teal, Mallards and a few Brent Geese, as well as a few waders; one Avocet , Oystercatchers , Grey Plovers , Lapwings ,Dunlin ,Redshank , Black-Tailed Godwits and Snipe. There were probablly also Green and Spotted Redshank as well, but my scope gives such a dull image that it was difficult to scan through the flocks, especially with the wind.
On the water surrounding the marshes there were hundreds of Brents present, with a few Shellduck and Great Crested Grebes dotted around. Grey Plovers , Dunlin , Knot , Curlew , Oystercatchers ,Turnstones and Ringed Plovers occupied the few islands not submerged by the tide. The flocks were pretty spectacular, although I doubt they have reached there largest. A few Greenshank were present in the flocks.
In the Point Fields, and in the hedgerows around most of the reserve were the usual Stonechats , Starlings , Wrens , Robins , Blackbirds , Meadow Pipits , Gold Finches , Green Finches and Carrion Crows . Also saw a single Rock Pipit just off the sea wall. Little Egrets and Grey Herons were present on the fields as usual, as well as Canada Geese , and large numbers of Cormorants were perched on the islands to the East of the reserve, along with the usuals.
A walk to the far North-East of the reserve finally produced the elusive Black-Necked Grebe . A pair were present at a fair distance, not giving great views. It was around 4pm by this time, so the day was getting pretty dull, but I was still pleased.
A Kestrel was present for the whole afternoon, mostly being mobbed by Mippets, and a Fox was hanging around the pond behing the visitors centre. A big flock of gulls, comprising Black-Headed , Common and Herring, had congregated on the river by this time. Walking back to the car, fairly large flocks of Pied Wagtails were moving overhead.
So, all in all, not a bad afternoon. Dont think I missed anything in this report. 41 species in total (ish), and a lifer, in the Black Necked Grebes |:D|

[J Moss]

Oh, almost forgot some of the better birds of the day; 4 Red Brested Meregansers and (drumroll please) WOODPIGEONS! How could I forget! Thats 43 species for the day.

[J Moss]

And Skylarks, Moorhens, a Pheasant and Coots. I think thats it! 47 species

[colonelboris]

Staines Reservoir is good for black-necked grebes, usually half a dozen each winter, although I completely missed them last time I was there...
There's seven there now on the North side (there's a bank across the middle) according to the Surrey Bird Club site.
I'll have to get the parents to take me down to Farlington at some point soon, but I only get an hour there before they start whining they're hungry or thirsty or something...

[J Moss]

Would your parents rather wander round Gunwarf or something? If so, I could meet you somewhere and do the lap with you. You really need about 3 hours to get the most out of it.

[Allen]

Anyone know how to find the hide at Vyne Floods? Went down this afternoon with my 10yr old daughter to go for the Pec Sand that was reported on Birdguides. I parked in the NT car park & then walked back down the road looking for a public footpath which we eventually found. This led us across two fields, past a farm, & reached a small footbridge over a stream. No hide was visable in any direction, so we decided to call it a day, bit of a wild goose chase! :storm: If any N.Hants birders reading this can enlighten me I'd be most grateful.

Cheers,

John.

I know its too late now but if you need to know going forward then directions are as below:

You need to actually go into the NT place (they charge you 50p!!!) and then walk through gate and diagonally across the sheep field. This takes you to the wood where you turn left and then right, follow path to hide.
There is also a way in from the back of Morganston Woods but I'd need a OS map to describe that.

[JohnnyH]

I know its too late now but if you need to know going forward then directions are as below:

You need to actually go into the NT place (they charge you 50p!!!) and then walk through gate and diagonally across the sheep field. This takes you to the wood where you turn left and then right, follow path to hide.
There is also a way in from the back of Morganston Woods but I'd need a OS map to describe that.

Ok,thanks for that Allen, from the grid ref on Birdguides it seemed to suggest the hide was to the West of the NT ho hum!
On another subject, was that you I met at the Crag Martin twitch last weekend looking for the bird at Baggy lea pond?

Cheers,

John.

[Allen]

Ok,thanks for that Allen, from the grid ref on Birdguides it seemed to suggest the hide was to the West of the NT ho hum!
On another subject, was that you I met at the Crag Martin twitch last weekend looking for the bird at Baggy lea pond?

Cheers,

John.

If you were the chap at Badshot Lea lake with the 4x4 and the children who then went to check out the Manor Park lake then yes I was the other chap (not the one who took your mobile #) who then went and had a bedraggled search at Fleet Pond!!!!!

[J Moss]

Another visit to Farlington Marsh today. Got there about 10:30ish. Bitterly cold, and a cloudless sky. I wasnt really dressed for it, which was a massive put-off and my heart wasnt really in it at first.

The first lap of the place didnt really produce anything different to what I saw on the first visit (post #89), except 2+ Bar Tailed Godwits, 2+GBB Gulls and a Mute Swan on the pond on the East of the reserve.

It was about 12:30 now and I was thinking of heading home, but as I was getting in the car, I noticed a large bird of prey soaring in the distance. Thought it was a Buzzard, but it soared lower and lower, until it was gliding just above the reed beds, Marsh Harrier-style, and I could clearly i.d. it as a 2nd Autumn male Marsh Harrier (according to Collins) with a cream face, but clearly the starts of dark primaries. It hung around for a while, once landing in a field, but then dissapearing. This convinced me to stay a little longer.

A second lap of the reserve proved worthwhile, as it produced a pair of Merlins (one perched and another hunting Sparrowhawk-style about 3 metres right past me!), 2+ Reed Buntings, and another view of the returning Marsh Harrier.

All in all, a good days birding

J Moss

[colonelboris]

~70 wood pigeons - but flying North...
Very quiet about today - very few tits about, although many more BHGs on the Sandhurst Balancing Pond.
Oh, what excitement...

[JohnnyH]

Spent Friday morning, (my day off), down at Hayling looking unsucessfully for the Dusky Warbler, although got a very nice Short Eared Owl as compensation. Back at the patch this afternoon, no sign of any Winter Thrushes yet, but Wigeon numbers increasing on Tongham GP as is the Gull roost. Nice GS Woodie in Aldershot park too.

Cheers,

John.

[J Moss]

Hi JohnnyH,

where on Hayling did you visit. Wouldn't mind having a look for the BN Grebes and Knot (and SE Owl maybe).

Thanks

Today on Farlington Marsh; the usuals plus:

1 Female Goldeneye
11 Red Brested Meregansers
13 [/B]Avocets
1 [B]Spotted Redshank
1 Merlin
3 very showy, squabling Water Rails
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Black Brant (still havent found it without having it pointed out to me)
1 Common Scoter (I think I saw it)
10+ Snipe
1 Cettis Warbler. Have been 'hunting' their calls for a while now bur never actually seen the bird behind the noise. Finally seen flying between reed beds.
2 Reed buntings

Also saw a seal pop its head up when the tide was in.

J Moss

[JohnnyH]

[QUOTE=J Moss]Hi JohnnyH,

where on Hayling did you visit. Wouldn't mind having a look for the BN Grebes and Knot (and SE Owl maybe).

Hiya JM,

I was at Sandy Point, although best places for SE Owl & BN Grebes are Thorney Island & West Hayling LNR (Oysterbeds). Knot can be found in wader roosts at any of the sites on Hayling or Farlington!

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Well, one I didn't mention about the trip to Moor Green was that two flocks of ~100 birds passed over, flying West and were at tree-top height, making a 'seeep' as they went and going at a hell of a pace.
Pretty sure they were redwings, but not seen any stationary yet.
Also a nice male kestrel on the lampposts at the Meadows roundabout today - photos in a bit...

[colonelboris]

Here we are - not great, but they're pretty tall lamp posts...

[JohnnyH]

Here we are - not great, but they're pretty tall lamp posts...

Not too shabby Tony, well done mate.

John.

[J Moss]

JohnnyH,

Thanks. I've been keeping an eye out for Knots at Farlington, but havent spotted any. I heard that the main bulk of their flock sticks to Hayling, so I'll have a look.

J Moss

[colonelboris]

Hmm, it's not too bad, but it's been more heavily cropped than a hippy that's joined the Marines...
Apparently there's some goosanders (two pairs) at Moor Green, or at least there were the other night, but they came in as it was getting dark, according to the somewhat garrulous chap who I bumped into...

[J Moss]

Had a look in on Hayling Island, Hampshire today, to take a wander around the Mussel beds. Stopped off at the seafront to the south of the island, to see if there was anything at sea. Turned out there wasn't! (wrong weather I suppose), except a Great Crested Grebe and the usual gulls, Pigeons and Corvids. However, the presence of a Mediterranean Gull on the car park was a nice surprise, and brightened up an otherwize rubbish start to the day.

Followed this up with a visit to 'Hayling Billy', the Mussel beds. The tide being in meant that there was no room for all of the waders to land, so instead, they formed a massive swirling cloud, changing from a near sphericle mass, to long streaming waves. Pretty awe-inspiring. The birds present in the area included; 16 Red Breasted Meregansers, 3Little Grebes, 1 Kingfisher, 28+ Brents (Bernicula), Dunlin, Redshank, Grey Plover, Oystercatchers, Knots, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, about 11 Little Egrets, Cormorants, Turnstones, a Grey Heron, Teal, Wigeon, GGreat Creasted Grebes, Curlew, a Kestrel and a Green Woodpecker on an electricity pilon. Not too bad.

Afterwards, I visited the local patch, Farlington Marsh. As well as the usuals (see above post and link), there was 1 Spotted Redshank on the pond, as well as 13 Ringed Plovers, 5 Golden Plovers, which were a new resident, 19 Avocets, 220+ BT Godwits and 5 Skylarks feeding in low cut grass. I saw 2 Red Breasted Meregansers on the sea. A total of 25 Little Egrets were present around the reserve, and a Black Brant was still present among the usual dark bellied Brents. 2 Bearded Tits were poking their heads up in the reeds along with Reeds Buntings.

Shame about the seawatching, but otherwise, a good days birding.

J Moss

[colonelboris]

Not too bad an evening's walk over Yateley Common South.
Heard five Dartford warblers, heard four stonechats and saw one, there was a small group of goldcrests, some flocks of wood pigeons heading south and an enormous tit flock. A few of the long-tailed tits were inspecting the overhead cables for something to eat, which was amusing.
Best bit of all, just as I was leaving, four grey partridge flew in very low on very stiff wings and settled into the grass. A passing couple and their dog sent them up again, which was just as well as they were very well hidden in the grass.

[J Moss]

Not too shabby.

There were 2 Dartford Warblers at Farlington marsh today! I didnt spot them, but I heard two induviduals, each at either end of the reserve. I'll probably head down there early tomorrow to get a visual hopefully.

[JohnnyH]

Popped into the Tern Hide at Lavells Lake LNR, Berks this morning, had cracking views of the wintering Bittern in the Right hand reedbed & the Kingfisher also put in an appearance. Not a bad hours birding!

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Ooh, I've been reading about that bittern each day on BerksBirds, but for some reason I can't seem to lift my bum off of the chair and go and get it. I ended up missing them last season, too, but I will go and see it. Apparently does show itself nicely from time to time.

[colonelboris]

Well, more of the usual over Yateley Common South, but still a lot of mipits about - they seem to have taken over where the woodlarks have taken off. Also saw a group of 5-6 blackbirds eating rowan berries together, which isn't something you see all that often as there aren't normally very many blackbirds present over there. Just wondered if some of them have flown in from elsewhere. Lots of finches flying over and still drips and drabs of woodpigeon flying South-west.

[colonelboris]

A lot of redwings over last night. I heard them calling several times while nipping out for a paper at 9pm. Still haven't seen any on the ground anywhere.

[JohnnyH]

Bike ride along Blackwater Valley Path North this morning produced 2 Kingfishers, Sparrowhawk, & Goldcrest amongst others.

Cheers,

John.

[JohnnyH]

Big Pied Wagtail roost at Ladymead retail park, Guildford late afternoon quite a spectacle! Also female Ring Necked Duck on Grove lake, Moor Green Lakes today.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Little egret at Moor Green and no sign of the ring-neck on Monday.
Male kestrel in the same spot as the other week at the Meadows - started hovering over one of the fields and was then chased by a group of blue and great tits. The kestrel then flew into a tree, disloging a wood pigeon, which the tits then chased. Also two mistle thrushes and a couple of small deer.
Also saw the slightly funny wagtail again at Blackwater station and saw that the head and back are quite sharply delineated. Didn't get any photos today, but here (http://www.tonykeenebirds.co.uk/random/pwag.html)'s the ones from the other day. Everyone's pretty certain it's a pied, but with some interesting facial markings.

[JohnnyH]

Couple of very cold hours spent at Staines Res this morning. No sign of the Great Northern Diver although I was informed that it was still around, did see 3 Black necked Grebes & a Goldeneye though.

John.

[Allen]

Not too bad an evening's walk over Yateley Common South.
Heard five Dartford warblers, heard four stonechats and saw one, there was a small group of goldcrests, some flocks of wood pigeons heading south and an enormous tit flock. A few of the long-tailed tits were inspecting the overhead cables for something to eat, which was amusing.
Best bit of all, just as I was leaving, four grey partridge flew in very low on very stiff wings and settled into the grass. A passing couple and their dog sent them up again, which was just as well as they were very well hidden in the grass.

Tony - without questioning you id but are you sure these were Grey as, as far as I know, there aren't any Greys in this neck of the woods. Local recorder would be very interested if they were.

[colonelboris]

Tony - without questioning you id but are you sure these were Grey as, as far as I know, there aren't any Greys in this neck of the woods. Local recorder would be very interested if they were.

That's quite alright - I'm always happy to be questioned about things as it's a good way of learning more about them.
They looked 'different' from female pheasants and there were four of them together (I'm pretty certain I saw another one a few months back, too). The tails were noticeably shorter than what you'd expect for female pheasant and they didn't seem to take off as explosively as pheasant when flushed (there was a dog nearby). They flew low over the heath (maybe a foot over the heater tops) with just the outboard parts of their wings flicking before settling again. They were all silent the whole time.
Now, normally I'd think to myself at this point 'oh, I could be mistaken on that' - as I often am - but last November, I saw one standing on a path in the open for a few seconds and it definitely wasn't a pheasant. The marking were correct, the same wing-tip flicking flight and short tail.
The last two sightings have been near to dusk, so I'll try and get out and see if I can see some more and ID them as best as I can before contacting the recorder for fear of making an arse of myself...
Thanks, though!

Tony

[JohnnyH]

Walk around woods near Frensham Great Pond this morning produced my first Redwings of the Winter as well as a nice selection of Woodland birds. Had a Kingfisher also but no sign of any Willow Tits, not much doing on the Great Pond either.

John.

[J Moss]

Yo Tony. Any chance the partridges you saw could have been Red Legged Partridge?

Anyway, popped down to the New Forest early this morning, just on a whim, hoping to have more success than on the last visit. First I visited the Beaulieu Heath and woods, near the train station. A pair of Stonechats, Goldcrests and a Blue Tit were in the Gorse and Pine trees in the car park. Proceded to walk along the path through the heath where a Buzzard was circling (heart raced on first seeing it flying low, as I thought it was a Hen Harrier! Dont ask how I came to that conclusion. I guess thats the downside of visiting somewhere that you have heard is a regular haunt for something amazing. I also was optimistic of seeing Great Grey Shrike and Crossbill, but I guess I would have had to have luck firmly on my side for that! One of the rare occasions that I'll ever be dissapointed to see a Buzzard) Also saw a Kestrel and Mippets. A Green Woodpecker was also seen on the border of the woods.

I didnt see anything unusual in the woods. Just Blue, Great, Coal and Long-Tailed Tits, A few Treecreepers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, and hundreds of Woodpigeons. I've never seen so many! Felt pretty dissapointed to be honest, as I had hoped to find Crossbills. My neck aches like mad now, as I spent ages looking up into the tops of the Pines, checking every movement. Oh well.

Was about 2 o'clock now, and I headed to Backwater Arbouretum to have another go at Hawfinches. Didn't dissapoint! There were 7 Hawfinches in total, 4 of which sat at the top of a Pine tree for about half an hour! There was a conveniantly placed bench about 100 feet from the trees, so I didn't even have to crane my neck. Just sat there admiring them through the scope. Must have stayed there for about 2 hours, during which time I had Siskins and Bramblings. First time I've seen them in ages, and often in the same field of view through the scope as the Hawfinches! It was also nice to see them somwhere other than on bird feeders, which is the only place I've ever seen them before. Also present were the usual Chaffinches, Tits and, later on, a flock of 30+ Redwings flew through, along with at least 100 Woodies.

An absolutely stunning afternoon.

J Moss

[colonelboris]

Yo Tony. Any chance the partridges you saw could have been Red Legged Partridge?

Ha! Not unless they were all camo-ed up (it is an army range, after all...).
I can see that I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled next time I'm there. If the writing-up goes well tomorrow, I might well have a peek in the late afternoon.

[colonelboris]

Busy in the garden for a change. We've had a lot more starlings turn up in the last week and they've joined the local lot in the poplars. Used to be 19, now nearer 40. Also had a juvenile wood pigeon turn up, which must be pretty late for it still to be in that plumage. Two lots of tits through, second lot with a goldfinch in tow.
Oh, the excitement...

[JohnnyH]

Finally connected with one of the Great Northern Divers at Staines Res today, stunning bird but gave us the right run around appearing on the surface briefly only to dive & re-surface in a different area. Was worth the perseverence though, also had stunning views of six Black Necked Grebes & a drake Goldeneye. Not a bad hour spent this Afternoon.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

I'm really going to have to get myself to Staines Res. and to Dinton Pastures again. The res. is a bit of a walk from Staines station, but I think I'll manage...
Been once before, and was startled by the number of coots on the walkway. Saw a snipe and a ton of ruddy ducks as well as loads of other ducks.
I'll try later in the week as it's supposed to be pretty bad weather over the next few days.

[JohnnyH]

Yep Staines is well worth a shot Tony, there have been up to 3 GND's there this week & the Black Necks are usually about too. You might want to check out the Moor too, excellent place for Water Pipits this time of year.

John.

[colonelboris]

Ha! Got a half-decent shot of her at last...
http://www.tonykeenebirds.co.uk/bbirds/greenwoodpecker.html
This is the bird that's been foraging around on our road for sometime now.
Had to get Dad to drive round the road to her as she'd have flown if I'd walked over. Funny how some birds aren't scared of cars, but won't let you get close on foot...

[JohnnyH]

Found very smart Adult Yellow Legged Gull at Tices Meadow this morning in amongst the Black Heads, Lesser Blacks, Commons, & Herrings. The usual suspects at Tongham GP, Wigeon, Tufties, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe etc, as well as a flushed Green Woodpecker!

Cheers,

John.

[bbsbirder]

I have the BTO Plover Survey tomorrow
Have any Golden Plover been seen at Tice's Meadow recently?
Last time I saw any, was 2 at the end of Nov.

I had a report of a Little Egret at Tice's Meadow today (16th) along the
re-directed section of the River Blackwater.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Hi Kevin,

None present yesterday, I hoped to find some Golden Plover but not much around apart from the Gulls & about a dozen Lapwings.

Cheers,

John.

[bbsbirder]

[QUOTE=JohnnyH]Hi Kevin,

None present yesterday, I hoped to find some Golden Plover but not much around apart from the Gulls & about a dozen Lapwings.


Hi John.

This morning from 10am 6 Golden Plover on the slit ponds along with 86 Lapwing. The gulls were less in number than on my last visit,no sign of the Yellow-legged Gull.The Little Egret was still present feeding along the River Blackwater between Tice's Meadow and Tongham GP.

A flock of 400 Golden Plover have recently been reported around the Hurtmore
area. Maybe a spell of freezing weather might bring them to Tice's Meadow.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Thanks Kev, hope the GP's return saw good numbers at Tices last Winter. On a different subject, noticed on Berksbirds that a Firecrest was seen at Finchampstead Ridges today. I saw one there last Winter, cracking little bird might have to check that out this week, one for Col B too if he's reading this!

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Thanks Kev, hope the GP's return saw good numbers at Tices last Winter. On a different subject, noticed on Berksbirds that a Firecrest was seen at Finchampstead Ridges today. I saw one there last Winter, cracking little bird might have to check that out this week, one for Col B too if he's reading this!

Cheers,

John.

I might try Yateley Common for firecrest - we saw one two years ago. At the time, it was my wife who was more into birds than me and pointed out all the differences between the two birds in front of us.
Oh how I wish I'd had a camera then...
Finchampstead's a bit of a walk from here. I may try for Staines Res. soon, but a trip to Dinton Pastures for the bitterns might be in order for Tuesday.

[colonelboris]

Just talking upstairs and heard a familiar noise (at 23:10, no less). Quietened down for a second and it happened again. Either there were some greylags flying over or someone has their Christmas dinner in the garden still running about. I'm plumping for option A

[colonelboris]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for sightings in this fog, but did get a female house sparrow happily flying over the shopper's heads inside Tesco at The Meadows. No-one else seems to have noticed until we pointed it out to our daughter, then people just thought we were stupid for holding them up from looking miserable while trudging around the store.
Merry Christmas!
Miserable sods.

[JohnnyH]

Yellow Browed Warbler reported at Hawley Meadows this afternoon on Birdguides. Not seen by me, been at Slimbridge!

John.

[JohnnyH]

YBW seen at Hawley again this morning, might try for it tomorrow if the weather clears up!

[colonelboris]

As much as it pains me to be seen twitching, I think I'll go for it, and then get on the train at Blackwater to go to Dinton Pastures (second bit if the weather's good enough).

[JohnnyH]

[QUOTE=colonelboris]As much as it pains me to be seen twitching, I think I'll go for it,

Go on Colonel join the dark side!!

[colonelboris]

Ah well, by the time we finished chopping logs, it was raining and darker than the inside of Satan's broom cupboard, so I didn't go...
That's commitment for you... ;)

[JohnnyH]

Neither did I Tony, the weather's crap & I've just opened a rather cheeky little Californian red, maybe tomorrow.........

[JohnnyH]

Yes! got the Yellow Brow this morning, stunning little bird, showed well briefly. What a way to kick off the year, plenty of other stuff at Hawley too, Little Egret, Fieldfare, Redwing, Chiffchaff, Grey Wag etc.

John.

[colonelboris]

I did get down that way and saw some people looking expectantly into bushes, but I thought the day was too nice to hang around and went for a long walk up the northern side of the river. I dunno, I might during the week, but however hard I try, I just can't get excited about warblers.
However, I did hear an unfamiliar call which sounded spot on for what was written in Collins for the call, in with a couple of blue tits, but I didn't see anything.

[colonelboris]

Dinton Pastures was a bit of a wash-out as Sandford Lake's badly flooded and the teal hide at Lavell's lake is partially submerged. Shame as my brother wanted to see the bitterns and there wasn't any easy way to see the island. Did see a goldeneye and got some shots of a female pochard which was quite nervy, but still came close enough to try for some bread off of the other ducks.

[colonelboris]

Here's some photos. Not that any of these birds are new to anyone, but it proves the point that the smaller the image, the less out-of-focus it looks...

[colonelboris]

That yellow-browed warbler was hard work... It was near the gate to the fields in the willow bushes overhanging the Surrey bank of the river with a chiffchaff and a goldcrest that would pop in and out. It showed ok, but was so quick you only had it in the scope for a fraction of a second each time. Finally got a proper look when it perched on a bramble for a couple of seconds. Looked like the front end of a willow warbler grafted onto the back end of a goldcrest. There were at leat three chiffchaffs on that short stretch and a load more goldcrests a little further up. Saw the fieldfares distantly and a group of twenty redwings went over. A great spotted woodpecker came pretty close for a while, which the green woodpecker didn't. Two little egrets appeared, one ran out of the river into the field and flew a bit further in, followed by the other a few minutes later from over the road. Tons of great and blue tits, a few long-tailed tits, a few robins, a treecreeper, blackbirds, song thrushes, goldfinches, chaffinches, jays, etc. Just a shame I got back too late to cadge a lift to Moor Green.

[JohnnyH]

Nice one Tony, glad you saw the Yellow Brow, local patching at Moor Green / Tices tomorrow on my day off.

Cheers,

John.

[JohnnyH]

Just seen on BG, 1w Lesser Scaup reported at Sonning Eye GP hmmm, maybe a twitch instead tomorrow.....

[colonelboris]

If you join the BerksBirds mailing group, it's got access details for Sonning Eye

http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/mailinglist.asp

[JohnnyH]

Pretty top day today, twitched the Lesser Scaup & Scaup at Sonning, then went to see the Tundra Bean Goose just up the road at Remenham. En route to the Bean, had fantastic views of 2 Red Kites. Also reported in the patch area today - 2 Firecrests at Bookham Common, Goosander & Goldeneye at Moor Green Lakes, the Yellow Browed Warbler for it's 9th day at Hawley Meadows, & 2 Great Northen Divers still at Staines Res.

Cheers,

John.

[Surreybirder]

Anyone else from this area notice that there are a lot of very pale coloured tits round here? There's a blue tit that I thought may be partially leucistic, but since then I've seen a few others and pale great tits as well. I know a few miles into Surrey and you start getting melansitic great tits, but wondered if it's just a few strange birds or a local thing.
I only just spotted this thread.
I thought you'd be interested to know that some members of the Surrey Bird Club had quite an exchange of info on pale great tits a few years ago. There have been several sightings of 'grey tits', i.e. with no yellow pigmentation to speak of. And, as you say, Surrey is famous for it's melanistic great tits though I've never seen one.
Ken

[colonelboris]

Quite right about the goosanders and goldeneyes at Moor Green. There were at least 12 goosander, although 22 had been reported the other day. There were also four goldeneye, three male, one female, apparently courting. The three of us in the hide nearly got very excited about a female scaup, but on closer inspection could well be a scaup x tufted duck female - big head, small amount of black on the tip of the bill and a large symmetrical white patch around the bill base, but still with a small tuft.

And hi Surreybirder, interesting points about pigment-lacking great tits. There's also a few really pale blue tits tha sometimes come into my garden, although don't know if that's any help...

[JohnnyH]

Interesting sightings reported in the local area today - Yellow Browed Warbler at Hawley Meadows & Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Witley Common.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Good morning at Moor Green Lakes, 10 Goosander,Goldeneye,Pintail, & Egyptian Goose on Grove Lake, but the icing on the cake was a stunning male Firecrest nearby at Finchamstead Ridges.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Went looking for Crossbills in Swinley Forest this morning, drew a blank but did find 4 Lesser Redpoll, first of the year!

John.

[JohnnyH]

Two long stayers still showing today, the Firecrest at Finchamstead, & the Yellow Brow at Hawley Meadows. I'm off down to the Sussex coast tomorrow to visit my bro, bit of birding in the afternoon hopefully!

John.

[colonelboris]

I saw the yellow-browed warbler on the Surrey bird club site today. Might even have a pop with the camera in a day or two, but it's not that likely as it's small and very quick. Still itching to get to Staines to have a peek at the GND and the grebes.
Been down in Somerset for a few weeks with the odd trip into Devon, which is why I've been a bit quiet on here.

[JohnnyH]

Nice to have you back Tony, hope you enjoyed your trip down to the SW, I've been keeping the thread going in your absence.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Ta, thanks for keeping it ticking over!

Today's birds at Hawley Meadows: Yellow-browed warbler flitting about in the scrub before the gate - seen with another chap who was quicker with binoculars than I am with my scope, but I did get a better look a few minutes later. The same chap aslo said he saw a few redpolls in the trees, which I wish I'd seen. Quite a few siskins about, too and a cormorant above the river flying into Berkshire. Quite a few redwngs about, but they were very flighty.

[colonelboris]

Yateley Common South:

Dartfords, stonechats, a mixed group of jays and magpies, lots of goldcrests and three reed buntings, one male and two female. No reeds for miles...
Also a goldcresty-looking thing, two white wingbars, no obvious markings to the head (but it was very poor light in the pines) and a four note call, rising and falling. Any ideas? Might have a look tomorrow...

[colonelboris]

Water rail at Sandhurst Balancing Pond! Very happy to see it, as was dear Mrs Boris Showed every twenty minutes or so and obligingly flew across the pond to alert us to its presence. Also a buzzard cirlcling low of the fields at Shepherd's Meadows and a small flock of noisy siskin at the pond. There were also a number of redwings in the holly in Tesco's carpark.
Photos in a bit...

[colonelboris]

Here's some photos. I'm particulary ashamed of the water rail...

[JohnnyH]

Juv Great Northern Diver still showing well at Staines Res this morning along with several displaying drake Goldeneye. No sign of the Smew at Thorpe unfortunately though!

John.

[alan_rymer]

Up to two Bitterns at Lavells seem to have started showing at last, according to http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/birdnews.asp!. Not seen one there yet this year. Here's hoping for this weekend!.

[colonelboris]

Up to two Bitterns at Lavells seem to have started showing at last, according to http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/birdnews.asp!. Not seen one there yet this year. Here's hoping for this weekend!.

I wasn't going to post regarding that after today's trip as I feel weary thinking about it. I missed the bitterns by a few seconds as I got into the hide and they didn't come out for the rest of the day. i then walked nearly twenty minutes back towards the end of the park before realising I'd left my rucksack in the tern hide. Then I had to walk as quick as I have done for some time to get the train and made with twenty seconds to spare. No bramblings, kingfisher, bitterns or anything else I could have seen if I'd made the much shorter (and cheaper) trip to Moor Green.
Boo hoo hoo, sniff.
One of the old hands in the hide also said other bitterns might have been seen on White Swan Lake which has got a more extensive reed bed which also has jetties poking through it for the fishermen, so may offer some very close, if somewhat unexpected, views.
Although we did see a great crested grebe catch three fish in five minutes - one was pretty big...

[colonelboris]

Staines Reservoir was good today. Saw the great Northern diver - showing well, if at a distance. Got fairly close to the black-necked grebes, of which we only saw two, but I did get a ropey shot (I'll add them later). Water pipit showing beautifully on a post as well as a couple of rock and some meadow pipits. Goldeneye being fairly showy, too. Saw eight ring-necked parakeets in Staines as well, which was nice. Photos later, not that they're very good...

[alan_rymer]

I wasn't going to post regarding that after today's trip as I feel weary thinking about it. I missed the bitterns by a few seconds as I got into the hide and they didn't come out for the rest of the day. i then walked nearly twenty minutes back towards the end of the park before realising I'd left my rucksack in the tern hide. Then I had to walk as quick as I have done for some time to get the train and made with twenty seconds to spare. No bramblings, kingfisher, bitterns or anything else I could have seen if I'd made the much shorter (and cheaper) trip to Moor Green.
Boo hoo hoo, sniff.
One of the old hands in the hide also said other bitterns might have been seen on White Swan Lake which has got a more extensive reed bed which also has jetties poking through it for the fishermen, so may offer some very close, if somewhat unexpected, views.
Although we did see a great crested grebe catch three fish in five minutes - one was pretty big...
Sorry you missed them Tony.

Went down this evening at about 16:30
Two Little Egrets, but they flew off soon after I arrived. Both bitterns showed eventually at water line befor eventually climing the reeds to roost. A water rail gave a good show for a few minutes and on th way out a Woodcock flew over, Nice!. Sounds as if you had a good day too though!.

[colonelboris]

Yep - lovely day. Nice to go birding with the wife and baby as it removes the nagging guilt of having left them behind...
Here's a few v. poor photos from yesterday: black-necked grebes and a meadow pipit...

[colonelboris]

Lots of redwings about at the moment. All down the A30 and a load in the Tesco's carpark, a few of which were fairly approachable. Never heard one sing until today, but it was twittering away.

[JohnnyH]

Saw the Pied Wagtail roost tonight in Aldershot town centre, must be a couple of hundred strong, pretty impressive!

John.

[colonelboris]

Funny - Isaw a group of 25 over Lidl in Blackwater, followed by another 8. More than I've ever seen at one time in that place. Frimley Park Hospital's pretty good. When Mrs Boris was in with Lottie, I saw at least 200 circling over the entrance. Camberley's got a bit of a roost outside the working men's club, but maybe only 100.

[J Moss]

Funny you keep mentioning Pied Wagtail roosts. I'd never see large numbers until a few weeks ago. Gunwarf in Pompey looks like its got one. Hundreds of birds appeared to be roosting on the roof of the bowling alley, or beyond. Streams of them all flew over at dusk.

[colonelboris]

Jason, do you know if the brents are about on Southsea Common, and if so, are they very approachable? I wouldn't mind getting a few shots from a bit closer than 60 yards... On that note - anything good going at Farlington lately?

[J Moss]

Hmm, I've never seen them on Southsea Common. However, you can get 10/15ft from them at Farlington no problem, especially the groups that hang around just past the visitors 'centre'. Dunno what's at Farlington right now though. Haven't been out for a while, what with exams and that. Just the usuals, I expect. Why, you coming down?

Jason

[colonelboris]

I'm thinking of conning Dad into driving me down there...
10 or 15 feet is perfect. Which bit is the 'visitor's centre' - is it the notice board near the car park at the Portsmouth end? I dunno if you've moseyed down around it, but has there ever been anything other than BHGs and herrings at the boating pond along the Southsea seafront? Just wondered if there was a chance of a decent common gull shot.
Just trying to get some better shots of some birds in the next few months.

Tony

[J Moss]

The Visitors 'Shed' is on the path running alongside the motorway. If you follow the river, instead of walking along the main path, you come to it. I dont know about Common Gulls on the boating lake I'm afraid. Dont go there very often.

[colonelboris]

There's a river?! I've only ever gone down the main path. I'm such a noob...

[J Moss]

Lol! Didn't expect you to be a user of 'n00b', Tony. Your supposed to be an adult!

Anyway, let me know when your coming down, and I'll give you a tour. Try to con your dad into giving you about 2 hours. Will be enough. And try to come at around high tide. I find its best because all the waders congregate around the river and pools. Might get some decent pics, depending on the sun.

Jason

[JohnnyH]

I'm thinking of conning Dad into driving me down there...
10 or 15 feet is perfect. Which bit is the 'visitor's centre' - is it the notice board near the car park at the Portsmouth end? I dunno if you've moseyed down around it, but has there ever been anything other than BHGs and herrings at the boating pond along the Southsea seafront? Just wondered if there was a chance of a decent common gull shot.
Just trying to get some better shots of some birds in the next few months.

Tony

Tony,

If you're going to Southsea, be sure to check the rocks in front of the castle for Purple Sands, anything up to 14 been seen there this Winter. Other possibilties are Rock Pipit & Shag either at the Castle or the Pier.

John.

[colonelboris]

Reed buntings still on Yateley Common South in the same tree as last time. I do believe they might be getting more used to people walking past them. Maybe even a shot before we're off...?

[J Moss]

As mentioned on another thread, and also as I'm apparently not the only Farlington regular, I think I'll just mention todays trip to the reserve.

3:30 isn't the best time of day to do any kind of birding really, but I headed down anyway, with the long shot hope of maybe seeing a short eared or barn owl. Dont get me wrong, neither have been reported in a while but you never know unless you have a look.

On route around the reserve, with the tide out, I saw 4 Goldeneyes, Red breasted Mergansers and a few Great Crested Grebes in the channels of seawater between the mudflats. 30 or so Curlew (minus the Wimbrel that has recently been reported), Dunlin, Turnstones and most of the other typical winter mudflat waders, and a few gulls. A decent sized group of Lapwings and thousands of Brent Geese graced the fields, along with the usual Wigeon, Meadow Pipits and Stonechats. I didn't count them, but there has definitely been an increase in the number of Gadwall present on the lakes and river. I also saw 3 Bearded Tits, heard a Cettis Warbler and also heard 2 Water Rails in the reed beds.

Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but not bad either, and theres definitely more on offer, especially if I were to visit at a decent time! Keeps me amused anyway!

Jason

EDIT - oh yeah, no owls. Oh well.

[colonelboris]

Woo hoo! Finally got some goldcrest shots
http://www.tonykeenebirds.co.uk/bbirds/goldcrest.html
Ok, they're a bit ropey, but they were into the sun and it was moving a lot...
No sign of either the yellow-browed warbler or the chiffchaffs on the Blackwater at Hawley Meadows today, but there were a lot of people fishing next to the clumps they usually hang out in, plus some noisy work happeneing over the river as they were putting in a new fence.

[JohnnyH]

Good morning's birding, the Yellow Browed Warbler showing superbly at Hawley followed by the Firecrest at Finchamstead. It doesn't get much better than that & both less than 10 Miles from home!

John.

[JohnnyH]

First Brambling of the winter briefly in a flock of half dozen or so at Crooksbury Common this morning, also a Buzzard at Seale on the way back. Just goes to show how Buzzards have spread geographically, would never have seen any in this neck of the woods 10 years ago!

John.

[colonelboris]

You're right - buzzards do seem more common than a few years ago.

Might go out goldcrest hunting this afternoon on Yateley Common. Might be lucky and see a firecrest...

[JohnnyH]

Good luck, the Firecrest at Finchampstead could still be about & I see the Yellow Brow is still showing well at Hawley this morning.

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

Yateley Common North (for a change) came up withvery little. Apart from woodpigeon, the only birds I saw were mallard and Dartford warbler. Heard a few goldcrests, but that was it. A few birds calling, but not showing (blue, long-tailed and great tits, robins, blackbirds). As ever, the paths are either submerged or ruined by the horses, that one they've buggered the bridleways, then go on the footpaths so they don't have to wash their horses off. Thanks.
There's quite a bit of grass coming up on the burnt patches, which I think I read is a sign of over burning of heathland and the silver birch are moving in on a lot of the heath as well.
It surprises me - go over the A30 and you've Dartfords and stonechats everywhere as well as mipits and the odd woodlark, but the North side seems to have a lot less of everything, despite lacking the disturbance from the Army.

[JohnnyH]

Yellow Browed Warbler still showing well at Hawley today & 20 Siskin in the Alders by the car park. At Moor Green 13 Goosander on Colebrook Lake.

John.

[colonelboris]

Moor Green has a new website:
www.mglg.org.uk

[JohnnyH]

Pretty quiet at Thursley common this morning, 1 Dartford Warbler seen near the boardwalk, Curlew heard in the bog area, a few Reed Buntings, & a male Sparrowhawk sat in a tree.

John.

[JohnnyH]

From Birdguides - 2 Lesser Spots at Puttenham Common & 2 Red kites NW over Ash Ranges. From a personal view not much along the Blackwater N of Aldershot this afternoon 1 Grey Wag & a Grey Heron at the SF. Still the Shots won 2 - 1 at Crawley & Chelsea beat Pompey so not a bad day really.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Pied Wags still roosting in the usual place in Aldershot town centre. Yesterday morning spent at Moor Green Lakes, still good numbers of Goosander present, Black Headed Gulls back in force for the breeding season, 2 Egyptian Geese, & a singing Chiffchaff on the banks of the Blackwater.

John.

[colonelboris]

Dartford warblers and stonechats singing nicely over on Yateley Common South as well as meadow pipits in song flight. A skylark was hopping about the paths and a fair number of linnets were about. Also some siskins in the pines along the tarmac road.
Must be spring already.

[colonelboris]

Nice male kestrel at Shepheard's Meadows. Got very close to it and it was hovering right over Mrs Boris' head. Not many voles there, I'm afraid.
Also saw the kingfisher on the river after several months of it not being about. A few chiffchaffs singing along the river now, which is nice on a sunny day.

[JohnnyH]

My 1st Wheatear of the year at the London Wetland Centre this morning, a stunning Male! Also 8 Snipe seen but no sign of the Garganey reported yesterday.

John.

[colonelboris]

Wheatear also seen at Dorney Wetlands today (not by me, though...).
In addition to the birds I saw on Yateley Common South the other day, I also got a really ropey shot of a wood lark, which is always nice to see. They must have come back after disappearing off to farmland for the winter.
The last shot's on there just becuase I'm chuffed with it... (but it was taken on the local patch, at Sandhurst Balancing Pond...)

Tony

[JohnnyH]

Walk round the local patch today produced Gadwall,Pochard,Green Woodpecker & 4 Chiffchaff at Tongham GP & 2 Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Skylark, Common Gull, & Lesser Black backed Gull at Tices Meadow.

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,
Nice find at Tice's.
Saw your sighting posted on the Surrey Birders website. Went to Tice's after work (5pm) but was only able to find the Green Sandpiper not the Dunlin.
Tice's Meadow looks good at the moment especially with the workings being flooded and is attracting some migrants when other places are not seeing any. Hope a few more visit over the next few months.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Alright Kev,

Cheers for the comments, just found the Surrey Birders website the other day, seems an excellent way of encouraging local birders to report their sightings. You're right Tices is looking good, hopeful of finding some more migrants over the Spring, might see you down there sometime.
In case other locals are reading this the url for Surrey Birders is http://www.birders-online.co.uk/ check it out & report those sightings!

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

The three of us in the kitchen were thinking 'what's that call?' And then we saw it silouhetted and found we had a parakeet over the back garden. We're some miles from the neck of the woods they usually hang around in, but when it moved towards the front garden, we saw it was grey, slightly shorter, squarer tail and light head and white patches on the wings. A cockatiel, no less.
Can I tick it, pleeeeeeease? ;)

[J Moss]

Lol, yes Tony. You have my permission.

[Moonshake]

Hiya, any of you lot know what the access situation is like on Thorney Island at the moment?? Did hear that one of the gates had been shut last month and was wondering if they'd reopened it yet.

Thanks
Nick

[JohnnyH]

Hiya, any of you lot know what the access situation is like on Thorney Island at the moment?? Did hear that one of the gates had been shut last month and was wondering if they'd reopened it yet.

Thanks
Nick

Sorry Nick, no idea I'm afraid, you'd be better off asking on the Sussex birding or Hampshire threads.

Cheers,

John.

[Moonshake]

Will do - thanks!

[JohnnyH]

More migrants at Tices meadow this morning, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Wheatear ( a pair), & 5 Sand Martin. Lots of Chiffchaff singing & skirmishing, 3 Lapwing, & 2 Skylark also about. Tongham GP was a bit quiet, just the pair of Gadwall, a few more Chiffchaff, & the local Green Woodpecker who seems to have made an electricity pole his new pad.

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,
Another good find. :clap:
Saw your sightings on Surrey Birders and managed to see the Wheatear on Saturday morning (31st). It was my 85th bird for the patchlist challenge. I had a report on Sunday that were still there but not seen today. But they can disappear for a while.
It's looking like Fridays is a good day to visit! With the wind expected to come from the south on Thursday I'm hoping it will be good this Friday.
I see that you have only just found the Surrey Birders website so I assume you are not a member of the Surrey Birders Yahoo Group.

What can we expect next?
Common Sandpipers at Tongham GP?

Regards
Kevin



[QUOTE=JohnnyH]More migrants at Tices meadow this morning, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Wheatear ( a pair), & 5 Sand Martin. Lots of Chiffchaff singing & skirmishing, 3 Lapwing, & 2 Skylark also about. Tongham GP was a bit quiet, just the pair of Gadwall, a few more Chiffchaff, & the local Green Woodpecker who seems to have made an electricity pole his new pad.

[JohnnyH]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks, Yes I've only just joined Surrey Birders but not the Yahoo group yet. I was hoping for a Common Sand & rather optimistically maybe a Garganey on the GP. Good luck for Friday, not sure I can make it there this weekend too many other things planned by er indoors!

All the best,

John.

[bbsbirder]

The best birds seen at Tice's Meadow so far this Easter are Male Wheatear
on (6th), Green Sandpiper on (7th) and a Redshank on (8th).

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Tices Meadow this morning - 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Lapwing, 3 Skylark, c14 Sand Martin; Tongham GP - 6 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Sparrowhawk.

John.

[JohnnyH]

1st Lesser Whitethroat of the year this morning at Burnthouse Lane, Berks, cracking little bird!

John.

[JohnnyH]

Tices Meadow this morning - 4 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, c 40 Sandmartin, 1 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail.

Thursley Common afterwards - Singing Woodlarks everywhere, I counted at least 7, 2 male Redstarts, 1 Stonechat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Curlew, 1 Buzzard, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnets, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Tongham GP 06:30 - 08:00 - 1 Common Sandpiper, (1st this year!), 4 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, (1st at patch this year), 1 Sedge Warbler, (ditto!), 2 Chiffchaff.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Got my first Swifts of the year yesterday nr Berks/Hants border at Swallowfield. This morning at Tices Meadow produced - 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Terns, c50 Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 1 female Wheatear, 4 Skylarks, 4 Lapwings, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Black Back.
Also yesterday, noticed the first House Martins back in Aldershot.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Circuit around Tongham GP this morning produced - 2 Reed Warblers,(1st this year on the patch!), 3 Sedge Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Cormorant, 10 Sand Martins, & 2 Great Crested Grebes.

[JohnnyH]

River Blackwater between Aldershot & North Camp this afternoon - Nightingale, (patch tick!), Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff,Blackcap,Sedge Warbler,Reed Warbler,Garden Warbler,Common Tern at Springlakes Angling Lakes.

John.

[colonelboris]

Some nice waders about at Moor Green, according to the Berks birds website. Waders are something we're short of here (although I did see a common sandpiper)...

[JohnnyH]

Nice to hear from you Tony, hope things are going ok for you in Switzerland, it's a bit lonely on this thread these days!
Yep good day for passage Waders at Moor Green today, Little Stint present this morning along with 2 Wood Sands & a Greenshank. Just looked at Berksbirds, 1 Wood Sand still there along with the Greenshank, & a Whimbrel earlier this afternoon.

Cheers,

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,

I see from the surrey yahoo group there was a Avocet at Tice's Meadow on
Monday 30th at 2pm.
Would have been a good bird to see!
The second best bird at Tice's?
With the meadow nearly dry the interest will now move to the flooded workings. Hopefully they wont pump it dry! We could get something interesting during the rest of the spring and maybe see some autumn wader migration for the first time. Especially if during the summer the water levels
lower a foot or so to reveal more islands at water level.
A few weeks back I put some posts in that were lying on the ground to hopefully attract a perching Whinchat or Hobby.
Last weekend I connected with the Common Sandpiper and saw 6 Common Terns and 6 pairs of BH Gulls displaying.
If the Gulls breed I think it would be the first time they breed in the old county of Surrey (excluding Staines Res) for 50 years.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Alright Kevin,

Yeah I've just seen that report of the Avocet at Tices, not seen by me either unfortunately would have a pretty good patch tick!
Still hopeful that something good will pass through this Spring, been looking for a Whinchat, found another Wheatear last Saturday. I've seen the Common Sand on the new workings & at Tongham GP. One thing that concerns me is that the fencing adjacent to the rough grass/shingle area at Tices where I think the LRP's are nesting has been knocked down. If the local yobs decide to ride Motorbikes across it, the nest & eggs could be destroyed, don't know what can be done, any ideas??

Cheers,

John.

[colonelboris]

If the local yobs decide to ride Motorbikes across it, the nest & eggs could be destroyed, don't know what can be done, any ideas??

Piano wire at neck height should do it...
Not that I would ever condone such a practice...

Things are going well out here - nice people, weather and birds. Got five lifers the other day in a single afternoon (red-crested pochard, white-winged tern, great white egret, black kite and yellow wagtail), so not too shabby!

[JohnnyH]

Thursley Common this morning, good numbers of Woodlark, at least 8, 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Male Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Whitethroat.

[JohnnyH]

An hour at Tices Meadow this afternoon produced 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwing (with 3 young!), 3 Common Tern, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Skylark.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Tices Meadow this morning - 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Buzzard, 4 Common Tern, 1 Shelduck (patch Tick!), 4 Skylark, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff.

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,
Another nice find - Shelduck. I've also never seen one at Tice's Meadow but
always thought it might be seen. Hoping to see later.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Hi Kevin,

The Shelduck was on the gravel workings, good luck with that. While you're there check out the male Wheatear if it's still around, I thought that it looked promising for Greenland race, brownish plumage tones & bright buff throat / breast etc.

Cheers,

John.

[bbsbirder]

John,
Thanks for reporting the sighting.
Just managed to see the Shelduck. Arrived at about 6 a few minutes before a
dog walker walked along the west shore of the gravel workings The Shelduck (female) was on the island with the nesting Canada. Still could be there but out of sight from the bank. It may be a first for the site. So far my list for Tice's Meadow is 93 which includes a escaped Lesser Whitefronted Goose. Ones'I've missed are Avocet and Nuthatch.
Did not see Wheatear but was blowing a gale, will check again in the morning

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

An hour down at Tices Meadow this evening in the sunshine - Little ringed Plover with 3 young, 2 Lapwing with 2 young, 4 Skylark, 2 Common Tern, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat.

John.

[JohnnyH]

1st Garden Warbler of the year at Tongham GP this morning, also present - 6 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Tices Meadow 06:00 - 08:00 - 2 Lapwing with 1 chick, 2 Little Ringed Plover & 3 youngsters, 2 Common Tern, 2 Stock Dove, a minimum of 10 Skylark, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, a recently arrived & very vocal Garden Warbler. Also a close encounter with one of the local Foxes!

John.

[lizzi]

Hi all,
I'm fairly new to the forum and am trying to get into bird photography. I live in Fleet and am trying to find out whether any of the reserves in the area have hides. I go to Fleet Pond quite regularly but don't really know anything about any of the other sites. Can anyone recommend anywhere?

[John P]

Nearest alternative to you that I can think of would be at The Vyne. Titchfield Haven is good (5 or 6 hides) if you want to travel further afield.

[Allen]

Actually Moor Green Lakes is probably closer and has a wider variety of species than the Vyne + they are closer - PM me if you need directions. You'd need to join the Moor Green Lakes Society for hide access but it's ridiculously cheap.

[JohnnyH]

Quick visit down to Tices meadow this evening before the rain produced - 2 Lapwing, 4 Skylark, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Common Tern, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Gt Crested Grebe, 9 Pied Wags, 1 Whitethroat.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Decided to explore Ceasers Camp, SW of Aldershot this morning & and an excellent morning it proved to be. Had fantastic views of at least 5 Dartford Warblers & 2 Woodlarks on the heath, also 2 Tree Pipit, numerous Linnets, 3 Stonechat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Little Ringed Plovers doing well, 5 seen this morning, (3 youngsters), also seen on the patch this morning - 4 Common Tern, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Lapwing, Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat.

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,

I see the pair of Little Grebe are attempting to build their second nest. The first attempt was abandoned after it sank or the water level rose just after the first egg was laid. Which can still be seen to the right of the new nest. I had another look in the workings this weekend to see that 2 Common Tern chicks are a few days from fledging. Their were 3 but the 3rd was small, so assume it died. Still 2-3 sitting on nests.

Kevin

[JohnnyH]

Tongham GP this morning - Fox & Grass Snake seen en route along the River Blackwater, 13 Reed Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Common Tern, lots of Hirundines ( Swifts, Sand & House Martins) hawking over the trees.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Not done much patching over the last week due to a bout of the lurgy & family commitments but managed a bit tonight whilst watching my son at footie training at Aldershot Park. Flock of approx 30 Black Headed Gulls, c12 Pied Wags, several Mistle Thrushes, 3 Common Terns & a Chiffchaff seen / heard over the hour & quarter duration with a storm approaching from the East.

Cheers,

John.

[lizzi]

Can anyone tell me anywhere in the area that is good for sighting kingfishers please?

[Farnboro John]

Can anyone tell me anywhere in the area that is good for sighting kingfishers please?

Shepherd Meadows (opposite Tesco at the Meadows rbt on the A30 at Blackwater) or Moor Green Lakes especially along the river Blackwater

Fleet Pond

Almost any stretch of the Basingstoke Canal

John

[JohnnyH]

Can anyone tell me anywhere in the area that is good for sighting kingfishers please?

Hi Lizzi,

I don't know where abouts you are but as well as the places mentioned by John, I can recommend the area around Lakeside Park in Ash Vale, particularly the angling lakes off the Blackwater Valley path.

Cheers,

John.

[lizzi]

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely have to explore the palces you've suggested.

[JohnnyH]

Spoonbill at Tices Meadow this evening 19.10 - 19.19 then flew off South. Great find, not by me I might add, perhaps bbsbirder (aka Mr Duncan) can elaborate if he reads this.

John.

[bbsbirder]

Hi John,
I was lucky and saw the Spoonbill at Tices Meadow.
At 17:35 I found a Oystercatcher in the gravel workings and informed a friend. He said he was out, so would try to see it later. I stayed till 18:25 then decided to head off to visit my other patch, Dorney Lake. After a quick snack at Sainsburys I was driving along the A331 when I recieved a message at 18:58. Thinking it was my friend saying he had seen the Oystercatcher I looked at the message and could not believe it when it said ' Spoonbill at Tices'. Quickly turned around and got to Tices to see the Spoonbill in the meadow at 19:10. It never looked settled and flew south at 19:19.

Kevin

[colonelboris]

Can anyone tell me anywhere in the area that is good for sighting kingfishers please?

Don't know if it's still about (been here in Switzerland for a few months now...), but there was a very obliging kingfisher at Lavell's Lake, which is part of Dinton Pastures LNR near Winnersh. Normally a fairly good place for birds anyway, but Lavell's is probably the better of the lakes for that sort of thing.
As John mentioned, the Blackwater near The Meadows is often quite good. Park up at Tesco's and walk ack to the river where the path comes out near the roundabout and you'll often see one or two along there, sometimes perched on the shrubs overhanging the bank.

Ah, just checked, apparently the kingfisher is still about at Lavell's:
http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/birdnews.asp?date_search=8&date=2007-07-30

Cheers!

Tony

ps: I'm back in the area in a few weeks, hopefully the Blackwater's receeded below knee-high and I can stomp the old patch...

[JohnnyH]

Ruff, Green Sandpiper, & Hobby at Tices Meadow this morning & a Little Stint reported at Moor Green Lakes, seems like Autumn passage is well under way!

John.

[JohnnyH]

1 Green Sand at Tices this morning along with 2 Little Grebe, 8 Common Tern, 13 Black Headed Gull, c40 Sand Martin, 2 Kestrel, & 8 Swift. Little Stint still present at Moor Green along with 3 Greenshank.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Dipped the Purple Heron at Frensham Little Pond this morning although it has reappeared this afternoon. Despite the dip I managed a Kingfisher at the Little Pond & 2 Spot Flys at the Great Pond.

John.

[JohnnyH]

First Whinchat on the patch this year at Tices this morning, a stunning male - nice! Bit misty this morning, no waders on the new workings although did get a pair of Teal on the floods.

John.

[JohnnyH]

Bit quiet at Tices this morning, Chiffchaff calling from trees behind the bank, juv Green Woodie, Kestrel being mobbed by Magpies, 6 Teal, Little Grebe, 3 Black Headed Gulls, lotsa Pied Wags, oh & 2 Roe Deer.

John.