rosbifs
PutAin STOP
I was going to give a quick update and then I realised it is 2017 so I have to start a new!
It has been a quiet start to the year for various reasons - mainly non-birding but the story so far.
The 'local' female Eagle Owl is in position. I saw her at about 17.30 last week sat out in front of last years nest. I have also heard the male but not seen him yet. We have sort of turned our attentions to finding a new pair - two places to prospect (I have scoped one out but it may be at the limit of hearing range) - and then finding the nest of a second pair at Gavarnie.
The airport at Tarbes is as ever - some Black Shouldered Kites (3 on Tuesday) an odd Hen Harrier and today a Dartford Warlber. This is on top of the usual winter Lapwings, Reed Buntings, Linnets, Great Egret etc.
The 'local' Lammys have not reappeared. There is a rumour they are a little up the valley - more to follow. The two classic pairs are in situ and sitting on eggs so that is good. One nest is fairly visible without much effort.
No Wallcreepers in the village this year. Bah humbug. Not made much of an effort to find them but I suspect in the gorge.
Leothrix seems to have properly arrived with some birds at Argeles. Keeping an eye on them.
I'm gearing up for some Tengmalms prospecting and ofcourse the White Backed Woody. I can't stomach the 1 hour walk (on top of 40 min drive) in to the likely nearest pair but there is another site that may be easier. I just have to confirm access - can't afford too many fines!
Last year I hit a couple of my main targets (Pallid Harrier and the above White Backed Woody) so I think the Tengmalms is top of the list and a Red Throated Pipit (probably at the coast in spring) - a male Red Footed Falcon would be nice too.
It has been a quiet start to the year for various reasons - mainly non-birding but the story so far.
The 'local' female Eagle Owl is in position. I saw her at about 17.30 last week sat out in front of last years nest. I have also heard the male but not seen him yet. We have sort of turned our attentions to finding a new pair - two places to prospect (I have scoped one out but it may be at the limit of hearing range) - and then finding the nest of a second pair at Gavarnie.
The airport at Tarbes is as ever - some Black Shouldered Kites (3 on Tuesday) an odd Hen Harrier and today a Dartford Warlber. This is on top of the usual winter Lapwings, Reed Buntings, Linnets, Great Egret etc.
The 'local' Lammys have not reappeared. There is a rumour they are a little up the valley - more to follow. The two classic pairs are in situ and sitting on eggs so that is good. One nest is fairly visible without much effort.
No Wallcreepers in the village this year. Bah humbug. Not made much of an effort to find them but I suspect in the gorge.
Leothrix seems to have properly arrived with some birds at Argeles. Keeping an eye on them.
I'm gearing up for some Tengmalms prospecting and ofcourse the White Backed Woody. I can't stomach the 1 hour walk (on top of 40 min drive) in to the likely nearest pair but there is another site that may be easier. I just have to confirm access - can't afford too many fines!
Last year I hit a couple of my main targets (Pallid Harrier and the above White Backed Woody) so I think the Tengmalms is top of the list and a Red Throated Pipit (probably at the coast in spring) - a male Red Footed Falcon would be nice too.