rosbifs
PutAin STOP
The end of the week didn't dissappoint - well marginally.
Whilst once again being a little bit hampered with the weather. A walk through the fields produced a few migrants - Whitethroat, Spot Fly, Pied Fly, Whinchat, Meadow Pipit and a Booted Eagle and then the move up the mountains a Lammy amongst Griffons. This was followed by a pair at tree height overhead.
Dipped on the Black Wood but the walk produced Crested Tit.
At the col we found 4 very obliging Accentors! A few little bits Serin etc. but no Snowfinch - too late!
The last morning was a blinder though. Started with some lovely Yellow Wagtails and 13 Rock Sparrow (my highest count round here), and on to the airport for the Black Shouldered Kites which were eventually found! We moved position to get them downbreeze or sun behind and they were stunning - 5. One even balacing on a wire eating a mouse. A couple were extreme 'tail-cocking' which I have never seen before - it was mentioned that it could be balancing on the wire but it was interesting to watch.
A Wryneck was picked up and a Monties Harrier Juv above the runway - he must have thought he was in Scotland as the bird scaring fireworks were blasting around him! crested Lark (took some work) and a Zitter on the wires.
The morning was polished off with 1 then 5 Cirl Buntings on the way back and at base.
Great.
94 species in the 3 1/2 days although could have easily been 110 - I had 6 extras on the Sunday Monday and 3 during the week plus missed a couple of sitters!
Whilst once again being a little bit hampered with the weather. A walk through the fields produced a few migrants - Whitethroat, Spot Fly, Pied Fly, Whinchat, Meadow Pipit and a Booted Eagle and then the move up the mountains a Lammy amongst Griffons. This was followed by a pair at tree height overhead.
Dipped on the Black Wood but the walk produced Crested Tit.
At the col we found 4 very obliging Accentors! A few little bits Serin etc. but no Snowfinch - too late!
The last morning was a blinder though. Started with some lovely Yellow Wagtails and 13 Rock Sparrow (my highest count round here), and on to the airport for the Black Shouldered Kites which were eventually found! We moved position to get them downbreeze or sun behind and they were stunning - 5. One even balacing on a wire eating a mouse. A couple were extreme 'tail-cocking' which I have never seen before - it was mentioned that it could be balancing on the wire but it was interesting to watch.
A Wryneck was picked up and a Monties Harrier Juv above the runway - he must have thought he was in Scotland as the bird scaring fireworks were blasting around him! crested Lark (took some work) and a Zitter on the wires.
The morning was polished off with 1 then 5 Cirl Buntings on the way back and at base.
Great.
94 species in the 3 1/2 days although could have easily been 110 - I had 6 extras on the Sunday Monday and 3 during the week plus missed a couple of sitters!