Return of a Wet Birder! (1 Viewer)

[Ruth Daniel]

What a great name for a farm Widdybank!!!
A super report as usual Brian,great to hear about the Ouzels and Black Grouse and those wonderful French Partridges!
Super pics too.....I love pic 3.....looks like my sort of place!:t:

 

[Pam_m]

Another great report from you, Brian! Well done with the Ring Ouzels and the other super birds you saw. Your photo's compliment your thread very well indeed, it looks a wonderful place to visit!:t:

 

[brianfm]

Hi Chris, Sue, Ruth and Pam.

Really good to be able to say hello and see those four names in a line. Sort of BBC ish (if I dare use the term) if you know wot I mean.:t:

I kind of expect a young girl to charge over the rocks of that waterfall shouting Heathcliff Heathcliff and I think that gives a taste of the type of area it is. I have been out today in the sun so it made up for the cold of Saturday.

The birds will always be number one Chris, although I am really enjoying learning about flowers. Been a long time but know you will be working hard, good to speak. Hope everything is going well. Take care.

Bri

 

[brianfm]

29th May. Yes, at last summer had seemed to have arrived today, with sun and warmth. I wasn’t taking any chances however and my waterproofs were in the bag anyway, but I’m happy to say they were not required during our walk in the Wolsingham area of Durham and Tunstall Reservoir. The morning started well with an en route Red Kite flying closely overhead. Swallows and to a lesser extent Swifts were never far away during the day. Our initial walk took us along the riverside, through woods, gorge and open farmland before joining more woodland. Leaves had thickened on trees now so whilst bird song was with us all of the time picking up sightings were not easy. Willow Warblers and Chaffinch were the most often heard birds with only an occasional Chiffchaff song. Once into the woods and having chatted to some campers I admired the view down below to the river. I might not have been so keen to check for Kingfishers below if I had seen what I saw on the return walk. Parts of the area were overhanging a steep shear drop, at least some of the overhang looking as though it was ready to crumble. Flowers of remembrance had been placed on a tree here and we couldn’t help wonder if in fact someone had fallen to their death here!

Whilst we were finding it rather frustrating trying to sight birds I heard a high pitch squack and commented as to what it was. Seconds later a Tawny Owl flew through the wood seemingly being chased by a Wood Pigeon. A fleeting view, but never the less an exciting one. Once into the open farmland there were good views across the valley and some strange breeds of sheep, one breed seeming to have dreadlocks! The brief call of a Cuckoo was heard at some point. Whilst exploring another wood we thought we had found Pied Flycatchers but it turned out the the nesting box was occupied by Blue Tits. A little further on however we did find Pied Flycatchers who appear to have nested in another of the boxes. No sign of Wood Warbler however, but I did see Grey Squirrel when looking for what had been one of our target birds. Then after admiring some of the flora it was time for a lunch stop in the sun before returning to our starting point. On the return good views were had of Curlew, Common Buzzard, Blackcap, Grey and Pied Wagtail and Jay. Unfortunately my two companions missed the Jay as they were to busy getting out of the way of an approaching car. One of the few we had actually seen on our walk. Although I had heard Blackcap on several occasions this had been my first decent sighting of one this year. Once back at the car we left for Tunstall Reservoir and more fine woodland.

It was wonderful to walk across the dam in the heat of the sun and we found Goldfinch. There were numbers of Greylag Geese on the water and a single Moorhen about. At the edge of the wood land I got my eye on some Orchids, which may well be Early Purple Orchids Orchis mascula. I’d been taking one or two photos of flora but these were behind a wall. I wasn’t to be defeated so I jumped over the high wall. Well to be honest the jump was a rather laborious crawl, but I got there. After all my exertions in the heat of the afternoon the flippin photo has lost the colour of the Orchid which was deep purple with the stem green, but turning to purple just below the flower head. It had no spots on the leaves. I have yet to check it out properly in my book. Anyway I digress. The wood seemed quiet at the start, but the bird song soon came with some flourish. Incidentally on a previous visit less than a fortnight ago the Bugle Ajuga reptans was barely in flower, but now the woodland floor was dotted with blue.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and then a male bird was seen really well on a couple of occasions. Nuthatch and Treecreepers were found along with Chaffinch, Robin, and Blackbird, Blue and Great Tits and a Song Thrush could be heard singing. At least two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers were seen. We did finally hear very briefly the song of the Wood Warbler and that is good enough for me so tis on the year list! Unfortunately we didn’t find the Redstarts on this occasion much to the consternation of one of my companions. We walked right around the reservoir on this occasion and I found that there is a small but interesting pool and wetland at the far end. There was only Greylag and Mallard there today, both with chicks, but I reckon it will be worth exploring again. We did see Goosander flying away.

There had been some very good and interesting flora today of which I shall list some for you keen botanists. Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris, Goldilocks Buttercup Ranunculus auricomus, Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris, Welsh Poppy Meconopsis cambrica, Red Campion Silene dioica, Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea, Common Bistort Persicaria bistorta, Primrose Primula vulgaris, Yellow Pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum, Trailing Tormentil Potentilla erecta, Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca, Water Avens Geum rivale, Lady’s Mantle species, Smooth Tare, Vicia tetrasperma, Wood Cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum, Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum, Pignut Conopodium majus, Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, Woodruff Galium odoratum, Crosswort Cruciata laevipes, Lilly of the Valley Convallaria majalis, Wild Garlic Allium ursinum Common Cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense and Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella

The Common Cow-wheat is an interesting plant as it has an interesting relationship with ants. It produces a sugary liquid from small glands under its petals, which wood ants feed on. The ants take the seeds to their nests and thus disperse them.

Well I have had quite a hectic birding and botanising month in May, of which this was my last trip of that period. I’m pleased it ended with sun, a year tick in Wood Warbler and several new wildflowers for my list. The day had also included Orange Tip Butterfly, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green Veined White and Speckled Wood Butterfly, and a Brown Hare on the return drive. A very good day with 43 species of bird!

Photos 1)Columbine 2) Wood Cranesbill 3) Woodruff 4) Common Cow-wheat 5) Yellow Pimpernel

 

[pie]

Hi Brian,
Yet another wonderful day out. Ive also had a good day & managed to get excellent views of both Pied & Spotted Flycatchers.
I agree, the lush greenery is making it difficult to sight Birds, but like you, I find the environment wonderful.
Brilliant report & lovely pictures Brian

 

[Mabel]

Red Kite was certainly a nice start to what seems like a nice day!

 

[brianfm]

5th June. It was to be my regular pond, wood and coast walk today although having heard the forecast of mist on the coastline I wondered if I had made the correct decision. Anyway, having moved a mile or two towards the coast the sun was soon left behind and the temperature dropped a few degrees and I decided there was little chance of hoped for Butterflies and Dragonflies today and I was correct. We soon had Swift, Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin on the list although the pond was fairly quiet. A pair of Great Crested Grebe, a Little Grebe, Mallard, Shoveller, Pochard, Moorhen, Cormorant and Grey Heron was about it. The area was atmospheric with mist rolling over the pond at times and then the sun eventually breaking through to raise the temperature. Great Black Backed, Lesser Black Backed and Black Headed Gull were about and a few Canada Geese. There were certainly numbers of Sedge Warblers singing and perhaps the bird of the day was the Sedge Warbler which kept returning to one particular reed and knocking his manic song out. I had the scope on this bird for sometime. In the adjoining fields Skylark sang.

The woods now were quite densely leaved. On the walk to them Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris, Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella and Herb Bennet Geum urbanum were amongst plants I found, with the latter in some abundance now. I wasn’t able to find Dipper, Grey Wagtail or Kingfisher on the burn. I was told by a passing ‘birder’ that there is definitely a Kingfisher about. This I know of course but I have never been able to find it. The birder informed me that there was nothing about except Robins and went on to tell me that we were near a Jackdaw’s nest which he apparently climbed up to and stuck his head in. He was wondering if the chicks had now fledged at which point a Jackdaw was clearly attempting to approach its nest as this guys dog ran around in circles near it. The guy pointed to the Jackdaw as it flew off chased by the dog. I made my excuses and moved on, understanding why this ‘birder’ was unable to find many birds. He had told me there was no sign of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. We stood by the feeding station and within minutes a female Great Spotted Woodpecker appeared!

We checked out the small pool but found no Dragonflies but did have good views of Whitethroat and found Celery Leaved Buttercup/Crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus. Other birds seen in the woods included Song Thrush, Blackbird. Great, Coal and Blue Tit, Dunnock, Greenfinch, and Whitethroat. As we moved onto the salt marsh area we found that the Common Scurry Grass Cochlearia officinalis was showing well, and then yes, you have guessed it was a stop for the fish and chip lunch. I ordered the small fish, but was brought the large one!

Then it was down to the cliffs. The tide was in and I have to say I have never seen this area of coastline so absent of birds. There was little out at sea apart from Eider Ducks and an occasional Cormorant and Gull. The only Waders seen during the afternoon were Oystercatchers and Lapwing. I can’t remember a time I have been down here and not seen at least a Redshank! We chatted to a couple from Norfolk who were holidaying in the area. I did try to convince both that it was quite because the tide was in and that birding here is generally very good. I’m not sure that either believed me! We did find numbers of Reed Bunting, more Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit, Linnets and Goldfinch. Parts of the cliff area were looking good with a covering of Thrift Armeria maritima. Unfortunately my memory card had filled by then. I also came across a large patch of Field Horsetail Equisetum arvenses. We had some good sightings of Fulmars on the cliff side and in flight and a Kestrel flew along the cliff line.
I was hoping to find something of interest on the wetland area but again there was little to report. Well in many ways it had felt like a quite day and I was surprised when I added my species list up in the evening. We had seen 54 species of bird. Watching that Sedge Warbler singing and displaying had definitely been the highlight of my day. If the waders had been about we would have been in the mid sixties as in usual for this walk. Anyway, I had a good day!

This will be my last report for a week or two as I will soon be off to Hungary.

1) Shepherd's Purse 2) Sheep's Sorrel 3) Herb Bennet 4) Welsh Poppy 5) Celery Leaved Buttercup/Crowfoot

 

[BazR]

Hiya Bonny Lad.
A smashing series of walks and reports of same. Your flora pics are all excellent, and some of the birds your picking up ( if you'll excuse the expression )are mouth wateringly good. I hope you're watching the tide times for Blacktoft. As you are aware, it can make all the difference having the tide up.

I don't know which tide info you use, but this is a good one. Admiralty Easytide. Info on tides nationwide.

Baz.

 

[Pam_m]

Another great report of your walk, Brian! Good to read of the changes with all the Flora that you see on this walk and of course the birds! How nice to have such good views of the Sedge Warbler singing and displaying...that would have been a highlight in anyone's book I am sure! Pity with the lack of Butterflies and Dragonflies, I am sure on your next pond, wood and coast walk there will be an abundance of them....fingers crossed!o You had some good bird sightings, especially the Fulmars!

Great Wildflower photo's, as I have mentioned before they compliment your thread..well done!:t:

Enjoy your holiday in Hungary..... looking forward to an interesting report on your sightings on your return!

 

[brianfm]

28th June. Well, having very recently experienced a week in Hungary which somewhat spoilt me in terms of numbers of birds, butterflies and wildflower meadows I was in need of a top notch birding day in the UK and Saturday certainly provided that when the RSPB group visited St Abbs, Berwickshire. To be quite honest with the volcanic cliff scenery, wonderful weather and light, and not a small amount of interesting flora, I think my day was made even before thinking about the birds, although they did not disappoint either, even though numbers in the seabird colonies appeared well down from a previous visit three years ago. Perhaps we were visiting a little later this time.

I’d forgotten just how spectacular this area (which is managed by the National Trust) is. After a brief introduction from the warden we set off along the cliffs towards the lighthouse and almost the first bird seen was a distant hovering Kestrel. Birds on the way included Gannet, Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Black Headed, Herring and Great Black Backed Gulls, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot, Razorbill and a lone Puffin on the sea. I had very extravagantly said I would buy anyone who found me a Puffin a cup of tea. As I think some of you will know I am generous to a fault. Puffin numbers in this area are certainly way down now and I understand that the Fulmars have faired badly this year with the warden asking us to report any Fulmar chicks seen! The bird that caught the eye was the Peregrine Falcon. There were two Peregrines about. Grey Heron and Lapwing were also seen.

The camera was out quite a bit taking shots of the views and of the wildflowers which included Thrift Armeria maritima (going back somewhat), Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus, English Stonecrop Sedum anglicum, Sea Campion Silene uniflora, Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia and carpets of Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum. The sun was very hot at times and my cap had been put on from the outset. Those who waited until later to protect their heads and faces in the salty sea air are I think regretting it today. We took lunch near the lighthouse area as we sat and overlooked the seabird colonies taking in the sounds. The colonies were definitely much quieter than I remember them and we had been told already that the juvenile Guillemots were already making off to sea. The cliffs opposite our lunch spot were a mix of colour and the reds, orange, greens and ochre were further enhanced by the suns rays. It proved to be a day that of constant light changes which kept on giving a different look and feel to each view. Some found the two Puffins on the cliff ledge and I think everyone saw the bridled Guillemot. As we finished lunch a few spots of rain fell and that seemed to send everyone rushing for water proofs. I wasn’t convinced that they were required and in fact within minutes the sun was back out, although I understand that there was a heavy shower back where we had left the coach and in the village of St Abbs.

After lunch we made up the narrow road which I had quite forgotten brings you to a stunning view looking north along the cliffs where you can see clearly how the layers have been moved and twisted by the forces of nature which somehow reminds you of how minor a role one plays on earth! Then we did a u-turn so as to skirt the inland loch with its wooded shoreline and reed bed. The loch held a Mute Swan family, Mallard and Moorhen. There were numbers of Reed Bunting, whilst Sedge Warbler and Goldfinch were also seen and Wren, Blackcap and Song Thrush heard. This is a wonderful little area and there were numbers of Northern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella in pristine condition along the pathway and Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus at the edge of the loch. We had been seeing numerous Ringlet Butterflies but had been hoping for the Northern Brown Argus, a much localised butterfly. We eventually found them in numbers amongst the Rock Roses Helianthemum nummularium on which the caterpillars of this species feeds. They are quite a tiny butterfly, which in Scotland have a single white ring on each the front wings. This was quite a find! We bumped into the warden again here who had been studiously watching a Small Skipper Butterfly which was apparently new to the list of the area. There were numerous Common Blue Damselflies and on later checking I see that I also found a teneral Blue Tailed Damselfly. There was a large patch of white flowering Watercress Rorripa nasturtium-aquaticum in this area.

By now the sun was at its hottest as we rejoined the cliff pathway having done a sort of figure of eight walk. Meadow and Rock Pipits were seen around this area along with a very small flowering cranesbill which on careful examination we have decided was Dovesfoot Cranesbill Geranium molle. Mouse-Ear Hawkweed Pilosella officinarum was also found. On the cliff walk we again saw the same seabirds as our outward walk had shown us of course but this time we viewed the area from a different perspective and in differing light. The colours in the rock of the cliffs were wonderful. We had been on the go for five hours so we had time for a sit down on the cliff path to take in the views. I couldn’t help but feel that the village of St Abbs looked like some kind of storybook village and a bit surreal. I think it was the nature of the light.

We were back in time for a cuppa, a chat about the state of the nation and I must say I wondered how I would cope living anywhere but where we have easy access to the sea! I even had time to look around the shop, a thing I never do on birding trips as if I wanted to shop I’d go shopping!;-)H having looked at the prices charged in these places I won’t be in a hurry to shop again! I could have a very good birding week away for some of the prices being asked for some of the items!

We’d had Common Buzzard on the outward journey and we had Curlew on the way home which brought our daily list of bird species to 50 of which I had personally seen all but one. I had five new ones for the year list. An excellent day and I’m glad I’d got me cap to keep the sun off a least to some extent although my face was tingling in the evening. As we hit the main road the heavens opened and it had clearly been raining for sometime on the border area although after a little while we drove into sun again. We got back to Newcastle to see the crowds leaving Newcastle racecourse ladies day! I’d rather go birding myself! I went home thinking that whilst foreign parts have lots to offer we ought not to forget what’s on offer natural history wise close to home!

Take care

2= Lady's Bedstraw and English Stonecrop 4= Wild Thyme

 

[brianfm]

More pics from St Abbs including Northern Marsh Orchid and Thrift.

 

[Pam_m]

A great account of your day at St Abbs, Brian. You had the weather, scenery and Flora and Fauna to make it a day to remember. Your scenic photo's of the rocky cliffs show the area of well, it does look a splendid area! Some good Wildflower photo's too, especially the Thrift and Marsh Orchid.
Such a pity to hear that the Puffins and Fulmars are having a bad year though!

Oh, yes....the shops at Reserves etc! How they can charge such prices I do not know...well I do actually I reckon! They have a captive audience don't they? Who could resist buying a stuffed Puffin or Mallard or Swan etc for a child who has enjoyed a day out and wants a keepsake of the day or just a cuddly toy to play with? I know I treated myself to a stuffed Puffin from the mainland shop after my Skomer Island visit! You see it all depends how much you want something sometimes!o

You are fortunate to live close to the sea and have such wonderful areas fairly close for day trips...I don't blame you not even contemplating moving away from easy access to the sea!

Thanks for sharing your day at St Abbs!:t:

 

[NIK III]

Smashing report Brian. Your scenic pics and flowers bring the place to life. I wondered what that orchid was, now I know. My only visit in June was on the previous Saturday. My first thoughts on seeing the kittiwake ledges were that they were not as populated as I had expected, but there were plenty of Guillemots. I know only 1 in 8 Kitty nests fledged a chick last year. Lots had chicks but they perished when they got near fledging size. I've not seen a Puffin for a good while, even the locals remarked last year that they weren't seeing them. It's great to see the Peregrines. I see them a lot in August September time. I'll keep an eye out for Fulmar chicks, I only noticed 1 last year. Despite the problems for Scottish seabird colonies it's still an amazing place. I can't get enough of it.

 

[brianfm]

Thanks for the comments Pam and Roy. Thought that you would like that one Roy.

30th June Spent the evening around the area of a local pond where a few weeks ago I had sighted Long Eared Owl. There were no owls of any description around today and it was noticeable how little bird song there was now although a quick snippet of Grasshopper Warbler was caught and the Whitethroats were still singing at dusk. The pond was quiet apart from a family of Mute Swans, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Mallard and Coot. Oystercatchers and Lapwings flew overhead. Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Blackbird, Linnet, Blue Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Reed Buntings were the other birds seen. The latter adding to the limited amount of bird song.

The area had changed considerably over the past few weeks with grasses now up to the waist in some places. Common Spotted Orchids Dactylorhiza fuchsii of many hues and in pristine state were dotted throughout the grassland. Hundreds I would estimate. Dyer’s Greenweed Genista tinctoria and Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca and Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre were everywhere. Other plants included Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris and Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor.

It had been a warm evening, but by 9.00pm the cool breeze was evident as the sky colour changed each second.

 

[palval147]

Hi Brian, I've just been reading through & looking at your photo's. You certainly get out & about a lot, to some lovely places for birds & wildflowers. Super photo's.

 

[brianfm]

Hi Brian, I've just been reading through & looking at your photo's. You certainly get out & about a lot, to some lovely places for birds & wildflowers. Super photo's.

Thank you Val.

 

[Pam_m]

Hi Brian,

A good update on your local pond! Amazing how quickly the grasses are growing isn't it? It is refreshing to see the hedgerows full to capacity with the grasses and thistles etc though! Sounds a busy pool to me not quiet, unless you mean bird song of course! A good selection of bird species you came across! All we need now is warmer weather and the Odonata may put in a few appearances!

 

[brianfm]

9th July. Despite heavy rains in southern England bringing worry about floods, in the north east the morning cloud soon broke up to give a sunny and hot day. I set of on the pond, wood and coast walk with a spring in my step although somewhat weighed down by pack, telescope and tripod! I have reported on this walk so many times I have decided just to stick to my highlights today.

The first thing of any real note was a plant. I found Lady’s Mantle growing near the pathway in the reserve. Despite the warmth of the day the large leaves still held drops of water from the previous night’s rain. It’s always difficult to put a definite species name to this plant but I noticed the hairy stem and teeth on the leaves pointing inwards so I am going for the most likely, Alchemilla mollis. Once into the private hide both Chiffchaff and Reed Warbler were heard, but perhaps the best sighting were the pair of Great Crested Grebe with three juvenile birds, initially huddled together near the centre of the pond, but after a while the family deciding to split and swim across the pond. At the other end of the pond House Martins hunted.

As we walked down to the wooded dene area Yellowhammers were in song and sighted in the hedgerow where there was Foxgloves Digitalis purpurea of varying colours, white included. Once into the dene I noticed that despite all the rain fall of recent days the burn did not appear to be overly high. The numbers of insects certainly was high and I still have the marks of one bite! This wooded area is now quite dense and tends to block the views onto the burn but from one of the several small bridges we found a two young Grey Wagtails on the rocky area. A Great Spotted Woodpecker sat out in the open, atop of a dead tree, for some time. Wrens were seen in number and the white rumps of Bullfinch were unmistakeable. A male Blackcap was seen briefly as well as Whitethroat, and Willow Warbler heard. I had hoped that in the heat of the sun dragonflies would be about the small pool and reed bed. In the event only one Common Blue Damselfly was found with there being no sign of the darters that often rest on the wooden pathway here. I guess the weather so far this summer has not encouraged good numbers of odonata. I did find the Water Forget-me-nots Myosotis scorpiodides, having found Tufted Forget-me-nots Myosotis laxa earlier in the day. Then we walked further along the burn to the more open area where now only a few of the Common Scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis plants remain in flower.

After a lunch stop for the now compulsory fish and chips we were off along the cliff path heading for St Mary’s lighthouse which is still having work done to it. The scaffolding around the top of the structure completely ruins one of the best known views in the area so lets hope it is taken of soon. Birds out at sea included Shag, Gannets (following the fishing boat), and a couple of Razorbills. The tide was well out and still seemed to have further to go so it was not ideal for waders and terns which are often seen in much greater numbers as the tide sweeps in. We did enjoy the sight of diving Sandwich Terns, Redshank, Oystercatchers, Turnstone, Curlew and Lapwing. Until I scanned an island of rocks I had almost missed the one hundred plus Golden Plovers well camouflaged against the rocks even in summer plumage.

A couple of rather cheeky looking adolescents asked me what I was off to film. I explained that what I was carrying was a telescope and not a camera. Then lots of questions came. What you looking at? Which birds? Do you ever watch the Seals? When did you last see a Seal? Then they went on their way.;-) Actually by the time we ended our conversation I could tell that there were really quite interested and I was pleased that I had taken the time to chat and wished I had thought to let them have a look through the scope. Take the time to talk to these guys and most will show interest.

It was very hot by now and there were numerous Common Blue Butterflies about. Also seen were, Large White, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral. Interesting plants along the way included Sea Plantain Plantago maritima, English Stonecrop Sedum anglicum Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulnereria, Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum, Rest Harrow Ononis repens, Wild Mignonette Reseda Lutea, Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsia. Some areas were a mat of Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense.

Towards the end of the walk we did eventually find Reed Buntings and Linnets. We took our usual walk around the small wet land and had our usual disappointment at not finding anything out of the ordinary although we did see Sedge Warbler and Sand Martins.

By the end of the walk I was hot, sticky and tired, but it had been well worth it. Bird species seen numbered 65 which included a Common Sandpiper around by the rock pools which I thought unusual. I identified around 50 species of wild flower and no doubt there were more I missed or didn’t take a lot of notice of. It’s not so long ago I would not have taken notice of any of them!

 

[pie]

Hi Brian,
It sounds like you have a good mix of habitats in close proximity.
Doubt if I could find a location nearby to see as many things in "one hit" lol!
btw, is that a Dipper I see hidden, or is it just my imagination running away with me? (as the song goes)
Excellent report & lovely pics, thanks Brian

 

[brianfm]

Hi Brian,
It sounds like you have a good mix of habitats in close proximity.
Doubt if I could find a location nearby to see as many things in "one hit" lol!
btw, is that a Dipper I see hidden, or is it just my imagination running away with me? (as the song goes)
Excellent report & lovely pics, thanks Brian

Thanks Pie.

I think maybe it is your imagination Pie. There are Dippers on that stretch but I didn't see them that day. Goodness me wouldn't it be awful if I had missed them and you found them in the photograph. I'd have to remove the photograph!!!

I have walked that route now on many occaisons at various times of year and have always seen bird species of upwards of 60. Usually mid to high 60s. When some people in our RSPB group told me that it was not worth going birding in August I told them that I had found 65+ birds on this route in August. They have not mentioned it again! As far as I'm concerned there is never a time when it is not worth going birding.