West Midlands/Warwickshire local patches. (1 Viewer)

[KayD]

Congratualions on your lifer, Kay. Hope it showed better than the one at Bittell a few weeks ago!

Yes just a bit! I was waiting for one I could see properly and it was worth it B

 

[RobinD]

Spotted Redshank at Coleshill gp's along with Green Sand and six Snipe. At least two Black Terns still at Shustoke - couldn't find the third one.

ATB

Robin

 

[d.steeley]

Hi all, popped into Brandon Marsh this morning and met several very nice people called Brian, John and Kath. Whilst we were watching the 3 Dunlin on East Marsh they told me where I could see the 'other' Barn Owl site. Off I trotted and as I was peering into the trees another chap, Alan, pointed out where the box was and then set his scope up and we had a good view of a pair of large chicks perched on a branch. This was really enjoyable as last week I said 'Hello' a chap who just turned his back on me. He must have been trying for most miserable birder in Britain award. He got my vote.

Cheers

Dave

 

[IanC_UK]

Hi all, popped into Brandon Marsh this morning and met several very nice people called Brian, John and Kath. Whilst we were watching the 3 Dunlin on East Marsh they told me where I could see the 'other' Barn Owl site. Off I trotted and as I was peering into the trees another chap, Alan, pointed out where the box was and then set his scope up and we had a good view of a pair of large chicks perched on a branch. This was really enjoyable as last week I said 'Hello' a chap who just turned his back on me. He must have been trying for most miserable birder in Britain award. He got my vote.

Cheers

Dave

Have to say i have met nothing but really nice people at Brandon Marsh in the few visits i have made, but i guess there has to be one thats too good for us all Nice spot on the Owl chicks, i would love to get some Pics next time i am there, will have to see if i can find them

 

[Duck_Pond]

Wandered around Upper Bittell late afternoon / early evening. No sign (for me) of the terns reported, though my bins aren't good enough to see over the other side. Did see a green woody hopping about on the lawn outside the sailing club, and there were masses of swallows and martins.

Had a quick look at Lower Bittell, where there were the usual tufted ducks etc., plus I caught up with the long-tailed tits and chiffchaffs / willow warblers (never stay still enough for me), on the causeway, and a grey waggie fluttered by too.

My brother was telling me the other day, that Bittell has a herd of deer, though you have to be there at the crack of dawn to see them, otherwise they're hidden away amongst the trees.

 

[RegTelescope]

Bittell has a herd of deer

What sort? Muntjac?

 

[Duck_Pond]

He's not up to speed with such things, but he relayed the message of "ones with big antlers". :-O

 

[RobinD]

Spotshank still present at Coleshill gp, showing much better than yesterday, busily feeding in the near corner and in good light (until it went grey at 1:15). Interesting to watch it lay itself almost flat to the water when a Buzzard went over.
Nothing new in, Green Sand and Snipe still present.

ATB

Robin

Edit: Forgot to add: 2 Small Copper, 11 Common Blue (all male), 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Large White. 2 Common Darter, 3 Migrant Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer

 

[abagguley]

What sort? Muntjac?

I'd imagine it's probably Roe - I live in Rubery, & I've seen 'em around there a few times.

Adrian

 

[RegTelescope]

I'd imagine it's probably Roe - I live in Rubery, & I've seen 'em around there a few times.

Adrian

Excellent stuff.

 

[KayD]

Anyone been to see the Stilt Sandpiper yet?

 

[senatore]

Went out birding for the first time in a few days and drove over to Brandon in the morning.Had to dodge a few showers but it wasn't too bad.

5 Green Sandpipers (4 on Teal Pool and 1 on Carlton Pool),1 Common Sandpiper from Wright Hide,1 KF from Carlton Hide (not in a fishing mood I'm afraid) and a very sleepy Barn Owl at the usual spot.

Also saw for the first time in months a Goldcrest but could I get a decent shot of it.Of course not.They are my bogey bird.

Max.

 

[Duck_Pond]

Next spring, when they're flitting around the spruce in my garden, I'll have to invite you round, Max, for a go at them. They're usually quite accommodating...

 

[senatore]

Next spring, when they're flitting around the spruce in my garden, I'll have to invite you round, Max, for a go at them. They're usually quite accommodating...

Pete.That shot is rubbing it in.For me they are allways deep in the dark of a tree and are constantly hopping around.I've got some pretty good shots of Firecrests but none of Goldcrests.

Max.

 

[RobinD]

I'd imagine it's probably Roe - I live in Rubery, & I've seen 'em around there a few times.

Adrian

Roe live in small groups, you'll rarely see more than half a dozen, usually less. Muntjac are solitary. A herd would suggest Fallow to me.

ATB

Robin

 

[RegTelescope]

Roe live in small groups, you'll rarely see more than half a dozen, usually less. Muntjac are solitary. A herd would suggest Fallow to me.

ATB

Robin

I thought the word herd might have been used loosely. Knowing that there are Muntjac around Wythall, I just wondered if it was these that are believed to be at Bittell.

 

[Steve Seal]

Iam doing well this week, first i pulled a long legged Bird at Shustoke (Rhea) . And today i had a Shag at Draycote, must be my lucky week .:t:
Also managed to catch up with Max,s little friend .

 

[RobinD]

I thought the word herd might have been used loosely. Knowing that there are Muntjac around Wythall, I just wondered if it was these that are believed to be at Bittell.

He's not up to speed with such things, but he relayed the message of "ones with big antlers". :-O

The big antlers bit also pointed me towards Fallow. There are quite a few herds down my way in the Chilterns and they can be very elusive! Red and Sika also fit the bill. Anyone know the status of these three in the West Midlands?

On another note, Spotshank was in the same place as yesterday at lunchtime. Very easy to find as the only other waders were four sleeping Lapwing. The other hundred odd must have been out on a day trip!

ATB

Robin

 

[senatore]

Iam doing well this week, first i pulled a long legged Bird at Shustoke (Rhea) . And today i had a Shag at Draycote, must be my lucky week .:t:
Also managed to catch up with Max,s little friend .

Nice shots Steve.The juvenile Wheatear is a great little bird.

Max.

 

[JimMorris]

I'm visiting Brandon for the first time tomorrow and would like to see your Barn Owl and possibly a Kingfisher. Where on the reserve do I look for them. I love your Goldcrest Duckpond.
JIm.