Morocco – Fort Bou Jerif’s Desert Surrounds – 25th March 2010

For this day, as most of the area to be covered was at best by track, we decided to ask the Hotel to arrange for a local driver to take us out. So by nine in the morning we were enjoying the rest from actually driving and aboard a Landrover heading generally towards the sea.

Crested Larks, Red-rumped Wheatear and Black-eared Wheatear were abundant. We soon reach the river, surprisingly little to see, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Grey Heron. By lunch we were at Plage Blanche with Sandwich Tern & Yellow-legged Gull on the shore line and Cormorant & Gannets offshore.

In the afternoon we had Bar-tailed Lark, Temminck’s Lark and Rufous Bush Robin, along with many Camels before we started to head back with views of a Booted Eagle on the way and Richard’s Pipit on the track side.

Life bird count: 395 Year bird count: 172 Month bird count: 138

Photo: Red-rumped Wheatear (Oenanthe moesta); Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)

Morocco – Across to Fort Bou Jerif – 24th March 2010

To get across to where we were going to spend a couple of night we back tracked to Guelmin and took the road out to Laksabi, then, what turns into a rather bumpy track out across the desert to “The Fort”.

Crossing the Oued Noun, some where east of Laksabi, around the bridge we had superb views of two Marbled Teal along with Little-ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, then yet more Trumpeter Finch came into to drink.

Having finished at the river it was pure scrub all the way, I guess as the warmer weather takes over this will be completely barren desert but for us it was covered in green Euphorbia. Birds just pop up, mainly Wheatears and Larks, then big surprises, first a Honey Buzzard sitting on a pylon, then out of the scrub about 100m from the track a Marsh Harrier, along with numerous Fat Sand Rats and regular Montagu’s Harriers.

As we closed on the Hotel a Bonelli’s Eagle soars up over a middle distant ridge.

Life bird count: 394 Year bird count: 166 Month bird count: 130

Photos: Fat Sand Rat (psammomys obesus);

Morocco – South to Guelmim – 24th March 2010

Our visit this year was centred around seeing some desert species and in order to stand any chance of doing that we had to head further south. So we pushed down over 200km through Tiznit and Guelmim, the next town on the sign posts was Tan-Tan, but there was no need to go that far.

En-route we saw Montagu’s Harrier, Black Wheatear, White crowned Wheatear, Rock Sparrow and Rock Thrush. At about 10km past Guelmim the road crosses the Oued Sayed, here we pulled off the road and drove along a track very close to the scrub. We soon saw Tristram’s Warbler amongst the Crested Larks, then further on Trumpeter Finch and Rock Bunting. We headed on a few kilometres before turning right into a small village for House Bunting and Desert Weatear.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 162 Month bird count: 119

Photos: Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githaginea); Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)

Morocco – Massa – 23rd March 2010 (part 3)

Back tracking from Sidi Ouassai, we stopped to pick up a Plain Martin, Red-rumped Swallow and Black-crowned Tchagra, particularly pleased with the Martin as it was a good clear view. We were going to drive onto the reserve but there was such a gathering of “Guides” that we could see it was going to be a stress, so taking the track signed posted to the restaurant at Sidi-Rbat we headed across the open fields. Lots of Thekla Larks here, though to be honest distinguishing between Crested in this area can be rather hit and miss, then a single Lesser Short-toed Lark very close to the track. We also saw Locust and Ground Squirrel. A good drive, rather bumpy and we didn’t make it to the restaurant before we turned about and headed back to our Hotel.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 152 Month bird count: 116

Photo: Barbary Ground Squirrel (atlantoxerus getulus); Lesser Short-toed Lark (calandrella rufescens)

Morocco – Massa – 23rd March 2010 (part 2)

We then decided, that rather than heading onto the National Park, we’d continue on the road to Sidi Ouassai, so from the flats around the river the road climbs up and we see a Little Owl sitting in one of the road side trees.

As the trees get fewer it is vital you scan the fences because here we found Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Subalpine Warbler and Chiffchaff.

Eventually we hit the coast at Sidi-Ouassai and there are several Kestrels being flighty around the buildings, along with Laughing Dove.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 134 Month bird count: 101

Photo: Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Morocco – Massa – 23rd March 2010 (part 1)

On our first full day we take the main road south out of Agadir and keep following the signs to Tiznit, before long we leave the hustle and bustle of the towns on the edge of the city and join the steady stream of buses, lorries and taxis going south, once through Sidi Bibi we know we are “out of town”.

We look for a sign to a camping site to the right. It’s some 15 or 20 miles down the road from Sidi Bibi and what’s more if you miss the first, there is a second less than a mile further on. We take the first right turn and enter bird land. The road is narrower and each side is scrub or crops. Both Thekla and Crested Larks are very common. Moussier’s Redstarts are frequent, as are Grey & Woodchat Shrikes.

Once we had gone through to the village of Arhbalou we started to see the effects of the recent heavy rain fall and in the flooded fields very close to the road are Greater Flamingo, Cattle Egret, Little Egret & Black-winged Stilt.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 130 Month bird count: 95

Photo: Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Morocco – Agadir – 22nd March 2010

Before we start the serious stuff, when you arrive in Agadir from a cold Gatwick in late March, things hit you.

Firstly the Swallows are in full muster and darting around like it’s mid summer in the UK, Swifts are also about, but not in great numbers. Gulls are everywhere, mainly Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged. Then when you are in your Hotel or walking out, you hear a loud melodious call, your thoughts will go to exotic species, but you will soon discover they are Bulbuls and they can be seen in the streets taking cover in the road side trees. Finally you will look at the Sparrows and notice all is not as it seems because occasionally they will turn out to be House Buntings. You are in North Africa!

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 123 Month bird count: 85

Photo: Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus)

Morocco – Agadir and beyond – 22nd to 29th March 2010

Apologies for a prolonged period of absence but we’ve been on our hols! 

Based in Agadir we spent a week travelling and birding in Morocco, including a three day stay in the Northern Sahara.  So now we are back I’ll be writing the next few entries to cover the species and notes on the trip. 

In the mean time whilst I get the photographs sorted through and confirm some sightings, here’s a taster of the region. 

Life bird count: 389    Year bird count: 117   Month bird count: 74 

Photo: Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Suffolk – Ickworth House (NT) – 7th March 2010

Regular readers will know that we had visited this site this January in the hope of seeing Lesser-spotted Woodpecker and that at that time no spring flowers had appeared. On this visit, we are glad to report that the large covering of Snowdrops were out in their glory and that the distinct leaves of the Spotted Orchid were also visible. Bird wise, alas, only Greater-spotted Woodpecker, mega disappointment as lesser in these woods has been a sure bet over the last 10 years. We also saw Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Redwing and Goldcrest.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 115 Month bird count: 42

Photo: Snowdrops (galanthus)

Suffolk – The Strand – 5th March 2010

I could not resist a quick stop over here on the way home from work as the weather was so good compared to what we had been enduring of late. The tide was at its highest, therefore there were no waders to be seen, but on the water were a few Gulls; Herring, Common & Black-headed. Grazing on the field opposite was a large number of Greylag Geese and on the immediate verge Meadow Pipits flew up and down finding what food they could.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 115 Month bird count: 30

Photo: Common Gull (larus canus)

Suffolk – The Strand – 21st February 2010

This was our final site of the day and to be honest our most productive, at least count wise. The tide had just turned and the shore line mud was just being revealed again, so the birds were gathering quite close to start feeding. Waders included Knot, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin & Oystercatcher. Amongst the wildfowl there were Brent Geese, Wigeon and Shelduck, then our in the estuary we saw a Slavonian Grebe, several Great-crested Grebes & Merganser.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 115 Month bird count: 89

Photo: Great Knot (calidris tenuirostris)

Norfolk – The Broads – 21st February 2010

After our walk around Strumpshaw we headed off east and stopped over at Cantley but the visibility was so bad it was impossible to make out the Bean Geese. We however were rewarded passing through the marshes at Halvergate when a Hen Harrier passed over. Then further south around Haddiscoe we saw Rough-legged Buzzard being mobbed by some crows and in the field plenty of thrushes, mainly Fieldfare & Mistle, also, in the distance, over 100 feeding Pink-footed Geese.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 114 Month bird count: 80

Photo: Mistle Thrush (turdus viscivorus)

Norfolk – Strumpshaw Fen – 21st February 2010

By the time we got up into Norfolk the weather had worsened to a mixture of rain and sleet and the waters at Strumpshaw were for the most part frozen over. Never the less we took a walk around to the tower hide, Marsh Harriers popped up at regular intervals and there were some Great-crested Grebes on the river. From the hide we had good views of a large gathering of wildfowl on the ice; Moorhen, Coot, Shoveler and Teal for the main. We then beat a hasty retreat back to the car for some warmth! But not before we had taken in a flighty Marsh Tit on the feeders. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 112 Month bird count: 78 Photo: Common Moorhen (gallinula chloropus)

Suffolk – Ipswich Park – 20th February 2010

Well it’s not every day you can combine a trip to the shops with a birding experience but, park a little bit further out of town and walk to the centre through the park and Bob’s your uncle! On the way through calling Nuthatch, feeding Mistle Thrush & Redwing and on the water Mandarin Duck along with Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gulls and Mallard.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 110 Month bird count: 72

Photo: Mandarin Duck (aix galericulata)

Hertfordshire – Whitwell – 13th February 2010

We were out staying with some very good friends this weekend in Hertfordshire and they took the opportunity to take us for long stroll around some very impressive middle England countryside. Naturally this produced some opportunity to bird. Top of the pile must go to the five Little Egrets feeding in a watercress meadow with Moorhens, then the rest were field and woodland birds, Jackdaws, Fieldfare, Greater-spotted Woodpecker, Song and Mistle Thrushes.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 109 Month bird count: 65

Photo: Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Essex – Mistley Quay – 7th February 2010

Moving on along back up towards Suffolk and from day one this year, we’ve being trying to see a reported Diver of the quay at Mistley. Well today was the day, Great Northern Diver clearly visable in the mist about half a mile out, along with a number of Great-crested Grebes, Pintails and 100 plus Shelducks.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 109 Month bird count: 52

Photo: Pied Wagtail (motacilla alba

)

Essex – Abberton – 7th February 2010

Not the best of days here, low visibility, and trying to rain! Still, it’s worth a quick drive around the local. First stop was Abberton and to our surprise whilst scanning the sheltering wildfowl, there is White-fronted Goose with its head well down, just popping up occasionally, drake Smew, Scaup and several Ruddy Duck. Plus all the regular swans and ducks.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 108 Month bird count: 44

Photo: Mute Swan (cygnus olor)

Cambridgeshire – Fens - 30th January 2010

Driving around the Fens on a clear winter’s day afternoon till dusk, who knows what you might see. On this particular trip feeding arctic swans were very evident, we encountered both Bewick and Whooper. We also saw a surprising number of thrushes including large parties of Fieldfare and Mistle. But the finale of the day was, as the sun was in its last throws near Pymoor, five Barn Owls starting to hunt. superb views right above our heads

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 106 Month bird count: 106

Photo: Barn Owl (tyto alba)

Norfolk – Santon Downham - 30th January 2010

This is birding without the walk. Park up in the St Helen’s car park, wait for everything to settle and hey presto over 100 Brambling, give or take a few Chaffinches and Great Tits, are to be seen feeding in the fallen beech nuts. Magic!

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 103 Month bird count: 103

Photo: Brambling (fringilla montifringilla)

Suffolk – Ickworth House (NT) - 30th January 2010

With in the grounds of this National Trust House there are some great woods for birding in at this time of year. We took the opportunity to stroll at first light through the area on the left just as you enter the grounds. Blue, Long-tailed, Great and Coal Tits were abundant along with Robin and Blackbird. Higher in the trees we found Greater-spotted Woodpecker and flying out across the sheep meadow was Green Woodpecker. With a little more attention is was easy to find Nuthatch, but alas I only heard the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, that will have to wait for another visit, but we’ll be sure not to leave it too late as the leaf cover will make it impossible to see them and we will also miss the impressive covering of Snowdrops which are about to appear.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 102 Month bird count: 102

Photo: European Robin (erithacus rubecula)

Essex – Harlow Park UPDATE !– 27th January 2010

Just when you think that you’ve seen all the winter visitors, another one crops up. I saw the Grey Wagtail feeding in the brook, a first for me in the Park and one that has undoubtedly come in for easier feeding during the bad weather.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 100 Month bird count: 100

Photo: Grey Wagtail (motacilla cinerea)

Essex – Harlow Park – 26th January 2010

Throughout the year I generally take the opportunity to keep an eye on what is to be seen in the Public Park close to where I work, generally this tally’s by year end to about thirty odd species. So far this year I am at nineteen species including Siskin, Redwing, Fieldfare, Green Woodpecker, Song Thrush and Heron. Plus Grey Squirrel and Red Fox. I’ll keep you posted how things go during the following months.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 99 Month bird count: 99

Photo: Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Suffolk – Levington – 17th January 2010

It was a very good start to the day as we caught sight of a Peregrine weaving around the dockside building in Ipswich. Then on the track down to the Marina some one had caught sight of Corn Bunting and Brambling feeding on a distant discarded small field of maize. We strolled around the Marina and picked up the Black-necked Grebe very quickly as it dived for food amongst the moored boats. Birders were gathering into quite a group so we made an exit and headed to the Loompit Trout Lake where all the regular were; Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Redshank, Pochard, Wigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Meadow Pipit, Common Gull and Cormorant all making for a great stroll round.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 99 Month bird count: 99.

Photo: Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Lancashire – Manchester Quays – 16th January 2010

I was mixing it a bit this weekend with a trip to the footy at Old Trafford and a spot of opportunity birding on the way there and in the immediate surrounds. On the drive up as the snow had completely vanished the birds now had to combat the flooded fields. It was evident that Pheasants, for example, were feeding very close to the road sides. Overhead there were Common Buzzards over the M6 north of Stoke and a notable pair of Sparrowhawks (male and female birds) together over the A50 in Derbyshire. At the Quays in Manchester the water provides sheltered area for quite a few species and good views are easy. Today there was Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Great-crested Grebe, Coot, Cormorant and Shag.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 97 Month bird count: 97

Photo: Coot (Fulica atra)

and the Ground

Suffolk – The Strand – 10th January 2010

The river Orwell was still and grey, sleet was sweeping in from its estuary so the birds were being pushed up stream and taking to as much shelter as they could find. Mallard and Wigeon hugged the bank. Curlews, Lapwings, Dunlins and single Grey Plover and Ringed Plover feed on the exposed mud. The only birds in the water were Great-crested Grebes (30+), Mergansers (20+) and Cormorants. Finally a flock of Greylag Geese flew in to the field on the other side of the road disturbing foraging Rooks.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 96 Month bird count: 96

Photo: Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

Suffolk – Combs Wood – 9th January 2010

There was too much snow for the car today. So we took a two mile round trip walk to our local wood. First point of note was the large influx of Redwings and Fieldfares this winter, many easily seen in the garden on small housing estates. As we rose out of the urban area in the hedge rows we saw Bullfinch, House Sparrow and Chaffinch all trying to get anything going to feed off in the greenery that had not succumbed to the snow coverage. Within the wood itself Tits were quite abundant and the Crows still took there position on top on the tallest trees but otherwise everything was very quiet. I guess the lack of easy food had driven most birds out in people's gardens.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 94 Month bird count: 94

Photo: Fieldfare (turdus pilaris)

Essex – Abberton – 2nd January 2010

Always worth a visit, this site can produce some great birding. On this day the large scale freeze over had started to thaw, resulting in the birds being closer to the causeways. From the Layer crossing there were Pintail, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Pochard and Tufted Duck. Then from the Breton side, Smew, Goosander, Heron, Egyptian Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Common Gull, Mute Swan and Mallard all present, some in large numbers. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 93 Month bird count: 93

Photo: Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

Essex - Mistley Walls - 2nd January 2010

For the second day in the year we headed into Essex and the wildfowl and waders on the river Stour.

There were the usual high numbers of Knot feeding in the mud, plus Avocet and Curlew. Duck wise there were Pintails, Shelduck, Goldeneye and Scaup. Plus over a hundred Mute Swans which had been infiltrated by the usual escaped Black Swans and two Chinese Geese (a domestically bred goose).

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 89 Month bird count: 89

Photo: Chinese Goose [domestic & escaped]

Norfolk – Salthouse – 1st January 2010

One final stop before heading back home and we try to beat the light and get to the small coastal gap at Salthouse.

On the pools there were Teal and Turnstone, plus a largish flock of Snow Buntings (20 to 30 birds) feeding on the shingle. Great end to a great day!

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 81 Month bird count: 81

Photo: Ruddy Turnstone (arenaria interpres)

Norfolk – Titchwell – 1st January 2010

We progressed further into New Year ’s Day and right up on the north Norfolk coast at RSPB Titchwell. A great deal to be seen here, amongst them, on the marshes and freshwater; Bearded Tit, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Stonechat, Little Egret, Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Common Gull, Brent Goose, Coot and Lapwing. Then on the coast; Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin. Plus a Red Kite commuting along the boundary with Thonham.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 77 Month bird count: 77

Photo: Eurasian Teal (anas crecca)

Norfolk – Lynford Arboretum – 1st January 2010

“Get stuck in and out there” is my motto when doing yearly bird counts! So without further ado and at the risk of sliding off some East Anglian roads our first stop of the year, as the sun rose, was Lynford.

We were not disappointed; on the water there were five or six Mergansers plus Graylag and Canada Geese. In the trees leading down to the water, we saw a flock of twenty plus Crossbill, five plus Siskin, Treecreeper, Willow Tit, Coal Tit and Firecrest. Then in the lower bushes in the arboretum plenty of Redwings.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 35 Month bird count: 35

Photo: Redwing (turdus iliacus)

Essex – Abberton – 28th December 2009

On this day the reservoir was so calm and the sun very watery indeed, making it easy to spot any bird activity in areas where the ice had melted.

From the Layer causeway there was a large collection of ducks; Pintail, Tufted, Pochard and Widgeon. Whereas from the Breton crossing there were Smew, Merganser, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan and a distant Peregrine Falcon sitting on an electricity pylon

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 245 Month bird count: 72

Essex – Mistley Walls – 28th December 2009

A bright sunny but cold day with the tide well out, leaving many waders and wildfowl in easy view on the mud bank shores of the river Stour. 

Right out were Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Curlew and Shellduck.  Further in were Oystercatchers, Knot, Dunlin and Pintails, with Canada Goose, Mute Swan and errant Black Swans feeding nearly on the Walls them selves.

Life bird count: 389    Year bird count: 244   Month bird count: 66

Suffolk – Bawdsey – 26th December 2009

We took a run out to the coast this morning and the first stop is the estuary at Bawdsey Manor where, on the shoreline there were Redshank and Dunlin along with Shellduck.

We then took the short drive up “the lane” to the pits where there were Pochard, Widgeon, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal. All enduring a cold wind off the North Sea.

Finally on our way home we catch a Merlin skimming along the hedge row.

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 244 Month bird count: 52

Suffolk – Snowy Gardens – 20th December 2009

Not to make too finer point of it but it hasn’t been the weather to be doing much travelling in East Anglia this weekend, so viewing has to be restricted to one’s local patch or in my case the back garden. In a couple of hours watching we had the following species; Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Starling, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Black-headed Gull and Lapwing over. What a pleasant way to while away a Sunday morning!

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 244 Month bird count: 39

Essex – The Walls, Mistley – 22nd November 2009

A long time ago an RSPB Warden said to me, when I was talking about different types of waders seen in an East Anglian winter, that the best place to brush up on my ID skills was the shore line at Mistley. That fact still holds true today.

Within ten minutes of being there we had seen Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Redshank and Dunlin along with Mute Swan, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shellduck, Widgeon, Pintail, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull and Little Egret.

All just on the proverbial doorstep!

Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 244 Month bird count: 58

Suffolk – The Strand & Bawdsey – 24th October 2009

With the weather not too predicable and rain in the air we decided to visit a couple of local sites and catch up on how things were changing now summer is well on it’s way out. From The Strand looking out across the river Orwell the regular waders Oystercatcher, Curlew, Turnstone and Lapwing, were joined by an increased number of Black-tailed Godwits. No doubt these, along with other species will soon increase as winter approaches. Out on the river there were two Shags, a Little Egret and a larger gathering of Cormorants. On driving over to Bawdsey, on the pit the Widgeon had arrived and there were assorted other ducks and a large number of Meadow Pipits feeding around the tamarisk along with Stonechat. Further down, near the picnic site, there was a flock of tits mainly Long-tailed and Blue but amongst them was a Yellow-browed Warbler, a great find! Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 244 Month bird count: 56

Yorkshire – Flamborough Head & Bempton – 27th September 2009

For our last day in the area we headed north up the coast to try our luck at the “Head”. Unfortunately fortune was not on our side and apart from a small flock of inbound Linnets and some passing Gulls, Shags and Rock Doves there was not a lot to be seen, a fact confirmed by other birders in the area casually shrugging their shoulders.

So for the final push we drove up a little bit further to the famous Bempton Cliffs renowned in the breeding season for their quantities of sea birds. Out of season things are a lot quieter, but there are still plenty of Gannets to be seen, incoming after feeding, along with Gulls and interestingly in the water there was a “swimmer”, no not a energetic girl or guy struggling to stay of the rocks but a juvenile Gannet that has departed from it’s nest too young to take flight. These birds will swim for while, then, as they loose weight, will take flight and proceed on their first migration, more than likely to the west coast of Africa, amazing! Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 243 Month bird count: 92

Yorkshire – Bridlington RSPB Sea-watch Cruise – 26th September 2009

We found this event advertised a few months ago and decided it would be focal point of our visit to East Yorkshire. The RSPB run several such cruises on the MV Yorkshire Belle though the late summer, early autumn, with idea of getting good view of Puffins and Gannets (earlier events) and Shearwaters and Skuas on the later events. We set sail from Bridlington harbour at nine in the morning and slowly worked a meandering path up the coast and further out in the North Sea, dispensing “Chum” from the stern to attract birds.

Quite quickly a good number of Gulls come in on the chum we saw Black-headed, Herring, Mediterranean and Greater & Lesser Black-backed. Soon a number of Gannets were off the ship and providing excellent photographic opportunities. Passing us, further away, were a number of Shags and Cormorants and the odd Kittiwake, Red-throated Diver and Eider. In the water Harbour Porpoise, Grey and Common Seal were not too difficult to see and some lucky people saw a Sun Fish surface! However for the birders the best views were of an Arctic and Pomarine Skua in the middle distance. Returning at about one in the afternoon, we can not recommend this experience enough. It is a great way of getting views you just can not achieve on land and so close to some of the species. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 240 Month bird count: 89

Yorkshire – Spurn Point – 25th September 2009

This was our first visit to this site therefore our only familiarity was from books and previous site reports, but, for those who have not been, it is a very narrow peninsula on the north side of the Humber estuary stretching out in the North Sea. Driving up to the light house on the Humber mud/sand flats we saw hundreds of waders and gulls including Knot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Redshank. As the tide moved out these birds frequently took flight in large formations blackening the sky. We eventually parked as close to the lighthouse as permitted and walked "the point" which includes a trapping area. Here a Lapland Bunting perched in easy view on top of the trap, where we also saw a few Reed Buntings, Meadow Pipits and a number of Dunnocks. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 240 Month bird count: 79

Suffolk – Landguard – 19th September 2009

As mentioned before, this is a great site to visit at this time of year with migrant ticking in mind. However, on this visit I have to prove the point with a "dip", in that a Greenish Warbler had played a blinder and disappeared during the Friday night. During a 4 hour visit on Saturday morning I did however see 10+ Wheatear, 10+ Meadow Pipits, 50+ Swallows, 2 Pied Flycatchers, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Plus a number of the more common residents including a large flock of Starlings that proved to be very obliging photo subjects. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 239 Month bird count: 71

Norfolk – Cley– 5th September 2009

Looking at the calendar, its sea watching time again and as per last year we decided to get out early to the beach at Cley. On arrival there was already quite a gathering and talk of a few sightings, in our two hour stay we had Fulmars close in, Sandwich Terns continually fishing, four Great Skuas and a distance they half filled the scope and two Arctic Skuas at about the same. Also going past were Scoter, Teal, Oystercatcher and Turnstone. Not a fantastic species list, but nice to see birds closer in. We then took the opportunity to visit the reserve and queued for short glimpse of the Ortolan Bunting. Then on the scrapes we had very good views of 6 Spoonbills as they were dodging cattle moving around in the water. Also in the scrapes was a Curlew Sandpiper, White Wagtail, numerous Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff and Dunlin. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 239 Month bird count: 59

Suffolk - Landguard - 30th August 2009

This is a good time of year to be visiting this site right on the entrance to Felixstowe dock and renowned for migrants making a day stop over’s. Unfortunately our visit there was spoilt by high winds, forcing any birds present to be taking cover in the low lying bushes.

We only saw Meadow Pipit and Wheatear in any number plus a single Willow Warbler. Not the best day but undoubtedly a situation that will change day by day as the autumn passes through. Life bird count: 389 Year bird count: 233 Month bird count: 71