Matt Eade's Blog

Glynde, Blackdown & The Burgh 29/1/12

2012-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

On a bit of a hangover, me and Dad started off at Glynde where the Great Grey Shrke showed straight away.

Moved onto Blackdown after positive news of the female PARROT CROSSBILL, and after a longish wait a good sized Crossbill flock flew in and the Parrot was picked up straight away. It showed for around 40 mnutes before flying out of sight.

On the way home we visited The Burgh where 2 Red Kites, 2 Short-eared Owls and Grey Partidges were present, and out on Amberey Wildbrooks we met up with Richard and Jon who had found 3 Ruff mixed in with Lapwings.

Horrid pic of the female Parrot Crossbill at Blackdown.

Short-eared Owl at The Burgh.

Iceland Gull 22/1/12

2012-01-23T04:31:00.001-08:00

2nd W Iceland Gull in Newhaven Harbour.

Pett Levels & Dungeness Area 12/1/12

2012-01-12T08:20:00.001-08:00

Pett Levels - Pink-footed Geese 4, White-fronted Geese 12, Bar-headed Goose 1, Barn Owl 1, Marsh Harrier 4, C'ettis Warbler 1

Scotney GP - Marsh Harrier 2

Dungeness RSPB - Great White Egret 2, Long-tailed Duck 1, Smew 1, Bittern 1, Tree Sparrow 10, Chiffchaff 1.

Dungeness Point - CASPIAN GULL 1 1st W, argentatus Herring Gull 3.

with some imagination - Pink-footed Geese and White-fronted Geese.

Smew with Tufted Ducks

a superb 1st winter Caspian Gull.

Calshot, New Forest + Blashford - Hants 11/1/12

2012-01-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Successfully twitched the Spanish Sparrow with Ads Bowley today down in Calshot. Around 50 people present on arrival, it showed straight away in the roadside hedge, flew into a private garden, and reappeared again.
Afterwards we went and saw the Dark-eyed Junco again which showed much better than previous, allowing great scope views.
The rest of the day was spent around the Blashford Lakes and nearby land notching up some good yearticks.

Totals are:
Calshot - SPANISH SPARROW

New Forest - DARK-EYED JUNCO 1, Crossbills 5, Dartford Warblers 2, Woodlark 1.

Blashford Lakes - CASPIAN GULL 1 Ad, Yellow-legged Gulls 7, Goosander 4, Brambling 4.

Harbridge Meadows - Whooper Swan 1, Bewick's Swans 3, Mute Swans 206, Egyptian Geese 2.

Spanish Sparrow at Calshot

Dark-eyed Junco at Hawkhill Enclosure

Bewick's Swans at Harbridge

Mutes, Bewick and Whooper Swans at Harbridge

Whooper Swan at Harbridge

Splash Point, Seaford 10/1/12

2012-01-10T02:46:00.000-08:00

My first seawatch of the year and quite a good one. Totals are:

GLAUCOUS GULL 1 1st winter - drifted west along beach in front of me accompanied by Herring Gulls. Watched for 2 minutes before being lost to view. 9.18-9.20am.
Goosander - redhead flew east high up.
Diver sp. - 31 W + 5E - appeared to be mainly Red-throats but most too distant.
Wigeon - 20 W
Common Scoter - 1
Auk sp - 16 W + 18E
Razorbill - 2 W + 1E
Guillemot - 2W + 1E
Brent Goose - 1W
Gannet - 2

Newhaven Tide Mills

2012-01-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

Saw 11 Purple Sandpiper on the east pier this morning. Out at sea a couple of Divers flew west and 2 Gannets flew east.

Purple Sandpiper on Newhaven East Pier.

Hants + West Sussex 7/1/12

2012-01-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

New Forest
Hawkhill Enclosure - DARK-EYED JUNCO 1, Crossbills 10+
Blashford Lakes - Green Sandpiper
Nr Fritham - GOSHAWK 3, Hawfinch 2, Goosander 1drk,

Haslar Creek, Gosport - Ring-billed Gull 1 adult

Burpham Triangle - Rough-legged Buzzard 1 showed quite well, Short-eared Owl 1, Red-legged Partride 3.

Widewater - Snow Bunting 2 - only seen in flight, I assume going to roost as I arrived very late on.
A couple of other sites were visited throughout the day but nothing exceptional was noted.

The Dark-eyed Junco was a new bird for me, and showed on and off for about an hour I was there.
The Goshawks were amazing. All 3 birds were in display flight and 1 showed well.

Photos will be uploaded in next couple of days.

Dark-eyed Junco site, Hawkhill Enclosure.

Fieldfare at Goshawk site

Ring-billed Gull at Haslar Creek

Brent Goose at Haslar Creek

Norfolk 1/12/12

2012-01-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

Buckenham Marshes RSPB - Taiga Been Geese - 100+, Pink-footed Geese - 200+, Barnacle Geese 40+, Marsh Harrier 1, Ruff 20+, Chinese Water Deer 2, Stoat 1.

Cley NWT - WESTERN SANDPIPER 1 juv, Stoat 1.

Titchwell RSPB - COUE'S ARCTIC REDPOLL 1, Mealy Redpoll 2, Spotted Redshank 4, Yellow-legged Gull 1, Water Rail 1.

Fakenham - Grey Partridge 10.

Western Sandpiper at Cley NWT

Pink-footed Geese at Holkham Gap.

Year totals and review 31/12/11

2011-12-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

Sussex Year List - 227 - somewhat gave up around June time, not realising what the autumn was going to bring, and potentially missed out on a record breaking year.

British Year List - 258 - a lot lower than recent years, but other commitments meant less time for long distance twitching.

Best twitch of 2011 - probably the White-winged Scoter off the Aberdeenshire Coast. A great trip with Jake, getting all Scottish specialalities during the 3 day trip on top off the Scoter.

Best UK bird of 2011 - Wilson's Petrel from the Scilly pelagics in August, just in front of the amazing Great Shearwaters.

Best world bird of 2011 - male Drakensberg Rock-Jumper in Lesotho.

The Burgh & Coldwaltham Brooks 27/12/11

2011-12-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Burgh - after a couple of hours of walking around I finally managed to see the Rough-legged Buzzard well. First seen at a distance, it glided closer and gave great views flying low over fields, hovering and landing on the seed bins.

Also present were 2 ringtail Hen Harriers and 19 Grey Partridge.

Out from Burpham Church were 30 Bewicks Swans including 4 juvs and a Chiffchaff.

Afterwards I visited Coldwaltham Brooks and saw 4 Short-eared Owls, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Mandarins over and a Weasel.

Bewick's Swans at Burpham

Rough-legged Buzzard at The Burgh

Short-eared Owl at Coldwaltham

Cuckmere 26/12/11

2011-12-26T05:33:00.000-08:00

An adult Yellow-legged was the only Gull of any note in the Cuckmere just north of Exceat Bridge this morning.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull in Cuckmere.

Widewater, The Burgh & Rodmell Brooks 24/12/11

2011-12-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

Widewater Lagoon - Snow Bunting 2, Sanderling 15.

The Burgh - Hen Harrier 2 (1M+1F), Red Kite 1, Grey Partridge 8. No sign of the Rough-legged Buzzard.

Rodmell Brooks - Hen Harrier 1F, Short-eared Owl 3.

Snow Buntings at Widewater Lagoons.

Pett, Dungeness, Cuckmere, Rodmell 17/12/11

2011-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Pett Levels - Marsh Harrier 2, Avocet 1

Scotney GP - Barnacle Geese 30+

ARC Pit - Great White Egret 2, Tree Sparrow 8, Goldeneye 10+, Chiffchaff 1.

Dungeness Point - Snow Bunting 1 heard!

Cuckmere Haven - Brent Geese 22. No unusual Gulls on the large flock of Greater/Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Rodmell Brooks - Short-eared Owls 3, Merlin 1, Buzzards 4.

Great White Egret on ARC Pit

Short-eared Owl at Rodmell.

South Africa - 7/11/11

2011-12-12T14:30:00.001-08:00

Cape Point - Grey-headed Gull, Hartlaub's Gulls, Jackass (African) Penguins 40+, Cape Sugarbird 2, Cape Siskin 6, Cape Gannets, White-chinned Petrel 2, White-fronted Plover 3, Crowned Cormorant 8, Antarctic Tern, Blacksmith's Plover 2, Three-banded Plovers.

Cape Beach - Levaillant's Cisticola 3, Water Thick-Knee 1, Cape Lesser Swamp Warbler 3, Little Swifts, White-rumped Swifts.

Jackass Penguin

Hartlaub's Gull

Crowned Cormorant

Blacksmith's Plover

Greater Crested (Swift) Tern

Levaillant's Cisticola

South Africa - 8/11/11

2011-12-12T04:56:00.001-08:00

Rouiells - Cape Rockjumper 3, Orange-breasted Sunbird 2, Cape Grassbird 2, Familiar Chat 1, White-necked Raven.

Betty's Bay - Bank Cormorant 22, African Penguin 100+, Cape Francolin 2, Pin-tailed Whydah, Brimstone Canary 2.

Harold Porter Bot. Gardens - Swee Waxbill 4, Rock Martin, Southern Double-collared Sunbird 2.

On route to De Hoop - Jackal Buzzards, Blue Cranes, Capped Wheatears, Namaqua Doves, Black Harrier 1, Karoo Korhaan 2.

Cape Sugarbird at Rooiels

Cape Francolin at Betty's Bay

Brimstone Canary at Betty's Bay

Swee Waxbill at Harold Porter

Capped Wheatear on rout to De Hoop

Bokmakierie at De Hoop

South Africa - 9/11/11

2011-12-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

De Hoop NP - Great White Pelican 5, African Hoopoe 2, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Cape Teal, Brown-throated Martin, Fiscal Flycatcher, Yellow-fronted Canary, Denham's Bustard 6, Cape Vulture 7, Black Harrier 1, Cape Clawless Otter.

Malgas - Pearl-breasted Swallow 2, Klaas's Cuckoo 1

Knysna - Dusky Flycatcher, Bar-thraoted Apalis.

Sombre Greenbul at De Hoop

Karoo Prinia at De Hoop

Fiscal Flycatcher at De Hoop

Denham's Bustard at De Hoop

Cape Vulture at De Hoop

Blue Crane at Malgas.

South Africa - 10/11/11

2011-12-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Wilderness NP - Chorister Robin-Chat 6, Knysna Turaco 10, Narina Trogan 2, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Amethyst Sunbird, Olive Pigeon, Forest Canary 1, Black-headed Oriole 2, African Paradise Flycatcher, Reed Cormorant, Malachite Kingfisher, Terrestrial Brownbul, Green Wood-Hoopoe 2.

Bartlesfontein - Secretarybird

Tradouws Pass - Great Doub. Coll. Sunbird 1, Brown-hooded Kingfisher 1

Honeywood Guest House, Groostervanbosch - Greater Honeyguide 1, Fiery-necked Nightjar 1, African Wood Owl 2.

African Paradise Flycatcher at Wildeness

Bar-throated Apalis at Wilderness

Knysna Turaco at Wilderness

White-throated Swallow at Wilderness

Reed Cormorant at Wilderness

Crappy pic of Secretarybird at Bartlesfontein

Greater Double-collared Sunbird at Tradouws Pass

Amethysts Sunbird at Groostervanbosch

Olive Thrush at Groostervanbosch

South Africa - 11/11/11

2011-12-08T09:16:00.001-08:00

Groostervanbosch - Knysna Warbler 1+1h, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler 1, Black Cuckoo 2, Black Sparrowhawk 2, Forest Buzzard 4, Narina Trogan 2, Olive Woodpecker 6.

Strandfontein Sewage Works - Maccoa Duck 4, Red-billed Duck 2, Southern Pochard, Cape Teal, Black-necked Grebe, Black-shouldered Kite, African Darter 1, Spotted Thick Knee 3, Purple Swamphen 2.

Narina Trogan at Groostervanbosch

Knysna Warbler at Groostervanbosch

Cape Robin-Chat at Groostervanbosch

Black-shouldered Kite at Strandfontein

Cape Teal at Strandfontein

Maccoa Duck at Strandfontein

Sacred Ibis at Strandfontein

Spotted Thick Knee at Strandfontein.

South Africa - 12/11/11

2011-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Pelagic - Shy Albatross 20+, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross 10+, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross 5+, Black-browed Albatross 5, White-chinned Petrel 100+, Pintado Petrel 10+, Great-winged Petrel 10, KERGUELAN PETREL 1, Northern Giant Petrel 5+, Southern Giant Petrel 10+, Sooty Shearwater 10+, Subantarctic Skua 8, Arctic Skua 2, Bank Cormorant 4.

Kirstenbosch Bot. Gardens - Spotted Eagle Owlets 2

Riefvial - Black Crake 1, Purple Swamphen 2, African Spoonbill 1.

Darling area - African Marsh Harrier 2, Cape Clapper Lark 3, White-backed Mousebird 3.

Northern Giant Petrel

Southern Giant Petrel

Subantarctic Skua

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross

Shy Albatross

Black-browed Albatross

Pintado Petrel

White-chinned Petrel

Giant Petrel sp.

Great-winged Petrel

Cape Gannet

Sooty Shearwater

The mega Kerguelan Petrel - this bird should have been in the antarctic, not off Cape Point. Note the silvery upperwing highlights. The characteristic hovering flight was noted by all present.

Spotted Eagle Owlet at Kirstenbosch Bot. Gardens.

South Africa - 13/11/11

2011-12-08T06:52:00.001-08:00

West Coast Nat. Park
Grey-backed Cisticola, Marsh Sandpipers 6, Kittlitz's Plovers, Greater Flamingos, Long-billed Crombec, Karoo-scrub Robins, Black Harrier 3, Southern Black Korhaan 3, Yellow Canary, Karoo Lark 1, Curlew Sandpipers, Whimbrel, Dunlin, Grey Plover.

Darling - Secretarybird, Cloud Cisticola, Cape Longclaw, Booted Eagle.

Zerfontein - Chestnut-banded Plover 4

Southern Black Korhaan at West Coast

Yellow-billed Kite at West Coast

Cape Bunting at West Coast

Karoo Scrub Robin at West Coast

Black Harrier at west coast

Booted Eagle at Darling

Bee-Eater on way to Karoo.

South Africa - 14/11/11

2011-12-08T06:36:00.001-08:00

Karoo area - Namaqua Warbler 2, African Marsh Warbler 2, Speckled Mousebird 3, Olive Thrush 2.

The Fort - Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk 4, Fairy Flycatcher 2, Chestnut-vented Tit Babbler 2, Pririt Batis, Karoo Chats, Booted Eagle 1, Bee-Eater 1.

P2250 - Namaqua Sandgrouse 4, Burchell's Courser 4, Rufous-eared Warbler 2, Spike-heeled Lark 4.

Skitterykloof - Black-headed Canary 1, White-backed Mousebird.

Sand Intrusion - Grey-backed Sparrowlark 1, Cape Penduline Tit 5.

Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk at The Fort.

Namaqua Sandgrouse along the P2250

Burchell's Coursers along the P2250 (strong heat haze)

Rufous-eared Warbler along P2250.

Grey-backed Sparrowlark at Sand Intrusion.

South Africa - 15/11/11

2011-12-08T05:51:00.000-08:00

Jo'burg to Sani Pass - Crowned Plover 2, Long-tailed Widowbird 30+, Common Mynas, Groundscraper Thrush 1, Black Sparrowhawk 1, Cape Robin-Chat 1, Black Stork 1.

Crowned Plover on outskirts of Jo'burg.

Laughing Dove on route to Sani.

Common Myna on route to Sani.

Groundscraper Thrush on route to Sani.

South Africa - 16/11/11

2011-12-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Sani Pass into Lesotho

Lower Sani - Red-throated Wryneck 1, Red-chested Cuckoo 1, Cape Rock Thrush, Bush Blackcap 2, African Harrier Hawk 1, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler 1, Long-crested Eagle, Streaky-headed Seed-Eater, Grey-headed Sparrow, Southern Bald Ibis 5+, Cape Eagle Owl.

Middle Sani - Gurney's Sugarbird 3, Barratt's Warbler 1, Buff-steaked Chat 2, Red-collared Widowbird, Red-winged Francolin 1, Ground Woodpecker, Horus Swifts, Wailing Cisticola, Sickle-winged Chat.

Upper Sani - White-throated Seed-eater 1, Drakensberg Siskin 8, Sentinel Rock-Thrush 5, Familiar Chat, Lammergeier 1.

Lesotho - Drakensberg Rockjumper 4, Layard's Tit-babbler 3, Mountain Wheatear 2, Mountain Pipit 5, African Rock Pipit 2, Grey Tit 2, Cape Vultures, Lammergeier, Black-backed Jackal 1, Muskrat.

Pevensey Road, S.A. - Pale-headed Cisticola, Grey-crowned Cranes, Cliff Swallows, Banded Martin, Red-billed Quelea, Little Rush Warbler, Anteating Chats.

Gurney's Sugarbird at Sani Pass

Malachite Sunbird at Sani Pass

Bush Blackcap at Sani Pass

Drakensberg Siskin at Sani Pass.

Mountain Wheatear in Lesotho.

Ground Woodpeckers at Sani Pass

Drakensberg Rockjumper in Lesotho.

Sentinel Rock Thrush at Sani Pass

Long-tailed Widowbird along Pevensey Road

Anteating Chat along Pevensey Road

Grey-crowned Crane along Pevensey Road

Red-throated Wryneck at Sani Pass.

South Africa - 17/11/11

2011-12-08T04:50:00.001-08:00

Nr Drakensburg - CAPE PARROT -1, Orange Groundthrush 1, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler 1, Dark-capped Bulbul.

On route to HighOver - Secretarybird

HighOver - BLUE SWALLOW 3, Black Cuckooshrike, Village Weaver, Broad-tailed Warbler, Lazy Cisticola 1.

Nr Underberg, Drakensburg - Wattled Crane 3, Yellow-throated Pipit 2, Secretarybird 1.

Broad-tailed Warbler at HighOver

Quail at HighOver

Wattled Cranes in Drakensburg.

South Africa - 18/11/11

2011-12-08T04:28:00.001-08:00

Wakkerstroom area - RUDD'S LARK 1, Botha's Lark 3-4, Barrow's Korhaan 5, Black-bellied Korhaan 1, Blue Korhaan 7, African Quailfinch 2, Anteating Chat 1, Spike-heeled Lark 3, Wattled Lapwing 2, Drakensburg Prinia 1, Mountain Wheatear 2, Red-naped Lark, Violet-backed Starling.

On route - Whiskered Terns, Purple Heron.

Abel Erasmus Pass - TAITA FALCON 2

Orpen Gate, Kruger - Magpie Shrikes.

The mega rare Taita Falcon at Abel Erasmus Pass.

The critically endangered Rudd's Lark at Wakkerstroom.

Botha's Lark at Wakkerstroom

Blue Korhaans at Wakkerstroom.

Wattled Lapwing at Wakkerstroom

Barrow's Korhaan at Wakkerstroom.

South Africa - 19/11/11

2011-12-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Kruger
Orpen Gate - Black Cuckooshrike 1, Magpie Shrikes, Grey Go-away Birds, Red-backed Shrikes.

On route to Satara - Burchell's Starling 2, Blue Waxbills, Swainson's Spurfowl, Red-billed Oxpecker, Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, Rattling Zisticolas, Sabota Lark, Natal Francolin, Crested Bartbets, Green Wood Hoopoes, White-crested Helmet Shrike 5, Brown Crowned Tchagra 1, Bearded Woodpecker, Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, Purple Roller, White Rhino 2.

Satara - Black-collared Barbet, Yellow-fronted Canary, African Scops Owl

On route to Shingwedzi - Martial Eagles, Bateleur, Palm Swifts, White-fronted Bee-Eater 1, Marabou Stork, Black-backed Puffback, Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, Crowned Lapwing 2, Red-faced Mousebirds 5, Tawny Eagle 1, Spotted Hyenas.

White Rhino

Magpie Shrike near Orpen Gate

Crested Barbet at Satara.

African Scops Owl at Satara

Grey Go-Away Bird near Orpen Gate

Bateleur near Shingwedzi

Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling near Shingwedzi

Spotted Hyena

South Africa - 20/11/11

2011-12-06T13:39:00.001-08:00

Kruger
Shingwedzi Camp - Marico Sunbird 2, Diderick Cuckoo 1, Grey-rumped Martins, Bennet's Woodpecker, Broad-billed Roller.

On route to Punda - Red-crested Korhaan, Southern Black Flycatcher, Brown-headed Parrot, Southern Hround Hornbill 5, Crested Francolin 3, African Golden Oriole 1, Black-headed Oriole 1, Kurrichane Thrush 1.

Night Drive at Punda -Rufous Cheeked Nightjars 3, Mozambique Nightjar 1, White-faced Scop's Owl, Spotted Eagle Owl, Porcupine 1, Lesser Bushbaby, Greater Bushbaby, Spring Hares.

Brown-headed Parrot near Shingwedzi

Blue Waxbill at Shingwedzi camp

Bennet's Woopecker at Shingwedzi camp

Yellow-billed Hornbill near Shingwedzi

Crested Francolin near Shingwedzi

White-backed Vulture

Elephant

South Africa 21/11/11

2011-12-05T13:50:00.001-08:00

Kruger
Punda Maria camp - Ashy Flycatcher 1, Eastern Bearded Scrub Robin 1, Eastern Nicator 1.

Mahonie Loop - Black-crowned Tchagra 1, Yellow-throated Petronia 2, Crowned Hornbill 2, White-bellied Sunbird 2, Kurrichane Thrush 1, Grey-headed Bush Shrike 1, White-throated Robin-Chat 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, African Hawk Eagle 3, Orange-breasted Bush Shrike 1, Red-headed Weaver 1.

On route south - Southern Ground Hornbill 1, African Cuckoo.

Letaba Dam - African Jacana 6, Squacco Heron 3, African Wagtail 4, Ruff 3, Open-billed Stork 1, Black Heron 2, Yellow-billed Storks, Collared Pratincoles.

Nr Oliphonts Bridge - Red-breasted Swallows, Red-crested Korhaan.

Satara - Lions - 2

Night Drive - African Wild Cat 6, Small Spotted Genet 3, Large Spotted Genet 1, White Rhino 1, Striped Jackal 1, Rock Python 1.

Burchell's Coucal on Mahonie Loop

Brown Snake Eagle on Mahonie Loop

Warthog

Pied Kingfisher nr Letaba Dam

Giraffe

Red-crested Korhaan near Satara.

South Africa - 22/11/11

2011-12-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Kruger
Nr Satara, s100 loop - Verreaux's Eagle Owl 2, Red-billed Firefinch 2, Black-bellied Bustard 1, Spectacled Weavers, Little Bee-Eaters, Green-winged Pytila 1, Lappet-faced Vultures 2, White-headed Vultures 2, Brown Snake Eagle, Lions (6 Lioness + 1 cub).

Satara Camp - African Green Pigeon 2, Brown-headed Parrot 10, Cardinal Woodpeckers.

On route to Skukuza - Hamerkops 4, Saddle-billed Storks 2, African Harrier Hawk 1, Black-winged Stilts 2.

Skukuza Camp - Collared Sunbird, Common Scimitarbil 1, Green-backed Camaroptera 1, Yellow-breasted Apalis 2, Intermediate Egret 1, Wire-tailed Swallow 2.

Night drive - Lions 2, Nightjar sp. (probably Fiery-necked)

Lioness on S100 loop.

Little Bee-Eater on S100 loop

Hamerkop on route to Skukuza

Saddle-billed Storks on route to Skukuza

Common Scimitarbil at Skukuza camp

Cardinal Woodpecker at Satara Camp.

Chinspot Batis at Skukuza camp.

South Africa - 23/11/11

2011-12-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Skukuza camp, Kruger - Purple Crested Turaco 1, Goliath Heron 2, Vervet Monkey

South Kruger - Golden Oriole 1, Martial Eagles, Southern White-crowned Helmet Shrike 1, Wooly-necked Stork 1, Lilac-breasted Rollers.

Crocodile Bridge - Green-backed Heron 3, Water Thick Knee 4, Black Crakes, African Fish Eagle 2, Crocodiles 30+.

On route to Jo'burg - Cut-throat Finch 1, Streaky-headed Seedeater 1

O.R. Tambo - Karoo Thrush 2, Black-collared Barbet 2.
Vervet Monkey at Skukuza Camp

Lilac-breasted Roller in South Kruger

Southern White-crowned Helmet Shrike in South Kruger

Black Crake at Crocodile Bridge

Crocodile at Crocodile Bridge

South Africa - 24/11/11

2011-12-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Nr Rooiels, Western Cape - 1 Verreaux's Eagle
Rooiels, Western Cape - 2 Cape Sugarbird
Harold Porter Bot. Gardens - Victorin's Warbler 2, African Black Duck 1, Cape Batis 4, Orange-breasted Sunbird 1.

Cape Batis at Harold Porter

African Black Duck at Harold Porter

Cape Siskin at Harold Porter

Victorin's Warbler at Harold Porter

South Africa - 25/11/11

2011-12-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

Klaebeid Harbour, Gansbaai.

Great White Shark - 5
Bronze Whaler Shark - 1
White-chinned Petrel - 1
Cape Fur Seal - 15,000

Our last full day, and what a day it was. Cage dived with Great White Sharks!!! A brilliant experience, and a great finale to our trip.

South Africa

2011-11-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

This Pintado Petrel was one of the many highlights from my South African trip. 419 species seen altogether, along with 4 of the big 5 and cage dived with Great White Sharks as well.

I will be creating a seperate blog fo the whole trip, as well as CDs full of pictures and a trip report as well. Anyone interested, please contact me and il be happy to make a copy for you.

Pintado Petrel of Cape Point, Pelagic.

South Africa Trip

2011-11-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) I am going to South Africa for 3 weeks, so no postings for a while im afraid. Im back on Saturday 26th November.

Horse Eye Levels & Beachy 30/10/11

2011-10-30T07:32:00.001-07:00

An early text from Chris Ball informing me the Glossy Ibis was still present at Horse Eye got me out of my slight hangover and i headed over to meet him.

Meeting up half-way along the track, a large, calling (sparrow-like) Pipit flew over. I immediately called out Tawny Pipit. We both watched it for a further 10-15 seconds before it landed in a sheep field south of the track. It was about 2 times larger than an accompanying Meadow Pipit, pale underparts, long tail and long bodied. I was convinced it was a Tawny, but Chris was doubtful about the call. We failed to relocate the Pipit, and doubt was still in the air, until a couple of hours later when past sound recordings of Tawny Pipit were listened to, and this confirmed that this bird was indeed a TAWNY PIPIT. A Sussex tick for me!!!

The GLOSSY IBIS also performed well eventually, and was last seen being mobbed by a Peregrine, though it landed safely and is still showing this afternoon. Also a Swallow flew over.

I visited Belle Tout Wood after and saw a couple of Firecrests, a very late Willow Warbler, Wheatear and a couple of Blackcaps.

News broke of an Eastern Crowned Warbler in Hertfordshire. I had only got to Lewes when news that the reservoir was permit only, and a key is needed to access. BUGGER!!!

Belle Tout & Birling Gap 27/10/11

2011-10-27T09:15:00.001-07:00

Popped over to Beachy after work today, and managed to see a PALLAS'S WARBLER in Belle Tout Wood, and after saw a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at the top of the lane at Birling Gap. Also good numbers of Firecrest, probably outnumbering Goldcrests 3:1.

Firecrest at Birling Gap

Yellow-browed Warbler at Birling Gap.

Crowlink 15/10/11

2011-10-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

Went to Crowlink this afternoon to see a first for Sussex in the form of an ISABELLINE WHEATEAR. It showed all the time I was there and occasionally showed well. It's diagnostic upright stance was very noticeable, as well as the extreme paleness of the front and mantle, dark alula and in flight the typical tail band of Isabelline was seen.

Seaford Head 15/10/11

2011-10-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

A lovely calm, bright morning today with a good overhead passage consisting of 11 Redpolls; 9 Reed Buntings; 49 Siskins; 7 House Sparrows and a single Brambling.

Grounded migrants consisted of singles of Ring Ouzel; Black Redstart and Whinchat; 4 Wheatears; 4 Chiffchaffs and 6 Blackcaps.

Whinchat on South Hill Barn.

Black Redstart in Hope Gap.

A morning in Suffolk!! 4/10/11

2011-10-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

I saw my 2nd UK SANDHILL CRANE this morning at Boyton Marshes RSPB in Suffolk. It showed very well at times and was calling constantly. My 1st was on Orkney over two years ago, howvever the views were brief and distant, so i was very gald with the views today. The bird started off in Aberdeenshire and has made its way south over 8-9 days, so heres hoping it ventures into Sussex.

Also 20+ Crossbills flew over.

Sandhill Crane in Suffolk.

However the lifer for the day were the WILLOW EMERALD DAMSELFLIES along a small channel on the reserve. They didn't come close unfortunately but i managed a record shot.

Willow Emerald Damselfly in Suffolk.

Seaford Head 3/10/11

2011-10-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Another warm morning with a gentle south westerly breeze. Birds were low in numbers and only half the circuit got covered.
A Golden Plover flew over at first light, and other migrants were 22 Chiffchaffs; 7 Blackcaps; 1 Garden Warbler; 5 Wheatears; 4 Goldcrests; 10 Siskins and 5 Wheatears.

Goldfinch in Hope Gap.

Seaford Head 29/9/11

2011-10-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

A lovely morning today with a fair range of migrants found. Overhead migrants consisted of 1 Tree Pipit; 80 Siskins; 1 Snipe; 1 Yellow Wagtail; 3 Redpolls and 2 Reed Buntings.

Grounded migrants consisted of 2 Redstarts; 32 Chiffchaffs; 5 Whitethroats; 9 Blackcaps; 1 Reed Warbler; 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 10 Wheatears.

Reed Warbler in Hope Gap.

Princess Park 26/9/11

2011-09-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

This amazing Grey Phalarope showed superbly this morning. A macro lens would have been more appropriate for the job, but am very happy with these shots.

Cuckmere Sabine's 23/9/11

2011-09-23T04:13:00.001-07:00

This juv. SABINE'S GULL was found in the Cuckmere this morning by Bob Izzard. Being a patch tick, i went down to see it. It showed amazingly well (down to a metre) at times catching Craneflies on the surface of the water.

Sabine's Gull in Cuckmere Haven.

PALLID HARRIER!!!!

2011-09-20T04:07:00.000-07:00

Saw the superb juvenile PALLID HARRIER just south of The Burgh this morning. Had to wait 3 hours to see it, but when it showed; it showed well and for prolonged periods. Supporting cast were a male Hen Harrier; Merlin (mobbing the Pallid), Hobbies, Sparrowhawks, Kestrels, Marsh Harrier and plenty of Buzzards.

juv Pallid Harrier

male Hen Harrier

Newhaven West Beach 19/9/11

2011-09-19T04:05:00.001-07:00

juv Sabine's Gull at Newhaven West Beach this morning - a different individual to the Brighton Marina bird!!

Seaford Head & Brighton Marina 15/9/11

2011-09-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

A lovely morning on Seaford Head today. Warblers consisted of 69 Blackcaps; 39 Chiffchaffs; 3 Willow Warblers; 16 Whitethroats; 2 Lesser Whitethroats; 3 Reed Warblers; 2 Garden Warblers and 1 Sedge Warbler.

Others bits included 110 Meadow Pipits; 2 Tree Pipits; 23 Wheatears; 2 Whinchats; 16 Yellow Wagtails; 2 Grey Wagtails; 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 7 Siskin.

4 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers were in the Cuckmere.

Blackcap

Chiffchaff

Reed Warbler

Willow Warbler

Afterwards i went over to Brighton Marina and had great views of this juv. SABINE'S GULL on the west arm. A great Sussex tick.

juv. Sabine's Gull at Brighton Marina.

Splash Point 5/9/11

2011-09-05T04:58:00.000-07:00

6.20am-9.15am Wind SW 4-5 Clear conditions

Pomarine Skua - 1 adult 800 metres approx.
Manx Shearwater - 5 - all mega distant
Common Scoter - 8
Shag - 3 west
Common Terns - 20+
Sandwich Tern - 2
Gannet - lots

Thorney, Fishbourne & Pagham Harbour 1/9/11

2011-09-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Started the day on Thorney Island in hopes of seeing the Cattle Egret. There was no sign initially but after 45 minutes it showed on a fence post at 100m range, hence the poor photo. It was great to see and i think is my 13th for Sussex. Nothing else of note.

Next was Fishbourne Creek where the highlights were stacks of Mediterranean Gulls, Greenshank and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Pagham Harbour was the last stop and produced 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 12 Knot, lots of Med. Gulls and Black-tailed Godwits.

Sussex Year List now on 217, UK year list on 251.

Cattle Egret on Thorney Island

Med. Gull off North Wall.

A Grey Squirrel in the channel off the North Wall.

Black-tailed Godwit on Breech Pool.

Seaford Head 31/8/11

2011-08-31T04:57:00.001-07:00

A very quiet this morning today was somewhat livened up in the last ten minutes of the walk.

Anyway totals consisted of single Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Sedge Warbler and Tree Pipit; 63 Blackcaps, 37 Whitethroats, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 each of Wheatear and Whinchat and 93 Yellow Wagtails.
Whinchat by navigational aid.

Blackcap in Hope Gap.

Chiffchaff by the coastguard cottages.

Pied Flycatcher by the car park.

Weir Wood Reservoir 30/8/11

2011-08-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Nice but brief views of the juv. NIGHT HERON this evening at the west end of Weir Wood. It showed twice, once in flight and once sat in the open for about 20 seconds before going out of view.

Also present were 2 Little Stints; 4 Green Sandpipers; Wood Sandpiper; 2 Greenshank; Dunlin; Ringed Plover and a Barn Owl.

This Night Heron represented my second in Sussex, the previous in the exact location, and also a juvenile.

Beachy Head 27/8/11

2011-08-27T04:14:00.000-07:00

A trip up to the Beachy Head Hotel Garden resulted in 2 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a couple of Willow Warblers and lots of Whitethroats.

However the highlight were 2 Honey Buzzards that circled above before heading out to sea.

Also a Clouded Yellow was seen at the Old Trapping Area.

2 Honey Buzzards at Beachy Head.

Seaford Head 24/8/11

2011-08-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

Another really good morning. Started off with on and off showers and the light was dull all morning hence the poor photos. The cliff edge was missed out today due to the early weather.

Another patch tick today in the form of a Ruff on the west side of the Cuckmere.

Other birds noted included 9 Spotted Flycatchers; 3 Redstarts; 3 Tree Pipits; 39 Yellow Wagtails; 41 Whitethroats; 17 Lesser Whitethroats; 37 Willow Warblers; 12 Chiffchaffs; 21 Blackcaps; 2 Garden Warblers; 3 Reed Warblers and singles of Grasshopper Warbler and Wheatear.

Redstart along the western path of the Cuckmere.

Spotted Flycatcher by the wood.

Seaford Head 22/8/11

2011-08-22T03:27:00.001-07:00

A great morning today with vast range of species.

Birds noted were 2 Spotted Flycatchers; 2 Redstarts; 57 Yellow Wagtails; 18 Wheatears; 2 Tree Pipits; 3 Sedge Warblers; 3 Garden Warblers; 5 Reed Warblers; 39 Willow Warblers; 7 Lesser Whitethroats; 40 Whitethroats; 5 Blackcaps; 2 Chiffchaffs and singles of Grey Wagtail; Whinchat and Greenshank.

Hundreds of Swallows were also moving west along with Sand and House Martins and 4 Swift.

Also a Adder was seen a few seconds before nearly stepping on it.

First Spotted Flycatcher by the navigational aid.

Second Spotted Fly. at coastguard cottages.

Wheatear on the beach.

Adder along western path in the Cuckmere.

Seaford Head 20/8/11

2011-08-20T05:51:00.001-07:00

My first visit to the patch in a while. However it yielded a patch tick in the form of a Black-tailed Godwit.

Other highlights included 2 Hobbies; 1 Spotted Flycatcher; 2 Whinchats; 9 Wheatears; 15 Yellow Wagtails; 30 Whitethroats; 4 Lesser Whitethroats; 14 Willow Warblers; 1 Blackcap and a Greenshank also on the west side of the Cuckmere.

Awful picture of a Hobby over the car park.

Wheatear at the dung heap.

Black-tailed Godwit along the river.

Spotted Flycatcher by the wood.

Bird Fair outing 19/8/11

2011-08-20T05:39:00.001-07:00

Went up to the bird fair at Rutland Water today. On the way i visited Grafham Water and saw the juv. WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. It showed well around the fishing booms with a juv. Black Tern and several Common Terns. Also an adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen well.

The bird fair was well worth the trip, with lots of trips to think about for the next couple of years. My wallet is somewhat lighter though.

juv. White-winged Black Tern

White-winged (left) & juv. Black Tern (right) at Grafham Water.

On the way home i visited the Farthing Downs near Coulsdon, Surrey, and despite spending a couple of hours in the M25 rush hour traffic, i finally arrived and had great views of a HOOPOE feeding on the path. It showed well and was very obliging.

Hoopoe at Farthing Downs.

Isles of Scilly 15/8/11

2011-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

The last day on Scilly, but still managed to see a flyover BEE-EATER, a pod of 200+ Common Dolphin and a Green Sandpiper over the Garrison.

The undoubted highlights from the trip were Wilson's Stom-Petrel and Great Shearwater flying a few feet from the boat, Sabine's Gull, Bee-eater and a Minke Whale. On the return Scillonian and large group of us saw at a a distance on a couple of occasions a huge black dorsal fin which in my and other's opinions could only have been a Killer Whale!!!!

Great Shearwater 14/8/11

Isles of Scilly Speckled Wood

The Scillonian

Isles of Scilly 14/8/11

2011-08-16T03:28:00.001-07:00

Great Shearwater

Sooty Shearwater

Fulmar

Blue Shark - 140 pounds, caught, tagged and released.

Common Dolphins

All day pelagic - 2-3 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 1 SABINE'S GULL, 1 GREY PHALAROPE, 4 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Storm-Petrels, pod of Common Dolphins and a MINKE WHALE. Unfortunately we missed a Leatherback Turtle by a couple of seconds!!!!

Isles of Scilly 13/8/11

2011-08-16T03:17:00.001-07:00

Balearic Shearwater

Adult Sabine's Gull

European Storm-Petrel

Oceon Sunfish

juv. Gannet

All day pelagic - 1 GREAT SHEARWATER, 1 SABINE'S GULL, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Pomarine Skua, 10 Great Skuas, 40 Storm-Petrels, 4 Harbour Porpoise and 2 OCEON SUNFISH.

Isles of Scilly 12/8/11

2011-08-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

Wilson's Storm-Petrel 6mls. south of St. Marys.

Great Skua 6mls. south of St. Marys.

Woodchat Shrike at Helvear Farm, St. Marys.

Scllonian Crossing - Lots of Manx Shearwaters, 4 Storm Petrels and many common seabirds.

Pelagic - 2 WILSON'S STORM-PETREL, lots of Storm-Petrels, 10 Manx Shearwaters and 3 Great Skuas. Also 1 Blue Shark caught, tagged and released.

Seaford Head 6/8/11

2011-08-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Only half the circuit was covered today due to boredom setting in. However total consisted off 7 Wheatears; 2 Sedge Warblers; 22 Whitethroats; 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 6 Willow Warblers.

Sedge Warbler by navigational aid.

Windover and Deep Dean

2011-08-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Grayling and Silver Spotted Skipper.

20+ Grayling in the Deap Deen valley this afternoon, as well as 3 Silver Spotted Skippers. Also seveal Dark Green Frits and hundreds of Chalkhill Blues.

Seaford Head 2/8/11

2011-08-02T04:19:00.000-07:00

Totals for this morning consisted of 4 Nightingales; 1 Wheatear; 56 Whitethroats; 9 Lesser Whitethroats; 32 Willow Warblers; 5 Reed Warblers; 2 Chiffchaffs; 3 Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler.

Willow Warbler in Hope Gap

Reed Warbler at the coastguard cottages.

More Quail

2011-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Quail - 2 singing (1 adjacent to Blatchington Golf Course and 1 opposite the west end of Frog Firle valley).

Seaford Head 27/7/11

2011-07-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yet another quiet morning with an increased northerly breeze. Main highlight was a 'croaking' Nightingale in the gap. Supporting cast consisted of 38 Whitethroats; 16 Willow Warblers; 4 Reed Warblers; 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a Blackcap.

Seven Sisters, Birling, Belle Tout, Chat Vale (just).

Seaford Head 26/7/11

2011-07-26T02:49:00.000-07:00

Much better this morning with totols of 6 Crossbills flying east; 60 Whitethroats; 15 Willow Warblers; 6 Lesser Whitethroats; 5 Reed Warblers; 5 Blackcaps; 1 Garden Warbler and our first Wheatear of the autumn.

Willow Warbler on Seaford Head.

Seaford Head 25/7/11

2011-07-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

A much quieter morning compared to yesterday. Bids seen were 38 Whitethroats; 4 Lesser Whitethroats; 8 Willow Warblers; 2 Reed Warblers; 4 Blackcaps; singles of Sedge and Garden Warbler; 60+ Swallows; 10 Sand Martins and surprisingly a Yellow Wagtail flew over.

Juv Swallow

Seaford Head 24/7/11

2011-07-24T02:14:00.001-07:00

My first visit to the patch this morning for the autumn. Totals were 3 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 5 Willow Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 37 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap and a couple of Sand Martins.

Linnet and Willow Warbler on Seaford Head.

Seaford Downs 23/7/11

2011-07-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

A nice walk with Dad this morning at the back of Seaford. The highlight were hearing 4 Quail. Whilst walking up to get close to one of the singing Quail, we inadvertantly flushed a Quail from under our feet.

Butterflies included fresh Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Walls and a Small Copper.
Small Copper

Small Skipper

Greenway Bank

Frog Firle, Greenway and Bo-Peep in the distance.

Ashdown Forest 10/7/11

2011-07-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Immature male Black Darter

Small Red Damselfly

Also a Brlliant Emerald, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Brown Hawker, Emperors, Azure and Large Red Damselflies were seen.

Frog Firle 30/6/11

2011-06-30T11:24:00.001-07:00

female White-letter Hairstreak

male Ruddy Darter

Emerald Damselflies

Southern Emerald Damselflies 29/6/11

2011-06-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Southern Emerald Damselfly at Cliffe Pools RSPB

Immature male Ruddy Darters at Cliffe Pools RSPB

Fiery Clearwing - Exceptionally rare moth on Sheppey today.

Scotland Trip 21st-24th June 2011

2011-06-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

I picked up Jake at 7.30pm on Tuesday evening and headed to Scotland for the hope of seeing the American White-winged Scoter. We arrived on site at 8.30am in heavy rain and strong winds.

After an hour we located the AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER mixed in with Eider and 5 Common Scoter. It was very close inshore allowing all the id. features to be easily seen. Also present were 2 drk. SURF SCOTERS, 20+ Velvet Scoter, 2 Arctic Skua and 8 Arctic Tern flew north.

Me and Jake successfully twitching the White-winged Scoter-dutch style!!

Ythan Estuary - no sign of the drk. King Eider, but plenty of Grey and Common Seals and 16 NORTHERN MARSH ORCHIDS.

The next couple of days were spent in the Cairngorm mountains.

Along the river at Balmoral were 2 PARROT CROSSBILLS, 6 Common Crossbills, Dipper and a Tree Pipit.

On the way to Glenshee a GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted, along with Wheatears and Red Deer.

On Glenshee we counted 24 PTARMIGAN (10 JUVS) including a group of 12 adults. Also 8 Red Grouse, 8 MOUNTAIN HARE and 30+ Frog Orchids.

On the way back from Glenshee a Spotted Flycatcher was at Gellaig Hill and a male Ring Ouzel flew across the road at Glen Gairn.

At first light the following morning a BLACK GROUSE was seen on Tulloch Moor along with a family of Whinchats, 6 Goldeneye and 7 Roe Deer,

At Loch Garten RSPB were 7 Red Squirrels, 7 SCOTTISH CROSSBILLS, 3 CRESTED TITS, Osprey and a Bank Vole.

The day was spent around the Abernethy complex. A total of 21 NORTHERN DAMSELFLIES were found along with 3 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries and 2 Common Lizards.

Male and female Northern Damselfly.

This Wood Warbler was found near Tulloch

Whilst resting in our B&B in Nethy Bridge, a Common Rosefinch had just been found near the village hall in our village. We rushed round there and soon heard the lovely song of the male COMMON ROSEFINCH.

The last day was spent in the same area. On a small open area a scattering of 200+ Lesser Butterfly Orchids and 15+ Heath Fragrant Orchids were present.

Yet more Small-pearl Bordered Fritillaries were spotted around several pools in Abernethy, along with more Northen Damselflies.

We popped into Avielochan before we made the long journey south and found a lovely family of Slavonian Grebes.
Whilst watching these we got told a site for Northern Emerald Dragonfly, a species much wanted on this trip.

We arrived deep in Inshriach Forest and after about 2 hours a single NORTHEN EMERALD was spotted. There were 2 other possible sightings but views were poor, but probably was this species. Other Dragons included Four Spotted Chasers, Common Blue Damselflies and Large Red Damselflies. Also 4 SCOTTISH CROSSBILLS and 9 Common Crossbills were seen in seperate flocks.

Inshriach Forest with Carn Ban More in the backround.

The northern end of Loch Insh

A total of 1530 miles driven by myself, we arrived home at 4am Saturday morning. A fantastic trip with my good mate Jake.

Sheppey 15/6/11

2011-06-15T10:27:00.001-07:00

female DAINTY DAMSELFLY - note the long pale pterostigma; no spine on the 8th abdominal segment; faint spur on side of thorax; rocket shapes on abdominal segments with a faint tip; narrow antehumeral stripes compared to female Com. Blue and the pale legs. Not easy to see in the photo, but size compared to that of Common Blue is smaller with a different flight action also noted.

Blue-tailed Damselfly form rufescens

Emerald Damselfly.

Brilliant Emerald 11/6/11

2011-06-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

This Brlliant Emerald performed well on Ashdown Forest today along a stream. Also a couple of Emperors, Redstarts, Tree Pipits and Heath Spotted Orchirds.

White-throated Robin Twitch 9/6/11

2011-06-10T00:40:00.000-07:00

Left my house at 05.05am and picked up Jack Bujok, Dan & Mike Booker to hopefully nail the Cleveland White-throated Robin. The roads were clear and we soon got up there arriving at Hartlepool Headland at 10.57am.

The WHITE-THROATED ROBIN showed straight away, and continued to do so for a further half hour, sometimes showing as close as 12ft. Great views were had of this 3rd for Britain and well worth waiting until the crowds had died down.

To make the most of the north, we went to Wykeham Forest Raptor watchpoint in the hope of seeing Honey Buzzards. As we arrived, a male Honey came into view and was watched for a couple of minutes. The time spent here resulted in 4-5 Honey Buzzards, all showing very closely and also included a wing-clapping display from one of the birds. Also Crossbills and Siskins were seen.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB was our last call of the day. Tree Sparrows were everywhere and the seabird colony was great. Close views of all the regulars as well as a dozen or so Puffins. A great day out.

Arrived home at 11.02pm, absolutely nackered!!! Photos below.

Eastbourne Downs & Arlington 7/6/11

2011-06-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Didn't bother twitching the White-throated Robin today due to over tiredness. Instead i stayed local.

On the Eastbourne Downs a minimum of 20 Frog Orchids were counted and a possible Rannoch Looper moth was seen.
Visited a site near Arlington after and got a good range of Damselflies.

Red-eyed Damselfly

Immature male Blue-tailed Damselfly

Mayfly

Male and female White-legged Damselfly

Only 1 Southern Marsh Orchid this year, and lots of hybrids.

Brampton Woods, Cambs 6/6/11

2011-06-07T01:31:00.000-07:00

BLACK HAIRSTREAK - 2

A lively Mole and a Common Blue Damselfly.

Kent and Essex 2/6/11

2011-06-02T07:56:00.001-07:00

Heath Fritillaries in Kent.

SCARCE EMERALD DAMSELFLIES at Dagham LNR in Essex/Grt London.

Arlington Dragons & Damsels 1/6/11

2011-06-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Top-Bottom : White-legged Damselfly; Scarce Chaser; Red-eyed Damselfly and what i think is a Beautiful Demoiselle.

Variable Damselflies - 31/5/11

2011-05-31T03:33:00.001-07:00

Variable Damselfly at Southease.

Selsey Bill, Duncton and Heyshott 30/5/11

2011-05-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Had a great day with Mick Davis today. We started off at Selsey Bill and it was fair to say it was poor. Just an Arctic Skua in 3 hours. No Storm Petrels though.

Next at Duncton Hill 7 Birds Nest Orchids were found along with 2 White Helleborines. Also a good number of Firecrests singing.

At a public site near Heyshott and good range of Orchid species were noted. 32+ Greater Butterfly Orchid; 11 Fly Orchid; 6 White Helleborine; 11 MUSK ORCHID; Common Spotted and Twayblades and some dead Early Purple Orchids. A Tree Pipit was also singing as were many Firecrest.

At Burton-no further Orchids but a good variety of Dragons and Damsels with the highlights being Scarce Chasers, Common Blue Damselfly and a teneral Blue-tailed Damselfly.

Norfolk Outing 22/5/11

2011-05-23T09:22:00.001-07:00

Yet another superb day out in Norfolk with Jake clearing up on all of the targets. Targets were Norfolk Hawker and Swallowtail Butterfly.

We visited Strumpshaw Fen RSPB first and soon got 2 Chinese Water Deer, a first for both of us. Also a Bittern flew over and a couple of Marsh Harriers and a Bearded Tit were seen.

Then in a sheltered spot we found up to 5 Norfolk Hawkers soaking up the warmth from the sun. Also an Emerald and lots of Blue-tailed Damselflies and a handful of Hairy Dragonflies. Unfortunately no Swallowtails, yet!!!

Later on we moved round to a garden which is one of the best sites on the reserve for Swallowtails. As soon as we got there we spotted one, but it soon flew off, then presumably the same one came round again and started to land and some good photos were taken.

Other Dragons seen included a Scarce Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied and Four Spotted Chaser and a couple of Large Red Damselflies as well.

We moved round to the North Norfolk Coast and visited Cley Marshes. The Shorelark put on a good performance and there were stacks of Avocets about.

No sign of the Montagu's Harrier at the favoured site, but a Stone Curlew was at Weeting Heath.

Norfolk Hawker, Swallowtail and Shore Lark in Norfolk.

Frog Firle 20/5/11

2011-05-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

A good walk around Frog Firle late morning and early afternoon. A good range of butterflies included Small, Adonis and Common Blues, Green Hairstreaks and some Orange Tip caterpillars.

Birds of note included my first sighting of a Quail with a further 2 male singing. The Quail was only seen in flight. Also a pair of Hobbies and a Fulmar which circled the hollow at High and Over.

Adonis Blue, Grizzled Skipper and Small Blue along Frog Firle.

Quail 20/4/11

2011-05-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

A Quail was calling this evening at Frog Firle in valley north of High and Over.

Seaford Head 19/5/11

2011-05-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

A Spotted Flycatcher by the coastguards this morning was another yeartick. The Little Owl was also still around.

Seaford Head & Arlington 15/5/11

2011-05-15T02:47:00.000-07:00

Yet again very quiet on the patch over the past couple of days. Just a single Yellow Wagtail, Tawny Owl and daily sightings of a Little Owl have been the only highlights.

A trip to Arlington after produced my first Turtle Dove of the year. Constantly calling by the hide, it was only seen in flight. Also a Nightingale showed very well in full song.

Also this moth hatched out in my garden the other day, im guessing its a Large Yellow Underwing??

Pulborough Brooks RSPB 12/5/11

2011-05-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Successfully twitched the Temminck's Stint at Pulborough Brooks today after deciding not to twitch the Great Snipe in Norfolk. Hopefully a wise decision!!!

The Stint was being reported from West Mead but no sign there (apparently being harrassed by breeding Lapwings soon sent it onto North Brooks) apart from two displaying Little Ringed Plovers.

Found out a little later the Temminck's was on North Brooks so i dashed round there and had prolonged, but semi-distant views. It was with a Ringed Plover for a time then 2 Avocets. Also about were 3 + Hobbies scattered around the reserve.

(Temminck's Stint just about visible between the 2 Avocets)

(Nightingale near the visitor centre)

Splash Point 05.00-19.00 Wind NE-SE

2011-05-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

Yet another good Pom day bringing my overall total for the year to 162!!

Pomarine Skua - 35
Arctic Skua - 13
Black Tern - 1
Little Tern - 16
Commic Tern - 671 - mostly identified as Common.
Sandwich Tern - 33
Common Scoter - 57
Pintail - 2
Sanderling - 46
Whimbrel - 30
Bar-tailed Godwit - 111
Dunlin - 7
Knot - 61
Grey Plover - 7
Black-throated Diver - 1
Diver sp. - 2
Mediterranean Gull - 1
Little Gull -1
Shag - 1
Merlin - 1 in off

Splash Point 05.00-10.00 Wind SE 6/5/11

2011-05-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Pomarine Skua - 8
Arctic Skua - 3
Commic Tern - 189
Sandwich Tern - 55
Black Tern - 4
Little Tern - 6
Arctic Tern - 1
Manx Shearwater - 2
Common Scoter - 218
Bar-tailed Godwit - 7
Sanderling - 12
Whimbrel - 14
Common Sandpiper - 2 , hanging around the groyne
Little Gull - 2
Mediterranean Gull - 5
Diver sp. - 6
Black-throated Diver - 2
Red-throated Diver - 2
Shelduck - 3

My 2011 Pom total is now 125!!!

Splash Point 05.00-18.15 Wind E-SE

2011-05-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pomarine Skua - 10
Arctic Skua - 37
Great Skua - 1
Little Tern - 140 !!! , my highest ever total here in one day
Commic Tern - 1330 !!!
Black Tern - 24
Arctic Tern - 3
Sandwich Tern - 174
Little Gull - 38
Mediterranean Gull -7 - mainly 1st winters
Manx Shearwater - 3
Common Scoter - 488
Velvet Scoter - 10 , 1 single flock
Red-breasted Merganser - 2
Teal - 1
Mallard - 8
Tufted Duck - 3
Black-throated Diver - 25 !!!
Red-throated Diver - 7
Diver sp. - 23
Bar-tailed Godwit - 90
Whimbrel - 99
Sanderling - 14
Dunlin - 17
Little-ringed Plover - 3 !!!
Grey Plover - 33
Avocet - 4
Brent Geese - 29
SPOTTED REDSHANK - 1 w/p with Whimbrel

Splash Point 05.15-09.15

2011-05-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

A very cold north easterly breeze yielded totals of:

Pomarine Skua - 3 , a group of 2 and single.
Arctic Skua - 6
Manx Shearwater - 3 , small group flew close in heading east.
Little Gull - 33
Commic Tern - 180
Arctic Tern - 2
Black Tern - 4
Little Tern - 9
Sandwich Tern - 14
Common Scoter - 69
Bar-tailed Godwit - 64
Whimbrel - 24
Knot - 5
Sanderling - 1
Black-throated Diver - 1
Shelduck - 2
OSPREY - 1 flew in off constantly harrassed by the local Gulls.

Went down again late afternoon 16.45-18.15;

Bar-tailed Godwit - 89
Whimbrel - 9
Commic Tern - 159
Little Tern - 2
Little Gull - 1
Sandwich Tern - 1
Diver sp. - 3

Chichester Pits and Pulborough 3/5/11

2011-05-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

An awesome morning twitching everything that came up on the pager. However it started poorly as there was no sign of the White-winged Black Tern on Ivy Lake or any of the surrounding pits. After a 2 hour wait i gave up and headed down to the North Wall.

A great surprise was in store however as a moulting Curlew Sandpiper was picked up in the channel with Dunlin. A good yeartick to get. Also present were some lovely summer plumaged Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits and Black-tailed Godwits.

Then a text from Paul James soon sent me in the direction of Pulborough Brooks RSPB for a Wryneck. Having dipped many of these i wasn't getting too excited.
A general look in the area with no sign wasn't surprising, howver a second look was rewarded with the WRYNECK feeding on the ground close to a hedge line. I walked closer and soon great views were had. Yet another good yeartick. Also out on the North Brooks were drake Garganey, 2 Egyptian Geese, but no waders.

Walking back to the car park ready to go home, i recieved a phonecall from Mick Davis to tell me he had refound the White-winged Black Tern on Westhampnett. Result!!!!
With time to spare before work i dashed back down there and soon arrived only to find the bird had flown off. Initially no sign but a quick walk across the A27 and a climb over a greasy fence to view a pit was rewarded with giood views of the superb adult WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. It was truely stunning!!!!

Also on Westhampnett Pit were stacks of Swifts, 2 Little Gulls and a scattering of Common Terns.

Pictures to be uploaded later, working (hard) at the mo!!!

Wryneck and White-winged Black Tern

Splash Point, Seaford 05.15-18.15 1/5/11

2011-05-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

Yet again the main highlight today were the Pomarine Skuas. They didn't get going till the afternoon. Flocks consisting of 6, 3 then 8 gave the best views. Totals are:

Pomarine Skua - 40 (most settled down on the sea throughout the day but eventually moved east)
Arctic Skua - 14
Great Skua - 2
Manx Shearwater - 4
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2124
Whimbrel - 73
Knot - 303 (mainly mixed in with the Barwits)
Sanderling - 13
Grey Plover - 14
Commic Tern - 153
Arctic Tern - 1
Little Tern - 5
Black Tern - 2
Sandwich Tern - 28
Shoveler - 19
Red-breasted Merganser - 3
Teal - 3
Shelduck - 5
Common Scoter - 115
Velvet Scoter - 2
Black-throated Diver - 5
Red-throated Diver - 4
Brent Geese - 3
Hobby - 1 in off

Flock of Barwits and Knot; Whimbrel and the Tope which was caught by the local fisherman.

2011-04-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sussex Yearlist at the end of April is now 202

Splash Point 05.15-19.15 14 hours!!!

2011-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

A continuous movement of Pomarine Skuas today going through mostly in flocks of 5-7, but one flock consisted of 14. Some of them had amazingly long spoons and was by far the highlight of the spring for me. Totals for today are;

POMARINE SKUA - 64
Arctic Skua - 20
Great Skua - 2
MANX SHEARWATER - 4 (2 in the morning, 2 late afternoon)
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1191 (flocks really started to increase as the afternoon went on)
Whimbrel - 193
Common Sandpiper - 3
Dunlin - 5
Sanderling - 1
Grey Plover - 17
Turnstone - 5
Knot - 214 (most large flocks in late afternoon)
Avocet - 11
Commic Tern - 175
BLACK TERN - 7
Little Tern - 21
Arctic Tern - 2
Common Tern - 10
Sandwich Tern - 8 (really poor number)
Common Scoter - 78
Garganey - 4 (first picked up on the sea, they circled the groyne giving superb views)
Shoveler - 4
Red-breasted Merganser - 2
Shelduck - 9
Teal - 1
Black-throated Diver - 4 (3 in summer plumage)
Diver sp. - 4
Little Gull - 3
Whinchat - 1 (male in off)
Swift - 1 in off
Gannet - 146 (early morning movement soon slowed down.

9 Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel and Knot.

Ashdown Forest and East Hoathly 26/4/11

2011-04-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

Visited Ashdown this morning and was rewarded with great views of a male Wood Warbler. As i stepped out the car i heard it instantly and it never stopped singing. It was even doing it's display flight.

Went to Weir Wood after and added Garden Warbler to the yearlist. Also Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcaps and 3 Common Sandpipers along the margins.

Also alot of Green-winged Orchids in an East Hoathly garden.

Early Spider Orchid 25/4/11

2011-04-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Late Pics 21/4/11

2011-04-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hobby and Whitethroat on Seaford Head taken last week.

ICELAND GULL 23/4/11

2011-04-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Whilst driving to work this morning i recieved a text (many thanks Liam) informing me an ICELAND GULL was on the rocks at Splash Point. I quickly turned round and soon arrived. There was no sign as the Gull was hidden by rocks, so a walk up the cliff soon solved the problem as nice views were had.

It was viewed by many observers during this space of time and was still present when i left, though i would imagine it carried it's journey east when the tide came in.

This was a great bird for my Sussex yearlist which now stands at 195.

Splash Point; Wind N, then SE 2.

2011-04-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

05.15-16.15

Pomarine Skua 1; adult dark morph @ 7.40
Arctic Skua 13
Great Skua 3
Common Scoter 443
Velvet Scoter 11; single flock
Sandwich Tern 138
Commic Tern 111
Little Tern 13
Whimbrel 236
Little Gull 4; 3 adults, 1 1st winter
Eider 5
Mediterranean Gull 36
Shelduck 3
Brent Geese 42
Bar-tailed Godwit 7
Shoveler 6
Black-throated Diver 3
Red-throated Diver 3
Redshank 1