Hampshire and West Sussex 24/2/11

Started the day of just NW of Andover and straight away had a Willow Tit with two others singing nearby. Also a Red Kite and 4 Bullfinches. Ravens were cronking away but were out of sight.



The weather on the New Forest was really good, and arriving at a site (not Acres Down) a Woodlark was already in song overhead and above the conifers were 3 GOSHAWKS in display flight. They were a bit distant but they are truely amazing and i enjoyed watching them for over an hour. Also an incredible 16+ Hawfinches seen whilst sitting watching the Goshawks and a Raven was also displaying.


Goshawk heavon

Distant Hawfinches.

Decided to head back into West Sussex and make the most of the warm weather. At Burton Mill Pond the Tawny Owl was still by the Sweet Chestnut trees unconcerned of my presence.

Tawny Owl at Burton Mill Pond

On the way home a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showed well drumming and calling next to a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

The two female Scaup were still at Widewater Lagoon aswell and showed well. An awesome day!!

Another Mega 21/2/11

Successfully twitched the RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE this morning at Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The owner of No.41 The Leys was still kindly allowing people in to view the back garden where the Dove was feeding, sometimes as close as 10 metres. Great views were obtained, just a shame i didn't have my camera with me. Other good garden birds were Brambling, Blackcap, Bullfinches and a Coal Tit.

After this i popped down to Rushy Common where the drake AMERICAN WIGEON showed distantly in the murk.

Everywhere 17/2/11

Well, i started the day off at Splash Point where very little was moving, the only number of note were 323 Brent Geese.
Rackham Woods was cold so not much of note, just 10 each of Redpoll and Siskin.
At a couple of West Sussex Commons Woodlarks were in display and a female Crossbill flew over.
Woodlark in West Sussex.

The news then came through on the pager about the Slaty-backed Gull at Rainham so i had a mad dash up there, got there in good time, a bit of a job and brisk walk, and then two minutes away from the crowd the bird had apparantly flown to the tip. I waited around and within 20 minutes the SLATY-BACKED GULL was picked up again out on the marsh.

Slaty-backed at Rainham Marshes

On the way home i popped into Ashdown Forest and in the valley south of Long Car Park the Great Grey Shrike put on a good performance. Also 2 ringtail Hen Harriers and a couple of Redpolls showed well.

Great Grey Shrike and Hen Harrier on Ashdown.

Splash Point, Seaford 0715-10.30am 9/2/11

All birds flying east unless otherwise stated.

Auksp - 2423
Razorbill - 1652
Guillemot - 105
Brent Geese - 837
Greylag Geese - 5
Sandwich Tern - 2
Red-throated Diver - 7+1W
Diver sp - 1+4W
Wigeon - 37
Pintail - 9
Teal - 22
Gadwall - 2
Common Scoter - 2
Gannet - 48
Mediterranean Gull - 3
Skylark - 6

Ouse Estuary Project 8/2/11

Visited Splash Point first thing but there was no movement of any birds at all so went to the Ouse Estuary Project.
Birds noted were 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Water Rails, 1 C'ettis Warbler and 10 Teal.

Teal, C'ettis Warbler and Water Rail at OEP.

Yearticks at last 6/2/11

After running the Chichester 10K, i visited West Dean Woods and finally connected with the Hawfinches.
One was seen along the track up towards Moncton Farm where 10+ Bramblings with many Chaffinches also showed. The other Hawfinch was seen by Stapleash Farm.
A few Red Kites in the area aswell.
This is the fourth time i have tried for Hawfinch this year at these woods (3 times unsuccessful), where as last year i saw one on every visit. A big relief!!
Unfortunately no photos today as the light was shockingly bad.

Yearlist now up to 147 with many easy ones still to get.

Splash Point 10.15-11.15 5/2/12

Auk sp. 234 E
Brent Geese 35 E
Diver sp. 1E, 1 W
Gannets 10+
Kittiwakes 10+