Wilmington Ring Ouzels 16/4/2021

Last night, I received the dreaded phonecall from Dad that my dear Mum had sadly passed away. Although it was expected due to her recent month in hospital, it's still a shock to the system and deeply upsetting. Thankfully, she had her last day at home, where a few members of the family were able to spend time with her before she got sent back to hospital on Thursday evening, where a few hours later, she peacefully passed. 

So, today, I took Dad the short journey to Wilmington to see the excellent flock of Ring Ouzels, which were absolutely superb. Afterwards, a short two-hour seawatch produced 50 Sandwich Terns, 22 Mediterranean Gulls, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits and 16 Whimbrels. 

Ring Ouzel at Wilmington - phone-scoped

Arun Valley/Chantry Hill 11/04/2021

On Sunday, Sara and I parked up at Arundel and walked a lovely 16-mile route, taking in the Arun Valley and the Downs up to Chantry Hill, then down to Amberley and back downriver.

There were many highlights along the way, though sadly, and not surprisingly, there was no sign of the Pallid/Montagu's/Hen/Northern Harrier seen on Monday (12th), but we were treated to the wonderful sighting of Boxing Hares! This was a first for both of us and the boxing lasted up to half-an-hour.

Later, whilst walking the ridge between Kithurst Hill and Amberley, I somehow spotted a very high White-tailed Eagle; I later learnt, thanks to LP, that this bird had flown down from Scotland in the preceding few days, being seen in Kent, East Sussex, and my sighting, before arriving back onto the Isle of Wight. The bird stayed in view for five minutes as it got held up by an incoming snow shower.

Elsewhere, seven singing Firecrests were noted along the 16-mile route, but no grounded migrants whatsoever!

Brown Hares

White-tailed Eagle over Amberley

Northern Mockingbird - Pulborough 08/04/2021

With no sign of the Northern Mockingbird in Devon this morning, it was somewhat nice to know the bird had finally moved on after its prolonged stay. However, who knew it would then turn up at Pulborough the very next day! 

Thankfully, a homeowner managed to release some pictures of the bird late morning, and once it had been re-found by Dave Sadler et al., it was time to get permission to leave the office/kitchen and head straight down. Rather helpfully, the bird obliged the whole time I was there and showed well on numerous occasions, much to the relief of many. It goes without saying that this is the first record for Sussex, and continues this year's American theme with the White-throated Sparrow being seen this year also... what else is lurking out there?

It was also great to see and speak to so many birders who I haven't seen for some time... happy days!

Northern Mockingbird at Pulborough

Seaford Head 31/03/2021

A quick jaunt up Seaford Head this morning produced my first Willow Warbler of the spring, which gave itself away with its wonderful song. Three Wheatears in Hope Gap and five Chiffchaffs scattered about were also welcome.

Brief spells of seawatching before and after resulted in minor activity, though three Arctic Skuas did go through whilst I was on the headland.

Willow Warbler by Harry's Bush

Wheatear in Hope Gap

Devon & Cornwall 30/03/2021

It had been a long wait to twitch this fine duo. Jake and Ian joined me for the day and equipped with a step-ladder for the Northern Mockingbird and current buns for the American Herring Gull, we surely couldn't go wrong. 

Both birds were easy and we completed a yank hattrick with a trio of Ring-necked Ducks on our way back. 

Northern Mockingbird in Exmouth

American Herring Gull at Newlyn Harbour

Splash Point & Seaford Head 26/03/2021

Mum has been in and out of hospital in the past week, and with news of her coming out, I decided to head back down to Sussex on Thursday evening to hopefully see her. Unfortunately, she went back in during the journey down. As I wasn't too far away, I carried on and stayed nearby, so the next morning I did an early morning seawatch before work. 

The seawatch was fairly decent for a south-westerly wind, but no doubt many birds had now been held up due to the ongoing poor conditions so it was bound to be OK. It was great to see my first skuas of the year, but when I left, Liam took over and the passage picked up, and by the end of the day, between us, we had accumulated a respectable tally.

Splash Point: 05:45 - 08:30, Wind SW 3

Red-throated Diver - 45
Sandwich Tern - 67
Common Gull - 89
Common Scoter - 122
Mediterranean Gull - 33
Brent Geese - 80
Gannet - 60
Shelduck - 2
Whimbrel - 1
Teal - 2
Arctic Skua - 3
Pintail - 2

After work, I quickly nipped up onto Seaford Head as large numbers of Wheatears were being seen elsewhere. I was delighted to find three superb males close to Harry's Bush. 

So, on Saturday morning I drove back to Hampshire along the coast, stopping off at Patching for the superb Yellow-browed Warbler, and then at Ivy Lake where I counted 60 Sand Martins. 

Wheatear on Seaford Head

Little Bunting & Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Little Bunting at Warnham LNR