randombirder

A long weekend in the Peak District was planned with the aim of seeking out the 'wandering' Bearded Vulture that had been covering a large area of the high peak for a few weeks.  Unsurprisingly it proved to be another slightly disappointing no show for a species that had evidently relocated further north within the National Park.  There is continuing uncertainty as to the origins of the bird and its associated credentials but it appears likely that it may be accepted as Britain's first wild individual. The consolation was that the Peak District is an area of truly outstanding scenery.  Decamping at the brilliant Yorkshire Inn Hotel a short walk from Ladybower Reservoir with eyes set to the sky, it provided an opportunity to explore the local escarpments for the bearded wonder. The reservoir itself is an impressive engineering feat providing fresh water across the East Midlands aided by dams, pumphouses and two large iconic plugholes featured heavily in portraits of the area

A trip to Minsmere for some sun, sea air and whatever ever may be lurking within these magnificent environs. The sun was out - briefly - followed by cloud that then exposed a cool south-easterly breeze.  The sun did eventually reappear and stayed to warm the senses and take in what is a fabulous place. It was predictably quiet - migration just starting to take hold but there was plenty to behold.  From the North Wall, two Stone Curlew were strutting around the heath appearing to be in close attendance to a breeding site. A Whimbrel flew strongly by that was later seen on South Scrape.  Common Tern were present in good numbers.  The East Scrape held at least seven Spotted Redshank , three Ruff , Common Sandpiper , Green Sandpiper , four summer plumage Dunlin , Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet . At least four Mediterranean Gull were on South Scrape as was a stunning summer plumage Turnstone and two Ringed Plover . Two Hobby flew over Whin Hill.

My first ever visit to Chicksands Wood, a mere 20 minutes from home opened up a whole new world of wildlife.  The place was brimming with butterflies. On a long-awaited sunny morning, a long-awaited trip to this woodland set within sleepy South-Beds was eagerly anticipated.  It is home to a fine selection of common and scarce butterflies. The main ride starts at the car park and seems to bi-sect the woodland.  Tributary rides then veer off to the left and right providing options for off-piste meanderings. Roughly 500m from the start, my first Silver-washed Fritillary was spotted - one then two - then a few more during my walk.  Purposeful in flight and scintillate when settled. The throng of butterflies was a joy to behold, Small White , Large White , Peacock , Red Admiral , Small Skipper , Large Skipper , Ringlet , Gatekeeper , Meadow Brown,  Comma, and Brown Argus  were all on the wing and in encouraging numbers. There was one I really wanted to see. 

Visits to Broom Gravel Pits (GLE) over recent days has been strangely rewarding.  The exposed mud looks prime for a decent haul of waterbirds this autumn so frequent visits are definitely on the birding schedule. The 8th produced a personal site record of eight Little Egret of what appeared to be a post-breeding family group feeding in the shallow pools.  They were all reasonably flighty and evidently passing through the reserve.  An adult Great Crested Grebe was accompanied by three youngsters that may have relocated from GLW.  A single moulting adult Teal remained. The 10th saw an arrival of seven summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit that appeared to show signs of 2cy birds that seemed content in feeding within the small bay from the main viewpoint. 5 of the 7 Black-tailed Godwit My first Common Sandpiper of the year was also present with three Little Ringed Plover that will hopefully have breeding success.  A Shoveler was new in as was my first  Common Gull of

The local area continues to provide stunning countryside views.  The weather has been a little indifferent with spells of rain and unseasonably strong winds, but has revealed some impressive skies enhanced all the more when viewed from the ridge. Quail have been present in the area over the past week ten days with at least two birds heard calling (and at times seen).  I managed to catch up with a calling male on the 1st between Clothall Common and Wallington Road.   Trips to Broom over the last few days revealed the start of return wader migration.  Two summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on the 28th were my first for the reserve.  A juvenile Ringed Plover on the 1st was another patch first.  Two Little Ringed Plover and three Oystercatcher (2nd) have been present throughout my visits there. Two sightings of Little Egret (28th & 3rd), and five Gadwall (3rd) were the best of the rest. It will be interesting to see what turns up over the course o

It was always going to be a long shot to have had 'Albert' the Albatross make an appearance on the rugged cliff-face of Bempton for a third consecutive day but it didn't detract from what was an excellent day at one of our finest RSPB reserves in England. An early start arriving at Speeton from where the long cliff-top walk starts. Taking in the views across the bay out to Filey and beyond under a moody grey skies. The walk from Speeton to Bempton takes around two hours largely spent hugging the cliff-tops providing plenty of opportunities to pick out a wandering seabird.  I didn't encounter a soul for at least an hour. Commonly seen well out to sea coursing over the waves, the Northern Gannet is a majestic seabird, and observing them at close quarters was an absolute privilege.  Many were seen collecting nesting material - this one deciding that perhaps one trip was enough. An unexpected bonus was