randombirder

Waders are always a delight, and the chance for a quick dash to see the Hudsonian godwit made the weekend complete, particularly having missed this species in 2015. Fortunately, this individual had lingered, allowing prolonged views. It stood out as markedly different from the European race, appearing much darker than the eight islandica   black-tailed godwit it associated with and, at times, more reminiscent of bar-tailed godwit. In flight, the dark underwing coverts were prominent, while the white upperwing bar appeared far more subdued. Despite the dull, leaden skies, it proved a very welcome spring bonus.

Garganey , wood sandpiper , greenshank , cattle egret , great egret , crane , bittern , bearded tit , marsh harrier , hobby , great reed warbler, cuckoo, turtle dove  and red-footed falcon ; all within 50 minutes of my front door. A lovely day out in The Fens - Ouse Fen, Berry Fen, Fen Drayton - and a trip over to Swaffham Priory Fen for the red-footed falcon. Just glorious.

Another overdue visit with only one target in mind. Portsoy is a bit of a trek from North Herts but this journey was completed in a day with thanks to British Airways policy of carry-on items within the basic fare prices (£88 rtn). Taking advantage of loyalty points through Enterprise, the car-hire cost was a modest £22 for the day. The trip did require a 4.30am alarm call but with the scope set up by 11.20am, this was a steal of a trip. The Dolphin Statue overlooks the sea facing north from the lovely coastal village of Portsoy.  From the vantage point, small rafts of long-tailed duck in fine summer plumage were floating offshore with modest numbers of common eider , guillemot , kittiwake and Sandwich tern in the area. It was generally a fine day, a modest southerly breeze, that was more than bearable, kept the temperature at a comfortable level with the sun desperately trying to break through. Scanning the sea, two great northern diver flew past and single red-throated diver ...

18th April 2025 A 9.30pm departure time, a five hour flight coupled with a three hour time difference while having been up since 4.30am the same day for work felt like a dare. Curiously though, what could be described as sleep did come my way despite moderate turbulence en route on the relatively recent commencement of British Airways services to Tbilisi from Heathrow. Thinking ahead, and grateful for doing so, was the room booking at the Ibis Airport Hotel for a few hours to sleep off the flight as best as possible before embarking on a hell-raising drive north to Kasbegi. A short three-night stay was planned to connect with some of the region's avian specialties. Stopping en route at the rather impressive Ananuri Fort Complex. The drive though - my goodness it was eventful - typical of the wider region, the Georgians drive as if it is their final journey. The traffic was also horrendous in places as heavy snow had dumped its load on the higher altitudes over the preceding few day...