A Short-eared Owl Sunday

Prior to yesterday large numbers of white-winged gulls were the highlight of my winter birding on the coast so far this year. Yesterday saw this trend change (at least temporarily) as several Short-eared Owls provided the highest quality birding.

That said the day was not devoid of white-wingers or other quality winter birds. We started the day at Strathbeg, picking out the lagoon as our first location (pictured in title image). We arrived at around 10am to find that it was low tide, which proved advantageous. An immature Long-tailed Duck was amongst a couple of Goldeneye, an unusual location for this species to occur. A couple of Redshank were the only waders, and a few Skylarks were singing away. Providing the most entertainment though was a large group of gulls spread out across the beach just behind the lagoon. Quite an eclectic mix of Larus species were present, the five commoner species and a second winter Iceland Gull. The latter constitutes to the second the reserve has had after a two year gap without one – the first this year was an adult earlier this month. This particular individual spent a lot of its time preening and was face on so views were not the best, but it was nice to see. A Great Northern Diver was offshore with a Red-throated Diver. Just down the coast that day at Rattray an extraordinary build up of 131 Great Northern Divers (!) was witnessed – that would have been some sight!

The pools from the Visitor Centre and Tower Pool Hide at Strathbeg were then given a look over. Overall it was quite quiet, although low water levels saw over a hundred Curlew, many Lapwings and at least 50 Dunlin taking advantage of the pools. The place was absolutely packed with Teal, with several hundred present but unfortunately not the Green-winged Teal of a couple of weeks ago. Amongst these were a good number of Wigeon and at least 6 Pintails. Whooper Swan numbers appeared to have dropped, with no more than 50 present on the entire reserve. As we were about to leave, the regular Short-eared Owl put on a fantastic aerial show right in front of the Visitor Centre. It has been named ‘Patch’ due to a missing outer primary (P8) feather on its left wing. Below are some shots I managed of this majestic beast.

Short-eared Owl, Loch of Strathbeg (26/2/11) . The missing outer primary on P8 is clearly visible

a vole would be rightfully frightened if it saw this determined face coming towards it at full pelt!

perched upon a favoured tuft of grass

A check of the loch itself proved quieter in terms of species variety, although the quality of species was pretty good. Whilst it seemed most of the ducks were on the pools, a redhead Smew was a joy to see from Bay Hide amongst a few Teal, my first of the year. This dainty duck was quite close at first but was eventually abandoned by the Teal and drifted far away over to the other side of the loch. At Fen Hide the 3cy male ringtail Hen Harrier eventually revealed itself and hunted over the reeds at the back of the Loch whilst 7 Pintail, a female Red-breasted Merganser and a drake Goosander were present amongst the commoner ducks.

We headed southwards at 2pm to the Ythan area, stopping off at Meikle Loch before going to Sands of Forvie NNR (a coastal moorland). We were greeted by a ringtail Hen Harrier heading fast west over the loch; a rather surprising but satisfying first for Meikle Loch and the Ythan area. The loch held relatively little save a surprise Little Grebe amongst some Tufted Ducks. Sands of Forvie was our last stop. Before entering the moor itself we checked Sand Loch, which surprisingly held 2 female Scaup. The two of them were associating with a small group of Tufted Ducks and were the only other species of duck on this small loch. Rather randomly, I had a female Scaup here last year as mentioned in my last post.

one of the two female Scaup on Sand Loch, Sands of Forvie (26/2/11)

It was then on to the bleak, foreboding but dramatic moor, where a number of Short-eared Owls have been seen. It wasn’t long before a Short-eared Owl rose up from the heather and started hunting in ghostly fashion. As we watched in admiration, another two Short-eared Owls were picked up at distance. At one point, they were all flying together distantly, but the best views were had of the first owl as the sun started to set. What superb birds; there’s no place I can think of that suits this spectacular species better than Forvie. Overall, 4 Short-eared Owls were seen that day; the definite highlight of yet another fantastic day’s winter birding.

Short-eared Owl, Sands of Forvie (26/2/11) . This attempt at a more 'artistic' shot shows just how ideal this habitat is for this species. This is one of the more distant SEOs present.

the most obliging of the Short-eared Owls at Forvie

the same bird as above

Thanks for reading,

Joseph

Review of the Year 2011 Part 3 – April

April saw the first real wave of quality birding,  providing an excellent kick start to what would be a fantastic rest of the year. In fact, it was one of the best months of year. Due to its quality, there is lots to say so apologies for the long post in advance.

April:

2nd: A fantastic start to the month with several birds adding flavour to the spring beginnings. At the Ythan in an unsuccessful look for the recently found King Eider, the first 15 Sandwich Terns were seen of the year. It was quiet until we reached to Strathbeg. Also immediate entertainment were 3 Garganey from the Visitor Centre, a female and two stunning drakes, my first of this species for the year and always a joy to see. Whilst looking in the general area where the Garganey were, a Spoonbill was found by one of the Strathbeg regulars. It showed well throughout the rest of the day, with great views had from Tower Pool Hide. Amongst the two stand out species were my first Black-tailed Godwits and Sand Martins of the year.

Spoonbill, Loch of Strathbeg (2/4/11)

8th: A check of the Ythan Estuary the day before a trip to East Anglia was much better than expected. We tried once more for the King Eider but to no avail, although the first Swallows of the year were nice. Popping over to Sand Loch at the nearby Sands of Forvie saw us connect with a female Scaup (yeartick). We hadn’t watched this for long when we found ourselves zooming back to the Ythan with news of a Bonaparte’s Gull (same bird as seen on one occasion by others in March) from the Snub car park. We soon connected with the first winter Bonaparte’s Gull, and a mini twitch amassed. A total bonus bird that left me feeling absolutely delighted.

9th: A drastic change of scene saw me down in Wivenhoe, Essex, staying with family friends. A walk along the Colne Estuary was productive, with my first Chiffchaff and Common Tern of the year present amongst other species such as many Black-tailed Godwits and Bar-tailed Godwits. The main source of interest was a singing Nightingale. Very frustratingly it wasn’t seen, but I managed to capture footage of it singing. Nightingale is a real rarity up this way so its always exciting to hear or see them when down south. This record concerned one of the first wave of birds arriving in the county and country.

http://www.youtube.com/user/JNatLT?feature=mhee#p/u/28/JPMaO5VVn5o

10th: A visit to Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk was as expected of great quality. Easy birds there that are scarce or uncommon up our way that were seen for the first time in the year included Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, and Avocet, and excluding such species my first Marsh Harriers and Wheatear of the year. Brief views of a Cetti’s Warbler was of more interest and one of few that I managed to see throughout the year. The undoubted highlight was staggering views of a Bittern out in the open from Island Mere Hide for some 30 minutes. The idyllic photographic conditions saw me capture the below images. Once we left Minsmere we popped into the nearby Dunwich Heath, where the icing on the cake was a single showy Dartford Warbler, a species that has had much success here and the only one I saw that year. A worthwile visit to Suffolk.

Bittern, Minsmere RSPB (10/4/11)

Dartford Warbler, Dunwich Heath (10/4/11)

11th:  I travelled up to Norfolk, where I’d spend the next couple of days. Stops at Kessingland in Suffolk, Horsey Mere (which was closed off) and Waxham, proved largely unsuccessful, although the first Whitethroats and Willow Warblers of the year were seen at the former and Red-legged Partridge at the latter. The best birding was had when we arrived on the North Norfolk Coast, where we stayed at Wells. A check of Holkham Freshmarsh was immensely enjoyable. The highlight were two self-found Spoonbills seen flying east over the Freshmarsh. A fantastic array of back up species were seen including my first White-fronted Goose of the year, a Grasshopper Warbler, a ringtailed Hen Harrier and a Peregrine, the latter which flushed the former! A Little Egret roost involving 17 birds was another highlight; other birds included my first Egyptian Geese and Sedge Warbler of the year.

12th: A day’s birding with Simeon Grundy on both the coast and the Thetford area. Starting at Titchwell was a good move, with a flavissma Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, and Bearded Tit present around the brackish marsh and a nice array of waders elsewhere on the reserve. An odd sounding Chiffchaff along the Meadow Trail was disregarded as a normal one; just imagine how we felt when an Iberian Chiffchaff was seen there the next day! A Red Kite (yeartick) was seen at Burnham Norton on the way to Stiffkey. Stiffkey itself held my first Green Sandpiper and Little Gull of the year and another Little Ringed Plover. Cley was quiet so we headed down to the Thetford area. Checking an undisclosed site saw me finally catch up with my first Goshawks (bogey), with 2 Goshawks seen as well as another Red Kite and 3 Bramblings (my first of the year). Lynford Arboretum did not provide any of the specialities, but did hold my first Marsh Tits and Nuthatch of the year. Undoubted highlight was a Barn Owl hunting at close quarters. A brilliantly varied day.

13th: A check of an undisclosed site in Thetford Forest was successful in providing me with a target species, 2 Woodlarks. The pair displayed and sang their hearts out, which was unforgettable (see pics and video footage). 7 Bramblings were present and a Treecreeper amongst others were also here. Finally, a check of Weeting Heath saw me connect with the famed Stone Curlews, with 3 present.

Woodlark, undisclosed site, Thetford Forest (13/4/11)

the Woodlarks displaying in flight; an unforgettable spectacle

again displaying

http://www.youtube.com/user/JNatLT?feature=mhee#p/u/29/hvTgSEl6tRA

Stone Curlews, Weeting Heath NWT (13/4/11)

17th: Back in Aberdeenshire, I finally caught up with the drake King Eider at the mouth of the Ythan Estuary, the 4th King Eider I had seen in the UK and an absolute stunner. There were plenty of good back up species including a Little Gull and Osprey at Meikle Loch, and a Little Egret feeding from the Snub car park, a bit of scarcity up here.

King Eider, Ythan Estuary (17/4/11)

23rd:  A check of the usual sites started off well with 32 Long-tailed Ducks at Girdle Ness. Strathbeg was productive, holding a self-found exceptionally early 2 Wood Sandpipers, as well as a smart sumplum Spotted Redshank amongst numerous Greenshank and Ruff. A check from Waulkmill Hide at the Ythan resulted in fantastic views of the long-staying Bonaparte’s Gull down to 30ft at its closest, although it unfortunately started raining. This was the second time I had seen it and was even more delightful than the first time, below are pics.

Bonaparte's Gull, Ythan Estuary (23/4/11)

29th/30th:  After 5 White-billed Divers being seen earlier that week off Portsoy, north Aberdeenshire, I was up there for the Royal Wedding. I managed one absolutely stunning summer plumage White-billed Diver (!) here, although only seen once for no more than a minute; still a belter of a bird and a dream to have seen. To round it off here, a 1st winter Iceland Gull was an enjoyable self-find heading eastwards overhead. Strathbeg was quiet but did hold a few commoner passage waders including a Whimbrel. A Corn Bunting at the north end of the reserve was also unbelievably confiding. On 30th it got better, starting with a successful twitch of 11 Dotterels at Collieston crossroads near the Ythan, scuttling around in a field by the road. As if this wasn’t good enough, we stopped off at Blackdog where we were treated to views of a previously reported drake Surf Scoter down to 50ft in idyllic weather. A truly fantastic last two days to end the month.

Corn Bunting, Strathbeg (29/4/11)

Thanks for reading,

Joseph

Ythan Yields Little (Plus Items of Interest)

Yesterday I decided to take the bus up the coast and spend the day at the Ythan Estuary to see what was about. I was there by 10:30 and started at the mouth of the estuary, planning to work my way upstream as far as the Waterside Bridge car park. The mouth of estuary was the most active part of the estuary,  with at least 30 Wigeon and 8 Red-breasted Mergansers present opposite the disused lifeboat station. On the wader front 50 Knot were taking the opportunity to feed as the tide went out, along with 8 Sanderlings and numerous Bar-tailed Godwits amongst the regular Oycs and Redshanks.

I wandered right up to the mouth to see if there were any gulls sitting on the beach, but was disappointed in this respect. A band of rain came over, so I took shelter in the dunes. As it brightened up a sign of spring was heard from a singing Skylark; the third I have heard (two were singing at Crimond Airfield last weekend 11/2/12) so far this month. I made my way back towards the beach, flushing a single Twite, and shortly afterwards was entertained by a group of 23 Pink-footed Geese heading northwards offshore and a Red-throated Diver. As I headed upstream, the birding became progressively quieter. Apart from the aforementioned waders and ducks (including another group of 15 Wigeon) nothing much else was seen save a single Little Grebe by Waterside Bridge, a lone Greylag Goose and two breeding plumage Cormorants; the latter which was particularly nice to see. The Ythan had yielded relatively little, so I headed home at around 2pm having completed my desired circuit.

Anyway, I thought I’d also share a few items of interest. Firstly, I found out a few days ago that the second winter Glaucous Gull I had and photographed at Fraserburgh last weekend (11/2/12) was a new bird which is great news; its good to know that there is yet another Glauc around up there this winter. Also a copy of the December 2011 (Volume 31, 4) of the Scottish Birds journal produced by the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) arrived through the post last week. The journal contained both my photos of the Sandhill Crane at St Combs in an article written by the birder who found it. It is a great privilege to have had these photos published in this respected journal and I would like to thank the editor Harry Scott for his help in making this possible. The title image has also appeared in Stuart Winter’s column in the Sunday Express (9th October 2011) for which I recieved £75, and was Photo of the Week on Birdguides. The second image appeared in the local Evening Express newspaper (28th September 2011). The images as they appear in Scottish Birding are below (apologies for quality, taken in bad light!). Finally, I thought I’d share a few ‘different’ pics from the last few weeks, including an ‘interesting’ gull at Fraserburgh last week.

Sandhill Crane Photo in Scottish Birding, volume 31 (4), December 2011 issue

Herring Gull (ssp. 'argentarus') at Fraserburgh (11/2/12) . This standard argenteus Herring Gull had managed to smeer itself in tar (hence the play on argentatus). There must have been a fish or something tasty underneath that caused it to dig into the tar and become this way; it does look surprisingly neat considering!

gulls aren't the only attraction at Peterhead during the winter; Grey Seals such as this one (5/2/12) are equally keen for their share of fish

Grey Seals at Peterhead (14/1/12)

Thanks for reading,

Joseph