TWITE will still have to wait for another day but BARN OWL was a pleasure

Finally, a Herts BARN OWL - my first of the year in that county (Steve Arlow)

The three EURASIAN WHITE-FRONTS at Broughton today (Dave Bilcock)

SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY

No change in the general weather, with continuing cold temperatures (4.5 degrees C). It was a clear bright day, with long periods of uninterrupted blue sky, but as darkness loomed, heavy snow started to affect the Chilterns, and by the time I got home in Little Chalfont, had settled considerably.

Although the day was spent relatively local, some main target species were once again missed, in particular the three long-staying Twites in Cambs, and Lesser Redpoll.

Sadly, in Buckinghamshire, single dead BADGERS were noted at Great Missenden (on the A 413 again, westbound, at SP 892 020) and another just NE of 'A World of Old' on the A418 just SW of Wing at SP 877 218.

BROUGHTON TROUT POOLS, NEAR AYLESBURY (BUCKS)

Thanks to Dave Bilcock, I was made alert this morning of 3 'White-fronted Geese' at Broughton, just east of Aylesbury. It transpired that they had been found yesterday by a local birder, but when talking to local walkers, it seems they have been present since Valentine's Day.

Anyway, acting immediately upon David's news, I drove straight over, and found all three birds (the two adult and single first-winter EURASIAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE that I had seen at Wilstone Reservoir on 12 February) showing very well in the grassy meadow being grazed by horses north of the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal 75 yards east of canal Bridge 13 at SU 854 143. They were consorting with 30 Atlantic Canada Geese and were affording views down to 55 yards - both Dave Bilcock and Ben Miller obtaining some excellent photographic results (see images above. Park by the main bridge and walk just 330 yards east to view.

A first-winter Mute Swan was begging for food by the main bridge after parts of the canal had frozen over, whilst just two COMMON SNIPE were located in the frozen rushes area. A RED KITE was circling overhead.

ROWSHAM (BUCKS)

Following up a report of 3 large owls on farmland to the north of Hulcott, I surprised and flushed a drake Common Teal from the Thistle Brook. Due to deep water, I could not reach the thicket where the owls were roosting and failed to locate them (I shall return when the water has receded).

DIDDINGTON AND PUMPHOUSE PITS, PAXTON COMPLEX (CAMBS)

After hearing that Jamie Wells had relocated the 3 Twites at Diddington, I decided to give these birds another go, even though I had little hope of connecting. My suspicions were confirmed when I met Jamie just finishing his morning rounds, as he had only seen the birds briefly at 1010 hours, when the trio perched in a Willow for a short time. I grilled Jamie on their exact whereabouts over the past month or so and had an exhaustive search of the area but reaping little other than a charm of 9 Goldfinches and 15 Linnets. The area is so huge, habitat favourable for so many acres and birds so mobile, that it really is a thankless task and sheer pot luck if you connect.

I spent about 90 minutes in the area, walking the entire Diddington Pit and checking Pumphouse Pit from the SW corner. I saw very much the same as Jamie, including the winter-plumaged BLACK-NECKED GREBE at the extreme north end of Pumphouse, at least 3 Common Shelducks, numerous Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard (with a few Shoveler), 12 Common Goldeneye, 7 redhead SMEWS on Pumphouse (all in a tight feeding flock), a female RUDDY DUCK, several Common Buzzards, 2 Common Kestrels, my first migrant OYSTERCATCHER of the year, a GREEN SANDPIPER, several Meadow Pipits and 3 Greenfinches.

ROXTON AREA (BEDFORDSHIRE)

Had a scout around for the 1-2 Egyptian Geese often seen in the area but failed to locate them - a pair of GOOSANDER were still present on the pit just north of the River Great Ouse.

COLNEY HEATH (HERTS)

Taking up Steve Blake's very helpful advice, I tried again to locate Lesser Redpoll. Steve had seen four birds in the week, feeding with Siskins along the River Colne between the two bridges. Afternoons are not the best times to look for such species, particularly when there are dogwalkers everywhere, and it came as no surprise that I failed to locate the flock anywhere in the Alders.

What I did see were Great Spotted Woodpecker, Moorhen, 13 Goldfinch, 12 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing and 2 Song Thrushes. I shall have to return another day.

WHIPSNADE WILDLIFE PARK (BEDS)

Two RED KITES were sat on a perch overlooking the three European Bisons and their shelter at Bison Hill - presumably hoping to share some food (quite what I really don't know).

Nearby at Dagnall, the resident pair of COMMON RAVENS were well underway with domestics. As I arrived, both birds were walking about on the ground gathering beakfuls of clumps of grass. I followed them as they flew and they landed in one of the pines. In the 'scope, I enjoyed great views as, first the male dropped his grass on top of the pile of sticks and then the female. The male then flew off, cronking once quite quietly. The female then sat and shuffled around on the nest for some minutes, gradually moulding the nest into a cup shape. I felt quite embarrassed watching this intimate behaviour from afar but it was quite enlightening being allowed to share the social delights of Raven nesting behaviour.

WILSTONE RESERVOIR, TRING (HERTS)

Arrived rather late and only really concentrated on the gull roost.

I was surprised to find 3 Grey Herons already nest-occupying on the central Drayton Bank, a single LITTLE EGRET was roosting there, and 2 adult Mute Swans had returned.

Wildfowl included 575 Eurasian Wigeon, a pair of Gadwall, 18 Shoveler, 27 Northern Pochard and a whopping 228 Tufted Ducks, along with 4 COMMON GOLDENEYES (including 2 adult drakes) and 18 Great Crested Grebes.

The regular adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL was part of the well-strung out roost tonight, with 2,646 Black-headed Gulls roosting by 1710, along with 82 Common Gulls. A juvenile British Herring Gull also put in an appearance.

MARSWORTH RESERVOIR (HERTS)

Delightfully, 83 CORN BUNTINGS flighted in to roost not far out from the causeway at Marsworth Reedbed at 1715 hours - my largest count at the site this winter.

A single CETTI'S WARBLER was singing, as well as a solitary male Song Thrush, with 8 Shoveler, 7 Common Teal and 6 Gadwall on the Sewage Farm.

Thanks to Steve Rodwell, I was finally able to add a new species to my Hertfordshire Year List today - a gorgeous BARN OWL performing eloquently at the back of the sewage farm from 1720 hours onwards. Steve had seen the bird last night and just as he had predicted, it appeared 20 minutes before it got pitch black and too dark to see. After it appeared from its roost-site, it hunted over the rough field for a short time before alighting on the sewage farm perimeter fence, where I was able to enjoy some outstanding views of this most charming of British birds. What a delight.

HAWFINCH delight

FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Although still very cold (5-6 degrees C throughout the day), it was a much brighter than of late, with long clear periods and some pleasant sunshine. It was also very calm. I decided to make the most of the conditions and did some local 'target birding', concentrating on some species I was missing from both my Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Year Lists. It was partly successful. Bird of the day was undoubtedly HAWFINCH.

BROXBOURNE WOODS (HERTFORDSHIRE)

My main target bird here was Marsh Tit but despite searching from 1100-1330 hours and walking acres of forest. I just could not locate one bird or territorial pair. I played the calls of male Marsh Tit in many different suitable areas, including those very kindly recommended by local observers, but failed.

I had concentrated my efforts on Danemead Nature Reserve, where I had seen 6 Marsh Tits on some occasions in previous years, and was absolutely delighted to find at least two very vocal male HAWFINCHES in this area. The birds were feeding on the ground between the sheep field of Danemead Reserve and the main muddy footpath that leads down from the Ermine Street (Martin's Green) Car Park and as I walked past them, they flew up into the vegetation and called loudly. The sharp 'ticc' enabled me to locate them, allowing me to enjoy some superb views. The vegetation and branch makeup in this area was very dense and it is possible, certainly from the calling, that more birds were involved. Certainly, two bright males were sat close together. They sat calling for about five minutes and then, after several Chaffinches returned to the ground, they did the same.

To reach this area, one needs to park on Cock Lane in the car park aforementioned. Follow the muddy bridlepath NW and as it inclines after 150 yards, the reserve entrance and information boards appear on the left. Between here and the large blue plastic barrel, to the left of the track, are where the Hawfinches are.

Whilst not locating either Marsh Tit or Lesser Redpoll, the following species were encountered: Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Nuthatch (3), Great Tit (11), Blue Tit (16), Long-tailed Tit (9), Chaffinch (15) and SISKIN (4).

WATERFORD (TL 313 150) (HERTS)

A LITTLE EGRET was feeding in the River Beane

HERTFORDSHIRE

Just 2 LONG-EARED OWLS remained in their favourite roost-site and alarmingly, on my arrival, both birds were purposefully flushed by some moronic local observer. I gave him a piece of my mind, but he walked away unconcerned. Just one very good reason why Long-eared Owl roosts like this MUST be suppressed at all costs. All five birds can all be seen safely and clearly in a 'scope from the bank above, so there is absolutely no need to flush them. Long-eared Owls love sunshine, so it was really a great shame that their roost-site was upset in a way like this. Once I had seen the two birds fly out of the ivy, I had a look under the tree, and there were at least 50 pellets. I wonder if anybody can make a use of them?

I also recorded 2 GREY PARTRIDGES and a RED KITE at the owl site.

BEDFORD SEWAGE WORKS/OCTAGON FARM (BEDFORDSHIRE)

In an extensive sweep of the area, there was no sign of the Water Pipit seen recently, nor of any Peregrines nearby or in Bedford Town Centre.

FLITWICK SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS (BEDS)

No sign of the Pintails - just 2 Little Grebes, a pair of Mute Swans and 22 Mallard.

BROGBOROUGH LAKE (BEDS)
(1630-1715 hours)

The juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER was showing well, two-thirds of the way up towards the Sailing Club, with 16 Great Crested Grebes, 113 Tufted Duck and 25 Common Goldeneye noted.

A total of 2,523 gulls roosted by 1715, including an outstanding 803 COMMON GULLS, 53 Herring Gulls (mostly British), 66 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1,600 Black-headed Gulls. At 1705 hours, the partial breeding-plumaged MEDITERRANEAN GULL flew in, landing towards the east end of the flock. This was my first in Bedfordshire this year (97).

MOOR LANE, MAULDEN (BEDS)

The ever-faithful LITTLE OWL was showing very well on the barn at 1732 hours (98).

SANDY SMITH NATURE RESERVE, CLOPHILL (BEDS)

Waited until just after dark but sadly no sign of the resident pair of Barn Owls (they had been showing at 2000 hours last night) nor of any Common Stonechats. The Red Foxes were very rewarding, appearing from their den just before dusk.

Sussex in the rain and a COMMON CRANE for my efforts

THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Well, this wintry weather goes on and on. With temperatures hovering between 4 and 6 degrees C today, the heavy rain which continued from dawn until dusk turned to sleet and snow on occasions.

East Sussex was my destination today, and battling with the inclement conditions and terribly wet and muddy conditions underfoot, I was delighted in adding COMMON CRANE to my Year List - the lingering adult in the Lewes Brooks valley.

PIDDINGHOE LEVELS (EAST SUSSEX)

From 1045-1115 hours, the adult COMMON CRANE was kept under observation as it fed at the edge of a flooded area in a sheep field SW of Southease village. From the raised bank of the Ouse river, I was able to enjoy good 'scope views as it fed. It represented my 179th species of the year.

I found that the area is best accessed from the main Newhaven-Lewes road (the A26) at Utford Farm railway station (see map above). After crossing the metal bridge, one can then walk south along the west bank of the Ouse to view the fields.

WRAYSBURY (SURREY)

A flock of 40 Ring-necked Parakeets flew east over the M25 towards dusk.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE finally added to 2010 Herts List

WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY

In stark contrast to yesterday, when it sleeted all day long, causing localised flooding, today was glorious, with blue sky throughout, winter sunshine and light southerly winds. Temperatures reached 8 degrees C.

LYNSTER'S FARM, MAPLE CROSS (HERTS) (TQ 033 921)

At long last, finally connected with the resident pair of EGYPTIAN GEESE at Lynster's Farm, both birds waddling away from the manure pile when the farmer drove his tractor into the shed. This represented my 108th species in Hertfordshire this year.

A GREEN SANDPIPER was feeding on the farm pool, with 31 Atlantic Canada and 2 Greylag Geese also in the field.

Large numbers of birds were feeding in the field including 78 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove, 64 Jackdaws and 22 Common Magpies.

A RED KITE was soaring above Maple Cross.

CHESS RIVER VALLEY (BUCKS)

Still at least 5 LITTLE EGRETS present, including 4 at Chenies Bottom, along with 2 Grey Herons and a Common Buzzard.

Great Water, Latimer, and Latimer Bridge yielded 1 Little Grebe, 10 Mute Swans, 3 Atlantic Canada Geese, 2 Mallard, 22 Tufted Duck, 5 Northern Pochard, 35 Moorhen, 78 Coot, both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush (singing male) and Greenfinch.

My first venture into Norfolk this year yields EIGHT new species

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY

A band of very heavy rain and sleet traversed the southern half of the country and for the best part of the day kept its northern border just south of Norwich across to Waxham. It remained very cold throughout, with temperatures hovering around 4 degrees C and very little brightness was seen, apart from at dusk at Holkham.

Reaching Week 7 of 2010, I had finally got round to visiting East Anglia, and had a list of specific birds I wanted to target, including Golden Pheasant, Willow Tit, Hawfinch, Twite, Short-eared Owl, Rough-legged Buzzard, Snow Bunting, Shore Lark, Greater Snow Goose, Bohemian Waxwing, Red-necked Grebe, Kittiwake, Dartford Warbler, Bearded Tit, Black Redstart and Mealy Redpoll. Of these 16 species, I was eventually able to connect with 7, so a reasonably successful mission. Weather played a major part in the failure to locate some species.

Alan Stewart and I departed Chorleywood at 0530 hours and reached Suffolk Breckland at 0700 hours

SUFFOLK BRECKLAND
(0700-0750)

At a traditional site, I was very pleased to find 10 GOLDEN PHEASANTS surviving, all of the adult males still being completely 'pure'. A flock of 9 birds (7 adult drakes and two females) was found, along with an additional adult male which was unusually seen in flight. The birds were typically elusive, shy and retiring, and ran at great speed away when startled. It was my 171st species of the year.

The mixed woodland also yielded 3 Red Deer stags, several Brown Hares, numerous Muntjac and 40+ Rabbits, along with 15 Common Pheasants, Jay, LESSER REDPOLL, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, MARSH TIT (3), Long-tailed Tit and Great Tit.

NORFOLK BRECKLAND
(0800-0840)

At another traditional site, I was equally delighted to find the continued presence of WILLOW TITS, especially considering the stark decline this species is going through in Britain. No less than four birds (two pairs) was located, consorting with a large flock of other tit species. One male was in full song. The birds afforded excellent views, allowing the salient characteristics such as the bull-necked appearance, rich orange-buff flanks and sides and striking pale 'wing panel' to be noted, as well as the all-dark bill. The frequently heard call was a very nasal sound, repeated several times (172).

It was nice to compare the Willow Tits with a MARSH TIT seen in its usual location close to the bridge, this bird announcing itself with the loud, sneezing 'pitchou' notes familiar with this species. The pale cutting edge to the bill was also diagnostic but rather difficult to see as it flitted from branch-to-branch.

Again, 3 Red Deer were seen, along with GREY WAGTAIL, Carrion Crow, Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Green Woodpecker, Common Treecreeper (3), Jay, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and 2 GOLDCRESTS.

LYNFORD ARBORETUM (NORFOLK)
(0900-0930)

On to Lynford where we were rewarded with fabulous views of an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK that we fortuitously chanced upon. The bird appeared from the direction of the pits, flew low along the line of the trees and was pursued by two Carrion Crows. It landed in a tall Larch tree and sat there, constantly being mobbed by corvids, for about ten minutes before sloping off low over the trees eastwards (173).

In the Arboretum itself, the first of five HAWFINCHES was located - a beautiful male - feeding on buds at the top of a fruiting tree. It sat there in full 'scope view for about 15 minutes before being overflown by four others, all 5 then disappearing into the main area of woodland (174). At least 6 COMMON CROSSBILLS were in the firs, along with a flock of 50 SISKIN, whilst the paddock area produced Chaffinch, 52 Redwing, Green Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Stock Dove and a single Roe Deer.

WHITLINGHAM GREAT BROAD, TROWSE BOTTOM (NORWICH, NORFOLK)
(1015-1100 hours)

Alan and I walked the entire southern perimeter of the Wherryman's Way and were extremely pleased with our results - Red-necked Grebe being my first of the year (175).

Great Crested Grebe (17)
RED-NECKED GREBE (superb views were obtained of a first-winter at the western end of the broad, visible from the second car park)
Continental Cormorants (66)
Grey Heron (1)
Mute Swans (22)
Egyptian Geese (8)
Mallard, Common Teal (3), Gadwall, Tufted Duck (221) and Northern Pochard
*RING-NECKED DUCK (the adult female was showing well, loosely associating with a group of Northern Pochard, about half way down the broad)
GREATER SCAUP (immature drake with Tufted Ducks)
SMEW (2 redheads showing well)
GOOSANDERS (7 noted, including 4 adult drakes, a first-winter drake and two redheads)
RUDDY DUCK (1 female)
SISKINS

DUSSINDALE DRIVE ESTATE, THORPE ST ANDREW (NORFOLK)

After a lengthy search of the estate, I was just chatting to one of my long-standing birding companions Baz Harding when a flock of 18 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS suddenly alighted in a tall tree adjacent to the drive at 1155. The birds afforded exceptional views as they waited in turn to feed on the berry-bearing shrubs bordering the road, were all unringed and were part of a late arrival from Scandinavia, the prolonged heavy snow and the exhaustion of their food crop forcing them to move further west. They were a very welcolm addition to the Year List, particularly considering their scarcity all winter (176). It was at this point that the heavier rain caught up with us, curtailing our birding somewhat.

THORPE MARSHES, BETWEEN HADDISCOE AND ST OLAVES (NORFOLK)

A MARSH HARRIER flew across the A146 at 1218 at Hales, near Loddon. Despite the conditions, we were very lucky in that the wintering juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD was showing very well from the first pull-in as you drive towards Yarmouth, perched on top of the gate (177). Excellent views were obtained in the 'scope, the bird just sitting there unconcerned by the rain (until 1230 hours at least).

There were also large numbers of Pink-footed Geese grazing on the fields, and several more Egyptian Geese.

CHEDGRAVE MARSHES (SUFFOLK)

The rain got heavier and heavier here and really dampened our spirits. Despite the shelter of the trees at the 'mound', no self-respecting Short-eared Owl was going to fly in these conditions and after half an hour of scanning, we decided to give up. Neither of the two wintering Rough-legged Buzzards was on view, Marsh Harrier and 3 Egyptian Geese being the only birds of note.

GREAT YARMOUTH BEACH (NORFOLK)

Just north of the Sealife Centre, the sandy beaches were dominated by roosting MEDITERRANEAN GULLS - 62 at least, including many multi colour-ringed individuals.

THE HORSEY AREA (NORFOLK)

Our next dip of the day was Common Crane, with not one to be found in any of their traditional areas. Where have they gone? Scanning from West Somerton over Heigham Holmes produced 44 Red-legged Partridges, whilst the road north to the windmill yielded 500+ European Golden Plovers, a single RUFF, a single Dunlin, 1,000+ Lapwings, 76 Greylag Geese and another MARSH HARRIER.

A BARN OWL was a pleasant surprise, hunting by day (1420) at the entrance to the Waxham Sands Holiday Camp, with another just 14 minutes later, perched on a post just north of Hickling village.

Driving down to Eastfield Farm produced a further MARSH HARRIER.

BETWEEN HICKLING AND STALHAM VILLAGES (NORFOLK)

Where Stalham Road meets Hall Road, north of Hickling village, a herd of 60 wild swans was feeding in a roadside field including 51 BEWICK'S SWANS and 9 WHOOPER SWANS (including a family party of 6 birds, with four first-winters).

WEST RUNTON (NORFOLK)

Finally escaping the heavy rain, we pitched up at West Runton beach car park. Walking east to the highest point just west of the holiday village some 600 yards, there was no sign whatsoever of the Black Redstart seen recently. The farmer was busily ploughing the coastal fields enticing flocks of both 65 Linnet and 70 Eurasian Skylark to feed, as well as 4 Pied Wagtails.

Most unusual was a very confiding partially summer-hooded adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL in the main car park, showing down to just yards as it sat on a post.

SALTHOUSE BEACH CAR PARK (NORFOLK)

Outstanding views were obtained of 6 SNOW BUNTINGS feeding in and around the shingle beach car park, my first of the year (178); 8 Turnstones were also feeding at point-blank range.

WELLS HARBOUR AND BOATING LAKE (NORTH HORFOLK)

A large flock of 600 Dark-bellied Brent Geese was feeding in fields immediately west of the pitch & putt course, whilst 4 GREATER SCAUP (two adult drakes, a first-winter drake and an adult female) were showing very well on the lake.

HOLKHAM SALTMARSH AND FIELDS (NORTH HORFOLK)

With just twenty minutes of birdable light left of the day, we ventured out from Holkham Gap eastwards, in the vain hope of locating the 17 Shore Larks that are wintering there. Despite marching out for over a mile and widely sweeping the area, they were not to be found, and our efforts were rewarded with just 3 Skylark, 18 Meadow Pipits and a noisy flock of creek-feeding Common Redshanks.

A further BARN OWL was hunting Lady Anne's Drive towards dusk, with a single WOODCOCK appearing as light started to fade. A TAWNY OWL hooted from the pines, whilst just 300 Pink-footed Geese flew in to join the 300 or so Eurasian Wigeon just east of the drive.

The first DUSKY WARBLER for London - and a very showy Bedfordshire border FIRECREST

Roy Woodward did brilliantly well obtaining these fabulous shots of the highly mobile DUSKY WARBLER - the first ever record for the London area

Today's dazzling FIRECREST captured on film by Luke Massey - superb!

MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Still continuing very cold with temperatures once again struggling to reach much more than 4 degrees C. Occasional heavy rain gave way to a dull, grey and overcast afternoon.

Following Andy Tweed and others finding of a Penduline Tit at Rainham Marsh RSPB, I set forth yet again for another attempt to add this elusive species to my 2010 British year-list. No sooner had I started driving east around the M25, I was informed that the bird had flown, disappearing high over the railway towards Dagenham. It had lasted all of 20 minutes !

I then diverted north into Bedfordshire, where I was delighted to connect with a very showy FIRECREST.......

EAST HYDE (BEDS/HERTS BORDER)

Favouring the ivy-clad hedgerow bordering Thrales End Lane at East Hyde bridge (at TL 128 172, in Bedfordshire), the male FIRECREST was showing very well, flitting slowly through the branches 15-60 yards west of the bridge. Lol Carman and Luke Massey were also present, the latter photographer obtaining some excellent shots, despite the poor light conditions. The bird called occasionally, but only as a result of light pishing, and was quite orange at the leading edge and sides of the yellow crown-stripe.

A single JACK SNIPE was feeding by the sedgebed at the convergence of the streams, and my first Herts LITTLE OWL of the year was showing very well in its favoured tree behind the farm, close to its nesting hole. The hedgerow also held Song Thrush and Wren.

LOCKWOOD RESERVOIR (LONDON RECORDING AREA)
(1330-1646 hours)

Local patchworker Lol Boldini had impressively located a DUSKY WARBLER in scrub behind the houses and allotments NE of Lockwood Reservoir Sunday morning and after releasing news of his find to other locals, Roy Woodward relocated it late morning today. It represented the FIRST record for the London Recording Area.

On hearing of Roy's relocation, I made my way straight there, and after negotiating the A10 and North Circular, eventually arrived in Black Horse Road at 1330. I was greeted by a beaming Joan Thompson and Mick Frosdick, who along with 7 others, had just seen the bird flicking between scrubby patches at the west side of the Flood Relief Channel. It had disappeared north and had been lost from view.

Lawrence knew the area well and took me and Andrew Self around on to the Walthamstow Marsh proper, where we searched the area well but failed to locate it. It did look good though, with much scrubby understorey, and 8 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Blue Tits, 3 Great Tits and 3 Reed Buntings were noted. We all returned to the original site and in a study of the area, I felt that the only place it could be was in the small scrubby patches bordering the Flood Relief Channel slightly further north. Paul Whiteman arrived, and I informed him of my senses, and in no time at all, he had managed to scale the fences and was in - soon to be followed by eight others. No sooner had they climbed in than Andrew Self declared he had heard it - and seen it flicking its way into some more dense vegetation.

Being a first for London, I clambered after Jonathan Lethbridge, Lol and others, and eventually got to where they were standing. The DUSKY WARBLER was calling constantly - a hard clicking ''tuckk'' - but was near impossible to see, as it was hugging the ground on the opposite side of a concrete wall. Andrew Self had worked out a way of 'scoping it at distance and that was where all of us (13 observers in total) eventually enjoyed good views, as it slowly made its way along the edge of the Relief Channel towards us, often in the company of a single Wren.

I must have seen it on 20 occasions over a period of 50 minutes, with it often flitting higher into the vegetation and occasionally perching on the top of the concrete fence. It was a typically dingy warbler, with an olive tone to its brown upperparts, and a marked and quite broad buff-brown supercilium. It was often rather Chiffchaff-like but had characteristic orange-brown legs with brighter feet, light buff undertail-coverts and darker flanks and sides. It was constantly flicking its wings, particularly when calling, and was highly mobile at all times. Roy Woodward managed to get several images of the bird as it flew closer, three of which are published above. Both Franko Marievic and Adam Wilson arrived late and saw the bird. I am indebted to both Jonathan and Lol for their kind help.

Four GOOSANDERS were also seen.

DIRECTIONS: The bird is moving between the allotments and the relief channel to the NE of Lockwood Reservoir. If at the former location, follow the public footpath directly opposite Worcester Road north for 220 yards to view. If it is in the channel, you will need to park on Ferry Lane (the A503), purchase a day permit for £1 and walk north along the entire length of Lockwood Reservoir to view.

No Penduline Tit or Short-eared Owl but did add Marsh and Hen Harrier and Sanderling !

At last ! Finally added Sanderling to the Year List with this charming individual lured by crisps - captured on film by Barry Wright

SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY (VALENTINE'S DAY)

Another very cold day, with frequent snow flurries and temperatures hovering at about 3 degrees C. In fact, weather identical to yesterdays. Having had to do an 18th birthday party bash until late in the night, failed to surface before 10 o'clock. As a result, little daylight left for birding, so Alan Stewart and I headed for east Kent, where we searched in vain for the female Penduline Tit present most of the week at Grove Ferry.

CHAFFINCH HOUSE, LITTLE CHALFONT (BUCKS)

A single FIELDFARE and SONG THRUSH visited the garden.

HIGHFIELD AREA, NEAR HERNE BAT (NORTH KENT)

There was still a fair amount of lying drifting snow left over from Thursday's fall, with large numbers of Fieldfares feeding in roadside fields where the snow had melted.

GROVE FERRY NNR (KENT)
(1145-1500 hours)

There was no sign of the female Penduline Tit seen and photographed during the past three days in and around the David Feast Hide. In fact, some people had been there since dawn!

The highlight for me was my first MARSH HARRIER of the year - flying high over Stodmarsh NNR

Also noted were 1 full breeding plumaged Continental Cormorant (roosting on a raft in front of the hide), 225 Common Teal, 8 Gadwall, 5 Northern Pochard, 2 WATER RAILS (including 1 showing well to the left of the hide), 1 Common Redshank, 1 Common Snipe, a single WATER PIPIT and 2 CETTI'S WARBLERS.

THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY (NORTH KENT)

Staggering numbers of COMMON BLACKBIRDS were present on Sheppey, including 31 in just one small area of grass verge along the B2237 on the Eastchurch Bypass. There were also at least 150 Fieldfares in a field just west of Eastchurch.

HARTY FERRY ROAD, CAPEL FLEET MARSHES (NORTH KENT)

Mute Swans (50+)
Greylag Geese (250+)
EURASIAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (231)
Common Shelducks (38)
Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Shoveler
MARSH HARRIERS (9 noted)
HEN HARRIER (1 ringtail seen perched and in flight - my first of the year and one of four birds present)
Common Buzzard (1)
Red-legged Partridge (6)
Lapwing (5,000+)
European Golden Plovers (200+)
BARN OWLS (4 individuals hunting over fields late afternoon, including a very pale individual)
COMMON STONECHAT (1 male)
Fieldfares (500+)
Common Starlings (flock of 400)

MUSWELL MANOR, LEYSDOWN=ON-SEA, SHEPPEY

A flock of over 2,000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese harboured a single adult BLACK BRANT and 3 PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE, with 13 RUFF on an adjacent pool and 2 further BARN OWLS hunting..

Nearby, the ebbing tide at Leysdown Beach yielded my first 16 SANDERLING of the year, including an exceptionally confiding first-winter by the car park (see Barry Wright's images), as well as just under 1,000 Red Knot, 18 Grey Plovers and large numbers of Common Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and a few Turnstone.

No Firecrests and still no Red-necked Grebe

SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY

Another very cold day, with frequent snow flurries and temperatures hovering at about 3 degrees C.

CLIVEDEN PARK (BUCKS)

Spent a total of three hours searching for Firecrest in the usual areas behind the new exclusive housing estate but with no success......

The following species were noted -:

Red Kite (1 inspecting one of last summer's nests in a tall pine)
Common Buzzard (1)
Song Thrush (1)
Mistle Thrush (2)
Jay (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Great Tit (6)
Coal Tit (4)
Blue Tit (10)
Long-tailed Tit (8)
Robin
Wren (2)
Chaffinch (7)
GOLDCREST (1 female)
Common Treecreeper (2)

There was also a good spread of Snowdrops carpeting the woodland floor

KING GEORGE VI RESERVOIR (SURREY)

Followed up a report of a Red-necked Grebe seen by the pier but could only find 6 Great Crested Grebes, a Little Grebe and a SLAVONIAN GREBE. Four juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS were still present, and a selection of wildfowl including Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Shoveler.

BRAMBLING, BLACK-NECKED GREBE, WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - all added to the Herts Year List

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Another very cold day, with temperatures not rising to more than 5 degrees C. Some heavy sleet showers fell, especially during the morning.

The day was spent in Hertfordshire, attempting to mop up on a few species that I was still missing locally. Egyptian Goose was the only disappointment.......

DRAYTON BEAUCHAMP (BUCKS)

A single RED KITE was sat in a tree close to the churchyard in the village.

WILSTONE RESERVOIR (HERTS)
(1000-1047 hours; with Peter Leigh)

My first opportunity this week to get to the reservoirs. Fortunately, the three EURASIAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE found by Roy Hargreaves yesterday morning were still present and showing very well with just 2 Canada Geese in the first field west of the main car park. It was an adult pair with a single youngster (in full first-winter plumage). As Mic and Jan Wells walked along the bank, the three birds spooked and flew on to the main reservoir, landing in front of the Drayton Bank Hide and still present when I left at 1247. They represented my 104th Hertfordshire species of the year. Steve Blake obtained the excellent photograph above.

Also still present and showing well was the adult drake SMEW found by Roy much earlier - feeding just to the right of the shooting butts on the central bank - the second drake I have seen on Wilstone in recent times.

This also gave me the opportunity to count the wildfowl, overall much depleted in number. The reservoir was still very high in terms of water level. Once again, I could not find the resident Little Owls.

Great Crested Grebe (high count of 22 birds)
Little Grebes (3 together)
Continental Cormorant (21)
Grey Heron (1 pair at the nest in the central bank)
Mute Swan (none)
Greylag Geese (67)
Eurasian Wigeon (556)
Common Teal (33; marked decrease)
Shoveler (28)
Tufted Duck (73)
Northern Pochard (56)
COMMON GOLDENEYE (2 adult drakes, 3 females)
Coot (537)
Lapwing (83 in flight)

A female Eurasian Sparrowhawk was plucking a dead Woodpigeon in the crop field opposite the Cemetery, with two Carrion Crows looking on.

STARTOP'S END RESERVOIR

Around the Angler's Retreat car park and Startop Farm, 22 HOUSE SPARROWS were present, along with 3 Chaffinches and a male Song Thrush in full song. A flock of 27 FIELDFARES flew east.

A Great Crested Grebe, 43 Tufted Duck, 64 Northern Pochard and 118 Coot were on the reservoir.

TRINGFORD RESERVOIR

Very quiet, with just 2 Mute Swans (the only ones noted), 22 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochards and 8 Coot noted.

MARSWORTH RESERVOIR

Great Crested Grebe (6), Shoveler (35) and Tufted Duck (5).

COLLEGE LAKE BBOWT (BUCKS)

Very poor, with few wildfowl present - Little Grebe (1), Wigeon (4 - 2 pairs), Common Teal (19), Tufted Duck (8) and Pochard (1). 66 Coot.

PITSTONE QUARRY

A pair of Wigeon were the unusual sight here, with 17 Common Teal, 35 Tufted Duck and 8 Coot. Roosting gulls included 143 Black-headed and 8 Commons.

COW ROAST (HERTS)

A covey of 8 Red-legged Partridges north of the A41.

HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR (HERTS)

Attempted to make it to the public viewpoint but as on previous visits, was hounded and attacked by the horses loose in the field. The white horse was particularly frisky and kept kicking out. They did not like my tripod and it may well frighten them.

A single BLACK-NECKED GREBE was showing very well at the extreme north end of the reservoir - my first of the year (105). It was in transitional plumage and had already acquired its bright golden ear coverts and had much black coming through on the head and breast.

Little of note otherwise, just 6 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Gadwall and 32 Tufted Ducks.

EAST HYDE (HERTS)

At the north end of Cootes End Lane (at TL 128 166), the highly mobile passerine flock eventually yielded 8 BRAMBLINGS (my first of the year - 106), 22 Chaffinches, 18 Yellowhammers and 3 Reed Buntings - all frequenting the tall Oaks and scrub opposite the first layby (and suitable for just 2 cars parking). A Skylark was also in adjoining fields.

I flushed up 5 GREY PARTRIDGE from the field (scarce here) and also noted Sparrowhawk (patrolling the hedgerow), 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwings and 8 Fieldfares.

At the bridge site (with DS), a WATER RAIL was showing well feeding along the main river bank, with 2 Mute Swans, 32 Gadwall, 4 Common Teal and Mallard noted. There was no sign of any Green Sandpipers or Jack Snipe in the stream, although Darin Stanley returned at dusk and recorded at least 5.

There was no sign of the Little Owls in their favoured tree.

KIMPTON AREA (HERTS)

Yet again, I failed in my quest to locate any Egyptian Geese. A total of 15 Gadwall were west of the mill on the flood meadows. Also 13 Moorhens, and 48 Rooks nearby.

The resident pair of COMMON RAVENS were very active and showing extremely well, the male being very vocal and repeatedly calling from a manure heap adjacent to the nesting tree. A single RED KITE was also in the area.

WHITWELL CRESS BEDS (HERTS) (TL 183 212)

Seven LITTLE EGRETS were present today and showing very well from the road; also 8 Moorhens. A single ROE DEER was feeding with Sheep out of their buckets.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL added

North American Green-winged Teal, Budds Farm Sewage Works, Hants, February 2010 (Richard Ford; Bernie Forbes; Nick Bond and Alan Lewis)

THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY

There was a light snow covering at dawn and later, as I drove to the South Coast, West and East Sussex from East Grinstead and Polegate east to at least Hastings was covered in at least four inches of lying snow.

All 3 LITTLE EGRETS were by Church Covert early morning.

EAST SUSSEX: Driving west along the A27 between Drusillas Zoo at Arlington and Charlestone Farmhouse, the fields were covered in both Lapwing and Fieldfare - in fact, the number of the latter were at least 1,000.

BUDDS FARM, LANGSTONE HARBOUR (HAMPSHIRE)

The drake NORTH AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL was showing well at 1615 hours, feeding on one of the circular filter beds, just north of the main pools. There were also 38 Common Teal, 15 Shoveler, 40 Gadwall and the odd Tufted Duck and Northern Pochard. The GWT represented my 162nd bird in Britain this year.

WATERLOOVILLE

A pair of Eurasian Sparrowhawks was in circular display over woods just east of the A3

WAXWING dip

WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY

There was a light frost overnight, followed by another cold day, temperatures peaking at 2 degrees C. Kent saw some substantial snow during the day (up to 32 cms) and the Chilterns also had a light covering by nightfall.

CHESS RIVER VALLEY

All 5 LITTLE EGRETS were still present, with two at Chesham Sewage Works and the three by Church Covert.

STRETHAM (CAMBRIDGESHIRE)

Driving through a snow blizzard on the A11, I eventually reached Stretham mid afternoon. Frustratingly, the two Bohemian Waxwings that had been present since Tuesday had been last seen at 12.30pm. They had been feeding on the Rowan trees by Hazel Court. Two Mistle Thrushes were guarding the two trees and chasing everything out that landed in them, including Collared Doves. I assume that is why the Waxwings had moved on.

The last two days have seen a widespread arrival of Waxwings into the country, so hopefully I will get another opportunity to see one in the coming days.......

First local GREAT CRESTED GREBE of year

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY

The wind veered from NE to northerly during the day and in doing so raised the temperature a bit, to 6 degrees C. It remained dry throughout and during the afternoon, the cloud melted away, leaving a clear blue sky. By nightfall, a frost was in prospect

CHESS RIVER VALLEY (SOUTH BUCKS)

Still 4 LITTLE EGRETS present, all just west of Chenies Bottom, with 3 Common Buzzards in display over Lane Wood (SU 990 987)

COLESHILL (SOUTH BUCKS)

Yet another dead Badger, lying in the middle of the A404 just west of New Road at SU 944 962

A Common Kestrel was sat on the wire by Whielden Gate.

PENN WOOD (SOUTH BUCKS)

Checked out Penn Wood, particularly the Penna Monument ride, but with scant results - no Lesser Redpoll located and just 2 Goldcrests, 1 Wren, 8 Long-tailed Tits and 3 Muntjac Deer encountered. The Chaffinch roost at the west end numbered 48.

Most activity centred around the Holly roost at SU 916 957, where 147 GREENFINCHES were joined by 32 BRAMBLINGS, a few males now in nice attire.

SHARDELOES LAKE (SOUTH BUCKS)
(Dusk visit)

A noticeable arrival of water birds, with the first GREAT CRESTED GREBE of the year, 2 Little Grebes, 70 Coots, all 5 Mute Swans again (including three of last year's brood), 52 Atlantic Canada Geese, 8 Mallard, 20 Gadwall, 24 Tufted Duck and 16 Northern Pochard.

I also located a REED BUNTING roost at the far west end of the lake, numbering 5 birds.

Abortive visit to Thames Basin

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Returned from Ireland to find Britain once again taking the full brunt of wintry weather. Temperatures had plummeted to just 2 degrees C and snow was again falling but not settling. A moderate North-easterly wind meant that it was bitterly cold in exposed areas.

COALHOUSE FORT, EAST TILBURY (ESSEX)

I was hoping to connect with my first Shore Larks of the year but on talking to Graham Ekins on the phone, realised that the three birds I had been looking for had flown back south over the River Thames to Cliffe Pools RSPB in North Kent. There was also no sign of the Slavonian Grebe reported earlier.

The Fort pools held 4 Little Grebes, whilst the adjacent estuary on the ebbing tide had just 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 68 Dunlin and a few Common Redshank and Eurasian Curlew.

A single Little Egret, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, 8 Chaffinch and 2 Reed Bunting were also noted but best of all was the flock of 37 CORN BUNTINGS in the long grass just inside the sea wall.

My first-ever NORTH AMERICAN EIDER (dresseri)

Drake North American Eider, Glasagh Bay, Fanad Head, County Donegal, Decembver 2009 (Wilton Farelly)

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY

Temperatures dropped to 3 degrees overnight but cloud moved in from very early morning. This cloud was accompanied by very cold North-easterly winds, which made viewing birds difficult as the day progressed. It did remain dry however.

It was a 90 minute drive north to the Fanad peninsula in northern Donegal. Ballybofey afforded us with more Hooded Crows and Common Starlings, whilst Broad Water, at the north end of Mulroy Bay, alongside the R246 north of Carrowkeel, yielded PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE and 2 drake Red-breasted Mergansers.

FANAD HEAD (COUNTY DONEGAL)

Fanad Head, in the vicinity of the lighthouse, added numerous Hooded Crows,15 Redwing, several Common Blackbirds and my first RED-BILLED CHOUGHS of 2010 (a pair feeding in a field alongside the road and showing well) (165). Two BARNACLE GEESE flew north.

Glasagh Bay was our main destination and eventually we found the narrow road which lead down to the tiny beach car park. Derek Charles and Wilton Farelly had discovered this bird in early January and had been particularly instructive and helpful in providing details and photographs.

A total of 314 COMMON EIDERS was present in the bay, in two main clusters, and after walking east along the beach to the east end of the bay, the birds could be satisfactorily 'scoped, as they fed 65-200 yards offshore. The flocks contained a minimum of five brighter-billed 'northern' birds or variants, along with the much more obvious and paler-billed 'dresseri' - NORTH AMERICAN EIDER.

Although difficult to locate, mainly due to the fact that the flock were so closely packed, were often in diving mode for extended periods and the sea swell was quite high, the key features enabling differentiation were thus -:

1) Slightly smaller in size, with a different head profile and a fine black line between the bill and the crown on a side-view;

2) A paler bill, with bulbous lobes at the top of the bill extending well up the crown and in line with the eye;

3) Pale green on head much more extensive and obvious;

4) White 'sails' often noticeable.

The bird was often part of a displaying group of adult drakes and it was when partaking in such activity that it was most easily located; otherwise it was very difficult. It was the first North American Eider that both Chris Heard and I had ever seen.

In addition to the Eider flock, three hours of scanning yielded 1 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, at least 15 RED-THROATED DIVERS (including several adults already in breeding plumage), 5 Northern Gannets, numerous European Shags, 2 vocal WHOOPER SWANS (an adult and first-winter), a few LONG-TAILED DUCKS (including a dapper winter drake) and an immature VELVET SCOTER.

Waders on the rocky coastline included Common Redshank, Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew and Turnstone, whilst 2 Common Buzzards, COMMON RAVEN, up to 15 HOODED CROWS and several more RED-BILLED CHOUGH were also encountered.

THE RAGHLEY, BALLINTEMPLE AND LISSADELL AREAS (COUNTY SLIGO)

Having spent so much time in Donegal, birding opportunities for the rest of Sunday were somewhat minimal. We decided to target the geese flocks NW of Sligo.

A herd of 8 WHOOPER SWANS (three first-winters) were feeding close to the road near Ardtermon House, whilst the bulk of 2,300 BARNACLE GEESE were just NE of Raghley, in the fields south of Ballintemple. We managed to locate a single pale RICHARDSON'S CANADA GOOSE feeding within the flock but not the larger individual (166).

Searching unsuccessfully for Twite at Raghley Point did provide further excellent views of PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE (25 birds).

Driving further north and viewing the 'Red Barn' area of fields, 350 or more BARNACLE GEESE were encountered, 15 Fieldfares and a wing-tagged introduction immature WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE.

SLIGO TOWN (COUNTY SLIGO)

Prior to returning to Knock Airport, we stopped off at Quay Street car park in Sligo, where a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER was affording crippling views in the harbour.

And that was it - a very enjoyable and rewarding weekend spent in western and NW Ireland. I am indebted to the kind help of those Irish birders that rang and texted, particularly Dermot Breen, Tom Cuffe, Ronan McLaughlin and Sean Cronin.

The Emerald Isle beckons

Juvenile Thayer's Gull, Ross Beach, Cleggan, County Galway, January-February 2010 (location map; first two images, Sean Crnin; lower four images Dermot Breen)

SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY

Chris Heard, Gary Bagnell, John Lees and I set forth from Stanstead Airport for Ireland at 0915 hours, after being delayed for over an hour by dense fog. We had paid just £71 for return flights.

Following a very hard landing by our East European pilot, our RyanAir flight eventually touched down at Knock Airport (Ireland's West Airport), just 5 kms south of Charlestown, at 1030. We quickly transferred to our Hertz rental car, a 1.0 litre Volkswagon Fox.

The weather on out arrival was glorious, with clear blue skies, virtually no wind and a temperature of just 3 degrees Celcius.

We made our way west into County Galway, following the R375 in to Swinford, where 2 Mute Swans were noted on roadside lochans and Rook, Jackdaw and Common Magpie were fairly commonplace.

Heading west on the N5 to Castlebar, provided me with my first HOODED CROWS of 2010 (162), with a further 3 Mute Swans at Moher Lough, south of Liscarney.

BALLYNAKILL HARBOUR (COUNTY GALWAY)

Thanks to Dermot Breen and others, finding our way from Moyard and the N59 north of Clifden to Ross Beach, 5 kms east of Cleggan, was fairly straightforward (turn right at the east end of Ballynakill Lough towards the 'Judo Club' and continue on that narrow lane, past the beach on the right, for 2 kms to the end of the road).

Ross Beach saw the arrival of five car loads of birders early afternoon, including Jim & Debs Lawrence, Chris Wilkinson and his partner, three Danish birders including one of the Netfugl administrators and Lee Gregory, Chris Lansdell, Will Soar and Craig Holden.

Jim Lawrence had seen the juvenile THAYER'S GULL prior to our arrival, whilst it had been feeding on the six fish cages 400 yards offshore. We set the 'scopes up and searched but there was no sign of it.

A first-winter MEDITERRANEAN GULL was showing very well with the 300 or so Black-headed Gulls just off of the inlet stream, along with a single PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE and several European Shags. Scanning the harbour resulted in the finding of at least 7 GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS and 17 BLACK GUILLEMOTS (163), several of which had already acquired breeding plumage.

An odd white-winged gull which flew from a rocky islet to the far fish cages on the north side of the water may have been a dark juvenile ICELAND GULL.

The juvenile THAYER'S GULL flew in from the east, close along the shore, at 1310 hours and responded to the bread that JL was throwing out. It afforded spectacular views at just 35 yards range as it joined in the noisy melee of gulls attracted to the food. Jim was able to fire off shot after shot during the eight minutes it flew around and managed to obtain some excellent flight images. Once all of the bread was devoured, the THAYER'S GULL joined other birds and roosted just west of the stream - again, providing us with ample opportunities of study.

At rest, the bird resembled Iceland Gull in structure and stance, with the beautiful 'velvety' wash extending from the throat to the vent and encroaching on to the flanks, giving it a somewhat North American Herring Gull feel to it. The head, hindneck and upper mantle were also rather brown, with darker masking in front of the eye and on the ear-coverts. The undertail-coverts and lower vent were barred, with the upper tail correspondingly darker brown and paler biscuit towards the tips.

The scapulars and tertials were contrastingly dark muddy-brown and edged whitish, with a noticeable dark brown trailing edge in flight and no significant covert bar. The outer hand of the wing was very dark blackish-brown, with the whiter inner primaries giving the characteristic 'venetian-blind' appearance of this species. In flight, the underwing was quite dusky, and the flight feathers were all neatly fringed pale cream forming distinct pale chevrons at the tips. The rump was heavily dark and barred

The bill was rather slight, predominantly black but with a hint of a dark reddish colouring to the base, whilst the long legs were pink. The iris was dark brown.

The bird remained on view for about 28 minutes before flying out into the harbour and landing out of view on one of the six offshore fish cages.

NIMMO'S PIER AND MUTTON ISLAND CAUSEWAY, GALWAY HARBOUR

Driving down towards Galway City mid-afternoon saw a drastic deterioation in weather conditions, with an overwhelming blanket of thick fog setting in. In fact, by the time we reached Nimmo's, visibility was down to just 45 yards. As a result, our late afternoon visit was seriously curtailed, and consequently there was little chance of locating the wintering Forster's or Sandwich Terns.

A total of 7 feeding Bar-tailed Godwits were amongst the rocky pools west of the causeway, with Rock Pipit and Eurasian Wigeon noted also, and at Nimmo's Pier slipway, a single adult RING-BILLED GULL was showing very well, a single adult Scandinavian Herring Gull, 25 Common Gulls, 19 Mute Swans and 8 Turnstones.

As dark befell Galway, we entered the Italian Ristorante Da Roberta Pizzeria in Upper Salthill, which was simply superb.....

The next two and a half hours were spent driving north, Donegal Old Town being reached just after 2200 hours. It was here that we spent the night.

FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY

A quiet day with the only notebook entry being of 3 Red Kites and 8 occupied Rook nests in Waddesdon in West Buckinghamshire

I finally nailed MERLIN

Not the Merlin I saw today but the female/immature I have dipped on now on five occasions, superbly photographed by Mike Lawrence. Below, Phil Hasell illustrates the Corn Bunting mass this Merlin has been terrorising.

WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Grey skies predominated, with temperatures peaking at 7 degrees C late afternoon. The forecast rain, sleet or snow never materialised. MERLIN and WATER RAIL were my two target birds of the day, with both excelling in their appearance............

STOTFOLD (BEDFORDSHIRE)
(0800-1100 hours)

Returned once more to the stubble and purposefully seeded fields immediately west of Stotfold, mainly with the goal of connecting with Merlin. Took Steve Blain's advice and got there early and waited, waited and waited.

Although the Skylark flock was still in the 270 bracket, the number of CORN BUNTINGS on site is diminishing daily. My highest click-counter tally this morning was of just 452 birds, a marked decline in numbers. Yellowhammers had disappeared also.

The only raptor noted was the regular Common Kestrel but alas after three cold hours of searching, the Merlin did not put in an appearance........

ARLESEY (BEDFORDSHIRE)

Taking the kind advice of Arlesey patch workers, I then decided to try my luck in the large stubble fields straddling the village and the Blue Lagoon. Quite a few Yellowhammers and Redwings were found but still no Merlin. Frustrating or what !

Whilst in Arlesey, I took full advantage of a visit to the River Hiz, a relatively shallow river forking off the River Ivel. I walked a 600-yard stretch of river, starting just short of the Amenity Tree Nursery and continuing north on the marked footpath. This truly is a wonderful place to observe, study and photograph WATER RAILS. They were easy here, and I saw four different individuals relatively easily, one parallel to the disabled parking area and then three on the section between the north end of the nursery perimeter fence and the wooden bridge over the river.

The riverside walk also produced 3 Moorhens, 2 Wrens, 5 Song Thrushes, 8 Redwing and 6 Fieldfare.

DIRECTIONS: See map below. In Arlesey village, take Mill Lane across the traffic light-controlled railway bridge and turn immediately right. Park sensibly by the houses and follow the public footpath up the east side of the River Hiz alongside the tree nursery from TL 189 359 to TL 189 368.

WALLINGTON (HERTFORDSHIRE): 50 Fieldfare in roadside field

SANDON AREA (HERTFORDSHIRE)

Driving along the Rushden road, I stopped off at suitable vantage points and was delighted to finally track down a MERLIN - my first of the year (species 161). Remarkably, it was sitting on top of a partridge-feeding silo, adjacent to a hedgerow, and adjacent to a game strip. It was a beautiful male and sat there from at least 1227 to when it finally flew at 1258 hours. The game strip lies between the Bury Barns and the Rushden road at cTL 300 356. A single male Eurasian Sparrowhawk was also patrolling the game strip, whilst a party of 8 Long-tailed Tits actually mobbed the Merlin for a short while.

A pair of GREY PARTRIDGE performed well, with a flock of 33 Eurasian Skylark and a single Linnet seen, whilst Brown Hares were abundant in the area, with at least 40 encountered on various scans.

At Heath Farm on the Kelshall road, 98 Rooks had gathered, with 28 Feral Pigeons on the silo roofs, 16 Fieldfares and 12 House Sparrows (8 males) in the garden there. A Common Buzzard was nearby, and a further small group of 8 Eurasian Skylarks. A Red Fox was also seen well.

Conversely, the Reed area, either side of the A10, was largely devoid of birds, with just three Common Buzzards noted. What a difference a year makes.

BROXBOURNE WOODS (HERTFORDSHIRE)

Thanks to Alan Reynolds, I was able to spend an enjoyable 90 minutes in Broxbourne Woods connecting with birds. Parking up at the Broxbourne Woods (West) car park at TL 324 071 (this is the usual Purple Emperor/White Admiral car park), I followed the very muddy track (wellingtons essential) NE, passing all of the areas currently being regenerated and forested. The track drops down into a dip and then up again and after 700 yards from the car park reaches a bench and a deep ditch. Traversing the ditch brings one into a mixed area of Pine, Spruce, Larch and Cypress known as Cowheath Wood and it was here that I quickly located COMMON CROSSBILL (3 birds, very vocal, in the tall introduced Pines at TL 334 077), SISKIN (8 birds), Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest and 5 Coal Tits. Most delightful was a fabulous WOODCOCK, trying to conceal itself with camouflage at the edge of a track through the Silver Birches.

My only disappointment was failing to locate Marsh Tits, even at their stronghold at Brambles Wood. Oh well, something for another day.....

WARNING: Be very careful in Broxbourne Woods West car park. There are several stumps in the car park that have been cut low and are very misleading. I managed to get my car completely stuck on top of one and could not move. It took me the best part of an hour to get off of it and only by constantly jacking up the car and pushing it back a short distance.

A wet day but rewarding nonetheless

TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Overnight, a warm front moved in from the west, pushing the cold weather back towards the continent. The cold, crisp, clear weather was replaced by a band of rain, which continued all morning. I made the most of the wet weather by writing and as a consequence, was able to see what was visiting the garden feeders.

CHAFFINCH HOUSE, LITTLE CHALFONT (BUCKS)

Despite the rain, a nice selection of garden visitors, including a FIELDFARE, a male Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinches and an adult male and first-winter male PIED WAGTAIL on the lawn.

At least 35 House Sparrows were in residence, along with 4 Common Blackbirds, 6 Eurasian Collared Doves, a Woodpigeon, 3 Blue Tits and 6 Chaffinches.

SHARDELOES ESTATE (BUCKS)

The rain started to peter out early afternoon so I went over to Shardeloes Estate to do a full inventory of the birdlife present, checking out the main lake and walking to Model Farm, Mop End and fully covering Wheatley Wood. A total of 2,187 individuals of 42 different species were encountered, the highlights being a pair of Mandarin Ducks, my first Bucks Red-legged Partridge of the year and some excellent Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting counts.

The main lake was still partly frozen

ADD IN WILDFOWL GRAPHS

Little Grebe and Mute Swan (no sign of either species)

Grey Heron (1)
*MANDARIN DUCK (pair at the west end of main lake)
Mallard (13)
GADWALL (32)
NORTHERN POCHARD (7 present - 5 adult drakes and two females)
Tufted Duck (12)
RED KITES (4 including 2 perched by one of the pheasant pens)
Common Buzzard (1)
Common Kestrel (1 adult male)
Red-legged Partridge (1)
Common Pheasant (330)
Moorhen (14)
Coot (major increase to 73 birds - see graph)
Black-headed Gull (214)
COMMON GULL (high count of 46 birds roosting on the ice)
HERRING GULL (adult and 3rd-winter Argenteus feeding an a dead fish on the ice - scarce on the lake)

Stock Dove (male calling and displaying)
Woodpigeon (112 near lake and a further 766 by Summerville Wood)
Wren (just 2, both by the lake)
Dunnock (2 in the Model Farm maize/game strips)
European Robin (1 in the Lodge garden)
SONG THRUSH (3 feeding in leaf litter below the line of Beech trees at the start of the footpath to Mop End)
REDWING (just 1 noted)
FIELDFARE (flock of 15 near Model Farm)
Common Blackbird (3)
GOLDCREST (excellent views of a vocal individual in bushes by the main lake)
Great Tit (5, including males in song)
COAL TIT (3)
Blue Tit (4)
Long-tailed Tit (10)
COMMON TREECREEPER (2 in scrub by main lake)
Common Magpie (14)
Jay (4)
Jackdaw (340, with the large roost in Wheatley Wood)
Rook (12)
Carrion Crow (16)
Chaffinch (30 in the Model Farm game strips)
LINNET (24 in one flock in Model Farm game strips)
Goldfinch (5)
Greenfinch (1)
REED BUNTING (2 birds at the far west end of the main lake and a further 13 in the Model Farm game strips)
*YELLOWHAMMER (an impressive 42 birds in the Model Farm game strips)

ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK (HERTS)

Great Crested Grebe (12), Mute Swan (9), MANDARIN DUCK (just 1 pair, my first in Herts this year - 98), Gadwall (70), Wigeon (8), Shoveler (2 pairs), Coot (45), Ring-necked Parakeet (2) and a male Mistle Thrush in full song.

HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR (HERTS)

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Sadly, a dead Badger was on the A 412 dual carriageway between the M25 Junction 17 and the Froghall roundabout at TQ 036 935 (Herts)

Bombed out on merlin again - and Hen Harrier

MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY (Week 5)

Another hard frost overnight and a light covering of snow. Cloud moved in during the day and forced temperatures up slightly, to 6 degrees C. Remained dry throughout.

The first day of February was spent entirely in Bedfordshire, mainly with the intention of adding Merlin to the Year List. After several hours of searching, failed once more in this quest. In fact, added just one new species to my Bedfordshire Year List - Marsh Tit.

CHESS RIVER VALLEY (BUCKS)

No sign of the Great White Egret today but 5 LITTLE EGRETS (including 4 standing together in the early morning sun at Church Covert NR) and 3 Grey Herons (including two at Bois Mill Lake).

LUTON HOO LAKE (BEDFORDSHIRE) (Stire with no general access)

With a new month upon us, I carried out a full inventory of the wildfowl present with the following results -:

Great Crested Grebe (1), Grey Heron (2), Mute Swan (11 including 6 first-winters), WHOOPER SWAN (2 adults), Gadwall (4), Common Teal (an impressive 146 at the top end), Tufted Duck (36), Northern Pochard (82) and Coot (162). A single RED KITE was once again prospecting its usual nest tree.

WARDOWN PARK, LUTON (BEDFORDSHIRE)

Just the two 'resident' adult WHOOPER SWANS on the lake.

BARTON HILLS (BEDFORDSHIRE)
(0900-1200)

Spent some time traversing the public footpaths leading south from the B 655 between Barton-le-Clay and Hexton but failed to intercept Andy Plumb's ringtail Hen Harrier seen at 0735 hours. At one stage, the blue sky above the heavily vegetated 'bowl' at TL 092 302 was filled with 7 RED KITES, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Common Kestrels. Just west of Weyting Hill is an excellent game crop strip, which was attracting the birds of prey and a very likely place for the harrier. I flushed a single covey of 8 Red-legged Partridges. I checked out a Northern Goshawk territory but despite perfect weather, there was no sign of either adult.

Nearby, I met up with Bill Last, and explored another downland site, where a pair of MARSH TIT were new to my Bedfordshire Year List and a further RED KITE was seen. Very disappointingly, just 1 LONG-EARED OWL was left in last week's roost.

BARTON HILL FARM AREA, STREATLEY (BEDS)

Decided to check the other (southern) side of Barton Hills for the Hen Harrier but there was no sign of it. The 58-strong covey of Red-legged Partridges was still in the same place as in recent times, feeding in the crop at TL 107 285.

SHILLINGTON (BEDS)

I widened my search for the harrier but to no avail. Two Common Kestrels and a relict population of 5 House Sparrows in Shillington village were all that was noteworthy.

HOLWELL AREA (HERTS)

Just east of the A 600, at least 860 Woodpigeon were feeding on a crop, with 66 Common Starlings at Holme Farm.

STOTFOLD (BEDFORDSHIRE)
(1400-1700 hours)

Another long vigil at the Corn Bunting site in the hope of connecting with the female Merlin that many have seen, and Mike Lawrence has superbly photographed. Not a sniff I am afraid and the only excitement provided by Three Counties Radio and a film and commentary team.

The number of wintering CORN BUNTINGS since my last visit have seriously depleted, with the peak count in the Poplar trees being of just 587 birds, a reduction of 272. YELLOWHAMMERS on the other hand were well up, with 115 peaking. The Eurasian Skylark flock too has increased and now up to 270. Other species included 25 Stock Doves, a single 'gang' of 52 Carrion Crows, 96 Common Starlings and 4 Lapwings over.

Near Radwell Lake, a Sparrowhawk zipped over the A1 at dusk