Brownsea Island - 28/9/16 Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Spoonbills

A beautiful warm, sunny and blue sky start for our trip to Brownsea. First stop were the hides at the lagoon and they didn't disappoint. The most amazing sight was the line up of 37 Spoonbills a little distant but not a bad view. Other stars of the day were Curlew Sandpipers a lifer for us, Spotted Redshanks, Redshanks, Avocets, a couple of passing Sandwich Terns, Snipe, Dunlin, Wigeon, Shelduck, Shovelers, Kingfisher etc. 

After a visit to the hides we walked to the villa area hoping to see some Red Squirrels. Unfortunately we didn't see any in this area but later on in the woods around the church we saw plenty. These squirrels were a joy to watch as they scurried up trees and through leaves searching for and then burying nuts for a winter cache.

In total 41 birds seen in a beautiful relaxing environment. We met some lovely friendly fellow birders and some fantastic informative Dorset Wildlife Trust staff.  Can't wait to return! 

   Black tailed Godwit

               

                   Spoonbills - we counted 37!

    Just love that bill

                

                   Blkwits, Redshank and possible sleeping Curlew Sandpipers

    Dunlin or Curlew Sandpiper?

                

                   Spotted Redshank

   Curlew Sandpiper & Turnstone

               

                   Curlew Sandpiper 

    Ringed Black tailed Godwit - must find out where it came from

               

                   Spotted Redshank - at least 4 on the lagoon

Wigeon in eclipse - great colours

                

                   3 wise Spotties!

    Elegance - Spotted Redshank

   Avocet

                

                   Graceful Avocet

  Gadwall

               

                   Brownsea infamous Red Squirrel

               

               

                   Best views ever of the Red Squirrels as they were busy foraging on the woodland 

                   floor preparing caches for winter.

Weymouth and Portland 27/9/16 - Wryneck and Godwits etc

Our first visit to the Portland area which saw us leave Somerset at 7:30 am. We arrived at just before 10 am and we're delighted to see Bar tailed Godwits, Turnstone and a gathering of Great black backed Gulls on the sand - unfortunately the tide was on the way out! After a stop for coffee we drove onto Portland Bill. Great sightings here of several Wheatears &  Gannets. A walk across to the quarry where a few birders were gathered revealed a Wryneck sitting in a tree. Our view only lasted about 5 minutes but wow what a bird! 

Back at Ferrybridge we had more great views of Bar tailed Godwits, a single Grey Plover, Dunlin, Turnstones, Oystercatchers and a Peregrine fly by! 

We returned to Portland a couple of days later stopping first at Lodmoor. At Lodmoor there were both Bar tailed and Black tailed Godwits, hundreds of Canada Geese, Snipe, Lapwings, Redshank, Dunlin. We didn't see the Wryneck again but we did however have some great views of a couple of Little Owls, Kestrel, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Stonechat.

A wonderful area which we will have to explore more and definitely return to.

    Bar tailed Godwits at Ferrybridge

               

                

                   Grey Plover - only one seen

   Dunlin at Ferrybridge

                

                   Ringed Plover and Bar tailed Godwit

  Ringed Plovers

                

                   Turnstone - several seen turning over stones amongst the seaweed

   Great black backed Gulls

               

                  Wheatears - several gathering at Portland before their journey south

    Wheatear

              

                  Bon voyage smart fellow!

    Several Gannet families came fairly close to the lighthouse at the Bill

              

                 Gannets over stormy seas

   Wryneck - subtle shades and tones and master of disguise

               

   Wryneck

               

                  Little Grebe at RSPB Lodmoor

   Great views of Bar tailed Godwits at Lodmoor

                

                   Lapwing

    Little Owl - one of two seen in the quarry area at Portland

               

   The second Owl

Westhay Somerset Levels 21/9/16 - Beardies & Barnie etc

An early start at Westhay in the hope of spotting an Otter as there have been several reports recently. The weather was sunny and warm with just one prolonged shower at the end of our trail. We walked around the whole reserve which takes in London Drove and Daggs Lane Drove but alas no Otter. We did however get some great views of Bearded Reedling all over the reserve but mega views from the Island Hide Boardwalk. Over the moon as well to see a Barn Owl and watch it preening for a while until it spotted us!

Good views also of chasing Kingfishers and a Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Water Rail, and also a single late Hobby. A fantastic day and walk with 29 bird species seen and we also met some great people along the way. Good to see that the building of the new North Hide is underway.

   Preening Barn Owl in the Autumn sun

               

                  Beautiful wing detail

   Balancing act!

               

    We've been Spotted!

                

                   Bearded Reedling (male)

                

                

                   Female Beardies

               

   Strike a pose! Stunning little bird