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| Broad-Bodied Chaser, Colyford Common LNR (Copyright TDW) |
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Saturday, 12 May 2018
Garganey - A Crackling Bird!
Well I've been so busy with work lately that it's been impossible to get this blog updated. Even today, I'm being frustrated by the inefficiency of modern computers and their related software applications. I'm of the opinion that the creators of Microsoft should be put on trial for crimes against humanity. They should also refund all of the money they've taken from people for products which are not fit for purpose. This would bankrupt them overnight and a good thing too.
Anyway, since I last blogged I've found a few interesting things. The Garganey at Borrow Pit was a fantastic surprise as I was looking for insects there due to the lack of birding action. This library computer will not allow me to show you any of my photographs of it so text only I'm afraid. The 'crackling' call was nice to hear in the intimate surroundings of Borrow Pit; especially as I had the place to myself (to begin with!). Lars Jonsson once described it as sounding like somebody dragging their finger across the teeth of a comb. Well, each to their own but I thought it sounded like a roding Woodcock's croaking call. A rare treat to have a drake Garganey in close proximity.
On Bank Holiday Monday I visited Walters Mound and enjoyed a 'rattle battle' between 2 Lesser Whitethroats. I even saw one chase the other out of its territory. I also heard one singing at Colyford and at Colyton WTW so an arrival of LWs seems to have occurred. I'm now out of time so will add more news when I can get onto a computer that works!
ADDENDUM 02/06/2018: PHOTOGRAPHS AT LAST!
Finally! The brownish bill is a normal variant I believe even though every field guide shows them with a grey bill. Superb bird in either form.
Anyway, since I last blogged I've found a few interesting things. The Garganey at Borrow Pit was a fantastic surprise as I was looking for insects there due to the lack of birding action. This library computer will not allow me to show you any of my photographs of it so text only I'm afraid. The 'crackling' call was nice to hear in the intimate surroundings of Borrow Pit; especially as I had the place to myself (to begin with!). Lars Jonsson once described it as sounding like somebody dragging their finger across the teeth of a comb. Well, each to their own but I thought it sounded like a roding Woodcock's croaking call. A rare treat to have a drake Garganey in close proximity.
On Bank Holiday Monday I visited Walters Mound and enjoyed a 'rattle battle' between 2 Lesser Whitethroats. I even saw one chase the other out of its territory. I also heard one singing at Colyford and at Colyton WTW so an arrival of LWs seems to have occurred. I'm now out of time so will add more news when I can get onto a computer that works!
ADDENDUM 02/06/2018: PHOTOGRAPHS AT LAST!
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| Garganey, Borrow Pit, 06/05/18 (Copyright T D Wright) |
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| Garganey, Borrow Pit, 06/05/18 (Copyright T D Wright) |
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Windy Wheatears 'n' Waders
On Saturday we had a good arrival of Common Sandpipers along the estuary. At least 9 were visible from Tower hide at 2pm but Mike Lock told me he'd counted 11 which I can well believe as I saw 2 on BHM. Strangely, as the tide came in they disappeared and none remained on BHM at 7pm! Where did they go? Anyway, I was still rewarded with yet another LRP as well as the 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin which had hopped across from the estuary. Also 9 Whimbrel graced the BHM islands.
On Sunday, an arrival of passerines meant that even the estuary got in on the act with Wheatears at Coronation Corner and Colyford Common. Both seemed to be seeking shelter in streams and ditches with the cold North wind blasting away. Some more waders would be nice now with other Devon sites notching up Pec & Curlew sands ( S.Huish) and Black-winged Stilt (Exminster RSPB). Come on Black Hole!
On Sunday, an arrival of passerines meant that even the estuary got in on the act with Wheatears at Coronation Corner and Colyford Common. Both seemed to be seeking shelter in streams and ditches with the cold North wind blasting away. Some more waders would be nice now with other Devon sites notching up Pec & Curlew sands ( S.Huish) and Black-winged Stilt (Exminster RSPB). Come on Black Hole!
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