Rock Buntings

Rock Bunting, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Before going to Spain, I couldn't find any mention of this cracking Bunting species for the Extremaduran sites I planned to visit in the birdwatching guides to the region. I can only suppose that they assume that everyone is more interested in the big birds- Bustards, Eagles & Vultures- therefore passerines are not worthy of attention?! I thought I might have to travel to Andalusia to see Rock Bunts! However, whilst waiting for the Swifts to show, I noticed them hopping around just below me. Brilliaaant! I saw more of them at several locations without going out of my way to see them. Cheesy-peasy...                                               

Rock Bunting, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

White-rumped Swift

White-rumped Swift, Extremadura, May 2016 ( Copyright T D Wright )

White-rumped Swift, Extremadura, May 2016 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Some people have asked me why I've not posted more of my Springy Spanish trip so, as the only interesting birds on patch over the weekend were Knot, Green Sand. plus Barwits still on BHM & a stunning male Wheatear plus several others at Seaton Marshes, I thought I'd take you back to Spain. One of the advantages of visiting Extremadura after the migrants have passed through is that the late-arriving White-rumpers are in. I had to endure that intense Sun in order to get these photos after climbing a steep path so I hope you appreciate all the effort. It was "T.F.H.", as one of my wheelchair-using friends used to say!        

White-rumped Swift, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

White-rumped Swift, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

White-rumped Swift, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

The rump and especially the white trailing edge to the secondaries aren't always easy to see...

Friday Afternoon

After I posted yesterday I had a couple more things. A pair of Common Scoter landed on the sea off Spot On then I called in at BHM where the juv Sanderling which arrived over high tide was still present. On the estuary from Tower hide a lone Whimbrel stood out from the Curlew flock with its dark cap, 3 head-stripes and short bill. Apparently some Brent Geese dropped in while I was in the library; all this blogging gets in the way of birding sometimes, doesn't it?!

Early Birding 09/09/16

To those of you who received text messages from me this morning - no, your phones were not 'on the blink'! I was out birding at 7:30 and didn't see much at BHM so visited Seaton Marshes at 8a.m. where three Wheatears graced the track to the hide. The Shoveler was still on Borrow Pit and at least 8 Barwits were still on the estuary. Bird of the morning though was an eclipse drake WIGEON  in the channel in front of the hide, my first of the Autumn. There were 2 in fact as later I cycled up the road to Coronation Corner and saw another. Before people doubt my 2-bird theory please note that I could still see Bird One from the road simultaneously, plus it's at a slightly more advanced stage of its eclipse moult than the CoriCorner one. Phew! Anyhow, onshore winds proved ineffective from Spot On even though they were South South-Westerly (not strong enough!), although a Peregrine being mobbed by gulls provided a bit of entertainment. I'll give BHM another go on the way back home for lunch I think...

Colyton Glow-worm & Coly Com Green Sand

Here's the best phonescoped video I've managed this last week. A self-found Glow-worm at last! (That's my phone-hand moving about, not the Glow-worm)

Saturday Seawatch 3rd Sept

Well, I said I would so just before the rain closed in I gave it half-an-hour from Spot On. A superb 2nd Winter Little Gull was my only reward, save for 2 Sandwich Terns which flew over me calling loudly. A complete soaking ensued...no Pale-bellied Brents this time!

White Wagtail

Just a quick update to say that last evening(2nd) there was a classic 1stWinter White Wagtail among all the Pieds from Island Hide. Also Little Stint, 2 Ruff, Knot and LRP. Peregrine, Barn Owl and 2 Kingfishers at least from Tower. Seawatch today I think...