REVIEWING 2014 - The Storm of Gulls

Well, the birding here is quiet at the moment. We've got Divers off Branscombe ( 3 species ), Auks off Beer ( 2 Species ), and Scoters off Seaton ( 1 species ). I got my car back at last and checked the estuary. 8 Shovelers and the overwintering Barwit were the highlights but nothing interesting among the gulls. What a contrast to this time last year, when storm after storm brought gulls galore to the estuary. It all kicked off on this date (5th) when SW had the first Little Gull by Coronation corner. Over the next week we had them on the estuary and off the seafront daily, along with Kittiwakes and Meds. I was shocked to see a Razorbill on the estuary, as I've not seen this in many years! Here are some mobile phone shots of the devastation.    

Storm-driven Dogfish, Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Axmouth Harbour, Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

The waves were actually crashing over the shingle bar then pounding this harbour wall, ripping the coping off as you can see. Various debris was strewn along the track...                      

Axmouth Harbour, Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Axmouth Harbour Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Axmouth Harbour , Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Axmouth Harbour, Feb 2014 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Then, on Sunday 9th, I got a nice surprise when I stopped at Coronation corner and found a stonking adult Glaucous Gull with clean head among the Herrings! I texted it to all the locals but I should have phonescoped it instead, as only one- Ian McLean- got to see it, and that was as it flew off. I thought it looked quite like the one which had been wintering at West Bexington, although with so many 'whitewingers' about who's to say it wasn't a different bird? Anyhow, here is a phonescoped video clip of the Dorset bird. I hope it works as I've not posted one before. I've also tried to post video of the Kumlien's Gull - another adult bird - which SW found on Tuesday 11th. Two stonking gulls in 3 days- it couldn't continue, could it? Well actually, yes it did! On Thursday 13th I found a First Winter Glaucous Gull near the Tramsheds! Bun was nearby at Tesco's and saw it with me after I texted it out. I think Gavin Haig tried a photo but sadly he's not blogging any more so I can't direct you to it. But what an amazing 5 days on the Axe. I'll never forget Feb 2014, it was a terrible time for a lot of people but I couldn't help loving the storm-driven birding.                                     

Snow bunt & Pendulines

Snow Bunting ,Sandwich Bay December 2011 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Yes, that's right, not the one you've already seen which currently resides on the Exe below Turf lock! With all my car troubles I haven't got around to snapping it yet, nor the Pendulines at Darts Farm. Also, there are so many fantastic pix of them on Karen Woolley's and Tim White's blogs that I can't better them, so here are some old phonescoped pics from my Kentish observatory stays in 2011.( By the way, if you're thinking of going there then Dunge offers the best birding in my view, although the accommodation at Sandwich is excellent and you can use it as a base to visit Pegwell, Reculver etc.)   

Penduline Tit and Shelduck ( Copyright T D Wright )

Penduline Tit Dungeness 2011 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Penduline Tit, Dungeness 2011 ( Copyright T D Wright )

 

Penduline Tit, Dungeness 2011 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Walking in the dark Part 2

For some reason Blogger wouldn't allow me to add any more to the last post so I'm doing it here. Now, where was I ? Oh yes, I showed you 2 species of Owl. Now, what about Mammals?   

Hedgehog ( Copyright T D Wright )

Caught this fella before he went off to hibernate. Whilst strolling about at night you can also see moths on windowsills...

Jersey Tiger ( Copyright T D Wright )

      And on cars...

Elephant Hawk-moth ( Copyright T D Wright )

Angle-shades ( Copyright T D Wright )    

         I ought to keep a list of species I've found on my own car! I wonder if moths give us the origin of those stories about 'pink elephants' ? A full moon is often helpful when walking after dark...    

Moon ( Copyright T D Wright )

You can make it your subject when there aren't any moths about. Let's try a sepia filter...           

Moon in Sepia ( Copyright T D Wright )

But that's a bit unnatural, isn't it? OK, more bird pics on next post!

Walking in the Dark

With daylight hours so short at this time of year and weather so changeable, it can be difficult for someone like me to get his exercise. Therefore, I sometimes take a walk at dusk, or even after dark if the rain's stopped and the wind dies down. One of the added benefits of this is to hear, and even see, some nocturnal wildlife. Colyton can offer some nice surprises.           

Tawny Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

Tawny Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

More often heard than seen, I have occasionally glimpsed the local Tawnies by streetlight in the middle of the night from my window. This rare opportunity to photograph one in daylight was probably a once-only experience.           

Tawny Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

Don't worry, I didn't disturb it. It was still there when I left...                        

Tawny Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

Tawny Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

Going back a few months, we had Little Owls showing during the Summer and Autumn.                    

           

Little Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )

Little Owl ( Copyright T D Wright )    

Reviewing 2014 The Last of Lesvos!

Ruppell's Warbler ( Copyright T D Wright )

Snake-eyed Lizard ( Copyright T D Wright )

Yes, it's very small that's why I blew it up to the max! I wish I'd photographed more of the non-avian wildlife on Lesvos as there are Scarce and Southern Swallowtails there plus Persian Squirrels of which I saw many. One disappointment was Med. Monk Seal but they are getting very rare now according to Steve Dudley's book. Still, it's good to have something to go back for- I saw Yelkouan and Scopoli's Shearwaters from the West of the island but a boat trip would be a good idea next time as you really want to see why they're not Manx or Cory's, don't you?               

Beautiful Greek Girl ( Copyright T D Wright )

This young lady worked at the Hotel and was marvellous, bringing me a jug of low-fat milk each morning and looking after all the birders that were staying ( yes, there were lots of us). Those of you who like 'reflective' shots should appreciate this one! Before you ask, yes I did ask her permission to take a few pix. This candid shot was nice but then she spotted me...              

Beautiful Greek Girl ( Copyright T D Wright )

And posed nicely...              

Beautiful Greek Girl ( Copyright T D Wright )

If only the wildlife was so co-operative. I sent her copies of these pix so she got something for her trouble. I hope to return to Lesvos but there are so many other places to visit. If anybody wants to donate money to my Fighting Fund ( 'Tim needs a holiday' un-registered charity) I would be grateful!

Colyton Winter Walks

Daffodils and Snowdrops ( Copyright T D Wright )

Well, while the car's been unavailable I've re-acquainted myself with parts of Colyton I've been neglecting. It's amazing how Spring seems to arrive in January, with several species of birds singing and Daffs, Snowdrops and Hazel catkins already on show.     

Snowdrops ( Copyright T D Wright )

Daffodils ( Copyright T D Wright )

We seem to have loads of Chaffinches everywhere and no shortage of Green and Goldfinches. Sidmouth rd. Cem. has also yielded Bullfinch. Along Ridgway I came across 2 Nuthatches and several Redwings. Down by the Umborne brook were Fieldfares and Mipits plus 30 Little Egrets in one field ( what are they feeding on? ). Tawny Owls are still around but the Little Owls have clearly dispersed. Let's hope they return to breed again.We still have some Black redstarts in Seaton and Beer though...

Black Redstart ( Copyright T D Wright )

Black Redstart ( Copyright T D Wright )

Black Redstart (Copyright T D Wright )

Black Redstart ( Copyright T D Wright )

A walk along the Coly as far as Colyford surprisingly failed to produce Dipper. Oh well, at least there were thrushes about...      

Fieldfare ( Copyright T D Wright )

      

Redwing ( Copyright T D Wright )

Let's hope the coming weather brings birds in!

Kentish Plovers Lesvos May 2014

Kentish Plovers were quite common on Lesvos especially around the Gulf of Kalloni coastline. This included the marsh in front of my hotel but best for photography was this spot beyond Skamioudi. I expect they breed there as it seems ideal.   

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Wood Sandpiper ( Copyright T D Wright )

This Wood Sand stopped by, as did Common and Little Terns feeding close in. Slender - billed Gulls were about plus Yellow-legged Gulls and Ruddy Shelducks. Not a bad spot, an excellent Taverna just up the road was also right by the water so we had Red Mullet fish dinners just like the gulls and terns feeding alongside us! Whilst waiting for dessert the splashing of the terns plunge-diving kept me amused as did the ambient Greek/Turkish music in the restaurant part of the Taverna.     

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plover ( Copyright T D Wright )

Kentish Plovers ( Copyright T D Wright )

Little Tern ( Copyright T D Wright )