Middlesex VC21 - Staines Reservoir - An obliging Lark!

Every once in a while it is good to escape the confines of the Farm and venture out into the world and catch up with developments. I did not realize that there would be witches, a wardrobe and the chance of bumping into a lion involved as Peter Alfrey and I discussed a trip to what the Surrey VC17 purists call Narnia! 

The conditions were ideal this morning with a slight breeze and sun which quickly burnt off the overnight frost. The journey also smiled in our favour having decided to leave after the rush hour madness. This did however restrict our time at Staines Reservoir as Pete had a pressing engagement at the Obs at around mid-day.

The Horned Lark which is one of forty two sub-species within the Alaudidae family originates from N America. It has been suggested that some elements of this group will be split and will be recognised as separate species.

The lark showed well parading itself along the catwalk of the bank taking time to feed in between poses. During our short visit the bird did not call but I understand recordings have been taken. Have any DNA samples been taken.

There was a reasonable flow of people along the causeway twitching this potential split of a bird.  I also saw my first Goldeneye of the year. The only species I have recorded at the Farm from the fence, that I have not seen as a keyholder.

On the return journey along the causeway we bumped into Franko who was as philosophical as ever. Yes we will come and see the Lesser Whitethroat (Eastern race) just make sure you put the kettle on!

Beddington Farm - The Sorcerer His Apprentice and Icy Conditions!!

Today was always going to be Gull watch at the Farm. News broke that The Sorcerer was going to be checking up on his apprentice (me)! Garry Messenbird Beddington “Guru” and SVC County lister was travelling up from Sussex with Grant a former BFBG keyholder to see the Twite.

I arrived before light and was joined by Glen on a very chilly and strangely smoky corner! A check of the lakes took me to lower altitude and the Gull bash began. It was not long before the rarer gulls were rolling in.

Adult Yellow-legged Gulls and then Caspian Gulls (3^rd winter and 1^st winter) were soon being announced by the small band of birders that had the addition of Frank to the gathering. The banter in the hide flowed like the cold air and smoke from the incinerator that was on a test burn. Really not sure what it was burning but it did not taste very good!

A posse of Yellow clad men departed for the landfill leaving myself and Pete Alfrey on the sandmartin bank to continue the gull watch. It was the men in yellow that picked up the first Iceland Gull which was identified as a 1^st winter and then Pete found a rarer in terms of plumage 2^nd winter bird. There will be better pictures of these birds on his blog. http://peteralfreybirdingnotebook.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/good-days-winter-birding-at-beddington.html  

Note to self: Phone scoping is the way forward with a permanent adaptor from phone to scope. This picture came out ok though; The Sorcerer in action!

A very productive morning all round with the Twite showing well on the landfill for the brave souls. Woo Hoo!

Beddington Farm - Wintering Twite!

2017 was a good year both for my Beddington Farm 7 new birds, (total 188 species) and Surrey Vice County 6 new birds, (total 234 species) lists. In addition I spent time in Bulgaria at Branta Birding Lodge Durankulak, a month in Spain and a couple of months with Cano Palma in Costa Rica. Surprisingly enough I did not miss any key species during my time away from my patch.

The New Year always brings with it an air of expectancy in the birding world. I always wonder what will be the next MEGA at Beddington Farm. It appears work has began creating the long overdue wet grassland. This work when completed should add an extra habitat to a shrinking Farmland.

My prime objective this morning was to look for the Twite that seemed to have taken up winter residence with a flock of Linnet that frequent the landfill area. I took a count of the waterfowl on the lakes before making my way over to the lake side of the landfill. Glen and Frank were over in the SE corner looking for Woodcock.

(photo 22/11/2017)

As Frank was seen on the horizon I noted two Tree Sparrow fly onto the fence. I then spotted the Twite on top of a pile of earth on the W side of the landfill. Locating this bird is made simpler by the colour rings on both its legs. The bird was banded by The South Pennines Ringing Project. I beckoned for Frank to get a move on as I now had the bird in my scope but it had gone by the time he reached me.

The flock of Linnet were very mobile and it took over an hour before Frank picked up the Twite on the path just S of the hay bales. The wait had been worth the effort and importantly this rare visitor had made it onto the Farm yearlist which finished on a respectable 160 species last year.

Having had a successful morning it was then up to Sutton Utd to complete the perfect day by beating Boreham Wood in the return festive fixture. A late equaliser by The Woods prevented the end to a perfect day!