Dorset - Affpuddle and Oakers Woods - Crossbill and Crests!

After spending yesterday at Lychett Bay looking for the Ring-billed Gull I decided to change habitats today visiting Affpuddle Woods and Oakerswood. My quarry for the day was Common Crossbill which had been reported in recent times.

I had also received a couple of pin drops from Brett indicating starting points for my quest. It turned out that the challenge was over within a few 100 metres into my search. A flock of ten birds which included at least four males popped into the pines just off the main track. Mission Accomplished!

However this was not a tick and run exercise and I continued on to explore another vast habitat that was on my doorstep. I spoke to a couple of local birdwatchers who were very forthcoming with the gems that this area holds throughout the year!

I ventured on towards Culpepper Dish locating a second and slightly larger flock of Crossbill. These birds were easier to photograph with the sun behind me. Happy with my photos (above) I took the track up to the Dish.

As I was negotiating the muddy track I was stopped in my tracks by a single call of a Firecrest. The bird did not take long to show itself as it flitted over the low scrub and then back onto more suitable habitat. Fantastic a bonus bird! It did take a while to get shots but birding is also a game of patience!

After visiting the Dish which incidentally was caused by a sink-hole I returned to the crossroads stopping to photograph a Treecreeper that was part of a Tit flock.

I made my way down to Oakerswood which is another haven for woodland birds. There were plenty of Tit species in the area along with Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a small flock of Siskin.

I took the roadside walk back to the car more to familiarize myself with the area. I returned with the car to log another favourite place on the SatNav! 

I am amazed at variety of habitats that are only a few clicks from home!

Dorset - Silverlake - Fieldwork Pays Dividends!

The day started with raptor activity on the River Piddle floodplain. The low flying Sparrowhawk and swooping Buzzard was shaking up the wildfowl on the ground below. The plus from this was Green Sandpiper that was buzzing around the floods. They eventually came to rest and then quickly split up to continue feeding in the margins.

The next phase of the day involved a field patrol looking for the flock of White-fronted Geese that have been frequenting Silverlake. The lanes were flooded in parts but arrival at Silverlake was in the nick of time as the birds were resting on the “wetland” area on the East pit. From my vantage point they were dots and having bumped into Brett I decided to catch up with him in Knighton Heath Woods to get a decent view of these birds.

I trudged my way up the hill to hear the news from Phil and Brett that the birds had flown N towards the fields. This was becoming a familiar story but I had had scope views on previous visits but no decent pictures to support the observations.

Brett and I headed for a search of the fields. I was definitely overdressed for trudging around but after a short drive and a long walk we had hit the jackpot! At last and some decent pictures of the flock feeding in a random field which had a good food source!

The flock is using Silverlake as a roosting and resting area and will visit on most days. Moonlight will allow the birds to feed after dark but on an overcast day they will no doubt be present on the reserve at the East End.

A very satisfying end to the day!

Dorset - River Piddle Puddletown - White Fronted Christmas!

The watchful eye I have been keeping on the River Piddle seemed to have paid off this morning with a lone White Fronted Goose washing up on the flooded fields. I checked out the birds credentials but could not find anything that would suggest that it was an escape or even a hybrid.

I did manage some photos but again distance seemed to affect the quality of the image. The adult bird remained on its own washing up before venturing closer to dry land.

The area was also loaded with wildfowl, Wigeon, Teal, Canada and a couple of Greylag Geese. There was also a sizeable flock of Lapwing Little Egret and Grey Heron. There was a spattering of Herring Gulls and the regular gathering of corvids in the fields on the higher ground.

I think this is the first time I have been out with the birds on Christmas Day!

Dorset - River Piddle & Silverlake - Whitefronts Interrupt a Piddle!

The River Piddle rises next to the church in Alton Pancras and runs through several villages one was originally known as Piddletown until the Victorians re named the village to Puddletown. Incidentally the former name of the village was still cited into the 1950’s. The river runs south and then south east running parallel to the larger River Frome. Both enter Poole Harbour via the Wareham Channel.

The Piddle is currently in flood which is presenting the local birdlife opportunities to congregate in areas that are not available in the summer months. I have been keeping a close eye on bird numbers and took another journey along the River course:-

Athelhampton had the highest concentration of birds with Little Egret and Canada Geese amongst the numerous corvids and pheasant in the flooded fields. A male Kestrel was suitably positioned on the wires to catch any struggling mammals! Mallard were the only duck I could find and a lone Herring represented the Gulls.

Burleston held the highest number of Little Egret with a Mute Swan, Collared Dove a Song Thrush and a band of House Sparrow adding to the days tally.

Tolpuddle featured a small flock of Fieldfare and Starling. The corvids were again well represented. There was a small flock of Black Headed Gull, with a couple of Common Gull amongst them. A Buzzard kept a watchfull eye overhead.

I was escorted through Affpuddle by a hedge and scrub hopping male Bullfinch. I then made my way up to The Watercress Company where the fields were once again loaded with Egrets. I parked up and my phone buzzed which had me heading for my final destination Silverlake (Warmwell Gravel Pits) slightly earlier than planned!

On arrival I started looking along the East side and quickly located a few White-fronted Geese that were with Canada’s along one of the spits. Most of the birds I saw were adults but I could see other heads suggesting there were more birds on the other side of the spit. I had good scope views (left hand birds, Canada's right and Greylag on the water). I turned my attentions to getting pictures which was a tad tricky at this range with a 300mm lens!

As it turned out moving position would not have secured better views as the birds flew off North over the pines and quickly out of sight. A quick update and I was off checking the fields doing a loop through Moreton and Crossways. I did not re-locate the Whitefronts but there were plenty of areas they could have dropped into along the way.

I later caught up with Brett at the top of the woods as we both staked the pits out on the off chance the birds would return to roost on the site! In the mean time good numbers of Goosander and a few Pintail were spied on the East pit. The Long tailed Duck was still present by the causeway!

Thanks Brett for the tip off. I would have surely have missed them if I had continued on my schedule!

Dorset - Silverlake and Environs - Fieldwork!

I have been trawling the fields of late looking for Grey Geese. I have noticed the water levels rising in the area resulting in several fields flooding. Flooded fields particularly surrounding water courses means an influx of Swans and other wildfowl. I also stumbled on The Watercress Company site which looked suitable for attracting wildfowl. I added this location to my trusted SatNav (We do fall-out from time to time!)for future reference.

In addition to my local observations a group of 16 Whitefronts dropped into Silverlake (Warmwell Gravel Pits) a while back. I noticed that a similar group had also been reported at the Lower Test Marshes Hampshire a couple of days back. I contemplated if this group were the same birds there were certainly grey geese moving around in the next shire! The long Tailed Duck is still in residence and a very confiding male bird it is too!

Three Dunlin was also present with the regular Goosander but something kept spooking the mixed Lapwing flock which gave brief opportunities to get shots of the shorebirds!

The days have progressed and the fields have become muddier with some flooding on the roads. Mute Swan numbers have been increasing along with Grey Herons 

and Little Egret.

I had passed The Watercress Company on the B3390 near Waddock and noticed the fields were heavily flooded with a mass of white bodies moving around the margins. I found a suitable spot to view the fields spooking a Green Sandpiper from the edge of the swamp of a field. 

Four Cattle Egret were feeding with Little Egret, Mute Swans and a couple of Egyptian Goose. Not quite the geese I was after but I guess it’s a start!

More rain is forecast and the car is looking a tad muddy but who knows what the fields will lure in next!

Dorset - Lodmoor RSPB - Commuting Ducks!

 

Today I went in search of Aythya marila at Lodmoor RSPB a species that is a regular winter visitor at this site. The Scaup did not disappoint with three males on a pool with Pochard at the Preston side of the reserve. Two first winter birds were identified from photos the group were very active moving around the water in front of the reed-beds. 

These birds have been commuting between Lodmoor and Abbotsbury Swannery since November and were joined by another male this month viz Steve Groves.

On the other side of the reserve a couple of Marsh Harrier stirred up the healthy numbers of Snipe on the reserve. Sadly I have not found a Jack Snipe to date but I am hopeful that I will find one before the end of the winter months. A Dunlin joined the fray early afternoon.

The water levels were high and a Pheasant looked marooned on one of the small islands!

I keep an eye on the Gulls that visit the reserve but there was not much to choose from today. There was the usual mix of Black-headed and Med Gulls. There were only a handful of larger gulls a Greater Black-backed Gull performed well in front of the shelter.

Dorset - Rodden Hive - Wild Goose Chase!

An action packed weekend on the turf had an interesting twist to it as White Fronted Geese had been seen on an enclosed section of Clapham Common. The very place I was heading for with confirmation from Pete Alfrey that the Geese were still present. I took a quick detour to see the birds that were in the NE corner with Greylags resting near a lone tree.

I returned to Rodden Hive today where there had been a large gathering of Brent, Barnacle and Canada Geese. Unfortunately with the end to lockdown has bought back the wildfowlers and pest control merchants. It was no surprise when I arrived today there was a distinct lack of Geese and the ones that were on The Fleet exited stage left pretty sharpish as I reached the viewing corner!

There was still plenty of wildfowl on The Fleet, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Mutes in good numbers. A spied a couple of Marsh Harrier one taking a fly by the first bird that was perched on the hedgerow.

I guess the Harriers were looking to take advantage of any scraps or felled birds that had not been scooped up by the dogs! I have witnessed this activity in Batumi and Bulgaria and can’t say I understand it and will leave it at that!

A splendid male Bullfinch put in an appearance but as is traditional they are very difficult to photograph!

I am still on the look-out for Whitefronts down here but despite road closures and diversions the fields did not produce any today!

Dorset - The Fleet - Hen Harrier in a Hurry!

I returned to The Fleet today in search of White-fronted Geese. Kent and Sussex have recently had a good return of this species. There is also a flock in Surrey at the moment. Wow! I have been told some some good parking spots allowing good coverage of the East Fleet without crossing swords with the Farmer of Dusky Warbler fame!

The drake Velvet Scoter put in a good appearance along with a female Common Scoter, a Slavonian Grebe (3 reported today) and numerous Brent Geese. I noted a couple of likely candidates for the Pale- bellied hrota race from Greenland and a likely Black Brant which is the North American version nigricans. I noted the broad neck patch with white flanks but was there enough blackish in the upper-parts. The majority as expected were Dark-bellied bernicla from Russia.

News of a large gathering of geese at Rodden Hive with some Barnacle Geese thrown into the mix had me venturing into the West Fleet for the first time. After some maneuvering and help from the local people I had parked up as was making my way towards and over the ridge to the viewing corner. The Fleet was loaded with Wigeon and Pintail and other wildfowl. The mass of geese were grazing in the field and included Barnacle (three dots middle bottom of picture), Canada and masses of Brent Geese.

Red-legged Partridge were heard “kaking” from behind the trees. Little did I know at the time these birds were going to prove their worth later on in the afternoon! But before that came the mizzle type rain which had me turning tail only to turn back again as it stopped as I had reached half way point up the hill!

I worked my way through the wildfowl just in case there was something else secreted within the masses and as the light was beginning to fade I trudged up the hill. The silence was broken by panic in the field to my left screaming partridges and pheasant who had ventured out of cover to feed were now scrambling to reach cover! I looked to the skies and an interesting Harrier honed into view to my left.

The bird did not seem that interested in a meal as it headed across the field. I noted key features to firstly age then identify the species BRC style! Ok a Monties or a Pallid was extremely unlikely but this is how we were trained as raptors piled over the stations in Batumi Rep of Georgia. The bird was an adult male Hen Harrier with broad black band through the outer primaries and overall grey appearance with a white tail-band. I even counted the five fingers!

In what seemed like a flash in time the bird had gone over the ridge. I made my way to the top and hung around for a while just in-case the Harrier had changed its priorities from roost to meal! It did seem to be on a mission to get somewhere in a hurry leaving me wondering if this bird had just found our shores!

The only slight disappointment (if that's possible here!) was this species is not a description species in Dorset but Black Brant is so does this trump the Harrier! But it was a nice bonus to end the day on. Thanks Brett for the information on the species distribution within the county!