tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71352714715424591842024-03-15T12:35:18.135-07:00Where The Wind Takes Me!Kojak's Birding adventures.Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.comBlogger807125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-44235424133585930162024-03-15T12:34:00.000-07:002024-03-15T12:34:24.583-07:00Dorset Athelhampton Bardolf Farm - Flock of Egrets!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgF6M61pjJBztIXJkIRhmMN1z1T9ADylYbwmfc9Q7J0jcqNOF1oC1CFO5poTi8truPHq9AuGmtMcU85uDxpY50xg11Pp1Djx1PRs29mDA-1lEbR3OG0jzzNXjdKkpoe9J3DxVdMlqramBS4fgLGtpIKVe_4Q22Fcmi5qGVvfCvbOLmH-yJEtN5g6HAyU/s2461/Athelhampton%20Mixed%20Egret%20flock%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2461" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgF6M61pjJBztIXJkIRhmMN1z1T9ADylYbwmfc9Q7J0jcqNOF1oC1CFO5poTi8truPHq9AuGmtMcU85uDxpY50xg11Pp1Djx1PRs29mDA-1lEbR3OG0jzzNXjdKkpoe9J3DxVdMlqramBS4fgLGtpIKVe_4Q22Fcmi5qGVvfCvbOLmH-yJEtN5g6HAyU/s320/Athelhampton%20Mixed%20Egret%20flock%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A start at reasonable o clock this morning with another SW
wind which I hoped may have sent a hirundine the Farms way. It was not to be
but a mixed flock of Egrets containing four Cattle Egret were seen arrive at
Athelhampton mid morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRKyaconqrOJM3ewzGe_HPmf2PlJaR5slJ2YpHf_GoGGPKmHYORaIt3M_huFtOP6t0ExaI04UbU-6jWbKN0ks22ikmcvxQjHSKHPG4nOKHII-oS_nCvHWc1UZRNY_mPoKgNIrQqF338NAgYRyur29Spawet8FX_Hyfz7Cu5CMu9Db4eqnp3LXVaXe2f4/s4893/Athelhampton%20Mixed%20Egret%20flock%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2446" data-original-width="4893" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRKyaconqrOJM3ewzGe_HPmf2PlJaR5slJ2YpHf_GoGGPKmHYORaIt3M_huFtOP6t0ExaI04UbU-6jWbKN0ks22ikmcvxQjHSKHPG4nOKHII-oS_nCvHWc1UZRNY_mPoKgNIrQqF338NAgYRyur29Spawet8FX_Hyfz7Cu5CMu9Db4eqnp3LXVaXe2f4/s320/Athelhampton%20Mixed%20Egret%20flock%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The flock was present in the fields behind Burleston
Farmhouse yesterday and it is highly likely these are the same birds that
returned today! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A female Goosander was also spied on the Brook partially concealed
by vegetation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0g0qNGFIkskMa1nCfaKHmV56TfMjKrGyvQUwvYxOSd1xA6nRszY54ZbkDhbQAj7cMtPx3ezrjvugTVrSv95KDvsqSA4MDyXG7ow3CPk6nPaH88lov2hO_QJTt0045nvH70v4q4qf9iqDhqPD2SrYhinYz790Xj1wiVeXY-yG3-7N0wr0U7o0XVEMN6I/s2097/Athelhampton%20Siskin%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="2097" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0g0qNGFIkskMa1nCfaKHmV56TfMjKrGyvQUwvYxOSd1xA6nRszY54ZbkDhbQAj7cMtPx3ezrjvugTVrSv95KDvsqSA4MDyXG7ow3CPk6nPaH88lov2hO_QJTt0045nvH70v4q4qf9iqDhqPD2SrYhinYz790Xj1wiVeXY-yG3-7N0wr0U7o0XVEMN6I/s320/Athelhampton%20Siskin%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A flock of Siskins were found in the Alders in a local
garden with birds visiting a garden path between forays in the trees. </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A couple of Great Black-backed Gull were seen on the water
meadows along with the regular mix of wildfowl! </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-33070166227264957382024-03-13T14:43:00.000-07:002024-03-13T14:43:17.286-07:00Dorset - Isle of Portland and Weymouth - Owls Zat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3szktwbLRoWVxMWAm1YX2yzzrsCAFMN9IqTzezguZbU-iw-dUF-8bIsZEFYhfacrtYnb7y-UTZ4akFhgAw5JJM7wOj_hrI-rCOoHigRzF_diiPB5SHpfhwco4JIGHJayadGI5Zvzjr1xhsluoqBsjKk5DUrnvV8dlIlkOrhg2WC-QDBxOvd3_ywUHdX0/s490/Bowleze%20Cove%20Short%20Eared%20Owl%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="490" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3szktwbLRoWVxMWAm1YX2yzzrsCAFMN9IqTzezguZbU-iw-dUF-8bIsZEFYhfacrtYnb7y-UTZ4akFhgAw5JJM7wOj_hrI-rCOoHigRzF_diiPB5SHpfhwco4JIGHJayadGI5Zvzjr1xhsluoqBsjKk5DUrnvV8dlIlkOrhg2WC-QDBxOvd3_ywUHdX0/s320/Bowleze%20Cove%20Short%20Eared%20Owl%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A twelve hour shift in the field with Roly ended on a high
note with a Short Eared Owl giving excellent views hunting over a couple of
fields in close proximity to our location!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACCoctEPw9D1c743YoM4YGNa8_evgCyrqGuRqvBWdMtg7HADh4jM4RGpZ2DUhJIGHI0TnKM9mouu61jnDQx1_d2W9_zaiHmQLtWaTpp2vmEEScFUldUqDFQSAEAFfDhWLjsJuJ1HkcarjuK6odF5gr7l1b6hzwoxzArmnGN3xFXv9No-A48MnH9PLiTM/s1041/Portland%20Bill%20Red%20Throated%20Diver%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1041" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACCoctEPw9D1c743YoM4YGNa8_evgCyrqGuRqvBWdMtg7HADh4jM4RGpZ2DUhJIGHI0TnKM9mouu61jnDQx1_d2W9_zaiHmQLtWaTpp2vmEEScFUldUqDFQSAEAFfDhWLjsJuJ1HkcarjuK6odF5gr7l1b6hzwoxzArmnGN3xFXv9No-A48MnH9PLiTM/s320/Portland%20Bill%20Red%20Throated%20Diver%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The morning began at stupid o clock at Portland Bill with a
handful of Red-throated Diver and twenty five Common Scoters passing during a
three hour session.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTs1OWV_CxeexSTQ5sILotUCNlDzb8CNDhShvrqKDaKinzH-Tkw4zB1DrHtmg4LYyXCaOM6tp6L3QzOhDe2V8ZTJI8Tg3xjZKewko_EzViXBOp8g0rFfLNrLdqp2niCR6HV3_R3bNlFrmZSYsnyyN69cE0W3zR1bLRxl_LSnbredo4LNNdYbNSxKKTjU/s1522/Portland%20Little%20Owl%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1522" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTs1OWV_CxeexSTQ5sILotUCNlDzb8CNDhShvrqKDaKinzH-Tkw4zB1DrHtmg4LYyXCaOM6tp6L3QzOhDe2V8ZTJI8Tg3xjZKewko_EzViXBOp8g0rFfLNrLdqp2niCR6HV3_R3bNlFrmZSYsnyyN69cE0W3zR1bLRxl_LSnbredo4LNNdYbNSxKKTjU/s320/Portland%20Little%20Owl%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A visit to Portland is not complete without checking in on the Little Owl at the Observatory Quarry!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjxIlbUVSNfXdxGrDDCzNC0D96wPTjfAWSLRtkkGZ9zs5PmNBlV_PiLHvTFkFGvZg5UFXzBm8yhTF1owLH4tIyVRKg0QsLguh3UBSElzthU67hGdWtHV_M5E4QYIY_D2v1rE-JQw7idnt10lqV68XnnKA_DerkZLmOK6kyKH0BKYa-peuOuSgdsnua8/s974/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="974" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjxIlbUVSNfXdxGrDDCzNC0D96wPTjfAWSLRtkkGZ9zs5PmNBlV_PiLHvTFkFGvZg5UFXzBm8yhTF1owLH4tIyVRKg0QsLguh3UBSElzthU67hGdWtHV_M5E4QYIY_D2v1rE-JQw7idnt10lqV68XnnKA_DerkZLmOK6kyKH0BKYa-peuOuSgdsnua8/s320/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The rest of the day was spent visiting a very windy Ferrybridge,
Portland harbour and Lodmoor RSPB. A couple of Great Northern Diver was noted
at Portland Castle. A couple of Black-tailed Godwits were the only birds of
note at Lodmoor which still had very high water levels!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Celebratory Fish and Chips were had before we parted company
with a plan to meet up for another adventure! </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-5950886282944392282024-03-07T12:19:00.000-08:002024-03-07T12:19:08.076-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Peaceful Puddletown!<p> I spent a full day at the farm which started with a chilly
wind. There were a few movements over Puddletown Water Meadows (Mill Mead)
including Great Black-backed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls. No hirundines so
far but it is generally a bit early for Sand Martin!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuHN9CMSEyDvjfiBLTDA8L8ny-MjPQThYZ1_qKRrrvy7f5NiheromsK6LIoP7uo4CimrCIdnUNkpol0HYm5EaEzowPxw8ZTnXXIXZxSAVt3mguV_YkyU4bcAKt5BrKGe38bUUjOM4SP34XwTPwfHqZuvY1BjCOt0RDaw2mMA_q6jHU7bvbyMVM0keJ2M/s1014/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Shelduck%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1014" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuHN9CMSEyDvjfiBLTDA8L8ny-MjPQThYZ1_qKRrrvy7f5NiheromsK6LIoP7uo4CimrCIdnUNkpol0HYm5EaEzowPxw8ZTnXXIXZxSAVt3mguV_YkyU4bcAKt5BrKGe38bUUjOM4SP34XwTPwfHqZuvY1BjCOt0RDaw2mMA_q6jHU7bvbyMVM0keJ2M/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Shelduck%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I was just about to move on up the lane and a Shelduck
entered from the SW circled and then landed on the flooded meadows. It spent
the next hour or so feeding and generally wandering around! This species is not
rare in Dorset but was the third record for Bardolf Farm! Two birds dropped in
at the same place on Friday 26<sup>th</sup> January 2024. Blog entry here.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the day was spent doing the rounds which
included observations at the feeding stations. Numbers were down but perhaps
this is a result of the milder weather! Owl watch did not even produce a hoot
in any direction! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi218eDapaAPe9rCmzn9gM1czBfnuH54pe-k11dCNnkpp9DrRzg8T-aw-4FUVMyxvSlSDMIcmKdv-Zb0InF0NGC7utz5i4W7XQoYavbB0tERz4C_WdevkkLLaf6LmzuDVXgg3bOSL5oKa5qGnHgjxEHwFq4ymg1-xVPeohqelPOrs1w8zzVQKMIRZfVHxI/s998/Puddletown%20Garden%20Mediterranean%20Gull%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="998" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi218eDapaAPe9rCmzn9gM1czBfnuH54pe-k11dCNnkpp9DrRzg8T-aw-4FUVMyxvSlSDMIcmKdv-Zb0InF0NGC7utz5i4W7XQoYavbB0tERz4C_WdevkkLLaf6LmzuDVXgg3bOSL5oKa5qGnHgjxEHwFq4ymg1-xVPeohqelPOrs1w8zzVQKMIRZfVHxI/s320/Puddletown%20Garden%20Mediterranean%20Gull%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Yesterday whilst up a ladder cleaning the guttering I heard Mediterranean Gulls calling. I quick slide down the ladder dash in the house for the camera and a garden tick ensued. Twelve birds were counted amongst Black-headed Gull. The bird in the picture is a 2nd winter with black notching on the outer primaries and an incomplete black hood. </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-627484068308865292024-02-28T06:27:00.000-08:002024-02-28T06:27:30.073-08:00Dorset - Louds Mill Dorchester - Yellow-browed Warbler Still Present!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwMcn4BuB6BgiSJtgOqp7Rhkv7Nm4Z2B6ld-po67Ri4WYb18n0PhBE_3HxTyBKXBMFC_hfEMzLDEc8nj9R3Mmbh5CFh2uMkULIkjWOuEe5ow9EXVR0pg1CYq0WTlTZpfSr1xILm2aLPS1Rcpkv-VffxJeESp7gh-n3CKeSHCVAatggnakUBA6Sr1xF5I/s654/Louds%20Mill%20Yellow%20browed%20Warbler%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="654" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwMcn4BuB6BgiSJtgOqp7Rhkv7Nm4Z2B6ld-po67Ri4WYb18n0PhBE_3HxTyBKXBMFC_hfEMzLDEc8nj9R3Mmbh5CFh2uMkULIkjWOuEe5ow9EXVR0pg1CYq0WTlTZpfSr1xILm2aLPS1Rcpkv-VffxJeESp7gh-n3CKeSHCVAatggnakUBA6Sr1xF5I/s320/Louds%20Mill%20Yellow%20browed%20Warbler%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I took another morning skirmish to Louds Mill Dorchester to
catch up with the Yellow-browed Warbler. The bird has been present in the trees
opposite the no parking sign at the Water Treatment Works since last Saturday
at least. This was my third visit and proved to be third time lucky for me!</p>
<p>The bird is quite feisty chasing any Chiffchaff off that
dares to get too close to it! Paul Harris was the finder of what has been a
bird of great interest to Dorset birders. That just shows how few there have
been in the last few months! </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-15142469842245826512024-02-27T14:26:00.000-08:002024-02-27T14:26:21.131-08:00Hampshire - New Forest - Away day!<p>The day was spent in the New
Forest researching the key areas within the backdrop of picturesque surroundings. I picked up Roly en-route and the adventure began in almost perfect conditions despite being
very damp underfoot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qEr1lzPQJ3udCeieu5hdYXvuskz1G8RFO8BWd17My8YmbfTShkAQbLvO9xgf15aM24h233BD2chjX_n05iOi88TmryImYIz3R7sJrqYdzUCrGsc6h0sr1gfqes1_SuZSGYGhw65bKGIskWOR098EOCFahp6UmiGkBuqKrlHqVGm_BuKRaHwfcVjTk5E/s494/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Hen%20Harrier%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="494" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qEr1lzPQJ3udCeieu5hdYXvuskz1G8RFO8BWd17My8YmbfTShkAQbLvO9xgf15aM24h233BD2chjX_n05iOi88TmryImYIz3R7sJrqYdzUCrGsc6h0sr1gfqes1_SuZSGYGhw65bKGIskWOR098EOCFahp6UmiGkBuqKrlHqVGm_BuKRaHwfcVjTk5E/s320/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Hen%20Harrier%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Pig Bush was the first stop where bird of the day was seen
flying low over the open heathland. The adult female Hen Harrier glided by
without any fuss and disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbplTVFr3PkNT9Lw-OFNfApP26iO5z3dN6cBddDTpI5N-4WdprwJVcNP2qL3L47q7qKZX71X_-SWprBQnfldskYf58xtjj0mF3qoguebWIj4URJy0KZi1DEMdYSWUccaIQV2-ZrIxnM-ehd3J7yhsrd5X6M-v2NPxROY6ZVbqZIVenvq5rvPDfx3__a0/s496/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Firecrest%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="496" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbplTVFr3PkNT9Lw-OFNfApP26iO5z3dN6cBddDTpI5N-4WdprwJVcNP2qL3L47q7qKZX71X_-SWprBQnfldskYf58xtjj0mF3qoguebWIj4URJy0KZi1DEMdYSWUccaIQV2-ZrIxnM-ehd3J7yhsrd5X6M-v2NPxROY6ZVbqZIVenvq5rvPDfx3__a0/s320/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Firecrest%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">During our visit all three woodpeckers were heard with only
Great Spotted seen flying into and on the top of a tree. A Firecrest was more
obliging making its presence known almost immediately as we entered the
woodland.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxH-yNHX9LzGS1xHFqB5xeygYzJhO5PCAAUn2mBMJmSEozk8cnkLvEVKzlaAh-Asxi5mz9A_EXahgcmyUbrJ3oHNTD-o0CccX1Dj3LoBX-oiwNMBHbcbXb-qV-IsXkp_vXmdlX5ka2uDzztnUjxYrYQ5JgFK7rZDfw3oWBDRZ41OWwiBjSazZQQQ5zPM/s494/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Woodlark%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="494" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxH-yNHX9LzGS1xHFqB5xeygYzJhO5PCAAUn2mBMJmSEozk8cnkLvEVKzlaAh-Asxi5mz9A_EXahgcmyUbrJ3oHNTD-o0CccX1Dj3LoBX-oiwNMBHbcbXb-qV-IsXkp_vXmdlX5ka2uDzztnUjxYrYQ5JgFK7rZDfw3oWBDRZ41OWwiBjSazZQQQ5zPM/s320/New%20Forest%20Pig%20Bush%20Woodlark%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">A couple of Woodlark was singing in the area which made the
task of finding them an easy one. A flock of around fifty Redpolls were found
drinking from a puddle on one of the tracks which became more flooded and
almost impassable in places.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An afternoon visit to Acres Down added Brambling to the days
return. Woodpeckers were quiet for the majority of the afternoon. There were
several Buzzard picked up from the ridge but it was concluded a morning visit would
likely be more fruitful for key species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HdJqTIjsz-vo7IRCXeNvTEgtw2XJqK7lKWPWzL3WwGVgtywh6xc-9y0a_yIxQki3urpHo75OyjbNUgWMYJt2evlkcI3QJ0HbIwNInWKrH-0EE39PbZqMc7TQD0IRrzjiAFVvx6hjFJGLYy2u9C6gjfTRK5ws_uDq_H3F4kiIzCeg0vASK2K1AB3hhwM/s499/New%20Forest%20Eyeworth%20Pond%20Mandarin%20Duck%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="499" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HdJqTIjsz-vo7IRCXeNvTEgtw2XJqK7lKWPWzL3WwGVgtywh6xc-9y0a_yIxQki3urpHo75OyjbNUgWMYJt2evlkcI3QJ0HbIwNInWKrH-0EE39PbZqMc7TQD0IRrzjiAFVvx6hjFJGLYy2u9C6gjfTRK5ws_uDq_H3F4kiIzCeg0vASK2K1AB3hhwM/s320/New%20Forest%20Eyeworth%20Pond%20Mandarin%20Duck%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The last stop of the day was at Eyeworth Pond where Mandarin
Duck were seen along with a Raven.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM1GZsB-iSyY6FAfmNp3m6ZAaKxeM0iPtHXwjHGf5W0khJ_EtZ6k9_8DIy2XavY4-Y0CIj5NbqUfJUq5rLaKtf11iVjGfa2GBUVlk5wiNM-MbBoYTVQ8spgi3XXpbpYkNXrTZSPNy1IvvGGpU55YF3sHFG9goGuOhjnjuRkDnD7LtCpQ9p-wfJC_VcC0/s500/New%20Forest%20Eyeworth%20Pond%20Marsh%20Tit%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="500" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM1GZsB-iSyY6FAfmNp3m6ZAaKxeM0iPtHXwjHGf5W0khJ_EtZ6k9_8DIy2XavY4-Y0CIj5NbqUfJUq5rLaKtf11iVjGfa2GBUVlk5wiNM-MbBoYTVQ8spgi3XXpbpYkNXrTZSPNy1IvvGGpU55YF3sHFG9goGuOhjnjuRkDnD7LtCpQ9p-wfJC_VcC0/s320/New%20Forest%20Eyeworth%20Pond%20Marsh%20Tit%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This was also the best opportunity I had for pictures of
Marsh Tit despite seeing many birds at all the sites during the day! Fish and
chips finished a great day in the field!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-24912535366964663332024-02-23T07:27:00.000-08:002024-02-23T07:27:43.908-08:00Dorset - Athelhampton Bardolf Farm - Cattle Egrets Return!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqGrvgPx22DOF5OD4Xw_h_9nCvVT5p6DADR5YJQjGhvQpbamYC52SxrLXr31EStWbPUIKE_LmtILC8UTeSuJ0AOsOpeN9ZxSC0PR5MGtZi26JRh2niJDLGNkduu2uazZy3nQ25g1tGfuCBfb2EjdBTJ3_-BVLRkzjBCBIpzZ9wE18ODaweD759DqRr9M/s493/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egret%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="493" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqGrvgPx22DOF5OD4Xw_h_9nCvVT5p6DADR5YJQjGhvQpbamYC52SxrLXr31EStWbPUIKE_LmtILC8UTeSuJ0AOsOpeN9ZxSC0PR5MGtZi26JRh2niJDLGNkduu2uazZy3nQ25g1tGfuCBfb2EjdBTJ3_-BVLRkzjBCBIpzZ9wE18ODaweD759DqRr9M/s320/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egret%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I kept an eye on Athelhampton this morning and eventually
located the Cattle Egrets on the flooded meadows south of Athelhampton Road.
The birds are mobile feeding and then moving on to another area. A Buzzard
disturbed them this afternoon all four flying low east towards Tolpuddle.</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I drove the flooded areas towards Tolpuddle, locating a
single bird on the flooded fields in front of Affpuddle village. Was this part
of the original flock or an additional bird?!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With water levels as they are at present and more rain
expected anything could turn up on the numerous flooded meadows!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-11555573928952538712024-02-22T12:56:00.000-08:002024-02-22T12:56:24.244-08:00Dorset - Athelhampton Bardolf Farm - Smash and Grab Farm Raid!<p>The rain has been relentless but it finally stopped late
afternoon. This resulted in a scoot around the now completely flooded meadows
in anticipation of finding something unusual in the wildfowl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYm-_hFatNRNOAzHp908IklqCTESMhgpsaQ0n6xW9gwwyDEZXLABrYHDLX0OwaU8ox3DMELkGxS3_qOwojCjAgL07Kynxv6BAEzb5fSUi0Gng64AhXM-82um2UjEKdymeXpcS9jOxlIQGbI9eI4NxOG8yJ-CcppIrJbp6Ewl95vuZFcdfnaw2yPpr-PQ/s490/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egret%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="490" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYm-_hFatNRNOAzHp908IklqCTESMhgpsaQ0n6xW9gwwyDEZXLABrYHDLX0OwaU8ox3DMELkGxS3_qOwojCjAgL07Kynxv6BAEzb5fSUi0Gng64AhXM-82um2UjEKdymeXpcS9jOxlIQGbI9eI4NxOG8yJ-CcppIrJbp6Ewl95vuZFcdfnaw2yPpr-PQ/s320/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egret%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">A visit to Athelhampton produced a high number of egrets
with more arriving as I was checking through them! There was no surprise to me
when I located four Cattle Egrets, three together in the far field to the south
of the road, a single bird that moved onto the adjacent field to Athelhampton
Road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbGHoHmq_SMqEMEuCCJLKtL0GH_hlhygSn2uevtjVlCsY_vrzpQVpIa5y_bhSBy8X8SJ11aFnyz7ztoXZWFRgQYas6k6XC35Nzf2hic8f9yvPjcz9Z5L4Mt8-fbDXTDCzo6mEnCE9_rCB_TkXXRgLXoPNus8hhHNvNf2YN79OzduIZaiBXSLTh5wDNek/s488/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egrets%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="488" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbGHoHmq_SMqEMEuCCJLKtL0GH_hlhygSn2uevtjVlCsY_vrzpQVpIa5y_bhSBy8X8SJ11aFnyz7ztoXZWFRgQYas6k6XC35Nzf2hic8f9yvPjcz9Z5L4Mt8-fbDXTDCzo6mEnCE9_rCB_TkXXRgLXoPNus8hhHNvNf2YN79OzduIZaiBXSLTh5wDNek/s320/Athelhampton%20Cattle%20Egrets%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The birds arrived at 1700 and departed low NW with Little
Egrets at 1745 heading towards Athelhampton House. I would not be surprised if
they re-appear on the farm in the next few days!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVeGw5a0dJ3hyNrwZIjY65wDcIXWQyD-2SAyK76yttHBsxP5xFB9tH6Q5TKrsJV8GksLrIK8nLCsMPvVWZhRWVgHEhQUm3GCp-dpSNXCOGxDbeuHgNyaHU0USYp7-BoGcrHjLGjV_p90bvpsDK-5K0r8QTFyICZluOqA1jme_o5IYZeduAIct20Wworc/s462/Bardolf%20Farm%20Flooding%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="462" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVeGw5a0dJ3hyNrwZIjY65wDcIXWQyD-2SAyK76yttHBsxP5xFB9tH6Q5TKrsJV8GksLrIK8nLCsMPvVWZhRWVgHEhQUm3GCp-dpSNXCOGxDbeuHgNyaHU0USYp7-BoGcrHjLGjV_p90bvpsDK-5K0r8QTFyICZluOqA1jme_o5IYZeduAIct20Wworc/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Flooding%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Cattle Egret is uncommon on the farm with a couple of
sightings each year. This species is regular in Dorset with good numbers that
roost at Abbotsbury which isn’t too far away as the crow flies!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HbDogd3VUSamBAmk4BdSPezwpdOfHlLCpDq8ezGn9rgPzPmTV8moah0ZG2hIUdCdU2tEwjzYM1-A0LCxnTouhLmA7Cf4hOeW1evKAjCKIh6zerYn1zgcX1khLYDfyrKfk1ZVljBtp_epu4PFltHysvxSkT87UAdna-myFrmk7Gm3r3s77tAwdWlZYuU/s462/Bardolf%20Farm%20Flooding%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="462" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HbDogd3VUSamBAmk4BdSPezwpdOfHlLCpDq8ezGn9rgPzPmTV8moah0ZG2hIUdCdU2tEwjzYM1-A0LCxnTouhLmA7Cf4hOeW1evKAjCKIh6zerYn1zgcX1khLYDfyrKfk1ZVljBtp_epu4PFltHysvxSkT87UAdna-myFrmk7Gm3r3s77tAwdWlZYuU/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Flooding%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The fields in flood around the meadows which is a designated flood plain. Hatches divert water away from the local villages onto the land providing habitat for wildfowl in the winter.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-87535333190857902212024-02-20T10:46:00.000-08:002024-02-20T10:46:43.606-08:00Dorset - Portland to Radipole RSPB - An Early Migrant!<p>A trip to Portland this morning where fog greeted me as I
drove up the hill to the Observatory! I went down to The Bill and tucked in for
a short sea watch. The Auks were numerous with Gannet joining the passage of
gulls. The only species of note were a couple of Fulmar.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I returned to the observatory and where a couple of Common
Scoter was picked up as they negotiated the coastline. The fog had cleared but
I decided to move down to the harbour to catch up with the grebes and divers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincxyPhmchGkIyfc70T89KzFglH5sULewIu3Ad3E9hqTUQcWZytzifaw2H7jJOitzZJ16qWZ9lDl1uyuqbbeUwCTvUHScSI7FhYwku8hwhI-mqWxcUnF3kY20df_y7lrcJ2sTyphsFrn-dgURwPvvTJ42pfe60t3ZZ-3uMbDZCzwXWUmOFjhXfrtJRGpU/s499/Portland%20Harbour%20Black%20Necked%20Grebe%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="499" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincxyPhmchGkIyfc70T89KzFglH5sULewIu3Ad3E9hqTUQcWZytzifaw2H7jJOitzZJ16qWZ9lDl1uyuqbbeUwCTvUHScSI7FhYwku8hwhI-mqWxcUnF3kY20df_y7lrcJ2sTyphsFrn-dgURwPvvTJ42pfe60t3ZZ-3uMbDZCzwXWUmOFjhXfrtJRGpU/s320/Portland%20Harbour%20Black%20Necked%20Grebe%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A Black-necked Grebe had been seen close to Billy Winters
the previous day and it did not take long before it was noted. There were a
couple more birds but they were much further out! The Great Northern Diver was
also at distance but I had better views from my next stop.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Sailing Club (near Sandsfoot Castle) gives a view across
the harbour and the small group of female Common Scoter was seen in amongst the
buoys!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_yAqj2TVgwDPmkHpnHUpyQVvjTwTYsc7L-YAgbBP_o7xPIjWHRfc5fPn8dFzrS1liuLY8XzZ6qqIDLAjxr0tv_wbYoAbZdP0OZAt4AEhk1l-7So_Er0KkSGFdD2f6WzgvINHY1_zSnxsURVBTRTs0CZ4VB0qgCV0sgLRTJY4djE3Vt6spvdrlr-FUfA/s496/Radipole%20RSPB%20Barn%20Swallow%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="496" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_yAqj2TVgwDPmkHpnHUpyQVvjTwTYsc7L-YAgbBP_o7xPIjWHRfc5fPn8dFzrS1liuLY8XzZ6qqIDLAjxr0tv_wbYoAbZdP0OZAt4AEhk1l-7So_Er0KkSGFdD2f6WzgvINHY1_zSnxsURVBTRTs0CZ4VB0qgCV0sgLRTJY4djE3Vt6spvdrlr-FUfA/s320/Radipole%20RSPB%20Barn%20Swallow%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The last stop of the day was to catch up with a Swallow that
had been seen for a second day at the Visitor Centre at Radipole RSPB. Studland
had the first UK record on 9<sup>th</sup> February 2024. The mild weather has
also seen a House Martin at West Morden both locations are in Dorset!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-7961958703101370432024-02-11T13:09:00.000-08:002024-02-11T13:09:28.925-08:00Dorset - Bardolf Farm - Wildfowl on the Water Meadows!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yg-nz_e0x7NdlRmHl5qC5f_xFPPT-9WXVhQ05H5ZCUOzxbc-jnWr98k84SF1z87o2VD36CBttk2i4CBZGTeFZ8k9Uv9eaD7UJhurRn9jetZyJrFmotoP7xhs8-N2NIvahf0AKxBP54jcKbQObBcqMM0CtnJ28cSy-FJB-efnzfhoGDQvY3iptWP94HU/s496/Athelhampton%20Goosander%20f%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="496" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yg-nz_e0x7NdlRmHl5qC5f_xFPPT-9WXVhQ05H5ZCUOzxbc-jnWr98k84SF1z87o2VD36CBttk2i4CBZGTeFZ8k9Uv9eaD7UJhurRn9jetZyJrFmotoP7xhs8-N2NIvahf0AKxBP54jcKbQObBcqMM0CtnJ28cSy-FJB-efnzfhoGDQvY3iptWP94HU/s320/Athelhampton%20Goosander%20f%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I was back on Bardolf Farm today to complete the monthly
WeBS and winter finch counts. The recent rain has topped up the water meadows
and saw another Goosander visit the site at Athelhampton. The female was not
too impressed with the Wigeon it was associating with as it pecked at the ducks
heads any time one got too close to it. Beyond this the bird seemed quite
settled on the bank to one of the tributaries that has formed due to the
increase in water levels.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHuJb7wAIwYPrU3EMqsMn_tZwbgiuc5lBuQ9lpl_wr2kZMfNJ2l0E4Qwpdj-w39_rSr0Lx0MNzcLDDcdY7i1A6hyphFY1Cz4v7VK0vFSXJNO5cKT41BHvN_UujGtgXtRmBpl86CxhRJWTpS-LDkYPLoVe1DuBpPu9omD9nsV6yr1iWZAHNSnjrPsKfbM/s490/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Swan%20x%20Greylag%20Goose%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="490" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHuJb7wAIwYPrU3EMqsMn_tZwbgiuc5lBuQ9lpl_wr2kZMfNJ2l0E4Qwpdj-w39_rSr0Lx0MNzcLDDcdY7i1A6hyphFY1Cz4v7VK0vFSXJNO5cKT41BHvN_UujGtgXtRmBpl86CxhRJWTpS-LDkYPLoVe1DuBpPu9omD9nsV6yr1iWZAHNSnjrPsKfbM/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Swan%20x%20Greylag%20Goose%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Swan x Greylag Goose was also present with Canada Geese
on the next field near Causeway pond. This bird has been visiting the farm for
a while and has changed in appearance since its first visit and looks more like
a Swan Goose apart from the orange thirds to the bill!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were a few confused birds today many Song Thrush and Dunnock
were singing and a Mute Swan and Canada Geese were prospecting nest sites. Another
cold snap will resolve this early call to claim territories!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">WeBS and Finch <a href="https://puddletownwatermeadows.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">site totals</a>.</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-26141911705740808862024-02-10T14:10:00.000-08:002024-02-10T14:45:05.138-08:00Dorset - Isle of Portland - Island Rounds!<p>Today was spent on the Isle of Portland and the weather was
very pleasant indeed having previously endured roughly 36hrs of rain! High tide was at around 7am
therefore I stopped off at Portland Castle / Osprey Quay to check the area for
a male Black Redstart and the mill pond of a harbour for Great Northern Diver.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNSdAx02oFyfiBvQS3R8_wN9a7xo-uCtCAQLztINBTMxRCMFXO7mLHtnk-gQFYm_DUb5Zg3INexGXtPXsrmAFbiTJEceQIJY1tiZa-i8M3VmYve78K5I9ZqCxG0hX-_T-dPlz2rsBiDuEEOMjHwuwYzZXVsGTa9n32jwgsSAAzTMhdVRSSmq988BUTV0/s495/Portland%20Harbour%20Black%20Redstart%20m%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="495" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNSdAx02oFyfiBvQS3R8_wN9a7xo-uCtCAQLztINBTMxRCMFXO7mLHtnk-gQFYm_DUb5Zg3INexGXtPXsrmAFbiTJEceQIJY1tiZa-i8M3VmYve78K5I9ZqCxG0hX-_T-dPlz2rsBiDuEEOMjHwuwYzZXVsGTa9n32jwgsSAAzTMhdVRSSmq988BUTV0/s320/Portland%20Harbour%20Black%20Redstart%20m%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Both species did not disappoint with the Black Redstart
entering the area of rocks which bordered the boat yard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMebS3yNDsUF1zRgO2e-iOZ6u9QxpQf_g15KVikkoru__Al1VQnVWegQz0E3HBhnmoBX6NzYoEQx_br-H6Mqq5qxyRr15PQEkdm9KmwubLRP1CWmVflzh4N_V2C84TTmihEmWcZ1ZaJaBVQuszNm3xpiYJBFIlZQl6Qnepd0nsCmVKrxy_c1Y13lpTxRQ/s494/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="494" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMebS3yNDsUF1zRgO2e-iOZ6u9QxpQf_g15KVikkoru__Al1VQnVWegQz0E3HBhnmoBX6NzYoEQx_br-H6Mqq5qxyRr15PQEkdm9KmwubLRP1CWmVflzh4N_V2C84TTmihEmWcZ1ZaJaBVQuszNm3xpiYJBFIlZQl6Qnepd0nsCmVKrxy_c1Y13lpTxRQ/s320/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Great Northern Diver was easier to find on a very calm
harbour. The bird stayed out beyond the buoys but was still finding plenty of
food as it took short dives to take unsuspecting crabs from the bottom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HPu6RAu41PthI8s7rnp0ukS_VBLnu1vDmMZX4I0aT6FPfWg69PReUVOMVT-nAhbJFFPpsggXbepBMhNy831XlOUEHagKzwiEbZf5YA0kkSsYfdjT43S0WYpvzwTEAlUbjAe-c9izFFBzbKpr0eAovsrg2ov7LTuFCyA5Rr06qMGMxiB41I9vFb_QyLs/s498/Portland%20Purple%20Sandpiper%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="498" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HPu6RAu41PthI8s7rnp0ukS_VBLnu1vDmMZX4I0aT6FPfWg69PReUVOMVT-nAhbJFFPpsggXbepBMhNy831XlOUEHagKzwiEbZf5YA0kkSsYfdjT43S0WYpvzwTEAlUbjAe-c9izFFBzbKpr0eAovsrg2ov7LTuFCyA5Rr06qMGMxiB41I9vFb_QyLs/s320/Portland%20Purple%20Sandpiper%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I called in at the observatory and the morning had been very
quiet so I took a walk down to the bill to catch up with the Purple Sandpiper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NBB4s7ZrMZVUM_qvigo5X031Z3KTy5wG7XDbjCDkfXedlyM9app3W_VnzsuGwGNq1tVj2H0Uc9XNQaypz_WHVhnYIoRFFvuMtLfUuF2jKEfRhJa7VN4Ln9x4WwefOr63nDwLrG4loI1j3OAIs0fhNBKnPbBCzycn1rgACTNTpNkWZye06yDbpuXq5XM/s491/Portland%20Rock%20Pipit%20Ring%20AAJ%20w%20on%20Bl%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="491" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NBB4s7ZrMZVUM_qvigo5X031Z3KTy5wG7XDbjCDkfXedlyM9app3W_VnzsuGwGNq1tVj2H0Uc9XNQaypz_WHVhnYIoRFFvuMtLfUuF2jKEfRhJa7VN4Ln9x4WwefOr63nDwLrG4loI1j3OAIs0fhNBKnPbBCzycn1rgACTNTpNkWZye06yDbpuXq5XM/s320/Portland%20Rock%20Pipit%20Ring%20AAJ%20w%20on%20Bl%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Rock Pipit was very lively with wing and diving displays
suggesting spring was just around the corner! In fact there were a lot of
singing birds on the Island let’s hope a cold snap does not put everything on
hold! A bird ringed on the 30<sup>th</sup> September 2023 as a 3j at the
observatory silver ring number 2699305 with white on black AAJ was photographed
near the beach huts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A walk at The Hump had me hit the deck on a slippery path.
Fortunately the camera seems ok after the tumble! The fields at Reap Lane and
Barlycrates Lane were also checked before another mudslide up to the top fields
at Culverwell. Plenty of passerines but not much else beyond two Peregrine
working together to snare a Wood Pigeon who may have escaped the ordeal!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A catch up at the Observatory with Richard Sergeant (Tices Meadows)
and then a late exit which spooked a Barn Owl which was eying up the moth
lights in the gardens! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A visit to Portland is not complete without a trip to a
chippy. There are a few good ones en-route home!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-19829820112572034352024-02-05T13:24:00.000-08:002024-02-05T13:24:30.576-08:00Dorset - West Morden - Eyes of an Eagle!<p> An overcast and showery day saw me head to West Morden with
Roly in search of a Little Bunting which had been filmed in the seed crop over
the weekend. The search for the Bunting was not successful but we had a good
mix of raptors during our search.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Oop1aP56dKrmOMk2r1qPGs22kSTJsiGISBUIe-exCJwLjxicQzD2k9HIM43k48lT0K7IpApvqigcwSz78bvIJzQQatf8xsuKv3IrKG1Wk8ylAFW6ETAHvLnK3ci1X38eonzYek8A4VU1UrYtZptvHHviPnM4Rc9sB8qePqkboyEZiRkN1RJKn3roqhg/s496/West%20Morden%20White%20Tailed%20Eagle%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="496" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Oop1aP56dKrmOMk2r1qPGs22kSTJsiGISBUIe-exCJwLjxicQzD2k9HIM43k48lT0K7IpApvqigcwSz78bvIJzQQatf8xsuKv3IrKG1Wk8ylAFW6ETAHvLnK3ci1X38eonzYek8A4VU1UrYtZptvHHviPnM4Rc9sB8qePqkboyEZiRkN1RJKn3roqhg/s320/West%20Morden%20White%20Tailed%20Eagle%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">A one footed male White-tailed Eagle was the first entrant flying
east at 1148hrs. The bird is rung with G463 and is part of a pair that is
frequenting Poole Harbour. Eyes are firmly fixed on the pair for the
forthcoming breeding season!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD8YvQ9Q9luXm4lmPRtLjk9VdkFYDbepUcbhfV_5bB1JwuhT4VUtKdVndiXnf519KZZ6k5cRBowcC0uPlrCm6TqyonbrYZCzpqj4YcI4y9JKXYM6Yu7LErIphIwBAc3ULiRtN5GNe-zggzmM_HPLeqKNKqdRoKlURvAAOUpMV8fNvM4seCg7xRKfdCA4/s490/West%20Morden%20Red%20Kite%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="490" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD8YvQ9Q9luXm4lmPRtLjk9VdkFYDbepUcbhfV_5bB1JwuhT4VUtKdVndiXnf519KZZ6k5cRBowcC0uPlrCm6TqyonbrYZCzpqj4YcI4y9JKXYM6Yu7LErIphIwBAc3ULiRtN5GNe-zggzmM_HPLeqKNKqdRoKlURvAAOUpMV8fNvM4seCg7xRKfdCA4/s320/West%20Morden%20Red%20Kite%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">A couple of Red Kite visited the area sweeping low over the
fields as they looked out for an easy meal. This species is becoming more
common in Dorset as it spreads its range throughout the county!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrle9ZqS246lOu5t-MMnKzJZvAB-8dAVBi_IRy3Wp8qwJ52P6eaJwJKGb2vfrbMvivBFzV_gBAj5VXAYUkGwRL1cSkiVGONrUX1U2OrMmF0eLkMQRzTfXwOtmB7Dk4JuXQBz02PysQlDNCStC5H_QESNgv0ctbGNYM7LPA5fFSyxVWjUy70qlPqFyUeg/s499/West%20Morden%20Buzzard%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="499" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrle9ZqS246lOu5t-MMnKzJZvAB-8dAVBi_IRy3Wp8qwJ52P6eaJwJKGb2vfrbMvivBFzV_gBAj5VXAYUkGwRL1cSkiVGONrUX1U2OrMmF0eLkMQRzTfXwOtmB7Dk4JuXQBz02PysQlDNCStC5H_QESNgv0ctbGNYM7LPA5fFSyxVWjUy70qlPqFyUeg/s320/West%20Morden%20Buzzard%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">A Buzzard and a late Sparrowhawk completed the raptor fest
before the evening drew in. The days are getting longer allowing more time in
the field!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-77706258110180977012024-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:002024-02-02T10:42:55.737-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Ticking over at the Farm!<p>I always get a boost of birdwatching energy in January but
the month always seems to fly by! I have found three new species for my own
farm tally this year which has kept the momentum going into February! The
second month of the year can feel a bit flat but temperatures have been high
with 12c recorded today and anything could drop in!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A cold snap is predicted by the end of next week which will firmly fix my eyes on the farm! Cold weather brings geese and finches to the feeding stations! The
River Piddle continues to flow as a potential freeze hits larger bodies of
water!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7u5kSdSyDzRiIwQariJl9yBTDS3HdoqBb4UJGqplisFesOqiJKMUD0XFnkCk-jkzsYf5bVJYGeJhCd53Yb-JzCNrh-qw0zkGG2Bqq_CzL_gXQGrRK2PqzvIcCsqn6W7Jun6hQkP2xYT3Y0iAMz5k98ABdrSqN2fsIfa1uFUEV_v-NkZ5PuEh4lYsuXc/s496/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Red%20Kite%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="496" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7u5kSdSyDzRiIwQariJl9yBTDS3HdoqBb4UJGqplisFesOqiJKMUD0XFnkCk-jkzsYf5bVJYGeJhCd53Yb-JzCNrh-qw0zkGG2Bqq_CzL_gXQGrRK2PqzvIcCsqn6W7Jun6hQkP2xYT3Y0iAMz5k98ABdrSqN2fsIfa1uFUEV_v-NkZ5PuEh4lYsuXc/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Red%20Kite%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The bird of the day caused commotion amongst the wildfowl as
it circled several times above the meadows before drifting away empty handed!
The Red Kite was not in a hurry keeping to a steady height as it eyed the birds
below!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Swan x Greylag hybrid also turned up today. This was its
first visit of the year. It may suggest that different groups of Canada Geese
visit the water meadows each day as this goose the Hawaiian Goose and other
weird looking geese are not seen every day and they all associate with the
Canada Geese.</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-60127323309834214832024-01-30T11:51:00.000-08:002024-01-30T11:51:42.941-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Perplexed Plover!<p class="MsoNormal">The water levels at Bardolf Farm are beginning to recede
which is not great news but there are plenty of exposed muddy edges at Mill
Mead at present. I spent the morning here watching the flock of Lapwing spiral
across the landscape before coming to rest on the meadows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinbMLBdY4wcn20iYVnd6_VRKcUSvMKrepeHgblSzYzG5zE_S2BKnuWoUtma0MUAJ-5-qIoyK0KYD_Pbu7sSMPnXWw8wcMqYI2HEP4hz46Lt0Ixh6sKzujHN-Js8xMZebVBM2iMQVo4IsVbnMBysIfl18wmkdAhw_ZXTD5o4Bim8qGSdZSMZ9vIUSCqyw/s497/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Golden%20Plover%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="497" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinbMLBdY4wcn20iYVnd6_VRKcUSvMKrepeHgblSzYzG5zE_S2BKnuWoUtma0MUAJ-5-qIoyK0KYD_Pbu7sSMPnXWw8wcMqYI2HEP4hz46Lt0Ixh6sKzujHN-Js8xMZebVBM2iMQVo4IsVbnMBysIfl18wmkdAhw_ZXTD5o4Bim8qGSdZSMZ9vIUSCqyw/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Golden%20Plover%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I picked up a lone Golden Plover in the flock but it was
distant when it came to rest viewing from Athelhampton Road. I made the decision
to move to Cattlecrush at the North side of the meadows. The sun was poking its
head out from the cloud which makes viewing and photography challenging despite
been half the distance away!</p>
<p>There is still plenty of wildfowl on the meadows which means
a firm eye has to be kept on the area! I have had a good run of birds of late
and fingers crossed this will continue! </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-13315722222827299762024-01-26T09:23:00.000-08:002024-01-26T09:23:43.833-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Second Record for the Farm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYFnvvR8riB5LjXZ8G9wx0DXL1edTeEbvXLBO84ZXBTzndVlY85hdo6bzxRqccsJ1feWTYI_dUTXy6pHgJ6unhyphenhyphenfDhTZuihfPzG95Ij3B-ZcgSselosk0ksQwfeeepwgXvXmeCVN3OA9gpphErj77C-3hcqKY4-eAZL8zIY4gKMIQgT1vOV2dNs8Nz9o/s492/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Shelduck%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="492" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYFnvvR8riB5LjXZ8G9wx0DXL1edTeEbvXLBO84ZXBTzndVlY85hdo6bzxRqccsJ1feWTYI_dUTXy6pHgJ6unhyphenhyphenfDhTZuihfPzG95Ij3B-ZcgSselosk0ksQwfeeepwgXvXmeCVN3OA9gpphErj77C-3hcqKY4-eAZL8zIY4gKMIQgT1vOV2dNs8Nz9o/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Shelduck%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">My hot streak of new birds at Bardolf Farm continues. This
morning a couple of Shelduck swam in to view remaining on Puddletown Water
Meadows for the morning at least! Hugo was duly informed and he made his way
down to Cattlecrush to view the birds from the North side of the meadows.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was the second record for Bardolf Farm the last record
was a flyover bird in January 1987! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I continued with my rounds and struck gold again at
Athelhampton with a Firecrest in the bushes and trees adjacent to the white
bridge where the Piddle crosses Athelhampton Road. I spent the next couple of
hours attempting to get pictures of the bird but it has been a tricky task with
the bird keeping within the vegetation. It was with a couple of Goldcrest,
therefore I think the bird will remain in the area or even move up to Burleston
Pond!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not a bad day with two more additions to my Bardolf Farm
life list. The Farm is certainly pulling in many species of bird of late. The
water levels are playing their part!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-18871238250014876092024-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:002024-01-24T13:35:20.664-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Great Gathering at the Farm!<p>I was back on Bardolf Farm today and there had been an
interesting build up of wildfowl on Puddletown Water Meadows following
yesterday’s storm. The biggest increase in numbers was in Lapwing who seemed
a bit edgy taking to the skies on several occasions as I watched from
Athelhampton Road. I took some pictures of the murmuration so that I could take a count! I moved across to the Lane and soon found out the reason for
this as an adult Goshawk sailed past me catching me by surprise as it headed
east at 1020hrs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31lWK9y9D4YnW7XE6aSZxyMRIE6OtsslMbCIJKybaAWxCtx_MHzuKF2itZkb3ytgcr72I6T3r4rp-PcO4rJ9v_S9JQZDdEMz_hxnx6ZYGO9N2ga03qL5pQy-7Q4vvR_zFZ0HrcYDPGZMFhUjADwZcByZCn1MDN-0RddBu9aVmTSGrISF7v9QJlW_bIAc/s485/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Red%20Kite%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="485" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31lWK9y9D4YnW7XE6aSZxyMRIE6OtsslMbCIJKybaAWxCtx_MHzuKF2itZkb3ytgcr72I6T3r4rp-PcO4rJ9v_S9JQZDdEMz_hxnx6ZYGO9N2ga03qL5pQy-7Q4vvR_zFZ0HrcYDPGZMFhUjADwZcByZCn1MDN-0RddBu9aVmTSGrISF7v9QJlW_bIAc/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Red%20Kite%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The second bird to catch me out was the first Red Kite of
the year but this time there was some commotion from some corvids which had me
step out from the trees to catch the bird as it glided in a NW direction at
1311hrs. The bird continued over the woodland at Green Field which activated a
mob of corvid as it flew away!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCH-TfLbCaK872jE1GBvHqX564ER3W0lhrchoXL3TyBfie0LyenvcOTNNjtV52Fpje5wkp3LzdPmb4sSbgeV5fBPZzsX3LcaaUgiXiwS9RUgGI8pw4rgJZ6E1mWubxP3KZUM8SsAjswkUJOCDAONe1lWqL28jIukea-Z4UJLNiW7Owzv6DMBrlZgNDpU/s483/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Hawaiian%20Goose%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="483" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCH-TfLbCaK872jE1GBvHqX564ER3W0lhrchoXL3TyBfie0LyenvcOTNNjtV52Fpje5wkp3LzdPmb4sSbgeV5fBPZzsX3LcaaUgiXiwS9RUgGI8pw4rgJZ6E1mWubxP3KZUM8SsAjswkUJOCDAONe1lWqL28jIukea-Z4UJLNiW7Owzv6DMBrlZgNDpU/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Hawaiian%20Goose%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Hawaiian Goose was still attempting to make friends with
the Egyptian Geese but they were not having any of it. The Geese have been seen hissing and flapping wings at this bird in recent visits! The Goose remained a
safe distance away hoping they would welcome it to the group. The Egyptians I
believe are the juveniles from last year’s successful breeding record on the
farm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I estimated the Lapwing count at 650 at the time but have since done a photo
tally count and there were 688 birds on the Water Meadows with 6 at Waterbarn
Cottages! Other site counts today Shoveler 8, Wigeon 734, Teal 214, Geese:
Greylag 14, Canada 233, Egyptian 5, Snipe 64.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-54862625631937550262024-01-20T06:21:00.000-08:002024-01-20T06:21:25.577-08:00Dorset - Upton - Waxwing Flock Finds Dorset!<p>My game was called off at Corfe Castle this morning
therefore I was debating what to do when the day was saved by a message from
Roly who stated the Waxwings were back at Briarswood Road Upton. With no time
to lose I changed kit and made my way to the location!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCFEXXsNpPzmjAqjMVs1qHe2P3KaaHksrnK8TzkbsKfXCvU5nIPAt8ihD1LQvVocMTxFmyVwDYTuQCjbhxJ9KfLYnpGAI7ZvYjfivm6PLe80fQdbtzClqQxaU6DB2-nxcmx4LYsE_j_bM2I0WuNELUpZkGndq2vSYzSXnmSS-UtW8pn9AFMYvpiAd3fk/s494/Upton%20Briarswood%20Rd%20Bohemian%20Waxwing%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="494" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCFEXXsNpPzmjAqjMVs1qHe2P3KaaHksrnK8TzkbsKfXCvU5nIPAt8ihD1LQvVocMTxFmyVwDYTuQCjbhxJ9KfLYnpGAI7ZvYjfivm6PLe80fQdbtzClqQxaU6DB2-nxcmx4LYsE_j_bM2I0WuNELUpZkGndq2vSYzSXnmSS-UtW8pn9AFMYvpiAd3fk/s320/Upton%20Briarswood%20Rd%20Bohemian%20Waxwing%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">There were a good few of the usual suspects were present and
thankfully so were the eight birds that were feeding on the mistletoe which has
parasitized a tree on a small green! I missed a single bird in Littlemoor the
year before last therefore I was relieved to see the flock sitting high in the
tree.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJuhMMj700JojXr1bNJXi5AtNro2hBGIgDFzgCA3XUb02UzpPsYFBqGdvDaNae-5cIO3L5HWNFgKYExEu8irIQGkc6cHjuqguCAIJwkQpd1541pnkKOE-_lyGCDDW-Py9ew2aN_31KUI8eFa1wnVE2U0J-B_5qHlgLueZ0ql8o3ITTFn_iWne2TS0X6k/s494/Upton%20Briarswood%20Rd%20Bohemian%20Waxwing%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="494" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJuhMMj700JojXr1bNJXi5AtNro2hBGIgDFzgCA3XUb02UzpPsYFBqGdvDaNae-5cIO3L5HWNFgKYExEu8irIQGkc6cHjuqguCAIJwkQpd1541pnkKOE-_lyGCDDW-Py9ew2aN_31KUI8eFa1wnVE2U0J-B_5qHlgLueZ0ql8o3ITTFn_iWne2TS0X6k/s320/Upton%20Briarswood%20Rd%20Bohemian%20Waxwing%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of Mistle Thrush muscled into the action mid
morning but the flock did not move too far away giving the many onlookers
spectacular views of the birds. I caught up with a few Portland and Weymouth
regulars that had twitched this rare event in Dorset.</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Needless to say this was a new species for my Dorset tally!
Woo Hoo!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-52738231100063338852024-01-19T11:31:00.000-08:002024-01-19T11:31:00.505-08:00Dorset - Bardolf Farm - Frosty Start and more Goosander!<p> I could not waste another opportunity to crunch along the
frozen tracks in search of displaced birds that would be drawn in by the Devil’s
Brook in full flow! The species (Golden Plover) I was hoping for did not
materialize but two more Goosander caught me napping as they flew over the
Brook.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlVed2VeCJ1zdAxcEd5BCG7_Rti-CVsQzNTbmljCN0EwlZaQL-qfBnRTSQ3c7RWyGj4fpbPA1mXiFVvJgB9ElxhkT5LkBzJ4EuI12TTtZA7oB1GxX9tS5BG3RmA-KkDjwM2E49yD0NEU8EoKT7AI5baeABZCrhadBSpDP_QDwQN3stermphP46yOjZvM/s493/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Snipe%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="493" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlVed2VeCJ1zdAxcEd5BCG7_Rti-CVsQzNTbmljCN0EwlZaQL-qfBnRTSQ3c7RWyGj4fpbPA1mXiFVvJgB9ElxhkT5LkBzJ4EuI12TTtZA7oB1GxX9tS5BG3RmA-KkDjwM2E49yD0NEU8EoKT7AI5baeABZCrhadBSpDP_QDwQN3stermphP46yOjZvM/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Snipe%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">No sign of the Corn Buntings today but I did not check the
feeding stations at the east end of the farm. Wildfowl numbers are still high
on the Water Meadows but there was nothing unusual in this area. The Snipe were
out enjoying the sun as I was after a very frosty start!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqgRFgXO0SfU91JXTJ0Tb5iLWGV2SJH_SvYFSPtMFdMZf9ebNrOZTDLCGtXM4fPcN8uEDluOa5F5x3Ox2AQiMEiW3ennBhSonw4SSI3E6ZZdffc1WfSvkoxP583UiHRCHlrMsWZdzVHAwRH40fMWXnlAwqriTId5kfMyD0u9X5qqPG-w6yAYuKRdqjMY/s492/Bardolf%20Farm%20Goosander%20pair%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="492" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqgRFgXO0SfU91JXTJ0Tb5iLWGV2SJH_SvYFSPtMFdMZf9ebNrOZTDLCGtXM4fPcN8uEDluOa5F5x3Ox2AQiMEiW3ennBhSonw4SSI3E6ZZdffc1WfSvkoxP583UiHRCHlrMsWZdzVHAwRH40fMWXnlAwqriTId5kfMyD0u9X5qqPG-w6yAYuKRdqjMY/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Goosander%20pair%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Goosander turned out to be the bird of the day at the
farm. I completed my rounds and then received a message from Roly who had nailed
a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I joined him a while later but the bird had likely
moved on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ-neW__pQR8OhErYuy-ZxUbuHfKbY2U19FiTYSX612-uQ5JI3RzZvD2te7cVFhZT5wh9fxwPJsD60rRLjlGZ-SV_yddbUCFomUz0oJQqgGIasv5gtKlLqT6i2bF3YlNHlxWZoVO0cvNXTjUzso-wnDAGIg4tea8wH2s9upLyfCr6QRJwUqBy2Rp6uk0/s493/Oakers%20Wood%20Firecrest%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="493" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ-neW__pQR8OhErYuy-ZxUbuHfKbY2U19FiTYSX612-uQ5JI3RzZvD2te7cVFhZT5wh9fxwPJsD60rRLjlGZ-SV_yddbUCFomUz0oJQqgGIasv5gtKlLqT6i2bF3YlNHlxWZoVO0cvNXTjUzso-wnDAGIg4tea8wH2s9upLyfCr6QRJwUqBy2Rp6uk0/s320/Oakers%20Wood%20Firecrest%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I did have a Firecrest whilst scanning the trees! Congratulations go
out to him as this species is very difficult to see in Dorset with many birds preferring
to head for the New Forest!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpBfmHf8sRFHaaIB5V8TfNPDr3Yvfei8gGIZ4Ib8N1jnYJDeitzQuVZKnUGJLQLMY6ER4ZsAU6qvgnI8SUADBNB2uLwS8b5cU0Zdiqi3fVWI3scOvieg71qjGkwP2TQwUQT_9Ost_gsB8Zb17IMOidXMpbRc6Er4-JFd-uOES8cjkk5Vr_tnYYrTw75g/s489/Athelhampton%20Nuthatch%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="489" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpBfmHf8sRFHaaIB5V8TfNPDr3Yvfei8gGIZ4Ib8N1jnYJDeitzQuVZKnUGJLQLMY6ER4ZsAU6qvgnI8SUADBNB2uLwS8b5cU0Zdiqi3fVWI3scOvieg71qjGkwP2TQwUQT_9Ost_gsB8Zb17IMOidXMpbRc6Er4-JFd-uOES8cjkk5Vr_tnYYrTw75g/s320/Athelhampton%20Nuthatch%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The weather is set to be milder from tomorrow but this will
bring with it rain which will top up the water levels on the farm. It has been
an enjoyable few but frosty days!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-18509199633645237922024-01-16T13:19:00.000-08:002024-01-16T13:37:04.101-08:00Dorset - Bardolf Farm - Corn I believe it!<p>The temperature dropped to -5 last night and as a result I
was out early to check Devil’s Brook and the water meadows for any movement of
birds into the area. The River Piddle and Devil’s Brook continue to supply the
meadows with running water. This entices displaced birds from frozen lakes and
ponds to stop off at the farm.</p><p>A Water Rail was noted at Athelhampton early afternoon. The area near the bridge seems to be a regular winter spot for this species!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Devil’s Brook had a few Lapwing, Wigeon and Teal on the
northern section. I moved down to Puddletown Water Meadows (Mill Mead) which
was loaded with wildfowl. The most notable sighting from the road was a flock of Snipe (72)
which took to the skies for an unexplained reason and wheeled above the meadows
before returning to the sodden field! I have counted the birds in the pictures
and they were all Snipe! Not a Jack amoungst it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK8B-cCsAOW4BKhe1xMtTiic7LSAkU6FxYQMhL271AvWZhEiUoMEcGiHENZh38uSCoTS8-7ihHwkYlizKwxLJm9qpio5sjmk0SGHYf2eqd2yOzWrhnbbBHRu7wf_JKtlCik4lCawkLZByJcyS45Z2JCu8F8jQIX-I5VCIKNUaEL1ypY5V5TYXrapnQ-I/s490/Bardolf%20Farm%20Corn%20Bunting%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="490" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK8B-cCsAOW4BKhe1xMtTiic7LSAkU6FxYQMhL271AvWZhEiUoMEcGiHENZh38uSCoTS8-7ihHwkYlizKwxLJm9qpio5sjmk0SGHYf2eqd2yOzWrhnbbBHRu7wf_JKtlCik4lCawkLZByJcyS45Z2JCu8F8jQIX-I5VCIKNUaEL1ypY5V5TYXrapnQ-I/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Corn%20Bunting%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The afternoon was spent at The Shales at one of the feeding
stations where I clocked a Corn Bunting sat on the edge of a bush. The
Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Chaffinch were all busy commuting between the
bushes and the track but this bird remained where it was! I had telescope views
only but require a picture as this species had not been recorded on the farm
since December 2010!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By chance Howard completed a seed drop and I snuck in behind
his moving truck to get closer to the birds. I then jumped up the bank and dug
myself into the foliage and waited! As crazy as this looked and sounds it paid
dividends as two Corn Buntings were noted one within camera range!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I met Hugo for a Barn Owl watch showing him the pictures
feeling rather pleased despite my muddy appearance! This is a new species for my farm tally! </p><p class="MsoNormal">I have a delivery in the
morning which will mean the torture of being stuck indoors as another cold night is expected! Unless the
package arrives as early as they say it might! </p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-28075769137713424332024-01-14T13:31:00.000-08:002024-01-14T13:31:31.672-08:00Dorset - Bardolf Farm - WeBS and Winter Counts!<p>It was WeBS and winter finch count day on the farm. I like
to be on the farm before daylight so that I can record as many species as
possible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iHpVmzbyX-KW8pfk_2xC2fGhu73MLw6QZc7MJkCzsnyKEM5-knTxfBNePEJQK17ErUMNxtE-yLzWvYS3fzoVLDeskKteaSMI3oetEDOSheqxJraLOMFS6uQSBDt2Z2OKWYAcjW1iI6bYvkkEEzjPSwFfTz2BIRW-PJvhGgPWTQb0S9alziiqBi6Rxr8/s500/Bardolf%20Farm%20Goosander%20f%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="500" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iHpVmzbyX-KW8pfk_2xC2fGhu73MLw6QZc7MJkCzsnyKEM5-knTxfBNePEJQK17ErUMNxtE-yLzWvYS3fzoVLDeskKteaSMI3oetEDOSheqxJraLOMFS6uQSBDt2Z2OKWYAcjW1iI6bYvkkEEzjPSwFfTz2BIRW-PJvhGgPWTQb0S9alziiqBi6Rxr8/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Goosander%20f%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The weather was overcast with light rain in the air creating
a murky almost misty atmosphere. This proved to be beneficial as there was a
movement of wildfowl onto the farm. The birds of the day were three Goosander
(2m, 1f), who arrived at Devil’s Brook as I was making my return journey along
the brook looking for Jack Snipe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NwPyPNdu20ToVOQVj7ESLRDXlj5B6SmHQCwJ9nolJs8j_-3HMl2C7eiNDQLW658XhLmQjt4X9Ijyc6QvnzN44ZSB_gN8LTr1b8ER6uoKXetMBjHpSEYavjTl_sP1A3MlvDE8Ql3_zgVru5F8XlIjzlRqXsiOX3uQN6-ajjdAMfsFs3PArwsLQEFNgw/s497/Bardolf%20Farm%20Barn%20Owl%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="497" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NwPyPNdu20ToVOQVj7ESLRDXlj5B6SmHQCwJ9nolJs8j_-3HMl2C7eiNDQLW658XhLmQjt4X9Ijyc6QvnzN44ZSB_gN8LTr1b8ER6uoKXetMBjHpSEYavjTl_sP1A3MlvDE8Ql3_zgVru5F8XlIjzlRqXsiOX3uQN6-ajjdAMfsFs3PArwsLQEFNgw/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%20Barn%20Owl%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The barn Owl was seen before first light perched on a post
and was unperturbed by my presence in the truck. The photo was taken using the
window as a stabilizer in very low light!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wildfowl numbers were generally up with the biggest increase
in Wigeon to 564 birds! It is quite a spectacle to see this number in flight as
the birds move between feeding zones on the water meadows.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yellowhammer and Chaffinch numbers were up both species
feeding on the wheat that is distributed at the feeding stations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I went looking for Jack Snipe but could not find any. For
the record I only do this on count days! I had a Woodcock a couple of evenings
ago as it flew onto Devil’s Brook!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-55386422986911724862024-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:002024-01-11T12:29:22.886-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Wallowing Wildfowl!<p>I was invited by The Puddletown Society to speak at their
society meeting last night. The Birds of Bardolf Farm was the subject of the presentation
and took place at the local church hall which was full to capacity! This was a
thoroughly enjoyable evening with plenty of positive feedback filtering through
today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxDQB-ul7g6Q3IYFj4kFl3Bf3pZBImOqp7kGvVwV8TSQqZRJBX9Qke1xOTXQUFvOVXLb8jGo2RwG4AKmkxcigm_3AQBHDweOZ1goCoWE_nbsGA0_2TTV3PMqLkvb7JD2W2-_P-lZcJsGUQ-lZLGZAEVbZIe16NSBKZg7hPZ3E7BQEhKg-1tYRVpM46Us/s495/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Hawaiian%20Goose%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="495" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxDQB-ul7g6Q3IYFj4kFl3Bf3pZBImOqp7kGvVwV8TSQqZRJBX9Qke1xOTXQUFvOVXLb8jGo2RwG4AKmkxcigm_3AQBHDweOZ1goCoWE_nbsGA0_2TTV3PMqLkvb7JD2W2-_P-lZcJsGUQ-lZLGZAEVbZIe16NSBKZg7hPZ3E7BQEhKg-1tYRVpM46Us/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Hawaiian%20Goose%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The weather remains cold and I am keeping an eye on the
water meadows in anticipation of the arrival of some grey geese! Today there
were some additional geese including the return of the Hawaiian Goose which flew
in with a couple of Canada Geese mid morning.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wildfowl numbers have increased considerably over the last
few days. They were more spread out over the meadows today so I walked down to
Cattlecrush to view the meadows from the north side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx7q-aViXTo6kHcio3c8M3Rx0uaXio1JRYVNhXQPxrW03VZ4r7sIeJEkbwiKZWSbwPRaeQLxKcFq_yzBhFUnMIvM2RQn_Iz1JEu5NQfr-YwmHMcCHaH7352_0eXlir4wfghpRQApqHpJhZFXD3zDaGDkGob4Q4V-zhoiFZLsBN2TNXUGa06X3DlllQBw/s494/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Peregrine%20juv%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="494" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx7q-aViXTo6kHcio3c8M3Rx0uaXio1JRYVNhXQPxrW03VZ4r7sIeJEkbwiKZWSbwPRaeQLxKcFq_yzBhFUnMIvM2RQn_Iz1JEu5NQfr-YwmHMcCHaH7352_0eXlir4wfghpRQApqHpJhZFXD3zDaGDkGob4Q4V-zhoiFZLsBN2TNXUGa06X3DlllQBw/s320/Puddletown%20Water%20Meadows%20Peregrine%20juv%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A juvenile Peregrine appeared low over the meadows which
caused slight chaos but concentrated the wildfowl in one area. The bird landed
in the tree just to my left had a good look at me tucked into the hedgerow by
the gate and then moved on.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Site Counts:- Green Sandpiper 2, Snipe 7, Wigeon 514, Teal
199, Lapwing 99, Geese: Egyptian 8, Canada 252, Greylag 6.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I remained on site until after dark (gate access only)
logging Barn and Tawny Owl! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With another cold night ahead there maybe some more new
arrivals tomorrow!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-21923872047083195162024-01-08T13:28:00.000-08:002024-01-08T13:28:43.244-08:00Dorset - Arne RSPB - Winter Wonderland!<p>The Arne RSPB Reserve is entering another exciting period with the BBC Winter watch team returning to film at the site. A small part of the reserve is closed off to the public but there was still plenty to see on a chilly winters day. The weather was generally overcast with an ENE wind which
felt icy cold in open areas.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The day began at the visitor centre with my eyes fixed on
the feeders situated within the confines of the entrance to the reserve. A
Nuthatch, male Siskin, Coal Tit, Blue and Great Tit featured amongst Chaffinch,
Robin, Dunnock that were commuting from the surrounding trees to visit the
feeders.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">On the arrival of Guy and Jim the first port of call was
Shipstal Point a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare where the tide was on the
turn. This saw a general movement of shorebirds (waders) and wildfowl along the
channels.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1kbZw_k8M2CdWyfICcSZKTalfdhAWdUFbE4l6mwpHY-KWt3LDPFwc03l874kuff354eYoJRLkdvZNnGACSaU2u3vBZkyZ7qw7xT6NqgRFK4fk1OLI9XqGNZ3mXptDWp92surH3AMra6hDdabL-S3oYe-eIFKc1qRpeuzLcxIjzEe-5XMV8eW6YEPQeE/s493/Arne%20RSPB%20Spoonbill%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="493" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1kbZw_k8M2CdWyfICcSZKTalfdhAWdUFbE4l6mwpHY-KWt3LDPFwc03l874kuff354eYoJRLkdvZNnGACSaU2u3vBZkyZ7qw7xT6NqgRFK4fk1OLI9XqGNZ3mXptDWp92surH3AMra6hDdabL-S3oYe-eIFKc1qRpeuzLcxIjzEe-5XMV8eW6YEPQeE/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Spoonbill%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">There were good numbers of Oystercatcher along the
shoreline to Long Island. A Spoonbill was observed in flight along the channel.
A few Red-breasted Mergansers including a pair arrived and fed in the channel.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5itihMMaKb3B5HUBn8gAFBYmilzhzXaObBX8CtjnkBDTFRrhaSNt7GQ84VoYc3SUSjFHU1973J6r_nT4bwVBMLkTd6aAisTR3ICZjFFLbK03srPp2OSdwTwIIVjqE_Dw1lb59PUvJch_WBOgYKfnqm7bdU-XXeOVRgxxb4iUWXOngRRTSPqDcz_HsLDY/s497/Arne%20RSPB%20Dark%20Bellied%20Brent%20Goose%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="497" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5itihMMaKb3B5HUBn8gAFBYmilzhzXaObBX8CtjnkBDTFRrhaSNt7GQ84VoYc3SUSjFHU1973J6r_nT4bwVBMLkTd6aAisTR3ICZjFFLbK03srPp2OSdwTwIIVjqE_Dw1lb59PUvJch_WBOgYKfnqm7bdU-XXeOVRgxxb4iUWXOngRRTSPqDcz_HsLDY/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Dark%20Bellied%20Brent%20Goose%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Dark-bellied Brent Geese moved onto the salt-marsh to
graze. Shelduck, Redshank and Dunlin were noted along the shoreline. A Grey
Plover in non-breeding plumage made a short visit to one of the small bays
adjacent to the beach.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVUIr0j2tepNUWQKrMsyIhVpQc189FGgcwhwTQ3pBvAsiBj6Tmjtbv9qSKz8zIebFqbjLvsyzNb1Q-DcQPfFupqaxnA8FUiqoUpXq50CkJav3f2x8a8S8cEa76yLKC1YTk_yyb1zOh6YcaQygmIS1U-jZ6lQXTrrychr1gpgymGJVm2xqi_CeboOLdYg/s480/Arne%20RSPB%20Avocet%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVUIr0j2tepNUWQKrMsyIhVpQc189FGgcwhwTQ3pBvAsiBj6Tmjtbv9qSKz8zIebFqbjLvsyzNb1Q-DcQPfFupqaxnA8FUiqoUpXq50CkJav3f2x8a8S8cEa76yLKC1YTk_yyb1zOh6YcaQygmIS1U-jZ6lQXTrrychr1gpgymGJVm2xqi_CeboOLdYg/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Avocet%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Avocet numbers increased in the area with an amazing
flight display of small groups of birds as they negotiated the channel. Some
birds stopping to feed in the receding water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPswLDErl7sRNFfN-DmbF5ZCyMQgDm98fTrQAwN7mJnvEfnWJkRlLq_jK-z3ryUCw28DTH9oMEwXlnh3gY2ik88SfamMXbyLQ9SIkkUmtaSNYe0jyanwauQ2GH2s-3RfdA0dqImmV-1MVTeZuOF1huofBW_hbjP9AuQ6iCQ1o3SLQa2El8YdZwtt1OU/s490/Arne%20RSPB%20Curlew%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="490" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPswLDErl7sRNFfN-DmbF5ZCyMQgDm98fTrQAwN7mJnvEfnWJkRlLq_jK-z3ryUCw28DTH9oMEwXlnh3gY2ik88SfamMXbyLQ9SIkkUmtaSNYe0jyanwauQ2GH2s-3RfdA0dqImmV-1MVTeZuOF1huofBW_hbjP9AuQ6iCQ1o3SLQa2El8YdZwtt1OU/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Curlew%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">A small flock of Curlew flew along the channel with Teal some
birds stopping to feed along the Shipstal Beach shoreline. Wigeon were noted
along the far banks with some flying between feeding zones.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Early afternoon we moved down to Coombe Heath in search
of heathland birds and to view Middlebere Channel. Male and female Stonechat
monitored our route perching up on gorse and shrubs as we made our way along
the path. A Dartford Warbler was seen in flight between areas of scrub but did
not show again. A lone Meadow Pipit was seen in flight.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW78Iu2VjQoH6PQ0QkRzHDlHCGuDJi-WJsw3ieXRZuas7qoXMf2hDvnmno7pKm8GlqZVuamhmMHEuZKBg4drRTvhKbcN6B6Y4L8fKP-MRNavZHcpet2DVxPRw-1lk3gSLm7CRrEvAiWm19GfHnXFjCGLdv2Q-Z-wVMhRQpRM_HegzSuZxSzkN7LcK0AU/s497/Arne%20RSPB%20Spoonbill%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="497" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW78Iu2VjQoH6PQ0QkRzHDlHCGuDJi-WJsw3ieXRZuas7qoXMf2hDvnmno7pKm8GlqZVuamhmMHEuZKBg4drRTvhKbcN6B6Y4L8fKP-MRNavZHcpet2DVxPRw-1lk3gSLm7CRrEvAiWm19GfHnXFjCGLdv2Q-Z-wVMhRQpRM_HegzSuZxSzkN7LcK0AU/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Spoonbill%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">The tide was out leaving a channel of water that winded
across from near the hide at Middlebere. A group of Spoonbill was feeding
sweeping their bill from side to side as they moved through the water. Mallard
were numerous in this area.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">On the return to the entrance a Treecreeper was observed
in a mixed tit flock at the top of the small hill opposite the Café.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEXO0spCWPFTReju2ImIB35GdaxKVegDweDcBxYPVP1tPG4YczLsYI89FDR5lSnO2t1qMLiA0GmgwC1ILZtOiumex0jfdu8sjozkbViFq6hUKRiyujGFooIda9mnx5PwJBuRHz2GY7bWIx7aBr4PM6YT1f3r0peaupiXROZ6JLIXfOgcd8M_zS5F7ycU/s500/Arne%20RSPB%20Cafe%20and%20Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="500" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEXO0spCWPFTReju2ImIB35GdaxKVegDweDcBxYPVP1tPG4YczLsYI89FDR5lSnO2t1qMLiA0GmgwC1ILZtOiumex0jfdu8sjozkbViFq6hUKRiyujGFooIda9mnx5PwJBuRHz2GY7bWIx7aBr4PM6YT1f3r0peaupiXROZ6JLIXfOgcd8M_zS5F7ycU/s320/Arne%20RSPB%20Cafe%20and%20Shop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The penultimate stop of the day was at the Reserve Café before
a final look at the feeders at the reserve entrance. As we departed the sky
darkened resulting in a flurry of snowfall. A good day in the field with great company. I look forward our next outing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Forty two species were logged for details see the following <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S158462609" target="_blank">eBird list</a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-91003807820320487912024-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:002024-01-03T10:36:40.945-08:00Dorset - Puddletown Water Meadows Bardolf Farm - Year Opener!<p>I opened my 2024 account with the short trip to the water
meadows where water levels are incredibly high. There is more rain forecast in
the next few days which will maintain the current levels. It is also important
to know that the excess water absorbed by the meadows prevents the village from
flooding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wildfowl are taking full advantage of the current
situation with plenty of grazing for Wigeon and deeper water for the Shoveler, Teal,
and Mallard to splash around in. I remained by the roadside today therefore the
counts were low but is was a fantastic sight to see the meadows brimming with
wildfowl as well as water!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z3VZFsFCLF4HbjeuQxcl5EBNdwoVHVSjmogloLU1yJUUQ1FZOf1c7L9KwVAsQWtzFu3YWbQwz1BIdKTG4prfOXAdMBPniFjy0UwlmsPtVlZFvpzwhdi9PQD4w5SYPmeL9xiuzgESl7ZV91zlNsrGH-jnQ5LUXdcNeawiqU4J3qoTFvZEV5WhjT605Kg/s492/Bardolf%20Farm%202024%20Barn%20Owl%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="492" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z3VZFsFCLF4HbjeuQxcl5EBNdwoVHVSjmogloLU1yJUUQ1FZOf1c7L9KwVAsQWtzFu3YWbQwz1BIdKTG4prfOXAdMBPniFjy0UwlmsPtVlZFvpzwhdi9PQD4w5SYPmeL9xiuzgESl7ZV91zlNsrGH-jnQ5LUXdcNeawiqU4J3qoTFvZEV5WhjT605Kg/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%202024%20Barn%20Owl%201.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal">I moved onto Athelhampton before finishing up on the main farm. Martin had spied a Barn Owl quartering a field just before dusk so I stuck around to see if I could get a reasonable shot before the light completely faded. It looks like Rat was on the menu for dinner?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXHo_8XgZTm4dkqD4ZTTg5wHmriixE1ld3V7iHu4WAVSEgcj9R5sU8GbTVH7No2Nf3AV2MTaeUa5F4ymsYctt8xwm3TfykuHsPgCkmpgmh670rs29clrjvXJKZY0JI6XentLvHIYDsneuKX0YlWYb_EDANMvtftA_jbksDkEuf7BzIWilE1Cj59kW6xY/s491/Bardolf%20Farm%202024%20Great%20Black%20Backed%20Gull%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="491" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXHo_8XgZTm4dkqD4ZTTg5wHmriixE1ld3V7iHu4WAVSEgcj9R5sU8GbTVH7No2Nf3AV2MTaeUa5F4ymsYctt8xwm3TfykuHsPgCkmpgmh670rs29clrjvXJKZY0JI6XentLvHIYDsneuKX0YlWYb_EDANMvtftA_jbksDkEuf7BzIWilE1Cj59kW6xY/s320/Bardolf%20Farm%202024%20Great%20Black%20Backed%20Gull%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A Great Black Backed Gull passed through S along Devil’s
Brook before dusk. This species is uncommon on the farm. I will endeavour to
get up to Barge field in the next few days to count the gulls that congregate
around the makeshift pond that has been created by the rain! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-48298810537141264242023-12-20T11:47:00.000-08:002023-12-20T11:47:25.730-08:00Dorset - Nothe Fort - Male Black Redstart!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoCaGJYZZQ7S2lFKQD6nimrwZe4bF3RU_D1JrbUbjlnpJPlOSS3yODPmnqZI9mDSeS1d_HhpUULsO5pD27GsuOhCVprqeN4D8W5JWyi9udHegp5TY51-iPB_YyC_pnpYrKYm_QardGR_ahN48SEOiZi2AjTt3-5pS5rLrwsdS1PequgT6XPMMxtusoA4/s499/Nothe%20Fort%20Stone%20Pier%20Black%20Redstart%20male%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="499" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoCaGJYZZQ7S2lFKQD6nimrwZe4bF3RU_D1JrbUbjlnpJPlOSS3yODPmnqZI9mDSeS1d_HhpUULsO5pD27GsuOhCVprqeN4D8W5JWyi9udHegp5TY51-iPB_YyC_pnpYrKYm_QardGR_ahN48SEOiZi2AjTt3-5pS5rLrwsdS1PequgT6XPMMxtusoA4/s320/Nothe%20Fort%20Stone%20Pier%20Black%20Redstart%20male%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took a leisurely visit to Nothe Fort hoping to catch up
with the male Black Redstart that has been frequenting Stone Pier of late. I
didn’t have to wait long for the bird to appear the white wing patch and orange
tail were obvious as it made a short flight onto the stone ledges.</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The bird was feeding as it took the short flights between
positions and gradually edged closer to me. The light wasn’t great but what an
amazing contrast the colours were. The weather was closing in so I made good my
escape before it rained.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier on in the day I had seen Great Northern Divers from
Sandsfoot Castle. Black Necked Grebe was seen from the sailing club with a
Black throated Diver out in the middle of the harbour later on in the day. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps I should have stayed longer but would have missed the Redstart! Swings
and Roundabouts!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-13977180938058551842023-12-14T12:16:00.000-08:002023-12-14T12:16:36.128-08:00Dorset - Portland and Harbour - Owl and Grebe Watch!<p>Yesterday morning I was up and out at early o clock to get
down to Portland to do some site research with the goal of locating owls on the
island. I arrived in good time for dawn and began my vigil. Conditions were
good with a slight wind blowing across the island. At 0730 a Short Eared Owl
appeared over the hill keeping low as it hunted over the fields opposite the
Bird Observatory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7_EUvhSY5vSe3YgSDSRlTyj_dFeHlOnush2OBtzeSeyeH4-2wpuLOp33t4b1UjGhzPMG7qHo-oPwYQCgVekOwJvUmAVLD1bEEY3NX0oNaDj5IYFJBx81mmIF_3EMaZ41aA6ZFB6Z6PwoGXUEUqdr4pBMP_axGqf2QqK8lBaqK8ByBHCNcUHlmQjOtkU/s498/Portland%20Bill%20Purple%20Sandpiper%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="498" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7_EUvhSY5vSe3YgSDSRlTyj_dFeHlOnush2OBtzeSeyeH4-2wpuLOp33t4b1UjGhzPMG7qHo-oPwYQCgVekOwJvUmAVLD1bEEY3NX0oNaDj5IYFJBx81mmIF_3EMaZ41aA6ZFB6Z6PwoGXUEUqdr4pBMP_axGqf2QqK8lBaqK8ByBHCNcUHlmQjOtkU/s320/Portland%20Bill%20Purple%20Sandpiper%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">My next goal was to locate Purple Sandpiper along the cliffs
at Portland Bill. The tide was receding by now and a small group were noted
wave jumping.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JGhfhtqprI9nKNUMx9HHkfC8W5enXm2iZ6GScXa2F9VLvEvuDX9eh81UPwYqjFCfEc2k1ookTq2K00Nq6viWHDYykCpTq0J5mbj-iS4F_cL_8_bBaNZVikVzAwkF9v2KUyU9I9b17vvmWfn-VzH19_9J88BynuvTJ2st3-5uQYbq5bbw6-d0ilDoE2E/s491/Portland%20Bill%20Black%20Redstart%20female%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="491" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JGhfhtqprI9nKNUMx9HHkfC8W5enXm2iZ6GScXa2F9VLvEvuDX9eh81UPwYqjFCfEc2k1ookTq2K00Nq6viWHDYykCpTq0J5mbj-iS4F_cL_8_bBaNZVikVzAwkF9v2KUyU9I9b17vvmWfn-VzH19_9J88BynuvTJ2st3-5uQYbq5bbw6-d0ilDoE2E/s320/Portland%20Bill%20Black%20Redstart%20female%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I moved down to the lighthouse where a female Black Redstart
popped up onto a roof as I was photographing a Rock Pipit. The sea was fairly
quiet a lone sea-watcher informed me there had been a few Red Throated Divers
had flown through the Bill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa-sPQ8RzxdnmMKfY1iv2kLRMvuLGvLnfBChgL82vS8QPcXbADulungzlfaztBZaXFMbnyGUGy6wkHMxv5PUJrXpZS-nt1HjgN3fsEr1jMb8NcLCPPgDqezXPpcn_N-ymocY-w7DJ_IQOpMaIghjRgtHUTH3y2grbpyYmu0UVskJG6zbkFHBJ2m4Z14E/s495/The%20Fleet%20Ferrybridge%20Ringed%20Plover%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="495" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa-sPQ8RzxdnmMKfY1iv2kLRMvuLGvLnfBChgL82vS8QPcXbADulungzlfaztBZaXFMbnyGUGy6wkHMxv5PUJrXpZS-nt1HjgN3fsEr1jMb8NcLCPPgDqezXPpcn_N-ymocY-w7DJ_IQOpMaIghjRgtHUTH3y2grbpyYmu0UVskJG6zbkFHBJ2m4Z14E/s320/The%20Fleet%20Ferrybridge%20Ringed%20Plover%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I caught up with Jodie and John at the Observatory and then
moved down to Ferrybridge to check the shorebirds. Dunlin was present in good
numbers along with Ringed Plover. The bird in the picture has a yellow ring
with black on its right leg. I was unable to read it before a Peregrine spoilt
the party by scattering the Mediterranean Gull and waders.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A Slavonian Grebe has been present in the harbour for a
while now but I had not found it on recent visits. The tide was out and the
wind at Sandsfoot Castle was favourable allowing me to scan the harbour. I
located the bird but it took over an hour to do so, Great Northern Diver and a Razorbill
were the other species of note. I added another Diver to the tally at Portland
Castle before returning for owl watch at Portland.</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135271471542459184.post-43188995313042155922023-12-09T12:27:00.000-08:002023-12-09T12:27:29.513-08:00Dorset - Portland Harbour - Winter Birding behind the Harbour Walls!<p>The weather this morning was terrible and it was no surprise
that games were postponed. I made my way down to Lodmoor RSPB arriving just
before the rain stopped. I then walked a circuit of the reserve whilst the unsettled
flock of Golden Plover sometimes joined by Lapwing circled above!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I logged 37 species on my journey but there was nothing out
of the ordinary. I decided to move on to Portland Harbour to see what its walls
would hold! I started at Sandsfoot Castle and worked my way down to the sailing
club. A distant Great Northern Diver was seen along with a female Common Scoter
which was making steady progress into the wind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIlT8nsoO1kYkOtaryLqQ_NSqEkxTl8ohwyU54b8oUyURTHGyZvGrb-0qzXWYtyKW-8mOUHoa8NOEEwj8f78yxIT8BkAJ3Ffvt3Upnei7qi8ZhnFK8x7Otg1iqqTdw8o4KTHTQKJ4ODF35muRtHRVDrzkaknm8CdwsHOljDRWlQrLV8y-bP58rp4TifA/s496/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="496" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIlT8nsoO1kYkOtaryLqQ_NSqEkxTl8ohwyU54b8oUyURTHGyZvGrb-0qzXWYtyKW-8mOUHoa8NOEEwj8f78yxIT8BkAJ3Ffvt3Upnei7qi8ZhnFK8x7Otg1iqqTdw8o4KTHTQKJ4ODF35muRtHRVDrzkaknm8CdwsHOljDRWlQrLV8y-bP58rp4TifA/s320/Portland%20Castle%20Great%20Northern%20Diver%204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I moved on to Portland Castle for the remainder of the
afternoon which provided the best photo opportunities. A Great Northern Diver
was first in the frame. The birds feed on crabs in this area and can be
reasonably close to the shoreline.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8kKSRgY3FlVIK5DBeEwx_wFyDcsnkCg9zlOnQJCLD4S_ey7okhwbfhx4GKUQHpsbWyWE0_c6bbDLrljaBnSo5y7BTRT8IVvT6EiepTL1LTvHAUXHemRZ5UNnX3bszgGlLnMJH6WlCPTVaJI8gqKdSQlA09SiZVENb8wL6-49LeInsUOkLjTzDu5HRFA/s495/Portland%20Castle%20Razorbill%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="495" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8kKSRgY3FlVIK5DBeEwx_wFyDcsnkCg9zlOnQJCLD4S_ey7okhwbfhx4GKUQHpsbWyWE0_c6bbDLrljaBnSo5y7BTRT8IVvT6EiepTL1LTvHAUXHemRZ5UNnX3bszgGlLnMJH6WlCPTVaJI8gqKdSQlA09SiZVENb8wL6-49LeInsUOkLjTzDu5HRFA/s320/Portland%20Castle%20Razorbill%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I was a bit surprised to see a Razorbill feeding on the edge
of the seaweed. The bird looked healthy enough as it zipped alone the
shoreline.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have a trip to Bristol tomorrow to visit Mangotsfield Utd
Ladies hopefully the game in the stadium will still be on! If not there may be time for another outing!</p>Kojakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776147894676543881noreply@blogger.com0