Parkgate

Male and female Hen Harrier, Merlin, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl and Great White Egret enjoyed on the marsh

Iberian Chiffchaff and Spring migrants

Excellent early Spring weekend. Stayed local Saturday and saw Ring Ouzel Wheatear and male Merlin Cheesegate Nab.
Then onto Spurn for Sunday where the surprise was a singing Iberian Chiffchaff. Also saw drake Garganey Firecrest and first Swallows of the year

Pallid Harrier

Spent Saturday at Welwick Saltmarsh and saw an incredible 9 species of raptor. The juvenile Pallid Harrier was seen a few times initial view was alongside a Hen Harrier and Peregrine. Also see were Kestrel, Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Short eared Owl, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard

Raptors on the Wirral

A nice selection or raptors on Burton Marsh yesterday. Several female Hen Harriers, a Buzzard, at least two Peregrine, two Merlin and at least two Short eared owls. Sadly all birds were too distant for DSLR but managed some video of SEO and Merlin

American Buff Bellied Pipit

An unexpected bonus today. Went to Dee Estuary to look for short eared owls or harriers and stumbled across an American Buff Bellied Pipit! Also saw several a Siberian Chiffchaff,  Hen Harriers,  two Merlin, a Stonechat and two Peregrine. Managed a few record shots and video of the American vagrant. Still no Short Eared Owl all year

Martin Mere and Parkgate

Myself and Dave had a great day out in the winter sunshine heading to Martin Mere and Parkgate Marsh. We were straight onto 9 Corn Buntings at Martin Mere but I could get any shots as the sun was behind them. We headed into the reserve and had great views of a roosting Tawny Owl. There were good numbers of Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Pintail, and Pinkfooted Goose. There were 3 Peregrine looking like two adults and a juvenile and we watched the large female eating a freshly caught Teal. Before leaving we went back to see if we could see any more Corn Buntings and we were rewarded with a flock of around 25, one of which flew to a nearby bush allowing some decent shots. We then headed to Parkgate on the Dee estuary and had excellent views of several female Hen Harriers plus 2 Merlin one of which chased a small bird up onto the sky and swooped at it several times but didn't catch its prey

20131130 103731 from Anthony Capuano on Vimeo.

Peregrine at Martin Mere from Anthony Capuano on Vimeo.



Corn Bunting at Martin Mere from Anthony Capuano on Vimeo.



Corn Bunting at Martin Mere from Anthony Capuano on Vimeo.

Raptor feast on the Wirral

Myself and Dave went over to the Wirral on Sunday 8th.January for a day's birding. We were treated to a great display of Hen Harriers (ringtails), Short Eared Owls, 2 Merlins, a Buzzard,  a Peregrine Falcon and a Kestrel. Other highlights included a lovely male Stonechat, 2 Tundra Bean Geese, good views of the long staying Great White Egret, Snipe, Whooper swans and Stock Doves

Norfolk

Myself and Dave couldn't resist the lure of Norfolk so we had an early trip yesterday 2/1/12. We arrived in good time at Cley and quickly located the long staying Western Sandpiper and also had good although distant views of a Water Pipit. The're were thousands of Dark bellied Brent Geese although we did spot one Pale bellied Brent Goose as well. The numerous Marsh Harriers put in a good aerial show. We then travelled down the road to Holkham Gap and saw a large flock of 60-70 Snow Buntings before connecting with the 4 Shorelarks which looked fabulous in the low sunshine. We then went to Titchwell and viewed the Arctic Redpoll feeding in the Alders alongside a Mealy Redpoll. As the light faded we saw plenty of geese  heading to roost including Eurasian White fronted Geese, Pinkfooted geese and Greylags. A stunning male Merlin was observed hunting and by the marsh we could see a Chinese water deer. On the journey home we also saw a Barn Owl. In all 62 species were seen and there's no doubt that we will return to Norfolk very soon for some outstanding birding