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.

American Vagrants

Went to the northeast yesterday and myself and Dave managed to see the Baird's Sandpiper at smelly Seaton Snook which was a miracle with all the dog walkers about. The waders were buzzed by two Peregrines and a Lapwing had to throw itself into the sea to avoid becoming lunch! Highly entertaining.
We also had a quick visit to Saltholme RSPB to see the Pectoral Sandpiper. Nice numbers of waders including Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and a female Garganey.


                                                             BAIRD'S SANDPIPER

PECTORAL SANDPIPER

GREENSHANK

PEREGRINE

Buff Breasted Sandpiper

Me and Dave went to Frodsham and eventually I picked out the Buff breasted sandpiper amongst Dunlin and Black tailed Godwit. It quickly flew off though I we didnt see it again. Also present were 2 Ruddy Shelduck and a Peregrine which sent the whole flock up in a panic.
We then went onto Elton flashes where we had good views of Green sandpiper, Common sandpiper, Common tern, juvenile Garganey and finally excellent views of a Wood sandpiper.  A nice short day's birding with one lifer and some excellent year ticks.


                                                           Wood Sandpiper

Yorkshire Trip

Myself and Dave Evans had a day in Yorkshire yesterday Saturday 3rd. March. We headed first to Fairburn Ings where it was very quiet. We went onto Wintersett and Anglers C.P. where we got good views of the long staying American Wigeon on Anglers followed by decent but distant views of the Drake Smew on Wintersett. The Black necked Grebe took a bit more work But we eventually got onto it with good views through the scope. We also found a very nice Willow tit in the trees calling loudly. It was then onto Old Moor where we failed to see or hear the cettis warbler but were rewarded with a Peregrine and good views of the Willow Tit and finches on the feeders. We also saw a pair of Long tailed tits building a nest.