Boulmer birding - Thursday

Last full day in Northumberland and a leisurely day near the cottage. First thing was a ramble along the beach. Very quiet on the land with very little visible migration. However on the beach near Seaton Point 5 Rock Pipits revealed the Water Pipit again. Good views of the tail and also subtle differences in the call could be picked up as well. A Jack Snipe behaved typically, only flying up from some seaweed when it was almost stood on! Big increase in Ringed Plover numbers on the beach with over 40 counted. 40+ Dunlin as well, and 4 Grey Plover were nice. A seawatch revealed huge numbers of birds moving. Lost count of both auks and Gannets with many hundred counted. 4 Red Throated Diver flew very close but nothing else unusual seen.
Lunchtime was spent at nearby Hauxley NWT reserve - great scones by the way 😀 Willow Tit showed well from Skua Hide on the feeders with 20+ Tree Sparrow and a nice male Bullfinch. Offshore a pair of adult Little Gull loafed just off the rocks.
As the sun set, a final walk on the beach at Boulmer. Four more Rock Pipits were active with another good candidate for 'scandanavian' Rock Pipit with one bird showing a more prominent eyestripe but little difference on colouration. Little Grebe and Red Throated Diver on the sea and the now usual mass of Turnstone on the seaweed.
Will miss Northumberland. We have been very lucky with the weather and some great birds seen. 112 birds seen this week 👍

Boulmer birding - Wednesday

First job was taking the puppy out for his constitutionals. The cottage garden is well vegetated and with the easterly winds there has been hope for something good. First bird was a Ring Ouzel flushed from a hedge, and then a Willow Tit - given away by its call. Several Fieldfare flew over, as well as a pair of Raven.
Next was a sea watch as the sun rose. Almost immediately the first of 5 Little Auks bombed through on whirring wings. Dozens of Guillemot and Razorbill also flew north, while Scoter, Eider and Gannets joined them. Over the next half hour a couple of Velvet Scoter and single Long-tailed Duck were added. Final bit of excitement arrived in the form of a skua. A beast of a bird, a juvenile Pomarine Skua powered north with the occasional dart at a Kittiwake as it passed.
Next stop today was Lindisfarne.

Crossing the causeway, many hundred Pale bellied Brent Geese fed on the salt marsh. Several Greylags flew low over the car. On arrival at the car park one of the first birds seen was another Ring Ouzel flying north across the fields. Progress was then made to the Vicar's garden checking every bush on the way. On arrival a very active Yellow Browed Warbler showed well in the trees.

A little later, near the priory a Wheatear perched up on a wall, then disappeared as fast as it appeared. Would have been nice to have seen it for longer but brief views suggested Northern.
Only other new bird for the trip was a Little Egret on the salt marsh.
The tide times meant back near Boulmer for the afternoon and another seawatch. Several more Little Auk but a massive increase in general bird numbers. Over a couple of hours Gannets numbered many hundred, and a steady stream of auks and ducks. Many were too far to specifically identify but every now and then some birds were closer. A few Fulmer and Manx Shearwater also passed, as well as 2 1st W Little Gulls. Another couple of skuas were picked up as they passed north, one an adult Arctic Skua (chasing Kittiwakes), the second, another young brute of a Pomarine Skua. The two birds followed in quick succession allowing good comparison of size and structure.
Before the sun set a final check on the waders produced more Turnstones and 4 Purple Sandpiper but nothing extra. More easterlies tonight so fingers crossed for another good birding day.

Boulmer birding - Tuesday

Today was more of a family day - spent in Bamburgh. However the easterly winds that greeted us in the morning meant a quick check of the bushes was necessary. Very quiet though, the only notable birds being a Woodcock over our heads, and a pair of Whimbrel in with the Curlew.
Bamburgh was lovely in the sun and the castle as impressive as always.

Views across to Holy Island and the Farne Islands were clear. Brought back memories of searching for Elsie, the Lesser Crested Tern.
On our return to Boulmer a seawatch was a necessity as good seabirds were being reported along the east coast. Large numbers of Kittiwakes were flying north, and a few Guillemot and Razorbill. Then the first of two small, fast black and white blobs flew through. Little Auk. Excellent. Groups of Common Scoter flew north as well. First 15, then 10, then larger groups of 30+. In the last group seen, Simon picked up an all dark Scoter with white on the back of the head. Views were brief but looked very good for male Surf Scoter.
The now usual waders were on the sea-weed with the Purple Sandpiper showing off very nicely. Managed to connect with the Water Pipit again, and better views than before.

Boulmer birding - Monday afternoon

Went down to check the waders again on the receding tide. Good numbers of Turnstone (100+) and Sanderling (50+) with 7 Purple Sandpiper, 20+ Dunlin, 50+ Redshank and a single Grey Plover (new for the trip). On the sea were 11 Common Scoter in amongst the Eider.
Checked the bushes for LBJ's but just the usual Stonechat, although 5 Fieldfare flew over.
Interestingly a Water Pipit was reported today - third winter in a row for the area. The photos show it to be very similar to 'scandanavian' Rock Pipit but the finder was confident it had all the Water Pipit features. Very likely this was the paler Pipit I saw yesterday with Rock Pipit.

Boulmer birding - Monday morning

Another glorious morning of blue skies. Low tide so going to wait till afternoon to check the waders again. Concentrated on the dunes and scrub instead.
Rock Pipits and Stonechats were obvious, before a lovely female Merlin blasted through. A large raptor to the south was tricky in the light as it headed out to sea, before thinking again and heading back. Long tail and v-shaped glides suggested Marsh Harrier.
Then, overhead, interesting call and bunting type bird seen in flight. Sounded spot on for Lapland Bunting. When Simon and I met up with my dad 10 minutes later he had spotted the Lapland Bunting by the fence line before it headed off north.
Final new trip bird was a male Blackcap in the hedges and gardens of the village. A noticeable increase in Robins as well... with high pressure and easterly winds forecast, here's hoping for something good.

Boulmer birding day 3 - Sunday evening

Headed out again late afternoon to see if I could refind the earlier sandpiper. Overall less small waders on the receding tide with only 2 Purple Sandpiper now present.

Only about 50 Turnstone, with single Dunlin, and a handful of Knot, Sanderling and Ringed Plover. New this afternoon were a flock of 300+ Golden Plover with 30+ Curlew.

On the sea Grey Herons kept flying in disturbing the birds with one bird perching close by. A couple of Little Grebe were a surprise on the sea.

Finally, a mixed flock of Twite, Linnet and Goldfinch fed in a set-a-side area. Glorious sunset finished an excellent day's birding.

Boulmer birding day 3 (lunchtime)

Spent 3 hours walking to the north of Boulmer, and some more fantastic birding.
On the shore near the village 5 Rock Pipits, including one which was noticeably paler with a stronger eyestripe - possibly a 'scandanavian' Rock Pipit? In one of the bushes I was surprised to find a Tree Sparrow. Nearby were 2 Twite, which perched for a while giving good views. Linnet and Goldfinch, as well as Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail on the grassy areas.
The next hour saw the tide come in rapidly and the waders pushed much closer. Initial highlight were 4 Purple Sandpiper in with the c100 Turnstone, Dunlin, Sanderling, Knot and Ringed Plover.

The above is a picture from my phone showing that the waders were within about 10m and really showing well.
Next, I found another couple of Purple Sandpiper, and in front of one a noticeably smaller, grey wader. Very Dunlin like on initial views I became excited as I noted the short bill, and then primary tips extending beyond the tail. This was looking spot on for adult winter White Rumped Sandpiper. The breast markings cut off to a clean white unders, with some streaking on the flanks. All I needed now was the rump. But as the tide continued to come in the birds began to move deeper into the sea-weed and I lost sight. Then a big wave came in scattering the 100+ waders in all directions. I never saw it again! Below are the notes from my notebook...

I'm leaving it as probable but it's difficult to say what else it could be.

The remainder of the walk was still very pleasant. 5 Wigeon just offshore as well as c20 Eider. A male Common Darter landed close briefly, making the most of the autumn sun. One field held hundreds of Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Oystercatcher. Zoom into the picture and check out all the blobs 😉

 A male Stonechat was nice, and finally, a cracking adult Mediterranean Gull flew over the village as I walked back to the cottage.

Boulmer birding - day 3 (morning)

Glorious sunrise this morning. As I walked to the beach 21 Whooper Swans flew over, low, calling. Great start. 200+ Pink feets flew over in several groups as well. Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail were moving along the coast, and the morning highlight was half a dozen Twite chirping south. Buzzard hunting low finished off the first walk of the day...

Northumberland birding - day 2

3 walks today along the coast at Boulmer.  Highlights today were Snow Bunting, the Black Throated Divers again, Peregrine and Merlin hunting, Red Breasted Merganser and 100+ Gannet fishing. The final walk in the evening sun led to close up views of waders on the shore. A mix of Sanderling, Knot, Turnstone, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Curlew.

In between this was a visit to Cresswell Pond. Brief views of the Long-billed Dowitcher, as well as Long-tailed Duck, Little Stint, Greater Scaup and Whinchat in the dunes.
An excellent day!

Boulmer - Northumberland day one

An afternoon stroll with the dog on arrival along the beach. Sanderling, Turnstone and Redshank ran through the sea-weed. Bar-tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher on the sand, and a flock of 100+ Curlew flew over. A Rock Pipit briefly landed at my feet, looked at me, called, and then flew off.
We are staying in a lovely cottage with an upstairs view of the sea. Scope set up and scans. Simon picked up a couple of Manx Shearwater, as well as Eider and Common Scoter. Red Throated Diver flew past before we picked up 2 divers on the sea. It was the 2 Black Throated Divers earlier reported on birdguides :-) Quality birding from the comfort of the cottage.

Black-eared Wheatear

Zipped over to Fluke Hall for the reported Black-eared Wheatear. Fantastic views of the female bird, less than 10 metres away, and showing off to a good audience.

A tricky one to identify. A lot of white in the outer tail, and not much evidence of scaling on the upperparts. Also the underparts appear to be missing any mottling. The dull, grey colour overall means either Eastern Black-eared or Pied. Didn't look as dark as the Pied I've seen in the past - this would be a new bird for me but looks pretty good for Black-eared Wheatear.
Some additional pictures below:

Also in the area flocks of Dunlin, Sanderling and Redshank flew past. Many Curlew on surrounding fields, and a walk along the coast also produced a flyover Yellow Wagtail.
Finally a Little Egret struggled into the wind producing a good photo opportunity.

Anglesey Photos

A selection of photos from a fantastic week on Anglesey. The range of birds and butterflies were superb. The first couple of photos show the tricky'blue' that we found. The missing spots on the lower forewing count against Common Blue, but the hindwing seems against Silver Studded Blue. One to ponder...

This photo is of a Common Blue showing the lower spots on the forewing...

Lovely picture of a Small Copper just outside the front door of the cottage.

Choughs were seen outside the cottage. Shame we missed the 12 on Thursday!

And finally, the ridiculously close Rock Pipits at South Stack and the Mediterranean Gull with missing tail at Penrhos.

Anglesey Day seven

We've been very lucky with the weather this week. Today we were greeted by strong winds and a few early showers. The wind meant happy boys though as finally they'd get some body boarding 😀 Before we headed to Rhosneiger the morning walk with the puppy brought another Wheatear, and very close Buzzard, Kestrel and Raven. A stoat was a nice addition to the overall wildlife total.
Rhosneiger was very windy and many people were already out on the water. A walk along the tideline produced a nice mixed flock of 12 Dublin and 6 Little Ringed Plover.

Early evening we visited Penhros Country Park. Good numbers of Curlew and Oystercatcher on the mud, with a mixture of Mallard, Teal and Wigeon. A Mediterranean Gull minus its tail was curious, and a single Bar-tailed Godwit flew through.
It's been a great week at Cerrig Cottages. Fantastic accommodation in a beautiful setting right next to a RSPB reserve. Couldn't ask for more 😀😀😀

Anglesey Day six

What a start to the day. A cloudy, drizzly morning but the puppy still needs his morning walk.  Within minutes the distinctive call of Chough filled the air. Three birds were in the field behind the cottage. For the next hour they fed unconcerned on a rocky outcrop in the field. The black dot in this phone picture is evidence - honest 😉 Better pictures to come when home with the computer...

Also about was a family of Stonechat fly-catching from fence lines, and 2 Green Sandpiper on the ditch. The now usual 2 Raven were still bossing the look-outs. A great birding start to the day.
A family day out tour of the island today so not much birding, but still some good birds seen. Little Egrets showed well at Malltraeth as well as numerous Raven over Newborough forest. On the Menai Straits mud were many Curlew, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Oystercatcher.

Red Wharf Bay hirundines suddenly alarm called as a Hobby blasted through, chasing several of them over the trees before heading inland. Just round the corner at Benllech, an evening beach stroll revealed a very interesting juvenile Gull. Walking around with an adult and juvenile Herring Gull it stood out with pale head and dark eye patch. The bill was also heavier and when in flight the rump was pure white against a solid black tail terminal band. It flew off south leaving the Herring Gull family behind. A very good candidate for Yellow-legged Gull.

Anglesey Day five

First stop this morning was South Stack RSPB. Always amazing scenery here even with the seabirds now absent. Chough near the small ponds, some very obliging Rock Pipits and Stonechats, and Raven over the mountain.

In the afternoon we returned to Valley Lakes RSPB to see if we could refind yesterday's 'blue' butterfly. Only Common Blues but a Clouded Yellow was an extra bonus. As was the fem/juv Marsh Harrier. A group of 14 Raven circling together was impressive.
The day finished with a round of golf at Anglesey Golf Course. An extremely fun old fashioned links course with sheep grazing the fairways. I was happy shooting an 80. A flock of 40 Curlew on one fairway were nice. The jets from RAF Valley added an extra spectacle.

Anglesey Day four

Fantastic start to the day when the cottage owners messaged to say they'd caught an Eyed Hawk-moth. Simon had it sat on his hand posing for pictures.

Another glorious sunny day meant the beach at Rhosneiger called us again. I took the puppy on a couple of walks into the dunes. Little Egret, Redshank, and Turnstone on the outflow stream. Small Heath, Wall Brown and Common Blue were in the dunes with a lovely range of flowers.

In the evening we walked around the Valley Lakes RSPB reserve. A lovely mix of reeds, lakes and rocky outcrops.

Stonechat families in the scrub, Gadwall and Great Crested Grebe families on the water, plus Little Grebe and Curlew. Highlight was a worn 'blue'  butterfly that posed for some very informative pictures in bright sunlight, looking much browner than in the photos. Will examine further to see whether just Common Blue or possibly Silver-studded or Brown Argus.  More to come later when home but picture from the phone below...

To finish off the day a Green Sandpiper and Snipe showed well on the small ditch near the cottage.

Anglesey Day three

Woke up to glorious silence as a blanket of fog enveloped the landscape. The morning dew glistened on hundreds of spider webs. Magical.

Curlew echoed in the mist and a couple of Raven ghosted through.
A family day so not much birding today. Manx Shearwater, Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet and Fulmar at Penmon Point. A Wheatear was on the access track to the cottage on our return in the evening.
Sunset at Rhoscolyn brought a pair of noisy Chough flying over the beach.

Anglesey Day two

A glorious morning in North Wales. A morning walk around the cottage with the dog got the day off to a great start. About 50 Swallows and a single Sand Martin hunted from the wires, at one point joined by a Great Spotted Woodpecker! 3 each of Buzzard and Raven patrolled the skies and the Peregrine flew through again. About 30 each of Meadow Pipit and Linnet were along the track, joined by a female Wheatear. A couple of Swifts were also seen.
Most of the day was spent enjoying the sun on Rhosneiger beach. During a four hour chill, at least 50+ each of Painted Lady and Common Blue flew past. Sandwich Tern fished offshore and 3 Greenshank fed near the river outlet.
On our return to the cottage the butterflies were out in abundance. In one small ditch alone were 12+ Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Green-veined White, Painted Lady, Peacock, Meadow Brown, and Wall Brown.
Walking out towards the coastal heathland more Common Blues were seen, and then the star of the day, a Brown Argus. Migrant Hawkers flew in the ditches, with a backdrop of Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel, Raven and 200+ Greylag Geese. A few pictures below of some of the butterflies taken on my phone! Much better to come later from the camera!

And there's always room for clear blue skies and Snowden in the distance...

Dusk added a few evening waders... Green Sandpiper, Woodcock and Curlew.

Anglesey Day One

First stop was Church Island at Menai Bridge to give Bertie (the puppy) a break. Greenshank was a good find on the mud, along with 2 Little Egret and 12 Grey Heron. A mixture of Shag and Cormorant on the water.

Sandwich and Common Tern also.

The cottage we are staying in is next door to Valley Lakes RSPB. Peregrine and Buzzard were quickly added as well as a large flock of Linnet. A steady stream of 'alba' wagtails passed over. Wall and Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White butterflies as well.