Saturday 2 November 2013

More Madagascan Birds

A quick return to yesterday before we 'short change' you for the rest of the Post. Having added Roseate Tern to both Year and October Lists there was now a chance to do the same in November. The bird concerned might be better placed if it were well on its way to the coast of Senegal, but for whatever reason it has chosen the tardy option.
Taking up a slot on Mudeford Quay, which is a perfect mainland site to view The Needles Lighthouse on the Isle of Wight where last week 99 Miles Per Hour of wind speed was recorded, I started to scan the moderately rough sea.
There was an early Tern, but the wrong one
SANDWICH TERN
soon followed by a Gull that appeared to have a completely
'Black Head'.
 Regularly disappearing behind the 'rollers' it wasn't easy to get
a clear view, but was definitely worthy of a photograph or two.
Before studying these images I was erring on the side of caution
but what was seen was certainly a candidate for
 LAUGHING GULL
 Once on the screen there was chance to go firm, and still of the
same mind I sought outside help. Good job as it is an adult
COMMON GULL
This bird really threw me, better luck next time!
We have something of a full day ahead of us today, so no time for frivolities such as Moth Traps and Bird Watching. To keep interest and momentum going here are a few more shots of birds in Madagascar until we can get another topical post out hopefully on Sunday. There's no knowing what time we'll be back this evening, don't think we've ever posted in the morning before.
 BARRED OWL
 BLACK EGRET
 Taking the 'umberella' fishing position.
 BLUE VANGA
 BROAD-BILLED ROLLER
 CRESTED DRONGO
 GIANT COUA
 GREATER VASA PARROT
 GREY-HEADED LOVEBIRD
 HAMMERCOP
 HOOK-BILLED VANGA
 KITLITZ PLOVER
 LITTORAL ROCK THRUSH
 MASCARENE MARTIN
 PIED CROW
 SCALY GROUND-ROLLER
 SHORT-LEGGED GROUND-ROLLER
 SICKLE-BILLED VANGA
 SPECTACLED GREENBUL
 SUBDESERT BRUSH WARBLER
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING DUCK
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