Some of the Ups and Downs of 'Birding'

Water Rail

I am not a pessimist, in fact my glass is always half full, but I am of the mind that the snowball has rolled too far down the hill! As if to prove the point I'll start with the UP. Not an awful lot about today as I wandered around Radipole, Lodmoor and Ferry Bridge but I had time to reflect that within 8 minutes of turning the key in my front door, I had 'seen' Water Rail, Bearded Tit and Cetti's Warbler. There must be those who would be glad to see that trio in a year let alone over such a short time span.

Bearded Tit

On the minus side, I mused as I surveyed the foreshore at FB how we have been overtaken by the plague of man and dog, to name but a few. Brent Geese were 86 strong (probably having just arrived from the tundra) while Mediterranean Gulls numbered 27 with about 100 Waders in total. Firstly, 2 scroats, with their even more inscroatable charges, released their yapping little canine companions each immediately embarking on a 'wild Goose chase'. Disturbed from the plentiful supply of Zostra Eel-grass the Geese flew around until the animals had had a dump (yes I think the dogs had one too), decanted into their vehicle and hit the high road. Having settled back to eat for just 10 minutes, next came the bait diggers and set about forking (sic) up the foreshore. Now, I doubt the practice of taking a few Lug or Rag Worms cocks-up natures great plan, but in addition to putting these birds to flight yet again, they leave their cavernous gapes for the tide to re-settle, totally ignorant of just how detrimental this is to their own hobby. In both cases I was loath (nae afraid) to remonstrate for fear of repercussions, the likes of which I have experienced in the past, societies general attitude being, "I'm right and I'll do just what I like".

Cetti's Warbler

Over the road, the yachting fraternity were having a whale of a time with vessels varying in size from coracles to grit big un's, covering every square yard of Portland Harbour and, obviously without a care in the world. So what then of yer average Red-breasted Merganser or early arriving Diver, where will they be able to alight and feed? With the National Sailing Academy now in full production, this is set to be a year round pursuit causing real fear for the birds. There are notices aimed at deterring disturbance, but laughably inadequate, while trying to engage some Wardens or Managers around the borough in meaningful conversation you'll be met with a blank. So, while this missive is unlikely to make an ounce of difference, and while some of natures carers themselves choose to flaunt the basic rules, then what for the rest of the community?

a study, in photographs of Northern Giant Petrel





I am reliably informed by Albatross Encounter Skipper Gary Melville of 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand that this species becomes progressively paler and more mottled with age.

This one must be getting on then?

and finally a message for my dear next-door neighbour Joy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear lady, hope you are enjoying your 70th in the company of your latest grandson. Please give my love (and a little kiss) to Oliver and warm wishes to Andrew, May and Trevor.

Click the link to see what some kind soul sent to you - I know I'll enjoy them!

Picasa Web Albums - captbagsy - Desktop

Bonamassa, Birds & Brazil

I make no apology for the musical accompaniment to this post, I simply cannot turn Mr Bonamassa off, OK I'll turn it down a bit. Loath as I am to 'keep on about it' this man is a real sensation. Having shaken hands with John Mayall and Jack Bruce, been confused (on many occasions) with Peter Green, shared audience with Sting and Trudi, lunched alongside Ginger Baker and supped a pint or twa with Joe Brown I consider my Rock 'n' Roll credentials in tact. This is something extremely special, it's a long day coming when you discover something this phenomenal, I just have to share it. Without being too selective, The Ballard of John Henry is the most deep down dirty blues I've heard in many a year. Check out this link, double it, take away the number you first though of and you'll get some idea of just how good 'Live' at the Royal Albert Hall is - get on with it!

the ballard of john henry lyrics - Google Search - just left click, and select and video site.

Brown Shrike

Indian Flying Fox

Anyway, wot a night! My dear friends came over from Parley Green for dinner and one of the best evenings I've had in many a day. We first met Hugh and Janet in Sri Lanka when drummer and record producer Alex Robinson and I did our 2006 'Teardrop of India' tour. By a quirk of fate they too lived in Dorset and almost immediately we decided this was a meeting not to be forfeited. Brill with game chips, carrots julienne and asparagus kicked things off, adequately complimented by a 'cheap' Soave. Pudding, a pecan nut and toffee Roulade with double cream, took quite a bit of preparation as sometimes they seem to super glue those damn box lids down. Finally we hit into Camembert, Crefee and a delicious Somerset Farmhouse Cheddar with a Louis Jardot Volnay Clos de la Barre fielded by the Dampneys. Unexpectedly, it turned into one of those rare event evenings when someone actually requests a look at my photies - poor, blind, fools! Sri Lanka was obviously high on the agenda, so here is a folder with a selection showing some of our experiences in that magic land. Let's hope the conflict is over for ever. If you want more click as above - sorry for the blank images seems Picasa has a mind of its own.

Picasa Web Albums - captbagsy - Sri Lanka

Deep Constructor

My mate Andy (Lindsay) currently Chief Engineer on the Technip owned Pipe Layer 'Deep Constructor' is, as we speak heading for a long contract off-shore Brazil. Having left France some days ago, a quick call into Las Palmas, Islas Canarias for bunkers and they have made good progress since. The photographs below show their first encounter with foreign birds, and by my reckoning they are Masked Boobies, I hope there will be others to follow.

Masked Booby - unless you know differently?

Ditto

and while on the subject of sea-going pals, no sooner had I 'posted' Bye-Bye Buchan and I start getting Autumn reports from Dave Penney on the rig. He was telling me while on his last 'field break' that his next 'hitch' coincides with the same dates we had the massive migration in 2005, and he was getting a feeling of de ja vous. He went back last Tuesday but so far not a lot has shown up, but feel some of you will be interested to learn what is going on out there. So far:-
Gannet - Fulmar - Great Black-backed Gull - Herring Gull - Kittiwake - Meadow Pipit - Jackdaw - Goldcrest - Starling - Wood Pigeon - Teal - Blackbird

5 Continents

When I looked at the weather forecast this morning and Micheal Fish assured us there would be no wind today, I was convinced. Not so 22 years ago when the Great British Hurricane occurred, some weeks after I visited Knoll Park in Kent to see dozens and dozens of Leviathans looking like an elephant's graveyard.

An early start at Portland today saw a small movement of Redwings, with the odd Fieldfare mixed in. Both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were present at the Hump with 4 each of Stonechat and Song Thrush at Barleycrates. Towards the Bill good numbers of Blackbirds became apparent and a few Swallows passed overhead. At the Barns there was Black Redstart, Goldcrest and more of the above, and before I arrived at the coast there was a report of a juvenile male Eider, said to be close to the shore. All I could find were 3 Turnstones and a Sparrowhawk, but at the Obs the 2 Turtle Doves (probably the most obliging in history) were still showing, but I saw nothing of the reported Firecrest. The Gulls and Wheatear below were seen as I walked home via the East Cliff.

Wheatear - East Cliff, Portland

Ditto

Great Black-backed Gull with Herring Gull - both juveniles Portland Bill

Great Black-backed Gull - juvenile, Portland Bill

There was another corking quote on the news this morning, as our correspondent reported the actions of the Somali Admiral of the Fleet, who assured the world that piracy in local waters was increasingly coming under control. "Is that because of the number of warships you have deployed Sir" asked the reporter, "No" was the reply, "we don't know where our ships are, but think they have been stollen by pirates". 15 - 2 that Chief!

and finally a single bird photograph from each of the worlds 5 Continents

Yellow-throated Bunting - Asia

Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) - America

Cretzschmar's Bunting - Europe

Comb-crested Jacana - Australia

Abyssinian Roller - Africa

Mizen the Music (at your peril)

Eric and Joe just winding up into 'So Many Roads'

I make no apologies for starting today's blog off with a little Rock 'n' Roll, as I sit here appraising my latest punt from Amazon.com. Given to taking a chance, now and again, on maybe just a moment of inspiration I'll buy a CD or DVD on hearing just a single track of this or that. Thus was the case with Joe Bonamassa (Joe who I hear you say), on experiencing his superb rendition of the Page/Plant composition Tea For One, from the grossly under rated Zeppelin album Presence.

Being as Bristol have already installed their street decorations and lights, I have no qualms mentioning the C word, while solving one of your Christmas present problems in a short sentence. 'Joe Bonamassa Live from the Royal Albert Hall'. From what I have just seen and heard, I could write a book, but for now suffice to say this 33 year old New York (mainly) guitarist is the most inspirational I have heard since Mick Taylor joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. In this double album set Joe sticks rigidly to Gibson instruments using a classic Les Paul, an SG, a Flying V and what looks like a personal 'custom built' guitar. I wouldn't presume to place this beautiful sound into a 'pigeon hole', but would note his voice is similar to that of the dear departed Stevie Ray Vaughn. Those around him are also 'top of their game', including duel drums, slippery base, horn section that make Mussel Shoals sound like the Salvation Army and keyboard player who is just as adept clashing 2 tambourines together as tickling the ivories. As for musical content, the high point for me was when he unexpectedly terminates 'Just Got Paid' by bursting into the 'axe break' from Dazed and Confused (for so long it's not true, wanted a woman never bargained for you). So, it's now up to you, miss it, for about £11 from Amazon, at your peril.

For the past 2 evenings I have been trying to see the Bill Barn Owl. In attendance for about 5 days now, it is said to get active about 19-00 but first night I was in the wrong spot (as Farmer Curtis saw it close to 8 Kings), while last night, as far as I can establish, it wasn't seen at all. However, on the plus side the sunset, as depicted above, was sensational and there was another chance to chat to my new found pals Annie and her daughter Chelsea, who are part of the horse fraternity (below).

The birding at Barleycrates started a little better than yesterday, but I suppose it could be argued it would be difficult for it to be worse! Almost immediately a Reed Bunting was heard calling, and soon a male and female were sighted. In addition there were a few Redwing, but only one on the ground, Siskin and alba Wagtails plus 3 Stonechat and a Grey Wagtail. Top Fields seemed almost devoid of birdlife, but Britain's latest warship the 'stealth' destroyer HMS Daring made for an interesting shot with the Isle of Wight in the far distance. A thermaling Common Buzzard broke the drought, while at the Obs the 2 Turtle Doves were still in attendace, even closer than previous days, with a few Chiffchaff. There were reports of 2 each Yellow-browed Warbler and Lapland Bunting but I was privy to none of them. On the way to Portland on the bus, I estimated there to be about 100 Brent Geese at Ferry Bridge, and stopping off on the way home they had gone but this skein of 9 did cross the harbour and headed up the Fleet.

Reed Bunting - a poor shot

HMS Daring

Brent Geese - maybe just arriving

Regular readers my remember my previous ramblings about a vessel trawling in West Bay under a mizen sail, well here she is passing the Bill. As far as I can acertain, she is the Bot Willie registered at Fowey, Cornwall but I'll look out for her alongside the wall at Weymouth to find out moor.

Boy Willie ?? - showing mizen sail

Bye Bye Buchan

Another reasonable day at the office today despite being, in the main, similar fare to yesterday. Between Barleycrates and Culverwell there was naught but a lone Siskin, but once there a Great Spotted Woodpecker (not a daily occurrence by any means on the Island) was heard 'calling', likely the same Yellow-browed Warbler, still peeping away, a Song Thrush, a Clouded Yellow Butterfly, the 2 Turtle Doves and a Redwing 'in the hand' all entered the log. Of the latter, I have been privileged to handle quite a number, in an attempt to save them from a fate of certain death, which apart from being a bit of a Thrush freak anyway, gave me an affinity with this species. For the uninitiated, from now, and through the early winter, these mass migrants will be heard in the night sky letting out their wispy 'tsee' location call. In fact as I sat outside of 'Slight Return' enjoying a coffee mid-afternoon a number were heard overhead.

Kestrel - seem to have done very well procreating on the Island this year. This is just one of 3 or 4 seen daily around Top Fiels and the Slopes and is perched on what used to be a barn

Redwing - the first I have seen in the hand in Dorset. I am reliably informed that this individual is an adult male

Ditto - the same bird preparing for release. Thanks go to Dr David Murdoch for the photo shoot opportunity and details of sex and age

and it wont put me up nor down that today sees the last 'artist' descend from the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Occupied for a total 2,400 hours, the brainchild of supposed eminent artist Anthony Gormley, on our recent visit Ille and I were, to say the least, bemused by a grey haired woman seemingly sorting out her washing up. "Art for art's sake, money for God's sake", read the 10cc lyrics, but whichever way you view it we have the freedom to make up our own minds.

The 4th Plinth - 2 saucepans and a plate

Trafalgar Square - with mild, green Fairy Liquid

the last of 'Buchan Birds' - starts with a real little beauty

Little Stint - the Duty Engineer brought this to me just after midnight on my 60th birthday

Ditto - what a way to start a new decade?

House Sparrow - as far as can be ascertained, the only record of this usually common species, from off-shore

Bluethroat - both 'red' and 'white' spotted have been recorded on Buchan

Great Grey Shrike - the only Buchan record and 5th for the North Sea

Laughing Gull - the Harris's, Spencer's and Forster's of this world may make this out immediately, but for the visually impaired click on the image and squint a lot. The first record for the North Sea, scored by Operations Co-ordinator Dave Penney, and followed up the following year with a Black Kite. I knew there was something I didn't like about him!

Frederick David York Revisited

Now, let's be fair I haven't actually been your archetypal doting granddad, boring you all stupid with photos of our new arrival, but here's an opportunity to see more of Frederick if you wish to do so. For those who don't, DO NOT CLICK ON Picassa Web Albums. These shots were taken when one day old and with his equally gorgeous mum. Lots of love to all 3 of them.

Picasa Web Albums - Lisa - Lisa and Fred 1 Oct

Single Common Snipe and Chiffchaff was all between Barleycrates and Top Fields, while there similarly there was the same or another Common Snipe, a few overflying Siskin, 2 Sparrowhawk and a dozen Blackbirds. Further along, between Culverwell and the Obs, a Merlin was still patrolling, I was present at the finding of seemingly another Yellow-browed Warbler, while a Grey Wagtail flew overhead and the 2 presumed same Turtle Doves remained in the Observatory area.

The penultimate visit to Buchan Alpha

The expression VisMig seems to be the current buzz word, so try this for size. What would be the view looking into the 'flare' night after night, especially during Autumn movements

From my position in the Marine Control, I could view just about every nook and cranny on the barge (inside & out) via x75 mag CCTV cameras. These in turn were connected to monitors and a recording facility, all of which would activate should the general alarm be sounded. However, I had a much better use for them, keeping an eye out for alighting birds. This worked very well even allowing for tentative identification before venturing 'up top'. This 'still' shows a Great Skua having just taken a Kittiwake, which I had followed throughout the chase, and plucking process. It was not unusual to see these marauders knock Gannets out of the air

Black Guillemot - infrequent visitor. This individual stayed close by for a few days, and allowed what I consider this novel shot. What it has in its bill is anyone's guess

Kestrel - all the Raptors passing through fared very well, having a ready and plentiful supply of victuals. Birds of prey on the rig list included Merlin, the above, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Peregrine, Hen & Montagu's Harrier, Osprey, Black Kite and Common Buzzard (albeit the latter while the rig was undergoing maintenance in the Cromarty Firth). In addition the North Sea Bird Club list also boasted Red-footed Falcon, Honey Buzzard, Red Kite, Rough-legged Buzzard and Hobby

Wood Pigeon - Regular and often, with more than an isolate record of Kamikaze activity. On several occasions a seemingly healthy bird would simply plunge into the sea where, not surprisingly, it was gladly met by the ever vigilant Gull flock

Babblers Rule U.K.

Another cracking day, helped on by perfect weather conditions for wandering, a few birds and a mass of Butterflies. Radipole only produced the 3 Ruddy Shelduck, so an early bus to Portland. At Barleycrates the Ivy banks were alive with insects and in order of quantity it was Bees, Hoverflies, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, singles of Small White an Tortoiseshell, while birds were represented by 6 Siskin, 125 Goldfinch, 5 Stonechat and a single Wheatear. At Culverwell I checked out a single Clouded Yellow, as a Merlin flew low across the fields and there had been some trapping success as a few Wrens, plus single Blackbird and Chiffchaff were already ringed. Rounding the last bend before the Observatory a very familiar call filled the air, but not one I had ever heard on the Island. Bearded Tit for sure and looking up there were 2 of them that soon landed in the field right next to me. Despite the fact I hear and/or see these little beauties nearly every birding day in Dorset, this brought music to the ears being my first Portland record. What happened next was the 'cherry on the cake'. Given the location, close to a number of mist nets, it wasn't long before Ian Dodd was teasing the male bird from one of them, while climbing even higher on my list of 'best pals'! This was the second 'goody' from his hands in nearly as many days, while all my previous records paled compared to this avian marvel at such close quarters. I await the 'hat trick' Ian. Just minutes after release a Mistle Thrush flew round the lighthouse, followed shortly by what could only have been determined as 2 Red-throated Divers, by those far more sharp eyed than I. While well over 200 Swallows gathered on the wires above the Obs Quarry I started for home, stopping short at Top Fields to watch, Sod's Law kick in, with all 6 Grey Partridges 'leking'. Paul & Tess had been extremely keen to see them, but during our week-end together didn't get a sniff.

Bearded Tit in the hand - skillfully held by the Warden at Portland Bird Obs

Ditto
Ditto

While in the Tate Modern a couple of weeks ago, I happened on the book titled 'Wall and Piece' by Banksy, who, I must admit, I'd had rather written him off as a mindless wall spoiler. On the contrary, while stood there thumbing through this volume I started to chuckle, then laugh followed by a mild attack of hysterics, and while 'art' always depending on the way you perceive it, this is pure genius. The man not only has an inventive style with graffiti, he also has a razor sharp wit with an uncanny way of reversing a meaning in a single sketch (take a look at 'The Flower Thrower'). I received my copy from Amazon today, so no prizes for guessing what I'll be doing this evening.

The Flower Thrower - Banksy

Violence - Banksy

I live in hope that I won't be 'done' for reproducing the images above, I see it more as an advert than an infringement of copywrite. However, should I be 'banged up' in the Bridewell, I'll simply instruct my barrister to quote the man himself, who advocates, "It's always easier to get forgiveness than permission" - Amen!

and so to the Oil Rig once again

Dunlin - a frequent annual visitor

Reed Bunting - annual, but a good fall of 'many' during October 05

Fieldfare - many thousands particularly during Autumn movements, but, without exaggeration, thought to be 'hundreds of thousands' on some occasions

Yellowhammer - only a single record on Buchan involving c4 individuals

Merlin - annual, and unforgiving in their hunting technique (this one has a Redwing)