Linden Lea - William Barnes

Monday 3rd February 2014

While the weather continues to dog the most ardent of 'birders'

the BEST news of the day came from the Statistics Page

where it was noted

Pageviews (hits) all time history 400,132

enough to warm the Cockles of any Blogers Heart!
THANKS GO TO ONE AND ALL!

While it was the wind that dominated the weather pattern today, it was though worth a look around local areas even if only to add Egyptian Goose to the Ongoing February List. Waking at 05:00 to the incessant screeching of a

TAWNY OWL

directly outside of the bedroom window but no chance of a photo.
This is the first we have heard from it for 2 or 3 weeks now.

Longham Lakes simply threw up more of the same, so a token

MUTE SWAN

was all captured there. Onward to the Avon Causeway and a

differing picture, LESS of the Same. The female

GOOSANDER
was picked up 'fishing' the fast flowing river but gone (or hidden)
were most of the hundreds of Teal and Lapwing with only a handful
of Greylag Geese.

Tuesday 4th February 2014

There had been a 'provisional plan' for the day but very much weather dependant. First option was to take the Sandbanks Ferry in the hope of sighting the more scarce birds around that section of Poole Harbour, continue on to Portland the return via Chesilbourne. The weather did not allow for this, so if there was to be any 'birding' at all that option needed turning on its head. Before reaching Parley Cross (2 miles) a squall of heavy sleet struck then quickly turned to hail with the force of the wind increasing by the minute. Reaching Corfe Mullen all of that seemed like a dream as conditions more akin to a summers day (as long as you stayed inside the car) prevailed. This made the viewing of the c2, distant,

 COMMON CRANES
(a welcome addition to the Ongoing February List)

 far preferable to 'scoping through the pouring rain.

 No 'dancing' from them today, but interestingly they seemed hell bent
on keeping the Rooks and Crows off their patch.
From here it was direct to Portland (do not pass go, do not collect £200)

 and the view along the sea wall at Chesil Cove and Chesil Beach
disappearing into the distance.

 Much 'flood defence work' was ongoing here with that very scene
featuring on both National and Local television news that evening.

 Despite an excellent zoom lens, rarely, if ever, is the small camera used
for shots of birds but as it was switched on a few shots were let loose at this
PIED WAGTAIL.
In the lee of Portland Castle, the wind now having 'backed' to the
South East making things noticeably cooler, the first sight was the

BLACK GUILLEMOT (top left) with RED-BREASTED MERGANSER

which for the want of a 200 yard walk was as close as I have ever seen it at the western end of the new Sailing Academy breakwater. During transit those on the heli-pad decided to 'flash up' the Coast Guard 'Chopper which the Guilly didn't seem that impressed with! By the time I reached the CPA (closest point of approach) it was at the far end of the sea wall - moment missed! In addition there were c3

 BLACK-THROATED DIVERS,
a whole host of

 male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER,

 female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER

 along with c2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS

Continuing the elongated circle track, it was onward to a seemingly very precarious Oakers Wood in search of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The tree-tops were now being battered mercilessly and the thought of a crashing bow was never far from mind. With no 'Pecker and only brief encounters with Nuthatch and Marsh Tit for the effort it was worth a try elsewhere. Between Arne and Middlebere, close to the town of Wareham, stands this small tract of

 Ancient Woodland

which I have always considered screams out for a pair of the afore mentioned Lesser. If I had a quid for every visit made to this remote spot the motor could be bunkered for a year, but like every other there was no sign of these Sparrow size birds. However, I was not to leave empty handed as the was both a Year Tick and an addition to the Dorset year List. The former was fellow 'birder' Nick Hopper as he emerged from the undergrowth undertaking a Woodcock Survey, while as we chatted briefly the latter arrived in the shape of a small squadron of

 COMMON CROSSBILL
not at all expected but welcome for all that.
This wonderful place is not just about birds as the plant life is
plentiful and diverse with

 Mosses, Lichens and

 (BRACKET) FUNGI aplenty reminding me of Dorset
writer, poet, minister, and philologist William Barnes' poem Linden Lea.
'Within the woodlands, flowery gladed,
By the Oak Tree's mossy moot, 
Unfortunately in this case the tree was a Beech!

 Open views of CORFE CASTLE are always worth the stop.

Nick had told me of his encounter with the over-wintering Surf Scoter during the week, which had moved to Newton's Bay in Poole Harbour which I had never even heard of. Inaccessible, unless you want to cross swords with Mr BP (British Petroleum) who extract oil in this area and don't welcome uninvited guests. I did try from another angle

but failed at the first jump as the site seemed to be miles away.
Risking a brush with BP next week is still an option. Faint heart etc!

Entry	Pageviews
United Kingdom	808
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Germany	68
Estonia	44
France	33
Russia	27
Canada	21
Ukraine	21
India	19
Australia	12

Do You Read Me - Rory Gallagher

Saturday 1st February 2014

With the fervour of the start of a New Year behind us, we are not sure how to continue the Blog and hold the Readers attention. Far less going on in the 'Birding World' and with no trips, either here or abroad, planned things will now slow down somewhat. For the time being at least and to help catch up, as we are still a day or two adrift, we might revert to a Post every 2 or 3 days? We'll see how things go and get back to a DAILY when the situation allows. Rain continues to feature strongly on the weather front and although levels were starting to fall at the

 RIVER AVON 

(the County border between Dorset and Hampshire)

they had certainly increased overnight. These two 5-bars gates, where the car is usually parked during visits to the Causeway, have not been inundated before even when the road was closed. However, this amount of water brings small benefits as this pair of

 GOOSANDER

were spotted 'fishing' where once there were meadows.

At least one of the

 RUFF

are still there as is the massive flock of Lapwing, plenty of Greylag and Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal and one or two Gadwall. Stopping at another gateway on my return to 'scope the floods, the load 'calling' of a 

 

 BRAMBLING (archive)

was heard, but to be certain did compare it to my Bird Song App.

As the wind dropped and the threat of rain seemed less likely a

 RAINBOW

greeted me at Longham Lakes but more intriguing were these

STRANGE CONTRAPTIONS

which have only appeared in the last couple of days and drawing everyone's attention. No few than 6 other visitors here asked me what they are, with the stock reply being "I was about to ask you the same question". Without exception, including myself, each thought they were Solar Panels which turned out to be right but only part of the story. Walking the cross-path between the 2 lakes (have to admit in search of Egyptian Goose an absentee from the Feb List) I encountered Chris Parnell, a name only known from his involvement with the Dorset Bird Club Website and his many Bird Records elsewhere. He had spotted, from the other side of the water, a female (known as a Redhead) Smew a tiny but beautiful (especially the male) Duck an infrequent visitor to these parts. Having seen one this year makes it no less valuable as a 'must see' bird, so together we started a search to relocate it. The long staying

 BLACK-NECKED GREBE

was soon located, but the object of our desires was proving far more difficult. After a fairly long passage of time Chris declared it must either have flown away or he could have been mistaken (unlikely knowing of his reputation). At that point we parted company with me continuing the search and getting caught in an almighty rain squall. It must have been this change in the weather that put most of the Ducks, we had been scrutinising, to flight. Not from among this bunch but some way off the

 SMEW (in company with a male Teal) flew straight past me

disappearing across the water meadows to the north.

This image, with head bowed showing the 'red' crown, is from the archive.

That's when the Assistant Water Bailiff drove by doing his daily 'rounds' and an opportunity to solve the conundrum of the floating 'panels'! The solar panels are the power source for underwater sonic transducers, left continuously running, to destroy the algae which in turn is killing the Fish stocks - problem solved.

Sunday 2nd February 2014

With the wind still firmly in the southern quarter it was the fresh breeze that brought a noticeable chill to the weather today. Having said that, it was also bright and sunny so with the hood up a great day for wandering around Longham Lakes and Avon Causeway again. Main feature and new arrivals at the lakes were c15

 MEDITERRANEAN GULL
a species I don't remember seeing here before.
It may surprise the reader to know that a Longham List is not kept!

'Gulls' continued the theme with just a couple of
COMMON GULL

mixed in with those mentioned above.
COMMON GULL
(overflying Black-headed Gulls)
but within minutes of arrival all took to the wing and disappearing towards Christchurch Harbour.
On to the Avon Causeway, where there had been a noticeable
drop in the flood water level, and again 'Gulls' featured.

 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
In addition the number of

GADWALL
had increased to a dozen.
Finally, there was a tiny Moth flying around the kitchen, easily caught but escaping before the photographing could take place. With the image in mind, this is the closest we could get to an identification.

Acleris hastiana

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Australia	12

Burning Rope - Genesis

ANOTHER TRUE STORY

 (to be sung to the tune Another True Story)

We didn't forget to change the 'header photo' at the turn of the month yesterday, just another severe case of Communication Breakdown. It may be noted that the Post was published at 08:08 yesterday morning, the reason being I awoke to find Internet Active and made the executive decision to 'Strike while the Iron was Hot! Clicking 'save' followed by 'publish' the usual check was made to find all was well, followed by a flash of lights and the Burglar Alarm activating. To cut an already too long a story short, the increasing gale force wind had blown a tree down in Parley village leaving us with no power until just before dark. Makes you appreciate that 'Open Log Fire'!

Among so many experiences my dear friends and I have shared is a deep appreciation of the Progressive Rock Band GENESIS. Of all their 'hundreds' of compositions Burning Rope most epitomises our Love for each other. Appropriate then as a headline today given our latest meeting and continuing Friendship!

Burning Rope (Link) - Genesis

The warming sun, the cooling rain,

a snowflake drifting on the breath of the breeze.
The lightning bolt that frees the sky for you,

yet only eagles seem to pass on through.
The words of love, the cries of hate,

and the Man in the Moon who seduced you

then finally loosed you.

The preliminary plan for the penultimate day of the first month of this year was to drive to my friends, Paul and Tess Lifton in Emsworth, Hants, enjoy a full day 'birding' before returning to Parley later that same day. From their home, already stated to be a Hampshire address, it is no more than an arrow-shot into the neighbouring County of West Sussex where 2 of my intended 3 target birds were to be found.

Note:- In Royal Naval parlance the term 'Winger', in its original sense, is an uncomplimentary term for a Boy or Young Seaman who is befriended and taught by an Older Salt (Sailor).

MY 'WINGER'
Joe Brown lookalike PAUL LIFTON

I have always referred to Paul as my Winger since our meeting at the Merchant Navy College, Greenhythe, Kent in 1978. At that time he was undergoing compulsory Navigational Aids (Radar, Decca, Satellite Navigator et al) Training while I was completing a 12 week period of 'study leave' prior to qualifying for my Master's (Captain) Certificate of Competence. While he is a full 8 years junior to me in 'age', his combined qualifications and marine knowledge far outstrip my own, so Winger is two-fold derogatory - just how it was intended hey Wings? Unfortunately the 'Wingette' had to go to the 'W' word (we don't like using 4 letter words in this publication) as she is at present helping their younger daughter in her job, so it was just Paul and me. Even she didn't escape the clutches of this Son of a Seasick Mermaid as on our meeting, a year later, her commonly used name Terry (Teressa) was changed to the far prettier and more Thomas Hardy 'Tess' by which she is still know to many of us! First port of call was

where we immediately made for the

where, before having chance to scan the sea, we bumped into

Frank and Neil (previously unknown to us) and asked if they had
seen anything of the RUDDY SHELDUCK* thought to be hereabouts.
They hadn't, but quick as lightning Neil (centre) called that he had spotted them.

At great distance the c2 birds concerned were 'flanking' a
(Common) SHELDUCK.

Always better through the telescope and for illustration

a couple of images from the archive of these fine Waterfowl.

All else close at hand there were a few
EURASIAN WIGEON

so we were soon on our way to the nest stop. Walton Brook, still W Sussex, was a half hour drive where we joined 4 other birders on the bridge crossing the Bognor Regis to London Victoria railway line and found the news to be 'grim'! There had been no sign of the Great Grey Shrike at all and that is how things remained up until our departure 2 hours later. My suggestion was proving good sense as the 'local lad' took command of my car and did the driving while I braced myself for the next disappointment - faint heart never won Fair lady! The next stop was close to the old council tip at Broad Meadow, overlooking the northern section of Langston Harbour back in Hants. This was Thursday 30th January, the day of a New Moon and by definition Spring Tides. From our position we could hardly see the sea let alone the Wildfowl, but were advised by a passing couple that we might be better placed a little further down the road at Butt's Farm where they had seen c2

LONG-TAILED DUCK*

earlier in the day. They were to be congratulated as the Winger
quickly picked up one, followed by the second in quick succession.

Apart from the birds, we had enjoyed a GREAT day together.
Friday 31st January 2014

Having stayed overnight had numerous benefits, starting with a fine evening meal and long 'catching up' conversation. Additionally, at daybreak the resident overwintering

 (male) BLACKCAP (there have been a pair)

put in no more than a fleeting glimpse, just enough to qualify as the final species for the month of January on the 2014 Year List. From there on things simply went to RATS as the turning off the Motorway taking me back for a second look at yesterday's Long-tailed Ducks was missed, with turning back not being an option. Not to worry as ahead of me was still a chance of re-locating the Long-billed Dowitcher at Pennington Marsh, again en-route. All was well until just before arrival at the Cadnam turn off when the Heavens opened up after which the heavy rain didn't stop for the rest of the day.L-bD saved for another day.

Back at Parley and with no lull in the rain, Farm manager Adrian with younger son Gavin were paving the way for what is hoped to be the FINAL visit by British Telecom to fix the Internet???? The requisite Leylandii Trees had already been 'felled' before my arrival, and were slowly being converted into a nice crop of firewood for next year, before they broke the Bad News. BT it would seem do not have a Technician available until Wednesday with the scary bit being no indication of which particular Wednesday????

You're old and disillusioned now as you realise at last,

that all you have accomplished here will have soon all turned to dust.
You dream of a future after life, well that's as maybe, I don't know.
But you can't take what you left behind, you're all alone,
so keep in mind.
Don't live today for tomorrow like you were immortal,
the only survivors on this world of ours are.
The warming sun, etc - and the Man in the Moon!
Along with one or two 'Secret' thoughts!

Here are the January Stats for your perusal:-
                     GB Year     Dorset

15/01               No additions

16/01               158            128 

18/01               159            129 

19/01               160            130

20/01               160            131

21/01               163            131 

22/01               164            131

23/01               164            131

24/01               165            132 

25/01               No additions

26/01               No additions

27/01              167             134

28/01              167             136

29/01              168             139

30/01              170             139

31/01              171             139

These totals include 3 additions to the Ongoing January in Dorset List - Green-winged Teal, Egyptian Goose and Common Crane.

Entry	Pageviews
United States	3253
United Kingdom	822
Germany	49
Estonia	48
France	33
Russia	27
India	22
Canada	20
Ukraine	15
China	10

The Record Breaking 'hit count' of 1848 on the 27/01 followed by another incredible 1361 the next day stimulated hopes of surpassing the 12837 of December 2013, our best month ever, but fell short by a full 717. Maybe we will see this overtaken in 2014? - That's in your hands! 

PS - Still no Home Internet!