Everything Neat & Tidy At Titchwell - Sir!

First things first - Thank You for the 'texts' today Paul.

When I left home at 02-45 this morning it was snowing in Weymouth! OK only very light and in minor flurries but nonetheless snow, so what chance Norfolk if almost the most southerly part of England is getting it. Worry, wot me worried, as it got no worse, and after yet a third time (unlucky) looking for the Barn Owl again there was none after leaving Dorchester. Reaching Sandringham at 08-00, the priority was Golden Pheasant* a very hit or miss business here, but happening upon a couple of Derby lads I joined them to wait for a sighting. It didn't happen, but as the * denotes we did hear at least one in addition to which Lesser Redpoll and Brambling were both seen and added to the Year List.

Muntjac too were on offer, our tally being 4, but they were extremely nervous and the only shot possible was through the car wind screen at distance. By 09-30 my wait for the Peasants was over so made my way to the RSPB Reserve at Titchwell where birds, compared to my many visits in the past, seemed nonexistent. By and large just the more common species including

Black-headed Gull,

Shoveler and

Common Redshank whilst a fine looking

Spotted Redshank first of all swimming,

then paddling

and finally wandering along the beach made for some scarcity value, but none of these increased the list. That came by way of a couple of Marsh Harriers quartering the reeds some distance off, and one of what had been c7 Twite associating with a flock of Skylarks, then I turned my attention to the reserve itself. I have no need to pick fault with the RSPB as they serve it up, as far as I am concerned, in copious amounts. Having always considered Titchwell one of the finest in Great Britain, and certainly their 'flagship' reserve it made me wonder where their meddling is all going to end. This is what met my eye as I continued down the main path

what used to be a rugged, undulating bank, likely supporting loads of wildlife has be converted into a symmetrical barrier with what can only be described a military style fence. Yes, the grass will grow and maybe there are ideas for natural hedges, but with the pristine path all neatly dressed with lathes of wood surely it looks more like a park? Then, if that were not enough, this appeared before me

it's what they call 'a hide', which for my money would be better placed

on the South Bank of the Thames next to the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery or Tate Modern. The doors don't even close quietly -Shuuuuuuush!

Disappointment isn't the word, but taking a straw poll of one or two people wandering around, they seemed to like it so I guess it's me 'out of step', but it will only be a Cerulean Warbler that will drag me back there!

Time for a little light relief, and that arrived as did this smart Water Pipit, not only the first for the year but also the first I have ever photographed.

Down on the seashore and exposed to the biting wind, things were much the same with a couple of large rafts of Common Scoter, an Eider, someone did report a Long-tailed Duck plus very few (at least in Norfolk terms) Waders. None were additions to the list, and all kept their distance but among the few Sanderling, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover were a few

Grey Plover

and Knot.

Bun and coffee time at the car park, and the

Wood Pigeons, bold here, were laying in wait for scraps

as several Blue Tits were investigating this nest box, maybe as a roost site? But things were about to get much more exciting. Visiting the Choseley Barns, where once Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer outnumbered the Starlings, there wasn't a bird to be seen except I did record Red-legged Partridge but the 'covey' only comprised c3 individuals. There I met 3 likely lads who had ALL the latest information which set me off with a twinkle in my eye. First stop was Lady Anne Drive, historically about the closest you'd ever get to Pink-footed Geese but while there were plenty flying high none had as yet joined the large number of

Eurasian Wigeon already feeding the waterlogged meadows.

Travelling even further east, past the windmill close to Burnham Overy Staithe, there we numerous 'pockets' of Twitchers and Birders alike but if you stopped to talk to only half you wouldn't get home in time for tea! One group though seemed intent on a distant object across the fields and alighted to be rewarded with not one, but 2 Rough-legged Buzzards. It's been a long time (20 years at least) since I've seen one of these beauties, and the analogy of No58 buses sprang to mind.

Cley East Bank was the next port of call, where the fellow my lads had said a Ross's Goose, American Wigeon and Smew might be seen. 'Dipping' on the latter, it was a dash to Muckleburgh Hill, as the light was now fading fast, to where Waxwings were said to be feeding. Alas, they too didn't reach the notebook but what a heart pumping afternoon it had been. Well pleased, and now needing my tea, it was time to slake my curiosity as to where I was going to stay tonight. Advertised as a Wooden Cabin the garden of Pip & Alison Weston who live at

Blakeney, this being the church, the ad went on to say well appointed, cosy, warm, en-suite, comfortable and clean complete with huge English breakfast and 'free' Internet access. For 35 quid a night it sounded like I was on my way to paradise? First impressions are all favourable, and as I write this it won't be long before I test the en-suite and indulge in a little comfort - Ill make my report tomorrow. Till then, I have to admit to another omission from the list of Sparrowhawk yesterday which should have made the total 111. Including today's addition the

GB Year List now = 122 - Good Night!

Another Wild Goose Chase

We start today by returning to yesterday for an amendment plus a couple of new items. Firstly, while writing up my 'fair log' and committing my records to the computer, I discovered that both Mallard (one of the first birds seen) and Ringed Plover (Ferrybridge) had been omitted from the day tally. That means the total for the first day and year stood at 98.

Following that, my friend Dave Penney also took to a days 'birding' part of which was taking this photo of a

part albino Blackbird (unless any one supports my theory that it is in fact a White-headed Vanga, though somehow I doubt we'll get away with that) on his local patch on the outskirts of Northampton.

As previously noted, the year ended with the Central American country of Honduras joining the readership on the very last afternoon. Maybe to welcome in the New Year,

the People's Republic of China also signed in after publication last nights post. Readers may remember the request to pass this Blog Link on to ALL family and friends, but with an estimated population of 1.33 Billion (2009) China could almost double the readership on its own?

Nevertheless, we extend a huge welcome to China and please pass the link on.

Weather wise, today started in a similar way to yesterday, except there had been a couple of outbreaks of rain overnight and a noticeable drop temperature, as did the 'birding'. Again, 06-00 found me prowling the Came Wood / Coombe Valley / Broadmayne area in search of Barn Owl but in similar fashion drew a blank. There followed a moment of indecision, whether to head east or west with good prospects in either direction, but continued by driving slowly toward the village of Poxwell (east). Just before entering the hamlet, a Woodcock put up from the roadside grass verge, flying at eye-level for about 10seconds before dropping into the adjacent field, which was the first 'year tick' of the day.

Bestwall, a vast expanse of water meadows, reed beds and flooded old quarry workings just outside of the town of Wareham, had thrown up a number of good species over the past few days so was well worth a try and almost immediately notched up the 100th species for the year as c2 Peregrines were seen tussling with a Sparrowhawk - number 101. Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Stock Dove quickly followed, but there was no sign of a much hoped for Harrier, Smew or even a Water Pipit. Instead, White-fronted Goose was the next list addition, in fact c19 of them feeding in the meadows. Like the Woodcock, I have no idea when the last ones were seen in Dorset but it must be a couple of decades at least.

all 19 White-fronted Geese

of the Eurasian sub-species

in oppose to the Greenland variety

which occur far less often,

but I found it magical to see such birds once again!

From there it was decided to try for the Great grey Shrike at Coombe Heath, Arne which is also on the perimeter of Wareham, which didn't take too long to find albeit at quite a distance. Time then to start heading back west to utilise every moment of daylight, in these all too short days, with a short stop at Waddock Cross where a Common Buzzard had either killed of found dead a Crow of sorts which it was now devouring right in the middle of one of the watercress beds. However, the highlight of this supposed brief stop was once again encountering Mr Charles Barter the Managing Director of the site, who I first encountered what must be nearer 4 decades ago. The cress beds have always been an enormous attraction to birds, especially in the winter, and having always believed in asking (as they can always say no) approached Mr Barter all those years ago to seek his permission to bird watch on his property. A kindly man, we have met on a couple of occasions since, I made a short detour to wish him Happy New Year and thank him for his kindness over the years - thanks again Charles!

Via Monkey's Jump and Golden Plover, my track then led me past

Hardy's Monument and through the back road to Abbotsbury. Known as White Road, the track is only one vehicle wide but looks across a stunning valley over the whole of Weymouth Bay, Portland and most of Chesil Beach and the Fleet. It was half way down the steep incline, with two other cars behind me, that I spotted what looked like a huge Lapwing, lopping across the valley, which was in fact an

adult male Hen Harrier

much to the disgust of those following 'line astern' I swerved into a most convenient 'passing place', dashed across the road and rattled off a couple of shots. Not brilliant, agreed but enough to tell the story! The reason for coming this way will soon be apparent, but being so close Abbotsbury Beach (part of the Chesil) was always going to be worth a look, and there added 3 more species to the list by way of Velvet & Common Scoter plus c2 the c6 Red-throated Divers, the day was becoming very good.

In my search, which was now becoming extended, for the intended birds there were dozens of Pheasants to be seen, which was already on yesterday's list, I needed to summon some help from Paul Harris but before he could reply a skein of

Barnacle Geese appeared over the old World War II gun emplacement

and headed in our direction. Saying 'our', as I had just bumped into long time friend and fellow (Somerset) birder Julian Thomas (thanks Paul) who was on the same mission. He and I have had quite a rapport over the last few years as his name appears on my mobile phone immediately before my daughter Julie. It is not unusual for me to select his number when sending a text which of course always ends "I love you darling"!

The Great Britain Year List now stands at - 110

and to close, I can inform the readership that at 03-00 tomorrow I set course for Norfolk for 4 days birding, followed by visiting maybe 3 lots of friends on the way back to Weymouth - I'll keep you posted every step of the way - bon voyage!

New Years Day Twitch - 2011

New Year, New (heading) Photograph (my favourite of 2010)

With weather conditions just about perfect, considering the time of year, what better way to set out on the long awaited New Years Day Twitch. Complete cloud cover but a reasonably clear atmosphere, wind little more than a zephyr, from the west not east as predicted, and little or no sigh of precipitation I 'kicked off at 05-30 as planned. The idea was to make a short stop at Radipole, just to get a few species in the book to keep up moral, then zoom of a little in land and quickly 'tick' the 3 most common Owls by listening for their 'calls'. The first part went almost like a dream, except I didn't see the expected Hooded Merganser, but starting with Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Water Rail*, Shelduck, Black-headed Gull plus the sound of both Robin & Redwing (later also seen) all hit the log in quick succession. An * denotes a species that was only 'heard' on the day.

For the next hour I patrolled the Coombe Valley, Came Wood, Poxwell to Broadmayne areas, north of Weymouth, in a vain search for the wretched Owls but it wasn't until Warmwell a few more miles on that a Tawny Owl was heard (another 'seen' later at Arne) above the crowing of 2 Cockerels in a nearby farmyard.

Tawny Owl (archive)

Blackbird was the only addition between there and a traditional Woodcock roost at Soldiers road, some distance away, but once there, stationed on a hillock for best all round view, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Song Thrush, Wren, Canada Geese, Curlew, Chaffinch, Siskin, Fieldfare, Teal and even a calling Common Buzzard were seen or heard in the fast fading dark.

Curlew

At Arne, the success rate improved 10 fold as it is rare to bag nearly all the common woodland birds at the same site. Nuthatch was first, followed by Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Jackdaw, Great Spotted & Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest and no less than c3 Treecreepers all feeding together.

Treecreeper

It was then I met Tony Conway, fellow 'birder' and long standing friend, who pointed me in the direction of the roosting Tawny Owl, and as if in repayment I quickly located a Firecrest on call which about half a dozen of us managed to see. It was time to crack on, but immediately leaving the car park a Marsh Tit was heard and soon located.

Marsh Tit

The next planned stop was the 'hide' at Middlebere where, if my calculations were right, it would be low tide giving prospect to a host of things. On the way Magpie, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock and Raven (8) were notched up, whilst from the hide Avocet, Grey Plover, Wigeon, Lapwing, Dunlin & Redshank were present in good numbers, there were were a few Shoveler and Black-tailed Godwit and singles of Brent Goose, Spotted Redshank, Reed Bunting, Grey Heron and a Jay just outside of the door as I left.

On the way back to the main road, Skylark, Greenfinch plus Dartford Warbler* were logged, as were Pheasant, Yellow Hammer, House Sparrow and Rook before arriving at Studland. Things took a severe nose dive there as a number of Waterfowl, reported in good number over previous days, simply couldn't be found. All that were booked included Oystercatcher plus Great Crested & Little Grebes. Continuing to cover the vast rim of the second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia) I arrived at The Littlesea where Gadwall, Pochard, Pintail, Goldeneye, Goosander along with Great Black-backed & Common Gulls were noted, while between there and the chain ferry Greenshank, Knot, Sanderling and Red-breasted Merganser were also added.

These Sanderling photographs

were in fact taken at the Poole side of the harbour entrance

where there were probably as many as a dozen?

From the Studland side the ferry runs to Sandbanks, which at the last count was the most expensive 'real estate' in the world, but for all its star-studded quality all it produced was Cormorant and Shag. So, on to Evening Hill from where it is possible, with a telescope, to view the lagoon on Brownsea Island, the home and foundation of the Boy Scout movement. Spoonbill was the target there, but again drew a 'blank', but the adjoining fore-shore had produced Bar-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Turnstone, Rock Pipit and Pied Wagtail - the numbers were now clocking up!

Bar-tailed Godwit and

Turnstone

Greylag Goose was next to be added, along with Feral Pigeon but I am sworn to secrecy of the location as we don't want hundreds of people arriving and 'flushing' them out of Poole Park.

The only Collared Dove of the day was seen in transit to the Tincleton watercress beds where a Green Sandpiper took to the air immediately, while down the road at the sister 'beds' there was a single Grey Wagtail but nothing else!

Lodmoor, the next stop, was for a proper 'twitch' as the Long-billed Dowitcher (an uncommon American vagrant) had remained there into the new Year. A new species for my ongoing Dorset/January List (getting exciting isn't it?), it was soon bagged along with Common Snipe, but no time to look for the reported Ruff. Quickly on to Radipole where only

Lesser Black-backed Gull was added, before Portland the final destination where Guillemot and Gannet joined the others while the approach of a charming couple from Reading alerted me to a passing

Eider happily moving down

with the tide while preening. I had already looked for the

Purple Sandpipers, to no avail, and it was the same gentleman

who drew these to my attention as well. I would like to confirm that the invitation for him to join me on next years 'twitch' still stands - thanks again.

Before closing I should announce that 96 species were recorded during the day, and I must thank the 2 ladies (Tess Lifton & Sheila Edwards) who had much more faith in me by predicting or guessing 100 & 105 respectively and those who helped me during the day. They include Paul Harris and Daragh Croxson for directions and sightings, and the Secret Lemonade Drinker for

the loan of his ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
No sorry that has to remain a SECRET!

Living In The Past - Jethro Tull (Part II)

Without leaving the house, I managed to record Redwing, Pied Wagtail and Chiffchaff but 'sprinting blocks' are hammered in ready for an early start tomorrow morning for the New Years Day Twitch. No, today was set aside for lunch with

Grandson Lee who looked more than pleased with his pressie!

while Son 'Outlaw' Nigel also looks pleased without even opening his.

That's my Girl - Julie

The three of us, some one's got to be on camera duty! (Oh, and Jimi - hows that for a Hendrix T-shirt and the words 'Stone Free' on the back).

Part II of the 'look back; at 2010

Full details of this precis can be found by visiting the relevant dates via Blog search engine.

The first day of the second part of the year came up trumps with a Dorset first and only my second ever Gull-billed Tern in Great Britain. Due to the kindness of Steve Grove in particular, but also the rest of the staff at the world renowned Abbotsbury Swannery, Ken Parker and I were allowed access to view this important sea-bird. Only a short 6 days late, Bowie & Sheila took me to see a House Finch that we, and many others, hope is convincing enough to be considered as a true vagrant from the USA and take its place on the British Bird List.

The second weekend of July usually hosts Weymouth's annual Fish Festival and Spirit of the Sea celebrations. This year, among many others, I met up with long time shipmate Kenny Sharp, his wife Anne and a few of his family. Mid-month Andy Lindsay (who had already nominated the year his annus horribilis) and I ventured to France, via the Euro-Tunnel and the 180 miles per hour TGV rail network for a little respite. The whole gig was a mitigated disaster, no photographs, no lasting memories, no hotel room!

Having aborted this holiday before the half way point and returned home, L, S & I embarked on yet another 'twitch' to see an extremely mobile White-tailed Plover (Lapwing) that stayed at Dungerness, Kent long enough for us to see and book it! A week before the end of July my task was to transport Nigel, Julie & Lee to Heathrow Airport to fly to see her sister Lisa and family in Australia, the upshot of which was I got the car for a month.

However, before embarking on any driving there was the crucial matter of mourning the 'criminal' stoppage of the Royal Navy rum ration, a short 30 years previously on 31st July 1970. 'Up Spirits' my hearties!

With access to the car, mid-August I set off for a tour of the Midlands to visit various friends including John & Marion Wood, Jim the Medic & Liz, Andy Lindsay plus Dave & Jan Penney, a great success though I say it myself! Before the month was out success was to manifest itself again (one thousand fold) when I found Dorset's first and Great Britain's 8th

Red-necked Stint, it seemed life could only be 'down hill' from now on?

It was close on 2 weeks before the next 'rarity' arrived in the shape of a most confiding and trans-Atlantic Pectoral Sandpiper which settled amid a housing estate at Easton, Portland. However, excepting for this and with Julie & Co returned safely to Broadmayne from Aus, the feet were getting itchy so I buzzed off to the USA landing in Minneapolis, Minnesota on the 14th September.

Armed with an 'open' Greyhound bus pass and deciding on a track that would take me west through this state and into North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and eventually South Dakota, I first met

the Vance family of Mile City, Montana with Grandparents left, then wife and mother Doreen, husband and father Jeff with children Taylor, Lyle & Rya the greatest (among many) act of kindness shown to me all year. With my Best Wishes to you all for 2011.

I continued to Rapid City, South Dakota to visit, among other things, the Mount Rushmore and

and Crazy Horse Monuments. My wish would be to live long enough to see the completion of this fine edifice that dwarfs Rushmore. Some say it will never be finished.

This is the land where my people are buried!

One of several bronze statues in Omaha, Nebraska, depicting 'how the wast was won', was followed by Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma, by which time I had accumulated a few 'lifers' including this fine

Red-headed Woodpecker, before the realisation that so much progress had been made it would be feasible to go for Florida as a next stop. Via Arkansas, and Mississippi, Alabama was added to the US list as was the Sunshine State, Florida. Cutting back north and across Georgia, both South & North Carolina were in turn added, then through the familiar territory of Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri the state of Iowa was also crossed. Wisconsin was only a minor diversion before returning to the extremely modern city of Minneapolis for my flight home.

The first 3 weeks of October were punctuated with a series of bird watching sorties (including adding Solitary Sandpiper to the UK list, after a 'bus pass' twitch to Colyford in Devon) and parties, the highlight of these being

Jon Storey's 50th birthday. There, we beheld a sight not considered possible before this, with Storey returning to where he should rightfully be, red Stratocaster in hand, fronting among others Bad Reputation. He had vowed some 5 years ago never to take up the 'axe' again, (but we all know what a lying b*s*a*d he is, don't we?), before flying off to Madagascar on the 20th.

Wishing, in traditional style, to leave the very best until 'first' this

Allan's Gallinule was my bird sighting and photograph of the trip, closely followed by the sensational

Red-tailed Tropicbird. Others on the agenda, just a taster of what was on offer, included a

number of species of Tree Frog,

Ward's Flycatcher

Madagascar Plover

Scaly Ground-Roller

Short-legged Ground-Roller

Sickle-billed Vanga

Nile Crocodile

Madagascar Scops Owl

Diadem Sifaka

Madagascar Nightjar

in threatening pose.

Baobab Tree

Madagascar Fish Eagle

Madagascar Fish Eagle in flight

Red-fronted Lemur

Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller

Littoral Rock Thrush

Chabert's Vanga

Blue Vanga

Barred Owl

with Appet's Greenbul bringing us to our return home mid November. The end of the year has been adequately chronicaled through these pages, but as a conclusion it was fantastic that

thankfully, and despite disappearing intermitantly, the Hooded Merganser (probably the most photogenic bird in the world) remained with us to years end,

and finally, some of the 'rash' of Waxwings to invade the British Isles during the severe weather finally made it to Dorset before the year was out.

Bring on 2011

and finally this is how the Stats pan out on the final day of the year, with the addition of Guatemala on the very last day bringing up the 114th country / region. I remember with fond affection my short journey through that interesting and diverse country and will see if I can dig out some photographs. As my Stat Counter only has capacity for 10,500 (that number now being well exceeded) it is intended to increase this before long. With this in mind, it would be fantastic if every reader would pass on the link (The Bagsy Blog entered into Google is sufficient) to ALL family and friends in the hope of doubling the readership next year. Thank You all for the continued visits and support and let's hope Madagascar reach 3 figures 'readership' real soon!

	Num	Perc.	Country Name
	7849	74.75%	United Kingdom
	714	6.80%	United States
	279	2.66%	Estonia
	172	1.64%	Canada
	154	1.47%	Australia
	137	1.30%	France
	117	1.11%	Germany
	114	1.09%	Netherlands
	98	0.93%	Madagascar
	78	0.74%	New Zealand
	77	0.73%	Sweden
	56	0.53%	Denmark
	54	0.51%	Japan
	38	0.36%	Spain
	38	0.36%	Italy
	28	0.27%	India
	27	0.26%	Belgium
	24	0.23%	Poland
	24	0.23%	Brazil
	21	0.20%	Czech Republic
	21	0.20%	Greece
	19	0.18%	Switzerland
	18	0.17%	Ireland
	17	0.16%	Argentina
	16	0.15%	Finland
	15	0.14%	South Africa
	14	0.13%	Bulgaria
	14	0.13%	Portugal
	13	0.12%	Ukraine
	12	0.11%	Turkey
	12	0.11%	Croatia
	12	0.11%	Mexico
	11	0.10%	Hungary
	11	0.10%	Norway
	9	0.09%	Mauritius
	9	0.09%	Taiwan
	9	0.09%	Korea, Republic Of
	9	0.09%	Russian Federation
	9	0.09%	Chile
	9	0.09%	Austria
	8	0.08%	Colombia
	7	0.07%	Ecuador
	6	0.06%	Pakistan
	6	0.06%	Peru
	6	0.06%	Saudi Arabia
	5	0.05%	Cyprus
	5	0.05%	Vietnam
	5	0.05%	Sri Lanka
	5	0.05%	Hong Kong
	5	0.05%	Lithuania
	5	0.05%	Iceland
	5	0.05%	Costa Rica
	5	0.05%	Malta
	5	0.05%	Israel
	5	0.05%	Thailand
	4	0.04%	Philippines
	4	0.04%	Serbia
	4	0.04%	Romania
	3	0.03%	Iran, Islamic Republic Of
	3	0.03%	Libya
	3	0.03%	Slovenia
	3	0.03%	Egypt
	3	0.03%	Singapore
	3	0.03%	Venezuela
	3	0.03%	Malaysia
	2	0.02%	Cameroon
	2	0.02%	Dominican Republic
	2	0.02%	Indonesia
	2	0.02%	Guatemala
	2	0.02%	Armenia
	1	0.01%	Honduras
	1	0.01%	Slovakia
	1	0.01%	Bangladesh
	1	0.01%	Jordan
	1	0.01%	Reunion
	1	0.01%	Trinidad And Tobago
	1	0.01%	Aland Islands
	1	0.01%	Anonymous Proxy
	1	0.01%	Guernsey
	1	0.01%	Puerto Rico
	1	0.01%	Maldives
	1	0.01%	Nepal
	1	0.01%	Panama
	1	0.01%	Mongolia
	1	0.01%	Macedonia
	1	0.01%	Europe