As will follow for the blog this year, sightings are described with GPS points that can be pasted directly into any mapping software and are compatible with google. No OS map references will be used. Where relevant, additional advice or maps will be provided. Exact locations will be provided except for sensitive breeding species. Full list available at www.bubo.org.
A fun day-listing trip with my partner Fliss, housemates and fellow naturalist Nicholas Gates saw a good range of species seen across Gloucestershire and Somerset, with 91 species in total.
07:00. Parkend Village, Dean, Gloucestershire.
One Tawny Owl started the day.
07:30: Cannop Valley, Dean, Gloucestershire.
A exceptionally early roding Woodcock over the road. The north Cannop pond held Mandarin as well as common waterfowl species.
08:00: Woorgreen’s Lake, Dean, Gloucestershire.
Close to eighty common snipe and two Jack Snipe were put from the lake edge (51.812395, -2.539760).
Large aggregations of siskin and lesser redpoll filled the birches, and thirteen goosander put on a fine display. Top prize went to much activity from common crossbills, with several over and a vocal pair showing well in sitka spruce (51.812395, -2.539760). Crabtree Hill was less productive with no great grey shrike observed.
09:30: Speech House, Dean, Gloucestershire.
A superb family of wild boar, a female and four half-grown piglets, fed right next to the car, providing yet more proof of the endearing ferocity of this UK-certified ‘dangerous’ animal as the group regenerated the ecosystem for a new generation of flowers this coming season.
10:15: Crown Lane, Parkend, Dean, Gloucestershire.
Sunflower seed had been put down for Hawfinches below yew trees in this traditional parkland area for the species, and three birds obliged superbly (51.768942, -2.561630). Poor weather closed in and after a few unsuccessful stops, we moved across the Severn estuary via Gloucester and south to Slimbridge.
12:45-14:30: Slimbridge, Gloucestershire.
A productive spell of birding provided the spectacle of a Peregrine harassing large flocks of lapwing and golden plover. Russian White-fronted Geese grazed the Tack Piece. Bewick’s Swans were observed at the Rushy Pen. On the Dumbles, a red-breasted goose of dubious natural origin showed well (51.743219, -2.409867).
16:00-16:40: Shapwick Heath, Avalon Marshes, Somerset.
A swift drive down to finish the day paid off, with a roosting Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Cetti’s Warbler and a good dusk find of a male calling Firecrest beside the car park (51.154215, -2.790708). Noah’s Lake held 3 roosting great white egret (51.157262, -2.811770) and on the walk back, a bittern flopping overhead provided a good end to the day.
A fun day-listing trip with my partner Fliss, housemates and fellow naturalist Nicholas Gates saw a good range of species seen across Gloucestershire and Somerset, with 91 species in total.
07:00. Parkend Village, Dean, Gloucestershire.
One Tawny Owl started the day.
07:30: Cannop Valley, Dean, Gloucestershire.
A exceptionally early roding Woodcock over the road. The north Cannop pond held Mandarin as well as common waterfowl species.
08:00: Woorgreen’s Lake, Dean, Gloucestershire.
Close to eighty common snipe and two Jack Snipe were put from the lake edge (51.812395, -2.539760).
Large aggregations of siskin and lesser redpoll filled the birches, and thirteen goosander put on a fine display. Top prize went to much activity from common crossbills, with several over and a vocal pair showing well in sitka spruce (51.812395, -2.539760). Crabtree Hill was less productive with no great grey shrike observed.
09:30: Speech House, Dean, Gloucestershire.
A superb family of wild boar, a female and four half-grown piglets, fed right next to the car, providing yet more proof of the endearing ferocity of this UK-certified ‘dangerous’ animal as the group regenerated the ecosystem for a new generation of flowers this coming season.
10:15: Crown Lane, Parkend, Dean, Gloucestershire.
Sunflower seed had been put down for Hawfinches below yew trees in this traditional parkland area for the species, and three birds obliged superbly (51.768942, -2.561630). Poor weather closed in and after a few unsuccessful stops, we moved across the Severn estuary via Gloucester and south to Slimbridge.
12:45-14:30: Slimbridge, Gloucestershire.
A productive spell of birding provided the spectacle of a Peregrine harassing large flocks of lapwing and golden plover. Russian White-fronted Geese grazed the Tack Piece. Bewick’s Swans were observed at the Rushy Pen. On the Dumbles, a red-breasted goose of dubious natural origin showed well (51.743219, -2.409867).
16:00-16:40: Shapwick Heath, Avalon Marshes, Somerset.
A swift drive down to finish the day paid off, with a roosting Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Cetti’s Warbler and a good dusk find of a male calling Firecrest beside the car park (51.154215, -2.790708). Noah’s Lake held 3 roosting great white egret (51.157262, -2.811770) and on the walk back, a bittern flopping overhead provided a good end to the day.
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