Blyth's Pipit - Take Two!

Date: 27th December 2016

Location: Blagdon Lake - Somerset

Weather: Blue Sky, Cold but Sunny!

Observation:
Another quick visit to Blagdon Lake this morning, as I was previously working Thursday when Dad/Wayne visited, to see the Blyth's Pipit. On arrival the gates were closed, so we walked in from the road with another birder. After a 3.5 mile walk (there and back), we located some birders at Burmah Road area so headed for that direction. When we finally arrived, no birders could locate since it flew to the right towards Bell's Bush. We carried on walking around to Burmah Road, finally locating the Blyth's Pipit, the bird showed slightly further out than Thursday but it was present. Today it was still showing well but seemed to be more mobile than Thursday.

Once we initially located the bird, it was then fairly easy to keep re-locating when it flew off, with it's bright orange legs, and the different behaviour between the Meadow Pipit and Blyth's Pipit.

We stayed for 2 hours, spoke to lots of nice birders with lots of knowledge for new places (ready for next year's birding).

Even managed a quick in-flight shot!

We left the Blyth's Pipit having a good old scratch and clean!

Whilst photographing the Blyth's Pipit, a Little Stint ran into the background of the Pipit's shot, but too quick for a photo! In the same location we also heard a Green Woodpecker, 1 Great White Egret was feeding on the shoreline (but another 3 flew down to Top End).

Lastly on the way back to the Van, we spotted a Greater Spotted Woodpecker in the fir tree's just off the road.

Thanks For Looking !

If you enjoy our blog's, why not follow us on our social media:

Twitter

Facebook

Pipit Party ! Blyth's and Water Pipit.

Date: 22/12/2016

Location: 
Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley Lake

Weather: Some sun with Cloud, Rain to Finish.

Other Species: 
Blyth's Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Golden Eye, Great White Egret, Shoveller, Shelduck, Greater Black Backed Gull, Common Gull, Water Pipit, Buzzard. But lots more missed.  

Observation: 
Sunshine forecast so headed to Blagdon Lake for the Blyth's Pipit which didn't disappoint! on getting out the van with Robert and Anne saw the bird within minutes!

It stayed mostley at the water's edge but showed the hole time we were there with some following.

Once you've seen it it was fairly easy to tell apart from the many Meadow Pipits, It's stance and size being a bit bigger than m'pipits made it quite obvious.

Last one although i took quite a few shots these four  about about the best ones, still very happy and a great little bird. Hope it stay's for everybody including Lauren !

Time still on our side so headed to Chew Valley Lake and Morton hide. Where on arrival there was not much showing from hide. A Greater Black Backed gull feeding on a dead fish about the best. Then...... 

A Water Pipit landed, distant but Water Pipit and the second Pipit tick of the day!

I've seen before at Piling Wetlands but if this is even possible, a more distant shot!

A much paler bird then the Meadow Pipits and eye Stripe as well. 

An excellent day!

A Great White Egret also landed in front the hide but a fly past Buzzard put the Teal, Shoveller, Egret and the Pipit up and that was that.

Day before Wednesday I also went to Chew valley to check out new lens here's a few of those shots from Herriots and Herons Green.

A  Common Gull bullying its way round the Lake.

Lesser Black Backed gull incoming.

A Great Crested Grebe in a reflective mood.

A real Egret mecca both Chew and Blagdon. 

Amazing to think that 2012 there were only 2 nests in Somerset. 

Highest count on Chew Valley Lake this year 27 ! 

With also plenty of Little Egrets as well.

This one made a catch proving why Chew Valley and Blagdon Lake are so good for them.

A great 2 days was had and some nice people met :) and some cracking birds !

Thanks For Looking !

If you enjoy our blog's, why not follow us on our social media:

Twitter

Facebook