Skylarks - Alauda arvensis

Date: 28th April 2014 - 1PM

Location:  Newton St Loe Village - Zone 1+5

Observation:  Went for a quick walk to Seven Acre Woods and back through the village, pretty deserted in total! On the crossroads at Seven Acre, about 6 Skylarks up together in a line and going down in hedges, unusual behavior! Also two Whitethroats singing in hedges. A few more birds appeared as it brightening up, highlights were Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark, Whitethroats. The Barn Swallows are slowly increasing down by the farm, always nice to see them back! Only a few butterflies out also. Kestrel was sat watching Goldfinches and Whitethroat in lower field in the newly planted forest!

Weather:  Overcast, Sunny Spells, Warm

Other Species: Buzzard, Kestrel, Crow, Jackdaw, Skylark, Whitethroat, Robin, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Barn Swallow, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, 

Butterflies: Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Tortoiseshell 

WWT Slimbridge in April

Date: 23/04/2014

Location: Slimbridge

Observation: Had a wander up to Slimbridge today lots of great birds around ! Headed first to see Cranes nesting first time in 400years ! They were not there but a lovely Gadwall cleaning will do.Then to knot hide feeders where 10 different species were darting around including Rat,Squirrel and Rabbit .After a scout round the other hides i headed for South Hide Where 8 Mediterranean Gulls had just Landed, i got there 2 were left  :( distant as well.No Kingfisher at hide but 2 Cettis singing for territory .Headed back round hides and a lovely little Sedge Warbler showed ,hidden a bit but aren't they always ! 

Weather: Grey, Cloudy and rain at times

Other Species:Greenfinch,House Sparrow,Great Tit, Blue Tit,Wren,Blackbird,Cettis,Blackcap,Reed Bunting,Gadwall,Oystercatcher,Mediterranean gull,Common Crane,Rook,Herring Gull,Black Headed Gulls,Sedge Warbler .

Summer Migrants Are Back!

Date: 21st April 2014 - All Day
Location:  Newton St Loe - Zones 1,2,4+5
Observation:  Pretty scarce to start with, but as clouded over, seen a few more, but mostly just the usual common suspects. First Whitethroat of the year, nice surprise as around 1 week early! Nice to see the migrants coming back, seen around 5 Chiffchaff, two of those were males and were very aggressive towards to each other, and grabbed each other and fell to the ground from about 20 feet, amazing to see! Both Chiffchaff's escaped unharmed but they wouldn't give up and carried on fighting for territory. On the bottom lake, the first of this years ducklings were on the lake, with a brood of six. The Mute Swan was still on nest, so shouldn't be long now! The Barn Swallows are also on their way back, we see around 10 in total, mostly just sat resting on poles. Only one of the possible 6 Little Owls were seen today, but staying well out of view. No sign of this years Pied Flycatcher yet, hopefully will return!!
Weather:  Blue Sky, Sunny + Warm, Clouding Over
Other Species: Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Owl, Chaffinch, Barn Swallow, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Linnet, Long-Tailed Tit, Skylark, Grey Heron, Whitethroat
Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Small White, European Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone

Glossy Ibis @ Uphill (Weston STW)

Date:17/04/2014

Location: Weston STW, Uphill & Chew Valley Lake

Observation: Thought I'd have a look for the Glossy Ibis At Uphill-Weston STW.

It was blue sky yesterday so a day at the coast it was. It was freezing! 

With grey skies and a strong wind.

Parked up in high street and wandered along tree lined path towards STW, Chaffinch singing everywhere with Cettis, Goldfinch and lots of Skylark about, got to Sewage treatment Works looked at lake from path and Glossy Ibis was sat cleaning along with a Common Sandpiper. After a walk to Beacon on top hill great place to spot from! Headed to Herons Green pulled up got out Common Sandpiper 20 ft away ! Nice ! Quick cuppa and home :)

Weather: Grey Skies,Cold Strong Wind

Other Species: Jackdaw, Crow, Linnet, Goldfinch, Cettis, Glossy Ibis, Common Sandpiper, Cormorant, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Chaffinch, Skylark, Barn Swallow