tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7772822792462222502024-02-07T20:07:53.338-08:00 Biff's BirdingHi,
I am a young 15 year old naturalist who specializes in birds.
I travel to my favourite hotspots for birdwatching.
St Just in southwest cornwall and the Exe estuary being my most exciting locations. I have recently started ringing and do it in Swindon normally, I am a trainee.
I will be uploading what I've seen and where.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-52417452874468930462016-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:002016-09-22T12:09:28.068-07:00The second set of secondaries.Hi,<br />
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continuing the theme of subspecies, morphs and all that malarkey, I thought I'd introduce another factor that could make your birding experience evermore exciting!<br />
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Everyone likes Shrikes; they have stunning plumes and an unusual habit of hoarding their prey; they're relatively easy to identify too - or are they?<br />
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While out in Norway we managed to chance upon three Great Grey Shrikes, an adult and two 1st years. Unfortunately I lost the pictures of the adult bird but am still able to study the other two birds in detail. I managed to ring both an adult and juvenile and feel extremely lucky to do so, thanks to Nigel and the team's kindness.<br />
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Anyway the first juvenile we caught was a typical ssp excubitor, exhibiting diagnostic tail pattern and limited white in secondaries along with the typically darker/colder feel. Bear in mind the photos I am attaching have not been edited in order to give better appreciation of tones rather than making it look nicer; that's science!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkOAjIaqnEAT2kSd3s1F1I63tOjeYisjb53hgsxjdw9_Do9p7mUrVJk59ophXIc3XhjjLROYHzhNgMgv1UROmHifvpOyXE8plPp9N4U5QNetXficK4j9nZHKLpJ4uor1cXvse4M46CrI/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkOAjIaqnEAT2kSd3s1F1I63tOjeYisjb53hgsxjdw9_Do9p7mUrVJk59ophXIc3XhjjLROYHzhNgMgv1UROmHifvpOyXE8plPp9N4U5QNetXficK4j9nZHKLpJ4uor1cXvse4M46CrI/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Note black shafts in outer tail feather and black extending halfway down the second outermost tail feathers. At the time I forgot to ask for Nigel to spread the wings to get a photo of the rump since it is an identification feature; white is suggestive of homeyeri (the eastern race from Black Sea west to Siberia); grey is suggestive of excubitor (our most common race). It would be good of me to source imaging of genetically identified bird's tails, however I think it's best for you - if you're as keen as me on the topic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8RIH7M8DFCG3WEDVsLpqSE2S4imtBDNmnDDnmf9oqogGJtuyLJoe4DGa7c1nbM36IS_rJmMTsy8-QQ_w2gmC2yoXjM1ivhTSP8pYlQ1sl6nSS7dmHrpmRFG3mRWQ5oeHlpwdCA9owbo/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8RIH7M8DFCG3WEDVsLpqSE2S4imtBDNmnDDnmf9oqogGJtuyLJoe4DGa7c1nbM36IS_rJmMTsy8-QQ_w2gmC2yoXjM1ivhTSP8pYlQ1sl6nSS7dmHrpmRFG3mRWQ5oeHlpwdCA9owbo/s640/IMG_1135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this photo the important feature is to recognise the scarcity of white in the secondaries (that feather group being the the three white 'teeth' to the middle left of the wing then left of that are the rest). In a typical homeyeri you should see a large white patch similar to the primaries creating a large white wing bar effect. However, with many subspecific groups, intergrades should be taken into consideration with some showing intermediate characteristics relating to their birth (most likely) being between the allegedly clear-cut groups. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtY7sYU3_PvWfn2vokEtGoLHmAszCOAxtor7AY9Ba4m1HiNxPWUv9QKnSnebxSKc8Vyk3AilxodKwRPDWOxFtMf9-xS63ym2X_dhCHJWPeeInRsXR6D1zsNZs1ceF-g2wN2hkdxRyIEw/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtY7sYU3_PvWfn2vokEtGoLHmAszCOAxtor7AY9Ba4m1HiNxPWUv9QKnSnebxSKc8Vyk3AilxodKwRPDWOxFtMf9-xS63ym2X_dhCHJWPeeInRsXR6D1zsNZs1ceF-g2wN2hkdxRyIEw/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used this photo for to pick up jizz and general feel of the bird, which is most important for those of you that bird rather than ring. Although the photo is slightly over exposed you should make out the dusky grey plumage with the white patch in the primaries being forefront, while the secondary patch is barely visible. I may add that the most diagnostic feature is tail and is diagnostic; things such as secondaries, grey colour and rump are only pointers. Secondaries are useful for telling if they're intergrades rather than true subspecies, unless it's some sort of galliae' type bird. </div>
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This picture is of no scientific note (more insanely satisfying, look at that bill!), however it shows the buffier, more diffused pattern that you'd expect with a juvenile bird. </div>
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Right so here's the catch. Finally Biff :P The final Great Grey Shrike (I like that line proves we caught more than one: wow) was of more interest and instantly grabbed my attention both when it nearly ripped my finger off in the net but also because of its wing. </div>
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Here is the bird:</div>
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Now what should 'grab' you is the 2 large white patches; fundamentally the uppermost one since these are the secondaries. Now if you compare it to the original bird. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1BJ50kkE-QiOmc2V7OsmA0sbVjHtb8ewF_5BbMQaXdOj-uDb10Mw9PUh0fC-URy6zdFhjK7jMKvDc4LCvoT-jx66AixvENs67_BQqAG_9w3GI8Fashk3PCvUNUbEtAavTwFXICIUrVI/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1BJ50kkE-QiOmc2V7OsmA0sbVjHtb8ewF_5BbMQaXdOj-uDb10Mw9PUh0fC-URy6zdFhjK7jMKvDc4LCvoT-jx66AixvENs67_BQqAG_9w3GI8Fashk3PCvUNUbEtAavTwFXICIUrVI/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See what I mean now? Furthermore, in retrospect, it also appears paler even though the shot of the previous bird is considerably overexposed. It also presents a nice WHITE rump; all these fatures are leading to one answer, aren't they? Homeyeri. So why don't we check the most important feature, the tail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-Np_gdJxibPQgzVrky_2PPj3qJIFURaWNSD2YaKLX0ekjLeM7CWhD_uS6l_01Ja2SP4qErtnPlBBcjnbQ-oeIUEkcwMrvURxgpCUh0lTqMHXV5IK0uKHucsKPCPfVnCUdT_5Vqfn6RQ/s1600/IMG_1528+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-Np_gdJxibPQgzVrky_2PPj3qJIFURaWNSD2YaKLX0ekjLeM7CWhD_uS6l_01Ja2SP4qErtnPlBBcjnbQ-oeIUEkcwMrvURxgpCUh0lTqMHXV5IK0uKHucsKPCPfVnCUdT_5Vqfn6RQ/s640/IMG_1528+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
NO! The tail is clearly the same as the previous bird's; take a look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQyJTApEnjll921DOF0si1KMXKeRa4tjhYFnaS3Jaa_vZRpEPAKMZOG8_fdW_4yAfJyKH-FttFARfDmkO44ILSRPQDbhQkOjLQHn8Ul0Ld6S5CK33kglKIvD6v3rqk4knYo6dZnhS0N8/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQyJTApEnjll921DOF0si1KMXKeRa4tjhYFnaS3Jaa_vZRpEPAKMZOG8_fdW_4yAfJyKH-FttFARfDmkO44ILSRPQDbhQkOjLQHn8Ul0Ld6S5CK33kglKIvD6v3rqk4knYo6dZnhS0N8/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Exactly the same. So what now? You ask. </div>
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Well here's the interesting part - for me at least - and for those who have managed to read this marathon. Hitherto I hadn't realised birds such as this existed I therefore RTFB as the group said AKA read the F****ng book! I was enlightened to hear of a form (not subspecies remember) called 'galliae". This bird is supposedly known to posses large amounts of white in the wing(secondaries in particular) yet still have excubitor tail pattern. Wow, we're getting somewhere here. Now, now though, I haven't got any experience with these (and whether they're a thing is debatable) and there appears to be a lack of text on this subject, therefore I would tentatively leave it as possible; for if you were to be so confident you'd only be let down - well at least that's my experience. </div>
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Here's the wing for those like me, itching to see it. </div>
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Loads of white again in the secondaries but again look at that white rump. This picture is far more representative too since it isn't overexposed like previous shots. First bird for comparison again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4OaZ7YGBgbaYYywjEGhe3X9QKV9j-bABxT1M98MRckG8qp6dfGf0IGp23dHu7wLIjpuBMqPFDkTQOiEUMskDztFtQmX6FZy0QdTlFSyr1s4_8Jk8dS7W2-JJdQtJEObkd7p_Q_sU8sw/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4OaZ7YGBgbaYYywjEGhe3X9QKV9j-bABxT1M98MRckG8qp6dfGf0IGp23dHu7wLIjpuBMqPFDkTQOiEUMskDztFtQmX6FZy0QdTlFSyr1s4_8Jk8dS7W2-JJdQtJEObkd7p_Q_sU8sw/s640/IMG_1135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Only tiny little teeth in the secondaries. </div>
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After reviewing (just this minute while typing up now) I would also like to highlight moult. The first bird is already moulting suggesting it is an older bird; bred earlier on this year. Now if you have any experience with eastern taxa in ornithology, it is a common occurrence for eastern birds (like Caspian Gull) to moult quicker linking to seasons. Now like me you may at first take this with a pinch of salt, however I think it could be something to bare in mind, even though it could just be because it was simply an earlier brood.</div>
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AHHH... So there you have it, hope you managed to take it all in; I'm struggling at this end mind! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-18900004774200876752016-09-10T10:33:00.000-07:002016-09-10T10:33:28.182-07:00Hoary for me. The Redpoll chronicles.Hi,<br />
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By the end of the trip our hopes of catching a "snowball" deteriorated; we were particularly interested in catching one for identification purposes in case one turns up in Wiltshire - as my wise uncle once said, it would be as rare as rocking horse poo. Furthermore, before catching this bird we queried whether Mealy Redpolls had hybridised with the Arctics causing there to be a handful left, especially considering many of the birds caught beforehand shared a few pro-exilipes features and even cabaret!<br />
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I would like to take credit for the capture of this female by correctly describing it (and photographing it) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3W6X3aCpXGv4ANilrEutNvTV2nFTkvkl9eVVt9WB0uMnvVrClyyPv8GnQ_UKLMGbAVImJfcLRVHrYw58KlBMddeo_EPmjo_F8Jx7KcE43bxA9BDKytypbPcz3nstsE-kYEQn40OcIe8/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3W6X3aCpXGv4ANilrEutNvTV2nFTkvkl9eVVt9WB0uMnvVrClyyPv8GnQ_UKLMGbAVImJfcLRVHrYw58KlBMddeo_EPmjo_F8Jx7KcE43bxA9BDKytypbPcz3nstsE-kYEQn40OcIe8/s640/IMG_1664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
then nudging it towards the nets: all for science!<br />
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Now in the hand we could study the bird down to minute detail. Nigel - the man with the onus of looking after Matt & I but has by far the most experience with Redpolls - began the identification process by checking its under tail coverts (utc):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCRbjXalylTL6wWmQPjH6nVLFH8H4NUpUK57IhFl3AXQVWthy4fDzi29X4q6Re2_UmHAk3muo8LPseWsAauUzrjipPaGsi_KTFb6jO7ncV4L39aGX-pNEBZd7PB3teOWXnL5qWACyh4/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCRbjXalylTL6wWmQPjH6nVLFH8H4NUpUK57IhFl3AXQVWthy4fDzi29X4q6Re2_UmHAk3muo8LPseWsAauUzrjipPaGsi_KTFb6jO7ncV4L39aGX-pNEBZd7PB3teOWXnL5qWACyh4/s640/IMG_1694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can tell this bird's utcs are bob on: pure white with no dark shafts AT ALL. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv2lPkQZgvGmeC5-_q1aS45QKVbbRThSBPwFKNa6JnokuN7oRQzbowM6cPGumOhTdw6I18j5Hvb4jRuMK7Wy_xOn4BS4W6ejFeM-LHFXR0R3-TzNhSbGPaZ87kXUPfxt0U_QGQM7C9f8/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv2lPkQZgvGmeC5-_q1aS45QKVbbRThSBPwFKNa6JnokuN7oRQzbowM6cPGumOhTdw6I18j5Hvb4jRuMK7Wy_xOn4BS4W6ejFeM-LHFXR0R3-TzNhSbGPaZ87kXUPfxt0U_QGQM7C9f8/s640/IMG_1708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a picture of the bird's utcs being compared to Svensson (the bible of bird ringing). </div>
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Nigel then went to the rump:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8afPPMfPDk1xbYGux5gFWl2tG88sykOCQO9-_VuA0OhuCFVfbG3wV2UcQ_qgEaWxzguFVGJCBvTqlhMiSgekrBC_B2Ky_3kJcF85WWNnHw85ZkoCZY04O-KGgJj4mKhbhcyNvVzbZ-qY/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8afPPMfPDk1xbYGux5gFWl2tG88sykOCQO9-_VuA0OhuCFVfbG3wV2UcQ_qgEaWxzguFVGJCBvTqlhMiSgekrBC_B2Ky_3kJcF85WWNnHw85ZkoCZY04O-KGgJj4mKhbhcyNvVzbZ-qY/s640/IMG_1710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a look at that; just like the utc this bird's rump was top draw. Ooooo... How much I'd like to see this in the UK. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICDqychRQCj2HKz4CRdtszCmL-82al9XVDvdZAs9hCb4Dk1N4Ym11V7rzNbYrI98tLQZles8nhyKo0KPuJytARDgO6kJpkmkDLb5RkN8Bs_s20ebfOwKIL_Up9hCQyS4rHmHZ1bQie_I/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICDqychRQCj2HKz4CRdtszCmL-82al9XVDvdZAs9hCb4Dk1N4Ym11V7rzNbYrI98tLQZles8nhyKo0KPuJytARDgO6kJpkmkDLb5RkN8Bs_s20ebfOwKIL_Up9hCQyS4rHmHZ1bQie_I/s640/IMG_1681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0nx3nYBiac5FIWJgme9RcOTOY0MufJ0aYoWcQX0RxvyxbcqaP-JclXZXrqeY0FoISgyKd29rgbixFTtv4hLNoL51BJooKukYFUk4vjbYW2gn6VMRYK3zvbpc5fX2UbKS6bMxhUykS3E/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0nx3nYBiac5FIWJgme9RcOTOY0MufJ0aYoWcQX0RxvyxbcqaP-JclXZXrqeY0FoISgyKd29rgbixFTtv4hLNoL51BJooKukYFUk4vjbYW2gn6VMRYK3zvbpc5fX2UbKS6bMxhUykS3E/s640/IMG_1706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what are we looking for? Like most of the this Redpoll drivel there's no exact science, yet a very white rump extending way up the birds back is ideal. Some say there's a measurement across the bird's rump can seperate it from Mealy; I'd be very tentative in accepting this thesis. The last photo should help you narrow down what age/sex this species should be. </div>
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The question is, does it fit the bill? Both metaphorically and physically!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBlZxMXa-Z4IT7NwhvDSVDWxio-8DO-u5oz6N-Whh2x5PWj7Qqo9SxyeE1X6am0j30ZqEWWpG13nU7zOXR0qrg5BiAUNbm1ckzgYackFOJwGbdy4UuMYm5l7SUT8HTNAUBCUdSNNQDa4/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBlZxMXa-Z4IT7NwhvDSVDWxio-8DO-u5oz6N-Whh2x5PWj7Qqo9SxyeE1X6am0j30ZqEWWpG13nU7zOXR0qrg5BiAUNbm1ckzgYackFOJwGbdy4UuMYm5l7SUT8HTNAUBCUdSNNQDa4/s640/IMG_1712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course it does! Even though the bill does look rather pointed/elongated it is well in the realms of variation, being short and deep-based. Another minor point of note are the nasal hairs that go rather far down the upper mandible, giving this sheath effect. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1UTebk3-GqOtQJ3UVIBsH4pBu5uvywvQgHjQtbXFhZPd34kD8O_pWg5jvZX2SpjHU4x8VRda1snMmxXB-SymhhZSyRxUgq0q33SUKvjsPnS77O4UuVjunbjOyT9Svji3BAMy4f5HJ70/s1600/Redpoll+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1UTebk3-GqOtQJ3UVIBsH4pBu5uvywvQgHjQtbXFhZPd34kD8O_pWg5jvZX2SpjHU4x8VRda1snMmxXB-SymhhZSyRxUgq0q33SUKvjsPnS77O4UuVjunbjOyT9Svji3BAMy4f5HJ70/s320/Redpoll+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One feature Nigel inputted that was of particular interest, among innumerable other things, were the leg feathers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_4kVXjrrUaq3Z2BOuHMi50UhHPfZ5B3p-G0W230KFrVUyD9Dd3uMUWaAfv3t4U7Z_BKJQ0yV4IY5k7QKqk7J8EkmNui4nGxrdGF6QrQPz1W89An0dFNhrCcEjrc67Tp1rox9pytdwEQ/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_4kVXjrrUaq3Z2BOuHMi50UhHPfZ5B3p-G0W230KFrVUyD9Dd3uMUWaAfv3t4U7Z_BKJQ0yV4IY5k7QKqk7J8EkmNui4nGxrdGF6QrQPz1W89An0dFNhrCcEjrc67Tp1rox9pytdwEQ/s640/IMG_1674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One valid suggestion would be to rename it the Rough-Legged Redpoll, has a nice ring to it. At first this may not mean a lot to you since I don't know many birders staring at the Redpoll's legs. However, if you compare it to a Mealy Redpoll:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULitojhHT2JTiZsRCPnyiabAtNFfnTrDpYrISBO2kLN-vtP5ZR1DmqdugPq0B17fn2HXnNA35dUk1IBbPYnpriGN1qgq5ztFj_G9Dd5oj4-zSIsnK8pF6_7AEIYY3dczDVXVGrSPYYrA/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULitojhHT2JTiZsRCPnyiabAtNFfnTrDpYrISBO2kLN-vtP5ZR1DmqdugPq0B17fn2HXnNA35dUk1IBbPYnpriGN1qgq5ztFj_G9Dd5oj4-zSIsnK8pF6_7AEIYY3dczDVXVGrSPYYrA/s640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think it's pretty self-explanatory. It also supports Darwin's theory as a side note; natural selection causing birds with more insulation to live longer and reproduce. So if you ever see a booted/rough-legged Redpoll you could be onto something. </div>
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So now we know it's a supposed "Coues' Arctic Redpoll" what age and sex is it? Let's start with ageing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEUr-51L95mhDvv1HLjilbQG4Aqtr4lGJ9QZqB74rx-xgZ62fclanl6DoDTfZM35-X6JM1AyVIYbQbuzCUcIRfF2nHBZG4IDTQ8GdZ9q2w8Ul9YWo4v0rXOC_95VzE1fhCZSz6Zm1E0M/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEUr-51L95mhDvv1HLjilbQG4Aqtr4lGJ9QZqB74rx-xgZ62fclanl6DoDTfZM35-X6JM1AyVIYbQbuzCUcIRfF2nHBZG4IDTQ8GdZ9q2w8Ul9YWo4v0rXOC_95VzE1fhCZSz6Zm1E0M/s640/IMG_1726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tail feathers (tfs) and wing feathers (wfs) fresh and no moult break in greater coverts. Juveniles should be going through a complete now so old feathers should be being replaced by new ones and difference in colour and wear should be obvious. </div>
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Now to sexing: Clear white rump, lack of pink in the chest eliminates possibility of a male. So there you have it: an adult female Coues' Arctic Redpoll, ladies and gentleman. </div>
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If only it was that simple. If you have a look in the old trusty Collin's field guide and go to page 379; you should notice an illustration of a very white Redpoll with no sign of buff to the tips of the greater coverts. That description clearly doesn't fit with this bird. That's not to say the book's wrong but is showing a classic clear-cut individual, it's never that simple is it? What I'm saying is that there's far more variation than one might expect (like I did beforehand). I'm also suggesting to look more carefully at that whiter redpoll you find in the winter and not disregard simply because it isn't the snowball you might first presume. </div>
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The question I'm waiting to be definitively answered is whether Arctic and Mealy hybridise, there's a PhD - that no one will fund you for! Did Arctic Redpoll become genetically distinct enough to prevent interbreeding (and the formation of a fertile offspring) before global warming caused a shift in the Mealy Redpoll north? All very interesting stuff, so interesting I'm planning to write my EPQ on it. Watch this space!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-10312410999506840152016-09-09T13:25:00.002-07:002016-09-09T13:25:57.898-07:00Juvenile Arctic Redpoll - where's the beef?Hi,<br />
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after going on a recent expedition to Arctic Norway I was exposed to (what was unbeknownst to me) the Redpoll issue. Here in the UK I get the inkling (ignore my generalising just an impression) that many folk are splitting these Redpoll into categories that don't really exist - I for one was one of them.<br />
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To begin with (I hope to write further posts on this subjective topic) I would like to give you a taster of what I mean. Could you enlighten me on the identification of this bird?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rK8mQ2Lzrm0x82puA0xso15X0m413XUpmup7SRTV2WWdhkyA3iR-fGTVKis8HbWOheW0Q0hmCXmGzj5EIn5DfinuHCxhoyH_hUVt67l_IppQPlXPMzSvfWKotH_2lNIpJ5i65_GMrr8/s1600/JUVE+ARCTIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rK8mQ2Lzrm0x82puA0xso15X0m413XUpmup7SRTV2WWdhkyA3iR-fGTVKis8HbWOheW0Q0hmCXmGzj5EIn5DfinuHCxhoyH_hUVt67l_IppQPlXPMzSvfWKotH_2lNIpJ5i65_GMrr8/s640/JUVE+ARCTIC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoArRmWZtmNAfaW87BPc73w35G-axSyID93pgnHzxiC9c8yK76uq_kvVCmCZmpDUuXpym4bixoJ3nniI9t49mGLNF2qRFzDRRfRLnFqLfqEiu90rzw_t_jV-T61bFqq3JpcnE9K4EE7EE/s1600/JUVE+ARCTIC+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoArRmWZtmNAfaW87BPc73w35G-axSyID93pgnHzxiC9c8yK76uq_kvVCmCZmpDUuXpym4bixoJ3nniI9t49mGLNF2qRFzDRRfRLnFqLfqEiu90rzw_t_jV-T61bFqq3JpcnE9K4EE7EE/s640/JUVE+ARCTIC+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0zf3_JgDZyyPGt-0FIs6fvYAIJTzVes1osUPhNNeCqX3VipHKwu3IET0qJmG3UZiVlcS0D0n7VMIk-n1ULQ2i3lTZWorbQzY6B_l8ZTCo5LfAECJK2SNBUVTGTC_vsLz6-0o2cHGOQ8/s1600/JUVE+ARCTIC+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0zf3_JgDZyyPGt-0FIs6fvYAIJTzVes1osUPhNNeCqX3VipHKwu3IET0qJmG3UZiVlcS0D0n7VMIk-n1ULQ2i3lTZWorbQzY6B_l8ZTCo5LfAECJK2SNBUVTGTC_vsLz6-0o2cHGOQ8/s640/JUVE+ARCTIC+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before going to Norway and having to study each Redpoll as if it was a new species, I would instantly rule out Arctic (it's too brown we've been told all along)! I would then focus on Mealy and Lesser. Now I hope you noticed the bill; supposedly Mealy have the largest/longest bill; this clearly has a tiny one. So there you have it a Lesser Redpoll but wait hang on a sec we're 400 miles north of the Arctic Circle so geographically it CAN'T be a Lesser. It also has only 1 dark shaft in one of its under tail coverts and it has a white rump. Hang on then, what is this telling us? We've got a bird that is meant to have the longest bill of its family yet acquires the smallest one I have seen. Get where I'm going here? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpt7C1AyAI5EB7XnmHp-xJjQggIUOD9KL0QNGg180RDgFbJ4loCRNMEOTxnJRd6oS390c6c0LA4K-fMlrpFfUMZOpCW_mEJM2WnZJ8PzGpJpOX0iwv_nY4Kj2XRE7K1jaBa5UsjbAAfw/s1600/JUVE+ARCTIC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpt7C1AyAI5EB7XnmHp-xJjQggIUOD9KL0QNGg180RDgFbJ4loCRNMEOTxnJRd6oS390c6c0LA4K-fMlrpFfUMZOpCW_mEJM2WnZJ8PzGpJpOX0iwv_nY4Kj2XRE7K1jaBa5UsjbAAfw/s640/JUVE+ARCTIC+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There you have it. This whole Redpoll malarkey is all gobbledygook - yes I know we all know that, which makes this so interesting. Let's not stop here, however and try to get to the end of this mysterious juvenile bird. For me structurally (and in a few places plumage wise) this instantly gave me an Arctic Redpoll impression. I'll run through the pros: small bill, rounded, tiny head, densely feather legs, white rump and only 1 dark tail shaft. Bearing this in mind I quickly went to the web in search of a photo and/or even better description of exilipes in juvenile plumage. What did I find? Nothing. What gets me is how we can describe this as a distinct species when there's no text describing them (at least to my knowledge)! </div>
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What I keep getting the vibes of is this being the same situation as Chiffchaffs: clinal. Collybita-trisits, cabaret-exilipes. My fellow far more experienced ringers also discussed further that night (and throughout the holiday) about this bird and Redpolls, we all came to the same educated conclusion: lump them. Of course this isn't an exact science and we still are by no means definitive but I'll leave this question for you. To lump or not to lump? That is the question.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-16801298346287105982016-09-03T07:26:00.001-07:002016-09-03T07:26:23.086-07:00The Chiffchaff chronicles. An attempt at clarity: my perspective.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi,</div>
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for what seems like an eternity Chiffchaffs (<i>Phylloscopus Collybita</i>) - the mother of all LBJ's (little brown job's) - have been under the microscope. This is not because of the species pair Willow Warbler (<i>Phylloscopus Trochilus</i>) causing confusion. It's the infraspecific differences within the species that is causing the uncertainty. In this (sort of) essay I will include my photographs, my thoughts but will incorporate secondary sources to support my thinking of this tricky Chiffy situation.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Collybita</span></i></div>
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I will first begin by going through the ins and outs of our own subspecies of Chiffchaff: P<i>hylloscopus Collybita Collybita. </i>This subspecies distribution extends from the UK east to Bulgaria and Poland. Recently it's range has increase northwards nearly into <i>Albietinus </i>territory, Scandinavia. These are most commonly found in the summer, with a large proportion migrating from Africa in the winter to spend the spring and summer breeding in the UK. Recently (possibly due to the milder winters) more and more are becoming lazy, residing here in the UK over winter, generally around sewerage works. Up to 5000 - probably more - are wintering according to the latest counts. Which is where the tricky Chiffy situation unfolds... More on that later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3UohSmIvR2Y2JCi81tT6jpq37sDwRgTTx036uPKbMzsnvghACO98qKuQ-0PmFbjZKd7qCj54Il0ffS4-XmgfsL4rtBI4GMuH6P7PUH2qe7XCgUQ2SrNQZcM1KR0Zq8kAdFHn6fZOpDY/s1600/Chiff1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3UohSmIvR2Y2JCi81tT6jpq37sDwRgTTx036uPKbMzsnvghACO98qKuQ-0PmFbjZKd7qCj54Il0ffS4-XmgfsL4rtBI4GMuH6P7PUH2qe7XCgUQ2SrNQZcM1KR0Zq8kAdFHn6fZOpDY/s640/Chiff1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Classic <i>Collybita</i> type. Mantle, head and cheeks show olive wash with slightly paler bill than other ssp. Also note light tinge to supercillium unlike darker, buffier, EASTERN races. Furthermore yellow-greenish (flank) shown beneath wing which is another key.</div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Identification</span></u></div>
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Mantle: <i>Collybita</i> types have an olive green mantle. Ranging from a dull green to the brighter juvenile plumage which is yellow-greenish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2PaIqqgcTxxGut7jUmz-aB7gK8xTOlDmo40wvN1he6R_18Fpgz2lvnD7SoxUWf5VzlpIoq0vg5dVnWQlaXCkmJcEDnEbiNv6R8PzFCq_8_9mrI7dDe7g7OfgJimkKtqb7_xqFlU-7VQ/s1600/Chiff5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2PaIqqgcTxxGut7jUmz-aB7gK8xTOlDmo40wvN1he6R_18Fpgz2lvnD7SoxUWf5VzlpIoq0vg5dVnWQlaXCkmJcEDnEbiNv6R8PzFCq_8_9mrI7dDe7g7OfgJimkKtqb7_xqFlU-7VQ/s640/Chiff5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The purpose of this shot is to appreciate the colouration of the mantle and wings. The concolourus olive shade is equal throughout bird's back, even stretching to lesser and median wing-coverts along with the alula. Again typical.</div>
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Legs/ bare parts: They have dark legs with more of a brownish tinge than pure black. Their bill is generally plaer than Siberian Chiffchaff with more of a clear appearance in the field, however is not a clincher/go to identification key in the field because of it's variability. </div>
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Flanks: subdued yellow tone extending from legs then encircles them to below the cheeks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaRGlAgvPFqYjtNAhXW9DuCjFbGYA4NNvL9SgU3pWbMAaRWG9jWi4zQqNUDUCfP_S3r56AX1bN2VJ_7cPD_DNXG7OwkfSHnLoLp7SrfQfoU54fzrbFMIxOIvjI1oZ9AE_Tp3z232UIZ0/s1600/Chiff3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaRGlAgvPFqYjtNAhXW9DuCjFbGYA4NNvL9SgU3pWbMAaRWG9jWi4zQqNUDUCfP_S3r56AX1bN2VJ_7cPD_DNXG7OwkfSHnLoLp7SrfQfoU54fzrbFMIxOIvjI1oZ9AE_Tp3z232UIZ0/s640/Chiff3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see two <i>Collybita </i>types at different positions. Attributes almost identical but clearly shows on left hand bird that the olive colouration extends to rump as well.</td></tr>
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Facial appearance: pale cheeks with weak, yet clear yellow supercillium. Head has same olive tone as mantle that could be seen as slightly darker depending on view.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T1M88J8OgWdpyQfD_UmcllzV6JjNwXHHiBiGpgVLfCm9mD88Nwr3Wy_6-JuBrpRqvDWSAiHJN832gmb_D1PIe4BCWbKpxyykQ7u5JXCqdKVCRD5G8hP-Xa3YNlViuKQpKvvNhgBYQbc/s1600/Chiff4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T1M88J8OgWdpyQfD_UmcllzV6JjNwXHHiBiGpgVLfCm9mD88Nwr3Wy_6-JuBrpRqvDWSAiHJN832gmb_D1PIe4BCWbKpxyykQ7u5JXCqdKVCRD5G8hP-Xa3YNlViuKQpKvvNhgBYQbc/s640/Chiff4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Same birds as above but this time possibly better for alternative identification; left hand bird showing yellow hue all over body, not just in flanks which makes the job a lot opposed to a paler <i>Collybita </i>type.</div>
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Call: Now this is the clincher generally for identification opposed to other Chiffs. I'd describe it as a gentle weep sound, that smoothly gets higher in the short call. Calls can't be put into words to here's a link of a collybita type. http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/YEEQSGIKMT/XC165231-Tjiftjaf_20131201_04_roep.mp3</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tristis</i></span></div>
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Now for the tricky part. I will try to provide information and some photos of quintessential <i>Tritis</i> types that I have seen/found. But first of all, where do these birds come from? Supposedly these birds represent the far east of the Chiffchaff's range, hence Siberian, breeding east of the Pechora river and wintering in the Himalayas, while passage migrants are typically seen passing through Kazakhstan, Israel and many other eastern states. Every year several of these birds are found (normally by call) all over Britain, including inland counties which is what makes this subspecies so exciting for many. The vast majority picked out at sewage works amongst <i>Collybita</i> types. Sightings of these birds across the UK have been increasing annually possibly due to increased coverage and understanding over identification write ups. However, many still believe some are being picked out wrongly which is causing a major dilemma for county records nationwide, here's my attempt of resolving that issue, to you "lucky" few reading! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Identification</u></span></div>
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Mantle: One of the first things that makes classic <i>Tristis </i>types stand out is the cold grey back, instantly grabbing your attention and making you wonder about the possibilities. However, as many people have suggested in the past lighting is a huge affecter on profile. In dark light generally a cold grey colour comes through but can occasionally give drab brown/grey tint, nonetheless still ultimately has some grey on show. In bright light they tend to show ice grey cast which birders generally look for when contemplating over one. However, (as I'd describe) warm light e.g. dusk or dawn the brownish pigment is more apparent out of any light condition. So is therefore something to take in mind if looking at a differing Chiff. A few sometimes posses some odd olive feathers but generally offer western subspecies genotype so: <i>Albietinus</i>, <i>Fulvescens</i>, or to be even more bewildering <i>Tristis</i> x <i>Albietinus</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPEl6xldsc9fVnlnQSyWaOV8xp67ETvoA4aJojCUSu4KWtnkvL9CGKoycTikkxe7j_MVJogtl1XGdA1jycduFMjHH_tylmubDHlTnF35rcSSzkohDStdAevJuenwm07rHHHWpy_-Y3lU/s1600/Sibe7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPEl6xldsc9fVnlnQSyWaOV8xp67ETvoA4aJojCUSu4KWtnkvL9CGKoycTikkxe7j_MVJogtl1XGdA1jycduFMjHH_tylmubDHlTnF35rcSSzkohDStdAevJuenwm07rHHHWpy_-Y3lU/s640/Sibe7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Thankfully I recently found a <i>Tristis </i>type down Kenidjack Valley, Cornwall which allowed me to amass appropriate shots for an identification platform. The bird exhibits its diagnostic cold grey mantle extending up neck to head. However, if you look closely you could possibly a brownish cast within the grey which is still recognised as normal for the species as declared above. A further feature is the bare buff, if not white white flanks completely different to the olive/yellow sides of a <i>Collybita</i> type.</div>
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Leg/bare parts: Legs are by and large black and set side by side with a <i>Collybita</i> type are only just noticeably different. Legs are best to look at when light because<i> Collybita</i>'s brownish/ochre hue is normally brought out by sunlight while <i>Tristis</i> stay black. I picked up that the feet are are very variable in both types so not worth too much time on. Typically bill is darker around the gape of it opposed to <i>Collybita</i> but good views need to be acquired before jumping to conclusions.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AMoUBUTiDWLuzR9ifOWO-M1yaXLC7rDSoP1D2YFcGtof6Mw0Unngwe73kpa-jCvjhcDptF66lOGZJzVaoDj5CG7j0CsN-GZVAni-0yTdT-uqXNkC1-SO5T3UAMUod4bWNVZwCPJ2UWc/s1600/SIBECHIFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AMoUBUTiDWLuzR9ifOWO-M1yaXLC7rDSoP1D2YFcGtof6Mw0Unngwe73kpa-jCvjhcDptF66lOGZJzVaoDj5CG7j0CsN-GZVAni-0yTdT-uqXNkC1-SO5T3UAMUod4bWNVZwCPJ2UWc/s640/SIBECHIFF.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Same bird. The pose pictured gives indicative features of what to look out for. First of all the mantle, it has a grey/brown that runs into the scapulars, lessers and partially into greater coverts. Furthermore, the grey hue albeit browner reaches cap, also notice buff cheeks and inconspicuous sandy coloured supercillium. For me the contrasting olive primaries and secondaries give a different and more profound look compared to </span><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Collybita </i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">who's olive mantle gently smooths into similarly coloured wings. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Last point of note white clean flanks with only pallid tones near cheek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Flanks: These birds how no colouring on flanks if not a faint buffish far sandier/earthier impression compared to </span><i style="font-size: medium;">Collybita</i><span style="font-size: small;">. A very handy ID feature when taking notes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXT1z4WX1S-frFjvlW4ScSgmrDBRVorsT9ooCsQJaVJfZjtzl1d0L8EMWyjK7WkM-0spxQ9O5CFiEddCPcZDvWPXZytTX7XKxbtDfWPs_Axk6pt9yvQxCQdRzZjaBvEfFxeHRN7lYmQs/s1600/Sibe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXT1z4WX1S-frFjvlW4ScSgmrDBRVorsT9ooCsQJaVJfZjtzl1d0L8EMWyjK7WkM-0spxQ9O5CFiEddCPcZDvWPXZytTX7XKxbtDfWPs_Axk6pt9yvQxCQdRzZjaBvEfFxeHRN7lYmQs/s640/Sibe3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Yet again same bird. encore, buff cheeks, faint supericllium, grey/brown mantle and cap, indistinct flanks with just off-white tint and significantly conflicting pigments between wing and mantle. All these features to separate <i>Collybita.</i></td></tr>
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Facial appearance: In parallel with the mantle Siberian Chiffchaff's have a unique face which should definitely be entertained immediately upon finding the bird for physical characteristics. They have buff-grey wash cap, a lighter more buff cheek and a buff to white supercillium sporadically some birds as above have hint of yellow near front of supercillium. I would also say Siberian's have a noticeabale neck ring which nearly forms behind head. This neck ring I'd describe as a paler, colder grey which can be apparent from certain positions.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnFDsdo4BGf1GcOGxc2-QTxZAUmHY3K5QSFxax40VOdFL0FjYYH4oWXK5ydwmIOQiy-FbZVkKCMZzTlN3qHJ6Srd8tPlKbCUzr2y0biry7BJXjYW2zfqZZIe6RG-LLGB_13SojmrKFok/s1600/Sibe1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnFDsdo4BGf1GcOGxc2-QTxZAUmHY3K5QSFxax40VOdFL0FjYYH4oWXK5ydwmIOQiy-FbZVkKCMZzTlN3qHJ6Srd8tPlKbCUzr2y0biry7BJXjYW2zfqZZIe6RG-LLGB_13SojmrKFok/s640/Sibe1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">I used this picture entirely for the purpose of shade differentiation depending on light intensity. Now this bird's mantle seems to present a brighter hue which is more brown, even partially olive in some ways. Nonetheless, this bird still possesses features to counteract that view: Buff cheeks, pale supercillium, colourless flanks and dull brown cap.</td></tr>
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Call: Linking back to what I said for call in <i>Collybita</i> types, this is the determining feature for identification so knowledge of call is pivotal when out in the field or else good recording equipment at hand to compare or ask for expert's opinion. Link to classic call: http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/YEEQSGIKMT/XC209917-Siberische%20Tjiftjaf_20141205_01_roep.mp3</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhPCSJ1Z91odHVkUJMxtBawOL9F0rjoV1enVc3e08YFCJuqnaQ5X6o_BEVJgxktq0U6pdIetvQ0hDwn6DFzehyn5aCdJgzlh0YUTYUTgPHWgy50ScdBQjOqbIh46j9j1KY1X6RDz6mqA/s1600/Sibe6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhPCSJ1Z91odHVkUJMxtBawOL9F0rjoV1enVc3e08YFCJuqnaQ5X6o_BEVJgxktq0U6pdIetvQ0hDwn6DFzehyn5aCdJgzlh0YUTYUTgPHWgy50ScdBQjOqbIh46j9j1KY1X6RDz6mqA/s640/Sibe6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very similar to other photos so no need to elaborate, but can help you now try and pick out what this bird has which makes it of eastern descent. There are 6 different things for me here which make it <i>Tristis</i> try list them, there'll be more though I'm sure!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0Qn8k3oYgWs7q8DxSn2ACW4pANUFN-9K3xJw4yCOmftHukzd7UzrzvgvZFochQRW7Gi2wsXFxHb0fE3dt_qnBAe43mtyGaIojfl51FRrKrksUzETsf33wdnPSc5-tVzJjmccXi_L2ds/s1600/Sibe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0Qn8k3oYgWs7q8DxSn2ACW4pANUFN-9K3xJw4yCOmftHukzd7UzrzvgvZFochQRW7Gi2wsXFxHb0fE3dt_qnBAe43mtyGaIojfl51FRrKrksUzETsf33wdnPSc5-tVzJjmccXi_L2ds/s640/Sibe4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather shoddy photo and position of bird, although enables comparison between two subspecies. Tristis in background and Collybita fore. Are you able to pick out the Collybita's yellow washed breast and dull green hue to mantle even if shot's not up to scratch?<br />
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<u style="font-size: x-large;">Eastern Chiffchaffs</u><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i> Prewarning: I have labeled this heading as Eastern not Albietinus, Fulvescens, Brevirostris etc. For one reason that I'll explain at the end. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While ringing the team and I have seen three Chiffchaffs which so plumage characteristics similar to <i>Tristis</i> and the supposed <i>Albietinus</i>/<i>Fulvescens </i>but aren't clear cut enough to name because of their "call-less" nature. Nevertheless they do show very similar features that are of note so will try and explain the thinking behind them being Eastern and why we weren't able to assign them to ssp.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Bird no. 1: Swindon STW, 22nd November 2014</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While attempting to catch Redwing on migration in Swindon we (Matt, Paul and I) had the pleasure of catching a couple of Chiffchaffs as a billy bonus. Matt had spoke of seeing an eastern looking Chiffchaff but wasn't ready to call on ssp. Miraculously this bird landed in our nets for close inspection but as per usual we were still none the wiser! It refrained from calling leaving us the unfortunate, discouraging situation where we had to leave it as "Eastern". Here are the pictures:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUJEdVO54GGp4u9ltRADUXJDBwWmuk4KS0SapsVlkRyBKG8OBhkQTw7XwXDcGNNxzZkrZdhhEGz1yUzduKuaiIRaTakD2PbBLrEJOaqU65mQE_Jo7Y3LA8hcSh9EuutawaMLYzqyHZxc/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUJEdVO54GGp4u9ltRADUXJDBwWmuk4KS0SapsVlkRyBKG8OBhkQTw7XwXDcGNNxzZkrZdhhEGz1yUzduKuaiIRaTakD2PbBLrEJOaqU65mQE_Jo7Y3LA8hcSh9EuutawaMLYzqyHZxc/s640/IMG_3659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This bird strikes me instantly as a <i>Tristis</i>, remember the features? cold grey mantle, buff supercillium, dark bill, clear contrast between wing and mantle, flanks clean with slight buff wash, pallid cheeks and (my id feature) paler grey neck collar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So not much wrong with the bird if anything, possible hint of olive near "shoulder joint" but other than that a good shout. So the only thing not going for it was the call and these birds without the call unfortunately have to pass as probable. Nonetheless, don't be disheartened many <i>Tristis</i> types have good site fidelity and once found should stick in the vicinity for the whole winter, so persistence is key!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk_0tFxSAzYGHNWA3C3S7q1JfrifFlfdkv1x7JduIWc-MjI_Ym0Xe3vGlxRLKhoax5HVPBxFNfEpsMawiQoWMSX3VgzawSvg6Sf48AJvrHR0krL5e1TGX7uO3mGksLikNOZNRHFW0bpw/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk_0tFxSAzYGHNWA3C3S7q1JfrifFlfdkv1x7JduIWc-MjI_Ym0Xe3vGlxRLKhoax5HVPBxFNfEpsMawiQoWMSX3VgzawSvg6Sf48AJvrHR0krL5e1TGX7uO3mGksLikNOZNRHFW0bpw/s640/IMG_3647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mantle again A1. But after close inspection some partial olive flickers within the grey mantle make it slightly less credible. Forcing me to conclude: eastern type. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwYeUhdEpf6V-I_NKRJBioRPY5d_q2L1ThyPDo9mJCYndUHxM7yllzChTYu2Im1t6XiqIaHMWmjuC009QZqPRGmQSGYHQTevqvl3ix8JRYqd1UHSvjvBCwDNCPcWH9rx3RzH5rKV4GdY/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwYeUhdEpf6V-I_NKRJBioRPY5d_q2L1ThyPDo9mJCYndUHxM7yllzChTYu2Im1t6XiqIaHMWmjuC009QZqPRGmQSGYHQTevqvl3ix8JRYqd1UHSvjvBCwDNCPcWH9rx3RzH5rKV4GdY/s640/IMG_3654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just for further corroboration and analysis... The light in this angles makes neck collar even more pronounced, far paler than any other part. The darkness also causes olive traces to be invisible which is highly likely a causer of many birds to be misinterpreted. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9e0HmJr6_mWReCS89eg18Yo2_qIVPYPYARMmhrFrJu7VWcGtrFGu1Dqvi_EbPO82YEQUR0nVMVxbt8Tk9RLexT6WJlC0As30nHbmWeY0K84L42euSb_SiAaQ1XvM7YtJvVJWU2_T6QU/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9e0HmJr6_mWReCS89eg18Yo2_qIVPYPYARMmhrFrJu7VWcGtrFGu1Dqvi_EbPO82YEQUR0nVMVxbt8Tk9RLexT6WJlC0As30nHbmWeY0K84L42euSb_SiAaQ1XvM7YtJvVJWU2_T6QU/s640/IMG_3660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A view (for obvious reasons) not attained in the field but shows armpit hair (!) is yellow as a matter of fact! At least they don''t show this in the field make matters yet more problematic. Flanks are still buffish though and head distinctive.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Bird no. 2 Marlborough STW, 27th February 2015</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The morning we caught this bird another suspicious looking one bundled into our nets, however was released accidentally before review. This bird for me was more of a western bird, or central Europe, for its pale shades were localised and patchy on mantle. Thankfully my ringer has had first hand experience with genuine Siberian Chiffchaffs in Kazakhstan (over 400!) so when he's company there's no going wrong with identification. No call once more but views in hand are the best of course so we could study it closely. Here are some pics:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcIJGTZuWYNj0cEU_C67Kaw6CFkcsnd4PXmL26MzYQIDBy8CLtn46Esj4oxgIjw2BwTmXEnUZ97Vr3j36O1zoPYV_hTJLpvgQgT_WZf4CLO192UJw68wQxrFbWaHMGp6nVmsOIOp6DcI/s1600/Chiffy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcIJGTZuWYNj0cEU_C67Kaw6CFkcsnd4PXmL26MzYQIDBy8CLtn46Esj4oxgIjw2BwTmXEnUZ97Vr3j36O1zoPYV_hTJLpvgQgT_WZf4CLO192UJw68wQxrFbWaHMGp6nVmsOIOp6DcI/s640/Chiffy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As you can see the bird's characteristics are very intermediate between <i>Tristis</i> and <i>Collybita</i> this lead my trainer to the <i>Albietinus</i> side. LIke I said, very patchy grey on mantle, subdued yellow, more colour in bill than normal (for <i>Tristis</i>). Linking back to my identification feature neck collar on this a pale lemony yellow with hint of grey here and there,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JkBYydo_dj_cR4eU4fRm9-vPedkkiJwo9rMv4oqF31zHTO1Eq9-YQZKSdcPoNnGFj_3-9-CO63WvRNZdqDRDkn4a-TFwVAYJb_t6PSEBeynq6NkD-HHmsA2LuOmJ7CmA4FYEREZGXEE/s1600/Chiffy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JkBYydo_dj_cR4eU4fRm9-vPedkkiJwo9rMv4oqF31zHTO1Eq9-YQZKSdcPoNnGFj_3-9-CO63WvRNZdqDRDkn4a-TFwVAYJb_t6PSEBeynq6NkD-HHmsA2LuOmJ7CmA4FYEREZGXEE/s640/Chiffy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Another perspective, this time shows a somewhat pallid buff cheek, greyer cap and more of a buffish flank near shoulder of wing. All very strenuous but we'll get there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Bird 3, Kenidjack Valley, 29th-31st December 2015</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My most recent bird to complete the trio and for me the most interesting. As you can see it's a ringed bird leading me to think (for no compelling reason) that it's a British raced Chiffchaff AKA Collybita type. On the first day I saw this bird I discarded it as just an unusually brown bird. But father research later that evening on eastern type got me intrigued... First of all you can see the neck collar had faint grey feather on the tips of the old feather. Furthermore the colour is far too brown to be in the realms of any Collybita. This left me bamboozled because this bird is a) too brown for a Tristis and b) too brown for a Collybita, so what on earth is it? Well the closest match I could find was on this website of birds passing through Israel: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsi026.htm</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufH_f5jcDeB6KnzfTRTpPtw9SLRBSu9SxFd1YhtMFb-6fGKKmbK3S2xI9PBXfL5W2veZPTi1vMdgqD8VbntuU35ySMH15AD4-R0saAmXmFfUwIdwNcKA8MHwU45-z5sFRhq2VlNW-kZc/s1600/Chiffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufH_f5jcDeB6KnzfTRTpPtw9SLRBSu9SxFd1YhtMFb-6fGKKmbK3S2xI9PBXfL5W2veZPTi1vMdgqD8VbntuU35ySMH15AD4-R0saAmXmFfUwIdwNcKA8MHwU45-z5sFRhq2VlNW-kZc/s640/Chiffy.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
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As you can see this bird is far too brown above for a <i>Tristis</i> and also lacks great big buff supercillum which is to be expected. But all these features don't seem to lie in those of a <i>Collybita</i> type, leaving many to of for <i>Albietinus</i>. But I have no time for <i>Albietinus</i> and <i>Fulvescens</i> and believe their true origin is a mix between the true separate species of a Siberian and <i>Collybita</i> type Chiffchaff. Therefore <i>Collybita</i> x <i>Tristis</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AizE7O9W71WkxlMg-GnkkaVjNxFMcofG2SeFX2TswNkoMwhe7y2pcWVGHT9Q-isqe21fn7PsEwxCG-24iStFGMGApZ0JCVXVBy_M9rxTgZET-WCBtHf8UVTwtFeJTaFn6WJTE-Mz4mg/s1600/Chiffy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AizE7O9W71WkxlMg-GnkkaVjNxFMcofG2SeFX2TswNkoMwhe7y2pcWVGHT9Q-isqe21fn7PsEwxCG-24iStFGMGApZ0JCVXVBy_M9rxTgZET-WCBtHf8UVTwtFeJTaFn6WJTE-Mz4mg/s640/Chiffy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another shot this time showing my id feature for <i>Tristis</i>, the neck collar encompassing the back of the head. However the shade is still very brown so unlike any other ssp.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's my bird that I was studying. Two features which I think differ from the Israeli bird and this one is the ochre/tobacco cheek of my one and feather more mottled neck collar compared to Israeli bird.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xiz1pMVV5DGFnPIGNV9yvxnXWFYA-rfYduNyPIDeKz9psLOBt-lZJITx0wGGKaZL9_uqV0dBWvdWKxi2MwRQqzWe_L-FqE-A7nmiEoAYZm512I8XimuqHeX-VP49PPC3y9og3e5EOQM/s1600/Sibe2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xiz1pMVV5DGFnPIGNV9yvxnXWFYA-rfYduNyPIDeKz9psLOBt-lZJITx0wGGKaZL9_uqV0dBWvdWKxi2MwRQqzWe_L-FqE-A7nmiEoAYZm512I8XimuqHeX-VP49PPC3y9og3e5EOQM/s640/Sibe2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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The cheek is obscured in this photo but mantle is a clearly brown with a hint of olive in the wing panel. Its head is even browner on top which is unique, apart from the Mountain Chiffchaff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnWM0EoT9G3lWyy1_rbCjyevF0VfFl8nPeMWmkj0EGnJp50DNpu8IZJZ-urMFj5dLekXj-0nVppcuBJg4ADq_8EuEhNUFUlQqQaXtQeLIwb1iZMeddmdodZmMGbi2sBCTF4DZeoiWgl4/s1600/Sibe3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnWM0EoT9G3lWyy1_rbCjyevF0VfFl8nPeMWmkj0EGnJp50DNpu8IZJZ-urMFj5dLekXj-0nVppcuBJg4ADq_8EuEhNUFUlQqQaXtQeLIwb1iZMeddmdodZmMGbi2sBCTF4DZeoiWgl4/s640/Sibe3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here you can see the tobacco cheek and other supporting features.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIg2DNj8YC1lHRQ688tY42TK-yCrtGER10fFW3lwO3zo5XXsS5De2UdlbK5dFl69J6oxg5JE-Y0OK_KKXQP60hlHDnuVBbQL4lotfoWJ3BnPLM68rxedjnalKlleYPhztmOhwiQ3pcNg/s1600/Sibe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIg2DNj8YC1lHRQ688tY42TK-yCrtGER10fFW3lwO3zo5XXsS5De2UdlbK5dFl69J6oxg5JE-Y0OK_KKXQP60hlHDnuVBbQL4lotfoWJ3BnPLM68rxedjnalKlleYPhztmOhwiQ3pcNg/s640/Sibe5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Albeit slightly out of focus, I find this shot the most interesting out of the lot. Small buff supercillium present but too small for <i>Tristis</i>, sandy brown looking back now and prominent grey neck collar. Also notice buff flanks, characteristic of <i>Tristis</i>. </div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Another ringed bird I saw on the next but not well enough to confirm as the day started calling and managed to record it, this is definitely a <i>Collybita</i> sound, making it all that more confusing! </span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">That's it for now I will try to explore further in future posts...</span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-54421737795823742262016-01-12T12:21:00.000-08:002016-01-12T12:43:05.684-08:00Bird ringing, Savernake, Sunday 10th January 2016Hi,<br />
Sunday was one of those fantastic days you don't want to end. The team consisted of Matt (of course), Anna, Paul, Noah, his Dad, Tim and Graham.<br />
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Setting up took no time, efficiently putting up nets down the net rides that were cleared by Matt and I in preparation for today. Half an hour later then euphoria happened, Woodcock! This is a dream bird, so to ring and hold it would be absurd and absurd it was...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTrfjgTOVqkv0aTa2OOL39xRgDMmjk8uhDZ0zI4zXN8jm1WpXMBT_vZ1vgNlvYCcizdgzhjkKYyQiGadKPzJxWOZSo_b_5MYAgydnrr1KM_E4Zaxz2LS9f31rLCq3IFE1aWf43SvL9vw/s1600/Woodcock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTrfjgTOVqkv0aTa2OOL39xRgDMmjk8uhDZ0zI4zXN8jm1WpXMBT_vZ1vgNlvYCcizdgzhjkKYyQiGadKPzJxWOZSo_b_5MYAgydnrr1KM_E4Zaxz2LS9f31rLCq3IFE1aWf43SvL9vw/s400/Woodcock.jpeg" width="323" /></a></div>
We aged this bird as a 5 (born last year) and assume that it has come from the continent, most likely Scandinavia/Russia believe it or not. This is because satellite tagging by the Woodcock project http://www.woodcockwatch.com/ proves many are continental migrants. It weighed just over 300 grams but most incredibly I got the wing measurement spot on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbmzi-ncJ-AKcmOW7dEOMkjsuQ-cSwPypDgqBNQCe3aYiJzGeGqg-tczEfVhPWwE08jKd6WLSb5LVZST1pWDd5QKyp8IAc8ZzknROVkCepBlXzugDA8dWCQpXGP4fB9uRXjLSSafBe7k/s1600/Woodcocky.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbmzi-ncJ-AKcmOW7dEOMkjsuQ-cSwPypDgqBNQCe3aYiJzGeGqg-tczEfVhPWwE08jKd6WLSb5LVZST1pWDd5QKyp8IAc8ZzknROVkCepBlXzugDA8dWCQpXGP4fB9uRXjLSSafBe7k/s640/Woodcocky.jpeg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep I'm a skinny whippersnapper, trust me those Wellies do fit! </td></tr>
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Every time it wing stretched I couldn't keep its wings in position; Woodcock's are very powerful hence where they travel from and what traits they need. Nevertheless its cryptic camouflage stole the show again, simply stunning.<br />
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Our next showstopper(s) were the Redpolls, 14 of them attracted to the tape. A large proportion were adults (sixes) which could lead some to believe they had a poor breeding season. However, Matt and Graham said sometimes birds travel in flocks depending on age, I hope this is the case, further catches will prove/disprove this hypothesis. </div>
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On any other day these birds would have been highlight by a mile but the Woodcock was sublime. Nonetheless Bramblings mesmerize me, particularly the males therefore catching 11 birds was brilliant. Matt has had a control (recapture of a bird not from this group that has a ring) from Norway! Data like this is brilliant so I'd be overjoyed to see one of these find their way over the North Sea into a Norwegian net; its contribution to science would be invaluable!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87MNlR435mjgw09gxKuI1dlaydFsu3EK8DIW9ggrfdCMB_ywD78C3EfFREdFZEBkcqHC3cCKTdAk_VYzMdNyFgdzPQD7OHjJqQGNcTXV5rT2R5Ds2hBZk_sgmdGN5SxrMl_4ehGs5Yw0/s1600/IMG_7835+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87MNlR435mjgw09gxKuI1dlaydFsu3EK8DIW9ggrfdCMB_ywD78C3EfFREdFZEBkcqHC3cCKTdAk_VYzMdNyFgdzPQD7OHjJqQGNcTXV5rT2R5Ds2hBZk_sgmdGN5SxrMl_4ehGs5Yw0/s640/IMG_7835+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pictured above is a dazzling male, showing off its orange ambience. Matt predicts this flock will grow till a peak around February/March of possibly up to a 100. Now wouldn't that be something?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsJ-9kCDcyPgYcc8KrE3inbJuTQ3JSJDJcChN8VDi381T_aJYCWLz-25Yc1tIaRoV-CbtRpy6bN2BReO1B_lF7D2WxJr1Y2mMOWXnx6NFVJbsZ6RPgHtSVXZ8yDjlQqXH8UntuAZtGLE/s1600/Bramblingfem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsJ-9kCDcyPgYcc8KrE3inbJuTQ3JSJDJcChN8VDi381T_aJYCWLz-25Yc1tIaRoV-CbtRpy6bN2BReO1B_lF7D2WxJr1Y2mMOWXnx6NFVJbsZ6RPgHtSVXZ8yDjlQqXH8UntuAZtGLE/s640/Bramblingfem.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The female attempted to resemble the male but its flashes just aren't bright enough, aren't we men flamboyant, albeit clumsy (that applying to me) and less organised! I still believe the female presents a unique charm and possesses beautiful lemon armpits as does the male.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnxPDoZiTjHyf7oud4ndJZ4jn7MSaCqUi3cTuT_e92DOswaMrqudxuxgcwbQsS1aaJvPpQ9i3LbMkYuK2SoJKKmmRi4ZCpAUGz8SmgWZYsePL6op48DSkxTbx-6btsjEMPnFLZhbxG-k/s1600/Brambling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnxPDoZiTjHyf7oud4ndJZ4jn7MSaCqUi3cTuT_e92DOswaMrqudxuxgcwbQsS1aaJvPpQ9i3LbMkYuK2SoJKKmmRi4ZCpAUGz8SmgWZYsePL6op48DSkxTbx-6btsjEMPnFLZhbxG-k/s640/Brambling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The paparazzi were hot in this lad's tail but he seemed content perching on Matt's hand.<br />
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Another noticeable feature of Sunday's theme were the hats:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM7JMLSNCe7GYGZD9YgqM1rvzQ_b3KzLq3HptjDsLUGqghOA4btwO6tELycW7ZwVzSQ-HlHK3-5EZSc3CV8b6ffkRAfxMiEQr48JgmM5GueW0AcTT5Gidf0qzg6rrvErGjWSGkhFH9YE/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM7JMLSNCe7GYGZD9YgqM1rvzQ_b3KzLq3HptjDsLUGqghOA4btwO6tELycW7ZwVzSQ-HlHK3-5EZSc3CV8b6ffkRAfxMiEQr48JgmM5GueW0AcTT5Gidf0qzg6rrvErGjWSGkhFH9YE/s640/IMG_7836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We all had are wooly hats undergoing extreme cool temperatures (5C)! Hopefully the next few weeks will provide us with out much needed winter weather...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-12003011049800822892016-01-09T13:27:00.003-08:002016-01-09T13:27:53.105-08:00"Mama"... My Grandma's great shot 8th January 2016Hi,<br />
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I seem to be on a bit of spree recently blog wise, but what's the bother? I seem to be enjoying it.<br />
My Grandma visited Darts Farm (one of my popular birding haunts while in Devon) yesterday, eager to find a bit of white this Christmas, but no of course not snow, an Egret!<br />
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This was no ordinary Egret however, it was a Cattle, one that I have yet to see. I thought letting out my jealousy on this blog would be a way of terminating my bereavement. Both shots are from my old Canon SX50hs which looks to me like it's still producing the goods, bear in mind quality affected by email, but I hope you can appreciate what the original would be like...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehATVJOnn61_R4POKnE40oU7WtOKZRUVVy5GoNWpu38Om6Dn_cGy3P35SEfLdDv7WZBV5okuBhi1Thyux_qEvsTH2eo_3sAgwkIGgMO7S1h-8QNM1Q0SaMgnphBGD81L92LuaR-EpOzY/s1600/+Cattle+Egret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehATVJOnn61_R4POKnE40oU7WtOKZRUVVy5GoNWpu38Om6Dn_cGy3P35SEfLdDv7WZBV5okuBhi1Thyux_qEvsTH2eo_3sAgwkIGgMO7S1h-8QNM1Q0SaMgnphBGD81L92LuaR-EpOzY/s320/+Cattle+Egret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly a bit over exposed however I should - while with my Grandma - help resolve these issues. The prey in its mouth is in fact a Worm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL02jd2zN9O9VsB4kfZt1_BjLNBnhhIOqJ8uW3ZYFltcfLmTjmpSn8M6K0lrzVbKoxvxVOBlNO60vn3CfaaSzWrr-4P37lT9GJcEvXAp3LyDEt_L8gXq0o6GHPKrSrXqzW0groGjwvZvg/s1600/Egret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL02jd2zN9O9VsB4kfZt1_BjLNBnhhIOqJ8uW3ZYFltcfLmTjmpSn8M6K0lrzVbKoxvxVOBlNO60vn3CfaaSzWrr-4P37lT9GJcEvXAp3LyDEt_L8gXq0o6GHPKrSrXqzW0groGjwvZvg/s320/Egret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great picture for comparison: note yellow bill of Cattle Egret (foreground), more compact look and shorter neck also straw coloured legs. </td></tr>
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So very Pleased with my Granny AKA Mama for producing a couple of good shots. I hope to use more of her's in the near future. <div>
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Biff</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-3260879682699140212016-01-07T09:30:00.001-08:002016-01-07T09:30:33.166-08:00Cornwall, January 2nd 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi,</div>
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quick last report of what I saw on my last day down in Cornwall. I decided to stopover at Marazion on the way home for an authentic Cornish Pasty (what a joy) and in hope of finding the unfortunate Hudsonian Whimbrel. My plan of eating a pasty prevailed but my Whimbrel was to no avail, nonetheless 2 brilliant species made the visit worth while along with the pasty. </div>
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The first was a "melanistic Pied Wagtail" that I called to my Mum and Dad which was flitting around on a a large stone wall, little did I realise that it was a pristine adult male Black Redstart giving fabulous views: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwjbuzbd1aKbte7P5o4GaweU3n_XFrGF6xf6TICpXS0gSd9cj-2jyl42NdBazuwr1y5wvc88xd6L9mRk7tyXpQGSmEDdIo8J_iMXCyRjsRMFk_daMZIGBucMe_8SZRMKUUNsncVB-JV8/s1600/Black+red+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwjbuzbd1aKbte7P5o4GaweU3n_XFrGF6xf6TICpXS0gSd9cj-2jyl42NdBazuwr1y5wvc88xd6L9mRk7tyXpQGSmEDdIo8J_iMXCyRjsRMFk_daMZIGBucMe_8SZRMKUUNsncVB-JV8/s640/Black+red+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVS3YCoMDTu2uL09R5xkPJ6jsVFGbdqv9NKR_Qt8TZzPm9ow2GMDuiI9afdwvcm-L654qj-g4ag4QiDNu1C8pAF5sgzKdj6xQSgB8LtuFaRJxusVSkMcnoR9dpHOdlNP9pUqr2J-vfS4/s1600/Black+Redstart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVS3YCoMDTu2uL09R5xkPJ6jsVFGbdqv9NKR_Qt8TZzPm9ow2GMDuiI9afdwvcm-L654qj-g4ag4QiDNu1C8pAF5sgzKdj6xQSgB8LtuFaRJxusVSkMcnoR9dpHOdlNP9pUqr2J-vfS4/s640/Black+Redstart.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After another good look around the few Waders on the seashore, I picked up a small dark one delicately picking up small crustaceans under stones, not a Turnstone but a Purple Sandpiper. Views obtained (as usual) were close and personal but constant "hurry up" cries failed me to land satisfactory shots. The first two are of the bird I saw today with a Turnstone in the background, the second couplet are of the views I obtained 9 months ago:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoh6mzyUWmKsf-k_52VFqXicMQ5czKpaOY71Y3lqOdQoJpghuDVFtTesgf-4-IvGKCYQyfL20RPuF5haHfdK7G6WRg-MV9UIGpnHellMhi3IzbyqMsenYmsPA7M6T8r30um2nCnFe8IQ/s1600/Purple+Sand.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoh6mzyUWmKsf-k_52VFqXicMQ5czKpaOY71Y3lqOdQoJpghuDVFtTesgf-4-IvGKCYQyfL20RPuF5haHfdK7G6WRg-MV9UIGpnHellMhi3IzbyqMsenYmsPA7M6T8r30um2nCnFe8IQ/s640/Purple+Sand.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfmmTx2Rc6HY8bJF6xpe3DkXqchhRZymLfbKBrLU6gToI0ibno-xKCsAEgEyUQi8bsDNszEYAJASr8Z1Xubmu7lX-mEquZ8GOj5qKk0qqcJTU85ILxtcIEd0p3QWxDkk12Xj2TY05Swc/s1600/Purple+Sand+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfmmTx2Rc6HY8bJF6xpe3DkXqchhRZymLfbKBrLU6gToI0ibno-xKCsAEgEyUQi8bsDNszEYAJASr8Z1Xubmu7lX-mEquZ8GOj5qKk0qqcJTU85ILxtcIEd0p3QWxDkk12Xj2TY05Swc/s640/Purple+Sand+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just look at these beauties!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCGSR1uNtGdRBkFoYCBOxNsYyy86ax6cqfaD6c72SClX6jtHI68GqRcz7C_DR5Udv4jZRiKa7XrRxtfuCx3ebBIgob1ES8rCHXk6Xf3iRhJ7KxYBcMtR4URIE7BWgpDWdXsXH_TwZ-6M/s1600/Purple+Sandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCGSR1uNtGdRBkFoYCBOxNsYyy86ax6cqfaD6c72SClX6jtHI68GqRcz7C_DR5Udv4jZRiKa7XrRxtfuCx3ebBIgob1ES8rCHXk6Xf3iRhJ7KxYBcMtR4URIE7BWgpDWdXsXH_TwZ-6M/s640/Purple+Sandpiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RR5QAp9ing4WVEx4I2fbfZoM2MakBab04j9gU9IrVpPyLy9r-EJRKVMh1vfTZ1DM182cYTymGMRGg58ln4Yg5Qg1_wb7rKddAHyPvJU8J1FGEqA-T8ZT59yngQWEbyE4syBOFjPjYvE/s1600/Purple+Sndpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RR5QAp9ing4WVEx4I2fbfZoM2MakBab04j9gU9IrVpPyLy9r-EJRKVMh1vfTZ1DM182cYTymGMRGg58ln4Yg5Qg1_wb7rKddAHyPvJU8J1FGEqA-T8ZT59yngQWEbyE4syBOFjPjYvE/s640/Purple+Sndpiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not they swim!</div>
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Not a disappointing day without the - dare I say it - bland Hud Whimbrel! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-28905245948126652202016-01-01T13:18:00.001-08:002016-01-03T05:55:12.368-08:00Cornwall 25th December to New Year's Day 2015-2016Hi, <br />
I've been having a great time down here in West Penwith, Cornwall. Although my resilience was put to the test (yep birding can be movie like) by the extreme 50mph gusts I held strong and found a few nice birds here and there. These are few of my highlights of my trip...<br />
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First of all Stonechats. These birds - for me - symbolise Penwith as they are found on any patch of Bracken, which of course is common here. Unusually there was a pair flitting between rocks on the seashore, the male was particularly showy before it dispersed into seemingly thin air!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H9Kh0TZJ7I6RSb0z8Sms4zbAspJl2S3DIKb4x685Z5SYM8rFqCRzRID2_E2xv1BMqTtYlrQz4-YzLGgziW_yilmJjva7MfSWzSw1wHDjjHuFOd6yEfl86qkowfYdYsNRrpBD3n7tHX8/s1600/IMG_7098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H9Kh0TZJ7I6RSb0z8Sms4zbAspJl2S3DIKb4x685Z5SYM8rFqCRzRID2_E2xv1BMqTtYlrQz4-YzLGgziW_yilmJjva7MfSWzSw1wHDjjHuFOd6yEfl86qkowfYdYsNRrpBD3n7tHX8/s640/IMG_7098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Choughs in the last decade have quickly become a major part of the south-west Cornish landscape, with their call resonating around the rugged landscape. I seem to have become the buff of Choughs (this play on words took a while to think of so acknowledge them), for I have seen them on countless occasions. I was very sneaky this time round and managed to get very close without disrupting their avid feeding session. you won't be able to tell this however, because my hands were shaking like a Wagtail's tail in the strong winds! Contacting Nic who leads the Cornish Chough conservation project enabled me to know who these birds were: 2 yearlings who may have been in pursuit of there parents or have just reached independency. I did warn you on how bad these shots are, so grin and bear it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGmmxHyWawfxCUqZr7AwuJCI-kSP8j_0qWHYdm0nOelmG0IOPuyWqgWmp_jA1HPLKAOegUb-deR7mWbJWhfuznlHGNvqZ9omu-UTFe6aQJJdWpyGAqFCTnL-2tlz_cdke8nzsDjW3P5g/s1600/IMG_7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGmmxHyWawfxCUqZr7AwuJCI-kSP8j_0qWHYdm0nOelmG0IOPuyWqgWmp_jA1HPLKAOegUb-deR7mWbJWhfuznlHGNvqZ9omu-UTFe6aQJJdWpyGAqFCTnL-2tlz_cdke8nzsDjW3P5g/s640/IMG_7137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TX54aHrgwts9NKRkgkQrNqpxo3WPqkZ4PsrPhqGqhb4RyImNRSEA4buD7gLIgYY7fi5ur5OcDHkis3SIPdN-dmcMpBXDTwQvk3WA4enxMRCSGXgPy_0qE4B-1KzTxCVNZRVvV3jy7jI/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TX54aHrgwts9NKRkgkQrNqpxo3WPqkZ4PsrPhqGqhb4RyImNRSEA4buD7gLIgYY7fi5ur5OcDHkis3SIPdN-dmcMpBXDTwQvk3WA4enxMRCSGXgPy_0qE4B-1KzTxCVNZRVvV3jy7jI/s640/IMG_7147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next on the list is a bit of a mouthful. A Devil's Coach Horse Beetle, no it's not a typo!<br />
A couple of hundred metres further on than the Choughs I noticed an elongated Oil Beetle looking creature trundling across the path a foot in front of me. I knew instantly what it was and quickly directed it onto my hand. A kilometre walk on my hands were starting to hurt from its powerful jaws. But just around the corner my parents had "set up camp" for coffee and I could release it while they were drinking affording them good views. Thankfully from my perspective it gave its diagnostic and rather menacing, earwig-like, unworldly, alien etc. etc. pose. Didn't catch the moment but some nice shots nonetheless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOxNC5nIhvsDaJhBTePQxZx-YvAiHNwqi7RqJxfm8nUYpRkTHy-WBAKhjkl98W2-mrfSfXzYEQMq65djOmku_E2eXkvxC__D84XLI_oMSTMcwv41ldFmLIXyhppNBjNvvXJQyXbEozI0/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOxNC5nIhvsDaJhBTePQxZx-YvAiHNwqi7RqJxfm8nUYpRkTHy-WBAKhjkl98W2-mrfSfXzYEQMq65djOmku_E2eXkvxC__D84XLI_oMSTMcwv41ldFmLIXyhppNBjNvvXJQyXbEozI0/s640/IMG_7155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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even though my photos are equivalent to modern art (abstract and horrible don't take offence just my opinion) it does in fact show a Merlin hawking round the cliff edge at Nanquidno. At first I thought it was a Swift and I was getting that incessant adrenaline rush with Pallid Swift in mind. Only to have a nice disappointment of it being a male Merlin! The wind was so strong it managed to keep the bird stationary for a minute until it effortlessly departed at pace round the cliff edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQHn7CO4J0FgYABK1NGLrtiVMbDVj8qCMvNDc-MQ5IRs7G5rIy0OGUv8K-G-v489Ru2JCwtYnrPOIY9JyCXEvTaBCUcOpgz7EKnWtIfmJDRjLCggH2zzFMieG7lEUsQTiPEnHOfqa7kk/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQHn7CO4J0FgYABK1NGLrtiVMbDVj8qCMvNDc-MQ5IRs7G5rIy0OGUv8K-G-v489Ru2JCwtYnrPOIY9JyCXEvTaBCUcOpgz7EKnWtIfmJDRjLCggH2zzFMieG7lEUsQTiPEnHOfqa7kk/s640/IMG_7475.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I didn't attain a good enough photo to post on my blog I think it's worth mentioning regular encounters with the Regulus kind, AKA Crests. Throughout my walks down into Cot Valley I was chaperoned by them, 10s of Goldcrests called from either side while Firecrests allowed fleeting glances as they light-footedly escalated Ivy bushes in pursuit of diminutive insects.<br />
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Common Scoters have always eluded me, distant unless ill and practically always at sea. Many people find large flocks migrating round prominent headlands. But I was one of the fortunate ones to see a less fortunate bird. This 1st winter female was just off Cot valley, bear in mind this is no cove just a stretch of coastline! Always getting further away, the bird didn't allow especially good photographic opportunities. I realise that I'm like a broken record but again the wind made me shake like a rattlesnake's tail!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFxS9_I6gxC59wr_VhSbcSkZ9sZXCQI2ZWh9FX3O_qdqDGNeAKeHpMeLPGGHTFQykG5wEpHk3AV7ELcqSYkF1CmtRfWdGLEKXDVC37XICTuW17-dnNj3OVbu26R2bAv9tfB_-n5NmTAo/s1600/CommonScoter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFxS9_I6gxC59wr_VhSbcSkZ9sZXCQI2ZWh9FX3O_qdqDGNeAKeHpMeLPGGHTFQykG5wEpHk3AV7ELcqSYkF1CmtRfWdGLEKXDVC37XICTuW17-dnNj3OVbu26R2bAv9tfB_-n5NmTAo/s640/CommonScoter1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcRQRqG_had12ZZ78y30Id9cnDj_PZ8h3yARmrtQVTDEAlQxtoy19lkjpMw1bZWqQXAt3xlhSJKIUjvl2Vu-Mvzfg3PkdYv15BAL_JPmI0yWfaKjIa8kQo2OA3HMvDNSiQE2BA8VJBM/s1600/CommonScoter2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcRQRqG_had12ZZ78y30Id9cnDj_PZ8h3yARmrtQVTDEAlQxtoy19lkjpMw1bZWqQXAt3xlhSJKIUjvl2Vu-Mvzfg3PkdYv15BAL_JPmI0yWfaKjIa8kQo2OA3HMvDNSiQE2BA8VJBM/s640/CommonScoter2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now to one of my most jaw-dropping episodes of the holiday gladly presented by the Great Northern Divers. These steeply browed loons travel from the northernmost reaches of Europe to winter grounds in places such as Penzance/Newlyn in search of a good spot of Common Shore Crab. While at Newlyn harbour realising the wind may force them in for cover I decided to walk on the wooden rafts in search of some. It was the correct decision, I came within 10 foot of a bird who kindly posed to counteract the horrendous light situation that has been going on since I had arrived. There were 4 in total. For me these are some of my best shots, I hope you agree:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZmaCeEsEzkm_HybBtiIEEQ4LI5izmcLopCJTtzhyphenhyphenZhn4PSY71bc9z_3xJJpR0WHRUcMgN5Rh2v2Y9BgWcIfapLiOwb7v9SlbCRG_nO5wR2rh4ObKD7HiE_RJBayKRV_7Dsfns8Pfr2U/s1600/GND2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZmaCeEsEzkm_HybBtiIEEQ4LI5izmcLopCJTtzhyphenhyphenZhn4PSY71bc9z_3xJJpR0WHRUcMgN5Rh2v2Y9BgWcIfapLiOwb7v9SlbCRG_nO5wR2rh4ObKD7HiE_RJBayKRV_7Dsfns8Pfr2U/s640/GND2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I will post a separate piece on a beloved somewhat drab bird soon...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-1839911432637846712015-11-23T12:49:00.000-08:002015-11-24T09:25:23.937-08:00Smew, Corsham Lake. Lifer in Wiltshire! 22/11/2015Hi, after checking the local bird reports I noticed that the Smew that wintered last year on Corsham Lake had returned. These (inevitably) are a rare bird for an inland site, let alone Wiltshire. It was a female with a stunning coppery red head: pristine winter plumage.<br />
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Just before my footie match yesterday - Sunday - I informed my Dad of this treat ten minutes away, he was very obliging. Off we went 2 hours before kick off to enjoy the splendour of this diving duck.<br />
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As soon as we arrived I noticed it; the beautifully delicate build coupled with the incessant diving gave the bird a unique jizz. Surprisingly tame the bird drifted to within 4-5 metres of me which I'm sure is a very unique experience. Passers by were oblivious to its presence only interested in feeding the hybrid Call Ducks further down... This has spurred me on to visit this site more often as it's so close, previous records include all the Grebes apart from Slavonian which could set my target of finding the missing link although highly unlikely! However, it is a very public area therefore disturbance is a nuisance, but could work in my favour as birds could become (as the Smew has) very accustomed to our presence, allowing fantastic photographic opportunities!<br />
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Before you're displeased with my pixelated shots, take my word for it, I'll be back for more. Hopefully an hour session to get one magical capture.<br />
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Enough of this jibber-jabber let's see the star of the show, I present the Smew:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZFWqRbXedY-jzVu7-shy_gDwAq974GiPgqErVTSxj-lk49P3TFFt4OpmJOv513JCI-IljtQ0gqxQO4HJqmx6-MIjNn_x9iKe_SwOGRdlMFErAA5ieAXyAh2cKDSUnWWGTtK_oEkguzc/s1600/IMG_7019+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZFWqRbXedY-jzVu7-shy_gDwAq974GiPgqErVTSxj-lk49P3TFFt4OpmJOv513JCI-IljtQ0gqxQO4HJqmx6-MIjNn_x9iKe_SwOGRdlMFErAA5ieAXyAh2cKDSUnWWGTtK_oEkguzc/s640/IMG_7019+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Le832dVt2fNgZHib-9ook2iLhMMHs5I3YLsuKlGsu3UqdQEIRgTsyktY8QLuND02u8JxPAL-JXbi2vMBT5Vq9eb1ZEfgPr_WbtZa_iUfwKrk-QDPW213SALmCefFKViH9ThnuqUsL-Y/s1600/IMG_6996+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Le832dVt2fNgZHib-9ook2iLhMMHs5I3YLsuKlGsu3UqdQEIRgTsyktY8QLuND02u8JxPAL-JXbi2vMBT5Vq9eb1ZEfgPr_WbtZa_iUfwKrk-QDPW213SALmCefFKViH9ThnuqUsL-Y/s640/IMG_6996+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbbfQ4_35f0S86t3ukg1aoo1z0PFY7FffiLwAZFfWS0xu6O3cBjVTZUzpXr8pDkyPc7CJ6tXruAGxZbpeFvd_oaq3oAl7iyGBEVouI27TaewrfHfshV0wJ5tmI_jyqwOJSqWWSQxGiEQ/s1600/IMG_6976+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbbfQ4_35f0S86t3ukg1aoo1z0PFY7FffiLwAZFfWS0xu6O3cBjVTZUzpXr8pDkyPc7CJ6tXruAGxZbpeFvd_oaq3oAl7iyGBEVouI27TaewrfHfshV0wJ5tmI_jyqwOJSqWWSQxGiEQ/s640/IMG_6976+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison between a Great-Crested Grebe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO1fGfwPEhkywftDrZJ6EjGw2e37JHukaM4Ra7j-gDgbFw5N81BzwemKk_mFzivYxWJDTb9QtJvU8sljfVq6d8NbUUOJCTj-epPd-449vG1XYHpUk1udb2gNoTJ6qixfcfUiDLFxkpEI/s1600/IMG_6983+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO1fGfwPEhkywftDrZJ6EjGw2e37JHukaM4Ra7j-gDgbFw5N81BzwemKk_mFzivYxWJDTb9QtJvU8sljfVq6d8NbUUOJCTj-epPd-449vG1XYHpUk1udb2gNoTJ6qixfcfUiDLFxkpEI/s640/IMG_6983+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great-Crested Grebe. Juvenile, or should I say 1st winter?</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-20490239937269312732015-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:002015-10-07T07:27:28.956-07:00Caithness, a new adventure 6th-10th August 2015Hi,<br />
I've had a fantastic time since I haven't been blogging and thought I'd catch up on a few things, this along with my well travelled, fellow naturalist Granny AKA "Mama"...<br />
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On the way up we enjoyed views of some great Scottish birds. Near Loch of the Lowes we received great views of an Osprey crossing the road, my best view ever, Red Grouse, Siskin and Yellowhammer followed. Later on we chanced across a flock of Lapwing, exactly 100 in total! It's a shame however this being classed as a highlight... We should have seen these post-breeding flocks regularly throughout the journey, but only one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeepSYICjXMmv4gDx4Q_afMKzD8bxBdEdsC64cv5nxZjd1DqNXAikX08qpHbqTIuRiMjJX70rEJb1GIedBd1hjcPqj57p2R9E6FeLdkYzidA7sYvMfG9Ox2qqasQagFQ0dGAWRvlYz-U/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeepSYICjXMmv4gDx4Q_afMKzD8bxBdEdsC64cv5nxZjd1DqNXAikX08qpHbqTIuRiMjJX70rEJb1GIedBd1hjcPqj57p2R9E6FeLdkYzidA7sYvMfG9Ox2qqasQagFQ0dGAWRvlYz-U/s640/IMG_3058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we got to the area of Caithness we entered the famous Forsinard Flows, which holds may of the special breeding wader records. Temminck's Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Whimbrel and Pectoral Sandpiper possibly! With the more common yet still scarce waders such as Dunlin breeding in incredible densities. We went round the perimeter but were able to see the incredibly flat, pristine blanket bog for miles. We decided to have a break at a small loch and encountered two lovely birds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPeKIXVbZIvZxw74QYx_FBbPB1itzb2_p_QsbklDQ49M6Ves9eHE1UZiWU18MiFDM5tJJ0di5Bd8vzLUfP2uWyPQjailF2yTxtkVdT8toI47etes5y6zh4xAGMuIuERo08IuLnSzSjU/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPeKIXVbZIvZxw74QYx_FBbPB1itzb2_p_QsbklDQ49M6Ves9eHE1UZiWU18MiFDM5tJJ0di5Bd8vzLUfP2uWyPQjailF2yTxtkVdT8toI47etes5y6zh4xAGMuIuERo08IuLnSzSjU/s640/IMG_3137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant, but a Red-Throated Diver stretching its wings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh0qmQZAELcDnk5D8KkTdmaxjSk8Xt0H2KIWbwYSH_mSvPsq-f0w9p8mnRn0FiMJnNIPN51HJuzgsazoPghgEtn4KjkPlwgiF6bkFVSfV5qePJxjds3gECN21KssOSdEqBa49UceJZKw/s1600/IMG_3140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh0qmQZAELcDnk5D8KkTdmaxjSk8Xt0H2KIWbwYSH_mSvPsq-f0w9p8mnRn0FiMJnNIPN51HJuzgsazoPghgEtn4KjkPlwgiF6bkFVSfV5qePJxjds3gECN21KssOSdEqBa49UceJZKw/s640/IMG_3140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wet yet beautiful male Reed Bunting withstanding 'typical' Scottish Weather, bad stereotype.</td></tr>
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In the evening at Scrabster, a pair of Peregrines strutted their stuff above our heads, sadly silhouetted...<br />
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The following morning I woke up early in the morning (in excitement) to be presented by a wonderful sunrise...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9IRUykx1Ix5vGOnu_Aw_XxKNXYLwEPa22F_Jyy2ybJm4l4ms4joFbIe04kUhPOF2fB1x1zWDHxJynOMvWRZnS4_5ZanAmbnrkm2h5eTRBV9z0hLwi-_tD2kxEaJJp-7GDjIPI-2S3TU/s1600/IMG_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9IRUykx1Ix5vGOnu_Aw_XxKNXYLwEPa22F_Jyy2ybJm4l4ms4joFbIe04kUhPOF2fB1x1zWDHxJynOMvWRZnS4_5ZanAmbnrkm2h5eTRBV9z0hLwi-_tD2kxEaJJp-7GDjIPI-2S3TU/s640/IMG_3281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just to the left of this shot I carried down along the path, only to have two diminutive Waders sway their way towards the rocks. I was expecting them to be some Turnstones, however had a nice surprise! Bobbing, brown, blobs (great alliteration)! 2 Common Sandpipers, a juvenile aged by scaling on its back and an adult. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGJrjoZ2IOlsDCjXUTC1u_sf6nTIGaZmOBWacfclzrvzDvRS7kMxAsRvbeFWzDlyL8HFKmFE6cWqWcgRYARTXerrgciwv2NYjTW4cAQFXad6rvgFfnql49WtugyuoC-jOr-19cODRuPA/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGJrjoZ2IOlsDCjXUTC1u_sf6nTIGaZmOBWacfclzrvzDvRS7kMxAsRvbeFWzDlyL8HFKmFE6cWqWcgRYARTXerrgciwv2NYjTW4cAQFXad6rvgFfnql49WtugyuoC-jOr-19cODRuPA/s640/IMG_3301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HIrll6xOlGYihMN8gw3EbEhtpj9GAhryu6xPfwNuC6hdqGOXoHSkuUXJnSHx-ALLSm_d_UImGKKDcHurwJjI9FJPAWheM127yyJPWP_EiFyhCjjIgkSQqbCTgZGMr8rhjiY0RU4tF3Y/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HIrll6xOlGYihMN8gw3EbEhtpj9GAhryu6xPfwNuC6hdqGOXoHSkuUXJnSHx-ALLSm_d_UImGKKDcHurwJjI9FJPAWheM127yyJPWP_EiFyhCjjIgkSQqbCTgZGMr8rhjiY0RU4tF3Y/s640/IMG_3327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was clear that they were migrants, very shifty, only allowing distant photos like these ones. But to eliminate the possibility of Spotted Sandpiper I managed shots of their wing patterns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk-YgoRLmx3aLImNuwDbJg8dtt8Iq-PdIruFw4uau8azUMhM-v3ibAuavIcbDt5YX9goMib-pYspRGiam3kQX6Lt9fuX6XMyyF9QfNKFB7to6Vt2_TVixe0B4CVB9vACtLoP1G_rIABk/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk-YgoRLmx3aLImNuwDbJg8dtt8Iq-PdIruFw4uau8azUMhM-v3ibAuavIcbDt5YX9goMib-pYspRGiam3kQX6Lt9fuX6XMyyF9QfNKFB7to6Vt2_TVixe0B4CVB9vACtLoP1G_rIABk/s640/IMG_3344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortuantely still distant. Spotted Sandpiper (their North American species pair) would have had a less distinct wingbar, not joining with the tail feathers. Redshank and Dunlin, however, were far more co-operative.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjDl7svgsEE__9RGIAV8INM4O3lu36mOj28CxwjKjmKHBmuELFeMGKB4Y22pB6vp5eVWQR29LVMDYa13zqfRYrYmOaT_KNi8MxupEabSw4yyg1bR5i5vM_M5agL3wzrhyAdn2EUO8W98/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjDl7svgsEE__9RGIAV8INM4O3lu36mOj28CxwjKjmKHBmuELFeMGKB4Y22pB6vp5eVWQR29LVMDYa13zqfRYrYmOaT_KNi8MxupEabSw4yyg1bR5i5vM_M5agL3wzrhyAdn2EUO8W98/s640/IMG_3342.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UcYoJmKwQ-nrz7tj8cBCxyy9D1zR2MiahGNlify95DKm0Hx5aXT0v4f_muCusBIczLmQ5PZ0KXVXUs-d5WrphhBdq4TwP81ynArMAyH7b5M2TqqBoRb1CXyzKld9z9RNA7mk7Y1l0xQ/s1600/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UcYoJmKwQ-nrz7tj8cBCxyy9D1zR2MiahGNlify95DKm0Hx5aXT0v4f_muCusBIczLmQ5PZ0KXVXUs-d5WrphhBdq4TwP81ynArMAyH7b5M2TqqBoRb1CXyzKld9z9RNA7mk7Y1l0xQ/s640/IMG_3414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later on we visited Dunnet Bay, sheltered by the most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head. 7 Great Northern Divers were using this bay, some in stonking summer plumage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dxQA_3jHuH-sHOD2cfbDxFyCULw1KMG3BOdyFKB-LyuFqbXKowV9nuuhNcDc-Dz1nIf2LnHqzgP7RcTGjhT8KzmfAr5LG2yC1Cb3BkZ-t4hjncVLIGTLQA9rO3A2ITsKO4YUdHCszEk/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dxQA_3jHuH-sHOD2cfbDxFyCULw1KMG3BOdyFKB-LyuFqbXKowV9nuuhNcDc-Dz1nIf2LnHqzgP7RcTGjhT8KzmfAr5LG2yC1Cb3BkZ-t4hjncVLIGTLQA9rO3A2ITsKO4YUdHCszEk/s640/IMG_3432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the outskirts of the bay were loads of tiny Calidrid type Waders. Distressingly disturbed rather frequently by dog walkers/tourists. Totally oblivious to birds that may have travelled thousands of miles just beforehand. This was certainly the case for a flock of Sanderling, interestingly not whizzing along the surf but roosting on some rocks, possibly trying to escape the constant disturbance. These birds had either come from Greenland or any other high arctic staging ground.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF5bG_8slsDOjQVomPmwOXmfthMBkWemi3_AItu84tz4GORqAmEcuOi8Pt5Mljbl0KacJC4ppIS6W85G_Ddk7HggXlSFHc0dd-gYR6a5AoyY0Oqj1tZ_lsP-UxSD7qoeqyQX530FCWig/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF5bG_8slsDOjQVomPmwOXmfthMBkWemi3_AItu84tz4GORqAmEcuOi8Pt5Mljbl0KacJC4ppIS6W85G_Ddk7HggXlSFHc0dd-gYR6a5AoyY0Oqj1tZ_lsP-UxSD7qoeqyQX530FCWig/s640/IMG_3440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day we went the full distance by visiting Dunnet Head. The most interesting bird or should I say birds. Was one fluffball and a pair of Red-Throated Divers. That fluffball was inevitably the chick, thick with down feathers to prevent the cool loch from getting to it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27jYST4UT0uGK-M6qhvuGdsGIZX-vup-w0PxoOz6JLinYIni3pxeP7_51rRPZIYD_pQXutiQBerYa8tG807qmeqOodzI6R2jJWFp7706NMKem9qnpYz1e2JL-lQPyQySUxeJM3Dd06d0/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27jYST4UT0uGK-M6qhvuGdsGIZX-vup-w0PxoOz6JLinYIni3pxeP7_51rRPZIYD_pQXutiQBerYa8tG807qmeqOodzI6R2jJWFp7706NMKem9qnpYz1e2JL-lQPyQySUxeJM3Dd06d0/s640/IMG_3535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is my first ever sighting of a chick. So as one would expect, I was rather excited! We then drove back (south)! To Dunnet Bay and were glad to see our third species of Tern residing with some Black-Headed Gulls on the surf. A Sandwich Tern, adding to the previous Arctic and Common Tern sightings. My pictures I am very pleased with, as you'll hopefully agree with...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UP44Ip6JXJUoAEaLkNnVhx9mEzmS5yYlfZwDV5SVKz-MkokhA2QRce_oV0AuGXHQita5w9iowqKcrTznbhBYlaeKdm1LL9-Q5PX8ZBC9iue8F4qT92EG0SRilK2ARZW3nTon7a7fwsM/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UP44Ip6JXJUoAEaLkNnVhx9mEzmS5yYlfZwDV5SVKz-MkokhA2QRce_oV0AuGXHQita5w9iowqKcrTznbhBYlaeKdm1LL9-Q5PX8ZBC9iue8F4qT92EG0SRilK2ARZW3nTon7a7fwsM/s640/IMG_3564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRShbYyenF_lu6StABiYdpm2RXr6A1cpO57A7-aRqFrwh26uxMXziScnMSfO39U3WqT6O5GYvJBoM4cT7v5CP-rCxN4EBLUv1iHrYXRPBSNzmttvsSwAJTgVxEhWpZ4WQGMJflj2hQF_c/s1600/IMG_3576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRShbYyenF_lu6StABiYdpm2RXr6A1cpO57A7-aRqFrwh26uxMXziScnMSfO39U3WqT6O5GYvJBoM4cT7v5CP-rCxN4EBLUv1iHrYXRPBSNzmttvsSwAJTgVxEhWpZ4WQGMJflj2hQF_c/s640/IMG_3576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back at Thurso I sifted through a flock of Gulls, with my patience prevailing after picking out an Argentatus Herring Gull or Scandinavian Herring Gull. Named after its more northerly distribution. The darker mantle is of note and helps to distinguish it from our bog standard Argenteus type.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB4k6yyybO2iI-y0iQAAZ1NvZGwoSu599Yb7VCw8u8m4uX5HDh3E8eXQqhNhoLX0w-gmv9LLJe1Ao8Zmf88CtXn-njJYGji1uFLSmu7FE-8kIrHhBqyL-bXw803_gGD2tfVI8v0NsuTw/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB4k6yyybO2iI-y0iQAAZ1NvZGwoSu599Yb7VCw8u8m4uX5HDh3E8eXQqhNhoLX0w-gmv9LLJe1Ao8Zmf88CtXn-njJYGji1uFLSmu7FE-8kIrHhBqyL-bXw803_gGD2tfVI8v0NsuTw/s640/IMG_3569.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right hand bird with Argenteus to the left for comparison. Just look at the mantle (back) shade, colder.</td></tr>
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We went to St. John's loch the next day after picking up the shockwaves produced by the groundbreaking sightings produced at St. John's pool, coincidentally a Sandwich tern colony. The surrounding area was well searched by us. Whimbrel and Ruff was found! The Ruff was the first of (too) many, well you can't get enough of Ruff's can you!?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI93ybKJ-V1QGj-vgLceiOmRNxe_h-Hi2ySMA1b24GTCnKtURnN9QduKuJdL0qhcFB1QKILlzJovFWVICM5kyD1bcEa-_XVPcy9skzniEqQIjvWoleZLrP7BrGr0oS1EVKIlmewy4Cik/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI93ybKJ-V1QGj-vgLceiOmRNxe_h-Hi2ySMA1b24GTCnKtURnN9QduKuJdL0qhcFB1QKILlzJovFWVICM5kyD1bcEa-_XVPcy9skzniEqQIjvWoleZLrP7BrGr0oS1EVKIlmewy4Cik/s640/IMG_3584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whimbrel, note smaller size compared to Curlew, crown and for me darker wings with a sheen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8WWFWyxPtMCBPOIgnq-aY-j3mVM3IirjIX9ah2QA9sgtrzVQACi0EiaBbuDSd9hCozAFLxs21R1dlBeImppj6T9bZ07tc4L-JPePl5n4KXzs7XgjfaTQbwfgriUizSuMVVRfHgz4WVA/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8WWFWyxPtMCBPOIgnq-aY-j3mVM3IirjIX9ah2QA9sgtrzVQACi0EiaBbuDSd9hCozAFLxs21R1dlBeImppj6T9bZ07tc4L-JPePl5n4KXzs7XgjfaTQbwfgriUizSuMVVRfHgz4WVA/s640/IMG_3589.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruff poking its head out of the tufts of grass! Male.</td></tr>
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When leaving for our next adventure we encountered two Knot's. Supposedly just having come from the Orkney's fiddling around in the rocks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPCRz5iGomptru9mg_UtelzOiI8zYDsiOrp-mId_IzK4_Ruq2LljIHUKTEsRMjXBWnZy97aR7nRPb0eQ8I_l4Aloys9Ir9NVwFP8kdV0NQ7MiYmgfs5WKbs0rbgMRmW8GsSTipwRKX8/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPCRz5iGomptru9mg_UtelzOiI8zYDsiOrp-mId_IzK4_Ruq2LljIHUKTEsRMjXBWnZy97aR7nRPb0eQ8I_l4Aloys9Ir9NVwFP8kdV0NQ7MiYmgfs5WKbs0rbgMRmW8GsSTipwRKX8/s640/IMG_3606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see a summer plumaged individual</td></tr>
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I have far better photos of Ruff and Knot to come, watch this space!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-13899977524634337222015-08-04T02:01:00.001-07:002015-08-04T02:06:05.301-07:00Rodborough Common, Gloucestershire 1st August 2015 Hi, 2 days ago I went to the National Trust site, Rodborough Common, which turns out to be famous for its Butterflies. The day started off slowly with us being sitauated along side at least 100 other people. Not giving a damn on what they might be disturbing!<br />
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Six-Spotted Burnet and Marbled White were the first few interesting species of the day, with the Six-Spots almost flying constantly in search of a mate. Roesel's Bush Cricket quickly followed with one nestled in between thousands of other Meadow Grasshoppers. While looking at thistles a moth popped up and after other people finding them and posting them on the internet I instantly knew it was, a Dusky Sallow, a first for me! One surprising find was a female Emperor quartering the grassland just in front of us, a bit lost I expect!<br />
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After having lunch we decided to walk it off by trekking round the less disturbed hill sides. This was when the first few Essex Skippers started to appear and a distant Blue started to take shape fleeting round at a pace.We carried onto the spot we took sight of it then suddenly loads started to come round. At first I believed it to be the generic Common Blue. However it came clear to me, we're on a hillside and it's made of chalk, chalk + hill + blue butterfly = Chalk Hill Blue! Finally one of my most wanted finds had arrived in force...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI2Fb3KKdhr5NL5qrRMDO5uT3ZC4phJEI8qDi2zv48plO0jJkL-TrjbmgLdJyQgb7-6agfbMjd0helJPxVBx86Cr9NZDylvZj_hLlp4pgCSnqlTMYprVkLWxuV02HLn47pAX2ZqXmKaI/s1600/Chalk+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI2Fb3KKdhr5NL5qrRMDO5uT3ZC4phJEI8qDi2zv48plO0jJkL-TrjbmgLdJyQgb7-6agfbMjd0helJPxVBx86Cr9NZDylvZj_hLlp4pgCSnqlTMYprVkLWxuV02HLn47pAX2ZqXmKaI/s640/Chalk+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdU7lqrBk2HrMEzgfMPm0k9jT3HMdbt7i89mU7zFhJiefJ7xRTaszCp8_JsR115vzCRsaq18-Hi4w1yWf2-i_OdBIYoiOkwgxc_W8IWOiXwf-nVnqw7Pgfua7V2trOIUyXaZOjS4KmLc/s1600/Chalk+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdU7lqrBk2HrMEzgfMPm0k9jT3HMdbt7i89mU7zFhJiefJ7xRTaszCp8_JsR115vzCRsaq18-Hi4w1yWf2-i_OdBIYoiOkwgxc_W8IWOiXwf-nVnqw7Pgfua7V2trOIUyXaZOjS4KmLc/s640/Chalk+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLHOpcZn0pJ-RXjOuaUBxjrvG4mGY9-w7RYRrccyZzNmzSyXH6Ys_1zSUS1CIJNitE1QcrD6bcaf1v4s67iWbFMaN0Ohok3Ir7iweMBz5CZHwUF28edZIYE2BqmNICMEOp5ltXDeoHFg/s1600/Chalk+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLHOpcZn0pJ-RXjOuaUBxjrvG4mGY9-w7RYRrccyZzNmzSyXH6Ys_1zSUS1CIJNitE1QcrD6bcaf1v4s67iWbFMaN0Ohok3Ir7iweMBz5CZHwUF28edZIYE2BqmNICMEOp5ltXDeoHFg/s640/Chalk+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsVlWxiXiD2TtV9eXn512tgCAbXH_GKMv1eKu03B-_1sIvQ31A2h0TLHu5W9Kz0MN2WzS79Qzoe92OJ6_sU2Eg-WKwCSj0_lzm05chtHfCoeaZzyvNz0A-e-durtLpvVaFoG0uVNMGtc/s1600/Chalk+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsVlWxiXiD2TtV9eXn512tgCAbXH_GKMv1eKu03B-_1sIvQ31A2h0TLHu5W9Kz0MN2WzS79Qzoe92OJ6_sU2Eg-WKwCSj0_lzm05chtHfCoeaZzyvNz0A-e-durtLpvVaFoG0uVNMGtc/s640/Chalk+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has to be the most characteristic species of chalk hill landscapes... Out of the hundereds of Males we only saw 1 female sitting quietly by the side of the path, suggesting the other Females were hiding deep in the herbage surrounding us. I only had one thing I couldn't identify, this Beetle... Any help would be greatly appreciated!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo053RbXsmDR2fA-a5744e9Vi9BrPlbbQt-FPYsHi_uvlF1dPlRKPuMyPQtrfrTVyLic2Vzz3JXyL7DNB6ChrYtxVW-ijUO3TZILSmN4oN6TwLbSyW45y2d7ye0SYpA0wrcTSoG0DmnjM/s1600/unidentified+beetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo053RbXsmDR2fA-a5744e9Vi9BrPlbbQt-FPYsHi_uvlF1dPlRKPuMyPQtrfrTVyLic2Vzz3JXyL7DNB6ChrYtxVW-ijUO3TZILSmN4oN6TwLbSyW45y2d7ye0SYpA0wrcTSoG0DmnjM/s640/unidentified+beetle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One thing that brought a smile to my face was the lack of other paths spilling out from either side of the main one. Obviously people knew not to disturb the pristine habitat that was situated beside them. Next year I have to come here earlier on in the hope of finding the Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, what a sensation that would be!</div>
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Pleasant walk and well chuffed to have seen the Chalk Hill Blue!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-5497345565504086322015-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:002015-08-04T00:41:17.862-07:001st August 2015 Ringing Swindon STW déjà vu!Hi,<br />
unfortunately and rather frustratingly I have lost all photos from the second half of the week on Coll! Thankfully most of the action came from the first but still many memories lost :( <br />
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So after my posting being so abysmal recently, I have decided to start from a fresh and keep it up from now on.<br />
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Yesterday saw Matt, Anna, Noah (and his Mum), Simon (and his mate) take to the sewerage works for a CES session. This was to be my first of the year even though this is the ninth to take place. It is all down to me being available for Sundays and them being the day for Tree Sparrow nest boxes, which is by no means a bad thing! Today (for me) one bird stole the show and brought back <span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">déjà vu from when I was that age! </span>That<span style="font-family: inherit;"> being a year ago, so not too unbelievable...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But this was where Matt had managed to catch one of the most trickiest birds in the book. </span>The<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Green Sandpiper, but all of us round the ringing table had ringed it apart from the newcomer, and friend Noah! He started near enough the same time as I did, only a year later, and at this point as with me was when I first laid eyes (and hands) on a Green Sandpiper! Freaky but just shows you how affective Matt has become with catching these freshwater Waders.</span></span><br />
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Going back to previous events we also caught a Kingfisher which happened to fly into our nets yesterday as well, although two yesterday, highly peculiar! </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vsnd0GbR6qviEBUVJym723GTpxgI9mpLfBHFJj5iL-LnbG67jjrDIvXifvZStk4t3c0kGjsMfmIqNDFGYITifLNi_bNHfDQlsSM8UljSQuDCjxFOmKHMwEG89NVD0v6R3AhLQtetI5w/s1600/Sandy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vsnd0GbR6qviEBUVJym723GTpxgI9mpLfBHFJj5iL-LnbG67jjrDIvXifvZStk4t3c0kGjsMfmIqNDFGYITifLNi_bNHfDQlsSM8UljSQuDCjxFOmKHMwEG89NVD0v6R3AhLQtetI5w/s640/Sandy+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt educating Noah as well as me with his recently ringed beauty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to make the Green Sand look good without putting it in an uncomfortable position is a struggle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One pose many Wader ringers utilise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingfisher from this year, shame it was out of focus, all pics from phone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Kingfisher not best pleased with Paul!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall the day was great with some major catches of recently fledged juveniles. 2 Lesser </span>Whitethroats was another highlight! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-46564507712359028002015-07-20T08:31:00.002-07:002015-07-20T08:31:33.003-07:00Cuckoo Coll land, the isle of Coll 23-30 May 2015 part 2/3Hi,<br />
Carrying on from the last post I had just seen a wonderful solitary Whimbrel fly by. What followed was a fantastic display by the local Wader population and migrants... Snipe, Redshank, Lapwing & Oystercatcher all put on a fantastic song and dance for Dad and I to enjoy with all calling and displaying at different points. After a display of a lifetime that I dearly miss we had to march through with the raucous calls of an unhappy Redshank!<br />
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But that for me wasn't the highlight with the true natural spectacle hiding just around the meadows in some sand dunes... And this was it!<br />
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100s upon 100s of Waders that were feeding on short (sheep assisted) turf. It was surreal seeing so many on such a unique habitat called machair, there must have been at least 100 of each Ringed Plover and Dunlin with a light sprinkling of 15 or so Turnstone! It was simply incredible and of the experiences of my life! I did however, notice some very unusual behaviour... Some (likely) migrant Swallows were actually behaving as if they were waders by landing in the flock and walking... Sadly I was unable to get of them doing this, but the argument of them doing it for mud is floored as there was no mud around, just some extremely odd behaviour.</div>
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Only 3 minutes or so before we reached the magical Calgary Point. Terns surrounded us, from their breeding grounds on Gunna. However a few of their Coll counterparts may have joined in the feeding frenzy. While sifting through the large flock of Arctics, Littles and a few possible Common... I came across a large diving bird in pristine black plumage. The camera provided views as if from a scope to prove it's identity, I present you the Great Northern Diver (or Loon)...</div>
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We spnet 10 minutes or so enjoying the incredible views that are found all too often in Scotland!!! We later passed a few more beaches which included some wonderful Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Dunlin.</div>
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4 Oystercatchers enjoyed their time on top of the rocks, while being beadily eyed by the young Ravens in the area...</div>
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Just past them, nearing the Crossapol sand dunes we encountered 4 Whimbrel feeding on the rich earth to the north of the isle.</div>
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My final favourite moment of the walk was enjoying the view of Feall bay, my favourite beach on Coll.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Just before arriving back at our accommodation we found some of the smaller less intrusive species of the isle...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlki-UEBuOn6KfS8pTYWenwqY5wRQALGwgxn5goWQz_YQ0A1Saan_grdWltc5xwv36V1ckKS_cexDModvARc0-0mjR5RN51MPa93XMyf_Uv4DyTgVIu9Yl_mDbyNjCaqXjhcoHFfe_6Kc/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlki-UEBuOn6KfS8pTYWenwqY5wRQALGwgxn5goWQz_YQ0A1Saan_grdWltc5xwv36V1ckKS_cexDModvARc0-0mjR5RN51MPa93XMyf_Uv4DyTgVIu9Yl_mDbyNjCaqXjhcoHFfe_6Kc/s640/IMG_0679.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Reed Bunting (presumably) escorting us away from her nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Linnet calling for its partner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Sedge Warbler (told from it singing) patrolling a tiny patch of scrub e.g. 4x4 metres</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Wheatear taking cover from strong wind and overcast conditions along with the Sedge Warbler<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
That's it, I'll thoroughly complete it tomorrow!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-65146684160886534762015-07-04T15:37:00.000-07:002015-07-04T15:47:57.738-07:00Cuckoo Coll land, the isle of Coll 23-30 May 2015 part 1/3Hi,<br />
I should be doing a blog on Cornwall that is from over a month ago, that's a first and a real shame, however, I have just finished mocks and an exam so have no excuses to stop posting!<br />
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Like the Derbyshire post I'll pick out the key species and experiences of the holiday. So to kick off, the journey... all 9 hours of it up to Oban, from 6 in the evening till 3 in the morning, it was nothing short of epic. The trouble was that I had to stay awake through the whole journey in case Dad had fallen asleep, not the most pleasing moments. After having realised that I had to be awake by 6 the following morning, I was shattered!<br />
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Anyway, the ferry as usual was fantastic way to begin the holiday of dreams. The view just from Oban was something to behold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSgitbmxlUnScPPlPakrMvckIcl9db3X7FggTC4O5yu6K6lB9xQHGwW8C7BwVW0-cqHSYHJ7LU-jahN7QozBFcAqcuyM0YkW7cZjoaRmovYPzde7-sIWbUXKYFfWMtBJsUKZszswlWjI/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSgitbmxlUnScPPlPakrMvckIcl9db3X7FggTC4O5yu6K6lB9xQHGwW8C7BwVW0-cqHSYHJ7LU-jahN7QozBFcAqcuyM0YkW7cZjoaRmovYPzde7-sIWbUXKYFfWMtBJsUKZszswlWjI/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the highlights from the boat trip...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdwh3JPvbytab9X8qtO2R82jqQCFzPy6qJKWNEKP6g_HQ8Kg6g_jibhwg_ZMHT3gbYqW5d0LnpZLhuU4yQD2tYcalIBxqkGktIE_hvsm9fU37nTpkI3o3MAcJHqwPol2YdQWMAfZMA1g/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdwh3JPvbytab9X8qtO2R82jqQCFzPy6qJKWNEKP6g_HQ8Kg6g_jibhwg_ZMHT3gbYqW5d0LnpZLhuU4yQD2tYcalIBxqkGktIE_hvsm9fU37nTpkI3o3MAcJHqwPol2YdQWMAfZMA1g/s640/IMG_0201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrV32X3lKWnz1kdaoQhjGm0NOOvO1gkxucOdU7bxCww2q8XbxOyfo2JADmQP9A7Wz3pXJBCQWiaGcdM4HmLqluWIok5Xd67kBVQL_6kTHT8waoR7f1DdIjc2b_WkiJhF__x4ZJH_Ct_4/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrV32X3lKWnz1kdaoQhjGm0NOOvO1gkxucOdU7bxCww2q8XbxOyfo2JADmQP9A7Wz3pXJBCQWiaGcdM4HmLqluWIok5Xd67kBVQL_6kTHT8waoR7f1DdIjc2b_WkiJhF__x4ZJH_Ct_4/s640/IMG_0202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of 7 Black Guillemots AKA "Tysties" that were frequenting Oban harbour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc3dolv3-EK-xhBRBHW_520MrJSXhDo3kyENTAyLvz-nM8qqFziOWYzSK_gcqy0OACbgn_193WIqewhbHafnR7kchWOq_lxJpNn7PGf-4yqFF0EKpjT2N-vN0qMqPXZ5g-7v9J-GsILg/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc3dolv3-EK-xhBRBHW_520MrJSXhDo3kyENTAyLvz-nM8qqFziOWYzSK_gcqy0OACbgn_193WIqewhbHafnR7kchWOq_lxJpNn7PGf-4yqFF0EKpjT2N-vN0qMqPXZ5g-7v9J-GsILg/s640/IMG_0234.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the bountiful amounts of Arctic Terns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT__dldZRM-7-42gRaV4pDcnhw1H1WnSuHxjcyeFzXJz_5JkMg19T6ghw556SmRrUbKm26CgAdyp0Z3jkody8x4rgE9JbMlT5ehOUjei6lhtLvtR0MTprpQEhgDexbtWyy3qY62uGthLg/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT__dldZRM-7-42gRaV4pDcnhw1H1WnSuHxjcyeFzXJz_5JkMg19T6ghw556SmRrUbKm26CgAdyp0Z3jkody8x4rgE9JbMlT5ehOUjei6lhtLvtR0MTprpQEhgDexbtWyy3qY62uGthLg/s640/IMG_0237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of a pair of Great Northern Divers that were calling on their way up to their breeding grounds </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n3AVBuzL0owGkoJgE3xkIKKPkadke4g_22zG0vfWFx2PMu6CrcpNqv1PTJHMYrojMaX9A9mqvvJj8nJculylrNzHoh5sv2fRKZV5g7pZPUAWckmBpnT7ea32UbL5oDotv0OlSmtjbhM/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n3AVBuzL0owGkoJgE3xkIKKPkadke4g_22zG0vfWFx2PMu6CrcpNqv1PTJHMYrojMaX9A9mqvvJj8nJculylrNzHoh5sv2fRKZV5g7pZPUAWckmBpnT7ea32UbL5oDotv0OlSmtjbhM/s640/IMG_0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the same minute of seeing the Divers, this quartet of Whimbrel escorted us up the sound of Mull.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrT33r0Ubm7P-yvY8W4mVJmAhvyj4zk9zJeKa5c47xD0w8sM55cNokNQtzXZbaoiCX59K2KHv4F8hDrHLNQJsJZASnrb8Euj8K1f3Y2cZavwc4q6zY8LaihOaGklss5nWh6bFLxcHkqc/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrT33r0Ubm7P-yvY8W4mVJmAhvyj4zk9zJeKa5c47xD0w8sM55cNokNQtzXZbaoiCX59K2KHv4F8hDrHLNQJsJZASnrb8Euj8K1f3Y2cZavwc4q6zY8LaihOaGklss5nWh6bFLxcHkqc/s640/IMG_0253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather late quintet(!) of Common Scoters in open ocean with 3 Females and 2 Males. Males being the darker ones at the front and back of the group.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiZ4v4C4-oFZKfwf_k-77Qfwk3Xi6hyJ23BmDeyIodwtb-idWvUerWGNMmvTUcDlbp4ZGwOVVnAxz2dsuF88LU7IdxdIT_C11ZQ-9xkQYKvf5jzpyzj-WdwZXxslNqjmywQcLM7ntWJU/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiZ4v4C4-oFZKfwf_k-77Qfwk3Xi6hyJ23BmDeyIodwtb-idWvUerWGNMmvTUcDlbp4ZGwOVVnAxz2dsuF88LU7IdxdIT_C11ZQ-9xkQYKvf5jzpyzj-WdwZXxslNqjmywQcLM7ntWJU/s640/IMG_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another GN Diver trying to fit in with bus loads of Guillemots. Surprisingly in winter plumage, non-breeder perhaps (1st summer?)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We arrrived at the ferry terminal happy as can be awaiting an even more satisfying stay. On the car journey to our accommodation near Totronald (the RSPB reserve) we found our first special bird of the holiday, the Cuckoo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXR1lQIgd9Rd9837X7Bcz8_LgNcpJHeHSkYNvnAsR9zTrSchD_hIth_QkZPbwpumaqF8kcbZDm_PH_yihHmxCRxUlPzJB1wSpvA7GmSLLfsT3S9qIXemKTHpNReRf2HDeofN3ovDPxNHw/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXR1lQIgd9Rd9837X7Bcz8_LgNcpJHeHSkYNvnAsR9zTrSchD_hIth_QkZPbwpumaqF8kcbZDm_PH_yihHmxCRxUlPzJB1wSpvA7GmSLLfsT3S9qIXemKTHpNReRf2HDeofN3ovDPxNHw/s640/IMG_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Both genders got harrased beyong belief understandably by the Meadow Pipits </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxENK54tw17VR8eVKypDytNkqQqwsYvVkKg5ueJVGgrYC44FkJ0JSXrUC21obigmUdKCEUMUgSqsQ_SJ9G9Ff9plUJleidKfYI1uo_-lWiiN3fj6oPtB1U31x5oZ9qwYlpapr3JCCAnw/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxENK54tw17VR8eVKypDytNkqQqwsYvVkKg5ueJVGgrYC44FkJ0JSXrUC21obigmUdKCEUMUgSqsQ_SJ9G9Ff9plUJleidKfYI1uo_-lWiiN3fj6oPtB1U31x5oZ9qwYlpapr3JCCAnw/s640/IMG_1082.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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I nearly caught this photo brilliantly, however, due to the shear speed of this action moment was too much for me to cope with!</div>
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As soon as we arrived I was off! Hugging the northern coastline towards Feall Bay. while studyng the ever characterful Ringed Plover I noticed a darker individual shadowing it on the rocks behind, so I decided to take a photo comparing the two subtly different subspecies. Them being the nominate and lighter form Hiaticula and the Northern form Tundrae...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hjTQEuHl2sM6LUDK1-Z1TzRD6YedHKxBPFlzL6BTwdTSj2TafUhHsSXSFbBEISfjU_HewQV9MQaQE1AyDkDw6un_7HuR3seM56sax4ZhhLmqvgjU_9G8TcvcWCLgZYO1TgBjn-9JOSI/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hjTQEuHl2sM6LUDK1-Z1TzRD6YedHKxBPFlzL6BTwdTSj2TafUhHsSXSFbBEISfjU_HewQV9MQaQE1AyDkDw6un_7HuR3seM56sax4ZhhLmqvgjU_9G8TcvcWCLgZYO1TgBjn-9JOSI/s640/IMG_0282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The key differns from the Hiaticula race (front) and Tundrae (back) that I found was the bimoetrics, with the Tundrae being slimmer and seemingly weaker. Next was the shade on the mantle, clearly illustrated here with the Tundrae race being far darker. Finally, I noticed the face pattern wasn't as sharp as the Hiaticula and was rather diffused, however this identification maybe quite tenuous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOQSbewxXtp604MJJiK84nItHAI4rd9QHj4QoxNwfBn7OjhjnUFQKWK62Zsc4cVDTN8suSJsS19f-6Brq1vN6n4SxWwqVAXwYw52Ko4ydD3Bd64d91w2RkVfm8gZorrGJjUVdxOayOCc/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOQSbewxXtp604MJJiK84nItHAI4rd9QHj4QoxNwfBn7OjhjnUFQKWK62Zsc4cVDTN8suSJsS19f-6Brq1vN6n4SxWwqVAXwYw52Ko4ydD3Bd64d91w2RkVfm8gZorrGJjUVdxOayOCc/s640/IMG_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following beach was the home of the Sanderling. Although there were two of them, I suspect they're not a pair but just two associating with ecah other as they're very sociable creatures. All the Sanderlings we encountered will be late migrants that are either non-breeders taking it slow, or a different group of Sanderling that have a different migration pattern, That rather than taking steady and stopping frequently on their way up north, may just do one big push towards their breeding grounds in the High Arctic. Little instances like this shows us the many different dimensions that make birding such an interesting hobby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's one of the two in winter plumgae moulting into summer plumage. Surprisingly a few Sanderling we saw were in full winter plumage, non-breeders perhaps?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2xCSfhHgZZM_0RBYPpoSy1MM94fUrbZsRgXB86HsFtqOY_EANdnaZqFkLQtfimddLEvXF-jCnhipv7C62BNMpYuZecklCIpbCpitQoN5pKcZWKR6fG3LN7mEsCcjX1VzmbcSdgYg_4/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2xCSfhHgZZM_0RBYPpoSy1MM94fUrbZsRgXB86HsFtqOY_EANdnaZqFkLQtfimddLEvXF-jCnhipv7C62BNMpYuZecklCIpbCpitQoN5pKcZWKR6fG3LN7mEsCcjX1VzmbcSdgYg_4/s640/IMG_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later on I walked round the beautiful headland of Ben Feall which layed home to the first Orchid of the trip, but please don't ask me the name of it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9cjJTk1gHxktxAaIo49OCdIQ4mj6nchJAQjiRiK0igLM1P-W2MfPfCY2ZcDwB2sP0cODTM_HlA3OCtp23AJN-kl-1yzqmMDJ6iKVUES5aF8EdYjRUecRZbMaEEIKrBfLjc-GKvbkFRI/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9cjJTk1gHxktxAaIo49OCdIQ4mj6nchJAQjiRiK0igLM1P-W2MfPfCY2ZcDwB2sP0cODTM_HlA3OCtp23AJN-kl-1yzqmMDJ6iKVUES5aF8EdYjRUecRZbMaEEIKrBfLjc-GKvbkFRI/s640/IMG_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Early Marsh being a complete guess (don't take my word for it!) Below the cliffs edge Shags surrounded me along with the tubular-nosed Fulmars. As soon as I arrived onto the beach ((Feall bay which is one of the best in the world in my opinion, can anyone disagree?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTuPUtZDNAAdR3HI7ibjy2ljiKGxcNGxRjRb_GwZJTthXO5zlmIq75vipfUuUC6SBcDxjULBDe8nvQ9bjoz11fOCpl8cP_e0osVCIP7dxF2uK-Aw8hdryKCmGMV6tpH9NSFsibBYNPbs/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTuPUtZDNAAdR3HI7ibjy2ljiKGxcNGxRjRb_GwZJTthXO5zlmIq75vipfUuUC6SBcDxjULBDe8nvQ9bjoz11fOCpl8cP_e0osVCIP7dxF2uK-Aw8hdryKCmGMV6tpH9NSFsibBYNPbs/s640/IMG_0657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found jackpot, but a seemingly poorly one, with a suspected broken leg which may have hindered its migration... May I present the White Wagtail, Motacilla Alba Alba...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjl1-cDnk7VknRC8Qy6bXtsJz-0oCaAGc6n7e5fWOyxxhhks4LThdxWb3FHidgdEdby_MxGInG_HuSOu-B8bjTYaTrd8sOP3c90BgNPpkM0T6UjhZIsdkUp1uG6_QN-KEqE3MRrjlRCo/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjl1-cDnk7VknRC8Qy6bXtsJz-0oCaAGc6n7e5fWOyxxhhks4LThdxWb3FHidgdEdby_MxGInG_HuSOu-B8bjTYaTrd8sOP3c90BgNPpkM0T6UjhZIsdkUp1uG6_QN-KEqE3MRrjlRCo/s640/IMG_0324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I labeled it as a Female (only to make it more confusing) due to the diffused transition between the pale grey and black behind the head. But firstly what makes it a White compared to our Pied? Well Male Pieds are completely out of the equation as it's mantle colour (back colour) is far too dark, almost pitch black. However, the trouble begins when you have a female Pied Wagtail, however, again the mantle decides whether it's the real deal or not. If it was a female Pied Wagtail the mantle would be dark grey and rather blotchy with a few darker patches intermixed. While a White Wagtial would be clearly paler and have no blotches coupled with the diagnostic plain grey pattern. Although you should take precaution when labeling it as you should only decide so if experienced with the other. In other words learn common, then pick out the rarities, as the rarities normally get down to the nitty-gritty!</div>
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To a similar rairty degree as the White Wagtail and to a similar migration pattern (with most seen in spring when migrating north.) I found one male Greenland Wheatear that was very shifty and therefore I left with no photograph :(.</div>
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I circled back round towards our place by walking across Crossapol Bay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc0WSEuquOjoSgE6cxCTlwaz2mtJkCmadwPQhJt6lgQOx6oqsNguXjc_IiRfK4Od6ZjPBMrsTxm7BEWQhrvNNP00LaWn-U07kRtUl5T4lMGRfqiMp2TymZEk9wNeab6yqNfgtMC2GOj0/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc0WSEuquOjoSgE6cxCTlwaz2mtJkCmadwPQhJt6lgQOx6oqsNguXjc_IiRfK4Od6ZjPBMrsTxm7BEWQhrvNNP00LaWn-U07kRtUl5T4lMGRfqiMp2TymZEk9wNeab6yqNfgtMC2GOj0/s640/IMG_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yet more Sanderlings were picking up scraps from the dead seaweed. It still makes me wonder what the urge is for those tiny little birds to want to travel to an area (Greenland, High Arctic etc.) to breed. Why not breed on these island or somewhere else secluded I'm sure they'd be able to rear chicks, it baffles me!</div>
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Once I got back home I noticed a family of Stonechats ironically chatting away to each other, some very young chicks soon revealed themselves and became a very regular thing to see while staying on the island. However unusually I noticed that one Female Whitethroat must have been very fond of their calls and seems to had been following them, have any of you heard of this behaviour before? </div>
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That was it for the day... In the evening my Dad and I discussed where to go the following morning, we decided that it'd be the best port of call to go via Calgary point which faces towards Gunna and Tiree. </div>
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The day was fantastic, with bird after bird after bird. Our first exciting encounter of Waders was made today...</div>
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Here you can see a mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover (and just for the pernickety people out there Tundra Ringed Plover as well!) This is what drew me to Coll at this time of year seeing what you'd recognise as a coastal bird grazing in beautiful meadows AKA Machair along with the local sheep, just brilliant! There were around 50 Ringed Plover and 25 Dunlin sifting throught the Daisies and in British farming respects, weeds! Croftland like this is some of the best and most fertile in the world due to the nutrient rich sands getting blown in from the Atlantic. This is the reason why most of the Western palearctic Waders channel through this gap looking for the large bay and croftland. The Gulf Stream I'm sure will have another positive affect on the Waders who are searching for the route further North or are looking to breed. If you want to have the best wader experience I'd suggest travelling to Coll, it's magical! John Bowler from the neighbouring isle of Tiree says this wasn't even the peak time of migration for Waders, being two weeks earlier, I could only imagine the numbers passing through. but to put it into perspective on Tiree (which is watched far more meticulously) has over a 1000 Dunlin in one bay in early May, so if you correspond that to the number of bays there are you'd be into 10s of thousands! All I'm thinking about is cannon netting ;)</div>
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In the following field we found a lone "Curlew", thanks Dad... Shortly to be reidentified as a Whimbrel, even before this Pagham harbour bird seeing one Whimbrel does give you some sort of tingling, only to present a bright white rump!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uyVL1m_kcyhZRnXibOFPh0lKSvOoOw50AfrdaKcCPGe3msgMNtk2eqPXyMy6OaBTM5iVbDK8UTLMzGf6UvkQ4ov9LKgMSDVoELudP4neE8MYW_sQhGkM_ME-Dan64ez8n63Jb2YtHm0/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uyVL1m_kcyhZRnXibOFPh0lKSvOoOw50AfrdaKcCPGe3msgMNtk2eqPXyMy6OaBTM5iVbDK8UTLMzGf6UvkQ4ov9LKgMSDVoELudP4neE8MYW_sQhGkM_ME-Dan64ez8n63Jb2YtHm0/s640/IMG_0387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another example of how fanastic it is to see such a wonderful bird in such a unique habitat! Following on from that we turned right and entered the grand Crossapol bay where our Wader compatriots decided to check on us again...</div>
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Sadly it was raining while we enjoyed watching these beauties, so couldn't spend to long on this shelterless beach. However, another large flock of waders flew in and formed a lovely formation with this Sanderling squadron. here was them all together...</div>
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As you can tell the variable weather took a turn fo the better with the sun forcing its way through the clouds! A little way down the beach was another Sanderling but this time had a highly welcome visitor!</div>
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It was a very snugged up Little Tern. These are a very local breeders in the UK and of course very special to the Hebrides... As you can see, quite small! After getting off the beach we encountered yet more beautiful shell blown meadows as well as another lone Whimbrel! But again Eurasian!</div>
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I'm sure that's enough to keep you occupied for the time being, I'm carrying on tomorrow!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-60095079072245774782015-06-10T03:45:00.001-07:002015-06-10T03:45:50.320-07:00Salisbury Plain East 26th April 2015Hi,<br />
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football prevented me from waking up at silly o'clock the last ringing morning after my incredible trip up to Derbyshire. But today I was raring to go after a 3 weeks absence from ringing duties, so what better place to go to than the Salisbury Plain, the British Mainland Bird Migration Capital!<br />
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As all you have picked up the weather hasn't been its finest, this caused a major lack of Warblers that you'd expect at this time of year passing through to their breeding grounds. However you have to go through the lows to encounter the highs (is that a made up expression?) Our high was nothing short of beautiful in any way, shape or form. I'm really hitting these quotes aren't I!?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSchtpLNXFLZ8lJdIfK2YI0z7l7mhO-sc1c2QZRisIVlHJLQAB3GZh8TXVx8lLIBScVQob4x5YACXZRpR53QRHqafV_SAbe0KDNleIu49PFfltp2kpkIq2jt6lKCzTwE-dxR3DlEts0g/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSchtpLNXFLZ8lJdIfK2YI0z7l7mhO-sc1c2QZRisIVlHJLQAB3GZh8TXVx8lLIBScVQob4x5YACXZRpR53QRHqafV_SAbe0KDNleIu49PFfltp2kpkIq2jt6lKCzTwE-dxR3DlEts0g/s640/IMG_8479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;">It was a 1st Summer Male AKA 5M Redstart, this really brightened up our morning and gave us hope that these birds could be breeding in the little copse we ring in. What made this a 5M was the brown on the greater coverts, compared to an adult male which which would have had a completely slaty grey 'hood' covering the coverts. Spurred on by this Paul W, Matt and I later set up some nest boxes all 15 of them in case they decided to nest here fingers crossed. However, we're really setting it up for next year through spare Tree Sparrow boxes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;">The morning then progressed with a still steady trickle of birds totalling to this...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;">Thanks to North Wilts ringing group: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Blackcap 11 (3), Whitethroat 1 (2), Redstart 1, Linnet 6, Goldfinch 1, Great Tit 3 (1), Blue Tit 0 (3), Long Tailed Tit 4, Goldcrest 2, Wren 1 (2), Blackbird 2 (1), Song Thrush 1, Yellowhammer 1 (1), Robin 0 (2), Dunnock 0 (5), Chaffinch 0 (1)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was still yet to be the star of the show for me though, a bird that has been in the news regularly in the past few weeks for negative reasons, and that is the Hen Harrier. A male giving us prolonged views. Sadly though I didn't have my camera on me at the time but watched it grace the long grass in search of prey. This was in fact the first one I have seen inside the Wiltshire boundaries so was very special to me! </span></span><br />
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Yep, so thanks again to my trainer for a quiet, yet special day with two stand outs.</span><br />
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I had also found in the days round then a Blackbird's nest in my Garden that I thought I'd share with you...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-77411592610533826052015-05-15T15:36:00.000-07:002015-05-15T15:36:04.185-07:00Derbyshire Dales 4th-11th April 2015... This place is amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, the marathon begins! As usual it has been a while since I've posted, however, since you've all (fingers crossed) been excited for another action-packed blog to the level of Minsmere, I thought I'd treat you all! The week we had (a month ago which is far too long ago, I need to catch up) was simply fantastic the days were a naturalists dreams while the nights were an astronomers, me not being one I may add. Instead of boring you with a 5000 word long scripture I've decided to chose my best pics favourite animals of the week and talk about them... I'll start with the unornithological (I made the word up) species!</div>
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<b><u>Bank Vole:</u></b></div>
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Although there's only one specimen to report back about, this little critter certainly deserves its place. All of you would have experienced the sounds of little stick being broken, brambles rustling or movement in the water. Many a time it's a little mammal running off as if its life depended on it, and with this attitude 99 times out of 100 you won't see the (darn) thing. But today was the day, the first time in years I was able to have one loose cannon posing for us! It was fairly surreal for one of these to be so close without any nerves... This sort of attitude must link to the number of times it had actually seen a human and classed it as danger. I'm sure this will have an effect on the population with urban areas having more skittish localised populations. Courtesy of Dad for taking this fantastic shot "for once!" What separates this from a Field Vole is the red-chestnut hue to the fur, in contrast to the drab brown coating of a Field Vole.</div>
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<b><u>UBOAT:</u></b></div>
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The unidentified ball on a tree AKA UBOAT pictured caught us by surprise. My Mum first pointed it out to us (Dad & I), still haven't been able to i.d. it since, so UBOAT it remains...</div>
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Help would be appreciated, from some genius!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtjnCzYTLNZothrlKmTYOr3V33E3TAZ_npqzRpHnU9SGcMjvxKW_dTSjs3f9oC4omW7-GQ-4DDiUC5x8XZUGvN7hWxQ7rtmpRVACVFYJ4gLc075hl0PA6q3bcVtEXYPcS2oso3_6T8A/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtjnCzYTLNZothrlKmTYOr3V33E3TAZ_npqzRpHnU9SGcMjvxKW_dTSjs3f9oC4omW7-GQ-4DDiUC5x8XZUGvN7hWxQ7rtmpRVACVFYJ4gLc075hl0PA6q3bcVtEXYPcS2oso3_6T8A/s320/IMG_6869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Raven:</u></b></div>
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Another one off from the trip, or should I say two as there was a pair cruising above us. Apparently they are still a scarce breeder up in Derbyshire! The diagnostic feature is the diamond shaped tail, and of course the size. But if there's no direct comparison to size, the tail would be a far safer bet. We saw this near Monsal Dale.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0wNn92LNasKmug4V61UIX1Sfw93GBT3Ey2yLGfxZlunpY6nHxV96mpKJZgZDMdh3CraC2vq8-KlO_wt9mpsmBHW8jBTAGkPkreDTEviFLjIOnmq5VRvOCYyWjW5vGq26PIVnn_7-l-4/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0wNn92LNasKmug4V61UIX1Sfw93GBT3Ey2yLGfxZlunpY6nHxV96mpKJZgZDMdh3CraC2vq8-KlO_wt9mpsmBHW8jBTAGkPkreDTEviFLjIOnmq5VRvOCYyWjW5vGq26PIVnn_7-l-4/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Goldcrest:</u></b></div>
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Not much to say about this fluffball... Except if it's a male the erected crest will present an orange undercover, but with a female just the same old gold! This one was seen with a couple others which could suggest a little migratory pitstop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydIy6oHffo3daYIzaB3TT82QRZeDR5zf6-u0Rwl7f7KXBH17MozW1voKMlj6-xdpZbtIhZW-r35RzeU5P_oL59PjgBJDtbFpzle712hZoqPnWHHSVP5YtcqDK7G_8yPrlH6ZL-EhkUzw/s1600/IMG_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydIy6oHffo3daYIzaB3TT82QRZeDR5zf6-u0Rwl7f7KXBH17MozW1voKMlj6-xdpZbtIhZW-r35RzeU5P_oL59PjgBJDtbFpzle712hZoqPnWHHSVP5YtcqDK7G_8yPrlH6ZL-EhkUzw/s320/IMG_6941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>URTOAT:</u></b></div>
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This time an unidentified red thing on a tree! Any ideas!? I should really improve my fungi knowledge, after all I'm a FUN GUY! Get it? Ok, I'll leave now...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgutlhbqigEVoJTQ7UBNZR0eRuWAAYSavZGZVE6E83B9IWfP-oJLtwvBIrJTiursM78x-TlGKa3c_pTAxGzh7rTEwPuzoEj93RfBfFc1LM8A9miXFUJl-WWjHx55QJokouLRnZhn4vLA/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgutlhbqigEVoJTQ7UBNZR0eRuWAAYSavZGZVE6E83B9IWfP-oJLtwvBIrJTiursM78x-TlGKa3c_pTAxGzh7rTEwPuzoEj93RfBfFc1LM8A9miXFUJl-WWjHx55QJokouLRnZhn4vLA/s320/IMG_6948.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<b><u>Chiffchaff:</u></b><br />
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No one could have dodged the Chiffchaffs song in Derbyshire; there was at least one in a 100m radius singing away. These things are truly mental! It in fact may have been the key bird of the trip and optimised our third stay at the wonderful Lee's Farm. Last year topped this year with the likes or Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers (!!!), Wheatears and a Ring Ouzel! The one below as you can tell was singing its heart out, hope he finds/ has found the lady!<br />
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<b><u>Goosander:</u></b></div>
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Unusually there was only one Goosander to speak of, compared to the regular 2 from last year. Once again it was situated near Litton Mill. The lack of its mate this time may have been because it had flown back down the river somewhere, old age, died, or the continuous decline of this characteristic river dweller, I do hope its mate wanted a bit of lone time... Wouldn't like to see a sad Goosander!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIl8trg9W7ODFHaCLKMICdIBNAU4GoZ388N4IQyiAMZT-Lnabueg8sc5fIdhCBkq5gSmplU5D-rZtCzsRRxJ3xIOhtxaQleq3sal7wI6xC1k5w6bXQMfWJDZD6jRRM8cEf1s9UpIgg70/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIl8trg9W7ODFHaCLKMICdIBNAU4GoZ388N4IQyiAMZT-Lnabueg8sc5fIdhCBkq5gSmplU5D-rZtCzsRRxJ3xIOhtxaQleq3sal7wI6xC1k5w6bXQMfWJDZD6jRRM8cEf1s9UpIgg70/s640/IMG_7036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Meadow Pipit:</u></b></div>
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Ok scratch the Chiffchaff idea... the Mipits were the story of Derbyshire, all around our place Meadow Pipits were doing their song flight. It was lulululululu, then a trill as it plummeted in a unique stiff-winged fashion! Many were seen, thorough checking did not find a lonesome Tree Pipit.</div>
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however great to hear/see, a sadly declining attraction to the Great British Countryside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKirzTgJW4OtYREpCw3ZA8IYUYrRaVHvVwek7g2JHc05uc5fdSgxXdxGYrE5cRJDZh0MgRy5dopsQG8HxNWK7HF9fs5616A2LqdQeGUEDdwbuqB7eV6obSESsVy_APv983eK3dbcInTQ/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKirzTgJW4OtYREpCw3ZA8IYUYrRaVHvVwek7g2JHc05uc5fdSgxXdxGYrE5cRJDZh0MgRy5dopsQG8HxNWK7HF9fs5616A2LqdQeGUEDdwbuqB7eV6obSESsVy_APv983eK3dbcInTQ/s640/IMG_7091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zLaZ1y9_lbOKahFjfW-VUHkWJ6ctXLlCo0wbZ4Dd23mGWqcBNB00wz5drWkvrgt0RUs5WP5bWnMHn8PE2I-N4x49t8vwMC_UaHu9CV672MHKkJsLkbz9KikS_GcEXpoXAHSCtqqAVh8/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zLaZ1y9_lbOKahFjfW-VUHkWJ6ctXLlCo0wbZ4Dd23mGWqcBNB00wz5drWkvrgt0RUs5WP5bWnMHn8PE2I-N4x49t8vwMC_UaHu9CV672MHKkJsLkbz9KikS_GcEXpoXAHSCtqqAVh8/s640/IMG_7100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDLiKEeOYxNMOphRzHsLyNr-a_taCy8O2eVjBHBKCwiB2qNRs3pMzcaNaO0XBcMknjZkOtvct8ZIFK-ebUR1lA3GYRrdo4Dz_qJT_ftwae-8Il2iNAN6VrFlRf0us00tG0HwqT7FUgNc/s1600/IMG_7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDLiKEeOYxNMOphRzHsLyNr-a_taCy8O2eVjBHBKCwiB2qNRs3pMzcaNaO0XBcMknjZkOtvct8ZIFK-ebUR1lA3GYRrdo4Dz_qJT_ftwae-8Il2iNAN6VrFlRf0us00tG0HwqT7FUgNc/s640/IMG_7332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Fieldfare:</u></b><br />
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As some of you may have heard via through the best birdwatching tool in my opinion, Twitter (recommend to those reading, if there are any, to get), that I used the herding tac. It's true! I noticed a large flock of these with other bits and bobs here and there so decided to try and 'herd' them into the mega flock. Considering this is April 200+ is a fairly impressive sight. I succeeded in creating a chattering leaved trees! Last year I found 20-30 in a field near the copse, but this was late April. I'm implying that I suspect there could be some odd stragglers that breed here, you never know.<br />
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<b><u>The Curlew:</u></b></div>
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Yes, I've labeled it as The Curlew, why? 'Cause' now I've decided this to be the top bird of the trip and I think I've finalised it now! You can't beat a singing Curlew in the Derbyshire Dales in (using country accent) "PROPARRR" countryside. Every day we heard them displaying and commanding the surroundings. I enjoyed trying to stalk these Waders, but my tip-toeing wasn't enough... They took off when I was 50m's away!</div>
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<b><u>Skylark:</u></b><br />
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At the start of the holidays I heard the song of the Skylark. I searched far and wide to see the bird, but failed. Do you know why? I was looking towards the ground!!! Silly me thought they sang on the deck, then remembered a third of the way through, there 1/2 a mile up! After that point I began to see them everywhere, and oh their song is stonking!<br />
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<b><u>Peregrine:</u></b><br />
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I saw this bird twice, and that's all I needed to locate the nest. I can't state where it is as of course the DWT (derbyshire Wildlife Trust) would prefer me not to say. To confirm my premature thoughts the reserve below stated no access round this path which was the final piece of the puzzle. I must have sat there for 3-4 hours and at many different times of day so thought I'd see it sat there once, but no luck. Most times I was in the area you could hear them wailing, at first I thought it was a mick take!<br />
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<b><u>Linnet:</u></b><br />
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The first few pictures illustrate how wonderful the lighting was that evening, fantastic. I was very pleased with the shot I managed below, it posed brilliantly. Although we have many down my way, it was still rather special sitting on one of the mounds enjoying their little twitter to each other.<br />
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<b><u>Kestrel:</u></b><br />
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Like the Goldcrest, nothing of particular interest to say about this bird. Most of you will already know the ins and outs of them. So here's just a few photos...<br />
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<b><u>Tufted Duck:</u></b><br />
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Beautiful things with a lot of character. The trim/haircut certainly adds to their act, but would make it more of an afro if I was him! Most rivers harboured them, but Bakewell proved to be a hotspot through bread etc. Which must have a negative affect on the ecosystem because of the high density of birds and fish. Also the turd must pollute the water terribly and have transverse effects further down the river. here are some pictures I captured while having a good old Fish & Chips.<br />
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<b><u>Black-Headed Gull:</u></b><br />
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Just a picture I rather liked again from the honeypot site (for birds) Bakewell. I do love their white eyelashes!<br />
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<b><u>Treecreeper:</u></b><br />
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Yet another quickie... This Treecreeper pictured here, was just about to enter its little nest to the right hand side of this crack in the tree. I found many even though they're mostly silent.<br />
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<b><u>Terribly dressed youth:</u></b><br />
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Little interlude with a picture of a 'random' weirdo exhibiting a unique dresscode. Many will be glad to hear the shocking white Crocs have been binned, I repeat they've been binned... Only to be replaced by another less drastic pair!<br />
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<b><u>Grey Wagtail:</u></b></div>
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Great fun. That's the only apt way of describing it. One day down in Monsal Dale I discovered my long lost hunting instincts by crawling away from the public footpath into touching distance of a pair of Grey Wagtails. I watched them for 2 hours or so finding their way across rocks, through weed and onto a couple of trees (rhyming not intended.) I was so pleased with the photos, I think I took over 200, it was just irresistible. My perseverance payed off with a nest being found on an adjacent tributary. Simple, but beautiful.</div>
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<b><u>Dipper:</u></b></div>
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This is what the Derbyshire Dales is about, deep valleys, shallow rivers and Dippers. 4 nests I found! A total that if you told me beforehand I'd state you're lying. I was that amazed. The one pictured below took 2 hours of fieldwork before finding it, incidentally underneath a road! Finally one of Man's infrastructure provides a base for wildlife. I would describe it as a large form of a Wren's nest yet far more endearing. Judging by the pics below and watching the Dipper take tiny amounts of nest material back to the nest, it must've taken years! Comparable to a Spider's web, no one would destroy it as you know the time and effort put into this piece of art.</div>
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<b><u>Wheatear:</u></b></div>
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On the second to last day just outside our holiday home a Wheatear graced the field. Never mind Male, Female, this was still beautiful and very exciting to see the prominent white tail give me a flash.</div>
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<b><u>Mandarin Duck:</u></b><br />
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Oriental, non-native, but certainly not unwanted. They may not be naturally part of the British wildlife but they've certainly earn their place. If it was like a Rat I'd definitely not include it into my 'presentation' however, I believe these charismatic birds deserve a place and brighten up our British rivers.<br />
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<b><u>Water Vole:</u></b><br />
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I've gone against the order I said at the start but who cares, I just hope you've enjoyed the read. 3 metres, that was how close I was to a Water Vole! Not may people can say that, can they? I've seen a couple before but seeing this so close almost made me jump out of my skin! It's a mini Beaver I'd say, yellow teeth and largish size. The first picture shows you the more cute side of the Water Vole. However the one facing the camera shows an ugly rodent giving the "I'll kill ya" look.<br />
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<b><u>Middleton Moor, Little Owls and Butterflies...</u></b></div>
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While looking on a map (as you do) I noticed a collection of three water bodies close together. I immediately decided to go there and was gladly taken by my Uncle and Aunt. They weren't too interested, can't blame them! If I had it my way they'd have to wait for five hours or so, but you can't have it all can you! A long (funny) story short after finding this place the next day I went up there with no water, no phone and with it being 10 miles away from the house turned out to be a bit of a nightmare... Echoes of the time I got lost in the Cairngorms reverberate in my mind. Once I reached there my raging headache had already began. So by the time I got back puking was on the menu. </div>
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On a nicer note the place I found was called Middleton Moor a fairly well known birders paradise in the local area, and by all means is. Hoards Of Black-headed Gulls visit here, Lapwing bubble away and Snipe peck down by the reeds. It was a paradise... the chance of seeing something very special does seem highly likely, just gave me that feel.</div>
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Next came the Little Owls... All three years I had been here these little critters had hidden from me but by the end of the week enough was enough. My Grey Wagtail instincts helped me pursue the shots I was hoping for, and oh what a relief!<br />
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Cheeky Small Tortoiseshell thanking those who managed to read the lot!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-8082326890926262822015-04-27T13:17:00.001-07:002015-04-27T13:17:32.208-07:00These posts are too exciting! Minsmere again! Scarce self find and more... 3rd April 2015Hi,<br />
recently I've found that these blog posts have been insane, not because of me writing of course (there's always mistakes!) But the quality of birds have been astounding which really fills me with joy talking about something that may even interest you. Today we left David (for a bit) and ventured out into the main scrape and surrounding reedbeds, I found 2 quality birds and saw another!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Adding further to my problems (again was my Grandparents!) SLEEP. In an attempt to remove himself as culprit, my Granddad recommended me saying this "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Further to my problems of lack of sleep when traveling with my grandparents. I now realise why the noise I endured was so excessive. My Grandad takes out his hearing aids at night, so he cannot hear my Grandma snoring"....</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But no Granddad you're not going to sneak out of this, it was the pair of you!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to birds. We arrived at the car park after my amazing map skills, to a slightly windy and overcast Minsmere. While getting prepared with cups of coffee I (as usual) got into a conversation with some other fellow birders near the Sand Martin bank. They thankfully pointed out the inconspicuous (I'm really sorry for these great words, I really am) Bird's Nest Fungi, funnily it did look like that apart from the fact it was fit for an ant! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I had seen the reports of this rare Fungi before hand but wasn't expecting it to be 1-2mm thick. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sadly however, we had just missed their peak display (?) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After my Granny and Granddad had gulped down their Coffee we made it to the North Hide overlooking the very impressive scrape. Lapwings were displaying, it was incredible, this was the first time I had heard/seen them doing it, there's no way of reinacting it... All I could suggest though is it being like those toys which you move from clockwise to anticlockwise making that "yup, yuppppp" I'd be amazed if any of you get it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We managed to spot the couple (not pair as they're juveniles) of Spoonbills on the scrape, both exhibiting a beautiful collection of colour ring assortments, boy it brings a smile to my face! All the usual reedbed/scrape birds followed with nothing unusual to be found! But great nevertheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The next hide brought all the good fortune. The East Hide. But that wasn't before I laid eyes upon some beautiful, and in my opinion uncharacteristic Red Deer tip-toeing through the reedbeds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC37E3fxL3XRe8gaZZKGuQmVa9SWSSrvWSGZ1M3fO3FjL_7kTEThxVAhCTp_bNb9xZklsB6Z2p9CmdAxDx-7qbJOcNO_kAC-x8TADf9jdmscmYiDXq6A3dXJoanb6mEvjqAoVPp0uk0xY/s1600/IMG_6633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC37E3fxL3XRe8gaZZKGuQmVa9SWSSrvWSGZ1M3fO3FjL_7kTEThxVAhCTp_bNb9xZklsB6Z2p9CmdAxDx-7qbJOcNO_kAC-x8TADf9jdmscmYiDXq6A3dXJoanb6mEvjqAoVPp0uk0xY/s1600/IMG_6633.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tf2QVN8u4I4uYiShpkPVoJQ9DnXDEdLZmgmvRJrVB4k69GCP9OPdnAfq-t2ShPoDX8WJKobK-CN0Q7cekacPFkOcFVOQu6r3WP5TqPpJs2Vvp-26bQDpG8HQSueRI1w1rRTk7SDqsJs/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tf2QVN8u4I4uYiShpkPVoJQ9DnXDEdLZmgmvRJrVB4k69GCP9OPdnAfq-t2ShPoDX8WJKobK-CN0Q7cekacPFkOcFVOQu6r3WP5TqPpJs2Vvp-26bQDpG8HQSueRI1w1rRTk7SDqsJs/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe there were eight in total, although it wouldn't be unpresidented (ok word) for one the Does to have sneaked into the shot above! We also watched the newcomer, a Little Egret stalking it's prey in a rather uncryptic camoflague! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSC9LA606wMNNeIR0FsaW-OwlLQdMGwuBzbkY6FP-CoCCtX4yPG2D0AIhvGhMIYJQaB34AmWq-o0m8DPm1XmUyaDfBYtV-SKk6xcRPDU68SQfGriqtoxJWJWRjsFx8nnZ97P7MGr0nRQ/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSC9LA606wMNNeIR0FsaW-OwlLQdMGwuBzbkY6FP-CoCCtX4yPG2D0AIhvGhMIYJQaB34AmWq-o0m8DPm1XmUyaDfBYtV-SKk6xcRPDU68SQfGriqtoxJWJWRjsFx8nnZ97P7MGr0nRQ/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">However, with persistance I did notice it pick out a Stickleback of some description.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now after a seemingly long trek down the sand bank which failed to yield any unsuspecting Wheatear, we entered the hide. After 10 minutes or so I picked up on an interestingly dark-mantled Larus (Gull) it gave a powerful look almost like a Great-Blacked-Backed Gull in stature. I belive along with a few others for it to be a 3rd winter Yellow-Legged Gull...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-h0k7G2AGWAcwSvYmOlfZ5JsErFynpIbIR5v45jdGQPA_NF3xZ558p3HjpvI6xkmghPfuG4OY4396z1CeyeHmnrjHKdqQF0TQaQZhLbaqLyVVEPBn0HihQU_DWcc4_TZJNBYdhpMz-M/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-h0k7G2AGWAcwSvYmOlfZ5JsErFynpIbIR5v45jdGQPA_NF3xZ558p3HjpvI6xkmghPfuG4OY4396z1CeyeHmnrjHKdqQF0TQaQZhLbaqLyVVEPBn0HihQU_DWcc4_TZJNBYdhpMz-M/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBBG left and Herring Gull bottom right for mantle comprison...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzTmFIj1m2MeaSgJMifK5CLqV_wykwQjFNgGXjc3j3UIPk_D83KkaHeVz0eVJwNuJZzCfU0THyJTCx__tcyyc0CEX2IB-pGERJtrFAJzTYcqVm-P0mK1xSGpoy0RbNgZBPfH3dj2xiBg/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzTmFIj1m2MeaSgJMifK5CLqV_wykwQjFNgGXjc3j3UIPk_D83KkaHeVz0eVJwNuJZzCfU0THyJTCx__tcyyc0CEX2IB-pGERJtrFAJzTYcqVm-P0mK1xSGpoy0RbNgZBPfH3dj2xiBg/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Due to its beastly stature and solid bill it suggests male although there is a lot of overlap! So there was my first scarce sighting of the day followed by an even more exciting one for me... "Is that an Avocet over there" my Grandma pointed out. I had a look and sure it was, apparently over 100 pairs now breed, but that wasn't the scarcity, oh no! It was the one resting in front</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekzmoSopwzBkfeLu9DMfWIq8a4xTjYebiR06PAXZcx_Pzlab7QT7bBiOoBmeHdNk7x-2Wh3mMVkbqBNUt0PVl-mJNFsCfL3O13viPpkvfJzHcf_xnZ_C8YhCadix9lC2rgO0eL8vsbKs/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekzmoSopwzBkfeLu9DMfWIq8a4xTjYebiR06PAXZcx_Pzlab7QT7bBiOoBmeHdNk7x-2Wh3mMVkbqBNUt0PVl-mJNFsCfL3O13viPpkvfJzHcf_xnZ_C8YhCadix9lC2rgO0eL8vsbKs/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">AN ADULT WINTER LITTLE GULL! Not incredible, I do know! These were just as rare</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKd363WYapQzSh1RoQgAFBL4UnqxybtcZF3fX9wyctZTck7CshHMJdkIFu9FQWxNkg_r5xTgB2J1QK0VzweSqWrlg0gwROE4FWYFvutwxXb5AZg3ZtRYlnqFDx2Dyq2YiBuRAcMCknGik/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKd363WYapQzSh1RoQgAFBL4UnqxybtcZF3fX9wyctZTck7CshHMJdkIFu9FQWxNkg_r5xTgB2J1QK0VzweSqWrlg0gwROE4FWYFvutwxXb5AZg3ZtRYlnqFDx2Dyq2YiBuRAcMCknGik/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVUXpWjnYD_wAF1Yjnn8BuNtg6YsGa5FWdW44rjWjYbKrbSmPCGq_gM893Jeldp2Ov-gHYphQBa3pNVv3scMpa58l2vKjy35yfYKnmbLSprhskLv_pi44oDEdllTPtMKoiXGsWTDNf58/s1600/IMG_6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVUXpWjnYD_wAF1Yjnn8BuNtg6YsGa5FWdW44rjWjYbKrbSmPCGq_gM893Jeldp2Ov-gHYphQBa3pNVv3scMpa58l2vKjy35yfYKnmbLSprhskLv_pi44oDEdllTPtMKoiXGsWTDNf58/s1600/IMG_6659.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But it was the self find part which really made it exciting... And off I went swiftly walking towards the visitors centre, only to find out it had been seen at island mere :( Although I would class it as a self find as I didn't know of it, and was at a different location, also who knows if it was the same one, although very likely!? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRlsxPcDrzSqhP3MRc0zkszgDjVHDKra3I1Koh3AMC62d1RZA91pPHqBIURK-tIHgS9woIePlmtUnVO5VMASs-QrVnMCAmr2KgrON4MWOSxdV-3hf5cJtzLl3yH7n0T2cAhmZHAuQqwQ/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRlsxPcDrzSqhP3MRc0zkszgDjVHDKra3I1Koh3AMC62d1RZA91pPHqBIURK-tIHgS9woIePlmtUnVO5VMASs-QrVnMCAmr2KgrON4MWOSxdV-3hf5cJtzLl3yH7n0T2cAhmZHAuQqwQ/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Within the confusion/excitment I still managed to take a photo one of the 5ish Turnstones patrolling the mud promenade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once we got back to base and met up with my Grandparents we decided to set up camp and have some lunch, once again I picked the Suffolk Bacon Butty speciality! Halfway through the Butty David bumped into us once again, what a lovely coincidence, always great! Beforehand however I had already seen the Black Redstart which had been shown to me by the people who showed us the Bird's Nest Fungi, yet another coincidence! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The last couple of shots I was very pleased with because of the contrasting background and dark perch, this female was a poser... Only one thing of note, the double grey patch on the wings gave it an interesting look as I always belive them to have had a single grey dash on the wing. Probably a natural variation, nothing special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to food David & I as usual had a good chat on what had happened so far, and what he had been up to, because of the sightings I had come up with he was off a couple of minutes early in search of the Black redstart on the Sand Martin Bank to no avail. I went off prematurely as well compared to my Grandparents in search of him in a miraculous way we didn't manage to bump into each other even though I must've crossed paths with him at some point! We later met up back at the East Hide. We both failed to pick out another/the Yellow-Legged Gull but did find another interesting looking Gull...</span></div>
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Straight away the dark eye of the 3rd winter bird standing in the middle hits you. Caspian has to be on your mind. But other than that everything else pointed to a dark-eyed Herring. This includes dumpy appearance compared to leggy Caspian jizz. Too much of a gonydeal angle (the part of the bill that dips down on the lower mandble nearer to the end, the Caspian doesn't have one.) Lack of pencil mark streakings on the back of the neck, and finally the lack of upright posture (to do with jizz again), Caspians normally have a bold chest and unusual posture compared to other herrings. So now the ID is positively Herring. However, this was still a good bird to "practice" on and prepare you for the legitimate Caspian.</div>
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We left different ways after that with David attempting to spot the Black Redstart which he did re-find fortuitously in the car park :) and us walking down the bank towards the sluice gate. Near there we found a pair of Stonechats which are fairly scarce down there, so it was slightly amusing to watch people stare and photogarph it after I pointed them out! A sanderling was the only other interesting bird to see circulating part of the scrape....</div>
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From here on in the Bitterns stole the show with humongous booms or whumps from around the reedbeds.</div>
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Now I'd like to think my Grandparents for such a magical trip that they shared with me, and to David for being such and excellent guide and great company!</div>
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Blogs will soon catch up once these darn mocks are out of the way!!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-37241787034248915942015-04-12T10:49:00.001-07:002015-04-12T10:49:42.292-07:00A little Thankyou...Hi,<br />
although this isn't a real milestone it was still a nice surprise to receive so many kind comments on my blog recently. I've tried to add a touch of comedic value while still informing you with some birdy facts. This blog is definitely not for money and fame but it is kinda nice to come back and rather see 10 views in a day, see a 100! It shows I'm doing one thing right :) I'll try and keep this up and not get sucked into the education system and not enjoy my time blogging!<br />
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What I wanted to talk about is what it has become!<br />
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I originally made this blog as a more exciting substitute to keeping records in a diary. This has certainly fulfilled my expectations and by making new online friends is always a real joy! Another rubbish milestone, but I have made 83 posts now and each time I post a new one the support persists and improves!<br />
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I'm here to thank you for helping me (me, me, me, me, me!) ;) actually keep a record of what I've done and seen. My Grandma would certainly agree as I never used to do anything and was a secret ornithologist! If it wasn't for your encouraging messages I wouldn't know what I had done a week ago! It really helps :)<br />
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My final point, Twitter. The blog and Twitter has allowed me to talk to you and other birders, some as young as me like Ben, Ellis and Noah which is always nice. Recently as seen on my previous blog ( David) I have even met my friends, and I hope to meet others close by and will also contact of near you on an adventure!<br />
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Hope to please your birding and natural world needs into the future!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-21811454902122213302015-04-12T04:58:00.001-07:002015-04-12T09:00:06.026-07:00David Walsh & Minsmere 2nd April 2015Hi, I was incredibly tired that morning after my fellow birdwatchers/Grandparents snored for England... If there's a way of comparing it, it would be a brass band! There's only a couple of differences 1. My Grandparents peformance lasted for nine hours. and 2. It was a very late night performace!<br />
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Back to birding... (just giving background) A month or so ago I was contacted by David offering us a free tour round Minsmere. Obviously I accepted the offer. I could tell he was a really nice man and interesting. I wasn't wrong, but could be slighty as he was even more experienced, kind, thoughtful than first anticipated, just brilliant!<br />
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David picked us up at 9:00 AM so after having 3 hours sleep wasn't great!!! We attempted to find <u><b>13 </b></u>Waxwings which did prove to be the unlucky part (wow that worked so well!) Although that was probably the only dip of the day as all that followed was some what legendary!<br />
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When we arrived we entered some damp woodland, the habitat was practically perfect for Willow Tit, however, these little things have been disappearing rapidly from our countryside... In fact David said he found the last pair in Suffolk back in 2010. "So what does the future hold for them?" You ask, well it does seem very bleak as prime habitat back in my home county in Wiltshire is not being pounced on by the Willow Tits, only a few pairs bred last year! The only solution is to captive breed these critters and hope for the best while the wild population dwindle in their localised populations.<br />
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Back to Minsmere. Our first bird was from the car park a smart female Pied Wagtail calling for its mate. It didn't succeed but gave good views while there was already a toilet break!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrro7uLDnunhz6vJZL8aVa-KStfkWJzgpDJdB7oXIhwd6i7Jpr7BCCq9vh7Tb0zXHm1_fhtvVdrhMXnwLyeF5MIoPbmgde62O9Ssyri1kgAIrT3TQMWKZ3kq6S7K7v4WA-Eo3oUBjm58/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrro7uLDnunhz6vJZL8aVa-KStfkWJzgpDJdB7oXIhwd6i7Jpr7BCCq9vh7Tb0zXHm1_fhtvVdrhMXnwLyeF5MIoPbmgde62O9Ssyri1kgAIrT3TQMWKZ3kq6S7K7v4WA-Eo3oUBjm58/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The start of the journey began by walking towards the island Mere hide. Along the way we searched through the Adder trail. Even though I used to think I was the "Steve Irwin" and managed to walk down the Cornish Coast Path in shorts within 10cm's of an Adder, or 2! I still am very fond of them and love seeing them out and about. At least this shows you I'm not in love of just the feathered variety! This male provided excellent photographic oppurtunities and allows you to see that blood red eye! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX_ucw7uBzc7rmv3aXQtFqSXzM3efqmZrUt0cXFoEzO8oy157j9xzd0vDwvfAk9vJ70g2a0hEydmOq-v393XPjZNJJIfXTzdQ-r0NHzkDScUfDrH2knWasXZrtFF5YfaXE8vgOfjcYKA/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX_ucw7uBzc7rmv3aXQtFqSXzM3efqmZrUt0cXFoEzO8oy157j9xzd0vDwvfAk9vJ70g2a0hEydmOq-v393XPjZNJJIfXTzdQ-r0NHzkDScUfDrH2knWasXZrtFF5YfaXE8vgOfjcYKA/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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All the while we were watching this Adder Green Woodpeckers were calling. David was zoned into this Adder and who wouldn't? After all he has a new Kowa scope which is fantastic I tell you! He allowed me throughout the day to look through it and everytime was like a breath of fresh air ;) But seriously this is probably the best scope I've looked through ever. The Green Woodpeckers did tempt me away but to no prevail, at times I could have taken world class photos but as usual my amatuerish camera skills were for the whole world to see!</div>
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We finally made it to the island Mere hide, this held stage to a wild goose chase... or sort of... Within 2 minutes of arriving we laid eyes on the three Tundra Bean Geese. Today compared to other (by the looks of other photos) was unlucky in distance terms, but still incredibly lucky to see the three Beanateers. The birds are the smaller ones at the front they have small bit of pink/orange on their bill on top of a black background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW_bgP7gJz-GNAWZ4G9paVEDNDRu-0GP5WTYwJGJsmOlNPj-w2H7UGvolfEMy4K0GTdqYe9OzL7ouorrKKv_vBsKwH6vUxsg8vYvRHzFo5l5OMsbPemH7HVGaTO1qVsJJARuS9ktOZl0/s1600/IMG_6314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW_bgP7gJz-GNAWZ4G9paVEDNDRu-0GP5WTYwJGJsmOlNPj-w2H7UGvolfEMy4K0GTdqYe9OzL7ouorrKKv_vBsKwH6vUxsg8vYvRHzFo5l5OMsbPemH7HVGaTO1qVsJJARuS9ktOZl0/s1600/IMG_6314.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MxCQpNVtui8uAFKpSOCdxETInb_w_FQr8uWpg1xLcA5lVc9A4NCrnHHnasOE_X-mvFTOvK64dkDnxH_H_EmGSLpL9XoFvyP4OfNXYBbwUjymnyDIcQbf3eqhxyrUMTtHbaAF_xhNHiE/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MxCQpNVtui8uAFKpSOCdxETInb_w_FQr8uWpg1xLcA5lVc9A4NCrnHHnasOE_X-mvFTOvK64dkDnxH_H_EmGSLpL9XoFvyP4OfNXYBbwUjymnyDIcQbf3eqhxyrUMTtHbaAF_xhNHiE/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We watched those beautiful Geese for another 5 minutes or so before setting sights on probably the most graceful birds of prey in England... Sorry Hen! In 1971 these birds were down to just 1 pair in Britain (and funnily enough they were from here) they now number over 400, what a fantastic success. This shows what we can do when we want a bird so much! I've recently heard that the Malta killing spree hasn't stopped and another Hen Harrier has been poisoned, only a few things like winning that vote, preventing the raptor persecuters from shooting and we'd be plain sailing. It's never that simple though is it? Anyway here are some pictures of a a success story :)<br />
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The heat haze prevented me from getting any better photos, but you can clearly it's a Marsh Harrier. Female has straw on its head male doesn't simple :) A few minutes later and I was about to find another success story which goes "Whump!" The Bittern, a crypitically plumaged bird similar to a heron in biometrics, however has a very different jizz with its legendary shy behviour and unusual call. This is probably the biggest success story in the past 5 years with its population hitting heights dating back to the 1800s, now that's something isn't it!? At first we only saw one flying over the reedbed but only a few seconds later a boy called "there's one right here!" We looked over and there it was about 10m's away so by far and away the best views I've ever had and probably will ever have!<br />
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Also the photos in focus!!! </div>
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As you can tell this Bittern was slightly mad, David said this was the best views he's had for over 2 years! So already the day has been good enough for us happy tourists! It was just too good... We spent another 20 minutes watching both the Bittern and Marsh Harrier before hearing another characterisitc Minsmere bird. "Ping... Ping.... Ping!" The Bearded Tit! The views were fairly fleeting but good enough and what are the chances of it being the beautiful male, with its (beware another insane word from english assessment, which means peculiar) idiosyncratic black line down the side of its face. My Mum always says it's as if some one has just painted on the side of its face! </div>
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So what a morning, huh. All three key species of the reedbed in one and a few other bits of pieces for the supporting cast. Now I think about it I even forgot the Great Crested Grebe courting well I think the day was so good it wasn't able to deserve its place!!!<br />
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The Suffolk Bacon Butty one of the nicest things to fill up on thanks to the Minsmere cafe. While I was there I spoke so some very experienced birders along with David who helped clear up this Omissus mishap. We were all enjoying some great food until I had to stand up for another great bird. It has been very scarce this winter because of mild conditions and may I add was a great relief in some ways to see this bird as it has always eluded me... May I present the Brambling<br />
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It gave itself away due to its unusual orange plumage, I was also fairly pleased by the photo I managed to get :) </div>
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Moving on, Dunwich Heath was the next destination, this is just out of the RSPB Reserve and is owned by the National Trust. it's a very well managed reserve with three key birds waiting for David, Granny, Granddad & I to uncover. The first was the Dartford Warbler. Although I had already seen these beauties I was still rather excited to see them again. We spoke to some photographers who said "No, none are down this path." David and I didn't really take note which in effect was one of the best decisions. A minute are after walking on we found a pir and in total we found at least 4! The heat haze again gave me issues with phtotography but here's the best I could do!</div>
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Apparently Stonechats are still fairly scarce in Suffolk so I thought I'd take one as a memento...</div>
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A fruther 500m's down the track and we arrived in a small collection of Pine and Birch. Loads of Finches were calling, I'd say over 40 birds were there... 2 more scarce birds game up trumps with Lesser Red and Siskin both being very scarce in the Southern half of Britain this winter... Tell me what's this?</div>
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While we were still up there we decided to have a coffee break and look over the 3rd largest reed bed in England.</div>
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While making are way back to the car David got a call telling him that a Stone-Curlew had been found! We lept into the car excited as ever and smiling like a group of four Cheshire Cats! They weren't overly far away this gave us a good hour or so to find it. Only a few had been thus far and David really wasn't expecting to see one so it was a real buzz. But this wasn't the only surprise was it? Woodlark was on the cards and showed absolutely incredibly, I'm not joking this bird was only a few feet away on occasions! There was a pair of them in the vicinity which was a new lifer that was well worth the wait...</div>
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The Robin didn't manage to steal the limelight! The diagnostic feature that I find most useful for seperating it from a Skylark is the white-black-white combo on the wing. Other than that ochre cheeks and call are the other give aways, and let's not forget the habitat! But still no Stone-Curlew and it wasn't starting to feel less fortuitous as previously anticipated (three good words there)... Hope was not lost though as David found it in amongst the heather...</div>
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What a bird and how unlucky not to find it in Wiltshire beforehand however, a lifer is a lifer and not many will be this peculiar! In total there could was 2 but could have been three as there was one calling from afar and the bird in the heath seemed to have moved some distance in a relatively short space of time. </div>
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Magical and BEST BIRD DAY EVER! Is the only way to describe and thanks so much for David leading us around this area and coming up with the goods.</div>
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I hope to meet up again, and praise Twitter for making this all happen, great device when trying to find someone as odd as you liking birds :)))</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-34016644523911908612015-04-07T14:18:00.000-07:002015-04-07T14:18:07.420-07:00Hannington, bird ringing 14th March 2015 (catching up)Hi,<br />
three - four weeks ago I woke up at a fresh time of 5:00 AM! I wasn't to pleased with that time (which I think most people would agree with) however, I had recieved a parcel a week or so before from the BTO... It had all the ringing equipment I had won from writing a letter explaining why it would mean a lot, help me out, my situation etc. So really pleased to get £180's worth of equipment!<br />
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Since it was quite a while ago and many things have happened I don't have the clearest memories... But I do remember a couple key birds that we caught :) Due to this being a farmland site our birds consisted mostly of Finches which are one of my favourites thankfully. In fact what I think I'll do is instead of giving a timeline I'll sum up a few key things we noticed, recorded & enjoyed!<br />
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First of all the Bullfinches... These beautiful yet shy creatures (you would expect) would practically blind you with their colours from a Blackthorn hedgerow, but in reality they are actually fairly secretive, and the main key feature that reveals them to me is their little white "bottoms" (rumps.) Oh, and I've just notcied that day I forgot my cameras s.d. card, only later to find out I had locked it!!! So this blog will be more writing than photos... Anyway back to Bullies, we had a record day, with 25 caught and a few released with the Papilloma virus :( This causes their legs to have abnormal growths and after a while fossilizes them while the bird is living... In effect creating a bowling ball with a bill which is one of the worst things to see, and with all seriousness should be monitored. In the day we caught 17 new and 8 re-encounters.<br />
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Our next big thing was the number of Chaffinches like the bullfinches we had a nice number with a total of 50 caught! A few of these had the virus so unfortunately the virus may have been prominent in the area at that time. A few little facts on the virus 1. It is very localised and strikes in pockets all across Europe 2. Chaffinch is the worst affected species while quite a few other passerines are susceptible 3. Mammals can be affected with some Rabbits getting terrible nobbly growths growing about their body... Birds unlike Mammals only get infected on the legs.<br />
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The big surprise of the day (especially) for Anna was a Male Sparrowhawk, she could barely contain her excitement. Is it me or (for you have read my blog for a while) does every Sparrowhawk we get turn out to be a Male, it's either ridiculous or there is some science between why we catch the Males rather then the Females. Rather incredibly this was Anna's first raptor!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNW4KIsMl3ze16jorgd2Uu4xORhWtEBMfFqVF0JdScqj-lkZp7WDWPMhIZVrrQPw6V8TU8RL4P6y0eN7KkQVYO_DZmy0gZQvdH2m4T4_Ell-I_SSKOzEkicHHKpwVlH1LqShQPITeaiI/s1600/sprawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNW4KIsMl3ze16jorgd2Uu4xORhWtEBMfFqVF0JdScqj-lkZp7WDWPMhIZVrrQPw6V8TU8RL4P6y0eN7KkQVYO_DZmy0gZQvdH2m4T4_Ell-I_SSKOzEkicHHKpwVlH1LqShQPITeaiI/s1600/sprawk.jpg" /></a></div>
Now to the most important thing and what drags us lot out every morning (or what I hope every one thinks) the science. We caught a Reed Bunting which aged at a wonderful 5 years old. You could actually tell this was a matriarch by the very bold markings, hopefully now we're ringing 200+ birds more frequently we'll able to collect more birds with stats like this, That<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlFyGaaT_dj64r8H3AGR80110E5x8O-4OEO5vZZ-ncT9UKOw9pm3966m8A9Y-HJLPsjN0_RZ7__z7YT8U7kL1VXy3aPu1VHyJ443GneaVx26pwrQan7YbUrVspvOuRL01yOQ0ELbqiwg/s1600/Reebu_control.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlFyGaaT_dj64r8H3AGR80110E5x8O-4OEO5vZZ-ncT9UKOw9pm3966m8A9Y-HJLPsjN0_RZ7__z7YT8U7kL1VXy3aPu1VHyJ443GneaVx26pwrQan7YbUrVspvOuRL01yOQ0ELbqiwg/s1600/Reebu_control.jpg" /></a></div>
Reed Bunt is a credit to all our hard work and does make our commitment worth while.<br />
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My next blog will hopefully be up tomorrow and will be back to the future (great, great pun there) no copyright inc.<br />
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Here's the list thanks to http://www.wiltshirebirds.co.uk/ringing/north-wilts-group.html for both the pics and list: Chaffinch 48 (2), Bullfinch 17 (8 ), Greenfinch 3, Goldfinch 1,
Yellowhammer 34 (3), Reed Bunting 17 (1), House Sparrow 12, Sparrowhawk
1, Goldcrest 2, Long Tailed Tit 2, Blue Tit 8 (16), Great Tit 11 (5),
Robin 3 (4), Dunnock 11 (2), Blackbird 2 (1), Song Thrush 1, Great
Spotted Woodpecker 1<br />
Biff<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-39486724211168210362015-04-06T13:43:00.000-07:002015-04-06T13:43:04.764-07:00Hanningfield res. & Orwell Estuary 1st April 2015Hi,<br />
today was the day... The day my snorers (you'll find out on the next blog), I mean Grandparents and I travelled to Ipswich, our base for Minsmere. We thought the journey would drag on, so wasn't lively. At about 13:30 we needed to stop off for a lunch break...<br />
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Instinct sniffed out a nature reserve, like a (needs to be related to birds, ummm) Kestrel looking for a Field Vole urine in grass using ultraviolet vision I worked out a route to a nature reserve. Hanningfield Resovoir is the name, in Essex. <br />
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"Chiff, chaff, chaff, chiff, chiff, chiff, chaff, chaff". This was what welcomed me, a Spring migrant from Africa... The Chiffchaff, a small, and what some people would call boring bird, I would have to completely disagree. To me they epitomise Spring with their somewhat repetitive jingle. We arrived at the visitors centre and were pleasantly surprised that it was free but of course we had to donate after for such a fantastic reserve. A very friendly man gave us an insight on what was around inc. I quote "We have a Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier..." and so on and so forth. But would you really put a Marsh Harrier before a Buzzard? Well I know I certainly wouldn't! Anyway, we reached the first hide and said hello to a (posh word incoming) white <u><b>speculum</b></u>... So what's that, a Gadwall you say? The speculum is the part of the wing near to the tertials, just a tad further away from the body of the bird compared to the closest the tertials. <br />
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Check that speculum out! I then decided to do a bit of Gulling (watching gulls), there were many rafts of Black-Headed Gulls fishing along the surface and could be misconceived as a Tern. Funnily they shouldn't really be called Black-Headed for two reasons in my opinion: 1. in the Summer their hood is not black it's brown! 2. In Winter plumage they don't have black on their head apart from an earspot... So if I was the naturalist 400 or so years ago I'd call it the White-Eyelashed Gull... Sounds good! Anyway nothing stood out in the flocks. My Grandma then reminded me "Are the Marsh Harriers overthere?" Took me 5 seconds to look over to the small reedbed and 5 milliseconds to narrow down an Adult Female! The first for my Grandparents! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6S45duva_i3rJijUfotaoWgy4kj5hfT7DnQrfWeqtwiZWry768Ge_vG_xhRM9soefUjnGjd5-N6cpurqaGXbhdReufACRwSDevcIJcass1Mja234KmGQdJskLnSlOSKjg_zNLqB3I28/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6S45duva_i3rJijUfotaoWgy4kj5hfT7DnQrfWeqtwiZWry768Ge_vG_xhRM9soefUjnGjd5-N6cpurqaGXbhdReufACRwSDevcIJcass1Mja234KmGQdJskLnSlOSKjg_zNLqB3I28/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrUHkJvA_IvEpm0S-9qBCFTq6Zvdse4Btcc9tmT1VgEcyg4MC-DCSIIg3lhInnwAZDlydl-q6C6qb1Mx5IhahKwUgkKQ_YLXrriRaZvO3So5SfwX3IjZh0gEvRXdhD-5RpwFhBxN-CBY/s1600/IMG_5661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrUHkJvA_IvEpm0S-9qBCFTq6Zvdse4Btcc9tmT1VgEcyg4MC-DCSIIg3lhInnwAZDlydl-q6C6qb1Mx5IhahKwUgkKQ_YLXrriRaZvO3So5SfwX3IjZh0gEvRXdhD-5RpwFhBxN-CBY/s1600/IMG_5661.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>As you can see from these shots it was very distant but recognisable which is all you need. It disappeared for a few minutes so I decided to look over the treeline and spotted some tiny birds darting around, a mix of Sand Martin & Swallow, and for those wanting to know more birding vocabulary, <u><b><i>Hirundines</i></b></u>. Both the first for me this Spring, which is rather late to be honest. However, seeing Swallow at this time is still fairly early so pleased... Wait on, this blog is not about timing! It was fnatstic to see probably the most beautiful bird in the UK the Swallow this year, who cares about the timing! </div>
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The next hide produced excitement from the highly terrortorial Coot. Sadly I wasn't able to catch all the action on camera but did tell the "story", sorry for the cringe! My photo below shows the partner of the bird to the far left fending off the bird bird in the middles partner! Look at the confrontation between the two in the middle, they weren't a happy bunch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVNJuI3YKVxKEGovEfnDGiz8AiHS-Sk1aE2yAUQzWG_ASsWpoIh6RH8AQEul3QPMfdpPAAhF30y9F2BSvWD6VVEzI-Rh35xUUGqaab3uGMMufOBwIEtdcPhBLU-H03Zir0yw7sAYGAdA/s1600/IMG_5712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVNJuI3YKVxKEGovEfnDGiz8AiHS-Sk1aE2yAUQzWG_ASsWpoIh6RH8AQEul3QPMfdpPAAhF30y9F2BSvWD6VVEzI-Rh35xUUGqaab3uGMMufOBwIEtdcPhBLU-H03Zir0yw7sAYGAdA/s1600/IMG_5712.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </a>My Granddad spotted a Female Teal close by having a little shake, but for me trying to wash yourself in the mud isn't the most sensible idea, but that's just me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcme5ExjjIwUeGETJncJEDjcrr9VXIrOOuXux3uuETpiHFqeF6ymbkIYcKZJWtIAY6LFqRe0FYrVah8EVVjU9-20LmDd_5GFMmpEjuNtjSTyvOx-5_tRzp0_84OmXRbCamrj1CzpJcrM/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcme5ExjjIwUeGETJncJEDjcrr9VXIrOOuXux3uuETpiHFqeF6ymbkIYcKZJWtIAY6LFqRe0FYrVah8EVVjU9-20LmDd_5GFMmpEjuNtjSTyvOx-5_tRzp0_84OmXRbCamrj1CzpJcrM/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </a>While I was concentrating on the ducks close by my Granddad pointed out some courting Great Crested Grebes, a well awaited first for me (not the bird the court). Every wildlife program in the Spring will show film of this so it was a great surprise! But as usual they had to be on the other side of the planet, photography wasn't easy today! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3OgwYQHGdDNjrnsxt6m5Z63WSohhUHbaktXSO-9bSM1qcYApMLwvX_8dXzA_yhv735MUkjfGjSgRPa_EgqVEYkagigRIGUPLN6Cb4IVd1EaHYwjCPkrbuu1AiqEvGA3zQsbOyL1OmHM/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3OgwYQHGdDNjrnsxt6m5Z63WSohhUHbaktXSO-9bSM1qcYApMLwvX_8dXzA_yhv735MUkjfGjSgRPa_EgqVEYkagigRIGUPLN6Cb4IVd1EaHYwjCPkrbuu1AiqEvGA3zQsbOyL1OmHM/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </a>The next hide had an artificial island in front, many birds were oppurtunistic on it including some Snipe! My favourites, they were so kind to be two planets away this time just nudging on Saturn (thanks Google!) Tell me if you can spot them in the comments...</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnOzLEi4vWkH8p2z8jHb9Mmx3FgMNu5rymdKBuxjwk_WbW8KvUPOjCqI9XnLtVRYEMH-RpUgqUBJFwrKd-hl7ZLx-37QTsI1erVeG-TKUgIEXZLQzvBMVF-8soxzhJzDezL2ESd9T-Eg/s1600/IMG_5858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnOzLEi4vWkH8p2z8jHb9Mmx3FgMNu5rymdKBuxjwk_WbW8KvUPOjCqI9XnLtVRYEMH-RpUgqUBJFwrKd-hl7ZLx-37QTsI1erVeG-TKUgIEXZLQzvBMVF-8soxzhJzDezL2ESd9T-Eg/s1600/IMG_5858.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was on the trail of the Gulls again, this time I was succesful however. Mediterranean Gulls were the possibility so to find one after being there was a large surprise! If you've read my previous posts you'll know the key idetification features are the solid white wings. So put it this way it's the only one flying... </div>
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<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">We had completed all the hides now! Our time had come to move on, but not before finding a pair of Oystercatchers, 6 Pied Wag, and this odd Goose, it's a hybrid Greylag x Canada Goose... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCerpCqW1G8DNdA06rcZjjZ-26UDKMBm_BBI7HS2HjaJu8Q8Af9DCOG_90Tvkt9jrHSpDuHwgKeerEfosnpKCV2SAUhyphenhypheniAiCOIKeDs91ePXTXC7FzN6Jj6wxOiCieiAoDoODS9liS9nzg/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCerpCqW1G8DNdA06rcZjjZ-26UDKMBm_BBI7HS2HjaJu8Q8Af9DCOG_90Tvkt9jrHSpDuHwgKeerEfosnpKCV2SAUhyphenhypheniAiCOIKeDs91ePXTXC7FzN6Jj6wxOiCieiAoDoODS9liS9nzg/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> <span style="color: black;">(the underlined words is an annoying glitch it doesn't suggest any importance!) Next to the flock of Greylag and Canada a pair of Meadow Pipits were patrolling their patch. One had an unusually grey head, however this seems to be just minor abberant defect in its plumage. </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRVqp3eMMQ6KcqwiMjXaLE1STyT2EFpv160af2ute7PES0r6AoBFbHFw8QzUY_NbqfJkfhF5qWcDxNnqQVxis2akVvfDlsryVUFMQ0rHKAkzlD2UkTTSRRB7s5k24rMWdqtwza82zvf4/s1600/IMG_5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRVqp3eMMQ6KcqwiMjXaLE1STyT2EFpv160af2ute7PES0r6AoBFbHFw8QzUY_NbqfJkfhF5qWcDxNnqQVxis2akVvfDlsryVUFMQ0rHKAkzlD2UkTTSRRB7s5k24rMWdqtwza82zvf4/s1600/IMG_5892.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>Sadly we had to leave the reserve but thankfully gave a good contribution... An hour or so after that we had arrived at Ipswich, yayyyyayyayyayyy! But that's not the end of my adventures is it! I wanted to see more, so journeyed down to the local estuary called the Orwell. I wasn't expecting much but turns out (thanks to my friend David) one of my Gulls I had found was a rare subspecies... When I saw it I was confident in it being a Yellow-Legged Gull, however the pale mantle (back) doesn't meet the Yellow-Leg standards. There was only one other alternative, an <i>Omissus</i> Herring Gull. No I'm not an absolute genius by identifying this! The next day at Minsmere one of David's friends who is apparenly "the fourth best guller in Suffolk!" Which is just a tease from their club, said it fits <i>Omissus </i>which is a very good record and I'll submit it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJIAKXzI1DCJiRcZNu5tTlilbKePC49JI92SA3cxF-8yTSNgW77L2XqLYfUBsMjSbM60Aoztfml5iDHI75mfEOxRAQBbD3LKhQ2Z8YP5IZ-lsCiGTM8qQ6WIkHXPlVXYZudIbuWbJYqQ/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJIAKXzI1DCJiRcZNu5tTlilbKePC49JI92SA3cxF-8yTSNgW77L2XqLYfUBsMjSbM60Aoztfml5iDHI75mfEOxRAQBbD3LKhQ2Z8YP5IZ-lsCiGTM8qQ6WIkHXPlVXYZudIbuWbJYqQ/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
As you can tell I borrowed Simon Kings shot which turned out fantastic ;)<br />
Linking back to Hanningfield this bird was nearing Pluto, but still got a photo!!!<br />
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Hope this is not too long just wait till the next blog! I think you'll be reading into the 22nd century!<br />
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Biff<br />
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again these blogs aren't coming thick and fast... I'm not trying to make up excuses and admit I'm a lazy tike, but bear with me! Most of you should be pretty amazed that a teenage boy is able to make a blog considering all the responsibilites such as tidying a bedroom, packing your bag every morning, being on social media, gaming etc. etc. ;) Nope, I've decided it's time for a revamp, and what can be better than ringing in Wiltshire?<br />
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Yes, I was in Wiltshire with my trainer, Matt, and my fellow apprentice Paul. We were ringing one of the most beautiful sites in Wiltshire, THE, Kennet Valley. This lovely valley, with a beautiful river, wamping willows and Lesser Redpolls... Oh wait, none are in southern England this year are they! All these characteristic birds are normally ubiquitous (sorry for the fantastic word, it means everywhere. Used it in recent English test and was very proud, and so should you be) however, this year most have shifted to Eastern Europe and Asia which has left us with a drought of their trill :( So were left with (probably) the better song of the Cetti's Warbler having a blast in the undergrowth, this time though it's explosive call didn't reach the net.<br />
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Although the Lesser Redpolls weren't here, Reed Buntings were. Not a lot to be honest! But catching a five year old was the highlight for me, beautiful-scientific-research. It even had the decency to wave for you...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbiR7y0na8MBPJdUv5BEg9Msa3fn-eloQJE_r2UxBCKuo2OVcGDjACfI6aHhct2IYCgVGoUD03ASuaMjiQQl2WOAJ2Hk5ovHB8hdIJrMOngV6rkw7zdfN3bZrIFgBEF4DxzSpspwiLRk/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbiR7y0na8MBPJdUv5BEg9Msa3fn-eloQJE_r2UxBCKuo2OVcGDjACfI6aHhct2IYCgVGoUD03ASuaMjiQQl2WOAJ2Hk5ovHB8hdIJrMOngV6rkw7zdfN3bZrIFgBEF4DxzSpspwiLRk/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wind did at least! Here's the old man behaving like a proper gentleman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ-yOY-78aHvJCxq1YnQhj7g7FqHzUsddu7MCKeXGm6bqMCgKHlnZTqctJadb19v6hXm1oqozPm5x7LMwu-wpVN2f1irtjjF2my73aV7TyzL9_k5CgLbPi4kr415l772QaMgI5V0Fqy8/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ-yOY-78aHvJCxq1YnQhj7g7FqHzUsddu7MCKeXGm6bqMCgKHlnZTqctJadb19v6hXm1oqozPm5x7LMwu-wpVN2f1irtjjF2my73aV7TyzL9_k5CgLbPi4kr415l772QaMgI5V0Fqy8/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Posing for the ladies, as one would expect :) </div>
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Blue Tits as usual dominated the catch with 45 in total! Just where do they come from? Here are some shots, which on reflection are awful, as they don't give a true representation of the beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_M0C8xlS8Uk0LSC4OIiwa2V5jclIkV_SQpkaslWKffyW_5IsK3AO82HZgzSqnlbkN2c77Jbelvp4k_iXn3AjJ4NVe8cfMMM5rUdDRHpw0izM0U0cQSEARAZDt9L0446hjHHGjF5z66o/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_M0C8xlS8Uk0LSC4OIiwa2V5jclIkV_SQpkaslWKffyW_5IsK3AO82HZgzSqnlbkN2c77Jbelvp4k_iXn3AjJ4NVe8cfMMM5rUdDRHpw0izM0U0cQSEARAZDt9L0446hjHHGjF5z66o/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEJN17nLlcuNNhkBo0Fgh1EI9HI4VLpocgEGKEfbPhU59-_qd5RUFOFvE3eGx2Qf2jDpkbHW7QZd3EoBrEjjTLl6m9B1aToM_0lw0D8aw4op_E2wG1Coh1XnhtPJgcglSRDkddn9HOuY/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEJN17nLlcuNNhkBo0Fgh1EI9HI4VLpocgEGKEfbPhU59-_qd5RUFOFvE3eGx2Qf2jDpkbHW7QZd3EoBrEjjTLl6m9B1aToM_0lw0D8aw4op_E2wG1Coh1XnhtPJgcglSRDkddn9HOuY/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you pick out the mist nets in the first photo? Yes? Well you shouldn't they're meant to be invisible, at least for the birds. </div>
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So great day, with one stand out performer. </div>
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Here's the list: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: ArialMTStdLightRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Blue Tit 29 (16), Great Tit 13 (4), Coal Tit 2 (1), Goldcrest 1, Chaffinch 6, Goldfinch 1, Dunnock 4 (2), Robin 3 (1), Wren 1, Reed Bunting 0 (1) thanks to </span>http://www.wiltshirebirds.co.uk/ringing/north-wilts-group.html </div>
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Hope to post more frequently now it's the holidays, phewwwww</div>
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Biff</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-58531295878264749692015-03-07T16:13:00.000-08:002015-03-08T03:54:10.358-07:00Cornwall & a Little Bunting more 18-21st February 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Hi, gulls were the agenda for my final 4 days in Cornwall. After already seeing a Ring-Billed Gull from point blank range, I was on the look out for one of my own. This didn't pay off, but still saw many fantastic birds that gets your heart racing...</span></div>
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The 18th was a nice late start for me and gave me a well earned rest from a bird-fueled 17th, my Mum and I decided to have a walk down the local, and notoriously good birdwatching spot Cot Valley. Chaffinches dominated the scene and forced me to search through them for the elusive Brambling. Half an hour passed with no luck inside the hoards, so I gave up! Now at the top of the valley near some stonking cottages we found a wintering Chiffchaff that us birders should agree on being a nice sight (unless it's there for a couple of seconds!)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLFptqYOYDL3neWtf-shHBl6zetzaf81wZ-F5mIIv74E6WpQ2gEOILUTvGZtuVsnk9jvX_vpbL95M_eA1oTymt2nt-nv5n7ZZCOy12EJsSDiiK11grjGLxNrAc8XWX8vWgg_OOcpkW3I/s1600/IMG_4108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLFptqYOYDL3neWtf-shHBl6zetzaf81wZ-F5mIIv74E6WpQ2gEOILUTvGZtuVsnk9jvX_vpbL95M_eA1oTymt2nt-nv5n7ZZCOy12EJsSDiiK11grjGLxNrAc8XWX8vWgg_OOcpkW3I/s1600/IMG_4108.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
A few bits and pieces followed, so I was just about to fall asleep ;) until! I heard what I can only describe as "WOW". Yep Choughs do apparently sound like that. Years of that call resonating around has<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> caused it to be a <span style="background-color: white; color: lime;">blasé. Although, watching them dive and strutt their stuff does cause some excitement. An ultra recognisable bird for me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After getting back home that evening. A little check near the outflow pipe in Cot Valley seemed appealing. So packed my binos, camera and off I went. NOW sit back, relax and just imagine me out here in stormy weather and very high winds, you must feel rather priveleged that these pictures have </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">come from a boy with just a coat and no gloves, ok? Good, yes I was freezing but was well worth the effort for great views of (for me) a top 3 bird :) Mediterranean Gull or as I'll abbreviate, Med Gull.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Over 20 must have been riding the waves with their beautiful blood red bills, and best of all white wings. Here are some 8 photos of these beauties...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWR0MG8hVZ8r9nVu1fdrbuBXsX9szBqjgQGiu07Db6B00dTPgy2Hy_TwKT7_sXGY5b_-52gtrIqNcyf6WKW274hvdieUHnbH8a5B-hS8i_QUnsMshXU3DiEmY3uu5k4Pu9qPP0Y0icrU/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWR0MG8hVZ8r9nVu1fdrbuBXsX9szBqjgQGiu07Db6B00dTPgy2Hy_TwKT7_sXGY5b_-52gtrIqNcyf6WKW274hvdieUHnbH8a5B-hS8i_QUnsMshXU3DiEmY3uu5k4Pu9qPP0Y0icrU/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">Look at those white wings</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR3ONA4AZILsMSkzhnJVJtuNBtp2W3YtfObOpy4nrjxSNGwsEhy-xytT8dVs1hDMXzVzMNyFhHRR1DA7BYXu1SAxetmWy84kIRLTJ0mwI_onY3UJG5ZT3z6gYDaUvgxlBhQWMq0NXsmg/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR3ONA4AZILsMSkzhnJVJtuNBtp2W3YtfObOpy4nrjxSNGwsEhy-xytT8dVs1hDMXzVzMNyFhHRR1DA7BYXu1SAxetmWy84kIRLTJ0mwI_onY3UJG5ZT3z6gYDaUvgxlBhQWMq0NXsmg/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">One having a little taster along with a 1w on the left</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufPAOUK4qNMhoPLWLqLP7pDn_0q7fQnbbyw92ErZZgqHFg-sM9Hwb1y0VC02ogyVAHrQ2GpK9AI3uJeyuoSW3CCwhw8QWNuwwRJ2YAegjJGX-m8IW23M2wnbR7TcuaIWQuAWNM1G1fmg/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufPAOUK4qNMhoPLWLqLP7pDn_0q7fQnbbyw92ErZZgqHFg-sM9Hwb1y0VC02ogyVAHrQ2GpK9AI3uJeyuoSW3CCwhw8QWNuwwRJ2YAegjJGX-m8IW23M2wnbR7TcuaIWQuAWNM1G1fmg/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">Both ad. and 1w again, with ad. bottom right and juvenile flying middle right</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa9j4jm5qOy6lLajJHfu1Ma3t4lYPQMqzVbfx_diAbOtzeTjd7AB3ty2esI6-r3geI8LNl5jW0mc2_lP7Puh6QEXzFOd091j5EBhueONmqU4LBaYvP4Snw3Z82PZ1hn17ksPyNqzKUd4/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa9j4jm5qOy6lLajJHfu1Ma3t4lYPQMqzVbfx_diAbOtzeTjd7AB3ty2esI6-r3geI8LNl5jW0mc2_lP7Puh6QEXzFOd091j5EBhueONmqU4LBaYvP4Snw3Z82PZ1hn17ksPyNqzKUd4/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">Oh those white wings :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7vzr7Hkq2lSehgPm4XKzvIZH_AiqI2hvo5bcowun4zYutlo3Iq4m59WcTAGivic0Ex8UPrRohT7188U6i9T9gNaVOb1UZWkYjSCg9xUw-YNGykjIwK-MPX7TRasJKh9knLW-T13b1BI/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7vzr7Hkq2lSehgPm4XKzvIZH_AiqI2hvo5bcowun4zYutlo3Iq4m59WcTAGivic0Ex8UPrRohT7188U6i9T9gNaVOb1UZWkYjSCg9xUw-YNGykjIwK-MPX7TRasJKh9knLW-T13b1BI/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">Just before "touch down"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVduE_YsZvc6I_fMPmWOIBfXKcYyo1w-MDu2174TpWP9p1gjNk6-KW8LiQ1qU3Qg4SxVWhBPoROVtwi-xlYjOKDRDiqWNq3F23LZME6sBPkBkgnQJCGsaEB_TiiaQvz_PfiiRaE4caUg/s1600/IMG_4207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVduE_YsZvc6I_fMPmWOIBfXKcYyo1w-MDu2174TpWP9p1gjNk6-KW8LiQ1qU3Qg4SxVWhBPoROVtwi-xlYjOKDRDiqWNq3F23LZME6sBPkBkgnQJCGsaEB_TiiaQvz_PfiiRaE4caUg/s1600/IMG_4207.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">Perfect spread of wings, shame it wasn't a full frame shot...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqFpRaKX9mC9wdaRYXXaacPREmxq3RcUcLXfX9GVNMLcKTOUpOx8B66sGhJyBN-GNk2SuXuSM7u8Ou6enIkeElyfcNkHJg06AbsnhFGEi1D-aEICSaSA6K8hZEdw1mmLVLkXG1EtY0xY/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: lime;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqFpRaKX9mC9wdaRYXXaacPREmxq3RcUcLXfX9GVNMLcKTOUpOx8B66sGhJyBN-GNk2SuXuSM7u8Ou6enIkeElyfcNkHJg06AbsnhFGEi1D-aEICSaSA6K8hZEdw1mmLVLkXG1EtY0xY/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime;">I can see a couple of Med Gulls, how many do you see?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXjaLp6HitzgQ-DmHfoir0Q9GT4uWsPq6xmGTUO75_PFBq79GDRErwZ5mjbYYVQsZoMKSkS_0vjCX77ToAp5dZc_HBlh-GY4EywRpznSE_alVYydBrtQxRD1XSCZVrvvFAM47tD4xWmk/s1600/IMG_4370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXjaLp6HitzgQ-DmHfoir0Q9GT4uWsPq6xmGTUO75_PFBq79GDRErwZ5mjbYYVQsZoMKSkS_0vjCX77ToAp5dZc_HBlh-GY4EywRpznSE_alVYydBrtQxRD1XSCZVrvvFAM47tD4xWmk/s1600/IMG_4370.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's flying in there somewhere...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2lKrLlC_wHsipWjcKevOnnoFfPmXjRUEmXA7_vPDC_yLXUHo9Dr-FJA3rBr_QuxEWSDGuh8uro36qspi_JGU70U78B7rCC55rGTFa1H2oJmG6QvGCHthyphenhyphenjj_RZjujtrOfYYzt5oAenM/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2lKrLlC_wHsipWjcKevOnnoFfPmXjRUEmXA7_vPDC_yLXUHo9Dr-FJA3rBr_QuxEWSDGuh8uro36qspi_JGU70U78B7rCC55rGTFa1H2oJmG6QvGCHthyphenhyphenjj_RZjujtrOfYYzt5oAenM/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directly in the middle</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After that great find of Med gulls I decided to get some rest, and look through all the gull photos, which for most isn't that fun! The next morning I decided to check down there again later that evening and found this along the way, and no, I didn't go back in time, I put sepia effect on :)</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-OhHjATXHSpzM5fddvkE2BU9BSXLAG45d1BHtdRJCmEfTk2pM6jEu5UdIQfXGwGgpgbGaGqcWagB38gDSi0m-ulRmcx7ODRI_f6RJMpErak2GGeeyX4rZfIFt_wtu4Lk2NvRcb2_dJE/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-OhHjATXHSpzM5fddvkE2BU9BSXLAG45d1BHtdRJCmEfTk2pM6jEu5UdIQfXGwGgpgbGaGqcWagB38gDSi0m-ulRmcx7ODRI_f6RJMpErak2GGeeyX4rZfIFt_wtu4Lk2NvRcb2_dJE/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the adult?<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
After that we decided to see the waves at Sennen. As always my trusty camera came along. Curlews and Oystercatchers on the rocks near us was a nice surprise, nothing much else was around though, so decided to photograph the Herring Gull in front of us...</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviXtbQU1qNcLxMMw5Nzn_h3AhSqwRqX7mlUusKBguzqJM5GbclJ-oqq-rOFZ3BW8IQWyC4suGZ4tfgTDHDJH1E5j8Vlssj2jj6buTh0Bp51ovilP3X-HhhUpipcgquQ0BvutSH-Wn5uk/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviXtbQU1qNcLxMMw5Nzn_h3AhSqwRqX7mlUusKBguzqJM5GbclJ-oqq-rOFZ3BW8IQWyC4suGZ4tfgTDHDJH1E5j8Vlssj2jj6buTh0Bp51ovilP3X-HhhUpipcgquQ0BvutSH-Wn5uk/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
Clearly a nice adult, with a good grey plumage. Now onto the next day... We were going to go to Hayle but decided on the way to stop off at Marazion. Unfortunately (as I may have already said) I didn't bring my scope which was handy :( This prevented me from trying to find the site loyal Pacific Diver. This didn't however, stop me from getting down onto the beach.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlxi7ypJFbJIikAq25xushetyQLQRo1Hdx5lk2WuPpmJQy4dU2wG5rKBqic7d8kPg4KcufzYbnVyQp-XxNCxbgVCQwuFQXlCxQPz7jG9U0PHZWLP6HNgGIid__MU8E4xj99SZx04tZa4/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlxi7ypJFbJIikAq25xushetyQLQRo1Hdx5lk2WuPpmJQy4dU2wG5rKBqic7d8kPg4KcufzYbnVyQp-XxNCxbgVCQwuFQXlCxQPz7jG9U0PHZWLP6HNgGIid__MU8E4xj99SZx04tZa4/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Winter Med Gull</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwrSWElLaWx7OGWmYKiU1yFI7iyth70-NnojG_5xn2Sn72HOqhUhQSWyTuI4QRwHiBO3WsNTfIEJXYR4cDjISM1GXNn45W9paD9HcCzPo1ifuofR0w88nJps8TNsUAb9iYSACoByft_Y/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwrSWElLaWx7OGWmYKiU1yFI7iyth70-NnojG_5xn2Sn72HOqhUhQSWyTuI4QRwHiBO3WsNTfIEJXYR4cDjISM1GXNn45W9paD9HcCzPo1ifuofR0w88nJps8TNsUAb9iYSACoByft_Y/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the Adult Winter Med Gull? remember, white wingtips</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
Yes, sorry to bore you but these Med Gulls gave a love story effect, throughout the holiday I just grew to love them, always admiring their beauty. 5 were on the beach but with no Glaucous, or Icelandic which in some respects is slightly disappointing! We eventually got to Hayle, after my Granddad seemingly let everyone past! Here's a collection of what was there waiting for us...</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABWD9cNOFjkoYPlmMvejX-Lrp21xwV2aiy4GvtVsO0VntGUKZeeyZBhYeyi5zxmpCa5cPqU1ZY8FNAbF2kPB8rjR8kHAptgl7YsayujboPpexjA52tUZKgUsr23Tg5Qak4RZtNQAyNTI/s1600/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABWD9cNOFjkoYPlmMvejX-Lrp21xwV2aiy4GvtVsO0VntGUKZeeyZBhYeyi5zxmpCa5cPqU1ZY8FNAbF2kPB8rjR8kHAptgl7YsayujboPpexjA52tUZKgUsr23Tg5Qak4RZtNQAyNTI/s1600/IMG_4920.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 Med Gulls in that shot!</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFw2EnDL1_1GomEVWLM5TiLKdbfCPrsxYehj2L6xI9Pwv4JbJnCZW1IBBTHXC8RM7GmKblxnXlOO367bT1ruOqN0dVrHSu8HGsLYzk_ZtcKMY4sPBPQLb85gygmOfgt7q72Zlym44eTg/s1600/IMG_4938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFw2EnDL1_1GomEVWLM5TiLKdbfCPrsxYehj2L6xI9Pwv4JbJnCZW1IBBTHXC8RM7GmKblxnXlOO367bT1ruOqN0dVrHSu8HGsLYzk_ZtcKMY4sPBPQLb85gygmOfgt7q72Zlym44eTg/s1600/IMG_4938.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A more agressive looking Herring Gull!</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgjn_lLjBuELYVtjz-8nDC8RmaORQDnY9OlzzyhCrok6yJ49tQ66whSZsSWJZLrQ97KXeGmzc2ydkP50rlugjqSOaWN7Lm5myEK99Delrj_-TfIxeMEjZdiUWgaiI5FS9DsGqYxR68QQ/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgjn_lLjBuELYVtjz-8nDC8RmaORQDnY9OlzzyhCrok6yJ49tQ66whSZsSWJZLrQ97KXeGmzc2ydkP50rlugjqSOaWN7Lm5myEK99Delrj_-TfIxeMEjZdiUWgaiI5FS9DsGqYxR68QQ/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 greenshank we saw in total</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR2zDfGbJDy1uKxCDkhssU3a7qXZMK9MvfbP961CrWgA_GcN-tZ9xDeth7PPlqI7_grrxd7ReUuO-_p6etxWIkUk17-XXD_FG5eKgzjjWh4AOvY-9I7tJF3MZ5ADd-BjG3lK8o5QnfWo/s1600/IMG_4973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR2zDfGbJDy1uKxCDkhssU3a7qXZMK9MvfbP961CrWgA_GcN-tZ9xDeth7PPlqI7_grrxd7ReUuO-_p6etxWIkUk17-XXD_FG5eKgzjjWh4AOvY-9I7tJF3MZ5ADd-BjG3lK8o5QnfWo/s1600/IMG_4973.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some flamboyant Great Black-Backed Gulls</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So pretty much sums up a good performance from the birds today. One other thing to note was the presence of 5-6 Bar-Tailed Godwits. I noticed these normally travelled in pairs, could suggest they're bonding before going back to their Arctic breeding grounds? One more check of the gull flocks down Cot Valley produced this...</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIM9m8cBoHSDyyNS7ey48EznnwFmfcSAoriL6OwewbONhWylbPkWH6RwjNhL3e_EHNVlTXj5rNfcwjimxoUOM6j3jcDm-cb2Dr-JX_kSBXpAzwFpH9XOFE_GV1uV-lrVakPryG8BEwY/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIM9m8cBoHSDyyNS7ey48EznnwFmfcSAoriL6OwewbONhWylbPkWH6RwjNhL3e_EHNVlTXj5rNfcwjimxoUOM6j3jcDm-cb2Dr-JX_kSBXpAzwFpH9XOFE_GV1uV-lrVakPryG8BEwY/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The One-Legged Wonder! </td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-trStflOxlkVj3ApXZyp_E4XdJu_hTFSPf7d1iI_PM4M9h9aEZNRCtzzN49-Ug_56e6NtbwOsjA-s6xoRhmk0x3a5db72mKmmJLgfD8GRFhes5RenIGQKXNxhKvhu5iVtJdOXkfDvU_w/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-trStflOxlkVj3ApXZyp_E4XdJu_hTFSPf7d1iI_PM4M9h9aEZNRCtzzN49-Ug_56e6NtbwOsjA-s6xoRhmk0x3a5db72mKmmJLgfD8GRFhes5RenIGQKXNxhKvhu5iVtJdOXkfDvU_w/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Wings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjokAOQ7xROxSvXpJpTfu1d0BCvBy-AVLhXRY9K5wqWLHsSVwWJ8KrYUFsIDgYaFaOvoRfgoeeBJKyExxFagvxxfsNWyVxQtdqx3wzWYWbbwtYRj7pX4HySmaxyXK3GvyV1tL1ajnGxg/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjokAOQ7xROxSvXpJpTfu1d0BCvBy-AVLhXRY9K5wqWLHsSVwWJ8KrYUFsIDgYaFaOvoRfgoeeBJKyExxFagvxxfsNWyVxQtdqx3wzWYWbbwtYRj7pX4HySmaxyXK3GvyV1tL1ajnGxg/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer plumaged white wings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWJZSyse8pw1ic3Y9szy788LTSQJ3BIRC-0z0GnvWaTi4cRYfPEt5WyLoXsnMJ3tuAGjq9523Hx-HHQrC3YKCZTdYwU1Gt1S2Md8luNPeXlclEJKto5sfeoShZPn7-k8bocybY-onvrM/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWJZSyse8pw1ic3Y9szy788LTSQJ3BIRC-0z0GnvWaTi4cRYfPEt5WyLoXsnMJ3tuAGjq9523Hx-HHQrC3YKCZTdYwU1Gt1S2Md8luNPeXlclEJKto5sfeoShZPn7-k8bocybY-onvrM/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite photo of Choughs that I have taken</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjORGp0e1Drmq79x5i9IvFeoUQ4Tow8_56rhaVb1zETFA1WzuU8t_Dc0erwJl8ocWrtnZGA88xgEBivElqmGe6LGJ69_TYps5DrLP6KbILJh2QtBMgxQfzzYIT1GpXfSvVgr4hN7tUTc/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjORGp0e1Drmq79x5i9IvFeoUQ4Tow8_56rhaVb1zETFA1WzuU8t_Dc0erwJl8ocWrtnZGA88xgEBivElqmGe6LGJ69_TYps5DrLP6KbILJh2QtBMgxQfzzYIT1GpXfSvVgr4hN7tUTc/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebel Chough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
The Choughs were very obliging and were having a good old chat while I was there minding my own business. The gulls dominated the viewing though! This was the end of the holiday, but not for birds, we decided to go to Gulval for a minor twitch! </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSR36vALbZ5CbZeq-EXrE_WyEoK_v4pdC7_jarxcDKqfxE7fjWAQbyjUm_wj754mtUF9AjvFKlJVHgRTaPmF2n47uYsTdMX7exSRMXz0XU8rApfISQLIErm2Guw8kb06ct6OgjUTSbD4/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSR36vALbZ5CbZeq-EXrE_WyEoK_v4pdC7_jarxcDKqfxE7fjWAQbyjUm_wj754mtUF9AjvFKlJVHgRTaPmF2n47uYsTdMX7exSRMXz0XU8rApfISQLIErm2Guw8kb06ct6OgjUTSbD4/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing diagnostic crown... Peek</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7D8N75iswzEVHRFLhbxbaKcHHQ3l4PvxSgdtmaESbuOczrn3ZWXLrOK-sKK7tG8GE9wbbtH4jU432s42Ul6GoLLLpbYdcdZWrzzW60mycHGZEdeBuQspuVixUQ3_LiHmROODjHGEkx4/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7D8N75iswzEVHRFLhbxbaKcHHQ3l4PvxSgdtmaESbuOczrn3ZWXLrOK-sKK7tG8GE9wbbtH4jU432s42Ul6GoLLLpbYdcdZWrzzW60mycHGZEdeBuQspuVixUQ3_LiHmROODjHGEkx4/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOO!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rT_HMtXQKihsyriwuozYo5khB4Nk0HYr9cpPAsIEhnyOBv1be9jPArmeJMYD6jwONV-Qwh3tm_qPvN3yn2lrUIQK33UrWY7j9RkLw_e2IrVQ4BZ329rqnrbsTOE5KVyZLZiIUhqiJkU/s1600/IMG_5142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rT_HMtXQKihsyriwuozYo5khB4Nk0HYr9cpPAsIEhnyOBv1be9jPArmeJMYD6jwONV-Qwh3tm_qPvN3yn2lrUIQK33UrWY7j9RkLw_e2IrVQ4BZ329rqnrbsTOE5KVyZLZiIUhqiJkU/s1600/IMG_5142.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head on view</td></tr>
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We spent 15 mins wathcing it before carrying on back home to see this and I think even my Mum & Dad agreed that it was well worth it!</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdIws97NGguOZ6R61Yp5qWzGRYVGICKFpCMMqOoguYnMjb1PKMqGzGlcG4zo3xEbYSuxPSRgcg4nrfnewaSN6ZIvgUQ1kcLW8Q2WbizFxKPbLfZexZenlM3ApdF0D7gTKZh2nytUz4S4/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdIws97NGguOZ6R61Yp5qWzGRYVGICKFpCMMqOoguYnMjb1PKMqGzGlcG4zo3xEbYSuxPSRgcg4nrfnewaSN6ZIvgUQ1kcLW8Q2WbizFxKPbLfZexZenlM3ApdF0D7gTKZh2nytUz4S4/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inbetween transmission from non-breeding to breeding</td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This Poo, caused a pooblem, what would you say, please excuse absolutely awful joke!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Following on from that I noticed a large flock of Larus Gulls around the corner so quickly went to investigate... This was about a sixteenth of the flock.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WRDv_apnt5kVqj0UghKL5cKPrrOKpVVu4-NOk8cl3srsMu9iuNGOI6lZMn4M3vgAUYiiz6IEUXhyjWvWRTB4RpIo3wlLyeyDxBR6MYRnlpY1-bUA0dWXIrVRbPTopTLzrOJ0XxuPTyc/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WRDv_apnt5kVqj0UghKL5cKPrrOKpVVu4-NOk8cl3srsMu9iuNGOI6lZMn4M3vgAUYiiz6IEUXhyjWvWRTB4RpIo3wlLyeyDxBR6MYRnlpY1-bUA0dWXIrVRbPTopTLzrOJ0XxuPTyc/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are two here, try and find them :)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As soon as I got to the top of the cliff all you could hear were Gulls, absolutely loads of them, including the best ones in the UK again!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYLc9MXt1p6iVD7A29oS-t1uWEdvr2VXrlv31zDV4l43OXxREoQsamWMgzROX58-1ILlaEMxsMs_GoT68gMMlKvo4-MifOTtUTi5c52nxoe_uZLa5jAa5z7CFfOsTAOO5hGFwWd3-KgU/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYLc9MXt1p6iVD7A29oS-t1uWEdvr2VXrlv31zDV4l43OXxREoQsamWMgzROX58-1ILlaEMxsMs_GoT68gMMlKvo4-MifOTtUTi5c52nxoe_uZLa5jAa5z7CFfOsTAOO5hGFwWd3-KgU/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGyJW-YffHPmtWJbokEITa9qRsCtsDnrz1DwbKTa0COnJ18sRUmVNB4UWeGtUl7JYKK8O4pYu9EcjOv9YzmxjlHjDQqY-eNuVckyah0CgCnRbegOy_FjJKgo9QbuVeK_a8OeOOOKaZyc/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGyJW-YffHPmtWJbokEITa9qRsCtsDnrz1DwbKTa0COnJ18sRUmVNB4UWeGtUl7JYKK8O4pYu9EcjOv9YzmxjlHjDQqY-eNuVckyah0CgCnRbegOy_FjJKgo9QbuVeK_a8OeOOOKaZyc/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can tell this one is a second winter due to amount of black on tail, while the first one is an adult due to it having pure white wings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIO4xf4zMuwUUFWzo7S-TssjMDgiIF3OuViySa9h7ZSS_GUWrCqIdVj6s8k-2vHAiCs8B1N5xNB5C-WKadrEEcd-nt6r4MULyPYGuE84-PrQvw-V_qC-HoOMr2kIkTbs3H496aWmsADQ/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIO4xf4zMuwUUFWzo7S-TssjMDgiIF3OuViySa9h7ZSS_GUWrCqIdVj6s8k-2vHAiCs8B1N5xNB5C-WKadrEEcd-nt6r4MULyPYGuE84-PrQvw-V_qC-HoOMr2kIkTbs3H496aWmsADQ/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The star attraction, maybe of the whole holiday came in the form of an LBJ (Little Brown Job) or so I thought... This was not just any old Bunting it was a Little, just look how cute that face is...</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry for soooo many photos but even this amount may not have given this epic Cornish holiday justice. Be sure to check out the accomadition we rent out... the famous Kenidjack and Cot valley are right on your doorstep... </span>http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2819.html<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-52513602985973701422015-02-25T14:49:00.001-08:002015-03-05T13:24:14.049-08:00Cornwall & a bit of Devon 15-17 February 2015 1/2Hi, this is the start of probably my favourite blog post I''ve done yet! We started off the journey down in Devon. I was again going to try and find those (now) famous Penduline Tits down at darts farm. Dependuling, I mean Depending on the person it is really affects who sees it. Some people have seen them over 5 times, after 10 or so visits, while I've been there 5/6 times and haven't seen them once, THEY HATE ME!!! However, some other birds managed to keep a smile on my face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF_YWgt9pfzn2_cV3vNr8m5Xp_XJWExr8MiYY-XivqEDoC9_SQsA4OCjFETseoBxuXzyiQlLv2jQZkn6u7gXajK0TlTlL3Z6ODIjifIswBU5WyZ5VQZC5RVxyu1RMjZWZgJ_Q0899Wmo/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF_YWgt9pfzn2_cV3vNr8m5Xp_XJWExr8MiYY-XivqEDoC9_SQsA4OCjFETseoBxuXzyiQlLv2jQZkn6u7gXajK0TlTlL3Z6ODIjifIswBU5WyZ5VQZC5RVxyu1RMjZWZgJ_Q0899Wmo/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After many hours (it felt like) of trying to persuade my Mum & Dad to walk round Goosemoor RSPB I managed to make Mum go. We were in a rush, so speed walked to the bridleway. Just before I was informing Mum of my "Water Rail Magnet". 2 appeared round the corner, I wasn't that excited, I've seen far too many ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98T33_lcuM0tPEVzhFuZp7f3W-S2A25VVJ3ND1HZt5gshnfMXVfzr0LeGwpxNdUM4aD7bYlWNF1w4LVWD5PVfDZa0qJkF7v4LUwKQjJWnwduyn63SfqcBxXMx-rv6rj-HFteFRLoqn6A/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98T33_lcuM0tPEVzhFuZp7f3W-S2A25VVJ3ND1HZt5gshnfMXVfzr0LeGwpxNdUM4aD7bYlWNF1w4LVWD5PVfDZa0qJkF7v4LUwKQjJWnwduyn63SfqcBxXMx-rv6rj-HFteFRLoqn6A/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Further along, I found another Spotted Redshank, one other bird which loves me, also a Greenshank. My Mum carried on as I was helping the locals; I always enjoy pointing out birds to others and testing my knowledge :) I joined my Mum a few minutes fater who presented me with the official best bird in the world (I'll make it big to show it off)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAt9KdnBruVM4DWNsdUPAuK6kVtWYX2aISRiOAJMG7iIe32PDDn2-MtKcp122RFihJRvcZYEZTh2WIdzArzKeVQUqnuYq35wKALqSUmcs_fD6JmKmtwopOeaqQRF51y6GUxHMSj97jv4/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAt9KdnBruVM4DWNsdUPAuK6kVtWYX2aISRiOAJMG7iIe32PDDn2-MtKcp122RFihJRvcZYEZTh2WIdzArzKeVQUqnuYq35wKALqSUmcs_fD6JmKmtwopOeaqQRF51y6GUxHMSj97jv4/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Due to the time I wasn't able to get world class images, but still happy with this photo. So great start and was raring to go down in Cornwall!</div>
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We arrived down and the next day went straight to the famous (Yellow-Throated Vireo) Kenidjack Valley. Not much was around except a Chiffchaff at the sewage works, oh can't forget the ridiculously underrated Grey Wagtail! Further along we started to climb the valley then came across a little (unique) gem. It was a Stonechat with a white head, at the start I thought it was a Whinchat! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2SS3BbsIFuFjtFrLHsQ-pzPfq4jEONX7zClHLOZ-yA0PH1xt8QKscQLp6gmIK8UjnL6Poqp0ZYn2_k66xyPgdtdTNJCid0v4onzqu-UFCLgPzowW-vZD-k2cw2C9lcHuFLy4OHiOsUg/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2SS3BbsIFuFjtFrLHsQ-pzPfq4jEONX7zClHLOZ-yA0PH1xt8QKscQLp6gmIK8UjnL6Poqp0ZYn2_k66xyPgdtdTNJCid0v4onzqu-UFCLgPzowW-vZD-k2cw2C9lcHuFLy4OHiOsUg/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quite beautiful really. This is a condition called Leucism, a condition that most believe is albinism. not every pure white bird is an albino (in fact most aren't), the easy way to tell is the colour of the eyes. Pink being albino, black being leucistic. Nothing much else, except for a female Merlin hunting ;) Yes only fleeting views but great to see one none the less :)</div>
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today was action packed and full fo birds and another unexpected creature! We went to Budock Vean first, close to Falmouth and by the Helford River. While my Mum, Sister and Grandma (not me!) were being manicured my granddad and I went down the valley. on the way we found a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker and a few Goldcrests. By the river some action took place, one Redshank graced the water below while 4 Little Grebes were diving down to the bottom... A Kingfisher is always a nice surprise, so to see one flying right by was a nice treat. While scanning the river I found a Shag, or so I thought... My camera was at hand so took a few shots of the diving bird, finally realising that it was in fact a Great Nothern Diver!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7CIN_dN7lELPftu730s9FNJgZEgUpolBx3dQVOM_C_vZIfgoe5nvli_-HHx3O25cmt4caPoHQf1dnVdruZzpr80595i8CaBxYsdjU0E5rSosZqmQDTfLahD_AzhMDHm6rVLwDFd2dvo/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7CIN_dN7lELPftu730s9FNJgZEgUpolBx3dQVOM_C_vZIfgoe5nvli_-HHx3O25cmt4caPoHQf1dnVdruZzpr80595i8CaBxYsdjU0E5rSosZqmQDTfLahD_AzhMDHm6rVLwDFd2dvo/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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To find it this far up the estuary I'd say is fairly unusual, the give away from the oultine shows an upturned, and thick bill. Following from an already impressive walk we turned round only to see a "Chiffchaff" but after looking through by bins for about 1 millisecond I new exactly what it was!</div>
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Fircrests are one of my favourite birds, so to capture this photo which is a good for me I was very pleased! We carried on up the valley after, and heard a really harsh shout, but no, it wasn't someone shouting it was a pair of Jays! I find them rather stupid, they are extremely shy but give themsleves away with one of the noisest calls in Britain!</div>
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A minute or so after a leaf flew over the tree tops! So I thought WHAT! I had a closer look, turns out to be this</div>
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Shocking photo, but still amazingly managed to photograph a minute Pippistrelle bat! Very, very unusual for it come out this early however, we know something must have disturbed out of its winter roost site. I really do hope the weather is kind for this little chap, it was so unbelievably cute... That happened to be the last exciting thing of the day, it turns out there was more to come!</div>
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Quickly (because I really should be going to bed!) we visited Maenporth in search for the 1w Drake King Eider. I believe this could be it but lighting wasn't overly good to show colouring...</div>
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We then quickly visited Falmouth to have a look around Swan pool. One Mediterranean Gull turns out to be the start of many e.g. 100s </div>
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So prepare yourself for the next blog! My Granddad went round to check the other side of the lake while I walked round. Just as I turned the corner he gestured to me with his arms flailing everywhere! I ran over like a right nerd! To be presented with a North American Gull. </div>
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This if you may have correctly id'd (well done to those who go it) is a 1w Ring-Billed Gull. A man next to me who found it pointed to it maybe 3 metres away. it was special seeing something that rare within touch... Diving distance (although the water wasn't too appealing). I couldn't believe this day was getting even better! 5 Minuteas had gone by so we decided to drive back and pick up the girls, who were half asleep by then! Just in time to fit in another brist walk. Nothing was around unfortunately, until I got to the river. This awaited me...</div>
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Yes, a blurry smudge! No, a really short-tailed Common Sandpiper. I was able to spare 3 or so minutes to record it video's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1NeRMXPc0k</div>
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I put this on a site which told me it has many features such as the short-tail, pink base to the bill etc. etc. So another possible American bird in one DAY, MAGICAL!!!!</div>
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Stay tuned for the next of Biff's adventures ;)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777282279246222250.post-21525105705417312512015-02-20T16:09:00.001-08:002015-02-21T04:00:27.748-08:00Salisbury Plain (centre) bird ringing 24th January 2015Hi, I met up with Matt at a reasonable time of 8 a few weeks back for a nice gentle days ringing. Tom (a possible new trainee)and Andrew (a trainee near C permit ringer from another Wiltshire ringing group) made up the team. Our location was a beautiful farmland site in the rolling Marlborough Downs.<br />
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It was a varied ringing session with a pleasing number of birds but of good quality. 2 hours before this Matt had been out with the farmer "lamping" for Woodcock and Golden Plover. They came back succesful in some respects with there target species, a Woodcock had been caught. As usual Matt was grinning like a Cheshire cat this always tells you that he has done something! This time he told us that the Woodock he caught was in one hand, that it flew off then he caught it "with my true natural hunter gatherer instincts". Knowing that he caught a Bittern by pretty much doing a rugby dive and catching the bird (with no injuries) it's not much of a surprise. He also came back with a little present, Fieldfare my favourite Thrush.This one was mine, and what a bird, in some respects I feel a bit bad ringing a bird that a) Matt has to get up at an unearthly hour and b) the time it took him. But hey ho, if he lets me I'm not letting it go! Unfortunatley I wasn't able to use my camera this as I argued with my Dad, it happens, but of course I was right! I will us Matts images, thanks to him, check out his blog at: http://www.wiltshirebirds.co.uk/ringing/north-wilts-group.html <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0447EocJ82uUj3PN1LM9hTrc5aqyrZPdmfxNAOLhrMw9RA9HtCLCKjXa4amPTeqdHWcLeMVAZ7X3JoTg_VEGCugfvpJzFDOj-Um_5_yLUI-A0ZWmlaJpevLUucVE8rkZHAaPzgwyw-Lw/s1600/fIELDFARE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0447EocJ82uUj3PN1LM9hTrc5aqyrZPdmfxNAOLhrMw9RA9HtCLCKjXa4amPTeqdHWcLeMVAZ7X3JoTg_VEGCugfvpJzFDOj-Um_5_yLUI-A0ZWmlaJpevLUucVE8rkZHAaPzgwyw-Lw/s1600/fIELDFARE.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
( His grin though was when he only got to a few feet of Golden Plover that
he has never ringed, surprisingly. Even though he's ringed the only
record of an American Golden Plover in Gambia! That's mental, to put it
into perspective!)<br />
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Just look at those markings, this was real sunner, shame it wanted my nose off, "look I know I'm brilliant Fieldfare but not that close" ;). Then off came another bag and Matt pulled out the show stopper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1rY5HwXCR3aAyS1K3zO8rjUqbtV96qWsPQTGHoI9wZxMv8DBLQdhqmFc8aIH2VvCLEte7X72NfSqHEude9D0HX6yFrUtuyxT7uikcYHj-0mOJVMpm7PzuySzXBLcB7G2_mKHzX6XD-0/s1600/Woodcock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1rY5HwXCR3aAyS1K3zO8rjUqbtV96qWsPQTGHoI9wZxMv8DBLQdhqmFc8aIH2VvCLEte7X72NfSqHEude9D0HX6yFrUtuyxT7uikcYHj-0mOJVMpm7PzuySzXBLcB7G2_mKHzX6XD-0/s1600/Woodcock.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
You don't see this very often. But I've seen it twice now! The farmer got to ring this, how unfair... No, my time will come, I don't mind, as long as I see it I think.<br />
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The nets today were set up in one mixed crop specifically for finches which at the end of day proved too good for birds, so much so we only caught one Linnet! The other was set in a small crop field. Thankfully this proved more succesful and caught us a trio of Starlings. What was brilliant was that they were different ages and genders so showed us the variation. Out of a juvenile male, adult male and adult female the female was my favourite! It was the composition of the purple sheen of the head with no white streaks and speckled body.<br />
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So at the end of the day out of 300 Linnets, 40 Corn Buntings, 200 Yellowhammer, we caught this much credit again to Matt: Woodcock 1, Fieldfare 1, Starling 3, Yellowhammer 8, Chaffinch 8, Linnet 1, Reed Bunting 2, Blackbird 4, Song Thrush 1, Robin 3<br />
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The best bird however, was this beautiful dumpy thing, I may present Charlotte<br />
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Her kids gave us a nice sausage dosage to make us last the morning, and gosh they were almost as beautiful as her!<br />
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But seriously we did see a male Merlin which was my first one in Wiltshire ever, wow!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918782680173650659noreply@blogger.com1