tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20242835763489101652024-03-12T15:57:24.938-07:00Hooded BirderHooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-75128690961609541242014-02-02T08:28:00.002-08:002014-02-02T08:28:32.524-08:00Green Sandpiper<br />
I headed out this morning on the look for some <strong>Little Owls</strong>, hoping that they would be taking advantage of the sunny conditions and be easy to spot. In the end I checked several regular sites and only found one bird and didn't bother photographing it as the resulting image would have been an exact replica of my last posted image.<br />
The surprise was finding a <strong>Green Sandpiper</strong> near Pickwell on the way home. The bird was feeding around a small section of flooded field that is always very wet but I'd never seen a wader there before. If anyone is interested it was about 1 mile north east of the village along Stygate Lane, close to Melton Meats, in the field with the wind turbine. As I could stay in the car and shoot from there, the bird did not spook and was quite obliging. <br />
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-42366935960697332422014-01-21T16:40:00.001-08:002014-01-21T16:40:54.034-08:00Short shrift but one down!<br />
Hello all, its been a mere two weeks since my last blog post, I think this counts as fulfilling my blog resolution to post more often! <br />
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<u>Short Shrift</u><br />
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I've spent a tremendous amount of time in the pursuit of seeing Short-eared Owls this year. Shorties are my favourite birds without question and at this time of year I just can't help myself!<br />
A few sightings have occurred in an area near me; an area that has held wintering birds in the past. I have visited the area probably a dozen times now - at dawn, at dusk, in the middle of the day, during rain, during wind, during sunshine and have precisely zero sightings to show for it. Yay.<br />
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The local <strong>Little Owls</strong> have been more obliging thankfully. I've recently been corresponding with fellow owl enthusiast Richard Pegler who also owls in the same area as I do and as a result we've both gained a couple of new sites to monitor. Cushty.<br />
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<u>One Down</u></div>
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Because I've spent so much time owling recently, my quest to improve my county list had gone off the rails slightly. In January. Not a good start! In my defence I have been swotting up on my gull I.D theory; I must admit I was lacking in that particular area and thought I'd better release my inner larophile as a warm-up technique. I had intended to head over to Albert Village lake on Tuesday afternoon to have a look for some white-wingers but was sidetracked before I began by the <strong>Great Grey Shrike</strong> in the far east of the county..</div>
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Great Grey Shrike is a bit of an enigma for me - before today I had seen three in the UK; two at Harrington and the odd bird at Fakenham the other winter but never one in Leicestershire. So I was keen for this one to be the first county tick of the year, even though I'd forgotten to add it to the list of "most wanted" species in my last post. Oops. </div>
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Either way, off I went and got extremely lucky by all accounts. As I approached the spot where it had been reported from last, I saw a bird perched on a hedge about 50m away. And there it was. For just about long enough to rattle off a few record shots. </div>
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It disappeared almost immediately however so I departed down the road for a look to see if I could find it, didn't, and so returned to the place I'd seen it last. Three other birders including Steve Lister had appeared by now and had relocated the bird very distantly on the opposite side of the road to where I'd seen it. It quickly did another disappearing act so off I went, happy. </div>
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17 to go!</div>
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-65953894470753375382014-01-01T15:21:00.002-08:002014-01-01T15:21:26.012-08:00Another one...<i></i>
Yes, another year has passed; now is the time for reflection of past deeds and for the planning of new ones!
First and foremost of my new deeds for this year is to try and post more on here, I can explain away large chunks of my blogging absence by the fact I was living in a caravan at Rutland Water for a few months but more recently Ive upgraded to a wee cottage and equipped it with some internet so no more excuses!
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My main aim for 2014 will be my county list. I've always only really cared about county birds and eagled-eyed visitors to the LROS website will notice a new addition to the county listing page - me! I'd never even bothered compiling a county list before - I knew what I had and hadn't seen but had never been bothered enough to put an exact number on it. Now I have and that number is 212 which puts me at the giddy heights of 41st place in the table. I must admit I expected it to be higher - a few months ago I leafed through my Collins doing a quick rough list and ended up at around 230 species, god knows what I'd been smoking that day as the actual number was much lower.
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The downside of compiling my list has unfortunately made me want more! I can't help but cast admiring glances up to Mackay, Berriman, Lister & co. all happily sat at around the 270-mark and as a result my main aim for this year is to increase my county list as much as possible.
So I'll set myself a challenge. This time next year I'd like to be on 230 species. That makes 18 county ticks required this year, quite a big ask!
The task is made slightly easier as there are several relatively easy-to-see species that I should be able to add without <em>too </em>much bother although this will unfortunately find me moving into the dark (or should it be dirty grey?) world of gulling. <br />
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The following species <em>should </em>be relatively easy;<br />
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Iceland Gull<br />
Glaucous Gull<br />
Caspian Gull<br />
Wood Warbler - will probably require a twitch but the species is still annual in Leics & Rutland<br />
Corn Bunting - a few small colonies remain in the outskirts of the county<br />
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My list has a big, fat void around the area of seabirds and with some favourable weather and a little luck I could possibly add any of the following<br />
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Gannet<br />
Manx Shearwater<br />
Any Skua<br />
Storm Petrel<br />
Eider<br />
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And the following are certainly possible and/or have been recorded in the county in the past few years<br />
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Red-necked Grebe<br />
Ferruginous Duck<br />
Lesser Scaup<br />
Honey Buzzard<br />
Stone Curlew<br />
Dotterel<br />
Rough-legged Buzzard<br />
Hen Harrier<br />
Monty's Harrier<br />
Cattle Egret<br />
Great White Egret<br />
Glossy Ibis<br />
Water Pipit<br />
White-winged Black Tern<br />
Red-backed Shrike<br />
Hooded Crow<br />
Red-footed Falcon<br />
Savis Warbler<br />
Snow Bunting<br />
Lapland Bunting<br />
Wryneck<br />
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If I get all of the above I shall have achieved my goal but lets face it, I certainly won't!<br />
That leaves stuff of a rarer calibre that might just turn up;<br />
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Broad-billed, Baird's, Terek, Marsh, Stilt Sandpipers<br />
Dowitchers<br />
Bluethroat<br />
Small Gulls - Ross's, Bonapartes, Sabine etc<br />
Two-Barred/ Parrot Crossbill - especially with the influx of rare crossbill this winter<br />
Squacco Heron<br />
White Stork<br />
Purple Heron<br />
Black Kite<br />
Rosefinch<br />
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so...plenty to be getting on with. Although even by some miracle I did manage to see all of the above birds, I'd still be around 10 short of the Leicestershire big-listers. No fair!<br />
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After all that waffling have a rubbish photo of a<strong> Brambling</strong> I took near Barnsdale yesterday<br />
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And a less rubbish photo of a <strong>Little Owl</strong> taken whilst not seeing a Great Grey Shrike near Hungarton the other week<br />
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In recent weeks/months I've also seen the <strong>Great Grey Shrike</strong> that Paul Riddle found at Harrington (thanks Paul!), the <strong>Black-throated</strong> and <strong>Great Northern Divers</strong> at Swithland and Rutland respectively and had a trip to Norfolk where a ringtail <strong>Hen Harrier</strong> was seen whilst inspecting storm damage at Brancaster. Update done!<br />
Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-85871135779779367182013-12-12T02:52:00.002-08:002013-12-12T09:31:52.895-08:00Velvet ScoterNews of a cracking male <strong>Velvet Scoter</strong> showing well at Eyebrook lured me over there yesterday morning (may aswell put my new lros membership to good use!) and wasn't disappointed, it wasn't a county tick as I'd seen the Swithland birds last winter but it was much more aesthetically pleasing this time. The bird showed unbelievably well, close to the fishing lodge - even being obscured by marginal vegetation at times.<br />
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-85397238470249611592013-10-01T07:44:00.004-07:002013-10-01T07:44:51.467-07:00No need for suicide afterall...<br />
The mild disappointment at not seeing a Yellow-browed Warbler on the east coast over the weekend was quickly wiped away this week with the arrival of one in a garden in Oakham yesterday, which was awfully decent of it.<br />
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I went for a look this morning and after a bit of a wait it called for a couple of minutes before showing itself very briefly in a hawthorn until a Blackbird flushed it.<br />
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Although views weren't spectacular I went away happy and decided to have a yomp around Burrough Hill to see if I could find my own....<br />
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Predictably I didn't, several small warblers were present on site but all turned out to be Chiffchaffs, lacking the enormous eye-stripe that I was looking for.<br />
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The weather is looking more favourable over the next couple of days for an influx of scarce and rare so hopefully something else good will turn up soon!<br />
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-84956376131828835262013-09-29T03:59:00.000-07:002013-09-29T03:59:40.782-07:00Spurn!<br />
As alluded to in my previous post I've just returned from a short trip up to Spurn point.<br />
Travelling up on Thursday evening meant we could get a early start on Friday morning and we weren't to be disappointed with Spurn's first <strong>Firecrest</strong> of the autumn trapped just as we arrived - although it was in-the-hand it was a good start to see one so close!<br />
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The undoubted bird of the trip for me was my first <strong>Red-breasted Flycatcher </strong>- found the previous day around post 52 it was kind enough to linger throughout Friday and provided good views<br />
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Whilst the point wasn't absolutely dripping with migrants with a bit of effort decent birds could be winkled out and over the two days we saw;<br />
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<strong>Stonechat</strong><br />
<strong>Whinchat</strong> (several)<br />
<strong>Wheatear</strong> (several)<br />
<strong>Redstart</strong><br />
<strong>Lesser Whitethroat</strong><br />
<strong>Brambling</strong> (x2)<br />
<strong>Goldcrest</strong><br />
Another <strong>Firecrest</strong><br />
<strong>Redwing </strong>(about a dozen)<br />
<strong>Spotted Flycatcher -</strong> plus another unidentified Flycatcher at the Southern Tip of the point<br />
<strong>Brent Geese</strong><br />
<strong>Pink-footed Geese</strong><br />
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Plus a nice selection of waders on the flats, 3 Skuas (possibly Arctics) and a couple of distant Divers moving offshore along with excellent views of <strong>Common Scoter</strong> (my normal views of Scoter are of distant specks!).<br />
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You will not help but notice that Yellow-browed Warbler was not on the list! I do believe we were the only two birders on the east coast not to have seen one but I'm really not too fussed - ones bound to turn up in Leics & Rutland soon......else I may well take my own life.<br />
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We also stopped off at Blacktoft Sands Rspb on the way back yesterday to hopefully score on the <strong>Pectoral Sandpiper</strong> that had been present for a few days. And score we did which was nice as views were excellent compared to the distant speck that was the county-ticked Pec at Rutland earlier this month! On the subject of distant speck-like county ticks, <strong>Buff-breasted Sandpiper</strong> was also added in similar circumstances!Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-2892734776045438982013-09-29T03:12:00.001-07:002013-10-02T00:24:55.775-07:00Well I never...A blog post!<br />
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Hello all!<br />
It was my birthday over the weekend and as a special birthday treat the hooded birder and his hooded girlfriend went to Spurn for a couple of days which coincided nicely with some easterlies and a humungous movement of Yellow-browed Warblers - things were looking good(ish) from the outset.<br />
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BUT<br />
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Before I tell you all about Spurn I'd better catch up with stuff that pre-dates the Spurn trip - as you're probably aware this is the first post in months and If I don't catch up now I never will!<br />
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Cast your minds back a few months to the glorious summer we had.... the Hooded Birder couldn't help but notice that there was lots of stuff flying around that wasn't birds - namely Butterflies and Dragonflies. The Hooded Birder quickly realised his I.D skills in relation to these taxa were not up to scratch so that became the focus of the summer. It was also realised that the Hooded Birder knows nothing about moths either. But that can wait until next year....<br />
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<u>Butterflies</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47DgGTm9hbY/UkfyNPiXhyI/AAAAAAAAB3A/rJf9RG94Wm4/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47DgGTm9hbY/UkfyNPiXhyI/AAAAAAAAB3A/rJf9RG94Wm4/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow Brown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh5GShOTV9M/UkfyejpiRKI/AAAAAAAAB3M/dnknbEt9prQ/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh5GShOTV9M/UkfyejpiRKI/AAAAAAAAB3M/dnknbEt9prQ/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIMIpP1UPww/UkfzkAkgZ3I/AAAAAAAAB3o/hnCse8rN-Xo/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIMIpP1UPww/UkfzkAkgZ3I/AAAAAAAAB3o/hnCse8rN-Xo/s320/7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3QwZJGz9J0/UkfyqDS3VCI/AAAAAAAAB3U/nFB1Ic-14pI/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3QwZJGz9J0/UkfyqDS3VCI/AAAAAAAAB3U/nFB1Ic-14pI/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkhill Blue - Bloody Oaks Quarry Lrwt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liRVBFDuBpg/UkfyyxwQxzI/AAAAAAAAB3c/O-mpGrplmuI/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liRVBFDuBpg/UkfyyxwQxzI/AAAAAAAAB3c/O-mpGrplmuI/s320/9.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkhill Blue - Bloody Oaks Quarry Lrwt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Rtl6-KtFI/UkfwLN1lzCI/AAAAAAAAB1s/jlqrDpw8cV0/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Rtl6-KtFI/UkfwLN1lzCI/AAAAAAAAB1s/jlqrDpw8cV0/s320/10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poor shot of a Silver-studded Blue - Arne Rspb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUUFPDzWc4E/UkfvxecXA6I/AAAAAAAAB1g/DnNpEb5Z5gU/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUUFPDzWc4E/UkfvxecXA6I/AAAAAAAAB1g/DnNpEb5Z5gU/s320/12.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Copper - Burrough-on-the-Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNcjA8mi1qw/UkfvbIjpJsI/AAAAAAAAB1M/cJGooy1mZUo/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNcjA8mi1qw/UkfvbIjpJsI/AAAAAAAAB1M/cJGooy1mZUo/s320/11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grizzled Skipper - Ketton Quarry Lrwt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38kmbEiLgLY/UkfxLFqA0gI/AAAAAAAAB2M/YWeklffnWP8/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38kmbEiLgLY/UkfxLFqA0gI/AAAAAAAAB2M/YWeklffnWP8/s320/13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dingy Skipper - Ketton Quarry Lrwt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dePHnrnYeUI/UkfwCE1QUXI/AAAAAAAAB1k/YClfZ935rIo/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dePHnrnYeUI/UkfwCE1QUXI/AAAAAAAAB1k/YClfZ935rIo/s320/14.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulworth Skipper - Lulworth Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVvb9dLQ98Q/Ukfw-fNBmJI/AAAAAAAAB18/JoytrjCX_1o/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVvb9dLQ98Q/Ukfw-fNBmJI/AAAAAAAAB18/JoytrjCX_1o/s320/15.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulworth Skipper (+beastie) - Lulworth Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhpoVVLPVwE/Ukfwv5S-I-I/AAAAAAAAB10/2IssBqXYrm4/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhpoVVLPVwE/Ukfwv5S-I-I/AAAAAAAAB10/2IssBqXYrm4/s320/16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Hairstreak - Dovedale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMjicRTscJU/UkfxAfgBX5I/AAAAAAAAB2E/prg23_YIhnI/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMjicRTscJU/UkfxAfgBX5I/AAAAAAAAB2E/prg23_YIhnI/s320/17.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marbled White - Lulworth Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8MrGOylUSU/UkfxehAs52I/AAAAAAAAB2U/m4PpYUIvZyI/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8MrGOylUSU/UkfxehAs52I/AAAAAAAAB2U/m4PpYUIvZyI/s320/18.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrible shot of a Grayling - Arne Rspb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hq3EflaLf4/Ukfxj9-9ZhI/AAAAAAAAB2c/YXLAERYiKDg/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hq3EflaLf4/Ukfxj9-9ZhI/AAAAAAAAB2c/YXLAERYiKDg/s320/19.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver-washed Fritillary (it landed on my foot!) - Fermyn Woods.<br />
(Thanks Mr Llama)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82MvDGCT5_M/Ukfx5JZW8pI/AAAAAAAAB20/9zubwi69tzY/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82MvDGCT5_M/Ukfx5JZW8pI/AAAAAAAAB20/9zubwi69tzY/s320/20.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Admiral - Fermyn Woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<u></u> </div>
<div align="center">
<u></u> </div>
<div align="center">
<u>Dragonflies</u></div>
<div align="center">
<u></u> </div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcetZjFY3rg/Ukf4sS_BqTI/AAAAAAAAB4A/UZKgkevn-YI/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcetZjFY3rg/Ukf4sS_BqTI/AAAAAAAAB4A/UZKgkevn-YI/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-bodied Chaser - Pickwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xobs1L_evTE/Ukf4f85CY5I/AAAAAAAAB34/AMl4DzeAmpU/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xobs1L_evTE/Ukf4f85CY5I/AAAAAAAAB34/AMl4DzeAmpU/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-bodied Chaser - Pickwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8h2W1-Twc/Ukf46EOfJHI/AAAAAAAAB4I/FDrAPqUjIGI/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8h2W1-Twc/Ukf46EOfJHI/AAAAAAAAB4I/FDrAPqUjIGI/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-bodied Chaser - Pickwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2n6m2l3v3c/Ukf5kDPCS8I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/mFOGs_nl-3U/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2n6m2l3v3c/Ukf5kDPCS8I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/mFOGs_nl-3U/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-bodied Chaser - Pickwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bYY9NI0uyA/Ukf5DiP9zxI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/GH0vcRGS4gM/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bYY9NI0uyA/Ukf5DiP9zxI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/GH0vcRGS4gM/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four-spotted Chaser - Rutland Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3puCqpMdevs/Ukf5tvVkYVI/AAAAAAAAB4g/voag89QMB9M/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3puCqpMdevs/Ukf5tvVkYVI/AAAAAAAAB4g/voag89QMB9M/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Migrant Hawker - Studland Heath </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EyXE9FrIV8/Ukf6ifE7lQI/AAAAAAAAB44/5fVWSmKk4mA/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EyXE9FrIV8/Ukf6ifE7lQI/AAAAAAAAB44/5fVWSmKk4mA/s320/7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Hawker - Studland Heath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tImhLv3xaV4/Ukf6gLSNYkI/AAAAAAAAB4w/58QuUhlKqik/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tImhLv3xaV4/Ukf6gLSNYkI/AAAAAAAAB4w/58QuUhlKqik/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeled Skimmer - Arne Rspb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ZLv72MVPA/Ukf6U7WxudI/AAAAAAAAB4o/upOoW6UC95s/s1600/DSCN3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ZLv72MVPA/Ukf6U7WxudI/AAAAAAAAB4o/upOoW6UC95s/s320/DSCN3012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded Demoiselle - Knettishall Heath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If I've made any I.D gaffes let me know...otherwise brace yourself for a summary of my recent trip to Spurn!<br />
<br />
Edit: Sticking with the things-that-aren't-birds theme, I also finally county-ticked <strong>Adder</strong> earlier this year at Ketton, and very nice it was too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCkjXkAT7jY/Ukg1RSiLcrI/AAAAAAAAB54/1KZ8mOgn1ok/s1600/IMG_4362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCkjXkAT7jY/Ukg1RSiLcrI/AAAAAAAAB54/1KZ8mOgn1ok/s320/IMG_4362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<u></u></div>
<img height="92" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUUFPDzWc4E/UkfvxecXA6I/AAAAAAAAB1c/O_n282J6CoI/s320/12.JPG" style="left: 397px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 3959px;" width="96" />Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-71427690012945241952013-08-01T13:56:00.003-07:002013-08-01T14:04:22.031-07:00Night Heron!<br />
The confirmation of a <strong>Night Heron</strong> at Thornton Reservoir yesterday has aroused the Hooded Birder from his blogging slumber, as this was the first county record within my life-time I was quite eager to see it. And so I did earlier this evening. It was good.<br />
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Now if you please, a selection of dodgy record shots have been carefully arranged for your viewing pleasure:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBjjKLc2t0k/UfrJYKuDYEI/AAAAAAAAB0s/B_22UMasHZI/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBjjKLc2t0k/UfrJYKuDYEI/AAAAAAAAB0s/B_22UMasHZI/s320/IMG_6124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnjCwT0OaAk/UfrJcWi06qI/AAAAAAAAB00/ZdZ_0Gu1vNE/s1600/IMG_6132+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnjCwT0OaAk/UfrJcWi06qI/AAAAAAAAB00/ZdZ_0Gu1vNE/s320/IMG_6132+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8K1OR8tF3Y/UfrJh-S3vXI/AAAAAAAAB08/BQK2Ps3sOmE/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8K1OR8tF3Y/UfrJh-S3vXI/AAAAAAAAB08/BQK2Ps3sOmE/s320/IMG_6137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I also life-ticked the <strong>Pacific Golden Plover</strong> at Rutland the other week via a generous lend of the Llamas telescope. Very nice indeed.<br />
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At this rate expect another blog post sometime around Christmas. <br />
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<div align="center">
BIRDFAIR!</div>
Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-58221727662267417152013-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:002013-04-19T09:22:58.162-07:00Migrants!It didn't take a genius to work out that the freezing temperatures a couple of weeks ago were holding up all the migrants and it furthermore didn't take a genius to predict that there would be a literal horde of migrants storming their way North once the cold weather cleared but its been jolly well received all the same! <br />
Over the course of the week I've picked up my first <strong>Common Terns</strong>, <strong>Willow Warblers</strong>, <strong>Sedge Warblers</strong>, <strong>Blackcaps</strong>, <strong>Wheatear, White Wagtail</strong>s and <strong>Yellow Wagtails</strong> of the year on the reserve, along with scarcer migrants such as <strong>Sandwich Tern</strong>, <strong>Med Gull</strong>, <strong>Bar-tailed Godwit</strong> and a gorgeous <strong>Blue-headed Wagtail thingy</strong> at the dam on Tuesday evening. The wagtail passage has been particularly impressive this week, I've never seen anything like it!<br />
Other goodies that have passed through without me seeing them have included Redstart, Grey Plover, Avocet and a Ring-billed Gull yesterday evening whilst the first Whitethroat was heard yesterday morning I believe. Wintering birds such as the Great Northern Diver and Long-tailed Duck were both reported during the week too which has made for an excellent mixed bag of birding to be had at Rutland. <br />
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Now be prepared for some dodgy shots of migrants!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S68bDckzOeU/UXEzSvMo80I/AAAAAAAABzE/FB3MSU1Ujqs/s1600/20130414_163251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S68bDckzOeU/UXEzSvMo80I/AAAAAAAABzE/FB3MSU1Ujqs/s320/20130414_163251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Barwits....honest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuTUWz_asDY/UXEzW1ho5CI/AAAAAAAABzM/7e4yfwV1MvM/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuTUWz_asDY/UXEzW1ho5CI/AAAAAAAABzM/7e4yfwV1MvM/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cracking bird</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufk7Ybgar8A/UXEzXnJIzfI/AAAAAAAABzQ/MIH7r8Mg9K0/s1600/20130416_193206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufk7Ybgar8A/UXEzXnJIzfI/AAAAAAAABzQ/MIH7r8Mg9K0/s320/20130416_193206.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as was this.</td></tr>
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Edit: Just got back from a jolly up to Charley Mill where such goodies as Redstart, Ring Ouzel and Pied Flycatcher had been reported over the last few days. I saw none of the above but did manage to tally 16 <strong>Wheatear</strong> with <a href="http://davidearlgray.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dave Gray</a> before the heavens opened. 3 <strong>Golden Plover</strong> were also spotted resting in one of the fields before flying strongly northeast inbetween showers. Unfortunately no shots of the Wheatear as they were truly miles away but the Plovers were closer...</div>
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-49963108640065368322013-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:002013-04-10T01:46:57.592-07:00#3 Birds!<br />
Third and final installment. The way things have been going lately expect another blog post sometime around August. I'll look forward to it ;). <br />
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Despite feeling like I've not done much birding this year I've seen a fair bit I suppose, I've only been on two birding related trips (north Norfolk coast and Thetford Forest) but working at Rutland Water really does help with sneaking in an hours birding before/after/during work everyday. The feeding table under the caravan window has also kept me entertained on many cold mornings before work, its nice being able to bird without going outside!<br />
Anyway, no photos were taken on a recent trip to the Thetford Forest so I won't mention that any further but a trip to Snettisham and Titchwell in mid-february was more successful photography-wise so....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmLCbWyrxYs/UWRaleU-3XI/AAAAAAAABvU/IyGeCAFkmzE/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmLCbWyrxYs/UWRaleU-3XI/AAAAAAAABvU/IyGeCAFkmzE/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFToqFGMvxk/UWRaspj4K2I/AAAAAAAABvc/NzsajyJEI0Q/s1600/20130216_143816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFToqFGMvxk/UWRaspj4K2I/AAAAAAAABvc/NzsajyJEI0Q/s320/20130216_143816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siskin at Titchwell</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brambling in the same place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8LQKyuwujY/UWRbIIC4_6I/AAAAAAAABws/H0M3HUi58ZU/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8LQKyuwujY/UWRbIIC4_6I/AAAAAAAABws/H0M3HUi58ZU/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Sparrow - actually taken the next day at Ouse Washes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpVf-2hIveE/UWRa7e8y5pI/AAAAAAAABwA/60MQ88JnvRc/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpVf-2hIveE/UWRa7e8y5pI/AAAAAAAABwA/60MQ88JnvRc/s320/IMG_2383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Song Thrush</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScBFC8G7NXk/UWRayAelLkI/AAAAAAAABvw/-cnGcvCQaiM/s1600/20130216_152942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScBFC8G7NXk/UWRayAelLkI/AAAAAAAABvw/-cnGcvCQaiM/s320/20130216_152942.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy effort at the Long-tailed Duck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woApQKJg97s/UWRa97MVVOI/AAAAAAAABwM/WfQ-_ViTjVc/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woApQKJg97s/UWRa97MVVOI/AAAAAAAABwM/WfQ-_ViTjVc/s320/IMG_2402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Redshank</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkcjvAiHTkk/UWRbAVnEkII/AAAAAAAABwU/E8RHeV65Zfc/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkcjvAiHTkk/UWRbAVnEkII/AAAAAAAABwU/E8RHeV65Zfc/s320/IMG_2426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krPKcHw_EtA/UWRbEyc8glI/AAAAAAAABwk/J7lXvac8ESs/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krPKcHw_EtA/UWRbEyc8glI/AAAAAAAABwk/J7lXvac8ESs/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No winter Titchwell trip is complete without a shot of a Sanderling bounding along the edge of the surf</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhVq4HXcyFk/UWRbDMqkY0I/AAAAAAAABwc/xHJZiXnxvas/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhVq4HXcyFk/UWRbDMqkY0I/AAAAAAAABwc/xHJZiXnxvas/s320/IMG_2502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfzxh2eYDvM/UWRaz46EPMI/AAAAAAAABv4/HQCLc5pt7Ug/s1600/20130216_164726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfzxh2eYDvM/UWRaz46EPMI/AAAAAAAABv4/HQCLc5pt7Ug/s320/20130216_164726.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After much deliberation we decided this Diver to be a Black Throated - any thoughts or comments would be much appreciated. </td></tr>
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Other good birds seen but not papped on the day included <strong>Bittern</strong> and ringtail <strong>Hen Harrier</strong></div>
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The yard list has crept up towards 100 (94ish at the minute) with a recent addition being the <strong>Great Northern Diver</strong> that was spied miles off towards the valve tower in the North Arm on Saturday afternoon. Good bird that. <strong>Whooper Swan</strong> was also a welcome addition after missing the last flock to fly up the North Arm. Here's a few other decent birds (and a couple already mentioned!) that have found themselves on the end of a phone-scoping in recent weeks at work;</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-483mJW_8VgM/UWRdHAhhBMI/AAAAAAAABww/8yvjJnZT9Wc/s1600/20130203_084910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-483mJW_8VgM/UWRdHAhhBMI/AAAAAAAABww/8yvjJnZT9Wc/s320/20130203_084910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake Smew from AWBC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj7hVGzanig/UWRdIXTC6KI/AAAAAAAABw4/SarYtYGI2BI/s1600/20130219_131606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj7hVGzanig/UWRdIXTC6KI/AAAAAAAABw4/SarYtYGI2BI/s320/20130219_131606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confused Black-necked and Slavonian Grebes in the North Arm (also both on the yard-list :D )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1hoh_SdOYc/UWRdMbMz4HI/AAAAAAAABxI/I9toysOugPI/s1600/20130117_081824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1hoh_SdOYc/UWRdMbMz4HI/AAAAAAAABxI/I9toysOugPI/s320/20130117_081824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intrepid Hide-robin on Lagoon 3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVdpchO--vQ/UWRdMlhvjMI/AAAAAAAABxA/oezNVeQMmHA/s1600/20130224_101431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVdpchO--vQ/UWRdMlhvjMI/AAAAAAAABxA/oezNVeQMmHA/s320/20130224_101431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Northern Diver off the dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V10ju9wF8ek/UWRdNnp0D3I/AAAAAAAABxQ/dKMncwvvPbc/s1600/20130301_113950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V10ju9wF8ek/UWRdNnp0D3I/AAAAAAAABxQ/dKMncwvvPbc/s320/20130301_113950.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scaup with Pochard and Tufted Duck accomplices on Lagoon 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RaUI4YqcDBA/UWRdQlXb2bI/AAAAAAAABxY/nMZvtpud3-4/s1600/20130224_150501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RaUI4YqcDBA/UWRdQlXb2bI/AAAAAAAABxY/nMZvtpud3-4/s320/20130224_150501.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rails on the Egleton Meadows - showing very well at the minute - up to 6 birds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7vhkDIRkVM/UWRdVPHAzOI/AAAAAAAABxg/LIN6UElF02M/s1600/20130313_073756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7vhkDIRkVM/UWRdVPHAzOI/AAAAAAAABxg/LIN6UElF02M/s320/20130313_073756.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afforementioned Whoopers from the workyard</td></tr>
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I've not been at home much this year but a welcome and overdue addition to the garden list a few weeks back was<strong> Lesser Redpoll</strong>, no doubt enticed into the garden by the shiny new niger feeder that the Hooded Birder purchased a couple of weeks prior. A few <strong>Siskin</strong> sightings have also helped spice things up after a general lack of them in the garden over recent winters.</div>
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And finally, Owls.</div>
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Seems like ages since I've written anything or uploaded any images of owls but I can break that run today! One thing I can report on is the evident abundance of owls in the area surrounding Rutland Water , <strong>Barn Owls</strong> are clearly doing well in the area, I'm always seeing them! Normally when I've not got my camera with me but about ten days ago I chanced upon a lovely shot of a Barn Owl in the falling light. Having to shoot through my less-than-clean windscreen was a challenge but I'm quite pleased with the overall result;</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QINcAwDluWA/UWRe9jSSyDI/AAAAAAAABxo/i2J544woyCw/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QINcAwDluWA/UWRe9jSSyDI/AAAAAAAABxo/i2J544woyCw/s320/IMG_2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Little Owls</strong> have unfortunately not been as easy to find in the area surrounding Rutland Water but I headed out to a site near Lutterworth today and happily found a pair of Owls on their favoured haystack literally gagging to be my new header image!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nz4DSzkz-_M/UWRgDQp2LLI/AAAAAAAABxw/7muxZRL_xLE/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nz4DSzkz-_M/UWRgDQp2LLI/AAAAAAAABxw/7muxZRL_xLE/s320/IMG_3144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This image and the next three aren't the best I'll ever take but I'd never managed shots of pellet regurgitation before. Behold...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0V9QNdj6kA/UWRgGteMu_I/AAAAAAAABx4/7-_BdjiJh1U/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0V9QNdj6kA/UWRgGteMu_I/AAAAAAAABx4/7-_BdjiJh1U/s320/IMG_3150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSTAQqwkAEg/UWRgNZA3lPI/AAAAAAAAByI/sfhTcH5I77E/s1600/IMG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSTAQqwkAEg/UWRgNZA3lPI/AAAAAAAAByI/sfhTcH5I77E/s320/IMG_3152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A keen eye can just make out the pellet falling infront of the bale. click for bigger as always.</td></tr>
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-72303360740351489992013-04-09T11:04:00.000-07:002013-04-09T12:05:18.879-07:00#2 - Work!<br />
Work has continued despite the intensely cold weather conditions over the last few months, I struggle to remember the last work day where I wasn't so swathed in layers that I resembled the Michelin Man. That being said, its still been jolly good fun; I've learnt to hedge-lay and much of my time recently has been spent constructing the new Bittern Hide on Lagoon 3. The build has been made possible by a generous donation and stands more-or-less on the site of the old Plover Hide overlooking the Northwest corner of Lagoon 3. The hide isn't quite ready to be opened to the public yet but it shouldn't be long now before it is fully operational!<br />
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P.s. No one need get any bright ideas about being the first person to see a Bittern from Bittern hide....cos it was me! I saw two flying down the reedbed when I was supposed to be busy attaching roofing felt :D<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winterscape #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#4</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#5</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gg3DnamSWQ/UWRVObCe5EI/AAAAAAAABt8/9xOX4eMEg64/s1600/20130116_114003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gg3DnamSWQ/UWRVObCe5EI/AAAAAAAABt8/9xOX4eMEg64/s320/20130116_114003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgelaying on Lax Hill in sub-zero temps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Birder building hide frames</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZgGDgnB1Kw/UWRVN2Sf1MI/AAAAAAAABtw/_AUxkdIBjc4/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZgGDgnB1Kw/UWRVN2Sf1MI/AAAAAAAABtw/_AUxkdIBjc4/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying the foundations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_g6Xo2ry_pk/UWRVWeHgg1I/AAAAAAAABuA/SPYFYPOgio0/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_g6Xo2ry_pk/UWRVWeHgg1I/AAAAAAAABuA/SPYFYPOgio0/s320/IMG_2940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channel, pool and radiations dug for the new hide, area of cut reeds on left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM49C-3nhCk/UWRVWtLIIoI/AAAAAAAABuI/ZJPzdcT4G40/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM49C-3nhCk/UWRVWtLIIoI/AAAAAAAABuI/ZJPzdcT4G40/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1/3 of new hide in-situ. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh_l52969QY/UWRVYCY5uKI/AAAAAAAABuQ/ogzCCK0ym4A/s1600/IMG_2956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh_l52969QY/UWRVYCY5uKI/AAAAAAAABuQ/ogzCCK0ym4A/s320/IMG_2956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting busy with roof beams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W3YzUI8zYo/UWRVkWb49eI/AAAAAAAABug/FN1iPeiUHrE/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W3YzUI8zYo/UWRVkWb49eI/AAAAAAAABug/FN1iPeiUHrE/s320/IMG_2981.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished hide - pre-roof</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v71zv0Sp-Cc/UWRVmH9s8RI/AAAAAAAABuo/3yTAgwTdpi8/s1600/20130320_111714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v71zv0Sp-Cc/UWRVmH9s8RI/AAAAAAAABuo/3yTAgwTdpi8/s320/20130320_111714.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof goes on in the snow</td></tr>
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Working at Rutland also means that un-forseeable jobs crop up from time to time. Such as;</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMjbAvO1zE/UWRV6tpyroI/AAAAAAAABu4/BU1Hm_3puDc/s1600/20130124_090221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMjbAvO1zE/UWRV6tpyroI/AAAAAAAABu4/BU1Hm_3puDc/s320/20130124_090221.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dealing with an injured Tawny</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or retrieving a rogue-pig from the Hambleton Road</td></tr>
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But over the last couple of weeks signs of spring have forced their way through, signalling a return to normality after this bitterly cold spell;<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eloEf301RYA/UWRWEZPd9TI/AAAAAAAABvI/eKqmanOrLjc/s1600/20130402_171319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eloEf301RYA/UWRWEZPd9TI/AAAAAAAABvI/eKqmanOrLjc/s320/20130402_171319.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lambs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EClHms58NI/UWRVxoNilvI/AAAAAAAABu0/Clq75HQnGDQ/s1600/20130402_115956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EClHms58NI/UWRVxoNilvI/AAAAAAAABu0/Clq75HQnGDQ/s320/20130402_115956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Ozzas!</td></tr>
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<br />Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-31249740293870523632013-04-09T10:35:00.001-07:002013-04-09T11:44:51.519-07:00First of three! Table images!Hello all, this will be the first of three posts summing up this winters antics in a photographic manner. What I mean is up until now I'd been too lazy to process and upload all of the images I've taken this winter but I've just had a massive sort-out and can finally get some published!<br />
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As already indicated this is the first part of three, starting with some photos from the feeding station I've set up in our workyard. Apologies for the quality of some of the images but all have been shot through a dirty/steamy/wet caravan window!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt2FYu-Zm6c/UWROhAhf6qI/AAAAAAAABrQ/9hGL8V-CzVI/s1600/20130122_082203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt2FYu-Zm6c/UWROhAhf6qI/AAAAAAAABrQ/9hGL8V-CzVI/s320/20130122_082203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding table Mk1 - with two Jay on it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPHYx99JHa4/UWRO0fee8YI/AAAAAAAABrg/yNYL5S70Bdg/s1600/20130224_113148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPHYx99JHa4/UWRO0fee8YI/AAAAAAAABrg/yNYL5S70Bdg/s320/20130224_113148.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding table Mk2 - feeder addition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxzTmh-ozCk/UWRPHPCxZEI/AAAAAAAABsY/gyUrSponJ6M/s1600/20130311_172820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxzTmh-ozCk/UWRPHPCxZEI/AAAAAAAABsY/gyUrSponJ6M/s320/20130311_172820.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding table Mk3 - triple feeders! - note the 8 Reed Bunts on the table!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkL6ktEsoUg/UWROu66p-YI/AAAAAAAABrY/-KsmMkt3AQE/s1600/20130227_130843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkL6ktEsoUg/UWROu66p-YI/AAAAAAAABrY/-KsmMkt3AQE/s320/20130227_130843.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long awaited table-tick for me - Marsh Tit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txgH_9DgYWY/UWRO6W_obOI/AAAAAAAABrw/CLlfF20CI-g/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txgH_9DgYWY/UWRO6W_obOI/AAAAAAAABrw/CLlfF20CI-g/s320/IMG_2695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV9NPgNZZ9A/UWRO4bse_II/AAAAAAAABrs/2oueCRK1FzE/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV9NPgNZZ9A/UWRO4bse_II/AAAAAAAABrs/2oueCRK1FzE/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brambling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZQ3vR-05dQ/UWRO9Kv5ZBI/AAAAAAAABr4/qfwE0JB5dgY/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZQ3vR-05dQ/UWRO9Kv5ZBI/AAAAAAAABr4/qfwE0JB5dgY/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the Dirty Blue Tit - he/she enjoys venturing down one of our tractors exhaust pipes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reed Bunt</td></tr>
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In recent weeks the table list has gone past 20, with <strong>Long Tailed Tit</strong> and <strong>Greater-spotted Woodpecker </strong>being the latest species to fall for the charms of my table!Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-63793587964214301352013-02-15T07:06:00.001-08:002013-02-15T07:06:38.216-08:00Technical difficultiesFor some reason blogger isn't letting me upload any images at the minute, which is annoying. Might just be this laptop though, which is showing signs of immediate failure. Which is a shame, as I'd intended to wow you with some photo's from my caravan bird table.
Some months ago now I attached a flat-top to two fenceposts that were loitering with intent just outside the caravan window and with the addition of four bits of wood around the outside I had fashioned myself a feeding table with minimal effort, I was well pleased. Except my early efforts of luring birds onto it failed miserably. For some reason the birds weren't attracted to reduced pitta breads, stale doritos (cool flavour) and mouldy sandwiches so a change of plan was needed. Actual bird seed was placed on the table with alarming results! Birds have been literally flocking to it, especially in recent weeks with the harsh weather. The table list now has 21 species on it! Its a combined list with most staff members keeping an eye on it throughout the day with the only rule being that the bird has to be on the table, not under it. As a result not all species have been seen by me (most notably <b>Redpoll</b> and <b>Marsh tit</b>) but I have seen such goodies as <b>Reed Bunting </b>(multiple), <b>Coal Tit</b>, <b>Sparrohawk </b>(caught a <b>Dunnock</b>), a cracking but unfortunately ill-looking <b>Brambling</b>, up to 3 <b>Jay</b> at once when the snow was at its thickest and most recently a <b>Nuthatch</b> - a surprisingly scarce species at Rutland.
Well, I suppose that's all for now as I do enjoy the addition of photographs to help jazz the blog up a bit, I'll endeavour to sort the problem soon.
Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-15865968105096376302012-12-09T10:12:00.001-08:002012-12-09T11:46:44.950-08:00Waxwings!As I mentioned in todays earlier post, I've been gorging on <strong>Waxwings</strong> this weekend, much like the birds themselves behave when berries are present.<br />
On Friday afternoon, after I'd been to Swithland for a proper look at the <strong>Velvet Scoter</strong> I headed over to Stoney Stanton on the hunt for the Waxwings that had been loitering around the school for the past few days. In the end it was all relatively simple, the birds were quickly found in an area behind the school and a convenient alley allowed me to approach close to the rest tree;<br />
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Very nice indeed, although a visit this morning drew a blank which only frustrated me into being tempted to go for the enormous flock that had been found on the outskirts of Loughborough. Shortly afterwards this temptation was heightened when I nipped round to <a href="http://owlsaboutthatthen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paul Riddle's</a> gaff to collect a couple of Owlsaboutthatthen calenders (an excellent stocking filler!) and he told me all about how he'd been there earlier in the day and that viewing was excellent! This was all the encouragement I needed and soon sacked off the Manchester derby and was on the way. Good choice. Loads of Waxwings - easily 150+, more like 200, hard to tell exactly though as they were never all together. They were even flitting down regularly to a large puddle in a nearby field, first time I've ever seen them on the ground!<br />
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This above image was just about the point where some clouds rolled in and things became much more miserable, just as Paul turned back up to try and get some more flight shots!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Riddle nailing some flight shots</td></tr>
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-74420519899050552762012-12-09T08:46:00.001-08:002012-12-09T08:46:41.199-08:00Quick summaryI've been feasting my eyes (and camera lens) on Waxwings over the past few days so before I treat you to a deluge of Waxwing images I'd better post a summary of the last few weeks else I never will!<br />
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In more recent news I passed my chainsaw assessment so now I'm fully qualified to go and chop down small trees in a professional manner, it feels good!<br />
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The winter work programme is well under way now which has involved lots and lots of woodland work over the past few weeks.<br />
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We've also introduced rams into our flocks of sheep, this fellow is called Herby!<br />
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Led the odd guided walk too;<br />
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And of course soaked up the Rutland countryside, this was dawn on the Hambleton Peninsular;<br />
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And this was dusk at Great Easton during a particularly unsuccessful Owl-hunt; </div>
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One Owl hunt that fared better was last weekend where I found this chap near Willoughby;</div>
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Along with this bird near Gilmorton which was being bothered by a crow;</div>
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And finally, it would be rude to not mention the three county ticks I've managed over the past couple of weeks, each tick accompanied by a dodgy photo;</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, a Bittern!</td></tr>
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Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-81992798022289124252012-12-01T03:21:00.003-08:002012-12-01T03:21:36.924-08:00*insert swear word here*Two Velvet Scoter off the dam at Swithland and I'm catching a train to Manchester in an hour......I hate birding sometimes.....Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-79308049955556329782012-11-29T13:19:00.001-08:002012-11-29T13:19:30.198-08:00Quick one..Sorry I've been a touch absent on here recently, a combination of sheer laziness, lack of new images and issues concerning photo upload space is probably the best explanation!<br />
I imagine I'll get everything resolved within the next few days so expect an enormous post summing up the last few weeks in the near future.<br />
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In very recent news there was a <strong>Hawfinch</strong> showing shockingly well in Egleton carpark for long periods today, I chanced upon it at around 1.30pm after dropping off four visitors at the visitors centre who had managed to get stuck inside the new 360 hide, quite an achievement! I was returning back towards the new lagoons when I noticed a small crowd of people in the carpark staring intently towards the toilet block....so obviously I took a short detour to join them and soon afterwards (via a generous lend of a pair of binoculars) Hawfinch was on the county list. Smashing!<br />
I got a couple of truly terrible shots of the beast on my phone but I'm sure someone will have scored some great shots of it today, shame it wasn't me!Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-74556225975306488462012-11-04T11:51:00.000-08:002012-11-04T11:55:29.759-08:00Its that time of the week again...So it must be time for a blog post!<br />
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Another week has flown by at work, had even less oportunities to see any birds this week too, thanks to my partner for the week;<br />
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If you haven't already surmised, last week was my chainsaw training, and birds don't tend to enjoy petrol-fueled rage saws that create a fair bit of "disturbance" whilst in use, not to mention the addition of chainsaw boots/trousers/gloves/helmet/visor that make it almost impossible to move, yet alone see or hear anything that isn't a chainsaw or a tree. <br />
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So all in all, very few birds from the reserve to report! There were some in fairness.....Caspian Gulls on Lag 4 and Jack Snipe on Lag 3 for example, but as I didn't see any of them I won't mention them any further!<br />
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I did get a chance to have a short <strong>Badger</strong> watch during the week however, four individuals were seen and briefly photographed before the Hooded Birder vacated the hide in favour of a Shepherds Pie and a bag of Revels.<br />
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Which brings me nicely to this weekend, today mainly, where I got to do some birding! The garden has jerked into life in the past week after a very quiet period, the Bullfinch plague has ended for now but over the weekend 3<strong> Coal Tit</strong> have been visiting, along with brief glimpses of a<strong> Goldcrest</strong>, male <strong>Blackcap</strong> and around 150 <strong>Fieldfare</strong> moving west, so things are looking up!<br />
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I also did a spot of twitching this afternoon - *I had planned all along to nip across the border into Northants this afternoon to Maidwell on the hunt for Short-eared Owls and after a quick poke in the arse was obtained by news of the <strong>Black-throated Diver</strong> showing well at Stanford res (en route to Maidwell), I got moving and headed over. <br />
Once at Stanford the Diver was found relatively quickly from the bridge over the inflow channel - about half a mile away near the raft in the middle of the main water. Then it did the usual Diver behaviour - being a right pain to keep track of, whilst working it's way closer and closer back towards the inflow. <br />
In the end it paused just off the inflow stream, shockingly close to the car-park and allowed some, im sure you'll agree, glorius images to be obtained on my phone;<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, this was a county tick</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added to both Northants and Leics lists at the same time by sneakily running back and forth over the inflow channel, very nice</td></tr>
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I did carry on to Maidwell in the end on the hunt for owl, the area must have received about a months rain over the past day-or-so, most minor roads were rivers and my route twice got blocked by flooded sections. When I finally got to the site a <strong>Barn Owl</strong> was quickly seen but that was as good as it got, so still no Shorties for the Hooded Birder. This time last year I'd seen loads, and this year everyone seems to have seen one already, except me! Life isn't fair.....<br />
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*All along in this case refers to around 2 hours after the original plan of Ring-necked Duck at Rutland was abandoned on the grounds that it had managed to get lost in the legions of Tufted Duck and I didn't fancy being the one trying to re-find it. Also, the nerve of the little blighter being found on a day when I wasn't at work....it's just inconsiderate really.Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-71037949988580056292012-10-28T16:09:00.001-07:002012-11-02T06:19:32.859-07:00...suppose I'd better write a blog post!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I suppose the lack of activity on this blog could be explained by the fact that the author (me) obviously hasnt done anything or seen anything of note since the last post. This assumption would be wrong, the fact that I've simply been too lazy to upload any photos off my phone is probably closer to the mark....</div>
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Anyway, work has carried on as-per-usual at Rutland over the past couple of weeks, the winter work programme is well under way now so there's been a nice introduction to the heap of woodland work we'll be doing this winter.</div>
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A spot of scrub clearance along the circular path on Lax Hill also allowed me to photgraph the surrounding lagoons last week, this shot shows Heron bay on the left, Lagoon 8 in the foreground and Lagoon 7 at the back.<br />
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Whereas this shot looks North/Northwest, showing Lagoon 5 on the far left, Lagoon 6 in the central foreground and Lagoon 1 at the back.<br />
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A bit of work has also been done surveying the Water Vole population on the reserve, you may have seen the Vole rafts (pictured below) dotted around the reserve and these are key to drawing up a census of vole numbers. The voles will use these platforms as latrines and with regular monitoring a picture of relative abundance across the reserve can be obtained.<br />
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Learnt to drive this tractor too...and it was good.<br />
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Moving onto birding related news, Hooded Birder has bought a scope! Here it is in all its glory, chilling in the garden this afternoon1 Best news of all - my cameraphone still works with it so I'll still be able to provide the odd eye-burner!<br />
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I've also managed to do a bit of birding with the new scope this past week. Last Monday (22nd) was the date for a staff trip birdwatching to Norfolk and although it coincided with terrible murky weather conditions it also coincided with a lovely fall of migrants on the East coast! First stop of the day was Holme Dunes where you couldn't really see more than 100 yards in any direction but this hardly mattered as migrants were everywhere! <strong>Fieldfare</strong> and <strong>Redwing</strong> in the 1000's, <strong>Mipits</strong> and <strong>Skylarks</strong> aplenty, bushes literally heaving with <strong>Goldcrest</strong> and the odd <strong>Chiffchaff</strong>, truly a spectacular fall with particular highlights for me being a healthy number of <strong>Brambling</strong> and two, maybe three <strong>Black Redstart.</strong> Nothing rarer was winkled out (reports later in the day of RB flycatcher and OBP though) so we moved along to Titchwell where a <strong>Little Stint</strong> was about the best of it. Good day out though in unbelieveable fall conditions, that one will live long in the memory.<br />
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I also had an amble around the North part of Egleton reserve on Friday afternoon, taking in the delights of Lagoon 2, 3 & 4 whilst playing with the new scope. <br />
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Birds of note included a few <strong>Redpoll</strong> and <strong>Siskin</strong> behind Lagoon 2, 7 <strong>Dunlin</strong>, 3 <strong>Redshank</strong>, 1 <strong>Ruff</strong> and 46 <strong>Golden Plover</strong> on Lagoon 4 and 5 <strong>Snipe</strong> and a <strong>Green Sandpiper</strong> on Lagoon 3.<br />
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<br />Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-89888524615724978692012-10-12T13:50:00.002-07:002012-10-13T02:50:14.406-07:00More from Rutland...<br />
This lack-of-internet game in me caravan at Rutland is becoming a tad upsetting at the minute. I have little time to blog for a start! Its shocking on reflection that I have become so dependant upon the interwebs to provide me with information and entertainment. Afterall, I can easily recall a time (and I'm sure you can too!) where I had no idea of what the internet was, and would have had little interest in it even if I did. A more simple time I think. Anyway, now I'm back in Leicester for the weekend and am happily re-united with my laptop and wireless broadband I can write a blog post! I suppose I could write posts on my phone, but im fairly confident my stubby sausage-fingers combined with the tiny keyboard on the galaxy's screen would enrage me to gigantic proportions. Safer to stick to this weekly arrangement I think.<br />
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Over the last couple of weeks I've progressed a bit at work, getting to grips with some of the vehicles and equipment on site, and also completing a couple of courses - I'm now certified to be let loose with the Mini-bus and also as an emergency First Aider! Myself, the two other trainees (Jamie and Amelia) and Joe, one of the Senior Conservation Officers were also interviewed by the man with probably the most soothing voice in the world - Ben Jackson for a piece that Radio Leicester will be running about the trainee-ship at Rutland Water on Thursday which was new a new experience for sure!<br />
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Time for less rambling I think and more photos - the Canon came with me this week so they should be an improvement.<br />
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Its the Trainees's job to run the Badger watches, these images were taken on Monday night but the proper watch on Wednesday went brilliantly, 5 adults showed well, much to the delight of the four punters!<br />
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If you're interested in joining me or one of the other trainees for a scheduled watch, feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:badgerwatchrw@gmail.com">badgerwatchrw@gmail.com</a> <br />
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Birding has been quietish again this week, spiced up by the arrival of 800-1000 <strong>Golden Plovers</strong>, some of which are pictured here. The <strong>Black-necked Grebe</strong> still lingers in the Fishponds and a <strong>Marsh Harrier</strong> has been seen a few times, particularly during the earlier part of the week. Most interesting is perhaps the noticeable influx of <strong>Jays</strong> to the country, the numbers recorded at Rutland have mirrored the reported trend, yesterday for example I saw a group of four flying purposefully south over the 360 hide, making a tally of 9 for the day. Speaking of things heading purposefully south, an <strong>Osprey</strong> did that too yesterday morning, seen over the North Arm briefly at 9am - presumably a Scandinavian bird.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9FhxpZKQfE/UHh9u4rCXfI/AAAAAAAABWI/SfR9PCgSLYo/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9FhxpZKQfE/UHh9u4rCXfI/AAAAAAAABWI/SfR9PCgSLYo/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the help of the Argo I did manage to get close enough to these Golden Plover on Lagoon 4 this week - there are two Dunlin in this shot too. One is obvious but you can play Spot-the-Dunlin with the other if you like!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvFdjmCFwq4/UHh91yW8NAI/AAAAAAAABWQ/lv0vGL-ypZs/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvFdjmCFwq4/UHh91yW8NAI/AAAAAAAABWQ/lv0vGL-ypZs/s320/19.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhat of a rarity these days, this Hedgehog was found roaming Jamie's garden on Tuesday night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHf6UEQQln0/UHh94K8Ve5I/AAAAAAAABWY/MzW8wZGJL04/s1600/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHf6UEQQln0/UHh94K8Ve5I/AAAAAAAABWY/MzW8wZGJL04/s320/23.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely weather on Wednesday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0rPwjbJhtM/UHh99zfa9dI/AAAAAAAABWg/MrTz-FzJkJs/s1600/24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0rPwjbJhtM/UHh99zfa9dI/AAAAAAAABWg/MrTz-FzJkJs/s320/24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely berry-crop this year too.</td></tr>
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<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ErO4r1lX66Y/UHh-CIgHt3I/AAAAAAAABWo/CR6gHCmu4yY/s1600/26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ErO4r1lX66Y/UHh-CIgHt3I/AAAAAAAABWo/CR6gHCmu4yY/s320/26.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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A few Common Darter were also taking advantage of the warm conditions on Wednesday, several pairs were seen mating. At least I think this is a Common Darter, correct me if I'm wrong. Sticking on the things-that-aren't-birds theme, I saw a Great Diving Beetle in the pond between Dunlin and Sandpiper hides on Tuesday, and it was good. We also saw a juvenile Water Vole on Lagoon 4 on Tuesday, that was also good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO8_9MKy88I/UHh-Hn_VAhI/AAAAAAAABWw/qMqEh49h08s/s1600/30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO8_9MKy88I/UHh-Hn_VAhI/AAAAAAAABWw/qMqEh49h08s/s320/30.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wettest meadow on site (between Badger and Redshank hides) got a mowing with the Trackmaster on Wednesday....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMgOmJCnbuQ/UHh-OTVyfyI/AAAAAAAABW4/en0nWfyt3BE/s1600/31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMgOmJCnbuQ/UHh-OTVyfyI/AAAAAAAABW4/en0nWfyt3BE/s320/31.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which provided the Hooded Birder with a chance to rake a Mega-pile. And then jump in it.</td></tr>
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There was also a nice collection of raptors soaring near Eyebrook on the way home today too, this Red Kite was soaring alongside two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and two Raven before the group were molested by a swarm of corvids and scattered across half of Rutland.<br />
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In all likelihood, look forward to my next blog-post in exactly a weeks time!<br />
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Edit: completely forgot to mention the two "rares" at Rutland today - the Azorean Yellow legged Gull and the Lapland Bunting.... Amy was visiting the caravan (and scoring Badger for the first time) last night so I was still at the reserve today but still managed to see neither - I did have a decent stab at the Bunting this afternoon alongside <a href="http://davidearlgray.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dave Gray</a>, the<a href="http://username-beast.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Beast</a> and the birder only known to me as "Chris" but didn't see the little bugger. Nevermind.Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-15848630909135254172012-09-27T13:29:00.002-07:002012-09-29T17:10:01.362-07:00Flying!It doesn't seem like 5minutes ago when I sat down and wrote the last blog post, but a whole week has passed!<br />
I've been staying at Rutland a few nights this week so I've been absent from the interweb and haven't had much chance to blog! The camera stayed at home this week too so all photos in this post were taken on the Galaxy, just like last week!<br />
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As indicated last week, more island work has been undertaken this week, starting with Lagoon 7 on Tuesday. This was particularly helpful as an instructive comparison of the success of our goose-proofing of the shingle islands was to be had. To explain further, we have issues at Rutland with the geese wandering onto our nice shingle islands, shitting everywhere and causing opportunistic weeds to sprout in their thousands, ruining the potential LRP breeding habitat. To combat this, pegs have been put on the islands around the shingle, joined by string - the idea is that the string prevents the geese from having enough space to land or take off on the islands, keeping them goose free!<br />
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This a photo of one of the goose-proofed islands on Lagoon 7, the pegs and string are just about visible.<br />
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And this is the island next to it, without the goose-proofing. Can you guess which one took longer to weed!?<br />
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Today though, I joined the team from Travis Perkins that do a monthly volunteer day here. The group is made up of mostly retired civil engineers with about a million years of professional experience between them and today we tasked them with removing uneccessary Osprey screening from Manton Bay and re-installing it along the path that runs alongside Lagoon 8 towards Kingfisher Hide as unfortunately the newly planted hedge isn't thick enough to prevent people using the path from flushing everything on the lagoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR7N6Zwmh48/UGSyLoT8VII/AAAAAAAABUc/IyCAbwLvyB0/s1600/20120927_145247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR7N6Zwmh48/UGSyLoT8VII/AAAAAAAABUc/IyCAbwLvyB0/s320/20120927_145247.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis Perkins erecting some screening - a fine job they did too</td></tr>
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A bit more animal work was undertaken this week too, this is Woody the Hebridean Lamb who was bottle-fed and in the picture is trying to decide if Samsung Galaxys are edible.....<br />
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Whilst the Dexter cattle on Lagoon 2 were in favour of some synchronised-feeding.<br />
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Lets talk a bit about birds eh? This lovely Grebe has been cruising around the North Arm all week, often giving excellent views from our workyard although I have witnessed a few idiots trespassing in an attempt to see the bird - please stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RO3qc2T_50w/UGSyiOtrYKI/AAAAAAAABU0/Wplq_K7WFDw/s1600/20120926_164736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RO3qc2T_50w/UGSyiOtrYKI/AAAAAAAABU0/Wplq_K7WFDw/s320/20120926_164736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-necked Grebe</td></tr>
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Aside from the Grebe there hasn't been a great deal of interest on the reserve (in terms of Autumn waders anyway!), the winter ducks are still trickling in and the weather patterns look great for a rare warbler at the minute, but have yet to materialise into anything better than a few <strong>Chiffchaff</strong> dotted around. Marsh Harrier sightings have tailed off this week too, although a couple of<strong> Hobby</strong> are still lingering. Lagoon 4 still has its handful of <strong>Dunlin </strong>and<strong> Ringed Plovers </strong>but the hoped-for (and desired for my county list) Pec Sand is yet to materialise. Two <strong>Raven</strong> were also over Manton Bay briefly this morning.<br />
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EDIT: completely forgot to mention the double person-tick I managed this week. <br />
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Firstly (and most importantly) I managed to life tick<a href="http://username-beast.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> the Beast</a> lurking in one of the hides on Lag4 after work one day this week - very nice to put a face to one of the blogs I read regularly. Whereas on Thursday afternoon a sighting was made of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Clarke" target="_blank">Ken Clarke</a>, roaming the area around the new lagoons, presumably looking for something else to tax.Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-41972316243710302222012-09-20T13:00:00.001-07:002012-09-20T15:16:45.899-07:00First weekI've just come to the end of my first week as a Trainee Reserve Officer at Rutland and to celebrate such a momentus feat of human endurance a photographic representation of the week is in order;<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I24SmO5pwc4/UFtya0D8nVI/AAAAAAAABSY/xKIGIogEU9o/s1600/20120917_115439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I24SmO5pwc4/UFtya0D8nVI/AAAAAAAABSY/xKIGIogEU9o/s320/20120917_115439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monday morning was a tame affair - just wrangling 40-odd Hebridean Sheep and injecting them with eye medicine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H3OcS9Ashg/UFtygJYQMTI/AAAAAAAABSg/LfWN14hqkPY/s1600/20120917_152914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H3OcS9Ashg/UFtygJYQMTI/AAAAAAAABSg/LfWN14hqkPY/s320/20120917_152914.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was found on some Elm on Lax Hill and I'm relying on you good people (Mr Skevington, please step forward) to identify it for me as I haven't a clue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYSlXWPkHpA/UFtyrdd0Y7I/AAAAAAAABSo/9MCTiBqHUOQ/s1600/20120918_100508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYSlXWPkHpA/UFtyrdd0Y7I/AAAAAAAABSo/9MCTiBqHUOQ/s320/20120918_100508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">360 Hide is now fully open to the public on Lagoon 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETYSt68v6rs/UFty2iKavyI/AAAAAAAABSw/FW9Os_xqPHg/s1600/20120918_112701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETYSt68v6rs/UFty2iKavyI/AAAAAAAABSw/FW9Os_xqPHg/s320/20120918_112701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But if you had visited it on Tuesday you wouldn't have seen much as our work party was on the Lagoon giving all of the islands a haircut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same story but Lagoon 8 on Wednesday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33yMLM_1u6g/UFtzVscuo5I/AAAAAAAABTI/oGZFHZuYjg0/s1600/20120919_133509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33yMLM_1u6g/UFtzVscuo5I/AAAAAAAABTI/oGZFHZuYjg0/s320/20120919_133509.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I found this track by the waters edge, prevailing opinion is Badger at the moment, not the hoped for Otter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfH1uQDMMc/UFtzhRueVHI/AAAAAAAABTQ/BU7kisUEdWE/s1600/20120919_172931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfH1uQDMMc/UFtzhRueVHI/AAAAAAAABTQ/BU7kisUEdWE/s320/20120919_172931.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some reconnaissance of Eyebrooks Tern rafts was also undertaken </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, meet Timothy the Shield-bug who joined me on Lagoon 6 today, miles away from any Hawthorn!<br />
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Oops, just realised I've nearly written a whole post centred around Rutland Water (one of the best birding sites in the Midlands) without mentioning any birds! Haven't birded the reserve properly all week but have picked up a few bits along the way. <strong>Marsh Harriers</strong> are now being seen daily, there are certainly two "cream crowns" present and have been for some time. Wader passage has been slow this Autumn but Lagoon 4 has been good for a few <strong>Dunlin</strong> and <strong>Ringed Plover</strong> recently, along with the odd <strong>Greenshank </strong>and <strong>Green Sandpiper</strong> knocking about on the new Lagoons. Grilling the duck flotillas and Lapwing flocks are also worthwhile at the minute with a few <strong>Pintail</strong> and <strong>Golden Plover</strong> starting to trickle in. No sign of the Black-necked Grebe in the North Arm for the last few days though, not that I've been looking particularly hard for it.Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-16094263619781809902012-09-13T13:53:00.001-07:002012-09-13T14:25:00.735-07:00There are some days when I love my career choice...Take today for example where I was tasked with sweeping/de-spidering/fixing all of the hides on the Egleton reserve. So, my day consisted of visiting 20+ hides.....it would have been rude to not have a casual peek at what was around wouldn't it??<br />
As a result much more stuff was seen today than during normal working days at Rutland - it seems odd to say but working at Rutland really doesn't mean you get to spend most of your day birding; most days involve working away from the hides and any birds you might see are only those that happen to call in/fly past the area you are working in.<br />
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So today I'm pleased to report 7 <strong>Dunlin</strong> on Lagoon 4 along with a similar number of <strong>Ringed Plover </strong>(including one that only had one leg), four <strong>Ruff</strong>, a single <strong>Golden Plover</strong> (first here for me this Autumn), two <strong>Green Sandpiper </strong>on the new Lagoons (one each on 5 & 7) along with the <strong>Black-necked Grebe</strong> seen from the workyard on the North Arm this afternoon. A splendid drake<strong> Mandarin</strong> was also on show in the same area. A <strong>Marsh Harrier </strong>was also over Lax Hill earlier on in the afternoon, becoming a regular sight here! No photos today though I'm afraid, the fancypants camera tends to stay at home when I'm working because I'll only go and break it otherwise! No scope either so little chance of some phone-scoped monstrosities like the old days!<br />
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On a sidenote a quest this evening to see the Cattle Egret at Kelham Bridge was abandoned due to the fact that it had been identified as a likely escapee. And I'll be damned if im county ticking an escapee, especially not with a species that has previously been declared as a nemesis (see <a href="http://hoodedbirder.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/21st-and-22nd-august-wild-egret-chase.html" target="_blank">here</a>).Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-42057752471191160802012-09-02T12:04:00.000-07:002012-11-03T14:13:35.477-07:00Must be slipping...Three of the last four posts have included a lifer so I was always going to be up against it trying to keep that ratio going!<br />
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Today I headed over to Blueberry Farm near Maidwell as I'd realised it had been about three months since I last did any birding in Northamptonshire - as I'm no longer driving to and from Uni three times a week and as Amy is summering in Sheffield I've been strangely absent from the county for a good while now!<br />
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So, off I went to Maidwell to see if I could catch up with any of the <strong>Whinchat</strong> that had been seen there recently. This was a tick of-sorts as I needed it for my Northampton list so hopes were high of finding one! Upon arrival I took the track from Hanging Houghton down into the valley and parked along the southern-most boundary of Big Lichfields (Field K on map below) where the likely Whinchat area could be scanned from the comfort of the car.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I produced this map of the site originally for my dissertation, as the one provided by Natural England is frankly useless.</td></tr>
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p.s if anyone would like a copy of this map, don't hesitate to ask, either via the comments box or <a href="mailto:hoodedbirder@hotmail.co.uk">hoodedbirder@hotmail.co.uk</a><br />
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The target species was found immediately (x3) flitting from perch to perch but they were way off in the middle of the field....and as it's a pretty big field I had little chance of getting a decent image of one! So...I settled down for a couple of hours in the hope they would come closer whilst listening to the soothing tones of the Soton vs Man U match on ze radio. My patience was rewarded as they came closer....and closer....and closer....until they were in (sort of) photographic range;<br />
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They were literally on the cusp of flitting to a couple of perches mere feet away (one already was stupidly close, but it was obscured by vegetation) when.....a walker came past and flushed the lot back into the middle of the field! Bugger!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walker did briefly flush them all into the same bush though, which was nice.</td></tr>
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Eschewing another long wait for them to return I went to find some owls instead, heading back to the site I'm visiting most at the minute, to see the soon-to-be-dispersing juveniles!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two!</td></tr>
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Finally, on the way home this <strong>Red-legged Partridge</strong> thanked me for not running it over by posing nicely by the side of the road;<br />
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<br />Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2024283576348910165.post-69300347825122094332012-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:002012-09-01T08:44:23.522-07:00Hooded Birder: non stop tick machine<br />
I was sorely tempted this morning by the news of a Honey Buzzard near to Eyebrook Reservoir but didn't rush off for it as I reasoned it would be long gone by the time I got there. An hour later however, when news broke of a juvenile <strong>Red-necked Phalarope</strong> at Rutland Water I wasn't going to be dissauded and quickly jumped into the motor and headed over!<br />
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An hour-and-a-bit later I was safely parked in Shoveler hide feasting my eyes on my third lifer in a week! This was an especially sought-after tick as I'd somehow missed the last one at Rutland (despite being on the reserve that day) and as I needed it to complete my trio of Phalaropes seen in this country, just need a Wilsons to turn up in Leicestershire now and then I'll have all three within the county too. Interestingly, the bird from Frampton Marsh (I very nearly twitched that yesterday) seems to have disappeared overnight, indicating to me that this is the same bird! <br />
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**Edit: Frampton Marsh's bird has been seen today (Saturday) as has the one at Rutland so it's definitely a different bird!<br />
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Unfortunately during the time I was observing the bird it was favouring an area of floating weed at a pretty extreme range for any of my photography equipment so we're firmly in "worlds worst rarity photograph" territory im afraid. That being said, scope views were excellent and I went away happy once the bird disappeared during a fag-break at about 2.30pm. Besides the Phalarope a few <strong>Dunlin</strong> and<strong> Ringed Plover</strong> were on Lagoon 4 and I saw a family party (5-6 individuals) of <strong>Stoats</strong> on the way back to the car. Very nice.<br />
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<br />Hooded Birder (Andy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02241173242162889143noreply@blogger.com2