Priorslee lake - Ring-necked Duck

I was up in Lancs on plant duty the previous day when Reevsey picked out this drake Ring-necked Duck during a morning session. Well done mate! Returning later that evening, I ticked it off at dusk and got over first thing hoping it had stayed to have it's picture taken?

It had!! The light was appalling however - dark water, white water - nothing seemed to help!

An occasional burst of sunshine!

Now that's one duck that looks better paddling towards you....

So I'll finish with this one :-)

Venus Pool - Hen Harrier

They will not set the world on fire but (as I write - a week on) these were to be my last memories of one of the best birds to grace the reserve in recent years! So here are a couple of  'finale' distant shots from my last encounter with the ringtail female Hen Harrier.....

Effortlessly gliding over the crop in search of prey....

And willing to stake it out and wait......

Wherever she goes, lets hope it's youngsters and not more headlines of wildlife crime to be raised! Best of luck you beauty.....

Venus Pool - sleepy Whoopers

The last time I saw Whoopers (and Bewicks) here back in January - it was dark! This evening, returning to the car after watching the Harrier and with light fading, I saw them fly in to roost so a quick diversion to the hide was in order!

Despite the gloom, the ISO was racked up to 1000 and it was worth getting some record shots of some of the group of 10 individuals, including juvs.

Here's no 1.....

Is this no 2?

Two more....

There was a fair bit of interaction and calling with the juveniles.

See what I mean.

A pre- nod off preen and wingflap....

And then gone! Well the one at the back has!

At least this Little Grebe was wide awake and requesting a bit of attention?

Chaffinch - Out of Africa?

I couldn't make it to Newport with scillyspider yesterday but armed with a rough location of the possible African Chaffinch, I decided to give it an hour or two, three or four! It turned into FIVE! No newspaper to distract me either and as for the Chicken - Kris there really is one or several in a nearby garden!!

I didn't fancy carrying the big lens about either given the urban surroundings / school / playground but quickly changed my mind when after 90 mins or so of searching and waiting, the damn thing flew into a nearby garden tree! I wasn't expecting it to be such a 'looker' and couldn't believe my luck when I returned from the car with camera and it was still on the same branch....

Partly hidden by twigs and distant :-(  Initially, I thought it looked good for 'African' in the field (brain no doubt clouded by how 'different' it was!) but hardly got a close look at the time and now reviewing the images, the underside looks really pale - white in fact and not exactly the pale pink I was expecting..... I can't believe it's the light. This appearance seems to be consistent with other historic British 'possibles' I've found online which were ultimately rejected!

Anyway, here are a few record shots so that folk can make their own minds up whether to travel and see it! (* see access notes below!!!) It's a smart bird but.......

Eventually, I sensed it was about to fly, giving a chance of seeing the tail pattern?

Not so much fly as plummet..... Tail pattern looks interesting?

The only close encounter came at 4pm (three sightings in nearly 5 hours!)

And then sadly into the light!

* from Martyn Owen County Recorder......

An unusual looking chaffinch, showing some of the characteristics of African Chaffinch (F.c. spodiogenys), was reported earlier this week.  This bird was present in a private garden, with no access.  Following a visit to the area, the bird has also been seen in publically accessible areas and as such information on the location can now be released.  It should be noted however that parking is limited in the area, and a school and childrens play area area also present.  It is understood that the best parking option is a small area in Chester Road, beyond the Deer Park estate leading out of Newport.  The rugby club may also be an option, although no discussions have taken place. Observers are requested to park sensibly, and ensure that the privacy of local residents is respected.

The bird was initially reported in the garden of 41 Fallow Deer Lawn, TF10 7JF, it has been seen in the location shown ('favoured trees') in the below map, viewed from the location shown.  Patience is required to see the bird and views are restricted, seed has been placed at the location shown in the hope that it will move to this area occasionally.  It would be beneficial if observers replenish the seed in this area occasionally.

Confirmation of sub-species would require excellent photographs, particularly showing the tail pattern and sound recordings - observers are asked to try and obtain these if at all possible.

Martyn Owen

Shropshire County Bird Recorder

tel: 01746 780336

mob: 07736 286675

Venus Pool - Hen Harrier take 3

A miserable day, spoilt by torrential rain and wind had a nice ending late afternoon when the rain stopped and clouds dispersed! I nipped down to VP 4.30 ish and the Harrier was already out over the field making the most of the conditions!

A now familiar sight over the crop field! Some things never change? It will be off soon of course!

Just what you want to see, the Harrier banking and heading in the right direction!

The low afternoon sunshine catching it nicely.

A minute or so of excitement which seemed to last much much longer.....

A busy week coming up but may I may get another chance to call later in the week?