There were two Red Kites quartering the arable field as I arrived early afternoon. A tractor topping the now redundant crop had clearly caught their attention! Hmm the pool could wait...
Here's a few close encounters...
Utterly fearless...
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Life on Venus
A look at the varied forms of wildlife which may be found at Venus pool during the year. The key birds and insects (dragonflies and butterflies) cover most of the talk but ‘occasional’ visitors and some wild flowers get a mention.
A Century at Venus Pool
Now revamped, this is not a History talk but a collection of my favourite images from the reserve. My VP list is up to 150 species and the ‘Century’ refers to the 100+ species now photographed as decent portraits in their own right! Also featured are some of the most unforgettable moments I’ve witnessed!
Shropshire's Magnificent Peregrines
The Peregrine falcon is surely one of the most charismatic of birds. A supreme flier and aerial predator, the species is now well established in numbers within the County. This talk looks at the habitats and progress through a typical breeding season, offering an insight into the secret life of this magnificent bird. (Please note that images featured during the breeding season were all taken under schedule 1 licence)
A Shropshire Birders year
I keep a County yearlist every year and aim to see at least 160 species (with as many as possible photographed!) This talk is based around the highlights of the past few years plus some of my regular photographic activities. It takes you around many of the main birdwatching areas, the best times to go and what you might find there. Shropshire is certainly not one of the best Counties for migrants and rarities but expect a few surprises.
Out and About – a special year
2008 was a phenomenal year featuring opportunistic travels to all parts of the UK, record breaking numbers of local birds, rarities and a twitch or two. The excitement is condensed into a single presentation, the ups and downs, some exhilarating bird watching moments and an attempt to see 250 species in a year without really trying (much).
Shropshire Wildlife
A brief look at the wildlife to be found at several key reserves and sites within the County of Shropshire. Birds, butterflies and dragonflies are the key players with a scattering of other interesting guests and a flower or two!
North Norfolk here I come
A premier location featuring some of the UK’s most fantastic birding sites. A seasonal look at the main reserves, the birds you are likely to see and some of the highlights of my visits to the area. Expect plenty of quality birds!!
Birding through a lens
Apart from my trusty pair of binoculars and scope, I always carry my camera with me on my birding travels throughout the UK. This talk takes a look at what’s involved in bird photography, numerous localities and of course – plenty of interesting birds!
Nature in focus
A similar talk to 'Birding through a lens' but dealing with a wide variety of wildlife found in the UK. The technical side of things, equipment and technique, where to go etc will be dealt with here. Ideal where the need is a bias towards 'photography'.
A Winter weekend in Vancouver
Well, a bit longer than that actually! This talk covers the events of a trip to the Vancouver area and Vancouver island in Feb/Mar 2008. Whilst this is the wrong time of year for seeing migrants, a good chance to see resident birds and plenty of wildfowl. I was on a lecture tour and these are the moments spent birding in this fantastic west coast area of Canada!
For most of May 2012, I was on a speaking tour of New England. This talk looks at the whole trip, from getting the camera gear safely through customs, a few mishaps and of course the amazing birds and other highlights as I travelled through three states! Over 130 species were seen, including Warblers, Waders, Herons etc with many images captured. Gardens, Nature Reserves and the Coast were the main habitats and quite a few of the native plants were captured too! A truly memorable trip at the right 'birding' time of year...
Shropshire Birder Website
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This Blog
I will try and keep up to date with pictures taken of birds in Shropshire and my trips out and about elsewhere..... I'll generally let the pics do the talking so brief notes will be the norm. This blog is all about birding so don't expect all images to be 'publication' quality! Record shots, habitats, anything that tells the story of an experience will all be posted here
Don't forget - nearly all the pictures will be 'thumbnails' - click on them to see a larger image.
This is not a specific site for what's about in Shropshire but you can guarantee if there is a decent bird about - I'll be there! See the other local links below as well.
Don't forget - nearly all the pictures will be 'thumbnails' - click on them to see a larger image.
This is not a specific site for what's about in Shropshire but you can guarantee if there is a decent bird about - I'll be there! See the other local links below as well.
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Blog Archive
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2024
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February
(11)
- Venus Pool - Aberrant Teal take 2
- Venus Pool - Aberrant or hybrid Teal
- Venus Pool - Red Kites
- Venus Pool - Golden Plovers
- Venus Pool - Snipe and Teal close up
- Shoveler and Shelduck in a flap - Venus Pool
- Venus Pool - Oystercatcher and Dipper
- Venus Pool - Pochard
- Battlefield - Cattle Egrets
- Wood Lane - Redshank
- Venus Pool - Green Sandpiper
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February
(11)
UK lifetime list - the long rocky road to a bit more than 400 (BOU)......
Currently: 406
Latest birds: (2019) Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Rustic Bunting (2018) Grey Catbird, Little Bittern (2017) Rock Thrush, Radde's Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Wilson's Snipe, Cedar Waxwing, Cliff Swallow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Citrine Wagtail, Savi's Warbler, Pine Bunting, (2016) Blue Rock Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Dalmatian Pelican, Eastern Yellow wagtail, Red-eyed Vireo, Western Swamphen, White Stork, Icterine Warbler, Kentish Plover, (2015) Crag Martin, Olive-backed Pipit, Fea's Petrel, Gull-billed Tern, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Greater Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Red-throated Pipit, Hudsonian Godwit (2014) Isabelline Wheatear, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Shrike, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Blyth's Pipit, Masked Shrike, Wilson's Petrel, Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Black-winged Pratincole, Bridled Tern, Short-toed Eagle, Spectacled Warbler, Corncrake, (2013) Ivory Gull, Hume's Leaf Warbler, Baikal Teal, Red Breasted Goose, Pied Wheatear, Dusky Warbler, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Sora, Arctic Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bluethroat, Storm Petrel, Lesser Grey Shrike, Stilt Sandpiper, Night Heron, Caspian Tern, Melodious Warbler, King Eider, Western Subalpine Warbler, Blue-winged Teal (2012) Buff-bellied Pipit, Short-billed Dowitcher, White-tailed Eagle, Rock Dove, Pacific Golden Plover, Little Swift, European Roller, Little Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Spanish Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (2011) Little Auk, Western Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Squacco Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Marsh Warbler, White-throated Robin, Capercaillie, White-billed Diver, Mealy Redpoll, Oriental (Rufous) Turtle Dove, (2010) Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Red-flanked Bluetail, Pallas's Warbler, Pallid Harrier, Franklins Gull, Quail, Iberian Chiffchaff, Marmora's Warbler, White-tailed Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Great Reed Warbler, Oriental Pratincole.
Latest birds: (2019) Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Rustic Bunting (2018) Grey Catbird, Little Bittern (2017) Rock Thrush, Radde's Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Wilson's Snipe, Cedar Waxwing, Cliff Swallow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Citrine Wagtail, Savi's Warbler, Pine Bunting, (2016) Blue Rock Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Dalmatian Pelican, Eastern Yellow wagtail, Red-eyed Vireo, Western Swamphen, White Stork, Icterine Warbler, Kentish Plover, (2015) Crag Martin, Olive-backed Pipit, Fea's Petrel, Gull-billed Tern, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Greater Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Red-throated Pipit, Hudsonian Godwit (2014) Isabelline Wheatear, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Shrike, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Blyth's Pipit, Masked Shrike, Wilson's Petrel, Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Black-winged Pratincole, Bridled Tern, Short-toed Eagle, Spectacled Warbler, Corncrake, (2013) Ivory Gull, Hume's Leaf Warbler, Baikal Teal, Red Breasted Goose, Pied Wheatear, Dusky Warbler, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Sora, Arctic Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bluethroat, Storm Petrel, Lesser Grey Shrike, Stilt Sandpiper, Night Heron, Caspian Tern, Melodious Warbler, King Eider, Western Subalpine Warbler, Blue-winged Teal (2012) Buff-bellied Pipit, Short-billed Dowitcher, White-tailed Eagle, Rock Dove, Pacific Golden Plover, Little Swift, European Roller, Little Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Spanish Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (2011) Little Auk, Western Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Squacco Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Marsh Warbler, White-throated Robin, Capercaillie, White-billed Diver, Mealy Redpoll, Oriental (Rufous) Turtle Dove, (2010) Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Red-flanked Bluetail, Pallas's Warbler, Pallid Harrier, Franklins Gull, Quail, Iberian Chiffchaff, Marmora's Warbler, White-tailed Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Great Reed Warbler, Oriental Pratincole.
Shropshire Life List
Currently: 241
Latest birds: (2023) Pallid Harrier, Black-winged Stilt (2022) Red-backed Shrike (2020) Pied-billed Grebe (2019) Lapland Bunting, Dartford Warbler, (2018) Little Bittern (2017) Shorelark, Night Heron, Pine Bunting, (2016) Black Grouse, Iberian Chiffchaff, Glossy Ibis, Water Pipit, (2015) Marsh Warbler, (2014) Grey Plover, Velvet Scoter, (2013) Two-barred Crossbill, Spoonbill, Bee-eater, White-fronted Goose, Green-winged Teal, (2012) Great Northern Diver, Bearded Tit, Gannet, Kittiwake, Red-necked Grebe, (2011) Tundra Bean Goose, Desert Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, Long awaited Duck, Steppe Grey Shrike, Rock Pipit, Sabine's Gull, Spotted Redshank, Arctic Skua, Snow Bunting, Brent Goose (2010) Bewick's Swan, Turnstone, Whiskered Tern, Wryneck, Quail, White-winged Black Tern, Little Tern, Dotterel, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, (2009) Common Scoter, Firecrest, Purple Heron, Ring-necked Parakeet, Hawfinch, Iceland Gull.
Latest birds: (2023) Pallid Harrier, Black-winged Stilt (2022) Red-backed Shrike (2020) Pied-billed Grebe (2019) Lapland Bunting, Dartford Warbler, (2018) Little Bittern (2017) Shorelark, Night Heron, Pine Bunting, (2016) Black Grouse, Iberian Chiffchaff, Glossy Ibis, Water Pipit, (2015) Marsh Warbler, (2014) Grey Plover, Velvet Scoter, (2013) Two-barred Crossbill, Spoonbill, Bee-eater, White-fronted Goose, Green-winged Teal, (2012) Great Northern Diver, Bearded Tit, Gannet, Kittiwake, Red-necked Grebe, (2011) Tundra Bean Goose, Desert Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, Long awaited Duck, Steppe Grey Shrike, Rock Pipit, Sabine's Gull, Spotted Redshank, Arctic Skua, Snow Bunting, Brent Goose (2010) Bewick's Swan, Turnstone, Whiskered Tern, Wryneck, Quail, White-winged Black Tern, Little Tern, Dotterel, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, (2009) Common Scoter, Firecrest, Purple Heron, Ring-necked Parakeet, Hawfinch, Iceland Gull.
Venus Pool life list
Currently: 184
Latest birds: (2023) Grey Plover, (2021) Pied Flycatcher, (2020) Caspian Gull, (2018) Short-eared Owl, (2017) Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Wood Sandpiper, Quail, Night Heron, Jack Snipe, Pine Bunting (2016) Green-winged Teal, Little Tern, Glossy Ibis, (2013) Bean Goose (Tundra), Spoonbill, White-fronted Goose, Bewick's Swan, (2012) Common Scoter, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Partridge, (2011) Sabine's Gull, Cetti's Warbler, Spotted Redshank, Turnstone, Corn Bunting, Brent Goose (Other pre-2011 notables) - Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, Bittern, Black-necked Grebe, Black Redstart, Black Tern, Curlew Sandpiper, Dipper, Egyptian Goose, Grey Phalarope, Hen Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Knot, Little Stint, Long-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier, Mediterranean Gull, Merlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-crested Pochard, Ring-necked Duck, Sanderling, Sandwich Tern, Smew, Scaup, Temmincks Stint, Tree Pipit, Whiskered Tern, Whooper Swan, Woodlark, Yellow-legged Gull.
Local Links
Pick of the blogs and links
- Josh Jones - great bird photography, wildlife and topical comment!
- Zac Hinchcliffe - great guy and birder, what the NGB is all about!
- Gary Thoburn - great bird and insect photography with links to blogs!
- Richard Stonier - fantastic bird photographs, general wildlife and landscapes too!
- Kris Webb - Scilly Spider, always finding birds on Scilly (his base) or Shropshire (his roots)
- Martin Garner - Birding Frontiers, an awesome browse / read. You will learn something new every time!
- Dave Hutton - Birds and insects too! Warwicks based and gets around the UK sharing similar interests to me!
- Dave Barnes- Great birder, great birding mate and now a Great photographer, even if my name is a sore point in his household!!
- Jon Evans - Suffolk based with an awesome gallery of birds both local and wider afield!
- Dee estuary birding (Wirral etc) - superb resource for all the action and sightings in the Dee estuary area!
- North Wales Birding - (check out the (new) forum for info on recent sightings!
- Belvide Birding (Staffs) Everything you could wish to know from Belvide and surrounding area!
- Glamorgan Birds - local info and good interactive sightings resource
- Chasewater wildlife group (South Staffs) - fantastic site for Gull info and much more!!
- Dean Eades (Lincs) - fantastic images and numerous good links!
- Richard Bedford (Northants) - the site for flight photography!!
- James Packer (Somerset Birder) - quality results from the Canon 400mm f5.6L lens and now 500mm!!
- Steve Seal (Staffs) - Great images from various local sites and further afield
- The Malvern Birder - Carls Day's work in the Malverns and further afield!
- Jason Kernohan aka Shenstone Birder concentrates on his 'patch' likes insects and finds good birds too (the 2011 Tit Clee Desert Wheatear)
- Midlands Birder - Craig is based in Worcs but gets around as much as me!
Great sites - insects etc
UK 2014 list
Currently: *** 300 ***
Latest Birds: Penduline Tit, Isabelline Wheatear, Purple Heron, Siberian Stonechat, Ring-billed Gull, Isabelline Shrike, Dusky Warbler, Franklins Gull, Ferruginous Duck, Surf Scoter, Twite, Lapland Bunting, Shore Lark, Desert Wheatear, Rough-legged Buzzard, Eastern Crowned Warbler, American Golden Plover, Pallid Harrier, American Wigeon, Pomarine Skua, Green-winged Teal, Grey Phalarope, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Richard's Pipit, Ortolan Bunting, Tawny Pipit, Short-toed Lark, Blyth's Pipit, Barred Warbler, Firecrest, Yellow-browed Warbler, Jack Snipe, Masked Shrike, Cattle Egret, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Hawfinch, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Wryneck, Red-necked Phalarope, Marsh Sandpiper, Balearic Shearwater, Wilson's Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Great Skua, Storm Petrel, Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Black-winged Pratincole, Pectoral Sandpiper, Spotted Crake, Honey Buzzard, Pacific Golden Plover, Quail, Ross's Gull, Night Heron, Black-necked Grebe, Bridled Tern, Roseate Tern, Short-toed Eagle, Stone Curlew, Bittern, Rose-coloured Starling, Nightjar, Turtle Dove, Spectacled Warbler, Bearded Tit, Red-necked Grebe, Hen Harrier, Manx Shearwater, Corncrake, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Black Guillemot, Dotterel, Ptarmigan, King Eider, Little Tern, Red-breasted Merganser, Woodcock, Red-throated Diver, Arctic Skua, Puffin, Razorbill, Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Black Grouse, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Flycatcher, Black-throated Diver, Sanderling, White-winged Black Tern, Hoopoe, Tree Sparrow, Wood Sandpiper, Temmincks Stint, Ruff, Tawny Owl, Hobby, Whinchat, Garden Warbler, Redstart, Ring-necked Duck, Black Tern, Arctic Tern, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Common Tern, Fulmar, Guillemot, Gannet, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Snow Bunting, Pied Flycatcher, Mandarin, Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Swift, House Martin, Garganey, Whimbrel, Lesser Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Little Ringed Plover, Osprey, Corn Bunting, Blackcap, Little Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Purple Sandpiper, Water Pipit, Slavonian Grebe, Shag, Cirl Bunting, Willow Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Rock Pipit, Ringed Plover, White-fronted Goose, Little Bunting, Spoonbill, Egyptian Goose, Woodlark, Parrot Crossbill, Waxwing, Barn owl, Avocet, Merlin, Golden Plover, Marsh Harrier, Brent Goose, Mealy Redpoll, Little Owl, Willow Tit, Lesser Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Long eared Owl, (Siberian) Chiffchaff, Buff-bellied Pipit, Great Northern Diver, Great Grey Shrike, etc etc
This birding blog....
This site is devoted to my photographic activities whilst out birding - I never ever bird without a camera! My local patch (Venus Pool near Shrewsbury) is the focus but I'm not averse to going out and about... I'm a Canon user (7D/50D/40D) and habitually use a 500 f4 usually with 1.4 converter or 100-400 f5.6 when close or on the move. I have a 300mm f2.8 which is an awesome lens given a closer subject matter. Pictures are for sale or publication, all are copyright - please contact me for further details if you wish to use them. They form the background for a range of illustrated talks (see below) .....
Talks
If you like what you see here, why not book me to give an illustrated talk? All talks are digital presentations and suitable for a variety of organisations: bird/wildlife groups or camera/photographic clubs. The current list of available talks covering the theme of birds is reproduced here....
A look at the varied forms of wildlife which may be found at Venus pool during the year. The key birds and insects (dragonflies and butterflies) cover most of the talk but ‘occasional’ visitors and some wild flowers get a mention.
A Century at Venus Pool
Now revamped, this is not a History talk but a collection of my favourite images from the reserve. My VP list is up to 150 species and the ‘Century’ refers to the 100+ species now photographed as decent portraits in their own right! Also featured are some of the most unforgettable moments I’ve witnessed!
Shropshire's Magnificent Peregrines
The Peregrine falcon is surely one of the most charismatic of birds. A supreme flier and aerial predator, the species is now well established in numbers within the County. This talk looks at the habitats and progress through a typical breeding season, offering an insight into the secret life of this magnificent bird. (Please note that images featured during the breeding season were all taken under schedule 1 licence)
A Shropshire Birders year
I keep a County yearlist every year and aim to see at least 160 species (with as many as possible photographed!) This talk is based around the highlights of the past few years plus some of my regular photographic activities. It takes you around many of the main birdwatching areas, the best times to go and what you might find there. Shropshire is certainly not one of the best Counties for migrants and rarities but expect a few surprises.
Out and About – a special year
2008 was a phenomenal year featuring opportunistic travels to all parts of the UK, record breaking numbers of local birds, rarities and a twitch or two. The excitement is condensed into a single presentation, the ups and downs, some exhilarating bird watching moments and an attempt to see 250 species in a year without really trying (much).
Shropshire Wildlife
A brief look at the wildlife to be found at several key reserves and sites within the County of Shropshire. Birds, butterflies and dragonflies are the key players with a scattering of other interesting guests and a flower or two!
North Norfolk here I come
A premier location featuring some of the UK’s most fantastic birding sites. A seasonal look at the main reserves, the birds you are likely to see and some of the highlights of my visits to the area. Expect plenty of quality birds!!
Birding through a lens
Apart from my trusty pair of binoculars and scope, I always carry my camera with me on my birding travels throughout the UK. This talk takes a look at what’s involved in bird photography, numerous localities and of course – plenty of interesting birds!
Nature in focus
A similar talk to 'Birding through a lens' but dealing with a wide variety of wildlife found in the UK. The technical side of things, equipment and technique, where to go etc will be dealt with here. Ideal where the need is a bias towards 'photography'.
A Winter weekend in Vancouver
Well, a bit longer than that actually! This talk covers the events of a trip to the Vancouver area and Vancouver island in Feb/Mar 2008. Whilst this is the wrong time of year for seeing migrants, a good chance to see resident birds and plenty of wildfowl. I was on a lecture tour and these are the moments spent birding in this fantastic west coast area of Canada!
Springtime in New England
For most of May 2012, I was on a speaking tour of New England. This talk looks at the whole trip, from getting the camera gear safely through customs, a few mishaps and of course the amazing birds and other highlights as I travelled through three states! Over 130 species were seen, including Warblers, Waders, Herons etc with many images captured. Gardens, Nature Reserves and the Coast were the main habitats and quite a few of the native plants were captured too! A truly memorable trip at the right 'birding' time of year...
Close to the edge with wild Peregrines
A follow up talk on this most charismatic bird of prey and is recommended after first enjoying 'Shropshire's Magnificent Peregrines'. Using images (taken under schedule 1 licence) the focus is on the 2010 breeding season capturing the development of chicks from day 1 to fledging. Whilst one particular family of birds is followed through the breeding season, there are some intimate moments in the development of other Peregrines. It features a look at ringing activities and how this will hopefully tell us more about their movements following fledging.
Another year birding in Shropshire
Following up on the popularity of 'A Shropshire Birder's Year' this is another look at birds and birding within the County of Shropshire. The same seasonal approach but with a different range of birds commonly found including yet more rarities and excitement! Geese and Winter wildfowl start the year off before Spring arrivals and another breeding season. More local rarities including Dotterel and Wryneck plus an engaging pair of Blue-headed Wagtails. Terns featured strongly in 2010 and seven species will be on show including the infamous Venus Pool Whiskered Tern. A spectacular finale will feature the December Waxwing invasion! Birding in Shropshire can be hard work but it can certainly produce some really good birds!
Many birds fall into the 'is it or isn't it' category and this talk looks at a good number of birds which can be easily misidentified or 'mixed up' with similar species. Using images to note the key identification criteria, in theory at least, it should be possible to correctly identify those problem birds, with some - even from a distance. Black or Bar-tailed Godwits, Spotted or Common Redshank, Whimbrel or Curlew, Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff, Arctic or Common Tern, Common/Spotted/Green/Wood Sandpipers, Common or Jack Snipe etc. A few Gulls featured may help to dispel their mystery? There will be a few more problem birds and many more identity problems to solve....
Out and about - A Brilliant Birding Year!
The second in my 'out and about' series concentrating on my birding trips and adventures during 2009, covering 1,000's of miles in the UK. The year started off with some amazing Waxwings and great Gulls before repeated trips to Devon provided an expensive Penduline Tit (find out why) amongst a whole host of local specialties like Cirl Bunting. A late May trip to Scottish Highlands turned up most of the key local birds. After a few 'Summer specials'. Autumn kicked off with a local Purple Heron plus a Cornish Baird's Sandpiper. There will be lots more fantastic birds (not just rarities!) and great locations featured in between all of these - selected from the highlights of the year.....
Butterflies, Dragons and Damsels of Shropshire
Visitors to my blog or Shropshire Odonata pages cannot fail to be aware that for two or three months of the Summer, I spend a lot of time chasing insects! Concentrating on Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, this talk is a colourful presentation of the best moments watching these amazing insects within Shropshire. The emphasis is on their lifestyle, flight periods and the habitats they are found in (including gardens) plus tips on identification. The importance of fieldcraft and the best approach to watching them, with tips on photography is covered. The talk is geared for a ‘general’ audience with an interest in nature and will feature in excess of 60 species (not bad for Shropshire!) The talk ends as usual with a new audio visual finale.
A follow up talk on this most charismatic bird of prey and is recommended after first enjoying 'Shropshire's Magnificent Peregrines'. Using images (taken under schedule 1 licence) the focus is on the 2010 breeding season capturing the development of chicks from day 1 to fledging. Whilst one particular family of birds is followed through the breeding season, there are some intimate moments in the development of other Peregrines. It features a look at ringing activities and how this will hopefully tell us more about their movements following fledging.
Another year birding in Shropshire
Following up on the popularity of 'A Shropshire Birder's Year' this is another look at birds and birding within the County of Shropshire. The same seasonal approach but with a different range of birds commonly found including yet more rarities and excitement! Geese and Winter wildfowl start the year off before Spring arrivals and another breeding season. More local rarities including Dotterel and Wryneck plus an engaging pair of Blue-headed Wagtails. Terns featured strongly in 2010 and seven species will be on show including the infamous Venus Pool Whiskered Tern. A spectacular finale will feature the December Waxwing invasion! Birding in Shropshire can be hard work but it can certainly produce some really good birds!
Identity Crisis
Many birds fall into the 'is it or isn't it' category and this talk looks at a good number of birds which can be easily misidentified or 'mixed up' with similar species. Using images to note the key identification criteria, in theory at least, it should be possible to correctly identify those problem birds, with some - even from a distance. Black or Bar-tailed Godwits, Spotted or Common Redshank, Whimbrel or Curlew, Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff, Arctic or Common Tern, Common/Spotted/Green/Wood Sandpipers, Common or Jack Snipe etc. A few Gulls featured may help to dispel their mystery? There will be a few more problem birds and many more identity problems to solve....
Out and about - A Brilliant Birding Year!
The second in my 'out and about' series concentrating on my birding trips and adventures during 2009, covering 1,000's of miles in the UK. The year started off with some amazing Waxwings and great Gulls before repeated trips to Devon provided an expensive Penduline Tit (find out why) amongst a whole host of local specialties like Cirl Bunting. A late May trip to Scottish Highlands turned up most of the key local birds. After a few 'Summer specials'. Autumn kicked off with a local Purple Heron plus a Cornish Baird's Sandpiper. There will be lots more fantastic birds (not just rarities!) and great locations featured in between all of these - selected from the highlights of the year.....
Butterflies, Dragons and Damsels of Shropshire
Visitors to my blog or Shropshire Odonata pages cannot fail to be aware that for two or three months of the Summer, I spend a lot of time chasing insects! Concentrating on Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, this talk is a colourful presentation of the best moments watching these amazing insects within Shropshire. The emphasis is on their lifestyle, flight periods and the habitats they are found in (including gardens) plus tips on identification. The importance of fieldcraft and the best approach to watching them, with tips on photography is covered. The talk is geared for a ‘general’ audience with an interest in nature and will feature in excess of 60 species (not bad for Shropshire!) The talk ends as usual with a new audio visual finale.
Jim's BIG year
The story of 2014 which saw me travel the length and breadth of the UK to seek out rarities and breeding birds. There's too many species to list here but be assured the best of the images obtained during the year will be featured - from common residents to mazing rarities. It was a roller coaster of a year and many of the highs and lows are featured. My target was 300 species (BOU) - find out if I made it and enjoy the 1,000's of miles from the comfort of your chair!
Golden Birding Moments
A compilation of some of my best birding moments and locations and will suit any audience. Starting with a 'golden' theme, great winter birds moving on to locations including Vancouver, New England, Scotland and the Farne islands all with new images. Genera featured include Falcons. Grebes, Herons, Crossbills, Gulls and Waxwings. A section on photography and the most unpredictable and exciting form of birding - pelagic trips. Finally, Short-eared Owls and Hen Harriers and a haunting musical finale bring the talk to a close.
Scilly Pelagic Magic
I'm now officially a 'veteran' of pelagic trips from St Mary's on the Isle of Scilly! With 23 trips under my belt (13 of them during the August seabird passage season) I have plenty of images and stories to tell from my time on MV Sapphire! A heavy sea in a small boat is not to everyone's liking so sit back, relax and enjoy! From the ever present Gulls, Fulmars and Gannets, the interest notches up a gear with Skuas, Petrels and Shearwaters. It's not just about the birds either with Dolphins and Sunfish on offer plus some of the Blue Sharks landed for tagging studies. Find out how the birds are attracted, the magic of 'chum' (without the smell) and some of my most exhilarating birding moments ever, including an epic encounter with a Fea's Petrel.
*** New for 2019 ***
Autumn birding on the Isles of Scilly 2013 - 2018
A look back at the highlights of my trips to the Isles of Scilly in September / October during this period. You don't have to know the islands to appreciate the amazing scenery, birds and a few other autumn specialities! The resident and regular visiting birds are featured but it is the scarce, rare and mega-rare birds which make the islands a key destination for many like minded birders! There are too many species of birds included to mention here and whet your appetite, simply sit back and enjoy the sheer spectacle these islands can produce!
Email me for more information and availability
Forthcoming talks 2019....
- 1. South Staffs Naturalists, Mon 9th Sept - Isles of Scilly in Autumn
- 2. RSPB Worcs and Malvern, Wed 11th Sept - A guide to Gulls
- 3. Shrewsbury U3A, Mon 16th Sept -Shropshire Wildlife
- 4. Wrexham Birders, Fri 8th Nov - Spring in New England
- 5. RSPB Shropshire, Tues 26th Nov - Identity Crisis
- 6. Stockport Birders, Wed 27th Nov - A Shropshire Birders Year
Contact me
use this link: Email me if you wish
Other interesting links
My other sites and interest (Alpines)
Action photography
Shropshire Bird Race
When time permits, a bird race around Shropshire is on the agenda. How many birds can be seen in a day within the confines of Shropshire? (All you need is a 'plan' with a little bit of luck)!
January 1st 2010 (70)
January 1st 2012 (79)
January 1st 2010 (70)
January 1st 2012 (79)
January 1st 2013 (74)
January 1st 2014 (64)
January 1st 2015 (63)
January 1st 2016 (67)
February 7th 2010 (71)
February 12th 2012 (71)
March 7th 2010 (81)
March 25th 2012 (78)
April 25th 2010 (94)
February 7th 2010 (71)
February 12th 2012 (71)
March 7th 2010 (81)
March 25th 2012 (78)
April 25th 2010 (94)
April 26th 2014 (85)
May 15th 2010 (91)
May 15th 2010 (91)
May 4th 2013 (91)
May 15th 2016 (95)
Shropshire 2013 list
Total: 161
Latest birds:
Two-barred Crossbill, Short-eared Owl, Red-breasted Merganser, Tundra Bean Goose, Spoonbill, Black-necked Grebe, Common Scoter, Osprey, Ruff, Crossbill, Little Owl, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Nightjar, Spotted Flycatcher, Knot, Turnstone, Common Tern, Kittiwake, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Hobby, Reed Warbler, Mediterranean Gull, Grasshopper Warbler, Cuckoo, Grey Wagtail, Whinchat, Red Grouse, Bee-eater, Sedge Warbler, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Swift, Willow Warbler, Corn Bunting, Whimbrel, Common Whitethroat, Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail, House Martin, Peregrine, Arctic Tern, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Swallow, Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover, Stonechat, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff, Garganey, Mandarin, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Glaucous Gull. Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Iceland Gull, Barnacle Goose, Waxwing, White-fronted Goose, Redshank, Brambling, Dipper, Caspian Gull, Jay, Tree Sparrow, Pink-footed Goose, Bewicks's Swan, Whooper Swan, Brent Goose, Green-winged Teal, Hen Harrier, Pintail, Goldeneye, Yellow-legged Gull, Scaup, Water Rail, Red Kite, Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper.....
Shropshire 2012 list
Total: 160 Latest birds: Scaup, Barn Owl!, Merlin, Great Northern Diver, Black-necked Grebe, Black Redstart, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Common Scoter, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Nightjar, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Hobby, Gannet, Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Kingfisher, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Whimbrel, Arctic Tern, Swift, Common Tern, Tree Sparrow, Grasshopper Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser spotted Woodpecker, Pied Flycatcher, Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail, House Martin, Common Redstart, Willow Warbler, Swallow, Blackcap, Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Goshawk, Ringed Plover, Kittiwake, Water Rail, Curlew, Little Egret, Skylark, Red-necked Grebe, Oystercatcher, Grey Partridge, Barnacle Goose, Dipper, Lesser Redpoll, Dunlin, Waxwing, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gull, Meadow Pipit, Garganey, Great Grey Shrike, Mistle Thrush, Peregrine, Red Kite, Red Grouse, Brambling, Golden Plover, Jay, Corn Bunting, Tundra Bean Goose, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Red-throated Diver, Crossbill, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Snipe, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Mandarin, Gadwall, Little Owl, Whooper Swan, Tawny Owl......
New England 2012 List
Currently 133 : Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Black Duck, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Wild Turkey, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Double crested Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Coopers Hawk, Broad winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Virginia Rail, Black-belled Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Killdeer, American Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, American Woodcock, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Least Tern, Common Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Monk Parakeet, Great Horned Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Raven, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren,Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black and White Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch
Shropshire 2011 list
Total: 164
Latest birds: Water Rail!, Tundra Bean Goose, Desert Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, Merlin, Scaup, Long Awaited Duck, Steppe Grey Shrike, Mandarin, Caspian Gull, Rock Pipit, Curlew Sandpiper, Sabine's Gull, Grey Phalarope, Arctic Tern, Spotted Redshank, Black-necked Grebe, Arctic Skua, Turnstone, Little Egret, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Tern, Nightjar, Tawny Owl, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Garganey, Ruff, Greenshank, Swift, Dotterel, Garden Warbler, Hobby, Cuckoo, Bar-tailed Godwit, Reed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler, Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Wood Warbler, House Martin, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Snow Bunting, Tree Pipit, Blackcap, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Common Crane, Redshank, Avocet, Great Grey Shrike, Chiffchaff, Sand Martin, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Crossbill, Red Grouse, Barn Owl, Yellow-legged Gull, Shelduck, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Little Owl, Great-crested Grebe, Glaucous Gull, Red Kite, Peregrine, Dipper, Wren :-), Common Snipe, Gadwall, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Golden Plover, Curlew - earlier highlights: Bewicks Swan, Whooper Swan, Waxwing......
Latest birds: Water Rail!, Tundra Bean Goose, Desert Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, Merlin, Scaup, Long Awaited Duck, Steppe Grey Shrike, Mandarin, Caspian Gull, Rock Pipit, Curlew Sandpiper, Sabine's Gull, Grey Phalarope, Arctic Tern, Spotted Redshank, Black-necked Grebe, Arctic Skua, Turnstone, Little Egret, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Tern, Nightjar, Tawny Owl, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Garganey, Ruff, Greenshank, Swift, Dotterel, Garden Warbler, Hobby, Cuckoo, Bar-tailed Godwit, Reed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler, Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Wood Warbler, House Martin, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Snow Bunting, Tree Pipit, Blackcap, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Common Crane, Redshank, Avocet, Great Grey Shrike, Chiffchaff, Sand Martin, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Crossbill, Red Grouse, Barn Owl, Yellow-legged Gull, Shelduck, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Little Owl, Great-crested Grebe, Glaucous Gull, Red Kite, Peregrine, Dipper, Wren :-), Common Snipe, Gadwall, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Golden Plover, Curlew - earlier highlights: Bewicks Swan, Whooper Swan, Waxwing......
Shropshire 2010 list (target 170)
Total: ***172***
Latest birds: Bewick's Swan, Waxwing, Mediterranean Gull, Black Tern, Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Whiskered Tern, Wryneck, Quail, Wood Sandpiper, Nightjar, White-winged Black Tern, Long-eared Owl, Common Tern, Little Egret, Little Tern, Sanderling, Spotted Flycatcher, Garganey, Bar tailed Godwit, Hobby, Garden Warbler, Avocet, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Red Kite, Dotterel, Red Grouse, Reed Warbler, Tawny Owl, Whinchat, Swift, Common Scoter, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, House Martin, Ruff, Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, Common Sandpiper, Black Redstart, Black tailed Godwit, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Osprey, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Corn Bunting, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Grey Shrike, Chiffchaff, Ring necked Duck, Little ringed Plover, Swallow, Sand Martin, Hen Harrier, Stonechat, Short-eared Owl, Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Common Crane, Goshawk.
Latest birds: Bewick's Swan, Waxwing, Mediterranean Gull, Black Tern, Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Whiskered Tern, Wryneck, Quail, Wood Sandpiper, Nightjar, White-winged Black Tern, Long-eared Owl, Common Tern, Little Egret, Little Tern, Sanderling, Spotted Flycatcher, Garganey, Bar tailed Godwit, Hobby, Garden Warbler, Avocet, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Red Kite, Dotterel, Red Grouse, Reed Warbler, Tawny Owl, Whinchat, Swift, Common Scoter, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, House Martin, Ruff, Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, Common Sandpiper, Black Redstart, Black tailed Godwit, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Osprey, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Corn Bunting, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Grey Shrike, Chiffchaff, Ring necked Duck, Little ringed Plover, Swallow, Sand Martin, Hen Harrier, Stonechat, Short-eared Owl, Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Common Crane, Goshawk.
Shropshire 2009 list
Total 167
Shropshire 2008 list
Total ***173***
Shropshire birder's Birdmap
A new feature for 2010 is the Shropshire Birder's Birdmap . Enlarge the map for more detail, placemarks will act as a guide for parking at the location, route planning etc.
View Shropshire Birders Birdmap in a larger map