SAT 28 FEB
Unable to get out today - man flu.
Report from Alan Pomroy who was ringing at South Milton Ley this morning before the wind got up- Ringed 2 GOLDCREST and CHIFFCHAFF, also seen a WOODCOCK, PEREGRINE ( over ) 10 CHIFfCHAFF inc 1 SIBERIAN race.
.
FRI 27 FEB
A fine sunny early morning with a slight frost.Looks as though the month is going to finish on a quiet note, another quiet day at the office.
With a great start weather wise did a garden watch from 07.50 - 08.30, no viz mig and only 26 species recorded- highlights -
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 REED BUNTING, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COOT,
14 SNIPE ., 5 TEAL, 1 CORMORANT
On South Huish Marsh the 2 EURASION WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding at the back of the Marsh, only 5 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 m GADWALL
Offshore only 1 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL ( on sea ), 5 AUKS flew east, 16 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR. 1m COMMON SCOTER
On the rocks - 4 RINGED PLOVER , 3 TURNSTONE
THURS 26 FEB
A short visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh confirmed the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE were still present ,again feeding at the back of the Marsh. Duck numbers same as yesterday. WATER RAIL showing well again
WED 25 FEB
A drab morning with low cloud ,poor viz and some light rain
The 2 EUROPEAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still on view ,spending time feeding at the back of the Marsh along with the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Also - 30 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 LAPWING. Visitors reported a WATER RAIL. Around 50 MIPITs inthe field
Short visit to Buckland Valley produced 1 GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GOLDCREST
On T'stone marsh - 25 TEAL, 6 REED BUNTING, 1 JAY, 1 SPARROWHAWK
and tonight a roost of 25 PIED WAGTAIL
TUES 24 FEB
After the last few days nice to have a sunny morning , however the wind was WNW increasing up to F 7/8 with rough seas.
Very little change from yesterday - at South H Marsh the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding, no sign of the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Only 10 TEAL, a KINGFISHER on the small pond near the White House and 10 LAPWING.
The MISTLE THRUSH near the copse, 4 STONECHAT ( 2 pairs )
Offshore only 5 GANNET
On T'stone Marsh only 15 TEAL
MON 23 FEB
After a stormy night the morning was one of sunny priods and heavy showwers with a white covering of hailstones at 13.00
On T'stone Marsh only 3 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL.
Offshore was poor , only 3 GANNET, 8 AUKs , 2 FULMAR and 2 KITTIWAKE in just over an hour
Fotunately South Huish Marsh came up trumps - amongst the feeding CANADA GEESE was the RUDDY SHELDUCK and 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( albifrons ) ( 110 ), still feeding in the field by the cafe at 12.30 .
Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL, 32 WIGEON, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
40 LESSER B B GULL( amongst a flock of 200 Gulls ), only 1 SNIPE and a MISTLE THRUSH
This is my first record for 'albifrons ' in 12 years of covering the patch, the previous records for the specie were GREENLAND W F GOOSE in November 2012,.
Alan D took some photos which I will post soon
White Fronted Goose ( rear view ) South Huish Marsh 23 Feb 2015
2 W . F GOOSE 23
FEB 2015
W
F GOOSE 23 FEB all photos by Alan DoidgeSUN 22 FEB
Having driven to Solihull and back on Sat when the sun was shining ( snowed as well ) , all ready for a morning on the patch when the rain started and then just got heavier, even the ducks took refuge .
My poor totals for the day were - South Huish Marsh -2 SHELDUCK,
15 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 24 MALLARD
On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 25 SNIPE , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
The new motto is -'It can only get better '
Still no sign of Bob getting out and with Arthur still rcovering from his man flu ,limited coverage at the moment
FRI 20 FEB
After a night of showers the morning started clear and gradually got sunnier, light NW wind with a flat sea.
On T'stone Marsh at 08.30 - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD,
20 SNIPE , 5 REED BUNTING, 2 BULLFINCH.
Offshore - 40 WIGEON ( on sea )100 + BLACK H GULL ( inc 2 with full 'black' heads ) 2 FULMAR
On South Huish Marsh- 3 MUTE SWAN , 45 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
10 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 WATER RAIL, ,
20 SKYLARK, 20 + PIED WAGTAIL, 3 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF.
On the rocks - 8 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
THURS 19 FEB
One of those days for contemplation, heavy rain all morning, very poor viz with a F6/7 SSW wind. Only managed to pick up 10 GANNET offshore in 30 mins so returned home On T'stone Marsh everything hiding in the reed beds
WED 18 FEB
Late post as I was away fro 17.00. There were more birds seen from my garden in 30 mins at 08.15 than the rest of the day - 30 TEAL, , SNIPE, 2 CIRL BUNTING , 14 REED BUNTING ( together ) 10 GREENFINCh. At 08.45 3 MUTE SWAN flew in ( resident pair have moved on ), WATER RAIL, 2 LAPWING.
South Huish Marsh held almost the same birds as Tues. Nothing at all offshore
TUES 17 FEB
After a frosty start a nice sunny winters day which probably was the cause of a poor day on the patch -
No sign of the SPOONBILL roosting .
On T'stone Marsh - 30 TEAL, 28 SNIPE, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 LAPWING,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 SONG THRUSH, 6 REED BUNTING
Nothing at all offshore , whilst on South Huish marsh - 6 GADWALL,
20 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 2 SNIPE, WATER RAIL again showing well,
1 CHIFFCHAFF.
Around Buckland Valley - 7 MISTLE THRUSH ( all in the same field )
3 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GOLDCREST
Eric at last managed to get round South Efford Marsh to report - 80 + WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 26 CURLEW, 2 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and 2 WATER PIPIT
MON 16 FEB
The bird of the day was on T'stone Marsh briefly this morning found by June Huggins and seen by Arthur and Anne ( my Wife ) SPOONBILL
( 109 ) That will teach me not to have my mobile switched off . Also 30 TEAL and a m CIRL BUNTING
In the Bay this morning - 1f PINTAIL ( 108 ) on the sea then flew west, 5 FULMAR, 23 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( flew east at 10.35 ) 100 + BLACK H GULL on the sea.
By the footbridge a KINGFISHER.
On South Huish marsh - 22 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 11 SHELDUCK, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 18 MALLARD, 8 SNIPE , a WATER RAIL showed very well. 1 SPARROWHAWK
SAT 14 FEB
Only time for a garden watch this morning, 90mins from 08.45 a very respectable 42 species recorded, highlights -
1m BLACK REDSTART, 1m CIRL BUNTING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER ( calling )25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 25 SNIPE , 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING,
6 REED BUNTING, 20 SKYLARK, WATER RAIL 2 RAVEN , 1 MIPIT,
1 LINNET . Walking down Mallards Lane added 1 GREAT Sp WOODY,
1 GOLDCREST
FRI 13 FEB
After a night of heavy rain and F6/7 SSW winds cleared up by 10.00 to get out onto the patch - very little in the way of change from yesterday !
On T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 SNIPE . 5 REED BUNTING on the feeders
At South Huish marsh -5 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
25 TEAL. 60 LAPWING. Over 100 HERRING GULL and 20 LESSER B B GULL surprisingly no BLACK H GULL, but there was 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL ( 107 )
Today both pairs of MUTE SWAN had left the marches - as they have been very territorial this was not expected. Could it be the lower water levels ?
Offshore rough seas15 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR - east. On the sea 30 RAZORBILL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford 1m 1f BLACK REDSTART.
THURS 12 FEB
Althogh 100% cloud viz much better today, light E breeze fairly flat sea .
On T'stone marsh this morning - 18 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE GREBE 4 SNIPE, 6 REED BUNTING, 2 SONG THRUSH .
Around South Huish Marsh -6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 40 TEAL,
1 LAPWING, 30 MIPIT.
A 2hr seawatch produced - 45 + RAZORBILL, 2 WIGEON, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER ( together )- all on the sea , 1 RED T DIVER- west, 26 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 8 KITTIWAKE, PEREGRINE.
On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
It will be interesting to seebrings any new arrivals into the Bay if the o/night heavy rain and S winds
WED 11 FEB
Another 100 % cloud day. An hours seawatch from the car park was on a par with watching paint dry ! - 7 WIGEON and 20 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 3 GANNET 1e 2 w and that was it
On T'stone marsh this morning 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE,
25 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, around the garden 6 REED BUNTING and a m CIRL BUNTING
TUES 10 FEB
What a change in the weather 100% low cloud and very poor viz offshore.
On South Huish Marsh at 09.30 -6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 40 TEAL,
1m SHOVELER, 110 LAPWING, 2 KESTREL, 3 MUTE SWAN
Only spent 30 mins looking over the Bay - 90 RAZORBILL, 17 WIGEON - 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE - all sat on the sea . 3 MUTE SWAN flew in and landed
On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING and a KINGFISHER
At Upton Cross - 20 MIPIT, 30 CHAFFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER .
6 GOLDEN PLOVER flew over .
Buckland Valley could only produce - 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT Sp WOODY.
At T'stone marsh the culvert repairs must be finished as the water level dropped overnight- 30 TEAL and 4 LITTLE EGRET
Surprisingly could not find a SNIPE on either Marsh this morning
MON 9 FEB
What a superb day to be out and about the patch - sunny and clear sky, no wind , flat calm sea . Both marshes frozen early morning. Joined by Graham today
On T'stone Marsh - 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 08.15 )- (106 ) 35 TEAL,
3 MUTE SWAN - the resident pair made sure the newcommer did not stay long .15 MALLARD , 2 COOT
A seawatch for 1.5 hrs from the car park - 130+ AUKS -around 75% were RAZORBILL, all on the sea in flocks of upto 30, 10 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR. 2 GANNET.3 SHELDUCK ( on sea ) and 3 BLACK T DIVER together on the sea.
On the rocks 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE and the SANDERLING
On South Huish Marsh - 6 GADWALL, 6 SHELDUCK, 30 TEAL, 17 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 70 + SNIPE and 90 + LAPWING , 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT. Dave Pakes reported a WATER RAIL
At South Milton Ley Vic reports - 20 + CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF , 1 GOLDCREST
SUN 8 FEB
A cold morning , sunshine all day with very little wind and a flat calm sea
First thing on T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 25 SNIPE, 1m CIRL BUNTING,
5 REED BUNTING, 2 WATER RAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH.
In the Bay a nice GREAT N DIVER close in, 80 + AUKS on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ) 1 CURLEW, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE ,
1 SANDERLING, 16 KITTIWAKE, only 5 GANNET.
On South Huish Marsh 20 LAPWING , plus another 60 in the field, 20 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 15 SNIPE
SAT 7 FEB
Brief garden watch from 08.15 produced 25 species inc - GREAT Sp WOODY, 1 f BLACK REDSTART, 3 REED BUNTING
Late afternoon Alan D reported from South Huish Marsh 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 80 LAPWING, 2 GADWALL
FRI 6 FEB
A bitterly cold day with an increasing E wind although sunny.
The weather seems to have cleared almost every thing off South Huish Marsh - today 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK .In the liquid manure field 35 LAPWING
A 2hr seawatch from the flats produced - 40 GANNET, 300+ Auks -east , almost all of those that could be id'd were RAZORBILL, 14 KITTIWAKE
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING, also
1 TURNSTONE
More activity on T'stone Marsh - LITTLE GREBE , 60 TEAL, 11 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, in my garden - 1m CIRL BUNTING, 4 REED BUNTING
THURS 5 FEB
Marshes still frozen over this morning , lots of birds have departed, even the 2 MUTE SWAN gave up on icebreaking and moved on to the sea.
Only 3 WIGEON left on the sea. On the rocks 5 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING. In the fields a flock of 36 LAPWING.
At Upton Cross first signs of some cold weather movement with a flock of 70 + LAPWING and 100 + GOLDEN PLOVER ( 105 )
In Buckland Valley - 4 MISTLE THRUSH
This afternoon 40 TEAL feeding on T'stone Marsh along with 10 SNIPE. At 17.00 200 STARLING in to roost
WED 4 FEB
Another sunny day with a cold NE wind, flat sea.
Early on T'stone Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 REED BUNTING on my feeders.
Spent an hour sewatching from the car park - 1m 3f GADWALL ( 104 ) on the sea briefly before flying west. 1m WIGEON and 2 TEAL - west, 4 WIGEON on the sea, 30 + RAZORBILL and 1 GUILLEMOT - on the sea, 3 KITTIWAKE, 10 GANNET
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and 1 SANDERLING .
On an icy South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK,
1f GADWALL, 23 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE , a GOLDCREST in a garden
TUES 3 FEB
A sunny morning with a bitterly cold NE wind , flat sea again also marshes frozen over . Joined by Arthur today
On South Huish marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, only 10 SNIPE
Offshore 25 WIGEON, 10 GANNET and at 11.30 a GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 103 ) with full summer ear tufts .On the rocks /beach were 2 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING
Moved inland to look for any new Thrush arrivals - Upton Cross only 2 REDWING, CHAFFINCH flock 60-70. In Buckland Valley a few REDWING , 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST and a COAL TIT
Culvert from T'stone Marsh has been cleared -water level dropped very quickly- will be interesting to see how far it drops in this cold dry spell.
MON 2 FEB
Met Robert ( farmer ) who confirmed he had 2 WOODCOCK ( 102 ) at the back of South Huish Marsh last week
Although cold there was no wind and late morning some wintry sunshine, sea flat calm .Both marshes iced over this morning .
Joined by Graham Daw this morning - An hours seawatching from the car park produced - 3 GANNET, 58 WIGEON ( on sea )12 COMMON SCOTER -west, 1 GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.25 ,1 SHELDUCK west. at least 55 RAZORBILL on the sea , further 10 flew east. Late morning another 30+ COMMON SCOTER flew west, 1 RED T DIVER landed on the sea, KITTIWAKE and COMMON GULL.
On the rocks a KINGFISHER .
On South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER,
3 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE and 15 MOORHEN.
On T'stone Marsh today - 30 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, 2 COOT, 2 WATER RAIL, KESTREL, JAY and a LAPWING
SUN 1 FEB
Started off the new month with a 30 min Garden Watch - 28 species, highlights - 1m BLACK REDSTART, LINNET, REED BUNTING, 1m BULLFINCH.
Offshore 3 GANNET, 40 AUKS flew east and 20 on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ), 2 COMMON SCOTER - east
On South Huish Marsh- 55 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, SHELDUCK. 10 SNIPE, 9 LAPWING, 2 RAVEN, 2 PEREGRINE
Nice to see Bob out this morning - he reported from South Milton Ley -
40 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SIB CHIFFCHAFF, GREY WAGTAIL, CETTIS WARBLER, GOLDCREST.
Interesting flocks of Finches and Thrushes around Upton Cross -
150+ CHAFFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 35 REDWING,
2 MISTLE THRUSH, 20 + FIELDFARE ( 101- first of the year.)
Total species recorded today - 64 a good start for Feb
2014
Another SIB. CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley-AFD
SAT 28 FEB
Unable to get out today - man flu.
Report from Alan Pomroy who was ringing at South Milton Ley this morning before the wind got up- Ringed 2 GOLDCREST and CHIFFCHAFF, also seen a WOODCOCK, PEREGRINE ( over ) 10 CHIFfCHAFF inc 1 SIBERIAN race.
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FRI 27 FEB
A fine sunny early morning with a slight frost.Looks as though the month is going to finish on a quiet note, another quiet day at the office.
With a great start weather wise did a garden watch from 07.50 - 08.30, no viz mig and only 26 species recorded- highlights -
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 REED BUNTING, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COOT,
14 SNIPE ., 5 TEAL, 1 CORMORANT
On South Huish Marsh the 2 EURASION WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding at the back of the Marsh, only 5 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 m GADWALL
Offshore only 1 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL ( on sea ), 5 AUKS flew east, 16 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR. 1m COMMON SCOTER
On the rocks - 4 RINGED PLOVER , 3 TURNSTONE
THURS 26 FEB
A short visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh confirmed the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE were still present ,again feeding at the back of the Marsh. Duck numbers same as yesterday. WATER RAIL showing well again
WED 25 FEB
A drab morning with low cloud ,poor viz and some light rain
The 2 EUROPEAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still on view ,spending time feeding at the back of the Marsh along with the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Also - 30 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 LAPWING. Visitors reported a WATER RAIL. Around 50 MIPITs inthe field
Short visit to Buckland Valley produced 1 GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GOLDCREST
On T'stone marsh - 25 TEAL, 6 REED BUNTING, 1 JAY, 1 SPARROWHAWK
and tonight a roost of 25 PIED WAGTAIL
TUES 24 FEB
After the last few days nice to have a sunny morning , however the wind was WNW increasing up to F 7/8 with rough seas.
Very little change from yesterday - at South H Marsh the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding, no sign of the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Only 10 TEAL, a KINGFISHER on the small pond near the White House and 10 LAPWING.
The MISTLE THRUSH near the copse, 4 STONECHAT ( 2 pairs )
Offshore only 5 GANNET
On T'stone Marsh only 15 TEAL
MON 23 FEB
After a stormy night the morning was one of sunny priods and heavy showwers with a white covering of hailstones at 13.00
On T'stone Marsh only 3 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL.
Offshore was poor , only 3 GANNET, 8 AUKs , 2 FULMAR and 2 KITTIWAKE in just over an hour
Fotunately South Huish Marsh came up trumps - amongst the feeding CANADA GEESE was the RUDDY SHELDUCK and 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( albifrons ) ( 110 ), still feeding in the field by the cafe at 12.30 .
Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL, 32 WIGEON, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
40 LESSER B B GULL( amongst a flock of 200 Gulls ), only 1 SNIPE and a MISTLE THRUSH
This is my first record for 'albifrons ' in 12 years of covering the patch, the previous records for the specie were GREENLAND W F GOOSE in November 2012,.
Alan D took some photos which I will post soon
White Fronted Goose ( rear view ) South Huish Marsh 23 Feb 2015 2 W . F GOOSE 23
FEB 2015 W
F GOOSE 23 FEB all photos by Alan DoidgeSUN 22 FEB
Having driven to Solihull and back on Sat when the sun was shining ( snowed as well ) , all ready for a morning on the patch when the rain started and then just got heavier, even the ducks took refuge .
My poor totals for the day were - South Huish Marsh -2 SHELDUCK,
15 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 24 MALLARD
On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 25 SNIPE , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
The new motto is -'It can only get better '
Still no sign of Bob getting out and with Arthur still rcovering from his man flu ,limited coverage at the moment
FRI 20 FEB
After a night of showers the morning started clear and gradually got sunnier, light NW wind with a flat sea.
On T'stone Marsh at 08.30 - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD,
20 SNIPE , 5 REED BUNTING, 2 BULLFINCH.
Offshore - 40 WIGEON ( on sea )100 + BLACK H GULL ( inc 2 with full 'black' heads ) 2 FULMAR
On South Huish Marsh- 3 MUTE SWAN , 45 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
10 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 WATER RAIL, ,
20 SKYLARK, 20 + PIED WAGTAIL, 3 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF.
On the rocks - 8 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
THURS 19 FEB
One of those days for contemplation, heavy rain all morning, very poor viz with a F6/7 SSW wind. Only managed to pick up 10 GANNET offshore in 30 mins so returned home On T'stone Marsh everything hiding in the reed beds
WED 18 FEB
Late post as I was away fro 17.00. There were more birds seen from my garden in 30 mins at 08.15 than the rest of the day - 30 TEAL, , SNIPE, 2 CIRL BUNTING , 14 REED BUNTING ( together ) 10 GREENFINCh. At 08.45 3 MUTE SWAN flew in ( resident pair have moved on ), WATER RAIL, 2 LAPWING.
South Huish Marsh held almost the same birds as Tues. Nothing at all offshore
TUES 17 FEB
After a frosty start a nice sunny winters day which probably was the cause of a poor day on the patch -
No sign of the SPOONBILL roosting .
On T'stone Marsh - 30 TEAL, 28 SNIPE, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 LAPWING,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 SONG THRUSH, 6 REED BUNTING
Nothing at all offshore , whilst on South Huish marsh - 6 GADWALL,
20 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 2 SNIPE, WATER RAIL again showing well,
1 CHIFFCHAFF.
Around Buckland Valley - 7 MISTLE THRUSH ( all in the same field )
3 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GOLDCREST
Eric at last managed to get round South Efford Marsh to report - 80 + WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 26 CURLEW, 2 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and 2 WATER PIPIT
MON 16 FEB
The bird of the day was on T'stone Marsh briefly this morning found by June Huggins and seen by Arthur and Anne ( my Wife ) SPOONBILL
( 109 ) That will teach me not to have my mobile switched off . Also 30 TEAL and a m CIRL BUNTING
In the Bay this morning - 1f PINTAIL ( 108 ) on the sea then flew west, 5 FULMAR, 23 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( flew east at 10.35 ) 100 + BLACK H GULL on the sea.
By the footbridge a KINGFISHER.
On South Huish marsh - 22 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 11 SHELDUCK, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 18 MALLARD, 8 SNIPE , a WATER RAIL showed very well. 1 SPARROWHAWK
SAT 14 FEB
Only time for a garden watch this morning, 90mins from 08.45 a very respectable 42 species recorded, highlights -
1m BLACK REDSTART, 1m CIRL BUNTING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER ( calling )25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 25 SNIPE , 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING,
6 REED BUNTING, 20 SKYLARK, WATER RAIL 2 RAVEN , 1 MIPIT,
1 LINNET . Walking down Mallards Lane added 1 GREAT Sp WOODY,
1 GOLDCREST
FRI 13 FEB
After a night of heavy rain and F6/7 SSW winds cleared up by 10.00 to get out onto the patch - very little in the way of change from yesterday !
On T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 SNIPE . 5 REED BUNTING on the feeders
At South Huish marsh -5 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
25 TEAL. 60 LAPWING. Over 100 HERRING GULL and 20 LESSER B B GULL surprisingly no BLACK H GULL, but there was 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL ( 107 )
Today both pairs of MUTE SWAN had left the marches - as they have been very territorial this was not expected. Could it be the lower water levels ?
Offshore rough seas15 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR - east. On the sea 30 RAZORBILL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford 1m 1f BLACK REDSTART.
THURS 12 FEB
Althogh 100% cloud viz much better today, light E breeze fairly flat sea .
On T'stone marsh this morning - 18 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE GREBE 4 SNIPE, 6 REED BUNTING, 2 SONG THRUSH .
Around South Huish Marsh -6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 40 TEAL,
1 LAPWING, 30 MIPIT.
A 2hr seawatch produced - 45 + RAZORBILL, 2 WIGEON, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER ( together )- all on the sea , 1 RED T DIVER- west, 26 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 8 KITTIWAKE, PEREGRINE.
On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
It will be interesting to seebrings any new arrivals into the Bay if the o/night heavy rain and S winds
WED 11 FEB
Another 100 % cloud day. An hours seawatch from the car park was on a par with watching paint dry ! - 7 WIGEON and 20 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 3 GANNET 1e 2 w and that was it
On T'stone marsh this morning 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE,
25 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, around the garden 6 REED BUNTING and a m CIRL BUNTING
TUES 10 FEB
What a change in the weather 100% low cloud and very poor viz offshore.
On South Huish Marsh at 09.30 -6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 40 TEAL,
1m SHOVELER, 110 LAPWING, 2 KESTREL, 3 MUTE SWAN
Only spent 30 mins looking over the Bay - 90 RAZORBILL, 17 WIGEON - 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE - all sat on the sea . 3 MUTE SWAN flew in and landed
On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING and a KINGFISHER
At Upton Cross - 20 MIPIT, 30 CHAFFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER .
6 GOLDEN PLOVER flew over .
Buckland Valley could only produce - 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT Sp WOODY.
At T'stone marsh the culvert repairs must be finished as the water level dropped overnight- 30 TEAL and 4 LITTLE EGRET
Surprisingly could not find a SNIPE on either Marsh this morning
MON 9 FEB
What a superb day to be out and about the patch - sunny and clear sky, no wind , flat calm sea . Both marshes frozen early morning. Joined by Graham today
On T'stone Marsh - 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 08.15 )- (106 ) 35 TEAL,
3 MUTE SWAN - the resident pair made sure the newcommer did not stay long .15 MALLARD , 2 COOT
A seawatch for 1.5 hrs from the car park - 130+ AUKS -around 75% were RAZORBILL, all on the sea in flocks of upto 30, 10 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR. 2 GANNET.3 SHELDUCK ( on sea ) and 3 BLACK T DIVER together on the sea.
On the rocks 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE and the SANDERLING
On South Huish Marsh - 6 GADWALL, 6 SHELDUCK, 30 TEAL, 17 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 70 + SNIPE and 90 + LAPWING , 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT. Dave Pakes reported a WATER RAIL
At South Milton Ley Vic reports - 20 + CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF , 1 GOLDCREST
SUN 8 FEB
A cold morning , sunshine all day with very little wind and a flat calm sea
First thing on T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 25 SNIPE, 1m CIRL BUNTING,
5 REED BUNTING, 2 WATER RAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH.
In the Bay a nice GREAT N DIVER close in, 80 + AUKS on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ) 1 CURLEW, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE ,
1 SANDERLING, 16 KITTIWAKE, only 5 GANNET.
On South Huish Marsh 20 LAPWING , plus another 60 in the field, 20 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 15 SNIPE
SAT 7 FEB
Brief garden watch from 08.15 produced 25 species inc - GREAT Sp WOODY, 1 f BLACK REDSTART, 3 REED BUNTING
Late afternoon Alan D reported from South Huish Marsh 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 80 LAPWING, 2 GADWALL
FRI 6 FEB
A bitterly cold day with an increasing E wind although sunny.
The weather seems to have cleared almost every thing off South Huish Marsh - today 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK .In the liquid manure field 35 LAPWING
A 2hr seawatch from the flats produced - 40 GANNET, 300+ Auks -east , almost all of those that could be id'd were RAZORBILL, 14 KITTIWAKE
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING, also
1 TURNSTONE
More activity on T'stone Marsh - LITTLE GREBE , 60 TEAL, 11 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, in my garden - 1m CIRL BUNTING, 4 REED BUNTING
THURS 5 FEB
Marshes still frozen over this morning , lots of birds have departed, even the 2 MUTE SWAN gave up on icebreaking and moved on to the sea.
Only 3 WIGEON left on the sea. On the rocks 5 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING. In the fields a flock of 36 LAPWING.
At Upton Cross first signs of some cold weather movement with a flock of 70 + LAPWING and 100 + GOLDEN PLOVER ( 105 )
In Buckland Valley - 4 MISTLE THRUSH
This afternoon 40 TEAL feeding on T'stone Marsh along with 10 SNIPE. At 17.00 200 STARLING in to roost
WED 4 FEB
Another sunny day with a cold NE wind, flat sea.
Early on T'stone Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 REED BUNTING on my feeders.
Spent an hour sewatching from the car park - 1m 3f GADWALL ( 104 ) on the sea briefly before flying west. 1m WIGEON and 2 TEAL - west, 4 WIGEON on the sea, 30 + RAZORBILL and 1 GUILLEMOT - on the sea, 3 KITTIWAKE, 10 GANNET
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and 1 SANDERLING .
On an icy South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK,
1f GADWALL, 23 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE , a GOLDCREST in a garden
TUES 3 FEB
A sunny morning with a bitterly cold NE wind , flat sea again also marshes frozen over . Joined by Arthur today
On South Huish marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, only 10 SNIPE
Offshore 25 WIGEON, 10 GANNET and at 11.30 a GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 103 ) with full summer ear tufts .On the rocks /beach were 2 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING
Moved inland to look for any new Thrush arrivals - Upton Cross only 2 REDWING, CHAFFINCH flock 60-70. In Buckland Valley a few REDWING , 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST and a COAL TIT
Culvert from T'stone Marsh has been cleared -water level dropped very quickly- will be interesting to see how far it drops in this cold dry spell.
MON 2 FEB
Met Robert ( farmer ) who confirmed he had 2 WOODCOCK ( 102 ) at the back of South Huish Marsh last week
Although cold there was no wind and late morning some wintry sunshine, sea flat calm .Both marshes iced over this morning .
Joined by Graham Daw this morning - An hours seawatching from the car park produced - 3 GANNET, 58 WIGEON ( on sea )12 COMMON SCOTER -west, 1 GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.25 ,1 SHELDUCK west. at least 55 RAZORBILL on the sea , further 10 flew east. Late morning another 30+ COMMON SCOTER flew west, 1 RED T DIVER landed on the sea, KITTIWAKE and COMMON GULL.
On the rocks a KINGFISHER .
On South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER,
3 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE and 15 MOORHEN.
On T'stone Marsh today - 30 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, 2 COOT, 2 WATER RAIL, KESTREL, JAY and a LAPWING
SUN 1 FEB
Started off the new month with a 30 min Garden Watch - 28 species, highlights - 1m BLACK REDSTART, LINNET, REED BUNTING, 1m BULLFINCH.
Offshore 3 GANNET, 40 AUKS flew east and 20 on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ), 2 COMMON SCOTER - east
On South Huish Marsh- 55 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, SHELDUCK. 10 SNIPE, 9 LAPWING, 2 RAVEN, 2 PEREGRINE
Nice to see Bob out this morning - he reported from South Milton Ley -
40 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SIB CHIFFCHAFF, GREY WAGTAIL, CETTIS WARBLER, GOLDCREST.
Interesting flocks of Finches and Thrushes around Upton Cross -
150+ CHAFFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 35 REDWING,
2 MISTLE THRUSH, 20 + FIELDFARE ( 101- first of the year.)
Total species recorded today - 64 a good start for Feb
2014
Another SIB. CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley-AFDSAT 28 FEB
Unable to get out today - man flu.
Report from Alan Pomroy who was ringing at South Milton Ley this morning before the wind got up- Ringed 2 GOLDCREST and CHIFFCHAFF, also seen a WOODCOCK, PEREGRINE ( over ) 10 CHIFfCHAFF inc 1 SIBERIAN race.
.
FRI 27 FEB
A fine sunny early morning with a slight frost.Looks as though the month is going to finish on a quiet note, another quiet day at the office.
With a great start weather wise did a garden watch from 07.50 - 08.30, no viz mig and only 26 species recorded- highlights -
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 REED BUNTING, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COOT,
14 SNIPE ., 5 TEAL, 1 CORMORANT
On South Huish Marsh the 2 EURASION WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding at the back of the Marsh, only 5 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 m GADWALL
Offshore only 1 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL ( on sea ), 5 AUKS flew east, 16 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR. 1m COMMON SCOTER
On the rocks - 4 RINGED PLOVER , 3 TURNSTONE
THURS 26 FEB
A short visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh confirmed the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE were still present ,again feeding at the back of the Marsh. Duck numbers same as yesterday. WATER RAIL showing well again
WED 25 FEB
A drab morning with low cloud ,poor viz and some light rain
The 2 EUROPEAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still on view ,spending time feeding at the back of the Marsh along with the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Also - 30 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 LAPWING. Visitors reported a WATER RAIL. Around 50 MIPITs inthe field
Short visit to Buckland Valley produced 1 GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GOLDCREST
On T'stone marsh - 25 TEAL, 6 REED BUNTING, 1 JAY, 1 SPARROWHAWK
and tonight a roost of 25 PIED WAGTAIL
TUES 24 FEB
After the last few days nice to have a sunny morning , however the wind was WNW increasing up to F 7/8 with rough seas.
Very little change from yesterday - at South H Marsh the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding, no sign of the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Only 10 TEAL, a KINGFISHER on the small pond near the White House and 10 LAPWING.
The MISTLE THRUSH near the copse, 4 STONECHAT ( 2 pairs )
Offshore only 5 GANNET
On T'stone Marsh only 15 TEAL
MON 23 FEB
After a stormy night the morning was one of sunny priods and heavy showwers with a white covering of hailstones at 13.00
On T'stone Marsh only 3 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL.
Offshore was poor , only 3 GANNET, 8 AUKs , 2 FULMAR and 2 KITTIWAKE in just over an hour
Fotunately South Huish Marsh came up trumps - amongst the feeding CANADA GEESE was the RUDDY SHELDUCK and 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( albifrons ) ( 110 ), still feeding in the field by the cafe at 12.30 .
Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL, 32 WIGEON, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
40 LESSER B B GULL( amongst a flock of 200 Gulls ), only 1 SNIPE and a MISTLE THRUSH
This is my first record for 'albifrons ' in 12 years of covering the patch, the previous records for the specie were GREENLAND W F GOOSE in November 2012,.
Alan D took some photos which I will post soon
White Fronted Goose ( rear view ) South Huish Marsh 23 Feb 2015 2 W . F GOOSE 23
FEB 2015 W
F GOOSE 23 FEB all photos by Alan DoidgeSUN 22 FEB
Having driven to Solihull and back on Sat when the sun was shining ( snowed as well ) , all ready for a morning on the patch when the rain started and then just got heavier, even the ducks took refuge .
My poor totals for the day were - South Huish Marsh -2 SHELDUCK,
15 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 24 MALLARD
On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 25 SNIPE , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
The new motto is -'It can only get better '
Still no sign of Bob getting out and with Arthur still rcovering from his man flu ,limited coverage at the moment
FRI 20 FEB
After a night of showers the morning started clear and gradually got sunnier, light NW wind with a flat sea.
On T'stone Marsh at 08.30 - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD,
20 SNIPE , 5 REED BUNTING, 2 BULLFINCH.
Offshore - 40 WIGEON ( on sea )100 + BLACK H GULL ( inc 2 with full 'black' heads ) 2 FULMAR
On South Huish Marsh- 3 MUTE SWAN , 45 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
10 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 WATER RAIL, ,
20 SKYLARK, 20 + PIED WAGTAIL, 3 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF.
On the rocks - 8 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
THURS 19 FEB
One of those days for contemplation, heavy rain all morning, very poor viz with a F6/7 SSW wind. Only managed to pick up 10 GANNET offshore in 30 mins so returned home On T'stone Marsh everything hiding in the reed beds
WED 18 FEB
Late post as I was away fro 17.00. There were more birds seen from my garden in 30 mins at 08.15 than the rest of the day - 30 TEAL, , SNIPE, 2 CIRL BUNTING , 14 REED BUNTING ( together ) 10 GREENFINCh. At 08.45 3 MUTE SWAN flew in ( resident pair have moved on ), WATER RAIL, 2 LAPWING.
South Huish Marsh held almost the same birds as Tues. Nothing at all offshore
TUES 17 FEB
After a frosty start a nice sunny winters day which probably was the cause of a poor day on the patch -
No sign of the SPOONBILL roosting .
On T'stone Marsh - 30 TEAL, 28 SNIPE, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 LAPWING,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 SONG THRUSH, 6 REED BUNTING
Nothing at all offshore , whilst on South Huish marsh - 6 GADWALL,
20 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 2 SNIPE, WATER RAIL again showing well,
1 CHIFFCHAFF.
Around Buckland Valley - 7 MISTLE THRUSH ( all in the same field )
3 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GOLDCREST
Eric at last managed to get round South Efford Marsh to report - 80 + WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 26 CURLEW, 2 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and 2 WATER PIPIT
MON 16 FEB
The bird of the day was on T'stone Marsh briefly this morning found by June Huggins and seen by Arthur and Anne ( my Wife ) SPOONBILL
( 109 ) That will teach me not to have my mobile switched off . Also 30 TEAL and a m CIRL BUNTING
In the Bay this morning - 1f PINTAIL ( 108 ) on the sea then flew west, 5 FULMAR, 23 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( flew east at 10.35 ) 100 + BLACK H GULL on the sea.
By the footbridge a KINGFISHER.
On South Huish marsh - 22 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 11 SHELDUCK, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 18 MALLARD, 8 SNIPE , a WATER RAIL showed very well. 1 SPARROWHAWK
SAT 14 FEB
Only time for a garden watch this morning, 90mins from 08.45 a very respectable 42 species recorded, highlights -
1m BLACK REDSTART, 1m CIRL BUNTING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER ( calling )25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 25 SNIPE , 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING,
6 REED BUNTING, 20 SKYLARK, WATER RAIL 2 RAVEN , 1 MIPIT,
1 LINNET . Walking down Mallards Lane added 1 GREAT Sp WOODY,
1 GOLDCREST
FRI 13 FEB
After a night of heavy rain and F6/7 SSW winds cleared up by 10.00 to get out onto the patch - very little in the way of change from yesterday !
On T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 SNIPE . 5 REED BUNTING on the feeders
At South Huish marsh -5 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
25 TEAL. 60 LAPWING. Over 100 HERRING GULL and 20 LESSER B B GULL surprisingly no BLACK H GULL, but there was 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL ( 107 )
Today both pairs of MUTE SWAN had left the marches - as they have been very territorial this was not expected. Could it be the lower water levels ?
Offshore rough seas15 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR - east. On the sea 30 RAZORBILL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford 1m 1f BLACK REDSTART.
THURS 12 FEB
Althogh 100% cloud viz much better today, light E breeze fairly flat sea .
On T'stone marsh this morning - 18 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE GREBE 4 SNIPE, 6 REED BUNTING, 2 SONG THRUSH .
Around South Huish Marsh -6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 40 TEAL,
1 LAPWING, 30 MIPIT.
A 2hr seawatch produced - 45 + RAZORBILL, 2 WIGEON, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER ( together )- all on the sea , 1 RED T DIVER- west, 26 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 8 KITTIWAKE, PEREGRINE.
On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
It will be interesting to seebrings any new arrivals into the Bay if the o/night heavy rain and S winds
WED 11 FEB
Another 100 % cloud day. An hours seawatch from the car park was on a par with watching paint dry ! - 7 WIGEON and 20 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 3 GANNET 1e 2 w and that was it
On T'stone marsh this morning 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE,
25 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, around the garden 6 REED BUNTING and a m CIRL BUNTING
TUES 10 FEB
What a change in the weather 100% low cloud and very poor viz offshore.
On South Huish Marsh at 09.30 -6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 40 TEAL,
1m SHOVELER, 110 LAPWING, 2 KESTREL, 3 MUTE SWAN
Only spent 30 mins looking over the Bay - 90 RAZORBILL, 17 WIGEON - 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE - all sat on the sea . 3 MUTE SWAN flew in and landed
On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING and a KINGFISHER
At Upton Cross - 20 MIPIT, 30 CHAFFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER .
6 GOLDEN PLOVER flew over .
Buckland Valley could only produce - 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT Sp WOODY.
At T'stone marsh the culvert repairs must be finished as the water level dropped overnight- 30 TEAL and 4 LITTLE EGRET
Surprisingly could not find a SNIPE on either Marsh this morning
MON 9 FEB
What a superb day to be out and about the patch - sunny and clear sky, no wind , flat calm sea . Both marshes frozen early morning. Joined by Graham today
On T'stone Marsh - 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 08.15 )- (106 ) 35 TEAL,
3 MUTE SWAN - the resident pair made sure the newcommer did not stay long .15 MALLARD , 2 COOT
A seawatch for 1.5 hrs from the car park - 130+ AUKS -around 75% were RAZORBILL, all on the sea in flocks of upto 30, 10 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR. 2 GANNET.3 SHELDUCK ( on sea ) and 3 BLACK T DIVER together on the sea.
On the rocks 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE and the SANDERLING
On South Huish Marsh - 6 GADWALL, 6 SHELDUCK, 30 TEAL, 17 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 70 + SNIPE and 90 + LAPWING , 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT. Dave Pakes reported a WATER RAIL
At South Milton Ley Vic reports - 20 + CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF , 1 GOLDCREST
SUN 8 FEB
A cold morning , sunshine all day with very little wind and a flat calm sea
First thing on T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 25 SNIPE, 1m CIRL BUNTING,
5 REED BUNTING, 2 WATER RAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH.
In the Bay a nice GREAT N DIVER close in, 80 + AUKS on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ) 1 CURLEW, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE ,
1 SANDERLING, 16 KITTIWAKE, only 5 GANNET.
On South Huish Marsh 20 LAPWING , plus another 60 in the field, 20 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 15 SNIPE
SAT 7 FEB
Brief garden watch from 08.15 produced 25 species inc - GREAT Sp WOODY, 1 f BLACK REDSTART, 3 REED BUNTING
Late afternoon Alan D reported from South Huish Marsh 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 80 LAPWING, 2 GADWALL
FRI 6 FEB
A bitterly cold day with an increasing E wind although sunny.
The weather seems to have cleared almost every thing off South Huish Marsh - today 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK .In the liquid manure field 35 LAPWING
A 2hr seawatch from the flats produced - 40 GANNET, 300+ Auks -east , almost all of those that could be id'd were RAZORBILL, 14 KITTIWAKE
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING, also
1 TURNSTONE
More activity on T'stone Marsh - LITTLE GREBE , 60 TEAL, 11 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, in my garden - 1m CIRL BUNTING, 4 REED BUNTING
THURS 5 FEB
Marshes still frozen over this morning , lots of birds have departed, even the 2 MUTE SWAN gave up on icebreaking and moved on to the sea.
Only 3 WIGEON left on the sea. On the rocks 5 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING. In the fields a flock of 36 LAPWING.
At Upton Cross first signs of some cold weather movement with a flock of 70 + LAPWING and 100 + GOLDEN PLOVER ( 105 )
In Buckland Valley - 4 MISTLE THRUSH
This afternoon 40 TEAL feeding on T'stone Marsh along with 10 SNIPE. At 17.00 200 STARLING in to roost
WED 4 FEB
Another sunny day with a cold NE wind, flat sea.
Early on T'stone Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 REED BUNTING on my feeders.
Spent an hour sewatching from the car park - 1m 3f GADWALL ( 104 ) on the sea briefly before flying west. 1m WIGEON and 2 TEAL - west, 4 WIGEON on the sea, 30 + RAZORBILL and 1 GUILLEMOT - on the sea, 3 KITTIWAKE, 10 GANNET
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and 1 SANDERLING .
On an icy South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK,
1f GADWALL, 23 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE , a GOLDCREST in a garden
TUES 3 FEB
A sunny morning with a bitterly cold NE wind , flat sea again also marshes frozen over . Joined by Arthur today
On South Huish marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, only 10 SNIPE
Offshore 25 WIGEON, 10 GANNET and at 11.30 a GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 103 ) with full summer ear tufts .On the rocks /beach were 2 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING
Moved inland to look for any new Thrush arrivals - Upton Cross only 2 REDWING, CHAFFINCH flock 60-70. In Buckland Valley a few REDWING , 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST and a COAL TIT
Culvert from T'stone Marsh has been cleared -water level dropped very quickly- will be interesting to see how far it drops in this cold dry spell.
MON 2 FEB
Met Robert ( farmer ) who confirmed he had 2 WOODCOCK ( 102 ) at the back of South Huish Marsh last week
Although cold there was no wind and late morning some wintry sunshine, sea flat calm .Both marshes iced over this morning .
Joined by Graham Daw this morning - An hours seawatching from the car park produced - 3 GANNET, 58 WIGEON ( on sea )12 COMMON SCOTER -west, 1 GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.25 ,1 SHELDUCK west. at least 55 RAZORBILL on the sea , further 10 flew east. Late morning another 30+ COMMON SCOTER flew west, 1 RED T DIVER landed on the sea, KITTIWAKE and COMMON GULL.
On the rocks a KINGFISHER .
On South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER,
3 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE and 15 MOORHEN.
On T'stone Marsh today - 30 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, 2 COOT, 2 WATER RAIL, KESTREL, JAY and a LAPWING
SUN 1 FEB
Started off the new month with a 30 min Garden Watch - 28 species, highlights - 1m BLACK REDSTART, LINNET, REED BUNTING, 1m BULLFINCH.
Offshore 3 GANNET, 40 AUKS flew east and 20 on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ), 2 COMMON SCOTER - east
On South Huish Marsh- 55 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, SHELDUCK. 10 SNIPE, 9 LAPWING, 2 RAVEN, 2 PEREGRINE
Nice to see Bob out this morning - he reported from South Milton Ley -
40 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SIB CHIFFCHAFF, GREY WAGTAIL, CETTIS WARBLER, GOLDCREST.
Interesting flocks of Finches and Thrushes around Upton Cross -
150+ CHAFFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 35 REDWING,
2 MISTLE THRUSH, 20 + FIELDFARE ( 101- first of the year.)
Total species recorded today - 64 a good start for Feb
2014
Another SIB. CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley-AFDSAT 28 FEB
Unable to get out today - man flu.
Report from Alan Pomroy who was ringing at South Milton Ley this morning before the wind got up- Ringed 2 GOLDCREST and CHIFFCHAFF, also seen a WOODCOCK, PEREGRINE ( over ) 10 CHIFfCHAFF inc 1 SIBERIAN race.
.
FRI 27 FEB
A fine sunny early morning with a slight frost.Looks as though the month is going to finish on a quiet note, another quiet day at the office.
With a great start weather wise did a garden watch from 07.50 - 08.30, no viz mig and only 26 species recorded- highlights -
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 REED BUNTING, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COOT,
14 SNIPE ., 5 TEAL, 1 CORMORANT
On South Huish Marsh the 2 EURASION WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding at the back of the Marsh, only 5 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 m GADWALL
Offshore only 1 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL ( on sea ), 5 AUKS flew east, 16 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR. 1m COMMON SCOTER
On the rocks - 4 RINGED PLOVER , 3 TURNSTONE
THURS 26 FEB
A short visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh confirmed the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE were still present ,again feeding at the back of the Marsh. Duck numbers same as yesterday. WATER RAIL showing well again
WED 25 FEB
A drab morning with low cloud ,poor viz and some light rain
The 2 EUROPEAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still on view ,spending time feeding at the back of the Marsh along with the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Also - 30 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 LAPWING. Visitors reported a WATER RAIL. Around 50 MIPITs inthe field
Short visit to Buckland Valley produced 1 GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GOLDCREST
On T'stone marsh - 25 TEAL, 6 REED BUNTING, 1 JAY, 1 SPARROWHAWK
and tonight a roost of 25 PIED WAGTAIL
TUES 24 FEB
After the last few days nice to have a sunny morning , however the wind was WNW increasing up to F 7/8 with rough seas.
Very little change from yesterday - at South H Marsh the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding, no sign of the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Only 10 TEAL, a KINGFISHER on the small pond near the White House and 10 LAPWING.
The MISTLE THRUSH near the copse, 4 STONECHAT ( 2 pairs )
Offshore only 5 GANNET
On T'stone Marsh only 15 TEAL
MON 23 FEB
After a stormy night the morning was one of sunny priods and heavy showwers with a white covering of hailstones at 13.00
On T'stone Marsh only 3 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL.
Offshore was poor , only 3 GANNET, 8 AUKs , 2 FULMAR and 2 KITTIWAKE in just over an hour
Fotunately South Huish Marsh came up trumps - amongst the feeding CANADA GEESE was the RUDDY SHELDUCK and 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( albifrons ) ( 110 ), still feeding in the field by the cafe at 12.30 .
Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL, 32 WIGEON, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
40 LESSER B B GULL( amongst a flock of 200 Gulls ), only 1 SNIPE and a MISTLE THRUSH
This is my first record for 'albifrons ' in 12 years of covering the patch, the previous records for the specie were GREENLAND W F GOOSE in November 2012,.
Alan D took some photos which I will post soon
White Fronted Goose ( rear view ) South Huish Marsh 23 Feb 2015 2 W . F GOOSE 23
FEB 2015 W
F GOOSE 23 FEB all photos by Alan DoidgeSUN 22 FEB
Having driven to Solihull and back on Sat when the sun was shining ( snowed as well ) , all ready for a morning on the patch when the rain started and then just got heavier, even the ducks took refuge .
My poor totals for the day were - South Huish Marsh -2 SHELDUCK,
15 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 24 MALLARD
On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 25 SNIPE , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
The new motto is -'It can only get better '
Still no sign of Bob getting out and with Arthur still rcovering from his man flu ,limited coverage at the moment
FRI 20 FEB
After a night of showers the morning started clear and gradually got sunnier, light NW wind with a flat sea.
On T'stone Marsh at 08.30 - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD,
20 SNIPE , 5 REED BUNTING, 2 BULLFINCH.
Offshore - 40 WIGEON ( on sea )100 + BLACK H GULL ( inc 2 with full 'black' heads ) 2 FULMAR
On South Huish Marsh- 3 MUTE SWAN , 45 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
10 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 WATER RAIL, ,
20 SKYLARK, 20 + PIED WAGTAIL, 3 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF.
On the rocks - 8 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
THURS 19 FEB
One of those days for contemplation, heavy rain all morning, very poor viz with a F6/7 SSW wind. Only managed to pick up 10 GANNET offshore in 30 mins so returned home On T'stone Marsh everything hiding in the reed beds
WED 18 FEB
Late post as I was away fro 17.00. There were more birds seen from my garden in 30 mins at 08.15 than the rest of the day - 30 TEAL, , SNIPE, 2 CIRL BUNTING , 14 REED BUNTING ( together ) 10 GREENFINCh. At 08.45 3 MUTE SWAN flew in ( resident pair have moved on ), WATER RAIL, 2 LAPWING.
South Huish Marsh held almost the same birds as Tues. Nothing at all offshore
TUES 17 FEB
After a frosty start a nice sunny winters day which probably was the cause of a poor day on the patch -
No sign of the SPOONBILL roosting .
On T'stone Marsh - 30 TEAL, 28 SNIPE, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 LAPWING,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 SONG THRUSH, 6 REED BUNTING
Nothing at all offshore , whilst on South Huish marsh - 6 GADWALL,
20 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 2 SNIPE, WATER RAIL again showing well,
1 CHIFFCHAFF.
Around Buckland Valley - 7 MISTLE THRUSH ( all in the same field )
3 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GOLDCREST
Eric at last managed to get round South Efford Marsh to report - 80 + WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 26 CURLEW, 2 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and 2 WATER PIPIT
MON 16 FEB
The bird of the day was on T'stone Marsh briefly this morning found by June Huggins and seen by Arthur and Anne ( my Wife ) SPOONBILL
( 109 ) That will teach me not to have my mobile switched off . Also 30 TEAL and a m CIRL BUNTING
In the Bay this morning - 1f PINTAIL ( 108 ) on the sea then flew west, 5 FULMAR, 23 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( flew east at 10.35 ) 100 + BLACK H GULL on the sea.
By the footbridge a KINGFISHER.
On South Huish marsh - 22 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 11 SHELDUCK, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 18 MALLARD, 8 SNIPE , a WATER RAIL showed very well. 1 SPARROWHAWK
SAT 14 FEB
Only time for a garden watch this morning, 90mins from 08.45 a very respectable 42 species recorded, highlights -
1m BLACK REDSTART, 1m CIRL BUNTING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER ( calling )25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 25 SNIPE , 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING,
6 REED BUNTING, 20 SKYLARK, WATER RAIL 2 RAVEN , 1 MIPIT,
1 LINNET . Walking down Mallards Lane added 1 GREAT Sp WOODY,
1 GOLDCREST
FRI 13 FEB
After a night of heavy rain and F6/7 SSW winds cleared up by 10.00 to get out onto the patch - very little in the way of change from yesterday !
On T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 SNIPE . 5 REED BUNTING on the feeders
At South Huish marsh -5 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
25 TEAL. 60 LAPWING. Over 100 HERRING GULL and 20 LESSER B B GULL surprisingly no BLACK H GULL, but there was 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL ( 107 )
Today both pairs of MUTE SWAN had left the marches - as they have been very territorial this was not expected. Could it be the lower water levels ?
Offshore rough seas15 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR - east. On the sea 30 RAZORBILL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford 1m 1f BLACK REDSTART.
THURS 12 FEB
Althogh 100% cloud viz much better today, light E breeze fairly flat sea .
On T'stone marsh this morning - 18 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE GREBE 4 SNIPE, 6 REED BUNTING, 2 SONG THRUSH .
Around South Huish Marsh -6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 40 TEAL,
1 LAPWING, 30 MIPIT.
A 2hr seawatch produced - 45 + RAZORBILL, 2 WIGEON, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER ( together )- all on the sea , 1 RED T DIVER- west, 26 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 8 KITTIWAKE, PEREGRINE.
On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
It will be interesting to seebrings any new arrivals into the Bay if the o/night heavy rain and S winds
WED 11 FEB
Another 100 % cloud day. An hours seawatch from the car park was on a par with watching paint dry ! - 7 WIGEON and 20 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 3 GANNET 1e 2 w and that was it
On T'stone marsh this morning 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE,
25 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, around the garden 6 REED BUNTING and a m CIRL BUNTING
TUES 10 FEB
What a change in the weather 100% low cloud and very poor viz offshore.
On South Huish Marsh at 09.30 -6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 40 TEAL,
1m SHOVELER, 110 LAPWING, 2 KESTREL, 3 MUTE SWAN
Only spent 30 mins looking over the Bay - 90 RAZORBILL, 17 WIGEON - 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE - all sat on the sea . 3 MUTE SWAN flew in and landed
On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING and a KINGFISHER
At Upton Cross - 20 MIPIT, 30 CHAFFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER .
6 GOLDEN PLOVER flew over .
Buckland Valley could only produce - 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT Sp WOODY.
At T'stone marsh the culvert repairs must be finished as the water level dropped overnight- 30 TEAL and 4 LITTLE EGRET
Surprisingly could not find a SNIPE on either Marsh this morning
MON 9 FEB
What a superb day to be out and about the patch - sunny and clear sky, no wind , flat calm sea . Both marshes frozen early morning. Joined by Graham today
On T'stone Marsh - 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 08.15 )- (106 ) 35 TEAL,
3 MUTE SWAN - the resident pair made sure the newcommer did not stay long .15 MALLARD , 2 COOT
A seawatch for 1.5 hrs from the car park - 130+ AUKS -around 75% were RAZORBILL, all on the sea in flocks of upto 30, 10 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR. 2 GANNET.3 SHELDUCK ( on sea ) and 3 BLACK T DIVER together on the sea.
On the rocks 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE and the SANDERLING
On South Huish Marsh - 6 GADWALL, 6 SHELDUCK, 30 TEAL, 17 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 70 + SNIPE and 90 + LAPWING , 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT. Dave Pakes reported a WATER RAIL
At South Milton Ley Vic reports - 20 + CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF , 1 GOLDCREST
SUN 8 FEB
A cold morning , sunshine all day with very little wind and a flat calm sea
First thing on T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 25 SNIPE, 1m CIRL BUNTING,
5 REED BUNTING, 2 WATER RAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH.
In the Bay a nice GREAT N DIVER close in, 80 + AUKS on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ) 1 CURLEW, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE ,
1 SANDERLING, 16 KITTIWAKE, only 5 GANNET.
On South Huish Marsh 20 LAPWING , plus another 60 in the field, 20 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 15 SNIPE
SAT 7 FEB
Brief garden watch from 08.15 produced 25 species inc - GREAT Sp WOODY, 1 f BLACK REDSTART, 3 REED BUNTING
Late afternoon Alan D reported from South Huish Marsh 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 80 LAPWING, 2 GADWALL
FRI 6 FEB
A bitterly cold day with an increasing E wind although sunny.
The weather seems to have cleared almost every thing off South Huish Marsh - today 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK .In the liquid manure field 35 LAPWING
A 2hr seawatch from the flats produced - 40 GANNET, 300+ Auks -east , almost all of those that could be id'd were RAZORBILL, 14 KITTIWAKE
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING, also
1 TURNSTONE
More activity on T'stone Marsh - LITTLE GREBE , 60 TEAL, 11 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, in my garden - 1m CIRL BUNTING, 4 REED BUNTING
THURS 5 FEB
Marshes still frozen over this morning , lots of birds have departed, even the 2 MUTE SWAN gave up on icebreaking and moved on to the sea.
Only 3 WIGEON left on the sea. On the rocks 5 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING. In the fields a flock of 36 LAPWING.
At Upton Cross first signs of some cold weather movement with a flock of 70 + LAPWING and 100 + GOLDEN PLOVER ( 105 )
In Buckland Valley - 4 MISTLE THRUSH
This afternoon 40 TEAL feeding on T'stone Marsh along with 10 SNIPE. At 17.00 200 STARLING in to roost
WED 4 FEB
Another sunny day with a cold NE wind, flat sea.
Early on T'stone Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 REED BUNTING on my feeders.
Spent an hour sewatching from the car park - 1m 3f GADWALL ( 104 ) on the sea briefly before flying west. 1m WIGEON and 2 TEAL - west, 4 WIGEON on the sea, 30 + RAZORBILL and 1 GUILLEMOT - on the sea, 3 KITTIWAKE, 10 GANNET
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and 1 SANDERLING .
On an icy South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK,
1f GADWALL, 23 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE , a GOLDCREST in a garden
TUES 3 FEB
A sunny morning with a bitterly cold NE wind , flat sea again also marshes frozen over . Joined by Arthur today
On South Huish marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, only 10 SNIPE
Offshore 25 WIGEON, 10 GANNET and at 11.30 a GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 103 ) with full summer ear tufts .On the rocks /beach were 2 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING
Moved inland to look for any new Thrush arrivals - Upton Cross only 2 REDWING, CHAFFINCH flock 60-70. In Buckland Valley a few REDWING , 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST and a COAL TIT
Culvert from T'stone Marsh has been cleared -water level dropped very quickly- will be interesting to see how far it drops in this cold dry spell.
MON 2 FEB
Met Robert ( farmer ) who confirmed he had 2 WOODCOCK ( 102 ) at the back of South Huish Marsh last week
Although cold there was no wind and late morning some wintry sunshine, sea flat calm .Both marshes iced over this morning .
Joined by Graham Daw this morning - An hours seawatching from the car park produced - 3 GANNET, 58 WIGEON ( on sea )12 COMMON SCOTER -west, 1 GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.25 ,1 SHELDUCK west. at least 55 RAZORBILL on the sea , further 10 flew east. Late morning another 30+ COMMON SCOTER flew west, 1 RED T DIVER landed on the sea, KITTIWAKE and COMMON GULL.
On the rocks a KINGFISHER .
On South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER,
3 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE and 15 MOORHEN.
On T'stone Marsh today - 30 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, 2 COOT, 2 WATER RAIL, KESTREL, JAY and a LAPWING
SUN 1 FEB
Started off the new month with a 30 min Garden Watch - 28 species, highlights - 1m BLACK REDSTART, LINNET, REED BUNTING, 1m BULLFINCH.
Offshore 3 GANNET, 40 AUKS flew east and 20 on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ), 2 COMMON SCOTER - east
On South Huish Marsh- 55 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, SHELDUCK. 10 SNIPE, 9 LAPWING, 2 RAVEN, 2 PEREGRINE
Nice to see Bob out this morning - he reported from South Milton Ley -
40 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SIB CHIFFCHAFF, GREY WAGTAIL, CETTIS WARBLER, GOLDCREST.
Interesting flocks of Finches and Thrushes around Upton Cross -
150+ CHAFFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 35 REDWING,
2 MISTLE THRUSH, 20 + FIELDFARE ( 101- first of the year.)
Total species recorded today - 64 a good start for Feb
2014
Another SIB. CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley-AFD
SAT 28 FEB
Unable to get out today - man flu.
Report from Alan Pomroy who was ringing at South Milton Ley this morning before the wind got up- Ringed 2 GOLDCREST and CHIFFCHAFF, also seen a WOODCOCK, PEREGRINE ( over ) 10 CHIFfCHAFF inc 1 SIBERIAN race.
.
FRI 27 FEB
A fine sunny early morning with a slight frost.Looks as though the month is going to finish on a quiet note, another quiet day at the office.
With a great start weather wise did a garden watch from 07.50 - 08.30, no viz mig and only 26 species recorded- highlights -
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 REED BUNTING, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COOT,
14 SNIPE ., 5 TEAL, 1 CORMORANT
On South Huish Marsh the 2 EURASION WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding at the back of the Marsh, only 5 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 m GADWALL
Offshore only 1 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL ( on sea ), 5 AUKS flew east, 16 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR. 1m COMMON SCOTER
On the rocks - 4 RINGED PLOVER , 3 TURNSTONE
THURS 26 FEB
A short visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh confirmed the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE were still present ,again feeding at the back of the Marsh. Duck numbers same as yesterday. WATER RAIL showing well again
WED 25 FEB
A drab morning with low cloud ,poor viz and some light rain
The 2 EUROPEAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still on view ,spending time feeding at the back of the Marsh along with the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Also - 30 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 LAPWING. Visitors reported a WATER RAIL. Around 50 MIPITs inthe field
Short visit to Buckland Valley produced 1 GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GOLDCREST
On T'stone marsh - 25 TEAL, 6 REED BUNTING, 1 JAY, 1 SPARROWHAWK
and tonight a roost of 25 PIED WAGTAIL
TUES 24 FEB
After the last few days nice to have a sunny morning , however the wind was WNW increasing up to F 7/8 with rough seas.
Very little change from yesterday - at South H Marsh the 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still feeding, no sign of the RUDDY SHELDUCK. Only 10 TEAL, a KINGFISHER on the small pond near the White House and 10 LAPWING.
The MISTLE THRUSH near the copse, 4 STONECHAT ( 2 pairs )
Offshore only 5 GANNET
On T'stone Marsh only 15 TEAL
MON 23 FEB
After a stormy night the morning was one of sunny priods and heavy showwers with a white covering of hailstones at 13.00
On T'stone Marsh only 3 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL.
Offshore was poor , only 3 GANNET, 8 AUKs , 2 FULMAR and 2 KITTIWAKE in just over an hour
Fotunately South Huish Marsh came up trumps - amongst the feeding CANADA GEESE was the RUDDY SHELDUCK and 2 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( albifrons ) ( 110 ), still feeding in the field by the cafe at 12.30 .
Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL, 32 WIGEON, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
40 LESSER B B GULL( amongst a flock of 200 Gulls ), only 1 SNIPE and a MISTLE THRUSH
This is my first record for 'albifrons ' in 12 years of covering the patch, the previous records for the specie were GREENLAND W F GOOSE in November 2012,.
Alan D took some photos which I will post soon
White Fronted Goose ( rear view ) South Huish Marsh 23 Feb 2015 2 W . F GOOSE 23
FEB 2015 W
F GOOSE 23 FEB all photos by Alan DoidgeSUN 22 FEB
Having driven to Solihull and back on Sat when the sun was shining ( snowed as well ) , all ready for a morning on the patch when the rain started and then just got heavier, even the ducks took refuge .
My poor totals for the day were - South Huish Marsh -2 SHELDUCK,
15 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 24 MALLARD
On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 25 SNIPE , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
The new motto is -'It can only get better '
Still no sign of Bob getting out and with Arthur still rcovering from his man flu ,limited coverage at the moment
FRI 20 FEB
After a night of showers the morning started clear and gradually got sunnier, light NW wind with a flat sea.
On T'stone Marsh at 08.30 - 15 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD,
20 SNIPE , 5 REED BUNTING, 2 BULLFINCH.
Offshore - 40 WIGEON ( on sea )100 + BLACK H GULL ( inc 2 with full 'black' heads ) 2 FULMAR
On South Huish Marsh- 3 MUTE SWAN , 45 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
10 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 WATER RAIL, ,
20 SKYLARK, 20 + PIED WAGTAIL, 3 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF.
On the rocks - 8 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
THURS 19 FEB
One of those days for contemplation, heavy rain all morning, very poor viz with a F6/7 SSW wind. Only managed to pick up 10 GANNET offshore in 30 mins so returned home On T'stone Marsh everything hiding in the reed beds
WED 18 FEB
Late post as I was away fro 17.00. There were more birds seen from my garden in 30 mins at 08.15 than the rest of the day - 30 TEAL, , SNIPE, 2 CIRL BUNTING , 14 REED BUNTING ( together ) 10 GREENFINCh. At 08.45 3 MUTE SWAN flew in ( resident pair have moved on ), WATER RAIL, 2 LAPWING.
South Huish Marsh held almost the same birds as Tues. Nothing at all offshore
TUES 17 FEB
After a frosty start a nice sunny winters day which probably was the cause of a poor day on the patch -
No sign of the SPOONBILL roosting .
On T'stone Marsh - 30 TEAL, 28 SNIPE, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 LAPWING,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 SONG THRUSH, 6 REED BUNTING
Nothing at all offshore , whilst on South Huish marsh - 6 GADWALL,
20 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 2 SNIPE, WATER RAIL again showing well,
1 CHIFFCHAFF.
Around Buckland Valley - 7 MISTLE THRUSH ( all in the same field )
3 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GOLDCREST
Eric at last managed to get round South Efford Marsh to report - 80 + WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 26 CURLEW, 2 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and 2 WATER PIPIT
MON 16 FEB
The bird of the day was on T'stone Marsh briefly this morning found by June Huggins and seen by Arthur and Anne ( my Wife ) SPOONBILL
( 109 ) That will teach me not to have my mobile switched off . Also 30 TEAL and a m CIRL BUNTING
In the Bay this morning - 1f PINTAIL ( 108 ) on the sea then flew west, 5 FULMAR, 23 GANNET, 4 RAZORBILL, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( flew east at 10.35 ) 100 + BLACK H GULL on the sea.
By the footbridge a KINGFISHER.
On South Huish marsh - 22 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 11 SHELDUCK, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 18 MALLARD, 8 SNIPE , a WATER RAIL showed very well. 1 SPARROWHAWK
SAT 14 FEB
Only time for a garden watch this morning, 90mins from 08.45 a very respectable 42 species recorded, highlights -
1m BLACK REDSTART, 1m CIRL BUNTING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER ( calling )25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 25 SNIPE , 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING,
6 REED BUNTING, 20 SKYLARK, WATER RAIL 2 RAVEN , 1 MIPIT,
1 LINNET . Walking down Mallards Lane added 1 GREAT Sp WOODY,
1 GOLDCREST
FRI 13 FEB
After a night of heavy rain and F6/7 SSW winds cleared up by 10.00 to get out onto the patch - very little in the way of change from yesterday !
On T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 SNIPE . 5 REED BUNTING on the feeders
At South Huish marsh -5 SHELDUCK, 2 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER,
25 TEAL. 60 LAPWING. Over 100 HERRING GULL and 20 LESSER B B GULL surprisingly no BLACK H GULL, but there was 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL ( 107 )
Today both pairs of MUTE SWAN had left the marches - as they have been very territorial this was not expected. Could it be the lower water levels ?
Offshore rough seas15 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR - east. On the sea 30 RAZORBILL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford 1m 1f BLACK REDSTART.
THURS 12 FEB
Althogh 100% cloud viz much better today, light E breeze fairly flat sea .
On T'stone marsh this morning - 18 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE GREBE 4 SNIPE, 6 REED BUNTING, 2 SONG THRUSH .
Around South Huish Marsh -6 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 40 TEAL,
1 LAPWING, 30 MIPIT.
A 2hr seawatch produced - 45 + RAZORBILL, 2 WIGEON, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER ( together )- all on the sea , 1 RED T DIVER- west, 26 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 8 KITTIWAKE, PEREGRINE.
On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING.
It will be interesting to seebrings any new arrivals into the Bay if the o/night heavy rain and S winds
WED 11 FEB
Another 100 % cloud day. An hours seawatch from the car park was on a par with watching paint dry ! - 7 WIGEON and 20 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 3 GANNET 1e 2 w and that was it
On T'stone marsh this morning 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE,
25 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, around the garden 6 REED BUNTING and a m CIRL BUNTING
TUES 10 FEB
What a change in the weather 100% low cloud and very poor viz offshore.
On South Huish Marsh at 09.30 -6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 40 TEAL,
1m SHOVELER, 110 LAPWING, 2 KESTREL, 3 MUTE SWAN
Only spent 30 mins looking over the Bay - 90 RAZORBILL, 17 WIGEON - 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE - all sat on the sea . 3 MUTE SWAN flew in and landed
On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING and a KINGFISHER
At Upton Cross - 20 MIPIT, 30 CHAFFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER .
6 GOLDEN PLOVER flew over .
Buckland Valley could only produce - 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT Sp WOODY.
At T'stone marsh the culvert repairs must be finished as the water level dropped overnight- 30 TEAL and 4 LITTLE EGRET
Surprisingly could not find a SNIPE on either Marsh this morning
MON 9 FEB
What a superb day to be out and about the patch - sunny and clear sky, no wind , flat calm sea . Both marshes frozen early morning. Joined by Graham today
On T'stone Marsh - 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 08.15 )- (106 ) 35 TEAL,
3 MUTE SWAN - the resident pair made sure the newcommer did not stay long .15 MALLARD , 2 COOT
A seawatch for 1.5 hrs from the car park - 130+ AUKS -around 75% were RAZORBILL, all on the sea in flocks of upto 30, 10 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR. 2 GANNET.3 SHELDUCK ( on sea ) and 3 BLACK T DIVER together on the sea.
On the rocks 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE and the SANDERLING
On South Huish Marsh - 6 GADWALL, 6 SHELDUCK, 30 TEAL, 17 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 70 + SNIPE and 90 + LAPWING , 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT. Dave Pakes reported a WATER RAIL
At South Milton Ley Vic reports - 20 + CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF , 1 GOLDCREST
SUN 8 FEB
A cold morning , sunshine all day with very little wind and a flat calm sea
First thing on T'stone Marsh - 25 TEAL, 25 SNIPE, 1m CIRL BUNTING,
5 REED BUNTING, 2 WATER RAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH.
In the Bay a nice GREAT N DIVER close in, 80 + AUKS on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ) 1 CURLEW, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 4 TURNSTONE ,
1 SANDERLING, 16 KITTIWAKE, only 5 GANNET.
On South Huish Marsh 20 LAPWING , plus another 60 in the field, 20 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 15 SNIPE
SAT 7 FEB
Brief garden watch from 08.15 produced 25 species inc - GREAT Sp WOODY, 1 f BLACK REDSTART, 3 REED BUNTING
Late afternoon Alan D reported from South Huish Marsh 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 80 LAPWING, 2 GADWALL
FRI 6 FEB
A bitterly cold day with an increasing E wind although sunny.
The weather seems to have cleared almost every thing off South Huish Marsh - today 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK .In the liquid manure field 35 LAPWING
A 2hr seawatch from the flats produced - 40 GANNET, 300+ Auks -east , almost all of those that could be id'd were RAZORBILL, 14 KITTIWAKE
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING, also
1 TURNSTONE
More activity on T'stone Marsh - LITTLE GREBE , 60 TEAL, 11 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, in my garden - 1m CIRL BUNTING, 4 REED BUNTING
THURS 5 FEB
Marshes still frozen over this morning , lots of birds have departed, even the 2 MUTE SWAN gave up on icebreaking and moved on to the sea.
Only 3 WIGEON left on the sea. On the rocks 5 RINGED PLOVER and the SANDERLING. In the fields a flock of 36 LAPWING.
At Upton Cross first signs of some cold weather movement with a flock of 70 + LAPWING and 100 + GOLDEN PLOVER ( 105 )
In Buckland Valley - 4 MISTLE THRUSH
This afternoon 40 TEAL feeding on T'stone Marsh along with 10 SNIPE. At 17.00 200 STARLING in to roost
WED 4 FEB
Another sunny day with a cold NE wind, flat sea.
Early on T'stone Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 REED BUNTING on my feeders.
Spent an hour sewatching from the car park - 1m 3f GADWALL ( 104 ) on the sea briefly before flying west. 1m WIGEON and 2 TEAL - west, 4 WIGEON on the sea, 30 + RAZORBILL and 1 GUILLEMOT - on the sea, 3 KITTIWAKE, 10 GANNET
On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER and 1 SANDERLING .
On an icy South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 SHELDUCK,
1f GADWALL, 23 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE , a GOLDCREST in a garden
TUES 3 FEB
A sunny morning with a bitterly cold NE wind , flat sea again also marshes frozen over . Joined by Arthur today
On South Huish marsh - 50 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, only 10 SNIPE
Offshore 25 WIGEON, 10 GANNET and at 11.30 a GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 103 ) with full summer ear tufts .On the rocks /beach were 2 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING
Moved inland to look for any new Thrush arrivals - Upton Cross only 2 REDWING, CHAFFINCH flock 60-70. In Buckland Valley a few REDWING , 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST and a COAL TIT
Culvert from T'stone Marsh has been cleared -water level dropped very quickly- will be interesting to see how far it drops in this cold dry spell.
MON 2 FEB
Met Robert ( farmer ) who confirmed he had 2 WOODCOCK ( 102 ) at the back of South Huish Marsh last week
Although cold there was no wind and late morning some wintry sunshine, sea flat calm .Both marshes iced over this morning .
Joined by Graham Daw this morning - An hours seawatching from the car park produced - 3 GANNET, 58 WIGEON ( on sea )12 COMMON SCOTER -west, 1 GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.25 ,1 SHELDUCK west. at least 55 RAZORBILL on the sea , further 10 flew east. Late morning another 30+ COMMON SCOTER flew west, 1 RED T DIVER landed on the sea, KITTIWAKE and COMMON GULL.
On the rocks a KINGFISHER .
On South Huish Marsh - 50 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER,
3 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE and 15 MOORHEN.
On T'stone Marsh today - 30 TEAL, 20 SNIPE, 2 COOT, 2 WATER RAIL, KESTREL, JAY and a LAPWING
SUN 1 FEB
Started off the new month with a 30 min Garden Watch - 28 species, highlights - 1m BLACK REDSTART, LINNET, REED BUNTING, 1m BULLFINCH.
Offshore 3 GANNET, 40 AUKS flew east and 20 on the sea ( mostly RAZORBILL ), 2 COMMON SCOTER - east
On South Huish Marsh- 55 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER, SHELDUCK. 10 SNIPE, 9 LAPWING, 2 RAVEN, 2 PEREGRINE
Nice to see Bob out this morning - he reported from South Milton Ley -
40 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SIB CHIFFCHAFF, GREY WAGTAIL, CETTIS WARBLER, GOLDCREST.
Interesting flocks of Finches and Thrushes around Upton Cross -
150+ CHAFFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 35 REDWING,
2 MISTLE THRUSH, 20 + FIELDFARE ( 101- first of the year.)
Total species recorded today - 64 a good start for Feb
2014
Another SIB. CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley-AFD
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