Microbirdology

The weather has not been the best but I felt it was worth visiting Elmley a few times just to spend a bit more time watching the SEOs before they head out for the summer. There is plenty of other birds at Elmley but the weather has not really encouraged walking down to the hides, or even to the Brickfields. Kestrel The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a familiar sight across the UK. With approximately 46,000 breeding pairs, it's one of the most widespread birds of prey in the country. During winter, the UK hosts a stable population of Kestrels, with many individuals remaining in their territories. Known for their hovering hunting technique and distinctive plumage, Kestrels are an integral part of the UK's avian landscape year-round. Little Owl The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is a charming species found in the UK. With an estimated 5,700 breeding pairs, it's relatively common in the country. During winter, the population remains stable, with many Little Owls remaining in...

I visited WWT Slimbridge on the way back from Devon. Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill with a showy crest and a Kingfisher were the main ‘wild’ attractions.  I enjoyed looking at the curated birds, as usual.  Note to self: try to avoid weekends in future… Spotted Redshank The Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) is a striking wader species found in the UK. With only a handful of breeding pairs recorded, it's relatively rare during the breeding season. However, during the winter months, the UK hosts several thousand individuals, attracted to coastal areas and wetlands. Known for its distinctive black and white plumage and long, slender bill, the Spotted Redshank adds to the diversity of the UK's birdlife, particularly during the colder seasons. Spoonbill Kingfisher The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a striking bird. With around 4,000 breeding pairs, it's a relatively common sight along rivers and water bodies during the breeding season. In winter, the UK hosts a stable popul...

RSPB Greylakes On the way down to Devon, I stopped at this RSPB reserve to try and catch the Baikal Teal that had been present for a few weeks.   The Teal was definitely present and being watched by a lot of birders from both hides. However, it was fast asleep the entire time I was present. Such is birdwatching… RSPB Aylesbeare Two trips to this reserve but no luck with Dartford warblers or much else really. Maybe I was a bit too early for a lot of activity. RSPB Bowling Green Marsh Nothing much that was unusual this time around, expect for a lot of rain. Both times I visited, in the early morning, the hide was empty.   There were Spoonbills present on both trips. River Exe cruise with Stuart Line cruises Not one of their specific birding cruises but enjoyable trip up the river. Cormorant and Shag present as usual, and very distinctive as they move into the breeding season. Seaton Wetlands There was a flotilla of Wigeon just off the Seaton beach. I’ve not seen that b...