No sign of the Bittern today (and possibly yesterday too by the sound of it). I didn't spend too long down there today and I didn't see it, and don't think anyone else down there earlier or later than me did either.
The visibility was appalling this morning with thick fog and the water levels, as expected, have risen quite a lot. Many of the areas that the Bittern would forage out in the open last week are now under substantial amounts of water.
There was plenty of waterfowl about, with an increase in Pintail and Tufted Duck noted. Despite the high water levels there was quite a number of Lapwing trying to find somewhere dry to sit. There was also Golden Plover, Ruff and Dunlin noted. I didn't bother trying to count anything as the birds were very flighty, a combination of dogs, wildfowlers/farmers, sparrowhawk and Peregrine. A couple of Barn Owl were seen, one right at the back of the reserve and one right by the hide just after I'd put my camera away!
There's plenty of areas for the Bittern to feed now but viewing it may be more difficult that it was last week. May take a look tomorrow if the conditions are better...
Showing posts with label Bittern Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bittern Photos. Show all posts
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Bittern Still Present At North Duffield Carrs
I worked at home today which meant whilst I was on my lunch break I could take a quick look for the Bittern at North Duffield. I'd heard that it hadn't been seen since Monday but thought it worth a look regardless, plus there may have been other stuff worth looking at.
It was much windier at lunchtime than when I walked the dogs this morning, and pretty close to being dark already! I left home at 1305, and by 1310 was sat in the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs enjoying great views of the Bittern on the left of the pool right in front of the hide. Can't complain at that!! I got a couple of record shots just in case anyone doubted my record (below)!
I had a quick scan of the water, which was much higher in level than my last visit on Sunday. Less habitat for waders so not surprisingly I didn't see too many, other than a small flock of 250 Lapwing in with which was 3 Ruff and 2 Dunlin, plus 1 other Dunlin flew low south along the river. There was also a Scaup on the River. My first impression of the floods was that there was far less birds, less geese and Swans - mainly just Mutes, presumably the geese and Whoopers were out in the fields feeding somewhere. On a careful scan of the floods however it was quite interesting to note there was in fact thousands of ducks all hiding in the partially submerged vegetation, counting was impossible (and I didn't have enough time to even contemplate it) but there was a good mix of species: Pochard, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall etc.
Was back home having my soup by 1345! So in less time than it takes to walk from my office to the local Deli of choice (Henshelwoods) and back I'd had quite a productive half hour! Looking forward to the weekend to see if I can improve my Bittern photos from last Saturday, or find something interesting lurking amongst the waterfowl (I hate ducks). I might just sit and look at my Malaysia field guide though as its full of pretty birds and I don't have to bother with the ducks that way!
It was much windier at lunchtime than when I walked the dogs this morning, and pretty close to being dark already! I left home at 1305, and by 1310 was sat in the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs enjoying great views of the Bittern on the left of the pool right in front of the hide. Can't complain at that!! I got a couple of record shots just in case anyone doubted my record (below)!
I had a quick scan of the water, which was much higher in level than my last visit on Sunday. Less habitat for waders so not surprisingly I didn't see too many, other than a small flock of 250 Lapwing in with which was 3 Ruff and 2 Dunlin, plus 1 other Dunlin flew low south along the river. There was also a Scaup on the River. My first impression of the floods was that there was far less birds, less geese and Swans - mainly just Mutes, presumably the geese and Whoopers were out in the fields feeding somewhere. On a careful scan of the floods however it was quite interesting to note there was in fact thousands of ducks all hiding in the partially submerged vegetation, counting was impossible (and I didn't have enough time to even contemplate it) but there was a good mix of species: Pochard, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall etc.
Was back home having my soup by 1345! So in less time than it takes to walk from my office to the local Deli of choice (Henshelwoods) and back I'd had quite a productive half hour! Looking forward to the weekend to see if I can improve my Bittern photos from last Saturday, or find something interesting lurking amongst the waterfowl (I hate ducks). I might just sit and look at my Malaysia field guide though as its full of pretty birds and I don't have to bother with the ducks that way!
Bittern for lunch - just showing it's still there
Bittern for lunch - just showing it's still there
Bittern for lunch - just showing it's still there
Monday, 19 November 2012
Sunday Bittern at Duffield
The day started well when I looked out of the back window to see a Peregrine shooting over, well it started well for me and the Peregrine, less well for the Wood Pigeon that got smashed!
The morning dog walk was interesting with Barn Owl, and an impressive mixed finch flock made up largely of Linnet and Greenfinch with a decent sprinkling of Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll thrown in. The hedges were full of Fieldfare and Blackbird with a couple of Redwing and Song Thrush too and the pair of Mistle Thrush that have taken residence of a hawthorn bush were still present.
During the afternoon I met up with Natalie for some birding in the LDV, check out her blog: Natural(ist) Blonde. We started off at Aughton Ings where there was a good number of Lapwing with at least 30 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Dunlin and easily excess of 50 Snipe including a nice flock of 30 feeding out in the open. There was also a large number of Teal and Wigeon. The large number of waterfowl was a tempting treat for the local Peregrine and Marsh Harrier, both of which put in appearances. A rush of thrushes bursting out of the scrub was due to the attentions of a Sparrowhawk making a dash for dinner.
Next stop was over to North Duffield to see if 1) we could fit into the hide and 2) if the Bittern was still present. After a bit of manoeuvring seats were made available and after a short wait the Bittern appeared fairly close to the hide along the right of the pool. It was interesting to watch the bird peering into the undergrowth, after a quick stab it pulled out a fairly sizeable frog, which it continued to destroy! Happy with its meal it then headed to the back of the pool, eventually disappearing out of view for the rest of the evening. I got a couple of pictures (below) but unfortunately the light wasn't the best by the time it came out!
A couple of Barn Owl were flying about at the back of the reserve and late on one appeared closer to the hide. A couple of Marsh Harrier were noted but again no Short-eared Owl, presumably the bird from earlier has cleared off. There was a decent herd of Whooper Swans at the back of the pools (about 65) and plenty of Geese, Mute Swan and assortment of wildfowl (not enough room in the hide to get the scope out to look at/count properly), though there did appear to be more Pintail present.
The morning dog walk was interesting with Barn Owl, and an impressive mixed finch flock made up largely of Linnet and Greenfinch with a decent sprinkling of Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll thrown in. The hedges were full of Fieldfare and Blackbird with a couple of Redwing and Song Thrush too and the pair of Mistle Thrush that have taken residence of a hawthorn bush were still present.
During the afternoon I met up with Natalie for some birding in the LDV, check out her blog: Natural(ist) Blonde. We started off at Aughton Ings where there was a good number of Lapwing with at least 30 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Dunlin and easily excess of 50 Snipe including a nice flock of 30 feeding out in the open. There was also a large number of Teal and Wigeon. The large number of waterfowl was a tempting treat for the local Peregrine and Marsh Harrier, both of which put in appearances. A rush of thrushes bursting out of the scrub was due to the attentions of a Sparrowhawk making a dash for dinner.
Next stop was over to North Duffield to see if 1) we could fit into the hide and 2) if the Bittern was still present. After a bit of manoeuvring seats were made available and after a short wait the Bittern appeared fairly close to the hide along the right of the pool. It was interesting to watch the bird peering into the undergrowth, after a quick stab it pulled out a fairly sizeable frog, which it continued to destroy! Happy with its meal it then headed to the back of the pool, eventually disappearing out of view for the rest of the evening. I got a couple of pictures (below) but unfortunately the light wasn't the best by the time it came out!
A couple of Barn Owl were flying about at the back of the reserve and late on one appeared closer to the hide. A couple of Marsh Harrier were noted but again no Short-eared Owl, presumably the bird from earlier has cleared off. There was a decent herd of Whooper Swans at the back of the pools (about 65) and plenty of Geese, Mute Swan and assortment of wildfowl (not enough room in the hide to get the scope out to look at/count properly), though there did appear to be more Pintail present.
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Bittern at North Duffield: Excellent Views
Once the cricket was over and the rain and mist had gone away I headed across to the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs to see if yesterdays Bittern was still present. I wasn't to be disappointed.
Shortly after arriving at the hide I picked up the bird to the right of the pool, I then spent the next 5 hours watching it as it moved all around the pool, often disappearing then appearing some distance away, it even gave a nice little fly-past at one stage too. It was fascinating to be able to watch this secretive bird go about its hunting activities. Occasionally it would come right out into the open which was brilliant! Often it's presence was noted by the resident Reed Bunting alarming and watching it move through the vegetation. I took quite a few pictures, some of these are below.
Plenty of other decent birds about today including Water Rail (below hide by pool), Scaup, 2 Grey Plover, c60 Whooper Swan, 1 Black Swan, 70 Mute Swan, several Pink-footed Geese, with hundreds of Greylag and Canadas. There was at least 2 Marsh Harrier about, and 3 Barn Owl though no sign of the recent Hen Harrier or Short-eared Owl.
Other birds noted included c20 Dunlin, 20+ Ruff, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Grey Heron, Cormorant. There was also quite a lot of Lesser Redpoll flying about, in with these were several Siskin and Goldfinch. A sizeable flock of Starling (several thousand) and a good count of Fieldfare with low numbers of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were also noted.
An enjoyable afternoon! Same again tomorrow then? Don't mind if I do.
Shortly after arriving at the hide I picked up the bird to the right of the pool, I then spent the next 5 hours watching it as it moved all around the pool, often disappearing then appearing some distance away, it even gave a nice little fly-past at one stage too. It was fascinating to be able to watch this secretive bird go about its hunting activities. Occasionally it would come right out into the open which was brilliant! Often it's presence was noted by the resident Reed Bunting alarming and watching it move through the vegetation. I took quite a few pictures, some of these are below.
Plenty of other decent birds about today including Water Rail (below hide by pool), Scaup, 2 Grey Plover, c60 Whooper Swan, 1 Black Swan, 70 Mute Swan, several Pink-footed Geese, with hundreds of Greylag and Canadas. There was at least 2 Marsh Harrier about, and 3 Barn Owl though no sign of the recent Hen Harrier or Short-eared Owl.
Other birds noted included c20 Dunlin, 20+ Ruff, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Grey Heron, Cormorant. There was also quite a lot of Lesser Redpoll flying about, in with these were several Siskin and Goldfinch. A sizeable flock of Starling (several thousand) and a good count of Fieldfare with low numbers of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were also noted.
An enjoyable afternoon! Same again tomorrow then? Don't mind if I do.
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Bittern © Andy Walker 2012
Marsh Harrier © Andy Walker 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)