Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Saturday, 30 May 2009

Brandon Marsh

With reports of a Woodchat Shrike on Newlands, yesterday, from the Carlton Hide, I arrived at Brandon this morning just before 0500. With no one else around, I walked to the Carlton Hide, with a brief look over East Marsh in case anything caught my eye - it did not! The sun was about to break over the horizon as I opened the flaps, so it would not be good for searching. However, I persevered, with others arriving in one and twos - more eyes to search! It was to no avail and the bird was not located. Unfortunately, time had also run out so I headed back to the car at 0800, walking around the Newlands path, just in case.
Although my prime task was to locate a "lifer" I still amassed 49 bird species. All the usual suspects were about but the best was a Barn Owl hunting over Newlands. I hope that someone re-locates the shrike but it does not look good with a SMS message indicating no sign at 1135. Sorry, no Photo's today.

Todays Sightings:

Cuckoo; Robin; Pheasant; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Green Woodpecker; Canada Goose; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Chiffchaff; Cettis Warbler; Magpie; Reed Warbler; Mallard; Coot; Wren; Great Tit; Reed Bunting; Water Rail; Redshank; Common Tern; Oystercatcher; Lapwing; Sedge Warbler; Heron; Shoveler; Common Whitethroat; Cormorant; LBB Gull; Swallow; Kestrel; Swift; Dunnock; Greenfinch; Willow Warbler; House Martin; Sparrowhawk; Moorhen; Barn Owl; Stock Dove; Goldfinch; Blue Tit; Blackcap; Great Crested Grebe; Grey Lag Goose; Tufted Duck; Rook; Garden Warbler.
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2 comments:

  1. boatbirder30 May 2009 at 21:18

    Hi Kevin, Unfortunately I didn't arrive myself until 8.30am this morning and stayed until around midday. I think everyone drew a blank on the W. Shrike and I missed a Spotted Flycatcher by about 10 mins at Carlton!! Did get a good look at a Hobby in the big dead tree though!

    Keith Yates

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  2. Kevin Groocock31 May 2009 at 07:10

    Hi Keith, I would have been happy with the Sp Fly as a year tick! but the W Shrike would have been a lifer. It sounds as if a thorough search was made but that is birding. Kicking myself that I did not go yesterday evening.

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