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.

Friday, 14 October 2011

SPOONBILL - Draycote Water!



Well, what a surprise! Reports were coming in about a Spoonbill at Draycote Water! A mega local bird and one that is normally very difficult to see, even on the coast. I was soon on my way arriving in the carpark without full confirmation of its presence. Knowing Bob Hazell was already on site, it was while on the phone to him that a few choice words were uttered as he spotted the Spoonbill near the overflow. This was a first for me in Warwickshire, so I "ran" as fast as I could to the overflow, only being overtaken by two elderly ladies on zimmer frames en route. I managed to contact a number of local birders by mobile, giving very out of breath information, and I apologise if anyone was missed. The only downside to the morning was when two fishing boats did their best to disturb the birds without any thought for the pleasure of those on the bank enjoying the Spoonbill. Enough words, the images below reflect a sample of my efforts with many more on: http://www.kevingroocock.zenfolio.com













The "couldn't care less" fishermen who spooked the Spoonbill.



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12 comments:

  1. Anonymous14 October 2011 at 17:22

    So near to a spoonbill and cracking shots in good weather days like that make it all worth while. Kath

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  2. Kevin Groocock14 October 2011 at 17:36

    Couldn't agree more Kath.

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  3. Mike Attwood14 October 2011 at 19:09

    Well worth the effort, Kevin. Hope the two old ladies got a good view.

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  4. Kevin Groocock14 October 2011 at 19:16

    Cheers, Mike. I'm very unfit!

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  5. Max Silverman15 October 2011 at 11:47

    Nice shots Kevin.Love the yawning shot.Thanks for the call.

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  6. Kevin Groocock15 October 2011 at 19:52

    Cheers Max - glad you made it! Makes up for April 1st (Brandon) LoL!

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  7. Andrew15 October 2011 at 20:36

    Kevin , had a message from a friend , at 8.30am jogging round Draycote , sat at work all day 4.30pm , mad dash to Draycote , and still there phew !! . One hour of solid views before no light .

    You got some great shots Kevin, what a day :0)

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  8. Kevin Groocock15 October 2011 at 20:47

    Hi Andrew - a great day indeed! Kath texted me after you contacted her and the ball was rolling! A fantastic local bird and my first in Warwickshire and my best views ever! Glad you made it after work. Apparently it stayed overnight and was observed to fly off this morning about 0930.

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  9. DaveN16 October 2011 at 09:27

    Hi Kevin, great to get a Spoonbill locally. They are very few and far between over here in Derbyshire too. We have a similar problem with fishing boats at Carsington. They don't seem to give a toss about anybody else. Luckily the season will soon be over.

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  10. Kevin Groocock16 October 2011 at 09:59

    Hi Dave - three good local birds (Grey Phalarope; Black Necked Grebe & Spoonbill - all within 10miles of each other!). Draycote has extended its fishing season this year.

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  11. John17 October 2011 at 20:06

    Great shots Kevin,
    You got some nice close photos of a `stonking` bird there! Isn`t it a shame when the thoughtless few ruin it!?
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  12. Kevin Groocock18 October 2011 at 11:17

    Cheers John - indeed an excellent local bird! I have no overiding problem with the fishermen but hate it when they can see us on the bank observing the birds only to move their boats in and forcing flight.

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