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, 7 April 2012

Warwickshire Ring Ouzels

I had just arrived home from my mornings jaunt at Napton and Draycote, when Tim M phoned to ask if i'd heard about five Ring Ouzels on Gredenton Hill. My RBA phone texts were set for 15mile radius of Rugby, so I hadn't received the news. I soon had my maps out, scouring the area between Northend and Fenny Compton and I soon had the reported spot. On my way, I was hoping that other birders would be in the area as a focal point, and I was pleased to see several birders up on the hill. I am very unfit and arrived very much out of breath! The birders reported that there were five Ring Ouzels (three male and two female) but were very elusive and only showing for seconds / minutes every half hour. Settling down for a wait, the Ring Ouzels eventually showed, distant, in one and twos. Eventually, all five were on the hillside, too distant for decent images, before taking flight, and returning to their favoured gorse area. On and off the birds showed well, but always distant and only for very short periods. Previously, I have only seen single birds, so this was an excellent Easter treat and a very good number for Warwickshire.








 
It could only happen to me! Standing on Gredenton Hill, between Northend and Fenny Compton, looking for Ring Ouzels when a call of nature required me to stand behind a bush! Suddenly, this appeared! Nearly a wet trouser leg!


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11 comments:

  1. ShySongbird7 April 2012 at 19:21

    Well done on the Ring Ouzels Kevin! I would love to have seen them.

    I enjoyed your photos of Wheatears and Yellow Wagtails too. On my first visit to Draycote (a couple of weeks ago) for about twelve months I was really shocked by the water level, I knew it would be low but didn't realise it would be that low!!

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  2. Kevin Groocock7 April 2012 at 19:40

    Cheers Jan! The Ring Ouzel's were a real (but distant) treat. And 5 as well. DRaycote is in a mess at the moment!

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  3. Anonymous7 April 2012 at 20:15

    what a brilliant warks sighting - can't think of a similar gathering for many years. well done for getting there! Hornet.

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  4. Anonymous7 April 2012 at 23:40

    Nice to meet to meet you. Glad the birds showed for you in the end. Roland

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  5. Kevin Groocock8 April 2012 at 04:33

    Always good to meet people and put names to faces! It was an excellent end to a dreary day! Fantastic sight and really pleased they all showed together, all be it briefly.

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  6. Jerry8 April 2012 at 14:28

    Loved looking at these shots - but I am a little envious, almost forgotten the last time I saw a Ring Ouzel!

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  7. Kevin Groocock8 April 2012 at 18:52

    Thanks Jerry - never seen as many as 5 before! Excellent birds but very wary. Would love a close up! Just been looking at your blog - nice, and now following it!

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  8. Mike Attwood8 April 2012 at 22:17

    I've just spent a week in Wales scouring the countryside for ring ouzels and you had them all the time.

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  9. Kevin Groocock9 April 2012 at 05:13

    We did Mike! A great local year tick! I normally have to search for them! Even though there were five, they were not easy to see. Hope you get some soon!

    Ps - my "bogey" bird this year is Crossbill!

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  10. Pete Walkden9 April 2012 at 20:31

    I was tempted by the reports of these birds, but the rain kept me home today. Glad you caught up with them, and bagged some decent shots too.

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  11. Kevin Groocock11 April 2012 at 08:51

    Cheers Pete - very wary birds and images taken at a distance so really pleased with them (400mm prime. Great to see so many together in the County!

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