Curlew Sandpipers!

Whats app alert at 8.46      '13 Curlew Sandpipers close in by sluice north wall'

'now 13'......'14'

Time to get down there....................here are a few of my shots!

....and they're away

What a treat.....superb birds!

Cornwall (non birding ) holiday

 In past years we normally have an Autumn week in North Cornwall but this year, due to a number of circumstances, it was agreed to have a 10 day holiday in June.

This proved to be a beach holiday in Porthcothan, a small bay west of Padstow . The weather was amazing with almost unbroken sunshine; very different to the type of weather we usually experience in October!

Birding was not in the plan so it was a matter of enjoying the sand,sea and sunshine and a good dose of Cornish Pasties and Cream teas!

A walk to Park Head  which is on the coast path to Bedruthan Steps produced a few species and I did 'happen' to have my camera with me!

First up was this Rock Pipit on a grassy cliff top.

Stonechats were common  and a couple of youngsters posed beautifully.

Sea birds were few and far between but this Oystercatcher had a nest on an inaccessible islet and appeared to have a single chick with very little between it a a 100' cliff!

The only other bird seen was this feral Rock Dove (type)

It did make a pretty picture in that setting!

On one evening we headed to Constantine Bay a little further east from Porthcothan and to my surprise there was a flock of about 80 waders feeding along the rocky tideline viewed from a  well used high level pathway. Of course, no camera not even binoculars! I could make out Dunlin but there were other species with them.

Next evening armed with suitable equipment we returned and fortunately the birds were there too.

Unfortunately a dog was there also but with patience I was able to make my way to the rocks and the dog eventually disappeared and I was able to get a few shots of this very confiding flock consisting mainly of Dunlin and Sanderlings. both species in varying summer/winter plumage.

This was the highlight of the holiday (birdwise)!

This was a Jackdaw on Treyarnon Bay waiting for holiday maker titbits.

A walk along the Camel estuary at Padstow was very disappointing  with only this Grey Heron and a few distant Little Egrets....Oh yes, I did hear a Curlew! 

....but we did enjoy the long sunny days, the Cornish Pasties and the Cream Teas!!

Pulborough Brooks again.

Arriving at just after midday my wife and I decided to have a bite to eat outside  when suddenly a Cuckoo flew in and settled briefly in a dead tree just to the right of us. 

As they say.....its just a matter of being in the right place at the right time!

 

....and then, just as we were making our way to the Zig Zag, a Garden Warbler burst into song just by the side of us!

They are not usually that obliging!

From Winpenny hide apart from the usual collection of Canada Geese a couple of Avocets were present and a superb Grey Plover in summer plumage.

A distant Hobby from West Meads was too far away for a photo but nevertheless all in all a very pleasant visit to Pulborough.

 Regretfully, only one Nightingale was heard on this occasion.

Ringed Plover nesting on the spit.

 A quick look at Pagham Spit this evening produced a Ringed Plover on a nest in a very vulnerable position from the point of  human visitors. Initially it was calling and as I watched from behind an old breakwater it made its way cautiously forward and settled down, keeping a very close eye on me.

What a privilege!

Several Little Terns were flying up and down the main channel.

....and then four Turnstones suddenly dropped in right in front of me all showing signs of moving into summer plumage,

A great end to a day !

A couple of weeks in Suffolk

 Although a cool East breeze dominated the weather, it was generally pleasant. The Nightingales and Garden Warblers were in good voice and over 80 species were seen in total. The Stone Curlews were very distant and although flyover Cranes were heard I was in the woods at Minsmere at the time so missed actually seeing them!

Most of the regular species were noted and some good views of Bitterns were obtained and on one occasion I happened to be at the right place at the right time, when a Black Winged Stilt was present at Minsmere.

So, a very random mix of photos as reminders of a pleasant couple of weeks.......

Bittern from Island Mere hide, Minsmere

Black Winged Stilt from South Hide Minsmere

Avocets...

A good number of Sand Martins starting to nest

Wood Duck ...a splendid drake at The Mere, Thorpeness

Egyptian Goose with youngster

Fleeting glimpse of a Cettis Warbler at the new board walk,East Scrape hide,Minsmere

Redshank...one of very few at Minsmere

Garden Warbler,  Thorpeness. Surprising numbers around. 

Muntjac

Cormorant...Island Mere

Chinese Water Deer,  Carlton Marshes

Marsh Harrier...Minsmere

Skylark, Minsmere

Sandwich Tern, East Scrape Hide

Shoveler

Kittiwakes nesting on the off shore outfall, Sizewell

Song Thrush, North Warren RSPB Reserve

Moorhen

Red Kite...not so common in Suffolk

Herring Gull

Gadwall

On the way home we stopped off at Pulborough Brooks RSPB and were pleased to note two pairs of Avocets on separate islands on West Meads ...one with rings.

...and lastly this Dunnock enjoying the sun at Fattengates courtyard. 

Just a few reminders to put in the memory bank.

Made a good break from the usual domesticities!