A field full of birds

One of the large fields next to Kingsdown Road seems to have a weedy crop of grass growing at the moment. There were quite a few birds in and out of it today and I spent some time watching them, in the hope that something unexpected might appear.

The largest number of birds in the field were Linnets, with around 200. Meadow Pipits were fairly numerous, and occasionally one would fly up into the hedgerow. On the one above it is possible to see the long hind claw that is characteristic of this pipit. Disappointingly this was the only Pipit species around.

Chaffinch was another species that sometimes took refuge in the hedgerow. I didn't see many feeding on the ground but there were probably a few hidden away in the weedy edges. As I walked along a tractor track quite a few Skylarks were on the move. I estimated that there were about 30 in the area. The surprise came near one corner when a group of Woodlarks flew up calling. There were at least five, but as they flew off towards the golf course they seemed to be joined by another small group that may also have been this species. I did wander over to where I though they may have landed but failed to re-locate them.

It's always good to see some Yellowhammers around, they seem to be making a bit of a recovery in the area. There were at least 12 around and looked like bright fruit on this bush. Looking through them I did find on Reed Bunting, but nothing to raise the pulse.

When they flew down onto the filed they mostly disappeared out of view, but occasionally one would appear in the shorter stuff.

A bird that has been noticeable by it's near absence in the garden this Autumn has been the House Sparrow. I had hoped that the widespread decline wasn't going to affect the local numbers, but there certainly seem less around now than in previous years. With this is mind I was pleased to see a dozen or so in the hedge as Kingsdown Road comes onto the village. Overall I'm getting far fewer birds feeding in the garden that usual. Whether this is an indication that the disease that has decimated the Greenfinch population in some places has hit bird in the area I don't know, I haven't found any sick birds. Perhaps the beginning of winter forecast for later nest week will bring more birds in.

Marsh Harrier passed H

I went to Shatterling to get some bird food this afternoon, and on the way back had a look for a Barn Owl but without success.

Looking over Worth Marshes towards, what I suppose in now the RSPB Lydden Valley reserve, I hope to find a Barn Owl out hunting as the evening arrived. As it hadn't actually got light all day dusk was difficult to define. It soon was drizzling again, but that didn't stop a Kestrel from hovering near the railway line. There seemed to be quite a few small birds, mainly finches I think, arriving to roost in the large hedge there and I suspect that they may have been the target.

I also picked up a Marsh Harrier flying towards me. Nowadays this has became quite a common bird, but I still get that bit of excitement that I always used to with this beautiful bird of prey. No sing of a Barn Owl tonight, I'm sure they will be around but their feeding areas move depending on the various farming activities.

In the old days, when my kids were growing up, and we wanted to see such exotic things as Marsh Harriers, we would take a trip to Minsmere. Once there it was out to the Island Mere Hide. Around the marsh that was on view various posts had large letters on sign boards fixed to them, so that directions could be given. Usually, a fairly old volunteer, very well know to all regular visitors was in the hide. When a Marsh Harrier came into view he would loudly announce "Marsh Harrier at H" or what ever post it was passing. In many ways in this pager dominated, modern communication birding world that we have, this sort of expedition is no longer required. I must admit that it is characters like this that brightened up the scene. Anyone who saw the programme about twitchers, shown on the BEEB will have witnessed something that most normal birders will have found both cringe worthy and hilarious at the same time. Sure we need characters, but give me the Marsh Harrier guide every.

Sarah

I will be off for a couple of days. I wrote about Sarah Carlisle's "Party for Life" last year. It raised money for the Rainbow Centre in Bristol.

The Rainbow Centre provides free and professional support to children and their families affected by bereavement, life threatening illness and cancer.

Sarah finally lost her battle and we will be at her funeral tomorrow. She was wonderful and brave and will be missed by all who knew her. She had to continue to raise money for this caring charity. Anyone can donate using the site below:

Party for Life

Disappearing Rail

As I had to be in Deal at 4.30 pm, I decided on a detour along the ancient highway to the SBBO. At the Restharrow Scrape I met Martin Wilson, on his way out of the hide. Having found out that yesterdays Pallas's Warbler seemed to have moved on overnight, with most of the Crests, a wait and see in the hide in the hope, as Mr Micawber might say, of something turning up seemed the best bet. Last week at the Observatory Dave had told me that a Water Rail regularly showed well in front of the hide so I thought I might have a chance of some pictures.

As martin had told me, there were loads of Common Snipe around, and although most of them were into the sun. With the change of the Clocks the sun was already getting low and this casts a rather pleasant warm light on the reeds. One or two of the Snipe had worked their way along the edge and were in full view of the hide.

When this one turned his back on me it gave me the opportunity to illustrate how birds with eyes set on the side of their heads like Snipe and some other waders have all round vision. Even from directly behind you can just see the eyes. This means that the Snipe will be aware of any movement and danger around it. It wouldn't be able to have 3-d vision as only one eye would be able to see most areas but unlike birds of prey that are hunting the ability to "calculate" distance isn't necessary.

Once it got to the right of the hide it had the evening sun on it, giving the plumage a rustier tone. About this time I became aware of the occasional calls of a Water Rail somewhere along the right hand side of the scrape.

After a while Water Rail appeared from one block of reeds and had a little wander about near the edge of the water.

Suddenly it decided to move to the next lot of reeds and dashed along the mud. The light was quite poor by now and such was the speed of the bird all I managed once it was a full pace was a set of blurred images. It carried on calling and seemed to be getting closer, so I got ready for it appearing out pf the reeds to the right of the hide.

The first movement at the bottom of the reeds turned out to be another Snipe appearing from the depths. I could still hear the Rail but there were no views.

Something moving at the base of the reeds was causing some movement, but it flicked up and turned out to be the Robin that had been "ticking" away for some time. It also was give a strange gurgled version of part of it's song mixed with a much more normal delivery.

As my watch and the light were dictating that it was time to go a final bit of activity turned out to be a Moorhen. By now the Water Rail sounded closer than ever, but I still couldn't see it. It will have to wait for another day.