Two attempts to fish River Sark for chub over the past ten days. First time the river was running heavy and coloured. One dipper seen while walking the banks. Tried to catch Gretna starling roost but only saw a couple of small flocks.
Today pretty much a repeat story, except river was a little lower. Still struggled to keep bait stable in the hotel swim. Starlings almost as elusive as before.
Saturday 29 December 2012
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Wednesday 5th December
Walk through Locharbriggs end of cycle track waiting for new car keys. Visual conditions very pretty. Goldfinches around and main tits including long tailed. Some dunnocks about too.
On Sunday revisited St Michael's Churchyard. Waxwings still around same location but in smaller numbers. Today only around 15 in tree. Still have not got close enough to see the fancy wing and tail coverings.
On Sunday revisited St Michael's Churchyard. Waxwings still around same location but in smaller numbers. Today only around 15 in tree. Still have not got close enough to see the fancy wing and tail coverings.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Wednesday 21st November
My No1 birdwatching target for the winter has been achieved! 40 waxwings in large tree on Glebe Street and also plundering yewberries from St Michael's churchyard - but they made off to another large tree around Brooms Road car park area when visited by the resident sparrowhawk.
This is the culmination of a story going back two weeks when they were first sighted in Dumfries, since when I've visited every site where they appeared without success. They have even had the cheek to turn up in Georgetown in small numbers. About ten days ago sat it out for a while in the churchyard but there were only coal tits and chaffinches around, which scattered all of a sudden, upon which I caught site of the sparrowhawk (female) which is how I know it visits regularly.
Also had first ever goldfinch on bird table about ten days ago after putting out sunflower seeds.
This is the culmination of a story going back two weeks when they were first sighted in Dumfries, since when I've visited every site where they appeared without success. They have even had the cheek to turn up in Georgetown in small numbers. About ten days ago sat it out for a while in the churchyard but there were only coal tits and chaffinches around, which scattered all of a sudden, upon which I caught site of the sparrowhawk (female) which is how I know it visits regularly.
Also had first ever goldfinch on bird table about ten days ago after putting out sunflower seeds.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Tuesday 30th October
Walk at Threave Castle yesterday, nominally looking for willow tits. Sort of broke the bind of hearing but not seeing birds as saw redwing, possible woodpecker and fieldfare in the high trees, several wrens, whooper swans, a couple of dunnock (are they another species that has gone down in numbers? - haven't seen one for ages) as well as blue tits and chaffinches. Detoured back through the wood and also saw jay that had been screeching earlier. No suspect willow tits. One bench near stepping stones hide is almost out of view of passing birds. Several blackbirds went very close to me on way to tree nearby.
Very similar result re willow tit today on bike ride through Castle Wood - in fact only saw another jay, some wrens and incidental curlew on way back. This area looks very attractive with lots of fallen trees, dead wood and damp patches for willow tit, but haven't seen much on several visits. Perhaps it hasn't settled down yet after recent makeover, although this is now two years ago.
Very similar result re willow tit today on bike ride through Castle Wood - in fact only saw another jay, some wrens and incidental curlew on way back. This area looks very attractive with lots of fallen trees, dead wood and damp patches for willow tit, but haven't seen much on several visits. Perhaps it hasn't settled down yet after recent makeover, although this is now two years ago.
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Wednesday 10th October
Another trip to Annan by bike from Lochmaben, looking at stretch from Millhousebridge to just above Dalton. Again some likely spots but no fish seen apart from one small trout (prob) moving and some fry when I put in bits of crumpet in a tree swim.
Saw a couple of salmon fishers who said most fish are still in the estuary, waiting for rain - seems a bit late to me. Also said this stretch around bridge above Dalton can produce some big catches of grayling.
Things are a bit betwixt and between at the moment for me as day tickets not available until 15th November and no waxwings likely til around the same time. The autumn sunshine has been enjoyable though, producing some nice light effects through the trees.
Saw a couple of salmon fishers who said most fish are still in the estuary, waiting for rain - seems a bit late to me. Also said this stretch around bridge above Dalton can produce some big catches of grayling.
Things are a bit betwixt and between at the moment for me as day tickets not available until 15th November and no waxwings likely til around the same time. The autumn sunshine has been enjoyable though, producing some nice light effects through the trees.
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Tuesday 18th September
Walked from Annan to Brydekirk and back along both sides of the Annan, mainly looking for chub spots. Spent a lot of time looking into the water, but not seeing anything. Although clear, the water very deep in parts, black and unpenetrable. Only saw a few smaller fish rising. One or two snaggy areas with trees. Also no signs to indicate the possibility of fishing it for coarse fish or not.
Good however to see a couple of dippers and a couple of very healthy looking grey wagtails.
It seems there are a lot of species in the Annan and I have seen photos of bream and pike caught as well as chub and grayling. Chub must also be in the Dryfe Water and Water of Milk if they are in both the Annan and the Kinnel Water.
The following Sunday saw a few curlew and lapwing on a fitness bike ride to Caerlaverock, also lapwing from train to work during the week.
Good however to see a couple of dippers and a couple of very healthy looking grey wagtails.
It seems there are a lot of species in the Annan and I have seen photos of bream and pike caught as well as chub and grayling. Chub must also be in the Dryfe Water and Water of Milk if they are in both the Annan and the Kinnel Water.
The following Sunday saw a few curlew and lapwing on a fitness bike ride to Caerlaverock, also lapwing from train to work during the week.
Saturday 15 September 2012
Saturday 15th September
Did a 'bikebirding' effort round Glenkiln loop hoping to see 16 species excepting crows and gulls (which were strangely absent anyway) rather than trying to actually spot anything. In the end only 14 as wren repeatedly heard not seen, as were a jay and a curlew. For the record: wood pigeon, sparrow, chaffinch, house martin, meadow pipit, swallow (loads of), blackbird, chaffinch, black swan, greylag goose, buzzard, blue tit, starling, goldfinch. Didn't count mallard or mute swan as too common.
The bird target this winter has to be the waxwing. Next fishing target a river chub. Research suggests that they are not as frequent on the Annan as they once were, but have come back a bit in the Sark and Kirtle Water.
The bird target this winter has to be the waxwing. Next fishing target a river chub. Research suggests that they are not as frequent on the Annan as they once were, but have come back a bit in the Sark and Kirtle Water.
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Wednesday 5th September
On the basis of a dry couple of days and a good weather forecast, decided to give the Mill Loch a try to see if I could catch a bream. Still most parts on North bank inaccessible without platform so ended
up fishing in the path swim next to two blokes from Yorkshire who had put a lot of bait in but seemed to be fishing a long way out.
Pretty soon started catching small roach on glugged sweetcorn but bites dried up during the afternoon despite liners. Eventually got an eel of about 2.5 lb on worm. After Yorkshire blokes packed up (having not bagged up) had a good fish on the corn rod but snapped off as trace was only 2lb. Just as sun went down got another on the same rod and landed it. About 18” long so probably 4.5lb. Shortly after got another skimmer on the other rod on corn. Hung on for a bit as dusk fell but no further bites. Since the objective was simply to catch a bream at a location I've never had one from before, I was well pleased. Also a lovely day - moderate sunshine in my face all day - in spite of a wasp sting while reaching for biscuits and the collapse of yet another fishing chair.
 |
| Nice Bream |
Pretty soon started catching small roach on glugged sweetcorn but bites dried up during the afternoon despite liners. Eventually got an eel of about 2.5 lb on worm. After Yorkshire blokes packed up (having not bagged up) had a good fish on the corn rod but snapped off as trace was only 2lb. Just as sun went down got another on the same rod and landed it. About 18” long so probably 4.5lb. Shortly after got another skimmer on the other rod on corn. Hung on for a bit as dusk fell but no further bites. Since the objective was simply to catch a bream at a location I've never had one from before, I was well pleased. Also a lovely day - moderate sunshine in my face all day - in spite of a wasp sting while reaching for biscuits and the collapse of yet another fishing chair.
Sunday 2 September 2012
Sunday 2nd September
Drove to Mill Loch to check out fishing possibilities. North side flooded and not much getting caught. West end is getting silted up. An area where I once caught a pike is unfishable.
Went on to Kelhead to see if any better. Almost unrecognisable from the time I last fished there four or five years ago. Most of the quarry inaccessible. Pipe swim approach completely flooded. New trees all over next to bank. Two blokes fishing at corner but only two other swims further up accessible. Typography of the bankside almost unrecognisable. Think I'll go for Mill Loch if at all, as at least the water seems to be running off well. Did see a few willow warblers around Mill Loch and a greater spotted woodpecker at Kelhead.
On a brighter note there is now a glut of peacock butterflies on the buddleia, so at least one butterfly has done well. Unfortunately Jennifer's cat has eaten a couple. Also a good few small tortoiseshells but still no red admiral.
Went on to Kelhead to see if any better. Almost unrecognisable from the time I last fished there four or five years ago. Most of the quarry inaccessible. Pipe swim approach completely flooded. New trees all over next to bank. Two blokes fishing at corner but only two other swims further up accessible. Typography of the bankside almost unrecognisable. Think I'll go for Mill Loch if at all, as at least the water seems to be running off well. Did see a few willow warblers around Mill Loch and a greater spotted woodpecker at Kelhead.
On a brighter note there is now a glut of peacock butterflies on the buddleia, so at least one butterfly has done well. Unfortunately Jennifer's cat has eaten a couple. Also a good few small tortoiseshells but still no red admiral.
Tuesday 28 August 2012
Tuesday 28th August
Bike ride to and around Ae Forest, hoping to hear Green Woodpecker. Didn't, so ended up focussing on bike ride navigation and very little seen. Buzzards on Amisfield Moor but nothing else today, just one or two pipits heard. Main event was a jay in garden at end of moor.
In the forest, took ages to even see a willow warbler. Heard possible redpoll. Didn't bother much on way back - getting windy.
A fortnight ago, I also did a walk from Mossdale down to the old Ken Viaduct checking for green woodpeckers, having read a discussion group entry suggesting they had been there in numbers. In fact there was no sign at all, which has set me thinking that they move around a fair bit.
However there was a small consolation in this flock of (presumably farmed) red deer lurking behind the bog.
In the forest, took ages to even see a willow warbler. Heard possible redpoll. Didn't bother much on way back - getting windy.
A fortnight ago, I also did a walk from Mossdale down to the old Ken Viaduct checking for green woodpeckers, having read a discussion group entry suggesting they had been there in numbers. In fact there was no sign at all, which has set me thinking that they move around a fair bit.
However there was a small consolation in this flock of (presumably farmed) red deer lurking behind the bog.
 |
| Red Deer |
Friday 10 August 2012
Friday 10th August
Bike run to Caerlaverock Wildlife Reserve and quick lookaround, ideally for willow tit. Remarkably quiet. Took a while to see even any willow warblers. Notably, no noise from chiffchaffs nor indeed on previous two trips - as if they've already packed up and left. Quite a few dragonflies and the odd meadow brown. Meanwhile, small tortoiseshells increasing in number on buddleia and even saw one peacock.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Tuesday 31st July
Following tip re green woodpecker location, took walk along road from Mossdale to Lock Ken old viaduct and back via route of paddy line.
Very pleasant and various contrasting sightings, although no green woodpecker. One bird constantly
screeching near loch was most likely a jay.
Red kite (inevitably) and extremely tranquil herd or red deer including male with antlers that were presumably part of venison farm. Many chaffinch, meadow pipit on farm wall, greenfinches in garden and nuthatch on feeder. Walking into woods large number of juvenile coal tits mainly that went into trees right above my head. I could have reached them with a cricket bat and have never seen birds unwittingly approach so near. Willow warblers, treecreeper and long-tailed tit in trees on train line.
On the way back stopped off at Knowetop Lochs and saw one ringlet and one scotch argus, plus signs of fish life in lower loch again - tempting to try fishing for them as no 'no fishing sign'.
Very pleasant and various contrasting sightings, although no green woodpecker. One bird constantly
 |
| Red Deer |
Red kite (inevitably) and extremely tranquil herd or red deer including male with antlers that were presumably part of venison farm. Many chaffinch, meadow pipit on farm wall, greenfinches in garden and nuthatch on feeder. Walking into woods large number of juvenile coal tits mainly that went into trees right above my head. I could have reached them with a cricket bat and have never seen birds unwittingly approach so near. Willow warblers, treecreeper and long-tailed tit in trees on train line.
On the way back stopped off at Knowetop Lochs and saw one ringlet and one scotch argus, plus signs of fish life in lower loch again - tempting to try fishing for them as no 'no fishing sign'.
Saturday 28 July 2012
Saturday 28th July
Yes it took me that long to get back out again due to worst July weather for forty years. Walk on brown trail (including butterfly reserve) at Mabie Forest. Surprisingly little heard or seen the whole way. Some newts in the pond and a dragonfly. A couple of coal tits. Possible redpoll calling. Six ringlets and a sightly delapidated meadow brown, one red deer. Weather mixed. Otherwise have had juvenile sparrowhawk in garden but all butterflies on buddleia have been small tortoiseshells and few enough of them.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Tuesday 26th June
Thankfully better weather for last day of holiday. Took bus up the Zemmerbachtal (by accident) and had a lovely walk back to Ginzling along the valley, plus a run over the Innerboden lower hill walk in the afternoon. A lot of butterflies that I started to photograph so I have confirmation of alpine blue and picture of an eyed brown I can't identify. Large trout and others seen under first bridge at Ginzling.
On Innerboden walk a yellow bird landed briefly on a fence than scuttled off into the trees making discontented noises. A dogwalking lady told me it was a serin, which I first doubted but later got a good look at one one the telegraph wires at the end of the walk and confirmed. More encounters with black redstarts, the coal tits that look like marsh tits and butterflies, one of which was I think a female alpine blue - looked dark blue when flying but seemed very dingy grey with slight white marking when landed.
All throughout the holiday, the extra variety of species available made for increased interest but also inceased frustration as it makes identification much more of a challenge. But I'm very happy with the new additions to my birdspotting list and to have seen such a variety of plant and insect life as well. And the scenery itself was of course fantastic.
On Innerboden walk a yellow bird landed briefly on a fence than scuttled off into the trees making discontented noises. A dogwalking lady told me it was a serin, which I first doubted but later got a good look at one one the telegraph wires at the end of the walk and confirmed. More encounters with black redstarts, the coal tits that look like marsh tits and butterflies, one of which was I think a female alpine blue - looked dark blue when flying but seemed very dingy grey with slight white marking when landed.
All throughout the holiday, the extra variety of species available made for increased interest but also inceased frustration as it makes identification much more of a challenge. But I'm very happy with the new additions to my birdspotting list and to have seen such a variety of plant and insect life as well. And the scenery itself was of course fantastic.
Monday 25 June 2012
24rd June and 25th June
Went up the Ahorn lift and walked to Edelhutte. A bit cloudy so not so rich in butterflies but highlighted by excellent view of male and female ring ouzel that flew fortuitously into tree just past a rock edge as I was approaching. I even knew from the calls and could readily see the white edgings to male's feather patterns but was 90% luck - right place at right time. Got photographs but too blurred to show much.
I saw several crag martins (apparently) and an annoying pipit that clearly wasn't a meadow pipit and kept flying up at 45 degrees chirruping all the way and back down onto the same rock. This may have been a water pippet, which does occur in the Tirol. Also several black redstarts.
The next day rain interrupted walk up one of the valleys towards Schlegeis at Teufelsbrucke. Only one butterfly, but did get very good view of redstart in hedgerow which was constantly tutting and calling and seemed to follow me around. There were also some tits moving around non-stop that at first I took for willow or marsh tits but there bibs were far too big, extending way down onto chest. Again there are one or two rarities that looked possible but on balance I think they must have been the local variation of coal tit without the usual pinkish hue and white stripe at back of head. My German bird book indicates some difference and some photographs of the Tannenmeise do look very like willow/marsh tit.
I saw several crag martins (apparently) and an annoying pipit that clearly wasn't a meadow pipit and kept flying up at 45 degrees chirruping all the way and back down onto the same rock. This may have been a water pippet, which does occur in the Tirol. Also several black redstarts.
The next day rain interrupted walk up one of the valleys towards Schlegeis at Teufelsbrucke. Only one butterfly, but did get very good view of redstart in hedgerow which was constantly tutting and calling and seemed to follow me around. There were also some tits moving around non-stop that at first I took for willow or marsh tits but there bibs were far too big, extending way down onto chest. Again there are one or two rarities that looked possible but on balance I think they must have been the local variation of coal tit without the usual pinkish hue and white stripe at back of head. My German bird book indicates some difference and some photographs of the Tannenmeise do look very like willow/marsh tit.
Saturday 23 June 2012
Friday 22nd June - Saturday 23rd June
Bike trip to Fugen and back, not really a nature day but did run over a toad/frog in transit and saw a strangely patterned dark bird going into trees and a tree sparrow outside hotel.
The day after I went back to Fugen as there is a bird trail. This started out well as quickly spotted garden warbler and several whitethroats but did not really deliver, although did see my first ever black squirrel and watched some swallows feeding their young.
The day after I went back to Fugen as there is a bird trail. This started out well as quickly spotted garden warbler and several whitethroats but did not really deliver, although did see my first ever black squirrel and watched some swallows feeding their young.
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Wednesday 20th June
Holiday in Mayrhofen, Austria
Arrived around lunchtime after overnight stay in Kufstein. Decided to go for walk to Brandberg as weather good. Not a lot seen apart from a black redstart, a butterfly like a grayling and a red deer.
21st June
Very long (too long!) walk on and down Penkenberg. Saw an obscure warbler singing single note like tsit from pine trees. Looked most like arctic warbler and not bonelli's - maybe greenish warbler? Did not behave or sing like willow warbler.
Almost immediately after got a clear sighting of two nutcrackers including characteristic tail feathers before they made off. Have been hoping to see one in Germany since 2004, so well-pleased. On getting up to restart walk at Penkenjoch a black bird landed directly infront of me on the grass. Although it had its back turned you could see the white band on its chest so clearly a ring ouzel. Sat down to try to minimise disturbance but immediately it flew off leaving me feeling disappointed at such a fleeting encounter with one of my main targets and certainly the top-listed one for this holiday. Kept a careful eye open on the way down but all suspects proved to be blackbirds.
Also saw a profusion of flowers and butterflies, many of which are hard to identify as they are local species not known in the UK. Those identifed were (or were similar to) small tortoiseshell, speckled wood, painted lady, small pearl bordered fritillary, brown argos, alpine blue, dingy skipper, plus some strong-flying yellows that never settled - suspect brimstone, clouded yellow plus one that had a slight swallow tail.
Arrived around lunchtime after overnight stay in Kufstein. Decided to go for walk to Brandberg as weather good. Not a lot seen apart from a black redstart, a butterfly like a grayling and a red deer.
21st June
Very long (too long!) walk on and down Penkenberg. Saw an obscure warbler singing single note like tsit from pine trees. Looked most like arctic warbler and not bonelli's - maybe greenish warbler? Did not behave or sing like willow warbler.
Almost immediately after got a clear sighting of two nutcrackers including characteristic tail feathers before they made off. Have been hoping to see one in Germany since 2004, so well-pleased. On getting up to restart walk at Penkenjoch a black bird landed directly infront of me on the grass. Although it had its back turned you could see the white band on its chest so clearly a ring ouzel. Sat down to try to minimise disturbance but immediately it flew off leaving me feeling disappointed at such a fleeting encounter with one of my main targets and certainly the top-listed one for this holiday. Kept a careful eye open on the way down but all suspects proved to be blackbirds.
Also saw a profusion of flowers and butterflies, many of which are hard to identify as they are local species not known in the UK. Those identifed were (or were similar to) small tortoiseshell, speckled wood, painted lady, small pearl bordered fritillary, brown argos, alpine blue, dingy skipper, plus some strong-flying yellows that never settled - suspect brimstone, clouded yellow plus one that had a slight swallow tail.
 |  |
 |  |
Monday 28 May 2012
Monday 28th May
Today looks like the end of prolonged spell of sunshine so off to Mabie Forest on bike to check out butterflies in nature reserve. Kept casual eye out for wood warbler and green woodpecker on the way but suspected sighting of tree pipits on edge of butterfly area. Couldn't get them in binoculars to confirm but tree pipit is becoming a target. It seems they are around but I just don't notice them.
Quite instuctive as lots of small pearl bordered fritillaries and small heaths but also a very small, lighter coloured butterfly that seemed almost predominantly yellow with dark spots/cheques. There is a thing called the chquered skipper. I have contacted Butterfly Conservation Scotland to see if this is at all likely. Supposedly they only occur in the Fort William area but it is their peak flying time. I don't find the pictures I've seen of them much help as the specimen I observed appeared much lighter in colour.
Later research suggests it may in fact have been a speckled yellow moth.
Quite instuctive as lots of small pearl bordered fritillaries and small heaths but also a very small, lighter coloured butterfly that seemed almost predominantly yellow with dark spots/cheques. There is a thing called the chquered skipper. I have contacted Butterfly Conservation Scotland to see if this is at all likely. Supposedly they only occur in the Fort William area but it is their peak flying time. I don't find the pictures I've seen of them much help as the specimen I observed appeared much lighter in colour.
Later research suggests it may in fact have been a speckled yellow moth.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Tuesday 22nd May
First trip out with Malcolm yesterday. It has finally warmed over the weekend but fish are taking a time to respond. Followed dubious tip to fish square but all we could get was small perch and one resonable roach bream hybrid. Apparently things picked up on Queensberry Salix after teatime. Saw another fox when we came to suss things out on Sunday.
Today out with Alex and eventually Vicki as well as Malcolm. Fish spawning and Alex keen to fish West end although my judgement is that North and South East banks tend to be better. I was on the pole in the NW corner. Alex got a couple of carp ledgering near weed and Malcolm missed bites before eventually getting a chub. Corner was tricky because of lack of space to strike but fish came on nicely. Eventually Malcolm got a reasonable common on my pole and Vicki got a couple of carp on float fished maggot. Encouraged Malcolm to try this but all he got was a chub, a small skimmer and a gudgeon.
Meanwhile I was alternating between chub and carp mostly to sweetcorn and missed bites and eventually got a nice 5lb common around 9.00 pm that went round and round as if on a grand prix circuit before swimming straight into the net. My total was seven carp and five chub but I wasn't getting unduly excited until that last fish as overall carp size was just 2 - 3 lb. One chub about 13/4lb as against overall 1lb stamp.
Plenty of fish were coming out of SE corner which is main spawning area but unfortunately occupied by noisy locals when we got there. We're pretty convinced that the fish in Brooms get moved around and sold on, which might account for overall low size. Perhaps time for a new fishing challenge?
 |
| Malcolm's First Carp |
Meanwhile I was alternating between chub and carp mostly to sweetcorn and missed bites and eventually got a nice 5lb common around 9.00 pm that went round and round as if on a grand prix circuit before swimming straight into the net. My total was seven carp and five chub but I wasn't getting unduly excited until that last fish as overall carp size was just 2 - 3 lb. One chub about 13/4lb as against overall 1lb stamp.
Plenty of fish were coming out of SE corner which is main spawning area but unfortunately occupied by noisy locals when we got there. We're pretty convinced that the fish in Brooms get moved around and sold on, which might account for overall low size. Perhaps time for a new fishing challenge?
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Wednesday 16th May
Fishing trip to Brooms FI to test before Malcolm comes up next week as weather has been so chilly this month.
Margin fishing was disrupted by swan eating bait off the bottom and sport slow. Did manage a koi and a common (latter on very short rigged half hooker) and turned the whole thing round a bit by getting a nice barbel of about 4lb from the swim the swan had disturbed on a worm, which was a good piece of thinking. Saw splendid fox with huge brush tail on other side of F1.
Margin fishing was disrupted by swan eating bait off the bottom and sport slow. Did manage a koi and a common (latter on very short rigged half hooker) and turned the whole thing round a bit by getting a nice barbel of about 4lb from the swim the swan had disturbed on a worm, which was a good piece of thinking. Saw splendid fox with huge brush tail on other side of F1.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Tuesday 8th May
Conntinued easterly winds and very cool weather have meant all thoughts of fishing have been postponed. Managed morning trip to Ken Dee Marshes as a first attempt at spotting wood warbler, green woodpecker and willow tit. Never sure about this place. The area noted for wood warblers seemed decidedly quiet again although I did hear some trilling from a distance and saw the bird but too far away to identify. No sign either of pied flycatcher. Did however see treecreeper and female wheatear (never seen either here before) as well as pink footed geese. There was a moment of excitement when I caught sight of a bird with dark head markings at the edge of the main woodland - but it turned out to be a fluffy looking male blackcap.
Also three red squirrels on brief walk to Lockerbie Wildlife Reserve some time before this.
Also three red squirrels on brief walk to Lockerbie Wildlife Reserve some time before this.
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Tuesday 1st May
Not getting out much for various reasons but managed lightning trip to Kirkconnel Flow hoping to see some butterflies but weather clouded over badly. But there were some crossbills, male and female, in the scots pines that line the main track.
The Friday after, I happened to see the first orange tip of the season while walking from Penrith to Newton Rigg for work.
The Friday after, I happened to see the first orange tip of the season while walking from Penrith to Newton Rigg for work.
Saturday 14 April 2012
Saturday 14th April
Bike ride to Caerlaverock with Mike Lumb. Wildlife incidental but did see some lapwing and a pair of flirting chiffchaffs very close up. Repeated similar trip and saw greenfinch, the first for a long time around here. Did see one on long weekend to Berlin at end of March.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Saturday 24th March
Very warm day with some sun. Far too pleasant to stay in the house, so another bike ride to Poldivan, thinking it might be last chance to see great grey shrike.
Saw much less than I heard, but spotted first chiffchaff of the year in trees by
cycle track, then a few buzzards. Thought I heard a skylark not far out from Locharbriggs.
Most productive area was a lovely run through Amisfield Moor, where the meadow pipits have returned and there were also two male wheatear and a number of what on checking were probably female reed buntings.
On the way past Ae saw the first butterflies of the season. The ones I got a view of were peacocks that have presumably over-wintered. At Poldivan, the shrike was not in evidence, so headed up past Mitchellslacks hoping to see predators. But there were just some more pipits, quite a few curlew and some lapwing starting to display.
On the way back, the shrike was back in position. Hung around just to the south of the clearing as a bloke from Cumbria reckoned he had seen a couple of goshawks. I may have heard them, sounded a bit like a pheasant though. Nothing much on Amisfield Moor, but did hear another chiffchaff before the cycle track turnoff.
A notable absence was the swallow - must be a few in the country by now.
Saw much less than I heard, but spotted first chiffchaff of the year in trees by
cycle track, then a few buzzards. Thought I heard a skylark not far out from Locharbriggs.
Most productive area was a lovely run through Amisfield Moor, where the meadow pipits have returned and there were also two male wheatear and a number of what on checking were probably female reed buntings.
On the way past Ae saw the first butterflies of the season. The ones I got a view of were peacocks that have presumably over-wintered. At Poldivan, the shrike was not in evidence, so headed up past Mitchellslacks hoping to see predators. But there were just some more pipits, quite a few curlew and some lapwing starting to display.
On the way back, the shrike was back in position. Hung around just to the south of the clearing as a bloke from Cumbria reckoned he had seen a couple of goshawks. I may have heard them, sounded a bit like a pheasant though. Nothing much on Amisfield Moor, but did hear another chiffchaff before the cycle track turnoff.
A notable absence was the swallow - must be a few in the country by now.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Tuesday 13th March
11 degrees today so first spring fishing trip, although wind off sea sent me back to car for extra pullover by mid afternoon.
A mixed day ending with four barbel, four chub and three common carp (two small) but the frustration was that several decent fish got off and many, many bites were missed. Alternated with short pole and method feeder but only one serious pull on the latter that looked like a line bite.
The first fish hooked was a decent barbel but appeared to be foul hooked and came off under the pole tip. Big fish were in the swim for an hour or so around 3.30 pm but all came off early in the fight, including a snap off. One in particular was going like a train.
I'm starting to have doubts about bacon grill as a bait, as, although popular with the fish, they seem to have no trouble stealing it however it is hooked. As on other trips there were any number of lighting bites that were impossible to hit, some of which may have been shot bited from fish looking for hemp. Worm or meat/worm cocktail was more successful plus one fish on worm/sweetcorn.
The chub moved in heavily towards dusk. Unlike the barbel, they are nothing like their river equivalents - elongated with soft, slimy flanks and above all soft, flabby mouths. Nothing like the hard-fighting ones I once caught in the Trent, which were at times impossible to unhook without a disgorger, so tough were their mouths.
A mixed day ending with four barbel, four chub and three common carp (two small) but the frustration was that several decent fish got off and many, many bites were missed. Alternated with short pole and method feeder but only one serious pull on the latter that looked like a line bite.
The first fish hooked was a decent barbel but appeared to be foul hooked and came off under the pole tip. Big fish were in the swim for an hour or so around 3.30 pm but all came off early in the fight, including a snap off. One in particular was going like a train.
I'm starting to have doubts about bacon grill as a bait, as, although popular with the fish, they seem to have no trouble stealing it however it is hooked. As on other trips there were any number of lighting bites that were impossible to hit, some of which may have been shot bited from fish looking for hemp. Worm or meat/worm cocktail was more successful plus one fish on worm/sweetcorn.
The chub moved in heavily towards dusk. Unlike the barbel, they are nothing like their river equivalents - elongated with soft, slimy flanks and above all soft, flabby mouths. Nothing like the hard-fighting ones I once caught in the Trent, which were at times impossible to unhook without a disgorger, so tough were their mouths.
Monday 12 March 2012
12th March
A couple of walks with Alex this week. At Mersehead saw reed bunting, pipits, curlew, ringed plover and 18 shelduck on shore. Still several hundred barnacle geese. Area behind beach towards Southerness looks to be worth investigating.
Caerlaverock Nature Reserve today. Heard woodpecker and several skylarks but no sighting.
Caerlaverock Nature Reserve today. Heard woodpecker and several skylarks but no sighting.
Thursday 1 March 2012
Thursday 1st March
Going over the moors by Shap on train to Lancaster, I saw what I first thought was an early swallow flying adeptly at about 50 ft, except I noticed the tail shape was completely wrong - shaped like a half closed fan with an almost straight edge. All I got otherwise was a dark silhouette as the train sped on and I started to wonder about birds of prey. The main suspect would be a female merlin, but obviously you can't get the train to go back and check.
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Wednesday 29th February
Bike Ride to Ruthwell and Caerlaverock. Largely inspired by TV programme on exercise the previous night so more focussed on exercise than wildlife. Did however manage to see tree sparrow in hedge just before the conifers on run in to Clarencefield and 100 whooper swans in field east of Brow Well. Surprised by tree sparrow as haven't seen them in this area before - completely chance sighting while pedalling at a fair rate of knots. Also probable sparrowhawk and a lone curlew at Bankend. Heard several skylarks at Bankend and Caerlaverock Nature Reserve but could not see them. Paused for 20 minutes to look for willow tits but only more long-tailed tits and others showed themselves. Tide was out and many more curlew were on the estuary sands plus something with a brown head that didn't seem to be a shelduck.
Sunday 19 February 2012
Sunday 19th February
Sparrowhawk sat on top of the bushes outside Parkhead Court - a very good place to look for sparrows! I sometimes wonder why I see sparrowhawks so rarely, as if I'm looking for them in the wrong way or mistaking them for something else.
This also reminds me I chanced to see a couple of tufted ducks on the Nith by Troqueer Bridge a couple of weeks ago.
This also reminds me I chanced to see a couple of tufted ducks on the Nith by Troqueer Bridge a couple of weeks ago.
Monday 13 February 2012
Monday 13th February
Long bike ride to Ae and Poldivan, then on over moors to Cample, Closeburnmill, Auldgirth, Kirkton. Two bullfinches and goldfinch plus long-tailed tits on the cycleway. Just a buzzard or two on Amisfield Moor. A very yellow looking crossbill just past Mitchellslacks turnoff before Loch Ettrick, only my second sighting although appaently there have been many of them in Ae Forest. This was a very cocky bird that flew down to take grit off the road right in front of the bike at three yards range.
Brief resighting of great grey shrike over lunch on the Poldivan clearing and met Brian Henderson again, who told me that my other target for the area, the merlin, is unlikely to show for a month and suggested looking for the black grouse left of the second cattle grid north.
However the wind got up and it was by then too cold for me to hang around long in cycling gear, or to spot more than a couple of pipits on the moortop. On the way down into the valley saw what I took to be a couple of greylags, except that they had a decided ridge just behind the bill. I do not think they were white-fronted geese and cannot find any photos of greylags with that beak formation.
Completely exhausted after Auldgirth and virtually just letting the wind push me home, I startled a roe deer by Dalswinton Estate.
Brief resighting of great grey shrike over lunch on the Poldivan clearing and met Brian Henderson again, who told me that my other target for the area, the merlin, is unlikely to show for a month and suggested looking for the black grouse left of the second cattle grid north.
However the wind got up and it was by then too cold for me to hang around long in cycling gear, or to spot more than a couple of pipits on the moortop. On the way down into the valley saw what I took to be a couple of greylags, except that they had a decided ridge just behind the bill. I do not think they were white-fronted geese and cannot find any photos of greylags with that beak formation.
Completely exhausted after Auldgirth and virtually just letting the wind push me home, I startled a roe deer by Dalswinton Estate.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Tuesday 31st January
Mr Henderson gave me a tip as well, when I mentioned that I was targetting twites but thought they were only in the far West of the region. The result was today's double visit to the Carse Pow estuary at Carsethorn and Southerness Golf Course.
I may have seen them at Carsethorn when a flock of birds went up from a gorse bush with some rather jittery toing and froing but couldn't get close enough to see them with the binoculars as they settled, camouflaged as they were against the brown of the field edge. The only option was to go closer and most of the flock scattered leaving only two birds on the fence, one of which was unidentifiable and the other a chaffinch.
I patrolled around a bit but in 2 Celsius with a biting Easterly coming in off the estuary, I wasn't for hanging about and went back along the shore, picking up incidental sightings of oystercatcher, shelduck, redshank and dunlin.
A quick circular walk in the surrounding lanes was warmer and produced several hundred barnacle geese, a dozen golden plover (long time, no see) and lone crested duck and pochard on the trout farm - but no twite.
I had no precise area of Southerness Golf Course to target and decided to walk round it clockwise, starting next to the dunes. There was very little about apart from more waders and for a long time the only birdies I saw were on the 16th green.
Golf courses are bigger than you imagine but even after a half way rest all I could manage was a couple of meadow pipits and a flock of chaffinches next to a farmhouse by the road.
About to give up, I started to follow the track back toward the clubhouse. After a while I noticed a side track to a farm field in the centre of the golf course, which seemed to have been ploughed up for the cattle. There were a few rooks around.
Passing along the edge of the field I saw a large flock of small birds go up in the far corner in a similar manner to those at Carsethorn in the morning.
This time I managed to sneak up to the area where they were feeding on the ground without disturbing them unduly and half hid behind a gorse bush, so that they strayed close enough to identify. There was no mistaking them - buff necks, yellow beaks and long tails - and so it was easy to distinguish them from the few chaffinches mixed in with the flock. I even attempted a photo which turned into a 'spot the twite' competition.
So another big landmark within a week! In the past I thought I might have seen the odd twite on occasion but I would now say they were almost certainly linnets. The only exception was a posse of ground feeding birds I once pursued at Balcary Bay but couldn't identify. But that was in the summer.
I may have seen them at Carsethorn when a flock of birds went up from a gorse bush with some rather jittery toing and froing but couldn't get close enough to see them with the binoculars as they settled, camouflaged as they were against the brown of the field edge. The only option was to go closer and most of the flock scattered leaving only two birds on the fence, one of which was unidentifiable and the other a chaffinch.
I patrolled around a bit but in 2 Celsius with a biting Easterly coming in off the estuary, I wasn't for hanging about and went back along the shore, picking up incidental sightings of oystercatcher, shelduck, redshank and dunlin.
A quick circular walk in the surrounding lanes was warmer and produced several hundred barnacle geese, a dozen golden plover (long time, no see) and lone crested duck and pochard on the trout farm - but no twite.
I had no precise area of Southerness Golf Course to target and decided to walk round it clockwise, starting next to the dunes. There was very little about apart from more waders and for a long time the only birdies I saw were on the 16th green.
Golf courses are bigger than you imagine but even after a half way rest all I could manage was a couple of meadow pipits and a flock of chaffinches next to a farmhouse by the road.
About to give up, I started to follow the track back toward the clubhouse. After a while I noticed a side track to a farm field in the centre of the golf course, which seemed to have been ploughed up for the cattle. There were a few rooks around.
Passing along the edge of the field I saw a large flock of small birds go up in the far corner in a similar manner to those at Carsethorn in the morning.
This time I managed to sneak up to the area where they were feeding on the ground without disturbing them unduly and half hid behind a gorse bush, so that they strayed close enough to identify. There was no mistaking them - buff necks, yellow beaks and long tails - and so it was easy to distinguish them from the few chaffinches mixed in with the flock. I even attempted a photo which turned into a 'spot the twite' competition.
 |
| Spot the Twite (hard) |
So another big landmark within a week! In the past I thought I might have seen the odd twite on occasion but I would now say they were almost certainly linnets. The only exception was a posse of ground feeding birds I once pursued at Balcary Bay but couldn't identify. But that was in the summer.
Sunday 29 January 2012
Sunday 29th January
Today goes down as my first ever twitch. Decided I had to get out at short notice and elected to head for Loch Ettrick, where a great grey shrike has been sighted.
Having gone too far up the road to Polvidan, turned back and saw a guy with a bird telescope on the side of the road. Got out and asked him if he was looking for the shrike. He said he was looking at it right now and let me take a look. Sure enough, there it was, on the top of an old tree trunk in a reforested area.
Turns out it is a bloke called Brian Henderson of SOC who is writing a study on shrikes in Scotland! So he was able to pass me on a load of further information. Seemingly the shrike has been eating voles and lizards (in January!) and has also taken a coal tit. It has teeth in its bill to break the neck of its prey, eats the head then leaves the rest stuck on a tree stump for later. Except in this case, a kestrel stole one of its dead voles. Brian has been looking for the pellets it regurgitates and sending them for analysis. He wants to know why they eat the heads of their prey.
He has also told me there are merlins in the area. Overall a very successful day. I took a quick walk through the forest further South and there is a lot of walking potential. All of a sudden I know how I'm going to spend the rest of the winter!
On the way back to the car, I saw a kestrel nosing around the woodpile, as if looking for more dead voles.
Having gone too far up the road to Polvidan, turned back and saw a guy with a bird telescope on the side of the road. Got out and asked him if he was looking for the shrike. He said he was looking at it right now and let me take a look. Sure enough, there it was, on the top of an old tree trunk in a reforested area.
Turns out it is a bloke called Brian Henderson of SOC who is writing a study on shrikes in Scotland! So he was able to pass me on a load of further information. Seemingly the shrike has been eating voles and lizards (in January!) and has also taken a coal tit. It has teeth in its bill to break the neck of its prey, eats the head then leaves the rest stuck on a tree stump for later. Except in this case, a kestrel stole one of its dead voles. Brian has been looking for the pellets it regurgitates and sending them for analysis. He wants to know why they eat the heads of their prey.
He has also told me there are merlins in the area. Overall a very successful day. I took a quick walk through the forest further South and there is a lot of walking potential. All of a sudden I know how I'm going to spend the rest of the winter!
On the way back to the car, I saw a kestrel nosing around the woodpile, as if looking for more dead voles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)