Bird Watching

Answers & solutions ID TIP!

Check your answers against our explanations. Remember, as ever, Remember that divers
there are no ‘trick’ birds or extreme rarities among those here are much larger and
‘smoother’ looking
than the otherwise
somewhat similar
grebes

Long neck and BIRD 1
‘smooth’ head
Here is a long-necked bird, pattering over water to take off.
Red eye It is rather goose-like at first glance. But geese are essentially
terrestrial grazing birds which also like a bit of a swim; so their
Feet set right at the SIMON STIRRUP/ALAMY legs and feet are in the centre of the belly. This bird’s feet are
rear end right at the back of the body, a position common to most diving
birds (which also makes them clumsy on land). The pointed bill
is also wrong for a goose or any wildfowl species; closer to that
of a grebe, or better, a diver. The thick neck and ‘smooth’ head
are both pro-diver features. Plumage-wise, apart from the white
belly, there is little to go on, owing to shadows and contrast. The
almost ‘upturned’ bill, grey head and uniquely red eye confirm
that this is a Red-throated Diver in breeding plumage.

Key features

Q Long-necked, ‘smooth’ headed
Q Pointed bill, almost looks upturned
Q Feet set well back
Q Red eye

Rounded crown, Second bird here!
pale behind bill
Grey feathers newly and on cheek Yellow head
growing on flanks
and back

Large grey bill ASHLEY COOPER PICS/ALAMY Mainly white bird RUSSELL WATKINS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY/ALAMY
with very limited
BIRD 3
black tip
This one is probably too easy for an ID Challenge photo; unless you are
BIRD 2 fooled by the fact that the bird is largely submerged and masked by
splashing... It is a white bird with a yellow head and the wings are held in a
There are no points for guessing this is a duck. And none for saying a very odd position, folded at right angles. You can also see the wings have
diving duck (as diving birds is this month’s theme). The large-headed, black flight feathers (under the water) and the bill (holding a fish, or a bit
relatively big-billed appearance and brown plumage should point you to of a fish...) is quite long and dagger-shaped with black and silver striping,
the Aythya ducks (the genus that includes Tufted Duck, Pochard, and and the lores are black. Drake Eiders have white backs and forewings like
Scaup etc). The head shape is wrong for Pochard (which has a more this. But, of course, they don’t have yellow heads. This is an adult Gannet,
‘pointed head’ sloping down to the bill) and is smoothly rounded, lacking a renowned diver (from the air) for fish. Give yourself an extra quarter
even a hint of the ‘tuft’ of a Tufty. Also, the bill is notably large, and there mark if you noticed there was a second adult Gannet under the water, just
is very little black at the tip at all (there is more on a Tufted Duck’s bill). above the main bird in the photograph.
The broad pale patch behind the bill and less distinct cheek patch are
also pro-Scaup features; as are the grey (or at least vermiculated) feather Key features
patches on the flanks and back. This is a juvenile/first-winter Scaup.
Q White bird with yellow head
Key features Q Dagger-like bill
Q Long white and black wings
Q Rounded crown lacking tuft Q Odd folding of wings
Q Pale patches on cheek and behind bill
Q Bill with very limited black tip
Q Grey feathering emerging on back and flanks

48 March 2021

ID CHALLENGE

Spread wing tips Very long central Black back and wings
showing in dive tail feathers

White flanks

Black at
‘head end’
KAREN VAN DER ZIJDEN/ALAMY
Black-and-white DAVID CHAPMAN/ALAMY
rear end

BIRD 4 BIRD 5

Slightly more subtle than Bird 3, here is a bird captured mid-dive, with Here, we have another bird in mid-dive, on this occasion diving
most of its body already under the water. Indeed all we are left with above directly towards the photographer (ie., the head is at the bottom
the water is the tail end of the body and the tips of the wings, seemingly of the photo, but underwater). What we can see of the plumage is
opened as if to power the bird (‘fly’) under the water. Most striking of all back and white, with clearly and crisply defined regions of
are the central tail feathers which droop down, protruding a considerable unmarked black and unmarked white. The black is all along the
distance beyond the rest of the tail. This is a big clue in itself as there are back and wings and on the flanks and base of the neck (we can’t
very few diving birds with such a long tail (and it rules out birds such as really see anything else). It could be a black-and-white duck or
auks). Plumage-wise, what we can see of the wings are blackish (or very perhaps an auk. But the latter tend to open their wings as they
dark brown) and the rear body seems white with a black back and dive (and ‘fly’ underwater), and the shape of the white flanks is
black-and-white tail. To cut to the chase, the very long tail projections and wrong for eg., Razorbill. This is a black-backed duck with pure
black-and-white plumage point to this being a male Long-tailed Duck. white flanks. It must be a drake Tufted Duck.

Key features Key features

Q Black-and-white plumage Q Black back
Q Outrageously long tail feathers Q Black wings
Q Wings spread in diving Q Black at base of neck
Q Black-and-white tail Q Cleanly defined white flanks

Long neck and Black crown and BIRD 6
largely brown ‘crested’
This bird’s dives have rewarded it with a nice fishy meal, with
plumage appearance one of those fish that looks too big for any bird to swallow! At
least the fish is going down head first. The bird is long-necked
Fluffy rear end and the bill is long and narrow, lacking a hooked tip (unlike a
with legs just cormorant or Goosander). The legs are just showing right at the
back, and the tail end is a bit fluffy, ‘lacking’ an obvious tail. The
showing plumage is largely dark brown, with a black crown (which splays
into a sort of a crest) and rusty orange/rufous cheeks, which
DAVID DRAY/ALAMY seems to splay as a sort of ‘frill’. There is also a thin line of white
above the eye as well as under the eye. The fluffy tail end and
pointed bill suggest a grebe, and the plumage and shape all
point to this being a Great Crested Grebe.

Key features

Q Long-necked, fine, pointed bill
Q Fluffy rear end
Q Legs right at the back
Q Crested head with black crown

MY FAVOURITE SITE “MY BEST CLOSE-TO-HOME SITE IS
FERRY MEADOWS CP, PETERBOROUGH, WITH LAKES
FULL OF DIVING WATERBIRDS!” MIKE WEEDON, ASSISTANT EDITOR

birdwatching.co.uk 49

ID CHALLENGE ID TIP!

ID Tips & tricks When identifying ducks,
sort out whether they are
Here are a few extra tips to help dabbling ducks (mainly
you to identify diving waterbirds
genus Anas) or diving
Female Aythya diving ducks ducks (most of the rest),

There are three species of Aythya which are widespread and relatively common in the UK: before you sort out
Tufted Duck, Pochard and Scaup (though the latter is more localised than the other two). everything else

Tufted Duck

O Smallest of common
Aythya ducks

O Short tuft on back of head
O Dark brown head, breast,

and back
O Mid-brown flanks
O Some show white face blaze
O Grey bill with broad black tip

DAVID OSBORN/ALAMY*

ANIELE OCCHIATO, AGAMI PHOTO AGENCY/ALAMY MIKE LANE/ALAMY*

Pochard Scaup MCPHOTO/SCHAEF/ALAMY*

O Large Aythya duck O Large Aythya duck
O ‘Pointed’ rounded crown, no tuft O Smoothly rounded crown, no tuft
O Pale brown head, darker breast, grey back O Dark brown head and breast, grey back
O Grey flanks O Grey flanks
O Pale line ‘through’ eye O Obvious white blaze on face
O Dark grey bill with pale grey band, broad black tip O Pale grey bill with tiny black tip

SNAP IT! NEXT MONTH’S
CHALLENGE
Have you taken a great shot of a
diving bird? If so, why not share it Spring warblers revisited
with other readers; send photos to:
[email protected]

50 March 2021





COLLECT

& KEEP

Every month we bring
you 10 more sites to

build up your

GO BIRDING
collection

GO BIRDING
10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING

ST JOHN”S POOL TAP O’ NOTH

KING EDWARD I MONUMENT EAST CHEVINGTON

BURRY PORT ATTENBOROUGH NWT

EYE35.PIX/ALAMY*

WEST BEXINGTON CROPSTON RESERVOIR

JOHN CANCALOSI/ALAMY*

MORE SITES ST OMER, PAS-DE-CALAIS FAGGS WOOD

For a full list of the sites we’ve TOMSPHOTOS/ALAMY*
featured, go to

birdwatching.co.uk/gbindex

birdwatching.co.uk 53

GO BIRDING

CAITHNESS MAX MILES ON FOOT: 1 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS

ST JOHN’S POOL

Seabirds and wildfowl at a well-placed site PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: KW14 8YE
Black-headed Gull GRID REF: ND 221 729
MAPS: OS Explorer 451,
OS Landranger 12
PARKING: A small car park is found
before the house at St John’s Pool
TERRAIN: Mostly scanning from the
car, with a solid footpath to the hides
ACCESS: Public access 10am-6pm in
main breeding season, tel: 07743

371169 for use of photo hides
FACILITIES: Closest in Thurso

KEVIN ELSBY/ALAMY* INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

St John’s Pool is a work of Taiga Bean Geese and Whitefronts birds. This fence allows a colony of Even if you are not into JEFF GILBERT/ALAMY*
art, made by the present have been found. Look out for Sandwich Terns to nest here, with photography, try the hides,
owner. Tucked next to Whooper Swans as well. Arctic Terns and even Common just to see the birds at
St John’s Loch, it is a magnet Terns joining them. About 600 pairs eye level!
for many birds, having a good 2Leave the main road and scan of Black-headed Gulls protect the
edge effect most of the year the roadside fields for breeding terns from avian predators. Look out TARGET BIRDS
by controlling the water waders such as Lapwing, Redshank for Little Gull or even a Black Tern. SPRING/SUMMER
levels. Of course the owner is and Oystercatcher, and passage Check the Wigeon for an American
a birder, and shows what can birds such as Black-tailed Godwit. Wigeon, and keep an eye open for G Lapwing
be done to improve habitats. Listen for Sedge Warbler in the Red-necked Phalarope. G Redshank
willows, with even Marsh Warbler G Oystercatcher
JOHN MILES having turned up in the past. 5Not only are there bird hides, G Common Tern
but also photography hides sunk G Arctic Tern
WHERE TO WATCH 3The rough ground here is ideal into the ground – these have to G Sandwich Tern
for Short-eared and Barn Owls be pre-booked. The experience is G Black-headed Gull
1Start by the A836, with a scan over hunting, along with Kestrel. Drive/ amazing when you look a Gadwall G Mallard
St John’s Loch. This water often walk down the lane towards the or a Garganey straight in the eye! G Gadwall
has a large number of diving ducks, pool, listening for the songs/calls of The pool is also famous for rare birds G Teal
with counts of Tufted Duck being warblers and buntings. turning up, anything from Pectoral
as high as 800-plus, and good Sandpiper to Two-barred Crossbill. AUTUMN/WINTER
numbers of Goldeneye in winter. 4The pool has a mixture of hides, Even Yellow-browed and Barred
Check for both Ring-necked Duck and is fenced off for both Fox Warblers have made it this far from G Greylag Goose
and Lesser Scaup. Geese use the and Otter, to protect the breeding the east coast. G Pink-footed Goose
fields around the loch for feeding, G Tufted Duck
so check the Greylags, as both G Goldeneye
G Wigeon
3 G Goosander
4 G Red-breasted Merganser
5 G Whooper Swan
G Stonechat
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 2 G Barn Owl
1

54 March 2021

ABERDEENSHIRE MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS

TAP O’ NOTH

A historic hillfort with a variety of birdlife to find PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: AB54 4HH
Siskin GRID REF: NJ 479 283
MAPS: OS Explorer OL62,
OS Landranger 37
PARKING: A small car park is
available for around 10 cars
TERRAIN: A hard track takes you to
the top of the fort and also a solid road

in the forestry
ACCESSIBILITY: All hours, all year
FACILITIES: Closest in Rhynie

WILDLIFE GMBH/ALAMY* INSIDE INFORMATION

T ap o’ Noth is the 2There is a steep climb up the Meadow Pipit, Red Grouse and Sunrise and sunset are good TOBY HOULTON/ALAMY*
second highest first part of the path, but it levels Wheatear can be found on the way times to visit, giving you a
hillfort in Scotland. off, leaving you walking through an up. The fort itself gives great views good chance of seeing owls.
It is an amazing location, area of Broom with views across across the area, and is an ideal raptor
with scree walls around its agricultural land. Look out for viewpoint, so look out for Buzzard, Barn Owl
rim. It is dated at around Common Gulls feeding in the fields Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Goshawk.
3,000 years old, and still no along with Rooks, Jackdaws and TARGET BIRDS
one has come up with an Pied Wagtails. 5To expand your habitats, take SPRING/SUMMER
explanation as to how some a walk in the forest, starting yet
of the stone was fused 3As the path turns you have an again with a young plantation and G Willow Warbler
together by heat! area of young plantation with moving on into Sitka Spruce. Listen G Grasshopper Warbler
broad-leaved trees like Sessile Oak, out for Siskin, redpoll and Crossbills. G Tree Pipit
JOHN MILES Rowan and Birch. At this stage it Check for signs of Pine Marten along G Whinchat
is ideal for Willow Warblers, Reed the track, with scent-marking on G Wheatear
WHERE TO WATCH Buntings, Stonechat and Whinchat. raised tufts of grass or rocks. G Song Thrush
Listen out for Tree Pipit and if the G Siskin
1As you drive up the A941 from voles are numerous, there is a chance 6The spruce give way to a mature G Lesser Redpoll
Rhynie, look out for a parking for Short-eared and Long-eared larch plantation. Look out for Red G Woodcock
sign on your right. This is a single Owls, hunting. Squirrels and Roe Deer here. Look G Barn Owl
track road leading to the car park, for cones in the trees to see Crossbills
so make sure you are the only 4The walk to the hillfort is on but also Siskin and even Goldfinches AUTUMN/WINTER
car on it as there are no passing a good path but steep. The will feed on these. Make your way
places. Check the Rowan in vegetation changes from rough slowly back the way you came to drop G Red Grouse
the car park for berries as I had grass to heather moorland, so down back to the car park. G Stonechat
mixed thrushes and even four G Redwing
Bullfinches here. G Fieldfare
G Bullfinch
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 6 G Buzzard
G Kestrel
4 G Sparrowhawk
53 G Goshawk
G Tawny Owl
2
1

birdwatching.co.uk 55

GO BIRDING

NORTHUMBERLAND MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 4 HOURS

EAST CHEVINGTON

Reedbeds, lakes, woodland and coastal sand dunes make for excellent birding PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: NE61 5BX
Water Rail GRID REF: NZ 270 990
MAPS: OS Explorer 325,
OUR WILD LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY/ALAMY* OS Landranger 81
WHERE TO PARK:
E ast Chevington forms WHERE TO WATCH lagoon to the west and a wet marshy Turn off the A1086 at Red Row and
part of the reserves area beneath the dunes to the east. drive a mile along a single-track road
that border Druridge 1The first viewing platform up from A Water Rail ran across in front of with passing places that is heavily
Bay, and a whole day can be the car overlooks the south lagoon us here and it is an excellent point to potholed in places. A small free car
spent here walking along the and is an excellent spot for Marsh search for Snipe, Cormorants and park for four cars and five others
coast path to access them. Harriers, Buzzard, and Reed Bunting. Sedge Warblers. around the bend is found at the end
Reedbeds offer Marsh Harriers TERRAIN:
Water Rail and Reed Bunting. 2This southernmost hide 4The sand dunes offer wide Flat on mostly concrete and
Bearded Tit and Bittern are overlooking the north lagoon has views of Druridge Bay, one of well-made paths
also a possibility. In the a seating platform outside, which Northumberland’s finest beaches ACCESSIBILITY:
summer, Cetti’s, Grasshopper most people use. The reedbed here as well as gorse and typical dune Open all year round
and Sedge Warbler are all has two swathes cut into them, so woodland, with Stonechats. They FACILITIES:
found here, while the north Water Rail and other birds can be also give excellent views of the A café and toilets are found at
lagoon gives a range ducks spotted moving across. Look out for north lagoon. Gannets and tern Druridge Bay Country Park, a mile to
and waders and occasional Reed Warbler and Little Grebe. species can be seen as can divers, the north on the coastal path that runs
divers if the sea is rough. Sanderlings etc. depending on the between the dunes and lagoons
3This point on the path has views time on your visit.
STEVE NEWMAN of the reedbeds and the north INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

Northern Marsh Orchid grows
here, so keep an eye out.

WAYNE HUTCHINSON/ALAMY

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 4 TARGET SPECIES
SPRING
3
2 G Cetti’s Warbler
G Bearded Tit
1 G Grasshopper Warbler

SUMMER

G Marsh Harrier
G Stonechat
G Water Rail

AUTUMN

G Gannet
G Golden Plover
G Osprey

WINTER

G Goldeneye
G Pink-footed Goose
G Reed Bunting

56 March 2021

CUMBRIA MAX MILES ON FOOT: 3 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS

K ING EDWARD I MONUMENT

A superbly varied Solway Firth site PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: CA5 6EB
Whitethroat GRID REF: NY 328 603
MAPS: OS Explorer 315,
OS Landranger 85
WHERE TO PARK:
A small car park is found at the start.

Do not block gates
TERRAIN: The lanes are hard but
muddy. The marsh is often muddy
ACCESSIBILITY: All hours, all year
FACILITIES: Carlisle

E dward I was known as ARTERRA PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMY*2Take the lane to the left, checking5Once the tide is running, checkINSIDE INFORMATION
the ‘Hammer of the FLPA/ALAMY*the hedges for warblers likefor ducks like Goldeneye and
Scots’ and more than Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Red-breasted Merganser here. The ditches contain some
once crossed these marshes to©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20Lesser Whitethroat. Winter thrushesCheck the washed-up trees for great plants in summer, like
get into Scotland. He also died often using the hedges or fields. raptors perched using them as Flowering Rush, Greater
here, in 1307, hence the Make your way to the left around a lookouts in this flat terrain. Both Plantain, Celery-leaved
monument. This circular walk cattle coral to get onto the marsh. flocks of Linnets and Twite use the Buttercup, etc.
gives you a great chance for area in winter.
many birds. 3The monument stands well Greater Plantain
out on the marsh, so scan for a 6Walk along to Old Sandsfield
JOHN MILES perched Peregrine or Merlin. The and follow the river upstream, TARGET BIRDS
marsh has many natural drains, but checking a shingle bank for loafing SPRING/SUMMER
WHERE TO WATCH you can follow where the cattle have gulls with winter records of both
made their way over small bridges. Iceland and Glaucous. More G Lapwing
1Driving into this car park off Wigeon can be found grazing G Redshank
the minor road from Burgh by 4A large pool is found close to the bank upriver. Walk back via G Oystercatcher
Sands, you have the high ground the River Eden. This can attract Holmesmill Farm. G Sky Lark
to scan over Bough and Rockcliffe ducks like Wigeon and Teal. Check G Meadow Pipit
Marsh. Winter can see up to 20,000 for migrant waders like Common 7Follow the minor road west back G Yellowhammer
geese using the area, with mainly Sandpiper, Dunlin and Ringed to your car, checking the fields. G Reed Bunting
Barnacles and Pinkfeet. The nearby Plover. Scan over the river and Both Whooper Swans and Pink- G Pied Wagtail
fields can hold Yellowhammer and Rockcliffe Marsh. footed Geese have been found here. G Herring Gull
Sky Lark. Scan for Grey Partridge in G Lesser Black-backed Gull
these fields. G Kestrel

45 6 AUTUMN/WINTER

3 7 G Barnacle Goose
2 G Pink-footed Goose
G Whooper Swan
1 G Peregrine
G Merlin
G Sparrowhawk
G Hen Harrier
G Twite
G Goldeneye
G Wigeon

birdwatching.co.uk 57

GO BIRDING

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS

AT TENBOROUGH NWT

Enjoy one of the UK’s best urban birdwatching sites PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: NG9 6DY
Reed Warbler GRID REF: SK 516 339
MAPS: OS Explorer 260,
OS Landranger 129
PARKING: Plenty on site, including
disabled parking spaces. Suggested

£3 donation
TERRAIN: Wide trails - can be
muddy and puddly in winter
ACCESS:
Free, car park open 9am-8pm.

There are wheelchair accessible trails.

Dogs allowed on leads
FACILITIES: Visitor centre with café
and shop, hides, picnic area
DAVID CHAPMAN/ALAMY*
COLIN VARNDELL/ALAMY*L ocated behind a retaila Sand Martin wall, so look out forcheck overhanging branches forINSIDER KNOWLEDGE
park and next to a them, other hirundines and Swifts in Kingfishers. Common Terns breed,
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20railway line, thisspring and summer.while Black Terns pass through. Otters are regular here – look
Nottinghamshire Wildlife for regular feeding spots with
Trust reserve may seem 2The Tower Hide has views of 4Clifton Pond is usually the best prey remains.
unpromising at first. In fact, the Wheatear Field (guess area for passage waders, while
it’s an urban birding paradise, what you’ll find there on spring and Oystercatcher and Little Ringed TARGET SPECIES
with plenty of familiar autumn passage), as well as across Plover breed on the reserve. SPRING/SUMMER
breeding species, great winter areas of wetland and reedbed – look
visitors, and the chance of and listen for Sedge and Reed 5The ‘Delta’ area is the best place G Sand Martin
rarities because of its position Warblers in summer, and Cetti’s to look and listen for Bittern G Sedge Warbler
next to the migration flyway Warbler at all times. Listen for Water - at least one winters most years. G Reed Warbler
of the River Trent. Rails, too; and in cold weather they Starlings, corvids and Woodpigeons G Kingfisher
might feed more openly. roost here in large numbers, too. G Common Tern
MATT MERRITT G Black Tern
G Oystercatcher
WHERE TO WATCH 3Check the ponds for Goosanders 6Check the river itself, and the G Little Ringed Plover
in winter, as well as a range of fields on the far bank – you may
1The main sailing pit can be viewed other wintering ducks. Scarcer get scarcer geese mixed in with the AUTUMN/WINTER
from the visitor centre, and attracts visitors such as Smew may be Greylags and Canadas, and winter
winter ducks such as Shoveler, Teal, found here or on the sailing pit, and thrushes abound. G Bittern
Goldeneye and Pochard. There’s G Goosander
G Lapwing
5 G Kingfisher
G Water Rail
6 G Starling
G Snipe
3 G Cetti’s Warbler
1 24 G Goldcrest
G Teal
G Shoveler
G Smew
G Wigeon
G Golden Plover
G Oystercatcher
G Pintail

58 March 2021

LEICESTERSHIRE MAX MILES ON FOOT: 1.5 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS

CROPSTON RESERVOIR

Gulls, grebes and possible passage birds at a scenic spot PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: LE7 7HQ
Chiffchaff GRID REF: SK 548 112
MAPS: OS Explorer 233,
OS Landranger 140
PARKING: Up to three free places on
dam, with ample paid parking at

Hallgates entrance to Bradgate Park
TERRAIN: Pavement, and paved
path in Park
ACCESS: Year-round from dam, but
Park opening hours vary by season
FACILITIES:
There’s a café and toilets in Bradgate

Park, near the viewing screen, and

Cropston has pubs and shops

ANDREW DARRINGTON/ALAMY*L ocated next to Bradgateyou can view much of the water3The little patch of woodlandINSIDER KNOWLEDGE
MIKE LANE/ALAMY*Park, a beauty spot– expect Great Crested Grebes,on the other side of the road
hugely popular with Tufted Ducks, Cormorants, usually harbours the likes of Combine with a visit to nearby
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20walkers, cyclists and families,commoner ducks, and occasionalChiffchaff and Blackcap in spring, Swithland Reservoir for a
Cropston Reservoir hasn’t scarcities in winter – Red-necked but also check the tops of the greater range of species.
always received the same Grebe was one this winter. Check conifers for the likes of Crossbill.
coverage as other local bodies the railings of the outlet tower for Smew
of water; but it can attract gulls, and terns in season, and in 4Bradgate Park gets very busy,
excellent birds, especially on early May, look for Black Terns but on an early morning visit TARGET SPECIES
passage, and is easily hawking insects out over the water. in spring, check for Wheatear, YEAR-ROUND
watched. Bradgate deserves its while Redstarts also pass through.
own site guide (and that’s just 2The outflow area is worth Look overhead for Buzzard and G Great Crested Grebe
what you’ll get later in the checking for Pied and Grey for Raven. G Tufted Duck
year), but you’ll need to go Wagtails, and the occasional G Cormorant
into it anyway to get best passage Common Sandpiper – 5The viewing screen at the café G Buzzard
views of the whole reservoir. look carefully along the dam for overlooks an area favoured by G Black-headed Gull
these species, too. Just beyond herons and egrets, and where low G Buzzard
MATT MERRITT the outflow, a small beach is water levels sometimes expose G Grey Heron
sometimes exposed – check it for enough mud to attract passage G Mallard
WHERE TO WATCH waders, although Grey Herons and waders, such as Greenshank, G Pied Wagtail
Little Egrets are more likely. godwits, Lapwings and others. G Grey Wagtail
1There’s a pull-in on the dam, G Kestrel
for up to three cars, from where G Sparrowhawk
G Raven
4 3 G Little Egret
5 1 G Coot
2
PASSAGE & SUMMER

G Common Tern
G Arctic Tern
G Black Tern
G Common Sandpiper
G Lapwing
G Greenshank
G Scarcer gulls

birdwatching.co.uk 59

GO BIRDING

CARMARTHENSHIRE MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 4 HOURS

BURRY PORT

Easy access at a superb viewpoint for a massive estuary PRACTICAL INFO
POST CODE: SA16 0ER
Oystercatcher Note: This is the code for the

MARK BRETHERTON/ALAMY* Burry Port Lifeboat Station
GRID REF: SN 445 001
MAPS: OS Explorer 164,
OS Landranger 159
WHERE TO PARK: Pay and display
at Burry Port Harbour
TERRAIN: Mostly good walkways
and footpaths suitable for wheelchair

users around the harbour, a level

coastal path east and to the west
ACCESS: Open at all times
FACILITIES: In the town

F or just over a century WHERE TO WATCH vantage point for the Burry Inlet, INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FLPA/ALAMY*
until 1948 the harbour, where nationally important numbers
now a fine haven for 1Where better to start than at the of Sanderling winter. Indeed, some As a vivid contrast to the
small boat owners and a end of the breakwater, though are present in most months of the estuary and a boost to your
vantage point for it’s essential to check the tide tables year. Other waders include Ringed days list squeeze in a visit to
birdwatchers, was a before leaving home, otherwise Plover, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed the Llanelli Wetlands Centre.
commercial port. While other Llanridian Sands at low water seems Godwits, Dunlin and Redshank.
features from the industrial to stretch all the way to Gower. Cetti’s Warbler
past have largely vanished, This snug viewpoint a couple of 4The saltings and dunes may play
the appropriately named hours before high tide is ideal, with host to wintering Hen Harriers TARGET SPECIES
Ashpits Pond is a further Oystercatchers always present. and Short-eared Owls, while Great WINTER
reminder of those days. Northern Divers and Great Crested
Eastwards the Burry Inlet 2Overlook a study of the Grebes offshore should grace G Brent Goose
stretches seven miles to the harbour gull flock at your peril. the observer’s telescope. Stormy G Shelduck
Llanelli Wetlands Centre and Mediterranean Gulls, now described weather can bring Gannets and G Wigeon
the Loughor Estuary. as an increasingly common resident Manx Shearwaters. G Teal
Immediately to the west is at coastal sites in the county, are very G Common Scoter
Pembrey Burrows, beyond likely, sometimes in two figures. Black 5Ashpit Ponds, a complete G Red-breasted Merganser
which are the broad waters of Redstarts winter hereabouts while contrast to the delights of the G Great Northern Diver
Carmarthen Bay, graveyard of a Kingfisher, even briefly viewed, Burry Inlet, is always worth a visit G Little Grebe
many fine ships, while to the always brings that special excitement Water Rails announce their presence G Great Crested Grebe
south the hills of the Gower to the day, as do Wheatears on during the winter months while G Grey Heron
Peninsula seem to beckon passage from early March. Cetti’s Warblers are resident. Great G Little Egret
attention whatever the season. Crested and Little Grebes have G Cormorant
3Pembrey Harbour and the coast nested here. G Water Rail
DAVID SAUNDERS thereabouts provide a further G Oystercatcher
G Ringed Plover
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 5 G Curlew
G Bar-tailed Godwit
32 G Black-tailed Godwit
41 G Turnstone
G Sanderling
G Dunlin
G Redshank
G Mediterranean Gull
G Kingfisher
G Cetti’s Warbler
G Rock Pipit

60 March 2021

DORSET MAX MILES ON FOOT: 3.5 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS

WEST BEXINGTON

Plenty of mixed habitat for a good few hours birding PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: DT2 9DG
Red-throated Diver GRID REF: SY 532 865
MAPS: Explorer OL15,
ROBERT MATTON AB/ALAMY* OS Landranger 194
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 PARKING: Pay and display car park
on the sea front
TERRAIN: Pebbles along the beach
can be hard going, very wet underfoot

in parts around the nature reserve,

fairly steep climb to Tulk’s Hill
ACCESS: Open access all year.
Dogs on lead near cattle fields
FACILITIES: Café and toilets
adjacent to the car park

T his is a cracking little while Black-throated is the scarcest Siberian Chiffchaff has also been INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
area, with a good here. Duck include Common Scoter, recorded, along with passage
variety of habitats, with numerous gulls including Bearded Tits. Cetti’s and Reed Adders are present in the area,
such as shallow pools, Mediterranean, Kittiwake and maybe Warblers together with Reed and there is also a chance of
reedbed, rolling hillsides and even Glaucous or Iceland Gull in Buntings sing loudly from the reeds Red-veined Darter dragonfly.
hedgerows. There is a chance winter. Skuas include Great, Arctic in spring and hedgerow surrounds.
of some reasonable and Pomarine during May. Look for arrivals of Whitethroats, TARGET BIRDS
seawatching in the right Garden Warbler and Redstart. SPRING
conditions, and the landward 2 Waders are best along the
side of the beach has attracted beach in spring, with regular 4Stonechats are fairly common G Garganey
Little Bustard, while the Whimbrel, Sanderling, Dunlin in the area. Listen out for G Black-tailed Godwit
beach has attracted and Ringed Plover. Note that the singing Yellowhammers and G Common Sandpiper
American Herring Gull and beach is heavily used for fishing Corn Buntings. Large numbers of G Little Ringed Plover
potentially Britain’s first competitions. Check fencelines for corvids occur, especially after field G Turnstone 
South Polar Skua. Whinchat during passage periods, cutting in late summer. The Tulk’s G Sanderling
while Wheatears can occur in good Hill area has impressive views of G Little Gull
PETE HACKETT numbers. The Mere is prone to Lyme Bay, and is a good vantage G Terns
drying out in summer. point to look for passage raptors, G Skuas
WHERE TO WATCH which may include Red Kite in G Reed Warbler
3Around the nature reserve winter good numbers in spring. Ravens G Sedge Warbler
1From the car park scan the may see Firecrest, Chiffchaff, are regular overhead. G Grasshopper Warbler
sea for Red-throated Diver, G Corn Bunting
occasionally Great Northern, too,
SUMMER
2 4
3 G Manx Shearwater
G Balearic Shearwater
1 G Terns

AUTUMN

G Golden Plover
G Green Sandpiper
G Merlin
G Short-eared Owl
G Wryneck
G Yellow-browed Warbler
G Black Redstart

WINTER

G Red-throated Diver
G Auks
G Gulls
G Glaucous Gull
G Iceland Gull
G Jack Snipe
G Teal
G Tufted Duck
G Firecrest

birdwatching.co.uk 61

GO BIRDING

KENT MAX MILES ON FOOT: 2 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS

FAGGS WOOD

A woodland walk in Nightingale country PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: TN26 2EL
Nuthatch GRID REF: TQ 986 349
MAPS: OS Explorer 125,
OS Landranger 189
WHERE TO PARK: Park in the
Forestry Commission car park at the
end of Malthouse Lane north of
Warehorne village
TERRAIN: A combination of rough
tracks and surfaced lanes on mostly
level and gently sloping ground but
muddy after rain
ACCESSIBILITY:
Open access on well marked public
rights of way throughout
FACILITIES:
Closest in Hamstreet or Tenterden
LISA GEOGHEGAN/ALAMY*
F aggs Wood is a part of DAVID CHAPMAN/ALAMY*Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Treecreeper,3Dense conifer plantations INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
the fragmented Jay, Stock Dove, Mistle Thrush, harbour Coal Tit, Goldcrest,
Orlestone Forest, that©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20Greenfinch, Goldfinch and GreatFirecrest, plus an outside chance of For the full ‘Nightingale
long ago straddled the entire Spotted Woodpecker, plus soaring Lesser Redpoll, Siskin or Crossbill. effect’ visit around dawn on a
Weald of Kent and Sussex in Buzzard and Sparrowhawk overhead. Another good area for Tawny Owl still morning and before the
one continuous swathe of Coal Tit and Goldcrest are often and Woodcock at dusk. Woodland dog-walkers arrive.
wildwood. Today much of the noted in the pines trees along with dew ponds attract birds to drink
woodland is a mixture of the occasional Spotted Flycatcher. during drought including perhaps TARGET SPECIES
deciduous and coniferous An adjacent paddock and barns the occasional Moorhen. SPRING/SUMMER
plantations managed by the attracts breeding Pied Wagtail,
Forestry Commission. Small Swallow and Little Owl. 4Farmland hedgerows attract G Buzzard
areas have been cleared or Whitethroats and Lesser G Red Kite
coppiced and continue to 2The large clearing may attract a Whitethroats, Yellowhammer, Linnet, G Hobby
attract a few pairs of Tree Pipit along with Turtle Dove, Goldfinch and Bullfinch. Scan G Woodcock
Nightingales, Willow and Spotted Flycatcher and Cuckoo adjacent woodland canopies for G Turtle Dove
Garden Warblers. around the margins, while at dusk soaring raptors, typically Buzzard, G Cuckoo
there is the likelihood of Woodcock Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, plus a G Tawny Owl
PAUL TRODD and Tawny Owl. Regrowth scrub chance of Red Kite and possibly G Nightingale
and coppice is good for summer Goshawk or Honey Buzzard. Swift G Spotted Flycatcher
WHERE TO WATCH migrants such as Nightingale, and hirundines also feed over G Garden Warbler
Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat woodland and farmland respectively. G Willow Warbler
1Check around the car park and Willow Warbler. Check for Red-legged Partridge. G Bullfinch
clearing for a range of common
woodland birds, including Blackcap, AUTUMN

1 G Crossbill
4 G Siskin
G Lesser Redpoll
32
WINTER

G Tit flocks
G Finch flocks
G Woodcock
G Winter thrushes.

62 March 2021

PAS-DE-CALAIS MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5 MIN TIME: 6 HOURS

ST OMER

Wetland and forest havens in northern France PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: 62340 Clairmarais
Black-necked Grebe MAP REF: 50 degrees 33’ N
2 degrees 42’ E
PAUL TRODD MAPS: Michelin 301 Local
Pas-de-Calais Somme
N orth and east of WHERE TO WATCH 2The wooded valley is good for PARKING: From the station at
St Omer, a broad observing birds on the move St Omer follow the D209 to
floodplain and peat 1The reedbeds and willow scrub such as Marsh Harrier, White Stork, Clairmarais. For Points 1 and 2 turn
bog is bisected by drainage at Romelaere Ponds holds large Great White Egret, Mediterranean left in the village by the church and a
channels and ponds centred numbers of Reed and Sedge Gull and Hobby. Open fields further mile to site parking in the
on the nature reserve of Warblers, plus lesser numbers of and dry scrub attract Lapwing, Grange Nature Reserve car park. For
Romelaere, complete with Grasshopper, Willow, Marsh and Yellow Wagtail, Sky Lark, Grey the forest section take the lane south
reedbeds, carr scrub and Cetti’s Warblers, and occasional Partridge, Whitethroat and Lesser of the church and park in one of the
lakes, plus surrounding Great Reed and Savi’s Warblers. Whitethroats and Stonechat. many car parks
market garden fields with Also present, Bittern, Bearded Tit, TERRAIN: A mix of grass tracks and
scattered stands of poplars Nightingale, Willow Tit, Water 3Clairmarais Forest harbours boardwalks, all on the level. For those
and damp meadows. The Rail and Bluethroat, while Little a wide range of woodland with mobility problems the reserve is
wetlands support 12 warbler Bittern, Purple Heron and White birds including Woodcock, accessible via the boardwalk with a
species. Black-necked Grebe, Stork all breed. Herbaceous growth Honey Buzzard, Turtle Dove, mobility scooter. The forest has
Purple Heron, Little Bittern close to the boardwalk is best for Cuckoo, Lesser and Middle surfaced roads throughout
and White Stork breed, as do Marsh Warbler and tussock fields Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipit, ACCESS: Full public access
Willow Tit and Turtle Dove. for Bluethroat. From the hide scan Nightingale, Grasshopper and throughout the year
The woodland delivers the lake for Little, Black-necked Melodious Warblers, Redstart, FACILITIES: Visitors’ centre with
Crested Tit, Middle Spotted and Great Crested Grebes, and Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest, toilets open 8am - 8pm. Hides and
Woodpecker and Hawfinch. Garganey. Herons nest in the Short-toed Trecreeper, Crested Tit information boards on site.
trees, and Black-headed Gull and and Hawfinch. Restaurant opposite the car park
PAUL TRODD Common Tern on islands.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

Aim to arrive at daybreak
visiting the forest first for
a dawn chorus and peak
bird activity.

HRIS LLOYD/ALAMY*

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 021/20 12 TARGET BIRDS
3
SPRING/SUMMER

G Black-necked Grebe
G Little Bittern
G White Stork
G Honey Buzzard
G Grey Partridge
G Turtle Dove
G Middle Spotted Woodpecker
G Bluethroat
G Redstart
G Marsh Warbler
G Savi’s Warbler
G Melodious Warbler
G Crested Tit
G Short-toed Treecreeper
G Serin
G Hawfinch

BW

birdwatching.co.uk 63

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Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA

PHIL HODGKISS Irresponsible?

Garden spectacle feeding station and one day, I am extremely disappointed Did me no harm!
I found out the reason. to see that you are promoting
Having moved into my current My200BirdYear in your It was interesting to read Bo
home in the centre of a small The magical Sparrowhawk February magazine at a time Boelens’s story about his
village about 28 years ago, the came down from the roof with when most of us are unable to friend covering mushrooms
first thing to do was create a talons outstretched straight travel. Yes, some people are with twigs and leaves (Bird
wildlife garden. Both myself into one of the shrubs, fortunate enough to live Watching, January). When I
and my mum, who has since relieving a Blue Tit of its life. within walking distance of was a kiddie taking an
passed away, loved watching Since that day the hawk has a good birding site, but where evening stroll round the fields
the wildlife. The garden is been a regular visitor. It is I live in the West Midlands, with my dad, if we spotted a
only small, but over the years always a treat to see this even the nearest good site is a potential breakfast, dad would
has had many visitors. Just spectacle, but nice also to see car ride away which is also cover it – not with twigs
recently, I have noticed a drop all the other birds. forbidden. We have to be and leaves, but with a dried
in the number of birds content with looking at our cow-pat! I can’t imagine what
attending my always-stocked Photos included taken over local birds, which is fine, but present day health and safety
the last 18 months include there is no way we can add to would make of that, but I’m
1 the usual garden birds. We get still here 70 odd years later to
one of the excited if we have a glimpse of tell the tale.
Sparrowhawks, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Alan Savage
my resident or a heron flying over!
Hedgehog (plus Sheila Williamson
some insects).
Phil Hodgkiss Q The editor says: I think you
hit the nail on the head,
Sheila, with your excitement
at a glimpse of a flyby
woodpecker or heron! The
beauty of My200BirdYear is it
is YOU who make the rules
(and target) to suit your own
area and restrictions.

Reader Shots WE
LOVE...
Send your snaps to [email protected]
to be in with a chance of seeing your photo in Dennis Stinton’s
print. All images should be high resolution Goldfinch is
JPEG files.
wonderfully evocative
of the snowy times!

2 4
3
1 Kestrel by Rob Porter

Camera: Panasonic DC-G9 Lens: 400mm,
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec Aperture: f/9 ISO: 200

2 Little Grebe by Ken King

Camera: Nikon D5100 Lens: 500mm
Shutter Speed: 1/2,000 sec Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 1,250

3 Great Tit by Trevor Burch

Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: 500mm,
Shutter Speed: 1/1,000 sec Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 3,200

4 Goldfinch by Dennis Stinton

Camera: Canon EOS 6D Lens: 420mm
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec Aperture: f/7.1 ISO: 320

birdwatching.co.uk 65

PICS FROM OUR Lockdown memories tower to get a move on, as a
FACEBOOK GROUP Hercules was coming into
The renewed lockdown has land! I looked up to see the
Join our dedicated #My200BirdYear Facebook given me time to catch up on plane about half a mile away
group and share your best birding experiences some reading, including the – Yep, I ran! On reaching the
and images with the community: autumn Bird Watching edition. sea wall at West Thorney, I
The Go Birding article about was treated to my first ever
facebook.com/groups/My200BirdYear Thorney Island brought back views of Eiders in Thorney
distant memories, when as a Channel. So, worth the fright.
Female Reed Bunting by Steve Hopper teenager I would go birding David Cleal
there. My first trip (circa 1967)
Robin by Rachel Bennett was as a member of the YOC, Wrong birds!
led by the local Portsmouth
Goldcrest by John Molloy group leader (Steve The brilliant western
Burkinshaw?) a jolly chap, The Sisters Brothers was set
who included wrestling as one in North American but
of his hobbies! filmed in Spain. So, there was
Swift, Nightingale and
As I grew into my mid- Wood Lark heard in the
teens, I made trips under my background on occasion.
own steam, either cycling or Ruined the film for me!
by bus to Southbourne and Ed Hutchings
walking onto Thorney. In
those far-off days, the island Q The editor says: Any
was a RAF base for Hercules other films or TV productions
transport aircraft but there been ruined for you for
was virtually no security. I similar reasons?
recall one occasion, walking
towards West Thorney from Well done, Bo!
the base area.
May I congratulate Bo
As I was crossing a runway, on another superb article. He
I heard a voice right behind conjures lovely, provocative
me, it caught me by surprise, thoughts, mixed delicately
as absolutely no one was in with humour. Tinged
sight and it made me duck with the fact that some
with fright! I then heard the humans should be picked
voice again and realised it was and put down!
coming from a loud speaker G R Clifford
positioned just off the runway.
I was being told by the control Egret delight

Just finished reading in
Bird Watching about how
Great White Egrets are
starting to come over. Went
for a walk, and for the first
time spotted one on the local
creek. Photos were taken at
Dodnor Creek, Isle of Wight. I
also got very lucky getting
both the Great White and the
Little Egret in the same shot.
Steve Deans

Dunnock by Julie Dickson STEVE DEANS

66 March 2021

Your Questions

Send all your birding questions to
[email protected] and our

experts will give you the answers

STEVE ROUSE MERVYN EDWARDS

IS MY BROTHER RIGHT?

Q I took this photo at the beginning of December at Steart
WWT. I am somewhat of a novice at identifying anything

other than garden birds! My brother who’s better than me at this,

thinks it may be a Meadow Pipit. Could you please help?

Mervyn Edwards, Redditch

A We agree with your brother, Mervyn. It does indeed appear to
be a Meadow Pipit. I combines the classic pipit features of

generally brown plumage, white outer tail feathers and streaked

underparts with a clear pale eye-ring and even streaking, which are

all also pro-Meadow Pipit features. Meadow Pipit is one of those

STEVE & KIM ROUSE species, like Dunlin, Dunnock and Mallard, which are very useful to

get to know well. This knowledge can be invaluable when trying to

determine whether a bird is something rarer (or not).

Weird looking ducks wholly white ducks, a dark duck with breeding by humans). The paler ‘vermiculated’, if you could get a
a white breast and (in the other drake Mallards in the other
Q While out taking some photo) a variety of Mallards of photograph also look like they are closer look) with a black rear end
lockdown exercise recently, different shades. All are of the showing signs of having been
same species, Mallard, but are derived from domestic breeds, as and white squares on the inner wing,
wearing their ‘breeding’ on their well. Many duck populations,
we passed the local duckpond in plumage (and to an extent in size particularly in parks and ‘duck and orange-yellow feet, Gadwalls
and shape). The white ones are the ponds’ contain some evidence of
Kemsing in Kent, where alongside most obvious domestic ducks (like domestic ancestry. are subtly handsome ducks! It is
Jemima Puddleduck). The dark
the usual Mallards (both male and one with a white throat and breast thought that the bulk of the British
resembles what is often called a
female) we saw some other types Swedish Duck (or Swedish Black breeding population is from
Duck), which originate not from
of duck which, even after checking modern-day Sweden, but from naturalised (rather than truly
Baltic areas of northern Germany
in our different bird guides, we and Poland (which were, apparently, native) origins. BW
once part of Sweden). They are a
could not identify.  We wondered if common breed of domestic breed
(and like all Mallard breeds owe
they could be a type of mongrel their appearance to selective Another duck query

duck where, say, the white ducks Q Can you please identify this
bird for me which I saw on a
and Mallards have mated

producing a crossbreed which are local lake?

shown in the attached pictures. Geoff Ferneyhough

Please, we would be very grateful

if you could identify these for us. A Thanks for your enquiry
about a duck on a local lake,
Kim and Steve Rouse ANGELA BAGSHAW

Geoff. The bird in the photograph

A Thanks for your query, Kim is a drake (ie male) Gadwall.
and Steve. In your photos are
Superficially grey (but really, finely

birdwatching.co.uk 67

RUTH
MILLER

Confusable with manure at
range, up close, Redwings
are handsome birds

Wonder of
Redwings

W e were taking another Grey winter days are certainly made
of our lockdown walks more colourful when Redwings are in the area –
around Llandudno on
the North Wales coast. will you see them this year?
On this particular
morning, the sunny weather had tempted with the binoculars and realised some of brown backs and distinctive black dots
us to go further, so we were exploring an the brown clumps were moving, and that across the throat and belly.
area of fields and woodland a couple of they were in fact birds!
miles from home, quite an adventure to Between them all, they seemed to
try somewhere different from our usual Dotted across the field were lots and lots be systematically working their way across
walk on the Great Orme. We scrambled up of Redwings, the smallest of the thrush the whole field, probing and poking their
an especially steep, muddy slope and species that overwinter here in Britain, but bill into every clump of manure to look
paused by a field gate at the top to scan arguably the most handsome. Their brown for a tasty invertebrate to eat, and they
for birds; always a good excuse when you backs blended in with the lumps of were all far too busy to notice us watching
want to catch your breath. manure, which explained why we’d not them through our binoculars, enthralled as
noticed them at first glance, but when we were with this wonderful spectacle in
The view looking back across Llandudno some of the birds turned around, they the sunshine.
towards the Great Orme was impressive; showed off their distinctive streaky
the huge limestone headland towered over throat and breast, bold cream supercilium Listen at night
the town, while the blue sea looked almost and that eponymous rusty-red patch just
inviting. In the immediate foreground was under the wing. About a million Redwings (scientific
a pasture field, bordered by prickly name: Turdus iliacus) over-winter in
Hawthorn hedgerows, dotted with the odd There must have been nearly 60 birds Britain, and the majority come from
spangle of red from an overlooked berry. gathered in this field, and they were all Scandinavia to spend the winter months
feeding voraciously; clearly, those clumps here to take advantage of our milder,
At first glance with the naked eye, it of manure held tasty grubs to eat, and the maritime climate, and the availability of
appeared to be an empty field of grass Redwings were taking full advantage of suitable food, such as berries, worms, and
waving in the breeze, not a grazing animal the farmer’s unintended bounty. In among fruit. These birds generally arrive initially
or bird to be seen, just an irregular pattern the flock of Redwings were also a few on the east coast of Britain in autumn and
of brown clumps scattered across the field Mistle Thrushes – these tall birds with as the season progresses, they gradually
where the farmer had spread manure to their more upright stance had greyer- spread westwards.
fertilise it. Then we looked more closely

68 March 2021

OBSERVATIONS

The face pattern and rusty IMAGES: RUTH MILLER
flank patch make

ID straightforward

They tend to migrate at night, so after Red Listed under the Birds of Conservation have a wide variety of song. In fact, much
dark is a good time to listen out for their Concern, and are protected here as a
thin, high-pitched ‘tseeep’ call as they fly. Schedule 1 Breeding Bird under the Wildlife as we say in Britain that if you can’t place
It may be faint, but the sound can carry and Countryside Act, 1981, because so few
a long way and it enables the birds to Redwings breed in Britain. Just a handful of a song it will be a Great Tit, we have found
maintain contact with one another as they birds, perhaps as few as 18 pairs, manage to
travel. They are nomadic birds, so they breed in the northern reaches of Scotland. the same applies to Redwing in Finland.
don’t necessarily head for the same area
each winter; the Redwings we were Vocal birds in spring We have frequently heard a snatch of
watching may well have spent last winter
elsewhere in Britain, or even in another These glorious birds are very much unfamiliar song and tracked it through the
European country. winter visitors to our shores, so our
responsibility to them is to provide essential forest to its source, only to find that the
They are attracted by food availability food and cover during the harsher winter
in our hedgerows, orchards and fields, months. Come the spring, the Redwings songster is yet another Redwing.
and will even visit suburban gardens will return to their respective breeding
when conditions are particularly harsh, grounds in Scandinavia, Russia, and Who knows whether we can travel
but once that food source is exhausted, Iceland; though some birds that over-
they will move on. wintered further south in Europe may stop to Finland this spring to enjoy
off briefly in eastern Britain on their return
A smaller number of Redwings also join spring migration northwards. Redwings on their breeding grounds?
us here in winter from their summer
territories in Iceland, though this separate Redwings like to nest low down in boggy But, in the meantime, we can certainly
subspecies (Turdus iliacus coburni) tends to woodland and Birch forest, making a neat
be restricted to the western edges of Britain. nest either in a low shrub or on the ground enjoy these handsome, striking winter
itself for their clutch of four to six eggs.
These birds are slightly larger, with Hatching after 11 days of incubation, the thrushes in our fields and hedgerows, as
longer wings, as well as having a darker chicks fledge after a further 12 days and are
brown back and buffer underparts. So, we fed by their parents for another two weeks. they add a welcome splash of colour to
spent some time checking through the
busily feeding flock in front of us, in case In contrast to their quiet ‘tseeep’ flight these drab winter days. BW
we could pick out an Icelandic bird. calls we hear in autumn and winter,
Redwings are very vocal in spring, and Ruth Miller is one half of The Biggest Twitch
Redwings are classified in the UK as team, and along with partner Alan Davies, set the
then world record for most bird species seen in a
year – 4,341, in 2008, an experience they wrote
about in their book, The Biggest Twitch. Indeed,
Ruth is still the female world record-holder! As well
as her work as a tour leader, she is the author of the
Birds, Boots and Butties books, on walking, birding
and tea-drinking in North Wales, and previously
worked as the RSPB’s head of trading. She lives in
North Wales. birdwatchingtrips.co.uk

birdwatching.co.uk 69





IMAGEBROKER/ALAMY DOMINIC
COUZENS
ON THE...

Linnet

Try to imagine what sort of conversation
is unfolding the next time you hear a pair
of Linnets calling!

SPECIES FACTFILE
LINNET

Scientific name: Linaria cannabina
Length: 13.5cm
Width: 21-25.5cm
UK numbers: 430,000 breeding territories
Habitat: Heathland/ farmland
Diet: Seeds and insects

72 March 2021

I t’s surprising what gems can be The male Linnet is a
found deep within the thicket of very attractive ‘LBJ’
ornithological verbiage. There’s
something absolutely enchanting, BLICKWINKEL/ALAMY
hidden within a long section about
Linnet vocalisations in the famously battles between the sexes, and sperm to Robins, are at each other’s throats.
detailed Birds of the Western Palearctic: competition, but the intricacies of what Linnets hardly hold territories at all,
These birds will utter a “Slightly must be very intense relationships during
descending ‘cuv’, by pair in antiphonal the nesting period are poorly known. If and the males’ songs are only geared
duet with regular pauses, in long series you add the comparatively recent towards mate attraction. Pairs form in the
up to 40 minutes.” understanding of individual personality non-breeding flock, and so, not
Readers, this is seriously romantic traits in birds, then there are likely to be surprisingly, the song can be heard at
stuff. Roughly translated, it means that, many revelations to come. almost any time of year. Personally, I was
during the breeding season, male and delighted to hear one only last week
female Linnets will natter sweet nothings Lack of aggression (mid-January), lifting the almost
to each other in periods of blissful unrelenting gloom of Britain in early 2021.
idleness lasting longer than half an hour. One of the characteristics of the Linnet as a
Notice, one bird is commenting and the species, though, is how comparatively Throughout its range, the Linnet is
other immediately answering, which is ‘chilled’ its breeding season is. In contrast famous for its song, so much so that it was
what antiphonal means. It’s the avian to the struggles of many a songbird, there is once frequently kept as a cagebird. The
equivalent of pillow-talk. One Linnet, a surprising lack of aggression between song is a rambling medley of great lightness
perched on a gorse bush says: “Tasty individuals and pairs. Quite the reverse; and sweetness, but with a definite whiff of
Charlock seeds this morning,” and the pairs frequently nest in relatively close incoherence that has given rise to an
partner replies from a nearby bramble: proximity to each other, in the same bush expression in French. To have a ‘tête de
“It went down well with the Shepherd’s or a neighbouring one. linotte’ is, roughly translated, to be
Purse.” After a gentle pause, another something of an airhead.
begins: “Home-schooling the chicks is In these situations, males, which provide
a pain…” and so on. most of the food for the young in the latter’s Linnets were also kept for their colourful
In all seriousness, few people first few days of life, will sometimes set out plumage, and in the breeding season the
appreciate just how complicated bird together on foraging trips and look for food males are lovely, with varying amounts of
vocalisations are. We all know that small sources together. They give the appearance intense crimson on the breast and forehead.
birds have songs, and they utter one or of being colleagues rather than rivals. At Red in a bird’s plumage is usually a sign of
two contact calls and an alarm call. But the same time, many other birds, from tits hard chemical work inside. Neither red nor
the extent of their vocabulary is often yellow are naturally produced as part of a
much more expansive. This is true
especially of the quiet and subtle
conversation within the private world of
the family. The Linnet is just one
example of a bird with multiple calls.
This miniature, restless, seed-eating
sprite has something to say in many of
the moments of life. For example, it has
a specific call made when the nest is
threatened, and both sexes produce calls
to indicate anxiety from an unspecified
source. Linnets have a specific ground
predator call.
When young are in the nest, the male
indicates that food is approaching, and
when the young fledge, there is a call to
summon them and another to warn them
of immediate danger. The adults,
meanwhile, have pair-to-pair contact
calls and courtship calls.
Despite this amazing diversity, the
chances are that most birdwatchers have
never heard many of these signals, or
perhaps any of them. There is much to
learn about the intimacies of bird pairs.
DNA studies have discovered much about

birdwatching.co.uk 73

bird’s physiological processes, so these All birds need to bathe
colours must be synthesised from

chemicals taken in the diet, usually in

certain types of seeds.

The ability to create lots of colour is

related to a bird’s general health, so the

brightness and extent of that strawberry

sauce is a good indication of a male’s

fitness (there is a metabolic cost to

creating red, so if a bird can afford this

optional extra while carrying on life as

normal, it is a telling sign.)

Interestingly, the colour is more an

indication of a bird’s autumnal fitness

than breeding fitness, because the red

coloration is deposited during the bird’s

very long moulting season, which seems

to last most of the summer.

The tips of the fresh feathers are dull,

and it is only wear and tear that shears off

the extremities of the feathers, revealing,

bit by bit, the colourful interior. This ARTERRA PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMY*

explains why Linnets are so often

disappointing to look at, especially when

an excited birder contemplates a painting

or photograph of the world-beating

breeding male. For much of the year

Linnets are quite dull and difficult, and

even in the breeding season, the amount THE ABILITY TO CREATE LOTS OF COLOUR IS
of red varies over time and from RELATED TO A BIRD’S GENERAL HEALTH, SO THE
individual to individual.

Eat what they are given BRIGHTNESS AND EXTENT OF THAT STRAWBERRY
SAUCE IS A GOOD INDICATION OF A MALE’S FITNESS
Linnets, in common with other finches,

are professional seed-eaters, consuming

seeds all year round. Where they differ contrast to human children, they eat diet. Among these are nettles, docks,

from most of their relatives, however, is in exactly what they are given. chickweed, dandelions and Cat’s-ear.

eschewing insects almost completely. The merest glance at a Linnet’s bill not Many of these seeds are taken on the

Although a few early studies suggested only identifies it – the bill is much shorter ground, or when the birds are clinging to

that they take invertebrates in spring, the than that of a Goldfinch, say, or herbs. You almost never see Linnets on

more recent work strongly implies that Greenfinch or Chaffinch – but also gives a bird feeders or foraging up in the trees.

this is only exceptional. substantial clue as to the types of seeds Such plants favoured by Linnets, you

The other species you might name, eaten. The more you look at a Linnet, the might notice, are among the unloved and

such as Chaffinches, Greenfinches and more you realise how reduced the bill is, unappreciated of Britain’s flora, forever

even Hawfinch add lots of insects to and how tiny are its favoured seeds. condemned as ‘weeds’. Such plants are

their spring diets, including feeding these Various studies have been done on also the ones that are assailed with all

to their young, for the extra protein. But Linnet diet, and although this finch takes manner of herbicides on Britain’s

not Linnets – the young get seed the seeds of as many as 75 species of farmland, as well as being swept away in

regurgitant, which has passed through the plants, only five or six will be favoured in the cleanliness war waged by council

male’s gut and the female’s bill. In each locality and make up the bulk of the sprays and garden plastic.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the

Linnet has suffered in the British

LINNETS BY JAMES GILBERT countryside, with a 54% reduction in
population between 1970 and 1998. It is

“Winter sunlight spills through the trees onto a field edge, where officially Red Listed as a Species of
Linnets feed beneath tall seeding herbs. The cold air resounds with Conservation Concern. Although its
their liquid chatter, & brittle stems quiver by their touch. Flashing decline has levelled off, it is difficult to
see how its fortunes might improve unless

white, knitted closely, they leave cover & dance away high over farmers move wholesale into wildlife-
sepia tones.” friendly practices.

Until then, the pillow talk of the

You can follow James on Twitter @JamesLacewing / and Linnet might sound like this: “The
Dominic Couzens at @DominicCouzens feeding around here is not what it was,”
says the first. “I worry about the kids,”

replies the second. BW

74 March 2021

LINNET SPECIES

WHERE TO SEE THEM

There are concentrations of Linnets along the
east coast from Kent to Aberdeenshire,
although they are widespread across the UK
but scarce in upland regions and north-west
Scotland. Look for them on commons,
heathland, rough ground, farmland hedges,
saltmarshes and in parks and gardens.

BLICKWINKEL/ALAMY

BIRDTHEW RLD

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76 March 2021

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UK BIRDING HOTSPOTS

COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns have, of course, meant that most of us
have been staying very close to home for the last year. As we go to press, that’s
continuing, and we continue to urge readers to adhere strictly to the restrictions.
When travel does become possible, though, we know there’s already huge
interest in exploring the UK’s birding hotspots. Here are
three to start planning for…

Siskin NORTH YORKSHIRE

Bempton Cliffs RSPB rightly gets plenty of PREMIUM STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY GMBH/ALAMY*
attention for its breeding seabirds, but North
Yorkshire has an undersung birding spot in
Wykeham Forest, between Pickering and
Scarborough. Goshawks and Honey Buzzards,
both of which have bred in the area, can be looked
for over the canopy in spring and summer, and
small numbers of Turtle Doves are also seen. Look,
too, for woodland species such as Crossbill and
Siskin, and the likes of Spotted Flycatcher.

Pied Flycatcher

Redstart

ROBIN CHITTENDEN/ALAMY* FOREST OF DEAN IMAGEBROKER/ALAMY

Western forests mean Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts
and Wood Warblers, all possible at Nagshead
RSPB and at other spots around the Forest of
Dean. Nagshead is also a good site for Goshawks,
while another raptor, the Peregrine, has long been
associated with the scenic Symonds Yat. Look out
for Wild Boar, too.

KENT AND SUSSEX

Kent boasts the rarity hotspot of Dungeness, the extensive are as plentiful as ever, including breeding Sandwich, Little Oystercatcher IMAGEBROKER/ALAMY*
North Kent Marshes, which include a number of RSPB and Common Terns, waders such as Ringed Plover, Avocet,
reserves and the nearby and sadly-threatened Nightingale Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing, and breeding birdwatching.co.uk 79
hotspot of Lodge Hill, and superb inland sites such as Grove Wheatears, the reserve now has a brand-new Discovery
Ferry NNR and Stodmarsh NNR, while Sussex has a wealth Centre, complete with café, shop, toilets, classrooms,
of sites around Chichester and Selsey, including Pagham viewing areas, volunteer facilities and more.
Harbour and Medmerry RSPB, plus Ashdown Forest, and
the inland wetlands of Pulborough Brooks RSPB and It makes it much easier to explore a very extensive, and
Arundel WWT. very walkable, site.
G More details at: ryeharbourdiscoverycentre.org.uk/
One site that’s worth another look even if you’ve visited discovery-centre-project/what-will-the-discovery-
in the past is Rye Harbour SWT. While the avian attractions centre-offer

Beautiful

BROADS

With many of us planning to revisit top UK birding
hotspots this year, the wildlife-rich Broads will no
doubt be enjoyed by many birders

WORDS ED HUTCHINGS

T he Broads National Park and wildfowl that winter on the wet HICKLING
encompasses one of the UK’s marshlands. The RSPB is currently BROAD NNR
unique environments. The protecting five large nature reserves in RANWORTH
Broads, as they are better The Broads, and these are ideal starting BROAD NWT
known, consist of a series of places to experience the birdlife that the
flooded medieval peat diggings situated national park has to offer. Alternatively, A140
within the floodplains of five principal there are several other broads, marshes
river valley systems. They comprise a and fens within the national park where STRUMPSHAW BREYDON
mosaic of reed Phragmites, fringed one can experience a wide variety of FEN RSPB WATER
shallow lakes, open water, fen habitats, wildlife. But where do you start?
carr woodland and grazing marshes. It is NORWICH A47 BUCKENHAM
also the largest nationally protected Sightings galore MARSHES
wetland area in Britain. A140 A47
In the north of the national park, the
The Broads are important for a wide beautiful Hickling Broad NNR is the RSPB GREAT
variety of breeding birds, including largest and wildest of The Broads, with
Gadwall, Bittern, Marsh Harrier and fen, grazing marsh, open water, reedbed YARMOUTH
Crane, as well as wintering species, such and woodland. One may climb the 60ft
as Greylag Goose, Bewick’s Swan and Hen tree tower for commanding views of the A146
Harrier. Much of the avifauna can only be wetland, or quietly capture some of the
accessed by boat or on foot, to protect birdlife in the hides. OULTON
them from large crowds of people and A143 BROAD A47
cars. This makes it one of the best places Barn Owl sightings are almost
to watch birds in Britain. Autumn and guaranteed and, if luck is on your side, CARLTON LOWESTOFT
winter are particularly good seasons, you may even see Kingfisher. Pochard, MARSHES SWT
owing to the large numbers of waders Bittern, Water Rail, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s
Warbler are found year round. From A140

November to February, the raptor roost at
Stubb Mill provides excellent views of
raptors flying into roost. Likely species
include Marsh and Hen Harriers, as well
as Pink-footed Goose, Crane and Merlin.
In autumn and winter, wildfowl include

80 March 2021

TRAVEL THE BROADS

Barn Owl

DAVID TIPLING PHOTO LIBRARY/ALAMY*

THE RSPB IS CURRENTLY PROTECTING FIVE LARGE
NATURE RESERVES IN THE BROADS AND THESE ARE
IDEAL STARTING PLACES

ED HUTCHINGS confuse predators into thinking it is Bearded Tit, Cetti’s Warbler and other
two-headed. reedbed birds, while wildfowl, Bittern,
Shoveler, Teal and Goldeneye. Other Marsh and Hen Harriers are found in
species of interest include Swallowtail and Five miles to the south-west, Ranworth winter. Strumpshaw has a rich fen flora
Norfolk Hawker, as well as Southern and Broad NWT, with its car-free zones and – six species of orchid including Marsh
Early Marsh Orchids. The Swallowtail is ban on river traffic, makes a wonderfully Helleborine and Narrow-leaved Marsh
the largest British butterfly, only found in peaceful reserve. There are 750 metres of Orchid. Mammals include Water Vole,
The Broads, seen mainly in June around boardwalk to explore, leading through a Otter and Chinese Water Deer, while
areas rich with Milk Parsley. The maze of reeds and woodland, including a invertebrates include Swallowtail, White
swallow-like tails play an important part floating visitor information centre. For Admiral and Small Heath butterflies,
in its survival, by mimicking antennae. birding with a twist, take the night boat as well as Variable Damselfly, Norfolk
These, plus two red and blue ‘false eyes’, from Ranworth Discovery Centre, for an Hawker and Scarce Chaser among 20
utterly different experience. dragonfly species. There are three hides
and guided walks for beginners.
Plants and dragonflies
The small, shy Chinese Water Deer,
Five miles to the south, and aptly noted for its yellow brown fur with
described as the wild heart of The Broads, darker flecks, escaped from country
Strumpshaw Fen RSPB is made up of parks. It hides among tall plants in fens
reedbed, wet grassland and woodland. and carr woodland. Dusk and dawn are
Summer species include Bittern, Little the best time to see them. Immediately
Egret, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Hobby,

Bittern

Otter

ROBIN CHITTENDEN/ALAMY* ONY PHELPS/ALAMY*

birdwatching.co.uk 81

Crane

JOHN MORRISON/ALAMY
MATEUSZ ŚCIBORSKI/ALAMY*
to the south-east, Buckenham Marshes
RSPB are a broad open expanse offering Golden Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. Marsh). More than 150 bird species have
ideal opportunities to see Wigeon, Teal, Common Terns breed. been recorded, including a wide range of
Lapwing and Golden Plover, as they feed wetland and Broadland birds such as
on the surrounding marshes. The very Magical place Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Hobby and
same marshes are also home to a wide Bearded Tit, as well as numerous species
variety of raptors including Barn Owl, Nine miles to the south, and south of the of warbler including Cetti’s, Sedge, Reed
Kestrel and Peregrine. It is a fantastic spot county border, Carlton Marshes SWT and Grasshopper. Lapwing and Redshank
during the autumn and winter months consists of 141 hectares (348 acres) of breed. Other species of note include Water
as large numbers of birds winter here, marsh, meadows, reedbeds, wet grassland Vole, 22 dragonfly species including
including the only regular wintering flock and woodland (together with Oulton
of Taiga Bean Geese in England.

Nine miles to the east and perhaps the
most important site for birds in The
Broads, Breydon Water is a tidal estuary
containing the only intertidal flats on the
east coast of Norfolk, which is
complemented by adjacent wet grassland
in the Broadland IBA.

Breydon Water is an IBA in its own
right and important for wintering and
passage wildfowl and waders such as
Pink-footed Goose, Bewick’s Swan,
Wigeon, Avocet,

Great Crested Grebes Bewick’s Swan
in full weed display

ALAN KEITH BEASTALL/ALAMY* PHILIP MUGRIDGE/ALAMY*

82 March 2021

TRAVEL THE BROADS

Juvenile Spoonbill

LISA GEOGHEGAN/ALAMY*
ED HUTCHINGS
much heavier build than other harriers,
THE CRANE IS ONE OF EUROPE’S LARGEST with a wingspan reaching up to 1.4
BIRDS AND CAN BE SEEN PASSING THROUGH metres and a body weight of up to 670
THE BROADS IN SPRING AND AUTUMN grams in females. When out birding,
identify them by their long tail and the
Norfolk Hawker, along with the rare Fen bird sporting long black legs and a tall shallow V shape they create while
Raft Spider. Plants include Common white body. Its name comes from the way soaring. This magnificent bird of prey
Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids, and it sweeps its bill backwards and forwards breeds successfully in The Broads’
the rare Water Soldier. The Norfolk in the water to catch food. Look out for reedbeds and is found all year round.
Hawker is a striking dragonfly that breeding plumage of patches of yellow on
favours well vegetated marshes, reedbeds the breast and bill. They may also be seen East Anglian classics
and dykes with clear freshwater, as well standing on one leg.
as a good covering of Water Soldier. The Crane is one of Europe’s largest birds
The Bittern is a rare and shy bird, and can be seen passing through The
The spectacular Southern Marsh Orchid characterised by its long legs and beak. Broads in spring and autumn. They look
has flower spikes up to 40cm in height. They take refuge in reedbeds and you will particularly impressive if seen in flight,
The flowers are a deep pink, with dark need luck to spot one swaying gently with with a wingspan reaching 2.2 metres and
lines. It is found from June to August on the waves of the reeds. Bitterns use reeds a body length of 1.19 metres. Once
grazing marshes and fens. as camouflage by standing tall and common across East Anglia, a small
stretching their neck to become the same breeding population established itself in
The Broads are known for several key height as their surroundings. Famous for The Broads in the late 1970s.
species. The Great Crested Grebe is an their distinctive ‘boom’ call, they favour
exquisite diver and can swim long wetlands with extensive reed cover. They Other species include two classics for
distances underwater. When birding in are seen all year round, but especially in this watery part of East Anglia. The Barn
The Broads, look out for its unique nesting the winter when birds arrive from abroad. Owl’s endearing heart-shaped face and
sites which floating on the waterways. almost white colour is easy to recognise.
The Marsh Harrier is the ‘king of the Look for them hunting from dusk at
When building them, they anchor their broads’ and seeing one of these is reason Strumpshaw Fen and How Hill NNR.
nests to the reeds to stop them floating alone to visit the national park. Marsh
away. This species can be recognised by Harriers, unlike other harriers, dominate Just a flash over water of its iridescent
its long neck, dagger shaped sharp bill the wet marshland as they quarter the blue and bright orange plumage is enough
and its unique neck frill which opens out reedbeds searching for prey. They have a to identify a Kingfisher.
when breeding. The Spoonbill is a wading
If you are taking a trip to The Broads in
the future, you’re certainly in for a treat.
They’re the perfect birding destination
due to their abundance of open
landscapes, reedbeds and waterways.
Their reserves provide perfect habitats for
a wide variety of birdlife including
raptors, waders and wildfowl. Take one of
the many boat trips heading out onto the
waters or visit one of the reserves for the
best chance of connecting with all this
wildlife. Who needs to go abroad?

G For more information visit BW
visitthebroads.co.uk and
broads-authority.gov.uk

birdwatching.co.uk 83

DAVID
LINDO
THE URBAN
BIRDER

Red- ecked

Phalarope

Travel restrictions have prevented Urban Birder David Lindo from going about his
birding business, so this month he turns his attention to urban birds themselves!

FACT FILE

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus
O Size: 18-19cm
O R elatives: Three phalarope species worldwide.

A member of the wader clan
O Conservation status: IUCN Least Concern
O K nown urban locations to find it:

Reykjavík, Iceland
O I nteresting fact: The scientific name lobatus

comes from the Latin for lobed toes

84 March 2021

Adult female
(probably) in flight

Welcome to my new SHETLAND WILDLIFE/ALAMY*
column in which I
highlight a different are on the extreme edge of its global range. your urban birding species tally will
species of bird from As mentioned earlier, it is migratory and,
around the world that include such birds as Arctic Tern,
can be sometimes found in urban areas unusually for a wader, some spend their
and thus, could be deemed an urban bird. winters out in the tropical eastern Pacific Ptarmigan and Red-necked Phalarope.
Which raises the question: what makes Ocean. It shares this trait with the Grey
an urban bird? Phalarope, but curiously, the Wilson’s Where else can you be in an urban
Phalarope chooses to winter inland on salt
Does it have to be hanging out with lakes near the Andes, in Argentina. setting and watch Red-necked
pigeons on crowded street corners, as
a chosen habitat choice? Well, for an urban Remarkable journey Phalaropes going about their business,
birder it is quite simple: an urban bird is
a species that turns up in urban areas, The incredible and highly unusual while hearing the chilling wailing of
during the course of its life cycle. migrations that the Red-necked
Phalarope makes to its winter quarters Great Northern Divers, over the honking
This could simply be as a migrant, or have recently received many column
even as a vagrant; through to choosing to inches in the birding press. But, I just have of car horns?
breed or even full on residing in towns to recount again the remarkable tracking
and cities on a permanent basis. Over the of a tagged bird from Fetlar, Shetland. I remember standing on the shores of
upcoming months I hope to introduce
(and sometimes reintroduce) you to species Scientists following this bird made the Elliöavatn, a large lake on the
that are ‘urban birds’ in some areas of unexpected discovery that it wintered with
their world distribution. a North American population in the Pacific southeastern edge of Reykjavík at 1am,
Ocean. It took a 16,000-mile round-trip
Some of these species will be across the Atlantic via Iceland and listening to countless drumming Snipe
clearly recognisable to you from Greenland, then south down the eastern
urban settings in the UK; while others seaboard of North America, across the and the scratchy songs of several
would be hardly thought of as Caribbean and Mexico before finishing up
‘urbanites’, such as that birders’ delight – off the coast of Ecuador and Peru. Redwings that were secreted in a nearby
the Red-necked Phalarope.
Interestingly, it is now thought that the plantation – one of the few (plantations,
Yes, you may be startled to think of this Icelandic and Shetland breeders could be
enigmatic member of the wader family as an offshoot of the North American not Redwings) on the whole island.
an urban bird, but indulge me, please. The population and not the geographically
Red-necked Phalarope is one of three closer Scandinavian birds that are believed Despite the hour, it was still bright
species of phalarope; the others being to winter in the Arabian Sea.
the Grey (also known as the Red daylight as it was the summer solstice.
Phalarope in the New World) and the But with all this globe-trotting through
Americas’ very own Wilson’s Phalarope, some of the remotest spots in the world, While watching a family of Great
a rare vagrant to these shores. how is the Red-necked Phalarope an urban
bird? If you happen to be hanging around Northern Divers, I was aware of
The Red-necked Phalarope (also in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, during their
known as the Northern Phalarope or brief summer, then the chances are that something crawling onto my boot.
Hyperborean Phalarope), is a species that
we birders in the UK usually have to make I looked down to see a tiny ball of
a special trip to Shetland, to chance upon
one of the handful of breeding pairs. feathers with a pair of oversized feet and
Otherwise, we hang on to the slim hope of
finding one spinning around on a random long spindly toes. It was a phalarope
pond while on migration.
chick. Afraid for its safety, I picked the
The phalaropes are a genus of
Amazonians! The females are gaudier and little mite up only to notice a male
are dominant over the males, with whom
the family duties are left. Aside from our Red-necked Phalarope standing nearby
tiny breeding population in Scotland and
occasionally, Ireland, this phalarope also looking very anxiously at me. I placed
breeds in the arctic regions of North
America as well as Eurasia. We, indeed, the chick near him.

He then turned and scuttled off with

his offspring along with its three other

hitherto unseen siblings! What a

moment! I had held a Red-necked

Phalarope! It is unlikely that there IVAN SJÖGREN/ALAMY

will ever be breeding Red-necked

Phalaropes in our UK urban centres.

But here’s hoping! BW

birdwatching.co.uk 85





BIRDS ON THE BRINK

Each issue, the team behind Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) looks
at conservation issues surrounding different species from the UK and beyond,
using beautiful images to inspire. This month it focuses on the Aquatic Warbler
– fine-tuned land management, which works until the money runs out

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL STERRY

Aquatic Warbler Typically, Aquatic Warbler habitat is
rather uniform, and so territorial males
Acrocephalus paludicola use the remnants of straggly plants
from which to survey their domains.
G World Population:
22,000-32,000
(source: Birdlife International)

G IUCN Red List Category:
Red List, Vulnerable

PAUL STERRY/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD

Birds on the Brink is a conservation grant-awarding T he Aquatic Warbler is an regards, with both females and males
charity (Charity No: 1188009) that owns the unobtrusive songbird, one having young with multiple partners.
competition Bird Photographer of the Year. Grants that is hard to census, and it
are awarded to projects that support bird is said to be the only In the past, conservation bodies have
conservation, typically offering between £200 and globally-threatened helped its plight, for example by supplying
£1,000 to small groups or individuals carrying out passerine that breeds in mainland machinery to maintain good quality
grassroots conservation work that has measurable Europe. It has very precise habitat habitat for the species on its breeding
impact. It was borne of a passion for wildlife and in requirements and that is the root cause grounds. Belarus holds the lion’s share of
particular birds, and is a response to the seemingly for its restricted and diminishing range. the world’s breeding population, and I
unstoppable process of human environmental Nesting birds favour unprepossessing, visited the country a few years ago to see
exploitation and biodiversity’s steady progression short-growth sedge fen mires that and photograph the species. The trip
towards extinction. At its heart there is a typically are inundated by a few revealed a rather sad addendum to what
recognition that all is not yet lost and Birds on the centimetres of water during the breeding should have been a positive conservation
Brink aims to inspire people to care using striking season. Habitat loss and degradation are story. I noticed an immense, and clearly
imagery - to capture the imagination and thereby thought to be the main reasons for the hugely-expensive, grass-cutting machine
nurture interest and compassion. Bird Watching species’ decline. Its eastern European lying idle near one of the prime sites for
magazine is proud to support conservation and breeding grounds are disjunct, as are its nesting Aquatic Warblers; its presence
money generated by these articles will contribute wintering grounds – these are mainly in there was due to the generosity of foreign
to the funds of Birds on the Brink. Mali and Senegal and, amazingly, were conservation organisations.
For more information, visit only discovered in 2007.
birdsonthebrink.co.uk I enquired about its seemingly rather
As mentioned, surveying the species is neglected state, only to be told that a drive
88 March 2021 a bit of a challenge: birds are typically belt (or something similar) had broken the
rather shy and males only sing, rather previous year and there was no money to
unenthusiastically, between about import one from Germany, and nobody
5.30-7.00pm. At other times, they creep who knew how to fit one anyway. And in
around in the manner of a mouse or any case, there was no money available for
vole, or a Locustella warbler, their the fuel or to employ somebody who knew
streaked yellow and brown plumage how to operate the machine. That was a
affording them excellent camouflage. few years ago, as I say, so let’s hope the
Research has shown the species to be a situation has improved; but it serves to
promiscuous and unconventional highlight the need, in many situations, for
breeder, akin to the Dunnock in some follow-up support and finance, rather than
just gifts or one-off payments.

PART 7 AQUATIC WARBLER

Classic Aquatic Warbler habitat in Belarus,
stretching away into the distance and

photographed at the witching hour for singing
birds – around 6.30 in the evening. Signs of

previous wetland management are seen in the
piles of grass cuttings stacked at the edge.

ANDREW CLEAVE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD
ANDREW CLEAVE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD
A specialist grass- and vegetation-cutter used to
manage Aquatic Warbler habitat, unfortunately lying
broken down and idle and in need of repair.

Seen well, there is no mistaking an Aquatic Warbler, In its favoured habitat, Aquatic Warbler NEXT
with its stripy back and diagnostic head markings. is the only passerine songster likely to
All in all, it is a rather atypical Acrocephalus warbler, be active in the late afternoon, with MONTH:
to my eyes, with perhaps a nod to entirely unrelated perhaps distant accompaniment from Phalaropes
North American Ammodramus sparrows, such as Corn Crakes and River Warblers, if you
LeConte’s Sparrow. are lucky...

PAUL STERRY/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD.
PAUL STERRY/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD

birdwatching.co.uk 89

GEA FINDER

The best optics and outdoor products tried & tested for you

SCOPE

CELESTRON
NV-2 Night Vision
monocular £270

Reviewed by Matt Merritt

T his winter, I’ve something cheaper, as zoom, controlled by two The NV-2 can use an infra-red
been hearing a lot well as straightforward buttons on the top of the beam to provide clear images even
of talk, and a lot of and simple to use. scope, and you view a digital
good things, about image on the integral VGA in total darkness
night-vision and Celestron’s NV-2 monocular 640x480 screen.
thermal imaging scopes. fits that bill very well. It’s While all that works fine in
Maybe it’s because the lightweight, at just 275g, That means it’s not the daylight, it’s the night-time
lockdowns have got us all making it very easy to hold same quality as a purely performance you’re interested
thinking about new ways to steady with the help of a optical image, but it can be in. There’s an infra-red beam
watch familiar birds and other handle strap. And it’s very captured as a photo or a mounted just under the
wildlife, but people seem to easy to use. video on the 8GB micro SD objective lens, and it activates
have been using them for memory card provided. There’s itself in total or near-total
everything from keeping an After charging the a USB cable to transfer images darkness. You can then adjust
eye on their urban foxes, to rechargeable battery (it should to a computer. its intensity to vary the
finding the likes of Jack Snipe. give up to three hours of distances at which you can
continuous use, and in reality You make an initial observe targets.
The first thing to say is that you’re likely to use it in a far adjustment of the dioptre on
you’d need a thermal imaging more stop and start fashion), the eyepiece, after which all Now, lockdown meant I had
scope for the latter, and they you switch on, point in the your focussing is done by to forego some of the more
can put a big dent in your direction of your wildlife, and rotating the housing of the adventurous testing I’d have
bank balance. For your first you’re away. objective lens. This moves put it through, but I started by
steps into nocturnal wildlife very stiffly, but smoothly, so viewing a line of conifers
watching, you might want The objective lens is 40mm, finding precise focus can take maybe 40-50m away, just
and there’s 4.5x optical some doing, but is more than outside the garden, in deep
magnification plus a 5x digital satisfactory once done. darkness. I was amazed to be
able to easily pick out the two
LOCKDOWN MEANT I HAD TO
FOREGO SOME OF THE MORE Accessories include a carry case
ADVENTUROUS TESTING I’D HAVE and an audio/video output cable
PUT IT THROUGH

90 March 2021

TRIED & TESTED GEAR

Compact and lightweight, the splash or light drizzle – FLEECE
NV-2 is easy to handle anything more and you’ll
obviously want to use it PÁRAMO MEN’S BENTU
Goldcrests I’d been watching at under cover. FLEECE, £125
dusk, still flitting around and
feeding an hour later, and the There’s a fabric carry case Reviewed by David Chandler
image was good enough to and an audio/video output
identify other species – Great cable, as well as the objective You probably already have a fleece.
Tit and Blue Tit – in the lens cover, detachable carry But you might not have one quite
nearby Field Maple. handle, battery, memory card like this. The Bentu is thin, soft,
and USB cable, so you have lightweight, versatile and, as you
Using the digital zoom does everything you need. would expect from Páramo, it’s
diminish image quality, but if a quality item. I was sent one in
you keep it below 2.5x, 3x at SPECS ‘marl grey’ to review.
the most, then you should Apparently, it matches my hair.
have no problems. Magnification: The Bentu is made from Nikwax
4.5x (plus 5x digital zoom) fleece (100% polyester) with a PFC-free
Walking a little further Objective lens: 40mm water-repellent finish. This material is
afield, I tried it at longer range, Eye relief: 12mm described as “wind resistant and
and had good views of Rabbits Viewing range: Up to 200m directional”. That last bit means it pushes
feeding, and a little later, a Fox Dimensions: liquid water away from you to keep you dry even in high
stalking along a hedgerow – 160mm x 77mm x 57mm humidity. The Bentu is guaranteed Fair Trade and can be
this was at approximately Weight: 274.5g recycled (when it eventually wears out) via Páramo.
150m, and the images were Website: celestron.com
still good enough to enjoy, There are two zip-up hand-warmer pockets (a bit larger
although they are, of course, VERDICT would be nice) and a beautifully zipped, vertical access, chest
effectively black-and-white. pocket that can easily take a big mobile phone, but despite
If you want to give nocturnal what the blurb says, I couldn’t get an OS map in there.
The ease with which wildlife-watching a try, this is There’s a fourth ‘unofficial’ pocket inside on the lower right.
you can make adjustments a great piece of starter kit, The back hem is gently scooped for a bit more protection and
using the simple controls opening up a whole new world the cuffs are loose, which means you can push the sleeves up
means that you don’t waste of interest. Try it, and if it to let some heat out.
time and miss sightings – after gets you hooked, you can
only a few minutes getting think about upgrading to one I did my review in January. The Bentu provides a contoured
used to them, I was able to do of the more advanced models fit but allowed very good freedom of movement. As a top layer,
so without looking, which is on the market. with a worn microfleece and T-shirt underneath, in an 18mph
obviously more vital than ever wind at 10-11°C for just over an hour, it did pretty well at
in the dark. keeping me warm and the wind out. It was stop-start birding,
mostly on the move, and my arms felt a bit cooler than my torso.
It has a solid polymer body My phone was in the chest pocket and that stayed warm enough
with plenty of rubber to hold its charge – it doesn’t always. I tried the Bentu as a
armouring around the mid-layer under a ventile coat at 5-7°C, with winds of up to
objective lens, eyepiece, 12mph. During the initial walk from the house I was almost too
control panel and interface warm at times. If I did a lot of standing around, however, I began
points, and it’s water resistant to cool – a bit more warmth would have been good.
enough to endure the odd
But this is not a heavy-weight fleece. It’s intended for
summer use – for warmth when the temperature drops or when
you take a pause. It packs down small and only weighs about
400g. It would be a great item to travel with. I didn’t get to test
the water-resistance but have no reason to doubt it. So, if you
get caught in a bit of rain it will protect you. Of course you can
use it as a mid-layer if you want to. But here’s the pièce-de-
résistance. It’s designed to work in harmony with the Bentu
Windproof (£100) to provide a fully waterproof garment that is
even suitable for winter use.

100% polyester, 403g, S-XXL, lifetime guarantee, colours
include moss, marl grey and midnight marl. Zefira (£115) is
women’s equivalent. paramo-clothing.com

VERDICT

If you want a high quality, versatile, lightweight fleece, that isn’t
bulky, can be used in warmer seasons on its own, as a mid-layer
when it’s cooler, or with the Bentu Windproof year-round, well,
you know what to do.

birdwatching.co.uk 91

NEW PRODUCTS GEAR

WishList
More stuff to spend your
hard-earned cash on
WORDS DAVID CHANDLER

THINK TANK BACKSTORY 13 OLD IRON CORNER DISH, WWF CRITICALLY
CAMERA BACKPACK, £175 £16.99 ENDANGERED
ADULT SOCKS, £12/PAIR
The BackStory gives complete access via its rear This wrought iron dish is a bit different – it fits on a
opening, or speedy access through the top. The main corner – of the shed, perhaps. It just takes two screws It’s not the socks that are endangered, or the adults that
compartment can be customised, there’s a front (not supplied) to hold it in place. You can put water could wear them – it’s the species depicted on them –
compartment for personal stuff, including a 10” tablet in it, or, if it’s somewhere sheltered, bird food – but it specifically, the Snow Leopard, Bornean Orangutan and
and 13” laptop, you can strap a tripod on the front, won’t drain, so makes sure the food doesn’t go soggy Giant Panda. Each sock is made from GOTS (Global
shove your sunglasses or a big phone in a microfibre- and nasty. It’s long-lasting and will “age gracefully”, Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton and
lined pocket, and a bottle in an expandable pocket on developing a “natural patina” with the passage of is, apparently, “super soft and comfortable” – none of
each side. It has a plush shoulder harness, removable time. We all want to do that. Robin not included. us want a hard, uncomfortable sock after all. You can
sternum strap and waist belt, a rain cover, and more. Approx. 220mm diameter. livingwithbirds.com buy three pairs for £29.99. Small (4-7) or large (8-12).
Interior: 25x36x15cm. 1.3kg. Water-resistant. Low temperature wash. shop.wwf.org.uk
snapperstuff.com PUFFIN HEAD MUG, £11.99
THE NORTH FACE MEN’S
ROHAN MEN’S The Head Mug is APEX+ ETIP GLOVES, £50
LOWLAND TROUSERS, £75 responsible for the
behaviour of all the These gloves are made for winter days that aren’t too
These are trousers for the warmer months (remember mugs in the cupboard. cold. And you can keep them on when you want to use
them?) made from MultiFlex Light™ fabric with a This one is modelled your smartphone – they are touchscreen compatible,
on a Puffin. There’s also and have silicone palms to help you keep hold of your
two-way stretch design, Dynamic Moisture one based on a Robin. phone so that it doesn’t drop into mud or puddles.
Control ™ to help keep you cool and dry, If you want to avoid a The Apex+ Etips are
and a UPF of 40+ for UV protection. power struggle in the kitchen windproof and have
These strides “move with you” – leaving cupboard don’t buy both. They come in an FSC a soft polyester lining
them behind would be embarrassing. Two certified card gift box and stand 10cm tall. The Puffin and Heatseeker Eco
hand-pockets, two zipped pockets (thigh has a 450ml capacity. You get 50ml less with the insulation over the
and rear), and a tucked-away security Robin. They don’t like the dishwasher, though – back. Available
pocket. Crease-resistant, quick drying hand wash only. shopping.rspb.org.uk in black. S-XXL.
(four hours), 800ml pack size, 299g. Slim thenorthface.co.uk
fit. 94% polyamide, 6% elastane. In carbon, CRAGHOPPERS KIWI LITE
sandstone, or deep navy. rohan.co.uk LOW HIKING SHOES, £100 PUFFIN JR CHILDREN’S
BINOCULARS, £25
BOGS BOZEMAN TALL MEN’S A classic hiking shoe “reimagined for the twenty-first
WINTER BOOTS, £115 century”. The Kiwi Lite Lows have full grain leather Affordable starter bins for children (7-12 yr. olds), the
uppers, an Aquadry Membrane to keep the water out, 8x21 Puffin Jr comes in red or blue, weighs a mere 145g
Prepare to be shocked – these boots are “shockingly NosiLife mesh to keep biting, piercing, blood-sucking and is “designed for smaller hands and faces”. The blurb
comfortable” and “stubbornly durable” and are rated invertebrates at bay, and a soft leather lining. The says wide field of view, sharp image and fold down
for use right down to -60°C. To be honest, I don’t often tongue and collar are nicely padded and there’s a eyecups, and the princely sum of £25 gets you not just
go birding when it’s that cold. The Bozeman is totally moulded footbed. Lightweight and comfortable a binocular but a case and wrist strap as well.
with Vibram – which is good for the sole. One year warranty. 10.9x7.8x3.5cm.
waterproof, has DuraFresh bio-technology Mocha, in sizes 6-13. craghoppers.com shopping.rspb.org.uk
to limit nasty niffs, Max-Wick to
evaporate sweat, flex-width insoles that
adapt to your foot width (that sounds
clever) and handle holes to help you
get them on. Put your foot in a Bog.
Black. bogsfootwear.co.uk

92 March 2021

TRIED & TESTED GEAR

Book
Review

We take a look at the latest releases...

WORDS JOHN MILES AND MATT MERRITT BOOK
OF THE
MONTH

FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN PASSERINES
TOMASZ COFTA, PRINCETON/WILD GUIDES, SB, £38

Just when you think that WILDGuides have covered pretty much every wildlife ID
guide necessary, you suddenly find they’ve come out with yet another fabulous book
that has to somehow be fitted into your bookcase.

This has both drawings and a lot of photographs of the birds in flight, and covers
205 passerines and 32 near-passerines.

With each species, there’s a box telling you what type of migrant it is, along with
in-flight lookalike species; and then the species account covers size, comparable
species, structure and shape, coloration, flight, and flocking behaviour.

Calls are covered by both a description and a sonogram, and there are also links
to online recordings, a nice touch.

Of course, plenty of other field guides and bird ID books also cover birds in
flight, but you really haven’t seen anything until you take a look at this!

THE BIRDS OF WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN EAST
LONG BUCKBY ANGLIA DAVID CALLAHAN, HELM, SB, £25
NICK ROBERTS,
SB, £15 Having been involved with three books similar to this one in
the Best Birdwatching Guides series, I know how much work
This is a remarkable insight goes into them and how useful they are for birdwatchers, either
into the variety of birds that living in the area in
have visited a seemingly question, or travelling in to
unremarkable birdwatch. Given that the
Northamptonshire parish. birding hotspot of Norfolk
The author shares both his is the heart of this book, it
passion for birds and his belief will no doubt be a great
in the necessity to create green seller. You’ll find detailed
spaces for nature and us, and maps, good accounts of
the work being done by an army of volunteers to achieve that. birds seen, and when; as
well as all the essential
As well as the individual species accounts, there are also some information such as best
excellent images, an article from Sue Ebbage about her bird times to visit, parking,
photography, and maps, plus a fine article by Nick on ‘An Extraordinary cost, etc., plus of course
Occurrence’, which not only shows how rarities can turn up anywhere, but any relevant websites.
also how the increased scrutiny that a rarity encourages can reveal further
unexpected birds. birdwatching.co.uk 93

Available now to purchase from The Peephole, High Street, Long
Buckby, NN6 7RD or at https://longbuckbygreenspaces.com







PHIL PALMER UKBIRDSIGHTINGS

The best rare birds seen all around Britain in December

COMPILED BY MIKE WEEDON

WHITE
CHRISTMAS

Among the ‘new’ birds of December was a sensational looking Great Northern Diver

‘Albino’ Great Northern Diver,
Salcombe, Devon,
December

birdwatching.co.uk 97