Ouzeltastic at last sunday 18th October

This morning it was dull and misty after some overnight rain, after walking the dogs and seeing up to 2000 goldfinches moving east I thought it might be good for migrants at Dungeness. After breakfast etc. I arrived at the point, a walk around the lighthouse garden found a few Chiffies and a Goldcrest so I headed over to the observatory where a load more Chiffies were flitting around. I was called over to be told that a couple of Ouzels had been trapped and about to be released. After being processed I was offered the chance to take some photos so I did.

Juvenile/female

Juvenile/female

Juvenile Male

Juvenile Male

 A walk out into the dessert and onto the trapping area I found 5 Ouzels on one bush,

5 Ring Ouzels

 Despite creeping closer they gradually disappeared and then there were 3

3 Ring Ouzels

 And then there was only 1 left.

I continued around the trapping area seeing another single and then a pair, but don't know if they were what I had already seen or new birds dropping in. A great 2 hours well spent.

A first for me on Pett Level Thurs. 15th October

The normal early morning dog walk along the Royal Military Canal and then along the beach to the pools and back to Toot Rock. As in recent days good numbers of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits, a few Siskins around but no Crossbills today. Frank decided to take himself back up the beach most unusual as he always heads for the waters edge and starts barking which leads me to see what he has found.

 At first the pup seal laid lifeless so I phoned the RSPCA Wildlife and after several press buttons and agreeing to be sent info etc. I finally spoke to someone who wasn't interested in the slightest and cut me off. Fortunately the tide was incoming and the seal started to move down the beach.

 After about 10 minutes it reached the sand, another 15 mins and the tide would reach him so I left alone.

 Thankfully no sign this morning. Over the past couple of months a couple of adults have been present and locally known as Dennis and Sammy. But in the last 10 years of walking this beach it is the first time I haver ever seen a pup. (Photos taken on my cheapie phone)

Scilly revisited 28th September 2015

A long awaited trip back to The Ilse of Scilly finally came and our flights to St Mary's were not too bad considering the wind was gusting to 30mph and only took 15 minutes. On arrival clear blue skies greeted us and stayed all week.

Twin Otter aircraft Lands-end to St Mary's

 While waiting for Paula and Elsie to land, I walked frank around the airfield heard and glimpsed one of the 3 Lapland Buntings present. A walk down into Hugh Town to get dog food we then sat on the strand and watched the Scillonion dock.

Scillonion in St Mary's

 There were still plenty of Sub-tropical plants in flower

Sub-tropical plants?

 Tuesday 29th we headed for St Agnes as the reported Red-eyed Vireo had been seen first thing. On arrival at the harbour we joined a dozen or more birders and headed for the fruit cage (which looked nothing like a fruit cage) After a few minutes a Reed Warbler showed and then a Yellow-browed Warbler. After about another half hour someone spotted the Vireo and just as I got onto it flew over our heads. Another couple of visits to the area later in the day drew a blank. The rest of the day was spent walking round St Agnes and Gugh

St Agnes harbour from Gugh

Island of Gugh

Amaryllis growing wild on deserted farmland

 Wednesday we spent walking around St Marys stopping off at Higher and Lower Moors

Common Snipe

Jack Snipe

Jack Snipe with Green Sandpiper Lower Moors

Jack Snipe with Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Snipe 

Pec Sandpiper Higher Moors

 Thursday we went off to St. Martins exploring the rugged coastline in the north and the white sandy beaches in the south

St Martins

St Martins looking towards White Island

 Friday we stayed on St Mary's again walking the north part of the Island

St Mary's looking towards Bryer (left) and Tresco (right)

 In the evening we treated ourselves to Dinner at Jullietes and watched a stunning sunset

Sunset over Porthloo

 Saturday we walked the Garrison before having lunch and heading for the airport for our late afternoon flights back to Lands-end, flying over Senen Cove.

Senen Cove from the airplane