News
Sunday, 22 January 2012
National coverage..!
1. Extreme rarities - Chew Valley, near Bristol (November)
We enjoyed a rarities roll! Sharp Tailed and Spotted Sandpiper, a pair of Long-Billed Dowitcher, Black-Necked Grebe and Grey Phalarope.
2. Unexpected treasures - Spurn, East Yorkshire (October)
After a quiet early autumn, we timed our visit perfectly to enjoy a vocal Yellow-Browed Warbler and an elusive Red-Backed Shrike. These rarities appeared at ease in Spurn's isolation and unperturbed by excited birdwatchers. A solitary Scaup, paddling in a headland pool like a Mallard in a millpond, rounded off a rewarding day.
3. Outstanding Ospreys - Dyfi, Mid Wales (May)
A combination of enthusiastic project volunteers, and sightings of not one but a pair of Osprey at the nest, generated a birdwatching buzz. Telescopic views were amply supported by live webcam images.
4. Titchwell Lifers - North Norfolk coast (September)
A Little Bittern lifer was a major draw for birdwatchers. Some lucky group members who visited the rejuvenated Parrinder hide were treated to views of second lifer, a Cattle Egret.
5. Mandarin Madness - Forest of Dean (March)
There was no denying the March madness generated by several Mandarin ducks, Canop Wharf's most arresting residents. With Spring on the way several Mandarin appeared to be pairing off, in anticipation of raising young in tree-mounted nest boxes.
6. Garganey at an urban oasis - Rainham Marshes, Essex (April)
The Target Pools, part of a former military shooting range, hosted an elusive Garganey pair. Group members generously shared their telescopes, enabling everyone to savour exquisite views.
7. Flights of Fancy - Forest of Dean (March)
How better to celebrate an unseasonably warm March day than to experience Goshawks soaring above New Fancy viewing point?
8. Crowd pleasing Puffins - Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire (June)
These crowd-pleasing seabirds were as major draw on the flaming June afternoon of our visit. The outsized beaks and slapstick movements of Bempton's Puffin colony charmed avid ornithologists and seaside day-trippers alike.
9. Sumptuous Spring - Ynis Hir, Mid Wales (May)
From the rippling call of the Wood Warbler to a glimpse of a rare Purple Heron, this winning trip to mid Wales featured in Birdwatching magazine's July edition!
10. Egyptian escapade - Attenborough Gravel Pits (December)
Egyptian geese greeted our group on arrival. There was debate over whether some were wild birds or escapees, yet they provided excellent photographic opportunities without the need for top of the range equipment.
11. Finally...Don't forget the fauna!
Although we are birders at heart, the group never forgets to record fauna sighted on its trips. This year we've spotted common lizards, brown hares, marsh frogs, roe deer, and even a seal or two!