Category: Osprey

WeirWood midday to early afternoon. Disappointed however, there was only one Little-ringed Plover on the dam, 3 Pied and a Grey Wagtail. Not surprising though as there was a lot of activity on top of the dam and vegetation clearing. Over the water a collection of ca40 House and Sand Martins plus 4 Barn Swallows. Just one Black-headed Gull but 2 Goshawks a male and huge female along the south bank. Another Osprey was noted over the dam at 13:05hrs for a few minutes eventually disappearing towards Ashdown. Below the dam Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps and a Red Kite over whilst in the c/pk a lovely Firecrest was bird of the day, in trees by the entrance gate, very mobile though and silent, 2 Goldcrests as well. A better visit than recent ones for me.

WeirWood all morning, where it was breezy and overcast, however the birds were good with Yellow Wagtail over the fishing lodge, seen later on the dam and my first Osprey this year flew north over the dam at 10:25hrs. There were also 12 or so Sand Martins, amongst which was my first Barn Swallow of the year they all disappeared after about half an hour at 10:00hrs. The only gulls were a couple of Herring and 2 Lesser Black-backed, 4 Great-crested Grebes were noted but little else of note on the water. In the c/pk Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcap, Goldcrest and Marsh Tit. There was an obvious feeling of migration today with other species inc’ 2 Sky Lark, 2 Redwing and a small number of Chaffinches all headed north. I noted very little at the west end today, Kingfisher being the highlight. I left at 11:10hrs well pleased.

WeirWood on a slightly misty but calm early morning at the west end. Here a good number of Mandarins, at least 25, also Little Egret and a Snipe again on Pintail bank. Several phyllosc’s, presumably all Chiffchaffs about plus Marsh Tit and 2 Siskins. At the dam 2 Common Sands an ad’ and juv’, also 3 Jays noted on top of the dam. The usual collection of gulls were still hanging out, then as all was quiet and the mist cleared at 8:10 an Osprey appeared towards the west end. Back on the dam a third Common Sandpiper was seen also ca20 Pied Wagtails were joined by 2 Greys. There were 33 Great-crested Grebes scattered around plus a Little Grebe. 4 Teal were seen from this end plus a Gadwall and nice impressive female Goshawk. In the c/pk 4 Goldcrest were seen plus Marsh Tit with more Chiffchaffs noted. Below the dam around the overflow a nice Lesser Whitethroat and overhead a Sky Lark. Things are on the move.

West End:- 14 x Mandarin Duck, 9 x Mallard, 6 x Common Woodpigeon, 1 x Common Moorhen, 2 x Eurasian Coot, 9 x Black-headed Gull, 1 x Great Black-backed Gull, 1 x Common Tern, 12 x Great Crested Grebe, 10 x Great Cormorant, 2 x Grey Heron, 1 x Osprey, 1 x Common Kingfisher, 1 x Common Magpie, 1 x Carrion Crow, 3 x Eurasian Blue Tit, 4 x Great Tit, 5 x Western House Martin, 3 x Common Chiffchaff, 1 x Eurasian Blackcap, 1 x Eurasian Wren, 5 x Common Starling, 1 x Song Thrush, 1 x European Robin

West End:- Currently 2 Ospreys sat in trees. Also 11 Teal, 24+ Mandarins, Little Grebe, 30 Mallard, 2 Sand Martins and a Kingfisher

Forgot we saw Kestrel,Sparrowhawk,3 Buzzards,Kingfisher and several Chiffchaffs too.

Today very early morning where the WeirWood, after some decidedly disappointing days recently it was nice to have both Osprey and juv’ female Goshawk at the dam ca11:00hrs. The Osprey was quite distant over the north bank but the Goshawk showed very well. Not a lot else of note, the collection of gulls remained the same, but no Common Sands. A Buzzard was the only other bird noted. At the west end Marsh Tilt was in the c/pk, several Mandarins were around, Kingfisher and Little Egret.

Osprey over dam end at 8:30 this morning, also 2 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 145 Black Headed & 2 Great Black Backed & 2 Herring Gulls, 106 Canada Geese, 7 Egyptian Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Lapwing, plus below dam wall 40+ Goldfinch and the Wheatear was in the paddock.

At West End 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 LBB Gull was only birds of note plus the usuals this morning.

WeirWood early on again was misty, so I had a look along the north bank. Here a Whitethroat was seen, a bird that’s been strangely missing for me recently. Others inc’ Marsh Tit, a pair of Jays and 3 Green Woodpeckers. Back at the dam end it was still misty. I did however manage to see a Conmon Sand close up in. Moving to the west end it was clearer here. The Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Terns were all settled on their nests. In the heronry still 2 Little Egrets present and in front of the hide the Reed Warbler was still in song. At 6:42 the Osprey appeared at the west end again attempting to catch breakfast but failing it the flew over the heronry and disappeared. Lovely bird to see as always. I left early at 7:30.

Dam End:- WeirWood early morning with light rain and a very light breeze. First of all 6 Common Terns, 12 variously aged Herring Gulls, a male Grey Wagtail, Little-ringed Plover and 2 Common Sands. On the dam slope a male Green Woodpecker plus 2 Jays. As the rain eased a very early Hobby appeared along the north bank. At 6:14 an Osprey showed up from the west end being harassed by the gulls and then made its way along the north bank, then returning to the west end much to the annoyance of the gulls. Superb bird appearing to be an adult. At 6:30 a beautiful ad’ Little Gull dropped in, landing on the aerator for a few minutes before heading off north east. So far no sign of the Red-footed Falcon in the now pleasant conditions. A bit early. By the fishing lodge a Garden Warbler was in song with 2 Blackcaps, nice comparison. A couple of pairs of Great-crested Grebes were indulging in weed dancing and at least 14 Mandarin were noted. Then whilst waiting for something to happen a male Great spotted Woodpecker fed in the tree right next to me giving crazy views down to a few feet! Best of today’s birds turned up at 7:13 when 3 Spoonbills flew south west over the dam and carried on going disappearing over the west end. Not a bad morning.

West end:- it was very much status quo, Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls nesting, Reed Warbler in front of the hide singing and a Little Egret. On Whillett’s a Water Rail and 2 more Reed Warblers plus 2 smart male Reed Buntings. A Red Kite flew over the pool and a male Sparrowhawk was present dashing through the trees. I left at 8:00hrs.

WeirWood in a cold northerly wind produced a lot of the normal species with Little-ringed Plover male on the dam, with a Common Sand. Several Common Terns, maybe 6. A single ad Great Black-backed, Black-headed and Herring Gull plus a 2nd year bird, a Common Buzzard, several Swifts and juvenile Pied Wagtails were out of the nest, still being fed. At 8:41 an Osprey appeared mid reservoir for a few minutes before coming over the dam and disappearing over the north bank. A few Barn Swallows were hanging out at the dam and a male Grey Wagtail made up the numbers. The first 2 Hobbies appeared at 8:54 the Red-footed Falcon a few minutes later, sadly briefly, possibly due to trespassing birders in the meadows. 4 Hobbies at least were noted, ranging widely. A Garden Warbler was on the c/pk woods. Now off to Hampshire.