NT
On the 11th February:
1978
1979
When we arrived at Chew Valley Lake we found that most of the lake was frozen, in the few areas of clear water were lots of Goosanders with the regular wintering ducks, and a female Smew. We continued to the Mendips and walked around Stock Hill, where we saw around 20 Redpolls and flushed 2 Woodcock.
A cold day, but at least the snow had mostly melted, except on the coast. At Berrow there were masses of Redwings and Fieldfares in the bushes and a few small waders on the shore. During our search for owls we saw a male and sub-adult male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and eventually brief flight views of a Long-eared Owl.
1987
In The Gambia, a drive from Georgetown/Janjanbureh to Basse, then east to the Senegal boarder and on to Tambacounda. 8 new birds seen today.
Photo: Grasshopper Buzzard.
1990
1991
Still snow in the garden in Bristol, a flock of 60 Fieldfares and a Redwing came in to feed on the fruit I had put out, the largest number I have recorded here.
2004
A drive to Chittening Warth to see a Great Grey Shrike, but it had gone. Did see 2 Ravens, a Peregrine and a Song Thrush. Later, went to Severn Beach where the 1st winter male Black Redstart was still there and singing at times.
2005
Back at Snettisham to record the Knot flock and other waders for the final time.
There were 30,000+ Knot, 7,000+ Oystercatchers, 2,000+ Bar-tailed Godwits, around 10,000 Golden Plovers, lots of Curlew, 60+ Redshank, but I only saw 25+ Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers and 6 Sanderling.
Also, 400+ Shelducks, 2,000+ Pink-footed Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, about 40 Barnacle Geese and 30+ Brent Geese.
After packing up all the gear I went to Thornham Harbour again, seeing around 50 Twite, several Redshank and 1,000+ Brent Geese.
Before heading for home I went to Hapley Dams, where there was a Great Grey Shrike.
Video: Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Snettisham.
Also see here.
Video: Redshank feeding in creek at Thornham
Harbour.
Also see here.