Farmoor Reservoir

Today we visited Farmoor Reservoir.

A bright sunny morning greated us at this large body of inland water.

First birds seen flying over were a small group of Swift and House martins along with a few Swallows.

Checking the edges of the reservoir we found a few waders which included a Redshank, Common sandpiper, Dunlin and Oystercatcher.

Scanning over the water we found several common tern then we spotted three smaller darker birds with them these were black tern so nice to see them hawking over the reservoir, we had great views of the black terns all day has we wondered around the site.

Scanning the water several groups of Cormorant, Great crested Grebes were found all diving and fishing in the sunshine.

Walking along the middle of the two basins several Pied wagtails were found along with a couple of Grey Wagtails and three Yellow Wagtail great to see three different types all close together showing their different plumages.

A little further on two Meadow Pipits were found.

Around the small nature reserve at the end of the reservoir several Long tailed Tits were calling along with both Blue and Great Tits. Also seen or heard here were Goldcrest, Green Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet,Wren, Robin along with Grey Heron, Moorhen and Coot.

Moving onto another area several warbler speices were found with Reed, Sedge, Cetti's, Garden, along with Whitethroat and Blackcap.

After taking lunch at the car we headed back along the middle of the reservoir picking up several Buzzards riding the thermals along with two Red Kites, out on the water were several groups of Mallard a few Greylag Geese, and we counted 80 Great Crested Grebes resting on the water an impressive sight.

Heading back to the car park we heard a Cuckoo calling so heading in its direction and soon saw it flying out of a near by tree. We also spotted a Peregrine flying over in the distance.

Scanning the small gull flock we found Black headed, Herring, Lesser Black Backed and a single Great Black Backed gull.

A very enjoyable day in the warm sunshine. DT.

Durlston Country Park

Today saw us on the Dorset coast looking for migrants and sea birds.

Several Razorbills and Guillemots out on the water giving some close views for comparison, also a couple of Gannets flew past.

Along the path a Raven flew past with a few Fulmars riding the wind, sat out on the rooks were Great black-backed gulls along with Herring gulls. Out over the sea several Shags flew low over the water.

Small birds were found in the scrubby areas which included Whitethroat, Lesser whitethroat, Blackcap, Linnet, Mistle thrush, Meadow pipits, along with several Stonechats perched on top of the bushes.

Further on both Chiffchaff and Willow warbler were calling enabling us to remember the different calls they have.

Sitting in one of the many fields we watched a Skylark rise up calling as it went until it was just a tiny dot in the clear blue sky.

Most of the field have a few orchids pushing up but the buttercups were the stars today make the fields stand out bright yellow in the sunshine.

Several butterflies seen today also with a stunning view of an Adonis blue sat out in the open giving very close views.

Other birds seen as we moved on down the path were  Rock pipits,Skylarks, Dunnocks and Wrens.

A long day but some good quality birds seen at very close range. DT