Goring and journey to Wigan

Ahead of a journey to Wigan with Ingrid for the Catfish Study Group Convention, I headed out to Goring early but was met with poor visibility and dreadful weather so returned home. It became nicer later, and with some mouldy bread in need of disposal, we departed via the Gap to donate to the local gulls. I was amazed to spot the 2CY Iceland Gull in flight before we'd crossed driven through the Plantation and into the Gap and we tracked it into the northern fields, meeting up with Nick B. Hear it showed very well and enjoyed our stale loaf before we made tracks. En route we encountered over 20 Red Kites, mainly along the M40 but included a singleton over the M25 in line with Staines Moor.

2CY Iceland Gull

Staines Reservoir and Sovereign Harbour

I took Christian C for an early morning dash for the 'AMERICAN HORNED LARK' at Staines Reservoir before heading back to Worthing. The weather was much more agreeable than during my last visit, so the bird could be properly enjoyed. A drake Scaup among a nearby gathering of Tufted Ducks was a nice bonus.

'American Horned Lark' at Staines Reservoir

Scaup with Tufted Ducks at Staines Reservoir

Later on, Ingrid and I visited Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne and enjoyed close views of the wintering 2CY Black Guillemot.

2CY Black Guillemot bothering a 2CY Black-headed Gull at Sovereign Harbour

2CY Black Guillemot at Sovereign Harbour

Staines Reservoir

Third time lucky with the 'AMERICAN HORNED LARK' at Staines Reservoir, the bird feeding at close quarters on the south side of the causeway but the violent wind ensured neither I nor Ian J stuck around for very long. One Goldeneye flew past us.

'American Horned Lark'

Staines Reservoir, 29th November 2017

It was bloody gutting to dip the American Horned Lark for the second time (although the first time I was twitching it as a Shorelark for a London tick). A flock of five Pintail was the best thing on offer but it was nice to catch up with Mike S, Surrey expat now residing in Cornwall, and Robin S.

Lee Valley and Staines Reservoir, 19th November 2017

A morning survey returning to Seventy Acres Lake produced two Egyptian Geese, two Little Egrets, three Water Rails, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, two Cetti's Warblers, a Chiffchaff, three redpolls, seven Siskins and 20 Reed Buntings.


On the way to my parents' home in the afternoon I stopped off at Staines Reservoir in the hope of seeing either the Shorelark or the Whooper Swan flock reported in the morning. Unfortunately, both species had shifted off but a Black-necked Grebe was seen and there seemed to be a decent number of Pochard about, although I didn't have the time to do any meaningful counts of anything.

Berk-ing mad

My parents told me I was nuts to go to Berkshire today, what with the snow and everything - I sort of agreed but I also fancied seeing the Pallas's Warbler at Moor Green Lakes. I gave Canons a forty-minute skywatch first thing (producing a Meadow Pipit and a Grey Heron) then picked up Josh and headed to Bracknell where we collected Liam from the station. So far so good, no jams or skidding on the ice. It wasn't far to Moor Green Lakes and, after a bit of figuring out, we found the car park. A bit of a walk by the river and we found the right area and the tit flock then bam! there was the Pallas's Warbler - beauty! I've seen one very well before, in The Parsonage on St Agnes, but it was just as exciting seeing one again (and in the unique snow-covered landscape!). It was quite mobile and was constantly feeding, often hovering and allowing the yellowish rump to be seen. Here Liam and I met our friend Pete who we know from our trips to Scilly - it was great to catch up. Also at Moor Green were three Goosanders (one drake), a Golden Plover, four Common Snipes, a Red Kite and a Grey Wagtail. Bizarre was a Meadow Pipit feeding on the muddy banks of the small, tree-fringed river.

Pallas's Warbler - had ISO too high and didn't realise (using spare camera)

Red Kite

After a bit of pondering as to what to do next, we went to McDonald's. Refreshed, we then went to Staines Reservoir. This was cold and uncomfortable but was enjoyable. A Black-necked Grebe showing on the South Basin fairly close to the causeway was the first I'd seen in a while and there was a pleasant surprise when Liam called 'large waders!' and I got on them to see a pair of Bar-tailed Godwits which only my second London area sighting and a good one this far inland in the winter. There was quite a number of Goldeneyes as well plus two Redshanks and the odd Wigeon etc.

Black-necked Grebe

Got home without a problem too. The only slight issue was the roads approaching Moor Green which got a little slippery at a couple of points but overall the trip went smoothly and was a success!

The last thing I twitched

Last Saturday. The male Red-backed Shrike in Hayes (Middlesex). Been a bit lazy with this blog lately I know. Mainly because there's been little to put on it and I've got a lump of work to do before my annual holiday, which is in a few days and will be very exciting, no doubt. I'm spending a week and a bit in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly doing almost non-stop seawatching/pelagics with Liam.
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