31st May 2016

Had a Red Kite over Larkhill at 12:10 today, my second Yeovil record this year.

Red Kite - Yeovil

29th May 2016 (Glamorgan and Gwent)

Headed up to Glamorgan and arrived at Ogmore by about 13:30, where the adult SQUACCO HERON was showing fairly near the road as soon as we arrived.

SQUACCO HERON - Ogmore

A nice addition to the car window list!

Had a look in the evening at Newport Wetlands, where the SAVI'S WARBLER ocassionally reeled, and frustratingly managed to move position in the reedbed several times undetected. In the meantime, we had plenty of Bearded Tits plus a Marsh Harrier and some other bits and pieces. After two and a half hours the bird started reeling properly from a bush very close to the path (recording below) and we eventually got a view of the bird in flight. Seems like I've broken my streak of dipping in Wales this year!

Reeling SAVI'S WARBLER - Newport Wetlands

 

28th May 2016

Had a look round Portland Bill this afternoon, producing little more than a Whitethroat, 2 each of Peregrine and Stock Dove and a couple of family parties of Ravens. A quick look out to sea produced a Fulmar and several Shags, Gannets and Razorbills.

Herring Gull - Portland Bill

Rock Pipit - Portland Bill

Ravens - Portland Bill

22nd May 2016

Drove to Loughor, Glamorgan this morning and failed to locate the gull-billed tern in 4 hours (after narrowly missing the species twice last year, this is becoming a bit of a bogey bird for me!). Only species of note were singles of Med Gull and Whitethroat

Mediterranean Gull - Loughor

Headed down to Greylake next, where we had more luck, seeing 6 Common Cranes, 2 Hobbies and singles of Marsh Harrier, Yellow Wagtail and Bittern.

Roe Deer - Greylake

A look at Ham Wall produced 3 Great White Egrets, a Bittern, a Cetti's Warler, a few more Marsh Harriers, and a calling Cuckoo which gave better views than normal.

Cuckoo - Ham Wall

Returned to Greylake in the evening but there was no sign of the savi's warbler. Another Bittern was the only species of note.

17th May 2016

Had a Hobby looking out North from Larkhill this morning. Usually an annual migrant through Yeovil but always good to see one so close to home.

15th May 2016

A look at the Openspace produced relatively little; just 11 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Song Thrushes and singles of Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Coal Tit. A Red Fox was somewhat surprising as well.

Great Spotted Woodpecker - Yeovil Openspace

Blackbird - Yeovil Openspace

Speckled Wood - Yeovil Openspace

13th May 2015

Heard the singing Lesser Whitethroat on Thatcham Park again today. Can't think why it should be staying here this long!

Headed down to Portland late afternoon today and the GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO was showing as soon as we arrived, and continued to perform well up until we left.

GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO - Reap Lane, Portland