Bird_Watching_UK_-_January_2020

*Naresh Jariwala*

ID CHALLENGE Distinctive bill ALL CANADA PHOTOS/ALAMY Distinctive Yellow and black pattern head pattern at rear Largely black plumage Grey flanks (white ARTERRA PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMY Green speculum & ALAN WILLIAMS/ALAMY at front) LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT/ALAMY white ‘horizontal’ stripe BIRD 4 *Naresh Jariwala* BIRD 5 We think the ID Challenge has been too easy, this month; do you agree? This one is too easy and there is a strong argument that it Anyhow, to add a little spice, we thought we may throw a slightly trickier shouldn’t have been included in this month’s ID Challenge. The one into the mix. It is only tricky because it is not particularly familiar to only thing that may be a tad challenging about this photo is that most UK birdwatchers, but in some ways closely resembles one of our the drake in question has made itself into an unusual shape (owing most common ducks, the Tufted Duck. But the dusky flanks and the bill to be mid-display), making it look more like one of those cute, pattern are both wrong for Tufty. Otherwise it looks quite Tufted cuddly toy ducks you can squeeze and get a repeated sample Duck-like (though we can’t see whether there is a tuft on the back of this sound... In this case it would be a high ‘preep preep’ call. It is of, bird’s head, as it is thrown so far back!). The back is black, the breast, neck course, a Teal, and the following features back this up: rusty head and head a similar black shade. The flank is grey apart from a white area at with broad green ‘eyestripe’ lined with yellow, vermiculated body; the front end. The eye is yellow. The dark grey bill with white before the teal green speculum; horizontal white line in folded wing; black ‘nail’ and at the base are diagnostic of the rare Ring-necked Duck. yellow-and-black undertail coverts; and small black bill. Key features Key features n Black, grey and white duck n Red, green and yellow head n Grey flanks have white at front end n Vermiculated body n Yellow eye n White horizontal stripe in wing, ‘teal’ speculum n Diagnostic bill pattern n Yellow and black rear end NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMYSmooth, bottleHooked red bill BIRD 6 IMAGEBROKER/ALAMY*green head Whitish breast Like other birds in this month’s ID Challenge, this one is and flanks displaying by throwing back its head and pointing its bill skyward. That head is glossy green-black and the bill is blood red, with a pronounced hook at the tip. The eye is dark. The long body is largely whitish (including the breast) with a black back. That narrow hooked bill means that it can only be one of the mergansers, and the dark green-black head means this is an adult drake (of course). If the white breast is not enough to persuade you this is not a Red-breasted Merganser, then the pattern and thickness of the bill should tell you this is a displaying drake Goosander. Key features n Thick-based red bill with hooked tip n Glossy bottle-green, smooth head n Largely white body n Black back MY FAVOURITE SITE “FERRY MEADOWS CP, AND THE NENE WASHES ARE GREAT PLACES ‘CLOSE TO HOME’ FOR WATCHING DUCKS” MIKE WEEDON, ASSISTANT EDITOR birdwatching.co.uk 49

ID challenge ID TIp! ID Tips & tricks Look for the head up, tail up display of Here are a few extra tips to help you identify dabbling ducks, like winter ducks (and more) in the ‘field’ Mallards *Naresh Jariwala* Buschkind/AlAmy Blickwinkel/AlAmy Scaup drake l White on inner and outer wing Lesser Scaup drake l White on inner wing (grey outer) l Dark nail can spread slightly l Dark restricted to nail l Large size (Pochard sized) l Small size (Tufted Duck sized) l Smoothly rounded crown l Peaked crown (hint of crest) l Lighter ‘grey’ back l Darker ‘grey’ back mike lAne/AlAmy* All cAnAdA Photos/AlAmy Teal (drake) Green-winged Teal (drake) l Horizontal flank line diagnostic l Slightly looser vermiculations l Horizontal flank line absent l Slightly denser vermiculations l Vertical flank line absent l Less bright breast l Vertical flank line diagnostic l Brighter breast l Clear yellow border of green l Less clear yellow border of green stripe through eye stripe through eye snap IT! nexT monTh’s imAgeBRokeR/AlAmy* challenge Have you taken a great shot of a duck? If so, why not share it with Close-ups! other readers; send photos to: birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk 50 January 2019

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*Naresh Jariwala*JOIN OUR 2020 #My200BirdYear CHALLENGE Need another good reason to go birdwatching? Sign up for #My200BirdYear and get expert help, share your experiences with other birders, and see more species than ever before! Join today at: www.birdwatching.co.uk/my200

COLLECT & KEEP Every month we bring you 10 more sites to build up your GO BIRDING GO BIRDINGcollection 10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING JURA MORE SWINDALE SITES For a full list of the sites we’ve featured, go to birdwatching. co.uk/gbindex *Naresh Jariwala* YORTON HACKFALL WOOD 1 LLYN COED Y DINAS 2 FOTHERINGHAY KINGSBURY WATER PARK 3 STEWARTBY LAKE 4 5 76 8 10 9 KEY ASELEY HILLS BALSCOTE Sites may be best visited by car, or a car may birdwatching.co.uk 53 be required to get from point to point. Requires birding to be done on foot. Specified points to visit, but can be done in any order (known as KEYPOINTS) Specified points to visit and are best done in numerical order (known as WAYMARKERS) NB: The MILES ON FOOT is the amount of miles you will need to walk and not necessarily the amount of miles in the whole route. The TIME is how many hours we recommend. So, if there are fewer miles per hour, it could be that there is more to see.

GO BIRDING SITE 1 ARGYLL // MILES ON FOOT: 1 TIME: 6 HOURS JURA OTHER WILDLIFE SITE GUIDE Low tide allows you to Birding by car along a bird-rich coastline see both Common and GRID REF: NR 440 691 Grey Seals POSTCODE: PA46 7RE *Naresh Jariwala* ‘hauled out’ JOHN MILES HOW TO GET THERE: Once on Islay, you need the A846 from T he island of Jura is an many deer, e Golden Eagle STEPHEN STREET/ALAMY* Bridgend to Port Askaig, knowing the area of 142 square a real gem o ferry times. You’ll find that the only road miles, and has only even found a island and winter flocks can on Jura is the A846 so carry on along 196 inhabitants compared to attracting ea be found along the coast, that to reach your destination the 1,300 that once lived here We were bro where most years Snow WHERE TO PARK: As a single-track before the clearance took location by a Buntings also gather. Summer road there are many passing place to pull place. There are seven Hooded Crow sees Arctic Terns along the off and scan, but also grassy areas to get estates owning most of the an adult pair of White-tailed coast, along with Common off the road. It is best only to leave your island, with six of them being Eagles close by and a Sandpiper, while Cuckoo is car when space is available to allow other absent landowners. Golden Eagle in the distance. heard right across the island. Hen Harriers are regular on Stonechats are here all year to pass with care One road gives you a great here, too, along with round, while Whinchats love AIN: Most of the wildlife can be way of scanning a large numerous Buzzards. the bracken in summer. om the road but walking away can section of the island, which Down at Lussa, look out for ggy or sandy depending where you is such a contrast to The road gives you plenty of Dipper and Grey Wagtail, stout footwear is advisable neighbouring Islay. The main time to scan the rugged coast, with Red-breasted Mergansers ITIES: heights are the Paps of Jura, with many Great Northern in the bay along with Red- eed to head to Bowmore, Islay which are three peaks rising Divers here from October, into throated Divers. ghouse up to around 2,500ft. The May, along with Shags, Black JOHN MILES C TRANSPORT: The one and island is mainly moorland, Guillemots and mixed ublic bus along Jura’s one and only with Red Deer stalking the waders, especially Turnstone Bus 456 operated by main management (as well as and Ringed Plover in the chhead Coaches. This runs one distillery!). And with so bays. Twite breed on the en Feolin ferry pier and Craighouse ve times a day, taking 20 minutes. nformation (not run by c) – ASP Ship Management, 496 840681 AL INFO: isleofjura.scot islaybirds.blogspot.co.uk ORGANISATIONS: RSPB Bridgend, Argyll and Bute PA44 7PR, tel: 01496 850 505 / The SOC, The Scottish Birdwatching Resource Centre, Waterston House, Aberlady, East Lothian EH32 0PY CLUB CONTACT: Web: islaynaturalhistory.org COUNTY RECORDER: Argyll, Jim Dickson, 11 Pipers Road, Cairnbaan, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8UF. Email: meg@jdickson5.plus.com MAPS: OS Explorer 355, OS Landranger 61 KEY POINTS walk down to check the shore 6 © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 026/16 for Snow Buntings in winter and 5 1There is a short ferry ride across waders in summer. from Port Askaig to the island. 1 4 Check out for seabirds and divers 5The ‘Island of Deer’ allows 2 3 on the crossing. you some close views of some impressive animals along the way. 2Passing the new golf course Look out for eagles scavenging by Jura House on Ardfin dead animals or hunting estate look out for geese, pipits Mountain Hares. and larks on that new grass. 6The tarmac finally runs out at 3Craighouse Bay is a great Lussa Point. Here you find the place to look for divers in the Lussa River entering the bay so bay along with waders along the look out for freshwater birds here shore. Look out for Otters fishing and yet another great place for by the small islands. seeing Otters. Return to catch the last ferry. 4A road leads to a view over Lowlandman’s Bay. You can 54 January 2020

Site 2 cumbriA // miles on foot: 6.5 time: 4 hours Swindale otHeR WilDlife site guide Both Red and Roe A Lakeland valley with a wealth of birdlife deer use the valley, Grid ref: NY 522 142 along with Badger Postcode: CA10 2QT and Fox How to Get tHere: From the north or south it is junction 39 off the *Naresh Jariwala* joHn miles M6, turning west towards the A6 and right towards Shap. Take the first left S windale valley forms mixture of wildlife. It may not Redstarts use the mixed onto a United Utilities road and part of Haweswater have a large area of water like woodland and can even nest follow on for around four miles, RSPB, land managed by next door’s Haweswater, but in the stone walls. Pied crossing the Swindale Beck before the RSPB and owned by the old Golden Eagle found it Flycatchers are also found dropping to your left into the valley United Utilities. The valley a hunting ground, and the big here. Ring Ouzels love the wHere to Park: There is a grassy shot to fame after the crags at Gowther and Outlaw crag areas with Wheatears on knoll by the road before the ‘No Swindale Beck had major may still give you a view of a the rocks around the high Parking beyond this point’ sign which restoration work done on it. Peregrine and plenty of beck. Both Stonechats and can hold several cars Work started in March 2016, Ravens, with Buzzards also Whinchats breed in the area terrain: and was completed in around the area. with Whinchats enjoying the You can walk most of the walk on the September that year. The bracken areas on the fell. road with rough ground to the project resulted in 890 metres The open beck sides hold waterfalls. Best to use stout boots of new/restored sinuous Common Sandpiper in Winter thrushes have many oPeninG times: channel being created, summer, with reeling hawthorn and Rowan berries All year round walk replacing a 750m length of Grasshopper Warbler in the to feed on most years, and the facilities: straightened channel, so a thicker vegetation. Grey only notable rarity found here Shap is the nearest place which has gain of 140m in length. This Wagtails and Dipper are was a Great Grey Shrike, in a range of inns and a shop helped migratory fish, and common, with Pied Wagtails 2003. Keeled Skimmer Public transPort: Buses also surrounding hay fields, along the stone walls. Other dragonflies are found in the between Penrith and Kendall. Ask to bogs and wetlands. warblers along the track can flushes at the head of the get off at the end of the UU road. include Chiffchaff, Willow valley, as are Black Darter. Train Penrith, Traveline, The walk itself is a great Warbler, Blackcap and Garden John Miles tel: 0870 6082608 way to enjoy the valley’s Warbler. More than 50 pairs of local Guide: Web: rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/ reserves-a-z/haweswater/ orGanisation : RSPB Haweswater, Naddle Farm, Bampton, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2RP. Email: haweswater@rspb.org.uk tel: 01931 713376 club contact: Carlisle Natural History Society, tel: 01228 618736 Cumbria Bird Club, web: cumbriabirdclub.org.uk county recorder: Chris Hind, 2 Old School Louse, Hallbankgate, Brampton. Tel: 01697 746 379 email: chris.m.hind@gmail.com maPs: OS Explorer OL 26 & 27, 306, OS Landranger 94 key points Look for raptors circling over 1 © crown coPyriGHt 2017 ordnance survey. media 026/16 the valley. 1You can park before the 2 sign allowing no more 4check out the open hillside 3 access along the road opposite for chats, pipits and birds of 4 bewbarrow crag at grid ref prey. Look for ferns growing in NY 521 142. check for the stonewalls 5 dragonflies in summer and listen out for warblers by the trees. 2Walk along the road scanning 5use the public footpath to for woodland birds. The walk up to the waterfalls area is well known for its high where you may find more redstart population in the wagtails and even Dipper. Alpine ancient birch trees. plants grow around the crags here. You can return the same 3scan over the beck for signs way or walk back on the opposite of waders and hirundines. side of the beck. birdwatching.co.uk 55

Go birdinG Site 3 north yorkshire // miles on foot: 2 time: 2 hours Hackfall Wood SITE guIdE Follow in the footsteps of artists and find great birds Grid ref: SE 236 771 Postcode: HG4 3BS otHeR WilDlife How to Get tHere: Otters are present along Hackfall is 6 miles north-west of the river with Roe deer Ripon, north of Grewelthorpe. From Ripon, take the A6108 in the woods north-west to Masham. From Masham, turn left out of the market *Naresh Jariwala* place near the community centre onto T his ancient joHn milesstill has original features suchWoodpecker and this birdChurch Street. Follow the road around woodland is cared© crown coPyriGHt 2017 ordnance survey. media 026/16as grottos and glades, rustic may still be in the valley. a left hand bend onto Park Street for by both the temples and waterfalls, as Best to look for it in winter (past HSBC bank on the right and the Hackfall Trust and the well as carpets of Bluebell in amongst mixed tit flocks. Co-op). Head out of Masham on Woodland Trust on a 99-year spring and an impressive Both Pied Flycatcher and Thorpe Road (past I’Anson feed mill) lease. It’s a Site of Special number of woodland birds. Redstart are possible in and over the River Burn bridge Scientific Interest and listed Natural regeneration of Ash, spring. The birds of prey towards Grewelthorpe for about a mile as Grade 1 on the historic Sycamore Alder and Wych include Buzzard, Red Kite wHere to Park: parks and gardens’ register. Elm has taken place and there and Sparrowhawk. Ospreys Free Woodland Trust car park on your is one area of ‘hanging’ oak have been seen passing over left (postcode HG4 3BS) There’s something about the woodland which must have in the summer. The river terrain: The paths are often solid wild splendour of Hackfall missed the axe. offers a mixed bag from with occasional wet areas. Best to use Woods that simply inspires Dipper, Grey Wagtail to stout footwear creativity. Nineteenth century The first thing you notice is Goosander. Winter thrushes oPeninG times: All year round writers hailed it as one of the the steep paths down into the can be found in the facilities: Masham, Ripon most beautiful woodlands in wood. There is a mixture of surrounding area while Public transPort: Bus services the country, while romantic woodland birds – tits Blackcaps enjoy the Ivy via Ripon and Masham, Traveline, landscape artist Turner including Marsh Tit, Nuthatch berries in the spring with tel: 0871 200 22 33 painted in the woods. What it and Treecreeper as well as both Garden and Willow local Guide: must have looked like before both Great Spotted and Green Warbler present along with web: visitmasham.com/index.php clear felling in 1933 is now Woodpecker. Older records Chiffchaff. The Ripon Rowel orGanisations: Web: left to the imagination, but it show Lesser Spotted woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/ woods/hackfall/ club contact: The Lower Ure Conservation Trust, email: luct@luct.org.uk Harrogate and District Naturalists Society, web: hdns.org.uk / secretary, email: val.smith1@talktalk.net county recorder: Yorkshire (North), Ian Court, email: ian.court@mypostoffice.co.uk maPs: OS Explorer 298, OS Landranger 99 medium distance circular path is 50 miles long and passes through the wood. JOhN MIlES 1 23 KEY POINTS 4there are many streams 64 dropping into the river. 5 1start off from the car park on Look out for ferns like hart’s the minor road from Masham to tongue and Broad Buckler Fern. Grewelthorpe. you cross open fields Woodcock love these damp areas. before joining the wood. 5Walk back up the steep 2there are many paths to enjoy, path into the hanging oak but i walked upstream first along woodland. Check for migrants the field edge in the wood. Look out in spring. for mixed thrushes and corvids in the fields. 6Walk back along the top path until you see the car park. 3Dropping down to the river walk Listen out for stock Doves in the downstream checking for water buildings along the way. birds and winter redpolls and siskin feeding in the Alder. 56 January 2020

Site 4 shropshire // miles on foot: 2 time: 2 hours Yorton site guide Woodland and farmland species plus possible owls Grid ref: SJ 504 238 How to Get tHere: From the toP tiP A49 take the minor road from Preston Visit after a night of Brockhurst signed to Clive, then go under the railway bridge and take the heavy rain for turning to the left possible day-flying wHere to park: At the side of the road at grid ref: SJ 505 238 owls terrain: Generally level. Good views *Naresh Jariwala* bernard jones accessibility: Very limited disabled access. Dogs allowed under control facilities: Shop and post office in Clive village. public transport: Nearest railway station is Shrewsbury but Yorton Station is a request stop. National Rail Enquiries 08457 700 240. Bus Services Traveline, tel: 08712 002 233 club contact: Shropshire Ornithological Society, tel: 01743 761 507, web: shropshirebirds.com county recorder: Martyn Owen, 34 Peacock Hill, Alveley, Shropshire WV15 6JX. Tel: 01746 780 336 mob: 07736 286 675 email: soscountyrecorder@gmail.com Maps: OS Explorer 241, OS Landranger 126 t his is a short but latter to transport airborne two small ponds, so you may check for a Chiffchaff and interesting walk, soldiers to Arnhem in see a Coot or Moorhen, with just maybe a Whitethroat. where time can be 1944. There is now an aero Mallard usually around. The spent searching for a variety club there, so you may most likely owl to see is the You may see a Nuthatch of birds. Nearby is an airfield, expect some aircraft noise Barn Owl, but also keep a defying gravity in the trees called Sleap, which was built now and then. lookout for the undulating or a Pheasant or partridge in during World War II to train flight of the Little Owl and the open areas, and a Buzzard bomber and glider crews, the But back to the birds – this just a possibility of a Tawny floating overhead, possibly is an open area with Owl at the woodland areas. with Carrion Crows chasing it. woodland patches and one or There are small patches of conifers, so it is worth There is always the checking for Goldcrest or possibility of a hunting Firecrest and with the Sparrowhawk here and so, mixture of woodland also with open areas here don’t forget your bins! Bernard Jones life on wHite/alaMy* Barn Owl waymarkers 3The woodland here favours 45 © crown copyriGHt 2017 ordnance survey. Media 026/16 Great spotted Woodpecker, 31 1Check for small birds such Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Wren. as Blackbird, house sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, robin, Blue and 4A Kestrel is usually around this Great Tits, Woodpigeons, area but also keep a lookout for birdwatching.co.uk 57 and probably Coal and Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare. Long-tailed Tits. 5Another small area of trees and 2overhead look for Buzzards hedges to check for Treecreeper. – mobbing corvids can be a giveaway as to their presence.

Go birdinG Site 5 MONTGOMERYSHIRE// miles on foot: 1 time: 1 HOuR LLYN COED Y DINAS An opportunistic creation of a nature reserve site guide *Naresh Jariwala* otHeR WilDlife DAvID SAUNDERS GRID REF: SJ 223 052 Look for signs of otters, POST CODE: SY21 8RP – for Coed Aproposal to use the Environment Agency and the pleasant smell of their y Dinas Garden Centre immediately then derelict the European Regional characteristic droppings north of Llyn Coed y Dinas Montgomery Canal as Development Fund, and HOW TO GET THERE: South from the route of the Welshpool more recently enhanced reminiscent of Welshpool on the A483, at the major bypass was fortunately under a Heritage Lottery Jasmine tea! roundabout turn back towards overturned, and when work Fund programme. Welshpool on the A458, the reserve commenced in 1993 on an whatever the time of day, Llyn is immediately on the right alternative across the Severn The outstanding feature, Coed y Dinas always seems to WHERE TO PARK: A spacious car water-meadows a little to the which occupies well over have a special buzz about it. park at the reserve entrance east, vast amounts of gravel half of the 20-acre site, is Bitterns have been recorded TERRAIN: were required, gravel which the lagoon with shallow in winter, preferring the Good wheelchair-friendly footpaths fortunately could be margins, deeper pools and anonymity of the reedbeds; ACCESS: Open throughout the year excavated close-by, the reedbeds, all fringed with are they more regular than from dawn to dusk. Dogs must be resulting hole filling with woodlands and meadows, the sightings suggest? At least kept on a lead and are not allowed water. An opportunity to while two large hides Water Rails readily announce inside the hides create a wetland nature provide comfortable their presence with distinctive FACILITIES: reserve was grasped by the viewing points. The close calls. By contrast, Cormorants None on site but the garden centre Montgomery Wildlife Trust, proximity of these to the car are immediately apparent, next door has a fine restaurant, aided by the Countryside park means a short visit is this being one their largest otherwise head into Welshpool Council for Wales, the easily accomplished. inland gathering locations in PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Welshpool is Whatever the season, Wales. A winter roost of easily reached by train or bus from Starlings takes place in the where the bus service for Newtown key points in the reedbeds, a winter haunt of reedbeds while in summer Monday to Saturday passes the Water Rails. a boisterous colony of nature reserve entrance. Traveline 1Check the woodland fringe for Black-headed Gulls dominates Cymru, tel: 0871 200 2233 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3Severn Farm Pond, an the scene. Unexpected visitors web: travelinecymru.info Treecreeper, Wren, Blue, Coal urban nature reserve with this far inland in Wales have ORGANISATIONS: Great and Long-tailed Tits, meandering boardwalks, should included Great Black-backed, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Park Song Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, not be overlooked, especially Little and Mediterranean Lane House, High Street, Welshpool, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch in summer, with Mallard, Little Gulls, Kittiwake, Black Tern Powys SY21 7JP. Tel: 01938 555654, and Goldfinch. Summer visitors Grebe, Coot and Moorhen on and Gannet. email: info@montwt.co.uk include Sand Martins, Chiffchaffs, the open water, while the wetland dAVid sAundeRs web: montwt.co.uk Blackcaps and Garden Warblers. areas prove attractive to Reed and COUNTY RECORDER: Mike Haigh, Sedge Warblers and according to Tynewydd Ketch, Llanfyllin, Powys 2The resident Canada Goose the site information are stuffed full SY22 4EU. Tel: 01691 648746, flock sometimes swells to 400, of damselflies, dragonflies, frogs, email: montbird@gmail.com Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck and newts and toads. ONLINE RESOURCE Wigeon are all regular in good montgomerybirdblog.blogspot.com numbers, with Snipe, Lapwing, 4Powis Castle has ancient MAPS: OS Explorer 216, Cormorant, Shoveler, Pintail, parkland where Hawfinches OS Landranger 126 Gadwall, Pochard and Goldeneye have occurred in the car park, and present in smaller numbers most is but a short distance from Llyn 3 © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURvEY. MEDIA 026/16 winters. Little Ringed Plovers Coed Dinas, providing a superb 4 have nested while Cattle, Great addition to your visit. White and Little Egrets have all 12 delighted watchers. Starlings roost 58 January 2020

SITE 6 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE // MILES ON FOOT: 2 TIME: 2 HOURS FOTHERINGHAY SITE GUIDE A historic setting for some surprising birding GRID REF: TL 061 931 POSTCODE: PE8 5HZ TOP TIP  HOW TO GET THERE: From the Check the many small A605 between Oundle and floods alongside the Peterborough, which connects the A1 and A14, the village is signposted Nene for possible WHERE TO PARK: waders and Roadside parking in the village, but wildfowl please park considerately TERRAIN: Pavements and a level *Naresh Jariwala* MATT MERRITT path, although the latter can be muddy and puddly after heavy rain, Hawfinch T he small village of odd Moorhen, but walking and there’s a slippery slope if you want Fotheringhay has a to it from the village’s main to get close to the castle mound BLICKWINKEL/ALAMY* big history. As well as street can bring an ACCESSIBILITY: Disabled access as being the birthplace of evil unexpected reward. far as gate to castle mound. Dogs hunchback/unfairly maligned permitted on a lead hero (delete to suit personal The green lane leading to FACILITIES: The Falcon pub on the taste) Richard III, and the it has hedges full of village’s main street is your best bet, burial place of his father Chaffinches, Goldfinches, although Oundle is only a few minutes’ Richard of York, its castle was Greenfinches and Long-tailed drive away where Mary Queen of Scots Tits, but if you’re lucky you PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The X4 bus was held prisoner, tried and might also find the odd from Peterborough stops in the village, then executed. And, for those Hawfinch. There’s at least with Peterborough being the nearest of you with a penchant for late one Yew tree, always a likely railway station 1960s/early 1970s folk-rock, haunt for these big-billed COUNTY RECORDER: the place was immortalised by beauties, but as always, they Mike Alibone, Fairport Convention singer can roam quite widely. I saw email: northantsbirds@ntlworld.com Sandy Denny. two after acting on a tip-off MAPS: OS Explorer 224, 227, 234, from BW regular Ian 235, OS Landranger 141, 142 These days the castle is no Parsons, who himself found more than a mound, with a some when he was just nearby fields for Redwings, damp moat that harbours the passing through the area. Fieldfares and Mistle Thrushes, too, while across Check the hedges, trees and the River Nene there are often grazing geese and KEY POINTS Sparrowhawks and other raptors 4 loafing gulls. © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 026/16 (Peregrines nest not too far away). 1Churchyard: Expect Ravens are also possible. Moorhens Don’t forget to look Jackdaws, Starlings, a variety are sometimes around the moat. overhead, as Red Kites are of small birds, and just possibly an almost constant presence a Hawfinch – experience shows 4River: On this stretch, the these days, drifting over they often like churchyards. more common duck species from the Rockingham are usually all you’ll find, plus Pied Forest reintroduction 2 Lane: Walk slowly, scanning Wagtails, but check for scarcer scheme, while Buzzard, the hedges and trees, and visitors, such as Goosanders. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk you should get a good mix of are also likely. finches and tits, plus possible 5Fields: On the far side of the MATT MERRITT Redwing and Fieldfare. Mistle river, look for scarcer migrant Thrushes are more likely in the geese among the resident Greylags 1 larger trees. and Canadas. Lapwings are often 2 around, and check for Golden 3 Castle Mound: A good Plovers and other waders. 3 vantage point for scanning for Red Kites, Buzzards, 5 birdwatching.co.uk 59

Go birdinG Site 7 WARWiCkShiRE // miles on foot: 5 time: 3 hOuRS KINGSBURY WATER PARK A rich mix of wildfowl and migrants throughout the seasons site guide toP tiP  GRID REF: SP 203 960 don’t forget to look POSTCODE: B76 0DY HOW TO GET THERE: From the for dragonflies M42 junction 9 follow the A497 in summer signposted Kingsbury, turn left at the first roundabout and follow to *Naresh Jariwala* PETE HACKETT Broomey Croft entrance which is signposted to the right. From the T he large Tame Valley by and large away from the Hobbies are regular from A4091 direction take Bodymoor Wetlands complex Kingsbury complex, but this spring with the occasional Heath Road past the Aston Villa offer some of the best site still produces a fine array Marsh Harrier or Osprey training ground and turn left after birdwatching in the West of species attracted to the passing over. Barn Owl are the canal bridge Midlands. Kingsbury Water many bodies of open water, resident in the area, being WHERE TO PARK: Broomey Croft Park was once the hub of some of which are used for joined by Short-eared Owl car park is signposted. There is a Warwickshire birdwatching water sports. hunting over grasslands most charge of £3. The main visitor centre and hosted a spectacular winters, and the large Canada charge is £4.50 array of scarce species. With Winter brings a few Goose and Greylag flocks may TERRAIN: Level paths for most. gravel extraction slowly Goldeneye to the pools and entice a Brent or Pink-footed Muddy in parts during the winter coming to an end in the large numbers of common Goose. Not so many rarities as months, occasionally inaccessible area, further wetlands were wildfowl including a chance in its heyday, but notable around some pools after heavy created to the north on a of a Smew. Spring and species have included flooding larger scale, now known as autumn brings passage terns Gull-billed and White-winged ACCESSIBILITY: Disabled access Middleton Lakes. and Little Gull, while good Black Terns and a recent during dry weather. Dogs allowed numbers of waders pass Dusky Warbler (or possibly under control The emphasis of through if water levels two), being the first records FACILITIES: A friendly small café birdwatching has now shifted are favourable. for Warwickshire, and a and animal farm at the Broomey Wryneck along the adjacent Croft entrance. Information boards key Points Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Avocet, canal. Hemlingford Water in and benches with hides overlooking © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURvEY. MEDIA 026/16 Whimbrel, Curlew and Sanderling the busier part of the park is Cliff pool. The larger visitor centre 1Broomey Croft Pool is a good pass through. Flocks of Golden good for tern and Little Gull is at the main Kingsbury Water spot for Great Crested Grebe, Plover often overfly the area passage, so is worth a check. Park entrance Pochard, Wigeon, Gadwall, towards Middleton Lakes. Pete Hackett PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Arriva bus Shoveler and large numbers of Shelduck  and Garganey, Little number 115 stops nearby geese, including the occasional and Great White Egrets are now 4 Nearest rail station is Tamworth. Egyptian Goose. Plenty of Reed, a common sight.  3 Web: nationalrail.co.uk Sedge and a few Cetti’s Warblers. ORGANISATIONS: 4hemlingford Water, although 2 West Midland Bird Club, 2 The island on Canal Pool disturbed by watersports, can web: westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk no longer supports the once be good for terns, especially Black 1 email Chris Hill at warks-recorder@ thriving Common Tern colony. and Arctic, and Little Gulls during westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk Again, a good pool for wildfowl. periods of south-easterly winds ONLINE: tamevalleywetlands.co.uk in spring, and it regularly attracts MAPS: OS Explorer 232, 3 Cliff Pool is the best for Goosander and Yellow-legged OS Landranger 139 waders (depending on water Gulls in winter. levels). Oystercatchers, Lapwing, 5 Snipe, Redshank and Green 5Meadows attract the occasional and Common Sandpipers are hen harrier during winter with the commonest species. During also a chance of Merlin and Short- spring and autumn Ringed and eared Owl and Meadow Pipits. Little Ringed Plovers, Black- tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 60 January 2020

SITE 8 WORCESTERSHIRE// MILES ON FOOT: 3.5 TIME: 2 HOURS WASELEY HILLS SITE GUIDE GRID REF: SO 972 779 Plenty of birding potential at this under-watched site POSTCODE: B45 9AD HOW TO GET THERE: From the M5 at junction 4 the main car park is brown signposted. Follow the A491 to Waseley Hills. For the south car park (which is free parking TOP TIP  and quieter) take the A38 Make as early a start Birmingham Road towards Rubery, in the day as shortly after the road bridge turn left you can into Gannow Road and left into School Road, then right into Holywell Lane to the south car park WHERE TO PARK: Pay and display car park at the visitor centre or alternatively a free car park (as *Naresh Jariwala* directions above). TERRAIN: A steady climb in parts, can be muddy on the lower slopes  ACCESSIBILITY: The car parks are PETE HACKETT closed at night FACILITIES: Café at the visitor centre, with toilets. Benches around the trails T his north copses of Larch, oak and information plaque, and PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus Worcestershire hillside Beech and ancient hawthorn the views are stunning number 63 from Birmingham city offers a good few hedgerows together with a across eight counties centre stops nearby WEB: worcesterbirding.co.uk for hours birding, particularly at few small pools offer an easily (on a clear day)! regular bird updates of scarcer species times of migration. The whole worked patch. At the summit, Small springs at the in Worcestershire area is much under-watched which rises to 998ft, is a bottom of the slopes feed ORGANISATIONS: Waseley Hills – possibly the throng of dog toposcope with a 360¡ water into the River Salwarpe, CP, Gannow Green Lane, Rubery, walkers and the constant which is the source of the Birmingham B45 9AT buzz of motorway traffic River Rae, which flows CLUB CONTACT: Web: and closeness to a large Treecreeper through central Birmingham westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk south-west Birmingham and on into the River Trent. COUNTY RECORDER: Steven population may be a factor, There is a nice population of Payne, email worcs-recorder@ but the potential for a regular breeding birds which westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk self-found bird among the includes Great Spotted MAPS: OS Explorer 219, © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 026/16 150 acres is high, and there BLICKWINKEL/ALAMY*Woodpecker, Jay, Tawny Owl, OS Landranger 139 are enough quieter nooks and Bullfinch, Buzzard, common crannies to explore. warblers and finches. At times The steep slopes with small of migration Wheatear, Yellow maybe Crossbill around the Wagtail, Redstart, thrushes, Larch plantations, while pipits and hirundines pass raptors, such as an occasional KEY POINTS over in good numbers. There Red Kite and passage Osprey, 1The south car park is a good Meadow Pipits on the higher is a chance of a Woodcock in pass overhead. place to start, being quieter ridge. Kestrels are regular with the damper hollows and PETE HACKETT than the main entrance. Check for overhead Buzzard, Raven woodland birds from here – there and the chance of Red Kite. are good numbers of Bullfinch, Check the Beech trees at the Chaffinch, Treecreeper, Jay and Silver Jubilee planted wood for tit flocks. finch flocks which may include a Brambling. 2The conifer plantations attract 4Outstanding views from the 4 tits, Goldcrest, and Siskin. summit where a toposcope 3 Small copses hold Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler will point you in the right and Garden Warbler, while direction and a good vantage areas of Gorse attract Linnet point for visible migration, and Whitethroat. Chance of especially for incoming flocks of Stonechat and Whinchat in areas Redwing and Fieldfare together 2 of scrub while the damper areas with Starling and Song Thrush may attract the odd Snipe. during autumn flying from 1 east to west. Wheatear and 3 Sky Larks are present in Yellow Wagtail often pause here good numbers together with in spring. birdwatching.co.uk 61

Go birdinG Site 9 bedfordshire // miles on foot: 3 time: 3 hours Stewartby Lake SitE guidE A winter walk in the Marston Vale Grid ref: TL 002 427 Postcode: MK43 0GH top tip How to Get tHere: Arrive a couple of From junction 13 of the M1 hours before sunset motorway take the A421 to Bedford. After four miles turn off for gull roost the trunk road at Marston Moretaine. Once in the village turn *Naresh Jariwala* left at the roundabout along Paul troddS tewartby Lake is a large, The margins of Stewartby Goosander, Slavonian or Bedford Road for half a mile © crown coPyriGHt 2017 ordnance survey. Media 026/16 deep-water former clay Lake vary from old brick Black-necked Grebe and maybe at Caulcott pit now used for fishing rubble to marshy shallows a rare sea duck. The gull roost wHere to Park: Park in the and watersports, and as such that can attract the odd used to be a given for Glaucous lay-by off Bedford Road by the is peppered with booms and wintering Green Sandpiper as or Iceland Gulls in past footpath to site buoys, ideal perches for gulls well as Bittern and Bearded winters, although they have terrain: A combination of and other waterfowl. The lake Tit in several well-established become rarer in recent years. unsurfaced paths and tracks on has been incorporated into the reedbeds. The open water can level ground adjacent Millennium Country be good following a cold snap Marginal thickets with Alder access: Year round access on Park, which is also within the as the large lake rarely freezes and Birch trees can attract the public footpaths ongoing Forest of the Marston over, thus attracting displaced occasional small flocks of facilities: The adjacent Forest Vale project. local scarcities such as Smew, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin Centre of the Millennium Country among the commoner Park has the Lakeside Café, toilets WAYMARKERS can attract loafing gulls and the Goldfinches, while open and information board on the odd wader, usually Lapwing or grassy areas bring the chance Marston Vale Forest project 1View across the lake for a large redshank, plus Pied Wagtail, of a hunting Merlin or Public transPort: gull roost, including a good Meadow Pipit and Mute swan. Peregrine. Winter thrushes There is a bus service from Bedford chance of Caspian, Yellow-legged are also on the cards along to Marston Mortaine, web: and Med Gulls. Check perched 3A quiet corner suitable for boundary hedgerows, where bustimes.org and a train station on Cormorants on booms and buoys flocks of tits, finches, and Great Grey Shrike have been the Bedford to Milton Keynes line for shag following northerly winds. buntings, plus redwing and noted in the past. stopping at Stewartby close to site. scrub around the viewpoint can fieldfare in the hedgerow and Web: thetrainline.com attract roving flocks of passerines maybe a wintering blackcap The open vista of Stewartby orGanisation: The Forest of including bullfinch, Long-tailed or firecrest. sparrowhawk and Lake is the perfect complement Marston Vale, web: marstonvale.org Tit, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and buzzard are often noted. club contact: Mary Sheridan, Chiffchaff, plus Great spotted 1 email: membership@bnhs.org.uk Woodpecker and at dusk Tawny 4Check the reedbeds for county recorder: owl. An adjacent drainage ditch Moorhen, Water rail, Cetti’s 4 Steve Blain often harbours Kingfisher, Grey Warbler, reed bunting and a email: recorder@bedsbirdclub.org.uk Wagtail, Green sandpiper and chance of bearded Tit, plus Grey MaPs: OS Explorer 193, Cetti’s Warbler. heron and Little egret around OS Landranger 153 the margins. open grassy areas 2scan across the lake for can attract sky Lark, Meadow to the wetlands of the flocks of Coot, feral geese, Pipit and snipe when wet, plus adjacent Millennium park Mute swans and winter wildfowl, the odd stonechat and hovering with its Forest Centre typically diving duck such as Kestrel. shallows out from reeds facilities, including a highly Pochard and Tufted duck along may attract the likes of Little recommended café. with one or two Goldeneye and Grebe, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal PAul tRodd the outside chance of a sawbill, and shoveler. while Great Crested Grebe is 2 present. The sailing club lawn 3 62 January 2020

SITE 10 OXFORDSHIRE // MILES ON FOOT: 2 TIME: 1 HOUR BALSCOTE SITE GUIDE Rolling arable pasture, pools and small woodlands to explore GRID REF: SP 390 426 POSTCODE: OX15 6JT TOP TIP HOW TO GET THERE: From the Be aware the pool B4100 Warwick Road west of Banbury take the A422 Stratford dries out in hot Road at the traffic lights towards summers    Wroxton, pass through Wroxton and take the sign to Balscote at Langley *Naresh Jariwala* PETE HACKETT House. Nearest motorway M40, exit junction 11 T his is a pleasant rural hectares, set among some there is always a chance of WHERE TO PARK: There is a small area lying to the west varied hedgerow and fields, a Short-eared Owl during amount of car parking for a couple of of Banbury, set among and makes up for an area that invasive years. There is a cars on the grass verge near the rolling arable farmland and holds not too many water feeding station set up next Balscote Quarry reserve entrance working quarries and bodies for waders. Although to the viewing area, which which can get very muddy in winter interspersed with small belts the small pools are prone to attracts the usual suspects. TERRAIN: An easy careful walk of woodland. This picturesque drying out there has been All-in-all, a pleasant area to around the lanes as there is no small village, with houses work to deepen them in recent while away an hour or so with pavement. Or use the car and scan made from the local Horton years, aiding the local a smashing little pub in the the fields from suitable vantage points stone, is quiet, with just a Lapwing flock in particular. village, too. ACCESSIBILITY: The small reserve Grade II listed church and Golden Plovers also use the PETE HACKETT is open access to members of the Victorian pub. area, while in 2012, a Dottere Banbury Ornithological Society was also seen with the flock Golden Plover (see below for membership details) The small Balscote Quarry in spring and stayed for FACILITIES: reserve is for members of the several days. Viewing point just off the road, with Banbury Ornithological bench seating. Information board. Pub Society and was purchased in Red Kites are now seen all at Balscote village and plenty of 1998 when the quarry became around the area while Hobbie facilities in nearby Banbury disused (see below for are regularly seen from sprin PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None to membership details) and is onwards. A Great Grey Shrike site. Nearest rail station is Banbury, a delightful little spot of six was a good find locally, while chilternrailways.co.uk ORGANISATIONS: Banbury Ornithological Society, web: banburyornithologicalsociety.org.uk/ index.php / new members officer en Raine, email: membership@ buryos.org / bird sightings in Oxfordshire visit: nbirding.blogspot.com UNTY RECORDER: Lewington ail: lewbirder@btinternet.com APS: OS Explorer 191, Landranger 151 © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 026/16 KEY POINTS Bramblings, Meadow Pipits, 1 ALAN WILLIAMS/ALAMY* Yellow Wagtails, Whitethroat, 32 1The quarry has breeding Lesser Whitethroat, passage waders such as Lapwing and Stonechat, Whinchat and maybe Little Ringed Plover, while possible Redstart. Kestrel, Curlew use the reserve as Sparrowhawk and Red Kites. a roost. If conditions allow waders Redwing, Fieldfare and Mistle such as Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Thrush feed in ploughed fields Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, while Ring Ouzels have also Redshank, Dunlin pass through. been seen. Scarcer species have included Temminck’s Stint and Red-necked 3Larger fields attract flocks of Phalarope. There’s a chance of Golden Plover and Lapwing. a Hobby catching dragonflies Sky Larks are numerous while in summer. Sand Martins have the area has attracted Hen nested in the quarry while a few Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared dabbling ducks occur if water Owls, and Peregrine are fairly levels allow. regular. Chance of Barn and Little Owls. Check through gulls 2Check roadside fields gathering on ploughed fields. and hedgerows for finch flocks, which may contain BW birdwatching.co.uk 63

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PHOTOS, LETTER, TWEETS, QUESTIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY GET IN TOUCH birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk facebook.com/BirdWatchingMag twitter.com/BirdWatchingMag Bird Watching, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA Considered Knepp? *Naresh Jariwala*we have the disaster zone wea female that would make Robin photos are left with today. I’m sure birding history. I read the I’ve just read the article on book Wilding by Isabella Tree The Camera School article (Bird Cove Down (Bird t the wilding (of Knepp) recently, and found Watching, December 2019) on Watching project at it incredibly moving and photographing Robins reminded December) and Knepp Farm informative. I’ve only been me of my attempts some years I’m really please Estate (found reading your magazine for the ago to photograph one. I noticed to see that you online at last two issues, (I was given that our friendly Robin was have featured knepp.co.uk) a subscription as a birthday perching on a garden lantern, so this project: which has been present) so you may have I set up my camera on a tripod I think it is developing the covered the Knepp project with a remote shutter release. absolutely the wilding already; but if you haven’t, only real way principle since why don’t you do a feature on However, as with all wildlife, forward for bout 1999, and it, and at the same time do the Robin had other ideas and nature s now a model a review of the book? It’s decided to perch on the camera! conservation in n the probably one of the most Fortunately, my wife’s camera the UK nternational important things that’s going was handy and I took the first especially, age for how on for the UK bird population picture. I eventually got the where we have been to nurture our natural at the moment, and needs all shot I was intending to get. devastating the countryside heritage. I think it’s the only the coverage it can get. Apart It had obviously had a rough with intensive farming since place in the UK where the from that, it would make a breeding season. we started indiscriminately Turtle Dove and Nightingale brilliant feature article. Ken Fielding ploughing up the land in order are on the increase. There are Bob Hext to “Dig for Victory”in WWII. Nightjars, all manner of owls Add to that the deluge of and raptors, and even a male n The editor says: We ran a artificial fertilizers and Red-backed Shrike has been feature on Knepp in our April pesticides since the 1970s and seen there: if he was joined by 2016 issue, and you can read the online version here: birdwatching.co.uk/knepp We’re always interested in revisiting areas for updates though and Knepp could well be one of those – so watch this space, Bob! 1 Send your snaps to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk to be in with a chance of seeing your photo in print. All images should 2 be high resolution JPEG files. 66 January 2020 1 Moorhen by Trevor Burch Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: 480mm Shutter Speed: 1/640s Aperture: f/7.1 ISO: 1,250 2 Water Rail by Selwyn Dennis Camera: Canon EOS 70D Lens: 400mm Shutter Speed: 1/640s Aperture: f/5.6 ISO: 250 3 Robin by Andy Ashdown Camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000 Lens: 306mm Shutter Speed: 1/500s Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100 4 Osprey by Kevin Bowers 3 Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: 600mm Shutter Speed: 1/1,250s Aperture: f/63 ISO: 800

Ban hunting! *Naresh Jariwala*Unusual sighting PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP I just read Bo Beolens’ The attached photo, taken by article (Bird Watching, Alwyn Knapton, Compton Join our dedicated #My200BirdYear Facebook December 2019) about the Verney’s volunteer wildlife group and share your best birding experiences shooting of so called ‘game’ officer on Friday 15 November and images with the community: birds and, as a hunt shows a juvenile Cuckoo at saboteur and a Kent and Compton Verney Art Gallery facebook.com/groups/My200BirdYear Suffolk local, I completely and Park, where I work as agree with the article and a groundsman. The cuckoo Coal Tit by David Gibson the points Bo addresses. It was first spotted by myself disgusts me how these on Tuesday 12 November just Goldeneye by Harriet Day non-native species are after midday. I managed to released in their millions get quite close to it as it flew Nuthatch by Trev Taylor into the countryside to face around before landing on the an almost certain death ground to consume a worm. – by road, by gun or by It then landed on a fence predator. It is unnatural for before flying off. I spotted it the wilderness of our again on 15 November where countryside and the balance the volunteer officer got a of our ecosystems. better photo of it. It didn’t seem too bothered by visitors, I’ve witnessed first-hand but was mobbed briefly by the the illegal hunting of Foxes, resident corvids. This is a rare deer and hare and it truly sight in itself (an individual is barbaric. Foxes are dug was recorded at CV in 2013) up, Badger setts illegally but to see it at that time of tampered with, local year when it should be in predators are culled to Africa, is very unusual. ‘protect’ investment species. Adam Webb It isn’t just the prized victim of the day that dies under the management of bird shoots or the land on which hunting occurs. All forms of hunting, whether illegal or still legal should end and become a thing of the past, where it belongs. We live in the 21st Century! Name withheld, Suffolk WE LOVE The swimming Water Rail! Such an unusual photograph of a rarely seen bird, let alone behaviour! Pink-footed Goose by Nicky Garrett 4 birdwatching.co.uk 67

Send all your birding questions to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk and our experts will give you the answers behind Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Indonesia.Can you advise which of these statements is correct, please ? Séamus (via email) Nature PhotograPhers Ltd/aLamy* george resZeter/aLamy A We think you are quite right, Séamus, in stating that Scruffy Rook ID *Naresh Jariwala* Ecuador is fifth on the list of Just how many species of woodpecker are there in the uk? Q I have just seen a rather countries with the most bird species. scruffy looking Rook with We are not sure how the ‘fact’ about crossed mandibles. It made me it being the second most diverse (in wonder how long can birds bird species) crept in. In terms of Q Dear Bird Watching, I am in danger of falling out with my best birdwatching friend over woodpeckers. She says there survive with deformed bills. Can species per square kilometre, you help answer this, please? Ecuador does punch well above its are three species of woodpecker recorded in the UK. I say there Harvey Singer weight in a South American are four (including the Wryneck). But she refuses to accept that context, though: with a species of the Wryneck is a woodpecker. Please settle this argument. A A small proportion of all bird for every 175 km2 compared to Claire Flett birds have slight to one for every 608 km2 in Colombia.  considerable deformities in bill Bird ID, please A How can we answer this as tactfully as possible? In one sense, Claire, you are correct, but in another, so is your friend. But in growth. This can be caused by mechanical damage or disease of Q I wonder whether you would a third sense, both of you are wrong! Firstly, the Wryneck is indeed a be able to identify the two various kinds, or even, rarely, by woodpecker, though a rather anomalous one: looking more like a big, genetic deformities. One of the birds that I photographed on a sea cryptically coloured warbler in some ways, and being a long-distance horny mandibles may over grow shore in very stormy weather?  migrant. It used to be a regular and somewhat common breeder in the other, or a slight lateral I think the one is possibly a Rock the country (even having its own vernacular names, such as the displacement can mean they Pipit, but cannot identify the other Cuckoo’s Mate); but now breeds only in extremely small numbers overlap each other like your Rook. which seems to have a slightly and is most often seen as a scarce passage migrant. So, with the In answer to your question, Harvey, pinky tinged underside. I’m sorry Great Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Wryneck the effect this would have on the photos are not as clear as they makes four. On the other hand, there are only three species with the a bird’s survival depends on the might be, I was being buffeted by word ‘Woodpecker’ in their names. severity of the deformation and strong winds at the time. However, the twist comes with the fifth woodpecker species on how this affects the bird’s ability to Carol Davies the British List (as maintained by the BOU): the Yellow-bellied feed, drink, preen and bathe. If the Sapsucker, a North American species, which has only occurred in bird is able to carry on almost as A Firstly, Carol, no need to the UK once (on Tresco, Scilly, in autumn 1975). apologise for the quality of normal, it may live a more or less Surely, in time, one or more of the continental European ‘normal’ life. BW’s Mike Weedon the photos; they show more than woodpeckers will cross the Channel or North Sea to reach us. had a Carrion Crow with similarly enough detail for our ‘experts’ to Perhaps, a Black Woodpecker or the range-expanding Syrian crossed mandibles to your Rook, identify the birds, and are much Woodpecker, one day? which lived in his neighbourhood better than many we have seen! for several years, and was paired Secondly, you are right, one of the with a ‘normal’ billed crow, and birds you have photographed is raised multiple broods. So, the indeed a Rock Pipit. The typical answer is a rather woolly: pipit structure (like a small thrush) is it depends. obvious, as is the smudgily streaked Ecuador bird species breast, dark, smudgy belly and relatively unstreaked back. The Q In the October issue there photograph even shows part of the is a Bird the World article dark legs. It appears to be walking on Ecuador which states that around on a typically stony habitat. Ecuador is the second in the list The other bird, with the brown upperparts and pale throat plus the summer visiting Whinchat, poorly defined supercilium of countries with the most ‘pinky tinged’ underside is a (‘eyebrow’) are diagnostic. Your photo and the rare eastern stonechats, also shows very well the typical perky number of bird species. I was Stonechat, most likely an adult structure of this species (shared with of course), with its relatively large always led to believe that female or a first-winter bird. head, short tail and long legs Ecuador was fifth in this list The orange underparts, streaked (for a tiny bird). BW 68 January 2020

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*Naresh Jariwala*

*Naresh Jariwala*

Start close to home Doing a garden bird survey is the perfect way to start the year, so what are you waiting for?! Every January, *Naresh Jariwala*So, why stop at January? The we urge you all BTO’s Garden BirdWatch to take part in project: bto.org/our-science/ the RSPB’s Big projects/gbw runs Garden throughout the year, with Birdwatch, and those taking part making we’re certainly not going weekly observations and to be breaking the habit of reports, and again the data half a lifetime in 2020. provided by all you citizen scientists is used to identify For those of you who problems and trends, and to don’t know, it involves you target conservation help watching the birds that where it’s most needed. visit your garden over just one hour on the weekend Of course, you could do in question (25-27 January, your own regular garden this year), and then bird survey anyway, but if recording the highest you’re going to go to the number of each species trouble of collecting the that were in the garden at information, why not ensure any one time (rather than that it gets put to good use? the total number seen, on the basis that using the But, whichever you choose latter method, you could be to do (and why not try all seeing the same birds three approaches?), now’s as twice). Full details of how good a time as any to to take part are at: become a born-again garden rspb.org.uk/get-involved/ birder. After all, it’s where a activities/birdwatch/ lot of us got started in the first place, it’s an easy way It provides valuable to get your fix of birding in indicators of species the middle of everyday life, population trends, but and once you know your another great side benefit garden birds well, you’ll is that it should help you find that a lot more species get to know your garden start to become much easier birds better. to reco ise. Garden ²ird of the onth Noticed an odd finch among your regular Keep an eye out for visitors? Chaffinch-sized, but essentially Bramblings orange, black and white (with a noticeably white rump). It’s a Brambling, essentially UROS POTEKO/ALAMY* the Scandinavian version of the Chaffinch. They visit the UK in winter, in varying numbers, and while they sometimes form flocks of their own, they’re often found tagging along with their close relatives. 72 January 2020

GaRDEN BIRDS Arco ImAges gmbH/AlAmy* Tip of the month Fieldfares visit gardens during spells of cold weather Bought a lot of fruit for Christmas that didn’t get eaten? Or still have windfall apples lying around? Leave them on the lawn, where they’ll be much appreciated by species such as Blackbirds, plus, if you’re lucky and the weather has turned cold, Fieldfares and Redwings. *Naresh Jariwala* In your garden Get kitted out You tell us this month… Every garden birder needs a pair of binoculars to OK, so we’ve given you some It’s a nice, gentle start to the ideas about how to make your year. Stay in the warm, and plan hand at all times. They don’t have to be expensive or gardens more friendly for birds how to improve your garden for and other wildlife. But what about wildlife in 2020. Why not set high spec – in fact, it’s better that they should be your gardens? Please tell us what yourself five or 10 tasks – we you’ve done, and which birds you guarantee you’ll be surprised robust, but essentially expendable. After all, as get visiting, and of course include how much difference even one some photos, and we’ll share your or two can make. they’re going to live on the kitchen windowsill, they successes with Bird Watching readers. Email us at: stand a good chance of ending up in the washing-up birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk, or write to us at: Bird Watching, bowl, or getting covered with coffee. Keep your best Media House, Lynch Wood, grAHAm PrentIce/AlAmy Peterborough PE2 6EA bins for ‘the field’, and invest in an inexpensive second pair for the garden. BW birdwatching.co.uk 73

*Naresh Jariwala*

BIRDTHEW RLD THE BEST HOLIDAY OFFERS & TRAVEL REPORTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE Slavonian Grebe Birding n the ARTERRA PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMY* Highlands *Naresh Jariwala*The River Spey near GRANT ARMS Grantown-On-Spey Join the Bird Watching team for KEITH FERGUS/ALAMY* INFO GRANT ARMS a spectacular spring wildlife break Scottish Highlands 29 March to 3 April S pring in Scotland means rich HIGHLANDS Findhorn wildlife potential amid rugged Inverness This five-day break is held in partnership with beauty, and you can join us Bird Watching and includes: there for an exclusive trip from Grantown-on-Spey Aberde l Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast 29 March to 3 April. l En suite rooms are equipped with hairdryer, Bird Watching magazine editor Dundee Matthew Merritt and assistant editor tea and coffee-making facilities, TV Mike Weedon will be joined by Scottish SCOTLAND and toiletries birding aficionado and UKBS editor Gordon l Gala dinner Hamlett, to lead a week of wildlife maybe even Pine Marten. l Programme of evening talks and quizzes by watching, based at the lovely Grant Arms The Grant Arms Hotel is home to the Bird Watching’s Matt Merritt, Mike Weedon Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey. and Gordon Hamlett Birdwatching and Wildlife Club and its l Guided walks The hotel boasts high quality en suite expert staff will be on hand to guide you to l Films and entertainment rooms and traditional Scottish fare the best areas, offer local knowledge and l No single supplement prepared with local ingredients, and while seasonal tips if you prefer to organise your it takes care of bed, breakfast and dinner, own time. It’s perfect for birdwatchers of Leaders: Matt Merritt, Mike Weedon we’ll provide optional guided walks, expert all levels and a great way to meet like- and Gordon Hamlett tips, bird quizzes, films and evening talks. minded people, share tips and make the most of this incredible time of year and Please note: a car is essential on this break. From our Highland location, we’ll be wonderful place. within easy reach of sites such as Glenmore Cost: Bird Watching subscribers Forest Park, for Crested Tits and Crossbills; NOT A SUBSCRIBER? l Standard Room £361 dinner bed and the Cairngorms, for Ptarmigan and possible A new subscription to breakfast, per person, Superior Room Snow Bunting; and the Findhorn Valley, for Bird Watching magazine £461 DBB, pp eagles and other raptors. can help cover the extra cost l Bird Watching non-subscribers Standard for non-subscribers. Room £379 DBB pp, Superior Room There’ll also be the chance to visit Moray Visit: greatmagazines.co. £484 DBB pp Firth sites such as Burghead and Spey Bay uk/bw for our latest offers l Extra nights: BW subscribers £80pp per night for wildfowl (including sea ducks), divers, DBB standard room, £99 superior; non- grebes and waders. subscribers £83pp per night DBB standard room, £105pp per night DBB superior We’ll look for Red and Black Grouse and l £70 non-refundable deposit pp required on Capercaillie in the forests and moors day of booking around Grantown. Excludes: Transport, lunches & As well as the great birdlife, there’ll be alcoholic drinks the chance to see dolphins, Red Squirrels, Red Deer, Otter, Mountain Hare, and BOOK NOW: CALL 01479 872526, VISIT: BWWC.CO.UK EMAIL: BOOKINGS@BWWC.CO.UK birdwatching.co.uk 75

BIRD THE WORLD LOMBARDY *Naresh Jariwala* Birding RDY Excellent wine, beautiful surroundings and a PAVIA LOMBARDY multitude of birds make this an ideal birding EMILIA-ROM hotspot to head for... PO PO WORDS: ED HUTCHINGS LOMBAPRIEDDYMONTL ombardy, Italy’s richest region,polluting tentacles into the Alpine valleyOLTREPÒ PAVESE PICTURES: ED HUTCHINS UNLESS STATEDoften seems to have more inNonetheless, Lombardy’s towns common with its northern and cities retain medieval cores to the east by the province of Piacenza in European neighbours than with the boasting world class art and Emilia-Romagna. The territory comprises rest of Italy. Given its history, this is architecture. And gems remain in a plain close to the Po, a hilly section, hardly surprising: it was ruled for almost the countryside, too. which rises from the Valle Staffora to the two centuries by the French and Austrians west and from the upper Val Tidone to the and takes its name from the Germanic The Oltrepò Pavese is the east, as well as a mountainous zone, Lombards, who ousted the Romans. southernmost area of the province which in addition to Monte Lesima, AS a border region, Lombardy has of Pavia, lying to the south of the river Po. includes the peaks of Monte Chiappo, always been vulnerable to invasion, just as It is ‘oltre’ (beyond) the Po, when Cima Colletta and Monte Penice. The main it has always profited by being a considered from the provincial capital river is the Staffora, with tributaries commercial crossroads. Emperors from Pavia and in general from the rest of including the Ardivestra, the Versa and Charlemagne to Napoleon came to Lombardy. Extending over an area of the upper part of the Tidone, including Lombardy to be crowned king – and big 420 square miles, it’s roughly triangular, part of the Lago di Trebecco reservoir. business continues to take Lombardy’s with a border to the north formed by capital, Milan, more seriously than Rome. the Po and a southern apex at Monte Though frequently called the ‘Tuscany Sadly, all this economic success has Lesima (1,724m), a mountain of the taken its toll on the landscape: industry Ligurian Apennines which is the highest chokes the peripheries of towns, sprawls point in the province. across the Po plain and even spreads its To the west, it’s bounded by the province of Alessandria in Piedmont and 76 January 2020

Cultivated hills in Twin-spot Fritillaries KEY BIRDS Oltrepò Pavese Short-toed Eagle MIKE LANE/ALAMY* Great Green Bush-cricket` *Naresh Jariwala* Moltoni’s Warbler BUITEN-BEELD/ALAMY Bee-eater ROBERTO LO SAVIO/ALAMY of the North’, the Oltrepò Pavese is agriculture and biodiversity represents Wallcreeper CLICKALPS SRLS/ALAMY* relatively unknown abroad. The area has a crucial objective for a sustainable future. Red-backed Shrike plenty going for it, including rolling hills, IMAGEBROKER/ALAMY* medieval villages and castles, panoramic The project ‘Vineyards and Nature’ birdwatching.co.uk 77 views, authentic Italian food and local (ViNO) supports the establishment of a wines. The Oltrepò happens to be the network of family-run wine producers that largest wine-producing area of Lombardy adopt biodiversity-friendly management and one of the largest in Italy, especially measures, through a voluntary agreement, of the Pinot Nero grape. aimed to promote the existence of certain indicator species. The goal of the network The Oltrepò Pavese is also home to more is to combine the production of high than 300 species of bird, some of which quality wine with the conservation of the are protected at European level, including area’s native wildlife. The underlying Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, principle is that product quality depends Red-backed Shrike and Moltoni’s Warbler on the health of the environment and on (of which Italy holds the most important maintaining local identity. population worldwide). With luck, one may also find rarities, like Roller and Mosaic of habitats Black-headed Bunting, or migrants such as Red Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Vineyards, from an ecological point of Red-throated Pipit, and a great variety of view, act as a barrier for many species. water birds in lowland wetlands during Many species living there are attracted by migration periods. other natural elements, such as low and semi-open vegetation, areas with Characterised by excellent wines and alternating vegetation and bare ground beautiful natural surroundings, the and isolated trees and habitats providing Oltrepò Pavese holds a mosaic of different food or nesting sites. The ViNO wine habitats and several interesting species. In producers are committed to maintaining an area characterised by bountiful natural a complex mosaic of habitats. In order to habitats, increasing the awareness of the attract butterflies and other pollinators, important interactions between grassland patches are critical for

Welcome to NOW BOOKING FOR 2020/21 heatherlea birding and wildlife holidays DO IT THE HEATHERLEA WAY Because Heatherlea gives you more! )URP&DSHUFDLOOLHDQG&RUQFUDNHLQ6FRWODQGWR5HG¡DQNHG%OXHWDLOLQ)LQODQGDQG1HSDO+HDWKHUOHDRIIHU memorable wildlife experiences all around the world, in the company of highly capable Leaders who really ORRNDIWHU\\RX:HRIIHUWKHVWDQGDUGV\\RXGHVHUYHZLWK$72/SURWHFWLRQDQGSUH¡LJKW9,3VHUYLFH RYHUVHDVDQGVWDU:LOGOLIH([SHULHQFHDFFUHGLWDWLRQLQ6FRWODQG+HDWKHUOHDLVDVPDOOVSHFLDOLVWKROLGD\\ FRPSDQ\\UXQ%<ELUGHUV)25ELUGHUVZKHUHFOLHQWVUHDOO\\GRFRPH¿UVW&RPHDQGVHH *Naresh Jariwala* The Best of SCOTTISH and WORLD Birding  In Scotland join us at our famous Hotel in Nethy Bridge,  2YHUVHDVDOOKROLGD\\VLQFOXGHSUH¡LJKWKRWHO9,3 DQGVHHDOOWKHELUGVDOO\\HDUURXQG)RU6FRWWLVKLVODQGV /RXQJH¿HOGJXLGHDQG1(:7LSV:DOOHWSOXVZH MRLQVSHFLDOO\\GHVLJQHGLWLQHUDULHVIXOORIZLOGOLIH,GHDO RUJDQLVH¡LJKWXSJUDGHVFDUSDUNLQJDQGPRUH for birders of all abilities, fully inclusive of en-suite Led by expert guides who really look after you, DFFRPPRGDWLRQDOOPHDOVDQGH[SHUWJXLGLQJ ZLWKD¡DYRXURIWKHFRXQWU\\ZHDUHYLVLWLQJ  &KRRVHIURPRYHU∂0DLQODQG6FRWODQG∑LWLQHUDULHVRYHU  QHZGHVWLQDWLRQVLQFOXGH∂$QWDUFWLF3HQLQVXOD 47 weeks of the year, and Scottish island holidays to see DQG6RXWK6KHWODQG∑6UL/DQND%XOJDULD1RUWKHUQ ELUGOLIHIURP$LOVD&UDLJWR0XFNOH)OXJJD:HDUH\\RXUORFDO Greece in winter, Bhutan, Cyprus, Ireland in spring, experts, living and birding in Scotland all the time, with up- Borneo, South Africa, South Korea and many more! WRWKHPLQXWHNQRZOHGJHDQGHYHU\\WKLQJ\\RXQHHG SPECIAL OFFERS! We want everyone to join us, and because we own our Hotel in Nethy %ULGJH FDQ PDNH H[WUD VSHFLDO RIIHUV WR RXU PDQ\\ ELUGLQJ IULHQGV ô EARLY BIRDER ö SHORT Here are some great top-value reasons to choose Heatherlea! DEALS BREAKS READ OUR NEW 2020 MINI BROCHURE! FROM Join our ‘Mainland Scotland’ New for 2020 are Tibetan Plateau, Czech Republic ONLY £495 short break, Po Delta and Rome, Guatemala, Colombia, weeks and save up to £300 See our website West Sussex and Kent, and many more, including in from website-published prices. Scotland ‘Highlands and the Isle of May’ and for full details ‘Birding the north Coast 500’. Available on holidays from Jan Including brand new five year planner coming soon! -Nov, prices rise as places fill! Choose Heatherlea - outstanding value from your complete holiday provider! 6HH RXU ZHEVLWH RU FDOO RXU RI¿FH IRU IXOO GHWDLOV Heatherlea, The Mountview Hotel, Web: heatherlea.co.uk Tel: 01479 821248 Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire Email: info@heatherlea.co.uk PH25 3EB. Twit: @heatherleabirds F/book: heatherleabirdwatching

BIRD THE WORLD LOMBARDY Montalto Pavese Castle in *Naresh Jariwala* can be rich in wildlife and charm – the area the distance landscape characterised by the presence of presents wonderful views. Many species grassy areas and shrubs, despite the characteristic of a mosaic landscape of biodiversity conservation. encroaching vineyards and the gradual alternating crops, woods and thickets, set Grassland restoration can be applied in abandonment of pasture. The dirt road that aside and hedgerows include Red-legged runs along the ridge allows commanding Partridge, Short-toed Eagle, Montagu’s vineyards, abandoned meadows and views of said habitats and species such as Harrier, Roller, Hobby, Red-backed Shrike, pastures or by creating temporary Red-legged Partridge, Short-toed Eagle, Wood Lark, Moltoni’s Warbler, Ortolan and meadows when an old vineyard is Nightjar, Roller, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Black-headed Buntings. replaced. Shrub habitats are particularly Hobby, Red-backed Shrike, Wood Lark, important in steep slopes, where they Moltoni’s and Sardinian Warblers, Tawny The Val Staffora, north of Varzi, holds can reduce soil erosion, while supporting Pipit and Ortolan Bunting. alternating bad lands, dry meadows, Moltoni’s Warbler and Ortolan Bunting. cultivated fields and woods, in a varied Shrubs also offer key habitats to several Rolling hills environment dominated by imposing insectivorous species, which in turn can rocky walls. The birdlife includes both help control pests. The project promotes The Belvedere of Montalto and the species of agroecosystems and those of the retention of ground vegetation on at Costa del Vento is an area dominated by rocky environments, such as Short-toed least half of the rows. secondary meadows, alternating with Eagle, Goshawk, Nightjar, Alpine Swift, gullies, shrubs, vineyards and Peregrine, Red-backed Shrike, Wood Lark, Herbaceous vegetation on the ground reforestation attempts (fortunately, not Moltoni’s Warbler and Wallcreeper. is fundamental for most invertebrates, always successful). Frequently windswept, but many birds hunt prey mostly on it’s often under dry conditions but with Along the Via del Sale, from the Colle bare ground. Competition for water an interesting avifauna, like that of the della Seppa to Monte Boglelio and Pian between vines and other vegetation nearby Costa Pelata, that includes della Mora, are the mountains bordering is lower under this management Short-toed Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, and forests of deciduous trees alternating than under a total vegetative cover, Nightjar, Hobby, Red-backed Shrike, with reforested conifers, as well as whereas soil erosion is much lower Wood Lark, Moltoni’s Warbler, Tawny pastures and shrubs. This rich tapestry of than under a completely bare soil. Pipit and Ortolan Bunting. habitats hold a wealth of species that If only more winemakers worldwide include Golden Eagle, Red-backed Shrike, had this mindset. The beautifully rolling Cecima Hills are Crested Tit, Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit, one of the last examples of how traditional Crossbill, Yellowhammer. So, where to go? Start at the pretty and non-intensive agricultural landscapes Costa Pelata – a very popular hill ridge Mammals found within the region among birders for the rich birdlife found include Crested Porcupine (yes, you read there. This is in thanks to a mosaic that correctly), Italian Wolf (increasing), Fox, Badger, Wild Boar, Roe, Red and Fallow Deer. Some 122 species of butterfly include Large Skipper, Scarce Swallowtail, Black-veined White, Large and Lesser Fiery Coppers, Large Blue, Queen of Spain Fritiallary, Southern White Admiral and Woodland Ringlet. A total of 47 species of orchid include rare or localised treats such as Adriatic Lizard, Black Vanilla, Elder- flowered, Giant, Globe and Pale-flowered, as well as Bertolini’s, Humble, Omega and Sombre Bee Orchids. Oltrepò Pavese is a unique destination in the way that combines a remarkable variety of butterflies and birds in one of the most important Italian wine production regions. A tour of this region would suit birders and butterfliers who enjoy Italian wines and visiting wineries engaged in biodiversity conservation. The variety of species observed, together with the beauty of the environments that hold them, make Oltrepò Pavese an ideal introduction to this area of Italy. Ed would like to thank Chiara Vona, BW Mattia Brambilla, Francesco Gatti and Valentina Bergero INFO LOMBARDY For more information please see l vignetienatura.net birdwatching.co.uk 79

ApReocytaalcle A unique forest home to dozens of breeding bird species is well worth putting on your list of birding hotspots to visit WORDS: ED HUTCHINGS *Naresh Jariwala* T hree miles east of Bishop’s A120 AIRPORT Stortford, not to mention just south of London Stansted, BISHOPS Britain’s fourth busiest airport, A10 STORTFORD lies our only remaining intact royal forest. Dating from the Norman Conquest and HATFIELD now owned by the National Trust, the FOREST 1,000 acres of Hatfield Forest are a remnant of the once extensive forest of AMWELL NATURE M11 Essex that includes Epping Forest to the RESERVE south-west, Hainault Forest to the south RYE MEADS and Writtle Forest to the east. NATURE RESERVE Immediately prior to the Conquest, Trees were merely coincidental, Hatfield was owned by Harold subsidiary to the main purpose of Godwinsson. It passed to the Conqueror hunting, for which Fallow Deer, after his victory and is mentioned in the originally from Sicily, were introduced. Domesday Book of 1086. The royal forest was created by Henry I around 1100 and Oliver Rackham, in his book The Last royal hunting rights remained until 1446. Forest, says: “Hatfield is of supreme ‘Forest’ defined an area where deer were interest in that all the elements of a kept for hunting and a special law, forest medieval forest survive – deer, cattle, law, applied. d Aerial view of Hatfield Forest OUR WILD LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY/ALAMY* Water Rail possibly in the world… The forest owes very little to the last 250 years… Hatfield is the only place where one can step back into the Middle Ages to see, with only a small effort of the imagination, what a forest looked like in use.” The ecology of the forest is certainly pristine – it is one of largest areas of land in East Anglia which has not been ploughed. There is a wide range of habitats, including coppice woodland, wood pasture, scrub, grassy plains, marsh and lake. The coppices and wood pasture are likely to be managed relics of the original wildwood and provide a refuge for lots of specialised wildlife.

bird the world hatfield forest *Naresh Jariwala* Panther Media GMbh/alaMy wildlife haven and Grasshopper Warblers, Goldcrest, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Nightingale, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. Cormorant and Coot, with Common Tern Among mammals to be seen here are Grey Raptors such as Sparrowhawk and and hirundines feeding over the water. Squirrel, Hedgehog, Rabbit, Fox, Weasel, Buzzard are often seen soaring over the Fallow Deer and Reeves’ Muntjac. There open areas. The woodland areas are home rare species are Badger setts, though being nocturnal, to Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Blue the animals are rarely seen. and Great Tits, Robin, Chaffinch, More than 4,000 species have been Unsurprisingly, eight species of bat are Hawfinch and Greenfinch. Green recorded at Hatfield – 60% of which are found, with dusk the best time for Woodpecker, Kestrel, Linnet and insects. Many species of butterfly can be sightings. Two herds of red poll cattle Yellowhammer can often be seen or seen including Purple Hairstreak, graze in the traditional manner. Sheep heard in the scrub. Around the marshy Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, are used as conservation grazers for edges of the lake one may find Grey Comma, Speckled Wood and Ringlet. areas cleared of scrub. Heron, Moorhen, Kingfisher (occasional) A recent coloniser is the beautiful and Reed Warbler. On the lake, depending Silver-washed Fritillary. Many nationally Among the more than 60 species of on the time of year, are Canada and rare species of beetle have been discovered birds breeding here are Water Rail, Greylag Geese, Mute Swan, Mallard, at Hatfield, too, including Lesser Stag, Snipe, Stock Dove, Cuckoo, Lesser longhorn and Rhinoceros Beetles. Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Willow birdwatching.co.uk 81

BIRD THE WORLD HATFIELD FOREST The wetland and lake areas also support *Naresh Jariwala* Hatfield Forest is a Site of THE NATIONAL TRUST PHOTOLIBRARY/ALAMY* a diversity of species, and dragonflies are Special Scientific Interest a common sight on warm summer days. (SSSI) Winter brings ducks (the reserve is a SSSI One of the larger species to be found here is the Emperor Dragonfly, but also by scrutiny of the water’s edge. for wintering Shoveler and Gadwall) common are the Southern Hawker and Other winterers include Shoveler, Teal, other smaller damselflies. including Smew, as well as Bittern. This is Pochard, Goldeneye, Cormorant (on the Main tree species are Ash, Hawthorn, North Lagoons) and Grey Wagtail, with the best site in the county for dragonflies, Hornbeam, oaks, Hazel and Field Maple. Lesser Redpoll and Siskin in Alders. There are more than 800 ancient trees in Bearded Tit and Stonechat are irregular with 19 species recorded, as well as Otter, the wood pasture areas, some more than visitors. On passage small numbers of 1,200 years old. Of note are the huge Little Ringed Plover, Common and Green the local and uncommon Marsh Dock, pollarded oaks and Hornbeams. Mistletoe Sandpipers, Greenshank, Whinchat, grows in profusion, especially on the old Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail may pass plus Early and Southern Marsh Orchids. Hawthorn scrub. A total of 320 species of through, with occasional Garganey, wildflower have been recorded in the Pintail, Teal and Snipe, in late summer, To the north-west of Amwell, the unique forest, including Common Birdsfoot plus occasional rarities. Breeders include Trefoil, White Clover, Agrimony, Perforate Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Little King’s Meads is the largest remaining area St John’s-wort, Herb Robert, Sheep’s Ringed Plover, Common Tern (which use Sorrell, Common Field Speedwell, Bugle, specially constructed rafts), Turtle Dove, of grazed riverside flood meadow in Selfheal, as well as Pyramidal, Common Kingfisher, Kestrel and nine species of Spotted and Bee Orchids. The forest also warbler including Cetti’s, Sedge, Reed Hertfordshire, where 119 species of bird has extensive fields of Meadow Buttercup and Grasshopper. Hobby is regular. Other during late May and early June. notable flora and fauna include fen have been recorded. Summer sees Sky vegetation, invertebrates and reptiles. Wetland habitats Lark, seven species of breeding warbler Ducks in winter West of Bishop’s Stortford, the Rye Meads including Reed, Yellow Wagtail and Reed area contains a variety of wetland habitats To the north, the picturesque Amwell and is notable for regular wintering Nature Reserve consists of disused gravel Bunting, while winter and spring feature Bittern and breeding Common Tern. pits with reedbeds and woodland. Key A small portion forms the RSPB’s Rye birds in spring and summer include Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, waders House Marsh reserve and other areas are Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover. managed by the Herts and Middlesex including Snipe and gulls. Other wildlife Wildlife Trust. A complex of marsh, willow scrub, pools, lagoons and reedbed of mention include 265 species of has been supplemented with specially constructed scrapes, while a large part of wildflower and 18 species of dragonfly, the area is occupied by sewage treatment ponds. In winter, small numbers of Water as well as a significant population of Rails are present – best looked for from the hides, as is Bittern. Both are very Short-winged Conehead. secretive, but with patience show well. Jack Snipe, Snipe, Green Sandpiper and These sites are probably only on the Water Pipit also winter and may be found radar of local birders, but prove the worth Bittern of exploring further afield within Britain for birding. The attractive market town of Bishops Stortford would make an ideal base for the weekend, 27 miles north-east of central London and 35 miles by rail from Liverpool Street station. BW STUART FOX/MY200BIRDYEAR FACEBOOK GROUP INFO HATFIELD FOREST STUART FOX/MY200BIRDYEAR FACEBOOK GROUP Little Bittern, Amwell NR, For more information on the sites, visit: Herts, November 2019 l nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest l rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/ reserves-a-z/rye-meads l hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Useful resources may also be found at: l hnhs.org/herts-bird-club/home l ebws.org.uk 82 January 2020

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DAVID LINDO THE URBAN BIRDER Tunis, Tunisia *Naresh Jariwala* HEMIS/ALAMY There’s much birdlife to discover in andMALCOLM SCHUYL/ALAMY* AIRPORT around the bustling city of Tunis LAKE OF L ong known as being a favoured Dating back to the 4th Century TUNIS TUNIS haunt for winter sun worshippers, BC, Tunis is a bustling city filled Tunisia’s tourism industry has with countless coffee bars, markets SEJOUMI recently taken a battering due to and traffic. Given its age, there is LAC terrorist activity. also a wealth of history including The country has since bounced back and many Roman and Greek ruins: that may be a trick of the light. The other it is now relatively safe, although the Carthage is high on many bucket urban speciality is the House Bunting. southern border with Libya is still a no-go lists. The typical birds that you zone. But this is fine, because this potential will immediately encounter include eminiscent of a poorly-marked urban birding adventure is based in the vociferous Common Bubuls. The ting, males can be found singing capital Tunis, situated on the northern mechanical warble of these dark, long-tailed TV aerials or from the buttresses f the more ancient buildings. Spanish Sparrow skyward during the summer hould see the welcome shapes of fting around – if you had not m before, over the din of city life. ble to see four species including lid Swift and the small and mped Little Swifts being most h an outside chance of rampaging Alpine Swifts. s also a good place to be g around during spring and migration as many species use the staging post. Spotted Flycatchers e and can often be found g from the sparsest of cover. can also be very obvious. All of Subalpine Warbler species can be

BIRD THE WORLD AGAMI PHOTO AGENCY/ALAMY House Bunting Spotted Flycatcher MICHAEL ROSE/ALAMY* KEY SPECIES Black-winged Stilt Ringed Plover COMMON BULBUL *Naresh Jariwala* ARTERRA PICTURE LIBRARY/ALAMY* This perky bird will be one of the first species that you will tick off on a visit to Tunis. They are everywhere. Ranging through north-eastern, northern, western and central Africa this bird is deemed by some authorities to belong to a superspecies of birds ranging into South Africa and Asia. Indeed, the bulbul family itself and the relationship between some of the family members seems to be poorly understood. In general, bulbuls and their cousins, greenbuls, are fairly resistant to human pressures, and seem to tolerate disturbed habitats. The Common Bulbul has recently been found breeding in Southern Spain at Tarifa. Will it be a matter of time before Britain receives its first record? MIKE LANE/ALAMY* encountered, especially during the autumn, against the urban backdrop. NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS LTD/ALAMY with the emphasis being on Moltoni’s Interspersed with them are Great White Warblers, whose trilling Wren-like contact MORE ABOUT BIRDING call immediately separates a hidden bird and Little Egrets along with Grey Herons. IN TUNIA from its tricky to identify congeners. Its Sejoumi Lac is also a fantastic place for pinkish flush on the flanks is also waders, particularly when they are on the Tunisia Birdwatching web. surprisingly distinctive. move. Black-winged Stilts are a given, facebook.com/tunisia. while their cousins, the Avocets, can also be birdwatching.tours Migrating raptors should be expected, present. Expect to see both ringed plover with the vast majority being Honey species, plus Kentish and Grey Plovers. Reference guides: Buzzards and Black Kites. If you wish to Tringas like Greenshank, Spotted Collins Bird Guide – Lars Svensson, visit an urban park then you can do no Redshank, Marsh, Wood and Green Killian Mullarney & better than to visit Belvédère Park. The Sandpipers are also usual. Dan Zetterström largest green space within the city, it is a perfect place to look for some of the birds In fact, expect to find almost any of birdwatching.co.uk 85 previously mentioned. Europe’s regular wader species and be sure, during the autumn and winter, to check the Just south of the city lies Tunis’s go-to rough fields that fringe the waters edge for urban birding site, Sejoumi Lac. It is a flocks of stationary Stone-curlews. large expanse of coastal lake and estuary habitat most of which is unprotected and, As you approach the sea, thousands of sadly, sometimes quite badly littered. Slender-billed Gulls are present along with good numbers of Black-headed, Audouin’s Despite that, the area hosts and Yellow-legged Gulls and during the phenomenal numbers of wintering ducks. winter there are plenty of Lesser Black- Thousands of Shoveler gather en masse, backed Gulls. There can be many terns to forming some of the greatest concentrations feast your eyes upon during the appropriate of this species in the country. seasons, including Black, Little, Sandwich, Caspian and Lesser Crested Terns. Mallard and Teal are also not uncommon, Thanks to: Mohamed Ali Dakhli for the while there can also be good numbers of invitation to visit Tunisia Garganey. Diving ducks like Pochard and for guiding me. mingle within the throngs, and careful mslbooking.tn examination of the flocks could reveal a far scarcer Marbled Duck – a species that David’s book, How To is more easily found further south. Be An Urban Birder, is available from his website at: The shallow waters are usually festooned theurbanbirderworld.com with thousands of long-legged and gorgeously elegant Greater Flamingos that can sometimes look a little incongruous

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BIRD THE WORLD READER HOLIDAY OFFER Birding in Somerset MICHAEL HANNON/ALAMY* Starling Spectacular: *Naresh Jariwala* YOUR GUIDES 15-17 January, 24-26 January, 6-8 February STEPHEN MOSS Spring Birding Bonanza: Tour leader Stephen is one of Britain’s best-known 20-23 April, 4-7 May, 12-15 May, 9-12 June naturalists, authors and wildlife TV producers. His TV credits include A fter the success of country’s most sought-after Starling murmurations. Springwatch and Birds Britannia, while last year’s tours, we bird species. The Avalon Great White, Little and his many books include The Robin: are delighted to Marshes are the heron A Biography. Stephen moved to offer readers capital of Britain, with up Cattle Egrets float over the Somerset 12 years ago with his family, another chance to visit to seven species breeding reedbeds, or fish in the watery and loves showing people the bird and Somerset, now considered there. And, in winter, they ditches known as rhynes. wildlife wonders of his adopted home. among the best places in play host to one of the greatest Bitterns, too, are often Britain to see – and get great of all British birding glimpsed as they fly low over GRAEME & KAY MITCHELL views of – some of the spectacles: the famous the reeds. In spring, you can ran a holiday company for 25 years. watch Hobbies chasing Having settled with their family in INFO SOMERSET dragonflies, Marsh Harriers Somerset two decades ago, they performing their sky-dance founded Somerset Birdwatching WINTER STARLING SPECTACULAR TOURS and Cuckoos calling over the Holidays in 2017. Graeme’s guiding skills Choose from three dates, each with two days’ birding and two nights’ DBB – reeds, and if we are lucky, and Kay’s wonderful cooking make them l Wed 15 January to Fri 17 January Cranes – Europe’s tallest bird. the perfect hosts for your stay. l Fri 24 January to Sun 26 January In winter, the marshes are l Thu 6 February to Sat 8 February packed with waterbirds, and company. With naturalist and Price £399.00 pp Single supplement £40.00 up to half a million Starlings! author Stephen Moss and keen birder Graeme Mitchell as your SPRING TOURS Depending on the time of guides, this holiday is ideal for Choose from four dates, each with two-and-a-half days’ birding year, we also visit Cheddar birdwatchers at any level, from and three nights’ DBB – Reservoir, the Quantock and complete beginner onwards. l Mon 20 April to Thu 23 April Mendip Hills, and the coast, l Mon 4 May to Thu 7 May where almost anything can – Our unrivalled knowledge of l Tue 12 May to Fri 15 May and does – turn up. At a time some of Somerset’s best-kept l Tue 9 June to Fri 12 June when much of Britain’s secret sites, and their birds, Price £565.00 pp Single supplement £60.00 birdlife is in decline, means you’ll get unforgettable Somerset offers a truly views of some of Britain’s most DETAILS awesome birding experience. charismatic species. We love l All accommodation has private facilities in luxury converted cottages or an showing people not just the We at Somerset birds and other wildlife of adjacent B&B, and the holiday price includes dinner and drinks, self-service Birdwatching Holidays pride Somerset, but also the history breakfast, pub lunch, all transport during your stay, and the services of our ourselves on our attention to and culture of this unique guides Stephen and Graeme. Group size maximum 7 clients. detail: we take a maximum of county and its myriad seven clients in our special landscapes: from hills, to TO BOOK A TOUR: CALL 01934 712831 vehicle (christened coast, to those magical Thunderbird One), and offer wetlands. So please join us on luxury accommodation, a relaxing, enjoyable and splendid food and convivial above all memorable tour. BW birdwatching.co.uk 87

cut out and keep species classes Following on from the basics of bird photography covered in previous Camera School articles, Species Classes articles concentrate on individual species and provide insights into where, when and how to get the best images WOrdS: pauL Sterry This month – Brent Goose *Naresh Jariwala* North Norfolk is an excellent place to see and photograph dark-bellied Two of the best places to see and photograph pale-bellied Brents are Brent Geese, with locations such as Titchwell RSPB reserve, Burnham Wexford Wildfowl Reserve in south-east Ireland and Strangford Overy Staithe and Wells providing outstanding opportunities. Their Lough in County Down. Flocks – typically hundreds-strong – take to feeding habits are linked to tides and time of day, and flocks take to the the air on a regular basis, either spooked by some perceived threat, or air on a regular basis, sometimes visiting freshwater pools to bathe. It is in search of fresh grazing pastures. If you want to capture the relatively easy to take images of birds from below but the prize is to get spectacle of numbers then a medium-length lens such as a 300mm is upperwing shots. Windy days are often best, and in locations where birds ideal. Because members of the flock are unlikely to be in exactly the are obliged to make a fairly rapid descent. You will need to use a fast same plane of focus, a good depth of field (say f/11) will help, with a shutter speed to capture the movement – at least 1/4,000s if the birds are shutter speed of at least 1/2,500s employed, if you want to ‘freeze’ the reasonably close to you. movement. photography: paul sterry/nature photographers unless stated Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve in Hampshire is a great location for close-up views Feeding Brent Geese are peaceable creatures for of dark-bellied Brents. Don’t be put off by the proximity of the M27 and the deafening much of the time, but once in a while, minor traffic noise. Opportunities for photography improve throughout the winter, as the disputes erupt for no apparent reason. Although feeding habits of the birds shift from the mudflats to the grassy fields contained within brief, such mild-mannered squabbles can make for the seawall. Dog-proof fencing means that, on occasions, geese will feed within perhaps interesting photographs, so be on the look-out for 10 metres of paths, seemingly oblivious to passers-by. Try to photograph from as low as neck-stretching displays of aggression. possible (through the wire perhaps) and don’t neglect the main lagoon for flight shots: flocks come and go regularly, visiting the brackish water for a good wash and brush up. 88 January 2020

PART fOuR BREnT gEESE If you own a pair of chest waders, or don’t mind getting wet and muddy, then try getting down to water level in a saltmarsh to photograph feeding Brents. If you are patient and keep still, birds will sometimes come close enough for you to use a medium-length lens (such as a 300mm), rather than a massive telephoto. Because of the unpredictable nature of these situations, a telephoto zoom comes into its own. With feeding birds, movement is not such an issue and you could trade shutter speed for depth of field – f/11 or f/16 for example – to give the resulting image environmental context. It goes without saying that you should always be aware of the dangers of a rising tide. *Naresh Jariwala* Flocks of dark-bellied Brents can be found all along the Solent, on the facTBOx Hampshire coast, where suitable combinations of saltmarsh and relatively undisturbed grassland fields occur in proximity. Particularly good locations The Brent Goose is a non-breeding visitor to Britain, present on include coastal marshes west of Lymington (Normandy, Pennington and many large estuaries from early October to March. Two subspecies Keyhaven) and saltmarshes in the lee of Hurst Beach. Opportunities for occur in good numbers: dark-bellied Brents occur mainly in southern flight photography are superb, although you will need a bit of patience as Britain, while pale-bellied Brents winter mainly in Ireland and the birds spend much of the time grazing. Sooner or later, though, a Lindisfarne. This small goose occurs in sizeable groups and these passing Peregrine, Buzzard or Marsh Harrier will usually spook the birds, make good subjects for flock photographs. In locations where they and result in a fly-by. are not unduly disturbed, Brent Geese can become remarkably tame, allowing excellent opportunities for portrait images, too. Next Rob Read/NatuRe PhotogRaPheRs Ltd moNth: How to photograph Black-tailed Godwits A sunset shot of flying Brents is the perfect way to end a cold of your camera to make sure the exposure is correct. When winter’s day; this image was taken at Chichester Harbour, near shooting into the sun, it is easy to end up with an underexposed Emsworth in Hampshire. Remember to check images on the back result so you may need to ‘dial in’ some exposure compensation. BW birdwatching.co.uk 89

Th d ts tried & tested for you 90 January 2020 CLOTHING COUNTRY INNOVATION APERTURE JACKET FROM £275 WOODLARK TROUSERS £145 Reviewed by David Chandler *Naresh Jariwala* T he Aperture Jacket pocket. Take the lens off the – there’s a clue in body and you can do up the the name – is pocket flap. Or you could carry aimed primarily at the 7D with a battery pack in outdoor that pocket. Or a substantial photographers, but should lunch. There are two work well for anyone who vertically-zipped chest wants a tough jacket that will pockets, which sit ‘in the coat’ carry a lot of stuff and keep behind the upper pockets. the wind and rain out. These are seriously large. An OS map is a piece of cake. That Not just pockets 100-400 could sit in there. Or another substantial lunch. The The Aperture is very well upper chest pockets are big made and feels tough – I think enough for the 7D body – but this jacket will take some not with the battery pack. abuse. Its 12 pockets should be enough for anyone – I The hood may be the best wouldn’t want to load up every I’ve encountered. It’s pocket, but you have options. comfortable, spacious and The four ‘patch’ pockets, two upper and two lower, are “The hood may voluminous, easy to access, be the best I’ve and have double-poppered encountered” flaps. Each has side elastication at the top, which takes some of the strain of heavier items and allows wider opening – it’s good. The lower ones have big hand-warmers behind (no fleece lining but slightly brushed fabric) which I liked, and a zip-up pocket inside, one with a key clip. These are big pockets – one will take a standard iPad and the Collins Bird Guide. Or my Lumix G6 with a 100-300mm lens – which didn’t feel too heavy. Or, believe it or not, a Canon 7D MkI with the 100-400mm zoom (lens hood reversed) – though the body does stick out the top of the

five minute cold shower. The TRIED & TESTED GEAR water hit me at close range with torrential force, the TROUSERS & JACKET hood and shoulders taking the brunt of it. Both garments DIGI PRINT MEDIUM were very impressive. Paper HEALTHY BACK BAG, £65 in the cargo pocket on the trousers, the lower patch Reviewed by David C pocket and the vertical chest pocket stayed dry. A little You may well have seen Heal water entered an upper patch which, according to the blurb pocket. The zip kept the natural curve of the spine, re water out. Inside, a T-shirt neck, back and shoulders and sleeve was a bit damp – but heavy loads feel lighter. So, m this was an extreme test – Healthy Back Bag would mak I wouldn’t hesitate to good birding bag… recommend this jacket for real world use. There are plenty of choice the HBB range – I was sent a The pockets can easily*Naresh Jariwala*Woodlark Trousers medium ‘Digi Print’ to review take a standard iPad and It’s a good-looking bag, seem I felt particularly well well-made, and is just a bit Collins Bird Guide protected when I wore these quirky, which I like. ‘Digi Prin trousers, too – most of us weaves a pistachio colour and protective. It has a wired peak, make do with lesser strides, grey together to create a a drawcord to pull it closer, even in the winter. Wear ‘contemporary camo’. It can b and volume adjusting straps at them over wellies and you worn on a shoulder or across the rear. Cinch it close and it really can take on the mud useful pockets on the outside two with magnetic closures, one turns with your head – which and wet. They are well made that zips up, and a slip pocket that can take a water bottle, for is what you want. The cuffs with ample hand pockets, example, and an interior, accessed via a full-length two-way zip, adjust with a strap and each with a zip-up pocket with a variety of pockets to help you keep things organised, poppers rather than velcro – inside, one rear pocket, and including a large padded pocket for a tablet, plus two pen which keeps noise down and a cargo pocket with a zip-up pockets and a key clip. And every Digi Print has a silver lining won’t get ‘clogged’. Unusually, pocket tucked away behind it. – to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. the main two-way water- The knees are articulated repellent zip has its protective (like mine) and there’s some With a nine litre capacity this is not the biggest bag in the placket on the inside – it’s elastic in the waist for world. But it is big e easier to access but still keeps comfort. They are heavier Lumix G6 and four the elements out. than the average trouser, padded insert (not p cosy to wear and very good. bag), a standard iPa In a shower or two The only downside is you bottle, some lunch a need to use a special product other bits and piece I liked the fit of this jacket. My to wash them. placing the camera ‘medium’ could accommodate Jacket: 1,500g. S-4XL. on its end, I could sw a not too bulky down jacket Trousers: 600g. 30-48 waist, the bag around to m underneath and allowed very 10-28 for ladies. 32’’ leg. With front, open the zip good arm movement – not all nylon belt. Both: Cotton outer (which is then on the jackets pull that one off. I with waterproof/breathable top effectively) and liked the cut, too – its lining. Larger sizes cost a bit access the camera. I scalloped rear providing a bit more. For care Country found it easy to carr more buttock protection. Innovation recommend Storm reasonable load Cleaner and Waterproofer. carrying the bag acr I paired the Aperture up countryinnovation.com my body, but felt th with CI’s Woodlark Trousers weight more when t and took them to the RSPB’s VERDICT bag was slung on a s Ouse Fen. I felt protected, and when the rain came, it beaded For its intended purpose, this Capacity: 9 litres nicely on both garments. The jacket is hard to fault. The thehealthybackbag.co.uk fabrics aren’t completely silent, Aperture is a tough garment but I didn’t think any noise for wintery weather. For VERDICT they made was an issue. It warmer weather, try Country didn’t stop the Otter appearing Innovation’s Traveller II. If I like this bag. It’s a versatile bag that you can use for birding and – Fox in the foreground, Otter you don’t want those big more. If you need something larger there are other bags in the beyond – this jacket must be pockets check out the HBB range – right up to 20 litre capacity. And if you don’t feel good… To test the Woodlark Jacket. the need for contemporary camo there are other colours in their waterproofing more, I took a range, too. birdwatching.co.uk 91

*Naresh Jariwala* BOOK OF THE MONTH BookReviews A selection of the latest releases WORDS: MATT MERRITT PICS: TOM BAILEY THE lecturers, photographers and artists, it in the glove compartment of your own lives by watching the YEARBOOK 2020 a birding diary, a reference section, car or on the desk at home, for those behaviour of birds. An awful lot, it EDITED BY a fully updated guide to more than moments when you just have to seems, and if at times I’d have liked NEIL GARTSHORE, 380 nature reserves, and tide tables. find a certain address, or check a bit more in the way of birds, and CALLUNA BOOKS £20 details of a site you’re planning to a bit less philosophy, it’s still an There’s the usual excellent visit. And yes, I know there are some engrossing read. James Lowen detailed the long story round-up of the books of the year, who’ll argue that the internet does all of The Birdwatcher’s Yearbook in and a good selection of longer this, too, but having it all in one IRELAND THROUGH these pages recently, marking the features. Two of them, on the place, easy to reference in seconds, BIRDS title’s 40th anniversary, but how wildlife value of roadside verges, even beats new technology, for CONOR W. O’BRIEN, does the latest volume compare to and on the well-being benefits of convenience. A birding MERRION PRESS €16.95 what’s gone before? birdwatching, touched on subjects institution, and still going from close to my heart, and so were strength to strength. The author spent a year travelling Well, don’t expect any radical particularly enjoyable. over the whole island of Ireland, in changes, but that’s all to the good. A SHORT PHILOSOPHY search of 12 elusive species, and Everything you’d expect is there – As usual it’s compact enough to OF BIRDS here recounts his search in directories of birding organisations, fit into the pocket of your coat, PHILIPPE J. DUBOIS & evocative but clear and concise although in all likelihood you’ll keep ELISE ROUSSEAU, prose. He’s as good on landscapes WH ALLEN £9.99 as he is on birds, too, so you might quickly find yourself The authors are an ornithologist and planning a trip to discover Ireland a philosopher, respectively, and here for yourself if you get hooked they’ve teamed up to present 22 on his story. I particularly enjoyed short essays on birds and the natural his encounters with Corn Crakes, world. They’re accessible and easily but everyone will have their digested, making it perfect for own favourites, and you’ll come dipping into, and each one looks at away from it educated as well what we can learn about our as enthralled. 92 January 2020

NEW PRODUCTS GEAR WishList Essential gear to spend your hard-earned cash on this month WORDS: DAVID CHANDLER OBOZ WOMEN’S BRIDGER OS TRAIL 2 GPS, OUTDOOR RESEARCH 9’’ INSULATED B-DRY BOOT, £394.99 GRIPPER HEATED GLOVES, £175 £220 For map-geeks and birding off For a frozen day’s birding without frozen feet, try this the beaten track. Includes 1:50k These are lightweight, windproof and warm. The boot from Oboz. The Bridger will keep your feet “dry mapping for the whole of Great interior fabric includes ALTIHeat elements which and warm no matter the conditions”. The sole is made Britain, plus six 1:25k tiles of provide instant heat on demand for the fingers of “winterized rubber” for grip on cold, hard surfaces. your choice (you can buy more, and back of the hands. There are no bulky wires, The uppers are waterproof nubuck leather and wool. and international mapping). and GORE-TEX INFINIUM and WINDSTOPPER There’s a thermal insole. There’s 400g 3M™ Thinsulate™ There’s a compass and altimeter, technology (no schoolboy jokes, please) keep the insulation. And for a bit more protection, there are you’ll know where you are, can weather at arm’s length. And with a sensor thumb and rubber toe caps and heel kicks. Available in winterberry follow/record routes, be alerted if you’re off track, and index finger you can still use touchscreens. Two 7.4v red. obozfootwear.com if things turn nasty send an alert with coordinates to Li-ion batteries provide 2.5 hours of high-power finger emergency contacts. Battery lasts up to 20 hours. toasting (8 hours on low). XS-XL. 80x131x20mm, 220g, 3.7’’ touchscreen, 12GB free cotswoldoutdoor.com internal memory, water/dust resistant, rubberised, shockproof. ordnancesurvey.co.uk *Naresh Jariwala* THE NORTH FACE MEN’S BRESSER BIRD/SMALL ALPKIT BERWYN WOMENS THERMOBALL ECO CAMO ANIMAL-CAMERA SFC-1, £85 WOOL JUMPER, £69.99 JACKET, £170 The motion sensor on this camera only works if Wool – a blast from the past – real fleece. This chunky The North Face’s award winning winter-warmer now something is moving up to about a metre away. jumper is 100% lambswool. Which means it comes with comes in ‘green’ – the fabric is 100% recycled And that’s the point plenty of breathable insulating power, and sheep- polyester and the down-al – it won’t be triggered based moisture management and stuffing is spun from at lea by more distant temperature control. The five plastic bottles diverted movements. It takes Berwyn has a ribbed hem from landfill. So you can stills (16MP) and five and cuffs and is stretchy feel good about feeling seconds to five minutes enough for easy movement. warm. It’s water repellent long videos (24/30fps). Hang it out in the wind and performs better in It works in colour during the day, and, with infrared every now and then to keep the wet than down does. LEDs, in monochrome at night. 0.6 second tripping, it fresh. In denim or moss, Slim fit. S-XXL. 430g. rainproof, SD card slot, mini USB port, battery lasts sizes 8-18. cotswoldoutdoor.com up to 12 months on standby. bresseruk.com alpkit.com JACK WOLFSKIN BAYWATER RSPB DAB LARK ALARM PHONESKOPE BINO WASH BAG, £26 CLOCK RADIO, £89.99 BANDIT, £18 These days most birdwatchers like to keep reasonably With this When extraneous light shines in from the side it can clean when they are travelling. At least I think they do. Long-tailed cause glare and flare on binocular eyepieces and no The Baywater has a wide base so won’t wobble over, Tit adorned one wants that. This PhoneSkope product is made plus three mesh pockets in the main compartment, clock radio you from neoprene, fits most binoculars with 32mm two other large, zip-up compartments, and a pocket can be up with objectives or larger, and helps to block out extraneous on the front to help you bring order to your bog bag. the lark (groan). light and wind – which makes for a better view and less It’s padded and most of it is made from recycled PET It’s a DAB/ FM radio eyestrain. www.newprouk.co.uk bottles. 15x28x15cm. 180g. 3 litres. In midnight blue or with Bluetooth – so you can use it to listen to music black jack wolfskin co uk on your tablet/phone as well. It also has two USB ports – which means you can charge your tablet or phone as you listen. And if there’s someone in your bed who doesn’t like your music you can plug in some headphones. Saves up to 60 preset channels. shopping. rspb.org.uk birdwatching.co.uk 93

*Naresh Jariwala*

*Naresh Jariwala* E+OE Prices subject to change. Goods subject to availability

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UKBIRDSIGHTINGS The best rare birds seen all around Britain in November COMPILED BY MIKE WEEDON (Probable) Paddyfield Pipit, Sennen, Cornwall, 10 November *Naresh Jariwala* CHRISTOPHER COOK PADDYFIELD PIPIT? A mystery pipit which could be a sensational UK first, topped November’s rare bird list As stated last month, remain a mystery (predation by a cat has 30 October, the day after it was found). November kicked off with been mooted as an explanation!). There have only ever been 30 accepted the bewildering story of records of Steller’s Eider (and none since a probable Paddyfield Pipit Meanwhile, the Buff-bellied Pipit 2000), with nearly all being from sharing a damp field at stubbornly remained in the same field, Scottish islands, and the majority being Sennen, Cornwall, with for a while longer, at least, being last in the Outer Hebrides (although about a Buff-bellied Pipit. No one had a reported on 19th. a third were from Orkney). problem with the latter (from North America), the trouble was with the Less controversial, but somehow On 8th, the current bird crossed the Paddyfield Pipit, an Asian bird not known more exciting (for some, at least) was water to the west coast of Westray’s for serious lengths of migration (certainly the re-discovery of a Steller’s Eider smaller northern and eastern island not over thousands of miles). The calls (a first-winter drake), on Westray, neighbour, Papa Westray, where it stayed strongly pointed to this large pipit’s Orkney, on 7th (having gone missing on for the rest of the month. If it hangs identity as a Paddyfield, even if the around to next year, and shows the heavily-moulting, damp and manky IS YOUR AREA COVERED? spectacular adult plumage, its popularity plumage gave few extra clues. will doubtless increase, greatly! If your county doesn’t currently feature in By the time it was last seen (15th), UKBS and you’d like to supply a regular Well spotted thrush skilled observers had managed to age the report, email matthew.merritt@ bird as a second-winter individual (even bauermedia.co.uk for details of how you can Also extremely exciting for many rare if the species was not quite 100% help. You can send rare bird photos to bird listers, was a Hermit Thrush at Porth determined to species). DNA analysis mike.weedon@bauermedia.co.uk Hellick, St Mary’s, Scilly (from 18th). may yet confirm its identity, but the Please send unprocessed JPEGs at 300dpi These Nightingale-sized, rufous-tailed reason for its ‘departure’ may forever Catharus thrushes are very rare vagrants from North America, with only a dozen birdwatching.co.uk 97