Monday 12th September 2011 - Upton Warren & Shenstone

Today I decided that I would have a day off patch, so I picked up Tony and we headed over to Upton Warren NR.  I wasn't going there for any specific bird...its just when you have a patch that's predominately arable land its good to go to water now and then.

We started our visit at the Moors Pool where we were greeted by 2 juvenile Arctic Terns that were showing their acrobatic prowess off over the water.  Also at this location we had a Hobby go through and picked up a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and the Barnacle Goose (that's been kicking around for a while now). One of the highlights for myself though was seeing a juvenile Bullfinch feeding on the seed table in front of the West hide.  On the walk back along the track to the car park there was a really crisp looking Red Admiral that was obliging enough to let me get a few photos.

From the Moors we headed over to the somewhat dried out Flashes.  Whilst here we picked up 2 Dunlin (1 adult & 1 juv), 3 Green Sandpipers and 18 Curlew.  Also whilst at the flashes, an adult Arctic Tern dropped in over the first flash for a minute or so before heading over towards the sailing lake. 3 Common Buzzards flew over heading South.

As well as the bird life we also recorded 1 Migrant Hawker and 2 Common Darter dragonflies.



On the way back we quickly skirted through Shenstone and saw 3 Corn Buntings that were on the brassicas along Barrs Lane.  On dropping TS back off at Captains pool there was a single Sand Martin performing well over the water.

Bullfinch (juvenile)



























Red Admiral

6 comments:

  1. You saw some of the best. The juvenile Bullfinch is superb.

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  2. Nice to see Arctic Tern Jason. I had my first Kent sighting just recently. I think a day off patch can make a real change because it's always good to get back I think.

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  3. I saw a very fresh looking Red Admiral yesterday, Jason. They must have just emerged.

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  4. Cheers Bob...he was lovely to see.

    Phil, you are absolutely right. A day of patch now and then keeps it all fresh when you are back on patch.

    Dean,, I agree I reckon they are the second generation Red Admirals that will over winter.

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  5. Good to see Bullfinch's utilizing feeders Jase, maybe it will help their numbers recover :-)

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  6. Let's hope so Warren...they are a scarce bird at Shenstone these days

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