Shenstone Birder: Monday 12th September 2011

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:

Bob Bushell13 September 2011 at 11:29
You saw some of the best. The juvenile Bullfinch is superb.
Phil13 September 2011 at 13:11
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.
Anonymous13 September 2011 at 20:53
I saw a very fresh looking Red Admiral yesterday, Jason. They must have just emerged.
Jason K14 September 2011 at 08:41
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.
Warren Baker14 September 2011 at 11:15
Good to see Bullfinch's utilizing feeders Jase, maybe it will help their numbers recover :-)
Jason K14 September 2011 at 11:19
Let's hope so Warren...they are a scarce bird at Shenstone these days