September 2018

Posted on 30 September, 2018 in Summaries

The first outing this month was to RSPB Rainham Marshes, with my kids, the first time they've both been out with me birding! Their initial excitment of having binoculars and running along the boardwalks soon waned and we had to go for ice cream. Two raptors, Sparrowhawk and Hobby were …


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August 2018

Posted on 31 August, 2018 in Summaries

Back to Massachusetts for family summer vacation/holiday, and as with Florida earlier in the year, I was able to hit some familiar hot spots.

First I was keen to visit Allens Pond for specialty Saltmarsh Sparrow (2) and life tick SEASIDE SPARROW (3), identified as dark, short-tailed birds in …


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July 2018

Posted on 31 July, 2018 in Summaries

This month, during a short family holiday to Norfolk I visited Hunstanton Cliffs, with the usual Northern Fulmar nesting on the cliffs, accompanied by Common Swift nearby. The cliffs presumably making a traditional nesting site before eaves of houses became more typical.

Sunday 22nd, Hunstanton Cliffs, Norfolk, UK.


June 2018

Posted on 30 June, 2018 in Summaries

One visit to Tyttenhanger GPs this month with Whitethroat, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow all in the hedgrow, being the highlights.

Saturday 9th, Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits, Hertfordshire, UK.


May 2018

Posted on 31 May, 2018 in Summaries

Only one outing, but for a couple of 'magical' May birds.

During my first spell in London (2005-2011) Lee Valley Park was a good place for nightingales and cuckoos, amongst others. On returning to London in 2016, I took my eldest daughter during half-term to see if they were still …


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April 2018

Posted on 30 April, 2018 in Summaries

Oh yes, Florida! An Easter visit where I was able to hit all the usual places and take a good walk at one I hadn't visited for a while.

First up was Venice Rookery where I connected with some typical Floridian birds but also 3 flyover Swallow-Tailed Kite. Among the …


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January 2018

Posted on 31 January, 2018 in Summaries

With a house move severly restricting my chances to go birding in December, I only managed to get to Tyttenhanger GPs once to see a scarcity Hawfinch. I connected with 10 of them in the tall trees to the south of the main pit. It was satisfying to see them …


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November 2017

Posted on 30 November, 2017 in Summaries

After not being able to go birding in October, I got back to Tyttenhanger GPs this month and connected with reported CASPIAN GULL. It took me a while to confirm but my photos were good enough to be confident of the id.

Saturday 25th, Tyttenhanger GPs, Hertfordshire, England, UK.


September 2017

Posted on 30 September, 2017 in Summaries

Just one visit this month, and to Tyttenhanger GPs to connect with a WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. It had been reported as being present on various rarity sites; a life tick for me! It was one of the fishing scrapes aka Willows Lakes, but I included it in a checklist for …


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August 2017

Posted on 31 August, 2017 in Summaries

Only a single visit to RSPB Titchwell Marsh this month, but 53 species were observed, not unusual for this reserve. Highlights were good numbers of Black-Tailed Godwit (30), Bar-Tailed Godwit (20), Spotted Redshank (2) and Spoonbill (3).

Saturday 19th, Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve, Norfolk, England, UK.