Monthly Archives: October 2011

Linosa: Italy’s Fair Isle?

Posted on October 31, 2011 by

On my way. To this little volcanic island (expand it out to see exactly where it is): Thank especially to Andrea and Ottavio for the invite. Hope to be able to report on my recce to this Mediterranean Birding Hotspot starting from Wednesday and following 10 days. With … Continue reading →

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Answer to Mystery Shrike

Posted on October 30, 2011 by

1st winter Lesser Grey Shrike But with strangely clipped wing tips. It does look odd doesn’t it?The normally strikingly long primaries are replaced by short truncated ones. What’s going on? Chris Gibbins sent the pics taken in mid September this year in Azerbaijan. How strange. Looks like the primary tips have been … Continue reading →

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Mystery Shrike

Posted on October 29, 2011 by

Just for fun! What species/taxon and what age (or the other way around)? Taken mid September 2011 .

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Helgoländer Vogeltage 2011

Posted on October 29, 2011 by

Arrival I arrived on evening of Thursday 20th Oct. after fairly long day’s travel. Spirit boosted as got ready to board little 6 seater plane (flying lawn mower) and met Eckhard Moeller, one of the most enthusiastic people you could hope to meet, who gave me a lovely warm welcome. … Continue reading →

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3 Sprites

Posted on October 29, 2011 by

Spurn late October 2011 The highlights of the last few days at Spurn have been ‘sprites’. It’s been more relaxing, reading and family time than much birding. However even on ‘quiet days’ the bird variety here is as excellent as ever. A selection of … Continue reading →

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Magic Words- Eastern origin

Posted on October 28, 2011 by

Thursday 29th September ‘of Eastern Origin’ got applied twice today as our group scoured Britain’s northernmost isle. one to our delight a fascinating Lesser Whitethroat; the other to our chagrin (who uses that word anymore!) a grey and white flava wagtail.  I have cut and pasted from … Continue reading →

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Brown Lesser Whitethroat

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

is what I called it… To start with.  Found on Thursday 29th September at Uyeasound, Unst. A day of exploring our island base.I quickly alerted our Shetland Nature group that this was worth a look at. Then quickly went and found Will, Tony and … Continue reading →

Posted in Shetland, Warblers | 2 Comments

Evening Talks in December

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

I will be speaking at a couple of evening events coming up in December. One in Cheshire on 2nd December and on in Huddersfield on 13th December. If you are around- please come along! More details to follow. Also see this page Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society   Friday Dec. 2nd 2011 Huddersfield Birdwatcher’s Club… … Continue reading →

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Gull Masterclass Day… coming soon

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

Latest: Just 2 Places Left Where: Saltholme RSPB, Teesside When: Wednesday 30th November 2011 10 places available at £35 per head.  Join me and the RSPB’s Toby Collett for the day from 9am to 5 pm. See your confidence and skills in identifying … Continue reading →

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Shetland, Wednesday 28th Sept 2011

Posted on October 24, 2011 by

A Rubbish Day! Decided on  a bit of dirty twitching to the Mainland as the guys were keen to see the Lesser Grey Shrike if at all possible. I had taken a little risk and held off going. Hoping I had made the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buntings, Shetland, Shrikes, Wildfowl | 1 Comment