Birding and other distractions

The annual north Kent WeBS meeting was at Elmley this morning with about 30 people in attendance. In addition to WeBS updates there were presentations from Simon about head-starting Curlews, and from Fiona about Bitterns on the reserve. Afterwards we were treated to a great display from the wintering Short-eared Owls on the reserve, about nine in total being seen. A walk to the brickfields was rewarded with views of male Hen Harrier and Little Owl. Short-eared Owl As above

I can't remember my last visit to this site, it was that long ago. Weather was bright yet windy today. We looked from the main causeways for the Canvasback, which has been present amongst numerous Pochard for over a week. However, it was very difficult due to the fact that the flock was distant and constantly on the move, plus the wind made scope views unsteady. Needless to say I didn't see the bird. However, other birds in the area proved easier, especially three Velvet Scoter viewed from near the church. A Common Scoter, six Goosander (three drakes), and numerous Goldeneye were present in the same arm of the reservoir. Earlier in the day a Merlin had flown over the causeway, my first of the year. Velvet Scoter Common Scoter with Tufted Duck As above  Goosander Drake Goosander 

After two days of strong winds this morning was somewhat calmer so I went back to the desert area near Soo. It was a sunny and I was keen to get better views of Houbara Bustard. Starting in an agricultural area I found a very small reservoir attracting birds, fresh water being a rare commodity on the island. Most numerous were Linnets, though Spanish Sparrows, and a couple of Trumpeter Finch were also present. Nearby the rattling call of a Spectacled Warbler attracted my attention and for a few moments the bird came close. From there I drove south from the church into the desert and after no more than 15 minutes found a Houbara quite close to the track. Using the car as a hide I was able to watch it feeding. Later I saw two more, both at a reasonable distance again. Two Cattle Egret near the church looked slightly out of place in the desert-like terrain. On the way back to Puerto del Carmen whilst negotiating a roundabout I noticed two Plain Swift, so pulled over. They gave good vi...

The lagoon held a variety of waders notably Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt and Common Sandpiper. There were also singles of Whimbrel and Greenshank. From one of the high viewpoints I counted 36 Ruddy Shelduck and nearby a Kestrel. In addition to ever present Bertholots Pipits there was a single Skylark and Willow Warbler, the later with a faint wingbar on the median coverts. The warbler didn't look in the best of health to my eye. Ruddy Shelduck  Black-winged Stilt  Whimbrel  Skylark  Willow Warbler  As above  Kestrel 

First day in the field, today mainly trying for Houbara Bustard. Try as I might I couldn't find any on the plain, though did see two Cream-coloured Courser, albeit briefly. Other than Bertholots Pipit there were not many other birds, two Great Grey Shrike being most notable. Great Grey Shrike  Bertholots Pipit  As above