25th May 2010 Moth Trapping in the back garden

Decided to do only my 2nd trapping of the year (the 1st drew a blank)with 19+ species caught with the highlights being Lime Hawkmoth,Pale Tussock,Oak Hook-tip,Buff-tip,Scalloped Hazel & a new moth for myself in the form of a Green Silver-lines

Gilfach Farm,Powys 24/5/10

After seeing some of the images on the web the last few days i decided to head west to the fantastic reserve of Gilfach Farm NR (aprox 5m N of Gigrin Farm Powys)my quest to photograph Pied Flycatchers (You cant fail honest!!) also seen were 2 Redstart,Raven,1 Spotted Flycatcher,Tawny Owl whilst Cuckoo & Tree Pipit were heard but i was too entranced with the Flickers (def a reserve to visit again especially in a few weeks when im told the Golden-ringed Dragonflies will be on the wing.

19th May 2010

Couldnt resist going back to Straw's Bridge NR,Ilkeston,Derbys this morning for another attempt,havin got back from my night shift i managed a quick hrs kip then headed the short hrs drive north to be rewarded with the bird almost constantly showing

Great Reed Warbler (Stunning views)





Typical view

14th May 2010

Record shots of the Great Reed Warbler below




I had a choice this morning either a trip to Frampton Marsh,Lincs for a lifer in the form of a Oriental Pratincole or a trip upto Derbys for a Great Reed Warbler (seen about 4 in the UK) yep i chose the Great Reed Warbler, a nice Hrs drive up the M1 to Straws Bridge nr Ilkeston soon had me watching a male Great Reed Warbler which showed well but was always obscure in the small reed bed it was singing from

14th May 2010

After being stuck in work all week & getting Txts of what i was missing at Coleshill Gravel Pits (Grey Plover,Wood Sand,Temminck's Stint etc)I was chomping at the bit so to say!! on arrival at the pits this morning i was met with the cheery greeting of Kev'Hippo'Groocock (The birdin Medic) Ur to late!!! (for the wood sand etc but not the Stints) short while later i had my 1st good bird of the day all what briefly, Whinchat which quickly flicked over the bank,on the actual pits i was soon watching the 2 Temminck's Stint & at least 6 Little Ringed Plover,2 Ringed Plover & an Oystercatcher (not a bad few hrs with 2 good Yr ticks)

Clayhanger Marsh 3/5/10

Just had to try again for the Hoopoe,my 3rd visit in as many days & with only a handfull of people on site it didnt seem as flighty.Patience payed off as they say if you don't succeed 1st time!!!

2nd May 2010 & 3rd May 2010

Headed back over to Clayhanger again today 3/5/10 for another crack at the Hoopoe but to no avail as there was a no show in the 3hrs i was on site,so headed over to Cannock chase for a few yr ticks Common Redstart & Pied Flycatcher heard but not seen but 2 Tree Pipit & Cuckoo were added to the Yr list & Wood Warbler heard by the carpark at seven springs




Headed over to Clayhanger Marsh,West Midlands on the 2nd for the Hoopoe only my 4th ever in Britain & my 2nd in the Walsall area (2006) The bird showed well but was very flighty but still a welcome Year tick,also good to catch up with a few old faces (Big thanks to Archie Archer for directions)