Whipsnade Zoo - Sunday 22nd April

Sunday morning / afternoon we headed to Whipsnade Zoo 

On the bird front, I was suprised to see a RUDDY DUCK in the bird enclosure. I never know whether these waterfowl are clipped or just stay there by choice. Some of the other geese etc clearly have been clipped or they would get the hell out of there. I sent an email to LGRE just so he is aware that one is here.
I managed some nice pics of the ruddy duck with the camcorder camera 
Another type of duck was also present on the water - with a red stripe down the side of the head and white alos on the head with a brownish feathering on the back. I did get a picture or two. Only for interest, as they dont count if they are tied down! I will try and work out the species though - I think I saw one on a blog recently that was an escapee.

During the pleasant visit to the zoo I got some nice close up pictures of ROOK, CARRION CROW and JACKDAW that I will be putting on smugmug and possibly using as the main pictures on my bird list as I got very close. 

On the train going around the zoo I saw a PIED WAGTAIL.

HERRING GULL were active by the penguins - diving in and getting the fish after feeding time. My beloved wife Anna got a little present from one of the gulls - fortunately it missed her head. Well - its good luck isnt it!!!
Also in the penguin pond were a couple of EIDER DUCKS - slightly random I thought and again must be tied down. 

 

Sunday morning at Marsworth / Startops

Sunday morning the weather looked fine and I had a couple of hours spare so I headed over to Marsworth / Startops 
I parked at the pavement end, and encountered a calling REED WARBLER in the reeds just to the right, and got some nice video footage and shots of the pair of LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS from the Startops Hide, which I believe are breeding - certainly the signs on display around say that.
Also the REDSHANK was still showing. 
I headed to Lock 41 area, where a couple of birders / photographers were present, looking for the Gropper as it was still around. 
Quite good calling was heared, but very little showing. 
While I was there, the GRASSHOPPER WARBLER did show once and a chap got some pictures (not a birder) 
Jim arrived with his big canon lens and he had a text from his wife that juvenile crossbills were at Wendover woods - there was a 5AM meet over there - I couldnt get up that early this weekend.....
A SEDGE WARBLER was calling and showing quite well, and close to Lock 40 a REED WARBLER was showing well and calling as well as a CHIFF CHAFF.I havent got the difference in calls yet in regards to the reed and sedge. Generally the Sedge is more frenetic then the reed. I will have to listen to this some more to try to get the distinction between the two.
No shots from me on this - I had camcorder and scope rather than the Nikon.
Bumped into Lucy on the way back and she was heading to the gropper - and got some nice pics after a couple of hours wait.  

On the way back I saw a female REED BUNTING in the 'kingfisher reeds' and then saw and heard a couple of BLACKCAPS on the footpath heading back to the road - first real clear call I have heard , and its like  wren but stronger followed by a nice tune. I tried to get them on film but they were too jumpy.
I did capture a pair of LONG TAILED TITS high up in the trees.

Saturday morning at the ressies

Saturday morning I had time for  quick visit to the ressies. 
I began at Wilstone, and saw the regular species: 
Grey Heron, Greylag Geese, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, blackbird.
About 20 odd Common Tern on the bails.. possibly an artic Tern. I tried out my new camcorder - a new gadget to get close to the action on a x41 optical zoom. Pictues of the terns to be checked.
Also saw a Chinese Water Deer up by the hide. 
Then off to Startops - via the pavement parking spot. En route I saw Chaffinch, Magpie, Blue Tit, Robin.. 
A reed warbler was singing nicely in the reeds just on the right between Startops and Marsworth. 
Further sighting along Marsworth - Cormorant, Mallard..
A Redshank and the two Little Ringed Plovers who are nesting on Startops was a nice sighting.
Heading to the reeds by Lock 41, a cuckoo was calling. No sign though. Three Buzzards overhead is a year Tring tick.. More species - Great Tit, The Grasshopper Warbler was calling well but no sign. A few Reed Buntings were showing well. Then a Wren, Pied Wagtail and Carrion Crow.
The weather was getting chilly, and things to do!

Not a great day

Well the weather was awful - but I couldn't resist a quick visit to a bird spot on the way home. I saw there has been a a shag and white wag at Staines reservoir - so went on the way home.
The cloud was very dark and rainy.... When I finally found the car park, I noticed I had shut the boot and caught my coat in the closing mechanism... Therefore I had a very wet coat and the water had leaked into the boot and yes, all over my compac camera that I have handy for adhoc twitches.
Went for a quick look and the camera doesn't work.... I think I saw a white wag - very strong white pattern on the back and white rump. Need to check in a bird book and use my memory
Got a year tick of swift anyways... That's 125 for the year.
Tawny owl has had a nice toot out the bedroom window this eve