Paul's Birding Diary

Saturday 31st March 2012 The Seven Snow Geese The seven Snow Geese were still on the Tack Piece at WWT Slimbridge this morning, along with an Egyptian Goose and two Bar-headed Geese , also the female Lesser Scaup still and a Little Ringed Plover . My first three Sand Martins of the year were over the Knott Pool, and around eight moor and a Swallow were at South Lake. Female Lesser Scaup

Friday 30th March 2012 The Bonaparte's Gull is the tiny one asleep in the middle sat on the sand A second lifer in a week, after Goldie on Islay, was the first-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL on the river sands from Arlingham Passage this evening. A bonus was an adult RING-BILLED GULL (I heard another was seen later) plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull . I hesitate to use the term 'record' shots with these photos - more 'context' shots - they were a long way off! Ring-billed Gull, centre at the back, preening, and Yellow-legged Gull, the darker-mantled bird over to the right, also preening

Sunday 18th March 2012 These two AVOCETS were off Hock Ditch, Fretherne, this morning feeding on the mud. Also of note were 100 Shelducks and 79 Curlew. The estuary near Hock Ditch

Saturday 10th March 2012 Paddyfield Warbler, Pagham Harbour I spent a great day out in West Sussex with Jake, Mike and John, the main destination being Pagham Harbour for the PADDYFIELD WARBLER . We arrived at around 8am after an early start, and it wasn't too long before it was seen by other birders between the third and fourth benches along North Wall. After a brief glimpse, and a bit of a wait, by 10.00am we were getting superb views of it moving through the reeds near the third bench, fly-catching above the reeds, and perching for a while in shrubs. Hearing calls and a brief bit of song added to the experience. Photography-wise I just wasn't in the right place at the right time - the one below is by Mike - my best effort is the one above (mine definitely record shot status), but what a cracking bird. Paddyfield Warbler, Pagham Harbour (photo: Mike) And a video, also by Mike: Other interest here included c170 Dark-bellied Brent Geese , a few Black-tailed and ...