Taunton Wildlife

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Autumn 2010 Archive

 

14 November 2010 - Ilfracombe

This Jay came for the peanut bait I laid and gorged itself all day.

I got very, VERY excited during a trip to Woolacombe today when I came across a white raptor chasing pigeons over the beach. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be the Gyr Falcon I was hoping for, but it was an interesting bird nonetheless, turning out to be a leucistic Sparrowhawk (more record shots for anyone interested: shot1, shot2, shot3, shot4).6 November 2010 - Ilfracombe

They're back. At least four Purple Sandpipers are now at the Capstone. One day they will be close enough, and actually in a patch of sunlight, so that I can get a half-decent photo of them.

20 October 2010 - Chard Reservoir NR

This male Southern Hawker has clearly seen better days - probably had a narrow escape from a predator - but he certainly brightened my after-work walk, as did a splendid Roe Deer buck.

17 October 2010 - Lower Slade

This Buzzard  landed in a tree above the park where my children were playing. It was totally unperturbed by the efforts of this Magpie, which stopped short of actually pecking the raptor. It only flew off when seven Jackdaws and three gulls joined in the mob.

16 October 2010 - Ilfracombe

Checking Capstone Parade again this morning turned up loads of Meadow Pipit (above) as well as a wary Snow Bunting (below), but no Purple Sandpipers evident yet.

2 October 2010 - Ilfracombe

You wait all your life to see a bird and then two turn up together on your patch: Snow Buntings feeding on Thrift seeds at Windy Corner on the Capstone - where you are always fighting poor light on this steep north face. Possibly beating Grey Phalarope for the award of 'Cutest Bird I have Photographed'.Below: Also, this Razorbill drifted past, almost within range.

18 September 2010 - Northam Burrows CP, Devon

A good birding day in North Devon with this Grey Phalarope as well as two life ticks consisting of Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Lapland Bunting. Nice.

12 September 2010 - West Hill, Devon

Quite a few Southern Hawker around our glamping site this weekend. This is the only one that pitched and decided to do it high up and in the deep shade - thanks!

4 September 2010 - Crow Point

I used a lot of patience to get close to the Bar-tailed Godwit below so was surprised when it suddenly vanished from view. There quickly followed a loud swoosh overhead, flash of grey and one of the three Dunlin which had been just behind the godwit had been pummelled into the sand by the Peregrine above. These shots were taken as the falcon circled a couple of times before snatching the dead bird from the beach and heading off over the Taw Estuary.

Below: This Dunlin may well be the one being carried off dead by the Peregrine...