#indoorstoomuch

I got over to the Valley later than normal yesterday, about 10.15 and was supprised to see that it was extremely quiet; one other car in the car park, only a couple of dog walkers around the play area. Not only that, there was little or no sound all the way to the viewing areas where a small group of about 10 Black Headed Gulls broke the silence. Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting also to be seen along with two singing Cettis Warbler. On to the Top paddock via the Berwick Glades; Willow Warbler, Linnet and a lot of Greenwoodpecker, it was about now when Shaun tweeted to advise on a patch MEGA at the Hacton Lane end, he had just heard a COAL TIT singing. With no.1 son in tow i decided i would make a casual walk back. Going over the iron bridge an abliging Sparrowhawk flew over head and in the area for a good few minutes before heading off towards the viewing areas. courtesy of wikipedia I ended up though over at Tit Lake with not much else to show for it, Mixed Tits...

Finally and with thanks to a computor virus that has over the last couple of days been chewing its way through my hard drive i got out; recovery disks in and a good few hours install, i managed to get over to Rainham for a bit. Bird wise not a lot within the reserve; although earlier, Whimbrel, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Snipe x3 all seen from Purfleet Scrape. About five or six had gathered and looking but nothing in sight when i arrived. A brisk walk along to Butts Hide and my ever increasing interest in the butterflies and moths resulted in my first Marbled White courtesy of www.butterfly-conservation.org Followed quickly by a Small Tortoiseshell Small Tortoiseshell Heading out of the reserve and over to Aveley Bay i was on the look out for Yellow Legged Gulls and Whimbrel both of which i havnt had this year. Not overly confident with the Yellow Legged Gull due to ID but they have been in the bay quite a bit of late. In the bay were plenty of gulls a l...

Is this a Swallowtailed Moth?? - My guide looks as if they are white/green but the one in my porch area looks more white/yellow. Any ideas please? Swallowtailed Moth - ??

Over the Valley this morning for 6am; it got off to a good start with a great view of a singing Song Thrush just behind the play area but sadly nothing much else happenned, the usual suspects all the way to Ingrebourne Hill; no raptors to be seen on or around it. The water levels were abviously high so no waders. Mallard, Mute Swan, Pochard, Grey Heron and Little Egret x2 . view from iron bridge This is then where i decided that wellies were more appropraite than boots; cutting through on the bike trail, it was pretty flooded and then the new amount of growth was huge so not only a boot full but i was soaked from the rain on the greenery; gave up and came home - short and a disapointing little trip. Although the car park regular made up for it, initially on the car roof when one of the dog walkers appeared from the path over by the play area. He held out his arms, whistled and it flew straight to him landing on his hat where they both proceeded to walk to his car. Apparen...

Can you name this Neon Bird - just for fun, no prizes

Purley to increase this years patch list over at Rainham i madly drove over to Aveley Bay for Greenshanks & Whimbrel this morning in what seemed like apocalyptical rain. Visability was dreadful so rather than being able to view from one end to the other of the bay walking to various vantage points was essential. I couldnt find the Whimbrel but managed to pick up two Greenshank as they flew along the shoreline and only then because of their calls, finally managing to watch them land further up the bay and get on them for a short while. One things for sure, the top quality waterproof trousers i have are only top quality in normal / heavy rain. Sunday they decided they would give up! Rainham Marshes 2012 is now at 94

I was kindly invited to the local birders monthly beer last night and finally got to put some faces to the names i have heard over the last 18 months since i started birding. A welcoming and friendly bunch of guys; i had a good evenning and a reasonable head ache this morning. Lets hope my drunken state warrants another invite........ Yesterday Wood Sandpipers x7 were counted over at Rainham Marshes RSPB late afternoon. Hoping they would hang about for today i managed to get over there this morning. After a long wait they didnt materialise, although one had been seen early this morning. Then nothing for the rest of today. A couple of Green Sandpipers on view the whole time proved too much for some and after a while comments started to be floated about how they were Wood Sand; they were not, they were Greens but they happily none the less convinced themselves, ticked and left. There was an adult Spoonbill to view from the same vantage point off the Northern Boardwa...

I was fortunate to be given a pass for the morning and headed over the valley arriving at 6.30am. It was relatively clear with a small breeze although a little chilly. I parked in the Hornchurch car park and headed firstly along to the viewing area checking the small area behind the play area as i went. Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Cettis Warbler, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, Blackbird along with a couple of flyover Common Gull before reaching the main viewing point. Checking the smaller point first nothing of note other than a couple of Shoveller , it did seem very quiet down there. The main view confirmed it; not much at all. Heading on towards Tit lake and as i approached the junction for the iron bridge a Lesser Whitethroat , the same spot as yesterdays bird; i couldnt see it so headed on. Cormorant x2 flew along side me and banking off towards the houses. Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers seemed in abundance around the areas as you come down the path off the steep...