Bird Blog

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)

2012-01-31T11:19:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Ditchford
BirdGuides Rating: Local/Scarce
UK AMBER LIST

Along with the Glaucous Gull, the Iceland Gull is one of the two species that turn up in the UK having spent the summer in the arctic. It only turns up in fairly small numbers, on average probably less than 100 are present at any one time. The key identification feature to pick out either of the Arctic Gulls is the lack on any black anywhere on them - including at the tops of the wing. Like Glaucous, a juvenile will be a biscuity sort of colour all over, a second winter almost pure white (as seen above) and an adult then gains a pale grey back. Unlike the Glaucous which is huge with a brutish appearance, the proportions of Iceland Gull make it look gentle - along the lines of a Common Gull, but bigger. Iceland Gulls are best searched for in large gull roosts - often near landfill sites where they commute to feed, during the Winter.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Larus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis)

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Eyebrook Reservoir
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce
NO UK STATUS

The Green-winged Teal is the North American equivelant of our Eurasian Teal, and for the most part looks incredibly similar. It is one of the more regular American vagrants, and so can compared to many, be picked up fairly easily if you happen to catch a report of one. It is however, superficially very similar to the European species, and the feature to look out for is that vertical white stripe below it's shoulder, and a lack of a white stripe running along the wing.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anas

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

2012-01-05T15:04:00.002Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Chatham
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK GREEN LIST

The long-tailed duck is one of the UKs four specialist sea-ducks, and is one of the harder to see. Unlike Eiders and Common Scoters it does not breed in this country, but Winters here from further north. From the picture here, you may be wondering about the name, as the there isn't a great deal noticable abotu the tail, but, in summer it will gain a spectacularly long upwards curving tail practically the length of the duck again, plus a more striking sharp black and white plummage. A winter bird, like this one, has got significantly more drab plummage and so isn't quite so impressive. This specific individual was a bit of an oddity - they are normally found only in flocks from Norhtumbria upwards, while this individual was alone in a harbour in Kent and had been for months - presumably it had got separated from other birds and blown off course - but as it had apparently been there for months, at least it appeared to have settled to life there and was probably far more tolerant of humans than normal.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Clangula

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus bewickii)

2011-12-20T19:52:00.002Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

The smallest of the three swans that are found in the UK, the Bewick's Swan is still a rather substantial bird. Unlike the resident Mute Swan familiar to everyone, the other two species are purely Winter visitors, and are generally found at only a few sites where they congregate in very big numbers. However, because they are migrants they can in theory turn up on any body of water big enough to support them. Both migrant swans have yellow and black beaks rather than orange/black - the Bewick's can be differentiated by the yellow forming a round shape rather than a wedge as in the Whooper swan, and of course, the smaller size.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cygnus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)

2011-12-20T12:40:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: RARELocations Spotted: Rutland Water, Rainham Marshes
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce
UK GREEN LIST
Cetti's warbler is one of the most recent colonists to the UK - only establishing itself in 1973 - it is a reedbed dweller, and even compared to our other reedbed dwelling species can be a pain to catch more than a fleeting glance. Unlike our other reedbed species however, it remains in the UK during the winter. Actually getting a positive identification on this species can be a pain, and you are much more likely to hear one than see one - but, if you look in the Winter when it'll be the only warbler in the reeds you might just strike lucky.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cettidae
Genus: Cettia

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)

2011-12-13T08:27:00.002Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Ditchford Gravelpits
BirdGuides Rating: Local/Scarce
UK AMBER LIST

The glaucous gull is a huge gull, being the only UK species to rival the Great Black Backed for size. It, along with the iceland gull aren't resident, but turn up in small numbers each winter across the country, often mixed in with flocks of other gulls. It is possibly most often the first and second years which turn up, and the key identification features, along with the huge size, are the uniform "milky tea" colouration without any black on the wingtips. Due to their scarcity, you will probably require a fair bit of luck to find one of your own, so, like me, it's probably best to follow reports (and even then there might well be a substantial bit of searching through more common gulls involved...)

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Larus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

2011-11-22T09:02:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Harrington Airfield, Rutland Water
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

The Short-Eared Owl is perhaps one of the most visually striking UK owls, with its large yellow eyes. Found on moorland for much of the year, it migrates south to more hospitible climes during the Winter where it may form roosts of multiple individuals, sometimes mixed with Long Earred Owls. Unlike most owls, it is primarily a daylight flying bird, thus making it theoretically easier to see than all other species, it is however conversely more localised than Barn, Tawny or Little, so you actually need a reliable site to find them.

Related Species:
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Asio

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)

2011-11-20T19:43:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: UK: VERY RARE Spain: ELUSIVE
Locations Spotted: Seville
BirdGuides Rating: Mega (UK)

The Lesser Kestrel is the other kestrel of Europe, and in many ways its a very different sort of bird despite the similar appearances. Visually the females of both species are almost identical, but in the males there is a distinct lack of markings over the same base colours than differentiates the two, as well as blue-grey on the wings. Unusually, the Lesser Kestrel is a communal falcon, and is also migratory, although the ones in Seville are at least partially resident.

Related Species:
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor)

2011-11-20T19:12:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: Spain: COMMON, UK: VERY RARE/ABSENT
Locations Spotted: Seville, Italica
BirdGuides Rating: Mega (UK)

The Spotless Starling replaces the common starling in the Iberian penninsula and some of the surrounding region. It is, however joined in Winter by migrating common starlings. It is as the name suggests, similar to the common starling, but lacking spots - it has a slightly oily sheen to it's plumage which is an identification feature.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Sturnus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)

2011-11-20T18:31:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: ELUSIVE (Spain) ABSENT (UK)
Locations Spotted: El Rocio
BirdGuides Rating: NO RATING (UK)

The Common Waxbill is not native to Europe, but is rather an escapee that has established itself in Spain. The name of the waxbill family apparently coems from the red beak - the colour of sealing wax is red. I saw a small flock briefly in El Rocio, but they are apparently even present in Seville itself, and presumably even other parts of the country too. It is one of the world's most popular cage birds which is presumably why they have managed to establish themselves.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Estrildidae
Genus: Estrilda

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)

2011-11-20T18:00:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: UK: VERY RARE/ABSENT, Spain: COMMON
Locations Spotted: El Rocio, Seville
BirdGuides Rating: Mega (UK)
The Zitting Cisticola is also known as the Fan-Tailed Warbler, and indeed, this was it's only name until recently renmaed so as to avoid confusion with an American species of the same name. It is now named to match up with the other cisticola species. I encountered them twice of my trip so I presume they are at least moderatly common there - they seemed to prefer to hide in longer vegetation and briefly peak out.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cisticolidae
Genus: Cisticola

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)

2011-11-20T17:32:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: Spain: COMMON, UK: VERY RARE/ABSENT
Locations Spotted: Seville, Italica
BirdGuides Rating: Mega (UK)

The crested lark is a lark found widely throughout most of mainland Europe, but is absent from the British Isles. In Southern Spain at least it is fairly widepsread, found on open ground, both in the countryside, or even, in this case, in the middle of cities - this particular individual was in the middle of Seville city centre alongside the canal. They get their name from their crest, which when reaised is far more striking than the Skylark.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Galerida

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)

2011-11-11T08:55:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: UK: VERY RARE, Spain: ELUSIVE
Locations Spotted: Italica (Spain)
BirdGuides Rating: Rare

A rather striking little warbler, which looks kind of like a strange mix of a whitethroat and a dartford warbler, the female havign the colouration of the former, with a long tail and red eye making it more remeniscent of the Dartford. The red ring around the eye is the main diagnostic feature, and this species will tend to fly up onto a perch before quickly divind back into cover. The male has a black head and a grey body, as opposed to the pictured dark grey and brown.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Genus: Sylvia

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

2011-11-11T08:34:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: SPAIN: RARE UK: VERY RARE/ABSENT
Locations Spotted: El Rocio
BirdGuides Rating: Common* (This is very misleading - this is due to there being a small number of escapee Flamingos in the UK, which of course serious bird watchers wouldn't count. A genuine wild flamingo would certainly be much higher)

Flamingos are perhaps one of the most famous bird groups in the world, their pink colouration being the main reasons I suspect. The Greater Flamingo is probably the most easily found species in Europe, although it is by no means common, being limited to a few areas such as the Camargue in France, and the Donana National Park in Southern Spain, where I encountered them. They are huge birds, dwarfing even the massive White Storks that were feeding alongside them. Despite their fame, these fellows were really more white than pink. They are an incredibly long lived species - the oldest currently known is 70 years and counting.

Related Species:
Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Genus: Phoenicopterus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)

2011-11-07T20:01:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: ELUSIVE (Spain) VERY RARE (UK)
Locations Spotted: El Rocio (Spain)
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce (UK)
A huge bird only really found as a vagrant in the UK. White Storks are the commoner of the two European Storks and are practically unmistakable at any sort of range. They often nest in large trees, ontop of buildings or on poles in huge nests, often in colonies. Much bigger than a heron, it holds its neck out straight when flying. The red beak and legs and white and black body are characteristic. Throughout much of Europe it is migratatory, leaving in Winter, but is resident in Donana.

Related Species:
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ciiconidae
Genus: Ciconia

Further Notes: RSPB , Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

2011-11-07T18:47:00.000Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: (Spain) COMMON (UK: VERY RARE)
Locations Spotted: El Rocio (Spain), Italica (Spain)
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce (UK Rating, so not applicable)The Cattle Egret is really a fringe species to the UK list - it could potentially begin proper colonization in the next few years, if indeed it hasn't done already, but currently it could go either way. It can be differentiated from the little egret by the yellow bill and from the great white egret by the smaller size and stockier body. In Spain it is far far more common, and can be found in wetland, or on fields with cattle or horses.

Related Species:
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Bubulcus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis)

2011-10-24T20:08:00.005+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce
NO UK STATUS (Globally "Least Concern")

Another North American vagrant species, they nest on the Northern Tundra of Canada and Alaska, and then Winter in northern South America. It is considered scarce in the UK and in all liklihood, you'll probably only find one if it's pointed out to you as it looks very much like a dunlin. It is however, slightly smaller, with a shorter, straighter beak and most tellingly very long wings which extend past the end of its tail when walking. Not necessarily the most visually stunning species in the world, but still incredibly impressive when you consider what a harsh environment this tiny fellow normally lives in and how far he's travelled to get here!

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Calidris

Further Notes: RSPB (N/A), Wikipedia, BirdGuides

American Wigeon (Anas americana)

2011-10-24T19:19:00.008+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce
NO UK STATUS (Globally - "Least Concern")

The American Wigeon is as the name suggests, the North American equivelant of the Eurasian Wigeon. The male is a fairly attractive bird with a yellow head with a striking green mask which covers each eye and runs down the back of the neck. I did infact get some nice views of this through the telescopes of some generous people in the same hide, but unfortunatly, something startled all the birds into flying off and I only managed to take this single photo of it as it flew off, which I had to get expert help to pick out which bird it was. Apparently, the diagnostic features which allowed it to be picked out are "large amount of white on the upperwing" and "extensive pinkish/purplish colour on the rear flank". Massive thanks to the people on Birdforum who helped me find the bird in the photo, and the people in the hide at Rutland who showed me it through their scopes!

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anas

Further Notes: RSPB (N/A), Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus)

2011-10-20T16:04:00.008+01:00

(Bottom Left and Top Right, Bottom Right is a Black Headed Gull)

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Gravesend
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

This species is perhaps most notable for being the smallest gull in the world, and so of course, bt default, also in the UK. It is a fairly rare species that probably requires luck to find - although birds do Winter they are mainly seen on passage. They often associate with Black Headed Gulls, and they can be picked out by their size (which is not necessarily obvious in flight), short black beak and flittering flight where they will continously swoop down and dabble their feet in the water. Keep an eye on flocks of BH Gulls during migration times for a best bet.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Hydrocoloeus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

2011-09-12T12:53:00.003+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Pitsford
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a bit on an unusual appearance on this list in that it is actually primarily an American species, and is not established in Europe. It has apparently bred once or twice, but these birds have reached the UK by accident rather than design - that being said, it is arguably one of the most common American vagrants to the point where it is annual. Care must be taken to differentiate it from Dunlin - the key feature being the clean cut line on the chest where the markings stop and go to white. It is generally juveniles which turn up here, and because they can literally arrive anywhere, it is almost certainly easier to follow reports from other people rather than to go off to try and find your own.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Calidris

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

2011-09-12T12:28:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Pitsford, Rutland Water
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

Slavonian Grebes are primarily a Winter visitor with a small number summering in Scotland - in their Winter plumage (shown) they are fairly unobtrusive, and could easily pass for a dabchick if you didn't look closer. Their summer plumage is far more resplendant with red and black plumage with dramatic golden facial tufts. In either form, care should be taken to differentiate the Slavonain Grebe from the very similar Black Necked - in the Summer it is fairly easy as the red neck of the Slavonian contrasts with the namesake Black Neck. In Winter, it is a slightly more tricky affair where you might have to rely on contrasting the shapes of their hoods. Contrary to normal behaviour, this particular Slavonian has apparently been present at Pitsford for a long stretch of the Summer.

Related Species:
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicepedidae
Genus: Podiceps

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)

2011-07-28T15:38:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Rainham
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

Whinchats are one of the least common of the chat species found in the UK, found in much lower densities than species such as wheatear or stoenchat. Like wheatears, they are a summer migrant, returning to Winter in Africa. Normally found on the north and west, this individual turned up at Rainham marshes. They are identified by the prominant white eyestripe, the rusty coloured chest and brown back.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Saxicola

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)

2011-07-20T22:01:00.008+01:00

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Brigstock
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK RED LIST

The rarest of the five members of the pigeon family found in the UK, it resembles the Collared Dove but with a mottled brown and black back. Increasingly rare for reasons which include loss of habitat and poaching as it migrates over the Mediterranean. The best way to locate it is to listen for its call, which sounds like it is vibrating version of a pigeon call. It is our only migrant pigeon and thus is only found for a few months during the summer.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbiidae
Genus: Streptopelia

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)

2011-07-20T21:44:00.000+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: ELUSIVE
Locations Spotted: Brigstock
BirdGuides Rating: Common

It could easily be argued that the Garden warbler is the most drab species of bird in the UK - you can even take this to the point where most guides I've seen note its lack of distinguishing features as its distinguishing feature! In general though, the slightly short beak and relatively heavy build set it apart from most warblers. Its song is very similar to the blackcap, but as that has radically different plumage if you see it it shouldn't be a problem. Supposedly quite numerous, the biggest issue with this bird is that itis a skulker.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Genus: Sylvia

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata)

2011-06-16T10:12:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: South Cornwall*
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

In my oppinion, the most visually striking UK warbler. They are found on heathland in the south of the country and as a warbler they are told apart by the told tails and the unique blue-grey and reddish brown colour scheme, combined with the dramatic red ring around the eye. Unfortunatly, none of which you can see in this photograph. They are one of our few warblers that can be found in the winter (small numbers of species like Blackcap and Chiffchaff can be found in Winter but the majority leave), unfortunatly, this makes them very vulnerable to hard Winters, at which point the population can crash severely.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylvidae
Genus: Sylvia

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Manx Shearwater (Puffinis puffinus)

2011-06-16T09:52:00.005+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Trevose Head
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

Excepting the diurnal and open nesting Fulmar, the Manx shearwater is possibly the easiest of the petrels to see in the UK. This however, does not mean it is specifically easy either - the best way to see any member of the family is to go on a pelagic boat trip early in the morning, where with any luck, you'll get close views. Unfortunatly for me, my trip to Cornwall this year was before the pelagic trips started up making it impossible. However, if you pick the right headland at the right time of the year you may see flocks of these birds out to see- notice the distinctive wing shape. Manx Shearwaters are nocturnal during the breeding season and nest in burrows on offshore islands. One other interesting fact is that for birds, shearwaters are incredibly long lived - a wild Manx Shearwater in Ireland is believed to be 55 years old! Compare against the only recently separated Balearic Shearwater (which is much rare and doesn't breed).

Related Species:
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
Genus: Puffinus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Garganey (Anas querquedula)

2011-05-11T23:05:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Summer Leys
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

After the Gadwall, possibly one of the least descript looking ducks in the UK. The male is primarily notable for the prominant white stripe over its eye, while the female is a rather forgettable brown. Perhaps the rarest and most secretive of UK Ducks - only around a hundred pairs breed in the UK a year, and those that do are quite secretive. They are also barely bigger than a teal, so finding them is potentially the hardest of all British freshwater Ducks.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anas

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

2011-05-11T22:34:00.007+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: VERY RARE
Locations Spotted: Summer Leys
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

Wood Sandpipers are quite a rare species in the UK - they pass through on passage in reasonable numbers, but, only 4-8 pairs breed in the country each year - all in the Scottish Highlands. It is most easily separated from the other Sandpipers by the prominant speckling and prominant eyestripe.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Tringa

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

2011-05-11T20:43:00.008+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE (low densities, easier heard than seen)
Locations Spotted: Geddington
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK RED LIST

Cuckoos have numerous things of note to them - they are the only members of their genus found regularly in the UK. They are also famous for their parental techniques - they are brood parasites - they plant their eggs in the nests of other birds to get them to do them for them. They are easily found when they are around by their loud and distinctive call - the cuckoo of their name.

Related Species:
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Cuculus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

2011-04-17T16:00:00.004+01:00

PhotoGrade: Medium
Rating: RARE (Limited Location, Winter Visitor)
Location Spotted: Derwant Water
BirdGuides Rating: Local

White-fronted geese are a migrant species which turn up in various regions of the UK in Winter in large groups. This particular bird is a bit of an oddity - it was found with a mixed group of other geese grazing on a sheep field, on its own, outside normal wintering sites. It is of the Greenland race rather than the Siberian one - it can be identified by the orange rather than pink beak. Ordinarily however the best places to look for these birds would be in established Wintering sites.

Related Species:

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Genus: Anser

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

2011-04-17T12:07:00.008+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: ELUSIVE
Location Spotted: Derwant Water
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

Redstarts are found in the West of the country, they are woodland dwellers with a very distinctive colour palette. They are insectivorous. The female is a lot less distinctive than the male - it looks quite similar to the female black redstart. This bird was found in the lake district by Derwant Water.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Phoenicurus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

2011-04-17T11:40:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: ELUSIVE
Location Spotted: Derwant Water
BirdGuides Rating: Common

Red-breasted mergansers are the other species of sawbill found in the United Kingdom - they are rarer than Goosanders - found more in the North and West of the country. They also Winter around the coast in other parts of the country. Smaller than Goosanders, the defining feature is the red neck of the name when comparing it against Goosanders.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Mergus

Further Notes: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Bar-Tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

2011-02-03T11:36:00.008Z

Photo Grade: Poor
Rating: ELUSIVE
- A Winter migrant shorebird found often in estuaries -
Locations Spotted: Herne Bay area
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

Despite being, in theory at least, the more numerous of the UKs two Godwit, I've personally found finding "Barwits" much harder than their counterpart. The reasons for this are relatively simple in some cases - unlike the Black-tailed, the Bar-tailed is essentially exclusively found on the coast and occassionally up the shores of the larger rivers. Telling the differences between Godwits isn't necessarily easy at first but can be aquired with some practise.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Limosa (Godwits) UK Species in Genus: Black-Tailed Godwit

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris)

2011-02-03T10:33:00.004Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
- A highly variable Winter migrant, which appears in varying numbers and mostly not at specific locations -
Locations Spotted: Herne Bay area
BirdGuides Rating: Local

Known in America as "Horned Larks", Shore larks are the scarcest of the the three UK larks - a Winter visitor which turns up on beaches along the East Coast in numbers between a handful and a few hundred. They also are, in my oppinion, by far the most striking of the UK larks - unlike the drab sky and brown Sky and Wood larks, it has a distinctive yellow and black face. For the most part these will probably require some awareness of where they have been sighted to find - even there I made sure to ask where exactly they'd been seen to make it easier to find them.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes (Perching Birds)
Family: Alaudidae (Larks)
Genus: Eremophila (Horned Larks) UK Species in Genus: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, Birdguides

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

2011-02-03T10:05:00.006Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: RARE
- A scarce breeder in the Scottish Highlands, plus a Winter visitor to the East and North, often found on the coast -
Locations Spotted: Herne Bay area
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

Snow Buntings are for most people a Winter visitor, as although there is a small breeding populaion in the Highlands, it's a bit out the way for most people. Most common along the East Coast in Winter, I personally found my flock actually in a town (Herne Bay) with a flock of about 12 actually flittingly along the beach by the pier. Later, I found another individual further along the coast on its own, neither in the exact place they had been seen before. As such, I'd suggest that if you do go looking for them following a report, look around the entire coastal area as they do move - look out for flocks of small sparrow like birds flying along the beach.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes (Perching Birds)
Family: Emberizidae (Buntings)
Genus: Plectrophenax (Snow Buntings) UK Species in Genus: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)

2011-02-03T09:11:00.004Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: ELUSIVE
- A coastal wader that breeds in small numbers but is mainly a Winter visitor to the North -
Locations Spotted: Herne Bay area
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK AMBER LIST

The Purple Sandpiper is one ofthese birds where I cant really say where it's name comes from, it is only very slightly purple if you squint at it in certain lights. According to the RSPB, this bird is found mainly North of the Humber, but I found a trio of these fellows along a bit of rocky jetty in Herne Bay in Kent. Supposedly, South End and Margate are also good for them, so perhaps that area is worth checking out too. When identifying this bird look for the curved yellow beak and stubby yellow legs. These ones weren't too hard to photograph at all - they were relatively close to me and didn't seem bothered by me, although they had the benefit of a railing and a scramble across slippery rocks to their benefit if I had been trying to eat them or something.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Calidris (The "Typical Waders") UK Species in Genus: Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

2011-02-03T08:35:00.006Z

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: ELUSIVE
- A moderatly common bird of the sea shore, which lives in the UK in the Winter -
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water, Herne Bay area
BirdGuides Rating: Common

The Sanderling is a very small wader which can be seen scuttling along the waters edge looking for food. It is really a winter migrant coastal bird, but odd individuals may occassionally turn up in later in other seasons - a very distant sighting of one at Rutland during the spring being an example of this. I found some photographable ones however as Swalecliff - literally only a few meters away from me, they were exceedingly easy to photograph.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Calidris (The "Typical Waders") UK Species in Genus: Knot, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)

2011-02-02T23:43:00.006Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Location spotted: Rainham, Herne Bay area
Rating: ELUSIVE
- A Winter migrant which forms large flocks and is primarily found on or near the coast, mainly in the East -
BirdGuides Rating: Local

UK AMBER LIST

The Brent Goose is probably a species most easily seen on the coast in the Winter - it forms large flocks which makes it easy to see and find, but conversely, it is probably quite thinly distributed in where these flocks turn up. Individuals or small groups may also sometimes appear, as in the case of the single Brent Goose which formed my first ever Brent Goose sighting - unfortunatly it was plonked on the far bank of the Thames beyond my photography range. These birds were part of a very large flock near Reculver in Kent. For the best chance of finding these it is probably best to use the internet to identify where they are.

Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)

Genus: Branta (Black Geese) UK Species in Genus: Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Willow Tit (Poecile montanus)

2011-01-29T23:39:00.006Z

Rating: ELUSIVE
- A widespread but localised bird, difficult to differentiate from very similar looking Marsh Tit -
Locations Spotted: Pitsford, Geddington
Photo Grade: Poor
Birdguides Rating: Local
UK RED LIST

The most pressing issue with the Willow Tit is the fact it is very very similar looking to the more common marsh tit, and indeed, often they can live in the same place. I tend to assume that any marsh/willow I see is a marsh unless I have evidence to the contrary. In this case, in this unfortunatly very poor photo, note the pale panel on the wing, the roundness, which I've seen described as "bull necked" or "egg shaped" and the fact the white on it's face extends over the top of it's wing. It also admittedly helped that it responded when I played a recording of a willow tit, which my local marsh tits diligently ignore when I try that tactic... I've found this a very frustrating species to photograph, but it really depends on what you have living locally - some places will have just one or the other, or both. The fact it is often the same colour as the hedges it sits in makes my camera grumpy too.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes (Perching Birds)
Family: Paridae (Tits)
Genus: Poecile (Black Capped Chickadees) UK Species in Genus: Marsh Tit

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

2011-01-29T16:20:00.005Z

(Two males - left, female - right)

Rating: RARE

- A waterbird which winters in the UK in low numbers -

Photo Grade: Medium

Location Spotted: Pitsford Reservoir

BirdGuides Rating: Local

UK AMBER LIST

Smew are distinctive and small species of duck which winters in the UK south of the Wash-Severn line. The males are more or less unmistakable at close range - a very distinctive small black and white duck, while the brown and grey females don't stand out so much, but I still feel that somehow they don't look like a British Duck. They can in theory turn up anywhere, but big bodies of water are probably the best place to look, though it's probably easiest to see where they have been sighted.

Related Species:

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)

Genus: Mergellus UK Species in Genus: N/A - monotypic

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Great White Egret (Ardea alba)

2011-01-29T16:00:00.008Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: VERY RARE
- A bird that mainly turns up as a vagrant that winters in the UK in very low numbers -
Location Spotted: Pitsford Reservoir
BirdGuides Rating: Scarce

The great white egret in far far rarer than the increasingly common little egret, but it too is potentially becoming more common. It winters in the UK in very small numbers. It can easily be distinguished from the little egret by being far larger and having a yellow beak. This is probably a bird where you will have to specifically look for sightings of one to find it, although Pitsford has now had them wintering for (at least) two consecutive Winters now.

Related species:
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets and Bitterns)
Genus: Ardea (Large Herons) Other UK Species in Genus: Grey Heron

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

2011-01-12T21:07:00.013Z

(Left - Winter Plumage, Centre Right - Summer Plumage)

Location Spotted: Elmley Marshes, Herne Bay Area Rating: ELUSIVE

Photo Grade: Medium

Bird Guides Rating: Common

UK AMBER LIST

Another estuary specialist, in this case a Winter migrant. Unfortunatly this means that ordinarily the UK never gets to see this bird in it's striking black, white and silver summer plumage although I had the great luck to find a single individual in unseasonal plumage in January amidst dozens of its winter plumaged brethren. As a target for photography, it probably depends very much on position of your vantage point to where they are - they would probably fly off if approached in the open, but hides overlooking roost sites or tidal flats hold the potential for good views.

Related Species: Dotterel, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

2011-01-12T19:13:00.006Z

Rating: RARE
Locations Spotted: Elmley Marshes, Rainham Marshes, Oare Marshes
Bird Guides Rating: Local
Photo Grade: Poor
UK AMBER LIST

Despite being by far the most common of the UKs three harriers, the Marsh Harrier still isn't a particularly common bird. It favours marshland, although it can occassionally be sighted over less specialised wetland. I cannot recommend Elmley Marshes RSPB enough for seeing this species, I saw more of these birds in a single day there than I do Buzzards or Red Kites around Geddington. This however does not mean that the views you get of them are as good it must be noted, and unfortunatly the majority of sightings were distant and difficult to photograph legibly.

Related Species:
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Circus

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Knot (Calidris canuta)

2011-01-11T23:47:00.013Z

(Central Bird)

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: Elmley Marshes

Rating: ELUSIVE

- A coastal wader which visits our large estuaries in Winter -
BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK AMBER LIST

The Knot is an exclusively coastal based wader (athough, as with most birds, there are going to be occassional exceptions to the word exclusively) best known for the huge flocks it forms when roosting. It is primarily found in the mouths of major estuaries. The main downside to this bird is that it is present only in the Winter, and going near the sea in Winter isn't exactly everyones cup of tea.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Calidris (The "Typical Waders") UK Species in Genus: Sanderling, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Scaup (Aythya marila)

2011-01-01T18:27:00.009Z

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: River Nene

Rating: RARE

- Sparsely distributed Winter visitor and single digits breeding pairs -

BirdGuides Rating: Local

UK RED LIST

The Scaup is primarily a Winter visitor to the UK, although it does also breed in tiny numbers. Best looked for relatively near the coast, for more inland sites, look amoungst Tufted Duck and Pochard flocks to spot odd individuals like this one. The main difficulty is that both genders do look similar to tufted ducks (eg. female scaup look similar to female tufted ducks, and males to males), so you may have to look relatively closely to pick one out of the far more numerous tufted ducks.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese Swans, etc)
Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
Genus: Aythya (Diving Ducks) Other UK Species in Genus: Pochard, Tufted Duck

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)

2010-12-23T14:09:00.007Z

Photo Grade: Good

Location Spotted: Kettering

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local*

The waxwing has the potential to be a problematic species to spot, dependant on year. In most years only arounda hundred appear in the UK in the Winter. On the flip side, generally in the region of every four years, they arrive in massive numbers, as there is insufficient food in their native Scandinavia - these are called "irruptions". It's in these years thatthey are probably easiest to see, as they can appear anywhere and everywhere, and are indeed often reported in supermarket carparks with lots of ornamental berries. Photographically they have a great benefit in that they aren't that bothered by humans - I was literally a few meters away from the bush in which this photo was taken.

Related Species: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

*Until a few weeks before this photo they were classed as scarce, and it may just be for the duration on the irruption year that they have been downgraded.

Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)

2010-12-16T10:28:00.004Z

(Female/Immature)

Photo Grade: Medium

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

Location Spotted: East London*

The Black Redstart is one of the UKs rarest breeding birds, being less numerous than either osprey's or golden eagles with under a hundred pairs. There is an increase in winter however as birds arrive from the continent. It is also unique however in that of all Britain's rare birds, it actually does best it cities, with population centres being present in London and Birmingham. It favours brownfield sites which produce a similar habitat to the scree slopes on which they originally evolved and so is in danger from urban regeneration.

Related Species: Nightingale, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, Stonechat, Wheatear, Whinchat
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Picoides minor)

2010-12-06T17:03:00.012Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
- Widespread bird of woodland but can be incredibly difficult to find or see -
BirdGuides Rating: Local
Location Spotted: Geddington

UK RED LIST

The lesser spotted woodpecker has a bit of a reputation for being difficult to see, despite it's wide distribution. It is much smaller than the greater spotted being on about the same scale as a sparrow, it's main distinguishing feature other than the size being the black and white barred back. It is best seen in the winter and spring by most accounts, on the basis that it is easier to see in the top of the trees when there are no leaves present.

Family: Picidae (The Woodpeckers)

Genus: Picoides UK Species in Genus: N/A*

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia , Birdguides

* The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is also sometimes placed in Dendrocopus with the Great Spotted Woodpecker

Siskin (Carduelis spinus)

2010-11-25T13:23:00.005Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
Location Spotted: Geddington

For me the siskin has proved to be a bit of a bogey bird since I started this blog. In theory there are half as many siskins as the very common greenfinch, plus winter migrants, but in practise, despite having them on my bird table on a daily basis the winter before I started this site, I have not seen hide nor hair of one until this one - about a year and a half after I started. If you get them in a bird table setting they should probably prove easier to photograph than in the treetops where I encountered them.

Related Species:
Brambling, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Hawfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Mealy Redpoll, Scarlet Rosefinch, Serin, Twite
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus)

2010-11-25T00:06:00.006Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Location Spotted: Rainham
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Local

Despite the name (and how I've categorised it) not actually a tit, nor a member of any other family - the Bearded Tit is a unique songbird with no close relations. It is a reedbed specialist, and can primarily be found along the Norfolk marshes. I was however lucky enough to catch a flock of them at Rainham. Easily identified by their distinctive call (which can be played on the RSPB site) after locating them, if you have a clear enough view ofthe surrounding marsh you stand a decent chance of seeing them flitign about in flocks not dissimilar to the unrelated Long Tailed Tit.

Related Species: N/A
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis cabaret)

2010-11-14T18:58:00.011Z

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

Theoretically at least, this is a widespread finch present for most of the year in most of the country (or at least in Winter in a certain central section). On the flipside of that however is that it's got a comparatively small population, and thus presumably, a rather patchy distribution. Winter is probably the best time to see it as without the leaves on the trees it'll be much more visible.

Related Species:
Brambling, Bullfinch, Chaffinch,Common Crossbill, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Hawfinch, Linnet, Mealy Redpoll, Parrot Crossbill, Scarlet Rosefinch, Scottish Crossbill, Serin, Siskin, Twite
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

2010-10-13T21:40:00.002+01:00

Photo Grade: Good

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Locations Spotted: Rainham, Trevose Head

The wheatear is found mainly on upland habitat and as such, getting to such a habitat in the first place is the main concern. It is also a summer only migrant further limiting the chance of seeing them. I was lucky enough to catch this bird on passage at Rainham, where they frequently pass through in spring and autumn. Otherwise I've seen this species at Trevose' Head before. I haven't found this bird too hard to photograph, it seems to be a relatively bold species.

Related species:

Black Redstart, Nightingale, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, Stonechat, Whinchat
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)

2010-09-19T12:10:00.005+01:00

Photo Grade: Good
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Local
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water
UK GREEN LIST

The curlew sandpiper is a passage migrant that mainly passes through the UK in August and September, your best bet to see them is probably visiting estuaries and marshes during these months. I can't claim to have any further information on seeing them, but they didn't seem notably more difficult to photograph than any other wader for their size.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Calidris

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)

2010-09-18T13:09:00.003+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: ELUSIVE
Bird Guides Rating: Common
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water

UK RED LIST

The least common of the UKs three Wagtails, he Yellow Wagtail can prove a little elusive to see. I've personally had best luck around September by lakes and reservoirs but they apparently also associate a lot with cattle fields. Photographing them is theoretically no more difficult than the other 2 wagtails once you actually find them but they do seem to move around more and the ones I've seen have a greater tendency to flocking than the other 2.

Related Species:
Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Black Tern (Chlidonias Niger)

2010-09-12T18:44:00.004+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

Locations Spotted: Rutland Water

Black Terns are a species which isn't resident in the UK or migratory to it - they are passage migrants that can be seen over reservoirs and lakes during migration times. Seeing them is about being in the right place at the right time and photographing them will depend on conveniance of distance.

Related Species:

Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Roseate Tern, Sandwich Tern

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Hobby (Falco subbuteo)

2010-08-30T23:01:00.001+01:00

Photo Grade: D
Rating: RARE (low population density)
BirdGuides Rating: Common
Location Spotted: Rutland Water, Geddington

The Hobby is a small falcon which specialises in high speed hunting in the air, mainly feeding on small birds an insects. It's Britain's only migratory falcon and arrives in the summer. While present mainly around reservoirs and wetlands, they are apparently also found in open country with copses, but I suspect the wetland habitats are easier. I've struggled for a while to try and see this species, and when I finally did encounter it, I ran into a variation of "the swift problem". The basic issue being that as they hunt in the air, are relatively small and are very fast moving training a camera on them in flight is difficult - fortunatly they are bigger than swifts and thus easily to capture in wider shots using scenery as a landscape focusing point if like me you dont have a manual zoom which can be operated by hand.

Related Species:

Peregrine, Kestrel, Merlin

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

2010-08-30T22:20:00.004+01:00

Photo Grade: Good
Rating:RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
Locations Spotted: Rainham, Rutland Water

UK RED LIST

The Ruff is the sole member of its genus, which is found in the broader "sandpipers and allies" family of Scolopacidae. In the UK, it is actually a relatively rare bird with only 700 wintering and less than 40 breeding, and otherwise mainly seen on passage. Not knowing this, before I started the bird-dex I actually must have seen a sizeable chunk of that 700 on one lagoon at Rutland water, and at the time I didn't think much of it, but subsequently I've actually had a reasonably difficult time trying to see what I'd assumed to be a relatively common species. I'd suggest finding out good Wintering locations and going to places like Rutland water where they might congregate on passage for the best chance of seeing them.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: N/A

Little Owl (Athene noctua)

2010-08-23T15:52:00.001+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
Locations Spotted: Geddington

Despite theoretically being the second most common owl in Britain and being more diurnal that most, it is that last owl for me to see, during this challenge or otherwise. It's size might be a factor in that it makes it harder to distinguish at a distance. Combined with the fact that it doesn't roost in the day and is of much more subtle colouring that the distinctive pale barn owl it becomes a bird that is easy to see if you know where to look. When you do see one though it is definitly worth it as they are very charming little birds. Photographing them is at least helped by the fact you'll likely see them in daylight hours.

Related Species:
Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Long Earred Owl, Short Earred Owl
Further Information: Wikipedia, RSPB

Yellow-Legged Gull (Larus michahellis)

2010-08-05T23:59:00.001+01:00

(Near-adult)

(Juvenile)

Photo Grade: Medium
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Local
Locations spotted: Rainham

The Yellow Legged Gull is one of the more recent additions to the British list on the basis that it was only separated out from Herring Gull in recent memory. In appearance it resembles a Herring Gull with bright yellow legs rather than the Herrings Gull's normal pink. It also has prominant amounts of red around the eye. It is certainly one of the most difficult birds to seperate out, and juveniles even more so lacking the yellow leg namesakes. The best bet if it doubt is to ask someone who might know at the site, or take a photo and stick it on a website where people might know. Yellow Legged Gulls are frequently mixed in with Herring and Lesser Black backed, and generally speaking the only way to find them is trawl through those birds until you get lucky. I would recommend looking at sites where you know them to be present to avoid a rather sisyphusian task otherwise.

Information: Wikipedia, RSPB
Related Species: Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greater Black Backed Gull, Kittiwake, Common Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

2010-07-28T11:17:00.002+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Locations Spotted: Rainham Marshes, Rutland Water
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

The Sand Martin is the least numerous of the UKs three members of it's family - this is probably in part in that it has the most complex habitat requirements, unlike swallows and house martins it requires requires banks and cliffs to dig its nest tunnels into. It however can be seen at decent sized bodies of water quite easily, and as far as this project is concerned, the hardest thing about them was to photograph - as with both swallow and house martin the fact that they are small and high speed fliers means that using the autofocus on my camera isnt an option, therefore, a fixed focus length and just taking photographs til on is a bit legible proved the only option - unless of course you were to get to a place where you could easily view their nests.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirunididae
Genus: Riparia

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)

2010-07-28T11:02:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Location Spotted: Rainham Marshes
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

Despite the name, common scoters aren't very common and are red list according to the RSPB. They are a rare breeder with only 50 pairs apparently breeding in the UK, although 50 000 can Winter here. They are a sea duck and as such the best place to see them is naturally the coast, although I was lucky enough to see them coming up the Thames. As with most ducks, they aren't the hardest birds to photograph due to their reasonably large size, although it of course depends how far out on the water they are.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese Swans, etc)
Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
Genus: Melanitta (Scoters) Other UK Species in Genus: Velvet Scoter

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)

2010-07-28T10:43:00.003+01:00

(Infront of Black Headed Gull)

Photo Grade: Poor
Location Spotted: Rainham Marshes
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Common

Greenshanks are perhaps a bird which can be awkward to see at any particular time of the year - they Summer in the Scottish Highlands, which is quite out of the way for many people while in Winter they stay on the West coast for the most part. Perhaps the best time of year to see them without a large trip is on passage in Autumn, where they can be seen in larger numbers than the resident population along more accessible parts of the country. Photographically, they probably fall into the basic pattern of most waterbirds - if you can get close enough to where they are without startling them, their large size and fact they do a lot of walking rather than flying should in theory make them easish to photograph.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: Redshank, Spotted Redshank

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

2010-07-28T10:16:00.010+01:00

Photo Grade: Good

Location Spotted: Rainham Marshes, Rutland Water, Elmley Marshes

Bird Guides Rating: Local

Rating: RARE

UK AMBER LIST

The Avocet, or as it is known to people where it is not the only species of it's genus, the Pied Avocet is a striking wader motable for its strongly upturned beak and distinctive balck and white plummage. It is perhaps most famous for being the logo of the RSPB. It is one of the more elusive waders, and tends to be best seen at sites where they are known to be present, in my case I was lucky enough to se individuals stopping at Rainham and Rutland. Photography is probably dependant on the usual waterbird rule of how close they happen to be to the hide or path as at least their large size makes them legibly photographed at decently large distances.

Related Species: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Dunlin (Calidris Alpina)

2010-06-29T21:38:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Good
Location Spotted: Rutland Water
Rating: COMMON
- A small common wader which can be seen either summering, wintering or on passage in many parts of the UK -
BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

One of the UK's commonest wader, this smallish bird can be seen in small groups either on the coast or on inland reservoirs. It is probably best seen on the coast in Winter however where it comes in huge numbers. In theory it probably isn't that difficult to photograph, but getting a good photograph might be tricker unless you are at a suitable site.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Calidris (The "Typical Waders") UK Species in Genus: Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper,

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)

2010-06-26T00:58:00.004+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Location Spotted: Padstow Area
BirdGuides Rating: Common
Rating: RARE (patchy distribution)
UK RED LIST

The Corn Bunting is a red status species within the UK, although classed as "least concern" globally. As such the trick with seeing this is to go to an area where they are known to live, as in general their distribution is patchy. Personally, I've seen them around the Padstow area in north Cornwall, but am not familiar enough with the species to offer any other locations. For photographic purposes they are a relatively conveniant bird in that, although flighty, they seem to perch high on plants in easy view to sing.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting

Razorbill (Alca torda)

2010-06-26T00:50:00.002+01:00

Photo Grade : Poor
Locations Spotted: Trevose Head, Farne Islands
Rating: ELUSIVE (localised)
BirdGuides Rating: Local

The razorbill is the rarest auk to breed in any major numbers in England (there are, I believe, a very small number of black guillemot, but that species is mainly confined to Scotland) and thus the hardest to photograph. It also leaves at the end of July, further confounding the problem. Though they are present, I failed to see any on my trip to the Farne Islands, and so it fell to spotting them on the sea beneath the cliffs at Trevose head for initially photographing them. If you have the luck to go over to the Farnes between March and mid-july you'd probably be able to achieve much better photographs - I had seen them on my previous trip. They do however have the benefit over puffins that they do nest on the mainland, and so can often be seen during the breeding season on the sea beneath the cliffs.

More Info: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: Puffin, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Little Auk

Common Raven (Corvus corax)

2010-06-26T00:37:00.003+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium
Location: Trevose Head, Geddington, Lake District
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common

The Raven is not only the largest passerine in the UK, but also, along with another species of Raven, the World. It is a huge, impressive bird which without close inspection might resemble a crow - it is however substantially larger (being bigger than a buzzard) and has a distinctive wedge shaped tail in flight. The other two major signs are the very heavy set bill compared to the other crows (which can be seen in my photograph) and more dramatically, it's "kronking" call which though not necessarily one of the most pleasant calls, is in my oppinion one of the most powerful and dramatic calls, especially if you are walking on a high hillside somewhere. As for photography - the fact it's a big bird helps, just getting a good view is the ket challenge - unfortunatly my first bird was seen as dusk with bad lighting.

As a side note, I have also recently seen a pair of Raven's over my Geddington - given that these bird's have only just started to re-establish in the county after an absense of a hundred years, I hope this results in them breeding around the village in the coming years.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Swift (Apus apus)

2010-05-05T18:34:00.005+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor

Locations Spotted: Rainham, Weekly, Kettering, Geddington, Rutland Water

Rarity: COMMON

- A Widespread and numerous Summer visitor -

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK AMBER STATUS

The swift is a widespread and common Summer visitor to the UK - it is larger than the unrelated swallows and martins and can be distinguished by having no easily visible white on it and it's long scythe blade shaped wings. The trick with this species is that it's very hard to photograph - the fundemental problem being that it is a species which it's a species which rarely willingly lands to the point where they sleep on the wing and furthermore is one of the fastest birds in the UK. In the end I have had to settle with manually focusing on somewhere wherethey are feeding and taking sequential photo's until a legible one turns up - quite possibly the most difficult "common" bird to photograph.

Family: Apodidae (Swifts)

Genus: Apus (Old World Swifts) UK Species in Genus: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

2010-05-05T14:11:00.003+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium

Location: Rainham

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

The Reed Warbler is comparatively one of the commoner species of Warbler in the UK, but given it's habitat it is generally quite a secretive species - if you see it there is a good chance it'll be flitting in and out of Reed beds. As with most warblers it is also a summer visitor, which means you only have a limited time frame each year to find them. With this particular bird, I found it in Reeds on a path South of Rainham train station - this reed bed was absolutely full of warblers and it may be I just got lucky.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species:

Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Marsh Warbler, Reed Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

2010-05-05T14:07:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Location Spotted: Rainham Marshes
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Local
UK RED LIST

The Whimbrel visually looks very much like a smaller curlew with the differences not necessarily being obvious to the casual observer at quick glance. The whimbrel is much rarer than the curlew however which has a population in the region of 200 times the size. The whimbrel mainly breeds in Northern Scotland but, fortunatly for me, can be seen on passage in other parts of the UK - in this case, Rainham.

Related Species: Curlew
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

2010-04-26T17:24:00.002+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor
Location Spotted: Rainham Marshes
Rating: RARE
BirdGuides Rating: Local

The least numerous of the UK's four regular pipits, it is a Winter visitor which turns up more or less exclusively on the South coast. I'd recommend Rainham for these birds as they seem to be a regular Winter species there - just be careful to not mix them up with the also present Rock Pipits.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Tree Pipit

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)

2010-04-25T21:38:00.005+01:00

Photo Grade: Good

Location Spotted: Rutland Water, Geddington, Brent Reservoir

Rating: ELUSIVE (Summer migrant)

BirdGuides Rating: Common

One of the commoner warblers in the UK, it can be found in woodland most commonly. As with most warblers however it is prone to flit in and out of cover which can make it harder to photograph. As with most things some populations will be much more skittish than others. The hardest challenge with Willow Warblers is differentiating them from the very similar looking Chiffchaff, to the point where it is best done through their different songs.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species:

Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Marsh Warbler, Reed Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Wood Warbler

Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)

2010-04-25T20:11:00.005+01:00

(Centre - other birds are Black Headed Gulls - note darker head and lack of black wingtips on Med Gull)

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

The Mediterranean Gull at first glance looks very similar to the far far more common black headed gull - but there are subtle differences. Most notably the head is (perhaps slightly ironically) actually black rather than the dark brown of the black headed gull. Also, unlike the BHG, there is no black on its wingtips. Identification in Winter is almost certainly harder. This is a species which is only just beginning to establish itself in the UK, so, for now, probably listening to tips as to where they've been sighted and then trying to use these tips to pick them out of the probable crowd of BHG's they'll be with.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species: Black Headed Gull, Little Gull

Osprey (Pandion Haliaetus)

2010-04-25T20:00:00.004+01:00

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

Ospreys are one of the rarer birds currently living in the country - they currently have 150 pairs in the country. However, unlike most birds with such a low population, several factors make them comparativly easy to see for their rarity. Firstly, because they are rare but also visually impressive, their presense makes them something of a tourist attraction. Combined with their rarity this means that many of their nest sites are well observed and ifrequently have hides set up to watch them. The majority of the birds are in and around Scotland, but for a much more accessible location, Rutland Water is probably easier to get to for most people. Ospreys are summer visitors, spending their winters in Africa.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species: N/A

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

2010-04-25T18:56:00.006+01:00

Bird Guides Rarity Level: SCARCE

Photo Grade: Good

Location Spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: VERY RARE

The spoonbill is a unique, almost unmistakable species once you see it's beak. It has infact bred in the UK this year, but generally its is more a random if frequent visitor. The beak is of course the most obvious feature, but also look for it's unique feeding movement. As it stands, probably the rarest bird I've photographed, this is infact the second time I've seen one. Unfortunatly it may require either luck (as in my case) or a slight bit of twitching to see one.

Related Species: N/A

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

2010-04-25T18:38:00.006+01:00

Photo Grade: Good

Location spotted: Rutland Water, Derwant Water

Rating: RARE

Birdguides Rating: Common

UK AMBER LIST

Barnacle Geese are a slightly difficult bird to accuratly designate, and it's not helped by the fact that this bird is quite probably a feral specimen. However, in summary they are a species which arrives during the winter in Scotland from various places in the far north. While relatively numerous where they do arrive, the fact it's in a relatively out the way location for only half the year means that unless you happen to be in the right place in Winter they are much harder to see. The native feral population, which according to the RSPB website numbers about a thousand is probably a much more viable bet.

Related Species:

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Genus: Branta

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

2010-04-25T18:31:00.005+01:00

Rating: Good
Location: Rutland Water
Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Sedge Warblers are one of the commoner warblers in the UK, albeit limited mainly to reedbed. Possibly slightly easier to see than the other major reed specialist (the reed warbler) it does share the disadvantage of all reedbed species that it very much depends on how obliging the individual is on how easy they are to get a look at - they can vary wildly between skulking and singing from prominant positions.

Related Species:

Order: Passeriformes, Family: Acrocephalidae, Genus: Acrocephalus

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

2010-04-25T18:26:00.004+01:00

Rating: Poor
Location: Rutland Water
Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

A very small plover (hence the name) which looks superficially like the similar ringed plover. It is much more of an inland regular than it's larger counterpart and favours gravel pits as much as the coast. It is a summer migrant. It's small size can make it a little difficult to photograph well as you'd need to get comparatively close to get a good shot.

Related Species:

Dotterel, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Ringed Plover
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

2010-03-28T23:11:00.002+01:00

Rating: Medium
Locations Spotted: Rutland Water, Eyebrook Reservoir
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

Although some birds do breed in Scotland, this is primarily a Winter migrant to most of Britain. The male is a relatively striking bird with the large white spot between it's beak and eye being the easiest way to identify it. Less prominant is the female, which might require slightly more effort to identify as it lacks high contrast plumage.

Related Species
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Bucephala

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

2010-03-28T22:49:00.002+01:00

Photo Grade: Medium

Locations spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: ELUSIVE (patchy distribution, localised)

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

The tree sparrow is the far rarer cousin of the house sparrow with a patchy distribution and generally quite rare. Strangely, it is apparently just as widely spread as the house sparrow in therest of it's range, but within the UK it is kind of rare. I've only ever seen them at Rutland Water (which is apparently one of the better places to see them) and they may be spotted on the bird feeders at both sites. Oddly, they are apparently much more widespread on the continent, found in much the same places as house sparrows. Photographically, the feeders at Rutland are probably your best bet, although for me, they had an annoying habit of always feeding on the far side.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: House Sparrow

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

2010-03-27T12:19:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Good
Locations Spotted: Geddington Chase, Rutland, East India Docks
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common

The Chiffchaff is one of the UKs commoner warblers, and one of the few that can regularly be found all year round. It is visually almost identical to the Willow Warbler, but can be most easily differentiated by it's namesake "chiff-chaff" song. Common and widespread, it will in all liklihood be one of the easiest warblers to find.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species:

Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Dartford Warbler, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Marsh Warbler, Reed Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

2010-03-27T12:17:00.004Z

Photo Grade: Good
Locations Spotted: Geddington Chase, Trevose Head
Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK RED LIST

Probably far easier to hear than to see - Skylarks are famous for their song, often from very high in the air beyond where they can easily be seen with the naked eye. A much better bet is on the ground, Trevose Head in summer was practically infested with them, giving everyone ample opportunity to get a photo of this melodious bird.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species: Woodlark, Shorelark

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

2010-03-25T11:21:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Locations Spotted: Kensington Gardens, Geddington Chase
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common

The UKs largest and most common established owl (discounting for now the giant Eagle Owl which is beginning to gain a hold, and the ocassionally breeding Snowy owl), the Tawny owl is the typical brown owl found in the UK. It is also one of the more nocturnal species, and can be one of the more difficult species to see in daylight. I'd say by far the best bet for this species is visiting Kensington gardens in spring where a family can often be seen. For the most part however, this is a bird far more often heard than seen, with it's iconic "twit-tuwoo"call.

Related Species:Barn Owl, Little Owl, Long Earred Owl, Short Earred Owl
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Stock Dove (Columba oenas)

2010-01-17T22:08:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Locations Spotted: Rainham Marsh, Rutland Water
Rating: ELUSIVE
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

The Stock Dove is the far gentler looking cousin of the far more common rock dove and wood pigeon. Due to how common those two species are, I suspect this bird goes under most peoples radar - written off as another pigeon. It can be identified by the lack of white on it, and being smaller than the wood pigeon and more delicate looking than the rock dove. It does seem a little more timid than the other pigeons, but still should be relatively easy.

Related Species: Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove), Turtle Dove, Wood Pigeon
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)

2009-12-28T16:41:00.005Z

Photo Grade: Medium

Locations spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: - RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

UK RED LIST

As a bird to see, the bittern has to rank highly in the difficult stakes, only behind non regular birds and the petrels. It shares the reedbed habitat of water rails, but compared to that already tricky to see bird its population is at best a quarter of that and at worst many times fewer. It is also horrendously well camoflaged amoung reedbeds, and unless you are very close up, the chances of being able to spot one at any distance are slender. There is no real guarantee there will even be a bittern at any one location except perhaps in Norfolk. If you are at a reserve which says there is a bittern present on its notice board, your best bet is probably to go to the hide where it is supposedly visible and hope that there are some other people there with powerful scopes to help spot it.

Oddly enough once you've actually managed to spot the bird, photographing it probably isn't as difficult as you'd expect. That's not to say it'd be a good photo, but photographing it at all would be comparativly easy - they're large birds which means that its easier to photograph, and they stay relativly still enabling you to take your time setting up the photo instead of having to shoot and hope. They still aren't easy, if only because they blend so well with their surrounding reed beds, but all things considered, it could be worse.

Related Species: Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Little Egret
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

2009-12-21T14:56:00.003Z

Male

Female

Photo Grade: Good (male) Medium (female)
BirdGuides Rating: Common

Locations spotted: Geddington Chase, Rutland Water, Rainham Marshes

Rating: ELUSIVE (localised)

The reed bunting is the second most common bunting in the UK, but perhaps actually easier to see than the Yellowhammer. While mainly a species of reedbeds which can probably be seen at any decently sized piece of such habitat in the country, I've also spotted it several times in the hedgerows around Geddington - as a species it is becoming able to live in environments other than it's original reed beds. That being said, the best place to see them is still going to be places with decent amounts of reeds, personally, I've seen the best quantities in Rainham and Rutland Water.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species:

Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Cirl Bunting

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

2009-12-15T17:31:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium

Locations spotted: Rutland Water, Rainham

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK AMBER LIST

Britain's second most common "named" sandpiper after the aptly named common one. It is primarily a Winter visitor although one or two are apparently present in the Summer. I've seen it most at the muddy edges of marshland lagoons and pools, but I don't claim to know if this is the definitive site for them. I suspect the views of this bird strongly depend on how close the waters edge is to the front of the hide (if you are in one) or how close you are without it seeing you.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species:

Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper,

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

2009-12-10T21:35:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium

Locations spotted: Geddington, Leicester, Rainham, Rutland
Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Despite being one of the UKs commonest raptors, the Sparrowhawk can be slightly trickier to see than most - unlike the other commoner British raptors (Buzzard and Kestrel) it is an aerial hunter which catches other birds, as opposed to mainly going for ground based prey. This means it is often seen at high speed in fleeting glimpses compared to soaring or hovering. That being said, it can often be seen wheeling across more open areas in search of prey, or if you are very lucky, landing.

Related Species: Goshawk
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)

2009-12-05T00:06:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium

Location spotted: Leicester, Geddington, London

Rating: COMMON

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK AMBER LIST

Personally, I've found the Mistle Thrush to be the least easy to find of the resident thrushes, and indeed, also harder to find than both Redwing and Fieldfare. This may well just be me. The Mistle Thrush is a large thrush, differentiated from the song thrush by drabber colours on top and a more contrasting difference between the pale belly and dark speckling. It is also more likely to appear in small groups than its counterpart.

Related Species: Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Ring Ouzel, Song Thrush

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

2009-12-04T23:17:00.002Z

Photo Grade: Medium
Location spotted: Geddington, Kettering

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Seeing a kingfisher can be tricky - they move at high speed, have low population densities as they are fish specialists, and generally when you do see them it is as a brilliant turquoise streak darting down the river next to you. The fact they live on rivers can work to your advantage - as they use the rivers as high speed roads, sitting along a river where they are known to be will probably eventually yield you a glimpse. Photographing them is an entire other ballgame, and are potentially one of the most tricky of all diurnal birds I've photographed so far - I've only twice seen them actually sitting still long enough to get my camera out, relative to the dozen or so times I've seen them, and even then, getting a good shot before they fly off is a matter of luck.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species: N/A

Red-Crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

2009-12-01T01:08:00.005Z

Photo Grade: Good

Location spotted: Regents Park

- A scarce feral population mainly found in the south -

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Like the Mandarin and Ruddy duck, the Red-crested pochard is another species that has established itself after escaping from wildfowl collections. It is however a little more tricky than that in that it doesn't seem as well established, and indeed the feral population to some degree seems to mingle with the captive one in some places, confusing matters for all concerned.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species: Gadwall, Garganey, Goldeneye, Mallard, Mandarin, Pintail, Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Scaup, Shelduck, Shoveller, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

2009-12-01T00:59:00.004Z

Photo Grade: Medium (male) Poor (female)
Location spotted: London*

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

Increasingly difficult to photograph due to a campaign to eradicate them on behalf of a rare species of Spanish duck with which they can interbreed. They'll probably turn up at some point on any major body of water, so if you keep an eye out fo them you'll likely eventually see them. The male is much more distinctive than the female.

In my experience, a middle of the road kind of duck to photograph - while they don't come in close in the chance of food, neither do they seem to stay intentionally distant. You just need to get lucky to enounter one at a passable distance once you know where they are.

Related Species:

Garganey, Goldeneye, Goosander, Long Tailed Duck, Mallard, Mandarin, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Scaup, Shelduck, Shoveller, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon
Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

* Due to current policy on the Ruddy Duck in the UK, I'm not going to list exact any exact locations.

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

2009-12-01T00:44:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Medium

Locations spotted: Regents Park, Rutland Water, Kettering, Rainham

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

The water rail is a secretive relative of the moorhen and coot which favours living in reed beds. It really is far more shy than it's more common neihbours, and thus is quite possibly under recorded. It is smaller than both, with a long thin red beak and a grey and brown colour scheme. Best views are achieved when they don't know you are there, as when alerted to your presence they slip straight back into vegetation.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Related Species: Coot, Corn Crake, Moorhen, Spotted Crake

Black Tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

2009-11-25T20:40:00.005Z

Photo Grade: Good

Locations spotted: Rutland Water, Rainham, Herne Bay area

- A bird found on both the coast and on inland reservoirs and lakes, in different part of the country it can be seen Summering, Wintering, Resident or on passage -

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

Technically speaking, the Black Tailed Godwit is the rarer of Britain's two Godwits, but seeing it is probably easier than the bar tailed for two reasons - firstly it has a greater summer presence in the UK compared to the Bar-tail being almost enitrely a winter migrant. Secondly, the Black-tail can be found much more widely on fresh water than the Bar-tail, meaning that it can be seen inland. Combined together it basically means that unlike the Bar-tail, seeing this bird doesn't require going to the sea in Winter. I found photographing it in general relatively easy - it's large size being a good advantage in that regard, but it doesn't seem to be the kind of bird which favours birdwatching close to hides or vantage points from the ones I've seen. Sadly, the bird in this photograph had a broken wing, and this is likely the only reason I got a photo this clear without it flying off.

Related Species:Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae (The Sandpipers and Allies)
Genus: Limosa (Godwits) UK Species in Genus: Bar-tailed Godwit

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

2009-11-25T20:29:00.001Z

Photo Grade: Good

Locations spotted: Rutland Water, Geddington, Geddington Chase, Weekly

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating: Common

The Bullfinch is the largest of the more common finches, and the male in particular is quite a striking bird with a red breast and black cap. The female is duller, with a greyish brown replacing the bright red. They are relatively common and widespread, but not as numerous as goldfinch, greenfinch or chaffinch. Look out for them in small flocks, particularly in winter where its easier to see hedgerow birds.

Related Species: Brambling, Chaffinch,Common Crossbill, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Hawfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Mealy Redpoll, Parrot Crossbill, Scarlet Rosefinch, Scottish Crossbill, Serin, Siskin, Twite

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Black-Necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

2009-11-25T19:52:00.003Z

(Top - Summer, Bottom - Winter)

Photo Grade: Poor

Location Spotted: Rutland Water, Pitsford Reservoir

Rating: RARE
Bird Guides Rarity Level: LOCAL

UK AMBER LIST

The Black-Necked Grebe is one of our rarest grebes - of the three rare grebes, it has by far the smallest wintering population, and thus finding one might be a matter of chance (or the ability to check for reports of them). Rare grebes (at least black-necked and slavonian) seem to congregate on reservoirs and lakes during the winter, and it is during this time you probably have the best chance of finding them. Differentiating between black-necked and slavonian may be difficult, particularly in winter.

Related Species:
Order: Podicepiformes
Family: Podicepedidae
Genus: Podiceps

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides

Long Eared Owl (Asio otus)

2009-11-25T19:12:00.002Z

Latin Name: Photo Grade: Poor

Location spotted: Rutland Water

Rating: RARE

BirdGuides Rating: Local

Long eared owls are one of the rarer species of owl in the UK and perhaps the most secretive. Your best bet is probably to follow someone elses discovery and look for them at a nature reserve where they have been reported as roosting. Keep a respectful distance from the roost and don't go off paths to avoid disturbing them. Photographically, you may, as I have, have to contended with photographing through a thicket producing less than ideal results.

Further Information: Wikipedia, RSPB
Related Species: Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Short Earred Owl

Redwing (Turdus iliacus)

2009-11-24T20:13:00.003Z

Photo Grade: Good

Location spotted: Weekly, Geddington, Rutland Water etc

Rating: COMMON

BirdGuides Rating: Common

UK RED LIST

The redwing is primarily a winter visitor - it arrives in huge numbers at the end of the autumn and can often be seen in large noisy flocks trying feeding on berries, often mixed with fieldfares. The main issue with this species is that it can be very flighty, and so the best photographs will almost certainly be achieved when you see it without it seeing you.

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia
Related Species:Blackbird, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Song Thrush

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

2009-11-16T17:20:00.002Z

Photo Grade: Good

Location spotted: Geddington Chase, Brent Reservoir, Harrow, Kettering

Rating: ELUSIVE

BirdGuides Rating - Common

An attractive little bird, the goldcrest's main claim to fame is that it's the smallest bird in Europe. This brings with it some problems in photographing them - they are small, flit in nd out of cover and manually focusing cameras don't like picking them up unless you have them in a clear field of view. They are however very widely spread, and numerous if you know where to look and it seems they can be found anywhere with a passable number of trees - particularly conifers. Parks with established trees are probably the best bet.

Related Species: Firecrest

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

2009-11-09T23:25:00.005Z

(Male)

(Female)

Photo Grade: Medium (male) Poor (female)
Location spotted: Rutland Water, Wellingborough
Rating: ELUSIVE
- Exclusive waterbird. Scarce breeder with massive winter influx. -
BirdGuides Rating: Common
UK AMBER LIST

Gadwalls are another of our ducks, which, while present throughout the year, really appear in numbers during the Winter. They are a little smaller than a mallard, and arguably the least colourful of all of our ducks - the male is grey and brown while the female resembles a female mallard with the blue feathers on the wing replaced with white ones. That being said, it is quite a smart little bird. Definitly easier looked for in the Winter, probably on decent sized bodies of water.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese Swans, etc)
Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
Genus: Anas (Dabbling Ducks) Other UK Species in Genus: Garganey, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveller, Teal, Wigeon

Further Information: RSPB, Wikipedia, BirdGuides