River Stort birding

Tree planting scheme

2008-01-08T07:57:00.000Z

Thought I should add a photo of the tree planting work that has gone on. This photo is looking south, just after the bend in the Stort navigation beyond the powerlines. There does seem to be a large tree planting programme going on, with other sites along the Stort being noted. Two such places are south of Sawbridgeworth and south of Harlow. The work on the latter site can be observed from the A414 opposite Eastwick Farm shop. Although applaud the planting of new trees was a little concerned to note that so many of the older trees have been removed. This may well account for the low count of green and great spotted woodpeckers in this area on my last visit. Another disappointment was observing large quantities of litter around where the work has been completed. Burger boxes, plastic drinks bottles were all evident adjacent to where the workers have been, although obviously I cannot apportion blame, here.

It will be interesting to chart the growth of vegetation along this area over the ensuing months as in previous years this has been a most productive area for butterflies and moths. Maybe, following the clearances, new plants etc will be able to get a hold on the habitat.

New Year wander

2008-01-02T14:41:00.000Z

my first walk along the Stort for several months. A cold morning beginning at 9.30a.m. Plenty of bird life between Pig Lane and Roly Croke footbridge. Highlight was a superbly plumaged male bullfinch in the hedge adjacent to the horse field. Good blackbird numbers noted along with a huge flock of fieldfare, numbering in excess of 150. A lone herring gull lazed sothwards along with a solitary redwing. Other highlights were 4 siskin over the bridge near Spellbrook and a kingfisher winged its way northwards. A nuthatch called from Wallbury swamp where also Great spotted and green woodpeckers were observed. 6 little grebes were fishing along the stretch north of the bridge. Nearby 2 moorhens and 4 mallards were recorded.Plenty of corvid movement from Wallbury, made up mainly of jackdaws. 42 counted along with 25+ rooks and smaller numbers of carrion crow. Several black headed gulls were seen in the field. Wrens totalled 12 with great tits 12 and blue tits 13. Small parties of long tailed tits called constantly as over 43 wood pigeons were witnessed. 4 sparrow hawks were seen, 2 over Spellbrook, 1 female by Roly Croke and another over Thorley Wash. Suspect there to be three birds as the two latter ones could well have been the same bird. however, a good count for this part of the river.
Plenty of work has taken place along the eastern towpath with over 50 saplings being planted whilst older trees have been felled. This was perhaps the reason for the low count of woodpeckers as there must have been considerable disturbance from the machinery and workers.
All of the relevant records will be forwarded for the bird atlas count being run by the BTO

Winter arrives (according to the birds)

2007-10-26T11:49:00.000+01:00

A walk along the usual patch early this morning (7.00 - 9.45a.m. ) gave up some more unusual species for the area. First to be observed were 4 little grebe, watched from the footbridge. They have wintered in this area for several years and good to see them back. Also, a wheezing water rail moaned from the sedges, another over wintering species, I think as no records from the spring and summer would perhaps indicate lack of breeding here. On the return walk a lesser spotted woodpecker flew overhead and into trees to the west of the river. Again, a seldom seen bird, although probably resident.

Also, to add to the success of the morning, a treecreeper was seen on the trunk of a large willow. Again, a local resident, but not regularly seen. the 35 species walk also included high numbers of blackbirds, with redwing, song thrush (1) and fieldfare about. 2 goldcrest called from dense low vegetation as 2 canada geese headed south. Also over head a small trickle of B.H. Gulls and L.B.B. Gull weaved their way north/north east. 3 kingfisher sightings were made, but all may have been the same bird. Their pace was too quick to identify to sex. Wood pigeons were predominant, totalling in excess of 100.

2 siskins and 1 pied wagtail were also recorded, all heading west over The Wash whilst 12 goldfinches could be witnessed in their regular tree at the beginning of the walk. Green and great spotted woodpeckers were ubiquitous, both with calling and flyovers.

Photographs today show a recently caught pike from near the footbridge at Spellbrook along with a shot, looking north east at daybreak on 22.10.07

Superb weekend

2007-10-22T17:51:00.000+01:00

The weekend birding began on Sat. 20.10.07 along my usual patch. A session between 5pm annd 6pm on Spellbrook bridge gave up good numbers of regular species. 24 BHG's headed south while 57 lesser black backed gulls headed of between south and south west. The redwing roost had an entrance of 47 members, the highest yet. Also of note; 200+ golden plovers went over in a westerly direction, perhaps heading to nearby fields where I have observed them in numbers of over 2000. Fieldfares circled and a grey heron lazed its way north. Darkness overtook proceedings. As I left, 2 carp anglers were setting up for a night vigil. I wished them luck and took my leave.

Sunday 21.10.07
A memorable night between 5.15 - 6.30pm. I, at last, recorded my 100th species for the river since I began recording in Sept 2005. A group of very angry blackbirds (9) attracted my attention to some trees some 20 metres away. A scan through the binoculars brought nothing, but immediately I scoped the area I saw, reasonably well hidden, a superb Little Owl. A great surprise and pleasure. I watched the bird for awhile before the blackbirds became too infuriating and it headed further along the tree line and out of sight. Too dark for a photo, but a pleasing discovery. Also on offer along the patch was a flyover of 140+ redwing followed shortly after by a snipe, heading high and fast in a north easterly direction. Other notables were a sparrow hawk that scattered residents, including a kingfisher. Visible increases in numbers to wrens (23+), mallards (23) and blackbirds (20+) were noted along with the daily routine of roosting gulls. 2 goldcrests were "pished" successfully and the resident grey heron gave its usual fly past at dusk.

Monday 22.10.07
An early start meant I was on the towpath before first light. All was quiet but this changed as soon as the sun rose through the eastern treeline. Immediately the sky filled with birds. Black headed gulls went over in the opposite direction to their evening travels as did several Lesser black backed gulls. A new bird for the year and patch in the shape of 11 lapwings flew in an easterly direction. Again, an exciting find. Mallard numbers increased again, now reaching 29 and wrens were in excess of 27. The rapidly lightning sky was full of wood pigeons; 119 being counted between 6.45am and 8.45a.m. 3 siskins, 1 kingfisher were observed along with 2 flyover mistle thrushes. The latter not being a common sight for this part of the river. Their numbers do increase in winter, so well worth keeping an eye and ear open for them over the next few months. By the time I reached Spellbrook locks I had observed and/or heard 30 species. Warmed by homemade soup I wandered further afield. Of note, I recorded my first yellow legged gull for county and UK for 2007 in fields some 3 miles west of the towpath. Also outstanding in this area were 2 tawny owls, still communicating at around 9.20am. A good sight. All in all, the whole walk realised 47 species. A most successful 3 sessions of local patch watching.

A corvid session

2007-10-18T16:14:00.000+01:00

Between 4.30 and just after 6.30pm I took my usual route along the towpath. I felt rather lucky and was expecting to see something unusual or even new for the patch. This transpired not to be, but a good evening all the same. 29 species were again accounted for with good numbers of several species.
Highlight was a small movement of jackdaws, all heading west. A group of 23 flew over followed by 10, all in pairs. Constant communication between them all alerted me to their presence even before they appeared over the tree line. From memory, this is the highest number of these birds that I have encountered. Numbers were also supplied by 57+ wood pigeons, 11 carrion crows, 57 black headed gulls and 21 redwing. The latter appear to be roosting close to Spellbrook bridge, so will be interesting to see the numbers increase here. A lone siskin flew west just after a count of 16 long tailed tits had been recorded. They were easy to count as they flew from one tree to another in groups of 1 or 2. 4 kingfisher sightings were had, with a definite two along the stretch as they flew past together. Woodpeckers, especially the green variety were again ubiquitous. I had 5 definite different birds, with a possibility of the tally being 8 such was their mobility. 2 Great spotted woodpeckers also announced their presence. Numbers of blackbirds and wrens continues to rise, with, I suspect, in excess of 25 wrens present. A definite count of 16 was made. A single chiffchaff called, a late bird or over wintering? Will be interesting to see as it was close to the bird I first recorded in early March, which I presumed to be an over wintering type. 1 Great black backed gull headed west whilst three lesser black backs flew over. 1 heading east, 1 south and 1 west.
Reports of a sighting of a barn owl not 500 metres from the patch kept me along the river until almost no light but still no sighting. 1 late pipestrelle bat headed north up the river as I left for a pint in the nearby Three Horseshoes. Last night was the first local frost of the autumn, so feel there will not be many more bat sightings for a fair few months. Interesting to see if this colder snap moves the chiffchaff on as well

Afternoon wander in glorious autumn conditions

2007-10-15T12:47:00.000+01:00

A wander along the local patch to the Three Horseshoes at Spellbrook was most pleasant and relaxing, if rather short on exciting bird life. Highlight wasa fly over, high, by 2 siskins. They headed off towards the south east. This is the first autumn record for these. A 20 minute search through the black headed gulls on the plough proved indeed that they wer all BHG's. Still no common gull for 2007. Blackbirds, robins and wrens appear to be continuing their increase as October moves on. 5 GSW's and 6 green woodpeckers were either heard or observed.
2 kingfishers, brilliantly resplendent in shining electric blue, gave a dazzling fly past, heading upstream. Too fast however to sex or age them. Thrushes were conspicuous by their absence but numbers were supplied by 20+ goldfinch and good numbers of great and blue tit. Corvids were continually moving with good numbers of carrion crow.
Apart from the bird movement, 2 common darter and 2 migrant hawkers were watched, as was an unexpected small tortoiseshell butterfly. The latter observed from Spellbrook bridge. A tramp through the sedge in a vane attempt to flush woodcock and/or a newly arrived wintering water rail proved fruitless, as was a good watch for previously recorded stonechat pair. A pair have been recorded 0.5km west from The Wash and so suspect that they have moved along a little. Hopefully they will return and add a little colour around the patch.
The rapidly darkening evenings mean that only weekend visits and half terms will permit visits along this patch, apart from quick visits at dusk to check on potential owl haunts. Last winter's barn owl is now overdue and would be good to connect with it. First recorded 01.03.06 but no knowledge of breeding locally.

Evening wander 10.10.07

2007-10-11T16:22:00.000+01:00

In dismal and fading light, I took a wander along the Stort to Spellbrook. Birding on the whole was quiet with 22 fieldfares being the highlight. This was the first autumn record of this species. They circled over The Wash before heading off north easterly. Numbers of several species are on the increase as colder weather is beginning to be evident. In particular; blackbirds and robins are making themselves known with alarm calls and singing respectively.
A party of 52 black headed gulls headed south westerly whilst 8 lesser black backed were on a more southerly route. A single grey heron breezed in from the south and landed on the gatepost to the north of the Wash. 1 kestrel was noted more northerly on the patch then normal and parties 0f great, blue and long tailed tits were observed along the whole of the towpath walk. 4 green woodpeckers were seen or heard along with 2 Great spotted woodies.
11 redwings headed over in a westerly direction. In all, a reasonably respectable 29 species were observed.
Also of interest, a regular angler landed a small pike which he had accidentally foul hooked. Superb camouflage in its markings. It was quickly reunited with the river. An estimated weight put it at 2.5lbs and measured 15 inches in length. A good set of teeth in its powerful jaws.

Autumn arrives

2007-10-05T09:28:00.000+01:00

A wander bewteen 5.15 - 7.15pm last night turned up the first redwing of the autumn. A flock of 8 settled near Spellbrook bridge, followed by a circling party of 5. These arrived from the north east, had a butchers and then headed off from whence they came. Also, a majestic flyover of the resident mute swan family. 4 cygnets hatched locally around 10.06.07 and they all did well. However, now only three youngsters, heading north with the 2 adults. Great sight as well as sound as they swept over Spellbrook bridge.
Also on offer were all the usual suspects. An increase in wren, robin, moorhen and blackbird numbers was noted. Also, showing well, a first goldcrest of the autumn. 1 kingfisher headed upstream as green woodpeckers yaffled and a flyover GSW headed west. 59 black headed gulls rose from the plough and 8 lesser black backed gulls headed south west at 6.50pm. 4 pipestrelle bats were feeding over the river as carp and chub rose incessantly near Spellbrook bridge.The only disturbance to a pleasant walk was having to dispatch a myxie rabbit. Totally blind and heading to the river. Not too many rabbits along this patch (maybe 10 seen on most evenings) but hope the disease doesn't spread.

New 2007 bird

2007-10-01T12:43:00.000+01:00

A pleasant walk between 1.00 - 3.00pm turned up a pair of stonechats. A splendidly plumaged male alongside a female, posing on the wires around the Wash on the west of the river. First record for 2007 and, interestingly, in exactly the same area as the pair that overwintered 2005/06. Also of note was a large movement of black headed gulls, all airborne and heading west. A quick look on open fields some 2 miles west at Trimm's Green later in the afternoon confirmed these fields as their destination. Also on offer were 3 chiffchaffs, one calling, 5 great spotted woodpeckers along with 2 green woodies. The resident kestrel hunted high as a lone kingfisher called, heading south near the footbridge. Robins 8 and wrens 12 were evident along the whole of the towpath. Still no sign of the soon to be expected barn owl. Last 2 years it has been the beginning of October when it first appears over the Wash.

Looking north west 7.00pm 20.09.07

2007-09-21T16:11:00.000+01:00

No direction home

2007-09-21T15:53:00.000+01:00

A visit from 6.00pm to 7.30p.m. last night produced unprecedented numbers of hirundines. More surprising was their variety of direction, with them heading off in all directions except northerly.
The quantity was supplied by sand martins, numbering in excess of 591, in"swarms" of up to the high 80's. All of these appeared from the east or north and all headed off anywhere between south and west. 7 house martins were mixed in with the swallows, all of which headed off towards the south.
Swallows totalled over 125, with 19 heading west and 106+ going in a more southerly direction.
Also moving over were lesser black backed gulls, totalling 38. 19 went east, 8 south and 11 south west. 8 black headed gulls lazed their way south east.
Also on offer were 3 chiffchaffs, 6+ green woodpeckers and a single great spotted woodie. 1 kestrel was still hovering over head as dusk gathered at 7.30. I left to the sounds of robins, wrens and great tits all chastising each other. A weasel or fox must have been wandering through the sedge as blackbirds and moorhens evacuated the area rather rapidly.

Tuesday on Spellbrook bridge

2007-09-19T15:58:00.000+01:00

A quick hour for a little vis mig was the order of the evening. A brief walk across the field and then cut through Thorley Wash brought me out to Spellbrook bridge at 6.30pm. Recorded 3 chiffchaff en route along with a couple of south westerly lesser black backed gulls and several wood pigeons. An hour on the bridge realised 54 northerly swallows, accompnaied by a single house martin. Also, more gulls headed south west: 23 LBBG'S, 15 BHG's and a lone herring gull. Green woodpeckers and a single GSW called from the woods while 2 kingfishers headed upstream (north) in tandem.Their high pitched call announcing their inevitable arrival under the bridge. 3 chiffchaff "hoetted" and 2 chaffinches "pinked". Robins and wrens clicked and croaked like first world war tommy guns. A kestrel hovered over The Wash, silhouetted in the gathering gloom and 2 canada geese headed south west in the distance.
Trying to establish where the gulls and geese head for their evening roost. I would start to think Amwell gravel pits, some 15km south west of Thorley, but may also be fields near Harlow.
Just to complete the 24 species in less than an hour, a lone yellowhammer headed west. They are now visible often here, always appearing from the previously named "linnet hedge". Perhaps I ought to re christen this vegetation.
Hope to upload a few recent photos with next message.

Added photo, looking north from Spellbrook footbridge.Towpath can be seen to the right of the navigation.

Monday 17th Sept 6.00 - 8.00pm

2007-09-18T09:25:00.001+01:00

A walk along the usual stretch of the Stort navigation began slowly, with few species on view and very little calling. A flyover of 7 mallards kicked off the walk and apart from the usual tits and finches, in small numbers, there appeared to be little about. As I approached Spellbrook bridge the sky became full of sand martins. Quite a late record. They fed for 15 minutes overhead before moving of North. 3 swallows also tagged along. 5 minutes later, high in the sky, also heading north was the expected hobby. They do appear to just follow the migrating martins, presumably picking off any slow or injured birds. I witnessed this last year from the same spot.
3 green woodpeckers, all 1CY birds, moved about. I also recorded a female blackcap, 1 sedge warbler and heard 1 chiffchaff. As dusk approached a lone lesser black backed gull headed south west, followed shortly after by a black headed gull. 25 species in all in the cooling autumnal air.

Coal tit: 1st for 2007

2007-09-17T17:11:00.000+01:00

Not too much around last night.
Highlight being first year record ofcoal tit. Was found in with large mixed flock of tits that also included chiffchaff near Roly Croke footbridge:
goldfinch 26
sparrow hawk 1
chiffchaff 2
LTT 19
blue tit 7
great tit 6
coal tit 1
kingfisher 1
green woodpecker 5
(mostly juvs)LBBG 10 south
stock dove 1

new bird recorded

2007-09-11T17:22:00.000+01:00

A short wander last night paid dividends as I recorded a tawny owl just south of the footbridge near Spellbrook. This made my total, since Sept 2005 a surprising 99 species. The bird was heard to call at 7.50pm in the Wallbury "swamp" area and was later witnessed flying east into trees. Close to this spot was where I had first found an owl feather, so suspect the bird has been around for a week or two.
Also, as previously reported a huge commotion of all sorts alarm calling was going on in the same spot the bird was calling from, so again, suspect its presence then. Along with this excitement a chiffchaff, sedge warbler 3 green woodpeckers, 1 GSW, 1 grey wagtail, assorted tits and finches were observed and a silhouetted fly past of the local kingfisher. Roll on the 100th species.

How a few days makes a difference

2007-09-05T16:30:00.001+01:00

Having reported the large swallow movement of last Wednesday and Thursday I tried again last night, getting only 35 in an hour on the bridge. Groups of less than 5 were the order of the day. What a difference. Weather conditions were good, with little breeze and warm air, perhaps a stronger wind might have encouraged a few more to move on.
However, also from the bridge I heard an almighty commotion from the "swamp" area. GSW's, green woodpeckers, jays, magpies, tits, finches, wrens and squirrels were all giving constant alarm calls for over half an hour. A prolonged search for a possible raptor/owl proved fruitless and no indication to the whereabouts of the predator was given by smaller birds mobbing a tree etc. Also, from the same patch emerged 200+ rooks, all in a high state of excitement. Whatever was there was well hidden from me at least and shall remain a mystery. Upside of the search was turning up a spotted flycatcher, first for this area with all previous records this year from further north.
Also on offer was, yet again, a yellow hammer. 5th record since Sept 2005 and 4th for 2007. All usual suspects were seen, a species count amassing to 32 included 37 goldfinches, 2 grey herons loafing on the plough, 1 sparrow hawk, 2 kingfisher sightings, 3 green woodies and GSW's. 3 1cy song thrushes passed overhead south and the resident grey wagtail was at the lock gates. 1 stock dove was a relatively unusual find whilst 2 sedge warblers called from the vegetaion. Maybe the last record for them this year.

End of August birding

2007-09-04T15:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday 30th August evening I counted a remarkable 435+ swallows during the same period of time from the same bridge as the previous night. A constant movement of groups numbering up to 55 at one time. Also of note, an unusual movement of 87 lesser black backed gulls accompanied by 1 herring and 3 great black backed gulls. Numbers weree also supplied by a westerly movement of 44 starling. Another good spot were 2 yellowhammers overhead, only the 4th record of this bird on this patch since Sept 2005. Very pleasing to witness.

Off along the river this evening with customary bottle of ale or cider. Interesting to see how a few days have changed the birds on view. The weekend was taken up wityh an all day visit to Cley and Titchwell, yeilding over 90 species, without anything being too outstanding. Curlew sandpiper and crackingly close arctic skua views perhaps the highlights of a great day. More info on this trip at http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=95535

Enjoyable walk/new species for the year

2007-08-30T14:37:00.000+01:00

Took the opportunity last night (5.00 - 7.30pm) of having an evening wander along the patch. Glorious evening shared with a couple of anglers and joggers, but nevertheless extremely peaceful. Highlight for the walk was watching a flock of 25+ golden plovers heading high towards the south west. A year first for this area. Main time spent counting migratory hirundines, with a total of 222+ swallows overhead and 13 sand martins. Highest single count of one swallow flock was 54. Also moving, albeit easterly, was a lone hobby whilst moving low and westerly was a skein of 45 canada geese. Latter being an unusual sighting for the river.
A lone male bullfinch was another unusual sighting even though the birds are resident while a kestrel watched from the lazy hunting of a telegraph pole. 2 grey wagtails were watched by Spellbrook locks. 1 mistle thrush also alighted on the wires, a sure sign of impending autumn, first record since March for this bird. Although all the expected fields have now been ploughed, no gulls were on offer, the plough only being populated by 70+ wood pigeons and a smattering of carrion crows and magpies. 23 species in all was pleasing along with 1 brown hawker but disappointingly, no others odonata or butterflies of note. Shall have another migratory count this evening from the comfort of Spellbrook bridge.

Bank holiday weekend walks

2007-08-28T12:30:00.000+01:00

Took the opportubity of 2 walks this weekend, 24th August and then again yesterday 27th. Still remains very quiet along the river, with signs of autumn continuing with a charm of 25+ goldfinches and groups of 15+ long tailed tits. A group of 59 black headed gulls were roosting/feeding in newly ploughed fields to the east of the towpath. Unfortunately a good scoping didn't produce a more unusual gull.
1 kingfisher headed downstream (south) soon after a hobby had been observed. Firstly, the hobby was watched sitting in a tree before heading off, unhurried, in a westerly direction. Hirundines continued their journeys south and east, with 125 swallows and 20 house martins seen yesterday. One swallow party was in excess of 70 on the 27th August. Not a regular number for this patch. Also on the 24th a group of 22 sand martins twittered and flitted due south. Insects remain few and far between with 1 paltry banded demioselle, max of 4 brown hawkers and 2 migrant hawkers along with 2 painted ladies of note.
Had more success in my back garden with new sightings for 2007 coming in the form of herring gull, goldcrest, swallow, house martin and hobby. The latter a fly over heading west early on the morning of the 25th. A great, if somewhat fleeting view of a superb bird. Also in the garden; 1 migrant hawker, 1 brown hawker and first painted lady for this area.

New record for river watchers

2007-08-21T15:57:00.000+01:00

A visit further south than my usual patch paid dividends last night between 6.15 - 7.00pm. On a muddy patch (scrape?) south of Sawbridgeworth a single adult wood sandpiper was observed. It was consorting with 4 feeding green sandpipers, with also 1 common sandpiper and 2 lapwings also observed. As far as I can make out this is a first record for wood sand along the river. A visit this morning with a view to photograph the bird produced just one green sandpiper in the same place. However, a good bird to have locally, as most previous records have come from the lagoons around Stansted airport. Possibility it may be there this evening.

2 walks in a day

2007-08-17T12:05:00.000+01:00

16.08.07 and a whole day to wander around the river. 27 species in all over the walks; the first from 11.00 - 3.00pm followed by an evening walk from 7.30 - 8.45pm Latter turned up very little with no sign of bats or owls in the gathering gloom. However, the first walk offered a glorious male kingfisher, common tern, nuthatch and grey wagtails. All , apart obviously from the tern are residents on this patch but are an irregular sight, esp the nuthatch. Tit numbers seemed to be on the increase and green woodpeckers appeared to be calling from all over. No movement overhead save for 30+ swallows, but 60+ black headed gulls in the ploughed field near the horses was a good sign of autumn. Roll on the lapwings and hopefully some golden plovers. A first painted lady of the year was spotted towards Spellbrook locks as were 4 brown hawkers and 2 emperor dragonflies. double figures of red eyed damsels were seen from Spellbrook footbridge

Evening wander Thursday 09.08.07

2007-08-10T11:13:00.000+01:00

A walk along ther towpath to the Three Horseshoes was pleasant enough last night. Highlight was an adult hobby that was hawking around over the sedge on the western side of the Stort navigation. Apart from that, all much the same with chiffchaff in good numbers along with a movement of 18 swallows heading east. Swifts now seem to have disappeared and still no evening migratory waders overhead.

Afternoon wander: Tuesday

2007-08-07T17:32:00.000+01:00

Fresh from my Norfolk coastal walk (see http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=93229) I took myself off along the river. I was aware that a spotted flycatcher had been noted at the beginning of the walk by a fellow Stortfordian birder. Sure enough, after only 100 yards, there it was feeding out of a beech tree. Great sight and a 1st for me on this patch this year. There appeared to be a little pick up in bird activity. In the same area as the spot fly was a lesser whitethroat, itself not a common summer sight here. A willow warbler reminded me of early May whilst singing near Spellbrook bridge as a kestrel, weighed down by prey weaved overhead. Obviously still breeding. 3 green woodpeckers, 2 kingfisher sightings also highlighted the walk. Chiffchaffs "huetted" in the alders and GSW's called from high. 33 swallows were recorded on the wires adjacent to the stables whilst only 2 swifts and 1 house martin were recorded.
A peaceful walk in reasonable temperatures also gave up 3 emperor dragons, 4 brown hawkers and low numbers of common, blue tailed and red eyed damsels along qwith 15+ banded demoiselles. A single common darter was noted near the footbridge. The water was clear and several sp of fish, namely perch, chub and roach were observed near the surface. A chap with a roach pole continually pulled out small roach at the rate of 1 every 2 minutes, giving him a keepnet full rather rapidly. Not too sure of the philosophy of these poles. Why not just get a smaller rod and sit on the other bank? However, he was obviously being successful with his.

Evening wander 26.06.07

2007-07-27T13:17:00.000+01:00

After a morning visiting the lagoons at Stansted airport, I spent the early part of the evening walking along the towpath. Weather was threatening with heavy grey clouds interspersed with brief glints of sunlight. Very little was on view, a kingfisher being the best of a dismal 15 species on offer. However, the adult pair of mute swans were on the river, still with 4 cygnets, which must now be 3 months old and nearly the size of their parents.
This morning a short walk took me south of the Spellbrook locks where there was, again, little on offer. Best were good views of 2 sedge warblers and the regular common tern was fishing. 1 emperor dragonfly was recorded along with several dozen blue tailed and common blue damselflies.

2 day survey of the patch

2007-07-26T10:07:00.000+01:00

Have spent the last two days covering the whole of the area from Twyford locks to Spellbrook locks, including the scrubby area only accesible through the red metal gate adjacent to the level crossing on Spellbrook lane.No highlights in the bird world, although eventually nearly all suspects were accounted for.In total:
house martins 3 GSW 5 Greenfinch 21 (inc 9 in a row on the power lines) rook 35+ wood pigeon 50+ goldfinch 4 swallow 50+ inc party of 25 south robin 2 wren 10 moorhen 11 great tit 5 LTT 10 sand martins 7 south swift 100+ south blackbird 3 chiffchaff 10 blue tit 4 green woodpecker 5 chaffinch 1 (!) jackdaw 2 whitethroat 14 blackcap 4 reed warbler 2 common tern 1 jay 4 reed bunting 5 stock dove 1 mallards 6 collared dove 3 kingfisher 5 sightings (1f, 1 m and 1 juv at least) grey heron 1 starling 50+ west cormorant 3 sightings magpie 5 BHG 7 west sparrow hawk 1 herring gull (2nd yr south) house sparrow 2 grey wagtail 1
No dunnock, linnets, bullfinch, marsh tit, kestrel and no sign of the spotted flycatchers in the Wallbury area as last year.
Slight increase in insect numbers as follows:
brown hawker 5 common darter 1 blue tailed damsel 4 emperor dragon 7 (inc 1f oviposting near Spellbrook) red eyed damsel 20 common blue damsel 12 azure damsel 10 emerald damsel 1 (my 1st for this stretch) banded demoiselle 7 (last year in 100's) gatekeeper 10 speckled wood 5 red admiral 7 large white 4 small white 70+ peacock 18 green veined white 4 holly blue 1 (my 1st for the river) essex skipper 1 comma 2
99.9% of moths unidentified save for:
riband wave 1
the snout 1 (1st for me)
So, typical birding for end of July and atypical insects, or lack of for end of July. A grass snake was also observed basking in what was reported as sunshine. Got some reasonable insect photos which I shall post soon, best being a good view of an essex skipper. Plenty of ragwort in flower to attract butterflies and a huge buddlia hedge in flower. Now just require some heat and I am sure there will be an explosion of odonata.
Consequently still stuck on 98 species for this patch and waiting for a turtle dove and something migratory to bring up the ton.

Evening 18.07.07 Grasshopper warbler

2007-07-19T09:46:00.000+01:00

Spent another 2.5 hours along the river last night. Birding began slowly with little on view but as the evening continued the birds began to sing and move. Consequently ended with a reasonable 32 species for the walk. Highlight was yet again relocating the grasshopper warbler. No views afforded from Spellbrook bridge, but fairly constant reeling between 6.45 and 7.30pm, whereupon I moved further south.
Whilst chatting on the bridge a chap said that he only saw the kingfishers in winter, at which point one called and flew directly overhead: female.
I had hoped, due to the hotter weather for a good count of dragons, damsels and butterflies. Although a common blue damsel and 3 gatekeepers were new records for the year, numbers were still incredibly low. A total of 6 banded demoiselles compared to 120+ this week last year!
A party of 14 black headed gulls circling overhead was an unusual sight for this time of year, probably insect eating. A nearby rape field was being harvested and probably plenty of insect disturbance. The gulls circled like mini vultures. 4 great spotted woodies were seen. With breeding now complete these birds are now less elusive. 4 reed bunting males continue to call from the wash area and whitethroats are still visible in the same area.
Swift numbers were in excess of 100, all heading south. I suspect either feeding adults or adolescents migrating again.
Insect numbers were supplied by small whites (24) red admirals (7) ringlets (3) comma (2) meadow brown (5) peacock (1) small skipper (1) large white (2). Also 2 brown hawkers were enjoyed with numbers coming from blue tailed damsels (16) large red eyed damsels (5)
Long tailed tit parties gave an autumnal feel to the hottest day for several weeks with 17 counted. 2 sedge warblers were observed in their usual patch whilst 2 willow warblers were id'd along with 8 chiffchaff. Tit numbers remain low with 3 great and 7 blue. No marsh have been recorded here all summer. 9 swallows were recorded, mostly over the northern end whilst a lone cormorant was watched fishing on the river near Spellbrook.
A bottle of Polish Lech beer was enjoyed whilst standing on the bridge listening to the grasshopper warbler. Most enjoyable.

Evening wander 12.07.07 5.45 - 8.20pm

2007-07-13T15:44:00.000+01:00

Had a long walk along the river (Twyford locks to Spellbrook locks)last night. Spent time searching for insects without too muchsuccess. However, recorded my first ringlets on the towpath, plusmore over the thin footbridge (Roly Croke)in amongst the nettles andbrambles adjacent to the footpath.New bird along this stretch for 2007 came in the shape of 2 housesparrows messing about at Spellbrook locks. Total for 2007 now 74 sp.Also, relocated the reed warbler pair that are now in the garden bySpellbrook bridge. One flew into the phragmites on the river bankwhilst the male was singing from the top of reeds actually in thegarden. Otherwise a male bullfinch was the highlight.Whole list:blackbird 11crow 3swallow 19swift 48house martin 2greenfinch 11wren 8sand martins 8wood pigeon 37blackcap 1moorhen 5green woodpecker 4jay 1whitethroat 4chiffchaff 8starling 4 plus fly over party of 35+magpie 1GSW 2chaffinch 5great tit 3reed bunting 4pheasant 1sparrow hawk 1collared dove 2mute swan 2 adults still with 4 cygnetsbullfinch 1 malerook `17mallard 4stock dove 3jackdaw 2reed warbler 2song thrush 2house sparrow 2Insects:small white 11large white 6brown hawker 1banded demoiselle 8blue tailed damselfly 4large red eyed damselfly 1meadow brown 7red admiral 4ringlet 3Numbers of dragons and damsels massively down compared to lastyear's records

Insects evening 22.05.07

2007-05-23T12:36:00.000+01:00

Another evening wander in glorious weather provided 2 specials but still no new 2007 birds. 2 flyover yellowhammers were the highlight as they constituted my 4th record of them since I began recording in Sept 2005. A superb male bullfinch was another unusual sighting, showing well atop a hawthorn.
Regular birds came in the shape of:
1 sparrowhawk
1 GSW,
1 Green woodpecker
1 grey heron
2 singing garden warblers
2 reed warblers
4 reed buntings
Plus the usual other tits, finches, warblers and corvids.
However, in my haste to get to the river I forgot the batteries for my camera and consequently missed a great photo opportunity with a showy and confiding jay.
Records of insects increased with 1st records of banded demoiselle damselflies along with numerous orangetip, small and large whites and peacocks. Mayflies bounced in their hundreds whilst a huge 30lb+ carp jumped from the river. A singing lesser whitethroat finished the walk at Spellbrook lockgates

Thursday 17.05.07 2 new for the list

2007-05-18T08:25:00.000+01:00

Following the rigours of a 2 day Ofsted inspection I took myself off along the river for an evening stroll for a little peaceful relaxation with a bottle of Fursty Ferret 4.2% ale.
An early highlight was a hobby heading north before stopping to rest in the first tree on this patch. I backtracked and got great views as it watched me. This was the first hobby since an early bird headed over high on 06.04.07. I presumed that hirundines were about and shortly afterwards got my first swifts and sand martins for the year. In all 54 swifts went over heading north, accompanied by 17 sand martins.
Apart from these highlights, much was the same as usual, with a total of 36 sp. A resident but rarely observed bird that showed well towards the southern end of the patch was a male nuthatch calling. Numbers of blackbird continue to rise, with a total of 15 witnessed and warblers still in abundance with 6 blackcap, 7 whitethroat, 9 chiffchaff, 7 willow warbler, 2 garden warblers and 6 sedgies.
Another irregular sighting was of a pied wagtail in the horse field, that disappeared as soon as the hobby alighted above it. Woodpeckers are abviously busy breeding and therefore quiet and elusive with just the one sighting each of Great spotted and green. The resident 2 male cuckoos gave themselves up as usual.
On a slightly different tack, there has been a report of an eagle owl, some 7 miles west of Stortford so I may have a weekend side trip to some local woods to see if it can be relocated. One escaped from a school display some years ago, so, if confirmed, it is likely to be this particular bird.

Monday 14th May: Grasshopper warbler

2007-05-15T07:50:00.001+01:00

I received a report from fellow local birder this morning that he heard a grasshopper warbler reeling along the river yesterday evening.
Also on offer were
1 or 2 Grey Heron
3 LBBG flew E
M Kestrel
1Kingfisher
1 GS Wood
2 Bullfinch

The following Warblers all sang between cloud bursts:

Whitethroat, Garden, Blackcap, Sedge, Willow, Chiffchaff.
The bullfinch population fluctuates along this patch, with two specific sites usually giving them up with patience. Maximum numbers so far this winter were in January when 5, ( 3 males) were recorded to the east of the footbridge. This is also the best place for the linnets, which so far this year have had a maximum number of 4 with 2 singing males recorded as from late March. The kestrel pair are nesting in the same tree as last year, and the kingfishers are obviously breeding and by now raising young, judging by recent flypasts carrying small fish. Last year I believe there were 2 successful broods, the first producing 3 young and the second producing 2 which were seen most evenings along the river, before being rounded up by both continually calling parents. This led to the superb sight of a fly past of 4 superbly coloured birds heading north in the evening September light.

Mott The Hoopoe

2007-05-13T13:20:00.000+01:00

Bishop's Stortford hoopoe 12.05.07

Just spent an hour watching the local celebrity hoopoe with a plan to improve on recent photos. However, I suspect another 30 or so to delete when I load them on to the computer. Heavy rain preventing any thought of a river walk, but good to see a couple of local birders at Grange Paddocks for the rarity along with up to 30 other birders. Numbers having observed this bird must now be upwards of 150.

Evening wander in the mizzle 10.05.07 6.45 - 8.30pm

2007-05-12T19:28:00.000+01:00

Fresh from an unsuccessful visit to the north of the town to observe the local celebrity, Mott the Hoopoe, I wandered along my local patch in what began as slight drizzle but continued to increase in ferocity.No new birds were recorded but a fly over 6 swallows was good along with a variety of warblers in the shape of sedge 2, willow 3, whitethroat 5, chiffchaff 9 and blackcap 4. A irregular visitor was the single male mute swan actually on the river. A pair had earlier built a nest not far away but I fear that it was unsuccessful. The female hasn't been seen for several weeks now. A reed bunting called as I stood on Spellbrook bridge in the rain listening to 1 cuckoo as another flew overhead. Wood pigeon numbers were up to 72 and good numbers of blackbirds, 10 were either seen or heard. No grasshopper warblers were heard, following the definite 3, probable 4 and possible 5 that were reeling on the 23rd April.
In the next few weeks I hope to record 1st swift and house martins and hope for some yellow wagtails in the field with horses at Twyford Locks.
I have still to record a new bird for this patch in 2007; I began recording in September 2005. The last being a stopover redshank, grounded in fog on 22.12.06. The patch total stands at 98, with the most unusual, although not unexpected being red kite in August 2006. Noticeable absentees so far for this year are common gull and house sparrow along with golden plover and lapwing, all sure fire certs for the autumn, along with sand martins and a wintering stonechat, although there were none this winter.

Good Day to begin this

2007-05-10T14:01:00.000+01:00

River Stort chiffchaff 18.04.07

Today, the hoopoe I came across on 24.04.07 in my school grounds has been relocated. Now further upstream from my patch, so just hoping that it may move a little way south (2km). Unfortunately, no area of cut grass where I watch, just hope to get a flyover sighting. However, off along the river tonight so will put up my first legitimate report later.

Introduction

2007-05-10T08:28:00.000+01:00

Hello to all.
This is a new blog that I am just setting up and, at present, a little unsure as to how it all works. I intend to record all my sightings and observations from the River Stort patch as shown on the two maps, with retrospective comments to earlier in the year. Please feel free to add any of your own comments and observations. I will also aim for a selection of photographs showing the species seen and views of the variety of habitats in this small but hugely diverse and interesting environment.