Winsford Soul Posted August 2, 2014 Posted August 2, 2014 Wooah there. Hold your horses... The swifts may be making an early departure, but that doesn't mean summer's over just yet. It's only the 2nd of August. We had a BBQ in the Amsterdam woods last night, and when we got home sat on the balcony til around midnight. Just come in from the balcony a couple of minutes ago (10:30pm local time). Summer is very much still here! That said, I did notice the absence of swifts mid-week. There were a few still around, mainly making their presence known at dusk, but tonight the skies were silent. For those who may be missing them already, here's a couple of pics I took while on holiday. The one of the swift over the water isn't anywhere near as sharp as it could have been, but I do like the effect of the sea in the background. DSC_9913-NEW-web.jpg DSC_9776-NEW-web.jpg Long live summer! Love the pictures Russell. Didn't mean to make summer's over as dramatic as it sounded sorry bout that. As you say it's only the 2nd of August. Another bird that's missing around here at the moment is the chiff chaff, normally hear it untill September, all gone quite unless they're moulting after the breeding season getting there feathers in shape for the migration. It's a very quiet time for birding at the moment. Steve 1
Tattoodave Posted August 2, 2014 Posted August 2, 2014 I'm pleased to say that some swifts stay in this part of Spain all winter or I'm led to believe they do, though the swallows and martins fly south, probably not as far as their northern counterparts however. As this will be my first winter in Spain, and if it's as dry as the last one I'll be happy, though for all the wrong reasons as this part of the country desperately needs rain, I'm hoping to see lots of new things. I hope to get a close up shot of a spotless starling before long, and maybe even a Hoopoe, and if I can get a bit of plant hunting in the Sierra Nevadas I'll be more than happy. 1
Winsford Soul Posted August 2, 2014 Posted August 2, 2014 I'm pleased to say that some swifts stay in this part of Spain all winter or I'm led to believe they do, though the swallows and martins fly south, probably not as far as their northern counterparts however. As this will be my first winter in Spain, and if it's as dry as the last one I'll be happy, though for all the wrong reasons as this part of the country desperately needs rain, I'm hoping to see lots of new things. I hope to get a close up shot of a spotless starling before long, and maybe even a Hoopoe, and if I can get a bit of plant hunting in the Sierra Nevadas I'll be more than happy. Dave. Would love to see a Hoopoe. That's another bird on my list, apparently they turn up regularly down south. Not known in the north west as far as I'm aware. You will have to keep us informed regarding the Swifts. You can gladly have some of this rain that's fell in the Manchester area this last 24 hrs. Steve
Tattoodave Posted August 2, 2014 Posted August 2, 2014 Dave. Would love to see a Hoopoe. That's another bird on my list, apparently they turn up regularly down south. Not known in the north west as far as I'm aware. You will have to keep us informed regarding the Swifts. You can gladly have some of this rain that's fell in the Manchester area this last 24 hrs. Steve I've seen Hoopoe in Wiltshire Steve, and a Golden Oriole, but that was years ago. I see Hoopoe on a regular basis here, mostly the males as they are more obvious. The swifts are plentiful, as are the flies and buzzing insects, so there's plenty for them to eat. As for the rain, how I'd enjoy it, I've seen very little since February, in fact, the most rain I've seen since then was when I was in Eastbourne having gone back for a funeral, and I only then had time to nip in a pub for a pint of Guinness, allowing for crossing a busy road, the pouring time and a raging thirst, I'm guessing 15 minutes maximum, it was all finished when I left the pub. It's almost semi desert here, lots of palm trees though, and you don't see many of them in Manchester. I'm almost looking forward to a warm Christmas, and hope to be on the beach for it. Dave 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 2, 2014 Author Posted August 2, 2014 Seen Hoopoes a couple of times - first time was in the Beachy Head area when I was a kid. That would have been 35+ years ago. Seeing it was a real thrill as it was so unexpected. Also saw one on the Greek island of Lesvos on our last holiday. Marvellous birds! 2
Tattoodave Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Seen Hoopoes a couple of times - first time was in the Beachy Head area when I was a kid. That would have been 35+ years ago. Seeing it was a real thrill as it was so unexpected. Also saw one on the Greek island of Lesvos on our last holiday. Marvellous birds! Beachy Head was my first sighting of an Osprey as it was heading back to Africa, being mobbed by a few corvines, couldn't tell what they were, probably crows, that was many years ago too. Supposedly they have Raven's nesting there now too.
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 3, 2014 Author Posted August 3, 2014 Never yet seen an osprey! There was a report of a sighting locally a couple of years ago; it was spotted in one of the marshland parks. I always remember Dad taking us as kids to the Loch Garten RSPB reserve after reports of a sighting (we lived in Scotland at that time). All we saw was an empty nest. Other birds I've yet to see here in the Netherlands are owls. If I cycle my way to and from the monthly Amsterdam Soul Club, I often hear them very clearly late at night on the way there and early in the morning on the way home, but I've yet to spot one. One day, hopefully.
Tattoodave Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Never yet seen an osprey! There was a report of a sighting locally a couple of years ago; it was spotted in one of the marshland parks. I always remember Dad taking us as kids to the Loch Garten RSPB reserve after reports of a sighting (we lived in Scotland at that time). All we saw was an empty nest. Other birds I've yet to see here in the Netherlands are owls. If I cycle my way to and from the monthly Amsterdam Soul Club, I often hear them very clearly late at night on the way there and early in the morning on the way home, but I've yet to spot one. One day, hopefully. I've had Little owl, Barn owl and Tawny owl as pets, all trained to the fist, and have flown an Eagle owl from the fist too, but then eccentric has always been a way of life for me, had a Bengal Tigress share my bed for nearly two years, but that's another story. I hear owls in southern Spain, but have yet to seen any here. Goshawks and Eagles are in abundance though.
Popular Post Martyn Pitt Posted August 3, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 3, 2014 Sorry to break up the reminiscing chaps, I was sat having a rest when this battle damaged lady landed about 8ft away. Female Black Tailed Skimmer 6
Peter99 Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 I've had Little owl, Barn owl and Tawny owl as pets, all trained to the fist, and have flown an Eagle owl from the fist too, but then eccentric has always been a way of life for me, had a Bengal Tigress share my bed for nearly two years, but that's another story. I hear owls in southern Spain, but have yet to seen any here. Goshawks and Eagles are in abundance though. Hi Dave and All There's an amazing series on National Geographic Wild called Wild Spain. Worth watching out for. Petre 1
Popular Post Martyn Pitt Posted August 3, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 3, 2014 (edited) Now these are stunning to watch flying around, in the air they look a blue colour, but when perched you can see that they are a metallic blue-green colour depending how the light catches them. There were two males and occasionally a female flying around above a small pool of water behind the valve house of the dam. Male Banded Demoiselle Edited August 3, 2014 by martyn pitt 7
Peter99 Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Now these are stunning to watch flying around, in the air they look a blue colour, but when perched you can see that they are an metallic blue-green colour depending how the light catches them. There were two males and occasionally a female flying around above a small pool of water behind the valve house of the dam. Male Banded Demoiselle 419_075.jpg 419_101.jpg 419_107.jpg 419_112.jpg The Grantham Canal runs past the back of my house so I see plenty of these types of creatures - not knowledgeable enough to know the different species, so I relate to them as different dragon flies. Absolutely beautiful though and as I say lots of different species flying around my garden. Peter 1
Tattoodave Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 I'm hoping this was a Common Darter, I had no idea that I took it. This big girl was being exercised locally, I was told not to touch her sadly, I thought she could use a hug This had me fooled until I got closer, some wag carved it and stuck it on a rock at the Sierra de Las Nieves park 2
Martyn Pitt Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 (edited) Common darter Benalmadena.JPG I'm hoping this was a Common Darter, I had no idea that I took it. It looks like a female, and if it has a yellowish stripe on each leg it is a Common Darter. Edited August 3, 2014 by martyn pitt
Winsford Soul Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Now these are stunning to watch flying around, in the air they look a blue colour, but when perched you can see that they are a metallic blue-green colour depending how the light catches them. There were two males and occasionally a female flying around above a small pool of water behind the valve house of the dam. Male Banded Demoiselle 419_075.jpg 419_101.jpg 419_107.jpg 419_112.jpg Martyn. See them every time I,m fishing but never take my camera. Top pictures as always Steve 1
Tattoodave Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 It looks like a female, and if it has a yellowish stripe on each leg it is a Common Darter. I think she must have, it was in the cactus garden in Paloma Park, Benalmadena.
Winsford Soul Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Never yet seen an osprey! There was a report of a sighting locally a couple of years ago; it was spotted in one of the marshland parks. I always remember Dad taking us as kids to the Loch Garten RSPB reserve after reports of a sighting (we lived in Scotland at that time). All we saw was an empty nest. Other birds I've yet to see here in the Netherlands are owls. If I cycle my way to and from the monthly Amsterdam Soul Club, I often hear them very clearly late at night on the way there and early in the morning on the way home, but I've yet to spot one. One day, hopefully. Russell. Apparently the Netherlands are one of the best places in Europe to see Eagle owls. They have even been reported as breeding in a few secret places in the UK. I,m lucky enough to hear/see tawny owls very regular probably on a weekly basis Steve
Tattoodave Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Russell. Apparently the Netherlands are one of the best places in Europe to see Eagle owls. They have even been reported as breeding in a few secret places in the UK. I,m lucky enough to hear/see tawny owls very regular probably on a weekly basis Steve I heard that Tengmalm's Owl was breeding in Norfolk too, now that I'd like to see
Winsford Soul Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 I heard that Tengmalm's Owl was breeding in Norfolk too, now that I'd like to see Dave. that sounds interesting Steve
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 3, 2014 Author Posted August 3, 2014 Russell. Apparently the Netherlands are one of the best places in Europe to see Eagle owls. Maybe so, Steve, but I still haven't seen one
Tattoodave Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 Dave. that sounds interesting SteveI was told late last Spring, by a twitcher when he was over here, he'd seen the site and said everyone was keeping quiet about it until they fledged, so hopefully they've managed to raise a brood, though I don't know whether they'd stay or what their offspring would do.Dave
Popular Post Martyn Pitt Posted August 4, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 4, 2014 Here are a couple of male Ruddy Darters. I had one of these land on my shoulder a few years ago, I was stood in the amongst the reeds hoping a Kingfisher would land on a perch out in front of me, when one just came and joined me. It's like tales from the riverbank somedays on here 4
Winsford Soul Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 Still Swifts in the Manchester skies today Steve 2
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted August 4, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 4, 2014 Sunset just taken from out of my back garden Steve 5
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 4, 2014 Author Posted August 4, 2014 Sunset just taken from out of my back garden Steve Not a cloud in the sky here (sitting on the balcony with a bottle of rose)! 1
Martyn Pitt Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 IMG_9323.JPG IMG_9328.JPG Sunset just taken from out of my back garden Steve Did you lie down to take that last one Steve 1
Winsford Soul Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 Did you lie down to take that last one Steve Ha bloody ha Martyn. It's the right way up on my image gallery don't know why it ended up like it did on here. Steve 1
Ncfc Posted August 5, 2014 Posted August 5, 2014 (edited) Still Swifts in the Manchester skies today Steve Sand matins were common here in Norfolk when i was a kid,not seen one for years.(i live 150 yrds from beach cliffs where they nested). Swifts ,swallows and House martins are a bit thin on the ground these days too. And we see more gold and greenfinches than sparrows Edited August 5, 2014 by NCFC
Winsford Soul Posted August 5, 2014 Posted August 5, 2014 Sand matins were common here in Norfolk when i was a kid,not seen one for years.(i live 150 yrds from beach cliffs where they nested). Swifts ,swallows and House martins are a bit thin on the ground these days too. And we see more gold and greenfinches than sparrows Chris. I have to travel 60 miles to see sand martins. Don't know of any colonies nr Manchester. Always lots of house martins , swallows and swifts here. I must be lucky with house sparrows, still plenty about up here. As you say gold and greenfinches are now very common. I think they have both entered the top ten most common bird list., goldfinches definitely have. Just on my way to see the highest waterfall in Wales at a place called pistell rhaeyadr. Hope to have plenty of pictures to post later Steve
Winsford Soul Posted August 5, 2014 Posted August 5, 2014 Still Swifts about this morning. Not expecting them much longer though. Last year August 7th was the last day I saw them in the skies above Manchester Got a few picture's from today's visit to pistell rhaeadr waterfall. Will sort through and post them up Steve
Popular Post Mal C Posted August 6, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 6, 2014 We've been to the Zoo... 5
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 6, 2014 Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, the long drop is 80 metres, which makes it the tallest single drop waterfall in Wales, its actually taller than Niagara falls Steve 4
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 6, 2014 The view from as close to the edge from the top of the falls as I wanted to go. Steve 4
Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Don't know why these vertical pictures haven't rotated Steve 3
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Popular Post Posted August 6, 2014 One of the smaller falls further up from the main one A view down the valley taken about 200 metres to the left of the main waterfall Steve 4
Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Still Swifts about this morning. Not expecting them much longer though. Last year August 7th was the last day I saw them in the skies above Manchester Steve Still Swifts today Steve 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 6, 2014 Author Posted August 6, 2014 Still Swifts today Steve Saw three late last night, and not long ago spied a house martin out the front windows. The house martin is quite unusual as hardly any were to be seen from home earlier in the summer. This appears to be swift territory with the swallows and martins - I'm guessing - probably located themselves near the lake that's just behind us. 1
Martyn Pitt Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Steve are you struggling to keep it upright these days 1
Tattoodave Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Doesn't deal with the same volume of water though Steve 3
Mal C Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 IMG_9365.JPG One of the smaller falls further up from the main one IMG_9349.JPG A view down the valley taken about 200 metres to the left of the main waterfall Steve U sure those falls aren't in Ireland?
Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Steve are you struggling to keep it upright these days Martyn. How very dare you question my upright ability. When I take picture in portrait mode my recently updated Canon software auto turns them to standard mode but for some reason when I upload them they revert back to portrait style. Confused by it all. Will have to have a look. Steve
Winsford Soul Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) U sure those falls aren't in Ireland? Mal do you ask because the falls are sideways . Which would make them rivers. Steve Edited August 6, 2014 by Winsford Soul
Martyn Pitt Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 When I take picture in portrait mode my recently updated Canon software auto turns them to standard mode but for some reason when I upload them they revert back to portrait style. Steve Probably because this site does not have the Canon software to enable the auto rotate, you need to rotate them manually and save them as a jpeg in portrait orientation. 1
Tattoodave Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Taken in Crete a couple of years agoThese curious piles of stones are done by individuals who walk the Samaria gorge, Crete. 1
Winsford Soul Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Sad day. Not seen or heard any Swifts in the Manchester skies since Wednesday Was fishing at Milton green south of Chester yesterday, loads of Swallows and House martins. Seen a kingfisher, loads of Buzzards. One Hobby. Chiff chaffs singing and flitting about plus all the usual suspects. Oh I caught loads of carp too Steve
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 8, 2014 Author Posted August 8, 2014 Was fishing at Milton green south of Chester yesterday, loads of Swallows and House martins. Seen a kingfisher, loads of Buzzards. One Hobby. Chiff chaffs singing and flitting about plus all the usual suspects. Oh I caught loads of carp too Steve And caught fish into the bargain! I haven't been fishing since I was a kid and rarely caught anything more than a few tiddlers, usually roach. Like a lot of people, I really enjoyed just being there, sat quietly and enjoying nature - and especially so early evenings when the light softens and turns increasingly golden. Happy days 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted August 8, 2014 Author Posted August 8, 2014 Razorbill - taken on the Isle of May in Scotland a couple of years back. And I'm wondering if that's a kittiwake blurred in the background. 3
Recommended Posts