Whiteholme Reservoir

Having been home and birding local sites for nine weeks due to the Covid-19 virus I decided to have an evening trip to Whiteholm Reservoir on the south side of Halifax. Obviously this is within the current government guidelines, but I was also aware that such a remote location would not bring me into contact with many people.

It was an extremely pleasant evening out birding, although there was not a wide variety of birds the species I wanted to see, Sanderlings, were still present, at least one of the was anyway. It was a very confiding bird and I was able to make the most of my time with it. There were also three Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and a handful of Common Sandpiper. The drake Common Scoter that had been on the water in the morning was also still present.

-Sanderling

-Common Scoter

Species List:

Whiteholme Reservoir: Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Scoter, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Sanderling, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit,

Soil Hill; Isolation week 9

The week started extremely windy but soon cleared up and returned to the heatwave that we have experience most of the spring up until now. Birding remained slow but there were a few highlights this week and a yeartick in Spotted Flycatcher has brought my Soil Hill list for 2020 up to 87.

23 May
Visit from 4.45. Total 15 species seen.
It blew an absolute gale today so didn't bother going up until later in the day. Was, as I expected, a waste of time.

24 May
Visit from 11.45. Total 38 species seen.
It remained extremely windy but slightly reduced from the previous day and with a bit more warm weather. Although there was quite a wide variety of birds on offer there was quite low numbers of everything. Without a doubt the highlight was a distant flyover Red Kite, my second of the spring.

25 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 46 species seen.
The weather changed from cold and windy to hot and still. I extended my walk through Ogden and up to Cold Edge. Soil Hill was quite lively, with the Sedge Warbler still in place and singing and a Blackcap singing from the Taylor Lane plantation. The male Stonechat put in an appearance and three House Martins flew over.
Ogden had four Oystercatchers and there was a Wheatear and a Buzzard at Cold Edge. The usual Common Sandpipers and Tufted Ducks were also in place there keeping the birding lively. There were very good numbers of Green Tiger Beetles on the moors and a single female Green Hairstreak. Overall a very pleasant walk out.

-Common Sandpiper

-Jay

26 May
Visit from 07.30. Total 48 species seen.
After over two weeks without a Soil Hill lifer or yeartick finally there was a change today. Down Ned Hill Track I noticed a bird flycatching from a perch out of view, and although what I saw was breif I had a strong suspicion that it could be Spotted Flycatcher, the birds profile not quite fitting any of the regular species that flycatch in this gulley. However it was an elusive bird and difficult to get to grips with and it was some time before I was able to confirm my suspicion. A solid yeartick and my first spring record of this species here. Sand Martin, House Martin, Sedge Warbler and possibly a new Male Stonechat made up the rest of an excellent morning.
I also spent an hour scoping Fly Flatts from my car later in the morning. Although there was nothing super different it was nice to see the Ravens again and the Grasshopper Warbler was reeling intermittently from the same location. Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper made up the wader cast.

-Spotted Flycatcher

27 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 40 species observed.
Again there was nothing exceptional, with the Spotted Flycatcher having moved on overnight, but there was a nice assortment of regular species, such as House Martin, Sand Martin and the regular Sedge Warbler.
In the evening I headed to another site where JJL had seen a Yellowhammer in the morning. Following his directions I found two male birds but sadly they were mobile and did not show well.

28 May
Visit from 09.30. Total 39 species observed.
A slightly later visit as I first decided to head to Ogden to have a look for a Wood Warbler that NK had recorded on his blog yesterday. I searched the woodlands and eventually found the bird showing incredibly well and performing incredibly. Its territory was easily viewable so I settled down to watch and before long the bird was performing right above my head. It was such an enjoyable experience that I spent an hour watching it. A Crossbill flew over calling but sadly I did not see it, and that was the only other bird of note.
Soil Hill was hot and very quiet by the time I got there, but a Raven drifted over.

-Wood Warbler

29 May

Visit from 07.30. Total 39 species observed.

It was another hot one on Soil Hill today, which greatly limited bird activity. The Sedge Warbler was present but subdued and that was the highlight. There is a Lapwing chick clinging to survival as well, not yet been eaten by the sites various predators. 

Species List:

Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Little Owl, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, Spotted Flycatcher, European Robin, European Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Western Roe Deer, European Rabbit, Red Fox, Orange Tip, Small Heath, Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock,

Cold Edge Dams: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Eurasian Blue Tit, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Green Hairstreak, Small Heath, Green Tiger Beetle, 

Fly Flatts: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Feral Pigeon, Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Kestrel, Northern Raven, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Common Starling, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Reed Bunting,

Ogden Water LNR: Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Pheasant, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Eurasian Blackcap, Goldcrest, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Wren, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch, Red Crossbill, European Goldfinch, Grey Squirrel,

Soil Hill; Isolation week 8

With lockdown loosening I made a couple of trips further affield during the week. The Hill was reasonable with its birding but there was nothing of particular note, but with daily visits theres always a chance of something before summer sets in.

16 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 38 species observed.

Not particularly an outstanding morning but with a few nice bits as usual. There were two Sedge Warblers today, with a new bird at the bottom of the north slope tree line, singing at the same time as the resident individual. Both Stonechat were showing as well.

-Sedge Warbler

17 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 41 species observed.
Another day with little to report. The second Sedge Warbler proved to a one day wonder, leaving just the resident bird present today. One Stonechat and two Sand Martin were the other species of note today.

18 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 42 species observed.
The Barn Owl was out and flying around early morning, which was the highlight of the day. There was also a single Wheatear on the bottom field.
I also took a trip over to Ogden to walk across the dam and the golf course. There were a few bits; a drake Tufted Duck was the best I saw, with a Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler singing on the golf course. The woods were alive with warbler song, although all common species; Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.

19 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 44 species observed.
There was cloud and occasional drizzle during my walk today, and this seemingly brought down a cracking male Wheatear on the walls near the mast, with yesterdays bird still lingering in the bottom fields. Four House Martins that flew north were only my second of the spring. A 1st summer Black-headed Gull also flew over north, which is my first here for about six weeks.

20 May
Visit from 07.00. Total 41 species observed.
A very similar species makeup to previous visits. A single flyover Sand Martin was about as good as it got. Looks like any hope of breeding has vanished. A Grey Squirrel was on the walls near the mast, which was a solid Soil Hill tick, not sure why it was there.
Headed out over to Ogden again and was delighted when I found myself a cracking Green Hairstreak, my target for the day. Strangely I could only find one individual but there were plenty of Small Heath on the wing in the same area.

-Grey Squirrel

-Green Hairstreak

21 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 43 species observed.

A Blackcap was present on Ned Hill Track, although it moved off fairly quickly singing on and off. Given the time frame between this individual and the previous, I can only assume this is a different bird. Two Sand Martins and two House Martins flew over, the best of the rest.

I also visited Fly Flatts and Cold Edge Dams for the sake of variety after BS had seen a few waders at the former. Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper were all present but viewing was difficult due to being restricted to scoping from the road. A pair of flyover Ravens were also very welcome, and a Grasshopper Warbler reeled twice from the sedge just off from the road. Cold Edge had a nice group of Tufted Ducks as well as three Common Sandpipers. The adjacent trees were alive with Willow Warblers. 

22 May

Visit from 08.00. Total 34 species observed.

It was blowing an absolute gale today which was the reason for my delayed visit and reduced species count. There was little of note.

Species List:

Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Western Barn Owl, Little Owl, Long-eared Owl, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Red Fox, Western Roe Deer, Grey Squirrel, European Rabbit,

Ogden Water LNR: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Pheasant, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Black-headed Gull, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, European Green Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Eurasian Blackcap, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Grey Squirrel, Green Hairstreak, Small Heath, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock,

Fly Flatts: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Barn Swallow, Common Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Reed Bunting,

Cold Edge Dams: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting,

Soil Hill; Isolation week 7

The week started with a bang but sadly a northerly weather system arrived on the 10th significantly reducing activity on the Hill for most of the week. Despite this, at the end of the week my Soil Hill yearlist stands at 87, with a few species still possible before the summer sets in.

09 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 54 species observed.

It was a remarkable morning with my highest ever species total for a visit to the Hill, the first time I have ever breached 50. And what timing, since today was the eBird big day, and I was locked in a race against my girlfriend in Brazil to see who could score the most species.

I managed a full house of commoner species with a few nice additions as well; my first Blackcap of the year on site and a flyover Red Kite, for which I managed to completely botch my camera settings. The Sedge Warbler was still in place and showing nicely, as was the Stonechat and a single Wheatear. Three Collared Dove were also a nice surprise as I wandered up Taylor Lane early morning. 

-Red Kite

-Meadow Pipit

10 May

Visit from 07.15. Total 35 species observed.

Today was a slog in cold wind and drizzle. There was one redeeming feature, and that was a Hobby that came bombing over Taylor Lane as I was walking up. The bird never stopped and sadly continued powering through and headed south. There was still some activity from established migrants, with the Sedge Warbler still uttering a few notes in between strong blasts of wind.

11 May

Visit from 07.15. Total 35 species observed.

Another cold and windy day, with a light dusting of snow during my walk. Very little to report as the cold conditions clearly took their toll on activity. 

12 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 39 species observed.

The wind continued but the overall conditions were warmer and more pleasant than the previous days. Stonechat, Wheatear and Sedge Warbler were all present, but otherwise it was a fairly standard assortment of species on offer. 

-Jackdaw

13 May

Visit from 07.15. Total 38 species observed.
The composition on the Hill continued to remain consistent with no notable change in the species seen. A Sand Martin was the first I had seen since the wind changed to northerly on the 10th, but activity of this species seems to have taken a hit due to the weather change.

14 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 41 species observed.

The wind finally dropped and with more consistent sun there was a boost in activity. Notably in the sky with a smart group of 10 Swift blogging over the Hill all morning, coming low at times. A Coal Tit singing in the top plantation was a surprise having not heard one here since the end of April. Sand Martin numbers bounced back to at least 10 birds blogging around. A flyover Mistle Thrush was also of note, since the birds seemed to have vanished from Taylor Lane around the end of April. Was nice to bump into JJL.

-Oystercatcher

15 May
Visit from 09.15. Total 43 species observed.
I decided I could not be bothered with the early start today, and so headed up to the Hill later in the morning. With the sun already out and established I has hopeful of a raptor but sadly it was not to be. The standout of the morning was finally seeing the Green Woodpecker that has been yaffling from the valley below Taylor Lane. It perched very nicely along the fence line of former Koi farm. A distant Raven was nice, but sadly too distant for a photo. Nice to bump into NK at the bottom of the Hill.

-Green Woodpecker

Species List:

Soil Hill: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Little Owl, European Green Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Western Roe Deer, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Orange Tip,

Soil Hill; Isolation week 6

A mixed week with variable weather and mixed birding results. My work finally arrived on Monday so will finally be able to commence home office. That said, a Soil Hill visit every morning is still very much on the agenda.

02 May

Visit from 07.15. Total 42 species observed

Cold but clear and sunny with a nice selection of species but nothing outstanding. Highlights from the morning included three flyover Cormorants and a Greylag Goose. A Sand Martin also flew across the summit. 

03 May

Visit from 07.30. Total 42 species observed 

Overall sunny and pleasant morning but with scattered cloud cover. Generally similar makeup, regular assortment of species all on site. Three Wheatears were the highlight with another particularly showy male at the bottom of the north slope, as well as two females. A new Whitethroat territory at the top of the north slope treeline was also welcome, with the male singing from nice exposed perches. Two Sand Martins blogging was the best otherwise. Also first Swift of the year over Bradshaw.

-Reed Bunting

-Northern Wheatear

-Common Whitethroat

04 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 39 species observed.

Cold and overcast morning with low fog for the first hour. After being so close last week, it was nice to clinch a YELLOW WAGTAIL today, when one flew westward across the bottom of the hill. As before I heard the bird calling first and looked up to see it directly level with me at a reasonably low altitude. Despite the dull conditions the bird was glowing yellow, beyond doubt a male. Sadly it did not stop in the Lapwing field as I hoped, but carried on towards Ogden, calling all the way. I did not have my camera at the ready and since it was already level with me when I picked it up, there was no chance for photos.

Despite this excellent hill record, other birds were thin on the ground. A Jay flew over heading southwards and that was the only other notable from the day, although the male Stonechat and at least one Wheatear were still in place.

-Eurasian Jay

05 May

Visit from 06.45. Total 43 species observed. 

Another cold and generally overcast morning with a chilly east wind. Had a very pleasant morning with a stunning female Whinchat gracing the heather on the summit. Sadly it was extremely mobile, and no sooner did I pick it up than it flew to the North Slope top fenceline. Here I managed to grab some record shots before it flew down the slope with purpose. Despite thoroughly searching the slope I was unable to find it and can only assume that it moved on.

A pair of Grey Partridge on the north slope were only my second since my regular lockdown visits began. One Wheatear remained on the bottom fields but was distant and difficult to spot. Two House Martins that flew through were my first of the year as well, bringing my Soil Hill lockdown list up to a very respectable 83.

-Whinchat

06 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 42 species observed.

A bright and sunny morning with very little wind. Very pleasant birding with a few nice bits. First was a singing Chiffchaff in the copse opposite the site entrance track, it eventually moved closer and started to show but was flighty and passing cars frequently caused it to dive back into cover.

At the bottom of the hill there was two Wheatears and two Sand Martins, but the standout bird was a female White Wagtail. Helpfully it was with a male Pied Wagtail. Frustratingly I did not get a view of the rump, but in the field the bird overall was strikingly pale and after discussion with TDJ, KBL, JHF and SH from Spurn any doubts were safely removed. It flew off shortly after I found it, but I was unable to relocate it anywhere. 

'2nd calendar year Motacilla alba alba. The grey shading up the nape should rule out M.a. yarelli. The streaking effect seen on a couple of the photos is caused by the angle of the feathers, so you can almost see under them causing shadowing from this angle, otherwise you'd see the streaks come up towards the nape'

-Chiffchaff

-White Wagtail

Visit from 18.45. Total 38 species observed.

In the evening I decided to go back up to Soil Hill after reading that NK had a Sedge Warbler during his morning visit. It was a very pleasant evening and since the quarry workers had departed I was also able to have a look at the Stonechats, with both birds showing well. The Sedge Warbler was very elusive, but it showed well on brief occasions.

-European Stonechat

-Sedge Warbler

07 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 46 species observed.

It got warm quickly today, and by the time I left the Hill at 09.30 it was already hot and slowing down. Before that I managed a very nice haul of species with a few highlights. The Sedge Warbler was still present and far more vocal than it had been the previous evening. My first Soil Hill Swift also drifted over, bringing my Soil Hill year list up to 85. A Cuckoo was singing distantly towards Ogden, but there was never any chance I would be able to see it. There was still a single Wheatear, Stonechat and Sand Martin.

08 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 45 species observed.

It was a more overcast morning than the previous day, but had warmed up by the time I left. Another day with lots of species but little standout. The Sedge Warbler was still present and showing well. There was a lot of Sand Martin activity too, which will certainly be something to keep an eye on during the spring. Two Wheatears, four Swifts and a Goldcrest were the best of the rest.

Species List:

Soil Hill: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, European Green Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Whinchat, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Western Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Weasle, Roe Deer, Orange Tip, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell,