The Big 'O'?

It’s easy to be sceptical, harder to believe. When a report came in yesterday that a female Golden Oriole had been seen just yards from the office the previous evening, there were more than a few raised eyebrows. By her own account, the sighting came from an inexperienced birdwatcher, who matched up what she saw with the picture in an ID book. Sounds fair. But when you can’t walk more than 10 paces here without disturbing a juvenile Green Woodpecker (the natural confusion species) do you take it seriously? From the looks of things, no one did, but nevertheless...what if? Post-breeding, many birds are starting to move again and it is feasible that a passage Golden O, an A-list summer migrant, was lingering near our feeders. The winds have been changeable this week, steady Northerlies followed by South-westerlies, which may have had an effect. I'm convinced there is habitat here for Orioles. Damn, that would be great. I certainly kept an eye out during the day, all the while trying to think of new jobs that would require me to stay in the area. I’m kidding, work first, birding second ;)

While the O would’ve been a lifer for me I’ve still managed to rack up 2 this week which isn’t bad. Unluckily for you (or luckily, depends on your point of view) I’m not supposed to talk about one. It’s ok; it’s not a mega or anything but it is category 1 and likely a scarce local breeder. Get over it! In less cryptic news, Cliffe Pools has been hauling in the passage migrants for the last 2 weeks now. Best of the lot was a solitary Curlew Sandpiper, bagged Wednesday afternoon on Flamingo pool. It was on a mud spit a long way off and had its bill tucked into its flank but its brick-red underside and general shape were enough to convince me. Close by, we also spotted a likely Wood Sandpiper amongst the straggly, bank side vegetation. Good views of this bird are proving tricky so far but they’re certainly around. It was also nice to see c40 Grey Plover in their striking summer plumage (think a smaller and slightly scruffier Golden Plover) I’ve only ever seen them in winter before.

Beautiful male Kestrel (Falco tinnunuculus) Cliffe Pools, 28/7/11

Wally, our resident Little Owl (Athene noctua) Northward Hill, 27/7/11

But, surprisingly, my main focus at Cliffe this week has been reptiles. Two ongoing surveys are attempting to establish the extent of reptile populations and in the case of one; the objective is to relocate any individuals found. But I think I need to perfect my pouncing technique because it’s not always easy. More than one Common Lizard has evaded my grasp and left me clutching grass, convinced I’ve got it. We’re yet to turn up either Grass Snake or Adder, although both are resident. These, particularly the latter, are handled differently.

Adult male Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara) prior to translocation. Note partial shedding of skin on rear/tail

Otherwise it’s all been about preparing for the Wildlife and Countryside Fair this weekend. Are you coming? You really should. There’ll be wildlife, a sheep dog display, cupcakes and a man dressed up as Charles Dickens. What more could you POSSIBLY want?