Dorset and Forest of Dean - 24/03/2017

Bleary eyed, I stumbled out into a 6am start off down to Dorset for the Hume's Leaf Warbler. After picking up Tara and Jon, we were off and on our way. It was the first time to Portland for all of us, so we took the sights in as we approached, watching the sea for divers and other unusual's as we went over.  We soon arrived at Thumb Lane, and walked off down a muddy track to find 3 birders already on site. As we arrived, sure enough the 'it was here 5 minutes ago' chorus came out, and so we settled in, hopeful, and buttoning up against the chilly morning air. 

Lair of The Hume's Warbler

It seemed to be a big morning for Mipit's, with quite a few coming in over head. A chiffy gave us a start at one point, and then we heard it. Several times in fact, but never giving away it's position. After a frsutrating vigil, we decided to try the Bill. There, we parked up and did some seawatching, picking out gannets, shag, cormorant, guillemot, fulmar, which amounted to 3 year ticks for myself, and 4 for the others. We didn't manage to pick out any divers, (or wheatears! Which I was sure would be around), and we headed back for round two on the Humes.

Arriving back at the patch, the sun was out and it was warming up nicely so we were optimistic - but nothing. Not even a call this time. So, with the clock ticking down we decided to get moving. On the way back we stopped by Chesil beach twice, picking out ringed plover in a small pool, and then redbreasted merganser and little grebe in lovely summer plumage over the water body nearby.

Back on the road, we decided to try for a Garganey in West Bexington. The road there was high above the 'mere', and we dropped down to the beach front to park up. After a ramble over the shingle we took a very muddy and waterlogged path into the reserve area, kicking up snipe as we went,  including a possible jack at one point. We also had great views of cetti's which was great, but we cut our losses and headed back for the car park where we saw sandwich tern flying down the beach away from us.

We arrived at Hamwall about 6.15, and with the light rapidly going down we saw a swallow above us in the car park, and we headed swiftly to the new Avalon Hide, bitterns booming around us from all directions. Upon arrival at the hide the GWE was very conspicuous, and several ducks were around on the water. Water rails were calling, but remained frustratingly elusive. as did the tawny owl from the nearby box.  However, it was a lovely way to end the day!

Saturday morning saw some amazing weather, and news broke of a firecrest found up on Rudry. Jess and I needed to walk Olive though, so we went to FOD again, and I headed up to New Fancy. About half a dozen birders sagely pointed out this bird as Gos, and I snapped some pics - slightly unsure myself. Checking at home and after getting adjudication from Dan and Geth - the jury was out. Sprawk. Annoying really, becase I would have hung around longer. So the hunt for Gos continues.