Wild Monty

Like a Brimstone cowboy

2012-02-26T12:54:00.001-08:00

A Brimstone was flying at the station this morning - my first butterfly for the patch this spring, hurrah! Not much else to report other than this Goldfinch.

Goldfinch

At Fairlawn Road a Wolf Spider was sunning himself on a stone.

Male Wolf Spider

A patch of Common Field Speedwell was growing at the top of St Andrews Road.

Common Field Speedwell

In the garden there were 5 Blackbirds, a Dunnock, 2 Blue Tits, a Robin, 2 Woodpigeons and a Wren.

Dunnock

Brief encounters

2012-02-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

I had time for only a cursory glance around the patch this morning - a pair of Jays in a tree at Ashley Hill, a calling Long-tailed Tit and a fly-over Greenfinch were the only birds of note at Fairlawn Road. The only invertebrates seen were a Bluebottle fly and another unidentified fly species. Celandines were in flower at the top of St Andrews Road and Montpelier Park.

A Peregrine flew in Portland Square

2012-02-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

A Peregrine flew over Portland Square this morning and headed towards the Castlemead tower. When I got there, a pair of Peregrines were sat on the tower. Nice.

I estimated 5 Pairs of Greenfinches in St Pauls Park this morning - a very good count. Also in the park were a pair of Dunnocks, with the presumed male flicking his wings and chasing the presumed female in a charming courtship display. Also noted were a single Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit, 2 Blue Tits, a Goldfinch, a Herring Gull, 2 Wrens and a couple of Collared Doves.

Montpelier Park

2012-02-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

There were 2 Redwings in the park this morning, with one of them sub-singing. Nearby there were 5 Magpies together in the same tree, a Coal Tit and 2 Greenfinches.

St Andrews Park and beyond

2012-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

The monthly bird walk in St Andrews Park produced the following:

Long-tailed Tit - a couple seen near the toilets (a couple of birds that is).
Magpie - several birds around including at least one carrying nesting material.
Carrion Crow - 4 or 5
Jay - at least 2 birds seen
Woodpigeon - several seen
Collared Dove - several birds incluing one with nest material
Dunnock - 1 or 2, including an individual in the wildlife hedge collecting nesting material
Redwing - a group of birds seen by others
Mistle Thrush - at least 1 bird
Blue Tit a few around
Coal Tit - 1 heard briefly near the pond
Great Tit - several birds singing and giving good views
Blackbird - several birds seen including one sub-singing and mimmicking a Song Thrush
Goldfinch - several around
Greenfinch - just 1 bird flying over, calling
Chaffinch - several birds, including one or two in song
Goldcrest - one feeding in the pine near the pond
Wren - at least 1 heard and seen by others
Robin - 4 or 5 birds, song heard
Blackcap - 1 bird calling from the conifer hedge near the pond
House Sparrow - at least 1 (a male) in the bushes near the bowling club
Lesser Black-backed Gull - a few drifting over
Herring Gull - a few drifting over

At Montpelier station the highlight was a Sparrowhawk overhead and a party of Long-tailed Tits, with one lurking around the feeders.

The female Blackcap was in the garden and a male House Sparrow visited - unusual here.

Wrens 'n' Ravens

2012-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

A pair of distant Ravens flew over Ashley Vale and a Coal Tit was calling at the top of St Andrews Road. A pair of Jays flew into a garden in Old Ashley Hill.

In the garden today: 2 Robins, the female Blackcap (showing most of the afternoon) 3 Blackbirds, a Wren, a singing Dunnock, 2 Great Tits and 2 Woodpigeons.

Nothing to write home about....

2012-02-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

The only birds of note at the station this morning were the Starlings, now numbering about 12. Exciting, huh?

Last night there was much Fox activity heard outside the flat at 6.30.

Montpelier Park

2012-02-15T04:37:00.001-08:00

A single Redwing was the pick of the birds in Montpelier Park this morning, along with half a dozen Chaffinches, a Great Tit, a Robin and a Wren.

A Pied Wagtail was near Richmond Road this morning.

Magpies and a Jackdaw

2012-02-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

There were 4 Magpies in the garden this morning, at least 1 pair involved by the look of it, with much affectionate allopreening between them. The only bird of note at the station was a Jackdaw flying over. A few Starlings were among the usual birds.

Blackcaps galore

2012-02-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

News from Karle today that he had a pair of Blackaps in his Montpelier garden, and I had a female in mine, presumably the long-staying individual. It's been a good winter for this epecies on the patch.

In Montpelier Park a Coal Tit was singing from the top branch of a tree and another (could it have been his mate?) called nearby. Also in the park were 3 Blackbirds, 6 Chaffinches, and a singing Goldfinch.

Thrush thrash polka

2012-02-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Leaning out of my flat window first thing this morning I heard a distant Song Thrush singing from the direction of Montpelier Park/Station Road. 'Tis a long time since I've heard one from my flat but very welcome. Also from my flat I saw a group of 7 Redwings settle briefly in a tree before flying off. I later saw what was presumably the same flock at the top of St Andrews Road/Cromwell Road an hour or so later. In the garden, the female Blackcap was showing well.

Blackcap

In St Andrews Park there was a pair of Jays, 2 Coal Tits, a Mistle Thrush (seen and heard singing), 6 Blackbirds, 15 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 8 Long-tailed Tits, a Robin, 4 Great Tits, 3 Blue Tits, 2 Pied Wagtails, a calling Blackcap, 2 Dunnocks and a Goldcrest.

Coal Tit

Jay

Variety is the spice of life

2012-02-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

A nice selection of birds around the patch today in cold but sunny conditions. At Fairlawn Road there was a singing male Bullfinch which showed well in the trees alongside the railway. A Sparrowhawk flew over and a Grey Heron drifted overhead mobbed by a Herring Gull. There were 5 Magpies together in the trees near Hurlingham Road. Nearby, a Jay was at the top of St Andrews Road.

Grey Heron

At the station there was a female Blackcap feeding in the bushes and a Coal Tit and 3 Greenfinches on the feeders.

In the garden today: a female Blackcap, a Dunnock, a Robin and 3 Blackbirds along with a couple of Great and Blue Tits.

Montpelier Station

2012-02-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

The female Bullfinch showed well this morning, enough for me to grab this appalling photo for which I apologise profusely.

About half a dozen Starlings, several Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Chaffinches plus a Grey Squirrel were on the feeders.

Gung-ho Goldcrest

2012-02-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

In St Pauls Park this morning a Goldcrest was feeding in the low branches of a conifer hedge in full view, although I was unable to get a photo - very frustrating. Also in and around the park was a fly-over Grey Wagtail, a Blackbird, 2 Collared Doves, a Carrion Crow, 4 Greenfinches, 2 Great Tits, 2 Blue Tits, a Woodpigeon, 2 Robins (possibly a pair as they were together) and a Herring Gull.

Bullfinch beauty

2012-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

A cracking male Bullfinch showed well at the station this morning, constantly calling and flying to the top of a tree - sadly by the time I got my camera ready he'd flown. Also 25 Redwings flew in and a party of 4 or 5 Long-tailed Tits fed busily in the trees with a few Blue Tits and Chaffinches.

Another Song Thrush

2012-02-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

I found my second Montpelier Song Thrush in a week today, this time at St Barnabas school. It flew into a tree briefly giving good views before flying off towards Sussex Place. Also nearby were 10 House Sparrows and a similar number of Chaffinches feeding under the trees near the playing field. A Blackcap was calling at Cobourg Road.

A female Blackcap showed well in the garden today and a Herring Gull raided the food I put out for the smaller birds.

At Fairlawn Road a Greenfinch was singing and there looked to be some courtship behaviour between 2 Magpies, with much bill-touching between the pair.

At the station there were 2 female Blackcaps, 5 Blue Tits, 7 Great Tits, 4 Long-tailed Tits and a Coal Tit.

Cold, cold, cold

2012-02-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Jim has emailed me to say he had 17 Redwings in the next door garden along with the now usual, Greenfinch, up to 4, Goldfinch, 3, although he had 9 during the week, Chaffinch, the first for a while, Blackcap, Robin, Dunnock, Collared dove, Magpie, Blackbird, Great and Blue tit and overhead Black-headed gull (a bit of a rarity over Monty). Thanks for the great photo, Jim.

My own garden visitors today included 3 Blackbirds, 2 Robins, a Dunnock, a Wren, a Magpie, 2 Woodpigeons and a Feral Pigeon.

There were 15 Redwings (maybe the same birds Jim saw) feeding on berries in the front garden of a house in Belvoir Road, but Montpelier station was quiet apart from about 10 Starlings, a Pied Wagtail, 8 or 9 House Sparrows and the finch flock numbering about 15, mainly Chaffinches.

Montpelier Park

2012-02-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

A bitterly cold morning, A flock of about 20 Redwings were flying around the park and sitting in the trees. Also a few Long-tailed Tits, a couple of Blackbirds, a Robin and a Wren together with 7 or 8 Chaffinches.

This evening at 8 o'clock there was much noise from Foxes outside the flat.

2012-02-03T14:02:00.001-08:00

'allo allopreening

2012-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

I always like to see birds allopreening, and these Carrion Crows at the station spent several minutes doing just that. Nothing else of note though.

Montpelier/Narroways/St Andrews Park

2012-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

An extended tour of duty started with 6 Redwings hanging around the top of St Andrews Road.

Narroways was quiet apart from a Fox, a few Blue and Great Tits, the usual Grey Wagtail at the brook and a group of Chaffinches.

St Andrews Park produced a couple of Coal Tits, several Goldfinches and a single Redwing.

Song Thrush surprise

2012-01-31T05:37:00.000-08:00

It's not often Monty is graced with the presence of a Song Thrush, but one was singing and showing well in Montpelier Park this morning. I've long given up hope that they'll breed anywhere near, but it's good to see one anyway. I'll upload a typically rubbish photo this evening. About 10 Chaffinches also were in the park - probably the same ones as frequent the station.

Talking of the station, a couple of Long-tailed Tits were feeding in the trees and just 4 Starlings were flying around.

Garden visitors

2012-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

The female Blackcap was in the garden again this morning along with 3 Blackbirds, 2 Magpies, 2 Woodpigeons, a Robin and several Blue Tits. Nearby 4 Long-tailed Tits were feeding in trees along Richmond Road.

At the station a Pied Wagtail and at least 10 Greenfinches were notable. A Wren was singing in Montpelier Park.

Montpelier Station - birding capital of Bristol

2012-01-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

At last some good birds at the station! A Great-spotted Woodpecker was the pick of the bunch - feeding high in the trees near the feeders before flying off towards the park - but a female Bullfinch on the feeders themselves was just as good to see. There were 2 Blackcaps around (a male and a female) and also a couple of Long-tailed Tits among Great and Blue Tits. A Sparrowhawk landed briefly in a tree before flying off to the consternation of the other birds, and a single Redwing posed for the camera. The finch flock numbered some 20 birds and there seemed more Greenfinches and Goldfinches than Chaffinches. Several House Sparrows were seen and a Coal Tit called.

I did my RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this morning at St Andrews Park and the list is as follows: Blue Tit (8), Carrion Crow (5), Magpie (6), Woodpigeon (4), Goldfinch (4), Blackbird (4), Pied Wagtail (3), Coal Tit (1), Robin (5), Great Tit (3), Chaffinch (3), Jay (2), Collared Dove (4), Dunnock (1), Mistle Thrush (1 singing), Greenfinch (3), Goldcrest (2), Starling (1).

In the garden today there was a female Blackcap, 2 Dunnocks, a couple of Blue Tits, a Great Tit, a Long-tailed Tit, 3 Woodpigeons, 2 Magpies, a Robin and 2 Blackbirds.

Montpelier Station

2012-01-26T13:39:00.001-08:00

A Pied Wagtail at the station this morning was just about the only bird of note - just a couple of Starlings and a few Chaffinches nearby. Quiet!

St Pauls Park

2012-01-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Two good birds in and around the park this morning - a Goldcrest which unashamedly flaunted itself by running along the top of the wall in full view (and no, I didn't have my camera) and a Mistle Thrush singing from the top of a tree in Portland Square. Also noted were Great and Blue Tits, a Coal Tit, a couple of singing Greenfinches, a Robin, a Blackbird and Collared Doves and Woodpigeons a-plenty.

Slightly Foxed revisited

2012-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

A dog Fox was barking this morning at 7.30 outside the flat. The local Blackbird has been singing at dawn in recent days, including today. On a damp and drizzly morning birdwatching was difficult but a Greenfinch was singing at the top of Station Road.

Siskin to the rescue

2012-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

Yet another potentially forgettable morning was rescued by a Siskin flying over Montpelier Park, but otherwise the Chaffinch flock at the station (about 15 birds) was the main interest along with a couple of Goldfinches, 2 Robins, 2 Blackbirds, a Dunnock, 3 Starlings, several House Sparrows plus Great and Blue Tits.

Oh dear....

2012-01-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Monty is a bit of a wildlife-free zone at the moment. Today the sunshine brought out some Bluebottle flies at Fairlawn Road and St Andrews Road, but nothing more interesting in the invertebrate line. Long-tailed Tits were also noted at Fairlawn Road but otherwise there was absolutely nothing of note.

Wind

2012-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

A wild and windy day made for poor birdwatching around the patch today, although a Blackcap was calling in St Andrews Park.

St Pauls Park

2012-01-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Dull and drizzly. Not much to write home about other than Great and Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Robins, Collared Doves, Blackbirds and a couple of Herring Gulls.

Frustration

2012-01-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

Not a good morning in that despite hearing the Bullfinch at the station again, I was unable to clap eyes on it. Lots of Chaffinches though, and a Coal Tit was calling again.

Bullfinch Bonanza!

2012-01-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

I gave the station ten minutes of my valuable time this morning, concentrating on the feeders which had loads of finches and Starlings on them. I heard 2 Bullfinches, one of them actually singing briefly, although they kept out of sight. It will be interesting to see if they stay into the spring - the station might have enough suitable habitat for nesting, who knows?

Nothing much in Montpelier Park other than a couple of Chaffinches and a briefly singing Coal Tit.

Jim has contacted me to say that yesterday he saw a Goldfinch in the garden for the first time. Also seen 7 Greenfinch, 2 Blackcaps (male and female) plus the usual Blue tit, Great tit, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and fly over Carrion crow. Jim has sent me these fab photos - many thanks.

St Andrews Park and beyond

2012-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

A beautiful sunny morning in St Andrews Park brought out the birds and the watchers and we were treated to a taste of winter and the promise of spring. The full list is as follows:

Fieldfare - first spotted by Simon as it fed on the ground. Unusual to see one 'on the deck' in the park.
Redwing - 2 or 3 birds and one showing particularly well.
Blackcap - at least 1 over-wintering bird. A brief burst of almost full-blown song was unusual so early in the year.
Mistle Thrush - 2 birds seen and song heard.
Blackbird - several birds of both sexes.
Goldcrest - a couple of birds gave brief views near the toilets.
Long-tailed Tit - several birds showed well.
Coal Tit - 1 heard singing near the pond.
Blue Tit - small parties seen.
Great Tit - heard and seen well.
Robin - 2 or 3 heard and seen well.
House Sparrow - 1 or 2 birds.
Dunnock - 1 heard calling near the bowls club.
Goldfinch - many seen and heard singing.
Chaffinch - seen well and song heard.
Greenfinch - several birds seen well and song heard.
Carrion Crow - ubiquitous.
Magpie - ditto.
Woodpigeon - sevral birds.
Collared Dove - several birds seen.
Starling - several knocking around.

At the station the highlight was a Sparrowhawk drifting over towards the Cheltenham Road arches, plus the usual Starlings, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Dunnock and House Sparrows. Nearby, a Pied Wagtail was trotting along Station Road.

One Redwing does not a winter make

2012-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

At the station this morning there was a single Redwing and a good showing of finches (mainly Chaffinches), plus a Dunnock and half a dozen Starlings. On the wall of the station approach there were several plants of Annual Mercury in flower.

A Blackcap was calling at the junction of Wolferton and Hurlingham Road, and a Jay showed well at Fairlawn Road.

A Fox calling this evening outside the flat at 11.20.

St Pauls Park

2012-01-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

A Cormorant flew over the park this morning heading towards the Temple Quay area and there was a mixed group of Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits feeding in the trees and 2 or 3 Greenfinches and Goldfinches showing well.

At the aforementioned Temple Quay (and therefore sadly beyond the Wild Monty patch) a Chiffchaff was calling and showing well at lunchtime.

The quiet theme continues.....

2012-01-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Nothing new at the station this morning, the only notable birds being half a dozen Starlings and a calling Coal Tit among the usual birds. I predict the forthcoming cold snap will liven things up a bit on the bird front, so watch this space!

In a hurry.....

2012-01-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

I overslept this morning and had to rush to work, noting a Grey Wagtail over Picton Street and half a dozen Goldfinches and a singing Greenfinch in St Pauls Park.

Business as usual

2012-01-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

All very quiet in the last couple of days, with just a Coal Tit calling in Montpelier park yesterday and 10 Starlings at the station, while today the latter location produced 6 Goldfinches, a Dunnock and the resident Grey Squirrel.

Spring has sprung!

2012-01-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

Some amazingly early Lesser Celandines in flower in Fairfield Road today reflecting the mild weather we've been having recently - last year I don't think I saw any until March (but will check the blog later to confirm).

The sunshine today brought out a Dock Leaf Bug Coreus marginata and a Greenbottle fly in Fairlawn Road where there was also a Jay.

In St Andrews Park there were a couple of Long-tailed Tits and a sub-singing Blackcap in the same place as yesterday along with a Goldfinch, some Chaffinches, a Collared Dove collecting nesting material, a Wren, a Dunnock and a Great Tit. Another sub-singing Blackcap was in Wolferton Road.

In the garden today there were 2 Robins, (presumably a pair as they tolerated each other well) and a singing Great Tit.

Pishing in the park

2012-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

A bit of sagacious pishing coaxed a male Blackcap from the wildlife hedge in St Andrews Park this morning - it had been calling and even broke into brief sub-song. Nearby there were 2 Coal Tits in the park-keeper's compound along with a Chaffinch, a Blackbird, Great and Blue Tits and a Robin. A Jay and at least 1 Mistle Thrush were also seen along with a dozen or so Starlings and 2 Grey Squirrels. Several Snowdrops were in flower.

Another 2 Coal Tits showed well at the station.

Owls about that then...

2012-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

A couple of intriguing reports of Tawny Owls on the patch in recent weeks - 1 heard in Narroways and 2 at St Andrews Park - they are early nesters but I doubt if they will stay to breed.

The usual stuff at the station this morning and the train was on time!

Montpelier Station

2012-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

The wet and blustery conditions this morning reduced bird activity but as I waited for my train (which didn't turn up and I had to walk to work!) I was able to watch at least 15 Chaffinches (mostly female but 1 or 2 males among them) and a couple of Greenfinches around the feeders. Also a Grey Squirrel, a Robin and about 8 Starlings nearby.

St Pauls Park

2012-01-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

A lot livelier than usual this morning with lots of common bird activity in the park. In no particular order there was a Wren, 3 Robins, a Dunnock, 6 Blackbirds (3 females and 3 males feeding closely together and rather quarrelsome) a couple of Collared Doves, 3 Woodpigeons, a Feral Pigeon which might be nesting in a recess in one of the buildings surrounding the park, 2 Great Tits, 3 Blue Tits, 6 Goldfinches, a Greenfinch, 8 Herring Gulls overhead, 2 Pied Wagtails and 3 Carrion Crows.

Narroways

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

A Sparrowhawk over the hill, a Grey Wagtail over the community garden, a singing Greenfinch (my first singing bird of the year), a few Chaffinches plus Great and Blue Tits were the only birds of note at Narroways this morning.

Elsewhere, 6 Fieldfares flew SW over Richmond Road, but there was not much at St Andrews Park except for another Greenfinch singing briefly and and several Starlings.

Brief Encounter

2011-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Walking down Belvoir Road this afternoon I heard the unmistakable sound of a Carrion Crow making its gutteral alarm call just in time to see it chasing a Sparrowhawk overhead. The usual birds at the station - apart from the finches, sparrows and starlings there was a Dunnock and a few Great and Blue Tits. On paper that doesn't sound too exciting but there was lots of activity to keep me amused.

Monty mega-finch, a flurry of Fieldfares and Starlings soar

2011-12-30T02:25:00.000-08:00

The station was brilliant this morning, with a female Bullfinch on the feeders. I've heard that this species is becoming more regular at feeding stations around the country and this seems to prove it. Never common on the Wild Monty patch, it was great to see one. Also at the station 4 Fieldfares flew SE and the Starling flock numbered 15 plus - a good count. A Greenfinch, a couple of Goldfinches and several Chaffinches also at the station.

Long-tailed Tits were seen outside the flat this morning.

Quiet....

2011-12-29T05:20:00.000-08:00

Very little to report in the last couple of days. Yesterday a Goldcrest was calling in the pine near the Old Vicarage and today in St Pauls Park there were just Woodpigeons and Collared Doves, a Blackbird, Dunnock and Robin and a few Goldfinches.

I've been everywhere, man

2011-12-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

An extended tour of duty taking in both St Andrews Park and Narroways produced the following birds:

Narroways: 2 Ravens flew over the Church Field, a Coal Tit called from the conifers at the climbing centre and a Blackcap was heard near the brook. Other birds seen and heard included a Grey Wagtail, Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, 2 Song Thrushes (heard in the distance), 5 Greenfinches, and a couple of Chaffinches.

St Andrews Park: A Jay, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Blackbirds, several Goldfinches and Chaffinches, 10 Starlings and a Pied Wagtail.

Fairlawn Road: Several Long-tailed Tits and a Jay.

Station: 10 Goldfinches were notable.

St Andrews Park etc

2011-12-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

At St Andrews Park late morning there was a flurry of activity near the pond, with a Coal Tit singing at the top of a tree and showing well, 2 Blackcaps calling and 1 (a male) showing briefly, a Robin in the wildlife hedge and a gaggle of House Sparrows nearby. A few Goldfinches and Greenfinches around the park too.

The finch flock at the station was tremendous - I can't remember there ever being more. I estimated at least 50 birds, dominated by Chaffinches followed by Goldfinches and then Greenfinches. They were flighty this morning, commuting between the area near the feeders then flying to the park. Also 2 Grey Squirrels at the feeders and a Pied Wagtail nearby.

A flock of 15-20 Redwings flew over the flat this afternoon and there were 3 Blackbirds in the garden.

Thrushes again....

2011-12-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

At the station this morning I was busily looking at a Grey Squirrel and a couple of Chaffinches on the feeders when I glanced up to see the tail-end of about 20 winter thrushes, almost certainly Redwings, fly south overhead. Only seconds before, I had heard what I thought was a Fieldfare calling - it's just possible that the flock contained the latter species as well as the Redwings. The usual collection of birds, including the regular Coal Tit, were still in and around the station.

St Pauls Park

2011-12-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

All quiet this morning - a Pied Wagtail, 3 Goldfinches, a Great Tit, 3 Blue Tits, a Collared Dove, 5 Woodpigeons and 3 Blackbirds.

The Fly

2011-12-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

What was a tolerable number of Bluebottles in the flat a week ago has now become a bit of an infestation. I will have to do some serious swatting.

The Blackcap was calling in the garden first thing this morning.

Nothing new on the station but a Starling flew over and a Great Tit was singing.

Montpelier Station

2011-12-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

Once again, the finch flock at the station was mighty impressive this morning - the usual 3 species involved, and the total numbering over 20. Female Chaffinches appeared to dominate. Also good numbers of House Sparrows and the Coal Tit was again present along with Great and Blue Tits.

Green and Black

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

The female Blackcap was showing well in the garden again today, mainly eating Ivy berries and another (or the same) bird was calling at the station later on.

Also at the station were 3 Greenfinches, half a dozen Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Starlings, 5 Collared Doves, a Robin, 2 Blackbirds, a few House Sparrows, a Coal Tit, 2 Great Tits, a Blue Tit and a Dunnock.

A similar suite of species were at the railway path including Dunnock, Blackbird and Great Tits.

Slightly Foxed III

2011-12-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hurrah! The first Blackcaps of the winter - a female in the garden this morning and another individual calling and showing briefly in St Andrews Park.

The Fox was at its usual spot along the railway path, also nearby was a Jay and a group of Great and Blue Tits.

A flock of about 20 Chaffinches in the station/allotment area.

A Mistle in Montpelier

2011-12-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

A Mistle Thrush was singing strongly this morning - it seemed to be coming from somewhere between the station and the Arches but I could not see the bird. This species is quite unusual on this part of the patch and always good to see or hear. Nearby, lots of Chaffinches and Goldfinches, a Greenfinch, a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Blackbirds on the station and a Grey Squirrel near the feeders.

There were 3 flies in the flat this morning, one of which fell under the hot water tap as I was running the bath. I rescued it but although it could walk around a bit, its wings were clearly damaged and it was unable to fly (a distinct disadvantage for a fly). At least one of the flies was a Bluebottle species.

St Pauls - birding capital of Bristol

2011-12-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

In St Pauls Park, a very agitated Great Tit was calling incessantly and hopping restlessly from branch to branch, presumably because it had seen a cat, while nearby a couple of Long-tailed Tits gave good views. The only other birds of note were a Pied Wagtail and singles of Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

In Portland Square there were just 2 Great Tits and a Blackbird, and there was nothing much in the cemetery because the Council staff were blowing leaves around, although I did hear House Sparrows above the din and a Herring Gull drifted over.

There is a Blow-fly or House Fly buzzing around the flat this evening even though it is rather cold and normally out and about on only the mildest of winter weather.

St Pauls Park: Third Sequence

2011-12-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Still quiet but the blustery conditions were not ideal for birding. Blue Tits and Great Tits, a couple of Magpies, a Carrion Crow, a Blackbird, a Robin, 2 Herring Gulls and half a dozen Woodpigeons were the only birds of note.

Montpelier Park & Station

2011-12-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

A Goldcrest was calling in the pine near the Old Vicarage this morning - the first for several months and no doubt recently arrived. A couple of Goldfinches and Chaffinches were also seen plus a Grey Squirrel.

There was a spectacular repeat performance from a female Sparrowhawk over the allotment gardens, at one point flying a couple of metres right over my head before heading towards Colston Girls' School - fabulous. At the station proper, Chaffinches dominated with about 15 birds, while the feeders had a Grey Squirrel, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Blue Tits, a Starling and a single Greenfinch. There were 2 Pied Wagtails trotting along the platform.

Montpelier Marauder and Mini Murmuration

2011-12-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

A Sparrowhawk paid a visit to the station this morning, causing havoc among some Chaffinches and Blue Tits that had been on the feeders. The hawk then soared over the station mobbed by a Carrion Crow before drifting off over Cromwell Road.

In St Andrews Road, a flighty group of Starlings were investigating the gardens and rooftops - at least 10 birds were involved. Double figures at last!

Narroways

2011-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

The quiet theme continued today on a bright crisp morning at Narroways. The highlight was the dependable Grey Wagtail on the brook plus up to 3 Jays and the odd Goldfinch nearby.

Nothing much to report in Montpelier other than a female Chaffinch and a couple of Blue Tits at Fairlawn Road

St Pauls Park: Second Sequence

2011-12-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

The park was a little more lively than a day or two ago, with several Great and Blue Tits, a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a couple of Pied Wagtails, 2 Herring Gulls, a Carrion Crow , a Magpie, several Woodpigeons and a Dunnock.

My garden produced a Dunnock, 3 Blackbirds, 2 Great Tits, a Blue Tit, a Magpie and 2 Woodpigeons.

Montpelier Station

2011-12-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

A few Starlings and high-flying Woodpigeons overhead, a Dunnock, 3 Carrion Crows, a Magpie, a single Coal Tit plus Great and Blue Tits were the only birds of note this morning. It can only get better.....

St Pauls Park

2011-12-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

All rather bleak, the highlight being a group of 6 Blue Tits and a Great Tit. Other birds were a couple of Magpies and Woodpigeons, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull and a couple of Goldfinches.

Coal Tit a-calling

2011-12-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

A Coal Tit was calling in Richmond Road this morning and 10 Woodpigeons flew south. Nothing new at the station.

Montpelier Park

2011-12-05T05:21:00.000-08:00

I chose to walk round the park later than usual to avoid the bloke with the bull terriers. There were 2 Pied Wagtails and a single Grey Wagtail feeding on the grass at the back of the park plus a Great Tit, a couple of Blackbirds, a Robin and the odd Chaffinch.

At the station the Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches and House Sparrows were as conspicuous as always. A Dunnock was heard nearby.

Beyond the border in Kingsdown, a Jay was sat in a street tree in Dove Street South and a Jackdaw flew over.

Wagtails 'n' Long-tails

2011-12-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

A couple of Pied Wagtails were seen around the industrial units at Station Road and a Goldfinch flew over. Further down the Road a party of Long-tailed Tits were calling and were seen later at the station itself, along with some Great and Blue Tits.

Slightly Foxed II

2011-12-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

The same mangey Fox was in the same place as last week, again showing no interest in me other than a disapproving glance. Nearby in Fairlawn Road there was some Blackbird song no doubt encouraged by the mild sunny weather and, amazingly, a Buff-tailed Bumblebee was still out and about.

At St Andrews Park there were several Goldfinches and a 'flock' of Blackbirds along with a Jay all near the park-keeper's area.

The feeders at the station were busy with half a dozen Goldfinches and a similar number of Chaffinches plus 2 Grey Squirrels. There were 4 Starlings on the TV mast.

Montpelier Station

2011-12-01T05:19:00.000-08:00

The usual Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and House Sparrows were evident this morning, plus a party of Long-tailed Tits and a Dunnock.

Thrush rush, Heron scare 'em

2011-11-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Winter has definitely arrived - 9 Redwings flew low over Old Ashley Hill this morning but I didn't see them settle. Nearby, a Grey Heron was being mobbed by a Herring Gull over St Andrews Road. A single Jackdaw flew over Fairlawn Road and there were a few Great and Blue Tits around the patch.

St Pauls Park fails to deliver, shock!

2011-11-29T05:50:00.000-08:00

The only birds of note in St Pauls Park this morning were a couple of Great Tits, a fly-over Goldfinch, a Blackbird, a few Woodpigeons, 2 Magpies, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Herring Gull. Nearby Portland Square could only manage a Carrion Crow and a fly-over Pied Wagtail.

Slightly Foxed

2011-11-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

It took a while for me to notice this basking Fox near the railway path this morning. It certainly wasn't unduly perturbed by my presence.

Nearby were a couple of Blue and Great Tits.

And the sunshine enticed a rather moribund Common Wasp and a couple of Green Shieldbugs to appear.

It was rather quiet on nearby Narroways apart from a party of Long-tailed Tits and a brief burst of song from a Song Thrush. Lots of Woodpigeons flying south overhead.

Station airy

2011-11-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

The usual birds at the station this morning but there were subtle differences in numbers, with Greenfinches seeming to outnumber Chaffinches and Goldfinches were also in evidence. More brief Blackbird song was heard today and the Starling flock numbered just 6. When they get to double figures I'll buy a round down the pub.

Little change....

2011-11-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

....at the station this morning, the usual birds plus a fly-over Pied Wagtail.

Do the Chaffinch cha-cha!

2011-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

The allotment gardens near the station are often disappointingly quiet but this morning there was a nice little group of half a dozen Chaffinches of both sexes feeding on the ground, while another party of Goldfinches were flitting around the shrubs and trees at the back. A Robin also put in an appearance and a Wren was singing nearby. Blue and Great Tits were seen at the station proper.

Springtail!

2011-11-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's strange little bug has been identified by a colleague at BRERC - it's a Springtail Orchesella cincta. This is the first I've ever seen in the flesh so I'm well pleased at a new Monty invertebrate record!

St Andrews Park monthly bird walk

2011-11-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

It was a quiet start to our monthly stroll round the park this morning and I did wonder if we'd see anything at all. However, we were later rewarded with superb views of sizeable Starling and finch flocks making it a spectacular end to this year's bird walks. The full list is as follows:

Starling - a notable and noisy influx of these birds, many no doubt arrivals from the continent.

Greenfinch - a good showing of 10+ birds

Goldfinch - I reckon up to 30 birds in the park

Chaffinch - 7 or 8 birds of both sexes feeding in the canopy

Blackbird - a veritable flock of up to 10 birds, some of which showed the dark bills associated with migrants of central European origin. Brief bursts of song also heard - unusual at this time of year.

Mistle Thrush - 2 rather antagonistic birds gave good views

Blue Tit - several seen feeding high in the canopy

Great Tit - odd birds heard calling

Coal Tit - 1 heard calling near the toilets

Wren - 1 gave good views as it sat on a fence near the bowling green

Robin - 2 or 3 birds singing and showing well

House Sparrow - a small group keeping well hidden in the shrubbery between the bowling green and the pond

Carrion Crow - several seen and heard

Magpie - 3 or 4 birds

Jay - 1 flew over near the toilets

Woodpigeon - 5 or 6 birds

Collared Dove - seemed particularly common today, with 6+ birds seen and heard

Pied Wagtail - 2 or 3 birds flying over or running along the paths

Herring Gull - 1 drifted over the park

Lesser Black-backed Gull - a couple flew over near the pond

Back home in Monty, I saw this tiny bug outside the window - is it some sort of Thrip I wonder?

Still summer....

2011-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

A Buff-tailed Bumblebee was nectaring on Bramble flowers at the station at lunchtime. Also nearby were the 7 Starlings, several House Sparrows, 3 Goldfinches, a few Chaffinches and Greenfinches, a Grey Squirrel and groups of Woodpigeons flying south.

At St Andrews Park there was a Jay, a 'flock' of 5 Blackbirds together, a party of Long-tailed Tits, a Coal Tit plus several Blue and Great Tits

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Uneventful.....

2011-11-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been quiet at the station, with the Starlings now numbering 7 while at least 8 Greenfinches were among the finch flock. The mild weather and southerly winds mean that there is unlikely to be any major influx any time soon.

St Pauls Park

2011-11-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Extremely quiet here today - a couple of Great Tits, a Goldfinch, a Wren, a Woodpigeon, a Blackbird and a few Herring Gulls were the only birds of note.

A Pied Wagtail flew over Richmond Road this morning.

Flocks away!

2011-11-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

The finch flock at the station looked mighty impressive this morning - at least 30 birds involved, mainly Chaffinch and Greenfinch but at least 1 Goldfinch too. The 3 Starlings also flying around in the sunshine and the House Sparrows nearby - rather nice.

Narroways to St Andrews Park

2011-11-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

On an extended tour of duty today, I noted the usual Grey Wagtail at the brook in Ashley Vale and a Jay near the Lynmouth Road allotments. There were occasional Chaffinches and Greenfinches flying over and Great Tits called from the trees. A couple of Black-headed Gulls drifted over at the Eastville end of the site. Invertebrates included a Harlequin Ladybird and the Muscid fly Phaonia rufiventris.

At St Andrews Park there were both Coal and Long-tailed Tits, a Jay and several Goldfinches and Chaffinches.

A Red Admiral Day

2011-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Whilst I was away (sauntering along the Strawberry Line near Congresbury) today, Jim was watching 2 Red Admiral butterflies - one in the garden and the other on Narroways - and he took this fab photo. Also in his garden were Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Blue Tit and Great Tit.

Raven bonkers

2011-11-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

A Raven soaring over the station this morning was the only bird of note.

Grey day brings Grey Wagtail

2011-11-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

A Grey Wagtail landed on the roof of a house in St Andrews Road this morning and searched for invertebrates among the tiles.

At St Pauls Park it was very quiet apart from 2 fly-over Pied Wagtails, 2 Great Tits, a fly-over Chaffinch and Goldfinch, a Blackbird, a couple of Magpies and Herring Gulls and the odd Carrion Crow.

Darling Starlings

2011-11-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

No less than 3 Starlings at the station this morning - new arrivals - eat your heart out, Somerset Levels! Also more Greenfinches than yestrday (at least 5) along with about 10 Chaffinches and the usual House Sparrows. Wren and Dunnock heard.

Finch numbers climb....

2011-11-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

The change in the wind direction may have brought more Chaffinches to the station this morning, with over 10 birds evident among the trees and a fly-over Greenfinch also seen. Coal, Blue and Great Tits were feeding busily nearby.

St Andrews Park and beyond

2011-11-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

A nice collection of birds in St Andrews Park this morning, including a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, Blue and Great Tits, a few Chaffinches, 2 or 3 Goldfinches, 5 Blackbirds and a Jay.

At the station there was a Robin, half a dozen Long-tailed Tits and several House Sparrows. Invertebrates were still in evidence in the warm sunshine including a few Harlequin Ladybirds, Eristalis hoverflies, Honey Bees and Wasps.

Jays R Us

2011-11-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Two Jays around Sevier Street/Sussex Place this morning and a Coal Tit calling at the top of York Road were the only birds of note.

Destination St Pauls Park

2011-11-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

...on the way a few Long-tailed Tits at the bottom of Richmond Road. The park was quiet though - a Dunnock, some Great Tits and a Pied Wagtail the only notable birds.

It's quiet....too quiet.

2011-11-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Montpelier Park tried its best but only produced a few Chaffinches and Great Tits, while the station played host to a couple of Greenfinches, some Blackbirds and the usual gang of House Sparrows. A group of 5 Magpies chasing a Carrion Crow over the station was just about the most exciting thing - it can only get better!

Nice one, squirrel

2011-10-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

A walk around St Andrews Park produced several Grey Squirrels, one of which showed quite attractive reddish colouring around its head and ears - genetic variations in coat colour are common in this species. Also in the park were Long-tailed and Blue Tits and several Goldfinches.

At the station the ridiculously warm sunny weather brought out lots of Harlequin Ladybirds, many walking around on the foorbridge. Also Eristalis hoverflies and Honey Bees plus another Grey Squirrel.

Fox 0:1 Cat

2011-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

This morning at 6 o'clock I let the cat out and just as I opened the door, a Fox was passing by. It stopped and stared at Tom for about 20 seconds before continuing its journey, whereupon Tom ran after it!

A Grey Wagtail flew over Brigstocke Road this morning.

Blackbird invasion!

2011-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

....well, a bit of an influx at the station this morning plus the usual Chaffinches and House Sparrows. Otherwise all rather quiet despite cracking weather.

Winter thrushes?

2011-10-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

This morning from the station, distant groups of what appeared to be winter thrushes were flying south - they may have been Redwings. Joining them were parties of Starlings, Woodpigeons and finches. Nearer to hand, Greenfinches and Chaffinches were in evidence at the station along with several Blackbirds, a Robin, a gaggle of House Sparrows and a Dunnock.

Ravens ahoy

2011-10-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

This morning there were 2 Ravens on the TV Mast being mobbed mercilessly by Magpies and Carrion Crows. A couple of groups of Starlings, Chaffinches and Greenfinches passed overhead.

Late news from the weekend - a Badger seen briefly at the usual spot on Saturday evening and a Jay at the railway path on Sunday along with several adult Harlequin Ladybirds, a Green Shieldbug and lots of Eristalis hoverflies.