Dorset Bird Fair - October 2013

Had a nice trip down to Durlston Country Park for the Dorset Bird Fair back in October. The weather was amazing, nice sunny day which although nice for us was not too great for the migration we were there to witness as the skies were windless.

 

I arrived too late on day one as we were staying with friends so a nice meal and fair few drinks the night before to catch up. Anyway, I missed the emptying of the moth traps which I was gutted about as I've started to get interested in moths (and other insects) recently. There we're some great moths about though, there were about 10 Convolvulus Hawk Moths - I had NO idea that moths in the UK could get anywhere near that big, they were huge!!

 



Convolvulus Hawk Moth

 

There were some great lectures, field trips and demonstrations and will certainly be going again next year. It's unbelievable how much some people know about birds and nature, I learnt quite a bit about bird flight calls and patterns which I never thought I would learn myself, basically if I didn't get a good view then I'd write it off.

 

I didn't manage to get too many photos as I spent the time listening to the field trip leaders and attending the presentations but I got a few to add to the blog.

 

Chiffchaff

 Jackdaw

 

 Whinchat

 

 Meadow Pipit

 



Stonechat (Yes it's the same photo)

 

Saw my first Clouded Yellows too, not the greatest shot as they would not sit still for two seconds.

Clouded Yellow

 

Was nice to see some birds associated with the coast due to me living practically bang-on in the middle of the country. I saw Shag, Rock Pipit, Brent Geese, Gannet, Greater Black-backed Gulls, Stonechats and Whinchats. The more experienced guys had Yellow-browed Warbler and an overflying Richard's Pipit!

 

I look forward to attending again next year when I'll make sure I plan it better so I can be there for the opening of the moth traps and for the early morning bird ringing sessions.