Offshore (1 Viewer)

[Offman]

Couple more of the Collard Dove, 2 House Martins came for a visit as the light was fading yesterday

 

[Offman]

2nd Woodchat Shrike, at range, the suns splitting the sky out here with a light WNW wind.

 

[Offman]

Not much to report, a single Barn Swallow, flew by, I saw other birds on the CCTV, they stop for a look and press on, flat calm and sunny here

 

[Offman]

Walked down to the main deck, one of my 'trained' deck hands presented me with this. Despite the closed eyes, it flew off strongly.
Trying to decide if its a Pallid Swift due to contrasting underwing and pale edges to main body feathers, thoughts?

 

[dwatsonbirder]

A fantastic and unique opportunity to see one of the great aerial species at close quarters! I don't get a Pallid "feel" from this, and the difference in the length of the two outer tail feathers would suggest Common over Pallid too, but I've limited recent experience with spring Pallid swift - someone else may correct me.
Looks like you're having a great assignment there @Offman !

 

[jogresh]

Yes Common I think.

 

[Offman]

Morning All, we have had a fall, hundreds of birds, working up my list......

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Fantastic! A bit of a cheeky request (and I appreciate it may not be possible) but is there any chance of uploading a short clip from one of the cameras showing the action?

 

[Offman]

So, as expected, when daylight came the majority left, no video, so, Squacco Heron, Icterine ?, Bunting?, Little Bittern, Icterine?, 3 groups, Slender-billed Gull?
Also had a Hoopoe. Still odd birds around, but sadly work comes first......
The Little Bitterns impression of a stanchion is very impressive.

 

[Offman]

Only casualty so far, Icterine Warbler I reckon

 

[Offman]

Another Little Bittern on board, along with Turtle Dove, also seen Snipe(sp) House Martin and Barn Swallow. Still windy 35Knts, Northerly, as well as rain, thunder and lightening.

 

[Offman]

With intense squalls coming past, thunder, lightning, very heavy rain, my day just picked up, flock of 12 or so
European Bee-eater

 

[Offman]

4 have been picked up from the deck, completely waterlogged, currently in a box in a dark and warm place place till the weather clears

 

[Offman]

Now 5 in the box, in the meantime...

 

[Offman]

So I´m going to say Common Buzzard, thoughts ?

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

So I´m going to say Common Buzzard, thoughts ?

Honey Buzzard

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Honey Buzzard

Indeed, incredible photos too!

 

[Offman]

What a difference, here's a male and a female.

 

[Offman]

Three Turtle Doves, 2 showing white in tail, along with a ´feldegg´ female

 

[Offman]

So here's this evenings batch, that's me gently encouraging some sugar water into the last Bee-eater, its refusing to fly, any hints or tips would be gratefully received, remember no shops out here. The Warbler I reckon is a Garden, due to no distinguishing features, Turtle Dove and House Martin.