A quick notebook entry. Parking the car for work when an adult Mediterranean Gull flew low east over The Willows in Weybridge at 08:52 - probably the same adult seen at Walton Bridge over the last few days and possibly one of the two birds I found at Cowey Sale back in February returning? Nice end to the year!
31 December 2014
21 December 2014
Review: Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter torch
With an advertised beam range of 350 m, a white CREE LED light and a good run time on high beam, the Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter torch looks ideal for night-birding. I could find no information on the luminous flux of the ML8, but being around half the price of many other LED torches on the market with a similar specification I decided to try it out and see how it compared to the LED Lenser M7R reviewed back in March?
The build quality of the ML8 is just as good - constructed from aircraft grade aluminium with a black anodised finish, and sealed against the elements with rubber "O" rings. The torch is compact, at 160 mm in length and with a maximum diameter of 55 mm, and easily fits into a pocket, and at just 236 g is also light. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the two modes (high or low beam) are controlled by a single large button on the end of the barrel that also functions as the power switch.
The ML8 comes supplied with a lithium-ion battery, a mains charger, a vehicle charger and wrist strap. A filter set (including red, amber and yellow filters) are also available - useful for some wildlife observation. For recharging, the battery must be removed from the torch by unscrewing the tail cap, and charging takes about four hours from empty. Surprisingly, there is no charge indicator light on the charger (the red light is displayed simply when the battery is inserted), but charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged.
Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter key technical details
For more technical details see the Cluson website.
On delivery I found the packaging stated a beam range of 250 m - 100 m less than advertised on the Cluson website. Cluson claim the maximum beam range is actually 350 m and that the 250 m beam range relates to maximum shooting distance achievable with ML8 when used with a rifle scope (although they are changing the packing to state a 300 m beam range for shooting). In the field, I estimated the maximum usable range to be around 200-250 m - comparable to the LED Lenser MR7 and was a little disappointed.
The single CREE LED produced a bright and fairly neutral white light, with very little of the blue hue traditionally associated with older LED torches. The beam range is similar to the LED Lenser MR7, however, the focus is fixed as a spot light, and although much more homogeneous than the light produced by a Maglite, the beam is not as uniform as the LED Lenser MR7 with some slightly darker circles noticeable. The light weight and compact size made it easy to use for long periods, and even allowed use of binoculars while scanning.
To conclude, the Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter is a good torch for looking for birds, mammals, insects and other animals at night. A beam range between 300-400 m as well as the ability to focus from spot to flood would make this an excellent torch, but at £66 it is very good value for money for the specification and so highly recommended.
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| Clockwise from top: the Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter; mains charger; vehicle charger |
The build quality of the ML8 is just as good - constructed from aircraft grade aluminium with a black anodised finish, and sealed against the elements with rubber "O" rings. The torch is compact, at 160 mm in length and with a maximum diameter of 55 mm, and easily fits into a pocket, and at just 236 g is also light. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the two modes (high or low beam) are controlled by a single large button on the end of the barrel that also functions as the power switch.
The ML8 comes supplied with a lithium-ion battery, a mains charger, a vehicle charger and wrist strap. A filter set (including red, amber and yellow filters) are also available - useful for some wildlife observation. For recharging, the battery must be removed from the torch by unscrewing the tail cap, and charging takes about four hours from empty. Surprisingly, there is no charge indicator light on the charger (the red light is displayed simply when the battery is inserted), but charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged.
Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter key technical details
| Lumens | Unknown |
| Run time | 3.5 hrs high beam/20 hrs low beam |
| Beam range | 250 m |
| Focus | Fixed spot |
| Weight | 236 g |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Body material | Aluminium |
For more technical details see the Cluson website.
On delivery I found the packaging stated a beam range of 250 m - 100 m less than advertised on the Cluson website. Cluson claim the maximum beam range is actually 350 m and that the 250 m beam range relates to maximum shooting distance achievable with ML8 when used with a rifle scope (although they are changing the packing to state a 300 m beam range for shooting). In the field, I estimated the maximum usable range to be around 200-250 m - comparable to the LED Lenser MR7 and was a little disappointed.
The single CREE LED produced a bright and fairly neutral white light, with very little of the blue hue traditionally associated with older LED torches. The beam range is similar to the LED Lenser MR7, however, the focus is fixed as a spot light, and although much more homogeneous than the light produced by a Maglite, the beam is not as uniform as the LED Lenser MR7 with some slightly darker circles noticeable. The light weight and compact size made it easy to use for long periods, and even allowed use of binoculars while scanning.
To conclude, the Cluson ML8 Pro Spotter is a good torch for looking for birds, mammals, insects and other animals at night. A beam range between 300-400 m as well as the ability to focus from spot to flood would make this an excellent torch, but at £66 it is very good value for money for the specification and so highly recommended.
12 December 2014
Woodcock back on the patch: 12 December
Met up with fellow patcher Keith Kerr for a few hours this evening to look for wintering Eurasian Woodcock. After searching for about an hour we found a very obliging bird by the Iris Channels in the NW corner of Staines Moor that showed extremely well. A look around the NE corner found at least another 2 birds running around the anthills.
Also noted on Staines Moor were a roosting Redwing in a tiny clump of sedge, a roosting Meadow Pipit in one of the Iris Channels, a Common Snipe (H) and 1 Red Fox. No sign of the Tawny Owl heard by Rob Innes on 29 November along Bonehead Ditch. On Stanwell Moor a couple of male Winter Moth Operophtera brumata were noted along the Colne Valley Way along with 9 other moths possible this species or Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata.
Also noted on Staines Moor were a roosting Redwing in a tiny clump of sedge, a roosting Meadow Pipit in one of the Iris Channels, a Common Snipe (H) and 1 Red Fox. No sign of the Tawny Owl heard by Rob Innes on 29 November along Bonehead Ditch. On Stanwell Moor a couple of male Winter Moth Operophtera brumata were noted along the Colne Valley Way along with 9 other moths possible this species or Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata.
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| One of three Eurasian Woodcock seen this evening at Staines Moor |
7 December 2014
Mining for moths: 6th - 7th December
Spent the last week visiting friends Kevin and Donna Cox at their place on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon - part holiday and part helping out planting a yew hedge in their newly built walled garden - part of much larger wildlife garden (or rather, grounds).
Yesterday and this morning, we explored one of the old copper mines on the Brook Estate looking for cave-dwelling animals. Copper was mined here from 1845 to 1885 and the main shaft at this particular mine, Pixton’s Shaft, drops vertically to an incredible 305 m! We looked at a short (c15 m) horizontal adit in the woods here.
Found quite a few Herald moths (counted 23 yesterday) as well as lots (c40 yesterday) of European Cave Spiders Meta menardi, including one guarding an egg cocoon suspended from the mine ceiling.
The only other noteworthy sighting from the week is a superb adult Goshawk low over the garden at Brook Manor being mobbed by 2 Common Raven on 3rd December.
Yesterday and this morning, we explored one of the old copper mines on the Brook Estate looking for cave-dwelling animals. Copper was mined here from 1845 to 1885 and the main shaft at this particular mine, Pixton’s Shaft, drops vertically to an incredible 305 m! We looked at a short (c15 m) horizontal adit in the woods here.
Found quite a few Herald moths (counted 23 yesterday) as well as lots (c40 yesterday) of European Cave Spiders Meta menardi, including one guarding an egg cocoon suspended from the mine ceiling.
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| Two of the 23 Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix moths found hibernating in the mine, 6 December |
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| Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix, 7 December |
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| Spot the Heralds, 6 December |
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| European Cave Spider Meta menardi, 6 December |
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| Egg cocoon of European Cave Spider Meta menardi, 7 December |
The only other noteworthy sighting from the week is a superb adult Goshawk low over the garden at Brook Manor being mobbed by 2 Common Raven on 3rd December.
30 November 2014
Pond clearance at Staines Moor: 30 November
Rachel and I spent a few hours today volunteering with Spelthorne Natural History Society and Egham and Staines Conservation Volunteers, clearing bulrush and other spreading plants from Butts Pond and nearby pools. Butts Pond supports a nationally scarce diving beetle, as well as other aquatic invertebrates and amphibians, therefore it is important to keep the ponds open.
During the work a Cetti's Warbler remained hidden around Butts Pond calling occasionally and a Linnet flew over south. A quick look around Staines Moor early afternoon produced 8 Stonechat, 40+ Fieldfare at the north end, a few Redwing, 1 Common Buzzard, 2+ Common Kestrel, and a Pied Wagtail. No sign of any Water Pipits in a brief search and we didn't try for the Dartford Warbler.
It was great to get my hands dirty helping to manage the habitat on Staines Moor, as well as meet Nick Orson, Peter Routley, Adrian Griffee and Shaun Ferguson. Will definitely be getting more involved with the habitat management on the Moor in the future.
During the work a Cetti's Warbler remained hidden around Butts Pond calling occasionally and a Linnet flew over south. A quick look around Staines Moor early afternoon produced 8 Stonechat, 40+ Fieldfare at the north end, a few Redwing, 1 Common Buzzard, 2+ Common Kestrel, and a Pied Wagtail. No sign of any Water Pipits in a brief search and we didn't try for the Dartford Warbler.
It was great to get my hands dirty helping to manage the habitat on Staines Moor, as well as meet Nick Orson, Peter Routley, Adrian Griffee and Shaun Ferguson. Will definitely be getting more involved with the habitat management on the Moor in the future.
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| Removing bulrush from one of the ponds on Staines Moor today (Photo by Shaun Ferguson) |
28 November 2014
The patch: 28 November
A good early winter's day at the patch. After the recent rain the water table and the Colne are both very high and it's good to see the vernal pools so full. On Staines Moor, at least 6 (probably 8 and possibly 11) Water Pipits were noted, with 6 around the swamp and 2+ along the banks of the Colne. Also around the swamp, the female Dartford Warbler was still present and following a female Stonechat, and 8+ Pied Wagtail, and 9 Common Snipe.
Also logged on Staines Moor: 14 Stonechat (7m, 7f), 70+ Fieldfare, a few Redwing, 2+ Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1+ Grey Wagtail, 26 Stock Dove (including a flock 23 along Bonehead Ditch in the evening), 1m Reed Bunting, 4 Skylark, 13+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Common Buzzard (1 ad. and the pale 1st yr), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker high S, 2 Egyptian Goose over (NW then back E), 3+ Common Kestrel, just 13 Goldfinch, 1m Common Pheasant, and 1 Red Fox.
Stanwell Moor added 1H Cetti's Warbler, 4 Common Teal, 1 Fieldfare and 16 Redwing.
Also logged on Staines Moor: 14 Stonechat (7m, 7f), 70+ Fieldfare, a few Redwing, 2+ Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1+ Grey Wagtail, 26 Stock Dove (including a flock 23 along Bonehead Ditch in the evening), 1m Reed Bunting, 4 Skylark, 13+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Common Buzzard (1 ad. and the pale 1st yr), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker high S, 2 Egyptian Goose over (NW then back E), 3+ Common Kestrel, just 13 Goldfinch, 1m Common Pheasant, and 1 Red Fox.
Stanwell Moor added 1H Cetti's Warbler, 4 Common Teal, 1 Fieldfare and 16 Redwing.
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| "I wish that darn Dartford Warbler would stop stalking me!" |
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| 23 of 26 Stock Dove seen today - the largest single flock at the patch for a long time |
15 November 2014
Dartford Warbler at Staines Moor: 15 November
A really good late autumn day at the patch. The highlight was a female Dartford Warbler following 2 male and 2 female Stonechats around in the south-east corner of Staines Moor, and showing well on occasion. This is the sixth record for Staines Moor - the first was an immature from 14-19 October 2002 and the last was 1 present from 9-12 October and on 18 October 2009. Interestingly, three of the five previous records have involved birds associating with Stonechats, a curious relationship between the two species, and well documented here.
A large influx of winter thrushes was evident today, including 109+ Fieldfare (with at least 100 stripping the hawthorn berries in the NW corner), 48 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 9(2H) Blackbird.
Also noted on Staines Moor: 13 Stonechat still (6m, 7f), 3-4 Water Pipit (including 2 around the iris channels), 1H Cetti's Warbler along Bonehead Ditch near the south end (unusual here), 2(1H) Common Chiffchaff, 119 Goldfinch (including 84 along Bonehead Ditch), 1 Grey Wagtail (Colne), 1 Little Egret, the 1st yr pale Common Buzzard again (a locally bred bird?), 2 Little Grebe, 3 Stock Dove, 2+ Kestrel, 17+ Meadow Pipit, 7 Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Teal, 1m Common Pheasant and a Red Fox. Overhead, 2 alba wagtail flew south.
Stanwell Moor added a female Eurasian Sparrowhawk with Red-legged Partridge kill, 2 Red-legged Partridge, another Common Buzzard, 1 Common Kestrel, 9 Common Teal, 11 Northern Shoveler, 4 Common Pheasant, and 1H Water Rail.
A large influx of winter thrushes was evident today, including 109+ Fieldfare (with at least 100 stripping the hawthorn berries in the NW corner), 48 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 9(2H) Blackbird.
Also noted on Staines Moor: 13 Stonechat still (6m, 7f), 3-4 Water Pipit (including 2 around the iris channels), 1H Cetti's Warbler along Bonehead Ditch near the south end (unusual here), 2(1H) Common Chiffchaff, 119 Goldfinch (including 84 along Bonehead Ditch), 1 Grey Wagtail (Colne), 1 Little Egret, the 1st yr pale Common Buzzard again (a locally bred bird?), 2 Little Grebe, 3 Stock Dove, 2+ Kestrel, 17+ Meadow Pipit, 7 Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Teal, 1m Common Pheasant and a Red Fox. Overhead, 2 alba wagtail flew south.
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| Female Dartford Warbler today - the sixth record for Staines Moor |
Stanwell Moor added a female Eurasian Sparrowhawk with Red-legged Partridge kill, 2 Red-legged Partridge, another Common Buzzard, 1 Common Kestrel, 9 Common Teal, 11 Northern Shoveler, 4 Common Pheasant, and 1H Water Rail.
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