Leighton Moss Weekend - 28/29th June

DATE: Sat 28th -29th June 2014
WEATHER: Warm and Sunny

Our 23rd Wedding Anniversary and we spent a fantastic weekend in Silverdale. We stayed at the Silverdale Hotel, recently under new management, hopefully they will find their feet soon. The Hotel itself was OK, it was clean, food was great although way too much on your plate.

We spent two days at Leighton Moss and only saw a fraction of the site, day one we made the 50 meter journey to the Feeding station and the Lilian hide after a relaxing stay it was time to go for out late dinner.

Sunday we nipped down to the Shore and sat in bright sunshine for a while looking across the bay, Lesser Black Backed Gulls and Black Headed Gulls having a few tiffs, Oystercatchers keeping themselves to themselves.

Then back to Leighton Moss and this time we ventured further afield to to the hides further round, first the Tim Jackson Hide and then Grisedale Hide about 1.5Km from the visitors centre.

Amongst the birds at the Grisedale Hide magnificent Red Deer, very nice to see.

Day 1 - Bird List

Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit*, Pheasant, Magpie, Mallards, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin (adult and Juveniles)

Coot, Moorhen, Canada Geese, Gadwall, Heron

Highlight of the day was the Marsh Harriers - Male/Female and young hunting.


Day 2 - Bird List

As Above plus, Pochard (watching the female teaching very buoyant chicks to dive, very funny them bobbing straight back up),Little Egret, Greylag Geese, Shoveler, Moorhen with chicks that were that small they looked like they had just hatched, never seen anything so tiny on the water, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Marsh Harrier again, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Coot with very very young chicks, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat.

Heard and  could never find Gold Crest.

Photo's to follow (Slight technical issues)

Chorlton Water Park with RSPB

RSPB Event at Chorlton WP. Different events set up for the families camping out for the Big Sleepout. Great Day had by the local Stockport group and everyone else I think.

3 Kingfisher
Kestrel
Reed Bunting
Heron
Great Crested Grebe
Blackbird
Jackdaw
Crow
Magpie
Canada Geese
Mallard

Blackcap (heard)
Chiffchaff (heard)

MCR Peregrines - 17th June

They are changing very quickly, looks like all their downy feathers are gone

The one out of the box is eating something....

Related: Webcam

Drawings and Watercolours

My attempt to record sightings with drawings and water colours. 

I'm quite happy better than I thought and it looks like a Kestrel so that's good.

This is one of a Heron on the Mersey;

 

Reed Bunting singing in the Hogweed.

MCR Peregrines - 13/6/2014

Looks like they were posing for this...

MCR Peregrines - 11th June 13:05

Check these out now - They have almost lost their downy feathers and looking more like a bird of prey.

Related:
Wikipage
Live Webcam

Stretford Meadows - Sun 9th June

Time 5.15pm
Weather: Cloudy with light showers, 12C

Very Quiet on the meadows today however,

6 Great Tits
3 Goldfinch
2 Blackbird (M)
2 Swifts
1 Kestrel

It was nice to see the Kestrel hunting, I haven't seen it for a while.

Also a Speckled Wood Butterfly, Poplar Rd end of the meadows;

This bird is a brand new species discovered by zoologists at Trinity College

RESEARCHERS FROM DUBLIN’S Trinity College have discovered a new species of bird on a chain of islands off Indonesia.
The group of zoologists made the discovery of the previously unrecognised bird, which they are proposing be called the Wakatobi flowerpecker, after the group of islands it was found on.

Image: Trinity College

Read more.....here

Stretford Meadows 3rd June

6-7.15pm
Light Cloud, 12C

17+ Swift
1 Swallow
5 Goldfinch
2 Whitethroat
2 Male Blackbird
1 Female Blackbird
Magpies and Woodpigeons

Bird-brained: Man attempts to smuggle dozens of BIRDS in his TROUSERS

Bird-brained: Man attempts to smuggle dozens of BIRDS in his TROUSERS

The lengths some people will go to - Very very sad! Some of the birds were dead, have a read of the full article.

 Read more....here

MCR Peregrines 3/June/14

Chicks are beginning to get their adult feathers and today one of the chicks has decided to have a look around outside the nest box.

Checked back and the chick was back in the box and off that precarious ledge around 1.10pm

RELATED: Live Webcam

Mersey Vale Nature Park - Stockport

Mon 2nd June
7pm - 8.15pm
Raining
Habitat can be seen in the image below;

Started with very light rain that came down heavier as we ventured downstream on the Mersey. Not a brilliant night but I did see quite a few Sand Martin feeding which was excellent;

Robin, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Song Thrush, Canada Geese (4 Goslings), Mallards, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Swift and Sand Martin.

Approx 25+ Sand Martin using the bank for nesting holes. Above the eye line they looked jet black however once they came down and skimmed the water you could see how brown they actually were. You could clearly see that there was no white rump visible. The Wren was also popping in and out of the nest holes.

A silightly different walk today...

Sunday 1st June 2014 12.45pm - 4pm

Today Beth and I took Poppy out for a long walk, part of our healthy living plan :o). The weather was extremely hot so we took the opportunity to see some different things instead of birds.

A Victoria Sponge you say!!
A nice stop over at Cafe Ark (next to the Visitors Centre at SWP) was a welcomed stop, fresh water for the dog and some energy food for us (One of the best pieces of Victoria Sponge I have ever had), excellent homemade food and plenty of tables around for everyone, even on a day like today. I'll be taking Jackie to try it out soon - Cheese and onion pie has been recommended.

Anyway what did we see? Dragonflies, Butterflies, Moths and Plants, here are some favourites;

A Cinnabar Moth, the lavae feed on the poisonous Ragwort plant (below)

A Pyramidal Orchid, there seems to be quite a few over the meadows, apparently it is/was rare and was declared Orchid of the Year in 1990 to heighten awareness of this plant. The pyramidal orchid, Anacamptis pyramidalis, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Genus Anacamptis of the family Orchidaceae.

Finally some great butterflies, the Peacock being one of them.

Stretford Meadows 30th May

Time: 4.30pm - 5.45pm
Weather: Light Cloud, 13C No Rain

A quick visit proved productive;

Blackbird (Male) 4
Woodpigeon 7
Magpie 6
Goldfinch4
Reed Bunting 8
Blue Tit 3
Long Tailed Tit 5
Carion Crow 2
Chiffchaff 2
Whitethroat 1
Great Tit 2
Swift 4
Swallow 1

Heard the Pheasant and Woodpecker again.

Stretford Meadows 29th May 2014

TIME: 6.30pm -  7.30pm
WEATHER: Light Cloud, Temp 16C, No Rain

At Last! Finally caught up with the Common Pheasant, only one of them, I just saw its head rise above the grass for a second and then trained the bins on the spot for a few mins.

Also Skylark

Blackbird Male, 15 Carrion Crow, Goldfinch x2, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Reed Bunting

MCR Peregrine Chicks - 29/May 11.18am

Parent feeding the chicks what looks like a small mouse

Live webcam...here

Chris the Cuckoo

Chris the Cuckoo only stayed in Ghana for 48hrs (instead of the usual 3 weeks), Chris Packham missed him as he was in the Ivory Coast.

Last night we were told Chris the Cuckoo is in Suffolk so tonight lets see if Chris P can find him on Springwatch.

Stretford Meadows 28th May 2014

5.45-7pm

Took the Beagle for a ramble around the meadows, very quiet after the rain and very wet under foot, infact rather boggy in places. Still haven't seen the Kestrel for a while, I heard several pheasant but still not seen them however I did see a chiffchaff though.

Small flock of Goldfinch x5, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Chiffchaff, Swift x3,
Magpie, Crow, Woodpigeon, Black Headed Gull, Blackbird (pair).

The Great British Cull

Some of the UK’s most familiar and beloved birds are also being threatened by a health scare. Government advisors Natural England are proposing that private citizens be allowed to destroy robin and starling nests and remove their eggs if they are found to be a potential hazard under a General License  however we are already covered under a Private License and all this under the guise of health and safety.

Via the Guardian:

The number of nesting robins, starlings and pied wagtails prompting legitimate health and safety concerns in any year is very, very small, and we shall be responding to Natural England that it would be disproportionate to change the current licensing system, which should easily cope with genuine problems.
—Robin Wynde, RSPB

The group is also proposing that mallard (ducks) and greylag geese be subject to the same vigilante actions.
Is there more to this than just flimsy claims of  Health and Safety, see what you think, I know what I think!!

The Guardian article.....here

Stop Natural England from giving people the right to kill robins and destroy their nests and eggs - Sign the petition......here

Why would would the Tories want to allow the destruction of robins, starlings, wagtails and other such beautiful birds? See the related alternative viewpoints

RELATED:
Here’s the real reason the Tories are allowing the destruction of robin eggs and nests
Call for killing of birds deemed health hazard splits conservationists

Bird invaders 'moving in' to UK's nature reserves

Nature reserves and other areas specially protected for wildlife, as well as being vital for native species, are very important for helping European birds to expand their ranges into Britain naturally.  The catch is that protected areas are also at increasing risk of invasion by species that have been introduced from further afield.

Read more....here

Stretford Meadows 26th May 2014

7pm

A close encounter of a fox on the meadows - Poplar Rd end.

BTO Survey - Wilmslow Sat 26th May 2014

Venue: 1sq Km around the Village Inn (former Moat Hs) on the A538.
Time 06.30am - 11.30am

A great day with Peter, thanks a lot.
Some highlights especially seen birds;

Robin, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Wren, Blackcap, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Buzzard (adult), Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit and instead of hearing Chiffchaff we saw 3, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Swallow, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Dunnock.

Chiffchaff

Many were heard as well as seen however of note were 2/3 Goldcrest hiding in the trees that were covered with dense ivy.

Mammals: Grey Squirrel

Butterflies and Dragonflies noted but not counted on this survey;

Peacock Butterfly
4 Spotted Chaser Dragonfly
Small White Butterfly
Blue Veined Butterfly
Speckeled Wood

Tortoiseshell Butterfly

 

Banded Damoiselle

Great Day out learning bird calls and plenty of MUD!!!!!

BTO Cuckoo Tracking - Chris the Cuckoo

TV Presenter & BTO President, Chris Packham, and BTO Scientist, Dr Chris Hewson, travelled to the breeding and wintering grounds of Chris the Cuckoo to see if they could locate him. Watch BBC Springwatch on Monday 26 May to Thursday 29 May 2014 to follow their story of tracking Chris the Cuckoo.

Stretford Meadows 22/May/2014

6-7.30pm

1 Goldfinch
1 Reed Bunting
2 Whitethroat
2 Swallow
4 Swift
2 Long Tailed Tit
2 Great Tit
1 Greenfinch
1 Chiffchaff
3 Male Blackbirds
2 House Sparrow

Magpies, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow
Lesser Black Backed Gull flew over

MCR Peregrine Chicks 22nd May 2014

Live web cam - http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/150761-manchester-peregrines-

The invisible killer threatening millions of migrating birds

Every year, hundreds of millions of birds are killed or injured when they fly into windows. Volunteers who document the collisions are now calling for architects and landlords to make their buildings more bird friendly to reduce the number of deaths.

read more and watch the videos.....here

This doesn't just happen in the US, this report highlights issues across the globe where ever there are buildings.

RELATED: RSPB Birds and Windows

Above the garden today

5 Swifts catching insects and chattering

Stretford Meadows Monday 19th May 2014

Out for a good long walk last night but bird wise it was very quiet both in sightings and bird song.

Blackbirds (M+F), 1 Swallow, 3 Swift, 3 Mallards, 2 Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeons, Magpies along with 1 Reed Bunting and a Skylark. I have not heard the woodpecker again (Elm drive area) nor have I seen the Kestrel in its usual position over the last few days

.

Stretford Meadows 16th May 2014

A nice walk with Poppy the beagle, she met some nice friends - 2 beagle blokes and a little black thing.

As for birds;

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard but could not be found, neither can the Chiffchaffs.
Spotted - Reed Buntings, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Blackbirds, Greenfinch and 2 Linnet.

Linnet

Reed Bunting

Stretford Meadows and Broad Ees Dole - 14th May 2014

A good evening walk, started about 6.30pm and returned home about 9pm

Full Moon over the Mersey Valley

Stretford Meadows

Greenfinch

Great Tit

Reed Warbler (RSPB)

Blackbirds Male and Females together 2pairs, Blackbirds Male 5 (seems to be a lot about all singing from various perches), Robin 1, Woodpigeon 4, Great Tit 1, Magpie 7, Swallow 3, Greenfinch 3, Reed Bunting 4, Swift 2, Reed Warbler 1, Skylark 1, Chiffchaff heard but not seen, Kestrel 1

Reed Bunting (Male RSPB)

Kestrel hovering

Swallow

In and around Broad Ees Dole

Coot nesting, Canada Geese and goslings

Blackcap 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Blackbird 2, Chiffchaff 1, Swift 4, Mallard 3, Swallow 2, Song Thrush 1, Coot (nesting) 1pair, Moorhen 2, Little Grebe (nesting), Lapwing 2, Black Headed Gull 2, Robin 1, 11 Canada Geese with 7 young, Grey Heron 2, Gold Finch 1.

Song Thrush

Grey Heron

China: Airfield uses monkeys to prevent bird strikes

A military airbase in China is now using monkeys to reduce the risk of birds striking aircraft, it is claimed.

The airfield - at an undisclosed location in the country's north - lies in one of the world's major fly paths for migrating birds, says state-run China Daily. Every March, birds descend on the area and hundreds of nests can appear on a single tree overnight, Taiwan-based newspaper Want China Times reports, creating significant risks for aircraft.

read more.....here

Carrington Moss Field Number Map

Very useful,

Big Sea Watch - Hilbre Island

Saturday 26th July     
The Big Sea Watch:
Join the Coastal Rangers, staff from the RSPB and Hilbre Bird Observatory for a day on Hilbre looking for seabirds, wading birds and cetaceans that inhabit our wonderful coast.  We will be staying on Hilbre during high tide giving us the best chance to see them.
Places are limited with a suggested donation of £5:00 for this event. 
For more information and to book your place please ring Wirral Country Park on (0151) 648 4371

Last year was a great day, don't forget the sunblock....

Birdfair 2014 - Dates / Info

Friday 15th - Sunday 17th August 2014, Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Egleton, Rutland, LE15 8BT

read more....here

New Tripod - Purchased today

 

Comes with HEAD/Q-Shoe

PH-157Q / QB-157

Max Height: 167.5cm

Max Leg Height: 137.5cm

Leg Max Spread: 59cm

Folded Size: 62cm

Tripod Weight: 1.95kg

Maximum Loading Weight: 5kg

Recommended Loading Weight: 4kg

Leg Width: 26mm

Leg Sections: 3

QR Plate: QB-157 DIN

Non-detachable centre column

Hide clamp next...then a scopack :o)

Further reading....here

Arrived today 14/May, looks a sturdy tripod, better than the last one, at least I'm not scared of the scope bending the plastic head as on my last one. 

MMM: Malta on the political agenda . . .

The House of Commons debated the “UK policy on protection of migratory birds in Malta” on Wednesday 7 May 2014.

Read more on Chris Packham's site....here

World Migratory Bird Day 2014

Celebrating migratory birds...


Read more.... here

Stretford Meadows: 6th May 2014

Sandy Lane entrance and circular route (right to left)

5.30pm - 7.30pm

A great evening walk producing;

 Long Tailed Tit (RSPB)

 Skylarks (RSPB)

Blackbirds (Male and Female) 1 Other Males 4
Swift 5 (hunting insects over the meadows)
Magpie 7
Carrion Crow 2
Wood Pigeon 7
Long Tailed Tit 4 (could hear more behind these 4)
Chiffchaff (heard several but couldn't eyeball them)
House Martin 2 (hunting insects over the meadows)
Mallard (Male and Female) flying over, also one mallard on the ground
Canada Geese 2 flying over
Goldfinch 3
Kestrel 1
Blackcap 1
Great Tit 1
Song Thrush 1
Whitethroat 2
Skylark 2
Robin 1

Getting back on track...

I started to survey Stretford Meadows and then as usual family life and work took over. well now lets get back to it and over a few months try and get a picture of the birds in the area.

Looking at the MCR Bird Forum - Stretford Tip entry recently had the following;

4 chiffchaffs
2 skylarks
1 blackcap
2 greenfinches
1 kestrel
4 reed buntings
5 whitethroats
3 pheasants
4 linnets
2 long tailed tits
2 wheatears

so quite a few to look out for.

RSPB ID Trip - Pennington Flash Wigan.

Thanks again to Jane, Jean, Peter and friends for a great day and some very good birding.

DATE: 3 May 2014
TIME: 9.30am to 4pm

Driving down the lane to the carpark we were greeted by a Blackbird and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Main Lake by car park

Canada Geese
Graylag Goose
Tufted Duck (M+F)
Mute Swan
Great Crested Grebe
Swifts towards the yachting club

Bunting Hide


Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Stock Dove, Moorhen, Dunnock, Great Tit, Mallard

Bullfinch*

Chaffinch

Jay*

Robin*

Dunnock

Greenfinch

Walking to the Teal hide we went via the golf course following the path and what a great decision that was....

Song Thrush, Whitethroat*, Willow Warbler*, Blackcap*, Wren, Kingfisher

Song Thrush*
Know your Song and Mistle Thrush

 Whitethroat

Blackcap

Willow Warbler

Teal Hide

Pied Wagtail, Pochard*, Cormorant - eating or trying to eat a vary large fish which was very entertaining. Coot nesting, Grey Heron, Lapwing

 Pochard

Lunchtime

After lunch we went to the Edmundson Hide usually a great place to see kingfisher unfortunately today we were not lucky so only a fleeting glance as it flew over.

Mallard, Moorhen, Grey Heron

At the screen opposite the hide a great veiw of a Reed Warbler* thanks Nick.

Moving on for a walk around the wooded areas, the lake and the Ramsdale hide at the back of the spit.

Chiifchaff, Blackheaded Gull, Starling, Wren, Common Tern, Buzzard, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper*, Oystercatcher, Great Crested Grebes, Black Headed Gulls.

A great day and some great views of the Whitethroat and Warblers.

Some photo's by me* and some from stock photos.