They're back. Golden Plover all over Marshside one at lunchtime, at last.
Went to Ainsdale at 3 for the high tide. Although only a 7.5m I thought I might find the wader roost to tick Grey Plover, but I couldn't find any waders !!
I went to the top of a dune at the Ecocentre and did a bit of sea watching.
Counted 11 Great Crested Grebes and 1 Common Scoter, which seemed strange, I've always seen them in small flocks before, but it couldn't have been anything else.
Also strange was a Mute Swan on the tide line !! with a small gull roost, it looked very out of place.
Then I stopped at Marshside to scan for Short Eared Owl from Mount Baker.
What I think was a Buzzard was 'parked up' on a log a fair way off. I picked up 2 Peregrine, one a pristine male, and a Kestrel on the logs, but no Owls.
I think I try Low Meadows as Graham facebooked to say he'd had 2 there on Sunday.
Monday 30 January 2012
Saturday 28 January 2012
Once Bittern
I convinced Jean that it would be a good day out to go and look for the otters at Leighton Moss after the routine Saturday shopping. So we packed a picnic and arrived about noon. Having devoured the picnic in the carpark we set off to Lilian's hide via the feeders which had the usual full set of Tits, Bull, Chaff, Gold and Green Finches.
Smew had been promised at Lilian's along with Green Winged Teal, but true to form, neither appeared after we'd arrived !!
So we decided to look for otters along the causeway. We'd been in Public hide about 10 minutes ticking off the usual ducks, when a Bittern flew across in front of us and landed beside the hide giving us brilliant, if brief, views of a fantastic bird.
Five otters had been present during the morning, but the closest we got a spraint pointed out to us by a warden on one of the bridges.
Lower hide gave us another Bittern flyby, but, from the direction it came, I suspect it was the same bird we'd seen at Public earlier.
Too many people in the hides, too much noise and bustle for us today.
41 species ticked in 2 hours without trying too hard.
Smew had been promised at Lilian's along with Green Winged Teal, but true to form, neither appeared after we'd arrived !!
So we decided to look for otters along the causeway. We'd been in Public hide about 10 minutes ticking off the usual ducks, when a Bittern flew across in front of us and landed beside the hide giving us brilliant, if brief, views of a fantastic bird.
Five otters had been present during the morning, but the closest we got a spraint pointed out to us by a warden on one of the bridges.
Lower hide gave us another Bittern flyby, but, from the direction it came, I suspect it was the same bird we'd seen at Public earlier.
Too many people in the hides, too much noise and bustle for us today.
41 species ticked in 2 hours without trying too hard.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Twite right
Gotcha at last !!!
40+ Twite in flight at the end of Hesketh Road at lunchtime today, pushed off the strandline by the high tide.
By the time I'd parked and walked back, I couldn't relocate them on the ground, unfortunately.
Still, a ticks, a tick, and I've been looking for them since Christmas !!!
Short Eared Owls about now as well from the Sand Plant, I'll have a look tomorrow.
Year list stands on 111, best January on record, 105 last year, but I feel I've got alot more 'easy' birds in this year's list. Still to find Jay, Gold and Grey Plover which should be easy.
40+ Twite in flight at the end of Hesketh Road at lunchtime today, pushed off the strandline by the high tide.
By the time I'd parked and walked back, I couldn't relocate them on the ground, unfortunately.
Still, a ticks, a tick, and I've been looking for them since Christmas !!!
Short Eared Owls about now as well from the Sand Plant, I'll have a look tomorrow.
Year list stands on 111, best January on record, 105 last year, but I feel I've got alot more 'easy' birds in this year's list. Still to find Jay, Gold and Grey Plover which should be easy.
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Not bitten
Dropped into Mere Sands at dinnertime yesterday to look for the Bittern that had been reported a couple of days ago.
No Bittern for me after an hour staring at the reeds from Rufford hide, but plenty of Goosander, possibly upto about 20. All the usual Mere Sands species ticked, Great Crested Grebe, Bullfinch.....
Then onto Martin Mere for the Brambling, again dipped, but Willow Tit was showing well from Janet Kear hide.
Today I thought I'd look for Grey Plover on the high tide at Birkdale or Ainsdale, so I stopped at Weld Road at diinertime. The great JD was there looking at both Glaucoud Gulls together on the shrimper's track, one now obviously much whiter tha the other. Wilst I was talking to him he put me onto a Jack Snipe flying high over the green beach.
No waders on the beach here, perhaps a better chance at Ainsdale, but when I got there it was raining again, so I gave up for today, maybe try again tomorrow if the weather is better.
No Bittern for me after an hour staring at the reeds from Rufford hide, but plenty of Goosander, possibly upto about 20. All the usual Mere Sands species ticked, Great Crested Grebe, Bullfinch.....
Then onto Martin Mere for the Brambling, again dipped, but Willow Tit was showing well from Janet Kear hide.
Today I thought I'd look for Grey Plover on the high tide at Birkdale or Ainsdale, so I stopped at Weld Road at diinertime. The great JD was there looking at both Glaucoud Gulls together on the shrimper's track, one now obviously much whiter tha the other. Wilst I was talking to him he put me onto a Jack Snipe flying high over the green beach.
No waders on the beach here, perhaps a better chance at Ainsdale, but when I got there it was raining again, so I gave up for today, maybe try again tomorrow if the weather is better.
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Legs Eleven (or two)
Spent half an hour, at lunchtime today, staring at legs !!!
Over a thousand pink and just one orange pair !!!
Attached to a Bean Goose on Plex Moss.
That took some finding, but another year tick, along with a pair of Grey Partridge.
Stopping off at Weld Road to look for Twite, again,
there was the original Glaucous Gull sitting on the path next to a Herring Gull for comparison.
It's leg was better, but it still seemed a bit under the weather, although it looked to be feeding ok.
Definitely a different bird than the one I had at weekend, that one was much more active.
The comparison with the Herring Gull was nice, slightly bigger, but a lot more bulky and barrel chested.
Over a thousand pink and just one orange pair !!!
Attached to a Bean Goose on Plex Moss.
That took some finding, but another year tick, along with a pair of Grey Partridge.
Stopping off at Weld Road to look for Twite, again,
there was the original Glaucous Gull sitting on the path next to a Herring Gull for comparison.
Definitely a different bird than the one I had at weekend, that one was much more active.
The comparison with the Herring Gull was nice, slightly bigger, but a lot more bulky and barrel chested.
Monday 16 January 2012
Drive by
On the way in this morning there was a large flock of geese on the field next to Martin Mere. Probably had the beans with them, but I couldn't find a safe place to stop and they'd gone by lunch.
So I thought I'd have a look at Lock Lane, Sollom having seen a flock of fieldfare and redwing at Windmill Farm corner earlier. It looks like it could be a good site, but today I got more redwing feeding on ivy berries.
The first song thrush of the year was in the garden when I got home.
So I thought I'd have a look at Lock Lane, Sollom having seen a flock of fieldfare and redwing at Windmill Farm corner earlier. It looks like it could be a good site, but today I got more redwing feeding on ivy berries.
The first song thrush of the year was in the garden when I got home.
Saturday 14 January 2012
The Seagull At Last
Got it !!
The Glaucous Gull that's been at Weld Road for nearly a month now, I had it last year but needed it on this year's list.
I went for a walk with Jean on the beach at Weld Road as it was a lovely crisp sunny day, as we set off towards the boardwalk, I scanned the gull roost with binoculars as the tide was about an hour from high. There didn't seem anything big enough for a Glauc, until they all got spooked by a large white winged and tailed Gull. Yes, that's it, I went for my scope for a better look, but by the time I got back somebody had sent their dog out and all the gulls had moved south, so we decided to collect our dog and go to Mere Sands.
The car park was almost full, but first stop was Lancaster hide to see if the Water Rail was still showing.
I was the only person in, so it was nice and quiet, and I was careful as I approached the window. I had only just arrived when the Rail appeared on the tray.
Brilliant views, but the camera's in the car !!!
It was eventually chased off by a Moorhen, so we walked round the trail and had Nuthatch on the feed trays round the back. Took the camera for the Rail before we went home, it came back again, a bit dark for photos, but you can just make it out as it shoots back towards the reeds.
Too many people to stay too long today.
The Glaucous Gull that's been at Weld Road for nearly a month now, I had it last year but needed it on this year's list.
I went for a walk with Jean on the beach at Weld Road as it was a lovely crisp sunny day, as we set off towards the boardwalk, I scanned the gull roost with binoculars as the tide was about an hour from high. There didn't seem anything big enough for a Glauc, until they all got spooked by a large white winged and tailed Gull. Yes, that's it, I went for my scope for a better look, but by the time I got back somebody had sent their dog out and all the gulls had moved south, so we decided to collect our dog and go to Mere Sands.
The car park was almost full, but first stop was Lancaster hide to see if the Water Rail was still showing.
I was the only person in, so it was nice and quiet, and I was careful as I approached the window. I had only just arrived when the Rail appeared on the tray.
Brilliant views, but the camera's in the car !!!
Too many people to stay too long today.
Friday 13 January 2012
Leighton Moss in January
First stop was the field at the bottom of the road to Dalton Crags were the Glossy Ibis was contentedly feeding by the fence, brilliant views from the road.Then onto the pools where we got Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, although it was fairly quiet considering it was high tide. The usual duck types were present, but very little of any excitement, so we had our lunch and decided to head for the main reserve to look for Bittern and Otters !!!
First stop, the feeders, all the tits including Marsh Tit, but no Brambling or Nuthatch.
At Lilian's we missed a Bittern by 10 seconds !!! It had dropped into the reeds at the left of the hide and never reappeared, can't tick that !!! We were told of a Green Winged Teal at Grisedale hide, so we went for a look, where we were told it was showing at Lilian's !!!! Can't tick that either !!But we did watch Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard, all in the same binocular view, raptor fest !!!
Round to Public Hide for anything there, but nothing special added. We did pass a tree stump which was seeded for Marsh Tit by the path, brilliant idea, as they were coming regularly close enough to photograph.
Back to Lilian's for sunset, which was stunning, then the starling roost came in right next to the hide !!!
Best views I've had of that and so close.
Heysham Harbour
Picked up Frank for a day at Leighton Moss, but we decided to drop into Heysham as neither of us had been there before.
It was blowing a gale straight off the sea as we walked round past Red Nab to the outflows were we had Kittiwake and Little Gull showing well.
Then, on to the harbour itself looking for the Glaucous Gull that had been reported. We didn't see that but had Shag on the wooden jetty and plenty of Turnstone and Redshank on the rocks below.
As we walked back Frank picked up Purple Sandpiper with the Turnstones and I got Med Gull on the second outflow with Blacked Headed Gulls, white wings, tail and vivid red beak.
There were hundreds of waders being pushed in by the tide, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Turnstone, Sanderling and Dunlin.
A party of three Red Breasted Merganser took off from the sea, were we could see flocks of Wigeon patrolling near the rocks.
Back at Red Nab, we picked up a Merlin which took off, spooking the waders, we watched it fly out to sea, which was strange, but maybe it was checking out the jetties.
No pipits or Twite, which we'd hoped for, but certainly a site to revisit in the future.
It was blowing a gale straight off the sea as we walked round past Red Nab to the outflows were we had Kittiwake and Little Gull showing well.
Then, on to the harbour itself looking for the Glaucous Gull that had been reported. We didn't see that but had Shag on the wooden jetty and plenty of Turnstone and Redshank on the rocks below.
As we walked back Frank picked up Purple Sandpiper with the Turnstones and I got Med Gull on the second outflow with Blacked Headed Gulls, white wings, tail and vivid red beak.
There were hundreds of waders being pushed in by the tide, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Turnstone, Sanderling and Dunlin.
A party of three Red Breasted Merganser took off from the sea, were we could see flocks of Wigeon patrolling near the rocks.
Back at Red Nab, we picked up a Merlin which took off, spooking the waders, we watched it fly out to sea, which was strange, but maybe it was checking out the jetties.
No pipits or Twite, which we'd hoped for, but certainly a site to revisit in the future.
Monday 9 January 2012
Bewicks
I had heard that there were Bewick swans with the Whoopers at Hesketh Out Marsh, so I thought I'd drop in at lunchtime and have a look.
I found the 40 Whoopers in a field with some sheep, but no Bewicks, just as it started to drizzle and cloud up my glasses !!
As I drove home towards Banks on Shore Road, I saw a few swans in a stubble field at the dogleg with New Lane Pace. They were with sizeable flock of gulls, Herring, Black Headed and Lesser Black Back.
I pulled into the layby and scoped them, 8 adult and 3 juv. Bewicks Swans. Nothing to compare the size to, but the yellow on the beak was shorter and rounded than the Whoopers I'd just left.
That cheered me up after a miserable wet weekend. Only a trip to Lytham Moss, to chase Bean Geese again to speak of, and again a wasted journey. Although we did manage to find the correct roads this time and avaoid getting stuck.
I found the 40 Whoopers in a field with some sheep, but no Bewicks, just as it started to drizzle and cloud up my glasses !!
As I drove home towards Banks on Shore Road, I saw a few swans in a stubble field at the dogleg with New Lane Pace. They were with sizeable flock of gulls, Herring, Black Headed and Lesser Black Back.
I pulled into the layby and scoped them, 8 adult and 3 juv. Bewicks Swans. Nothing to compare the size to, but the yellow on the beak was shorter and rounded than the Whoopers I'd just left.
That cheered me up after a miserable wet weekend. Only a trip to Lytham Moss, to chase Bean Geese again to speak of, and again a wasted journey. Although we did manage to find the correct roads this time and avaoid getting stuck.
Friday 6 January 2012
A Dip into Martin Mere
I dropped into Martin Mere yesterday afternoon with a view to do some digiscoping, but, as it turned out, the wind was too strong. Wherever you sat in any hide, the wind seemed to be blowing directly into your face !! So no photos again !!
Tree Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, Little Grebe, Stock Dove and Marsh Harrier were additions to the list from Miller's Bridge Hide. I added Willow Tit and Reed Bunting from Janet Kear, but no sign of Brambling.
Apparently Hen Harrier was seen, but not by me !!
My year list is now at 75, 102 by the end of January last year, so 'way to go'.
I dropped into Dawlish Drive to get some photos of the White Fronts, but again the wind was blowing my scope over every time I let go, so I gave up !!
So here are some White Fronts and Barnanles from last week at Dawlish Drive.
Tree Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, Little Grebe, Stock Dove and Marsh Harrier were additions to the list from Miller's Bridge Hide. I added Willow Tit and Reed Bunting from Janet Kear, but no sign of Brambling.
Apparently Hen Harrier was seen, but not by me !!
My year list is now at 75, 102 by the end of January last year, so 'way to go'.
I dropped into Dawlish Drive to get some photos of the White Fronts, but again the wind was blowing my scope over every time I let go, so I gave up !!
So here are some White Fronts and Barnanles from last week at Dawlish Drive.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Love Songs
Tawny Owls were singing in the wood again this morning.
Always just after dark or just before dawn, and usually when the rain has stopped or the wind has dropped
I suppose it's so their song carries further.
There seemed to be a pair, one 'keewicking' and the other 'twooing' !!
Couldn't pick them out in the trees against the sky though.
Still windy and dismal today, too rough for another try at the Glauc. !!
I've dipped 4 times now !!
Always just after dark or just before dawn, and usually when the rain has stopped or the wind has dropped
I suppose it's so their song carries further.
There seemed to be a pair, one 'keewicking' and the other 'twooing' !!
Couldn't pick them out in the trees against the sky though.
Still windy and dismal today, too rough for another try at the Glauc. !!
I've dipped 4 times now !!
Monday 2 January 2012
Quick Trip to the Fylde
After de-Christmassing all morning,
I decided on a quick trip to Lytham to look for Bean Geese with the long suffering wife.
I'd never found Lytham Moss before, but did today. I nearly got the car stuck in, what I think must have been Division Lane !!
Anyway, no Bean Geese, apparently not seen all day !! And no Short Eared Owls, too windy.
So to Firhaven Lake to tick the female Scaup. That proved harder than expected in gale force winds, all the ducks were huddling in the lee of the island, but I picked it out with some Tufteds and Pochard.
I'm sure Jean would like to see Lytham Crematorium !!
So we popped in there to tick Ringed necked Parakeet, 3 feeding on the holly tree near the chapel gave us good views.
Dropping Jean at home to get warm I continued to the Marine Lake for the Egret roost on the northern island. There were 5 hardy souls huddled in the shelter, they pointed out 18 Goldeneye in a flock, as we watched a total of 26 Little Egrets come in, but no Great White tonight. Hundereds of Cormorant flew past to roost on the same island.
Home for a warm as it went dark, work tomorrow !!
I decided on a quick trip to Lytham to look for Bean Geese with the long suffering wife.
I'd never found Lytham Moss before, but did today. I nearly got the car stuck in, what I think must have been Division Lane !!
Anyway, no Bean Geese, apparently not seen all day !! And no Short Eared Owls, too windy.
So to Firhaven Lake to tick the female Scaup. That proved harder than expected in gale force winds, all the ducks were huddling in the lee of the island, but I picked it out with some Tufteds and Pochard.
I'm sure Jean would like to see Lytham Crematorium !!
So we popped in there to tick Ringed necked Parakeet, 3 feeding on the holly tree near the chapel gave us good views.
Dropping Jean at home to get warm I continued to the Marine Lake for the Egret roost on the northern island. There were 5 hardy souls huddled in the shelter, they pointed out 18 Goldeneye in a flock, as we watched a total of 26 Little Egrets come in, but no Great White tonight. Hundereds of Cormorant flew past to roost on the same island.
Home for a warm as it went dark, work tomorrow !!
Sunday 1 January 2012
New Year's Day 2012
Happy New Year !!
Rain and more rain !! It eased off at 10 o'clock for an hour, so I went to Marshside, to see the White Fronts.
Dawlish Drive side of Crossens inner had 18 European Whie Fronts with 8 Barnacles, clouds of Wigeon and Teal.
A good start, but all downhill from here.
Another hours dry at 3 coincided with the high tide, only a 7mt, so not very exciting. I went to Weld Road green beach to look for the Glaucous Gull, but dipped although it had been reported again today.
I ended up with a meagre count of 54 for the day, or rather 2 hours I'd spent out and about. A stonechat on the green beach was nice, as well as the geese.
Rain and more rain !! It eased off at 10 o'clock for an hour, so I went to Marshside, to see the White Fronts.
Dawlish Drive side of Crossens inner had 18 European Whie Fronts with 8 Barnacles, clouds of Wigeon and Teal.
A good start, but all downhill from here.
Another hours dry at 3 coincided with the high tide, only a 7mt, so not very exciting. I went to Weld Road green beach to look for the Glaucous Gull, but dipped although it had been reported again today.
I ended up with a meagre count of 54 for the day, or rather 2 hours I'd spent out and about. A stonechat on the green beach was nice, as well as the geese.
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