Didn't have much time but dropped in here this aft following High Tide watch at Parkgate. Fabulous views of Hobby hunting for dragonflies, and being harried by crows. Even managed a couple of half decent pictures! Extremely chuffed.
Also a fascinating time at Parkgate for the 10m tide. Lots of distant and indistinguishable birds - but of note:
1 Female Hen Harrier - great view of her hunting low out near the tideline. 2 Short Eared Owls present for quite some time moving through from north to south. 2 Kestrels squabbling in the grass over a kill which was definitely the property of one of them!
1 Great White Egret
Notable numbers of Grey Heron and Little Egrets
Loads of birds I didn't even attempt to ID I'm afraid.
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 17th of October 2012 07:03:33 PM
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Oct 17 3:26 AM, 2012
LB Dowitcher still showing well at times this morning.
sid ashton said
Tue Oct 16 5:07 AM, 2012
A smashing afternoon, firstly at IMF then later on the marsh.
Of note at IMF the Long-billed Dowitcher gave good views as did a Hobby that sat up in a tree directly opposite the hide. Also of interest 4 Whooper Swans on Border Pool and a pair of Stonechat in front of the hide.
Later on the marsh a minimum of 6 Short-eared Owls, 2 perched Peregrine Falcons, a closeby flying female Merlin which also went to perch, 30 +Pinkfooted Geese and a single Stonechat.
Good to meet again Manchester birders Tim Wilcox and Viv and Tony. The latter sending kind regards to the Manx birder who would have certainly enjoyed today
Tony Coatsworth said
Mon Oct 15 12:57 AM, 2012
Raptor fest today with Hen Harrier, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel.
I missed a late Hobby
Long-billed Dowitcher by IMF Hide
A few Redwings in the wood here
Adam Jones said
Mon Sep 24 12:27 AM, 2012
Made my first visit to Burton Mere today, and very pleasant it was too. I missed out on the Sabine's Gull by about half an hour. Highlights for me were: 2 Spotted Redshank 1 Merlin 2 Marsh Harriers 2 Ruff 2 Greenshank 1 Med Gull
paul brady said
Sun Sep 23 9:34 PM, 2012
paul brady wrote:
Sabine's gull currently present in front of reception building
Currently not being seen, a lot of gulls present inc. 7 Mediterranean gulls !
The Sabine's gull was found earlier in a field (???)
paul brady said
Sun Sep 23 8:21 PM, 2012
Sabine's gull currently present in front of reception building
paul brady said
Sun Sep 23 11:54 AM, 2012
Pete Welch wrote:
Went to Burton Mere first thing this morning and had forgotten it was an open day for its first birthday - congratulations to Paul and the rest of the team! There were plenty of people enjoying the reception hide so I wandered round to the dug out hide where the light was better. I had it to myself for an hour or so and enjoyed seeing a Merlin hunting [three or four passes during the morning] and I was chuffed to add Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harriers to get to me to five raptors. Other birds included: Godwits, Snipe [flushed by the Merlin], Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Shoveler, Teal, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Black Swan and Little Grebe with two small chicks.
I diligently checked at every gull as they came to roost looking for the Sabine's but with no luck. After a couple of hours I said to the other people in the hide "I'm off now so the Sabine's will appear..." and as I walked back down the track I watched four gulls appear from the north - the last one had a distinctly barred tail and looked different - I went back to the hide and asked if it was the Sabine's but it had slipped in un-noticed. A quick scan through the gulls and I found it bathing and preening - a lifer and a superb bird - scaly grey back, white shoulder flash and quite a bit smaller than the Black Headed Gulls. After ten minutes I went back to the reception hide to alert Paul in case anyone else wanted to see it and then helped put quite a few people onto the gull. It quickly got busy so I went off to Burton Point where I added Stonechat, Wheatear [they must be off soon?] and Little Egret. Made up for the disappointing tide at Hoylake :)
Thanks for the coments and glad you enjoyed it ... my record is 8 raptors and 2 owls in a day :p
RE: The bunker hide ... it has more shelter than Hoylake/Parkgate/New Brighton !!!
BTW: No sign of Sabine's Gull yet .... plenty of gulls feeding in nearby areas, a few dropping in here.
Merlin has put in an appearance plus stonechat, greenshank x2, spotted redshank x2
-- Edited by paul brady on Sunday 23rd of September 2012 11:56:29 AM
Pete Welch said
Sun Sep 23 4:05 AM, 2012
Went to Burton Mere first thing this morning and had forgotten it was an open day for its first birthday - congratulations to Paul and the rest of the team! There were plenty of people enjoying the reception hide so I wandered round to the dug out hide where the light was better. I had it to myself for an hour or so and enjoyed seeing a Merlin hunting [three or four passes during the morning] and I was chuffed to add Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harriers to get to me to five raptors. Other birds included: Godwits, Snipe [flushed by the Merlin], Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Shoveler, Teal, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Black Swan and Little Grebe with two small chicks.
I diligently checked at every gull as they came to roost looking for the Sabine's but with no luck. After a couple of hours I said to the other people in the hide "I'm off now so the Sabine's will appear..." and as I walked back down the track I watched four gulls appear from the north - the last one had a distinctly barred tail and looked different - I went back to the hide and asked if it was the Sabine's but it had slipped in un-noticed. A quick scan through the gulls and I found it bathing and preening - a lifer and a superb bird - scaly grey back, white shoulder flash and quite a bit smaller than the Black Headed Gulls. After ten minutes I went back to the reception hide to alert Paul in case anyone else wanted to see it and then helped put quite a few people onto the gull. It quickly got busy so I went off to Burton Point where I added Stonechat, Wheatear [they must be off soon?] and Little Egret. Made up for the disappointing tide at Hoylake :)
Jonathan Platt said
Sat Sep 22 3:37 AM, 2012
I saw the Sabines around 5.30pm at BMW. Pretty sure it came from either Shotwick Lake or the nearby small res. as when I picked it up in flight it was in amongst some large gulls that had lifted from the res. It followed the gulls out towards the estuary initially but seemed to head off towards the Welsh side. Might be worth checking these two waters tomorrow afternoon.
Joe D Arcy said
Sat Sep 22 2:44 AM, 2012
Sabine was back by 11:45 and was still there at 13:00.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Sep 21 11:12 PM, 2012
The Sabine's was seen 9am-9.55am this morning at the reserve, then relocated in the ploughed field nearby before it flew off. I hope the comments on here about that ploughed field may have helped
Doc Brewster said
Fri Sep 21 4:15 AM, 2012
The juvenile Sabine's Gull flew in again about 4.45pm after it had been missing for over an hour & a half. It flew in with Black-headed Gulls from inland of the reserve. On driving away we discovered a field being ploughed with gulls following the tractor, by the road back to Puddington just a stones throw from the reserve - possibly where the Sabine's had been during its absence. the reserve centre shut at 5pm but the bird stayed until 5.30pm before flying off.
Tony Darby said
Fri Sep 21 12:36 AM, 2012
IMF, this morning through to 1.30pm. Highlights..
14 Spotted Redshanks 7 Greenshanks 7 Golden Plover, always nice to see Also C 1,000 Teal, lots of Greylags plus a few Snipe and a dozen Black-tailed Godwits (many more at BMW). However, the bird of the day was a juv. Sabine's Gull at Burton Mere Wetlands, which I got good views of before it flew off.
Mark Battersby said
Mon Sep 17 1:19 PM, 2012
I visited RSPB Blacktoft Sands on Saturday (15th) and their 'Reception' hide is exactly the same, with fixed glass. The guy on reception said basically the same thing about drinks, services etc. It all makes sense when it is explained. They do have several 'double decker' hides which give great views across th emarshes.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 17th of September 2012 03:17:13 PM
Doc Brewster said
Mon Sep 17 9:04 AM, 2012
Excellent views of the Curlew Sand late morning from the bunker hide, which I had all to myself. The viewing from the reception centre (where I didn't stop) were more distant & into the sun, so yes, as Sid & Paul say, get down to the bunker hide. The only drawback yesterday was little shelter from the elements as there is no roof, maybe that can be addressed in time? Over to you, Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 17th of September 2012 09:05:44 AM
Denzil Nicklin said
Sat Sep 15 4:15 PM, 2012
Hi
A perfect reply Sid.......
Also I would agree that the Marsh Covert Hide is a little quiet at the moment,but come the Winter months,it comes into it's own a little more,with numerous Snipe usually visible,(with also maybe a Jack Snipe present),and you never know,we might be lucky enough to see another Bittern this Winter too!!!
BURTON MERE WETLANDS AND WIRRAL COUNTRY PARK 'THE PATCH' 22-10-2011 - TO DATE 157 SPECIES RECORDED LATEST ADDITION - BAR HEADED GOOSE
Cheers Denzil
sid ashton said
Sat Sep 15 4:38 AM, 2012
Geoff Walton wrote:
"Light" at both places.
Hi all, Does anyone find the light a problem from the reception Hide - Inside or out?. I know it is if late afternoon looking into the Sun, but whilst the visibility was fine this morning, viewing was not that great. I suspect because the Sun is on the Right? I have not been to the Bunker yet -Is that to the left of the reception Hide, and therefore back to the Sun and maybe better?
The light and visibility from IMF Hide this afternoon was fantastic, all of us commented on that.
Geoff I have always found on sunny days that viewing from the IMF hide is best in the afternoon when the sun is behind you. Similarly the best time for BMW is in the morning again with the sun aft. Also to view the main BMW scrape go outside onto the boardwalks or to the bunker hide which is accesible through the reception hide to the left. Doesn't really matter where you are if you have the sun in the wrong place viewing can be tricky.
The Marsh Covert hide is more flexible in use with respect to the position of the sun providing there's something to see down there
Geoff Walton said
Sat Sep 15 4:04 AM, 2012
"Light" at both places.
Hi all, Does anyone find the light a problem from the reception Hide - Inside or out?. I know it is if late afternoon looking into the Sun, but whilst the visibility was fine this morning, viewing was not that great. I suspect because the Sun is on the Right? I have not been to the Bunker yet -Is that to the left of the reception Hide, and therefore back to the Sun and maybe better?
The light and visibility from IMF Hide this afternoon was fantastic, all of us commented on that.
Geoff Walton said
Sat Sep 15 1:40 AM, 2012
We had a really good day today. Not a lot around at BMW 1 Peregrine 1 Marsh Harrier Shovellors
IMF Kestrel 51 Little Egret 3 Spotted Redshank 1 Redshank 1 Petoral Sandpiper 1 Ruff 400ish Black -tailed Godwit 50ish Lapwing a few Swallows Common Buzzard 2 Grey Heron
I will amend whem our lead birder tells me what else I saw
Denzil Nicklin said
Thu Sep 13 4:23 PM, 2012
paul brady wrote:
JOHN TYMON wrote:
Late AM/PM Burton Mere Wetlands I like the place but I do wish that at the main centre there was windows that you could open Rather than looking through Glass.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 06:45:26 PM
Too late now John unless you have a massive donation for us ..... on a more serious note you do know we built the "bunker" hide for you, it has no galss and better views of the main scrape IMHO
Anyway the pectoral sandpiper has been seen this morning along with 2 marsh harriers
Hi John
I think that the important thing to remember is that it is a Reception Hide,as opposed to a Standard Hide,which probably explains the RSPB's decision to have windows that don't open,and I think that this is underlined by the fact that there are tea and coffee making facilities,various light snacks,and also when the weather gets a lot colder,there is a large heater to keep the place warm,and it is these things that are very important to the 'casual' birdwatcher,of which there are many fold at Burton Mere Wetlands,and it's an unfortuneate fact,that on day's when the weather is poor,people would still open the windows in an attempt to improve their views,and this would completely defeat the object of it being a Reception Hide,by turning the place into a freezing ice box,which may be off putting to a lot of families,and people that have come to just enjoy the surroundings,have a cup of coffee,a chat,and enjoy watching the birds in comfort.
Cheers Denzil
chrisdorney said
Wed Sep 12 7:55 PM, 2012
5.00-7.45pm last night BMW
Pectoral sandpiper(showed really well most of the time) Curlew sandpiper(looked like an adult bird) 5 spotted redshank(feeding in a 'v' formation briefly) 1 marsh harrier juv 4 ruff c300 blackwit 2 kingfisher 4 little egret Sparrowhawk Plus all the usuals.
paul brady said
Wed Sep 12 5:10 PM, 2012
JOHN TYMON wrote:
Late AM/PM Burton Mere Wetlands I like the place but I do wish that at the main centre there was windows that you could open Rather than looking through Glass.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 06:45:26 PM
Too late now John unless you have a massive donation for us ..... on a more serious note you do know we built the "bunker" hide for you, it has no galss and better views of the main scrape IMHO
Anyway the pectoral sandpiper has been seen this morning along with 2 marsh harriers
Patrick Earith said
Sun Sep 9 11:24 AM, 2012
An afternoon walk, yesterday, from Denhall Lane to Burton Point resulted in fantastic views of one of the Little Owls here. A great bird, full of character. Many thanks to the guy, there with his camera, who pointed it out to us. Also seen here, Kestrel, Buzzard and Little Egret.
Then it was on to Inner Marsh Farm, having been told (and been shown photos) that there had been a Merlin present that morning that had landed on the little island on the main scrape. Well, the Merlin didn't show, but, the following did:
Pectoral Sandpiper (looking great in fantastic lighting conditions, feeding in amongst the Black-tailed Godwits and Spotted Redshanks) Black-tailed Godwits Spotted Redshanks (6) Marsh Harrier (2, females I think, neither was wing-tagged) Ruff (this had an almost completely white head and looked very distinctive amongst the other birds present) Little Egrets (16, flushed from the roost by something unseen by us)
-- Edited by Patrick Earith on Sunday 9th of September 2012 09:57:02 PM
DavidBowman said
Thu Sep 6 3:20 AM, 2012
John Ireland and I joined up with Kenny MacNiffe, Colin Jones and Stuart for an early morning trip to Hilbre, even though the weather wasn't promising - light westerlies becoming sunny. Walking across at low tide we counted c.80 Grey Seals on their sandbank roost. On the island odd birds were passing through, with 2 Whimbrels, 1 Stonechat, 2 Wheatears, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Razorbill, 11 Sandwich Terns, c.100 Common Terns, 2 Sand Martins plus a few score each of Linnet, Meadow Pipit, House Martin and Swallow. Working the Heligoland Traps produced singles of Meadow Pipit, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff for ringing. A juvenile Peregrine made several appearences, beating up the waders without catching.
We walked off at 12.30 pm and then John and I headed for Burton Wetlands. When we arrived we were told that the Pectoral Sandpiper had disappeared, flushed by a Peregrine. We soon relocated it behind one of the islands, only for it to walk out of sight before we could get the other people in the place on to it. There was then muttering about it probably having been a Ruff We then went outside to get a different angle and refound it, everyone got to see it and honour was satisfied. Other birds included 7 Spotted Redshanks and a Marsh Harrier.
We then relocated to the hide at Inner Marsh Farm, where 3 Greenshanks, 1 Spotted Redshank and a Snipe gave good views.
Altogether, a really nice day.
Cheers David
Doc Brewster said
Wed Sep 5 8:46 PM, 2012
Popped in to the reserve this morning for a flying visit. The Pectoral Sandpiper was still favouring the islands in front of the visitor centre but spent long periods at roost behind the island out of sight. A Ruff and 4 or 5 Spotted Redshanks were also present with at least 100 Black-tailed Godwits. The wing-tagged Marsh Harrier showed well with a clost fly through that put the willies up everything on the lagoon! Good to have a quick chat to Paul too, I'll have a longer chat when I have more time next time hopefully, thanks
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Sep 5 3:52 PM, 2012
Late AM/PM Burton Mere Wetlands Pectoral Sandpiper-went missing behind one of the islands,and never re appeared while we were there 3 Marsh Harrier 3 Spotted Redshank Plenty Black tailed Godwit Ruff -5 Common Buzzard-2 I like the place but I do wish that at the main centre there was windows that you could open Rather than looking through Glass.
Inner Marsh Farm Just Teal and Lapwings present
Burton point KESTREL -3 Little Egret -3
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 06:45:26 PM
sid ashton said
Wed Sep 5 4:06 AM, 2012
A short visit this afternoon produced of interest at BMW; Common Snipe (6), Spotted Redshank (5), Black-tailed Godwits (lots!), the longish staying Pectoral Sandpiper, a Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine giving a nice flying display but not catching anything. A Great Spotted Woodpecker on one of the feeders behind reception.
Later at Burton Point (15.15 - 16.30); Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk and one of the Little Owls.
As I was walking along the track to the Point I met a couple of birders who had seen a Red Kite and a Hen Harrier out over the marsh a little earlier - so plenty of raptors around today.
It's quite possible that the recent demise of the Common Tern colony at Shotton,has been behind the increased success in breeding records in Cheshire. There were alot of birds on the rafts at Shotton..................and they've got to go somewhere. Initially alot of Terns from Shotton,went to Seaforth Nature Reserve,but reports suggested that they didn't have a particularly successful time there,possibly due to overcrowding,so my guess is,that when many of those birds returned for the following breeding seasons,they dispersed into various appropriate local areas,and this may explain the increase in breeding records at these locations.
Cheers Denzil
Doc Brewster said
Thu Aug 23 4:20 AM, 2012
paul brady wrote: Other highlights - 5 common tern adults and 3 juveniles - first record in cheshire for years(?)
It has been a bumper year for Common Tern breeding in Cheshire this year Paul, with our first ever breeding record at the Witton Lime Beds Patch (Marbury CP/Neumann's & Ashtons Flashes) and breeding in the same location as 2011 at Sandbach Flashes. What brilliant news for the breeding avifauna of Cheshire
Patrick Earith said
Sun Aug 19 12:57 AM, 2012
Ian,
I saw a green-tagged Marsh Harrier from IMF, but heard that there were two around. Did we see the same bird?
Also over at Inner Marsh, 7 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Snipe and juvenile Whitethroat and Blackcap.
Cheers
Pat
Ian Campbell said
Sun Aug 19 12:51 AM, 2012
Juv. Marsh Harrier this a.m. interesting that it's wing tags show it is a bird from Norfolk. Cheers Ian
also singles of greenshank and spotted redshank yesterday, hard top pick out of the resplendent black tailed godwit flock at the back from the visitor centre hide.
I got 2 sightings of peregrine, once from reception hide (caught a small passerine - starling? - in flight but was very distant) and again from marsh covert hide where it attempted to catch tufted ducks.
all usuals too plus at least 8 spotted flycatchers reported and a possible (unconfirmed) sighting of a great white egret reported.
chrisdorney said
Fri Jul 27 4:59 AM, 2012
They were back again this year but nesting attempts failed.another forum member has informed the landowners to try and make sure it doesn't happen again if they return next year(drainage did for one nest).
Ian Coote said
Fri Jul 27 4:35 AM, 2012
Ian McKerchar wrote:
Common Tern bred successfully in Cheshire in 2010, though it was way back in 1996 prior to that
And 2011
sid ashton said
Thu Jul 26 4:21 PM, 2012
paul brady wrote:
sid ashton wrote:
A short visit to a quite BMW this afternoon. No sign of the Spotted Flycatchers, plenty of Black-headed Gulls with young, Little Egrets, Common Tern over and the longish staying juvenile Black Swan was the best I could manage. Did find two Spotted Flycatchers on Denhall Lane just before I left only to find the M56 closed Luckily I remembered my way through the back lanes round Stanlow
Sorry to disappoint Sid, but there are 2 adults and 6 young spotted flycatcher feeding near to reception building!
Other highlights - 5 common tern adults and 3 juveniles - first record in cheshire for years(?)
I'm not disappointed in the least Paul, glad you managed to see them so close
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jul 25 11:32 PM, 2012
Common Tern bred successfully in Cheshire in 2010, though it was way back in 1996 prior to that
paul brady said
Wed Jul 25 11:05 PM, 2012
sid ashton wrote:
A short visit to a quite BMW this afternoon. No sign of the Spotted Flycatchers, plenty of Black-headed Gulls with young, Little Egrets, Common Tern over and the longish staying juvenile Black Swan was the best I could manage. Did find two Spotted Flycatchers on Denhall Lane just before I left only to find the M56 closed Luckily I remembered my way through the back lanes round Stanlow
Sorry to disappoint Sid, but there are 2 adults and 6 young spotted flycatcher feeding near to reception building!
Other highlights - 5 common tern adults and 3 juveniles - first record in cheshire for years(?)
sid ashton said
Wed Jul 25 3:25 AM, 2012
A short visit to a quite BMW this afternoon. No sign of the Spotted Flycatchers, plenty of Black-headed Gulls with young, Little Egrets, Common Tern over and the longish staying juvenile Black Swan was the best I could manage. Did find two Spotted Flycatchers on Denhall Lane just before I left only to find the M56 closed Luckily I remembered my way through the back lanes round Stanlow
David Wilson said
Mon Jul 23 4:58 AM, 2012
Quick visit to Burton mere wetlands this morning with daughter. We saw plenty dragonflies , damsonflies and butterflies today. Expect they were making most of summerlike weather.! Whatever that is.!! Common darter, blue tailed damselfly, Common hawker, small tortoiseshell amongst others i couldnt identify. The highlight being finally catching up with Spotted flycatcher.! Been trying to spot one all year with no success. We were just leaving when i spotted one perched high in a dead branch in one of the oak trees on the car park.! Bit high up for good photo but managed a record shot at least.
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Jul 19 11:06 AM, 2012
first day volunteering at Burton Mere yesterday.
In addition to John's sightings:
peregrine reported around midday spotted flycatcher seen again feeding 3 young (ask in visitor centre for its location) 6 greenshank seen loads of house martin eclipse drake shoveler (could have been a fem, was very far out so couldn't tell for certain) +all usuals
Info about the common tern nesting: adult with food repeatedly trying to land with fish where we presume the chick is, but didn't seem to be able to (chased of by the black headed gulls?). I saw it drop the fish into the water a few times, having seemingly given up on trying to land.
I'm glad you enjoyed it John, nice to see yourself and Sue there, hope to see you again
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 19th of July 2012 11:36:11 AM
paul brady said
Wed Jul 18 8:28 PM, 2012
Burton Mere Wetlands: Spotted Flycatcher were with their young again last night Hobby Peregrine 530 black-tailed godwits
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jul 18 4:34 PM, 2012
Burton mere wetlands First visit today-enjoyed it lots of little egret greenshank-5 redshank Avocet common Buzzard redshank nuthatch kestrel oystercatchers Shelduck with young
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 04:34:51 PM
Rory Newton said
Sun Jul 8 11:54 PM, 2012
Afternoon at Burton Mere:
1 Common Tern Little Grebe Kingfisher Little Egrets Black-Tailed Godwits a-plenty Shelducks with chicks Coots with chicks Black-Headed Gulls with chicks Great-Spotted Woodpecker Buzzard
paul brady said
Tue Jul 3 4:56 PM, 2012
BMWetlands Common sandpiper 3 greenshank 350 black-tailed godwits 1 pair common tern feeding hidden young still black-headed gulls with chicks
John Williams said
Tue Jul 3 2:29 AM, 2012
09.30-11.30
New Burton Wetland Centre
1 pr Common Tern feeding young, 5 Greenshank, 27 Black Tailed Godwit,
6 Redshank, 6 Little Egret, 10 Avocet (adults), 1 full grown juv plus
1 Buzzard, 1 Teal (m), 2 Shelduck, 4 Little Egret & a Ringed Teal (Escape).
Ben Smart said
Tue Jul 3 2:01 AM, 2012
My first trip to Burton Mere Wetlands. Cold, miserable day - hard to believe it was July 1st!
Highlight was a pair of Spotted Redshank. Sedge and Reed Warbler showing well Also Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, approx 75 Black-tailed Godwit, and another small wader I couldn't really identify. Photo of the unid'd wader at flickr
perhaps Little Stint? I know it's a bad picture - no light and too far away - but would be very grateful if anyone could confirm or give an alternate suggestion.
Also a fascinating time at Parkgate for the 10m tide.
Lots of distant and indistinguishable birds - but of note:
1 Female Hen Harrier - great view of her hunting low out near the tideline.
2 Short Eared Owls present for quite some time moving through from north to south.
2 Kestrels squabbling in the grass over a kill which was definitely the property of one of them!
1 Great White Egret
Notable numbers of Grey Heron and Little Egrets
Loads of birds I didn't even attempt to ID I'm afraid.
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 17th of October 2012 07:03:33 PM
Of note at IMF the Long-billed Dowitcher gave good views as did a Hobby that sat up in a tree directly opposite the hide. Also of interest 4 Whooper Swans on Border Pool and a pair of Stonechat in front of the hide.
Later on the marsh a minimum of 6 Short-eared Owls, 2 perched Peregrine Falcons, a closeby flying female Merlin which also went to perch, 30 +Pinkfooted Geese and a single Stonechat.
Good to meet again Manchester birders Tim Wilcox and Viv and Tony. The latter sending kind regards to the Manx birder who would have certainly enjoyed today
I missed a late Hobby
Long-billed Dowitcher by IMF Hide
A few Redwings in the wood here
Highlights for me were:
2 Spotted Redshank
1 Merlin
2 Marsh Harriers
2 Ruff
2 Greenshank
1 Med Gull
Currently not being seen, a lot of gulls present inc. 7 Mediterranean gulls !
The Sabine's gull was found earlier in a field (???)
Thanks for the coments and glad you enjoyed it ... my record is 8 raptors and 2 owls in a day :p
RE: The bunker hide ... it has more shelter than Hoylake/Parkgate/New Brighton !!!
BTW: No sign of Sabine's Gull yet .... plenty of gulls feeding in nearby areas, a few dropping in here.
Merlin has put in an appearance plus stonechat, greenshank x2, spotted redshank x2
-- Edited by paul brady on Sunday 23rd of September 2012 11:56:29 AM
I diligently checked at every gull as they came to roost looking for the Sabine's but with no luck. After a couple of hours I said to the other people in the hide "I'm off now so the Sabine's will appear..." and as I walked back down the track I watched four gulls appear from the north - the last one had a distinctly barred tail and looked different - I went back to the hide and asked if it was the Sabine's but it had slipped in un-noticed. A quick scan through the gulls and I found it bathing and preening - a lifer and a superb bird - scaly grey back, white shoulder flash and quite a bit smaller than the Black Headed Gulls. After ten minutes I went back to the reception hide to alert Paul in case anyone else wanted to see it and then helped put quite a few people onto the gull. It quickly got busy so I went off to Burton Point where I added Stonechat, Wheatear [they must be off soon?] and Little Egret. Made up for the disappointing tide at Hoylake :)
Highlights..
14 Spotted Redshanks
7 Greenshanks
7 Golden Plover, always nice to see
Also C 1,000 Teal, lots of Greylags plus a few Snipe and a dozen Black-tailed Godwits (many more at BMW).
However, the bird of the day was a juv. Sabine's Gull at Burton Mere Wetlands, which I got good views of before it flew off.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 17th of September 2012 03:17:13 PM
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 17th of September 2012 09:05:44 AM
A perfect reply Sid.......
Also I would agree that the Marsh Covert Hide is a little quiet at the moment,but come the Winter months,it comes into it's own a little more,with numerous Snipe usually visible,(with also maybe a Jack Snipe present),and you never know,we might be lucky enough to see another Bittern this Winter too!!!
BURTON MERE WETLANDS AND WIRRAL COUNTRY PARK
'THE PATCH'
22-10-2011 - TO DATE
157 SPECIES RECORDED
LATEST ADDITION - BAR HEADED GOOSE
Cheers Denzil
The Marsh Covert hide is more flexible in use with respect to the position of the sun providing there's something to see down there
Hi all,
Does anyone find the light a problem from the reception Hide - Inside or out?. I know it is if late afternoon looking into the Sun, but whilst the visibility was fine this morning, viewing was not that great. I suspect because the Sun is on the Right?
I have not been to the Bunker yet -Is that to the left of the reception Hide, and therefore back to the Sun and maybe better?
The light and visibility from IMF Hide this afternoon was fantastic, all of us commented on that.
Not a lot around at BMW
1 Peregrine
1 Marsh Harrier
Shovellors
IMF
Kestrel
51 Little Egret
3 Spotted Redshank
1 Redshank
1 Petoral Sandpiper
1 Ruff
400ish Black -tailed Godwit
50ish Lapwing
a few Swallows
Common Buzzard
2 Grey Heron
I will amend whem our lead birder tells me what else I saw
Hi John
I think that the important thing to remember is that it is a Reception Hide,as opposed to a Standard Hide,which probably explains the RSPB's decision to have windows that don't open,and I think that this is underlined by the fact that there are tea and coffee making facilities,various light snacks,and also when the weather gets a lot colder,there is a large heater to keep the place warm,and it is these things that are very important to the 'casual' birdwatcher,of which there are many fold at Burton Mere Wetlands,and it's an unfortuneate fact,that on day's when the weather is poor,people would still open the windows in an attempt to improve their views,and this would completely defeat the object of it being a Reception Hide,by turning the place into a freezing ice box,which may be off putting to a lot of families,and people that have come to just enjoy the surroundings,have a cup of coffee,a chat,and enjoy watching the birds in comfort.
Cheers Denzil
Pectoral sandpiper(showed really well most of the time)
Curlew sandpiper(looked like an adult bird)
5 spotted redshank(feeding in a 'v' formation briefly)
1 marsh harrier juv
4 ruff
c300 blackwit
2 kingfisher
4 little egret
Sparrowhawk
Plus all the usuals.
Too late now John unless you have a massive donation for us ..... on a more serious note you do know we built the "bunker" hide for you, it has no galss and better views of the main scrape IMHO
Anyway the pectoral sandpiper has been seen this morning along with 2 marsh harriers
Then it was on to Inner Marsh Farm, having been told (and been shown photos) that there had been a Merlin present that morning that had landed on the little island on the main scrape. Well, the Merlin didn't show, but, the following did:
Pectoral Sandpiper (looking great in fantastic lighting conditions, feeding in amongst the Black-tailed Godwits and Spotted Redshanks)
Black-tailed Godwits
Spotted Redshanks (6)
Marsh Harrier (2, females I think, neither was wing-tagged)
Ruff (this had an almost completely white head and looked very distinctive amongst the other birds present)
Little Egrets (16, flushed from the roost by something unseen by us)
-- Edited by Patrick Earith on Sunday 9th of September 2012 09:57:02 PM
We walked off at 12.30 pm and then John and I headed for Burton Wetlands. When we arrived we were told that the Pectoral Sandpiper had disappeared, flushed by a Peregrine. We soon relocated it behind one of the islands, only for it to walk out of sight before we could get the other people in the place on to it. There was then muttering about it probably having been a Ruff We then went outside to get a different angle and refound it, everyone got to see it and honour was satisfied. Other birds included 7 Spotted Redshanks and a Marsh Harrier.
We then relocated to the hide at Inner Marsh Farm, where 3 Greenshanks, 1 Spotted Redshank and a Snipe gave good views.
Altogether, a really nice day.
Cheers David
Burton Mere Wetlands
Pectoral Sandpiper-went missing behind one of the islands,and never re appeared while we were there
3 Marsh Harrier
3 Spotted Redshank
Plenty Black tailed Godwit
Ruff -5
Common Buzzard-2
I like the place but I do wish that at the main centre there was windows that you could open Rather than looking through Glass.
Inner Marsh Farm
Just Teal and Lapwings present
Burton point
KESTREL -3
Little Egret -3
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 06:45:26 PM
Later at Burton Point (15.15 - 16.30); Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk and one of the Little Owls.
As I was walking along the track to the Point I met a couple of birders who had seen a Red Kite and a Hen Harrier out over the marsh a little earlier - so plenty of raptors around today.
Hobby
Peregrine
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
2 Marsh harrier - (including wing-tagged bird)
It's quite possible that the recent demise of the Common Tern colony at Shotton,has been behind the increased success in breeding records in Cheshire.
There were alot of birds on the rafts at Shotton..................and they've got to go somewhere.
Initially alot of Terns from Shotton,went to Seaforth Nature Reserve,but reports suggested that they didn't have a particularly successful time there,possibly due to overcrowding,so my guess is,that when many of those birds returned for the following breeding seasons,they dispersed into various appropriate local areas,and this may explain the increase in breeding records at these locations.
Cheers Denzil
It has been a bumper year for Common Tern breeding in Cheshire this year Paul, with our first ever breeding record at the Witton Lime Beds Patch (Marbury CP/Neumann's & Ashtons Flashes) and breeding in the same location as 2011 at Sandbach Flashes. What brilliant news for the breeding avifauna of Cheshire
I saw a green-tagged Marsh Harrier from IMF, but heard that there were two around. Did we see the same bird?
Also over at Inner Marsh, 7 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Snipe and juvenile Whitethroat and Blackcap.
Cheers
Pat
Cheers Ian
2 marsh harriers
3 spotted redshank
6 greenshank
I got 2 sightings of peregrine, once from reception hide (caught a small passerine - starling? - in flight but was very distant) and again from marsh covert hide where it attempted to catch tufted ducks.
all usuals too plus at least 8 spotted flycatchers reported and a possible (unconfirmed) sighting of a great white egret reported.
And 2011
Sorry to disappoint Sid, but there are 2 adults and 6 young spotted flycatcher feeding near to reception building!
Other highlights - 5 common tern adults and 3 juveniles - first record in cheshire for years(?)
The highlight being finally catching up with Spotted flycatcher.! Been trying to spot one all year with no success. We were just leaving when i spotted one perched high in a dead branch in one of the oak trees on the car park.! Bit high up for good photo but managed a record shot at least.
In addition to John's sightings:
peregrine reported around midday
spotted flycatcher seen again feeding 3 young (ask in visitor centre for its location)
6 greenshank seen
loads of house martin
eclipse drake shoveler (could have been a fem, was very far out so couldn't tell for certain)
+all usuals
Info about the common tern nesting: adult with food repeatedly trying to land with fish where we presume the chick is, but didn't seem to be able to (chased of by the black headed gulls?). I saw it drop the fish into the water a few times, having seemingly given up on trying to land.
I'm glad you enjoyed it John, nice to see yourself and Sue there, hope to see you again
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 19th of July 2012 11:36:11 AM
Spotted Flycatcher were with their young again last night
Hobby
Peregrine
530 black-tailed godwits
First visit today-enjoyed it
lots of little egret
greenshank-5
redshank
Avocet
common Buzzard
redshank
nuthatch
kestrel
oystercatchers
Shelduck with young
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 04:34:51 PM
1 Common Tern
Little Grebe
Kingfisher
Little Egrets
Black-Tailed Godwits a-plenty
Shelducks with chicks
Coots with chicks
Black-Headed Gulls with chicks
Great-Spotted Woodpecker
Buzzard
Common sandpiper
3 greenshank
350 black-tailed godwits
1 pair common tern feeding hidden young still
black-headed gulls with chicks
New Burton Wetland Centre
1 pr Common Tern feeding young, 5 Greenshank, 27 Black Tailed Godwit,
6 Redshank, 6 Little Egret, 10 Avocet (adults), 1 full grown juv plus
6 tiny youngsters.
Inner Marsh Farm
190 Black Tailed Godwit, 7 Redshank, 4 adult + 5 f.grown juvenile Avocets.
1 Buzzard, 1 Teal (m), 2 Shelduck, 4 Little Egret & a Ringed Teal (Escape).
Cold, miserable day - hard to believe it was July 1st!
Highlight was a pair of Spotted Redshank.
Sedge and Reed Warbler showing well
Also Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, approx 75 Black-tailed Godwit, and another small wader I couldn't really identify.
Photo of the unid'd wader at
flickr
perhaps Little Stint?
I know it's a bad picture - no light and too far away - but would be very grateful if anyone could confirm or give an alternate suggestion.
Thanks
Ben
flickr