a.m. with Brian Fielding, Lesser Whitethroat still present in Corran Stud area, showing really well at one point singing from the top of one of the trees with a possible 2nd bird below it. Cheers Ian
Ian Boote said
Mon Apr 25 7:50 PM, 2011
noon
LW slightly up from second swan nest graddhopper warbler in bushes below dam at old hall style hedge 2 comon terns movong between withins and main res 3 young coots on canal buzzard being mobbed by lapwing over withins kestral doffer fold
Simon Johnson said
Mon Apr 25 7:28 PM, 2011
Lesser Whitethroat still at Coran Stud this eve Sedge Warbler 4 Coran Stud Whitethroat 5 Water Rail 2 squealing from marsh Kestrel Sand Martin 360 Swallow 30 House Martin Common Tern 2
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Monday 25th of April 2011 07:28:32 PM
Ian Campbell said
Mon Apr 25 11:11 AM, 2011
Ian Peters wrote:
Lesser whitethroat showing well at Corran Stud. Found by Brain Fielding and Ian Campbell. Now moved a few bushes along the canal from the corner and disputing a bush with a sedge warbler.
In truth the Lesser Whitethroat was first identified by Brian from it's song. Also seen this a.m. 2 male Wheatear, one amongst the cattle and one on the res wall, 2 Swift, 1 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Oystercatcher and Sedge Warblers in nearly every bush Cheers Ian
Ian Boote said
Sun Apr 24 1:29 PM, 2011
few othe bits Dipper on River moving from rock to rock gold crest heard near canal, lots of sedge warblers and what appeared to be 4 wild grey lag geese on swan lodge didn't look feral not seen before.
Early evening I went for the grasshopper warbler...I heard it with Peter and Norma, it was reeling behind the hedge beteween Bennies and Old Hall Farm and then flew into the brambles behind pumphouse where Pete and Norma had just left with Oliver (a very young birder). Sedge warbler also singing from brambles. Oystercatcher flew over followed by curlew.
It was sad not to see Colin.
Ian Boote said
Sat Apr 23 8:06 PM, 2011
late stroll not much curlew sky lark spenmoor sedgewarbler in hedge below pupm house swallows sand martin divebombing over dam And even if the louts had not thrown at the GC Grebe nest water levels have risen slightly and would have probably finished the nest in any case.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Apr 23 12:05 PM, 2011
Early a.m. more birders than birds, but we did see 3 Common Tern and 3 Common Sandpiper on the res and once again stunning views of a Grasshopper Warbler in the marsh below the res. so can't complaincan we. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Fri Apr 22 10:55 PM, 2011
Single Swift present in the rain tonight along with 200+ Sand Martin and many Swallows. Grasshopper Warbler by first pylon from car park.
with regards to the boundaries for recording purposes, a new map will be produced shortly.
Ian Campbell said
Fri Apr 22 4:49 PM, 2011
Quick p.m. visit to see if it had improved since 1st thing, no it hadn't !. Single Common Tern and 21 Great Crested Grebe crowded together in area furthest from the boathouse. The Grasshopper Warbler below the boathouse has moved to the otherside of the road upto Old Hall farm and was reeling away in full view at 4.30 p.m. Cheers Ian
Simon Johnson said
Thu Apr 21 9:04 PM, 2011
late eve
Sedge Warbler - Singing Marsh and Coney Green Didnt hear one Gropper Goosander 6 flew over NE Sand Martin 100+ Spahawk Little Owl Kestrel
Peter Johnson said
Thu Apr 21 7:02 PM, 2011
Regarding the boundaries of Elton, Peter Baron set out the area many years ago. The field side of the res. onto Bury & Bolton Road has always been the extent. At the south end of the res. the footpath from Withins res. to Crow Trees Farm is the boundary. To my knowledge Coney Green pond has never been included. On the east side the boundary is the River Irwell. There have been several posts from Swan Lodge recently and that is in Radcliffe. At the north end of the res. the boundary reaches Owlerbarrow Road (which is still Elton).
Ian Boote said
Thu Apr 21 3:16 PM, 2011
PM Very hot Grasshopper warblers withins, marsh, north res hedge whitethroat telegraph pole dam swallows capsticks, Sedgewarblers dam canal dip, Reed bunting north res hedge dip marsh, Kestral hinds Sand Martins over river Moorhen chicks on canal Willow Warb Chiff Chaff Black caps scattered about Sky larks etc
brian fielding said
Thu Apr 21 12:24 PM, 2011
0600 till 1145 2 common terns 4 grasshopper warblers 2 wheatear
Ian Boote said
Thu Apr 21 8:55 AM, 2011
Clearly for people that want to list some clarity is required. It's a bit like mornington crescent otherwise.
Mike Passant said
Thu Apr 21 8:08 AM, 2011
- An interesting and most welcome discussion indeed! I did ask Ian Campbell in March what were the recording boundaries for Elton, and Ian felt that perhaps Peter Baron's advice should be sought on the matter. It would be great from my point of view if you locals would between you define the boundary and put it on a map please. Perhaps valuable input could be forthcoming from Simon Warford who of course set the year list record in 2008, as I feel anyone doing a year list would not want to exceed Simon's achievement simply by logging species in a recording area expanded relative to what he adhered to? But there again, perhaps it does need a thorough rethink?
Although it is 38 years since I left Seddons Farm estate (I lived there 1969- 1973, and still remember the site as it was in 1968 when it was open fields prior to the first Whelmar homes being built), I do still feel an affinity with Elton Res. and used to sail on it on occasion with my father 60 years ago, so I do feel a sentimental attachment to the place and am really pleased that enthusiastic birders are so active here. For what it is worth, my own route when birding round "Elton" is perhaps the most restricted of all, simply because I err on the cautious side as regards the boundaries. I park on Buckingham Drive, go past the tiny Capsticks Marsh, down past Withins Res. and the next farm (called Crow Trees?) directly down to the canal and turn left (east), counting anything between the canal and the railway/tramway line, but not beyond towards Radcliffe. Walking further east, I count anything on the river but am reluctant to include anything south of it, for the simple reason that it is possible to 'scope up large birds from here at a range of a few miles, and where/how does one draw an imaginary line in the sky and then consistently abide by it? I have only once reached the large bridge over the river and turned back there as I felt surely that I was walking "out of area " at that point and returned (having crossed the bridge) via the route of the old railway line back west past the Daisyfield area and a hospital with a high wire fence, to Buckingham Drive. If I have time, I include the "Dip" (which I never new existed in the early 70's).
I would feel uneasy about including any sightings on or north of the main Bury/ Bolton road, and would feel uncertain about anything in fact north of Buckingham Road, to the extent that I might then ask you locals what you would include here, simply because all this is your well worked patch and I as an outsider would respect your overriding views of course in such matters.
Some guidance would be greatly appreciated please!
Regards, Mike P.
Ian Boote said
Wed Apr 20 11:47 PM, 2011
This has been a short and interesting if local discussion. Clearly to the dedicated that list the site have a defined area and it is important that this is defined to give continuity to lists.
Equally though a nice find should be reported on this thread if outside that area for those like me that simply walk accross the whole area but also for listing because it flags up that bird in the area that might be important.
The contribution of areas quite north in the area is something I've never considered because there is Barrack fold lodge in the middle of Seddons Farm thats a local SBI saved by locals and has lots of rare bugs so could have an occasional rare feathered visitor.
Whether your a lister or a wanderer un looked at areas should be sought out and watched to look for them rare things that are overlooked, spenmoor daisey field spring to mind. The latter can be generally seen from the railway and the path quite well, but if your lucky enough to overlook it that could be a good list in itself.
But whats most important if you list or not is to get out there and view birds and other wildlife. This area keeps throwing up rareties of local and regional importance in all sorts of wildlife.
Dean Macdonald said
Wed Apr 20 11:13 PM, 2011
Why not ask Peter Baron, the Elton Recorder? Cheers Ian.
good idea.
Paul Wilson said
Wed Apr 20 9:18 PM, 2011
Ian Boote wrote:
So the Elton area is the 2 KM tetrad SD70Z
No. The traditional Elton area that most birders work to is basically a triangle - not a square
Ian Campbell said
Wed Apr 20 9:03 PM, 2011
Why not ask Peter Baron, the Elton Recorder? Cheers Ian
Ian Boote said
Wed Apr 20 8:47 PM, 2011
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
So the Elton area is the 2 KM tetrad SD70Z
I have to declare a slight interest on this via a bit of fun 'Tetrad Challenge' on Manchester Wildlife web site where several people are comparing all observed wildlife in selected tetrads.
The Elton tetrad therefore does include areas south of the river with the eastern boundry of the tetrad roughly at hinds weir part of the playing fields and including lower hinds swan lodge and going down to Dumers Lane but does not include daisey field res.
And thankfully the tea room at the garden centre so I'm of to scoff a scone.
Paul Wilson said
Wed Apr 20 7:16 PM, 2011
Ian Boote wrote:
Does it matter.................................Thats easy NO!
I think it DOES matter when people are year listing and comparisons are made. I know what I have always understood to be the boundaries and always stick to them when I compare what I see from year to year.
Simon Warford said
Wed Apr 20 7:14 PM, 2011
brian fielding wrote:
just back from looking for the garden warbler with ian peters, no sign, the bird was just over the viaduct on the left, not sure if in the elton recording area but didnt see it anyway.
Brian that is definately well outside the recording area, good try though
Ian Boote said
Wed Apr 20 7:05 PM, 2011
I think a debate has been started on theoretrical bounderies in a Bury 'Curzon Line dispute.'
I would class south of the river as the recording area for Elton.
If the definition is anything north of the River Irwell can thast not include the garden centre and most of urban radcliffe in that one. That means I could do my birdwatching while picking the beding flower and enjoying a cream scone in the tea room; Sounds alright. .
Is the definition the map tetrad that covers Elton reservoir which does include south of the river but not most of spenmoor including parts of the old railway line?
Is the definition only inside the fence around the reservoir so we should stop recording sighting in the dip and capsticks?
Do we have a withins recording area known by fishermen as little elton?
What does the gardebn Warbler think of all this post code lottery probably not much?
Do we need a thread for each seperate part of this area, Withins, Spenmoor, Warthfold, Crow Tree farmyard and the tea room of the garden centre?
Does it matter.................................Thats easy NO!
And who are 'we' a learned group of line drawing sages, the sailing club, or a secret society. No offence intended. It's not me. I'll be in the garden centre poking a scone down mi pecker
The Elton Reservoir advantage is that it is a range of habitats One definition could be the green area in the centre of Bury MBC surounded by the urban sprawl. Most of the areas in this looser definition are Sites of Biological Importance and reflect that importance. One advantage of such a definition is that it is quite easy to understand and would incluide lower Hinds, south of the river, warth fold spenmoor and even swan lodge.
But in the end its up to the poster!
I'll now await the replies
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 07:09:30 PM
brian fielding said
Wed Apr 20 6:47 PM, 2011
just back from looking for the garden warbler with ian peters, no sign, the bird was just over the viaduct on the left, not sure if in the elton recording area but didnt see it anyway.
Paul Wilson said
Wed Apr 20 5:44 PM, 2011
brian fielding wrote:
hi ian, sorry but not sure were that is for garden warbler, directions please.
I think this is the other side of the Irwell, and therefore not actually in what we class as the Elton recording area
brian fielding said
Wed Apr 20 4:23 PM, 2011
hi ian, sorry but not sure were that is for garden warbler, directions please.
Ian Campbell said
Wed Apr 20 11:24 AM, 2011
Early a.m. 3 Grasshopper Warbler in same places as yesterday, lots of new Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler, 2 Common Tern, single Common Sandpiper on Withins overflow. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Tue Apr 19 2:54 PM, 2011
There were 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 1 below Withins, 1 in the marsh by canal and 1, briefly, below the pumphouse. Cheers Ian ................. Also 2 Common Sandpipers
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Tuesday 19th of April 2011 02:56:57 PM
Ian Campbell said
Mon Apr 18 10:51 AM, 2011
Early morning, on res. only bird of note single Common Tern, in hedgerows lots of Warblers including 5 singing Whitethroat and 2 reeling Grasshopper Warbler, usual below Withins and one in marsh near canal, Kestrel near here also. Cheers Ian
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Apr 18 10:48 AM, 2011
Ian McKerchar wrote:
Unfortunately, spring White Storks are near annual in the county. So why unfortunately? Because escapees or rather, free-flying captive birds, particularly roaming spring birds from Harewood House near Leeds regularly wander over this side of the Pennines. Only today one was wandering around the West Yorkshire area and last week a bird of captive origin was enjoying time around an Asda car park in Aberdeenshire!
Sorting the wild from the captive is frankly impossible in most cases and all but one recent county record (all from around this same period) have been considered of captive origin. The accepted as wild record involved 3 birds together which were tracked entering the UK and then travelling right across it!
Whatever your personal views are though it doesn't detract from how magnificent a sight a White Stork passing over is
White Stork of captive origin reported on Lytham Moss this morning!
steven burke said
Sun Apr 17 11:16 PM, 2011
oops forgot my sightings.. along the canal.. 1 blackcap 2 willow warbler singing sedge warbler (not seen) but did manage to see the one near bennies lapwings in fields 1 little owl plenty off greenfinch & goldfinch 4 reed bunting 1 buzzard sand martin & swallows on the res.. 1 common tern b-h-gulls/l-b-b-gulls 2 g-b-b-gulls plenty off great crested grebe & coots (did see the bottle on the nest)idiots with no respect. oystercatcher (over) lots off willow warbler allover heard 1 chiifchaff 1 blackcap also had whitethroat near bennies and reeling grasshopper warbler below withins also heard curlew going over. oh and 1 white stork.
steven burke said
Sun Apr 17 10:26 PM, 2011
i had just come up from bennies and sat on the wall on the res had a quick scan,then thought whats that there being mobbed by a crow,it was huge i had my camera handy so i took a few long off pics but when you zoom in hey presto WHITE STORK. sent the pics to ian so he can have a look and give us his thoughts on where it has sprung from.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Apr 17 10:20 PM, 2011
Unfortunately, spring White Storks are near annual in the county. So why unfortunately? Because escapees or rather, free-flying captive birds, particularly roaming spring birds from Harewood House near Leeds regularly wander over this side of the Pennines. Only today one was wandering around the West Yorkshire area and last week a bird of captive origin was enjoying time around an Asda car park in Aberdeenshire!
Sorting the wild from the captive is frankly impossible in most cases and all but one recent county record (all from around this same period) have been considered of captive origin. The accepted as wild record involved 3 birds together which were tracked entering the UK and then travelling right across it!
Whatever your personal views are though it doesn't detract from how magnificent a sight a White Stork passing over is
Ken Nash said
Sun Apr 17 10:10 PM, 2011
Didnt need bins over the res Ian it was being mobbed by a crow no higher than a pylon, there were 4 of us saw it - just couldnt believe what I was seeing - a Stork at Elton.
Ken Nash said
Sun Apr 17 7:22 PM, 2011
First ever posting but can confirm Dean - Stork soaring over Elton this afternoon 2.30 drifting west.
Dean Macdonald said
Sun Apr 17 2:40 PM, 2011
Possible Stork soaring over, headed off west at 2.35.
brian fielding said
Sun Apr 17 11:35 AM, 2011
0600 till 1045 possible whimbrel over pumphouse heading north east at 1015, seen from below only but size of bill looked right but bird didnt call so cant completly rule out curlew 2 common tern 1 wheatear 1 gropper 1 whitethroat sadly some idiot as thrown a plastic drinks bottle into a great crested grebe nest and it has been abandoned
Dennis atherton said
Sat Apr 16 8:43 PM, 2011
other than sedge at bennies today, whitethroat on tree on the other side of the river opposite canal bridge, gropper singing below withins occasionally coming on top of the brambles for a reel, thanks Brian, lots of willow warblers all round it seems, a few chiffchaff, great spotted pecker drumming in the dip, 2 linnets flew over near pumphouse
Ian Boote said
Sat Apr 16 2:03 PM, 2011
can only add usual willow warbds chiff chaff blackcaps along railway line dip. quite a few swallows over corum stud pheasant marsh sedge warbler canal & below dam
brian fielding said
Sat Apr 16 11:39 AM, 2011
0615 till 1100 1 whitethroat, creek 1 gropper showing well below withins 2 wheatear 1 white wagtail 1 shoveler 2 oystercatcher
Dennis atherton said
Sat Apr 16 11:36 AM, 2011
Sedge warbler singing near bennies, 11.30.
Simon Warford said
Fri Apr 15 8:51 PM, 2011
Brian, I think you may be being abit harsh with the "very scarce", in my opinion more like occasional flyover, check every single corvid and you will get one flying over eventually(may take a couple of months though!), mainly spring and autumn when ive seen them flying over. They are fairly common at Lowercroft which isnt too far away.
brian fielding said
Fri Apr 15 6:41 PM, 2011
hi stephen, are you sure that you saw rooks nr corran, they are very scarce at elton.not sure were the nearest rookery is but i havnt heard of one nearby.sorry to question you but i am doing an elton year list this year and rook would be an excellent year tick.
brian fielding said
Fri Apr 15 4:55 PM, 2011
not much around this week so far grasshopper warbler still below withins 2 ravens over today 1 common sandpiper most days a few linnets about
brian fielding said
Tue Apr 12 11:13 AM, 2011
1000 till 1030 large raptor heading north high over the res at 1015, flew on bowed or level wings, brown above, my first thought was osprey but due to height and against the sun just couldnt get enough on it to be sure, will be interested to see if anyone else picked it up.
Dennis atherton said
Tue Apr 12 9:55 AM, 2011
Last night I have never seem so many sand martins, the reserved was literally covered all over, superb, also the levels have come down the lowest this year quite a lot giving lots of great areas for waders, looking good for elton
brian fielding said
Mon Apr 11 1:25 PM, 2011
0615 till 1245 1 grasshopper warbler showing well on and off below withins 2 wheatear 1 common tern 1 sedge warbler 2 white wagtail 1 willow tit 1 dipper 1 kingfisher 1 gs woody 1 house martin 2 swallows loads of sand martins, blackcaps and willow warblers ian peters had 3 whitethroats nr the hospital along cycle track but had moved on when i got around there. 1 gadwall
Chiff Chaff 23.03.10 16.03.11
willow warbler 07.04.10 26.03.11
Blackcap 13.04.10 02.04.11
Whitethroat 22.04.10 11.04.11
Sedgewarbler 22.04.10 09.04.11
Reed warbler 30.04.10 24,04.11
Grasshoper Warbler 01.05.10 10.04.11
Lesser whiterhroat 14.05.10 25.04.11
Garden Warbler 25.05.10 20.04.11
Cheers Ian
LW slightly up from second swan nest
graddhopper warbler in bushes below dam at old hall style hedge
2 comon terns movong between withins and main res
3 young coots on canal
buzzard being mobbed by lapwing over withins
kestral doffer fold
Sedge Warbler 4 Coran Stud
Whitethroat 5
Water Rail 2 squealing from marsh
Kestrel
Sand Martin 360
Swallow 30
House Martin
Common Tern 2
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Monday 25th of April 2011 07:28:32 PM
In truth the Lesser Whitethroat was first identified by Brian from it's song. Also seen this a.m. 2 male Wheatear, one amongst the cattle and one on the res wall, 2 Swift, 1 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Oystercatcher and Sedge Warblers in nearly every bush
Cheers Ian
2 reed warblers
2 swifts
3 grasshopper warblers
2 curlew
1 oystercatcher
It was sad not to see Colin.
curlew sky lark spenmoor
sedgewarbler in hedge below pupm house swallows sand martin divebombing over dam
And even if the louts had not thrown at the GC Grebe nest water levels have risen slightly and would have probably finished the nest in any case.
Cheers Ian
Grasshopper Warbler by first pylon from car park.
with regards to the boundaries for recording purposes, a new map will be produced shortly.
The Grasshopper Warbler below the boathouse has moved to the otherside of the road upto Old Hall farm and was reeling away in full view at 4.30 p.m.
Cheers Ian
Sedge Warbler - Singing Marsh and Coney Green
Didnt hear one Gropper
Goosander 6 flew over NE
Sand Martin 100+
Spahawk
Little Owl
Kestrel
PM Very hot
Grasshopper warblers withins, marsh, north res hedge
whitethroat telegraph pole dam
swallows capsticks,
Sedgewarblers dam canal dip,
Reed bunting north res hedge dip marsh,
Kestral hinds
Sand Martins over river
Moorhen chicks on canal
Willow Warb Chiff Chaff Black caps scattered about
Sky larks etc
2 common terns
4 grasshopper warblers
2 wheatear
I did ask Ian Campbell in March what were the recording boundaries for Elton, and Ian felt that perhaps Peter Baron's advice should be sought on the matter. It would be great from my point of view if you locals would between you define the boundary and put it on a map please.
Perhaps valuable input could be forthcoming from Simon Warford who of course set the year list record in 2008, as I feel anyone doing a year list would not want to exceed Simon's achievement simply by logging species in a recording area expanded relative to what he adhered to? But there again, perhaps it does need a thorough rethink?
Although it is 38 years since I left Seddons Farm estate (I lived there 1969- 1973, and still remember the site as it was in 1968 when it was open fields prior to the first Whelmar homes being built), I do still feel an affinity with Elton Res. and used to sail on it on occasion with my father 60 years ago, so I do feel a sentimental attachment to the place and am really pleased that enthusiastic birders are so active here.
For what it is worth, my own route when birding round "Elton" is perhaps the most restricted of all, simply because I err on the cautious side as regards the boundaries. I park on Buckingham Drive, go past the tiny Capsticks Marsh, down past Withins Res. and the next farm (called Crow Trees?) directly down to the canal and turn left (east), counting anything between the canal and the railway/tramway line, but not beyond towards Radcliffe.
Walking further east, I count anything on the river but am reluctant to include anything south of it, for the simple reason that it is possible to 'scope up large birds from here at a range of a few miles, and where/how does one draw an imaginary line in the sky and then consistently abide by it?
I have only once reached the large bridge over the river and turned back there as I felt surely that I was walking "out of area " at that point and returned (having crossed the bridge) via the route of the old railway line back west past the Daisyfield area and a hospital with a high wire fence, to Buckingham Drive. If I have time, I include the "Dip" (which I never new existed in the early 70's).
I would feel uneasy about including any sightings on or north of the main Bury/ Bolton road, and would feel uncertain about anything in fact north of Buckingham Road, to the extent that I might then ask you locals what you would include here, simply because all this is your well worked patch and I as an outsider would respect your overriding views of course in such matters.
Some guidance would be greatly appreciated please!
Regards,
Mike P.
Equally though a nice find should be reported on this thread if outside that area for those like me that simply walk accross the whole area but also for listing because it flags up that bird in the area that might be important.
The contribution of areas quite north in the area is something I've never considered because there is Barrack fold lodge in the middle of Seddons Farm thats a local SBI saved by locals and has lots of rare bugs so could have an occasional rare feathered visitor.
Whether your a lister or a wanderer un looked at areas should be sought out and watched to look for them rare things that are overlooked, spenmoor daisey field spring to mind. The latter can be generally seen from the railway and the path quite well, but if your lucky enough to overlook it that could be a good list in itself.
But whats most important if you list or not is to get out there and view birds and other wildlife. This area keeps throwing up rareties of local and regional importance in all sorts of wildlife.
Cheers Ian.
good idea.
No. The traditional Elton area that most birders work to is basically a triangle - not a square
Cheers Ian
So the Elton area is the 2 KM tetrad SD70Z
I have to declare a slight interest on this via a bit of fun 'Tetrad Challenge' on Manchester Wildlife web site where several people are comparing all observed wildlife in selected tetrads.
The Elton tetrad therefore does include areas south of the river with the eastern boundry of the tetrad roughly at hinds weir part of the playing fields and including lower hinds swan lodge and going down to Dumers Lane but does not include daisey field res.
And thankfully the tea room at the garden centre so I'm of to scoff a scone.
I think it DOES matter when people are year listing and comparisons are made. I know what I have always understood to be the boundaries and always stick to them when I compare what I see from year to year.
Brian that is definately well outside the recording area, good try though
I would class south of the river as the recording area for Elton.
If the definition is anything north of the River Irwell can thast not include the garden centre and most of urban radcliffe in that one. That means I could do my birdwatching while picking the beding flower and enjoying a cream scone in the tea room; Sounds alright. .
Is the definition the map tetrad that covers Elton reservoir which does include south of the river but not most of spenmoor including parts of the old railway line?
Is the definition only inside the fence around the reservoir so we should stop recording sighting in the dip and capsticks?
Do we have a withins recording area known by fishermen as little elton?
What does the gardebn Warbler think of all this post code lottery probably not much?
Do we need a thread for each seperate part of this area, Withins, Spenmoor, Warthfold, Crow Tree farmyard and the tea room of the garden centre?
Does it matter.................................Thats easy NO!
And who are 'we' a learned group of line drawing sages, the sailing club, or a secret society. No offence intended. It's not me. I'll be in the garden centre poking a scone down mi pecker
The Elton Reservoir advantage is that it is a range of habitats One definition could be the green area in the centre of Bury MBC surounded by the urban sprawl. Most of the areas in this looser definition are Sites of Biological Importance and reflect that importance. One advantage of such a definition is that it is quite easy to understand and would incluide lower Hinds, south of the river, warth fold spenmoor and even swan lodge.
But in the end its up to the poster!
I'll now await the replies
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 07:09:30 PM
I think this is the other side of the Irwell, and therefore not actually in what we class as the Elton recording area
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
.................
Also 2 Common Sandpipers
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Tuesday 19th of April 2011 02:56:57 PM
Cheers Ian
White Stork of captive origin reported on Lytham Moss this morning!
along the canal..
1 blackcap
2 willow warbler
singing sedge warbler (not seen) but did manage to see the one near bennies
lapwings in fields
1 little owl
plenty off greenfinch & goldfinch
4 reed bunting
1 buzzard
sand martin & swallows
on the res..
1 common tern
b-h-gulls/l-b-b-gulls 2 g-b-b-gulls
plenty off great crested grebe & coots (did see the bottle on the nest)idiots with no respect.
oystercatcher (over)
lots off willow warbler allover heard 1 chiifchaff 1 blackcap
also had whitethroat near bennies and reeling grasshopper warbler below withins also heard curlew going over. oh and 1 white stork.
Sorting the wild from the captive is frankly impossible in most cases and all but one recent county record (all from around this same period) have been considered of captive origin. The accepted as wild record involved 3 birds together which were tracked entering the UK and then travelling right across it!
Whatever your personal views are though it doesn't detract from how magnificent a sight a White Stork passing over is
possible whimbrel over pumphouse heading north east at 1015, seen from below only but size of bill looked right but bird didnt call so cant completly rule out curlew
2 common tern
1 wheatear
1 gropper
1 whitethroat
sadly some idiot as thrown a plastic drinks bottle into a great crested grebe nest and it has been abandoned
quite a few swallows over corum stud
pheasant marsh
sedge warbler canal & below dam
1 whitethroat, creek
1 gropper showing well below withins
2 wheatear
1 white wagtail
1 shoveler
2 oystercatcher
grasshopper warbler still below withins
2 ravens over today
1 common sandpiper most days
a few linnets about
large raptor heading north high over the res at 1015, flew on bowed or level wings, brown above, my first thought was osprey but due to height and against the sun just couldnt get enough on it to be sure, will be interested to see if anyone else picked it up.
1 grasshopper warbler showing well on and off below withins
2 wheatear
1 common tern
1 sedge warbler
2 white wagtail
1 willow tit
1 dipper
1 kingfisher
1 gs woody
1 house martin
2 swallows
loads of sand martins, blackcaps and willow warblers
ian peters had 3 whitethroats nr the hospital along cycle track but had moved on when i got around there.
1 gadwall