Much the same as Ian (only 1 Water Rail for me though). Also 1 Little Owl (back on wood pile near Crow Trees), 1 GBB Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 5 Common Gull, 5 Bullfinch, 15 LT Tit (flock). 9 Pochard, 40+ Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye (f), 1 Goosander (f), 4 GC Grebes and 100+ Coot in small area of res not frozen.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 19 9:48 AM, 2010
1st light, very cold,-8C, res mostly frozen, small area of water maintained by 100's of Canadas. River Irwell also frozen, 3 Water Rail again at Bennies and the hedgerow here and down to the Corran Stun held 500+ mixed flock of Redwing, Fieldfare and Blackbirds all feeding on berries. 2 Goosander over the river. Cheers Ian
Dennis atherton said
Sat Dec 18 6:32 PM, 2010
Nothing to much Add to what Ian has already posted, Winter thrushes all alomg the trees towards Bennys, also 2 very well fed water rails at the canal bridge, (Fat Balls, they seem to enjoy them) large flock of long tailed tits at the house of a thousand cats, also male and female sparrowhawks today having a go at pretty much anything they could, very nice to watch, and one robin that took some food from my hand
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 18 2:50 PM, 2010
Braved the weather this a.m. along with Paul and Sue, rewarded with 100's of Winter Thushes in the hedgerows, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel and probably 3 Water Rail near Bennies, on the res small numbers of Pochard, Goldeneye, Goosander, lots of Coot and Tufted and a Meadow Pipit on the pumphouse. Cheers Ian
Ian Boote said
Thu Dec 16 3:15 PM, 2010
Walk along Dam Very Very Cold Character on Motor bike going around in circles scaring everything
But seen Male Golden eye 18 Goosanders 6 Drakes 1 pochard lots of tifties 100's of winter thrushes Cormerant
Ian Boote said
Tue Dec 14 2:49 PM, 2010
Most Action on res/doffer fold Male Kestral with two jays in close proximinity Female teal Reed bunter 18 Goosander 1 goldeneye 3 pochard 2 widgeon Loads of tufties winter thrushes Large flock of starlings Lots of house sparrows Meadow p Large flock of LT tits
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 12 12:26 PM, 2010
This a.m with Peter J, best were 9 Waxwings near Crow Trees. On the res now 24 Mute Swan, amongst the Black-headed Gulls were Lesser and 1 Great Black-backed Gull and approx 20 Herring Gull over. Little Owl in hedgerow near canal and Water Rail at Bennies. Barnacle Goose amongst 100's of Canadas. Cheers Ian
brian fielding said
Sat Dec 11 2:26 PM, 2010
0800 till 1330 with trevor lane and dave lowe 1 barnacle goose with canadas 1 treecreeper found by dave nr res outflow but i couldnt find it 1 goldcrest nr bennies again found by dave goosander and goldeneye res many large gulls on res including 8 gbbgs 1 kingfisher
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 11 11:10 AM, 2010
From 8.25a.m. 19 Mute Swan, 18 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard and large number of Tufted and Coot on the res. In field by new bridge near Crow Trees 6 Curlew feeding. In field below res. by canal 100's of Fieldfare and Redwing plus 100's more in hedgrows, also large numbers of Blackbirds. Water Rail near Bennies. Cheers Ian
Ian Boote said
Thu Dec 9 4:46 PM, 2010
LISTINGS First light
6 Widgeon 1 pochard Dozen Tufties 2 GC Grebe on the ice hole in the res Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Large flock of House Sparrows Old Hall 2 Jays Bullfinch Creek Water Rail Bennies 1 Snipe plenty of winter thrushes in dip
John Rayner said
Thu Dec 9 3:35 PM, 2010
As I'm neither an elitist nor an Elton regular can I bring some futher factual evidence to the debate.
According to 'Birds of the Western Palearctic'.
On Size: It is true that male Corn Buntings are larger than females on average but there is some overlap in all the biometric measurements given, suggesting that using size alone to sex these is not 100% safe. Especially at sub-zero temperatures when birds can change their shape as they fluff up against the cold.
On Diet: "Diet in western Palearctic includes the following invertibrates ... spiders, millipedes, earthworms, snails ... "
"In England, all year, 37 stomachs contained 28.5% by volume animal material (22.5% insects, 1.5% earthworms, 1.5% snails, 3% other invertebrates"
It was a surprise to me this 'seed eater' took so much animal material and I guess this would apply even more so in the current harsh conditions when birds will take just whatever they can find.
Stay cool,
Cheers, John
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Dec 9 2:57 PM, 2010
martin whittam wrote:
You seem to have upset the cliquey elitists by sighting something that they havn't- tut tut!
I have read this thread recently, as it seems Stephen has rightly taken it, as an interesting discussion without any malice. It is absolutely right that posts should be queried where necessary but I find your comments Martin are not only completely wrong but add nothing to this interesting discussion and are in fact inflammatory and something we can well do without.
I think this discussion has come to an end either way, so let's get back to sightings from this excellent site.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 9th of December 2010 03:32:21 PM
martin whittam said
Thu Dec 9 1:41 PM, 2010
Stephen Ormrod wrote:
All points taken, I will keep my eyes peeled for any further sightings.
I'm 100% certain of Corn Buntings having witnessed them regularly in N. Lincs. feeding in the over-winter stubble fields left by farmers as part of their stewardship schemes. I'm also a qualified Ecologist/Biologist so don't often make too many cock-ups
I can only report what I saw, so who knows? We do get odd 'specials', take the Bittern and the Slavonian Grebe on Withins some years back for example?
Let me turn this round, what else could this bird have been please?
You seem to have upset the cliquey elitists by sighting something that they havn't- tut tut!
Mark Heywood said
Thu Dec 9 12:07 PM, 2010
Forgive me as I am new on here (and out of county!) but some interesting points this last post:
Svensson lists the difference between the sexes of Corn Bunting as 10% but it is frankly imperceiveable in the field anyway, even if they are side by side! Iregularly study flocks of Corn Buntings and still cannot see this size difference. Studying them in winter just makes this more imperceiveable too due to the much more significant variation in body mass and of their appearance due to feather 'fluffing' or not as the case may be. Of course I've no qualifications as such other than bring a serious birder for the past 20 odd years and yes, I still make cock-ups As for the wing measurements (which are valid) they are only of use to ringers for all intents and purposes and have no real use to field birders. Corn Buntings are mainly seed eaters but will take invertebrates, though that doesn't include worms! I wonder why, the only features noticed on such generally distinctive birds were size and dangling legs? I notice you had 'great views through the binocs' so surely you cant have misidentified a big worm for a stem at a range of 5 yards? I'm also very surprised Corn Buntings would allow such close approach out in the open. I see more than most around where I live and they are always very unapproachable. Perhaps yours up there are different though? Whilst there would seem not much to confuse them with I am constantly surprised by the apparently bizarre misidentification of what seem to be obvious enough species. Try female/immature Yellowhammer (don't know if they get them up there?), Reed Bunting, juvenile Greenfinch or even Linnet (and yes I've heard of the last one being mis-id'd at distance at least!) , though I'd be surprised at any of those having a bash at a worm too! Just a though anyway
Simon Warford said
Wed Dec 8 9:55 PM, 2010
Stephen, Corn Bunting would be quite exceptional at Elton given the current status of the species in the UK(80% decline in 20 years), they are just about hanging on in two farmland areas within the county of Gtr Manchester. Their hasnt been a Corn Bunting at Elton since March 1990, and the last singing bird was in the summer of 1986.
A couple of things with your report do not seem indicative of this species to me, they are seed/corn eaters of farmland dwelling habitat and even in this current severe weather wouldnt eat worms, also fairly unlikely they will be in full song in December to be honest, also in the field you wouldnt really notice a size difference between male & female or any trailing legs.
Im not sure how long you have been birdwatching or on the Elton birdwatching scene but Corn Bunting would really be very very unlikely. I hope I am wrong though and nothing is impossible after all
Also could I kindly request that the locations of any breeding birds at Elton should not be posted on this forum, no matter how common the species is and also any sightings of Jack Snipe should not be publicised on here, its the society we live in im afraid.
Best regards, Simon
Rob Thorpe said
Wed Dec 8 8:09 PM, 2010
Stephen Ormrod wrote:
Hi Dave,
Positive ID on E. calandra; the 2 birds were only 5 yards away from me at their closest. One M, one F (at least 20% smaller). Unmistakable call like a bunch of jangling keys (the initial clue to their presence)...
I didn't realise Corn Buntings would sing in December?
Mark Rigby said
Wed Dec 8 6:56 PM, 2010
rob archer wrote:
I have some great photos of the Barnacle Goose though with times and dates on it!!
Not sure of the relevance of the times and dates on the photo's?
If you click on the Homepage button at the top of this page and look at the vast array of information contained on the Website, you will see that a most Barnacle Geese recorded in GM are feral birds and this particular one has been present "on and off" for some time.
rob archer said
Wed Dec 8 6:05 PM, 2010
Hi Folks,,jusr read the postings re ID of certain species and the "Mega" tag attached to some birds including Knot.. I saw one on Monday first in flight and also stationary on the ice.Another chap called Ken had also seeen it earlier and confirmed the ID. I had no idea that it would be considered worthwhile of a phone call to report it.. I have some great photos of the Barnacle Goose though with times and dates on it!!
Paul Wilson said
Wed Dec 8 2:21 PM, 2010
Bittern, Knot, Merlin, Red-brested Mergansers, Corn Buntings - all pretty rare at Elton! Are we all sure that these are 100% confirmed? Unless sightings are 100%, please use the term "possible" - several Elton birders want some of these and like myself, would drop everything to get them.
I myself have spent several hours looking for the reported Merlin but have only managed to see male Sparrowhawk and Peregrine (both of which could be confused with Merlin if sightings are not good).
Can Corn Bunting be confirmed as definite? I don't want to doubt anyone's birding abilities, but if you have any doubts as to your sightings, please say so.
Also, if anyone sees anything that is "mega" can they try to get information out asap. As Dave says, there are many of us who need this for our Elton list. A quick phonecall to Ian McKerchar would be useful as he would then get info to those of us who need said birds.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Wednesday 8th of December 2010 02:27:23 PM
Dave Lowe said
Wed Dec 8 11:58 AM, 2010
Hi Stephen,
I haven't been to Elton for 12 months, but used to watch the place a lot from the late 80's to the early 2000's and Corn Bunting was always really rare to non-existant then. Not sure of its status now but i suspect this is still an Elton mega that many people still need for their Elton list.
Do you think they are still around?
Also how are you ageing your "young" kestrel?
regards Dave
rob archer said
Mon Dec 6 5:43 PM, 2010
short walk round 10ish this morning.. misty and cold but lifting as the sun got up..lots of the regularly mentioned species and a good number of Canada geese around the last remaining section of clear ice free water.. Amongst the Canada Geese was one Barnacle Goose and 2 Grey Lags, Wigeon, Pochard and plenty of Tufted Ducks..5 Snipe over the res and 1 Knot on the ice by the waters edge..a very cold day..
-- Edited by rob archer on Monday 6th of December 2010 05:53:52 PM
Chris brown said
Sun Dec 5 8:12 PM, 2010
Had my second outing ever to elton today. Visability was really poor and the ice/snow made it hard work getting round!! I don't think I have seen as many blackbirds!! My highlight of the visit which made it totally worthwhile was a water rail( not seen one since I was 10!!) but lots of redwing along the canal area before the dip was very nice to see. I also saw 2 sets of waders in flight. The first 2 I think were redshank but the second 2 just not sure!! They had a White rump with dark patches bordering. They were slightly bigger than a snipe and had a fairly long beak proportionaly to the size of the bird.
Lots of mistle and song thrushes lots of wrens 2 female teal 1 female sparrowhawk sat in a tree near the pumphouse. All the usual water birds and woodland birds.
At the end of my circuit I had a chat to 2 blokes(sorry forgot your names) who very kindly explained where places are on elton and what to expect. (thank you!) will definately visit more often. Enjoyed my outing despite the weather!!
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 5 5:34 PM, 2010
Ian, at least 10 Wigeon on the small area of open water near the creek late morning, not much else visible though!
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 5 1:13 PM, 2010
Early a.m. with Peter J, although with the cold and mist we rather wondered why. 6 Goosander on the river, Water Rail at Bennies, 1 Snipe over and a Wigeon heard calling somewhere on the res. Cheers Ian
brian fielding said
Sat Dec 4 7:10 PM, 2010
hi stephen, the curlew called from somewhere nr withins, dennis saw it in the field behind the farm , had a look but couldnt find it. only saw the small raptor for about 2 seconds, it flew low and fast over the res nr capsticks and over the hedgerow heading towards the canal, possibly merlin but couldnt rule out male sparrowhawk, hope it was the merlin and it sticks around, quite rare at elton and i think most elton birders need it, i will be back on in the morning for another look.
-- Edited by brian fielding on Saturday 4th of December 2010 07:53:34 PM
Dennis atherton said
Sat Dec 4 6:09 PM, 2010
300+ canada geese feeding in feilds near farm on st andrews lane, also one curlew seen there and another heard with also at least 200 feildfares in the berry trees in that area, a few redwings too but mainly feildfare and 2 snipe
One Water rail at bennys within six feet, broke up a load of fats balls for him and threw on the ice and he was having a field day, thanks for the tip Ivan also grey wagtail here too,
Nice to meet more Gmbirders today also braving the cold, two birder ticks for me today,
brian fielding said
Sat Dec 4 3:12 PM, 2010
0800 till 1430 1 jack snipe, over capsticks 2 water rail, 1 showing well at bennys 1 redshank, res 1 curlew, heard only goldeneye and goosander res 1 gbb gull 1 probable peregrine over boathouse 1 other small raptor nr capsticks, couldnt get a positive id. 1 kingfisher year total now a very average 105, 101 self found
Simon Warford said
Fri Dec 3 11:05 PM, 2010
3/12/10 early pm
2 Dunlin flew through 550 Canada Geese 28 Mute Swan 14 Pochard 50+ Tufted 2 Goosander 4 Wigeon 3 Water Rail including 1 at Bennies showing to 10 feet. 3 Sparrowhawks 15 Siskin 16 Common Gull 1 GBB Gull
Ian Boote said
Tue Nov 30 12:10 PM, 2010
quite choppy on res
below old hall farm 12 lapwing 1 snipe 8 meadow pipit large flocks of starlings winter thrushes dam kestral 12 goosander 4 drake tufties etc more meadow pipits grey wag
brian fielding said
Mon Nov 29 2:27 PM, 2010
0815 till 1315 2 goldeneye 13 goosander 5 pochard 1 water rail, on withins outflow
Ian Boote said
Sun Nov 28 5:54 PM, 2010
Thanks mike.
We had plenty of waders when the water levels were lower not so many these days. It shot off towards capsticks at speed making its unmistakable call. I briefly caught it in my moderate bins.
Mike Passant said
Sun Nov 28 5:45 PM, 2010
FAO Ian Boote, Hi Ian,
concerning your comment about Redshank at Elton, (not being common at this time of the year). When approaching the reservoir from Capsticks last Wednesday morning, (i.e. 24/11) I heard the receding flight calls of a Redshank calling from the area of the north shore, I scanned through bins and saw the merest speck disappearing over the boat club; it could well have been flushed off ahead of us; I logged it as a "heard only."
Judith Smith said
Sun Nov 28 5:13 PM, 2010
Peter - if you kept the corpse, can you stick it in the freezer and I'll see if CEH want it for analysis.
Peter Johnson said
Sun Nov 28 5:08 PM, 2010
15:00 - 16:00 -
4 Water Rail, 1 of which was found dead in horse field behind Woo's Nab farm.
Hundreds of birds on the res. most noteworthy was a single Great Black-backed Gull in with several Herring Gull.
Ian Boote said
Sun Nov 28 2:03 PM, 2010
late morning dinner
dip bullfinch and other finches shivering heron winter thrushes
hinds more finches and lt tits bullfinch river in part frozen
capsticks res wall turned around to see 50 tufties flying towards the res at what seemed like head height quickly followed by 200 canada geese. Tufties kept circling. as well as two snipe.
fields above marsh 2 circling snipe 2 flushed snipe cock pheasant in a stand off with a cat, the cat retired. 6 lapwings winter thrushes.
res 12 pochard 6 goosander 2 female golden eye another circling snipe and what looked and unmistakenly sounded like a flushed redshank pretty sure from northern bank when dog ran into reeds (accept not usial this time of year) more tufties cormerasnts etc another bullfinch 6 fly over lapwings assume same from marsh winter thrushes pied wag.
rather chilly but very pleasant
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 28th of November 2010 02:26:55 PM
Paul Wilson said
Sat Nov 27 5:59 PM, 2010
Just a Lesser I presumed - didn't get a great view.
Ian Campbell wrote:
Paul Wilson wrote: 2 flocks of Goldfinch (1x Siskin in one flock and 1x Redpoll in the other!) I have now beaten last years Elton total of 116 (117 for this year so far - personal best). .................................. Well done Paul, what kind of Redpoll was it
Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 27 4:53 PM, 2010
Paul Wilson wrote: 2 flocks of Goldfinch (1x Siskin in one flock and 1x Redpoll in the other!) I have now beaten last years Elton total of 116 (117 for this year so far - personal best). .................................. Well done Paul, what kind of Redpoll was it
Cheers Ian
Paul Wilson said
Sat Nov 27 2:35 PM, 2010
Also this morning a bit later in the dip:
c30 Greenfinch 2 flocks of Goldfinch (1x Siskin in one flock and 1x Redpoll in the other!) 5 Snipe 1 Meadow Pipit 1 Kestrel 30-40 Fieldfare c20 Redwing
The dip just seemed to be teaming with birds.
I have now beaten last years Elton total of 116 (117 for this year so far - personal best).
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Saturday 27th of November 2010 02:37:08 PM
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 27 1:40 PM, 2010
Early a.m. with Paul W. on the res. 5 Pochard, 6 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, many Tufted and Coot. At Capsticks 1 Snipe with more near canal. Lots of Winter Thrushes, 2 Kestrel and 2 Bullfinch also. Cheers Ian
Mike Passant said
Thu Nov 25 9:29 AM, 2010
Quick 30 min this morning 8.30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Approx. 30 species noted. Best was 8 WAXWINGS, perched up by Benny's.
Follow dirt road past Benny's long cream coloured wall to go over Canal bridge. where the road bends to left birds were on left within 12 feet, they were quite at ease and still there as I left at 8.55. Best viewed from the "1 ton Weght Limit" sign looking back over the canal (over a hawthorn plastered with berries, with sun behind you). - I'll try to get back after breakfast with camera.
Mike Passant said
Wed Nov 24 1:06 PM, 2010
8 am to 11.30 am walked round with Brian Fogg.
Cold at first but clear and sunny, - just great to be out.
44 species recorded, (nothing unexpected), Water Rails heard in several places: across the canal, and down in the Dip area near the pool).
Ian Boote said
Wed Nov 24 10:01 AM, 2010
Am around res dip In Dip Coal Tit, winter thrushes, kestrel
On Res 3 Pochard, Shoveler Tufties female goosander and poss pair of goldeneye at distance near overflow seen from creek cormerants heron etyc Also 4 fly over goosander and more cormerants Male Sparrow hawk seen chasing bird along northern footpath then later attacked bird on hedge in creek Capsticks one teal and two snipe
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Wednesday 24th of November 2010 06:12:34 PM
Mike Passant said
Tue Nov 23 6:44 PM, 2010
An hour's stroll round this pm before dusk:
Mute Swan 10+ (inc 7 on canal) Canada Geese lots Goosander 17 (poss. more coming in as I left) Goldeneye 1 Pochard 4 Tufted Duck 12 Mallard lots Teal 1 (flew into marsh area n. side of canal) Coot lots Moorhen 4/5 Lesser BB Gull 1 Herring Gull 2 Common Gulls sev. Bl.head Gulls lots Woodpigeons 20 approx Carrion Crows Magpies Jackdaw 1 Pied wagtail 1 Wren (1 hd.) Mistle thrush 1 Blackbird 2 Great Tits 2 Robin 1
brian fielding said
Mon Nov 22 1:36 PM, 2010
0830 till 1300 14 whooper swans heading south west at 09.50 7 goosander had a look for the waxwing between 12 and 1pm but no sign.
Simon Warford said
Mon Nov 22 8:31 AM, 2010
Waxwing still present in gardens between Kingston Close & Sutton Close. Viewed this morning from the end of Sutton Close, getting in berry bushes behind 11 Sutton close & 22 Kingston close still.
Info thanks to Ken Nash.
Ian Boote said
Mon Nov 22 12:37 AM, 2010
Make sure you keep your big tele photo covered.
but some odd bod posting pictures without consent on the web is an invasion of privacy if that person is concerned about that.
If you want to view go to flikr and search
covertsnapper1
They do do some good photos and there is an art side to taking pics of the unknown.
They cop a few fly tippers on elton and one of the shooters but its where do you draw the line andthen it becomes intrusive.
and if i cop him i might return the favour.
And for the record I not bothered for myself.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 22nd of November 2010 12:53:07 AM
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Nov 21 4:19 PM, 2010
Ian Boote wrote:
Also there is a chap (None birder) who goes around elton and poss other places taking clandestine pictures of people often at distance and then posting them on the web. I thought I saw him today but was not 100%. So keep you're eyes out if you're bothered.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 21st of November 2010 02:15:22 PM
Ian Boote said
Sun Nov 21 2:05 PM, 2010
late morning much the same less the tree creeper and waxwings and widgeon 2 Gold crest daisy field/railway dipper over hinds dam irwell lots of LT tits Gold finches this area GW Woodpecker back of Hosp lots of winter thrushes lots of jays in dip kestral attacking another bird that was in some distress but was saved by a cow moving through near them and spooked the kestral who then flew off. both families of swans were together right at the end of the canal but missing one adult and one cygnet. argument settled? 8 pochard grey wag main res 79 tufted decamped to the top of withins bothered by the boats on main res and fishermen on withins. Could not see the scaup on a trot up the path along side the south of the res but rewarded with a kingfisher 6 bullfinch above crow tree and a reed bunter (It looked fat) on canal
If Colin was the cheerful chap with the ancient dog Lady who regularly chatted then the news is really sad as he was there every weekend doing the circuit with lady and talk to anyone. If its not then this chap hasn't been seen for a few month as well.
Also checked Asda Manchester Rd Bolton for Wax Wings NOWT.
Also there is a chap (None birder) who goes around elton and poss other places taking clandestine pictures of people often at distance and then posting them on the web. I thought I saw him today but was not 100%. So keep you're eyes out if you're bothered.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 21st of November 2010 02:15:22 PM
Paul Wilson said
Sun Nov 21 1:59 PM, 2010
Waxwing atill showing well in garden of 22 Kingston Close but best viewed from the end of Sutton Close (in Rowan tree on the left just before the last house).
Scaup seemed to have gone AWOL when Warfy and I checked later in the morning. Beware, there is a Tufted Duck around that has much white on its face.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Sunday 21st of November 2010 02:02:21 PM
Ian Campbell said
Sun Nov 21 1:10 PM, 2010
Also present this a.m. on the Res 1 Scaup, 6 Goosander but best for me was a Treecreeper, a site 1st for me in bushes at side of canal, it was very confiding allowing close views, also over 100 Fieldfare and 1 Reed Bunter,sorryBunting . Well done to Simon for finding the Waxwing, it looked fabulous through his scope. Now off to the pub to watch City overtake BWFC Would also like to express my sadness at the news of Colin's death.
Much the same as Ian (only 1 Water Rail for me though). Also 1 Little Owl (back on wood pile near Crow Trees), 1 GBB Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 5 Common Gull, 5 Bullfinch, 15 LT Tit (flock).
9 Pochard, 40+ Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye (f), 1 Goosander (f), 4 GC Grebes and 100+ Coot in small area of res not frozen.
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
Very Very Cold
Character on Motor bike going around in circles scaring everything
But seen
Male Golden eye
18 Goosanders 6 Drakes
1 pochard
lots of tifties
100's of winter thrushes
Cormerant
Male Kestral with two jays in close proximinity
Female teal
Reed bunter
18 Goosander
1 goldeneye
3 pochard
2 widgeon
Loads of tufties winter thrushes
Large flock of starlings
Lots of house sparrows
Meadow p
Large flock of LT tits
Cheers Ian
1 barnacle goose with canadas
1 treecreeper found by dave nr res outflow but i couldnt find it
1 goldcrest nr bennies again found by dave
goosander and goldeneye res
many large gulls on res including 8 gbbgs
1 kingfisher
Cheers Ian
6 Widgeon 1 pochard Dozen Tufties 2 GC Grebe on the ice hole in the res
Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Large flock of House Sparrows Old Hall
2 Jays Bullfinch Creek
Water Rail Bennies
1 Snipe plenty of winter thrushes in dip
According to 'Birds of the Western Palearctic'.
On Size:
It is true that male Corn Buntings are larger than females on average but there is some overlap in all the biometric measurements given, suggesting that using size alone to sex these is not 100% safe. Especially at sub-zero temperatures when birds can change their shape as they fluff up against the cold.
On Diet:
"Diet in western Palearctic includes the following invertibrates ... spiders, millipedes, earthworms, snails ... "
"In England, all year, 37 stomachs contained 28.5% by volume animal material (22.5% insects, 1.5% earthworms, 1.5% snails, 3% other invertebrates"
It was a surprise to me this 'seed eater' took so much animal material and I guess this would apply even more so in the current harsh conditions when birds will take just whatever they can find.
Stay cool,
Cheers, John
You seem to have upset the cliquey elitists by sighting something that they havn't- tut tut!
Svensson lists the difference between the sexes of Corn Bunting as 10% but it is frankly imperceiveable in the field anyway, even if they are side by side! Iregularly study flocks of Corn Buntings and still cannot see this size difference. Studying them in winter just makes this more imperceiveable too due to the much more significant variation in body mass and of their appearance due to feather 'fluffing' or not as the case may be. Of course I've no qualifications as such other than bring a serious birder for the past 20 odd years and yes, I still make cock-ups
Corn Bunting would be quite exceptional at Elton given the current status of the species in the UK(80% decline in 20 years), they are just about hanging on in two farmland areas within the county of Gtr Manchester. Their hasnt been a Corn Bunting at Elton since March 1990, and the last singing bird was in the summer of 1986.
A couple of things with your report do not seem indicative of this species to me, they are seed/corn eaters of farmland dwelling habitat and even in this current severe weather wouldnt eat worms, also fairly unlikely they will be in full song in December to be honest, also in the field you wouldnt really notice a size difference between male & female or any trailing legs.
Im not sure how long you have been birdwatching or on the Elton birdwatching scene but Corn Bunting would really be very very unlikely. I hope I am wrong though and nothing is impossible after all
Also could I kindly request that the locations of any breeding birds at Elton should not be posted on this forum, no matter how common the species is and also any sightings of Jack Snipe should not be publicised on here, its the society we live in im afraid.
Best regards, Simon
I didn't realise Corn Buntings would sing in December?
Not sure of the relevance of the times and dates on the photo's?
If you click on the Homepage button at the top of this page and look at the vast array of information contained on the Website, you will see that a most Barnacle Geese recorded in GM are feral birds and this particular one has been present "on and off" for some time.
I myself have spent several hours looking for the reported Merlin but have only managed to see male Sparrowhawk and Peregrine (both of which could be confused with Merlin if sightings are not good).
Can Corn Bunting be confirmed as definite? I don't want to doubt anyone's birding abilities, but if you have any doubts as to your sightings, please say so.
Also, if anyone sees anything that is "mega" can they try to get information out asap. As Dave says, there are many of us who need this for our Elton list. A quick phonecall to Ian McKerchar would be useful as he would then get info to those of us who need said birds.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Wednesday 8th of December 2010 02:27:23 PM
I haven't been to Elton for 12 months, but used to watch the place a lot from the late 80's to the early 2000's and Corn Bunting was always really rare to non-existant then. Not sure of its status now but i suspect this is still an Elton mega that many people still need for their Elton list.
Do you think they are still around?
Also how are you ageing your "young" kestrel?
regards
Dave
-- Edited by rob archer on Monday 6th of December 2010 05:53:52 PM
I don't think I have seen as many blackbirds!!
My highlight of the visit which made it totally worthwhile was a water rail( not seen one since I was 10!!) but lots of redwing along the canal area before the dip was very nice to see.
I also saw 2 sets of waders in flight. The first 2 I think were redshank but the second 2 just not sure!! They had a White rump with dark patches bordering. They were slightly bigger than a snipe and had a fairly long beak proportionaly to the size of the bird.
Lots of mistle and song thrushes
lots of wrens
2 female teal
1 female sparrowhawk sat in a tree near the pumphouse.
All the usual water birds and woodland birds.
At the end of my circuit I had a chat to 2 blokes(sorry forgot your names) who very kindly explained where places are on elton and what to expect. (thank you!)
will definately visit more often. Enjoyed my outing despite the weather!!
6 Goosander on the river, Water Rail at Bennies, 1 Snipe over and a Wigeon heard calling somewhere on the res.
Cheers Ian
-- Edited by brian fielding on Saturday 4th of December 2010 07:53:34 PM
One Water rail at bennys within six feet, broke up a load of fats balls for him and threw on the ice and he was having a field day, thanks for the tip Ivan
Nice to meet more Gmbirders today also braving the cold, two birder ticks for me today,
1 jack snipe, over capsticks
2 water rail, 1 showing well at bennys
1 redshank, res
1 curlew, heard only
goldeneye and goosander res
1 gbb gull
1 probable peregrine over boathouse
1 other small raptor nr capsticks, couldnt get a positive id.
1 kingfisher
year total now a very average 105, 101 self found
2 Dunlin flew through
550 Canada Geese
28 Mute Swan
14 Pochard
50+ Tufted
2 Goosander
4 Wigeon
3 Water Rail including 1 at Bennies showing to 10 feet.
3 Sparrowhawks
15 Siskin
16 Common Gull
1 GBB Gull
below old hall farm
12 lapwing
1 snipe
8 meadow pipit
large flocks of starlings winter thrushes
dam
kestral
12 goosander 4 drake
tufties etc
more meadow pipits grey wag
2 goldeneye
13 goosander
5 pochard
1 water rail, on withins outflow
We had plenty of waders when the water levels were lower not so many these days. It shot off towards capsticks at speed making its unmistakable call. I briefly caught it in my moderate bins.
Hi Ian,
concerning your comment about Redshank at Elton, (not being common at this time of the year).
When approaching the reservoir from Capsticks last Wednesday morning, (i.e. 24/11) I heard the receding flight calls of a Redshank calling from the area of the north shore, I scanned through bins and saw the merest speck disappearing over the boat club; it could well have been flushed off ahead of us; I logged it as a "heard only."
4 Water Rail, 1 of which was found dead in horse field behind Woo's Nab farm.
Hundreds of birds on the res. most noteworthy was a single Great Black-backed Gull in with several Herring Gull.
dip bullfinch and other finches
shivering heron
winter thrushes
hinds
more finches and lt tits bullfinch
river in part frozen
capsticks res wall
turned around to see 50 tufties flying towards the res at what seemed like head height quickly followed by 200 canada geese. Tufties kept circling. as well as two snipe.
fields above marsh 2 circling snipe 2 flushed snipe cock pheasant in a stand off with a cat, the cat retired. 6 lapwings winter thrushes.
res 12 pochard 6 goosander 2 female golden eye another circling snipe and what looked and unmistakenly sounded like a flushed redshank pretty sure from northern bank when dog ran into reeds (accept not usial this time of year) more tufties cormerasnts etc another bullfinch 6 fly over lapwings assume same from marsh winter thrushes pied wag.
rather chilly but very pleasant
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 28th of November 2010 02:26:55 PM
c30 Greenfinch
2 flocks of Goldfinch (1x Siskin in one flock and 1x Redpoll in the other!)
5 Snipe
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Kestrel
30-40 Fieldfare
c20 Redwing
The dip just seemed to be teaming with birds.
I have now beaten last years Elton total of 116 (117 for this year so far - personal best).
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Saturday 27th of November 2010 02:37:08 PM
Cheers Ian
Approx. 30 species noted. Best was 8 WAXWINGS, perched up by Benny's.
Follow dirt road past Benny's long cream coloured wall to go over Canal bridge. where the road bends to left birds were on left within 12 feet, they were quite at ease and still there as I left at 8.55.
Best viewed from the "1 ton Weght Limit" sign looking back over the canal (over a hawthorn plastered with berries, with sun behind you).
- I'll try to get back after breakfast with camera.
Cold at first but clear and sunny, - just great to be out.
44 species recorded, (nothing unexpected), Water Rails heard in several places: across the canal, and down in the Dip area near the pool).
In Dip Coal Tit, winter thrushes, kestrel
On Res
3 Pochard, Shoveler Tufties female goosander and poss pair of goldeneye at distance near overflow seen from creek cormerants heron etyc
Also 4 fly over goosander and more cormerants
Male Sparrow hawk seen chasing bird along northern footpath then later attacked bird on hedge in creek
Capsticks one teal and two snipe
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Wednesday 24th of November 2010 06:12:34 PM
Mute Swan 10+ (inc 7 on canal)
Canada Geese lots
Goosander 17 (poss. more coming in as I left)
Goldeneye 1
Pochard 4
Tufted Duck 12
Mallard lots
Teal 1 (flew into marsh area n. side of canal)
Coot lots
Moorhen 4/5
Lesser BB Gull 1
Herring Gull 2
Common Gulls sev.
Bl.head Gulls lots
Woodpigeons 20 approx
Carrion Crows
Magpies
Jackdaw 1
Pied wagtail 1
Wren (1 hd.)
Mistle thrush 1
Blackbird 2
Great Tits 2
Robin 1
14 whooper swans heading south west at 09.50
7 goosander
had a look for the waxwing between 12 and 1pm but no sign.
Info thanks to Ken Nash.
but some odd bod posting pictures without consent on the web is an invasion of privacy if that person is concerned about that.
If you want to view go to flikr and search
covertsnapper1
They do do some good photos and there is an art side to taking pics of the unknown.
They cop a few fly tippers on elton and one of the shooters but its where do you draw the line andthen it becomes intrusive.
and if i cop him i might return the favour.
And for the record I not bothered for myself.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 22nd of November 2010 12:53:07 AM
much the same less the tree creeper and waxwings and widgeon
2 Gold crest daisy field/railway
dipper over hinds dam irwell
lots of LT tits Gold finches this area
GW Woodpecker back of Hosp
lots of winter thrushes
lots of jays
in dip kestral attacking another bird that was in some distress but was saved by a cow moving through near them and spooked the kestral who then flew off.
both families of swans were together right at the end of the canal but missing one adult and one cygnet. argument settled?
8 pochard grey wag main res
79 tufted decamped to the top of withins bothered by the boats on main res and fishermen on withins. Could not see the scaup on a trot up the path along side the south of the res but rewarded with a kingfisher
6 bullfinch above crow tree
and a reed bunter (It looked fat) on canal
If Colin was the cheerful chap with the ancient dog Lady who regularly chatted then the news is really sad as he was there every weekend doing the circuit with lady and talk to anyone. If its not then this chap hasn't been seen for a few month as well.
Also checked Asda Manchester Rd Bolton for Wax Wings NOWT.
Also there is a chap (None birder) who goes around elton and poss other places taking clandestine pictures of people often at distance and then posting them on the web. I thought I saw him today but was not 100%. So keep you're eyes out if you're bothered.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 21st of November 2010 02:15:22 PM
Scaup seemed to have gone AWOL when Warfy and I checked later in the morning. Beware, there is a Tufted Duck around that has much white on its face.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Sunday 21st of November 2010 02:02:21 PM
Would also like to express my sadness at the news of Colin's death.