A report of 2 woodcock from the board walk area today :)
Again 1000 linnet in a cover crop field plus 10 brambling yesterday - chaos ensues when the local sparrowhawks set about them!
Remember the only way to see these birds is to book on our Winter Walk Special see above for details.
PLus I just got news of a flyover waxwing!
paul brady said
Tue Nov 30 10:24 AM, 2010
A really good report of birds on IMF2 yesterday ...
40 yellowhammer 1000 linnet 1 hen harrier
Last year the same place had 30 brambling and 100 reed buntings ... of course this place is off-limits........
BUT we have organised a special guided walk on Sunday 12th December to showcase this spectacle and prove how important just a few acres of bird cover crop can be (see the article in latest Birds Magazine).
Places are strictly limited to just 10 places (minimal disturbance to the birds whilst they are obvioulsy so desperate for food).
Phone 0151 336 7681 or email paul.brady@rspb.org.uk to book.
Details confirmed upon booking. The walk is free but donations are obviously welcome.
Again I restate that this location is off-limits without permission.
sid ashton said
Sat Nov 27 6:22 PM, 2010
Went on the guided walk around Burton Mere and "Inner Marsh Farm 2" with Geoff Robinson, the reserve assistant warden looking at the extension and developments taking place. Obviously a lot of hard work has gone on and there is a lot more to be done before the official opening next year - an interesting couple of hours with Geoff. Birds of interest seen:- Teal on the small amount of water available, Peregrine, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank and Siskin.
Later at dusk, at Parkgate 2 Male and 2 possibly 3 Ring tail Hen Harriers - one of the males gave really close up views. Not sure though whether or not they actually went in to roost there.
paul brady said
Thu Nov 25 9:37 AM, 2010
No Snow on the Dee yet ..... but very cold No2 pool was frozen yesterday and I doubt that it has defrosted today despite the biright sunshine .....
Lots of small birds in the crop field but despite 30 mins of looking with another chap brambling watch produced a nil return :(
However, a small number of siskins were feeding amongst the alder tree above the boardwalk and good numbers of wigeon and teal were present on a 20% frozen no1 pool.
As I was walking back to the hide several hundred lapwing (from no1 pool) and several hundred golden plover flew over me and out toward the estuary - dunno where they came from though? Perhaps Burton Mere.
paul brady said
Mon Nov 22 3:45 PM, 2010
Today's highlights:
200+ golden plover 3 brambling siskins woodcock
paul brady said
Thu Nov 11 4:59 PM, 2010
For anybody wanting a free guided walk around Burton Mere and "Inner Marsh Farm 2" to find out all about the reserve extension and development 3 more dates have been set for "Burton Mere Walks"
Sat 27th Nov 12.30pm Sat 18th Dec 12.30pm Sat 15th Jan 12.30pm
Booking is essential so phone 0151 336 7681 to guarentee your place or to get further details.
The walk is a good opportunity to 'scope' the new scrape which has already played host to a large variety of wader and wildfowl. A visit to the nearby bird cover crop should produce a nice mix of finches too.
Bird news of note from IMF over past few days - 3 brambling amongst the finch flocks feeding on the sacrificial crop. 3 waxwing over 1 hen harrier
Report of 2 grey males into roost at Parkgate last night.
-- Edited by paul brady on Thursday 11th of November 2010 05:03:10 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Nov 10 4:47 PM, 2010
Quiet from the hide today at lunchtime. Lapwing, and Teal were quite plentyful but not much else except a few Dunlin and Redshank.
On the path on the way up and down though I was treated to some great views of upto 3 Brambling in a tree by the path. They were mixed in with Linnets, Chaffinch and Goldfinch. Managed to get some pretty good shots of them too.
paul brady said
Sun Oct 31 11:10 AM, 2010
Raptor Watch at Parkgate this Evening (get there a few hours before Sunset) should be good with 3 ringtail and 1 male reported from there last night.
paul brady said
Mon Oct 25 4:10 PM, 2010
ABout 70 pink-footed geese just touched down on No 1 a brilliant sight on a crisp winters afternoon.
An early visitor saw a woodcock on the path to the hide ...
Latest blog post at www.rspb.org.uk/innermarshfarm advertising that there will be a member of the press at the Raptor Watch on Sunday evening ... so if you fancy your chances ...
Pete Welch said
Sun Oct 17 5:57 PM, 2010
Tern still present this afternoon [being harassed by a Jackdaw - wonder if its the same one that chased the Whiskered around?!?] together with a Merlin eating a Snipe on the island, three Little Stints, two Curlew Sands, a Dunlin, a Raven, a Ruff and one of the Water Rails plus hundreds of the normal species - lovely hour and a half and piccies to follow.
paul brady said
Sun Oct 17 12:18 PM, 2010
White-winged black tern present this am - first roosting on no 2 pool and then commuting between Shotwick Boating Lake and IMF pools frequently back and forth whilst hawking for insects.
Other notables: 2 spotted redshank 1 curlew sandpiper golden plover black-tailed godwits
1 drake pochard (unusual for us)
4 bullfinch (path to hide) serveral tree sparrow reported from similar area
Also - Sat Oct 23rd 2pm another chance to go behind the scenes at Burton Mere phone 0151 336 7681 to book a free place. The new 5 hectare wetland is fun to scope from the location of the new reception area!
Gary Gorner said
Sat Oct 16 5:52 PM, 2010
spent the morning at inner marsh farm and well worth the visit another lifer for me white winged black tern showing very well, it was constantly feeding on insects and every now and then stopped for a breather.Was present all morning and through to dinner. Sorry you missed out Vernon hope your better soon that man flu is a terrible thingOther birds of note were 1 curlew sandpiper 1 dunlin 4 little stint 2 spotted redshank 4 redshank 2 greenshank 1 merlin 2 sparrowhawk 2 buzzard 1 little egret 11+ snipe 2 water rails 6 golden plover 4 whooper swan fresh in unusually not many godwits nuthatch on the feeders, plenty linnet,goldfinches and one bullfinch on the walk down to the hide .A quick look on the marsh but nothing about
-- Edited by Gary Gorner on Saturday 16th of October 2010 05:54:10 PM
-- Edited by Gary Gorner on Saturday 16th of October 2010 05:55:36 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Oct 14 10:12 PM, 2010
According to RBA the tern has now been confirmed as a White winged Black tern.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Oct 14 4:19 PM, 2010
Called in at IMF this morning at 11.30am for a quick hour or so.
I didn't know it at the time but a possible white winged tern had been reported. Anyway, one of the birders in the hide pointed it out to me when I asked what it was they were looking at. The bird was on the sandy island off to the right and giving good views. Unfortunately, no one in the hide could agree or confirm what type of tern it was. The general concensus seemed to be either a Whiskered or a White winged. The guy who actually pointed it out to me did get some good photo's of it though so hopefully a positive ID will be made soon.
After about 10 minutes or so the tern then took off and circled around for about 5 minutes before disappearing. This was just before the local RSPB expert came in to look for it - typical!!
7 Little Stint 2 Ruff 1 Curlew Sandpiper 10 Golden Plover Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits a plenty
sid ashton said
Wed Oct 6 7:14 PM, 2010
Started the afternoon with a visit to Denhall Quay that gave 1 Black Tern between the quay and Decca Pools, a Peregrine on a post and a distant ring-tail Hen Harrier.
Over to Inner Marsh, where in addition to another Black Tern there were of interest -2 Golden Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 7 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, several Blackwits and 3 Water Rail in front of the hide, two of them getting at odds with each other. The wardens also reported seeing a Hobby taking insects over the new scrape this morning.
Blog - a bit more background info on events, sightings and the latest developments .... sluices for new wetland areas (IMF 2) have just gone in. Pics to be posted soon)
Good mix of birds at IMF today Black Tern Little stint x 2 Curlew Sandpiper x2 Ruff x 14 Blackwit x 3 Spotted Redshank Golden plover Snipe Dunlin
paul brady said
Mon Sep 27 2:12 PM, 2010
Black tern Little Stint agian today at IMF
2 ringtail hen harriers and possibly a third .... 1 merlin spectacularly hunting a skylark/meadow pipit an amazing chase Parkgate last night
David Wilson said
Sun Sep 26 8:19 PM, 2010
1.30-3.30 nice but distant views of Black Tern. Bar tailed godwit with yellow and red rings. 10 Greenshank 6 Redshank 2 Ruff Plenty Teal and Lapwings Little egret Shoveler Peregrine sent them all up. Nice views soaring above hide.
John Barber said
Sat Sep 25 1:49 PM, 2010
No sign of the Whiskered Tern this morning, either at Decca Pools, the quay or at IMF.
Typical, too late again !
But did see the Black Tern and also a Little Stint at IMF which helped soften the blow.
sid ashton said
Fri Sep 24 8:58 PM, 2010
A couple of hours at Denhall Quay this afternoon gave 2 Black Tern between the quay and Decca Pools and a ring-tail Hen Harrier and a Marsh Harrier over towards the Welsh side.
As it was getting decidedly chilly I moved on to Inner Marsh farm for a sit in the hide and as well as good views of a Greenshank fantastic views of the Whiskered Tern as it gathered insects over number one pool. I watched its balletic performance for more than an hour, such a graceful bird.
The RSPB motto should be "Aren't Terns brilliant?"
richard howells 2 said
Wed Sep 22 8:01 PM, 2010
The WT left IMF at around 0920, some 10 mins before I arrived. Around 1230 it was reported at Decca Pools. There was a rush for the exit, only to meet the bearer of tidings that the bird had been seen en route back to IMF. Swift about tern(!) back to the hide revealed the bird stooging around No 1 pool. 'twas a long wait, but well worth it! Also not mentioned so far were a Ruff and a single Black-tailed Godwit.
-- Edited by richard howells 2 on Wednesday 22nd of September 2010 08:03:04 PM
paul brady said
Wed Sep 22 12:49 PM, 2010
This mornings shopping list for IMF ....
juv Whiskered Tern 2 curlew sandpiper 4 snipe 1 golden plover 2 spotted redshank 1 green woodpecker (car park)
juv Whiskered Tern last reported at Decca Pools Compound with 2 black terns
paul brady said
Tue Sep 21 4:18 PM, 2010
Upcoming Raptor Watch this weekend .... Sunday 26th September starting at 5pm until sunset.
The aim of these events is to give everybody great views of hunting birds of prey and owls. In addition we count exactly how many raptors drop into the roosts and wher exactly they roost.
The event is held in the Old Baths Car Park, Parkgate just north of the BOathouse Pub on the main prom.
Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.
Phil Owen said
Mon Sep 20 6:20 PM, 2010
Visited early afternoon for the Whiskered Tern.
After about 30 minutes or so in the hide, the bird flew back into the reserve circling over the various pools and then landed right in front of the hide onto the water depth post giving fantastic 'scope views.
It then dropped down to the left onto the edge of the island and stayed there for a few minutes "posing for the cameras" before flying out of the reserve again.
Another cracking bird!!!!
Also present amongst others were 1 Spotted Redshank and 1 Ruff.
A Sparrowhawk put the Lapwings up a few times though so could have been some more waders amongst these but I didn't really have enough time to check thoroughly.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Monday 20th of September 2010 06:24:24 PM
paul brady said
Mon Sep 20 11:28 AM, 2010
Can't say how unbelievably well the juv whiskered tern is showing!
Plus quail last night!
stuartherring said
Thu Sep 9 8:15 PM, 2010
visit wed 12 noon produced 1 curlew sandpiper,a few pintail,snipe loads of teal and lapwings up to 8 buzzard in the sky at any one time and the highlight 3 hobby feeding in front of the hide at one time sparring with a kestrel.also a juv peregrine near burton marsh 2 little egrets as well
David Wilson said
Sun Sep 5 8:48 PM, 2010
Fleeting visit this morning produced the following in just 30 mins:
Adult Hobby performing right in front of the hide catching Dragonflies and eating thenm mid-flight
sid ashton said
Fri Sep 3 5:15 PM, 2010
After the earlier trip to Hilbre Island called in at IMF on the way home - of interest present were Raven, Spotted Redshank, Ruff (one in the remnants of summer plummage), several Snipe, a Hobby making its presence felt towards two Buzzards and a couple of cracking Greenshank.
paul brady said
Thu Sep 2 11:59 AM, 2010
Good times - Wednesday
3 marsh harrier 2 merlin 9 raven 2 ruff 1 hobby (taking a linnet) 1 little owl
possible honey buzzard ??? reported to receptionist any more info please?
30 greenshank reported today
-- Edited by paul brady on Thursday 2nd of September 2010 12:00:31 PM
paul brady said
Thu Aug 26 4:22 PM, 2010
Quote from Sid Ashton: "On the way home from a short trip to the Wirral yesterday called in at Neuman's Flash to find a Long-billed Dowitcher on the spit in front of the hide between Neuman's and Ashton's flashes. I have seen this species previously but this was a really nice specimen giving excellent views"
This bird was reported flying away at 6pm towards the coast ..... and lo and behold we have a brilliantsummer plumage long billed dowitcher at IMF today (couldn't get on this website earlier error 504 or something!)
ALso spoonbill, whinchat, wheatear, greenshank, hobby and marsh harrier.
paul brady said
Mon Aug 23 9:43 AM, 2010
Anne Wilkinson wrote:
paul brady wrote:
Anne Wilkinson wrote:
Just a Spotted redshank and a juvenile Med gull of interest.p>
Just!?! Love the raised expectaions levels - these are both good birds have they been noted in the log book in the hide?
Reports today of lesser yellowlegs on No 1 ... some debate over positive id though ...
Sorry - its a long way to IMF for me and I was feeling disappointed after dipping on the LY Legs twice in one week! Yes we put our sightings in the book - we were particularly pleased about the juv Med gull which was picked out amongst a lot of commoner gulls on the island by Jonathon Fry.
Saw the med gull in the log book - thanks!
Shame you missed the LYlegs ... it's just a smal greenshank with yellow legs anyway
We'll make sure yuo see the next rare/scarce wader !
sid ashton said
Sat Aug 21 4:34 PM, 2010
Anne Wilkinson wrote:Sorry - its a long way to IMF for me and I was feeling disappointed after dipping on the LY Legs twice in one week! Yes we put our sightings in the book - we were particularly pleased about the juv Med gull which was picked out amongst a lot of commoner gulls on the island by Jonathon Fry.
A dignified reply Anne - I have sent you a PM.
Anne Wilkinson said
Sat Aug 21 12:49 PM, 2010
paul brady wrote:
Anne Wilkinson wrote:
Just a Spotted redshank and a juvenile Med gull of interest.p>
Just!?! Love the raised expectaions levels - these are both good birds have they been noted in the log book in the hide?
Reports today of lesser yellowlegs on No 1 ... some debate over positive id though ...
Sorry - its a long way to IMF for me and I was feeling disappointed after dipping on the LY Legs twice in one week! Yes we put our sightings in the book - we were particularly pleased about the juv Med gull which was picked out amongst a lot of commoner gulls on the island by Jonathon Fry.
Jonathan Platt said
Fri Aug 20 8:08 PM, 2010
Scoping from the top of the hill around 4.00pm, five wigeon and two green sandpipers were of interest. A fox was mouching about in the distant longhorn cattle field. A raven flew over and a hobby circled overhead, giving great views.
From the hide were three ruff and a couple of snipe, along with lapwings and a few blackwits, a yellow wag was calling from somewhere to the east but I couldn't find it. A peregrine flew through, two hobbies appeared, as I was watching them a sparrowhawk flew below.
Walking back I once again scoped the pools from the hill and found a wood sandpiper. It gave great distant comparison views with one of the green sands, something you can't really get from a field guide.
paul brady said
Mon Aug 16 5:27 PM, 2010
Anne Wilkinson wrote:
Just a Spotted redshank and a juvenile Med gull of interest.p>
Just!?! Love the raised expectaions levels - these are both good birds have they been noted in the log book in the hide?
Reports today of lesser yellowlegs on No 1 ... some debate over positive id though ...
Pete Welch said
Sun Aug 15 9:52 PM, 2010
Very pleasant hour at IMF from around 5.45pm tonight highlights were:
Ruff Marsh Harrier Water Rail Snipe [good close views] Oystercatcher family At least 15 Egrets in the roost
Plus on the amphibian front a Toadlet crossing the path...
and all the normal supporting cast.
It was reported in the hide - by those with good scopes who'd had a look from the path down - that there were plenty of good birds and plenty of sandpiper type waders on the new scrapes.
Anne Wilkinson said
Fri Aug 13 10:31 PM, 2010
The Lessser Yellow Legs was not seen today, up to 1pm anyway. Just a Spotted redshank and a juvenile Med gull of interest. Btw, the new Collins is much improved in helping with gull ID.
Matt Potter said
Fri Aug 13 10:08 AM, 2010
Helen Jones wrote:
Matt Potter wrote:
Matt Aged 34 and 9 months.
You old git!
Helen Aged 31 and 11 months
You.... you...... you.... young pup!!!!!!!!!
Helen Jones said
Thu Aug 12 11:15 PM, 2010
Matt Potter wrote:
Matt Aged 34 and 9 months.
You old git!
Helen Aged 31 and 11 months
Ian Campbell said
Thu Aug 12 2:32 PM, 2010
Visited this a.m. typical arrived 9.30 to have missed the Lesser Yellowlegs by 5 mins according to watcher in the hide. I stayed for 2 hours but it did not return. Did see; Ruff, Kittiwake, 2 Peregrine, 6 Little Egrets, lots of Teal, Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, 2 Shellduck, 1 Sedge Warbler and Large number of Swallow and Sand Martin near the entrance. Also small number of old gits present Cheers Ian
paul brady said
Wed Aug 11 10:51 AM, 2010
Matt Potter wrote:
paul brady wrote:
Matt Potter wrote:
My comment was a satirical comment at the RSPB as their main funders are older people and they do make lots of money in their shops/cafes etc.
I too also am a member of the RSPB, even though I dont agree with all their policies and actions.
My point was not to turn Inner Marsh Farm into a 'super reserve' and leave it as a nice little, quiet reserve.
I do like the big reserves with facilities as much as I like the smaller reserves. My faves being Leighton Moss and Titchwell.p>
1. Members are our biggest funders and they are not all old as many of the ppl on this thread can testify! 2. Trading only accounts for roughly 16% of RSPB's income 3. IMF is already a super reserve and due to its size will retain its quiet appeal - no main roads etc this is something the staff and vol team value highly and wouldn't want to lose. 4. If you're happy with LM and Tichwell then why can't we have IMF punch above its weight and take on these reserves? and finally 5. Lesser Yellowlegs and curlew sandpiper seen from hide yesterday !!!
1. Very true 2. Intresting, but still almost a 5th of the income. 3. I think we agree here. 4. They are flagships I suppose and are there for a purpose to promote the RSPB to all. IMF does take on those reserves with its species. 5. Excellent stuff!
To be honest, this discussion could have a thread all of its own!
Keep up the good work Paul, its an excellent reserve!
Thanks for the praise I'll pas it on to the team!
4. Yeah we need our flagships you wouldn't believe how many times we get asked if Martin Mere is one of reserves.
Matt Potter said
Wed Aug 11 10:41 AM, 2010
paul brady wrote:
Matt Potter wrote:
My comment was a satirical comment at the RSPB as their main funders are older people and they do make lots of money in their shops/cafes etc.
I too also am a member of the RSPB, even though I dont agree with all their policies and actions.
My point was not to turn Inner Marsh Farm into a 'super reserve' and leave it as a nice little, quiet reserve.
I do like the big reserves with facilities as much as I like the smaller reserves. My faves being Leighton Moss and Titchwell.p>
1. Members are our biggest funders and they are not all old as many of the ppl on this thread can testify! 2. Trading only accounts for roughly 16% of RSPB's income 3. IMF is already a super reserve and due to its size will retain its quiet appeal - no main roads etc this is something the staff and vol team value highly and wouldn't want to lose. 4. If you're happy with LM and Tichwell then why can't we have IMF punch above its weight and take on these reserves? and finally 5. Lesser Yellowlegs and curlew sandpiper seen from hide yesterday !!!
1. Very true 2. Intresting, but still almost a 5th of the income. 3. I think we agree here. 4. They are flagships I suppose and are there for a purpose to promote the RSPB to all. IMF does take on those reserves with its species. 5. Excellent stuff!
To be honest, this discussion could have a thread all of its own!
Keep up the good work Paul, its an excellent reserve!
paul brady said
Wed Aug 11 10:32 AM, 2010
Matt Potter wrote:
My comment was a satirical comment at the RSPB as their main funders are older people and they do make lots of money in their shops/cafes etc.
I too also am a member of the RSPB, even though I dont agree with all their policies and actions.
My point was not to turn Inner Marsh Farm into a 'super reserve' and leave it as a nice little, quiet reserve.
I do like the big reserves with facilities as much as I like the smaller reserves. My faves being Leighton Moss and Titchwell.p>
1. Members are our biggest funders and they are not all old as many of the ppl on this thread can testify! 2. Trading only accounts for roughly 16% of RSPB's income 3. IMF is already a super reserve and due to its size will retain its quiet appeal - no main roads etc this is something the staff and vol team value highly and wouldn't want to lose. 4. If you're happy with LM and Tichwell then why can't we have IMF punch above its weight and take on these reserves? and finally 5. Lesser Yellowlegs and curlew sandpiper seen from hide yesterday !!!
Matt Potter said
Wed Aug 11 9:09 AM, 2010
Before this thread falls apart completely:-
My comment was a satirical comment at the RSPB as their main funders are older people and they do make lots of money in their shops/cafes etc. I too also am a member of the RSPB, even though I dont agree with all their policies and actions.
My point was not to turn Inner Marsh Farm into a 'super reserve' and leave it as a nice little, quiet reserve.
I do like the big reserves with facilities as much as I like the smaller reserves. My faves being Leighton Moss and Titchwell.
Unfortunately, my attempt at being funny/satirical was lost and I apologise for that!
I do not have anything against old people, as Steve points out I will be old too one day! And Steve/Julie, I do not consider in your 50's as old!
As Mr Chorley points out, I have been birding with him for over 15 years (and he is an old git! ) along with 2 sisters who are in their 70' and 80's!
So once again apologies!
Matt Aged 34 and 9 months.
Mike Chorley said
Tue Aug 10 10:11 PM, 2010
Julie Unwin wrote:
Well I am a so called old git and see many (mostly male) birders there who are considerably older than me. Is there a problem with older people birdwatching and do some of you think it is an activity exclusively for the young?
Well Matt certainly doesn't, otherwise he wouldn't have 'got off his backside' and gone out birding with an old git like me for the past 15+ years
-- Edited by Mike Chorley on Tuesday 10th of August 2010 10:23:42 PM
-- Edited by Mike Chorley on Tuesday 10th of August 2010 10:25:11 PM
paul brady said
Tue Aug 10 9:18 PM, 2010
There will be toilets for all those who prefer them to the nearest bush!
Steve Suttill said
Tue Aug 10 4:12 PM, 2010
Will there be toilets for us old gits whose bladder control isn't what it was?
Matt: you'll be old one day. Or maybe not if you carry on posting such comments
Steve
(wonder what my beard would look like with a blue rinse?)
Can you put this onto any useful websites please.
Sunday's walk should still go ahead.
Thanks
Paul Brady
Visitor Development Officer
RSPB Dee Estuary
Burton Point Farm
Station Road
Burton
Cheshire
CH64 5SB
0151 336 7681
07540 863 081
www.rspb.org.uk/innermarshfarm
www.rspb.org.uk/parkgate
www.rspb.org.uk/pointofair
Again 1000 linnet in a cover crop field plus 10 brambling yesterday - chaos ensues when the local sparrowhawks set about them!
Remember the only way to see these birds is to book on our Winter Walk Special see above for details.
PLus I just got news of a flyover waxwing!
40 yellowhammer
1000 linnet
1 hen harrier
Last year the same place had 30 brambling and 100 reed buntings ... of course this place is off-limits........
BUT we have organised a special guided walk on Sunday 12th December to showcase this spectacle and prove how important just a few acres of bird cover crop can be (see the article in latest Birds Magazine).
Places are strictly limited to just 10 places (minimal disturbance to the birds whilst they are obvioulsy so desperate for food).
Phone 0151 336 7681 or email paul.brady@rspb.org.uk to book.
Details confirmed upon booking. The walk is free but donations are obviously welcome.
Again I restate that this location is off-limits without permission.
Later at dusk, at Parkgate 2 Male and 2 possibly 3 Ring tail Hen Harriers - one of the males gave really close up views. Not sure though whether or not they actually went in to roost there.
Lots of small birds in the crop field but despite 30 mins of looking with another chap brambling watch produced a nil return :(
However, a small number of siskins were feeding amongst the alder tree above the boardwalk and good numbers of wigeon and teal were present on a 20% frozen no1 pool.
As I was walking back to the hide several hundred lapwing (from no1 pool) and several hundred golden plover flew over me and out toward the estuary - dunno where they came from though? Perhaps Burton Mere.
200+ golden plover
3 brambling
siskins
woodcock
Sat 27th Nov 12.30pm
Sat 18th Dec 12.30pm
Sat 15th Jan 12.30pm
Booking is essential so phone 0151 336 7681 to guarentee your place or to get further details.
The walk is a good opportunity to 'scope' the new scrape which has already played host to a large variety of wader and wildfowl. A visit to the nearby bird cover crop should produce a nice mix of finches too.
Bird news of note from IMF over past few days -
3 brambling amongst the finch flocks feeding on the sacrificial crop.
3 waxwing over
1 hen harrier
Report of 2 grey males into roost at Parkgate last night.
-- Edited by paul brady on Thursday 11th of November 2010 05:03:10 PM
On the path on the way up and down though I was treated to some great views of upto 3 Brambling in a tree by the path. They were mixed in with Linnets, Chaffinch and Goldfinch. Managed to get some pretty good shots of them too.
An early visitor saw a woodcock on the path to the hide ...
Latest blog post at www.rspb.org.uk/innermarshfarm advertising that there will be a member of the press at the Raptor Watch on Sunday evening ... so if you fancy your chances ...
Other notables:
2 spotted redshank
1 curlew sandpiper
golden plover
black-tailed godwits
1 drake pochard (unusual for us)
4 bullfinch (path to hide)
serveral tree sparrow reported from similar area
Also - Sat Oct 23rd 2pm another chance to go behind the scenes at Burton Mere phone 0151 336 7681 to book a free place. The new 5 hectare wetland is fun to scope from the location of the new reception area!
Sorry you missed out Vernon hope your better soon that man flu is a terrible thingOther birds of note were
1 curlew sandpiper
1 dunlin
4 little stint
2 spotted redshank
4 redshank
2 greenshank
1 merlin
2 sparrowhawk
2 buzzard
1 little egret
11+ snipe
2 water rails
6 golden plover
4 whooper swan fresh in
unusually not many godwits
nuthatch on the feeders, plenty linnet,goldfinches and one bullfinch on the walk down to the hide .A quick look on the marsh but nothing about
-- Edited by Gary Gorner on Saturday 16th of October 2010 05:54:10 PM
-- Edited by Gary Gorner on Saturday 16th of October 2010 05:55:36 PM
I didn't know it at the time but a possible white winged tern had been reported. Anyway, one of the birders in the hide pointed it out to me when I asked what it was they were looking at. The bird was on the sandy island off to the right and giving good views. Unfortunately, no one in the hide could agree or confirm what type of tern it was. The general concensus seemed to be either a Whiskered or a White winged. The guy who actually pointed it out to me did get some good photo's of it though so hopefully a positive ID will be made soon.
After about 10 minutes or so the tern then took off and circled around for about 5 minutes before disappearing. This was just before the local RSPB expert came in to look for it - typical!!
Other birds of note were: -
5 Golden Plover
30+ Snipe
1 Curlew Sandpiper
3 Ruff
3 Dunlin
1 Sparrowhawk
7 Little Stint
2 Ruff
1 Curlew Sandpiper
10 Golden Plover
Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits a plenty
Over to Inner Marsh, where in addition to another Black Tern there were of interest -2 Golden Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 7 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, several Blackwits and 3 Water Rail in front of the hide, two of them getting at odds with each other. The wardens also reported seeing a Hobby taking insects over the new scrape this morning.
Blog - a bit more background info on events, sightings and the latest developments .... sluices for new wetland areas (IMF 2) have just gone in. Pics to be posted soon)
Good mix of birds at IMF today
Black Tern
Little stint x 2
Curlew Sandpiper x2
Ruff x 14
Blackwit x 3
Spotted Redshank
Golden plover
Snipe
Dunlin
Little Stint agian today at IMF
2 ringtail hen harriers and possibly a third ....
1 merlin spectacularly hunting a skylark/meadow pipit an amazing chase
Parkgate last night
nice but distant views of Black Tern.
Bar tailed godwit with yellow and red rings.
10 Greenshank
6 Redshank
2 Ruff
Plenty Teal and Lapwings
Little egret
Shoveler
Peregrine sent them all up. Nice views soaring above hide.
Typical, too late again !
But did see the Black Tern and also a Little Stint at IMF which helped soften the blow.
As it was getting decidedly chilly I moved on to Inner Marsh farm for a sit in the hide and as well as good views of a Greenshank fantastic views of the Whiskered Tern as it gathered insects over number one pool. I watched its balletic performance for more than an hour, such a graceful bird.
The RSPB motto should be "Aren't Terns brilliant?"
-- Edited by richard howells 2 on Wednesday 22nd of September 2010 08:03:04 PM
juv Whiskered Tern
2 curlew sandpiper
4 snipe
1 golden plover
2 spotted redshank
1 green woodpecker (car park)
juv Whiskered Tern last reported at Decca Pools Compound with 2 black terns
The aim of these events is to give everybody great views of hunting birds of prey and owls. In addition we count exactly how many raptors drop into the roosts and wher exactly they roost.
The event is held in the Old Baths Car Park, Parkgate just north of the BOathouse Pub on the main prom.
Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.
After about 30 minutes or so in the hide, the bird flew back into the reserve circling over the various pools and then landed right in front of the hide onto the water depth post giving fantastic 'scope views.
It then dropped down to the left onto the edge of the island and stayed there for a few minutes "posing for the cameras" before flying out of the reserve again.
Another cracking bird!!!!
Also present amongst others were 1 Spotted Redshank and 1 Ruff.
A Sparrowhawk put the Lapwings up a few times though so could have been some more waders amongst these but I didn't really have enough time to check thoroughly.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Monday 20th of September 2010 06:24:24 PM
Plus quail last night!
2 greenshanks
6 snipe
teal
b.t.godwit
buzzard
kestrel
marsh harrier.
2 Ruff
6 Snipe
Adult Hobby performing right in front of the hide catching Dragonflies and eating thenm mid-flight
3 marsh harrier
2 merlin
9 raven
2 ruff
1 hobby (taking a linnet)
1 little owl
possible honey buzzard ??? reported to receptionist any more info please?
30 greenshank reported today
-- Edited by paul brady on Thursday 2nd of September 2010 12:00:31 PM
"On the way home from a short trip to the Wirral yesterday called in at Neuman's Flash to find a Long-billed Dowitcher on the spit in front of the hide between Neuman's and Ashton's flashes. I have seen this species previously but this was a really nice specimen giving excellent views"
This bird was reported flying away at 6pm towards the coast ..... and lo and behold we have a brilliantsummer plumage long billed dowitcher at IMF today (couldn't get on this website earlier error 504 or something!)
ALso spoonbill, whinchat, wheatear, greenshank, hobby and marsh harrier.
Saw the med gull in the log book - thanks!
Shame you missed the LYlegs ... it's just a smal greenshank with yellow legs anyway
We'll make sure yuo see the next rare/scarce wader !
A dignified reply Anne - I have sent you a PM.
Sorry - its a long way to IMF for me and I was feeling disappointed after dipping on the LY Legs twice in one week! Yes we put our sightings in the book - we were particularly pleased about the juv Med gull which was picked out amongst a lot of commoner gulls on the island by Jonathon Fry.
From the hide were three ruff and a couple of snipe, along with lapwings and a few blackwits, a yellow wag was calling from somewhere to the east but I couldn't find it. A peregrine flew through, two hobbies appeared, as I was watching them a sparrowhawk flew below.
Walking back I once again scoped the pools from the hill and found a wood sandpiper. It gave great distant comparison views with one of the green sands, something you can't really get from a field guide.
Just!?! Love the raised expectaions levels - these are both good birds have they been noted in the log book in the hide?
Reports today of lesser yellowlegs on No 1 ... some debate over positive id though ...
Ruff
Marsh Harrier
Water Rail
Snipe [good close views]
Oystercatcher family
At least 15 Egrets in the roost
Plus on the amphibian front a Toadlet crossing the path...
and all the normal supporting cast.
It was reported in the hide - by those with good scopes who'd had a look from the path down - that there were plenty of good birds and plenty of sandpiper type waders on the new scrapes.
You.... you...... you.... young pup!!!!!!!!!
You old git!
Helen
Aged 31 and 11 months
Also small number of old gits present
Cheers Ian
Thanks for the praise I'll pas it on to the team!
4. Yeah we need our flagships you wouldn't believe how many times we get asked if Martin Mere is one of reserves.
1. Very true
2. Intresting, but still almost a 5th of the income.
3. I think we agree here.
4. They are flagships I suppose and are there for a purpose to promote the RSPB to all. IMF does take on those reserves with its species.
5. Excellent stuff!
To be honest, this discussion could have a thread all of its own!
Keep up the good work Paul, its an excellent reserve!
1. Members are our biggest funders and they are not all old as many of the ppl on this thread can testify!
2. Trading only accounts for roughly 16% of RSPB's income
3. IMF is already a super reserve and due to its size will retain its quiet appeal - no main roads etc this is something the staff and vol team value highly and wouldn't want to lose.
4. If you're happy with LM and Tichwell then why can't we have IMF punch above its weight and take on these reserves?
and finally
5. Lesser Yellowlegs and curlew sandpiper seen from hide yesterday !!!
My comment was a satirical comment at the RSPB as their main funders are older people and they do make lots of money in their shops/cafes etc. I too also am a member of the RSPB, even though I dont agree with all their policies and actions.
My point was not to turn Inner Marsh Farm into a 'super reserve' and leave it as a nice little, quiet reserve.
I do like the big reserves with facilities as much as I like the smaller reserves. My faves being Leighton Moss and Titchwell.
Unfortunately, my attempt at being funny/satirical was lost and I apologise for that!
I do not have anything against old people, as Steve points out I will be old too one day! And Steve/Julie, I do not consider in your 50's as old!
As Mr Chorley points out, I have been birding with him for over 15 years (and he is an old git! ) along with 2 sisters who are in their 70' and 80's!
So once again apologies!
Matt
Aged 34 and 9 months.
Well Matt certainly doesn't, otherwise he wouldn't have 'got off his backside' and gone out birding with an old git like me for the past 15+ years
-- Edited by Mike Chorley on Tuesday 10th of August 2010 10:23:42 PM
-- Edited by Mike Chorley on Tuesday 10th of August 2010 10:25:11 PM
Matt: you'll be old one day. Or maybe not if you carry on posting such comments
Steve
(wonder what my beard would look like with a blue rinse?)