Grey Wagtail not yellow at this time of year? What direction were the pinkfeet flying in (presumably West-ish?)
Ian Boote said
Mon Dec 21 2:49 PM, 2009
noon canal heron, kingfisher, at canal overspill, flyover male gooseandeer, male kestrel telegraph poles, 50 flyover pink footed geese Magpie perched on sheeps head picking I assume parasites from its nose Res fly over 2 x single snipe 12 male and female gooseander going west gold finch lt tits grey wagtail in culvert crow tree 9 lapwing, female reed bunting, snipe cheers
Grey Wagtail my error Amended I was at work in a rush between clients Pink feet were flying NNW
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:35:30 PM
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:40:05 PM
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:40:47 PM
Ian Campbell said
Mon Dec 21 12:08 PM, 2009
Early a.m. 1 Water Rail in front of Bennies, 1 Raven over the res, where there were 32 Lapwing and 2 Meadow Pipit. Flushed a Jack Snipe from, I think, the same area Simon had one yesterday also 4 Snipe. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 20 9:45 PM, 2009
Simon, didn't have the sandals on, I'm not that stupid. Will have a look for some Jack Snipe tomorrow, best wear wellies. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 20 3:53 PM, 2009
Managed to get all the way round this morning without falling over! Blizzard conditions half the time, both Water Rails showing in front of Bennies, 1 showing almost constantly the other sneaking in and out of the brambles and at one point clambering up the bramble itself. Single Jack Snipe in stream that runs across marsh plus 15 Snipe flying between little bits of water free from ice. Not alot else though. Ian - Come on surely you were not in your shorts and sandals!
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Sunday 20th of December 2009 05:32:36 PM
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 20 10:52 AM, 2009
8.30-9.45 1 male Goosander on the river, no sign of Water Rail, 5 Meadow Pipit at res. and 400+ Canada Geese taking off on mass from Withins at 9.30, 3 Fieldfare flying over and thats about it. Also lost all feeling in fingers and toes, birding can be such fun! Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 19 10:36 AM, 2009
1st light with Paul Wilson, very little about, at the res small number of Meadow Pipits and Lapwing, on Withins 200 ish Canada Geese, a Snipe near canal and a small flock of cameras taking pics of the new Elton speciality, the Water Rail at Bennies Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Tue Dec 15 5:00 PM, 2009
No sign of the egret this morning with Paul Wilson. I spoke to the farmer and she described to me what she saw a small egret with grey legs following the cattle in the field, she seems to know abit about birds and knew instantly it was some kind of egret. It could only have been a Cattle Egret. It was in the field by the farm where the wall starts at the corner of the Res, but it seems she may have flushed it when trying to get a photo and it flew low towards the river. The cattle were not in that field this morning. Old Hall farm was checked as well. Another one to add to the list of near misses.
Simon Warford said
Mon Dec 14 7:12 PM, 2009
I don't normally put out news of third party sightings but today a reliable farmer at Elton has seen an egret species following cattle around in her field sometime around lunchtime. It will of course be looked for tomorrow and if the bird is still present news will be released accordingly.
Ian Boote said
Sun Dec 13 8:11 PM, 2009
AM Snipe in brook in dip. Kingfisher canal, Usual Water Rail skating on ice, 6 Gooseander on Res including 2 male then flew west, Grey wagtail, Kestrel Bradley Fold
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 13 4:39 PM, 2009
Lunchtime, 2 Water Rails showing v well to 15 feet in front of Bennies, got to be the new premier county site for viewing this species
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 13 12:33 PM, 2009
1st light with Paul Wilson 7 flyover Goosander, 2 Fieldfare at Old Hall Farm and a Water Rail,as yesterday, in front of Bennies. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 12 12:59 PM, 2009
Also round Elton this a.m. with Paul Wilson. The work is now finished and water is returning, briefly 4 Goosander on the res with a Snipe. 2 Raven and a Sparrowhawk over Withins which had 150 Canada Geese. Simon we had 5 Fieldfare in trees at Crow Trees. We had 2 Water Rail on the canal, one gave excellent views next to the Swans the other in front of Bennies. Cheers Ian ....................... Must have been posting this at the same time as you Paul
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Saturday 12th of December 2009 01:02:11 PM
Paul Wilson said
Sat Dec 12 12:58 PM, 2009
Simon Warford wrote:
With Paul Heaton this morning and abit of a hangover, only thing of note was the Water Rail showing really well in front of Bennies. Not a single Redwing or Fieldfare to be seen, where are they all?
With Ian Campbell - before you were up, we had: 2 Water Rail (1 near Bennies and 1 further up at the old Mute Swan nest - excellent views of this one - right out in the open) 2 Raven 1 Sparrowhawk 6 Fieldfare Goosander (several) - later had 24 on Daisyfield lodge c150 Canada Goose on Withins 1 Snipe
Good to be able to walk on the res wall again now that all the work has finished
Simon Warford said
Sat Dec 12 12:12 PM, 2009
With Paul Heaton this morning and abit of a hangover, only thing of note was the Water Rail showing really well in front of Bennies. Not a single Redwing or Fieldfare to be seen, where are they all?
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 6 2:11 PM, 2009
8.00-9.00am in the rain with Peter Johnson As we arrived a single male Goldeneye flew off and that was it Birding doesn't get better than this Still we are told that the work is supposed to finish this Weds so maybe we will get the water back soon. Cheers Ian
david lyle said
Sun Nov 29 12:54 PM, 2009
HI all this is my first blog on this web site so here goes Just wanted to say thanks to all you dedicated birders out there come rain or shine The wealth of information on such a local patch E /RES is FANTASTIC im not a true birder but more wildlife photographer, however 80% OF MY BEST PHOTO WORK HAS COME FROM Elton/RES. I have spoken to a few people I recognise Simon warford and others and I look forwards to reading this site each day especially if I can't get out. Just need to update myself with some of your locations and poss. get some more great photo opportunities thanks to all who contribute
My own efforts are on my web if you get the chance
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 2nd of December 2009 12:37:30 PM
Paul Wilson said
Sun Nov 29 11:33 AM, 2009
8am - 10.30am with Ian Campbell
Very quiet on a windy and cold morning. Highlight was a Peregrine sending everything up (BH Gulls, Starlings and Meadow Pipits). It hung around for at least 15 minutes giving great displays, from about 8.30. When I returned to the res to get my car, it was back again - spending a while at the top of the first pylon after the footbridge at the car park, then flying out over the mudflats again.
Wish they'd hurry up at finish the work!
Ian Boote said
Sat Nov 28 1:19 PM, 2009
Sparrowhawk, Cormerant, Goldfinch, Long Tailed Tit, Plenty of Meadow P. Pied wagtail
Mike Passant said
Wed Nov 25 6:55 PM, 2009
Arrived for a flog round here in spite of rubbish weather, just ahead of John Rayner at 10:36 a.m. Covered most of area until about 13;10 when driven off in atrocious squally rain. (Rayner had the good sense to leave 35 mins ahead of me). Decided to do a fun list, as it's about 40 years since I last did this here:
Alas, no sign of any 'crests, though we did look in the right section; nevertheless, worth a try.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 21 11:52 AM, 2009
This a.m. with Paul Wilson 80+ Meadow Pipit on res floor, also 3 Bullfinch, Kingfisher below Withins. Little Owl near canalon which were fighting Swans. 5 dead Foxes piled together in various stages of decay and 2 dead sheep(been there at least a week in field behind Crow Trees. Cheers Ian
Paul Heaton said
Thu Nov 19 4:48 PM, 2009
I know the legend that is warfy has this place tied down,but imagine my surprise as I pulled up today, just about to get out of my van, and the phone rings,
The warfy checking why an out of towner is on his patch, how does he do it
40 plus lapwing 4 pied wags 4 Fieldfare.
bit of extra water in the res.
Keep birding
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 15 9:41 PM, 2009
No sign of the Firecrest this morning(sorry Paul) but 60+ Pinkfeet flew south east at 8am. Only 1 Goldcrest present along the disused railway.
Paul Wilson said
Sat Nov 14 12:13 PM, 2009
Simon Warford wrote:
14/11/09 7.45-10.30am
Firecrest seen in the old railway cutting near lamppost number 6 - moving along in dead ferns on other side of the cutting from the conifers. Also flushed a Woodcock from wooded area nearby (same place as Warfy?) 1 Kestrel hanging around overhead and a Grey Wagtail searching through the leaf litter on the path. Not much else around - too windy I suspect. Had a Rook on Bolton Road (near Bury Bridge).
Simon Warford said
Thu Nov 12 11:14 AM, 2009
12/11/09 7-9am
Firecrest seen again this morning in the old railway cutting along with 4+ Goldcrest, 2 Siskin, 3 Bullfinch, 4 Jay, 2 Fieldfare and several Redwings. If anyones interested the Firecrest was by the 5th lamp post along the tarmac path as you walk from the Buckingham Drive end near some conifers. I only saw it for 10 seconds in 2 hours so its elusive.
Also 2 Woodcocks accidently flushed from the small oak filled ravine between the old railway line and the main car park prior to 7.30am.
Simon Warford said
Tue Nov 10 11:50 AM, 2009
Brents flushed by workmen in bright yellow jackets unfortunately and flew low south west at 11.40am
Info Peter Baron.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 10th of November 2009 11:54:44 AM
Simon Warford said
Tue Nov 10 11:00 AM, 2009
10/11/09
7 Dark Bellied BRENT GEESE currently (10.50am) on the mud at Elton main resr.
Info thanks to Dennis Colbert.
Simon Warford said
Mon Nov 9 4:47 PM, 2009
Very pleased to get my first "self found" Firecrest at Elton. After a serious effort this morning spending a few hours lurking along the disused railway, with a quick sneaky look around Pauls gardens thrown in, there was at least 4 Goldcrests present frequenting the various conifers scattered about. Then at 10.30am I heard a crest calling in the large oak tree just near to the Buckingham Drive end of the old railway cutting, I could see it moving but couldnt get on it so I quietly stood under the tree and looked up to get excellent views of a male Firecrest. It quickly dissapeared then I relocated it at 12.30pm right next to the bridge where you drive to the main car park, it then flew further down past the bridge and I lost it, heading towards Pauls garden probably
Also around today Peregrine, a few Teal, Snipe, 3 Stock Dove over. Very little on the bit of water in the Res.
brian fielding said
Mon Nov 9 2:36 PM, 2009
no further sign of firecrest after warfy refound it at 1230, could still be around, mobile bird and loads of habitat, with luck will be the wintering bird of the last couple of years and will show up again, the dips are mounting up, 3 attemps to see slav grebe and 2 firecrests in the last 2 weeks, must be the curse of arsene wenger who never sees anything either!
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Nov 9 1:00 PM, 2009
Firecrest still present at 12:30 by the roadbridge over the railway line.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Nov 9 12:54 PM, 2009
Male Firecrest present mid morning along the old railway line between Buckingham Drive and the hospital/sailing club entrance road.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Ian Campbell said
Sun Nov 8 12:25 PM, 2009
Early a.m. with Paul and Peter Quite a lot of water in the res, despite the workmens best efforts to pump it all out !. Paul and Peter had a Peregrine carrying prey before I arrived. Approx 50 Meadow Pipits still present and a Goosander over. Lots of Finches and Thrushes in the Hedgerows. Little Owl near canal and 2 Ravens flying over. Also 1 Goosander on the river. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Sat Nov 7 3:05 PM, 2009
7/11/09 mid am
Woodcock - flushed from very top of creek by stream. Tawny Owl behind hospital Raven 2 over Peregrine Partial albino Robin still with us at Crow Trees. Fieldfare 35 Mistle Thrush 20
Simon Warford said
Sat Oct 31 3:58 PM, 2009
Me and Paul hard 13 Wigeon on Withins which is noteworthy plus a further 9 Wigeon flying south in the very early morning mist. Plenty of finches but no Brambling Little Owl in one of the usual spots and small movement of Fieldfare, Redwings and Woodpigeons all west.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Oct 31 10:07 AM, 2009
Just around the empty res this a.m. only bird of note was a Peregrine on pylon number 20, third morning running. Also 2 Bullfinch at Bennies carpark. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Fri Oct 30 9:43 AM, 2009
Early a.m Elton can still surprise, in trees around Crow Trees Farm approx 20 Brambling about 9.00 a.m. thats 2 site firsts in 3 days for me. Also Peregrine sat on same pylon as seen by Simon yesterday, still lots of Meadow Pipits around a totally dry res. also Sparrowhawk near canal. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Thu Oct 29 7:20 PM, 2009
Peregrine on the 2nd pylon back from the Creek from first light till at least 8am, not alot of else of note though 2 Rooks over along with a small movement of Redwings, Woodpigeons and Siskins.
Sooner they fill the Res up the better!
Mark Connaughton said
Wed Oct 28 4:08 PM, 2009
28/10/09 - 2pm
4+ Long tailed tits - car park 2 Jay - The Creek 6 Redwing - in bush just before wader point 1 Mistle Thrush - canal 2 Grey Herons 1 Little Owl 10+ Meadow Pipits
Thanks
Mark Connaughton
Ian Campbell said
Wed Oct 28 10:19 AM, 2009
8.00-9.30 a.m. After spending 30 mins searching the many Meadow Pipits dreaming of finding a Snow Bunting or Shore Lark I struck lucky with 2 TWITE, :, GM and site firsts for me. Also flock of 200+ Fieldfare over, followed by smaller flock of around 50 birds and then about 30 Redwing, all the birds were flying West. Also a single Raven present. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Tue Oct 27 8:40 PM, 2009
Young Warfy We are OUTRAGED We have(that is Scardy Campbell, and mard ar** Johnson) mastered our fears and ventured in amongsted the horny beast, no longer the timid duo, but FEARLESS birders, usually in pursuit of bugger all!!!!!!! Cheers to one and all, and especially to any new birders at Elton(welcome Mark), it really does ROCK at times. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Tue Oct 27 4:52 PM, 2009
Mark, access to the Dip is indeed directly behind the sailing club, go through a small style, you can either watch from the top or walk down by the fence, but watch out it can be very deep in mud so best to walk around it and down to the bottom. At Crow Trees you can either head to the canal and walk along the towpath back to Bennies or if your not afraid of a few big cows with horns you can cut accross a public footpath from Crow Trees which runs accross the fields near Old Hall Farm, this is one of my favourite areas at Elton, but if your scared of cows id advise against it. Me and Paul often do it but Mr Johnson and Mr Campbell are abit scared.
Mark Connaughton said
Tue Oct 27 4:26 PM, 2009
Visited Elton for the second time today. Have really enjoyed it. Good handy local site. Here goes:
26/10/09 - 3pm
1 Bullfinch 1 Raven flying over - direction of Sailing Club 10+ Linnet - on tree in Creek 2 Grey Wagtails flying over Creek 20+ Meadow Pipits on mud in front on Old Hall Farm 5+ Song Thrush - fields in front of Old Hall Farm 1 Kingfisher - under bridge over canal. 1 Goosander(M) flying down river. Lapwing and BHG on empty res.
27/10/09 - 2pm
3 Long-tailed tit 20+ Meadow Pipit 5+ Linnet 1 Pied Wagtail 1 Grey Wagtail - Overflow at Withins 1 Little owl - Left of Old Hall Farm on approach to Bennies 3 Mistle Thrush Lapwing and BHG on empty res. 1 Large white pitbull in car park. (no owner present)
Could I ask how exactly I get to the part called the 'Dip'? Theres an entrance to a field next to the Sailing Club and I just wanted to query if this was it. Do I need to head down the steep muddy track? Couldnt work out if this was private land or whether I was in the right area. Also is there a set route people are walking? I went down to Crow Trees Farm but came back the same way via Withins. Should I be coming back by the path on the map through the fields to Old Hall Farm? Im still pretty unfamiliar with the area.
Thanks
Mark Connaughton
Ian Campbell said
Tue Oct 27 4:01 PM, 2009
Only bird of note this a.m. was one of the Water Rails near Bennies. Cheers Ian
Paul Wilson said
Mon Oct 26 7:06 PM, 2009
Ian Campbell wrote:
8.00/9.00am today A little bit more water present than last week, but still very few birds. Approx 20 meadow pipit and 2 Linnet with 80ish Lapwing on the mud. On Withins 2 juv. Mute Swan, presumably from the pair at Bennies as here the 2 adults have only 1 of their 4 young remaining. Also 1 flyover Goosander. Did you get anything else Peter and Paul as you were ahead of me?. Cheers Ian
On Sunday I also saw: 1 Sparrowhawk flying down the canal towards the dip 2 Water Rails (1 seen and another heard) in reeds near Bennies 1 Dipper - probable flew past on river c20 Redwing in dip
Ian Campbell said
Mon Oct 26 11:19 AM, 2009
Early a.m. At least 100 Meadow Pipit around the res. with 2 Snipe and 2 Dunlin in amongst the Lapwings. Also Comorant on the pylon. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sun Oct 25 10:48 AM, 2009
8.00/9.00am today A little bit more water present than last week, but still very few birds. Approx 20 meadow pipit and 2 Linnet with 80ish Lapwing on the mud. On Withins 2 juv. Mute Swan, presumably from the pair at Bennies as here the 2 adults have only 1 of their 4 young remaining. Also 1 flyover Goosander. Did you get anything else Peter and Paul as you were ahead of me?. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Thu Oct 22 1:42 PM, 2009
22/10/09 Early am
Male Stonechat by the Creek 2 Ravens over (incredible how common they have become at Elton) 3 Wigeon on Withins 7 Rooks over heading SE 37+ Mipits and 10 Linnets on empty Resr 2 Goosander over 10+ Snipe Redwings 20+
Ian Boote said
Thu Oct 15 4:00 PM, 2009
Early AM In Dip Sparrow Hawk Jay North of Res Cormorant, Jay Dozen Redwings Res 30 Lapwings Snipe
brian fielding said
Tue Oct 13 5:04 PM, 2009
0730 till 0930, raven over withins, aprox 20 redwings and 2 linnets nr the creek.
Ian Boote said
Tue Oct 13 2:48 PM, 2009
2 Bullfinches capsticks Three broods of late Moorhen with total 7 chicks about a month old on canal. PM
What direction were the pinkfeet flying in (presumably West-ish?)
canal
heron, kingfisher, at canal overspill, flyover male gooseandeer, male kestrel telegraph poles, 50 flyover pink footed geese
Magpie perched on sheeps head picking I assume parasites from its nose
Res fly over 2 x single snipe 12 male and female gooseander going west gold finch lt tits grey wagtail in culvert
crow tree
9 lapwing, female reed bunting, snipe
cheers
Grey Wagtail my error Amended
I was at work in a rush between clients
Pink feet were flying NNW
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:35:30 PM
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:40:05 PM
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Monday 21st of December 2009 10:40:47 PM
1 Water Rail in front of Bennies, 1 Raven over the res, where there were 32 Lapwing and 2 Meadow Pipit. Flushed a Jack Snipe from, I think, the same area Simon had one yesterday also 4 Snipe.
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
Ian - Come on surely you were not in your shorts and sandals!
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Sunday 20th of December 2009 05:32:36 PM
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
7 flyover Goosander, 2 Fieldfare at Old Hall Farm and a Water Rail,as yesterday, in front of Bennies.
Cheers Ian
The work is now finished and water is returning, briefly 4 Goosander on the res with a Snipe. 2 Raven and a Sparrowhawk over Withins which had 150 Canada Geese. Simon we had 5 Fieldfare in trees at Crow Trees. We had 2 Water Rail on the canal, one gave excellent views next to the Swans the other in front of Bennies.
Cheers Ian
.......................
Must have been posting this at the same time as you Paul
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Saturday 12th of December 2009 01:02:11 PM
With Ian Campbell - before you were up, we had:
2 Water Rail (1 near Bennies and 1 further up at the old Mute Swan nest - excellent views of this one - right out in the open)
2 Raven
1 Sparrowhawk
6 Fieldfare
Goosander (several) - later had 24 on Daisyfield lodge
c150 Canada Goose on Withins
1 Snipe
Good to be able to walk on the res wall again now that all the work has finished
As we arrived a single male Goldeneye flew off and that was it
Birding doesn't get better than this
Still we are told that the work is supposed to finish this Weds so maybe we will get the water back soon.
Cheers Ian
Just wanted to say thanks to all you dedicated birders out there come rain or shine
The wealth of information on such a local patch E /RES is FANTASTIC im not a true birder but more wildlife photographer, however 80% OF MY BEST PHOTO WORK HAS COME FROM Elton/RES.
I have spoken to a few people I recognise Simon warford and others and
I look forwards to reading this site each day especially if I can't get out.
Just need to update myself with some of your locations and poss. get some more great photo opportunities thanks to all who contribute
My own efforts are on my web if you get the chance
http://1dlphotographic.zenfolio.com
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 2nd of December 2009 12:37:30 PM
Very quiet on a windy and cold morning. Highlight was a Peregrine sending everything up (BH Gulls, Starlings and Meadow Pipits). It hung around for at least 15 minutes giving great displays, from about 8.30. When I returned to the res to get my car, it was back again - spending a while at the top of the first pylon after the footbridge at the car park, then flying out over the mudflats again.
Wish they'd hurry up at finish the work!
Decided to do a fun list, as it's about 40 years since I last did this here:
Mute swan (2)
Grey Lag (1) with 4 Frankenstein Geese
Canada Goose (2)
Mallard (22)
Moorhen (3)
Coot(4)
Lapwing (1)
Common Gull (1)
Black headed Gull (approx 70)
Feral Pigs
Wood Pigeon (2)
Dunnock (6)
Wren (numerous, mostly hidden)
Grey wagtail(1)
Pied Wagtail (8)
Meadow Pipit (30)
Blackbird (17)
Song Thrush (1)
Mistle thrush(1)
Long-tailed Tit(10)
Great Tit(6)
Blue Tit( 17)
Coal Tit (1)
Robin(9)
Magpie (13)
Carrion Crow (7)
Starling (80+)
Chaffinch (11)
Goldfinch (1)
Redpoll (1)
Bullfinch (1)
Alas, no sign of any 'crests, though we did look in the right section; nevertheless, worth a try.
80+ Meadow Pipit on res floor, also 3 Bullfinch, Kingfisher below Withins. Little Owl near canalon which were fighting Swans. 5 dead Foxes piled together in various stages of decay and 2 dead sheep(been there at least a week in field behind Crow Trees.
Cheers Ian
The warfy checking why an out of towner is on his patch, how does he do it
40 plus lapwing
4 pied wags
4 Fieldfare.
bit of extra water in the res.
Keep birding
Firecrest seen again this morning in the old railway cutting along with 4+ Goldcrest, 2 Siskin, 3 Bullfinch, 4 Jay, 2 Fieldfare and several Redwings. If anyones interested the Firecrest was by the 5th lamp post along the tarmac path as you walk from the Buckingham Drive end near some conifers. I only saw it for 10 seconds in 2 hours so its elusive.
Also 2 Woodcocks accidently flushed from the small oak filled ravine between the old railway line and the main car park prior to 7.30am.
Info Peter Baron.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 10th of November 2009 11:54:44 AM
7 Dark Bellied BRENT GEESE currently (10.50am) on the mud at Elton main resr.
Info thanks to Dennis Colbert.
Also around today Peregrine, a few Teal, Snipe, 3 Stock Dove over. Very little on the bit of water in the Res.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Quite a lot of water in the res, despite the workmens best efforts to pump it all out !.
Paul and Peter had a Peregrine carrying prey before I arrived. Approx 50 Meadow Pipits still present and a Goosander over. Lots of Finches and Thrushes in the Hedgerows. Little Owl near canal and 2 Ravens flying over. Also 1 Goosander on the river.
Cheers Ian
Woodcock - flushed from very top of creek by stream.
Tawny Owl behind hospital
Raven 2 over
Peregrine
Partial albino Robin still with us at Crow Trees.
Fieldfare 35
Mistle Thrush 20
Little Owl in one of the usual spots and small movement of Fieldfare, Redwings and Woodpigeons all west.
Cheers Ian
Also Peregrine sat on same pylon as seen by Simon yesterday, still lots of Meadow Pipits around a totally dry res. also Sparrowhawk near canal.
Cheers Ian
2 Rooks over along with a small movement of Redwings, Woodpigeons and Siskins.
Sooner they fill the Res up the better!
4+ Long tailed tits - car park
2 Jay - The Creek
6 Redwing - in bush just before wader point
1 Mistle Thrush - canal
2 Grey Herons
1 Little Owl
10+ Meadow Pipits
Thanks
Mark Connaughton
After spending 30 mins searching the many Meadow Pipits dreaming of finding a Snow Bunting or Shore Lark I struck lucky with 2 TWITE, :, GM and site firsts for me.
Also flock of 200+ Fieldfare over, followed by smaller flock of around 50 birds and then about 30 Redwing, all the birds were flying West.
Also a single Raven present.
Cheers Ian
We are OUTRAGED
We have(that is Scardy Campbell, and mard ar** Johnson) mastered our fears and ventured in amongsted the horny beast, no longer the timid duo, but FEARLESS birders, usually in pursuit of bugger all!!!!!!!
Cheers to one and all, and especially to any new birders at Elton(welcome Mark), it really does ROCK at times.
Cheers Ian
26/10/09 - 3pm
1 Bullfinch
1 Raven flying over - direction of Sailing Club
10+ Linnet - on tree in Creek
2 Grey Wagtails flying over Creek
20+ Meadow Pipits on mud in front on Old Hall Farm
5+ Song Thrush - fields in front of Old Hall Farm
1 Kingfisher - under bridge over canal.
1 Goosander(M) flying down river.
Lapwing and BHG on empty res.
27/10/09 - 2pm
3 Long-tailed tit
20+ Meadow Pipit
5+ Linnet
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Grey Wagtail - Overflow at Withins
1 Little owl - Left of Old Hall Farm on approach to Bennies
3 Mistle Thrush
Lapwing and BHG on empty res.
1 Large white pitbull in car park. (no owner present)
Could I ask how exactly I get to the part called the 'Dip'? Theres an entrance to a field next to the Sailing Club and I just wanted to query if this was it. Do I need to head down the steep muddy track? Couldnt work out if this was private land or whether I was in the right area. Also is there a set route people are walking? I went down to Crow Trees Farm but came back the same way via Withins. Should I be coming back by the path on the map through the fields to Old Hall Farm? Im still pretty unfamiliar with the area.
Thanks
Mark Connaughton
Cheers Ian
On Sunday I also saw:
1 Sparrowhawk flying down the canal towards the dip
2 Water Rails (1 seen and another heard) in reeds near Bennies
1 Dipper - probable flew past on river
c20 Redwing in dip
At least 100 Meadow Pipit around the res. with 2 Snipe and 2 Dunlin in amongst the Lapwings. Also Comorant on the pylon.
Cheers Ian
A little bit more water present than last week, but still very few birds. Approx 20 meadow pipit and 2 Linnet with 80ish Lapwing on the mud. On Withins 2 juv. Mute Swan, presumably from the pair at Bennies as here the 2 adults have only 1 of their 4 young remaining. Also 1 flyover Goosander.
Did you get anything else Peter and Paul as you were ahead of me?.
Cheers Ian
Male Stonechat by the Creek
2 Ravens over (incredible how common they have become at Elton)
3 Wigeon on Withins
7 Rooks over heading SE
37+ Mipits and 10 Linnets on empty Resr
2 Goosander over
10+ Snipe
Redwings 20+
In Dip Sparrow Hawk Jay
North of Res Cormorant, Jay Dozen Redwings
Res 30 Lapwings
Snipe
Three broods of late Moorhen with total 7 chicks about a month old on canal.
PM