Quick look at Burton Marsh-Burton point this afternoon:
3 Wheatear at sheep dips Single Raven Juvenile Marsh harrier Little owl Kestrel and Juvenile Peregrine 'sparring' again over Burton point with the Kestrel seeing it off. 3 Buzzard overhead on thermals.
David Wilson said
Tue Sep 11 4:27 AM, 2012
A very productive day spent at Burton Marsh and Burton point.: Green Woodpecker giving great views along road to Burton point. Seen flying, calling and perching in trees just ahead of me. Best ever views of these to date. 5 Wheatear all around Burton point Juvenile Stonechat same area. Spectacular views of Peregrine falcon 'interacting!' with Kestrel and Crow over Burton point. Female(juvenile) Marsh harrier over marsh heading towards Burton mere. Also 3 Kestrel 6 Buzzard 14 Pied wagtail on manure heap 2 Raven Great spotted woodpecker Female Sparrowhawk I was also asked to help out a stranded sheep.! Lady with a border colly asked if i could tackle a barbed wire fence. I asked why and she said a sheep was stuck on its back with its legs in the air.! Thought it was a wind up at first but sure enough there it was. A quick shove in the right direction and it was off.! My good deed done for the day> Apparently this often happens with sheep, and if they arent righted theyve had it.! So now you know what to do when you see a sheep with its legs in the air.
James Walsh said
Mon Sep 10 1:08 AM, 2012
Birdguides report a Purple Heron at 3:10pm at Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB
Joe Wynn said
Wed Sep 5 4:18 PM, 2012
Dennis atherton wrote:
Joe Wynn wrote:
Dennis atherton wrote:
Spent the day on Hilbre island today, a quiet day, lots of sea watching in an onshore breeze produced 2 great skuas, 1 dark phase Arctic skua, 2 early brent geese on the shoreline, 2 gannets, juv razorbill, 1 common scoter, wind changed direction and then it went dead, high numbers of Oystercathers, good numbers of turnstone, 2 dunlin, flock of 20 sanderling, 2 whimbrels, 1 golden plover, 10 wheatears in different areas of the island, flock of linnets flying around
Sounds great, off onto it tomorrow for the waders. Any summer plumaged ones left?
a few of the turnstones still looking good though not many. A bit early for good waders maybe. we did not even see a redshank strangely
Was there yesterday, no redshank for me either although good numbers of Oysteratchers on Middle Eye. Turnstone roost of 60 birds was the highlight along with 5 dunlin, got VERY close (within my minimum focal distance) of them, some fairly smart ones, will do a comparison for the blog when i've got some proper editing software! However, me being a jammy beggar I had literally a 10 minute sea watch whilst I had some lunch and had a Pomerine Skua, a lifer for me! Singles of Wllow Warbler and Wheatear the only land migrants aside the hirrudines! All in all a good day, even if I arrived at West Kirby in trainers, crossed barefoot, dropped a shoe halfway between middle and little eye and have to run back to get it!
Dennis atherton said
Sun Sep 2 9:36 PM, 2012
Joe Wynn wrote:
Dennis atherton wrote:
Spent the day on Hilbre island today, a quiet day, lots of sea watching in an onshore breeze produced 2 great skuas, 1 dark phase Arctic skua, 2 early brent geese on the shoreline, 2 gannets, juv razorbill, 1 common scoter, wind changed direction and then it went dead, high numbers of Oystercathers, good numbers of turnstone, 2 dunlin, flock of 20 sanderling, 2 whimbrels, 1 golden plover, 10 wheatears in different areas of the island, flock of linnets flying around
Sounds great, off onto it tomorrow for the waders. Any summer plumaged ones left?
a few of the turnstones still looking good though not many. A bit early for good waders maybe. we did not even see a redshank strangely
David Wilson said
Sun Sep 2 4:37 AM, 2012
Burton Marsh- Burton Point this afternoon.:
2 Wheatear near sheep dips 1 Little Owl 1 Juvenile Marsh Harrier 2 Kestrel 1 Raven 30 Oystercatcher over from BMW to River Dee.
Joe Wynn said
Sun Sep 2 3:31 AM, 2012
Dennis atherton wrote:
Spent the day on Hilbre island today, a quiet day, lots of sea watching in an onshore breeze produced 2 great skuas, 1 dark phase Arctic skua, 2 early brent geese on the shoreline, 2 gannets, juv razorbill, 1 common scoter, wind changed direction and then it went dead, high numbers of Oystercathers, good numbers of turnstone, 2 dunlin, flock of 20 sanderling, 2 whimbrels, 1 golden plover, 10 wheatears in different areas of the island, flock of linnets flying around
Sounds great, off onto it tomorrow for the waders. Any summer plumaged ones left?
Dennis atherton said
Sun Sep 2 1:23 AM, 2012
Spent the day on Hilbre island today, a quiet day, lots of sea watching in an onshore breeze produced 2 great skuas, 1 dark phase Arctic skua, 2 early brent geese on the shoreline, 2 gannets, juv razorbill, 1 common scoter, wind changed direction and then it went dead, high numbers of Oystercathers, good numbers of turnstone, 2 dunlin, flock of 20 sanderling, 2 whimbrels, 1 golden plover, 10 wheatears in different areas of the island, flock of linnets flying around
Jonathan Platt said
Sat Sep 1 3:35 AM, 2012
Five Short-eared Owls on Burton Marsh from Denhall Lane between 6.30-7.00pm. Earlier we'd seen two Little Owls at Burton Point, a Peregrine terrorising waders around Inner Marsh Farm, two Wheatear and a Whinchat along the path to Burton Point, three juv Marsh Harriers and the Pectoral Sandpiper at BMW.
David Wilson said
Mon Aug 27 4:40 AM, 2012
Burton Marsh¬ Denhall lane to Burton point this afternoon.
4 Whinchat showing well behind sheep dips. Buzzard overhead Family of Kestrels at Burton point Green Woodpecker same area.
David Wilson said
Sun Aug 26 1:03 AM, 2012
Burton marsh-denhall lane to decca pool. Female Hen Harrier gave a brief but close-ish view quartering over marsh near fishing lake entrance. flying low into wind before disappearing round corner towards decca pools. looked to be moulting as she looked a tad tatty. couldnt re-locate. 5 Little egret on pool. no sign of Spotted flycatchers.
David Wilson said
Tue Aug 21 4:19 PM, 2012
Burton marsh -denhall lane at dawn.: the pair of spotted flycatcher still carrying insects. interesting to see them perch then wack the insects to stop them wriggling too much. some of them took some bashing too.! also seen : 6 Raven. 51 Little egret. 9 Curlew . 2 Kestrel. Chiffchaff. Great spotted woodpecker. 2 Oystercatcher. 2 Cormorant. 2 Buzzard. also a Sparrowhawk shot through the feeding Swallows and House martins.
sid ashton said
Tue Aug 21 5:41 AM, 2012
Not having been out birding for a whille set off for Red Rocks more in hope than expectation of catching up with the reported Aquatic Warbler. Spent a very pleasant few hours there. Of interest several Willow Warblers seen and a few Swifts going through but no sign of the target bird.
chrisdorney said
Tue Aug 21 3:57 AM, 2012
Late post for Sunday 19th:
Parkgate
2 marsh harrier Little egret Greenshank Sedge warbler Sparrowhawk 2 bl. tailed godwit 10 redshank Grey heron(caught and then struggled to eat a flounder)
Dove point
12 turnstone(some in summer plumage) 6 wheatear Linnet 2 grey plover(summer pl.) 2 little egret 1 cat that displaced the roosting waders on the rocky outcrop towards leasowe
King's gap(high tide)
c5000 dunlin c1000 ringed plover c100 oystercatcer c100 sanderling 7 grey plover 6 knot 1 curlew sandpiper 1 little stint c200 sandwich tern c100 common tern 3 turnstone Plus usual gulls cormorants curlew Other birds present but not seen by me: Black tern Merlin med gull little tern
IMF
2 spotted redshank 6 snipe
BMW
2 ruff 3 snipe 1 spotted redshank 1 marsh harrier(with green wing tags-I know they serve a purpose but they are hideous! Nice to see Jonathon Platt here who had double figures of snipe green sanpiper and a tree pipit at IMF earlier on.
James Walsh said
Mon Aug 20 9:27 PM, 2012
Birdguides report Aquatic Warbler seen again this morning @ Red Rocks
James Walsh said
Sun Aug 19 5:44 PM, 2012
Birdguides are reporting Aquatic Warbler @ Red Rocks this am
Patrick Earith said
Sun Aug 19 1:13 AM, 2012
Hoylake over high tide, no counts, but, 'lots' of Sandwich, Common and a few Arctic Terns. Only saw 1 Little Tern, but, I'm sure there were more about. Huge numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover plus a few dozen Sanderling. Apparently, in amongst the throng were a couple of Black Tern, 2 Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper. I guess I need to brush up on my 'scanning' technique! Great to see the terns, especially, up close
Ian Campbell said
Sun Aug 19 1:02 AM, 2012
Hoylake this a.m. saw nothing rare but spectacular none the less, at least 1,000 of Ringed Plover(I've never seen so many), Oystercatcher, Dunlin, less but still impressive of Curlew, Sandwich Tern, Sanderling, just wonderful to look at. Cheers Ian
David Wilson said
Sun Aug 12 8:11 PM, 2012
Burton marsh. Burton point to denhall lane at first light.: 2 Marsh harrier one definetely juvenile giving great views quartering over reeds before heading towards Inner marsh farm. 1 Grasshopper warbler reeling in same area. 2 Kestrel displaying above Burton point. 2 Spotted flycatcher along Denhall lane still catching insects, chasing off an unwanted Jay and keeping a Whitethroat at bay from trying to mob it for its beak full of insects. 1 Female Sparrowhawk getting plenty of attention from the Swallows. A few meadow pipit with good size flock of maybe 30 Goldfinch, and slightly fewer Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Aug 9 11:23 PM, 2012
A brief visit to the Leasowe lighthouse area at lunchtime gave a nice variety of waders on shore.
A flock of around 150 Redshanks including good numbers of juveniles also contained a single Greenshank and a winter plumage Knot. One or two Grey Herons were loafing around further out and also a single Curlew was picked out. On the groyne only a single Turnstone was present.
The biggest surprise was a few large Mullet swimming around in the large pool at the bottom of the sea wall. They seemed to be chasing around some smaller fish that were present.
sid ashton said
Thu Aug 9 4:05 PM, 2012
During a walk along Hoylake beach yesterday was fascinated watching a group of about 150 Sandwich Terns. The tide was receding and many of the birds were fishing and taking the food back to the group on the sand. Considering that the group kept moving, they were also spooked a couple of times, it was amazing to watch the parent birds locating their young each time.
David Wilson said
Sun Jul 29 6:11 PM, 2012
Burton marsh -burton point first light. : 36 Little Egret. Raven. Great spotted woodpecker. 2 Common Tern. 5 Oystercatcher. Redshank. 3 Grasshopper warbler. Sedge warbler.
David Wilson said
Fri Jul 27 7:37 PM, 2012
Burton marsh- Burton point first light this morning. 1 Little owl. 1 Green woodpecker. 1 Grasshopper warbler. Pair Raven. numerous Meadow pipit. Bullfinch. Great spotted woodpecker.
Phil Panton said
Fri Jul 27 2:07 PM, 2012
Hoopoe reported yesterday (26th) between Meols & Leasowe lighthouse. Apparently seen on seewall, then flew inland
David Wilson said
Fri Jul 27 5:49 AM, 2012
Burton marsh - Denhall lane to Burton point.: finally seen Spotted flycatcher down here today and 2 of them giving great views doing what they do best. Of which there were numerous,mainly the horse variety round me.!! Should have taken the wife to do some wafting.!! also juvenile Whinchat down at Burton point with Grasshopper warbler reeling on the way down there near red flag. plenty butterflies about to which is good to see. mostly Comma + gatekeeper.
sid ashton said
Wed Jul 25 1:58 AM, 2012
Found two Spotted Flycatchers on Denhall Lane towards Decca Pools, Burton Marsh this afternoon - I won't be more specific. The two (a pair?) were seen with food in their beaks, presumably feeding young. This is possibly a second brood for these two.
David Wilson said
Sun Jul 22 6:00 AM, 2012
Burton marsh : Denhall lane to Burton point.: 1 Grasshopper warbler. 1 Green woodpecker. Oystercatcher flying back + forth with food to Burton mere wetlands. 20 or so Meadow pipit. 5 Little egret. Kestrel. Buzzard. Chiffchaff. Great spotted woodpecker. Whitethroat. Sedge warbler. Reed warbler. Reed bunting. Linnet. Also fox hanging round sheep dip + hare on path to rifle range.
Steve Suttill said
Thu Jul 19 12:26 AM, 2012
JOHN TYMON wrote:
and glorious weather-what do the weather men know,they said torrential rain :)
Someone up there must like you, John
Steve
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jul 18 11:45 PM, 2012
New Brighton
Reply Quote Edit Post
Just in case i posted in the wrong place-copied and pasted below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Brighton Perch rock
Visit this aft for some landscapes a few waders about black tailed godwit -10 dunlin-20 Knot-1 Turnstone-5
and glorious weather-what do the weather men know,they said torrential rain :)
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jul 18 11:43 PM, 2012
Parkgate a few Little egret on the pools and a distant peregrine :)
Dave Thacker said
Mon Jul 2 3:01 AM, 2012
I spent a great hour watching two Peregrines hunting over the marsh at Parkgate this afternoon. Both birds made numerous attempts at catching prey including going for a Blackheaded gull, duck species, 2 Starlings and a Skylark. Both birds eventually caught a Woodpigeon each. Also seen around the marsh, 20 Little Egrets Sparrowhawk 11 Skylarks 4 Meadow pipits 5 Greenfinch 1 Pied wagtail 3 Herons 7 Greenfinch
Also on the drive on the motorways from Swinton to nearby Neston where I was visiting I counted over 20 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and a Hobby.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Jun 30 11:08 PM, 2012
Don't forget, Burton Mere Wetlands has it's own lovely dedicated thread
paul brady said
Sat Jun 30 10:22 PM, 2012
paul brady wrote:
Today: Common sandpiper, hobby and 2 spotted redshank
The day has just got more exciting with news of 5 greenshank, 6 crossbill and a cuckoo (male)
paul brady said
Sat Jun 30 8:22 PM, 2012
Today: Common sandpiper, hobby and 2 spotted redshank
paul brady said
Fri Jun 29 6:13 PM, 2012
Today's highlight so far .... Common Sandpiper at BMWetlands, yesterday's highlight was a little gull
Tim Wilcox said
Mon Jun 25 2:01 AM, 2012
Sometimes the casual twitcher does get the bird! Enjoyed some great views in the increasing sunshine at the top of the hill around noon with John Raynor and others. Nice to then bird with you on to Leasowe Lighthouse John
Mike Chorley said
Mon Jun 25 2:00 AM, 2012
Called in with Mr. Ausberger on our way back from South Stack.
Initially seen at some distance from Atherton Road, but much better views from around the corner on St. George's Mount. Watched almost continuously for more than an hour in good light
Our thanks to the Not-so-fat Controller for updates.
Gerry Flanagan said
Mon Jun 25 12:44 AM, 2012
New Brighton
Little Swift seen more inland today - best place St James St / Atherton Rd also from the top of Atherton Rd near Church. Seen intermittingly from late morning until 3pm when I left. Bird high up during this period
Over 40 Turnstone roosting on new walkway to boats near regenerated area of promenade
Good to see Manc birders out in numbers & meeting Steven from Heywood
sid ashton said
Sun Jun 24 5:31 AM, 2012
Since the Manx Birder was not able to get over to see the Little Swift yesterday we changed our planned visit to Altcar today to go over to New Brighton late morning, my second visit - you can't do enough for your mates
When we arrived the bird was out over the river but with the rising tide it came closer in to give good views in better light than yesterday.
Pete Welch said
Sun Jun 24 4:08 AM, 2012
Was there early this morning and watched it for an hour or so - very tricky to get a shot but really good to watch - quite easy to pick it out of the swift flock once you'd got your eye in for the square tail, fluttering flight and smaller size. Whilst I was there it sometimes headed out over the river but always returned to the trees along the front - shame it wasn't at head height :) Nice to see some familiar faces there too.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Jun 24 3:19 AM, 2012
Managed to get it around 3:30 - it seemed to be hanging out with the Common Swifts and moved across to the Bootle side then back to New Brighton.
Like folks say - it moves very fast and has a fluttery flight - more like a bat at times.
Nice bird though.
Bonus of a Gannet and Manx Shearwater off Red Rocks on the way back.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Jun 24 1:52 AM, 2012
JOHN TYMON wrote:
crackin bird watched it most of the afternoon-keeping mainly mid river,but quite a few times came in within a few feet over our heads brilliant -still showing well at 1600 :) nice to meet simon warford there ,and a few other mancy birders :)
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:11:26 PM
Glad you managed to get it John.
Me and the family turned up at about 11.00 and I was lucky as a fellow birder immediately put me onto the bird. It spent much of it's time out over the river but occasionally came in closer and behind us. Quite difficult to keep track of as soon as you took your eyes off it you struggled relocating it.
Nevertheless, I managed a few reasonable shots and the views of it were good enough to see it's defining features.
A lovely bird to see and top marks to it's finder as well.
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jun 23 10:49 PM, 2012
NB - its spending it's time over the river in Bootle now....
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Jun 23 7:30 PM, 2012
Nick Isherwood wrote:
JOHN TYMON wrote:
crackin bird watched it most of the afternoon-keeping mainly mid river,but quite a few times came in within a few feet over our heads brilliant -still showing well at 1600 :) nice to meet few other mancy birders :)
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:11:26 PM
Glad you managed to get it John.
Me and the family turned up at about 11.00 and I was lucky as a fellow birder immediately put me onto the bird. It spent much of it's time out over the river but occasionally came in closer and behind us. Quite difficult to keep track of as soon as you took your eyes off it you struggled relocating it.
Nevertheless, I managed a few reasonable shots and the views of it were good enough to see it's defining features.
A lovely bird to see and top marks to it's finder as well.
Yep it was a belter and murder to photograph,common swifts are hard enough,but the little swift seemed twice as fast,and when really close was almost impossible to focus on, it was a nice booster after a terrible year at penny.I needed it to keep myself sane and a few pics to boot for my Flickr page.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 24th of June 2012 06:20:27 PM
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Jun 23 5:10 PM, 2012
crackin bird watched it most of the afternoon-keeping mainly mid river,but quite a few times came in within a few feet over our heads brilliant -still showing well at 1600 :) nice to meet simon warford there ,and a few other mancy birders :)
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:11:26 PM
Chris Greene said
Sat Jun 23 5:09 PM, 2012
Great little bird,and a lifer to boot Little blighter wouldn't keep still long enough for me to get a decent photo though! A goodly crowd of birders present about 10:30 when we arrived.
Cheers Chris
-- Edited by Chris Greene on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:10:06 PM
Maybe worth carrying out a little seawatching sess as well if your that way!
Alex
-- Edited by Alex Jones on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 01:30:36 PM
Phil Owen said
Sat Jun 23 6:02 AM, 2012
Great close-up views of the Little Swift in dry conditions this evening from 7.30pm - 8.45pm with Mike Duckham.
The bird was around the Pier House area, giving some great fly-pasts, one of which was just 3 feet above Mike's head and another where we had to duck out of the way, such were the close views of this bird.
The bird was reported as going to roost on Pier House tonight, so should hopefully be still there in the morning for anyone thinking of going.
A cracking bird!
John Barber said
Sat Jun 23 4:44 AM, 2012
I thought my early afternoon indecision might have cost me this bird.
After eventually arriving around 5.30pm I was delighted to get reasonable views but unfortunately missed the really close flybys enjoyed by many of the birders who arrived earlier. It looked like the bird was moving away from the area as I left an hour later but I see it was still showing after 8pm. I hope it stays for the morning so more people can get to see this rare visitor.
sid ashton said
Sat Jun 23 4:06 AM, 2012
Thanks to Ian Mc for getting the news out of the Little Swift.
Brilliant close up views of a smashing little bird. Good pics those Jason,
3 Wheatear at sheep dips
Single Raven
Juvenile Marsh harrier
Little owl
Kestrel and Juvenile Peregrine 'sparring' again over Burton point with the Kestrel seeing it off.
3 Buzzard overhead on thermals.
Green Woodpecker giving great views along road to Burton point. Seen flying, calling and perching in trees just ahead of me. Best ever views of these to date.
5 Wheatear all around Burton point
Juvenile Stonechat same area.
Spectacular views of Peregrine falcon 'interacting!' with Kestrel and Crow over Burton point.
Female(juvenile) Marsh harrier over marsh heading towards Burton mere.
Also 3 Kestrel
6 Buzzard
14 Pied wagtail on manure heap
2 Raven
Great spotted woodpecker
Female Sparrowhawk
I was also asked to help out a stranded sheep.! Lady with a border colly asked if i could tackle a barbed wire fence. I asked why and she said a sheep was stuck on its back with its legs in the air.! Thought it was a wind up at first but sure enough there it was. A quick shove in the right direction and it was off.! My good deed done for the day> Apparently this often happens with sheep, and if they arent righted theyve had it.! So now you know what to do when you see a sheep with its legs in the air.
Was there yesterday, no redshank for me either although good numbers of Oysteratchers on Middle Eye. Turnstone roost of 60 birds was the highlight along with 5 dunlin, got VERY close (within my minimum focal distance) of them, some fairly smart ones, will do a comparison for the blog when i've got some proper editing software! However, me being a jammy beggar I had literally a 10 minute sea watch whilst I had some lunch and had a Pomerine Skua, a lifer for me! Singles of Wllow Warbler and Wheatear the only land migrants aside the hirrudines! All in all a good day, even if I arrived at West Kirby in trainers, crossed barefoot, dropped a shoe halfway between middle and little eye and have to run back to get it!
a few of the turnstones still looking good though not many. A bit early for good waders maybe. we did not even see a redshank strangely
2 Wheatear near sheep dips
1 Little Owl
1 Juvenile Marsh Harrier
2 Kestrel
1 Raven
30 Oystercatcher over from BMW to River Dee.
Sounds great, off onto it tomorrow for the waders. Any summer plumaged ones left?
4 Whinchat showing well behind sheep dips.
Buzzard overhead
Family of Kestrels at Burton point
Green Woodpecker same area.
Parkgate
2 marsh harrier
Little egret
Greenshank
Sedge warbler
Sparrowhawk
2 bl. tailed godwit
10 redshank
Grey heron(caught and then struggled to eat a flounder)
Dove point
12 turnstone(some in summer plumage)
6 wheatear
Linnet
2 grey plover(summer pl.)
2 little egret
1 cat that displaced the roosting waders on the rocky outcrop towards leasowe
King's gap(high tide)
c5000 dunlin
c1000 ringed plover
c100 oystercatcer
c100 sanderling
7 grey plover
6 knot
1 curlew sandpiper
1 little stint
c200 sandwich tern
c100 common tern
3 turnstone
Plus usual gulls cormorants curlew
Other birds present but not seen by me:
Black tern Merlin med gull little tern
IMF
2 spotted redshank
6 snipe
BMW
2 ruff
3 snipe
1 spotted redshank
1 marsh harrier(with green wing tags-I know they serve a purpose but they are hideous!
Nice to see Jonathon Platt here who had double figures of snipe green sanpiper and a tree pipit at IMF earlier on.
Cheers Ian
A flock of around 150 Redshanks including good numbers of juveniles also contained a single Greenshank and a winter plumage Knot. One or two Grey Herons were loafing around further out and also a single Curlew was picked out. On the groyne only a single Turnstone was present.
The biggest surprise was a few large Mullet swimming around in the large pool at the bottom of the sea wall. They seemed to be chasing around some smaller fish that were present.
Apparently seen on seewall, then flew inland
Someone up there must like you, John
Steve
New Brighton
Reply Quote
Edit Post
Just in case i posted in the wrong place-copied and pasted below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Brighton
Perch rock
Visit this aft for some landscapes
a few waders about
black tailed godwit -10
dunlin-20
Knot-1
Turnstone-5
and glorious weather-what do the weather men know,they said torrential rain :)
a few Little egret on the pools and a distant peregrine :)
Also seen around the marsh,
20 Little Egrets
Sparrowhawk
11 Skylarks
4 Meadow pipits
5 Greenfinch
1 Pied wagtail
3 Herons
7 Greenfinch
Also on the drive on the motorways from Swinton to nearby Neston where I was visiting I counted over 20 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and a Hobby.
The day has just got more exciting with news of 5 greenshank, 6 crossbill and a cuckoo (male)
Initially seen at some distance from Atherton Road, but much better views from around the corner on St. George's Mount. Watched almost continuously for more than an hour in good light
Our thanks to the Not-so-fat Controller for updates.
Little Swift seen more inland today - best place St James St / Atherton Rd
also from the top of Atherton Rd near Church. Seen intermittingly from late morning until 3pm when I left. Bird high up during this period
Over 40 Turnstone roosting on new walkway to boats near regenerated area of promenade
Good to see Manc birders out in numbers & meeting Steven from Heywood
When we arrived the bird was out over the river but with the rising tide it came closer in to give good views in better light than yesterday.
Like folks say - it moves very fast and has a fluttery flight - more like a bat at times.
Nice bird though.
Bonus of a Gannet and Manx Shearwater off Red Rocks on the way back.
Glad you managed to get it John.
Me and the family turned up at about 11.00 and I was lucky as a fellow birder immediately put me onto the bird. It spent much of it's time out over the river but occasionally came in closer and behind us. Quite difficult to keep track of as soon as you took your eyes off it you struggled relocating it.
Nevertheless, I managed a few reasonable shots and the views of it were good enough to see it's defining features.
A lovely bird to see and top marks to it's finder as well.
Yep it was a belter and murder to photograph,common swifts are hard enough,but the little swift seemed twice as fast,and when really close was almost impossible to focus on, it was a nice booster after a terrible year at penny.I needed it to keep myself sane and a few pics to boot for my Flickr page.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 24th of June 2012 06:20:27 PM
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:11:26 PM
Little blighter wouldn't keep still long enough for me to get a decent photo though!
A goodly crowd of birders present about 10:30 when we arrived.
Cheers Chris
-- Edited by Chris Greene on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 05:10:06 PM
Maybe worth carrying out a little seawatching sess as well if your that way!
Alex
-- Edited by Alex Jones on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 01:30:36 PM
The bird was around the Pier House area, giving some great fly-pasts, one of which was just 3 feet above Mike's head and another where we had to duck out of the way, such were the close views of this bird.
The bird was reported as going to roost on Pier House tonight, so should hopefully be still there in the morning for anyone thinking of going.
A cracking bird!
After eventually arriving around 5.30pm I was delighted to get reasonable views but unfortunately missed the really close flybys enjoyed by many of the birders who arrived earlier. It looked like the bird was moving away from the area as I left an hour later but I see it was still showing after 8pm. I hope it stays for the morning so more people can get to see this rare visitor.
Brilliant close up views of a smashing little bird. Good pics those Jason,