Horrible, cold, windy morning and not much around this morning. Shoveler on the res along with the usual stuff takes my Elton year list to 59! Possible Jack Snipe flushed fron the stream in the Dip. Kingfisher at the stream near the main car park.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Jan 10 2:22 PM, 2009
Early a.m. Res 95% frozen, just small area of open water near creek with birds packed like sardines, mainly Canada Geese, Coot, 8 Mute Swan, 100+ Mallard, 4 Pochard, 10 Teal, 2 Lapwing and 1 Redshank. At canal near Bennies, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen and 2 Swan. Cheers Ian ........................... Forgot 100+ Fieldfare scattered by a female Sparrowhawk
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:24, 2009-01-10
Paul Cliff said
Thu Jan 8 6:10 PM, 2009
Had an hour with paul and sue. 4 pochard 2 raven 2 peregrine 2 goldeneye 1 tufted duck 2 fieldfare 1 redwing 2 pied 2 grey wagtail 1 kingfisher 1 snipe in flight
Paul Wilson said
Wed Jan 7 11:10 AM, 2009
Sue flushed Jack Snipe from same place as yesterday as soon as we arrived. Also: 10 Teal 6 Pochard 2 Tufted Duck 1 Snipe 1 GS Woodpecker 3+ Jays
On returning to car park I went to look in the stream agin and re-flushed the Jack Snipe.
Judith Smith said
Tue Jan 6 8:33 PM, 2009
Red rings are used throughout the NW. I thought the number was 6 (could not read the letter) when I blew up the photo, which might indicate one of the city centre birds. Keep trying!
Paul Wilson said
Tue Jan 6 2:58 PM, 2009
Good morning at Elton before shooting off for the Eider in Heywood. Had both Snipe and Jack Snipe in stream near main car park. Also in the area Sparrowhawk & GS Woodpecker.
On the res itself, usual selection of gulls, canada geese and ducks, plus 2 pochard, 3 female Goldeneye.
Simon Warford said
Mon Jan 5 9:37 PM, 2009
Judith, Ive just looked at Paul's photos of the long staying Peregrine at Elton taken today and it does indeed have a red ring on its right leg One of the Bolton birds isnt it?
Well done Paul.
Simon Warford said
Mon Jan 5 6:19 PM, 2009
Paul Wilson wrote:
120 for Elton (the old record) remains a good target. That will be mine for 2009.
Paul, aim high mate, go for the 130 record its beatable remember,
- your off to a good start with Raven, Pintail, Water Rail, Woodcock, Peregrine. - pull your finger out with the Firecrest, you havent seen it for abit. - Tawny should be easy now ive found em for you - While your off work look for Jack Snipe out in the open but watch that ice, yes quite possible with the current freezing weather, ive had them in both feeder streams in previous years. - The water level looks like it will be low all year so we should expect at least 18 species of waders to be recorded and I feel a Little Stint coming this year. - theres been a feel good factor back at Elton in 2008 with its merry band of regulars always willing to help, take advantage. - dont forget to "tip your hat and say good morning sir" when you see me down there next. (a private joke you had to be there)
ps i hope the Black Swan isnt included in your 48
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:28, 2009-01-05
Paul Wilson said
Mon Jan 5 4:32 PM, 2009
To all regulars at Elton, and non-regulars too, i'd like to recommend you all take a look at Warfy's report of his record breaking year at Elton. I suspect his record will probably never be beaten - he worked hard and had some good luck with birds turning up that no one would have expected.
120 for Elton (the old record) remains a good target. That will be mine for 2009.
Went out early this morning and thought i'd try to find a Woodcock - other people seem to be able to get them at Elton! Didn't find one but had good views of Peregrine flying (even got some pics!). Then had close views of Meadow Pipit along shoreline.
Sue then joined me and we went to look at Water Rail, which didn't show. Decided to go along the canal to the dip. As we were walking through the dip I said "this looks like a good place for Woodcock", and 3 seconds later one flew up from the grass under the trees! Site tick for both of us!!
Other things on the res:
3 Pochard, female Goldeneye, 2 male Goosander, Black Swan, several Fieldfare (feeding on fallen apples behind boathouse), and all five usual gulls - Herring (5 over), GBB (one at least), LBB 10+, Common 3, Black-headed 100+.
My Elton list now stands on 48 this year with lots of common stuff yet to see (at least 10 birds)!!!
Peregrine photo added to my elton photo gallery.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson at 16:35, 2009-01-05
Paul Wilson said
Sun Jan 4 2:19 PM, 2009
Just behind Ian & Co, and saw Simon mooching around our patch! As Ian but didn't see Kingfisher or Goosander. Did have Raven in field behind boating club, near the pylon - but it saw me before I could get a photo and flew off towards Bolton Road. Also had 2 Water Rail on canal - one showing really well. Other birds: Fieldfare 6 Goldcrest 1 Redwing 2 Mistle Thrush at least 10
A flock of at least 30 Long-tailed Tits kept me company as i walked home past the hospital. Got back to Daisyfield and had a nice Common Gull on the frozen lodge posing well.
Simon Johnson said
Sun Jan 4 1:49 PM, 2009
Not a early as Ian and Co...missed the pintail but in addition to everything else....
Tawny Owl, 2 Raven over calling with one turning round and going back out towards Bury. 2 Sparrowhawk one of which had just caught a male Blackbird 3 Bullfinch sailing club 33 Lapwing Crow tree farm 20 Fieldfare
Ian Campbell said
Sun Jan 4 12:55 PM, 2009
Early a.m. with Peter & Norma(ace Kingfisher spotter)Johnson On the res 1 Black Swan, 2 Kingfisher, 1 male Pintail(photographed by Paul W), 2 Goosander and 2 Teal. At Withins overflow another Kingfisher and at Bennies Water Rail. Cheers Ian .................................... Forgot the 5 Pochard
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 13:16, 2009-01-04
Ian Campbell said
Fri Jan 2 12:27 PM, 2009
Early a.m. 3/4 frozen and very little variety so decided to do some counting. 673 Canada Geese, 78 Mallard, 42 Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pochard and 2 Tufted. At 9.00 a.m. the Geese started leaving along with the Pochard. In a single field were 73 Blackbird, 4 Fielfare and 6 Redwing feeding on the ground amongst recent muck spreading at side of Bennies car park, also Water Rail showed well( I used Simon's Trick of sitting in a warm car parked at side of canal!) Cheers Ian ps No sign of Green Sandpiper reported from yesterday at the dip
richard tyson said
Thu Jan 1 3:52 PM, 2009
Green sandpiper on Dip and Water Rail on frozen canal.1pm.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Jan 1 11:00 AM, 2009
Early a.m. with Peter J At least 500 Canada Geese keeping area in front of boathouse ice free, 6 Goosander, 2 Snipe, 13 Teal(between Elton and Withins), 2 Water Rail in now usual spot near Bennies. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Wed Dec 31 6:00 PM, 2008
31/12/08 11.30-2.30 Fog, frost more fog and then light snow..
Reservoir 90% frozen with only 1 male Goldeneye, 6 Tufteds and 1 GC Grebe in a small area free from ice. Visibility was so bad I thought that I would sit in the car near bennies and watch where the outflow meets the canal and what a good idea that was. The Water Rail duly showed after about 20 mins, creeping around within 15 feet of the car, as the only bit of ice free water is right next to where you can park! Then a male Kingfisher flew in and perched within 6 feet from my car window, then duly caught a fish and battered it on the branch and swiftly flew towards the river, then 5 minutes later its back and catches another fish straight away and again flies off towards the river. At one point I had Water Rail and Kingfisher in my bins at the same time. I think possibly the Kingfisher could have taken the fish off to feed a female as even in winter they remain a pair. A nice little way to end the year.
Happy New Year All.
Paul Wilson said
Mon Dec 29 9:17 AM, 2008
Elton has been great this year. I got 115 species there myself this year - without putting in anywhere near the amount of time that Simon has. I even managed to photograph about 90 species.
Highlights for me have been
Osprey - even though i was unable to get a pic,
Shag - which posed really well,
Knot - in summer plumage (one footed),
Brent Geese - pale-bellied,
Waxwing - and finding it myself,
Firecrests - in my garden at the begining and end of the year,
the morning we had all the migration - geese, Whoopers, Redwings, Fieldfares etc.
the good company - sometimes you just need someone to talk to - Elton can be "difficult" at times!
Finally I'd like to thank the birders who have helped me whilst I've been recovering from my recent illness - you really have all been a great help in enabling me to get back out there - cheers.
Sumo said
Mon Dec 29 12:30 AM, 2008
First time visiting Elton Res today, and Janice and myself really enjoyed it. Unfortunally we didn't see the Water Rail, but the Kingfisher flashing past was nice to see. Simon, we were the couple you met and gave advice to as we were walking from the car.
Iain Johnson said
Sun Dec 28 11:53 PM, 2008
congrats warfy, whats next, a new patch?
Mark Rigby said
Sun Dec 28 11:46 PM, 2008
Simon Warford wrote:
high point was finding Hobby, Osprey, Black Tern, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in one morning!
Surely you mean co-found!!!!!!
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 28 8:32 PM, 2008
Thanks guys, never thought it possible to see 130 species out of a possible 138 recorded overall this year within the Elton recording area.
Regarding the Tawny Owl they have been absent from there usual roosting spots which they have used in previous years, despite a few attempts both day and night with a torch it was great to finally find them sat in the open with 3 days to go
Its been an excellent year at Elton but has it been an exceptional year? or is it just that a few dedicated birders have covered it really well again this year or is it that the speed at which information has been passed on by other birders? mainly thanks to Ians Website and the many calls and texts ive received during the year, benefiting from other peoples finds, despite visiting Elton 239 times this year I somehow managed not to find any of the 4 best birds recorded this year. Low point of the year was missing the WWB Tern whilst being in Yorkshire, high point was finding Hobby, Osprey, Black Tern, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in one morning!
I am dedicating this year to my good birding friend Tim Jackson who tragically died in a car accident at the age of 19, I will never forget him.
Mark Rigby said
Sun Dec 28 3:22 PM, 2008
Well done Warfy. On your Elton record yearlist
A real acheivement, and just goes show what can be done with a lot of time, effort and dedication.
No rest though!Now you have set the record-it has to be broken
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 28 2:42 PM, 2008
Just adding my congrats to Simon on seeing 130 species so far this year. A fantastic achievement with some excellent birding along the way, the Tawny was also a site tick for me today Plus, still a few more days to go to find that Shrike!!!!!!!!!!! Cheers Ian .............................. Elton continues to ROCK, and as this worked 2 days ago, I'm just off to watch City destroy Blackburn
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 15:01, 2008-12-28
Paul Wilson said
Sun Dec 28 1:49 PM, 2008
Before going off to watch his beloved Bolton get gone over by the pie-eaters, Simon (the legend) managed to get his 130th Elton bird of the year this morning when he got a Tawny Owl. As I was getting to a position to get a record photo, I managed to flush another!
Other than the excitement of warfy's 130th, not much else around the res. Plenty of Goosanders again and the Redshank still there. Kingfisher seen near where the Water Rail hangs out on the canal near Bennys.
Paul Wilson said
Sat Dec 27 2:29 PM, 2008
Also had a Redshank. And finally got a Water Rail near Bennies in the canal. Easy when you know exactly where to look - cheers Warfy.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 27 1:52 PM, 2008
Early a.m. today 40ish Goosander present but thats about it!. Simon-there may well have been something wrong with my eyes yesterday as I could swear I also saw City score 5 goals Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Fri Dec 26 12:49 PM, 2008
You must have had to much wine yesterday Ian there were at least 36 Goosanders early this morning, 24+ Cormorants, pair of Goldeneye and a couple of GBB Gulls, not alot else though
I bet the city players couldnt demolish a chrismas turkey at the moment
Ian Campbell said
Fri Dec 26 12:29 PM, 2008
11.00 a.m today Where have all the Goosander gone? over 40 counted yesterday down to 3 today, also 3 Pochard , 2 Goldeneye and 1 Kingfisher. Off to see City demolish Hull now Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Thu Dec 25 12:34 PM, 2008
no Christmas cracker at Elton this morning for me Paul and Sue and no sign again of the Waxwing just a party of 6 Wigeon plus 2 Pochard, 25+ Goosander and plenty of festive dog walkers out.
Simon Warford said
Wed Dec 24 3:54 PM, 2008
no sign of the Waxwing this afternoon but Peregrine on pylon and 53 Goosanders.
Steve Collins said
Wed Dec 24 2:13 PM, 2008
I had to work this morning but managed a parking spot at Benny's and saw the waxwing on top of the tree behind the farm where the dam wall starts.( just before 10.00am) On the way back to the car, silhouetted against the bright low sun appeared three amigos, like in a spaghetti western with rifles slung over their shoulders Turned out to be Paul, Ian and Peter with their scopes at the ready! Nice to meet you guys and a great picture of the waxwing by Paul- worth taking a look at on his website hopefully! Merry Christmas Steve
-- Edited by Steve Collins at 14:14, 2008-12-24
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Dec 24 9:07 AM, 2008
Single waxwing still behind the boathouse 9am this morning
Info thanks to brian fielding
Judith Smith said
Tue Dec 23 10:14 PM, 2008
Not unless there are several of them, or you see others looking ill. There is no bird flu about at present, I would guess the local airgunners have been busy with their new Xmas toys. It's always been a problem intermittently there.
Paul Wilson said
Tue Dec 23 9:38 PM, 2008
Good to get the Waxwing - better that i found it myself.
Whilst walking round the res we also saw a dead Canada Goose in the water near the wall towards the top end. It was unusual in that it was upright - looking as though it was swimming. Are we supposed to report this sort of thing to anyone?
Ian Campbell said
Tue Dec 23 5:19 PM, 2008
Just a big thanks to Paul for; 1, a brilliant find and 2, phoning me and giving me a site tick, cheers pal although I dread to think what Sue will do when she finds out that you were doing cartwheels, mind you, Warfy will probably also be in trouble for informing the world of this fact Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Tue Dec 23 12:40 PM, 2008
At least 2 Waxwings by farm near where the dam wall starts 12.30pm at least.
Info from a delighted Paul Wilson and Ian Campbell seen cartwheeling along the wall. More info to follow no doubt!
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 16:02, 2008-12-23
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Dec 23 11:49 AM, 2008
Single waxwing at 11:35 across the field at the back of the boat house, also getting onto the berry bushes along the lane there, currently being tracked by Paul Wilson!
Info thanks to Paul Wilson
Paul Wilson said
Mon Dec 22 8:38 PM, 2008
Just a post to say i've done a major update of photos from Elton on my site. There are now pics of 90 species - most from this year but there are a handful from 2005-2007.
I've enjoyed trying to photograph as many species as possible this year - it was quite a challenge! I've missed quite a few good birds - some i just didn't see and others, like hobby and osprey, which I saw but din't manage to photograph - but i did manage some good birds. Next year i'll try something similar - but just try to better what i've got this year.
Still a few more days left of this year to try to get a few more!
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 21 1:35 PM, 2008
21/12/08 9am-12pm
missed the Merlin not once but twice, Peter Baron had it at 11am near the Creek, he just strolled down and saw it such is life, still 10 days to go for the big 130!
Peregrine was on the pylon mid morning then chasing pigeons towards the large mill and 2 Water Rails, 1 in the marsh and 1 showing very well on canal by Bennys. Counted 41 Goosanders at 11.30am. Kingfisher also by Benny's.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 21 1:04 PM, 2008
8.35a.m. male MERLIN sat on fence post below res. then flew over res towards the creek. Also 30+ Goosander with lots of birds flying off West and more arriving. At least 25 GCGrebe, 5 Goldeneye, 3 Pochard and 15 Tufted. Also Kestrel by canal. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Sat Dec 20 2:55 PM, 2008
also this am, 33 Goosander, 6 Goldeneye (2 males), 3 pochard, 20+ Redwings and 5 Fieldfares including 2 mobbing a Little Owl. 3 Goldcrest and 4+ Jays around the Creek. No sign of Daisyfield Firecrest in an hour late am.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Dec 20 10:41 AM, 2008
a.m.today 36 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel only 3 Redwing seen and no Fieldfare but lots of Blackbirds. Cheers Ian
Paul Wilson said
Wed Dec 17 1:06 PM, 2008
Early a.m. From dark til 11am.
1 Green Sandpiper at Wader Point - flushed by dog walker but picked up later near creek by two other birders, 30 Goosander, 1 Kingfisher, 100+ Canada Geese, 2 Kestrels flying almost together low over res.
No sign of Black Swans. Also far fewer Redwings around now and hardly any Fieldfares.
Paul Wilson said
Mon Dec 15 11:54 AM, 2008
Early a.m. 31 Goosander, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Kingfisher one being chased by a gull. C100 Canada Geese plus 2 Black Swans near boathouse, then flew off before returning five minutes later. At Withins 3 Teal. Forgot to take bins - so couldn't see much else.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Dec 14 11:07 AM, 2008
Early a.m. with Peter Johnson Before the mist came down, 34 Goosander, 4 Goldeneye, 2/3 Kingfisher on Elton. At Withins 7 Teal and unusually a Dipper at the overflow. Cheers Ian
Peter Johnson said
Sun Dec 7 4:53 PM, 2008
Only 9 Goosander on this morning due to the fact that most of the reservoir was covered in ice. Also 3 Pochard, 8 Tufted and single Teal. Single Kingfisher. There were around 200 Black Headed Gull, 15 Herring Gull, 12 Common Gull and several Lesser Black Backed stood on the ice. There is still hundreds of Redwing and Fieldfare that were quite mobile probably because there were at least 2 Sparrowhawk around.
Hannah Spencer said
Sun Dec 7 12:13 PM, 2008
Goosanders(about 5, mainly F) Redwings (foggy)
-- Edited by Hannah at 12:26, 2008-12-07
Simon Warford said
Sat Dec 6 5:45 PM, 2008
Another good morning, in addition 1 Pink Foot amongst the Canada's. and now were getting Waxwings, wonder whats going to turn up next? what a great couple of days and rounded off with more views of Paul's Firecrest
Simon Johnson said
Sat Dec 6 12:11 PM, 2008
6/12 am loads of people about.
No sign of R B Merg. Highlight was 5 Waxwings flushed from the Creek at 9.37am flew towards wader point.... calls were then heard from that area but the birds couldnt be re-located
Hundreds of thrushes about est about 500 Fieldfare, 800 Redwing, 50 Blackbird and the odd song thrush.
Shoveler on the res along with the usual stuff takes my Elton year list to 59!
Possible Jack Snipe flushed fron the stream in the Dip. Kingfisher at the stream near the main car park.
Res 95% frozen, just small area of open water near creek with birds packed like sardines, mainly Canada Geese, Coot, 8 Mute Swan, 100+ Mallard, 4 Pochard, 10 Teal, 2 Lapwing and 1 Redshank.
At canal near Bennies, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen and 2 Swan.
Cheers Ian
...........................
Forgot 100+ Fieldfare scattered by a female Sparrowhawk
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:24, 2009-01-10
4 pochard
2 raven
2 peregrine
2 goldeneye
1 tufted duck
2 fieldfare
1 redwing
2 pied 2 grey wagtail
1 kingfisher
1 snipe in flight
Also:
10 Teal
6 Pochard
2 Tufted Duck
1 Snipe
1 GS Woodpecker
3+ Jays
On returning to car park I went to look in the stream agin and re-flushed the Jack Snipe.
On the res itself, usual selection of gulls, canada geese and ducks, plus 2 pochard, 3 female Goldeneye.
Well done Paul.
Paul, aim high mate, go for the 130 record its beatable remember,
- your off to a good start with Raven, Pintail, Water Rail, Woodcock, Peregrine.
- pull your finger out with the Firecrest, you havent seen it for abit.
- Tawny should be easy now ive found em for you
- While your off work look for Jack Snipe out in the open but watch that ice, yes quite possible with the current freezing weather, ive had them in both feeder streams in previous years.
- The water level looks like it will be low all year so we should expect at least 18 species of waders to be recorded and I feel a Little Stint coming this year.
- theres been a feel good factor back at Elton in 2008 with its merry band of regulars always willing to help, take advantage.
- dont forget to "tip your hat and say good morning sir" when you see me down there next. (a private joke you had to be there)
ps i hope the Black Swan isnt included in your 48
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:28, 2009-01-05
120 for Elton (the old record) remains a good target. That will be mine for 2009.
Link to Warfy's report
Sue then joined me and we went to look at Water Rail, which didn't show. Decided to go along the canal to the dip. As we were walking through the dip I said "this looks like a good place for Woodcock", and 3 seconds later one flew up from the grass under the trees! Site tick for both of us!!
Other things on the res:
3 Pochard, female Goldeneye, 2 male Goosander, Black Swan, several Fieldfare (feeding on fallen apples behind boathouse), and all five usual gulls - Herring (5 over), GBB (one at least), LBB 10+, Common 3, Black-headed 100+.
My Elton list now stands on 48 this year with lots of common stuff yet to see (at least 10 birds)!!!
Peregrine photo added to my elton photo gallery.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson at 16:35, 2009-01-05
As Ian but didn't see Kingfisher or Goosander.
Did have Raven in field behind boating club, near the pylon - but it saw me before I could get a photo and flew off towards Bolton Road.
Also had 2 Water Rail on canal - one showing really well.
Other birds:
Fieldfare 6
Goldcrest 1
Redwing 2
Mistle Thrush at least 10
A flock of at least 30 Long-tailed Tits kept me company as i walked home past the hospital. Got back to Daisyfield and had a nice Common Gull on the frozen lodge posing well.
Tawny Owl,
2 Raven over calling with one turning round and going back out towards Bury.
2 Sparrowhawk one of which had just caught a male Blackbird
3 Bullfinch sailing club
33 Lapwing Crow tree farm
20 Fieldfare
On the res 1 Black Swan, 2 Kingfisher, 1 male Pintail(photographed by Paul W), 2 Goosander and 2 Teal.
At Withins overflow another Kingfisher and at Bennies Water Rail.
Cheers Ian
....................................
Forgot the 5 Pochard
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 13:16, 2009-01-04
3/4 frozen and very little variety so decided to do some counting.
673 Canada Geese, 78 Mallard, 42 Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pochard and 2 Tufted. At 9.00 a.m. the Geese started leaving along with the Pochard.
In a single field were 73 Blackbird, 4 Fielfare and 6 Redwing feeding on the ground amongst recent muck spreading at side of Bennies car park, also Water Rail showed well( I used Simon's Trick of sitting in a warm car parked at side of canal!)
Cheers Ian
ps No sign of Green Sandpiper reported from yesterday at the dip
At least 500 Canada Geese keeping area in front of boathouse ice free, 6 Goosander, 2 Snipe, 13 Teal(between Elton and Withins), 2 Water Rail in now usual spot near Bennies.
Cheers Ian
Reservoir 90% frozen with only 1 male Goldeneye, 6 Tufteds and 1 GC Grebe in a small area free from ice. Visibility was so bad I thought that I would sit in the car near bennies and watch where the outflow meets the canal and what a good idea that was. The Water Rail duly showed after about 20 mins, creeping around within 15 feet of the car, as the only bit of ice free water is right next to where you can park! Then a male Kingfisher flew in and perched within 6 feet from my car window, then duly caught a fish and battered it on the branch and swiftly flew towards the river, then 5 minutes later its back and catches another fish straight away and again flies off towards the river. At one point I had Water Rail and Kingfisher in my bins at the same time. I think possibly the Kingfisher could have taken the fish off to feed a female as even in winter they remain a pair. A nice little way to end the year.
Happy New Year All.
Highlights for me have been
Finally I'd like to thank the birders who have helped me whilst I've been recovering from my recent illness - you really have all been a great help in enabling me to get back out there - cheers.
Simon, we were the couple you met and gave advice to as we were walking from the car.
Surely you mean co-found!!!!!!
Regarding the Tawny Owl they have been absent from there usual roosting spots which they have used in previous years, despite a few attempts both day and night with a torch it was great to finally find them sat in the open with 3 days to go
Its been an excellent year at Elton but has it been an exceptional year? or is it just that a few dedicated birders have covered it really well again this year or is it that the speed at which information has been passed on by other birders? mainly thanks to Ians Website and the many calls and texts ive received during the year, benefiting from other peoples finds, despite visiting Elton 239 times this year I somehow managed not to find any of the 4 best birds recorded this year. Low point of the year was missing the WWB Tern whilst being in Yorkshire, high point was finding Hobby, Osprey, Black Tern, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in one morning!
I am dedicating this year to my good birding friend Tim Jackson who tragically died in a car accident at the age of 19, I will never forget him.
A real acheivement, and just goes show what can be done with a lot of time, effort and dedication.
No rest though!Now you have set the record-it has to be broken
A fantastic achievement with some excellent birding along the way, the Tawny was also a site tick for me today
Plus, still a few more days to go to find that Shrike!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers Ian
..............................
Elton continues to ROCK, and as this worked 2 days ago, I'm just off to watch City destroy Blackburn
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 15:01, 2008-12-28
Other than the excitement of warfy's 130th, not much else around the res. Plenty of Goosanders again and the Redshank still there. Kingfisher seen near where the Water Rail hangs out on the canal near Bennys.
40ish Goosander present but thats about it!.
Simon-there may well have been something wrong with my eyes yesterday as I could swear I also saw City score 5 goals
Cheers Ian
I bet the city players couldnt demolish a chrismas turkey at the moment
Where have all the Goosander gone? over 40 counted yesterday down to 3 today, also 3 Pochard , 2 Goldeneye and 1 Kingfisher. Off to see City demolish Hull now
Cheers Ian
On the way back to the car, silhouetted against the bright low sun appeared three amigos, like in a spaghetti western with rifles slung over their shoulders
Turned out to be Paul, Ian and Peter with their scopes at the ready!
Nice to meet you guys and a great picture of the waxwing by Paul- worth taking a look at on his website hopefully!
Merry Christmas
Steve
-- Edited by Steve Collins at 14:14, 2008-12-24
Info thanks to brian fielding
Whilst walking round the res we also saw a dead Canada Goose in the water near the wall towards the top end. It was unusual in that it was upright - looking as though it was swimming. Are we supposed to report this sort of thing to anyone?
Cheers Ian
Info from a delighted Paul Wilson and Ian Campbell seen cartwheeling along the wall. More info to follow no doubt!
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 16:02, 2008-12-23
Info thanks to Paul Wilson
Just a post to say i've done a major update of photos from Elton on my site. There are now pics of 90 species - most from this year but there are a handful from 2005-2007.
http://www.freewebs.com/rezmole/apps/photos/index.jsp
I've enjoyed trying to photograph as many species as possible this year - it was quite a challenge! I've missed quite a few good birds - some i just didn't see and others, like hobby and osprey, which I saw but din't manage to photograph - but i did manage some good birds. Next year i'll try something similar - but just try to better what i've got this year.
Still a few more days left of this year to try to get a few more!
missed the Merlin not once but twice, Peter Baron had it at 11am near the Creek, he just strolled down and saw it such is life, still 10 days to go for the big 130!
Peregrine was on the pylon mid morning then chasing pigeons towards the large mill and 2 Water Rails, 1 in the marsh and 1 showing very well on canal by Bennys. Counted 41 Goosanders at 11.30am. Kingfisher also by Benny's.
Cheers Ian
36 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel only 3 Redwing seen and no Fieldfare but lots of Blackbirds.
Cheers Ian
1 Green Sandpiper at Wader Point - flushed by dog walker but picked up later near creek by two other birders, 30 Goosander, 1 Kingfisher, 100+ Canada Geese, 2 Kestrels flying almost together low over res.
No sign of Black Swans. Also far fewer Redwings around now and hardly any Fieldfares.
At Withins 3 Teal.
Forgot to take bins - so couldn't see much else.
Before the mist came down, 34 Goosander, 4 Goldeneye, 2/3 Kingfisher on Elton.
At Withins 7 Teal and unusually a Dipper at the overflow.
Cheers Ian
Redwings
(foggy)
-- Edited by Hannah at 12:26, 2008-12-07
No sign of R B Merg.
Highlight was 5 Waxwings flushed from the Creek at 9.37am flew towards wader point.... calls were then heard from that area but the birds couldnt be re-located
Hundreds of thrushes about est about 500 Fieldfare, 800 Redwing, 50 Blackbird and the odd song thrush.
On the Res
Goosander 54
Teal 8
Pochard 2
Goldeneye 4
GCG 15
Cormorant 13
Lapwing 30
am sure others will have more to add. lovely morning tho!