Simon,happy birthday,please keep us updated re the merganser ,i.m sure quite a few of the 'sub prime 200' would love to get on their list if it,s hanging around.
cheers geoff
Simon Warford said
Fri Dec 5 5:41 PM, 2008
RED BREASTED MERGANSER (possible 1st winter male) still present at dusk with 20+ Goosanders and joined by 2 male Goldeneye plus male Wigeon still.
Simon Warford said
Fri Dec 5 2:55 PM, 2008
1st winter/female RED BREASTED MERGANSER 2pm at least showing very close to the creek, a nice birthday present
Also 51 Goosander, 515 Canada Geese 3 pochard and a male Wigeon.
Plus more excellent views of Pauls Firecrest
Ian Campbell said
Tue Dec 2 2:56 PM, 2008
2.00p.m today Off school due to weather so popped down to Elton. An incredible 67(at least) Goosander present, also 60+Lapwing, 2 Pochard, 1 Peregrine(on pylon at the dip) and at 2.30 350-400 Canada Geese flew onto the res. The hedgerows around are still full of 100's of Winter Thrushes. Cheers Ian ................................. P Johnson 30 min later counted 69 Goosander
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 21:00, 2008-12-02
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 30 4:12 PM, 2008
30/11/08 8am-10am
Woodcock 1 Jack Snipe 2 Peregrine Pochard 5 Wigeon 1 Teal 8 Goosander 20+ Loads of Redwings and Fieldfares.
Melanie Beckford said
Sun Nov 30 2:14 AM, 2008
Thankyou SOOOOO much Paul for letting me come and see both the Goldcrest and the Firecrest (L) this morning.Wonderful energy of the Goldcrest today, all fluffed up in this freezing weather and hanging upside down and even hovering amongst the branches to get his 'fuel' to keep him going.Never thought l'd EVER get to see a Firecrest,and today it was very easy,bloody cold but great,GREAT views of this tiny little cracker flitting from branch to branch and showing extremely well for us.Against the green of the conifers l could appreciate all of this birds plumage and striking head...wonderful!! Hope these birds continue to delight you over the winter luv birding l do......
Paul Wilson said
Sat Nov 29 4:05 PM, 2008
Simon Warford wrote:
I dont think its beyond the realms of possibility that the Firecrests could have been here all year? Or could it be possible for them to have returned to winter in the same gardens?
i don't think it has been in the garden all year - as i do garden bird watch i'd have probably seen it at some stage over summer. I suppose it is possible that it (they) moved off to the wooded area near the lodge when spring came and leaves started to appear on all the other trees. Now that the leaves have started falling it could have come back to the shelter of the conifers for winter.
I'll keep an eye for a pair! While i'm off work recovering from my illness, i'll have lots of time to look.
Simon Warford said
Sat Nov 29 3:30 PM, 2008
After a 2 hour wait in the freezing fog this morning, the male Firecrest finally appeared and gave brilliant views to within 10 feet in the conifers around 1pm. Also a couple of Goldcrests present.
I dont think its beyond the realms of possibility that the Firecrests could have been in the area all year? Or could it be possible for them to have returned to winter in the same gardens? Either way great that at least one bird is back and I hope you get to enjoy them Paul in the coming weeks
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 17:43, 2008-11-29
Ian Campbell said
Fri Nov 28 4:01 PM, 2008
Thanks Paul for allowing me to view my 2nd Firecrest, thats if its not one of last Winters birds returning to a hotspot for GM birding Cheers Ian ............................ Sorry, thanks to Sue as well Who has been a star in the last few weeks
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 20:12, 2008-11-28
Paul Wilson said
Fri Nov 28 11:06 AM, 2008
One Firecrest flying around with a Goldcrest in Daisyfield Gardens. Here we go again. Will try and keep it here. 20 points for me. Paul and Sue.
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 23 3:38 PM, 2008
In addition, yesterday pair of Gadwall present. Today, 4 Gadwall, Redshank, Peregrine and a male Blackcap still in the Creek, can you remember how to get round to the Creek Ian?
Ian Campbell said
Sun Nov 23 12:36 PM, 2008
a.m. today Goosander down to 5 also, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Cormorant and 13 Tufted. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 22 10:49 AM, 2008
This a.m. 25 Goosander with another 8 flying over, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard and 1 Kingfisher. All the hedgerows around Elton are full of Thrushes, at least 500 Redwing, 300 Fieldfare, 200 Blackbirds and 30 Mistle Thrush present. 2 Little Owl sitting on usual woodpile in field next to the new bridge near Old Hall Farm. Cheers Ian
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Nov 16 5:27 PM, 2008
Simon Warford wrote:
No sign of the G W Egret, despite searching this morning and this afternoon. .
Still on the mosslands Simon currently, not sure when it's due it's next venture north, if ever
When is your next 'out of county' venture planned as me and a few mates are intending to spend the whole day at Elton when you go, seems like the best time to visit
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 16 4:21 PM, 2008
No sign of the G W Egret, despite searching this morning and this afternoon. Peregrine was on the pylon near the Dip.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Nov 16 2:02 PM, 2008
Early a.m. with Peter J 12 Goosander, also 1 Green Sandpiper and 6 Teal which both left thanks to a passing dog. 100's of Redwing especially in hedgerows around Crow Tree Farm. Also many Fieldfare and Blackbirds, flock of 200approx Fieldfare over Bennies car park. Unfortunately the only Herons were Grey today Cheers Ian ........................................... Nearly forgot, saw the partial albino Robin near Crow Tree Farm, last seen Months ago.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:05, 2008-11-16
Judith Smith said
Sat Nov 15 10:10 PM, 2008
It was last seen at the private site on Thursday but not there Friday, which fits in well. Now, it is possible that this bird is the same as that seen in 1995 at Prestolee Rd pool - the first county record. Not far from Elton! According to BWP, the oldest bird known was 22 years old. I haven't looked back, but I bet there haven't been many years since then that GWE has not been recorded somewhere in the NW.
Simon Warford said
Sat Nov 15 8:30 PM, 2008
Abit of history regarding the Great White Egret at Elton. It is definately the same bird present at Rindle Road recently (missing/displaced primary). The bird was seen well yesterday morning on and off either side of the canal(observer unknown to me but known to other Elton regulars), either in the flooded field near the Corran Stud, which is the area between the canal and tram line or along the canal itself and in the field with the highland cattle in, it wasnt seen yesterday afternoon, however it was obviously backin the area this morning but wasnt seen again this afternoon despite a thorough search by myself in the last hour of daylight, after speeding back from Hilbre. Needless to say I will be there first thing, but im seriously considering never leaving the county again
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 15 3:08 PM, 2008
No sign of Great White Egret 2.30pm Also on the res. this a.m. 3 Pochard and 4 Goosander, in my excitement, I forgot them earlier! Cheers Ian
Paul Wilson said
Sat Nov 15 12:22 PM, 2008
Any chance one of cud nail it to a fence post 4 a couple of weeks.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Nov 15 11:19 AM, 2008
Still present at 10:40 in the ditch as per Ian Campbell's post below.
Info thanks to Simon Warford (hotfooting it back from the Wirral shortly )
Alan Warford said
Sat Nov 15 10:37 AM, 2008
Confirmed as Great white egret. Flew from ditch below dam and landed on canal at 10am. Was reported yesterday apparently.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 15 10:35 AM, 2008
10.30 definately a Great White Egret, probably the one from Rindle Road, as it has the same misplaced feather on left wing. It is spending time in a ditch running through the field below the pump house which edges onto the canal and is very hard to see. Best chance is probably from canal tow path looking across field towards the pump house. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 15 9:24 AM, 2008
9.ooam in field below res large white egret with long yellow beak, can only think it's a Great White Egret. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Wed Nov 12 8:21 PM, 2008
12/11/08 early am
Redshank 1 Gadwall pair Wigeon 1 male Goldeneye - 3 (1 male, 1 imm male and 1 female) Goosander 3
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 9 12:45 PM, 2008
9/11/08 7.30-10am
Peregrine on Pylon Woodcock 1 Goldeneye 1 male Pochard 2 Redwing 200+ Fieldfare 40+
and yet more pink feet-
225 se at 7.40 65 se 8.20 130 se at 8.55
Simon Warford said
Sat Nov 8 6:36 PM, 2008
2 Woodcock this morning in fields on north west side.
Simon Warford said
Sun Nov 2 12:41 PM, 2008
2/11/08 7-9.20am
Raven over about 8am being mobbed by several Crows.
Pink feet - 200 flying east and 200 north west around 9am (viewed looking south towards Whitefield)
Fieldfare 50+ Redwings 300+ Goldcrest 3
Otherwise
Ian Campbell said
Sat Nov 1 2:24 PM, 2008
Lots of Redwing and Fieldfare about this a.m. Nothing much on the res. the Juv. Mute Swan which yesterday was entangled with fishing line appears free of line this a.m.?, apprx 30 GCGrebe still present with 7 Tufted and 11 Cormorant, also 1 Kingfisher. Over 200 Pink Foot flew over in a NW direction. At the feeding station 1 Simon and 1 Melanie observedOh and a Rat Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Fri Oct 31 5:01 PM, 2008
31/10/08 early am
Goldeneye 3 Teal 1 Tufted 4
Vis Mig -
Starlings 225 nw Fieldfare 33 nw Redwings 300+ nw and many in every hedgerow Redpoll 3 east Siskin 10 west Woodpigeon 50+ west Bullfinch 4 west
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:56, 2008-10-31
Ian Campbell said
Wed Oct 29 10:55 AM, 2008
Early a.m. was going to Marshside this a.m. but my car wouldn't start, so went to Elton instead Big surprise to find a Raven in a tree at Old Hall Farm being mobbed by 6 Mistle Thrush, Paul, this makes me wonder about the mystery bird we saw yesterday?. On the res. 230 Canada Geese, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, small number of Tufted Duck and my first Goldeneye(a female)of the Winter,it was snowing!. Simon, at the feeding station, 2 Magpie, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting; I put some seed down Cheers Ian PS Marshside tomorrow with luck
Ian Campbell said
Sat Oct 25 1:29 PM, 2008
Early a.m. before the rain. Very little on the res. Tufted, Mallard, Coots and 3 Swans. 200+ Redwing with less Fieldfare(mainly around Crow Trees). Kingfisher on Withins. Pair of Stonechat by canal. Chaffinch at the feeding station Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Fri Oct 24 5:56 PM, 2008
24/10/08 8am-11am
WILLOW TIT - 1 in the Dip (2nd record this year) Peregrine still about it appeared at 10.30 stooping from a height and scattering everything in sight. Redpoll 1 over Goldeneye 1 female Goosander 2 female Tufted 17 Redwings 100+ still about
Best though was a Treecreeper, totally unexpected calling and showed right above my head as I was stood peering through a gap in the hedge sw of Old Hall Farm,
Feeding Station - Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, 2 Crows, 9 Magpies, Robin and 1 Rat!
23/10/08
Wigeon - 1 male
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 17:57, 2008-10-24
Melanie Beckford said
Wed Oct 22 9:28 PM, 2008
Mark Rigby wrote:
Feed them and they will come..............................................
and all three did!!
Simon Warford said
Wed Oct 22 6:28 PM, 2008
22/10/08 8.00am-11.00am
Peregrine around all morning, perched on the pylon for an hour or so then decided it wanted a Lapwing for breakfast and proceeded to catch one right over the Res! Then it plucked and devoured it back on the pylon.
Wigeon 1 male Teal 1 male Tufted 14 Water Rail heard Blackcap 1 male Siskin 3 west Goldcrest 3 Redwing 150+ still about
Feeding Station - 1 Crow and 2 Magpie
Mark Rigby said
Tue Oct 21 10:54 PM, 2008
Feed them and they will come..............................................
Simon Warford said
Tue Oct 21 6:39 PM, 2008
21/10/08 7.45am-10.30am and 4.30pm-5.30pm - some visible migration but I dont think Saturdays heights will be reached again..
Gadwall 3 Teal 2 Tufted 9 Jack Snipe 2 Snipe 7 Goldcrest 6 Redwing 91 through west and 150+ in fields near Withins still Fieldfare 1, slightly down from the 18th Mistle Thrush 27 Siskin 15 through west G S Woodpecker 1 west Woodpigeon 43 west Linnet 8 west
*Elton regulars read below*
I have today set up a Feeding Station, it will be a cheap mans equivalent of the Rindle Road set up. It is located between the car park at Withins and Doffer Fold Farm on the track, where the hedge on the left starts. Visible from just past the car park. Will see how it goes until the end of the year. Any feedback or comments please contact me privately Dont expect Yellowhammers or Tree Sparrows but today there was several Chaffinches and upto 10 Reed Buntings feeding away
Cheers
Simon
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 19:53, 2008-10-21
Paul Wilson said
Sun Oct 19 11:10 AM, 2008
In addition, I had 50+ Redwing in the Dip, along with two Goldcrest (which I managed to see), and a Kingfisher on the pool.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Oct 19 10:52 AM, 2008
Early a.m 7 flyover Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Teal, 1 Peregrine lots of Redwing about with less Fieldfare. 2 Little Owl near Crow Trees and at least 2 Sparrowhawk. By the canal a pair of Stonechat, 7 Meadow Pipit and at least 32 Mistle Thrush in field below the res. Also heard, but did not see 2 Goldcrest( thanks Peter ). Not upto yesterdays standard but still lots to see. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Sat Oct 18 10:35 AM, 2008
18/10/08 - 7.45am -10.10am - Brilliant spectacle of visible migration over Elton this morning
46 Whooper Swan - 28 flew south, then north, then south again and then east right over the Resr at 8am, followed by another 18 mixed in with Pink Feet at 9am heading south, amazing sight
Pink Feet - estimated 1000+ birds in at least 6 skeins, the largest group was about 9am when around 500 flew south west.
Redwings - approx 2000 mostly heading west Fieldfare - 600+ west with at least 300 in fields around Withins Woodpigeon - 400+ west Siskin - 29 west Lots of Chaffinch, greenfinches and Mipits west Grey Wagtails - 4 west Goldcrest - at least 10 in the bushes.
Also great to watch the resident Peregrine and Sparrowhawk chasing the thrush flock.
A treat for all the Elton regulars this morning
Simon Warford said
Thu Oct 16 10:24 AM, 2008
16/10/08 early am
A rather pleasant surprise this morning when I walked down from the Creek was a juvenile Golden Plover stood motionless on the shoreline. After eliminating AGP the bird was still present at 9.15am and wasnt even bothered by the dog walkers who were walking right past it. The first confirmed record at Elton in over 5 years according to Mr Baron.
Pochard 2 Tufted 30 Redwings 40+ Goldcrest 3
Simon Warford said
Sun Oct 12 6:08 PM, 2008
Peregrine again late afternoon on 2nd pylon west of the Creek. 3 Siskin, 1 Chiffchaff and 10 Redwings in the Dip and around the car park bushes was the best i could manage..
Ian Campbell said
Sun Oct 12 12:19 PM, 2008
early a.m. with Peter J & also Paul W joined by his Sue( a flock of Bury Birders! ) Peregrine on Pylon for at least 45 mins, pair of Stonechat infield below res. 2/3 Kestrel. Many Mistle and Song Thrush, Blackbirds and smaller number of Redwings. 3 Snipe near canal and 20+ Pied Wagtail with 3 Meadow Pipit in a field at Corran Stud. Jays everywhere but no sign of the Buzzard today. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Sat Oct 11 4:11 PM, 2008
11/10/08 early am
Very quiet, Buzzard still in fields below Old Hall fm, several Goldcrests, 20+ Redwings, 27 Tufted and Jay's all over the place.
Melanie Beckford said
Fri Oct 10 2:52 PM, 2008
Simon Warford wrote:
A decent couple of hours this morning with Melanie, Peregrine again perched on the second pylon west of the creek, female Sparrowhawk overhead and Buzzard still hanging around but best of all was 2 RAVENS being mobbed by Crows and then the Peregrine got involved and was dive bombing the Ravens for about 5 mins, a cracking display and what a way to get on my year list, sorry for getting abit over excited Melanie but Raven at Elton has been a long time in coming!
LOL.....a BIT over excited?? never apologise for that emotion jnr Warford,it was a great sight,by the way and l do mean the Peregrine dive bombing and the Ravens being mobbed and NOT you dancing and clapping (although that image will stay with me for a while too!!)
Simon Warford said
Fri Oct 10 2:17 PM, 2008
A decent couple of hours this morning with Melanie, Peregrine again perched on the second pylon west of the creek, female Sparrowhawk overhead and Buzzard still hanging around but best of all was 2 RAVENS being mobbed by Crows and then the Peregrine got involved and was dive bombing the Ravens for about 5 mins, a cracking display and what a way to get on my year list, sorry for getting abit over excited Melanie but Raven at Elton has been a long time in coming!
Peter Johnson said
Wed Oct 8 6:34 PM, 2008
This morning
2 Swallow south 2 Stonechat 3 Sparrowhawk Single Wigeon 19 Jay 3 Bullfinch 2 Kingfisher 2 Little Owl
Judith Smith said
Mon Oct 6 8:23 PM, 2008
Do try to see if the peregrine has a red Darvic ring, Simon!
Simon Warford said
Mon Oct 6 8:16 PM, 2008
Peregrine again this evening, this time sat on the 2nd pylon west of the Creek 6pm at least, plus Chiffchaff and 10+ Redwings but little else of note though.
Simon Warford said
Sun Oct 5 10:27 AM, 2008
5/10/08 7am till 10am
Pair of Stonechats near Benny's, 8 Goldcrest, 10 Redwings, Coal Tit, 24 Tufteds, Little Owl, Little Grebe, Kingfisher, 20+ Snipe, Chiffchaff still singing in Creek with 2 male Blackcaps still there plus 2 female Blackcaps near Withins.
cheers geoff
Also 51 Goosander, 515 Canada Geese 3 pochard and a male Wigeon.
Plus more excellent views of Pauls Firecrest
Off school due to weather so popped down to Elton.
An incredible 67(at least) Goosander present, also 60+Lapwing, 2 Pochard, 1 Peregrine(on pylon at the dip) and at 2.30 350-400 Canada Geese flew onto the res.
The hedgerows around are still full of 100's of Winter Thrushes.
Cheers Ian
.................................
P Johnson 30 min later counted 69 Goosander
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 21:00, 2008-12-02
Woodcock 1
Jack Snipe 2
Peregrine
Pochard 5
Wigeon 1
Teal 8
Goosander 20+
Loads of Redwings and Fieldfares.
Hope these birds continue to delight you over the winter
luv birding l do......
i don't think it has been in the garden all year - as i do garden bird watch i'd have probably seen it at some stage over summer. I suppose it is possible that it (they) moved off to the wooded area near the lodge when spring came and leaves started to appear on all the other trees. Now that the leaves have started falling it could have come back to the shelter of the conifers for winter.
I'll keep an eye for a pair! While i'm off work recovering from my illness, i'll have lots of time to look.
I dont think its beyond the realms of possibility that the Firecrests could have been in the area all year? Or could it be possible for them to have returned to winter in the same gardens? Either way great that at least one bird is back and I hope you get to enjoy them Paul in the coming weeks
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 17:43, 2008-11-29
Cheers Ian
............................
Sorry, thanks to Sue as well
Who has been a star in the last few weeks
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 20:12, 2008-11-28
Will try and keep it here. 20 points for me.
Paul and Sue.
Today, 4 Gadwall, Redshank, Peregrine and a male Blackcap still in the Creek, can you remember how to get round to the Creek Ian?
Goosander down to 5 also, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Cormorant and 13 Tufted.
Cheers Ian
25 Goosander with another 8 flying over, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard and 1 Kingfisher. All the hedgerows around Elton are full of Thrushes, at least 500 Redwing, 300 Fieldfare, 200 Blackbirds and 30 Mistle Thrush present. 2 Little Owl sitting on usual woodpile in field next to the new bridge near Old Hall Farm.
Cheers Ian
Still on the mosslands Simon currently, not sure when it's due it's next venture north, if ever
When is your next 'out of county' venture planned as me and a few mates are intending to spend the whole day at Elton when you go, seems like the best time to visit
12 Goosander, also 1 Green Sandpiper and 6 Teal which both left thanks to a passing dog. 100's of Redwing especially in hedgerows around Crow Tree Farm. Also many Fieldfare and Blackbirds, flock of 200approx Fieldfare over Bennies car park. Unfortunately the only Herons were Grey today
Cheers Ian
...........................................
Nearly forgot, saw the partial albino Robin near Crow Tree Farm, last seen Months ago.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:05, 2008-11-16
Now, it is possible that this bird is the same as that seen in 1995 at Prestolee Rd pool - the first county record. Not far from Elton! According to BWP, the oldest bird known was 22 years old. I haven't looked back, but I bet there haven't been many years since then that GWE has not been recorded somewhere in the NW.
Also on the res. this a.m. 3 Pochard and 4 Goosander, in my excitement, I forgot them earlier!
Cheers Ian
Info thanks to Simon Warford (hotfooting it back from the Wirral shortly
Cheers Ian
Redshank 1
Gadwall pair
Wigeon 1 male
Goldeneye - 3 (1 male, 1 imm male and 1 female)
Goosander 3
Peregrine on Pylon
Woodcock 1
Goldeneye 1 male
Pochard 2
Redwing 200+
Fieldfare 40+
and yet more pink feet-
225 se at 7.40
65 se 8.20
130 se at 8.55
Raven over about 8am being mobbed by several Crows.
Pink feet - 200 flying east and 200 north west around 9am (viewed looking south towards Whitefield)
Fieldfare 50+
Redwings 300+
Goldcrest 3
Otherwise
At the feeding station 1 Simon and 1 Melanie observed
Cheers Ian
Goldeneye 3
Teal 1
Tufted 4
Vis Mig -
Starlings 225 nw
Fieldfare 33 nw
Redwings 300+ nw and many in every hedgerow
Redpoll 3 east
Siskin 10 west
Woodpigeon 50+ west
Bullfinch 4 west
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:56, 2008-10-31
Big surprise to find a Raven in a tree at Old Hall Farm being mobbed by 6 Mistle Thrush, Paul, this makes me wonder about the mystery bird we saw yesterday?.
On the res. 230 Canada Geese, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, small number of Tufted Duck and my first Goldeneye(a female)of the Winter,it was snowing!.
Simon, at the feeding station, 2 Magpie, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting; I put some seed down
Cheers Ian
PS Marshside tomorrow with luck
Very little on the res. Tufted, Mallard, Coots and 3 Swans. 200+ Redwing with less Fieldfare(mainly around Crow Trees). Kingfisher on Withins. Pair of Stonechat by canal.
Chaffinch at the feeding station
Cheers Ian
WILLOW TIT - 1 in the Dip (2nd record this year)
Peregrine still about it appeared at 10.30 stooping from a height and scattering everything in sight.
Redpoll 1 over
Goldeneye 1 female
Goosander 2 female
Tufted 17
Redwings 100+ still about
Best though was a Treecreeper, totally unexpected calling and showed right above my head as I was stood peering through a gap in the hedge sw of Old Hall Farm,
Feeding Station - Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, 2 Crows, 9 Magpies, Robin and 1 Rat!
23/10/08
Wigeon - 1 male
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 17:57, 2008-10-24
and all three did!!
Peregrine around all morning, perched on the pylon for an hour or so then decided it wanted a Lapwing for breakfast and proceeded to catch one right over the Res! Then it plucked and devoured it back on the pylon.
Wigeon 1 male
Teal 1 male
Tufted 14
Water Rail heard
Blackcap 1 male
Siskin 3 west
Goldcrest 3
Redwing 150+ still about
Feeding Station - 1 Crow and 2 Magpie
Gadwall 3
Teal 2
Tufted 9
Jack Snipe 2
Snipe 7
Goldcrest 6
Redwing 91 through west and 150+ in fields near Withins still
Fieldfare 1, slightly down from the 18th
Mistle Thrush 27
Siskin 15 through west
G S Woodpecker 1 west
Woodpigeon 43 west
Linnet 8 west
*Elton regulars read below*
I have today set up a Feeding Station
Cheers
Simon
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 19:53, 2008-10-21
7 flyover Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Teal, 1 Peregrine lots of Redwing about with less Fieldfare. 2 Little Owl near Crow Trees and at least 2 Sparrowhawk. By the canal a pair of Stonechat, 7 Meadow Pipit and at least 32 Mistle Thrush in field below the res. Also heard, but did not see 2 Goldcrest( thanks Peter
Not upto yesterdays standard but still lots to see.
Cheers Ian
46 Whooper Swan - 28 flew south, then north, then south again and then east right over the Resr at 8am, followed by another 18 mixed in with Pink Feet at 9am heading south, amazing sight
Pink Feet - estimated 1000+ birds in at least 6 skeins, the largest group was about 9am when around 500 flew south west.
Redwings - approx 2000 mostly heading west
Fieldfare - 600+ west with at least 300 in fields around Withins
Woodpigeon - 400+ west
Siskin - 29 west
Lots of Chaffinch, greenfinches and Mipits west
Grey Wagtails - 4 west
Goldcrest - at least 10 in the bushes.
Also great to watch the resident Peregrine and Sparrowhawk chasing the thrush flock.
A treat for all the Elton regulars this morning
A rather pleasant surprise this morning when I walked down from the Creek was a juvenile Golden Plover stood motionless on the shoreline
Pochard 2
Tufted 30
Redwings 40+
Goldcrest 3
Peregrine on Pylon for at least 45 mins, pair of Stonechat infield below res. 2/3 Kestrel. Many Mistle and Song Thrush, Blackbirds and smaller number of Redwings. 3 Snipe near canal and 20+ Pied Wagtail with 3 Meadow Pipit in a field at Corran Stud. Jays everywhere but no sign of the Buzzard today.
Cheers Ian
Very quiet, Buzzard still in fields below Old Hall fm, several Goldcrests, 20+ Redwings, 27 Tufted and Jay's all over the place.
LOL.....a BIT over excited??
2 Swallow south
2 Stonechat
3 Sparrowhawk
Single Wigeon
19 Jay
3 Bullfinch
2 Kingfisher
2 Little Owl
Pair of Stonechats near Benny's, 8 Goldcrest, 10 Redwings, Coal Tit, 24 Tufteds, Little Owl, Little Grebe, Kingfisher, 20+ Snipe, Chiffchaff still singing in Creek with 2 male Blackcaps still there plus 2 female Blackcaps near Withins.