5 hours today looking for a bloody whinchat that was nowhere to be seen, "you should of been here earlier warfy" paul said to me on the phone, that will teach me to out drinking on a friday night (losing my pager in the process ). Absolutely nothing on the Res partly due to a sudden increase in water level after yesterday, but plenty in the bushes today..
Redstart - 4 (1 male and 3 fem/imm - see below) Spotted Flycatcher - 4 (1 Dip, 1 Hospital Grounds, 1 Pumphouse and 1 near Withins) Lesser Whitethroat 3 (2 mobile below withins with tit flock and 1 Old Hall Fm) Chiffchaff 17 Willow Warbler 6 Whitethroat 7 Blackcap 4 Whilst looking for the Whinchat near the highland cattle, I got caught in that very heavy shower, 2 juvenile Wheatears appeared from nowhere on the grass but quickly moved on after the rain had cleared.
We all enjoyed getting the Whinchat and were waiting desperately for Simon to turn up to see it - willing him to his target, but he let us all down. Sue and I didn't mange to connect with the Spotted Fly, but the Redstarts were showing well, and a couple of Wheatears were around. Had a Rook earlier, which isn't very common around here. On the Res we had 2 Common Sand and one Common Tern. It's been a great couple of weeks here at Elton. Who needs Pennington?
PS I'll send you a pic of the Whinchat Simon, to show you what you missed!!!
-- Edited by Paul Wilson at 21:24, 2008-09-06
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 6 5:07 PM, 2008
6/9/08 10.30-4.15 with an hour for lunch.
Migration is very much alive and kicking in GM! 5 hours today looking for a bloody whinchat that was nowhere to be seen, "you should of been here earlier warfy" paul said to me on the phone, that will teach me to out drinking on a friday night (losing my pager in the process ). Absolutely nothing on the Res partly due to a sudden increase in water level after yesterday, but plenty in the bushes today..
Redstart - 4 (1 male and 3 fem/imm - see below) Spotted Flycatcher - 4 (1 Dip, 1 Hospital Grounds, 1 Pumphouse and 1 near Withins) Lesser Whitethroat 3 (2 mobile below withins with tit flock and 1 Old Hall Fm) Chiffchaff 17 Willow Warbler 6 Whitethroat 7 Blackcap 4 Goldcrest 3 Whilst looking for the Whinchat near the highland cattle, I got caught in that very heavy shower, 2 juvenile Wheatears appeared from nowhere on the grass but quickly moved on after the rain had cleared.
If anyone is thinking of looking for the redstarts i would suggest parking carefully on Bury rd near withins lane just ne of Radcliffe, walk up past Crow Trees Fm and just past the farm where the path crosses the stream look to the right and theres a little row of hawthorns and elderberry, there is a pair of Redstarts in there, for the other 2 carry on up the path adjacent to the stream towards Withins Res and on the left is a hedgrow running away from the path just before you get to Withins, there is 2 fem/imm in that hedge (Redstart Hedge on the site map on the website). All four can be very elusive at times.
I cant understand why a simple Reservoir inland near Bury can so consistently record this species in the same area year after year! It is remarkable.
On the downside a coot had been washed down the over flow at withins and was running around where simon rescued a grebe recently. Unfortunately i think the young Grebes may have suffered the same fate yesterday as they are no where to be seen on Withins despite me walking round it twice. No sign of either adult either
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 01:59, 2008-09-07
Paul Wilson said
Fri Sep 5 9:19 AM, 2008
5/9/08 7am to 9am
Most things keeping well hidden from the rain this morning apart from:
Chiffchaff 3 Kingfisher 2 Swallow 100+ House Martins 40+ Snipe 13 (feeding on Wader Point)
Bins and camera pretty much useless in the heavy rain.
Simon Warford said
Thu Sep 4 8:26 PM, 2008
4/9/08 2 visits today
Redstart still present tonight (10th day) in "Redstart Hedge" half way along sat in the open nibbling elderberries. Lesser Whitethroat still below Withins by stream nibbling blackberries. Garden Warbler still in Creek. Blackcap 8 Chiffchaff 5 Ringed Plover 2 Common Sand 2 Gadwall 2 Goosander 1 female Common Tern 1 Little Owl 2 Kingfisher 2
Tough goin Mr Riggers
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 20:28, 2008-09-04
John Rayner said
Wed Sep 3 11:25 AM, 2008
"I had a bit of a scare this morning my Leica binocular strap snapped after 15 years useage and my bins nearly ended up in the mud"
Happened to me once on a pelagic trip. I can see them now bouncing then sliding towards the open rails.
Cheers, John
Simon Warford said
Wed Sep 3 10:44 AM, 2008
3/9/08 early am
Ringed Plover 3 Common Sand 1 Gadwall 1 Female Teal 2 In the Creek Garden Warbler still plus 3 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff. In the Dip Garden Warbler still in trees behind sailing club with 2 Whitethroats lower down & 2 Blackcap, several Chiffchaffs and 2 G S Woodpeckers.
I had a bit of a scare this morning my Leica binocular strap snapped after 15 years useage and my bins nearly ended up in the mud!
Simon Warford said
Mon Sep 1 12:36 PM, 2008
1/9/08 early am
Arctic Tern 1 1st winter Common Tern 1 Gadwall 1 female Shoveler 2 Teal 3 In the Dip 2 Garden Warbler still, Spotted Flycatcher, 5+ Blackcaps, 3+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and 10+ L T Tits.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Aug 31 2:42 PM, 2008
Also on the res this a.m. 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Snipe. Cheers Ian ................................ Forgot, also a Kingfisher on the res
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:54, 2008-08-31
Simon Warford said
Sun Aug 31 10:35 AM, 2008
31/8/08 early am with warfy senior and Paul Wilson. Suppose it was never going to be as good as yesterday-
Garden Warbler 3 ( 2 Dip still and 1 Creek) Blackcap 8+ Chiffchaff 6+ Shelduck 1 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 3 Redshank 1 Common Sand 3 Little Owl 2
All abit average.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Aug 30 5:10 PM, 2008
Thanks for the LOUD shout Warfy Peter Johnson and myself had excellent views of the Osprey hovering above our heads. Later saw another Spotted Flycatcher near the canal, flock of 600approx Starlings and a Sparrow Hawk. ROCK ON ELTON Cheers Ian
Mark Rigby said
Sat Aug 30 4:43 PM, 2008
need I say more!!!!
If I hear Warfy moaning once more about Elton then I will....................................
What a fantastic morning's birding-excellent birds and excellent company!
Then back to reality at Castleshaw
-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 16:44, 2008-08-30
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 30 12:01 PM, 2008
30/8/08 7am-11am a morning that i will remember for along time and my best day at Elton this year by a country MILE. Myself, Simon Johnson and Riggers later joined by Paul Wilson and Sue.
HOBBY - 1st year bird flew straight past us by Crow Trees Farm at 7am, great start,(just for Riggers). Also.. Spotted Flycatcher 1 Crow Trees Farm Garden Warbler 1 Pumphouse Lesser Whitethroat 1 Withins Blackcap 4+ Whitethroat 3/4 Chiffchaff Lots Little Owl 1 No sign of Redstart.
Then on arrival at the Resr a juvenile BLACK TERN dropped in with 9 common terns and was still present 11am at least. Also on the Res 1 Green Sand, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 3 Gadwall and a Shelduck.
Then at 8.55am while stood near the Pumphouse I just beat the rest of the crew to an OSPREY, yes its true unbelievable circling just over the wall and even hovering a couple of times! Apparantly i shouted that loud Mr Campbell heard me at Withins and managed to see it too Fantastic views as it slowly drifted south over Old Hall Farm. What a corker..
What a morning, can things get any better.
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 29 8:34 PM, 2008
5-7pm (in addition to this morning sightings)..
fem/imm Redstart still in "Redstart hedge". Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler with tit flock nr withins. 5 (2 male and 3 fem) Gadwall and 1 Teal on the Resr.
Tim Wilcox said
Fri Aug 29 5:56 PM, 2008
My first visit today pm - nice patch. Rather quiet and sultry just 3 Common Sandpipers knocking about. General warbler activity had all gone along with the hoped-for Lesser Whitethroats. Nice to meet non-member John(?) - sorry if that's wrong - terrible at remembering names.
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 29 9:30 AM, 2008
29/8/08 early am
Good conditions for warblers again as per this time last year...
Lesser Whitethroat under the Pumphouse (Photographed by Paul Wilson) In the Dip another Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Garden Warblers with large tit flock. Plus lots and lots of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and at least 4 Blackcaps and 6 Whitethroats about then ran out of time.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Aug 28 9:22 AM, 2008
8-9am Simon you may be interested in this, counting Lapwing flock and got to 403 when was distracted by a Chat appearing on the top of one of the Gorse bushes. Weather was awfull with heavy drizzle but 90% sure it was a Winchat. In view for only 2 secs, waited for 10 mins but no further site. With this weather it may be worth a thorough search if you can get down today. Also on Elton 1 Common Sandpiper and 100's of Swallows and Sand Martins flying low over the surface. On Withins 2 adult Great Crested Grebe with 4 chicks and a Sparrowhawk. Cheers Ian
Judith Smith said
Wed Aug 27 10:10 PM, 2008
I've only done 1 GC Grebe this year - a juv that landed in a garden at Haydock - relocated to Pennington Flash, but it took a nip as I released it! Not like that Shag though - that was one on its own. Seriously, all heron and Cormorants should be handled with great care as their instinct is to go for your eyes. The RSPCA use plastic visors and big gloves! Unfortunately I hadn't even an anorak with me on Monday.
Ian Campbell said
Wed Aug 27 9:52 PM, 2008
I will be there tomorrow, better take my swim shorts, well done Simon, anyone who knows the site will understand this was a difficult rescue. Peter Johnson has in the past rescued Great Crested Grebe juveniles from this spot but not adults unless I'm mistaken. Cheers Ian
Paul Heaton said
Wed Aug 27 9:05 PM, 2008
Excellent rescue report from that man, glad your conscience got the better of you, appears to me that this was a classic reason to interfer with Mother nature and put things to right,
I am sure warfy can manage to stop greiving for his shag and check on its welfare in the morning, but from past experience with Grebes they are a tough birds and it sounds as if it will be alright.
keep birding
Mark Rigby said
Wed Aug 27 9:00 PM, 2008
Well done that man!
Simon Johnson said
Wed Aug 27 8:38 PM, 2008
More high drama and another rescue from Elton tonight.
One of the adult great crested grebes from withins had got stuck at the bottom of the conduit where it becomes the stream, lookin exhausted and a bit be-draggled thought best leave it and have a look on elton but guilt got the better of me, thinkin how will it get out i headed back to get it out. Managed to climb down the 2 4.5ft wall sides ok and didnt slip which was good but i was dreading catching it with that bill! Luckily it was too tired to struggle (there wasnt that much room for it too either) and i wrapped it up in my jacket and lifted it out and then myself up the 2 walls. Still wrapped up headed back up the hill, with it turning its head and going like this with its bill at me, (really thought it was gonna stab me) managed to get to withins ok, as soon as the res was in sight life came back into it and was able to release it back on to the water where the other adult and 4 young came straight over to greet it... it soon sprused itself up and seemed ok and i felt very good watching it get back to its family.
Managed to do all that cut free too! - should be proud of me Judith!
Didnt see much else. If anyone is around tomo have a check on it for us to make sure its ok
Ta
Si
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 26 8:55 AM, 2008
Paul i want text updates from you please, felt lonely around Withins this morning without our little Shag (a site first i should add). However female Redstart still present by the stream below Withins plus 3 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler in Elderberries at Crow Trees Farm.
Judith Smith said
Mon Aug 25 11:31 PM, 2008
Sorry, folks, I got my maths wrong when I said ithe Shag was just over 2000grams. In fact the nurse said it was just over a kilo which is only 1000grams so in fact it was underweight. I got mixed up with lbs ( a kilo being 2.2 lbs) being of a certain age...
Paul Heaton said
Mon Aug 25 10:05 PM, 2008
Well master shag is in care
I will do my best to keep everyone updated with its progress, and its final release date, hopefully it will not be in care to long.
Should be able to collect and release it my self, as it has become such a special bird to us all.
keep birding
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 25 5:39 PM, 2008
Judith Smith wrote:
Needless to say, the photos are excellent so will send a few to Ian for the website.
Already received, done and short article produced!
Ian Campbell said
Mon Aug 25 5:07 PM, 2008
Glad to hear of a hopefully, happy ending to this drama. Just mad that I've spent all day taking up every carpet in the house for new ones being fitted tomorrow so missed out on all the excitement. Cheers Ian
Judith Smith said
Mon Aug 25 4:36 PM, 2008
The Shag is now safely at Stapeley and was eyeing up a fish in its enclosure when I left. As I arrived at the water tower end, having climbed up from the bridge over the outflow, I met the bird on the path! I sat down and began to photograph it, but it just kept walking towards me and eventually passed me, just inches away. It then squeezed through the square mesh of the fence and went into the hayfield, which has thick uncut grass. Now, this is not normal behaviour for a Shag, so I went after it and captured it using my jumper. For my pains, I got a nice peck on my nose, which drew blood, also a few cuts on my hands! Thanks to Melanie and Simon for patchng me up. Never dealt with a swan that caused me so much grief, and I've probably done a few hundred of those. After consulting with Insp. Paul Heaton of the RSPCA, it was decided it would be better in care for review and feeding, and then it will be released at the coast, perhaps at Hilbre. Its weight was just over 2000grams (BWP quotes 1930grams for an adult male in July). It's no wonder it couldn't be re-found if it was wandering about in a field all the time. If I could catch it, so could a fox, and whilst I was there a runner, 2 cyclists and a guy with a dog went past, so I think it's better in care. Needless to say, the photos are excellent so will send a few to Ian for the website.
Simon Warford said
Mon Aug 25 3:57 PM, 2008
Yeah sorry Paul it was more like 12pm i think when it was picked up.
Paul Wilson said
Mon Aug 25 3:37 PM, 2008
Think your timing is wrong there Simon. Sue and I were watching it in the field until it went into the water at 11.49a.m. We left shortly afterwards. There was no one else around at that time, and the bird was happily swimming across the water as we walked away.
It must have flown back into the field, although when we were there it actually climbed THROUGH the fence to get to the water. At one stage it was less than 5 feet from us. I kept having to move away from it because my lens has a minimum focus of 8 feet. The bird just kept coming closer!
Iain Johnson said
Mon Aug 25 3:23 PM, 2008
Paul Cliff wrote:
at my age missing out on a shag is no big surprise, but great to meet legends riggers and johnson, me and warfy appreciated rigger jr making us look tall!
mel, lovely to see you post mull ( thanks for me vino - you made a wino very happy) and sergeant heaton, always a pleasure never a bore!
who needs a shag when we can laugh like that!
almost forgot mr & mrs wilson... how did bury fc get on? (it's a rhetorical question!)
Flippin Heck - never been described as a legend before!!
Missed out on a shag but did add Melanie, Paul and Dave to my county birders list!!
Simon Warford said
Mon Aug 25 3:01 PM, 2008
25/8/08 A morning of high drama..
The juv SHAG was still present on Withins this morning and was extremely confiding at times, quite often sitting on the reservoir edge, at about 11am it had walked into the middle of a field (no doubt where it has been disappearing to) allowing Judith to pick it up and to take it in to care, luckily I was still around the other side of Elton with Melanie and John Raynor and we assisted Judith getting to my house so the bird could be put in a cardboard box, Melanie supplying the string to secure the box lid as the bird was aggresive and had cut Judith in more than one place. The bird is now on route to be fed up and hopefully released soon.
Also a Female Redstart in "Redstart Hedge" this morning, glad you managed to see it John
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 15:09, 2008-08-25
Ian Campbell said
Sun Aug 24 10:43 AM, 2008
No sign of Shag this a.m. just 1 Common Tern and 1 Common Sandpiper. Below res 2 Snipe large 100's flock of Lapwing and mixed flock of Tits near Bennies of 50/60 including at least 19 Long Tailed Tits. Where was the Shag between Weds and Saturday? Cheers Ian
Judith Smith said
Sun Aug 24 9:30 AM, 2008
It was Steve Costa who actually found it, on Wednesday on Elton Resr.
Melanie Beckford said
Sun Aug 24 9:01 AM, 2008
Paul Cliff wrote:
at my age missing out on a shag is no big surprise, but great to meet legends riggers and johnson, me and warfy appreciated rigger jr making us look tall!
mel, lovely to see you post mull ( thanks for me vino - you made a wino very happy) and sergeant heaton, always a pleasure never a bore!
who needs a shag when we can laugh like that!
almost forgot mr & mrs wilson... how did bury fc get on? (it's a rhetorical question!)
Sorry you missed out Paul but l can confirm Warfy DID get a Shag on Saturday ........and yes l DO realise that,that comment opens up a 'l-just-can't-resist-it' thread so off you go boys ps nice to meet Mr +'Mrs' Wilson,Iain and visiting friend.
-- Edited by Melanie Beckford at 10:11, 2008-08-24
Paul Wilson said
Sun Aug 24 1:40 AM, 2008
Bury won. 3 wins now - best start since 1988. As for Mrs Wilson - she's not actually Mrs Wilson. I'll be popping up to have another look for the Shag in the moring, but as it is now 1.40 am, I won't be there until after 8 am.
Paul Cliff said
Sun Aug 24 1:12 AM, 2008
at my age missing out on a shag is no big surprise, but great to meet legends riggers and johnson, me and warfy appreciated rigger jr making us look tall!
mel, lovely to see you post mull ( thanks for me vino - you made a wino very happy) and sergeant heaton, always a pleasure never a bore!
who needs a shag when we can laugh like that!
almost forgot mr & mrs wilson... how did bury fc get on? (it's a rhetorical question!)
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 23 6:20 PM, 2008
No further sign of the Shag unfortunately, I had a 2 hour search of the area late afternoon, ive also checked on nearby Lowercroft res but nothing on there, wondering if its been getting on another water nearby somewhere. It was quite bizzare how it vanished like that..it wasnt seen to fly off.
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 23 1:28 PM, 2008
Thanks for the call Ian, much appreciated, i got there at 9.30am and the bird was on view instantly and showed to within 20 feet to me, Melanie and warfy senior. It was diving and at one point the fisherman were throwing there bait at it, the bird was quite elusive hiding under the overhanging trees, after going missing for 20 mins we walked along the edge of the Res and was stunned to find the bird stood on the path preening and drying its wings, after 5 mins it walked along the path out of site and presumably into some reeds where it wasnt seen again.. despite a few of us looking thoroughly and checking Elton it wasnt seen again up to 1pm.. it simply vanished.. i will be going back in abit..
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:15, 2008-08-23
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 23 12:21 PM, 2008
Bit of history to this Shag at Elton/Withins...
I received a 3rd party forwarded email to me on Thursday 21st (in my capacity as Assistant County Recorder for rarities) from Steve Costa, an observer unknown to me at that time, informing that he had seen a juvenile Shag on Elton Reservoir on the 20th, I immediately contacted one of the site's most regular observers to see if he had seen anything on that date whilst I waited for more information from Steve himself. The bird had not been seen by anyone else and a search was made on Friday but to no avail and as I have a policy of not publishing 3rd party sightings of county rarities unless confirmed by the original observer or another, the news died until I received confirmation from Steve.
It would now seem it had perhaps been present all along though as these things can be very elusive but either way, good work to Ian on refinding it (or in his case, for finding it himself!) but it hasn't been seen since earlier this morning but will hopefully reappear.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Aug 23 9:28 AM, 2008
9.00a.m. Juv SHAG on Withins res, got within 20feet. Also on Elton 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin on Elton. Site 1st for me Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Fri Aug 22 3:31 PM, 2008
Thanks for that Simon, yes I missed the Hobby as I'm also missing the weather I had in Kos yesterdayagain!!
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 22 12:08 PM, 2008
Ian, it would seem you missed the Hobby that flew behind Old Hall Fm towards Withins just after 8am carrying what looked like a hirrundine! Did you not see me run? Finallly making its way onto my list, at last
Also Spotted Flycatcher was still present just below Redstart hedge when i walked back up.
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:59, 2008-08-22
Ian Campbell said
Fri Aug 22 8:41 AM, 2008
Got home from Kos at 5.45a.m. today, do I go to bed(as sensible wife did) or see whats up at Elton?, so I was there even before Warfy who therefore missed the Black-tailed Godwit which was present for 10 mins on the small area of mud in front of the boathouse at 6.45 a.m. Also present 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Cormorant, 6 Snipe and many Swallow and House Martin. On Withins good views(with the said Warfy) of 2 Kingfisher and the family of Great Crested Grebe. Spotted Flycatcher not spotted! Cheers Ian Will post a short report on Kos when I get time, will spend most of today mending the house after being left in the incapable hands of our 20 and 19 year old children. ................................ Must be the lack of sleep over the last 24 hours but for House Martin read Sand Martin!!!!
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 19:43, 2008-08-22
Simon Warford said
Thu Aug 21 8:42 PM, 2008
Spotted Flycatcher still just north of Crow Trees Fm this evening plus 2 Little Owls nearby. 2 Common Sandpipers stood on top of the abandonded car in the Resr sums it up really
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 20:44, 2008-08-21
Simon Warford said
Thu Aug 21 8:12 AM, 2008
1 Common Sand and 1 Common Tern in last 2 days, but plenty of rivers flowing into the Resr resulting in the sailing club spit now being 4 feet under and very little decent shoreline left. how things change in a couple of days.
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 19 10:24 PM, 2008
19/8/08 6.30pm - 8.30pm,
Another good visit for me-
MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Juvenile bird in front of sailing club when I arrived, present with only about 10 Black Heads then flew a little closer and sat on the water, still present at about 7.40pm but all Gulls had flown off by dusk. This is still a suprisingly scarce bird at Elton with only 6 previous records that i know of, with the last in July 2006. Very much appreciated by me and a new patch tick (at last). Its strange that ive checked the gull flock almost every day for the last month or so often with 130 Black Heads then the visit which has the smallest number of Gulls on theres a Med Gull with them...
Green Sandpiper 1 Dunlin still present Ringed Plover 4 Common Sand 1 Little Owl 2 All 4 young grebes still alive on Withins.
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 22:52, 2008-08-19
Simon Warford said
Mon Aug 18 10:52 AM, 2008
18/8/08 early am
Spotted Flycatcher still by Crow Tree Farm Dunlin still present Ringed Plover 4 LRP 3 Common Sand 2 Common Tern 2 Just after 7am I was alerted to several alarm calls from the swallows flying around, looking up I hoped it would be a Hobby but was rather disappointed to see a male Peregrine flying around over the Res.
Simon Warford said
Sun Aug 17 1:43 PM, 2008
17/8/08 late am
Spotted Flycatcher still by Crow Trees Fm, where the path goes over the stream. Dunlin 1 Ringed Plover 6 (incredible year for this species at Elton) LRP 1 juv Snipe 7 Common Tern 3 Little Owl 3 Stock Dove 1 Kingfisher and 4 young grebes still on Withins.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Aug 16 10:10 AM, 2008
Crack a dawn again 5.50 - 9.30am And really feelin like autumn!!
FIELDFARE circled over south end of res before landing in top of a bush cackling away! earliest i have ever seen in the UK! Common Tern 7 in tight flock south + 1 on res Goosander 9 Lawping 400+ Snipe 5 LRP Juv Chiffchaff 5 Sedge Warbler Whitethroat 2 Goldfinch 60 still knocking about Spahawk Kestrel Little Owl usual spot at crow tree farm and missed a Spot Fly there by a few minutes (P.Johnson) Sand Martin 50+ Swallow 50+
Coney Green House Martin 29 south Sand Martin 14 south Swift 10 south
-- Edited by Simon Johnson at 10:12, 2008-08-16
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 15 9:00 AM, 2008
15/8/08 6.30am - 8.15am
Dunlin 1 still present Ringed Plover 1 Juv LRP 1 Juv Little Grebe 1 Juv Tufted Duck 3 males Common Tern 1 Grasshopper Warbler giving excellent views below Withins 7am, also on Withins the 4 young G C Grebes all trying to climb on the parents back with only 2 getting on at any one time (would be a nice photo opportunity Paul and Adrian?). Im surprised they have survived the Pike that are in there. 87 Sand Martins on wires nr Old Hall Farm (Judith at least 50 Juveniles). 5 Swift still around In the Dip 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Little Grebes.
We all enjoyed getting the Whinchat and were waiting desperately for Simon to turn up to see it - willing him to his target, but he let us all down. Sue and I didn't mange to connect with the Spotted Fly, but the Redstarts were showing well, and a couple of Wheatears were around. Had a Rook earlier, which isn't very common around here. On the Res we had 2 Common Sand and one Common Tern.
It's been a great couple of weeks here at Elton. Who needs Pennington?
PS I'll send you a pic of the Whinchat Simon, to show you what you missed!!!
-- Edited by Paul Wilson at 21:24, 2008-09-06
Migration is very much alive and kicking in GM! 5 hours today looking for a bloody whinchat that was nowhere to be seen, "you should of been here earlier warfy" paul said to me on the phone, that will teach me to out drinking on a friday night (losing my pager in the process ). Absolutely nothing on the Res partly due to a sudden increase in water level after yesterday, but plenty in the bushes today..
Redstart - 4 (1 male and 3 fem/imm - see below)
Spotted Flycatcher - 4 (1 Dip, 1 Hospital Grounds, 1 Pumphouse and 1 near Withins)
Lesser Whitethroat 3 (2 mobile below withins with tit flock and 1 Old Hall Fm)
Chiffchaff 17
Willow Warbler 6
Whitethroat 7
Blackcap 4
Goldcrest 3
Whilst looking for the Whinchat near the highland cattle, I got caught in that very heavy shower, 2 juvenile Wheatears appeared from nowhere on the grass but quickly moved on after the rain had cleared.
If anyone is thinking of looking for the redstarts i would suggest parking carefully on Bury rd near withins lane just ne of Radcliffe, walk up past Crow Trees Fm and just past the farm where the path crosses the stream look to the right and theres a little row of hawthorns and elderberry, there is a pair of Redstarts in there, for the other 2 carry on up the path adjacent to the stream towards Withins Res and on the left is a hedgrow running away from the path just before you get to Withins, there is 2 fem/imm in that hedge (Redstart Hedge on the site map on the website). All four can be very elusive at times.
I cant understand why a simple Reservoir inland near Bury can so consistently record this species in the same area year after year! It is remarkable.
On the downside a coot had been washed down the over flow at withins and was running around where simon rescued a grebe recently. Unfortunately i think the young Grebes may have suffered the same fate yesterday as they are no where to be seen on Withins despite me walking round it twice. No sign of either adult either
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 01:59, 2008-09-07
Most things keeping well hidden from the rain this morning apart from:
Chiffchaff 3
Kingfisher 2
Swallow 100+
House Martins 40+
Snipe 13 (feeding on Wader Point)
Bins and camera pretty much useless in the heavy rain.
Redstart still present tonight (10th day) in "Redstart Hedge" half way along sat in the open nibbling elderberries.
Lesser Whitethroat still below Withins by stream nibbling blackberries.
Garden Warbler still in Creek.
Blackcap 8
Chiffchaff 5
Ringed Plover 2
Common Sand 2
Gadwall 2
Goosander 1 female
Common Tern 1
Little Owl 2
Kingfisher 2
Tough goin Mr Riggers
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 20:28, 2008-09-04
"I had a bit of a scare this morning my Leica binocular strap snapped after 15 years useage and my bins nearly ended up in the mud"
Happened to me once on a pelagic trip. I can see them now bouncing then sliding towards the open rails.
Cheers, John
Ringed Plover 3
Common Sand 1
Gadwall 1 Female
Teal 2
In the Creek Garden Warbler still plus 3 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff.
In the Dip Garden Warbler still in trees behind sailing club with 2 Whitethroats lower down & 2 Blackcap, several Chiffchaffs and 2 G S Woodpeckers.
I had a bit of a scare this morning my Leica binocular strap snapped after 15 years useage and my bins nearly ended up in the mud!
Arctic Tern 1 1st winter
Common Tern 1
Gadwall 1 female
Shoveler 2
Teal 3
In the Dip 2 Garden Warbler still, Spotted Flycatcher, 5+ Blackcaps, 3+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and 10+ L T Tits.
Cheers Ian
................................
Forgot, also a Kingfisher on the res
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:54, 2008-08-31
Garden Warbler 3 ( 2 Dip still and 1 Creek)
Blackcap 8+
Chiffchaff 6+
Shelduck 1
Gadwall 1
Shoveler 3
Redshank 1
Common Sand 3
Little Owl 2
All abit average.
Peter Johnson and myself had excellent views of the Osprey hovering above our heads.
Later saw another Spotted Flycatcher near the canal, flock of 600approx Starlings and a Sparrow Hawk.
ROCK ON ELTON
Cheers Ian
If I hear Warfy moaning once more about Elton then I will....................................
What a fantastic morning's birding-excellent birds and excellent company!
Then back to reality at Castleshaw
-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 16:44, 2008-08-30
HOBBY - 1st year bird flew straight past us by Crow Trees Farm at 7am, great start,(just for Riggers). Also..
Spotted Flycatcher 1 Crow Trees Farm
Garden Warbler 1 Pumphouse
Lesser Whitethroat 1 Withins
Blackcap 4+
Whitethroat 3/4
Chiffchaff Lots
Little Owl 1
No sign of Redstart.
Then on arrival at the Resr a juvenile BLACK TERN dropped in with 9 common terns and was still present 11am at least. Also on the Res 1 Green Sand, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 3 Gadwall and a Shelduck.
Then at 8.55am while stood near the Pumphouse I just beat the rest of the crew to an OSPREY, yes its true unbelievable circling just over the wall and even hovering a couple of times! Apparantly i shouted that loud Mr Campbell heard me at Withins and managed to see it too Fantastic views as it slowly drifted south over Old Hall Farm. What a corker..
What a morning, can things get any better.
fem/imm Redstart still in "Redstart hedge".
Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler with tit flock nr withins.
5 (2 male and 3 fem) Gadwall and 1 Teal on the Resr.
Good conditions for warblers again as per this time last year...
Lesser Whitethroat under the Pumphouse (Photographed by Paul Wilson)
In the Dip another Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Garden Warblers with large tit flock.
Plus lots and lots of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and at least 4 Blackcaps and 6 Whitethroats about then ran out of time.
Simon you may be interested in this, counting Lapwing flock and got to 403 when was distracted by a Chat appearing on the top of one of the Gorse bushes. Weather was awfull with heavy drizzle but 90% sure it was a Winchat. In view for only 2 secs, waited for 10 mins but no further site. With this weather it may be worth a thorough search if you can get down today.
Also on Elton 1 Common Sandpiper and 100's of Swallows and Sand Martins flying low over the surface.
On Withins 2 adult Great Crested Grebe with 4 chicks and a Sparrowhawk.
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
I am sure warfy can manage to stop greiving for his shag and check on its welfare in the morning, but from past experience with Grebes they are a tough birds and it sounds as if it will be alright.
keep birding
One of the adult great crested grebes from withins had got stuck at the bottom of the conduit where it becomes the stream, lookin exhausted and a bit be-draggled thought best leave it and have a look on elton but guilt got the better of me, thinkin how will it get out i headed back to get it out. Managed to climb down the 2 4.5ft wall sides ok and didnt slip which was good but i was dreading catching it with that bill! Luckily it was too tired to struggle (there wasnt that much room for it too either) and i wrapped it up in my jacket and lifted it out and then myself up the 2 walls. Still wrapped up headed back up the hill, with it turning its head and going like this with its bill at me, (really thought it was gonna stab me) managed to get to withins ok, as soon as the res was in sight life came back into it and was able to release it back on to the water where the other adult and 4 young came straight over to greet it... it soon sprused itself up and seemed ok and i felt very good watching it get back to its family.
Managed to do all that cut free too! - should be proud of me Judith!
Didnt see much else. If anyone is around tomo have a check on it for us to make sure its ok
Ta
Si
I will do my best to keep everyone updated with its progress, and its final release date, hopefully it will not be in care to long.
Should be able to collect and release it my self, as it has become such a special bird to us all.
keep birding
Already received, done and short article produced!
Cheers Ian
As I arrived at the water tower end, having climbed up from the bridge over the outflow, I met the bird on the path! I sat down and began to photograph it, but it just kept walking towards me and eventually passed me, just inches away. It then squeezed through the square mesh of the fence and went into the hayfield, which has thick uncut grass. Now, this is not normal behaviour for a Shag, so I went after it and captured it using my jumper. For my pains, I got a nice peck on my nose, which drew blood, also a few cuts on my hands! Thanks to Melanie and Simon for patchng me up. Never dealt with a swan that caused me so much grief, and I've probably done a few hundred of those.
After consulting with Insp. Paul Heaton of the RSPCA, it was decided it would be better in care for review and feeding, and then it will be released at the coast, perhaps at Hilbre. Its weight was just over 2000grams (BWP quotes 1930grams for an adult male in July).
It's no wonder it couldn't be re-found if it was wandering about in a field all the time. If I could catch it, so could a fox, and whilst I was there a runner, 2 cyclists and a guy with a dog went past, so I think it's better in care.
Needless to say, the photos are excellent so will send a few to Ian for the website.
It must have flown back into the field, although when we were there it actually climbed THROUGH the fence to get to the water. At one stage it was less than 5 feet from us. I kept having to move away from it because my lens has a minimum focus of 8 feet. The bird just kept coming closer!
Flippin Heck - never been described as a legend before!!
Missed out on a shag but did add Melanie, Paul and Dave to my county birders list!!
The juv SHAG was still present on Withins this morning and was extremely confiding at times, quite often sitting on the reservoir edge, at about 11am it had walked into the middle of a field (no doubt where it has been disappearing to) allowing Judith to pick it up and to take it in to care, luckily I was still around the other side of Elton with Melanie and John Raynor and we assisted Judith getting to my house so the bird could be put in a cardboard box, Melanie supplying the string to secure the box lid as the bird was aggresive and had cut Judith in more than one place. The bird is now on route to be fed up and hopefully released soon.
Also a Female Redstart in "Redstart Hedge" this morning, glad you managed to see it John
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 15:09, 2008-08-25
Where was the Shag between Weds and Saturday?
Cheers Ian
ps nice to meet Mr +'Mrs' Wilson,Iain and visiting friend.
-- Edited by Melanie Beckford at 10:11, 2008-08-24
mel, lovely to see you post mull ( thanks for me vino - you made a wino very happy) and sergeant heaton, always a pleasure never a bore!
who needs a shag when we can laugh like that!
almost forgot mr & mrs wilson... how did bury fc get on? (it's a rhetorical question!)
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:15, 2008-08-23
I received a 3rd party forwarded email to me on Thursday 21st (in my capacity as Assistant County Recorder for rarities) from Steve Costa, an observer unknown to me at that time, informing that he had seen a juvenile Shag on Elton Reservoir on the 20th, I immediately contacted one of the site's most regular observers to see if he had seen anything on that date whilst I waited for more information from Steve himself. The bird had not been seen by anyone else and a search was made on Friday but to no avail and as I have a policy of not publishing 3rd party sightings of county rarities unless confirmed by the original observer or another, the news died until I received confirmation from Steve.
It would now seem it had perhaps been present all along though as these things can be very elusive but either way, good work to Ian on refinding it (or in his case, for finding it himself!) but it hasn't been seen since earlier this morning but will hopefully reappear.
Juv SHAG on Withins res, got within 20feet. Also on Elton 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin on Elton. Site 1st for me
Cheers Ian
Also Spotted Flycatcher was still present just below Redstart hedge when i walked back up.
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 18:59, 2008-08-22
Also present
2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Cormorant, 6 Snipe and many Swallow and House Martin.
On Withins good views(with the said Warfy) of 2 Kingfisher and the family of Great Crested Grebe.
Spotted Flycatcher not spotted!
Cheers Ian
Will post a short report on Kos when I get time, will spend most of today mending the house after being left in the incapable hands of our 20 and 19 year old children.
................................
Must be the lack of sleep over the last 24 hours but for House Martin read Sand Martin!!!!
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 19:43, 2008-08-22
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 20:44, 2008-08-21
Another good visit for me-
MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Juvenile bird in front of sailing club when I arrived, present with only about 10 Black Heads then flew a little closer and sat on the water, still present at about 7.40pm but all Gulls had flown off by dusk. This is still a suprisingly scarce bird at Elton with only 6 previous records that i know of, with the last in July 2006. Very much appreciated by me and a new patch tick (at last). Its strange that ive checked the gull flock almost every day for the last month or so often with 130 Black Heads then the visit which has the smallest number of Gulls on theres a Med Gull with them...
Green Sandpiper 1
Dunlin still present
Ringed Plover 4
Common Sand 1
Little Owl 2
All 4 young grebes still alive on Withins.
-- Edited by Simon Warford at 22:52, 2008-08-19
Spotted Flycatcher still by Crow Tree Farm
Dunlin still present
Ringed Plover 4
LRP 3
Common Sand 2
Common Tern 2
Just after 7am I was alerted to several alarm calls from the swallows flying around, looking up I hoped it would be a Hobby but was rather disappointed to see a male Peregrine flying around over the Res.
Spotted Flycatcher still by Crow Trees Fm, where the path goes over the stream.
Dunlin 1
Ringed Plover 6 (incredible year for this species at Elton)
LRP 1 juv
Snipe 7
Common Tern 3
Little Owl 3
Stock Dove 1
Kingfisher and 4 young grebes still on Withins.
And really feelin like autumn!!
FIELDFARE circled over south end of res before landing in top of a bush cackling away!
earliest i have ever seen in the UK!
Common Tern 7 in tight flock south + 1 on res
Goosander 9
Lawping 400+
Snipe 5
LRP Juv
Chiffchaff 5
Sedge Warbler
Whitethroat 2
Goldfinch 60 still knocking about
Spahawk
Kestrel
Little Owl usual spot at crow tree farm and missed a Spot Fly there by a few minutes (P.Johnson)
Sand Martin 50+
Swallow 50+
Coney Green
House Martin 29 south
Sand Martin 14 south
Swift 10 south
-- Edited by Simon Johnson at 10:12, 2008-08-16
Dunlin 1 still present
Ringed Plover 1 Juv
LRP 1 Juv
Little Grebe 1 Juv
Tufted Duck 3 males
Common Tern 1
Grasshopper Warbler giving excellent views below Withins 7am, also on Withins the 4 young G C Grebes all trying to climb on the parents back with only 2 getting on at any one time (would be a nice photo opportunity Paul and Adrian?). Im surprised they have survived the Pike that are in there.
87 Sand Martins on wires nr Old Hall Farm (Judith at least 50 Juveniles).
5 Swift still around
In the Dip 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Little Grebes.