Met up this morning with Dave Steel, Dave Riley and Al Warford and covered No.3 bed, No.1 bed, No2 bed's Weir Pool, Butchersfield Tip and Bollin Point. Two Goosanders flying east along the Canal at Bollin Point, 12 Goldeneye at the Weir, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker on No.1 bed and a count of 443 Tufted Duck were the highlights. Totals included:
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 19th of January 2013 04:04:54 PM
alan patterson said
Sat Jan 12 9:27 PM, 2013
I went to help do a WEBS count this morning and had to access the reserve from Weir lane end as the road was closed due to a serious accident before the barrier.
There were about 100 Tufetd Duck on the Weir Pool as well as 11 Goldeneye, this is always a good spot for the later.
No 2 bed had 150 Teal, quite a few Tufted Duck and 3 Pintails. There were also over 50 Canada Geese, I cant remember seeing that many before, however this may be due to the fact that the water level is so low that there are lots of loafing areas. I saw 18 Brambling under the feeders at the Morgan hide but there have been reperts of 30+
The Eco Loo is back in action and its an improved version that should not get flooded out as its a one piece unit, so no seals that can fail.
From the various hides you get a good view of the work that is being done on the bed, a new pool has been created and deep chanels too so should be good when we are able to raise the levels back to normal.
John Williams said
Tue Jan 8 5:24 AM, 2013
11.00-12.30
No 3
66 Tufted Duck, 50 Teal, 6 Pochard, 4 Shelduck, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 15 Gadwall plus on the feeders 2 male Bramblings, a male Grest Spotted Woodpecker and a single Reed Bunting.
No Shoveler and oddly no Mallard
Old River
8 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Weir Pool
9 Goldeneye, 74 Tufted Ducks, a family of 5 Mute Swans and a single female Pochard.
DavidBowman said
Sat Jan 5 11:51 PM, 2013
On a spring-like morning, Dave Steel, Les Jones, Sue Haddock and I enjoyed some excellent birding on Nos.1, 2 and 3 beds. On the latter, the two Pintail were still in front of the Morgan Hide, along with 60 Teal, 1 Shelduck, 5 Shovelers, 23 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 2 Water Rails and under the feeders, 3 Bramblings. Over-flying birds included 8 Redwings, 16 Cormorants and 250 Black-headed Gulls, while 3 Redpolls were feeding in alders on the south bank. An interesting find, on a Song Thrush's anvil, among all the common native snail shells was a large (5cm) snail shell, showing characteristics of the rare Roman Snail. On No.1 bed there were a few Buzzards soaring, while 460 Lapwings were constantly being flushed from the fields to the south of the Ship Canal. On No.2 bed, at the Weir, 13 Goldeneyes were among the Tufted Duck flock.
Cheers David
Paul Richardson said
Tue Jan 1 4:36 PM, 2013
Productive New Year's Day morning at Woolston. Nothing unusual really but a good start to the year.
Highlight was a nice pair of Pintail middle distance in front of John Morgan hide.
Also
Chaffinch ++ Greenfinch ++ 1 Goldfinch 1 Bullfinch 1 Brambling 1 Willow Tit Great Tits Blue Tits Coal Tits 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 4 Jays Robins Blackbirds 2 Sparrowhawk Carrion Crows 6-8 Magpies ++ Black Headed Gulls ++
200 Teal 10 Canada Geese 1 pair Gadwall Coot Moorhen Mallard 3 Pheasant 2 (or possibly 4) Common Buzzard over Rotary Club Hide area 1 Cormorant over 1 Kestrel over Weir Pool area Tufted Duck esp in Weir Pool 6 male, 3 female Goldeneye in Weir Pool Mute swans - 1 pair, and 3 immature
Add to that the Long Tailed Tits on our garden feeders when we got back, and the Waxwings seen at Howe Bridge and that's 33 species for Jan 1st.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 1st of January 2013 04:44:03 PM
John Williams said
Wed Dec 12 2:54 PM, 2012
09.00-11.00
No 3 Bed and the old river completely frozen over. The only waterfowl on No 3 were 4 Teal flying over. There were a few Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Mallard on the MSC.
At the feeding station were a male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Bramblings amongst the Chaffinches plus 1 Willow Tit.
A chunky female Sparrowhawk frequently harrassed the finch flock at the feeders and on the meadow. Also a male Kestrel was chased off by a Carrion Crow.
One Grey Heron flew low over the bed.
Woolston Weir Pool
7 male plus 3 female Goldeneye, 84 Tufted Ducks, 7 Pochard, 2 Canada Geese, a pair of Mute Swans and 2 Little Grebes.
-- Edited by John Williams on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 07:18:11 PM
John Williams said
Mon Dec 10 11:01 PM, 2012
09.30-11.30
No 3
The part draining of this bed for maintenance is very evident when viewed from the South bank, it's just a vast expanse of mud, and what little areas of water remain were frozen.
No waterfowl were to be seen from the John Morgan hide except for 3 Moorhens below the feeders. 2 Pied Wagtails were on the mud. 16 Black Headed Gulls on the water.
The feeders were still attracting large numbers of Greenfinches and Chaffinches, and with them a single Reed Bunting. 2 Cormorants passed low over the bed.
The Snipe roost in front of F.Linley hide was also devoid of life, with the mud exposed and dry.
There's still plenty water in the North West corner though, and here were 57 Canada Geese, 100 Teal, 7 Shoveler and 3 Gadwall.
Lots of Chaffinches around the meadow too. It maybe inconvenient now but when the work is done this bed should again be wall to wall Teal and Shoveler.
Woolston Weir Pool
7 male and 4 female Goldeneye, 56 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochard and a pair of Mute Swans. On the old river were 1 Cormorant and a Grey Heron.
There seemed to be large numbers of Chaffinches in the area of gorse near the 2nd barrier/pumping station.
DavidBowman said
Sat Dec 8 8:21 PM, 2012
A lovely, crisp morning at Woolston, as Dave Steel and I completed another BTO Thrush Survey on Nos.3 and 4 beds. Highlights were an over-flying Golden Plover, 8 Bramblings, 3 Water Rails, 9 Goldeneyes, 3 Goldrests, 12 Redpolls, 1 Snipe and 1 Siskin, alongside many of the more common species.
Cheers David
David Spencer said
Wed Dec 5 8:57 PM, 2012
Marsh Harrier this morning on no.3., 10+ Brambling and 4 Snipe. 13 Goldeneye on the weir basin
DavidBowman said
Tue Dec 4 9:57 PM, 2012
Nice one, Jason, particularly the Bramblings - interesting to see where that British control comes from. Catch us a Woolston Waxwing this weekend??
Cheers David
JasonAtkinson said
Tue Dec 4 6:06 AM, 2012
Yes, just myself, Mike & Kieran. Totals below. Not bad for a December morning.
Yes, a good Woolston bird, Jason - only 4 or 5 previous sightings, I think. I haven't yet had the gen about Mike's ringing but it sounds like he had a good one Were you with him?
Cheers David
JasonAtkinson said
Tue Dec 4 12:05 AM, 2012
Nice one Dave. We have a lot of Hawthorn berries so you never know? Did you get Mikes totals from Sunday? A cracking mornings ringing.
Cheers Jason
DavidBowman said
Mon Dec 3 10:52 PM, 2012
WAXWINGS . At last managed to connect with some Waxwings at Woolston this year. Was walking by the North Meadow on No.3 bed, with Dave Steel, Kenny McNiffe and our Wirral friends Colin and Stuart, when Kenny called attention to a flock of 18 or so birds flying towards us, low over the meadow. Starling-like at first, on closer approach they turned out to be Waxwings. They looked as if they were going to land in the bushes ahead of us but then carried on towards the north bank and disappeared.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Sat Dec 1 2:12 PM, 2012
Dave Steel and I spent the morning on No.3 bed, after being rained off from a dawn start to our Migration Watch on Butchersfield Tip. As soon as we got onto No.3 bed the skies cleared and the rest of the morning was crisp and sunny, though the water areas were almost completely frozen. The main birds moving were Wood Pigeons, with 2,500 counted moving north, while good numbers of Black-headed Gulls tracked west. The Chaffinch flock on the North Meadow is still in excess of 200 birds, while Bramblings have increased to a minimum of 15. The icy conditions are always good for seeing Water Rails, with 4 seen and another 3 heard. A single Kingfisher flew across the front of the Morgan Hide, maybe heading for the Mersey between Nos.3 and 4 beds. The river also held good concentrations of wildfowl with 285 Tufted Ducks and 88 Teal the main species. We ended the morning with a quick scan at Woolston Weir, where 9 Goldeneye (7 males) were with another 180 Tutfed Duck.
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 1st of December 2012 02:20:58 PM
John Williams said
Tue Nov 27 5:19 AM, 2012
09.00-11.30
No 3 Bed
3 Bramblings amongst the mixed flocks of Greenfinches and Chaffinches on the feeders, plus 3 Willow Tits,then a female Sparrowhawk spooked the lot.
Just 1 Snipe in front of the F.Linley hide. On the water 160 Tufted Ducks and 22 Shovelers mainly tucked into the North West corner away from the JCBs.
I regret I did'nt count the other duck but there seemed plenty of Gadwall and Teal about. Lots of Black Headed Gulls too.
2 skeins of Pink Footed Geese over 1@122 and 1@134, both groups followed the ship canal eastwards then veered off to the North East.
No sign of Cormorants (Although I did'nt check the old river roost) or Pochard. 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders too.
There seemed to be lots of Bullfinches scattered around the bed, but I only came across 3 Reed Buntings.
DavidBowman said
Mon Nov 26 10:34 PM, 2012
Had a meeting this morning with the contractor who is doing the reedbed restoration work on No.3 bed. Seems to be progressing well and not causing too many birds to abandon the site Plenty of wildfowl around and Snipe numbers were up to 37, which is the highest on the bed for some while. Equally, Water Rails were very active, probably due to interactions as birds are moving around in response to the changes - 7 were heard/seen round the whole bed. Most pleasingly, a Long-eared Owl roost was discovered, with at least 2 birds present, again the first for a fair while. Unfortunately, its not in a place which is publically accessible. A Woodcock was also flushed, while at the Morgan Hide 6 Bramblings were with the scores of Greenfinches and Chaffinches.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Sat Nov 17 4:55 PM, 2012
A busy morning, with both the BTO Thrush Survey and Wildfowl Count to complete,so Dave Steel ,Les Jones, Brian Baird and I covered all four beds and Bollin Point. Walking on to No.3 bed, 3 Goldcrests were along the south bank, along with a Water Rail calling. From the Morgan Hide small numbers of wildfowl were evident (with most of the Teal calling from cover), though 2 Water Rails, 2 Bramblings and a Willow Tit were reliably present and 14 Common snipe were still in front of the Lindley Hide. About 1,200 Starlings then left the roost a bit tardily in the early drizzle. With the weather brightening we counted the ever-growing Chaffinch flock on the North Meadow, an estimated 220, with maybe 60 Greenfinches mixed in. Plenty of thrushes were around the Hawthorn hedges on the west bank of the bed, along with another Brambling. Similarly on No.4 bed, most of the thrushes were feeding in the hedgerows around the bed's perimiter. The flooded east side of No.2 bed held 70 Teal along with smaller numbers of other wildfowl, while a Grey Wagtail flew over and a Common Snipe flushed from cover. No.1 bed was relatively quiet but at Bollin Point we were greeted by a Kingfisher, which flew from a perch below us and again a good variety of wildfowl. Across the Ship Canal c.320 Lapwings and c.450 Black-headed Gulls were feeding on the flooded fields to the east of Lymm Golf Course. Another very enjoyable morning
Thrush totals were: Blackbirds 129, Redwings 222, Fieldfares 8 and Song Thrushes 7.
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 17th of November 2012 05:01:50 PM
John Williams said
Sat Nov 17 12:56 AM, 2012
09.30-12.00
No 3 Bed
Very few ducks around, a lot less than David recorded earlier in the morning, although contractors were working with their JCBs when I got there.
36 Tufted Duck plus only a few Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal etc. 4 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 3 Canada Geese, 10 Jays, 3 Willow Tits and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
A Sparrowhawk scattered the large gathering of Greenfinches and Chaffinches on the feeders, and a Kestrel hovered over the meadow.
10 Reed Buntings, some feeding by the path near the toilet, in amongst lots of dead willowherb and hogweed, the only plant I found there with a seed head was Fat Hen.
14 Snipe in the cut reed area in front of the Frank Linley hide, 10 Redwings, 1 Song Thrush plus lots of Blackbirds feeding on the hawthornes.
Old River
6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Shovelers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 6 Cormorants.
The drake Goldeneye made a mock attack on a small group of female Tufties. However a drake Tufted that had been trying to woo the females then attacked the Goldeneye
which dived out of the way. Upon surfacing though, the Goldeneye must of gained some courage as it immediately attacked a male Tufted.
All the Tufted then gave the drake Goldeneye his "space". I hav'nt noticed aggression between these species before, but the drake Goldeneye was resplendent and obviously out to impress.
DavidBowman said
Fri Nov 16 10:37 PM, 2012
A sunny morning on No.3 bed with lots of bird activity. Counts included: 1 Goldeneye,15 Snipe, 240 Teal, 2 Bramblings, 5 Redpolls, 4 Water Rails, 10 Redwings, 14 Reed Buntings, 115 Chaffinches and 65 Greenfinches.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Wed Nov 14 10:33 PM, 2012
Permit holder reported that a Marsh Harrier is still present on No.3 bed.
Cheers David
David Spencer said
Tue Nov 13 9:20 PM, 2012
1st winter Scaup again this morning from the Frank Linley hide. 1 Raven over No. 3 bed. Also 6 Snipe, 2 Siskin, 1 Brambling, 20 Redwing and 11 Fieldfare on no. 3
DavidBowman said
Sun Nov 11 12:24 AM, 2012
It was excellent weather for today's Migration Watch, with morning mist soon giving way to sunshine. The main features of the morning were : a large movement of Starlings from a presumed roost over Manchester way, arriving to feed on Rixton Moss, a reasonable passage of thrushes and good numbers of Chaffinch and Lapwing.
Hi chaps - you raise a very real issue - after more than thirty years of going onto No.3 bed several times a week, it's a miracle I haven't dropped my key into the Mersey. Though I once did drop it and it landed on a ledge and I managed to retrieve it. It was worse for me in those days because I had an O2 phone which wouldn't pick up a signal in the bed.
I'll check to make sure that there are some emergency contact numbers in the Sybil Hogg Hide (the first one you come to as you walk onto the bed).
Cheers David
alan patterson said
Thu Nov 8 7:09 PM, 2012
Paul Richardson wrote:
I am glad my contribution is allowing us all to be real men and face our darkest fears!
Actually, I have a worse fear - that Ian is about to appear and suggest ever so politely that we carry on this thread in "General Birding Discussion" !!!!
The WECG are aware that some one might loose a key and we do have an emergancy key that is in a key box. There is a notice on the back of the gate that you unlock to get onto the bridge that leads to No 3 bed. From memory it tells you where it is hidden and that you need to ring up to get the code to open the box. You might have a problem if you dont have your permit with you as I think you need the permit to get the number you need to call. If you have not got your permit with you I can assure you you will not forget it again, as you might have to spend a few night in a hide till some one else comes on and is able to let you out!
Alan
David Spencer said
Thu Nov 8 4:35 PM, 2012
One 1st winter Scaup from the Rotary hide this morning with the Tufted Ducks. Quite a nondescript individual. Some poor photos in the following link
-- Edited by David Spencer on Thursday 8th of November 2012 04:38:57 PM
Paul Richardson said
Thu Nov 8 6:28 AM, 2012
I am glad my contribution is allowing us all to be real men and face our darkest fears!
Actually, I have a worse fear - that Ian is about to appear and suggest ever so politely that we carry on this thread in "General Birding Discussion" !!!!
alan patterson said
Thu Nov 8 1:13 AM, 2012
Paul Richardson wrote:
My first visit to this interesting place this morning - it was pretty quiet, bird-wise, and I only met ONE other human around No 3 Bed - contrast to the RSPB reserves! Not a particularly impressive tally, but I enjoyed the visit, and it does feel a bit special, letting yourself in to the place with your own key. Did make me a bit paranoid about losing the thing though!!!
Hi Paul,
No 3 bed will be a bit quiet this time of year especially with the major development work that is going on to develop the bed. I think if you visited it in the summer when we had c20 Black Necked Grebes and hundreds of Warblers you will see it at its best. Woolston is also noted for overwintering Duck so over the winter the wildfowl numbers will increase , last winter we had a count of over 2,000 Tufted Duck, now I dont think many RSPB reserves can match those numbers.
Joe Wynn said
Thu Nov 8 12:31 AM, 2012
sid ashton wrote:
Paul Richardson wrote:
.................. and it does feel a bit special, letting yourself in to the place with your own key. Did make me a bit paranoid about losing the thing though!!!
Paul on my first visit to Woolston I dropped the key on the footbridge as I was opening the gate - since then, whenever I go I keep it on a piece of string around my neck
On my first time I dropped it in the Mersey...
sid ashton said
Thu Nov 8 12:11 AM, 2012
Paul Richardson wrote:
.................. and it does feel a bit special, letting yourself in to the place with your own key. Did make me a bit paranoid about losing the thing though!!!
Paul on my first visit to Woolston I dropped the key on the footbridge as I was opening the gate - since then, whenever I go I keep it on a piece of string around my neck
Pete Astles said
Wed Nov 7 9:36 PM, 2012
I am a string round the neck man also. The nightmare haunts of being locked in Woolston Eyes at 4PM on a cold and darkening sunday night.
-- Edited by Pete Astles on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 09:36:23 PM
-- Edited by Pete Astles on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 09:36:52 PM
Paul Richardson said
Wed Nov 7 5:41 PM, 2012
Thanks for the tips, gentlemen. And increasing my paranoia about dropping the key!!! Definitely a string round the neck job in future. Special, super-strength string. Come to think about it, must exercise for a special super-strong neck, too!!
I didn't mean to sound critical or whingeing about how quiet it was: I enjoyed the lack of humans, I have to say! It was that I was comparing with the RSPB reserves, not the bird-count.
I know this time of year one day can be very different in "birdiness" from the next. Added to that I still count myself a novice, and I'm sure I miss a lot that more experienced birders would see.
But yes, black grebes and the whole place alive with warblers ... now THAT is worth waiting for!
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 05:43:15 PM
Paul Richardson said
Wed Nov 7 2:45 PM, 2012
My first visit to this interesting place this morning - it was pretty quiet, bird-wise, and I only met ONE other human around No 3 Bed - contrast to the RSPB reserves! Not a particularly impressive tally, but I enjoyed the visit, and it does feel a bit special, letting yourself in to the place with your own key. Did make me a bit paranoid about losing the thing though!!!
Greenfinch - approx 30 Chaffinch - 10 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 Jay - 7 Pheasant female 1
Redwing - 5 (all in flight!) Cormorant - 3 in flight
Weather was pretty dull and dank, but a few sunny splashes livened up the autumn colour. It did seem very quiet in among the trees though. New experience for me was seeing a jay on the bird feeders!
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 02:45:44 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 04:45:07 PM
DavidBowman said
Sat Nov 3 10:04 PM, 2012
A late Chiffchaff was ringed on No.3 bed by Kieran Foster, Jason Atkinson et al this morning. c.2,000 Starlings left the roost on the same bed early on, while 10 Snipe were still in front of the Lindley Hide. Les Jones, Brian Baird and I also noted 1 Brambling (on the Morgan hide feeders), 3 Willow Tits, 5 Water Rails, 16 Greylag Geese, 30 Lapwings, 60 Greenfinches, 80 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 11 Jackdaws, 60 Redwings, 8 Moorhens and 16 Long-tailed Tits, before heading off, late morning, for a quick and productive walk round Rixton Moss.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Fri Nov 2 7:38 PM, 2012
This morning one Jack Snipe was with 9 Common Snipe in front of the Lindley Hide on No.3 bed. The work to open up fresh water areas, which has started on the eastern side of the bed, doesn't seem to be affecting the wildfowl too much, with 240 Teal, 56 Tufted Ducks, 39 Gadwalll and 13 Shovelers out on the open water. Two Bramblings were still with the large Chaffinch flock by the North Meadow, while 35 Redwings were also present.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Thu Nov 1 7:56 PM, 2012
A very autumnal morning on No.3 bed, with plenty of thrushes and finches feeding actively. Counts included: 3 Bramblings, 8 Goldcrests, 34 Greylag Geese, 130 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 41 Blackbirds, 12 Linnets, 8 Reed Buntings, 80 Chaffinches, 110 Greenfinches, 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Willow Tits, 137 Tufted Ducks and 14 Snipe.
Cheers David
David Spencer said
Tue Oct 30 9:21 PM, 2012
This morning, 1 Brambling at feeding station 7 Snipe at Frank Linley hide and 1 Curlew flew over
Dave Riley said
Tue Oct 30 3:38 PM, 2012
A reasonable morning on No1 bed, ringing a bit rubbish, although it's always nice to catch a new Willow Tit, especially an adult. Sightings included: 152 Lapwing > west 150 Jackdaws 30+ Rooks 119 Fieldfares, mainly south, but 24 north 60 Redwing 3 Wigeon (1 male, 2 female) 5 Teal 1 Gadwall 1 Redshank > west 4 Snipe 170 Starlings > north west 5/8 Ravens, 5 initially seen flying north at approx. 12.00, with 3 flying west at approx 12.45 22 Greylag Geese flying west including a white domestic type bird, same flock seen twice in the past seven days
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 30th of October 2012 07:41:23 PM
DavidBowman said
Mon Oct 29 6:38 PM, 2012
Hi Brian, Les and I will be down earlier but will be in the Morgan Hide till 9.00 ish before doing my BTO Winter Thrush Survey around Nos.3 and 4 beds (if the weather's OK). You're welcome to join us but fine if you don't fancy it
Cheers David
Brian Baird said
Mon Oct 29 4:10 AM, 2012
DavidBowman wrote:
Hi Brian, sounds like a good morning. Are you down next Saturday?
Cheers David
David I hope so, but not until about 8.30am. Good luck with the Contractors this week. They were moving machinery on to site yesterday but it did not seem to bother the birds too much. Cheers Brian
DavidBowman said
Mon Oct 29 1:13 AM, 2012
Hi Brian, sounds like a good morning. Are you down next Saturday?
Cheers David
Brian Baird said
Sun Oct 28 2:31 AM, 2012
DavidBowman wrote:
A brilliant morning for the monthly Migration Watch, as Dave Steel, Les Jones and I watched nearly 6,000 Pink-footed Geese move predominantly eastward, with 6 Whooper Swans as an added bonus. The final count for the Pink-feet was 5,940. Other highlights included 282 Fieldfare, 180 Redwings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 1 Peregrine, 1 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owls and 8 Sparrowhawks.
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 27th of October 2012 04:00:04 PM
David
At least 100 Redwing were feeding on the hawthorns on No. 3 Bed this morning. Some were caught by the Ringing Team and I was shown a Juvenile in the hand. What a lovely bird !! One each of Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were also knocking about.
Cheers Brian
DavidBowman said
Sat Oct 27 2:01 PM, 2012
A brilliant morning for the monthly Migration Watch, as Dave Steel, Les Jones and I watched nearly 6,000 Pink-footed Geese move predominantly eastward, with 6 Whooper Swans as an added bonus. The final count for the Pink-feet was 5,940. Other highlights included 282 Fieldfare, 180 Redwings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 1 Peregrine, 1 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owls and 8 Sparrowhawks.
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 27th of October 2012 04:00:04 PM
DavidBowman said
Thu Oct 25 8:09 PM, 2012
20 Snipe were in front of the Lindley Hide, though the Marsh Harrier didn't show this morning (seen yesterday by Kieran Foster). Other sightings included the first 7 Fieldfare of the year, 38 Redwings, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Willow Tits, 5 Wigeon, 36 Shovelers, 35 Starlings, 2 Sparrowhawks and scores of Greenfinches and Chaffinches.
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Tue Oct 23 10:33 PM, 2012
Certainly do My favourite time of year!
Cheers
David
Doc Brewster said
Tue Oct 23 7:32 PM, 2012
Redwings & Swallows - don't you just love this time of year
DavidBowman said
Tue Oct 23 7:20 PM, 2012
A lovely autumnal morning on No.3 bed, with 4 Swallows feeding actively over the water, 805 Pink-footed Geese heading east in four skeins, a Woodcock flushed from the path by the North Meadow, 12 Snipe in front of the Linley Hide, 4 Water Rails on the muddy margins, 400 Teal in front of the Morgan Hide at first light and 100 Greenfinches, 60 Chaffinches, 16 Goldfinches and 29 Redwing moving round.
The contractor has started the preparatory work before moving his machinery in by the weekend. Work should then start in earnest on Monday.
Cheers David
David Spencer said
Tue Oct 23 2:10 AM, 2012
2 Swallows over no. 3 bed this morning. Also 15 Snipe (14 from the Frank Linlay hide and 1 from John Morgan hide) and 5 Wigeon
DavidBowman said
Sun Oct 21 10:04 PM, 2012
Hi everyone - just an up-date on the work on No.3 bed. I'll be meeting the contractor on Tuesday to discuss some of the practicalities of getting his machinery onto site. It'll take him a few days to get this all sorted before he starts working. He'll start by clearing the scrub which is encroaching from the east bank and then move on to pool and channel creation on that side of the bed. Eventually he'll repeat the process on the west side, finishing by creating a lerger scrape in front of the Morgan Hide. I'll give regular up-dates when ever I get more information. I'd also be more than happy to field any questions.
Cheers David
JasonAtkinson said
Sun Oct 21 9:46 PM, 2012
The workings on no.3 bed start tomorrow I was informed today. The first Redwings of the autumn/winter (3) were caught today, whilst over on no.1 Dave Riley caught a male Firecrest.
Goosander 2 (Bollin Point)
Chiffchaff 1 (No.1 bed)
Green Woodpecker 1 (No.1 bed)
Goldeneye 12 (Weir Pool)
Peregrine 1
Wigeon 3 (Bollin Point)
Willow Tit 3
Common Gull 5
Blackbird 33
Magpie 9
Redwing 85
Dunnock 17
Robin 22
Carrion Crow 20
Starling 350 (inc. 340 from No.3 bed roost at dawn)
Sparrowhawk
Great Spotted Woodpecker 2
Goldfinch 25
Chaffinch 45
Teal 95
Tufted Duck 443
Song Thrush 4
Buzzard 3
Bullfinch 6
Grey Heron 4
Blue Tit 14
Great Tit 11
Jay 9
Siskin 2
Fieldfare 7
Redpoll 2
Greenfinch 52
Pheasant 7
Gadwall 31
Mute Swan 13
Mallard 51
Stock Dove 7
Wren 3
Jackdaw 45
Pochard 17
Coot 3
Great Crested Grebe 1
Moorhen 4
Shoveler 3
Mistle Thrush 1
Cormorant 12
Feral Pigeon 11
Woodpigeon 132
Lapwing 49
Little Grebe 1
Canada Goose 22
Lesser Black-backed Gull - hundreds over-flying
Black-headed Gull - hundreds over-flying
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 19th of January 2013 04:04:54 PM
There were about 100 Tufetd Duck on the Weir Pool as well as 11 Goldeneye, this is always a good spot for the later.
No 2 bed had 150 Teal, quite a few Tufted Duck and 3 Pintails. There were also over 50 Canada Geese, I cant remember seeing that many before, however this may be due to the fact that the water level is so low that there are lots of loafing areas. I saw 18 Brambling under the feeders at the Morgan hide but there have been reperts of 30+
The Eco Loo is back in action and its an improved version that should not get flooded out as its a one piece unit, so no seals that can fail.
From the various hides you get a good view of the work that is being done on the bed, a new pool has been created and deep chanels too so should be good when we are able to raise the levels back to normal.
No 3
66 Tufted Duck, 50 Teal, 6 Pochard, 4 Shelduck, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 15 Gadwall plus on the feeders 2 male Bramblings, a male Grest Spotted Woodpecker and a single Reed Bunting.
No Shoveler and oddly no Mallard
Old River
8 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Weir Pool
9 Goldeneye, 74 Tufted Ducks, a family of 5 Mute Swans and a single female Pochard.
Cheers David
Highlight was a nice pair of Pintail middle distance in front of John Morgan hide.
Also
Chaffinch ++
Greenfinch ++
1 Goldfinch
1 Bullfinch
1 Brambling
1 Willow Tit
Great Tits
Blue Tits
Coal Tits
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
4 Jays
Robins
Blackbirds
2 Sparrowhawk
Carrion Crows 6-8
Magpies ++
Black Headed Gulls ++
200 Teal
10 Canada Geese
1 pair Gadwall
Coot
Moorhen
Mallard
3 Pheasant
2 (or possibly 4) Common Buzzard over Rotary Club Hide area
1 Cormorant over
1 Kestrel over Weir Pool area
Tufted Duck esp in Weir Pool
6 male, 3 female Goldeneye in Weir Pool
Mute swans - 1 pair, and 3 immature
Add to that the Long Tailed Tits on our garden feeders when we got back, and the Waxwings seen at Howe Bridge and that's 33 species for Jan 1st.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 1st of January 2013 04:44:03 PM
No 3 Bed and the old river completely frozen over. The only waterfowl on No 3 were 4 Teal flying over. There were a few Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Mallard on the MSC.
At the feeding station were a male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Bramblings amongst the Chaffinches plus 1 Willow Tit.
A chunky female Sparrowhawk frequently harrassed the finch flock at the feeders and on the meadow. Also a male Kestrel was chased off by a Carrion Crow.
One Grey Heron flew low over the bed.
Woolston Weir Pool
7 male plus 3 female Goldeneye, 84 Tufted Ducks, 7 Pochard, 2 Canada Geese, a pair of Mute Swans and 2 Little Grebes.
-- Edited by John Williams on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 07:18:11 PM
No 3
The part draining of this bed for maintenance is very evident when viewed from the South bank, it's just a vast expanse of mud, and what little areas of water remain were frozen.
No waterfowl were to be seen from the John Morgan hide except for 3 Moorhens below the feeders. 2 Pied Wagtails were on the mud. 16 Black Headed Gulls on the water.
The feeders were still attracting large numbers of Greenfinches and Chaffinches, and with them a single Reed Bunting. 2 Cormorants passed low over the bed.
The Snipe roost in front of F.Linley hide was also devoid of life, with the mud exposed and dry.
There's still plenty water in the North West corner though, and here were 57 Canada Geese, 100 Teal, 7 Shoveler and 3 Gadwall.
Lots of Chaffinches around the meadow too. It maybe inconvenient now but when the work is done this bed should again be wall to wall Teal and Shoveler.
Woolston Weir Pool
7 male and 4 female Goldeneye, 56 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochard and a pair of Mute Swans. On the old river were 1 Cormorant and a Grey Heron.
There seemed to be large numbers of Chaffinches in the area of gorse near the 2nd barrier/pumping station.
Cheers David
Cheers David
Cheers
Jason
New / (retrap)
Wren 1
Dunnock (3)
Robin 1
Blackbird 2
Redwing 1
Goldcrest 1 (2)
Long-tailed Tit (1)
Willow Tit (1)
Coal Tit (1)
Blue Tit (1)
Great Tit (3)
Chaffinch 23 (3)
Brambling 10 (1) british control
Greenfinch 4
Goldfinch 2
Lesser Redpoll 5 (1)
Bullfinch 1 (2)
Reed Bunting 3 (1)
Total 54 (20)
Cheers David
Cheers
Jason
Cheers David
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 1st of December 2012 02:20:58 PM
No 3 Bed
3 Bramblings amongst the mixed flocks of Greenfinches and Chaffinches on the feeders, plus 3 Willow Tits,then a female Sparrowhawk spooked the lot.
Just 1 Snipe in front of the F.Linley hide. On the water 160 Tufted Ducks and 22 Shovelers mainly tucked into the North West corner away from the JCBs.
I regret I did'nt count the other duck but there seemed plenty of Gadwall and Teal about. Lots of Black Headed Gulls too.
2 skeins of Pink Footed Geese over 1@122 and 1@134, both groups followed the ship canal eastwards then veered off to the North East.
No sign of Cormorants (Although I did'nt check the old river roost) or Pochard. 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders too.
There seemed to be lots of Bullfinches scattered around the bed, but I only came across 3 Reed Buntings.
Cheers David
Thrush totals were: Blackbirds 129, Redwings 222, Fieldfares 8 and Song Thrushes 7.
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 17th of November 2012 05:01:50 PM
No 3 Bed
Very few ducks around, a lot less than David recorded earlier in the morning, although contractors were working with their JCBs when I got there.
36 Tufted Duck plus only a few Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal etc. 4 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 3 Canada Geese, 10 Jays, 3 Willow Tits and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
A Sparrowhawk scattered the large gathering of Greenfinches and Chaffinches on the feeders, and a Kestrel hovered over the meadow.
10 Reed Buntings, some feeding by the path near the toilet, in amongst lots of dead willowherb and hogweed, the only plant I found there with a seed head was Fat Hen.
14 Snipe in the cut reed area in front of the Frank Linley hide, 10 Redwings, 1 Song Thrush plus lots of Blackbirds feeding on the hawthornes.
Old River
6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Shovelers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 6 Cormorants.
Woolston Weir Pool
50 Tufted Ducks, 1m + 1f Goldeneye and 1 Canada Goose.
The drake Goldeneye made a mock attack on a small group of female Tufties. However a drake Tufted that had been trying to woo the females then attacked the Goldeneye
which dived out of the way. Upon surfacing though, the Goldeneye must of gained some courage as it immediately attacked a male Tufted.
All the Tufted then gave the drake Goldeneye his "space". I hav'nt noticed aggression between these species before, but the drake Goldeneye was resplendent and obviously out to impress.
Cheers David
Cheers David
Totals included: 1 Peregrine, 9 Buzzards, 422 Lapwings, 359 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Tawny Owls, 15 Song Thrushes, 24 Blackbirds, 127 Redwings, 232 Fieldfares, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Coal Tits, 10,145 Starlings, 188 Chaffinches, 51 Goldfinches and 4 Siskins.
Cheers David
I'll check to make sure that there are some emergency contact numbers in the Sybil Hogg Hide (the first one you come to as you walk onto the bed).
Cheers David
The WECG are aware that some one might loose a key and we do have an emergancy key that is in a key box. There is a notice on the back of the gate that you unlock to get onto the bridge that leads to No 3 bed. From memory it tells you where it is hidden and that you need to ring up to get the code to open the box. You might have a problem if you dont have your permit with you as I think you need the permit to get the number you need to call. If you have not got your permit with you I can assure you you will not forget it again, as you might have to spend a few night in a hide till some one else comes on and is able to let you out!
Alan
Link
-- Edited by David Spencer on Thursday 8th of November 2012 04:38:57 PM
Actually, I have a worse fear - that Ian is about to appear and suggest ever so politely that we carry on this thread in "General Birding Discussion" !!!!
On my first time I dropped it in the Mersey...
Paul on my first visit to Woolston I dropped the key on the footbridge as I was opening the gate - since then, whenever I go I keep it on a piece of string around my neck
-- Edited by Pete Astles on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 09:36:23 PM
-- Edited by Pete Astles on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 09:36:52 PM
Special, super-strength string.
Come to think about it, must exercise for a special super-strong neck, too!!
I didn't mean to sound critical or whingeing about how quiet it was: I enjoyed the lack of humans, I have to say! It was that I was comparing with the RSPB reserves, not the bird-count.
I know this time of year one day can be very different in "birdiness" from the next. Added to that I still count myself a novice, and I'm sure I miss a lot that more experienced birders would see.
But yes, black grebes and the whole place alive with warblers ... now THAT is worth waiting for!
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 05:43:15 PM
Greenfinch - approx 30
Chaffinch - 10
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Jay - 7
Pheasant female 1
Redwing - 5 (all in flight!)
Cormorant - 3 in flight
Greylag geese - 16
Gadwall - 12
Shoveler - 22
Teal - 24
Tufted Duck - more than 100
Mute swan - 6
1 Kestrel
1Sparrowhawk female
Weather was pretty dull and dank, but a few sunny splashes livened up the autumn colour. It did seem very quiet in among the trees though. New experience for me was seeing a jay on the bird feeders!
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 02:45:44 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 04:45:07 PM
Cheers David
Cheers David
Cheers David
152 Lapwing > west
150 Jackdaws
30+ Rooks
119 Fieldfares, mainly south, but 24 north
60 Redwing
3 Wigeon (1 male, 2 female)
5 Teal
1 Gadwall
1 Redshank > west
4 Snipe
170 Starlings > north west
5/8 Ravens, 5 initially seen flying north at approx. 12.00, with 3 flying west at approx 12.45
22 Greylag Geese flying west including a white domestic type bird, same flock seen twice in the past seven days
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 30th of October 2012 07:41:23 PM
Cheers David
David
I hope so, but not until about 8.30am. Good luck with the Contractors this week. They were moving machinery on to site yesterday but it did not seem to bother the birds too much.
Cheers Brian
Cheers David
David
At least 100 Redwing were feeding on the hawthorns on No. 3 Bed this morning. Some were caught by the Ringing Team and I was shown a Juvenile in the hand. What a lovely bird !!
One each of Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were also knocking about.
Cheers Brian
Cheers David
-- Edited by DavidBowman on Saturday 27th of October 2012 04:00:04 PM
Cheers David
Cheers
David
The contractor has started the preparatory work before moving his machinery in by the weekend. Work should then start in earnest on Monday.
Cheers David
Cheers David
The first Redwings of the autumn/winter (3) were caught today, whilst over on no.1 Dave Riley caught a male Firecrest.
Cheers
Jason