Also at Elton this a.m. As well as birds seen by Alan there were 2/3 stonechat near the canal, at least one male and one female. Also little grebe on the canal.-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 13:25, 2007-10-21
Sat. early a.m. 23 mute swan( incl 2 juv ),2 shoveler, 2 snipe, 1 kingfisher, 23 redwing. Also 2 swans with 3 young on the canal and 83 lapwing on factory roof just across the Irwell.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Oct 8 8:07 AM, 2007
Sat. early a.m. 6th, 2 scaup (both females).
Sun. early a.m 5 wigeon, 18 mute swan, 5 cormorant, at least 10 meadow pipet, 40 redwing, 2 sparrowhawk.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 08:15, 2007-10-08
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 09:20, 2007-10-08
Alan Warford said
Sat Oct 6 1:59 PM, 2007
The thread is unreadable, putting this on to see if it corrects the problem. It is now ok.
Wigeon 9 (7on res + 2 South) Goosander 9 South Tufted Duck 15 Snipe 11 Lapwing 31 Kingfisher Reed Bunt 20+ Song thrush 5 Blackcap 3 Chiffchaff Sand Martin 2 Mpipit 61 South Swallow 88 South
Ian Campbell said
Sat Sep 15 3:22 PM, 2007
Also at elton this a.m. ,similar birds seen as Simon but also I tried to count the coots present, doing really well having got to 202 when I lost count thanks to a dog walker asking me what I was looking at. Maybe try again tomorrow NOT !!
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 15 2:06 PM, 2007
15/9/2007 Spent another 4 hours looking for this Hobby but no joy.
Yellow Wagtail - 1st Winter by the Highland Cattle with Pied Wags Redpoll 1 over Cormorant 7 Wigeon 6 Tufted Duck 15 Snipe 23 Whitethroat 2 Chiffchaff 3+ still giving abit of song Blackcap 5+ Song Thrush 10+ Stock Dove 1 Little Owl 1 Sparrowhawk 2 Mistle Thrush 26 Sand Martin - still a few about. Swallow 100+ Kingfisher 2 Grey Wags 2/3
PS The Redstarts have finally gone!
-- Edited by warfy at 14:15, 2007-09-15
Simon Johnson said
Fri Sep 14 5:22 PM, 2007
Friday 14th 13.45pm - 16.30pm
Knot - adult in inlet till 16.05 when flew round res and left hight to the SW. Hobby flew north over Withins @ 14.00 Wigeon 6 Teal Tufted Duck 17 +1 Withins Coot 157 GCG 15 +1 Withins Little Grebe 3 on canal at coney green flashes Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 5 - Dip House Martin 200+ Swallow 100+ Sand Martin 5 Whitethroat 3 below Withins Chiffchaff - Dip GSW Spahawk 2
Simon Warford said
Fri Sep 14 3:29 PM, 2007
Arghh not another Hobby its a conspiracy!
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Sep 14 3:20 PM, 2007
Friday 14th September, 3:00pm
Knot- 1 in the inlet, looking pretty settled at the moment Hobby- 1 flew though
Info thanks to Simon Johnson
Sean Sweeney said
Tue Sep 11 8:18 AM, 2007
Not been to Elton much, so popped round yesterday morning from 10:30 till about 12:30. Elton Res pretty quiet, with only: 3 Wigeon 2 Cormarant 1 Grey Heron White Wagtail (NW shore). Large numbers of hirundines still, with 100+ Swallows, 30+ Sand (mainly juvs) and 100+ House Martins.
Withins Res a little better with: 2 Reed Bunting 2 Willow Warbler 1 Blackcap (male) 1 Yellow Wagtail (flying over in southerly direction).
Follwed stream down a towards the farm, not sure where the Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart Bushes are, but was pretty windy. 1 Blackcap (male) and a Spotted Flycatcher was all I could muster from the bushes with another Willow/Chiff in flight. Lots of blackberries everywhere, enjoyed some for pudding last night!
On returning to Elton Res I saw a Hobby fly in from NW and land on trees on NW side. Only stopped briefly, then it moved on in a NE direction out of sight. I should pop over more regularly.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Sep 9 10:48 AM, 2007
Elton this a.m. 2 wigeon, 3 snipe, 5 cormorant on or above the res. Around Withins ; Redstart showing well in "redstart hedge", 2 whitethroat 1 garden warbler and 2 willow warbler in bushes by stream near here. Flock of 50 mistle thrush, 2 seperate flocks of house martins on wires one of 150 other of 80 ish birds also at least 90 swallows flying around.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Sep 8 11:06 AM, 2007
08/09/07 early am
Spot Fly - Dip Blackcap 7 Willow Warbler singing - Dip Chiffchaff 3 Whitethroat 3 Kingfisher Grey Wag 5 House Martin 102 wsw coney green flashes and 100+ on Wires by Old hall Farm Sand Martin 10 Swallow 98 South Coney Green Flashes Mpipit 12 South Kestrel Spahawk Cormorant North Shoveler 2 Tufted Duck GCG 10
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 8 11:05 AM, 2007
8/9/2007 Early am with Ian Woosey
Redstart Fem/Imm still present in usual hedge but very elusive. Lesser Whitethroat -2 still around Withins, 1 with Long Tailed Tit flock and 1 in usual bush by stream. Whitethroat 1 Blackcap 5+ Wigeon 2 Shoveler 2 Mute Swan 9 Snipe 7 Grey Wag 2 Kingfisher 1 Little Owl 1 Mistle Thrush 16 Skylark 1 G S Woodpecker 1 L T Tit 15 Coal Tit 1 Willow Warbler 2 Chiffchaff 1 Goldcrest 5
-- Edited by warfy at 13:32, 2007-09-08
Simon Warford said
Fri Sep 7 7:01 PM, 2007
Ouch thats me gripped off.
Dean Macdonald said
Fri Sep 7 3:11 PM, 2007
7 sept
Hobby over fields near Withins res 2pm.
Dean.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Sep 6 9:30 PM, 2007
Simon, Just read your comment about "redstart hedge", had to smile as thats exactly what P&N Johnson and myself called it last year when upto 3 redstarts where present, it will be interesting to see if it lives upto the name next year. Ive just realised Im wishing a whole year away. Cheers Ian
Simon Warford said
Thu Sep 6 8:09 PM, 2007
6/9/2007 Mid Evening
Still present 2 Redstarts (Male & Fem) in "Redstart" Hedge, and both showing quite well tonight, at one point both sat on wire fence whilst i was just sat there in the field. Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still below Withins with 1 Whitethroat. Chiffchaff 1 2 Wheatear (1 in field between Old Hall Farm and Canal near Highland Cattle and 1 in 1st field on left below Withins) Little Owl 1 Sparrowhawk Fem 10 Mute Swan 4 Snipe Approx 40 Meadow Pipits south Movement of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons over. 26 Mistle Thrushes in fields below Withins and Canal. 30 L T Tits
No sign of any Yellow Wagtails.
Simon Warford said
Tue Sep 4 3:31 PM, 2007
2 LITTLE EGRETS flew south west over Elton at 10.50am today maybe heading for Ringley/Shore Top?
Not sure who saw them though.
-- Edited by warfy at 15:32, 2007-09-04
Simon Warford said
Mon Sep 3 8:15 PM, 2007
3/9/2007 Early evening - brief ish visit tonight.
Redstart still present in its hedge tonight but seems to get more elusive, cant see it lasting much longer. Also 2 Lesser Whitethroats still below withins and still nibbling away at those blackberries by the stream, they dont seem to move from the same 2 bushes.
Also 3 Yellow Wagtails (1 fem & 2 1st Winters) still with the highland cattle 7pm plus Wheatear and 2 skylark same field.
-- Edited by warfy at 20:28, 2007-09-03
Simon Warford said
Sun Sep 2 2:07 PM, 2007
3 Yellow Wagtails (1 ad female & 2 1st year birds) still in field below pumphouse with highland cattle late am.
Info from Peter Baron.
-- Edited by warfy at 14:51, 2007-09-02
Paul Wilson said
Sun Sep 2 11:10 AM, 2007
Missed the Garden Warbler - damn that rain. Managed to see two Lesser Whitethroat (thanks Ian, for pointing out the area they were in) and a fleeting glimpse of the Redstart.
Very busy with birders this morning. Good to put a few more faces to names.
Simon Warford said
Sun Sep 2 10:51 AM, 2007
2/9/2007 Early am
Redstart Fem/Imm still in hedgerow below withins but elusive. (7th day!) Lesser Whitethroat 1 Below withins Garden Warbler 1 Creek Blackcap 4+ Whitethroat 1 Willow Warbler 3 Yellow Wags 2 1st Winters still with highland cattle below Old Hall Farm Little Owl 1 Common Tern 2 Snipe 3 Cormorant 1
Has been a pretty good week for migrants even by Eltons standards.
Back to work tomorrow
-- Edited by warfy at 10:53, 2007-09-02
Paul Wilson said
Sat Sep 1 7:38 PM, 2007
As I only live down the road, i'd better get my lazy self up there to have a walk round tomorrow morning - see if i can find them all. There's a couple of birds there i have never seen!.
-- Edited by rezMole at 07:37, 2007-09-02
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 1 7:03 PM, 2007
anytime, glad you got the redstart
btw that little marsh is called Capsticks marsh.
Paul Heaton said
Sat Sep 1 6:35 PM, 2007
large mixed flock of swallows sand Martin house Martins 200 + 14 great Crested Grebe 110 coots 4 Grey wags 8 mute swans 35 B H gulls 6 Willow Warblers 3 Chiff-Chaff 1 garden warbler 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 Redstart mixed flock of tits 8 L T tits 8 Blue tits 15+ Goldfinch several juveniles small wader seen going into vegatation in fied bottom of res the one with horses in near the paintball lot poss snipe.
many thanks for the local site directions simon.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Sep 1 11:47 AM, 2007
Also at Elton early today, am mad I missed the yellow wagtails but it appears Simon that you missed the redstart in the hedge where they have been seen all week!!!. Cheers Ian. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Returned to Elton at 12.45 to find a single yellow wagtail feeding amongst 3 horses in field by Coran stud. Thanks to Simon for the info.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:43, 2007-09-01
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 1 11:18 AM, 2007
1/9/2007 Early am
Juv Ringed Plover Snipe 1 Spotted Flycatcher 1 (new bird) Creek Blackcaps 7+ Lesser Whitethroat 1 Below Withins Garden Warbler 4, 1 Canal, 3 Creek. Yellow Wagtail 2 1st Winters with the highland cattle below Old Hall Farm Whitethroat 1 Willow Warblers 6+ Little Owl 1 Grey Wags 2 Loads of Goldfinches/Greenfinches/Swallows and Sand Martins.
S & A Warford
-- Edited by warfy at 12:22, 2007-09-01
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 31 3:19 PM, 2007
Ian its them blackberries and elderberries they just love them to bits they were still feeding on them when i popped down with my dad late on. A nice autumn sight.
Ian Campbell said
Fri Aug 31 2:07 PM, 2007
The bushes by the stream below withins res must have warbler magnets at the moment. This a.m. spent about 30 mins. there to see: 3/4 lesser whitethroats 5 blackcaps 1 garden warbler 3/4 willow warbler also 4 greenfinch, 3 blackbirds, 2 goldfinch, 2 wrens and 1 robin. On elton were 7/8 common tern and over 100 swallows.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Aug 30 5:22 PM, 2007
The 2 lesser whitethroats were still there at 8.30. this a.m. (or 2 different ones!), no sign of redstart though, also flock of 60/70 goldfinch . Otherwise unusually quiet for Elton, or have we just been spoilt by the last week!!.
Alan Warford said
Wed Aug 29 8:49 PM, 2007
29/8/07 1915-1945
Brief visit to area below Withins Res with Simon, fem/imm Redstart still in hedgerow. (Elton tick for me). 2 Lesser Whitethroats in bushes by stream. Otherwise fairly quiet.
Alan
Simon Warford said
Wed Aug 29 11:57 AM, 2007
29/8/2007 Early am
2 Redstart - 1 Splendid male (new bird) & fem/imm still in hedge below withins res also getting in bushes by the stream. 4 Lesser Whitethroats - 3 Below withins & 1 Creek 3-4 Garden Warbler - 1 Canal, 1 Dip, 2 below withins Blackcaps 12+ Chiffchaff 3-4 Willow Warbler 5+ Whitethroat 3+ Stock Dove 2 Grey Wags 3+ Kingfisher 2 Common Tern
No sign Little Egret.
Ian McKerchar & Warfy
-- Edited by warfy at 11:59, 2007-08-29
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 28 8:41 PM, 2007
Myself and Paul Hammond searched all round tonight from 5.45pm to 8.00pm but did not manage to relocate the bird.
Somehow dissapeared from the ditch without anyone seeing it
PS - just for the record i dipped..
We did have 2 Spotted Flycatchers on wires near Old Hall Farm tonight.
-- Edited by warfy at 22:01, 2007-08-28
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Aug 28 5:43 PM, 2007
LITTLE EGRET PRESENT 5:30PM ATLEAST IN DITCH BETWEEN OLD HALL FARM AND THE CANAL, ELTON RESR.
Info thanks to Simon Warford and Peter Baron.
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 28 4:45 PM, 2007
Loving this week off work just back from another 3 hours this time camped in the creek and the area just below Withins right up to Crow Trees Farm.
These are in addition to the earlier sightings from this morning:-
Redstart - 2 (1 in hedge running from withins res to the cemetry though elusive as anything this afternoon and 1 showing much better in bushes by the stream below withins) Garden Warbler 2 Creek, 1 below withins and 1 Crow Trees Farm. Lesser Whitethroat - 1 half way between Creek and wader point and 1 below withins. Whinchat - 1 Creek Blackcap at least 5 in the Creek, 7 below withins and 3 Crow Trees Farm. Whitethroat 6+ below withins Sedge Warbler 3 Creek. 7 Snipe Capsticks Marsh Kingfisher below withins
Ian - Thanks for the assistance with the Redstart, looks like we might be in for a good week
-- Edited by warfy at 16:56, 2007-08-28
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 28 12:24 PM, 2007
I need Redstart for Elton!!
Was down there this am too!
-- Edited by warfy at 16:49, 2007-08-28
Ian Campbell said
Tue Aug 28 11:34 AM, 2007
Also at Elton this a.m. Saw similar stuff except the garden warblers (I did not go into the dip though). Also a female redstart in hedge below withins res. P Johnson found it yesterday a.m. I found a wheatear in same hedge yesterday p.m and the redstart was still there this morning at 8.30. a.m.
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 28 11:05 AM, 2007
28/8/2007 Early am
Perfect morning for warbler watching - overcast and calm.
There is still at least 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Garden Warblers with a massive mixed tit flock in and around the Dip this morning, also getting in the scrub near the car park. (the dip is a hollow just behind the sailing club).
L T Tit 30 Coal Tit 2 Willow Tit 2 Bullfinch 5 Goldcrest 2 Dip G S Woodopeckers 2 Willow Warblers 10+ Lesser Whitethroat 3+ Dip Garden Warbler 2+ by car park Blackcap - at least 8 males in Dip. at least 1 male and 3 females near car park. Reed Warblers 2 Dip Sedge Warbler - Capsticks marsh still Snipe 5 Capsticks Marsh 3 Tufted Duck Kingfisher 1 Little Owl 3 - 1 Ad and 2 Juvs 200 Lapwings Grey Wags 2
Ian Campbell said
Sat Aug 25 8:16 PM, 2007
Simon Yes it was me. I didnt know it was you (does this make sense?). Yes I did get my scope on it and Im almost certain it was not a common buzzard, it just was not right,the head seemed to long and I was reminded of a description Ive read of a pigeons head. I did discuss this with Peter Baron on the phone and I wanted him to say it was a Honey Buzzard ,alas he didnt get a good enough view. My problem is Ive never seen one before and Im not totally certain(or do I just want it to be?). I saw no plumage detail as it was in silouete(oh God I wish I could spell!), but honestly Im sure it was not a common buzzard. Perhaps you will see one on Monday along with all the greenish warblers, good luck.
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 25 6:34 PM, 2007
Ian was it you i bumped into near withins res?? Did you get your scope on the Buzzard?
I see that theres been several Honey Buzzards sightings from West Yorks, Staffs and Oxford today so it must have been one So Mr Mckerchar has there been a movement of Common Buzzards today in the county?
-- Edited by warfy at 18:36, 2007-08-25
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 25 12:44 PM, 2007
25/8/2007- 8am-11am Thrashed every hedge, field and scrubby area this morning warming up for Spurn, almost forgot to look on the res..
No sign Black Necked Grebe 5 Snipe 2 Shoveler 4 Tufted Duck 12 Mute Swans (incl 2 well grown cygnets canal) 1 Spotted Flycatcher - Canal 3 Garden Warblers (2 Canal near bennys and 1 Dip) 3 Blackcaps(canal same elderberry as the gardens) 1 Lesser Whitethroat - Dip 9 Willow Warblers 2 Reed Warblers Dip 3 Grey Wagtails 5 Common Terns 2 Kingfishers (1 Res, 1 Dip) 2 G S Woodpeckers 2 Pheasants 1 Cormorant 1 Stock Dove 2 Little Owls 1 Juv Sparrowhawk 1 Swift
and at 10am i caught a glimpse of a Buzzard sp. whilst in the dip but only got about a 1 second view as it disapeared behind a hedge and i have since spoken to Pete Baron who also saw it from the other side of the res who has since spoken to Ian Campbell who also saw it from the canal and Ian particularly who probably had the best view thought it may have been a Honey Buzzard! The bird flew fairly low and ended up going west being mobbed by crows. It seemed quite low down and all 3 of us didnt get conclusive views, so it may well be the one that got away. When i saw it from the dip i ran up to the boating club but failed to see it again. So frustrating being in the dip if i was by the sailing club i may be saying ive just had a Honey Buzzard
Oh well a reasonable morning none the less, right im off the Reebok to get even more depressed.
-- Edited by warfy at 12:45, 2007-08-25
Simon Warford said
Fri Aug 24 8:40 PM, 2007
Just been down to check for myself and Juv Black Necked Grebe still present in middle of res with 3 G C Grebes 7.45pm at least.
As well as birds seen by Alan there were 2/3 stonechat near the canal, at least one male and one female.
Also little grebe on the canal.-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 13:25, 2007-10-21
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 15:29, 2007-10-21
Goldeneye fem/imm 1st of winter
Kingfisher
10 Cormorant
28 Tufted Duck
2 Wigeon
7 Snipe
20 Mute Swan
5 Bullfinch
21 Fieldfare
5+ Redwing
5+ Reed Bunting
5 Goldcrest
Alan and Simon
-- Edited by Alan Warford at 13:16, 2007-10-21
23 mute swan( incl 2 juv ),2 shoveler, 2 snipe, 1 kingfisher, 23 redwing. Also 2 swans with 3 young on the canal and 83 lapwing on factory roof just across the Irwell.
Sun. early a.m 5 wigeon, 18 mute swan, 5 cormorant, at least 10 meadow pipet, 40 redwing, 2 sparrowhawk.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 08:15, 2007-10-08
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 09:20, 2007-10-08
It is now ok.
-- Edited by Alan Warford at 14:00, 2007-10-06
16 Mute Swans
17 Tufted Duck
3 Cormorant
1 Little Grebe
5 Snipe
6 Goldcrests
40 Redwings
5 Bullfinch
2 Coal Tits
Bit of Vis Mig mainly in southerly direction unless stated and some birds quite high up in clear conditions
Fieldfare
Redwing 35
Redpoll 3
Swallow 18
House martin 4
Pied Wag 6
Mpipit 36
Skylark 6
Lapwing 33 West
Pinkfeet 6 Sw
On res 4 Teal, 14 GCG, 31 Tufted. Chiffchaff singing near car park and 2 Jay.... then the jetlag kicked in!!
-- Edited by Simon Johnson at 21:47, 2007-10-04
-- Edited by Simon Johnson at 21:48, 2007-10-04
200+ house martin and 60 swallow.
19 snipe and 2 stonechat in field below res.
Phew... Glad i didn't miss a rarity,i was on the way there this morning when the car broke down on Bury Rd
-- Edited by Dean Mac at 16:08, 2007-09-30
Cormorant 2
Tufted Duck 17
Snipe 3 Capsticks Marsh
Redwing 10
Siskin 2 in Creek
House Martin 30+
Swallow 3
Meadow Pipit 30+
2 Juv Little Gulls
2 Wigeon
60+ House Martins
4 Swallows
9 Mute Swans
6 LBB Gulls
2 Cormorants
1 Kestrel
40+BH Gulls
38 Lapwing
15 GC Grebes
100+ Wood Pigeons
8 Tufted Ducks
4 Grey Wagtails
13 Meadow Pipits
Alan
-- Edited by Alan Warford at 19:59, 2007-09-27
Wigeon 9 (7on res + 2 South)
Goosander 9 South
Tufted Duck 15
Snipe 11
Lapwing 31
Kingfisher
Reed Bunt 20+
Song thrush 5
Blackcap 3
Chiffchaff
Sand Martin 2
Mpipit 61 South
Swallow 88 South
Yellow Wagtail - 1st Winter by the Highland Cattle with Pied Wags
Redpoll 1 over
Cormorant 7
Wigeon 6
Tufted Duck 15
Snipe 23
Whitethroat 2
Chiffchaff 3+ still giving abit of song
Blackcap 5+
Song Thrush 10+
Stock Dove 1
Little Owl 1
Sparrowhawk 2
Mistle Thrush 26
Sand Martin - still a few about.
Swallow 100+
Kingfisher 2
Grey Wags 2/3
PS The Redstarts have finally gone!
-- Edited by warfy at 14:15, 2007-09-15
Knot - adult in inlet till 16.05 when flew round res and left hight to the SW.
Hobby flew north over Withins @ 14.00
Wigeon 6
Teal
Tufted Duck 17 +1 Withins
Coot 157
GCG 15 +1 Withins
Little Grebe 3 on canal at coney green flashes
Cormorant 2
Grey Heron 5 - Dip
House Martin 200+
Swallow 100+
Sand Martin 5
Whitethroat 3 below Withins
Chiffchaff - Dip
GSW
Spahawk 2
Knot- 1 in the inlet, looking pretty settled at the moment
Hobby- 1 flew though
Info thanks to Simon Johnson
3 Wigeon
2 Cormarant
1 Grey Heron
White Wagtail (NW shore).
Large numbers of hirundines still, with 100+ Swallows, 30+ Sand (mainly juvs) and 100+ House Martins.
Withins Res a little better with:
2 Reed Bunting
2 Willow Warbler
1 Blackcap (male)
1 Yellow Wagtail (flying over in southerly direction).
Follwed stream down a towards the farm, not sure where the Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart Bushes are, but was pretty windy. 1 Blackcap (male) and a Spotted Flycatcher was all I could muster from the bushes with another Willow/Chiff in flight. Lots of blackberries everywhere, enjoyed some for pudding last night!
On returning to Elton Res I saw a Hobby fly in from NW and land on trees on NW side. Only stopped briefly, then it moved on in a NE direction out of sight. I should pop over more regularly.
2 wigeon, 3 snipe, 5 cormorant on or above the res.
Around Withins ;
Redstart showing well in "redstart hedge", 2 whitethroat 1 garden warbler and 2 willow warbler in bushes by stream near here. Flock of 50 mistle thrush, 2 seperate flocks of house martins on wires one of 150 other of 80 ish birds also at least 90 swallows flying around.
Spot Fly - Dip
Blackcap 7
Willow Warbler singing - Dip
Chiffchaff 3
Whitethroat 3
Kingfisher
Grey Wag 5
House Martin 102 wsw coney green flashes and 100+ on Wires by Old hall Farm
Sand Martin 10
Swallow 98 South Coney Green Flashes
Mpipit 12 South
Kestrel
Spahawk
Cormorant North
Shoveler 2
Tufted Duck
GCG 10
Redstart Fem/Imm still present in usual hedge but very elusive.
Lesser Whitethroat -2 still around Withins, 1 with Long Tailed Tit flock and 1 in usual bush by stream.
Whitethroat 1
Blackcap 5+
Wigeon 2
Shoveler 2
Mute Swan 9
Snipe 7
Grey Wag 2
Kingfisher 1
Little Owl 1
Mistle Thrush 16
Skylark 1
G S Woodpecker 1
L T Tit 15
Coal Tit 1
Willow Warbler 2
Chiffchaff 1
Goldcrest 5
-- Edited by warfy at 13:32, 2007-09-08
7 sept
Hobby over fields near Withins res 2pm.
Dean.
Just read your comment about "redstart hedge", had to smile as thats exactly what P&N Johnson and myself called it last year when upto 3 redstarts where present, it will be interesting to see if it lives upto the name next year. Ive just realised Im wishing a whole year away.
Cheers Ian
Still present 2 Redstarts (Male & Fem) in "Redstart" Hedge, and both showing quite well tonight, at one point both sat on wire fence whilst i was just sat there in the field.
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still below Withins with 1 Whitethroat.
Chiffchaff 1
2 Wheatear (1 in field between Old Hall Farm and Canal near Highland Cattle and 1 in 1st field on left below Withins)
Little Owl 1
Sparrowhawk Fem
10 Mute Swan
4 Snipe
Approx 40 Meadow Pipits south
Movement of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons over.
26 Mistle Thrushes in fields below Withins and Canal.
30 L T Tits
No sign of any Yellow Wagtails.
Not sure who saw them though.
-- Edited by warfy at 15:32, 2007-09-04
Redstart still present in its hedge tonight but seems to get more elusive, cant see it lasting much longer. Also 2 Lesser Whitethroats still below withins and still nibbling away at those blackberries by the stream, they dont seem to move from the same 2 bushes.
Also 3 Yellow Wagtails (1 fem & 2 1st Winters) still with the highland cattle 7pm plus Wheatear and 2 skylark same field.
-- Edited by warfy at 20:28, 2007-09-03
Info from Peter Baron.
-- Edited by warfy at 14:51, 2007-09-02
Very busy with birders this morning. Good to put a few more faces to names.
Redstart Fem/Imm still in hedgerow below withins but elusive. (7th day!)
Lesser Whitethroat 1 Below withins
Garden Warbler 1 Creek
Blackcap 4+
Whitethroat 1
Willow Warbler 3
Yellow Wags 2 1st Winters still with highland cattle below Old Hall Farm
Little Owl 1
Common Tern 2
Snipe 3
Cormorant 1
Has been a pretty good week for migrants even by Eltons standards.
Back to work tomorrow
-- Edited by warfy at 10:53, 2007-09-02
-- Edited by rezMole at 07:37, 2007-09-02
btw that little marsh is called Capsticks marsh.
14 great Crested Grebe
110 coots
4 Grey wags
8 mute swans
35 B H gulls
6 Willow Warblers
3 Chiff-Chaff
1 garden warbler
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Redstart
mixed flock of tits 8 L T tits 8 Blue tits
15+ Goldfinch several juveniles
small wader seen going into vegatation in fied bottom of res the one with horses in near the paintball lot
poss snipe.
many thanks for the local site directions simon.
Cheers Ian.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Returned to Elton at 12.45 to find a single yellow wagtail feeding amongst 3 horses in field by Coran stud. Thanks to Simon for the info.
-- Edited by Ian Campbell at 14:43, 2007-09-01
Juv Ringed Plover
Snipe 1
Spotted Flycatcher 1 (new bird) Creek
Blackcaps 7+
Lesser Whitethroat 1 Below Withins
Garden Warbler 4, 1 Canal, 3 Creek.
Yellow Wagtail 2 1st Winters with the highland cattle below Old Hall Farm
Whitethroat 1
Willow Warblers 6+
Little Owl 1
Grey Wags 2
Loads of Goldfinches/Greenfinches/Swallows and Sand Martins.
S & A Warford
-- Edited by warfy at 12:22, 2007-09-01
3/4 lesser whitethroats
5 blackcaps
1 garden warbler
3/4 willow warbler
also 4 greenfinch, 3 blackbirds, 2 goldfinch, 2 wrens and 1 robin.
On elton were 7/8 common tern and over 100 swallows.
Brief visit to area below Withins Res with Simon, fem/imm Redstart still in hedgerow. (Elton tick for me).
2 Lesser Whitethroats in bushes by stream. Otherwise fairly quiet.
Alan
2 Redstart - 1 Splendid male (new bird) & fem/imm still in hedge below withins res also getting in bushes by the stream.
4 Lesser Whitethroats - 3 Below withins & 1 Creek
3-4 Garden Warbler - 1 Canal, 1 Dip, 2 below withins
Blackcaps 12+
Chiffchaff 3-4
Willow Warbler 5+
Whitethroat 3+
Stock Dove 2
Grey Wags 3+
Kingfisher
2 Common Tern
No sign Little Egret.
Ian McKerchar & Warfy
-- Edited by warfy at 11:59, 2007-08-29
Somehow dissapeared from the ditch without anyone seeing it
PS - just for the record i dipped..
We did have 2 Spotted Flycatchers on wires near Old Hall Farm tonight.
-- Edited by warfy at 22:01, 2007-08-28
Info thanks to Simon Warford and Peter Baron.
These are in addition to the earlier sightings from this morning:-
Redstart - 2 (1 in hedge running from withins res to the cemetry though elusive as anything this afternoon and 1 showing much better in bushes by the stream below withins)
Garden Warbler 2 Creek, 1 below withins and 1 Crow Trees Farm.
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 half way between Creek and wader point and 1 below withins.
Whinchat - 1 Creek
Blackcap at least 5 in the Creek, 7 below withins and 3 Crow Trees Farm.
Whitethroat 6+ below withins
Sedge Warbler 3 Creek.
7 Snipe Capsticks Marsh
Kingfisher below withins
Ian - Thanks for the assistance with the Redstart, looks like we might be in for a good week
-- Edited by warfy at 16:56, 2007-08-28
Was down there this am too!
-- Edited by warfy at 16:49, 2007-08-28
Saw similar stuff except the garden warblers (I did not go into the dip though).
Also a female redstart in hedge below withins res. P Johnson found it yesterday a.m. I found a wheatear in same hedge yesterday p.m and the redstart was still there this morning at 8.30. a.m.
Perfect morning for warbler watching - overcast and calm.
There is still at least 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Garden Warblers with a massive mixed tit flock in and around the Dip this morning, also getting in the scrub near the car park. (the dip is a hollow just behind the sailing club).
L T Tit 30
Coal Tit 2
Willow Tit 2
Bullfinch 5
Goldcrest 2 Dip
G S Woodopeckers 2
Willow Warblers 10+
Lesser Whitethroat 3+ Dip
Garden Warbler 2+ by car park
Blackcap - at least 8 males in Dip. at least 1 male and 3 females near car park.
Reed Warblers 2 Dip
Sedge Warbler - Capsticks marsh still
Snipe 5 Capsticks Marsh
3 Tufted Duck
Kingfisher 1
Little Owl 3 - 1 Ad and 2 Juvs
200 Lapwings
Grey Wags 2
Yes it was me. I didnt know it was you (does this make sense?).
Yes I did get my scope on it and Im almost certain it was not a common buzzard, it just was not right,the head seemed to long and I was reminded of a description Ive read of a pigeons head. I did discuss this with Peter Baron on the phone and I wanted him to say it was a Honey Buzzard ,alas he didnt get a good enough view. My problem is Ive never seen one before and Im not totally certain(or do I just want it to be?). I saw no plumage detail as it was in silouete(oh God I wish I could spell!), but honestly Im sure it was not a common buzzard.
Perhaps you will see one on Monday along with all the greenish warblers, good luck.
I see that theres been several Honey Buzzards sightings from West Yorks, Staffs and Oxford today so it must have been one
So Mr Mckerchar has there been a movement of Common Buzzards today in the county?
-- Edited by warfy at 18:36, 2007-08-25
No sign Black Necked Grebe
5 Snipe
2 Shoveler
4 Tufted Duck
12 Mute Swans (incl 2 well grown cygnets canal)
1 Spotted Flycatcher - Canal
3 Garden Warblers (2 Canal near bennys and 1 Dip)
3 Blackcaps(canal same elderberry as the gardens)
1 Lesser Whitethroat - Dip
9 Willow Warblers
2 Reed Warblers Dip
3 Grey Wagtails
5 Common Terns
2 Kingfishers (1 Res, 1 Dip)
2 G S Woodpeckers
2 Pheasants
1 Cormorant
1 Stock Dove
2 Little Owls
1 Juv Sparrowhawk
1 Swift
and at 10am i caught a glimpse of a Buzzard sp. whilst in the dip but only got about a 1 second view as it disapeared behind a hedge and i have since spoken to Pete Baron who also saw it from the other side of the res who has since spoken to Ian Campbell who also saw it from the canal and Ian particularly who probably had the best view thought it may have been a Honey Buzzard! The bird flew fairly low and ended up going west being mobbed by crows. It seemed quite low down and all 3 of us didnt get conclusive views, so it may well be the one that got away. When i saw it from the dip i ran up to the boating club but failed to see it again. So frustrating being in the dip if i was by the sailing club i may be saying ive just had a Honey Buzzard
Oh well a reasonable morning none the less, right im off the Reebok to get even more depressed.
-- Edited by warfy at 12:45, 2007-08-25