Glauc reported again today so weekend gulling is a possibility as suggested! Might take a flask and stake out Birchwood pool for a bit tomorrow...
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 5th of December 2009 08:26:09 PM
Pete Welch said
Sat Dec 5 10:34 AM, 2009
I'll try for some shots as I'm sure I'll work some visits in in the next three months!
I'll also have an explore round that end of the Mersey - guess most obvious place to park on the northern bank up is near the canal by Fiddlers and head east?
A few weeks ago I had fantastic views of a very large roost of Golden Plover, Lapwings and gulls right in front of the car park at Pickerings Pasture but I've never got to grips with the river to the east of the bridge.
Pete Antrobus said
Sat Dec 5 9:45 AM, 2009
Theres actually three hides at Birchwood Pool a new one at the eastend went up recently. Most birders though will tend togather at the westend as its the nearest hide to the new carpark. Pumphouse Pool (two hides) the next pool along from Birchwood also attracts lots of gulls, ducks and the odd wader. I've seen Glauc, Iceland and Med on here this year.
Once the tip stops working most gulls head back down the R.Mersey with many especially larger types roosting on the mudbank opposet Fiddlers Ferry Power Stn (to the north) and Norton Marsh (to the south) a cracking viewpoint is on top the old filterbed just east of Halfway House. I've seen several large WWGs from here plus theres the added bonus of the very large Lapwing/Golden Plover flock which attracts other waders sometimes.
fingers crossed
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Saturday 5th of December 2009 09:47:28 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Dec 5 9:24 AM, 2009
No John. I suppose the moore locations the merrier...
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Dec 5 8:44 AM, 2009
Ian McKerchar wrote:
I know an opportunity when I see one so here goes...
I am really interested (to put it mildly) in any good quality gull photos birders might get from this site. There are few locations which offer such excellent gull photographic opportunities as the close-quarter bathers on Birchwood Pool and it is these I am really interested in. Any of the larger species (Great and Lesser Black-backed, Herring Gull and owt rarer of course) and any age with a particular emphasis on adults showing the upperwing pattern, often easy to see whilst they're generally flapping their wings about on the pool.
The photos will be used for research and possibly an article or two in the future (nothing in the pipeline yet) but of course any images would recieve the usual acknowledgement and huge thanks.
Anyway, if anyone can oblige we've a good four months to go at in front of us
sounds like a challenge?sure you will get a few from me!!does it have to be from moore?
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Dec 5 12:04 AM, 2009
I know an opportunity when I see one so here goes...
I am really interested (to put it mildly) in any good quality gull photos birders might get from this site. There are few locations which offer such excellent gull photographic opportunities as the close-quarter bathers on Birchwood Pool and it is these I am really interested in. Any of the larger species (Great and Lesser Black-backed, Herring Gull and owt rarer of course) and any age with a particular emphasis on adults showing the upperwing pattern, often easy to see whilst they're generally flapping their wings about on the pool.
The photos will be used for research and possibly an article or two in the future (nothing in the pipeline yet) but of course any images would recieve the usual acknowledgement and huge thanks.
Anyway, if anyone can oblige we've a good four months to go at in front of us
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Dec 4 3:10 PM, 2009
As I understand it, the authorised visits were limited to 10 people and were obviously very popular!
Perhaps we here in Greater Mancester get more weekends gulls as a result of them moving away from Arpley Tip? Though why they'd move here at the weekends when our tips are closed for tipping too is odd. Perhaps it's due to scaring at our tips during working hours forcing many gulls away which means at weekends there's a glut of lovely rubbish for them to scavenge through, whereas the lack of scaring at Arpley means they consume most of what's there throughout the week leaving nothing left at weekends?
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 4th of December 2009 03:17:15 PM
Mike Duckham said
Fri Dec 4 2:48 PM, 2009
The authorised visits onto the tip sound interesting, Steve Minton used to check the gulls while they were feeding at the area where the lorries were tipping and he swore it was better than anywhere else. Joined him a couple of times but found it a bit weird, still prefer sitting on Gatewarth and having a long flock of gulls to scan through. Did find that the gulls moved off v quickly, almost as soon as tipping stops. Cheers.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Dec 4 11:15 AM, 2009
I'm surprised if that's the case Mike (but I'm always prepared for a surprise!) weekends on refuse tips usually allows disturbance free feeding on the refuse which has been tipped the previous days. At other sites in the UK and certainly here in GM, weekends are the most productive for feeding gulls on tips plus there are no scaring methods in use at Arpley Tip. Last seasons authorised weekend visits onto the actual tip itself there were very productive indeed!
Mike Baron said
Fri Dec 4 12:45 AM, 2009
Pete
The tip only works until lunchtime on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. Having spent most of last winter at Moore it is amazing how quickly the gulls disperse when the tip is closed. There will always be some gulls hanging around so it is still worth a punt, however the odds are better when the tip is open. When gull watching kicks in properly in a week or two spaces in the hide will be at a premium, particularly on Saturday mornings. Getting there early can be useful though - I often arrive before dawn and go to the eastern reedbed first for the Bitterns.
An element of luck is sometimes needed - I had stonking views of the Glauc on Wednesday lunch for around 40 minutes with not another birder in sight. When the first birder arrived, the Glauc flew off just as he approached the hide. I've aso found that the white-winged gulls easily drop onto the pool without being spotted - the number of times I have seen one found on the water even when the hide is full and no one saw it come down - so keep scanning!
Richmond Bank is often a good bet too - this can be a lot better than Birchwood Pool as lots of gulls choose to bathe in the Mersey and then just loaf around on the big mud bank. It is a bit exposed though and you will need to check the tides - a high tide will always cover Richmond Bank.
Mike
Mike Duckham said
Fri Dec 4 12:36 AM, 2009
Hi Pete, i would totally recommend a full immersion into the gulls on Richmond Bank. I really don't think you'll regret it...look at me..i'm happee all the time... Seriously, the potential for finding your own "good birds" is off the scale! Came back in the Spring with a mate from N Wales,we had a min of 7 white wingers just viewed from Gatewarth. And 2 b fair the whole area is great patching, we had Kingfisher on Birchwood, etc will have to check me notes etc blah... Best patch anywhere?!?! Nah. Cheers, Mike.
Pete Welch said
Thu Dec 3 10:04 PM, 2009
Thanks both, I spent quite a few frosty morning there in Feb/March when I was just setting out on birding again and enjoyed the feeders and the Birchwood pool. I also like to walk round the southern end i.e round the southern pool parallel with the canal and then onto the road which comes back across the fields. I'm still fairly convinced I saw an LEO or SEO very early one morning down that end and I know others have seen Barn Owls there.
Now I'm getting my eye in I reckon its about time I tried the Larids!!!
JOHN TYMON said
Thu Dec 3 9:19 PM, 2009
Ian McKerchar wrote:
Pete Welch wrote:
Hello all, have spent quite a lot of time at Moore in the Spring but not been for a while - can anyone confirm:
[a] I guess for gulls days the tip is working are best - is it likely that will be any on a non working day?
what the working days are at the moment? In the spring seemed to be alternate week days only?
Cheers, Peter
To be honest Peter, just go at anytime is the best advice. There are always gulls present and despite some days perhaps being better than others (if it's anything like the tips operating currently in Greater Manchester then the non-working days of weekends are usually best!) the best gulls will come and go at any time, any day. There weren't really that many gulls on show last Monday but I still found the Glaucous Gull there, the first of this winter. Clearly, anytime is a good time.
Also, the hide overlooking the Birchwood Pool is only very small and I assume at weekends it could quickly become crowded (I wouldn't dare go near at weekends!) and viewing the bathing gulls or even the ones on the tip itself would be less than ideal.
So there you go. For me, if you're after gulls, ignore the days and times, just get down there, stay as long as you can (a brief visit will not suffice) and enjoy those lovely larids.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 3rd of December 2009 09:04:07 PM
supprisingly ,ive been a few times on a sunday,when the flash has been crowded,and been on my own in the hide at birchwood,the majority of people seem to go from the parking area and streight down towards the feeding station are,and avoid birchwood pool area,and apart from a few dogwalkers,nowt like as many as the flash its been fairly good people wise. but im no expert on the pool ive only been about 4 times in a year and its closer to me that pennybut i never see much to be honest,but always worth a look through the gulls
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Dec 3 8:55 PM, 2009
Pete Welch wrote:
Hello all, have spent quite a lot of time at Moore in the Spring but not been for a while - can anyone confirm:
[a] I guess for gulls days the tip is working are best - is it likely that will be any on a non working day?
what the working days are at the moment? In the spring seemed to be alternate week days only?
Cheers, Peter
To be honest Peter, just go at anytime is the best advice. There are always gulls present and despite some days perhaps being better than others (if it's anything like the tips operating currently in Greater Manchester then the non-working days of weekends are usually best!) the best gulls will come and go at any time, any day. There weren't really that many gulls on show last Monday but I still found the Glaucous Gull there, the first of this winter. Clearly, anytime is a good time.
Also, the hide overlooking the Birchwood Pool is only very small and I assume at weekends it could quickly become crowded (I wouldn't dare go near at weekends!) and viewing the bathing gulls or even the ones on the tip itself would be less than ideal.
So there you go. For me, if you're after gulls, ignore the days and times, just get down there, stay as long as you can (a brief visit will not suffice) and enjoy those lovely larids.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 3rd of December 2009 09:04:07 PM
Pete Welch said
Thu Dec 3 8:27 PM, 2009
Hello all, have spent quite a lot of time at Moore in the Spring but not been for a while - can anyone confirm:
[a] I guess for gulls days the tip is working are best - is it likely that will be any on a non working day?
what the working days are at the moment? In the spring seemed to be alternate week days only?
Cheers, Peter
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Nov 30 3:40 PM, 2009
Juvenile Glaucous Gull present on the grassed side of the tip viewed from Birchwood Pool this dinner time.
Pete Antrobus said
Tue Nov 24 6:45 PM, 2009
Hi Pete
Not heard anything myself and as yet I've not ventured down that way this Autumn/Winter. The tip face as of last Spring/Summer was progressing in an Easterly direction taking the gulls away from Birchwood Pool so probably the next pool along (which has hides at either end) Pumphouse Pool will be more favorable for gull watching only time will tell. The Bindippers haven't appeared as yet (still counting Roseate Terns!! at Seaforth) but no doubt once the weather gets wintery they'll be down. Fingers crossed this Winter for a Cheshire Glaucous-winged or maybe a Slaty-backed...
cheers Pod
ps Pete I've been abreviated to Pod mate.
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 06:47:33 PM
pete berry said
Tue Nov 24 1:16 PM, 2009
Pete Antrobus wrote:
At Lapwing Lane Pool this Sunday afternoon there was 3 LITTLE EGRETS under the Cormarant roosting tree. I've never seen this many here before at Moore in 40 yrs of birding down there. Above them there was 35 Cormarants plus 20+ Crows.
15+ Tree Sparrows and one Willow Tit were at the feeders over at Upper Moss Side.
ttfn
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Sunday 22nd of November 2009 05:46:50 PM
Tripod whats happening at Moore with regard to the gulls,not heard of any reports from there yet this winter? Cheers Pete Berry;
-- Edited by pete berry on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 01:18:12 PM
Pete Antrobus said
Sun Nov 22 5:42 PM, 2009
At Lapwing Lane Pool this Sunday afternoon there was 3 LITTLE EGRETS under the Cormarant roosting tree. I've never seen this many here before at Moore in 40 yrs of birding down there. Above them there was 35 Cormarants plus 20+ Crows.
15+ Tree Sparrows and one Willow Tit were at the feeders over at Upper Moss Side.
ttfn
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Sunday 22nd of November 2009 05:46:50 PM
Pete Antrobus said
Wed Oct 21 6:11 PM, 2009
Sunday afternoon down at Halfway House. One Common Sandpiper on the MC Ship Canal by the old sluice gates. One Dunlin in with the Lapwing/Golden Plover flock on the mud of the Mersey. A walk to the hide at Norton Marsh produced 15+ Yellowhammer but no Tree Sparrow. Two plebs with guns and mutts were working the hedges slaughtering everything that was flushed out ...no wonder theres no Partridge left.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Oct 9 9:01 PM, 2009
We Three were here today - only saw one guy taking pikkies. Nothing much doing at all, but from the Hide on the way to the tip, we saw an adult and a juv. Little Egret(one with Yellow feet & one with black)
A few Buzzards, a GCG and a Little Grebe, and a Barnacle Goose in the midst of the Canadians from the Hide at the other end of the Lake. Nothing at all at the Reed beds, other than a reed Bunting and a few Gadwall. A couple of Grey Wags and LT Tits, and a 3 Snipe.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Aug 21 7:04 PM, 2009
Well, we saw no birders at all during the 3 hours we were there! Just as we got back to the car, a guy was getting out of his and asked if we had seen the Blacknecked Grebe. The answer was no, plenty of Little Grebe and young,loads of Gadwall and millions of Canada Geese Apart from some Buzzards, nothing much else about.
Geoff Walton said
Thu Aug 20 2:08 PM, 2009
Three of us could well be here tomorrow from around 10-15am . Anyone else going?
sid ashton said
Mon Jul 20 11:49 PM, 2009
Owl stroll 20.30 - 22.30 round Upper Moss Side and Big Hand Farm areas - Little Owl and Barn Owl both seen well plus a family of Kestrels.
John O'Neill said
Thu Jul 16 11:45 PM, 2009
Went for a late evening Barn Owl spot,last night, but think I went to wrong area of reserve...certainly didn;t see any...did hear a Grasshopper Warbler reeling away continuously tho', in thick scrub by Upper Moss Side .
sid ashton said
Sun Jun 14 12:03 AM, 2009
Went for an evening stroll over the bridge into the field connecting Lapwing Lane to Norton Marsh - plenty of Barn Owl activity - with excellant views. Only just got home - no early morning stuff tomorrow then
Geoff Walton said
Wed Jun 3 7:15 PM, 2009
Good day for "we two" today after there being more birders than birds at Innermarsh farm.
Like John, Two Little grebe with chick and Reed Buntings Also watched a Female GS feeding a young male GS on a tree very close by the feeder hide - a delight to watch. No food out, and after nothing except us eating our butties, we were just about to go. Glad we stayed.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 3rd of June 2009 10:34:12 PM
John O'Neill said
Mon Jun 1 12:03 AM, 2009
Pair of Little grebe with chicks.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 1st of June 2009 05:02:06 PM
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Fri May 8 4:44 PM, 2009
Wednesday, May 6.
LBB/BH/H Gulls. BN Grebe 1 Little and GT Crested Grebes. Grey Herons 10 Garden Warbler 1 singing Sand Martins and Swallows. Gadwall 9+ Treecreeper 1 Buzzard 1 Tawny Owl just 1 t-woo heard! Reed Warbler 1 singing WT 1 singing plus Willow Ws/Chiffchaffs/Blackcaps. GtSpottedWoodpecker 1 Jays 2
etc,etc.
John Lyon said
Sun Apr 12 12:32 AM, 2009
LSW drumming on our arrival 10:40am today, edge of Lapwing Lane, hung around for a short while then was gone. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs everywhere, all around the reserve it seemed and several very vocal Willow Warblers which were a first for us really made our day, Four Buzzard, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk during the days birding, no shortage of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws flocking together and six Jay. GSW end of the day until it disappeared into it's hole in a tree longtailed Tits Robin Dunnocks little Grebe Heron Lapwings Oystercatcher Tufted Ducks Mallard Teal Gadwell Coal Great and Blue Tits Chaffinch GC Grebe Reed Buntings Swallow Yellowhammer Linnet Coot and Moorhens Pheasants Canada Geese
and various gulls that I have not learned much about yet, being new to birding.............but HEEEEYYYY
I always enjoy visiting Moore NR. What a little gem it is eh
An all-too-infrequent visit to my old "local patch" today with Rob Hughes. At Moore we had a pair of Willow Tits along the overgrown disused canal, 7 Lesser Redpoll on the Pennine Way and Kingfisher on Birchwood Pool. Adjacent to the reserve on Richmond Bank were a total of 5 Iceland and 2 Glaucous Gulls, all looked like first winters as far as could be ascertained against the sun. No Lesser Spot tho! Regards, Mike.
jason atkinson said
Sun Mar 29 9:01 PM, 2009
Henry Cook wrote:
Excellent set of photos Jason. How I wish I could have been there this morning!
Cheers Henry good job it showed well
cheers jason
Henry Cook said
Sun Mar 29 5:17 PM, 2009
Excellent set of photos Jason. How I wish I could have been there this morning!
jason atkinson said
Sun Mar 29 4:00 PM, 2009
Ian Campbell wrote:
3rd Weekend running looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,s all round as stunning views of male, drummming, calling, really close with a brilliant blue sky behind. Good to meet Jason Atkinson who took(I believe) some good photo's. Thanks again to all GM birders for your helpful posts on this fabulous bird Cheers Ian
Glad you eventually got your bird Ian and was good to meet you all this morning. Photos can be found on my blog.
cheers jason
sid ashton said
Sun Mar 29 1:29 PM, 2009
Well done Ian - 'bout time too
-- Edited by sid ashton on Sunday 29th of March 2009 01:03:00 PM
Ian Campbell said
Sun Mar 29 12:46 PM, 2009
3rd Weekend running looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,s all round as stunning views of male, drummming, calling, really close with a brilliant blue sky behind. Good to meet Jason Atkinson who took(I believe) some good photo's. Thanks again to all GM birders for your helpful posts on this fabulous bird Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Mar 21 4:26 PM, 2009
Before and after visiting Frodsham this a.m.for the Cattle Egret we visited Moore looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, no luck here though. Great place however, did see all the English tit species(except Marsh) lots of Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4Chiff Chaff, Tree Creeper(making nest), Nuthatch, 15 Sand Martins, Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, Little Grebe plus lots more. Cheers Ian
Mark Rigby said
Tue Mar 10 8:52 PM, 2009
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker still present on Lapwing Lane adjacent to the first hide. Reported at 1000, 1400 and showed very well at 1530hrs
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Mar 8 3:34 PM, 2009
Paid my first ever visit to this reserve and within 5 minutes had seen the male LSW on the first stretch of Lapwing Lane. Excellent close views. Around 10.45 am.
Great place - will be back hopefully when it's not raining so hard!
Pete Antrobus said
Sun Mar 8 12:44 PM, 2009
Spent three hours this Sunday morning walking around Moss Side. 51 species seen/heard untill the rain came. Best bird being a stonkin male MERLIN on the deck at Upper Moss Side in the field to the right before the first bench. Also had the male Lesser Pecker being chased around by a Greater on Lapwing Lane.
Pete Welch said
Sat Mar 7 4:48 PM, 2009
Managed 40 mins there this morning and was very pleased to see my first ever LSW - on Lapwing lane 40m from the crossroads on the right [about 10m after the sub station type building].
Also very obliging male Kestrel [nice change from Buzzard!] perched on tree in meadow behind the LSW. At the feeding station loads of squirrels scaring everything but a GSW managed to sneak in for a go at the fat feeder.
Mike hirst said
Mon Mar 2 3:15 PM, 2009
I also got the lesser for the very first time this morning. On lapwing lane at approx. 10-40am a male showed well for about 10 minutes. Also in the same area :- 2 treecreeper 1 nuthatch 1 gsp 2 jays 2 mistle thrush (seeing off a magpie) blue,coal and great tits robins 1 wren 2 dunnocks
birchwood pool. 27 shoveller 19 gadwall 2 pochard 1 widgeon 30 tufties 6 mallard 4 canadas 1 grey heron 1 little grebe (colour just coming) The drakes of all species were looking really good
sid ashton said
Mon Mar 2 8:08 AM, 2009
Gary the same thing kept happening to me - just getting the Lesser lined up in the scope and a Greater came along and chased it. Doesn't look as though they live side by side very well.
Gary Gorner said
Mon Mar 2 7:16 AM, 2009
finaly got the lesser spotted woodpecker (lifer)on lapwing lane female unfortunately it was chased off by a great spotted but was nice to see the size comparison. plenty of little grebe about at least 10,2 oytercatchers ,2 golden eye female,several pochard,6 shovler.
jason atkinson said
Sat Feb 28 9:06 PM, 2009
A good morning on Arpley Landfill with a juv glauc, 2x1w Iceland, 4 YLG, 1w Med & a frustrating gull ? Then onto Richmond Bank holding 1 adult & 1w Iceland Gulls. Full account and pics on my blog.
cheers jason
sid ashton said
Sat Feb 28 1:49 PM, 2009
Arrived Moore 07.30 but had to wait until 09.00 to get the first view of the Lesser Pecker in a tree directly next to the pump station on Lapwing Lane (at the crossroads). From then until 11.30 had several good sightings between the pump house and the screen onto Lapwing Lake - some from the meadow behind the wood.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Feb 27 3:09 PM, 2009
Two of us were there this morning and saw the LSW
Not much else about though, and the Bittern did not show
Pete Antrobus said
Sat Feb 21 2:54 PM, 2009
The 'small' Glaucous Gull seen this morning on Richmond Bank with at least one YLGull and a possible 1st winter Caspo. 4+ Iceland Gulls maybe even upto 6 seen by the Tip crew. Loads of Birders down Lapwing Lane waiting for the Lesser Pecker to show (the news is definately out) but only 3+ Greats performing.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Feb 21 2:15 PM, 2009
No sign of LSW by 9:30 - a few Great Spots drumming though.
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 5th of December 2009 08:26:09 PM
I'll also have an explore round that end of the Mersey - guess most obvious place to park on the northern bank up is near the canal by Fiddlers and head east?
A few weeks ago I had fantastic views of a very large roost of Golden Plover, Lapwings and gulls right in front of the car park at Pickerings Pasture but I've never got to grips with the river to the east of the bridge.
Pumphouse Pool (two hides) the next pool along from Birchwood also attracts lots of gulls, ducks and the odd wader. I've seen Glauc, Iceland and Med on here this year.
Once the tip stops working most gulls head back down the R.Mersey with many especially larger types roosting on the mudbank opposet Fiddlers Ferry Power Stn (to the north) and Norton Marsh (to the south) a cracking viewpoint is on top the old filterbed just east of Halfway House. I've seen several large WWGs from here plus theres the added bonus of the very large Lapwing/Golden Plover flock which attracts other waders sometimes.
fingers crossed
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Saturday 5th of December 2009 09:47:28 AM
sounds like a challenge?sure you will get a few from me!!does it have to be from moore?
I am really interested (to put it mildly) in any good quality gull photos birders might get from this site. There are few locations which offer such excellent gull photographic opportunities as the close-quarter bathers on Birchwood Pool and it is these I am really interested in. Any of the larger species (Great and Lesser Black-backed, Herring Gull and owt rarer of course) and any age with a particular emphasis on adults showing the upperwing pattern, often easy to see whilst they're generally flapping their wings about on the pool.
The photos will be used for research and possibly an article or two in the future (nothing in the pipeline yet) but of course any images would recieve the usual acknowledgement and huge thanks.
Anyway, if anyone can oblige we've a good four months to go at in front of us
Perhaps we here in Greater Mancester get more weekends gulls as a result of them moving away from Arpley Tip? Though why they'd move here at the weekends when our tips are closed for tipping too is odd. Perhaps it's due to scaring at our tips during working hours forcing many gulls away which means at weekends there's a glut of lovely rubbish for them to scavenge through, whereas the lack of scaring at Arpley means they consume most of what's there throughout the week leaving nothing left at weekends?
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 4th of December 2009 03:17:15 PM
Cheers.
The tip only works until lunchtime on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. Having spent most of last winter at Moore it is amazing how quickly the gulls disperse when the tip is closed. There will always be some gulls hanging around so it is still worth a punt, however the odds are better when the tip is open. When gull watching kicks in properly in a week or two spaces in the hide will be at a premium, particularly on Saturday mornings. Getting there early can be useful though - I often arrive before dawn and go to the eastern reedbed first for the Bitterns.
An element of luck is sometimes needed - I had stonking views of the Glauc on Wednesday lunch for around 40 minutes with not another birder in sight. When the first birder arrived, the Glauc flew off just as he approached the hide. I've aso found that the white-winged gulls easily drop onto the pool without being spotted - the number of times I have seen one found on the water even when the hide is full and no one saw it come down - so keep scanning!
Richmond Bank is often a good bet too - this can be a lot better than Birchwood Pool as lots of gulls choose to bathe in the Mersey and then just loaf around on the big mud bank. It is a bit exposed though and you will need to check the tides - a high tide will always cover Richmond Bank.
Mike
Seriously, the potential for finding your own "good birds" is off the scale!
Came back in the Spring with a mate from N Wales,we had a min of 7 white wingers just viewed from Gatewarth. And 2 b fair the whole area is great patching, we had Kingfisher on Birchwood, etc will have to check me notes etc blah...
Best patch anywhere?!?! Nah.
Cheers, Mike.
Now I'm getting my eye in I reckon its about time I tried the Larids!!!
supprisingly ,ive been a few times on a sunday,when the flash has been crowded,and been on my own in the hide at birchwood,the majority of people seem to go from the parking area and streight down towards the feeding station are,and avoid birchwood pool area,and apart from a few dogwalkers,nowt like as many as the flash its been fairly good people wise.
but im no expert on the pool ive only been about 4 times in a year and its closer to me that pennybut i never see much to be honest,but always worth a look through the gulls
To be honest Peter, just go at anytime is the best advice. There are always gulls present and despite some days perhaps being better than others (if it's anything like the tips operating currently in Greater Manchester then the non-working days of weekends are usually best!) the best gulls will come and go at any time, any day. There weren't really that many gulls on show last Monday but I still found the Glaucous Gull there, the first of this winter. Clearly, anytime is a good time.
Also, the hide overlooking the Birchwood Pool is only very small and I assume at weekends it could quickly become crowded (I wouldn't dare go near at weekends!) and viewing the bathing gulls or even the ones on the tip itself would be less than ideal.
So there you go. For me, if you're after gulls, ignore the days and times, just get down there, stay as long as you can (a brief visit will not suffice) and enjoy those lovely larids.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 3rd of December 2009 09:04:07 PM
[a] I guess for gulls days the tip is working are best - is it likely that will be any on a non working day?
what the working days are at the moment? In the spring seemed to be alternate week days only?
Cheers, Peter
Not heard anything myself and as yet I've not ventured down that way this Autumn/Winter. The tip face as of last Spring/Summer was progressing in an Easterly direction taking the gulls away from Birchwood Pool so probably the next pool along (which has hides at either end) Pumphouse Pool will be more favorable for gull watching only time will tell.
The Bindippers haven't appeared as yet (still counting Roseate Terns!! at Seaforth) but no doubt once the weather gets wintery they'll be down.
Fingers crossed this Winter for a Cheshire Glaucous-winged or maybe a Slaty-backed...
cheers Pod
ps Pete I've been abreviated to Pod mate.
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 06:47:33 PM
Tripod whats happening at Moore with regard to the gulls,not heard of any reports from there yet this winter?
Cheers Pete Berry;
-- Edited by pete berry on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 01:18:12 PM
Above them there was 35 Cormarants plus 20+ Crows.
15+ Tree Sparrows and one Willow Tit were at the feeders over at Upper Moss Side.
ttfn
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus on Sunday 22nd of November 2009 05:46:50 PM
One Common Sandpiper on the MC Ship Canal by the old sluice gates.
One Dunlin in with the Lapwing/Golden Plover flock on the mud of the Mersey.
A walk to the hide at Norton Marsh produced 15+ Yellowhammer but no Tree Sparrow.
Two plebs with guns and mutts were working the hedges slaughtering everything that was flushed out ...no wonder theres no Partridge left.
Nothing much doing at all, but from the Hide on the way to the tip, we saw an adult and a juv. Little Egret(one with Yellow feet & one with black)
A few Buzzards, a GCG and a Little Grebe, and a Barnacle Goose in the midst of the Canadians from the Hide at the other end of the Lake. Nothing at all at the Reed beds, other than a reed Bunting and a few Gadwall.
A couple of Grey Wags and LT Tits, and a 3 Snipe.
Like John, Two Little grebe with chick and Reed Buntings
Also watched a Female GS feeding a young male GS on a tree very close by the feeder hide - a delight to watch. No food out, and after nothing except us eating our butties, we were just about to go. Glad we stayed.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 3rd of June 2009 10:34:12 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 1st of June 2009 05:02:06 PM
LBB/BH/H Gulls.
BN Grebe 1
Little and GT Crested Grebes.
Grey Herons 10
Garden Warbler 1 singing
Sand Martins and Swallows.
Gadwall 9+
Treecreeper 1
Buzzard 1
Tawny Owl just 1 t-woo heard!
Reed Warbler 1 singing
WT 1 singing plus Willow Ws/Chiffchaffs/Blackcaps.
GtSpottedWoodpecker 1
Jays 2
etc,etc.
Four Buzzard, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk during the days birding, no shortage of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws flocking together and six Jay.
GSW end of the day until it disappeared into it's hole in a tree
longtailed Tits
Robin
Dunnocks
little Grebe
Heron
Lapwings
Oystercatcher
Tufted Ducks
Mallard
Teal
Gadwell
Coal Great and Blue Tits
Chaffinch
GC Grebe
Reed Buntings
Swallow
Yellowhammer
Linnet
Coot and Moorhens
Pheasants
Canada Geese
and various gulls that I have not learned much about yet, being new to birding.............but HEEEEYYYY
I always enjoy visiting Moore NR. What a little gem it is eh
1 Glaucous Gull
3 Iceland Gulls
3 Yellow-legged Gulls
Regards,
Mike.
Cheers Henry good job it showed well
cheers
jason
How I wish I could have been there this morning!
Glad you eventually got your bird Ian and was good to meet you all this morning.
Photos can be found on my blog.
cheers
jason
-- Edited by sid ashton on Sunday 29th of March 2009 01:03:00 PM
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
Great place - will be back hopefully when it's not raining so hard!
Also had the male Lesser Pecker being chased around by a Greater on Lapwing Lane.
Also very obliging male Kestrel [nice change from Buzzard!] perched on tree in meadow behind the LSW. At the feeding station loads of squirrels scaring everything but a GSW managed to sneak in for a go at the fat feeder.
2 treecreeper
1 nuthatch
1 gsp
2 jays
2 mistle thrush (seeing off a magpie)
blue,coal and great tits
robins
1 wren
2 dunnocks
birchwood pool.
27 shoveller
19 gadwall
2 pochard
1 widgeon
30 tufties
6 mallard
4 canadas
1 grey heron
1 little grebe (colour just coming)
The drakes of all species were looking really good
plenty of little grebe about at least 10,2 oytercatchers ,2 golden eye female,several pochard,6 shovler.
Full account and pics on my blog.
cheers
jason
Not much else about though, and the Bittern did not show
4+ Iceland Gulls maybe even upto 6 seen by the Tip crew.
Loads of Birders down Lapwing Lane waiting for the Lesser Pecker to show (the news is definately out) but only 3+ Greats performing.
Same birds as Gary plus Treecreeper