20.02.09 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming on dead tree on opposite side of road to Bird Feeder Pond. Showing very well, 8.30 AM ish.
Gary Marland said
Fri Feb 20 9:44 PM, 2009
Friday 20-2-09 10.30 - 15.30
My first visit to the reserve and what great place it is. I went specifically to see the Tawny Owl as I haven't seen one for a while and had a great view of it.
Also seen:
Buzzard - one of which almost ended up as a bonnet mascot on my car when it flew up from the side of the road as I was driving along the lane to Moore. Another Buzzard was being mobbed by what I think was a Peregrine but it was quite high.
Kingfisher Great Spotted Woodpecker, Reed Bunting Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Grey Heron Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren Woodpigeon, Magpie, Crow, Jackdaw, Jay
In the words of Arnie "I'll be back"
Gary
sid ashton said
Thu Feb 19 8:56 PM, 2009
Hi James glad to see that you found the forum ok and welcome - hope the pictures you took through my scope last week of the Tawny Owl turned out ok.
Sid
P.S. just found your private message
James Dyson wrote:
First post so please be gentle..
Went to Moore on Sunday and spotted my first Tree Creeper prob no big deal to most but I have not been birding long so it was a real treat!
Here is a link to the Pic I took of it..
-- Edited by sid ashton at 21:02, 2009-02-19
Mike Baron said
Thu Feb 19 8:22 PM, 2009
James Dyson wrote:
First post so please be gentle..
Went to Moore on Sunday and spotted my first Tree Creeper prob no big deal to most but I have not been birding long so it was a real treat!
Here is a link to the Pic I took of it..
Welcome to birding and to the North Wests premier birding website James!
Nice pics of the Treecreeper.
Mike
James Dyson said
Thu Feb 19 4:28 PM, 2009
First post so please be gentle..
Went to Moore on Sunday and spotted my first Tree Creeper prob no big deal to most but I have not been birding long so it was a real treat!
Here is a link to the Pic I took of it..
Pete Antrobus said
Sat Feb 14 8:21 PM, 2009
The gull fest moved to Richmond Bank (the mud bank on the river opposet the tip)this morning where the adult RING BILLED GULL was found at low tide in amonst 5-6000 other larus. Also present one 'small' 1st winter Glaucous Gull and several Yellow legs. For those doing Birchwood Pool the next pool along (Pumphouse) towards the Eastern Reedbed seems to be getting most of the roosting/bathing big gulls at the mo.
jason atkinson said
Sat Feb 14 2:54 PM, 2009
Made a visit yesterday - Woodcock flushed from roadside ditch Female Brambling at Upper Moss Side 1w Med Gull on Pumphose Pool 1w Iceland Gull on Arpley Tip
cheers jason
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Feb 14 2:50 PM, 2009
Tawny Owl in the usual spot. Lots of vocal Nuthatches. GS Woodpecker but no Lesser. 10+ Reed Buntings at the feeding station and a very frustrated Squirrel. female R***y Duck
sid ashton said
Tue Feb 10 6:47 PM, 2009
Finally found "Pinky the Pinkfoot" - it was on Birchwood pool with it's mates the Canadas. Tawny Owl in usual place.
John O'Neill said
Tue Feb 3 11:10 PM, 2009
3 Bullfinch, 2f 1m by Birchwood Pool
Pete Antrobus said
Tue Jan 27 4:02 PM, 2009
Good mornings birding today at Moore NR/Upper Moss Side/Norton Marsh. The male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling from the tree tops by the sub station on Lapwing Lane where there was also 5 Lesser Redpoll.
The finch/bunting/sparrow flock at UMS farm is huge and I think getting bigger!! 50+ Yellowhammer 60+ Chaffinch 30+ Reed Bunting 30+ Greenfinch 30+ Tree Sparrow Willow Tit 2 Grey Partridge from Norton Marsh Hide Green Sandpiper (never seen one there before) pair Stonechat 4 fem Pintail on the river(high tide) 2 Buzzard
ttfn
sid ashton said
Sun Jan 25 6:35 PM, 2009
I have seen Barney the Barnacle on more than one occasion with a flock of Canadas at Dunham Massey
Pete Antrobus said
Sun Jan 25 6:16 PM, 2009
Pinky has been recorded almost annually from 2002 but I've also seen groups of 2 and 3 with the Canadas (more than one roaming flock for sure) on Budworth Mere and down on Norton Marsh,Moore NR these past few years in Winter. Don't forget theres now a regular flock of wintering Pinkfeet (200+) on the Dee and the roaming Canada flock(s) do visit IMF so they could pick up a few clueless juveniles enroute. I for one have no problem adding it (or them)to my Patch/Cheshire/UK yearlists. One other thing to remember Barney the Barnacle is also out there somewhere!!
jason atkinson said
Sun Jan 25 12:34 PM, 2009
Saw it twice yesterday and must say that its a very tatty individual, with very worn flight feathers especially on the left wing as you look at it flying away from you.
cheers jason
-- Edited by jason atkinson at 12:35, 2009-01-25
Paul Heaton said
Sun Jan 25 10:19 AM, 2009
Can we have more information on this birds credentials please,
I do believe it may have made a GM appearance at a Private site yesterday.
keep birding.
Pete Antrobus said
Sun Jan 25 9:51 AM, 2009
Pinky the Pinkfoot has been around for several years now associating with the Canada flock that travels all over Cheshire he/she has been seen at Budworth Mere, Neumanns Flash, Sandbach, IMF, Moore, Frodders and every where inbetween. It will regularly be on many a local patch yearlist
sid ashton said
Sat Jan 24 10:10 PM, 2009
Who is Pinky the Pinkfoot? I have seen lots of Pinkfeet in and around Moore in the last few months!!
Mike Baron said
Sat Jan 24 7:05 PM, 2009
Pete
Pinky the Pinkfoot flew over the tip twice - there was also a Shelduck up on the tip.
I managed to miss all the YLG's but 3 Iceland Gulls (adult and 2 first winters) and a 1st winter Med gull was a satisfying morning.
Mike
Pete Antrobus said
Sat Jan 24 6:46 PM, 2009
Whoops missed the gull workshop this morning due to large beverage intake Friday night (highly recommend the IPA in The Stretton Fox...lovely!). Did a walk around Upper Moss Side area via Lapwing Lane. 51 species seen including male Brambling, 30+ Yellowhammer, 20+ Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit. Green Sand and Pinky the Pinkfoot at Eastern Reedbed.
Paul Cassidy said
Fri Jan 23 12:33 PM, 2009
There is a relatively small amount of standing water at the mo, most of the pools have been drained while new parts of the site are engineered. Workers on the landfill site have noticed a fluctuation in gull numbers in general from day to day. Perhaps in the credit crunch people are disposing of fewer food scraps...
Rob Smallwood said
Fri Jan 23 12:19 PM, 2009
That's OK Paul, with all you running around on the top with your high vis jackets there will hopefully be more gulls down on the pool for the rest of us!
Out of interest, is there a lot of standing water on the tip, large gull visitors to the pool seem to be reduced so I wondered are they able to drink/bathe up on the tip?
Paul Cassidy said
Fri Jan 23 11:35 AM, 2009
Hello all,
I have an arrangement with Arpley Landfill Site that no more than 15 people can attend the supervised trips to view the gulls - I did specify this when first organising the visits late last year. This is based on site health and safety regs. and the conditions of the site permit. The sessions will run from around 8.45 to 11.30. Latecomers will not be able to join the group.
I'm afraid that only 15 people will be allowed on each visit, I'm not sure how many people have already expressed an interest.
Sorry for any inconvenience - may I suggest that for the next watch (7th Feb) people book in advance by calling me on 01925 444689 no later than midday on 6th Feb.
Pete Antrobus said
Thu Jan 22 12:24 PM, 2009
Just incase call Paul Cassidy 01925 444689 to check gull workshop is on etc
Pete Antrobus said
Wed Jan 21 5:11 PM, 2009
Gull workshop! at Moore NR is open to anyone the more eyes the better. Just incase check www.wrg.co.uk/moorenaturereserve for contact info. The last one was run by ranger Paul Cassidy phone 01925 444689. I think it will be a regular occurance every other Saturday.
cheers Pete
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus at 12:20, 2009-01-22
Steve Scrimgeour said
Wed Jan 21 4:04 PM, 2009
Are there any other Workshops planned, would like dates if poss.
Just need a bit of planning what with Kids and her indoors.
Not much cop with gulls yet see loads
Mike Horwood said
Wed Jan 21 2:44 PM, 2009
Pete
Is this Saturdays workshop an "open " event
Mike
Henry Cook said
Tue Jan 20 10:42 PM, 2009
Yeah it was the same on Monday Pete. One hardy soul I met staked the pool out most of the day but had enough after only a handful of Black-headeds and Commons!
Pete Antrobus said
Tue Jan 20 8:12 PM, 2009
Went down to Birchwood Pool today with the intention of practising my digiscoping. Unbelievably not a gull on the pool for a good 30 minutes and the tip also seemed quieter. Hope it picks up for this Saturdays gull workshop. Over at the screen hide feeding station by the ponds there was:- 2 Willow Tit 3 Coal Tit Great Spotted Woody Reed Bunting 2 Nuthatch Siskin
Pete Antrobus said
Mon Jan 19 8:05 PM, 2009
Managed a few hours at the Western end of Moore NR up at Halfway House/Norton Marsh area on Sunday afternoon. 1200 Lapwing on R.Mersey (low tide) 186 Golden Plover 33 Curlew 2500 gulls usual 5 species 3 Common Buzzard 5 Goldeneye on MSCanal (Goosander gone)
there will be another gull watch on Arpley tip this coming Saturday meet Birchwood Pool 8.30am.
Henry Cook said
Mon Jan 19 5:06 PM, 2009
19/01/2009 - Managed a few hours here this afternoon but in tough conditions at times which prevented productive birding. 2 Green Sandpipers were spotted down at the eastern end on the reserve (1 on the flood just south of the barrier + 1 on the lagoon viewed from the eastern reedbed hide). Other sightings included: 1 Tawny Owl (in the usual spot!) 2 Willow Tits (feeding station) 1 Reed Bunting 2 Siskins 6 Bullfinches (dotted about the reserve) 1 Grey Wagtail (Ship canal) 4 Cormorants (on ship canal) 28 Curlews (flew over ship canal) 5 Pochards
sid ashton said
Thu Jan 15 2:00 PM, 2009
The following was reported on the MNR web site 14th January - "Long-eared owl flew from wood where Lapwing Lane opens out into Upper Moss Side, then tracked W edge of restored landfill site".
No time was given but it maybe worthwhile being on the lookout if walking up there.
Sid A
Melanie Beckford said
Sun Jan 11 6:27 PM, 2009
Towards lunchtime Simon and l called into Moore NR,as we parked,we had VERY close views of a Buzzard in the trees.Once at the hide,the only object of desire was a male Sparrowhawk just 'chillin' in the trees above the reedbed,other sightings were a Kingfisher,Green Sandpiper,Great Spotted Woodpecker and finally a Bittern flying in
jason atkinson said
Sat Jan 10 7:31 PM, 2009
As Pete has said this mornings gull watching was excellent albeit very, very cold. Thermal long-johns, 4 tops (2 thermal) + coat, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of gloves and 2 hats (1 hard) could not repel the freezing wind and air. If you are remotely interested in gull id or gull ageing a trip with the seaforth crew who attend is an absolute must, very helpful guys with bags of knowledge.
cheers jason
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Jan 10 1:10 PM, 2009
I'd love to be there earlier but unfortunately most attendees on the RSPB trips are not hardcore birders
Pete Antrobus said
Sat Jan 10 12:50 PM, 2009
A good mornings gulling was had this Saturday when by prior arrangement we were able to gain access to Arpley Tip. Twelve of us clad in Yellow vests and hard hats birded the working tip face for a freezing two hours. Between us we recorded:- Adult Caspian Gull , 2 2ndwinter Glaucous , one 2ndwinter Iceland and an albino Black-headed Gull.
Nearby on Birchwood Pool there was during the morning one Caspo sp, 5 Yellow legged Gulls , 3 Med Gulls , a different Iceland Gull , the albino BHGull , a Grey Heron eating a Little Grebe and one Fox.
There will be another gull watch on the tip on Saturday 24th Jan meet at Birchwood Pool from 8.30am.
sid ashton said
Fri Jan 9 9:35 PM, 2009
Yep, Pete was at Upper Moss Side on Wednesday mainly in the hope of Short eareds or Barnies on the marsh - didn't find any but like you say there were Yellowhamers and Sparrows both house and tree and a decent flock of Redpoll but no Willow Tit that we could see
Sid A
-- Edited by sid ashton at 21:48, 2009-01-09
Pete Antrobus said
Fri Jan 9 8:59 PM, 2009
Best place at the moment for Willow Tit is the feeders (3 No.) that are found along the Upper Moss Side path which is the area to the West going towards Runcorn passed the last farm. Here you'll also find 50+ Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammer(a rare bird in Cheshire these days). Today there was a female Goosander at Halfway House where the Mersey and MShip Canal are at their closest, its a fair walk though. Bitterns are best on calm sunny days at any time of the day just keep quiet (especially those motordrives ).
good luck Pete
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus at 21:01, 2009-01-09
sid ashton said
Fri Jan 9 7:36 PM, 2009
Tony if you want to find the Moore Lesser Spots you would need to be there a little earlier than 0930 - just a thought.
Sid A
PS Sunrise is 07.17 that day, the 21st Feb
-- Edited by sid ashton at 19:43, 2009-01-09
Tony Coatsworth said
Fri Jan 9 7:30 PM, 2009
I'm leading an RSPB Group Members trip there on Feb 21st, so if anyone fancies coming along we meet up at the Gateway Hotel in Parrs Wood 9:00 or Moore itself about 9:30
Geoff Walton said
Fri Jan 9 5:57 PM, 2009
Thanks Sid. Moore is a cracking place, we only "found " it last year.The only trouble with the Bittern Sid, was that they were all looking at it, and I could not find where they were looking!! When offered a scope, the thing had gone back in before I could adjust the focus. Maybe see you there or around sometime
Cheers
Geoff
sid ashton said
Fri Jan 9 5:07 PM, 2009
Geoff
Don't be too disappointed - friends of mine were also at Moore today and they missed out as well - I have spent hours and hours looking for the Moore Bitterns over the past few years and it is only this year that I have a good record of seeing them - on the ice!! Notice that you found one of the Tawneys in the normal roost as well as the Willow Tits at the feeding station - Henry and I looked for both species on Wednesday and couldn't find - so Geoff you can't win them all but just keep trying
Sid A
Geoff Walton said
Fri Jan 9 4:31 PM, 2009
Well, been there, and I was the only one NOT to see the Bittern at the East Reedbeds.
East Hide Bittern Buzzard Jays Green Sandpiper
Hide at Lake just below the woods Gulls (millions Iceland Gull GC Grebe 9 Heron Coote Moorhen
Bridge to Wood up from above hide Tawney Owl in the right hand tree behind the large tree
Feeder Hide LT Tits GS Woodpecker Willow Tit Reed warbler Grey Wagtail Blue tits Jay Coal Tits Nuthatch
-- Edited by Geoff Walton at 18:01, 2009-01-09
Geoff Walton said
Fri Jan 9 8:14 AM, 2009
Four of us hope to go here today.perhaps if anyone else is there, they could "let on" I am the small one
Geoff
Henry Cook said
Wed Jan 7 10:25 PM, 2009
Hi. I've had a few decent birds seen from the feeding station in the past including Marsh+Willow Tits (no LSW yet!) but wasn't expecting a Spoonbill to fly over and at this time of year! It went over westwards heading alongside the mersey against the general flow of gulls but at the same height as the gulls. Sadly Sid didn't get onto it but we tried to relocate it on the Mersey by the Fiddlers Ferry power station with no luck. I put the news out but it seems that RBA didn't translate my text very well and the direction of flight wasn't put out on the news services which can't have helped the other birders on site. Other stuff around included: 3 Bitterns (eastern reedbed) 1 Kingfisher 20+ Pheasants (east of the reserve on rough ground) 1 Treecreeper 3 Nuthatches 6 Lesser Redpolls 3 Siskins 1 poss Brambling (flew over the eastern reedbed calling) c30 Tree Sparrows (west of the reserve) 8+ Yellowhammers c30 Reed Buntings
sid ashton said
Wed Jan 7 9:59 PM, 2009
Welcome to the forum Pod but who are you? - we tend to use our full names on the forum.
Sid A
PS from what Henry said the bird was in the direction of the Mersey if that is of any help
PPS Just read POD WORLD nuff said!!! -- Edited by sid ashton at 22:26, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:51, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:52, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:55, 2009-01-07
Pete Antrobus said
Wed Jan 7 9:53 PM, 2009
Any clues to which way the Spoonbill flew its a first for Moss Side/Moore NR recording area me thinks. cheers Pod
sid ashton said
Wed Jan 7 9:36 PM, 2009
Jason- that is an absolutley amazing coincidence - we met a bloke who said that he had seen the same gulls that you reported
jason atkinson said
Wed Jan 7 9:27 PM, 2009
Hi Sid
I was there later on this afternoon as a consolation for a day out in Wales. Well done Henry btw there were a few gripped off birders checking everywhere.
cheers jason
sid ashton said
Wed Jan 7 7:06 PM, 2009
Jason
Was that you that we met walking down from the hide on Pump House pool at about 1 o'clock and we spoke briefly?
Henry spotted the Spoonbill flying over the feeding station after we saw the Bitterns when we left you - if it was you that is. I of cousre was a bit too slow!!!
Sid A
jason atkinson wrote:
juv Iceland + juv Glaucous Gull - Birchwood Pool 2 Bitterns - eastern reedbed Maybe Sid or Henry could shed more light on the Spoonbill sighting.
cheers jason
-- Edited by sid ashton at 19:14, 2009-01-07
jason atkinson said
Wed Jan 7 6:55 PM, 2009
juv Iceland + juv Glaucous Gull - Birchwood Pool 2 Bitterns - eastern reedbed Maybe Sid or Henry could shed more light on the Spoonbill sighting.
My first visit to the reserve and what great place it is. I went specifically to see the Tawny Owl as I haven't seen one for a while and had a great view of it.
Also seen:
Buzzard - one of which almost ended up as a bonnet mascot on my car when it flew up from the side of the road as I was driving along the lane to Moore. Another Buzzard was being mobbed by what I think was a Peregrine but it was quite high.
Kingfisher
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Reed Bunting
Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull
Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher
Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Grey Heron
Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch
Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren
Woodpigeon, Magpie, Crow, Jackdaw, Jay
In the words of Arnie "I'll be back"
Gary
Sid
P.S. just found your private message
-- Edited by sid ashton at 21:02, 2009-02-19
Welcome to birding and to the North Wests premier birding website James!
Nice pics of the Treecreeper.
Mike
Went to Moore on Sunday and spotted my first Tree Creeper prob no big deal to most but I have not been birding long so it was a real treat!
Here is a link to the Pic I took of it..
Also present one 'small' 1st winter Glaucous Gull and several Yellow legs.
For those doing Birchwood Pool the next pool along (Pumphouse) towards the Eastern Reedbed seems to be getting most of the roosting/bathing big gulls at the mo.
Woodcock flushed from roadside ditch
Female Brambling at Upper Moss Side
1w Med Gull on Pumphose Pool
1w Iceland Gull on Arpley Tip
cheers
jason
Lots of vocal Nuthatches.
GS Woodpecker but no Lesser.
10+ Reed Buntings at the feeding station and a very frustrated Squirrel.
female R***y Duck
The male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling from the tree tops by the sub station on Lapwing Lane where there was also 5 Lesser Redpoll.
The finch/bunting/sparrow flock at UMS farm is huge and I think getting bigger!!
50+ Yellowhammer
60+ Chaffinch
30+ Reed Bunting
30+ Greenfinch
30+ Tree Sparrow
Willow Tit
2 Grey Partridge
from Norton Marsh Hide
Green Sandpiper (never seen one there before)
pair Stonechat
4 fem Pintail on the river(high tide)
2 Buzzard
ttfn
Don't forget theres now a regular flock of wintering Pinkfeet (200+) on the Dee and the roaming Canada flock(s) do visit IMF so they could pick up a few clueless juveniles enroute.
I for one have no problem adding it (or them)to my Patch/Cheshire/UK yearlists.
One other thing to remember Barney the Barnacle is also out there somewhere!!
cheers
jason
-- Edited by jason atkinson at 12:35, 2009-01-25
I do believe it may have made a GM appearance at a Private site yesterday.
keep birding.
Pinky the Pinkfoot flew over the tip twice - there was also a Shelduck up on the tip.
I managed to miss all the YLG's but 3 Iceland Gulls (adult and 2 first winters) and a 1st winter Med gull was a satisfying morning.
Mike
Did a walk around Upper Moss Side area via Lapwing Lane. 51 species seen including male Brambling, 30+ Yellowhammer, 20+ Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit. Green Sand and Pinky the Pinkfoot at Eastern Reedbed.
Out of interest, is there a lot of standing water on the tip, large gull visitors to the pool seem to be reduced so I wondered are they able to drink/bathe up on the tip?
I have an arrangement with Arpley Landfill Site that no more than 15 people can attend the supervised trips to view the gulls - I did specify this when first organising the visits late last year. This is based on site health and safety regs. and the conditions of the site permit. The sessions will run from around 8.45 to 11.30. Latecomers will not be able to join the group.
I'm afraid that only 15 people will be allowed on each visit, I'm not sure how many people have already expressed an interest.
Sorry for any inconvenience - may I suggest that for the next watch (7th Feb) people book in advance by calling me on 01925 444689 no later than midday on 6th Feb.
Just incase check www.wrg.co.uk/moorenaturereserve for contact info.
The last one was run by ranger Paul Cassidy phone 01925 444689.
I think it will be a regular occurance every other Saturday.
cheers Pete
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus at 12:20, 2009-01-22
Are there any other Workshops planned, would like dates if poss.
Just need a bit of planning what with Kids and her indoors.
Not much cop with gulls yet see loads
Is this Saturdays workshop an "open " event
Mike
One hardy soul I met staked the pool out most of the day but had enough after only a handful of Black-headeds and Commons!
Over at the screen hide feeding station by the ponds there was:-
2 Willow Tit
3 Coal Tit
Great Spotted Woody
Reed Bunting
2 Nuthatch
Siskin
1200 Lapwing on R.Mersey (low tide)
186 Golden Plover
33 Curlew
2500 gulls usual 5 species
3 Common Buzzard
5 Goldeneye on MSCanal (Goosander gone)
there will be another gull watch on Arpley tip this coming Saturday meet Birchwood Pool 8.30am.
Other sightings included:
1 Tawny Owl (in the usual spot!)
2 Willow Tits (feeding station)
1 Reed Bunting
2 Siskins
6 Bullfinches (dotted about the reserve)
1 Grey Wagtail (Ship canal)
4 Cormorants (on ship canal)
28 Curlews (flew over ship canal)
5 Pochards
No time was given but it maybe worthwhile being on the lookout if walking up there.
Sid A
cheers
jason
Nearby on Birchwood Pool there was during the morning one Caspo sp, 5 Yellow legged Gulls , 3 Med Gulls , a different Iceland Gull , the albino BHGull , a Grey Heron eating a Little Grebe and one Fox.
There will be another gull watch on the tip on Saturday 24th Jan meet at Birchwood Pool from 8.30am.
Sid A
-- Edited by sid ashton at 21:48, 2009-01-09
Today there was a female Goosander at Halfway House where the Mersey and MShip Canal are at their closest, its a fair walk though.
Bitterns are best on calm sunny days at any time of the day just keep quiet (especially those motordrives ).
good luck
Pete
-- Edited by Pete Antrobus at 21:01, 2009-01-09
Sid A
PS Sunrise is 07.17 that day, the 21st Feb
-- Edited by sid ashton at 19:43, 2009-01-09
Maybe see you there or around sometime
Cheers
Geoff
Don't be too disappointed - friends of mine were also at Moore today and they missed out as well - I have spent hours and hours looking for the Moore Bitterns over the past few years and it is only this year that I have a good record of seeing them - on the ice!! Notice that you found one of the Tawneys in the normal roost as well as the Willow Tits at the feeding station - Henry and I looked for both species on Wednesday and couldn't find - so Geoff you can't win them all but just keep trying
Sid A
East Hide
Bittern
Buzzard
Jays
Green Sandpiper
Hide at Lake just below the woods
Gulls (millions
Iceland Gull
GC Grebe
9 Heron
Coote
Moorhen
Bridge to Wood up from above hide
Tawney Owl in the right hand tree behind the large tree
Feeder Hide
LT Tits
GS Woodpecker
Willow Tit
Reed warbler
Grey Wagtail
Blue tits
Jay
Coal Tits
Nuthatch
-- Edited by Geoff Walton at 18:01, 2009-01-09
Geoff
It went over westwards heading alongside the mersey against the general flow of gulls but at the same height as the gulls. Sadly Sid didn't get onto it but we tried to relocate it on the Mersey by the Fiddlers Ferry power station with no luck.
I put the news out but it seems that RBA didn't translate my text very well and the direction of flight wasn't put out on the news services which can't have helped the other birders on site.
Other stuff around included:
3 Bitterns (eastern reedbed)
1 Kingfisher
20+ Pheasants (east of the reserve on rough ground)
1 Treecreeper
3 Nuthatches
6 Lesser Redpolls
3 Siskins
1 poss Brambling (flew over the eastern reedbed calling)
c30 Tree Sparrows (west of the reserve)
8+ Yellowhammers
c30 Reed Buntings
Sid A
PS from what Henry said the bird was in the direction of the Mersey if that is of any help
PPS Just read POD WORLD nuff said!!!
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:26, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:51, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:52, 2009-01-07
-- Edited by sid ashton at 22:55, 2009-01-07
cheers Pod
I was there later on this afternoon as a consolation for a day out in Wales. Well done Henry btw there were a few gripped off birders checking everywhere.
cheers
jason
Was that you that we met walking down from the hide on Pump House pool at about 1 o'clock and we spoke briefly?
Henry spotted the Spoonbill flying over the feeding station after we saw the Bitterns when we left you - if it was you that is. I of cousre was a bit too slow!!!
Sid A
-- Edited by sid ashton at 19:14, 2009-01-07
2 Bitterns - eastern reedbed
Maybe Sid or Henry could shed more light on the Spoonbill sighting.
cheers
jason