Sid,

I'm not sure what extra-sensory powers Rob has, though I'm hoping he'll tell us how he does it (and I'm sure he has a few ) but for myself and an increasing amount of county birders, pagers are the way to go. For under £5 a week Birdnet offer their full pager service which will inform you of everything around the country, this way you'll get first hand news straight away no matter where you are, no need for computers. All Birdnet staff are registered Manchester Birding forum users and have a vested interest in increasing the news from our county and those surrounding, best of all if you need to know if a particular bird's still present (but no pager massage has come out recently) you can ring Birdnet up, ask them and they'll find out for you

There is a review of their pagers on the Manchester Birding website or I'd be happy to discuss it with you first if necessary but either way, let's see how 'mystic Rob' does it

Thanks for the info chaps - probably won't be able to think about going over there until Thursday by which time the White-Winged BT may be away as well - which brings me to a question.

It is probably a stupid question but Rob, how did you know that the Black Terns had gone?

Birdguides and Dee-estuary sites have reported that the White Wings was there but not that the Black Terns had left - do you know one of the locals or have you been over again today? - or is there another way of knowing what has left a site - this could be useful info for the forum. If it is a stupid question I apologise in advance but anything that will prevent "wild tern chases" (in these days of expensive petrol) would be a help.

Cheers

Sid

Still present today but the 2 Black's gone.

As Henerz says, if the sailing club is closed then viewing is poor and distant.

They were very accomodating on Sunday, so if open I'd ask in the Clubhouse as you can walk to the far end and get better views.

Apparently the bird can be seen distantly (!) from the hide at IMF

Hey Sid. The easiest way to get to the lake is taking the first left off the third roundabout once you get onto the A548 to Flint. Drive a very short distance and take the first left. This little road flanks the a road back the other way for about 1 km to a 't junction'. You can either park here or if the gate to the left is open drive on. Walk/drive along this road for 1 km. If walking take wellies as the road is flooded. Access to the water is best when the boat club is open but a hooter goes off quite often when the boats are out, possibly scaring off the terns. Otherwise I think viewing from outside the fence is the only way. I originally found the tern from outside the fence but the views then were distant.
Re: the grey phal I read your post after getting home so it was too late. Got decent views of 10 in Ireland last week though
Henry.

-- Edited by Henry Cook at 10:04, 2008-09-08

Hi Henry

Did you see that I had the Grey Phalarope at Frodsham on the Frodsham thread!

That is or was dead easy to find if you want to know where please let me know.

Wouldn't mind decent directions for the Black Terns from the main (Flint?) road to the lake - may get the chance this week - please see your message box.

Ta

Sid

-- Edited by sid ashton at 07:58, 2008-09-08

Tricky to find, but once at the boating lake I had good views of the tern, lifer! Also a late Sand Martin over the lake and the 2 Black Terns for company.
Totally didn't know about the Grey Phalarope though. Nevermind.
Just Message me if anyone needs directions to the lake.
Thanks. Henry.

Today, Grey Phalarope at the Weaver Bend, Frodsham, and White-winged Black Tern with 2 Black Tern, Shotwick Lake.