Wheatear 3 Avocet 30+ Stonechat Merlin Ringed plover 2 Possible Little Stint associating with 2 Ringed Plover
M Gannon said
Sun Mar 23 8:21 PM, 2014
Visited burton mere yesterday afternoon. Managed to see:
Hen Harrier (ringtail) Water rail Pink footed geese-1000 Buzzard-3 Greylag goose-2 Teal-100 Wigeon-30 Shoveler-12 Shelduck-30 Tufted duck-30 Little grebe-2 Avocet-35 Black tailed godwit-200 Lapwing-10 Siskin-1 (More heard) Little egret-16 Grey heron-7 Comorant
M Gannon said
Sat Mar 15 6:18 PM, 2014
Visited this site for the first time this afternoon
Sightings included:
1 ringtail Hen Harrier (very good views of it from the marsh convert hide as the bird passed really close. It then headed towards the visitor center pool, spooking all the waders and wildfowl) 1 Peregrine Possible merlin Little egret-20 (one was catching fish in front of the marsh convert hide) Avocet-30 Little grebe-1 Plus all the usual waders including oystercatcher, black tailed godwit and lapwing, and wildfowl including canada geese, mallard, tufted duck, shelduck, teal, widgeon, shoveler and gadwall.
John Williams said
Sat Feb 22 4:39 PM, 2014
10.00-13.30
Burton Wetlands Centre
123 Black Tailed Godwits, 10 Grey Herons, 2 Ravens ( in aerial display), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Goldfinches by far the most numerous birds on the feeders.
The waterlevel seems high on the pools on the North side of the Marsh Covert Hide, often the haunt of Spotted Redshanks, no waders at all on there today.
Inner Marsh Farm
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 36 Common Gulls and a single Herring Gull amongst a large flock Black Headed Gulls.
1 ringtail Hen Harrier showing well hunting low over the marsh & flushing everything except herons and geese.
1 male Stonechat, 4 Buzzards, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshanks and 18 Dunlin.
Denhall Lane
Just a few Teal and crows, no small birds showing at all and very few birders, compared to last weekend.
Late post for yesterday vol'ing at bmw, all sightings from reception 1 fem merlin, showed well hunting and perching on a fencepost, and hovering too. Does anyone know if hovering is common in merlin, as I have never seen it before and it seems a far cry from their usual hunting tactics?? Large numbers of waders including 30+ black-tailed godwit, 700+ lapwing, 72 golden plover, 40+ redshank etc Also 100+ dunlin and with them the wintering little stint. great-white egret showed very well during morning 1 ringtail hen harrier All common wildfowl - pintail, wigeon, teal, mallard, gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler, shelduck etc no white-wingers in with the black-headed gulls, just common and LBB in amongst them pair bullfinch siskin unconfirmed report of dipper, wrong habitat but I suppose it could have been blown in.
Nice day :)
Charles Farrell said
Sat Jan 25 9:46 PM, 2014
A trip with Paul Hurst to see the Buff-bellied Pipit, but we were somewhat defeated by the weather conditions and didn't see it, although others certainly did. Lots of Linnet and Mezdow Pipit in the area plus several Stonechats.
We moved on to Parkgate Marsh where we saw the Great White Egret and a huge flock of Lapwings put up by 2 ringtail Hen Harriers. There was also a Kestrel briefly. Once again after a brief fine spell was followed by driving wind and rain.
After another failed attempt at the Buff-bellied Pipit we went on to Burton Mere, where from the reception centre, we saw the following from the hide: - Buzzard - c39 Whooper Swans in the distance Plus - c25 Black-tailed Godwit - c30 Dunlin - c200 Teal - c150 Greylag Goose - 2 Snipe - 8 Gadwall Plus the more usual waterfowl.
A nice day out despite the weather and a place that I shall certainly revisit!
Mark Burgess said
Sat Jan 25 7:07 PM, 2014
10.40 - 11.00am pretty quite, Of note.
Water Rail showing in front of the visitors centre Black Tailed Godwit Redshank Siskin
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun Jan 12 10:52 AM, 2014
Reported yesterday:
Merlin 2 ringtail hen harrier 1 little stint 1 peregrine large numbers of commoner waders Large number of geese inclu pink-footed, canada and greylag Lots of swans still on the fields looking from reception inclu 40+ whoopers, probably a few Bewick's too
Water rail showed well at about 5pm when I arrived back from Hilbre, and I was told it was showing well for most of the day. Also 1 ringed teal, lifer (wink wink)
Great spotted woodpeckers drumming from the IMF car park in the morning.
Mark Burgess said
Sat Jan 11 6:34 PM, 2014
Inner Marsh Farm 11.15 - 12.00
Apart from circa 150 teal the only other birds visible were 2 Spotted Redshank.
Jonathan Platt said
Tue Jan 7 11:37 AM, 2014
Steve Christmas wrote:
Probably nearer 1400g for a drake mallard.
Yes, of course it is, must have been reading that wrong! In which case a Little Egret weighs in around 1lb, about the same weight as a Woodpigeon, which are common prey for both male and female Peregrines. I wonder if they're killed more regularly than I thought, it was the first time I've witnessed a Peregrine making a serious attack on one.
Steve Christmas said
Tue Jan 7 9:28 AM, 2014
Probably nearer 1400g for a drake mallard.
Jonathan Platt said
Mon Jan 6 11:50 AM, 2014
Joey Eccles wrote:
The Peregrine flew in at great speed but looked a bit disappointed when it failed to flush any of the waterfowl, and after surveying the scene chose to circle high above the marsh. It then proceeded to have a go at an unsuspecting Mallard that flew beneath it, the duck just managing to dive out of the way of the attack. The Peregrine then circled again before stooping at a Little Egret, cleanly knocking it out of the air, where it tumbled hard on the ground below. The Peregrine circled very low over the egret, which had clearly suffered some damage as it was limping badly and flapping wildly. Dragging itself into cover, the Egret fought off a few half hearted passes by the Peregrine which reluctantly decided not to take on such spirited prey, and landed in a field some 150m away.
That's interesting Joey, here's something I posted on another forum recently, I wouldn't mind betting it's the same Peregrine involved:
On Sunday 24th November I arrived at Denhall Lane at dawn. As the light began to increase I was scoping towards the mouth of the estuary when a Little Egret flashed across the bottom of my view followed a second later by a Peregrine, which had obviously put in a stoop at the egret, birds were approx. half a mile away. I've had Peregrines chase or stoop at large birds many times before, the attack has never been sustained and I've always assumed the falcon was simply 'practicing'. However, this occasion was different. The egret had taken refuge in what I presumed was a gutter, initially the falcon turned and put in a series of short stoops until the egret flew along the gutter, dropping down just before the Peregrine hit it. This happened several more times, the egret flying up and down the gutter, until the Peregrine also dropped down into the gutter. I couldn't see either bird but kept my scope on the spot. After several minutes the Peregrine's wing flapped above the ditch couple of times, several more minutes went by and the falcon lifted once more, flew a few yards then dived down again. At this point I decided to trot up to Decca Pools where I could get a closer and more elevated view from the gateway - this was a mistake as I failed to find the birds again!
Little Egret seems large prey for a Peregrine, though they are all wings and feathers they still strike me as large quarry - weight is 450g according to BTO website, compared to Mallard drake at 140g for instance.
Also, your post, and Tanmay's reply, confirm that the dead, white bird being consumed by crows on Sunday at BMW was, as I suspected, a Little Egret!
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun Jan 5 12:11 PM, 2014
Joey Eccles wrote:
Two visits c.11am & 2.30pm All birds seen from the main hide/visitor centre:
Water Rail offering clear, unobstructed views down to about 8 feet for several minutes! Spotted Redshank 2 Ringtail Hen Harriers scanning the marsh behind the pool, the size difference between the two suggested a female and an immature male. Sparrowhawk circling Peregrine (Juv.)
The Peregrine flew in at great speed but looked a bit disappointed when it failed to flush any of the waterfowl, and after surveying the scene chose to circle high above the marsh. It then proceeded to have a go at an unsuspecting Mallard that flew beneath it, the duck just managing to dive out of the way of the attack. The Peregrine then circled again before stooping at a Little Egret, cleanly knocking it out of the air, where it tumbled hard on the ground below. The Peregrine circled very low over the egret, which had clearly suffered some damage as it was limping badly and flapping wildly. Dragging itself into cover, the Egret fought off a few half hearted passes by the Peregrine which reluctantly decided not to take on such spirited prey, and landed in a field some 150m away.
hi Joey, Missed you yesterday, was volunteering at BMW but spent most of the day at Parkgate, would have been nice to catch up. From what I've heard it's unlikely the egret will survive, it was being attacked by crows in the evening and wasn't putting up much of a fight. That imm. peregrine has been around fior a while and I'm not entirely sure how it survives as it never seems to catch anything. Glad you got a good view of the water rail
As well as your sightings Large group of swans in the fields visible from reception yesterday morning, mainly mutes, some whoopers and 2 probably Bewick's Large flock of 100+ knot flew around in the morning but disappeared onto the marsh. 10+ dunlin 2 great white egret reported + usuals
Joey Eccles said
Sat Jan 4 11:31 PM, 2014
Two visits c.11am & 2.30pm All birds seen from the main hide/visitor centre:
Water Rail offering clear, unobstructed views down to about 8 feet for several minutes! Spotted Redshank 2 Ringtail Hen Harriers scanning the marsh behind the pool, the size difference between the two suggested a female and an immature male. Sparrowhawk circling Peregrine (Juv.)
The Peregrine flew in at great speed but looked a bit disappointed when it failed to flush any of the waterfowl, and after surveying the scene chose to circle high above the marsh. It then proceeded to have a go at an unsuspecting Mallard that flew beneath it, the duck just managing to dive out of the way of the attack. The Peregrine then circled again before stooping at a Little Egret, cleanly knocking it out of the air, where it tumbled hard on the ground below. The Peregrine circled very low over the egret, which had clearly suffered some damage as it was limping badly and flapping wildly. Dragging itself into cover, the Egret fought off a few half hearted passes by the Peregrine which reluctantly decided not to take on such spirited prey, and landed in a field some 150m away.
A flock of 90 Fieldfares flushed from hawthornes with lesser numbers of Redwings. 2 Buzzards on fence posts.
Masses of Chaffinches and Goldfinches, with lesser numbers of Reed Buntings and Linnets in the hedgerows and on the stubble, amongst them was a single Siskin.
The RSPB have done a brilliant job managing this farmland, I could of stayed all day and watched the mass of small birds flitting between the stubble and hedgerow.
On the Main Mere were 6 Redshanks plus the usual mass of Canada and Greylag Geese but little else.
Apparently a Peregrine had swept through just before I arrived, caught a Teal, and scattered almost everything else.
A single Pink Footed Goose is also here, apparently it's been shot through the wing on the salt marsh and found sanctuary at Burton.
Marsh Covert area
1 Barn Owl, 1 huge Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv) plus Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck etc,.
Inner Marsh farm
1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Water Rail, 6 Redshank, 18 Black Tailed Godwits and 500 Lapwings.
On the sheep pasture 27 Curlews and 22 'Alba' wagtails, each one of these small birds was different, some with a subtle primrose face, others persil white.
A single Goldcrest was near the car park.
Denhall
Only corvids visible on the marsh, mainly Rooks.
Rick Hall said
Mon Nov 18 11:40 PM, 2013
Beautiful film Scott. Absolutely awe inspiring.
David Walsh said
Mon Nov 18 3:16 AM, 2013
I've just watched the video, Scott. Fantastic entertainment. The short-eared owl sequence, in particular, was sensational. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Ian Coote said
Sat Nov 2 3:12 AM, 2013
Outstanding!
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon Oct 28 7:56 PM, 2013
Amazing film Scott, great footage, info and really encapsulates the Dee in winter. The guys at BMW had told me it was amazing but I didn't expect this! Wow!
It was a pity I didn't catch you at BMW (I seemed to be volunteering only on the days you weren't there) but thanks so much for sharing this - brilliant! Many congratulations, and best of luck with future projects :)
Loved the raptor footage and also the way you really epitomised the character of sanderling. I know how difficult it is to photograph/film knot flocks - your footage really impressed me.
Thanks again, Tanmay
Hazel Rothwell said
Mon Oct 28 2:26 AM, 2013
Evening Scott, I have just watched your wonderful Documentary on the Dee Estuary's wintering birds and found it totally captivating. Awesome footage and commentary with stunning detail and interesting facts, thank you so very much for sharing this excellent film and congratulations to you and the team involved. I visited Hilbre Island a few weeks ago and also the surrounding areas of Hoylake, N.Brighton Parkside, Denhall Lane and RSPB Burton Mere/Inner Marsh Farm and will be revisiting over the winter period to experience the sights and sounds of the wintering visitors. Thank you again for posting your link; going back to take another look at the documentary now !! Kind regards, Hazel
Scott Reid said
Mon Oct 28 1:50 AM, 2013
For anyone that may be interested, I produced a documentary about the wintering birds on the Dee Estuary whilst on a work placement year with the RSPB last winter. If anyone would like to watch it, the link is below:
https://vimeo.com/77881908
Many thanks
Scott
Tanmay Dixit said
Wed Oct 23 2:58 AM, 2013
Full day vol'ing
kingfisher 1 (fem) spotted redshank 5 ruff 6+ wigeon 6+ lots of teal, no sign of a green-winged amongst them though snipe 3+ kestrel buzzard sparrowhawk 1 fem which showed well sat at the bank from reception 1 curlew sandpiper reported plus usuals
A gentleman told me he'd seen a buzzard at marsh covert hide; it appeared to land on the water but in fact had landed on a gadwall, drowned it, and then flew off with it. Never heard of this sort of thing happening before but there you go.
Stoat seen yesterday Many migrant hawkers and commoner dragonflies too many ladybirds including 22-spot
Full day vol'ing on our 2nd birthday!! Good to see lots of families and kids exploring nature!
4+ curlew sandpiper 2+ little stint 1 juv peregrine (chased a snipe unsuccessfully - an amazing sight to watch the snipe leading the peregrine higher and higher into the sky 1 hobby (which I missed) 1 fem marsh harrier 5+ ruff 150+ each of shoveler and wigeon 1 pintail (male coming out of eclipse) 3+ white wagtail with many pied and 1 grey wagtail 1+ kingfisher 30+ mute swan was surprising and garganey and Mediterranean gull reported by a reliable source
3 lifers for me (none birds though) a few red underwing moths 1 male migrant hawker and best of all, a stoat by the feeding station, even got a (poor) record shot!
also lots of other common butterflies, moths and damsel/dragonflies including great views and pics of common darter lizards reported basking at bunker hide and on path to marsh covert
Jonathan Platt said
Mon Sep 9 4:14 AM, 2013
Three Whinchat, five Wheatear a Merlin and a Marsh Harrier of note on Burton Marsh first thing. Two Little Stints, a Curlew Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Garganey at Burton Mere. A ring-tailed Hen Harrier, two Marsh Harriers, a couple of Short-eared Owls and a Green Sandpiper on Burton Marsh in the late afternoon. A sprinkling of Peregrines throughout the day!
Patrick Earith said
Sat Sep 7 3:13 AM, 2013
A later visit at 17:30 didn't produce the hoped for earlier Little Stint, but did turn up a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, two Yellow Wagtails, a Ruff and a lone Dunlin. Still plenty of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin about too
David Wilson said
Sat Sep 7 1:33 AM, 2013
A couple of hours spare this afternoon so decided to try for the Kingfisher at Burton mere wetlands. And it didnt disapoint, perching momentarily on branch in front of reception before landing on reeds. Unfortunately I was inside at the time so no decent pic. Other birds of note included plenty Snipe, Curlew sandpiper, Little ringed plover, Greenshank, Green sandpiper, a very distant Little stint ( found by the very helpful and friendly vol. Karen. ) also female Marsh harrier did a couple of passes. Quality birds but just a bit too far away..... but I dont like to grumble. Teehee. Also of note the windows have been locked in the other hide for health and safety reasons. Apparently the health and safety guy was hit on the head by one of the windows.!!!! You couldnt make it up... :)
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Sep 5 7:33 PM, 2013
Full day vol'ing today, ran a nice guided walk too :)
1 curlew sandpiper picked out at the end of the day 1 peregrine marsh and ringtail hen harriers 1 ruff 1 bar-headed goose (safe to say dubious origin on that one!) Lots of snipe showing v well 25+ wigeon 125+ shoveler 2 water rail 1 kingfisher
also stoat sightings throughout the day, sadly not from me though.
Quite a few badger sightings recently too
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Thursday 5th of September 2013 07:34:28 PM
Tanmay Dixit said
Tue Sep 3 7:31 PM, 2013
I'm glad you find vols and staff good, as well as the facilities. Always great to have children visiting. If I'm there when your around (I'm the only Asian volunteer) make yourself known - don't meet that many members of this forum.
Wouldn't use the word selfish - we all would like the birds closer! But they can sometimes provide great, close-up spectacles, esp in Autumn and Winter, so fingers crossed for more.
Hope to catch you there sometime :)
Denzil Nicklin said
Tue Sep 3 7:29 PM, 2013
Hi Guys
A very interesting 'Post', regarding the positioning of the Reception Hide at Burton Mere Wetlands.
I think that this is a really 'tough one' for the RSPB, but personally, I think that they have done a fantastic job.
The majority of decent birds that turn up on the reserve, do indeed, usually frequent the 'Scrapes', and these, are of course, a little bit further away from the Reception Hide, and definitely do, require a scope for confident identification, but as Tanmay quite rightly points out, the majority of people who visit the reserve, generally have no interest in rarities, and I have experienced this many times myself, because whenever there has been an interesting bird present...................I have noticed, that virtually everyone who has arrived at the reserve that day, has been far more excited, by maybe the presence of the Avocet chicks, and the numerous Coots and Moorhens etc, that are in front of the Reception Hide, than whatever the 'Star Bird' present was.........especially the women and children. It would have been impractical, for the RSPB to have built the Reception Hide anywhere else, because it would have meant situating it on the other side of the pools that are currently in front of it, and this would have forced them to create the 'Scrapes' much further out than they currently are, which would have meant the removal of some prime habitat..................the very habitat, that has proved to be so successful, in attracting a fantastic array of species to it. The RSPB's idea, of looking to provide a more powerful scope in the Reception Hide, is a brilliant one, and if this does come to fruition, it will definitely satisfy the 'Birders', who want that little bit of extra magnification or clarity.
Burton Mere Wetlands, is without question, the best thing that has happened locally for wildlife, and people, for many years, and we all just need to understand the needs of others, as well as our own, when visiting the reserve, and appreciate what a great job, the RSPB staff and volunteers are doing, to help everyone get the most out of their visit, each and every time, that they arrive at the reserve. From a photographic perspective, there are a lot of areas on the reserve, where you can get some great 'shots' of the birds and wildlife, and if that doesn't satisfy, try visiting the adjacent Burton Marsh during the Winter months, where you will be treated to some great views of the 'patrolling' Short eared Owls.
David Wilson said
Tue Sep 3 1:21 AM, 2013
Haha Paul Risley. I nearly choked on mine when id thought you had left the county with your bins.!!
Re: Tanmay.
We go every other week with our 4 year old daughter. She loves doing the bug hunt and we enjoy the walk. Maybe im a bit selfish as I would like to be closer to the main scrape for pictures. Thats the only minor gripe I have. The volunteers are really friendly and helpful. I hear your comments. Seen the water rail and got super close views.
Paul Risley said
Mon Sep 2 9:24 PM, 2013
David Wilson Wrote
"Now I dont like to grumble "
WHAT ??? I nearly choked on my brew when I read that,
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon Sep 2 4:34 PM, 2013
Hi David and Phil
Glad you had a good day David, and thanks for your comments. However, it might be worth noting some things that you may have been told by vols or staff if you asked, but in case you didn't, I'll mention them here.
There's not much we can do about the birds being far away at the moment; we wouldn't want to disturb them/destroy breeding habitat by somehow trying to get a viewpoint closer to the action. Anyway, we have done a lot to get some birds closer: there are some sticks about 2m from reception that the kingfisher(s) have been regularly perching on (great for photos because, as I mentioned in a previous post, you can view them from the side of the hide without glass in the way). The water rail has shown again as with last winter, directly outside reception (even I got decent pics with a blackberry phone - well known as the phone with the worst camera!), we have cut some of the vegetation and regularly put seed out to ensure it is visible.
The kids are typically more into 'creepy crawlies' than birds and so we have left ragwort and other insect-friendly plants just outside reception and have fortunately attracted many species of butterflies, bees and other insects.
It is also worth mentioning that, as you say, we are trying to get kids and families interested in nature...well, logically, if they aren't already into nature they aren't birders or twitchers, and we find that they love the coots, moorhens, herons and little grebes (as well as ducklings in spring) in the front pool outside the centre. They aren't that interested in the rare stuff 200m away, they enjoy watching the commoner species too (perhaps something we should all be doing!)
And I'm told we'll be getting a new, improved 'scope which will help long distance viewing.
There are also kids backpacks with a minibeast hunting kit available for the kids - they're great for families if anyone wants to bring their children along!
Of course I take your point that the rarer birds are usually further away, and any suggestions would be great as to how we could attract them closer, but hopefully I've put your mind at rest that we are doing our best to keep photographers, birders, children etc all happy - not an easy task as I'm sure you agree! If you (or others) have any further questions or comments, please PM me or post here as I would hopefully be able to answer them or pass them on to the staff/wardens. best wishes Tanmay
Phil Hampson said
Mon Sep 2 3:30 PM, 2013
David Wilson wrote:
A couple of hours at Burton mere wetlands this afternoon. : Marsh harrier fem/ juv did a couple of passes over waders in front of reception hide sending everything up. A few Curlew Sandpiper along with good numbers of Snipe showing well but a good distance away. Good numbers of Black tailed godwit with a single Little ringed plover found on the scrape. Single Kingfisher very vocal whizzing around the two ponds. Now I dont like to grumble as its a super reserve with plenty to see and do... but...... its just a tad frustrating the birds are such a distance away from reception hide. Its not as if they would get disturbed as the windows dont open. Binoculars dont really suffice as a scope is essential..... which considering what the Rspb are trying to do, get children interested, the main action is just too far away for them to hold their interest. Also it would be nice to get a bit closer for photographers. Such a shame.
David I echo your comments totally.
Phil
David Wilson said
Sun Sep 1 11:14 PM, 2013
A couple of hours at Burton mere wetlands this afternoon. : Marsh harrier fem/ juv did a couple of passes over waders in front of reception hide sending everything up.
A few Curlew Sandpiper along with good numbers of Snipe showing well but a good distance away. Good numbers of Black tailed godwit with a single Little ringed plover found on the scrape. Single Kingfisher very vocal whizzing around the two ponds. Now I dont like to grumble as its a super reserve with plenty to see and do... but...... its just a tad frustrating the birds are such a distance away from reception hide. Its not as if they would get disturbed as the windows dont open. Binoculars dont really suffice as a scope is essential..... which considering what the Rspb are trying to do, get children interested, the main action is just too far away for them to hold their interest. Also it would be nice to get a bit closer for photographers. Such a shame.
Tanmay Dixit said
Wed Aug 28 5:04 PM, 2013
Volunteering at BMW yesterday
9 greenshank 13 ruff 2 spotted redshank 1 peregrine flew through the waders unsuccessfully lots of buzzards and kestrels around too brilliant views of kingfisher just outside the reception hide (great place to photograph them too as you can take photos from outside the hide without glass in the way...literally at point blank range too!! Many snipe and lapwing the 1st few wigeon are arriving, with 85 shoveler seen on Monday found what I thought may have been a new bird for the reserve - a fem/ecl male mandarin which stayed briefly, but the site manager said it wasn't quite the first
Lots of good insects about - purple hairstreaks seen on Mon but not yesterday (although it was cooler and cloudier) also common blue, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper, meadow brown, speckled wood etc etc, and a nice first for me with a couple of wall browns
and some good company too
Steve Suttill said
Mon Aug 26 4:54 PM, 2013
Sunday 25th:
No Greenshank today but a lot more Black-tailed Godwits. 1 Spotted Redshank 1 juv Curlew Sandpiper 1 Hobby - great views as it flew directly towards the hide (on old Inner Marsh Farm)
Later, a walk from Harp Inn to Parkgate produced ringtail Hen Harrier, 4 Little Egrets and at least 100 Redshank.
Mark Burgess said
Thu Aug 22 3:07 AM, 2013
9.45 - 13.30, highlights.
Hen Harrier (female), close views right in front of the visitor centre Greenshank 12 Ruff 5 Black Tailed Godwit c200 Little Ringed Plover 10 Common Sandpiper Snipe 2 Dunlin
steven burke said
Sun Aug 18 5:04 AM, 2013
9-2.30pm with phil Kelly
highlights...
juvenile peregrine falcon whizzing around opposite the visitor centre. 1 marsh harrier 2-4 buzzards 13 greenshank 7 spotted redshanks 1 common sandpiper 1 dunlin 2 ruff 1 juvenile little ringed plover 4 common gulls 1 kingfisher 50+ black tailed godwits 100+ lapwings possible great white egret flew out of reeds just to the left of the visitor centre then flew over inner marsh hide then out towards the river !
thanks again phil
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Fri Aug 16 7:29 PM, 2013
A few highlights from Friday, August 16th, late morning.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 16th of August 2013 07:52:47 PM
Tanmay Dixit said
Wed Jul 31 5:08 PM, 2013
A third volunteering day within the last 4 days, and with it 3 lifers in these 4 days! 1 wood sandpiper (lifer), picked out by me at the far bank from reception (took a while for a positive id due to distance). In the end it came closer and gave stunning views anyway. 6+ green sandpiper 2 common sandpiper A hobby (my bogey bird!) made a brief appearance hunting dragon/damselflies right in front of the reception hide, it caught one and flew off over the trees. All the usuals, and right at the end of the day the fem marsh harrier finally made an appearance, spotted by one of the new vols (an auspicious start!)
butterflies included peacock, gatekeeper, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, small white and meadow brown
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun Jul 28 8:57 PM, 2013
And today: Some yellow wagtail Unconfirmed spoonbill reported (marsh covert hide), both myself and a member of staff popped down immediately after it was reported and no sign of the bird Yellowhammer and green woodpecker reported Flock of knot dropped in, some in summer plumage but moulting at least 3 spotted redshank (2 winter, 1 moulting) redshank 4+ green sandpiper 2+ common sandpiper 7+ little egret (there have been 380+ reported coming into roost one evening this week!) 5+ snipe (surely more were hidden)
Great numbers of insects too, wonderful views of butterflies and damselflies
and 1 Phil Kelly, nice to meet you :)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 28th of July 2013 08:57:43 PM
Tanmay Dixit said
Sat Jul 27 8:02 PM, 2013
Good day volunteering, not v busy though. Bird-wise quiet, with a few 'possible' sightings of the wood sandpiper that has stayed throughout the week (unconfirmed as the visitors who saw it weren't sure), hopefully will show again. at least 8 green sandpiper and 1 common sandpiper many yellow wagtails with some pied wags and a couple of grey wags (with juvs of all but the latter) lapwings, black-tailed godwits etc and the highlight, a corn bunting near the barn, really chuffed with that lifer, a rarity at the reserve, and self-found (although they have been reported recently)
2 rats had a fight this morning, one ran off with a bloodied ear!
Loads of comma, small tortoiseshell and white (of many species) butterflies, blue-tailed damselflies etc. :)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Saturday 27th of July 2013 08:04:04 PM
Jonathan Platt said
Mon Jul 15 3:56 AM, 2013
Three juvenile Green Woodpeckers and a juv Little Owl in the wood at Burton Point at 5.30am, plus a female Marsh Harrier over the marsh. Two or three Grasshopper warblers reeling by Denhall Lane.
There was a male Channel Wagtail in the cowfield behind the bunker hide around 9.30am, along with a juv. Yellow Wagtail. Around the barn were several more Yellow Wags, a brood of Whitethroats and a showy Grasshopper Warbler. A Green Sandpiper flew by, a Hobby raced over after prey and a Peregrine put in an appearance. Usual waders on the scrape, plus three Spotted Redshank.
After a trip elsewhere I returned in the late afternoon. Three Little Ringed Plover had turned up on the scrape, plus a lone Dunlin. A Fox wandered down the shoreline. Around the barn were more Yellow Wags, the Grasshopper Warbler was showing down to a few yards and a Weasle ran across the track several times.
Louis Hill said
Sat Jul 13 4:47 PM, 2013
Saturday 13th July
11:30am-2:00pm
From the visitor centre:
2 Avocets 1f, 1j
5+ Grey Herons
1 f Marsh Harrier
10+ Black Tailed Godwits
10+ Canada and Greylag Geese
3 Shelducks
5+ Lapwings
10+ Gadwall
5+ Oystercatchers
5+ Redshank
10+ Greenshank
Usual Coots and Mallards
Countless Black-Headed Gulls
Countless Swifts and Swallows
Marsh Covert Hide:
10+ Little Egret
2 Reed Warblers
Heard Grasshopper Warbler
2 Mute Swans
2 Kestrel
On the feeders:
Blue and Great Tits
Greenfinches
Beautiful views of juvenile and adult Goldfinches
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Sunday 14th of July 2013 02:32:14 PM
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Jun 16 10:27 PM, 2013
A few Avocet chicks around today
Nice views of a female Marsh Harrier
Lage numbers of Reed Buntings - almost on every bush
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon May 27 3:17 PM, 2013
Nice visit yesterday. Same as eric, but sadly dipped on the cuckoo (a target bird).
The little stint were in s/pl, showing well.
Sadly avocet chicks aren't doing as well as hoped, probably due to predation by crows, although there are at least 10 around and some birds perhaps will re-lay.
Common terns present as well (at least 2)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Monday 27th of May 2013 03:17:16 PM
Highlights:
Yellow Wagtail 1
Curlew 2
Blackcap 2 singing.
Chiffchaff 5 singing.
Ringed Teal 1
Raven 1
Oystercatcher 4
Redshanks
Black-tailed Godwits
Avocets
Wigeon 1m 1f
etc.etc.etc.
Sand Martin 2 over Denhall Lane.
Wheatear 3
Avocet 30+
Stonechat
Merlin
Ringed plover 2
Possible Little Stint associating with 2 Ringed Plover
Hen Harrier (ringtail)
Water rail
Pink footed geese-1000
Buzzard-3
Greylag goose-2
Teal-100
Wigeon-30
Shoveler-12
Shelduck-30
Tufted duck-30
Little grebe-2
Avocet-35
Black tailed godwit-200
Lapwing-10
Siskin-1 (More heard)
Little egret-16
Grey heron-7
Comorant
Sightings included:
1 ringtail Hen Harrier (very good views of it from the marsh convert hide as the bird passed really close. It then headed towards the visitor center pool, spooking all the waders and wildfowl)
1 Peregrine
Possible merlin
Little egret-20 (one was catching fish in front of the marsh convert hide)
Avocet-30
Little grebe-1
Plus all the usual waders including oystercatcher, black tailed godwit and lapwing, and wildfowl including canada geese, mallard, tufted duck, shelduck, teal, widgeon, shoveler and gadwall.
Burton Wetlands Centre
123 Black Tailed Godwits, 10 Grey Herons, 2 Ravens ( in aerial display), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Goldfinches by far the most numerous birds on the feeders.
The waterlevel seems high on the pools on the North side of the Marsh Covert Hide, often the haunt of Spotted Redshanks, no waders at all on there today.
Inner Marsh Farm
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 36 Common Gulls and a single Herring Gull amongst a large flock Black Headed Gulls.
1 ringtail Hen Harrier showing well hunting low over the marsh & flushing everything except herons and geese.
1 male Stonechat, 4 Buzzards, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshanks and 18 Dunlin.
Denhall Lane
Just a few Teal and crows, no small birds showing at all and very few birders, compared to last weekend.
Hen Harrier 1 ringtail.
Buzzard 1
Peregrine 1
Dunlins
Redshanks
Black-tailed Godwits
Curlews
Lapwings
Oystercatcher 3
Little Egret 3
Spotted Redshank 1
Grey Heron 10+
Pochard 1f
Tufted Ducks
Gadwalls
Wigeons
Teal
Shovelers
Shelducks
Raven 1
Little Grebe 2
etc.
vol'ing at bmw, all sightings from reception
1 fem merlin, showed well hunting and perching on a fencepost, and hovering too. Does anyone know if hovering is common in merlin, as I have never seen it before and it seems a far cry from their usual hunting tactics??
Large numbers of waders including 30+ black-tailed godwit, 700+ lapwing, 72 golden plover, 40+ redshank etc
Also 100+ dunlin and with them the wintering little stint.
great-white egret showed very well during morning
1 ringtail hen harrier
All common wildfowl - pintail, wigeon, teal, mallard, gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler, shelduck etc
no white-wingers in with the black-headed gulls, just common and LBB in amongst them
pair bullfinch
siskin
unconfirmed report of dipper, wrong habitat but I suppose it could have been blown in.
Nice day :)
We moved on to Parkgate Marsh where we saw the Great White Egret and a huge flock of Lapwings put up by 2 ringtail Hen Harriers. There was also a Kestrel briefly. Once again after a brief fine spell was followed by driving wind and rain.
After another failed attempt at the Buff-bellied Pipit we went on to Burton Mere, where from the reception centre, we saw the following from the hide:
- Buzzard
- c39 Whooper Swans in the distance
Plus
- c25 Black-tailed Godwit
- c30 Dunlin
- c200 Teal
- c150 Greylag Goose
- 2 Snipe
- 8 Gadwall
Plus the more usual waterfowl.
A nice day out despite the weather and a place that I shall certainly revisit!
Water Rail showing in front of the visitors centre
Black Tailed Godwit
Redshank
Siskin
Merlin
2 ringtail hen harrier
1 little stint
1 peregrine
large numbers of commoner waders
Large number of geese inclu pink-footed, canada and greylag
Lots of swans still on the fields looking from reception inclu 40+ whoopers, probably a few Bewick's too
Water rail showed well at about 5pm when I arrived back from Hilbre, and I was told it was showing well for most of the day.
Also 1 ringed teal, lifer (wink wink)
Great spotted woodpeckers drumming from the IMF car park in the morning.
Apart from circa 150 teal the only other birds visible were 2 Spotted Redshank.
Yes, of course it is, must have been reading that wrong! In which case a Little Egret weighs in around 1lb, about the same weight as a Woodpigeon, which are common prey for both male and female Peregrines. I wonder if they're killed more regularly than I thought, it was the first time I've witnessed a Peregrine making a serious attack on one.
Probably nearer 1400g for a drake mallard.
That's interesting Joey, here's something I posted on another forum recently, I wouldn't mind betting it's the same Peregrine involved:
On Sunday 24th November I arrived at Denhall Lane at dawn. As the light began to increase I was scoping towards the mouth of the estuary when a Little Egret flashed across the bottom of my view followed a second later by a Peregrine, which had obviously put in a stoop at the egret, birds were approx. half a mile away. I've had Peregrines chase or stoop at large birds many times before, the attack has never been sustained and I've always assumed the falcon was simply 'practicing'. However, this occasion was different. The egret had taken refuge in what I presumed was a gutter, initially the falcon turned and put in a series of short stoops until the egret flew along the gutter, dropping down just before the Peregrine hit it. This happened several more times, the egret flying up and down the gutter, until the Peregrine also dropped down into the gutter. I couldn't see either bird but kept my scope on the spot. After several minutes the Peregrine's wing flapped above the ditch couple of times, several more minutes went by and the falcon lifted once more, flew a few yards then dived down again. At this point I decided to trot up to Decca Pools where I could get a closer and more elevated view from the gateway - this was a mistake as I failed to find the birds again!
Little Egret seems large prey for a Peregrine, though they are all wings and feathers they still strike me as large quarry - weight is 450g according to BTO website, compared to Mallard drake at 140g for instance.
Also, your post, and Tanmay's reply, confirm that the dead, white bird being consumed by crows on Sunday at BMW was, as I suspected, a Little Egret!
hi Joey,
Missed you yesterday, was volunteering at BMW but spent most of the day at Parkgate, would have been nice to catch up. From what I've heard it's unlikely the egret will survive, it was being attacked by crows in the evening and wasn't putting up much of a fight.
That imm. peregrine has been around fior a while and I'm not entirely sure how it survives as it never seems to catch anything.
Glad you got a good view of the water rail
As well as your sightings
Large group of swans in the fields visible from reception yesterday morning, mainly mutes, some whoopers and 2 probably Bewick's
Large flock of 100+ knot flew around in the morning but disappeared onto the marsh.
10+ dunlin
2 great white egret reported
+ usuals
All birds seen from the main hide/visitor centre:
Water Rail offering clear, unobstructed views down to about 8 feet for several minutes!
Spotted Redshank
2 Ringtail Hen Harriers scanning the marsh behind the pool, the size difference between the two suggested a female and an immature male.
Sparrowhawk circling
Peregrine (Juv.)
The Peregrine flew in at great speed but looked a bit disappointed when it failed to flush any of the waterfowl, and after surveying the scene chose to circle high above the marsh. It then proceeded to have a go at an unsuspecting Mallard that flew beneath it, the duck just managing to dive out of the way of the attack. The Peregrine then circled again before stooping at a Little Egret, cleanly knocking it out of the air, where it tumbled hard on the ground below. The Peregrine circled very low over the egret, which had clearly suffered some damage as it was limping badly and flapping wildly. Dragging itself into cover, the Egret fought off a few half hearted passes by the Peregrine which reluctantly decided not to take on such spirited prey, and landed in a field some 150m away.
Friday, January 3rd.
Spotted Redshank 2
Dunlin 7
Black-tailed Godwits
Golden Plovers/Lapwings
Redshanks
Pintails/Wigeons/Teal/Gadwall/Tufted Ducks/Shelducks
Little Egret 2
Black Swan 1
Mute/Whooper Swans
Burton Wetlands Centre
The farmland on the South of the centre
A flock of 90 Fieldfares flushed from hawthornes with lesser numbers of Redwings. 2 Buzzards on fence posts.
Masses of Chaffinches and Goldfinches, with lesser numbers of Reed Buntings and Linnets in the hedgerows and on the stubble, amongst them was a single Siskin.
The RSPB have done a brilliant job managing this farmland, I could of stayed all day and watched the mass of small birds flitting between the stubble and hedgerow.
On the Main Mere were 6 Redshanks plus the usual mass of Canada and Greylag Geese but little else.
Apparently a Peregrine had swept through just before I arrived, caught a Teal, and scattered almost everything else.
A single Pink Footed Goose is also here, apparently it's been shot through the wing on the salt marsh and found sanctuary at Burton.
Marsh Covert area
1 Barn Owl, 1 huge Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv) plus Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck etc,.
Inner Marsh farm
1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Water Rail, 6 Redshank, 18 Black Tailed Godwits and 500 Lapwings.
On the sheep pasture 27 Curlews and 22 'Alba' wagtails, each one of these small birds was different, some with a subtle primrose face, others persil white.
A single Goldcrest was near the car park.
Denhall
Only corvids visible on the marsh, mainly Rooks.
It was a pity I didn't catch you at BMW (I seemed to be volunteering only on the days you weren't there) but thanks so much for sharing this - brilliant! Many congratulations, and best of luck with future projects :)
Loved the raptor footage and also the way you really epitomised the character of sanderling. I know how difficult it is to photograph/film knot flocks - your footage really impressed me.
Thanks again,
Tanmay
https://vimeo.com/77881908
Many thanks
Scott
kingfisher 1 (fem)
spotted redshank 5
ruff 6+
wigeon 6+
lots of teal, no sign of a green-winged amongst them though
snipe 3+
kestrel
buzzard
sparrowhawk 1 fem which showed well sat at the bank from reception
1 curlew sandpiper reported
plus usuals
A gentleman told me he'd seen a buzzard at marsh covert hide; it appeared to land on the water but in fact had landed on a gadwall, drowned it, and then flew off with it. Never heard of this sort of thing happening before but there you go.
Stoat seen yesterday
Many migrant hawkers and commoner dragonflies too
many ladybirds including 22-spot
Whooper Swan 12
Curlew Sandpiper 3
Golden Plover 40
Black Tailed Godwit 10
Snipe 4
Pintail 40
Sparrowhawk 2
Kestrel 2
Hobby
4+ curlew sandpiper
2+ little stint
1 juv peregrine (chased a snipe unsuccessfully - an amazing sight to watch the snipe leading the peregrine higher and higher into the sky
1 hobby (which I missed)
1 fem marsh harrier
5+ ruff
150+ each of shoveler and wigeon
1 pintail (male coming out of eclipse)
3+ white wagtail with many pied and 1 grey wagtail
1+ kingfisher
30+ mute swan was surprising
and garganey and Mediterranean gull reported by a reliable source
3 lifers for me (none birds though)
a few red underwing moths
1 male migrant hawker
and best of all, a stoat by the feeding station, even got a (poor) record shot!
also lots of other common butterflies, moths and damsel/dragonflies including great views and pics of common darter
lizards reported basking at bunker hide and on path to marsh covert
1 curlew sandpiper picked out at the end of the day
1 peregrine
marsh and ringtail hen harriers
1 ruff
1 bar-headed goose (safe to say dubious origin on that one!)
Lots of snipe showing v well
25+ wigeon
125+ shoveler
2 water rail
1 kingfisher
also stoat sightings throughout the day, sadly not from me though.
Quite a few badger sightings recently too
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Thursday 5th of September 2013 07:34:28 PM
Wouldn't use the word selfish - we all would like the birds closer! But they can sometimes provide great, close-up spectacles, esp in Autumn and Winter, so fingers crossed for more.
Hope to catch you there sometime :)
A very interesting 'Post', regarding the positioning of the Reception Hide at Burton Mere Wetlands.
I think that this is a really 'tough one' for the RSPB, but personally, I think that they have done a fantastic job.
The majority of decent birds that turn up on the reserve, do indeed, usually frequent the 'Scrapes', and these, are of course, a little bit further away from the Reception Hide, and definitely do, require a scope for confident identification, but as Tanmay quite rightly points out, the majority of people who visit the reserve, generally have no interest in rarities, and I have experienced this many times myself, because whenever there has been an interesting bird present...................I have noticed, that virtually everyone who has arrived at the reserve that day, has been far more excited, by maybe the presence of the Avocet chicks, and the numerous Coots and Moorhens etc, that are in front of the Reception Hide, than whatever the 'Star Bird' present was.........especially the women and children.
It would have been impractical, for the RSPB to have built the Reception Hide anywhere else, because it would have meant situating it on the other side of the pools that are currently in front of it, and this would have forced them to create the 'Scrapes' much further out than they currently are, which would have meant the removal of some prime habitat..................the very habitat, that has proved to be so successful, in attracting a fantastic array of species to it.
The RSPB's idea, of looking to provide a more powerful scope in the Reception Hide, is a brilliant one, and if this does come to fruition, it will definitely satisfy the 'Birders', who want that little bit of extra magnification or clarity.
Burton Mere Wetlands, is without question, the best thing that has happened locally for wildlife, and people, for many years, and we all just need to understand the needs of others, as well as our own, when visiting the reserve, and appreciate what a great job, the RSPB staff and volunteers are doing, to help everyone get the most out of their visit, each and every time, that they arrive at the reserve.
From a photographic perspective, there are a lot of areas on the reserve, where you can get some great 'shots' of the birds and wildlife, and if that doesn't satisfy, try visiting the adjacent Burton Marsh during the Winter months, where you will be treated to some great views of the 'patrolling' Short eared Owls.
David Wilson Wrote
"Now I dont like to grumble "
WHAT ??? I nearly choked on my brew when I read that,
Glad you had a good day David, and thanks for your comments. However, it might be worth noting some things that you may have been told by vols or staff if you asked, but in case you didn't, I'll mention them here.
There's not much we can do about the birds being far away at the moment; we wouldn't want to disturb them/destroy breeding habitat by somehow trying to get a viewpoint closer to the action. Anyway, we have done a lot to get some birds closer: there are some sticks about 2m from reception that the kingfisher(s) have been regularly perching on (great for photos because, as I mentioned in a previous post, you can view them from the side of the hide without glass in the way). The water rail has shown again as with last winter, directly outside reception (even I got decent pics with a blackberry phone - well known as the phone with the worst camera!), we have cut some of the vegetation and regularly put seed out to ensure it is visible.
The kids are typically more into 'creepy crawlies' than birds and so we have left ragwort and other insect-friendly plants just outside reception and have fortunately attracted many species of butterflies, bees and other insects.
It is also worth mentioning that, as you say, we are trying to get kids and families interested in nature...well, logically, if they aren't already into nature they aren't birders or twitchers, and we find that they love the coots, moorhens, herons and little grebes (as well as ducklings in spring) in the front pool outside the centre. They aren't that interested in the rare stuff 200m away, they enjoy watching the commoner species too (perhaps something we should all be doing!)
And I'm told we'll be getting a new, improved 'scope which will help long distance viewing.
There are also kids backpacks with a minibeast hunting kit available for the kids - they're great for families if anyone wants to bring their children along!
Of course I take your point that the rarer birds are usually further away, and any suggestions would be great as to how we could attract them closer, but hopefully I've put your mind at rest that we are doing our best to keep photographers, birders, children etc all happy - not an easy task as I'm sure you agree!
If you (or others) have any further questions or comments, please PM me or post here as I would hopefully be able to answer them or pass them on to the staff/wardens.
best wishes
Tanmay
David
I echo your comments totally.
Phil
9 greenshank
13 ruff
2 spotted redshank
1 peregrine flew through the waders unsuccessfully
lots of buzzards and kestrels around too
brilliant views of kingfisher just outside the reception hide (great place to photograph them too as you can take photos from outside the hide without glass in the way...literally at point blank range too!!
Many snipe and lapwing
the 1st few wigeon are arriving, with 85 shoveler seen on Monday
found what I thought may have been a new bird for the reserve - a fem/ecl male mandarin which stayed briefly, but the site manager said it wasn't quite the first
Lots of good insects about - purple hairstreaks seen on Mon but not yesterday (although it was cooler and cloudier)
also common blue, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper, meadow brown, speckled wood etc etc, and a nice first for me with a couple of wall browns
and some good company too
No Greenshank today but a lot more Black-tailed Godwits.
1 Spotted Redshank
1 juv Curlew Sandpiper
1 Hobby - great views as it flew directly towards the hide (on old Inner Marsh Farm)
Later, a walk from Harp Inn to Parkgate produced ringtail Hen Harrier, 4 Little Egrets and at least 100 Redshank.
Hen Harrier (female), close views right in front of the visitor centre
Greenshank 12
Ruff 5
Black Tailed Godwit c200
Little Ringed Plover 10
Common Sandpiper
Snipe 2
Dunlin
highlights...
juvenile peregrine falcon whizzing around opposite the visitor centre.
1 marsh harrier
2-4 buzzards
13 greenshank
7 spotted redshanks
1 common sandpiper
1 dunlin
2 ruff
1 juvenile little ringed plover
4 common gulls
1 kingfisher
50+ black tailed godwits
100+ lapwings
possible great white egret flew out of reeds just to the left of the visitor centre then flew over inner marsh hide then out towards the river !
thanks again phil
Peregrine 1 with prey.
Buzzard 2
Snipe 8
Black-tailed Godwit 40+
Dunlin 2
Little Ringed Plover 1
Ruff 1
Spotted Redshank 3
Greenshank 5
etc.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 16th of August 2013 07:52:47 PM
1 wood sandpiper (lifer), picked out by me at the far bank from reception (took a while for a positive id due to distance). In the end it came closer and gave stunning views anyway.
6+ green sandpiper
2 common sandpiper
A hobby (my bogey bird!) made a brief appearance hunting dragon/damselflies right in front of the reception hide, it caught one and flew off over the trees.
All the usuals, and right at the end of the day the fem marsh harrier finally made an appearance, spotted by one of the new vols (an auspicious start!)
butterflies included peacock, gatekeeper, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, small white and meadow brown
Some yellow wagtail
Unconfirmed spoonbill reported (marsh covert hide), both myself and a member of staff popped down immediately after it was reported and no sign of the bird
Yellowhammer and green woodpecker reported
Flock of knot dropped in, some in summer plumage but moulting
at least 3 spotted redshank (2 winter, 1 moulting)
redshank
4+ green sandpiper
2+ common sandpiper
7+ little egret (there have been 380+ reported coming into roost one evening this week!)
5+ snipe (surely more were hidden)
Great numbers of insects too, wonderful views of butterflies and damselflies
and 1 Phil Kelly, nice to meet you :)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 28th of July 2013 08:57:43 PM
Bird-wise quiet, with a few 'possible' sightings of the wood sandpiper that has stayed throughout the week (unconfirmed as the visitors who saw it weren't sure), hopefully will show again.
at least 8 green sandpiper and 1 common sandpiper
many yellow wagtails with some pied wags and a couple of grey wags (with juvs of all but the latter)
lapwings, black-tailed godwits etc
and the highlight, a corn bunting near the barn, really chuffed with that lifer, a rarity at the reserve, and self-found (although they have been reported recently)
2 rats had a fight this morning, one ran off with a bloodied ear!
Loads of comma, small tortoiseshell and white (of many species) butterflies, blue-tailed damselflies etc.
:)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Saturday 27th of July 2013 08:04:04 PM
There was a male Channel Wagtail in the cowfield behind the bunker hide around 9.30am, along with a juv. Yellow Wagtail. Around the barn were several more Yellow Wags, a brood of Whitethroats and a showy Grasshopper Warbler. A Green Sandpiper flew by, a Hobby raced over after prey and a Peregrine put in an appearance. Usual waders on the scrape, plus three Spotted Redshank.
After a trip elsewhere I returned in the late afternoon. Three Little Ringed Plover had turned up on the scrape, plus a lone Dunlin. A Fox wandered down the shoreline. Around the barn were more Yellow Wags, the Grasshopper Warbler was showing down to a few yards and a Weasle ran across the track several times.
11:30am-2:00pm
From the visitor centre:
2 Avocets 1f, 1j
5+ Grey Herons
1 f Marsh Harrier
10+ Black Tailed Godwits
10+ Canada and Greylag Geese
3 Shelducks
5+ Lapwings
10+ Gadwall
5+ Oystercatchers
5+ Redshank
10+ Greenshank
Usual Coots and Mallards
Countless Black-Headed Gulls
Countless Swifts and Swallows
Marsh Covert Hide:
10+ Little Egret
2 Reed Warblers
Heard Grasshopper Warbler
2 Mute Swans
2 Kestrel
On the feeders:
Blue and Great Tits
Greenfinches
Beautiful views of juvenile and adult Goldfinches
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Sunday 14th of July 2013 02:32:14 PM
Nice views of a female Marsh Harrier
Lage numbers of Reed Buntings - almost on every bush
The little stint were in s/pl, showing well.
Sadly avocet chicks aren't doing as well as hoped, probably due to predation by crows, although there are at least 10 around and some birds perhaps will re-lay.
Common terns present as well (at least 2)
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Monday 27th of May 2013 03:17:16 PM