Visit there today produced views of cuckoo from both BMW visitor centre & the hide, plus same bird seen from IMF hide too (same bird has been there a while apparently). IMF proved to have better birds, with 2x little stints, 4 dunlin, 8 ringed plovers, a host of black tailed godwits and a drake garganey. Reed & sedge warblers both seen, but mainly heard. Blackcaps heard only, plus views of skulking whitethroats. PS: Thank you to whoever returned my camera bag to the visitor centre - left in the BMW hide!!!
Patrick Earith said
Sat May 25 4:05 AM, 2013
A dash to BMW after work for the Temmincks Stint eventually came up trumps, although the bird wasn't seen at all for about half an hour while I was there. A guy called Dave (sorry, didn't catch the surname) re-found it, nipping in and out of the vegetation towards the back of the mere. It's diminutive size being well demonstrated by the fact it was dwarfed by both Little Ringed Plover and a Reed Bunting that were both feeding beside it. So, distant, but, pretty good views of my latest lifer!
Also of interest were a male Yellow Wagtail, at least 3 Common Tern and a handful of, it has to be said, very cute Avocet chicks!
Patrick Earith said
Mon Apr 29 1:48 AM, 2013
Inner Marsh
Spotted Redshank x 8, coming into summer plumage Wheatear m&f, in fields across railway bridge Whitethroat x 3 - 2 males and 1 female Swift, at least 10 over the boating lake
John Williams said
Fri Apr 26 10:20 PM, 2013
09.30-13.00
Burton Wetlands RSPB
58 Avocets, 1 Sanderling, 6 Common Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 3 Spotted Redshanks, a pair of Blackcaps(m&f) plus a pair of Pintail (m&f).
2 Cormorants, 2 Little Grebes plus lots of Little Egrets, Black Tailed Godwits etc.
All morning there was a steady Northbound trickle of Swallows and House Martins, with just a few Sand Martins.
2 Buzzards displaying high above the woodland. 3 Wiilow Warblers chasing each other around the sallows near the visitor centre.
1 Small White butterfly
Also a Grey Squirrel that can remove the top of a feeder to get at the contents, just like opening a tube of Pringles.
Inner Marsh Farm
15+ Swifts swooping low over the Welsh pool.
10 Avocets, 6 Teal (No sign of Blue Wing), 3 Gadwall, 1 drake Shoveler, 1 Kestrel
1 Chiffchaff singing and also seen with nesting material.
5 Peacock butterflies
Jonathan Platt said
Mon Apr 22 2:52 AM, 2013
My first Hobby of the year over the rifle range at 8.20am this morning, a few minutes later I saw a Merlin. A Whinchat with 42 Wheatear in the sheep field below Burton Point Farm. I had three reeling Grasshopper Warblers between Denhall Lane and the A548. A single Fieldfare was in hawthorns by the entrance to the sailing club. The drake Garganey was on the Border Pool (viewed from the new cycle track). BMW was quiet - nine Spotted Redshank, a pair of Little Ringed Plover and at least four Yellow Wagtails being the highlights. On my way home I spotted my first Swift over the village of Puddington.
Rhys Richards said
Mon Apr 22 2:07 AM, 2013
Spent a few hours there today. No sign of B/W Teal, but did see the Garganey on border pool was showing well!! Added Blackcap and Sedge Warbler to the yrlst, also 6 Spotshanks going into s/pl and lots of hirundines. Also saw Shoveler displaying too.
KEV BROWN said
Sun Apr 21 5:53 AM, 2013
Saturday Evening: Inner Marsh Farm, The stunning Blue Winged Teal was quite active in the distance as it displayed to a female Shoveler and saw off the 2 male Shovelers, a very confused bird
Denhall Lane, 1 Short Eared Owl 5 Wheatear 1 Whitethroat
Jon Bowen said
Sat Apr 20 8:03 PM, 2013
Dropped into Inner Marsh Farm around 10.00am this morning to catch up with Blue Winged Teal and it was easily found directly opposite the hide although whilst it was in easy view it spent much of it's time asleep but showed it's head a few times, each time very briefly and walked a few feet once or twice. Still a good bird to see. Also 4 Avocet 9 Spotted Redshank
-- Edited by Jon Bowen on Saturday 20th of April 2013 08:11:31 PM
Phil Owen said
Sat Apr 20 4:53 AM, 2013
The Blue-winged Teal also showed well for me and the other birders present this evening from the new path parallel to the railway line from Denhall Lane.
Also present Whinchat, lots of Wheatears, Swallows and Sand Martins. The Garganey was out of view but nice to see 3 Short-eared Owls on the way back to the car together with a Stonechat and and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
sid ashton said
Sat Apr 20 4:51 AM, 2013
Got to BMW at 15.15 to find that the Blue-winged Teal had flown over to the border pool a couple minutes before my arrival. Met Jonathan Platt in the car park on the way round to IMF where we had reasonable views of the bird. We then walked around to Burton point and onto the new boardwalk to bring us very much closer to the bird and consequently excellent views of it and the Garganey. There were also several Yellow Wagtails near to the water's edge. On the way back along the marsh road there was a group of about 20 Wheatears near the sheep pens and back at BMW 2 Common Sandpipers and 30 plus Avocets.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 20 3:17 AM, 2013
Just back from Burton Mere Wetlands after a visit to see the drake Blue Winged Teal. When I arrived the bird had relocated over to border pool across from Inner Marsh Farm so after driving round there and getting down to the hide I finally managed to get the scope onto the bird. Views were a little obscured at first as the bird was only just visible due to near side reeds but after a while it showed reasonably well as it fed more towards the centre of the pool. A very stunning looking duck!
Not to be outdone by the Blue Winged Teal though a drake Garganey was also present in border pool looking just as stunning. On top of these a Spotted Redshank was in front of the hide plus two Avocets and another fifteen or so on the main pool at BMW.
Finished the day off with fish and chips followed by an ice cream on the front at Parkgate.
Tanmay Dixit said
Sat Apr 20 1:48 AM, 2013
Blue winged teal (drake) and Garganey (drake) seen at BMW today
John Williams said
Fri Mar 29 10:07 PM, 2013
09.30-12.30
Considering it was a decent day with regards to weather the marsh was surprisingly quiet birdwise.
Wetland Centre
36 Avocets, 12 Black Tailed Godwits, 3 Pintail plus the usual gulls and waterfowl. 6 Buzzards were soaring including a bird doing a spectacular roll/diving display.
1 Sparrowhawk flying over.
The Wigeon seemed to have thinned out quite a lot now, but with the exception of the Avocets there's no sign of any summer visitors yet.
Oddly there were no Egrets about either.
Inner Marsh Farm
4 Spotted Redshanks with Common Redshanks on the far pool, 6 Shoveler here too.
18 Avocets showing really well on the near pool, the water level is just right for them as they can wade upto their breast even in the centre.
1 Snipe asleep in the reeds but no sign of Water Rails.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 15 9:43 PM, 2013
The Green -winged Teal was seen from the reception at Burton Mere Wetlands 1.10pm-1.30pm but then went missing.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 15 9:21 AM, 2013
Just another quickie from Inner Marsh Farm - 2 Avocets showing well. Also the sign in the car park that says car park locked at 5pm, I spoke to Colin Wells on the phone & he says it should be 6pm, just in case folk go there for the Green-winged Teal today!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 15th of March 2013 09:31:51 AM
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 15 1:42 AM, 2013
A drake Green-winged Teal has been found today at Inner Marsh Farm. It showed this afternoon from the original hide on the main pool with quite a small group of Common Teal. A Cetti's Warbler popped up in the nearest reedbed to the hide & clambered around for a bit and a Water Rail showed intermittantly. Luckily I had decided on a Wirral day out & was heading towards Burton Mere Wetlands when the news of this bird broke, so for once I was in the correct place
The Green-winged Teal had a habit of going missing for periods of time but did show fantastically well on the near shore of the pool just a few metres from the hise, possibly the closest views that I have ever had of this species.
Tom Morton said
Mon Mar 11 10:30 PM, 2013
On Saturday, 9th, 1 Little Gull, 2 Avocets, 1 Water Rail (very close views), c100 Golden Plovers, 23 Black tailed Godwits, 34 Dunlin and Little Grebe
Austin Morley said
Fri Mar 8 10:46 PM, 2013
4 Avocet and 1 Med Gull along with 2 Merlin have to be the highlights of the day at BMW.
I will post pics and report on my Blog tonight/tomorrow so please keep an eye on it, cheers
http://austinmorley.blogspot.com/
John Williams said
Fri Mar 8 5:21 AM, 2013
13.00-16.00
Burton Wetlands RSPB
3 Avocets, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 1m+2f Pintails, 13 Little Egrets and 1 Little Grebe.
Black Headed Gulls settling down on their breeding islets, one took a real dislike to a Canada Goose and mobbed it relentlessly, can't think why?.
Lapwings displaying with vigour on the nearby fields, masses of Canada Geese, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler, lots of Chaffinches around the feeders but no sign of Brambling.
The only raptor was a Kestrel that seemed very interested in the bird feeders, 2 Brown Rats below one feeder did'nt seem bothered by falcon or people.
Inner Marsh Farm
Very quiet birdwise, the lagoon in front of the hide appears to have silted up quite a bit, ideal for waders, but ducks as small as Teal can wade over most of it.
2 Common Snipe and a Water Rail were feeding amongst the dead reeds near the hide. 1 Peregrine flying over. Lots of Shelduck across the whole reserve.
2 Pochard were on the Welsh Pool, with lots of Shoveler and a single Little Egret.
As I was leaving at 4pm, Little Egrets were flying in to roost. The RSPB staff say this overnight roost often contains 200+ birds.
Tanmay Dixit said
Tue Mar 5 4:06 AM, 2013
Joe Wynn wrote:
Lesser Scaup reported on reserve today.
Info thanks to Tanmay Dixit
Thanks for posting Joe, and this evening seen at Shotwick Boating Lake, going to roost with tufted ducks
Joe Wynn said
Mon Mar 4 5:19 AM, 2013
Lesser Scaup reported on reserve today.
Info thanks to Tanmay Dixit
Ian Boote said
Sun Feb 24 5:52 PM, 2013
Paid a visit. Burton Wetlands will be amalgamated with Inner Marsh at some point in the future. At the moment they are still seperate. Much work is in hand and the guide appears to be in front of work so far. Still very impressive, large carpark, well signposted, heated reception hide good disabled access, lots of families, staff on hand in the reception hide, bird guide books in hides, and fencing organised so entrance fees are taken. Compare to Inner Marsh no sign posts, long walk wellies required, no disabled access, drafty hide, and few people. The future is clearly Burton Wetlands but I prefered Inner Marsh. Sightings all the usual ducks-Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted, Shoveler, Gadwall, Waders Curlew Redshank Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher Lapwing, Other things Siskin Coal Tit on feeders, Merlin, and a Goldcrest
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 24th of February 2013 06:32:24 PM
sid ashton said
Tue Feb 19 2:51 AM, 2013
Called in to BMW early afternoon on the way to Parkgate - had really good views of the Spotted Redshank. Lovely sunny weather but of course at that time of day the low sun makes viewing at BMW tricky. No excuse for not seeing the Water Rail however it just didn't put in an appearance in the time I was there
Austin Morley said
Mon Feb 18 2:23 PM, 2013
Working here today there has been Green Woodpecker in car park, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, and Golden Plover on the main scrape. Two Brambling and loads of Siskin on the feeders and one female Merlin spooking all the birds on the scrape!
Oh and the very showy Water Rail has been out and about today!
http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 18th of February 2013 04:26:17 PM
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Feb 14 6:09 PM, 2013
And in addition, 2 jack snipe right in front of reception hide yesterday!
Why couldn't they have been there the day before when I was volunteering??
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Feb 14 2:27 AM, 2013
Late post for yesterday.
Parkgate high tide got hen harrier (m&f), 2 Great White egret, Short eared owl and peregrine, others had a merlin.
Then BMW, saw male hen harrier and water rail.
After waiting for a while got brmbling (m) on feeders with what seemed like billions of chaffinch (and some brown rats), also nice views of male siskin.
Nothing else of note apart fron huge numbers of lapwing, some dunlin interspresed with them, couple of spotted redshank and the expected wildfowl inclu 2 male pintail
Austin Morley said
Wed Feb 13 9:01 AM, 2013
Over the weekend there has been some good birds around BMW with around 5 spotted redshanks, stunning water rail hen ahrrier and GW egrets from RSPBs Parkagte.
I have taken a few shot of the spotted redshanks see my Blog for more
http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/
Cheers guys
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 13th of February 2013 09:24:41 AM
paul brady said
Mon Feb 11 6:37 PM, 2013
sid ashton wrote:
Understand from a "well informed source" that Mr Brady will be leaving his post at Burton Mere Wetlands in the not to distant future having taken a more wide ranging post within the RSPB.
I am sure that members of this forum who know him will join me in sending best wishes to Paul in his new venture and well done for his part in getting BMW up and running.
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your kind words .... I will still "spy" on this forum every now and then just to see what my year list could have been!
I find this forum an invaluable tool for staying in touch with the Birding community and have found the support and information invaluable to my development.
Bye for now
PS Any question about the sightings and/or visitor facilities should be directed to daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk
Patrick Earith said
Sun Feb 10 7:12 PM, 2013
A quick visit to IMF about an hour after high tide yesterday - sorry it's late!
85 Dunlin 3 Redshank 3 Black-tailed Godwit Teal - lots Shelduck - lots Water Rail - right in front of the hide. Best views I've ever had. Needless to say, I'd left the camera in the car
Denzil Nicklin said
Tue Jan 29 3:13 PM, 2013
Hi
I could not agree more with Sid and Tanmay's comments........... I also think that Paul deserves a huge amount of credit for his efforts to ensure that Burton Mere Wetlands has become a great 'visitor experience' for all of the people that visit the reserve............and if I don't get the chance to wish him well on my next visit to the reserve,I'd also like to take this opportunity to do so,and say,........................WELL DONE PAUL AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE
Cheers Denzil
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon Jan 28 4:42 PM, 2013
Given Sid's words I hope Paul wouldn't mind me confirming that he is leaving and more importantly thanking him for all his help with us volunteers, and for helping to make BMW the success it is today. I have already thanked him personally but I thought it'd only be fair to wish him well on this forum too, now that his departure from BMW has been mentioned.
Good luck Paul and keep in touch, best wishes! Hope to see you soon, maybe at BMW with you looking at the work you've done with the eyes of a visitor!
sid ashton said
Mon Jan 28 6:23 AM, 2013
Understand from a "well informed source" that Mr Brady will be leaving his post at Burton Mere Wetlands in the not to distant future having taken a more wide ranging post within the RSPB.
I am sure that members of this forum who know him will join me in sending best wishes to Paul in his new venture and well done for his part in getting BMW up and running.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Jan 28 12:50 AM, 2013
Denzil Nicklin wrote:
Corn Bunting is a difficult bird to mis-identify when it's amongst other finches and buntings,because of it's overall larger build and Jizz,including giving the impression of being quite heavy headed,and with you also having had a lot of experience of watching these birds,then I very much doubt that yourself and Jeff have made a mistake..........so well done to you both on a great find
I don't think Jonathon ever felt he might of made a mistake; more that other 'disbelievers' might of thought he had
Denzil Nicklin said
Sun Jan 27 11:40 PM, 2013
Hi Jonathan
I've recorded Corn Bunting on 2 occasions over the last couple of years............Firstly,there were 2 birds in the field adjacent to the entrance to Inner Marsh Farm on 13-08-2011,and then subsequently a single bird at a private location in the area on 14-04-2012.
Corn Bunting is a difficult bird to mis-identify when it's amongst other finches and buntings,because of it's overall larger build and Jizz,including giving the impression of being quite heavy headed,and with you also having had a lot of experience of watching these birds,then I very much doubt that yourself and Jeff have made a mistake..........so well done to you both on a great find
Cheers Denzil
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun Jan 27 9:22 AM, 2013
After success in N Wales yesterday (see relevant thread) we managed to only have time to pop into BMW.
Nothing unusal but very nice was the confiding water rail. I picked out a movement in the reeds which just looked like the rail so I called out to other people who fortunately got onto it as it came out into the open! unbelievable views and photo opportunities, even I got some half decent ones, through the glass or not through the glass! well done to the wardens for managing the reeds in this way, without disturbing the bird and yet allowing cracking views which would otherwise be almost impossible to get!
Otherwise, usual tits and finches including loads of goldfinch, a few siskin and a couple of bullfinch
And thanks for the help with infio about water pipit, didn't get time to go but maybe next time...
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 27th of January 2013 10:29:32 AM
Jonathan Platt said
Wed Jan 23 4:34 AM, 2013
paul brady wrote:
Jonathan Platt wrote:
Jeff Dixon and I found two Corn Buntings amongst a flock of mixed finches perched on a hedgerow beside the barn to the east of the reception at Burton Mere today. Anyone know if Corn Buntings have been recorded here before?
Hi Jonathan,
Corn bunting are very rare as far as I'm aware round these parts ... would be nice if could report them to the county recorder for us :)
Worth copying in our site manager colin.wells@rspb.org.uk too
Thanks
PS there has been a minor influx of finshes over th epast few days as one would expect ... 2 yellowhammer there yesterday and about 30 reed bunting
Hi Paul,
I've started entering my Cheshire records via RODIS, I can email Hugh Pulsford if necessary but I thought it might confuse matters? I'll send Colin an email.
We did realise the significance of the sighting, a couple of your guys went down there immediately but failed to find them. I think there was a feeling that the birds may have been Reed Buntings - understandable perhaps, no-one present knew me or if I could tell a Corn Bunting from a Corncrake! I bird around one of only a few areas in Cheshire where Corn Buntings are still reasonably plentiful, I watch them almost daily throughout the spring and summer, less so in winter - they were undoubtedly Corn Bunts, let's hope they hang around!
paul brady said
Tue Jan 22 8:52 PM, 2013
Jonathan Platt wrote:
Jeff Dixon and I found two Corn Buntings amongst a flock of mixed finches perched on a hedgerow beside the barn to the east of the reception at Burton Mere today. Anyone know if Corn Buntings have been recorded here before?
Hi Jonathan,
Corn bunting are very rare as far as I'm aware round these parts ... would be nice if could report them to the county recorder for us :)
Worth copying in our site manager colin.wells@rspb.org.uk too
Thanks
PS there has been a minor influx of finshes over th epast few days as one would expect ... 2 yellowhammer there yesterday and about 30 reed bunting
Jonathan Platt said
Sun Jan 20 2:18 AM, 2013
Jeff Dixon and I found two Corn Buntings amongst a flock of mixed finches perched on a hedgerow beside the barn to the east of the reception at Burton Mere today. Anyone know if Corn Buntings have been recorded here before?
john brookes said
Mon Jan 14 4:13 AM, 2013
Water rail showing all day today, almost like a pet. Loads of goldfinches and siskin, female merlin on site, little egret pm, a few golden plover. Usuals on the feeders plus four to six bullfinches at times.
paul brady said
Tue Jan 8 5:57 PM, 2013
Hi People,
Just to let you know of an new event happening in January at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands
An chance to go around "IMF2" which is way beyond the main scrape. Should be particularly interesting for those who want to learn about the creation and management of such a reserve.
Places are limited so booking is essential. 0151 353 8478 or deeestuary@rspb.org.uk
paul brady said
Mon Dec 17 6:24 PM, 2012
Just a note to say Burton Mere Wetlands is open as usual despite local road closures
Todays sightings include water rail, 1 pink-footed goose and male hen harrier ... so far
KEV BROWN said
Mon Dec 17 4:33 PM, 2012
Sunday 17th was one of the best days for a fair while:
Burton Mere... Fabulous views of the male Hen Harrier which seemed to have extended its hunting area to include the high treetops 1 Merlin 1 Water Rail 1 Green Woodpecker 16 Dunlin approx 40 B T Godwits 40 Golden Plover
Parkgate for the High Tide around midday to mid afternoon... 1 imm male Marsh Harrier approx 8 Short Eared Owls 1 Merlin 1 Peregrine 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier 2 Great White Egrets showing from the marshes Countless numbers of geese and waders pushed in by the tide
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Dec 2 10:13 PM, 2012
Blooming freezing, but great views of Water Rail. Also a brief glimpse of Brambling and a Fox at IMF
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Dec 1 2:52 AM, 2012
I'm taking a (small) group of Manchester RSPB members on Sunday, so if anyone fancies it - meet up at the Gateway Hotel Parrs Wood 09:00 or the reserve car park 09:45
PM me if you want to tag along
Tanmay Dixit said
Tue Nov 13 5:55 AM, 2012
Popped in on way back from Wales:
at least 5 whooper swan
Various wildfowl and wader inclu a stonking male pintail.
And then the highlight, a male hen harrier gave great prolonged albeit distant views at the back of the reserve. Great views!
Nice to meet the crew while not volunteering
Then to Denhall Lane Quay (see Wirral thread)
paul brady said
Wed Oct 31 11:04 PM, 2012
Free guided walk on Saturday 10am at Point of Ayr, Talacre, Flintshire.
Meet at Smugglers Inn car park off Station Rd.
http://vimeo.com/52456841 footage form the new bird watching facility at Point of Ayr, Flintshire
www.rspb.org.uk/pointofayr for more details of free guided walk on Saturday
John Williams said
Mon Oct 29 11:25 PM, 2012
09.30-15.00
Burton Wetland Centre
Masses of Canada and Greylag Geese, plus 1 Cape Shelduck mixed in with them. Lots of Black Tailed Godwits and Lapwings but only 8 Redshanks.
Lots of Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Gadwall etc, but no Pintail or uncommon waterfowl around. 10 Shelduck.
IMF
Lots of Lapwings and Teal. 10 Whooper Swans on the Welsh Pool. 4 Ravens.
3 Common Darter + 1 Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Denhall Lane/Station Road
1 female Merlin and 2 Kestrels.
JOHN TYMON said
Mon Oct 22 1:24 AM, 2012
Beltin afternoon Burton wetlands was a bit busy for me so vacated to IMF IMF Hen Harrier-1 f/imm several times during the afternoon which seemed to be doing circles of the marsh then back to IMF/Burton mere complex Hobby-1 (at one point chasing the hen harrier Merlin-1 Male Greenshank-3 spotted redshank-1 Golden plover -1 Knot-10+ some big flocks overhead black tailed Godwit -lots on both IMF/And Burton Marsh Whooper swan-at least 8
Terry Long said
Sun Oct 21 8:36 AM, 2012
H'lights BMW were 6 whooper swan and 3 Greenshank. IMF, 3 Greenshank,Hobby,Merlin,Med Gull. Burton point, 3 Ruddy shelduck,3 Short-eared owl,Stonechat. Denhall lane, 2 Great egret,40 Little egret, 4 Short-eared owl.
kevin kelly said
Fri Oct 19 2:57 PM, 2012
Had a visit yesterday Thursday 18th. Excellent views of a juv hobby initially chasing a snipe, then good views later of it hawking insects. 5 spotted redshanks from the reception hide with good numbers of black tailed godwits, 8 whooper swans also present. At the high at parkgate eventually confirmed 3 Great white egrets to be present, two together and one more distant on its own. 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, at least 4 Peregrines, a merlin a couple of kestrels and four buzzards throughout the day. A couple of greenshank in the near pool. And a Mediterranean gull dropped in and showed well in the pool. The tide wasn't as high as hoped. 2 Ruddy shelduck still present on burton marsh. A few other waders around including knot and golden plover. Excellent days birding, no sign of Dowitcher though. A sparrowhawk took the raptor count to 7 for the day. Kevin
Also of interest were a male Yellow Wagtail, at least 3 Common Tern and a handful of, it has to be said, very cute Avocet chicks!
Spotted Redshank x 8, coming into summer plumage
Wheatear m&f, in fields across railway bridge
Whitethroat x 3 - 2 males and 1 female
Swift, at least 10 over the boating lake
Burton Wetlands RSPB
58 Avocets, 1 Sanderling, 6 Common Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 3 Spotted Redshanks, a pair of Blackcaps(m&f) plus a pair of Pintail (m&f).
2 Cormorants, 2 Little Grebes plus lots of Little Egrets, Black Tailed Godwits etc.
All morning there was a steady Northbound trickle of Swallows and House Martins, with just a few Sand Martins.
2 Buzzards displaying high above the woodland. 3 Wiilow Warblers chasing each other around the sallows near the visitor centre.
1 Small White butterfly
Also a Grey Squirrel that can remove the top of a feeder to get at the contents, just like opening a tube of Pringles.
Inner Marsh Farm
15+ Swifts swooping low over the Welsh pool.
10 Avocets, 6 Teal (No sign of Blue Wing), 3 Gadwall, 1 drake Shoveler, 1 Kestrel
1 Chiffchaff singing and also seen with nesting material.
5 Peacock butterflies
Inner Marsh Farm,
The stunning Blue Winged Teal was quite active in the distance as it displayed to a female Shoveler and saw off the 2 male Shovelers, a very confused bird
Denhall Lane,
1 Short Eared Owl
5 Wheatear
1 Whitethroat
Also
4 Avocet
9 Spotted Redshank
-- Edited by Jon Bowen on Saturday 20th of April 2013 08:11:31 PM
Also present Whinchat, lots of Wheatears, Swallows and Sand Martins. The Garganey was out of view but nice to see 3 Short-eared Owls on the way back to the car together with a Stonechat and and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
Not to be outdone by the Blue Winged Teal though a drake Garganey was also present in border pool looking just as stunning. On top of these a Spotted Redshank was in front of the hide plus two Avocets and another fifteen or so on the main pool at BMW.
Finished the day off with fish and chips followed by an ice cream on the front at Parkgate.
Considering it was a decent day with regards to weather the marsh was surprisingly quiet birdwise.
Wetland Centre
36 Avocets, 12 Black Tailed Godwits, 3 Pintail plus the usual gulls and waterfowl. 6 Buzzards were soaring including a bird doing a spectacular roll/diving display.
1 Sparrowhawk flying over.
The Wigeon seemed to have thinned out quite a lot now, but with the exception of the Avocets there's no sign of any summer visitors yet.
Oddly there were no Egrets about either.
Inner Marsh Farm
4 Spotted Redshanks with Common Redshanks on the far pool, 6 Shoveler here too.
18 Avocets showing really well on the near pool, the water level is just right for them as they can wade upto their breast even in the centre.
1 Snipe asleep in the reeds but no sign of Water Rails.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 15th of March 2013 09:31:51 AM
The Green-winged Teal had a habit of going missing for periods of time but did show fantastically well on the near shore of the pool just a few metres from the hise, possibly the closest views that I have ever had of this species.
I will post pics and report on my Blog tonight/tomorrow so please keep an eye on it, cheers
http://austinmorley.blogspot.com/
Burton Wetlands RSPB
3 Avocets, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 1m+2f Pintails, 13 Little Egrets and 1 Little Grebe.
Black Headed Gulls settling down on their breeding islets, one took a real dislike to a Canada Goose and mobbed it relentlessly, can't think why?.
Lapwings displaying with vigour on the nearby fields, masses of Canada Geese, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler, lots of Chaffinches around the feeders but no sign of Brambling.
The only raptor was a Kestrel that seemed very interested in the bird feeders, 2 Brown Rats below one feeder did'nt seem bothered by falcon or people.
Inner Marsh Farm
Very quiet birdwise, the lagoon in front of the hide appears to have silted up quite a bit, ideal for waders, but ducks as small as Teal can wade over most of it.
2 Common Snipe and a Water Rail were feeding amongst the dead reeds near the hide. 1 Peregrine flying over. Lots of Shelduck across the whole reserve.
2 Pochard were on the Welsh Pool, with lots of Shoveler and a single Little Egret.
As I was leaving at 4pm, Little Egrets were flying in to roost. The RSPB staff say this overnight roost often contains 200+ birds.
Thanks for posting Joe, and this evening seen at Shotwick Boating Lake, going to roost with tufted ducks
Info thanks to Tanmay Dixit
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 24th of February 2013 06:32:24 PM
Oh and the very showy Water Rail has been out and about today!
http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 18th of February 2013 04:26:17 PM
Why couldn't they have been there the day before when I was volunteering??
Parkgate high tide got hen harrier (m&f), 2 Great White egret, Short eared owl and peregrine, others had a merlin.
Then BMW, saw male hen harrier and water rail.
After waiting for a while got brmbling (m) on feeders with what seemed like billions of chaffinch (and some brown rats), also nice views of male siskin.
Nothing else of note apart fron huge numbers of lapwing, some dunlin interspresed with them, couple of spotted redshank and the expected wildfowl inclu 2 male pintail
I have taken a few shot of the spotted redshanks see my Blog for more
http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/
Cheers guys
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 13th of February 2013 09:24:41 AM
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your kind words .... I will still "spy" on this forum every now and then just to see what my year list could have been!
I find this forum an invaluable tool for staying in touch with the Birding community and have found the support and information invaluable to my development.
Bye for now
PS Any question about the sightings and/or visitor facilities should be directed to daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk
85 Dunlin
3 Redshank
3 Black-tailed Godwit
Teal - lots
Shelduck - lots
Water Rail - right in front of the hide. Best views I've ever had. Needless to say, I'd left the camera in the car
Hi
I could not agree more with Sid and Tanmay's comments...........
I also think that Paul deserves a huge amount of credit for his efforts to ensure that Burton Mere Wetlands has become a great 'visitor experience' for all of the people that visit the reserve............and if I don't get the chance to wish him well on my next visit to the reserve,I'd also like to take this opportunity to do so,and say,........................WELL DONE PAUL AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE
Cheers Denzil
Good luck Paul and keep in touch, best wishes! Hope to see you soon, maybe at BMW with you looking at the work you've done with the eyes of a visitor!
I am sure that members of this forum who know him will join me in sending best wishes to Paul in his new venture and well done for his part in getting BMW up and running.
I don't think Jonathon ever felt he might of made a mistake; more that other 'disbelievers' might of thought he had
I've recorded Corn Bunting on 2 occasions over the last couple of years............Firstly,there were 2 birds in the field adjacent to the entrance to Inner Marsh Farm on 13-08-2011,and then subsequently a single bird at a private location in the area on 14-04-2012.
Corn Bunting is a difficult bird to mis-identify when it's amongst other finches and buntings,because of it's overall larger build and Jizz,including giving the impression of being quite heavy headed,and with you also having had a lot of experience of watching these birds,then I very much doubt that yourself and Jeff have made a mistake..........so well done to you both on a great find
Cheers Denzil
Nothing unusal but very nice was the confiding water rail. I picked out a movement in the reeds which just looked like the rail so I called out to other people who fortunately got onto it as it came out into the open! unbelievable views and photo opportunities, even I got some half decent ones, through the glass or not through the glass! well done to the wardens for managing the reeds in this way, without disturbing the bird and yet allowing cracking views which would otherwise be almost impossible to get!
Otherwise, usual tits and finches including loads of goldfinch, a few siskin and a couple of bullfinch
And thanks for the help with infio about water pipit, didn't get time to go but maybe next time...
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 27th of January 2013 10:29:32 AM
Hi Paul,
I've started entering my Cheshire records via RODIS, I can email Hugh Pulsford if necessary but I thought it might confuse matters? I'll send Colin an email.
We did realise the significance of the sighting, a couple of your guys went down there immediately but failed to find them. I think there was a feeling that the birds may have been Reed Buntings - understandable perhaps, no-one present knew me or if I could tell a Corn Bunting from a Corncrake! I bird around one of only a few areas in Cheshire where Corn Buntings are still reasonably plentiful, I watch them almost daily throughout the spring and summer, less so in winter - they were undoubtedly Corn Bunts, let's hope they hang around!
Hi Jonathan,
Corn bunting are very rare as far as I'm aware round these parts ... would be nice if could report them to the county recorder for us :)
Worth copying in our site manager colin.wells@rspb.org.uk too
Thanks
PS there has been a minor influx of finshes over th epast few days as one would expect ... 2 yellowhammer there yesterday and about 30 reed bunting
Just to let you know of an new event happening in January at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands
http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/detail...d=tcm:9-337467
An chance to go around "IMF2" which is way beyond the main scrape. Should be particularly interesting for those who want to learn about the creation and management of such a reserve.
Places are limited so booking is essential. 0151 353 8478 or deeestuary@rspb.org.uk
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/pla...-as-usual.aspx
Todays sightings include water rail, 1 pink-footed goose and male hen harrier ... so far
Burton Mere...
Fabulous views of the male Hen Harrier which seemed to have extended its hunting area to include the high treetops
1 Merlin
1 Water Rail
1 Green Woodpecker
16 Dunlin
approx 40 B T Godwits
40 Golden Plover
Parkgate for the High Tide around midday to mid afternoon...
1 imm male Marsh Harrier
approx 8 Short Eared Owls
1 Merlin
1 Peregrine
1 Ringtail Hen Harrier
2 Great White Egrets showing from the marshes
Countless numbers of geese and waders pushed in by the tide
Also a brief glimpse of Brambling and a Fox at IMF
or the reserve car park 09:45
PM me if you want to tag along
at least 5 whooper swan
Various wildfowl and wader inclu a stonking male pintail.
And then the highlight, a male hen harrier gave great prolonged albeit distant views at the back of the reserve. Great views!
Nice to meet the crew while not volunteering
Then to Denhall Lane Quay (see Wirral thread)
Meet at Smugglers Inn car park off Station Rd.
http://vimeo.com/52456841 footage form the new bird watching facility at Point of Ayr, Flintshire
www.rspb.org.uk/pointofayr for more details of free guided walk on Saturday
Burton Wetland Centre
Masses of Canada and Greylag Geese, plus 1 Cape Shelduck mixed in with them. Lots of Black Tailed Godwits and Lapwings but only 8 Redshanks.
Lots of Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Gadwall etc, but no Pintail or uncommon waterfowl around. 10 Shelduck.
IMF
Lots of Lapwings and Teal. 10 Whooper Swans on the Welsh Pool. 4 Ravens.
3 Common Darter + 1 Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Denhall Lane/Station Road
1 female Merlin and 2 Kestrels.
Burton wetlands was a bit busy for me so vacated to IMF
IMF
Hen Harrier-1 f/imm several times during the afternoon which seemed to be doing circles of the marsh then back to IMF/Burton mere complex
Hobby-1 (at one point chasing the hen harrier
Merlin-1 Male
Greenshank-3
spotted redshank-1
Golden plover -1
Knot-10+ some big flocks overhead
black tailed Godwit -lots on both IMF/And Burton Marsh
Whooper swan-at least 8
IMF, 3 Greenshank,Hobby,Merlin,Med Gull.
Burton point, 3 Ruddy shelduck,3 Short-eared owl,Stonechat.
Denhall lane, 2 Great egret,40 Little egret, 4 Short-eared owl.
2 Ruddy shelduck still present on burton marsh.
A few other waders around including knot and golden plover.
Excellent days birding, no sign of Dowitcher though. A sparrowhawk took the raptor count to 7 for the day.
Kevin