Hi Pete I've only just noticed your posting so sorry about my delay in replying to you.
I parked up for a couple of hours at the car park on the small beach in Silverdale watching the birds in the bay. The other birder stopped to look through my scope and told me that he had moved to the area 18 months ago and spent many hours birding/walking along the local coastline. I did not get his name. He told me that he had seen the Sabines gull further down the coast [no location] just after 9am as he was out walking.
Thats about it I'm afraid.
I have read with interest over the years your postings on the LDBWS website
Regards
Pete Marsh said
Mon Sep 26 9:41 AM, 2011
Dave Please can you give me a little more info on the report of a Sabine's Gull fly-by off Jenny Brown's Point/Silverdale as per your posting
This is the first I have heard about it (as opposed to the one at Heysham at the same time) and am trying to assemble all the records. Note the 10th was before the main influx off Lancs coast = 13th-14th
Thanks
Pete
Mike Chorley said
Sun Sep 25 9:32 PM, 2011
This afternoon:
Pr of Bearded Tits on the grit trays on the causeway Marsh Harrier over harrassed by on of the local Buzzards Greenshank 3 from Public Hide Yellow Wagtail over the causeway Marsh Tit feeders
Graham Beverley said
Fri Sep 16 10:29 AM, 2011
Friday morning Two tawny owls causeway Marsh harrier juv lower Bearded tit Eric Two kingfishers Ruff 11 Spotted redshank 2 Snipe Black tail godwits Pintail Sparrow hawk Greenshank Plenty of red deer on path to lower One otter at lower
Graham Beverley said
Thu Sep 15 8:57 PM, 2011
Good week spent around Leighton Highlights Leighton Osprey Two kingfishers Merlin Black tern Arctic tern Marsh tits
Heysham Sabine gull Great skua Sandwich tern Med gull Kittiwake
Two otters lower hide Sunday Three otters public Tuesday Five otters watched for two hours from lower Wednesday Good week even with poor weather
Dave Thacker said
Sat Sep 10 9:03 PM, 2011
Very quiet around Leighton moss this morning with just the usual ducks and godwits about. Other birds seen;
3 Nuthatch, 2 Marsh tits and 2 Coal tits around the feeders Spotted Redshank hidden down in the vegetation at the Grizedale hide 2 Raven and 2 Buzzards from the public hide
Bearded tits were pinging away in the reeds near the grit trays but they did not come into view and a Osprey was seen flying over the reserve.
It was a lot better bird wise at the small car park beside the sea at Silverdale looking out across the bay as the tide went out and the birds flew to the sandbanks. Birds seen; 1000's of Oystercatchers, Godwits, Redshank, Knot, Curlew, Whimbrel and gulls were all mixed together. Also 2 Little gulls flew over close to the car park 2 separate distant sightings of Skuas well far out into the bay, one was chasing small wader. Distant views of 5 terns, one of which I'm sure was a Black tern. A good close up of a Greenshank which arrived in front of the car park as it started to rain hard. Another birder told me that he had seen a Sabine's gull pass by earlier that morning.
steven burke said
Sat Sep 3 8:59 PM, 2011
post from yesterday 2/9. here with the rspb volunteers from the manchester peregrines project,very enjoyable company birds seen.... at least 2 marsh harriers marsh tit at feeders also nuthatch & usual finches/tits. black tailed godwits (over) little egret wigeon,pintails,pochard,shovelers,teals,gadwalls all starting to build up lots off coots around swallows,house & sand martins all over plus all usuals in and around the reserve also a nice family off chiffchaffs, at least 3 juveniles + plenty more around no otters for us
jo,thank you for a lovely day out and very nice to meet you all,hope to see you all again soon.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Aug 5 11:01 PM, 2011
5 of us had a good day out, and finished with a meal at Arnside.
Not a lot about really. No small birds, and the usual on the pools. Loads of Redshank a few greenshank 1 spotted Redshank 1 Snipe 1 Bittern seen flying from Lilians's Hids(note by of course) Fantastic views of a couple of Marsh Harriers from most hides, but especially public and Lower Hides.
JOHN TYMON said
Fri Jul 15 3:08 PM, 2011
am/pm black tailed godwit-200+ dunlin-10 spotted redshank-1 summer plumage asleepno pics redshank-100 little egret-3 no marsh harriers about 6 red deer not a lot elsein fact apart from the stuff on the coast pools,there is more in rammies at penny than the whole of the reserve
Dave Thacker said
Thu Jul 14 10:21 PM, 2011
Hi Joe I did not know that the female was radio tagged and certainly did not see it when I was watching her today.
The hawk with the jesses was smaller than a Marsh harrier and larger than a Sparrowhawk. Various suggestions from the other birders in the hide included Goshawk but I think it was an escapee and so did some of the others as we saw the bird again as we left the hide and it was definitely trailing jesses.
Joe Wynn said
Thu Jul 14 8:08 PM, 2011
Dave Thacker wrote:
A large hawk trailing jesse's was soaring high above the reserve
Dave, sounds silly but was it the female marsh harrier with the radio tag, when I saw it first I could've sworn it was an escapee.
Dave Thacker said
Thu Jul 14 7:04 PM, 2011
Just missed an Osprey this morning which was seen from the lower hide early on.
Birds seen; Numerous sightings from all the hides of at least 2 male and 1 female Marsh harriers 3 Little Egrets 4 Buzzards Treecreeper GS Woodpecker Tawny Owl Sparrowhawk A large hawk trailing jesse's was soaring high above the reserve, seen from the Grisedale hide Plenty of Sedge, Reed and Willow warblers 2 Juv Blackcaps Bullfinch Marsh tit The usual ducks and grebes
3 Red deer [f] Stoat seen near the house at the top of the causeway
A lovely walk around in the sun
Joe Wynn said
Sat Jul 9 7:40 PM, 2011
Cheers Steve, I had an all day wander about today, no sign of any beardies anywhere, though Still, had some cracking birding. Highlights included:
2 Spotted Redshank- both summer plumage c.10 Greenshank- mostly summer plumage c.50 Redshank c.150 Black Tailed Godwit c.5 Lapwing
Loads'a Swifts, Swallows, martins
steven burke said
Fri Jul 8 10:03 PM, 2011
Joe Wynn wrote:
Steve, where did you get the beardies this time of year?
joe,they were at lower hide. also had good views (for a change) as i normally only get a quick glimpse. it also says on the rspb recent sightings that 1f & 1juv both unringed have been seen the same area.
Joe Wynn said
Fri Jul 8 8:35 PM, 2011
Steve, where did you get the beardies this time of year?
steven burke said
Sat Jul 2 11:17 PM, 2011
good day today in the hot sunshine, 52 species seen. highlights being... 4 marsh harriers 2m 2f 2 bearded tits 1f 1juvenille 1 marsh tit 2 little egrets no signs off the ospreys that have been seen earlier in the week 2 ravens 6 buzzards 3 oystercatchers reed warblers, sedge warblers, blackcaps, chiffchaffs & willow warblers all over swifts, sand martins & swallows all over apart from the hundreds off coots,not much duck wise. tufted ducks with juvenilles 2 pochards, 2 wigeon, 3 teal, plenty off greylag goose, several canada goose several pairs off great crested grebe pair g-b-b gulls with 1 juvenile, plenty off b-h gulls few with juveniles plus usual birds around feeding station & reserve
also had 5 red deer, family off stoats seen 4 together but could hear more in the long grass, 1 shrew on top off one of the bearded tit wigwams 1 mink on causeway close to public hide, did let the staff know.
steven burke said
Tue May 24 11:11 PM, 2011
very windy today ,but at least the sun was shinning. 63 psecies seen 1 great white egret, (griesdale hide) also 10 red deer 1 little egret, 1 little gull, 20+ avocet, 50+ black tailed godwit, 1 redshank 1 common gull, lots off black headed gulls & shellduck (allen & eric morcambe hide) at least 4 marsh harriers (2m 2f) 3 bearded tits plenty off buzzards about, no peregrines lots off reed & sedge warblers, whitethroats, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, blackcaps lots off swifts, house martins & swallows all usual ducks about, garganey has been seen today but not by me great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, + all usual birds around the feeders and around the reserve. good day
Rob Bell said
Wed May 18 12:09 PM, 2011
Leighton Moss 13/05/2011 - including Eric Morecambe Hide and the other hide nearby that are outside main reserve:
8 to 10 Sedge Warblers 4 Reed Warblers 20 Avocets (different places) 7 Blk Tailed Godwits 1 Redshank 2 Shoveler 4 Gadwall 4 Garganay 4 Oystercatchers 15 Goldfinches (different places) 2 Pochards 16 Shellducks 2 Chiffchaff but a lot more heard 1 Willow warbler 2 Common Whitethroats My first House Martins of the year (4) 2 Marsh Harriers (1m 1f) 1 Blackcap 1 Treecreeper 1 Falco Peregrinus
Great day's birding but didnt manage to get my first ever Great White Egret.
Keep birding
Pete Welch said
Mon May 9 8:48 PM, 2011
Late report from yesterday evening:
Garganey - M at least one showing very well calling and displaying and flying around the complex of pools in front of Grisedale Ruff - with a hint of its, err, Ruff Redshank x2 Marsh Harrier - males x2 after the rain Black Tern - swiftly through during nasty rain shower - nice surprise Many Shovelers, Shelduck, Godwits, Gadwall, Pochard, Lapwing etc and 12 Red Deer hinds before the rain sent them back into the reed beds
One of the GBB patrolling the reserve seemed to spook the various nesting birds more than the Marsh Harriers...
Gary Gorner said
Sun May 8 9:41 AM, 2011
6/05/2011 FRIDAY
Quick visit on the way home from a weeks fantastic birding in Scotland 1 wood sandpiper 1 male garganey sedge and reed warblers 1 whitethrote 2 male marsh harriers 1 female marsh harrier 2 buzzard 50 black tailed godwits 1 redshank 6 red dear all viewed from im griesdale hide
sid ashton said
Wed May 4 4:59 PM, 2011
A quick visit to Leighton Moss subsequent to the Lune Estuary Kentish Plover in the hope of seeing the reported Osprey - no luck in that department but we had cracking views of 2 Male Marsh Harriers over Island Mere where John B also had his first Swifts of the year. We also observed the Warton Peregrines. ... and so to Bramhall.
Lee Griffiths said
Sat Apr 30 8:14 PM, 2011
my 1st visit today .. cracking day highlights being marsh harrier (m.f) lesser white throat.. little egret .. ruff ..Spotted redshank..Gaganey..Mediterranean gull.. 69 different speices of birds seen .. cheers lee oh and 2 otters !!!!
Ian Campbell said
Fri Apr 29 2:38 PM, 2011
Visit this a.m., all the usual birds were present and seen plus a pair of Gaganey from Griesdale hide. Cheers Ian
David Duncan said
Sat Apr 23 9:56 PM, 2011
Good views of Marsh Harriers today from causeway, however, after a brief visit to warton crag I learned that the ravens have raided the peregrine nest. Both peregrines were present and calling to each other, and the locals are hopeful another clutch is attempted.
Dennis atherton said
Sun Apr 10 8:58 PM, 2011
sunday visit, highlights were
male and female garganey still present from griesdales,
great white egret from lower hide
med gull right in front of lillians with hundreds of black headers
lots of sightings of displaying marsh harriers
green woodpecker on golf course looking for ants opposite pathway to public hide
Willow warblers, chiffchiffs and blackcaps along the pathways
Holly Page said
Fri Apr 8 8:26 PM, 2011
Garganey pair present from Griesdale Hide at 6.30pm. Showed really well in the evening sunshine before flying off.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Apr 7 8:09 PM, 2011
My first 'proper' visit here today (not counting last weeks brief, rain sodden visit) with my mum for company.
The weather could not have been better and the birds certainly didn't disappoint.
First call in was the Tim Jackson hide and here we were treated to excellent views of 4 Red Deer basking in the morning sunshine across from the hide.
Next stop was the Grizedale hide where I was trying to track down the Garganey that had been reported a few days before (I later found out that they were seen again here late in the afternoon) without luck. Two distant soaring Marsh Harriers were seen here displaying at a great height.
After a bit of lunch we went over to the Public hide where we were treated to an excellent display by upto 5 Marsh Harriers at once in the sky. At one point, all the Black headed gulls in front of the hide suddenly fell silent and moments later a Marsh Harrier glided straight over the top of the hide at very low level giving fantastic views for everyone there.
Following that, it was a quick visit to the Allen hide and Eric Morecambe hide where there were easily 1500+ Black tail Godwits present along with upto 400 Redshank and around 10 Avocet.
A quick visit on the way home to Warton Crag for the Peregrines saw the end of a really enjoyable day!!
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Mar 27 6:46 PM, 2011
Iain Johnson and I on a mega twitch this morning called in at Warton for the Shorelark, I'm pretty sure this is round the back of the Crag but forgive me if I'm wrong!
Anyway despite there being a stock car race meeting, about to take place, the Shorelark showed extremely well for us near the bench and off we raced towards Southport!
Dennis atherton said
Sat Mar 12 10:11 PM, 2011
today male and female golden eye from eric morcambe, also gold crest near allen hide and my first avocet of the year also from eric morcambe
3 peregrines and 2 ravens at warton, peregrine and raven getting into it a bit at one point
Sizergh castle early morning
3 Hawfinch
Graham Beverley said
Mon Mar 7 9:20 AM, 2011
weekend visit Friday,Saturday and Sunday very quiet weekend, three visit to eric m and i would swear the same birds in the same positions.
Highlights marsh harrier f lots of very vocal marsh tits with very close views (two feet) redwing little egret ONE greenshank ONE sparrowhawks goldcrest treecreeper One very week boom from the bittern on sunday(causeway) no otters but plenty of if you had been here last week three in front of lower, one at same time at another hide and none with a broken tail (called kinky) so that makes five. best spot was two male bearded as i left the lower hide sat on reeds very close for what seemed like ages in the past it as been March that numbers of Bitters (five) have circled the moss gull calling at dusk so anybody up should keep eyes to the skys
Neil McCall said
Sun Feb 27 8:38 PM, 2011
Friday 25 Feb
Morecambe Bay rather fogbound; however a quick visit to Leighton Moss found a female Marsh Harrier (reported previous day on RSPB website), also 2 Little Egret.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Jan 31 3:01 PM, 2011
This slightly off-topic subject could run and run and is one I have pondered over at length given the comments on various recent threads throughout the Manchester Birding forum. If we feel the need to comment further then perhaps a thread in the discussion section?
Anyway, I can't resist one last comment. If we're saying prams shouldn't be in hides, are we therefore implying that birders with babies should leave them outside (and perhaps be subject to storks stealing them in spring) or that they should stay away from any sites with hides until the children are old enough to walk for themselves? Just a thought, answers on another thread please (still no smileys...)
phil ogden said
Mon Jan 31 2:31 PM, 2011
People with kids like nature to.Perhaps they should all have stayed at home on their play stations instead of getting out into the fresh air and taking a interest in the birds. Kids throwing stones is not on, nor prams in hides.
Tim Wilcox said
Mon Jan 31 7:41 AM, 2011
Made the mistake of visiting yesterday. If anyone else is thinking of making a Sunday visit: DON'T. The causeway was full of parents with 5 year olds having fun throwing rocks onto the ice and every hide except lower was full of prams and squalling infants (I kid you not). Sensibly the rails, Bitterns and Beardies all stayed deep in the reeds cowering from the general racket. Not even a consolation Marsh Tit.
Watch out IMF!
Graham Beverley said
Sun Jan 23 9:20 PM, 2011
Weekend visit mostly frozen Song thrush Nuthatch Blackbird Woodpigeon Grey heron LTtits Moorhen Greylag Magpie Starlings Carrion crows GBBgulls Chaffinch Lapwings Curlews Bullfinch m f Pink footed geese Goldfinch Great and blue tits Robin Mallard Coal tits Pheasant Greenfinch Marsh tit Mute swan Coot Wren Teal Pintail Common gull BHgull Bittern public hide 30 mins Saturday Gadwall Tufted Goosander2m1f Woodpigeon Pochard House sparrow Fieldfare Jay Oystercatcher GSwoodpecker Jackdaw Buzzard Peregrine Green woodpecker Little egret Sunday Bittern from lower short flight Waterraill Blacktail godwit Red breasted Meganser 3 Kestrel goldeneye redwing redshank greatcrested grebe
-- Edited by Graham Beverley on Sunday 23rd of January 2011 09:42:21 PM
-- Edited by Graham Beverley on Sunday 23rd of January 2011 09:47:40 PM
alex lewis-gough said
Mon Jan 3 9:39 PM, 2011
Excellent visit to leighton moss today. We got there at first light and went straight to allen and morcambe hides. Not much to be seen as water was completely frozen but did see curlew and a peregrine. From lillians hide 2 water rails followed by great view of a bittern walking along edge of reeds straight after leaving lillians saw 3 waxwings and managed to get few pics Pair of bearded tits also showing realy well on grit trays near public hide. Lots of woodland birds around with robins everywhere posing for pics and buzzard seen along path that cuts off just before lower hide. Great start to new year
Melanie Beckford said
Mon Jan 3 7:17 PM, 2011
My turn to visit with Simon today, pretty much the same as all the other posts recently.
All the birds were very obliging, we got to Warton Cragg and immediately there was a Peregrine cleaning his talons ...met Paul and Sue later they said when they visited earlier, the bird had bought something in.
Lillians hide....Bittern and Water Rail, the hide was busy but not heaving.
Feeding station....Bullfinch, Marsh Tits, and all the usual suspects. Three Waxwings also there Treecreeper, Robins etc along the walkways Along the causeway, male and female Bearded Tits came onto the grit trays just as we arrived.
Public hide....nowt, all the ducks were concentrated way, way over to the right,Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon and Pochard.
Leighton Moss is ludicrously busy, never seen it like this! There were 2 Bittern showing from Lillian's hide as well as a Water Rail. The RSPB had been putting bait out on the left of the hide where the stream flows in and the Water Rail and a Bittern were feeding there. Also, inside Lillian's was a Robin, that flew into a window and dazed itself. It took a good 20 minutes to come around! Because of a shoot up on the hill behind Public Hide, there were less ducks than usual. However, still a fair few teal, a Goosander, a few Gadwall, a few Tufties and at least 1 Pochard. Around the visitor centre, there was a big Siskin flock with about 3 Redpoll and supposedly some waxies. They were put down in the book at around 11:00 but by the time I got there at 11:30 there was no sign. At least 4 Fieldfare in the orchard near the beginning of the causeway.
John Lyon said
Sun Jan 2 8:58 PM, 2011
Hi Ian,
Janice & I agree. it was very busy today at the reserve. We probably saw you all during the day, especially when we were crammed into Lillian's hide watching the bitterns and water rails.Our paths must of crossed at some point. 1 fem Bearded Tit on grit tray for several minutes on the causeway late afternoon. It was worth the run up and we checked out Wharton Cragg to check on the Jackdaws, Peregrine (1 only showing) giving excellent ariel displays in the vast number of Corvids. Raven was present as well. Barbon valley produced a single Green Woodpecker GS Woody 12 Fieldfares 1 pair of Tawny Owls flying among the trees along the road when leaving Barbon village.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Jan 2 5:04 PM, 2011
After reading previous posts decided to visit today with Peter & Norma Johnson. Never seen it so busy, even the large overspill car park was full with many cars parking along road outside. Worth it though with fantastic views of 2 Bittern from Lillian's also Water Rail here. Around feeders and along paths loads of the common Finches and Tits but also excellent views of Marsh Tits, Nuthatch and Siskin. The reserve was pretty much frozen with open water only from public hide, this had all the usual Ducks on it. Best bird from Morcambe complex was a Whooper Swan with 2 Mute. Cheers Ian
sid ashton said
Sat Jan 1 8:20 PM, 2011
Steve Bostock wrote:
also water rail along side bittern.
nice to meet you Sid happy new year steve and julie ,Littleborough
-- Edited by Steve Bostock on Saturday 1st of January 2011 07:14:18 PM
Nice to meet you both as well - I had intended to say this in my post but I had a senior moment
Glad you found that Water Rail ok.
Steve Bostock said
Sat Jan 1 7:13 PM, 2011
also water rail along side bittern.
nice to meet you Sid happy new year steve and julie ,Littleborough
-- Edited by Steve Bostock on Saturday 1st of January 2011 07:14:18 PM
sid ashton said
Sat Jan 1 5:34 PM, 2011
I too had the morning up north today - started as usual at Warton Crag where I watched the Peregrine pair flying around together, occasionally resting, for 20 minutes or so.
From Lillian's the Bittern was showing very well on the reedy area to the left of the hide - it was tucking into the small fish that are being put out by the wardens. In the wood next to Lillian's a flock of 15 + Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. On to the causeway, no sign of the Waxies but several Blackbirds and Fieldfare were eating the apples on the ground in the garden of the cottage - also 4 Bullfinch in the surrounding trees. From the public hide lots of birds on the patch of water where the ice had cleared including Teal, Shoveller, Pochard, Wigeon, Cormorant and Gadwall and finally Marsh Tit on the feeders near reception along with Coal, Great and Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Just as I was leaving c20 Pink feet went over.
A nice start to the new birding year
Ian Woosey said
Sat Jan 1 4:36 PM, 2011
1/1/11
Reserve:
2 Bitterns - one on the ice from Lillians Hide, and one flew directly over my head near the Keepers Cottage. 1 Water Rail 3 Marsh Tits and a Treecreeper from the layby overlooking Island Mere 20+ Siskin A handful of Wigeon were sleeping with Pochard, Goldeneye, Gadwall and Teal on the mere, seen from Public Hide.
Morecambe Complex:
1 Spotted Redshank 1 Greenshank 4 Little Egret 5 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Curlew 1 Kingfisher 1 Buzzard 20 or so Pinkfeet on the marsh with Greylags
(Glad I didn`t take your advice Mr Hammond not to bother with the Morecambe hides; the saltmarsh pools were the highlight of the day. Sorry they were quiet for you ! )
steve ashworth said
Fri Dec 31 5:49 PM, 2010
:Wonderful day at Leighton Lillians; Bittern Heron Coot Moorhen Teal a plenty Black headed Gull Buzzard
Game Keepers Cottage; Two Waxwings
Public Hide; Nothing
Lower Hide; Not some much
Footpath beyond lower hide Bittern within five feet on footpath
Carpark; Greater spotted woodpecker
Warton Cragg Good to see Perigrine found a new mate as they were both present
Dennis atherton said
Wed Dec 29 10:32 PM, 2010
Yep missed each other again, lol, what a day though, such prolonged views of bitterns today and so many, it makes you think how many there actually are? pity theres no waders at eric morcambe cause of the ice but bitterns, bearded tits and water rails showing superbly, great day, i dipped on the Dave thacker though, very illusive
Ps, Are you following me or am i following you?
Dave Thacker wrote:
Dennis, We are like ships in the night, that's the second time that we have been at Leighton on the same day and missed each other.
An exceptional 5 hours birding at Leighton today.
Within 5 minutes of leaving the car park I was watching a Bittern and a Water rail beside the reeds about 60m left of Lillian's hide. Another Bittern walked across the ice right in front of the hide. On the path to the Grizedale hide was another Water rail and I could hear Bearded tits deep in the reeds and they eventually flew up into the open and I briefly saw flying towards the Lillian hide. A single Little Egret was at the Grizedale hide and not much else. A walk down the causeway to the grit trays, I only had to wait for a couple of minutes when 3 Bearded tits turned up. One went on the tray and had coloured rings different to the bird Dennis saw and the other two stayed at the edge of the reeds. Excellent views Three more Bitterns were at the Public hide and some photographers from Scotland who had never seen a Bittern before got some cracking shots. Apart from the usual, other birds seen were; 4 Marsh tits on the feeders 2 Buzzards Sparrowhawk 5 Jays
-- Edited by Dave Thacker on Wednesday 29th of December 2010 09:56:48 PM
Dave Thacker said
Wed Dec 29 10:01 PM, 2010
Hi Joe
There is still plenty of frozen water but the edges are beginning to thaw out. I've no idea how long it will last but the next couple of days are going to be mild so I wouldn't leave it too long before you visit. Hope you see one
Joe Wynn said
Wed Dec 29 9:35 PM, 2010
Could anyone make an estimate as to how long Leighton Moss will be iced over, and how long the Bitterns will be slightly easier to spot? I'm keen to see one, but I can't get out to Leighton Moss until later and was wondering whether it they would be out at that point. Cheers, Joe
Dave Thacker said
Wed Dec 29 8:50 PM, 2010
Dennis, We are like ships in the night, that's the second time that we have been at Leighton on the same day and missed each other.
An exceptional 5 hours birding at Leighton today.
Within 5 minutes of leaving the car park I was watching a Bittern and a Water rail beside the reeds about 60m left of Lillian's hide. Another Bittern walked across the ice right in front of the hide. On the path to the Grizedale hide was another Water rail and I could hear Bearded tits deep in the reeds and they eventually flew up into the open and I briefly saw flying towards the Lillian hide. A single Little Egret was at the Grizedale hide and not much else. A walk down the causeway to the grit trays, I only had to wait for a couple of minutes when 3 Bearded tits turned up. One went on the tray and had coloured rings different to the bird Dennis saw and the other two stayed at the edge of the reeds. Excellent views Three more Bitterns were at the Public hide and some photographers from Scotland who had never seen a Bittern before got some cracking shots. Apart from the usual, other birds seen were; 4 Marsh tits on the feeders 2 Buzzards Sparrowhawk 5 Jays
-- Edited by Dave Thacker on Wednesday 29th of December 2010 09:56:48 PM
I've only just noticed your posting so sorry about my delay in replying to you.
I parked up for a couple of hours at the car park on the small beach in Silverdale watching the birds in the bay. The other birder stopped to look through my scope and told me that he had moved to the area 18 months ago and spent many hours birding/walking along the local coastline. I did not get his name.
He told me that he had seen the Sabines gull further down the coast [no location] just after 9am as he was out walking.
Thats about it I'm afraid.
I have read with interest over the years your postings on the LDBWS website
Regards
Please can you give me a little more info on the report of a Sabine's Gull fly-by off Jenny Brown's Point/Silverdale as per your posting
This is the first I have heard about it (as opposed to the one at Heysham at the same time) and am trying to assemble all the records. Note the 10th was before the main influx off Lancs coast = 13th-14th
Thanks
Pete
Pr of Bearded Tits on the grit trays on the causeway
Marsh Harrier over harrassed by on of the local Buzzards
Greenshank 3 from Public Hide
Yellow Wagtail over the causeway
Marsh Tit feeders
Two tawny owls causeway
Marsh harrier juv lower
Bearded tit
Eric
Two kingfishers
Ruff 11
Spotted redshank 2
Snipe
Black tail godwits
Pintail
Sparrow hawk
Greenshank
Plenty of red deer on path to lower
One otter at lower
Highlights
Leighton
Osprey
Two kingfishers
Merlin
Black tern
Arctic tern
Marsh tits
Heysham
Sabine gull
Great skua
Sandwich tern
Med gull
Kittiwake
Two otters lower hide Sunday
Three otters public Tuesday
Five otters watched for two hours from lower Wednesday
Good week even with poor weather
3 Nuthatch, 2 Marsh tits and 2 Coal tits around the feeders
Spotted Redshank hidden down in the vegetation at the Grizedale hide
2 Raven and 2 Buzzards from the public hide
Bearded tits were pinging away in the reeds near the grit trays but they did not come into view and a Osprey was seen flying over the reserve.
It was a lot better bird wise at the small car park beside the sea at Silverdale looking out across the bay as the tide went out and the birds flew to the sandbanks. Birds seen;
1000's of Oystercatchers, Godwits, Redshank, Knot, Curlew, Whimbrel and gulls were all mixed together.
Also 2 Little gulls flew over close to the car park
2 separate distant sightings of Skuas well far out into the bay, one was chasing small wader.
Distant views of 5 terns, one of which I'm sure was a Black tern.
A good close up of a Greenshank which arrived in front of the car park as it started to rain hard.
Another birder told me that he had seen a Sabine's gull pass by earlier that morning.
birds seen....
at least 2 marsh harriers
marsh tit at feeders also nuthatch & usual finches/tits.
black tailed godwits (over)
little egret
wigeon,pintails,pochard,shovelers,teals,gadwalls all starting to build up
lots off coots around
swallows,house & sand martins all over
plus all usuals in and around the reserve
also a nice family off chiffchaffs, at least 3 juveniles + plenty more around
no otters for us
jo,thank you for a lovely day out and very nice to meet you all,hope to see you all again soon.
Not a lot about really. No small birds, and the usual on the pools.
Loads of Redshank
a few greenshank
1 spotted Redshank
1 Snipe
1 Bittern seen flying from Lilians's Hids(note by of course)
Fantastic views of a couple of Marsh Harriers from most hides, but especially public and Lower Hides.
black tailed godwit-200+
dunlin-10
spotted redshank-1 summer plumage asleep
redshank-100
little egret-3
no marsh harriers
about 6 red deer
not a lot else
I did not know that the female was radio tagged and certainly did not see it when I was watching her today.
The hawk with the jesses was smaller than a Marsh harrier and larger than a Sparrowhawk. Various suggestions from the other birders in the hide included Goshawk but I think it was an escapee and so did some of the others as we saw the bird again as we left the hide and it was definitely trailing jesses.
Dave, sounds silly but was it the female marsh harrier with the radio tag, when I saw it first I could've sworn it was an escapee.
Birds seen;
Numerous sightings from all the hides of at least 2 male and 1 female Marsh harriers
3 Little Egrets
4 Buzzards
Treecreeper
GS Woodpecker
Tawny Owl
Sparrowhawk
A large hawk trailing jesse's was soaring high above the reserve, seen from the Grisedale hide
Plenty of Sedge, Reed and Willow warblers
2 Juv Blackcaps
Bullfinch
Marsh tit
The usual ducks and grebes
3 Red deer [f]
Stoat seen near the house at the top of the causeway
A lovely walk around in the sun
2 Marsh Harrier- 1m 1f
2 Reed Warbler
2 Reed Bunting
8 Grey Heron
6 Little Egret
3 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk- 1m
1 Probable Osprey
Loads of Canada and Greylag Geese
...and on the coast:
2 Spotted Redshank- both summer plumage
c.10 Greenshank- mostly summer plumage
c.50 Redshank
c.150 Black Tailed Godwit
c.5 Lapwing
Loads'a Swifts, Swallows, martins
joe,they were at lower hide. also had good views (for a change) as i normally only get a quick glimpse. it also says on the rspb recent sightings that 1f & 1juv both unringed have been seen the same area.
4 marsh harriers 2m 2f
2 bearded tits 1f 1juvenille
1 marsh tit
2 little egrets
no signs off the ospreys that have been seen earlier in the week
2 ravens
6 buzzards
3 oystercatchers
reed warblers, sedge warblers, blackcaps, chiffchaffs & willow warblers all over
swifts, sand martins & swallows all over
apart from the hundreds off coots,not much duck wise. tufted ducks with juvenilles
2 pochards, 2 wigeon, 3 teal, plenty off greylag goose, several canada goose
several pairs off great crested grebe
pair g-b-b gulls with 1 juvenile, plenty off b-h gulls few with juveniles
plus usual birds around feeding station & reserve
also had 5 red deer, family off stoats seen 4 together but could hear more in the long grass, 1 shrew on top off one of the bearded tit wigwams
1 great white egret, (griesdale hide) also 10 red deer
1 little egret, 1 little gull, 20+ avocet, 50+ black tailed godwit, 1 redshank
1 common gull, lots off black headed gulls & shellduck (allen & eric morcambe hide)
at least 4 marsh harriers (2m 2f) 3 bearded tits
plenty off buzzards about, no peregrines
lots off reed & sedge warblers, whitethroats, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, blackcaps
lots off swifts, house martins & swallows
all usual ducks about, garganey has been seen today but not by me
great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, + all usual birds around the feeders and around the reserve. good day
8 to 10 Sedge Warblers
4 Reed Warblers
20 Avocets (different places)
7 Blk Tailed Godwits
1 Redshank
2 Shoveler
4 Gadwall
4 Garganay
4 Oystercatchers
15 Goldfinches (different places)
2 Pochards
16 Shellducks
2 Chiffchaff but a lot more heard
1 Willow warbler
2 Common Whitethroats
My first House Martins of the year (4)
2 Marsh Harriers (1m 1f)
1 Blackcap
1 Treecreeper
1 Falco Peregrinus
Great day's birding but didnt manage to get my first ever Great White Egret.
Keep birding
Garganey - M at least one showing very well calling and displaying and flying around the complex of pools in front of Grisedale
Ruff - with a hint of its, err, Ruff
Redshank x2
Marsh Harrier - males x2 after the rain
Black Tern - swiftly through during nasty rain shower - nice surprise
Many Shovelers, Shelduck, Godwits, Gadwall, Pochard, Lapwing etc
and 12 Red Deer hinds before the rain sent them back into the reed beds
One of the GBB patrolling the reserve seemed to spook the various nesting birds more than the Marsh Harriers...
Quick visit on the way home from a weeks fantastic birding in Scotland
1 wood sandpiper
1 male garganey
sedge and reed warblers
1 whitethrote
2 male marsh harriers
1 female marsh harrier
2 buzzard
50 black tailed godwits
1 redshank
6 red dear
all viewed from im griesdale hide
69 different speices of birds seen
cheers lee
oh and 2 otters !!!!
Cheers Ian
male and female garganey still present from griesdales,
great white egret from lower hide
med gull right in front of lillians with hundreds of black headers
lots of sightings of displaying marsh harriers
green woodpecker on golf course looking for ants opposite pathway to public hide
Willow warblers, chiffchiffs and blackcaps along the pathways
The weather could not have been better and the birds certainly didn't disappoint.
First call in was the Tim Jackson hide and here we were treated to excellent views of 4 Red Deer basking in the morning sunshine across from the hide.
Next stop was the Grizedale hide where I was trying to track down the Garganey that had been reported a few days before (I later found out that they were seen again here late in the afternoon) without luck. Two distant soaring Marsh Harriers were seen here displaying at a great height.
After a bit of lunch we went over to the Public hide where we were treated to an excellent display by upto 5 Marsh Harriers at once in the sky. At one point, all the Black headed gulls in front of the hide suddenly fell silent and moments later a Marsh Harrier glided straight over the top of the hide at very low level giving fantastic views for everyone there.
Following that, it was a quick visit to the Allen hide and Eric Morecambe hide where there were easily 1500+ Black tail Godwits present along with upto 400 Redshank and around 10 Avocet.
A quick visit on the way home to Warton Crag for the Peregrines saw the end of a really enjoyable day!!
3 peregrines and 2 ravens at warton, peregrine and raven getting into it a bit at one point
Sizergh castle early morning
3 Hawfinch
very quiet weekend, three visit to eric m and i would swear the same birds in the same positions.
Highlights
marsh harrier f
lots of very vocal marsh tits with very close views (two feet)
redwing
little egret ONE
greenshank ONE
sparrowhawks
goldcrest
treecreeper
One very week boom from the bittern on sunday(causeway)
no otters but plenty of if you had been here last week three in front of lower, one at same time at another hide and none with a broken tail (called kinky) so that makes five.
best spot was two male bearded as i left the lower hide sat on reeds very close for what seemed like ages
in the past it as been March that numbers of Bitters (five) have circled the moss gull calling at dusk so anybody up should keep eyes to the skys
Morecambe Bay rather fogbound; however a quick visit to Leighton Moss found a female Marsh Harrier (reported previous day on RSPB website), also 2 Little Egret.
Anyway, I can't resist one last comment. If we're saying prams shouldn't be in hides, are we therefore implying that birders with babies should leave them outside (and perhaps be subject to storks stealing them in spring) or that they should stay away from any sites with hides until the children are old enough to walk for themselves? Just a thought, answers on another thread please
Watch out IMF!
Song thrush
Nuthatch
Blackbird
Woodpigeon
Grey heron
LTtits
Moorhen
Greylag
Magpie
Starlings
Carrion crows
GBBgulls
Chaffinch
Lapwings
Curlews
Bullfinch m f
Pink footed geese
Goldfinch
Great and blue tits
Robin
Mallard
Coal tits
Pheasant
Greenfinch
Marsh tit
Mute swan
Coot
Wren
Teal
Pintail
Common gull
BHgull
Bittern public hide 30 mins Saturday
Gadwall
Tufted
Goosander2m1f
Woodpigeon
Pochard
House sparrow
Fieldfare
Jay
Oystercatcher
GSwoodpecker
Jackdaw
Buzzard
Peregrine
Green woodpecker
Little egret
Sunday
Bittern from lower short flight
Waterraill
Blacktail godwit
Red breasted
Meganser 3
Kestrel
goldeneye
redwing
redshank
greatcrested grebe
-- Edited by Graham Beverley on Sunday 23rd of January 2011 09:42:21 PM
-- Edited by Graham Beverley on Sunday 23rd of January 2011 09:47:40 PM
From lillians hide 2 water rails followed by great view of a bittern walking along edge of reeds
Great start to new year
All the birds were very obliging, we got to Warton Cragg and immediately there was a Peregrine cleaning his talons
Lillians hide....Bittern and Water Rail, the hide was busy but not heaving.
Feeding station....Bullfinch, Marsh Tits, and all the usual suspects. Three Waxwings also there
Treecreeper, Robins etc along the walkways
Along the causeway, male and female Bearded Tits came onto the grit trays just as we arrived.
Public hide....nowt, all the ducks were concentrated way, way over to the right,Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon and Pochard.
Good day out
Birds seen on today's visit:
Brief stop at Warton Crag:-
Raven, Jackdaw, Rook, Crows, Blackbird, Robin, Starlings, female Peregrine & Kestrel
Then on to Leighton Moss:-
Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Siskins, 3 Jays, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Fieldfare, Redwing, Snipe, Gt Sp Woodpecker (heard only), Bittern, Mistlethrush, Goldcrest (heard only).
Janice & I agree. it was very busy today at the reserve. We probably saw you all during the day, especially when we were crammed into Lillian's hide watching the bitterns and water rails.Our paths must of crossed at some point. 1 fem Bearded Tit on grit tray for several minutes on the causeway late afternoon. It was worth the run up and we checked out Wharton Cragg to check on the Jackdaws, Peregrine (1 only showing) giving excellent ariel displays in the vast number of Corvids. Raven was present as well.
Barbon valley produced a single Green Woodpecker
GS Woody
12 Fieldfares
1 pair of Tawny Owls flying among the trees along the road when leaving Barbon village.
Cheers Ian
Nice to meet you both as well - I had intended to say this in my post but I had a senior moment
Glad you found that Water Rail ok.
nice to meet you Sid
happy new year
steve and julie ,Littleborough
-- Edited by Steve Bostock on Saturday 1st of January 2011 07:14:18 PM
From Lillian's the Bittern was showing very well on the reedy area to the left of the hide - it was tucking into the small fish that are being put out by the wardens. In the wood next to Lillian's a flock of 15 + Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. On to the causeway, no sign of the Waxies but several Blackbirds and Fieldfare were eating the apples on the ground in the garden of the cottage - also 4 Bullfinch in the surrounding trees. From the public hide lots of birds on the patch of water where the ice had cleared including Teal, Shoveller, Pochard, Wigeon, Cormorant and Gadwall and finally Marsh Tit on the feeders near reception along with Coal, Great and Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Just as I was leaving c20 Pink feet went over.
A nice start to the new birding year
Reserve:
2 Bitterns - one on the ice from Lillians Hide, and one flew directly over my head near the Keepers Cottage.
1 Water Rail
3 Marsh Tits and a Treecreeper from the layby overlooking Island Mere
20+ Siskin
A handful of Wigeon were sleeping with Pochard, Goldeneye, Gadwall and Teal on the mere, seen from Public Hide.
Morecambe Complex:
1 Spotted Redshank
1 Greenshank
4 Little Egret
5 Red-breasted Merganser
1 Curlew
1 Kingfisher
1 Buzzard
20 or so Pinkfeet on the marsh with Greylags
(Glad I didn`t take your advice Mr Hammond not to bother with the Morecambe hides; the saltmarsh pools were the highlight of the day. Sorry they were quiet for you !
Lillians;
Bittern
Heron
Coot
Moorhen
Teal a plenty
Black headed Gull
Buzzard
Game Keepers Cottage;
Two Waxwings
Public Hide;
Nothing
Lower Hide;
Not some much
Footpath beyond lower hide
Bittern within five feet on footpath
Carpark;
Greater spotted woodpecker
Warton Cragg
Good to see Perigrine found a new mate as they were both present
Ps, Are you following me or am i following you?
There is still plenty of frozen water but the edges are beginning to thaw out. I've no idea how long it will last but the next couple of days are going to be mild so I wouldn't leave it too long before you visit. Hope you see one
Cheers,
Joe
We are like ships in the night, that's the second time that we have been at Leighton on the same day and missed each other.
An exceptional 5 hours birding at Leighton today.
Within 5 minutes of leaving the car park I was watching a Bittern and a Water rail beside the reeds about 60m left of Lillian's hide. Another Bittern walked across the ice right in front of the hide.
On the path to the Grizedale hide was another Water rail and I could hear Bearded tits deep in the reeds and they eventually flew up into the open and I briefly saw flying towards the Lillian hide. A single Little Egret was at the Grizedale hide and not much else.
A walk down the causeway to the grit trays, I only had to wait for a couple of minutes when 3 Bearded tits turned up. One went on the tray and had coloured rings different to the bird Dennis saw and the other two stayed at the edge of the reeds. Excellent views
Three more Bitterns were at the Public hide and some photographers from Scotland who had never seen a Bittern before got some cracking shots.
Apart from the usual, other birds seen were;
4 Marsh tits on the feeders
2 Buzzards
Sparrowhawk
5 Jays
-- Edited by Dave Thacker on Wednesday 29th of December 2010 09:56:48 PM