Spent several hours looking for the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker to no avail. I did see an Iceland Gull on the tip at the eastern end of the reserve and several Chiffchaffs were singing. It was my first visit here, quite impressed with it, got 37 species in all.
-- Edited by SMcRoyall on Tuesday 17th of March 2015 09:09:29 PM
Rhys Richards said
Sun Feb 22 8:30 PM, 2015
Brief view of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker near feeding station this morning.
Mike Mulholland said
Tue Feb 3 10:44 PM, 2015
A single Chiffchaff early afternoon in hawthorns along the eastern section of the Latchford Runcorn Canal also Treecreeper and Willow Tit.
Sarfraz Hayat said
Fri Jan 16 10:28 PM, 2015
Visited yesterday late afternoon till dusk. A man had seen Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I just decided watch the Gulls and lots of the usual stuff and at least 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull and a possible immature Glaucous Gull. At dusk lots of Gulls, Corvids and a mumuration of Starlings in the distance.
Mike Mulholland said
Tue Jan 6 9:20 AM, 2015
Juvenile Glaucous Gull on Pumphouse Pool yesterday early afternoon and adult Yellow-legged Gull....
John Doherty said
Wed Dec 31 11:44 AM, 2014
Monday's freezing visit produced no bittern but bullfinches redpolls grey partridge reported and ten pochard two drake wigeon a few little grebes a fair few shoveler and teals. Two buzzards were around the upper mos farm area where the grey partridge were reported plus flock of linnets. The feeding station turned up a great spotted woodpecker two willow tits and a nuthatch - happy new year and may all your 2015 birding dreams come true!
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 6th of January 2015 11:40:38 AM
pete berry said
Sat Dec 13 2:35 PM, 2014
A Juvenile Glaucous Gull Pumphouse Pool late morningalso a Kingfisher on Eastern Reedbed,and the Bittern was seen there about 10.30am.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Fri Nov 21 8:05 PM, 2014
Friday, November 21st.
Black-tailed Godwit 5 Goldeneye 1m Fieldfare 40+ Willow Tit 2 Little Grebe 6+ Grey Wagtail 1 Grey Heron 5+ Gulls. 00's. Mainly Herring>BH>LBB>Common>GBB. All the regular Duck species. etc.etc.etc.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Oct 28 10:39 PM, 2014
John, the gulls will survive whatever comes of the tip as that's what they do but its the gull watchers I'm more worried about! There are fewer and fewer tips in the north-west and most of them have very limited viewing if any at all . I can't go back to gull roosts on reservoirs at dusk and scanning of distant gulls on shorelines, I need refuse tips in my life...
John Watson said
Tue Oct 28 10:04 PM, 2014
As an afterthought, the area is so significant that I'd expect someone to find funds to manage it. Mersey Forest, Warrington BC, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, even RSPB ?
Do they know there's a problem ?
The timescale is a bit tight for organising & getting funds, though.
As for the gulls, there's no shortage of rubbish coming from Liverpool & Manchester, it's just where they're going to dump it. So, I'd expect the gulls to find it, wherever it is. It's just that Moore is such an ideal location because of the river & "waste" land
I'm not being optimistic (would be out of character), just trying to predict the future.
Phil Hampson said
Mon Oct 27 5:33 PM, 2014
Ian McKerchar wrote:
Phil Hampson wrote:
Good grief this is bad news, its to be hoped someone steps in to run the reserve. I'n not a frequent visitor, times a year, but have always found it excellent. Hope for all the regulars that such a valuable asset in the region has a defined future. Maybe one of our large conservation bodies could step in and have a reserve within the area with an enormous catchment for visitors and conservation education. Surely grant funding and another appeal would provide the necessary funding, with help from the local authority,
Phil
Spare a thought for the gull watchers too please; for whom the closing of Arpley Tip is nigh on the worst news imaginable
Ian, I totally agree. Most disastrous news possible for them. Phil
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Oct 27 4:50 PM, 2014
Phil Hampson wrote:
Good grief this is bad news, its to be hoped someone steps in to run the reserve. I'n not a frequent visitor, times a year, but have always found it excellent. Hope for all the regulars that such a valuable asset in the region has a defined future. Maybe one of our large conservation bodies could step in and have a reserve within the area with an enormous catchment for visitors and conservation education. Surely grant funding and another appeal would provide the necessary funding, with help from the local authority,
Phil
Spare a thought for the gull watchers too please; for whom the closing of Arpley Tip is nigh on the worst news imaginable
Mike Mulholland said
Mon Oct 27 4:19 PM, 2014
Hi John, interesting note about your Willow/Marsh Tit. As you point out Willow Tit is recorded regularly on the reserve and its environs (heard fairly regularly now at Upper Moss-side) but I have not had Marsh Tit for a few years (will check my records later). The separation of the two species in the field has always been tricky but research in recent years has challenged some of the established visual distinguishing features that are detectable in field observation - check out the report by Richard K Broughton, I understand they are a challenge even when in the hand. Furthermore some authorities consider it may only be safe to assign to species level if the bird is heard to call. I watched a bird a couple of months ago whilst doing a phase 1 habitat survey which appeared to me - with the brief view I had, to be a Marsh Tit until it started calling. I should be on the patch in the next day or so and will certainly check our Willows particularly around the feeding station which is where I last had a definite Marsh Tit.
Phil Hampson said
Mon Oct 27 7:38 AM, 2014
Good grief this is bad news, its to be hoped someone steps in to run the reserve. I'n not a frequent visitor, times a year, but have always found it excellent. Hope for all the regulars that such a valuable asset in the region has a defined future. Maybe one of our large conservation bodies could step in and have a reserve within the area with an enormous catchment for visitors and conservation education. Surely grant funding and another appeal would provide the necessary funding, with help from the local authority,
Phil
John Watson said
Mon Oct 27 7:30 AM, 2014
Here's the Facebook statement on Moore's future: https://www.facebook.com/moorenr
Here's the Warrington Guardian report: http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/11557338.Victory_for_residents_as_Arpley_tip_extension_plans_thrown_out
It's mixed news. Wonderful for the residents who may be seeing the end of the stench of vast volumes of rubbish from Manchester and Liverpool. I fully understand this, living in Culcheth where we had to put up with the Risley tip for many years.
But, a lot of uncertainty for nature lovers, walkers and conservationists, as there are several protected breeding species at Moore (esp LS Woodpecker), and the vast colony of wintering gulls will inevitably be affected if/when the tip finally winds down.
Let's hope someone (Warrington BC ?) can take it over, perhaps as part of "The Mersey Forest": http://www.merseyforest.org.uk
-- Edited by John Watson on Monday 27th of October 2014 07:31:36 AM
John Williams said
Sun Oct 26 4:24 PM, 2014
09.30-12.30
Lapwing Lane Pool :- 30 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebes, 7 Shoveler and lots of Gadwall.
I checked all the big Alders along Lapwing Lane and in Moss Wood, but no sign of any woodpeckers, not even a Great Spotted.
Intrigue though, in the ID of a tit seen flitting through the branches of the big Ash, by the pond, on the track leading to the feeding station.
At first I considered it to be a Willow Tit, they are not uncommon around the feeding station, but on viewing the bird further, albeit just for a few seconds,
I changed my mind. The structure of the bird looked too slender, the black cap less extensive, and cleaner/brighter than the sooty black of a Willow Tit.
As the guide books advise I checked the secondaries, and there was no sign of any lighter areas, just a mucky sand colour throughout, although I have
on occasions, seen Willow tits with virtually no light patches on the upper wing either. I've always thought Willow Tits looked podgy, and a little worn,
but today's bird looked looked slender and clean. I won't submit an ID form for this bird, as by time I'd got a decent view of it, it flew off.
However, if your in the area, please look out for this little fellow, especially around the big mature trees. I did submit a Marsh Tit record with a description. for Moore
a few years ago, but then the bird perched on rim of a bird table for quite a while, and gave great views.
Birchwood Pool :- 3 Pochard, 7 Little Grebes, 5 Grey Herons and amongst the few gulls, a large menacing looking "Argentatus" Herring Gull.
Birchwood :- 2 Redwings.
Pumphouse Pool :- 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cormorants plus the usual waterfowl.
Masses of Black Headed, plus 4 Common Gulls.
Eastern Reedbed :- 13 Teal. No sign of Bittern here, or any Green Woodpeckers on the heath area.
Mike Mulholland said
Sun Oct 26 2:13 PM, 2014
Five Black-tailed Godwits on Pumphouse Pool this morning + 23 Teal. Water Rail seen briefly on the Eastern Reedbed.
The future of the reserve now seems uncertain given the statement on MNR facebook.)
John Williams said
Mon Oct 20 9:30 PM, 2014
Last chance for after work birding this year.
16.15-18.00
Birchwood Pool
3 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 4 Pochard and 8 Shoveler.
Pumphouse Pool
60 Teal, 3 Black Tailed Godwits and 1 Little Egret.
A large juvenile Peregrine scattered all the birds, a Carrion Crow then attempted to mob the raptor, but then the falcon almost caught the corvid. Only when another crow joined the battle did the Peregrine concede, and (Judging by size a young female) then she circled the flash giving stunning views from Colin's hide. She did not seem bothered by the swirling mass of gulls, after circling several times the Peregrine flew off northwards. The attack caused mayhem, two of the godwits disappeared, but the third was seen swimming across to the tiny island.
At the Eastern Reedbed there was no sign of a Bittern, but another 35 Teal and 10 Shoveler.
Mike Mulholland said
Mon Oct 20 2:06 PM, 2014
Due to some eco survey work being cancelled I've put in a couple of reasonable shifts on the patch recently. Highlight last Friday was a Ring Ouzel along with over 40 Blackbirds at Upper Moss-side and yesterday 2 Black-tailed Godwits on Pumphouse Pool. I've spent a few hours checking the Eastern Reedbed but so far no sign of any Bitterns but plenty of Water Rail activity, at dusk last week I had 2 feeding out in the open and three, possibly four birds calling elsewhere in the Reedbed.
Pete Welch said
Sun Oct 19 5:27 PM, 2014
Good to get a couple of hours in at Moore this morning - of note was that the water level on Lapwing Lane Pool was just right for dabbling duck and I was surprised how many Wigeon, Shoveler, Coot and Gadwall were making the most of it. At the feeding station there were brief views of a Willow Tit and then much better views - sadly a chap who'd been waiting for one for ages missed the first visit and had gone by the time there was another prolonged visit. The second Willow Tit made a quick dart for the feeding table on the right and then fed in the trees behind. Otherwise most of the species you'd expect.
John Williams said
Mon Oct 6 10:49 PM, 2014
17.00-18.45
41 Wigeon on Lapwing Lane pool also 1 Migrant Hawker dragonfly.
1 Treecreeper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker plus the usual garden birds along Lapwing Lane.
Lots of Gadwall on Birchwood Pool
Watched over the Eastern Reedbed until dusk, no sign of Bittern, but nice to see a group of 12 Shoveler there.
Mike Mulholland said
Wed Aug 20 10:28 AM, 2014
Brief visit yesterday to the east of the reserve. Two Black-tailed Godwits feeding in the middle of the Eastern Reedbed (never had any Godwits in the reedbed before). Also a single Green Sandpiper on Pumphouse Pool.
John Doherty said
Mon Jul 14 6:45 PM, 2014
But first Moore before the Osprey -
I had a singing Reed Warbler just as you come to the Eastern Reedbed from the main path. I had calling, but unseen Bullfinch/es, plus several singing Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, and an unseen Buzzard and Nuthatch, both heard.
On Birchwood Pool there was an impressive five Pochards, along with a Little Grebe.
Never been in summer - was a hothouse, but a good day out.
John Williams said
Fri Jun 20 12:20 AM, 2014
Evening walk from the car park to Halfway House along the canal and back via Moss Side and Lapwing Lane. (19.00-22.00)
Common Whitethroats in abundance around the bramble/hawthorne scrub along the canal, including 2 family groups.
Also 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 pairs of Goldfinches, 3 singing male Greenfinches and 3 singing Chiffchaffs.
On the canal a pair of Greylag Geese have 2 half grown young and a pair of Canada Geese have 3 near full grown young.
A Buzzard sat on the Stobart warehouse whilst 2 Kestrels hunted either side of the canal.
At Halfway House a fox ambled around the sandbanks, often getting just a few feet away from the gulls, and a couple of Grey Herons, but it didn't attempt to grab a bird.
Just 6 Lapwings on the sandbanks, they looked very wary and stayed behind the fox at all times.
3 Willow Warblers in song at Moss Side, 2 Reed Buntings there too.
The sheer racket from the large Jackdaw/Rook roost around Lapwing Lane would wake the dead.
On Lapwing Lane pool, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Little Grebe, whilst Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers were showing well at sunset. 7 Cormorants roosting here.
1 Red Admiral butterfly by the swing bridge and 4 Meadow Brown butterflies on the canal side meadows. Another Fox was by the swing bridge.
Clegs are out and biting, but not in profusion.....yet.
M Gannon said
Mon May 5 4:37 PM, 2014
Spent a few hours today. Highlights were:
2 kingfishers chasing each other by the eastern reed bed 4 reed warbler Peregrine fighting with a gull! 6 buzzards 2 white throat 6 great spotted woodpeckers 3 chiffchaff Plus the usuals
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 5th of May 2014 04:50:26 PM
John Williams said
Sun May 4 2:09 PM, 2014
08.00-12.00
Lapwing Lane Pool
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Reed Buntings.
1 Stoat by the old canal tow path.
Birchwood Pool
8 Little Grebes & 1 Great Crested Grebe
Pumphouse Pool
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Oystercatcher and 12+ Sand Martins.
Eastern Reedbed
1 Kingfisher.
1 Holly Blue butterfly by the railway embankment
Mike Mulholland said
Sun Apr 13 7:42 AM, 2014
Female Brambling mid-morning yesterday in Birch Wood.
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Mar 29 5:36 PM, 2014
PM No sign of any of the Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers this afternoon Oystercatcher-2 Chiffchaff-5 Great spotted woodpecker-1 Pochard-4 Greylag Geese-2 Treecreeper-1
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 29th of March 2014 07:03:28 PM
Rob Creek said
Sun Mar 23 12:03 PM, 2014
chrisdorney wrote:
Hi rob.the female showed briefly earlier on before I wandered off towards upper moss side.just out of interest did that fox have a gammy ear?
Hi Chris, Sorry just seen your post, looking at some of the shots it looks like it's right ear isn't in the best of shape. Possible old injury. Cheers
sid ashton said
Fri Mar 21 9:28 PM, 2014
Daniel Owen wrote:
Is there a 'best spot' to watch the lesser spotted woodpeckers?
Hi Daniel welcome to the forum. The following from my post of the 8th March may be of help....
Early morning visit found a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker soon after I arrived, looking from the car park, near the pump station shortly after 07.15. Further good sightings of both male and female birds in the wood just before the feeding station from the track towards Bob's bridge. Now that drumming and calling seems to have died down not that easy to pick up but once found had nice views...... good luck.
Daniel Owen said
Fri Mar 21 7:09 PM, 2014
Is there a 'best spot' to watch the lesser spotted woodpeckers?
chrisdorney said
Mon Mar 17 10:47 PM, 2014
Hi rob.the female showed briefly earlier on before I wandered off towards upper moss side.just out of interest did that fox have a gammy ear?
Rob Creek said
Sun Mar 16 9:38 PM, 2014
Saturday 15th March with Stephen Ellison 10.15am - 2.45pm
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker's didn't show while we were there, ...some birders asked us and we asked other birders but none were seen. It did give us hope however when their drumming was heard (matched to recordings) but we dipped on the sightings!
Great-spotted Woodpecker also heard, calling and drumming but not seen.
Green Woodpecker heard constantly and 1 seen feeding on what we think were most probably grubs in the bark of a tree.
Other birds of note... Plenty of Nuthatch activity, 4 seen 3 Treecreeper 2 Goldcrest Quite a few Reed Bunting 4 Buzzards 1 male Merlin sat skulking in the low branches near the crossing footpaths not far from the feeding station
...plus in the wood on the path to Birchwood Pool... a Warbler of Chiffchaff appearance, but markedly more buff and browner than the usual greenish olive colour, too slow to get a shot but Steve said straight away "looks like the bird we saw at Wince Brook that time" which was a Siberian Chiffchaff and although it is only speculation without photo evidence, I had to agree with him!
Birchwood Pool - (and a quick look at the tip further round) Mainly Gulls...(adults and juv) Great Black-backed Lesser Black- backed Herring Black- headed Common
Also a Gull present that I wrongly thought could well have been Yellow-legged, but it is too pale a hue amongst other things, and is infact a large Herring Gull. Mainly Black-headed, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the tip.
Quick visit to Richmond Bank later.
Forgot to mention a large Red Fox, feeding on bits of what looked like a sandwich and fruit at the Lapwing Lane crossroads next to my car, (tiny car park was full). It was within 8-10ft and didn't seem bothered at all so obviously used to the human presence at Moore.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of March 2014 01:27:13 AM
David Duncan said
Sun Mar 9 10:25 PM, 2014
Plenty of woodpecker activity on show this morning with all three seen. 2 male Great spotted woodpeckers put on a cracking display of what I first assumed to be a courting pair. This went on for at least 20 minutes and I can only assume it to be a territorial dispute. Other birds of note were 2 pairs of treecreepers.
-- Edited by David Duncan on Sunday 9th of March 2014 10:28:13 PM
chrisdorney said
Sat Mar 8 7:41 PM, 2014
Yes good to see you Sid.its been a while.i'm guessing I enjoyed my pie more than you enjoyed the football
sid ashton said
Sat Mar 8 12:58 PM, 2014
Early morning visit found a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker soon after I arrived in the car park shortly after 07.15. Further good sightings of both male and female birds in the wood just before the feeding station from the track towards Bob's bridge. Now that drumming and calling seems to have died down not that easy to pick up but once found had nice views. Other birds seen included Reed Bunting, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Good to meet Chris Dorney again and Richard? from Radcliffe.
Tom Jones said
Mon Mar 3 5:44 PM, 2014
spent a few hours this morning, Mon 3 March, nothing out of the norm, Missed out again on the Lesser spotted woodpecker, but you can't have every thing, we, Jim Caulfield and I had a good sighting of a Merlin from the Forestry Commision Hide, and also 6 Buzzards in the air all at one time, very impressive...
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 3rd of March 2014 06:07:23 PM
Mike Mulholland said
Mon Mar 3 12:54 PM, 2014
Chiffchaff singing late morning, initially in Moss Wood, then in trees adjacent to the east hide on Pumphouse Pool. There have been at least two Chiffchaff on the reserve this winter, one of which was seen well and photographed and is considered to be a probable Siberian Chiffchaff. This morning's bird was a standard collybita.
Jon Bowen said
Sun Mar 2 7:06 PM, 2014
Great couple of hours early doors this morning
Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker excavating Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair) 3 Nuthatch 2 Goldcrest 4 Bullfinch Treecreeper 2 Little Grebe 2 Willow Tit
C Brown said
Sat Mar 1 8:25 PM, 2014
All three woodpeckers early this morning (green only heard), with male and female lesser-spotted woodpecker near the Lapwing Lane crossroads.
C. Jepson-Brown
Richard Belter said
Sat Mar 1 1:54 PM, 2014
Male Lesser spotted woodpecker showing off Lapwing Lane this morning
Paul Richardson said
Tue Feb 25 4:34 PM, 2014
Second trip to Moore and very successful today before the showers arrived. Fresh and bright! 0730-11.30.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male) seen for two quite extended periods in the woods either side of Lapwing Lane just before the track to the feeding station. A very rewarding and exciting lifer for me - and thanks to the local birder who alerted me!
Also Great Spotted Woodpecker Green Woodpecker (year tick!)
All these were seen before 8am - a GOOD morning for sure!
Others:
Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Robin, Blackbird, Song thrush, Treecreeper (year tick!), Siskin (f) (year tick!), Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Jay ++, Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe (several pairs), Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck. Pochard, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Wren, Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, Stock Dove, Collared Dove.
Jim Caulfield said
Fri Feb 14 5:18 PM, 2014
11:15 to 15:30 - Heavy showers shortened visit to just Lapwing Lake and Birchwood Pool, and the neighbouring woods passed en route. 35 species seen, but little out of ordinary, and alas the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was not spotted.
A Kestrel on the overhead cable and Heron flying over,on arrival.
On the waters of Lapwing Lake were Pochard, Wigeon, and Tufted Duck with Canada Geese and Mute Swans: and Cormorant, and one Kingfisher were perched overlooking.
Birchwood Pool contained Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Mallard and Gadwall, with just a couple of Black-headed gulls flying over.
And from the pathways were Redwing, Siskin, Mistle Thrush, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker and half a dozen Treecreeper.
Great , Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch and Dunnock were at the feeder station. An enjoyable few hours, despite the weather.
Mike Duckham said
Wed Feb 12 12:26 PM, 2014
Called in on way past last week for a pleasant hours stroll before dusk, nothing of note really but thought it worth mentioning there's a public inquiry planned re: the continued operation of the tip, according to a notice in the car park. Potentially of interest to Moore and Richmond Bank birders - it's on Tue 18th Feb at 10 a.m. at Jubilee Conference Suite, Warrington.
Ashley Edwards said
Mon Feb 10 9:06 AM, 2014
Visited for the first time on Saturday. Cannot believe the size of the reserve nor how quiet it was, saw less than a dozen humans over several hours...perfect!
All the regular species present apart from no sign of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with good numbers of pochard, teal, shoveler, heron, tufted duck, great crested and little grebes.
At the feeder station though was an unusually coloured chaffinch, almost totally white top half. Has anyone seen this bird before?
John O'Neill said
Sun Feb 9 7:55 PM, 2014
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker female showing well 10:am ish woods near feeding station/boardwalk (by the gate)
Patrick Earith said
Mon Feb 3 8:53 PM, 2014
Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker present again today, this time in trees along the path that goes towards the boardwalk, left off Lapwing Lane. No sign of the female though
-- Edited by Patrick Earith on Monday 3rd of February 2014 08:53:49 PM
Jonathan Platt said
Sun Feb 2 7:35 PM, 2014
Both male and female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this morning, 100yds N of car park.
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Jan 25 6:19 PM, 2014
Ian McKerchar wrote:
With the tip closing early on Saturday (and closed completely on Sunday) the gulls move off really quickly and I'm sure that many don't even bother coming into the area. Numbers at Richmond Bank are generally poor on Saturdays (certainly by weekday standards) and from midday onwards they reduce rapidly with birds moving off downstream. That said of course, it only takes one decent gull to cheer you up and there's always a chance of that.
Getting weekdays off for birding is another matter altogether though John
Strangely today for a Saturday afternoon ,there were thousands of gulls on the tip as they kept getting up when flushed by Buzzards etc, but for some reason ,even though they all came over Birchwood pool, they never landed and as you say headed off downstream towards Liverpool, never mind it was lashing down with rain most of the time anyway, so chances of a decent Iceland Gull shots were unlikely, even if they had dropped in.I think my time would have been better spent staying at penny and grilling the roost there.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Jan 25 6:03 PM, 2014
With the tip closing early on Saturday (and closed completely on Sunday) the gulls move off really quickly and I'm sure that many don't even bother coming into the area. Numbers at Richmond Bank are generally poor on Saturdays (certainly by weekday standards) and from midday onwards they reduce rapidly with birds moving off downstream. That said of course, it only takes one decent gull to cheer you up and there's always a chance of that.
Getting weekdays off for birding is another matter altogether though John
-- Edited by SMcRoyall on Tuesday 17th of March 2015 09:09:29 PM
Visited yesterday late afternoon till dusk. A man had seen Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I just decided watch the Gulls and lots of the usual stuff and at least 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull and a possible immature Glaucous Gull. At dusk lots of Gulls, Corvids and a mumuration of Starlings in the distance.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 6th of January 2015 11:40:38 AM
A Juvenile Glaucous Gull Pumphouse Pool late morningalso a Kingfisher on Eastern Reedbed,and the Bittern was seen there about 10.30am.
Black-tailed Godwit 5
Goldeneye 1m
Fieldfare 40+
Willow Tit 2
Little Grebe 6+
Grey Wagtail 1
Grey Heron 5+
Gulls. 00's. Mainly Herring>BH>LBB>Common>GBB.
All the regular Duck species.
etc.etc.etc.
Do they know there's a problem ?
The timescale is a bit tight for organising & getting funds, though.
As for the gulls, there's no shortage of rubbish coming from Liverpool & Manchester, it's just where they're going to dump it. So, I'd expect the gulls to find it, wherever it is. It's just that Moore is such an ideal location because of the river & "waste" land
I'm not being optimistic (would be out of character), just trying to predict the future.
Ian, I totally agree. Most disastrous news possible for them. Phil
Spare a thought for the gull watchers too please; for whom the closing of Arpley Tip is nigh on the worst news imaginable
Phil
https://www.facebook.com/moorenr
Here's the Warrington Guardian report:
http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/11557338.Victory_for_residents_as_Arpley_tip_extension_plans_thrown_out
It's mixed news. Wonderful for the residents who may be seeing the end of the stench of vast volumes of rubbish from Manchester and Liverpool. I fully understand this, living in Culcheth where we had to put up with the Risley tip for many years.
But, a lot of uncertainty for nature lovers, walkers and conservationists, as there are several protected breeding species at Moore (esp LS Woodpecker), and the vast colony of wintering gulls will inevitably be affected if/when the tip finally winds down.
Let's hope someone (Warrington BC ?) can take it over, perhaps as part of "The Mersey Forest":
http://www.merseyforest.org.uk
-- Edited by John Watson on Monday 27th of October 2014 07:31:36 AM
Lapwing Lane Pool :- 30 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebes, 7 Shoveler and lots of Gadwall.
I checked all the big Alders along Lapwing Lane and in Moss Wood, but no sign of any woodpeckers, not even a Great Spotted.
Intrigue though, in the ID of a tit seen flitting through the branches of the big Ash, by the pond, on the track leading to the feeding station.
At first I considered it to be a Willow Tit, they are not uncommon around the feeding station, but on viewing the bird further, albeit just for a few seconds,
I changed my mind. The structure of the bird looked too slender, the black cap less extensive, and cleaner/brighter than the sooty black of a Willow Tit.
As the guide books advise I checked the secondaries, and there was no sign of any lighter areas, just a mucky sand colour throughout, although I have
on occasions, seen Willow tits with virtually no light patches on the upper wing either. I've always thought Willow Tits looked podgy, and a little worn,
but today's bird looked looked slender and clean. I won't submit an ID form for this bird, as by time I'd got a decent view of it, it flew off.
However, if your in the area, please look out for this little fellow, especially around the big mature trees. I did submit a Marsh Tit record with a description. for Moore
a few years ago, but then the bird perched on rim of a bird table for quite a while, and gave great views.
Birchwood Pool :- 3 Pochard, 7 Little Grebes, 5 Grey Herons and amongst the few gulls, a large menacing looking "Argentatus" Herring Gull.
Birchwood :- 2 Redwings.
Pumphouse Pool :- 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cormorants plus the usual waterfowl.
Masses of Black Headed, plus 4 Common Gulls.
Eastern Reedbed :- 13 Teal. No sign of Bittern here, or any Green Woodpeckers on the heath area.
The future of the reserve now seems uncertain given the statement on MNR facebook.)
16.15-18.00
Birchwood Pool
3 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 4 Pochard and 8 Shoveler.
Pumphouse Pool
60 Teal, 3 Black Tailed Godwits and 1 Little Egret.
A large juvenile Peregrine scattered all the birds, a Carrion Crow then attempted to mob the raptor, but then the falcon almost caught the corvid.
Only when another crow joined the battle did the Peregrine concede, and (Judging by size a young female) then she circled the flash giving
stunning views from Colin's hide. She did not seem bothered by the swirling mass of gulls, after circling several times the Peregrine flew off northwards.
The attack caused mayhem, two of the godwits disappeared, but the third was seen swimming across to the tiny island.
At the Eastern Reedbed there was no sign of a Bittern, but another 35 Teal and 10 Shoveler.
41 Wigeon on Lapwing Lane pool also 1 Migrant Hawker dragonfly.
1 Treecreeper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker plus the usual garden birds along Lapwing Lane.
Lots of Gadwall on Birchwood Pool
Watched over the Eastern Reedbed until dusk, no sign of Bittern, but nice to see a group of 12 Shoveler there.
I had a singing Reed Warbler just as you come to the Eastern Reedbed from the main path. I had calling, but unseen Bullfinch/es, plus several singing Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, and an unseen Buzzard and Nuthatch, both heard.
On Birchwood Pool there was an impressive five Pochards, along with a Little Grebe.
Never been in summer - was a hothouse, but a good day out.
Common Whitethroats in abundance around the bramble/hawthorne scrub along the canal, including 2 family groups.
Also 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 pairs of Goldfinches, 3 singing male Greenfinches and 3 singing Chiffchaffs.
On the canal a pair of Greylag Geese have 2 half grown young and a pair of Canada Geese have 3 near full grown young.
A Buzzard sat on the Stobart warehouse whilst 2 Kestrels hunted either side of the canal.
At Halfway House a fox ambled around the sandbanks, often getting just a few feet away from the gulls, and a couple of Grey Herons, but it didn't attempt to grab a bird.
Just 6 Lapwings on the sandbanks, they looked very wary and stayed behind the fox at all times.
3 Willow Warblers in song at Moss Side, 2 Reed Buntings there too.
The sheer racket from the large Jackdaw/Rook roost around Lapwing Lane would wake the dead.
On Lapwing Lane pool, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Little Grebe, whilst Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers were showing well at sunset. 7 Cormorants roosting here.
1 Red Admiral butterfly by the swing bridge and 4 Meadow Brown butterflies on the canal side meadows. Another Fox was by the swing bridge.
Clegs are out and biting, but not in profusion.....yet.
2 kingfishers chasing each other by the eastern reed bed
4 reed warbler
Peregrine fighting with a gull!
6 buzzards
2 white throat
6 great spotted woodpeckers
3 chiffchaff
Plus the usuals
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 5th of May 2014 04:50:26 PM
Lapwing Lane Pool
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Reed Buntings.
1 Stoat by the old canal tow path.
Birchwood Pool
8 Little Grebes & 1 Great Crested Grebe
Pumphouse Pool
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Oystercatcher and 12+ Sand Martins.
Eastern Reedbed
1 Kingfisher.
1 Holly Blue butterfly by the railway embankment
No sign of any of the Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers this afternoon
Oystercatcher-2
Chiffchaff-5
Great spotted woodpecker-1
Pochard-4
Greylag Geese-2
Treecreeper-1
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 29th of March 2014 07:03:28 PM
Hi Chris,
Sorry just seen your post, looking at some of the shots it looks like it's right ear isn't in the best of shape. Possible old injury.
Cheers
Early morning visit found a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker soon after I arrived, looking from the car park, near the pump station shortly after 07.15. Further good sightings of both male and female birds in the wood just before the feeding station from the track towards Bob's bridge. Now that drumming and calling seems to have died down not that easy to pick up but once found had nice views...... good luck.
10.15am - 2.45pm
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker's didn't show while we were there, ...some birders asked us and we asked other birders but none were seen. It did give us hope however when their drumming was heard (matched to recordings) but we dipped on the sightings!
Great-spotted Woodpecker also heard, calling and drumming but not seen.
Green Woodpecker heard constantly and 1 seen feeding on what we think were most probably grubs in the bark of a tree.
Other birds of note...
Plenty of Nuthatch activity, 4 seen
3 Treecreeper
2 Goldcrest
Quite a few Reed Bunting
4 Buzzards
1 male Merlin sat skulking in the low branches near the crossing footpaths not far from the feeding station
...plus in the wood on the path to Birchwood Pool... a Warbler of Chiffchaff appearance, but markedly more buff and browner than the usual greenish olive colour, too slow to get a shot but Steve said straight away "looks like the bird we saw at Wince Brook that time" which was a Siberian Chiffchaff and although it is only speculation without photo evidence, I had to agree with him!
Birchwood Pool - (and a quick look at the tip further round)
Mainly Gulls...(adults and juv)
Great Black-backed
Lesser Black- backed
Herring
Black- headed
Common
...and Ducks
Mallard
Gadwall
Shoveler
Teal
Tufted Duck
...and Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe.
Also a Gull present that I wrongly thought could well have been Yellow-legged, but it is too pale a hue amongst other things, and is infact a large Herring Gull.
Mainly Black-headed, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the tip.
Quick visit to Richmond Bank later.
Forgot to mention a large Red Fox, feeding on bits of what looked like a sandwich and fruit at the Lapwing Lane crossroads next to my car, (tiny car park was full). It was within 8-10ft and didn't seem bothered at all so obviously used to the human presence at Moore.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of March 2014 01:27:13 AM
-- Edited by David Duncan on Sunday 9th of March 2014 10:28:13 PM
Good to meet Chris Dorney again and Richard? from Radcliffe.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 3rd of March 2014 06:07:23 PM
There have been at least two Chiffchaff on the reserve this winter, one of which was seen well and photographed and is considered to be a probable Siberian Chiffchaff. This morning's bird was a standard collybita.
Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker excavating
Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair)
3 Nuthatch
2 Goldcrest
4 Bullfinch
Treecreeper
2 Little Grebe
2 Willow Tit
C. Jepson-Brown
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male) seen for two quite extended periods in the woods either side of Lapwing Lane just before the track to the feeding station.
A very rewarding and exciting lifer for me - and thanks to the local birder who alerted me!
Also
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker (year tick!)
All these were seen before 8am - a GOOD morning for sure!
Others:
Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Robin, Blackbird, Song thrush, Treecreeper (year tick!), Siskin (f) (year tick!), Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Jay ++, Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe (several pairs), Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck. Pochard, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Wren, Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, Stock Dove, Collared Dove.
35 species seen, but little out of ordinary, and alas the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was not spotted.
A Kestrel on the overhead cable and Heron flying over,on arrival.
On the waters of Lapwing Lake were Pochard, Wigeon, and Tufted Duck with Canada Geese and Mute Swans:
and Cormorant, and one Kingfisher were perched overlooking.
Birchwood Pool contained Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Mallard and Gadwall, with just a couple of Black-headed gulls flying over.
And from the pathways were Redwing, Siskin, Mistle Thrush, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker and half a dozen Treecreeper.
Great , Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch and Dunnock were at the feeder station.
An enjoyable few hours, despite the weather.
-- Edited by Patrick Earith on Monday 3rd of February 2014 08:53:49 PM
Strangely today for a Saturday afternoon ,there were thousands of gulls on the tip as they kept getting up when flushed by Buzzards etc, but for some reason ,even though they all came over Birchwood pool, they never landed and as you say headed off downstream towards Liverpool, never mind it was lashing down with rain most of the time anyway, so chances of a decent Iceland Gull shots were unlikely, even if they had dropped in.I think my time would have been better spent staying at penny and grilling the roost there.
Getting weekdays off for birding is another matter altogether though John