19:30 to 20:30 pm quick check of Res
3 Common Gulls
2 Black-necked Grebes
1 Swift
Cheers Steven


-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Tuesday 2nd of September 2014 06:11:47 AM

Late post for yesterday after visiting Frodsham Marsh.
7.25pm - 8.15pm and absolutely swarming with insects

No sign of the Whinchats, just the Highland Cattle.

Swallow, House Martin - uncountable
Sand Martin - much lower number but still high
Swift - only 3 seen

Black-necked Grebe - 1
Little Grebe - 1
Plenty of Coot, Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck
Black-headed Gull - huge number floating in middle of Res

0600 till 1130 from the pumphouse
2 black-necked grebes
1 little grebe
1 ruff
1 swift
8 goosander over
no sign of yesterdays whinchats.

12-5.30pm

2 spotted flycatchers
5 redstarts
3 whinchats
1 wheatear
8 blackcaps
4 whitethroats
9 chiffchaffs
2 willow warblers
1 willow tit
1 kingfisher
1 little owl
1 black necked grebe
1 little grebe
8 great crested grebes
3 tufted ducks
113 coots
2 kestrels
2 sparrowhawks
1 peregrine falcon
2 jays
3 reed buntings
2 pied wagtails
7 grey wagtails
2 meadow pipits, over
swallows, sand martins & house martins around.

Currently at least 3 whinchats in highland cattle field, old hall farm.

-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 31st of August 2014 04:25:47 PM

This afternoon -

a Peregrine over for a few minutes before flying off
Spotted Flycatcher below pump house
Whinchat on top of ragwort in highland cattle field

This morning up to 11.30am;

2 Black-necked Grebe
1 Little Grebe
1 Teal
1 Ruff
7 Snipe
2 Kingfisher
1 Tree Pipit south over field near Withins at 8am (heard only).
8 Meadow Pipit over
92 Swallow south
1 Swift
2 male Redstarts in Old Hall Farm fields (Peter Baron later had 3 males nearer the Crow Trees Farm end)
3 Spotted Flycatchers (2 between Creek and Wader Point & 1 in Redstart Hedge)
1 Lesser Whitethroat in Redstart Hedge
2 Common Gull south
15+ Blackcaps with smaller numbers of Whitethroat, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs.

To add to Brian's sightings from this morning at least 10 Swift over with the usual Swallows, Sand and House Martins and at least 2 Sparrowhawk.
Cheers Ian

0615 till 1045
2 black-necked grebe
1 ruff, could be a different bird to the recent one, looks slightly darker
1 green sandpiper
2 wheatear
4 redstarts
4 spotted flycatchers
1 kingfisher

Late afternoon visit due to work.

Despite some 'optical' drama, some decent sightings including...
-the dead Lesser Black-backed Gull at the bridge
-2 Common Gull
-Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (didn't count)
-probable Redstart heard in the dip (a constant oowit sound)
-vast number of Swallows, House Martins, lower number of Sand Martins and a single Swift over Res.
(Between 500 - 1000 total)
-thought I had a Garden Warbler in the hedge just below the Pumphouse but it may yet prove to be a Chiffchaff with a brownish hue
Also in the hedge...
-probable Chiffchaff and maybe some Willow Warbler (maybe around 10+ in total flitting around)
-few Goldfinch
-few Blue Tit
-couple of Mistle Thrush
-few Robin
-a Wren
Walking round Res towards Withins...
-1 Little Grebe
-1 Black-necked Grebe
(Staying close to each other)
-disappointing but not a single Wader on Wader Point opposite
-nearing 50 Coots
-nearing 25 Tufted Duck
-good number of Great Crested Grebe
-1 Cormorant on a buoy
Walking near edge of Withins...
-another probable Redstart heard with same oowit sound
...it was then I realised I didn't have binocs after I tried to get a better view of the bird in question, the rest of that episode you already know.
-walked back the same way after losing binocs and got some shots of the probable Chiffchaffs / Willow Warblers
Many thanks to the 2 honest girls, the Sailing Club staff, and the few people I spoke to who braved the awful weather that said they would hand my binocs in if they found them
Cheers
Rob



-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 31st of August 2014 01:55:22 AM

If you are reading this a big thankyou to the 2 girls who handed them in at the sailing club. (Girl in a pink top and an Asian girl)

Didn't make it to Redstart Hedge. I've just learnt a harsh lesson, never put your binocs down while you put waterproof coat on and making sure camera doesn't get wet. Dashed back to near low wall at side of Elton but someone has picked them up. There weren't many people around.

Thanks Brian, got it. Currently at Withins making way round to Redstart Hedge.
Got a couple of shots of unID yet but will do soon
Cheers

rob the dip is close to the main car park, over the stile facing the back of the boat club.

Paul Wilson wrote:

---

After leaving Ian:

2 Redstart in Dip.
2 Willow Tit in Dip.
2 Spotted Flycatchers near first pylon.

Also, whilst watching Flycatchers near the first pylon,

---

Paul, is there a quick route through to the Dip or is it a case of walking all the way round from main car Paarl?
Cheers

After leaving Ian:

2 Redstart in Dip.
2 Willow Tit in Dip.
2 Spotted Flycatchers near first pylon.

Also, whilst watching Flycatchers near the first pylon, I had a Ruff being chased by a Black-headed Gull. It was chased off, flying away over the pump house.

Finally, a dead juvenile LBB Gull near bridge at car park - still warm.



-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Saturday 30th of August 2014 01:10:22 PM

This morning up to 11.30am, rain on and off;

11 Goosander, mostly juveniles (10 on Elton & single on Withins)
6 Snipe on Wader Point
6 Spotted Flycatchers (2 Creek, 2 by first pylon between Creek & Car Park, 1 Dip & 1 in hedge by Doffer Fold Farm).
3 Redstarts (1 Dip & 2 in field behind Withins).
Single Garden Warbler in hedge below Pumphouse
1 Swift amongst many hirrundines
2 Common Gull


-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 30th of August 2014 01:53:07 PM

Early a.m. with Paul Wilson, Yellow-billed Pintail flew in which was a big surprise, also 10 Goosander, 3 Gadwall, around 700 Swallow, Sand Martin flock with 30ish Sand Martin, 1 Green Sandpiper. Near Withins a Kingfisher and near canal a Redstart and Paul also saw a Yellow Wagtail.
Cheers Ian

2 Green Sandpiper again this morning briefly, Black-necked Grebe not seen although the light was very poor.
Cheers Ian

Some brilliant photos from various folk of these Grebes and the Ruff. I especially love seeing photos of the birds I've been and seen myself.

Thanks to all

Early a.m. with Ian Peters, 2 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Green Sandpiper (which flew off South), 3 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 2 Kestrel and a Little Owl with still large numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin. Also 90 Lapwing on roof across river.
Cheers Ian

-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Thursday 28th of August 2014 10:58:35 AM

This Morning 06:00 to 10:15am With Brian F, Ian P and Ian C of note

4 Green Sandpiper
1 Snipe
2 Black-necked Grebes
2 Shoveler
1 Teal
1 Kingfisher
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Linnet
3 Redstart

Cheers Steven

this morning,2 black-necked grebes, 2 green sandpiper, 1 oystercatcher, 1 yellow wagtal, 5 swift, 1 juvenile tern went through was probably arctic.

this mornings sightings between myself,ian c,ian p, paul wilson, steve h, beth and malcolm
2 black-necked grebes
1 ruff
1 green sandpiper
1 redstart
1 spotted flycatcher
2 garden warblers
1 lesser whitethroat
2 little grebes

Early morning and a county tick for me in the form of the 2 Black necked Grebes. Many thanks to the birders who pointed them out to me along with the Ruff on the far side.
Also present:
2 Green Sandpipers (These were flushed by a dog and I didn't relocate them)
1 Snipe
Lots of the usuals too.

late morning
2 lesser whitethroat and 1 garden warbler in hedge nr pumphouse
2 raven over
2 black-necked grebes still present
no sign of ruff late morning

Up to 09:45 Am With Brian F, Ian P and Mike Passant nice to meet you.
1 Greenshank Passed through first thing
2 Green Sandpiper
1 Ruff
1 Snipe
2 Black-necked Grebe
2 Little Grebe
3 Yellow Wagtail
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Garden Warbler
2 Raven
Cheers Steven

so far this morning, 1 greenshank, first thing only, 2 black-necked grebes, 1 ruff, 2 green sandpipers and 3 yellow wagtails

Approx 10.45 - 11.45am

Nice to meet Mark Woodhead this morning, and a great spot with the Spotted Flycatcher which turned out to be 3 birds doing what they do best in the hedgerow on the main path just passed the creek bridge. One of them then proceeded to expel a pellet.

Other birds...
2 Black-necked Grebe showing well within 15 - 20ft at the far corner of the res.
Great Crested Grebe in good numbers
2 Whitethroat
1 Willow Warbler
A good number of predominantly Sand Martins, House Martins, Swallows, and only a few Swift.

No sign of the Yellow-billed Pintail or Ruff

I commented on the amount of Dragonfly present and it might be worth looking out for a Hobby. Mark quickly pointed out just minutes before I got to his location he'd seen a falcon flying low over one of the meadows on the way down from the car park. Only an assumption on my part but it could well've been a Hobby.

-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 01:29:03 PM

from 7am to 12.30 am With Simon Warford and Paul Wilson

full circuit - cracking morning - in addition to Steve's sightings

Tree Pipit - one heard calling several times near to pylon at the sailing club but couldn't be found
3 Spotted Flycatcher (1 "redstart hedge" 2 in a tit flock in the big hedge)
7 Redstart (female "redstart hedge" 4 males in hedges near the bridge over stream at Crow Tree Farm plus another 2 below Old Hall Farm)
3-4 Lesser Whitethroat (2 in a tit flock big hedge and 1+ with the male redstarts)
7 Whitethroat
14 Blackcap
40+ Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at the sailing club
Willow Tit - hedge below pump house
3 Snipe (2 south one flew into withins)
53 Lapwing
2 Teal South
3 Meadow pipits south west
38 Swift south in small groups

Possibly 3 Green Sandpipers and a further 2 Sparrowhawk's one of which sent a Starling crashing into a bramble bush to avoid being caught

This morning with Brian F, Ian P, Paul W up to 09:45 am
2 Black-necked Grebes
2 Little Grebes
1 Ruff
2 Green Sandpipers
2 Wheatear
1 Yellow Wagtail
1 Sparrowhawk
Cheers Steven

Up to 7 Redstart so far around withins and old hall
3 spotted Flycatcher too

2 black-necked grebes and ruff still present early morning

Ruff and 2 Black-necked Grebes present at 8.00pm. 22nd Aug 2014.

Sparrowhawk over the res.

On walking the canal path from Radliffe about a 100 yards from the gated entrance I saw four waders fly towards me then turn their left and begin to drop down near the pond where the reed warblers have been seen in the past. I do not know if the waders landed. Only description I can give is that they looked large with buffy orange breasts, very pale underwing, no large wing bars. On investigation I could not find them so they may not have landed.

Nice to see Denis Atherton again who I'm sure obtained some nice images. Not so good for me when I had all three birds with 15ft of me and a passer-by, dressed in day glow colours came down the bank and scared them off when insisting on finding out from me what I was photographing and ignoring my polite request for him to back off. Happens all too frequently:(

530 pm

2 Black-necked grebe and the Ruff still present as well as the Yellow-billed Pintail

1pm
2 Black necked Grebe at the far end of the reservoir from the yacht club.

Mike

3.00pm two black necked grebes still on north side of the reservoir.

also this morning,2 green sandpipers,2 yellow wagtails and 5 swift, no sign of northern pintail but yellow-billed still present

05:55 to 06:15 on way to. Work
2 Black necked grebes
1 Ruff
Cheers Steven

brian fielding wrote:

---

...also now a female pintail to go with our yellow-billed...

info thanks to ian peters

---

Yeah absolutely, I was asking if the one that Ian reported seeing might be the bird I saw. Looked a dead-ringer apart from the colour of its head, as I said. Nobody else has reported seeing one but I saw a bird that might have been a Pintail. I didn't want anyone to think I meant the Yellow-billed Pintail. I'm not sure of the ID of the bird I saw other than it looked a candidate. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Northern Pintail and Pintail are the same.

The prospect of a double GM tick coaxed me north of the city centre. I managed to see both Ruff and Black-necked Grebe, so mission accomplished.

The 2 Grebes were showing really well while I was there between about 1800 and 1900. One came in to about 8-9 feet from the shore, excellent stuff as the light was behind me at the time so got a great look at it. Question: are they adults or juvenile? I thought perhaps the one nearer the boat club was a juvenile, had hints of buff around the neck and quite indistinct 'collar'. The other one looked a simpler black and white.

The Ruff was brilliant too, I got to about 25 yards away. It was picking away at the ground like a demon but I also saw it plucking some big gormless insects out of the air directly, really enjoyable to watch. Total focus.

A flock of about 100 Lapwing that swooped in and landed in the horse paddock by Withins Reservoir right in front of me.

On the subject of the Northern Pintail mentioned by Ian below, another question. I saw a duck associating with some Mallard, a bit smaller and daintier, basically looked the same as the Collins pictures for a Pintail female, except it had a grey head with a big stripe down the back. Does that sound like the one?

At 19:35, two black-necked grebes, at the far end away from the sailing club and one rather confiding and handsome ruff.

Regards, C. Jepson-Brown

-- Edited by C Brown on Thursday 21st of August 2014 08:17:57 PM

at least 1 black-necked grebe still present at 1815
also now a female pintail to go with our yellow-billed
1 ruff
1 green sandpiper
info thanks to ian peters

2 Black necked grebes on at 16:15pm 1 near cap sticks amongst the coots and 1 near wader point
1 Ruff near creek
Cheers Steven

2 of the black-necked grebes where still on when i left this morning nr the boathouse car park at 0830.
also ruff and 2 green sandpipers present
1 yellow-billed pintail
4 swifts heading south

At least two Black-necked Grebes and the Ruff still present at 2:50pm today.

Info thanks to Brian Fogg

11-12 this morning

Scoured the whole reservoir but couldn't locate the Black necked Grebes. They've moved on I fear.

Mike

No sign of Black-necked Grebes at 10am
Ruff still near wader point
Yellow-billed Pintail showing off it's bling but still a nice looking duck

0550 to 0620am quick look on way to work
3 Black necked Grebe
1Ruff
Cheers Steven