It's certainly important we keep tabs on breeding birds there, so that planners can be advised when the Beeb put their development plans in.

re last post not little ringed plover but ringed plover sighted today

cheers geoff

hi all,i called in on the north wharf site this am and despite the fuss of a low loader leaving still had definate sightings of two little ring plover and six lapwings,also i flushed what i presume was a jack snipe(never seen one in the feathers if you know what i mean)which dived towards the bollards.Just to clarify the situation i propose that we build up a concise list of sightings on the
sightings section,maybe titled, bird sightings north wharf os ref sj801973,and move the chat over to discussion bit ,that way the sightings will appear as clear
record of observation,and  if some one can get photos all the better.what  do you all think ??the disscusion side is now open.

cheers geoff

Adam,

I had the same thought so went over to Pomona, after work at about 1715hrs. There were 6 Lapwing on the site but no other Plover. I've noticed each time I've visited Joggers use the closed off road as a route presumabley from the Quays to developments closer to the city centre. Therefore there is regular disturbance so I'd be surprised if any Plovers took up residence. There must be a few suitable "brown-field" sites along the MSC so may have a look around at other sites, the problem being most are industrial and private.

Nick - Thanks, Good to see guess number 2 was correct, although i prefered the lowry art conclusion. I hear contractors are getting into the breeding bird prevention game (see netting covering street trees in City Centre Manchester. also aimed at the prevention of breeding birds slowing down development).

I popped down to check out Permona Docks area this morning as the BBC site was crawling with surveyors. Its worth a look now the invading grassland and scrub has just been cleared prior to development. I have a feeling that any displaced birds may use this area if they get there before the proffessional bird scarers.

Steve - Since LRP bred last year they should be turning up somewhere on the Quays very soon. When does the Act consider the breeding season to begin for LRP - In my book it would be from when a male arrives on site to establish a territory - any thoughts or past examples??

Hi Nick, Geoff, Adam et al,

I'm sure you are all keeping a keen eye on this site but can you particularly watch out for Little Ringed Plovers?

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It is an offence to intentionally disturb this species during the breeding season without a valid licence. You can quote that to the Harris Hawk!

If either (or both) Ringed or Little Ringed Plover are allowed to nest there, the BTO is doing a breeding survey this year so let me know and I'll send you a recording form.

Cheers, Steve

-- Edited by Steve Suttill at 15:07, 2007-03-21

-- Edited by Steve Suttill at 15:08, 2007-03-21

Gents,

To answer the mystery !!!!

I took a wander over to the back of the Lowry today, 1230hrs, to view the BBC area with bins. The Ground Investigation company is in attendance and working but there was also a silver 4x4 with red company sign on the side (the angle of the vehicle meant I couldn't read the sign). Out from the 4x4 appears one Falconer, one Harris Hawk and a couple of Terriers !! There were also two other individuals in attendance taking photos of the Falconer and Hawk. The three then proceeded to walk around the site, flying the bird post to post.

Unsurprisingly I didn't see any birds !!

Now I could be charitable and state that perhaps they are clearing the sites of rabbits, although the cynic in me may suggest that its more likely they are doing this to prevent any nesting birds taking up territory (and therefore potentially delaying development) but I'll leave that for open (lively) debate !!!!!

Are they anything to do with the triathlon they had last year in the quays ? Bike stands ??

adam,will stay a mystrey,but i like the art thing
might see you down there i drive a rather noticeable berlingo van in company
livery
cheers geoff

adam,any idea what the pallets and perches are all about

cheers geoff

19th 8am BBC site - 6 Ringed Plover, 4 lapwing, 4 sky lark, 3 gt c grebe, 16 magpie, meadow pipit over.

Friday 16th 8.30am - 5 Ringed Plovers on the BBC site and  2 lapwing, 3 sky lark and 1st yr male kestrel.

judith, will try to stop off there and report all breeding activity i can , the plovers were having a domestic this morning,
 
cheers geoff

This is the site of the proposed new BBC building, so it's important to monitor breeding waders here - all 3 plovers should be present eventually.

tried a new spot today,sj802973 or north wharf in the a to z ,
3 ringed plover
6 mute swan
8 cormorant
12 magpie(must be hundreds of the buggers i counted thirty mobbing two crows that were just passing through the other day)
6 goldfinch
2 greenfinch
2 blackbird
2 mistle thrush
1 skylark (singing)just over me head

but it was only a quick stroll before work ,so i,ll go and spend some quality time with em next week