Hiya all, just a quick reminder and for those that haven't read the news on our dedicated section of these Forums, that Focalpoint Optics have moved premises. We are the main sponsor of these forums and regularly welcome many members from here into our shop. Regulars will have noticed recently that t...
Exciting news, we are relocating to new warmer premises, something I personally will welcome having sat shivering here during the cold spells this Winter The move is forced due to lack of maintenance of the current premises by our landlord, despite repeated requests. Also the expansion of Chesh...
Just seen on the BBC local news that a flood relief area has been created on 12 acres of land at Lower Kersal on a loop of the River Irwell in what was possibly part of the old racecourse area?.It's described as an "Urban wetland area" and looking on Google Earth looks like a series of scrapes and pools whic...
As a long time birder( well, 40 years ish) I have only recently been looking at Internet birding and to be honest ,have found it quite inspirational.. reading what other folk get up to each day and what they see has certainly made me pull my finger out and get back into birding again. reading the accounts...
Hi all, I am currently looking to buy a 2nd hand Canon 100-400mm Mk1 lens for a 2 week trip to Tanzania I am taking at the end of this month. Please get in touch if you are looking to sell, or know anyone that might be! Many thanks Eugene
Hi everyone,
I am just doing a little research for my father who is now starting to struggle with his current hearing aids (from the nhs) and missing a lot of calls and song, which frustrates him, particularly when hes out with someone like me whos hearing it, as it flags the issue more.
Does anyone e...
A casual stand of water on Jackson's Lane, Hazel Grove, opposite Arundel Avenue. It just may attract some waders over the coming weeks. Today's sightings: Teal 2 Mallard 2 Grey Heron 1 Canada Goose 4 Greylag Goose 9 (probably straight from the nearby farm) Cheers John -- Edited by John Rayner on Tuesd...
I notice that a couple of stalwart forum members have recently really put their backs into doing a 'Big GM Year'. I was wondering if either Dave or Ian was likely to write up an account of the trials and tribulations of seeing 170+ species in the county in a year? I for one would love to hear about it as the ex...
Radio 4's Infinite Monkey Cage was about bird behaviour today- didn't catch all of it, but what I did hear was interesting. Here's the link should anyone want to listen to it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09ly26f
- A birdwatching guide to Extremadura by John Muddeman, and A birdwatching guide to Mallorca by Graham Hearl - some notation otherwise excellent condition - £30 ring Les on 07760 343773 -- Edited by Les Steele on Saturday 13th of January 2018 08:29:36 AM
For sale - Nikon ED82 fieldscope with 25x to 75 x zoom eyepiece - comes with case, tripod, and hide mount - excellent condition £600 - phone Les on 07760 343773
Afternoon All, Are there any murmurations happening local to Manchester, worst case up to 50 mile away? I am asking on behalf of a local lady, whom has an elderly relative who cannot walk great distances wanting to see one. Have pointed out Blackpool, Martin Mere and Marbury/Neumann Flash, but was wo...
I have recently returned to birding after twenty years away. So imagine my delight when I came accross this forum. Lot's of local infomation, maps and everything. Just what I needed to get me going again. Well done!
I live on Crankwood Rd, and my garden backs onto Crankwood. So I thought you may be inte...
"Stunning for Who?" I'll confess I am a newbie here and not really a birder - but I do love birds! I'm concerned (for several reasons) about planned tall buildings in central Manchester. Could we be overlooking the effects of light pollution on birds? I commented on the Messenger thread (It is an ex...
Walk from Doctors Gate across to Alport Moor and back. The fauna on the high moor in winter consists of mainly of Red Grouse. Red Grouse appear numerous. A Buzzard soared high above the moor, and a female Kestrel hunted close to the A57. A 30 minute scan across the conifer woodland at Lady Clough produce...
I had some interesting reports of plants The woods themselves were pretty normal Wood Aven, Enchanter Nightshade, Herb Robert etc. The entrance to the Cemmy gave a bit more Meadow Cranesbill, Tufted Vetch, Teasel, Common St Johnswort and then some that looked like they had been introduced Betony,...
The January 2018 edition of British Birds includes a paper on the status in Britain of the Mute Swan colour morph known as Polish swan. It includes a map and table of records by county from 1973-2016. The Polish swan occurs chiefly down the eastern counties of Britain, though there are records elsewhe...
Many of you will already know, but just a reminder that we are closed at Focalpoint for a little longer over the festive period than usual. We are in all week this week, normal winter hours of 9.30am-4.30pm, then in on Saturday 23rd from 10am til 3pm or 4pm on demand. We will then re-open on Tuesday Jan 2nd...
Watch the trailer hereAward-winning documentary film partners with UK producer of bird-friendly coffee to raise awareness of the plight of migratory songbirdsFeature length documentary The Messenger explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of song...
This information was provided by Henry McGhie: Hello- I’ve written a book about Manchester Museum’s main bird collector (Henry Dresser), one of the most important ornithologists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries , and used his life to explore transformations in scientific society and th...
Hi All I guess this is one for Doc Brewster, but can anyone recommend some padded tripod leg wraps (just for the top part). I've a Velbon Sherpa 200R and am looking to make life easier on my shoulders. I've looked at the Wildlife Watching Supplies website, but they don't specify the Sherpa on their list....
I have a copy of one of the best raptor id books for sale. Very rare and hard to find. Collins birds of prey written by Benny Gensbol.£50 ovno. Also copy of the Helm guide to confusion species, another great book for all those similar looking birds. £ 30 ovno. Tel no. 07539 839015.
Now maybe I'm just showing my ignorance here, but can someone explain to me the difference between an Arctic Redpoll and a Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll. I must admit I don't keep too upto date with taxonomy so maybe I've missed something, but last time I looked Arctic Redpoll was also carduelis hornema...
Having birded the GMC area(and elsewhere) for longer than I want to remember(and definitely a fully paid up member of the old farts club) I thought it might be interesting to list the birds we have lost and those we have gained in the last 30 years or so for people who perhaps have only taken up birding in t...
We have a limited number of copies of the fabulous new book 'Rare and Scarce Birds of Cheshire & Wirral' by Allan Conlin and Eddie Williams. These are in store for sale at the cover price of £25. They are a fabulous read, documenting occurrences of rare and scarce species in the region over the years...
Hi, does anyone have any recommendations for decent compact binoculars for under or around £100 (new or second hand)? Weight and portability would be top criteria, so am hoping it's possible to score well on that front while having decent performance at something like (max)8 x (min25). These would...
