White Winged Tern still present at 12.15 after I eventually found the viewing location with the help of another birder. View was distant and a scope is needed but it's a first for me. Cheers Ian
Had great views of the White-winger this morning with Paul. The usual Coot, Tufted Duck, several Goldeneye, Little Grebe, single Wigeon, several Teal were knocking about. Fieldfare in far trees, a couple of meadow pipits and lots of Wagtails too. Apart from the obviously cracking White-winged Black Tern, also got a Kingfisher, which is a new bird there for me! Bird will be easily visible to non-permit holders following the directions to the view point previously explained by Ian.
I have reported this firework nuisance to waterworks, the relevant UU ranger and Simon J rung 999 with no response (now there's a surprise). There is supposed to be a private security firm patrolling, as we met the girl once, but they obviously won't tackle these people, assuming they are attending during this period.
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Judith Smith
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Lightshaw hall Flash is sacrosanct - NO paths please!
Nevermind, I must be the last permit holder to have got the news, but have been down south with work the last few days and horrendous traffic meant didn't get there till 7pm this evening and the local kids had already started their evening firework display on the far bank, which had scared all gulls and tern off. Will try in the morning though. Fingers crossed it will come back!?
Juvenile White-winged Black Tern present today on the reservoir which is STRICTLY PERMIT ONLY.
Viewing is possible from outside the perimeter fence in one location, from undeneath the BT tower (which you shuldn't miss 'cos it's huge!). Unless you have a permit please do not attempt to gain access (by climbing over or accompanying a permit holder) as this could lead to permits being withdrawn from the site and a loss of access for us all. I have put my head on the block slightly with this one by putting the news out as previously it was supressed, so if things go well with this one more news may well be released when decent birds occur there.
For access park in the top Heaton Park car park off St.Margaret's Road (not the first one you come to) and follow the permitmeter fence up a slight hill and towards the tower through the trees. Viewing is up the grass embankment to the fence and although views may be distant all the relevant features of this bird can be viewed using a telescope.
Please keep to this request for viewing, this is our chance to have atleast some access to future birds which most of the county's birders would have never even known about on this site, so lets not ruin it
NO other possible viewing locations for this site should be posted on this forum or indeed encouranged to other birders.
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