Predictably not a single Woodpecker to be seen or heard at Marbury :( Someone did see a Green perched up in a tree sunning itself - maybe it was too cold last night.
Loads of Nuthatches though - some 'plastering' up a tree hole with mud
Thanks to all for advice, both posted and the PM's, much appreciated. Decided that Moore may be the best bet, so 3rd time lucky tomorrow morning, fingers crossed. Cheers Ian
I would say early Sunday morning before the dog walkers and kids arrive - it's forecast to be a sunny day and calm.
I've seen them anywhere from the lakeside by the boathouse, down to the 'dock', up past the ice hole/house and just past the woodland feeding station. Should be drumming by now (a longish burst of quiet but rapid drumming - say 2 seconds) and calling (a high pitched yip-yip-yip almost like a bird of prey)
When I saw it at Moore it was right by the junction on the right hand side of the road - I didn't actually see it at first - I heard the debris falling from the trees as it fed. Also it surprised me by spending most of the time I watched it sitting out on quite thin branches rather than sticking to the main branches/trunk. I think it was the third time I'd been when I saw it so its not always obvious.
Reckon you might dip a little more than twice before Lesser Pecker comes your way Joey. I've been trying for years in some of the best spots in the country, but not Moore at the right time of year which is where most people seem to bag this non-existant species! Just keep trying for it. Henry.
Ian - The Cattle Egret was a Frodsham (Bradley) was that why you couldn't see the Lesser Pecker at Moore??
Seriously though I have searched at Marbury nowt, Dunham heard a'pecking and a'calling and fleeting glimpses only but a Moore have had good views. Have a look at my post 28th February for places to see the pecker esp from the meadow behind the Lapwing Lane wood - tuck yourself away in the corner furthest from the gate Good luck - it was about two weeks ago since I was last there.
Ian Campbell wrote:
Does this bird actually exist?, probably as other people admit to seeing it. Now I'm not bothered about seeing one, but a frustrated builder(birder I know)would really like to see one this weekend. I've been forced,against my own free will, to visit Moore nature reserve for the last two weekends, only saw a Cattle Egret
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 27th of March 2009 07:24:26 PM
LOL Ian......and yes this bird really does exist.l've been very lucky to see one twice,once at Potteric Carr (Doncaster) amongst a Tit-flock and just recently at Moore. l don't claim to know much about where to see what,l'm not as experienced as some but Moore Nature Reserve seems the best bet, it 'shows' very well there from what the posts say.l got there a few weeks back at 8.40am and had great views of it by 8.50am was setting off home by 9am with a HUGE grin
Does this bird actually exist?, probably as other people admit to seeing it. Now I'm not bothered about seeing one, but a frustrated builder(birder I know)would really like to see one this weekend. I've been forced,against my own free will, to visit Moore nature reserve for the last two weekends, only saw a Cattle Egret Worsley Woods or Dunham Massey seem favourite in GM, could some kind soul help me sort Pete Johnson out with his birding ambition, where do we go? Detailed instructions please, we need to know which tree to stand next to If this is too much to put out over the t'internet I will accept the info in a PM!! Please keep this request a secret from Peter as I want it to seem like I'm a brilliant birder and just take him to the right spot. Cheers Ian
Male this morning at Moore
