Chiffchaff and willow warbler heard from garden today and the sparrowhawk has passed over and circled twice now.


-- Edited by Daniel Owen on Monday 7th of April 2014 08:33:44 PM

Late post for yesterday 15.02.14 16.30

Callands

2 Collared Doves were lazily strolling around in the middle of the road, I had to almost stop to avoid running over them, then a third bird seemed to join them.

Immediately the two doves flew off to the left, the third bird swung around to the right, it was a large Sparrowhawk, probably female.

2 more doves appeared from behind, the hawk turned 180 degrees and pursued these doves, which plunged into the safety of a nearby bush.

The Sparrowhawk then broke off the attack and disappeared over the rooftops.

It was all over in a few seconds, the hawks speed was breathtaking, the doves were lucky, the presence of my probably saved the doves on the road.

You don't need to be on a reserve to enjoy wildlife drama, it's all around.

Collared Doves do seem a bit dozy, especially during courtship, little wonder they are a top prey species for Sparrowhawks.

Second winter Iceland Gull on Dallam Playing Fields from 11.05-11.20 at least, still there when I left

cheers

Dave

c50 Redwings
Mistle Thrush
Grey Wagtail

Seen at 09:00hrs this morning around the Irish Club car park area off Orford Lane

Nick, the best time seems to be just after dawn, I think the reason there were so many gulls this afternoon is that football matches etc, had been played there this morning.

Nick Isherwood wrote:

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Dave, what road are these fields on? I might check this out this week.

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Longshaw street - heading south towards Warrington on the A49 turn right at the PC World roundabout go under bridge, first left playing fields are 100 yards on the left- nowt there when I passed later this afternoon.It is a good playing field for gulls though. :)

-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 15th of December 2013 06:46:43 PM

Dallam Playing Fields held many gulls this (early) afternoon, mainly Black Headed but with good numbers of Common and smaller numbers of Herring and Lesser Black-backed (including one that looked like a 'fuscus'), there was also a third winter Iceland Gull showing very well, this was my third there in less than two years!

cheers

Dave

-- Edited by Dave Riley on Sunday 15th of December 2013 03:47:58 PM

Orford Lane, 08:20hrs:

Peregrine Falcon flying west

On the A57 roundabout, near the former Bowling Green pub, this morning around 11.00 were a few Black Headed Gulls, patting the grass with their feet to tempt worms to surface.
I've seen upto 30 birds on this traffic island at times, quite often they're joined by a couple of Common Gulls, and even the odd Herring Gull.
The large central verge of the A57 heading towards the Peace Centre also attracts Black Headed Gulls, and an adult Herring Gull became a regular feature here about a year ago.
If you get caught by a red light whilst driving around the roundabout you've got a few seconds to have a glance at the gulls as they're only a few feet away.
Today though patting the grass with a vigour that would put a professional tap dancer to shame was a large Herring Gull, with a slate coloured saddle, and bright lemon feet.
An adult Yellow Legged Herring Gull had joined the Black Heads that were teasing worms to surface. Then the lights changed and viewing was over.
This traffic island is always worth a glance, especially if you're a passenger and not a driver, as I don't want my remarks mentioned in RTA reports.
The gulls are a daily feature, and hopefully I'll spot a Med Gull dancing here one day.
This same roundabout was a magnet for swallows and martins back in September.

31 pink feet over NW 7.20 this morning just north of the Halliwell Jones stadium on the way to work.

02/08/2013 5pm
Big female Hobby just flown direct south fast over our Garden in central Warrington headed in the direction on Bank quay railway station.

:)

Flock of Fieldfare with possible few Redwing in Hardy / Annie Street

Junction of King Edward Street and Manchester Road

Several small flocks of Waxwings flying in a South easterly direction towards Paddington Meadows at 2.30pm in the pouring rain.

-- Edited by John Williams on Monday 26th of November 2012 09:28:11 PM

25 Waxwings present at Milner Street at 12.00

I did post an answer jason ,but decided to delete it,and leave it to someone else for once as many gave me an oppinion against them being ringed and not a one for the ringing,but give someone else a chance to get the hastle for once as I have been the bad guy too many times on here while others sit back
Enjoy the hobby whichever way your happy with








-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Monday 19th of November 2012 08:37:19 PM

50+ present at 12.10. Please note, I have heard that a member of staff from VW (possibly the manager) has threatened to cut down the trees if photographers keep going into his parking/dsiplay area, I don't know how serious he is, but best to play safe!

10 waxwings still in tree on Milner St 3.00pm ish.

I personally was at Warrington Milner Street for first light, connecting with 50-60 Waxwings - a lifer. Merseyside ringers were around so it was a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds, and handle them as well (5 were ringed). Super start to the morning, then on to Moore (see thread)

It has now become apparent that ringers were down at milner st ringing this morning.
Now I see why there were only 20 later in the day,do we really need to ring every bird ,wouldn't it not have been better for everyone who wanted to enjoy them to just not ring them at all,and let everyone enjoy these fantastic birds just for one weekend without ringing them.These sort of birds are great for getting the general public involved with birds in some way,I know I showed many none birders who were amazed by them :)

-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 17th of November 2012 08:47:22 PM

Likewise John, this is a good start to this winter with these fabulous birds.

Finally caught up with them today at Milner St,3 hours watching them this afternoon,Biggest count was 68,but I recon there are probably 75+ as some were coming and going,shame the sun didn't stay out for the pics,but nice to see them 300 yards from home.A few other birders poped in and out during the afternoon,and a few risley moss regulars.The birds were very flighty and only about every 25 mins did they venture down to the berry trees,and then only for seconds.They remain mainly in the tall trees at the furniture store.Thanks to all for the updates all week

KEV BROWN wrote:

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Watched 68-70 Waxwings around the VW dealership, Milner Street between 2:45 and 3:20 when they flew off south. At times they were feeding on berry trees at the back, alongside the railway line.

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Hi Kev
That was me photographing them by the railway,nice to speak to you ,a few shots on my flickr link below

-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Saturday 17th of November 2012 07:42:21 AM

Just had a personal report of 60 there this afternoon at one point

Any at Milner st today anyone? looking like they will not be there when im off at the weekend,but still seemed to be lots of berries when I drove past in the dark last night,still not seen any pics from warrington,so maybe they are not in the best place for pics?anyone sees any today or particularly tomorrow morning please post,don't assume everyone knows they are still there.
cheers John