Mid-morning visit, hopefully 3rd time lucky as I wanted better views of this bird than Id previously had. Lucas came with me and he was glad he did, to be fair he had no choice.
As we approached the copse we could hear it singing away, absolutely fantastic series of calls and notes, somewhat Magpie mimicking and then swirly melodic notes sometimes finishing with what sounded like a camera shutter. The bird soon came into view and we were very happy. It did a few circuits round the copse, disappearing in the process but then reappeared for decent periods. Great looking bird with a top song, and that tail ! After a while, it flew off towards the industrial estate and didnt reappear for a bit so that was our cue to leave. Felt sorry for the guy whod travelled from Nottingham for the Liverpool match and called in to see it, but missed it as he turned up during its absence.
Afternoon visit, Lucas wanted to see the Grackle so who was I to refuse. With the lighter evenings now, the bird wasnt coming to roost as reliably on time as it had been, according to reports. Luckily I know the finder so a quick message later and it was confirmed that we were already in the correct spot the copse with the pool in the north meadow.
No sign at first but other birds then became more interesting.
- 2f + 1m Redstart were impressive chasing each other around in the hedgerow near the copse. - 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker - lots of Willow Warblers / Chiffchaffs / Blackcaps
Then as we were making our way out of the meadow back to the car, the Grackle decided to turn up (5.30pm) chasing Magpies near the copse, we had decent bins view but when we got back to the copse there was no sign.
What happened next was a bit frightening for my lad. My car was parked off site on the little side street not far from the entrance, as I knew the gates closed at 5pm. What I didnt know was the footpath gates as well as the road gates were also locked !! He thought we were gonna have to spend the night in the woods. I knew there had to be an opening somewhere as people had not that long since walked by when we were in the meadow. We headed back into the meadow, and up into the corner into the woods and after 5-10 minutes following our noses, we found a gap to get out. Then he got all brave in the car and said what a mint adventure that was Dad.
In the North part of Speke Hall grounds this afternoon treated to a frequently singing Great Tailed Grackle. Stayed in the copse surrounding the pond the whole half hour I was there. Park in the free car park and walk to the field near the entrance gate
A record shot attached.
Also Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, Ring Necked Parakeet.
Reports of interesting Lesser Whitethroat on "Liverpool local Birding" Whatsapp yesterday. Could be Eastern. Photos on Whatsapp, I don't feel I can upload them here without permission. Location is someone's garden, seems to be at W end of Garston coastal reserve
A wader roost was present during the high tide which was quite unusual as I have never noticed one here before. A group of 8 whimbrel was present with all the common wader species, along with 2 grey herons and 3 cormorants
Both of these great sites are vastly underwatched. I went for an hour this afternoon and found a few good sightings, including a couple of year listers:
