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BACK TO THE MANCHESTER BIRDING WEBSITE HOMEPAGE -> Manchester Birding Forum -> COVID- 19 GARDEN LOCKDOWN BLOGS 2020: CLOSED -> Craig Higson Ashton in Makerfield (COVID 19 Lockdown)
Post Info TOPIC: Craig Higson Ashton in Makerfield (COVID 19 Lockdown)
Craig Higson


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Craig Higson Ashton in Makerfield (COVID 19 Lockdown)
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Not been out in the garden much recently so was nice to sit out late this lunchtime and later this afternoon/evening. Three Oystercatchers were a bit distant but still viewed from the garden, ditto two Common Terns this evening. My garden seems to have become the main dining table for two pairs of blackbirds again, despite me not putting any food out. I'm guessing its because I don't use any insecticides and the flower beds are lifting with bugs. Lots of Juvenile starlings about so fingers crossed for one of their pink cousins.

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Craig Higson


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A Common Tern was the best bird over the garden in between doing various odd jobs.

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Craig Higson


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Osprey over was undoubtedly the star of the lockdown so far. In fact the star of my garden list since I moved in (thanks to Rob for the shout). Thing is, it was so high when I saw it, it could have been anything, so do I count it or not????????

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Craig Higson


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First swift heard yesterday (6th) and seen today (7th). Lots more hirundines around today too.

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Craig Higson


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Common Tern over at 12:20 was a nice garden /lockdown bird. Still awaiting my first Swift.

Im hoping to get a bit more time in this week which will hopefully prove fruitful!

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Craig Higson


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Missed out on some quality birds this week through not getting into the garden due to busy work schedule - Rob has properly gripped me off with Osprey (probably a once a decade or more garden flyover I reckon seeing as Ive been looking for one over here for at least the 20 years Ive lived in this house) and Peregrine, which I reckon Ill get sooner rather than later. Latest additions for me are Chaffinch and Long-tailed Tit and today a Cormorant flyover early doors.

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Craig Higson


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In the time I spent outside this evening looking for the satellites and the meteors I had more birds fly over me than in the last three weeks of lockdown!

8 Oysercatchers going north was a little unexpected. Two Canada geese, new for the list, nearly took the roof off, a Single mallard was doing the rounds again.

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Craig Higson


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Mallard added tonight whilst looking for the Starlink Satellites. A group of three that looked and sounded like it was two males chasing a female. A bit late for that behaviour but certainly reminded me of it. I also noted two much smaller birds flying together. They reminded me of waders but all I could make out was two small vague shapes, pale underneath, heading away from me. Absolutely no chance of an ID without a call.

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Craig Higson


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Added Pied Wagtail this lunchtime. I cant quite believe its taken this long to get on the list! Im actually spending more time watching the antics of a pair of starlings nesting under the tiles of a house that backs on to ours. Its nice to just get back to spending time watching some behaviour that I wouldnt normally have chance to!

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Craig Higson


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Cant decide if I need to change my viewing angle!! I've spent the last few weeks looking resolutely sw through a 'gap' that gave me most sky. However, i'v noticed today that if I tuck myself right in the corner I can see a fair bit to the North too. Or, do I set up shop in the front garden in full view of the neighbours??

I cant actually believe I am typing this!!!

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Craig Higson


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Thought I should really add what my list actually comprises of!

Blackbird, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Starling, Greenfinch, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Robin, House Sparrow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Raven, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, House Martin, Goldcrest, Skylark, Feral Pigeon, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Great Tit, Meadow Pipit.

Swallow added today.

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Craig Higson


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Not since the day I heard it Rob. It sounded like it was coming from over your way too!!

Added Meadow Pipit yesterday !!!!!

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Rob Thorpe


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Craig Higson wrote:

So far today (Sunday 11th) have added Chiffchaff...


Any further sign of that Chiffchaff, Craig? I still need one!hmm

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Craig Higson


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Bit late to this to be honest. So far its pretty dismal with just the usual fare on offer despite spending most mornings before working at home, lunch and a couple of hours after work too.

Hightlights definitely the three Oystercatchers and a singing Skylark.

So far today (Sunday 11th) have added Chiffchaff but nothing else.

Total so far is 26 cry

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