During the afternoon a Whinchat was found adjacent to the deep pit near the pylons, a female Wheatear was perched on a post in the same area and a Cuckoo was seen. Also a Marsh Harrier flew over the slurry (JS).
All posts by Carol
Wirral trip report – 28th March 2010
Six men in two cars left Newstead at 7.15 am for the Wirral. On the way over we stopped briefly at Goyt Moss to look for Red Grouse. We had hardly stopped when Tony found at least one. Meadow Pipits were also seen. Continuing on our way we arrived at our first stop at 9.30 as arranged with Stuart Taylor, one of our earliest members who now works for the RSPB at Lake Vyrnwy, mid-Wales. The trip list was now on 10 as Raven, Jay and Sparrowhawk were seen en route.
After a short break to stretch our legs we set off to our first watching point – Heswall Banks. Stuart T, not confusing him with Stuart Pryor, suggested a short walk here but on seeing the high tide (9.1 metres) told up that was impossible as the pathway was under water. We settled down to watch the marsh as the tide was still coming in and moving the birds in front of it. Over 1000 Redshank, along with hundreds of Shelduck and other waders were being forced up the marsh by the advancing tide. A female Hen Harrier was seen as was a Grey Plover and many Little Egret. Around the area we also saw and heard Chiffchaff. With the list now on 29 we headed back up the Wirral to Parkgate, a well known watch point on the marsh when there are exceptionally high tides of over 10 metres. These happen about twice a year but not today. (I’ll have to sort a trip out for that).
Similar birds were seen here as at Heswall Banks but Stuart T, had inside information that there was a Spoonbill further up the marsh so we walked up and had superb views of an adult. Buzzard was also seen. A Marsh Harrier was seen by some of the group.
With the list now standing at 38 we moved on again, this time to the RSPB Inner Marsh Farm. This is a fairly large reserve but at present with only one hide and a very small car park.
Treecreeper was heard in the car park by Steve and Pete heard our first Willow Warbler of the year, good views of which were had later on. We had good views of Raven, Buzzard and Peregrine Falcon. We also saw Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover and Ruff.
There was a distant group of Sand Martin and I managed to see one House Martin among them. Three Spotted Redshank and a single Greenshank were also seen. As we made our way back to the car park some of the group thought they had heard a Lesser Whitethroat but it couldn’t be located. There was a large herd of swans in the distance and it was reported that there were Whooper and Bewick’s among them but we couldn’t make them out. Rabbit and Grey Squirrel were seen on the way to the car park taking the years Mammal list to 5.
We had had a wonderful day in good company and were looking forward to the next trip.
The day list stood at 66 with 28 of these being added to our annual trip list. That list now stands at 111 compared with 85 this time last year.
Carsington Water – Sun, 7th March 2010
The weather forecast for the previous weekend was horrendous with high winds and blizzards. We decided to postpone to the following weekend. As it happened the bad weather missed us.
We met up at Newstead, two car loads and made our way to Cromford were we eventually had good views of 4 Hawfinch in the car park area.
With some of the gentlemen going to the loo we arranged to meet on the bridge over the river Derwent to look for Dipper. We had marvellous views and decided to then go on to Carsington when we realised that Jackie was missing. Minutes later my phone rang. It was Jackie asking where WE where. I asked where SHE was – out side the gents’ loo waiting for us, (so she said). Jackie eventually joined us and soon had Dipper on her list. Trip list now stood at 13 for the day.
We arrived at Sheepwash Car Park (the free one) at Carsington Water and made our way to the hides. We soon added Oystercatcher and Great Spotted Woodpecker to the list along with our target bird of Great Northern Diver. We were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time as a herd of Whooper Swan had arrived that morning. Also seen of note were Curlew and Redshank while Raven was heard.
We made our way to the Wildlife Centre calling at the feeding station on the way. Here we added stunning views of Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting and Willow Tit. The list now stood at 38 plus Grey Squirrel.
At the Wildlife Centre we added Barnacle Goose – about 50 – plus Ruddy Duck and Goosander. Tony found a Water Rail on the far bank that proved difficult for some of the group to see. A Little Owl was also seen in the hedgerow at the rear of the centre. We were told by a Ranger that that was the first one for quite a while. With the list now standing at 46 we made our way back to the cars and lunch during which we added Common and Herring Gull.
On the same trip last year we called at Swallow Moss and saw a male Hen Harrier so it was decided to go there again. What a disappointment. The only birds seen apart from a few distant hens were two flocks of Starling and one Fieldfare.
Having consulted the maps it was decided to call in at Tittesworth Reservoir – just over the hill. I decided that it would be quicker to go over the hill instead of round it. We got to the top, above the snow line, and a road disappeared. We ended up almost were we had started so we did go round the hill in the end.
On arriving, eventually, at Tittesworth we were greeted by up to 7 Redpoll. We walked to the two hides. Between the hides we were treated to the evocative calls of a flock of over 80 Curlew coming in to feed on the far fields. Lapwings were also seen along with one Common Snipe that was behaving like a Jack Snipe.
As the setting sun shone on the Roaches the Curlew, split now into smaller groups and giving their haunting calls, flew off towards the setting sun.
The days total was 61 plus 2 mammals. The yearly total is now 82 compared with 71 in 2009. The mammal total is 5 compared with 3 last year.
Spurn Trip 25th October 2009
The wind had been blowing from the east for almost three weeks with migrants down the east coast from Scotland to Kent. I decided, upon consultation with the three other people who had shown an interest in the trip – Pete, Jackie and Deryck, to bring the trip forward a week from 1st November to 25th October.
After checking what was about it was decided to call first at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve as there was a Red-flanked Bluetail that had been there for two or three days. There had been an influx on the Yorkshire coast for the past 10 days with three reported from Spurn at the same time earlier in the week.
We arrived at Bempton in quite a strong westerly wind to be told – yes it had been seen that morning. We search for almost 2 hours but eventually gave up. We did manage to see a distant Red-backed Shrike, Rock Pipit and Rock Dove.
We left Bempton to go to Spurn calling at Hornsea on the way were 7 Red-Breasted Merganser was seen.
Approaching Spurn 2 Roe Deer were seen in the fields near Kilnsea.
Arriving at Spurn we decided to drive to the point. On the way Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Turnstone were seen on the mud. In the dunes early Redwing were seen.
Before leaving we called at the hide hear the reserve entrance where we were treated to two Jack Snipe and Water Rail.
Overall 64 species were seen with eight added to the trip total that now stands at 165.
Skua & Shearwater Cruise, Sunday 20th September 2009
We left Nottingham later than usual at about 8.30 as the boat didn’t sail until 4.00 p.m.
It was decided that we went first to Flamborough Head to see what was there. We arrived at about 11.00 am after a short stop on the way. We had heard that there was a Barred Warbler in the area but were not sure where about. We made a few enquiries and we soon looking at a splendid Barred Warbler.
Three of us decided that we would take a walk round the headland to see what else was about. Brian went back to the car as his leg was still in plaster after breaking it.
We had good views of Red Admiral and Painted Lady butterflies along the road before turning off to go across the fields. It was a hot still day and there was not a deal about until we reached the cliffs were Shag and a few waders were seen. As we walked along the cliff top path we noticed a group of birders looking into the field on our left. Upon reaching then we realised a juvenile Great Skua was sitting in the middle of the field. After a search of over half an hour we found singles of Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting.
After lunch in the car park we made our way to Bridlington for the boat, hoping to see Purple Sandpiper on the harbour walls but to no avail. As we were waiting to board the boat we were surprised to be joined by Pete Smith and his wife, Chris.
The boat trip was very quiet with only a single Shearwater that was not seen by most people but a single Great Skua that gave us great views of how it chased and harried birds for them to discharge their food.
Gannet, Kittiwake and Fulmar were added to this years trips list making a total of 157.
Grey Seal was added to the mammal list while Red Admiral was added to the butterfly list.
Peregrine Falcon – 19th April
This morning a Peregrine Falcon flew over and perched on the nearby electricity pylon for a few minutes before moving to the next pylon to the north-east. A Common Sandpiper flew round the Slurry Lagoon and a Little Ringed Plover was displaying over the Slurry.
In the early afternoon one Common Tern appeared on the newly recommissioned Tern Platforms. One Swift and two House Martins were seen and a Redstart was heard alarm calling. A Tawny Owl was observed in the willow tree. RW.
Later two Avocets settled on the Slurry Lagoon and a male Marsh Harrier flew through. PS. RW.
Hobby – 18th April
Towards the end of the Spring Patchwatch today much excitement was caused by the flight of a Hobby over the lagoons.
Other noteable species amongst the 74 seen during the day were :-
Two Little Egrets, Golden Plover, two Cuckoos, Little Ringed Plover, Lesser Whitethroat and Cetti’s Warbler.
Lesser Whitethroat – 16th April
This morning a Lesser Whitethroat was singing along the lower railwayside path while about six swallows were inspecting the ledges beneath the arches of the bridge. AE
Butterflies – 8th April
This morning, in brilliant sunshine, it was great to see butterflies taking to the wing. These were seen quite early on:
Two Brimstone, two Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock. AE.
Wheatear – 24th March
This afternoon a Wheatear was spotted at the north end of the slurry lagoon. Four Chiffchaffs were near the railway line and nearby in the deep pit. About twenty-five Shovelers were feeding on the slurry lagoon. AE.