Snow Buntings, Kinmel Bay
Very distant lekking Black Grouse, World's End
Great Grey Shrike, Waddington Fell
Redshank, HGF
Oystercatchers, HGF
Short-eared Owl, Risley Moss
Hawfinch, Sizergh
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Heysham
3rd winter Herring Gull, Heysham
2nd winter Herring Gull, Heysham
Adult Herring Gull
Morecambe Bay seen from Quernmore with the south lakes peaks in the background
Mediterranean Gulls, Heyshamxxxx
Another long spell where I seemed to have run all over the country, worked 72 hours per day, driven thousands of miles each week and never seem to have time to stop and think. Slight exaggerations and I did manage to get in a bit of birding here and there – it was necessary in order to stay sane!
Xxxx
The weekend of Feb 27th and 28th I spent at my brother-in-laws in the SW. I did manage a few walks with Billy but saw nothing other than Buzzards, Redwings and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, all of which appeared to be everywhere. I did clock 18 Corn Buntings on Waterworks Lane on sat morning as we left.
Xxxx
Mon 1st March started with my usual walk around HGF with Billy. There was a Spring feeling about the morning – partially as a result of a male Skylark in the south field who was singing his heart out. A female Sparrowhawk drifted over, however nothing else of great interest. A lunchtime stroll around Moat Lane pool in Rixton didn’t produce anything exciting either though it was good to be out in the sun. 46 Tufted Duck and 16 Gadwall were on the pool along with a single Great Crested Grebe. Quite a few gulls too – mainly Black-headed but a few lesser Black-backs.
Xxx
In the evening I met up with Jonathan for a bit of after work birding at Risley Moss. I hadn’t known it was possible to get in after closing time until Jonny had dropped me a line. We stood underneath the tower in glorious sunshine which lifted the spirits after a grey and largely miserable winter. A Nuthatch had been spotted on the path earlier and a GSW was heard moving through the trees. At the feeding station Willow Tits, Reed Buntings and Bullfinches came in to feed while nearby some Yellowhammers started to drop into a Rhododendron bush to roost.
Xxxx
Soon a Short-eared owl appeared at the back of the moss and proceeded to hunt around the back. There was possibly a second bird but it was difficult to confirm. It was enjoyable to watch the owl in golden sunlight – probably the best views I have had of one funnily enough. Usually I see them when they are bloody miles away at Parkgate or Marshside. At least 2 Tawny owls began to call behind us and Blackbirds started to arrive to a communal roost – we eventually estimated 35-40 birds came in. Some Snipe flushed and flew off – we eventually saw 9 and a Sparrowhawk also glided over. As darkness descended Woodcock began flying past, sometimes quite close. I managed to get onto 8 out of the 9 birds seen and the Barn Owl finally emerged and flew off high. Great evening, great birding! Thanks Jonny.
Xxxx
Tuesday and at HGF this morning large numbers of gulls – mainly Black-heads and Common. A couple of Reed Buntings were in the garden early doors. At Rixton, Moat Lane pool at lunch a juvenile Mute Swan had joined the resident pair. It was colour ringed (blue, right, JP4) and was ringed as a male cygnet in Dunham Massey, October 2009. I had a quick look at the second pool – looks like lots of spoil has been dumped in changing it somewhat. Still various waterfowl in this pool though. On the way home the Little Owl in Croft was showing well in its usual tree.
Xxxx
Wednesday – got a quick look at the feeding station this morning. Around 45 Tree Sparrows, 22 Chaffinches and 10 Yellowhammers present. On my way home from work (Burnley) I called in at Fishmoor Reservoir, Blackburn. I was almost shocked at how few gulls were present – hardly any big gulls at all. Six Goosanders made the visit a little interesting.
Xxxx
Thursday and the only thing of note this morning were 12 Corn Buntings on Waterworks Lane. Consequently another trip to RM was called for. Rang Jonathan – typically he had lost his phone again! He turned up anyway – must be psychic. When I arrived late afternoon a Short-eared Owl was already up high over the tip and was being mobbed by corvids. It eventually came back onto the moss and showed briefly when Jonathan arrived – and that was that for the SEO this evening. Same birds on the feeders with Willow Tits, Bullfinches and Reed Buntings showing well. Yellowhammers and Blackbirds came into roost in roughly the same numbers and between us we saw 10 Woodcock flying past as dark descended. The Tawny Owl made a little noise and the Barn Owl showed briefly again just as it became too dark to see – it then flew high out of the reserve. Another cracking evening!
Xxxx
On Friday I was due to work in Droitwich, however having arrived late Thursday night I was ill overnight and had to set off back home on Friday morning. I managed a quick glimpse of three Avocets at Upton Warren as I went past. In the garden today were 3 Grey Partridges and three Reed Buntings. A quick walk to the feeding station produced 35+ Tree Sparrows and 13 Yellowhammers plus a flock of 20 Stock Doves in the field opposite. By late afternoon I had picked up a bit so for some bizarre reason I got it into my head that a walk around Burton Marsh was in order. It was grey, cold and windy. Lots of ducks on the flashes – mainly Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers with a single drake Red-breasted Merganser. Two ring-tail Hen Harriers showed spectacularly well and around 30 Bewick’s Swans and a few Whoopers were present on the marsh. Lots of other swans were visible but too distant to ID. At dusk the Barn Owl came out of its box and gave a hunting spectacular!
Xxxx
Saturday morning I was hoping for some much needed sleep. I was very tired and sleep would have been bliss. Guess what – 6am and I was wide awake yet again. After failing in my battle for sleep I decided to head off to the van by a roundabout route – via Waddington fell – my usual spur of the moment decision. On the way I noted displaying Lapwings back on territory on Waterworks Lane. At Waddington I rolled up at the laybye past the Moorcock and spotted the Great Grey Shrike before I had even left the car – it was perched in the top of a bush. It was a grim, grey and cold morning - another birder was present and I assumed he was watching the shrike. I strolled over, set my scope up and watched the bird for a few minutes. I was somewhat surprised then when the birder turned to me and said he hadn’t seen it all morning! We eventually worked out that a telegraph pole was directly between him and the bird.
Xxxx
The shrike then dived into the scrub below the bush and disappeared for a few minutes. Jonathan arrived at this point – fortunately the shrike soon reappeared on the wires. The bird began to work its way up the wires so Jonathan and I drove up to the car park near the cattle grid to head it off only to find the shrike had disappeared. We walked back down and eventually came across a woman who was watching the bird slowly make its way up the opposite hillside. A few Red Grouse were around with cock birds displaying – Jonny also spotted a couple of Ravens nr the quarry. We then went our separate ways.
Xxxx
I then found I had a morning pass to go birding as Karen had gone shopping with her mum so I drove over Bowland (lots more grouse on the way) and dropped down into Heysham. There I found the usual two Med Gulls including the Czech ringed bird – I would later find out that I was the last person to see them before they departed for their breeding grounds. A Purple Sandpiper was on the wooden jetty with the Turnstones and at the feeding station over 50 Twite were present, including a number of unringed birds which had just started to pass through. I also had a quick scan of Leighton Moss from the viewpoint on New Road. I managed to get one of the Snow Geese in flight (the small flock had split up today) and a Greenshank on the pools. Later that afternoon while walking through COL caravan park a Peregrine flew low and directly overhead, heading onto Caton moor.
Xxxxx
The following morning I had only a brief spell of birding before heading home for my nephew’s christening. I decided to spend it at Sizergh. I arrived early and soon found three Hawfinches by the car park. They were elusive though and although I relocated them a couple of times, they didn’t stay still. A couple of Ravens and a few Fieldfares added to the interest. While driving there I had spotted around 12 swans flying alongside the M6 – they put down onto a flash near J36. I was almost positive they were Whoopers. At home today two Grey Partridges and five Reed Buntings in the garden.
Xxxx
Monday morning at HGF. A second Redshank appeared today with 32 Linnets on the wires near Midhops and a Snipe flushing out of the south field. At Rixton pools a couple of Oystercatchers were present flitting back and forth between the two pools. At least 500 Woodpigeons were in a field off the A57 nearby. Few birds at the feeding station – 8 Tree Sparrows and the same number of Yellowhammers.
Xxxx
Tuesday and working in N Wales. After work I drove over to Old Colwyn to look for the Surf Scoters. A couple of birders were just leaving – they confirmed they had been watching a drake and helped me look for it where they had last seen it but to no avail. They left and I carried on scanning – around 20 minutes later I finally found it! The white on the sides of the neck and face made it as conspicuous as a neon sign from certain angles, however once it had turned round it simply melted into the flock. I carried on scanning for the other birds but didn’t find any. I was amazed though at the numbers of Common Scoters all stretched out in a long line that must have been a mile long – at least 10,000 birds! The sea was like a mill pond and it was a sunny evening which added to the occasion. I then tried to re-find the drake – it took me another half an hour. By this time it had drifted closer and I could pick out more ID features. A single Velvet Scoter was also seen with a Red-throated Diver and a few Guillemots and Razorbills.
Xxxx
As the sun began to set I nipped over to Pensarn where the sea was full of gulls – at least the same number as there were scoters up the road. I couldn’t be bother sifting through them for a Med so I began looking at grebes and scoters and was soon rewarded with a Slavonian Grebe. A flock of 15 Bar-tailed Godwits flew right past me while I was watching it. Around 90 Great Crested Grebes were on the water while on the beach at least 40 Pied Wagtails were flitting about.
Xxxx
The next morning I had insomnia yet again and was working in Wales so I had a punt over to World’s End. Never been there before and wouldn’t have had a clue but for Jonathan placing good directions on the Manchester Birding Website. I arrived on a grey and cold morning at 7am – the trees around the car park were echoing to the sound of large numbers of Siskins and Chaffinches singing and calling. I didn’t linger here as time was short and parked further up the road to view the hillside. For around 20 minutes there was nothing, then a Blackcock flew across the road and up to the lek on the top of the hill to the left. This bird started to display and was eventually joined by another five Blackcock while two further birds called from nearby. After work I popped into Kinmel Bay and walked down the beach looking for the Snow Buntings. By the time I reached the stream there was no sign – three other birders had also searched the beach unsuccessfully. Walking back towards the car park I eventually stumbled on three Snow Buntings which were crouched in some dried seaweed and were extremely difficult to see. I got the other birders onto them and watched them for around 10 minutes – suddenly just like Kaiser Soze they were gone!
Xxxx
The next day a pair of Teal were new at HGF. On the way home from work I called in at Frodsham Marsh. Large numbers of Golden Plovers were on No.5 tank – a single Snipe was the only other species present. I was disappointed to see that the little channels along the water line of No 6 tank have all been filled in – not sure where the Little Stints are going to feed now. On the plus side some new pools have been created at the back of this tank – they look good for waders but can’t be seen except at distant from the NW corner. Usual ducks on the water – Teal, Wigeon and Shelduck but nothing spectacular.
Xxxxx
Friday – nothing new at HGF this morning. Moat Lane pool was a bit more interesting with a Little Grebe joining the pair of Great Crested Grebes. On the way home from work around 120 Fieldfares were in trees nr Hole Mill Farm, Culcheth. At the feeding station today were 8 Tree Sparrows and 6 Yellowhammers. For the last week or so the birds have slowly drifted away from the feeding station. To compound this the farmer has increased activity in the field – muck spreading and finally ploughing it. Consequently today I have decided to stop feeding here for this winter. I have been feeding the place for just over five months – I hope the birds that visited come back next winter!
Xxxx
The weekend of Feb 27th and 28th I spent at my brother-in-laws in the SW. I did manage a few walks with Billy but saw nothing other than Buzzards, Redwings and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, all of which appeared to be everywhere. I did clock 18 Corn Buntings on Waterworks Lane on sat morning as we left.
Xxxx
Mon 1st March started with my usual walk around HGF with Billy. There was a Spring feeling about the morning – partially as a result of a male Skylark in the south field who was singing his heart out. A female Sparrowhawk drifted over, however nothing else of great interest. A lunchtime stroll around Moat Lane pool in Rixton didn’t produce anything exciting either though it was good to be out in the sun. 46 Tufted Duck and 16 Gadwall were on the pool along with a single Great Crested Grebe. Quite a few gulls too – mainly Black-headed but a few lesser Black-backs.
Xxx
In the evening I met up with Jonathan for a bit of after work birding at Risley Moss. I hadn’t known it was possible to get in after closing time until Jonny had dropped me a line. We stood underneath the tower in glorious sunshine which lifted the spirits after a grey and largely miserable winter. A Nuthatch had been spotted on the path earlier and a GSW was heard moving through the trees. At the feeding station Willow Tits, Reed Buntings and Bullfinches came in to feed while nearby some Yellowhammers started to drop into a Rhododendron bush to roost.
Xxxx
Soon a Short-eared owl appeared at the back of the moss and proceeded to hunt around the back. There was possibly a second bird but it was difficult to confirm. It was enjoyable to watch the owl in golden sunlight – probably the best views I have had of one funnily enough. Usually I see them when they are bloody miles away at Parkgate or Marshside. At least 2 Tawny owls began to call behind us and Blackbirds started to arrive to a communal roost – we eventually estimated 35-40 birds came in. Some Snipe flushed and flew off – we eventually saw 9 and a Sparrowhawk also glided over. As darkness descended Woodcock began flying past, sometimes quite close. I managed to get onto 8 out of the 9 birds seen and the Barn Owl finally emerged and flew off high. Great evening, great birding! Thanks Jonny.
Xxxx
Tuesday and at HGF this morning large numbers of gulls – mainly Black-heads and Common. A couple of Reed Buntings were in the garden early doors. At Rixton, Moat Lane pool at lunch a juvenile Mute Swan had joined the resident pair. It was colour ringed (blue, right, JP4) and was ringed as a male cygnet in Dunham Massey, October 2009. I had a quick look at the second pool – looks like lots of spoil has been dumped in changing it somewhat. Still various waterfowl in this pool though. On the way home the Little Owl in Croft was showing well in its usual tree.
Xxxx
Wednesday – got a quick look at the feeding station this morning. Around 45 Tree Sparrows, 22 Chaffinches and 10 Yellowhammers present. On my way home from work (Burnley) I called in at Fishmoor Reservoir, Blackburn. I was almost shocked at how few gulls were present – hardly any big gulls at all. Six Goosanders made the visit a little interesting.
Xxxx
Thursday and the only thing of note this morning were 12 Corn Buntings on Waterworks Lane. Consequently another trip to RM was called for. Rang Jonathan – typically he had lost his phone again! He turned up anyway – must be psychic. When I arrived late afternoon a Short-eared Owl was already up high over the tip and was being mobbed by corvids. It eventually came back onto the moss and showed briefly when Jonathan arrived – and that was that for the SEO this evening. Same birds on the feeders with Willow Tits, Bullfinches and Reed Buntings showing well. Yellowhammers and Blackbirds came into roost in roughly the same numbers and between us we saw 10 Woodcock flying past as dark descended. The Tawny Owl made a little noise and the Barn Owl showed briefly again just as it became too dark to see – it then flew high out of the reserve. Another cracking evening!
Xxxx
On Friday I was due to work in Droitwich, however having arrived late Thursday night I was ill overnight and had to set off back home on Friday morning. I managed a quick glimpse of three Avocets at Upton Warren as I went past. In the garden today were 3 Grey Partridges and three Reed Buntings. A quick walk to the feeding station produced 35+ Tree Sparrows and 13 Yellowhammers plus a flock of 20 Stock Doves in the field opposite. By late afternoon I had picked up a bit so for some bizarre reason I got it into my head that a walk around Burton Marsh was in order. It was grey, cold and windy. Lots of ducks on the flashes – mainly Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers with a single drake Red-breasted Merganser. Two ring-tail Hen Harriers showed spectacularly well and around 30 Bewick’s Swans and a few Whoopers were present on the marsh. Lots of other swans were visible but too distant to ID. At dusk the Barn Owl came out of its box and gave a hunting spectacular!
Xxxx
Saturday morning I was hoping for some much needed sleep. I was very tired and sleep would have been bliss. Guess what – 6am and I was wide awake yet again. After failing in my battle for sleep I decided to head off to the van by a roundabout route – via Waddington fell – my usual spur of the moment decision. On the way I noted displaying Lapwings back on territory on Waterworks Lane. At Waddington I rolled up at the laybye past the Moorcock and spotted the Great Grey Shrike before I had even left the car – it was perched in the top of a bush. It was a grim, grey and cold morning - another birder was present and I assumed he was watching the shrike. I strolled over, set my scope up and watched the bird for a few minutes. I was somewhat surprised then when the birder turned to me and said he hadn’t seen it all morning! We eventually worked out that a telegraph pole was directly between him and the bird.
Xxxx
The shrike then dived into the scrub below the bush and disappeared for a few minutes. Jonathan arrived at this point – fortunately the shrike soon reappeared on the wires. The bird began to work its way up the wires so Jonathan and I drove up to the car park near the cattle grid to head it off only to find the shrike had disappeared. We walked back down and eventually came across a woman who was watching the bird slowly make its way up the opposite hillside. A few Red Grouse were around with cock birds displaying – Jonny also spotted a couple of Ravens nr the quarry. We then went our separate ways.
Xxxx
I then found I had a morning pass to go birding as Karen had gone shopping with her mum so I drove over Bowland (lots more grouse on the way) and dropped down into Heysham. There I found the usual two Med Gulls including the Czech ringed bird – I would later find out that I was the last person to see them before they departed for their breeding grounds. A Purple Sandpiper was on the wooden jetty with the Turnstones and at the feeding station over 50 Twite were present, including a number of unringed birds which had just started to pass through. I also had a quick scan of Leighton Moss from the viewpoint on New Road. I managed to get one of the Snow Geese in flight (the small flock had split up today) and a Greenshank on the pools. Later that afternoon while walking through COL caravan park a Peregrine flew low and directly overhead, heading onto Caton moor.
Xxxxx
The following morning I had only a brief spell of birding before heading home for my nephew’s christening. I decided to spend it at Sizergh. I arrived early and soon found three Hawfinches by the car park. They were elusive though and although I relocated them a couple of times, they didn’t stay still. A couple of Ravens and a few Fieldfares added to the interest. While driving there I had spotted around 12 swans flying alongside the M6 – they put down onto a flash near J36. I was almost positive they were Whoopers. At home today two Grey Partridges and five Reed Buntings in the garden.
Xxxx
Monday morning at HGF. A second Redshank appeared today with 32 Linnets on the wires near Midhops and a Snipe flushing out of the south field. At Rixton pools a couple of Oystercatchers were present flitting back and forth between the two pools. At least 500 Woodpigeons were in a field off the A57 nearby. Few birds at the feeding station – 8 Tree Sparrows and the same number of Yellowhammers.
Xxxx
Tuesday and working in N Wales. After work I drove over to Old Colwyn to look for the Surf Scoters. A couple of birders were just leaving – they confirmed they had been watching a drake and helped me look for it where they had last seen it but to no avail. They left and I carried on scanning – around 20 minutes later I finally found it! The white on the sides of the neck and face made it as conspicuous as a neon sign from certain angles, however once it had turned round it simply melted into the flock. I carried on scanning for the other birds but didn’t find any. I was amazed though at the numbers of Common Scoters all stretched out in a long line that must have been a mile long – at least 10,000 birds! The sea was like a mill pond and it was a sunny evening which added to the occasion. I then tried to re-find the drake – it took me another half an hour. By this time it had drifted closer and I could pick out more ID features. A single Velvet Scoter was also seen with a Red-throated Diver and a few Guillemots and Razorbills.
Xxxx
As the sun began to set I nipped over to Pensarn where the sea was full of gulls – at least the same number as there were scoters up the road. I couldn’t be bother sifting through them for a Med so I began looking at grebes and scoters and was soon rewarded with a Slavonian Grebe. A flock of 15 Bar-tailed Godwits flew right past me while I was watching it. Around 90 Great Crested Grebes were on the water while on the beach at least 40 Pied Wagtails were flitting about.
Xxxx
The next morning I had insomnia yet again and was working in Wales so I had a punt over to World’s End. Never been there before and wouldn’t have had a clue but for Jonathan placing good directions on the Manchester Birding Website. I arrived on a grey and cold morning at 7am – the trees around the car park were echoing to the sound of large numbers of Siskins and Chaffinches singing and calling. I didn’t linger here as time was short and parked further up the road to view the hillside. For around 20 minutes there was nothing, then a Blackcock flew across the road and up to the lek on the top of the hill to the left. This bird started to display and was eventually joined by another five Blackcock while two further birds called from nearby. After work I popped into Kinmel Bay and walked down the beach looking for the Snow Buntings. By the time I reached the stream there was no sign – three other birders had also searched the beach unsuccessfully. Walking back towards the car park I eventually stumbled on three Snow Buntings which were crouched in some dried seaweed and were extremely difficult to see. I got the other birders onto them and watched them for around 10 minutes – suddenly just like Kaiser Soze they were gone!
Xxxx
The next day a pair of Teal were new at HGF. On the way home from work I called in at Frodsham Marsh. Large numbers of Golden Plovers were on No.5 tank – a single Snipe was the only other species present. I was disappointed to see that the little channels along the water line of No 6 tank have all been filled in – not sure where the Little Stints are going to feed now. On the plus side some new pools have been created at the back of this tank – they look good for waders but can’t be seen except at distant from the NW corner. Usual ducks on the water – Teal, Wigeon and Shelduck but nothing spectacular.
Xxxxx
Friday – nothing new at HGF this morning. Moat Lane pool was a bit more interesting with a Little Grebe joining the pair of Great Crested Grebes. On the way home from work around 120 Fieldfares were in trees nr Hole Mill Farm, Culcheth. At the feeding station today were 8 Tree Sparrows and 6 Yellowhammers. For the last week or so the birds have slowly drifted away from the feeding station. To compound this the farmer has increased activity in the field – muck spreading and finally ploughing it. Consequently today I have decided to stop feeding here for this winter. I have been feeding the place for just over five months – I hope the birds that visited come back next winter!
Twite, Heysham
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