Signs of Spring

Moat Lane pool 1, Rixton

Some of the Tufties on the pool

Green Sandpiper, Rixton

xxxxxx

Had a nice bit of odds and sods birding local yesterday. I was chuffed to see the first Oystercatcher back at HGF on Sunday (13th). Previous return dates have been 15th (2006), 4th (2007), 10th (2008), 19th (2009) and 26th (2010). Yesterday morning three birds were present. For the first time in a while I walked up to the pool via the south field and found two Ravens loitering there before heading off SW. Although I have seen them several times in nearby Waterworks Lane, these two were a patch tick for HGF and the first of this species I have seen in the area this winter. Also present in the south field were at least 8 Skylarks with 3 males flying high and singing their hearts out. Spring has to be here, surely!
Xxxxx
On the way to work in Culcheth I saw 9 Corn Buntings on the wires opposite Hanging Birch Farm. For the first time in several years I have failed to find the local wintering flock so it’s good to see some back on territory. Moat Lane pool in Rixton held 2 Green Sandpipers with one being a little sod and hiding in the inlet on the blind side of the large island.
Xxxxx
Waterworks Lane feeding station held 55 Tree Sparrows with 7 Yellowhammers and 14 House Sparrows plus a pair of Grey Partridges. I also saw three single male Grey’s calling at dusk off Lady Lane – clear signs that the coveys are breaking up. One of the Little Owls was perched on a fenceline here with 2 Brown Hares gambolling in the field behind. Finally after taking Bill to the vets I drove back through Rixton mosses in the dark hoping to see a Barn Owl. No such luck though I did get a Woodcock fly across the front of the car on Holly Bush Lane!