Digiscoping

Bolton Abbey

2009-06-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Bolton Abbey 20th June 2009

For the first time in decades, I missed a trip here in May. So what does it look like in June? certainly more green stuff on the trees..I hate that, can't see the birds for leaves. Another obvious diffence is that the birds are quieter now, so finding Redstart, Wood and Garden warblows are harder. And so it was, that I missed these. Are well! What did I get? The dippers are still active, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and a pair of Mandarin Duck near Baden bridge. While at the bridge, something made me turn my head to look behind me. A Red Kite circled the fields, giving really good views. Tons of Pied Flycatchers are feeding young. A single Cuckoo flew over (Silent) that was lucky I saw it. A good day to stay in the shade, it was a bit hot out of the woods.

Brockholes Quarry

2009-05-31T05:12:00.001-07:00

A first trip to Brockholes Quarry near Preston. For years now I have been driving past here, today I give it a go.
A large area, cut for gravel has left several pools and great expectaions. I hear from a reliable source that soon? the area is going to be developed for public recreation, Nature reserve area, Fishing and boating lakes. I can't wait.
At the moment though, we must park up at the gate and view what flys over the River Ribble.
Tons of Hirundines (swallows, Martins, Swifts) hawking over the surface of the river. Above them the watchfull eye of Hobby. Hobbies are regular here, seen many times, if you look towards the church, it usually is seen in that direction. If you are lucky, then close views of it/them? swooping low, hunting over the river. Also seen a Buzzard.
Further info - http://www.brockholeswetland.net/index.php
A great place to visit, but beware the car criminals, leave only the wife to watch out.

Spring Southport

2009-05-03T08:06:00.001-07:00

Downholland Moss 25th April
I couldn't wait for the weekend, The news of loads of good stuff in the Southport area amde my week really drag.
Whimbrel, a bird I haven't seen for a few years now, here in numbers 18. Tons of Wheatears.
I missed a cracking picture of a very close Corn Bunting by milli seconds, the tease. Whitethroats here and there. short drive over to..

Plex Moss.
20 odd Whimbrel here, but the star bird is the Cattle Egret. Upto this morning there was 2. A small flock of yellowhammers also.

Marshide Southport.
Wader city, Avocets aplenty, Black Tailed Godwit plenty. All the usual too included, Redshank, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Ring Plover, but news comes to us while in the hide, that a Little Stint, and 3 Curlew Sandpipers are showing down the road. A long walk, and I have found the birds in seconds - Sorted. While everyone is looking at the peeps, A little Grebe is feeding it's young a few feet away, camera out snap, snap, well about 30 snaps, stunning..
Also my first House Martin, Singing Sedge Warblers all over the reserve too.

A couple of days latter, I write my car off in an accident. Wife breaks her collar bone and we are both are bruised. So I don't know when I will be out next.

Pennigton Flash

2009-05-03T05:58:00.001-07:00

Pennington Flash 18th April

Warblows all over the place, Blackcaps,Willow, Chiffchaffs, Even the reedbeds had two singing Reed Warblers claiming territory. But warblers was not what I come for. Two Black Necked Grebes have been here all week (originally 4). A long walk to the far end of the Flash, before I got to see the pair. And what views. No chance of a photo, as they spent more time underwater than on top - up one,two,three and dive for 30 seconds.
Other birds included 4 Black Tailed Godwit, Redshank, L.R.Plover, Little Gulls , Common Tern 2, Wheatear.
Summer is here.

East Coast twitch

2008-11-20T03:30:00.001-08:00

The first East Coast twitch for me and my buddy Alan this winter. Plans where drawn Friday night as usual, Sat nav programmed. The rest of the team alerted. The itinerary included two lifers, and some good sea birds as support. Morning could not come to soon.
7:45, Picked up Alan, the others will just have to read 'em and weep.
Between Filey and Scarborough, A Pied Wheatear, goes into hiding as we arrived. Oh good a stake-out, I like stakeouts. 55 minutes later out it comes, and performs like a goodun' for ages. Photographing was hard in the wind, but the bird came very close. Yes! Lifer number 3 for me this year.
Scarborough harbour - A Long Tailed Duck was being harassed by a Great Northern Diver. Many times the Diver tried making a 'new one' in the rear of the duck by swimming below and surfacing at the rear. Good fun to watch. Great photos taken by myself and Alan. They came really close, too close for me, and being both excellent divers, 4 seconds on the surface, 1 minute submerged, made getting good pictures a great challenge. Shame about the Iceland Gull that was present. It disappeared as we looked for it. That's what makes this hobby so fun, there are no certs.
The other lifer the Two Barred Crossbill will have to wait another day, another year, another decade.
A great day out.
Total 153 this year

Winter Skies

2008-11-20T03:00:00.001-08:00

It seems that where ever you are in the North West of England, Pink Footed Geese are flying overhead. Rochdale, Bury, and even the City of Manchester have had skeins. Mainly seen in the morning. While arriving at college one morning, a skein of over 300 went South East.
So it was that I paid Martin Mere WWT a couple of weeks ago. And here I could see why there are so many Pink Footed Geese about. Marin Mere is having a record number of arrivals this year. They come here to summer - Winter is there summer. This usually indicate that winter is really bad up North somewhere. By the way, they don't like it too hot, the day was still cold for us. They estimate that 50 farsand have already arrived, and thats for starters. I saw one field black with them. They are fed with tonnes of potatoes donnated by local farmers.
When they are flying, you can not help but marvel at the sight and sounds. Get out here when you can.

Marbury C.P.

2008-10-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

I have not been to Marbury Country Park at the beginning of winter before. So I went with ears and eyes open. The trees looked magnificent. Leaves of fantastic colours, constantly falling in the wind. And what a wind we had. From the North-East, it was bitter. Even in the shelter. The wood slats are no barrier. Freezing. Armed with 4 ASDA's finest steak pies, and a flask of oxo. I am here for a while.
My first 15 minutes are to declare the breakfast bar open. With the cold around me, the planets population of pies has decreased by two. I watch out for perches that are favoured by the birds today. And then setup my digiscoping gear. focus on the perch, and wait. The Tit family are well represented, Blues, Greats and Coal tits show well...snap, snap. Nuthatches are eager for a snap too. Absentees, Robin, Long Tailed Tits, Reed Buntings, Dunnocks and Bullfinches. No kingfisher or Water Rails too..so this is Marbury in October. 146 snaps in 3 hours (3 species only), 4 pies eaten, a flask of oxo emptied, I call it a day. I am hoping to get to Martin Mere WWT this weekend, see all those geese returning. The weather is forcast milder than today. It was cold on the fingers.

Med - Duck.

2008-10-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Most of my time I am chasing birds...Not that kind, the feathered kind. But once in a while, a bird happens to be where I am, or is it that I attract the odd bird - No comment.
Roman Lakes, Marple. A patch of beauty in the Goyt Valley. All three woodpeckers have been recorded here, many Kingfishers zoom around the lake. I was here doing a bit off fishing, well it's my excuse to doing some wildlife watching from a tent, for a day. Later in the afternoon, A duck splashes down out of the blue. I give it a look. Hmm? funny duck...Give it another look. It's only a Red Crested Pochard. Camera out, snap, snap. This Med-Duck, is slowly colonising this country, on the quiet. Around this time of year, they start to appear, with Egyptian Geese who also turn up out of the blue. Keep your eyse peeled with the Wildfowl, now till Feb, and you may find yer own Med-Duck.

Manchester's Tern

2008-10-05T09:44:00.001-07:00

Saturday 26th September. A day where Manchester, got a taste of summer. What a lovely morning. As I pay my quid at the gates of Heaton Park, The attendant says how busy he will be today. Car loads of families everywhere. I have fond memories, of when I was a nipper here. It was always a special treat when all the family and friends caught the two buses to get here. In them days, the parks where packed on sunny days with mill workers families ( as my parents where), finally getting out for some sunlight and fun with the kids. I also remember, coming here to do some fishing on the boating lake, playing truant, and ignoring the No fishing signs.
Today, I am here to see a rare tern. White Winged Black Tern...from behind a fence...and at distance...Grrrr! It's a fashion around here in the North-West, that If a reservoir is good for birds, then it's only open to permit holders only. These permits are as rare as finding a gold coupon in your chocolate bar. Sites that I used to have great days out at include Seaforth, Audenshaw, Prescot. All exclude birders without a permit.... But get this, at Audenshaw If you are a Dog walker, Jogger, Fishermen, Yacht owner's....It's ok!. We must be terrerorists or something. It really get's my goat. So it's thanks to Adrian Dancy for this great photo. Oh, And I had a lovely afternoon in the park, in the sun.

Birding is cancelled...

2008-08-31T07:43:00.001-07:00

For the second year running, The sea cruise from Flamborough is cancelled. This time, I managed to get on the boat, only for the thick fog to force the captain to make the dissision to cancel the cruise. Good decision, I doubt if we would have seen anything any way. Funny thing was that the 'pea-souper', was replaced by brilliant sunshine a mile inland.
So on the way back home, we dicide to do a 'twitch' for the Black Stork that has been posing all week. 2 hours journey to the site... a nice little crowd had gathered...greatings exchanged..."where is it?".."Dunno!..Not here"..oh sugar...twitch cancelled. Still Fairburn is down the road. By contrast there seems to be a few happy birders. And so they should be, earlier, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, had passed through..It's just not our day.

Tatton Park Country Fair

2008-08-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

In Britain we have just had a Bank Holiday. So while all the Motorways are blocked up. I chose to go no further than Tatton Park for the Country fair. 72 birds of prey where on display, all close enough to get some superb portrait shots. Also it's a great way to get to know what some of them look like in the flesh - I hadn't realised just how small the American Kestrel was. And splendid to.
But for me the best show of the weekend, must go to the Chainsaw tree carvers. I guess as many as 20 carvers from all around the world, came to put on awesome display of sculpting Eagles, Bears, Fish from lumps of tree trunk. One competitor, for me, carved the impossible, A hollowed out box, with a sphere inside - unbelievable.
This event must not be missed if it come around to your neck of the woods.

What a 'HOBBY' this is..

2008-08-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

August..Is Wader-Time...Here in the north, We have two superb reserves for watching waders, Leighton moss in the west, and Blacktoft Sands, in the East. Blacktoft Sands is the second best wader reserve in the country (Minsmere has attracted one more species). First trip to the Wardens office for the upto the minute news. Great! plenty of waders are about. From here we check the hides out on the west. First hide and it is apparent that the Snipe have come out of hiding. Good numbers of godwits too. A scan of the bins along the fringes of the reedbeds, I find 3 Green Sandpipers. The next hide is the main hide for the waders, At the far side, a group of 10 Spotted Redshanks show off the lovely plumage, Ruff show there weird variations of plumage. Also seen Dunlin, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Grey Heron, A single Little Stint, Greenshank, Redshank, Little Egret. A nice selection of waders in anyones book. Marsh Harriers, Barn Owl, as support acts. But the bird of the day was a Hobby, that flew towards us from along away, right over our heads, clearly showing it's streaked under belly, and red trousers. Hobby is a falcon I haven't seen this Millennium.
Total 146.

Back on the Road again..

2008-08-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

The foul weather at the weekends grounded me since returning from Egypt. But yesterday, Pennington had something for me to chase. As usual, today is a different matter, with no sign of Little Tern or Black Necked Grebe, but the long staying Garganey, put in an all to brief show from the Horrock's hide. About 60 pictures, mainly with it's head submerged, I find this one I like. Garganey in eclipse, can be difficult to see, they are about the size of our smallest ducks, the Teal, even look the same to an untrained eye. From the photo, you should notice the stripping from the bill to behind the eye. Garganey is another species I didn't get to see last year ( so i give it 2 points). Good to be back, I am in the mood once more. looking forward to the next trip. August is a great month for waders turning up anywhere.

Hungary for Birds.

2008-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Where else can you wake up to the sound of dozens of Golden Orioles giving there flutey calls, 100 Bee-eaters rap-rapping. You can in Hungary. Every house seems to have a resident Black Redstart.
I stayed with relations, in a small farming village south east of Budapest, called Apc.
Every morning was a joy to go birding. Red Backed Shrikes, sat like sentinels on dried out trees.
the weather is hot here in the afternoon, 36 degrees C, and not much cooler at night too.
Steppe buzzards, are the main raptor. One afternoon I saw a Golden Eagle, come gliding down the famous Apc hill. This hill is half covered in trees, and the other half is bare. Is where I was given a great freight as a Eagle Owl decided to wait till I got close too it to leap up out of long grass. It was huge. Every afternoon around the Hill, came hundreds of Ravens, checking for fallen prey.
By the small river, Great Reed Warblers croaked like frogs. White Storks, made there nests on chimney pots, supposedly giving the occupant's good luck they say.
I all a great 7 days birding. But I am glad to be back where it is a bit cooler, and getting back some lost sleep hours.

A slow day at Spurn Point

2008-06-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Spurn this year. The news was that last weekend Spurn was a wash with migrants. Today we arrive at 10am on a misty, drizzling morning. First things first, we park at the Crown and Anchor pub, and declare Breakfast time. While we chill from the 130mile trip, we discuss what we may see, and what we have missed. At the picnic table I put my bins on some bird poo, not noticing of course. Breakfast over, lets do some birding. We only make it a few yards when a fellow birder tells us that a Common Rosefinch has been netted, processed, and will be released here in a few minutes. The Rosefinch, a female, resembled a streaky Greenfinch with no wing bars. Don't birds look totally different at close quarters. Good Start.
The Tide was in, so no waders to be seen. A walk (Anti-clockwise for a change), and we stop at the reedbeds and watch Reed and Sedge Warblers, Mute Swan with six cygnets. I catch a glimpse of a wader flying along the canal, Green Sandpiper, good spot. From the hide Little Grebe, And a very obliging Swallow posed for some pictures. With the tide on it's way out, we here that three Spoonbills are seen, We get them first at distance, but they flew towards us, showing that they have black wing tips, which indicates these are non-breeders for this year anyway. And that was it, A quiet day for here - should have been here last week.

2008-05-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have recharged myself for what is usually my favorite weekend of the year.
Leighton Moss - 3 Spoonbills, 33 Avocets (2 new chicks), 100+ Black Tailed Godwits.
The wind is blowing a real 'hooli'. No sign of the Pectoral sandpiper today, or sightings of the male Ortolan Bunting at Drigg. So I call in to Sizergh Castle for a picnic, and spot some of those Hawfinches. None to be heard or seen with the crowds out in force. still, I enjoyed the picnic though. Back to Leighton Moss for an hour. From Lilian's Hide ( the carpeted, central heated one nearest the visitors centre). The Black Head gulls are putting on a nice display..For the keen eyed birder, look out for the Med Gull!. Marsh Harrier over the reedbeds. Otherwise a quiet day for birds, must be the gales?
Year total 130.

The Farne Islands

2008-05-12T13:07:00.001-07:00

Where else can you take pictures of seabirds a few inches away from your feet. The Farne Islands. About 50 miles north of Newcastle you find the tiny fishing village called Seahouses. 10am Billy Shiel, runs a 6 hour trip for £25, which includes two 2 hour stops on islands (staples and Inner Farnes), stuffed with seabirds. St Aidens hotel in Seahouses is where we stayed for one night. You can't go wrong staying here, All rooms command sea-views, Staff are great, and food as good as you expect. A very short walk gets you to the Harbour. If you don't do boats (My Wife) there is a dial and ride bus service that takes you to the very impressive Bamburgh Castle.
If you fancy an opportunity to take cracking bird photo's no matter what equipment you use - even my mobile took great shots - then here in May, that's where you should come.
Year Total 129.

Flamboro Lifer

2008-04-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

I made a late decision to make my first trip to the East coast. Great choice.
Flamborough Head TA2570
A King Eider was seen here daily since Thursday 24th a rare bird to English coasts. As I reached the car park I saw a few people doing there best impressions of Amy Winehouse (not a good sight), "not showing", one guy said. Still, I am here, may as well do some sea dogging. I head over to the 50 or so birders on the cliff. As I join them, a lady is pointing to a white speck on the sea - That's it! Lifer 2 in two weeks. My pictures don't do this stunning male justice, as we are hundreds of feet above sea level.
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, TA1974
I love taking pictures of the cliff clinging sea birds here. With a scope you can get great views. Always popular with th public. In my opinion, the Gannet numbers where down this year. I saw the Kittiwake population lessen by one, as a Grt. Backed Back Gull, pick a Kittiwake of the cliffs, drown it, then took some time opening it up from underneath. It tough living here for birds.
Blacktoft Sands
All the reedbeds are full of song - Grasshopper, Sedge and Reed warblers have arrived. Also reported today was a very early Swift. Once again I dip on Gargeney (2nd times this year, - 3 times last year). Spoonbill has gone earlier as well. My pager informs me that a Spanish Sparrow was seen at Flamborough Head, but I don't care. I have had a great day in the sun. It won't be sunny during the Bank Holiday next week.

Lytham Lifer

2008-04-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Lytham St Annes. SD346270..
Thursday a beautiful small gull from the Arctic was spotted on the beach. I was helpless till Sunday to get a chance to see it. But see it I did. Many years ago, this species gave me the run a round. They don't stick around these. A smallish gull, with a black gorget, and pinkish breast, a small black bill, white wings - what a pretty gull. the bird was just sat out on the beach for all the photographs any one could take( I took 141) , provided you had wellington boots on. A lifer for me - Fanfare please.
Other year listers included - Grey Plover, Knot, Common Sandpiper.

Cumbrian spring

2008-04-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

After what seems like a second winter, with the past two weekends seeing snow. I get a chance too do some birding.
Sizergh Castle, Cumbria, SD498878
I believe this is a beautiful place to visit. From the outside it looks good. It closes Fridays and Saturdays. My reason for a trip, is to see Our largest Finch, the Hawfinch. Reports say that from the car park (open everyday), you will see 5. This I immediately did, but my ears detected many more. I estimated double that, easily. It has been many a year now since I last appreciated this bird. They appeared to be skittish at times, but never went out of view for long. This has got to be the best Hawfinch site in the North west. 30 minutes down the road.
Leighton Moss, Cumbria, SD4775
My first visit this year. Summer birds have arrived, plenty of Swallows mixed with Sand Martins from Lillian hide, also a female Marsh Harrier is building a nest, Bitterns Booming. Chiffchaff, and Willlow Warblers in the woods, Avocets, Litlle Egret, from Eric Morcembe hide. This years list got a boosting. Even an Egyptian Goose tuned up.
Close-bye.
Warton Crag LWT, SD4972
A huge quarry cliff face. A haven for Corvids. For the first time, a single Chough has decided stay here. A rare bird for the north west. Also Peregrine, Little Owl, Buzzards are good birds to see.
Report - This year I have seen 5 species I didn't see last year, current total 86.
I manage to break my Bins again! - Dropped again! all that armour didn't save it.
Great to be out and about again. Get out yourself.

Marbury CP

2008-03-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

Regular readers will know, that the month of March, means it's time to dip on Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Marbury Country Park. For eons now I have been coming to Marbury to get a sighting of this, for me, elusive pecker.
As is the custom at Marbury, I am greeted by others at the hide to be told, ten minutes ago it was here - and today is no exception. Still, I am here for the day, I can wait.
A very cold wind blows into our faces today. All the usual birds are here at the feeding station. Kingfishers are digging nest holes. Another secretive, bird the Water Rail, are out in the open. This has got to be the best place to see them in the north-west. A couple of early Sand Martins passed through. I sense that the birds know of the weather too come, and are a waiting for better weather before getting down to displaying.
Some great light, and some 160 shots taken. Great day out again, but no lesser pecker.
Back soon.

It's a duck!

2008-02-17T04:24:00.001-08:00

Great news of a second rarity this week for the North West, was a Night Heron present at Mere Sands Woods LWT reserve SD4415, and showing it's head off since Wednesday 13th. Each day I checked the bird was still reported, and praying that Saturday comes quickly. Well Saturday did come, but did the Heron? Not a chance. Book it down to another phenomenon, why do so many rarities disappear Friday midnight? Ah well Marshside RSPB reserve SD3520, is around the corner. Last year, I visited here, hoping to see the American version of our Teal, Green Winged Teal, but was unlucky each time. Today was a different matter. I managed to get a few feet away from it, showing off, (Since January I have had 4 species I failed to see last year). Other notable species included Black Tail Godwit, Stonechat, With Short Eared Owl, Merlin, and Hen Harriers showing on the beach side of the road. Wasn't it hot today?

First twitch of the year.

2008-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

As I near home returning from Marbury, My sat-nav informs me of a Cattle Egret near bye. That will have to wait for tomorrow. I pray hard that night.

Higher Poynton SJ9483 , Near New House Farm, amongst the cattle, One of a small number of migrant Cattle Egrets that have just arrived up and down the country,on a strong South Westerly, is following cattle, would you beleive. This for me, my only second sighting. The weather is absolutley continental, and the Egrete is loooking comfortable with the temperature. A few years ago the Little Egret was a very rare bird now we have farsands, Great White Egrets are staying the year too. Could the Catlle Egret take a liking to these shores. I think so.

Marbury CP

2008-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

The first weekend where the sun has come out this year. And I have a couple of days off school. A day at Marbury CP SJ6576, sat in the same spot for 6 hours isn't everybodies cup of tea (in my case a flask), but it certainley gets your mind away from outside pressures. The sunlight is bright, just great to get some shots. I have just missed the Lesser 'B' by about an hour, but I have been missing it for about 15 years now, so I dont care. This is stiil my favourite places to take photos of birds. In the six hours, I have taken 566 shots, and leave only wanting more time.

Water, Water, everywhere...

2008-01-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

It's my first chance to get the new years list started.
Fiddlers ferry, Penketh, SJ5786. A new site for me. Gulls are the quarry today, and and our gull identification has to be up to scratch. The weather isn't kind here, with only a few minutes of dry weather in the time we was there. Farsands of gulls are on an exposed sandbank of all kinds. Our first sweep turns up nothing special. Start again, more consentration needed. Alan spots the first special gull. Iceland gull. This largest, all white gull, stands out like a sore thumb the second time. It's size equals a Herring gull. While looking for the larger version of the Iceland gull (Glaucous Gull). I challenge Alan to change my positive ID of a Ring billed gull. Alan who has seen farsands of these, looks stunned, and says 'That is a Ringed Billed Gull'. ( I knew it was), not what was recorded here. I try taking some record shots, but the weather is against me, and they turnout rubbish. We get six species of gulls, and a soaking, and we head for a reserve with some hides.
Pennington Flash, SJ6499, It's like summer here. Dry, and several coats warmer than Fiddlers, also theres a lot of water about. We decide to have breakfast in the worlds best hide, (Bunting hide). My jaw drops as the floor that is usually flooded in finches and buntings, is just that..Flooded! and a couple of Mute Swans are swimming around feeding on the grain. You just don't prepare yourself for a couple of Swans at a feeding station for Bunts and finches - Weird.
The golf course has has been closed through surface water for 11 days now, and with the forcast of 7 more days of rain, the feeding station may attract Sea ducks.

"And so..the end is here.."

2008-01-12T06:37:00.001-08:00

So with the Christmass visitings out of the way, It's time to get back to the matter at hand. The list is balanced at 87.
28th Dec. - I have been cursing the break for a week now, not being able to follow up a report of a bird that I have only ever seen once before, 15 years ago, yet every year I spend about 100 hours trying to see one. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker! at Fairburn Ings (only the 2nd ever), has been seen every day now for a week. I am off, first chance I am allowed. 30 minutes there, and I have it. About a thousand hours of missing this the smallest 'pecker, have been forgotten. My bird of the year?, Nah, Decade?, millenium? more like. Also on the reserve, a bird I have had 2 trips to see this year, Water Pipit - got it.
Pugney's Country park - has a funny Pochard I need. Red Crested Pochard (I am not taking bread, and not listening to locals about it's origin, these are scratching times.) - Tick.
3 from 3 ticks in one day, nice.
29th Dec. - I am out with my mate Alan. I can't resist another peek at the Lesser 'pecker, so we call in, tick it, and relive our own personal failures about this species, many times Alan was with for a whole day hoping to see one.
Tophill Low Res. Two drake Smew, Great Northern Diver, 3 Greenland White-Fronted Geese, can't believe my luck. tick, tick.
30th Dec - Too much to do, so It's time to cleanup local birds only - Alan and me set off in the fog to the Pennines a couple of miles away. it's touch and go If we see anything. A brew and wait for the fog to burn off. 2 Twite appear from nowhere, but now Snow Bunting (this years bogey bird). Try another spot. While we have another brew, I spot a Peregrine, Raven, And about 20 Twite, alas no Snow Bunt. Thats' two more Ticks.
31th Dec. - Watergrove. Woodcock, very elusive, and that's how it stays for this year, elusive. The towel hits the ground - 192 So close.

The 'HIT' list

2007-12-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's being Christmas shopping weekend, and birding has been put on hold for a weekend.

I thought I would list the birds I need in the next 18 days.

Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, White Stork, Bean Goose
White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Red-breasted Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mandarin Duck
Green-winged Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Ring-necked Duck, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Smew, Rough-legged Buzzard, Common Crane, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Lesser Yellowlegs, Grey Phalarope, Pomarine Skua, Great Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Little Auk, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Snowy Owl, Wryneck, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Lark, Water Pipit, Waxwing, Cetti's Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Rosy Starling, Twite, Common Crossbill, Hawfinch, Snow Bunting, Little Bunting, Corn Bunting

Thats 48 all together. With 17 realistics

Winter Desert..

2007-12-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Having my fingers and everything else crossed all week has payed off. A chance to get the lost Desert Wheatear - 2 in the country.

Cromer point, Burniston, North Yorkshire, TA0292. A 6am blast off from home, I get to the top of a very cold Seacliff top. A couple of minutes walk from my warm car, and I am in a small stubble area with 4 or 5 stonechats showing off. The wind is bitter. Then I see it. a few feet to my left. What a poser! The bird was happy to tolerate birders if they stayed still. Crippling views, and then I am back to the car in 10 minutes. As I take my boots off, a strange (to me), call comes from the hedge. A trill - a whistle - a trill.. My brain gives me a question - Is that a Lapland Bunting call? A lapland Bunting, the bird I have most dipped on. I inspect the hedge. A bunting shaped bird, sees me coming, and it's erupts from the bush still calling. Yes! that's it. A lifer. No sign of the Snow Bunts - my bogey bird this year. Face beaming, I'm off to scarborogh harbour - Great Northern Diver - ticked.

184 - Desert Wheatear

185 - Lapland Bunting.

Nail biting times.

Heron their...

2007-12-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

It's December, where has this year gone? Time to get those birds I have been putting of for some time now.
Leighton Moss SD4775, Today I have packed the kitchen sink into my rucksack, with the intention to 'roughing it' in Lillians hide -Carpeted, Comfy seats, and heated - untill I get to see Britains most secretive and rariest Herons. On arrival I am greated with the 'Should have been here 15 minutes ago...the Egret was posing a few feet away from the hide, before flying off'..damn! the time I spent in Morrisons buying steak pies, etc....bugger!
Black Sabbath blasts from my pocket...Guess who forgot to turn the mobile off!..Leave the hide time...It's the Wife!!..3 minutes later..back inside..Excitement in the air....A Bittern is flying across the pool, lands, 2 steps into the reeds, and it turns invisible, gone!...Incredible...that was a near miss...phew!
I load up the mule (me), And I am off to another hide in the direction the Egret fly..and get soaked...Nothing here but a very wet looking Heron...One more hide to try. As I leave the hide, My eyes catch a glimpse of a white bird flying just above the 6ft high reeds, being chased by a Heron. Yes! that's it. It lands in the area I am going..700 yards in seconds...The Egret is just outside the window...set up in record time..3 pictures snapped, and the Heron sees off the Foreign bird....Gone...Am I lucky today....Both Bittern and Great White Egret seen in my first Hour....Breakfast time declared..and some bird watching time.
Woodwell SD462744, Is a cert for Britains larges finch, Hawfinch, at the right time of year..not December though, but last week one was seen..I give it 90 minutes..no sign...But some Marsh Tit made up for the missing finch...should have been here in spring.
Hest bank, Morecombe SD4766, Great timing! I catch the tide just coming in. This brings the birds towards me. No need to leave the car, and get wet. Farsands of birds here. good bird watching, No sign of Eiders. Where have they go to?
High Rid Reservoir, Horwich, SD6610, A lost Long Tailed Duck, prefares here rather than the turbulent seas. I set up for a Foto, only for Dog walkers/ dog swimmers to put the duck in the middle of the reservoir. GRRR!
181 - Bittern
182 - Great White Egret
183 - Long Tailed Duck
Nail biting times.

Swan for the road...

2007-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

My first trip of the year to the Wirral peninsula.
First stop, Inner Marsh Fam RSPB SJ304744, reports of an easy Green Winged Teal to dip - Yep, I Dipped, for the 2nd time on this species in 6 days. On the way down to the hide, A large number of Bramblings made themselves conspicuous amongst Linnets. A single Black tailded Godwit, was the only bird of note on the lakes - poor. Over on the other (Welsh) side of the reserve, we found 4 Bewick's Swans, amongs Whooper's and Mute's. All three white swans together- a rare sight.
Neston Old Quay SJ2876, chance of stuff here. Lots of Little Egrets, A Peregrine snapped up an unfortunate duck, no sign of Water pipits, or Owls. Poor.

180 - Bewick's Swan.
Nail biting times.

A Grey day in the North West.

2007-11-19T03:16:00.000-08:00

Up with the birds this morning, even they was later than usual. Outside, I see evidence of the seasons first dusting of snow. Through the grey light, the peninnes are looking splendid with their new white caps.
Clitheroe, Waddington Fell SD715475 : A Great Grey Shrike, - A bird I last saw in this country 16 years ago - has been seen since Friday. And I’m off. The moment I arrive, I scan the quarry for the Shrike, and notice a Female Kestrel swoop at a fast rate along some conifer tops. Nice to see. I then ask a birder, has the Shrike been seen lately. The reply “That Kestrel has just chased it off the conifers”, Bugger! It took 15 minutes, in the rain, before the bird was located someway down the valley, but was very skittish. No chance of photos in this light.
Only 45 miles away from Marshside SD3520. Green Winged Teal to get. Here it’s just as grey. With no sightings by the birders I meet. I wander, along the banking, checking all the Teal I see. Nuffin! From a reedbed in front of me, a pig squeal is heard, then another to my left. Water rail – must be two, Yes One swims across to meet the other. And that was it for Marshide, poor again.
Down the road at Ainsdale sands, SD294124 , I need the 6 Snow Buntings. Easy directions, get me there in good time. A flock of birds drop down about 50 yards away, quick scan with the bins – 20 Finches. Erect the scope in double quick time, located the Finch flock. All Linnets. Bugger!. I stayed till dark, no sightings of the Snow Bunts. Can’t get them all. Back home in the dark, to my sun lamp.

179 – Great Grey Shrike

Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve

2007-11-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve SD5803.

After a week off from birding. It's once more back in to the saddle. Tons of stuff on the East coast - again, but you gotta get there before dawn. Alarm set for 3:30am. At that time, there is a Hoolie of a gale blowing outside. I couldn't motivate myself to leave the warmness of the bed. Thinking I will get them sea birds another day. ("Regrets..I have a few...but then again..") back to pushing zedz up.
It's 10am when I emerge from the pit. Remembering that I had once told myself that, "I will catch that bird another day...", well there is a bird not to far away in Wigan. "You get them from your back garden". 35 mins in the car, and I am in another wooded area, with half a dozen birders - "should have been here 10 minutes ago greetings - as usual"
About an hour later, Two stunning Firecrest's are putting on a great show for us all. I must quote from a yorkshireman I once met many years ago, describing the close views he got of a Nightjar that day, "they where that close..they could 'ave crapped on our heads", and that's how close we got to them. Two of Britains smallest birds, Flitting above only a couple feet above our heads. Fantastic.
Total 178
7 weekends left - nailbiting times.

Typically Spurned...

2007-10-29T05:31:00.002-07:00

After last weeks disappointing West coast trip, I can’t ignore the East coast. So I am back at Spurn Point, TA4011, and it’s full of rarities. At the very end of the reserve, where the sea meets the Humber, is an absolute haven for migrant birds. As I get my equipment from the car, a female and male Black Redstart, have a little game with the frustrated photographers, ‘Now you see me, now you don’t’. But what a stunning bird the male is, for me this bird is just as striking in colour as a Kingfisher, all though it only shows three colours.(check out the photo). Spurn Point is a very dense jungle, where you are at disadvantage to see birds. All the vegetation is used to good effect by there birds as cover and resting point. You could hide farsands of birds here without seeing any of them. From every bush comes a bird call, as you near it, it all goes quiet when you are close. Today we have a Very rare Dusky warbler, a few feet away, A Pallas’ Warbler in that bush to our right, a woodcock flying behind us, And with the southerly wind, comes more birds by the minute.
Elsewhere on the reserve, Rare buntings have turned up, In a ploughed field, 3 Lapland buntings play hide and seek. In the next field a very rare for the east coast, Hooded Crow turns up. Bramblings are common too. A Shorelark was lonesome on the beach. The only non productive area was the sea, only 5 Brent geese seen flying south.
A truly typically fantastic day at Spurn in October with loads of common and rare birds too SEE everywhere you walked. Except I only got to see the black redstarts. How frustrating is that! On the way home, I managed to ‘dip out’ on another Pallas’ Warbler at Holmpton.
178 – Black Redstart.

2007-10-29T05:31:00.001-07:00

2007-10-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

East to West..

2007-10-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

For a change, I try the West coast (mistake). Southport again, lots of good stuff here last week. The sun was bright, and the theme today is that most of the hides I visit, all face into the sun.
At Martin Mere WWT. A fantastic sight - and sound - of farsand and farsands of Pink Footed Geese arriving on to the reserve couldn't fail to get any ones attention. Awesome. You could follow huge skeins from a far, and watch them make splash landings in front of you.
Marshide RSPB - from the sandgrounders hide, Again the Glossy Ibis, takes most peoples attention, for me, It's the arrival for winter of Pintails, - a stunning duck -, Wigeons, Teals, and Shovelers too. A single Little Egret was on the Shore, as well as 3 Stonechats, and a watching over the sand, A Sparrowhawk.
Meresands NR - A lovely 'family atmosphere' to this reserve. Irregular shaped pools, surrounded by deep, solemn woods, that hide Red Deer. Walking through the woods, you come to the conclusion, that nature is not all piece an quiet. A large murder of crows, with Jackdaws -never quiet, constantly fly overhead, Pheasant communicate with each other with their klaxon sounding calls. A truly breath taking walk through the conifers.
No additions to the year total, This would have been different had I gone to Flamborough again. Damn! Red Flanked Bluetail.

Spurn Point

2007-10-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

East coast again!. This time it's Spurn Point. The piece of a land east of Hull, that reaches out into the sea, and the begins the Humber Estuary. Weather today is very misty, and not much is being reported. We will have to do 'Birding in the cold' ( not knowing what is their till we get their). Pub first stop. Two weeks ago you couldn't park a car in here for twithcers wanting a glimpse of the Greenish Warbler, (Ticked), today, no trouble parking. On the mud flats, farsands of waders getting stuck into the brown stuff. Bar-tailed Godwits and a Merlin are year ticks. Just then my bleeper goes off, American Golden Plover, A mile walk later, It's flown. From inside the hide 3 Barnacle geese, 1 Little Stint, 11 Little grebes and a late Common Tern make the walk worth it. Once again it is obvious that a lot of 'Turds' are still arriving from abroad (Thrushes - LOL). During the day we see at least 3 Yellow Browed Warblers, Common Scoter, Purple Sandpiper. The day remains gloomy, but birding was great.

174 -Bar Tailed Godwit.

175 - Merlin.

176 - Fieldfare.

177 - Barnacle Goose.

Deja Vu

2007-10-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

For the second consecutive saturday, I visit Flamborough head. Since Monday, a very rare bird was seen here, but as certain as Man.City will beat Middlesboro today, It has flown. Still, there are some other great birds here. The first two Red-backed shrike, and Barred warbler, I haven't found. Before the day turns into a disaster, my phone alerts my that a Blyth's Reed Warbler, is seen less than half a mile away. In no time at all, I am there, amongst a small, but increasing by the second crowd, surrounding this little bush. "It's gone in here", says one lucky spotter. 30 minute wait and "it's coming out", "It's flying!!", straight into another dense bush. But in that 1 second I saw the 'Little Brown Job' I was all assured that that was indeed the bird - which was identified the night before from a good picture - And a further 90 minutes of waiting to get glimpses totalling 5 seconds, I am satisfied that it is what it is, A little Brown Job. A new lifer for me.The rest of the day was spent photographing waders at Filey. Great for getting close to waders here - No sign of the Grey Phalarope, dip number 4 for the day.
News of a Slavonian Grebe on Audenshaw Res (a couple of mile from where I work), gets me out before the match starts. Great photos too of this rare grebe to Grt.Manchester.
171 Blyh's Reed Warbler
172 Yellowhammer
173 Slavonian Grebe.

Buff Breasted Sandpiper

2007-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

For the second year running, The Skua cruise was cancelled.
Yippee!. I hate sailing on small boats. But it's a must if you want
good views of sea birds. Just up the road at Flamborough there is
a real rare wader to get and photo. A Juvenile Buff-Breasted
Sandpiper has been seen on the golf course for a couple of days
now. And you dont get many of them on yer yearlist. This
sandpiper is a stunner, don't you think from the photo.
Click-click-tick. Now what do we do? rare birds every elsewhere.
Between the four of us, we decide to drive down to Spurn Point,
some very good stuff there reported. On the way too, Yellow
Brown Warbler, calling in from Siberia..Tick. on too Spurn. Round
the back of the pub at spurn, there's a crowd Rochdale F.C. would
be proud of. Greenish Warbler the quarry. Wasted no time to join
the barbour army. There it was for a moment. good enough for
me..A LIFER! casually slope off to the mudfalts, get some waders
and more year ticks.
An excellent birding trip. We agree to play out together again, If
our better halfs let us.
Total now stands at 170, 30 to go. chewing finger nails now.

Pennington Flash

2007-09-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

The last time I was here, I think was February. Since then I have missed a few birds. This week saw a Red-Necked Phalarope, This morning a Mediteranean Gull. All gone now of course. So I have chosen to get a long staying and some times very confiding Garganey Duck. Just as I get to the area of water where it frequents, the heavens open and I didn't give it the time it deserved. In the brief time I was there though, I watched as a Great Crested Grebe struggled to swallow a small Pike of about 6 inches. A predator eating a predator. As all the ducks stuck there heads under their wings, to protect their heads from getting a soaking. (bit odd, don't you think? There they are floating on a lake, and they don't wish to get a soaking from the rain..must be just me to think this!!), All I see a floating backsides. One floating backside I notice, has a stiff-tail pointing up, and that duck could only belong to a Ruddy Duck, (species 159 on the list). Another bird resembled a large ball of black and white cotton.. A Black necked grebe, now in it's winter finery.
From the shelter of the 'NEW' hide, a pair of Green Sandpipers, and 13 Grey Herons, and plenty of wildfowl of different species completed a worthy trip.
Next week: I have booked on a 4 hour Sea cruise from Bridlington. I hate this trip. I was not meant for sailing. Last year the trip was cancelled due to bad weather - my prayers where answered then, but they are not always answered.

It's a good-bye from him...

2007-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

It has noticeably becoming darker earlier, and earlier now. Too fast for me, soon the SAD will set in. Still I keep an eye on the sunsets and get the last rays of light each day. As I notice the sun disappearing, It comes to mind that swallows sightings are getting thin too. This years young have already set of for Africa, with a promise that, ..all well, they will reunite with their parents, (who set of weeks later), in a certain bush they have not seen, thousands of miles away, with only a mental map to guide them. Now that is the mystery of nature that makes me more interested with nature rather than Human beings.
Wishing good luck to all migrants, and I hope to see them next year too.

..If only here, was in Norfolk.

2007-08-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

The map says Hollingworth Lake, a place of beauty. Picturesque it may be with the Pennines in the distance. For a bird, the map says, A place to avoid, too high above sea level, too much disturbance. A scenic walk of almost 2 miles, and the only bird of interest is this single Grey Heron, sigh!! If only the map reads Hollingworth Lake, Norfolk, then we would be looking at 50-60 species, with a few rare migrants as a bonus. The one thing that has increased over the years at Hollingworth, is the number of Sea Launches, which have quadrupled, and all must be tested first thing each morning to see if they still work. Einstein's lesser known theory = launches increased = Bird life decreased...ipso facto. Tonight it looks like Hollingworth is host to the Worlds dingy Olympics/World cup, boats going everywhere, I can't fathom out who is winning, or which way round they should go. One fact is, the birds went west, long ago.

Wader Seasons begins..

2007-08-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

August for me is when the wader season really begins. Waders begin showing up anywhere, any many times they are often accompanied with rarities.
Fairburn Ings SE4527:this weekend had a Great White Egret. This, the largest of the Egrets, and is getting more and more common to Britain each year. Once this was ticked, it’s off too..
Blacktoft Sands SE843232: Reports of many species of waders here. So pencil sharpened, book at the ready. Ousefleet and Marshide are the ones to be in. Greenshank, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Ruff, and Snipe, phew. That’s 15 species. Can’t be bad! And there was the residents as support cast, Bearded Tits, Yellow Wagtails, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Buzzard and more. You should be able to get about 50 species.
August is the best time to get Butterflies and Dragonflies too.
An excellent day out, and some good pictures taken. Looking forward to next week already for some rare waders. Ciao.

"..Here comes the sun"

2007-07-29T04:57:00.001-07:00

Horray the sunshine!. For the first time in ages, we have a dry weekend.

I set of to Leighton Moss, but hearing of congestion J28 M6 area, I made the decission to go to Southport instead.

Martin Mere WFWT L40 oTA. I was hoping to see some beaver!!!. Four Beavers where released two weeks ago. This is the first time they have been resident in Lancashire for 500 years. Sadly, today the didn't show up for a photo, but I could see recent film of them on a laptop.(I will have another go later).

Marshide RSPB. Situated on the coast road of Southport. Marshside has some of the best lowland wet grassland in the north-west of England, including the habitats of swamp, salt marsh and scrub with 11 km of ditches.It is also a favourite haunt for fellow digiscoper John Dempsey, follow the links to his great site. Plenty water, meant that some of the birds chose elsewhere to be. I did see Little Egret, Black Tailed Godwits - Hundreds, And the same Glossy Ibis I saw back in May on the other side of the Ribble.

Formby Point, L37 1LJ. Red squirrels can frequently be seen in the pine trees. To attract the squirrels, buy a bag of nuts - 30p, at the entrance. Follow the well marked routes, and you will surley see a few squirrels. They come very close. Today we was fortunate to see a Fox, a great bonus. There is miles of sand dunes to walk if you have the time. The shoreline attracts many waders, and if the wind is right, a good sea watching can be had.

A fantastic day out in the sun.

Tunisia - New Hammamet

2007-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Tunisia - North West Africa. Phew!! What a scorcher...Glad to be back to the rain. With temperatures above the mid Forties during the day, and in the thirties at night. You can miss the rain back home.

Birding here is fantastic, whether you have a garden, sea or find a salt lake.

I gave two half days (mornings only) for birding because of the heat, being out in the afternoons was outside of my motivation, you know the dilemma - Birds in the scrub or birds by the pool?? It's a tough one, init!!

Thirty Eight species in total, I won't forget my first sightings of Grt. Flamingo's - Thousands of them, Collared Pratincole (Both lifers - tickerty-tick), Hundreds of Black-Wing Stilts, Little Terns everywhere there is water. People here are friendly too. Thanks to my Chauffeur for my Birthday drive to Korba Salinas - fantastic place to see wading birds.

2007-06-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

No blog this week or next. I am on my hols in Tunisia.
Cya blah blah

A day with raptors

2007-06-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well it started with news of a 'mega' rare bird in Dumfries and Galloway. Halfway, I decided to phone ahead to confirm that the bird was present. Sadly it was not. So with me in Cumbria, I thought I would best put my time looking at Cumbria's famous raptors.

Haweswater Res NY4713: Has been home for many years to Britains only breeding Golden Eagles. Sadly the Female has not returned for a few years now. But the male still lives in hope. Allthough distant, great views where had of this huge, majestic Eagle effortlessly gliding, putting every bit of it's 7ft wingspan to good effect..

Bassenthwaite Res: NY2129:Home to breeding Osprey, although you are 1.4 miles away from the nest, the RSPB has many telescopes available for the public to use, and if you are lucky - I was, an Osprey may go fishing and fly much closer to you. At the moment the nest has five young chicks.

Dunsop Bridge SD659542: This years surprise in the bird world was that a pair of Eagle Owls, have raised three chicks. I managed to see all chicks and both adults. Seeing the adults flying, with a wingspan of over 5ft 6 ins, (over twice the lenght of a Buzzard), I will never forget. The whole place was full of other raptors too. Upto four Short-Eared Owls where seen hawking for food constantly,. I was lucky (again!), to spot a Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Kestrel also hunting for food. A big thank you must go to the RSPB leader - Dave. for saving me a 3 mile walk, upto the Owl site. These special walks are Regularly advertised on the RSPB Northwest website, where you can apply for a permit to take your car upto the site.

In all, we travelled 276miles, and felt like singing 'climb every mountain', from the sound of music many times, today was the best birding day I have had this year.

Years total : 146

TERN-ed out nice again.

2007-06-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

June is the time to attempt a full sweep of the five tern species that breed in Britain. One place that gives you this chance is Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey. The Tern colony is mainly made up of Sandwich terns, with a fair number of Common Terns, and a couple of Arctic Terns. About this time of year, you could be lucky and get our rarest tern, the Roseate Tern – I should have been here yesterday.., none today. Also worth trying is Rhosneiger. Little Terns often put in a n appearance too Cemlyn also. Very rare migrant terns have also shown up here too, Sooty and Bridled Terns in resent years.
After a couple of hours, it’s off to Holyhead Harbour. At the right time, (not today) you have a chance of three species of divers (winter months best). At the moment Black Guillemots are here – can’t miss them, follow the AA signposts. Also a Phalacrocorax aristotelis fishing close in.
South Stack RSPB. A typical seabird colony, but the speciality here is Chough. Looking out to sea, a good number of Manx Shearwaters, glide effortlessly inches above the waves. South Stack sometimes holds breeding Peregrine, which you can watch on CCTV from the RSPB information centre. (Not this year though). If you are into Flora, the place is full of plants that beg to be identified. Sea Campion, Sea Cail etc.
One the way back home. Call into Point of Ayr, near Prestatyn and walk West towards Gronnant where a colony of Britain’s smallest terns are easy to see.
This is the longest trip I have to make each year, around trip of 320 miles, but thoroughly enjoy it , as long as it is only the once.

Out of Africa

2007-05-28T20:48:00.001-07:00

It's the holiday period for some of us, and I have managed to get a really cheap trip to see some of Africa's fabulous animals - no sign of any dog walkers here - . It didn't take me long to snap hundreds of shots, filling my 1 GB memory card.

Hope you had a good bank holiday.

Watergrove Reservoir

2007-05-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I had an accident during which I managed to break my binoculars. I should get them back in a month. Crikey! Birding without ‘bins’ is?..well. So I am restricting myself to only local sites, and there is no closer than Watergrove Reservoir, Wardle SD908178. Watergrove is one of those sites that isn’t exactly stuffed with birds. Some days you could walk miles and struggle to see 10 species. But hey we are in May. So, with just my scope and camera, I take the car 0.4 miles to the res. The car park is packed with dog walkers – not a good sign. Dogs are magnets to photographers who may have waited patiently for ages to get close to there subject, only for fido to come bounding over to set everything up in the air..Grrr!!. So I chose to take to the hills. These are grazing hills, with sheep and there new lambs about. Along the many walls you will find Meadow Pipits, and Wheatears. Look carefully and you may see one of the many Little Owls on look out for a fat juicy worm.
This year seems to be an excellent year for shorebirds. Whimbrel, Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwit have paid a visits. By the waters edge, some irregular visitors are just crying out to be digiscoped. Ringed and Little Ringed Plover allow me to get close to them. Common Sandpiper where less obliging.

Welsh Yorkshire.

2007-05-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a part of Wales, found in the Yorkshire Dales SE0754. Why Wales? Many years ago, I had to drive all the way (150+miles),to the mid-west coast of Wales to be amongst the flora and fauna found here. And it is only 47miles from my house, Near Skipton. I have been coming here every May for over ten years. This has to be my favorite woodland walk. The ancient woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and one of the largest areas of acidic oak woodland in the Yorkshire Dales. It is renowned for the flora and fauna, particularly the carpets of bluebells in Spring. See my photos. From the car park (£5.50), turn right, at the bridge over the River Wharfe – Checkout the Brown Trout catching Mayflies, and follow the wooded trail in a anti-clockwise direction. And then turn left. You follow the river bank straight into the Woods. Once in the wood. At this time of year, carpets of Bluebells are everywhere. Fantastic sights. And the aroma of Wild Garlic is unmistakable through out. Bird song is at it’s most vocal this time of year, with many Warblers all calling out for company. Listen out to the trill of the Wood Warbler, a small warbler with a large voice. Redstart are here too. Once you have located them by sound, you are greeted with good views of this magnificent warbler. Spread out along the way, are nest boxes for Pied Flycatchers. Just stand by an inhabited nest box, and appreciate the airborne skills these birds display in catching flies with ease. If you are not into the flora and fauna, you will not be disappointed with the many stunning high views of the Wharfe valley. Take a few moments, on a well placed bench at one of the many vista points. Stunning you will agree. Along the way you come to where the river comes to a bottleneck. You have reached a place called the Strid. The Strid gets its name from the fact that it is said to be a ‘Stride’ wide, but there is danger here. It is wider than it looks and the rocks are usually very slippy. Water here turns colour from a ‘rich-tea’ colour, to ragging white. The gap is narrow enough to tempt the foolhardy of you to leap across. The strid not only takes no prisoners here, it keeps hold of them too. Holding it’s victims under the wide caverns beneath the rocks from where they dared leap. Take caution here. Just further on we me a large bridge where the Dipper (Water Robin), makes it’s nest. Cross the bridge and head back through the woods, taking in more spectacular sites, sounds, and smells, back to the car park and a pot of tea at the restaurant. May is my favorite month of the year by far, and here is my favorite part of Wales, here in the Yorkshire Dales. I may see you there too. Enjoy.
Year total : 123

Warblers have arrived.

2007-04-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Heysham Nature Reserve (SD 407 601), is managed by the Wildlife Trust in agreement with British Energy. Nearest town is Morecombe. The habitat here is mainly Gorse, Hawthorn, with reedbeds and grass in abundance too. Over 21 species of butterflys have been recorded here, and today there certainly was evidence, that this was a popular site for them. Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, and Orange tips could easily be seen. During the main summer months, the site also attracts it's fair share of dragonflies and Damselflys - Ruddy Darter, and Emperor Dragonfly. From the foot of the old lighthouse, we can overlook a scubland oasis, which acts like a magnet for migrating birds. Today we had newly arrived Blackcaps, Willow Warbler, and a species which has eluded my list for a few years now - Lesser Whitethroat. Maybe 2 or 3 where seen displaying along the hedge on the right-hand side from the carpark. This reserve really needs some time spending here to cover all the areas on offer. And while your here, also visit Heysham power station. Along the now derelict jetty, many wading birds use it as a resting/roosting place when the tide is in. Look out for Purple Sandpiper, flitting about below the rotten planks.

New to list: include, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Purple Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat.

Year total: 117

Crosby Marina, Merseyside

2007-04-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Easter Monday, I am at the mouth of another estuary. This time it's the Mersey. Crosby Marina, is well known to birders for the variety of gulls that are attracted here. It's list include gulls from the Americas, Scandinavia as well as below the Mediterranean sea. Today i have come to see one of the most delicate of gulls native to Britain. Little Gull. Noticeably smaller than the Black headed Gulls. With a pink flush to it's breast, and its distinctive black under wings, it has a butterfly type flight. About 50 Little Gulls are present today, in varying plumage's, and ages. If you are lucky, you may see the Ring Billed Gull - an American gull. I was not. Still cant' get them all, can you? While you are here, you must see the life sized sculpures of men on the beach. All the sculptures are planted all over the beach. All looking out to sea, as if there is something better out there. Awesome. At Hale, a Ring Ouzel, was present. This species is more commonly found on the moors. Also known as the Mountain Blackbird. Well that was a very busy Easter for me. What did you get up to?

New Little Gull, Turnstone, Swallow, Ring Ouzel.

Total : 112

Lytham St. Annes

2007-04-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

After a long drive yesterday to Bempton. I am in need of something more relaxing. Lytham St. Annes, North shore of the Ribble estuary is a perfect place to wind down. whether it's looking at the sea, watching the colourful wildfowl on Fairhaven lake, or just a gentle shop through the Victorian town. Pace of life hear is much at an easier pace than what you find at Blackpool just up the coast. So before some shopping, there was a small matter of some Continental birds to see. In resent years, one can't help but notice that the once rare Little Egrets, each year have increased in numbers up and down the North West coast. Today, upto 10 birds could be seen through the heat haze, and a strange dark wading bird, that just shone in the sunshine. It was in fact an Immature Glossy Ibis. Common on the Mediterranean, and below, this bird turned up here earlier this year, and probably finds the weather and pace of things to it's liking, to stay here so long. Do visit the RSPB hut at Fairhaven Lake. cracking displays, and enjoy a gentle cruise around the lake on one of the many putt-putt boats.

New: Glossy Ibis and Little Egret.

Total 108.

Bempton Cliffs - Bird City

2007-04-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's Good Friday, and I am off to the the East coast. Bempton Cliffs, Nr. Bridlington, is home to almost a quarter of a million seabirds. A short walk from the visitor centre takes you to a number of specially-created cliff top viewpoints, where the massed ranks of gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes can be seen (and smelled!). Close to the top of the cliff, you have a good chance to see colourful puffins, and some spectacular views. BEWARE, although the cliff top is securely fenced, you should exercise caution at all times, unless you want an expensive ride in a helicopter. While I was there, the Helicopter rescue was called out for some poor soul. A truly excellent day out.

Years total now : 106

2007-04-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

"Something old...Something new.."

2007-04-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Pennington flash, near Leigh, close to the East-Lancs road (A580), A typical flash, developed into a Country Park, with some rough scrub reed and rush areas. This week saw the mix of new arrivals, as well as some of the remaining birds from the winter. Earlier in the week, a small passage of Kittiwakes briefly showed, before taking a short-cut across to the east coast - probably? Both Ringed and Little Plovers where in small numbers, but easily viewable from the main hide - now with roof, after being blown off during the February gales. In the woods, if you was lucky, a Long-Eared Owl could be seen. You could not escape the monotonous di-syllabic sounds from the trees. Chiffchaffs announced that they are the years first warblers to arrive in this country. Calling from everywhere it seems. On the lake itself, three Black Necked Grebes, gave distant and close views. This like all the grebes, is absolutely resplendent. With golden plumes as ear coverts, against a black face and deep red eyes. (The picture was borrowed from Olia Roma tours). Also Sand Martins and a Swallow passed through. Long stayers still present Goldeneye and Goosander.

New to the list: Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Black Neck Grebe, Chiffchaff.

Total :98

Derbyshire delights.

2007-03-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

It is located only 45 miles from Rochdale, but it never fails to remind me of Eastern European landscapes. Howden reservoir, situated at the northern end of Ladybower reservoir, just off A57 (snake pass), Manchester – Sheffield, offers fantastic views of part of the famous Derbyshire peak district. Howden reservoir is famous for two reasons: 1 – this was where the great war time film ‘The Dambusters’ was filmed, where Lancaster bombers drop Barnes Wallaces’ bouncing bomb onto the water surface towards destroying the dam. 2 – Goshawks. This Buzzard sized Sparrowhawk, in the right time and place, can give viewers fantastic Ariel displays to the fortunate. From the visitors center take the long road to windy corner and look over towards Cold side oaks. This spot is called by the locals as,’Windy corner’, very apt. The peak times to view them here are mid March to mid April. In the past, I have had great success from 11am to 1pm. Also there is good chance of Peregrine falcon putting in a appearence. Lower down from Howden, the visitors center offfers you few species on the bird feeders.

New to the list Red Grouse and Siskin.

Total 94.

“It may be winter outside…but in my heart it’s spring”

2007-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

To beat this weekends foul weather coming from the North. I headed East, too mop up on some long staying birds.
First stop. Pule Hill, Halifax. This hill, overlooking Halifax town itself, was favoured by a single Shorelark. A bird that is more typically found on the shores of the East coast, seems to have overshot it’s landing grounds by 70 miles. I struggled to stand upright, in a real “hooli” of a gale. After about an hour, I was fortunate to find the bird. But the wind did not allow for any photos.
Second stop: Fairburn Ings RSPB Castleford. For a few weeks now, a pair of Long Eared Owls, had taken up residency in evergreens. Once pointed out, a single bird was easy to spot. Other birds of note where good numbers of Tree Sparrows at the feeding station. With the Owl found quickly, it’s of to the next stop.
Budwith, Nr Selby. Part of the extensive Lower Derwent Valley floodplain. Two male American Wigeon, had made friends among a few hundred European Wigeon. Their notable size and plumage differences made this another spot in no time, but too distant for photies. So with the “Yanks” in the book, A short trip to:
Blacktoft sands RSPB, Ousefleet. Part of the exciting complex of habitats around the Humber estuary. The tidal reedbed is the largest in England and is important for its breeding Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers and Bittern. It was here that I once choose to volunteer to spend a ‘Birthday week’, pulling up weeds, digging dirt, and guiding visitors around the reserve for NO PAY, just feeding my soul, with the knowledge that I have contributed to the future of both existing and visiting birds. The reserve is waiting for the start of the ‘wader season’ to begin. Single, Avocet (RSPB logo), and Spotted Redshank, where the only specialists on show. Above the extensive reed beds, 3 ‘lezzer’ female Marsh Harriers, practiced ariel maneuvers! with each other, in readiness, should, a male show up. An excellent day, in atrocious wind.
Additions to the list included: Avocet, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Shorelark, Long-Eared Owl, Linnet.
Year Total: 92

One Swallow, doesn't make a summer..

2007-03-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

The first migrants from Africa slowly trickled into Manchester, with news of a very rare bird called a Desert Wheatear. The bird had found itself way off course, in a field, in that magnet (NOT), for all rare birds called Irlam. When I arrived, I was greated by a few hundred twitchers, all with faces like slapped-arses. The bird didn't like Irlam too much, and flown away. Ah-well!. I carried on my trip to Marbury C.P. in hope of catching a glimpse of the much sort after Woodpecker. Alas no. But got some more pictures of the locals.

Migration News: The first Swallow has arrived.

This week, we should see Sand Martins, Chiffchaffs, and Common Wheatears, making a welcome return, with a chance of something rare turning up. The spring migration has begun.

Years total: 85 - New additions: Green Woodpecker & Skylark.

"Love is in the air.."

2007-03-05T00:28:00.000-08:00

March for me, means one thing. For the last eight years, I have making 3 trips to Marbury country park, Cheshire to see Britain's smallest Woodpecker - I have still yet to see them. Whilst waiting for a sighting, or even sounding of this very elusive bird, there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the other inhabitants of the wood. This weekend, you could not help but notice that most of the birds where beginning courtships. On the lake, many Grebes where starting their must see, fantastic courtship rituals with there intended. Kingfishers where flying around in groups, using the bright sunshine to reflect the electric colouring of the feathers to attract partners. Overhead, seven Buzzards danced on the air, with the same hope. The aggressive Robins spent most of the time chasing each other. A fabulous day spent with nature.

New species to the list: Water Rail, Raven, Little Grebe.

Year Total 83.

Its a HOOT!

2007-02-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

So far my birdwatching has mainly been outside my home town of Rochdale. We must not forget that our local birds are just as important, if not more, than birds seen elsewhere. We must constantly monitor our local birds, and recognise any change in trends regarding numbers and sightings. It is only recently that one particular bird the Short Eared Owl, that has become a local bird. This bird, if you are in the right place at the right time can be seen hunting the moorland which Rochdale is surrounded by. An even rarer bird, is the Hen Harrier. A stunning male performed for only a lucky few birders while waiting for the Owl to show, before dissapearing back to where it came from.

Noticable changes to the season, where the arrivals of Skylarks back to the moors. Tawny Owls are heard most nights, trying to attract a mate. Estuary birds like Curlew and Oystercatchers are now looking inland to begin nesting.

Total so far 80

Beside the seaside..beside the sea.

2007-02-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Well after two, miserable weekends. It was a pleasure to take advantage of some sun this weekend. My list was defunct of shorebirds, so, it was off too Morecambe Bay. The abundant bird life and diverse marine habitats make the Bay one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe. As luck happened, I arrived well before the tide came in, always a good time here. The birds where everywhere, prodding and probing the very rich mud flats. Just about every size and shape of bill could be seen. Oystercatchers, Black Tailed Godwits, Curlews, using their long bills to reach deep into the mud, while Knot, Redshank, Dunlin worked their tiny bills through the mud like sewing machines. A fantastic spectacle of near a thousand Knot, swarming as one over the shores edge. Stunning!

Back at home, my bird table was graced with the presence of a stunning female Bullfinch while I had my camera focused on it.
Count so far 78.

Bird list 2007

2007-01-30T01:40:00.000-08:00

Hi!
January for typical birders means only one thing... A fresh slate...From the 1st all serious birders, begin the new year equal. This means that the number of birds seen last year, are history. We all begin at zero birds seen. From zero we can only improve on that. All plans and goals are set. Places to visit, fresh places to see, weekends away, and hopefully a couple of birds not seen by you before in this country. Targets are set. For a serious birder, the target begins at 200 species. This means getting all the common, as well as some rare birds.
Based in Grt. Manchester - In my veiw the poorest county blessed for birds - this means getting out of this county most of the time. Also at the right time of year, travelling to the meca for birders Norfolk, and also Wales and Scotland.
I have not reached 200 this millenium - not putting the time in.
So follow me on my blogg throughout the year of a typical lister. Along the way, I hope to add some photos I have taken of my triumphs too.

The year so far. - Inc 28th January.
This weekend the RSPB asked us all to record the birds seen in our gardens. I chose to check out a bird in sombody else's instead. A beutifull garden in Bingley (Keighley) held an American Robin. A VERY rare bird to this country (16),and a first for Yorkshire. I previously saw this speices in Grimsby 2004, where It was soon dispatched by a sparrowhawk. Excellent views of this stunning bird where had.
Total - 63.

Global warming is here..NOW!

2007-01-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day that the great north west of England did not see rain. So it was that I seized the opportunity to dust of the trusted binoculors and telescope (literally..they was covered in dust from my recent trip to Egypt), and headed over to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve Martin Mere near southport. Every January I look forward to seeing farsands of swans having their summer hols hear in the cold north west. And I was greated by farsands of geese....But...fewer than in recent years...In fact I was looking forward to seeing hundreds of Bewick's Swans among farsands of the very similar Whooper swans. Among 1100 Whoopers (nice sight), the reserve held 1 lone Bewick swan...All the other hundred, seem to have stayed away from comming this far south, or stayed on their breeding grounds becuase the climate is at a temperature they can cope with.
Each passing week we hear about global warming in the media, and become abit blaze about it. Well it seems to have krept up on us, and it's here..NOW.