I was suprised by the amount of snowfall when I got home from uni the other day, there was only a light covering in Middlesbrough.
On my way back from Crammy train station it began to snow and as I passed the bus stop at the top of my street a Woodcock flew low overhead.
On friday morning I sorted out the feeders in the garden and put out some more seed, nuts and fruit. The birds around the estate are the most picky I have ever known and on friday snubbed the food on offer.
I got a message on friday from JM saying that a Snow Bunting had been at the east end of West Hartford. With only 20 minutes of light left I went over with LMcD to investigate.
11 Siskin along with a few Goldfinch were stripping the buds from the only non snow covered tree at the far west end of the entrance plantation.
Althougt the pools were frozen, a few Teal, Lapwing and Snipe were at the back of the bigger pool.
A group of 8 Meadow Pipit were along the edges of the smaller pool as was a male Stonechat which at one point in Treecreeper style, crept up the side of a dead tree trunk before dropping down onto the ice, behaviour I have never seen from a Stonechat before.
With no sign of the Snow Bunting, which would be hard enough to find when the ground is clear never mind in the snow, we headed back.
In the near darkness groups of Redwing, Fieldare and Skylark flew over, no sign of any owls.
Since friday the garden birds have become less picky and today the feeders were alive with activity. House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Coal Tit and a record 12 Blue Tit have been in the bushes behind the feeders for most of the day.
Other more unusual garden visitors today were a Jackdaw and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
I have been hearing this GS Woodpecker every sunday morning for the last 5 weeks and last weekend was the first time I managed to see it.
After doing some acrobatics on the neighbours fence it flew onto the feeders and chased of the Starling which mobbed it.
30 Pink Footed Geese went south yesterday and 60+ seemed to land over WH yesterday afternoon.
Also I got a call from DMcK this morning telling me that he was watching a Peregrine over Valley Park. Its a good job I have already seen Peregrine on the patch this year, I didn't fancy going to the other side of town in this weather.
Showing posts with label West Hartford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Hartford. Show all posts
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Friday, 10 September 2010
West Hartford does it again
Whilst out on Newbiggin golf course with SH this morning, we were talking about the lack of Quail seen during September migration. Its funny how things work out.
Despite last nights rain we only managed to find a few Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Garden Warbler in the scrub surrounding the golf course.
At Cresswell the water level was so high all the waders (5 Ruff and a Dunlin), were wandering around the grass north of the causeway.
With Low Newton currently having the best waders scrapes in the county at the moment, we decided to go, in my opinion, the second best wader area in the county, West Hartford.
Our decision paid off as when the mixed flock of Lapwing and Gulls flew off 2 smaller waders were seen amongst them. We just presumed they were Dunlin but after checking them closer once they had landed back on the main pool, we saw that they were Little Stint- Patch Tick!
A Crammy mega, which was made even better when another two moved out of the grass and joined them. As if 4 Little Stints weren’t good enough, a Quail (spooky) flew out of the grass next to us whilst calling.
We saw it again in flight a few times in the field next to the fire station.
Patch Birding really doesn’t get any better than this.
113 - Little Stint
Despite last nights rain we only managed to find a few Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Garden Warbler in the scrub surrounding the golf course.
At Cresswell the water level was so high all the waders (5 Ruff and a Dunlin), were wandering around the grass north of the causeway.
With Low Newton currently having the best waders scrapes in the county at the moment, we decided to go, in my opinion, the second best wader area in the county, West Hartford.
Our decision paid off as when the mixed flock of Lapwing and Gulls flew off 2 smaller waders were seen amongst them. We just presumed they were Dunlin but after checking them closer once they had landed back on the main pool, we saw that they were Little Stint- Patch Tick!
A Crammy mega, which was made even better when another two moved out of the grass and joined them. As if 4 Little Stints weren’t good enough, a Quail (spooky) flew out of the grass next to us whilst calling.
We saw it again in flight a few times in the field next to the fire station.
Patch Birding really doesn’t get any better than this.
113 - Little Stint
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Last night and this morning
I spent the last hour of light at West Hartford last night. A Greenshank and Green Sandpiper where the only birds on the pools, I have checked WH a few times during the week but it has been quiet.
I was sitting on the ground scanning the edges of the main pool when a Peregrine- Patch Tick, flew over the fire station and headed west. As it went 1000+ Gulls lifted from the factory roof tops in panic and mobbed it. I scanned the sky for a while after but it did not return.
In the darkness I could hear Grey Partridge calling to each other from the back fields and a Woodcock flew over the entrance plantation.
This morning I went to the Blyth Estuary with SH which we had planned to do before the Greenish Warbler had been seen on Tuesday.
The Estuary was quiet so we checked Baites Filtration Pools instead. A GS Woodpecker was calling from the trees near the pools before it flew over the River.
We could hear a Water Rail screeching from the middle of the reed bed as we approached but it never showed itself.
A late Sedge Warbler was doing it best to make us think it was an Aquatic Warbler when it showed on and off in the reeds. Whilst waiting for it to show a Reed Warbler climbed up and down a reed stem.
Before heading up to Cresswell we stopped at Cambois and checked the scrubland around the old train tracks. No rare migrants were found but there were 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat and a Willow Tit, which called.
The area is so dense there probably is something rare lurking in there.
At Cresswell the tide was rising so the sand bar only held a few waders. Amongst the group of Canada Geese was a single Pink Footed and 3 Pintail were also on the pond.
At one point all the birds on the pond lifted as a Peregrine swooped down. It chased the Lapwing flock in front of the hide but didn’t catch anything and flew off.
During the confusion of everything moving around 5 Goosander landed on the pond and 2 Curlew Sandpiper joined the waders on the sand bar.
112 – Peregrine Falcon
I was sitting on the ground scanning the edges of the main pool when a Peregrine- Patch Tick, flew over the fire station and headed west. As it went 1000+ Gulls lifted from the factory roof tops in panic and mobbed it. I scanned the sky for a while after but it did not return.
In the darkness I could hear Grey Partridge calling to each other from the back fields and a Woodcock flew over the entrance plantation.
This morning I went to the Blyth Estuary with SH which we had planned to do before the Greenish Warbler had been seen on Tuesday.
The Estuary was quiet so we checked Baites Filtration Pools instead. A GS Woodpecker was calling from the trees near the pools before it flew over the River.
We could hear a Water Rail screeching from the middle of the reed bed as we approached but it never showed itself.
A late Sedge Warbler was doing it best to make us think it was an Aquatic Warbler when it showed on and off in the reeds. Whilst waiting for it to show a Reed Warbler climbed up and down a reed stem.
Before heading up to Cresswell we stopped at Cambois and checked the scrubland around the old train tracks. No rare migrants were found but there were 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat and a Willow Tit, which called.
The area is so dense there probably is something rare lurking in there.
At Cresswell the tide was rising so the sand bar only held a few waders. Amongst the group of Canada Geese was a single Pink Footed and 3 Pintail were also on the pond.
At one point all the birds on the pond lifted as a Peregrine swooped down. It chased the Lapwing flock in front of the hide but didn’t catch anything and flew off.
During the confusion of everything moving around 5 Goosander landed on the pond and 2 Curlew Sandpiper joined the waders on the sand bar.
112 – Peregrine Falcon
Thursday, 19 August 2010
It's official - I have a name tag
Today on one of my last day of volunteering at Washington Wildfowl Park this year, I received my official name tag, no more ducking under the counter to avoid paying for me.
The breeding season for the Chilean Flamingos is nearly over and soon they will start to moult, so again another unsuccessful breeding year for Flamingos at Washington.
The Moorhens were making the most out of the artificial nest on the island as they filled it with sticks and feathers.
The Wader Lake has been flooded recently so all the islands and muddy margins are gone, so instead I went to the Woodland Hide on my lunch break.
Amongst the family parties of Great, Coal and Blue Tit was a single Willow Tit hanging on a peanut feeder. A pair of Nuthatch and a GS Woodpecker were the other birds of note.
I went to West Hartford when I got back where there was no sign of last nights Whinchats. I checked all the fence post and walked through the fields behind the smaller pool but the only bird I saw was a Grasshopper Warbler.
Both Pools were quiet apart from 1 Greenshank and 1 Green Sandpiper which flew off and landed near the River Blyth.
The breeding season for the Chilean Flamingos is nearly over and soon they will start to moult, so again another unsuccessful breeding year for Flamingos at Washington.
The Moorhens were making the most out of the artificial nest on the island as they filled it with sticks and feathers.
The Wader Lake has been flooded recently so all the islands and muddy margins are gone, so instead I went to the Woodland Hide on my lunch break.
Amongst the family parties of Great, Coal and Blue Tit was a single Willow Tit hanging on a peanut feeder. A pair of Nuthatch and a GS Woodpecker were the other birds of note.
I went to West Hartford when I got back where there was no sign of last nights Whinchats. I checked all the fence post and walked through the fields behind the smaller pool but the only bird I saw was a Grasshopper Warbler.
Both Pools were quiet apart from 1 Greenshank and 1 Green Sandpiper which flew off and landed near the River Blyth.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Whin but no Stone
As my search for a Stonechat for this years patch list continues, I thought I was in luck tonight when I checked the fence line west of the smaller pool.
As I got closer I could see that there were no Stonechat but instead 4 Juv Whinchat.
A Green Sandpiper flew over calling before landing out of sight and a pair of Greenshank were on the main pool.
By far the best bird tonight was a scruffy female Tufted Duck- a WH rarity, which landed on the main pool, for a few minutes before flying off following the river Blyth.
As I got closer I could see that there were no Stonechat but instead 4 Juv Whinchat.
A Green Sandpiper flew over calling before landing out of sight and a pair of Greenshank were on the main pool.
By far the best bird tonight was a scruffy female Tufted Duck- a WH rarity, which landed on the main pool, for a few minutes before flying off following the river Blyth.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
3+1
I checked both West Hartford and Arcot Pond yesterday. WH was quiet apart from 1 Greenshank on the smaller pool which I also saw in the same place on saturday night.
Before going to Arcot I walked up and down Beacon Lane to try and see or hear the Willow Tit which had been heard in the morning.
Not much was on the pond apart from a group of Greylags which were sitting on the island. 3 Greenshank were standing on the dead wood in the middle of the pond before flying to the island.
Before going to Arcot I walked up and down Beacon Lane to try and see or hear the Willow Tit which had been heard in the morning.
Not much was on the pond apart from a group of Greylags which were sitting on the island. 3 Greenshank were standing on the dead wood in the middle of the pond before flying to the island.
Monday, 19 July 2010
This weekend
I went to Blacktoft Sands RSPB in Yorkshire on saturday with SH and DMcK. After checking the reception hide and seeing that there were plenty of good birds to be seen around the reserve we started at the Xerox hide.
A Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Ruff were the highlight of the waders on the islands. It didn’t take until the first of many Marsh Harriers rose from the reeds. At one point five birds were in the air over the reeds.
The Marshland hide was were most of the days action took place. Groups of waders were dotted around the different island and mud shore, most of them were asleep. 4 Avocets, 32 Black Tailed Godwits, 10 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper and 8 Ruff were the waders on the islands. At least 2 of the Spotted Redshanks were in almost full summer plumage, the Ruff also impressed with their various patterns and plumages.
2 Barn Owls chicks were standing in the entrance to their box and a couple of juv Yellow Wagtails were feeding on the mud. Whilst scanning through the waders we spotted a juv Bearded Tit jumping around the bottom of the reed stems and then onto the mud. It was joined by another two juvs and we had prolonged views of them as they hopped their way across the mud and into the reeds. Later on another two Bearded Tits flew in front of the hide.
The waders which had all been fairly settled all took off at one point just as a Hobby swooped down low over the pool before disappearing as it got higher into the sky.
From the Singleton hide we got more close views of Marsh Harriers as they soared over reeds. Three Little Egrets were fishing in the channels and a Cuckoo flew across before landing in the hedgerow.
Yesterday morning I was out doing the webs count with SH at Castle Island where the highlights were a Greenshank amongst the Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover.
Next we had a quick trip to Hauxley were a Scaup was swimming next to a Tufted Duck. Also a Barnacle Goose was amongst the Greylags and Canadas on the main Island.
Our last stop was Arcot Pond were a Green Sandpiper was in the mud behind the island with a Common Sandpiper – Patch Tick.
This afternoon I got a call saying that Fridays Hobby had returned to West Hartford but this time it was sitting in a tree! When I arrived at WH the Hobby- Patch Tick, was still on its perch and I had over half an hours on and off views as it sat on various trees and flew around the dried out main pool.
Thats three Hobbys in two weeks for me!!!
109- Common Sandpiper
110- Hobby
A Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Ruff were the highlight of the waders on the islands. It didn’t take until the first of many Marsh Harriers rose from the reeds. At one point five birds were in the air over the reeds.
The Marshland hide was were most of the days action took place. Groups of waders were dotted around the different island and mud shore, most of them were asleep. 4 Avocets, 32 Black Tailed Godwits, 10 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper and 8 Ruff were the waders on the islands. At least 2 of the Spotted Redshanks were in almost full summer plumage, the Ruff also impressed with their various patterns and plumages.
2 Barn Owls chicks were standing in the entrance to their box and a couple of juv Yellow Wagtails were feeding on the mud. Whilst scanning through the waders we spotted a juv Bearded Tit jumping around the bottom of the reed stems and then onto the mud. It was joined by another two juvs and we had prolonged views of them as they hopped their way across the mud and into the reeds. Later on another two Bearded Tits flew in front of the hide.
The waders which had all been fairly settled all took off at one point just as a Hobby swooped down low over the pool before disappearing as it got higher into the sky.
From the Singleton hide we got more close views of Marsh Harriers as they soared over reeds. Three Little Egrets were fishing in the channels and a Cuckoo flew across before landing in the hedgerow.
Yesterday morning I was out doing the webs count with SH at Castle Island where the highlights were a Greenshank amongst the Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover.
Next we had a quick trip to Hauxley were a Scaup was swimming next to a Tufted Duck. Also a Barnacle Goose was amongst the Greylags and Canadas on the main Island.
Our last stop was Arcot Pond were a Green Sandpiper was in the mud behind the island with a Common Sandpiper – Patch Tick.
This afternoon I got a call saying that Fridays Hobby had returned to West Hartford but this time it was sitting in a tree! When I arrived at WH the Hobby- Patch Tick, was still on its perch and I had over half an hours on and off views as it sat on various trees and flew around the dried out main pool.
Thats three Hobbys in two weeks for me!!!
109- Common Sandpiper
110- Hobby
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
So far
This is how the 2010 patch list is looking just after the half way point of the year:
Species are in order of what I saw first.
Blackbird
House Sparrow
Starling
Collard Dove
Greenfinch
Dunnock
Black Headed Gull
Chaffinch
Carrion Crow
Robin
Long Tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Pink Footed geese
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Great Tit
Jackdaw
Sparrowhawk
Goldfinch
Song Thrush
Coal Tit
Wren
Common Gull
Bullfinch
Snipe
Fieldfare
Redwing
Goldeneye
Reed Bunting
Greylag Geese
Water Rail
Kestrel
Teal
Mallard
Gadwall
Grey Heron
Coot
Shellduck
Feral Pigeon
Rook
Grey Wagtail
Moorhen
Short Eared Owl
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Goldcrest
Lapwing
Mute Swan
Jack Snipe
Skylark
Jay
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Pochard
Wigeon
Buzzard
Oystercatcher
Goosander
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Siskin
Crossbill
Mistle Thrush
Pheasant
Yellowhammer
Golden Plover
Grey Partridge
Curlew
Canada Geese
Chiffchaff
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Whooper Swan
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Undisclosed
Sand Martin
Green Woodpecker
Woodcock
Linnet
Blackcap
Redshank
Willow Warbler
Stock Dove
Swallow
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Grasshopper Warbler
Wheatear
Whinchat
Green Sandpiper
Whitethroat
Greenshank
Sedge Warbler
Swift
Wood Sandpiper
House Martin
Barn Owl
Common Tern
Garden Warbler
Ringed Plover
Barnacle Geese
Garganey
Lesser Whitethroat
Temminck’s Stint
Red Legged Partridge
Quail
Cormorant
Reed Warbler
Little Egret
108 so far, still on course to beat last year 113 total. Redpoll, Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Tree Sparrow and a few more are the targets now.
Species are in order of what I saw first.
Blackbird
House Sparrow
Starling
Collard Dove
Greenfinch
Dunnock
Black Headed Gull
Chaffinch
Carrion Crow
Robin
Long Tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Pink Footed geese
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Great Tit
Jackdaw
Sparrowhawk
Goldfinch
Song Thrush
Coal Tit
Wren
Common Gull
Bullfinch
Snipe
Fieldfare
Redwing
Goldeneye
Reed Bunting
Greylag Geese
Water Rail
Kestrel
Teal
Mallard
Gadwall
Grey Heron
Coot
Shellduck
Feral Pigeon
Rook
Grey Wagtail
Moorhen
Short Eared Owl
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Goldcrest
Lapwing
Mute Swan
Jack Snipe
Skylark
Jay
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Pochard
Wigeon
Buzzard
Oystercatcher
Goosander
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Siskin
Crossbill
Mistle Thrush
Pheasant
Yellowhammer
Golden Plover
Grey Partridge
Curlew
Canada Geese
Chiffchaff
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Whooper Swan
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Undisclosed
Sand Martin
Green Woodpecker
Woodcock
Linnet
Blackcap
Redshank
Willow Warbler
Stock Dove
Swallow
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Grasshopper Warbler
Wheatear
Whinchat
Green Sandpiper
Whitethroat
Greenshank
Sedge Warbler
Swift
Wood Sandpiper
House Martin
Barn Owl
Common Tern
Garden Warbler
Ringed Plover
Barnacle Geese
Garganey
Lesser Whitethroat
Temminck’s Stint
Red Legged Partridge
Quail
Cormorant
Reed Warbler
Little Egret
108 so far, still on course to beat last year 113 total. Redpoll, Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Tree Sparrow and a few more are the targets now.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Marsh Squirrel and Hedge Quail?
I served my first day as a volunteer at Washington Wildfowl Park yesterday. I was straight in at the deep end (literally in the pond), helping catch 5 Philippine Duck chicks in a net. It felt momentarily cruel taking the week or so old chicks away from their mother and walking off with them in a bucket but they wouldn’t have survived long if we hadn’t.
A Jay was looking at them from the treetops and the local gulls and magpies had already taken other chicks around the reserve this week.
By the time we had taken the Philippine ducklings back to the centre they had started to use teamwork to try and escape the bucket by climbing on each other’s backs.
After spending some time becoming more familiar with the site I went home only to step in the front door and get a call from JM about Quail at West Hartford, yet another crammy first I have failed to find. I was planning to go down to the massive newly planted cereal field near East Cramlington some time during the week to check for Quail.
I was short on time so only stayed at WH for about 15 minutes and in that time the potential 4 birds had gone quiet only to start singing again when I had left, typical.
So this morning I was at WH just after 7 where I met Liver birder and Howden Blogger who had heard no Quail so far.
Although it was colder and more overcast than yesterday Sedge and Grasshopper Warbler were still singing so there was always a chance of the Quail starting.
I decided to walk around the outside of the marshy field (being careful not to trample through the long grass), to the brick building and see I could hear anything from there.
On my way I saw the back of what I thought was a Stoat but as it bounded closer towards me through the tufts of grass I could see that it had a bushy tail.
I thought it was a Fox cub and followed it around the other side of a small grassy hill where I met the amazed Howden Blogger who just got a record shot of the mystery creature as it came around the corner. It was a Red Squirrel!
Now I didn’t see that coming especially in a marsh covered field. I searched again for it but it had gone, I didn’t realise how fast they can move. I presume it was overshoot from either the Arcot or Plessey Woods population.
By the time I had got to the brick building without hearing a Quail I had given up hope until whilst walking from the building to the hedgerow two Quail – Lifer, flew from a tuft of grass I nearly accidentally stood on and landed near the hedgerow.
One of the birds landed in the hedge for a few seconds before dropping to the ground and out of sight.
And in case anybody is wondering I didn’t deliberately flush the birds it was pure luck, I didn’t even know they were there as they were silent anyway. So please no comments about how what a sensitive issue it is I don’t want to get involved in a Quail row like the one, which broke out on birdforum last year.
Talking to the Liver Birder later on he told me that AC had two Quail earlier further down the field.
Also a Cormorant flew over the river Blyth and the Barn Owl that showed briefly was nice to see.
105- Quail
106 – Cormorant
A Jay was looking at them from the treetops and the local gulls and magpies had already taken other chicks around the reserve this week.
By the time we had taken the Philippine ducklings back to the centre they had started to use teamwork to try and escape the bucket by climbing on each other’s backs.
After spending some time becoming more familiar with the site I went home only to step in the front door and get a call from JM about Quail at West Hartford, yet another crammy first I have failed to find. I was planning to go down to the massive newly planted cereal field near East Cramlington some time during the week to check for Quail.
I was short on time so only stayed at WH for about 15 minutes and in that time the potential 4 birds had gone quiet only to start singing again when I had left, typical.
So this morning I was at WH just after 7 where I met Liver birder and Howden Blogger who had heard no Quail so far.
Although it was colder and more overcast than yesterday Sedge and Grasshopper Warbler were still singing so there was always a chance of the Quail starting.
I decided to walk around the outside of the marshy field (being careful not to trample through the long grass), to the brick building and see I could hear anything from there.
On my way I saw the back of what I thought was a Stoat but as it bounded closer towards me through the tufts of grass I could see that it had a bushy tail.
I thought it was a Fox cub and followed it around the other side of a small grassy hill where I met the amazed Howden Blogger who just got a record shot of the mystery creature as it came around the corner. It was a Red Squirrel!
Now I didn’t see that coming especially in a marsh covered field. I searched again for it but it had gone, I didn’t realise how fast they can move. I presume it was overshoot from either the Arcot or Plessey Woods population.
By the time I had got to the brick building without hearing a Quail I had given up hope until whilst walking from the building to the hedgerow two Quail – Lifer, flew from a tuft of grass I nearly accidentally stood on and landed near the hedgerow.
One of the birds landed in the hedge for a few seconds before dropping to the ground and out of sight.
And in case anybody is wondering I didn’t deliberately flush the birds it was pure luck, I didn’t even know they were there as they were silent anyway. So please no comments about how what a sensitive issue it is I don’t want to get involved in a Quail row like the one, which broke out on birdforum last year.
Talking to the Liver Birder later on he told me that AC had two Quail earlier further down the field.
Also a Cormorant flew over the river Blyth and the Barn Owl that showed briefly was nice to see.
105- Quail
106 – Cormorant
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
One of those Days
After the rain this afternoon I was going to go to West Hartford but I kept putting it off.
Had I gone earlier then I would have probably found the Temminck's Stint- Patch Tick, at WH and have a crammy first to my name.
Oh well I didn't but at least I got the bird along with 2 Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper and Barn Owl.
After watching the mobile wader for a few minutes I saw it fly off high calling, I checked the other pool but there was no sign.
There will be another chance for me to get a Crammy first I'm sure with Quail, Curlew Sandpiper,Grey Plover, Black Redstart,Bean Goose and a few others my predictions for the next first.
103 - Temminck's Stint
Had I gone earlier then I would have probably found the Temminck's Stint- Patch Tick, at WH and have a crammy first to my name.
Oh well I didn't but at least I got the bird along with 2 Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper and Barn Owl.
After watching the mobile wader for a few minutes I saw it fly off high calling, I checked the other pool but there was no sign.
There will be another chance for me to get a Crammy first I'm sure with Quail, Curlew Sandpiper,Grey Plover, Black Redstart,Bean Goose and a few others my predictions for the next first.
103 - Temminck's Stint
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Long overdue
With news of a pair of long overdue Garganey at West Hartford this morning I was there by 9.
After scannig the NW corner of the main pool with no luck I was about to check the smaller pool when I saw the female Garganey - Patch Tick, feeding in the long grass at the NE corner.
She was soon followed by the male and the pair swam around the NE corner feeding in the mud.
Also a Whitethroat was singing from the top of the dead trees between the pools and a 50+ House Martins had landed on the edge of the mud to drink.
I though that the Garganey were a first for WH but I just remembered that LMcD had a drake over 20 years ago when there was a pond near the farm.
101 - Garganey
After scannig the NW corner of the main pool with no luck I was about to check the smaller pool when I saw the female Garganey - Patch Tick, feeding in the long grass at the NE corner.
She was soon followed by the male and the pair swam around the NE corner feeding in the mud.
Also a Whitethroat was singing from the top of the dead trees between the pools and a 50+ House Martins had landed on the edge of the mud to drink.
I though that the Garganey were a first for WH but I just remembered that LMcD had a drake over 20 years ago when there was a pond near the farm.
101 - Garganey
Saturday, 22 May 2010
From Penrith to West Hartford
On Tuesday night I went over to Penrith with Cain, (Holywell Birder) to help him with his Tetrad squares.
I was given a quick tour of the Penrith University campus by Cain when we arrived.
Being used to studying at an urban city centre campus at Teesside, I was really impressed by the rural campus and the wildlife within it.
Just by walking around the campus and doing the Tetrad squares I noticed some subtle changes between species found in Cumbria and Northumberland. In Cumbria Stock Doves seem to have replaced Wood Pigeon, Yellowhammer replaced Reed Bunting and Red Legged Partridge replaced Grey Partridge.
On Wednesday morning we started the first square at Newton Reigny just outside Penrith with the help of Steve (awildlifephotographerjournal.blogspot.com).
As soon as we got out of the car a pair of Dipper flew down stream from a small river in the village.
Although we had good counts of common species on the first Tetrad the highlight was a Spotted Flycatcher at newton Moss.
Later on in the afternoon we went to Bassenthwaite Lake. We stopped at Powter Howe on the opposite side of the lake first and from the car park we could hear a Wood Warbler- Lifer, calling.
Only 300m or so into the woods we heard 3 Wood Warbler and after a few minutes one appeared in the tree tops. 3 Garden Warbler and a female Redstart were also nearby.
From the hide at Bassenthwaite a Cuckoo called briefly.2 Common Sandpipers were bobbing on some rocks and a pair of Red Breasted Merganser were swimming and diving.
On Thursday we completed the other two tetrad squares the highlight this time being a yaffling Green Woodpecker although for Cain I'm sure the highlight was seeing me being chased by a herd of cows.
Last night I had a walk down to West Hartford from 7 until 8:30. With more exposed mud it was no suprise that two Ringed Plover - Patch Tick, were feeding at the back of the main pool. A Greenshank also appeared out of nowhere (probably out of the long grass behind the pool).
The Barn Owl put in a quick appearence and most suprising of all were two Barnacle Geese - Patch Tick, which flew low over the main pool calling.
A great way to end a brilliant week.
99 - Ringed Plover
100- Barnacle Geese
I was given a quick tour of the Penrith University campus by Cain when we arrived.
Being used to studying at an urban city centre campus at Teesside, I was really impressed by the rural campus and the wildlife within it.
Just by walking around the campus and doing the Tetrad squares I noticed some subtle changes between species found in Cumbria and Northumberland. In Cumbria Stock Doves seem to have replaced Wood Pigeon, Yellowhammer replaced Reed Bunting and Red Legged Partridge replaced Grey Partridge.
On Wednesday morning we started the first square at Newton Reigny just outside Penrith with the help of Steve (awildlifephotographerjournal.blogspot.com).
As soon as we got out of the car a pair of Dipper flew down stream from a small river in the village.
Although we had good counts of common species on the first Tetrad the highlight was a Spotted Flycatcher at newton Moss.
Later on in the afternoon we went to Bassenthwaite Lake. We stopped at Powter Howe on the opposite side of the lake first and from the car park we could hear a Wood Warbler- Lifer, calling.
Only 300m or so into the woods we heard 3 Wood Warbler and after a few minutes one appeared in the tree tops. 3 Garden Warbler and a female Redstart were also nearby.
From the hide at Bassenthwaite a Cuckoo called briefly.2 Common Sandpipers were bobbing on some rocks and a pair of Red Breasted Merganser were swimming and diving.
On Thursday we completed the other two tetrad squares the highlight this time being a yaffling Green Woodpecker although for Cain I'm sure the highlight was seeing me being chased by a herd of cows.
Last night I had a walk down to West Hartford from 7 until 8:30. With more exposed mud it was no suprise that two Ringed Plover - Patch Tick, were feeding at the back of the main pool. A Greenshank also appeared out of nowhere (probably out of the long grass behind the pool).
The Barn Owl put in a quick appearence and most suprising of all were two Barnacle Geese - Patch Tick, which flew low over the main pool calling.
A great way to end a brilliant week.
99 - Ringed Plover
100- Barnacle Geese
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Mission Accomplished
This evening I spent a few hours at West Hartford with only one target bird in mind, Wood Sandpiper.
As I arrived Liver Birder told me he had a Green Sandpiper and another wader which he thought was the Redshnak but hadn't been able to get a good look at due to the sun glare.
I pick up the wader straight away and as soon as the sun was covered by cloud I could see it a little bit better as it waded at the back of the main pool.
Soon it flew off and out of sight but during flight and the rest of the time it was there it never called. I also couldn't see any white in the wings but could see a lot of white underneath.
It landed on the smaller pool a few minutes before going back to the main pool. Soon after Birding Sometimes appeared and with a slightly better angle on the bird we were able to see it was a Wood Sandpiper - Patch Tick.
Whilst watching it flew onto the near shaw before flying to the back of the pool again.
Amongst the many Swallow hawking over the pool was a House Martin - Patch Tick, and just before we left a Barn Owl - Patch Tick, flew along the fence line being mobbed by Magpies.
94 - Wood Sandpiper
95 - House Martin
96 - Barn Owl
As I arrived Liver Birder told me he had a Green Sandpiper and another wader which he thought was the Redshnak but hadn't been able to get a good look at due to the sun glare.
I pick up the wader straight away and as soon as the sun was covered by cloud I could see it a little bit better as it waded at the back of the main pool.
Soon it flew off and out of sight but during flight and the rest of the time it was there it never called. I also couldn't see any white in the wings but could see a lot of white underneath.
It landed on the smaller pool a few minutes before going back to the main pool. Soon after Birding Sometimes appeared and with a slightly better angle on the bird we were able to see it was a Wood Sandpiper - Patch Tick.
Whilst watching it flew onto the near shaw before flying to the back of the pool again.
Amongst the many Swallow hawking over the pool was a House Martin - Patch Tick, and just before we left a Barn Owl - Patch Tick, flew along the fence line being mobbed by Magpies.
94 - Wood Sandpiper
95 - House Martin
96 - Barn Owl
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Armchair Detective
After seeing that Liver Birder had a Greenshank an hour before I was at West Hartford the other day it made me think more about what I had seen.
At first I though that I had just seen the Redshank which has been hanging around for a while but when I looked at it I couldn't see any red in the bill or legs and it seemed lighter at the front than a Redshank.
I just though that it's legs and bill were covered in mud from probing, if it had called the matter would have been sorted earlier.
I only checked the pool quickly as I was in a hurry but really I should pay more attention.
91 - Greenshank
At first I though that I had just seen the Redshank which has been hanging around for a while but when I looked at it I couldn't see any red in the bill or legs and it seemed lighter at the front than a Redshank.
I just though that it's legs and bill were covered in mud from probing, if it had called the matter would have been sorted earlier.
I only checked the pool quickly as I was in a hurry but really I should pay more attention.
91 - Greenshank
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Whitethroat
Apart from the Redshank and Curlew on the main pool, all was quiet at West Hartford tonight. A Whitethroat was singing in the plantation right of the entrance.
90- Whitethroat
90- Whitethroat
Saturday, 1 May 2010
May Day Morning
Once the rain had stopped this morning I went to see if anything had landed at West Hartford.
A flock of 50+ Starlings are doing there best to clean up the mess left by the workers at the new fire station entrance.
Plenty of Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Sand Martins were around as well as the Linnet flock which has reappeared.
2 Wheatear - Patch Tick, flew from the rubbish pile at the end of the road to the pile nearer the main pool.
The water level is slowly lowering on the main pool and on the now visible mud bank at the back was a Green Sandpiper- Path Tick, amongst the Lapwing and Oystercatchers. A Redshank was wading through the smaller pool with a pair of Shellduck.
I had a final look at the main pool and whilst I did, something flew in front of me and landed on a fence post to the left of the pool, it was a stunning male Whinchat - Patch Tick.
Instead of flying off after a few seconds it got even closer and flew onto the gate post infront of me, what an amazing and underated bird.
On my way back into my street two Linnets were feeding on the path next to my neighbours house. I ran onto my drive so that I could add them to my garden list. They then flew into a tree on my neighbours drive before landing on their grass.
87- Wheatear
88- Whichat
89- Green Sandpiper
A flock of 50+ Starlings are doing there best to clean up the mess left by the workers at the new fire station entrance.
Plenty of Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Sand Martins were around as well as the Linnet flock which has reappeared.
2 Wheatear - Patch Tick, flew from the rubbish pile at the end of the road to the pile nearer the main pool.
The water level is slowly lowering on the main pool and on the now visible mud bank at the back was a Green Sandpiper- Path Tick, amongst the Lapwing and Oystercatchers. A Redshank was wading through the smaller pool with a pair of Shellduck.
I had a final look at the main pool and whilst I did, something flew in front of me and landed on a fence post to the left of the pool, it was a stunning male Whinchat - Patch Tick.
Instead of flying off after a few seconds it got even closer and flew onto the gate post infront of me, what an amazing and underated bird.
On my way back into my street two Linnets were feeding on the path next to my neighbours house. I ran onto my drive so that I could add them to my garden list. They then flew into a tree on my neighbours drive before landing on their grass.
87- Wheatear
88- Whichat
89- Green Sandpiper
Saturday, 17 April 2010
WH WW
I was up early to West Hartford this morning. The sun was shinning when I set off but it soon turned cloudy and quite cold.
The highlight on the way was a singing male Blackcap in the bushes at the end of Horton Burn.
I checked the small flashes in the fields overlooking East Hartford, right of the substation first. Only Lapwings were on the muddy margins.
On the main pool 6 Greylags were calling loudly before flying off. Also 4 Shellduck and a pair of Gadwall were on the pool.
Whilst scannign the bushes behind the substation 4 Sand Martins flew over and a Willow Warbler - Patch Tick, started singing.
81 - Willow Warbler
The highlight on the way was a singing male Blackcap in the bushes at the end of Horton Burn.
I checked the small flashes in the fields overlooking East Hartford, right of the substation first. Only Lapwings were on the muddy margins.
On the main pool 6 Greylags were calling loudly before flying off. Also 4 Shellduck and a pair of Gadwall were on the pool.
Whilst scannign the bushes behind the substation 4 Sand Martins flew over and a Willow Warbler - Patch Tick, started singing.
81 - Willow Warbler
Friday, 16 April 2010
80
Brief visit to West Hartford for the first time in a few weeks this afternoon. Last time I was there both pools were joined and it was heavily flooded but today the water is starting to evapourate slightly just in time for some waders. Speaking of which, a Redshank - Patch Tick, was feeding in the grass in front of the smaller pool before flying off towards East Hartford with a flock of Lapwing.
10 LBB Gulls were on the water with a few Oystercatchers.
80 - Redshank
10 LBB Gulls were on the water with a few Oystercatchers.
80 - Redshank
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Pale SEO
I was watching what at first I thought was a Barn Owl at West Hartford tonight. As I looked closer I could see that it was a very pale Short Eared Owl. Unlike the other WH SEOs this bird flew very quickly from either side of the field behind the main pool.
The other SEOs glide over the field before occasionally dropping down on prey where as this bird kept diving unsuccesfully every 20 seconds or so.
Not much on the main pool tonight apart from a pair of Shellduck and a Mute Swan. Both of the pools have now merged due to flooding.
I flushed a pair of Grey Partridge from the track leading to the pool and there were around 6 Reed Buntings in the area.
The other SEOs glide over the field before occasionally dropping down on prey where as this bird kept diving unsuccesfully every 20 seconds or so.
Not much on the main pool tonight apart from a pair of Shellduck and a Mute Swan. Both of the pools have now merged due to flooding.
I flushed a pair of Grey Partridge from the track leading to the pool and there were around 6 Reed Buntings in the area.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
2 Trips 2 Ticks
Had a quick trip to WH last night and this morning. I waited on the rabbit warren, ( the best rantage point at WH) until it was almost completely dark but no owls or anything else.
I did have a possible Woodcock fly over the entrance as I was leaving but it was to quick and it didn't make a sound so it could have been a Snipe.
This morning was more successful, the sun was out and it really felt like the first day of spring.
Plenty of birds on full song but no Chiffchaff.
80+ Gulls, mostly Herring were on the main pool with more Lapwing and Oystercatcher than last night. 2 Curlew - Patch Tick, called loudly and landed amongst the group of Teal at the back of the pool.
At first it looked as if there was nothing on the small pool but then a Canada Goose - Patch Tick, popped its head from the long grass to the left of the pool.
Another was asleep next to it, they were probably there last night but unlike normal Canada Geese they were silent.
68 - Curlew
69 - Canada Geese
I did have a possible Woodcock fly over the entrance as I was leaving but it was to quick and it didn't make a sound so it could have been a Snipe.
This morning was more successful, the sun was out and it really felt like the first day of spring.
Plenty of birds on full song but no Chiffchaff.
80+ Gulls, mostly Herring were on the main pool with more Lapwing and Oystercatcher than last night. 2 Curlew - Patch Tick, called loudly and landed amongst the group of Teal at the back of the pool.
At first it looked as if there was nothing on the small pool but then a Canada Goose - Patch Tick, popped its head from the long grass to the left of the pool.
Another was asleep next to it, they were probably there last night but unlike normal Canada Geese they were silent.
68 - Curlew
69 - Canada Geese
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)