Friday 30 April 2010

April Overview

Coming soon I will have a overview of what has been a very good month, 78 species have been seen during the month, including 15 new birds for the year list, giving us a total of 103 for the year so far. It will probably take me a few day's to get the review done, so just be a bit patient with me.

30 April 2010

Nick Smith went down this morning from 06.20 - 07.30 and then when the rain came from 15.00 - 16.20, I wasn't able to get down this morning but made a brief visit from 15.50 - 17.20, most of what is listed is what Nick saw the rain was that bad I didn't dare lift my bin's!!

Blackcap x8, 12x Swift in the morning 80+ in the afternoon, 3x Bullfinch, 3x Willow Warbler, 1x Cormorant in the morning, 3x Chiffchaff, 2x Little Ringed Plover, 2x Greylag Goose, 1x Sedge Warbler by the sidings, 1x Reed Warbler in reeds on top pool, 5+ Stock Dove on old gas works, 14+ Swallow in the morning and 90+ in the afternoon, 5x Whitethroat, 1x Garden Warbler, 1x Reed Bunting plus a female top pool in the afternoon, 8x Sand Martin in the morning and 5 in the afternoon, 4x House Martin in the morning and 70+ in the afternoon, the Domestic Geese are down too 3 young, 7x new young Canada Geese and the 12x young Mallard are down to 8, 2x young Coot along the left side of the main lake, also this afternoon, 'Sammy' the Shoveler, 4x Grey Wagtail, the 'tailless' Willow Tit at the top pool, the Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake have started nesting again and the one's on the main lake now seemed to have given up with the nest, and the pair of Canada's nesting on one of the floating islands has deserted it's nest of 6 eggs after someone attacked it with a large branch, lastly a House Sparrow (Westport Rarity) by Ted Heath Rock, also we both managed to get, 2x Wet Coat's, 2x Wet Hat's and 2x Wet Trousers!!!

Thursday 29 April 2010

29 April 2010

I'm back!! Thanks to Nick for looking after the blog for the last few days while I've been offline, nightmare but all sorted now, and what a good day to come back with a new Westport tick for me, more on that later.
Started out at 06.00 - 08.20, temperature was 15c and felt quite warm in the slight southerly breeze although it was very cloudy with a look of rain in the sky.
On the model boating lake, 5x Mute Swans and 2x Great Crested Grebe, looking rather sorry for themselves since there breeding attempt failed. 4x Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge and bank, on the main lake, 13x Tufted Duck, 4x Great Crested Grebe, 10x Mute Swans, 1x Shoveler and a lone Sand Martin flew over, at the top end 10+ Swifts were flying around.
In the Nature Reserve 4x Chiffchaff, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2x Reed Warblers, 8x Blackcap (all over the park). The old sewage works and gas works had, Chiffchaff, 2x Whitethroat, 1x Garden Warbler, Blackcaps, 1x Reed Bunting, a pair of Bullfinch, Stock Dove and Grey Heron.
As I hadn't seen/heard a Willow Warbler today, I decided to have a look along the sidings and down along the woodland by the grass mound, 3x Lapwing flew over and a Sedge Warbler was calling on the sidings, I could hear the Willow Warbler singing, but I could hear something else which I wasn't quite sure what it was, as I got closer several species were going through my head, one of them was Wood Warbler, although I knew there were very few records for here, however when I got close I knew it was a Wood Warbler and soon located it singing from the top of a silver birch, I watched the bird for several minutes informing Nick and Phil of my find, it's a Westport tick for me and one I hoped would hang around for everyone to see, unlike the Pied Flycatcher was stayed for all of 10 min's.
A total of 8 species of Warbler where seen today.

Total species seen 45.

The Wood Warbler was relocated at 10.00 in the woodland at the back of the model boating lake, but it was heard singing only.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Wednesday 28th April

Big news today concerns an OSPREY seen hovering over the main lake at 17-06hrs. The observer managed to take a photo of it and showed Phil Jones it when he met up with him later. If you read this blog, can you send your photo in please! This is the first Westport Osprey since Sept 2007.

This morning sightings are collected from four regulars who were down this morning - two Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, Sammy the Shoveler, warblers seen were 12 Blackcaps, three Reed Warblers, two Sedge Warblers, three Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler and a single Willow Warbler. Chris had a pair of Reed Buntings plus the male still singing at the top. Also seen were three pairs of Collared Dove, five Swift, a few Sand Martins and Swallows, three Bullfinches, pair of Grey Wagtails, Great S Woodpecker, 16 Tufted Duck, seventeen Mute Swans, a Willow Tit and a Heron.

Chick News - First Canada Geese goslings seen this morning with 6 in the back, but already down to 5 by the evening. There are another on the Model Boat Lake. The Domestic Geese still had 4 chicks this morning.

Chris this evening had a flock of 12 adult Black-headed Gulls over, a steady stream of Lesser BB's over to the north, three Stock Doves, 20+ Swift and two Grey Wagtails still.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Tuesday


Chris's batteries have run out on his keyboard so I will be updating the blog for a short time. A thoroughly enjoyable hours birding this morning from 06-20hrs produced four Little Ringed Plovers and four Common Sandpipers on the main lake. Sammy the resident Shoveler was active as usual, and there were 24 Tufted Duck, sixteen Mute Swans, four Great Crested Grebes (no sign this morning of the model boat lake pair at all), the Domestic Goose pairing have five young still and a Sparrowhawk flew over. There was quite an influx of warblers this morning despite there being no obvious change in weather. There were 12 Blackcaps, six Chiffchaffs, a Sedge Warbler on the sidings, two Garden Warblers (the new one around the top pool area but tricky to hear as it was accompanied by two singing Blackcaps and three Song Thrushes) and three Whitethroats on the sewage works. There was a very elusive Reed Warbler top pool as well. The first Coal Tit for a while was around the car park area.

Chris paid a visit this evening and saw the back of a tern sp flying off, two Reed Warblers top pool, a Cormorant on the main lake, the first four juv Robins of the year, plus 8 Blackcaps, two Little Ringed Plovers, three Chiffchaffs, three Bullfinches, two Jays, two Treecreepers and a Grey Heron. Breeding news - the Domestic Geese have lost a gosling today, now down to four, but the model boat lake Great Crested Grebes appear to be building another nest. There were 10 Mallard ducklings on the canal tonight, but there were 12 last night. Its a shame when young are being lost already and in such good weather.


Finally, the above is Dave Kelsall's photo of Friday's Dunlin.


Many thanks, Nick Smith

Monday 26 April 2010

26 April 2010







Nice long visit today, was totally shattered when I got home, left at 06.00 and was out for 3hrs 30mins, it was quite warm 12c, quite cloudy with sunny intervals, very little wind.

Blackcap was by the entrance but not a lot else, but this was the first of 9x Blackcaps, which I think is the highest count so far this month.

On the model boating lake 7x Mute Swans, the 2x Great Crested Grebes are still staying close to the nest despite failing to raise any young. Also the Domestic Greylag and White Farmyard Goose have had 5x Goslings which they have now brought out of the Nature Reserve and on to the boating lake.

2x Little Ringed Plover where on the grass verge, on the main lake another 9x Mute Swans, 26x Tufted Duck, 1x Shoveler and 4x Great Crested Grebe.

In the Nature Reserve, 4x Chiffchaff, 4x Willow Warbler and in the reedbed on the top pool a singing Reed Warbler which is the first of the year, and a male Reed Bunting, also 2x Jay flew over.

On the old sewage works, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, 4x Whitethroat, 2x Bullfinch and 1x Garden Warbler, with the Reed Warbler earlier this gave me two year ticks for the day.

The old gas works had a Grey Heron on the pool, Swallows on the wires and 2x Stock Doves, plus 2x Herring Gulls flying over.


Total species 47.

Sunday 25 April 2010

25 April 2010

Left this morning at 06.00 - 08.30, it was wet with heavy showers at times, temp was 13c with little or no wind.
I'm just going to list stuff this morning as I'm in a bit of a rush, so,

Blackcap x7 all over, Mute Swan x17 on model boat lake an main lake plus one on nest at top pool, Little Ringed Plover x4 on grass bank and verge a pair were mating, Common Sandpiper x1/2 on grass verge and then one in Nature Reserve, Tufted Duck x20 main lake, Great Crested Grebe x6, x4 main lake and x2 model boating lake which look to have lost there young, Gadwall x1 male on main lake, Shoveler x1 male on main lake, Grey Heron x2 around main lake, Willow Warbler x3 various areas, Sand Martin, Swallow and 1x Swift over main lake, Chiffchaff x6 all around, Stock Dove x4, Sedge Warbler x1 and Whitethroat x2 on old gas works, a Tern Sp flew over high and 2x Grey Wagtail near Visitor Centre.

Total species seen 45.

Recorded by Jeff later in morning, 1x Garden Warbler & 3x Whitethroat on old sewage works, 2x Swift, 3x Lapwing & 5x Stock Dove elsewhere.

Recorded by Pete Lunt early afternoon, 5x Swift, 2x Little Ringed Plover, 2x Grey Wagtail, Grey Heron, Willow Warbler, 2x Whitethroat, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Bullfinch & Sparrowhawk, 23 species seen.

Saturday 24 April 2010

24 April 2010

Recorded by Nick Smith this morning, Little Egret flying over heading north at 07.20, also 2x Shelduck landed briefly on the main lake, Garden Warbler by the old sewage works and 2x Whitethroat, gutted I missed some of these this morning, Little Egret was a Westport tick for me and the Shelduck and Garden Warbler where year ticks for me, and all because I overslept!

Quick visit down this afternoon from 17.10 - 18.20, temperature was a pleasant 20c, slight wind which seemed to be coming from the south/southwesterly, slight cloud cover with sunny intervals.
At the top entrance the first of 4x Blackcap and 2x Willow Warbler, on the model boating lake, 11x Mute Swans and of course the 2x Great Crested Grebes, by the old railway sidings the first of 3x Chiffchaff, the main lake had another 2x Great Crested Grebes, Grebe numbers have really dropped off this week as have Tufted Duck with x16 present, also 2x adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 'Sammy' the male Shoveler with his female Mallard 'girlfriend'.
In the Nature Reserve more Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff, also a single Willow Tit, I also thought I briefly heard a Garden Warbler by the Boardwalk Bridge, but I couldn't pin it down. The other day I received a photo of some Terrapins on the bottom pool sunning on a log, today I had one in the same place, couldn't believe how big it was, did very well to survive the recent harsh winter.
The old gas works had 2x Stock Doves, 1x Grey Heron on the small pool and a couple of Swallows on the wires, on the grassland at the side Chiffchaff and Whitethroat where singing.

Total species 32.

Friday 23 April 2010

23 April 2010







Started out at 06.00 it was 5c and returned at 08.20 and temp up to 9c, cool start, very sunny, slight ground frost, no wind at all and a slight ground frost.
At the entrance to the park a couple of Collared Doves carrying nest material, the first of 5x Blackcap and 3x Willow Warbler and again 4x Starlings on the playing field.
On the model boating lake 2x Great Crested Grebe and 5x Mute Swan, along the grass bank and grass verge 4x Little Ringed Plover and the White Wagtail is still present.
On the main lake, 11x Mute Swans, 4x Great Crested Grebe, 1x Grey Heron, 18x Tufted Duck, 1x male Shoveler and a Common Sandpiper along the right hand side.
In the Nature Reserve, 1x Mute Swan, a pair of Teal and 5x Chiffchaff which includes other Chiffchaff seen around the gas works and canal side of lake. On the old gas works, 5x Stock Doves, Swallow, 2/3x Whitethroat and a Reed Bunting, over the grass mound and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming and a lone Swift flew over, plus another Reed Bunting, this time a female.

Total species seen 43.

Recorded by Pete Lunt at mid morning, Teal x2 still in Nature Reserve, Blackcap x7, Grey Heron, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat and Swallow.

I called down late afternoon early evening, for a quick visit to see if any more Swifts had come in, a couple of Blackcaps where singing by the top entrance, there where 12x Mute Swans on the model boating lake plus the 2x Great Crested Grebe, by the sidings a Willow Tit was calling along with a Willow Warbler.

As I went to count the ducks a wader flew across my view, at first I thought it was a Common Sandpiper but it flew into the sun and landed on the grass verge, as I tried to get a better view I noticed it had a black belly and realised it was a summer plumage Dunlin, another first for the year and a Westport first for me, and the last record since 2008, managed a couple of record shots and made a phone call, Phil Jones came down but it had disappeared, after ten minutes searching we couldn't relocate it. I made my way all the way round the lake and Phil covered the boating lake but no luck, then as I was walking along the beach area I noticed the Dunlin right in the corner near the Ted Heath Rocks, again rung Phil and both Nick and himself managed to get down to see the Dunlin with views up to 6ft away. It was still present when we left, despite all the people walking running and shouting as they went past, it just wasn't bothered.

Also noticed 2x Grey Wagtail, 1x Shoveler and 2x Reed Bunting while I was walking around the lake.

The above photo's are record shots only, taken with a basic digital camera against my bins!



Thursday 22 April 2010

22 April 2010

Down at Westport this morning from 06.00 - 08.20, weather was cool (4c) and sunny, their was a slight ground frost and the main lake had a heavy mist on it, their was no wind of note.
Again the Grey Wagtail was by the canal, the poor thing has to find a mate soon, by the entrance to the park the first of 8x Blackcaps was singing, also on the field by the car park 12x Starlings, these aren't a common bird down Westport.
Most of the Mute Swans x11 where on the model boating lake along with the usual 2x Great Crested Grebe, by the car park the first of 6x Chiffchaffs was singing.
On the grass verge of the main lake, 5x Little Ringed Plover, 3x Common Sandpiper and the single White Wagtail was still present, on the main lake, 16x Tufted Duck, 2x Mute Swans and another 5x Great Crested Grebe.
In the Nature Reserve 2x Willow Warbler, 2x Bullfinch, 2x Reed Bunting and 1x Willow Tit, couldn't see any Terrapins which had been reported to me yesterday, but it was a bit cold, I will have another look for them this afternoon, if I manage to get back down.
The Sedge Warbler was still singing in the Dogwood at the top corner of the main lake and the Grey Heron was fishing along the edge. On the grass mound at the back of the model boating lake I saw 6x Jays all together in the top of a tree, the largest count I've ever had here.

Total number of species seen was 43.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

21 April 2010


Very quick visit down Westport this morning from 07.00 - 08.00, not helped by oversleeping an then forgetting I had a appointment this morning. Weather was cold and sunny with a slight ground frost, a little mist over the lake and no wind of note.
Almost the first bird I saw was a White Wagtail (year tick) feeding along the grass verge, Willow Warbler x4, Blackcap x4, Great Crested Grebe, Chiffchaff x2 on the wires in the old gas works area 8x Swallows and 15x Sand Martins where resting, 5x Stock Doves on the railway pylons and a Buzzard was flying over Bradwell Wood, along the canal side of the main lake a Treecreeper was going along the tree line and the Sedge Warbler was again singing in the dogwood at the top right corner of the main lake.

Total species seen only 34, but was a very quick visit.

Nick Smith also had 2x Little Ringed Plover, 1x Shoveler and 2x Teal earlier in the morning.

Back down too Westport this afternoon from 17.50 - 19.50, weather nice and sunny but very cool, 13c but felt cooler with the wind chill off the northwesterly breeze.
The Grey Wagtail was singing away on the wires over the canal by the top entrance to the park, as I came through the entrance I noticed they where lots of hurindines in the sky, looking through them they were all Swallows and House Martins, but a lone Swift was also in the group, another first for the year, doing well this week, had two yesterday and now two today.
Most of the Mute Swans x13 where on the model boating lake, along with the pair of Great Crested Grebes and model tanker and a scuba diver!!
On the main lake loads of Swallows, House Martins and still the Swift, another 3x Mute Swans, 6x Great Crested Grebe and 20x Tufted Duck.
In the Nature Reserve, 3x Chiffchaff, 1x Willow Tit, 1x male Reed Bunting, 1x Willow Warbler and 1x male Bullfinch.
Back on the main lake and 'Sammy' the Shoveler was back with his female companion, a Mallard!
The old gas works had 1x Stock Dove, a Grey Heron flew from the small pool and 2x Jay.
Along the canal side of the main lake, the Sedge Warbler is still singing from the Dogwood, and as I reached the Visitor Centre 2x Little Ringed Plover where back on the grass verge.

Total species seen was 43, and including this mornings sightings 47, not a bad day at all.


Received the above photo today from Tony Brewster, it shows two Red Eared Terrapins which he photographed on the middle pool in the Nature Reserve, if anyone else has anything of note then give me a shout via the e-mail and I will add your comments or photo.


Tuesday 20 April 2010

20 April 2010

Started out at 06.10 this morning and it was 09.30 by the time I got home, so a nice long visit, and it showed with one of my best days of the year so far, the weather started off cold with a slight ground frost, it then clouded over with a slight shower, then clearing up with sunny intervals, the breeze was slight and northwesterly.
As soon as I entered the park it was noticeable that there was lots going on with bird song coming from all directions, there where a couple of Blackcaps singing at the entrance along with a couple of Willow Warblers, by the end of my visit I'd seen 8x Blackcap and 5x Willow Warblers, also I heard something unusual calling but couldn't pin it down, made my way to the main lake, 4x Little Ringed Plover on the grass verge and bank, as well as the 2x Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake there where five on the main lake, Mute Swans x14, Tufted Duck x17 and the Grey Heron fishing around the edge of the lake.
I met up with Nick Smith and told him about the unusual call at the entrance, so we went down to have a look, couldn't hear anything but almost immediately we picked up on a Whitethroat in the tree top, a first for the year.
We then went through to the nature reserve where the highlights were Chiffchaff x5, Reed Bunting x3, Bullfinch x2 and flying over in the Sand Martin flock were a handful of House Martins.
As Nick rushed off to work I had a look for the Sedge Warbler from yesterday that I'd missed but no joy, as I made my way along the canal side of the main lake I heard the Sedge Warbler singing from the very area I'd just been looking, so made my way back and after a few minutes searching I managed to locate it in the thick of the Dogwood, my 2nd year tick of the day. Here I meet up with Richard Sutton who had seen a Common Sandpiper earlier.
I decided too make another circuit of the lake and nature reserve, a single Jay was in the reserve and a Willow Tit without its tail was near the boardwalk bridge.
Back on the lake and the male Shoveler was back also a Cormorant was fishing on the lake, on the old gas works 2x Stock Doves, as I left there were good numbers of Swallows, Sand Martins and 5+ House Martins all flying around the lake.

Total number seen this morning was 45.

Monday 19 April 2010

19/04/2010

Recorded by Nick Smith this morning, 2x Common Sandpiper and 3x Shoveler, also recorded by Richard a Sedge Warbler (1st of the year), singing in the dogwood at the top corner of the main lake, it was still present til lunch time at least.

Recorded this afternoon, by Pete Lunt & Jeff, Sedge Warbler still top right corner of main lake, 3x Cormorants, 2x Grey Wagtail, 2x Reed Bunting, 2x Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, 3x Buzzard, Willow Warbler, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin and 2x Shoveler.

Recorded by Nick Smith late afternoon the Sedge Warbler still present, and the Great Crested Grebes have one young on the model boating lake, should see a few more appear over the next few days.

Sunday 18 April 2010

18 April 2010

Left at 06.20 this morning, it felt much warmer than previous mornings, with heavier cloud coverage, there was a light mist on the lake and again little wind of note.
Met up with Nick Smith to do the 'webs' count, we walked around the model boating lake and then all around the main lake, the count was as follows and includes what was in the nature reserve area.
Mallard x51, Canada Goose x85, Coot x38, Moorhen x12, Mute Swan x20, Tufted Duck x21, Cormorant x1 (it spent most time flying around or on the lake, but at one point it was in a tree being mobbed by 20x Carrion Crows) and Teal x2.
At the start we had 5x Little Ringed Plover on the grass bank and verge, by the sidings the first of 5x Chiffchaff a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the model boating lake, on the edge of the main lake a Common Sandpiper flew further up, this was the first of the year, 3x Swallows where flying around the main lake with 6x Sand Martin, also a Grey Wagtail was working its way along the edge of the main lake.
In the nature reserve 4x Blackcaps, 3x Bullfinch and 2x Willow Warbler.
on the old gas works 3x Stock Dove, 2x Lapwing and 2x Grey Herons, also a Reed Bunting was calling by the canal.

In total 44 species where seen the second best count of the month.

Quick visit down Westport this evening produced a nice female Pied Flycatcher in the Nature Reserve by the boardwalk bridge, watched it for about 10/15 mins when I lost sight of it. Nick and Phil came down but we could'nt relocate it, my first for Westport and I think the third ever record.
Also had a Buzzard over, 1x Little Ringed Plover and a female Reed Bunting

Saturday 17 April 2010

17 April 2010

06.10, still dry and bright, cool with a heavy dew and very misty over the water which cleared up as the sun rose.
Mistle Thrush along the side of the canal must be nesting close by, its constantly chasing everything away from a certain tree, very quiet as I made my way in, the model boating lake only had 2x Great Crested Grebe, on the grass bank 2x Little Ringed Plover and another two where on the grass verge, also on the grass verge a nervous Lapwing was running around until disturbed and flying off south.
On the main lake 19x Mute Swans, 5x Great Crested Grebe, 25x Tufted Duck, 1x Shoveler and 1x Grey Heron.
As I made my way in to the wood/pools area the first of 3x Chiffchaff and 6x Blackcap where singing by the first gate, and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker was by the sidings, a Moorhen is sitting five eggs.
On the old gas works 1x Swallow, 5x Stock Dove, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and a male Reed Bunting, along the canal side of the main lake and another 3x Swallows flying around and the first of x2 Willow Warblers, I made my way over to the grass mound and back wood where I had another Willow Warbler and two more Blackcaps. 08.20 and time for home.

Total species seen 39.

Friday 16 April 2010

16 April 2010

Recorded today by Nick Smith, 5x Little Ringed Plover, 7x Blackcap, 17x Mute Swan (a report of 18), 22x Tufted Duck, 10x Great Crested Grebe, 5x Chiffchaff, 2x Grey Wagtail, 2x Willow Warbler, Willow Tit, the 1st juv Magpie of the year, Reed Bunting, Grey Heron and 2x Black-headed Gulls flying over.

Thursday 15 April 2010

15 April 2010

Left the house nice an early this morning, 06.00, it was cold, dry and bright with a light ground frost, there was no wind of note, fingers crossed we will have some rain over the weekend and hopefully something dropping in.
Along the canal the Grey Wagtail was singing on the wires and a Swallow was flying in an out of the old pottery buildings.
Again as I entered the park both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were singing only saw two Willows all visit and a total of five Chiffchaffs.
Walked through the back wood and over the grass mound and then down along the old railway sidings, very little of note except a Blackcap (in total 3 seen) singing by the sidings.
On the model boating lake, just 2x Mute Swans and the usual 2x Great Crested Grebes.
On the main lake, 12x Mute Swans, 6x Great Crested Grebes, 27x Tufted Ducks and the male Shoveler, a adult Herring Gull briefly landed on the water with the Lesser Black-backed Gulls, along the grass verge 4x Little Ringed Plovers where flying around and displaying. As we walked along the bank towards the sidings a Sparrowhawk flew over.
In the wood/pools area it was rather quiet, the pair of Teal where on the middle pool, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaffs where singing. At the top of the main lake a Reed Bunting was calling and on the old gas works 5x Stock Doves where on the pylons.

In total 39 species were seen.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

13 April 2010

A quick visit to the lake this morning due to a early appointment at the dreaded dentist, got down there at 06.30 til 08.40, weather was dry, sunny and cool with a slight ground frost in places, very little breeze of note.

As I entered the park area the first bird I heard was a Chiffchaff, in total I had five during the visit. Nearby the first of two Willow Warblers was also singing away. On the model boating lake were 3x Tufted Duck and 2x Great Crested Grebes.
On the grass verge in front of the main lake 3x Little Ringed Plovers where running around until spooked by a dog walker and flying off south. On the main lake 16x Tufted Duck, another 9x Great Crested Grebes and 16x Mute Swans, the highest count of the month. A Grey Heron also flew over calling away.
Towards the wood/pools area and the first of 4x Blackcap singing by the old railway sidings, a pair of Teal are still on the middle pool and the Reed Bunting on the top pool, where the Mute Swan continues too sit on her nest in the middle of the reeds.
On the old gas works the only birds of note were 3x Stock Doves on the pylons.

In total only 34 species were seen, but I did kind of rush around.

At 08.30 Nick Smith had a Peregrine fly through.

Monday 12 April 2010

Brief Catch up

I've not been around for a few day's, working hard for British Waterways, anyway the following was past to me by Nick Smith, 11/4, 2x Little Ringed Plover, 1x Cormorant, 4x Teal and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

12/4, again 2x Little Ringed Plover, 2x Teal and 1x Shoveler.

Also Nick has received a report of a Ring-billed Gull on Easter Monday, if anyone knows anything about this record could you please let us know, either via the blog, contact Nick (on birdforum), or call into the visitors centre and let the warden know. Thanks.

Friday 9 April 2010

09 April 2010

Down Westport this morning from 06.40 - 08.40 and the weather was really too nice for anything to drop in, clear skies, warmish and no wind turning the lake into a millpond. We need some rain to drop the birds in.
On the model boating lake, 2x Great Crested Grebe, must be due to hatch soon, 3x Mute Swans and a couple of extra Greylag Geese.
On the main lake another 10x Great Crested Grebes, the highest count this month, 30x Tufted Duck, the Grey Heron fishing at the top and 16x Lesser Black-backed Gulls, five where on the lake and the rest flying over. as I made my way to the first gate towards the wood/pools area a male Blackcap was singing in the thicket, as I tried to get views of it I flushed a Robin from it's nest of five eggs, so I moved on quickly to leave it in peace.
By the first gate Chiffchaff was singing and a pair of Willow Tit going through the bushes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming, by the top pool a couple more Chiffchaff, another Blackcap and a male Reed Bunting, a pair of Teal flew from the middle pool down to the bottom one.
On the old gas works 3x Stock Doves where on the pylons, another couple of Chiffchaff, 2x Willow Warblers and a male Bullfinch, as I made my way back down to the Visitors Centre 2x Grey Wagtails where on the old beach.

Total species seen 38.

Thursday 8 April 2010

8 April 2010

Westport this morning from 06.40 til 08.40, weather was very bright and sunny, very little cloud cover and a light frost, no breeze of note.
Almost the first bird I saw was a Cormorant flying low north over the canal and along the lake and then on over the A500, this is the first one i've seen this year. by the entrance to Westport the first of 5x Willow Warblers was singing, and on the opposite side the first of 6x Chiffchaff.
On the model boating lake 2x Tufted Duck, 2x Great Crested Grebe & 8x Mute Swans.
On the main lake 20x Tufted Duck, which is well down from yesterday, they must of moved on with the clear night, 7x Great Crested Grebe, 2x Mute Swans, 4x Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2x adult Herring Gulls.
After meeting up with Adam (birdforum) and a quick chat I went into the wood/pools area, by the first gate a pair of Blackcap were singing and chattering away, further along I watched a Willow Tit taking nest material into a hole in a tree, a Great spotted Woodpecker was calling but I could'nt see it, up by the top pool 2x male Blackcap and 1x female where all together, and the male Reed Bunting was calling by the reeds, a pair of Teal flew from the pool and a pair of Bullfinches flew across.
On the old gas works and their wasn't much of note except a single Stock Dove on the pylons.
As I made my way along the canal side of the main lake another male Reed Bunting was calling from the top of a tree.

Total species seen was 37.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

07 April 2010

Was out by 06.10 this morning, there was a slight drizzle and it was cool as the morning progressed the drizzle eased off, but it remained dull and overcast with little breeze of note.
I made my way along the top wood where I heard the first of 7x Chiffchaff, along the grass mound and out onto the model boating lake, there where only 2x Mute Swans on here and of course the pair of Great Crested Grebe, also a pair of Tufted Duck, by the old railway sidings a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming.
On the main lake another 8x Mute Swans, 36x Tufted Duck and 3x adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6x Great Crested Grebe. As I walked along the lake edge I noticed the Grey Heron on top of a Magpie nest, I wasn't sure but thought it could be trying to get too the young Magpies.
Into the wood/pools area and the first of 5x Willow Warblers, a Sparrowhawk flew over and by the top pool the male Reed Bunting was calling away, a pair of Blackcap where also of note.
Back onto the main lake and 8+ Sand Martins where flying across the lake and the male Shoveler was again sticking close to a female Mallard.
On the old gas works 3x Stock Doves and 4x Curlew flew over.
Back at the top of the main lake and there was over 40+ Sand Martins and 6+ Swallows flying around and landing at the top of a tall dead tree. I walked down the canal side of the lake and by the Visitor Centre noticed 2x Little Ringed Plover on the grass edge.

Total species seen was 43, the highest count of the month so far.

Back down at Westport from 17.30 til 19.40, the weather was much better, very dry and sunny, but with a strong north/northwest breeze which eased off as the sun went down.
I've just added the birds that I didn't see this morning, first was 2x Grey Wagtail on the edge of the main lake, in the pools/wood area 3x Willow Tit, 1x Coal Tit and 1x pair of Teal.
Back on the main lake and a House Martin was in a flock of about 100+ Sand Martin and Swallows, finally as I walked down the canal side of the lake a pair of Treecreepers where making there way along the trees.

Total number of species seen for the day is 49, my best ever count for a day so far this year.

Tuesday 6 April 2010

6 April 2010

Just made a quick visit this afternoon from 17.50 - 19.00, Phil Jones had a Kittiwake at 16.40, the third record of the year at Westport, and I still haven't seen any this year, so I was hoping to catch up with this one.
I did a quick check of the model boating lake, the pair of Great Crested Grebe still at the nest and 10 Mute Swans, at the main lake, not a Gull in site, counted another five Great Crested Grebe and 26 Tufted Duck, the lowest count of the month so far. At the top end of the lake 17+ Swallows where flying around catching the many insects that seems to be about on this quite warm afternoon. A adult Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in but sadly no Kittiwake, and the Grey Heron flew in to start it's late afternoon feed.
I did a quick check of the pool/wood area, 4 Chiffchaff and 3 Willow Warblers where singing, by the top pool a pair of Bullfinch, Willow Tit and a female Blackcap to go with the male I had seen the previous day.
As I made my way back along the main lake 8+ Sand Martins flew through, I tried hard to find a House Martin among them but no luck.

Total species seen 31.

Monday 5 April 2010

05 April 2010

It had rained very heavy overnight so everywhere was very wet under foot, very overcast and cool, forgot to make a note of the breeze.
As usual the Grey Wagtail was along the canal singing away, I made my way through the top wood and over the grass mound, along the sidings and then down to the model boating lake, 11x Mute Swans where on here nearly all young ones from last year, the two Great Crested Grebe still sitting on the nest.
On the main lake counted another 4x Great Crested Grebe and 33x Tufted Duck, no sign of the Shoveler or Goldeneye which had returned yesterday, they have started to move about a bit now. The Grey Heron was doing it's usual tour of the lake and a couple of adult Lesser Black-backed Gull where on the lake.
I met up with Nick and we went through to the wood/pool area, Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming, Chiffchaff calling (in total saw/heard 6), up by the top pool we had a male Reed Bunting, the second one, the first was in the trees by the visitors centre, 2x Willow Warblers where also singing in the top pool area, there was another 2x Mute Swans in the reed bed, Nick left for his hols (jammy sod) and I decided to have a look in the old gas works area, a single Kestrel was hovering over the grass area and at the same time 3x Swallows flew over and a single Sand Martin.
I made my way back to the top pool and had a male Blackcap and a male Bullfinch.
I came back out to the main lake and counted another 2x Sand Martins and 10x Swallows, on the grass verge a Oystercatcher was feeding as I walked round to the Visitors Centre 2x Mistle Thrush flew over a Grey Wagtail was on the beach area and I watched the Grey Heron catch and devour a large Pike, as I had another look at the Oystercatcher again and I noticed a Little Ringed Plover also on the grass verge.

Total species seen 40.

Also recorded by Phil Jones later in the day, 2x Willow Warbler and Blackcap still present, Green Woodpecker calling on the old gas works, first record for the month.

Back down to Westport from 17.45 - 19.40, it was very dull an overcast with light showers, a slight breeze from the south/southwest, additional species seen were, Coal Tit x1, Willow Tit x1 and Jay x2 all in the wood area at the back of the grass mound.
In the wood/pools area the male Shoveler was back, it seems to have paired up with a female Mallard so we will have too see what happens.

Total species seen for the day is 44.

Sunday 4 April 2010

04 April 2010

Unfortunatley I was unable to get down to Westport today, but Nick Smith kindly kept me upto date with what was recorded.

Highlights where a Kittiwake flying around, a Fieldfare flew over and the Blackcap was still present by the top pool, a small passage of Meadow Pipits flew through and after missing for a day the pair of Goldeneye and male Shoveler returned.
The Kittiwake was still present at 07.40 sticking close to the Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Later in the day a report was received from Pete Lunt of 2x male Shoveler being present at Westport.

Saturday 3 April 2010

03 April 2010

Left nice and early this morning, in fact I was so early (06.00) it was still dark, so used my ears instead of my bins and made a note of what I heard (which was just the usual), decided to start at Westport by walking through the wood at the back of the model boating lake and then onto the grass mound on the other side, it was still fairly dark and only noted the commoner stuff.

As I walked along the old railway siding I thought I heard a Curlew calling overhead, but I was unable to locate it, Checking the model boating lake and two Little Ringed Plover where on the far bank, two Great Crested Grebe were in the usual place, 2x Tufted Duck but no Mute Swans.
I made my way to the main lake to count the duck, Tufted Duck numbered 27, 6x Mute Swans but no Goldeneye or Shoveler, both have been long stayers, again I heard Curlew calling, this time I located it, it kept flying around looking as though it wanted to land, after about 15/20 mins it gave up and headed off south. There were 2x Grey Heron on the main lake one was mobbed by a Lesser Black-backed Gull and did'nt hang around, at the top end of the lake a Swallow flew through.
I made my way into the wood/pools area again Chiffchaff was singing away, by the end of the day we had counted at least 10+, 2x Willow Warbler where by the bottom pool plus 3x Willow Tit, a pair of Bullfinch where by the 2nd gate and a single Teal flew from the 2nd pool, by the top pool still a pair of Mute Swan and the male Reed Bunting calling.
Checked out the old gas works where 2/4 Stock Doves were flying around, a single Jackdaw flew over followed by another 2 later on, on the wires by the canal 5x Swallow were resting on the wires.

Total species seen was 40.

Also recorded later in the day a male Blackcap by the top pool, seen by Dave Kelshall.

Friday 2 April 2010

02 April 2010

Left the house at 06.20 this morning and was making a note of the birds I could hear calling, as I made my way around to the canal I realised i'd forgotten my bins!, a great start.

The weather was cool but dry, heavy cloud coverage and a slight south/southeast breeze.
Again the Grey Wagtail was on the canal a male singing away, but no sign of a mate as yet, along to the model boat lake and the Great Crested Grebe are still sitting plus the five first year Mute Swans. On to the main lake and again this morning a Little Ringed Plover on the grass verge but no sign of the other one this morning. Counted the Tufted Duck x33 and Great Crested Grebe x5, the pair of Goldeneye are still present and the single male Shoveler although it's getting abit more flighty at the moment. As usual the Grey Heron was on the main lake fishing, we watched it catch a fish later on in the morning and swallowed it in one go.
Into the wood/pools area and the Chiffchaff was singing away in the same place as yesterday, all together we counted 7/8 singing, only one Willow Warbler today so looks like the others have past through. At the top pool the Mute Swans continue nest building and a male Reed Bunting was calling in the small reedbed. On the old gas works another Grey Heron flew over making two for the day, a couple more Chiffchaff here and Bullfinch but not much else.
On returning to the main lake a single Swallow flew through.

Total species seen was 37.

Also later on in the morning Pete Lunt recorded the following, Swallow x2 flying over, Chiffchaff x2, Bullfinch x8 (Very good count), Little Ringed Plover x2, Buzzard flying over and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Thursday 1 April 2010

01 April 2010

Left the house this morning at 06.30, there was snow on the ground, it was rather cold and I was well wrapped up, is this an April's Fool!!

As usual the Grey Wagtail was singing away on the canal, the model boating lake had the pair of Great Crested Grebe and 5x Mute Swans, I made my way down to the main lake to do the duck count, in front of the grass verge there was a Little Ringed Plover as I watched fly high and north it was joined by another one, back to the duck count and Tufted Ducks were up to 39, the pair of Goldeneye are still present, another 4x Great Crested Grebe and the Grey Heron was walking along the path.
I made my way to the first gate into the wood/pools, here I had my first of 2 Willow Warblers and the first of 4 Chiffchaff, again a pair of Teal flew from the brook and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker landed on a tree in front of me, a single Redwing popped out of a bush at the side of the gate, I thought I may of seen the last of these til autumn, but given the weather I shouldn't of been surprised.
Up by the top pool another pair of Mute Swans are nesting and the male Shoveler was on here, in the Tit flock a Coal Tit was present and at least 4 Willow Tit with two excavating a hole in a tree, a Reed Bunting was also calling by the pool.
Just after I'd left Nick and made my way along the canal side of the main lake I noticed a large bird of prey flying across the lake, it was a lovely male Peregrine, it flew along the lake up an over the wood/pools and then up and over Bradwell Wood, I have seen Peregrine here before a lot of years ago with Bill Lowe so it was a nice finish to the morning.

Total species seen was 41.