Last day of the month and hopefully over the coming weeks we will start to see some migration movement, things have been a bit slow over the last week or two, this morning was much the same as yesterday really and feel like I'm just repeating what I've said and seen over the last couple of weeks, but that's the joy of June, no movement or very little anyway and lots of n young birds hopping and calling from the water or trees.
It was another warm morning but with a bit more cloud coverage, breeze was light and from the west/northwest and temp was 18c, visit was from 06.10 - 08.15.
A couple of young Moorhens were being fed along the car park and boating lake, they looked about a day or two in age, the Great Crested Grebes were still on the boating lake with the two young which are starting to explore around the lake a bit, 11 Black-headed Gulls went through north after having a rest on the ramp and water, Mute Swans were 34 in number including the single cygnet, Tufted Ducks have started to increase slowly with a count of 25, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went over also heading north, 3 Blackcaps were heard calling from the usual places and a family of young Greenfinches were on the sidings.
The 4 Greylag Geese are still with the Domestic flock on the main lake, a couple of Willow Tits were calling along the bottom of the nature reserve, 2 Treecreepers were at the top end near the top pool and a couple of Reed Warblers here as well, 3 Whitethroats on the old sewage works with a single Chiffchaff, a Shoveler was in the middle of the main lake and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard in the nature reserve,
Total species seen 37.
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Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
29 June 2010
Another warm start to the morning but also damp after overnight rain, slight more cloud coverage, fair breeze from the west/northwest, temp 18c rising to 20c, visit from 05.45 - 07.55.
Another new brood of 8 Mallard chicks on the main lake this morning as they continue with possible second broods, again the young Swallows are by the canal buildings as I came into the bottom entrance of the park, after messing up the Canada Goose count yesterday I was a bit more careful today, total was 293 and included the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, a single Grey Heron was fishing around the boating lake as usual and a pair of Tufted Duck on here with another 16 on the main lake, the usual 4 Great Crested Grebe on the boating lake and 14 on the main lake with possibly 3 pairs nesting, Black-headed Gulls continue to go through north with 12 today, a total of 35 Mute Swans on the main lake including the single cygnet, 20+ Swifts over the main lake, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, 4 Greylag Geese seemed to have joined in with the Domestic flock, a single Blackcap was singing around the boating lake.
The pair of Shoveler were on the middle pool in the nature reserve and a couple of Reed Warblers on the top pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a single male Bullfinch flew over, also a couple of Collared Doves here as well, on the old sewage works a single Whitethroat and a family party at the opposite end plus a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker in a Birch tree.
Total species seen 37.
Another new brood of 8 Mallard chicks on the main lake this morning as they continue with possible second broods, again the young Swallows are by the canal buildings as I came into the bottom entrance of the park, after messing up the Canada Goose count yesterday I was a bit more careful today, total was 293 and included the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, a single Grey Heron was fishing around the boating lake as usual and a pair of Tufted Duck on here with another 16 on the main lake, the usual 4 Great Crested Grebe on the boating lake and 14 on the main lake with possibly 3 pairs nesting, Black-headed Gulls continue to go through north with 12 today, a total of 35 Mute Swans on the main lake including the single cygnet, 20+ Swifts over the main lake, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, 4 Greylag Geese seemed to have joined in with the Domestic flock, a single Blackcap was singing around the boating lake.
The pair of Shoveler were on the middle pool in the nature reserve and a couple of Reed Warblers on the top pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a single male Bullfinch flew over, also a couple of Collared Doves here as well, on the old sewage works a single Whitethroat and a family party at the opposite end plus a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker in a Birch tree.
Total species seen 37.
Monday, 28 June 2010
28 June 2010
Still very warm 18c and dry, very little cloud cover, breeze was light and from the south, visit was from 05.45 - 08.00.
Young Swallows are now out from the old buildings along the canal, a steady stream of Black-headed Gulls were flying through heading north, 13 went through while I was there, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker was moving around the park, on the model boating lake the the Great Crested Grebe family were all in the middle with the young trying a bit of diving, also a single Mute Swan on here, with another 33 on the main lake and another 8 Great Crested Grebe on the main lake, the 4 Greylag Geese were on the edge of the main lake, and 16 Tufted Duck on here, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, the Shoveler pair seemed to be getting on together both were sat on the edge of the main lake preening, a Kingfisher was fishing from the trees overhanging the top of the main lake this is the first record since March, a single Bullfinch was calling along the edge of the nature reserve and the Chiffchaffs were in the usual places, at least 3 Reed Warblers on the top pool and a Whitethroat close by plus 1 on the old sewage works, just heard 1 Blackcap near the top entrance.
Total species seen 38.
Young Swallows are now out from the old buildings along the canal, a steady stream of Black-headed Gulls were flying through heading north, 13 went through while I was there, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker was moving around the park, on the model boating lake the the Great Crested Grebe family were all in the middle with the young trying a bit of diving, also a single Mute Swan on here, with another 33 on the main lake and another 8 Great Crested Grebe on the main lake, the 4 Greylag Geese were on the edge of the main lake, and 16 Tufted Duck on here, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, the Shoveler pair seemed to be getting on together both were sat on the edge of the main lake preening, a Kingfisher was fishing from the trees overhanging the top of the main lake this is the first record since March, a single Bullfinch was calling along the edge of the nature reserve and the Chiffchaffs were in the usual places, at least 3 Reed Warblers on the top pool and a Whitethroat close by plus 1 on the old sewage works, just heard 1 Blackcap near the top entrance.
Total species seen 38.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
27 June 2010
As Nick had tired me out with our day out yeasterday I didn't make it down this morning but as ever Mr Reliable Nick Smith did and what a good morning he had with the 4th ever record of Nuthatch in the trees by the model boating lake and the playing field, he also had 2 Shoveler and 3 Linnets over.
27 June 2010
It's been a bit of a manic week with one thing and another so got a bit of catching up to do, so will start with the 24th, counted the Canada Geese which totalled 266 including 37 young and still the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Great Crested Grebes still 2 with 2 young on the model boating lake and 16 on the main lake, the male Shoveler still present, 2 Grey Herons, 33 Mute Swans all on the main lake includes 1 cygnet, 6 Tufted Duck made up of 5 males and 1 female on the main lake, Chiffchaff total was 3 in the usual places, young Coal Tit by the model boating lake, a family of Blackcaps were seen, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker and single Willow Tit, the 4 Greylag Geese still present, Reed Warbler was singing at the top pool and a single Stock Dove at the old gas works with young Swallows and a single Whitethroat.
25 June like most of the last week was much the same as before, again young Swallows are at the old gas works, young of most species were all over the park, with Tits, Robins, Dunnock all with young, another count of the Canada Geese produced 265, Coal Tits seemed to have separated and were in several places around the park, Great Crested Grebes numbered 17 on both lakes, again 2 Grey Herons, 33 Mute Swans on the main lake and as usual 4 Greylag Geese, Tufted Duck numbers were up with 15 all on the main lake, the usual 3 Chiffchaffs were singing and 2 Blackcaps were heard, a single Willow Tit in the Nature Reserve and 2 Reed Warblers at the top pool, a single Whitethroat and Stock Dove at the old gas works, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was along the canal side of the main lake.
26 June was a quick visit due to heading of to Cambridgeshire for the Blue-winged Teal, Tufted Ducks were back down to the usual 8 males, Greylag Geese 4, the hybrid CanadaxGreylag Goose is still with the Canada Geese, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was along the canal side of the main lake, Mute Swans were up by one to 34 including the cygnet, 3 Little Ringed Plovers flew around the main lake, 16 Great Crested Grebes on both lakes, Blackcap heard, Chiffchaff in the nature reserve, the Shoveler was in the middle pool, at least 5 Reed Warblers on the top pool with possible young heard, a single Whitethroat and Treecreeper near the top entrance.
25 June like most of the last week was much the same as before, again young Swallows are at the old gas works, young of most species were all over the park, with Tits, Robins, Dunnock all with young, another count of the Canada Geese produced 265, Coal Tits seemed to have separated and were in several places around the park, Great Crested Grebes numbered 17 on both lakes, again 2 Grey Herons, 33 Mute Swans on the main lake and as usual 4 Greylag Geese, Tufted Duck numbers were up with 15 all on the main lake, the usual 3 Chiffchaffs were singing and 2 Blackcaps were heard, a single Willow Tit in the Nature Reserve and 2 Reed Warblers at the top pool, a single Whitethroat and Stock Dove at the old gas works, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was along the canal side of the main lake.
26 June was a quick visit due to heading of to Cambridgeshire for the Blue-winged Teal, Tufted Ducks were back down to the usual 8 males, Greylag Geese 4, the hybrid CanadaxGreylag Goose is still with the Canada Geese, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was along the canal side of the main lake, Mute Swans were up by one to 34 including the cygnet, 3 Little Ringed Plovers flew around the main lake, 16 Great Crested Grebes on both lakes, Blackcap heard, Chiffchaff in the nature reserve, the Shoveler was in the middle pool, at least 5 Reed Warblers on the top pool with possible young heard, a single Whitethroat and Treecreeper near the top entrance.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
23 June 2010
A bit more cloud this morning with a mist over the lake, still warm 18c, no wind of note, sun breaking through slowly, visit was from 05.15 til 07.25.
The hybrid Canada Goose is still with the large Canada flock on the model boating lake, the opinion seemed to be that it is a Canada x Greylag, the Shoveler was also here it's starting to look rather tatty as he goes through his moult, a Grey Heron was fishing on the edge of the boating lake as was the Great Crested Grebe feeding his young, a Black-headed Gull flew through the main lake, 2 Little Ringed Plovers on the grass bank with young Pied Wagtails, 33 Mute Swans on the main lake including the 1 cygnet and 6 male and 1 female Tufted Duck.
The 4 Greylag Geese were on the grass verge and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull on the main lake, a group of young Robins were by the sidings with a pair of Bullfinches, also had Bullfinch at top pool and old sewage works, 2 Treecreepers on the tree line on the canal side of the main lake, a single Mistle Thrush on the playing field and they were also heard by the top entrance, Blackcap was heard by the sidings and also in the Nature Reserve, also Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and sewage works, Willow Tit was heard near the bottom pool and 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, a few Coal Tits were heard today with at least 3 involved, 1 by the top pool, 1 by the top entrance and at the same time 1 opposite it, a single Stock Dove was on the old gas works, a Sparrowhawk flew across the sewage works near the canal and finally just 1 Whitethroat here as well.
Total species seen 41.
The hybrid Canada Goose is still with the large Canada flock on the model boating lake, the opinion seemed to be that it is a Canada x Greylag, the Shoveler was also here it's starting to look rather tatty as he goes through his moult, a Grey Heron was fishing on the edge of the boating lake as was the Great Crested Grebe feeding his young, a Black-headed Gull flew through the main lake, 2 Little Ringed Plovers on the grass bank with young Pied Wagtails, 33 Mute Swans on the main lake including the 1 cygnet and 6 male and 1 female Tufted Duck.
The 4 Greylag Geese were on the grass verge and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull on the main lake, a group of young Robins were by the sidings with a pair of Bullfinches, also had Bullfinch at top pool and old sewage works, 2 Treecreepers on the tree line on the canal side of the main lake, a single Mistle Thrush on the playing field and they were also heard by the top entrance, Blackcap was heard by the sidings and also in the Nature Reserve, also Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and sewage works, Willow Tit was heard near the bottom pool and 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, a few Coal Tits were heard today with at least 3 involved, 1 by the top pool, 1 by the top entrance and at the same time 1 opposite it, a single Stock Dove was on the old gas works, a Sparrowhawk flew across the sewage works near the canal and finally just 1 Whitethroat here as well.
Total species seen 41.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
22 June 2010
Wasn't able to get down to Westport today, but Nick Smith and Steve Seal recorded the following.
Little Ringed Plover x2 adults, Shoveler, Great Spotted Woodpecker x 2, Reed Warbler x 2, Grey Wagtail x 1 male, Willow Tit x 5 (3 Juv), Grey Heron x 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull x 6 over, Tufted Duck x9, Great Crested Grebe x18, Mute Swan x33, Hybrid Goose still present, Black-headed Gull and 2 juvenile Swallows on the old gas works.
Later in the afternoon, Steve Seal had a Hobby through, (see enclosed photo's)
Little Ringed Plover x2 adults, Shoveler, Great Spotted Woodpecker x 2, Reed Warbler x 2, Grey Wagtail x 1 male, Willow Tit x 5 (3 Juv), Grey Heron x 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull x 6 over, Tufted Duck x9, Great Crested Grebe x18, Mute Swan x33, Hybrid Goose still present, Black-headed Gull and 2 juvenile Swallows on the old gas works.
Later in the afternoon, Steve Seal had a Hobby through, (see enclosed photo's)
Monday, 21 June 2010
21 June 2010
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Warm start again getting very warm later, 15c, very little cloud coverage and very slight northerly breeze, visit was from 05.30 - 08.00.
The Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake have been playing games with us, today there was clearly 3 young after only seeing 2 for the last 3 days, with 16 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake we think this breaks the record for the largest count of Grebes at Westport, a single Grey Heron was on the model boating lake, a family party of Little Ringed Plovers totalled 5 showing that they have breed locally, Mute Swans were all on the main lake totalling 33 and also 6 male and 1 female Tufted Duck, a Black-headed Gull flew over the main lake and later I had 1 flying over the old gas works, the 4 Greylag Geese were on the model boating lake and with the Canada Geese and hybrid Canada x Greylag (see attached photos) this is a first for Westport.
A total of 4 Blackcap were seen at various parts of the park, again a Chiffchaff was by the middle part of the Nature Reserve and 1 was on the old sewage works, the Treecreeper family were going through the middle of the Nature Reserve, by the top pool 2 Reed Warblers and on the sewage works 4 Whitethroats including a family party, a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the gas works going north, and a Reed Bunting was calling nearby, just 1 Stock Dove by the railway line and finally a Mistle Thrush was on the playing field.
Total species seen 38.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
20 June 2010
Cool start 12c but warmed up quickly to 21c, very little cloud cover so bright sunshine, very little wind poss northerly, visit was from 05.40 - 08.25.
2nd part of the 'WEBS' duck count weekend, counted the Canada Geese which are up to 294 including 39 Goslings, most of which are now nearly full adults a lot of the Canada Geese seemed to now be flightless as they continue there moult, again 2 Grey Herons were present one on each lake and the 4 Greylag Geese seem to be spending most of there time with the Domestic Geese, the other count we did today was Coots, 54 adults and 33 young from 12 broods and 2 still possibly sitting eggs, still a pair of Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake with 2 young and another 12 Grebes on the main lake, Mute Swans were 31 which includes 1 Cygnet, good numbers of Little Ringed Plovers on the grass verge with 3 this morning, I did wonder if 2 were possible youngsters but only got them in flight, 4 male Tufted Ducks on the main lake with a single male Pochard again.
A single Mistle Thrush flew over the playing field, Blackcaps have gone a bit quiet, 1 was near Price's field, 1 at the top pool and a pair with young on the old sewage works, had a couple of Willow Tits on the sidings and a possible family party near the middle pool in the Nature Reserve, a single Chiffchaff was singing near the same place and 2 were on the sewage works, in the top pool reeds at least 3 Reed Warblers, 'Sammy' Shoveler was on the bottom pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a Jay from there flying over the tree line of Bradwell Woods, a couple of Whitethroats on the sewage works and finally a Sparrowhawk flew over the canal carrying prey in it's talons.
Total species seen 40.
2nd part of the 'WEBS' duck count weekend, counted the Canada Geese which are up to 294 including 39 Goslings, most of which are now nearly full adults a lot of the Canada Geese seemed to now be flightless as they continue there moult, again 2 Grey Herons were present one on each lake and the 4 Greylag Geese seem to be spending most of there time with the Domestic Geese, the other count we did today was Coots, 54 adults and 33 young from 12 broods and 2 still possibly sitting eggs, still a pair of Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake with 2 young and another 12 Grebes on the main lake, Mute Swans were 31 which includes 1 Cygnet, good numbers of Little Ringed Plovers on the grass verge with 3 this morning, I did wonder if 2 were possible youngsters but only got them in flight, 4 male Tufted Ducks on the main lake with a single male Pochard again.
A single Mistle Thrush flew over the playing field, Blackcaps have gone a bit quiet, 1 was near Price's field, 1 at the top pool and a pair with young on the old sewage works, had a couple of Willow Tits on the sidings and a possible family party near the middle pool in the Nature Reserve, a single Chiffchaff was singing near the same place and 2 were on the sewage works, in the top pool reeds at least 3 Reed Warblers, 'Sammy' Shoveler was on the bottom pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a Jay from there flying over the tree line of Bradwell Woods, a couple of Whitethroats on the sewage works and finally a Sparrowhawk flew over the canal carrying prey in it's talons.
Total species seen 40.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Photo's
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Just a few photo's that I took down at Westport this afternoon, a bit quiet on the birding front, additions to this morning were 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls sat on the main lake and another 2 Tufted Ducks plus on the middle pool in the Nature Reserve a family of Moorhens.
The photo's consist of Marsh Orchid, Speckled Wood Butterfly, Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly and another possible Orchid that I'm awaiting identification on, if anyone can help please let me know, I'm not sure it's even a Orchid.
19 June 2010
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Cloudy, cool start to the morning 13c, warming up to 18c with sunny intervals quite windy with the wind coming from the northeast, visit was from 06.15 - 08.40.
As part of the 'WEBS' duck count this weekend, we counted the Mallards, the total was 168 which included 8 broods and 30 ducklings, we did the Canada Geese yesterday and tomorrow it's the turn of the Coots, Great Crested Grebe still have 2 young on the model boating lake and there are 12 Grebes on the main lake, one pair have failed but another two pair are sitting, Mute Swans are all still on the main lake with 30, 3 flew off yesterday and obviously haven't come back, Tufted Ducks are down to just 3 males but a nice addition this morning was a single male Pochard, the 4 Greylag Geese are still present.
On the top pool in the Nature Reserve 2 Reed Warblers were singing, a Willow Tit was calling near the bottom pool and still a Chiffchaff nearby plus the Chiffchaff on the old sewage works, a Blackcap was also on the sewage works and a Willow Warbler singing here as well, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, Whitethroats totalled 3 plus a couple of young on the sewage works, by the top entrance a family party of at least 4 Treecreepers confirmed only the second ever breeding record, the male Shoveler was on the grass verge and lastly a couple of House Martins with a few Swallows on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 39.
The attached photo is I think Marsh Orchid taken this morning.
Friday, 18 June 2010
18 June 2010
Warm morning 18c but cloudy with a little mist, no wind of note, short visit again from 05.40 - 06.50.
Mallards seem to be on there 2nd brood with several broods of ducklings about the park, Canada Geese are edging up to nearly 300 with a total of 276 which includes 39 young, somewhere along the line we have lost some goslings, Mute Swans still total 33 all on the main lake, 3 did fly off south early on and still one youngster, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull went through with a single Black-headed Gull and Nick had 3 Herring Gulls going north, the Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake seem to have lost a chick leaving 2, a total of 12 were on the main lake with poss 2 pairs nesting, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were moving between the boating lake and grass verge this morning.
Tufted Ducks have dropped off again with just 3 males, 4 Greylag Geese are still present, Blackcaps counted at 6 which included a family party on the edge of the old sewage works, Chiffchaffs are up to 5 singing all around various parts of the park, a Garden Warbler was singing by the boardwalk bridge in the Nature Reserve and 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a singing Willow Warbler by the railway line, only 1 Whitethroat was heard, a good count of 4 Collared Doves by the canal was possibly a family group and another 2 were on the edge of the main lake, finally a Great Spotted Woodpecker was on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 41.
Mallards seem to be on there 2nd brood with several broods of ducklings about the park, Canada Geese are edging up to nearly 300 with a total of 276 which includes 39 young, somewhere along the line we have lost some goslings, Mute Swans still total 33 all on the main lake, 3 did fly off south early on and still one youngster, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull went through with a single Black-headed Gull and Nick had 3 Herring Gulls going north, the Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake seem to have lost a chick leaving 2, a total of 12 were on the main lake with poss 2 pairs nesting, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were moving between the boating lake and grass verge this morning.
Tufted Ducks have dropped off again with just 3 males, 4 Greylag Geese are still present, Blackcaps counted at 6 which included a family party on the edge of the old sewage works, Chiffchaffs are up to 5 singing all around various parts of the park, a Garden Warbler was singing by the boardwalk bridge in the Nature Reserve and 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a singing Willow Warbler by the railway line, only 1 Whitethroat was heard, a good count of 4 Collared Doves by the canal was possibly a family group and another 2 were on the edge of the main lake, finally a Great Spotted Woodpecker was on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 41.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
17 June 2010
Another dry warm morning, very little breeze or cloud, temp 14c quickly rising to 20c. Was quite a quick visit this morning from 06.15 - 07.50.
The Canada Geese creche was against the car park this morning totalling 36 young with another small group of 3 a bit further along, a group of 6 young Mallard are on the model boating lake all with pink rings on them, on the main lake 9 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall which seemed to be made up of the parents with 3 young were in the centre of the main lake at one point they flew off did a quick fly round and then landed back in the middle (see Steve Seals photo of one), a Grey Heron flew across the lake and a Lesser Black-backed Gull, the family of Great Crested Grebes are still as they were with another 11 on the main lake, the Greylag Geese are still present and the Mute Swans have increased slightly to 33, a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were flying all over the place this morning, poss 2 females. Just before I arrived Steve Seal had a Little Ringed Plover on the beach (See photo).
Had 3 Chiffchaffs this morning, in the usual places, 1 on the Nature Reserve, 1 on the old sewage works and 1 by the top entrance, the Shoveler was on the main lake, at least 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, 1 Stock Dove on the old gas works and unusually 1 Reed Bunting on here. Lastly as i left a Black-headed Gull landed on the main lake.
Total species seen 38.
Steve Seal Photo's
Yet again another set of excellent photo's from Steve Seal, they include a Broad-bodied Chaser, Large-red Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly.
Thank You
A big thanks to everyone for visiting the blog, and the kind comments I've received, I have now had over 1,000 visits to the blog, hope you have all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
I must just say thanks to Nick Smith, Steve Seal, Phil Jones and many others for all your contributions.
Thanks again, and here's to the next 1,000 visits.
Cheers.
I must just say thanks to Nick Smith, Steve Seal, Phil Jones and many others for all your contributions.
Thanks again, and here's to the next 1,000 visits.
Cheers.
17 June 2010
I recently missed a phone call from someone but they did leave a message, basically saying how much they enjoy reading the blog (thank you) and asking if I knew of any websites for birdwatching in the Scottish Highlands, unfortunately you didn't leave your phone number so I haven't been able to ring you back, so hopefully you will read this and give the following website a try.
http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukscotland.htm
Thanks again for the kind words and good luck.
I didn't get down to Westport yesterday but Mr Reliable Nick Smith did and recorded the following, male Gadwall on the main lake, 32 Mute Swans (Inc the youngster), 18 Great Crested Grebes (Inc 3 young), 6 Tufted Duck, a single singing Garden Warbler, a Black-headed Gull on the jetty, 5 Reed Warblers and 'Sammy' Shoveler.
http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukscotland.htm
Thanks again for the kind words and good luck.
I didn't get down to Westport yesterday but Mr Reliable Nick Smith did and recorded the following, male Gadwall on the main lake, 32 Mute Swans (Inc the youngster), 18 Great Crested Grebes (Inc 3 young), 6 Tufted Duck, a single singing Garden Warbler, a Black-headed Gull on the jetty, 5 Reed Warblers and 'Sammy' Shoveler.
Monday, 14 June 2010
14 June 2010
Damp start to the morning, slight breeze from the northwest, cloudy with sunny intervals, temp 13c. Was at Westport from 05.45 - 07.50.
As usual over recent days the Pied Wagtail family was feeding there young along the beach area and the 2 Great Crested Grebes are feeding there young on the model boating lake, on the main lake a pair of Great Crested Grebes are still sitting eggs and another 10 are present on the main lake, a Chiffchaff was calling from the car park this morning which is unusual, another was in the Nature Reserve one on the old gas works one on the old sewage works and one by the top entrance to the park,
a single Little Ringed Plover was on the beach and the 4 Greylag Geese were by the ramp, a total of 32 Mute Swans were on the main lake with a few going over to the boating lake later, 5 Tufted Ducks on the main lake and 50+ Swifts were flying over.
A single Grey Heron was again on the boating lake, a single Mistle Thrush on the 'Avenue', also along the 'Avenue' a pair of Blackcaps and a single male and also had a family party of Blackcaps going along the treeline on the canal side of the main lake, a Willow Tit was heard calling by the sidings, the Shoveler was on the bottom pool of the Nature Reserve and on the top pool a male Reed Bunting was calling and at least 3 Reed Warblers, on the old gas works a Willow Warbler, Stock Dove and 2 Collared Doves, and finally 2 Whitethroats on the old sewage works.
Total species seen 40.
Mid morning a Arctic Tern was reported passing through by Jeff Jones, it came in from the northeast, flew around the main lake for a short while before departing to the south just after 10am.
As usual over recent days the Pied Wagtail family was feeding there young along the beach area and the 2 Great Crested Grebes are feeding there young on the model boating lake, on the main lake a pair of Great Crested Grebes are still sitting eggs and another 10 are present on the main lake, a Chiffchaff was calling from the car park this morning which is unusual, another was in the Nature Reserve one on the old gas works one on the old sewage works and one by the top entrance to the park,
a single Little Ringed Plover was on the beach and the 4 Greylag Geese were by the ramp, a total of 32 Mute Swans were on the main lake with a few going over to the boating lake later, 5 Tufted Ducks on the main lake and 50+ Swifts were flying over.A single Grey Heron was again on the boating lake, a single Mistle Thrush on the 'Avenue', also along the 'Avenue' a pair of Blackcaps and a single male and also had a family party of Blackcaps going along the treeline on the canal side of the main lake, a Willow Tit was heard calling by the sidings, the Shoveler was on the bottom pool of the Nature Reserve and on the top pool a male Reed Bunting was calling and at least 3 Reed Warblers, on the old gas works a Willow Warbler, Stock Dove and 2 Collared Doves, and finally 2 Whitethroats on the old sewage works.
Total species seen 40.
Mid morning a Arctic Tern was reported passing through by Jeff Jones, it came in from the northeast, flew around the main lake for a short while before departing to the south just after 10am.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Steve Seal Photo's
A few photo's received from Steve Seal, showing, Reed Warbler, Large-red Damselfly and 'Sammy' Shoveler, note that the Shoveler has started to moult.
13 June2010
Wet start to the day, becoming brighter with sunny intervals, very little wind of note possibly from the north west, temp 15c which was much warmer than yesterday morning, was at Westport from 05.35 - 08.35.
First of all no sign at all of the Marbled Duck we had a good look around all pools and lakes (twice) and couldn't find it anywhere, quite a few young Woodpigeons were feeding on the playing field, on the main lake two female Mallards seemed to be bringing up 15 ducklings between them it was impossible to separate which young was with which parent, the young Canada Geese were on the car park all together there was 40, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through, and a group of 4 Greylag Geese flew over giving a total of 7 today, 2 Grey Herons were on the boating lake one was a juvenile, the pair of Great Crested Grebes are still feeding 3 young on here and at least 12 were on the main lake, 3 young Moorhens were on the small pool on the old gas works, on the main lake a total of 31 Mute Swans, we managed to get a couple of ring numbers to pass on, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge early but flew north when flushed.
Tufted Duck numbers have dropped to 6 all males except for a single female, along the 'Avenue I had 3 Blackcaps and a single in the Nature Reserve, a single Chiffchaff continues to sing in the Nature Reserve and one was by the old gas works and one on the old sewage works, 2 Jackdaws flew over the main lake calling as they headed south, 2 Coal Tits were by the sidings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling in the Nature Reserve and poss the same with another later on flew across the playing field, 'Sammy' Shoveler continues to spend time on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve and a Whitethroat was still singing here with young Whitethroats also seen on the old gas works and another 3-4 on the old sewage works, at least 3 Reed Warblers at the top pool with a Reed Bunting calling from near here, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and again a probable pair of Linnets flew across and onto the old sewage works, a Kestrel was hunting over here and unusually a single Willow Tit in the willows.
Total species seen 44.
First of all no sign at all of the Marbled Duck we had a good look around all pools and lakes (twice) and couldn't find it anywhere, quite a few young Woodpigeons were feeding on the playing field, on the main lake two female Mallards seemed to be bringing up 15 ducklings between them it was impossible to separate which young was with which parent, the young Canada Geese were on the car park all together there was 40, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through, and a group of 4 Greylag Geese flew over giving a total of 7 today, 2 Grey Herons were on the boating lake one was a juvenile, the pair of Great Crested Grebes are still feeding 3 young on here and at least 12 were on the main lake, 3 young Moorhens were on the small pool on the old gas works, on the main lake a total of 31 Mute Swans, we managed to get a couple of ring numbers to pass on, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge early but flew north when flushed.
Tufted Duck numbers have dropped to 6 all males except for a single female, along the 'Avenue I had 3 Blackcaps and a single in the Nature Reserve, a single Chiffchaff continues to sing in the Nature Reserve and one was by the old gas works and one on the old sewage works, 2 Jackdaws flew over the main lake calling as they headed south, 2 Coal Tits were by the sidings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling in the Nature Reserve and poss the same with another later on flew across the playing field, 'Sammy' Shoveler continues to spend time on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve and a Whitethroat was still singing here with young Whitethroats also seen on the old gas works and another 3-4 on the old sewage works, at least 3 Reed Warblers at the top pool with a Reed Bunting calling from near here, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works and again a probable pair of Linnets flew across and onto the old sewage works, a Kestrel was hunting over here and unusually a single Willow Tit in the willows.
Total species seen 44.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
12 June 2010
Cold start to the morning 13c, very strong north/northwesterly wind, good cloud coverage clearing up a bit and warmed up nicely when the sun came out, was at Westport from 05.40 - 08.00.
Great Crested Grebes are still feeding 3 young on the model boating lake and another 11/12 are on the main lake with a pair sitting eggs on there, a single Oystercatcher was on the grass verge it was then flushed by a fisherman, flew around the model boating lake for a few minutes and then headed off south, all the Mute Swans where again on the main lake with a total count of 29 plus 1 youngster, I managed to get 3 ring numbers off a group of 8 on the ramp and passed these onto Nick Smith who will send the information off the the relevant party, 9 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake all males except for a lone female which at one point was relocated in the Nature Reserve on the bottom pool with a male, a lone Herring Gull flew through heading north and 8+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through also all heading north.
The 4 Greylag Geese were in the middle of the main lake with the main group of well over 100 Canada Geese, there was no sign of the Canada creche and I only saw a group of 4 young Canada Geese, a single Little Ringed Plover flew from the beach and the Marbled Duck was on the bottom pool of the Nature Reserve with the male Shoveler and a Chiffchaff singing here with a Whitethroat also had another 3 Whitethroats on the old sewage works, also at the top pool the male Reed Bunting calling and 2 Reed Warblers, a Bullfinch also flew over, also had 2 Bullfinch on the old sewage works and 1 along the canal, 2 Stock Doves were on the old gas works and a Linnet flew over, only the 3rd record of the year, finally as I headed home a pair of Collared Doves were on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 40.
Great Crested Grebes are still feeding 3 young on the model boating lake and another 11/12 are on the main lake with a pair sitting eggs on there, a single Oystercatcher was on the grass verge it was then flushed by a fisherman, flew around the model boating lake for a few minutes and then headed off south, all the Mute Swans where again on the main lake with a total count of 29 plus 1 youngster, I managed to get 3 ring numbers off a group of 8 on the ramp and passed these onto Nick Smith who will send the information off the the relevant party, 9 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake all males except for a lone female which at one point was relocated in the Nature Reserve on the bottom pool with a male, a lone Herring Gull flew through heading north and 8+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through also all heading north.
The 4 Greylag Geese were in the middle of the main lake with the main group of well over 100 Canada Geese, there was no sign of the Canada creche and I only saw a group of 4 young Canada Geese, a single Little Ringed Plover flew from the beach and the Marbled Duck was on the bottom pool of the Nature Reserve with the male Shoveler and a Chiffchaff singing here with a Whitethroat also had another 3 Whitethroats on the old sewage works, also at the top pool the male Reed Bunting calling and 2 Reed Warblers, a Bullfinch also flew over, also had 2 Bullfinch on the old sewage works and 1 along the canal, 2 Stock Doves were on the old gas works and a Linnet flew over, only the 3rd record of the year, finally as I headed home a pair of Collared Doves were on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 40.
Friday, 11 June 2010
11 June 2010
Unable to get down myself today, but Nick Smith recorded, a single Cormorant flying over, pair of Gadwall on main lake, one Little Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Herons flew over two of which were juveniles, Marbled Duck still present but no sign of the male Shoveler.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
10 June 2010
Westport today from 12.00 - 13.45, strong east/northeasterly breeze, showers and heavy cloud coverage, temp 17c.
A Hobby had been recorded going through at 11.00 so thought I would go down and see if anything else was going on with the strong winds, along the 'Avenue' a Bullfinch, single Blackcap and a large Tit flock containing, young Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit, on the model boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebe still feeding 3 young and 3 Greylag Geese were on the bank along with a single one on the main lake.
On the main lake 25+ House Martins with a few Swifts, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gull went through heading north, the male Shoveler was still by the ramp and the Marbled Duck seems to have become a bit of a star with four photographers all around it as it sat on the beach!Most of the Mute Swans were contained in the top left side of the main lake, in total there was 27 with the single youngster, just 5 Tufted Ducks were present, in the Nature Reserve a single Whitethroat and another 4 were on the old sewage works, 3 Reed Warblers were on the top pool with another Blackcap and the male Reed Bunting, the single Willow Warbler is still on the old sewage works and a Buzzard flew over.
In total 38 species seen.
A Hobby had been recorded going through at 11.00 so thought I would go down and see if anything else was going on with the strong winds, along the 'Avenue' a Bullfinch, single Blackcap and a large Tit flock containing, young Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit, on the model boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebe still feeding 3 young and 3 Greylag Geese were on the bank along with a single one on the main lake.
On the main lake 25+ House Martins with a few Swifts, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gull went through heading north, the male Shoveler was still by the ramp and the Marbled Duck seems to have become a bit of a star with four photographers all around it as it sat on the beach!Most of the Mute Swans were contained in the top left side of the main lake, in total there was 27 with the single youngster, just 5 Tufted Ducks were present, in the Nature Reserve a single Whitethroat and another 4 were on the old sewage works, 3 Reed Warblers were on the top pool with another Blackcap and the male Reed Bunting, the single Willow Warbler is still on the old sewage works and a Buzzard flew over.
In total 38 species seen.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
09 June 2010
Another wet morning, not as bad as yesterday but still heavy showers at times, temp down to 15c, not sure of wind direction as it was very light, was down from 06.00 - 08.00.
Canada Geese numbers still seem to be climbing slowly as they come into moult, there are feathers everywhere, the last of the sitting Canada Geese now seem to have hatched with two new groups of 2 and 4 young bringing the total young to 50, this includes the 2 unusual ones which opinions seems to be that these are Domestic young that the Canada Geese have taken over. Great Crested Grebe numbers continue to rise as well as the 2 plus 3 young on the model boating lake, there are another 12 on the main lake giving us the highest count this year (I think), a Grey Heron continues it's early morning stroll along the edge of the boating lake before getting disturbed by the joggers, the 4 Greylag Geese are still on the ramp, Tufted Ducks are down slightly to 7 but Mute Swans have shot up to 26 plus the single youngster.
The male Shoveler is still spending most of it's time near the ramp and 'Marvin' the Marbled Duck was at the top end of the main lake, 2 Blackcap were in the Nature Reserve along with a single Chiffchaff plus another 2 on the old sewage works, a Garden Warbler was singing in the Nature Reserve and 2-3 Reed Warblers in the reeds on the top pool with the male Reed Bunting again carrying food, 3 Stock Doves on the old gas works and the Willow Warbler was giving it's half song on the old sewage works, also a couple of Whitethroats on here.
Total species seen 38.
Back down Westport this evening for a couple of hours, strong north easterly breeze, dry but very cloudy, only a few additions to what I saw this morning, a pair of Willow Tits along the 'Avenue', 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew north over the main lake, a single Collared Dove on the old gas works and a Kestrel on the old sewage works, finally a few House Martins were over the main lake.
Total species for the day 43.
Canada Geese numbers still seem to be climbing slowly as they come into moult, there are feathers everywhere, the last of the sitting Canada Geese now seem to have hatched with two new groups of 2 and 4 young bringing the total young to 50, this includes the 2 unusual ones which opinions seems to be that these are Domestic young that the Canada Geese have taken over. Great Crested Grebe numbers continue to rise as well as the 2 plus 3 young on the model boating lake, there are another 12 on the main lake giving us the highest count this year (I think), a Grey Heron continues it's early morning stroll along the edge of the boating lake before getting disturbed by the joggers, the 4 Greylag Geese are still on the ramp, Tufted Ducks are down slightly to 7 but Mute Swans have shot up to 26 plus the single youngster.
The male Shoveler is still spending most of it's time near the ramp and 'Marvin' the Marbled Duck was at the top end of the main lake, 2 Blackcap were in the Nature Reserve along with a single Chiffchaff plus another 2 on the old sewage works, a Garden Warbler was singing in the Nature Reserve and 2-3 Reed Warblers in the reeds on the top pool with the male Reed Bunting again carrying food, 3 Stock Doves on the old gas works and the Willow Warbler was giving it's half song on the old sewage works, also a couple of Whitethroats on here.
Total species seen 38.
Back down Westport this evening for a couple of hours, strong north easterly breeze, dry but very cloudy, only a few additions to what I saw this morning, a pair of Willow Tits along the 'Avenue', 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew north over the main lake, a single Collared Dove on the old gas works and a Kestrel on the old sewage works, finally a few House Martins were over the main lake.
Total species for the day 43.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
08 June 2010
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Rain, Rain and more Rain, from leaving at 05.30 til getting back at 07.50 it rained, very heavy at times with a few breaks of lighter rain, wind seemed to be from the south, temp was 14c.
Made it a bit difficult to see and list /count birds at times, unusually on the model boating lake there were 3 adult Great Crested Grebes and still 3 young, on the main lake another 10 Great Crested Grebes were counted, a Grey Heron was also on the edge of the boating lake, 8 young Mallard on the canal are well advanced and they ahve done well to keep this many, the male Shoveler was on the main lake and the Marbled Duck is still present on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve, Tufted Duck numbers are increasing slowly but daily with 10 seen today on the main lake, the 4 Greylag Geese are still by the ramp and 17 Mute Swans plus the single youngster are all still crammed onto the main lake, the Canada Geese still number 42 young with the creche holding the most with 36, on the grass verge and beach 3 Little Ringed Plovers early on but they all flew north later.
On the old gas works just a single Stock Dove, by the top pool just one Reed Warbler heard, with a single Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, just 2 Whitethroats were seen.
In total 38 species seen, not helped by the weather.
Made it a bit difficult to see and list /count birds at times, unusually on the model boating lake there were 3 adult Great Crested Grebes and still 3 young, on the main lake another 10 Great Crested Grebes were counted, a Grey Heron was also on the edge of the boating lake, 8 young Mallard on the canal are well advanced and they ahve done well to keep this many, the male Shoveler was on the main lake and the Marbled Duck is still present on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve, Tufted Duck numbers are increasing slowly but daily with 10 seen today on the main lake, the 4 Greylag Geese are still by the ramp and 17 Mute Swans plus the single youngster are all still crammed onto the main lake, the Canada Geese still number 42 young with the creche holding the most with 36, on the grass verge and beach 3 Little Ringed Plovers early on but they all flew north later.
On the old gas works just a single Stock Dove, by the top pool just one Reed Warbler heard, with a single Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, just 2 Whitethroats were seen.
In total 38 species seen, not helped by the weather.
Monday, 7 June 2010
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First photo is one of four Greylag Geese that arrived last week.Second photo is a Large Daisy (I think) with a Ladybird.
Third photo shows Marvin the Marbled Duck on the boating lake.
Fourth shows him asleep, same place.
And fifth is the unusual Canada Geese young, can't wait to see how they turn out.
07 June 2010
Westport this morning from Nick Smith, Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 17+1 Mute Swan, 13+2 Great Crested Grebe, Coal Tit & Willow Tit parties in back, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls over.
Later in the morning the Marbled Duck was relocated.
Went down this afternoon from 16.45 - 19.10, weather was very humid with light showers and southerly winds, temp 20c.
The two unusual Canada Geese young are getting stranger by the day, not quite sure how there going to turn out another 4 young were close by but didn't see the creche at all, the Marbled Duck was on the boating lake asleep on the edge I was able to walk up to him and take a few photo's, nothing in Steve Seals class mind you, also on the boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes revealed they have 3 young when she tipped them all off, they keep feeding them fish that are way to big and the adults end up eating it themselves, a single Black-headed Gull flew across the main lake, the only Chiffchaff all visit was in the Nature Reserve it was very vocal and I could still hear it from the otherside of the lake, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through.
Mute Swans still numbered 17 +1young all on the main lake, 4 Greylag Geese are still moving about but spent most of this visit asleep by the ramp with a Tufted Duck, another 7 Tufted Ducks were in the middle of the main lake, the Shoveler was in the Nature Reserve but later moved onto the main lake, also in the Nature Reserve a single Whitethroat and another 3 were on the old sewage works, the only Blackcap I had was by the top pool with 2 Reed Warblers and a male Reed Bunting carrying food (poss nesting), we had a female Reed Bunting here yesterday, a Buzzard was over the old gas works but distant and a Willow Warbler was part singing here, also a Kestrel was hunting over the old sewage works and while sat on the bench by the grass verge of the main lake a Peregrine was circling above the lake it went higher and higher until out of site, as I was leaving a Grey Wagtail flew from the grass verge carrying food.
Total species seen 43.
Later in the morning the Marbled Duck was relocated.
Went down this afternoon from 16.45 - 19.10, weather was very humid with light showers and southerly winds, temp 20c.
The two unusual Canada Geese young are getting stranger by the day, not quite sure how there going to turn out another 4 young were close by but didn't see the creche at all, the Marbled Duck was on the boating lake asleep on the edge I was able to walk up to him and take a few photo's, nothing in Steve Seals class mind you, also on the boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes revealed they have 3 young when she tipped them all off, they keep feeding them fish that are way to big and the adults end up eating it themselves, a single Black-headed Gull flew across the main lake, the only Chiffchaff all visit was in the Nature Reserve it was very vocal and I could still hear it from the otherside of the lake, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through.
Mute Swans still numbered 17 +1young all on the main lake, 4 Greylag Geese are still moving about but spent most of this visit asleep by the ramp with a Tufted Duck, another 7 Tufted Ducks were in the middle of the main lake, the Shoveler was in the Nature Reserve but later moved onto the main lake, also in the Nature Reserve a single Whitethroat and another 3 were on the old sewage works, the only Blackcap I had was by the top pool with 2 Reed Warblers and a male Reed Bunting carrying food (poss nesting), we had a female Reed Bunting here yesterday, a Buzzard was over the old gas works but distant and a Willow Warbler was part singing here, also a Kestrel was hunting over the old sewage works and while sat on the bench by the grass verge of the main lake a Peregrine was circling above the lake it went higher and higher until out of site, as I was leaving a Grey Wagtail flew from the grass verge carrying food.
Total species seen 43.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
06 June 2010
A big thunderstorm during the night had me wondering what might be at Westport this morning, and although nothing amazing came in I did manage to see 47 species the highest day count for nearly a month, it was a dry start but very wet underfoot, wind was quite strong and from the north, it started to rain quite heavy at times, temp was 16c, was there from 05.40 - 08.10.
Managed to catch up with all the young Canada Geese this morning, in total 41 young with nearly 200 adults, a Sparrowhawk flew low over boating lake carrying some prey in it's talons, the Great Crested Grebes are off the nest and in the middle of the boating lake, she was carrying at least 2 youngsters, on the main lake another 7 were present, again two pairs of Pied Wagtails with young in the same places as yesterday, a single Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge, Tufted Ducks are up again, now 6 males and 1 female, Mute Swans totalled 17 +1 young, and 40+ Swifts were flying over the main lake, the Marbled Duck is on it's third day, this time on the bank that the Shoveler normally favours on the left side of the main lake, and talking about 'sammy' he was on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve.
A Grey Heron flew low over main lake, a pair of Willow Tits were on the 'Avenue' with a Blackcap, another Blackcap was at the top pool, also a Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and one on the old sewage works, on the main lake a male Gadwall came in, stayed for about an hour and then disappeared, a Whitethroat was in the Nature Reserve and one on the old sewage works, a new brood of 10 Mallard ducklings on the main lake, by the top pool 2 Reed Warblers and a pair of Reed Buntings, a Willow Warbler was on the old sewage works and lastly a Coal Tit on the canal side of the main lake.
In total 47 species seen.
Managed to catch up with all the young Canada Geese this morning, in total 41 young with nearly 200 adults, a Sparrowhawk flew low over boating lake carrying some prey in it's talons, the Great Crested Grebes are off the nest and in the middle of the boating lake, she was carrying at least 2 youngsters, on the main lake another 7 were present, again two pairs of Pied Wagtails with young in the same places as yesterday, a single Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge, Tufted Ducks are up again, now 6 males and 1 female, Mute Swans totalled 17 +1 young, and 40+ Swifts were flying over the main lake, the Marbled Duck is on it's third day, this time on the bank that the Shoveler normally favours on the left side of the main lake, and talking about 'sammy' he was on the bottom pool in the Nature Reserve.
A Grey Heron flew low over main lake, a pair of Willow Tits were on the 'Avenue' with a Blackcap, another Blackcap was at the top pool, also a Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and one on the old sewage works, on the main lake a male Gadwall came in, stayed for about an hour and then disappeared, a Whitethroat was in the Nature Reserve and one on the old sewage works, a new brood of 10 Mallard ducklings on the main lake, by the top pool 2 Reed Warblers and a pair of Reed Buntings, a Willow Warbler was on the old sewage works and lastly a Coal Tit on the canal side of the main lake.
In total 47 species seen.
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Video of Marbled Duck by Nick Smith
As you can see from the above Nick also has a sense of humour (allegedley), his comment on the forum and I quote 'Here is another picture of our new friend at Westport, Marvin the Marbled Duck. As you can see, it was very wary and only allowed me to get within 3ft of it before it opened its eye. Pity the picture is spoilt by the unsavoury characters loitering on the picnic bench behind it waiting for the ice cream van to arrive!'
The link below shows you the video clip of the Marbled Duck
The link below shows you the video clip of the Marbled Duck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-6S4AUjUzw
I've also added a couple of photo's to the slideshow at the top of the blog
05 June 2010
Got down at my usual 05.40 til 08.50, much warmer this morning 19c, dry and sunny, the lake was like a millpond with no wind at all.
Mallard on the main lake this morning with 5 newly hatched young, x13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over high heading south, and a single was on the main lake, young Canada Geese counted at 37, with nearly 200 adults! Two pair of Pied Wagtails have young, one by the car park and the other pair on the old gas works, the Marbled Duck is still present on the main lake with 3x Tufted Duck, 17x Mute Swans which are up from yesterday, 10x Great Crested Grebes are also up from yesterday, also the two still on the boating lake with at least 1 young seen, 4x Greylag Geese on the grass bank, and young Blue Tits on the 'Avenue'.
At least 3 male Blackcaps singing along the 'Avenue' including one carrying nest material and the Chiffcaff is back singing along the same area, also a Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and 2 on the old sewage works, a Grey Heron was being mobbed by Carrion Crows on the boating lake and then flew off and a Common Tern briefly flew across the main lake and straight on, Willow Tits were heard in the Nature Reserve along with Whitethroat, plus another 4 on the old sewage works, 3x Reed Warblers on the top pool and a male Reed Bunting, on the old gas works 2x Stock Doves, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling along the canal side and lastly a couple of Black-headed Gulls came through.
total species seen 43.
Mallard on the main lake this morning with 5 newly hatched young, x13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over high heading south, and a single was on the main lake, young Canada Geese counted at 37, with nearly 200 adults! Two pair of Pied Wagtails have young, one by the car park and the other pair on the old gas works, the Marbled Duck is still present on the main lake with 3x Tufted Duck, 17x Mute Swans which are up from yesterday, 10x Great Crested Grebes are also up from yesterday, also the two still on the boating lake with at least 1 young seen, 4x Greylag Geese on the grass bank, and young Blue Tits on the 'Avenue'.
At least 3 male Blackcaps singing along the 'Avenue' including one carrying nest material and the Chiffcaff is back singing along the same area, also a Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and 2 on the old sewage works, a Grey Heron was being mobbed by Carrion Crows on the boating lake and then flew off and a Common Tern briefly flew across the main lake and straight on, Willow Tits were heard in the Nature Reserve along with Whitethroat, plus another 4 on the old sewage works, 3x Reed Warblers on the top pool and a male Reed Bunting, on the old gas works 2x Stock Doves, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling along the canal side and lastly a couple of Black-headed Gulls came through.
total species seen 43.
Friday, 4 June 2010
04 June 2010
Turned out to be a rather exciting day, I knew I had to make a flying visit to Westport, due to heading off to see the Marmora's Warbler in Gwent, got down to Westport at 05.40, again warm temp 14c, dry no cloud and no wind of note.
I noticed 6 young Canada Geese by the model boating lake but no sign of the big creche, the 2x Great Crested Grebes were feeding at least 2 young on the boating lake and another 6 where on the main lake, a Chiffchaff was calling from the Nature Reserve, 11x Mute Swans were on the main lake plus the single youngster and 40+ Swifts were flying over the lake, a Grey Wagtail was feeding on the grass verge but no sign of the usual Little Ringed Plover, on the ramp 3x Tufted Duck, it was at this point that I noticed an unusual Duck nearby, it was very pale with a dark patch around and behind the eye, bill was black and slightly hooked at the end and when it flapped it's wings there was no colour evident just a pale almost whitewash type colour, my thoughts was something like a Chilean Teal/Wigeon but wasn't sure, I managed to get a couple of photo's and then went to meet Nick whom I'd already told what I had seen, on looking at the photo he identified it as a Marbled Duck, and then shot off at high speed leaving my little legs and fat body puffing and panting behind him (its really not a pretty sight), we relocated the bird as it actually came towards us and we also noticed how tatty looking the wings seemed, although the bird was able to fly the primaries almost seemed new, as yet I've been unable to find out if anyone has put this Duck on, I'm awaiting feedback from the RSPCA and Staffs Wildlife Trust.
Only saw 29 species but didn't have anymore time to have a proper look round as I then headed off to see the Marmora's Warbler in Gwent, making for a great day.
I noticed 6 young Canada Geese by the model boating lake but no sign of the big creche, the 2x Great Crested Grebes were feeding at least 2 young on the boating lake and another 6 where on the main lake, a Chiffchaff was calling from the Nature Reserve, 11x Mute Swans were on the main lake plus the single youngster and 40+ Swifts were flying over the lake, a Grey Wagtail was feeding on the grass verge but no sign of the usual Little Ringed Plover, on the ramp 3x Tufted Duck, it was at this point that I noticed an unusual Duck nearby, it was very pale with a dark patch around and behind the eye, bill was black and slightly hooked at the end and when it flapped it's wings there was no colour evident just a pale almost whitewash type colour, my thoughts was something like a Chilean Teal/Wigeon but wasn't sure, I managed to get a couple of photo's and then went to meet Nick whom I'd already told what I had seen, on looking at the photo he identified it as a Marbled Duck, and then shot off at high speed leaving my little legs and fat body puffing and panting behind him (its really not a pretty sight), we relocated the bird as it actually came towards us and we also noticed how tatty looking the wings seemed, although the bird was able to fly the primaries almost seemed new, as yet I've been unable to find out if anyone has put this Duck on, I'm awaiting feedback from the RSPCA and Staffs Wildlife Trust.
Only saw 29 species but didn't have anymore time to have a proper look round as I then headed off to see the Marmora's Warbler in Gwent, making for a great day.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
03 June 2010
Nice sunny start to the day, warm temp 15c and got warmer as the morning progressed, dry no cloud and no wind of note, was at Westport from 05.40 - 08.10.
A new brood of Mallard chick hatched out with 5 young and another group of 3, Canada Geese are as you were with a total of 41 young, and a young Pied Wagtail was on the car park, the Great Crested Grebes are feeding at least 2 young on the model boating lake and another 7 Great Crested Grebes are on the main lake with 3x Tufted Duck on the ramp with a single Little Ringed Plover, 12 Mute Swans plus the single cygnet, another 4 Greylag Geese have joined the 2 already here and a couple of Black-headed Gulls were flying around with 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
A couple of Blackcaps were again singing along the 'Avenue', a single Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and another 2 on the old sewage works, same with Whitethroats, and 2x Willow Tit in the Reserve, 'Sammy' Shoveler is back, after being missing for nearly a week he returned this morning, a single Reed Bunting was on the top pool with 2/3 Reed Warblers, again the Willow Warbler was singing on the old sewage works with a single Stock Dove, and a Grey Wagtail was again feeding on the beach area.
Total species seen 43.
A new brood of Mallard chick hatched out with 5 young and another group of 3, Canada Geese are as you were with a total of 41 young, and a young Pied Wagtail was on the car park, the Great Crested Grebes are feeding at least 2 young on the model boating lake and another 7 Great Crested Grebes are on the main lake with 3x Tufted Duck on the ramp with a single Little Ringed Plover, 12 Mute Swans plus the single cygnet, another 4 Greylag Geese have joined the 2 already here and a couple of Black-headed Gulls were flying around with 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
A couple of Blackcaps were again singing along the 'Avenue', a single Chiffchaff in the Nature Reserve and another 2 on the old sewage works, same with Whitethroats, and 2x Willow Tit in the Reserve, 'Sammy' Shoveler is back, after being missing for nearly a week he returned this morning, a single Reed Bunting was on the top pool with 2/3 Reed Warblers, again the Willow Warbler was singing on the old sewage works with a single Stock Dove, and a Grey Wagtail was again feeding on the beach area.
Total species seen 43.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
02 June 2010
Looking like a good morning with the fog and southerly winds, I got down early at 05.30 and stayed til 09.00, it was as I say quite foggy but dry although there was a very light shower late on, temp was 14c, but the wind very almost none existent.
Good steady numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were going over nearly all heading north, Pied Wagtails were busy along the edge of the main lake collecting food for there young and up by the old gas works a pair where feeding a couple of young that are now out of the nest, a lot of young birds are now noticeable with young Dunnocks, Coal Tits, Great Tit and Willow Tits all in the Nature Reserve, Nick did a count of the Canada Geese which totalled 186 including 41 youngsters, the 2x Greylag Geese where again on the playing field with a number of Canada Geese, on the model boating lake I watched the Great Crested Grebes feeding a single youngster, it's possible there are more but I couldn't see any, also another x6 Great Crested Grebes were on the main lake with a pair having a nest containing 2 eggs, again by the Ted Heath rock a male Reed Bunting was singing from the trees along with one at the top pool, a single Little Ringed Plover was running along the beach area feeding and 2x Tufted Ducks were on the ramp again, Mute Swans have dropped slightly in numbers from a few days ago with x11 on the main lake and the 2 on the top pool with there youngster, a single Chiffchaff was singing from the middle of the Nature Reserve and 2 were on the old sewage works, again the Great Spotted Woodpecker was flying between the Nature Reserve and the canal side, still unable to locate any sign of a nest or young, and a Kestrel flew across the main lake and went over the old sewage works hovering for mice etc.
Blackcaps have gone quiet now as they settle down to nesting but 2 where singing along the 'Avenue' and one on the top pool, only a handful of Swifts, House Martins and Swallows were seen over the main lake, I think the bulk have now gone through, also on the beach area a single Grey Wagtail was feeding, Whitethroat numbers have dropped like Blackcaps but again probably due to breeding now in full swing, 1 was in the Nature Reserve and 3 on the old sewage works, with a single Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler, on the old gas works just 2x Stock Doves were seen and back by the top pool just 2x Reed Warblers but I think there is easily double that number.
In total 43 species seen.
Good steady numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were going over nearly all heading north, Pied Wagtails were busy along the edge of the main lake collecting food for there young and up by the old gas works a pair where feeding a couple of young that are now out of the nest, a lot of young birds are now noticeable with young Dunnocks, Coal Tits, Great Tit and Willow Tits all in the Nature Reserve, Nick did a count of the Canada Geese which totalled 186 including 41 youngsters, the 2x Greylag Geese where again on the playing field with a number of Canada Geese, on the model boating lake I watched the Great Crested Grebes feeding a single youngster, it's possible there are more but I couldn't see any, also another x6 Great Crested Grebes were on the main lake with a pair having a nest containing 2 eggs, again by the Ted Heath rock a male Reed Bunting was singing from the trees along with one at the top pool, a single Little Ringed Plover was running along the beach area feeding and 2x Tufted Ducks were on the ramp again, Mute Swans have dropped slightly in numbers from a few days ago with x11 on the main lake and the 2 on the top pool with there youngster, a single Chiffchaff was singing from the middle of the Nature Reserve and 2 were on the old sewage works, again the Great Spotted Woodpecker was flying between the Nature Reserve and the canal side, still unable to locate any sign of a nest or young, and a Kestrel flew across the main lake and went over the old sewage works hovering for mice etc.
Blackcaps have gone quiet now as they settle down to nesting but 2 where singing along the 'Avenue' and one on the top pool, only a handful of Swifts, House Martins and Swallows were seen over the main lake, I think the bulk have now gone through, also on the beach area a single Grey Wagtail was feeding, Whitethroat numbers have dropped like Blackcaps but again probably due to breeding now in full swing, 1 was in the Nature Reserve and 3 on the old sewage works, with a single Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler, on the old gas works just 2x Stock Doves were seen and back by the top pool just 2x Reed Warblers but I think there is easily double that number.
In total 43 species seen.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
01 June 2010
First of a new month and the start of what is usually a quiet period for the next few months, it started out cloudy with a slight southerly breeze it then started to rain lightly.
The 2x Greylag Geese have returned and are with the large Canada Geese flock on the playing field, on the model boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes at last have a chick, could'nt see anymore but hopefully will have several by the end of the day. 2x Mute Swans were also on the boating lake and a Little Ringed Plover on the grass bank, on the main lake, 11x Mute Swans, 5x Great Crested Grebe, 2x Tufted Duck and good number at least 60+ Swifts with a few House Martins and Swallows. 2x Oystercatchers came in and flew aroung for a few minutes before flying off north, and 2x Black-headed Gulls flew through heading south. The male Reed Bunting continues to sing from the trees by Ted Heath rock, and the Canada creche of 30x young was along the canal side.
The 2x Greylag Geese have returned and are with the large Canada Geese flock on the playing field, on the model boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes at last have a chick, could'nt see anymore but hopefully will have several by the end of the day. 2x Mute Swans were also on the boating lake and a Little Ringed Plover on the grass bank, on the main lake, 11x Mute Swans, 5x Great Crested Grebe, 2x Tufted Duck and good number at least 60+ Swifts with a few House Martins and Swallows. 2x Oystercatchers came in and flew aroung for a few minutes before flying off north, and 2x Black-headed Gulls flew through heading south. The male Reed Bunting continues to sing from the trees by Ted Heath rock, and the Canada creche of 30x young was along the canal side.
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