The last few day's at Westport have been like groundhog day, same thing day in day out, even the weather hasn't really changed, rain, more rain and some heavy rain, temp has remained steady at 16c, so I thought today I had to write something and at least there has been something different to write about, but will you notice what it is?? Visit today from 05.45 - 08.00.
Black-headed Gull numbers have dropped off a bit most of them here today were juveniles with 11 of them, 7 Starlings flew over heading East, now the Canada Geese have got there flying feathers back numbers have started to drop off a bit with 219 mostly on the playing field this morning, on the model boating lake 2 adult and 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebe but I could only find 1 juvenile on the main lake with only 4 adults which is well down, the eclipse male Shoveler is still on the boating lake with a single Mute Swan, the rest 33 were on the main lake, a Grey Heron was in it's usual place fishing on the boating lake, 20+ Swifts were flying high over the main lake, 60 Tufted Ducks on the main lake.
3 Blackcaps were seen mainly in the nature reserve, near the top pool, also a single Bullfinch calling and 2 Reed Warblers on the top pool, a single Chiffchaff was calling near here with a further 5 on the old sewage works, a Willow Warbler was part singing on the old gas works and another was also doing the same by the top entrance, 3 Stock Doves were on the gas works with 2 Linnets, 2 Whitethroats were on the sewage works, back on the main lake and a couple of Sand Martins were on the main lake with about 5 House Martins 2 Willow Tits calling by the top entrance.
And the change was the Willow Warblers, the first confirmed going back through.
Species seen 39.
Called back down late afternoon for a short visit around the main lake, not much change but did count 103 Black-headed Gulls of which nearly 50% were juveniles, Nick Smith fresh back from his holidays couldn't resist a quick visit himself, 65 Tufted Ducks, a few House & Sand Martins and fresh out Coot chicks which I also noticed along the reserve side of the main lake.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Wednesday 28 July 2010
28 July 2010
Although dry it was damp underfoot due to a heavy dew, wind was moderate west/southwest, heavy cloud, temp 16c, visit 05.45 - 08.15.
For the first time in ages there were 4 Mute Swans on the boating lake, sadly they weren't new in and still 34 remain on site, also still the eclipse male Shoveler remains on here and I could only find 1 adult from the family of 4 Great Crested Grebes that are usually on here, on the ,main lake there now seems to be 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebes with young, a group of 3, a single and I think the new pair out have possibly 2 young but was hard to tell, 2 Common Sandpipers were flying around various parts of the main lake, 59 Tufted Ducks and 1 Pochard, as usual the Grey Heron on the boating lake.
A female Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the Tit flock in the middle part of the nature reserve, also in the flock 2 Blackcap and single Willow Tit and Coal Tit, I also had singles of the last three species mentioned on the old sewage works, on the top pool 3 Reed Warblers, a nice surprise was a singing Sedge Warbler just after the 2nd gate to the nature reserve from the bottom end, this is the first record since April and a sign of passage on return, good numbers of House Martins were over the main lake with a count of 50+, there were also a few Swallows and Swifts within them, Chiffchaffs totalled 7 with nearly all of them on the old sewage works and a few by the top pool, also 4 Whitethroats on the sewage works.
In total 39 species seen.
For the first time in ages there were 4 Mute Swans on the boating lake, sadly they weren't new in and still 34 remain on site, also still the eclipse male Shoveler remains on here and I could only find 1 adult from the family of 4 Great Crested Grebes that are usually on here, on the ,main lake there now seems to be 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebes with young, a group of 3, a single and I think the new pair out have possibly 2 young but was hard to tell, 2 Common Sandpipers were flying around various parts of the main lake, 59 Tufted Ducks and 1 Pochard, as usual the Grey Heron on the boating lake.
A female Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the Tit flock in the middle part of the nature reserve, also in the flock 2 Blackcap and single Willow Tit and Coal Tit, I also had singles of the last three species mentioned on the old sewage works, on the top pool 3 Reed Warblers, a nice surprise was a singing Sedge Warbler just after the 2nd gate to the nature reserve from the bottom end, this is the first record since April and a sign of passage on return, good numbers of House Martins were over the main lake with a count of 50+, there were also a few Swallows and Swifts within them, Chiffchaffs totalled 7 with nearly all of them on the old sewage works and a few by the top pool, also 4 Whitethroats on the sewage works.
In total 39 species seen.
Tuesday 27 July 2010
27 July 2010
Strange weather today, temp was 19c and very muggy, although dry at first heavy drizzle started after about an hour and didn't stop, heavy cloud and seemed quite dark but instead of getting lighter it seemed to get darker, really weird conditions, visit from 05.40 - 07.55.
As I was walking along the 'Avenue' 40+ Black-headed Gulls flew over east, the Canada Goose flock seems to be decreasing very slowly with 239 which also included the CanadaxGreylag hybrid, by the playing fields and 10 Starlings flew over also heading east, as you know I nearly always mention a Grey Heron fishing on the model boating lake, which was the usual case today but there was also one fishing from the old beach on the main lake, on the boating lake I could only find 3 Great Crested Grebes, the one parent back sitting yet again and 2 juveniles which seemed to be having to fend for themselves, on the main lake there were 9 but this included 4 juveniles group of 3 and a single, there parents were doing things different from the boating lake pair were only the male seemed to do the feeding but on the main lake the youngsters are all left on the water on the own while both sets of parents were diving for food, back on the boating lake and the eclipse male Shoveler is still present, on the main lake 34 Mute Swans, 52 Tufted Ducks and a single Pochard, there were good numbers of Swifts, Swallows, House & Sand Martins over the main lake.
Just 4 Chiffchaffs around the park today mostly on the old sewage works, a Kingfisher on the boating lake was a nice surprise this morning, it was in the trees on the island and then flew across to the trees by the model boating ramp area, a pair of Bullfinches were on the 'Avenue', a Willow Tit was on the sidings and also 1 near the boardwalk bridge in the nature reserve, Blackcaps were 2 on the top pool and 2 on the sewage works, 3 Reed Warblers were on the top pool, back on the main lake a Teal was again seen in the middle when it then flew of high south, on the gas works a Kestrel flew across and 2 Linnets were present again.
Total species seen 43.
A Med Gull was reported from Nick Smith, he received a text while he's on holiday in Portugal, but I don't know who reported it to him, it was seen briefly at 09.45 when it flew off north.
Mid to late afternoon and I'd just got home when I received a phone call from Phil Jones telling me that there were 2 Arctic Terns at Westport, I jumped on my bike and 2 minutes later was stood with Phil watching the Arctic Terns flying up and down the top side of the main lake, a nice little Westport year tick and with the earlier Med Gull puts us on 114 for the year with every ones records combined.
As I was walking along the 'Avenue' 40+ Black-headed Gulls flew over east, the Canada Goose flock seems to be decreasing very slowly with 239 which also included the CanadaxGreylag hybrid, by the playing fields and 10 Starlings flew over also heading east, as you know I nearly always mention a Grey Heron fishing on the model boating lake, which was the usual case today but there was also one fishing from the old beach on the main lake, on the boating lake I could only find 3 Great Crested Grebes, the one parent back sitting yet again and 2 juveniles which seemed to be having to fend for themselves, on the main lake there were 9 but this included 4 juveniles group of 3 and a single, there parents were doing things different from the boating lake pair were only the male seemed to do the feeding but on the main lake the youngsters are all left on the water on the own while both sets of parents were diving for food, back on the boating lake and the eclipse male Shoveler is still present, on the main lake 34 Mute Swans, 52 Tufted Ducks and a single Pochard, there were good numbers of Swifts, Swallows, House & Sand Martins over the main lake.
Just 4 Chiffchaffs around the park today mostly on the old sewage works, a Kingfisher on the boating lake was a nice surprise this morning, it was in the trees on the island and then flew across to the trees by the model boating ramp area, a pair of Bullfinches were on the 'Avenue', a Willow Tit was on the sidings and also 1 near the boardwalk bridge in the nature reserve, Blackcaps were 2 on the top pool and 2 on the sewage works, 3 Reed Warblers were on the top pool, back on the main lake a Teal was again seen in the middle when it then flew of high south, on the gas works a Kestrel flew across and 2 Linnets were present again.
Total species seen 43.
A Med Gull was reported from Nick Smith, he received a text while he's on holiday in Portugal, but I don't know who reported it to him, it was seen briefly at 09.45 when it flew off north.
Mid to late afternoon and I'd just got home when I received a phone call from Phil Jones telling me that there were 2 Arctic Terns at Westport, I jumped on my bike and 2 minutes later was stood with Phil watching the Arctic Terns flying up and down the top side of the main lake, a nice little Westport year tick and with the earlier Med Gull puts us on 114 for the year with every ones records combined.
Sunday 25 July 2010
Photo's from Steve Seal
Steve Seal who provides a lot of the excellent photo's on this blog (most of the rest rubbish ones are mine), has a great blog about his photo's, I've added a link in my favorite links on the right of this page but I will also put it here and suggest you all have a look at these great photo's.
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/
25 July 2010
.jpg)
Dry but slightly damp underfoot from a bit of over night rain, cloudy with sunny intervals, felt much warmer than yesterday temp was 18c, slight westerly breeze, visit from 06.45 - 08.25.
About 30+ Black-headed Gulls went through the main lake, one a 1st year bird was sat on a wooden post by the boat ramp and I noticed a ring (see photo), I managed to get close enough to get the full ring number (white 22A8) and have sent the details off, 3 new Coot chicks were on the main lake, 50 Tufted Ducks are slightly down from the last few days, as well as the family of 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake there were 2 families of 2 young each on the main lake plus another 4 birds, 33 Mute Swans is down one, a Common Sandpiper was again on the beach area and was seen several times flying around the main lake as it was flushed, Mistle Thrushes were again on the grass verge but only 2 today, just a single Pochard was on the main lake and a couple of House Martins were going through.
A couple of Willow Tits were about, 1 in the nature reserve and 1 on the old sewage works, 4 Chiffchaffs were seen again 1 in the nature reserve and 3 on the gas and sewage works, 2 Reed Warblers were on the top pool but probably more, a couple of Moorhen chicks were new on the top pool, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, on the sewage works at least 3 Bullfinches and 4 Whitethroats, as I got back to the main lake a Teal was flying around and landed at the bottom of the lake, this is the first since early May and another sign of autumn movement, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through as I was leaving.
Total species seen 37.
Saturday 24 July 2010
Steve Seal Photo's
Above are a couple of picture's taken by Steve Seal at Westport this morning.
1st is a adult Lesser black-backed Gull flying over
2nd a Mistle Thrush on the grass verge
3rd a Song Thrush in the same place as the Mistle Thrush.
24 July 2010
.jpg)
Very much cooler than the 15c the clock was saying, it felt like a early autumn morning, dry bright sunshine, no wind and a heavy dew, visit from 05.45 - 08.15.
Nearly all the Canada Geese were on the playing field, they totalled 158 which is well down from the usual numbers, there was no sign of the remaining creche but they were probably along the canal somewhere, the hybrid CanadaxGreylag was in the group though, as always the Grey Heron was fishing along the model boating lake and the family of 4 Great Crested Grebes still on here with just another 6 seen on the main lake which included just 1 juvenile, Mistle Thrushes are slowly increasing in numbers over the last few days3 were on the grass verge this morning (see Steve Seals photo's), 62 Tufted Ducks on the main lake with 34 Mute Swans and just 1 Pochard seen, the eclipse male Shoveler was again on the boating lake.
4 Blackcaps were seen in various parts of the park, 2 Coal Tits on the 'Avenue' and 1 by the top pool also 3 Reed Warblers here and a couple of Chiffchaffs with another 4 on the gas works and sewage works, 2 Stock Doves were on the gas works and a single adult Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over north also following on from Paul Shentons record of 8 Linnets on here the other day, I had 3 by the small pool, on the sewage works a single House Martin flew over, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Bullfinch and quite a few Gatekeeper butterflies (see photo).
Friday 23 July 2010
23 July 2010
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
A much better morning weather wise and not bad on the birding front as well, felt much cooler than the 16c the Steelite clock was saying, it was dry with no overnight rain, very heavy cloud coverage and no wind at all, the main lake was like a millpond.
So far July has been a cracking month, considering it's normally one of the quietest of the year I think between us all we have added about 5 species to the Westport year list, which is quite incredible for this time of year, the latest addition came this morning as I was counting the Mute Swans I noticed 4 very pale large ducks at the top left side of the main lake after taking a second glance I realised they were Ruddy Shelduck and not only that but a family party of 2 adults and 2 1st year birds, I noticed Nick at the top of the lake and rung him, he picked them up and noticed that one of the adults was a hybrid bird, they were quite wary and after spending about 20 minutes in the middle of the lake they took off and headed of north.
As always when we have something unusual at Westport, the rest of the morning was a bit quiet as we had to rush around a bit as Nick has to leave at 07.30 to get to work, but one or two things were noticed as follows, the Canada Geese flock still has a hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Great Crested Grebes totalled the usual 4 on the main lake and 10 on the main lake which included 3 juveniles, the eclipse male Shoveler was on the boating lake, a Common Sandpiper was picked up on the boating ramp on the main lake, a count of 62 Tufted Ducks was just short of last weeks highest total of 65, also 3 Pochard were in the middle of them, 4 Chiffchaffs were around the park but I think this was much higher in truth, Mute Swans totalled 34 as usual, this has remained the same for nearly 3 months now give or take the odd bird, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over all heading south, Reed Warblers were on the top pool with a few Bullfinches and Coal Tit, on the gas works a single Stock Dove, back on the main lake singles Sand Martin and House Martin and in the trees on the canal side of the main lake a single Treecreeper.
The above photo's are of the Ruddy Shelduck, sorry about how bad it is but the light was terrible and the camera shake light was flashing, but it's a record shot (Just about), the other photo is of a dead Stoat which was found on the old sewage works.
Thursday 22 July 2010
22 July 2010
.jpg)
It looks like there had been heavy rain over night, it was very cloudy but also still with no breeze of note, temp 16c, visit from 05.45 til 07.55.
As I entered the park over 60+ Black-headed Gulls flew over and later another 75+ were over the old sewage works, also flying over and a sign of autumn 14 Starlings, 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and 10 on the main lake which includes 2 juveniles, again the Grey Heron was fishing along the edge of the boating lake, only 2 Greylag Geese were with the Canada Geese flock, on the main lake 38 Tufted Ducks with 2 Pochard, a Common Tern flew in from the south flying around the main lake, twice it flew off south only to return before finally leaving to the north.
On the sidings a family of Bullfinches, the Shoveler is still sticking to the boating lake, not many Warblers were seen today probably due to the wet conditions but I did see single Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat, a Coal Tit was calling by the old gas works and a Mistle Thrush was on here I also had 6 Mistle Thrushes on the canal side of the main lake, lastly as we were leaving we heard the Nuthatch calling from the trees at the top of the main lake but could not locate it.
Total species seen 41.
Above photo is of a flowering Teasle, a favorite of the Goldfinch.
Wednesday 21 July 2010
21 July 2010
Fallen behind yet again, so a quick flick through yesterday and firstly we had confirmation of breeding Tufted Duck with 3 chicks on the main lake, this was the first confirmed breeding since 2006, Canada Geese totalled 267 which included the CanadaxGreylag hybrid, Mute Swans still remain at 34, the Shoveler was on the boating lake, at least 40+ Swifts were around the main lake, 14 Great Crested Grebes with the usual pairs, a Grey Heron on the boating lake, as well as the Tufted Duck chicks there were 56 others on the main lake and 1 on the boating lake, a single Common Sandpiper was on the beach area, 2 Pochard on the main lake.
A Coal Tit was heard by the top pool, 2 Grey Wagtails on the beach area, 4 Blackcaps were around the park also 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Reed Warblers, a Stock Dove on the old gas works, at least 10 Chiffchaffs most of which were on the gas works and sewage works, also 5 Whitethroats on the sewage works and a Sparrowhawk flew across the playing field.
Total species seen 43.
Mid morning and Jeff Jones recorded a Common Tern briefly on the main lake.
Today, Nick Smith had a great morning with a record of 13 Crossbills, he picked them up twice in flight, first time flying over the main lake towards Tunstall/Burslem and not long after flying back over towards the Bradwell Wood area, there are only a handful of records of this bird for Westport and it was a Westport tick for Nick, also this morning, 2 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck but no sign of the young from yesterday.
I went down later afternoon/early evening, on the model boating lake 10 juvenile Black-headed Gulls, the Great Crested Grebes were present as usual, a few Sand Martins were on the main lake with Swifts and Swallows, Tufted Ducks as per Nick's count but only saw 2 Pochard, 3-4 Reed Warblers on the top pool, while at Westport I received a text from Paul (Shenton?) telling me he'd had 8 Linnets on the gas works I went on for a look but had no luck, there were loads of Goldfinches as usual and Chiffchaffs and a Black-headed Gull on the small pool, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over.
A Coal Tit was heard by the top pool, 2 Grey Wagtails on the beach area, 4 Blackcaps were around the park also 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Reed Warblers, a Stock Dove on the old gas works, at least 10 Chiffchaffs most of which were on the gas works and sewage works, also 5 Whitethroats on the sewage works and a Sparrowhawk flew across the playing field.
Total species seen 43.
Mid morning and Jeff Jones recorded a Common Tern briefly on the main lake.
Today, Nick Smith had a great morning with a record of 13 Crossbills, he picked them up twice in flight, first time flying over the main lake towards Tunstall/Burslem and not long after flying back over towards the Bradwell Wood area, there are only a handful of records of this bird for Westport and it was a Westport tick for Nick, also this morning, 2 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck but no sign of the young from yesterday.
I went down later afternoon/early evening, on the model boating lake 10 juvenile Black-headed Gulls, the Great Crested Grebes were present as usual, a few Sand Martins were on the main lake with Swifts and Swallows, Tufted Ducks as per Nick's count but only saw 2 Pochard, 3-4 Reed Warblers on the top pool, while at Westport I received a text from Paul (Shenton?) telling me he'd had 8 Linnets on the gas works I went on for a look but had no luck, there were loads of Goldfinches as usual and Chiffchaffs and a Black-headed Gull on the small pool, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over.
Monday 19 July 2010
19 July 2010
Although it was dry when I started out it was very cloudy and the showers soon started sometimes quite heavy, however there was very little wind and it was difficult to tell the direction, temp 17c, visit from 05.45 - 08.15.
Just a quick fly through what I saw today, got a long sad day ahead with a funeral, 1 Starling flew over as I entered the park, a young Mallard seemed to be copying a Tufted Duck and diving for long periods of time, Great Crested Grebes numbered 4 on boating lake and 9 on main lake including 1+ juvenile, Grey Heron on boating lake, and a single Greylag Goose with no sign of the others, poss a new bird in, Tufted Ducks 45, Mute Swan 34 and Pochard 2 all on main lake, the Shoveler was on the boating lake, a Treecreeper was also in the trees along here with the 1st of 4 Bullfinches including a family group, 5 Sand Martins went over going south, 3 Blackcaps were seen around the park, also 4 Willow Tits, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs but I think you could at least double that if not more, they seemed to be calling from all over, a Garden Warbler was a first for a while, 2 Stock Doves in the usual place, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard.
Total species seen 43.
Just a quick fly through what I saw today, got a long sad day ahead with a funeral, 1 Starling flew over as I entered the park, a young Mallard seemed to be copying a Tufted Duck and diving for long periods of time, Great Crested Grebes numbered 4 on boating lake and 9 on main lake including 1+ juvenile, Grey Heron on boating lake, and a single Greylag Goose with no sign of the others, poss a new bird in, Tufted Ducks 45, Mute Swan 34 and Pochard 2 all on main lake, the Shoveler was on the boating lake, a Treecreeper was also in the trees along here with the 1st of 4 Bullfinches including a family group, 5 Sand Martins went over going south, 3 Blackcaps were seen around the park, also 4 Willow Tits, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs but I think you could at least double that if not more, they seemed to be calling from all over, a Garden Warbler was a first for a while, 2 Stock Doves in the usual place, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard.
Total species seen 43.
Sunday 18 July 2010
18 July 2010
Lazy old me didn't make it down to Westport today, but Nick Smith as always never fails, highlights were, 34 Mute Swans, 40 Tufted Ducks, hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Grey Heron, 3 Common Sandpiper, 'Sammy' Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Treecreeper, Great Crested Grebe 18, 2 birds with 1+ young on main lake, 2+2 on model boating lake with bird sitting still, 2 birds sitting on main lake, 6 Sand Martin, 2 Stock Dove, 10 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, family party of Wren + 2 families of Blackcap and one of Whitethroat, 3+ Bullfinch top pool with at least one juvenile.
Saturday 17 July 2010
17 July 2010
Dry but damp underfoot after overnight rain, cloudy with sunny intervals, temp 14c, quite a strong north/northwest breeze, visit from 06.15 - 08.30.
Good numbers of Swifts again going through heading south at least two separate groups of 35+ and then 60+, the Canada Goose flock still had the hybrid and 4 Greylag Geese, we did the 'WEBS' duck counts today but Nick has all the final counts which I will put on here later, Great Crested Grebes continue to total 4 on the boating lake and there was 10 on the main lake which included a immature bird, a Grey Heron was again fishing along the edge of the boating lake and later we had a single bird on the small pool on the old gas works, a female Pochard was also on the boating lake again and a male on the main lake, at this point we had our first of two real goodies this morning, we heard an unusual call over head and on looking up noticed a Black-tailed Godwit flying over heading south, my first at Westport and one of only a handful of records here, also flying through south were a few small groups of Sand Martins totalling only about 5+, on the main lake Tufted Ducks totalled 45 and the Mute Swans still remain steady with 34 including the single cygnet, then while counting the Mallards Nick noticed a Mandarin, again another rare bird at Westport, another first for me and only Nick's third ever.
A few House Martins joined the Swifts and Swallows going through, probably totalled about 5+, the Shoveler was picked up on the boating lake at the second attempt, in the nature reserve a couple of Blackcaps and the same in Reed Warblers were at the top pool, also a Coal Tit and Bullfinch were heard here, as we came onto the old gas works a couple of House Sparrows were in the silver birches not a place were we get them at all, and as mentioned before not a common bird at Westport, 3 Stock Doves were on the railway gantries and a couple of Collared Doves, finally on the old sewage works a couple of Chiffchaffs.
Good numbers of Swifts again going through heading south at least two separate groups of 35+ and then 60+, the Canada Goose flock still had the hybrid and 4 Greylag Geese, we did the 'WEBS' duck counts today but Nick has all the final counts which I will put on here later, Great Crested Grebes continue to total 4 on the boating lake and there was 10 on the main lake which included a immature bird, a Grey Heron was again fishing along the edge of the boating lake and later we had a single bird on the small pool on the old gas works, a female Pochard was also on the boating lake again and a male on the main lake, at this point we had our first of two real goodies this morning, we heard an unusual call over head and on looking up noticed a Black-tailed Godwit flying over heading south, my first at Westport and one of only a handful of records here, also flying through south were a few small groups of Sand Martins totalling only about 5+, on the main lake Tufted Ducks totalled 45 and the Mute Swans still remain steady with 34 including the single cygnet, then while counting the Mallards Nick noticed a Mandarin, again another rare bird at Westport, another first for me and only Nick's third ever.
A few House Martins joined the Swifts and Swallows going through, probably totalled about 5+, the Shoveler was picked up on the boating lake at the second attempt, in the nature reserve a couple of Blackcaps and the same in Reed Warblers were at the top pool, also a Coal Tit and Bullfinch were heard here, as we came onto the old gas works a couple of House Sparrows were in the silver birches not a place were we get them at all, and as mentioned before not a common bird at Westport, 3 Stock Doves were on the railway gantries and a couple of Collared Doves, finally on the old sewage works a couple of Chiffchaffs.
Friday 16 July 2010
16 July 2010
.jpg)
.jpg)
Dry with cloud coverage and the odd sunny interval, very windy coming from the south/southeast, temp 14c and feeling cooler, visit from 05.20 - 08.00.
Black-headed Gull numbers have really dropped off after the last few days but at least 6 juveniles are still present, a steady movement of Swifts going through with a count of 35+ early on followed by another 20+ going through later, the CanadaxGreylag hybrid is still present on the outer flock of the Canada Geese, also within the Canada Geese flock is the 4 ever present Greylag Geese, the usual Grey Heron was fishing around the model boating lake and a extra Great Crested Grebe was on here with the usual family of 4, only managed to count another 7 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake, but did watch a pair making a nest on the main lake, the male Shoveler was again on the boating lake, on the main lake 34 Mute Swans included the cygnet, a Common Sandpiper was on the old beach again, Tufted Ducks totalled 45 which also included 2 Pochard.
In the nature reserve the large Tit flock was near the bottom pool, within the flock was 2 Willow Tits, 2 female Blackcaps a Treecreeper and a Chiffchaff, I also had a Blackcap by the top pool and on the old sewage works where a Bullfinch was also heard, Also 3 Chiffchaffs were on here and 1 on the old gas works with 2 Stock Doves (see above photos), 2 Reed Warblers were on the top pool one was carrying food, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the gas works and 3 Whitethroats were on the sewage works, lastly within a flock of Swallows feeding around the tree line edge of the sewage works and the main lake at least 5+ House Martins and a single Sand Martin.
In total 43 species seen.
Thursday 15 July 2010
15 July 2010
Been a funny couple of day's with the weather, I didn't get down yesterday morning, but managed a visit in the afternoon, big mistake after about half an hour the heavens opened with a massive thunderstorm and the most torrential rain this year, I was totally soaked every item of clothing I had on was dripping, and to make matters worse even when there was a break in the weather absolutely nothing came in, so onto today and due to my notebook being ruined from yesterday, I just made a note of the main birds and there numbers.
Canada Geese totalled 231 which included the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, two groups of Sand Martins went through heading south, the first group totalled 5 and the second 9, the male Shoveler was back after not been around for a few days he was keeping to the island on the model boating lake, also on the main lake a probable female Shoveler but we could not relocate to confirm, the 4 Great Crested Grebes are still on the boating lake and 11 on the main lake which included the immature bird from the other day, also the Grebes in the top left corner have managed to have at least one chick and just in time as it looked like it's nest was destroyed in the storm from the previous day, a Common Sandpiper was on the old beach area the second one to go through this week, Tufted Duck totalled 40 all on the main lake with 34 Mute Swans and 2 Pochards, one of which flew across from the boating lake.
Canada Geese totalled 231 which included the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, two groups of Sand Martins went through heading south, the first group totalled 5 and the second 9, the male Shoveler was back after not been around for a few days he was keeping to the island on the model boating lake, also on the main lake a probable female Shoveler but we could not relocate to confirm, the 4 Great Crested Grebes are still on the boating lake and 11 on the main lake which included the immature bird from the other day, also the Grebes in the top left corner have managed to have at least one chick and just in time as it looked like it's nest was destroyed in the storm from the previous day, a Common Sandpiper was on the old beach area the second one to go through this week, Tufted Duck totalled 40 all on the main lake with 34 Mute Swans and 2 Pochards, one of which flew across from the boating lake.
Tuesday 13 July 2010
13 July 2010
Although dry, it was obvious that it had been raining overnight, temp was slightly cooler at 15c, wind again south/southwest, very cloudy, visit from 05.45 - 07.50.
As I entered the park almost the first bird I saw was a Starling, you may wonder why I mention this, but we don't see many here at Westport, to give you an idea this was actually the first record this month!, Black-headed Gulls have definitely dropped off with about 35+ which included around 5 juveniles, the Grey Heron was back in it's usual place on the model boating lake and was joined by another when they both flew off northwards, Moorhen chicks seemed to be showing well this morning, it's been difficult to tell how well they have done, compared to Coots they seem to sulk under the undergrowth, we had 4 chicks on the beach area and 2 on the boating lake, later there were a couple on the bottom pool, we know a few have hatched on the top pool and around 3 on the small pool on the gas works, so they seem to have done ok this year, the 4 Great Crested Grebes remain on the boating lake 2 of which are the juveniles, on the main lake 8 were seen which also included 1 juvenile probably from Hanley Park, a Common Sandpiper was on the beach area and later followed us around the main lake as the dog kept flushing it, again 35 Mute Swans on the main lake including the 1 cygnet, Tufted Ducks have surprisingly dropped by over half from yesterday to 28 and Pochards are down to just 1 pair, the 4 Greylag Geese remain within the Canada Goose flock.
A few Sand Martins were going through this morning all heading south, in all at least 8 went through but I would expect a lot more will go through during the day, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through the main lake, in the nature reserve a single Willow Tit was heard near the top pool, also here a family of Reed Warblers, a Kingfisher was spotted by Nick flying over the reedbed but I couldn't get on it or relocate it, it was busy around here with the Tit flock going through which also included a family of Blackcaps, Chiffchaff and Coal Tit, on the old gas works a couple of Collared Doves and on the old sewage works a couple of Bullfinches and at least 3 Whitethroats, back on the main lake and 2 House Martins were going through with a few Swallows and Swifts, and finally 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in the trees on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 43.
As I entered the park almost the first bird I saw was a Starling, you may wonder why I mention this, but we don't see many here at Westport, to give you an idea this was actually the first record this month!, Black-headed Gulls have definitely dropped off with about 35+ which included around 5 juveniles, the Grey Heron was back in it's usual place on the model boating lake and was joined by another when they both flew off northwards, Moorhen chicks seemed to be showing well this morning, it's been difficult to tell how well they have done, compared to Coots they seem to sulk under the undergrowth, we had 4 chicks on the beach area and 2 on the boating lake, later there were a couple on the bottom pool, we know a few have hatched on the top pool and around 3 on the small pool on the gas works, so they seem to have done ok this year, the 4 Great Crested Grebes remain on the boating lake 2 of which are the juveniles, on the main lake 8 were seen which also included 1 juvenile probably from Hanley Park, a Common Sandpiper was on the beach area and later followed us around the main lake as the dog kept flushing it, again 35 Mute Swans on the main lake including the 1 cygnet, Tufted Ducks have surprisingly dropped by over half from yesterday to 28 and Pochards are down to just 1 pair, the 4 Greylag Geese remain within the Canada Goose flock.
A few Sand Martins were going through this morning all heading south, in all at least 8 went through but I would expect a lot more will go through during the day, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through the main lake, in the nature reserve a single Willow Tit was heard near the top pool, also here a family of Reed Warblers, a Kingfisher was spotted by Nick flying over the reedbed but I couldn't get on it or relocate it, it was busy around here with the Tit flock going through which also included a family of Blackcaps, Chiffchaff and Coal Tit, on the old gas works a couple of Collared Doves and on the old sewage works a couple of Bullfinches and at least 3 Whitethroats, back on the main lake and 2 House Martins were going through with a few Swallows and Swifts, and finally 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in the trees on the canal side of the main lake.
Total species seen 43.
Monday 12 July 2010
12 July 2010
Rained from start to finish nothing too heavy mainly light with the odd heavier patch, wind was quite light and south/southwest, temp remained quite warm at 18c, visit from 05.50 - 08.25.
With the constant rain I was expecting a much better morning much remains the same as the previous few days with nothing out of the ordinary calling in, Black-headed Gull numbers remain steady with 40+ which included about 9 immatures, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the bottom entrance and 1 later at the top entrance could have been a different bird, Canada Goose numbers have dropped slightly now they can fly again to 263, a few more Lesser Black-backed Gulls were going through the main lake but a immature on the boating lake was a surprise also on here the 4 Great Crested Grebes remain and a good count of 12 on the main lake, also on the main lake 34 Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks are up slightly to 64 and Pochard 3 which included a unusual brown bird poss a 1st year bird.
A couple of Mistle Thrushes were along the canal side of the main lake, a summer plumage Herring Gull flew into the main lake briefly which like the Common Gull the other day is a bit unusual at this time of year although slightly more regular (if that makes sense), in the nature reserve a family of Reed Warblers were being fed by there parents in a small Silver Birch at the side of the reed bed on the top pool, and on the old gas works a family of 5+ Chiffchaffs where among a large Tit flock which also included a single female Blackcap and a Whitethroat, another 3 Whitethroats were also on the old sewage works and lastly 2 Stock Doves and 3 Collared Doves were on the gas works.
Total species seen 37.
With the constant rain I was expecting a much better morning much remains the same as the previous few days with nothing out of the ordinary calling in, Black-headed Gull numbers remain steady with 40+ which included about 9 immatures, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the bottom entrance and 1 later at the top entrance could have been a different bird, Canada Goose numbers have dropped slightly now they can fly again to 263, a few more Lesser Black-backed Gulls were going through the main lake but a immature on the boating lake was a surprise also on here the 4 Great Crested Grebes remain and a good count of 12 on the main lake, also on the main lake 34 Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks are up slightly to 64 and Pochard 3 which included a unusual brown bird poss a 1st year bird.
A couple of Mistle Thrushes were along the canal side of the main lake, a summer plumage Herring Gull flew into the main lake briefly which like the Common Gull the other day is a bit unusual at this time of year although slightly more regular (if that makes sense), in the nature reserve a family of Reed Warblers were being fed by there parents in a small Silver Birch at the side of the reed bed on the top pool, and on the old gas works a family of 5+ Chiffchaffs where among a large Tit flock which also included a single female Blackcap and a Whitethroat, another 3 Whitethroats were also on the old sewage works and lastly 2 Stock Doves and 3 Collared Doves were on the gas works.
Total species seen 37.
Sunday 11 July 2010
11 July 2010
.jpg)
.jpg)
A very strong south west breeze, probably the strongest of the year so far, it made the 20c temp feel a bit cooler, cloudy with sunny intervals, dry.
As you can see above the highlight of the morning was a flock of 7 Cormorants, I managed to fit 5 in the above photo and a single bird, think this is possibly one of if not the largest flocks of Cormorants at Westport, Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase with 67 this morning including 11 immatures, as usual 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and another 8 on the main lake, Tufted Ducks remain steady at 51, Mute Swans are up 1 to 35 which includes the single cygnet, at least 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, and the usual 4 Greylag Geese are still with the Canada Geese flock which also still includes the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Pochards have dropped slightly down to 2 males.
In the nature reserve a single Treecreeper was near the bottom pool and a single Bullfinch also here, Willow Tit was heard calling and 2+ Reed Warblers on the top pool, 3 Stock Doves on the old gas works and a Chiffchaff was calling here, a Sparrowhawk went over getting mobbed by Pied Wagtails and Goldfinches and a Grey Heron flew across the back, finally as we were leaving I heard a Tern on the boating lake as I walked back I noticed a Common Tern which then flew across the the main lake where it was joined by another, at last good views of a Tern at Westport this year after tail end views of all the others plus records from other people that I kept missing.
Total species seen 39.
Saturday 10 July 2010
.jpg)
10 July 2010
Didn't have time to do the blog yesterday due to shooting off to Norfolk to see the River Warbler and after getting home at 02.30 in the morning I wasn't expecting to make Westport today, but I did and I'm glad I did it turned out to be quite a good morning, esp considering the still warm weather, very sunny with little cloud coverage, temp was 20c, visit from 05.50 - 08.20.
We don't get many House Sparrows at Westport, sometimes we see them by Ted Heath Rock but 3 on the old sewage works was very unusual, 40 Black-headed Gulls between both lakes with a couple of immatures, as usual the Grey Heron was feeding around the boating lake, along with the 4 Great Crested Grebes and another 11 on the main lake, Mute Swan numbers remain steady at 34, as do Tufted Duck and Pochard with 48 and 2 respectively, the 4 Greylag Geese still with the Canada Geese and 3 Linnets flew over the car park.
A Lapwing over the main lake was a first for 2 months and a Lesser Black-backed Gull went through briefly, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling in the nature reserve, approx 3 or 4 Reed Warblers at the top pool, also 2 Coal Tits here, on the old gas works 4 Stock Doves was the highest count for a while as was a single Garden Warbler singing on the sewage works also on here 2 Whitethroats, back on the main lake and a Common Gull was on one of the pipes, this is the first record for 3 months and was a very nice summer adult, very rare at this time of year, lastly while watching the gull we heard the Nuthatch calling and managed to track it down in the Tit flock.
Total species seen 41.
Highlights from yesterday, Little Ringed Plover x2, Common Sandpiper x1, Treecreeper x2, Garden Warbler x1.
We don't get many House Sparrows at Westport, sometimes we see them by Ted Heath Rock but 3 on the old sewage works was very unusual, 40 Black-headed Gulls between both lakes with a couple of immatures, as usual the Grey Heron was feeding around the boating lake, along with the 4 Great Crested Grebes and another 11 on the main lake, Mute Swan numbers remain steady at 34, as do Tufted Duck and Pochard with 48 and 2 respectively, the 4 Greylag Geese still with the Canada Geese and 3 Linnets flew over the car park.
A Lapwing over the main lake was a first for 2 months and a Lesser Black-backed Gull went through briefly, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling in the nature reserve, approx 3 or 4 Reed Warblers at the top pool, also 2 Coal Tits here, on the old gas works 4 Stock Doves was the highest count for a while as was a single Garden Warbler singing on the sewage works also on here 2 Whitethroats, back on the main lake and a Common Gull was on one of the pipes, this is the first record for 3 months and was a very nice summer adult, very rare at this time of year, lastly while watching the gull we heard the Nuthatch calling and managed to track it down in the Tit flock.
Total species seen 41.
Highlights from yesterday, Little Ringed Plover x2, Common Sandpiper x1, Treecreeper x2, Garden Warbler x1.
Thursday 8 July 2010
08 July 2010
Very cloudy damp start started raining quite heavy later on, breeze quite strong and southerly, felt cool temp 16c, visit from 05.35 - 07.40.
Not much happening today, very much the same as yesterday on most counts although no sign of the Nuthatch today, a Sparrowhawk flew across the playing field carrying some prey, Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase with 44 today including 3 immatures, still 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake but only 9 seen on the main lake, the early morning Grey Heron was fishing around the boating lake, the hybrid CanadaxGreylag Goose is still present in the Canada Goose flock, 3 young Moorhen chicks were along the boating lake, Tufted Duck numbers remain steady at 54 males & females along with 4 Pochard, a couple of Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge, still 34 Mute Swans on the main lake.
The male Shoveler is still sticking to the boating lake and again a Grey Wagtail on the old beach area, also still with the Canada Geese flock 4 Greylag Geese, a couple of Blackcaps this morning 1 in the nature reserve and 1 on the old sewage works, a single Bullfinch flew over the boating lake, a Coal Tit was heard in the nature reserve and at the top pool a couple of Reed Warblers with at least 4 young, a Kestrel flew across the old gas works and a Stock Dove was seen here, lastly 2 Willow Tits were seen 1 in the nature reserve and 1 on the sewage works.
Total species seen 40.
Not much happening today, very much the same as yesterday on most counts although no sign of the Nuthatch today, a Sparrowhawk flew across the playing field carrying some prey, Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase with 44 today including 3 immatures, still 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake but only 9 seen on the main lake, the early morning Grey Heron was fishing around the boating lake, the hybrid CanadaxGreylag Goose is still present in the Canada Goose flock, 3 young Moorhen chicks were along the boating lake, Tufted Duck numbers remain steady at 54 males & females along with 4 Pochard, a couple of Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge, still 34 Mute Swans on the main lake.
The male Shoveler is still sticking to the boating lake and again a Grey Wagtail on the old beach area, also still with the Canada Geese flock 4 Greylag Geese, a couple of Blackcaps this morning 1 in the nature reserve and 1 on the old sewage works, a single Bullfinch flew over the boating lake, a Coal Tit was heard in the nature reserve and at the top pool a couple of Reed Warblers with at least 4 young, a Kestrel flew across the old gas works and a Stock Dove was seen here, lastly 2 Willow Tits were seen 1 in the nature reserve and 1 on the sewage works.
Total species seen 40.
Wednesday 7 July 2010
New Feature
I've started a new feature on the right hand side of the blog, called 'On this month', it shows what has turned up on each month over the years, so if you find anything then let us know or if you have a record from the past that is missing from the list then let me know and I will add it to the feature.
07 July 2010
Quite a strong southerly breeze this morning, very cloudy, dry, temp 18c, visit from 05.25 - 08.30.
Black-headed Gulls continue to rise slowly 34 this morning on both lakes with 3 immatures, still 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and 11 on the main lake with possibly 3 nesting, Tufted Ducks are remaining strong with 56 mainly males and a few females, Canada Geese counted at 268 including the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Mute Swans remain at 34 including the single cygnet, 2 Pochard were on the main lake but tended to stay on there own rather than be with the Tufted Ducks, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, a single Mistle Thrush was again on the playing field and again the Nuthatch was seen firstly I heard it by the sidings early on, it was seen there a bit later and then in the trees by the car park and later I had it in the trees by the canal bridge you come over to enter the car park, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling from the sidings.
A single Grey Wagtail on the old beach area was a first for a while, the Shoveler is still on the boating lake, also a Grey Heron feeding along the edge of here, 4 Blackcaps were seen this morning, 2 on the 'Avenue', 1 by the top pool and 1 on the old sewage works, 2 Chiffchaffs were seen, 1 on the 'Avenue' and 1 on the old sewage works, still 4 Greylag Geese mainly seen with the Canada Geese, at least 3 Willow Tits this morning, 2 along the 'Avenue' and 1 near the top pool, also 2 Reed Warblers at the top pool, 4 Bullfinches today, 2 at the top pool and 2 on the old sewage works, finally a couple of Whitethroats were seen on the sewage works.
Total species seen 42.
A bit later this morning, Phil Locker had a Common Tern on the main lake and a Little Ringed Plover,
Black-headed Gulls continue to rise slowly 34 this morning on both lakes with 3 immatures, still 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and 11 on the main lake with possibly 3 nesting, Tufted Ducks are remaining strong with 56 mainly males and a few females, Canada Geese counted at 268 including the hybrid CanadaxGreylag, Mute Swans remain at 34 including the single cygnet, 2 Pochard were on the main lake but tended to stay on there own rather than be with the Tufted Ducks, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through, a single Mistle Thrush was again on the playing field and again the Nuthatch was seen firstly I heard it by the sidings early on, it was seen there a bit later and then in the trees by the car park and later I had it in the trees by the canal bridge you come over to enter the car park, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling from the sidings.
A single Grey Wagtail on the old beach area was a first for a while, the Shoveler is still on the boating lake, also a Grey Heron feeding along the edge of here, 4 Blackcaps were seen this morning, 2 on the 'Avenue', 1 by the top pool and 1 on the old sewage works, 2 Chiffchaffs were seen, 1 on the 'Avenue' and 1 on the old sewage works, still 4 Greylag Geese mainly seen with the Canada Geese, at least 3 Willow Tits this morning, 2 along the 'Avenue' and 1 near the top pool, also 2 Reed Warblers at the top pool, 4 Bullfinches today, 2 at the top pool and 2 on the old sewage works, finally a couple of Whitethroats were seen on the sewage works.
Total species seen 42.
A bit later this morning, Phil Locker had a Common Tern on the main lake and a Little Ringed Plover,
Tuesday 6 July 2010
06 July 2010
Just received an E mail from a Mike Rogers with the above picture of a nice Common Tern at Westport this morning for 15 minutes at 10.15, a nice find and one of only a handful of records so far this year.
06 July 2010
Felt a bit cool this morning, temp was 15c, again no breeze of note, cloudy with a little sun breaking through, visit from 05.45 - 08.20.
A good morning with a Westport tick for me, but more about that later, the Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase daily with 37 seen including 3 juveniles, a couple of Mistle Thrushes were on the playing field, as usual the 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and another 12 on the main lake, Tufted Duck numbers have shot up with 51 mainly males and a few females, also 2 Pochard and 34 Mute Swans all on the main lake, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6 Sand Martins flew through all heading south.
A Grey Heron was feeding on the boating lake and the Shoveler was also on here, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the main lake, 4 Greylag Geese with the Canada Geese flock which still includes the CanadaxGreylag hybrid, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were briefly on the grass verge before heading north, a couple of Willow Tits were in a large Tit flock by the sidings, just a single Reed Warbler heard in the top pool reed bed, a couple of Chiffchaffs heard, 1 on the top pool and 1 on the old sewage works, same with Blackcaps and just 1 Stock Dove on the old gas works, finally as I came along the back path in the nature reserve I noticed a small Tit/Warbler flock, within this flock was a Nuthatch, obviously the bird from yesterday and my first ever at Westport.
Total species seen 42.
A good morning with a Westport tick for me, but more about that later, the Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase daily with 37 seen including 3 juveniles, a couple of Mistle Thrushes were on the playing field, as usual the 4 Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake and another 12 on the main lake, Tufted Duck numbers have shot up with 51 mainly males and a few females, also 2 Pochard and 34 Mute Swans all on the main lake, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6 Sand Martins flew through all heading south.
A Grey Heron was feeding on the boating lake and the Shoveler was also on here, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the main lake, 4 Greylag Geese with the Canada Geese flock which still includes the CanadaxGreylag hybrid, 2 Little Ringed Plovers were briefly on the grass verge before heading north, a couple of Willow Tits were in a large Tit flock by the sidings, just a single Reed Warbler heard in the top pool reed bed, a couple of Chiffchaffs heard, 1 on the top pool and 1 on the old sewage works, same with Blackcaps and just 1 Stock Dove on the old gas works, finally as I came along the back path in the nature reserve I noticed a small Tit/Warbler flock, within this flock was a Nuthatch, obviously the bird from yesterday and my first ever at Westport.
Total species seen 42.
Monday 5 July 2010
05 July 2010
About 50% cloud coverage with sunny intervals, very little breeze of note, poss southerly, dry and temp was 17c, visit from 05.45 - 08.00.
No sign of the reported Black-necked Grebe and no one has come forward to confirm who it was who put the report in, another birder was down here at the time of the report and saw nothing and several birders came down with in minutes of the report and still no sign, all very strange!
Anyway onto this morning, the two young Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake are really getting quite confident, following the parents around the lake and diving, there growing fast now, another 12 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake gave us a total of 16 this morning, a count of the Canada Geese came in at 266, along the edge of the model boating lake a group of 6 Moorhen chicks was unusual, Black-headed Gull numbers are increasing daily now with 26 this morning including 1 immature, as usual 4 Greylag Geese were with the Canada Geese and the hybrid CanadaxGreylag is still present, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through early on over the main lake, a single Pochard was on the main lake with 34 Tufted Ducks these included a couple of very brown birds looking like this years young, Mute Swans continue to remain steady at 34 birds including the 1 cygnet, a nice find this morning was 2 Common Sandpipers which spent the morning flying all over the main lake.
Blackcaps numbered 3, 1 in the nature reserve, 1 on the old sewage works and 1 at the top entrance of the park, Mistle Thrushes numbered 3 in several places, the male Shoveler is still present this time on the boating lake and a single Little Ringed Plover briefly flew over the main lake calling, just a couple of Whitethroats with 1 in the middle of the nature reserve and 1 on the sewage works, at least 2 Willow Tits were also on the sewage works, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, a single Chiffchaff was heard on the sewage works and finally a Sparrowhawk flew across here.
As I was leaving Westport I received a phone call from Nick Smith informing me that Richard Sutton had just had a Nuthatch in the Tit flock along the edge of the main lake and nature reserve, I had a look around but no luck, this I assume is the same bird of last week and hopefully will stay around for awhile.
Total species seen 42.
No sign of the reported Black-necked Grebe and no one has come forward to confirm who it was who put the report in, another birder was down here at the time of the report and saw nothing and several birders came down with in minutes of the report and still no sign, all very strange!
Anyway onto this morning, the two young Great Crested Grebes on the model boating lake are really getting quite confident, following the parents around the lake and diving, there growing fast now, another 12 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake gave us a total of 16 this morning, a count of the Canada Geese came in at 266, along the edge of the model boating lake a group of 6 Moorhen chicks was unusual, Black-headed Gull numbers are increasing daily now with 26 this morning including 1 immature, as usual 4 Greylag Geese were with the Canada Geese and the hybrid CanadaxGreylag is still present, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through early on over the main lake, a single Pochard was on the main lake with 34 Tufted Ducks these included a couple of very brown birds looking like this years young, Mute Swans continue to remain steady at 34 birds including the 1 cygnet, a nice find this morning was 2 Common Sandpipers which spent the morning flying all over the main lake.
Blackcaps numbered 3, 1 in the nature reserve, 1 on the old sewage works and 1 at the top entrance of the park, Mistle Thrushes numbered 3 in several places, the male Shoveler is still present this time on the boating lake and a single Little Ringed Plover briefly flew over the main lake calling, just a couple of Whitethroats with 1 in the middle of the nature reserve and 1 on the sewage works, at least 2 Willow Tits were also on the sewage works, 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, a single Chiffchaff was heard on the sewage works and finally a Sparrowhawk flew across here.
As I was leaving Westport I received a phone call from Nick Smith informing me that Richard Sutton had just had a Nuthatch in the Tit flock along the edge of the main lake and nature reserve, I had a look around but no luck, this I assume is the same bird of last week and hopefully will stay around for awhile.
Total species seen 42.
Sunday 4 July 2010
04 July 2010
Ok, so I've not been about much yet again, sodding off down to Devon to see House Finch and Gull-billed Tern, and what happens, someone and no one knows who, goes and reports a Black-necked Grebe on the main lake at Westport, if correct this is a first for the year and one a few people would like to see, it caused a mini twitch in Stoke with several people going down to look for it but too no avail, so if your the person who found/saw it, could you please e mail me or put a comment on here, thanks.
Other news from today comes from Nick Smith, who does his best on a Saturday to walk me all over the country so I'm too tired to go Westport on a Sunday, and as usual he succeeded, a Kingfisher on the main lake is the second record this week, immature Great Crested Grebe on the main lake possibly comes from the breeding pair on Hanley Park, no sign of the 3 Pochard that have been with us for nearly a week, and 'Sammy' Shoveler seems to be on his own again as the female Shoveler looks to have moved on, 37 Tufted Duck is another slight increase over the week.
Other news from today comes from Nick Smith, who does his best on a Saturday to walk me all over the country so I'm too tired to go Westport on a Sunday, and as usual he succeeded, a Kingfisher on the main lake is the second record this week, immature Great Crested Grebe on the main lake possibly comes from the breeding pair on Hanley Park, no sign of the 3 Pochard that have been with us for nearly a week, and 'Sammy' Shoveler seems to be on his own again as the female Shoveler looks to have moved on, 37 Tufted Duck is another slight increase over the week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)