Saturday, 30 April 2011
30 April 2011
Still stuck at work on early's at the mo, but Nick managed to get me down at teatime after he had seen a Grasshopper Warbler on the sewage works during his morning visit, sadly I had no joy and still this species eludes me at Westport!
Friday, 29 April 2011
28 April 2011
Just a quick overview of what we saw today, after Westport we rushed off to Horton, Tittesworth, Dane river and finally Hanchurch Wood, when I got home fell asleep til 8pm, so no time to do a full account as some of us are working this Wedding Day Bank holiday.
Starlings increasing with up to 10 feeding on the playing field, just 2 Greylag Geese remain on the boating lake, just 5 Blackcaps heard and seen this morning, 2 Great Crested Grebes were back on the boating lake with another 6 on the main lake, 5 Mute Swans remain on the boating lake with the resident male patrolling the main lake and his partner in the nature reserve, 3 Little Ringed Plovers on the grass bank and verge to the main lake with a couple of Pied Wagtails, just 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls seen going through this morning, 13 Tufted Duck on the main lake and the first Great Spotted Woodpecker I've heard for a while was calling from the wood at the back of the boating lake, just 5 Chiffchaffs this morning, a few Swallows went through but only in small numbers, highlight bird of the day was a single Waxwing flying over quite high trilling, this is the latest ever record for Westport I believe, but will probably be corrected on that, a Sedge Warbler was again singing from the top pool also here a pair of Willow Tits and at last my first Reed Warbler of the year at Westport (year tick number 92), a couple of Willow Warblers were on the old sewage works as were 5 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler, lastly 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, oh and as I was leaving a single Black-headed Gull came onto the main lake and Nick and George had a Swift quite low over the main lake, phew, off to bed work in the morning and all weekend, boo hoo!
Starlings increasing with up to 10 feeding on the playing field, just 2 Greylag Geese remain on the boating lake, just 5 Blackcaps heard and seen this morning, 2 Great Crested Grebes were back on the boating lake with another 6 on the main lake, 5 Mute Swans remain on the boating lake with the resident male patrolling the main lake and his partner in the nature reserve, 3 Little Ringed Plovers on the grass bank and verge to the main lake with a couple of Pied Wagtails, just 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls seen going through this morning, 13 Tufted Duck on the main lake and the first Great Spotted Woodpecker I've heard for a while was calling from the wood at the back of the boating lake, just 5 Chiffchaffs this morning, a few Swallows went through but only in small numbers, highlight bird of the day was a single Waxwing flying over quite high trilling, this is the latest ever record for Westport I believe, but will probably be corrected on that, a Sedge Warbler was again singing from the top pool also here a pair of Willow Tits and at last my first Reed Warbler of the year at Westport (year tick number 92), a couple of Willow Warblers were on the old sewage works as were 5 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler, lastly 2 Stock Doves on the old gas works, oh and as I was leaving a single Black-headed Gull came onto the main lake and Nick and George had a Swift quite low over the main lake, phew, off to bed work in the morning and all weekend, boo hoo!
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
27 April 2011
After a late shift at work finishing at 3am I was defiantly not up to a early morning visit to Westport, as usual Nick was around and luckily I did miss too much, present this morning, a Gadwall on the main lake, Sedge Warbler again on the top pool and 4 Little Ringed Plover.
Later in the morning Jeff Jones had a Shelduck fly around the main lake briefly and as well as the Sedge Warbler on the top pool he also had his second Reed Warbler of the year there, one I'm still trying to catch up on.
Below are a series of photo's by Pete Lunt including yesterday's male Wheatear on the playing field and a few other various photo's, thanks Pete. There are a few other photo's as well which I've added to the slideshow at the beginning of the blog.
The Yellow Wagtail photo isn't from this year just in case a few of you regular Westporters are panicking that you've miss one this year!
Later in the morning Jeff Jones had a Shelduck fly around the main lake briefly and as well as the Sedge Warbler on the top pool he also had his second Reed Warbler of the year there, one I'm still trying to catch up on.
Below are a series of photo's by Pete Lunt including yesterday's male Wheatear on the playing field and a few other various photo's, thanks Pete. There are a few other photo's as well which I've added to the slideshow at the beginning of the blog.
The Yellow Wagtail photo isn't from this year just in case a few of you regular Westporters are panicking that you've miss one this year!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
26 April 2011
A great morning round Westport, spent 4hrs covering just about every inch of the place with Nick, weather was light cloud to start with a bit of sun, the north east breeze got up a bit bringing heavy cloud which threatened a bit of rain, temp was 14c but felt cooler in the breeze, visit from 05.55 til 09.55.
As I entered the park 4 Starlings were feeding on the playing field, there probably feeding young at the moment as it's the only time we ever have Starling on the ground at Westport, at the side of the path the first of 8 Chiffchaffs was singing and the first of 8 Blackcaps as well, on the boating lake a adult Mute Swan was with a group of 4 1st years, these are probably the ones Nick had yesterday morning but are missing a 5th youngster, the resident male Mute Swan was guarding the main lake with his partner in the nature reserve, a couple of Swallows went through as did further several parties during the visit, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the main lake but there was nowhere near as much movement of the species as there was the other day, 3 Greylag Geese remain on the main lake which also held 17 Tufted Duck and 4 Great Crested Grebes, on the grass verge and bank 3 Little Ringed Plover were present and a couple of Pied Wagtails, we made our way around the 'Avenue' were the only addition was a Bullfinch with another on the old sewage works later, in the nature reserve a Treecreeper was present with another on the edge of the main lake, the old gas work held just 1 Stock Dove while on the old sewage works we had 2 Willow Warblers, 9 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler which was in the same area as the one I'd had a few days earlier, also on here a Jackdaw and Mistle Thrush flew over.
As we had time to spare with Nick still on holiday and myself not due in work til this afternoon we decided to make our way along the nature reserve side of the main lake and down towards the visitor centre, it turned out to be a bit of a good decision, the first young Coots of the year were found along the edge of the lake with 6 in total being busily fed by there parents, over 30+ House Martins were going over the lake with smaller groups of Swallows and a single Grey Heron flew over south, while by the visitor centre and ribbing Pete Lunt about his trip out of the Staffs county to Cheshire Nick picked up a Swift among the House Martin flock, although a Swift was seen at Westport a few days ago by Jeff Jones this was a Westport year tick for us and a good way to end the visit, or so I thought, just as we were about to leave the park ranger came over asking what we'd seen and ever so casually told us he'd had a Wheatear on the playing field earlier and that it was still there, we left the ranger standing as we all rushed off to see if it was still present and as you can see below the male Wheatear was still there, news was put out and with in minutes several Westport regulars were enjoying this rare Westport visitor, plus another Westport lifer and year tick for me!
As I entered the park 4 Starlings were feeding on the playing field, there probably feeding young at the moment as it's the only time we ever have Starling on the ground at Westport, at the side of the path the first of 8 Chiffchaffs was singing and the first of 8 Blackcaps as well, on the boating lake a adult Mute Swan was with a group of 4 1st years, these are probably the ones Nick had yesterday morning but are missing a 5th youngster, the resident male Mute Swan was guarding the main lake with his partner in the nature reserve, a couple of Swallows went through as did further several parties during the visit, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the main lake but there was nowhere near as much movement of the species as there was the other day, 3 Greylag Geese remain on the main lake which also held 17 Tufted Duck and 4 Great Crested Grebes, on the grass verge and bank 3 Little Ringed Plover were present and a couple of Pied Wagtails, we made our way around the 'Avenue' were the only addition was a Bullfinch with another on the old sewage works later, in the nature reserve a Treecreeper was present with another on the edge of the main lake, the old gas work held just 1 Stock Dove while on the old sewage works we had 2 Willow Warblers, 9 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler which was in the same area as the one I'd had a few days earlier, also on here a Jackdaw and Mistle Thrush flew over.
As we had time to spare with Nick still on holiday and myself not due in work til this afternoon we decided to make our way along the nature reserve side of the main lake and down towards the visitor centre, it turned out to be a bit of a good decision, the first young Coots of the year were found along the edge of the lake with 6 in total being busily fed by there parents, over 30+ House Martins were going over the lake with smaller groups of Swallows and a single Grey Heron flew over south, while by the visitor centre and ribbing Pete Lunt about his trip out of the Staffs county to Cheshire Nick picked up a Swift among the House Martin flock, although a Swift was seen at Westport a few days ago by Jeff Jones this was a Westport year tick for us and a good way to end the visit, or so I thought, just as we were about to leave the park ranger came over asking what we'd seen and ever so casually told us he'd had a Wheatear on the playing field earlier and that it was still there, we left the ranger standing as we all rushed off to see if it was still present and as you can see below the male Wheatear was still there, news was put out and with in minutes several Westport regulars were enjoying this rare Westport visitor, plus another Westport lifer and year tick for me!
Male Wheatear by Dave Kelsall (Thanks)
Sunday, 24 April 2011
24 April 2011
A very different day on the weather front, the winds have changed round to the north west and are slightly stronger, with this the temp has dropped to 12c, it was very cloudy with no sign of the sun today, visit from 05.55 til 09.10.
Swallows were going through in small parties today with probably over 20+ going through during the visit, along the canal the regular pair have returned to there breeding area of the old pottery buildings. On the boating lake a couple of Greylag Geese with another 2 on the main lake, a good count of 5 Little Ringed Plover were along the grass verge and grass bank, a few Mistle Thrushes were seen today with singles on the grass verge and canal side and a pair by the top entrance, on the main lake 8 Tufted Duck and 5 Great Crested Grebes, good numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have gone through all morning, they've all gone from southeast to north west with over 40+ going through during the visit, a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass bank with another later on the old gas works, a single Starling was feeding near Ted Heath Rocks.
As I made my way towards the old sewage works to have another look for the Grasshopper Warbler a guy stopped me to sat a strange goose was on the lake, having a look I picked up what I was sure was a Egyptian Goose on the far side of the lake, I went to make my way around when it flew off heading north, and I was able to identify it as a definite Egyptian Goose, only the 2nd ever record for Westport Lake, I texted a few others including Nick who had only just returned from his hols in Cyprus, unfortunately for him he had just arrived at Westport slightly too late and had missed it, to say he was gutted wasn't the word, you could see it in his face.
We made our way onto the old sewage works, the 1st Chiffchaff of the visit was calling with 9 seen in total during the visit, a couple of Willow Warblers were on here and the 1st of 7 Blackcaps were seen, 7 Whitethroats were around the sewage works area and a single male Bullfinch but again there was no sign of the Grasshopper Warbler, we made our way back to the main lake, a Treecreeper was along the canal side of the main lake, Nick then picked up the Egyptian Goose near the boating ramp, it had returned, to say he was rather pleased was a understatement, I meanwhile was a bit gutted, another year tick on him had gone (only joking mate), I managed a couple of photos but as with yesterdays photos of the Snow Goose I've lost my lead attachment so can't download them at the mo, but hopefully I will have it sorted out soon, the male Mute Swan had just chased off another Swan and now turned it's attention too the Egyptian Goose chasing it off the lake it flew over to the boating lake, did a quick circular route around and then flew off southeast calling as it went. Yesterday I'd had a e-mail from Jeff Jones telling me of a Reed Warbler yesterday on the top pool, as it was a Westport year tick we headed up there too see if it was singing for us, no joy on the Reed Warbler but we did have a nice Sedge Warbler singing form the edge of the reed and trees, also in here was a Reed Bunting, on the old gas works 2 Stock Doves were present and lastly by the main lake just before I left a couple of House Martins went through with the Swallows.
A bit later in the morning and Jeff Jones had a Swift going through which is another year tick for Westport.
Late morning and Pete Lunt had the Sedge Warbler plus Little Ringed Plover and 2 Cormorants.
Swallows were going through in small parties today with probably over 20+ going through during the visit, along the canal the regular pair have returned to there breeding area of the old pottery buildings. On the boating lake a couple of Greylag Geese with another 2 on the main lake, a good count of 5 Little Ringed Plover were along the grass verge and grass bank, a few Mistle Thrushes were seen today with singles on the grass verge and canal side and a pair by the top entrance, on the main lake 8 Tufted Duck and 5 Great Crested Grebes, good numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have gone through all morning, they've all gone from southeast to north west with over 40+ going through during the visit, a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass bank with another later on the old gas works, a single Starling was feeding near Ted Heath Rocks.
As I made my way towards the old sewage works to have another look for the Grasshopper Warbler a guy stopped me to sat a strange goose was on the lake, having a look I picked up what I was sure was a Egyptian Goose on the far side of the lake, I went to make my way around when it flew off heading north, and I was able to identify it as a definite Egyptian Goose, only the 2nd ever record for Westport Lake, I texted a few others including Nick who had only just returned from his hols in Cyprus, unfortunately for him he had just arrived at Westport slightly too late and had missed it, to say he was gutted wasn't the word, you could see it in his face.
We made our way onto the old sewage works, the 1st Chiffchaff of the visit was calling with 9 seen in total during the visit, a couple of Willow Warblers were on here and the 1st of 7 Blackcaps were seen, 7 Whitethroats were around the sewage works area and a single male Bullfinch but again there was no sign of the Grasshopper Warbler, we made our way back to the main lake, a Treecreeper was along the canal side of the main lake, Nick then picked up the Egyptian Goose near the boating ramp, it had returned, to say he was rather pleased was a understatement, I meanwhile was a bit gutted, another year tick on him had gone (only joking mate), I managed a couple of photos but as with yesterdays photos of the Snow Goose I've lost my lead attachment so can't download them at the mo, but hopefully I will have it sorted out soon, the male Mute Swan had just chased off another Swan and now turned it's attention too the Egyptian Goose chasing it off the lake it flew over to the boating lake, did a quick circular route around and then flew off southeast calling as it went. Yesterday I'd had a e-mail from Jeff Jones telling me of a Reed Warbler yesterday on the top pool, as it was a Westport year tick we headed up there too see if it was singing for us, no joy on the Reed Warbler but we did have a nice Sedge Warbler singing form the edge of the reed and trees, also in here was a Reed Bunting, on the old gas works 2 Stock Doves were present and lastly by the main lake just before I left a couple of House Martins went through with the Swallows.
A bit later in the morning and Jeff Jones had a Swift going through which is another year tick for Westport.
Late morning and Pete Lunt had the Sedge Warbler plus Little Ringed Plover and 2 Cormorants.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
23 April 2011
Another similar morning to yesterday weather wise, there was probably slightly more cloud cover but a lighter breeze, still southeasterly, temp was 16c rising to 21c by end of visit which was from 05.55 til 08.50.
As I entered the park again Blackcap and Chiffchaffs were singing, in all 8 Chiffchaffs were seen/heard and 9 Blackcap, although today I didn't go around the 'Avenue/Prices filed area so probably a few more of both species around, on the boating lake there are now 5 Greylag Geese as well as the usual Farmyard Greylag types, the male Mute Swan was on the two main lakes and later chased another Mute Swan off while the female remains in the nature reserve, on the grass verge 2 Little Ringed Plovers were present and 10 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake, just a single Starling on the ground today, I think I've seen more Waxwings at Westport than I have Starlings this year! Still no Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake but 4 are on the main lake, a couple of Mistle Thrushes were flying around probably busy feeding young somewhere, while along the grass bank I heard a unusual call overhead, looking up I noticed a Snow Goose, it flew around the main lake and the the boating lake before landing on here and then went onto the bank were it had a preen and wing stretch before being disturbed by a runner, it made its way along the edge of the lake were I managed a few photo's (to follow), I've no idea were it's come from, obviously not wild but a nice addition to the day anyway, I then made may way straight to the sewage works to try and find the Grasshopper Warbler from the last few days, sadly I couldn't hear anything to give me hope and made do with 7 Whitethroats on here and a couple of Willow Warblers, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over during the visit with probably around 10 birds going through, on the old gas works a Reed Bunting was calling from the side of Jeff's Pool, back on the main lake a couple of Black-headed Gulls went through, I had another look for the Snow Goose but it had moved on and along the canal a couple of Swallows were present.
Later in the morning Jeff Jones had the first Reed Warbler of the year on the top pool in the nature reserve. This also puts Westport on 100 species seen so far this year so I've got a bit of catching up to do with just 87!
As I entered the park again Blackcap and Chiffchaffs were singing, in all 8 Chiffchaffs were seen/heard and 9 Blackcap, although today I didn't go around the 'Avenue/Prices filed area so probably a few more of both species around, on the boating lake there are now 5 Greylag Geese as well as the usual Farmyard Greylag types, the male Mute Swan was on the two main lakes and later chased another Mute Swan off while the female remains in the nature reserve, on the grass verge 2 Little Ringed Plovers were present and 10 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake, just a single Starling on the ground today, I think I've seen more Waxwings at Westport than I have Starlings this year! Still no Great Crested Grebes on the boating lake but 4 are on the main lake, a couple of Mistle Thrushes were flying around probably busy feeding young somewhere, while along the grass bank I heard a unusual call overhead, looking up I noticed a Snow Goose, it flew around the main lake and the the boating lake before landing on here and then went onto the bank were it had a preen and wing stretch before being disturbed by a runner, it made its way along the edge of the lake were I managed a few photo's (to follow), I've no idea were it's come from, obviously not wild but a nice addition to the day anyway, I then made may way straight to the sewage works to try and find the Grasshopper Warbler from the last few days, sadly I couldn't hear anything to give me hope and made do with 7 Whitethroats on here and a couple of Willow Warblers, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over during the visit with probably around 10 birds going through, on the old gas works a Reed Bunting was calling from the side of Jeff's Pool, back on the main lake a couple of Black-headed Gulls went through, I had another look for the Snow Goose but it had moved on and along the canal a couple of Swallows were present.
Later in the morning Jeff Jones had the first Reed Warbler of the year on the top pool in the nature reserve. This also puts Westport on 100 species seen so far this year so I've got a bit of catching up to do with just 87!
Friday, 22 April 2011
22 April 2011
After 4 straight days at work and missing a Wood Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler at Westport it was good to get back down again this morning, the conditions were great with a south easterly breeze, just lacked a bit of rain to drop the birds in, it was clear skies and sun all morning, with the temp at 16c rising to 21c when I got home, visit from 05.55 - 09.20.
As I entered the park by the bottom entrance a couple of Blackcaps were singing from either side of the path, in total 9 were seen during the visit, on the boating lake 8 Goslings were being looked after by a Canada Goose and a White Goose! there was no sign of the pair of Great Crested Grebe or the single youngster on the boating lake so I assume they have failed, along the grass verge of the main lake 3 Little Ringed Plovers were present with 1 by the boating ramp and the other 2 at the opposite end, 2 Greylag Geese were on the boating ramp as was a single Starling with another 3 Starlings on the playing field and a single later flying over the old gas works, 18 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake with just 2 Great Crested Grebes, a couple of Mistle Thrushes flew over and a Common Sandpiper flew from the grass verge towards the nature reserve side of the main lake, just a single Pied Wagtail was seen on the grass bank, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through in groups of 3, 1 and 2, the first Chiffchaff was heard near the 1st gate to the nature reserve with another 9 seen around the park with most being on the sewage works, a single Grey Heron flew over south, the pair of Mute Swans were on the top pool and a single Willow Tit was calling here, just 2 Willow Warblers were heard today with both being on the old sewage works were 6 Whitethroats were present, this is quite an increase with just one seen the other day and a Westport year tick for me (86), I met up with Phil Jones on here who just 10mins previously had been listening to a Grasshopper Warbler reeling, bad news for me as I still need it for my Westport list, we waited for a while but no joy, when Phil left I had a good scout around the area and still no joy, on the plus side I did find a Garden Warbler which was the first for the year and another Westport year tick out of the way (87), a Collared Dove was along the canal and another at the back of Prices field, a Lapwing also flew over the old sewage works and a Bullfinch was seen on here with another along the 'Avenue', lastly a couple of Black-headed Gulls were on the main lake as I made my way home.
It was good to see a lot of birders at Westport this morning, with some new faces, welcome and hope we see you down in the near future.
As I entered the park by the bottom entrance a couple of Blackcaps were singing from either side of the path, in total 9 were seen during the visit, on the boating lake 8 Goslings were being looked after by a Canada Goose and a White Goose! there was no sign of the pair of Great Crested Grebe or the single youngster on the boating lake so I assume they have failed, along the grass verge of the main lake 3 Little Ringed Plovers were present with 1 by the boating ramp and the other 2 at the opposite end, 2 Greylag Geese were on the boating ramp as was a single Starling with another 3 Starlings on the playing field and a single later flying over the old gas works, 18 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake with just 2 Great Crested Grebes, a couple of Mistle Thrushes flew over and a Common Sandpiper flew from the grass verge towards the nature reserve side of the main lake, just a single Pied Wagtail was seen on the grass bank, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through in groups of 3, 1 and 2, the first Chiffchaff was heard near the 1st gate to the nature reserve with another 9 seen around the park with most being on the sewage works, a single Grey Heron flew over south, the pair of Mute Swans were on the top pool and a single Willow Tit was calling here, just 2 Willow Warblers were heard today with both being on the old sewage works were 6 Whitethroats were present, this is quite an increase with just one seen the other day and a Westport year tick for me (86), I met up with Phil Jones on here who just 10mins previously had been listening to a Grasshopper Warbler reeling, bad news for me as I still need it for my Westport list, we waited for a while but no joy, when Phil left I had a good scout around the area and still no joy, on the plus side I did find a Garden Warbler which was the first for the year and another Westport year tick out of the way (87), a Collared Dove was along the canal and another at the back of Prices field, a Lapwing also flew over the old sewage works and a Bullfinch was seen on here with another along the 'Avenue', lastly a couple of Black-headed Gulls were on the main lake as I made my way home.
It was good to see a lot of birders at Westport this morning, with some new faces, welcome and hope we see you down in the near future.
Monday, 18 April 2011
18 April 2011
News from Westport today brought the 1st biggie on the migrant front with a Wood Warbler, found by Neil Brewster, it's the 2nd one in the last two years and with only a handful of previous records a cracking bird to add to your Westport list. It was seen and heard singing from along the canal side trees along the old sewage works and was present for nearly an hour or so. Also present this morning 2 Little Ringed Plovers and the 1st Whitethroat of the year.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
17 April 2011
Weather was much the same as yesterday with plenty of sunshine and a light mist over the lake, as the morning progressed it began too cloud over slightly with a light north/northwesterly breeze, temp was still 9c, visit from 06.10 - 08.55. First bird I heard on entering the park was a singing Chiffchaff, this was the 1st of at least 10 seen during the visit, also the 1st of at least 9 Blackcaps were singing nearby, on the boating lake the male Shoveler and just 1 Great Crested Grebe feeding it's only youngster, on the main lake there were another 6 Great Crested Grebes with 14 Tufted Ducks, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over during the visit with a couple stopping off on the main lake, a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass verge and 2 Cormorants flew over heading east, strange how we always get Cormorants flying over every weekend, where are they during the week? 6 Mistle Thrushes were seen during the visit and 3 Chaffinches around the park, unusually 2 Starlings were feeding on the playing field and later probably the same two flew over the nature reserve, in the nature reserve the 1st of 6 Willow Warblers were singing, a single male Bullfinch was in here with a couple of others seen around the park, the resident pair of Mute Swans were on the top pool although the male came onto the main lake when two 1st year Mute Swans flew in before he quickly chased them off, a single Grey Heron flew south over the nature reserve and probably the same flew back north later when I was on the gas works, at least 4 Willow Tits were seen around the reserve today and a single Jackdaw flew over the old gas works were I also had a single Swallow and single Stock Dove, while on the old sewage works 3 Lapwings flew over heading south west and lastly back on the main lake a single House Martin flew through.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
16 April 2011
The first chance I've had to get down to Westport in the mornings for a few days after a run of late shifts at work, a couple of days previously Nick had seen the first Common Sandpiper of the year but nothing much else of note over the last few days. Weather was cloudless, bright and sunny with quite a heavy dew on the grass and a light mist over the main lake, the air was still with the lake looking like a sheet of glass, temp 9c, visit from 05.55 til 08.50. As I entered the park by the bottom gate a single Swallow was flying around the old canal buildings, this was the only one I saw during the visit and was still there when I left, the 1st of at least 13 Chiffchaffs was singing by the small bottom wood at the back of the boating lake, on the boating lake the male Shoveler was present and 2 Mute Swans although these were soon chased off by the dominant male from the resident pair, the Great Crested Grebes continue to feed a rather fat looking single youngster, another 6 Great Crested Grebes were on the main lake with just 16 Tufted Ducks, but no sign of the immature Goldeneye all visit, 11 Blackcaps were heard and seen with the 1st one along the edge of the boating lake, also the 1st of 4 Bullfinches here all of them were males today, 2 Grey Herons flew over the main lake north and a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass verge, I then heard a wader calling and looking up spotted 2 Oystercatchers flying over the main lake, they attempted to land on the boating lake before flying back off north over the main lake, luckily as I was texting Nick too inform him of them he turned up and had already seen them from along the canal side of the main lake, another Westport year tick out of the way (84), the 1st of 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over the main lake all heading north, as we made our way along the main lake we flushed a Common Sandpiper from the waters edge, another Westport year tick for me (85), 2 Willow Tits were heard calling today around the nature reserve, and the highest count of Willow Warblers so far this year with 6 heard singing, just 2 Mistle Thrushes seen today around the top entrance and a single Cormorant flew north over the main lake, as I walked down along the canal side of the lake 12 Sand Martins went through and a single Herring Gull. 
A Common Morel'its (I think that's right) taken by Phil Jones near the old sewage works.
A Common Morel'its (I think that's right) taken by Phil Jones near the old sewage works.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
13 April 2011
Another cool morning 7c although not quite as bad as yesterday, wind has turned back around to southeasterly and heavy cloud with rain in the air, visit from 06.20 til 08.15.
On the boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes have lost there smallest young leaving just one rather fat youngster to feed, another 5 Great Crested Grebes were on the main lake, back to the boating lake and 2 Mute Swans and the male Shoveler were also present, the 1st of 8 Chiffchaffs could be heard singing, along the grass verge 2 Little Ringed Plovers were flushed by a dog walker and on the main lake just 19 Tufted Duck and single Goldeneye was seen, in all 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through and 12 Black-headed Gulls in groups of 3's, 4's and 5's, a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass bank and a single flew over the old gas works, 9 Blackcaps were seen around the park with just one being a female, in the nature reserve the pair of Teal were at the top end of the 2nd pool and a single Willow Tit was calling near here as was a Treecreeper, just 3 Willow Warblers were heard singing this morning, bad news from the top pool were the pair of resident Mute Swans have been nesting there had been 3 eggs in the nest but this morning they have all gone, not sure if by human hand or possibly the likes of a Mink but sad news all the same, on the old gas works 4 Swallows flew over with another 15 on the main lake later with around 20 Sand Martins, at least 3 Stock Doves were on the old gas works and a Grey Heron on the small pool here, a female Pheasant was again on the old sewage works and just as you exit here back onto the park a single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush, back down by the visitor centre a couple of Starlings were feeding, it's only from now for a month or two that you actually get Starlings on the ground at Westport, also the 2 Greylag Geese had returned to the main lake.
On the boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebes have lost there smallest young leaving just one rather fat youngster to feed, another 5 Great Crested Grebes were on the main lake, back to the boating lake and 2 Mute Swans and the male Shoveler were also present, the 1st of 8 Chiffchaffs could be heard singing, along the grass verge 2 Little Ringed Plovers were flushed by a dog walker and on the main lake just 19 Tufted Duck and single Goldeneye was seen, in all 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through and 12 Black-headed Gulls in groups of 3's, 4's and 5's, a single Pied Wagtail was on the grass bank and a single flew over the old gas works, 9 Blackcaps were seen around the park with just one being a female, in the nature reserve the pair of Teal were at the top end of the 2nd pool and a single Willow Tit was calling near here as was a Treecreeper, just 3 Willow Warblers were heard singing this morning, bad news from the top pool were the pair of resident Mute Swans have been nesting there had been 3 eggs in the nest but this morning they have all gone, not sure if by human hand or possibly the likes of a Mink but sad news all the same, on the old gas works 4 Swallows flew over with another 15 on the main lake later with around 20 Sand Martins, at least 3 Stock Doves were on the old gas works and a Grey Heron on the small pool here, a female Pheasant was again on the old sewage works and just as you exit here back onto the park a single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush, back down by the visitor centre a couple of Starlings were feeding, it's only from now for a month or two that you actually get Starlings on the ground at Westport, also the 2 Greylag Geese had returned to the main lake.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
12 April 2011
It's been a very quiet spell at Westport for the last week or so, luckily for me I've missed most of it due to work commitments, although I was down yesterday I didn't bother with the blog due to a busy day and also the lack of much of note, it's a bit depressing finding nothing going on at Westport while in other parts of the City birds like, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and many others are being found, what I'd give just too have a couple of those these last few days.
Anyway today was a big change in the weather with a drop in temp to 6c from 12 yesterday, the wind has swung around to the north west and the cloud was threatening rain at times, visit from 06.15 til 08.15.
On the boating lake 2 Mute Swans were new in, Nick had found them yesterday on a brief afternoon visit, the male Shoveler was also on here and the pair of Great Crested Grebes continue to feed a couple of young, 2 Pied Wagtails were on the grass bank and a single Little Ringed Plover on the grass verge, yesterday Nick had a impressive count of 16 Great Crested Grebes on his afternoon visit, up from 11 in the morning visit, this morning just 4 were on the main lake with just 19 Tufted Duck, the resident pair of Mute Swans and the single immature male Goldeneye remains, a decent count of 11 Chiffchaffs around the park today with most being on the old sewage works and a few along the 'Avenue', a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the main lake and later while on the old gas works another went over with 3 Black-headed Gulls which are now well down in numbers with the odd one or two being seen, 3 Swallows and a single Sand Martin were on the main lake early doors but by the end of the visit both these had jumped up in numbers with at least 20 Sand Martins going through and a dozen or so Swallows, Blackcaps numbered 9 around the park with again at least 4 along the 'Avenue' and bottom wood near boating lake, a couple of single Willow Tit's were in the nature reserve area and a Treecreeper was calling in here, just 3 Willow Warblers were heard singing this morning, a single Stock Dove was in the usual place on the old gas works and the female Pheasant was flushed by the dog on the old sewage works, yesterday 2 Greylag Geese were on the main lake and with no sign early on I thought they had gone but just as I was leaving they flew into the boating lake and as I left the bottom entrance a couple of Collared Doves flew over.
Anyway today was a big change in the weather with a drop in temp to 6c from 12 yesterday, the wind has swung around to the north west and the cloud was threatening rain at times, visit from 06.15 til 08.15.
On the boating lake 2 Mute Swans were new in, Nick had found them yesterday on a brief afternoon visit, the male Shoveler was also on here and the pair of Great Crested Grebes continue to feed a couple of young, 2 Pied Wagtails were on the grass bank and a single Little Ringed Plover on the grass verge, yesterday Nick had a impressive count of 16 Great Crested Grebes on his afternoon visit, up from 11 in the morning visit, this morning just 4 were on the main lake with just 19 Tufted Duck, the resident pair of Mute Swans and the single immature male Goldeneye remains, a decent count of 11 Chiffchaffs around the park today with most being on the old sewage works and a few along the 'Avenue', a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the main lake and later while on the old gas works another went over with 3 Black-headed Gulls which are now well down in numbers with the odd one or two being seen, 3 Swallows and a single Sand Martin were on the main lake early doors but by the end of the visit both these had jumped up in numbers with at least 20 Sand Martins going through and a dozen or so Swallows, Blackcaps numbered 9 around the park with again at least 4 along the 'Avenue' and bottom wood near boating lake, a couple of single Willow Tit's were in the nature reserve area and a Treecreeper was calling in here, just 3 Willow Warblers were heard singing this morning, a single Stock Dove was in the usual place on the old gas works and the female Pheasant was flushed by the dog on the old sewage works, yesterday 2 Greylag Geese were on the main lake and with no sign early on I thought they had gone but just as I was leaving they flew into the boating lake and as I left the bottom entrance a couple of Collared Doves flew over.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
07 April 2011
Very overcast with a slight drizzle later on, temp 12c with a light southwesterly breeze, visit from 06.20 til 08.50. By the bottom entrance the 1st of 8 Chiffchaffs seen around the park was singing, on the boating lake the Great Crested Grebes continue to feed at least 1 or 2 young with another 4 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake, the male Shoveler was on the boating lake, on the main lake, 30 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, the female Mute Swan with the male on the nature reserve, a single Black-headed Gull and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull with another 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls going through later, a Sparrowhawk flew low over the grass bank and a Greylag Goose flew over the main lake, in the nature reserve a single Jay was calling, the 1st of 5 Willow Warblers was singing and 2 pairs of Blackcaps were by the top pool with another 5 around the park, on the gas works 2 Stock Doves was as good as it got, on the sewage works at least 4 Lesser Redpolls are still present a single Mistle Thrush with another 3 around other areas, back on the main lake it had gone noticeably darker and 40 Sand Martins were flying over the main lake over the next hour I managed to count at least 80+ Sand Martins plus 2 Swallows and a single House Martin, a pair of Chaffinches were by the visitor centre, 2 Pied Wagtails were on the grass bank and a single Meadow Pipit flew over here, I had a look along the 'Avenue' and had Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a single Collared Dove. Yesterday Phil Jones had a large Red-eared Terrapin on the boating lake, this is the 1st time I've heard of them in here only previously seen them on the bottom pool in the nature reserve.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
05 April 2011
While some of us were hard at work til midnight last night and then up at 07.00 for a promation interview at work, other's ie Nick Smith got the early start at Westport and didn't it just pay off for him with the 1st Osprey of the year going through at 06.40 being mobbed by Crows, also present a male Pheasant nothing special to most but at Westport, it's the 1st male since one briefly this time last year and with the female still hanging around who knows what will happen. Later in the morning Pete Lunt had the following, 44 Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, pair of Teal in the nature reserve, Swallows, 3 House Martins, Sand Martins, Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, male Goosander, Buzzard, 2 Willow Tit, the Great Crested Grebes were feeding one chick on the boating lake, 2 Bullfinches and a Reed Bunting.
Monday, 4 April 2011
04 April 2011
Slightly colder morning at 6c, much brighter with only slight cloud coverage, light southwest breeze, visit from 06.20 - 07.45. Much quieter this morning after yesterday but also a much shorter visit, the Great Crested Grebes continue to feed a unknown number of young on the boating lake with another 6 Great Crested Grebes on the main lake, a single Little Ringed Plover was on what remains of the old beach area, back on the main lake, 30 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye and the male Shoveler but no sign of the single Pochard this morning, at least 9 Chiffchaffs around the park with the largest numbers on the sewage works, a couple of Willow Warblers were singing with 1 by the sidings and 1 near the top entrance to the park, the pair of Teal were flushed from the brook by the 1st gate, a single Blackcap was further along and a pair were on the sewage works, just 1 Mute Swan on the main lake with it's partner probably around the top pool area, a Sparrowhawk flew low over the gas works twice and a Rook here was the first since January, 2 Stock Doves were on the railway gantries, a couple of Bullfinches flew over and lastly back on the main lake 7 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls went through.
Later in the morning Pete Lunt had the following, Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martin, Blackcap, 5x Chiffchaff, Sparrowhawk and Goldeneye.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
03 April 2011
Felt quite cold this morning despite the temp showing 7c, wind was light south, cloudy with sunny intervals, visit from 06.30 - 10.00. The pair of Mistle Thrushes remain by the bottom entrance with another pair on the sewage works and another pair near the top entrance to the park, on the boating lake the pair of Great Crested Grebe continue to feed 1 or more young, another 4 Grebes are on the main lake with 25 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard and 1 Goldeneye, while I was on the grass bank I heard Waxwings flying over and looked up to see 28 flying over high heading north east, later on Nick and myself had another 15 Waxwings heading west/northwest, this time flying much lower, back on the main lake 2 Mute Swans and a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a single Cormorant flew over north and later while on the sewage works another 2 flew over heading south, a couple of Collared Doves flew over quite high, in all 9 Chiffchaffs and 9 Blackcaps were seen around various parts of the park, in the nature reserve a single Willow Tit was singing, the pair of Teal were flushed from the top of the 2nd pool and a Jay flew over the top pool were a Reed Bunting was feeding in a tall tree by the reed bed, on the gas works a group of 8 Sand Martins went over with a single House Martin, in all over 30+ Sand Martins went through during the visit with another 2 House Martins and a single Swallow, back to the gas works 3 Stock Doves and a Redpoll were flying around, on the gas works a Sparrowhawk, Pheasant and Bullfinch plus 6 Jackdaws flying over, as we came out of the sewage works by the top park entrance 3 Bramblings were calling from the top of the tall trees briefly before flying off, the 1st of 3 Willow Warblers was heard near here and a Buzzard flew low south over the main lake. While at Westport Nick received a phone call from Jeff Jones saying a Cuckoo was calling from the top of the gas works we rushed over to meet up with him but sadly it wasn't heard again. Received a call from Phil Jones this afternoon telling me a Redshank was along the spit off the boating lake, I jumped on my bike with no bins and my slippers on!! Met up with Phil exhausted but happy as he pointed the Redshank out too me, a nice finish to the day with 4 Westport year ticks and 1 Westport life tick, cheers Phil. The photo below was taken with my cameraphone using Phil's bins, not the best but at least it's a record shot. 
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