Very quiet down Westport this morning, it was almost a case of the same as yesterday, although no sign of the Coal Tit family, the Canada Geese creche has moved to the canal side by the playing fields and after several counts I only managed 30 which means we have lost one!
Great Crested Grebe still sitting on boating lake, they must be due to hatch soon, and the single Little ringed Plover was on the beach with 2x Tufted Ducks on the ramp, 4x Great Crested Grebes with two nesting on the Reserve side of the main lake, and 12x Mute Swans on the main lake and the usual one on the top pool with its young on its back. Also still at the top pool 2 Reed Warblers but I think there are at least a couple more in there.
The gas/sewage works were a bit quiet with a couple of Stock Doves and the same in Whitethroats, only 1x Chiffchaff heard.
It's been a quiet month not helped with the weather conditions, a complete breakdown of the month will follow in the next few days.
Monday 31 May 2010
Sunday 30 May 2010
Young Canada Geese?
The attaches photo is of the unusual young Canada Geese, they are with a pair of normal Canada's but the young just don't look like a normal young Canada, they have orange bills and legs instead of black and the downy feathers are very light and patchy compared to a normal Canada Goose, any comments?
30 May 2010
Got down nice and early at 05.00 - 08.15, a very strong north westerly breeze, heavy cloud and one heavy shower, if only the wind had been from the south with yesterdays weather we might of had a few things going through.
At the bottom entrance the playing field had a good number of Canada Geese including a group of 4 young and a small group of 2 young, the group of two although with a pair of Canada Geese are a bit unusual nothing like the other young with orange bills and legs (see photo in next entry). Very little on the boating lake except the 2x Great Crested Grebes sharing nesting duties, on the main lake, 12x Mute Swans, 2x Tufted Ducks and 4x Great Crested Grebes, a male Reed Bunting was calling form the trees by Ted Heath Rock.
In the Nature Reserve, 1x Willow Tit, 2x Reed Warblers, 1x Chiffchaff, 4x Blackcaps, 1x Whitethroat, 1x Garden Warbler and the female Mute Swan with it's youngster on it's back, along the 'Avenue' a family of Coal Tits with at least 4 young but probably more and a couple of Blackcaps.
The old gas/sewage works had 5x Stock Dove, 2x Chiffchaff, 2x Whitethroat and along the canal just of the patch a Grey Heron which had been reported to me as being in a poorly state, it apparently hadn't moved for 3 days having flown into the bridge, it didn't look in very good condition and just sat on the opposite bank looking at us.
Back along the canal side of the main lake and the creche of x31 young Canada Geese where busy learning how to eat bread! also on the old beach the only Little Ringed Plover of the day.
Total species seen 42.
At the bottom entrance the playing field had a good number of Canada Geese including a group of 4 young and a small group of 2 young, the group of two although with a pair of Canada Geese are a bit unusual nothing like the other young with orange bills and legs (see photo in next entry). Very little on the boating lake except the 2x Great Crested Grebes sharing nesting duties, on the main lake, 12x Mute Swans, 2x Tufted Ducks and 4x Great Crested Grebes, a male Reed Bunting was calling form the trees by Ted Heath Rock.
In the Nature Reserve, 1x Willow Tit, 2x Reed Warblers, 1x Chiffchaff, 4x Blackcaps, 1x Whitethroat, 1x Garden Warbler and the female Mute Swan with it's youngster on it's back, along the 'Avenue' a family of Coal Tits with at least 4 young but probably more and a couple of Blackcaps.
The old gas/sewage works had 5x Stock Dove, 2x Chiffchaff, 2x Whitethroat and along the canal just of the patch a Grey Heron which had been reported to me as being in a poorly state, it apparently hadn't moved for 3 days having flown into the bridge, it didn't look in very good condition and just sat on the opposite bank looking at us.
Back along the canal side of the main lake and the creche of x31 young Canada Geese where busy learning how to eat bread! also on the old beach the only Little Ringed Plover of the day.
Total species seen 42.
Saturday 29 May 2010
Friday 28 May 2010
28 May 2010
Missed getting down to Westport this morning, was feeling a bit under the weather but perked up a bit and decided to make the trip to Seaforth for the White-tailed Plover, which was well worth the trip.
I know Nick had a family of at least 7 young Willow Tit's by the bottom gate to the Nature Reserve. There are at least 3 pairs on sight and this could be the brood we saw the other day or hopefully another one.
I know Nick had a family of at least 7 young Willow Tit's by the bottom gate to the Nature Reserve. There are at least 3 pairs on sight and this could be the brood we saw the other day or hopefully another one.
Thursday 27 May 2010
27 May 2010
Common Tern recorded on the main lake by Jeff at 09.00.
Was up early this morning so got down to Westport for 05.20 til 07.40, felt quite cold temp was reading 9c, sunny with a slight mist over the water, slight northwesterly breeze.
On the model boating lake two groups of young Canada Geese, first one had 2 young and the other 4, a single Mute Swan and 2x Great Crested Grebe were also on here, 1x Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge of the main lake, on the main lake, another two groups of young Canada Geese first one had the large creche group of 30 and the other group had 5, Great Crested Grebe x4, Mute Swan x13, Tufted Duck x1 male which is clipped and spends the whole day sat on the ramp, a Grey Heron flew over and the Great Spotted Woodpecker did its regular trips across the lake.
Not much along the 'Avenue' except a Willow Tit calling, in the Nature Reserve, at last the pair of Mute Swans have got young, sadly only one but it's the first success for over 2 years so fingers crossed it makes it through the next few months, Blackcap x3, Whitethroat x1 and 3x Reed Warbler, the old gas/sewage works had 3x Stock Dove, 2x Whitethroat and 2x Chiffchaff.
Back along the canal side of the main lake and over 60+ House Martins with a few Swallows and Swifts were chasing insects over the water.
In total 41 species seen.
Was up early this morning so got down to Westport for 05.20 til 07.40, felt quite cold temp was reading 9c, sunny with a slight mist over the water, slight northwesterly breeze.
On the model boating lake two groups of young Canada Geese, first one had 2 young and the other 4, a single Mute Swan and 2x Great Crested Grebe were also on here, 1x Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge of the main lake, on the main lake, another two groups of young Canada Geese first one had the large creche group of 30 and the other group had 5, Great Crested Grebe x4, Mute Swan x13, Tufted Duck x1 male which is clipped and spends the whole day sat on the ramp, a Grey Heron flew over and the Great Spotted Woodpecker did its regular trips across the lake.
Not much along the 'Avenue' except a Willow Tit calling, in the Nature Reserve, at last the pair of Mute Swans have got young, sadly only one but it's the first success for over 2 years so fingers crossed it makes it through the next few months, Blackcap x3, Whitethroat x1 and 3x Reed Warbler, the old gas/sewage works had 3x Stock Dove, 2x Whitethroat and 2x Chiffchaff.
Back along the canal side of the main lake and over 60+ House Martins with a few Swallows and Swifts were chasing insects over the water.
In total 41 species seen.
Wednesday 26 May 2010
26 May 2010
Noticed it was raining this afternoon so decided to make a visit to Westport, got down at 18.00 and just stayed under the trees on the grass bank from where I could see both lakes and up towards Bradwell Wood.
3x Tufted Duck on main lake all males, 13x Mute Swans, 3x Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through, 1x Shoveler and 3x Great Crested Grebes plus two on the model boating lake.
Flying around and above the main lake, 50+ Swift and 130+ hirundines all Swallows & House Martins, a Great Spotted Woodpecker also flew across the lake, and a Chiffchaff could be heard calling from the Nature Reserve.
3x Tufted Duck on main lake all males, 13x Mute Swans, 3x Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through, 1x Shoveler and 3x Great Crested Grebes plus two on the model boating lake.
Flying around and above the main lake, 50+ Swift and 130+ hirundines all Swallows & House Martins, a Great Spotted Woodpecker also flew across the lake, and a Chiffchaff could be heard calling from the Nature Reserve.
Tuesday 25 May 2010
25 May 2010
Back down to Westport after a 4 day break to the parents and was looking forward to getting back down on the patch, weather seems to have cooled down a bit from the last few days, 15c, cloudy and dry with a light southerly breeze.
A couple of newly hatched Canada Geese were on the model boating lake along with a single Mute Swan and 2x Great Crested Grebes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across several times between the Nature Reserve and canal side, possibly feeding young?
2x Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge, on the main lake, 3x Great Crested Grebes, 11x Mute Swans, 1x Shoveler, 1x Tufted Duck and 2x Cormorants flew over heading north, as I walked along the grass bank 50+ Swifts were overhead including a few Swallows.
In the Nature Reserve, 1x Chiffchaff a family of Willow Tits totalling 5 young, 1x Blackcap, 2x Reed Warbler and 1x male Reed Bunting.
On the old gas/sewage works, 2x Stock Doves, 1x Kestrel, 1x Whitethroat, 1x Chiffchaff and a single Black-headed Gull flew over. Back along the canal side of the main lake and the Canada Goose creche contained 30 young.
Before heading home I had a look along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, not much except 2x Blackcaps.
Total species seen 41.
A couple of newly hatched Canada Geese were on the model boating lake along with a single Mute Swan and 2x Great Crested Grebes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across several times between the Nature Reserve and canal side, possibly feeding young?
2x Little Ringed Plovers were on the grass verge, on the main lake, 3x Great Crested Grebes, 11x Mute Swans, 1x Shoveler, 1x Tufted Duck and 2x Cormorants flew over heading north, as I walked along the grass bank 50+ Swifts were overhead including a few Swallows.
In the Nature Reserve, 1x Chiffchaff a family of Willow Tits totalling 5 young, 1x Blackcap, 2x Reed Warbler and 1x male Reed Bunting.
On the old gas/sewage works, 2x Stock Doves, 1x Kestrel, 1x Whitethroat, 1x Chiffchaff and a single Black-headed Gull flew over. Back along the canal side of the main lake and the Canada Goose creche contained 30 young.
Before heading home I had a look along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, not much except 2x Blackcaps.
Total species seen 41.
Monday 24 May 2010
24 May 2010
This morning at 06.45 Nick Smith recorded a single Oystercartcher on the model boating lake.
Fingers crossed I will manage a visit down Westport late afternoon when I get home from my weekend away.
Fingers crossed I will manage a visit down Westport late afternoon when I get home from my weekend away.
Sunday 23 May 2010
23 May 2010 (Happy Birthday To Me!)
Thanks to Nick Smith for this records at Westport for the last two days
22 May 2010
Mallard x11 young, Canada Goose x32 young, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Mute Swan x10, Tufted Duck x3 male & x1 female, Great Crested Grebe x8, Shoveler, Blackcap x4, Chiffchaff x3, Reed Warbler x3, Whitethroat x3, Black-headed Gull 2, Garden Warbler x1, Willow Warbler x1.
23 May 2010
Chiffchaff x3, Great Crested Grebe x10, Shoveler, Mute Swan x10, Little Ringed Plover x2, Canada Goose x33 young, Tufted Duck x1 male, Great Spotted Woodpecker x2, Blackcap x9, Reed Warbler x2, Whitethroat x2, Stock Dove x4, Garden Warbler x1, Willow Warbler x1.
22 May 2010
Mallard x11 young, Canada Goose x32 young, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Mute Swan x10, Tufted Duck x3 male & x1 female, Great Crested Grebe x8, Shoveler, Blackcap x4, Chiffchaff x3, Reed Warbler x3, Whitethroat x3, Black-headed Gull 2, Garden Warbler x1, Willow Warbler x1.
23 May 2010
Chiffchaff x3, Great Crested Grebe x10, Shoveler, Mute Swan x10, Little Ringed Plover x2, Canada Goose x33 young, Tufted Duck x1 male, Great Spotted Woodpecker x2, Blackcap x9, Reed Warbler x2, Whitethroat x2, Stock Dove x4, Garden Warbler x1, Willow Warbler x1.
Saturday 22 May 2010
22 May 2010
I'm currently away for a longish weekend, back on Monday, if you see anything at Westport please le me know via the e mail and I will update the blog, many thanks.
Friday 21 May 2010
21/05/2010
Westport this morning from 05.50 - 08.00, weather was warm and very foggy, couldn't see across the main lake making it difficult to count ducks etc, temp was 16c and no wind.
The 'Avenue' area was very quiet with the Blue Tits being the busiest feeding there young, a couple of Blackcaps where singing and a single Chiffchaff, On the boating lake, 2x Great Crested Grebe and 3x Mute Swans, the grass verge had 2x Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Pied Wagtails busy collecting food, it was difficult to see much on the main lake but 7x Mute Swans, 3x Great Crested Grebes, Shoveler x1, and a single Tufted Duck was noticed.
In the Nature Reserve, another 2x Blackcaps, 2x Chiffchaff, at least 3x Reed Warblers, 1x male Reed Bunting also 1x Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1x Willow Tit were heard.
The gas/sewage works were quiet again, just 1x Whitethroat, 1x Willow Warbler and 3x Stock Dove.
Total species seen 39.
The 'Avenue' area was very quiet with the Blue Tits being the busiest feeding there young, a couple of Blackcaps where singing and a single Chiffchaff, On the boating lake, 2x Great Crested Grebe and 3x Mute Swans, the grass verge had 2x Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Pied Wagtails busy collecting food, it was difficult to see much on the main lake but 7x Mute Swans, 3x Great Crested Grebes, Shoveler x1, and a single Tufted Duck was noticed.
In the Nature Reserve, another 2x Blackcaps, 2x Chiffchaff, at least 3x Reed Warblers, 1x male Reed Bunting also 1x Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1x Willow Tit were heard.
The gas/sewage works were quiet again, just 1x Whitethroat, 1x Willow Warbler and 3x Stock Dove.
Total species seen 39.
Thursday 20 May 2010
20 May 2010
No news today at Westport, except Nick Smith did manage to see the Mink in it's bolthole below the top bridge, worth a look for all you photographers out there.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
19 May 2010
Today at Westport managed two visits in the morning and late evening, nice warm day with a westerly breeze and little cloud cover.
Along the 'Avenue', 2x Blue Tit families feeding young, one is in a hole in a security camera and the other in the eves of a building, 2x Chiffchaff and 2x Blackcap, no sign of the Willow Warbler that had been along here for the last few weeks now. The boating lake had 6x Mute Swans but I could only see 1x Great Crested Grebe in the afternoon visit as usual sitting her 2nd nest attempt, on the main lake 'Sammy' Shoveler looking very lonely, another 5x Mute Swans, only 1x Tufted Duck and 4x Great Crested Grebe, a few Gulls where flying over with 11x Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6x Black-headed Gulls, where are the Terns!!!!
The grass verge still had a good number of Starlings collecting food for there young, a couple of Pied Wagtails, a single Little Ringed Plover and 34x young Canada Geese with 4x Young Mallards.
In the Nature Reserve, heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, a couple of Chiffchaffs, 2x Blackcap and 1x Willow Warbler, at least 2x Reed Warblers in the reedbed were the Mute Swan continues to sit, a lonely Coot chick was seen but no others from the family of four from last week.
The gas works/sewage works area was gone a bit quiet however did see 1x Linnet again in the same place, are they breeding?? a single Stock Dove and Collared Dove with another Chiffchaff and a couple of Whitethroats, 2x Swifts flew over which were the only ones seen all day! The young Mistle Thrushes are still by the top bridge and this evening a managed to see the Mink popping it's head out of a couple of holes below the bridge.
Along the 'Avenue', 2x Blue Tit families feeding young, one is in a hole in a security camera and the other in the eves of a building, 2x Chiffchaff and 2x Blackcap, no sign of the Willow Warbler that had been along here for the last few weeks now. The boating lake had 6x Mute Swans but I could only see 1x Great Crested Grebe in the afternoon visit as usual sitting her 2nd nest attempt, on the main lake 'Sammy' Shoveler looking very lonely, another 5x Mute Swans, only 1x Tufted Duck and 4x Great Crested Grebe, a few Gulls where flying over with 11x Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6x Black-headed Gulls, where are the Terns!!!!
The grass verge still had a good number of Starlings collecting food for there young, a couple of Pied Wagtails, a single Little Ringed Plover and 34x young Canada Geese with 4x Young Mallards.
In the Nature Reserve, heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, a couple of Chiffchaffs, 2x Blackcap and 1x Willow Warbler, at least 2x Reed Warblers in the reedbed were the Mute Swan continues to sit, a lonely Coot chick was seen but no others from the family of four from last week.
The gas works/sewage works area was gone a bit quiet however did see 1x Linnet again in the same place, are they breeding?? a single Stock Dove and Collared Dove with another Chiffchaff and a couple of Whitethroats, 2x Swifts flew over which were the only ones seen all day! The young Mistle Thrushes are still by the top bridge and this evening a managed to see the Mink popping it's head out of a couple of holes below the bridge.
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Bat Walk
For anyone interested in Bats, a walk is taking place on Friday 28th May at 21.00, it is being run by Staffordshire Bat Group and British Waterways. They are providing a Free guided tour around Westport Lake looking at the different Bats in the area.
Sensible footwear, warm clothes and a torch are advisable.
Book in advance to avoid disappointment with Louise North on 07827 083538 or you can e mail her on louise.north@britishwaterways.co.uk
Please mention this blog when booking, thanks.
Sensible footwear, warm clothes and a torch are advisable.
Book in advance to avoid disappointment with Louise North on 07827 083538 or you can e mail her on louise.north@britishwaterways.co.uk
Please mention this blog when booking, thanks.
18 May 2010
Down Westport this morning from 05.40 - 07.50, temp was 11c little wind and sunny with little cloud coverage.
First thing of note was the number of Starlings, twelve in total feeding on the playing field, in the next month these will drop off too just fly over birds. On the main lake the Canada Geese where ferrying the 25x young across the lake towards the canal side, another group of x8 where by the bottom entrance to the Nature Reserve, 5x Mute Swans were on the main lake with the other breeding pair attempting to build yet another nest, I think this is there 5th attempt, good numbers of Great Crested Grebe with x8 but only 3x Tufted Duck, all males, 1x male Shoveler, on the grass verge x3 Little Ringed Plover and 3x Great Spotted Woodpeckers where flying across several times, poss feeding young, but unproven at present, a single Black-headed Gull flew over heading south, the model boating lake had the usual 2x Great Crested Grebe and 4x Mute Swans. Along the 'Avenue', 1x Willow Tit, 4x Blackcap, 1x Chiffchaff and Bullfinch.
In the Nature Reserve another Willow Tit was heard, Long-tailed Tits were feeding young, another Blackcap, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Reed Warbler, the Mute Swan still sitting tight, and a Reed Bunting was heard, the old gas works and sewage works had, 1x Willow Warbler, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Stock Dove, a pair of Linnets is the 2nd record in recent days and only the 3rd of the year, a Little Ringed Plover flew over calling as it headed high north and 3x Whitethroat were in the scrub area, along the canal side of the main lake a Coal Tit was a very good May record. As I headed home a Grey Heron flew over the canal heading south.
Total species seen 47.
First thing of note was the number of Starlings, twelve in total feeding on the playing field, in the next month these will drop off too just fly over birds. On the main lake the Canada Geese where ferrying the 25x young across the lake towards the canal side, another group of x8 where by the bottom entrance to the Nature Reserve, 5x Mute Swans were on the main lake with the other breeding pair attempting to build yet another nest, I think this is there 5th attempt, good numbers of Great Crested Grebe with x8 but only 3x Tufted Duck, all males, 1x male Shoveler, on the grass verge x3 Little Ringed Plover and 3x Great Spotted Woodpeckers where flying across several times, poss feeding young, but unproven at present, a single Black-headed Gull flew over heading south, the model boating lake had the usual 2x Great Crested Grebe and 4x Mute Swans. Along the 'Avenue', 1x Willow Tit, 4x Blackcap, 1x Chiffchaff and Bullfinch.
In the Nature Reserve another Willow Tit was heard, Long-tailed Tits were feeding young, another Blackcap, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Reed Warbler, the Mute Swan still sitting tight, and a Reed Bunting was heard, the old gas works and sewage works had, 1x Willow Warbler, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Stock Dove, a pair of Linnets is the 2nd record in recent days and only the 3rd of the year, a Little Ringed Plover flew over calling as it headed high north and 3x Whitethroat were in the scrub area, along the canal side of the main lake a Coal Tit was a very good May record. As I headed home a Grey Heron flew over the canal heading south.
Total species seen 47.
Monday 17 May 2010
17 May 2010
At Westport this morning Nick Smith recorded 1x Common Sandpiper, 2x Little Ringed Plover and a single Linnet over the old gas works.
Later in the morning Pete Lunt managed too photograph a Ringed Plover, a first for the year, unfortunatly it only stayed for a few minutes before flying on.
Later in the morning Pete Lunt managed too photograph a Ringed Plover, a first for the year, unfortunatly it only stayed for a few minutes before flying on.
Sunday 16 May 2010
Barnacle Goose
This photo taken by Phil Jones is the recent one day Barnacle Goose that spent the day at Westport with the Canada Geese, unsure where it came from, it arrived approx mid morning on the 10th May but was gone by the next morning.
16 May 2010
At last managed to get down for my first early morning start in nearly a week! Started out at 05.40 it was wet from overnight rain, very cloudy with a slight northwesterly breeze, temp was 10c, a light drizzle started at 06.20ish for about 20mins or so.
The Grey Wagtail was back at it's usual canalside building after been missing for a few weeks, also a Swallow was going in the old building were I guess it's nesting.
On the model boating lake the 2x Great Crested Grebes continue to sit there secound nest attempt, also 2x Mute Swans, 'Sammy' Shoveler and a Canada Goose with a metal ring.
A Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge with another Grey Wagtail and a couple of Pied Wagtails. On the main lake, another 4x Mute Swans, 3x Great Crested Grebes, 5x Tufted Ducks and good numbers of Swallows with smaller numbers of Swift, Sand Martins and House Martins.
The only bird of note on the 'Avenue' was 2x Blackcap, in the Nature Reserve, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Blackcap, 1x Willow Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2x Reed Warbler on the top pool with the pair of Mute Swans. On the old gas works and sewage works, 1/2 Chiffchaff, 1x Willow Warbler, 2x Stock Dove, 3x Whitethroat and a new in Sedge Warbler.
Total species seen 42.
The Grey Wagtail was back at it's usual canalside building after been missing for a few weeks, also a Swallow was going in the old building were I guess it's nesting.
On the model boating lake the 2x Great Crested Grebes continue to sit there secound nest attempt, also 2x Mute Swans, 'Sammy' Shoveler and a Canada Goose with a metal ring.
A Little Ringed Plover was on the grass verge with another Grey Wagtail and a couple of Pied Wagtails. On the main lake, another 4x Mute Swans, 3x Great Crested Grebes, 5x Tufted Ducks and good numbers of Swallows with smaller numbers of Swift, Sand Martins and House Martins.
The only bird of note on the 'Avenue' was 2x Blackcap, in the Nature Reserve, 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Blackcap, 1x Willow Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2x Reed Warbler on the top pool with the pair of Mute Swans. On the old gas works and sewage works, 1/2 Chiffchaff, 1x Willow Warbler, 2x Stock Dove, 3x Whitethroat and a new in Sedge Warbler.
Total species seen 42.
Saturday 15 May 2010
15 May 2010
Sadly i havn't managed to get down for a few days, but one to never let you down when it comes to Westport is Nick Smith, the following are his records for the last two days, the latter being duck count day.
14th May
Reed Bunting - male by ted heath and pair top pool, Mute Swan x8, Tufted Duck x6, Shoveler, Great Crested Grebe x6, Little Ringed Plover x1, Canada Goose young x32, Common Sandpiper x1, Chiffchaff x2, Willow Warbler x2, Garden Warbler x2, Blackcap x8, Willow Tit x1, Whitethroat x5, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Reed Warbler x1, Stock Dove x3.
15th May (Monthly Duck Count)
Mute Swan x8 - female sitting on nest with second clutch after first batch disappeared
Greylag Goose (domestic) x9 - x2 grey, x4 white. A white male and grey female have x3 young
Canada Goose x124 - x90 adults plus x34 young
Mallard x103 - x77 adults plus x26 young from five broods (6,2,3,9,6)
Mallard (domestic) x7 - x4 khaki campbells, one white duck, x2 others Unusually high bird count
Shoveler x1
Tufted Duck x1
Great Crested Grebe x6 - one pair sitting
Moorhen x7 2x pair sitting
Coot x59 - x14 breeding pairs = x8 sitting, broods of 5, 4, 1+, 4, 3 and some. Total of x42 adults, x17 young
Little Ringed Plover x2
Lesser Black-backed Gull x1
Grey Wagtail x1 Rarer species
Pied/White Wagtail x2 Rarer species
Total number of species: x14 Individuals: x331
also 6x Mistle Thrush, x21 Starlings, x50 Swift, x10 House Martin, x5 Sand Martin, x15 Swallow, Treecreeper, x3 male Reed Bunting, x4 Chiffchaff, 3x Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tits hatched in hole by boardwalk bridge, 7x Whitethroat, 4x Garden Warbler, 4x Stock Dove.
Also of note, a couple of weeks ago we received two reports of a 'Otter' type animal on the canal, one person saw it take a Mallard into it's hole, the is a Mink, it has since been seen with babies along the canalside, so keep your eyes peeled!!
14th May
Reed Bunting - male by ted heath and pair top pool, Mute Swan x8, Tufted Duck x6, Shoveler, Great Crested Grebe x6, Little Ringed Plover x1, Canada Goose young x32, Common Sandpiper x1, Chiffchaff x2, Willow Warbler x2, Garden Warbler x2, Blackcap x8, Willow Tit x1, Whitethroat x5, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Reed Warbler x1, Stock Dove x3.
15th May (Monthly Duck Count)
Mute Swan x8 - female sitting on nest with second clutch after first batch disappeared
Greylag Goose (domestic) x9 - x2 grey, x4 white. A white male and grey female have x3 young
Canada Goose x124 - x90 adults plus x34 young
Mallard x103 - x77 adults plus x26 young from five broods (6,2,3,9,6)
Mallard (domestic) x7 - x4 khaki campbells, one white duck, x2 others Unusually high bird count
Shoveler x1
Tufted Duck x1
Great Crested Grebe x6 - one pair sitting
Moorhen x7 2x pair sitting
Coot x59 - x14 breeding pairs = x8 sitting, broods of 5, 4, 1+, 4, 3 and some. Total of x42 adults, x17 young
Little Ringed Plover x2
Lesser Black-backed Gull x1
Grey Wagtail x1 Rarer species
Pied/White Wagtail x2 Rarer species
Total number of species: x14 Individuals: x331
also 6x Mistle Thrush, x21 Starlings, x50 Swift, x10 House Martin, x5 Sand Martin, x15 Swallow, Treecreeper, x3 male Reed Bunting, x4 Chiffchaff, 3x Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tits hatched in hole by boardwalk bridge, 7x Whitethroat, 4x Garden Warbler, 4x Stock Dove.
Also of note, a couple of weeks ago we received two reports of a 'Otter' type animal on the canal, one person saw it take a Mallard into it's hole, the is a Mink, it has since been seen with babies along the canalside, so keep your eyes peeled!!
Thursday 13 May 2010
13 May 2010
Nick Smith recorded 1x Common Sandpiper this morning, also Lesser Black-backed Gull x7, Little Ringed Plover x2, Tufted Duck x4, Great Crested Grebe x6, Mute Swan x8, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Bullfinch x3, Mistle Thrush x1, Blackcap x10, Willow Warbler x1, Whitethroat x7 (inc one 'Wood Warbler' Ave and one in the Nature Reserve again), Garden Warbler x3 (one sidings, 2 old sewage works), Reed Warbler x2, Stock Dove x3, Jackdaw x2.
I called this afternoon from 16.10 - 18.10, it had just been raining but when I got down the sun was out and it was very pleasant with a temp of 16c, quite a strong southerly breeze.
On the playing field 3x Mistle Thrush and 10x Starling, the model boating lake had 2x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Mute Swans, 1x Grey Heron and 3x young Canada Geese. The main lake held 4x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1x Shoveler, only 4x Tufted Duck, 3x Mute Swans, 15x young Coot and 31x young Canada Geese.
The Nature Reserve was rather quiet, 1x Chiffchaff, 1x Blackcap, 1x Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2x Collared Dove and 1x Reed Warbler on the top pool with the still sitting Mute Swan. The Gas/Sewage works area had, 5x Whitethroat, 1x Chiffchaff, 2x Swallows and 1x Willow Warbler.
Along the canal a Grey Wagtail was singing from the old pottery buildings.
Total species seen 38.
I called this afternoon from 16.10 - 18.10, it had just been raining but when I got down the sun was out and it was very pleasant with a temp of 16c, quite a strong southerly breeze.
On the playing field 3x Mistle Thrush and 10x Starling, the model boating lake had 2x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Mute Swans, 1x Grey Heron and 3x young Canada Geese. The main lake held 4x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1x Shoveler, only 4x Tufted Duck, 3x Mute Swans, 15x young Coot and 31x young Canada Geese.
The Nature Reserve was rather quiet, 1x Chiffchaff, 1x Blackcap, 1x Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2x Collared Dove and 1x Reed Warbler on the top pool with the still sitting Mute Swan. The Gas/Sewage works area had, 5x Whitethroat, 1x Chiffchaff, 2x Swallows and 1x Willow Warbler.
Along the canal a Grey Wagtail was singing from the old pottery buildings.
Total species seen 38.
Wednesday 12 May 2010
12 May 2010
Recorded by Nick Smith this morning, Mistle Thrush x2, Treecreeper x1 singing along the canal side of the main lake, House Sparrow x2 in the same area, Little Ringed Plover x1, Canada Geese x35 young, Blackcap x8, Tufted Duck x6, Mute Swan x8, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Great Crested Grebe x6, Willow Warbler x1 along 'Wood Warbler Ave', Chiffchaff x4, Swift x35, 'Sammy' Shoveler, Swallow x35, House Martin x10, Reed Warbler x1, Whitethroat x7 and Stock Dove x3.
I managed to get down for a couple of hours early evening, still quite cool with the strong northerly breeze, will it ever end!
As well as 1x Willow Warbler on the Avenue I also had a singing Chiffchaff and a very wet Willow Tit which had just had a bath in the stream, on the two main lakes I had 8x Tufted Duck and the same counts as Nick for Mute Swan and Great Crested Grebe, I only had 4x Swifts over the lake but around 30+ House Martins and about the same in Swallows.
In the Nature Reserve I also had a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2x Chiffchaff, 6x young Coot, 1x Collared Dove and a single Reed Warbler, the old gas works and sewage works area had, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Willow Warbler, 1x Collared Dove, 3x Stock Dove, 4x Whitethroat, 1x Grey Heron and a Buzzard flying over. Down the canal side of the main lake I had 2x Mistle Thrush and 1x House Sparrow.
Total species seen 35.
I managed to get down for a couple of hours early evening, still quite cool with the strong northerly breeze, will it ever end!
As well as 1x Willow Warbler on the Avenue I also had a singing Chiffchaff and a very wet Willow Tit which had just had a bath in the stream, on the two main lakes I had 8x Tufted Duck and the same counts as Nick for Mute Swan and Great Crested Grebe, I only had 4x Swifts over the lake but around 30+ House Martins and about the same in Swallows.
In the Nature Reserve I also had a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2x Chiffchaff, 6x young Coot, 1x Collared Dove and a single Reed Warbler, the old gas works and sewage works area had, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Willow Warbler, 1x Collared Dove, 3x Stock Dove, 4x Whitethroat, 1x Grey Heron and a Buzzard flying over. Down the canal side of the main lake I had 2x Mistle Thrush and 1x House Sparrow.
Total species seen 35.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
11 May 2010
On my way back from Frampton with Nick where we have been to see the Oriental Pratincole, so we missed out on Westport this morning, Steve Seal made a visit this morning, no sign of the Barnacle Goose this morning but Steve did have a male Ruddy Duck which is a first for the year and 1x Common Sandpiper and 1x Little Ringed Plover.
Where on the way back now hoping to get back to see the Ruddy Duck.
Made it back to Westport this afternoon to see the male Ruddy Duck, (that puts us on 105 for the year species list), just had 6x Tufted Duck, 4x Mute Swan and x6 Great Crested Grebe on the main lake & boating lake, a Buzzard was flying high up and at a distance, in the Nature Reserve, at least 2x Reed Warbler, 1x male Reed Bunting, 2x Mute Swans and 5x new Coot chicks, only a flying visit so not much seen, I won't be down for the next few days, hope to be able to make it down on Friday afternoon, so lets see what manages to turn up over the next few days!!
Where on the way back now hoping to get back to see the Ruddy Duck.
Made it back to Westport this afternoon to see the male Ruddy Duck, (that puts us on 105 for the year species list), just had 6x Tufted Duck, 4x Mute Swan and x6 Great Crested Grebe on the main lake & boating lake, a Buzzard was flying high up and at a distance, in the Nature Reserve, at least 2x Reed Warbler, 1x male Reed Bunting, 2x Mute Swans and 5x new Coot chicks, only a flying visit so not much seen, I won't be down for the next few days, hope to be able to make it down on Friday afternoon, so lets see what manages to turn up over the next few days!!
Monday 10 May 2010
09/10 May 2010
Bit of a catch up including yesterday due to my Internet connections deciding it didn't want to work yesterday.
Still the same old north/northeasterly winds that we have has for days now, remaining dry most of the time with the odd shower and cold as you would expect with these winds, will they ever change!!
More young birds are appearing on a daily basis, with Long-tailed Tits x4 young, Mallard x6 young, Coot x21 young & Canada Geese with x31 young.
Chiffchaffs have crept back up in number to x7 singing all around the park, Little Ringed Plover x2 on the grass verge along with a few Pied Wagtails and Grey Wagtails, A Barnacle Goose turned up this afternoon, no idea were it came from but it seems happy enough following the Canada's around, a female Teal was seen briefly as it flew from the boating lake towards the main lake, I lost sight of it behind the treeline and never saw it again, also on the model boating lake the Great Crested Grebe continue to sit there new nest and just a single Mute Swan, the main lake had another 4 Mute Swans, 4x Great Crested Grebe, 16x Tufted Duck and of course the male Shoveler.
In the Nature Reserve area, 2x Blackcaps, 2x Willow Tit, 1x Willow Warbler, 1x Willow Tit (with no tail), 1x Reed Bunting, 1x Reed Warbler and 1x Whitethroat (a lot of ones), on the old gas works and sewage works (it seems most of the birds are seen on these areas) Chiffchaffs, 3x Jackdaws, 2x Blackcaps, 8x Whitethroat, 1x Cormorant flew over also over Bradwell Wood 3x Sparrowhawk and 1x Buzzard.
Later today I called down to see the Barnacle Goose, the main lake was full of Swallows, House Martins, Swifts and a few Sand Martins all at once they all went up as a Hobby flew low across the lake heading north, a few minutes later it flew back around and despite the Swallows etc going up again a few times in alarm I couldn't relocate it.
Still the same old north/northeasterly winds that we have has for days now, remaining dry most of the time with the odd shower and cold as you would expect with these winds, will they ever change!!
More young birds are appearing on a daily basis, with Long-tailed Tits x4 young, Mallard x6 young, Coot x21 young & Canada Geese with x31 young.
Chiffchaffs have crept back up in number to x7 singing all around the park, Little Ringed Plover x2 on the grass verge along with a few Pied Wagtails and Grey Wagtails, A Barnacle Goose turned up this afternoon, no idea were it came from but it seems happy enough following the Canada's around, a female Teal was seen briefly as it flew from the boating lake towards the main lake, I lost sight of it behind the treeline and never saw it again, also on the model boating lake the Great Crested Grebe continue to sit there new nest and just a single Mute Swan, the main lake had another 4 Mute Swans, 4x Great Crested Grebe, 16x Tufted Duck and of course the male Shoveler.
In the Nature Reserve area, 2x Blackcaps, 2x Willow Tit, 1x Willow Warbler, 1x Willow Tit (with no tail), 1x Reed Bunting, 1x Reed Warbler and 1x Whitethroat (a lot of ones), on the old gas works and sewage works (it seems most of the birds are seen on these areas) Chiffchaffs, 3x Jackdaws, 2x Blackcaps, 8x Whitethroat, 1x Cormorant flew over also over Bradwell Wood 3x Sparrowhawk and 1x Buzzard.
Later today I called down to see the Barnacle Goose, the main lake was full of Swallows, House Martins, Swifts and a few Sand Martins all at once they all went up as a Hobby flew low across the lake heading north, a few minutes later it flew back around and despite the Swallows etc going up again a few times in alarm I couldn't relocate it.
Saturday 8 May 2010
08 May 2010
Was down this morning from 05.30 - 08.40, temp was 10c but felt a lot colder with the strong northeasterly breeze, a couple of light showers and total cloud coverage.
Not much on the model boating lake apart from 2x Great Crested Grebe and 21x young Canada Geese, on 'Wood Warbler' Avenue one each of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, on the grass verge and bank 5x Little Ringed Plover and on the main lake, 2x Great Crested Grebe, 16x Tufted Duck, 1x Shoveler (Sammy) and 5x Mute Swans a bit later decent numbers of Swift, Swallows, House Martins and a few Sand Martins, also 5x young Canada Geese.
In the Nature Reserve, a family of Long-tailed Tits are the first ones of the year, a couple of Chiffchaff were singing and a Whitethroat was along the back path, at least 3x Blackcaps and 2x Reed Warblers, the 2x Mute Swans are still in the reedbed, also 2x young Canada Geese.
On the old gas works and sewage works, 4x Shelduck flew over, they seemed to land on the main lake but there was no sign when we went back there later, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Garden Warbler, 1x Willow Warbler, 3x Whitethroat & 3x Stock Doves were also present, over Bradwell Wood, a single Buzzard was seen along with 3x Sparrowhawks.
Total species seen 43.
Also a record of 2x Oystercatchers seen last Thursday by Dave Kelsall.
Not much on the model boating lake apart from 2x Great Crested Grebe and 21x young Canada Geese, on 'Wood Warbler' Avenue one each of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, on the grass verge and bank 5x Little Ringed Plover and on the main lake, 2x Great Crested Grebe, 16x Tufted Duck, 1x Shoveler (Sammy) and 5x Mute Swans a bit later decent numbers of Swift, Swallows, House Martins and a few Sand Martins, also 5x young Canada Geese.
In the Nature Reserve, a family of Long-tailed Tits are the first ones of the year, a couple of Chiffchaff were singing and a Whitethroat was along the back path, at least 3x Blackcaps and 2x Reed Warblers, the 2x Mute Swans are still in the reedbed, also 2x young Canada Geese.
On the old gas works and sewage works, 4x Shelduck flew over, they seemed to land on the main lake but there was no sign when we went back there later, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Garden Warbler, 1x Willow Warbler, 3x Whitethroat & 3x Stock Doves were also present, over Bradwell Wood, a single Buzzard was seen along with 3x Sparrowhawks.
Total species seen 43.
Also a record of 2x Oystercatchers seen last Thursday by Dave Kelsall.
Friday 7 May 2010
07 May 2010
Please remember to have a read of the April review if you haven't already done so, Thanks.
Unable to go down this morning, so made a visit this afternoon from 15.00 - 18.00, temp was 16c but felt a lot cooler with the strong northeasterly breeze, heavy cloud with sunny intervals and a one off light shower.
As I came in at the bottom gate a pair of Bullfinch flew across me and 2x Mistle Thrushes on the playing field, further down by Prices compound another pair of Bullfinch and along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, 1x each of Willow Tit, Chiffchaff and 2x Blackcap.
On the model boating lake 2x Great Crested Grebe as usual a lone Mute Swan and the Canada Geese had all the young together totalling x17.
On the main lake, 7x Tufted Duck, all males, another 4x Mute Swans, 2x Great Crested Grebes and 'Sammy' the Shoveler with his female Mallard companion as usual, the 6x young Coot still doing well, much smaller numbers today of Swift, Swallow & House Martins and 2x Grey Wagtails still by the beach area.
In the Nature Reserve, another 2x young Canada Geese, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Blackcap, 2x Reed Warbler on the top pool, also a male Reed Bunting here plus 4x young Coot and 4x young Mallard, the Mute Swan is still sitting the nest that had lost it's eggs the other day, however someone else has said that it still contains four eggs, so it's all a bit of a mystery!!
The old sewage works and gas works had 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Whitethroat and 2x Buzzards over Bradwell Wood with a single Sparrowhawk.
As I came along the canal side of the main lake another 6x young Canada Geese were on the canal.
Total species seen 38.
Unable to go down this morning, so made a visit this afternoon from 15.00 - 18.00, temp was 16c but felt a lot cooler with the strong northeasterly breeze, heavy cloud with sunny intervals and a one off light shower.
As I came in at the bottom gate a pair of Bullfinch flew across me and 2x Mistle Thrushes on the playing field, further down by Prices compound another pair of Bullfinch and along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, 1x each of Willow Tit, Chiffchaff and 2x Blackcap.
On the model boating lake 2x Great Crested Grebe as usual a lone Mute Swan and the Canada Geese had all the young together totalling x17.
On the main lake, 7x Tufted Duck, all males, another 4x Mute Swans, 2x Great Crested Grebes and 'Sammy' the Shoveler with his female Mallard companion as usual, the 6x young Coot still doing well, much smaller numbers today of Swift, Swallow & House Martins and 2x Grey Wagtails still by the beach area.
In the Nature Reserve, another 2x young Canada Geese, 2x Chiffchaff, 1x Blackcap, 2x Reed Warbler on the top pool, also a male Reed Bunting here plus 4x young Coot and 4x young Mallard, the Mute Swan is still sitting the nest that had lost it's eggs the other day, however someone else has said that it still contains four eggs, so it's all a bit of a mystery!!
The old sewage works and gas works had 2x Chiffchaff, 3x Whitethroat and 2x Buzzards over Bradwell Wood with a single Sparrowhawk.
As I came along the canal side of the main lake another 6x young Canada Geese were on the canal.
Total species seen 38.
Thursday 6 May 2010
06 May 2010
Started out at 06.20 due to oversleeping, and I'm glad I did, although it was rather foggy out, I didn't realise just how bad it would be down at Westport, you couldn't see across the model boating lake. never mind the main lake, there is not much else I can say about the weather no wind, temp was 12c, it did clear up a bit later when the drizzle came in.
As it was hard to see any birds at first it was mainly down to identifying birds by call rather than sight. Six Chiffchaff seen/heard in total around various parts of the park and the same with the Blackcap, On the model boating lake the Canada's where looking after 7 young with 8 young near the Nature Reserve and 5 young down the canal side of the main lake. Coot young are also starting to make an appearance as well as the 6 earlier in the week there was also two groups of 4 a bit further along the main lake, the weather didn't seem to bring any migrants down, but if anything was up in numbers it would be Pied Wagtails with at least 5/6 around the main lake with the 2x Little Ringed Plovers, the model boating lake just had the 2x Great Crested Grebes on and no swans, all the Mute Swans were on the main lake totalling 10 with 2 on the top pool, despite losing her eggs she continues to sit the nest, the Tufted Ducks are down to 8 now. As usual the Grey Heron was around the main lake, which also had Swallows, Swifts, Sand Martins and House Martins in good numbers after the fog had lifted, the extra 2x Shoveler are still on plus 'Sammy' in the Nature Reserve with the female Mallard, also in the Nature Reserve, Bullfinch, 1x Reed Warbler a pair of Willow Tits and a single Whitethroat to go with the other x6 Whitethroat on the old sewage works, also here 1x Garden Warbler, 2x Willow Warbler and nearby 5x Stock Doves. Made it back in at 09.10 just as the downpour came!
Total species seen 44.
As it was hard to see any birds at first it was mainly down to identifying birds by call rather than sight. Six Chiffchaff seen/heard in total around various parts of the park and the same with the Blackcap, On the model boating lake the Canada's where looking after 7 young with 8 young near the Nature Reserve and 5 young down the canal side of the main lake. Coot young are also starting to make an appearance as well as the 6 earlier in the week there was also two groups of 4 a bit further along the main lake, the weather didn't seem to bring any migrants down, but if anything was up in numbers it would be Pied Wagtails with at least 5/6 around the main lake with the 2x Little Ringed Plovers, the model boating lake just had the 2x Great Crested Grebes on and no swans, all the Mute Swans were on the main lake totalling 10 with 2 on the top pool, despite losing her eggs she continues to sit the nest, the Tufted Ducks are down to 8 now. As usual the Grey Heron was around the main lake, which also had Swallows, Swifts, Sand Martins and House Martins in good numbers after the fog had lifted, the extra 2x Shoveler are still on plus 'Sammy' in the Nature Reserve with the female Mallard, also in the Nature Reserve, Bullfinch, 1x Reed Warbler a pair of Willow Tits and a single Whitethroat to go with the other x6 Whitethroat on the old sewage works, also here 1x Garden Warbler, 2x Willow Warbler and nearby 5x Stock Doves. Made it back in at 09.10 just as the downpour came!
Total species seen 44.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
05 May 2010
Don't forget to read the April Review by scrolling down, or going to the archive, thanks.
Very cool morning with a gloomy misty feel to things, temp was 11c but felt colder with the slight northerly breeze, was out from 05.40 to 08.10.
At the bottom entrance a Chiffchaff was singing, I also had one by the top pool and one on the old sewage works area, the model boating lake had 9x Mute Swans and the 2x Great Crested Grebes are back with a new nest next to the old one, also on here 8x young Canada Geese and the Grey Heron.
On the grass verge I had 2x Little Ringed Plover, Pied and Grey Wagtails, on the main lake, another 4x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Mute Swans, 9x Tufted Duck and 3x Shoveler, 'Sammy' was with his usual female Mallard and another pair of Shoveler were new in overnight, flying around the main lake were good numbers of Swift, Swallows and House Martins, a Great Spotted Woodpecker also flew across towards the canal. along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue the only Willow Warbler of the day and one of only 3x Blackcap the others were at the top pool and near the old gas works area, by the top pool also the singing Reed Warbler and sadly the pair of Mute Swans have failed with the loss of there eggs, quite how they have gone we could not tell.
On the old sewage works there was 1x Garden Warbler and 5x Whitethroat and a single Stock Dove on the nearby old gas works.
Total species seen 42.
Very cool morning with a gloomy misty feel to things, temp was 11c but felt colder with the slight northerly breeze, was out from 05.40 to 08.10.
At the bottom entrance a Chiffchaff was singing, I also had one by the top pool and one on the old sewage works area, the model boating lake had 9x Mute Swans and the 2x Great Crested Grebes are back with a new nest next to the old one, also on here 8x young Canada Geese and the Grey Heron.
On the grass verge I had 2x Little Ringed Plover, Pied and Grey Wagtails, on the main lake, another 4x Great Crested Grebe, 4x Mute Swans, 9x Tufted Duck and 3x Shoveler, 'Sammy' was with his usual female Mallard and another pair of Shoveler were new in overnight, flying around the main lake were good numbers of Swift, Swallows and House Martins, a Great Spotted Woodpecker also flew across towards the canal. along 'Wood Warbler' Avenue the only Willow Warbler of the day and one of only 3x Blackcap the others were at the top pool and near the old gas works area, by the top pool also the singing Reed Warbler and sadly the pair of Mute Swans have failed with the loss of there eggs, quite how they have gone we could not tell.
On the old sewage works there was 1x Garden Warbler and 5x Whitethroat and a single Stock Dove on the nearby old gas works.
Total species seen 42.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
04 May 2010
Very quiet visit this afternoon from 18.20 - 20.00, it was cold and windy, with sunny intervals, as I was leaving a large black cloud was coming in from the northeast, so hopefully it will bring something in for the morning.
As I walked along the grass bank a Grey Heron flew over, haven't seen much of the Heron over recent weeks, it was always on the main lake first thing but hasn't been around recently. Blackcaps were few and far between with one at the bottom entrance, one on the sidings and one on the top pool, Canada Geese young are as they were with a group of 2, 7 and 5 all doing well, also the Coot still have six young, 8x Mute Swans were on the model boating lake and x5 on the main lake with x1 on the top pool, Great Crested Grebes have built a new nest on the model boating lake island, hopefully they will have more success this time, there was another x5 Grebes on the main lake, the main lake area was full of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts with over a 100+, a pair of Grey Wagtails flew across the main lake which also held x11 Tufted Ducks, only 3x Chiffchaffs were heard with one by the main entrance, one by the boardwalk bridge and one on the old sewage works area, one Reed Warbler was singing from the top pool and a Reed Bunting was also calling from here, the male Shoveler still is chasing a female Mallard around, on the old gas works still 5x Stock Doves and at the side a Garden Warbler was still singing along with a Whitethroat.
In total 35 species seen.
Don't forget the April overview is now complete, so have a scroll down and see what you think.
As I walked along the grass bank a Grey Heron flew over, haven't seen much of the Heron over recent weeks, it was always on the main lake first thing but hasn't been around recently. Blackcaps were few and far between with one at the bottom entrance, one on the sidings and one on the top pool, Canada Geese young are as they were with a group of 2, 7 and 5 all doing well, also the Coot still have six young, 8x Mute Swans were on the model boating lake and x5 on the main lake with x1 on the top pool, Great Crested Grebes have built a new nest on the model boating lake island, hopefully they will have more success this time, there was another x5 Grebes on the main lake, the main lake area was full of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts with over a 100+, a pair of Grey Wagtails flew across the main lake which also held x11 Tufted Ducks, only 3x Chiffchaffs were heard with one by the main entrance, one by the boardwalk bridge and one on the old sewage works area, one Reed Warbler was singing from the top pool and a Reed Bunting was also calling from here, the male Shoveler still is chasing a female Mallard around, on the old gas works still 5x Stock Doves and at the side a Garden Warbler was still singing along with a Whitethroat.
In total 35 species seen.
Don't forget the April overview is now complete, so have a scroll down and see what you think.
Monday 3 May 2010
Overview
The April overview is now complete, just scroll down the page or click the achive to view it, thanks again for those who helped with records and photo's.
03 May 2010
Westport this morning from 05.50 - 09.00, cold start, 6c, slight northerly breeze, cloudy with sunny intervals.
Lots of Blackcaps, in total saw/heard x9 all over the park, on the playing field a single Mistle Thrush and Starling, the Canada's with 7 Goslings were on the canal side of the main lake, on the boating lake just a lone Great Crested Grebe by it's old nest with a further x5 on the main lake. On the grass verge 3x Little Ringed Plovers and the Domestic Geese with there x3 Goslings, all the Mute Swans were on the main lake this morning totalling x14 and as usual the one on the top pool, and 'Sammy' the Shoveler was walking around the car park with his female Mallard 'friend', following her every step (sounds familiar), Tufted Ducks numbered x12 all on the main lake, in the Nature Reserve x2 Chiffchaff plus x2 on the old sewage works, also 1x Willow Warbler on each area as well, a Common Sandpiper was on the old beach area and 2x Reed Buntings were seen, one at the bottom entrance to the Nature Reserve and one by the canal near the old sewage works, a pair of Willow Tits were on 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, one had a very bent tail suggesting that they have a nest nearby, 1x Reed Warbler was on the top pool and 3x Stock Doves on the old gas works, a total of 8x Whitethroat were on the old sewage works and surrounding area also 3x Garden Warblers here as well.
Total species seen 46.
Lots of Blackcaps, in total saw/heard x9 all over the park, on the playing field a single Mistle Thrush and Starling, the Canada's with 7 Goslings were on the canal side of the main lake, on the boating lake just a lone Great Crested Grebe by it's old nest with a further x5 on the main lake. On the grass verge 3x Little Ringed Plovers and the Domestic Geese with there x3 Goslings, all the Mute Swans were on the main lake this morning totalling x14 and as usual the one on the top pool, and 'Sammy' the Shoveler was walking around the car park with his female Mallard 'friend', following her every step (sounds familiar), Tufted Ducks numbered x12 all on the main lake, in the Nature Reserve x2 Chiffchaff plus x2 on the old sewage works, also 1x Willow Warbler on each area as well, a Common Sandpiper was on the old beach area and 2x Reed Buntings were seen, one at the bottom entrance to the Nature Reserve and one by the canal near the old sewage works, a pair of Willow Tits were on 'Wood Warbler' Avenue, one had a very bent tail suggesting that they have a nest nearby, 1x Reed Warbler was on the top pool and 3x Stock Doves on the old gas works, a total of 8x Whitethroat were on the old sewage works and surrounding area also 3x Garden Warblers here as well.
Total species seen 46.
Sunday 2 May 2010
02 May 2010
This morning Nick Smith recorded the following, 1x Buzzard, 1x Sparrowhawk, 7x Great Crested Grebe, 2x Reed Bunting, 1x Jay, 1x Common Sandpiper, 2x Little Ringed Plover, 7x Chiffchaff, 10x Blackcap, 7x Whitethroat & 2x Garden Warbler.
I went down this afternoon from 18.20 - 20.20, it was a cool 12c with a strong northery breeze, very heavy cloud cover with a bit of sunshine late on.
6x Blackcap where around various parts of the park with 3 in the top wood by the model boating lake, a new party of young Canada's where in the Nature Reserve totalling 7x Goslings, only 2x Willow Warblers where heard, one at the back of Prices field and one by the main entrance, Mute Swans numbered 15, nine on the model boating lake, five on the main lake and one on the top pool, the main lake was covered with, Swallows, Swifts, House Martins and a few Sand Martins, also 12x Tufted Ducks and 6x Great Crested Grebes, in the Nature Reserve a Treecreeper was by the boardwalk bridge and 1x Reed Warbler at the top pool.
A Grey Heron was on the small pond on the old gas works, 1x Chiffchaff and 2x Whitethroats where singing on the old sewage works.
Total species seen 34.
I went down this afternoon from 18.20 - 20.20, it was a cool 12c with a strong northery breeze, very heavy cloud cover with a bit of sunshine late on.
6x Blackcap where around various parts of the park with 3 in the top wood by the model boating lake, a new party of young Canada's where in the Nature Reserve totalling 7x Goslings, only 2x Willow Warblers where heard, one at the back of Prices field and one by the main entrance, Mute Swans numbered 15, nine on the model boating lake, five on the main lake and one on the top pool, the main lake was covered with, Swallows, Swifts, House Martins and a few Sand Martins, also 12x Tufted Ducks and 6x Great Crested Grebes, in the Nature Reserve a Treecreeper was by the boardwalk bridge and 1x Reed Warbler at the top pool.
A Grey Heron was on the small pond on the old gas works, 1x Chiffchaff and 2x Whitethroats where singing on the old sewage works.
Total species seen 34.
Saturday 1 May 2010
April Overview
April Overview
April turned out to be a pretty good month despite the weather trying it’s best to make thing’s a bit more ordinary, in total 78 species were seen including 15 year ticks of which I managed to see 13 and I had 8 new Westport ticks as well, so a pretty good month all in all.
The weather did try too spoil things by remaining dry for long periods of the month with a northerly wind, not good for passage migration, the first half of the month tended to start with a slight ground frost, sunny clear skies with the northerly wind already mentioned, the rain didn’t really come till the last day of the month after a few days of southerlies the rain came down with heavy downpours at times but it was all a bit to late with most migrants all ready here.
Great Crested Grebes peaked on the 9th with 12 seen, towards the end of the month the pair nesting on the model boating lake managed to hatch a single bird, sadly that was the last time it was seen and a few days later they abandoned the nest, also a pair nesting on the main lake only got as far as building it’s nest before it too failed. One Cormorant was recorded on the 8th, 11th and 18th the one on the 18th was on the lake with the previous dates being flyovers, on the 24th a Little Egret flew across the main lake on straight on northwards, this is the 2nd record of the year, Grey Heron was seen most day’s with a max count of two on several dates. A male Gadwall was seen on the 25th spending the day on the main lake, however it had moved on by the next morning, the male Shoveler ‘Sammy’, continued his long stay at one point he seemed to pair up with a female Mallard but spends most of his time on the right hand bank sleeping, he was joined by two others on the 19th but when they moved on he decided to stay behind, we are now taking bets on how long he will stay, a pair of Teal remained in the Nature Reserve until the 23rd, Tufted Duck numbers peaked at 39 on the 1st and tailed off slowly during the month, the lowest count was on the 29th with 13 male & females, the pair of Goldeneye where last seen on the 4th, on the 24th two Shelduck landed briefly on the main lake before heading off north, unfortunately I missed these and they would have been a Westport year tick for me, Greylag Geese peaked at four on the ‘Webs’ duck count day 18th and also the 20th, the Domestic Geese managed to hatch 6 young but are currently down to three Goslings, the Canada Geese Goslings have started to appear during the last week of the month with 14 Goslings currently about, Mute Swan numbers peaked at 20 on the 17th and 18th with two pair attempting to breed. Buzzards, Sparrowhawk & Kestrel where seen on several dates during the month mainly passing over or seen over Bradwell wood area, Peregrine was also seen on two dates the 1st and 13th, however the best bird of prey came on the 28th when a photographer showed Phil Jones a photo of a bird hovering over the main lake, Phil immediately identified it as a Osprey, this would have been a Westport tick for me. On the 29th a pair of Coots produced 6 young, the first of many we will see over the coming month. On the 5th a single Oystercatcher landed on the grass verge, it spent about a hour here before flying off, on the 17th a single Lapwing was found on the grass verge, not many actually land here they normally just fly over and this was the case on the 18th with two and the 29th with three, Little Ringed Plover have continued to be seen on a almost daily basis with a max count of 5 on the 16th, 18th and 22nd, on the 3rd a single Curlew spent nearly an hour flying around looking for a place to land, in the end it gave up an carried on it journey, four day’s later another four flew over this time heading straight south, the star wader of the month came on the evening of the 23rd when a summer plumaged Dunlin was found on the grass verge, it disappeared for about an hour and was eventually re found on the old beach area where it allowed excellent views within 6ft, another Westport tick for me, lastly on the wader front, Common Sandpiper returned on the 18th with a single bird, highest count came on the 27th with 4 birds.
On the Gull front, mainly Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been passing through on a daily basis, Herring Gull were all fly over birds with 2 on the 8th, 1-15th, 1-25th, and 2-26th, Black-headed Gulls were few and far between but 11 adults flying over north on the 28th was of note, single Kittiwakes were seen on the 4th and 6th.
Stock Doves continued to be seen on the railway pylons with a max count of five on several dates throughout the month. The first Swift was recorded on the 21st with a single bird followed by another single on the 23rd by the end of the month there was over a 100+ after the heavy rain of the last day of the month. Green Woodpecker continued to be heard on the 5th and 11th but as yet remains a heard only record! Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen on several dates with a least one bird present but seeing two together was a bit more difficult, Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continued to increase in numbers as the month progressed.
Carrion Crows and Magpies continue to be one of the commonest species in the park, Jackdaws are very few and far between with all records being flyovers these were x3 on the 3rd and x2 on the 18th, Jay’s although not seen daily are seen weekly but six on the 22nd was very unusual and the highest count at Westport.
Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit remain a daily record with all nesting around the park in good numbers, Coal Tit was recorded on the 1st, 5th and 7th but only a single bird in each case, since which there have been no further records, Willow Tit’s however are breeding, at least 2 pairs are around, with the possibility of more. Treecreeper is also another one that is seen on a weekly basis with one or two birds seen almost anywhere around the park but mainly down the canal side of the main lake. A single Fieldfare was seen by the model boating lake on the 4th, and a single Redwing on the 1st where the last of the Winter Thrushes.
On the Warbler front this was the month when they all started to arrive with the last week of the month producing the biggest numbers and the most arrivals, the first Reed Warbler arrived on the 26th with two or three birds turning up over the following few days, the first Sedge Warbler arrived on the 19th and stayed in the Dogwood at the top of the main lake for a few day’s, after that there where single birds recorded on the 25th, 28th and 29th, Blackcap first arrived on the 4th a single male as the weeks progressed so did the numbers, the second week had a max count of six and the third week reached nine and in the last week we were up to twelve, the first Garden Warbler was on the 24th and a couple of birds have been seen daily since this date, the first Whitethroat was on the 20th a single bird in the small wood at the back of the model boating lake, it was a couple of days before the next record of three on the old sewage works area, since then they have increased in numbers daily with a max count of four on the 26th, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs continued to build in numbers with at least two of each species nest building, max counts for Willow Warbler was five on the 7th, 8th and 20th, Chiffchaff max counts were ten plus on the 3rd, star Warbler came on the 29th in the form of a singing Wood Warbler at the back of Price’s Field, another Westport tick for me, sadly it didn’t hang around and although was heard by a couple of others was not relocated after that.
Another star bird came on the 18th in a female Pied Flycatcher, seen for about 15 minutes by the boardwalk bridge in the Nature Reserve, sadly it didn’t hang around for anyone else to see it, but another Westport tick and only about the 3rd or 4th Westport record. A single Meadow Pipit was recorded flying over on the 4th, Pied Wagtail numbers where very few and far between with no real sign of any passage, just local birds, however one passage bird was a White Wagtail which was found on the grass verge on the 21st and stayed for a couple of day’s before moving on, Grey Wagtails numbered up to four birds all resident birds for the summer at least, on pair is nesting on the old buildings by the canal. Bullfinches seem to number at least three pairs around various parts of the park, and Reed Bunting number at least two males and one female.
Thanks to, Nick Smith, Phil Jones, Richard Sutton, Dave Kelsall, Steve Seal & Tony Brewster for there records and photo's.
April turned out to be a pretty good month despite the weather trying it’s best to make thing’s a bit more ordinary, in total 78 species were seen including 15 year ticks of which I managed to see 13 and I had 8 new Westport ticks as well, so a pretty good month all in all.
The weather did try too spoil things by remaining dry for long periods of the month with a northerly wind, not good for passage migration, the first half of the month tended to start with a slight ground frost, sunny clear skies with the northerly wind already mentioned, the rain didn’t really come till the last day of the month after a few days of southerlies the rain came down with heavy downpours at times but it was all a bit to late with most migrants all ready here.
Great Crested Grebes peaked on the 9th with 12 seen, towards the end of the month the pair nesting on the model boating lake managed to hatch a single bird, sadly that was the last time it was seen and a few days later they abandoned the nest, also a pair nesting on the main lake only got as far as building it’s nest before it too failed. One Cormorant was recorded on the 8th, 11th and 18th the one on the 18th was on the lake with the previous dates being flyovers, on the 24th a Little Egret flew across the main lake on straight on northwards, this is the 2nd record of the year, Grey Heron was seen most day’s with a max count of two on several dates. A male Gadwall was seen on the 25th spending the day on the main lake, however it had moved on by the next morning, the male Shoveler ‘Sammy’, continued his long stay at one point he seemed to pair up with a female Mallard but spends most of his time on the right hand bank sleeping, he was joined by two others on the 19th but when they moved on he decided to stay behind, we are now taking bets on how long he will stay, a pair of Teal remained in the Nature Reserve until the 23rd, Tufted Duck numbers peaked at 39 on the 1st and tailed off slowly during the month, the lowest count was on the 29th with 13 male & females, the pair of Goldeneye where last seen on the 4th, on the 24th two Shelduck landed briefly on the main lake before heading off north, unfortunately I missed these and they would have been a Westport year tick for me, Greylag Geese peaked at four on the ‘Webs’ duck count day 18th and also the 20th, the Domestic Geese managed to hatch 6 young but are currently down to three Goslings, the Canada Geese Goslings have started to appear during the last week of the month with 14 Goslings currently about, Mute Swan numbers peaked at 20 on the 17th and 18th with two pair attempting to breed. Buzzards, Sparrowhawk & Kestrel where seen on several dates during the month mainly passing over or seen over Bradwell wood area, Peregrine was also seen on two dates the 1st and 13th, however the best bird of prey came on the 28th when a photographer showed Phil Jones a photo of a bird hovering over the main lake, Phil immediately identified it as a Osprey, this would have been a Westport tick for me. On the 29th a pair of Coots produced 6 young, the first of many we will see over the coming month. On the 5th a single Oystercatcher landed on the grass verge, it spent about a hour here before flying off, on the 17th a single Lapwing was found on the grass verge, not many actually land here they normally just fly over and this was the case on the 18th with two and the 29th with three, Little Ringed Plover have continued to be seen on a almost daily basis with a max count of 5 on the 16th, 18th and 22nd, on the 3rd a single Curlew spent nearly an hour flying around looking for a place to land, in the end it gave up an carried on it journey, four day’s later another four flew over this time heading straight south, the star wader of the month came on the evening of the 23rd when a summer plumaged Dunlin was found on the grass verge, it disappeared for about an hour and was eventually re found on the old beach area where it allowed excellent views within 6ft, another Westport tick for me, lastly on the wader front, Common Sandpiper returned on the 18th with a single bird, highest count came on the 27th with 4 birds.
On the Gull front, mainly Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been passing through on a daily basis, Herring Gull were all fly over birds with 2 on the 8th, 1-15th, 1-25th, and 2-26th, Black-headed Gulls were few and far between but 11 adults flying over north on the 28th was of note, single Kittiwakes were seen on the 4th and 6th.
Stock Doves continued to be seen on the railway pylons with a max count of five on several dates throughout the month. The first Swift was recorded on the 21st with a single bird followed by another single on the 23rd by the end of the month there was over a 100+ after the heavy rain of the last day of the month. Green Woodpecker continued to be heard on the 5th and 11th but as yet remains a heard only record! Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen on several dates with a least one bird present but seeing two together was a bit more difficult, Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continued to increase in numbers as the month progressed.
Carrion Crows and Magpies continue to be one of the commonest species in the park, Jackdaws are very few and far between with all records being flyovers these were x3 on the 3rd and x2 on the 18th, Jay’s although not seen daily are seen weekly but six on the 22nd was very unusual and the highest count at Westport.
Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit remain a daily record with all nesting around the park in good numbers, Coal Tit was recorded on the 1st, 5th and 7th but only a single bird in each case, since which there have been no further records, Willow Tit’s however are breeding, at least 2 pairs are around, with the possibility of more. Treecreeper is also another one that is seen on a weekly basis with one or two birds seen almost anywhere around the park but mainly down the canal side of the main lake. A single Fieldfare was seen by the model boating lake on the 4th, and a single Redwing on the 1st where the last of the Winter Thrushes.
On the Warbler front this was the month when they all started to arrive with the last week of the month producing the biggest numbers and the most arrivals, the first Reed Warbler arrived on the 26th with two or three birds turning up over the following few days, the first Sedge Warbler arrived on the 19th and stayed in the Dogwood at the top of the main lake for a few day’s, after that there where single birds recorded on the 25th, 28th and 29th, Blackcap first arrived on the 4th a single male as the weeks progressed so did the numbers, the second week had a max count of six and the third week reached nine and in the last week we were up to twelve, the first Garden Warbler was on the 24th and a couple of birds have been seen daily since this date, the first Whitethroat was on the 20th a single bird in the small wood at the back of the model boating lake, it was a couple of days before the next record of three on the old sewage works area, since then they have increased in numbers daily with a max count of four on the 26th, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs continued to build in numbers with at least two of each species nest building, max counts for Willow Warbler was five on the 7th, 8th and 20th, Chiffchaff max counts were ten plus on the 3rd, star Warbler came on the 29th in the form of a singing Wood Warbler at the back of Price’s Field, another Westport tick for me, sadly it didn’t hang around and although was heard by a couple of others was not relocated after that.
Another star bird came on the 18th in a female Pied Flycatcher, seen for about 15 minutes by the boardwalk bridge in the Nature Reserve, sadly it didn’t hang around for anyone else to see it, but another Westport tick and only about the 3rd or 4th Westport record. A single Meadow Pipit was recorded flying over on the 4th, Pied Wagtail numbers where very few and far between with no real sign of any passage, just local birds, however one passage bird was a White Wagtail which was found on the grass verge on the 21st and stayed for a couple of day’s before moving on, Grey Wagtails numbered up to four birds all resident birds for the summer at least, on pair is nesting on the old buildings by the canal. Bullfinches seem to number at least three pairs around various parts of the park, and Reed Bunting number at least two males and one female.
Thanks to, Nick Smith, Phil Jones, Richard Sutton, Dave Kelsall, Steve Seal & Tony Brewster for there records and photo's.
01 May 2010
The start of a new month and you always want to get as many birds as possible to your monthly list, the day started very damp from heavy overnight rain, temp was 10c at 05.40, there was a very slight mist over the lake and no wind, later a slight breeze got up with sunny intervals through the cloud, by the time I got home it was 10.00.
Swifts where everywhere today esp over the lake with over 100+ skimming over the water and grass bank, on the model boating lake 2x Great Crested Grebe but no Mute Swans, they were all on the main lake with a count of 11, just 9x Tufted Duck and 1x Shoveler, a lone Little Ringed Plover flew across the lake, warblers where back up in numbers, Chiffchaff x6, Willow Warbler x6, Blackcap x6, Reed Warbler x2, Whitethroat had the biggest increase with at least 8 counted all on the old sewage works area and lastly 2x Garden Warbler.
Other birds of note was 1x Treecreeper going along the tree line of the main lake, 1x Reed Bunting and 2x Buzzards displaying over Bradwell Wood.
Total species seen was 43.
Swifts where everywhere today esp over the lake with over 100+ skimming over the water and grass bank, on the model boating lake 2x Great Crested Grebe but no Mute Swans, they were all on the main lake with a count of 11, just 9x Tufted Duck and 1x Shoveler, a lone Little Ringed Plover flew across the lake, warblers where back up in numbers, Chiffchaff x6, Willow Warbler x6, Blackcap x6, Reed Warbler x2, Whitethroat had the biggest increase with at least 8 counted all on the old sewage works area and lastly 2x Garden Warbler.
Other birds of note was 1x Treecreeper going along the tree line of the main lake, 1x Reed Bunting and 2x Buzzards displaying over Bradwell Wood.
Total species seen was 43.
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