Oystercatcher returns to Salford Priors

Oystercatcher on Pophills Pit

Patchwork Midlands Mini League

I was pleased with our standing of 12th out of 30 in the Patchwork Midlands Mini League at the end of January. We certainly haven't got the habitat that a couple of sites have that entered. It was interesting we scored the same number of species as @earlswoodbirds but our two 2 pointers (Jack Snipe and Scaup) pushed us up a couple of places and Morton Bagot recorded 64 species. 

After yesterdays excitement up north it was more regulation birding today. Spring is edging closer as the Oystercatcher had returned to Pophills Pit. There was also a single Shelduck and two Wigeon to accompany the regulars. The Skylarks and Yellowhammers were both in good voice with the Skylarks showing very well. 

I didn't pick up anything new in the plantation despite a good walk round.The Teal on the main pit were showing well for a change but the Pochard and Tufted Duck numbers were lower than normal.

I headed over to the hidden pools on the hope of locating a Water Rail but had to settle for one Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe, 115 Teal, Reed Bunting and a flock of 45 Golden Plover which flew over at 10.00am. 

I finished off with a walk around Dunnington and Hillers (great for sausage sandwich and coffee) where the highlights were 2 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, large flock of Chaffiches and a Long-tailed Tit which had been outstanding on the patch year list ! Phew ! Roll on next week.

Upton Warren getting ready for spring

 North Moors

 Oystercatcher behind Shelduck

North Moors

Reed Bunting on feeder

Moors Pool

With a couple of days off for half term I took advantage of the lads wanting to play basketball in Bromsgrove for an hour to drop in at Upton Warren. 

The team at the site are undertaking plenty of projects ahead of the breeding season including the introduction on some new channels for Bitterns, a new look North Moors Pool with new hide (not built yet) and the path to the west hide has been resurfaced. 

After a quick look at the ongoing work on the North Moors I walked down to the West Hide for a good scan. Two newly arrived Oystercatcher were on the islands along with fourteen Shelduck, Grey Heron and Cormorant.

Other highlights included two Bullfinch, six Reed Bunting, 14 Shoveler and Teal.

Let's hope all the hard work results in a couple of rarities turning up there.

Mersey beat to winter Waxwing

My third and final site to visit was a garden by Orrell Water Park near Wigan. The journey took me within sight of the famous Liver Birds building before crossing the Mersey tunel past Anfield to Orrell. 

I parked up in the Water Park and made the two minute walk to a garden where a local birder had put out many local treats for the local birds and apples for Waxwings. 

As soon as I could see the tree there was a beautiful female bird sat feeding on one of the apples. I managed to get a few digiscoped images but was an effort making sure the house was not in the background. I think privacy of the resident is more important than getting the right light for a digiscope. 

The bird fed quietly and then went across into the park where I managed to get the top image with him sat up very high surveying the local area.

The journey home was a smooth two hours. A brilliant days birding with Hen Harriers, Long-eared Owl, Laughing Gull and Waxwing being the highlights.

Laughing Gull at New Brighton

Laughing Gull on pontoon

Fly past

New Brighton location

Marine Lake, New Brighton

Laughing Gull getting involved in corporate advertising

On his own on the pontoon

An idea for any birders heading this way

I do love a light house

With a reported Laughing Gull (first reported on 3rd February) within 25 minutes of Burton Mere Wetlands I thought it was well worth a try and I'd never seen one before. In all honesty I was expecting it could be hard work however within two minutes from getting out of car I picked the Gull up flying from the beach area to the Marine lake. 

In all honesty the bird is never going to win any beauty contests however it was interesting to note the contrast between the white rump and black tail. I was impressed with how the bird didn't want to associate with any of the other Gulls. Some of us just like our space at times.

This first winter Laughing Gull was the first seen in Cheshire since 2001 and has travelled from the arctic. There were plenty of birders and photographers of which I did notice a couple trying to bribe the bird to come closer with some chips and bread ! It was interesting a second winter bird was recorded across the Irish Sea.

With it being low tide there were no Purple Sandpipers around which was a shame but I did pick up a couple of year ticks with Oystercatcher and Turnstone.

Long-eared Owl at Burton Mere Wetlands

 Can you see me ?

Roosting Long-eared Owl

A great view of the reserve on the walk to the Owl location

The whole week I'd seen a Long-eared Owl reported at Burton Mere but would it play ball and hold out for my weekend visit as it was a species I'd never seen before. 

Arriving in the car park at around 8.30am the helpful member of staff marked my card as to where the Owl had been roosting. If was definatley a wellington boot type of walk along board and muddy patches. The walk is around 15 minutes if you have your foot down and perhaps 30 if you stop at all the great viewing screen and feeding stations.

Once I reached the railway line I turned left and started scanning all the hedgerows knowing the owl would be well disguised. I found the bird almost to the exact spot I was guided to and this beauty was probably only ten metres away. He didn't seem at all bothered by the coming and going of birders wanting to admire him or in fact the trains that were rushing past him on the other side of the hawthorn bush he was roosting in.

I wondered down to the hide where I observed the Ring-tail Harrier, Shelduck, Water Rail, Black-tailed Godwit, Pintail, Lapwing and a nice flock of Wigeon and Teal. 

Skydancing start to the day

 RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

 Not quite sky dancing

Ring-tailed Harrier on right of frame

Hen Harrier close up from RSPB

Location map

A good forecast and a potential two lifers up on the Wirral convinced me of an away day on Saturday. An early morning alarm call to watch part of the first game of cricket world cup (England got totally outplayed in every department) before setting off up the M5/M6 to Cheshire. 

Arriving in Burton I headed to my usual spot that looked out over the wetlands. Three large skeins of Pink-footed Geese passed over heading to their feeding grounds whilst I lost count of number of Little Egrets looking for an early meal. The hedgerow behind contained a nice flock of Linnets and Goldfinches.

Then the fun started, not one but two Ring-tailed Hen Harriers came up from the marsh and started hunting. It was superb to watch these rare raptors through my telescope allowing me stunning view. They came together a couple of times showing their amazing agile flying skills. 

It wouldn't be long until these birds headed back to the moorland to try and breed, lets hope they head to an area where they won't get persecuted.

This is a great place to see Hen Harriers and is well worth the drive. From the main visitor centre I managed to watch one of those same ringtails hunt the reeds right in front of the centre. 

BBC Inside Out - Hen Harrier Facing Extinction