Red Rocks Marsh NNR, Hoylake (1 Viewer)

[Ben Dickinson]

Just wanted to say hi, first post, and I first went to Red Rocks about 6 years ago, it's a lovely little reserve and a nice area - I've only been about 5 times since and although seemingly everytime I went there wasn't many birds around (bar the obligatory Skylarks and Meadow Pipits!) I still am very fond of it.

I distinctly remember one day in autumn me and my birdwatching friend finding a very abberant pipit among the "mipits" in the garden which juts out facing Hilbre - it's an Old peoples home I think... anyway I wish we'd got a closer look before the whole flock flew away... I can't remember much about it now except it seemed paler and smaller that the others... ahwell!

And the last time I went to Red Rocks was on Easter Day, it was a beautiful day for it and we had a gracefully dipping Swallow and then 2 House Martins straight after! My first of the year for the latter, really capped off a satisfying day and I hope to go back there soon!

I'm just off out now actually ot have a quick skoot around my local patch - Calderstones Park - before college.

 

[Jane Turner]

I've seen Tawny, Richards and Red-throated Pipit on that lawn Ben! You need to be at Red Rocks early to stand much of a chance! I've not seen House Martin there yet this year though

And welcome to BirdForum.

 

[Steve Round]

Red Rocks NR

Hi Jane,

I spent over 3 hours this morning photographing the Sedge Warblers (not an easy task) there wasn't much else there; 2 Common Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and a few Swallows that I noted by the reed bed.
I was hoping to photograph Grasshopper Warbler but no sign today. I have attached a Sedge Warbler photo and there are many more of this and other species taken at Red Rocks on my website.

Steve

 

[Jane Turner]

The tamish Gropper is in the big patch of gorse inland at the south end! Not easil;y photographable.... there will be more.. That is a stunning photo!

 

[Steve Round]

Grasshopper Warblers

That is a stunning photo![/QUOTE]

Thanks Jane, I heard 3 or 4 groppers last year there, they seemed to favour the apple bushes.

By the way, you any good on Iberian Chiffchaff?
I have been risking my life photographing the Skelmersdale bird today

Steve

 

[Jane Turner]

I've seen 10 or so in this country and a few hundred in Spain... the Skem bird does'n't really look the part to me Steve.

 

[Andrew]

An exellent description of your local patch. I wish I could cover my Devon sites as well as you did Red Rocks.

 

[Jane Turner]

I more or less live there... well I'm there 5 hours a day in the right weather and season

 

[Jane Turner]

Just to note that there were something like 50 Goldcrests in one garden yesterday.... making a dash inbetween gales!

 

[JRE]

That's a great patch you've got Jane. How many species have been recoreded there in total?

 

[JimMorris]

What a great thread this is. Your area is a must for me in the next week as its only an hour up the road. You are a very knowledgeble lady Jane

 

[Jane Turner]

Keep an eye on the weather Jim - I've not even ventured the 1/2 mile down the road this week. If it goes warm again and there is a bit of east in the wind, get over here... it is usually the second of third day of such weather.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[Mike Montier]

Dear Jane
I have just re-joined Birdforum having retired to Mallorca where at last I can go birding every day. Your report has given me much enthuiasm for covering my local patch here (Parc Mondrago) I have already seen some great birds and just can´t wait for another day to begin. Certainly beats working!
I very much enjoyed your reports and although I have not yet missed the UK, I am visiting some friends who live in the Wirral soon and I will certainly spend a day at Red Rocks Marsh! Many thanks again,Michael Montier

 

[NickPatel92]

Jane,

On the Natterjack scrapes, can the Natterjacks be seen in Spring/Summer?

Thanks.

 

[Jane Turner]

Yes, though they are a lot easier to hear than see (and easier to see at night than during the daytime). Later in summer the hatchlings can be really obvious.

 

[Jane Turner]

2012 E-report is available for download here

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2706281&postcount=319