Rare and Scarce Birds in Staffordshire (3 Viewers)

[dwe]

Hmm. I've seen Glossys in a few different countries, and I can't ever recall them soaring like that. When you looked through binoculars, could you see the legs trailing behind the tail? Can't make that out from the photo, the wings look a bit broad too.

There has been a Bald Ibis knocking about in recent times. I drove past it on the 24th May, in a field near Leek when on my way to Manchester airport. It's also been seen in Ch*shire and up towards Manchester.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=234730

More than happy to be proved wrong of course, but I just wonder if it's this bird again, seeing the light and leaving Cheshire 8-P.

No I did not pick up the legs - just the head shape that suggested Ibis to me and the all-dark colour. I did see one a few weeks back. I suppose I will never know for sure but after 40 years birding I do know that it was something out of the ordinary!

Dave

 

[The Moore-hen]

No I did not pick up the legs - just the head shape that suggested Ibis to me and the all-dark colour. I did see one a few weeks back. I suppose I will never know for sure but after 40 years birding I do know that it was something out of the ordinary!

Dave

Hi Dave

Difficult to comment based on the fact I've only viewed the pic on phone rather than PC but certainly an Ibis but would have to agree with Richard that wings look a bit too broad for Glossy and also can't make out trailing legs but when I zoom in it's too pixcelated on my phone. I'm sure someone will have a good look on a PC and post more on here.

News for the 25th July

2 Juv Black-necked Grebe - Blithfield in Tad bay also 4 Arctic Tern

 

[Martyn Yapp]

Looks right for Bald Ibis in flight profile having seen 150 free flying introduced birds in SE Turkey, nice bulky tail and broad wings. Next couple of pots on my blog will have a few flight shots.

Hi Dave

Difficult to comment based on the fact I've only viewed the pic on phone rather than PC but certainly an Ibis but would have to agree with Richard that wings look a bit too broad for Glossy and also can't make out trailing legs but when I zoom in it's too pixcelated on my phone. I'm sure someone will have a good look on a PC and post more on here.

News for the 25th July

2 Juv Black-necked Grebe - Blithfield in Tad bay also 4 Arctic Tern

 

[Adam M]

Hi

A rather lucky friend in Kidsgrove has had a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in their garden last weekend.
Was thought to have been a Great Spotted at first, but had no red plumage what so ever and a Great Spotted came into the garden at the same time so the size difference became obvious to them.

Have to say I am rather jealous just get Great Spotted in my Silverdale garden.

Tim.

Where abouts in Kidsgrove? Any near by woodland it might be in? Would love to catch up with one (finally!).

Adam

 

[Gronk08]

Where abouts in Kidsgrove? Any near by woodland it might be in? Would love to catch up with one (finally!).

Adam

Hi Adam

I am not totally sure where abouts in Kidsgrove they live, they do have some area of woodland near them I believe I will ask the question and get back to you.

Tim.

 

[Gronk08]

Where abouts in Kidsgrove? Any near by woodland it might be in? Would love to catch up with one (finally!).

Adam

Hi Adam

I have an address now for the sighting of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, their address is ST71UR, looks like they back on to Bath Pool Park.
Not too far away from Westport Lake so maybe one day they will turn up there.

They do have a photo of the bird as well.

Tim.

 

[chris23565]

Hi Adam

I have an address now for the sighting of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, their address is ST71UR, looks like they back on to Bath Pool Park.
Not too far away from Westport Lake so maybe one day they will turn up there.

They do have a photo of the bird as well.

Tim.

Hi Tim,

Lesser Spots have been seen at Westport in the past but I think its Nov 1989 since the last one, I maybe be wrong with that date and I'm sure Nick can confirm.

 

[The Moore-hen]

News for the 27th July

2 Med Gull (ad+Juv) - Croxden Quarry
Red-crested Pochard - drake still Belvide

Off for a weeks family hol in Wales tomorrow so sure something good will turn up - it did last time I went away in June, just (luckily for me!) it was on private land! Not sure what pager / Internet coverage I will have but will update when I can...:t:

 

[Adam M]

Hi Adam

I have an address now for the sighting of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, their address is ST71UR, looks like they back on to Bath Pool Park.
Not too far away from Westport Lake so maybe one day they will turn up there.

They do have a photo of the bird as well.

Tim.

Thanks for that Tim. I'll try and get down to Bath Pool when I can.

Adam

 

[Gronk08]

Hi Tim,

Lesser Spots have been seen at Westport in the past but I think its Nov 1989 since the last one, I maybe be wrong with that date and I'm sure Nick can confirm.

Hi Chris

Thanks for the info.

Tim.

 

[smyrna]

Not surprised he's moved. Its a much better county. :-O

Which area has he moved to?

CB

Yeah Cheshire has more potential for finding decent birds I'm surprised more
arn't found ! maybe there aint enough good birders

 

[Cheshire Birder]

Yeah Cheshire has more potential for finding decent birds I'm surprised more
arn't found ! maybe there aint enough good birders

There are quite a few quality birders but unfortunately we also have too many what you might call average birders. I'm sure Staffs is the same.

CB

 

[chris23565]

There are quite a few quality birders but unfortunately we also have too many what you might call average birders. I'm sure Staffs is the same.

CB

Sadly Steve's new Cheshire Birding blog has closed as he said not enough interest from Cheshire birders.:C

 

[Cheshire Birder]

Sadly Steve's new Cheshire Birding blog has closed as he said not enough interest from Cheshire birders.:C

I wondered where it had gone. Needed top be more widely publicised.

CB

 

[The Moore-hen]

News for the 5th Aug

Osprey, adult Little Gull & Ruddy Shelduck - Blithfield
Female Common Scoter - still Belvide

 

[The Snapper]

fem Ruddy Shelduck flew in to Gailey this afternoon and was present as I left on the fishing pool.

Also, 3 Ravens and Hobby.

 

[The Snapper]

3 Yellow-Legged Gulls on Gailey Sailing Lake this afternoon(comprising adult + 2 1st s). This coincided with a large influx of Lesser Black-Backs of which there were 160 on the water at one point(good number for Gailey!)

Black-Headed Gulls have also increased significantly so will hopefully bring something in with them.

 

[dud1z]

Peregrine - Merrial street, Newcastle.

 

[Rob Swift]

Sadly Steve's new Cheshire Birding blog has closed as he said not enough interest from Cheshire birders.:C

Yep, Staffordshire's where it's at!! Keep up the good work Chris & Co:clap:

cheers

Rob :t:

 

[The Moore-hen]

News for the 8th Aug

Female Honey Buzzard - low over Stramshall towards Uttoxeter Pits at 19.35
Drake Red-crested Pochard - Belvide