Upland Birder
Birding On The Edge
Hi Bobby,
Another nice read. Keep your reports coming.
Dean:t:
Another nice read. Keep your reports coming.
Dean:t:
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Birding by bike across the Rainford Mosslands (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ColinD
- Start date
ColinD
Well-known member
The mosslands are bouncing with migrants at the moment. Lots of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Whitethroats, and fields full of Wheatears, with 21 in one field off the Old Coach Road, and 13 in a field off the Rainford by-pass. Blackcaps, Swallows and House Martins are all back in good numbers now.
A flock of 30 Curlew by the junction of the Coach Road and Dairy Farm Road contained at least 4 Whimbrel, and a male Whinchat was on a fence post by the horse paddocks on the Coach Road. I don't see a lot of this species in St Helens, but most of those I do see are on this fence! Usually the same post! Always the first couple of weeks in May.
At least three Cuckoos, one by Inglenook Farm on the by-pass, the other two on the Coach Road, with one sat in a field. No Yellow or White Wagtails yet, which is disappointing. Less obvious migrants are the Lesser Black-backed Gulls, which pass through at this time of year.
The odd pair of Shelduck are settling down to breed, and several pairs of Oystercatcher. Goldcrests sang in in two places, whilst Song Thrushes seem more numerous this year, with many males singing right across the mosslands. Also good numbers of Yellowhammers singing, but worryingly not a single Corn Bunting in song, though I did see a lone bird in Dairy Farm Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 293
Number of miles since last puncture: 278
A flock of 30 Curlew by the junction of the Coach Road and Dairy Farm Road contained at least 4 Whimbrel, and a male Whinchat was on a fence post by the horse paddocks on the Coach Road. I don't see a lot of this species in St Helens, but most of those I do see are on this fence! Usually the same post! Always the first couple of weeks in May.
At least three Cuckoos, one by Inglenook Farm on the by-pass, the other two on the Coach Road, with one sat in a field. No Yellow or White Wagtails yet, which is disappointing. Less obvious migrants are the Lesser Black-backed Gulls, which pass through at this time of year.
The odd pair of Shelduck are settling down to breed, and several pairs of Oystercatcher. Goldcrests sang in in two places, whilst Song Thrushes seem more numerous this year, with many males singing right across the mosslands. Also good numbers of Yellowhammers singing, but worryingly not a single Corn Bunting in song, though I did see a lone bird in Dairy Farm Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 293
Number of miles since last puncture: 278
halftwo
Wird Batcher
Hi Bobby,
Just caught up with this one.
Keep us updated on the Corn bunt situation - they are late-start singers - from what I remember when they used to be on my patch!
Yellow wags are still coming in - again they seem, unlike most migrants, to be getting later lately.
Do you usually see Whimbrels - I had two fly over last week - which is a new local bird for me?
Wheatear too still passing through here.
Most impressed with the Cuckoos though - scarcer & scarcer around here.
H
Just caught up with this one.
Keep us updated on the Corn bunt situation - they are late-start singers - from what I remember when they used to be on my patch!
Yellow wags are still coming in - again they seem, unlike most migrants, to be getting later lately.
Do you usually see Whimbrels - I had two fly over last week - which is a new local bird for me?
Wheatear too still passing through here.
Most impressed with the Cuckoos though - scarcer & scarcer around here.
H
ColinD
Well-known member
I heard a Corn Bunting singing today, but I wasn't on my bike so it doesn't count! Also a Yellow Wagtail today. Whimbrel are regular passage migrants on the mosslands. They usually stay for a week at the beginning of May.
ColinD
Well-known member
5th May 2008
Got back from Pendle Hill at 11am, so decided to get the bike out this afternoon, since the weather was at least semi decent. My legs were still aching a bit from the walk, so the ride was a bit tougher than normal.
Lots of birds singing today. At least 12 Chiffchaffs in full song, 18 Whitethroats and 10 Blackcaps, plus lots of resident species, such as 12 Robins along a short stretch of road, and at least 30 Skylarks singing. A Lesser Whitethroat sang at Eccleston Mere. In fact it's so busy that I'm stopping every couple of minutes to make notes. On the negative side, Willow Warblers seem down so far this year - anybody else noticed this?
I found my first Oystercatcher nest of the year, with a sitting bird in a new location. The star bird of the day was a stunning male Whinchat near Dairy Farm Road. Wheatear numbers have dropped, I saw about 15 today, but there were two Yellow Wagtails.
Two pairs of Shelduck, one in Dairy Farm Road, the other from the Old Coach Road.
Brown Hares are very obvious at the moment, but I've not seen a Red Squirrel since October, which is worrying.
Looks like the weather might pick up this week, so perhaps plenty more opportunity to get out.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 308
Number of miles since last puncture: 293
Got back from Pendle Hill at 11am, so decided to get the bike out this afternoon, since the weather was at least semi decent. My legs were still aching a bit from the walk, so the ride was a bit tougher than normal.
Lots of birds singing today. At least 12 Chiffchaffs in full song, 18 Whitethroats and 10 Blackcaps, plus lots of resident species, such as 12 Robins along a short stretch of road, and at least 30 Skylarks singing. A Lesser Whitethroat sang at Eccleston Mere. In fact it's so busy that I'm stopping every couple of minutes to make notes. On the negative side, Willow Warblers seem down so far this year - anybody else noticed this?
I found my first Oystercatcher nest of the year, with a sitting bird in a new location. The star bird of the day was a stunning male Whinchat near Dairy Farm Road. Wheatear numbers have dropped, I saw about 15 today, but there were two Yellow Wagtails.
Two pairs of Shelduck, one in Dairy Farm Road, the other from the Old Coach Road.
Brown Hares are very obvious at the moment, but I've not seen a Red Squirrel since October, which is worrying.
Looks like the weather might pick up this week, so perhaps plenty more opportunity to get out.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 308
Number of miles since last puncture: 293
Bill@dwp
Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
Hi Bobby
I was out along the Coach Rd, but from the Mossborough end, this afternoon from about 1-4.30 and what struck me was how few ChiffChaffs and Willow Warblers i could hear. probably no more than 4 or 5 each if that.
I was at the Dairy Farm Rd and then Coach rd on Saturday morning and there were loads in fact i noted that it seemed to me that there were more Willow Warblers around than anything. In fact I havent seen a willow warbler today and only saw a ChiffChaff later on down Reeds lane when i was having a pint at the Bottle and Glass.
lots of whitethroats about, a good dozen easy and plenty of wheatears as well. Probably saw a dozen Oystercatchers as well.
I think I got a Whinchat as well but it was distant. this one was on a fence post in fields behind Bunker hill Cottages toward the end of Mossborough.
Ive heard skylarks everywhere today but didnt get a decent view until i got to Reeds Lane and had at least 6 in a ploughed field all singing away, Couple of wheatear here as well and two yellow wags.
It did feel like hard work today to see anything as it did seem a quieter day than Saturday.
Like reading your reports , keep it going.
ColinD
Well-known member
12th May 2008 - Garganey on Kirkby Moss
News of a drake Garganey on Kirkby Moss, just a mile or so off my usual route had be scrambling for the bike this evening. Truth to tell, I didn't really have time tonight, but you've got to take the opportunities when they come your way, so off I went.
I wasn't even sure where the pool was, let alone the Garganey, but eventually I found both the pool and the bird, a stunning drake.
After watching it a little too long, I remembered my time limitations, and set off down the Old Coach Road Dairy Farm Road and home via the Rainford bypass.
Lots of Whitethroats singing, a few Chiffchaffs and less Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. There are at least three pairs of Shelduck on the mosslands, and four to five pairs of Oystercatcher.
About three Corn Buntings singing and at leats 15 Yellowhammers.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 356 (23 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 341
News of a drake Garganey on Kirkby Moss, just a mile or so off my usual route had be scrambling for the bike this evening. Truth to tell, I didn't really have time tonight, but you've got to take the opportunities when they come your way, so off I went.
I wasn't even sure where the pool was, let alone the Garganey, but eventually I found both the pool and the bird, a stunning drake.
After watching it a little too long, I remembered my time limitations, and set off down the Old Coach Road Dairy Farm Road and home via the Rainford bypass.
Lots of Whitethroats singing, a few Chiffchaffs and less Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. There are at least three pairs of Shelduck on the mosslands, and four to five pairs of Oystercatcher.
About three Corn Buntings singing and at leats 15 Yellowhammers.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 356 (23 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 341
ColinD
Well-known member
16th May 2008 - Little Owl, Linnets and Lesser Redpolls
I've been out on the bike every night this week, enjoying the glorious weather, but not a lot new to report since the Garganey, until tonight.
Lots of finches showing well, and some singing today. The colours are just fantastic at the moment. There's a large patch of gorse in Berrington's Lane which is spectacularly yellow, whilst all around it are beautiful Hawthorn bushes which are covered in so many white flowers, they seem heavy with snow, and their fresh leaves are that wonderful green which you only see at this time of year.
On top of one of the gorse bushes sat a male Linnet, singing away. During most of the year he's a fairly unimpressive bird, but now, as if competing with the gorse and the Hawthorn, he has rusty a red wings and bright red breast and crown, and the combination of colours in the spring sunshine is breathtaking. For a brief moment I was taken back to my childhood, and all kinds of ancient memories flooded back.
As I was watching the Linnet, a couple of Lesser Redpolls flew over displaying, and one landed in a Birch tree. Not as colourful as the Linnet, but still a lovely little finch, and quite a scarce breeder in the area.
There was a male Yellow Wagtail in Dairy Farm Road, a couple of Shelduck along the Old Coach Road, and at last, my first Little Owl of the year. It was sitting on a farm building roof, and looked at me in a disinterested way. Always a nice bird to see.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 422 (27 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 407
I've been out on the bike every night this week, enjoying the glorious weather, but not a lot new to report since the Garganey, until tonight.
Lots of finches showing well, and some singing today. The colours are just fantastic at the moment. There's a large patch of gorse in Berrington's Lane which is spectacularly yellow, whilst all around it are beautiful Hawthorn bushes which are covered in so many white flowers, they seem heavy with snow, and their fresh leaves are that wonderful green which you only see at this time of year.
On top of one of the gorse bushes sat a male Linnet, singing away. During most of the year he's a fairly unimpressive bird, but now, as if competing with the gorse and the Hawthorn, he has rusty a red wings and bright red breast and crown, and the combination of colours in the spring sunshine is breathtaking. For a brief moment I was taken back to my childhood, and all kinds of ancient memories flooded back.
As I was watching the Linnet, a couple of Lesser Redpolls flew over displaying, and one landed in a Birch tree. Not as colourful as the Linnet, but still a lovely little finch, and quite a scarce breeder in the area.
There was a male Yellow Wagtail in Dairy Farm Road, a couple of Shelduck along the Old Coach Road, and at last, my first Little Owl of the year. It was sitting on a farm building roof, and looked at me in a disinterested way. Always a nice bird to see.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 422 (27 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 407
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ColinD
Well-known member
Sand Martin Colony and displaying Redpolls
It was a glorious morning for a bike ride, nice and warm, and many birds were singing. Stars of the show today were the Sand Martins. This is a rare breeding species in St Helens, in fact before today I had only ever seen one nest in the borough.
Part of my journey takes me past the development of a new golf course, and for the past two months there has been a big hole in a field, measuring about half the size of a football pitch and about 10 feet deep. On one side it is sheer and almost smooth where they have cut the soil out with a digger.
I noticed a few Sand Martins flying around the area, and then spotted some holes in the "cliff" face. I counted about 14 holes. As I watched, Sand Martins kept flying around the holes until at last one went in. Over a period of about 30 minutes, I saw birds enter at least 4 holes regularly, and in one hole they were particulary active, with sometimes two bird entering, and returing at a rate of about one visit every couple of minutes. Surely an indication that they are feeding young.
Just shows how a simple modification to a field can produce a completely different breeding species. Now all I have to do tomorrow is contact the landowner and request that he doesn't fill the hole in for the next couple of weeks.
In the same area, at least two Lesser Redpolls are displaying. It's one of the few areas where the species breeds in the borough.
Highlights from the rest of the journey included a singing male Lesser Whitethroat near Mossborough Island on the Rainford Bypass and several each of Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 491 (30 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 476
It was a glorious morning for a bike ride, nice and warm, and many birds were singing. Stars of the show today were the Sand Martins. This is a rare breeding species in St Helens, in fact before today I had only ever seen one nest in the borough.
Part of my journey takes me past the development of a new golf course, and for the past two months there has been a big hole in a field, measuring about half the size of a football pitch and about 10 feet deep. On one side it is sheer and almost smooth where they have cut the soil out with a digger.
I noticed a few Sand Martins flying around the area, and then spotted some holes in the "cliff" face. I counted about 14 holes. As I watched, Sand Martins kept flying around the holes until at last one went in. Over a period of about 30 minutes, I saw birds enter at least 4 holes regularly, and in one hole they were particulary active, with sometimes two bird entering, and returing at a rate of about one visit every couple of minutes. Surely an indication that they are feeding young.
Just shows how a simple modification to a field can produce a completely different breeding species. Now all I have to do tomorrow is contact the landowner and request that he doesn't fill the hole in for the next couple of weeks.
In the same area, at least two Lesser Redpolls are displaying. It's one of the few areas where the species breeds in the borough.
Highlights from the rest of the journey included a singing male Lesser Whitethroat near Mossborough Island on the Rainford Bypass and several each of Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 491 (30 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 476
ColinD
Well-known member
23-07-08 Sand Martin observations
I was out on the bike again on Wednesday evening. The main interest was the Sand Martin colony, which still seems to be thriving, and thankfully the hole has not been filled in yet.
I've never watched Sand Martins at a colony before, so I've found it very interesting. Three of the holes had chicks at the entrance waiting for the parents to return. As I watched, it seemed obvious that it was the parents that were feeding the chicks, but after a while, I was no longer certain. I watched five birds circling around together, and at least three of them attempted to land at one of the holes. So is it a communal effort to rear the young, or was one bird just reacting to the sound of the young at the nest entrance? Then as I watched, one of the chicks flew out of the nest, circled round for a bit, and then returned to the entrance and waited for the adults! Interesting that they could fly but, preferred to wait to be fed by the adults.
In fields alongside the Old Coach Road I found 5 Curlews. These are regular July visitors to the mosslands, usually in groups of up to 60, so perhaps I'll see more over the next few days.
Another typical sight at this time of year is the gathering of local feral geese. Very often in July or early August I hear people say that the geese are back early this year (meaning the Pink-feet), but in fact what they are seeing is Greylags, local feral birds, which flock together at this time of year. On Wednesday there were about 100 Greylags in fields alongside the Coach Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 620 (37 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 605
I was out on the bike again on Wednesday evening. The main interest was the Sand Martin colony, which still seems to be thriving, and thankfully the hole has not been filled in yet.
I've never watched Sand Martins at a colony before, so I've found it very interesting. Three of the holes had chicks at the entrance waiting for the parents to return. As I watched, it seemed obvious that it was the parents that were feeding the chicks, but after a while, I was no longer certain. I watched five birds circling around together, and at least three of them attempted to land at one of the holes. So is it a communal effort to rear the young, or was one bird just reacting to the sound of the young at the nest entrance? Then as I watched, one of the chicks flew out of the nest, circled round for a bit, and then returned to the entrance and waited for the adults! Interesting that they could fly but, preferred to wait to be fed by the adults.
In fields alongside the Old Coach Road I found 5 Curlews. These are regular July visitors to the mosslands, usually in groups of up to 60, so perhaps I'll see more over the next few days.
Another typical sight at this time of year is the gathering of local feral geese. Very often in July or early August I hear people say that the geese are back early this year (meaning the Pink-feet), but in fact what they are seeing is Greylags, local feral birds, which flock together at this time of year. On Wednesday there were about 100 Greylags in fields alongside the Coach Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 620 (37 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 605
halftwo
Wird Batcher
Interesting about the Sand martins, Bobby. I saw a couple on my walk this am. - local colony no longer in use, unfortunately - so don't know where these are nesting.
House martins are similar - I've seen young return to nests where the adults were clearly taking food to the next brood.
Hope the weather was to your liking today!
H
House martins are similar - I've seen young return to nests where the adults were clearly taking food to the next brood.
Hope the weather was to your liking today!
H
ColinD
Well-known member
Yes it's not been a bad week. Still quite a lot of cloud, but at least it's a bit warmer.
ColinD
Well-known member
25-July 2008 166 Curlew
Not a bad prophecy if I say so myself.
I got the bike out again this evening and this time found an impressive flock of 166 Curlew in fields alongside the Old Coach Road, as well as 50 Lapwings.
To put this into perspective, the previous biggest flock of Curlew recorded in St Helens was 90, also from the Old Coach Road.
They were all in one field, and it was great to hear the atmospheric calls. Then three birds flew and one clearly had white primaries, but pale brown secondaries. When it landed, it was obviously a Curlew, but it had a pure white head, neck and breast, in fact it looked a little like a huge white Ruff. Interestingly on 15th July 2006, I saw two very pale Curlew fly over the Coach Road in a flock of 60, but I don't think either was quite the pure white of this bird. It would be nice to think that it was a returning bird though.
Comon Gulls have begun to build up, with 80 in another field by the Old Coach Road, and 20 Mistle Thrushes were in horse paddocks.
Back at the Sand Martin colony, two chicks were still at the entrance of their nest hole, and were still being fed by adults.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 635 (38 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 620
Not a bad prophecy if I say so myself.
I got the bike out again this evening and this time found an impressive flock of 166 Curlew in fields alongside the Old Coach Road, as well as 50 Lapwings.
To put this into perspective, the previous biggest flock of Curlew recorded in St Helens was 90, also from the Old Coach Road.
They were all in one field, and it was great to hear the atmospheric calls. Then three birds flew and one clearly had white primaries, but pale brown secondaries. When it landed, it was obviously a Curlew, but it had a pure white head, neck and breast, in fact it looked a little like a huge white Ruff. Interestingly on 15th July 2006, I saw two very pale Curlew fly over the Coach Road in a flock of 60, but I don't think either was quite the pure white of this bird. It would be nice to think that it was a returning bird though.
Comon Gulls have begun to build up, with 80 in another field by the Old Coach Road, and 20 Mistle Thrushes were in horse paddocks.
Back at the Sand Martin colony, two chicks were still at the entrance of their nest hole, and were still being fed by adults.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 635 (38 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 620
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ColinD
Well-known member
6th August 2008 - Still 52 Curlew and a Snipe
Amazingly it actually stopped raining around 3pm, so like a fool I decided to get the bike out and work my usual route.
The Curlew flock in the field alongside the Old Coach Road has fluctuated over the past week, but there were still 52 present today. I love seeing these birds, I know that they're quite common, but they always give me hope that something else might be with them. However today it was just the usual Common Gulls and the odd Lapwing.
In Dairy Farm Road, a Snipe flew over, the first I have seen on the mosslands for a while, but August is a typical month for seeing them.
Just a single Sand Martin near the colony now, and to be honest it looks as though the whole site is on borrowed time. The site was created by the people working on the new golf course digging a large hole with sheer sides. I spoke to one of the top brass at the site and got him to delay filling the hole in, but work has now recommenced, and half the hole is already gone. There certainly won't be a Sand Martin colony next year by the looks of it.
Yellowhammers still sing in good numbers all across the mosslands, but just the occasional Corn Bunting, a species which I think is well down this year. On a positive note, I came across a covey of 17 Grey Partridge, the largest I've seen this year. These days the Red-legged is the common Partridge of the mosslands, so it was nice to see that the Greys are still around.
I saw a couple of Brown Hares along the Coach Road. This is a species which is still relatively common across the mosslands, but I don't usually see them at this time of year.
Then when I got to the end of the Coach Road the heavens opened and I was forced to sprint the last 3 miles home. Oh well, keeps me fit....
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 725 (44 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 710
Amazingly it actually stopped raining around 3pm, so like a fool I decided to get the bike out and work my usual route.
The Curlew flock in the field alongside the Old Coach Road has fluctuated over the past week, but there were still 52 present today. I love seeing these birds, I know that they're quite common, but they always give me hope that something else might be with them. However today it was just the usual Common Gulls and the odd Lapwing.
In Dairy Farm Road, a Snipe flew over, the first I have seen on the mosslands for a while, but August is a typical month for seeing them.
Just a single Sand Martin near the colony now, and to be honest it looks as though the whole site is on borrowed time. The site was created by the people working on the new golf course digging a large hole with sheer sides. I spoke to one of the top brass at the site and got him to delay filling the hole in, but work has now recommenced, and half the hole is already gone. There certainly won't be a Sand Martin colony next year by the looks of it.
Yellowhammers still sing in good numbers all across the mosslands, but just the occasional Corn Bunting, a species which I think is well down this year. On a positive note, I came across a covey of 17 Grey Partridge, the largest I've seen this year. These days the Red-legged is the common Partridge of the mosslands, so it was nice to see that the Greys are still around.
I saw a couple of Brown Hares along the Coach Road. This is a species which is still relatively common across the mosslands, but I don't usually see them at this time of year.
Then when I got to the end of the Coach Road the heavens opened and I was forced to sprint the last 3 miles home. Oh well, keeps me fit....
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 725 (44 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 710
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ColinD
Well-known member
10th August 2008 - 4 Green Sandpipers and a Wheatear
Just as I was about to set off on my bike this morning, I received a text from a mate telling me that he had just seen 4 Green Sandpipers on Kirkby Moss. This is a part of the mosslands which I don't usually cover because I can't include it in a round route - it's a there and back job and puts about 3 miles on my journey. However there is a nice flooded area at SJ445982, with reeds and muddy edges, and in May it had a drake Gargeney. The other problem is it's a bit distant, so a telescope is required, which I don't always feel like carrying
I got there about 8:30am and was straight onto the Green Sands, which were calling and flying around, showing off well their dark underwings and white rumps. I'd taken my scope in my rucksack, but there was no way I was carrying my tripod, so I was grateful to find a perfectly positioned fork in a tree (see photo)! I really must try to get to this site more often in the coming weeks.
Back on my normal route, there was only one Curlew in the field next to the junction with Dairy Farm Road, but there was a female Wheatear on the fence which leads to Old Hall Farm.
In Dairy Farm Road there was a flock of about 100 Goldfinches. These often gather here in mid to late August, and what a spectacular sight they are. Also here, a very confiding family party of Whitethroats.
There's a real Autumn feel in the air now. Hirundines and Swifts are starting to gather, I saw a flock of about 100 Swifts feeding over Reed's Moss, 100 House Martins near Mossborough Hall and 200 Swallows near the horse paddocks on the Old Coach Road.
There are two photos of Kirkby Moss (including tripod tree) and one of the Old Coach Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 742 (45 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 727
Just as I was about to set off on my bike this morning, I received a text from a mate telling me that he had just seen 4 Green Sandpipers on Kirkby Moss. This is a part of the mosslands which I don't usually cover because I can't include it in a round route - it's a there and back job and puts about 3 miles on my journey. However there is a nice flooded area at SJ445982, with reeds and muddy edges, and in May it had a drake Gargeney. The other problem is it's a bit distant, so a telescope is required, which I don't always feel like carrying
I got there about 8:30am and was straight onto the Green Sands, which were calling and flying around, showing off well their dark underwings and white rumps. I'd taken my scope in my rucksack, but there was no way I was carrying my tripod, so I was grateful to find a perfectly positioned fork in a tree (see photo)! I really must try to get to this site more often in the coming weeks.
Back on my normal route, there was only one Curlew in the field next to the junction with Dairy Farm Road, but there was a female Wheatear on the fence which leads to Old Hall Farm.
In Dairy Farm Road there was a flock of about 100 Goldfinches. These often gather here in mid to late August, and what a spectacular sight they are. Also here, a very confiding family party of Whitethroats.
There's a real Autumn feel in the air now. Hirundines and Swifts are starting to gather, I saw a flock of about 100 Swifts feeding over Reed's Moss, 100 House Martins near Mossborough Hall and 200 Swallows near the horse paddocks on the Old Coach Road.
There are two photos of Kirkby Moss (including tripod tree) and one of the Old Coach Road.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 742 (45 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 727
Attachments
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ColinD
Well-known member
15th August 2008 - Ravens and Grey Partridge
A couple of species have suddenly become very obvious across the mosslands. One is a mammal, the Brown Hare, which seemed to go missing at the end of May, but which I am now seeing in ones or twos on every bike ride. Today there was one running down the Old Coach Road towards me, almost as if it was oblivious to my presence, until at the last minutes it veered off into a field.
The other is a bird, the Grey Partridge. This is a species which has declined rapidly on the mosslands, to be replaced by Red-legged Partridge which are released in large numbers by the local gamekeepers. A few days ago I disturbed a covey of 17 Greys in a field alongside the Old Coach Road, and today there were another eight in Berrington's Lane, and five in Green Lane on Catchdale Moss, where there were also five Tree Sparrows. I was particularly pleased with the Greys in Berrington's Lane because there has been a lot of disturbance here this year due to work on the new golf course. What a mess they're making there by the way, but that's another story. Also in Berrington's Lane, two magnificent Ravens flying with crows, which they dwarfed.
In Dairy Farm Road, the Goldfinch flock has grown to an impressive 120 birds, a very spectacular sight in the evening sunshine. 82 Curlew are still at the junction with the Old Coach Road, near Old Hall Farm. On Wednesday the flock was back up to 149 birds, and to be honest it's these which are spurring me on to get the bike out most nights at the moment. Surely there must be a Whimbrel or two with them soon?
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 789 (48 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 774
A couple of species have suddenly become very obvious across the mosslands. One is a mammal, the Brown Hare, which seemed to go missing at the end of May, but which I am now seeing in ones or twos on every bike ride. Today there was one running down the Old Coach Road towards me, almost as if it was oblivious to my presence, until at the last minutes it veered off into a field.
The other is a bird, the Grey Partridge. This is a species which has declined rapidly on the mosslands, to be replaced by Red-legged Partridge which are released in large numbers by the local gamekeepers. A few days ago I disturbed a covey of 17 Greys in a field alongside the Old Coach Road, and today there were another eight in Berrington's Lane, and five in Green Lane on Catchdale Moss, where there were also five Tree Sparrows. I was particularly pleased with the Greys in Berrington's Lane because there has been a lot of disturbance here this year due to work on the new golf course. What a mess they're making there by the way, but that's another story. Also in Berrington's Lane, two magnificent Ravens flying with crows, which they dwarfed.
In Dairy Farm Road, the Goldfinch flock has grown to an impressive 120 birds, a very spectacular sight in the evening sunshine. 82 Curlew are still at the junction with the Old Coach Road, near Old Hall Farm. On Wednesday the flock was back up to 149 birds, and to be honest it's these which are spurring me on to get the bike out most nights at the moment. Surely there must be a Whimbrel or two with them soon?
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 789 (48 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 774
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ColinD
Well-known member
22nd August 2008 - Albino Curlew, Yellow Wagtails and Martin Mere
Since I had the afternoon to myself, today I decided to extend my bike ride by continuing on up to Martin Mere. This would turn a 15 mile ride into 36 miles. Because my usual route is in the same direction as Martin Mere, I was also able to call in at some favourite spots along the way.
First stop was the fields alongside Old Hall farm on the Old Coach Road. After drawing a blank here yesterday, I was delighted to find that at least some of the Curlew had returned, and better still, the partial albino bird was with them. This bird first appeared here on 25th July and stayed until the 30th. I’ve visited the field every other day since, and though there have been flocks of between 50 and 150 Curlew here during that period, there’s not been any sign of the partial albino bird. I wonder where it’s been hiding? Also here, three female Wheatears on the fence posts.
I carried on my way to Martin Mere, and my first job on arrival was to visit the café and order a large cake and a pot of tea. Boy was I ready for that, not only had I just biked 16 miles, the north westerly wind was right in my face all the way.
Martin Mere was good, though without my scope I struggled a little. Even so, I saw two nice female Marsh Harriers, a Green Sandpiper and still three Avocets, amongst other things.
Then I started on my return journey, and went up the appropriately named Curlew lane to Rufford, past the new marina, down the side of the Leeds/Liverpool canal and back to the Old Coach Road, via Lathom, Bickerstaffe and Barrow Nook.
About half way down the Coach Road there are some horse paddocks, where yesterday there were about 20 Pied Wagtails. Today as I approached them I heard a familiar call, and sure enough in amongst the horses feet were four delightful Yellow Wagtails. This species usually breeds in the area in small numbers, but this year there have been hardly any. I rarely see them in autumn on the mosslands, so this was a fairly unexpected bonus. Also with them one White Wagtail, which again is usually far more common in spring.
So a great bike ride, and I think I’ll sleep tonight!
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 855 (51 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 840
Since I had the afternoon to myself, today I decided to extend my bike ride by continuing on up to Martin Mere. This would turn a 15 mile ride into 36 miles. Because my usual route is in the same direction as Martin Mere, I was also able to call in at some favourite spots along the way.
First stop was the fields alongside Old Hall farm on the Old Coach Road. After drawing a blank here yesterday, I was delighted to find that at least some of the Curlew had returned, and better still, the partial albino bird was with them. This bird first appeared here on 25th July and stayed until the 30th. I’ve visited the field every other day since, and though there have been flocks of between 50 and 150 Curlew here during that period, there’s not been any sign of the partial albino bird. I wonder where it’s been hiding? Also here, three female Wheatears on the fence posts.
I carried on my way to Martin Mere, and my first job on arrival was to visit the café and order a large cake and a pot of tea. Boy was I ready for that, not only had I just biked 16 miles, the north westerly wind was right in my face all the way.
Martin Mere was good, though without my scope I struggled a little. Even so, I saw two nice female Marsh Harriers, a Green Sandpiper and still three Avocets, amongst other things.
Then I started on my return journey, and went up the appropriately named Curlew lane to Rufford, past the new marina, down the side of the Leeds/Liverpool canal and back to the Old Coach Road, via Lathom, Bickerstaffe and Barrow Nook.
About half way down the Coach Road there are some horse paddocks, where yesterday there were about 20 Pied Wagtails. Today as I approached them I heard a familiar call, and sure enough in amongst the horses feet were four delightful Yellow Wagtails. This species usually breeds in the area in small numbers, but this year there have been hardly any. I rarely see them in autumn on the mosslands, so this was a fairly unexpected bonus. Also with them one White Wagtail, which again is usually far more common in spring.
So a great bike ride, and I think I’ll sleep tonight!
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 855 (51 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 840
saluki
Well-known member
Hi Coigach,
Your bird (or another leucistic, see crappy attached pic) was on a stubble field off New Way on 7th August around 8.00am, along with 100+ of its mates. This may be the same field you're seeing them on, I'm not too familiar with the area:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=53.517706,-2.861788&spn=0.006073,0.019226&t=h&z=16
Cheers
Jonathan
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ColinD
Well-known member
Cheers Jonathan
If we're talking about crappy pictures, see mine below! I'm fairly sure that they're the same bird. Do you think that it is leucistic or partial albino? I thought that the white was too white for leucistic. Most leucistic birds I've seen have been more yellowy and washed out.
New lane isn't far from where I've been seeing the Curlew flock, probably about a mile or two. "My" birds have been in fields at the junction of Dairy Farm Road and the Old Coach Road at SD456007.
Thanks
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ColinD
Well-known member
25th August 2008 - Brent Goose, Snipe and Little Owl
I arrived at my favourite Curlew field today to find 62 birds present, with the albino bird still with them.
Much more interesting today though, was an adult Brent Goose, most like Dark-bellied, but with a neckless which joined under the chin, which I have always taken to be a good identification feature of Black Brant. The flanks were completely wrong for the latter though, and it's a little bit early for any race of Brent Goose to be in the area, so reluctantly I suppose I have to accept that it's most likely an escape. For a full description of the bird, see this thread in the ID Q&A forum.
Of course if the bird sticks around for a month and joins up with Pink-feet, then I may have to puts morals aside and tick it :t: Lets face it, it would get ticked if it then moved to Martin Mere :-O Own up, how many of you have ticked the Red-breasted Goose that visits Martin Mere most winters?????
Four Snipe flew over in Dairy Farm Road, and there was a female Wheatear in the Horse paddocks half way along the Old Coach Road. At the end of the Coach Road, near the East Lancs A580, there was a Little Owl sitting on a barn roof.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 885 (53 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 870
I arrived at my favourite Curlew field today to find 62 birds present, with the albino bird still with them.
Much more interesting today though, was an adult Brent Goose, most like Dark-bellied, but with a neckless which joined under the chin, which I have always taken to be a good identification feature of Black Brant. The flanks were completely wrong for the latter though, and it's a little bit early for any race of Brent Goose to be in the area, so reluctantly I suppose I have to accept that it's most likely an escape. For a full description of the bird, see this thread in the ID Q&A forum.
Of course if the bird sticks around for a month and joins up with Pink-feet, then I may have to puts morals aside and tick it :t: Lets face it, it would get ticked if it then moved to Martin Mere :-O Own up, how many of you have ticked the Red-breasted Goose that visits Martin Mere most winters?????
Four Snipe flew over in Dairy Farm Road, and there was a female Wheatear in the Horse paddocks half way along the Old Coach Road. At the end of the Coach Road, near the East Lancs A580, there was a Little Owl sitting on a barn roof.
Total birding miles by bike so far in 2008: 885 (53 bike rides)
Number of miles since last puncture: 870
