rollingthunder
Well-known member
Oh dear and my mother reliably informed me that the mould had been destroyed after giving birth
Laurie:t:
Laurie:t:
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Withymoor - Amblecote, Stourbridge..... (9 Viewers)
- Thread starter rollingthunder
- Start date
Pam_m
Well-known member
With all the excitement of seeing Laurie's 'looky likey' I totally forgot to mention my bird sightings seen on my walk this morning though I am not going to disclose the site or County as there is a Moorhen pair with 3 chicks in a nest so the least disturbance for them the better! I will of course update as and when I have more news on the delightful looking chicks.o
My first Whitethroat of the year was uplifting as I began my walk, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, L T Tit, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Buzzard and Raven being the remaining highlights! Lovely to hear so much song this morning after such a dreary and rainy day yesterday.
as there is a Moorhen pair with 3 chicks in a nest so the least disturbance for them the better! I will of course update as and when I have more news on the delightful looking chicks.oMy first Whitethroat of the year was uplifting as I began my walk, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, L T Tit, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Buzzard and Raven being the remaining highlights! Lovely to hear so much song this morning after such a dreary and rainy day yesterday.
Attachments
Paul Allan Legge
Well-known member
As texted this morning Laurie, heard or seen nothing, only cars & wind. Neither seen but heard Lesser Whitethroat behind college. Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, ChiffChaffs every where.
Would have tried this evening but busy, tomorrow off to Frampton Marsh with Stoubridge RSPB. At the moment, their is a Spoonbill their.
Would have tried this evening but busy, tomorrow off to Frampton Marsh with Stoubridge RSPB. At the moment, their is a Spoonbill their.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Paul - say hello to my brother if he is on duty at Frampton tomorrow; he is the one sharing my good looks
steve_zodiac
Well-known member
Wandered around Brierley Hill for a couple of hours this evening but the gropper wasn't singing.
Nothing really of note anywhere around the town, or Marsh park, apart from a female Sparrowhawk.
Haven't seen the Peregrines for a few weeks now, so I assume the Chapel Street flats weren't to their liking.
Nothing really of note anywhere around the town, or Marsh park, apart from a female Sparrowhawk.
Haven't seen the Peregrines for a few weeks now, so I assume the Chapel Street flats weren't to their liking.
rollingthunder
Well-known member
Is this a Frampton thread?
A pity the Gropper appears to have moved to a different area? Early would be best for anybody looking today. There were'nt many shoppers when i was there ystda but later on and with associated traffic noise it's a different ball game.
I have some digital camera footage with it singing but the file size is too big and it was much more pronounced in the field than in the recording.
A timely coincidence for anybody familiar with 'The Sound Approach'.
http://soundapproach.co.uk/
They have produced an introductory book for the ipad highlighting the 'field guide' approach to listening for birds and the subtle differences in a number of spp that would clinch the ID. Example from the reviewer below.....
I’ve spoke to a lot of birders recently who have at one point thought about sound recording or it’s on their list of things to do. If that’s you then read half a chapter in the Sound Approach to birding and you will be heading over to eBay to buy some sound recording equipment! The Sound Approach guys have a knack of sounding very clever and knowledgeable but at the same time making it sound easy. In the book complex and potentially confusing calls and songs such as the plastic song of Savi’s and Grasshopper Warblers are discussed in a way that makes it very easy to understand.
http://birdingfrontiers.com/2014/04/25/the-sound-approach-to-birding-now-an-ebook-on-ipad/
I am going to poke around scrub today as the water levels are high down at the Golden Puddle. PAL has obtained a visa for Lincolnshire, Norfolk is only just down the road and ystdas Stonker/Mega might reappear? What's all the fuss, it's only a Dunnock:eek!:
https://twitter.com/DavidNorgate/status/459973603476643840/photo/1
And finally - Chris Packams' #5 of his video diary, nice over Sunday breakfast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvxDovYV-ho&feature=youtu.be
Laurie:t:
Below - Crafty Maltese hunters try to disguise themselves as visiting birders.
A pity the Gropper appears to have moved to a different area? Early would be best for anybody looking today. There were'nt many shoppers when i was there ystda but later on and with associated traffic noise it's a different ball game.
I have some digital camera footage with it singing but the file size is too big and it was much more pronounced in the field than in the recording.
A timely coincidence for anybody familiar with 'The Sound Approach'.
http://soundapproach.co.uk/
They have produced an introductory book for the ipad highlighting the 'field guide' approach to listening for birds and the subtle differences in a number of spp that would clinch the ID. Example from the reviewer below.....
I’ve spoke to a lot of birders recently who have at one point thought about sound recording or it’s on their list of things to do. If that’s you then read half a chapter in the Sound Approach to birding and you will be heading over to eBay to buy some sound recording equipment! The Sound Approach guys have a knack of sounding very clever and knowledgeable but at the same time making it sound easy. In the book complex and potentially confusing calls and songs such as the plastic song of Savi’s and Grasshopper Warblers are discussed in a way that makes it very easy to understand.
http://birdingfrontiers.com/2014/04/25/the-sound-approach-to-birding-now-an-ebook-on-ipad/
I am going to poke around scrub today as the water levels are high down at the Golden Puddle. PAL has obtained a visa for Lincolnshire, Norfolk is only just down the road and ystdas Stonker/Mega might reappear? What's all the fuss, it's only a Dunnock:eek!:
https://twitter.com/DavidNorgate/status/459973603476643840/photo/1
And finally - Chris Packams' #5 of his video diary, nice over Sunday breakfast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvxDovYV-ho&feature=youtu.be
Laurie:t:
Below - Crafty Maltese hunters try to disguise themselves as visiting birders.
Attachments
steve_zodiac
Well-known member
Nothing of note around Brierley Hill today apart from single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler behind the college.
I'm off for three days nows so no more coverage until Thursday when I'm on earlies.
I'm off for three days nows so no more coverage until Thursday when I'm on earlies.
rollingthunder
Well-known member
The Gropper became a Gripper - luks like just you and me and the reunion Steve I do'nt know if there are more about or just more being reported this year but if you can (if you are up early enuff) catch up with one locally they must be almost wintering!
Mooching about the last few days has only produced more of the same and little else. Plenty of Blackcaps with less Chiffchaffs heard. Tufties down @ Withymoor ystda were 6m4f up from 3 prs. The pair of Mute Swans have utilised a large % of the Bulrush area in order to build a nest, there is also a small version adjacent which has a Moorhen prospecting. 2 Coot nests noted.
A cycle down to the boat and along the cut produced a decent flock of House Martins gathering mud in a field by the canal. In addition to the BC's and CC's i picked up a pair of Ravens that came up to chase off a Carrion Crow from a wood at the Hyde (breeders?) one of the birds was moulting primaries. A single Garden Warbler and 2 Whitethroats were heard and 2 pairs of Grey Wag noted.
PAL has'nt posted so i will put his overflying Red Kite:eek!: seen around Withymoor School on Monday afternoon. Another good local record which should'nt go unreported as a heads up.
Elsewhere it looks like the dust has settled on 'Chatgate' - was it one? Looks like a Whin-Whin situation........The bird was first seen on a molehill and then relocated to a mountain
The big bird day is on Saturday, best of luck to those participating i think that one of the rules is that you should only record in the county in which you live but i ca'nt see many sticking to that otherwise they would all be down @ Sandwell Valley and not at the regions 'hotspots'........
And finally - a link to Chris Packhams' last posts covering his 'visit' to the lovely island of Malta. Also to the BBC Breakfast footage of his interview and that of the head of one of Malta's hunting organisations - Mark Mifsud Bonnici.
http://www.chrispackham.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=855681784445961
The Grauniad article - http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/28/chris-packham-malta-is-a-bird-hell
There has also been some lively debate on Birdguides.........
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=4351
If you do'nt wish to visit you can always make your thoughts known -
https://www.writetothem.com/
Laurie:t:
Below - Mark being given the bad news that Chris has refused his offer and some appropriate music to accompany it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvKXt3Surlk
I do'nt know if there are more about or just more being reported this year but if you can (if you are up early enuff) catch up with one locally they must be almost wintering!Mooching about the last few days has only produced more of the same and little else. Plenty of Blackcaps with less Chiffchaffs heard. Tufties down @ Withymoor ystda were 6m4f up from 3 prs. The pair of Mute Swans have utilised a large % of the Bulrush area in order to build a nest, there is also a small version adjacent which has a Moorhen prospecting. 2 Coot nests noted.
A cycle down to the boat and along the cut produced a decent flock of House Martins gathering mud in a field by the canal. In addition to the BC's and CC's i picked up a pair of Ravens that came up to chase off a Carrion Crow from a wood at the Hyde (breeders?) one of the birds was moulting primaries. A single Garden Warbler and 2 Whitethroats were heard and 2 pairs of Grey Wag noted.
PAL has'nt posted so i will put his overflying Red Kite:eek!: seen around Withymoor School on Monday afternoon. Another good local record which should'nt go unreported as a heads up.
Elsewhere it looks like the dust has settled on 'Chatgate' - was it one? Looks like a Whin-Whin situation........The bird was first seen on a molehill and then relocated to a mountain
The big bird day is on Saturday, best of luck to those participating i think that one of the rules is that you should only record in the county in which you live but i ca'nt see many sticking to that otherwise they would all be down @ Sandwell Valley and not at the regions 'hotspots'........
And finally - a link to Chris Packhams' last posts covering his 'visit' to the lovely island of Malta. Also to the BBC Breakfast footage of his interview and that of the head of one of Malta's hunting organisations - Mark Mifsud Bonnici.
http://www.chrispackham.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=855681784445961
The Grauniad article - http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/28/chris-packham-malta-is-a-bird-hell
There has also been some lively debate on Birdguides.........
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=4351
If you do'nt wish to visit you can always make your thoughts known -
https://www.writetothem.com/
Laurie:t:
Below - Mark being given the bad news that Chris has refused his offer and some appropriate music to accompany it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvKXt3Surlk
Attachments
steve_zodiac
Well-known member
Only Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps around Brierley Hill today, though I did catch a brief call of a Nuthatch in St Michaels churchyard this afternoon.
Yesterday I had a walk over the Wrekin to see what migrants were passing over. Loads of Housemartins passing north, with even more ahead of a heavy shower. Soaring Ravens plus Willow Warblers and Meadow Pipits over the summit. In the woods on the way up, and back down, half a dozen Wood Warblers, couple of Redstarts, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Buzzards.
A pretty good visit.
Yesterday I had a walk over the Wrekin to see what migrants were passing over. Loads of Housemartins passing north, with even more ahead of a heavy shower. Soaring Ravens plus Willow Warblers and Meadow Pipits over the summit. In the woods on the way up, and back down, half a dozen Wood Warblers, couple of Redstarts, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Buzzards.
A pretty good visit.
Paul Allan Legge
Well-known member
Thanks Laurie for mentioning my fly Red Kite on Monday. Been down lakeside this Morning very Quiet, see the water level is still way high.
Only bird of note was Kestrel nr Merry Hill. Did Wyre Forest yesterday. Started really quiet, then warmed up with the weather. Into double figures with Brimstone Butterfly's. 1st good bird was Garden Warbler along railway track, then had Tree Pipit nr Dowles Brook. Then up to Knowles Coppice where I had my 1st views of Wood Warbler after hearing around 4 . Then had great views of Male Pied Flycatcher, later I was told after I left their was 3 Male Pied Flycatchers squabbling over a nest box. Then back down Dowles Brook to view pair of Dippers by their nest. Back along Railway Line , further 3Tree Pipits . Nr orchard Redstart calling also 1calling further down Railway Line. Aprox 7 Wood Warblers all in all. Plenty of ChiffChaffs & Willow Warblers.
Only bird of note was Kestrel nr Merry Hill. Did Wyre Forest yesterday. Started really quiet, then warmed up with the weather. Into double figures with Brimstone Butterfly's. 1st good bird was Garden Warbler along railway track, then had Tree Pipit nr Dowles Brook. Then up to Knowles Coppice where I had my 1st views of Wood Warbler after hearing around 4 . Then had great views of Male Pied Flycatcher, later I was told after I left their was 3 Male Pied Flycatchers squabbling over a nest box. Then back down Dowles Brook to view pair of Dippers by their nest. Back along Railway Line , further 3Tree Pipits . Nr orchard Redstart calling also 1calling further down Railway Line. Aprox 7 Wood Warblers all in all. Plenty of ChiffChaffs & Willow Warblers.
Paul Allan Legge
Well-known member
Meant fly by Red Kite.
Paul Allan Legge
Well-known member
Been Bonaparte's Gull most of Day at Marsh Lane , hope it's around on Sunday, if one can get Permit.!
rollingthunder
Well-known member
It sounds like it's a 'donation' of 4quid Paul. The brownie points will go to a non-breeding bird found in with Winter Black-Headed?
Smart looking bird and there's some nice comparison (BHG) pics on Archie Archers site......http://archiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-bonapartes-gull-in-warwickshire.html
Did another small section of the cut down at the Stewponey ystda, just warblers but more Garden and Whitethroat.
Yes the water levels are up down at Withymoor. The overflow is very clear and the Swans have used a lot of the detritus to build a mound of a nest. The problem is that the cachement area for WM is very large and consists of a lot of paved and tarmac areas so it fills very quickly and takes days to lower, usually about a week which is a pain.
Having said that - the only Common Sandpiper that i picked up was when it was high a couple of weeks or so ago. Considering that Mark only had his first down at Sheepwash on the last day of April and i do'nt think UW has had more than a couple? It puts the record in context. I was looking at my mates Tw@tter feed the other day. He is probably one of the most active birders in North Norfolk (Permit Required) and lives around the Cley/Blakeney area and he only recorded his first 2 days after the WM bird.
Big bird day tomorrow i will hopefully put in 6 hours over @ Sandwell Valley if i can find my body armour
And finally - a link to the BBC Breakfast show and an interview with our old friend Mark Mifsud Bonnici. What the FKNK is he going on about?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=855681784445961
And todays upsetting 'over breakfast' image.....It's easily mistaken for Turtle Dove/Quail:C
Laurie:t:
Smart looking bird and there's some nice comparison (BHG) pics on Archie Archers site......http://archiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-bonapartes-gull-in-warwickshire.html
Did another small section of the cut down at the Stewponey ystda, just warblers but more Garden and Whitethroat.
Yes the water levels are up down at Withymoor. The overflow is very clear and the Swans have used a lot of the detritus to build a mound of a nest. The problem is that the cachement area for WM is very large and consists of a lot of paved and tarmac areas so it fills very quickly and takes days to lower, usually about a week which is a pain.
Having said that - the only Common Sandpiper that i picked up was when it was high a couple of weeks or so ago. Considering that Mark only had his first down at Sheepwash on the last day of April and i do'nt think UW has had more than a couple? It puts the record in context. I was looking at my mates Tw@tter feed the other day. He is probably one of the most active birders in North Norfolk (Permit Required) and lives around the Cley/Blakeney area and he only recorded his first 2 days after the WM bird.
Big bird day tomorrow i will hopefully put in 6 hours over @ Sandwell Valley if i can find my body armour
And finally - a link to the BBC Breakfast show and an interview with our old friend Mark Mifsud Bonnici. What the FKNK is he going on about?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=855681784445961
And todays upsetting 'over breakfast' image.....It's easily mistaken for Turtle Dove/Quail:C
Laurie:t:
Attachments
Last edited:
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Certainly from observations at UW Common Sand numbers seem to be depressed this year - typically birds are present on a daily basis through April but this year have only been on site for around 10 days with a maximum count of no more than three. However we usually get a second wave in early May so there may be a late push.
rollingthunder
Well-known member
Cheers Phil - i just got the impression that passage (or recording) had been lighter than normal this year. For my mate, who is out most days all day around Cley/Blakeney to record his first a couple of days after i had one here was a bit of a jaw-dropper to say the least.
Best of luck down you know where with the big bird day - i have decided to 'do' all the local patches by foot and pushbike today and see what turns up. 1st spp is Goldcrest singing as i'm cleaning my teeth:t:
Nice Wag Pam - i have'nt seen one locally for 3 years:C
Laurie:t:
Best of luck down you know where with the big bird day - i have decided to 'do' all the local patches by foot and pushbike today and see what turns up. 1st spp is Goldcrest singing as i'm cleaning my teeth:t:
Nice Wag Pam - i have'nt seen one locally for 3 years:C
Laurie:t:
rollingthunder
Well-known member
Wittermore/Ramblecote.......
Live Update #1:eek!:
Initial spp to kick things off, from the car park.
Goldcrest - singing male
Wood Pigeon -
Blackbird - several males singing
Feral Pigeon - overflying bird
Chaffinch - the male from ystda calling
Carrion Crow - x2
Collared Dove -
Dunnock - just the normal spp, a male singing
House Sparrow - birds calling
Starling -
10 spp in total. Now a cycle over to Ridge Hill, Wordsley and back via Withymoor (No Permit) and then...........brekkers of Piri-Piri sausage and caramelised onion.
Laurie:t:
Live Update #1:eek!:
Initial spp to kick things off, from the car park.
Goldcrest - singing male
Wood Pigeon -
Blackbird - several males singing
Feral Pigeon - overflying bird
Chaffinch - the male from ystda calling
Carrion Crow - x2
Collared Dove -
Dunnock - just the normal spp, a male singing
House Sparrow - birds calling
Starling -
10 spp in total. Now a cycle over to Ridge Hill, Wordsley and back via Withymoor (No Permit) and then...........brekkers of Piri-Piri sausage and caramelised onion.
Laurie:t:
rollingthunder
Well-known member
Live Update #2:eek!::eek!:
Spp en-route 0645.....
Blue Tit - calling
Great Tit - male singing
Magpie -
Robin -
Greenfinch - male in song
Wordsley Churchyard and Ridge Hill........
Wren -
Song Thrush -
Chiffchaff - ca3 birds singing
Mistle Thrush -
Blackcap - several
Bullfinch - single male calling then in flight
Whitethroat - at least 3 singing with another gathering nesting material
Long Tailed Tit - x2
Stock Dove - several birds, unexpected here
Canada Goose - x3 in flight
Lesser Black Backed Gull - small party over
Goldfinch - singing male
Mallard - x4 over
The list moves on to 28......
Withymoor 0845 -
Mute Swan - pair, female on eggs, male aggressive towards the Canucks
Coot - 2 nests
Moorhen - single nest
Herring Gull - ad and 1s birds over
Jackdaw x2
The list now stands @ 33 including plastics etc.
I have to say, it's a fantastic day, i know there's no sharp showers to bring anything down so it's just enjoying the wevver. Best of luck to all participating, wherever that may be, and let's hope somebody finds a goodie that hangs around or relocates the 'boner'.
Time for a cuppa before taking the dogs down to the Moorings for a shuftie.
Attached - Clematis 'montana' in Wordsley Churchyard.
Laurie:t:
Spp en-route 0645.....
Blue Tit - calling
Great Tit - male singing
Magpie -
Robin -
Greenfinch - male in song
Wordsley Churchyard and Ridge Hill........
Wren -
Song Thrush -
Chiffchaff - ca3 birds singing
Mistle Thrush -
Blackcap - several
Bullfinch - single male calling then in flight
Whitethroat - at least 3 singing with another gathering nesting material
Long Tailed Tit - x2
Stock Dove - several birds, unexpected here
Canada Goose - x3 in flight
Lesser Black Backed Gull - small party over
Goldfinch - singing male
Mallard - x4 over
The list moves on to 28......
Withymoor 0845 -
Mute Swan - pair, female on eggs, male aggressive towards the Canucks
Coot - 2 nests
Moorhen - single nest
Herring Gull - ad and 1s birds over
Jackdaw x2
The list now stands @ 33 including plastics etc.
I have to say, it's a fantastic day, i know there's no sharp showers to bring anything down so it's just enjoying the wevver. Best of luck to all participating, wherever that may be, and let's hope somebody finds a goodie that hangs around or relocates the 'boner'.
Time for a cuppa before taking the dogs down to the Moorings for a shuftie.
Attached - Clematis 'montana' in Wordsley Churchyard.
Laurie:t:
