Burton Mere Wetlands & Dee Marshes at Burton Point

Got a call to see if I fancied a few hours down at BMW after tea, so not having done any birding at the weekend due to cricket duties and a BBQ, I readily accepted Shauns offer.

After all the rain we had experienced over Saturday night and Sunday, the first thing that was noticeable was the water level. Where only the other week I had watched Sandpipers, Plovers and Wagtails in and around the edges on dry muddy banks, now all this was underwater. Needless to say I could see hardly any waders on the main reception scrape apart from the odd Black tailed Godwit. The light was particularly bad at around 6.15pm as the sun was directly facing, so we decided to drive round to Inner Marsh Farm.

On the lengthy walk from the car park to the hide, we noticed a distinct absence of small birds, nothing at all was spotted en route? Upon arrival at the hide, we were the only ones present. Out in front of the hide were around 100+ Black tailed Godwits (including one yellow tagged bird ringed in Iceland), in amongst the flock were some Redshank and a couple of Spotted Redshank, Lapwings but no Sandpipers could be seen anywhere.

We noticed a Buzzard flying over the nearby Wood and it made it's way across the reserve and spooked a few birds but nothing as drastic as around half an hour later when nearly every bird in front of us suddenly took to the air. We tried to see what was the cause of the sudden scare, but could not see anything amongst the sheer number of birds that had flew up.

After the birds had re-settled, we got a good close view of the Redshank and Spotted Redshank, the latter being somewhat more elegant and refined in their movements and slightly larger with the longer bill.

On the nearby Island the young Black Headed Gull chicks were begging for food and after some pecking and harrying of the adult birds a small amount was regurgitated and quickly gobbled up. Shaun spotted the female Marsh Harrier and we watched as she made her way past the reception hide and along the path near the feeders and then plonked herself down in the area between the reception hide and Marsh Covert Hide. Looking at the two or three occupants of Marsh Covert Hide, they were oblivious to all this as they were looking out towards us !!

Not a lot else was happening, other birds seen included, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, several Greylags that flew in and these noisy Canada Geese that made a splash landing not too far away from the hide.

We decided to have a drive down Station Road and walk along the pathway towards Burton Point. Near the sheep pens, we flushed a Grey Wagtail and also saw a juv Pied Wagtail on the sandstone rocks nearby. Linnets and Goldfinches were in the gorse bushes and a Dunnock eyed us warily before flitting deeper into the bush. Just then I spotted a small bird of prey fly in low across the marsh and land on a post. It was a female Merlin, she did not hand around long and flew off quickly low to the ground and hugged the grass barely inches above it before twisting and turning and landing on a small mound of earth further out on the marsh. Excellent.

Nearer to the shooting range we scanned for any sign of Little and Short Eared Owls in their usual spots but had no luck. Dusk was approaching quickly and a Sedge Warbler was scratching away and also a Grasshopper Warbler had started it's reeling. Just then the female Marsh Harrier flew over Burton Point from the direction of IMF and we had good views of her hunting across the marsh before settling down in a spot to roost for the night.

The latter view being not so good, but all the less grand with the backdrop of the setting sun across the marsh :)

Arriving back near the van, we waited to see if we could see the Barn Owl that was known to frequent the nearby fields. It was approaching 9.45pm and after a bit of a wait, the bird appeared. Not one bird, but two were spotted. Not wishing to disclose too much info but one was a youngster :)

Great end to the evening and another first for me to add to this years ticklist now at 171.

Observers
Mike Buckley
Shaun Hickey (Photographs)

A trip to the Lleyn Peninsula - Saturday 13th July 2013

On Saturday my birding pal Shaun had asked me if I fancied a trip to Abersoch to do a spot of birding on the Lleyn Peninsula, well who am I to refuse. As it happened, he was going anyway as he was dropping his daughter off at the Wakestock festival for the weekend. Arriving at mine at around 7am, we set off on a trip that would take roughly 2 hours. We stopped off on the way for the obligatory breakfast (although Courtney, Shaun's daughter, had requested a McDonalds) typical teenager, but I was not complaining and enjoyed my bacon and egg mcmuffin and hash brown :)

We arrived at Abersoch and the signs pointed us to the Wakestock festival and we dropped Courtney off and I'm sure she was glad to get out of the car after listening to birders going on about passage migrants and the like for hours lol. Well, did I feel old, hundreds of teenage kids were wearing their finest festival gear, which as the sun was blazing did not amount to much!! Shaun said his goodbyes and so off we set to see what was about. We followed the coastal road and after a ten minuted drive down a small coastal path, parked up and decided to walk down a public footpath towards the sea cliffs. 

It was around 10.30am and the sun was very hot, we negotiated the footpath and went past a chicken farm and across a meadow, the first birds spotted were Whitethroats, we then sighted a Great Spotted Woodpecker which seemed an unusual bird to spot in these surroundings. We watched as it flew onto a post on top of the cliff path!! On some wooden fence posts was a family of young Stonechats, conspicuous by their white wing bars. 

This area was simply stunning, with meadows suddenly dropping down onto a coastal path adorned with gorse and giant ferns. Some large bushes disguised a freshwater stream which could be heard flowing down towards the sea and I thought what a fantastic spot this would be for migrants to rest up :) I spotted something out of the corner of my eye and a Peregrine was having a tussle with a Sparrowhawk!! Most probably because the Sparrowhawk had made a kill and the Peregrines were after it's grub!!

I shouted Shaun to get ready with the camera as the birds had passed over the bushes on the cliff, but just then the Peregrine re-appeared and flew straight over our heads, simply breathtaking. 

After watching the bird for a few minutes it disappeared so we headed on down the path. The small stream was now visible running down between lichen covered rocks and just then Shaun spotted a Rock Pipit busily feeding on small insects by the water. 

The view of the bay was magical and there was a sea mist hanging over the water and it just looked like a dragons breath. The water was a deep blue and crystal clear. Some Guillemots sat on the water further out and a pair of Shags were preening themselves on the rocks nearer to the shore. A huge cave could be seen that must have no doubt been formed over the years by the erosion of the seawater on the rock.

People were enjoying the sun and sea and a few yachts were sailing along and a young couple waved up to us from their speeding jet-skis. In the fields adjacent to the coastal path, Shaun found a large pellet that must have been regurgitated by a bird of prey, he investigated Chris Packham style and after breaking it up, we could see it had beetles and small bones in it, lovely ;) A Meadow Pipit came into view and alighted on a nearby fence, three Goldfinches were tinkling in a nearby bush and a family of Linnets were singing along and the male bird looked just dandy.

I then heard the Peregrine calling and looked up to see a pair hassling a Buzzard that was circling over the cliffs, wow could this day get any better? The Buzzard looked not that bothered and rolled over each time one of the agitated Peregrines got too close. 

This was great to watch and after about ten minutes, the birds moved on further up the coast. It was getting hotter, so we decided to go back towards the car and take a trip towards Nefyn. Walking back through the meadow we spotted a lot of butterflies and a large dragonfly. The butterfly I think is a Small Heath, although will stand corrected, the dragonfly we believe is a Golden Ringed dragonfly, here are a couple of pics below

I spotted this very small butterfly and have had a look on the t'internet but cannot see what it is?? Can any one help please.

This had turned out to be a great spot to see wildlife and we will definitely be back to this spot in the Autumn to find passage migrants and maybe a Mega!! Alan & Ruth (of biggesttwitch fame) had told me to stop off at Pwhelli harbour, but the town was that busy with festival goers and holidaymakers and traffic that we sadly decided to move on to the west side of the peninsula to Nefyn. When we arrived here, it was a lot quieter and we parked up and again went down a public footpath and across some fields towards the coast. As we parked up a Kestrel was sitting on top of a telegraph pole and was being mobbed by some young crows, very funny to watch.

It was evident the crows and jackdaws were doing well here as there were hundreds of birds along the route down to the coast. When we got to the edge, the view was stunning. 

Out at the end of the shingle beach, the rocky outcrop was full of birds including Razorbills and Guillemots which were flying in and out of the rocks to and from the sea. I spotted a Buzzard sitting on the rocks down below and gave it a call in my finest Buzzard impression, to Shaun's astonishment (or embarrassment) the bird responded and called back, myself and the Buzzard kept this up for about two or three minutes before the bird had enough and flew off for a bit of peace :) A few Whitethroats and the odd Meadow Pipit, but very quiet on the warbler front today? We needed a bite to eat, so set off back up the coast road passing through Caernarfon where a considerable jam had built up in the opposite direction due to a smash at some traffic lights!!

Now we had heard of a place called The Spinnies in Aberogwen, so decided to call in as it was on our way to RSPB Conwy, where we planned to also call for the last hour. Parking up we made our way to the hides that overlook a coastal lagoon and a freshwater pond. Wow, the tide was in so we saw over 100 Mute Swans out on the lagoon

 along with, Goosander, Red Breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebes, Oystercatcher, Curlews and a small flock of Eider duck all females!!

The hide we sat in was a first for me as on one side, you looked out over the coastal lagoon and the other windows looked out over the freshwater pond where we could see Little Egrets, Grey Herons and some Little Grebes, magic :) Just before we left, a Common Sandpiper flew over to our side of the Lagoon and stayed for a while before a man with robot like movements suddenly appeared on the shoreline (which made a mockery of the hide) and scared it off !!

Time to move on however as it was late afternoon, we stopped off at Morrisons for a sandwich and some much needed water and arrived at RSPB Conwy shortly after. 

Walking through the reed beds on the way to the hides, we saw Reed Buntings and heard Reed Warblers. out on the waters edge we spotted a nice Greenshank feeding. 

A new screen has been erected at Conwy and this gives good views of the other sides of two islands which you would not get to see from the main hide, so it's nice and sheltered and produced some Redshank, Curlew and a couple of Whimbrels which are a lot smaller than the Curlew when viewed side by side. 

All in all it was a great days birding and we ticked off 72 species and could have had a lot more if we went to a woodland habitat, however it was too hot today so enjoyed the coastal breeze and the beauty of the simply stunning Lleyn Peninsula and the Welsh coast. I would recommend this area to anyone with an interest in wildlife, there is simply so much to see and so little time to do it in. We will most certainly be returning in the not to distant future. 

Observers

Mike Buckley

Shaun Hickey (photography)

Vauxhall Motors Water Treatment Plant & Shotwick Boating Lake - Saturday 6th July 2013

Last month I managed to get some decent pictures of juvenile Peregrines that were due to fledge from their man made box at Vauxhall Motors in Ellesmere Port. This was thanks to a kind security guard who let me into the plant and took a keen interest in my fondness for birds and wildlife in general. On my way out of the plant, I encountered another guy across the road who seemed interested in my scope & tripod and enquired what I was up to. When I explained I was a birder, he kindly offered me a visit and tour of the water treatment factory opposite Vauxhalls in North Road, so this Saturday myself and my photographer colleague Shaun, paid Tony a visit.

Arriving at around 8am, we buzzed at the gate and the electronic gates opened up to the Trade Effluent & Water Treatment Plant. After a quick tour by Tony, we set off around the site, to see what we could find, first up was a man made lake that is around 20ft deep, this is used if ever their is a fire at Vauxhalls and is an added water resource, it's also good for the odd duck. We disturbed a Shelduck into flight and a solitary female Tufted Duck paddled around in the middle and a Moorhen was in the margins.

On the West side of the plant is an area that allows rainwater from Vauxhalls roofs and drain systems to cross underneath North Road and flow like a river through the plant and into the Manchester Ship Canal. This area was surrounded by trees and we saw Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Tit and Long Tailed Tits all around us. Down on the banks of the water, we caught sight of a family of Grey Wagtails and Shaun managed a shot of this fledgling enjoying the warm sunshine.

Tony had kindly allowed us access to the Manchester Ship Canal and we went through the plant gates out into Booston Wood which is opposite Vauxhalls and runs adjacent to the MSC. Lots of small birds were calling and a family of Nuthatches graced us with their presence and we watched as they scaled the large Oaks climbing up and down in search of insects.

We had a quick look on the Canal and flushed a Mallard with ducklings and also a couple of Common Sandpipers. Shaun spotted a Kingfisher flying low across the canal before it disappeared into low branches further up the waterway. A couple of fine tugboats powered up towards Shell and these flushed at least a further half dozen Common Sandpipers that flew in front of the boats with their comical almost clockwork toy like wingbeats :) A Curlews plaintive cry could be heard across on the River Mersey mudflats.

Walking back through the woods, we investigated a plot of land that used to be used for Motorcross and has now turned into a fabulous wildflower meadow perfect for insects and birds. Swallows and House Martins flew all around us hunting the small flies and insects that were rising in the ever increasing warmth of this gorgeous Summer Day. I spotted a lot of Whitethroats and it was evident there was a few youngsters about and Shaun got this shot of one that posed for us whilst preening.

Burnet Moths, Red Admirals, Damselflies and Broad Bodied Chasers were in abundance and it truly was a great little plot of land and a haven for wildlife in general.

We only had a few hours as Tony (plant manager) leaves around 10.30am at weekends so we thanked him immensely for allowing us to visit the site and he said it was no problem and we were welcome anytime. Always nice to leave a good impression and then you may be asked back :)

 Shaun had some business in Hawarden so we travelled across the border into Wales and then we stopped in afterwards at Shotwick Boating Lake. This can be seen from Burton Mere Wetlands reception hide, if you look out front and then over to your far left, you can make out the masts of the small boats that use the facility. I had never been before but upon arrival there did not appear to be much doing. It was not long though before the piping calls of a solitary Oystercatcher were heard and he/she was sitting out on a buoy keeping an eye on proceedings. On the very far side of the lake, some kind of training session was going on for Newfoundland rescue dogs and they were making a right old racket!!

As we walked around the lake we saw Whitethroat and Linnets on the perimeter fence and a Swallow flew onto the top of a building to see what we were up to.

Out on the lake were several Mute Swans and right in the corner was a large group of Coots who seemed to have claimed this part of the lake to themselves.

As we were leaving, we bumped into some more Common Sandpipers whom seemed to be out in force today, Shaun managed this nice shot of a bird on the rocks at the lakeside.

It was far too hot now, so we decided to call it a day and head off home for a rest and in my case a few drinks up at the Groves Club in Ellesmere Port later on in the day (much needed).

Observers
Mike Buckley
Shaun Hickey (photography)

Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve - Open Day

Having heard of Woolston Eyes, but not having been before, it seemed a perfect time to visit and see what the reserve was like. Travelling with my birding buddy Shaun, we set off from El Porto at around 8.30am and made the short trip up the M56 and through Lymm arriving at Thelwall Lane around 9.10am.

Woolston Eyes is an area of land between the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal that is managed by the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group. It was formed in 1979 after agreement with the MSC company.  It comprises of four main beds or areas of land and brackish pools, with pathways and hides for viewing the birds.

A marshall greeted us at the gate and explained parking arrangements, so we parked a bit further up the lane and decided on a walk around No4 bed. After a short walk, the first thing that we saw was Giant Hogweeds, now this plant is phototoxic and can cause severe burns if you come into contact with it (phytophotodermatitis) very nasty. Some of these plants were over 20ft tall and looked like something out of Jurassic Park, fortunately they were clear of the pathways and some work was obviously underway to stop the spread by using chemicals to control them. The bees seemed to not mind the flowers on them!!

A lot of birds were heard singing including Song Thrush, Chiffchaff,

Willow Warbler, Whitethroat & Sedge & Reed Warblers. It was evident the area was good for the birds, in particular the Thrush as we were constantly crunching snails underfoot, not good when you are trying to walk quietly. Overhead a young Buzzard came into view and we watched for a while as it soared effortlessly in a circular motion.

After about a half hours walk, we went up onto a bank that ran alongside the River Mersey, we saw a Mute Swan and a Great Crested Grebe on the water. Further on we heard a Garden Warbler singing, but despite Shauns best efforts at obtaining a pic, unlike our Delamere bird, this one remained well hidden! Finally we came back out onto the main stretch of road that leads up to the main area at Woolston Eyes, bed No3. We stopped at the burger van for a quick bite and a cuppa and after speaking to our ladyfriend from the RSPB at Burton Mere, we joined a group that was to be taken on one of the tours of No3.

As it was so busy, the volunteers were splitting groups into around a dozen people and setting off in 15 minute intervals so as to alleviate congestion in the hides. Our group leader was David Bowman, the Vice Chairman of W.E.C.G. and he showed us towards a long wooden bridge that crossed over the River Mersey and over towards the hides. We were told that Kingfishers can be seen regularly from this bridge in particular early mornings and late evenings. In addition to the birds, Badgers, Weasels, Stoats and Rabbits can also be seen. I was here for the Black Necked Grebe and it was not long before we were enjoying views of one of the rare migratory breeding species in the UK. Sadly numbers have dwindled since the peak of 52 recorded here in 2002, but they still had around 22 birds, with 5 confirmed broods :-) A fantastic looking Grebe, with a dumpy body and a fluffy rear end, they have a scarlet eye and lovely golden ear tufts, see picture below.......with chick.

Also out on the pool was lots of Black Headed Gulls with young, some Tufted Duck and Shelduck (also with young) and a lot of Gadwall, which do particularly well at this site. David was doing a great job of keeping everyone moving along and we spent at least 10 minutes at each hide which was ample for a look around. Reed Buntings were calling from the reed beds and we also had been told some Water Rails had recently been seen with chicks :) One of the hides had feeders and we saw quite a lot of Greenfinches tucking in. Willow Tits are a declining bird across much of the UK, yet here at Woolston Eyes they breed each year and can be seen on the feeders, sadly not today. Shaun spotted a female Bullfinch on one of the feeders though and he got this shot........

Further on we were shown some Moths that had recently been captured, including a large Elephant Hawk Moth whose caterpillar is said to resemble an Elephants trunk or eyes, make your own mind up :)

After we had seen the moths, we were taken to Kieran Foster who gave us a great talk on ringing and how they capture the birds in the mist nets and how the data is used to track species etc etc, sadly as it was past noon, they only had a Wren to show us, but a beautiful little bird close up all the same. It was time to depart and we made our way back off No3 bed across the bridge when we encountered the Wilde Family, Findlay & Harley rushing ahead, Mum Heather and Dad Nigel struggling to keep up aha, apparently it was my fault for mentioning the open day on Twitter (hehe) naughty step for Bucko. No time to chat unfortunately as it was very busy and queues were forming to get across and also back into the 'tented village' area.

We thanked Dave for him showing us around and joined up for permits to the reserve, which cost just £10 per annum (April to April) and £10 one off payment for a key that allows access to the locked areas of the reserve. Well worth it for some great viewing and for contributing towards the upkeep of the reserve. Other exhibitors today were Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society (C.A.W.O.S.) RSPB and the Badger Trust.

So after the obligatory Burger and cuppa, we headed home, soon to return no doubt when it is much quieter and to see lots more exciting birds. Incidentally the reserve has a record list of no less than 232 species since 1980. Here is a link to the groups website.

http://www.woolstoneyes.com/


A big thanks to W.E.C.G. for making it an enjoyable day.

Observers
Mike Buckley
Shaun Hickey (Photos)

Chasing the White Spotted Bluethroat

Wanted to get up early but alarm failed me, first time in ages. I could not get a lift to Martin Mere so I opted to do twitch by train which a few of my twitter friends had said they do an a regular basis..... hmmm. I was after a White Spotted Bluethroat which is normally a bird from Central & Southern Europe and it had turned up at Martin Mere in Lancashire !!

http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=202579  recent sightings apart from todays.

Making the dash to Overpool station, I arrived just in time to deposit £7.25 worth of the queens finest silver into the greedy ticket machine, actually it's not a bad fare to Southport. On the way, it began to rain at of all places Spital, "It's spitting in Spital, everybody in". I had left the house without my coat, but did I care no, I had visions of WSB posing gracefully.

After changing at Moorfields, I arrived at Southport at 11.15am, I then had to get a train to Burscough Bridge Junction, sigh, I arrived at 11.30, I then had to follow a trail of signposts across farmers fields for what seemed an eternity and I arrived at Martin Mere at 12.15. The nice lady said, "Oh your here for the Bluethroat, it's still showing well, just give me your £11.25 and follow the path up to the Harrier Hide and one of our escorts will take you to the bird". Sounded a good deal, so off I set rushing past Egyptian Geese, Goldeneye, Falcated Ducks and Red Breasted Geese without giving them a second glance.

I got to the Harris Hide and where now? not a bloody soul in sight!! Grrrr, My instincts took me up a path and I spotted a couple of birders, one of whom kindly told me the way " Follow the path, don't go through any closed gates and you will see about 20 birders, the birds been seen in a woodpile" Great, thank you, off I marched. When I got there, alas I could see by most peoples faces it didn't look good. I asked one chap had it been seen ....."Yes, showing well up until about 11.35, it was last seen at the back of that logpile". I looked around and there were at least 5 big piles of wood that looked ready for bommy night. Apparently the bird had been photographed by a few lucky souls, but they did ever so well because the bird is Robin sized and needle and logpile spring to mind!!

I waited around and got excited everytime something moved by the logpiles. A Whitethroat kept popping up on top of one of the logpiles causing a sudden surge of adrenaline and twitchers moving their bins around as fast as they could to see if it was the sought after Bluethroat.... alas no, sighs all round. Next it started to rain just to add insult to injury I had the feeling this was not going to be my day. After a couple of false alarms and three and a half hours spent staring into a woodpile, one that I will no doubt see it in my sleep, I decided to give up.

DIPPED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made my way to the cafe as I had no brekky this morning, so I sat outside the Mereside cafe with a prawn butty and an orange juice that deprived me of £5.25 sighs again. Time was ticking on so I had to make the cross country walk back to Burscough Bridge Station, feeling deflated, I set off. Turning past a large house and a big field, I flushed a Quail,

LIBRARY PIC

I could not believe my luck, it shot down the track before disappearing into the long grass!! I was chuffed as this is a first for me for the year. At the bottom of Crabtree Lane, I took a left back onto the footpath that leads up to the station. Some Telegraph wires run adjacent to the tracks and a bird was sat on the wires, as I got closer I focussed the bins and it was a lovely male Corn Bunting,


LIBRARY PIC

 I couldn't believe my luck, a Quail and a Corn Bunting in the space of ten minutes!! It belted out it's song with gusto, I watched it for a full 5 minutes before it flew off over the fields, well chuffed :-) I had been after Corn Bunting down by the barn at Burton Mere Wetlands for months with no luck.

The train back to Southport from Burscough Bridge cost £4 single for a 10 minute journey!! I questioned this with Gupta the conductor (because he looked like Gupta from Only When I Laugh) and he said he does not make policy with regard to fares. I said to him it's £7 return for a 40 mile journey that takes an hour and 15 minutes and you want four quid for a single journey that takes 20 minutes and is 9 miles!! He muttered something unintelligible and thrust the ticket in my hand, so much for customer always being right haha.

Back at Overpool around 6.30pm after 6 different trains, 30 stations and an hour and a halfs walking, am I now a seasoned twitcher?? I doubt it very much lol. Call me a birder any day.

Observer
Mike Buckley

N.B Pics are images from Google, not my own.
Footnote, twitter message from Austin Morley received on my way home..... he had seen the bird and was there early and got a couple of pics.........just to rub it in!! No seriously, well done, the early birder gets his bird.

http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Delamere Forest, Blakemere & Hatchmere Wednesday 19th June 2013

Due to equipment not being delivered, it was down tools and a trip for myself and Shaun to Delamere Forest for a bit of birding. Delamere, means Forest of the lakes. It has around 2,400 acres of mixed woodland and therefore is the largest woodland in Cheshire.

I have not been to Delamere Forest for a while, but was excited at maybe seeing a Crossbill as we had been to Brenig with no joy earlier in the month. Walking along the Sandstone Ridge trail around the forest paths, we saw Wrens, lots of noisy Nuthatches with youngsters and heard a number of Song Thrushes, which is always welcome. We came across an area of path next to a field with some horses in, it was just then that I heard a 'tekk tekk' call akin to a skulking warbler, after a quick scan of the trees, I spotted a small nondescript LBJ which at first glance could have been a chiff or willow warbler, but was keeping itself concealed. We lost sight of it and after spying a family of Coal tits with young... see below in flight

we then heard the Warbler singing..... it was a Garden Warbler. It took a while to locate, but we did manage to watch the bird singing from a fairly well hidden position, but Shaun managed to get a fairly decent photo!! 

They do sound like Blackcaps, but without the Blackcaps final flourish (I find they are softer on the ear). Great spot and the first of the Year (another tick for yearlist) now a modest 154. Still way behind Austin Morley :( still it's a marathon not a sprint and an enjoyable bit of fun at that.

The visitor centre was closed when we went past and fag ash Lil poked her head out to advise us it was not open until 9am. No tea for us thirsty expolrers then!!

Walking past the nurseries and towards the Ape around activities, we spotted a bird that our friend Scouse Paul has a fondness for and gets very excited when he sees one, we took a picture just for him :) It was in a nest box in a well kept garden.

The sound of Goldcrests and Treecreepers is quite high pitched but we did manage to see both species and the Treecreepers in particular were all around the Forest.

Just a bit further on, I heard the sharp call of some Crossbills, but could not make them out as they were high up in the conifers, despite our best efforts, we never got a look at them.

Black Headed Gulls are noisy birds, but when you have hundreds of birds nesting at Blakemere Moss, the sound can be deafening.

It was decided in 1992 to restore Blakemere Moss as a wetland environment, which was achieved in 1998 by clear-felling the area and then flooding it. The restored lake now provides a habitat for wildlife, particularly birds. 

We got a good vantage point on a spit of land that projected out into the lake, the odd Tufted Duck and Lapwing could be seen and a Coot with a couple of youngsters. In amongst the nesting Black Headed Gulls and chicks, we also singled out a Med Gull. A lone female Mallard was left to look after 11 ducklings :]

Getting back onto the path, we spotted a couple of birds high up in a dead tree. Crossbills :) They never stayed long enough for us to get a good look or a pic unfortunately, but nevertheless a welcome tick.

The paths around the forest are undulating in character and hummocks and peatland basins have formed in clearings amongst the trees, some of these due to glacial activity. Now Dead Lake, is one of such areas, but despite it's name is alive with various dragonflies and insects going about their business, it is on one of these lakes, that we hoped to get a glimpse of a Hobby, which is renowned for catching dragonflies mid-flight....no such luck. A red damselfly was spotted nearby. 

Hunger strikes, so we jumped back in the van and grabbed some sandwiches and a drink from a local store and had a break by the side of Hatchmere Lake. A solitary Great Crested Grebe was out on the water along with the odd Coot. After lunch, we walked through the woods that border the lake, Great, Blue, Coal & Long Tailed Tits were all seen as were the usual Wren, Robin, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler. Shaun spotted a Tree Creeper behaving oddly and located a nest with at least one youngster inside, it was wedged behind some old flaky bark on the side of a dead tree and at least one chicks little eye was peering up at us, probably wondering what these two strange creatures were staring at. In order to minimise disturbance, we took no pic and moved swiftly on. The area around the lake was really boggy and Shaun spotted this Common Frog chilling out in the pleasant sunshine. 

At least three Great Spotted Woodpeckers were sighted and a Buzzard flew through the wood on the way back to the van. 

On the way home, we decided to call in at Frodsham Marsh to see what was about and take a look at the silks spun by the Ermine Moth Caterpillar that have enveloped the spindle bushes all along No6 tank. Well, until you see it yourself first hand, it is quite a bizarre sight, here are just a few pictures of these amazing caterpillars..... they had covered the bushes, the trees, the grasses and the fenceposts!!

Not a lot else to report, a few Shelduck and Teal on No6 and many Whitethroats on the adjacent paths. June is a quiet month, but all in all, not a bad mornings birding.

Here is a link with more info for anyone wanting to visit Delamere Forest :- 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Observers 

Mike Buckley

Shaun Hickey (Photos)