I Love Arnside and Silverdale: It's time for the Lily Of The Valley

Thursday, 18 May 2017

It's time for the Lily Of The Valley

This is a photo I took from previous years (Click to enlarge)
from Dalton Crags

Saturday 20th May 2017 - Burton In Kendal "Swift" updates

Yesterday I went along to the Manor House to try and get a photo of the Sentinel Starling standing guard over the nest hole, but there was none of the adult birds present and now wondering if perhaps the young Starlings have left the nest. I will try and check again soon. Whilst there though I did have two separate Swifts leave the building from nest sites although I could not be exact as to which nest holes they were using. I am sure time will tell, but its all good news!

Also more good news to report from Jane who noticed that two birds have been seen in Cockin Yard and that the nest site on "Hangings Farm" is again being used.

Saturday 20th May 2017 - Hutton Roof

I have just been reminded by facebook that I posted this beautiful Early Purple Orchid two years ago and for the life in me I just cannot remember where it was.

A Early Purple Orchid on Hutton Roof 2015

Friday 19th May 2017 - Dalton Crags 0900hrs to 1015hrs

The really good news for me was to hear the C. Redstart singing away in Lower Dalton Crags. I had almost given up on him, although thinking about it he was very late last year. Also had Three Tree Pipits both singing and displaying in Dalton. Our Stonechat male was in spectacular plumage and at times he was displaying with "chatter" alarm. Four Linnets flew overhead and calling in flight.

Checked out our Lily Of The Valley which seems to be in its prime at the moment. A small section of Angular Solomon's Seal is showing a drooping three flowers but in general another fortnight to go. Also a nice display of Fairy Foxglove in Plain Quarry. Here are some of todays gems:

Fairy Foxglove on Plain Quarry (Click over to enlarge)
Photo today 19th May 2017

Lily Of The Valley in Dalton Crags (Click over to enlarge)
Photo today 19th May 2017

Angular Solomon's Seal in Dalton Crags (Click over to enlarge)
Photo today 19th May 2017

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Thursday 18th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 1900hrs to 2030hrs "Swift Watch"

It proved again rather difficult to count the Swifts, but we did manage to get 15 at one time whilst we watched initially from the Memorial Hall, then we did have other small groups of birds seen over the Royal and Kings areas and again up to ten birds over the Manor House/Coaching House areas. Probably in total we may have had about 25 birds but for now we will settle for 15 for the records.

It was interesting to note that a couple of birds were constantly showing interest to the area close to the top of Neddy Hill close to the rear of David's house. We will try and keep a eye on this because David informed the group that Swifts did in the not too distant past used to nest on the building behind him.

We moved on to the Royal and we did see two separate birds go into two nest sites on the front of the Royal Cottage so we now know that things have started moving there.

Edward who lives at the Manor House said he thought he saw Swifts entering the front of his house during the earlier part of the week although he was not absolutely sure at this stage. Of special interest tonight and something most of us had never seen before was to see a Starling standing guard over the entrance to it's nest site which also happened to be a long established Swift nest site (each year since 2014). The Starling would just stand there blocking off the hole and making sure the Swift could not get admittance! It's one of the oldest established Swift sites on the Manor House and close to the bottom corner on the gable end. Tonight we watched has a pair of Swifts constantly flew in direction to the nest site whilst screaming at the same time and then would veer off just at the last second because the hole was blocked by the Starling. It was thought perhaps the young starlings in this nest would hopefully fledge in the next few days and hopefully vacate the nest site so the Swifts could then take over.

Tonights watchers included: David Craig, Judith and Edward Ellis, Reg Hesketh, Sue and Hugh Miles, Bryan Yorke

Thursday 18th May 2017 - Clawthorpe Hall - approx 1500hrs

Two Swifts seen high above Clawthorpe Hall

Wednesday 17th May 2017 - Dalton Crags - 1000hrs to 1115hrs

Five grouped Redpoll flew from the Beech over towards Storth Woods "eruptive group flight calls". I thought all birds would have been paired by now! Also two Swifts hawking over the lower Crags. The Redstart still could not be heard so I presume this spot will be vacant this year. Tree Pipit usual place and display and calling. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers singing away along with Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

The Lily of the Valley should be making a good photo (for now this is last years photo), also I checked out two of the regular spots for the Angular Solomon's Seal and there doing fine (just two flowers at the moment.)

Also Wednesday 17th May 2017 - Robert Ashworth has kindly sent in the following records for today on Dalton, Lancelot and Burton Fell and also The Common

Cuckoo Evidence of 3 birds today from both Dalton Crags and Burton Fell/Lancelot (photos to add very soon). Common Redstart - 3 birds singing today from Upper Dalton Crags, Park Wood side also and another in Lower Dalton (I will have to check with Robert because this could well be the bird I have been waiting for!). Whitethroats - Males heard singing at three separate places. One upper Dalton deforested (the most showy), one in lower deforested, and one in open woodland near Hypericum Way (The Bonk!).
Also Robert had Dingy Skipper butterfliy on Burton Fell. Also Fly Orchids out at NE of Trig, also in Lancelot, Burton Fell. (Thanks Robert for these records) Here are Robert's photos: