Nature Notes up to April 17th 2014

Mipit movement through North West coast Spring 2014
(Click over sketch to enlarge)

Thursday 17th April 2014
(Forecast: 0700hrs Wind: WSW 13-28mph, 8c, 99% Cloud cover, Visibility 13400m, 1017mb pressure)

0900-1000hrs Dalton Crags

Primula on Lancelot

Another Tree Pipit has landed back since yesterday and on its regular territory on the lower crags, that brings at least two to that area and another one further up at the bottom of the deforested.  The ones further up on the high levels of the Crag (deforested) will need to be checked out on another day. Far to windy to hear anything today up there. 

There are three Northern Greenland Wheatear present today in the upper crags (deforested), one male (light phase), one male (dark phase) and one female. I noticed them in the main "Wheatear Plain" area.  

Fresh asplenium on Lancelot

A minimum of three singing Willow Warblers around the Plain Quarry and lower Dalton areas, also one Blackcap and one Chiffchaff heard.  I would have thought these were probably birds already recorded.  

Sedge Warbler and strong Swallow passage at Aldcliffe - First Sedge Warbler, first House Martin and a Swallow passage of 40 birds. Also local 3 Lesser Whitethroats (information sourced from Birding Aldcliffe Blog) 

51 Willow Warblers, 41 Blackcaps, 26 Chiffchaff at Bardsey - also 12 Grasshopper Warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers and a Turtle Dove (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog). 

First Swift seen today flying over Northowram, Halifax (information sourced through Trektellen) 

Also two Swifts flew South over Spurn Point Observatory - I hope someone told them they were flying the wrong way! (information sourced through Spurn Observatory website)

Wednesday 16th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind 10mph Southerly, 8c, 28% Cloud cover, Visability good, 1026mb pressure)

0900-1000hrs Holme to Burton walking alongside the Canal.

Found new "Ceterach" on wall of Churchyard. Chiffchaff singing alongside main road up to Canal. One at Brook Cottage and one near Fern Cottage.  On the Canal another Chiffchaff singing near to Bridge No 148 (Sheernest Lane - Holme side), A Lesser Whitethroat up close and singing along Canal side quite close to the Barn Conversions which are almost across from the Holme Mills Lodge. Two Chiffchaffs on Canal across from Station Pub also Three Bullfinch, One Willow Warbler and a new Blackcap.

1300-1600hrs Dalton Crags, Hutton Roof Common, Lancelot Clark Storth.

Pavement in Lancelot below BAP seat

Whilst walking up Vicarage Lane had a Tree Sparrow calling "Tiff Tiff". Also noted two Swallows were back on territory at Russell Farm. One Blackcap calling from garden in Dalton Hamlet, also here a Brimstone Butterfly was doing the rounds. A Sparrowhawk flew overhead and appeared to have "jessies" on its legs. Lots (scores) of Peacock Butterflies about everywhere.. Two Willow Warblers and a Blackcap were calling from around the old Summer House in Dalton Woods. Two Northern Greenland Wheatear on the walls going up through Dalton Crags (deforested). 12 Willow Warblers counted in Lancelot Clark Storth, plus one Blackcap singing and one Chiffchaff calling. Also lots of Dog Violet and Primrose, and my first sighting of Wood Anemone. Also beautiful fresh just opened lemon coloured "Asplenium" fronds now showing (Maidenhair Spleenwort).  Odd Ladybirds and Hover flies now showing up.

A cache of egg shells found in Lancelot

I found the cache of eggshells within a depressed muddy tyre track on a forestry track in Lancelot Clark Storth.  I dont know who was responsible for this egg cache but do feel after giving it plenty of thought that it could well be the result of a "grey squirrel".  I have seen this sort of thing before, but usually only the eggs from one species of bird, never two species until now.

47 Meadow Pipit NE over Heysham (0630-0930hrs) - also 19 Redpoll NE, 17 Albas NE, 12 Linnet NE, 3 Goldfinch NE. (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog)

Yellow Wagtail, Common Whitethroat and two Wheatear at Aldcliffe - plus up to 6 Lesser Whitethroats recorded (information sourced from Birding Aldcliffe Blog). 

Osprey, first Tree Pipit, Common Redstart and 39 Meadow Pipits at Bardsey - plus 3 Sand Martins, 22 Swallows, 95 Goldfinch, 67 Linnet, 4 Lesser Redpolls, 49 Willow Warblers, 14 Blackcap, 14 Chiffchaff. (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog)

Two Whinchat, Five Wheatear, One Redstart and Two Tree Pipits at Leasowe Lighthouse (information sourced from Dee Estuary Birds Blog)

First Lesser Whitethroat back on Walney. (information sourced from Walney Observatory Blog) 

Osprey, Tree Pipits, Grasshopper Warblers at Hilbre Observatory - plus 15 Willow Warblers, 1 Greenland Wheatear, 7 Swallows and one Skylark. (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blog) 

Tuesday 15th April 2014


Two Tree Pipits have arrived back in Dalton Crags, both displaying within their regular territories, a new Blackcap and more Willow Warblers in Dalton.

Two Lesser Whitethroats and overhead Tree Pipit and Yellow Wag at Aldcliffe - plus 20 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 28 Siskin (vismig) and 10 Swallows (vismig) (information sourced Birding Aldcliffe Blog)

One Grasshopper Warbler, one Whitethroat, 25 Blackcaps at Bardsey Observatory also 17 Chiffchaffs, 31 Willow Warblers, 39 Swallows, 17 Sand Martin, 7 House Martin and one Rock Pipit  (information supplied by Bardsey Observatory Blog)  

Two Tree Pipits and one Yellow Wagtail at Hilbre also 12 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs etc. (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blog. 

38 Meadow Pipits North, 5 Tree Pipits North at Fleetwood - plus 18 Swallow NE, lots of finches East and also 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Redstart, 25 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Blackcap, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler (information sourced from Fleetwood Observatory).   

Monday 14th April 2014

Two Swallows back on territory at Green Dragon Farm, Burton In Kendal.

Early and first Cuckoo at Walney - also a few Swallows and Sand Martins with a handful of Willow Warblers and Wheatear (information sourced from Walney Observatory Blog) 

Saturday 12th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind: WSW 17mph, 8c, 97% Cloud cover, 15800m visibility, 1014mb pressure)

2 Greenland Wheatear on Farleton Side (0800 to 1000hrs) Near Newbiggin close to the "large Gorse" area. one male and one beautiful female.  She had lovely shades of light brown and a vivid orange upper chest. The only black was a solid "mask". Also just the one pair of Yellowhammers and one calling Willow Warbler which came in yesterday.

1 Swallow one same line as A6 at Hale at 1130hrs.

1430hrs to 1330hrs - Went up Dalton Crags and gave it a thorough check and the Greenlands which have been around the last couple of days seem to have left. No more come in yet and no other migrants to report.

One Male Redstart, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Wheatear and 1 Swallow at Hilbre Observatory (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blog


Friday 11th April 2014
(Forecast: Wind: West 5mph, 10c, 19600m vis, 1023mb pressure)

Beech Tree removal at Dalton Crags
(click over photo to enlarge)

3 fresh in Willow Warblers on Farleton (Newbiggin Crags) 

Beautiful sunny weather today.  0900-1100hrs on Farleton side. Had 3 separate calling in song Willow Warblers which must have come in overnight. Also can now confirm a minimum of three pairs of Yellowhammers on territory. Also several Linnet about, a few pairs of Meadow Pipits and at least 10-12 paired Skylarks. Also Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly.

1 Blackcap and the 3 Northern Greenland Wheatear are still present in Dalton

(1300hrs-1400hrs)  Blackcap returned to Plain Quarry area overnight, also a single Long Tailed Tit in same area.  Two singing Chiffchaffs.  One singing fresh in Willow Warbler at Plain Quarry. Usual Green Woodpeckers and Mistle Thrushes on territory and the regular Kestrel.  Also plenty of Primrose, Rue Leaved Saxifrage. A pair of Peacock Butterflies and also a Brimstone Butterfly reported.

32 Meadow Pipits NE over Heysham Observatory 0650-0750hrs (information sourced from Heysham Observatory)

30 Meadow Pipits, 15 Siskin, 12 Redpoll all North over Aldcliffe
(Information gathered from Birding Aldcliffe Blog)

8 Swallows over Hilbre Observatory (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blog)

292 Willow Warblers, 156 Blackcaps and lots lots more at Bardsey Observatory.  Also a Pied Flycatcher, one Redstart, 2 Ring Ouzel, 31 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 98 Swallows and 35 Sand Martins. (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory)

702 Meadow Pipits North and 2 Tree Pipits North over Fleetwood, also 10 Swallows, 11 Albas North and 77 Goldfinch East. (information sourced from Fleetwood Observatory)

Thursday 10th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind: WSW 10-16mph, 9c, 77% Cloud, 19100m visibility, 1021mb pressure)

"The Turtle Stone"
(please click over to enlarge)

Another Lesser Whitethroat and 2 pairs Yellowhammers on Farleton side (0930hrs to 1030hrs) Watching a single Lesser Whitethroat singing from the top of a small tree near Newbiggin.  Also two pairs of Yellowhammers "chinking" close to Newbiggin Crags.  Just the odd Meadow Pipit crossing over and single finches heading out South East for some reason. 

"Rusty Back Fern in flower"
(please click over to enlarge)

Checked out the "Ceterach" which was in flower at this time of year (see photo).  Some really superb specimens. 


Two Greenland Wheatear on Dalton Crags (1430hrs to 1600hrs)

One Osprey flew over Lancaster University this morning at around 0940hrs heading West to the coast. (information gathered from the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Site) 

43 Willow Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs at Bardsey (information gathered from the Bardsey Blog)

Wednesday 9th April 2014

"Fused the Pregnant Ewe"
found in Lancelot Clark Storth
(please click over to enlarge)

(Forecast: 0700-1000hrs Wind: WSW to West 13-26mph, 7-8c, 94 decreasing to 86% Cloud, 8500m to 15300m visibility, 1022mb pressure.

0900hrs to 1030hrs Dalton Crags and Hutton Roof Common.  A definite two new territories for the Chiffchaffs in Dalton Crags bringing the territories and calling birds to four so far.  Lots of Meadow Pipits grounded on the Common not far from the Trig Point.  Still no signs of other migrants and no passing birds. 

"Spring Reflections" found
in Lancelot Clark Storth
(Please click over to enlarge)

1400hrs to 1600hrs Lancelot Clark Storth and Burton Fell.  A quick check over which produced two Blackcaps singing from both the usual breeding areas. Also 3 Chiffchaffs singing from their usual three sites within Lancelot. One Willow Warbler in Lancelot and also another Willow Warbler in Burton Fell. Both Willow Warblers were recognized by their "houwit" contact calls. Also a Treecreeper and plenty of Nuthatches in song (one with the breeding "trilling" call). 2 Palmate Newt in Spring. 

4 Meadow Pipits over one hour at Heysham  (information gathered from Heysham Observatory Blog)  
2 Swallows and 12 Sand Martins over Aldcliffe (information from Dan Haywood (Birding Aldcliffe)
227 Meadow Pipits North and 1 Swallows North East over Fleetwood (Information sourced from Fleetwood Observatory)
Grasshopper Warbler and others at Bardsey - 3 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaffs, 12 Willow Warblers, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Swallows and 14 Wheatear. (information from Bardsey Observatory Blog)
One Greenland Wheatear at Dee Estuary plus 6 Willow Warblers and 10 Swallows. (information from Dee Estuary Birding)

Tuesday 8th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind: 20-28mph, 6c, Cloud 43%, 18100m visibility, 1013mb  pressure.

Just returned from Dalton Crags (0900-1000 hrs) nothing showing with mipits or migrants.

66 Meadow Pipits North and 1 Swallow East over Fleetwood (Information sourced from the Fleetwood Observatory Blog)

Monday 7th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind Easterly 6mph, 8c, Cloud 92%, 10100m visibility, 1003 pressure). Actual weather: Light continual rain-wind 2-3mph E

0800-0900hrs Usual Chiffchaffs singing away above Plain Quarry, never heard any Blackcaps or Willow Warblers yet, certainly no moving birds, a couple of grounded Meadow Pipits and thats about it. 

Willow Warbler and several Chiffchaffs at Aldcliffe (information Jon Carter, Birding Aldcliffe.

18 Meadow Pipits NE over Heysham 0800-0825hrs (information Heysham Bird Observatory)

156 Meadow Pipits, 20 Swallows, 150 Goldfinches over Bardsey (information Bardsey Observatory)

235 Meadow Pipits - one flock at 65 over Hilbre (information via Hilbre Bird Observatory)

Sunday 6th April 2014

First Swallow arrived at Walney (information via Walney Observatory)

59 Meadow Pipits and 9 Albas NE plus 88 Goldfinch to E, 13 Siskin E and 31 Linnets East over Fleetwood. (information via Fleetwood Observatory)

Saturday 5th April 2014
(Forecast: 0700 -1000hrs Wind SSE 9mph, 6-9c, 90% down to 78% Cloud Cover, 18400m visibility, 1008mb pressure).

5 Meadow Pipits over the hour (0800-0900hrs) at Hutton Roof.
Gone really quiet with the Meadow Pipits with just the odd ones. Chiffchaffs at least 3 possibly 4 calling from just above Plain Quarry. No other migrants to report.

2 Meadow Pipits over Heysham (0800-0915hrs) (information via Heysham Observatory)
110 Meadow Pipits over Fleetwood N to NE, also 1 Osprey over mid day. (information via Fleetwood Observatory)

Friday 4th April 2014

(Forecast: 0700-1000hrs Wind: SSW to W 2-9mph, 7c to 9c, 94% Cloud cover, 1300m to 14800m visibility, 1005 to 1006 mb pressure)

Went up on Hutton Roof at 1630hrs to 1730hrs but never had anything migrant wise.

56 Meadow Pipits NE over Heysham (1200hrs to 1300hrs) also 3 Lesser Whitethroats. (information supplied by Heysham Observatory)

Thats 5 Lesser Whitethroats over the last three days, with one on Wednesday at Dalton Crags, one at Aldcliffe yesterday, and one at Heysham and two at Middleton today.  All these are really early birds compared to the norm. 

88 Meadow Pipits NE over Fleetwood (information from Trektellen)

Nature Notes for the week up to April 3rd 2014

This is a sketch showing how the Mipits were flying side on! (Click over sketch to enlarge)

Thursday 3rd April 2014
(Forecast: Wind East 10-22mph, 6c temp, 100% Cloud, 12900m Visability, 1002mb pressure).

Just 13 Meadow Pipits on the Move through Hutton Roof but some unusual behaviour by a passing Eurasian Wheatear.

Yes another poor day with only the small amount of Meadow Pipits on passage and these were three singles and one party of 10. Also had Golden Plover calling overhead (somewhere!).

Never before have I ever witnessed a Wheatear arrival when I was actually there! usually the birds have come in during the previous evening.

So whilst I am stood there a Wheatear flew passed in a weaving side to side flight and just for the second or two looked in flight and from the rear more like a House Martin, but I guess the white rump and dark silhouette came into play at that point.  It then landed right at the uppermost top branch of a tree some 30ft high, I got closer until I was able to get a clear identification with my binoculars.  As I steadily approached further it took off yet again but to another tree further back which was some 50ft high and again perched right on the uppermost branch.  Getting closer the bird took off with a side on flight (similar to what you get with the Mipits when compensating with the wind), it sort of went up to approx 200ft and headed North East, but after some 200 yards or so further on it "plummeted to the ground from such great height".  Checked out over Ploverlands, which looked the area it came down, but couldn't find it anywhere.

Dog Violets in Dalton Crags
this morning (Click over to enlarge)

Also forgot to mention yesterday that although I wasnt getting any Mipits at Hutton Roof, I did notice on my home from Lancaster that there did seem to be a "corridor" line with a couple of parties of Mipits crossing over to the North/North East just before Slyne (Lancaster side).  In fact it was just where Costains the builders have started marking out.  This corridor will definately be worth checking out in the near future.

Also only 22 Meadow Pipits at Aldcliffe, and also a Lesser Whitethroat. (information from Jon Carter - Birding Aldcliffe)

Yet another Osprey reported over Lancaster and then to the North at 1445hrs today (information: Lancaster Birdwatching)

Two Greenland Wheatear over Fylde today. (Information kindly supplied by Phil Slade)

73 Meadow Pipits over Heysham 0715-0815hrs (information kindly supplied by the Heysham Observatory)

74 Meadow Pipits NE over Fleetwood (information Fleetwood Observatory)

Grasshopper Warbler, Greenland Wheatear, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs on Bardsey.

On Bardsey they had another Greenland Wheatear (a male wing length 11mm, weight 29.5 grams, Tarsus Length 28.6mm.  They also had a Grasshopper Warbler, 150 Blackcaps, 204 Willow Warblers, 45 Chiffchaffs and 60 Wheatear (Oenanthe) (information from the Bardsey Observatory)

Wednesday 2nd April 2014
(Forecast: Wind East 12-22mph, 6c temp, 88% Cloud, 15900m Visability, 1007mb pressure).

Nil Meadow Pipits, One Lesser Whitethroat and one Tree Pipit in Dalton Crags. 

0700hrs to 0830hrs.  Not a single Meadow Pipit on passage, obviously they just don't want to know. However did have a very early Lesser Whitethroat singing happily away, just from within its regular little patch in Dalton (deforested).  Also had a early Tree Pipit, which I had thought about 4 days ago I heard one but at that time was not sure, but after listening and watching for some time it was confirmed. 

488 Meadow Pipits over Aldcliffe yesterday (220 NE in lst hour, 201 NE in 2nd hour and 67 NE in 3rd hour. (Thanks to Dan Haywood for his great mipit records)

162 Meadow Pipits going NE over Heysham (0830-0930) (Thanks to Heysham Observatory)

267 Meadow Pipits N/NNE over Fleetwood (information Fleetwood Observatory)

177 Meadow Pipits going over Marshside (Thanks to Trektellen)

145 Meadow Pipits which included 50 Icelantics and first  2 Greenland Wheatear, 29 Willow Warblers, 48 Chiffchaffs on Bardsey (information from Bardsey Bird Observatory)

Tuesday 1st April 2014
(Forecast 0700 to 1000hrs - Wind SSW to W 2-5mph, 8-9c temp, 90% cloud, Vis 5200m to 11400m, 1010mb pressure)

0700hrs Been up to Plain Quarry, Dalton, absolutely thick fog, almost pea soup conditions, so nothing moving through and will try later.
1000hrs Been across to Warton and nothing going through there, still large pockets of low cloud about. 

"Archie" the Chiffchaff has arrived back on Orchard Close. Also the Chiffchaff from near to Rawley Copse has returned and singing away.

Went up Dalton Crags at 1400hrs, not one moving bird, but at least 80+ grounded Meadow Pipits.  Obviously brought down with the bad visibility.

One Osprey reported from Leighton Moss at 1710hrs (report from Lancaster and District Birding

51 Meadow Pipits NE and 1 Osprey NNE mid morning over Fleetwood (reports from Fleetwood Bird Observatory.

Monday 31st March 2014
(Forecast 0700 and 1000hrs = Wind: East 9-13mph 5-9c temp, 57% cloud, Vis 160-19000, 1014-1013mb pressure)

109  Meadow Pipits going over Hutton Roof in 3 hours and 3 more Chiffchaffs have arrived.  Today was poor compared to yesterday.  The conditions at first seemed almost identical to yesterday but today the visibility was obviously poor and this was holding birds up. However a trickling did come through to the North with the best party at 28.

Also had 2 alba's (paired), 1 Curlew NW, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, A Skylark mimicking the local Redpoll.

Also had three more Chiffchaffs arrived making 5 in the area eg: Craig, Craggy and another at Plain Quarry and Pear has also arrived in Dalton. Later checking out "Thornleigh" in Burton I noticed that "Leigh" has also arrived back with another bird calling as well. 

400 Meadow Pipits in 2 hours at Heysham (0815-1015hrs) (information from Heysham Observatory). 

161 Meadow Pipits NE over Aldcliffe in 3 hours 59 in first hour, 47 in second hour and 59 in third hour. (Information from Birding Aldcliffe)

1500 Meadow Pipits and a Osprey heading North over Walney Bird Observatory 1025hrs

Sunday 30th March 2014

(Forecast) between 0700 and 1100hrs = Wind: East at 10mph to 15mph at gust, 5c temp, 40% Cloud reducing to 28%, Visability at 19900m, 1014mb pressure).

368 Meadow Pipits and 2 Swallows over Hutton Roof and Chiffchaff at Plain Quarry Dalton. It was excellent over Hutton Roof this morning with a steady flow of Mipits going through, in fact the flow was actually getting stronger when I left at 1030hrs.
I started off at 0700hrs and this is how they came through: 0700 to 0800hrs = 57, 0800 to 0900hrs 88 birds, 0900 to 1000hrs 120 birds 1000 to 1030hrs 103 birds. Two separate Swallows North plus odd Redpoll and Linnet. Also pleased to report that "Craig" the Chiffchaff has returned to Plain Quarry, Dalton and was in full song, first thing.

Weakened wind but changed to East creating "side flying shindigs" from most birds (not all). Also definately more biased today to a South South East below the Trig Point corridor as though they were coming from over Capernwray or Caton perhaps. 

1812 Meadow Pipits and 1 Swallow over Heysham (900 per hour between 0830hrs and 1000hrs) (information via Heysham Bird Observatory)

1000 Meadow Pipits over Carnforth (information via Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society) Coming across the Bay in a diagonal movement from the West and then heading North to the left of Warton Crag. 

200 Meadow Pipits per hour going NE over Aldcliffe (information via Lancaster and District)

Steady flow of Mipits past the Morecambe and Allen Hides (information via Lancaster and District)

667 Meadow Pipits going North over Rossall School (information kindly given by Seumus Eaves)

560 Meadow Pipits plus another Osprey heading NE over Marshside, Southport along with 7 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, Albas and Goldcrest and 1 Corn Bunting

1495 Meadow Pipits recorded over Walney Bird Observatory

233 Meadow Pipits and 68 Chiffchaffs and 54 Willow Warblers recorded today at Bardsey Observatory. 

A fall of 60 Wheatears at Darwen (Mavis Smith)

Saturday 29th March 2014

Willow Warbler seen today on Aldcliffe
Early Willow Warbler seen at Aldcliffe (Report from Lancaster and District Birdwatching)

181 Meadow Pipits over Hutton Roof
A far better morning over Hutton Roof (counting from near Trig Point (0830hrs to 1000hrs Saturday 29th March 2014. Birds came through in singles, pairs and small parties, but the best parties were: 16,15,11,7,7. they struggled flying side on and into the 17mph strong E to SE relentless winds, although they coped OK in their side on wind and side on posture. Also had one alba wagtail again going North.

840 Meadow Pipits over Heysham
Over at Heysham they have had 840 Mipits piling through (0715 to 0930) (information via Jean Roberts - Heysham Observatory).

717 Meadow Pipits over Rossall School
I had 717 Mipits over Rossall School, Fleetwood by 1000. A good percentage of them were out at sea or coming in-off. They were still moving strong over my house in Cleveleys at 1300, so I suspect it will be a good day total for Fleetwood when we get the figures together as Ian will have been counting for the whole period on and off. (information kindly given by Seumus Eaves) 

590 Meadow Pipits over Walney Bird Observatory

Nature Notes up to Friday March 28th 2014.

Photo: Newbiggin Crags, Farleton  (February)

467 Meadow Pipits North over Heysham (Report from Heysham Observatory - Friday 28th March 2014)

Meadow Pipit - at least 467 north 0800-1000 with at least 10 minutes not covered at all and 30 minutes only 'casually'.

20 Wheatear at Fluke Hall (Report from Lancaster Birdwatching - Friday 28th March 2014))

Fluke Hall count of at least 20 (seem to be about equal between M and F) just over the sea wall from the parking area.

886 Meadow Pipits, 20 Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel and another Osprey at Fleetwood Golf Course (Records given to me today by Seamus Eaves at Fleetwood - Friday 28th March 2014) Osprey seen late morning

Grounded male Ring Ouzel and over 20 Wheatears there this morning.

Short Eared Owls passing through Heysham (Report from Heysham Bird Observatory) - Thurs 27th March 2014)

There were two separate reports of Short Eared Owl passing through the Heysham area yesterday morning.

Another Osprey passing through the area (Report from Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society Thurs 27th March 2014)

It was reported that yet another Osprey passed through our area, flying North over Lancaster City Centre at 1745 today (Thurs 27th March 2014), moving at approximately 30mph directly into a 15mph headwind. 

Sand Martins and the arrival of House Martins (Report from Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society Thurs 27th March 2014))

35-45 Sand Martins feeding over the River Wenning at Wenning Foot around mid-day. They had mostly moved on by 2 p.m. leaving only a couple but were joined by 4/5 House Martins.

Swifts In The Community 

Only six weeks to go before the Swifts are back screaming away down our Main Street.
Peter Moreton (Co-ordinator) from over at Arnside has sent around a letter to all of the "Swifts In The Community" participants.  It is hoped that as many as possible will support the project again this year and try and help the Swifts in a positive way. Peter is holding a meeting at the Leighton Moss Bird Reserve on Monday evening April 14th 2014 starting at 1930hrs.  
If you are interested in helping with this project and think you would love to find out more information, you may wish to email Peter direct at:- PMoreton@dsl.pipex.com

Conversations and Emails (with Len, Seumus, Paul, Pete, Jean et al)

It is said that on clear days the Mipits will arrive into Rossall and then go directly W/NW across the sea of Morecambe Bay towards Walney (Barrow). Some days they have even been known to miss out Rossall and have been seen far out to sea, and would appear that they are coming from Formby or Liverpool directions and possibly North Wales. So when this happens these birds will miss out stations at Heysham or Hutton Roof.  On dismal unclear mornings the Mipits take on a different route from Rossall by going NE hugging the coastline towards Heysham, and continue past Heysham in a NE direction which could possibly mean that some of these birds come through Hutton Roof.  

They are getting Mipits over Fleetwood 
(reported by Seumus Eaves)- 

Well we might not be getting the Mipits at the moment but on Tuesday last March 25th 2014 between 0530hrs and 0830hrs Ian had 1115 of them over Fleetwood.

Additional up to: Thursday 27th March 2013 - None yesterday and only 3 Mipits over one hour today.  Yesterday had 1 Peacock butterfly in Lancelot and still only one Chiffchaff calling in Lancelot with only sluggish part calls at the moment.

Enjoyed a great night last night (Tues the 25th) at Fylde Bird Club, thanks....

After getting about 50 Mipits per hour last week, I have to say that the passage went downhill ever since and can only put this down to the strong winds we've had.  Even yesterday (Tues the 25th) I could count the Mipit passage over an hour on two hands and you would have thought the conditions were just right with little wind and just the slightest of occasional drizzly rain. Yet even so, anything has to be far better than the horrible cold windy weather we had at this time last year. 

Had my first Chiffchaff (Lance from Lancelot Clark Storth) last Saturday the 22nd and also another was present near Cinderbarrow on the following day.

A Redwing was present in Dalton Crags (Mon the 24th) and yesterday there were a party of several Mistle Thrush feeding up. 

Lots of reports of Chiffchaff and Wheatear, and a report of a Osprey passing through.

Also expecting Whoopers coming through (Herd's of Whiteness) any day now, its just about the right time for them.

Nature Notes up to Monday March 17th 2014 (St. Patricks Day)

Dalton Crags - lower section 

All last week the Meadow Pipits were crossing over Dalton and Hutton Roof heading North.  One day I had a blogging party of some 30 birds hanging about in the deforested upper Dalton Crags area.

Yesterday Monday March 17th 2014 (St. Patricks Day) was the best passage so far, it was good dry weather with winds at 8-10mph on a South Westerley.  I had up to 50 Mipits over one hour crossing over the deforested part of Dalton Crags, with also some crossing over at the point of Hutton Roof Common.  Although singles and pairs were coming through, the majority of the passage were 3s and 4s, which instead of coming through tight as they do usually, they were actually quite straggly with slight gaps between them. The majority of the passing birds kept to a reasonable "corridor width" of some 50 yards in the main.

On Sunday last whilst checking out the Farleton side, I managed to get quite close to a singing male Yellowhammer which was in a startling yellow upper plumage, it was certainly on territory and calling with very regular "chink" contact calls which was receiving good response from another close by bird.  The area has had "hammers" present since at least mid January, in fact I am convinced now that most of the Hutton Roof breeding stock have probably overwintered here or near abouts.

Skylarks calling from most sites with good intensity numbers throughout the usual breeding areas.  Still odd pairs passing overhead and soon to be seen to be being escorted through their territories by the birds already on territory.

Nature Notes up to March 10th 2014.

"Daphne Mezereone in full bloom"

Most days last week there have been Skylarks going through mainly to the North, but odd pairs going South or South East. 

Last Saturday March 8th 2014 

I suprised a "Jack Snipe" just above the BAP seat in Lancelot Clark Storth. It flew off startled with a direct in front flight and slight zig zags from side to side before going back to ground about 100 yards further on. 

Also had a pair of noisy Marsh Tits in Pickles Wood.

Today - Monday March 10th 2014 - Hutton Roof Trig Point

The first proper days Meadow Pipit movement to the North with 9 birds (2,2,3,1,1) over a one hour period.  Perhaps a little slow yet but certainly the move has begun.

Green Woodpeckers are presently very noisy with their "yaffling calls".  Must have had at least half a dozen birds calling today on Hutton Roof.  The birds I did actually see where all immature birds with no crimson showing. 

No Skylarks on passage today, but lots of activity with the local birds on territory. 

Will be checking out the Daphne Mazereone on Wednesday next which I am told have now come out into full flower.

Lots of Lesser Celandine now opened up fully.

Nature Notes for week up to 27th February 2014

Over the last two weeks, on most days Skylarks,

have been counted going over, mainly in pairs,

but sometimes in larger parties.

I have watched the Lark named “Sky” and his mate,

Who resides in Dalton on the Crag House side,

Every time a passing Lark or Larks go past,

They fly up with haste and escort them through their territory!

A similar situation you will see with the Mipits when they arrive.

Another thing which certainly has not gone unnoticed,

Is although most of the Skylarks have passed overhead

To the North directions, on three separate occasions now,

I am seeing singles or parties of Larks heading South.

At the top of Lancelot, a large party of  Squabbling male Blackbirds,
which I have took to be migrants. Also had a party of approximately
30 Fieldfare near to Russell Farm at Dalton, they have been around 
there now for a day or two. Expect them to be going back anytime now.

Frogs have been on the move to find their breeding ponds,

There is a annual crossing close to where I live at Glebe Close,

And I try and help them on the way, moving them out of the road,

When I get chance, but even so there are still lots of casualties.

Up to now I have found at least nine large specimens flattened

When I have passed in a morning, and that’s just so far this year.

Sadly for them instead of passing over the small road to their pond,

They just seem to sit there in the middle of the road.

Took some friends to check out the Holly Ferns (27th Feb), and Holly Fern
No.2 has been nibbled off close to the ground, by what I presume
would have been Roe Deer. Nice to see new base fronds starting to appear.

(28th February update) Not now noticing any Meadow Pipits on territory
at Trig Point or crossing over. I wondered perhaps if they have crossed 
further over into Farleton and forming large groups. 

Nature Notes for Saturday February 22nd 2014

Nature Notes for Sat Feb 22^nd 2014

(Dalton Crags to Trig, Lancelot circular)

Starting below the Crags, such lovely song,

Poured out from the uppermost of that birch,

The throstle has started singing for another year.

Yafflers one and later two called out nearby,

Buteo in stealth did glide above, and so close.

Recent coppicing, before you reached the head.

Deforested entered to such a welcome,

So clear a song from dear “Sky” the lark,

Usual place just East to “Line of Trees”,

Then another sung nearby and just as sweet.

Same place two Snipe got up startling “Chrew”

Then further up another Snipe zig zagged away.

Sweet Dunnock calling near the top.

Into Lancelot with Blue Tits scolding, and

Anthills all around for badger or yaffler!,

Windswept Yews leaning to their East,

Jays jostling and screaming blue murder,

Thinking! I love the Roe, but hate their ticks,

A Woodcock, got up so noisy as they do,

Chaffinch passed over and Redwing close. 

Nineteen Trees

                

Woods undressed, foliage bare with intermittent flickering light to stare.

Haunting calls drowned with echo from somewhere close above,

Although you cannot see, beyond the canapé, you know who it is,

It is (buteo-full) buzzard mewing whilst gliding on up tipped wing.

A explosive “chick” so loud to scold, your too close the Pecker told,

Other times he tapped and trapped that sound which echoed all around,

Tree, bark stripped and full of holes, soon to be bedding for the Moles.

Crimson splash to dash of colour so bright to make the sight a delight.

Ant eating “yafflers” not to be outdone, “neighing” rafts of horsy laughs,

Underlating, bobbing, and dipping green with red to a distance fled it lead,

Watching you, do a bunk from the front of that trunk, just like a squirrel hides,
its sides, now you see me now you don’t, take a blink and I am gone in one.

(unfinished 20th Feb 2014)

A Skylark day on Farleton Crags (18th February 2014)

"Limestone natural sculpture on Farleton Fell"

A Skylark day on Farleton Crags

 (18^th February 2014)

Good morning Ceterach, Gud-day Turtle,

Yellowhammer chinks o’er Newbiggin Crags,

His territory for sure, he’s letting them know.

A distant Song Thrush commands the tree top,

Below the gorse, and gorse, and gorse of course!

Singing the song, his awakening song.

Skylark one rises and sings his space,

Further on Skylark two and three are seen 

 to fight and chase along the path, then one goes,

up and up whilst singing sweet to the heavens,

And further on and near the Knott, “thrupping”

through”, a exultation of seven larks to the North.

A quartet of Mipits sang and chased and,

Eventually perched wise on the Tor to my left,

They were taken up with keen focus on Buteo,

Skylark eleven was singing sweet high up to a dot,

Above Holmepark Fell, I marked the spot he did plot,

Whilst two Mistle’s moved on and soon gone.

(Note: A very enjoyable morning, first of all checking out the Ceterach (Rusty Back Fern) behind Whin Yeates, then carrying along the path past the Turtle Stone were a couple of Yellowhammers were "chinking". Then hearing and seeing two separate Song Thrushes singing from the uttermost of their respective trees, one of them from somewhere down in Newbiggin. Then a single Skylark singing from high, then a pair fighting one another, then another one singing from high, then some Meadow Pipits, then another seven Skylarks moving through, then a Buzzard, another Skylark on Holme Park Fell and finally a pair of Mistle Thrush).