"Spikey Head" and the First Early Purples now starting to show...

(Please click over photos to enlarge)
0545hrs-0700hrs: Its Monday again and where are these days going - so fast! Well it had blown a terrible wind yesterday, one of those winds which has produced problems. Certainly done some structural damage up and down as I have already witnessed. But its played havoc with the freshly blooming cherry and apple blossoms, with lots of the flower crop blown off and lying in the roadside gutters, along with branches, twigs scattered everywhere along the country lanes etc.

Chiffchaffs singing this morning were: Vicar, Lee and Storm.

0900hrs-1100hrs: Walk from Plain Quarry to Trig and back.
Both Dalton Chiffs at Plain Quarry where singing both Craig and Craggy, with Craggy singing from way back on the Crag House side (East), never seen so far back before. Also Craig is calling slightly different tones instead of the regular Chiff Chaff, its more a "Tif Tu" sort of call.

I thought whilst at the car park I had a Redstart calling, with the "houwit" followed bya few quietish ticks, but on checking it turned out to be a Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff. Unless of course there was a Redstart somewhere behind the little Warbler!

The Tree Pipits are doing OK, and I am sure the Cuckoo will be appreciating that!
I had the usual pairs at Crag House side (East) also on entering upper Dalton (deforested)a pair immediately to the left (sort of between where the charcoal burners where and the clump of trees at the start on the left side), then a further pair at the "line of trees" on the first bend, then a further pair midway where again the track bends to the left and in the trees there, also a further pair is near the Shrike tree and above.

Cuckoo this morning calling from its normal area across the top, just before the Common starts.

Took a photo of a tree stump full of "Cladonia Lichen" (see photo left, click over to enlarge), which at first I christened "Spikey Head", then I thought of it has a "spikey mushroom perhaps". Also this morning near the Trig I had my first flowering Early Purple Orchid (see photo, and click over photo to enlarge). If you would like to see more of the "Spikey Head" photos, please click here and then select your photo and then move curser to top left corner of photo and then click on zoom for supersize.

Called off on way back at Copse, just after Nineteen Trees, just before you go into Dalton Hamlet and here had about three Blackcaps singing and sure also I had a Garden Warbler, but sadly never got chance to see this one. (Photo within copse is the header here, please click to enlarge)

L. Whitethroats back, and other catch ups.

0615-0800hrs. Chiffchaff Mo calling from within Burton House grounds. Bullfinch carrying food to somewhere behind Hordley House, also Willow Warbler singing from behind the Creamery. Chiff Lee singing from within grounds of Dalton House. A new Blackcap calling from behind Crag House (Vicarage Lane). Also been hearing a Chiffchaff calling from the Old Vicarage now for about three weeks. Took this one to be Archie from Orchard Close, but now wondering if this is another bird altogether, because he does seem to be spending most of his time there, so I have now decided to call him Vicar..

I have also been told this morning that the regular Lesser Whitethroats are back breeding near Burton, along with another Tree Sparrow site and a Redstart.

0930-1030hrs. Walk from Plain Quarry to Trig and return.
Cold and Windy. Did not hear the Cuckoo this morning, but there again it was windy up there and you where struggling to hear anything... Tree Pipits OK, a couple of Meadow Pipits still going through North.

Must soon get down to checking out any Redstarts and still struggling to find anymore Garden Warblers in Dalton.

Been looking along the path for the Hairy Rockcress, but at present not much evidence. I think I recorded it in full bloom last year around the 4-6th of May. So I do hope its going to come through OK, but it was in such a vunerable place on the footpath at Dalton, a footpath regularly traversed by the cattle..

Thanks for reading my blog and have a great weekend.

Cuckoo has arrived in Dalton.

0900hrs - Great to see three House Martins back on territory at Dalton. Also calling was Chiffchaff Dale in the Dalton area. Still so quiet with the Swallows. At Russell Farm, Dalton they normally have about 20-30 breeding birds (which usually produce up to 60/70 birds during a given season, and which normally would have been back long ago by now (eg: around the 7th-10th April) and yet they have still only got four birds back.

0935hrs Dalton (Plain Quarry) to Trig Point on Hutton Roof and return.


I had been kindly informed earlier in the day that the "Cuckoo" had arrived back on the upper Dalton (last years arrival date was May 4th 2011). And before long I could hear it making it's familiar call "Cuc-koo" and it was within a couple hundred yards to where it regular arrives. I soon caught sight of the bird and did manage to get a photo -(although quite distant).

On the way up I had Chiffchaff Craig near the Car Park, and Chiff Henry from far lower down. Willow Warblers throughout, Blackcap just above the Car Park, in fact there are two or three from around this area. Still not seen the re-appearance of the Garden Warbler.

The most beautiful calls and their special "parachuting" displays of our Tree Pipits could be heard and seen, when half way up the Crags to the right hand side. And at all usual points in the Dalton (deforested/upper).

Also Linnets (2) Meadow Pipit (2) and several Redpoll calls going overhead North on passage.

Great also to find out that "Tree Sparrows" are breeding in the Burton area.

A new Garden Warbler in Lancelot

(Yesterday April 24th 2012) Went up Plain Quarry to Trig and then back down to check on the Crags close to the main road side.

Nothing much to report, but "Ground Ivy" flowers are starting to show.

(Back to today April 25th 2012) Could not find Garden Warbler at Dalton today, but did get a new one in Lancelot Clark Storth (Lower section), its more or less where it was last year. Also increased Blackcaps in the same area. Its looks like there is six pairs of Tree Pipits within Dalton. Also 5 singing Chiffchaffs in Dalton. At least 4 singing Blackcaps birds within Dalton and Willow Warblers are probably in the region of 20 singing birds in Dalton.

I noticed the Early Purple Orchids are now well on their way and several where seen just starting in flower at both The Common and Burton Fell.

Great to meet up with Alec and John from Leyland, whom I also met last year whilst looking for the Shrike. We did manage to catch up, share some funny stuff, and get some observations of the odd Tree Pipit..... hope you had a good onward rest of the day at Leighton.

Swallows still in short supply

0545hrs-0700hrs. Chiffchaff Henrietta who has only just arrived in the last few days was singing very strong, at the same place Dalton Lane junction with Nineteen Trees Lane.
0915hrs -1030hrs Had a party of four Swallows passing North overhead at Curwen Wood.
Then Plain Quarry up to Trig and back. On leaving car the new Garden Warbler that came in on Saturday was singing. All the regular, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Tree Pipits where all singing away. And on way back just before coming down to Car Park, the Garden Warbler was still singing, along with two nearby Blackcaps.
A pair of Redpoll came over heading North. Still only a few Swallows returned to breeding grounds. at Green Dragon Farm theres about two back and at Russell Farm, Dalton, theres about 6 or 7 back. Still well under norm...

Northern "Greenland" Wheatear plus other stuff

1000hrs - Did have a Blackcap singing from the borders between Pure Leisure complex and the Pine Lakes complex.

1130hrs - Just after leaving the roundabout on the A6 and heading to Burton on the A6070, within a hundred yards or so at "Tewitfields", there was a dead pheasant in the road. You may say so what, yes I agree, but has I got closer in the car, a Pied Wagtail actually flew off the dead bird to safety in the road margins! I was left wondering whether the bird was actually in the process of collecting perhaps feathers for nest building, or was there another reason!

1230-1400hrs Plain Quarry, Dalton to Trig and return.
A new Willow Warbler recorded quite near to the small copse which Chiff Henry uses.

In relation to Willow Warblers and by now having got some idea to the actual Hutton Roof (West Side) populations, I am not taking any more counts at least for a further two weeks or so, to allow all birds to find their territories, which in turn will later provide more detailed breeding evidence.

Tree Pipits calling from all usual spots including a further singing bird on the Crag House side just over the boundary wall. In the deforested, there were singing birds from the bottom on entry and also at 1/3rd way up on the "line of Trees", there was another singing from the "shrike tree".

The "Northern Greenland Wheatear" (see notes below) have I think now dispersed, after a thorough search. Although I did actually see a Wheatear on the SE side wall, it was only there for literally seconds, and was not able to get any further detail. Obviously this could have been a local breeder, just did not get enough details to form any opinions.

Also had my first for the year "Speckled Wood Butterfly" from within the Beech woods to the East of Dalton.

On way back had two new singing Chiffchaff in Dalton, one just lower down than the Henridding turn off and the other at the corner junction where Dalton Lanes joins "Nineteen Trees Lane".

Now in regards to the Greenland Wheatear, in my past notes I have actually been calling them "Northern" birds when I should have been calling them "Northern Greenland Wheatear" eg: Of the family "leuccorrhoa - leuccorrhoa". And even now I am calling them Northern Greenlands they could even be of the race which breeds in Iceland, but in my judgement I am convinced that the birds "calling in" at Dalton are of this sub-race. I did see them last year and again this year I am seeing them quite regular at the moment. In my opinion these birds are definately not local breeding stock of the "oenanthe" european race.

Perhaps this year in particular the birds may be a little early, but if so it would only be about 5 days or one week earlier than they would be normally be recorded and these April 20+ dates are actually spot on to the dates when I use to observe them on a regular annual basis back down in East Lancashire.

It is a difficult species or sub species to be exact, but I do tend to go from the "actual" behaviour of the N. Greenlands which can be certainly quite different from our "oenanthe" breeding birds. So besides behaviour I also get other ideas from eg: plumage, which can be slightly different, size, stance, and fairly important stuff too like group arrival times and the beaviour as a group. It does take lots of time and patience but well worth it. Its probably not as scientific has most would like, but thats how its always worked for me, and usually seems to be OK.

"In the field with this sub species (leuccorrhoa) there is no dead cert giveaways!!" but lots of possible indicators..

First Garden Warbler has now arrived at Dalton.

0820hrs-1000hrs. Plain Quarry, Dalton to Trig and return.
First Garden Warbler returned and singing away continuously. I would expect at least a further 6 or 7 will come in over the next few days. The Tree Pipits singing in the Crag House side of Dalton Crags. Also a pair singing at the bottom of Dalton (upper/deforested) and another couple present midway up. Probably also a pair at the top. 4 Northern Wheatear again present, these may well be the birds which where present yesterday, because they were very close (within 50 yards)of where they were yesterday. But I have to say that one of the birds stood out very much to be very dusky in plumage, and certainly did not hold the usual magnificence of colour as you would expect in this species. If they were the same birds as yesterday I spent enough time checking them out and would have thought I would have picked up on this particular bird. So this is making me wonder whether they are new birds or had I missed "the dusky one" yesterday.

Whilst stood motionless as you do when your trying to check out the Wheatear. Knowing they just cannot resist checking you out! and its a game of patience but usually reveals how many are about..., but by a stroke of luck two Skylarks came plummeting down, after chasing one another around, and within about 20 yards of me oblivious to my presence and one of the birds started displaying. Its head crest feathers seemed super erect, and its head started bobbing up and down, similar to what you might see in a Common Sandpiper, and alternatively it also start bobbing and dipping its rear end. Something I've never been fortunate to see before.

More "Northern Wheatear" and increased Tree Pipits

0545-0700hrs: Still lots of sentinel Blackbirds singing from on top of their "blossom" trees and the odd Song Thrush in competition from across the road on nearby chimney pots. One's so sweet to the left ear and the other is so sweet to ones right ear.. They are there on most days, well at least in the case of the Blackbird and its always a great pleasure to be able to shout up to them "Good Morning, and how are you this morning". It always suprises me, how when the bird is singing away like this so early in the morning it will let you walk under its tree, as though you was'nt there. But at any other time of the day, its away fleeing your presence with haste!

Had plenty more Willow Warblers on my travels this morning with new calling birds from Hordley House gardens, Dalton Hall area, Crag Bank (Vicarage Rd area) and Church Bank area. Also Chiffs (Victor or Vicky) from back of Crag Bank and also Claw from nearby Clawthorpe Hall.

Just been checking out my dairies and noticed last year that there was a surge of Garden Warblers came in around Good Friday, which was April 22nd last year. So anyday now!

(0900hrs-1115hours) The only Chiff not back yet from last years list was Henry of (Near to Henridding), well guess what! he's arrived and singing merrily away this morning. He probably has been here a while and just gone unnoticed.

Tree Pipit numbers are slightly up again with two birds to the right hand side of the car park (Crag House side), and had five singing in the Dalton (upper/deforested) area. Still to check out another couple of areas where they could well be present.

Another good morning with a further four "Northern Wheatear" arrived (two males and two females) again on the Dalton (upper).

Sky singing happily away with lots of "Swallow" and "Tree Pipits" within her repertoire. Willow Warblers must be at their peak now, I had 22 singing birds (thats just around the Car Park area and Crag House side open area, 7 birds actually within the Crags direct walk up, and the rest to the side of the path going up through the (deforested/upper).

More Tree Pipits and Willow Warblers.

0515hrs. Dawn chorus is going strong but definately phasing out by 0545hrs. Had Chiffchaff "Lee" singing away from somewhere around Thornleigh/Dalton House.
0915hrs-1100hrs. Went through Dalton Crags (Crag House side) and up to top of Crags, then into (upper/deforested) to Trig and a little area on the common, back down to Dalton, and down checking out the (Nineteen Trees) side of Dalton and back.
Had 20 calling Willow Warblers in the Dalton areas. Had another 5 calling to the W & NW sides of the Trig Point (close). On way up had a Swallow but not going North, it had decided to go back South (only temporarily I'm sure!!). Odd Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Redpoll all heading North, and 7 Siskin (2 parties passing over to the East.

The Tree Pipits of Dalton.
"His song is so beautiful, so special,
It blends with, and matches his territory,
So lonesome, singular, descending with,
Such windborn parachuting elegance"
You are truly a great Lark,
Who always returns to his high tree..."
BJY (Apr 15th 2011).

Tree Pipits now up to 5 in Dalton. Resident Chiffchaffs calling eg: (Craig,Craggy and Summer). I had just written in my diary "still no Blackcap near to old summer house" and guess what! the ink had not dried before who should start calling but the Blackcap in question...
Expecting soon the resident Garden Warblers and possibly the Cuckoo!

Smart *** Gets the Whistle! + updates

(0545hrs) The "dawn chorus" is almost finished by this time having gone a little earlier every morning, and all you are hearing by 0545hrs is a finishing off.
(1120hrs) Had a walk from Plain Quarry up to Trig and across "the roof and back".Very windy this morning and pointless trying to listen out for new Warblers. Did have a few Willow Warblers and Craig the Chiffchaff at Plain Quarry but everywhere else everything was quiet, no calling Tree Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Warblers anywhere other than already mentioned. Absolutely quiet... Did find some new sites for 3/4 there "Early Purple Orchids". Also lots of Wood Sorrell showing on the Roof along with hotspots of "primula". God willing, see what tomorrow brings.

SMART *** GETS THE WHISTLE….. (true story)

Smart *** has been seen again on his regular patch at Hutton Roof and guess what? He now has a story about the guy with a whistle, who had lost his wife. So the tale begins about 200 yards away from the Trig Point where Smart *** kept hearing a random loud pitched whistle going off intermittent, from somewhere in the direction of the Trig.

(Smart *** says) “good morning” to a man and women who had three or four dogs, and the couple were passing whilst on the narrow footpath, and wanted to stop and chat with smart ***

(The couple said) “ Well theres a guy up there at the Trig Point and he is very worried because he has lost his wife! He does seem distressed!

(Smart *** says), I thought I could hear distress whistles from way back. O Ek, I’ll dash along and see if there is anything I can do! Bye,

On reaching the Trig Point, there he is, sat down quite casually eating his butties and having a cup of coffee. But he did not seem too distressed, well not yet anyway…..

(Smart *** says), Hello, how are you?

(Man at Trig whos lost is wife says), OK I suppose, but I’ve lost the wife, we did not know which footpath to take, so she took the high road and I took the low, but its ages ago and god only knows where she is.

Smart *** says) I could hear you blowing the distress whistle from way back down there, (then jokingly, smart *** continued)… and I can honestly say it’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone calling in is wife with a whistle!

Smart *** (then back to serious talk, continues) “You know it might be better off if you blow your whistle with six loud intermittent calls, and then folk will take it more serious for a distress call!

(Man at Trig whose lost is wife says) But I don’t have a whistle! , the whistle you must have heard would be that couple who’s just passed with their dogs.

What a “nelly” Smart *** must have felt! Bye the way his wife did eventually turn up.

"Northern Wheatear arrival" plus more Tree Pipits

0800hrs (yesterday - Sun Apr 15th 2012) A Swallow now back on territory at Green Dragon Farm, Burton In Kendal.
1300hrs: Single Swallow over Carnforth Train Station heading North.
1600-1800hrs (yesterday - Sun Apr 15th 2012)
Had a walk around Clawthorpe etc. A unrecorded "Chiffchaff" singing out of Sexton Haigg, also two Chiffs singing from Holme Quarry Nature Reserve, as also recorded last year. And also on the nature reserve was a Blackcap singing. 2 Willow Warblers calling from fields across from Clawthorpe Hamlet, also one as you start to go on to Clawthorpe Fell.

(Back to today - Monday April 16th 2012)
0545-0715hrs. A more subdued early "dawn chorus". Two new Willow Warblers near to the Tanpits at Burton. also one at Hawthorn Bank (Vicarage Lane). Also new Blackcaps singing away at Henridding and also at Pipers Lane (Clawthorpe). A single Swallow flew North over Burton Church at around 0710hrs. Also informed that several breeding Swallows returned to Russell Farm, Dalton over the weekend. Shortly going up Dalton and Hutton Roof, checking out for new arrivals etc. will report back soon.

0900hrs-1200hrs.
A lovely suprise was to see a group of eight confirmed, but could have been more, "Northern Wheatear" which were half way up on the Dalton (upper/deforested). I was watching them for ages, absolutely beautiful plumages, more erect in stance as usual, and perhaps a little larger.

I remember in the 80s, it was always my cue to go and check out the Dotterel sites, because whenever I had parties of "Northern Wheatears", there where on most occasions, accompanied by Trips of Dotterel on passage, this was the case on the Haslingden/Oswaldtwistle Moors, dont know whether or not it happened on Pendle. I dont know whether the situation is the same up here in North Lancs/Cumbria, but can't see why not!!

Also another two singing Tree Pipits have now arrived, this time at the usual place in the Dalton (upper/deforested).
I have also done counts of Willow Warbler arrivals, but from up close to the Trig and also close in to the boundary wall on the East Side. Just in this little area I had 14 singing birds, within 2/300 yards of the Trig. And a further 29 singing birds along the East side boundary wall areas. Thats already totals 43 birds with only a small proportion of the Common as yet counted.

Tree Pipits return to Dalton and more Swallows..

Another Chiffchaff is present in the small copse on the RH side of Dalton Lane, (just before Dalton House) where the footpath on the right hand takes you to Cote Green. This is again a breeder from last year and come back to the same site.

Last couple of days the "dawn chorus" have been more subdued and the lead choristers have gone missing. Also our male from our pair in the garden seems to have been seen far less. But I think what it is, is that the young are now in the nest and he is spending more time flying out to other gardens lawn areas to get small worms and grubs etc for the young birds and he is leaving the easy option fruit in our garden just for his own and the females feed.

A Early frost and a little colder this morning. And so welcome news a couple of Tree Pipits are back to the Crag House side of Plain Quarry Car Park and displaying well. None yet made it back to the Dalton (upper) yet.

Both Chiffchaffs in Dalton could be heard singing, and altogether in the Dalton SE side produced 11 singing Willow Warblers. On the Common near the Trig there was a further two singing, Lancelot and Burton Willows seemed far more subdued in their calling today and instead of their full on "crescendo" call, there was more "hoowhit" contact calls. Even so I did manage to count 9 Willow Warblers in Lancelot and at least 10 birds calling from Burton Fell which did include at least 5 new areas.

Two of the Three Chiffs in Burton Fell were singing away.
Two of the Blackcaps in Lancelot were singing and another new one has moved into another new site which was used last year in Pickles Wood, near to the Cul de Sat (deer gate area), although I am having to reserve confirmation just in case this is one out of the three birds moved from Pickles. Lancelots Chiffs all calling from there fixed territories.

Still odd Meadow Pipits going through including a party of 6N.

1240hrs: A party of 5 Swallow heading North seen over "Whassett" Nr. Milnthorpe.

1600hrs: A pair of Swallows going over Vic Lane, Burton In Kendal towards East.

Walk around Hilderstone and Tarn Lane produced: Two Chiffchaffs - One on railway side near to dogs kennels and another on the Canal side at the bridge Nr. Yealand. Also and Blackcap calling (usual breeder just here), also several Willow Warblers calling from here. Also whilst coming past Morewood School in Burton - Archie the Chiffchaff was singing from one of the front blossom trees.

First Swallow at last!

0535-0700hrs Good sounding "Dawn Chorus".
Been up to Keswick today and had my first Swallow sat on the telegraph wires closeby a farmyard at Whasset Near Milnthorpe.
Old sketch of Swallows but hopefully appropriate.

Now 37 Willow Warblers & 4 Blackcaps.

0545-0700hrs.
Good Dawn chorus. Chiffchaff "Dale" was calling near to Dalton Hall and also Chiffchaff "Claw" was calling from Near Clawthorpe Hall.
0715-0900hrs.
Just a quick walk from Plain Quarry to Trig, Lancelot, Burton Fell, part Lancelot (lower)and back.
At Dalton: Chiffchaffs Craig and Craggy both calling from territory. 4 Willow Warblers present in Lower Dalton. Also 3 calling close to Trig Point. Upper Lancelot numbers have swelled from yesterday to 8 singing birds. Burton Fell numbers swelled to 17 singing birds. Chiffchaffs usual 3 others dispersed. Also in Lower Lancelot a further 3 Willow Warblers (already recorded). Also a further two Blackcap recorded at Pickles (Lancelot) bring the total in this small area now to 3 singing birds. A new Willow Warbler calling from Slape Lane. Also Chiffchaff "Slap" calling from Slape Lane.

Totals today: Willow Warblers: Dalton 5, The Common 3, Lancelot 11, Burton Fell 17, Slape: 1 - Grand Total: 37 birds.

More Willows! and time for Toothwort.......

I am going to have to find time anyday now to check out some of the "Toothwort" sites on the other side of the A6. I have found it at "White Moss/Thrang, Eaves Wood, etc. But I have also been given a old list of sites for this species which I want to check out and record.

0545-0700hrs. A crackin "dawn chorus" as usual. Also Chiffchaff "Mo" was singing away from behind Hordley House (Burton), perhaps nearer to the rear of the Old Creamery. Also early doors, Chiff "Storm" was also singing away behind Russell Farm at Dalton.

0845hrs-1145hrs. Plain Quarry to Trig, then Lancelot, Burton Fell, Lancelot, Storth and back to Dalton.
There had been some good falls of Willow Warblers in the night, on both Lancelot (upper and lower) and also Burton Fell (middle to lower). The arrival count now stands at: Lancelot (14 calling birds) Burton Fell (14 calling birds) and Dalton (3 calling birds) in total to press 31 calling birds.

Most of the established Chiffchaffs were calling. Miss A Note whilst on territory at Pickles in Lancelot called today with her miss a beat eg: Da Dum Chi Chif, chaf Dum chiff chaff etc...

The quantity already arrived is probably near its limits for Lancelot, but I would expect quite a lot more birds yet on upper Burton and for Dalton throughout.

4 New Willow Warblers arrived at Dalton.

0545hrs Good dawn chorus.

0845hrs Decided to check out Dalton proper for warblers. The westerley winds today fairly strong and far too noisy to pick up Warblers in the upper areas so decided to stay in the bottom with Dalton. Other than Craig and Craggy (Chiffchaffs) there was nothing calling from around the Plain Quarry area at first!! (come back). Checked out the East side, and a new Willow Warbler had arrived and singing, right to the far (road side) corner before the fields to Crag House. A possible new Blackcap was calling from near to where the high seat is situated above Plain Quarry. Not sure about this one it could well be "Cap" which I had the other day from the Dalton clearing which is only about 200 yards away. Summer (chiffchaff) was calling from near to the summer house, along with another newcomer quite close. This one has not been in that area before. On arriving back to the clearing area another Willow Warbler was singing quite close to the Hazel sprigs just where the rock clearing is. And then finally before heading down to the car park there was another two singing there, but these where not singing on my outward, so whether they had already arrived and pretty subdued or had they come in over the hour or so I was elsewhere!

Hoowhitt - who dunnit? Still waiting for Willows

0545-0700hrs Light Rain continuous and still at it now at 1138hrs. Still got a great dawn chorus.

0830hrs-1100hrs. Checked all round at the Plain Quarry areas, but still no Willow Warblers, still just the one Blackcap, and no Tree Pipits yet. And the position remains exactly the same in both Burton and Lancelot locations, with the exception of the already definate 4, but probably 5/6 Willow Warblers at upper Burton Fell,which arrived on Good Friday (just out of interest, this site also produced the very first WW's last year in almost the exact spot), plus "Black" the Blackcap, already recorded since Good Friday, "Black" which was again singing well this morning from out of Pickles Wood in Lancelot his long established territory.

By this time last year I'd already had over 30 calling Willow Warblers just from Dalton areas up towards the Trig. Also by now my first Tree Pipit had already arrived. And for me I'm still struggling to get a Swallow, whereby I'd had four already by March 25th. Its as though this year there is a definite "block" somewhere delaying some of the arrivals.

Whilst climbing Dalton (upper) this morning, Sky (the Skylark from over the wall on the Crag House side, whom always comes up everyday as you enter Dalton upper. Well today I had to stop in my tracks to listen to her as she included in her repertoire quick snatches of both "Tree Pipit's" descending crescendo and also part calls of "Alba Wagtail" amongst a multitude of other stuff).

Chiffchaffs now settling down throughout within their usual recognized territories.

No more Willow Warblers yet. 6 at the earlier fall point or nearabouts

1030hrs-1330hrs. Plain Quarry via Dalton Crags to Trig, Burton Fell, Lancelot Clark Storth, Pickles Wood, Storth Wood and back to Dalton Crags.
Chiffchaff Craig was singing well, Chiffchaff Craggy also singing away. Blackcap not back on Whittington side. A possible new Willow Warbler in top of Lancelot, but not too sure it could well be a dispersed bird from the earlier fall and probably some 300 yards away from main fall area. On getting down to Burton there was five separate birds calling from 546778 & 545778, still had not dispersed outside of 50 yards radious, other than maybe the Lancelot bird. Not one of the five Chiffchaffs calling today from Burton Fell. Proceeded into Lancelot from Slape Ln/Curwen Seat "Miss A Note" was singing away and also Clarky from their usual breeding grounds. Lance not singing, unless it had gone well back onto Pickles Wood side, because there was one there singing. Going through Storth, none of the three recorded where singing, but Summer was singing near the Summer House ruins.

So probably no new Willow Warblers and both Blackcaps silent today.

Coal Tits mimic Chiffchaff and Blackcap returned to Dalton.

0615hrs-0730hrs. Patchy and subdued dawn chorus. Lots of group calls from sentinel Collard Doves singing in harmony whilst each sat on the chimney stacks of houses in Burton Close.

Mo has returned overnight and is now singing away from Hordley House gardens. Still no Henry or Victor! all the others back in and on their territories.

0830-1100hours - from Plain Quarry to Trig and back through Lancelot, Storth and return to Dalton. Straight away after leaving car park Chiffchaff Craig was calling from straight in front on the Crags (his normal territory). And then just going through opening into clearing before starting to climb the Crags, I head two more Chiffchaffs singing (new ones I think) or unless one is Craggy, because I have not had him for a few days now. But singing to the far right hand side and also yet another one further down to the LH side on pathway towards Nineteen Trees. Also here just before climbing the Crags a new overnight Blackcap has arrived and singing. Still no Willow Warblers anywhere other than the ones I had yesterday on Burton. Lots of Redpoll present and some moving overhead North. Just two Meadow Pipits North in over one hour. A new Chiffchaff has now arrived near to cowpens in Lancelot, almost same place has last year (545772) also besides "Storm" two more Chiffchaffs have now arrived in Storth Wood, making the full compliment to last year. Right next to a singing Chiffchaff was a singing Coal Tit mimicking the Chiff Chaff sound, and then its friends (other Coal Tits) started to do it also. Never heard that one before, but they were very good and from a distance you could be "mistaken into thinking" - almost!! Also Goldcrest calling from within Storth. Chiffchaff Summer calling from usual spot.

1500hrs. Just put the above light hearted sketch on to represent, "If only visible migration was like that" and the birds actually waved banners as they went past telling you who they were! A wouldnt need to learn the "Jizz" or the flight contact calls and all the other stuff as well!!

The reason I've put this on is that I have just found out about a "plane" site called "skyspy" and after you have downloaded a app, you point your mobile phone towards the plane in the sky and it then tells you on the screen what sort of plane it is and where its from and where its going etc!

I'll stick with what I know, thank you.

Willow Warblers and Blackcap have arrived

0545hrs-0700hrs. Good dawn chorus. Chiffchaff "Pear" had returned overnight and was singing away near Pear Tree Cottage in Dalton Hamlet.

0800hrs - 0930hrs. Plain Quarry to Trig, and return via Burton Fell, Lancelot.
The weather for movement was without doubt the best day for at least 3-4 weeks, cloudy throughout with a Westerley wind of 4-8 mph. Meadow Pipits were definately on the move today and the few I had showed some large parties. I had a total of 52 over one hour approx (under count) and these came through in parties or singles as follows: 4,10,1,8,2,1,4,4,2,9,7. Also again several Redpoll, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Linnet. No Willow Warbler arrivals in Dalton. Without doubt the best areas to actually watch the Mipits come through is to the left side of the gate which goes from the Dalton (upper) on to the Common. Quite close to the new gate been put up for entry from the Common to Lancelot. (SD5547874 and below at 553774 and further below at 552775). This is definately the main flightpath at this side of Hutton Roof.

It was really good news however, with a Willow Warbler overnight fall, with a confirmed 4 birds (with a possibly up to 8) all within about 50 yards of large boulder (top side) in Burton Fell., obviously they had just come in together overnight and had not yet had time to disperse.

4 Chiffchaffs singing away in Burton Fell, and all 3 present in Lancelot including "Miss A Note".
Also had first singing "Blackcap" which came in overnight at Pickles Wood in Lancelot

More Chiffchaffs, but still no Willow Warblers.

0845hrs-1100hrs. Plain Quarry to Trig, then down through Burton Fell, cross from Slape up into Lancelot Clark Storth, then from there down through Storth, and through Dalton Crags back to Plain Quarry.

After parking car, I heard Chiffchaff Craig singing away from just behind car park, also there was some Goldcrest singing away.
13 Fieldfare crossed over to the East through Dalton Crags (upper). 7 Meadow Pipits went North through Dalton (upper)over a period of 1 1/2hours. Very quiet up there no sound from the breeding Mipits around the Trig Point, but lots of sound from nearby Chaffinch with that familiar "sheh,sheh,sheh,sheh,sheh,sheh (called ever so fast) and then finishing off with "Is it you?" also some were doing their "pink" call.

Another Chiffchaff has arrived in Burton Fell, bringing the total now to six there (Bertie, Bunty, Fella, Toby, Bert and the newby Thorn.
Guess what!! "Miss A Note" as returned within Lancelot, taking the total there to three. I noticed when "Miss A Note" started singing it went something like "Chiff Chaff, didoo di chi chi" and then repeated. Crossing over and heading through Storth, it was nice to see that Chiffchaff "Storm" had arrived back overnight to the area directly behind the Dalton hamlet houses. Also on passing "Summer" was giving it plenty in her territory directly at the old Summer house ruin.
Still for me no Swallows yet, and throughout the territories this morning no Willow Warblers.

Last year several Willow Warblers had started arriving by the 4th April, with a considerable fall on 7th April.

Chiffs by Name and update

(If you want to see a higher resolution of the above sketch, please click here.

0545-0715hrs. Been very windy in night and there where twigs and branches on all the roads, lanes, paths etc, along with many upturned plastic dustbins.

The only Chiffchaff I heard this morning was Lee at (Stoneleigh) who was only making the thin "huwhit" contact call. Still waiting for Mo, Henry, Victor and Miss A Note to arrive.

The Dawn Chorus started rather subdued, probably because of the winds etc, but gradually gained pace with every bird around joining in..

More Chiffchaffs back on territory today.

(Tuesday):
0545hrs to 0645hrs.
Absolutely superb "Dawn Chorus" which seemed to go on over a hour and wherever I travelled around the village the chorus seemed to follow. It made me think! just how many Blackbirds have we got around here?

Chiffchaff (Dale) is back near to Dalton Hall, along with a nearby Chiffchaff (Lad), they have obviously arrived overnight. Also Slap is back and heard calling over Slape Lane towards the Vicarage Lane End. Goldcrest calling earlier from Hordley House/Burton House areas.

0730hrs. Another Chiffchaff to report, just in and new one for me to record, this time at Orchard Close and I have called him "Archie".

Late Dawn Chorus and "Claw" arrives.

0515hrs. No "Dawn Chorus", at first and thats unusual. But panic over after the ten minutes delay, obviously caused through the dark clouds present and delaying the light coming through!.

0645hrs. A new Chiffchaff arrived at "Clawthorpe Hall" (near Sunny Glen). This is a new bird to me, certainly not recorded last year and I've already christened him "Claw". Other Chiffchaffs not yet arrived back are: "Mo" (from Mowbray Drive), "Dale" from Dalton Hall, "Victor or Vikky" from Vicarage Lane, and Slap (from Slape Lane).

0845hrs. Had a walk from Plain Quarry up to Trig and back. Chiffchaff (Craig) was calling to the East side of Plain Quarry, also Goldcrest calling from the same area. Also Jay, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (2), Green Woodpeckers (yafflers 2), Alba Wagtail (1), Redpoll (4) plus only 7 Meadow Pipits through over a couple of hours. Even the local breeders where quiet. Still high pressure!. A new Chiffchaff calling from the East side of the Trig in the wooded area just below Ploverlands and near where the Squinancywort is. Looks like the leafage of Angular Solomans Seal is between the grykes about 200yards SSE of the Trig Point. Goldcrest in large conifers in Dalton just below where the Charcoal Burners used to be. Chiffchaff (Summer) has arrived back today and singing away Just behind old Summer House Ruins.

1540hrs approx. Sadly saw a fresh Barn Owl casualty in the hard shoulder approx 1/2 mile Southbound of the Forton Services where just at the back is a water area, eg: a reservoir or lake which is screened with conifers.

Most Chiffchaffs now in, but not "Miss A Note".

Heres my diary notes for today (31st March 2012) Censored version!!

Not a bad morning, with a walk up to the Trig Point via Lancelot to the Common and then back via Burton Fell.

On way up at Vicarage Lane, I was temporarily looking around for Redwing, only to find out it was a super Starling doing its immpression, absolutely excellent....

Meadow Pipits: Still only 23 over a couple of hours, but looking more promising. Did have one party at 6 and another at 4. Lots of Redpoll going through (maybe 20) plus lots feeding up within the Dalton, Lancelot areas. Two Chiffchaffs returned to Lancelot (one still missing and least Five birds returned to Burton Fell.
The Chiffchaff on Lancelot which I've christened " Miss A Note" is still the one thats missing, but I have now checked notes from last year and I never made notes about her until about the 22nd April 2011, so maybe she's not late but just delayed. Here is the 2011 note about her and also the reason why I call her "Miss A Note"

"In the Lancelot count I did notice that one of the Chiffchaffs calls was very different to the usual eg: It did the normal Chiff-Chaff, Chiff-Chaff, a few times as the normal and then would every now and again insert the additional notes of "diddoo diddo" in the same syllabic range as the "Chiff Chaff". I cant say that I have ever heard this before and wondering if its a malfunction rather than the norm" .

Also had Rue Leaved Saxifrage, Dog Violets, Wood Anemone, Water Avens and Bluebells. Bluesbells now showing here and there and would expect that a visit to "Bluebell Wood" could be planned in the next two weeks.

Yellow Star Of Bethlehem

Today was a good dawn chorus yet again. But nothing moving mid morning from Plain Quarry to Trig. Still two Chiffchaffs calling. Only 3 Meadow Pipits moving through in over one hour. 3 Yafflers and 3 GSW's. A few Redpoll about.

A couple of weeks ago I was kindly invited to check out "The Yellow Star Of Bethlehem". I would have estimated there could well have been around the 300 individual flowers of the species. Getting quite rare nowadays.

Chiffchaff & Variant calls - used by others as well.

0545hrs - 0700hrs. I was about to say how quiet it was this morning. Far from quiet with every Blackbird in the village singing along with all its allies.

0915hrs - 1030hrs. From Plain Quarry, Dalton to the Trig Point on Hutton Roof. Another Chiffchaff has arrived at Dalton quite near to the Quarry, so this morning it was one singing to one side (west) and one singing on other side (east). The calls this morning where the usual "chiff, chaff, chitty" . Yesterday it was early afternoon, and the bird present was doing its "huwheet" call. When you do hear this call you do have to hang around a little, because its also the same call as what the "Willow Warbler" may also use. But usually I've noticed that the Willow Warbler does not use the call much until its well into its breeding and then it may use the usual descending syllable call but usually by then (late breeding season) very much broken, or it will use its soft "huwhit" call. Also passage birds going back usually use this "huwhit" call also. Also Chaffinch use it, but to save confusion when the Chaffinch use it, they spoil it by adding other calls with it. Also the Redstart has that similar "huwhit" call.

A few Redpoll going over NW, only about 6 Meadow Pipits, 1 Linnet (presumed local - HR).

1830hrs: 2 Chiffchaffs calling from Thrang/ White Moss Areas also Toothwort this year instead of two sprigs as 9 to press.

Dawn Chorus gets better and better.

0545-0700hrs. Its got to be the best job in the World at this time of year delivering daily newspapers. Every Path, Lane, Street, Cul-de-sac, Road, Hamlet wherever! theres a very special "Dawn Chorus" going on with a mixture of birds singing their little hearts out.

Who's always the frontrunner, who sits so sentinel, every day in that same tree, and its the same in all the other locations as well. Off course its the Blackbird. Not usually, but certainly whilst leading his chorus, he lets you walk under that tree without him bothering one little bit.

What other birds are joining in the most beautiful serenade? I recognize Robins and Dunnocks and Great Tits and Blue Tits and sometimes the competitive Song Thrush.

"Never to be took for granted,
I open up my ears,
To the greatest of sounds I'll ever hear,
To start that day so full of cheer,
That Dawn Chorus so sweet, so dear
Oh so, so, near"

Thank you for another great start to the day....

1230-1430hrs. Just returned from Trig Point on Hutton Roof. This high pressure is definately spoiling it for the bird migration, with only 7 Meadow Pipits over one hour. Hopefully the passage will explode as soon as the high pressure moves on.

Also had my first Dog Violets in Dalton Crags.

Thank you Preston.

It was great to come down to Preston yesterday evening to speak at the Preston Society on the subject of "Visible Bird Migration" over Hutton Roof. I got some fantastic feedback afterwards and would like to say just how "warming" the audience was... Thank you Stephen et al.

(0600-0700hrs) Early light frost this morning, and the "dawn chorus" was just as strong as ever with the Blackbird taking the lead. Never heard any "Chiffchaffs" or other new Warblers this morning as yet.

(0830-0930hrs) Just returned from Dalton Crags and Hutton Roof and the Chiffchaff near to Plain Quarry is singing away, but other than that very little. I had one Redwing calling and going East, but the Meadow Pipits were only trickling through at about 20 per hour.

(1400-1500hrs) Also Chiffchaffs singing at Arnbarrow (Sandside) and another one at Truckhaven Services, just behind Shop.

Further Chiffchaff arrival at Dalton (26th March 2012)

0930 to 1100hrs - A new Chiffchaff has come in overnight at Dalton Crags, (Nr. Plain Car Park). Meadow Pipits nothing up until 1000hrs then only 28 birds North over the hour. Odd Redpoll, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and one Skylark. No Swallows.

First Chiffchaff and Mipits regular.

0645hrs: Thornleigh - Burton In Kendal. Had my first calling Chiffchaff of the year. There was a bird calling from this same spot a day later last year (eg: 25th March 2011), probably the same bird.

0930hrs-1030hrs.
Been up on Hutton Roof via Dalton and the Meadow Pipits are going North with up 40 birds per hour. Still showing mainly in singles and pairs with very few larger parties. This should change in the next day or two with larger parties growing.

Also had: one pair of Linnet to North, and a single bird showing activity close to Trig. I think this may be one of the breeding birds from last year. A couple of albas went through, also some regular Redpoll activity with up to 6 birds during the hour all going North. Also one Skylark to the West.

I would think the Mipits are on target to probably reach their peak by about the 26th to 28th March as is usually the case, and by then would expect to get around the 150 birds per hour at least.

These Pipits have their dates worked out well eg: usual peak dates in Spring = 26th to 28th March approx.
peak dates on return in Autumn - 26th to 28th September approx.

There is also some Mistle Thrush activity on Dalton.

Last year I had four Swallows going over the Trig Point on 25th March 2011, and two of them spent over one hour "hawking" out around the Trig Point area. I wonder if the same will happen this year. Certainly the weather and other conditions are absolutely "perfect".

Stonechats are thin or going undetected, just had the one this year and that was only seen on one morning only, and none since.

Sadly no Great Grey Shrike this year, or at least up to press.

Whooper Swans on the move North.

Already this morning had 5 Whoopers heading in a North direction over Burton In Kendal at 0635hrs. Also I could here Redpolls, Siskins, Goldfinches overhead, obviously on their way back to breeding territories.

Also forgot to mention yesterday, at early doors I did have a couple of Fieldfare near Dalton Hall.

Went up Hutton Roof and had about 50 Meadow Pipits going through N-NE over one hour (0930hrs-1030hrs. Lots of large Bumblebees and my first Ladybird.

Smart *** and his GPS (True Story)

Today at Hutton Roof, saw Meadow Pipits coming through at about 100 plus per hour and at times struggling with the SE winds, and could be seen flying side on.

Out of the wind, I saw 3 Peacock Butterflies. Heard Siskin going over and also there were some Goldfinch parties on HR.

And here's a little sketch:
Smart *** and his GPS
I was at the Trig Point yesterday and caught this conversation between Schoolmaster and Students from Heysham. Together with Smart ***. And this is how the conversation went.

Smart*** said to the students
“What are you doing”?

And one of the students replied
“We’re map reading”,
And the master is setting out some co-ordinates for us to work out using the compass.

So Smart*** pulled out of his pocket a hand held GPS, and went on to say to the Students,
“Never mind all that stuff with the compass, why not use a GPS?”

So then the student replied
“But you get a far better reading from doing it the old way with the compass like we’re doing it”

And Smart*** replied!
“Oh yes I forgot”,
“And did you know that you also get better results from working out sums in your head,
Rather than using a calculator..!

(A true story what happened the other day at the Trig Point. (22nd March 2012)

Still no GGS at HR but Mipits going through

Still no Great Grey Shrike at Dalton or Hutton Roof, but did have on passage over the past couple of days:-

Skylark: One pair head N.
Meadow Pipits: about 20 to 30 heading North. (best a party of 4 most singles or pairs). So still estimated at only 10 birds per hour.
A odd pair of Chaffinch heading N.

No GGS, but did have Goldcrest on HR

Still no Shrike after checking out the last couple of days.
A single Goldcrest was seen in Dalton (upper). I am sure this bird was a migrant. I have never seen them before so far up.
Still really quiet with Mipits, did have about ten over two hours. Also one Skylark. Had some great close ups of Green Woodpecker, with at least 5 yaffling birds in the area.

That most beautiful of grasses "Purple Moor Grass" is showing in several places.

Thats about it for now.

No GGS but Meadow Pipits started coming through.

Checking out Hutton Roof again today, but still no GGS.

Mipits have now started coming through. Even between 2pm and 3pm had a single, then a party of 7, then a party of 4 all going North. So its obvious they are starting to come through now. I noted also that other recorders up and down the Country had started getting them today also.

Just a quick diary catch up....Still no GGS

Still no Great Grey Shrike on Hutton Roof. I have been checking HR out everyday for at least two weeks, yet still no arrival up to today. Mainly I have checked out all Dalton upper, and the Common going East to the scree areas and to the South down the Crags heading towards the rear of Crag House. The only areas escaping daily observation are Lancelot and Burton Fell, which the GGS has been known to occasionally appear. Although I am also checking these areas every other day. It has been noted that a GGS has arrived back near Longridge Fell and been present now there for at least 2 days.

Meadow Pipits still very slow, with just 4 birds passing through over two hours, although there were at least 9 blogging Mipits on Dalton (upper). And of note was a probable 3 pairs setting out territory on the Common quite close to the Trig, and another pair which where already holding territory behind Crag House and showing parachuting displays to ward off other approaching Mipits. Had at least 3 Skylark still going directly through on passage and at least two pairs back on territory and singing.
Also, one Stonechat on the Common, 2 Long Tailed Tits and Green Woodpecker on the Common and a couple of singles overflying Redpoll to the West.

Of note was again Curlew going through calling early on this morning eg: 0615 and again at 06.30hrs whilst flying over Burton in a South South Westerley direction. This compares well with last year when I started to notice calling Curlews coming over with a party of about 20 noisy birds which again were heading in the same direction and on checking the date for comparison it was the March 8th 2011. I wonder if some sort of movement is taking place, but if this is the case why would they be going in a SSW.

Also of much interest for me was to see a party of 10 Linnet crossing over Burton Fell at about 1100hrs in a South direction on 29th February 2012, and then again to see two further parties of Linnet one of 8 and another of 12 which passed over the Common from the Kelker direction with about 20 minutes between at around the noon period on the 2nd March 2012. Still no satisfactory suggestions for why these birds where moving South at this time.

Odd places on HR showing the flower of Rue Leaved Saxifrage, also noted was good 4" diameter leaf rosettes of the "Early Purple Orchid" in various places.

Some stories to post about recent experiences on Hutton Roof over the next couple of days.

Check out my latest Shrike poem called "No Shrikey, No Likey" click here

No Shrikey, No Likey!

(7th March 2012 – In Search of the Great Grey Shrike- Hutton Roof
last years date of arrival was 7th March 2011)

No Shrikey, No Likey!

Give him a chance,
Its very early days yet,
And I bet he’s on the way,
So any day now!

He’ll sit proud on top of that tree
The same tree as last year,
It sticks up high into the sky,
And forks quite near the top,

This is the spot from where he looks down,
Before he swoops to catch his prey,
A vole or lizard or beetle be,
Whichever comes first below that tree.

He has his larder somewhere near,
A spikey Haw or Blackthorn tree,
Where he impales his valued food,
And that’s the “Butcher Bird” for you.

No Birds! and very eerie.....on Hutton Roof today

Hutton Roof was devoid of Birds and very, very eerie!!

Today I can honestly say I have never known it so quiet!
The areas of Upper Dalton and the Trig Point seemed totally devoid of birds.
Absolute silence, peaceful, in fact far too peaceful and very eerie.

There had been a overnight frost, which had cleared early hours, and when
Daylight appeared it was clear skies with just the odd white fluffy cloud.
I would have thought the skies would have been bustling with bird movement,
But no, just nothing, and that’s what went on and on for the next few hours.
Words are difficult here, but certainly, weird, strange, unusual would fit the bill.

Skylarks should be seen on the move, in singles, pairs or little parties,
Meadow Pipits, are regular as well, and heard with their “pseet” calls, but not today.

Not just the overhead movers, but where’s the resident singing Skylarks as well?
Nothing – but why ? they have been back on territory now for a day or two,
Yesterday they could be heard singing their little hearts out.

Up here when all else fails you do expect to hear the Ravens and the Buzzards!
With the Ravens “honking” as they cross and do their aerial summersaults, and
The Buzzards also are teaming up and you never fail to hear their “pee-ew” calls.
But today got none of that either.

I know they don’t like it bright, that’s for sure, the wind was quite calm, with just the odd occasional wind flurry, it was nice and dry and quite warm.
Everything seemed to fit the bill for a good day. But it just did not happen.

When you just don’t understand it and probably never will.
Why not blame the “atmospherics of it all”.

Nature Catch Up Stuff

(above: Rue Leaved Saxifrage found on Hutton Roof, this one was actually behind Crag House on Dalton Crags)
I must have lots of diary entries now things have started to get going again.

Some of my notes include:

Fri Dec 30th 2011 – First Snowdrops – Dalton.

Jan 10th 2012 – 11 Fieldfare in Fields near Dalton.
Tues 10th Jan 2012 – Hedgehog dead in road Nr. Morewood School, Burton. (I have never ever recorded Hedgehogs before about April previously. Also had to move one out of the road on Fri 7th January 2012 at St. James Road, Burton. (So I suppose it presented the question of whether these were actually over wintering or had they just arose from hibernation far too early!!
26th Jan 2012 – Flushed 2 Common Snipe near Dalton Crags. Also flushed 3 C. Snipe on Burton Fell 1st March 2012.

Fri 27th Jan 2012 – Good to see the “White Crow” is still surviving (somewhere on way to Kendal).

3rd February 2012 – At least 30 Redwings at Curwen Wood Nr. Burton.
3rd February 2012 – Tawny Owl flew towards me and just veered off perhaps some 20 ft away, and at the same time a Woodcock was disturbed – In Lancelot Storth – Hutton Roof.
Also did notice a Tawny Owl dead in side of road about 100 yards to the Burton side of Curwen Wood. (about mid February).

First Goldcrest of the year was seen in our garden at Burton on Thr February 9th 2012,

First returning Skylarks and Meadow Pipits for me to record was on 16th February 2012 when I had 2 Skylarks and the odd Mipit coming back over the Trig Point. I have been up on Hutton Roof on most days since and had good numbers of Skylarks going through and also quite a few Mipits, but don’t think the Mipits will start proper until about the 10th March 2012.

From Friday the 24th February 2012 and still going on (4th March 2012). The Frogs have been moving back to their breeding ponds and marshes, and I have recorded them from several areas in and around Burton In Kendal.
About the 25th February 2012 saw the first “primula” for me with a primrose specimen on Hutton Roof, Park Wood side, also seen them in the following days, yet more at Park Wood, and some in full bloom within Holme Park Nature Reserve, Clawthorpe.

Also on the 27th February 2012 recorded the first “Lesser Celandine” at Park Wood, Hutton Roof.
I had 3 Yellowhammers back on territory and singing on Hutton Roof side on 29th February 2012.
2nd March 2012 Had first flowering “Rue Leaved Saxifrage (saxifraga tridactylite) from near to Dalton Crags.
Been out to several areas in Lancashire and Cumbria in search of “Daphne Mezereon” with reasonable success.

Spent quite a lot of time over the last month or two doing footpath maps of the area to include the gps co-ordinances. Coming along but will need lots more time spending on this project.

3rd March 2012. Saw my first sighting of returning Stonechat on Dalton Crags.

Goldcrest now in full song at Clawthorpe on 3rd March and also one this morning (5th March at Vicarage Lane in Burton. During the last couple of days there have also been lots of reports at Heysham and Walney of large falls of returning continental Goldcrest. So I suppose these dates tie in….

5th March 2012 – Don’t really expect the Great Grey Shrike before the 7th March (that was the return date in 2011) and it was the 10th March (return date in 2010). But you never know! So as I bring pen to close, that’s where I am off……..

(And here are a couple of photos: the top one is what I have called the "Frog Stone" again near to Crag House, Dalton. And below is a photo of the "Daphne Mezereone"

Weathers bin horrendous tha nus - Mid October 2011

I forgot to load this one! just found it lying about...... Please click over to enlarge...

Mid October 2011 - Weathers bin horrendous, tha nus.

Weathers bin horrendous, tha nus,
Have been up tu roof last couple of days,
But thas no chance of burds comin thru on migration,
Its bin blewin gales, and it's bin rainin cats and dogs,
Sometimes its been bin foggy, so tha cud'nt see.
**********************************
But that's not just here tha nus,
All Cownty's same, and tuther one as well.
Have bin measuring wind in miles per Are,
Its measured 30 or moor last day or two!
But some want it measured, bowfut style!
Why du tha want it bowfut? Wer not owt at sea!
******************************************
From boots to wellies to go up Slape,
Its muddy now, but wait till maze goes,
Then tha'll sink in it, good un proper.
A doount fancy sinkin in mud aggen,
Glasses r getting steamed up every five minits,
Could do with sum little wipers on front oth them glasses.
******************************************
By the left, when watter comes round here,
It comes alreet, and floods all fields round village,
Like Little Tarns are everyweer,
In it a grand place to bi......
A wudent change it fur Word....

Bryan Yorke (Mid Oct 2011)

More Notes on Migration - Mipits - Early Oct 2011

The Mipits this year offered the best counts I have ever had during my past three years at Hutton Roof.

The first main peak count was on Monday September 26th 2011 – that’s bang on with any expected “peak” date. Over four hours I had 495 birds. And then there was another secondary main “peak” count on Saturday October 1st 2011 of which I counted 541 birds.

But for me the main primary count this year was on Tuesday October 4th 2011, with a count of 1004 birds all heading South to South West. And these included some great parties of, 40,30, lots of 22’s and 20’s etc. I actually got this “higher than normal” count from a area slightly to the SE of my usual watchpoint (Clawthorpe Road) and the area chosen was very close to the vicinity of Kelker Well, the area was recorded as: (SD5591778345).

The reason I chose this area instead of the usual “Clawthorpe Road” watchpoint, is that I could see birds in the far distance crossing over the Kelker Well area in some quantity and so by the time I actually got to the Kelker spot, I had obviously missed lots of birds. The day had very strong winds of a Westerley 25mph gusting to 30mph at times, and then the wind actually swung around to the North West. It was quite noticeable that some of the parties of birds did seem to be coming from in the bottom, having already come from the Newbiggin side of Farleton, but suspicion led to a probability that the bulk of the birds could well have been coming from the direction of the Lupton area. And furthermore it was also suspected that birds could have also been crossing from further over into the next valley which runs from Sedbergh to Kirkby and close to the area of Barbon. Some of the birds did give the impression they may well have come down this routing.

It was clear there was a massive broad movement that morning and the birds seem to meet up and funnel through what I now call “Kelker Gap” (SD5591778345) and sort of climb up and over to follow on in the direction of Trig Point (SD5560477458), and onward to a presumed Littledale/Trough of Bowland onward passage.

I do think that probably why it was so good on that morning was because of the strong Westerley winds, which actually kept the birds down to a low altitude (eg: Max of about 20-75 ft high and which in turn gave good visability to them. If the winds had been more kind I do think they would not have funnelled but gone through in a more direct course at higher altitudes.

"Bus Pass Birders Bus" - the 555

Couldn’t help this folks! I was looking through my old notebook and found this doodling sketch (please click over sketch to enlarge).
It was great to have this vision of the “Bus Pass Birders Bus”, in fact it was the 555 which stops right outside my house in Burton, so how’s that for a service….. with a smile. Well whether it’s a smile from him at the wheel, I’m not so sure, but its certainly a smile from me. 95% of the drivers I get will either give a great welcome “hi”…, and sometimes some have a smile to go with it, and some I find greet you with a just about audible “grunt”, and there are others who are just carrying on giving someone the “silent treatment” maybe from breakfast or maybe to be sociable is not their thing. Nothing wrong with that if that’s the way they want it…But yesterday, and today I choose to be with the happy chappies.

These new buses are great, especially with that bigger than life upstairs front seat panoramic view. And the buses are aptly named after the “pikes” so far I’ve had “Helvelynn”, “Loughrigg” “Langdale” and yesterday it was the mighty “Skiddaw”.

I must remember to take some photos of those buses next time out. Thinking about it others might say, "there goes another blinkin anorak"! so what!, what’s wrong with “another anorak”, some of us were train spotters in the 50s, and it still rubs off, and some of us are also birdwatchers today! And some of us might even be daft enough to go to the same place everyday and count birds flying past.

I did say, for my part Birdwatcher yes! but Twitcher no! Will somebody please tell them the difference. I really do have to smile or there again I might even laugh when someone calls me a “Twitcher”. I guess sometimes I may even resort to the “screwed up face mode” with the extras thrown in of “eyebrows raised high” whilst at the same time trying to smile! how cheesy that must look, eh..!

And I do often think about the “Bus Pass Birders Bus” needing further improvements such as having windscreen wipers and demisters going when its raining.

Keep up the good work “Stagecoach”

More Notes on Migration - Autumn 2011 - Chaffinch and other Finches

More Notes on Migration – Autumn 2011.

Chaffinch and other finches.

Chaffinch this year have been in similar numbers to previous years.

Its always been a mystery to me why the birds seen at Hutton Roof (my watchpoint which is from the watershed summit of the Clawthorpe Road), traverse in a Westerley or alternatively a Easterley direction. At this watchpoint I have never seen this species go in a Southerly direction as you would expect when on autumn migration. Furthermore the same applies to other finch species as well, but there have been odd occasional exceptions where some Linnet and some Goldfinch have gone South Easterley, this could be possible due to the fact they are making wind compensation. It is not a question that all species do this E or W move because in contrast the Meadow Pipit and the Wagtails at this watchpoint always goes strictly in a Southerly direction, just occasionally with slight adjustment to SSW or SSE and probably taking in these adjustments purely for wind compensation.

I do know for a fact that if you were to stand at the bottom of Clawthorpe or on Vicarage Lane, you will see Chaffinch and other finches on migration (in a far lesser degree to HR), and they will be traversing a typical direct Southerly route, which you would expect. This route I have seen coming over Curwen Wood, Russell Farm, Dalton Estate and onward to where I would have presumed was Capernwray and Littledale. I have as yet not checked out the Kirkby Lonsdale, Lupton side. So why on earth would birds wish to traverse that short corridor either East or West as they do? Especially when they have come from the lower plains at both sides of Farleton.

Brambling this year has been poorly represented, with just the odd pair here and there. In the past I have been privy to occasional parties anywhere up to fifteen in number. I don’t think there’s a shortage, its probably a similar situation to the Thrushes this year with their marked absence as yet.

Goldfinch and Siskin have been good this year with many small parties, it is noticeable that the Goldfinch parties mainly cross over to the East or South East side. Odd parties of Siskin have been seen, but mainly they are in singles or pairs coming from the East to West.

Greenfinch, good numbers from October on, they show far later than most of the other Finches, but when they come, they seem to come with vengeance! And good parties can be seen. Equal status to West or East passage.

This year like last year did see small numbers of Twite, nothing to go mad about, but always especially pleased to see this species. In relation to Linnets, odd parties where seen, in fact one party of 32 going West. It has recently become quite noticeable that some of the “silent” finch parties going through West can be of this species. It sometimes can be so hard to hear the slightest of Linnet call and you need the highest degree of concentration with very kind winds and silent background. I have had good records of Redpoll, no high numbers, just the odds or pairs but regular.

Crossbills have been super this year with several noted pairs or small parties. Some have gone West, but the majority seem to have headed in a North East direction.

Hawfinch, not really seen any at the migration watchpoint, but have had them over on the Dalton side, presumed sedentary.

Bullfinch – a definite occasional movement through this area, the best record was a party of five moving East. But regularly seen to come in from the East and alight on nearby trees before spreading out on to the Roof.

Dalton Crags - The Place to Be - Mon Nov 14th 2011

Dalton Crags – The place to be for me to see…. Birds!

Without doubt the place to be for me to see,
Birds! And more birds, was Dalton Crags…
Straight away ten Fieldfares where having their say,
Cackling and chacking between feeding away.
Redwing at least forty where gliding and see-ipping,
Blackbirds four and twenty and the rest,
Sounded annoyed and scolded at their best

Noisy the Greenfinch, trilled with joy,
Whilst softly does it those Siskins ploy,
Explosive ticks of Hawfinch found,
Not one but eight did make that sound,
Noisily they left that beech so bare,
To another North West they did fare.
But back again tomorrow I’m sure,
For three weeks now, they’ve took the bow.

Jay at bay, skulking behind the hazels,
Pecker pecked on lonely trees,
Must make the most for now, without a care,
Cos Shrike’s not here yet, and I’d bet,
If he were he’d have his say,
Worth checking out another day…….

November 14th 2011.

Further Notes on this years Migrations - 2011 - Starlings

Further Notes on this years Migrations – 2011.

(Where’s the Thrushes? – cos the Starlings have made it

Further points of interest, is that the Starlings were about ten days late in their main arrival peak date this year compared to previous years eg: instead of starting usually on or around the 15th October (peak), it turned out this year that the main peak arrival date was 24th October.

From my records I can confirm that the 24th October was the “peak” arrival of Starlings in any quantity, and also that the previous day (23rd) had also shown slight increases of Starling passage. I should also mention that I had been recording small Starling parties coming in from the East to the West from about the 24th September onset and still ongoing to press.

So from this it could be presumed that the birds (Starlings) had made their crossing of the North Sea on the previous days of the 22nd and 23rd October, when obviously conditions had become suitable for this species in particular, but certainly this did not apply to Thrush species or should I say that Thrush species never took any advantage of this weather as the records show minimal vismig of Thrushes, perhaps just a slight increase in Fieldfares.

Another interesting point I would like to make is that on the following day (25th October) it suddenly became very noticeable that there had been a massive increase of birds (Starlings) (approx 6000 in a single ball) coming out of the Leighton Moss roost. Up until this date the birds leaving the roost and which do travel in this direction on a daily basis was almost negligible and certainly the quantitites would be quite limited and hardly noticeable.

So that day (25th) was in fact the first day that a momentus murmuration happened for me, and was so delightfully experienced. All birds head directly East from their roost over Hutton Roof, almost in line with the Clawthorpe Road corridor. It’s a corridor shown by its topography as a sort of dip in the middle separating Farleton side and the Hutton Roof side, in fact it’s the same corridor the finches all take as well. It can be seen from miles away and I suppose it offers the birds a type of “valley” shelter protection, when it is necessary for them to pass against the winds and close to the ground.

Like I have said the day after the peak was the ultimate, when that single ball gushes over and close to your head and seems to go on for maybe a minute or two, yet as the days go on the birds become even thicker in population, they then spread out in width to a situation where they are seen from as far as the eye can see one way, to as far as the eye can see the other way. But obviously the depth is not a ball, but say a 20ft deep lineage view.

So now I wonder!, its become obvious that the Starlings have arrived in full, maybe a little late, but they are here in their full compliment, well at least as far as the Leighton Moss roosting birds are concerned, the estimate records already submitted by various confirms this.

Perhaps I should also add, is that although Starlings are coming through Hutton Roof, East to West on autumn migration, it is certainly in very small parties and I would consider it a very poor migration corridor in relation to this species, and on the evidence so far I would be thinking that perhaps the best East to West migration corridor lies somewhere further to the South of Hutton Roof, within the North Lancashire areas, possibly crossing over the M6 Motorway (southbound) somewhere between the Forton Services and the M55 Blackpool junction, and onward to their chosen roosting areas of Leighton Moss and Marton Mere.

The vismig counts for this morning are:
Sat Nov 12th 2011 - Hutton Roof

0745hrs to 0900hrs - Wind: S5-8mph.

Fieldfare: 7 (of which came in together and then split with 4 going NW and 3 going E.
Redwing: 10 E
Blackbird: 3W (and lots on Hutton Roof and Clawthorpe Lane)
Chaffinch: 58 (some E some W)
Siskin: 2,
Greenfinch: 3 (1E 2W)
Goldfinch 2W,
Yellowhammer: 1E
Meadow Pipit: 2S
Woodpigeon: 14E

Further Notes on this Years Thrush Migrations.

Today on my way up to Hutton Roof, it was very noticeable that there had been a very large fall of Blackbirds in the night, I had over a score just going up the Lane, and there were many more on the roof itself.

The wind spoint things yet again , it was a Easterley and blowing at 20mph+ gust. The only records are: Chaffinch: 8, Greenfinch: 1, Goldfinch 1W, Wren a couple of them scolding me as usual, Fieldfare could be heard but was not seen. Redwing: 5W. and some Common Gulls (18) were going East. Nice to see thousands of Starlings going East having left their Leighton Moss roost.

A follow up to yesterdays notes on this years "Thrush Visible Migration":-

The dates this year where so early, well at least in the special case of the Fieldfare, and reading more into this, that is probably the answer to the “shortfall” question.

I agree the inception would have started prior to the 14th and fortunately for the Thrushes they found a suitable short window on the 13th and the 14th quickly terminated by blocking fronts on the 15th.

Because of this short window I am sure that it was necessary to take advantage for the “bulk” of the Thrushes to use this in what was probably a more so than usual “high concentrated” effort to get through.

Fieldfare numbers where seen to come through on the 14th more or less from first light, which would indicate that they had probably come through (crossed North Sea) on the 13th. The 15th saw a reduction in birds by 50% compared to the previous day 14th, and the 16th and 17th saw yet a further reduction by 50% compared to the 15th and since those dates there has been very little in the way of incoming thrush passage, other than minimal slight upward surge on both the 6th and 7th of November, this slight surge coincided with a change from East to Northerly winds. The birds recorded on these dates where only a eight on the 6th and a tenth on the 7th of the original counts going back to the 14th October.

Another fine example of “bulk birds” on this same day (14th October 2011), but more so in regards to Redwing, was the experience of Martyn Priestley of (Caldene Fields, Bradford, W. Yorks) on the 14th October 2011, recording no less than 3604 Fieldfare, but a exceptional count of 29,371 Redwing. And his comments for that day read:

“An unprecendented watch! With a movement of thrushes I have not witnessed before in all my time of Vis migging! Pre dawn Redwings could be seen were coming in from the N mainly directly over my head due to the low mist. Then around 08.19 light rain moved in this weather system provided a break in cloud cover to the E of Caldene Fields over the East Bierley and Tong area. This window and the light rain brought literally thousands and thousands of Redwings into view including two 4,000+ counts!! Around 0945 till 10.30hrs Fieldfare pushed through again to the S with a single party of over 1000+”.

Also some further notes from Martyn read: “So I am thinking that they were moving above cloudbase and when my window appear + the rain, bingo!”, and yet another further relevant note: Why did no one else get the flood< which I expected. I can only think that as they cleared my window they gained height again with the onset of cloud etc. Because early in the morning I was getting smallish visible parties but overhead calls of unseen birds and suspected they were some above cloudbase or they started to disperse further S. I tend to favour the first option”.


Now then, this example shows what can happen when rainfall enters the equation. He would have had a good count that day like most of us, I am sure, but would he have ever had such a fabulous count but for the welcome “light rain interference”that morning, I doubt it very much. I am sure the light rain had brought the birds down into view from probable earlier unseen high altitude.

The weather this time has so far been sadly dominated by Easterlies! Whereby for me, I associate good “push days” with light Westerlies, and especially light Northerlies, but after saying that, last year the push date for here was on a very light South Easterley, and again that is probably why even last years count was less than half of the 2009 count!!
Obviously it would be very nice to see more birds, and I am sure that more birds will come if we get more favourable windows and the weather goes worse in the Baltics or the Scandinavias, but for me as I see it the bulk of the birds, have already passed by long ago.

Old Wall & Fence? at Deerbolt, Grasmere

Yesterday whilst walking from Grasmere, via Rydal to Ambleside, went through Deerbolt Woods, and then at the gate at the top which brings you to Loughrigg Terrace, the random wall had stones with circular cut-outs above one another to enable fence post to be put in through the holes which would then extend the wall even higher with fixed net wire. This wall looked very old, just like the method of fixing post.

I could not help but think, but why? If you were putting these in whilst building the wall, why would you not build the wall a little higher in the first place! I wonder if it was to preserve stone? (Click over photos to enlarge)