Nature Notes up to April 27th 2014

Beef Cattle being attacked by Jackdaw on Dalton Crags

Sunday 27th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind ENE 12-18mph, 9c, 84% Cloud cover, 17700m vis, 1007mb pressure.

Checked out Dalton Crags (1630hrs to 1730hrs), Willow Warblers and one Chiffchaff singing and I am almost sure I have heard another Garden Warbler down near Plain Quarry, need to spend more time checking out maybe tomorrow. No Tree Pipits calling, and couldn't find any Greenlands today and still no Cuckoo.  

Also a new Redstart calling in Lancelot Clark Storth today  (information thanks to Steve Matthewman (recorder) - Cumbria Wildlife) 

200 Arctic Tern and 9 Black Tern, 19 Wheatear, 6 Tree Pipit NE, 20 Swallow NE, 1 House Martin NE, 20 Meadow Pipit NE over Heysham also one male Whinchat at Ocean Edge plus Blackcaps and Willow Warblers. (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog) 

 25 Meadow Pipits N, 140 Swallows NNE, 55 Sand Martin NNE, 19 House Martins NNE over Aldcliffe (0800-1100hrs) (information sourced from Birding Aldcliffe) 

30 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat and 2 Yellow Wagtails at Walney (information sourced from the Walney Observatory Blog)

7 Wheatear (5m 2f) and 2 Whinchat at Rossall School - plus 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler (information sourced from Fylde Bird Club)

65 Arctic Tern, 3 Black Tern E at Knott End plus 40 Swallow E, 5 Sand Martin E. (information sourced from Fylde Bird Club) 

3 Wheatear and 3 Whinchat at Cockersands (information sourced from Fylde Bird Club)

Wood Warbler all day at Stanley Park, Blackpool (information sourced from Fylde Bird Club)  

One Wryneck at Red Rocks - 2 miles west of Leasowe Lighthouse (information sourced from Leasowe Lighthouse and Wirral Birding)  also 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 16 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 3 Grasshopper Warblers.

Osprey over Bidston Golf Course - Dee Birding (information sourced from Dee Birding)

37 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whinchat at Bardsey Observatory plus 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 11 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaffs, 13 Willow Warbler, 52 Swallow, 24 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory website)

3 Arctic Terns at Lower Foulridge Reservoir Nr. Colne - ELOC (information sourced from the East Lancs Ornithological Club)

390 Sand Martin N, 200 Swallow N and 15 House Martin N over Bury Area (Greater Manchester) plus 2 flava Wagtail (information sourced from Trektellen) 


Saturday 26th April 2014

(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind SE 14-26mph, 8c, 88% Cloud cover, 12200m vis, 1002mb pressure)

Dalton Crags 1500 - 1600hrs - "More Greenlands" Another three Greenland Wheatear noted on walls near gully area.  Also single Swallow heading North. All the usual Warblers singing away. Again another day with no Tree Pipits calling. A single Brimstone Butterfly along with a Green Veined White and a Peacock. Lots of Primrose showing on the lower crags.

Action for Swifts (click here)

Single Swift seen this morning heading East at 0955hrs at Bare, Morecambe (information sourced from Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society website)

Ten Wheatear - Ocean Edge - Heysham (information sourced from the Heysham Observatory Blog 

Two Whinchat and Five Wheatear and two Sedge Warblers at Aldcliffe plus a few NE bound Swallows and Meadow Pipits (information sourced from Birding Aldcliffe Blog) 

4 Wheatear at Rossall School, also Grasshopper Warblers and Lesser Whitethroats at Bispham Marsh and Warton Bank - Fylde Bird Club (information sourced from the Fylde Bird Club website) 


15 Wheatear, 12 Yellow Wagtail, plus a rare "Channel Wagtail" (Motacilla flava flava xflavissimo) 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat at Leasowe Lighthouse plus 3 Garden Warbler and numerous Blackcap, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff (information sourced from the Leasowe Lighthouse Blog)

1 Cuckoo at Stocks Reservoir (been there several days) - ELOC (information sourced from the East Lancs Ornithologist)

Also a Swift seen going North at Hay-A-Park, Knaresborough (information sourced from Trektellen) 

Friday 25th April 2014
(Forecast: 0700hrs Wind ENE 7-12mph, 7c, 40% Cloud cover, 20000m vis, 1021mb pressure).

21 Wheatear, 4 Meadow Pipits at Heysham - and 7 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers on Middleton. (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog) 

One Cuckoo, 12 Wheatear at Aldcliffe - plus 1 Meadow Pipit N, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, and Redpoll and Siskins North. (information sourced from Birding Aldcliffe Blog) 

Also One Cuckoo noted in the Langden Valley (information sourced from the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society Website) 

2 Whinchat, 22 Wheatear at Leasowe Lighthouse plus 2 Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff. With 25 House Martin flying over (information sourced from Leasowe Lighthouse Blog) 

46 Wheatear, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Yellowhammer at Bardsey - plus 38 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 14 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 16 Chiffchaffs, 16 Willow Warblers, 3 Siskin and 7 Goldfinch (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory) 

25 Wheatear (majority presumed Greenlands), 5 flava Wags, 4 Tree Pipits and their first of the year Whinchat at Hilbre Observatory - plus 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 50 Willow Warblers, few Chiffchaffs, 2 Redstart, 1 Garden Warbler. (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blog) 

This is a sketch I did last year of the Greenland Wheatear at Dalton - April 23rd 2013 - click over to enlarge

 Thursday 24th April 2014
0930 to 1000hrs - Checked out the canal area yesterday to see if there were anymore Greenlands, but they were none showing today.  However it was worth while because I did have a "Tree Sparrow" on hedgerow of orchard at property on side of canal, quite close to Bridge No.148.

1530 to 1700hrs - Checked out Dalton Crags and was pleased to find 8 Greenland Wheatear near to the Gully area in the deforested part. Two Tree Pipits in part song, but most of them had gone quiet or moved on. Lots and lots of Willow Warblers in Song. The odd Blackcap and Chiffchaff calling. 

Never seen so many "Dog Violets" a really good year so far for this species, also seen Orange Tips, Peacocks and more Speckled Wood Butterflies.  

15 Meadow Pipits 2 Redpoll and 10 Swallow over Heysham Observatory (information sourced from the Heysham Observatory Blog) 

10 Wheatear and 4 Whinchat and 2 Redstart at Aldcliffe - (information sourced from the Birding Aldcliffe Blog)

76 Wheatear, 34 Willow Warbler, 10 Blackcap at Walney - plus 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 1 late Fieldfare, plus Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, etc. (information sourced from the Walney Observatory Blog)

1 Redstart, 22 Wheatear, 46 Swallows over Bardsey Observatory (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog)

1 Osprey (fifth of the year), 25 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 25 Greenland Wheatear, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Hilbre Observatory. (information sourced from the Hilbre Observatory Blog) 

21 Wheatear, 2 Winchat, 1 Stonechat, 5 Grasshopper Warbler over Leasowe Lighthouse plus 50 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins flying East, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redstart. (information sourced from the Lighthouse and Wirral Birding Blog) 

 1 Osprey over Little Eye - Dee Estuary (information sourced from Dee Estuary Birding website) 

1 Cuckoo and 122 Wheatear (record) for Winter Hill, Nr. Bolton (information sourced through Trektellen) 


Wednesday 23rd April 2014 
(Forecast: 1000hrs - Wind SE 10-16mph 10c, 83% Cloud cover, 18600m visibility, 1014mb pressure)

Canal walk from Holme to Burton In Kendal 0900hrs to 1030hrs.
Several of the regular Chiffchaffs, a couple of Blackcaps and the odd Willow Warbler calling from all of the regular spots.  But most interesting to find a couple of adjoining sloping fields which borders the Canal from its East side, which had at least 8 Greenland Wheatear present and there could well have been more.  The field was also occupied by a couple of horses and several geese and is almost opposite the Holme Mills Lodge which lies below on the opposite and West side of the canal.  The field lies between the bridges No.146 and No.147 and a rough guide to the spot (marked from the side of the Canal was SD5261178018).
Also had three singleton Swallows making their way North whilst chattering.

Also in the small copse areas adjoining the side of the canal (near the old Station Pub) there were several clusters of Early Purple Orchids in full flower.

I managed to get a reading for the Ceterach (Rusty Back Fern) on the surrounding wall of the Holme Parish Church which has two separate rosettes (SD5239478859)

Covering the same ground along the Canal from Burton to Holme at 1430hrs.

No signs of Greenland Wheatear, they probably will have moved back to the fields beyond or moved on.
Most of the same stuff about, but one to add was a Whitethroat near to the old Station Pub End of the Canal.  

18 Meadow Pipits and 4 Tree Pipits over Heysham Observatory -plus 6 Alba Wagtails NE, 25 Swallows, 14 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler. (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog) 

7 Blackcap, 3 Redstart, 1 Ring Ouzel at Leasowe Lighthouse - plus 50 Willow Warblers, 17 Chiffchaffs, 5 Wheatear, 12 Yellow Wagtail, plus Grasshopper, Sedge and Reed Warblers. (information sourced from Leasowe Lighthouse Blog) 

Large falls of Wheatear all week with most indications that they are likely to be "Greenlands" (O.o.leucorrhoa). Later reports also state that massive falls of Wheatear have been recorded on the West Coast today...

Just a interesting short piece from Calderdale Birds: At the court

Judge: Young man, it says here you shot and killed a California Condor. How do you plead?

Defendant: Guilty your honour.

Judge: GUILTY!? Don't you know how endangered these condors are? There are hardly any left at all.

Defendant: Yes sir, I know, but I had to feed my family, we're so poor.

Judge: That's no excuse. I fine you 30 days in jail. By the way, what does California Condor taste like?

Defendant: It's real good your honour, kinda like a cross between Bald Eagle and Whooping Crane!

 

Tuesday 22nd April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs - Wind East 13-20mph, 11c, 79% Cloud cover, 17600m visibility, 1007mb pressure)

Whinchats seem to be on the move

Small party of Wheatear, a male Whinchat and a Grasshopper Warbler approaching Allen Pool Car Park (information sourced from David Talbot - Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society)

4 Meadow Pipits NE, 1 Tree Pipit NE, 92 Swallows, 17 albas NE over Heysham - also 30 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, a male Whinchat.  (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog).

15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Common Whitethroat, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Wheatear at Aldcliffe today - plus 20 Siskin, 150 Swallows, 18 Sand Martin and 3 House Martin (information sourced from the Birding Aldcliffe Blogsite)

Arctic Terns and Skuas are moving through

A single Whinchat and 58 Wheatear and 12 Willow Warblers over Walney 
(information sourced from the Walney Observatory Blogsite)   

One Tree Pipit, 66 Wheatears, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat over Bardsey Observatory - also 1 Whitethroat, 22 Blackcaps, 58 Willow Warblers, 27 Chiffchaffs, 83 Swallows (heading Southward thought to be heading to Ireland) - (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory) 

3 Redstart, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Whitethroat,  450 Swallows, 85 House and 59 Sand Martins at Hilbre Observatory (information sourced from Hilbre Observatory Blogspot)

30 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 5 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, Sedge Warbler and 4 Reed Warblers, 15 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Leasowe Lighthouse plus 250 Swallow, 100 House Martins and 68 Sand Martin.

One Cuckoo returned at Luddenden Dean (information sourced from Calderbirds. Blogspot) 

First Whinchat at Spurn  (information sourced from Spurn Observatory)

Monday 21st April 2014 

0900-1100hrs Dalton Crags - 

At least another Tree Pipit arrived back plus more Willow Warblers present. Two Chiffchaffs now calling from near the Summer House. (one I take to be Summer plus maybe a offspring).  Also the Swallow count at Russell Farm is up to seven birds.  Had a party of five House Martins feeding there as well.

Also whilst passing through the Dalton hamlet I had: Peacock, first Orange Tip, a early Wall Brown, a pair of dancing Speckled Wood Butterflies. 


Osprey over Heysham North Wall 1125hrs also Arctic Terns (6) and one Arctic Skua (dark phase), several Willow Warblers, 3 Whitethroat, One Redstart, One Grasshopper Warbler, trickles of hirundines and Meadow Pipits, (information sourced from Lancaster 

63 Meadow Pipits NE, 4 Tree Pipits NE, 223 Swallow NE and 40 Wheatears at Fleetwood Observatory - plus 2 Redstart, 65 Willow Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 51 Sand Martin NE, 4 House Martin NE, 3 Yellow Wagtails E, 26 Albas NE, also Sedge, Grasshopper Warblers. (information sourced from Fleetwood Observatory) 

One Cuckoo and 59 Wheatear on Bardsey - plus, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, 36 Willow Warblers, 12 Sand Martin, 48 Swallow, 3 House Martins. (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory website)

1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, 5 Lesser Whitethroats at Leasowe Lighthouse - plus 7 Blackcap, 5 Redstart, 20 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, 30 Willow Warblers,20 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin and oneHouse Martin. (information sourced from Lighthouse and Wirral Birding) 

4 Grasshopper Warbler, 50 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and Two Tree Pipit at Dee Estuary (several sites) plus 2 Redstart  (information sourced from Dee Estuary Birding Website)                                     

Sunday 20th April 2014

89 Wheatear (mainly Greenlands) and One Red Kite over Bardsey.  also Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail. (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog).

1 Osprey 1630hrs over Cockersands/Middleton (information sourced from Lancaster and District Birdwatching website)

Saturday 19th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind: ESE 9mph, 7c, 40% Cloud cover, Visibility 20000m 1021mb pressure

0930hrs-1030hrs Dalton Crags - Another Tree Pipit returned to the top section of Dalton Crags (deforested). Counted about 8 Willow Warblers singing and the odd Blackcap. 

1 Yellow Wagtail, 37 Meadow Pipits NE over Heysham (0700hrs-1000hrs) - plus 35 Lesser Redpoll NE, 11 Alba Wagtail NE, 8 Swallow NE, 6 Linnet NE, also 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warbler (information sourced through Heysham Observatory Blog)  

12 Meadow Pipits, 6 Redpoll, 4 Sand Martins (North) and 2 Swallows (East) over Aldcliffe - plus Common Whitethroat, 4-5 Lesser Whitethroat, 6-7 territorial Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, and 2 Chiffchaffs. (information sourced by Dan at Birding Aldcliffe) 

1 Yellow Wagtail and 5 Grasshopper Warblers over Dee Estuary. (information sourced through Dee Estuary website)

74 Wheatears, 1 Tree Pipit and first Yellow Wagtail over Bardsey - plus 19 White Wagtails, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 37 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs, 13 Blackcaps (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog)

One Osprey at 1240hrs and one Red Kite at 1700hrs over Heron Corn Mill at Beetham (information sourced from Jon Carter via Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society website) 

Good Friday 18th April 2014
(Forecast: 1000hrs Wind: ESE 6-7mph, 7c, 20% Cloud cover, Visibility 20000m, 1023mb pressure

Herb Paris in Pickles Wood

Two Garden Warblers have arrived on Burton Fell. Checked out from Vicarage Lane, Burton up Slape Lane and into parts of Lancelot Clark Storth and then a sweep of Burton Fell (0900hrs - 1130hrs)

First a new Blackcap calling from about 20 yards across from our back garden somewhere near Orchard Close. Goldcrest calling from conifers in Old Vicarage on Vicarage Lane. A new Blackcap singing from Browside. Another Blackcap near to crossroad (gates) on Slape Lane. Another Blackcap calling from Pickles Wood.  Also another calling in Ramsons Wood. (all these are fresh in or previously not recorded). It certainly seems a good year for Blackcap so far!

View today from Burton Fell - Spot the Rape Seed

Fresh in was a Garden Warbler calling from near the Plinth at the bottom of Burton Fell, and then another one was heard about 200 yards away and near to the boundary wall with Lancelot. 

A count of 17 singing Willow Warblers were recorded in Burton Fell and a further 3 in Lancelot Clark Storth, bringing the total there to press to 15 singing birds. Also a new Chiffchaff singing close to the Plinth at the bottom of Burton Fell.

Two Swallows chasing one another in play but also in haste making their way through to the North West. 

Birds Foot Sedge in Lancelot

One Long Tailed Tit present in Burton Fell, maybe some 200 yards to the West of the Spring in Lancelot. Lots of calling Nuthatches giving off the Trill breeding call plus several variant calls as well. Also a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers could be heard.

Lots of Peacock Butterflies, Bluebells are coming through and not far away from opening up, Ramsons are only a week away from opening. Lots of Ladybirds seen on the nettles. Garlic Mustard is showing on Slape along with Wood Anemone.  The mega rare Birds Foot Sedge (carex ornithopoda) is showing well (see attached photo). Also the Herb Paris is well on its way. 

9 Meadow Pipits NE plus finches over Heysham today - also 8 Redpoll NE, 15 Goldfinch NE, plus 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and one Common Redstart. (information sourced from Heysham Observatory Blog)  

108 Greenland Wheatear, 161 Swallows at Bardsey (1230-1330hrs) - Also 45 Sand Martin and 7 House Martin. (information sourced from Bardsey Observatory Blog) 

1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat etc in the Dee Estuary - plus 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Grasshopper Warblers, 14 Wheatear (information sourced from Dee Estuary Blog) 

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.