Toothwort and Herb Paris in Silverdale

0930hrs-1130hrs.
Checked out Toothwort and Herb Paris near to White Moss/Thrang areas (Nr. Hale). The Toothwort is now well past its best, but noted this year instead of the normal two flower sprigs which has been the normal, there is now ten.
Also found several small Herb Paris colonies within a small woodland in the same area and had 577 individual plants in five areas, OK some of the plants were immatures and dont expect flowering this year, but there were certainly over 450 matured flowering plants. There is also another three sites closeby with this species, but for today had to rush off, because I set my stall out to find some old "Toothwort" colony within Eaves Wood.

On my way to Eaves Wood, called of to check out the Silverdale "Ladys Slipper Orchid" which is in mature leafage, but not yet starting to flower, which I would expect perhaps over the next two weeks.

At Eaves Wood had walk right up to Pepperpot, on way up found the Toothwort colony from 2010 which then had ten sprigs, this year could only see three, but by now past its best and being encroached with some ground forming Yellow Pimpernel ground leafage, so there could have been more sprigs beneath this.

Just about 100 yards further on and I found another toothwort colony, this time with a minimum of 22 separate sprigs. Well pleased with this.

Also very tame Marsh Tits, where coming down right at my side without worries, also lots more further up the route. Also Goldcrest heard singing.

Lesser Whitethroats and Greenland Wheatears

0630hrs Chiff Claw was singing away from Sunny Glen, Clawthorpe.

0800 – 1230hrs Plain Quarry via Dalton to Common, Lancelot, Burton, Lancelot, Storth and back to Plain.

I checked out the same area as yesterday in particular for snails and never had one! I can only presume it was because maybe it was still a little nippy from the early morning frost.
Both Plain Quarry Chiffs, Craig and Craggy were calling, but like the others far less these days.
In the clearing just before the crag their was a Blackcap, a couple of Willow Warblers, and also a Redpoll calling. And whilst going up through the crags, I had a further four Willow Warblers singing, a Garden Warbler and also another (new) Blackcap at the top of the Crags.
Going into Dalton (upper or deforested) I was met instantly by Sky singing his little heart out, and a couple of Willow Warblers to the left hand side.
Just on approaching the “line of trees” in the lower section I had a female Greenland Wheatear, and this was followed by a further five birds on the area I call the “Wheatear Plain”. One of these additional birds was a definite male, with very light slate grey plumage, whilst the others yet again had the more olive green backs and although the orange bib shows on some of them, it did not on others and this was replaced on the others with a black spot! All birds were very much upright in their stance. Whilst observing these my attention was taken by a (new) calling Lesser Whitethroat, which again was calling from the “line of trees”. On closer investigation, I also had another one singing as well, so two new birds.
A party of five calling Linnets flew overhead NE. Tree Pipits were calling from several points on Dalton (upper). The regular Cuckoo was seen flying from tree to tree, as usual when it settled it always has the “dangling” primaries.

Crossing over into Lancelot, I had lots of Early Purple Orchids, and did manage to collate the co-ordinances for most of them. The same was also carried out in both Burton Fell and also a few further down in Lancelot (lower). I had a further seven calling Willow Warblers in the top section of Lancelot.

Crossing over into Burton Fell, I had ten calling Willow Warblers throughout, also a new Garden Warbler, a Blackcap, a Linnet and a Mistle Thrush. At the big stone I had what I thought perhaps another new Garden Warbler, but just did not have the time spare to check out thoroughly.

Crossed back lower down into Lancelot (lower), and here besides the many Early Purple Orchids, also had the Red stems and leafage of the “Cow Wheat” which was well formed and now looks like theres going to be another superb local colony of this rarer species. Also Lily of the Valley and Angular Solomons Seal doing well. Two very small colonies of the rare Alpine Lady’s Mantle.
The birds in this area of Lancelot included two of the three Chiffs, eg: Miss A Note and Clarky were singing, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps and one Sparrowhawk. Also had a male Orange Tip Butterfly, and a couple of Peacocks and one Green Veined White.

Leaving Lancelot and headed back via Storth Woods in Dalton, had again two of the three Chiffs singing eg: Storm, and Stor, At least two Willow Warblers, three Blackcaps, one Garden Warbler. Also first Eyebright flowers today, and also some Bugle.

Also had a further two Willow Warblers and Chiff Summer singing from near the old summer house ruins.

Snails seemed to be everywhere.

(Diary page censored in part) ...
0800-1000hrs. Busy day today, just got time to have a quick look around Plain Quarry at Dalton. The Fairy Foxglove is showing well now (see photo below). I could actually hear the Cuckoo right down here, so guessed he may have been close to the Dalton Crag (lower boundary). Also lots of plants now showing: eg Garlic Mustard, Purple Vetch, Ladies Mantle, Ribwort Plaintain, Silverweed, Large Cowslip colony, Small Trefoil, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Hawkweed etc etc.
But the striking thing this morning was the amount of snails about, there where certainly hundreds. It was difficult walking, like playing hopscotch, but more gentile! I checked and they seemed to be of two of the commoner species eg: The larger snail (the one in the photo immediately below was the "Common Garden Snail" (Helix aspersa) and the other two were probably of the same species known as "The White Lipped Snail" (Cepaca hortensis) these are shown in the 2nd (Yellow colour) and 3rd (the banded) photos below.

Early Purple Orchids including a very light one

(0545-0700hrs) Early doors, It was very clear blue skies with little to no cloud, but this seem to deteriate and go into mixed cloud almost from the off. Did have Chiffs Claw and Archie having a good sing song.

(0900-1200hrs) Had a walk up through Dalton to the Common and then through into Crag Field SSE to find and count the numerous clusters of Early Purple Orchids. But first went to have yet another look around for the missing "Hairy Rockcress" and sure enough it definately is down to the one cluster over about a 10ft linear measure, and this includes at least 29 flowers.

The EPO's have done well and are throughout Dalton and Hutton Roof in general. But today I decided to go and check some clusters I had seen on the East side of Dalton (upper) and over the wall into the high limestone craggy field of Crag House (upper) to my SSE. Here I counted several large clusters with one of 125 and another of 100, but the total I had throughout was 537 individual flowers. I have taken some photos of them above, and note the variations, especially the top two photos, this is obviously a variant, which is well short of the pigmentation to the flower in general including very few spots to the leafage.

On way back through East side of Dalton, I noticed that at long last the Blackcap (or another) from the spot we had last year down in the corner (road side) had arrived back and singing so strong and clear, although there where a powerful noisy wind today, I could still hear him singing from about 300 yards away. Certainly outclassing any other nearby birds.

All Tree Pipits present and correct, but only 3 or 4 of them singing today. Most of the birds in general where quiet today, maybe the strong noisy high winds had something to do with it.

Hairy Rockcress and recent Catch-ups.

Wednesday 9th May 2012 (0545hrs-0700hrs) Chiffs Lee, Storm and Claw singing away this morning.

Found yet another two dead bumblebees which where not road casualties.

0900hrs -1100hrs Plain Quarry to Dalton East Side and return to West side near to Nineteen Trees and return.

Early Purple Orchids found at the top of the old Plain Quarry. Also first clump of Tormentil. Blackcaps singing away along with "Chiff Craggy" which today is on the East side and singing very much like "Miss A Note". Barren Strawberry seems to be everywhere.

Another Sloworm, this time on the East side not long after going over the stile at the Car Park - Only about 12" long very sandy colour, pure dorment and getting the sun. Not for moving off. I just couldnt help thinking of how if situation was like this but in India, the serpant eagles would have it straight away.

Another couple of beautiful Garden Warblers in full songs within Dalton Crags and yet another couple of Blackcaps. A Peacock butterfly.

Thursday 10th May 2012. Heavy rain continually throughout the day.

Friday 11th May 2012. Reliably told earlier that day that two Wheatears were present in Dalton Upper, made my mind up to go and check them out late which I did.

(1400hrs-1600hrs) Plain to Common boundary and return. Very quiet on the bird scene at this time of the day with very little singing, perhaps throughout only the odd couple of Willow Warblers.
By 1430 found the two Wheatear which I am sure would have been from the Greenland race (leuchorrhoa), but what was so clear to me on these two birds, was that they did not have the overhall brownish colour you tend to associate with the female, but more of a "olive greenish type" of plumage to their backs and primaries, but certainly not the usual slate grey colour of the regular males you tend to see.

Noticed just looking over the boundary wall to the SSE (Crag House side) that there were several large clusters of "Early Purple Orchids" which I will try and make time in the next few days to go and do a full count of them.

Saturday 12th May 2012. Plain Quarry to Trig and return.
(0830hrs-1015hrs)
First job was to check out the rare "Hairy Rockcress" (see photo above) which I found last year in Dalton Crags. There were two separate colonies last year, but this is now down to one and it contained approx 23 separate flowers. Brilliant but always vunerable as it is straight in the middle of the footpath. Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers singing away, including both Chiffchaffs Craig and Craggy. Even the little Dunnocks sounded off so special this morning with the most beautiful serenading songs. Another Bullfinch party "piping" away in Dalton lower crags.
The Tree Pipits in upper Dalton where singing and displaying and both "line of trees" and "most upper".
I did also find another couple of Wheatears, they could well have been the ones from yesterday, but if so, one of them had well separated its territory from the other, one very dusky bird being seen quite low down in Dalton upper at the "line of trees", whilst the other was at the far top end right hand corner, similar to where they were seen yesterday.

Cuckoo was again calling today in the usual places, and I watched it flying across upper Dalton, and clearly seen calling "Cuckoo" whilst also in mid flight.

Burton-In-Kendals "Chiffchaffs" 2012

This year, similar to last year has been superb for "Chiffchaffs", and all known (by me) territories have again been filled, with even more surplus birds taking up new territories. For my ease of recording, I decided this year to "christen" all the birds with names, according to their individual geographical areas in and around the village or other recognizable and familiar factors. Obviously from time to time there has been overlap of territory and birds going on move abouts, but all in all I think this map gives a fair indication to the Status of the breeding Chiffchaff within the Burton In Kendal areas. By the way for obvious reasons! I have not given names to the Willow Warblers of Burton, which probably outweigh their cousins by some ten to one!!.

A Parliament of Tawny Owls

A Parliament of Tawny Owls by Bryan Yorke - 10th May 2012
(Inspired by the "English Limes" which to me looked like they had Tawny Owls at the top looking down)

How many Tawnies do I see
All staring down at me
So many, like I've never seen,
perched high along that tree.

Thirty five, I've counted sir,
And that is just one row,
It is a Parliament debate,
Whats going on up there.

They say that "wisdom" is the key,
To what the owl says will be,
He will have thought both long and hard,
Before decisions are reached.

They’re going to vote,
By hoot or screech,
And late the hour will be,
He will have got the answer right!
From him,

Night night, night night……

Beetham to the Fairy Steps

Beetham to the Fairy Steps
(by Bryan Yorke 9th May 2012)

By Wheatsheaf, and Ashton houses fair,
I make my way to the Fairy Stair.
The Church Bells tolls to mark the hour,
From its gracious upright heavenly tower.

The stiles are slim, of limestone built,
From old Westmorland, and with a tilt.
I have to turn upon my side,
To negotiate less wide.

I can hear the birds with chorus strong,
And always led by the Blackbird song,
Along with Robin and Warbler too,
And also the dove with distant coo.

So tall and slim these upright birch,
But with that wind do sway and lurch,
Flowers are also closeby ones feet,
Like Bugle, Violet, and other treat.

And now I’ve reached my open spot,
Where to my left I see the “Knott”,
A glimmer and shimmer across the sands,
Where wanders Kent and Bela’s lands.

And just below, the Fairy Steps,
So narrow and steep to reach its depths,
I know I must not touch their sides,
If I am to see where the Fairy resides.

(Inspired by yesterday evenings walk)

A New Lesser Whitethroat at Dalton.

0545hrs-0700hrs. Heavy rain during the night, but fine here for now. Two Chiffs singing this morning, Dale and Claw. Also a new Lesser Whitethroat, just off Dalton Lane.

Lots on today but still hope to get out soon and report back.

Garden Warblers, Redstarts, Another Cuckoo and a Slow Worm

First: yesterday Friday 4th May 2012. 0915hrs-1030hrs. Near to Leighton Moss, at the track which leads down under the small bridge to the Allan and Eric M Hides.

Swallow passage was so thin and the birds that did come through spent lots of time feeding up over the Reeds. I think that may have been the problem, that feed was that good, why bother moving on in any great hurry. Anyway these are what I had:
Swallow: 38 (best party 17)
Swift: 46 (best party 15)
House Martin: 9

Now: today Saturday 5th May 2012. 0845-0915hrs. Same place as yesterday near to Leighton Moss.
Hirundine passage was none existant in the 30mins. Although did have a couple of Swifts heading North. Again though good feeding over reed beds.

0930-1145hours.
Had two new Garden Warblers, one singing at the bottom of the Crags and another right at the top before the junction with the main track. Although this bird had come down a bit on my return and was then seen quite near to the bottom of the Crags. Also had about three Blackcaps at various points in the Crags. On the upper I had the Cuckoo, which was holding its normal territory plus for a time on the Common as well. And I also had another Cuckoo calling at almost the same time but from the other side of the wall in Lancelot, so obviously there is another one about also.
Had two Redstarts singing on tree edges of Dalton upper. All Tree Pipits doing well. Over thirty different plants of the Early Purple Orchid in Dalton upper. Also first showing of Herb Robert. A couple of Peacock Butterflies, four Speckled Wood Butterflies. Found some Hairy Rockcress but needs a couple of weeks yet. and a super bonus on getting back to plain quarry, with a large (16") Slow-worm, ziz zagging across the pathway and into the undergrowth.

Good Swallow movement over Leighton Moss.

0911hrs to 1100hrs:
Doing a Swallow count at Silverdale. The area I chose to count from was at the beginning of the small track in the Warton direction, which comes up shortly on the right hand side, just after crossing over the railway track. This track if you where to carry on would take you under the railway to the car park for the Allan and Eric Morecambe Hides.

Just the place to be and I had 379 Swallows over 109 minutes, which is pretty good going in my opionion. The best parties as you can see were: 35,28,24, and 20, etc. You can see from the sketch that the birds are coming through on a broad front, but without doubt 75% of the birds had a very small direct corridor (shown in green) of about 100 yard wide, and they seem to come up from crossing over the reedbeds in front and then crossed over the road just in front of where you parked the car (could never have chosen a better spot!). If this is what I got with such a late start, it probably means that there could well have been over 1000 birds if I had been there from first light. Sadly owing to other committments I cant start the counts before 0900hrs, but weather OK I'll give it another try tomorrow!!

Also had a few House Martins and Swifts, and a ten party of Goldfinch moving through which probably would tie in nicely with the large falls of continental birds over the past few days.

Also Sedge Warblers calling from the reeds in front

(Please ignore stuff on the right hand side of my diary page: I was just noting directions for what was supposed to be a massive large Swallow Movement last Tuesday which was going over the Sewage Works in Salford, some where near to the Salford Quays Area)

Whitethroat near Clawthorpe

0545-0700hrs:
Chiffchaff Lee calling from Thornleigh, and also a near Blackcap calling. Also heard Storm and Vicar early doors.
0820hrs-0900hrs. Quick check out Tarn Lane to see if any Swifts or hirundines where moving through.
1100-1200hrs. Yes there were small regular trickles of Swallows going through North.

1400-1630hrs Had a couple of new Willow Warblers, a Blackcap and a Whitethroat Near to Clawthorpe.
Plenty of butterflies about including 4 Orange Tip (males) 1 Female, also 4 Small Tortoiseshell, and a couple of Peacocks.
Flowers included Water Avens at the regular site on Slape Lane (see photo)

Hirdundines at long last!

0545hrs-0700hrs.
Had the following Chiffs singing whilst on my travels: Green, Storm and Woody. I know Swifts have been coming through for some days now, but I today had my first going North over Clawthorpe Hall. Also similar to reports yesterday, I have had several parties of both Swallow and Martins heading North this morning and it looks very much like there could be yet another deluge today.
0800-0915hrs
Had a walk across Tarn Lane towards Cinderbarrow and then across Hilderstone towards Moss Lane, and back to Burton via Drovers Way. I just thought I would try and check out these Swallows to get some idea of their numbers. The winds have gone strong yet again and I thought perhaps better to stick on the more flatter side of Burton. I was mobile all the time and still managed to get over 50 Swallows all going North, most of them were in pairs and fours, but did have one party of 11 which came over Hanging Hill and Drovers Way. Probably if I had have been counting from one spot, I would have been able to double or treble this count. Because of the strong winds some of the birds where going close to the ground and you only got glimpses of them when then gained altitude to go over the field hedgerows. Its quite obvious the birds are moving on a broad front and a little difficult to suggest any particular "highway corridors", but perhaps the best (if any)where birds corridors which seemed to line up with the Canal, or the nearby sides to the Motorway.

Also a new Chiffchaff to record, singing from within the woodland edges just behind Hilderstone Farm.

"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)