Birds in Cumbria

[thorin]

As lots of other areas have useful threads about their area I thought I'd start a Cumbrian one. Hopefully this will get more response than the email Yahoo group which has lots of members but few postings.

Today at Old Sandsfield c40 Twite and c100 Fieldfares in the hedge row running down to Old Sandsfield.

Last Friday (29/11) approx 1250 Brambling at Talkin Tarn, Monday (3/12) c800-1000.

cheers Nick

[christineredgate]

Nick,good to see a thread for this area,can I join in now and again with species I have seen during the day,in and around our local reserve and the coast etc-albeit not this week methinks.
Is it only rarities you want mentioning,or can it be all the usual/local birds.

[thorin]

Hi Christine
the thread will be much better if its not just rarities, the more local/usual bird sightings the better, anything interesting at all.

cheers Nick

[Gill Osborne]

Great idea having a Cumbria thread :t:

I often pop over there two/three times a year as we have friends who we stay with in Glenridding and we are planning to leave Northumberland and move to Cumbria (Penrith area hopefully) in early 2009 :t:

Seriously thinking about moving there NOW after reading about all those Bramblings at Talkin Tarn!!!!! I've yet to see ONE!!! ;)

[saluki]

We were at Sizergh Castle last Sunday morning. The small hornbeams in the car park are seeding at the moment, attracting large numbers of bullfinches (15-20), along with chaffies, greenies and hawfinches. We had five hawfinches in view at the same time but I'd guess there were several more, as there was usually at least one in view during the hour we were there. Also coal, blue and great tit, goldcrest, nuthatch and tree creeper from the car park - which was handy, as it was piddling down!

Jonathan

[level seven]

There were still hundreds of Bramblings at Talkin Tarn near Brampton yesterday, including lots of colourful males. They were quite mobile but many of the trees by the car-park were full of them. A wonderful sight. I'd heard about these large flocks but never thought I'd see one myself. Previously I'd been chuffed to bits to see just a couple of single birds.

[NeilF]

Decided to pay a first ever visit here today and was quite impressed with the number of species on view.
Main reason for visiting was of course to see the Brambling that have been about recently and I was not disappointed as the ground in the car park area was crawling with them. I reckon about 200 just in this area alone, also lots of Chaffinch.
Other birds around were Wigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Goldeneye, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Carrion Crow.

[thorin]

Still plenty of Brambling at Talkin Tarn today, about 400.
long Tailed duck on the River Eden at Rockliffe village this afternoon.

cheers Nick

[christineredgate]

Did not go far today,but species seen on our local river,were :
Little Grebe
Male Redbreasted Merganser
Female Redbreasted Merganser
Cormorant
Shelduck
Widgeon
Dunlin
Pochard
Heron
Lapwing
Redshank
Plus the usual assortment of gulls etc.
this was just on the river,will have a ride around the reserve tommorrow.

[thorin]

Grune Point today saw a male Hen Harrier, 2 Merlins, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, c500 Barnacle Geese, c150 Pintail, c800 Widgeon, 30 Yellowhammers and a single male Brambling with c40 Chaffinches.

cheers Nick

[thorin]

Red Breasted Goose first seen at Anthorn yesterday afternoon was still present this morning with c800 Barnacle Geese.
On Grune point today, again Male Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, c200 Bar Tailed godwits including a full summer plumage bird, c30 Yellowhammer, 15 RB Mergansers and lots of Pintail, widgeon and Teal.
cheers nick

[christineredgate]

Little Egret to be seen at Millom Pier.He has been around for 2 wks now.Best viewed when the tide has receded.

[thorin]

Juvenile Long Tailed Duck on the River Eden at Old Sandsfield today, also a Green Sandpiper and 25 Twite on the Marsh upriver.

Cheers Nick

[Stewart J.]

Yo All,

Roadhead, 5-6 Bullfinch in roadside hedge outskirts of village at 11.00hrs.

Catlowdy, (Craigburn farm road) 2 Ravens

Gretna Starling Roost, 15.40 -16.10hrs, Impressive numbers of birds million+ mind numbing! Upto 5 opportunist Buzzards trying to catch birds and twice an immature Peregrine put in an appearance managing to snatch a Starling out of the air on second visit.

Stewart

[thorin]

Despite the huge numbers of people at Talkin Tarn today there were still at least 500 Brambling in one flock in the wood to the west of the carpark. Also 48 goosanders on the Tarn.

cheers Nick

[level seven]

Gretna Starling Roost, 15.40 -16.10hrs, Impressive numbers of birds million+ mind numbing! Upto 5 opportunist Buzzards trying to catch birds and twice an immature Peregrine put in an appearance managing to snatch a Starling out of the air on second visit.
Stewart
If anyone has advice about the best viewing point I'd be most grateful.

Here's a link to the roost here last winter taken from the Gretna services, but there must be a more rural setting nearby. I don't know the area well enough.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AhqOV9rWoTs

[Stewart J.]

Graham have sent PM do you have my phone number?

Stewart

[Colin Bushell]

If anyone has advice about the best viewing point I'd be most grateful.

Here's a link to the roost here last winter taken from the Gretna services, but there must be a more rural setting nearby. I don't know the area well enough.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AhqOV9rWoTs

Hi,

The Dumfries & Galloway Birding Yahoo group has documented this roost quite well in recent postings and I'm sure Chris Baines (the author of the posting quoted below) won't mind me repeating it here:

"we viewed from the
B7076 west of Gretna,from the Old blacksmiths shop procede along the
B7076 towards Kirkpatrick Fleming, after approx Half a mile you see a
double gate on the right hand side opposite an obvious parking layby,
park there and look over the gate to a small conifer plantation in the
field, around 15.45 the birds start to arrive and drop into roost at
16.00,weather dependant".

I was in the area just before Xmas and I watched from the Gretna Gateway shopping centre featured on the UTube cut. Plenty (2,000+) of Starlings passing over near dusk but no sign of the spectacular "swirls" of birds. Must try the right place soon!

Hope that helps.

BTW - anyone wanting to join the D&G yahoo group sholud look at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DumfriesandGallowayBirding/

Colin

[level seven]

I was in the area just before Xmas and I watched from the Gretna Gateway shopping centre featured on the UTube cut. Plenty (2,000+) of Starlings passing over near dusk but no sign of the spectacular "swirls" of birds. Must try the right place soon!

Hope that helps.
It does - thanks very much Colin. My wife and I are going on Sunday, so fingers crossed!

[Dean Powell]

Hi Nick,

I live in the Staffordshire Moorlands which is only a couple of hours from South Cumbria. I often visit the South West Lakes, Furness Penninsula and also the coastal region including Walney Island.

Its great to see that you have started this thread:t: and I will report on my birding adventures in that part of the world during 2007.

Dean

[thorin]

Hi Dean
the more contributors the better, look forward to your reports.

Today there were about 35 Twite at Bowness Railings again, feeding very close to the road on the tide debris.

cheers Nick

[solwaybirder]

Lots of Brambling still at Talkin Tarn and two large flocks of Redwing between Talkin village and Castle Carrock, Jay and a Raven and a Buzzard was the only birds found at Jockey Shield.
Sandsfield, the big tree at the turn in to Holmesmill farm had a (f) Merlin sitting excellent views,very little on the flooded river, a few Goldeneye and a (m) Red-breasted Merganser, over the other side a few Whooper could be seen in flight over the floodbank.
Ian

[nick patel]

Here are a few sightings from the last couple of days in Cumbria:

Jockey shield: 2 Male Black grouse, 100+ Fieldfare, Green woodpecker, Male Hen Harrier, 50+ Jay, 2 Crossbill, 3 Red grouse, 50+ Redwing, 3 Red squirrel, 4 Roe deer.

Castle Carrock resr: 3 Goldeneye (2 Male, 1 Female).

Tindale tarn: 20+ Goldeneye, 20+ Goosander, Kestrel, 2 Mute swan, Reed bunting.

Rockcliffe: 50+ Goldeneye, 2 Goosander (Male, Female), Green sandpiper, 30+ Lesser redpoll, Little grebe, 1st-Winter Female Long tailed duck still, Oystercatcher, 100+ Pink footed geese, 30+ Redshank, 30+ Whooper swan.

Talkin tarn: 1000+ Brambling, 5+ Lesser redpoll, 100+ Redwing.

Attached are some Talkin tarn pics.

[nick patel]

Here are some more pictures (LTD pics - one shows 2 Goosander and the Long tailed duck).

[thorin]

Nice brambling pics Nick.

Female Ring Necked Duck still on Bassenthwaite Lake today, also 7 Pochard, numerous Tufties and Goldeneye.
At Low Mills Dalston, single Meally Redpoll with 7 Redpoll and also big flock of c125 Siskin.
At Sandsfield, Rockliffe Long Tailed duck still late afternoon.

cheers Nick

[thorin]

Long Tailed Duck still present on the River Eden upstream from Sandsfield, also 30 Goldeneye, 20 widgeon, and 20 Twite and 45 Skylark on Demesne Marsh. Before the rain this morning. Still about 150 Brambling at Talkin Tarn earlier in the week.

cheers Nick

[mallingbirder]

I'm visiting Carlisle early next week. Can anyone recommend a good birding site nearby (wheres Talkin Tarn? Anywhere nr Carlisle?).

Cheers

Adam

[thorin]

Hi Adam
Talkin Tarn is south of Brampton which is c10 miles east of Carlisle on the A69 is pretty obvious on any map or even a road Atlas once you find Brampton. Still quite a few Brambling present.
other than that drive the 15 miles west of Carlisle to Bowness on Solway there are loads of interesting places along the Solway. at the moment there are lots of Geese at Campfield Marsh RSPB about 2 miles west of Bowness on Solway.

cheers Nick

[level seven]

Also well worth seeing is the large starling roost at Gretna, only a few miles north of Carlisle.

[mallingbirder]

Thanks for the info. What are the chances of Golden Eagel round Bassenthwaite at this time of the year? I'm also staying close to the river Dalston, does this usually turn things up...Dippers???

Cheers

Adam

[pmydon]

Thanks for the info. What are the chances of Golden Eagel round Bassenthwaite at this time of the year? I'm also staying close to the river Dalston, does this usually turn things up...Dippers???

Cheers

Adam

Hi Adam,

Sorry, but there is no Golden Eagle at Bassenthwaite. I think you may mean Haweswater which is a 40 minute drive away.. There is only one left now, and at this time of year may be difficult to spot, although it will be around.

There has been a ring-necked duck on Bassenthwaite, but don't know if it is still there. There is also a crossbill flock at Whinlatter Forest which is always worth a walk around.

You are obviously too early for the Bassenthwaite osprey.

Good luck.

Derek

[mallingbirder]

Cheers Derek

Guess I could ahve spent a long time looking for G Eagel at Bassenthwaite!!!! Think I'll try Talkin Tarn and Boweness-on-Solway.

Thanks for advice

Adam

[Pyxel]

What are the best places to see bullfinches in or around Carlisle? Or even anywhere else in Cumbria.

I've seen them twice at Dalston in the same area - just over the bridge across the river, through a gate to the left and walk on a little bit where there seems to be at least two. The second time I stood for five minutes listening to them piping and even singing very close by.

[thorin]

Ross's Goose with Pinkfeet in 2nd field east of Anthorn Social club c1.40pm, also female Merlin on fenceposts of the same field.

Ross's Goose also flew over the hide at North Plain/Campfield going NW at around 3.30 p.m with c100 Pinkfeet. On the flood 20 Pintail, usual Widgeon and Teal and a few Shoveler.

This morning LT Duck and 70 goldeneye on the River Eden at Sandsfield

cheers Nick

[solwaybirder]

Hi,Nick
It was the farmer that flushed the Ross,s goose off the field.
Ian

[solwaybirder]

10th Went to see the Ross,s Goose which was with about 100 Pinks at Anthorn had a distant view before they were deliberately flushed, I then went to Bowness and got the winter Med Gull below the railings that Ronnie Irving told me about, no sign of the Greenshank on the high tide roost at Port Carlisle due to dog walkers so I then went to Sandsfield on arrival I flushed a Green Sandpiper, I scoped the river for a distant view of the female Long-tailed Duck with Goldeneye.
11th Went back to Sandsfield this morning and had a close view of the Green Sandpiper also a single Black-tailed Godwit and many Redshank, a very obliging Kingfisher sat on a post at the end of the beck but no sign of the Long-tailed Duck, then off to Jockey Shield and Forest Head but could not find any Black or Red Grouse also the Hen Harriers did not show but we did find 5 Crossbill.
Ian

[thorin]

At Rockliffe this morning c130 Whooper Swans, Jack Snipe, 6 Goldeneye and a Peregrine.
Late morning Ross' Goose still at Easton but had moved east several fields so harder to view with c4000 Pinkfeet.
This afternoon min 7 crossbills and 40 Siskin at Greystoke Forest.

cheers Nick

[Binocularface]

No sign of the Ross's Goose today at Easton. However the rather elusive cracking adult Red-breasted Goose that has been frequenting both sides of the Solway this winter was located here today by two visiting birders from the Wirral. Now thats the kind o dip I can cope with ;)

[solwaybirder]

At last I caught up with this elusive Red-breasted Goose and boy was it worth it,it was with a few thousand Pinks and a number of Barnacle in fields near Easton.
Went to Sandsfield next, 40 Goldeneye 2 Red-breasted Meganser but the Long-tailed Duck or the Green Sandpiper were not to be seen also the Kingfisher was being elusive.
Ian

[NeilF]

Not a single Brambling to be seen at Talkin Tarn this morning but did manage close views of a pair of Buzzard.
Not much activity on the Tarn with only a single female Goosander, 5 Goldeneye and a pair of Wigeon of note.
The wooded areas produced 3 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Great-spotted Woodpecker.

Neil

[solwaybirder]

I found a Cattle Egret at Grinsdale this afternoon showing well in a field next to Townend farm.
Ian Carswell ;)

[Binocularface]

I found a Cattle Egret at Grinsdale this afternoon showing well in a field next to Townend farm.
Ian Carswell ;)

Fantastic find Ian!

Very confiding bird too! Just made it across in time as I was birding in Cleveland when I heard about it!

[solwaybirder]

Showing well in the field beside Town End farm again after it had a trip down to the River Eden and into a local back garden.
Believe the Geese at Easton have been scattered by low flying aircraft also the farmer has been spreading where the Geese were on Saturday.
Ian Carswell

[solwaybirder]

The bird is showing well at lunch time it is back in the field next to the farm after being down to the river Eden again.
Also 3 Little Grebe and two Song Thrush.
Ian

[Colin Bushell]

Hi everyone,

Slightly "off topic" but it has been mentioned on this thread previously: The Gretna Starling roost was really spectacular last Saturday afternoon with thousands of birds swirling around. Best to watch from the laybys on the Springfield - Kirkpatrick-Fleming road (more details & pics on my blog). We arrived at 5.15PM and the birds were just arriving.
This spectacle ended a fine afternoon actually as we jammed in on the Red-breasted Goose on the way up to Dumfries & Galloway. Nice Barn Owl at Moorhouse as we passed through too.

[Binocularface]

The Cattle Egret was present again at Grinsdale this morning, though it flew off high jus after 11 and was not seen subsequently despite exstensive searching!

Also in the general area today:

1 Merlin
12 Goosander
10 Goldeneye
6 Little Grebe
2 Grey Wagtail
Tree Sparrow etc

Also Tawny Owl calling near Monkhill

[solwaybirder]

Hi! Tristan,
On the LDBWS site an unidentified Egret was seen in flight at Humphrey Head heading in the direction of Allithaite at 1700hrs I wonder if that was our bird.
Ian C

[Binocularface]

Hi! Tristan,
On the LDBWS site an unidentified Egret was seen in flight at Humphrey Head heading in the direction of Allithaite at 1700hrs I wonder if that was our bird.
Ian C

Quite possibly Ian! It certainly took off and flew to fairly high altitude yesterday.
A bit of a shame if it has gone as it was a real cracker of a bird! If you find us a Night Heron along that stretch of the Eden next that would be great ;)

[solwaybirder]

Quite possibly Ian! It certainly took off and flew to fairly high altitude yesterday.
A bit of a shame if it has gone as it was a real cracker of a bird! If you find us a Night Heron along that stretch of the Eden next that would be great ;)
That I will try to do Tristan, it is a good walk along the river with a good variety of wildlife and later on you can watch the Salmon fishermen which can be entertaining at times.
Ian

[solwaybirder]

Unfortunately the bird seems to have departed for pastures new.
Ian carswell

[solwaybirder]

There is about 4000 Pinkfeet at Easton again this lunchtime no sign of the Red-breasted Goose, a few Barnacle Geese on Campfield and many geese Pinks and Barnacle flying up towards Rockcliffe.
Ian

[Binocularface]

Still reasonable numbers of Pink-footed Geese near Abbeytown at NY137512. The adult Greenland Whitefronted Geese is still amongst them and a small number of Barnacle Geese. No sign of the Ross's Goose but the white leucistic Banacle Goose had me going briefly!

I noticed an article in the Cumberland News on the Cattle Egret at Grinsdale. Not only were there three pics of the bird but Ian also got his face published!

The artical excluding pictures can be viewed here:

http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=795758

They state that the bird is a male - a tad optimistic in winter plumage I would think!

Regards
Tristan Reid

[solwaybirder]

Had 5 sightings of Hawfinch,s this morning in the car park area I think they were 5 different birds because there was 2 then another 2 then a single.
Ian C

[Boom]

Hello,there`s been a Ring Necked Duck on Bassenthwaite since Christmas, has been clearly visible from the hide.
Last week saw the Eagle displaying nicely in Riggindale Valley and up to 4-5 Peregrines in the Haweswater area. Fantastic views of a pair chasing a Pigeon from the car park.
Also had 2 Goldeneye and Green Sandpiper on the River Lowther by Knipe-an unexpected bonus.

[Binocularface]

Hello,there`s been a Ring Necked Duck on Bassenthwaite since Christmas, has been clearly visible from the hide.
Last week saw the Eagle displaying nicely in Riggindale Valley and up to 4-5 Peregrines in the Haweswater area. Fantastic views of a pair chasing a Pigeon from the car park.
Also had 2 Goldeneye and Green Sandpiper on the River Lowther by Knipe-an unexpected bonus.

Yes the female Ring-necked Duck was found by Craig on the 30th December - I wondered if it was still present!

[bewit]

I'm visiting Carlisle early next week. Can anyone recommend a good birding site nearby (wheres Talkin Tarn? Anywhere nr Carlisle?).

Cheers

Adam

Taking Tarn is about 11 mile east of Carlisle, just outside of Brampton on the A69. Some other good places are Gelt Woods, just before Brampton on the A69. Kingmoor Nature Reserve 1mile NW of Carlisle, Rockcliffe apx 5mile NW. Really it depends on the species you hope to see.

[Gill Osborne]

Just thought I'd let you know about this exhibition, seeing as how Cumbria ain't that far from Corbridge ;)

Starting TODAY, 27th February until 30th March there is an exhibition by the Society of Wildlife Artists at the Fifiefofum Gallery at Newton, near Corbridge. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 5pm and entry is free. The Gallery is clearly signposted from the A69.


http://www.fifiefofum.com/exhibitionDetails.asp?exhibitionID=13&topButNo=3


Neil and I plan to pop down there in the next week or so........so I've got until then to work out HOW I can get my mitts on £425 squids for that gorgeous Long-tailed Ducks at the Farne Islands pic by Michael Warren....I'm TOTALLY in love with it!!!! You can almost FEEL the swell of the waves!!!

[solwaybirder]

There has been a decrease of Little Owl in the places I visit on my local birding trips in the Carlisle area, I knew of 5 places where one or two could be guaranteed but over the last 2 years the Owls appear to have deserted and now I have no known site's, do you have the same problem? any local sightings would be appreciated.
Ian Carswell

[Dean Powell]

South Walney Island Nature Reserve:

On Monday and Tuesday just gone I visited South Walney Nature Reserve. This is my favourite place for birding. Saw numerous Shelduck and Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew, Greenshank, Golden Plover, Turnstone, Meadow pipits, Reed bunting, Barnacle Geese, Canada Geese, numerous large gulls and there was a Merlin about. I saw much more including 3 geese I could not id.

It was extremely windy and the sea was quite rough. A superb location to go birding and sea watching and an exhilerating experience. I'll be back there this Sunday coming:t: After the visit I will write an account of my experience on the 'Your Birding Day' thread.


Dean

[Dean Powell]

South Walney Island Nature Reserve:

As I did not go last weekend as planned I visited South Walney Island nature Reserve yesterday(Saturday) and was there the whole day. The sea was wild and the wind very strong but the walk was exhilerating. Arrived at a very high tide

Managed to see the following:-

Redshank, 650+ Dunlin, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, numerous Eider, Oystercatcher, Lesser Black backed and Herring Gull, Brent and Canada Geese, Reed Bunting, Curlew, meadow Pipits, numerous Wigeon, Teal and Shelduck, 5 Common Seals. There were also Sanderling about. Finally, I watched a Merlin in flight, hunting and perched at very close quarters.

Saw those same three geese I could not ID the last time I was there. They had a white face and white neck at rear and black all the way down front of neck.

The wind remained strong most of the day on the reserve and it was very cold but a thoroughly good walking and birding experience:t: In the afternoon there was blue sky and sunshine. The whole place was alive with birds resting, sheltering, preening, feeding and in flight.

Dean

[thorin]

Long Tailed Duck again off Old Sandsfield late morning , also 40 Goldeneye
and 3 Goosander.
At Longtown Ponds 12 Gadwall with usual Goldeneye, Widgeon, Tufted Duck etc
and by Arthuret Pools 25 Whooper Swans.

cheers Nick
http://northcumbriabirds.bravehost.com/index.html

[solwaybirder]

Massed geese this side of the Wampool about 3000 Barnacle plus about 2000 Pinkfeet searched through with the scope but could not find anything different with them otherwise the rest of the run home was quiet just the usual Redshank Curlew etc what I did notice was the lack of Golden plover and Lapwing but it was nice to hear the Skylarks singing.
Ian Carswell

[christineredgate]

Do hope all our birds survive these 80ml hr gales we are seeing at this moment in time.

[solwaybirder]

Both the Red- breasted Goose and the Ross,s Goose are present this morning with Pinks and Barnacle Geese a good chance for birders to catch up with them both.
Ian Carswell

[solwaybirder]

Lots of Buzzard activity this morning on the way out. Pinks and Barnacle in the hundreds on the Kirkbride to Silloth road,a single White Wagtail with a number of Meadow Pipits near to Cardunock, a flock of 14 Long tailed Tit in Bowness gravel pits, at Bowness railings were 30 Ringed Plover,6 Dunlin and 15 Knot.
Ian Carswell

[Stephen Dunstan]

South Walney Island Nature Reserve:

As I did not go last weekend as planned I visited South Walney Island nature Reserve yesterday(Saturday) and was there the whole day. The sea was wild and the wind very strong but the walk was exhilerating. Arrived at a very high tide

Managed to see the following:-

Redshank, 650+ Dunlin, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, numerous Eider, Oystercatcher, Lesser Black backed and Herring Gull, Brent and Canada Geese, Reed Bunting, Curlew, meadow Pipits, numerous Wigeon, Teal and Shelduck, 5 Common Seals. There were also Sanderling about. Finally, I watched a Merlin in flight, hunting and perched at very close quarters.

Saw those same three geese I could not ID the last time I was there. They had a white face and white neck at rear and black all the way down front of neck.

The wind remained strong most of the day on the reserve and it was very cold but a thoroughly good walking and birding experience:t: In the afternoon there was blue sky and sunshine. The whole place was alive with birds resting, sheltering, preening, feeding and in flight.

Dean

Dean,

Don't know if you ever got a reply re the geese, they sound like the feral Emperor Goose flock in that area.

Regards,

Stephen.

[Dean Powell]

Dean,

Don't know if you ever got a reply re the geese, they sound like the feral Emperor Goose flock in that area.

Regards,

Stephen.

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the info. I thought that they might be ferral but wanted to know what they were. There have been three there for a while.

Cheers

Dean

Happy Birding:t:

[Dean Powell]

Visited South West Cumbria-South Walney Island yesterday. Species seen included:-

60+ Twite
100s of Lesser Blacked back Gulls,
100s of Eider
70+ Redshank
13 Red Breasted Merganser
Curlew
Tufted Duck
Numerous Oystercatcher
Many pairs of Mallard
Numerous Shellduck, Wigeon and Teal
Numerous Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin
Many cormorant
Greylag and Canada Geese
3 Geese (Possibly Ferral Emperor Geese)
Stonechat
11 Goldfinch
Meadow Pipits
Linnet
3 Common Seals
and finally Barn Owl

45 Whooper Swans were seen on passage prior to me arriving. I also know that Kestral, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Perigrine had been seen.


Dean

Happy Birding:t:

[thorin]

Green Winged Teal still present at Campfield Marsh RSPB mid morning but at the back of the pools amongst
juncas grass left of the central divide. Also 6 Black Tailed Godwits.
At Bowness NR a chiffchaff singing and at Port Carlisle Greenshank still
present in the pools.

cheers nick
http://northcumbriabirds.bravehost.com/index.html

[Dean Powell]

The three ferral geese at South Walney Nature Reserve recently were definately Emperor Geese. I've now checked them out in a guide book I have.

Dean:t:

[christineredgate]

The Sandwich Terns are arriving here in the Hodbarrow reserve,all set to pick the best nesting sites.

[Dean Powell]

The Sandwich Terns are arriving here in the Hodbarrow reserve,all set to pick the best nesting sites.

Hi Christine,

I thought that they would be arriving there soon. :t:

Dean

[Boom]

Hello,has there been any sightings of the Bassenthwaite Ospreys yet does anyone know? I know that they returned quite late last year but have heard that the males have already returned to the Porthmadog area and also to Loch Garten? cheers.

[solwaybirder]

Hello,has there been any sightings of the Bassenthwaite Ospreys yet does anyone know? I know that they returned quite late last year but have heard that the males have already returned to the Porthmadog area and also to Loch Garten? cheers.

Nothing yet keep watching birdguides
Ian

[thorin]

RSPB reported an Osprey through Geltsdale today going north but no word on the Bass Lake birds yet.

Nick

[christineredgate]

There is a website for these birds.If you go to bbc.cumbria.co.uk you will find the Osprey website.Our birds are usually later to arrive than the ones re the other Osprey sites.Lots of Wheatears around on our sea defences,the Terns are staking their nesting sites,Pipits in plenty,Eiders in the bay ,here at Haverigg,Grt Crested Grebes displaying in the reserve.If anyone is in this area,a good time to visit.

[thorin]

Female Common Scoter this evening on the river Eden c400m upriver from Rockliffe village.

cheers Nick

[thorin]

3 Ring Ousels and plenty of wheatears at forest Head Nr Talkin yesterday

cheers nick

[thorin]

2 Little Ringed Plover on the river Eden on shingle about 200m upriver from Sandsfield towards Rockliffe this evening. Also 2 drake Gadwall, 29 Goldeneye, male Wheatear and 3 Whooper Swans

cheers Nick

[rokermartin]

Hello can everyone give me some advice on Skua watching at Bowness on Solway.What is the best weather conditions for seeing Skuas and other seabirds,and do you have to be there at a certain time of day or can you see them anytime of day.Also where is the best place to see them from,and is early May the best time to see them.

[solwaybirder]

Had a run to Hawsewater and was surprised that the Swallows were there, due to the weather we have had. The target bird was the Golden Eagle of course but sad to say it did not show,but there were birds to be seen and in song. on the way a pair of House Martins flew over the car later we stopped to locate Green Woodpeckers as two were in full voice, the birds in the woods were also in full song Nuthatch, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff,Mistle and Song Thrush and Blackbird, only one Wood Warbler heard, could not find any Pied Flycatcher but were fortunate to find a male Redstart, Wheatear were in good numbers but only found one Ring Ouzel, one very dark Buzzard flew overhead,we had a very cheeky Chaffinch that invited itself to lunch.
Ian

[MarkHows]

I am visiting the area at the weekend and was hoping someone had some info about the location of the small group of Emperor geese on Walney Island as I would like to check them out while I am there.

Thanks


Mark

[Dean Powell]

I am visiting the area at the weekend and was hoping someone had some info about the location of the small group of Emperor geese on Walney Island as I would like to check them out while I am there.

Thanks


Mark


Hi Mark,

Hope you are well. I volunteer at South Walney Island Nature Reserve one weekend per month sometimes two. I was due to be there this weekend coming but due to a recent family bereavment will not be there. I'll be back there in July.

The Emporer Geese tend to move about on the reserve. I have seen them from the Cental Marsh Hide, out on the spit and near the oyster farm. On one occassion I saw them amongst the gulls along with Barnacle geese between the Sea Hide and and Light House close to footpath.

When you arrive ask the warden or volunteer if they have seen them about. The maximum number I have seen this year is 7 together and on most occassions 3 together. There may be more. I once had three walk out in front of me on a track just down from car park area.

They originated on Peel Island and were part of a private collection. They are great to watch and superb when in flight.

They have had many people consult their Collins fieldguide only to find that they are not in it !! Had me doing that when I first saw them a while ago now :eek!:

Make sure you are wearing a protective cap with padding as you are likely to get dive bombed by Lesser Black Backed Gulls from the huge colony there who will see you as a threat to their young. The Eider colony is interesting to watch as well.

You should spend a whole day there and take it all in. Great all year round location for bird watching. A good number of quality hides and a feeling of remoteness. Take your flask and sandwiches. Good place for sea watching.

There is always something to see on Walney and always bird movement. Great at high tide as well. It is a large reserve with different habitats. Interesting locaton for wild flowers, butterflies and moths.

You might want to visit the Foulney Island Reserve nearby while you are there.

Hope this is helpful. PM me if you need any more info.

Dean

[MarkHows]

Many Thanks for the information we will probably spend most of Sunday there, I will report back on this thread what we see

Thanks

Mark

[MarkHows]

Despite the terrible weather on Sunday we still visited, a great reserve will visit again when the weather is better. The gulls were excellent and were not too aggressive. Managed to see one Emperor goose my main target near the oyster farm. There are large numbers of eider there.

Again thanks for the info

Mark

[Jumpin 4 Joy]

I am going to Aspatria for a day next week and I am wondering if there any good birding sites near there.
Thanks

[Malc64]

There is Grune Point at Silloth - Campfield at Bowness - on - Solway Siddick Pond at Workington.

[thorin]

There has been a Pectoral Sandpiper at Port Carlisle for the last two days, it is only seen on the rising or falling tide with c1000 Dunlin, 500 Redshank and a few other waders including Greenshank as the high water brings the birds nearer the shore.

cheers Nick

[thorin]

Sadly this thread seems to get little use, heres one more try to keep it going.
Moulting Summer plumage Pacific Golden Plover was found on the River Wampool early this week, it was still present with the large golden Plover flock opposite Anthorn this afternoon. Also around were Ruff, 3 Greenshank and Peregrine, with 2 Ospreys seen earlier in the day.

cheers Nick

[dan pointon]

Good views of the moulting adult PGP yesterday afternoon when we finally located it; good to meet you Nick hope you enjoyed the bird despite it being your 20th in the UK ;)

Amazed how few birders on site considering the rarity of the bird- awesome area obviously very underwatched!

D

[Binocularface]

The moulting adult Pacific Golden Plover still present at Anthorn this morning. Also a couple of Ruff and a juvenile Osprey (which successfully caught a fish)!

[thorin]

Good to meet you too Dan, that was in Cumbria not the UK ;), good luck in your attempt to see 600 species in Britain this year.
The Pacific golden Plover was present with big golden Plover flock up the Wampool this morning until flushed by a Raptor when the flock dispersed and the main group flew west. also 5 juv Ruff present.
Also reported from Anthorn by various people today, Little Egret, Osprey, 10 Greenshank and Peregrine.

cheers Nick

[solwaybirder]

Sightings this morning were Osprey, Greenshank, Little Egret,Ruff, Lapwing, Redshank, Golden Plover and a female Peregrine hunting the Lapwing and Golden Plover.
I moved on to Campfield scrape 2 Blackwits and lots of Teal the tide was a long way out by then any birds were too far away and it was too cool to try the Gravel pits for Butterflies and Dragonflies.
Ian

[Binocularface]

A seawatch between 1345 and 1530hrs from Workington Harbour (south) produced the following:

7 Arctic Skuas
2 Pomarine Skuas
4 Storm Petrels
325+ Manx Shearwaters
7 Fulmar

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Can anyone offer more info on 'Jockey Shield'. Sems to get regular run of birds including Icterine Warbler last week. That's a great inland record from up there. Alos see it's had ringo and black grouse in the past.

[Stephen Dunstan]

I think Black Grouse and Ring Ousel are still relatively numerous in that part of the world (Geltsdale). Not too far away from there I had Black Grouse run across the road in front of me at Hartshorne Top.

Stephen.

[thorin]

No sign of Pacific golden Plover at Anthorn this evening with only c100 goldies present.
2 Ospreys showed very well in the channel of the Wampool with both catching fish eventually. One ate its catch on the saltmarsh but was harrassed by a Raven the other flew north with its catch.
Also 7 Greenshank, Ruff and Whimbrel.

cheers Nick

[solwaybirder]

At Anthorn were 300+ Golden Plover and 1 Knot no sign of the Pacific GP moved on to the scrape at Campfield 1 Spotted Redshank 2 Blackwits and lots of Teal and Snipe then to the Railings for well over a thousand Dunlin and Ringed Plover with a few Turnstone and Sanderling among them, a juv Med Gull was on the mud,in the bay to the right of the seat was a Little Gull.Talked to Ronnie he had videod two Osprey at Anthorn one eating a fish on the mud he also had seen 2 Little Egret at Port Carlisle.
Then went to the Gravel pits but the path was muddy the tractor wheels had made it messy but there were 5 Wall Butterfly a few Comma butterfly and large Whites, A common Hawker Dragonfly patrolled the path and a number of Common Darter were seen.
Ian

[christineredgate]

No rarities,as such,but a couple of 100 Swallows and House Martins circling and skimming the lagoon for flies and flying ants.Also several Swifts,oh,yes and a couple of bats.

[Boom]

Marsh Harrier present at Bassenthwaite on 1/9/08-seen the same bird there three times over the last month or so a female. Similar time last year saw them on a couple of occasions including two on one afternoon- though have never seen a male. Is there any chance of a potential success story there? would be a great addition to the areas more famous residents.

[Gill Osborne]

Neil and I are having a week or so in the Lakes (just packing the car now o:)) and I'm looking forward to getting out and about birding for virtually the first time since May.

Is it too late for the Ospreys at Bassenthwaite? If so, I'll catch up with them next year ;)

[ColonelBlimp]

Just been walking today around the Sawreys and Windermere's West side-not a great deal seen to be honest, and even less on Windermere itself, which isn't too surprising I suppose.

However, just by a house at Belle Grange I got a Robin to feed from worms off my hand, which really did make my day-perhaps it had been tamed by the owner of the house or something.

Sad to see the donation box on the squirrel platform has been obliterated as well, and even worse to see grey squirrels everywhere, even surrounding the "red squirrel viewpoint"!

[Gill Osborne]

I had a walk along to the Glenridding Mines today whilst hubby was helping our friend do some building work on his garage.
A few mixed groups of tits, chaffinch and a single Nuthatch - very quiet otherwise.

Quite a few Buzzard around though - including one being dive-bombed by a male Kestrel as it perched in the upper branches of a fellside tree.

Hopefully popping around to Haweswater tomorrow :t: It would be nice to eventually catch up with the Eagle and hoping to see some red deer rutting....hopefully we aren't too early this year: last year we were too late :-O

[christineredgate]

Returned from Leighton Moss(Lancs-but just over the border).Good views of a Merlin in the reed bed,eating dragonflies,lots of Goldcrests,and a Marsh tit visiting the feeders.

[Gill Osborne]

Female Red-crested Pochard on southern end (Glenridding/Patterdale) of Ullswater this morning at 11.15am.
No sign of it as I walked back to Glenridding at 1.30 - though it may have moved because of lots of canoes on water by then.

[eagle33]

Stilt Sandpiper found on the Road side Scrape of Campfield marsh tonight

[vivster]

hello all...im heading to keswick in the new year and i looking for gd places to see birds..like kingfisher hawfinch and many more if possable..would appreciate any help in finding these places thanks .........

[solwaybirder]

The Juv Stilt Sandpiper was still there feeding early afternoon.
Bowness GP in brilliant sunshine saw 3 Speckled Wood Butterflies also many Common Darter and a few Common Hawker Dragonflies. There was Common Lizard sunning itself on the top of a fence post.
Ian Carswell

[Boom]

Vivster, Kingfisher seen quite often at Bassenthwaite-from the hide, we saw numbers of Bullfinch there in January.
Naddle Wood at the Burnbanks end of Haweswater is good for typical woodland birds, Nuthatch/Treecreeper/G S Woodpecker, its also good for Green Woodpecker.
Siddick Pond in Workington is good for waterfowl and there used to be a starling roost which could bring in Sparrowhawk and the odd Merlin.
Depends how far you want to travel but Hawfinch were seen in Whinlatter Forest but personally ive seen them at Woodwell not far from Leighton Moss. Sizergh Castle by Kendal is normallly reliable for winter sightings of these birds.

cheers

[One Man and His Dog]

stilt sandpiper still early am!

cheers one man and his dog

[Stewart J.]

Sneaked over the border this morning and spent most of day watching the Stilt Sandpiper, still present when I left at 16.30hrs. Nice to meet and chat to the birders from far and wide who also turned up, superb day thank you Cumbria.

Stewart

[eagle33]

Cattle Egret Lanercost 300 yards on left after Abbey; in flooded field
at least the 2nd bird found this year

[oncebittern]

Managed to grab an hour at Campfield Marsh this afternoon. Foul weather though, with horizontal rain on a 50mph wind from the SW. Saw my first redwings of the year - 2 individuals, then a small flock of around a dozen, so they made up for it nicely. Went home happy.

[thorin]

Pair of Long Tailed ducks on Talkin Tarn today, the male complete with long tail.

cheers Nick

[Stewart J.]

Campfield marsh foreshore 2 Little Egrets this afternoon, Short-eared Owl briefly (driven off by corbies) All the usual waders included 30+ Grey Plover at high tide on foreshore.
A Swallow in Bowness village near the pub almost caused a road accident as we left the area at 15.30hrs (my latest ever!)

Just out of the area, called at Gretna Starling roost on way home it all kicked off at 16.30hrs with 100,000+ birds putting on a spectacular show till 17.00hrs. A truly rewarding day.

Stewat

[Boom]

Ring Necked Duck back at Bassenthwaite on Sunday. Saw a solitary Waxwing at Siddick Pond yesterday and also female and young Otter less than 50 feet from the path, fantastic.

cheers

[oncebittern]

Got down to RSPB Leighton Moss this morning (and yes, I do know its actually in Lancs, but its only just over to border, and is a 'regular' for me, and lots of other Cumbrians)

SUPERB views of Bearded Tits. Max at any one time was about 8 or 9 birds, at around 9.30-10.30 am. All seen out in the open, on the grit tables beside the Causeway, not more than 20m away.

Took some video, so will try to get it uploaded to Birdforum.tv over the weekend if time allows.

Popped in to Sizergh on the way home to try and see a Hawfinch or two, but nothing much showing. Anyone know when is the best time to see them?

[eagle33]

Cracking views of Short-eared Owl at Soddy Gap today.

[solwaybirder]

A flock of 45 were joined by another flock making aprox 80-90 Waxwings this morning between 10-1030 at Charles Street Barrock Street near Fusehill Street old Hospital.
Ian C

[christineredgate]

Little Egret has been spotted on both the shorline at Haverigg,and across the way in Walney.

[pmydon]

A flock of 45 were joined by another flock making aprox 80-90 Waxwings this morning between 10-1030 at Charles Street Barrock Street near Fusehill Street old Hospital.
Ian C

Hi there,

Which town?

[solwaybirder]

Hi there,

Which town?
Sorry it is Carlisle

[Dean Powell]

Little Egret has been spotted on both the shorline at Haverigg,and across the way in Walney.


Hi Christine and to all on here. In light of the Little Egret sightings at Walney in recent days and weeks I thought you may be interested in the following blog:-

http://walneybo.blogspot.com/

Its updated regularly and you might want to save it to your favourites.

Dean

[eagle33]

Hi Christine and to all on here. In light of the Little Egret sightings at Walney in recent days and weeks I thought you may be interested in the following blog:-

http://walneybo.blogspot.com/

Its updated regularly and you might want to save it to your favourites.

Dean

31 little egrets at walney a massive record.
7 Waxwing at keswick today bell close car park

[eagle33]

14 Twite flying around Soddy Gap this morning

[eagle33]

More Waxwings in Keswick today, bell close car park 28 in total

[pmydon]

More Waxwings in Keswick today, bell close car park 28 in total

And at least 26 waxwings in carpark this morning, although they had gone down to 12 after shopping in Booths for an hour. (me, that us, not the waxwings)

[eagle33]

And at least 26 waxwings in carpark this morning, although they had gone down to 12 after shopping in Booths for an hour. (me, that us, not the waxwings)


32 This morning!

[oncebittern]

Waxwings in Penrith. At about 12.30, approx 120 in the tall trees at the junction of Salkeld Road and Inglewood Road, (near the A6). Also 15-20 in the birches at
the Pennyhill park/A6 junction, plus a few more feeding on the berries
along side the A6. Approx 80 of them flew off west, with the remainder
still there when I left at 1.30, but all gone though when I returned at
3.30.

[eagle33]

At langdone beck near cow green rese 18+ Black Grouse .
Also cracking close views of 3, 2 females and a male on the road side
between Alston and Penrith.
Waxwing 9 just outside Penrith on the Alston rd A686 Carlton i think and
30+ in Central Carpark in Keswick, they were flushed by a sparrowhawk about
3pm off to roost i think.

[Vipers]

Any body been to Talkin Tarn recently to see if the Brambling have arrived yet?

[Dean Powell]

Check this blog for updates on Walney Island observations.

http://walneybo.blogspot.com/

Dean:t:

[oncebittern]

Any body been to Talkin Tarn recently to see if the Brambling have arrived yet?

I was there late on the 23rd Nov, but no Brambling to be seen.

[thorin]

No Brambling I've seen at Talkin Tarn yet. 6 Gadwall present on Wednesday though.
29 Waxwing in Carlisle on Boundary road by Northumberland motors today, and 95 where the Railway bridge crosses Currock Road.
Also 73 Whooper Swans opp Beaumont.

cheers nick

[eagle33]

Waxwing 42 in Central Car park Keswick today showing well.

[DKR]

I'm coming home to South Cumbria for the Christmas holidays soon. I'm planning on making a real effort to see Waxwings for the first time so I would be grateful for any sightings on the Furness peninsular or failing that anywhere. If all else fails I'll make a day of it and travel up to Carlisle on the train with my folding bike on a Waxwing expedition.

Thanks.

[oncebittern]

08.00 Keswick Central carpark, 8 Waxwings
10.00 1st (brief) visit to Soddy Gap - cheers for the info Craig - Yellowhammers, Stonechats, Widgeon, and 2 Goldcrests showing at eye level...a great treat for me, as I usually have to peer into the treetops to see them.
14.00 Talkin Tarn, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Mergansers, 2 Goosanders. (no Brambling yet)

Nice day out!

[christineredgate]

Huge flocks of Lapwings arriving.

[eagle33]

08.00 Keswick Central carpark, 8 Waxwings
10.00 1st (brief) visit to Soddy Gap - cheers for the info Craig - Yellowhammers, Stonechats, Widgeon, and 2 Goldcrests showing at eye level...a great treat for me, as I usually have to peer into the treetops to see them.
14.00 Talkin Tarn, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Mergansers, 2 Goosanders. (no Brambling yet)

Nice day out!

glad you enjoyed Soddy Steve.

49 Waxwing Central Car Park Keswick

[thorin]

39 Waxwings at Longtown yesterday, but down to 11 today. Feeding on Hawthorns along the path to Arthuret ponds. Also 17 whooper Swans.

cheers nick

[oncebittern]

Still some Waxwings feeding on the Rowans by the A6 North edge of Penrith today. Numbers varied from none, to about 30 max, but groups of birds were coming and going all the time. Last two trees are nearly stripped now, so I think in a few days time, they will be moving on. Meanwhile, I got some video this morning...hope you enjoy it:

http://www.birdforum.tv/members/action/viewvideo/1270/Bohemian_Waxwings_on_Rowan_Tree/

[Stephen C]

I've not seen a waxwing in about three years now and I'm really getting so uptight about it that I've had to satisfy myself with reading about other people seeing them. Both Craig and Nick's photos make me green with envy. Very nice. Back over in the UK this christmas so I hope there's a few left for me...

all the best to you all

[eagle33]

I've not seen a waxwing in about three years now and I'm really getting so uptight about it that I've had to satisfy myself with reading about other people seeing them. Both Craig and Nick's photos make me green with envy. Very nice. Back over in the UK this christmas so I hope there's a few left for me...

all the best to you all

Thanks Stephen. hope you catch up with them soon.

[Stewart J.]

Hi all travelling back from Carlisle on A689 at 16.05hrs this
afternoon had a Red Kite fly low over road heading south some 300
metres west of the Golden Fleece public house near Ruleholme. To much
traffic and no bins so unable to stop to get a better look,not sure if
wing tagged or not.

Stewart

[oncebittern]

30 Waxwings in Carlton Village, Penrith, at 1.30 yesterday (Sunday). Feeding on the berries
opposite and a bit further along from the Cross Keys pub. There seems to be plenty of berries on the trees, so the birds should stick around for a while with any luck. Easy
parking/viewing from the southern end of Frenchfield Gardens.

...and a Merry Christmas to everyone.

[oncebittern]

New Year's Day - went for an afternoon walk around Grune Point; cold, but a gentle breeze, and an incoming tide, though rather dark and cloudy.

Plenty of Redshanks, Oystercatchers, and Dunlins. Also a few Godwits, several Ringed Plovers, a first winter Long Tailed Duck (thanks for the confirmation Craig), 2 Turnstones, a pair of RB Mergansers, and 3 Scaup.

All in all, a pleasing start to the year. :t:

[Stephen Dunstan]

Sounds like a good day, Grune Point is one of my favourite Cumbrian birding sites.

Stephen.

[christineredgate]

Great birding day here.Shelducks,Turnstones,Scaup,Oystercatchers, Dunlin,Ringed Plovers,Redshanks,Red Breasted Mergansers,all in HaveriggBay.Grt Tits,BlueTits,LTTtits, Dunnocks,many many Robins,many many Blackbirds ,GSPWoodie,Bullfinches all to be seen at the entrance to the Hodbarrow reserve.Pied Wagtail,Grey Wagtail in the river,,wren,plus the usual Gulls etc,and the KF has been seen every morning at 8am on our harbour bridge.Oh,Kestrels hunting locally ,seen 3/4 times per day,plus a Peregrine Falcon.I think there may be more species to be seen,the above is just a small selection.

[oncebittern]

Spent most of today plodding around Cliburn Moss. VERY cold, and my habit of finding a likely spot and just sitting quietly, waiting for the wildlife to come to me didn't make it any warmer! However, I was rewarded with LTTs, Blue Tits, Redpolls, Goldcrests, Wrens, Fieldfare, GSW, 2 Bullfinches, and 2 Woodcock. 3 red squirrels were the icing on the cake...not that I needed any further 'icing'.

[solwaybirder]

The Drake Smew is still there this morning, you may need a scope to see the bird
Ian

[oncebittern]

The Drake Smew is still there this morning, you may need a scope to see the bird
Ian

Smew was absent when I arrived at around 1.00pm, but flew in as I was looking for him. Landed in the bay behind the island, and continued to show well in that area, but with frequent visits out into more open water. First time I've seen one, and I was surprised at how fast they move, both on the surface, and below.

[eagle33]

found juv iceland gull at maryport this morning, little gull off workington and med gull at flimy.

[eagle33]

Iceland gull still at maryport today.

[solwaybirder]

1st winter Iceland Gull on the pipe across the river at 10am.
Workington quiet but had a Rock Pipit and a Raven.
Drumburgh marsh Little Egret flushed by a tractor.
Ian

[eagle33]

Iceland Gull still in Maryport.

Had a nice aftenoon at Grune.
2 Long-tailed Duck
2 Little Stint
2 Merlin
1 Short-eared Owl
Scaup
Pintail etc.

[eagle33]

pics of Little Stint, Long-tailed Duck and Scaup.

[oncebittern]

Reserve Manager said there was a Crossbill at Cliburn Moss today. I searched, but found no sign of it (possibly due to the gang of tree-fellers with chainsaws?)

Anyone got any other good spots for Crossbills?

[christineredgate]

Huge skeins of Geese around during the last few days.They seem to be flying down from the north of the county.Also large flocks of Lapwings arriving.Must be the cold weather pushing the birds to our secluded little bay(we have no snow!!!!).

[eagle33]

Reserve Manager said there was a Crossbill at Cliburn Moss today. I searched, but found no sign of it (possibly due to the gang of tree-fellers with chainsaws?)

Anyone got any other good spots for Crossbills?

The visitor centre at winlatter is always a good spot although i havnt looked this year.

[oncebittern]

The visitor centre at winlatter is always a good spot although i havnt looked this year.

Cheers Craig - I'm often in that area, so I'll take a look next time.

BTW, was that your MG parked at Soddy last Sunday morning? I did have a quick look around, but the biting wind got the better of me, so my apologies if I missed you ;)

Steve.

[eagle33]

Cheers Craig - I'm often in that area, so I'll take a look next time.

BTW, was that your MG parked at Soddy last Sunday morning? I did have a quick look around, but the biting wind got the better of me, so my apologies if I missed you ;)

Steve.
Yes it was Steve, wounder where i was to miss you????

[oncebittern]

White Tailed Sea Eagle at Bowness on Solway.

Arrived at midday, but missed it on the Cumbria side. Managed good views of it on the Dumfries side though, but too far off for anything but the poorest 'record shot' on the camera.

Absolutely stunning bird, even at that distance, particularly when it was getting harassed by one of the local buzzards, when its massive size really became apparent - it simply dwarfed the buzzard!

Had 1/2 hour watching it flying around the fields, then it started thermalling upwards, and whilst it remained in view with a scope, it was getting further away all the time. I left at about 2.30.

BBC were there, so it should get featured on Look North tonight.

I've added the two 'best' shots I took, but before anyone starts knocking my photography, please remember that the bird was over 1.5 miles away! ;)

[Newton Stringer]

White Tailed Sea Eagle at Bowness on Solway.

Arrived at midday, but missed it on the Cumbria side. Managed good views of it on the Dumfries side though, but too far off for anything but the poorest 'record shot' on the camera.

Absolutely stunning bird, even at that distance, particularly when it was getting harassed by one of the local buzzards, when its massive size really became apparent - it simply dwarfed the buzzard!

Had 1/2 hour watching it flying around the fields, then it started thermalling upwards, and whilst it remained in view with a scope, it was getting further away all the time. I left at about 2.30.

BBC were there, so it should get featured on Look North tonight.

A top bird !! I hope you checked it for Bald Eagle !! ;)

[Stewart J.]

Nice one guys I'm so envious, been on leave till today when I had to rejoin my ship, what an absolute bummer:C

What a great find.

ATB and good luck to all going for it

Stewart

[level seven]

BBC were there, so it should get featured on Look North tonight.
It was!

Two great birds on view. The eagle and Carol Malia...

[christineredgate]

Yes,it was mentioned on the local news report by Radio Cumbria.Do hope it returns.

[thorin]

Plenty around on Grune point today. Snow bunting feeding on the shingle past the old Pill box, very confiding. Also 2 Little Stints, 2 Long Tailed Ducks, 16 Scaup, c800 Bar Tailed godwits, c600 Knot, Greenshank, Peregrine, Merlin, SE Owl far out on the marsh. Also in Silloth today another Juv Iceland Gull was found and the other Juv Iceland Gull was still present in Maryport.

cheers Nick

[eagle33]

Plenty around on Grune point today. Snow bunting feeding on the shingle past the old Pill box, very confiding. Also 2 Little Stints, 2 Long Tailed Ducks, 16 Scaup, c800 Bar Tailed godwits, c600 Knot, Greenshank, Peregrine, Merlin, SE Owl far out on the marsh. Also in Silloth today another Juv Iceland Gull was found and the other Juv Iceland Gull was still present in Maryport.

cheers Nick


It was a great day Nick!!!
I went on to see the Maryport Iceland gull on the roof of the BP garage in centre of town.
Then on to Soddy Gap for great views of Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl.

[oncebittern]

Spent a couple of hours looking around this afternoon, and found:

Mallards, Tufties, Wigeon, Goldeneye, c50 Cormorants, 2 Goosander (1M, 1F), 3 RB Merganser (2M, 1F), 100+ Greylags with 1 (possibly 2) Pink Foots amongst them, c14 Great Crested Grebes.

Also 3 Otters showing well for most of the afternoon, which really made my day :t:

Steve.

[ColonelBlimp]

Had a smashing afternoon walking around the tops by Windermere, and down by the shore. Pretty standard in terms of birds but had a cracking total of 7 RB Mergansers on the lake giving great views even though bins.

Just looking forward to the Ospreys coming back to Bassenthwaite! Does anyone know when they'll start to return?

[oncebittern]

Had a smashing afternoon walking around the tops by Windermere, and down by the shore. Pretty standard in terms of birds but had a cracking total of 7 RB Mergansers on the lake giving great views even though bins.

Just looking forward to the Ospreys coming back to Bassenthwaite! Does anyone know when they'll start to return?

Last year it was April 10th. However, one was sighted in Dumfries a couple of days ago, so maybe it will be a bit earlier this year.

I'm sure the news will be splashed all over BF when it happens, so you shouldn't miss it!

I was at Bassenthwaite today - no Ospreys yet ;)

[nick patel]

Hi,

was up at Bassenthwaite lake on the 7th/8th Feb weekend, and i saw approx 150-200 Barnacle geese on the lake (NY218302) in Scarness bay, they were fairly near the shore of the lake, and next to them were many hundred Canadas and greylags.

This was early morning and after only a few minutes they all took off and flew away.

I was just wondering, from whoever regularly visits bassenthwaite and anyone else willing to help, if these are wild, possibly roosting before returning to solway, or just another fresh batch of ferals.

Thanks for any help in advance :t:

[solwaybirder]

Hi!,
A Glaucous Gull with a mixed flock of Gulls on the grass beside the river in front of old Sandsfield farm,at high tide.
Ian

[Julie Hogg]

Hi

I wonder if any of you locals can give me some advice about the Skinburness/Grune Point area? I will be visiting the area with our local RSPB group (Durham) on Saturday and I'm sure that some local knowledge would help us get the most from the day.

I did a recce last Friday (my first visit to these sites) but seemed to miss quite a bit (e.g. Scaup at Skinburness/Grune Point), mainly due to not knowing the tide times in advance, I think. It must have been a low tide as it seemed to stay out all day wherever I was (I also checked out Campfield Marsh and Old Sandsfield)! I think that high tide is 14:37 at Silloth on Saturday. Is high tide the best time to see Scaup in that area and where should we go i.e. Skinburness or walk out to the end of Grune Point?

I found the Snow Bunting at the end of Grune Point last Friday, but although I searched through all the Dunlin I saw on the beach near Skinburness I couldn't find a Little Stint (not helped by poor light due to time and weather conditions). Are the waders usually around the Skinburness end of the beach and, if high tide is the best time to see the Scaup, would there still be any sand exposed for the waders?

I'd really appreciate any advice with this as we need to make sure we visit sites in the best order for the tides (we'll definitely be going to the hide at Campfield, although I don't know whether we'll have time to walk to Old Sandsfield - it seemed to be about a 2-mile round trip from the only place with space to park a minibus).

Please email me at j.d.hogg@tees.ac.uk if you can help

Many thanks

Julie Hogg

[eagle33]

sent you an email julie



Hi

I wonder if any of you locals can give me some advice about the Skinburness/Grune Point area? I will be visiting the area with our local RSPB group (Durham) on Saturday and I'm sure that some local knowledge would help us get the most from the day.

I did a recce last Friday (my first visit to these sites) but seemed to miss quite a bit (e.g. Scaup at Skinburness/Grune Point), mainly due to not knowing the tide times in advance, I think. It must have been a low tide as it seemed to stay out all day wherever I was (I also checked out Campfield Marsh and Old Sandsfield)! I think that high tide is 14:37 at Silloth on Saturday. Is high tide the best time to see Scaup in that area and where should we go i.e. Skinburness or walk out to the end of Grune Point?

I found the Snow Bunting at the end of Grune Point last Friday, but although I searched through all the Dunlin I saw on the beach near Skinburness I couldn't find a Little Stint (not helped by poor light due to time and weather conditions). Are the waders usually around the Skinburness end of the beach and, if high tide is the best time to see the Scaup, would there still be any sand exposed for the waders?

I'd really appreciate any advice with this as we need to make sure we visit sites in the best order for the tides (we'll definitely be going to the hide at Campfield, although I don't know whether we'll have time to walk to Old Sandsfield - it seemed to be about a 2-mile round trip from the only place with space to park a minibus).

Please email me at j.d.hogg@tees.ac.uk if you can help

Many thanks

Julie Hogg

[solwaybirder]

The Glaucous Gull is roaming the St Anns area of Carlisle the pic is on a roof top on Briar Bank

[eagle33]

Glaucous gull on roofs of Briar Bank number 52. Carlilse

EDIT Whoops nope Iceland Gull

[eagle33]

Plenty of activity at Soddy Gap today

Low meadows
2 Shelduck
7 Curlew

Soddy Gap

Made a good start as I got out the car 5 Crossbill flew over calling.
An incredible 35 Goosander
6 bullfinch
Skylark singing.
3 pochard
18 Teal
9 wigeon
16 Lapwing
7 Curlew from low meadows probably.
3 Buzzard.
:t:

[Vipers]

Glaucous gull on roofs of Briar Bank number 52. Carlilse

Hi Craig

I know it's hard to tell from photos with nothing to compare size with, but that looks more like an Iceland Gull to me.

[eagle33]

Hi Craig

I know it's hard to tell from photos with nothing to compare size with, but that looks more like an Iceland Gull to me.

Edit Nice call Gary, having a bad day.....of coarse its an Iceland.

[eagle33]

Another shot. maybe a better judge on the size of the bill

[rokermartin]

Glaucous Gull primary projection is shorter than bill length and in Iceland primary projection is equal to or longer than bill length.The gull in the pics does'nt look like a typical Glaucous.Glaucous Gull are usually very large and bulky but you do get small ones.Iceland Gull is usually slighty smaller in size than Herring Gull.

[nick patel]

Anyone got any ideas on post 172?

cheers.

[eagle33]

Anyone got any ideas on post 172?

cheers.

I cant ever recall seeing that number of barnies on Bass lake, so i would say they were probably passing. They have plenty of Greylags on and around Bass but not barnies.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Anyone got any ideas on post 172?

cheers.

I doubt they were flighting to and from the Solway on a roost movement.

Stephen.

[Boom]

I saw a flock of Barnacle Geese on Bass 1 late afternoon in Novemeber- i go regularly and can`t recall off hand seeing them there before.

Possibly just passing through.

[Phil O'Scopus]

Anyone got any ideas on post 172?

cheers.

Counts of up to 148 feral birds on nearby Derwent Water and 186 on Ullswater in 2007 (Birds and Wildlife in Cumbria 2007) would suggest they're feral, especially at a time when the Solway birds are settled.

[Julie Hogg]

Skinburness/Grune Point (Durham RSPB Group Visit - 28th Feb)

Just thought I’d let you know that our Group had a very productive visit on Saturday, thanks to helpful advice from several thread contributors.

We managed to time the visit so that we were at Grune Point for the rising tide (worth seeing in its own right) and managed to see 15 Scaup, 2 LT Ducks and 3 L Stints (special thanks to the man with a camera who showed us the hollow on the NW side of the point where the birds can often be found at high tide) as well as the usual suspects. No sign of the Snow Bunting – presumably it has moved on now. We also saw 2 Peregrines and plenty of Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese on Skinburness Marsh. A brief stop at Skinburness sea front (approaching from Silloth) before we walked out to the point, gave us close views of a male Scaup and a Porpoise. We also saw a Peregrine take a wader (looked like Oystercatcher) over the sea! It flew off inland with its catch and was presumably one of the birds we saw later on Skinburness Marsh.

We spent the late afternoon at Campfield Marsh, finishing off an enjoyable day. I’m sure we wouldn’t have seen half as much without benefit of the local knowledge, so thanks again for all the advice. :clap:

[nick patel]

Thanks for the Barnacle replies. I'll take em as feral.

cheers again.

[StokeOwl]

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind an outsider gatecrashing your thread :)

I'm lucky enough to be spending a week on Walney Island next week, really looking forward to it. Just wondered if there were any other places nearby that are worth checking out while I'm up there.

Many thanks in advance.

[oncebittern]

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind an outsider gatecrashing your thread :)

I'm lucky enough to be spending a week on Walney Island next week, really looking forward to it. Just wondered if there were any other places nearby that are worth checking out while I'm up there.

Many thanks in advance.

Hi StokeOwl.

Assuming you are driving up from Staffs, then you will be passing within a few mile of Leighton Moss RSPB - well worth a short detour. Full details available from RSPB web site. You might also want to look into Hodbarrow, which is about 15 miles north of Walney, just below Millom.

Steve.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind an outsider gatecrashing your thread :)

I'm lucky enough to be spending a week on Walney Island next week, really looking forward to it. Just wondered if there were any other places nearby that are worth checking out while I'm up there.

Many thanks in advance.

Cavendish Dock, Rampside / Roa Island and Sandscale Haws could all be worth a look. Is there anything specific you were hoping to see?

Stephen.

[StokeOwl]

Cavendish Dock, Rampside / Roa Island and Sandscale Haws could all be worth a look. Is there anything specific you were hoping to see?

Stephen.

I was going to say anything that we don't get in Staffs, but that doesn't narrow it down very much. Waders are definitely my big love and BOPs as well.

Steve, yes I think a day at Leighton Moss will be a must. I have been a few times before but the Bearded Tits have always alluded me. Hopefully this time.


Thanks for all your suggestions :t:

[eagle33]

Sizeburgh Castle, for hawfinch there were three at the entrance last weekend.

[christineredgate]

Hi,Stoke Owl,yes as Stephen has mentioned a trip over to the Hodbarrow RSPB reserve could be worthwhile,as we have lots of waders.The Terns will be arriving in a few weeks.Also ,a trip to Muncaster Castle would be good.I have been there today.Close up shots of Herons around 3pm -5pm can be taken.Lots of birds visit the feeders ,and you could see Treecreepers,also you may be lucky and spot a Red Squirrel.Woodpeckers can be heard,(and seen !!!).Well worth a visit.Also Buzzards fly around the grounds.

[thorin]

Still c18 Waxwings this morning in Wetheral in Greenacres, near no 90.

cheers Nick

[thorin]

Iceland Gull still present in St Annes on Brackenridge, Carlisle this morning.

cheers Nick

[oncebittern]

Campfield Marsh this p.m. Tide was well out, and so were most of the waders. Did manage my first Chiffchaff of the year though. Later, at Talkin Tarn, 2 Sand Martins were seen overhead.

[Peter Truelove]

Further to Christine's post of 4th March, we had a good day at Hodbarrow Reserve yesterday (19th March). Total species count 49. First sighting this year at this venue for Sandwich Terns (2) conf by RSPB. Managed to get pics of chiffchaff deep in a thicket and also reed buntings by the lagoon. Failed to photograph a v. elusive goldcrest.
Peter.

[christineredgate]

I was hoping Peter would be submitting a complete list,a great variety of species.Still there is time!!!

[Peter Truelove]

Two pics from Hodbarrow on the 17th March.
Peter.

[christineredgate]

Thanks Peter.May I add,that if anyone is in this area,Hodbarrow RSPB is a good place to visit.Many waders,migrants arriving,inc the Terns,Eiders,Shovellers,Shelducks etc,but you need a fine day!!!

[oncebittern]

Small group of Whoopers and Mutes in field beside B5301 just south of Silloth yesterday.

[solwaybirder]

16 Waxwing at 0820 this morning at Wansfell Avenue off Woodend Drive off Dalston Road.
Ian Carswell

[oncebittern]

Flock of around 200 Redpolls off Stagstones Road, Penrith, opposite Stagstones Farm. A few Goldfinches and Chaffinches amongst them too. Still looking through the photos, and will update if I spot anything else.

[nick patel]

Flock of around 200 Redpolls off Stagstones Road, Penrith, opposite Stagstones Farm. A few Goldfinches and Chaffinches amongst them too. Still looking through the photos, and will update if I spot anything else.

200 :eek!:

[oncebittern]

200 :eek!:

Yep; I was surprised too, but unless I've made some error with ID, Redpolls is what they were.

They never really came close enough for anything but record shots, but for what its worth, here are some of them:

[nick patel]

WOW....that's amazing - never seen anything like it, great work!

I've only ever seen max 30ish Redpoll at a time.

I saw that (30ish) near River Eden in Carlisle, so i wonder if there is a good population round these areas?

[christineredgate]

A BF member,Peter Truelove,posted a shot of a Redpoll taken in his garden last week(Windermere area),so these birds are to be seen around this area of Cumbria.
This county,does show a huge diversity of species,due to the habitat of the countryside.Mountains,fir/pine woods,general woodlands,farms(old barns etc for Owls),marshes,lots of farmers fields,lakes,streams and of course the coastline from the Solway Firth down to Morecambe Bay.The only drawback for finding an exact location for a certain species,is the fact that there are huge open spaces across the mountains etc,so can be difficult for birders to pinpoint an exact location.But Cumbria is an amazing county for a huge variety of species.

[eagle33]

Male Osprey returned to Bass lake today and landed on the nest Dodd wood side. Also a Lesser pecker seen form the A66 layby side. Apparently seen last night too.

[christineredgate]

Great to hear that the Ospreys are returning.Thanks,Craig.

[eagle33]

Great to hear that the Ospreys are returning.Thanks,Craig.

Female returned a few hours later too. Both back on the nest!

[oncebittern]

Female returned a few hours later too. Both back on the nest!

Both birds are indeed back on the Dodds Wood nest today.

However, when I arrived at about 10.00 this morning, there was a single bird perched in the trees to the right of the OLD nest site, soaking up the bright morning sunshine. It flew off to the SE about 20 minutes later.

Now I can't say for sure whether this bird was one of the pair or not; it may well have been, and simply circled back to the nest. On the other hand, maybe it wasn't. I didn't get another sighting, but it may be worth keeping an eye on the area...just in case ;)

[oncebittern]

Took a walk down to Brougham Castle yesterday, and amongst the usual, also saw:

Buzzard sitting on a fence post, Swallows, House Martins, Goldfinches, Grey Wag, GSW, pair of Goosander on the Eamont, and a Dipper.

[thorin]

My first skuas of the year yesterday 22/4. On a day of completely the wrong wind 2 adult Pom skuas flew low against the water with slow steady flight past Bowness viaduct at 9.40am. Also seen in the next 1.5 hours 1 ad Little gull, 49 Kittiwakes, 11 RT divers, 3 GC Grebes, 4 Scoter, 3 Sandwich Terns, 3 Commic Terns , 9 RB Mergansers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats were singing and a Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the gorse.

cheers nick

[christineredgate]

Gannets and Skuas seen off the Silecroft shore,flying far out to sea.Report from our local fishermen.

[oncebittern]

Spent a few hours in Longsleddale today, hoping to catch sight of a Ring Ouzel. Conditions were poor, being very overcast, cold and damp, with cloud swirling quite low down the fell sides.

Amongst others, I saw Ravens, Buzzard, Peregrine, Wheatears, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wags, Heron, and heard a Green Woodpecker.

Heard a Ring Ouzel singing away quite happily in the midst of a boulder field, probably 200yds away, but despite about 2 hours of watching, joined for a while by another couple of birders, never made eye contact with it...another day maybe. :-C

Light was too poor for any decent pics, but these are the best of a bad lot:

[christineredgate]

Large influx of Swallows arrived overnight,but still no House Martins.

[Pitvar]

Spent an hour at St Bees walked along the cliffs to the shingle beach - my first visit - three peregrines over - down to 20m above the path, loads of linnet, stone chats, cormorants all over the cliffs, ravens, grey rock pipit drinking from streams on the beach, herring gulls and oystercatchers but no kittiwakes or black guillemots - guess I was a couple of weeks early for the later? Anyway cracking place and a nice walk...

[eagle33]

Spent an hour at St Bees walked along the cliffs to the shingle beach - my first visit - three peregrines over - down to 20m above the path, loads of linnet, stone chats, cormorants all over the cliffs, ravens, grey rock pipit drinking from streams on the beach, herring gulls and oystercatchers but no kittiwakes or black guillemots - guess I was a couple of weeks early for the later? Anyway cracking place and a nice walk...

I had 2 Whinchat there todat too, saw Load of kittiwakes, but didnt look for black guillemots, had 6 there a few weeks ago!!

[Pitvar]

I had 2 Whinchat there todat too, saw Load of kittiwakes, but didnt look for black guillemots, had 6 there a few weeks ago!!

Was on the look out for Whinchats and totally blanked - where are the Guillemots best seen - on the cliffs or just offshore near the middle bay? Cheers

[oncebittern]

Up to Dodd Wood early this morning, where a 3rd osprey had appeared on the scene. Last seen being chased off by the male, but we left before the situation was concluded. They now have 3 eggs. Tawny Owls visible on the way down. Also a really big Slow Worm was crossing the track lower down - biggest one I've ever seen, had to be over 18".

Moved on to Soddy Gap, but arrived just as the heavens opened, so aborted, and went to Workington harbour. Meadow Pipit and 2 Linnets just feet away from us in the car park. Razorbills, Guillemots, 3 Red Throated Divers, and a single Gannet out to sea. A couple of Wheatears along the concrete pier. Probably a lot more about, but the rain made viewing less than ideal.

[eagle33]

Was on the look out for Whinchats and totally blanked - where are the Guillemots best seen - on the cliffs or just offshore near the middle bay? Cheers


Just Right of Fleswick bay...on a small rock usually, but seen from top of cliff.

[Pitvar]

Just Right of Fleswick bay...on a small rock usually, but seen from top of cliff.

If only I'd had time to walk another 200m then! Next time I'll sort them, cheers

[Peter Truelove]

Courtship time for the Sandwich Tern colony at Hodbarrow Lagoon. Pics from yesterday (Sunday 3rd May). 043 shows suitor arriving with single sand eel to impress partner & indicate presence of food stocks and a couple in the foreground mid-ritual. 045 shows courtship involving sand eel in the routine and 044 shows the happy outcome.
Peter Truelove.

[oncebittern]

Saturday 2nd. Bass Lake Ospreys: Female was sitting on the eggs this morning when we arrived. Male was nearby, then went off fishing. He returned with a fish a short while later, which he took to a great height above the nest, whilst being persued and hassled by a Buzzard. Eventually, he dropped down well below the nest, out of sight, where he presumably ate part of the fish before returning to the nest and passing it to the female. She then took the fish and dissapeared with it, leaving the male to continue incubating the eggs.

Monday 4th. Hodbarrow RSPB: Our first visit to the site, and despite the awful weather (rain driven on a 40+mph wind) we were pretty impressed. Highlights were the excellent views of the Sandwich Tern colony, plus a few Common Terns, and a pair of Little Terns. Also a pair of Turnstones huddled up close to the hide.

Chaos erupted when a dogwalker trundled past right in front of the hide, oblivious to the fact that we were inside, until we made ourselves known to him, and seemingly unconcerned that he had put hundreds of birds up from their nests. :eek!:

Haverigg seems like a nice sort of place - must go one day when the sun is shining ;)

[christineredgate]

Steve,dog walkers walking in front of the hide is a normal practice,also groups of youths with air rifles ,and fishing tackle,and on Frid,a 4wheel drive drove straight through the reserve .Nothing here to protect these birds.
Glad you enjoyed your visit,yes do visit on a fine day,esp when the tide is high.you can then take shots of the Terns bringing their catch across to their nests.
On Frid,there was to be seen a very large group of Turnstones directly in front of the hide,approx 100.

[christineredgate]

Courtship time for the Sandwich Tern colony at Hodbarrow Lagoon. Pics from yesterday (Sunday 3rd May). 043 shows suitor arriving with single sand eel to impress partner & indicate presence of food stocks and a couple in the foreground mid-ritual. 045 shows courtship involving sand eel in the routine and 044 shows the happy outcome.
Peter Truelove.
Excellent shots,Peter.If anyone is in this area,now is the time to visit ,and take shots of these birds,in a mths time,maybe 6 weeks,one can take shots of the adults bringing food to the youngsters,esp at high tide.

[woodhornbirder]

advice plz.

how do i get to http://www.birdguides.com/sites/site.asp?s=2605

by bus from carlisle?, will it take more than an hour on the bus?

[oncebittern]

advice plz.

how do i get to http://www.birdguides.com/sites/site.asp?s=2605

by bus from carlisle?, will it take more than an hour on the bus?

Hi Stephen.

You may find this useful:

http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/544/931/1099/3988815729.pdf

If not, do try my earlier suggestion, which I think may be better.

Steve.

[oncebittern]

Grabbed a few hours on the Solway yesterday, but the strong (50mph?) easterly wind made birding difficult to say the least. Very few sightings at all even with the incoming tide. Small mixed flock of Dunlin, Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpipers after high tide east of Port Carlisle, but the wind was so strong I had to set up the scope in the lee of the car, and look THROUGH the car and out of the drivers window to keep the scope even moderately still. Good views of a Sparrowhawk chasing an Oystercatcher, but missed the finale as they both dissapeared from sight. Linnets, Chiffchaff, Willow and Reed Warblers around the Campfield layby.

[Binocularface]

Linnets, Chiffchaff, Willow and Reed Warblers around the Campfield layby.

Reed Warbler (even in the singular) would be a very good record for this area; where about were they exactly?

Regards
B

[oncebittern]

Reed Warbler (even in the singular) would be a very good record for this area; where about were they exactly?

Regards
B

Just a single Reed Warbler, singing away somewhere deep in the gorse in front of the layby just up from the entrance to North Plains Farm. Didn't get a sighting, just heard it.

[oncebittern]

Bass Lake Ospreys. I arrived at the viewpoint at around 11.00 this morning. Both birds on the nest; 3 eggs still. At that point the male had been fishing twice already, so both were quite content. A third Osprey arrived on the scene again, and flew around and above the nest. Both resident birds watched the intruder intently, but took no action. Intruder eventually flew off across the valley, and was last seen heading up the lake and over the old nest site. There is no conclusive evidence that this is the same bird that has been seen before, but it seems quite likely, and makes one wonder if it is nesting at an as yet undiscovered site. Male flew off later, and had not returned when I departed at around 1.00. Tawny Owl seen on the way down as usual.

After this I went for a walk around Powter Howe. Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler were the birds of note for me, both being heard well before either could be located, though both were well seen eventually, pretty much at the top of the hill. A Cuckoo was calling, but was not seen.

Walked through to the hide on Bassenthwaite, but not much to be seen. 3 Otters were reported to have been seen in this area last Sunday.

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[woodhornbirder]

brief trip to bowness, to bag a pomarine.

eventually saw 4. great view of last one.

Will have to wait for good view of longtailed, but certainly added to my skua knowledge!

thanks to bloke with the north cumbria birds blog, whoever he was(had a dodgy hairdo) :king:

[christineredgate]

Although Leighton Moss is in Lancs,it is virtually on the Cumbrian border,so thought I would mention Wharton Crags which is just down the road ,as it were.A pair of Peregrine Falcons,the female can be seen feeding the chicks in the nest,a must for any digiscoper,or 500mm/600,plus tc's.I took a distant shot of the male high up on the crags above the nest,he looks quite dishevelled,but the female is in beautiful condition,and 3 beautiful white chicks.
Here is a shot taken with a 1x4 of the male,not very good,but these birds are permanent residents,and very easy to see.

[oncebittern]

Glad you enjoyed your visit,yes do visit on a fine day,esp when the tide is high.you can then take shots of the Terns bringing their catch across to their nests.

Hi Christine. Following your tip, we were at Hodbarrow yesterday (Sunday). Conditions were MUCH better, and I even managed one or two half decent photos.

[Pitvar]

Just wanted to say thanks for the pointers on here - non birding family day in Cumbria today but I did get two lifers - Spotted Fly at Sizergh [really good location - will be back when its quiet for the Hawfinch] then on to Hodbarrow where I sat on the sea wall for flight shots of the Sandwich Terns and Oystercatchers [saw plenty of Sandwich and Common but only possible Little]. Cheers, Pitvar

[christineredgate]

A good time to visit Hodbarrow is when the Terns are feeding their youngsters.They bring them up from the reserve on to the flat area just behind the limestone wall.In the evening the light is perfect.The time to choose is when the tide is in or is just ebbing,and there is a constant flight of adults with sea eels .an excellent time for flight shots.
Also lots of Sedge Warblers at the moment in the bushes around the reserve.
Anyone in the area wishing to see close ups of House Martins and Swallows,Muncaster Castle is the place to be,plus they have added a niger seed feeder to the feeders outside the Owl house,constant stream of Siskins,Nuthatch,Goldfinch etc.

[oncebittern]

Bass Lake Ospreys. We got back up to the again viewpoint last Saturday (6th). Weather was pretty cold and wet, with the female hunkered down over the chicks. Male was away when we arrived, but came back to the nest a little later, without any food. Female was quite vocal, and male was away fishing again very quickly. He had not returned when we left. Not too much else to report, other that one of the three chicks is much bigger and darker than the other two, though all three seem to be doing OK.

Tawny Owl chick in the nest on the way down, but no sign of the adult birds.

[ivywall]

Hi all - a Lancastrian on the roam here!

Last year at Hodbarrow we got quite a few shots of Sedge Warblers in the gorse/bushes by the sea defences and returned yesterday hoping for the same - especially as I have a new camera and 'he' a new lens.

Well - we couldn't see any!

I noticed Christine (Hiya!) had seen them at the end of last month - were we just unlucky? Is it worth going back again?

There were plenty of these though-

Pat

[Gill Osborne]

Just had my husband on the phone (he works nightshift) and we are heading off to stay with our friend in Glenridding tomorrow for a couple of days' break.

We'll be popping over to see the Bassenthwaite ospreys but I'd also like to have a crack at the Haweswater eagle if possible. We've been to Haweswater twice in the past year (usually in the autumn) and not seen any sign of the eagle - will he still be displaying this late in the spring? Is there any preferred time of day to see him? Any info/advice/tips will be gladly welcomed but hey, even if we don't see him it's still a stunningly beautiful part of Cumbria to be in :t:

[oncebittern]

Any info/advice/tips will be gladly welcomed but hey, even if we don't see him it's still a stunningly beautiful part of Cumbria to be in :t:

Can't offer too much help Gill, but I believe your best chance will be to go on Saturday, when the viewpoint is manned by RSPB staff/volunteers - if anyone can point you to the eagle, they can. :t:

Good luck, and do let us know how you get on.

[christineredgate]

Hi all - a Lancastrian on the roam here!

Last year at Hodbarrow we got quite a few shots of Sedge Warblers in the gorse/bushes by the sea defences and returned yesterday hoping for the same - especially as I have a new camera and 'he' a new lens.

Well - we couldn't see any!

I noticed Christine (Hiya!) had seen them at the end of last month - were we just unlucky? Is it worth going back again?

There were plenty of these though-

Pat
Pat,I have sent you an e-mail,so sorry for not replying sooner.Yes the Sedgies are still in the bushes along the sea defences,albeit I did not see any today,but then no self-respecting bird was perching aloft in the windy conditions(60mls an hr coming in from the Atlantic!!!!)

[Gill Osborne]

Well sadly we didn't get a chance to nip along to Haweswater as Neil was back at work tonight but we DID go along to see the ospreys yesterday and had fantastic views of the female feeding the chicks.

I've just had a phone call from Neil and he's managed to wangle Monday & Tuesday nights off next week so we will be heading back over to our friend's house and staying from lunchtime on Monday until Thursday afternoon. Neil is going to help G. do some building work for a day or two which leaves me free to get out in the car and do a bit more birding :t: So I'll probably nip along to Haweswater at some point and I'd also like to pay a visit to St Bees for the seabirds :king:

We are planning to move to Cumbria at some point - possibly next year or, at the very latest, the year after that as we love the area so much and spend every spare moment we can there :t:

[deansmith]

hi im in cumbria on holiday next week at center parcs near penrith could anyone suggest some birding places close to whinfell forest that would be worth a look

cheers

DS

[oncebittern]

Hi Dean.

I've lived in Penrith for 8 years now, and have yet to find any 'decent' sites nearby.

Most of my birding tends to involve a drive of at least 10 miles in any direction I'm afraid.

That said though, Whinfell Forest itself covers a vast area, and you could do a lot worse than concentrating on the place you'll be staying. Plenty of Red Squirrels there too.

I'll be watching this thread with interest, to see if anyone has any suggestions.

hi im in cumbria on holiday next week at center parcs near penrith could anyone suggest some birding places close to whinfell forest that would be worth a look

cheers

DS

[Gill Osborne]

I'm staying in Glenridding, nr Ullswater and yesterday went for a short walk along to Side Farm in Patterdale.

As you approach the farm you cross a small bridge and I had some super views of trout and minnow in the clear watrers below :t:

At Side Farm itself I went through the yard and turned left and within the space of 50 yds was watching an adult great spotted woodpecker feeding two young.
There's a plantation of mixed woodland surrounded by a stone wall and this had various warblers in it - Willow, Garden and Chiffchaff. But as you get to the end of this small enclosed area and come to a few trees on the side of the fell it was here that I found some absolute beauties! I had Redstart, both male and female, Spotted Flycatcher, a family of Great Tits and my very first Tree Pipit :t: Also nuthatch, treecreeper, the family of woodpeckers were very active and flying back and forth and siskin were singing in the trees above.
I left our friend's cottage at 2pm and didn't get back until 7.30pm :-O And yet I can't have been more than two/three miles away - I could actually see the cottage from where I'd been standing watching the birds!
Just by standing quietly against the wall I'd been completely ignored by the birds and had some stunning close up views and passing walkers were keen to know what I was looking at so I'd shown them the birds and had a good chat with them :t: All in all a very nice few hours in lovely hot sun :t:

[deansmith]

Hi Dean.

I've lived in Penrith for 8 years now, and have yet to find any 'decent' sites nearby.

Most of my birding tends to involve a drive of at least 10 miles in any direction I'm afraid.

That said though, Whinfell Forest itself covers a vast area, and you could do a lot worse than concentrating on the place you'll be staying. Plenty of Red Squirrels there too.

I'll be watching this thread with interest, to see if anyone has any suggestions.

thanks i planned on having a good look around whinfell forest whilst there i have seen that its vast but was unsure about what kind of access is allowed on the parts that arent center parcs, i have been told that there are park rangers on site though that do guided wildlife walks maybe theyl know some places to check out if so il pass on any info i find whilst in that area

cheers

DS