Hi Rob
what we are trying to achieve at Upton is not to a create closed shop BUT a place for all like minded (wildlife lovers) to visit and have an enjoyable experience.
Whilst feeling part of what to many is a warm and welcoming place you want to preserve that empathy and as many of us over the years have done, you also want to get involved to maximize its potential, both for your pleasure and to attract more wildlife. (thus the formation of todays WORK PARTIES).
20 years ago we started a permit scheme to minimize the disturbance caused by the local youth and dog walkers abusing the reserve and hides. Touch wood a problem seldom encountered today. Over the years this scheme lapsed for various reasons but presently the popularity of Upton is again increasing so we are hopefully able to encourage more people to become members of the Wocestershire Trust.
My answer to your question is why not join your local Trust Lancashire or Cheshire and wherever you are you can visit any local trust reserve.
All wildlife Trust members are more than welcome at Upton Warren
cheers John
I have just returned from a weeks holiday and it appears that a lively debate has ensued.
Having been birding at upton for 32 years I have seen massive changes during that time.
Over the next few weeks I ( hopefully with the help of wheatearlp) will try and explain some of the History of the reserve which may help explain some of the recent developements there.
It is quite obvious that there are many new members joining the trust within the last 4 years or so. So the information will help them appreciate how the reserve has evolved into a prime birding site. And how much of this work was organised and carried out by volunteers independently of any Trust involvement although the Trust always oversaw everything.cheers John
ps I will try and put my take on all the posts over the last week in chronological order
Why not just recommend WWT members or non members purchase 'The Birds Of Upton Warren', Celebrating 40 years as a Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve 1968-2008. There just done it for you, John!
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I find your comments highlighted very patronising, I do not know what yourself and Wheatearlp are aiming to achieve with all of the recent posts. I get the feeling the matter is more 'in house' at Upton and should be dealt with there and not on a forum. Perhaps a newsletter to members from the WWT would be a better idea and reach more members than there are here on BF.
I admire the work done by the working parties at Upton Warren as I do at other reserves that I visit as I am a member of other organisations besides Worcs WT! Local council reserve wardens/volounteeers are to be applauded too for their work in managing some great local reserves.
Popped over to the Moors this afternoon in the gloom, though the sun made a couple of brief appearances. Saw the black tern, as it darted up and down in flight. Shame it favours the far side of the lake, as it made getting pics tricky. Didn't perch on the rail when I was there, but I wasn't there that long...
Also saw the bittern, as it flew to the reedbed near the gate (car park). No pics of that as it was too far off.
What's with the rabbits at the Moors? Seems to be a fair few that appear to be blind. Had one wandering around by my feet as I walked out of the Water Rail hide today. Didn't know I was there. I hope it's not Myxomatosis.
Why not just recommend WWT members or non members purchase 'The Birds Of Upton Warren', Celebrating 40 years as a Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve 1968-2008. There just done it for you, John!
I find your comments highlighted very patronising, I do not know what yourself and Wheatearlp are aiming to achieve with all of the recent posts. I get the feeling the matter is more 'in house' at Upton and should be dealt with there and not on a forum. Perhaps a newsletter to members from the WWT would be a better idea and reach more members than there are here on BF.
I admire the work done by the working parties at Upton Warren as I do at other reserves that I visit as I am a member of other organisations besides Worcs WT! Local council reserve wardens/volounteeers are to be applauded too for their work in managing some great local reserves.
Couple of shots of the juv black tern - more on my fotopic gallery.
Why not just recommend WWT members or non members purchase 'The Birds Of Upton Warren', Celebrating 40 years as a Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve 1968-2008.
Unfortunately I don't think there are any copies left available, or if there are it is only a few, which the Trust will have; I'll confirm this with Phil Andrews. There are of course the annual reports, there are still a few left for both 2007 & 2008.
Had a quick visit to the Flashes at 08:30 this morning between jobs but the Sabines Gull had departed. Any ideas where it is going through the day - any tips or anything nearby?
On the Flashes I saw 2 Green sand, 1 Ringed plover and three Snipe. Also saw Blue tits eating Black berries which I have never seen before.
Gareth
Hi Gareth there are records of Sab's Gulls following the plough as Midland birder pointed out all the reservoirs and tips have been checked. Maybe worth finding ploughed fields? It tends to come in alone or with very few other BHG's. Whether that is because it has found a secret feeding area or it is bullied by BHG's and follows them in to roost we'll probably never know.
Cheers John
Hi Craig over the years the habitat for waders in autumn at the Flashes as mostly been ideal. But we do get a bit disappointed when they never materialise. As you know there is a good list of waders seen over the years. Maybe the size of the flashes is a limiting factor. However there are a few waders that I would like to think could turn up at this time of year such as Yanks :- Lesser Yellowlegs , Long Billed Dowitcher, white rumped Sandpiper or a bairds sand. . Don't forget we have had a few Pectoral sandpipers and a Least Sandpiper and a couple of Wilson' Phalaropes. So we live in hope.now all i hope for from upton is some good waders,its funny,wader passage and the last 5 birds added to my upton list arnt waders but gulls,crakes and egrets:-O:t: but still all good
MB