Sy V
Well-known member
Indeed. Each book's RRP is £7.99 BTW...
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Upton Warren (39 Viewers)
- Thread starter andythomas
- Start date
Indeed. Each book's RRP is £7.99 BTW...
Oh my days ! :clap:
wheatearlp
Well-known member
Alan - I presume you're saying that the wood used for the shelf isn't thick enough for the narrowest that a hide-clamp will take? As the shelf itself has nearly half its depth 'hidden' under the window frame, rendering the useable width of the shelf about half what was requested, this ideally will need to be re-fitted. If it is, then perhaps thicker wood could be used?
Unfortunately I don't think John was at today's work-party so, unless any other member of the Moors crew is on-line, we won't get a report from today. However I'm sure Des will give us an update tomorrow.
Personally I'm not holding my breath - either in anticipation of hearing about completion or that any of the attention to detail lacking thus far will be fully rectified.
Unfortunately I don't think John was at today's work-party so, unless any other member of the Moors crew is on-line, we won't get a report from today. However I'm sure Des will give us an update tomorrow.
Personally I'm not holding my breath - either in anticipation of hearing about completion or that any of the attention to detail lacking thus far will be fully rectified.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Hi Gavo - I will see if I can dig out some stats and post them later on winter Avovet movements preceeding their arrival at UW
toadoftoadhall
Well-known member
"Flashes Folly", nice ring to it. I like it.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Looks like the only prediction in relation to timescales for the hide that will come true :eek!::-C
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
We have flagged to the Trusts and contractors the issues that all the windows (but particularly these two large first floor windows) pose. Unfortunately other than being able to see a bit more sky the additional height of these units add nothing; however they were shown on the original architects drawings that got planning consent.
Given the height of these windows there is insufficent room for these units to swing through 180 degrees to be caught by catches on the hide wall. There will have to be some form of catch on the roof which will create extra pressure - given the propensity to use nails rather than screws throughout the hide I am not sure how the woodwork will react to the weight pulling down on it.
We have been assured that the current pulley system for the windows strategically placed in the centre of the windows :eek!: will be replaced with something more substantial and less intrusive to viewing. But then this whole project has been littered with broken promises ... :C
Sorry, it's not a laughing matter, but if you know your history you don't hire O'Reily rather than Stubb's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZzc5iTBRsc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZzc5iTBRsc&feature=related
Gavo
Well-known member
Hi Phil, thanks for that, much appreciated :t:
Gert Corfield
Well-known member
This hide stuff is highly depressing. I'm minded to brew an extra strong ale called 'Hide Away'B 
Woodchat
Cogito ergo sum
WRT the hide windows and other features, the Trust have been warned! A trail of emails exists. By flagging up these issues to the WWT I believe that we, as volunteer wardens and members, have fulfilled our 'duty of care' towards our fellow members. If this advice is not acted upon by those with the executive powers (i.e. the WWT staff) then they will be failing in their duty of care. I wouldn't underestimate the seriousness of this - if someone was seriously injured then they could be answering charges of negligence (or worse).
The fact that they will also be failing in their other duty if this farce continues any further - towards the wildlife - is another very serious issue IMO.
The fact that they will also be failing in their other duty if this farce continues any further - towards the wildlife - is another very serious issue IMO.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Oh yes I was8-P
Didn't go down to the Flashes, but was told they were working on it. Had a word with AH from the Trust, he has told them to sort the left screen to the correct height, they will be back to do it (the hide builders didn't build it). AH had a heated meeting with the builders yesterday. I also informed him about the large windows, that they would be better as a smaller wooden opening. This will mean we have 3 glass windows and 2 wooden ones on the front. I listed all the items of concern and he relayed this to the builders who have promised to sort them. I also said that we would fit the benches in the correct place. Re the shelves and interior: I told him that once we are in the hide we will monitor its 'user friendly-ness' and amend as needs be. Like us he wants them out asap.
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upstarts1979
Well-known member
Tuesday work party at Moors 7th Feb 2012
Today 12 of us started the final phase of this season's work parties schedule.
In the last 2 weeks we have had 17 different people, welcome to Steve yet another new volunteer today.
Final Phase Amy's Marsh/Broadmeadow
The work include:
1. removing the alder saplings from the southern bank of Amy's scrape, these were then used to build up a screen around the back of the sand martin bank.
2. more alder saplings were removed from the 'seasonal pool.
3. The large oaktree along the eastern border of the Broadmeadow was pruned. This involved using the telescopic saw to cut the large overhanging limbs that have shaded the scrub below for years. These branches were then used to shore up the eastern boundary fence.
4. Even more large alder and willow saplings were removed from either side of the Broadmeadow pool bank. These were then woven into the southern boundary barbed wire fence.
5. Some more willows were coppiced behind the east hide.
pics laterBJohn
Today 12 of us started the final phase of this season's work parties schedule.
In the last 2 weeks we have had 17 different people, welcome to Steve yet another new volunteer today.
Final Phase Amy's Marsh/Broadmeadow
The work include:
1. removing the alder saplings from the southern bank of Amy's scrape, these were then used to build up a screen around the back of the sand martin bank.
2. more alder saplings were removed from the 'seasonal pool.
3. The large oaktree along the eastern border of the Broadmeadow was pruned. This involved using the telescopic saw to cut the large overhanging limbs that have shaded the scrub below for years. These branches were then used to shore up the eastern boundary fence.
4. Even more large alder and willow saplings were removed from either side of the Broadmeadow pool bank. These were then woven into the southern boundary barbed wire fence.
5. Some more willows were coppiced behind the east hide.
pics laterB
John
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Avocet return dates
Further to Gavo's request, please find a list of Avocet return dates to UW and also the earliest dates they have been recorded in the River Severn (either River Avon and upstream or Godcliffe on the Welsh side).
We have no evidence that our birds come from the populations wintering in the Devon and Cornwall estuaries rather than say Poole Harbour but lets run with this assumption for the purposes of this comparison:
2011 - 13th February (2 at Portbury Wharf, Somerset on 12th Feb)
2010 - 21st February (7 at Goldcliffe on 21st Feb)
2009 - 1st March (1 at Goldcliffe on 23rd Feb; 1 at Slimbridge on 11th March)
2008 - 27th February (5 at New Passage on 29th Feb)
2007 - 13th March (1 at Slimbridge on 8th March)
2006 - 30th March (2 at Saul Wharf on 31st March)
2005 - 21st March (3 at Severn Beach on 10th March)
2004 - 5th March (1 at Severn Beach on 22nd Feb)
2003 - 18th March (3 at Frampton on 16th March)
Based on today's sighting in Gloucestershire, it would seem to indicate that Avocets should be due any time within the next week.
Further to Gavo's request, please find a list of Avocet return dates to UW and also the earliest dates they have been recorded in the River Severn (either River Avon and upstream or Godcliffe on the Welsh side).
We have no evidence that our birds come from the populations wintering in the Devon and Cornwall estuaries rather than say Poole Harbour but lets run with this assumption for the purposes of this comparison:
2011 - 13th February (2 at Portbury Wharf, Somerset on 12th Feb)
2010 - 21st February (7 at Goldcliffe on 21st Feb)
2009 - 1st March (1 at Goldcliffe on 23rd Feb; 1 at Slimbridge on 11th March)
2008 - 27th February (5 at New Passage on 29th Feb)
2007 - 13th March (1 at Slimbridge on 8th March)
2006 - 30th March (2 at Saul Wharf on 31st March)
2005 - 21st March (3 at Severn Beach on 10th March)
2004 - 5th March (1 at Severn Beach on 22nd Feb)
2003 - 18th March (3 at Frampton on 16th March)
Based on today's sighting in Gloucestershire, it would seem to indicate that Avocets should be due any time within the next week.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Birding today at the Moors.
A bit of movement today, involving thrushes starling, redpoll and a calling golden plover that flew south at 10am..
The pool was 90% frozen with the open area approx 100m x 100m to the north of the east hide. Although the temperature never went above 2 degrees the ice was thawing all the time.
species counts:
GCG, Little grebe, cormorant, mute swan pr, canada geese a solitary bird all day, then 70 came into roost (possibly helping to keep the water open). Shelduck pr (flew off early am), Shoveler pr, teal 40, mallard 40, Pochard 25 (16 males), Tufted 35 (19 males), water rail 2 calling in front of east hide late on, coot 150+,
Golden plover, snipe, curlew 11, lapwing 3,
Hering gull 2, LBBG 5
Peregrine adult at least 2 sparrowhawks, stock dove , collared dove 3, Fieldfare 30+ roosting along east path, redwing 5, song thrush, redpoll a few flew over,
A bit of movement today, involving thrushes starling, redpoll and a calling golden plover that flew south at 10am..
The pool was 90% frozen with the open area approx 100m x 100m to the north of the east hide. Although the temperature never went above 2 degrees the ice was thawing all the time.
species counts:
GCG, Little grebe, cormorant, mute swan pr, canada geese a solitary bird all day, then 70 came into roost (possibly helping to keep the water open). Shelduck pr (flew off early am), Shoveler pr, teal 40, mallard 40, Pochard 25 (16 males), Tufted 35 (19 males), water rail 2 calling in front of east hide late on, coot 150+,
Golden plover, snipe, curlew 11, lapwing 3,
Hering gull 2, LBBG 5
Peregrine adult at least 2 sparrowhawks, stock dove , collared dove 3, Fieldfare 30+ roosting along east path, redwing 5, song thrush, redpoll a few flew over,
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Good to see diving duck numbers increase at the Moors Pool. Something a bit rarer joining them would be nice; there has been a big influx of Smew into East Anglia in the last 48 hours.
Golden Plover is the 83rd species for Upton Warren in 2012.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Flashes Work Parties
Unfortunately with the unfavourable conditions on Sunday we didnt get as much work completed as we would have wished. As a result there will be two further work parties at the Flashes:
Sunday 19th February - 10:00am start
Sunday 4th March - 09:30am start
Work to be completed includes:
- Replacing the gate to the sewage works (a constant weak point in keeping foxes out)
- Blocking a number of holes identified in the fox fence behind the Third Flash
- Reducing the tension in the top of the fox fence to prevent the "tight-rope" behaviour we saw last year
- Strengthening and improving thev areas of fencing regularly scrambled over by the fox last year
- Joining the fox fencing up to the new hide (including burying the fence in the ground)
- Creating a blackthorn and bramble barrier in front of the hide
- Digging out encroaching phragmites on the near shore
- Clearing those islands not treated by the Trust
- Mowing / strimming the islands and foreshore, leaving clumps for Lapwing and Redshank
- Strimming the Hen Pool in front of the hide
As always, any time you can give to the work parties, whether it be a whole day or just a few hours, will be very warmly appreciated.
Unfortunately with the unfavourable conditions on Sunday we didnt get as much work completed as we would have wished. As a result there will be two further work parties at the Flashes:
Sunday 19th February - 10:00am start
Sunday 4th March - 09:30am start
Work to be completed includes:
- Replacing the gate to the sewage works (a constant weak point in keeping foxes out)
- Blocking a number of holes identified in the fox fence behind the Third Flash
- Reducing the tension in the top of the fox fence to prevent the "tight-rope" behaviour we saw last year
- Strengthening and improving thev areas of fencing regularly scrambled over by the fox last year
- Joining the fox fencing up to the new hide (including burying the fence in the ground)
- Creating a blackthorn and bramble barrier in front of the hide
- Digging out encroaching phragmites on the near shore
- Clearing those islands not treated by the Trust
- Mowing / strimming the islands and foreshore, leaving clumps for Lapwing and Redshank
- Strimming the Hen Pool in front of the hide
As always, any time you can give to the work parties, whether it be a whole day or just a few hours, will be very warmly appreciated.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
4 pics from today,
1. the Broadmeadow pool reed bed, after alder removal
2. the screened sand martin bank
3. the southern shore of the scrape after alder removal.
4. the eastern border after willow coppicing and oak pruning
We probably have another 4 weeks before the waders return to this area.
hopefully the work will done in 3 weeks
BJohn
1. the Broadmeadow pool reed bed, after alder removal
2. the screened sand martin bank
3. the southern shore of the scrape after alder removal.
4. the eastern border after willow coppicing and oak pruning
We probably have another 4 weeks before the waders return to this area.
hopefully the work will done in 3 weeks
B
JohnAttachments
Woodchat
Cogito ergo sum
Nice data, Phil,
The Avocet arrival date at UW appears to be very well correlated to the corresponting arrival date on the Severn estuary: Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.937.
The regression analysis (below) suggests that the most likely arrival date at UW this year will be this Sunday, 12th Feb. (given that the Severn Beach birds turned up today, i.e. 7th February).
It'll be interesting to see if this prediction is borne out. It is obvious, however, that the situation with Avocet is a very dynamic one - with an expanding population on a local and national level, the overall trend over the past 9 years has a gradient of -4 (i.e. on average Avocets have been appearing 4 days earlier per year!).
Attachments
Sy V
Well-known member
Erm, that could be today then folks... (unless in my very finite wisdom I've missed something - like the 4 days/year earlier figure having already been included in the regression analysis)! Which the more I think about it, the more I think it must have been... oh well - back to the beer. B
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