Keys - name for the seeds of the ash, sycamore and another tree but can't remember it. The seeds have long extensions in one direction and resemble yale keys
Birdflower, thank you very much for the information regarding the woodpeckers. I don't travel far from where I live but I will be able to get up there OK, past the golf course I think. I saw quite an unusual site near the Friary in Beverley today actually which I might aswell mention here; a Heron being chased by two angry Jackdaws. I've never seen a Heron in Beverley before so it was quite a surprise, I guess they are venturing to new areas because of bad conditions maybe. Happy New Year anyway, and to all the birders on this thread!
Nick
I have to say I've been surprised by the recent close photos on Birdguides. I'm not saying that the photographer has done anything wrong, I'm just surprised given that the lay-by seems the nearest legal viewpoint. I'd have thought the person you saw was on private land though.
Ok, so I`m over near Blackpool, Staining to be exact.. anyone know anywhere exciting to go bird-wise over here... I`d ask on the North West board, but i`m shy...
Ok, so I`m over near Blackpool, Staining to be exact.. anyone know anywhere exciting to go bird-wise over here... I`d ask on the North West board, but i`m shy...
Ok, so I`m over near Blackpool, Staining to be exact.. anyone know anywhere exciting to go bird-wise over here... I`d ask on the North West board, but i`m shy...
Was going to Calder wetlands but seeing that the thaw had really set in, didn't fancy trying to find the ground between all the dog george's so instead went to Swillington to pay my subs for the year.
Astley lake almost totally frozen still but the reservoir beyond it was open so the ducks and geese were present if distant. Entered the hide to that annoying greeting, 'should have been here earlier' .
The boating lake just inland of the seafront at Fleetwood is also good for close up Merganser.
Ok, so I`m over near Blackpool, Staining to be exact.. anyone know anywhere exciting to go bird-wise over here... I`d ask on the North West board, but i`m shy...
Rossal Point for waders
Leighton Moss for Bearded Tits, Bittern and Starling roost. Have snapped Mergansers on the Eric pools (ask at the centre)
Morecambe stone jetty for Purple Sandpipers
Marine Lake at Lytham St Annes can hold some interesting duck occasionally
Heysham Outflow for gulls
Marton Mere can be good, \as others have said
If you head to Marshside (my boyhood patch), then the area at the roundabout end is best for owls. The walk around the old sand factory for pipits, stonechat and kestrel. The far flooded fields at the golfcourse end for Pintail. You could also take in the Red Squirrels at Freshfield. Personally the sands at Ainsdale or Brikdale on a big tide are a personal favourite - easily a chance of seeing in excess of 100,000 birds if you time it right.
Dipped the Ring-billed Gull at Mirfield today. A flyover Goosander was not much compensation.
You should have called me!