[Woodchat]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

In celebration of the Avocets returning, here's the 4 that were present last week. I wonder if the 6 turning up today have the same 4 in the group. Shame we can't really tell but great news none the less

Nice pic, matey!

[PeterE]

Originally Posted by UW82

6 Avocet at the Flashes on a really foul morning.

Des.

That is great news; I was worried we had frightened the four away on Sunday for good.

Peter

[upstarts1979]

Originally Posted by PeterE

That is great news; I was worried we had frightened the four away on Sunday for good.

Peter

I must admit Peter, I thought it was unusual for them not to return during or at least after the work party. This could add a bit more credence to the 'staging post' theory.John
Just browsing through my notes and I noticed Stonechat in 2010 and 2011 at this time of year at the Flashes.
Also large flocks of winter thrushes in the 'old orchard' from late February seems to be a regular thing, so a good chance of our last record coming from this area.

[midlands birder]

Originally Posted by upstarts1979

I must admit Peter, I thought it was unusual for them not to return during or at least after the work party. This could add a bit more credence to the 'staging post' theory.John
Just browsing through my notes and I noticed Stonechat in 2010 and 2011 at this time of year at the Flashes.
Also large flocks of winter thrushes in the 'old orchard' from late February seems to be a regular thing, so a good chance of our last record coming from this area.

They did return while we were working and dropped in at the back of the flash, they stayed some time before flying off south just before the small break, didnt see them come back after flying south though
MB

[Gertatron]

As promised here is the final list of date predictions for the first return of LRP, let me know if I've missed anyone out!

6th - Mark (Hagar1) - sorry mate
8th - Des (UW82)
9th - Trevor (discors)
10th - Gert (Gertatron)
11th - Mike (Wheatearlrp)
12th - John (Upstarts)
13th - Gavo
14th - Simon (Sy V)
15th - Dave (Woodchat)
16th - Andy (Spoonbill Finder)
17th - Phil Andrews
19th - Chris (Cooky1)
20th - Jim (HenHarrier)

[HenHarrier]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

As promised here is the final list of date predictions for the first return of LRP, let me know if I've missed anyone out!

6th - Mark (Hagar1) - sorry mate
8th - Des (UW82)
9th - Trevor (discors)
10th - Gert (Gertatron)
11th - Mike (Wheatearlrp)
12th - John (Upstarts)
13th - Gavo
14th - Simon (Sy V)
15th - Dave (Woodchat)
16th - Andy (Spoonbill Finder)
17th - Phil Andrews
19th - Chris (Cooky1)

I put my name down for 20th as unlikely as it is because its my birthday

Good to hear about the avocets increasing in numbers, hopefully investigating some potential nest sites in the next few weeks!

Jim

[Gertatron]

Originally Posted by HenHarrier

I put my name down for 20th as unlikely as it is because its my birthday

Good to hear about the avocets increasing in numbers, hopefully investigating some potential nest sites in the next few weeks!

Jim

Sorry matey - sorted

[HenHarrier]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

Sorry matey - sorted

No problem Gert

Was going to ask when is the next all day session that you guys do? Wouldn't mind tagging along providing it's on the weekend

Jim

[Gertatron]

Originally Posted by HenHarrier

No problem Gert

Was going to ask when is the next all day session that you guys do? Wouldn't mind tagging along providing it's on the weekend

Jim

It will be a day in early May - yet to be confirmed and yes, defo on a Saturday. Watch this space. There will be bacon and cake (not at the same time, although a bacon cake sandwich might be interesting thinking about it..)

[HenHarrier]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

It will be a day in early May - yet to be confirmed and yes, defo on a Saturday. Watch this space. There will be bacon and cake (not at the same time, although a bacon cake sandwich might be interesting thinking about it..)

Ahh okay cheers, still a few weeks off then. Every year I miss it because I miss the date. And very true Gert, a bacon/cake sandwich would be very interesting!

Jim

[Gavo]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

It will be a day in early May - yet to be confirmed and yes, defo on a Saturday. Watch this space. There will be bacon and cake (not at the same time, although a bacon cake sandwich might be interesting thinking about it..)

What's the veggie option this year, i was starving last year

[UW82]

Today's highlights when the Avocets returned after a short break and increased in number.

FLASHES:
Avocet (6)-----------------------------Lapwing (26)
Curlew (21)---------------------------Snipe (3)
Gadwall (pr)--------------------------Shelduck (1)
Teal (31)------------------------------B H Gull (c1000)

MOORS:
Shelduck (3)-------------------------Pochard(6)
Shoveler (12)------------------------Tufted Duck (38)
Little Grebe (2)----------------------G C Grebe (5)
Water Rail----------------------------Cormorant (21)
Greylag Goose (2)-------------------Herring Gull (9)
L B B Gull (11)-----------------------Mute Swan (2)

SAILING POOL:
G C Grebe (3)

Other birds noted were Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush (singing), Buzzard and Redwing.


Des.

[Sy V]

Originally Posted by Gavo

What's the veggie option this year, i was starving last year

Hot Fish Yoghurt. Suitably knitted by our resident pinko leftie lesbian dairy product weaver.

[Gavo]

Originally Posted by Sy V

Hot Fish Yoghurt. Suitably knitted by our resident pinko leftie lesbian dairy product weaver.

Last time I looked a fish has a face therefore not eaten by veggies but I get the meaning Si

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by Gertatron

It will be a day in early May - yet to be confirmed and yes, defo on a Saturday. Watch this space. There will be bacon and cake (not at the same time, although a bacon cake sandwich might be interesting thinking about it..)

Hi Gert / Jim - whilst the official All Day Birdwatch is on the first Saturday in May (5th) when hopefully we will again go head-to-head with Middleton Lakes, Belvide and possibly Marsh Lane (would also be nice if Brian could get a few together for Grimley), I imagine several of us will be digging in for all-day sessions on several of the weekends in April, especially if there is somne obvious wader / tern movement. Watch this space.

Phil

[wheatearlp]

Originally Posted by HenHarrier

Was going to ask when is the next all day session that you guys do? Wouldn't mind tagging along providing it's on the weekend Jim

Spring all-dayer will be May 5th (or at least that's what I think we agreed).

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by upstarts1979

I must admit Peter, I thought it was unusual for them not to return during or at least after the work party. This could add a bit more credence to the 'staging post' theory.

Avocet numbers have been variable at Upton over the last 2 weeks. I took the liberty of seeing what over records there have been (courtsey of RBA) in say a 50 mile radius over the same period:

3rd March - 12 @ Saul Wharf, Gloucs
1st March - 1 @ Middleton Lakes, Warwicks
29th FEb - 2 @ Rutland Water, Leics

In other words, not many! Perhaps the staging post theory for birds moving up to the Merseyside / Lancashire area from the south coast with "our" birds following later is born out??

[Phil Andrews]

Just updating the monthly list for the reserve; has anyone recorded any of the following in March so far:

Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Yellowhammer

[forgetfulelephant]

Originally Posted by Phil Andrews

Just updating the monthly list for the reserve; has anyone recorded any of the following in March so far:

Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Yellowhammer

Kingfisher 6th March

Rob

[UW82]

Originally Posted by Phil Andrews

Just updating the monthly list for the reserve; has anyone recorded any of the following in March so far:

Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Yellowhammer

Gert reckoned that the Pipit flying low over the islands at the Flashes last Sunday was a Meadow Pipit--unless he has retracted the record.


Des.

[UW82]

Originally Posted by Phil Andrews

Just updating the monthly list for the reserve; has anyone recorded any of the following in March so far:

Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Yellowhammer

Just remembered that MJI and JHWR reported a Common Gull over the Sailing Pool today.



Des.

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by UW82

Gert reckoned that the Pipit flying low over the islands at the Flashes last Sunday was a Meadow Pipit--unless he has retracted the record.


Des.

Sunday as in the work party or the previous Sunday which was in February?

[g.h.1]

Originally Posted by Phil Andrews

Just updating the monthly list for the reserve; has anyone recorded any of the following in March so far:

Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Yellowhammer

Phil
Jay (On 1st. or 2nd of March.)
Cheers Glenn

[UW82]

Originally Posted by Phil Andrews

Sunday as in the work party or the previous Sunday which was in February?

Work Party. You mentioned the Pipit in your list for the day.



Des.

[Phil Andrews]

Thanks Glenn, Rob and Des (or really Mike and John). Monthly total is on 68 so far; year total on 90.