RSPB Middleton Lakes (12 Viewers)

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

The Common Terns and Yellow Wagtails are getting very close to the reserve now.
11/4/14 KWP Bodymoor Heath Water 4 Common Tern and 4 Yellow Wagtail on the meadows. Chris Cook

We should add Arctic Tern to the Summer migrant list now.


Regards, John

 

[Phil Andrews]

There must be a formulae being used by those doing the information like 10 or more records over a 5 year period to be classed as a wintering bird
Two-barred Crossbill being a BBRC Bird at the moment and just a quick look on birdgudes database since Jan 1 in the UK there are at least 36 Two-barred Crossbills being reported. Should two-barred Crossbill be removed from the BBRC list, we will have to wait and see, if in the next five years the average is 1-3 birds then no.

Regards, John

I think there is a difference between a wintering species and a species of which a few individuals winter. The quoted figures for Whimbrel equate to 3% of the British breeding population although clearly more are present in the country on passage. I wonder what % of the British Chiffchaff or Blackcap populations over-winter?

 

[fergus617]

3 Common terns on the North Pit today, 1 present yesterday as well.

 

[Periwinkle]

Red Crested Pochard on the river - Geoff Williams

 

[Periwinkle]

The Common Terns and Yellow Wagtails are getting very close to the reserve now.

Are you withdrawing your flyover Yellow Wagtail record from a fortnight ago or did it slip your mind when you wrote the above?

 

[Periwinkle]

I think there is a difference between a wintering species and a species of which a few individuals winter. The quoted figures for Whimbrel equate to 3% of the British breeding population although clearly more are present in the country on passage. I wonder what % of the British Chiffchaff or Blackcap populations over-winter?

Ringing studies have shown are wintering blackcaps come from the continent so not British breeders at all. And in the Nuneaton/Tame Valley area all the wintering Chiffchaffs are from Siberia.

 

[Phil Andrews]

Ringing studies have shown are wintering blackcaps come from the continent so not British breeders at all. And in the Nuneaton/Tame Valley area all the wintering Chiffchaffs are from Siberia.

Did you forgot a Tom?

 

[Periwinkle]

Did you forgot a Tom?

Sorry just back from fishing but yes

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

Are you withdrawing your flyover Yellow Wagtail record from a fortnight ago or did it slip your mind when you wrote the above?

My Yellow Wagtail record was accurate on 1/4/14, these sightings are Chris Cooks, birders visting the Reserve over the weekend should now be looking for this species.

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

Ringing studies have shown are wintering blackcaps come from the continent so not British breeders at all. And in the Nuneaton/Tame Valley area all the wintering Chiffchaffs are from Siberia.

I wasn't aware that collybita reached Russia.

 

[geoffw1946]

The female Red-crested Pochard could be seen from the Dosthill bunds (the southern meadow trail is still closed). On the JWs were 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin and several Ringed Plover, LRP and Redshank. A Common Tern was seen on the JWs and later on NP. The Med Gull was still on NP.
A Cuckoo flew over FMP yesterday but didn't call.
Geoff

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

Redstarts are coming in now, your best chance is along the hedge on the rough road in by the Villa Entrance.
http://www.bbfo.blogspot.co.uk/
Some good comparisons of Mealy and Lesser Redpoll on here.

Regards, John

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

The female Red-crested Pochard could be seen from the Dosthill bunds (the southern meadow trail is still closed). On the JWs were 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin and several Ringed Plover, LRP and Redshank. A Common Tern was seen on the JWs and later on NP. The Med Gull was still on NP.
A Cuckoo flew over FMP yesterday but didn't call.
Geoff

There's a few Cuckoo's in Geoff all so far have been down south.

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

With an early Yellow Wagtail record and now Cuckoo.
The next summer migrants, House Martin, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Arctic Tern, I will put Hobby down as we have had a few early birds.

Regards, John

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

With an early Yellow Wagtail record and now Cuckoo.
The next summer migrants, House Martin, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Arctic Tern, I will put Hobby down as we have had a few early birds.

Regards, John

Still we need a Grasshopper Warbler record for the Reserve and don't forget Osprey, seen on Middleton Hall pool, Fisher's mill Bridge pool in the past, Jubilee wetlands could now be a site to see them with now shallow water and a fish stock from the river.

 

[Periwinkle]

Sorry just back from fishing but yes

Excellent a few bites

 

[Periwinkle]

The first record of Yellow Wagtail this year for the reserve today and Lesser Whitethroat - details on my blog.

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

The first record of Yellow Wagtail this year for the reserve today and Lesser Whitethroat - details on my blog.

My first Yellow Wagtail record for the Reserve this year as stated above was 1/4/14 and reported at the time.

 

[frisky pheasant]

hi, can anyone please tell me if the lesser spotted woodpecker is still showing well by the farm ?

 

[JHDraytonbassettpits]

hi, can anyone please tell me if the lesser spotted woodpecker is still showing well by the farm ?

Hi Frisky Pheasant, I know of no reports this year. John