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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Rare and Scarce Birds in Staffordshire (2 Viewers)

2 Avocets at Branston GP found by me at 5.15pm. Phoned in to RBA. Called around a few friends so they could go for them before dark, only Glyn and Mick turned up. Could be a tricky one for Staffs if they don't hand around. Also seen were 3 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew and lots of ducks including Shelduck, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveller and Tufted. Also GC Grebe and Little grebe.
 
Just a reminder to all our bloggers that our rare breeding birds deserve our protection, if in doubt don't blog it.

I know as a general rule most birders now the wherabouts of the specialist species, but be careful who you tell, egg collectors DO pose as birders and idle chatter in the field could result in eggs being lost.
 
Thanks Martyn - was about to post the same message myself.
Nick

Martyn Yapp said:
Just a reminder to all our bloggers that our rare breeding birds deserve our protection, if in doubt don't blog it.

I know as a general rule most birders now the wherabouts of the specialist species, but be careful who you tell, egg collectors DO pose as birders and idle chatter in the field could result in eggs being lost.
Click to expand...
 
Anyone know anything about the 4 Knot at Croxall as there were 4 Dunlin there yesterday. However there has been a turnover of commoner waders there recently (up to 8 Dunlin, Ruff etc) so it is very possible. If genuine I will pop in there later!
 
Neil-T said:
2 Avocets at Branston GP found by me at 5.15pm. Phoned in to RBA. Called around a few friends so they could go for them before dark, only Glyn and Mick turned up.
Click to expand...

Avocet are now a regular bird in Spring so there will be plenty more chances if the last few years are anything to go by B :) B :)
 
I noticed a message came on today mid morning from Branston GP's. As is usually the case when a decent bird appears at a site, many bird forum members might want to go there to see it. As some of you may be new to places like Branston, can I just remind you that Branston GP's is a working pit, and like most working pits, birders usually visit it in the evening or at the weekends (after 12 on a Saturday). However, Branston GP's is slightly different in that there is a public footpath running straight thru the middle of it and so most of the pits are viewable from the path. It is important tho that if you are visiting during the day and during working hours that you keep to the footpaths and don't stray off. The Sandy Pit is close to the footpath but you still have to walk on the main track to view it unless you view from the footbridge into the field. So if visiting during a weekday, exercise common sense please. I've bumped into quite a few security guards at BGP's recently and on the whole they are quite tolerant there; but then again I visit out of hours. Also, when you are viewing the Sandy Pit, they can see you on CCTV.
Thanks
 
The only time phoned in the Avocets was last evening around 5.20pm. Not having a pager I don't know what time they put the sighting out. Someone else must have called them in again today. Always keep to the footpath lads, although I have never seen any security over there ( only visited it a handful of times) we don't want someone spoiling a good site for all the rest of us.

I have also heard on the grapevine that SWT will have an imput about what happens to the quarry at Branston when all extraction is finished, hope fully in the future it will be one of SWTs reserves. Maybe Scott can shed a bit of light on it for us.
 
Neil-T said:
The only time phoned in the Avocets was last evening around 5.20pm. Not having a pager I don't know what time they put the sighting out. Someone else must have called them in again today. Always keep to the footpath lads, although I have never seen any security over there ( only visited it a handful of times) we don't want someone spoiling a good site for all the rest of us.

I have also heard on the grapevine that SWT will have an imput about what happens to the quarry at Branston when all extraction is finished, hope fully in the future it will be one of SWTs reserves. Maybe Scott can shed a bit of light on it for us.
Click to expand...

Its nice to know SWT are taking an interest however will they be able to replicate the habitat of a working quarry with water levels rising up and down and fresh feeding areas exposed? I doubt it. Will they just create another Branston WP or even an A38 Pit?
 
Nick Smith said:
Its nice to know SWT are taking an interest however will they be able to replicate the habitat of a working quarry with water levels rising up and down and fresh feeding areas exposed? I doubt it. Will they just create another Branston WP or even an A38 Pit?
Click to expand...

I have no idea about that Nick, but surely all the sluces and drainage ditches will be left in place so that the water level can be controlled. Whatever happens, i'm sure it will be a nice reserve.
 
Neil-T said:
I have no idea about that Nick, but surely all the sluces and drainage ditches will be left in place so that the water level can be controlled. Whatever happens, i'm sure it will be a nice reserve.
Click to expand...

But they will take the huge pumps with them! You won't get fluctuating levels without the pumps. It will be a series of lakes. It will be something, but not a gravel pit. It will be interesting to see what happens at Drayton Bassett/Middleton Lakes
 
Neil-T said:
I have also heard on the grapevine that SWT will have an imput about what happens to the quarry at Branston when all extraction is finished, hope fully in the future it will be one of SWTs reserves. Maybe Scott can shed a bit of light on it for us.
Click to expand...

Erm.... No, I haven't heard anything about this. SWT have had input at Branston Water Park with regards habitat management, and a few of our big projects such as OnTrent or Central Rivers Initiative may be providing input but to my knowledge there isnt a plan to take over the site as an official SWT reserve. We lower grade staff don't normally get fed this information until there is something worth sharing so if the quarry is still active our conservation land advisors may be providing help with restortation.

Never say never, but for the time being its a not known. Would be a nice little project for me though ;)
 
News for the 30th Mar

Black Redstart - still at Berry Hill Fields 200 yards east of the mast.
Black-necked Grebe - still Belvide also Grey Plover flew thru west.

Extra News for the 29th Mar

Marsh Harrier - flew north over Branston GP's also 2 Avocet & male Ruff
Great Grey Shrike - still on the Chase around the butts area.

Yep i always found the security at Branston the best at locating me during my working hours birding visits in the past...damn CCTV...takes all the fun out of tresspassing....;)

I used to use my 'right to roam' as an excuse...what the hell ever happened to that?? have the tories banned it again...:-O
 
Visited Croxall, Whitemore Haye and Branston today.

Croxall: Little egret and Ringed plover, no sign of Knot.
Whitemore haye: Grey partridge
Branston: 2 Avocet, male Ruff but no sign of any Harrier while I was there.
 

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The Moore-hen said:
I used to use my 'right to roam' as an excuse...what the hell ever happened to that?? have the tories banned it again...:-O
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I may be wrong, and if so I apologise, but I'm pretty sure 'the right to roam' only applies to registered open access land (that coloured cream area on OS maps)

And I appreciate getting to walk where ever we like has its benefits, particularly for birding, but sometimes it is very annoying as a land manager when people think they can do what they like (personal experience of running a nature reserve provides this). I don't want to open a can of worms, and I don't know the site personally, but I feel we should stick purely to public footpaths/permissive routes unless special permission has been granted otherwise. Apologies if I offend anyone
 
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