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RSPB Middleton Lakes (1 Viewer)

midlands birder

Well-known member
Thanks Laurie, it's a good job I enjoy it.
New in today was a Garganey on the NP, Teal numbers have built up to 18, I didn't see any Oystercatchers but had 4 LRP, 1 Snipe, 6 Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Also reported were 2 Black-tailed Godwit and the Pacific Golden Plover which was a bit more elusive than yesterday.
Geoff

Also an adult Dunlin viewable distantly to the north from the PGP viewpoint!

Great find Geoff! Keep them coming!
MB
 

andyr

Well-known member
Cheers Geoff, sadly I will be on foot as ever. I intend to walk up from Wilnecote Station.

Fritz ...

That's a four or five mile round-trip on foot, but it sounds as though you are used to your walking ! Best to make sure however, that you get onto the left-hand side of the canal as soon possible, by crossing the little bridge opposite the entrance to Drayton Manor Park.
Although you will miss out on the maps in the RSPB car park, you will have saved yourself the long walk onto the main reserve from the Middleton Hall entrance.
And once you've reached the Fisher's Mill canal bridge, a left turn sees you on the main reserve, where I am sure you'll see other birders who can point you towards the Jubilee Wetlands east-screen area.

PS: I'm guessing you will wait for news of the PGP still being present however, before you go on this safari !

Hope this helps and good luck if you go.

Andy R.
 

rollingthunder

Well-known member
A pushbike on the train?

I can't go 'till Thursday morning but i'm a past master at 'taking it cool' and am looking forward to seeing the reserve as it's been about 2 years since i last visited. Another feather in the cap for what will be the best reserve in the region imo - nice to see it's now a Specific Golden Plover;)

Attached is a link to a timely article from Birdguides - eyes peeled.

http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=4508

Laurie:t:
 
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andyr

Well-known member
Pacific Golden Plover

Hi All

According to Birdguides, the PGP is there again this morning.

Hope you see it Fritz.

Cheers

Andy R.
 

Claudy Banks

Well-known member
Two record shots from Saturday, the distance, combined with the heat haze were never going to produce great results. That's my excuse anyway. Great to see it though.
 

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andyr

Well-known member
Two record shots from Saturday, the distance, combined with the heat haze were never going to produce great results. That's my excuse anyway. Great to see it though.

Hey Claudy ... Yours are not bad at all !

In fact, have you looked closely at your second photo ... great study of the PGP giving a nearby dragonfly sp. the stare !

Andy R.
 

xFritzx

Green Birder
Hi All

According to Birdguides, the PGP is there again this morning.

Hope you see it Fritz.

Cheers

Andy R.

Cheers Andy, After a nice "stroll" in the sunshine I did indeed manage to catch up with the PGP. No Blackwits for me though... Lovely reserve, is the Meadow Trail out of commission at the moment?
 

fergus617

Member
Cheers Andy, After a nice "stroll" in the sunshine I did indeed manage to catch up with the PGP. No Blackwits for me though... Lovely reserve, is the Meadow Trail out of commission at the moment?

Yes, the meadow trail is still closed. This is due to the Environment Agency having to finish off some work in this area for which they will be bringing large and heavy machinery through this area.

The RSPB will be opening this area as soon as is reasonably possible at which point it will be broadcast across news services.

Thanks for your patience.
 

Eddie the 'ed

Well-known member
PGP at Middleton

I'm caught up with work and so hoping it's gonna be around on Wednesday morning. Just my bloody luck it will hop it tomorrow evening.

Fingers crossed....
Damian
 

dwallace

Well-known member
The 3 of us who made the trip up from Hampshire yesterday were impressed with the reserve. The PGP showed well at times, although a little distant.

Well done to the finder.

Dave W
 

rollingthunder

Well-known member
Moocher - nice shots on yr blog, like the one where it thinks it's a duck and has the legs completely immeresed.

I see you used an iphone5 - presume it was 'scoped? if so what scope and did you use a mount or just straight thru the lens?

ATB Laurie:t:
 

Moocher

Well-known member
Moocher - nice shots on yr blog, like the one where it thinks it's a duck and has the legs completely immeresed.

I see you used an iphone5 - presume it was 'scoped? if so what scope and did you use a mount or just straight thru the lens?

ATB Laurie:t:

Hi Rollingthunder.

Thanks. I use a Swarovski ATS 65HD. I take a lot of shots with the phone hand held to the eyepiece. However, for video and quicker alignment, I use a. Novagrade adapter.

They are universal for eyepiece and phone. I have only just got the iPhone 5, was using the 4S before this. A few simple adjustments to the adapter and I was back in business.

They are not cheap, but when you consider that each time you upgrade your phone or decide to use a different eyepiece you don't have to purchase another adapter, it doesn't seem so bad.

Before anyone asks, I don't have shares in the company. I purchased mine with my own hard earned. I find it well made and simple to use.

Some info here.

http://moochersmoor.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/novagrade-universal-smartphone-adapter.html

Regards

Moocher
 

rollingthunder

Well-known member
Thanks - i've recently purchased the Opticron MM3 50mm and have been given an out of contract iphone 4s and will be making an adaptor so it's nice to know what other people have as some sort of guide. An intriguing bit of kit - can't seem to find a UK distributor that seems to stock the adaptor. Where did you get yours and how much?

Laurie:t:
 
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Moocher

Well-known member

rollingthunder

Well-known member
Yeh - i saw that and had a look @ Brian Stretchs' site (from whence i purchased the 'scope) but he only has Kite optics.

Not to worry i looked at the Spanish site..........163 euros:eek!: They are, however, a niche item and at least this one will be usable on almost anything. I don't take many fotos and so cannot justify the cost particularly as the iphone was free.

Like a lot of people i will make my own, in fact i just have and if it works and holds i will post some fotos. If the PGP is still there tmrw it might be the first decent bird.

Tnx agen -

Laurie:t:
 

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