-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
RSPB Middleton Lakes (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter JHDraytonbassettpits
- Start date
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
Hen Harrier
Hi Suthyyy,
You need a keen eye, know your birds of prey and be lucky. The bird yesterday was low over the opposite side of the bund so I only saw it as it came above the bund briefly and again seen later. Geoff Williams although he alternates every other week with his visits to Lincolnshire, Geoff spends his week at RSPB Middleton lakes everyday, however I don't believe Geoff has seen a Hen Harrier there this winter.
Good all round views are obtainable from the high bund at Dosthill lake however at the moment there is no bridge across to this area.
Regards, John
Hi Suthyyy,
You need a keen eye, know your birds of prey and be lucky. The bird yesterday was low over the opposite side of the bund so I only saw it as it came above the bund briefly and again seen later. Geoff Williams although he alternates every other week with his visits to Lincolnshire, Geoff spends his week at RSPB Middleton lakes everyday, however I don't believe Geoff has seen a Hen Harrier there this winter.
Good all round views are obtainable from the high bund at Dosthill lake however at the moment there is no bridge across to this area.
Regards, John
Last edited:
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
Yesterday a good count of 24 Red Headed Goosander on the Norh pit seen by Geoff Williams (Tipton Geoff).
Regards, John
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
1/11/11 By Fisher's mill bridge a Male Blackcap, Drayton Basset pits South a Little Egret, new reedbed pool 2 Little Egret and 2 Winter Plumaged Dunlin which commuted to and from the North pit.
North pit 90 Lapwing airborne with 20 Starling, 6 Skylark in arable west of the North pit.
80 Wigeon over and just over the river in Warks Dosthill lake were 4 Short-eared Owl hunting the rough grass areas on the bunds. 1 ventured over to the Staffs side and went along the small amount of long grass remaining mostly around pools and flushed 3 Snipe.
The Short-eared Owls main prey being Short-tailed field vole which likes long uncut ungrazed grassland, however this has been cut by the RSPB for their breeding waders programme. I asked head warden Nick Martin why the grass was not cut in Spring instead of at the end of summer, Nick saying the grass would be wet.
With no bridge, many would have liked to haved crossed the river to see the Short-eared Owls Dosthill lake.
At Dusk 4 Goldeneye dropped on the mid pools and 4 Red-headed Goosander headed North.
Regards, John
North pit 90 Lapwing airborne with 20 Starling, 6 Skylark in arable west of the North pit.
80 Wigeon over and just over the river in Warks Dosthill lake were 4 Short-eared Owl hunting the rough grass areas on the bunds. 1 ventured over to the Staffs side and went along the small amount of long grass remaining mostly around pools and flushed 3 Snipe.
The Short-eared Owls main prey being Short-tailed field vole which likes long uncut ungrazed grassland, however this has been cut by the RSPB for their breeding waders programme. I asked head warden Nick Martin why the grass was not cut in Spring instead of at the end of summer, Nick saying the grass would be wet.
With no bridge, many would have liked to haved crossed the river to see the Short-eared Owls Dosthill lake.
At Dusk 4 Goldeneye dropped on the mid pools and 4 Red-headed Goosander headed North.
Regards, John
Last edited:
The Short-eared Owl Show
Hi John
Having only been able to get to see any of today's 'owl fest' from early afternoon onwards, I ended up on the Middleton RSPB side so, yes, you are absolutely right about the "no bridge" challenge ! But luckily my first sighting was of one of the SEOs on the Staffordshire-facing side of the main bund - the pyramid-shaped ridge shown in one of these photos for those that don't know the site. Maybe that John was the 'Staffs bird' you referred to near the end of your post ?
My other sightings were of two SEOs showing mid-afternoon over the top of one of the other Dosthill bunds, the riverside one opposite Richard's Meadow. Another couple of birders alongside me noticed that one of these birds was much paler than the other - and fortunately I was able to take this digibinned record-shot of the paler one as it turned over the river to head back over that particular bund. I would like to say that the "halo effect" around the owl itself was a skilled feat of phtographic engineering on the part of yours truly, but the real reason is ... er ... I have no flippin idea !
Although that photo was taken over the border in Warwickshire, hopefully JH's very helpful initial post and my mini addition to it will give Staffs birders some encouragement to go this week, if the owls stay around. It's well worth it.
PS: The third photo attached is simply added to give a general view from Fisher's Mill Bridge on the Staffs border, looking North into the county towards Tamworth - with the tall 'tower' of one of Drayton Manor' rides on the left-hand horizon. The owl fest was all happening mainly to the extreme right of where I took this shot, over the River Tame around 300+ metres or so away. Again, hopefully, this will assist anyone new to the site to help get their bearings of a very interesting birding facility.
Good luck if you go.
Cheers
Andy R.
Hi John
Having only been able to get to see any of today's 'owl fest' from early afternoon onwards, I ended up on the Middleton RSPB side so, yes, you are absolutely right about the "no bridge" challenge ! But luckily my first sighting was of one of the SEOs on the Staffordshire-facing side of the main bund - the pyramid-shaped ridge shown in one of these photos for those that don't know the site. Maybe that John was the 'Staffs bird' you referred to near the end of your post ?
My other sightings were of two SEOs showing mid-afternoon over the top of one of the other Dosthill bunds, the riverside one opposite Richard's Meadow. Another couple of birders alongside me noticed that one of these birds was much paler than the other - and fortunately I was able to take this digibinned record-shot of the paler one as it turned over the river to head back over that particular bund. I would like to say that the "halo effect" around the owl itself was a skilled feat of phtographic engineering on the part of yours truly, but the real reason is ... er ... I have no flippin idea !
Although that photo was taken over the border in Warwickshire, hopefully JH's very helpful initial post and my mini addition to it will give Staffs birders some encouragement to go this week, if the owls stay around. It's well worth it.
PS: The third photo attached is simply added to give a general view from Fisher's Mill Bridge on the Staffs border, looking North into the county towards Tamworth - with the tall 'tower' of one of Drayton Manor' rides on the left-hand horizon. The owl fest was all happening mainly to the extreme right of where I took this shot, over the River Tame around 300+ metres or so away. Again, hopefully, this will assist anyone new to the site to help get their bearings of a very interesting birding facility.
Good luck if you go.
Cheers
Andy R.
Attachments
Matt75
Active member
.
Have you heard any further news on the bridge across the river John?
On Friday a birder shouted to me from the bunds at dosthill that he was watching an SEO - I was on the other side of the river at Middleton Lakes. After racing back to the car and driving round to the water ski centre, the owl was nowhwere to be seen :C
Regards
Matt
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
RSPB Middleton lakes
Hi Matt,
At an RSPB Middleton lakes Biodiversity meeting Head Warden Nick Martin announced Hanson's would build the bridge by the end of the year (this could also mean Tax year).
The building of this bridge is important to the RSPB because this is the last stage of Hanson's restoration of the gravel site and on completion, the RSPB at Middleton will then receive a large sum of money from the lottery.
Regards, John
Hi Matt,
At an RSPB Middleton lakes Biodiversity meeting Head Warden Nick Martin announced Hanson's would build the bridge by the end of the year (this could also mean Tax year).
The building of this bridge is important to the RSPB because this is the last stage of Hanson's restoration of the gravel site and on completion, the RSPB at Middleton will then receive a large sum of money from the lottery.
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
3/11/11 New reedbed pool 2 Dunlin, 49 Lapwing, 2 Little Eget, 17 Golden Plover over heading SE. Snow Goose hybrid with Canada's, 400 Starling circling at dusk.
Along canal 80 Fieldfare, mid pits Little Egret and Water Rail calling.
North pit 85 visible Lapwing.
No Short-eared Owl over Drayton Bassett pits (favoured area in past years). 3 seen just over the river hunting on the bunds Dosthill lake (Warks).
Dosthill NR Cetti's Warbler singing.
Regards, John
Along canal 80 Fieldfare, mid pits Little Egret and Water Rail calling.
North pit 85 visible Lapwing.
No Short-eared Owl over Drayton Bassett pits (favoured area in past years). 3 seen just over the river hunting on the bunds Dosthill lake (Warks).
Dosthill NR Cetti's Warbler singing.
Regards, John
Last edited:
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
5/11/11 New reedbed pool Little Egret, 2 Dunlin and 4 Snipe circling the reserve. 2 Goosander North, mid pool's 1st winter male Goldeneye, North pit 100 Lapwing and a Snipe, good numbers of duck on site.
Dosthill NR chap bought his car on to do some night fishing, must be able to open RSPB locked gate over there. People good at opening locks unless a locksmith are usually also breaking into cars or properties.
Regards, John
Dosthill NR chap bought his car on to do some night fishing, must be able to open RSPB locked gate over there. People good at opening locks unless a locksmith are usually also breaking into cars or properties.
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
12/11/11 DBP 9:24 fem/imm Merlin came in from the West over the canal and attacked a linnet but was forced back over the canal by 2 mobbing crows. Mid section 2 Snipe, 7 Skylark, Little Egret in the dead tree by the river and Water Rail calling pools by river, 200 Wigeon disturbed by gunfire. North pit 3 Dunlin, new reedbed pool 80 Golden Plover got up and circled widely also 120 Lapwing.The 3 Dunlin seen here also.
10:10 5 Ad Whooper Swan over high to the SW and 10:20 2 Ad and 3 juv Bewick's over to SW.
Regards, John
10:10 5 Ad Whooper Swan over high to the SW and 10:20 2 Ad and 3 juv Bewick's over to SW.
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
14/11/11 DBP Ditch by canal Cetti's warbler. DBP North 2 Stonechat reported Earlier Richard Jones, also Richard reported 2 Goosander north pit and 1 flying North. North pit 3 Little Egret mid pools a Goldeneye, new reedbed pool 9 Dunlin with 150 Lapwing.
Geoff Williams said a birder reported Marsh Harrier earlier.
Regards, John
Geoff Williams said a birder reported Marsh Harrier earlier.
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
Further to my Ring-tailed Hen Harrier sighting at Drayton Bassett pits 25/10/11.
This is a category A species for Staffordshire and therefore a description is required for acceptance of the sighting.
I submitted a brief description because I have seen Hen Harrier many times, particulary in the Tame valley. In past years this brief description was accepted by the Staffordshire rare birds commitee, however on this occasion only ''Harrier species'' could be accepted. With added note by the Staffordshire County recorder that this Autumn there had been several sightings of Pallid Harrier in the U.K with 2 being inland. So from my brief description this year, Pallid Harrier cannot be ruled out.
Pallid Harrier has so far not been recorded in the West Midlands Region.
I have therefore submitted more details.
Regards, John
This is a category A species for Staffordshire and therefore a description is required for acceptance of the sighting.
I submitted a brief description because I have seen Hen Harrier many times, particulary in the Tame valley. In past years this brief description was accepted by the Staffordshire rare birds commitee, however on this occasion only ''Harrier species'' could be accepted. With added note by the Staffordshire County recorder that this Autumn there had been several sightings of Pallid Harrier in the U.K with 2 being inland. So from my brief description this year, Pallid Harrier cannot be ruled out.
Pallid Harrier has so far not been recorded in the West Midlands Region.
I have therefore submitted more details.
Regards, John
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
17/11/11 New Reedbed pool up to 110 Golden Plover circling in the area (Paul Hyde), Paul also saw a Green Sand. Present 3 Dunlin and 89 Lapwing which were flushed by a stooping Peregrine.
Mid section 3 Goldeneye towards the North pit Paul saw 2 Stonechat, on the North pit Little Egret and 100 visible Lapwing, 9 Goosander dropped on the river at dusk.
Regards, John
Mid section 3 Goldeneye towards the North pit Paul saw 2 Stonechat, on the North pit Little Egret and 100 visible Lapwing, 9 Goosander dropped on the river at dusk.
Regards, John
Last edited:
Just looked on the Facebook page for Middleton Lakes, and there is a picture of the mythical lesser spotted woodpecker on a peanut feeder. Several pics in fact from late August through to mid September. On the blog it is mentioned into October. Would the feeder in question be in Staffs or not? Good bird for the region either way and surprised it hasn't been mentioned before.
Adam
Adam
Periwinkle
Tame Valley Birder
The feeders are in Warwickshire.
It would have been worth a mention on here though. Not all of us check the other counties threads, and with the feeder being in the car park at Middleton, and LSW being hard to get, it must have been worth mentioning on this thread too. Just like the SEOs were mentioned on here, despite spending most of their time over the border.
Adam
Adam
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Hi Adam,
If you look on Warwickshire, RSPB Middleton lakes thread, all my Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sightings are put on here.
The West Midlands, RSPB Middleton lakes thread Geoff Williams puts his sightings on here.
Regards, John
Hi Adam,
If you look on Warwickshire, RSPB Middleton lakes thread, all my Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sightings are put on here.
The West Midlands, RSPB Middleton lakes thread Geoff Williams puts his sightings on here.
Regards, John
But could we not report all rare and scarce birds at Middleton on all three threads? I sure the purists won't mind if the odd rare bird from just over the border is reported here.
Adam
JHDraytonbassettpits
Well-known member
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Yes, any Staffordshire birders visiting the reserve if using the RSPB carpark would normally go through the Heronry view platform, on the feeders to the right, the Oak in the farm paddock and mill plantation particulary close to the view platform a Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has been seen regulary but not recently.
Regards, John
Yes, any Staffordshire birders visiting the reserve if using the RSPB carpark would normally go through the Heronry view platform, on the feeders to the right, the Oak in the farm paddock and mill plantation particulary close to the view platform a Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has been seen regulary but not recently.
Regards, John
Similar threads
