Shropshire Birding (1 Viewer)

[pandachris]

Oh, and about twenty Swallows between Lea Cross and Hanwood, all heading about north west.

Swallows are probably one of the easiest birds to see actually undertaking spring migration in inland counties but it is still a bit of a thrill. Can't help wondering where they'll decide to stop.

 

[Patrick_L]

Can't help wondering where they'll decide to stop.

Seeing them bravely strike out northwards from Malin Head last week, next stop Iceland, I thought the same thing.

At last we have House Martins back around the house.

Catch up for a Woodcock walk when you're back, Chris - have a good trip.

All the best,

 

[Patrick_L]

2 Shropshire ticks for me in the last week - Corn Bunting singing on the farm that I am surveying for the RSPB near Westbury, and a female Marsh Harrier over the office late afternoon last Thursday heading south.

At least 5 Pied Flycatchers and 3 Common Redstarts singing yesterday at Bridges along the Shropshire Way, plus a pair of Spotted Flycatchers.

All the best,

 

[Patrick_L]

All

Not much to report Shropshire-wise, although an adult male Bullfinch has joined the throng of House Sparrows and Gold and Greenfinches on the garden sunflower hearts, which are, incidently, on special offer in Tescos at the moment (the sunflower hearts, not the Greenfinches).

However, a good bank holiday weekend, as got the White-tailed Plover at Seaforth (a world tick - first of the year) and had a cracking day on Bardsey on the Monday, including a singing Common Rosefinch. However, despite the time of year and the excellent (and correct) weather forecast, there was only 4 of us on the boat over and only the 2 of us were birdwatchers.

It only takes 2 hours to get to Pwllheli first thing in the morning (take the road via Bala), so I recommend the trip. Here's the link to the boat company:

http://www.enllicharter.co.uk/

All the best,

Patrick

 

[pandachris]

Four Painted Lady butterflies yesterday evening (18:30) at the trig point on Earl's Hill.

Also a Common Buzzard flushed from the path down the north side, about 10 minutes from the car park, dismembering a young rabbit, and several groups of recently fledged Great Tits.

 

[pandachris]

A pair of Spotted Flycatchers at the first small pool on the Earl's Hill Geo-trail (about 3 minutes from the car park and well before the quarry viewpoint) yesterday early p.m.

 

[pandachris]

Monday's post should have said Haughmond Hill, not Earl's Hill.

Two Painted Ladies and two Red Admirals at about 18:00 yesterday by the Earl's Hill trig point. Lovely evening for a walk, too.

 

[Patrick_L]

Another good year for Swifts - a big cloud screaming around the Coton Hill area of town in the evenings now, and plenty of House Martins as well, regularly harassed by 2 young Sparrowhawks.

At least 60 House Martins on the lines at Cardingmill Valley last weekend as well, appeared to be many juveniles. Male Wheatear still singing there.

All the best,

Patrick

 

[midlands birder]

oh my god, you had a Wryneck on titterstone clee hill y'day and nothing posted at all since july.
well there was no sign of the wryneck from 6-8 and only 1 wheatear (near radar station), 2 ravern, 3 linnet and 4 meadow pipit, and 6 + kestrel in the air at once.
just though you guys may need a bit of help to get this up and running
MB

 

[Pam_m]

The Wryneck at Titterstone Clee Hill was an absolute cracking bird to see this afternoon! A Lifer for us, we were well pleased! Other highlight birds seen were Wheatear, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Linnet and Kestrel!
Record photo's added! It was difficult to pick up on the Wryneck so I have added a 'Spot the Wryneck' photo, see if you can spot it!!

 

[Duck_Pond]

I bagged a few shots... be on my site later. Apologies to any birders that I may have upset when I managed to mistakenly wander down a sheep trail and find myself right where the bird was perched! D'oh.

 

[Duck_Pond]

Here's a couple - the rest are now online :t:

Shame that the light was so awkward when the bird finally strayed closer. C'est la vie!

 

[GoldenI]

oh my god, you had a Wryneck on titterstone clee hill y'day and nothing posted at all since july.
well there was no sign of the wryneck from 6-8 and only 1 wheatear (near radar station), 2 ravern, 3 linnet and 4 meadow pipit, and 6 + kestrel in the air at once.
just though you guys may need a bit of help to get this up and running
MB

That sums up Shropshire!

Think both the Wryneck and the Black Redstart were found by Worcs birders. Pity more Shropshire birders don't cover the Clee Hills more frequently or if they do, get the news out...........:smoke:

 

[mickbe74]

Any directions or info especially postcodes or place names for this site would be appreciated,might pop over tomorrow,thankyou
Michael

 

[midlands birder]

That sums up Shropshire!

Think both the Wryneck and the Black Redstart were found by Worcs birders. Pity more Shropshire birders don't cover the Clee Hills more frequently or if they do, get the news out...........:smoke:

one of my mates found the wryneck, and we was up there a few hours later searching but no sign, so we headed up again on sunday (29th) and once again dipped the wryneck, but also this time the b redstart:-C:eek!:, not a happy chappy, and then news came through of a flock of 8 curlew sand which had landed at one of my local patches (20 mins away from home) and they were down for an hour, ohhh, nasty day
2 Whinchat, 5 stonechat, 7 wheatear and the usual clee hill birds were noted tho, it was so dire i digiscoped a sheep:-O

MB

 

[YvonneC]

oh my god, you had a Wryneck on titterstone clee hill y'day and nothing posted at all since july.......
...just though you guys may need a bit of help to get this up and running
MB

That sums up Shropshire!

Think both the Wryneck and the Black Redstart were found by Worcs birders. Pity more Shropshire birders don't cover the Clee Hills more frequently or if they do, get the news out...........:smoke:

Any directions or info especially postcodes or place names for this site would be appreciated,might pop over tomorrow,thankyou
Michael

There aren't many Shropshire birders who post on Birdforum, we use the SOS website and the Shropshire birds yahoo group, so if you want info on birds in the County, those are the best places to look.

If you have any sightings or photos to submit please use the email link at the bottom of the home page, you don't have to be an SOS member to send things in. Info on rarities is always put on there asap.

Michael, there is a grid ref and directions on the SOS site, though the bird hasn't been seen recently.

http://www.shropshirebirds.com



.

 

[Patrick_L]

Indeed, not much happens here on the forum but I am eagerly awaiting Chris's trip report from Biscay.

Due to the easterly wind, we went to Hilbre and Red Rocks on Saturday so no local news, but yesterday at 1.15pm, a late Common Swift flew south over the garden here in town.

All the best,

Patrick

 

[andy latham]

Request:
Hi Midlands birder, the wryneck on titterstone is a county rarity, so the county recorder G Holmes would like a description from you mate in worcester so he can be credited for the find in the annual report. If you know the identity of the mids birder who says the Black redstart has been up there all summer their name would also be appreciated. E-mail or postal address's would also be greatly appreciated,
Thanks
Andy Latham

 

[pandachris]

Saturday morning - a large flock of skylarks west-ish over Haughmond Hill. At least 50 that we could see but probably a lot more.

For those with a mycological bent, lots of mushrooms and toadstools around the hill, including some edible types for anyone confident enough or willing to take the risk. Somebody seems to have it in for Fly Agarics, though.

 

[pandachris]

Got a couple of brief looks at one of the Black Terns at VP on Sunday p.m. where there was also a brief Green Sandpiper at about 4 p.m.