upstarts1979
Well-known member
Good enough for me Steve, you will have to do a compilation video of upton birds and habitat
Cu in the morning
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Upton Warren (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter andythomas
- Start date
Good enough for me Steve, you will have to do a compilation video of upton birds and habitat
Cu in the morning
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
As LGRE had been over to Ireland for the House Crow which must have cost a pretty penny I took pity on him
timmyjones
Well-known member
It only cost him £65 for a new 'British' tick, I'm sure £3 for a year tick would be nothing!
Reader
Well-known member
Upton Warren used to be my spiritual birding home when I lived in Woodgate Valley. I used to go there almost every weekend and most nights (after work) in the summer but since moving to within half a mile of Coombe Abbey I haven't been that often. In fact the last time I went was last September.
I have kept in touch via reading this thread and noted all the work that has been done there and it has made good reading.
There is a high chance that I will call in this morning if the Grey Phalarope is still around and if I do it will be good to see what the reserve looks like now. Hopefully I will get to meet some of the names I see on this thread as well.
If you see a rather portly chap, in mainly all green, with a cream coloured Birdforum baseball cap and carrying a Canon 50D and a camouflaged Sigma 150-500 hanging around his neck that will be me.
John
I have kept in touch via reading this thread and noted all the work that has been done there and it has made good reading.
There is a high chance that I will call in this morning if the Grey Phalarope is still around and if I do it will be good to see what the reserve looks like now. Hopefully I will get to meet some of the names I see on this thread as well.
If you see a rather portly chap, in mainly all green, with a cream coloured Birdforum baseball cap and carrying a Canon 50D and a camouflaged Sigma 150-500 hanging around his neck that will be me.
John
Reader
Well-known member
It was great visiting Upton again for the first time in a year. I managed to have a chat to John (upstarts1979) and Woodchat (Dave I think). Nice meeting you guys.
The Grey Phalarope was showing as I arrived at the Feeder station hide but soon quickly disappeared. I moved onto the main hide and quickly relocated it but whilst it came fairly close it never came close enough for my set up to achieve a good photo. I have attached one heavily cropped shot of it.
I have also attached a few more, one of them of a Juv Water Rail at the Hen Brook hide. I could never get it out into the open so this was the best of them. The butterfly is a Small Copper, also from the Hen Brook hide.
I will post another reply after this with two images taken from the Hen Brook hide. I just need clarification of one of the birds seen there.
John
The Grey Phalarope was showing as I arrived at the Feeder station hide but soon quickly disappeared. I moved onto the main hide and quickly relocated it but whilst it came fairly close it never came close enough for my set up to achieve a good photo. I have attached one heavily cropped shot of it.
I have also attached a few more, one of them of a Juv Water Rail at the Hen Brook hide. I could never get it out into the open so this was the best of them. The butterfly is a Small Copper, also from the Hen Brook hide.
I will post another reply after this with two images taken from the Hen Brook hide. I just need clarification of one of the birds seen there.
John
Attachments
Reader
Well-known member
Can you take a good look at the 2nd bird please. I was trying to get a photo of a juv Reed Warbler from the Hen Brook hide when a 2nd bird came in. I managed a shot of both.
The first image is of the Juv Reed warbler but the 2nd bird has an all dark lower mandible. It is more than likely another Reed Warbler but It certainly through me when I just looked at the resulting image.
What do you guys think.
John
The first image is of the Juv Reed warbler but the 2nd bird has an all dark lower mandible. It is more than likely another Reed Warbler but It certainly through me when I just looked at the resulting image.
What do you guys think.
John
Attachments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyyTEtXElI and the Yellow Legged Gull on the Moors too. Thanks for the call on that one, boys!
Regards,
Steve
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Birding today from 6am till 4pm
Just getting light when I arrived to a cacophony of noise from the 410 Canada geese, and 100's of BHGs and LBBG that roosted overnight. After the geese had left things calmed down and the Grey Phalarope came out of hiding but again tucked itself into the NE bay for the most part, occasionally venturing out to perform briefly in front of the two hides.
The slight ground frost kept down any early passerine activity and had certainly forced many summer migrants to move on. However at 7.15 things started heating up and so did the birds with a few flyover meadow pipits, the goldfinch flock numbered 70 and were active all around the main hide and in the back field where small numbers of Linnets joined them. After last years dearth of records Goldcrests have come back with a vengeance seen in many parts of our scrub. The overwhelming numbers of chiffchaffs of recent weeks had whittled down to no more than 5 on the Flashes. A couple of reed warblers lurked in the Hen pool and a blackcap fed by the feeding station. It was good to see double figures of the now Beleaguered greenfinch but unfortunately to a passing peregrine one of them became a tasty 'tit bit'. Other species seen were Sond thrush difficult to see at this time of year, grey wagtail and plenty of reed buntings. All over the reserve were singing Cettis with at least 5 individuals noted.
Also at the flashes today were Green and common sands one of each, snipe and 34 Curlew. Juvenile water rail was seen in the hen pool and at the flashes. Duck numbers are pretty static at c40 Shoveler and 55 Teal as well as a Little grebe .
Visible migration came in the form of a juvenile male ruff that arrived at 2pm. Mixed flocks of 50 or more swallow and house martin were regularly seen above the flashes.
One noticeable occurrence over the last week or so is the increase in large gull numbers not only roosting but loafing around during the day especially at the Moors. It was therefore no real surprise when Dave J texted a yellow legged gull at the Moors expecting a 1st winter bird we were surprised to see a full adult. At one stage I counted up to 300 large gulls nearly all LBB's and a few herrings birds in the air, this increase was attributed to ploughing on the opposite side of the A38.
I would also like to thank the many visitors for the friendliness and patience whilst waiting for the phalarope to appear. I think the word has got out about carrying membership cards and the need for permits if you are not members. :t:
B
John
Just getting light when I arrived to a cacophony of noise from the 410 Canada geese, and 100's of BHGs and LBBG that roosted overnight. After the geese had left things calmed down and the Grey Phalarope came out of hiding but again tucked itself into the NE bay for the most part, occasionally venturing out to perform briefly in front of the two hides.
The slight ground frost kept down any early passerine activity and had certainly forced many summer migrants to move on. However at 7.15 things started heating up and so did the birds with a few flyover meadow pipits, the goldfinch flock numbered 70 and were active all around the main hide and in the back field where small numbers of Linnets joined them. After last years dearth of records Goldcrests have come back with a vengeance seen in many parts of our scrub. The overwhelming numbers of chiffchaffs of recent weeks had whittled down to no more than 5 on the Flashes. A couple of reed warblers lurked in the Hen pool and a blackcap fed by the feeding station. It was good to see double figures of the now Beleaguered greenfinch but unfortunately to a passing peregrine one of them became a tasty 'tit bit'. Other species seen were Sond thrush difficult to see at this time of year, grey wagtail and plenty of reed buntings. All over the reserve were singing Cettis with at least 5 individuals noted.
Also at the flashes today were Green and common sands one of each, snipe and 34 Curlew. Juvenile water rail was seen in the hen pool and at the flashes. Duck numbers are pretty static at c40 Shoveler and 55 Teal as well as a Little grebe .
Visible migration came in the form of a juvenile male ruff that arrived at 2pm. Mixed flocks of 50 or more swallow and house martin were regularly seen above the flashes.
One noticeable occurrence over the last week or so is the increase in large gull numbers not only roosting but loafing around during the day especially at the Moors. It was therefore no real surprise when Dave J texted a yellow legged gull at the Moors expecting a 1st winter bird we were surprised to see a full adult. At one stage I counted up to 300 large gulls nearly all LBB's and a few herrings birds in the air, this increase was attributed to ploughing on the opposite side of the A38.
I would also like to thank the many visitors for the friendliness and patience whilst waiting for the phalarope to appear. I think the word has got out about carrying membership cards and the need for permits if you are not members. :t:
B
John
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Woodchat
Cogito ergo sum
My Best Efforts
Nice to've met you today John (Reader). Welcome back to your old haunts!
Several Goldcrests around today but missed the Coal Tit that was reported on the Moors. 'Vis Mig' included several Meadow Pipits and one Siskin over the Flashes. A Peregrine managed to pluck one of our Greenfinches out of the sky (seemed to appear from nowhere) - another one of our beleaguered Greenfinches bite the dust! Attached are my best (crappy) efforts of the Grey Phal and Yellow Legged Gull:
Nice to've met you today John (Reader). Welcome back to your old haunts!
Several Goldcrests around today but missed the Coal Tit that was reported on the Moors. 'Vis Mig' included several Meadow Pipits and one Siskin over the Flashes. A Peregrine managed to pluck one of our Greenfinches out of the sky (seemed to appear from nowhere) - another one of our beleaguered Greenfinches bite the dust! Attached are my best (crappy) efforts of the Grey Phal and Yellow Legged Gull:
Attachments
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Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Nice shots Dave - am I right in thinking YLG is an Upton tick for you?
Woodchat
Cogito ergo sum
Get out of town! I've seen at least 4 at UW.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Suspect this is the first record of YLG for the reserve that has been photographed.
The path to the east hide at the Moors Pool continues to turn up good birds with Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Coal Tit present late morning; all good birds for Upton.
The path to the east hide at the Moors Pool continues to turn up good birds with Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Coal Tit present late morning; all good birds for Upton.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Grey Phal still there today for its 5th Day...I'm sure stato phil will come up with some new facts now:-O
Mind you Crofty junior finally got his ass in gear and saw it 8-P
I predict a long fruitful autumn of migrants, so lets go for it - Glossy ibis, lapland bunting yank wader or a good gull.:t:
On the next two Sundays there are work parties at the Flashes that is 26th Sept and 3rd October. Sorry for any inconvenience but if you would like to help, come along you will be most welcome.
The work has to be done now while the water is low as we have to de-silt the dried channels and repair the islands that will be covered by the water after November. In the event of a major rarity we will have to re-evaluate the situation.
BJohn
Mind you Crofty junior finally got his ass in gear and saw it 8-P
I predict a long fruitful autumn of migrants, so lets go for it - Glossy ibis, lapland bunting yank wader or a good gull.:t:
On the next two Sundays there are work parties at the Flashes that is 26th Sept and 3rd October. Sorry for any inconvenience but if you would like to help, come along you will be most welcome.
The work has to be done now while the water is low as we have to de-silt the dried channels and repair the islands that will be covered by the water after November. In the event of a major rarity we will have to re-evaluate the situation.
B
John
Gertatron
Well-known member
Hi John - nice photo's - good one of the small copper, which is not a common one on the reserve. I've certainly not seen them very often.
Regarding your Reed Warbler, they both look like Reeds to me (do you think the shadow effect from the sun is making the lower mandible darker?) but no doubt someone will shout if they strongly disagree!
Cheers
Gert
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Summary of today's sightings
FLASHES
The Grey Phal remained for its fifth day, favouring the reed edge on the northern shore of the first Flash. Other waders included 2 Curlew, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 85 Lapwing and 2 Little Stints which were first noted at around 2:00pm (one left about 2:45ish). A Ruff (presumably yesterday's bird) was reported first thing only.
Duck included 56 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 22 Moorhen and 4 Coot.
Of interest two juv Water Rail were noted - one on the Hen Pool and another in the channel in front of the feeding station hide.
Otherwise the fields and hedgerows were generally quiet other than a few fly-over Mipits and hunting Peregrine and Sprawk.
MOORS POOL
The Barnacle Goose was again with around 340 Canada Geese. Tufties increased slightly to 9, there were 7 Teal, a female Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 200 Coot, 3 Little Grebe, 6 GC Grebe and 16 Cormorant. Wader-wise there were 4 Snipe and 39 Lapwing.
Large numbers of gulls continue to loaf at the Moors - 400+ Black-headed, up to 7 Lesser BB and 5 Herring. The Yellow-legged was reported again mid afternoon.
Passage-wise there were a few House Martins and Swallows whilst 2 Lesser Whitethroat were reported by Gertatron on elderberries in the car park.
Coal Tit and Siskin were along the path to the east hide and a Raven flew over.
FLASHES
The Grey Phal remained for its fifth day, favouring the reed edge on the northern shore of the first Flash. Other waders included 2 Curlew, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 85 Lapwing and 2 Little Stints which were first noted at around 2:00pm (one left about 2:45ish). A Ruff (presumably yesterday's bird) was reported first thing only.
Duck included 56 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 22 Moorhen and 4 Coot.
Of interest two juv Water Rail were noted - one on the Hen Pool and another in the channel in front of the feeding station hide.
Otherwise the fields and hedgerows were generally quiet other than a few fly-over Mipits and hunting Peregrine and Sprawk.
MOORS POOL
The Barnacle Goose was again with around 340 Canada Geese. Tufties increased slightly to 9, there were 7 Teal, a female Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 200 Coot, 3 Little Grebe, 6 GC Grebe and 16 Cormorant. Wader-wise there were 4 Snipe and 39 Lapwing.
Large numbers of gulls continue to loaf at the Moors - 400+ Black-headed, up to 7 Lesser BB and 5 Herring. The Yellow-legged was reported again mid afternoon.
Passage-wise there were a few House Martins and Swallows whilst 2 Lesser Whitethroat were reported by Gertatron on elderberries in the car park.
Coal Tit and Siskin were along the path to the east hide and a Raven flew over.
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Woodchat
Cogito ergo sum
A productive weekend for me - adding Yellow-legged Gull, Coal Tit and Little Stint to my UW year list - takes me to 133.
When I left the flashes this afternnon 2 Peregrines were perched in the ploughed field north east of the flashes. Siskins are just starting to arrive - I saw another today flying over the moors.
When I left the flashes this afternnon 2 Peregrines were perched in the ploughed field north east of the flashes. Siskins are just starting to arrive - I saw another today flying over the moors.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
I wonder if the two Little Stints were part of the flock of six that frequented Belvide for a number of days last week?
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