Upton Warren (2 Viewers)

[Phil Andrews]

The Grey Phalarope was still at the Flashes today for its 6th day, the longest staying phalarope in the reserve's history.

For all those of you who know him, Upton regular and Biking Birder Gary Prescott is in Fair Isle at present, approx 3/4 through his year long journey around the UK visiting every RSPB and WWT reserve by bike. Today he added 4 new species, including Buff-breasted Sand and Buff-bellied Pipit, to take his year list to 224 as he attempts to hunt down the non-motorised year record of 251.

 

[Sy V]

Further to Phil's update, Gary's website is here:
http://www.bikingbirder.co.uk/
I think we can excuse him for not having updated it for a while, but there are plenty of pages to read showing his route, itinerary etc... and there's even an opportunity to sponsor Gary!

For a more up to date account, Gary's Blog is here:
http://bikingbirder2010.blogspot.com/.

 

[upstarts1979]

Went a long to Stuart's work party at the Moors, cleared a few trees from within the broadmeadow reedbed to stop it drying out. Found a well preserved reed warblers nest right next to the old kingfisher bank in a small clump of reeds.
The east island has now been strimmed by John, terry and steve, so any late waders now have a good area to feed around.
While there the amount of large gulls was immense in upton terms -with 610 counted later in the day.
I also got another year tick at the Moors this time Coal tit now 127
there were also 2 nuthatches a few chiffchaffs, cettis warbler and meadow pipits going over.
At the flashes I was preparing for Sundays work party where again masses of large and Black headed gulls were catching insects above the freshly mowed transmitter field. Also at the flashes was the Grey phalarope on its 7th day. Also Raven, Chiffchaffs, cettis warbler and a skylark flew low emitting a very lapland bunting type chewlup call albeit a little more melodic.
B John

 

[Woodchat]

Nice summary John.

Look out for Wryneck over the next few days - there's an amazing photo of one on Brian's website flying over Lutley Wedge towards Worcestershire! Incredible example of vis mig.

I wonder if the Grey Phalarope now breaks the record for the longest-stayer ever in Worcestershire (?).

 

[Phil Andrews]

I understand that the Bishampton bird was the longest staying Worcs individual at just over a week. but dont have the facts to hand.

 

[upstarts1979]

Nice summary John.

Look out for Wryneck over the next few days - there's an amazing photo of one on Brian's website flying over Lutley Wedge towards Worcestershire! Incredible example of vis mig.

I wonder if the Grey Phalarope now breaks the record for the longest-stayer ever in Worcestershire (?).

Just seen it Dave amazing record, Craig works that place and deserves it. I just wish I could spend the same time at upton.

re Grey Phal - I wonder if it likes the place or is not quite fit enough to move on or is just fuelling up. B John

 

[wmtlynx]

Went a long to Stuart's work party at the Moors, cleared a few trees from within the broadmeadow reedbed to stop it drying out. Found a well preserved reed warblers nest right next to the old kingfisher bank in a small clump of reeds.
The east island has now been strimmed by John, terry and steve, so any late waders now have a good area to feed around.
While there the amount of large gulls was immense in upton terms -with 610 counted later in the day.
I also got another year tick at the Moors this time Coal tit now 127
there were also 2 nuthatches a few chiffchaffs, cettis warbler and meadow pipits going over.
At the flashes I was preparing for Sundays work party where again masses of large and Black headed gulls were catching insects above the freshly mowed transmitter field. Also at the flashes was the Grey phalarope on its 7th day. Also Raven, Chiffchaffs, cettis warbler and a skylark flew low emitting a very lapland bunting type chewlup call albeit a little more melodic.
B John

With the East Island now trimmed, it has exposed a small mud pool in the centre area, which can't be a bad thing, can it?

I had hoped to do some birding at the Flashes after the work party, but time got the better of me and I needed to head home to do some gardening. Did have an hour or so before the work began and of note was a single Greylag shortly after sunrise. Later on 300+ Canada Geese descended on the Moors along with a couple of hybrids, and (presumably the same) Barnacle Goose that has been seen over the past few weeks. 5 Buzzards also circled and called above the pool around midday.

Steve

 

[Brian Stretch]

I understand that the Bishampton bird was the longest staying Worcs individual at just over a week. but dont have the facts to hand.

Hi Phil,

The Bishampton bird was present for 9 days (Nov 7th to 15th 1996).

Looks like the Upton bird has departed.

Phalarope gallery will be updated very shortly: http://www.uptonwarrenbirding.co.uk/phalaropes_22.html

Brian
________________________
www.worcesterbirding.co.uk

 

[mike nesbitt]

Hi all.

I have more or less come to the end of a near year long posting to Upton Warren. It has been a tremendous experience with several birds studied at close range over a long period.
I've met some great folk and seen some great acton too. Some of it is logged here. http://www.pbase.com/mikenimages/upton_warren

Regards, mike.

 

[Gertatron]

Hi all.

I have more or less come to the end of a near year long posting to Upton Warren. It has been a tremendous experience with several birds studied at close range over a long period.
I've met some great folk and seen some great acton too. Some of it is logged here. http://www.pbase.com/mikenimages/upton_warren

Regards, mike.

Brilliant Mike - especially nice action shots ie flying birds and Sprawk with prey :t:

 

[PeterE]

Originally posted by Mike Nesbitt

I have more or less come to the end of a near year long posting to Upton Warren. It has been a tremendous experience with several birds studied at close range over a long period.
I've met some great folk and seen some great acton too.

Mike,

It was a pleasure to meet such an enthusiast. Best wishes for your next posting.

Peter

 

[timmyjones]

WOW fantastic gallery love the capture of the Kingfisher coughing up a pellet lucky to see this let alone get such a good photo of it!
The displaying GCG's are stunning!
Hobby in flight made me say wow out loud! Mega picture!
The Bittern in camouflage position lovely composure!
Definitely got to get some of those in the 2010 Upton report

 

[upstarts1979]

Hi all.

I have more or less come to the end of a near year long posting to Upton Warren. It has been a tremendous experience with several birds studied at close range over a long period.
I've met some great folk and seen some great acton too. Some of it is logged here. http://www.pbase.com/mikenimages/upton_warren

Regards, mike.

Hi Mike,
Tim has said everything I would have said, suffice to say all the best mate and nice to have known you
B John

 

[UW82]

Today's highlights.

Moors: Yellow-legged Gull(juv/1stW) + c300 large gulls including 10+ Herring Gulls.
Coal Tit ( N Moors plantation)
Grey Wagtail
Kingfisher
Pochard (2)

Hen Pool: Reed Warbler
Water Rail (juv)

Flashes: Dunlin (3)
Green Sand (3)
Common Sand
Skylark
Reed Warbler (3rd Flash reed-bed)
Little Grebe
Plus a report of 5 Ringed Plover early evening, one of which was photographed, but they were not present subsequently.

The Trust were working on the area between the 2nd and 3rd Flashes early afternoon, so if the Grey Phal had made it into another day, it would have been its last.

Des.

 

[upstarts1979]

Today's highlights.

Moors: Yellow-legged Gull(juv/1stW) + c300 large gulls including 10+ Herring Gulls.
Coal Tit ( N Moors plantation)
Grey Wagtail
Kingfisher
Pochard (2)

Hen Pool: Reed Warbler
Water Rail (juv)

Flashes: Dunlin (3)
Green Sand (3)
Common Sand
Skylark
Reed Warbler (3rd Flash reed-bed)
Little Grebe
Plus a report of 5 Ringed Plover early evening, one of which was photographed, but they were not present subsequently.

The Trust were working on the area between the 2nd and 3rd Flashes early afternoon, so if the Grey Phal had made it into another day, it would have been its last.

Des.

Yes I hope they took that decision after knowing the Phalarope had gone...but then again I suppose the work had to be done while it was dry. I will speak on email or Sunday Des
B John

 

[Phil Andrews]

After no sightings in the first 9 months of the year you can't move for Coal Tits now!! Good call Des with a 1w Yellow-legged Gull.

 

[UW82]

After no sightings in the first 9 months of the year you can't move for Coal Tits now!! Good call Des with a 1w Yellow-legged Gull.

It was interesting watching the large Gulls streaming in to the Moors from the North West this morning to spend all day there and then finding out at 18.00 that they had left in the direction of Westwood. This isn't behaviour that has been seen at UW before.

Des.

 

[Sy V]

This morning the skies around home at 0635 were teaming with apparently endless numbers of large gulls, all heading South... UW would be right on their track!

 

[Gertatron]

This morning the skies around home at 0635 were teaming with apparently endless numbers of large gulls, all heading South... UW would be right on their track!

...and at least 40 of them flew over Bromsgrove Rugby club as I was walking the dog this morning towards - you guessed it ... direction Upton Warren !

 

[Sy V]

We have a Marsh Harrier on the deck between 2nd and 3rd Flash apparently...