Upton Warren (1 Viewer)

[Roger P]

Hi MB
North Moors Trail
This is the first time I have walked it for 4 years or so - well impressed with the sheltered sun traps amongst the nothern blackthorn thickets. Looks ideal for passage passerines but might be worth a casual look throughout the year. If worked on a regular basis I'm sure it will turn up a goody.

The bench on the East side has been a favourite spring sunshine sandwich spot for some years. Don't think I've ever bumped into anyone else though.
Good views from here of Cettis and Grasshopper Warbler and often a good spot for early spring migrants. I've regularly heard / seen my first Chiffchaff from here.

However having said that, in view of this:

The reed bed has now thickened up sufficiently to make the Bitterns less prone to disturbance - although this situation must be monitored as that species is the main winter attraction. In the past at passage times Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Short Eared Owl, Purple Heron and grasshopper Warbler have been seen there, mostly in the days when there was no official access.

is there then a case to be made to close it at Bittern and migration times?


ps BTW glad to see notice about Norfolk Trust members access, I've mentioned this to HQ from time to time over many years, seems a good compromise.

 

[midlands birder]

Re North Moors
Its been in use for about 6 years now but very un-productive. However since then the habitat has matured and created 'wide' hedgerows (reminiscent of excellent passerine 'traps' on the Scillies where they are short at the front tapering to a high point at the back). It is also the only area on the reserve where a 'scrubby' and unkempt habitat occurs ideal for passerines to forage in.
The reed bed has now thickened up sufficiently to make the Bitterns less prone to disturbance - although this situation must be monitored as that species is the main winter attraction. However like Pete (Duck pond) said the path can get very wet during the winter, which is when there are less birds around anyway.
However in the spring and autumn when good migration conditions prevail, it might be worth a good 'grilling'.
In the past at passage times Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Short Eared Owl, Purple Heron and grasshopper Warbler have been seen there, mostly in the days when there was no official access. I noticed yesterday the redwings were flying in front of me and then doubling back, so it might be worth viewing from beneath the sheltered tree belt and looking back at the thickets from there.

cheers John

although not up to the same heights as purple heron and gropper,but i have seen whitethroat in that thicket,maybe the next reserve yellow browed warbler will be in there,

 

[upstarts1979]

is there then a case to be made to close it at Bittern and migration times?

ps BTW glad to see notice about Norfolk Trust members access, I've mentioned this to HQ from time to time over many years, seems a good compromise.

Re the Bittern times - they usually return late October and leave late February early March.
worse case scenario - If the Bitterns were disturbed everytime people walked around the trail then there might be a case to close it during that time, but thats not for me to make that decision.

At migration time - far from closing it we would encourage people to look for migrants in that area whilst keeping to path

 

[upstarts1979]

ps BTW glad to see notice about Norfolk Trust members access, I've mentioned this to HQ from time to time over many years, seems a good compromise.

Re Membership / permits
Many thanks to all those Worcestershire Wildfile Trust members who carry their membership cards - it makes life easier for the wardens when checking.
For those who are members could you please carry your membership cards at all times. (sorry to repeat myself but it is important)
Three reasons for this are-

1/ The car park at the sailing centre is not a right it is there by gentlemans agreement and the staff there can ask you for your membership whilst walking on their property. (at present there is a good rapport with their staff)
It is hoped that we can gain access to the Education reserve in the future.
2/ The Barn conversion area is private and occassionally the residents get a bit stroppy when large numbers of people walk in front of the buildings. Proof of membership of the WWT gives you a right of passage.

Thirdly and most importantly you are supporting the up-keep of the reserve. There is a lot of pressure from all around the place from developement, disturbance and intensive farming. The Trust are aware of the need for 'buffer' zones and with more members we will add more weight to the fact.

NON-Members of WWT
The reserve is open to all visitors who are members of any of the 40 Wildlife Trusts (EXCEPT NORFOLK WT).
People who are not a member of the aforementioned can obtain a daily permit
cost £3 per day per person (children free accompanied by adult).
These are available from the Sailing centre reception or if it is closed from wardens that are on site (mostly at the weekend).

There are undoubtedly still a few people un-willing to join or buy a permit,hopefully they will all join in the end.

To end on a positive note I have received a letter from The WWT stating that 'it is quite evident that the trust is gaining quite a few new members from the monitoring by the wardens'
cheers John

ps there are membership forms in all the hides

 

[Sy V]

Mr B

Three questions (neither of any real importance):
1. What barn conversion?
2. What is the problem with Norfolk WT?
3. Bacon or Sausage sarnies on Saturday?

 

[upstarts1979]

Mr B

Three questions (neither of any real importance):
1. What barn conversion?
2. What is the problem with Norfolk WT?
3. Bacon or Sausage sarnies on Saturday?

Hi Sy
Barn conversion from 20 years ago that is, oh it seemed like yesterday. As you walk to the east hide past 'lifestyles' all the dwellings there apart from the large house were once farm buildings.
Norfolk WT apparently they don't have a reciprocal arrangement with any other Trust
Sauge well cooked please brown sauce
Cu Soon John (Saturday)

 

[wheatearlp]

... and there was me thinking this was a birding forum rather than a take-out food service!!

I may, and I repeat may, actually make it to Upton on Saturday morning. However don't hold your breath John.

 

[Roger P]

Hi Sy
Norfolk WT apparently they don't have a reciprocal arrangement with any other Trust

Many years ago all the County Nature Conservation Trusts (now generally Wildlife Trusts) were affiliated to the RSNC (Royal Society for Nature Conservation). All the County Trusts had a reciprocal agreement that membership of one would allow access to all other Trust's events and reserves. Norfolk however, as I understand it, took this advantage for their members but did not recognise other Trust cards at their reserves in return. There were two ways round it I think; you could join RSNC centrally (and not support your own county) or join Norfolk and get in anywhere (but not support your County). Not sure that the membership of the central Wildlife Trust option exists anymore.

I don't think anybody has really 'stood up' to Norfolk before. I can't see hoardes of Norfolk people clamouring to come to Worcestershire but it does happen occasionally and at least we get some support for UW from them.

All silly games really but joining all the possible organisations you feel you ought to support gets pretty expensive. Add on a few websites etc and it can be a significant cost to this 'hobby'.

 

[upstarts1979]

The early morning sessions are coming to an end now but I did get there at 7.30am a good time after Simon though.
The weather was cool drizzle with a moderate south easterly. But I was soon warmed up with a nice sausage sarny from simon (sounds a bit dodgy).
Still a good selection of birds around waders included 52 Snipe many well hidden amongst the cut reeds/grass to the right of the 2nd Flash, 420 Lapwing, 26 Curlew, and 4 Green Sands. Wildfowl included 80 Teal and 26 Shoveler.
Plenty of thrushes mostly Redwing now feeding rather than passing over. Just the odd Meadow pipit and Grey Wag with small flocks of finches in the sewage works hedgerows.
The Canadas were flying over to the Moors in small groups and included a Pink Footed Goose, for those into their Upton list this is quite a rare bird. It was seen later on the Moors pool, where 2 Bitterns were also seen.

cheers John

For those interested the monthly Work Party is next Sunday (details later )

 

[Sy V]

As John has said, yesterday morning's light levels were somewhat grim.
I should have realised that the weather was going to be testing as I was trying out my new camera and lens.
It was so gloomy that at times I was shooting with an ISO of 6400 (as supported by the exif data for the Teal shot below)!
Suffice to say that the resultant images are a bit on the noisy side... still the company was top class and a good craic was had by all.

 

[midlands birder]

heard of the pink footed goose was still at the moors pool on saturday so we went for it,arived at the moors earlier than usual, 22 curlew were in the a38 field,went to the east hide to look for snipe, got 9 snipe but no jack's, located the pink foot quite easily and there was also 2 greylag briefly,moved to the west hide,more views of the pink foot,1 gadwall,21 shoveler,11 pochard and a kingfisher was on/off on the perch.the only other birder in the hide left and about 5 mins after i got an exited shout from my dad that the bittern was out,it took a bit to locate but finally yes the BITTERN, and it was the closest ive ever seen one(well for that long anyway).its head was poping out the reeds in a channel behind the willows from the west hide.it shown beautifuly for 5 mins when it flew to the north moors to roost.in my scope i had head shots of the bird.
MB
and all this happens the weekend i lose my camera

 

[timmyjones]

Popped into the moors this afternoon and had the Pink Footed Goose, 3 Kingfishers, 27 Cormorants, 5 Little Grebe, 13 Greylags and several Snipe.

Also saw hobby had been reported in the book the other day which apparently would be the latest record for Upton.

 

[midlands birder]

Popped into the moors this afternoon and had the Pink Footed Goose, 3 Kingfishers, 27 Cormorants, 5 Little Grebe, 13 Greylags and several Snipe.

Also saw hobby had been reported in the book the other day which apparently would be the latest record for Upton.

well done with the pink foot timmy a very nice looking bird, my only other west mids one was on my local patch at lickhill one winters day
(and i have photos)

 

[upstarts1979]

Timmy and MB
Hope you 2 are keeping tabs on your Upton lists, will be pushing for top boys in a few years at this rate
Hope you can make work party this Sunday
Tim will tell you MB its not hard work and we will almost certainly see Jack Snipe at lunch break.
Who Knows one of the last times Bearded tit was on the reserve was at a work party.
cheers John
The Hobby record would definately be the latest record.

Cheers John

 

[timmyjones]

Yes John my upton list now stands at 121 got a bit to go yet!
Yup should be able to make the work party this sunday got the text off Phil yesterday thanks, looking forward to it.

 

[midlands birder]

my upton list is on 127(but 128 if you count the barnicle goose which i might do).
yeah i get the hint john,i will see what i can do,but dont keep your hopes up,my dad is hard to convince(even if he doesent stay he still needs to bring me)
MB

 

[upstarts1979]

Nipped down to the flashes for a brief visit 3pm until 3.30pm. Just to check on the water levels and a bit of preparation for this Sunday's work party. I had fully opened the sluice on Saturday morning and the water had dropped by an inch (25mm) and a large area of wet mud surrounded the 2nd Flash pool.
Nothing in the book since Sunday - so didn't expect to see anything.
Pleasantly surprised at the number of birds all crammed into the 2nd Flash.
A good flock of 54 Snipe and a Jack Snipe probed the southern edge, the Lapwing flock stood at 511 the highest of the autumn. 2 Redshank (un-common at this time of year) and a Dunlin also probed in the fresh muddy areas. As did 104 Teal and 52 Shoveler. A good flock of 50 Stock dove fed in the North field and grey wag and meadow pipit flew over.

For anyone visiting Upton could you enter your sightings in the log books however insignificent you might think they are. the numbers and species Thanks

cheers John

 

[upstarts1979]

Work Party Sunday Nov 1st

The work party starts from 10am at the Flashes
everyone is welcome,
Work includes :
1-finishing off the 'new island' the build and putting on the shingle
2-digging out the emergent reeds in front of the hide
3-raking up the cut grass/reeds to give better views of the 3rd Flash and snipe feeding area
4-any other jobs if time permits and enough people turn up

Please try and come and get involved in the upkeep of the reserve and get a better understanding of the place. Without the volunteers the place wont survive. But with more people it will be even better

Refreshments provided, all you need are gloves and wellies

cheers John

 

[wheatearlp]

Work Party 1st November

Refreshments are only squash and biscuits, so if you are planning on staying all day - some do - then also bring some lunch.

 

[midlands birder]

hey guys
just put a small quiz on gull's on my blog,simple 8 birds see who can name the most,more details on my blog(address in signiture),anybody is welcome to try.
the answers will be drawn on monday!

good luck to all that try
MB