Upton Warren (1 Viewer)

[timmyjones]

Yesterday's haul takes December onto 79 species and 2012 as a whole on to 152 (obviously pending acceptance by the County Recorder of several species).

Has anyone has Rook or Little Owl this month; there have still to be any reports of Stonechat this year :-C

Just out of interest, what species recorded so far in that 152 would require a county level description to get them officially accepted?

 

[Phil Andrews]

Curlew

The decline of Curlew over the last decade at Upton Warren has been a noticeable and worrying trend, as it reflects the struggles of the species on a wider regional basis. Since the mid 1980s the reserve last long been both a wintering ground for local breeders but also an important post-breeding gathering point. The highest flocks have tended to occur over the summer flocks (including the peak count count of 122 in September 1988). Summer numbers grew notably in the early 1980s (the collapse of the once large roost at Whittington sewage works in Staffordshire has been put forward as a possible reason for this increase) and for 13 consecutive years the annual maximum count exceeded 100 birds. Then in the late 1990s the number began to fall away quite alarming to this year's low point of a maximum clount of only 29 Curlew.

What has gone slightly under the radar but is equally disturbing is the decline in the size of the wintering flock (winter taken to be December through to February), from counts in the 80s and 90s in the late 1990s to the current flock of 9. It is possible that the recent series of harsher winters is forcing more birds to the coast but the reasons seem a little deeper than that to me. Does anyone have any breeding data for Curlew either nationally or more specifically in the Midlands region?

 

[Phil Andrews]

Just out of interest, what species recorded so far in that 152 would require a county level description to get them officially accepted?

Red-necked Phalarope
Honey Buzzard
Spotted Crake
Marsh Harrier
Bittern
Great White Egret
Osprey
Spotted Redshank
Wood Sandpiper
Little Tern
Ring-necked Parakeet
Cetti's Warbler (I expect that an exception is made for UW)
Avocet (as above)
Water Pipit

 

[forgetfulelephant]

Further weather update.

There is an increasing amout of standing water on the A38 between Droitwich & the reserve. Some is right across half of the road. At the entrance to the road to the moors is a very large & deep area of water which could be tricky coming in or out.

Let's be careful out there! To pinch a line from an old tv cop show!

Rob

 

[Bob O.]

Finch feet

Just going thro' yesterdays pics and noticed the feet on this Bullfinch. Others have posted similar pics.
Is there anything we can do to reduced this disease spreading?

 

[upstarts1979]

The decline of Curlew over the last decade at Upton Warren has been a noticeable and worrying trend, as it reflects the struggles of the species on a wider regional basis. Since the mid 1980s the reserve last long been both a wintering ground for local breeders but also an important post-breeding gathering point. The highest flocks have tended to occur over the summer flocks (including the peak count count of 122 in September 1988). Summer numbers grew notably in the early 1980s (the collapse of the once large roost at Whittington sewage works in Staffordshire has been put forward as a possible reason for this increase) and for 13 consecutive years the annual maximum count exceeded 100 birds. Then in the late 1990s the number began to fall away quite alarming to this year's low point of a maximum clount of only 29 Curlew.

What has gone slightly under the radar but is equally disturbing is the decline in the size of the wintering flock (winter taken to be December through to February), from counts in the 80s and 90s in the late 1990s to the current flock of 9. It is possible that the recent series of harsher winters is forcing more birds to the coast but the reasons seem a little deeper than that to me. Does anyone have any breeding data for Curlew either nationally or more specifically in the Midlands region?

Hi Phil
not specific breeding data, but this spring's All-Dayer was the first that curlew was NOT recorded. We always assumed the spring roosting birds were of the non-sitting local breeding birds. This years winter total is now 8. Last years was 16 and 1 of those slipt whilst landing on the ice and later died.
The breeding curlew in worcestershire was always anecdotal, with birds seen over Bradley Green, Hanbury, eades meadow, Trench wood etc. It would be interesting to collate the the rest of the West Mids totals and sightings.
I know the Irish breeding population has dropped from several 000's to just a few hundred in less than 15 years.:-CJohn

 

[upstarts1979]

Anyway just getting my flask ready for a late Bittern vigil at the Moors, if I can get there.:smoke:

 

[rollingthunder]

It's hard to believe the huge roosts at Whittington in the late 70's and early 80's - i would have to check my old note-books but i seem to recall 800+

Laurie:t:

 

[Phil Andrews]

Just going thro' yesterdays pics and noticed the feet on this Bullfinch. Others have posted similar pics.
Is there anything we can do to reduced this disease spreading?

Feeder hygenie is the best route; in re-starting the Flashes feeding station I thoroughly cleaned, washed then disinfected all the feeders and the table. I presume the same routine is undertaken at the Moors. However all it needs is one rogue feeder in the locality eg Upton Warren village, the Moors residencies and the whole population is at risk.

 

[reedwarbler]

Just going thro' yesterdays pics and noticed the feet on this Bullfinch. Others have posted similar pics.
Is there anything we can do to reduced this disease spreading?

I have never seen this on a Bullfinch but disease on the legs of Chaffinch is widespread at least through Worcestershire and Warwickshire. This is a quote from the RSPB.

"Chaffinches are often seen with a parasitic condition known as bumble foot or a fungal attack called 'fur foot'. The infection is not directly fatal but it can cause a loss of agility and make the individual vulnerable to predators. Advanced infections can cause the loss of toes but there is evidence that the birds can recover naturally. I even received an image of a male chaffinch that had lost all his toes, yet the bird was clearly in good condition. Unfortunately, there is no way of treating wild birds even though there are treatments available for captive birds. "

 

[Bob O.]

I have never seen this on a Bullfinch but disease on the legs of Chaffinch is widespread at least through Worcestershire and Warwickshire. This is a quote from the RSPB.

"Chaffinches are often seen with a parasitic condition known as bumble foot or a fungal attack called 'fur foot'. The infection is not directly fatal but it can cause a loss of agility and make the individual vulnerable to predators. Advanced infections can cause the loss of toes but there is evidence that the birds can recover naturally. I even received an image of a male chaffinch that had lost all his toes, yet the bird was clearly in good condition. Unfortunately, there is no way of treating wild birds even though there are treatments available for captive birds. "

Thanks for the info reedwarbler and also to Phil for his reply. It's good to know that the birds can 'cope' with this infection.

 

[Phil Andrews]

Pleased to confirm that JTB had the Bittern at the Moors Pool at approx 3pm today.

 

[upstarts1979]

Anyway just getting my flask ready for a late Bittern vigil at the Moors, if I can get there.:smoke:

Arrived at 2pm on the east track to be greeted by a small flock of redpoll feeding along the track on willowherb. As I walked past them, they flew up and formed a group in excess of 20. Onto the east hide, where the only other birder on the reserve was sat (didn't know your name but - respect for braving the elements).
Anyway the snipe were still in good numbers (44) packed on to the remnants of the 'snipe island', with a jack amongst them. The ducks were less conspicuous than yesterday, although they were constantly diving, the aythya's appeared to be less numerous. The persistent rain had brought the level up by 2cm to 0.9, with many small pools forming all over the Broadmeadow. At about 2.45pm, 100 large gulls literally dropped onto the pool. Of these 65 were herrings of varying ages, the rest were LBBG's. After a while they became agitated and took flight, to then alight at the north end of the pool. Whilst looking for the reason behind the commotion, I was scanning to the north, when the unmistakable sight of a BITTERN came into my field of view. :eek!: I instantly alerted others in the hide and thankfully Peter J and Paul A managed to get on it. This was at about 3.05pm and from then until dark at 4.35pm, we managed to see it a further 3 times perched at the top of the reeds at the north end of the pool. I am not sure if Craig (Midland Birder) in the new hide managed to see it (I am sure he will let us know).
At dark another Jack snipe came in from the north low above the water and landed on the 'pool island', its bat like fluttery flight revealing its ID. Even more snipe flew out calling from other parts of Amy's at dark.
species count for Moors:
GCG 5, little grebe, mute swan 4, cormorant 40+, canada's c120 came into roost, shelduck pr, Teal 30, Shoveler 2, Pochard 15 (min), Tufted 25 (min). Snipe 44 seen, more flew out at dark c60, Jack snipe 2, lapwing 127, curlew no count in A38 field. Herring gull 65, LBBG 35, BHG 60, water rail 3 calling around Amy's, Coot 250, BITTERN,
starling 20, redpoll 20,
Ironically the excitement meant the flask was unused,

 

[Phil Andrews]

Cheers John - roughly what was the Bittern in line with when it perched up?

 

[upstarts1979]

Cheers John - roughly what was the Bittern in line with when it perched up?

From the east hide look to the north end reed bed and the bird was 20 yards to the right of the floating raft that is stuck in the reeds and below a very bright green ivy clad bush on the causeway. Although it may have moved a bit by tomorrow8-P

It is a welcome return of this species to the reserve, it was pure luck today that I saw it, who knows how long its been about. This coupled with the recent reappearance of the cetti's warbler and the plans for the north moors and NW reed beds, will hopefully make Upton a great wetland of the futureJohn
Phil what was the chronology of the Bitterns prior to last year.

 

[midlands birder]

No, i hadent seen the bird by dusk, which was a real shame, we knew where it was (Thanks to Upstarts for that), but it remained invisible for us in the west hide throughout. Shame really, as i havent had a bittern in a couple of years!
Oh well, it'll just mean another Bittern watch soon.

Funnilly enough, we were just in Bromsgrove heading towards Upton in the hope that we'd be the ones to confirm that 'late evening Bittern' that john mentions, haha. John beat me too it
MB

 

[upstarts1979]

No, i hadent seen the bird by dusk, which was a real shame, we knew where it was (Thanks to Upstarts for that), but it remained invisible for us in the west hide throughout. Shame really, as i havent had a bittern in a couple of years!
Oh well, it'll just mean another Bittern watch soon.

Funnilly enough, we were just in Bromsgrove heading towards Upton in the hope that we'd be the ones to confirm that 'late evening Bittern' that john mentions, haha. John beat me too it
MB

You'll have your day CraigJohn

 

[upstarts1979]

Not a day for photos but did capture some of the gulls, that 'fell' out of the sky.

 

[midlands birder]

You'll have your day CraigJohn

I've had 'horror' stories while trying to see Bitterns. Sitting in the Zeiss Hide at Slimbridge for 4 hours waiting for it to show. -10 Temperatures and a sh***y Coffie from the shop. Didnt show 8-P
Much prefer them when there on show 'as i get there'
MB

 

[Phil Andrews]

Phil what was the chronology of the Bitterns prior to last year.

Bittern Botaurus stellaris
25th January 1986 > 28th January 1986 - 1 bird - The Flashes / Hen Brook
9th October 1989 - 1 bird - North Moors Pool
22nd September 1996 - 1 bird - Hen Pool
17th February 2003 > 19th March 2003 - 1 bird - Moors Pool
13th December 2003 > 14th March 2004 - max of 2 birds - Moors Pool
10th November 2004 > 7th March 2005 - 1 bird - Moors Pool
14th October 2005 > 1st March 2006 - 1 bird - Moors Pool
19th September 2006 > 7th March 2007 - max of 3 birds - Moors Pool
12th October 2007 > 27th February 2008 - max of 2 birds - Moors Pool
11th October 2008 > 19th March 2009 - max of 4 birds (2 believed killed by foxes) - Moors Pool / Flashes
18th July 2009 > 14th March 2010 - max of 3 birds - Moors Pool / Flashes
31st May 2010 > 5th June 2010 - 1 bird - Moors Pool / Flashes
21st July 2010 > 5th March 2011 - max of 2 birds - Moors Pool / Flashes
21st December 2012 > 22nd December 2012 - 1 bird - Moors Pool