[joncarter]

in reply to: Eric Morecambe Complex & Fell End #3517

Up to 4 spoonbill present at times today (inc 2 flying over main reserve in the morning).
Also, the first marsh harrier fledgling emerged from one of the nests today. How many more to come?

[joncarter]

in reply to: 4hrs from Sky tower! #3460

For reference, a photo has been seen and the ID verified of the sighting on June 6.
As stated above purple herons can be extremely elusive when in reedbeds – fingers crossed it sticks around and finds a nice viewable spot to hang around in!

[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe #3442

Interesting starling observations Dan. I was recently remarking how few ‘post-breeding’ starling flocks i’ve seen so far and how few juvs appear to be in those groups. My last Aldcliffe visit earlier this week saw hardly any. Good to hear they’re on their way!

[joncarter]

in reply to: FAUNA dragonflies #3432

Also large red damselflies at Leighton Moss – and of course hobby sightings are becoming increasingly frequent as more odonata emerges!

[joncarter]

in reply to: Eric Morecambe Complex on 3/6 #3408

3 spoonbills visible from the train at c8.30am
One on EM Pools at 5.35pm (yes, from the train)

[joncarter]

in reply to: Spoonbill #3313

In fairness, ‘little else’ did include:
7 eider, 2 greenshank, lots of avocets and 2 Mediterranean gulls. Sedge warbler singing in the field on the approach to the hides (whitethroat singing there yesterday) and a very obliging barn owl.
🙂

[joncarter]

in reply to: Leighton Moss #3284

Haha – yep. Aldcliffe is clearly an autopilot…

[joncarter]

in reply to: Spoonbill #3248

PLEASE NOTE – these hides and the car park currently remain closed to the public.
The pools can be viewed from the Crag Viewpoint, or from the train!

[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe #2991

Postscript: late afternoon / early eve

5 goldeneye on Freeman’s Pools
2 pairs LRP on Wildfowlers’ Pools
Pair of peregrine with freshly caught lapwing on estuary
Whitethroat still at Stodday
White & pied wags with 40+ mipits on the Flood

[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe #2967

12 white wags on the Flood at midday today & 3 LR plover seen on Wildfowlers’ Pools.
No copulating observed.

[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe marsh #2831

4 house martins by the W Pools along with 5 swallows early afternoon.
3 LRP still present with one male actively displaying.
Just 1 white wagtail among the small number of pieds.
2 peregrines (adult hunting BT godwits on estuary & juv by Freeman’s Pools)

[joncarter]

in reply to: Blackcap Silverdale #2761

A couple were singing around the Leighton Moss visitor centre / garden today. Lovely!

[joncarter]

in reply to: Eric Morecambe from Viewpoint, Holmere & Hare Tarn #2665

Re the Eric Morecambe & Allen hides: The predator fence has been installed and we are hoping to open the hides and car park on April 12, in accordance with government guidelines.
These hides and car park will be opened and closed on a daily basis (other hides on the reserve will remain open at all times).

Please keep an eye on the Leighton Moss website, Facebook page or Twitter account for updates.

[joncarter]

in reply to: Taiga Bean Goose #2545

Single bird with pinkfeet.

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[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe Knot #2521

Hmm… certainly seen knot on the Wildfowlers’ Pools, not sure about the Flood itself. I’ll have a peek at my notebooks!

[joncarter]

in reply to: Reed Warblers near Solar Farm at Heysham moss 22/02/2021 10:15 #2442

Hi – do you mean male Reed buntings?

[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe #2369

The colour-ringed godwit was feeding among the geese in the fields late afternoon. Great to see its history.
Tundra bean and L whitefront still present.

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[joncarter]

in reply to: Aldcliffe Marsh #1642

Great to see so many finches in the maize fields – more than I’ve seen there in at least 20 years! Large finch flocks were once a regular feature of Aldcliffe in winter often along the tideline, but an apparent lack of food in the tide rack (plus increased disturbance from walkers / dogs?) has seen a big reduction.
Majority of birds today were chaffinches (c80) and c20 tree sparrows, along with a scattering of greenfinch, linnet and reed buntings.

9 goldeneye on Freeman’s Pool, 2 on Wildfowlers’ Pools.

[Author]

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