Liverpool RSPB Local Group

Liverpool RSPB's BIG New year birdwatch

2012-01-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

After getting up nice and early with a scrapping of ice from the windscreen, it was up to the Speke/Garston LNR for Liverpool RSPB's BIG New Year Birdwatch and the start of many peoples New Year birdlists. Sunday compared to the previous days total washout, dawned cold, dry, sunny, with a slight breeze with little wind chill. 35 intrepid birders joined the throng eager to start the walk, ears pricked binos at the ready.

A great start even before the last boot was laced and the car park left we had seen Blackbird, Woodpigeon, L.B.B.Gull, Goldfinch, Flocks of Starling, a Grey Heron in flight and hunting Kestrel. Walking the path toward Garston shore we spotted Redwing perched in the trees, soon joined by 2 more of the Turdus species Mistle thrush and singing Song thrush. The Kestrel we had seen hunting earlier came to perch in the trees close to the path giving us great views of her sunlit plumage, she didn't seem to be bothered by the gawping humans 20 0dd feet away! Shortly after it was joined by the tercel, male and female together.

A Greenfinch was the last to be ticked off before we moved onto the river birds. Along the shoreline probing the mud ( MERSEY MUD MATTERS -website article) we found Redshank, Cormorant, Herring gull, Black Headed Gull, Curlew, Teal, Mallard, Lapwing, and a magnificent yet menacing Gt.Black Backed Gull. Overhead being mobbed by crows an unconcerned Buzzard scanned the reserve blow. In the breeze swept reeds between the mudbanks and the path Reed Buntings flitted between the stalks, a Wren called out and was duly ticked. Back on the river we had 3 Shelduck bobbed along, quickly out done by a flock of Dunlin, twisting and turning in flight along the shore looking for the best bit of mud to alight on. A Turnstone was observed, doing what it does best, turning stones, piping Oystercatcher completed the picture.

Turning away from the shore scanning the fields around the warehouses, we ticked off Magpie, Collared Dove, and Carrion Crow. And a then at mega for the day the strange distant bird acting like a kestrel turned out to be a Peregrine perched onto the corner of the B&M building, then swooping through the buildings and onto Speke Hall Woods. Spreading out for walk through the marshy grassy area, our stealthy band of 'beaters'! Flushed out a marvellous Brown Hare, a covey of 5 Grey Partridge, a Skylark, a Snipe and a Meadow Pipit.

Moving on to our second stop of the day we re -grouped by Sefton Park Lake (Along with a large proportion of Sunday strolling Liverpudlian families enjoying the sunny weather- the swans, geese and ducks were all well fed that day) The tick list grew, as we added feral Pigeon, Mute swan, Common gull, Coot, Canada goose, Moorhen, 4 gorgeous Little Grebes, and a sprightly lakeside Grey Wagtail. Leaving the lake and into the trees we espied, along with the resident Grey Squirrels and Rats, Blue tit, a good view of a Ring neck parakeet (a first for many of our group), Long tailed tits, Great tits, hunting Sparrowhawk, Robin, Chaffinch, and a posing Jay perched on a branch probably keenly watching where the resident Grey’s were burying their monkey nuts. A Pied Wagtail and 4 Mistle thrush's were on the playing fields avoiding the footballers.

A short walk over to nearby Greenbank Park gave us a Tufted duck, a Jackdaw, another sighting of the Ring necked Parakeet and a handsome male Goldeneye on the lake.

Back to our cars for a quick drive to the Black Woods in Childwall gave us Nuthatch, Coal tit, female Great spotted Woodpecker and male Great spotted woodpecker as "Ged" our Woodpecker expert pointed out at the last indoor meeting 'Red on the crown'! Stock dove and to finish off as the sun was going down we got lovely Brambling.

60 birds in total, not bad for a day in local parks.

BIRD REPORT COMPILED BY CHRIS STOREY THE TICKMASTER!

And a little bit from me!

Laura

Avocets at RSPB Marshside. Make a Date.

2011-03-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Nature lovers and their families are invited to visit RSPB Marshside to see one of the UK’s most charismatic waterbirds in action. From 1 April, staff and volunteers will be hosting the Marshside Avocet Date with Nature, showcasing the iconic black and white birds with the upturned bill, which have made the Southport reserve their home during the breeding season. Avocets, the emblematic species of the RSPB, have been breeding at RSPB Marshside for the past 10 years with the number of pairs rising from 1 in 2001 to 37 in 2010. This year, 32 avocets have already returned to the reserve. The birds are attracted to the specially created islands, which have been covered in cockle shells to mimic their preferred nesting habitat. Alex Pigott, warden at RSPB Marshside, says: “Avocets are fascinating birds to watch during breeding season as they get really protective and will chase away anything that they think might pose a threat to their young. It is not unusual for them to scare off other birds twice their size. “As many of the avocets nest near our main hide, visitors should be able to get great views of these birds. We hope to get as many people visiting as possible and would particularly love to see children enjoying these wonderful birds.” Besides avocets, RSPB Marshside also boasts the greatest concentration of breeding waders of any other nature reserve in the UK with large numbers of lapwings, redshanks and oystercatchers The Marshside Avocet Date with Nature runs from 1 April to 4 July every Friday to Monday 10am to 5pm at the main hide.

Disneyland Paris birdwatching

2011-02-20T10:18:00.001-08:00

A family holiday to Eurodisney with a load of none birders and not allowed to bring the bins isnt the best thing for a birder.

I have been here a few times in October with kids and had a number of common species but not a great deal apart from crested tit while queueing for Thunder Mountain in 2004. I thought it was a passing bird.

So, Valentines day flying to Paris sounded romantic. Tuesday morning up and early and off to the park. Common species like mallard, crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, black headed gull were easy to see.

I soon added cormorant, blackbird, wood pigeon, canada goose and kept queueing for rides. Moorhen, greenfinch, sparrowhawk, magpie, collared dove and redpoll finished off day1.

We stayed in the Cheyenne which is a cowboy themed hotel but as my eyes kept scanning the skies no birds of prey or anything different than listed. I walked through to Newport Bay Hotel on our last day and added blue, coal, great and long tailed tit, rook, dunnock, goldcrest, pied wagtail. A large flock of serin were feeding by the main lake at the hotel. I walked through the hotel out on to the circular road adding jay and out on to the open fields hearing pheasant, wren, skylark and watching a reed bunting and kestrel.

Last rides were the order of the day and back to Thunder Mountain and I heard, then saw the crested tit again in the pine trees by the fastpass entrance. What a way to finish the trip.

Chris

Speke Garston Coastal Park part1

2011-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

I spent some time last year visiting this site as part of 'Birdwatching by Bike' for Liverpool City Council's Cycling Speke. I thought it would be a good place in Liverpool for the group to have a regular visit to, and see what birds and wildlife visit the site through the year.

A good turn out for the first walk on Sat 12th Feb allowed us to see a number of birds species such as woodland, waders and grassland types.

We saw 32 different birds with the highlights being, 2 stonechats, grey partridge ( very rare in a built city ) and lapwings getting ready to hold breeding territory, if they can survive the crows!

Watching stonechat's fly catching.

Next walk here according to the membership card is Sat 30th April but due to double booking we will be visiting again on Sat 16th April at 9.30

Enjoy the birds Chris.

Drama at the Dee

2011-02-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

A dramatic natural event can be witnessed this month as Spring tides are due to inundate RSPB Dee Estuary Nature Reserve, at Parkgate.

Spring tides only happen on a handful of occasions each year. If the weather conditions are right, they are so high that they actually flood the whole saltmarsh.

This natural occurrence becomes a real wildlife spectacle as the more secretive birds and creatures that normally live there, like water rails, snipe, harvest mice, and water voles, flee the rising tide and are brought closer inland. This in turn can attract the most amazing birds of prey, like ghostly grey hen harriers, gliding short-eared owls, and high speed merlins as well as the majestic grey herons and little egrets who take advantage of the situation.

Paul Brady, RSPB Visitor Development Officer, said: “Watching the tide surge towards you with the Welsh hills as a stunning backdrop is thrilling. Add to that the sights and sounds of huge flocks of birds, along with the excitement of expert predators doing what they do best, makes it an experience to remember.”

He added: “The wildlife can come so close on these tides that one year someone actually had a bird that’s normally very hard to see, a water rail, hiding in his rucksack!”

In the winter, the marshland of the Dee Estuary is an internationally important habitat for a vast numbers of ducks and wading birds.

These free RSPB High Tide Bird Watch events are running on Saturday 19 February at 10 am, Sunday 20 February at 11 am and Monday 21 February at 11.30 am.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the Old Baths Car Park, Parkgate, where expert staff and volunteers will be on hand to showcase the action.

Garden birds in Merseyside need you

2011-01-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

The world’s biggest ever wildlife survey - the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch - takes place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January 2011 and we need you.

Last year, over half a million participants recorded 8.5 million birds across 280,000 gardens, helping us monitor the birds visiting our gardens over the winter period.

In Merseyside more than 5,000 people took part in last year’s survey, recording the blackbird as the most common garden bird in the county (1).

This year we’re looking for even more people in Merseyside to take part. We really could do with your help as the more results we receive, the clearer the picture we can paint of the situation. We are particularly interested in finding out what effect the freezing conditions have had on species of garden birds.

Taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch is simple and it’s suitable for all the family. The survey provides a fun and educational activity in the depths of winter.

Carolyn Jarvis, the RSPB’s People Engagement Manager for Northern England, said: “Big Garden Birdwatch is great for the whole family to do together.

“It only takes an hour, but taking part can make a real difference to our knowledge of garden birds, helping us to work out which ones are doing well and which ones need help.”

If you haven’t got children, use the Birdwatch as a great excuse to sit back and watch the wildlife outside your window for 60 minutes of your day.

Carolyn continues: “You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to take part – in fact, it is better if you stay indoors so as not to disturb the birds in your garden.”

Results from 2010 survey provided a good understanding of how birds were coping with the prolonged cold spell we experienced at the start of last year. Unusually high numbers of countryside birds like fieldfares and bullfinches were spotted in Merseyside gardens. More usually found in fields and farmland trees and hedgerows, these birds visited our gardens for food when they couldn’t find enough in their usual haunts.

To do your bit for garden birds, simply spend one hour over the weekend 29/30 January 2011 counting the birds in your garden or local park and record the highest number of every bird species seen at any one time.

The RSPB and partners are also running lots of Big Garden Birdwatch events and activities across the UK leading up to and over the weekend of 29 and 30 January.

Over at Sefton Park Palm House on 23 January, the RSPB’s Liverpool Local Group are setting up a variety of bird feeders and will be on hand to give advice on bird identification and looking after wildlife in your garden (noon to 4pm).

For further information and online resources to help you with your birdwatch, visit the RSPB website, www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. An online results form will be available from Saturday 29 January until 18 February 2011.

Alternatively, call 0300 456 8330 to request a Big Garden Birdwatch form to be sent to you (calls charged at standard rate). The hotline number will be in operation until 28 January.

Last years most numerous Merseyside bird was the blackbird.

Woodland birds

2011-01-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

The groups next walk will be Childwall Woods in South Liverpool. This walk is for beginneers looking for woodland species. Meet at 9.30am at the corner of Woolton Rd and Aldbourne Ave for a 2hr walk.

Not sure if we will have snow but wrap up.

Chris

Waxwings still visiting Barclays Bank!

2011-01-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

5 Waxwings are still visiting the berry trees on Allerton Road by the Barclays Bank. They are getting hammered by a mistle thrush which has decided this is its food for the winter.

Thanks to Lynda Husband for the picture. This bird visited her garden off Mather Ave.

85 CLUB RESULTS FOR SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2010

2011-01-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

September

46 L.Bimson £ 20.00
6 S.Menzies £ 5.00

October

26 J.Mason £ 20.00
89 C.Arnold £ 5.00

November

14 A.Thompson £ 20.00
48 Sean O'Hara £ 5.00

December

30 H.Jones £ 50.00
89 C.Arnold £ 50.00
85 H.Mills £ 10.00
86 A.Daniels £ 10.00
Many thanks to all of you who supported the 85 club to raise money for the group.
Next year (or should that be this year?) we shall start collecting the 85 club membership fees from February onwards. Good luck to all who enter.

A Happy New Year to All

Bren Antrobus

Mersey barrage scheme could cause irreparable damage

2011-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Mersey Estuary is potentially one step closer to being irreparably damaged as developers announce they are still considering an impoundment barrage to generate tidal power on the iconic river.

In their Feasibility Study: Stage 2, published last month, Peel Energy Ltd have included a full impoundment barrage as one of two shortlisted technologies for harnessing the power of the estuary. The RSPB believes the construction of such a barrage would cause irreversible damage to the estuary and have a devastating effect on the internationally important populations of birds, and other wildlife such as salmon which have made a return to the river in recent years.

The other option, a lower head barrage, which is being considered in two locations on the Mersey, is also potentially harmful to the environment.

Peter Robertson, the RSPB’s Regional Director for Northern England, said: “Peel Energy have reached the shortlist without a thorough consideration of the environmental impacts of these technologies. It is ridiculous that some technologies were dropped for technical or financial reasons, yet none were dropped for environmental reasons, even though the Mersey Estuary is one of the most important and protected sites for wildlife in Europe.

“A full impoundment barrage would result in the loss of mudflats and saltmarsh where birds feed, and increase the risk of flooding.

“We support the need for renewable energy but believe the solution to harnessing tidal energy lies in emerging technologies that would not cause so much damage to the estuary and its wildlife.

“By pursuing a range of barrage options, it is clear that Peel have not learnt anything from the ill-fated 1980s barrage project that was shelved owing to local opposition, environmental concerns and spiralling costs. Nor have they considered sufficiently the recent shelving of the Severn barrage scheme which was dogged by environmental and flood risk problems.”

In the Stage 2 feasibility study, Peel Energy Ltd have identified a 3.5 mile stretch between New Ferry and Eastham (Wirral) and Dingle and Garston (Liverpool) as the most favourable location for both a full impoundment barrage and a lower head barrage. They are also considering the lower head barrage at a location upstream of the Ship Canal.

The public now have a chance to view the plans at a number of public exhibitions around the Mersey until 24 January 2011. These locations are available via the project website at: www.merseytidalpower.co.uk .

For more information about the RSPB’s concerns around the scheme visit: www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/casework/

Take a good look at this and please make your views known.

Thanks.
Chris

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-02T10:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year and enjoy 2011 birding.

Chris

Dark clouds looming in nature

2010-11-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

Starling roosts to spread across UK skies.

The RSPB is warning that there are dark clouds forming overhead this autumn. But thankfully rather than meaning something foreboding they form part of one of the UK’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.

Hundreds of thousands of starlings will turn the sky black around the UK in the next few weeks, as they come together in huge clouds, wheeling and swooping in unison.

The jaw-dropping wildlife exhibition, known as a ‘murmuration’ can be seen on many of the RSPB’s nature reserves and other sites, and the wildlife charity is organising up close and personal viewings.
One of the most popular sites to see starlings is RSPB Leighton Moss, Silverdale, Lancashire.
Many of the autumn roosts are already forming well, and more and more will flock together as the weeks go on, with numbers swelling to around 100,000 in some places.

Early evening, just before dusk, is the best time to see them as they choose their communal night time shelter.
The huge gatherings are at their largest in winter, as they are boosted by thousands of migrant birds visiting from the European continent for Britain's milder Atlantic climate.

They join forces for safety in numbers in case of predators and to keep warm at night. They also exchange information, such as good feeding areas. They often feed miles away from where they roost and return each evening. On many sites you can almost set your watch by their arrival.

But despite the incredible size of the flocks, these numbers are just a fraction of what they used to be.
Crashes in the starling population of over 70% in recent years mean they are now on the critical list of UK birds most at risk.

The decline is believed to be because of loss of permanent pasture, increased use of farm chemicals and a shortage of food and nesting sites in many parts of the UK.

Johann Holt, RSPB Visitor Services Adviser says: “The starling roost is one of the most incredible natural spectacles we enjoy here in the UK and they are so easy to see. In many cases they are like clockwork – you know that at certain time in the evening the sky will start to turn black and its mesmerizing watching the flock grow and grow.”

Of course the best local place for us is the Runcorn Bridge. Chris

Waxing lyrical in Lancashire

2010-11-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

Nature lovers are waiting with bated breath to see whether recent sightings of waxwings turn into an influx this winter.

The striking birds flood to the UK from Scandinavia every few winters and in between you would be lucky to see one at all.

Their colours mean they wouldn’t look out of place in a tropical rainforest, with a prominent crest and small black mask around their eyes with yellow and white in the wings and a yellow-tipped tail.

But in the coming weeks, you could see them much closer to home in places like supermarket car parks, shopping centres, local parks and RSPB nature reserves.

In recent days, reported waxwing sightings have already come from around Lancashire including Burnley, Barrow (near Clitheroe) and Rishton (near Blackburn).

Waxwings are bold birds which don’t mind feeding close to humans and the RSPB is hoping that seeing the unusual birds will move people to help other migrant birds that may visit their gardens this winter and have a tough time in the cold weather.

And as waxwings feed on berries, the wildlife charity is also urging gardeners to avoid cutting any hedges with the last berries of autumn still on them until they have all been eaten.

They don’t breed in the UK, but are erratic winter visitors. When they come over in larger numbers, it is called an irruption, or ‘waxwing winter’ among nature lovers. They come to the UK when the population on its breeding grounds gets too big for the food available or their preferred food of berries dwindles.

Experts believe that there has been a poor berry crop in the Scandinavian countries they originate from so far this year.

2008 was a fairly good waxwing winter, but the last major influx was in the winter of 04/05.

Ian Hayward, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, says: “Waxwings are really unusual, beautiful birds, and we are getting lots of calls from people asking what the strange bird with the funny crest on its head is.

“They are all over the place at the moment, which suggests a bumper year for waxwings. This will be a treat for everyone as they are easy to see, sometimes in large flocks in excess of 300 birds.

“We hope that in seeing these amazing birds, people will be moved to help other migrant birds that will need their help in their gardens.

Redwings and fieldfares have also travelled thousands of miles, and some blackbirds are also migrant visitors that have come to the UK for our help.

“The reason these birds come to the UK is because they can’t find enough food at home, and as the weather worsens, it will become tricky to find it here too. We can make all the difference by putting out extra food and holding back on cutting hedges with a few last berries still on them.”

RSPB Director of Conservation Mark Avery says: “Waxwings only visit the UK very erratically and every winter we wait expectantly to see if this will be the year.

“At the moment we are wondering if it will be a flood or a trickle, but the reported sightings certainly suggest that we could be in for a treat this winter and we hope it will inspire everyone to do their bit for all wildlife as it starts to get really cold.”

Chris

SAVE LIVES THIS WINTER WITH SEED AND SCRAPS

2010-10-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last winter, the nation helped garden birds survive record freezing temperatures. Now, the RSPB is urging people in Merseyside to help wildlife again as the cold weather sets in.
The RSPB’s Feed the Birds Day on 30 October is a reminder that garden wildlife needs our help during the colder months of the year.

As the clocks go back and winter arrives, the extra food, water and shelter we provide for birds and other creatures could be the difference between life and death for many species.
If natural food becomes covered in snow and ice, it is impossible to get to and birds begin struggling to find the food they need to survive the winter.

The RSPB is asking people to keep feeders and bird tables topped up with calorie rich-foods like mixed seed, nyjer seed and peanuts, as well as kitchen scraps like grated mild cheese and bacon. A supply of water is also essential for bathing and preening.
If you do some or all of these things, the cold weather could bring all sorts of birds to your garden.
Besides well-known species like blackbirds and robins, your garden may also play host to more unusual species such as blackcaps, reed buntings, woodpeckers and yellowhammers. They may forage over wider areas of the countryside, but can sometimes be attracted to gardens with good supplies of natural and supplementary food.

Carolyn Jarvis, the RSPB’s People Engagement Manager for Northern England, says: “It’s not an exaggeration to say that gardeners in Merseyside saved the lives of thousands of birds last winter by throwing them a lifeline when the weather got really cold.”
“Those lifelines were a mixture of foods, and we’re pleading with everyone to try and do the same again this year.
“There is no better time to step up your feeding and you will soon reap the benefits of a garden full of wildlife. And not just your more common species – you never know what you might attract.
“It really doesn’t matter whether your garden is tiny or huge, there are options for everyone and you will make a difference.”
The RSPB is hosting over a hundred events to get everyone involved in the annual celebration, which marks the clocks going back and the arrival of winter.

Inner Wet Marsh Farm extensions

2010-10-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

The group were very lucky today to have a behind the scenes trip to the new extensions at RSPB Inner Marsh Farm at Burton. If you thought watching the rain at the Ryder Cup was bad then this trip was ideal for wadering birds.

We were met by Jeff the deputy warden who quickly showed us the new wader scrapes and the site for the new hides. Over 100 snipe were wheeling around with lingering swallows and house martins.

This new extension or what used to be Burton Fisheries has now created a huge reserve, which links Parkgate all the way round to Point of Air.

The plan for a 3 mile boardwalk around the site will be fab but we will have to wait till 2012 for the finished reserve. This new extension and plans will create a reserve that we will all want to visit time and time again.

Thanks to Laura for organising it and Jeff for turning out and showing us round. We will be back!!

Birdwatching By Bike

2010-09-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have in partnership with the Cycle Speke/Garston officer led a couple of birding by bike trips down to the Speke Garston Coastal park.
Its a pleasent place with a varied habitat of estuary, saltmarsh, rough grassland and commerce park!
These 2 hour rides are getting very popular now and the birds have been quite good too.
Yesterday we got to see a great skua on the Mersey. Another juv look at the last post for a picture of what that means.

Next Birding by Bike will be on Saturday 20th November at 10am meet at the car park.

Chris

STORMS BRING BIRDS

2010-09-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ainsdale beach still has passing leech's storm petrels during the winds but this afternoon this great skua was sat on the beach eating his tea!!

Made a change from hassling terns for sandeels.

I think it was an unfortunate auk.

ITS TIME FOR LEECH'S

2010-09-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Liverpool Bay is famous in September for the chance to see a Leech's Strom Petrel as they move south for the winter. The only problem is you need westerly winds and North Westerly are better. So today while working my lunch at 4pm I was watching the sea at Ainsdale. Look at the black blob in the middle of the picture.

Razorbills and guilliemots were fighting their way through the wind to stay out at sea.

Gannets and manx shearwaters were also having a good time in the blow.

Little black dots arent the best way to look at these fab little birds and later this bird came in close to shore and tried to feed on the beach but the crow thought he was having a flying lunch!

This is a better picture of a leechs.

Hope you get out and see one. The best places are Hall Road, Crosby, Crosby Coastal Park or New Brighton in the bus stops as the birds come out of the Mersey river mouth.

Chris.

RSPB Mersey Mud Matters

2010-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

An invitation to a special evening

Date: 09th September 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Liverpool University Rendall Building

The Mersey Estuary is an amazing place. It's been vital for the economic prosperity for the area, an iconic part of our history and always stunning for wildlife.
One of Europe's top wildlife sites, the RSPB has worked with residents for decades to keep its natural heritage at the heart of local decision making. Development pressures still exist though, and current discussions about options for energy production, including barrages, could spell an uncertain future for this wonderful wildlife site.
We want you to be involved in shaping its future – to make sure the Mersey remains a real asset for future generations.
We would like to invite you to a special RSPB evening to hear about the Mersey's natural heritage, the challenges it faces and what role you can play.
Dr Tim Melling, a Senior Conservation Officer for the RSPB, whose involvement with the estuary goes back 21 years, will give you a behind-the-scenes insight into the conservation history and wildlife of this very special place, illustrated by stunning photographs gathered over lifetimes of patient study.
Dr Peter Robertson, RSPB's Regional Director, will then take you on an inside track discussion about the issues that need to be addressed to ensure that Mersey's wildlife is protected for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. In particular he will outline the latest position with the ongoing debate around the Mersey Energy project and discuss ways you may like to be involved in the future.
So I do hope you can join us for a fascinating evening about our Mersey heritage. The event will start at 7.30 pm and is in Liverpool University's Rendall Building. Parking is available in University Car Parks off Myrtle/Chatham Road.
This web site takes you to a map. http://www.liv.ac.uk/maps/liverpool-university-campus-map.pdf

We will be providing tea and coffee so could you please let me know if you will be able to attend? I'd also be delighted to answer any questions you may have about this evening's event.

I look forward to seeing you on the evening.
Yours
Andy Bunten
Mersey Project
andy.bunten@rspb.org.uk
0191 233 4316

Coastal Birds

2010-09-04T07:53:00.015-07:00

Sorry we havent been posting this year but I hope to improve this now.

Today, the group's outdoor walk is a beginneers guide to estuary birds. We met at Crosby Coastguard station at 9.30am. These beginneers walks are very popular with new and old members. Lots of waders as you would expect and even better in various plummages!

We started with a summer plumaged bar-tailed godwit, what a cracking bird. It was in the wet pools at the front of the picture with the black headed and the herring gulls. Quickly a redshank was added with oystercatchers in the same pools. Other waders species were further out such as curlew, knot, sanderling and dunlin.

We walked north towards the Alt and added linnets, meadow pipits, swallows and starlings.

Chris Arnold spotted a grey plover which is my favourite wader on the coast and then 2 black-tailed godwits flew down the coast. Lapwings, golden plover and turnstone's were on the rocks. 3 wigeon's flew down the coast as did 2 teal, shelducks and mallards. The birds were quite flighty today due to the numerous microlites flying but then we were graced by a young peregrine which flew around terrorising the beach. After failed attempts the young bird sat on the beach.

White and pied wagtails moved down the coast and a a family of stonechats showed off with the odd wheatear. We carried checking the gulls and added greater andlesser black backed adn common gull. The grey heron in the river Alt was catching fish and doing better than the men on the coast disturbing the waders.

A good day to be out. Next walk is Saturday 11th September meet at Tesco's Formby for a walk with Dave Hardy around Altcar.

Chris

Bittern sighting

2010-01-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Coming back from a couple of nights away in Keswick we stopped off at Leighton Moss. The reserve was totally frozen except for one small stream near the members hide and after waiting for some 30 mins or so we got the most fantastic sighting of a bittern which walked down the stream and past us at about 8 foot distance. Managed to get the attached photo.

Phil & Bren Antrobus

Looking for birds in the snow!

2010-01-13T15:30:00.010-08:00

Welcome to 2010 and better bird watching!

Well the group walk around the Black Woods and the adjoining Childwall Woods and Fields in the snow looking for for woodlands birds was very quiet. Most of the birds must of moved out of the woods and into peoples gardens cos it was very quiet. Small flocks of blue, great, coal and long tailed tits tried to find insects in the trees.

Treecreeper did its usual and went around the tree once you found it. The grey squirrels were much in evidence. The Black Woods is a small area of woodland which is left to do its own thing and that is great cos too much cutting down doesnt always benefit wildlife.

We crossed over Woolton rd and checked out the other side which recieves lots of management. It was still quiet but then if your a bird and the trees look like this then wouldnt you move on to garden feeding.

The next walk is Saturday 16th Jan along the Sefton Coast meeting at Hightown Station for 10.45.

Ferry cross the Mersey!

2009-08-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Another successful cruise! Yesterday saw 350 passengers board the World-famous Mersey Ferry for a trip out into Liverpool Bay to view the fantastic wildlife the area has to offer.

Sadly, the birds weren't playing ball, though all on board were treated to good views of a variety of gulls and Common Terns, attracted in by the rather smelly fish - bravely chucked off the back by Chris!

The next cruises will be on 14th & 26th September - tickets are still available so why not come along for the ride?!

Meet the Owlets

2009-07-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last year Phil Antrobus gave us a news piece on his work with the RSPB’S Volunteer & Farmer Alliance section , carrying out bird surveys on two local farms in the Merseyside area.
On one of these farms a Barn Owl nestbox is on site and has been for many years. In 2008 four owlets were ringed, thanks to Chris and his ‘ringer’ associate. This year it was Chris’s turn to climb in the cage! Along with Stephen Menzie, and watched over by our fully fledged expert ringing friend John Gramauskas, three owlets were recovered from the box.

All fluff and talons, watch those hands boys - as John was quick to point out if it’s got it’s claws into you, you don’t want to pull your hand away, else lots of ripped flesh.... in time it will release you - honestly John?

One of the birds is fitted with a light-weight metal ring that will allow us to track its movements should it be seen again. Find out more about ringing >HERE<.

These beauties were estimated to be about 5 weeks old - half-grown, 2 females and a male, all roughly the same size although it usual for there to be 2 days between siblings - the age difference between the oldest and youngest nestlings can be as much as three weeks. The average brood size is 3.6.
In another week they should be hopping about in and around the box entrance…as long as mum and dad bring in the grub that is.. who can forget the Springwatch owl consuming his younger brothers and sisters, gulp!....Sadly no sign of the parents during the ringing session, hopefully out hunting a rodent dinner on yet another wet July evening.
By nine weeks old most young have already made their first flights and by ten weeks they are able to fly quite well. By week 14 week almost all owlets have left their parents' home range.

A quick family portrait, before the birds are returned to their nestbox.

Liverpool RPSB -Join us

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/Liverpool%20Members%20page.htm

Fancy being an RSPB volunteer? Click here http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/about/about.asp
Volunteer for the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/farming/vandfa/index.asp

Sunny at the Flash

2009-06-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Phew what a scorcher, the sun certainly came out for us on Sunday, as did half of the population of Leigh who joined our birdwatching party of 15 for a Sunday stroll round the Flash.
The bunting hide never fails to please, and we got some great close up sightings of some wonderful finches, namely Bullfinches including some hungry youngsters.
On the lagoons we observed the diminutive Little Ringed Plovers and Lapwings with their dainty chicks and to our surprise something totally different a pike meandering it’s way down the ditch right in front of the hide.
Painted ladies danced round the grasslands (no doubt part of the mass migration recently noted in the newspapers), and they were joined by Whites, Common blues and Speckled wood butterflies. As for the dragons we had 4 spotted chaser, blue tailed & red damselfly’s.

Total bird count for the day was a 'not to be crowed at' 49: Greenfinch, Dunnock, Canada goose, Mallard, Mute swan, Coot, Tufted duck, Magpie, Goldfinch, Widgeon, Bullfinch, Great tit, Robin, Moorhen, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Great spotted woodpecker, Black headed gull, Blue tit, Reed bunting, Little ringed plover, Grey heron, Gadwall, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Little grebe, Swift, House martin, Whitethroat, Carrion crow, Feral pigeon, Sedge warbler, Pochard, Great crested grebe, Ruddy duck, Shoveler, Kestrel, Blackcap, Buzzard, Common tern, Oystercatcher, Lesser black backed gull, Mistle thrush, Pied wagtail, Long tailed tit, Wren, Chiffchaff, Reed warbler, Collared dove.

INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY

2009-04-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday 3rd May is
INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY

Know your Chiff Chaff from your Willow Warbler? they look very alike but their song gives them away.
Bird lovers from around the world will be joining in on this world-wide event organised by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham.

So, you are invited to drag the kids out of bed and join us on an early morning wake up stroll; around the Mull woods and park area, listening to the magical sounds of birdsong as the sun rises, followed by a much needed hearty English breakfast and hot drinks in the Old Riding School Cafe.

I could keep this a secret, competition and all that but - Free bird seed pack to the first 30 people who arrive at this year's Dawn Chorus event courtesy of Vine House Farm.

WHERE: Croxteth Country Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, L12 0HB

MEET : Sunday 3rd May, 2009, At Main Entrance of Croxteth Hall

TIME: 6.30 – 8.30 am

FEE: Adults = £7.50 Children = £2.00

(Discount for RSPB Members Fee £ 5.00, RSPB WEX Members £1.00 * Please bring your RSPB and WEX membership cards for discount)

Entrance- From Croxteth Hall Lane to park (Speed 15MPH) through Flint drive to Conference Centre Car Park for safety reasons - as cctv. Gates open from 5 am.

1- Please maintain slow speed inside the park.

2- Beware of moving park security vehicles, tractors, cattle.

3- Mind the bumps.

4- uneven, slippery paths.

For further information /booking your place:
Miss Samina (Sam) Farooqi (RSPB WEX Group’s Leader)
Mobile: 07942 441305
Email: sam_wild1211@yahoo.co.uk

North Wales coast trip------of contrast

2009-03-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday 29th was the group annual trip down the North Wales Coast. There was snow on the mountains but sun on the coast! What contrast from the weather we have had all week.

Sea watching was poorer than normally, red throated diver werent that plenty, common scoter were splash diving, great crested grebe were in summer plumage. 1 razorbill was a bit better. Waders on the point included oystercatchers, turnstones, ringed plover, 2 dunlin and 1 knot.

We travelled on to the Spinnies which held its usual little egrets and overwintering greenshanks but no kingfisher. The feeders close to the hide gave good views of chaffinch and greenfinch. We travelled back to RSPB Conwy and tried to get a coffee but it now close at 4.30 for drinks with the reserve staying open till 5.15 when they lock the gates.

A good trip as usual with 54 species seen.

Keep birding.

Chris

First cetti's for Wigan

2009-03-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is a bit of a late post. This is the first cetti's warbler ringed in the Wigan area on 15th March. It turned up when me and John were after snipe!!

Chris

BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH SURVEY BREAKS NEW RECORD

2009-03-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

In January events were held around the UK to get more people to take part in the 30th Big Garden Birdwatch.
The figures: More than 552,000 people took part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, counting over 8.5 million birds, recording 73 species in 279,000 gardens across the UK.
The facts: Blue tits made a massive comeback in the North West after we saw a worrying fall in numbers during last year’s event. In fact, in some parts of the region, more than double the number of this delightful little garden-dweller were spotted during Big Garden Birdwatch weekend.
In Merseyside – 1.99 per garden compared to 0.71 in 2008; and in Lancashire, where garden-watchers logged an average 2.25 per garden (1.45).
And the trend continued in Cheshire with a more modest increase – 2.28 compared to 1.68 last year – and Cumbria, with 3.25 this year compared to 2.64 in 2008.

Last year’s poor showing by blue tits might have been down to wet weather making the 2007 breeding season the worst ever for the garden favourite.
Heavy rain washing away caterpillars and the later emergence of these creatures are likely to have caused a food shortage for blue tits.
Matthew Capper, who helps get people involved in Big Garden Birdwatch, said: “Thank goodness we’ve seen more blue tits in our gardens this year. Big Garden Birdwatch is a great barometer of the fortunes of our garden birds and it’s always worrying when we see sharp declines in a particular kind of bird.
“But we know from years of experience – and from the information we have gathered over 30 years of Big Garden Birdwatch – that it takes a number of years’ results to see real trends emerging. It looks as though 2008 might just have been a blue tit blip.”
Matthew added: “We’re thrilled to have well over half a million people taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this year. This is a great way for people to get closer to nature and enjoy the benefits of feeding their garden birds.“
Nationally, the house sparrow retained its top spot for the sixth year running with an average of 3.70 seen per garden. The starling, which is a former number one, came in at number two with an average of 3.21 per garden. The blackbird completed the top three with 2.84 per garden.

Keep checking for the Merseyside top ten.

Chris

Package Holiday Birding

2009-03-08T05:18:00.001-07:00

In my role of Group Leader I have always received lots of bird holiday travel brochures. I have always looked through them wishing that one day my family would be become birders but there is no hope! So I have always had to do my foriegn birding around a large popular tourist area.

So the groups next speaker Chris Galvin will be able to show me what I and you have been missing. Monday 16th March will see Chris Galvin come to the group to do his talk on Package Holiday Birding. Doors open at Mossley Hill Parish Church at 19.00 for the talk to start at 19.30. Come along to see one of the UK's best wildlife photographers.

Chris

Beginners Woodland Walk

2009-02-27T07:36:00.000-08:00

I will be leading a walk on Saturday 28th Feb at the Black Woods. This is a guided walk to look at woodland birds and help people appreciate birds of this habitat. The walks starts at 9.30am, if you want join us be at the corner of Woolton Rd and Aldbourne Ave then.

Last year we even got buzzard on this 2hr trip.

Chris

Meeting and Birds or Birds and meetings!

2009-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

Phil Antrobus and myself had a meeting with Mersey Ferries about this year's seabird cruises. We had a really good meeting and left the offices to go to New Brighton Marine Lake.

A quick look at the jetty and you could see a number of waders roosting over the high tide.

A good selection of turnstones, dunlin, redshank but best of all 5 purple sandpipers. I managed to get 4 in the picture. The size of these birds can be quite difficult to judge so in the picture I have included a black headed gull.

The best place to see purple sands is Hilbre Island so it was great to find these birds.

If you get a chance try and go and see them over the high tides this week. Chris

2009-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

2009 marks the

30th
anniversary of

The RSPB's

Big
Garden

Birdwatch.

The 2009 Big Garden Birdwatch takes place at the end of January and all you need to do to take part is watch the local birds in your garden or park for an hour.
Last January, more than six and a half million birds were counted in 236,000 gardens!, were you one of the watchful diligently counting in your garden or local park.This years Big Garden Birdwatch runs on 24-25 January 2009 and we'd love you to take part!

What happened last year?

In last year' s January weekend count the Goldfinch claimed 'Top spot' in Merseyside with an average of 1.64 seen per garden. Nationally with an average of 3.60 seen per garden, the House Sparrow retained its top spot with Starlings coming in second and Blackbirds completing the top three.

Why not Join us at our events at Sefton Park Palm House Sunday 25 January 2009
Our event starts at noon and finish at 4pm.

Closely observe the birds at our feeding stations through telescopes. People will be on hand for identification and general information on Garden Birdwatching and the RSPB. Kids colouring activities. Make your own pine code birdfeeder to take home.

Our friends at Sefton Park have asked wonderful story teller Taffy Thomas back to the Palm House, he'll be telling stories about our feathered friends to all our visiting children.

Meet our new Wildlife explorer team (RSPB WEX) and find out about their great Ticklish Allsorts Roadshow for kids, to be held on the evening of :27th January.

The British Trust for Ornithology BTO will be with us this year, promoting their all year round Garden Birdwatch recording scheme.

If you build it they will come

2009-01-09T00:22:00.000-08:00

Who remembers the film 'Field of dreams'? My garden is my field of dreams and this winter I'm going for broke to bring in some winter thrushes. Lots of cheap apples and homemade cheap fruitcake litter the lawn. Today I was 'made up' as we say in scouseland, my plan had worked, after wandering the fields of Billinge to look for one, it came to me ... a beautiful Fieldfare, a belligerent fellow chasing away any Blackbird who came close to 'his' apple. l was late for work ,I wanted to stay.. it was toooo dark for the camera, I was willing the sun to hurry up, alas I had to go...but will he/she be back tomorrow? I'm baking more cake.

Laura

Cold Weather its not great for birds!

2009-01-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

FREEZING CONDITIONS HEIGHTEN DISTURBANCE THREAT TO WETLAND BIRDS
For the first time in over a decade, nature conservation bodies are today [Tuesday 6 January 2009] calling on birdwatchers, walkers, anglers and water sports enthusiasts across Britain to minimise disturbance to groups of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. On lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas the birds will be struggling to survive after enduring seven consecutive days of freezing temperatures.

The group making today’s call include the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and Natural England.
Following a run of mild winters, this is the first time in a decade that this call has been made in England. Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s conservation director, said: “During freezing conditions disturbance forces the birds to squander their precious energy reserves by taking flight when they need to spend as much time as possible feeding.
“Although we haven’t made this appeal since 1997, we hope everyone who uses the countryside will heed our advice, allowing the millions of birds which visit the UK’s coasts and wetlands during the winter to stand a better chance of survival.”
If the severe weather continues for 14 days in succession, the shooting of some species of duck, geese, and wading bird can be suspended for a fortnight to help the birds recover. The last time such a ban was imposed was in 1997.
The birds affected include ducks – including wigeon and pintail – and wading birds, such as godwits, dunlin and knot. These birds either nest in the Arctic, or further north or east in Europe. During the winter the birds visit the UK to escape harsher conditions further north.
Andrew Gouldstone, the RSPB’s Area Conservation Manager for the North West, said: “Even at a time when our climate is warming, we can still expect freezing conditions, but less frequently. Wildfowl and wading birds respond to these icy blasts by moving further south and west. Mild winters have allowed some of these international travellers to cut short their journeys, with more remaining within the eastern half of Britain.

“As the natural world responds to the freeze, we can expect the UK's vital coastal wetlands to play a role in helping these hardy birds survive the winter. If the freeze continues, we can expect the warmer estuaries on our west coast – such as the Dee, Mersey, Ribble, Morecambe Bay and the Solway - to be especially important as birds escape the weather. These are amongst our most important wildlife sites. The winter of 2009 is likely to show just how vital they are to the survival of thousands of water birds.”

As someone out doing a bird survey today, I can tell you that the Ribble coast has very low numbers of waders at the moment and RSPB Marshside very few waterfowl.

Chris

Sunday's walk around Marshside

2008-12-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in putting this on the blog. The groups last walk of the year is always to RSPB Marshside and we meet at 10.30 on Sunday 7th. We started looking at the outer salt marsh and was greeted with a merlin, then kestrel, I picked out a long distance peregrine and then we added a superb grey male hen harrier!

There had been reports of 2 short eared owls on the marsh but talking to other birders they hadn't seen them although some said that 3pm was their favourite time! It had been a very cold, frosty night and that normally means that birds have to feed quickly and earlier and so we quickly added the short eared owl to are day list.

I used to say that December on the coast can be very Mediterranean and so it turned out as little egrets and then the long stay and wandering glossy ibis flew in. This bird has been around the North West for close to 2years. It reminds me a cormorant with a long stick in its beak!

The wigeon, pintail, teal, mallard, pink feet, canada's, greylags, shoveler, pochard, tufted and ruddy duck made up the waterfowl. It was another good day out at a reserve that needs more hides and heaters!

Chris

The Secrets Out!!

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

NEW REPORT CONFIRMS NORTH WEST IMPORTANCE FOR UK’S WATERBIRDS

The concentrations of millions of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds, which spend the winter in the UK, are among our greatest wildlife spectacles, and the latest report into the numbers of these birds proves the importance of the North West region.

But the report also reveals that some dramatic changes are taking place with our birdlife across the UK. Some species are increasing, while others are decreasing alarmingly.

Many of the most important sites for waterbirds in winter are in the North West.
The Ribble Estuary is internationally important for 16 species of birds; along with the Wash this site has the highest number of species of international importance. The Ribble is also the most important site in the UK for the wigeon, a type of duck whose population has fallen by one-fifth nationally.

The Dee Estuary holds the largest UK concentrations of pintail - a type of duck - and the redshank, a wading bird which across the UK reached its lowest population level for 20 years.

The Mersey Estuary holds the largest concentrations for shelduck, and the dunlin – a type of wading bird whose population has reached the lowest level across the UK since 1970.

Morecambe Bay is the most important UK site for curlew, the UK’s largest wading bird. The curlew is also one of the UK’s most threatened birds as it is edging towards global extinction.

Dr Peter Robertson, Head of Conservation, RSPB Northern England, said: “This report shows that our estuaries and wetlands are wonderful places for wildlife and they deserve to remain so.

The estuaries in the North West are vital staging posts for international travellers. Climate Change and industrial development threaten these wonderful places and the RSPB will continue to do everything in its power to protect them.”

“We are blessed with years of information, chronicling the ups and downs of these international travellers. This information must present a wake-up call to protect these sites, rather than provide a record of how important they once were.”

The key findings from this year’s report, from across the UK, include:

· The numbers of Bewick’s swan fell by around one third.
· The numbers of European and Greenland white-fronted geese suffered further declines.
· The number of dunlin, one of the UK’s most abundant waders, was the lowest since 1970.
· The numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler - types of duck - all fell, with wigeon suffering a decline of one fifth.
· The number of redshank – a type of wader – declined for the third year running, reaching its lowest level for 20 years.
· The UK’s two species of godwit – types of wading bird – showed differing trends. The graph for black-tailed godwit – a bird of global conservation concern – reached its highest level; although the closely-related bar-tailed godwit, reached its lowest level to date, after a five-year decline.
· Avocets increased, reaching record numbers.

Research is needed to determine whether declines are due to birds short-stopping (that is, birds wintering closer to their breeding grounds, and hence occurring in the UK in smaller numbers) or whether they are ‘real’ global population declines.

This year’s report reveals that five sites in the UK are internationally-important for 12 species of bird, or more, these are: the Ribble (16 species); The Wash (16 species); the Humber (12 species); Morecambe Bay (12 species) and the Thames (12 species).

Picture included!!

2008-11-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have to say as the Liverpool group leader I get lots of emails or phone calls about birds. Most are just a description of a British bird or some are of caged birds that have escaped. So it was great to come home and receive an email from Mike Cain, of a bird photographed in a friends garden in Bowering park. A woodcock is a great garden bird to have on your list. its rare to get a photo of a sitting birds as they usually fly when flushed.

Thanks Mike.

Chris

Always keep watching...cos you end up smiling!

2008-10-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was dry and sunny, and having spent over an hour in the dentists chair and he still hasnt sorted out the problem he created, I was not a happy birder. Infact I was very miserable driving back to work but the M57 is a wildlife haven if you can drive and watch at the same time. Slow and thermalling buzzards with magpies hassling them is a good sight but then the cast of jays, great spotted woodpeckers, canada geese wasnt bad, but I was still not happy. As I drove toward switch island I noticed an owl being mobbed by magpies. As the end of the motorway loomed the bird drifted closer and a smile came over my face looking at this wonderful short eared owl. No more pain!

Chris

Picture courtesy of RSPB images.

Volunteer & Farmer Alliance

2008-10-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

As some of you will know I carry out bird surveys on two local farms for the VF&A section of RSPB. This means that I walk the farms each week, especially in the breeding season, and report my sightings so that it forms a small part of the overall data collated by the society.

Quite often, and in winter in particular, it means I get cold and wet ! However the rewards can be superb. Watching a buzzard get harried by a sparrowhawk is one such instance, another is seeing an adult wren feeding it's newly fledged young with insects. This year a highlight was seeing three newly fledged swallows sitting on the branch of a tree over a pond and the parent birds flying in to feed them without even stopping to perch.

The best so far though was to find barn owls breeding in a box up in the apex of - yes, a barn!

Not only that but seeing the four owlets ringed, thanks to Chris and his myriad contacts.

Last Thursday evening saw us assemble with the ringer and the farming family and watch the owlets brought daown in bags, weighed, ringed, sexed and their age determined. Did you know that barn owl chicks can be aged to the day by measuring the length of a primary feather from its unfurling point to the tip? These four were from 37 to 43 days old and they hatch at two day intervals.

Although late in the year for breeding ( it is thought that this is a second brood but not in the same site) the chicks were well developed and weighed between 350 and 450 grammes each.

They will fledge in another 30 or so days and probably be still dependant on the parent birds for another month after that.

It's sights and experiences like this that make it all worthwhile.

Enjoy the pictures

Phil Antrobus

Field Trip to Frodsham marsh.

2008-10-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

The night before the group outing to Frodsham it rained and rained but you should always know that the weather is a fickle thing. Sunday was dry and warm under all the waterproofs. We heard kingfisher on the Weaver but didnt see it, but as we walked down the river I quickly noticed a flock of redshanks and a smaller bird with a white rump. As we got to view the waders were they stopped I managed to find 2 curlew sandpipers in full winter plumage. We walked around the marsh finding farmland birds and other waders. Later on we came across an Ariel with a kestrel on the top a buzzard on the bottom and a sparrowhawk flying past. A good day out to a wonderful place. Chris

Frodsham Marsh - 5/10/08

2008-10-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

A visit to a relatively local venue. Meet at the garden centre on the way into Frodsham. Hopefully a good mix of birds will be seen, with both Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint on number 6 tank recently.

Farmland birds should also be noted and the Weaver Bend will give us a chance to catch up with some freshwater species.

Walking should be easy, if a little muddy in places after the recent rain! There will be no facilities on site, so wrap up warm and bring some lunch!

ANOTHER SEASON OF CRUISING!!

2008-09-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a fine picture of some of the volunteers who helped to crew the Liverbird Wildlife Discovery Cruises this year. They be a motley crew, who cuss and spit, all in the aid of supporting the Liverpool RSPB on the Mersey Ferry Snowdrop. The group has for the last 6 years provided support to RSPB staff on these cruises. A big thank you to Tim Melling, RSPB staff for adding the excitement and Stephen Menzie for being the spotter and co commentator.

The Wildlife cruises are a partnership between RSPB, National Museums Liverpool, and Mersey Ferries and this year for the first time we were joined by The Environment Agency who have donated 25 pairs of binoculars for the public to use.

The river Mersey and the bay is great for birds of many different types and cruises give you a great chance to see some of this.
Chumming is not for the faint hearted but it does attract a following cast of gulls.

Thank you to all the volunteers, Laura, Brenda, Ann, Ste, Phil, Howard and our friends from Chester group. I look forward to next years cruises and a fresh pair of marigolds!!

Chris

Good bye to Mary the Kiwi.

2008-09-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Kiwi is one of the special birds of New Zealand. And as Capital of Culture draws to an end, we have had to say good bye to our Kiwi. Mary Thompson came to Liverpool in January this year to do some work and bird at the same time. Mary got to see the our wonderful estuaries and the large number of wading birds we attract. Mary lives on South Island and is used to watching around 130 bar tailed godwits on there winter haunts and not much else, apart from all the UK birds we took and released over their. We at Liverpool hope the flight home went OK and keep in touch.

GET ON BOARD ME HEARTIES!!!

2008-07-30T12:36:00.001-07:00

LIVERPOOL RSPB ARE CRUISING THE MERSEY - GOT YOUR TICKET YET?

JOIN US AND OUR EXPERT BUDDIES FROM LIVERPOOL MUSEUM ON OUR ANNUAL LIVERBIRD DISCOVERY CRUISES.

WEDNESDAY 13th & THURSDAY 14th AUGUST
WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER

'AH THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE SMELL OF FRESH CHUM IN THE MORNING' ... right chris!

http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/special/index.aspx

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/ferrypageevent.htm

See you there ...Laura

Sunday 29th June - Sefton Park Gardens Open Day

2008-06-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL RSPB will be at Sefton Park's Gardens Open Day on Sunday 29th June - 12pm to 5pm .

Why not join us at the event at the Palm House.

Closely observe the birds at our feeding station's through telescopes. Volunteers will be on hand for bird identification, general information on garden birdwatching and the RSPB.

Kids, make your own pine cone feeder to take home.

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/top%2050%20garden%20birds.htm

See you there ... Laura

Spot of Mothing?

2008-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

So do you know your Drinker (pictured left) from a Herald or an Old Lady from a Elephant Hawk Moth . Enter the fascinating world of Moths.... No, not just the flittery things some of you squidge in your clothes cupboard.

National Moth night is Saturday 07th June 2008. If you know your moths count them.

If you need some help go the National moth websites or you you can find a few of the more common ones on our webpage :http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/Helpbutterflies.htm

More information : http://www.nationalmothnight.info/index.php http://www.mothscount.org/

Happy mothing ...Laura

Elephant Hawk Moth

Know Your Farmland birds

2008-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today the group walk was around Tarbock looking at farmland species. We parked up by the now closed Brickwall pub and were greeted to a singing yellowhammer, swallows, swifts and woodpigeon. The idea of these walks to look at birds in their habitat and learn and understand more of the pressures they face. We headed off along the Netherley Rd towards Ox Lane and the new housing development of the old farm.

We seem to have walked into the yellowhammer capital as eventually I counted possibly 8 pairs holding territory in this small area. Whitethroat, willow warbler chiffchaff and skylark were all singing away as was a single lapwing we noted in the centre of a autumn sown crop. Farmland birds have been declining over the last 30 years due to the changes in farmland production. My favourite butterfly the orangetip was also showing its self to the group. We soon added linnet, goldfinch, robin, pied wagtail, kestrel but were have the tree sparrows gone! Further down the road we found blackcap, sedge warbler and grey wagtail. On the way back to the cars we watched a single buzzard and found just one tree sparrow close to one of the yellowhammers area. I have to say the best bit of the day was watching the swallows collecting nesting material.

Keep birding.

Chris

Know your farmland birds

2008-05-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

The groups next field trip is Saturday 10th May. It is the 'know your farmland birds' walk at Tarbock just on the farm edge of south Liverpool. Meet at the Brickwall pub on the Netherley rd at 9.30am.
See you there.
Chris

D-Day

2008-05-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have walked up Pendle Hill a few times but normally in good weather and I know how strenuous it can be. As a group of birders it is famous as a stopping off point for Dotterel and this was the target get species for the group outing.

Unfortunately being a Bank holiday the weather turned wet and nasty. There had been 7 birds the day before but they had left by 12.30. 6 of us started the accent at 10.45 and reached the split in the path or base camp. At this point Bren decided that the chest infection she picked up travelling back from Belize made the walk a bit too much. 5 of us pushed on to the summit and started the search. Meadow pipits, skylarks, wheatears were seen easily the song of curlews were also noted. We got to the wall and started looking for dotterel. I quickly found 1 then 2 more and a golden plover. As we all got on the birds were started to count and ended up with 6 of these wonderful birds.

A long walk down and a trip into Barley village helped us added a number of species such as woodland birds, warblers, ducks. A female blackcap was fly catching on the stream and a robin held about 10 flies in its beak on its way to feed its young.

We carried on checking the stream looking for the other D bird of the day. I quickly found the Dipper and got the rest of the group on to these smart birds.

A good outing for the group.

Keep birding

Chris

Debut of a new speaker

2008-04-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday it was the groups AGM. 50 people attended and Ste Menzie gave the group his first ever talk, on birds of Catalonia. It was greatly appreciated and all thought the young man has a future, subject to me not forgetting the laser pointer.
For more info on what Ste gets up to check out his blog.http://menziebirding.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ste and well done.
Chris

There are no woodpecker in Ireland

2008-04-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts but hope to sort that out now!! Been very busy playing hide and seek!

I was recently contacted by Robin a birder in Belfast after some good spots in Liverpool to see woodpeckers. It appears that the UK have a number of birds that just aren't found in Ireland and he sent me a list of 3 woodpeckers, nuthatch, willow tit, jay, brambling, and yellow wagtail.

Sunday 13th April I collected Robin at 9am and we headed out to Moore nature reserve. We quickly saw swallow, chiffchaff, willow warbler, but no sign of the wood bangers. We walked to the feeding station just as a willow tit was leaving but it showed in the trees for awhile. We heard great spotted in the trees and then saw one feeding on peanuts.

That was 2 new birds, how about some more. A quick look in the wood on are way back and we added lesser spotted woodpecker. If only birding was this easy. We wanted the third but green woodpecker isn't a regular anymore at Moore, so we headed back to Liverpool and the Black Woods my recommendation for great spotted woodpecker.

We arrived back in Liverpool to rain but quickly saw 4 different great spotted at the Woodview rd end of the park followed up by a pair of nuthatch and stock doves. In less than 3 hours Robin had 4 new birds and lots to brag about when he got back home.

Its great to take other birders out and show them something new.

Keep Birding

Chris

BIg Garden Birdwatch result 2008

2008-03-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well 'You could knock me over with a feather'

The Goldfinch top of the tree in Merseyside.

I'm lucky to see a couple in my garden throughout the year! ...O.K. own up whose being greedy keeping all the Goldies to themselves.

Full results for Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire on our website:

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/bigwatchresult.htm

Laura

Stone the Crows ...What have they done to Sefton Park

2008-03-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

It’s not a pretty sight, and it’s really quite sad to see the Coot’s making their nesting rafts in the mud, but were told by the council that the Sefton Park restoration will be wonderful. Something hard to imagine when you see just how many mature trees have succumbed to the chainsaw - selective thinning apparently. Yes I can understand a good de-silt (and the removal of hundreds bottles, cans, house bricks and other unidentifiable objects) will certainly benefit the wildlife in the long term: fish, shellfish and birds and there is some water remaining in the the middle of the lake, but it just seems they’ve started it a bit late, I guess the ducks will have to find somewhere else to breed this year. (Maybe it’s just as well as I noticed the part of the fencing was down around the lake and of course unleashed doggies were having a great time chasing the Mallards that were left on the mud)

So why are they doing it : The idea is that the park should to be returned to its Victorian appearance (great if we can restore the structures i.e. the bandstand, aviary café etc and keep the vandals off) but surely their intention with time was that the park would grow and mature into the vistas we see today, or should I say yesterday.... still the council state they are replanting new trees, providing alternative temporary nesting sites, refilling each lake as it completed and consulting with ecologists through out the year …I’m sure we’ll find out if they don’t, as this is certainly generating great debate on Merseyside.

By the way don't really stone the crows, it's much more fun feeding them peanuts instead!

Laura

A taste of the Med in north Wales

2008-03-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sewatching off Llanfairfechan prom saw the group catching up with the usual coastal suspects - a single Great Northern Diver was the highlight for those who managed to pick it up on the choppy sea, with a supporting cast of at least 30 Red-throated Divers and 3 Razorbills - but it was the final bird of the day that added the most colour to the trip. A Hoopoe, an early spring overshoot from Spain, had somehow managed to end up on a windswept hillside southwest of Llanrwst. It showed well for the group in a hail shower, not the sort of weather the bird would be used to!

Photo © Stephen Menzie

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside....

2008-03-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Sunday 9 th March is Liverpool RSPB’S annual day out at the seaside. Lovely Llanfairfechan near to RSPB Conwy in North Wales.

The promenade at Llanfairfechan is fast getting the reputation of the place to be to see Divers, Grebes and Scoters on the North Wales coast. In 2006 the group's trip produced excellent views of great northern diver, red throated diver,and a single male black scoter. Dependant on time and the weather our itinerary usually involves a spell seawatching, looking for all manner of Seabirds, Waders and Waterfowl, in a howling gale who knows!
Then an incursion to the sewage works ! Lovely, an excellent spot for Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail and if were really lucky the spectacular Firecrest. The Llandulas Breakwater, Conwy... Llanddulas is known for thousands of gulls that congregate at the river mouth following a gorging session at the local dump. A possible look-see at the excellent Madryn reserve on the shore of Traeth Lafan, home of Cormorants, Lapwing, Snipe, Grebes and Greenshanks . And for the finale, a rush for steaming Coffee and retail therapy at RSPB Conwy, oh and a little saunter around the reserve of course, 200 species of Waders and wildfowl have been recorded at this exciting reserve…. you may just might catch sight of that elusive Water Rail..
Trip details click:

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/group%20meetings2008.htm

By the way Llanfairfechan means "The Little (or Lesser) Church of St. Mary". Well you just might need that snippet in the pub quiz.

The biofuels campaign

2008-02-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Can wildlife survive the biofuels surge?

The current rush to biofuels is causing nothing short of disaster for wildlife habitat across the world.
In some areas, extensively farmed lands with wildlife-friendly features are being converted to more intensive farming for biofuel crops. In other areas, valuable natural ecosystems such as forests, peatlands and grasslands are being cleared, drained and ploughed up to grow biofuels.
Wonderful places for wildlife are being made into wastelands for wildlife.

Don't put wildlife in your tank

Read about it here:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/biofuels/

Laura

Mere Sands Wood Outing

2008-02-26T15:16:00.001-08:00

Mere Sands has always been a favourite of mine for a quiet walk around and see a good number of birds in a short amount of time. Last Sunday, 24th Feb. I lead the group walk around this wonderful Lancashire Wildlife trust site. We all watched the goings on at the various feeding stations. Good numbers of reed buntings, chaffinch, blackbirds there is 3 in this picture, tree sparrows, nuthatch and lots more, kept us all amused for awhile. We were informed that the water rail shows quite well at the Lancaster hide but we had missed it and there was no food out.

Some of the action at the feeding the stations was being photographed by Laura. A pair of siskins joined the rest of the birds and that helped highlight some of the differences of the finch family.

A stroll around the mere and the hides between the rain shows helped to really increase our list for the day including treecreeper and lots of ducks such as gadwall, teal, wigeon and a female pochard.

We had lunch back at the Lancaster hide and the feeding table had been filled, and so out popped the water rail. When you look at it's toes they look like worms are escaping over the wood!!

The only downside to the day or not was seeing a dead tawny owl in the visitor centre that had been found on the reserve.

It was a good day out for all 25 of us.

Keep birding.

Chris

Monday night talk

2008-02-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

Monday 18th February, Stephen Murphy, who works for Natural England, will giving the group talk on his work with Hen Harriers in the North West. Doors open at 7p.m. and Stephen's talk starts at 7.30p.m. Laura will be there with a vast amount of bird food and feeders.
See you there.

GET TO KNOW YOUR WOODLAND BIRDS

2008-02-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

Some of the members of the group asked for some local walks looking at habitats and the birds that live there. So yesterday I led a short walk around the Black Woods and Childwall Woods and fields.

As this was a woodland walk we expected lots of tits, thrush's, magpies and what ever turned up.

Well what did we see you ask? In the Black Woods it was really good to see lots of dead and rotting trees. In this small wood there was probally 4 to 5 pairs of great spotted woodpecker. With all this rotting timber, treecrepper and nuthatch were doing very well feeding on the wood munching insects.

One of the major surprises for all of us was the wonderfull views of a buzzard flying over the wood 4 miles from the centre of Liverpool. Could this be a new breeding bird in Liverpool for 08!

The outing was quickly over but as we were all saying goodbye a goldcrest flew from the conifers on the roundabout on Woolton rd.

Keep birding.

Chris

Send a climate Valentine

2008-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Send a climate Valentine <-click

This year, send a Valentine's message with a difference. With our quick and easy online action, help us call for an effective climate change law that will truly last.

Without immediate, effective action to tackle climate change, we risk committing the world to mass extinctions in less than 50 years. Support our campaign by contacting your MP. Take part and send them a Valentines message calling for a sustainable 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and a programme to help birds and wildlife adapt to the climate change that is already occurring.

Make us some money folks

2008-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

RSPB is now listed on everyclick.com, a search
engine that gives 50% of its revenue to charity, so
every time you use it you'll also help us raise more
funds. Everyclick is powered by Ask.com and offers full web search functionality just like the other big names.

To start searching and raising money for the RSPB immediately, just go to

http://www.everyclick.com/uk/rspb/124332/134030.
Or, you can register on Everyclick.com with the RSPB as your chosen charity and set the website up as one of your favourites.
Either way, you will be helping the RSPB to raise
money! GO FOR IT -EVERY LITTLE HELPS

2008-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

'Big' Garden Birdwatch This weekend

Why not Join us at our event at Sefton Park Palm House Sunday 27 January .
Our event starts at 12pm and finish at 4pm. Closely observe the birds at our feeding stations through telescopes. People on hand for identification and general information on Garden Birdwatching and the RSPB. Make your own pine code birdfeeder to take home.

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/bigwatch07.htm

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

Liverpool RSPB & the Capital of Culture

2008-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

A little advance warning for all our followers.

Capital of Culture Year ‘The People's Opening’
Venue: St George's Plateau, Lime Street.
At 20:08 Friday 11 January, the artists and people of the city are set to gather together on St George's Plateau to launch of the Capital of Culture Year for Liverpool.

Liverpool RSPB will be there, we have our own display stand in the World Musuem showcasing all our local RSPB groups, were there from 17.00 - 22.00.

More details to follow.

The Biggest Twitch Ever

2007-12-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

Thought we couldnt let this pass with out a comment. Alan Davies was the site manager for RSPB Conwy and Ruth Miller worked for RSPB as well. We at Liverpool wish them every success, although Ste Menzie did say that if we won the lottery we would have a go at their new record.
The Biggest Idea
To see more bird species in a calendar year than anyone has ever done before!
We, Alan Davies and Ruth Miller, are two British birders living in North Wales.
We have set ourselves the target of seeing over 3,662 different species of birds in twelve months, from 1st January to 31st December 2008.
We have given up our jobs and are dedicating a whole year to travelling around the world to set a new world record by seeing more birds in a single year than ever achieved before.
We will be visiting every type of habitat on earth: desert, rainforest, high altitude, open seas, and sweeping savannah.
And as we go, we'll experience all the weather conditions that nature can throw at us: intense heat, cold and wet, snow and ice, pre-dawn starts and night vigils.
The current world record for species recorded in a calendar year stands at 3,662.

You can follow Alan & Ruth's progress on their website

GOOD LUCK FROM ALL OF US, GO ON SMASH THE RECORD.

2007-12-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

'So who told you wearing these silly hats guarantees us a chunk of Christmas cake?'

Don't forget to give your birds their Christmas dinner, leftover roast spuds go down a treat!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

LAURA

Angels with Dirty Faces!!

2007-12-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

A very early ringing session at Ravenmoels before work saw use catching a few goldfinch's and siskins. The birds are feeding on alders and you can see the residue that it leaves on the beaks of this goldfinchs and the siskins.

Chris

Time to look back on the year

2007-12-17T12:28:00.001-08:00

As it must have been the coldest day today, It got me thinging about warmer weather and sunshine birds. Earlier this year I travelled around the West Indies and stopped in Antigua for a day. I walked through Antigua's town centre looking for birds in peoples gardens, bit like looking on peoples bird table and found these wonderful bananaquit's feeding on sugar. It was quickly followed by the dark bird in picture 2. A lesser antillean bullfinch. Not bad!

OOh for the warm weather of West Indies.
Chris

Birthday Treat part1

2007-12-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well the mighty Liverpool won 4-0! Awesome.

But what about the black redstart would it still be in Ainsdale. I had charged up my batteries and the camera was out.

Yes it was still there so please enjoy it.

Chris

Birthday Treats

2007-12-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and as I was in work all day the only thing to look forward to was the match later,.......Cmon you REDMEN!!
But at around 9.30 this morning all this changed when a bird looking like a small wheatear was in front of the depot that I work out. I jumped out of my land rover and walked towards the bird, when I got to 25feet away the bird flew along the path, showing off its tail. The red in its tail and the grey body, a juv or female black redstart. Excellent! Get your bins, no get your camera. The birds in the centre, the lights great, time to press the button....OH no my batteries are dead and ive got no spares.
Well I hope its there tomorrow just to get a picture and show you all.
Chris

From David Holland:

2007-12-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last week (27.11.07) I encountered a huge pied wagtail roost in town. Coming to the end of a shopping foray I was walking up Parker Street from Church Street towards Clayton Square at about 5.30 and became aware of bird noises aloft. Looking up into the tops of the three trees in the centre of Parker Street I saw a vast number of pied wagtails swirling around. They were impossible to count but I arrived at a minimum count of 200+. Two days later I was back in town again (glutton for punishment!) and going up Parker Street, but just 15 - 30 minutes later. By that time they had all settled down to roost for the night and were somewhat easier to count. I was confident in reaching 300+. Several communications later with the guys who know about these things I learned from Steve White that this is a regular occurrence, although the location seems to move around a bit. A count of 267 was recorded in 2006 in Church Street by Paul Slater. A more precise count would be interesting this year.
Other stories:- Calderstones Park on Wednesday 28.11.07 produced two grey herons on the big island and . . . a cormorant fishing at less than 20 m from me. Has anyone ever seen a cormorant here before?

Next Indoor Meeting

2007-12-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Monday 3rd December

Monday night is RSPB night at Mossley Hill Parish Church. For our Christmas meet we have invited Sheffield bird photographer Paul Hobson, who will help us discover the beauty of the Peak District's birds and wildlife. Doors open at 19.00, Talk start's 19.30.

There is a small admission charge and tea and coffee is free, oh and as a special treat mince pies & chocs...well it is Christmas. Laura will be there with our bird seed stall....help your birds to survive this winter....why not buy some sunflower hearts, suet cakes, table/feeder mix and of course live & dried mealworm. Don't forget to buy a raffle ticket...who know's what delights Howard has kept back for Chrimbo!! And don't forget to sign up to the 85 club with Laura while your there.

See you all there.

Mad dogs and Englishmen

2007-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, but the lunatic birdwatchers of Liverpool RSPB go out in the eye of the storm, or so it seemed as the icy sea spray lashed us as we battled on Ainsdale beach; But then once our target was sighted we were glad we'd made the effort, for there where the beautful Snow Buntings searching the strandline alongside several Turnstones, a parcel (where do they get these collective names from) of Linnets and a party of 4 Skylarks ....this was to be the highlight of our visit to Marshside, (that and the little gull flying off the beach..well as best as he could in the gale!). Earlier.....

Bracing, Dreich, Gloomy, Blustery, Wet...just a few weathery adjectives to give you the idea.

A trek round the sandplant and a scan out to sea showed up lots of gulls, Black tailed Godwits, Cormorant, Reed Buntings, Robin, Starlings, Magpie, Wood pigeon and a solitary little Egret. The disused sandplant grounds are crying out to be put to good use...you can just picture a nice cosy Reserve visitor centre with shop and cafe nestled in it's sandy arms........

Still Sandgrounders hide was dry and the volunteers had made a sterling effort with free mince pies for their visitors, well it is Christmas after all.

Pies ate, we all (there were 6 hardy adventurers out today) settled down to peruse the marsh...Pintail ....everywhere..lots and lots of the handsome ducks seemed happy enough to sit out the inclement weather. Other duck family members were present, striking Widgeon, Pochard, Mallard, Teal and Shoveller as where the perpetual Coot and Moorhen. Of the Goose family (those that has not been tempted by Martin Mere's meals on wheels):Greylag, Pink foots and Canadian's . What else was there: A Heron being mobbed by crows, Curlew meticulously probing the mud, lots of wheeling Lapwings, a couple of snipe over head, a Blackbird munching on berries close to the hide, more Godwits, a Kestrel hovering over the road, brooding greater Black backs with their cousins lesser Black back, Herring and Black headed Gulls. Did I mention little Grebe, oh! and a mammal, our loping Mad March Brown Hare.

So all in all not a bad little trip despite being soaked to the skin. Hope you enjoyed your day out Carol. Thanks to Chris for trooping us round.....he got his reward.. Liverpool won 4-0 today.

Laura

Save the Whales

2007-11-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

O.k this is not about birds but probably a cause close to many of your hearts. The Whales revenge website aims to collect One Million signatures to take to the International Whaling Commission. If you feel frustrated about the ongoing slaughter of whales, add you name and be heard. http://www.whalesrevenge.com/

Thanks

Laura

December outdoor field trip

2007-11-27T15:32:00.000-08:00

The next group field trip is to RSPB Marshside. Sunday 2nd December: Meet at 10.30am at the Sand Plant car park. I, Chris will be the leader of the walk. Some birds we might see are teal, shoveler, pintail, pochard, goldeneye, water rail, black tailed godwits, curlew, redshank, lapwing, birds of prey such as merlin, peregrine. Small birds will also be looked for like, skylark, meadow pipit, stonechats, snow buntings. I look forward to seeing you on the walk.
Chris

What a long claw you have!!

2007-11-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

While out today with John G, we managed to catch a??? I have included the picture of its claw so comments please.

Chris

Indoor Meeting

2007-11-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Monady night will see the group meeting at Mossley Hill Parish Church. The speaker will be John Power telling us about 'How Birds Draw Me' The doors open at 19.00, John will start his talk at 19.30. There is a small admission charge and tea and coffee is free. Laura will be there will her birds seed sales such as sunflower, nijer seed, table mix and of course live mealworm. You can also sign up to the 85 club when your there.
Hope to see you there.
Chris

Group Field trip to Marbury Country Park

2007-11-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I have seen some good birds at Marbury but not always Green Woodpecker. So today was going to change wasnt it!! The weather forcast said rain, rain, and heavy rain over the north west of the UK. Well us the merry band of 8 set off in search of what ever we could find before the rain. Treecreeper in the car park was a good start, followed by loads and loads of Redwings, a couple of Blackbirds and the usual Tit flock. The call of a Nuthatch soon had that added to our list. The Holly and the Yew berries were being devoured by huge flocks of Redwings. A Mistle Thrush alarm calling gave away the presence of a Sparrowhawk, Crows, Jackdaws, Jay, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

The lakeside feeding hide was just a hive of activity but mostly Great, Blue and the odd Coal Tit, Robin, Dunnock, and Chaffinch. Looking at the lake added Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested and Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Wigeon, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Starling, Black headed, Common and Lesser Black Backed Gull were noted. No sign of the Kingfisher or Bittern. We walked to the next feeding hide close to the old ice house, at this time we added Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Long Tailed Tit. Some of the birds showed off their rings but the ringers had not got them all!! We walked into the woods and off the track and quick checked through a flock of Long Tails to see if anything was moving through with them and low and behold a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was enjoyed by all of us for a good 10mins. It was time for lunch, yeppie I heard some of the group say. We soon added Buzzard as we walked down to the Witton Lime beds and Song Thrush. At the beds it was very quiet just Teal and Lapwings. We headed for Neumanns Flash and soon saw a huge flock of Shoveler, Gadwall, Mute Swan, Black Swan (not really a tick!) Goldeneye. We walked back through Diary House Meadow and soon got our first Pied Wagtail, then Stock Dove. The Redwing numbers for the whole site must have been over 1000 but just as you got fed up at looking at another I managed to find a Fieldfare with them. Reed Bunting was next to be seen, then Grey Wagtail. The final bird of the day was a Greenfinch. Not bad we broke over 50 for a wet day in November. Thanks to all that attended I know they enjoyed it.
Chris

For all you gardeners out there

2007-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Suttons Seeds have linked up with the RSPB with their RSPB Wildlife Attracting Seeds range: Specially chosen to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden, to help you develop a wildlife haven .
Gardeners have the option, on the purchase of any of the Suttons Wildlife range, to send for a free booklet on how to encourage birds into their gardens. For every pack sold, Suttons are donating 5p to the RSPB.

http://www.suttons.co.uk/pl_S-Rspb_.htm

The RSPB’s Homes for Wildlife is inspiring people to make a real difference for the wildlife that shares the open space closest to them - their garden. It aims to help a range of wildlife, including familiar birds that have seriously declined.
By taking part in Homes for Wildlife, you can make a real difference to their fortunes and help to reverse the declines. We hope that thousands of you across the UK will be able to make your homes and gardens richer in wildlife by following the simple wildlife gardening advice that we provide.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/hfw/about/whatisit.asp

Happy Pottering
Laura

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER - MOCKBEGGAR TRAIL

2007-11-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

A reminder about tomorrows field trip along the Mockbeggar trail on the north Wirral coast:
A local walk covering the Dee and Mersey Estuaries. Meet 10.45am at Moreton Station (10.10 or 10.25 train from central station). An easy walk through the dunes and along the promenade. Waders and dune species. 9.1m high tide at 11.00am. Depending on the weather, the walk will either end at Meols or Hoylake stations. Facilities at Central Station, BUT not guaranteed on walk.

LEADER: Howard Mills (Tel: 0151 226 3285 or Mobile 07710-217663)

With the recent strong winds, who knows what else might be seen! Leach's Petrel, Little Auk, Eider and skuas are all a possibility.

Snow Buntings

2007-11-09T10:05:00.001-08:00

As the weather has turned a little colder its time to watch the strandline on the coast. That could be Crosby, the Alt or even better Formby to Southport. It's time for Snow Buntings and 2 were at Ainsdale today at 15.45. If you park in the car park and walk south they were close to the second metal barrier. You never have a camera with you when you need it!! Good luck finding them.
Chris

The Ringing Sunday Fogfest.

2007-11-09T00:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday saw me inching towards Birkdale on the A565. Driving in Fog is bad enough during daylight but this was an early start - 6.15am. Fog light on and eyes on stalks, there were points in the journey when I thought I may have been better off pulling up into lay-by than carry on, I persevered and arrived late. The rest of our intrepid band was already on site, Chris and Richard the Ringers in training, John the expert. I was the bag lady.
I was duly collected from the car park and taken to our Cosy nook in the shrubbery. Almost immediately I was handed an bow saw and put into hard labour, you try a spot of bramble hacking. Yes, surprisingly Ringing pitches don’t come ready prepared, someone has to hewn through undergrowth, cutting alleyways through trees, shrubs, brambles, nettles and worse for approx 25ft, this gives us the space to hang the mist nests.
Hard labour over, saw us sitting in the nook drinking tea from our flasks whilst listing to the rave music hanging on the air from Pontin’s, (until the police arrived then it went strangely quiet) and watching the sun pierce through the lifting fog. But what about the birds I hear you say, well the birds were plentiful and varied, 57 were recovered from nets, 12 had rings already - retraps, 45 new. Starting with a female blackbird, a flurry of Wrens (7) or should that be a chime or herd and several Robins (5). Subsequent trips to the nets gave us Goldcrest (4), Blue Tit (7),Great Tit (3),Chaffinch (4), Dunnock (2), a Goldfinch, Blackcap (3), a beautiful Song Thrush, a couple of handsome Bullfinches (2), a stunning Brambling(very pleased with that one) and a whole flock of 15 lollipops - long tailed tits. See video of release from the bag at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=202746901
Bird ringing is a great way of getting up close to birds, too appreciate their plumage and marvel at how light and tiny Wrens and Goldcrests are :- 5-7 grammes in the Goldcrest’s case equivalent to 2 pennies! The ringing process is deliberately very quick to reduce any stress – if we have several birds waiting to be ringed they are kept in cloth bags which help relax the waiting bird – now you know why I was the bag lady!! Bird ringing is essential if we are to learn about how long they live and when and where they move, questions that are vital for bird conservation. Liverpool RSPB members interested in joining us on a trip should contact Group Leader Chris Tynan. For more information on Birding see our web page and links: http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/ringers.htm htm

Laura

Late Osprey

2007-11-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

We were travelling to Lymm for Lunch (At the Barn Owl noless) on Wednesday. Just after turning off the M6 towards Rixton moss we saw a large grey and white bird sitting in a field and a cry of Buzzrd was heard from the back seat. When I looked I realized it was an osprey so, much to the consternation of the driver behind, did a rapid change of direction and turned into the entrance to the Biffa waste offices. Went back and double checked and yes it was a very late osprey obviously heading south to the Gambia. It flew off to a nearby tree where it sat showing off it's profile and head crest.

Phil Antrobus

Have you cleaned out your nestbox?

2007-10-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

Once a year you should always empty your nestboxs. The main problems people seem to have is the issue of what you will find in them or are you just too lazy to do this, or does the wife ask you why are you taking the hoover outside? Sometimes the old nests have little visitors, such as, spiders, insects, bugs, ticks, lice, should i go on, are you feeling itchy yet?

Well the first photo shows what happens after the blue tits have moved out with their fledglings. A wasp moved in and started turning it in to a home fit for a wasp.

The best way to empty any nestbox is to place your hand in and grabbing the nest and throwing it away. Then flush with hot water, if you have a lot of boxs use some flasks.

There is always a down side to emptying boxs and that is when you open a nest and see that a near fledged bird just didnt make it, oh well that nature!! Other wise we would be knee deep in blue tits! (Had to keep that bit clean)

Chris

And now for something completely different.

2007-10-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

No I didn’t meet old hook nose on the way to Aldi. Just thought you might like to see who I met at Chester Zoo today. Love them or hate them the Zoo is currently the nearest I’m going to get to a Condor or Vulture for now. I’m sure these chaps would rather be soaring over the mountains & plains, but without breeding programmes how many species would now be extinct. The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world, not the prettiest, but certainly impressive. Something you certainly got a perspective of when you saw them flying in their large enclosures.
To finish on a topical note ‘Halloween’, if you do fancy a trip to the Zoo and you’re not 'chicken' don’t miss out on the Twilight Zone; Batwings fluttering against your hair and fingers being nibbled in the dark, need I say more.............! Laura

Feed The Birds Day - Saturday 27th October 2007

2007-10-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the RSPB's Feed The Birds Day.

Make sure you're stocked up on seed to help our feathered friends through the cold winter months! For advice on feeding garden birds, speak to Laura at the indoor meetings and have a browse through the group's selection of seed on sale, or click >HERE<

Sociable Lapwing finds some friends

2007-10-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hopes are rising for one of the world's rarest birds after the discovery of the largest flock seen for more than 100 years.
More than 3,000 critically endangered sociable lapwings have been found in the Ceylanpinar district of south-eastern Turkey after a satellite tag was fitted to one of the birds migrating from breeding grounds in Kazakhstan.

Read the full story on the RSPB's website by clicking >HERE<

^ Sociable Lapwing - Maxim Koshkin (ACBK)

A funny thing happened to me on the way to Aldi

2007-10-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Had to have a second take - did my eyes deceive me or was that a Woodcock on the grassy roundabout at Knotty Ash, another circle of said roundabout confirmed it! Mmmh, according to the good book - this is mainly a nocturnal bird, spends most of the day in dense cover, and you would be very lucky to see one. This bird was obviously an attention seeker. Strutting about in the open, probing the muddy grass, oblivious to the Sunday cruisers passing by.. certainly seemed happy with the menu on offer.

I did eventually get to Aldi, I wonder what the passing drivers thought of the mad woman with the camera. ..on second thoughts don’t answer that!!! Laura

A change in the air

2007-10-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

A red letter day for me, as tis my first blog - so here goes.
I may not be a twitcher, or one mortified because they dipped that little brown warbler. But I do like to observe the visitors to my very local patch, namely my garden, and yesterday and today brought me proof that winter is on the way. For those of you that have visited our website you will know I have nestbox camera’s installed; The last 2 days have noted a sudden drop in overnight temperatures and sure enough one of our little blue friends checked into the Bimson hotel to roost, after all why shiver on a branch when you can snooze in your own pad. The second signal for a change in season was this morning, with the arrival of our first male Blackcap. Over the last couple of years I have noted, along with Long tailed Tits and Goldcrest, Blackcaps have visited the garden from autumn through to spring, they particularly like homemade suet cake so I better start cooking. I’ve already had a flock of 20 Lollipops last week, still waiting for the first Goldcrest and wouldn’t it be nice to get some winter thrush visitors - didn’t plant out all those shrubs- Pyracantha, Cotoneaster & Berberis just for their colour! - Laura

Welcome...

2007-10-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

...To the Liverpool RSPB Local Group's Blog! Here, you can find information about the Liverpool RSPB Local Group: Its up-and-coming events; highlights from meetings & field trips; news, views and anything else we think you may find interesting.
The blog is intended as a supplement to our already well established website.
If you have any suggestions for the blog, or about the group as a whole, or have any news you would like to share with us, please don't hesitate to contact us! We hope you enjoy the blog and find it helpful.