Five go to Anglesey

Our Mission

To explore what Anglesey has to offer, to see 60 (diamond jubilee) different species of birds, to eat plenty of cake and have a jolly good time.

We managed to pick the best day of the long weekend for our trip to Anglesey.  The sun was shining but it was not too hot to spoil our enjoyment of the day.

We headed straight for South Stack RSPB reserve which is home to thousands of seabirds, in particular Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes with a few Puffins and Choughs.  No sooner were we on the coastal path we had close views of a stunning pair of Stonechats and a Skylark displaying.  Wild flowers were in abundance and the views across the bay were beautiful.  We made our way to Ellins Tower visitor centre where they had cameras on some Razorbills and a Chough’s nest.  We were lucky enough to see one of the adult birds bringing food in to the nest and the chicks being fed.  Wanting to see these ourselves we made our way down the steps towards the lighthouse to get a view of the nest which was situated in a cave in the cliffs.  Although we gave this some time, we didn’t see the adults returning to the nest but got better views of the Puffins and a Rock pipit.  After some refreshment and before leaving the site we had a quick scan of the nearby fields where the Choughs are known to feed in the short grass but to no avail.  On our way back to the car Ron and Anne P spotted a pair of Choughs flying across the bay and although we were unable to hear their distinctive call we were in no doubt as to what we had seen.

Next stop lunch and Ann (Tomo’s) cake.  We headed back to Holyhead Harbour and stumbled across a country park which we thought might be a good place to picnic.  We picked up a few of the more common species here around the lake and watched a large (12-13lb) ghost Carp being landed by a fisherman.  Well some of us did.

Moving on our next port of call was Holyhead Harbour/Soldiers Point.  We walked along a tree lined lane passing fields and a large former MOD building, moving a fledgling Wren off the road on our way.  At the end of the lane you reach the sea and the harbour walls.  A few House martins and a couple of Sand martins were fly catching over the sea and a pair of Linnets were seen briefly perched on a boulder.  The highlight here though were close views of a Ringed plover with two chicks in tow, the parent trying to distract us by using diverting tactics.  Then on our way back one of the adult birds appeared on the path just a few metres away and seemed totally unperturbed by our presence.

Time to head on to our next destination, RSPB Valley Wetlands.  Fortunately, a street party which had closed the road further up did not prevent access to this site.  Here we picked up a few ducks and geese, the surprise being a Barnacle goose which was hanging around with a couple of Canada geese.  Here, Anne (Pope’s) granddaughter’s  jubilee cakes were consumed and enjoyed.

Time was pressing on and we headed down the A5 to Malltraeth Cob Pool stopping briefly at Llyn Parc Mawr where the highlight was a Little grebe sitting on a nest on the lake and her partner bringing her food (or was it nesting material).  On to Cob Pool and we clocked up our last few birds of the day, Little Egret, Heron, Mistle Thrush and Whitethroat.

The total number of birds seen on the day was 61 with only one of these being seen on the mainland.

Time to go home, mission accomplished and thanks to Ron for his excellent driving.

Jay	Chough	Ringed Plover
Skylark	House Sparrow	Robin
Stonechat	Collared Dove	Chaffinch
Guillemot	Mallard	Canada Goose
Herring Gull	Moorhen	Tufted Duck
Lesser Blck Bk Gull	Great Tit	Coot
Cormorant	Blue Tit	Mute Swan
Fulmar	Willow Warbler	Greylag Goose
Swallow	Starling	Pochard
Kittiwake	Woodpigeon	Black Headed Gull
Razorbill	Buzzard	Gt Black Bk Gull
Pied Wagtail	Kestrel	Swift
Meadow Pipit	Dunnock	Barnacle Goose
Puffin	Chiff Chaff	Little Grebe
Rock Pipit	Greenfinch	Teal
Carrion Crow	Oystercatcher	Little Egret
Rock Dove	Wren	Mistle Thrush
Jackdaw	Magpie	Grey Heron
Shelduck	House Martin	Whitethroat
Blackbird	Sand Martin
Goldfinch	Linnet

  Ann Thomson

STEPPING UP FOR NATURE

MAKE YOUR NATURE COUNT ARRIVES IN MERSEYSIDE

JUNE 2 - 10

The RSPB is well known for its dedication to helping everything that tweets, but the launch of its forthcoming Make Your Nature Count survey confirms how much the conservation charity is just as keen to support all garden wildlife from those that snuffle and forage to those that slither and slime.

Make Your Nature Count, running from the 2-10 June 2012, asks people to count the wildlife in their garden or local park over the summer.

Not only is the RSPB asking people to record birds in Merseyside, but it also wants to know about some of the other wildlife visiting gardens in the area, like hedgehogs, squirrels, deer and for the first time ever, slow-worms.

Last year 80,000 people nationwide stepped up for nature and took part in the RSPB’s summer survey. Everyone can help save nature by taking part and by doing this survey it helps the RSPB understand what is happening in gardens so they can act by directing their efforts where needed. 

Results revealed almost half of Merseyside gardens had baby blackbirds.  Many of those taking part also said that they saw bats in their gardens, with 22% seeing them regularly in the county.

In Merseyside, hedgehogs were seen in 19% of gardens monthly compared to 23% nationwide 

Sarah Houghton, the RSPB’s Make Your Nature Count manager, said: “Gardens are teeming with wildlife at this time of year so it’s the perfect time to take a moment and enjoy it. It also helps to build an important snapshot of summer wildlife in our gardens so we can see which species are thriving and which might need our help.”

Last year’s survey also revealed that grass snakes were around eleven times more likely in rural gardens than urban ones, with nearly one in fifty participants nationally reporting regular sightings.

At this time of year, gardens and green spaces are alive with young birds and the RSPB is asking people to look out for blackbird, robin and song thrush chicks. Counting young birds helps to give an indication of how important our gardens are for these birds to breed in.

Similar to how the RSPB’s winter survey, Big Garden Birdwatch, identifies trends among wintering bird populations, the RSPB believes, in time, Make Your Nature Count will build a picture about summer wildlife in gardens and green spaces nationwide.

Since its launch in 2009 many different species have been recorded in gardens and green spaces in summer. This information is helping identify how summer species are faring and which may need help. By participating in Make Your Nature Count you can help the RSPB save nature.

The RSPB also offers advice on how to make your garden more attractive to wildlife, so that you can see even more wonderful creatures. 

But don’t worry if you don’t have a garden; why not take your friends and family to the local park, have a picnic, relax, enjoy the sunshine and watch the wildlife that lives there too.

Sarah added: “We hope thousands of people will step up for nature and donate a little bit of their time in June to help save the nature on their doorstep by taking part in this simple garden wildlife survey.”

To take part, simply spend one hour during the week of 2-10 June, counting the birds and the other wildlife that visit your garden or green space, record the highest number of each species seen at any one time and send us your results.

For further information about Make Your Nature Count visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/naturecount where an online survey form will be available from 2^nd June.

Alternatively, ring 0300 456 8330 for a Make Your Nature Count survey form. The hotline number will be operational until 6^th June 2012.

The table shows the percentage of Merseyside gardens that recorded other wildlife than birds in 2011:  

Species	% seen regularly (at least monthly)
Bat	22
Frog	33
Hedgehog	19
Toad	7
Badger	0.5
Grass snake	0
Great crested newt	1

Make Your Nature Count is part of Stepping Up for Nature, the RSPB’s latest campaign to help save nature. See www.rspb.org.uk/steppingup  for more information

Thank godwit for Burton Mere Wetlands  

Help celebrate the success of RSPB’s Dee Estuary nature reserve at Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston, on May 19 and 20 as they launch a limited edition black-tailed godwit pin badge.

Since 1979 the RSPB have been working hard on the Dee Estuary to create and protect one of the most important wetland sites in the world.

And since opening Burton Mere Wetlands, thousands of visitors have been getting amazing views of the area’s star birds, including the black-tailed godwits.

These amazing birds travel hundreds of miles from Iceland to spend the winter here and the visitor building at Burton Mere Wetlands is arguably the best place to see them in the UK.  Our large, spectacular flock of non-breeding godwits stay throughout the summer.

Paul Brady, RSPB Visitor Development Officer said “It’s hard to imagine that less than a year ago, these stunning birds just weren’t here and it gives us great satisfaction that all the hard work we have put in is paying off.  Getting a one-off pin badge in return for a donation is a great way to show your pride for a wonderful species found in your local area – I certainly know I’ll be getting one!”

Get down to Burton Mere Wetlands between 10am and 4pm on 19 and 20 May to for your chance to own a special pin badge, walk the scenic trails and see the birds that make the area so special, including elegant avocets and pristine little egrets.

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands is off the A540 (Chester High Road) and just 10 minutes from the M56. Follow the brown signposts from the A540.  The reserve entrance is on Puddington Lane, just outside Burton village near to Bishop Wilson Primary School.  The reserve has a car park with cycle racks and there are toilets available on site.

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

For more information about RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve visit: www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands. The reception building and nature reserve is open daily from 9.30am until 5pm.  For more details see the website or phone 0151 353 8478.

Black tailed Godwit  - Chris Gomersall  rpsb images

Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) are a red-listed rare breeding bird in the UK with up to 43,000 of the Icelandic race over-wintering in the UK.  Black-tailed godwits are large wading birds.  In summer, they have bright orangey-brown chests and bellies, but in winter, they are more greyish-brown.  Their most distinctive features are their long beaks and legs, and the black and white stripes on their wings.

The Dee Estuary has been designated a site of international importance as up to 6,000 can be present in the autumn and winter months.  Their increasing numbers in the UK have undoubtedly benefitted from correct conservation management of lowland wet grassland and coastal marshland.  The main threats to them are overgrazing, disturbance and drainage of suitable lowland sites.

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. Click here to join today www.rspb.org.uk/join

'The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

RSPB launches Hen Harrier Hotline

Male Hen Harrier

A special hotline has opened to encourage people who live or spend time in the English uplands to report sightings of England’s rarest breeding bird of prey, the hen harrier.

Refreshed and updated for its fifth consecutive year in operation, the Hen Harrier Hotline is being relaunched by the RSPB in the hope of discovering more about where these birds are potentially breeding in northern England.   

The hen harrier is one of our most awe-inspiring birds of prey with the male harrier performing a magnificent aerobatic courtship display in spring known as skydancing, and providing food to the female in spectacular mid-air food passes.

Sadly, the species is also affected by illegal persecution, a fact reinforced by the government-commissioned review – the hen harrier framework - which concluded that illegal killing and disturbance is the biggest single factor limiting the population of this species in Northern England.

 It is estimated that the heather moors of England have the potential to hold at least 320 pairs of nesting hen harriers, but in 2011 there were only four successful nests, all of which were confined to one area of Lancashire.

Harriers are smaller than a buzzard and larger than a crow, with a 100 -120 cm wingspan.  These long wings are complemented by long tails and an obvious white rump.  They are usually seen flying low over the ground with wings slightly raised in a characteristic V-shape.  Male and female hen harriers have strikingly different plumage, so much so that they were once thought to be separate species.  The male is a ghostly pale blue-grey, with black wingtips, while the larger female is dark brown with a series of horizontal stripes on her tail, earning her the nickname “ringtail”.

Female Hen Harrier

Amanda Miller, the RSPB’s Conservation Manager for Northern England said: “Hen harriers in England are very rare so we are interested in hearing about any sightings of these amazing birds. By receiving information about possible nests, we can help give hen harriers the best possible chance of breeding successfully.”

  

The Harrier Hotline number is 0845 4600121 (calls charged at local rate).  Reports can also be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk.  Reports of sightings should include the date and location of sighting, with a six-figure grid reference where possible.

The Hen Harrier Hotline is part of Skydancer, a four-year RSPB project aimed at protecting and conserving nesting hen harriers in the English uplands. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, United Utilities and SITA Trust, with additional support from the Forestry Commission.

For more information about Skydancer visit www.rspb.org.uk/skydancer.

 Liverpool RSPB field Trip report - Black Grouse Lek

Sunday 29/04/12

Sunday found us up before the lark, leaving Liverpool at 4am in the pitch dark for a 5am meet at UPM Tilhill’s, Coed Llandegla Forest in Denbighshire. We arrived at the visitor centre just as dawn was breaking on the horizon. And flaming Palinka it was cold, 2 degrees Celsius with a bitter wind chill which soon got the better of my insulated gloves.

 

Seven hardy souls made it to Llandegla Moor in search of the lekking Black Grouse (tetrao tetrix), we were not disappointed. The count being 13 males and one grey female (ratio doesn't seem right to me somehow!). The species is red-listed in Wales, which means it is of the highest conservation concern. 50% of the Welsh Black Grouse population lives within one mile of the forest. The Lek, is an early spring display site, the male grouse mock fight to impress an audience of females - well hidden from our eyes this morning.  There are currently estimated to be 328 lekking males in Wales, a positive recovery over recent years. The Moor is managed for the grouse; the heather is cut consecutively, which forces new growth and allows the cotton grass and bilberry to gain a foothold, providing year round food for the grouse and their chicks.

          

A 30 minute walk through the forest brought us to our hiding place, a converted ships container – all mod cons here, magnolia walls, carpet on the seating bench, and a speaker transmitting the bird calls from a microphone hidden on the moor.  Although  400 metres away the  male birds  were easily visible on the open ground,  drooped wings, pure white tails feathers fanned out, bubbling, screeching  and strutting their stuff to impress the females. Just like miniature Capercaillies.  The highlight and best view by far was when the 13 males took to the air disturbed by a passing crow, their striking white wing bars evident as they quickly returned to their Lek and the important business of the day.

 

After half an hour or so the weather started to deteriate and the forecast rain fell as snow, time for a sharp exit… But just as we were leaving a rogue male flew towards the hide giving us a closer view. Apparently this bird has taken to displaying on a rise near to the container, its thought (hopefully) he could be starting up a new Lek.  

 

Taking the trail back through the forest offered us some protection from the inclement weather and gave us the other highlight of the day; Crossbills flying overhead and then a family group feeding in a Larch. Hooked bill, red underside and rich red rump a glorious male, a juvenile and the female of a more green hue. Despite the weather the dawn chorus was in full voice,  Willow warblers, Song thrush, Nuthatches and Robins sang out.  Overhead  small groups of Siskin and Redpoll flitted through the canopy. A Tree pipit in a tree gave us a closer view, as did a Coal tit, and Goldcrest.

 

As the snow came down we retreated to the Oneplanet cafe for a full Welsh breakfast, a bacon bap or would you rather have porridge and home produced honey?  We left at 9am just as the hordes of weather resistant mountain bikers arrived for the day.

.

Our day list: Crow-Dunnock-Blackbird-Woodpigeon-Siskin-Crossbill-Black grouse-Tree pipit-Goldcrest-Robin-Redpoll-Mallard-Canada Goose-Coal tit-Collared dove-Chaffinch-Jackdaw-Jay-Song Thrush.

 

Julie our RSPB guide at Llandega tells us ‘there be Nightjars’ on site and they plan to hold future Wednesday night viewing events - barbecue supper included !… so, get your white hankies ready and watch this space.

 

 

Report compiled by Stores and Laura.

 

Ps  Palinka is a Hungarian brandy – just getting ready for the groups big trip!

Liverpool RSPB Field trip report

RSPB Leighton Moss Sunday 22/04/12.

16 determined birders ignored the weather forecast and headed out to RSPB Leighton moss. We were not disappointed. 

Our first highlight of the day came with a chance sighting of 3 frolicking Otters, splashing about in the sunshine, observed from the roadside on the way into the reserve the first tick of the day and it wasn't a bird!

Once inside the reserve we were only confined to quarters on  2 occasions - when it really was raining stair-rods, but this proved to be no hardship tucked away  in the reserves  cosy hides observing -  smart spring migrant Garganey. A pair of Great Crested Grebes performing their ‘running on water’ courting ritual, pond weed offerings clenched in beaks. The barbarism of 2 male Moorhens locked in a fighting frenzy, furiously kicking out with their feet.  And the ‘Ahh’ moment? Watching the wobbly antics of 2 clutches of Greylag goslings finding their feet.

Without doubt one of the major events of the trip was the Osprey that flew in from the estuary ahead of a squally band of rain, you’ve never seen so many people move so fast, jostling to get a better view as the bird flew over the Eric Morecambe hide on the look out for its fish dinner. Other diners on the pools, alongside the many Godwits and Redshank were impressive Spotted Redshank, Avocets and Egrets. After lunch the group had a lucky break with a tip off of where to find the lonely, lingering Glossy Ibis, another tick for the day.

A walk round to the public hide rewarded us with some great views of a pair of Marsh Harriers flying low along the tree line and woodland slopes. A comical moment was a peckish Cormorant struggling to swallow a rather large eel, believe me that eel wasn’t going out without a fight; you could see it wriggling all the way down.

The day finished with the group taking a diversion from the road home. Stopping off on the A6 to a riverside spot, where we were told a kingfisher hung out; the bird was there but sadly only a few of us got a fleeting turquoise glimpse of it as it swooped along the riverbank. A dippy Grey Wagtail was a welcome bonus to our tick list.

The tickmasters list recorded 70 species seen and a few that got away, being heard but not observed, Reed warbler, and most frustratingly Cetti's warbler and Bearded Tit...Ping.  

Bar headed goose-Greylag goose-Pheasant-Collared dove-Robin-Woodpigeon-Jackdaw-Mallard-Great tit-Blue tit-Chaffinch-Buzzard-Black headed gull-Coot-Great crested grebe-Pochard-Gadwall-Tufted duck-Garganey-Canada goose-Greenfinch-Lapwing-Teal-Moorhen-Shoveler-Reed bunting-Great spotted woodpecker-Wigeon-Lesser black backed gull-Wren-Blackcap-Bullfinch-Coal tit-Magpie-Marsh tit-Dunnock-Grey heron-Chiff-chaff-Swallow-Spotted redshank-Pied wagtail-Shelduck-Avocet-Redshank-Oystercatcher-Little egret-Black tailed godwit-Carrion crow-Osprey-Meadow pipit-Long tailed tit-Goldfinch-House sparrow-Glossy ibis-Mute swan-Feral pigeon-Kestrel-Sparrowhawk-Marsh harrier-Cormorant-Great black backed gull-Little grebe-House martin-Sand martin-Willow warbler-Grey wagtail-Kingfisher-Skylark -Song Thrush.

A mix of heavy down pours and sunshine, but we didn’t get wet, and a great day out was had by all even if we did leave behind the sea odyssey spectacular.

Cheers

Stores & Laura.

Liverpool RSPB's BIG New year birdwatch

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