Piethorne Valley, Lancashire

We decided to take Laddie somewhere new for a walk today and went to Piethorne Valley, a group of farmland reservoirs that have a few accessible paths around them. I took my bins, of course, and I'm glad I did as it turned out to be a great birding spot, especially to get to grips with various LBJs!

By far the best area seemed to be the South side of Piethorne Reservoir but there were things to see just about everywhere except, funnily enough, the so called "Nature Reserve" section.

So what did I see... Swallow, House Martin (nesting in the houses near the car park), Curlew (at least a couple flying around and calling), Canada Geese, Chiffchaff (recognised by it's call rather than "chiff-chaff" song... I was quite proud!), Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit (IDed by it's call and flight pattern... I'm getting the hang of this!), Wheatear (quite a few of these in various plumage) and finally a new tick for me... Stonechat complete with it's "2 stones knocked together" call.

This place is only 20 minutes down the road and was useless for water birds despite having nearly 10 reservoirs around, but it's superb for migrant LGJs.

Dee Estuary

My RSPB volunteering took me to Dee Estuary today... only one hide but a great little reserve. There was a great show of Black Headed Gulls noisily mobbing a Buzzard and some superb close up views of Black Tailed Godwit and Knot (1000+) from the hide.

I've finally tried out my monopod in a hide and it worked just as well as I expected... slightly extended and resting between my legs on the bench it works as well as any hide clamp in my opinion (except you can't let go).

Garden Update

I've just been watching the garden feeders and table... lots about! I've seen the usual suspects today... Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit and Great Tit. There have also been big increases in Greenfinch and House Sparrow recently... which must be related to breeding. The best bits today though were the juveniles. We might not have had any one in the new nest boxes but I've had a good view of a young Dunnock just now as well as the cutest young and fluffy Blue Tit chirping away while it's parent fed it sunflower hearts. It did make a few successful trips to the table itself but is still quite reliant on Mum just for the moment.

And another Oystertcatcher

Another Oystercatcher today, this time at Scammonden this morning. A great view of a Heron at in the conifers on the far side of the reservoir too and there are still lots of Willow Warblers singing away.

There were also a few Pied Wagtail around the lower car park... including a juvenile... fluffy, shorter tail but with it's pied tail stripes in tact.

Ogden Water Oystercatcher

We've just been to Ogden Water, West Yorkshire, to walk Laddie and there was a lonely Oystercatcher flying around the reservoir... got some cracking views of the this lovely looking bird in flight.

Marshside

I went to Marshside yesterday doing my RSPB voluntary work and, as I just happened to have my bins with me, a very nice guy gave me the guided tour. I visited all 4 hides and saw... Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Avocet (the views here are incredibly close... and there were chicks on full view too!!), Shelduck (masses of them, again plenty of chicks), Swallow, House Martin, Greylag Goose (and chicks), Mute Swan (and chicks), Red Shank, Lapwing (including juvenile), Curlew Sandpiper, Tufted Duck and Shoveler (with chicks).

I had gone under the misapprehension the best time to visit is winter for the enromous flocks on wintering waders but a spring visit revealed some amazing views of various waders and chicks. A good place to see Barn Owl as well around dawn and dusk. A terrific place.

Almost forgot... some great views of Brown Hares too!

Garden Firsts

I saw 2 Damselflies around the pond yesterday (I think they were Large Reds) and this morning I saw a Greater Spotted Woodpecker! It was perched in next doors tree which precluded me from having a garden tick but it flew off reasonably low across our airspace so I'm having it!. I've put out extra peanuts now I know she (I think) is around so here's hoping!

Curlews Galore

As we drove home from North Yorkshire a large bird flying across the moorland caught my eye. Fortunately there was a small car park just in the right spot so we pulled up, I grabbed my bins, and was duely treated to the best Curlew scene I've ever seen. In flight, on the ground and calling, there were 3 or 4 pairs offering magnificent displays. Absolutely superb. It's amazing to see a Curlew call close up, seeing that huge beak open and close. The place was near Little Cock Hill off the A6033.

Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir

A jaunt with Laddie around this North Yorkshire reservoir produced... Mallard, Cormorant, Graylag Goose (20 odd flock on the water), Canada Geese, Curlew (calling and feeding on farm land near the outflow, Great Crested Grebe, Swallow, House Martin and Carrion Crow