Moore Ringer

Barn Owl ringing..Friday 1st July 2011

2011-07-05T19:55:00.004+01:00

Friday evening saw Lisa and myself at my local farm to ring the Barn Owls that have bred in the same barn, on and off for the last 30 years.
The box had 3 well grown young,(last years young were ringed on the 12th July and were about a week to 10 days old)and the ringing session was good PR with local residents, children and workers all seeing the ringing process and asking plenty of questions.
Returning home later a Hummingbird Hawk moth was in my conservatory.
AEH;LW

Woodpigeons....Saturday 25th June 2011

2011-07-01T20:22:00.006+01:00

With the Wedding and Honeymoon over, I can at last turn my attention back to ringing.
With up to 8 Woodpigeon in the garden at any one time, I set the Moudry spring trap and soon caught 2 before they got wise.
Barn Owls at the local farm next on the agenda.
AEH

70 more Redshank...

2011-03-10T17:58:00.003Z

Monday evening saw Tony and Kenny set one 60ft net on the wader field, both planning a 'quick session' - they soon realised that it was going to be a busy night.
the only waders around were Redshank, but in big numbers.
Over the next 4 hours they caught a fantastic total of 70 birds.
67 new, 2 retraps from last year and a British control.
Fantastic result guys.
AEH

Greenshank and a Norwegian Dunlin.....

2011-03-06T12:36:00.004Z

We arrived at the wader field on The Wirral at 8pm to find lots of birds already milling about. We set 2x 18mt nets complete with decoys and started catching straight away.
Dunlin were about in good numbers and we where rewarded with a bird carrying a Norwegian ring (Stavanger). The biggest surprise was a Greenshank - the 13th for the group.
Other waders moving about but not caught included Black Tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher.

Totals for the evening -
DUNLIN -10 (1)
REDSHANK - 3
GREENSHANK -1

AEH,AO,KF,KMC

January wader catching...

2011-02-12T13:09:00.003Z

Our first trip to the wader field this year saw a catch of 12 Redshank and 2 Dunlin, and on a full moon (it was cloudy though). A Barn Owl was hunting the field perimeter also.
Next weeks high tides should see us out again - weather permitting.
AEH, AO, KMN, KF.

Christmas Eve Gull catching....

2010-12-28T13:43:00.003Z

Keiran and myself spent a few hours on The Wirral catching gulls with Keirans large Moudry trap (pull trigger). Within a couple of hours we caught 4 Black Headed Gull and this fine Common Gull.
The real disapointment was the 2nd Winter Med Gull which was sat in the trap - i thought Keiran had the pull cord and he me - too late - it was gone!
We plan to return before New Year and will keep you all posted.
AEH

Seasons Greetings....

2010-12-22T17:57:00.003Z

Apologies for my lack of postings this year, due to a culmination of work & family commitments, and unfavourable weather conditions whenever I wanted to go out ringing!
Hopefully it should be back to normal in 2011.
Anyway Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all.
AEH

February update -good month for waders...

2010-03-08T12:39:00.004Z

February update -

Whilst things at Moore were generally quiet, 4 night time wader sessions (1 at Frodsham, 3 on the Wirral) produced some good numbers and variety.
Frodsham - 3 Lapwing, 1 Snipe.
Wirral - 55 birds comprising of -
Snipe -1
Redshank -32
Oystercatcher -12
Curlew -4
Dunlin -4

Nice to get some decent wader numbers back on the Group totals.

AEH,KMc,KF,AO,DN,MM,SM

Moore Nature Reserve - Sunday 7th February 2010

2010-02-08T10:39:00.004Z

Moore Nature Reserve - Sunday 7th February 2010..

It was a cold and misty morning with not much bird movement.

Sightings included Oystercatcher, Skylark,6 Greenfinch; 30+ Redpoll; 30 Teal and 5 Redwing.

Ringing totals -

GREAT TIT - (1)
BLUE TIT - 4

AEH

Fieldfare and a Dunnock full of fleas...Thursday 14th January 2010

2010-01-14T11:23:00.003Z

With a planned trip to Leeds cancelled due to motorway closures - the net in the garden went up - within a minute the first Blackbird went in, soon followed by a Dunnock which was infested with fleas. I imagine that with the cold weather it has been roosting in an old nest from last year, hence the flea infestation.
A Fieldfare has been feeding in the garden for the past 2 weeks but always seemed wary of the net - until today...new ringing species for the garden.
An adult female -wing 145mm and weight of 86g.
Also in the garden the last few days sightings include Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and several Redwing.
AEH

Moore NR - Saturday 2nd 2010 - Waxwings drop in...

2010-01-04T11:18:00.005Z

Happy New Year to you all - hope you have had a good one!
New Years Day was spent ringing in the garden in the morning catching 3 new Blackbirds,2 Great Tits and a single Blue Tit, then the afternoon at Moore with the family for a walk and turned up a female Lesser Spot Woodpecker feeding with the Long Tails near to the distribution depot - an excellent start to the Year! A Green Sandpiper was on the Birchwood pool - though someone put it out as a Common Sand..plenty of Redwing about also and a nice flock of 20 Shoveler.
Saturday saw me back at Moore at 06.30hrs - very cold, and a no show from one of the trainees - you know who you are! Tired indeed...
With the log burner fired up things soon got warmer, not many birds about at the feeding station though.
A nice flock of 20 or so Redpoll were milling about and around 30 Redwing.
A single Jay brightened up the morning but not much else was caught before the nets had to be taken in due to bad weather closing in fast. 3 Waxwing dropped into the Moss Wood ahead of the storm, quickly moving on.
A Peregrine sailed over and the usual couple of Buzzards were sat around the paddocks.
Ringing Totals - Moore 02-01-2010

Jay -1
Robin - (1)
Dunnock -1 (1)
Blue Tit -(1)

AEH;PD

30-12-09 - Cold and damp but 3 Black Heads and a Starling make up for it...

2009-12-31T11:14:00.005Z

Myself, Keiran and Tony had an early start at New Brighton to have a go at Turnstone and to look at a couple of new wader ringing sites..the Turnstone were very jittery so we turned our attention to the numerous BHG's. We caught 3 adults and a first year female Starling.
Bar Tailed Godwits were in good numbers on the foreshore and a Great Crested Grebe fished close off-shore.
Back in the garden in Halewood another Bullfinch was caught and Buzzard hunted the fields in the front of the house amongst the 40 Lapwings.

AEH,KF,AO

All quiet at Moore -busy in the garden...

2009-12-18T15:36:00.004Z

Sunday 13th December 2009 - Moore NR
Spent 3 hours in the afternoon cutting more rides and erecting a new bird table -the squirrels have chewed away all my feeders!
Not much bird wise apart from a Green Sandpiper and a thousand or so Jackdaws and Rooks coming into roost.
Ringed -0!

Halewood 11th - 18th December - several sessions in my garden produced a good variety of birds inc 6 Robins (2 retraps from April 08) and a retrap Great Tit from 2006,
Ringed -

BLUE TIT -12 (1)
GREAT TIT -8 (2)
COAL TIT -2
BLACKBIRD -2
CHAFFINCH -1
BULLFINCH -1
LONG TAILED TIT -1
DUNNOCK -1

TOTAL - 28 NEW 3 RETRAPS.

AEH

Moore Nature Reserve -Saturday 5th December- a crow day....

2009-12-10T21:39:00.003Z

I arrived at 06.15hrs to be greeted by the chorus of Jackdaws and Rooks arising from their overnight roost in the wood. Wirrals answer to Batman & Robin or should it be Compo & Clegg?? Steve and Kenny arrived not long after.
First round produced a Magpie and the second a Jay, Kenny too scared to ring either bird, prefering to ring the more gentle Long Tailed Tits.
Overhead flew a lone Whooper Swan heading East and Redwings were moving around the reserve all morning.

Ringing totals

MAGPIE -1
JAY -1
LONG TAILED TIT -2 (2)
COAL TIT -(1)
GREAT TIT -2 (1)
LESSER REDPOLL -3

TOTAL = 9 (4)

Back home in Halewood a Song Thrush has now joined Mistle Thrush in full song.

AEH;KMC;SB.

Moore Nature Reserve - 21-11-09 & 28-11-09

2009-12-02T22:35:00.007Z

21-11-09

COAL TIT - 1
GREAT TIT - 2
BLUE TIT - 1
LONG TAILED TIT - 1
ROBIN - 1
LESSER REDPOLL - 10
CHAFFINCH - 2
TOTAL = 18 NEW

28-11-09

DUNNOCK - 3
BLACKBIRD -1
TOTAL = 4 NEW

Sightings -28-11-09

SHOVELER-10
TEAL-20
PINK FOOTED GOOSE-300 FLYING SOUTH EAST
LESSER REDPOLL -10
SISKIN-2

The feeding station is now up and running and a duck trap is currently being baited so we should hopefully add some waterfowl to the ringing totals.

AEH

Moore Nature Reserve - Nov update...

2009-11-19T17:45:00.007Z

The weather hasn't been too kind to enable netting as of late, so time has been spent opening up a new feeding station in the paddocks.
Birds of note include Woodcock,x1 Willow Tit, male Peregrine,Kingfisher, x40 Goldfinch,x35 Chaffinch, x20 Redpoll and x10 Siskin.
Waterfowl included x6 Wigeon, x40 Teal, x6 Shoveler, x1 Little Grebe and 16 Moorhen.
Mistle Thrush singing this afternoon in my garden in Halewood.

AEH

Moore Nature Reserve - Saturday 7th November 2009

2009-11-10T21:41:00.003Z

Ringing results for Saturday 7th Nov 09

Lesser Redpoll -4 (inc an Adult Male in full breeding plumage)
Greenfinch -3
Long Tailed Tit -1 (1)

Sightings -

Shoveler - 10
Green Sandpiper -1
Meadow Pipit -20
Sparrowhawk -2
Goldfinch -40
Bullfinch -1
Redpoll - 20
Siskin -10
Moorhen -18

AEH

Saturday 17th October-Moore Nature Reserve & Woolston Results

2009-10-20T20:46:00.004+01:00

Moore Nature Reserve

Hello Everyone,

Migration Watch

Time -07.00hrs -12.30hrs, cloud 6/8, wind -zero,

BRAMBLING-2
SISKIN-18
CHAFFINCH-22
SKYLARK-13
GREY WAGTAIL-7
BLACKBIRD-8
SONG THRUSH-4
REDWING-200
FIELDFARE-40
REED BUNTING-8
GREENFINCH-46
REDPOLL-33
GOLDFINCH-26
STARLING-160
WOODPIEGON-3000 (08.00-10.00hrs then small parties of 5-10)
CURLEW-2

Ringing Results - (new)

KINGFISHER-1
GOLDCREST-1
GREENFINCH-25
BLACKBIRD-1
WREN-2
LONG TAILED TIT-1
BLUE TIT-1
GREAT TIT-1

TOTAL-33

AEH

Woolston Eyes Ringing Results -Dave Riley and team No1 bed;
Keiran Foster and team No3 bed

RINGING OCTOBER 16/17 2009

Dave Riley was joined on No1 bed, by Stephen Menzie and Leah Williams on the Friday morning, with John Blundell and Tony Davis coming down in the afternoon. 50 birds were caught then, with a retrap Sparrowhawk and new Green Woodpecker, Coal Tit and Lesser Redpoll proving to be the highlights. A further 68 birds were caught on the Saturday morning when DR, JB, TD and SM were joined by Louise Soanes. Unusual birds included their fifth Kingfisher of the year, along with a retrap Reed Warbler, having a fat score of 4 and weighing 13.1 grams, 2 Treecreepers, 46 Greenfinches (highest total for a couple of years), 7 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin. Altogether, 25 species of bird were caught, an extremely high total for October.

The No3 bed team were also out on the Saturday morning , catching 97 birds, 57 new, with a 3 male Cetti's Warbler the highlight (Cetti's Warblers were also reported at Leighton Moss and Conway on the same day), although the most remarkable feature was the 14 new Reed Buntings caught and must have been part of an influx of birds moving on to the bed. 2 Redwings were the first of the year, part of a large passage of birds and 2 Lesser Redpolls were noteworthy.

Sightings included: No1 bed 16/10/2009: 2 Wigeon on the east pool, 2 Green Sandpipers, 10 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owls and a Water Rail. Visible passage included 1 Skylark, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Redwings, 10 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 8 Lesser Redpolls

No1 bed 17/10/2009: 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Snipe, 2 Water rails, 22 Skylarks, 35 Meadow Pipits, 30 Fieldfare, 500 Redwings, 21 Siskin and 15 Lesser Redpolls.

No3 bed 17/10/2009: 1 Coal Tit over the car park, 1 Siskin and large numbers of Redwings.

Moore Nature Reserve Ringing Results Friday 18th/Saturday 19th September 2009

2009-09-24T21:11:00.002+01:00

Friday 18th
With the help of Mike Mullholland x4 nets (x3 60ft x1 30ft) were erected in the evening.

Due to the light fading only x3 birds were captured - (NEW)

ROBIN -2
REED WARBLER -1

Sightings included - Tawny Owl - 1; Little Egret -1; Green Sandpiper -1.

It was then off to Woolston Eyes for the Hog Roast on No1 bed!

Saturday 19th

Conditions were excellent and the nets were open by 06.30hrs, again I was joined by Mike.

Ringing Totals - retraps in ( )

BLACKCAP -1
BLUE TIT -9 (2)
CHAFFINCH -3
CHIFFCHAFF -2
COAL TIT -1
GOLDCREST-1
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER -1
GREAT TIT -7
GREENFINCH -6
LONG TAILED TIT -9 (11)
REED BUNTING -2
REED WARBLER -2 (1)
WREN -2

TOTAL - 18TH/19TH = 49 NEW; 14 RETRAP

Sightings -

GREENSHANK-1; GREEN SANDPIPER-1; WOOD SANDPIPER-1; MEADOW PIPIT-40; BUZZARD-4; NUTHATCH-1;
CHIFFCHAFF-4; SWALLOW-60; GREAT SPOT WOOD-4; BLACKCAP-2; GREY WAGTAIL-3; SISKIN-5; CHAFFINCH-20;
GREENFINCH-20; REED WARBLER -4; SONG THRUSH -2 (HIGH OVERHEAD).
Butterflies - Small Tortoiseshell-1; Large White -1.

Dave's results from Woolston -

Ringing took place on No1 bed on both the Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with 134 new birds ringed, including an amazing 46 Chiffchaffs along with smaller numbers of other warblers and 11 Meadow Pipits.

The No3 bed team just ringed on the Saturday morning, ringing 45 new birds including 9 Reed warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs and a single Sedge Warbler.

Sightings included three early(ish) Redwing and three Snipe on No1 bed, while No3 had sightings of three separate Marsh Harriers, one Snipe, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Redpoll and a Grey Wagtail.

Friday 11th/Saturday 12th September 2009 - moving on...

2009-09-17T18:54:00.003+01:00

I have now upped sticks and moved to Ringing Pastures new - Moore Nature Reserve, just down the Ship Canal from Woolston, with kind permission of the WRG Wardens Brian and Paul.
Dave and co continue the good work on No1 bed and i will continue to keep you all updated on results from both Woolston and Moore.
Results from my first session are listed below..

Friday 11th -

Ringing Totals -

CHIFFCHAFF -1
LONG TAILED TIT -11
BLUE TIT -6
GREAT TIT -3

TOTAL = 21 NEW

Sightings - Green Sandpiper -1; Buzzard -2.

Saturday 12th- 3 nets operated (x2 60ft x1 30ft)

Ringing Totals -

CHAFFINCH -2
GREENFINCH -9
LONG TAILED TIT -12 (1 RETRAP)
BLUE TIT -5 (1 CONTROL)
GREAT TIT -2
REED WARBLER -1
BLACKCAP -1
REED BUNTING -1
ROBIN -1
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER -1

TOTAL = 35 NEW (1 CONTROL, 1 RETRAP)

Sightings - Green Sandpiper -2; Buzzard -8; Peregrine -1; Teal - 6; Nuthatch -1; Gspot Woodpecker - 3;
Chaffinch - 20; Greenfinch - 30; Grey Wagtail -6; Meadow Pipit -20; Curlew -1; Sparrowhawk -1; Kestrel -1;
Siskin -1; Chiffchaff - 5; Jay -12.

AEH

Results from Woolston courtesy of Dave Riley -

Dave Riley was joined by Phil Guest, Steve Menzie and Chris Bridge for the Friday afternoon session on No1, catching 56 birds (42 new), including the fifth and sixth Nuthatches to be ringed at the Eyes, other unusual birds for the afternoon included Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk and three Coal Tits (two new). For the Saturday session, Phil and Dave were joined by Tony Davis and John Blundell, catching 88 birds, including good numbers of Chiffchaffs, Reed Warblers and Blackcaps, along with solitary Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat.

Michael Miles spent the majority of Friday on No3 bed, catching 101 birds (71 new) including the bed's first Goldfinch to be ringed this year, while being joined by Kieran Foster, Hugh Pulsford and Margaret Rawlings for the Saturday morning session when a further 133 birds (111 new) were caught. Again, good numbers of Reed Warblers (18) and Blackcaps (44) were ringed, although possibly the most noteworthy catch was 14 new Dunnock, 10 of which came from the same 18m net.

No unusual sightings were noted

Friday 4th/Saturday 5th September 2009 - .....

2009-09-08T20:39:00.003+01:00

I was away this weekend but please find Dave's summary below -

The breezy conditions of Friday afternoon restricted the ringing on No1 bed to the more sheltered sites resulting in twelve birds caught, all new with eleven warblers including eight Chiffchaffs. Saturday morning was more settled and 53 birds were caught on No1 (49 new), including the third Sparrowhawk of the year for the bed.

Kierhan and Hugh worked No3 bed on the Saturday, catching 125 birds (100 new), including 65 new warblers, with 35 Blackcaps and 15 Reed Warblers comprising the bulk of them.

Sightings included a Hobby and a Tawny Owl on No1, while 3 Tree Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Tawny Owls, 1 Marsh harrier and a Curlew were all seen on No3 bed.

Sunday 30th August 09 - migrants all around..

2009-09-01T18:00:00.010+01:00

After sleeping under the stars, grateful that the rain stayed off, it was evident at dawn that there had been a fall of migrants. Chiffchaff were calling from most of the bushes, whilst around the West pool a Grasshopper Warbler skulked by the waters edge and phyloscs numbered 20 at least.
Around the Elder ride Whitethroats and Blackcap were feeding - Blackcap becoming the star bird with eventually 33 new birds being ringed, one having a fat/muscle score of 4/2 with a weight of 19.9g.
Best bird caught today was our first Spotted Flycatcher since 2001 (see pics)a bird of this year (3)with a wing of 84mm and weight of 14.0g.
This was closely followed by another Tree Pipit - the fourth to be ringed this year.
Sightings included 50 Goldfinch, 2 Peregrine, 200+ Swallow and 20 Swift feeding at the entrance to the reserve.

Ringing Totals (new)

SAND MARTIN -1
SWALLOW -2
SONG THRUSH -2
BLACKBIRD -2
REED WARBLER -12
ROBIN -7
CHIFFCHAFF -10
WILLOW WARBLER -3
BLACKCAP -33
CHAFFINCH -7
WREN -2
WHITETHROAT -4
BLUE TIT -2
DUNNOCK -3
BULLFINCH -3
REED BUNTING -3
GREAT TIT -5
GARDEN WARBLER -1
GOLDFINCH -3
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER -1
WILLOW TIT -1
LESSER WHITETHROAT -1
TREE PIPIT -1

TOTAL -109

AEH/RDR

August 09 -normal service resumes...

2009-08-24T14:36:00.004+01:00

Sorry for the lack of postings of late...please find Dave's results from the weekend, and enjoy some photo's from the annual Storm Petrel trip to Scotland...

Dave Riley and Cath Smith were on No1 bed from 11am Friday morning and managed to avoid the showers during the afternoon, as they passed to the north of Warrington. It was a little breezy, but 38 birds were caught, including the only two Garden Warblers for the weekend on that bed. The weather on the Saturday morning was much better, probably too good in fact, as the sun shone almost from dawn, but there was little wind, and a further 106 birds were caught, including their first Jay for two years, another two Kingfishers and another two Tree Pipits - this is the first year that more than two Tree Pipits have been caught. Good numbers of warblers (78) are still present, including, amongst others, 6 Sedge Warblers (none caught the previous week), 18 Reed Warblers, 20 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs and nine Willow Warblers.

The No3 bed team started off Saturday morning really well, with a first round of over 60 birds and caught steadily during the morning to end up with a total of 200 birds (168 new), again with large numbers of warblers (109), including 11 Sedge Warblers, 39 Reed Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 6 Garden Warblers and 38 Blackcaps. There were some indications of a fall on the bed, with sights like 4 Lesser Whitethroats in one bush, which must be unprecedented for Woolston.

Other sightings included: Common Sandpiper and Tawny Owl on No1 bed, along with 2 Hobbys and a sub-adult Marsh Harrier on No3 bed.

I have also attached a comparison of some species caught at this stage in 2008, which gives an indication of how well some have done this year, notably Dunnock (up 144%), Blackcap (up 187%) and Blue Tit (186%). The year did start very slowly, with low returns on most finches and tits, but most species seem to have had a good breeding season.

regards

Dave

Saturday 11th July 2009 - A busy morning...

2009-07-13T22:17:00.006+01:00

Another busy Saturday morning with perfect conditions enabled Dave,Phil Guest and myself to catch and ring a healthy total of 116 new birds of 21 species.
2- 3j Siskin were a surprise, perhaps local birds from nearby Butchersfield Tip?
Good totals also of Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler.

Totals-

Long Tailed Tit - 1
Song Thrush - 1
Chaffinch - 1
Treecreeper -1
Blackbird - 3
Siskin -3
Greenfinch -4
Lesser Whitethroat -2
Linnet -1
Bullfinch -3
Blue Tit- 4
Willow Warbler -15
Reed Bunting - 10
Reed Warbler - 26
Chiffchaff -9
Whitethroat -6
Goldfinch - 2
Blackcap -13
Dunnock -6
Great Tit -1
Robin - 5

Total (new) = 116

AEH;RDR;PG

It only took 23 years...

2009-07-10T14:09:00.005+01:00

It's only taken 23 years, but I finally got to ring Barn Owl at last this week courtesy of Mr B at a secret location.
Over at Woolston the last couple of weekends have been really good, with Blue Tits making something of a comeback..last Saturday produced 69 new birds including -9 Reed Warbler, 2 Coal Tit,6 Blackcap and 3 Whitethroat.

AEH,RDR,SB

Woolston update - June 2009

2009-06-18T16:37:00.002+01:00

Apologies for a lack of postings lately, work and family commitments have kept me away..any how please find Dave Riley's update from the weekend ..

It was very near perfect ringing conditions over the weekend, although late Saturday morning did get a little too bright.

Teams were out on both beds one and three on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to take advantage of the weather, as a result the number of birds ringed was the highest this year. 123 new birds were caught on No3 bed, with many young birds caught including the first juvenile Reed Warbler of the year and an amazing 21 Chiffchaffs along with a British control and the french ringed bird from earlier this year.

104 birds were ringed on No1 bed, including juvenile Goldcrests (2) and juvenile Coal Tit, while the 24 Sand Martins caught on the Friday evening was a larger total than caught on the bed most years!

Sightings included:
12/06/2009: No1 bed -1 Water Rail, 50+ Sand Martins (roosting), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Raven
No 3 bed - 1 Barn Owl, 1 Cuckoo.

13/06/2009: No1 bed - 3 Grey Lag Geese and Water Rail young calling
No 3 bed - 1 adult Mediterranean Gull

Meanwhile Mr Menzie is currently sunning himself on an islet off Benidorm of all places catching Storm Petrels - he needs the practice for our forthcoming trip to Nan-Ron in July to catch Stormies etc.

AEH, RDR, SDM

French Pochard in residence at the Eyes....

2009-04-23T11:38:00.003+01:00

News just in of a Female Pochard with a bill tag observed by Woolston regular Alan Patterson 14-04-2009 - the bird was ringed at Saint-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu, France on 28-10-2005.
Details have been submitted by Keiran via IPMR to the BTO.

AEH,KF.

Saturday 18th April 2009 - Gropper 1st bird of the day.....

2009-04-23T09:30:00.006+01:00

The first bird of Saturday morning was a Grasshopper Warbler which Dave caught, 2 others were reeling nearby.
Conditions were perfect for netting for only a couple of hours from first light, the wind then picked up from the NW and combined with strong sunlight made most of the rides unworkable, but Dave did manage to catch a female Green Woodpecker.
Sam Bayley and myself did some coppicing around the Kingfisher and Birch rides, flushing Snipe from the area for the 2nd week running.
Sightings included 30 Linnet, 6 Blackcap, 30+ Swallow, Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler,
2 Whitethroat and single Oystercatcher, Lapwing,and Siskin.
Butterflies included Peacock, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip.

My ringing totals were -

CHIFFCHAFF-1 (1)
WILLOW WARBLER-(2)
WREN -1 (1)
BLACKBIRD -(1)
DUNNOCK - (3)
LINNET -2
BULLFINCH -(2)
GREENFINCH -1

TOTAL -5 NEW (10) RETRAPS

AEH,RDR,SB,RB

Saturday 11th April 2009 - Reed beds burst into song - Sedge & Reed Warbler arrive..

2009-04-12T12:39:00.006+01:00

Dave Riley and Myself worked a sunny, warm No1 Bed this weekend. Spring is certainly now upon us with Reed & Sedge Warblers singing away in the Eastern reed beds.
Willow Warblers are back in good numbers - Dave caught 11 retraps - 10 of which were pre 2008 at the Eastern end. At the west pool I caught 3 new Willow Warbler out of 8 Males singing.
Other migrants of note were 8 Blackcap and the first Whitethroat of the year.
It was also a good day for finches with 11 Lesser Redpoll caught including a retrap from 2006 and the first Linnet of the year.
Other birds of note were Peregrine, 6 Buzzard, Grey & Pied Wagtail, Swallow and Snipe.
Over on No4 bed Scott Kennedy had Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat singing.

My totals for Saturday (new) -

Willow Warbler -3

Chiffchaff -1

Blackcap -1

Linnet -1

Dunnock -2

Wren -1

Reed Bunting -3

Total = 12

AEH,RDR,PD.

Saturday 4th April 2009 - Willow Warblers arrive...

2009-04-09T14:31:00.003+01:00

I was travelling back from a business trip in Marseille so Dave and Steve were the guys in the field this weekend. They trapped the first Willow Warblers of the Spring, other migrants of note were Blackcap,Swallow x5, Sand Martin x2, Siskin x3 and a single Brambling which was caught at the feeding station.
When I finally arrived back home Chiffchaff, House Martin and Swallow were noted around the garden, with a quick visit from x4 Siskin which soon moved off before I could get the net open!

AEH,RDR,SDM

Saturday 24th March 2009 - Sand Martins pass through..

2009-03-21T20:14:00.002Z

A frosty start at 06.45hrs soon turned to a pleasant warm morning till 09.45hrs when the wind got up from the NE and the temp dropped quite dramatically.

New migrants included x4 singing Chiffchaff and x9 Sand Martin.

The Chiffchaff pictured was caught in the Elder ride and was originally ringed on No3 bed on 14-07-2007 as an adult (4) male. It was in good condition with a weight of 7.5g and a wing of 63mm.

Also caught in the Elder ride were x2 (5M) Bullfinch one bird originally ringed on 24-01-2009 and the other a new bird (note the OGC's) and a retrap Willow Tit.

Over in the Birch ride the only birds caught were x2 Lesser Redpoll (M&F).

Other sightings of note included single Redwing,Teal, Water Rail and Snipe; 3x Siskin; x2 Kingfisher (nest excavating); male Yelowhammer singing; x11 Pochard and x9 Linnet.

Birds Ringed (new)

Bullfinch -1

Lesser Redpoll -2

Wren -1

(retraps)

Bullfinch -1

Willow Tit -1

Chiffchaff -1

AEH,PD.

Ringing - Friday 13th/Saturday 14th March - Woolston

2009-03-20T10:02:00.002Z

Family commitments have kept me away for a few weeks - please see Dave Riley's summary below.

The No1 bed ringing team had a session on the Friday, catching 23 new birds, although on five new, including four Reed Buntings and a Chaffinch, the Saturday morning was too breezy to mist net.Sightings on the bed included 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 150 Fieldfare (including 50 roosting), 50 Linnets (roosting) and 6 Lesser Redpolls (all Friday 13th), also seen on 14th were 2 Grey Lag Geese and 2 Stock Doves.

regards

Dave

Friday 27th/Saturday 28th February 2009 - Wader Ringing...

2009-03-01T09:35:00.002Z

Friday night/Saturday morning was spent at our wader site at Frodsham.

High tide was 01.30 hrs at a height of 9.2 mtrs.

Conditions were perfect - very little wind and a new moon.

5 Redshank were caught, with full biometrics taken (wing,weight, bill,tarsus). Weights ranged from 120g to 136g and wings from 157 to 166mm.

There were a lot of Dunlin and Oystercatchers flying around, with a single Ringed Plover heard also.

A lot less Lapwing and Golden Plover about compared to our previous visit. KMc had a Barn Owl near N05 on the way home, SDM and myself seeing one near Higher Road, Halewood.

Our friends on Hilbre were also out catching Waders and were successful catching a Purple Sandpiper and a Dunlin.

At Woolston, DR caught a male Brambling and the usual tits etc, things being relatively quiet both on No1 and No3 beds. The highlight being on No2 bed were the dynamic duo (JB & TD) caught a Male Stonechat.

AEH,KF,KMc,SDM.

Saturday 21st February 2009 - new arrivals on the pool...

2009-02-23T10:17:00.004Z

Saturday was a bright but cold day with the first arrivals of the Spring being several Pochard and Little Grebes trilling from both East and West pools.

With Dave working the feeding station I put a net up in the wet area around the north east corner of the west pool hoping for some Redpoll...no luck but I did catch the first new Willow Tit for 2009.

Sightings included female Peregrine eating prey, 2 male Yellowhammer including a bird singing, 6 Siskin, 2 pair of Buzzard displaying, Water Rail, 2 Snipe, 40 Fieldfare, Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit. Also of note was a sighting of a Weasel around the gorse.
See also pictured - Snipe from Frodsham last week.

AEH,RDR,SDM,RB,PD,JC

Monday 16th February 2008 - a glimmer of hope for farmland birds?....

2009-02-16T09:01:00.002Z

The following article from the Liverpool Daily Post offers some hope for farmland birds...
Benn unveils farm 'set aside' scheme
Feb 16 2009

New proposals for farmers to receive payments to "set aside" uncultivated land are to be put forward by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

The compulsory set-aside scheme for farmers in receipt of support under the Single Payment Scheme was effectively abandoned by the European Commission in 2008 following widespread flooding and concerns about high global food prices.

But Mr Benn is expected to announce that the Government is for the first time ready to consider an alternative voluntary approach, in order to preserve the environmental benefits of set-aside.

In a speech to the National Farmers' Union in Birmingham, Mr Benn will call on farmers to come up with innovative ways to use set-aside to protect the environment.

He is expected to say that he is prepared to consider a voluntary approach alongside a combined mandatory and incentive-based option when making a final decision on a scheme. A decision is expected in the summer.

Environmental groups have raised concern that the lack of uncultivated land deprives birds and other wild creatures of food and a refuge from human activity.

Introduced in the late 1980s, the system of paying farmers to set aside land from production was designed to discourage over-production after years in which Europe produced mountains of surplus food and drink, threatening commodity prices.

Mr Benn secured agreement last year from fellow EU minister that individual countries can pay farmers to restore some set-aside land.

He is expected to say: "Over 70% of the farmers whom Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) asked recently said there were benefits to leaving land uncropped, and over 60% felt that farmland birds benefited the most.

"I welcome the idea of a voluntary scheme, led by the industry, if we can be sure that it will deliver. This would be real partnership and we stand ready to help."

Saturday 31st January 2009 - Serin surprise!!!...

2009-01-31T16:10:00.004Z

Continuing the end of day finch theme from last week..the guys on No3 struck gold with Woolston's first Serin - a '5' female, normally a bird that is associated in the UK as being seen on the South coast such as Portland. Birds have been seen in the UK as recently as December 2008, so maybe this has been pushed farther North by recent southerly winds. Showing no signs of being in captivity (Serins are indeed rare in captivity only 23 having been registered by DEFRA in 2004), the bird was in good health and was released into the seed crop on No3.

Thanks to Steve Menzie for the photos shown.

On No1 bed sightings of note were 4 Pinkfeet, 2 Buzzard, 6 Snipe, singles of Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Ringing Totals - new

Greenfinch -6

Great Tit -2

Blue Tit -1

AEH,SDM,EK,MM,KF,SP.

Saturday 24th January 2009 - 1st Brambling for a few years...

2009-01-25T19:46:00.005Z

With the forecast predicting strong winds for Saturday morning myself and Dave were pleasantly surprised to find no wind and finches starting to come back to the feeding station in decent numbers.

There were decent numbers of Chaffinch about and the surprise on the last net round was this fine male Brambling (euring age 5) the first to be ringed on No1 for a good few years, although the Team on No3 have been catching them throughout the Winter period.

Keiran and Steve Menzie spent the afternoon at a traditional site for Waxwing in Warrington - catching 5 birds out of 13 birds present, I have posted a picture from when we last caught at this site.

Back in my garden I caught a female Great Tit ringed as a 1j in June 2004, it was re-caught in August 2006 and not seen again till today.

AEH,RDR

#The above out of focus sunset was at the request of Kenny Mac, in fact if you have any sunset pics send them to Kenny...he is an avid fan of them....

Monday 12th January 2009 - a bit of warmth and the birds start to sing..

2009-01-12T17:46:00.003Z

After listening to Song Thrush through most of the Christmas period it was the turn of Blackbird and Starling in the garden today. With temperature of 12degC today I was not surprised, Woodpiegons were busy chasing each other singing too.

News from the Eyes came from Dave Riley who had another quiet Saturday with 12 birds caught all retraps, some over flying Pink Feet and a Chiffchaff were worth noting though.

Also news reached Eyes Ringer that Mr Bumble has ringed his 50th species - a BHGull at Rhos on Sea...well done Ron, thats rather a lot of beer you owe to your ringing peers...can't wait for the bbq's to start again...

AEH.

2008 Highlights....Part 1..January to July.

2009-01-05T09:06:00.004Z

2008 got off to a good start with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker caught at the feeding station.

A trip to Sharm El Sheik in March enabled good shots of Alba wagtails on the hotel lawns and a large passage of Chiffchaffs that week also.

May brought the usual variety of warblers to Woolston including this pair of Lesser Whitethroats caught in the Elder ride near to were they had set up territory.

2008 will also be remembered for the good numbers of Kingfisher caught - 14 in total, all juvenile birds.

The annual trip to Nan Ron in Scotland in July produced good numbers of Storm Petrels as usual and will also be remembered by some members for the otter which was seen on several occasions.

Tuesday 30th December 2008 - Have rings will travel...

2009-01-04T20:46:00.002Z

Sorry for the lack of posts lately - been busy with work and family commitments.

The day started at 6am with a visit to St Helens with Keiran Foster to have a go at catching some Snipe - we were successful with a catch of 4 birds (pictured), an earlier attempt by KF resulted in a catch of 10, an excellent total.

Then we carried on to a nearby retail park resulting in 1 Canada Goose - a new species for me, its amazing how strong these birds are.

Next stop was a trip over to Wallasey to look at a new site for catching Turnstone and hopefully Purple Sandpiper.

With 4 Moudry spring traps set-baited with porridge oats- we did not have to wait long for our first bird - a Turnstone (pictured), with the tide rising we had one more chance which resulted in another bird. Both were birds of this year (Euring age code 3) wings of 146mm and 152mm respectively. Here's hoping that 2009 will bring back bigger wader catches for the group - something which has been lacking for some years now..

AEH,KF

Friday 12th December 2008 - Trip to Hilbre..Peregrine and waders delight..

2008-12-15T12:17:00.003Z

A days holiday so a trip to Hilbre and the Bird Obs (see link on blog) - myself, Kenny Mac and Colin Jones (the two baffled looking blokes pictured) set off across the sands from Dee Lane at 07.10hrs, we travelled via Little Eye passing Barry B who drove over. As we passed between Middle and the main island, 2 Snow Buntings flew past - a male bird being located on Little Eye as we returned home later in the day.
With the high tide coming in, Middle Eye became rammed with the usual Oystercatchers (pictured)and were harassed by a Peregrine on and off throughout the high tide(pictured).
The same bird decided to spook the waders in Niffy Bay and allowed me to take a close up shot (not a brilliant pic) surprisingly some birds just stayed put, seemingly unperturbed by its presence.
A trip down to the North end produced singles of Great Crested Grebe, Common Scoter and Shag and enabled me to take a few pics of a colour ringed Purple Sandpiper.
Walking back through the Old Obs garden, Kenny pointed out 5 tadpoles moving around the pond - the first we had both seen in December. Short Tailed Field Voles were spotted in a couple of places and Song Thrush were numerous - not surprising with the amount of snails on the island.
Derek Bates joined us after the tide, he managed some good numbers of Grey Plover on his way over.
We left around 14.30hrs managing to see a flock of 60 Golden Plover and 6 Ringed Plover on our way back as well as the male Snow Bunting on Little Eye.
Overall a very enjoyable day.

AEH,CJ,KMcN,BB,DB.

Friday 5th/Saturday 6th December 2008 - More Redpoll and frozen nets abandon play..

2008-12-10T12:50:00.004Z

Friday and Saturday were both cold days - AH and DR ringing on both days, but I was forced to close the nets early on Saturday due to my nets being frost bound.

The Peregrine was in its usual roosting spot on Friday morning (both m&f were present Sun per JB/TD) and there was lots of movement of duck up and down the ship canal, mostly Tufted and Mallard but also a Drake Shoveler.

As last week there were a few Woodcock about - 3 Friday and 2 on Saturday morning - 1 evading capture by a matter of inches...its been about 20 years since I last ringed one.

Redpoll were about again - 3 being ringed on Friday and a flock of 12 looking at the frozen Birch net on Saturday.

There was a good movement of Starlings on Sat morning - over 500 heading North and a Bullfinch was retrapped at the feeding station (pictured).

An interesting retrap was BHK751 a Wren ringed as an adult on 3-11-2007 and was not seen again until it was retrapped on Sat morning, were has it been for over a year? Also Great Tit TE26174 was re-captured having been ringed as a pullus on 19-05-2007 it was 1 of a brood of 8 pullus ringed.

My ringing totals were (new)

Greenfinch - 4

Lesser Redpoll - 3

Reed Bunting -1

Blue Tit -1

Total = 9

AEH,RDR,EK,MA,JB,TD

Friday 28th -Saturday 29th November 2008 - Woodcock and lots of Chaffinch..

2008-12-04T10:28:00.003Z

Friday afternoon was cold 3'C dropping to 0'C later with thick fog engulfing the bed.

A single Kingfisher sat on the canal by the viaduct and one of the Peregrines came into roost late on.

Other sightings of note were singles of Woodcock, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. Around 30 Blackbirds came into roost along with several Redwing and the usual Magpie roost had at least 40 birds present.

Saturday morning started the same as Friday finished -freezing fog...myself, DR +1 and Sam, a visiting C permit holder from Sussex, arrived first - followed by Ste Menzie who was having an attack of lazyitis, then, part-time ringers John & Tony (pictured) graced us at 08.09hrs (as requested JB) to start their latest project of building duck traps, to then lose interest and disappear for another 6 months!!!!....

Sightings included at least 3 Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owl, upto 60 Chaffinch (19 caught), Yellowhammer and 6 Teal.

My ringing totals (new) were -

Magpie -1

Blackbird -1 (Stockamsel type)

Chaffinch -13

Greenfinch-12

Dunnock-1

Goldcrest-1

Total - 19

AEH,RDR,SDM,JB,TD,SB & Kath.

More Common Redpoll photos...

2008-11-23T19:56:00.002Z

Saturday 22nd November 2008 - Finch Surprise and No3 do well for duck..

2008-11-23T19:15:00.003Z

I arrived on No1 at 06.20hrs, temp was 3degC rising to 5degC later. With the feeding station net open I then erected the birch nets, a Brambling flew over calling as I did so.
A Chiffchaff was flitting around the wet rides but evaded capture.
Around the feeding station 60 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch and a lone Yellowhammer were expected, a single Goldfinch was caught out of 2 seen.
John B & Tony D arrived after dawn to start preparing their Duck Traps for the Winter.

Surprise of the day was a Common (Mealy) Redpoll, female (pictured) which was caught alongside a Lesser Redpoll for comparison.
With a wing of 74.5mm and a bill of 7.1mm, body length 125mm it was within the size biometrics stated by Newton (1972 Collins) who gives wing length of flammea of between 72-78mm for males, 69-76mm for females. Lesser Redpoll (cabaret) 67-73mm and 63-69mm respectively.
It looked overall a bigger, paler bird than the Lesser.

Ringing Totals for the morning were -

Greenfinch -15
Goldfinch - 1
Lesser Redpoll -1
Common Redpoll - 1
Chaffinch -3
Reed Bunting -1
Blue Tit -1
Total = 23 new.

Keiran Foster and team on No3 Bed had a cracking morning with a catch 1st thing of 5 Teal (pics to follow)

AEH,JB,TD,& RB (briefly).

Friday 21st November 2008 - Garden delights as the cold wind pushes through..

2008-11-21T16:53:00.005Z

My new RSPB multi feeder station arrived today and was soon bringing in the local birds from the wood bordering the garden. Coal Tits numbered 3 at any one time and up to 5 Great Tits. The 'bushy tailed tree rat' just sat below looking quite baffled, maybe it does not like chilli powder as recommended to deter the grey vermin. See -http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-202877

A recently fledged Woodpiegon was clambering around, an adult bird still singing intermittently and Blackbirds numbered 12.

Redwings have tailed off - there were up to 25 at the beginning of the week. House Sparrows could be heard but not seen - see also - http://www.green.tv/rspb_sparrow1

Great news also for the UK's farmland birds see - http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-203744

The photos were taking through the conservatory window - looks like I will have to get out and wash them!

Woolston tomorrow...

AEH.

Saturday 15th November 2008 - Treecreeper and Thrushes..

2008-11-21T16:14:00.004Z

This morning the majority of birds were around the West feeding station, the windfall apples now starting to attract Thrushes as intended.

Surprise bird of the morning was a Treecreeper (pictured, no2 pic by Ron Brumby) a new bird for Malcolm (him being 'senior trainee').

Weather was a bit mixed and proved too damp for the delicate trainee's Ron B & John Crowther, who retreated to No3 Bed - bless!

Lesser Redpoll (pictured) are still about in good numbers and a single bird was caught in the Birch ride.

Other sightings of note were 3 Water Rail, 3000+ Woodpigeons; 20 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling near the West pool also.

My ringing totals were -

Song Thrush -1

Blackbird - 1

Greenfinch - 12

Lesser Redpoll -1

Treecreeper -1

Blue Tit - 1

Wren - 1

Total = 18 new.

AEH;RDR;EK;RB;MA;JC.

Saturday 8th November 2008 - LEO, Jack Snipe and the afternoon shift bag a Stock Dove..

2008-11-10T13:51:00.003Z

First bird seen today was a Long Eared Owl perched on the fence near the feeding station then taking off flying over the Ship Canal.

Next decent bird was a Jack Snipe which took off from near the West Pool, with too much sleep in my eyes I was too dozy to catch it! After that a Merlin was seen hunting the West gorse area.

Thrushes were in abundance today with totals of 500 Redwing and 600 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush and 20+ Blackbird.

Woodpiegons were moving all morning and were in excess of 800.

Other birds of note included single Raven and Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, 20 Tufted Duck, 20 Chaffinch, 20 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 10 Redpoll,1 Chiffchaff, 12 Skylark and 150 Starling.

Helen, Steve and Liz stayed till mid afternoon and were rewarded with a Stock Dove (pictured-bird from May 08) and another Siskin.

My ringing totals were:

Greenfinch -8

Wren -1

Blackbird -1 (pictured - typical British bird)

Great Spotted Woodpecker -1 (pictured - 1st year female)

Reed Bunting -1

Total = 12
AEH,RDR,HW,SDM,MA,EK.

Friday 7th November 2008 - Autumn leaves are falling..into the nets!

2008-11-09T11:30:00.004Z

As usual for this time of year leaves were filling the nets as quick as you could empty them.

Sightings for the day included a Sparrowhawk chasing the roosting flock of 100 Starlings; 2 Chiffchaff; 6 Mistle Thrush; 20 Siskin; 20 Redpoll; 100 Redwing; 60 Fieldfare; 7 Snipe and around 20 Goldcrest.

Ringing this afternoon produced a typical Scandanavian 'Stockamsel' Blackbird showing the charactaristic black bill and pale edging to the breast feathers (pictured) and a couple of Redpoll.

Totals -

Greenfinch - 28

Chaffinch -1

Great Tit -1

Lesser Redpoll - 2

Blackbird -1

Bullfinch -1

Wren -1

Total -35

AEH.RDR,SDM.

Thursday 6th November 2008 - Lots of Greenfinch with a Woodcock and Siskins..

2008-11-09T11:17:00.004Z

A flock of 25 Siskin paid a brief visit to the feeding station today joining around 100 Greenfinch (pictured male & female).
A single Woodcock was flushed from the Birches near the West pool along with 2 Snipe.
5 Mistle Thrush appeared to be roosting near No1 ride.
Ringing totals for the afternoon were
Greenfinch - 12
Blue Tit -3
Chaffinch -2
Great Tit -1
Total =18

Saturday 1st November 2008 - NW Ringers Conference

2008-11-03T12:22:00.003Z

Ringing was interrupted this weekend by The North West Ringers Conference jointly hosted by Merseyside Ringing Group and South Manchester Ringing Group and was held at the Daresbury Science Laboratory near Runcorn.

The quality of talks given was excellent and was enjoyed by all.

It was also good to meet up with friends from The South West Lancs Ringing Group and Hilbre Bird Observatory etc.

Normal service is resumed next week
AEH

Saturday 25th October 2008 - Cetti's Warbler 1st bird of the day....

2008-10-27T10:03:00.006Z

We arose at 06.45 hrs - Dave and Steve opening the East side, Liz and myself opening the West side.

I did the 1st round by myself and was pleased to find a Cetti's Warbler (1st year female pictured) in the bottom pocket of the gap net, in fact it was the only bird of the 1st round - not a bad start to the day and the first for Woolston this year (David Norman also caught a 1st year female at a site in Cheshire on 14th September 2008).

The bird had a wing of 56mm and a weight of 12.1, fat score of 2 and a muscle score of 2.

One of the features of Cetti's is that it has 10 tail feathers, this bird having 2 in moult and if you look at the picture showing the tail, it shows fault bars also.

Do we have a local breeding pair?

Other sightings of note were - Fieldfare -x120; Redwing -x60;Brambling -1; Siskin -x30; Lesser Redpoll - x20; Willow Tit - x5; Goldcrest - x20; Gadwall - x2; Lapwing-125; Water Rail - x2 and Snipe x1.

My ringing totals for the weekend were...

Greenfinch -19

Willow Tit -1

Chaffinch -2

Lesser Redpoll - 2

Cetti's Warbler - 1

Great Tit -2

Robin - 1

Reed Bunting - 1

Goldcrest -1

Wren -1

Blue Tit -2

Willow Tit -1

Total - 34

AEH,RDR,SD,HW,EK,JC

Friday 24th October 2008 - Happy Campers, 1st Siskin for 2 years and Peregrine shows well..

2008-10-27T09:10:00.003Z

I arrived at a blustery but bright N01 bed to be greeted by the male Peregrine at it's usual roosting spot (pictured).

Ron 'Mr Bumble' Brumby joined us for a few hours, departing at dusk, being replaced by Steve, Liz and Helen.

Highlights ringing wise were a Siskin(pictured), the 1st for 2 years (this Autumn has seen good numbers of Siskin in Merseyside & Cheshire), a Lesser Redpoll and a Goldcrest.

Sightings included a single male Shoveler, x26 Mallard, x20 Linnet roosting in the gorse, Redwing roosting over most parts of the bed, x6 Siskin, x3 Willow Tit, singles of Grey Wagtail, Sparrowhawk and Tawny Owl, and a roost of x40 Starling in the West Reedbed.

With darkness soon setting in the happy campers settled down to a feast of Mackerel, belly pork and burgers...a selection of fine ale and the usual witty banter. It was especially funny to see Liz get drunk on one can of Stella and Steve having to resort to Carling C2 to get his kicks (gobbler!!!)

AEH,RDR,RB,SDM,HW,EK.

Saturday 18th October 2008 -Excellent Visible Migration..

2008-10-20T13:47:00.004+01:00

An excellent day for visible migration and it shows what a good site No1 bed is..

Redwings (pictured) were moving West from dawn right through till we left at 12.15hrs.

Totals were:

Redwing x2000; Fieldfare x112; Woodpigeon x500; Raven x3; Mistle Thrush x1; Grey Wagtail x5; Greenfinch x40; Goldcrest x40; Goldfinch x12; Yellowhammer x2; Jackdaw x7; Chaffinch x20; Siskin x3; Lesser Redpoll x5; Skylark x16; Collared Dove x1; Tufted Duck x60.

We were also entertained by x2 Carrion Crows mobbing a Buzzard relentlessly in the sky above us (pictured).

A Goldfinch (Euring code 3,pictured) showed a sticky residue around its bill possibly from eating Haws?

For this weekends ringing totals as usual check out http://www.woolstoneyes.co.uk/

AEH,RDR, SDM.

Friday 17th October 2008 - Pinkfeet at dusk....

2008-10-20T13:05:00.005+01:00

A quiet afternoon was lifted by a flypast of x120 Pink Footed Geese heading in a North Westerly direction.

Blackbirds & Redwings were also coming into roost across the bed with at least 30 and 20 respectively, along with 20 Meadow Pipits that roosted near the West pool area.

Dave Riley's highlight was a young male Sparrowhawk (pic - bird from Aug 07)

The last round of the nets netted me a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.

With it being such a nice evening Dave & myself left wishing we had stayed over and had a few beers..never mind always next week!!

With a full moon I would expect the first Woodcock's of the Autumn to be making an appearance any day.

Our friends on Hilbre caught x6 Turnstone in a night time Wader ringing session - check out their blog at http://www.hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/

AEH,RDR.

Friday 10th/Saturday 11th October 2008 - Night of the Dave's and an American drops in...

2008-10-12T19:23:00.006+01:00

The last bbq of the year was held Friday night with Dave Riley, 'Dave' Alan, Dave Edwards, 'Dave' Menzie, 'Dave' Helen and an American 'Dave' called Liz Kerr...don't ask about the 'Dave' thing..you had to be there! The weather was kind and Dave Edwards as usual drank too much whiskey and bounced off the cars as he retired to sleep under the stars..till it started raining in the early hours and then he had to sleep in his Smart car..good job he is only 4ft tall!!.

Not many birds caught Friday but sightings included Peregrine, Kestrel and the usual Tawny Owls as dusk fell.

We crawled out at 06.30hrs Sat Morn as it just started to drizzle, but we persevered and the rain ceased by 07.00hrs.

Finch passage started around 07.30hrs and good numbers of Chaffinch (28), Lesser Redpoll (30) and Greenfinch (10) were noted. Redwing (30)Mistle Thrush (1) and the 1st Fieldfare of the Autumn passed over along with Meadow Pipit (20),Grey Wagtail (20), Alba Wagtail(10) and (20) Tufted Duck.

John Crowther put in an appearance at 09.00hrs and was pleased to see Redpoll in the hand.

Other birds of note included a Willow Warbler singing at the East side, (6) Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher and (3) Buzzard.

My ringing totals were:

Lesser Redpoll-2;Greenfinch-7; Chiffchaff-1; Blue Tit-1; Blackbird-1;Reed Bunting-1 and Long Tailed Tit-1. Total = 14

Photos - M&F Greenfinch; Menzie,Riley and Kerr and Adult (4) Male Lesser Redpoll.

AEH,RDR,SDM,DE,HW,EMK & JC

Various bits from last week...

2008-10-06T13:03:00.005+01:00

Moorhen - 100,000th bird ringed at Woolston (pic by Mike Miles)
Distant Leaches Petrel and Ringed Plover. (Hilbre Island, Cheshire)

Saturday 4th October 2008 - 100,000 bird ringed at Woolston and a Richards Pipit over..

2008-10-06T12:17:00.003+01:00

A Milestone was reached today with the 100,000th bird to be ringed at Woolston Eyes - a Moorhen (pictured) caught by Keiran & Mike on No3 bed. Ringing at Woolston was started by David Norman in 1980 (31st August) and ringing has taken place every year since - well done everybody involved over the last 28 years.

Sightings over No1 included a single Richards Pipit at 08.50hrs(1st record if accepted);115 Redwing; 4 Grey Wagtail; 10 Swallow;3 House Martin; 2 m Peregrine (chasing each other);14 Skylark;20 Meadow Pipit; and 2 Mistle Thrush.

I have posted 2 pics from Dave Riley-Goldcrest and a Black Darter from last weekend (26th Sept) .

AEH,RDR

Friday 3rd October -Redwing, another Water Rail and the W.S.H.S

2008-10-06T11:29:00.004+01:00

Another Water Rail caught this afternoon, a male this time (bill-44mm wing 124mm age 4)

Sightings included the first Redwing of the Autumn, Reed Warbler-2;Swallow-40;House Martin-1;Teal-1m; Chiffchaff-20+ and a single Snipe.

The WSHS was also formed this afternoon (see pic-Woolston Silly Hat Society) new members welcome!!

The usual bbq and drinks followed (last bbq of the season next week all welcome, please let DR know if you are attending)

AEH,RDR,SM&MM

Saturday 27th September 2008 - Late arrivals and another Water Rail..

2008-09-28T17:24:00.003+01:00

We awoke at 05.30hrs to open the nets and set the tape lures..as the night before, the temp was low.

As soon as the mist lifted visible migration was evident with x20 Skylark,x6 Grey Wagtail, x100 Swallow and a lone Sand Martin (late record), also of note were singles of Collared Dove, Lapwing, Mistle Thrush, Common Sandpiper and Yellowhammer. Common Snipe increased to x5, one feeding in the Moudry trap but failing to set it off.

John and Tony strolled along after 08.00hrs to put up a few nets but the late arrivals were the Wirral trainees -Ron, John and Nicky Edmonds 08.40hrs...named and shamed I'm afraid!!

The 3 rail traps paid off again with another fine adult female (40mm bill,119mm wing) Water Rail caught (pictured)a new bird for Nicky.

Dave caught what will probably be the last Sedge Warbler of 2008 (pictured), he also heard a Nuthatch, which is a scarcity on No1 bed.

My Ringing Totals for the Weekend were:

Reed Warbler -2;Chiffchaff-5; Goldcrest -1; Blackcap-1; Long Tailed Tit-5;Wren-1; Blue Tit-1;Great Tit-1; Robin-1; Greenfinch-4 and Water Rail-1. Total=23 new.

Friday 26th September 2008 - Early Start for some and return of an Irish friend..

2008-09-28T17:03:00.003+01:00

Dave Riley wet the bed or something and was down at No1 early Friday morning with Steve Menzie not far behind.. Me? I had to give a presentation at Sellafield in Cumbria and then had the delight of sitting on the M6 in a 12 mile jam..what bliss!!
Our good friend Liam Mc Devitt (pictured with DR) paid a visit for the last time this year..all the way from Dun Laoghaire.
Good numbers of Chiffchaff again and the Linnet roost continues with over 40 birds present with a few Goldfinch also. 3 Grey Wagtails and 40 Swallow passed overhead and a solitary Snipe zipped around the bed.
Tawny Owls numbered 4 and still keep evading capture. Mike Miles joined us for the usual BBQ...the temperature dropping rapidly forcing most of us to retire early...only the hardy Mr Riley staying up to consume one last beer.

Saturday 20th September 2008 - Plenty above - not much below....

2008-09-21T21:17:00.003+01:00

We awoke at 05.30hrs to dry, still conditions - Dave & Steve opening the East rides, myself the West rides.
We were joined later by, John B & Tony D and Helen W & Roger Short who each put more nets up in various parts of the bed. Ron Brumby also popped down for a few hours.
Expectations were high, but with the weather being so good and a full moon, most birds were pushing South overhead.
Sightings included x10 Grey Wagtail; x40 Skylark; x200+ Meadow Pipit; x100 Swallow; x4 Buzzard; x2 Sparrowhawk and a single Hobby.
Highlights ringing wise were Meadow Pipit and a Juvenile (Euring Code 3) Green Woodpecker (both pictured).
My totals for Fri/Sat were:
Chiffchaff-3; Water Rail-1; Reed Warbler-6;Blue Tit-1; Blackcap-2; Robin-1;Goldcrest-1 and Chaffinch-2. Total=17 (quite disappointing).
To see the overall totals for all the bed's see http://www.woolstoneyes.co.uk/

Friday 19th September 2008 - Water Rail and the return of Captain Riley

2008-09-21T19:19:00.005+01:00

After having 3 weekends authorised leave, Captain Dave Riley returned - arriving mid morning to reclaim his territory. New recruit Steve Menzie was next to arrive closely followed by my good self (via Bargain Booze to stock up on Pear Cider).

Despite the good weather, only Chiffchaff's seemed to be around in good numbers.

After a few years absence from the No1 Bed ringing list - a single Water Rail (adult female) could not resist the appetising sardines and grain left in my Rail trap and was soon fitted with a D2 ring. The smell of sardines unfortunately did not go down well with my colleagues after I was covered in the stuff opening the tin - did seem to keep the mozzies and midges away though!!

Soon it was dark and to a chorus of Tawny Owl we soon had the BBQ going and the usual ale and wine started to flow - as you can see from the photo the Chuckle Brothers kept us entertained.

Mike Miles was the first to retire (no3 ringers never seem to be able to keep the pace) the rest of us retiring around 00.30hrs....05.30hrs start..what joy..

Blackbirds and what will the weekend bring?...

2008-09-17T15:32:00.003+01:00

Plenty of Blackbirds feeding in the hedgerow bordering the garden today, not long till the first Redwing and Fieldfare arrive. Heres hoping for a decent cold snap this Winter, to give us ringers a chance to find some decent roost sites. It seems a long time since we were able to get decent catches of thrushes at sites like Royden and Arrowe Park...
I wonder what the weekend will bring at Woolston...today there were reports of Wryneck at Seaforth, MelodiousWarbler on Bardsey and Red Backed Shrikes in good numbers also...the weather for the weekend looks good too!

13-09-2008..Goshawk above...Goldcrest's begin to move

2008-09-15T12:00:00.007+01:00

We crawled out of our tents at 05.30hrs..the drizzle finally abating, nets were opened and the first brew of the day consumed.
With Ron seconded to No3 Bed for the rest of the morning with Keiran (Water Rail, Sparrowhawk and Moorhen the lure) I was left to wander the bed alone.
A further x5 Blackcap were caught along with x2 Goldcrest, x3 Reed Warblers, x7 Chiffchaff and singles of Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackbird, Blue Tit and Great Tit.
A total of 32 new birds were ringed Fri eve/Sat morn.
Sightings included a cracking Male Goshawk moving East, birds moving South included x300 Swallows, x6 Sand Martins, x85 Lapwing, x1 Yellow Wagtail, x1 Tree Pipit and x20 Chaffinch.
A single Kingfisher spent the morning fishing the East pool.
The return of Captain Riley next week will ensure a greater spread of nets..lets hope the weather is kind.

Cracking Sunset.....12-09-2008

2008-09-15T11:27:00.007+01:00

With x5 nets erected, myself, Steve Menzie and Ron 'Bumble' had time for a couple of net rounds before we were treated to a cracking sunset followed by persistant drizzle which set in for the night.

x1 Chiffchaff, x1 Wren, x1 Garden Warbler and x2 Blackcap were processed and ringed.

Retraps included a Chiffchaff that had been ringed as a 3j on 07-06-2008.

Sightings included x4 Mistle Thrush, x4 Greylag Goose, x60 Swallow, x6 Jay, x2 Tawny Owl and Water Rail.

Mr 'Bumble' and myself then settled down for a night of organic ale tasting and a selection of various meats...its a hard life.