I've put a new webpage on 10X50.com that will contain links to copies of these emails, so they're saved for posterity. Future historians won't believe it!
Only 28 species but this included Long-tailed Tits nest building, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest, Raven, two Buzzards, Two Skylarks in song and displaying Lapwings.
Morning Tony,
Hope you and Olwen are keeping well.
Our resident pair of Sparrowhawks keep visiting the garden. This is her usual perch spying on the tit feeding stations just 10 feet from the kitchen window. Its great to hear lots of varied bird song now and my 1st Blackcap a week ago when it was very sunny.
The pair of Ravens made quick work of a squirrel on our lawn yesterday, looked like their pitch black beaks had red lipstick on!!
Take care .......... Phil
Thanks Phil - stay safe!
Alan Booth is looking forward to the coming influx of Summer migrants (aren't we all Alan!)
Hi Tony. Nothing new on the Moor despite a daily visit. I am getting an average of 32 species with a total of 34 to date. Roll on the rest of the common migrants! It was very interesting about your ancestor and Mallory ........... Alan
Jill Thornley tell us it's cold up north.
Nothing much around today, though the jay seems very busy around the garden. The cold will keep our display of daffodils going for longer which is always a bonus.
The badger has been busy digging holes all over the place. He used to use the woodland as a latrine but now the houses are next door he keeps to the field side.
He did once go in the middle of the cold frame, until I covered it.
Enjoying reading everyone's trips out.
Karina Stanley received a quick result from the BTO.
For those who like completeness. According to the BTO records the Barn Owl I found last Sunday near the M6 was ringed 260 days ago 10km away at Fields Farm near Alderley Edge......Stay safe.
Jayne Davies seems to have followed a similar route to me today, that Raven could have been the one I saw Jayne.
Back on foot today, I headed first along Pavement Lane as far as the confluence of Marthall and Pedley Brooks. I’d hoped for a grey wagtail near the streams, but there were none to be seen. However, as I retraced my steps along Pavement Lane, a grey wagtail flew up from the field to the right, and a little further along a pied wagtail flew over, and then two Canada geese passed overhead. I turned right to head along Gleavehouse Lane, then continued on footpaths as far as the track where a left turn leads towards Mill Lane. There I was pleased to see tree sparrows, and then a raven flying over….cronk, cronk… pursued by a carrion crow. A quick mid-air tussle and the raven departed, while the crow turned back, presumably satisfied with the outcome. Before turning towards Mill Lane I made a quick detour to have a look at an area of flooded field - nine lesser black backed gulls flew up at my approach, and two black-headed gulls and two mallard were also present. From there I made my way back to Mill Lane and headed for home via Mobberley SQ, where I kept a look out for Tony's mandarin ducks, but without success.
A Cetti's from the Blamires, send it to Knutsford Moor please team!
Yesterday and today we walked from Mere to Rostherne and back. The wind was so cold yesterday but a little better today (though not a lot!). Sticking to lanes and some public footpaths we managed to add another 6 species to our Lockdown List: Pochard, Shoveler, Goldeneye (superb male), Teal, Mandarin and finally a Cetti’s Warbler (obviously heard not seen!). So our total stands at 60 species. Still no hirundines. We rather think this weekend will be taken up planting beech whips as replacements to those that have died in the hedge between us and next door. Of course, because of social distancing, we’ll have to do it without any help from our neighbours!!!
The first Willow Warbler by courtesy of Mrs. Brookes? Derek will check tomorrow. We're in safe hands!
Hi Tony,
Not been out today, so all I have seen are from house. Highlight 14 Starlings, 1 Buzzard, 1 Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, BHGull. In the garden Blackbird, Dunnock, Magpie, Blue and Great Tit, Chaffinches, 4 Goldfinches. I tried to count the Blue Tits gave up they were too mobile. Nuthatch, Collared Dove, Wren, House Sparrows not trying to count them.
I have decided to watch for another half hour now 5 30pm and to help me I have a single Glen Keith malt might get a Osprey!! Having difficulty to see anything no not the whiskey the setting sun.
Yesterday Jean went down Sudlow Lane highlight Treecreeper possible Willow Warbler but only brief song and did not repeat, I will check the area out hopefully tomorrow.
Derek
A late entry, just before last orders from
Jude Halman.
Today 2.30 Tabley road, after the houses on right - 6 Lapwings, all in the air, I think a Crow was lurking.
Last but certainly no least, a Tatton update from Darren Morris, our man on the inside.
A quick look over Higmere this afternoon and the heronry was rather quiet with chicks hunkered down. Two lovely little grebes trilled loudly on the outskirts of the water.
Further along the bankside in Dog Wood (Tatton Mere Covert), by the far gate a lone grey wagtail flicked its way along the water’s edge and two carrot-billed oystercatchers sat silently on the end of the scout camp jetty.
Not many sand martins today with only three high up above the mere. Goldeneye, teal and gadwall seen on the Mere too.
Up at the northern end of the mere in the “lagoon” a small patch of phragmites has become established, let’s hope it carries on.
Tony Usher.