Martin Mere

Today was to be a family day out with a spot of birding thrown in for good measure, so it was off to Martin Mere for Toddler Thursday, a great little activity that the WWT put on at no extra cost as well, a spot of singing, story and craft/drawing keeps Gem nice and happy.

The birding though began before we got to Martin Mere we two Corn Buntings on the wires by Curlew Lane plus two Grey Partridge that ran across the road right in front of the car. A really great start to the day.

Corn Bunting near Martin Mere

Another Corn Bunting could be heard as we got out of the car, but we didn't bother to go looking as they were already on the list for the day.
A Little Gull had been reported the day before but we weren't that bothered at seeing the birds as we had already bagged them earlier in the week but if we got closer views all the better.

From the Ron Baker hide we saw Redshank, Avocet, Lapwing plus Shelduck being the high the lights plus a showy Wren just outside the hide.

From the Swan Link hide there was plenty of Black Headed Gull activity going on plus a rather horny Med Gull trying to chat any Black Headed Gull up it could, I went around to the Rains Observatory to get a better view and hopefully a shot although taken through glass.

Mediterranean Gull at Martin Mere

It was then lunch and the park for a spot of building sand castles, playing in the water and generally messing around.

From the Harrier hide we added Little Grebe, Wigeon, Shoveler, Gadwall, Grey Heron and Sedge Warbler.

Not a bad day and three more for the slowly but surely growing year list.

Attenborough

With Monday's weather forecast so good we headed off to Attenborough getting there we saw we weren't the only one's with the idea as all the car parks we full and we ended up parking up on the road near the over spill car park.

Walking down the path towards the visitor centre we started to pick up birds Common Tern, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler. After forgetting something and having to walk back to the car this gave me a lucky break in seeing a Weasel run out across the path in front of me a great little find.

 We firstly headed for the new Sand Martin hide which either side of it has an artificial Sand Martin colony set up built into it, its not been finished too long but already Sand Martins are checking out the site looks like this is going to be another great hide on the reserve. Also noted was a Common Sandpiper in front of the hide.

Along the path to the Tower hide we picked Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, Northern Wheater (actually in the Wheater Field), Little Ringed Plover, Black Headed Gull and more Common Terns.

Sitting for a while just beyond the hide we were pointed out the Little Gulls that were on site (we unfortunately hadn't got time to go and find the Black Tern).

All said a very good day, got the rest of the week off but the weather looks rather dodgy so we will have to see what other birding we can get done.

Hanchurch Common

Took Gem for a walk around Hanchurch Common, looks like a lot of trees have been felled around the Woodsman Cottage so will be a longer walk to find the Crossbill.

After hearing Blackcap for about a week now in the wood behind the house I was on the hunt to find these great songsters this was quite an easy task as a couple of males were around the area of the feeding area in the car park. Also noted in this area were Nuthatch, Jay, Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit plus a Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were heard.

Moving down to the Common itself a Woodpecker could be heard drumming and calling from further ahead in the wood plus again a Blackcap could be heard which soon showed itself along with Willow Warbler and Wren and the Great Spotted Woodpecker eventually flew across the Common. So for not a lot of effort quite a nice few birds were noted.

Roll on Easter week and some proper days out!

Spring meets Winter

It was one of those days where Spring clashed with Winter garden bird wise.

Putting the seed out in the morning I could hear Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler calling plus the first Black Cap of the year which I must go and hunt out. But the bird feeders had a very much a Winter feel to them with a female Brambling (maybe they are going to breed in sunny Silverdale after all a male has been calling recently around the area). We also have had a pair of Redpoll in the garden all very confusing bird wise.