Though quite mild, this morning was miserable with drizzle and mist. I limited my birding to Cuckoo Nest Wood and Coppice Pond.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
Great Spotted Woodpeckers weren't put off by the weather and were drumming in at least three locations. I also saw two pairs of Jays. Nuthatches were present but for a change were hard to find. Song Thrushes were belting out their songs throughout the woods.
Coppice Pond:
3 Tufted Ducks were a mild surprise, two males and a female. The Little Grebe from last weeks visit wasn't there but 36 Canada Geese were as well as the resident crowd of Mallards, Moorhens and Coots.
At the bog end of the pond I had a close encounter with a Treecreeper which was a couple of metres away minding its own business.
Play ground area:
A flock of 40 Chaffinches included just one Brambling.
17th February 2007
This morning was a much nicer day than of late, being quite sunny and mild. With this hint of spring in the air the bird life in St.Ives performed well with many species singing.
Cuckoo Nest Wood - Several Nuthatches were very vocal and Jays were present all over. A female Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by a couple of Jays and several crows. Great Spotted Woodepckers were drumming at various places.
Coppice Pond - a Little Grebe was present and being quite adventurous as it wasn't tucked away in a corner of the lake. A female Goosander also surprisd me as she didn't fly away when harrassed by a swimming dog. The owner of which seemed oblivious to the signs asking for dogs to kept out of the water. There are currently at least 36 Canada Geese on the lake with a couple defending territory on the island already. Coots and Moorhens alongside the Mallards are still around in good numbers.
Coppice Bog - a male Bullfinch stopped off briefly in the tree tops but not long enough forme to get good views. Two Song Thrushes were seriously belting out their song either side of the bog.
Heather Park - A pair of Goldcrests showed well in the path side trees. I heard at leats three Skylarks calling overhead, no doubt returning to their breeding grounds somewhere.
Racecourse Plantation - At least one Skylark was heard singing in the fields north of St.Ives from the plantation. Chaffinches were singing in the woods as well as a couple more Song Thrushes. A flck of Redwing were in the Beech trees over looking Altar Lane and were singing among themselves. In these same trees there were plenty of Tits and a few Nuthatches.
Blind Lane - A pair of Siskins were flying around chasing each other. A Dunnock was singing a duet with another across the fields.
Todays list: Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Redwing, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Greenfinch, Bullfinch.
Cuckoo Nest Wood - Several Nuthatches were very vocal and Jays were present all over. A female Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by a couple of Jays and several crows. Great Spotted Woodepckers were drumming at various places.
Coppice Pond - a Little Grebe was present and being quite adventurous as it wasn't tucked away in a corner of the lake. A female Goosander also surprisd me as she didn't fly away when harrassed by a swimming dog. The owner of which seemed oblivious to the signs asking for dogs to kept out of the water. There are currently at least 36 Canada Geese on the lake with a couple defending territory on the island already. Coots and Moorhens alongside the Mallards are still around in good numbers.
Coppice Bog - a male Bullfinch stopped off briefly in the tree tops but not long enough forme to get good views. Two Song Thrushes were seriously belting out their song either side of the bog.
Heather Park - A pair of Goldcrests showed well in the path side trees. I heard at leats three Skylarks calling overhead, no doubt returning to their breeding grounds somewhere.
Racecourse Plantation - At least one Skylark was heard singing in the fields north of St.Ives from the plantation. Chaffinches were singing in the woods as well as a couple more Song Thrushes. A flck of Redwing were in the Beech trees over looking Altar Lane and were singing among themselves. In these same trees there were plenty of Tits and a few Nuthatches.
Blind Lane - A pair of Siskins were flying around chasing each other. A Dunnock was singing a duet with another across the fields.
Todays list: Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Redwing, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Greenfinch, Bullfinch.
4th February 2007
Today was my first walk around the estate in some time. I have visited to check one or two areas but not done the full circuit. I parked in the new car park and walked clockwise through Cuckoo's Nest Wood, past Coppice Pond, past Lady Blantyre's etc.....
Cuckoo's Nest Wood - a least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. I saw a pair together on a dead tree limb. Sadly the storms we had have blown a couple of trees down, one of which has totalled one of the nest boxes off another tree! nuthatches were in good voice as were the Song Thrushes who were really belting out their songs. Jays were not so shy today.
Coppice Pond - At least 38 Canada Geese were on the pond, more than recent weeks.
Ewe Hills - A large flock of Redwing were singing among themselves as they do on the warmer winter days.
Blind Lane - more Redwings in the fields. A small flock of Redpoll were joined by Siskins nearer Kettlewell Res.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood - a least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. I saw a pair together on a dead tree limb. Sadly the storms we had have blown a couple of trees down, one of which has totalled one of the nest boxes off another tree! nuthatches were in good voice as were the Song Thrushes who were really belting out their songs. Jays were not so shy today.
Coppice Pond - At least 38 Canada Geese were on the pond, more than recent weeks.
Ewe Hills - A large flock of Redwing were singing among themselves as they do on the warmer winter days.
Blind Lane - more Redwings in the fields. A small flock of Redpoll were joined by Siskins nearer Kettlewell Res.
4th February 2007
Today was my first walk around the estate in some time. I have visited to check one or two areas but not done the full circuit. I parked in the new car park and walked clockwise through Cuckoo's Nest Wood, past Coppice Pond, past Lady Blantyre's etc.....
Cuckoo's Nest Wood - a least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. I saw a pair together on a dead tree limb. Sadly the storms we had have blown a couple of trees down, one of which has totalled one of the nest boxes off another tree! nuthatches were in good voice as were the Song Thrushes who were really belting out their songs. Jays were not so shy today.
Coppice Pond - At least 38 Canada Geese were on the pond, more than recent weeks.
Ewe Hills - A large flock of Redwing were singing among themselves as they do on the warmer winter days.
Blind Lane - more Redwings in the fields. A small flock of Redpoll were joined by Siskins nearer Kettlewell Res.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood - a least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. I saw a pair together on a dead tree limb. Sadly the storms we had have blown a couple of trees down, one of which has totalled one of the nest boxes off another tree! nuthatches were in good voice as were the Song Thrushes who were really belting out their songs. Jays were not so shy today.
Coppice Pond - At least 38 Canada Geese were on the pond, more than recent weeks.
Ewe Hills - A large flock of Redwing were singing among themselves as they do on the warmer winter days.
Blind Lane - more Redwings in the fields. A small flock of Redpoll were joined by Siskins nearer Kettlewell Res.
27th December 2006
After over a week of murky misty overcast skies, today was glorious! Blue sky and sunshine and the birds responded. Everywhere I wondered there were plenty of birds calling and singing and even more foraging about the woods. My walk started at the Bingley entrance and went clockwise around the Estate.
Betty's Lodge - the woods here were very lively with birds. A feding party of Long-tailed Tits were joined by Blue, Coal and Great Tits, Nuthatches and two Treecreepers. A Great Spotted Woodpecker called deeper in the woods and at least two Jays were flying around screeching.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
A male Great Spotted Woodpecker was at an old nest hole practicing (?) his wood work skills. The woods had plenty of activety and Nuthatches were very vocal.
Coppice Pond - Three pairs of Goosander were still here as well as a Grey Heron. The 23 Canada Geese also remained, but the were no sing of the Little Grebe, Tufted Duck or Kingfisher I have seen recently.
Coppice Bog - 6 Siskins were feeding on an Alder, Bullfinches were calling in the bushes.
Racecourse Plantation - Several Goldcrests were heard but few were seen.
Blind Lane - A small party of Redwing, about ten, were still feeding on the berries alongside Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes.
In general a very pleasant walk with plenty to see, although it was all common species. Mistle and Song Thrushes are now starting to sing and today's weather encouraged them to do so.
Betty's Lodge - the woods here were very lively with birds. A feding party of Long-tailed Tits were joined by Blue, Coal and Great Tits, Nuthatches and two Treecreepers. A Great Spotted Woodpecker called deeper in the woods and at least two Jays were flying around screeching.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
A male Great Spotted Woodpecker was at an old nest hole practicing (?) his wood work skills. The woods had plenty of activety and Nuthatches were very vocal.
Coppice Pond - Three pairs of Goosander were still here as well as a Grey Heron. The 23 Canada Geese also remained, but the were no sing of the Little Grebe, Tufted Duck or Kingfisher I have seen recently.
Coppice Bog - 6 Siskins were feeding on an Alder, Bullfinches were calling in the bushes.
Racecourse Plantation - Several Goldcrests were heard but few were seen.
Blind Lane - A small party of Redwing, about ten, were still feeding on the berries alongside Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes.
In general a very pleasant walk with plenty to see, although it was all common species. Mistle and Song Thrushes are now starting to sing and today's weather encouraged them to do so.
24th December 2006
Today I attempted to empty some of the nest boxes that were put up two years ago by the council woodland officers. For this I have acquired a apir of telescopic ladders as they'll fit nicely into a car boot. Sadly even at 3.2 metres tall they aren't tall enough for me to be able to reach most of the boxes. I managed to reach two boxes, both of which had nests needing removal.
After searching for nest boxes which were low enough for me to reach I aborted my efforts and went a watched a few birds......
Coppice Pond; had a pair of Goosanders and the 23 Canada Geese were still present. There was no sign of yesterdays Kingfisher.
Bingley entrance; I had parked my car close to the Bingly entrance. When I got back to my car I noticed there were several birds about so I stood and watched. There are a few large Beech trees which were attracting at least 10 Chaffinches, several Blue Tits, a few Coal Tits and about 20 Great Tits. Also in the area were Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
After searching for nest boxes which were low enough for me to reach I aborted my efforts and went a watched a few birds......
Coppice Pond; had a pair of Goosanders and the 23 Canada Geese were still present. There was no sign of yesterdays Kingfisher.
Bingley entrance; I had parked my car close to the Bingly entrance. When I got back to my car I noticed there were several birds about so I stood and watched. There are a few large Beech trees which were attracting at least 10 Chaffinches, several Blue Tits, a few Coal Tits and about 20 Great Tits. Also in the area were Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
23rd December 2006
Coppice Pond:
Female Kingfisher, 23 Canada Geese, 16 Coot and the usual Moorhens and Mallards.
Didn't have a lot of time on my hands today so I just visited to see what was on the pond. The geese have returned and it was great to see a Kingfisher again. I presume these are doing well somewhere locally as I seem to be seeing a lot more nowadays in St.Ives.
Female Kingfisher, 23 Canada Geese, 16 Coot and the usual Moorhens and Mallards.
Didn't have a lot of time on my hands today so I just visited to see what was on the pond. The geese have returned and it was great to see a Kingfisher again. I presume these are doing well somewhere locally as I seem to be seeing a lot more nowadays in St.Ives.
16th December 2006
Quite a late start for me today as I ventured into the Estate grounds just before 11am. I started in the new car park at the eastern entrance and went anti-clockwise around the outer paths.
Woods adjacent to Betty's Lodge: Several Coal Tits and Goldcrest were heard as were a couple of Treecreepers. There were also a few Jays screaching in the back ground.
Ewe Hills: A feeding party containing the following: Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Hedge Accentor, Robin, Blackbird and Goldcrests.
Beech Wood near Druids Altar: There were many Chaffinches here but no sign of Brambling.
Racecourse Plantation: Another feeding party with similar species. A Tawny Owl was flushed by two Jays who continued to persue it through the woods.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area: more Bullfinches heard.
Coppice Pond: A lone female Goosander was all that was left of the roost flock. Sadly there was no sign of the Little Grebe and still no geese.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood: contained the usual mix of resident woodland species.
Overall there were plenty of birds actively feeding but no sign of any winter visitors.
Woods adjacent to Betty's Lodge: Several Coal Tits and Goldcrest were heard as were a couple of Treecreepers. There were also a few Jays screaching in the back ground.
Ewe Hills: A feeding party containing the following: Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Hedge Accentor, Robin, Blackbird and Goldcrests.
Beech Wood near Druids Altar: There were many Chaffinches here but no sign of Brambling.
Racecourse Plantation: Another feeding party with similar species. A Tawny Owl was flushed by two Jays who continued to persue it through the woods.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area: more Bullfinches heard.
Coppice Pond: A lone female Goosander was all that was left of the roost flock. Sadly there was no sign of the Little Grebe and still no geese.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood: contained the usual mix of resident woodland species.
Overall there were plenty of birds actively feeding but no sign of any winter visitors.
Coppice Pond area - 9th December 2006
After visiting a few sites before arriving at St.Ives, I decided to just have a slow wander around the Coppice Pond & Bog area. I did a loop from the Harden entrance, up the driveway to the pond and then past the bog and back down to the entrance.
Driveway: I heard my first singing Mistle Thrush of this winter period not long after getting out of my car. It was singing somewhere over towards Cuckoo's Nest Cottages. In the woods adjacent to the drive a feeding party containing Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, as well as Treecreeper worked it's way through the trees.
Coppice Pond: My first Little Grebe of this winter period was on the pond in the eastern corner. No doubt it has been pushed off the River Aire by the large amounts of rainfall. A lone female Goosander was all that was left of the potential roost last night. Once again there was no sign of the Canada Geese. The Little Grebe was again present on the 10th as I had a quick look when passing in the morning.
Coppice Bog: another feeding party was present in the trees between the pond and the bog. at the western edge of the bog there were several Jays making a right racket.
Driveway: I heard my first singing Mistle Thrush of this winter period not long after getting out of my car. It was singing somewhere over towards Cuckoo's Nest Cottages. In the woods adjacent to the drive a feeding party containing Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, as well as Treecreeper worked it's way through the trees.
Coppice Pond: My first Little Grebe of this winter period was on the pond in the eastern corner. No doubt it has been pushed off the River Aire by the large amounts of rainfall. A lone female Goosander was all that was left of the potential roost last night. Once again there was no sign of the Canada Geese. The Little Grebe was again present on the 10th as I had a quick look when passing in the morning.
Coppice Bog: another feeding party was present in the trees between the pond and the bog. at the western edge of the bog there were several Jays making a right racket.
Blind spot - 2nd December 2006
This morning felt very mild, about 10 degrees C, and the birds seemed to be quite active. I did my usual route, clockwise, around the Estate starting at Coppice Pond.....
Coppice Pond:
There were 14 Goosanders, 5 of which were adult males, but no sing of Tufted Ducks or Grebes.
The usual flock of Geese were also absent. A lone Grey Heron stood at the eastern end of the Pond, no doubt briefly as dog walkers were heading his way.
Coppice Bog:
Several Finches flew over, mostly Chaffinch and Greenfinch, which was pleasing as I thought this might have been a thing of the past now the Bog is clear of trees.
Racecourse Plantation:
Three Bullfinches arrived and fed in a Rowan. A single Redpoll flew over. There was a feeding party with several Goldcrests among the various Tit species.
Blind Lane:
Finally! A party of 70+ Redwing were feeding on berries down Blind Lane. I also heard a Fieldfare but couldn't find it among the Redwing. I did manage to find a single Brambling though.
At the base of the tree which had the bulk of the Redwing in, I spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker feding about half a metre off the ground. Also present was a flock of 75+ Black-headed Gulls trying to settle on the golf course driving range or the Turf research centre lawns. There were plenty of common residents here also. Jays also came and went. So I had a very pleasant time standing and watching several species.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
Jays were on show and quite noisy in places, as were Nuthatches and Woodpeckers. A very high flying Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by a Crow.
An extremely pleasing walk around the Estate this morning with many species on show.
Coppice Pond:
There were 14 Goosanders, 5 of which were adult males, but no sing of Tufted Ducks or Grebes.
The usual flock of Geese were also absent. A lone Grey Heron stood at the eastern end of the Pond, no doubt briefly as dog walkers were heading his way.
Coppice Bog:
Several Finches flew over, mostly Chaffinch and Greenfinch, which was pleasing as I thought this might have been a thing of the past now the Bog is clear of trees.
Racecourse Plantation:
Three Bullfinches arrived and fed in a Rowan. A single Redpoll flew over. There was a feeding party with several Goldcrests among the various Tit species.
Blind Lane:
Finally! A party of 70+ Redwing were feeding on berries down Blind Lane. I also heard a Fieldfare but couldn't find it among the Redwing. I did manage to find a single Brambling though.
At the base of the tree which had the bulk of the Redwing in, I spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker feding about half a metre off the ground. Also present was a flock of 75+ Black-headed Gulls trying to settle on the golf course driving range or the Turf research centre lawns. There were plenty of common residents here also. Jays also came and went. So I had a very pleasant time standing and watching several species.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
Jays were on show and quite noisy in places, as were Nuthatches and Woodpeckers. A very high flying Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by a Crow.
An extremely pleasing walk around the Estate this morning with many species on show.
19th November 2006
Coppice Pond:
3 Goosander (Imm male & 2 Females), 21 Canada Geese,
Mallards, Coot and Moorhens.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
A flock of Pink-footed Geese flew over but were hidden by the trees, so I couldn't count them or get a definite direction. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jays and Nuthatches present.
Generally very quiet today despite the decent weather. No Sign of any winter passerines and it was quite frustrating to have only heard the Pink-footed Geese going overhead.
3 Goosander (Imm male & 2 Females), 21 Canada Geese,
Mallards, Coot and Moorhens.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
A flock of Pink-footed Geese flew over but were hidden by the trees, so I couldn't count them or get a definite direction. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jays and Nuthatches present.
Generally very quiet today despite the decent weather. No Sign of any winter passerines and it was quite frustrating to have only heard the Pink-footed Geese going overhead.
12th November 2006
Today I parked in the new car park near the Bingley entrance and walked anit-clockwise around the Estate, which is the opposite way round to my usual route.
Conifer plantation near Car park and Betty's Lodge:
A party of about 30, Goldfinch were feeding in the Larch trees along the edge of the wood. A Grat Spotted Woodpecker flew across the car park. There were several Jays in the woods. A male Kestrel was sat on the pylon wires at the reservoir side of the wood.
Crossgates Barn area:
Treecreepers were heard in the woods opposite the barn.
Racecourse Plantation:
No sign of Redpoll or Siskin, but a feeding party of Tits and 'Crests were heard.
Coppice Bog area:
A party of Goldcrests were "pished" down from the tree tops and came very close.
Coppice Pond:
2 adult male and 4 female Goosanders were present today, as well as a male Tufted Duck. The usual flock of Canada Geese and Mallards were keeping a watchful eye out for bread. The 30+ strong flock of Black-headed Gulls didn't include any other type of Gull species.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
Very quiet except for the occasional calls of Nuthatches and Jays.
A pleasant walk but no sign of any winter visitors at all and no passage over head of anything was noted.
Conifer plantation near Car park and Betty's Lodge:
A party of about 30, Goldfinch were feeding in the Larch trees along the edge of the wood. A Grat Spotted Woodpecker flew across the car park. There were several Jays in the woods. A male Kestrel was sat on the pylon wires at the reservoir side of the wood.
Crossgates Barn area:
Treecreepers were heard in the woods opposite the barn.
Racecourse Plantation:
No sign of Redpoll or Siskin, but a feeding party of Tits and 'Crests were heard.
Coppice Bog area:
A party of Goldcrests were "pished" down from the tree tops and came very close.
Coppice Pond:
2 adult male and 4 female Goosanders were present today, as well as a male Tufted Duck. The usual flock of Canada Geese and Mallards were keeping a watchful eye out for bread. The 30+ strong flock of Black-headed Gulls didn't include any other type of Gull species.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
Very quiet except for the occasional calls of Nuthatches and Jays.
A pleasant walk but no sign of any winter visitors at all and no passage over head of anything was noted.
4th November 2006
Today was my first walk around St.Ives for quite a few weeks.
After a couple of days with frosty starts today was actually quite mild. I was hoping the birds would be taking advantage of the slightly warmer conditions and be very active. If they were they weren't active around me!
Coppice Pond: had the usual Mallards and Coot, with a collection of Black-headed Gulls. No sign of any Grebes but 5 Goosander were present. An adult male, 1st winter male, 2 adult females and a 1st winter female.
Coppice Bog: A small flock of finches flew overhead including Chaffinch and at least one Brambling (the first of this winter period).
Heather Park: A lone Redpoll flew over.
Racecourse Plantation: Another single Redpoll flew over
Cuckoo's Nest Wood: Very quiet except for the Wrens and Robins singing. I did manage a glimpse of a Nuthatch, but I saw very little else. I heard several Treecreepers and Jays as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
All in all, a nice morning for a walk but sadly very little wildlife on show. Amazingly there was no sign of any Redwing or Fieldfare despite the recent influx into the country.
After a couple of days with frosty starts today was actually quite mild. I was hoping the birds would be taking advantage of the slightly warmer conditions and be very active. If they were they weren't active around me!
Coppice Pond: had the usual Mallards and Coot, with a collection of Black-headed Gulls. No sign of any Grebes but 5 Goosander were present. An adult male, 1st winter male, 2 adult females and a 1st winter female.
Coppice Bog: A small flock of finches flew overhead including Chaffinch and at least one Brambling (the first of this winter period).
Heather Park: A lone Redpoll flew over.
Racecourse Plantation: Another single Redpoll flew over
Cuckoo's Nest Wood: Very quiet except for the Wrens and Robins singing. I did manage a glimpse of a Nuthatch, but I saw very little else. I heard several Treecreepers and Jays as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
All in all, a nice morning for a walk but sadly very little wildlife on show. Amazingly there was no sign of any Redwing or Fieldfare despite the recent influx into the country.
October
With the passing of October, just about all our summer migrant birds will have departed. There might still be the odd sighting of Chiffchaff into November.
Winter visitors, such as Fieldfare & Redwing, have arrived into the Bradford area in general. Bramblings have also been seen and Siskin and Redpoll numbers have swelled.
Winter visitors, such as Fieldfare & Redwing, have arrived into the Bradford area in general. Bramblings have also been seen and Siskin and Redpoll numbers have swelled.
September
As I am not spending much time in St.Ives ,due to the migration of birds elsewhere, there isn't and won't be a great deal of news from the wildlife of St.Ives. I hope to have a wander around very soon. October will be even worse for sightings as I will be out of the country for most of the month.
6th August 2006
Coppice Pond: Had well over 20 Common Blue Damselfy, some of which were laying eggs in the water. The Coot numbers have been swelled by several successful broods this year, but this has been detrimental to the Moorhen as only one pair appear to have bred. A female Mallard had some more downy youngsters.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area: Plenty of common woodland bird species about with young.
Racecourse Plantation: I heard at least one young Sparrowhawk calling here, though I doubt they have bred at this location. Once again plenty of common woodland species were present including family parties of Coal Tit. A Bullfinch was heard calling here.
Kettlewell Reservoir: A female Whitethroat was spotted in the bushes on the edge of the dis-used reservoir as well as young Chiffchaff and Swallows perched up for a rest. The pond life here was great, with several Common Blue Damselflies about as well as Pond Skaters and Water Boatmen.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area: Plenty of common woodland bird species about with young.
Racecourse Plantation: I heard at least one young Sparrowhawk calling here, though I doubt they have bred at this location. Once again plenty of common woodland species were present including family parties of Coal Tit. A Bullfinch was heard calling here.
Kettlewell Reservoir: A female Whitethroat was spotted in the bushes on the edge of the dis-used reservoir as well as young Chiffchaff and Swallows perched up for a rest. The pond life here was great, with several Common Blue Damselflies about as well as Pond Skaters and Water Boatmen.
2nd July 2006
Coppice Pond and Cuckoo's Nest:
I only found time to have a short walk in St.Ives today, starting off by visaiting Coppice Pond. Here I found 2 broods of well grown Coot juveniles and 2 broods of small downy young still in the next. I spotted a Moorhen with fledged downy young on the edge of the island. The multitude of Canada Geese and their young were all fast asleep on the island itself.
In the woods, very few birds were singing despite the sunny day. 2 Chiffchaff and only one Blackcap could be bothered enough to sing, while very few resident species followed suit. This is undoubtedly due to them all having fledged young to feed. I did manage to see Spotted Flycatcher catch a butterfly, but didn't see any youngsters with it.
On the insect front I saw 2 Speckled Wood butterflies in Cuckoo's Nest. There were also several blue Damselflies on the lillies on Coppice Pond, I presume they were Common Blue Damselfly.
I only found time to have a short walk in St.Ives today, starting off by visaiting Coppice Pond. Here I found 2 broods of well grown Coot juveniles and 2 broods of small downy young still in the next. I spotted a Moorhen with fledged downy young on the edge of the island. The multitude of Canada Geese and their young were all fast asleep on the island itself.
In the woods, very few birds were singing despite the sunny day. 2 Chiffchaff and only one Blackcap could be bothered enough to sing, while very few resident species followed suit. This is undoubtedly due to them all having fledged young to feed. I did manage to see Spotted Flycatcher catch a butterfly, but didn't see any youngsters with it.
On the insect front I saw 2 Speckled Wood butterflies in Cuckoo's Nest. There were also several blue Damselflies on the lillies on Coppice Pond, I presume they were Common Blue Damselfly.
24th June 2006
Today's sightings included a couple of interesting birds. The first was a Siskin flying overhead from Lady Blantyre's Rock heading North East. This birds presence at this time of year suggests that there marbe a pair breeding locally if not in St.Ives. Hopefully a familt party will be seen in the next couple of weeks.......
A male Tree Pipit at Heather Park was the second decent sighting of this mornings walk. This is also intriguing as it's been about a month since I last saw one in the same spot singing. Have they managed to stay and breed or is it a failed breeder from elsewhere trying his luck ?
The rest of my walk went true to form, all the usual woodland species and most of them now have fledged young. Three pairs of Coots were at three different stages in their breeding cycle. One pair had independant young, another had downy young, while the third were doing some home improvements preparing for the next clutch! Also on Coppice Pond 13 well grown Canada Geese goslings were in a creche while 16 adults were keeping their distance.
In the woods, Great Spotted Woodpeckers were everywhere with young not far behind. Jays were also very vocal all around the Estate grounds. Swallows were seen zooming low over the STRI grounds with young sat on the fences eagerly waiting to be fed. A feeding party of c30 Swifts were found over Racecourse Plantation.
Three Chiffchaff and several Blackcap are still singing alongside the omnipresent Wrens.
A male Tree Pipit at Heather Park was the second decent sighting of this mornings walk. This is also intriguing as it's been about a month since I last saw one in the same spot singing. Have they managed to stay and breed or is it a failed breeder from elsewhere trying his luck ?
The rest of my walk went true to form, all the usual woodland species and most of them now have fledged young. Three pairs of Coots were at three different stages in their breeding cycle. One pair had independant young, another had downy young, while the third were doing some home improvements preparing for the next clutch! Also on Coppice Pond 13 well grown Canada Geese goslings were in a creche while 16 adults were keeping their distance.
In the woods, Great Spotted Woodpeckers were everywhere with young not far behind. Jays were also very vocal all around the Estate grounds. Swallows were seen zooming low over the STRI grounds with young sat on the fences eagerly waiting to be fed. A feeding party of c30 Swifts were found over Racecourse Plantation.
Three Chiffchaff and several Blackcap are still singing alongside the omnipresent Wrens.
Summer sightings to watch for
As we're now, alledgedly, in summer time most of the bird life in St.Ives will have youngster in tow. There should be many large parties moving through the tree tops. You're probably more likely to hear them rather than see them because of the foliage on the trees. If you do encounter parties crossing the path in front of you during a walk, it's worth just standing quietly and counting how many birds you see. Birds such as Long-tailed Tits can have upto 14 young following them around.
On the sunnier days it's also worth watching for Butterflies and Dragonflies. There are several species of both in St.Ives.
On the sunnier days it's also worth watching for Butterflies and Dragonflies. There are several species of both in St.Ives.
Nest boxes 2006
Earlier this year the woodland officers from the council kindly put up another 100 nest boxes. This time they went up largely in the wood above Beckfoot Lane with a few in Cuckoo's nest and near Betty's Lodge.
Sadly due to work commitments I haven't been able to check the boxes for inhabitants sufficiently well. I have managed to find that 35 Blue Tits and 2 Great Tit pairs have used the boxes. There could easily have been a lot more during May which I have missed.
Sadly due to work commitments I haven't been able to check the boxes for inhabitants sufficiently well. I have managed to find that 35 Blue Tits and 2 Great Tit pairs have used the boxes. There could easily have been a lot more during May which I have missed.
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