Long-eared Owl
A birding friend of mine visited St.Ives on 21st August sometime in the afternoon. Not expecting to see a great deal given the time of day and year he didn't take his binoculars. This is always a mistake when a birder as you're bound to need them, and he did. A young Long-eared Owl was calling and flying around near Lady Blantyre's Rock.
July so far....
I've not been around St.Ives for a while, partly due to the weather, partly to do with the breeding season making it harder to see woodland species.
Recently there has been a lone Mute Swan on Coppice Pond, this is a first for me in over twenty years! Also a male Tufted Duck was present early July, that left me wondering if they had stayed to breed but I could find no sign of a female on a nest and so far there hasn't been any sightings of her with young.
I ventured in on Sunday 15th to help set up for the Pageant. Though I didn't see many birds I did notice the following as I was going about my duties:
Sparrowhawk circling over Blind Lane. The Swallows have been successful as there were many of them flying around the stables. A Grey Wagtail kept visiting the Mansion area where I was directing traffic. There were at least three Chiffchaff singing. Jays and Nuthatches were making a lot of noise.
I also had a couple of sightings of a fox.
Recently there has been a lone Mute Swan on Coppice Pond, this is a first for me in over twenty years! Also a male Tufted Duck was present early July, that left me wondering if they had stayed to breed but I could find no sign of a female on a nest and so far there hasn't been any sightings of her with young.
I ventured in on Sunday 15th to help set up for the Pageant. Though I didn't see many birds I did notice the following as I was going about my duties:
Sparrowhawk circling over Blind Lane. The Swallows have been successful as there were many of them flying around the stables. A Grey Wagtail kept visiting the Mansion area where I was directing traffic. There were at least three Chiffchaff singing. Jays and Nuthatches were making a lot of noise.
I also had a couple of sightings of a fox.
10th June 2007
An early morning wander produced many sightings of juveniles fledged from nests of various species. No sightings of either Flycatchers though.
25th May 2007
Spotted Flycatcher was seen this morning in Cuckoo Nest Wood, between next box 36 and the steps up to the Ferrand's Oak.
19th May 2007
Another scheduled bird walk for the Friends of St.Ives, this one being attended by three Bradford Ornithological Group members. This week we dropped down into Cuckoo Nest Wood to try and see the Pied Flycatcher first and then walked up past the reservoir and Racecourse plantation and down to Lady Blantyre and finally Coppice Pond.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
Unfortunately the high winds kept many of the songbirds from singing and those that were singing were harder to hear. However, after what seemed an eternity we found the male Pied Flycatcher as he sang. He'd been very elusive as this week he has moved to the woods up hill from nest box 39 and is no longer right next to the path. We discovered a Blue Tit pair are using box 14. Male Blackcap and Chiffchaff were using the same tree to sing from. Nuthatches were seen throughout and we had one sigting of a Jay.
Betty's Lodge
After entering the woods near Betty's Lodge we saw a family party of Long-tailed Tits
White Cotes Barn
A male Sparrowhawk was viewed for a while as it past us and headed away over the woods around Betty's Lodge.
Crossgates Barn
A male Kestrel was seen hunting toward the golf course. A pair of Swallows were feeding close by.
Racecourse Plantation
Goldcrest and Treecreeper were heard and then seen. A distant song drowned out by the wind may have been a Redstart.
Coppice Pond
3 pairs of Canada Geese had 3, 7 and 2 juveniles in tow. No sign of the Tufted Ducks.
I totalled up later and reckon we had at least 12 singing male Blackcaps and 6 Chiffchaffs.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
Unfortunately the high winds kept many of the songbirds from singing and those that were singing were harder to hear. However, after what seemed an eternity we found the male Pied Flycatcher as he sang. He'd been very elusive as this week he has moved to the woods up hill from nest box 39 and is no longer right next to the path. We discovered a Blue Tit pair are using box 14. Male Blackcap and Chiffchaff were using the same tree to sing from. Nuthatches were seen throughout and we had one sigting of a Jay.
Betty's Lodge
After entering the woods near Betty's Lodge we saw a family party of Long-tailed Tits
White Cotes Barn
A male Sparrowhawk was viewed for a while as it past us and headed away over the woods around Betty's Lodge.
Crossgates Barn
A male Kestrel was seen hunting toward the golf course. A pair of Swallows were feeding close by.
Racecourse Plantation
Goldcrest and Treecreeper were heard and then seen. A distant song drowned out by the wind may have been a Redstart.
Coppice Pond
3 pairs of Canada Geese had 3, 7 and 2 juveniles in tow. No sign of the Tufted Ducks.
I totalled up later and reckon we had at least 12 singing male Blackcaps and 6 Chiffchaffs.
12th & 13th May 2007
Pied Flycatcher has arrived in St.Ives!!!!
After two years of hoping we currently have a male singing outside nest box 36. Fingers crossed he'll attract a mate and or more males into the woods as there is plenty of real estate available.
Box 36 is east of the old barn in Cuckoo Nest Wood.
In general there are several singing Blackcaps and Willow Warblers with at least 6 male Chiffchaff. Only one Garden Warbler has returned so far and only one Whitethroat is singing on the southern edge of the estate. Wood Warblers are yet to come back.
I'm still waiting for the Spotted Flycatchers to return as well as Tree Pipit. There is still no sign of Redstarts after a few years of them not returning.
Other boxes currently being used are as follows:
Blue Tits are in boxes 66, 59, 40, 37 and 4
Great Tits are in box 34
These are only my observations, if you know of more please do get in touch.
Thanks!
After two years of hoping we currently have a male singing outside nest box 36. Fingers crossed he'll attract a mate and or more males into the woods as there is plenty of real estate available.
Box 36 is east of the old barn in Cuckoo Nest Wood.
In general there are several singing Blackcaps and Willow Warblers with at least 6 male Chiffchaff. Only one Garden Warbler has returned so far and only one Whitethroat is singing on the southern edge of the estate. Wood Warblers are yet to come back.
I'm still waiting for the Spotted Flycatchers to return as well as Tree Pipit. There is still no sign of Redstarts after a few years of them not returning.
Other boxes currently being used are as follows:
Blue Tits are in boxes 66, 59, 40, 37 and 4
Great Tits are in box 34
These are only my observations, if you know of more please do get in touch.
Thanks!
6th May 2007
A quick wonder around the circuit today hoping to stop for the likes of Tree Pipit, Redstart, Pied & Spotted Flycatchers as well as Wood Warblers.
None of the above were seen! It appears that we're back to normal after a few weeeks of early arrivals during April, with St.Ives lagging behind everywhere else for migrants of course!
Cuckoo Nest Wood -
typical species such as Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch were all seen
Coppice Pond -
The pair of Tufted Duck are still hanging around but no sign of breeding yet
Heather Park -
plenty of Meadow Pipits and Willow Warblers but no Tree Pipit, yet.
Two Barns Area -
no sign of the Garden Warbler heard during my last visit.
Kettlewell Res -
a male Kestrel passed overhead.
None of the above were seen! It appears that we're back to normal after a few weeeks of early arrivals during April, with St.Ives lagging behind everywhere else for migrants of course!
Cuckoo Nest Wood -
typical species such as Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch were all seen
Coppice Pond -
The pair of Tufted Duck are still hanging around but no sign of breeding yet
Heather Park -
plenty of Meadow Pipits and Willow Warblers but no Tree Pipit, yet.
Two Barns Area -
no sign of the Garden Warbler heard during my last visit.
Kettlewell Res -
a male Kestrel passed overhead.
28th April 2007
Another complete circuit was done this weekend, starting in the new car park and heading into Cuckoo Nest Wood.
Cuckoo Nest Wood: Plenty of Blackcaps singing as more had obvisouly arrived recently, I listened to one break into his mimicry song as a female approached. There seems to be bit more activety at the nest boxes with a Blue Tit at box 34 and Great Tit at box 5. There were at least 3 Chiffchaff singing.
Coppice Pond: The Canada Geese have bred with at least one family of goslings hatched. The Tufted Ducks were not seen but hopefully they are still present. Coot and Moorhen have both nested.
Coppice Bog: Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler singing.
Heather Park: several Willow Warblers singing
Two Barns area: Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warblers were all in full song, and a Garden Warbler has thankfully returned.
I'm hopeful that in the coming weeks I'll be seeing other summer migrants such as Tree Pipits, Redstarts, Wood Warblers, Spotted Flycatchers and (fingers crossed) Pied Flycatchers. It'll be interesting this year to see how many Spotted Flycatchers turn up as at one point last year there were 6 singing males, which was extraordinary.
Cuckoo Nest Wood: Plenty of Blackcaps singing as more had obvisouly arrived recently, I listened to one break into his mimicry song as a female approached. There seems to be bit more activety at the nest boxes with a Blue Tit at box 34 and Great Tit at box 5. There were at least 3 Chiffchaff singing.
Coppice Pond: The Canada Geese have bred with at least one family of goslings hatched. The Tufted Ducks were not seen but hopefully they are still present. Coot and Moorhen have both nested.
Coppice Bog: Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler singing.
Heather Park: several Willow Warblers singing
Two Barns area: Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warblers were all in full song, and a Garden Warbler has thankfully returned.
I'm hopeful that in the coming weeks I'll be seeing other summer migrants such as Tree Pipits, Redstarts, Wood Warblers, Spotted Flycatchers and (fingers crossed) Pied Flycatchers. It'll be interesting this year to see how many Spotted Flycatchers turn up as at one point last year there were 6 singing males, which was extraordinary.
12th April 2007
I managed a complete circuit today while having a break from work. Starting frm the new car park I walked clockwise around the Estate.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
plenty of Nuthatches and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Three Chiffchaff were in song.
Coppice Pond:
We appear to be down to just the birds that are staying to breed as numbers have dropped. Coot and Moorhen are nesting as are abou three pairs of Canada Geese.
Coppice Bog: Chiffchaff singing
Heather Park: several Meadow Pipits singing
Druid's Altar:
At least 4 Willow Warblers were singing, the latest arrivals for the summer.
Crossgates Barn Area:
Both Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing.
Ewe Hills Plantation:
I counted 14 Jay together in a very vocal group.
Not a bad walk that took 2 hours to complete. I counted 7 Chiffchaff in total and 4 Blackcaps. The group of Jays I found very interesting watching as they appeared to be pairing off and dispersing. Song Thrushes were singing all over the Estate grounds.
Cuckoo Nest Wood:
plenty of Nuthatches and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Three Chiffchaff were in song.
Coppice Pond:
We appear to be down to just the birds that are staying to breed as numbers have dropped. Coot and Moorhen are nesting as are abou three pairs of Canada Geese.
Coppice Bog: Chiffchaff singing
Heather Park: several Meadow Pipits singing
Druid's Altar:
At least 4 Willow Warblers were singing, the latest arrivals for the summer.
Crossgates Barn Area:
Both Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing.
Ewe Hills Plantation:
I counted 14 Jay together in a very vocal group.
Not a bad walk that took 2 hours to complete. I counted 7 Chiffchaff in total and 4 Blackcaps. The group of Jays I found very interesting watching as they appeared to be pairing off and dispersing. Song Thrushes were singing all over the Estate grounds.
24th & 25th March 2007
Saturday 24th March:
As I was on official business around Coppice Pond a friend of mine wandered the Estate birding. Unfortunately for me he managed to see a Red Kite heading north up the Aire Valley away from St.Ives. I have yet to see a Red Kite on "my patch"! He also managed to see a male Blackcap, the first to return this spring, singing to itself near the Druid's Altar exit. On Coppice Pond there were a pair of Tufted Duck. Together we saw a Chiffchaff in Cuckoo Nest Wood.
Sunday 25th March:
I wandered around the Estate hoping to repeat the luck my former friend had as noted above. Sadly I didn't. I did manage to see and hear a singing Chiffchaff which was my first singing one in the Estate this year at Coppice Bog. I also bumped into a flock of 12+Redpoll as well as a couple of Siskin. Generally the woods are alive with bird song in the mornings at the moment and this should slowly get evn better as move through April and into May.
As I was on official business around Coppice Pond a friend of mine wandered the Estate birding. Unfortunately for me he managed to see a Red Kite heading north up the Aire Valley away from St.Ives. I have yet to see a Red Kite on "my patch"! He also managed to see a male Blackcap, the first to return this spring, singing to itself near the Druid's Altar exit. On Coppice Pond there were a pair of Tufted Duck. Together we saw a Chiffchaff in Cuckoo Nest Wood.
Sunday 25th March:
I wandered around the Estate hoping to repeat the luck my former friend had as noted above. Sadly I didn't. I did manage to see and hear a singing Chiffchaff which was my first singing one in the Estate this year at Coppice Bog. I also bumped into a flock of 12+Redpoll as well as a couple of Siskin. Generally the woods are alive with bird song in the mornings at the moment and this should slowly get evn better as move through April and into May.
10th March 2007
Quite a late start for me this morning, as late as 9.30am! Thankfully the birds were still on show and in song. I managed a complete circuit starting from the new car park clockwise around the Estate.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
Nuthatches and Woodpeckers were announcing themselves often. The whole wood seemed to be alive with bird song. No sign of any Chiffchaff yet but it is still early for them. Jays were visible and noisy and a female Sparrowhawk was spotted on her rounds. A dead Grey Squirrel was found at the path side, completely unmarked.
Coppice Pond - A pair of Tufted Ducks were looking a bit nervous as the dog walker numbers were rising. Still good numbers of Canada Geese but no sign of the Grebe or Goosanders. Spawn of either frog or toad was seen in the shallow areas.
Coppice Bog - Bullfinch were heard.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area - Two Bullfinches were calling with the male breaking out into what could be called a song but it's very basic. 3 Coal Tits were very vocal.
Racecourse Plantation - A Skylark was heard singing in the fields to the north. A flock of Redwings appeared near the pylon.
Blind Lane - 3 Redpoll were chasing each other near the dis-used reservoir. Pied Wagtails have returned to the Estate and were feeding on the lawns of the Turf Research grounds.
A pleasant walk during a mild morning which wasn't very sunny. Plenty of bird life activity.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
Nuthatches and Woodpeckers were announcing themselves often. The whole wood seemed to be alive with bird song. No sign of any Chiffchaff yet but it is still early for them. Jays were visible and noisy and a female Sparrowhawk was spotted on her rounds. A dead Grey Squirrel was found at the path side, completely unmarked.
Coppice Pond - A pair of Tufted Ducks were looking a bit nervous as the dog walker numbers were rising. Still good numbers of Canada Geese but no sign of the Grebe or Goosanders. Spawn of either frog or toad was seen in the shallow areas.
Coppice Bog - Bullfinch were heard.
Lady Blantyre's Rock area - Two Bullfinches were calling with the male breaking out into what could be called a song but it's very basic. 3 Coal Tits were very vocal.
Racecourse Plantation - A Skylark was heard singing in the fields to the north. A flock of Redwings appeared near the pylon.
Blind Lane - 3 Redpoll were chasing each other near the dis-used reservoir. Pied Wagtails have returned to the Estate and were feeding on the lawns of the Turf Research grounds.
A pleasant walk during a mild morning which wasn't very sunny. Plenty of bird life activity.
24th February 2007
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.
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.
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