Below is an email sent by B.Nield after his first visit into St.Ives Estate.
Hello, I had a trip up to St.Ives Estate yesterday & had a walk around the
coppice pond area & a long sit in the new observation area. There were 30+ Canada Geese, 20+ B.H.Gulls, 15+ Mallards, 6 coot & a Moorhen on the water, unfortunately getting severly harrassed by Dogs jumping into the water after them.
At the feeding station:
Robins:5, Not fighting just all feeding in different areas together.
Dunnocks:3, Same as Robins not fighting.
Pheasants:1M & 1F, very shy but male came out when it was quiet.
Wood Pigeons:6, Mega shy usually came out when no people in hide. Managed
2 when on my own. Great Tits:8+, Blue Tits:3, Coal Tits:6, L.T. Tits : 2's & occasional party of 5. Nuthatch:3 at one time. Chaffinch:1 lonely female. Treecreeper:1, had a good look around the trees at the station on 2 occasions. Sparrowhawk:1, only a fleeting glance against the sun, so no way to sex. Blackbirds:2 pairs, again no fighting all feeding together. I also saw a wood mouse nip out for a few seeds & there were 6
Squirrels at one time.
Brambling 09/11/2008
A male Brambling was found at the new feeding station. Here it is pictured with a Coal Tit.
October News
Thanks to a winning bid FoSI were awarded funds via the WREN project. Part of our plan was to have a bird hide over looking a feeding area. On the 21st October the bird hide was officially opened. The hide is along the main path past Coppice Pond. It has already been a success with people and the birds! Below are some images taken from the hide.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Blue Tit
Missing migrants
This year St.Ives appears to have missed out on some birds it used to attract.
Redstarts, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher all used to be annual visitors. Pied Flycatchers were hopefully going to be encouraged back into Cuckoo Nest Wood with the erection of about 200 nest boxes. In 2007 we did get a male singing for about ten days but he didn't return this year. The first four mentioned have been missing for a few years now with only Wood Warbler putting in appearances though these have finally dwindled to zero this year.
On top of that this year St.Ives didn't have any singing Garden Warblers at all to my knowledge. Though we have gained Whitethroat these are only turning up and singing and not holding territory.
Redstarts, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher all used to be annual visitors. Pied Flycatchers were hopefully going to be encouraged back into Cuckoo Nest Wood with the erection of about 200 nest boxes. In 2007 we did get a male singing for about ten days but he didn't return this year. The first four mentioned have been missing for a few years now with only Wood Warbler putting in appearances though these have finally dwindled to zero this year.
On top of that this year St.Ives didn't have any singing Garden Warblers at all to my knowledge. Though we have gained Whitethroat these are only turning up and singing and not holding territory.
Dawn Chorus 2008
Two guided walks took place on the 3rd and 10th May which were tied into the International Dawn Chorus Day, which was promoted by the BBC.
Both walks were well attended by 9 and 7 people.
Complete novices and birding beginners were introduced to the various bird songs as we made our way around the estate grounds. Though nothing rare was seen or heard, those whom attended marvelled at the songs of Song Thrush and Blackcap. By the end of the walks many were picking out "their own" Chiffchaffs.
The awe factor was provided by the female Goosander and her 11 ducklings all sat out in the sunshine preening.
Sadly, the star summer migrants haven't arrived even now, so we didn't get to listen to Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Garden Warbler
Both walks were well attended by 9 and 7 people.
Complete novices and birding beginners were introduced to the various bird songs as we made our way around the estate grounds. Though nothing rare was seen or heard, those whom attended marvelled at the songs of Song Thrush and Blackcap. By the end of the walks many were picking out "their own" Chiffchaffs.
The awe factor was provided by the female Goosander and her 11 ducklings all sat out in the sunshine preening.
Sadly, the star summer migrants haven't arrived even now, so we didn't get to listen to Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Garden Warbler
April 2008
With March being much colder this year than of late, summer migrant species were late to return. April started in a similar vein but eventually migrants started arriving. Chiffchaffs & Blackcaps normally arrive in March but didn't start turning up until mid-April. By the end of April there were at least 9 singing Chiffchaff and 4 singing Blackcaps. Willow Warblers were also back but not in good numbers.
There have been a few sightings of a Common Buzzard over St.Ives and the surrounding area, though nobody has managed to see a pair.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been drumming in several locations around the estate.
I have only heard the Green Woodpecker once though.
Coots, Canada Geese and Moorhens are all sat on nests.
When the weather improves we should have an influx of migrants, fingers crossed it'll be soon...............
There have been a few sightings of a Common Buzzard over St.Ives and the surrounding area, though nobody has managed to see a pair.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been drumming in several locations around the estate.
I have only heard the Green Woodpecker once though.
Coots, Canada Geese and Moorhens are all sat on nests.
When the weather improves we should have an influx of migrants, fingers crossed it'll be soon...............
24th March 2008
A full circuit starting from the new car park, clockwise through Cuckoo Nest Wood, past Coppice Pond & bog, past Lady Blantyre's Rock and into Racecourse Plantation via Heather Park.
Cuckoo Nest Wood; Plenty of bird song from Song and Mistle Thrushes. At least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. Nuthatches were also in good voice and quite active.
Coppice Pond; A pair of Goosanders graced the pond. 29 Canada Geese made their presence felt but the Mallard numbers appeared to be low. Coot numbers were good with 12 present.
Lady Blantyre's Rock; Both Siskin and Redpoll flew over head.
Racecourse Plantation; Another woodpecker was drumming.
On the whole spring was in the air but not summer as both Chiffchaff and Blackcaps have yet to arrive.
Cuckoo Nest Wood; Plenty of bird song from Song and Mistle Thrushes. At least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. Nuthatches were also in good voice and quite active.
Coppice Pond; A pair of Goosanders graced the pond. 29 Canada Geese made their presence felt but the Mallard numbers appeared to be low. Coot numbers were good with 12 present.
Lady Blantyre's Rock; Both Siskin and Redpoll flew over head.
Racecourse Plantation; Another woodpecker was drumming.
On the whole spring was in the air but not summer as both Chiffchaff and Blackcaps have yet to arrive.
January 2008
The Mute Swan has departed and has not returned, and he has not returned to East Riddlesden Hall where he spent his adolescence.
Goosanders have been seen occasionally usually in pairs on Coppice Pond.
The Canada Geese have returned in force with at least 22 present most days.
In the woods Siskins have been found in flocks of 20+ around the Lady Blantyre's Rock area and in Racecourse Plantation. One or two Redpoll have been seen with them.
Many birds have started singing now with good numbers of Robin, Chaffinch joining the Song Thrushes and Blackbirds in the dawn chorus.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are now drumming in the woods.
Some birds have started pairing off and even nest prospecting though it'll be a while before they start breeding.
On the sunny warmer days one or two Butterflies have been seen.
Goosanders have been seen occasionally usually in pairs on Coppice Pond.
The Canada Geese have returned in force with at least 22 present most days.
In the woods Siskins have been found in flocks of 20+ around the Lady Blantyre's Rock area and in Racecourse Plantation. One or two Redpoll have been seen with them.
Many birds have started singing now with good numbers of Robin, Chaffinch joining the Song Thrushes and Blackbirds in the dawn chorus.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are now drumming in the woods.
Some birds have started pairing off and even nest prospecting though it'll be a while before they start breeding.
On the sunny warmer days one or two Butterflies have been seen.
23rd December 2007
A full circuit today produced few birds but at least the weather was nice for a change.
Coppice Pond
The male Mute Swan is still present (no doubt sometime soon he'll be "named")
No sign of any geese or visiting waterfowl. Plenty of Moorhen and Coot among the army of Mallards.
Racecourse Plantation
Siskins were heard overhead. A party of Long-tailed Tits contained Goldcrests and Coal Tits.
Golf Course - fields adjacent to the second tee.
On the dry stone wall a pair of Little Owls sunning themselves were interupted by a Grey Squirrel. One flew off but the other just ignored it by pretending to be a stone.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
Nuthatches were vocal but difficult to locate. However we saw at least 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Coppice Pond
The male Mute Swan is still present (no doubt sometime soon he'll be "named")
No sign of any geese or visiting waterfowl. Plenty of Moorhen and Coot among the army of Mallards.
Racecourse Plantation
Siskins were heard overhead. A party of Long-tailed Tits contained Goldcrests and Coal Tits.
Golf Course - fields adjacent to the second tee.
On the dry stone wall a pair of Little Owls sunning themselves were interupted by a Grey Squirrel. One flew off but the other just ignored it by pretending to be a stone.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
Nuthatches were vocal but difficult to locate. However we saw at least 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
15th December 2007
A full wander around the estate grounds this morning produced the following sightings;
Coppice Pond
Although partially frozen it made counting the waterfowl easier. The lone Mute Swan remains but there was no Canada Geese again. There were 42 Mallards, 10 Coot and at least 7 Moorhen.
Racecourse Plantation
Feeding quietly in the pathside trees were 4 Redpoll which I nearly missed as I walked past them. thanks to a flock of Goldcrests I managed to see them.
Blind Lane
A flock of 75+ Redwings were feeding among the leaf litter under two large isolated trees in the fields either side of Blind Lane. they didn't appear to mind me as I got closer and closer and I had excellent views of this winter visiting Thrush.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
Nuthatches and Treecreepers were very vocal though I didn't see many of either.
Coppice Pond
Although partially frozen it made counting the waterfowl easier. The lone Mute Swan remains but there was no Canada Geese again. There were 42 Mallards, 10 Coot and at least 7 Moorhen.
Racecourse Plantation
Feeding quietly in the pathside trees were 4 Redpoll which I nearly missed as I walked past them. thanks to a flock of Goldcrests I managed to see them.
Blind Lane
A flock of 75+ Redwings were feeding among the leaf litter under two large isolated trees in the fields either side of Blind Lane. they didn't appear to mind me as I got closer and closer and I had excellent views of this winter visiting Thrush.
Cuckoo's Nest Wood
Nuthatches and Treecreepers were very vocal though I didn't see many of either.
17th November 2007
Nothing much to report today, the woods were very quiet. I did manage to see or hear some Redpolls at Coppice Pond and at the Racecourse Plantation.
The Mute Swan remains at Coppice Pond, though there was no sign of any Goosander, Tufted Ducks or Little Grebe.
The Mute Swan remains at Coppice Pond, though there was no sign of any Goosander, Tufted Ducks or Little Grebe.
3rd November 2007
I spent a couple of hours walking around the estate grounds counting birds for the BTO bird atlas. November isn't usually a great month to bird watch in St.Ives, however, I did find several parties of Siskin and Coppice Pond was very busy.
Coppice Pond
The Mute Swan remains, at least 10 Coot were present, as were 7 Moorhen.
The Black-headed Gull count reached over 50. Mallards numbers were high but Canada Geese numbers were low, with only 6 being seen.
A small flock of Siskins were in the Alders around the waters edge. A large flock of Long-tailed Tits contained few other species.
Racecourse Plantation
Another Tit flock contained all the common species, Blue, Coal, Great and Long-tailed.
More Siskins were heard.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
I heard just two Nuthatches throughout.
Coppice Pond
The Mute Swan remains, at least 10 Coot were present, as were 7 Moorhen.
The Black-headed Gull count reached over 50. Mallards numbers were high but Canada Geese numbers were low, with only 6 being seen.
A small flock of Siskins were in the Alders around the waters edge. A large flock of Long-tailed Tits contained few other species.
Racecourse Plantation
Another Tit flock contained all the common species, Blue, Coal, Great and Long-tailed.
More Siskins were heard.
Cuckoo Nest Wood
I heard just two Nuthatches throughout.
21st October 2007
I had a walk around parts of the estate with some other members of the Friends of St.Ives committee looking for some historical features. While we were searching I had one eye open for the wildlife, as you do.
Coppice Pond area;
The Mute Swan is still present. There were many Black-headed Gulls waiting for folk to come along and feed the Mallards and Canada Geese. In the nearby woods a party of Long-tailed Tits were very vocal as was a Fieldfare. Jays were seen foraging in the horse fields.
Friends Wood area;
A Little Owl sat on the dry stone wall was a welcome sight, as it's been a few months since I last saw one in the area.
Racecourse Plantation; Siskins were present.
Coppice Pond area;
The Mute Swan is still present. There were many Black-headed Gulls waiting for folk to come along and feed the Mallards and Canada Geese. In the nearby woods a party of Long-tailed Tits were very vocal as was a Fieldfare. Jays were seen foraging in the horse fields.
Friends Wood area;
A Little Owl sat on the dry stone wall was a welcome sight, as it's been a few months since I last saw one in the area.
Racecourse Plantation; Siskins were present.
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