Turning up the Heat

It felt a little bit Tropical in Sefton Park today, what with Macaws, Parots, Kookabura, Coatis, Meercat, Snakes, Tarantulas, and Scorpions; but before you think im totaly barmy it was the RSPB organised event at the Palm House for the Big Garden Birdwatch. It has to be said that this event was a great success and a great way to introduce youngsters to birdwatching and wildlife watching in general. All credit to those involved in the organisation today.

At the Palm House good numbers of Coal Tits could be seen on the feeders along with Nuthatch, Redwings and a Rook.

On the main lake the female Mandarin was back from last winter, coupled with a female Pochard (very good local record), 6 Little Grebes could be seen around the island and are doing well in the park now, 14 Mute Swans, and an incredibly early nesting Coot. Later in the afternoon an imm Grey Heron under the big bridge and 3 Ring-Necked Parakeets could be seen on the feeders behind the Palm House and a sparrowhawk circling overhead.

Dylan getting to grips with a Meercat in the Palm House.

Cormorants in Sefton

I had a look for the Aigburth Road Waxwing flock yesterday morning (around 60 birds recently), however there was no sign of them, although the Cotoneasters they have been feeding on are clearly evident; with one tree being half stripped. I cant always get lucky with this species I suppose!
In Sefton Park an adult and a 1stw Cormorant were on the lake, at times striking the unmistakable 'wings out' pose, much to the delight of passers by. The female Mandarin was still present, and the 4 Little Grebes; clearly displaying and one bird starting to nest build. Coots are well on the way with their nests as are the pair of Mute Swans (female already sitting on the nest). Other birds included a further 13 Mute Swans, 30+ Siskins, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Heron, hybrid Goose and the female Pintail back in Greenbank Park.

A pair of Peregrines over Liverpool University yesterday too, with 13 Fieldfares on Long Lane playing fields, Wavertree on Monday.

A Morning in Sefton

I had a really good morning in the local area today starting with 450 Pink-Footed Geese heading NW and 25+ Redwings in Wavertree Mystery. The Pink-Feet presumably migrating North from East Anglia.

Later in Greenbank Park the male Grey Heron was ever present, Redwings, 4 Nuthatches and a female Brambling, pair of Mute Swans, and the Farm Goose. With a further 2 Nuthatches on the University land.

At Sefton Park the 4 Little Grebes where still present along with a female Mandarin Duck, 5 Tufted Ducks, Grey Heron, hybrid Goose, 17 Mute Swans; with the resident pair trying in vain to drive the others off, 3 pairs of Coots nest building, Sparrowhawk, 3 Nuthatches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20+ Siskins, and a colour ringed Coot (yellow and white on the left and red on the right).

Although I did miss out on a Kingfisher that was seen by a local birder, earlier in the morning, oh well maybe next time!

This is the first Kingfisher I have heard of in the park since the works where completed, at one time they had become fairly regular during the winter months, hopefully they will become so again.

Later in the day I had another 160+ Pink-Footed Geese heading NW over the mystery and a Grey Wagtail over Greenbank Road. Pretty good local birding.

Worlds End at the Years Beginning

Went for a great walk today from Llangollen over the moors to Worlds End and back along Offas Dyke and the Clywydian Way (harder than usual after the Christmas excesses). Apart from a particularly heavy snowstorm it was a lovely day, reminiscent of spring even (yes I did say spring) especially with the Ravens partaking in their tumbling courtship display; well they are one of the earliest breeders of the year.

Although upland birding is not at its best at this time of year we did manage to flush (accidentally of course) a cock Black Grouse from the moorland tops near Worlds End, other highlights included a Mink (maybe not a highlight?), Dipper, Peregrine, Buzzard, and Siskins.


A pair of Mandarins where a nice surprise on the canal in Llangollen.

We finished the day off nicely with a dusk visit to Valle Crucis Abbey before walking back to Llangollen.