tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24126163329135515482012-02-02T11:23:20.842ZBirding the Wirral peninsular and beyond.Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.comBlogger4281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-82283652868671514722012-02-01T14:15:00.000Z2012-02-01T14:15:24.648Z

Like buses these are in Cheshire - you wait for ages for one and then another two turn up in quick succession. Following on from my long awaited 'first' for Cheshire in 2008 (this was the Southport bird that came south for a few days break) another turned up last year at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB  (but was elusive and played hard to get) and this was quickly followed by another at Sandbach

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-65111580183632090932012-01-28T17:00:00.000Z2012-01-28T17:00:09.617Z

After watching Liverpool dump a 2nd Manchester club out of a cup this week we took a walk in the  late afternoon sunshine along the cycle route adjacent to some local stubble fields. Good numbers of finches feeding included a single Brambling. Buntings were represented by a single Yellowhammer but at least 20 Reed Buntings - a good size flock for this area. A few Fieldfares & Redwings were also

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-53606916165717565082012-01-22T20:00:00.000Z2012-01-22T20:00:32.683Z

An eventful week culminated  in Jan & I becoming Grandparents for the first time when our daughter Amy gave birth to her little girl, Elizabeth Rose, in Australia on Thursday. Fantastic news and we are so proud of her. Somehow I knackered my knee and had to back out of the weekends planned cannon netting for waders in N Wales. Instead I spent a good day being ferried around by Mark Payne birding

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-64688367224166323762012-01-15T16:58:00.000Z2012-01-15T16:58:47.414Z

A beautiful weekend in our part of Cheshire with blue skies, no wind and the first heavy frosts of the year. In fact the temperatures struggled to reach positive numbers all day Saturday on Hilbre! With a late tide and the prediction that there would be few new passerines around it was decided to make a leisurely start and arrive around mid morning with the intention of staying for a seawatch!

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-92077182497586839442012-01-12T18:26:00.000Z2012-01-12T18:26:01.052Z

Cracking night out at Allan Conlin's 40th birthday party last Saturday night. Good entertainment with a Sinatra impressionist as well: Happy Birthday!

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-85109463551580949502012-01-09T10:01:00.000Z2012-01-09T10:01:07.433Z

After celebrating Allan Colin's 40th Saturday night and then going to another friends 60th to pick up my wife I didn't get to bed until 02.00 Sunday morning but still managed to get up before the alarm in time to meet up with Mark Payne and travel across to Hilbre in the dark so we could do a high tide seawatch. The visibility wsa pretty dismal to start with as squalls passed in from the west.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-91597337375375400402012-01-08T16:21:00.000Z2012-01-08T16:21:11.709Z

Pod & Groucho left the wastelands of Northwich Saturday for a trip over for the Bean Geese and we spent a very enjoyable afternoon catching up with a few old acquaintances, availing ourselves of the hot drinks and mince pies laid on at Burton Mere Wetlands and actually doing some birding! An amazing spectacle with over fiftyWhite-fronted Geese, the two Beans and three Barnacle Geese amongst the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-84735922216050086682012-01-05T11:58:00.000Z2012-01-05T11:58:59.783Z

Amazing numbers of Whitefronts and Pinkfeet at the RSPB's new Cheshire flagship reserve at Burton Mere Wetlands or the Teutonic BMW for short. Wirral birders have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Bean Geese with so many small dispersed parties being discovered throughout the UK recently. Sure enough two Tundra Beans were found Monday by Colin Wells but just to late for me to get there

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-80424284462716989632012-01-03T08:45:00.000Z2012-01-03T08:45:55.856Z

After a holiday full of family cheer & good food New Years day seemed an ideal opportunity to blow a few cobwebs away with a good walk in the Welsh Hills! Always a good place to pick up a few birds and this time was no exception. We climber Moel Famau and walked around the summit before descending the scenic route around the slope and down through the forestry plantation. The whole area is being

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-69311914086669909842011-12-30T15:10:00.002Z2012-01-05T16:23:10.165Z

I can't believe the year has gone this fast. So much has happened since the 31st December 2010. Jan & I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in June but went to Australia over Easter to meet up with Amy & Lachlan and dive the Great Barrier Reef. We then found out Amy was pregnant so will be Grandparents early next year! Joe graduated from York University and managed to get a job almost

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-46044278562543698282011-12-29T09:24:00.001Z2011-12-29T09:28:52.344Z

The first bird I 'controlled' on Hilbre was  Long-tailed Tit. The first bird I 'controlled' ringing in the garden was a Long-tailed Tit. The second bird I 'controlled'in the garden was a Long-tailed Tit.. Aggghhh - they're stalking me! As part of our ringing routine we always do a few sessions in Barry's garden in Burton with the aim of monitoring and studying the survival rates of the local tit

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-40619246343525893112011-12-27T08:10:00.001Z2011-12-27T08:10:25.121Z

Well, Christmas has been and gone for another year & I'm up early suffering from the effects of three days gluttony with a calorific intake to keep the average Inuit going for a month in Arctic conditions. Christmas is very much a family affair in our house and we've had plenty to do to keep the guests adequately fed and watered - including our feathered friends in the garden with this Wood

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-51725771912569762011-12-19T14:32:00.003Z2011-12-21T12:05:43.429Z

A festive Robin. Happy Christmas to everyone I know and may the New Year bring good health and fortune. I wanted to send some sort of holiday greeting to friends and family, but it is difficult in today's world to know exactly what to say without offending someone. So I met with my lawyer yesterday, and on advice I wish to say the following : Please accept, with no obligation, implied or

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-72401665557692683112011-12-18T16:37:00.000Z2011-12-18T16:37:55.088Z

I joined Mark for a couple of hours at Burton Mere Wetlands Saturday afternoon - most civilised. Standing in the warm reception building eating mince pies and drinking tea whilst watching a Short -eared Owl and the comings and goings of the wildfowl. The White-fronts gave a good display as they flew around over the building and we eventually tracked them down feeding on a field of winter wheat

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-89444402798002356892011-12-11T17:59:00.000Z2011-12-11T17:59:21.751Z

A solo trip to Hilbre this morning saw me leaving home in darkness but at least it was dry! By the time  Irneached the north end of the M53 the heavens had opened and I began to regret my decision to stay over for the tide. After a quick brew I decided sea watching was the order of the day  - despite the poor visibility. It immediately became apparent there were huge numbers of Common Scooter

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-79116817453109655482011-12-03T18:16:00.003Z2011-12-03T18:28:30.107Z

A force 7 -8 gale greeted us this morning as we set off for Hilbre. Time for a seawatch! A couple of hours later we'd logged an impressive number of Kittiwakes a female Scaup and a nice flock of Pintail as well as a few Gannets and auks. At least one third of the Kittiwakes were juveniles which was good to see. A visiting group led by the Ranger Service and the RSPB were lucky to see a

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-79527855291038507152011-11-25T16:17:00.000Z2011-11-25T16:17:34.714Z

I managed to get away for an hour or so this afternoon and headed to a very windy Red Rocks to try and photograph the Snow Bunting thats been resident for the last week. The wind was gale force but by hunkering down low I got fanrtastic views as the bird fed unconcernedly on the strand line occasionally  flying on to the rocks if a dog walker came to near.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-72554897754116119032011-11-24T12:56:00.000Z2011-11-24T12:56:26.545Z

A text from Steve alerting me to two Common Cranes viewable from Riverbank Road, Heswall had me dashing from the office and heading home for the camera before setting off on the short journey up the Wirral. Arriving on site I found the RSPB out in full force along with finder Steve Hind and a handful of other locals. After viewing the birds distantly through  Colin's 'scope I set the camera up

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-90630514422480788342011-11-22T10:37:00.002Z2011-11-22T12:19:59.357Z

When news broke of a Veery in Muck, Highland I immediately looked at the map. After missing two on the Shetlands a couple of years ago I was keen to catch up with this diminutive American catharus thrush. I'd never heard of Muck but Google informed me it was a remote Inner Hebridean Island with 35 inhabitants, no airport and only a three times per week ferry service. Hmm. Didn't look as if I was

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-19843287842929892522011-11-19T17:58:00.000Z2011-11-19T17:58:45.307Z

A force 5 south easterly gale greeted me as  I drove across to Hilbre at dawn today. A quick round of the island before sticking the kettle on was rewarded with a Merlin chasing a Chaffinch around the old lifeboat station at the north end. The Chaffinch escaped by flying up the chimney and was subsequently found sheltering about half way up! A male Chaffinch and female Greenfinch were caught for

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-4356912328532987312011-11-15T13:45:00.001Z2011-11-15T16:38:24.980Z

Found at Leasowe by the Wirrals premier Richards Pipit finder Mr A C. Flight views only as its lurking in the long grass. Virtually annual now on the north Wirral coast and follows on from one on Hilbre last month. More on my controlled Long-tailed Tit caught in the garden at the weekend. It was ringed in Birkenhead on 13th October 2010 so its travelled around 18 km. The spooky thing is it was

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-34467356019817038382011-11-13T20:12:00.000Z2011-11-13T20:12:27.120Z

The autumnal theme continued on the Wirral this weekend. Firstly a trip to Hilbre Saturday where a small trickle of passerines was overshadowed by the build up of the more typical waders and wildfowl - including a nice flock of Wigeon. Most of the waders were roosting on the sheltered west side but only 8 Purple Sandpipers were counted today. A late Greenland Wheatear caused momentary panic

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-86051680764703944912011-11-10T08:32:00.000Z2011-11-10T08:32:51.800Z

A great couple of days on Hilbre with a good passage of Blackbirds being logged. At one point Tuesday there were estimated to be 40+ on the Island and others appeared from the north end literally dropping out the sky. An early morning trip in darkness to beat the tide Wednesday was rewarded with more Blackbirds and a small passage of Chaffinches. Most of these birds are assumed to have come from

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-25895524994756361552011-11-05T18:59:00.001Z2011-11-05T19:05:27.284Z

A beautiful couple of days in Cheshire saw me on Hilbre for both Friday and Saturday in glorious sunshine. A few birds were caught including a smart 1st year male Blackcap and the more expected November Song Thrush and Blackbirds. Visible migration was the order of the day and even before I'd left home I had Skylarks and Siskins flying over at first light. Hilbre had a small movement of Skylarks

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-13480750057738757622011-11-02T14:04:00.000Z2011-11-02T14:04:06.052Z

A quick tri pt oHilbre Sunday after having been to the office early doors was rewarded with good views of the Brent Geese flock that has now increased to 105 birds! Including the returning colour ringed bird from Arctic Canada. Amazing. Purple Sandpiper numbers have increased to 4 and there are plenty of other waders around. Late autumn passerine passage included a White Wagtail and overhead

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26945479265267514862011-10-30T17:41:00.000Z2011-10-30T17:41:12.797Z

Siberian Rubythroat. One of those mythical birds you dream of finding on Shetland in the Autumn. We all hope to find a 'Sibee' but the Rubythroat is the holy grail.  A little gem of of a bird that all birders aspire to see at some time or other. Well one lucky guy on Shetland found one in his garden at Gulberswick. Normally they don't stay long but this one seems to have stayed and following a

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-53040063405850098372011-10-23T19:23:00.000+01:002011-10-23T19:23:25.513+01:00

After last weekends excitement it was inevitable that things would be fairly quiet this weekend. The week was frustrating in that there were two good birds nationally. A short staying Scarlet Tanager in Cornwall but even more frustratingly a long staying male Siberian Rubythroat on Shetland. The Rubythroat was tempting the longer it stayed but, due to work commitments  I couldn't go and part of

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-87295562605485104342011-10-16T19:57:00.001+01:002011-10-16T20:10:35.451+01:00

A magical day on Hibre started well when the first round of the traps produced the weeks second Firecrest and a 1st winter male Blackcap. Where do these Firecrests come from? They inevitably turn up alone and not with the Goldcrests as we'd expect. Next up was a single Reed Bunting that dropped into the Obs garden before heading off to the mainland . As the morning drizzle cleared a second

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-4339222817612090852011-10-12T14:38:00.000+01:002011-10-12T14:38:15.889+01:00

As usual I was up early and raring to go but after the previous nights excesses some of the lads were content to stay in bed so a depleted team set off to explore a few likely looking areas in the south before heading towards Sumburgh & Quendale. The previous day Matt, Damon & Mike had found a Hawfinch and Barred Warbler in a garden adjacent to Tesco's so we started off there but there was no

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-517471220752906932011-10-12T14:22:00.002+01:002011-10-12T16:06:03.957+01:00

News that a Buf-bellied Pipit had been seen the previous day by some of the tea mwho'd elected t ostay out later rather than retrun to the apartment galvanised us into searching Quendale. For three hours we searched with the only reward being a brief Olive-backed Pipit in the company of Meadow Pipits that flew towards the quarry beofre anyt reocrd shots could be taken. A further search of the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-59484537869920781962011-10-12T13:42:00.000+01:002011-10-12T13:42:26.562+01:00

After breakfast the team split up with Mark, Pod & me electing to go to Levenswick to see a juvenile Isabelline Shrike that had been frequenting a local garden. The very friendly house owner welcomed us into his garden with the news the shrike hadn't been seen! Knowing Shrikes can be late risers we gave it an hour before giving up - not before we were entertained by another two Yellow- browed

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-5970864567920187842011-10-12T13:38:00.000+01:002011-10-12T13:38:23.119+01:00

Once again the weather was dull and wet but we decided to concentrate our efforts into finding a Pallid Harrier for those that needed it. First stop on the journey south though was Geosetter where we found a Little Bunting feeding alongside the road. Unfortunately a car coming down from the farm spooked it and jf flew off just as the other half of the team arrived. It soon returned though

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-25330457164847114102011-10-12T13:35:00.000+01:002011-10-12T13:35:23.316+01:00

Everyone was up bright and early for the trip to Unst. Bacon & egg batches fit breakfast went downmarket treat and we were on our way before it was light. Firstly we had to get the ferry to the birdless vwastelands of Yell before driving to the northern end to get the Unst ferry. Arriving in atrocious weather we met up with Paul & Vicky Wren who I hadn't seen since meeting on Tiree last

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-86941437007228587182011-10-12T13:29:00.000+01:002011-10-12T13:29:19.153+01:00

Our now annual trip to Shetland began with me picking up first Al & then Pod & Mark before driving to Glasgow. Meeting up with Matt, Damon & Mike we boarded our Flybe plane for the flight to Sumburgh. First stop the car hire depot where we picked up our wheels for the week, With Nark, Damon & Matt needing Pallid Harrier we spent most of the remaining daylight hours at Quendale looking fir the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-54165835679299903072011-10-09T07:40:00.000+01:002011-10-09T07:40:13.245+01:00

The last few days have been spent on the mainland. Highlights being great views of Pallid Harrier at Quendale which also came up trumps with American Golden Plover and Buff-bellied Pipit. The same area has also hosted our 6th BBRC rarity of the trip in the sparrow murdering form of an adult Isabelline Shrike. Weather gruesome at the moment so we're having a well earned rest and a late start.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-47107538684137327972011-10-05T21:09:00.000+01:002011-10-05T21:09:06.840+01:00

First full day of our week on Shetland. Highlights so far juv Citrine Wagtail, 3 Common Rosefinches, Barred Warbler, 6 Yellow-browed Warblers, juv Black-headed Bunting and stunning views of Olive-backed Pipit.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-30117398208366858902011-09-29T15:38:00.003+01:002011-09-29T15:42:49.237+01:00

Allowing junior birders to view Great White Egrets across distant marsh land.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-16406137381428911102011-09-28T08:39:00.000+01:002011-09-28T08:39:38.598+01:00

News that last weeks Northern Waterthrush that we missed on the Scillys was still on show and had settled into a routine had me itching to go and see it! The opportunity came when Al Orton rang and asked if I wanted to go with him Sunday night with a view to (hopefully!) coming back Monday night. Driving through the night in torrential rain we arrived to find Lands End airport yet again

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-31122959475231109992011-09-25T18:22:00.000+01:002011-09-25T18:22:09.618+01:00

An easterly bias to the wind over the weekend bode well for a few migrants on Hilbre and so it proved with Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wheatear and Goldcrest all being duly ringed. Good numbers of Linnets were also seen and there was a small overhead passage of Redpolls at first light. News that a Great White Egret was showing at Parkgate as we were leaving the Island swayed the Obs

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-51487075483523867542011-09-20T12:45:00.005+01:002011-09-23T09:17:10.642+01:00

Three o'clock in the morning in Hayle. Its pitch black and raining. Groucho can't sleep cos he's got bad guts so for the next two hours he's in the bathroom. Bollocks. So much for some sleep. Eventually deciding we might as well check the estuary at first light we departed and met up with Al & Malc who'd travelled overnight. With the weather pretty miserable and the rumour that Air Bus might be

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-60829038243824088372011-09-20T12:14:00.002+01:002011-09-21T12:23:50.044+01:00

last year, whilst on Shetland, a Solitary Sandpiper was found in Devon. Unfortunately for me it didn't hang around long enough and I missed it. Solitary Sandpiper is a real scarcity with less than 40 records in the UK - the majority of these being on the Scilly's! News that one was showing down to 3 -4 metres on Newford duck pond had me toying with the idea of day tripping the islands. A window

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-33492694771541605882011-09-11T20:15:00.002+01:002011-09-12T08:30:40.875+01:00

A breezy but sunny start to the weekend saw me completing chores at home before venturing to Hilbre Sunday. The weather over was beautiful - sunny but still blustery. The highlight was close views of a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits feeding in the gutter. Whilst drinking the first of many cuppa's on the balcony Colin picked up a distant Bonxie and we soon added an Arctic Skua to the day list.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-58614401449113508822011-09-04T18:48:00.002+01:002011-09-07T15:30:42.978+01:00

The birding  week got off to a good start when a Beeeater flew over my office in Mold calling as it headed north loosely associating with a group of Swallows. Amazing! Thursday saw me at Eastham golf course early doors before work. A Ring-necked Parakeet entertained us flying around squawking for about 40 minute before heading off. Another good record. Unfortunately that was the last of the good

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-75232209535975219952011-08-29T16:47:00.001+01:002011-08-29T18:49:57.900+01:00

An early start this morning saw me trundling over to Hilbre in a Landrover laden with the makings of a fried breakfast for the members (and junior member) brave enough to stay over night in the force 6 -7 that was blowing in from the N W.  Plenty of birds to view on the way over including this Cormorant with a metal ring on its right leg. Not one of ours but probably from one of the colonies in N

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-47953537318233169952011-08-27T19:00:00.000+01:002011-08-27T19:00:10.788+01:00

After not being able to get across to Hilbre for nearly 3 weeks I was keen to make up for missed time this Bank Holiday weekend. Unfortunately the weather hasn't been kind (so far) and Friday afternoon there were definitely more Obs members than birds! Still, there has been a trickle of movement with plenty of Wheatears, a few Willow Warblers and Robins along wit ha Garden Warbler to keep us

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-57955434832474877822011-08-24T13:07:00.001+01:002011-08-24T13:12:04.181+01:00

In April 2004 I found an Iberian Chiffchaff at Dibbinsdale lnr, Bromborough, Wirral - about 10 minutes from my house. Most people who saw the bird agreed on its identification and sound recordings were made. It's had a rough ride being accepted due to: The orignal submissions and recordings being lost! Some dispute over the presence of colybitta like elements in its call / song. Luckily further

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-50277368053785031892011-08-17T11:52:00.000+01:002011-08-17T11:52:16.997+01:00

No pelagic today. Time to pack the camp up and head for home. Not before a few hours birding though. Debate raged over where to have breakfast before scouring the Island for an elusive Beeeater that had been present for a couple of months. Eventually we decided the Old Town cafe would be slightly less crowded than those in Hugh Town. What a decision. Sitting outside waiting for my 'Builders

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-22489634719027740462011-08-17T10:54:00.001+01:002011-08-17T11:52:41.747+01:00

Up early again and raring to go I received a phone call from Jan with some very bad news. Molly had had a stroke. Joe was on his way back from York but it looked as if this was finally the end of the road for the poor old girl. With a heavy heart I couldn't join in the banter around the tents and even considered not going on the days trip. Jase gave me a typically blunt talking to and I

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-18347874799064652202011-08-17T10:15:00.002+01:002011-08-17T14:13:51.423+01:00

Bleary eyed I woke at 6.00, exited the tent, grabbed a quick shower and got the stove on for a morning brew and fill flasks. Today looked a better day weather wise and we have a full day on the sea to enjoy / endure. With the camp tidied and clothes safely folded away(!) the whole group descended on the Co-op enmasse to stock up with provisions. Meeting the Sapphire on the quayside at 08.20 it

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-87411476341359565832011-08-17T09:40:00.000+01:002011-08-17T09:40:44.269+01:00

A plan was mooted earlier this year to travel to the Scillys for a few days and take part in the birders pelagics organised by Joe Pender, Bob Flood and Ash Fisher. Four of us planned to go  - myself, Matt Meehan, Mark Payne & Jason Atkinson. Matt & Jase needed Wilson's Petrel whilst Mark & I were hoping for something like a Fea's!! Unlike most plants this one actually materialised and we found

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-79809033238697362662011-08-16T12:18:00.002+01:002011-08-16T16:45:44.942+01:00

Our lovely Labrador, Molly has died aged 14 1/2. Active and alert to the end she suffered a major stroke during the night and had to be put to sleep whilst I was away on the Scilly's. She was virtually my constant birding companion over her life time and loved nothing better than going to Hilbre or wandering the woods and fields - she was always ready for a walk or her food. She'll be greatly

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26288210165560685092011-08-07T17:06:00.000+01:002011-08-07T17:06:19.425+01:00

An overnight trip to Hilbre started with an excellent dinner Friday evening courtesy of Mrs Williams who cooked us all a chili to take on with us. A quick trip to the chippie to supplement the chili and a pint at the Plasterers and we were in business! Not many birds around but we did recatch a Pied Wagtail in heavy moult which is presumably one of the adults that was ringed in the spring. A

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26324625077196300472011-08-05T08:22:00.000+01:002011-08-05T08:22:01.223+01:00

Out and about recently on my summer holidays with Mrs W. Fuerteventura - a volcanic island with a lunar landscpe, sea breezes and some serious heat. One day home and then off to Ireland on business. Photo's below from our hotel balcony. Other birds seen included the elsuive Furteventura Chat, Southern Grey Shrike, Houbara Bustard, Cream Coloured Courser, Trumpeter Finch, Bertholets Pipit etc.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26834115525407058232011-07-18T13:32:00.000+01:002011-07-18T13:32:39.226+01:00

Winter is here. That's what if felt like yesterday afternoon as we drove across to Hilbre for a brief visit after the high tide. With winds gusting to Force 8 and torrential rain it was never going to be easy! Plenty of terns and gulls sheltering in the lee of Little Eye - including 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Med Gull. The terns weren't budging and we were able to get good views

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-25750095977699329242011-07-17T12:29:00.000+01:002011-07-17T12:29:02.086+01:00

Saturdays weather forecast was pretty grim but with the possibility of a bit of seawatching I decided to head to Hilbre. For once the forecast was spot on and no sooner had I arrived then the heavens opened. Visibility was so poor at one point that West Kirby was shrouded in drizzle or low cloud - I couldn't tell. The journey over was enlivened by the discovery of this adult Yellow-legged Gull

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-28174757292743591122011-07-11T09:01:00.000+01:002011-07-11T09:01:25.127+01:00

A beautiful but breezy morning on Hilbre Saturday. Not many birds around but wader numbers are building up with 500 + Oystercatchers, plenty of Curlew and a smattering of Redshank feeding along the tide edge. Bird of the day was a Common Sandpiper seen on the Whaleback before the weather brought the crowds out from the shore. The sunshine meant there were plenty of butterflies on the wing in the 

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-36425229400007940122011-07-08T09:41:00.000+01:002011-07-08T09:41:13.854+01:00

Not much to report this week as the dreary weathers meant I haven't got out much. Our local female Blackbird has been making good use of the bird bath and I managed t oring 9 Swallow pullus and 3 adults with JE at a farm on the Wirral. Amazingly one of the pullus we ringed last year was controlled at Leighton Moss later the same year and birds from this site have been recovered in S Africa.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-48473940492555886732011-07-03T13:33:00.000+01:002011-07-03T13:33:53.309+01:00

AN interesting day on Hilbre in beautiful sunny weather yestersay. It seems as i summer has finally arrived this last week but for some birds maybe its already autumn? The first returning Greenland Wheatears & Willow Warblers were logged whilst a solitary Song Thrus his another bird normally associated with a Hilbre autumn / winter! A juvenile Stonechart was a good July bird and must have

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-36430380567991808782011-07-01T15:07:00.001+01:002011-07-01T15:40:50.078+01:00

Frustrating because I've not been able to drive until my stitches are out. Actually its not been bad. An enforced 'holiday' during the warmest week of June! For the last couple of days I've put a small mist net up in the garden and caught just short of 40 birds. Interestingly l lot of the adult Blue  & Great Tits have almost finished their summer moult but the finches don't appear to have started

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-39672477725554198172011-06-25T14:52:00.000+01:002011-06-25T14:52:43.546+01:00

Surgery on a troublesome cervical disc has laid me up for a bit so not much birding being done until I'm more mobile again. A chance to catch up on some reading and sit in the conservatory watching the garden birds go about their business. I've no idea where the local Blackbirds are nesting as it looks as if the nest in the Laurel has been predated by the local Magpies yet again. There are two

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-29752831321566944112011-06-19T15:36:00.001+01:002011-06-24T09:47:46.906+01:00

After the excitement of the last two weeks (Blyth's Reed Warbler, White-throated Robin, White-winged Scoter........) it was a fairly quiet weekend. A trip to Hilbre over the tide didn't reveal anything new either on land or sea but the local Linnets provided some photo oppurtunities as they flew around in small family groups. Most bizarre expeince of the day was catching a Mallard by hand and

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-88880288723662915462011-06-16T14:00:00.000+01:002011-06-16T14:00:51.395+01:00

Josh Jones's recent correct identification of a Stenjnegeri White-winged Scoter in Ireland has raised interest in this species and its possible entry on to the British list! Low and behold not more than 2 months later a 2nd calendar year bird of the American form deglandi was discovered lurking off the coast of Aberdeen!  The BOU taxonomic sub-committee recommended as far back as 2005 that

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-82411622166055668812011-06-15T11:03:00.000+01:002011-06-15T11:03:02.909+01:00

A good find by Mark Gibson on Frodsham no. 6 tank Monday evening. Managed t oget down after work and join the throng of 4 birders viewing from the top of the embankment in the south west corner.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-86131396935327580142011-06-10T11:54:00.000+01:002011-06-10T11:54:32.853+01:00

After the excitement of the White-throated Robin  & the weekends Blyth's Reedwarbler its back to a bit of normality with local birding. Plenty of activity in the garden with the appearance of several broods of young Goldfinches and Greenfinches amongst the tits on the feeders. I'm now having to fill them up more regularly again. The wrens above the porch have fledged but it was sad news on some

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-17154855318687561062011-06-07T08:28:00.000+01:002011-06-07T08:28:45.965+01:00

A major twitch ensued yesterday when a White-throated Robin turned up in a mist net in the made up county of Cleveland. managed to get over later in the day with Jase, Mark & Henry and after an hours wait were treated to good views when the bird flew in from the adjacent 'Doctors' garden and ended up hopping on the road in front of us! It then flew back into the garden and after a two hour wait

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-8076094518592907832011-06-05T14:19:00.003+01:002011-06-05T15:03:18.599+01:00

The phone rings. It's Steve. This usually means something good on Hilbre.......... 'Phil, it's Steve. Have you got Barry & john with you?' 'Yes - whats up?' Don't panic, cos I am, but I think I've just extracted a Blyth's Reed Warbler from the old Obs mist net. We nned to check the wing formual very carefully to be sure'. PANIC, WHAT PANIC. A brilliant reward for all the coverage this spring

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-49086811050650231372011-05-31T19:08:00.000+01:002011-05-31T19:08:43.136+01:00

Another fine bird found by Frank Duff on Frodsham No. 6 lagoon. A cracking summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26649417431055266272011-05-30T13:10:00.002+01:002011-05-30T13:28:21.599+01:00

Caught this Grey Heron in the act of raiding a neighbours garden pond today! We often see Herons fishing in the pond by the house early morning but this was midday and brazenly sat on the roof eyeing up the golden delights of the pond below. The weekend started well with a trip across the border into N Wales where I was allowed to assist in the ringing of Pied Flycatcher, Redstart & Blue Tit

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-51408339989953107672011-05-27T12:38:00.000+01:002011-05-27T12:38:12.358+01:00

An update on the breeding garden birds: The Wrens are feeding young in the nest they've built for the second year running in a woven 'roosting pouch' beneath the porch. The Blackbirds in the Laurel hedge have been predated and are currently building a new nest................in the same hedge. Out of 5 nest boxes not one is occupied for the first time for many years! The Dunnocks whose nest

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-10424698744494740462011-05-22T17:30:00.000+01:002011-05-22T17:30:02.464+01:00

So it was with great trepidation we all waited for 6 pm when it had been prophesised by a self proclaimed American prophet that the World would end - the righteous would go straight to heaven leaving the rest of us to our fate as the apocalpys took place. Shit! Maybe it had happended. Was this an angel I saw swimming before my bleary eyes? Fortunately not - only the local leucistic Moorhen

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-31919141900152549412011-05-19T12:50:00.000+01:002011-05-19T12:50:52.598+01:00

Out and about last night enjoying the evening sunshine along the Shropshire Union Canal overlooking the Gowy Water Meadows. Plenty of activity both mammalian and avian and  I managed these photo's of two closely related pairs of species. The Hare was really nice to see - they're quite scarce around my immediate area although commoner towards the Dee Estuary. The Mistle Thrush was

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-37469136680860251172011-05-18T14:30:00.000+01:002011-05-18T14:30:52.321+01:00

All for a good cause: ART v. EXTINCTION TO LAUNCH IN LIVERPOOL THIS WEEK 16 May 2011 -- GHOSTS OF GONE BIRDS is a travelling multi-media art exhibition designed to raise a creative army for conservation. Its first stop will be in Liverpool on May 19-20th at the Liverpool School of Art & Design where there will be a Ghosts Gallery Space featuring brand new work by Ralph Steadman, Sir Peter

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-92180000900274405522011-05-16T15:39:00.000+01:002011-05-16T15:39:41.389+01:00

Same place, three years later.........................

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-60749493522533398572011-05-15T19:49:00.001+01:002011-05-15T20:55:29.576+01:00

What a fantastic day in Cheshire and Wirral today! Despite the persistent rain that deterred many from going out some hardier souls persisted. First up was a text from Frank to say there was a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Frodsham No. 6 - a Cheshire tick for me. Off I trundled only to arrive in the middle of a deluge. The bird was found by three guys who weren't sure what it was but luckily Frank

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-35279532277439165392011-05-12T13:44:00.000+01:002011-05-13T21:45:44.789+01:00

Not mine but this Dunlin! Spent the night on Hilbre last night as the early morning tide meant I wouldn't have been able to get on to check for migrants at first light. Up at 04.45 this morning it soon became apparent the westerlies had scuppered any chance of any new migrants dropping in but the sight of several hundred Gannets battling their way out of the bay against the wind along with good

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-75662576483636173822011-05-10T21:53:00.001+01:002011-05-11T08:31:13.656+01:00

Same place same bird? Its the third time in 5 years there has been a Red-rumped Swallow around the pony paddocks near Leasowe Lighthouse. This time it was found by John Coup and I managed to get down after work. With Molly huffing and puffing behind me I made quick time from the lighthouse car park to the furthest kissing gate just in time to see the bird disappear distantly over houses. Several

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-80431261276706003632011-05-08T18:14:00.000+01:002011-05-08T18:14:35.337+01:00

This has been one of the best spring for migrants on Hilbre in recent times and this weekend was no exception with a deluge of birds Saturday albeit slowing to a trickle Sunday. Common Whitethroats ringed number 33 - the best total since the halcyon days of the 70's. Willow Warbler numbers have also been higher than in recent years and even less than anuual  migrants such as Tree Pipit, Redstart

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-62386448125904731562011-05-03T16:42:00.002+01:002011-05-09T14:49:12.001+01:00

I spent a fair bit of time exploring the Port Douglas area around the forested bits and the mangroves. Ignoring a beware of crocodiels signs I turned a corner to find this monster. Discretion beat valour.  Port Douglas marina  Blue-winged Kookaburra  Cattle Egret. Brush Turkey - these were ridiculously tame around the Mossman Gorge car park and were rooting through people belongings for food

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-59977291503756406212011-05-03T16:25:00.002+01:002011-05-03T16:45:49.150+01:00

From Albury we flew to Cairns and hired a car for the short drive north along the Captain Cook highway to our base at Port Douglas. From here, as well as the diving trip, we explored the Daintree forest and Mossman areas. Some stunning birds were logged including at least three Noisty Pitta's in the Daintree visitors centre and nearby Jindalba board walk. Not all the birds were photographable

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-85516401101260826082011-05-03T16:14:00.002+01:002011-05-03T16:46:03.113+01:00

A selection of photo's from my recent Australian trip taking in Melbounre, Hobart, Albury and Port Douglas! Firstly a selection of birds photographed around my daughter & son-in-laws house in Albury.  Blue-faced Honeyeaters.  Eastern Rosella  Gallah - a group of these were digging up the front garden!  Red-rumped Parrots! Stunning. Nearby we found a  White-throated Treecreeper and this

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-46454971508715949712011-05-03T12:31:00.000+01:002011-05-03T12:31:42.219+01:00

Fresh from my Antipodean travels and jet lagged to boot it was always going to be on the cards that I'd be awake bright and early Bank Holiday Monday for my first trip to the obs this May. Despite a last minute hitch I managed to rearrange a few things and picked up Steve around 07.15 for the bumpy ride across to Hilbre before the high tide. Despite a very brisk easterly ( force 4 -5 at times )

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-84916322840177534052011-05-02T18:30:00.001+01:002011-05-02T18:31:31.539+01:00

I've just got back from a memorable trip to Australia- part business and part holdiay. Lots of bird photo's to follow but highlight for me was fulfilling a long cherished ambition to dive the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas. Totally mind blowingly awesome.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-26901422638878032382011-04-17T20:14:00.000+01:002011-04-17T20:14:27.990+01:00

.Just got back from a three day stint on Hilbre and what a memorable few days. Good birds, good food, good wine and malt whiskey and great company with a steady stream of friends and visitors joining the core crew over the period. Knackering though with pre-dawn starts followed by a fried Hilbre special breakfast around mid morning and a large meal late evening - courtesy of our beloved wives

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-25002274961523246992011-04-10T12:57:00.000+01:002011-04-10T12:57:26.820+01:00

A good week for migrants locally this week starting with an Osprey over the Gowy water meadows Monday evening. The bird appeared to come into roost about 1/2 mile away from where I was on the canal towpath just as the light was fading. Sunday morning I got another one being mobbed by Carrion Crows over the house! I occasionally check out a local pool along the road to the municipal recycling

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-73462417451558739222011-04-03T11:35:00.000+01:002011-04-03T11:35:23.258+01:00

Weather conditions looked promising for a few migrants on Hilbre Saturday wit ha south easterly overnight and rain early morning. Sure enough I was woken at 04.00 by thunder and lightning. Not quite the spring showers I'd anticipated. Eventually hauling myself out of bad at 6.00 I gave a disgruntled dog her breakfast and a quick walk before loading her in the Landrover to pick up the rest of the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-8019453629947142892011-04-02T20:09:00.000+01:002011-04-02T20:09:03.522+01:00

Spring forward, fall back - the old menomic for remembering to change from GMT to BST. The lighter evenings mean I've been able t oget out after work. Checking the fields over the last few nights was rewarding with good numbers of Pied Wagtails and a handful of White Wagtails following the plough. Sure enough, as predicted, a single female Wheatear joined the throng of Wagtails and Meadow Pipits

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-21675042247200032432011-03-29T13:53:00.000+01:002011-03-29T13:53:48.908+01:00

Took a walk down the Shropshire Union canal near Stoke last night on the look out for the Barn Owl. No sign unfortunately but a superb sunset. If you look closely you can make out two sun spots. Bird-wise it was pretty quiet with only a couple of Chiffchaffs representing the summer visitors and a few Fieldfares and Redwings representing the last of the winter ones.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-39803457652258381542011-03-27T16:49:00.001+01:002011-03-27T16:50:13.859+01:00

Saturday morning was slightly misty and the wind was in the south east. Ideal conditions for a fall on Hilbre. A full contingnet of Obs members and associated children and dogs. Almost immediately on our arrival it became clear that birds were moving with several Chiffchaffs having already been cuaght and ringed by the over-nighters. Another great morning with a steady trickle of birds

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-34056948434955323572011-03-24T19:39:00.000Z2011-03-24T19:39:45.163Z

A great morning on Hilbre this morning and almost perfect conditions for visible migration. A slight early morning mist menat birds were dropping in as well as passing overhead. Highlights were my first Wheatears and Sand Martins of the year but included Reed Bunting, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Siskin, Tree Sparrow, Blackbirds and Wrens! (Two new ones were ringed today suggesting a spring passage).

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-48842715095112872342011-03-20T19:46:00.001Z2011-03-20T19:47:49.159Z

Three consecutive days on Hilbre this weekend. Up with the proverbial Lark and over to the Island before the tide cut it off from civilisation. Still not many  summer migrants around apart from the first two Sandwich Terns of the year. A small passage of  Goldcrests brightened an otherwise dull weekend for the ringers whilst another male Blackbird and a couple of new Robins kept us plugging

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-9472619899571625962011-03-13T18:19:00.000Z2011-03-13T18:19:57.763Z

The local pond is heaving with amphibian porn as the Common Frogs have seemingly survived being frozen and making the most of the milder weather. I've never seen so much frog spawn on this pond and last night the frogs could be heard croaking from the open bathroom window. Hilbre have had their first spring migrants - starting with a couple of Stonechats during the week and finishing up this

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-22214889087527611912011-03-08T18:47:00.000Z2011-03-08T18:47:11.116Z

Managed to get home early enough today for a walk befroe the sun went down. 5 Buzzards 'kettling' & a male Kestrel beign the highlights. Quite pleased with these shots of a Common Buzzard photographed directly into the sun. No real spring migrants yet although one of the wintering Blackcaps still singing in the garden.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-84966552918588541842011-03-07T09:29:00.001Z2011-03-07T10:07:51.269Z

Just like buses. No sooner had we caught one control on Hilbre this year (Long-tailed Tit) when the second turns up - a female Chaffinch bearing a BTO ring caught Saturday morning. The misty conditions Saturday morning meant there was little overhead movement but Siskins are definitely on the move and as well as the Chaffinch a new Blackbird was ringed and a Rock Pipit retrapped. This is a

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-72550031450203115982011-03-04T09:00:00.000Z2011-03-04T09:00:58.730Z

Two days hard graft on Hilbre this week repairing the SK heligoland trap for the spring season. Beautiful weather followed by a stunning sunset. Bird wise there was plenty happening with Greenfinch,, Goldfinch, Siskin & Reed Bunting moving overhead whilst a Merlin caused havoc for a couple of hours Wednesday morning. The return movment of thrushes has begun with two male Blackbirds being ringed.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-66337414787197418232011-02-27T18:29:00.001Z2011-02-27T18:48:08.334Z

A wet morning turned into a beautiful sunny, though breezy, spring day on Hilbre. The warmer weather of the last week has sent the islands frog population into a frenzy of reproduction with both freshwater ponds heaving with amphibian reproductive activity. The stiff breeze seemed to have deterred any movement overhead and most of the avian interest was limited to the island residents and the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-35314069902696629182011-02-23T12:09:00.001Z2011-02-23T12:10:38.184Z

Not quite what those of you with a smutty mind may think but these completed the set of Hilbre tits for me! A quick visit with the Chairman was rewarded with these two caught in one of the heligoland traps. I've now seen Blue, Coal, Long-tailed and Great Tit on Hilbre! The male on the left was definitely a glossier and greener backed bird than the female on the right. Saw this article in the

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-24917206002550601622011-02-19T19:00:00.000Z2011-02-19T19:00:14.113Z

Off to Hilbre again today. Bleary eyed after yesterdays long day and mindful of a high tide I left early and was on the island by 08.3. The weather wasn't very encouraging with 100% cloud cover and a force 4- 5 blowing. At least the local Peregrine brightened up the journey over posing for a photo on the sand. Not much movement today with only a male Blackbird briefly present before flying off

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-79791578542387912632011-02-18T14:30:00.001Z2011-02-23T13:03:44.627Z

News that an Oriental Turtle Dove had been retrospecively identified from photographs in Oxfordshire before Christmas was treated with dismay by birders far and wide! Despite a thorough search by locals it seemed to have disappeared. Roll forward a couople of months and it turns up again in a garden a few streets away! Plans were hatched but ended in tears. A solo effort was required. Arriving

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-43330112241903185942011-02-13T14:55:00.000Z2011-02-13T14:55:15.487Z

Managed to relocate the possible nordic Jackdaw during the week. The corvid flock has deserted the stubble and moved about 1 km away to the smellier delights of a field freshly sprayed with slurry form the local dairy farm. Nice! Another bird was seen elsewhere in Cheshire recently as well as one in Cumbria so it seems there might have been a small cold weather influx of this race. An early dart

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412616332913551548.post-68481329542512842382011-02-06T20:17:00.000Z2011-02-06T20:17:27.979Z

Wet and horrible this weekend! Plenty of activity though. The weekend started well with a possible nordic Jackdaw with 40 -50 of the more usual variety feeding on the local stubble. I first saw this bird a week or so ago when the field was swarming with Rooks as wee but only got a quick glimpse before the birds all flew off. It showed well Friday and Saturday but the whole flock are very flighty.

Phil Woollen.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15527109381064232484noreply@blogger.com4