Tuesday 18 September 2007

"Pull back" after 30 years!


Heysham Obs
In 1977, Tony Riden photographed a Chough on Heysham Head following severe November storms. Today, another was found on the Power Station non-operational land this morning. Unfortunately, current security measures meant non-inductees had to remain outside the site and the bird proved technically possible to see from the perimeter fence near the 'dog walk' pond (between reserve and Ocean Edge) but the only connection from there was a call at circa 1200hrs. When last seen it was presumed to be feeding on the Tank Farm, the raised area south of the nature reserve and notoriously un-viewable (e.g. Icterine Warbler most recently=2005). Therefore if you wait around long enough you should see it. It was later=1415hrs seen flying over the screening planting at the south of the BE properties towards Ocean Edge but 'not found thereon'

Ring details:
Ringed: NW Anglesey (site confidential) Pullus male (1/4) 29/5/07
Read in field: Heysham Power Station non-operational land 18/9/07

Heysham north wall
THREE second winter Med Gulls coming to bread/bananas etc. along the north harbour wall - this was the scenario reported the other day but wrongly thought to be an error. The usual adult was not seen and tends to be a high tide bird these days
Vis
Not really concentrated on with the Chough scenario and mist/whoosh nets out but upwards of 250 Meadow Pipit (prob many more), 4 Grey Wagtail and 4 flocks of Pink-footed Goose totalling about 140 individuals

Ringing
Unfortunately tractor activities early morning were a necessity and this led to a delay before Meadow Pipits could be taped and ringed. 3 Grey Wagtail, 15 Meadow Pipit and 2 Robin were ringed along about 5 Greenfinch
Moths
Green-brindled Crescent new for the year
Elsewhere
Great White Egret Leighton Moss.