Comment
- 9th January
- 2010
- Message no.108
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|
Thanks
Roger,
Its
good to be able to track their movements but I wonder just how
they know where to find unfrozen water to roost on. Is it
by a sixth sense, squawk of bill or older birds' experience?
Aren't they just wonderful creatures!
Graham
|
- 20th December
- 2009
- Message no.107
| I live locally in
Chase Terrace and came across the Chasewater Wildlife Group
website a little while ago. I've found it really interesting and
wondered if I could get involved in some way. I have a real love
of nature and wildlife but realised I haven't learnt or
experienced very much and would like to change that. I am trying
to identify birds at the moment and have in the past attended some
bat courses. Next year I will be more involved with the Staffs and
South East Staffs Bat Group's and aim to learn even more. I was wondering if someone could give me a little more information on what the group joining fees pay for and what kind of activities go on that I could be involved in? Thanks for your time Rachel |
|
Thanks for the email; its really pleasing to know
that the website is attracting the attention and interest of
local people. The cost of yearly membership is £5 and this goes
mainly towards the cost of running the website and Feeding
Station. We have monthly meetings (advertised on the website
front page) where we discuss any issues regarding the
conservation, protection and enhancement of the area's wildlife
but in the summer months we tend to use the meetings to get out
into the field and share our interests and knowledge. We also
have additional moth trapping/bat detecting sessions and as you
can see from the Diary, there is nearly always at
least one of the Group onsite and willing to share their
knowledge with anyone who's interested. I hope you feel a little
more informed, please don't hesitate to ask if you need more
information and you'd be very welcome at the next indoor meeting
at 7:30 on Tuesday 19th January at the Chase Recreation Club in
Chasetown High Street.
All the best, Graham Evans
|
- 16th December
- 2009
- Message no.106
|
Well, here I am just returned from the last meeting of the year of Chasewater Wildlife Group. A different meeting in some ways, particularly the Xmas party celebrations which were excellent. Many members brought along Xmas delicacies, even hot baked potatoes, as well as the seasonal mince pies. We had coffee, tea and soft drinks on offer and the entertainment was brilliant – a photographic show of the wildlife highlights of Chasewater in 2009 by our Chairman Neil Stych and member/photographer Phill Ward. (It was good to see Phill back at our meetings again after his illness and he had obviously been very busy with his camera during the year). It was a very good turnout too which shows how keen and committed all our members are. But what wasn’t so good was to hear of the problems Chasewater is going through at the moment. Lowering water levels, trees being felled, habitats destroyed, species threatened, disturbance increasing, and the future for some areas of the site and for some species looking a little bleak. One begins to think that perhaps Lichfield District Council (who own and manage much of the site) don’t appear to consider the wildlife as important as some of the recreational activities that take place here, even though some of the habitats and species have legal protection by law. I
got the impression tonight that the CWG has to embark on a much
more proactive campaign if the
wildlife of Chasewater is to survive. The media and
the politicians are all talking about Climate Change but I
believe the threat to Chasewater’s habitats and wildlife is
coming not from changes in the climate
but from the direct action of man. The year 2010 has to be a year of ACTION by all of us. Our children will not forgive us if we fail. Grandfather B – who has been visiting the site for over 50 years. |
- 25th November
- 2009
- Message no.105
|
The photos of the small and
dainty looking Yellow legged Gull had me dashing to the
literature. What a pity this bird does not have a black band on
the bill for that would clinch it as an adult Armenian Gull. I
note however in Olsen and Larsson Gulls of Europe, Asia and
North America the summer plumaged Armenian Gull description states:
(from March) 'head white and bill bright yellow with
prominent gonys spot, dark markings (SOMETIMES
LACKING) ..................
The same
book describes Armenian Gull as a weak semi-species
with Yellow legged Gull (Liebers et al 2001) whatever that
means!
I
would therefore suggest the the bird is probably an intergrade
between a Y.L Gull and a true Armenian which is only a
tentative species requiring further genetic analysis.
There must be
someone out there looking for a Phd. Maybe this could be
considered! (R
B)
|
|
- 18th October
- 2009
- Message no.104
|
Hi Graham, just e-mailing
to say that myself, Dave Collins and Ken Ball saw the Black-throated
Diver today lift off and circle round gaining height at 12.00 until
it was a speck and then heading high northwards at 12.15. During
the time it was circling it was attacked by first a common
buzzard briefly, and then a more prolonged one by a large
peregrine, the diver actually had to dive quite steeply to avoid
it. Cheers Simon Edwards
|
|
Thanks
Simon,
Neil
Stych and I also saw the diver take flight. We were at the south
end of the dam and initially it headed east, high above the
canal, only to return and head off to the north (over the Slurry
Pool area) but again it turned back, came right over us and
headed north towards Chasetown and I lost it as it seemed to be
turning east! As you say, it was a good 15 minutes and as we
followed it through bins 1-2 Buzzards came into view but I
missed the Peregrine encounter; I imagine that was when it was
over towards Cuckoo Bank and we lost it for a moment.
All
the best, Graham.
|
- 26th August
- 2009
- Message no.103
| I would like to say I
have just found this website through Facebook and it really is
fascinating. I live in Norton East so Chasewater is my next door
neighbour and my back garden; it makes me so proud to live here. About 4 - 5 Sundays ago me and my boyfriend were taking our usual daily walk, we decided to walk around Chasewater as it was a nice day, thankfully I thought best to take my binoculars. You couldn't contain our surprise and delight as we spotted two deer feeding off the bushes. This was right by the Norton East Road and the pool on Norton East Road. There was a gentleman with a camera taking plenty of pictures, maybe he was a man off this site? If so I really would love to see the pictures. Also a couple of weeks ago I was getting ready for work, it must have been about 7:30am, I looked out my bedroom window and on my washing line, feeding off my fatball holder was a Great Spotted Woodpecker! I even got my dad out of bed (also a wildlife fan) and he confirmed that yes it was a Great Spotted woodpecker (I thought it was too good to be true). Anyway the woodpecker stayed picking at fatballs for going on 5minutes. I thought you may appreciate my sightings. Also if you have any volunteers opportunities, cleaning rubbish up or anything else I would love to help you. Especially the pool on the Norton East Road, which I feel people really disrespect daily with rubbish and so on. Sorry for the essay, I'm just really passionate about this subject. Best wishes and hope to hear from you soon. Miss Kerry Seery |
|
- 3rd-6th August
- 2009
- Message no.102
|
Ref: Message no. 93
I've just picked up the story after I visited Chasewater yesterday and saw a man with two husky type dogs yanking them along. Is this the owner concerned? If so he is clearly a regular.
Incidentally I saw
two red deer stags ( not roe deer as has been suggested)
John
|
|
Hi John, Thanks for your observations. I think
that the husky owner you refer to is not the person responsible
for the Swan death in April. He regularly walks his two dogs
along the Sailing Shore to Pimpernel Point on the North Shore
and seems to have reasonable off lead control although that
hardly helps the 'protected' Little Ringed Plovers and
their two chicks that are frequently disturbed by such dog
owners along this stretch of shoreline.
Graham
|
|
Thanks for that
Graham...two and two don't always make four of course. I was
nevertheless unimpressed with his attitude towards his dogs
which led to my speculation. Perhaps a few signs might help.
John
|
|
Thanks John, I was told that LDC
were going to put signs up encouraging dog owners to keep their
dogs on the lead on the North Shore but clearly they never got
round to it. The dog situation doesn't get any better; just
tonight as we were leaving, having looked at the gull roost,
there were 7 uncontrolled dogs on the small
area of shoreline (resulting in no birds) north of the Waterski
Centre and typically the owners paid no attention when one one
of the dogs defecated on the adjacent path.
Graham
|
|
Thanks
Graham..........Is it worth another go re signs? I've spent many
happy hours being 'appalled', 'amazed' and 'utterly disgusted'
with some degree of success. My pal and I live in Birmingham and
I could use the 'occasional visitor'.......'fall in standards of
behaviour' angles. Who should I contact? Is there a local paper?
You needn't be
concerned that I'm some campaigning nutter...I'm not. Like you I
love the outdoors and most of what goes with it.
John
|
|
Thanks John,
I am emailing the LDC Countryside Officer, a real
friend of the CWG, about the failed appearance of the North
Shore dogs on leads signs and other issues so I hope to soon
have more information. The local press always like a story,
examples of which are still on our front page.
Graham
|
- 30th July - 4th August
- 2009
- Message no.101
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|
|
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Hi Keith,
I will send you higher resolution copies of
my three photos that you wish to use and all I ask is for a
copyright and name credit and a link to our website. As for the
other photos I will try to contact the owners.
All the best, Graham
|
- 26th July
- 2009
- Message no.100
| Hi Graham, Could you possibly identify a caterpillar I have seen over Chasewater? It was 2 inches long, lime green, 6 or 7 black stripes, each stripe has 3 or 4 yellow dots. Regards, Geoff Thompson |
|
Hi Geoff,
Your caterpillar sounds like it may have
been that of an Emperor Moth. If you do a Google image
search you should be able to find a picture to see if it matches
what you saw. They feed on heather and bramble and have
occasionally been seen at Chasewater.
All the best, Graham
|
- 7th July
- 2009
- Message no.99
| Thought you might be interested to
see this http://brownhillsbob.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/investigation-works-to-start-at-chasewater-ahead-of-dam-project/ Glad to see the site back, was quite missing you
at the weekend! |
- 29th May
- 2009
- Message no.98
| Hello, I notice on your sightings report that four Roe Deer have been seen on Cuckoo Bank. I'm a member of Staffordshire Mammal Group and am really excited about this as we have very few records of Roe Deer within the county. I've made the County Recorder for Mammals (Derek Crawley) aware of the sighting too. He's also very interested. Do you have any extra information? For instance were the deer seen individually or in a group (this time of year the Does should be on their own having their Fawns and the Bucks should be feeding up for the rut in July/August). Have the deer been seen there before or is this the first known sighting? Both Derek and I would be grateful for any extra information you can provide. Best wishes, Paul Thomas. |
| Thanks Paul, I too have been in touch with Derek and have given him the information I received and the email address of the person who reported the deer. I hope he can get confirmation of the record, since there has never been any confirmed sightings of Roe Deer in the Chasewater area. All the best, Graham. |
- 24th-30th May
- 2009
- Message no.97
|
Hi Guys Around midday today, Sunday 24th May 09, we saw a Buzzard gracefully riding the thermals over Chase Terrace, a truly inspiring and fascinating sight lasting for several minutes. Some distance below it was a smaller bird, because of the height and my limited knowledge I can’t be sure of the smaller bird, it looked like a Blackbird in size and shape, so for now I will call it a Blackbird. Slowly the Blackbird rose up towards the Buzzard until there was a confrontation, it appeared that the Buzzard was attacking the blackbird. As it turned out, it was the other way round, and after some diving and attacking from the blackbird, the Buzzard turned and flew off, chased closely by the Blackbird. When it was almost out of sight, the Blackbird returned leaving the Buzzard to go on his way in the direction of Gentleshaw Common. I have witnessed a Buzzard in the Gentleshaw Common area on a few occasions so it seems likely that it was the same one. Sadly all this happened too high to get any photographs that would look more than a couple of dots in the sky. Trevor Stevenson |
| Birds of prey are very frequently 'mobbed' by smaller birds that appear to bravely assert themselves against a potential predator. It's always worth looking for a raptor if you see or hear unusual behaviour from smaller bird. The 'chink chink' call of a Starling almost always indicates the presence of a Sparrowhawk, a tight concentration of hirundines points to the likelihood of a hunting Hobby and a sudden bout of crow 'cawing' frequently produces a Raven or Buzzard. Graham |
|
Hi Graham Thank you for your interesting reply, it makes sense.... I
have seen that sort of behaviour on TV documentaries, but never in
real life, it was fascination to see even though I thought at one
time that we were about to witness the demise of a small bird, but
no.... You are very welcome to take a look and if you feel inclined I welcome comments especially constructive ones. My downfall is my lack of knowledge regarding wildlife and identifying species, some knowledge yes, but not a deep enough one, so I am trying to learn that as well as take pictures, looks like my retirement is going to be busy. I have taken up enough of your time, and thanks again for the posting on your site. Kindest regards Trev |
| Thanks Trevor and good luck with your wildlife photography. A word of warning .....its wonderfully obsessive! You've taken some great photos; the terrapin photo has certainly impressed and amused many people. All the best, Graham. |
- 18th May
- 2009
- Message no.96
| Hi guys Thought you might be interested in the latest article on my blog, a rant and some pictures of illegal motorbikes at Chasewater. http://brownhillsbob.wordpress.com/ What's the best way to handle these situations - call the Rangers Office, or the boys in blue? I've taken the liberty of linking to your site - it provides so much useful and interesting info that it's invaluable. Best wishes, Bob |
|
- 2nd -4th May
- 2009
- Message no.95
| Hi Graham Brian and I saw two cranes this morning at 9.15 am. We were in the car traveling on the Brownhills Road from Norton Canes towards Brownhills and they were flying towards Chasewater. Later this afternoon we went a walk to Chasewater and saw three cranes at 4.26 pm by the power boat club. They flew from the south and appeared to pick up thermals and soar upwards eventually flying off north. Have there been any other sightings please? best wishes Jackie Jones |
|
Thanks Jackie, I was too tired to turn on the
computer last night and look at what I missed! I was cycling
back home from Chasewater at 9:15am so the Cranes probably
flew over my head! There has been a pair of Cranes doing a tour
of the midlands for over two weeks and I was lucky enough to see
them over Chasewater on April 14th; the first ever record for
the site. What is particularly amazing about your sightings
yesterday was the appearance of 3 birds which sound like they
may be nothing to do with the roaming pair (I was at the Slurry
Pool at the time!!). Could you please email a description of the
sightings so I could send the record to the County Recorder, I
would hate to loose such a super record for Chasewater and the
county.
All the best, Graham
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks Jackie and Brian,
Sounds good to me. You must have been as excited
as I was when I found them in April! I've emailed a copy to
the County Recorder, so we'll now have to wait and see. Graham
|
|
| May 9th -That is good news. We are really pleased. Thank you very much Graham. Jackie and Brian. |
- 30th April
- 2009
- Message no.94
|
Hi Graham
I was told about your web site
today and was pleased to find so much information about
Chasewater and the wildlife there. As a fairly regular visitor,
its good to know there are people with such a passion for the
conservation of the area.
I was taking photographs at
Chasewater last Saturday, the 25th April when I came across what
I thought was an unusual sight. A terrapin was on an old tyre
that was supporting a no swimming sign at a rather unusual
angle. This might be a regular sight for you, I don't know, but
I am attaching the picture for your interest.
Hoping this is of use to you and
would be interested to know if anyone has information about this
terrapin and how he came to be living there.
Regards Trevor
Stevenson
|
|
Thanks Trevor, The terrapin was in the same place
last summer and could have been around for some time before that
since it must be quite an age, being so large. All terrapins in
Britain are the result of releases or escapes from captivity and
the majority are the Red-necked Terrapins from North America.
However, I think our specimen may be of a different species but
I'm yet to find out what it is. They can cause problems in that
they will eat our native amphibians so although it is quite a
character, it is not particularly welcome.
Graham
|
- 29th April
- 2009
- Message no.93
| 'Horror as dogs maul swan to death at Chasewater' to read this Chase Post article (May 7th) click here. | |
|
Hi Graham,
Was shocked to read on the diary about the swan being killed by two dogs. Has this incident been reported to the police or possibly the RSPCA? Perhaps Lichfield would now have to take the care of wildlife at Chasewater more seriously Regards Peter S |
|
|
Everybody who is concerned by the current increase in disturbance will be ANGRY at the latest report of two husky dogs being allowed by their owner to kill a Mute Swan. THE OWNER/S MUST BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO THE OWNERS OF THESE TWO DOGS ARE? ANYONE WHO SEES TWO HUSKY DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS AROUND CHASEWATER SHOULD PHOTOGRAPH THEM SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY THEM. If the two Waterski Club Members can also be spoken to and persuaded to give a description of the incident and the owners of the dogs to the Police, then they may be able to prosecute them. CHASEWATER HAS CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS AND YET IT APPEARS THAT LICHFIELD DISTRICT COUNCIL IS ALLOWING THIS WONDERFUL AND UNIQUE WILDLIFE AREA TO BE INCREASINGLY DISTURBED AND DAMAGED. ITS ABOUT TIME WE MET THE MANAGERS OF CHASEWATER AND PRESSED FOR SOME BIG CHANGES. NATURAL ENGLAND (the Government Agency responsible for protecting our wildlife habitats and natural assets) SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE DAMAGE THAT IS OCCURRING AND ASKED TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE MANAGERS OF CHASEWATER (i.e. Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council) to manage the site so that wildlife can survive and increase. Not only does it give a lot of people a great deal of pleasure being able to see the plants, insects, animals and birds (many quite rare) around Chasewater, but the wildlife itself should be protected for its own sake and for future generations of humans to see and study and appreciate. Many people are now concerned that the Managers of Chasewater (which includes the Councils) have given priority to the human recreational activities at Chasewater to the detriment of its biggest asset – the wildlife that inhabits the area. AM I ON MY OWN IN BELIEVING THIS? Bevan Craddock |
|
| Hi Bevan, thanks for such a thorough response. I know that the Dog Warden has been informed, we don't know if the police have been informed and the Rangers are 'keeping their eyes open'. LDC has invited Neil and myself to a meeting at the Council offices on May 8th to discuss their 'Chasewater Project' which I have been assured will have some good news regarding LDC's commitment to Chasewater's wildlife conservation. We will have to wait and see but I can assure you that we will certainly make them aware of our dissatisfaction with the current accepted anarchy. Gray | |
| Graham,
has the incident with the swan been reported to the police? To the
wardens at Chasewater? To Lichfield District Council? To the local
press? To the national press? Natural England? When will it be apparent to those who manage areas like Chasewater that dogs out of control, off leads, fouling the area, harassing dogs on leads, harassing wildlife, killing wildlife need to be controlled. The owners need to be prosecuted and an example made! What would the reaction be if the dead swan was replaced by a dead child! We should use every channel open to us to publicise this occurrence and get some action taken (IW). |
|
LEGAL
STATUS
|
- 14th April
- 2009
- Message no.92
15th April
|
First of all love your blog, very
informative and always a delight to read .
I don't think I ever would have
taken the time to explore Cuckoo Bank without reading your
sightings there, its a wonderful place, I always feel as though
its so far detached from the busy bustle of the world , and yet
only a short distance from towns and industry, etc.
As a very keen (amateur)
naturalist I was hoping you might know how Grass Snakes are
getting on in these regions, Chasewater and Cuckoo Bank.
Hopefully still clinging on to existence.
Thanks very much, Glyn Taylor
|
|
Thanks for your kind comments. Although I've
never seen a Grass Snake in the area, I know there have been 2-3 sightings
in the past 2-3 years near the canal, near the Feeding Station
and near Chase Terrace. So they do indeed seem to be hanging on.
Have you had any local Grass Snake encounters? Graham
|
|
Hello Graham, excellent
news, just knowing there are Grass Snakes about in the area
enlightens one's experience when walking, heightens my senses
somehow. They are a beautiful gem in the natural history of the
UK.
We've only ever been so lucky as
to have seen a Grass Snake once in the Cotswolds, so I shall
keep my eyes peeled from now on when out on your patch!
Cheers for the information.
Kind regards, Glyn.
|
- 14th April
- 2009
- Message no.91
15th April
|
Dog walkers, quad
bikes, scramble bikes, sail boats, anglers and fires! And
that's just in the first 10 days of April. I really admire your
persistence in visiting Chasewater in the face of such constant
adversity. And I guess you've never got a shotgun handy
when you need one... Peter
Its all made worthwhile when you have a day like today (see the Diary). The fact that I couldn't tell whether the Cranes were calling because of the noise of the south shore Easter fairground just somehow makes the experience uniquely surreal. Gray |
|
Definitely a red
letter day and just reward for your perseverance! And
photographs, too. Well done! Peter
|
- 10th April
- 2009
- Message no.90
| Thought you might like
to see some of the photos I've been able to take this week in and
around Chasewater. The displaying wren and the deer were shot in
the wood near the dam wall, the Reed Bunting at the feeders on
Tuesday. The Waxwings were shot today in Lawnswood Avenue. They used TV aerials and telegraph posts to perch whilst diving in and out of berry trees in the gardens. I counted at least 50 in the flock. Regards John. |
- 7th April
- 2009
- Message no.89
|
| It would be a pleasure to meet you Andy; you don't happen to drive a quad bike do you? Graham |
|
Your own internet browser stores web pages so that when you
revisit a site they load up quickly. When a website is
updated, your browser may still show the old version (cache).
You can set up your browser to delete your cache regularly.
Alternatively if an old page is showing simply press refresh
and the newer page will show. I can assure you that the
website is functioning perfectly well and those readers who
clear their cache during routine computer maintenance will not
experience your problem. If you have any more queries then
please don't hesitate to ask (nicely).
Natalie Ward.
|
- 5th April
- 2009
- Message no.88
| Took a long walk around Chasewater yesterday with my kids, saw a few herons and our first green woodpecker around the Cuckoo Bank area. Here are a few photos from the feeding station, please feel free to add them to the website if you want. I am not sure if the tits are willow or marsh? Stu |
- 31st March
- 2009
- Message no.87
| 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock butterfly were seen at the bye-pass end of the dam. I report this because of last year's shortage of the Small Tortoiseshell. Tony H CWG |
- 17th March
- 2009
- Message no.86
| Hi Graham, There were 4 Redshanks on the north shore, opposite main island at about 2-30pm. Shortly after they were disturbed and flew, eventually landing on the main island, Regards Peter Sitch |
- 2nd March
- 2009
- Message no.85
|
Hi Graham,
The all white
Black-headed Gull was also in the roost. It was seen from
the wooden platform looking north towards Fly Bay.
Regards, Graham
& Chris Weston
|
- 20th February 2009
- Message no.84
| Today was the first full day of operation for the wind-turbine at the Outdoor Education Centre. Please could you carefully monitor any possible effects the turbine may be having upon the wildlife throughout the year. Already we have noticed a probable disturbing effect the turbine has upon the roosting gulls. Graham |
- 18th - 24th
- February
- 2009
- Message no. 83
| Today was one of those days when I wonder why I bother! Despite telling all the right people about the very rare Round-leaved Wintergreens on the North Shore and being assured that no harm would come to them when the scrub clearance was undertaken, the contractors were not told about them and they decided to burn the willow brashings directly over many of the wintergreens and trample over many more. This is neither effective heathland management or enhancing bio-diversity! Please reply with your thoughts. Graham |
|
I was angry but not completely surprised to
hear about the incompetent destruction of the wintergreens. I
was wondering- were they growing in the new paddock area? If so
what effect would grazing cattle have had on these rare plants
and their survival? Nat Ward
|
| The effects of grazing this year needs to be monitored closely. It was felt that the wintergreens should benefit but it depends on factors such as where the cattle decide to graze, loaf and relieve themselves! Gray |
- 29th January 2009
- message no.82
|
Hi , having spent an enjoyable
week on and off at Chasewater I wondered if you would like these
pictures for your site, if not then no worries.
Jennie Anderson (Hednesford)
|
|
Thanks Jennie, I'm pleased that you enjoyed your
time at Chasewater. Your photos are beautiful but whenever I try
to download photos from this Yahoo Mail, they seem to go to some
unknown and inaccessible part of my computer so I can't find
them!
All the best, Graham Evans
|
- 29th January 2009
- message no.81
|
Just a brief note to say that the
flock of Waxwings were still in the High Street / Silver Court
area of Brownhills this morning.
Regards, Graham
Weston
PS We like the Chasewater website
|
| Thanks Graham, I wonder how long they'll stay as they've now more or less stripped all but 3 of the trees. Its great to have then in the area. All the best, Graham Evans |
- 29th January 2009
- message no.80
| Just a brief note to
let you know that the juvenile Iceland Gull was in the roost on
the evening of Tuesday 27th Jan. I and a colleague didn't manage
to get to Chasewater till about 4:30 but we found the gull almost
immediately roosting on the second jetty/pontoon. Thanks for your
informative website. Ron Kinrade (Shropshire O.S.) |
| Thanks Ron, The gull roost was being viewed from the west shore that night so anything on the jetty would not have been seen. All the best, Graham Evans |
- 23rd January 2009
- message no.79
| I would just like to say how beautiful the photo by Jim Almond of the Waxwings is. They are wonderful birds and I photographed them in Penkridge over Xmas but Jim has caught them in a really striking pose – all 13 of them in a perfect pose and the picture is perfectly balanced. Now I would really like that picture on my wall Jim. Bevan |
- 21st January 2009
- message no.78
|
I want to
bring people's attention to some issues surrounding dog
control at Chasewater.
1) It is a crime
to allow your dog to disturb wildlife- this includes
allowing your pet to scatter the ducks and gulls on
shorelines around the reservoir. A young man with a collie
was seen recently to thoroughly enjoy watching his dog chase
a large flock of birds that were gathered to feed on bread
near the castle. Dogs should also not be allowed to chase
the deer.
2) You should
not have a dog off it's lead unless it is fully and
perfectly trained to recall. Today, a lady with a blue merle
border collie continuously allowed it to approach other dogs
while it completely ignored her attempts to call it back. It
was a dog that displayed dominant behaviour and was
aggressive towards my dog (which was on the lead). The
collie was then allowed (after a failed recall) to approach
a German Shepherd who was also being nicely controlled on a
lead. Again the collie displayed aggressive behaviour to
which the poor threatened German Shepherd
understandably responded. The lady described her dog as
socialising; I can honestly say she had no idea how to
socialise a dog correctly. It is bad manners to allow your
dog to approach another, especially one that is on a lead,
without asking the owners permission first. Socialising is
fun with the agreement of everyone involved.
A dog that cannot be recalled is a danger to itself and a
nuisance to others.
3) Not picking
up your dogs faeces is an offence, there is no excuse. If
you can't see a bin, carry it until you do see one. There
are plenty of gadgets , bags and scoops designed to keep
this process simple and hygienic. DO IT!
By not abiding
by simple guidelines and common decency people are
risking the council introducing strict dog control orders-
bad owners will then only have themselves to blame.
Nat Ward
|
| Nat, I'm really pleased you have made these points (but saddened that you had to) and I'm sure that all reasonable people will agree that its only the irresponsible and selfish dog owners that prevent nature conservation, birdwatching and dog ownership being perfectly compatible and complimentary interests and activities. Gray |
- 21st January 2009
- message no.77
| Myself, husband and
dog Alfie visited Chasewater today, first time for many many years
(used to live at Chase Terrace). We walked all around the lake and
in the area of Chasewater heaths probably not far from fly pool
(looking at the sketch map of Chasewater) we came across a herd of
approximately 12 red deer. In order not to disturb them we took a
detour to try and avoid them, but met up with them again. at this
stage the group was split we did not want to walk in between them
in case they got nervous so my husband whistled and the group to
the right of him, ran past one by one to join the group on the
left they then just stood there and watched us walk by. I so wish
I had had my camera with me, but i was not expecting to see deer
so close to Chasewater. We had a lovely day and will certainly be
back together with camera and binoculars. Regards Pam Ferriday |
- 9th January 2009
- message no.76
| Hi, Didn't anyone
else see the Egret that was by the jetty of the power boat club
yesterday afternoon (8/01/09)? The time was about 15.00. Tony T
|
| No-one else has reported a (Little) Egret, so thanks for the news and I will certainly look out for it over the weekend. I would certainly appreciate more details of this sighting. Graham |
|
I noticed that the
gull we saw on the 13th and later seen by yourself on
the 20th and 21st is now being reported on Birdguides and
Chasewater as 2nd winter Caspian. Is it confirmed as Caspian
now, or do you still think it's likely to be a hybrid?
I am just writing
a post about the gull for my blog - I was wondering if you'd be
kind enough to let me use one of your photo's for this?
Best wishes,
Kay Donaghy
|
|
After quite lengthy discussion, most of which
I've added to the Comments page, it seems that there is no way
of proving the parental background of the gulls without DNA
analysis (and that would only give the maternal line). I've
decided that its best to simplify the situation by calling birds
that are clearly sharing 50/50 features of two different parent
species 'hybrid' or 'presumed hybrid'. Birds which are not quite
'classic' ie. 'a bit off' but showing no features outside the
known limits of a species, then we will call them that species;
in this case Caspian Gull. First generation hybrids should be
rather obviously showing mixed parentage but as these hybrids
can be fertile there is every chance of 2nd/3rd etc generation
hybrids which would look 'off' but probably indistinguishable
from pure 'off' birds! When we get a 'classic' we will call it a
classic' but most of the recent birds are not quite 'classic' in
head or bill shape/size but fall within accepted limits.
All the best and Happy New Year. Graham
|
|
Many thanks for the photo and
this further information about the gull.
Happy New Year and best wishes,
Kay
|
|
Just like to say
I've found the feeding station now over the heaths and took some
nice photos of bullfinch and reed bunting. Cheers for that. Have
a good Christmas and New Year :-) Andy
|
| Hi can anyone please help me? I am looking to get a sighting of the short-eared owl; I have tried many times but failed. Could anyone tell me the best time of day and where on Chasewater to see this bird ? Any help would be good thank you, Matt. |
| Hi Matt, The Short-eared Owl has shown on most evenings during the last 3 weeks and it performed well tonight at dusk. If you stay on the cycle path as it crosses the north shore heath/grassland there is a very good chance of seeing the owl hunting low over the ground. It also likes to perch on the many fence posts or sometimes, when mobbed by crows, it may rise up high for a minute or two. Its best to choose a calm, dry day as they don't like flying in strong winds or rain. On occasions it had been seen flying as early as 13:30 but 16:00 till dark may produce better results. Graham |
|
Thank you Graham
for the advice on the Short-eared Owl. I will be keeping an eye
out in that area, once again thanks. Also like to mention that
on Sunday 4th Jan I have spotted a mink at the feeding station,
at around 11:30 am. As the breeding season will be here shortly
this is not good news as Mink love eggs. Thought it was worth
mentioning. Matt
|
| Just like to say how good I think your website is and the feedback I get from you. Really helpful. I have now located the bird feeding station on the map. I shall be taking a walk over there probably tomorrow after work to see what I can photograph. All the best Graham. Cheers Andy. :-) |
- 16th
- December
- message no.70
| Hello there. Could you please tell me how to get to the bird feeding station as I can't seem to find it :-( cheers. Andy |
| Hi Andy. Please click on this link to the map which has the feeding station marked near Fly Pool. Graham |
message no.69
 |
|
We saw this gull at
Stubber's Green this afternoon, just after 1pm (please see attached
digiscoped pic). We are not quite sure, but we think it may be a 2nd
winter Caspian Gull, but would appreciate the opinions of more
experienced gull watchers.
It had slight brown
streaking at the back of the neck, pink legs and a beady black eye.
Can you let us know
what you think?
Best regards,
Kay Donaghy, David
Scott and Ray Scott
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| The consensus on the
Bird Forum seems to be that it is a Herring Gull. Dave Scott
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
Hi Kay, What must be your bird was back at Stubbers Green and the Chasewater roost this weekend and I've been able to take many photos of it and have good discussion with Paul Jeynes and national gull experts Alan Dean and Dick Newell. We are all in agreement that the gull has some Caspian Gull in it but there is a possibility of it being a Herring x Caspian Gull hybrid, probably from the Polish/East German population. There is more detail now on the website diary.
All the best and well done for
finding the bird. Graham
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
I’ve looked at the photos and your comments on your website. First, in respect of some of the comments of others, which you report on the website, this is definitely not ‘just’ a Herring Gull. The features you list yourself, plus the pattern of the greater coverts visible in the flight shot show, the ‘black-and-white’ pattern of the tail, and the pattern of streaking confined to the rear of the neck, all show definite cachinnans traits. I think also that the underwing is quite pale and, though a ‘whiter’ underwing would be preferable, I don’t think that the underwing of your bird is outside the range of variation of cachinnans. So there is definitely ‘cachinnans in there’ but, to me, warning bells are sounded by the rather short primary projection and, in particular, the head and bill-shape. In combination they generate a build which lacks a really convincing cachinnnans profile. While the head-shape and bill-shape certainly hint at cachinnans they do not seem quite right. The head is a little too domed and the bill is too heavy, particularly towards the tip. It has a rather blunt tip and an obvious gonys, producing a slightly swollen end, whereas cachinnans is usually more slender and pointed with little evident gonys. Such a bird could be a variant Caspian (they are variable just as Herring Gulls are [extremely] variable) but there is a need for caution when gulls with features of cachinnans show anomalies when examined more carefully. Your bird has some of the warning signs of a Herring Gull x Caspian Gull hybrid. See www.magikbirds.com/image.asp?title_id=1102&show_thumbnails=True for an example of such a bird. I am not saying that the bird is indeed a hybrid but I would think that it is a possibility which needs to be seriously considered. I’ll copy this reply and your photos to Dick Newell (author of the item referenced above) as he may have further comments to make. Regards, Alan Dean ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Hi Alan and Graham, I think you have said it all. I would only add that at this age (2CY), underwing colour doesn't mean a whole lot. Not knowing for sure the full range of appearances of pure Caspian Gulls, one needs to be wary of circular reasoning. I would not like to call this a pure Caspian, but if it was, by calling it a hybrid we might be stacking up false reasoning for the next one that turns up with a slightly off bill and short wings. On the other hand, the 4 or 5 birds that I have seen with rings that were traced back to mixed colonies in East Germany or Poland all looked "off", including the bird ringed as a hybrid and another bird that was ringed in a colony of Herring Gulls: http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.com/2006/12/caspian-gull_05.html As a result, I believe there is a significant percentage of hybrids about, so critical observation of all of the necessary features is required to make sure you have a bird well inside the goal posts. Dick ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Many thanks for this new information. I'm really glad our bird has been seen again and you were able to reach this conclusion. We couldn't conclude it was a Caspian at the time, but it just didn't look like a normal Herring Gull! Kay |
8th December
message no.68
|
On a walk around Chasewater today (Sunday 7th Dec)
with my family we were unfortunate enough to encounter two youngsters-
one a child the other a youth- on motorbikes racing along the footpaths
through the heathland along the north shore. I refused to move off
the path to let them by and told them what I thought of their behaviour
with the usual response. These people don't care about the law, other
people or the wildlife and need to be stopped. I phoned the police and I would implore anyone else who encounters similar behaviour to do the same. I'm not sure if the police got there in time but the more people that stand up to them the more chance we have of stopping them. Thank you. S. McGowan _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
We seemed to be plagued by these bikes at the moment. These, or
others, were also around on Saturday and the noise alone completely
spoilt what was a beautiful day, along with the disco 'music' blasted
out from the ski boats and an uncontrolled dog frightening the Red
Deer! Thanks for contacting the police and its always worth reporting
incidents to the Rangers' Office near the Innovation Centre.
All the best, Graham Evans
|
23rd November 2008
message no.67
|
Hello, 'back again' - please find 4 No.
Video Grabs of Caspian Gull filmed recently @ Stubbers Green boating
lake.
I presume the gull is a 3rd winter.
Regards, Phil
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19th November 2008
message no.66
|
Hi guys Probably just me going insane but did anyone else notice a Brent Goose out on Chasewater? Unless my eyes are deceiving me I think I spotted one today as I was going round. Also if anyone happens to see the lesser spotted hide clamp on their way round(!)... stupid me went and left it on the walkway on the dam. Once I realised I left it I went straight back but couldn't find it anywhere! I was too preoccupied trying to find the Slav Grebe! Regards Jo Horton __________________________________________________________________________ |
|
| Thanks for your email regarding the Brent Goose last Wednesday. Its a really good record and I hope it made the day at least not too bad. I've put the word out regarding the hide clamp and we really hope to find it for you. Is it OK to use your photo for our web diary - it would be great to have a copy. We could also put your Blog onto our Links. All the best, Graham Evans | |
- Sunday 28th September
- 2008
- message no.65
|
I was birding at Chasewater on 22nd September when at 0945 this Honey
Buzzard flew south, also the Great Northern Diver was exceptionally
close and there were two Common Scoter. On the 24th September I spent an
hour searching the Gulls at Stubber's Green where there were two Caspian
Gulls (2nd winter and a 4th Winter) and two Yellow-legged Gulls (2nd
winter and adult). All the best and feel free to use the photos. Andrew Slade |
- 1st August
- 2008
- message no.64
| Just a quick thank you! While walking around the reservoir today I met Phill Ward on the North shore. Not only did he give me the details of this excellent website, but spent the time to enlighten a relative novice on some of the wildlife to be seen. Many thanks, Phill. I hope one day I may contribute some photos which may not look out of place among the great shots you and Graham have taken. Terry Fellows ( the Kingfisher watcher! ) |
- 22nd May 2008
- message no.63
| Can anyone help on Sunday 18th May down by the pools on
Cuckoo Bank we
spotted a bird that we couldn't identify from any of our books it was
about the size of a robin it had a vivid blue throat & chest a largish
head for its size and was hanging on the reeds by the pool unfortunately
it flew away to the other pool before we could photograph it. thanks Helen |
- 16th May 2008
- Message no.62
|
I managed to get this shot of this rather silent male Ring Ouzel. After flying from the southern pylon area, it momentarily paused on the row of Pines next the track before disappearing. Fortunately I saw again on a couple of occasions. More poor quality images on local birding can be seen of my blog Blurred Birding. Martyn Yap |
|
- 4th April 2008
- Message Mo.61
|
Hi
All
Although there is a photo of
the Great Northern Diver's right wing on the CWG site
already, I thought it might be helpful to add this pic
too (which I took early this afternoon, Thursday 3 April,
off the dam) albeit taken rather hurriedly with a digital
Sony Cybershot handheld to a Mighty Midget Opticron
Travelscope... and in rather poor light !
Cheers
Andy Russell
|
|
- 28th March 2008
- Message Mo.60
|
Please could you
tell me if there have been any sightings of pine martens in the
area. I am fairly certain that I observed one (26/03/08) in my
garden. It was during the day and I saw it exploring the rockery at
first and then moving into the borders, before wriggling under the
fence. People have suggested that it may have been an escaped ferret
but this does not match with other images I have found on the net. I
am staggered to see one so far south and I would be very grateful to
hear your thoughts.
Thanks
Joan Elkington
|
17th March 2008
Message Mo.59
|
6th March 2008
Message Mo.58
| Muscovy duck on the swag 5.3.08. Is this normally on the boating pool with the other domestics? (The boating pool is empty so I wondered if it had wandered off). Nat |
4th March 2008
Message Mo.57
|
We saw a pair of grey wagtails by the sailing club this afternoon (4th March) looking stunning in the sunlight.
On visiting the
feeding station we found that a large area is being fenced off so
that cattle can graze. The men doing it said they would put in
stiles so I hope they will be in the right places. I could not
find anything about this on the web site? We saw two male
bullfinches, at least two male reed buntings and a pair of willow
tits.
Liz Bolton
|
|
3rd March 2008
Message Mo.56
|
Just thought I'd say
thanks for the information
today as regards the feeding station, yes we did find it thanks, still
no luck with the Diver though.
Notes on today include:-
Thanks again and
thanks for such a wonderful webpage
Denny Haynes
|
2nd March 2008
Message Mo.55
|
Please find
emailed, videograbs of Iceland Gull from film taken Saturday @
approx 12 noon. The film was taken in strong windy
conditions and therefore the images of the bird could have been better if the weather was
calm.
Regards, Phil
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Message Mo.54
|
Hello There
Thought you may
be interested that whilst out walking today Wed 20th Feb my friend
Paulene and I spotted four Teal nearby the railway station and cafe.
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20th February 2008
Message No.53
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9th February 2008
Message no.48
|
I thought you may be interested in this photo I took last Friday at Stubbers Green, Walsall. I know it is a bit distant but it is a good record of the Iceland gulls visit. I hope it is of interest, cheers, John. |
|
8th February 2008
Message no.47
|
i am a birder with an interest in correct ID
of hybrid waterfowl and quite some experience in that field...
I strongly suspect that the
redcrested pochard
from 12.7.2007
is a
hybrid between two species (Possibly involving bahama pintail?). I
would love to see some more photos or better resolution photos of
that one, if possible.
With Best Regards,
Joern Lehmhus
|
12th February 2008
Message no.50
a reply to message 47
|
It was great to receive your email
regarding the duck at Chasewater in July 2007. You are quite
right to point out that it clearly isn't a pure Red-crested
Pochard and certainly appears to have some features of Bahama
Pintail. The
photo of it flapping concerned
me at the time since the typical white wing bar of RC Pochard
does not show but the pale edge to the secondaries, as in Bahama
Pintail does. I think it was a case of passing it off as an
obvious escape from captivity and not exercising the necessary
care in examining the bird in detail. I don't think we have any
better photos of the bird to send you but do you have any ideas
about the full parentage, age and sex of the duck?
Graham Evans
|
14th February 2008
Message no.51
a reply to message 50
|
I just do not see enough of the bird to be
sure, the flapping picture which i now have seen (missed that
before!) indicates indeed Bahama Pintail parentage...but I´d
need to know more which i can not see in the fairly small
pictures... I´d need higher resolution pictures.
However , if the iris of the bird was red,
as it seems, then it should be a male. Given the time of the
year and the fact that one of the potentially involved species
(RC Pochard) does have an eclipse plumage; it may be an eclipse
male...That said, with these photos it is still a guess...
Best regards, Joern
|
15th February 2008
Message no.52
a reply to message 51
|
Joern's response to receiving several photographs of the duck in
question;
Hi Graham,
thank you!
I still see this as a good possibility for RC
Pochard x Bahama pintail. the speculum would indeed be good for
that.
I think the reddish eye colour hints to a male
bird; on the other hand I´d have expected at least some red on the
bill in a male (even in an eclipse bird)- but on the other hand
there are some Mallard x RC Pochard who also show a nearly totally
dark bill.
However, even with the more detailed photos i
am not able to say more, i am sorry for that....
But if you ´d get a report from a very odd
duck from the chasewater area; I´d be interested- it might be this
hybrid in breeding plumage....
Best regards, Joern
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Message no.44
|
Good to see Graham and other familiar faces again after so many years on 4 February and thanks to the intrepid gull-watchers for finding me my first British Caspian Gull (I’m ashamed to admit!). It was the cream (actually I hate cream) on one my best days ever at Chasewater, though the Slavonian Grebe down to 2.5m takes some beating. I’ve only revisited Chasewater three times (during 1993-5) since leaving the Midlands in the late 1980s and was somewhat confused by all the changes to the roads that have been made since then. Despite that, there seem to be improvements in the habitat in some respects, not least the amount of woodland that now clothes big areas of what used to look something like the wastes of Siberia ! Some of that woodland gave welcome shelter from the wind while watching the really good gull roost. If I can indulge in a little nostalgia, my first visit there was on 27 November 1966. I made quite few trips to look for the then regular Great Grey Shrike, which I finally saw to huge relief and elation on 19 November 1968. But that was only the first of an amazing list of oddities – for which the site is of course well-known. Least Sandpiper and Dotterel in 1971, Red-footed Falcon in 1973 and White-winged Black Tern in 1976 stand out in my list. However, I often recall the tame Snow Bunting that I watched by my feet on 9 February 1969 – that’s because I wrote-off my motor bike on the way home and my note book for that day is covered in blood! There’s nowhere quite like Chasewater: keep it that way! Dave Smallshire |
6th February 2008
Message no.45
a reply to message 44
|
Great to see you Dave,
though far too briefly after all these years. I too can recall many
memories including one in May 1973 when you waved to me across Fly
Bay from the north shore and I waved back from the Sailing Club,
went home and then back to college. It was not until a week later
when I saw the front page of the Guardian that I found out why you
were waving. You were trying to tell me that you were watching a
Red-footed Falcon over the heath! It stayed for several days but
with no hotlines, birdguides or pagers how was I to know? It was far
more fun in the old days!
Gray
|
Message no.43
|
Just a query and a bit of
info. At Sandbach Flashes (Cheshire) for the last three nights we
have had a 2cy Iceland Gull in the roost with a deformed upper
mandible,I understand from Sandbach locals whom visited Chasewater
in January that you had what was almost certainly this bird there.
Would it be possible to confirm this as it would be interesting to
chart the movement of this individual as it is very rare the
opportunity arises. Thanks.
Andy Firth
Crewe
|
6th February 2008
Message no.46
a reply to message 43
|
Thanks for contacting us Andy. Our odd juvenile (2cy) Iceland Gull
roosted most nights from around January 15th - 25th. Paul Jeynes,
who saw it most frequently, has said the bird's mandible didn't
appear to close properly and may have had wire stuck in it! In some
views the mandibles seemed to cross and in others it appeared that
there was damage to the upper mandible. Do you have any photos of
the bird? Unfortunately, as far as we are aware it was never
photographed in good enough light to show any details when it was
with us.
Graham Evans
|
9th February 2008
Message no.49
a reply to message 43
|
Graham:- Unfortunately the bird was not photographed but has also been seen at Richmond Bank, Warrington. It did not come into roost last night (8/2/08) so it may have moved again. From the description of the mandible I am almost sure it is the same bird at all three sites. Thanks for the information. Andy Firth, Crewe |
Message no.42
|
Please find emailed, 2 No. Videograbs of Nordic Jackdaw & 1 No.
Videograb of 2nd Winter Caspian Gull from film taken at Stubbers
Green last Sunday 03/02/08.
I also filmed the drake
Scaup the sunday before at the 'Swag' - I will provide you with
Videograb/grabs soon.
Regards, Phil
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.jpg)
message no.41
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Thanks for your help and
patience during Saturday's gull roost when I eventually
managed to see the 1st
winter Caspian gull courtesy of Paul.
White winged gulls are no
problem but Herring gull splits are a different matter.
Don't know how you all do
it. Guess it comes with many hours of practise.
Once again many thanks,
Tony - Kidderminster
|
- 27th Jan 2008
- message no. 40
|
A
message received with reference to the LDC/CWG field meeting on Saturday
26th, that attracted 80 people;
To all involved |
message no. 39
|
- 26th Jan 2008
- message no. 38
|
This note is to give a big thank you
once again to Paul Jeynes
after his brilliant efforts at
yesterday's (Friday) gull roost to help me learn more about ID-ing
different species ... and did he come up trumps !
Whilst it was great to see two already on my
ticked-list pointed out again ... Med. Gull and Caspian ... to also
see him find the 2nd winter Yellow-legged and the Juvenile Glaucous
Gull for me ... and then to move back to the jetty for still decent
views in fading light of the Juvenile Iceland Gull was fantastic
As he said
"plenty of experienced birders don't ever get to see those five in
any one roost !"
It was a real privilege - so many thanks again Paul.
Cheers
Andy Russell
|
message no. 37
| Just wanted to say thanks to
Graham for helping us out with the Slav Grebe and Med Gull on Sat. We
had a great day at Chasewater and will be back soon. If possible can
someone tell us where the feeding station is, we'd like to see it next
time? Kay and Max |
18th Jan 2008
Message No 36
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Message No. 34
|
Hi 2nd winter Iceland gull in tonights roost Ian p |
Message No. 32
Chris Cook
15th Jan 2008
Message No. 33
A reply to message 32
| Been
again to check for this bird and disappointed to say it is a false
report probably misident for the ever present Slav grebe again in Fly
bay this am
Chris Cook |
Message No. 31
| Yesterday, 7th, lesser redpoll w. side Fly Bay and slav grebe showing
really well cheers Ian P. p.s. where is feeding station? |
16th Jan 2008
Message No 35
A reply to message 31
found feeder station which i never would without directions
boardwalk is flooded but worked round other way
its very good and well hidden
bullfinches willow tits reed buntings
i also was fairly sure there were two marsh tits as well as 2/3 willow
on res
slav grebe on outer fly bay
gndiver but only saw one
drake smew very much in cover inside fly bay
thanks again for directions
cheers ian
Message No. 30
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Message No. 29
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5th Jan -
The chiffchaff was seen by the swag. we walked up to the north
end to view the Slav, and as we were walking back past the swag,
the 'nice brown' chiffchaff was with the tit flock. cheers, Nick Smith |
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Message No. 28
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Message No. 27
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Pics of
Iceland Gull, the 2w Y L Gull and a cracking (!) Glauc shot from
the 1st Jan roost. Cheers, Nick Smith |
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Message No. 26
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CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Message No. 25
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As promised
to who ever it was I spoke to today at the water here are three
shots of the day. regards Paul King PKDWildlife.blogspot.com PKDigital wildlife.com CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE |
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Message No.24
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Message No.20
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Still newish to birding - and still working part-time, as I've mentioned to Phil on the odd occasions we have bumped into each other at Chasewater, I don't get the time I'd like to improve as much as I would like ! So not being a gull expert at all yet, can anyone confirm whether (or probably not !) the attached bird is one of the current Glaucous Gulls. This was 4.30 Monday afternoon this week. It's the darker bird in the centre of the more distant shot that was 'standing out from the crowd', with the white buoy being not far from the water-ski ramp. In the close up attachment, you will it see it 'bottom left'. Any thoughts Andy Russell (Lichfield) |
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CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Send your opinion to cwg_comments at yahoo.co.uk
5th December 2007
Message No.22
A reply to message 20
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Hi Andrew, Thank you for your post, we seem to be getting a few more posts lately which is great. I've put it onto the comments page for you and have shown your pics to my husband who does the gull roost on a regular basis. Sadly you're pics don't show the glaucous gull; your bird is most likely to be a herring gull (if we're all looking at the same bird). The glaucous gull is a more bulky/stocky bird, creamy coloured with pale primaries (the bit non-birders often think is the tail). There are a couple of pictures of the glaucous gull on the diary and the comments page but what you'd probably find more useful is to head down to the West (or sometimes South) shore late afternoon around 3.30 to 4pm and look out for any birders doing the roost. They're all friendly and have been an invaluable source of information and help to me. The glaucous was there tonight from around 4pm amongst a roost of about 10,000 birds; good fun to pick out. All the best, Natalie Ward |
- 18th December 2007
- Message No.23
- A reply to message 22
|
Hi again everyone
Many thanks to Natalie for putting me right on my earlier query, reference potential Glaucous Gull. My school report will do well to even say "could do better ! " But I'll keep learning and thanks again. Regards Andy Russell |
Message no.18
You will also find 4 No. 'Vidgrabs' of an odd looking Blackheaded Gull filmed at Sandwell
Valley - while looking for Med gulls. The bird is in the foreground.
I hope the Chasewater gull experts find it interesting.
Regards, Phil
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- 5th December 2007
- Message no.19
- A reply to message 18
| Thanks for the photos Phil, The shots of the Herring type gull are frustrating in that the legs and rear end are not shown and the overall structure of the bird is hard to see. We are left with the head and tertials as the main ID features to consider. There seems nothing in the head shape, bill shape (quite a strong gonys angle) and size to discount argenteus Herring Gull. Mild winters appear to be encouraging early body moults in many gulls (your Black-headed photos show this) and this could account for the gull's whitish head but the eye does seem to be dark which certainly is not typical for a 3rd w Herring and good for Caspian. The barred tertials are far more typical of Herring than Caspian. The Sandwell gull is really fascinating in that it does show features of Bonapartes Gull, especially if the bill and the developing hood really are black. The legs look identical to the Black-heads, as does the tone of grey in the mantle and wings. Did you see it fly? If so, what was the underwing like? Runt Black-heads do occur and your bird is at least a good lesson and at best a very good find! Gray |
6th December 2007
Message no.21
A reply to message 19
I have emailed another videograb of the Blackheaded - to confirm its identity.
Regards, Phil Parsons
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Message no.17
Cheers, Nick Smith
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Message no.15
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Hi Gray I was on the top fields today. Saw two men hunting with hawks. They were using a dog to put up prey. In the distance I saw one bird kill what looked like a Partridge. The one man had what looked like a gun in a bag. Any idea if this is legal or who might know? Geoff |
Message no.14
Thanks to Paul Greeves(?), please find 3 No. 'Videograbs' of Caspian Gull filmed today at Stubbers green.
Two of the'grabs' show the second winter bird, the other 'grab' shows, what appears to me as a 3rd winter Caspian - please comment.
Regards, Phil
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29th November 2007
Message no.16
A reply to message 14
The person I met at the Stubbers Green site was Paul Jeynes not Paul Greeves.
Regards, Phil Parsons
Message no.12
| I see the Red Deer cull is
still ongoing at Cuckoo Bank according to the October log. Are they
trying to wipe them out completely? Geoff |
25th October 2007
Message no.13
A reply to message 12
| Dear Graham, The two stags were shot on Wednesday the 3rd of October according to the rangers diary. John Williams |
Message no. 10
|
Thanks for the pictures of
the Slavonian Grebe on the website. They have enabled me to confirm that
I did see it today off the north shore.
Liz Bolton |
Message no.8
|
The photos labelled as YL
Gull on
13rd August are mostly Herring Gulls (Argentatus). Mantle
Colour, Lack of Yellow Legs + Big White Mirrors in primaries, and
non-stout bill indicate H Gull. The immature bird may be a First Winter
YL Gull.
Regards, Tom Perrins, Julian Allen THIS MESSAGE REFERS TO IMAGES POSTED IN THE CHASEWATER DIARY FOR AUGUST; CLICK HERE TO VIEW |
Message no.9
A reply to message 8
| At last someone has responded! Thanks Tom and
Julian, I've been longing to have someone to discuss the gulls that have
been so fascinating for the whole summer, yet no-one else seems to be
giving them any time. I've added a few more photos to the
main
Diary
that you may find interesting. I can assure you
that the birds on August 13th had yellow legs but as they are now in
'winter' plumage the bill and legs are more subdued and they have dusky
flecking around the eye, ear coverts and rear of crown. Due to moulting
earlier than argentatus the adult bird has very fresh and unworn
primaries. The full adult was no larger than the Lesser Black-backs
which also points towards Yellow-legged rather than argentatus. The young bird is more likely to be a second winter due to the grey in the mantle and second generation tertials, showing more white fringes than a 1st w, and most of this year's birds will still be in juvenile plumage rather than 1st winter. It would be great to see you at the roost soon. Please keep the discussion going and it would be great to encourage others to do likewise. All the best, Gray |
Message No.4
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Can someone
please tell me the name or species of the enclosed photograph I
took the photo on the 3rd of June 2007 at Chase water. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE Send your opinion to cwg_comments at yahoo.co.uk |
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Message No.5
A reply to message 4
Regards Natalie
Message No.6
A reply to message 5
Thank you for your reply much appreciated.
Regards Tom.
Message no 11
A reply to message 6
I think this is a Muscovy Duck they seem to have lots of pattens no one the same
Look them up on internet hope this helps
Yours Tony
| I just want to say thank you for the Chasewater Web site. I appreciate all the time and effort that is put into it. |
Message no.2
|
Despite the time of the year,
up to 250 gulls are roosting on the lake most nights. Most are immature
Lesser Black-backs but over the past couple of days two herring gull
types have been causing me headaches! They look good for Yellow-legged
but there are times they can look very Caspian-like. Perhaps you reckon
they're just Herring Gulls. I'd love to hear your opinions. It would be
good to get a discussion going. Gray |
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1 Gulls 2 and 1 |
2 Gull 1 showing long necked and long, narrow billed appearance! |
3 Gull 1 -Short necked and deep billed appearance! |
4  |
5
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6  Gull 1 on the buoy, Gull 2 on the water |
7 Gull 2 – longer, thinner, paler bill, rather Caspian Gull like! |
8
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Message no.7
A reply to message 2
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Gull 3 2nd summer |
Gull 4 habitually pecked at the buoys. Its large size is clearly shown against the Lesser Black-back. |
Gull 4 1st Summer |
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Message no.1
| What a great idea to replace
the old Chat with this email version. Let's hope that readers will
realise how easy it is to use and will start sending their observations
and opinions. Let's also hope that the weather picks up and we can get back into the dragonflies, butterflies and moths. Particularly, look out for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries around the Fly Bay area; there were rumours of them last year during June. Graham Evans |