Dock gates closed
Feeling very cold. Most of last week's snow has now gone, just a few icy patches remaining in shady spots.
In the dock basin:
30 black-headed gulls
1 mallard
Thursday 31 December 2009
Thursday 31 December 2009
14:00 Sunny Interval, 1 o C. Wind N 7mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 1005mB. Visibility good High tide today 22:38, 9.21m
Dock gates closed
Feeling very cold. Most of last week's snow has now gone, just a few icy patches remaining in shady spots.
In the dock basin:
30 black-headed gulls
1 mallard
Dock gates closed
Feeling very cold. Most of last week's snow has now gone, just a few icy patches remaining in shady spots.
In the dock basin:
30 black-headed gulls
1 mallard
Saturday 12 December 2009
Saturday 12 December 2009
14:00 Sun 5 o C. Wind E 6 mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 1035mB. Visibility moderate High tide today 20:08, 8.28m
Dock gates closed
A calm, sunny day, frosty early on. Ribble Steam are running their popular Santa Specials over the 2 weekends leading up to Christmas, attracting families both riding on and watching the trains. Otherwise, the dock is fairly quiet today.
6 black-headed gulls in the dock basin
8 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
20 black-headed gulls flying around over the dock basin & lock, squabbling over something. One had probably picked up a piece of food somewhere.
12 black-headed gulls along the roofs opposite the dock basin
Dock gates closed
A calm, sunny day, frosty early on. Ribble Steam are running their popular Santa Specials over the 2 weekends leading up to Christmas, attracting families both riding on and watching the trains. Otherwise, the dock is fairly quiet today.
6 black-headed gulls in the dock basin
8 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
20 black-headed gulls flying around over the dock basin & lock, squabbling over something. One had probably picked up a piece of food somewhere.
12 black-headed gulls along the roofs opposite the dock basin
Thursday 10 December 2009
Thursday 10 December 2009
13:30 Sun 9 o C. Wind WNW 7 mph. Humidity 91%. Pressure 1027mB. Visibility moderate High tide today 19:02, 8.23m
Dock gates closed
In the dock basin:
15 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
6 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
1 cormorant
Albert Edward Dock:
6 cormorants
70+ black-headed gulls
2 mute swans
3 coots
Dock gates closed
In the dock basin:
15 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
6 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
1 cormorant
Albert Edward Dock:
6 cormorants
70+ black-headed gulls
2 mute swans
3 coots
Monday 7 December 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
RSPB Marshside, Southport
Heavy showers, Wind: SSE 23mph, Humidity: 83%, Pressure: 991mB, Visibility: Poor, High Tide today 14:21 9.06m.
A very cold, windy day with some heavy wintry showers. It was difficult to hold binoculars steady at times.
Junction pool:
Large flocks of wigeon,teal and pintail.
Shoveller x 2
Shelduck x 3
Mallard x 6
Tufted duck x 6
Several lapwing in the grassy areas beyond the pool
1 Little Egret near the sea wall, by the golf club
Sandgrounders:
Large flocks of pinkfoot, wigeon and teal
Small number of pintail, pochard and shelduck
Little Grebe x 2
Coot x 4
Several lapwing and blacktailed godwit
Marshside Reserve
Heavy showers, Wind: SSE 23mph, Humidity: 83%, Pressure: 991mB, Visibility: Poor, High Tide today 14:21 9.06m.
A very cold, windy day with some heavy wintry showers. It was difficult to hold binoculars steady at times.
Junction pool:
Large flocks of wigeon,teal and pintail.
Shoveller x 2
Shelduck x 3
Mallard x 6
Tufted duck x 6
Several lapwing in the grassy areas beyond the pool
1 Little Egret near the sea wall, by the golf club
Sandgrounders:
Large flocks of pinkfoot, wigeon and teal
Small number of pintail, pochard and shelduck
Little Grebe x 2
Coot x 4
Several lapwing and blacktailed godwit
Marshside Reserve
Monday 30 November 2009
Monday 30 November 2009
In the dock basin
12:30 Sun 5 o C. Wind N 10 mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 1006mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 21:38, 8.77m
Dock gates closed
It's been a lovely dry, bright morning, but bitterly cold in the north wind.
15 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
6 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
12:30 Sun 5 o C. Wind N 10 mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 1006mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 21:38, 8.77m
Dock gates closed
It's been a lovely dry, bright morning, but bitterly cold in the north wind.
15 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
6 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
Monday 23 November 2009
Monday 23 November 2009
In the dock basin
14:30 Sunny interval 10 o C. Wind W 23 mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 9933mB. Visibility very good. High tide today14:59, 8m
Dock gates closed
Some sunshine at last. It has been very stormy in recent days, with gale force winds overnight.
25 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
10 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
1 cormorant fishing in the dock basin
There is a melanistic blackbird hanging around the flowerbeds next to the lock, it has a quite large white patch on its rump. I've seen it a few times but haven't managed to get a photo yet as it scurries off into the shrubbery before I can get my camera out.
14:30 Sunny interval 10 o C. Wind W 23 mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 9933mB. Visibility very good. High tide today14:59, 8m
Dock gates closed
Some sunshine at last. It has been very stormy in recent days, with gale force winds overnight.
25 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
10 black-headed gulls along the top of the dock gate
1 cormorant fishing in the dock basin
There is a melanistic blackbird hanging around the flowerbeds next to the lock, it has a quite large white patch on its rump. I've seen it a few times but haven't managed to get a photo yet as it scurries off into the shrubbery before I can get my camera out.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Tuesday 17 November 2009
In the dock basin
14:30 Cloud, showery 10 o C. Wind SW 15mph. Humidity 77%. Pressure 1003mB. Visibility poor. High tide today11:10, 9.25m
Dock gates closed
Feeling much colder, water quite choppy.
25 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
Another 10 black-headed gulls sat on the wall
1 cormorant on the boom
14:30 Cloud, showery 10 o C. Wind SW 15mph. Humidity 77%. Pressure 1003mB. Visibility poor. High tide today11:10, 9.25m
Dock gates closed
Feeling much colder, water quite choppy.
25 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
Another 10 black-headed gulls sat on the wall
1 cormorant on the boom
Sunday 15 November 2009
Sunday 15 November 2009
In the dock basin
10:00 Sunny interval 8 o C. Wind S 13mph. Humidity 93%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 22:1, 9.13m
Lock gates closed.
20 black-headed gulls sat along the lock gate
10 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
Another 20 black-headed gulls sat on the roofs of the houses opposite the dock basin
4 cormorants on the boom, showing off their plumage beautifully. Some people say they stand with their wigs spread out to dry off, others say it's to regulate temperature and there is also a theory that it aids their digestion. They remind me of shirts hung out to dry.
1 cormorant fishing in the dock basin.
10:00 Sunny interval 8 o C. Wind S 13mph. Humidity 93%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 22:1, 9.13m
Lock gates closed.
20 black-headed gulls sat along the lock gate
10 black-headed gulls on the water in the dock basin
Another 20 black-headed gulls sat on the roofs of the houses opposite the dock basin
4 cormorants on the boom, showing off their plumage beautifully. Some people say they stand with their wigs spread out to dry off, others say it's to regulate temperature and there is also a theory that it aids their digestion. They remind me of shirts hung out to dry.
1 cormorant fishing in the dock basin.
Saturday 14 November 2009
Saturday 14 November 2009
13:00 Heavy showers 9 o C. Wind S 16mph. Humidity 79%. Pressure 983 mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 21:27, 9.00m.
A stormy day, feeling warmer despite the rain and wind.
In the garden
Goldfinch x 3
Great Tit x 4
Blue Tit x 2
Dunnock x 1
A stormy day, feeling warmer despite the rain and wind.
In the garden
Goldfinch x 3
Great Tit x 4
Blue Tit x 2
Dunnock x 1
Monday 9 November 2009
Monday 9 November 2009
15:00 Sunny 6 o C. Wind SSE 3mph. Humidity 80%. Pressure 1019 mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 15:59, 8.23m.
Lock gates closed
A cold, crisp bright day. There is ice in the lock, along with the bue-green algae.
20 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 performing aerobatics around the moored boats.
2 Cormorants passing overhead.
Lock gates closed
A cold, crisp bright day. There is ice in the lock, along with the bue-green algae.
20 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 performing aerobatics around the moored boats.
2 Cormorants passing overhead.
Saturday 7 November 2009
Saturday 7 November 2009
11:30 Light showers 8 o C. Wind SSW 9mph. Humidity 82%. Pressure 992mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 13:55, 8.09m.
Lock gates closed
The weather has turned much cooler in the last few days.
35 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, a further 5 performing aerobatics, circling and swooping down over the water surface. The female black-headed gulls migrate to Spain in winter, and the males can get quite lively left to their own devices.
In the garden
Goldfinch x 2
Blue tit x 2
Great tit x 1
Dunnock x 1
Chaffinch x 1
A beautiful mature male chaffinch, showing off the colours of his plumage to perfection.
The garden feeders attract many small birds. It is important to keep feeding the birds regularly in winter. There is much less food, such as insects or berries, available for them and they will have become used to visiting the garden feeders.
Lock gates closed
The weather has turned much cooler in the last few days.
35 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, a further 5 performing aerobatics, circling and swooping down over the water surface. The female black-headed gulls migrate to Spain in winter, and the males can get quite lively left to their own devices.
In the garden
Goldfinch x 2
Blue tit x 2
Great tit x 1
Dunnock x 1
Chaffinch x 1
A beautiful mature male chaffinch, showing off the colours of his plumage to perfection.
The garden feeders attract many small birds. It is important to keep feeding the birds regularly in winter. There is much less food, such as insects or berries, available for them and they will have become used to visiting the garden feeders.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Wednesday 4 November 2009
14:00 Showers 10 o C. Wind SSW 9mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 981mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 12:44, 9.37m.
Lock gates closed
November has started with sunshine and showers, mostly showers today and much cooler.
20 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 sat along the top of the dock gate.
2 cormorants passing overhead.
The garden feeders are attracting a mix of blue tit, great tit, goldfinch. greenfinch, sparrow, starling and wood pigeon, with occasional magpie.
I'm hoping my elephant hawk moth caterpillars will survive and pupate.
Lock gates closed
November has started with sunshine and showers, mostly showers today and much cooler.
20 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 sat along the top of the dock gate.
2 cormorants passing overhead.
The garden feeders are attracting a mix of blue tit, great tit, goldfinch. greenfinch, sparrow, starling and wood pigeon, with occasional magpie.
I'm hoping my elephant hawk moth caterpillars will survive and pupate.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Saturday 31 October 2009
Samhain
15:30 Sunny 16 o C. Wind SW 9mph. Humidity 79%. Pressure 1018mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:34, 8.74m.
Lock gates closed
A mild autumn day for Halloween, and a promise of clear skies later.
Around 12 black-headed gulls in the dock basin.
10 black-headed gulls and 3 cormorants passing overhead.
15:30 Sunny 16 o C. Wind SW 9mph. Humidity 79%. Pressure 1018mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:34, 8.74m.
Lock gates closed
A mild autumn day for Halloween, and a promise of clear skies later.
Around 12 black-headed gulls in the dock basin.
10 black-headed gulls and 3 cormorants passing overhead.
Friday 30 October 2009
Friday 30 October 2009
16:00 Cloud 15 o C. Wind SSE 16mph. Humidity 70%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:55, 8.35m.
A much greyer day, the water in the dock quite choppy, occasional spots of rain.
Albert Edward Dock
Mute Swan x 2
Black-headed gull x 50
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Mallard x 20
Coot x 12
A much greyer day, the water in the dock quite choppy, occasional spots of rain.
Albert Edward Dock
Mute Swan x 2
Black-headed gull x 50
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Mallard x 20
Coot x 12
Thursday 29 October 2009
Thursday 29 October 2009
14:00 Sunny intervals 16 o C. Wind SE 10mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 1020mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:10, 7.91m.
Lock gates closed
A pleasant autumn day, still some colour on the trees although the weekend's gales stripped many of the leaves.
4 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 sat on top of the dock gates.
Around 100 gulls on the sandbanks in the river, mainly black-headed with a few lesser black backs.
Lock gates closed
A pleasant autumn day, still some colour on the trees although the weekend's gales stripped many of the leaves.
4 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, 10 sat on top of the dock gates.
Around 100 gulls on the sandbanks in the river, mainly black-headed with a few lesser black backs.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Wednesday 28 October 2009
14:30 cloud 15 o C. Wind SW 5mph. Humidity 83%. Pressure 1016mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 19:14, 7.49m.
Lock gates closed
The usual assortment of gulls, coots and mallards in the Albert Edward dock, mainly on the pontoon near the car park. Probably clustered there as somebody was throwing bread out.
One cormorant remained aloof on the opposite side of the dock.
2 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, with a further 3 sat on top of the lock gate.
Around 100 geese, either Greylag or Pinkfoot, flew over in the direction of the Ribble marshes, or possibly Martin Mere.
These seemed to have come from the coast near Blackpool. I don't think they'd been in the air long, as they were still sorting themselves out and gaining height when first spotted.
We get a lot of geese pasing over here in autumn/winter, as some fly quite high identification in the air can be difficult. The Canada geese that hang around Fairhaven sometimes fly over, but at a much lower height.
Lock gates closed
The usual assortment of gulls, coots and mallards in the Albert Edward dock, mainly on the pontoon near the car park. Probably clustered there as somebody was throwing bread out.
One cormorant remained aloof on the opposite side of the dock.
2 black-headed gulls in the dock basin, with a further 3 sat on top of the lock gate.
Around 100 geese, either Greylag or Pinkfoot, flew over in the direction of the Ribble marshes, or possibly Martin Mere.
These seemed to have come from the coast near Blackpool. I don't think they'd been in the air long, as they were still sorting themselves out and gaining height when first spotted.
We get a lot of geese pasing over here in autumn/winter, as some fly quite high identification in the air can be difficult. The Canada geese that hang around Fairhaven sometimes fly over, but at a much lower height.
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Cockersand
Cockersand is just south of Glasson Dock, at the mouth of the River Lune.
The area near the ruined Cockersands Abbey is known as Plover Scar, and this is a good place to spot a variety of waders and wildfowl, especially in winter. Today has been no exception, with 3 egrets among the feeding birds.
It may look a bleak and empty place but the saltmarsh is teeming with life.
Today's sightings
Egret
Cormorant
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Lapwing
Redshank
Wigeon
Teal
Shelduck
Mute Swan
Cockersand is just south of Glasson Dock, at the mouth of the River Lune.
The area near the ruined Cockersands Abbey is known as Plover Scar, and this is a good place to spot a variety of waders and wildfowl, especially in winter. Today has been no exception, with 3 egrets among the feeding birds.
It may look a bleak and empty place but the saltmarsh is teeming with life.
Today's sightings
Egret
Cormorant
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Lapwing
Redshank
Wigeon
Teal
Shelduck
Mute Swan
Saturday 19 September 2009
Saturday 19 September 2009
14:00 Grey cloud 16 o C. Wind SW 6mph. Humidity 77%. Pressure 1016mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 12:21, 9.67m.
Lock gates open.
A few yachts, a narrow boat and a couple of motor boats passing through the lock into the marina today.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x20
Coot x 1
There were upwards of 10 goldfinches jostling for position on the garden feeders today. It looks like all this year's young have fledged, the sparrowhawk notwithstanding.
There's something peaceful about taking time out to watch wildlife, it's good for the soul to lose yourself in nature. A twitcher might take a look in the dock basin and say 'nothing there', a birder will happily watch the gulls' behaviour for a while.
Lock gates open.
A few yachts, a narrow boat and a couple of motor boats passing through the lock into the marina today.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x20
Coot x 1
There were upwards of 10 goldfinches jostling for position on the garden feeders today. It looks like all this year's young have fledged, the sparrowhawk notwithstanding.
There's something peaceful about taking time out to watch wildlife, it's good for the soul to lose yourself in nature. A twitcher might take a look in the dock basin and say 'nothing there', a birder will happily watch the gulls' behaviour for a while.
Friday 18 September 2009
Friday 18 September 2009
15:30 Sunny intervals 17 o C. Wind S 6mph. Humidity 62%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility good. High tide today 23:47, 9.87m.
Lock gates closed.
After a chill grey morning the sun has finally broken through.
Both swans, several mallards and coots, plus the usual mix of black-headed, herring and lesser black-backed gulls are sunning themselves on the pontoons in the Albert Edward dock.
The dock basin is almost deserted.
Black-headed gull x 4
Coot x 3
Lock gates closed.
After a chill grey morning the sun has finally broken through.
Both swans, several mallards and coots, plus the usual mix of black-headed, herring and lesser black-backed gulls are sunning themselves on the pontoons in the Albert Edward dock.
The dock basin is almost deserted.
Black-headed gull x 4
Coot x 3
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Wednesday 16 September 2009
14:30 Cloud 17 o C. Wind NE 7mph. Humidity 65%. Pressure 1027mB. Visibility good. High tide today 22:25, 8.99m.
Lock gates closed.
Teasels on the Bullnose
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 16
Coot x 1
Mallard x 11
Lock gates closed.
Teasels on the Bullnose
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 16
Coot x 1
Mallard x 11
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Tuesday 15 September 2009
14:00 Sunny intervals 17 o C. Wind NE 8mph. Humidity 57%. Pressure 1027mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 21:38, 8.32m.
The east wind feels somewhat chilly, but still a pleasant dry Autumn day with plenty of sunny intervals.
Lock gates closed.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 15
Coot x 2
Mallard x 11
Cormorant x 1
Moorhen x 2
The east wind feels somewhat chilly, but still a pleasant dry Autumn day with plenty of sunny intervals.
Lock gates closed.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 15
Coot x 2
Mallard x 11
Cormorant x 1
Moorhen x 2
Sunday 13 September 2009
Sunday 13 September 2009
16:00 Sunny 18 o C. Wind NE 9mph. Humidity 53%. Pressure 1030mB. Visibility good. High tide today 18:38, 7.44m.
Lock gates closed.
A quiet day, apart from the train enthusiasts and photographers. The boat yard is silent for once, no hammering, drilling or other signs of industry. I guess the 'summer sailors' are all but gone now until next year.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 50
Coot x 2
Mallard x 9
One solitary swallow was seen flying over the river end of the dock basin, I hope it hasn't left migration too late
Lock gates closed.
A quiet day, apart from the train enthusiasts and photographers. The boat yard is silent for once, no hammering, drilling or other signs of industry. I guess the 'summer sailors' are all but gone now until next year.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 50
Coot x 2
Mallard x 9
One solitary swallow was seen flying over the river end of the dock basin, I hope it hasn't left migration too late
Saturday 12 September 2009
Saturday 12 September 2009
13:00 Sunny 18 o C. Wind NW 9mph. Humidity 55%. Pressure 1031mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 17:05, 7.68m.
Lock gates closed.
The weather remains fine, bringing the weekend visitors and train enthusiasts. It has also brought out a few butterflies enjoying the warm autumn sun.
Ribble Steam Railway are having a Gala Weekend, running engines from the museum, along with a visiting engine from the Lakeside Line in Cumbria.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 40
Coot x 1
Mallard x 4
Lock gates closed.
The weather remains fine, bringing the weekend visitors and train enthusiasts. It has also brought out a few butterflies enjoying the warm autumn sun.
Ribble Steam Railway are having a Gala Weekend, running engines from the museum, along with a visiting engine from the Lakeside Line in Cumbria.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 40
Coot x 1
Mallard x 4
Thursday 10 September 2009
Thursday 10 September 2009
16:00 Sunny 19 o C. Wind NW 6mph. Humidity 56%. Pressure 1037mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 15:15, 8.52m.
Lock gates open.
Another beautiful autumn day down here, the sun has brought the bees out. There are still flowers around for them, like this patch of oxeye daisies.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 30
Coot x 3
Mallard x 2
Lock gates open.
Another beautiful autumn day down here, the sun has brought the bees out. There are still flowers around for them, like this patch of oxeye daisies.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 30
Coot x 3
Mallard x 2
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Wednesday 9 September 2009
13:00 Sunny 16 o C. Wind NW 8mph. Humidity 63%. Pressure 1031mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 14:37, 8.79m.
Lock gates closed initially, just opening as I came away..
A lovely, peaceful autumn day down here, feeling cooler. Large number of black-headed gulls finding something interesting in the mud bank, both swans were feeding in the shallow channel.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 80
Common Gull x 1
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Lock gates closed initially, just opening as I came away..
A lovely, peaceful autumn day down here, feeling cooler. Large number of black-headed gulls finding something interesting in the mud bank, both swans were feeding in the shallow channel.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 80
Common Gull x 1
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Tuesday 8 September 2009
15:00 Cloudy 20 o C. Wind SW 18mph. Humidity 87%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 14:04, 8.95m.
Lock gates open
Weather somewhat changeable, mostly grey cloud.
A very quiet day on the dock, children back at school & fewer walkers about. All the swallows are gone now.
Some boat movement today - one in, one out.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 30
Coot x 3
Mallard x 2
Lock gates open
Weather somewhat changeable, mostly grey cloud.
A very quiet day on the dock, children back at school & fewer walkers about. All the swallows are gone now.
Some boat movement today - one in, one out.
In the dock basin
Black-headed gull x 30
Coot x 3
Mallard x 2
Monday 7 September 2009
Monday 7 September 2009
14:30 Sunny 18 o C. Wind W 7mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility good. High tide today 13:34, 9.02m.
A much better day today, hope we've seen the last of Hurricane Bill.
There is a pleasant woodland walk which goes towards Lockside Road and starts alongside the railway line, near the level crossing bbehind the marina. There is a signpost on Navigation Way.
There are a great many bushes along the path bearing these white fruits, which rather resemble the polysterene balls sold by craft shops. So far I haven't been able to find out what they are. The birds don't seem to bother with them.
A much better day today, hope we've seen the last of Hurricane Bill.
There is a pleasant woodland walk which goes towards Lockside Road and starts alongside the railway line, near the level crossing bbehind the marina. There is a signpost on Navigation Way.
There are a great many bushes along the path bearing these white fruits, which rather resemble the polysterene balls sold by craft shops. So far I haven't been able to find out what they are. The birds don't seem to bother with them.
Saturday 5 September 2009
Docklands Flora
Some of the flowers seen around the bullnose in the last couple of months.
A white Buddleia, complete with a Red Admiral showing why it's often called the butterfly bush.
The bees seem to enjoy ragwort, which can be poisonous to livestock in some circumstances, though not to humans.
Hedge Bindweed, or convolvulus,
I love the colour of this knapweed.
Pretty as it is, I don't think this one's a Riversway native.
A white Buddleia, complete with a Red Admiral showing why it's often called the butterfly bush.
The bees seem to enjoy ragwort, which can be poisonous to livestock in some circumstances, though not to humans.
Hedge Bindweed, or convolvulus,
I love the colour of this knapweed.
Pretty as it is, I don't think this one's a Riversway native.
Thursday 3 September 2009
Thursday 3 September 2009
Albert Edward dock
14:30 Cloud, heavy showers 12 o C. Wind W 20mph. Humidity 87%. Pressure 995mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 23:46, 8.97m.
What a wild and windy day, very choppy water in the dock. The cormorants are having problems getting airborne.
I haven't seen the terns for a few days so decided to take a look at the hest. Quite a bit of the nesting material is gone and no sign of any terns. They usually fledge at around 4 weeks, so am hoping they have simply moved on.
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 10
Coot x 5
Mallard x 20
Black-headed gull x 50
Herring gull x 5
Lesser black-backed gull x 5
14:30 Cloud, heavy showers 12 o C. Wind W 20mph. Humidity 87%. Pressure 995mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 23:46, 8.97m.
What a wild and windy day, very choppy water in the dock. The cormorants are having problems getting airborne.
I haven't seen the terns for a few days so decided to take a look at the hest. Quite a bit of the nesting material is gone and no sign of any terns. They usually fledge at around 4 weeks, so am hoping they have simply moved on.
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 10
Coot x 5
Mallard x 20
Black-headed gull x 50
Herring gull x 5
Lesser black-backed gull x 5
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Preston Marina
14:30 Heavy showers, 16 o C. Wind SSW 10mph. Humidity 73%. Pressure 1004mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 23:13, 8.65m.
It's too wet for bird watching today, other than saying there are gulls out there. The light is too poor to see colours of feathers, legs, etc.
The gulls most often seen around here are black-headed gulls. Black-headed gulls actually have dark chocolate-brown heads which are white up the back, and in winter they have white heads. The juvenile gulls are brown and stripey, rather than grey and white. They're smaller than common or herring gulls, but you don't always have anything to compare sizes with. They have a red bill and legs.
If you see a very small gull with an all-black head it could be little gull, which is an occasional visitor. I've seen one at Leighton Moss but never around here.
If you see a gull the same size as a black-headed gull with an all-black head it could be a Mediterranean gull, which is a very rare visitor. I've never seen one of these here.
The RSPB has a handy bird identifier to help you put a name to any birds you see.
14:30 Heavy showers, 16 o C. Wind SSW 10mph. Humidity 73%. Pressure 1004mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 23:13, 8.65m.
It's too wet for bird watching today, other than saying there are gulls out there. The light is too poor to see colours of feathers, legs, etc.
The gulls most often seen around here are black-headed gulls. Black-headed gulls actually have dark chocolate-brown heads which are white up the back, and in winter they have white heads. The juvenile gulls are brown and stripey, rather than grey and white. They're smaller than common or herring gulls, but you don't always have anything to compare sizes with. They have a red bill and legs.
If you see a very small gull with an all-black head it could be little gull, which is an occasional visitor. I've seen one at Leighton Moss but never around here.
If you see a gull the same size as a black-headed gull with an all-black head it could be a Mediterranean gull, which is a very rare visitor. I've never seen one of these here.
The RSPB has a handy bird identifier to help you put a name to any birds you see.
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Preston Marina
14:30 Heavy showers, 16 o C. Wind SSW 12mph. Humidity 85%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility good. High tide today 22:35, 8.23m.
A short walk today, rain stopped play. No people & very few birds about around the marina, guess they've been more sensible than me & kept out of the rain. The coots appeared to be sheltering under the public jetty.
Coot x 2
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 6
Common gull x 2
14:30 Heavy showers, 16 o C. Wind SSW 12mph. Humidity 85%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility good. High tide today 22:35, 8.23m.
A short walk today, rain stopped play. No people & very few birds about around the marina, guess they've been more sensible than me & kept out of the rain. The coots appeared to be sheltering under the public jetty.
Coot x 2
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 6
Common gull x 2
Monday 31 August 2009
Monday 31 August 2009
Dock basin and lock
14:30 Grey cloud & showers, 20 o C. Wind S 17mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1004mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:49, 7.73m.
Lock gates closed.
Another quiet day, typical summer bank holiday weather. It looks like the tail end of Hurricane Bill has arrived, there have been heavy showers and some hailstones. Ribble Steam appears to be having a good day, trains seen crossing the bridge have been full. It's an undercover attraction, popular on a day like today.
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 50
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Swallow x 2
14:30 Grey cloud & showers, 20 o C. Wind S 17mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1004mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:49, 7.73m.
Lock gates closed.
Another quiet day, typical summer bank holiday weather. It looks like the tail end of Hurricane Bill has arrived, there have been heavy showers and some hailstones. Ribble Steam appears to be having a good day, trains seen crossing the bridge have been full. It's an undercover attraction, popular on a day like today.
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 50
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Swallow x 2
Sunday 30 August 2009
Sunday 30 August 2009
Dock basin and lock
13:00 White cloud, 16 o C. Wind S 10mph. Humidity 81%. Pressure 1014mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:44, 7.26m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet down here today, just one or two walkers & nobody at work in the boatyard. It has been dull all morning, no rain so far.
I watched a cormorant fishing in the lock for 10-15 minutes. I love watching these birds, they are so quick and fluid of movement when they're fishing.
Coot x 2
Mallard x 5
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 40
Swallow x 2
13:00 White cloud, 16 o C. Wind S 10mph. Humidity 81%. Pressure 1014mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:44, 7.26m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet down here today, just one or two walkers & nobody at work in the boatyard. It has been dull all morning, no rain so far.
I watched a cormorant fishing in the lock for 10-15 minutes. I love watching these birds, they are so quick and fluid of movement when they're fishing.
Coot x 2
Mallard x 5
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 40
Swallow x 2
Saturday 29 August 2009
Saturday 29 August 2009
16:00 Sunny intervals & showers, 15 o C. Wind W 20mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 19:16, 7.07m.
Albert Edward dock.
Much cooler today, and a brisk wind. The water in the dock is quite choppy. Fortunately any showers have been very short lived. Both mute swans are up in the Albert Edward dock today near the marina, attracting admiration (and probably titbits) from the weekend visitors.
Mute swan x 2
Coot x 8
Mallard x 30
Cormorant x 7 (4 in flight)
Black-headed gull x 30
Lesser black-backed gull x 20
Herring gull x 10
Common gull x 10
Common Tern x 1
There were also around 50 - 60 assorted gulls on the water at the top end of the dock, too far away for accurate identification.
Albert Edward dock.
Much cooler today, and a brisk wind. The water in the dock is quite choppy. Fortunately any showers have been very short lived. Both mute swans are up in the Albert Edward dock today near the marina, attracting admiration (and probably titbits) from the weekend visitors.
Mute swan x 2
Coot x 8
Mallard x 30
Cormorant x 7 (4 in flight)
Black-headed gull x 30
Lesser black-backed gull x 20
Herring gull x 10
Common gull x 10
Common Tern x 1
There were also around 50 - 60 assorted gulls on the water at the top end of the dock, too far away for accurate identification.
Friday 28 August 2009
Friday 28 August 2009
No Docklands walk today, we have been to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve.
It has been a wild and windy day, with some heavy showers and occasional sunny intervals. We managed to dodge the rain, more through luck than timing.
5 Marsh Harriers put on a beautiful aerial display in and around the woodland opposite Griesdale hide. 2 Egrets landed on the mere's edge outside the hide.
There were mallard, wigeon, teal and shoveller on the water, and black-tailed godwit on one of the small islands dotted around the mere.
It has been a wild and windy day, with some heavy showers and occasional sunny intervals. We managed to dodge the rain, more through luck than timing.
5 Marsh Harriers put on a beautiful aerial display in and around the woodland opposite Griesdale hide. 2 Egrets landed on the mere's edge outside the hide.
There were mallard, wigeon, teal and shoveller on the water, and black-tailed godwit on one of the small islands dotted around the mere.
Thursday 27 August 2009
Thursday 27 August 2009
14:30 Cloud, 19 o C. Wind SW 10mph. Humidity 60%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 16:48, 7.82m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet around the dock today, no trains & the showery weather seems to have kept the walkers away.
In and around the dock basin today:
Coot x 1
Mallard x 1
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 20
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet around the dock today, no trains & the showery weather seems to have kept the walkers away.
In and around the dock basin today:
Coot x 1
Mallard x 1
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 20
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Wednesday 26 August 2009
14:00 Light rain, 18 o C. Wind S 16mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 16:01, 8.35m.
Lock gates open.
More showers than sunshine, it has drizzled for most of the day so far. Not too many birds about, the swans help to make the walk in the rain worthwhile.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 2
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 10
Lock gates open.
More showers than sunshine, it has drizzled for most of the day so far. Not too many birds about, the swans help to make the walk in the rain worthwhile.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 2
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 10
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Tuesday 25 August 2009
15:00 Sunny intervals, 18 o C. Wind WSW 8mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1007mB. Visibility good. High tide today 15:21, 8.84m.
Lock gates open.
Another day of sunshine and showers, watching clouds chasing each other across the river. A lot more birdlife in and around the lock today, the tide quite noticeably lower.
I got a very close sighting of the local sparrowhawk, flying over the lock towards the woodland on the north side. The sparrowhawk is female and hunts around the local gardens. I have somewhat mixed feelings about this, she is indeed a very beautiful bird. It's sad to find the occasional pathetic little heap of feathers from a bluetit or sparrow, but she is doing what comes naturally and probably feeding a young family too.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 3
Sparrowhawk x 1
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 1
Black-headed gull x 10
Mallard x 6
Lock gates open.
Another day of sunshine and showers, watching clouds chasing each other across the river. A lot more birdlife in and around the lock today, the tide quite noticeably lower.
I got a very close sighting of the local sparrowhawk, flying over the lock towards the woodland on the north side. The sparrowhawk is female and hunts around the local gardens. I have somewhat mixed feelings about this, she is indeed a very beautiful bird. It's sad to find the occasional pathetic little heap of feathers from a bluetit or sparrow, but she is doing what comes naturally and probably feeding a young family too.
In and around the dock basin todaySwallow x 3
Sparrowhawk x 1
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 1
Black-headed gull x 10
Mallard x 6
Monday 24 August 2009
Monday 24 August 2009
15:00 Light Rain, 18 o C. Wind WSW 12mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1003mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 14:43, 9.24m.
Lock gates open.
Very few birds around the lock today. The water level is very high as the tide has only just turned.
One swallow overhead, one black-headed gull in the dock basin.
There seem to be caterpillars around still, something is feeding on the nettles along the riverside footpath. It's most likely peacock butterfly caterpillars, peacock butterflies are often to be seen on the buddleia around the bullnose.
Lock gates open.
Very few birds around the lock today. The water level is very high as the tide has only just turned.
One swallow overhead, one black-headed gull in the dock basin.
There seem to be caterpillars around still, something is feeding on the nettles along the riverside footpath. It's most likely peacock butterfly caterpillars, peacock butterflies are often to be seen on the buddleia around the bullnose.
Sunday 23 August 2009
Sunday 23 August 2009
15:30 Light Rain, 18 o C. Wind S 16mph. Humidity 76%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 14:05, 9.54m.
Quite a change in the weather today, very grey & damp.
There is a very autumnal feel to the day. Many of the trees and bushes are bearing fruit, in keeping with the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". They add welcome colour to a dull day.
We spotted this fearsome beastie in the plants along the garden pond's edge. Closer inspection revealed a few of his smaller siblings as well. It is about 6cms long, and is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth.
Quite a change in the weather today, very grey & damp.
There is a very autumnal feel to the day. Many of the trees and bushes are bearing fruit, in keeping with the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". They add welcome colour to a dull day.
We spotted this fearsome beastie in the plants along the garden pond's edge. Closer inspection revealed a few of his smaller siblings as well. It is about 6cms long, and is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth.
Saturday 22 August 2009
Saturday 22 August 2009
15:30 Sunny, 20 o C. Wind SW 7mph. Humidity 46%. Pressure 1019mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 13:25, 9.69m.
Lock gates closed, they were preparing to open them as I headed home. There have been quite a few boats in and out today.
It has been a glorious sunny afternoon, people are taking advantage of the weather. The butterflies are also enjoying the warm sun.
The water in the river is very high today, no sand bars visible. The depth meter at the doc entrance, just outside the dock gates, is showing a depth of 8m.
Very few birds in the dock basin, around 40-50 gulls circling overhead, a mix of black-headed, common, herring and lesser black-backed.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 3
Mallard x 1
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 1
Around the lock
Swallow x 5
On the Ribble, just outside the dock gates
Mute swan x 1
Mallard x 1
Lock gates closed, they were preparing to open them as I headed home. There have been quite a few boats in and out today.
It has been a glorious sunny afternoon, people are taking advantage of the weather. The butterflies are also enjoying the warm sun.
The water in the river is very high today, no sand bars visible. The depth meter at the doc entrance, just outside the dock gates, is showing a depth of 8m.
Very few birds in the dock basin, around 40-50 gulls circling overhead, a mix of black-headed, common, herring and lesser black-backed.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 3
Mallard x 1
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 1
Around the lock
Swallow x 5
On the Ribble, just outside the dock gates
Mute swan x 1
Mallard x 1
