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1 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
West Cumbria Local Group
December 2014
A team of around 16 volunteers have been
manning the centre on a rota every weekend
throughout the year, making ten memberships
along the way, giving out information on latest
sightings and answering questions. From the
feedback given by visitors and comments in
the visitor book, it sounds like they’re doing a
great job!
The education room in the centre has also
been put to good use. For three weeks over
the summer, 45 children became ‘Solway
Nature Explorers’ experiencing practical
management, wildlife identification,
photography, orienteering, canoeing and
bush-craft amongst other things. Led by
Chris Spencer, the Solway Wetland Project’s
Education Officer, the children were
encouraged to explore, get dirty, and bring
their parents back to experience the local
wildlife.
All the places were fully booked and we will be running
more of the same next year.
The centre has also been used to run a series of wildlife
‘taster’ days – a chance to come along and learn about
birds, bog mosses, spiders, dragonflies and wild flowers
which again have proved very popular and more are
planned over the next year, along with the ever popular
photography workshops.
Now the centre is open, the second part of the project is
well underway, providing a new pool, pond dipping area
and wildflower meadow in the education field adjacent to
the car park, and loop paths around the farm and peat
bog to help visitors view and enjoy the wetland habitats
on the reserve. These paths should be completed by
Christmas – just in time to come and walk off that pud!
Dave Blackledge
Warden RSPB Cumbria Coastal Reserves
Campfield latest
The Solway
Wetlands Centre
It’s now over a year since the new
visitor centre at Campfield Marsh
opened. Since then around 6000
people have passed through the
door to be greeted by volunteers,
find out about Campfield Marsh
and the Solway’s other wetlands,
have a cup of coffee, and of
course, visit the long awaited loo!
2 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
Scotland
In the third week of July we spent a few days in
Grantown on Spey at the Grantown Arms Hotel.
The hotel is the headquarters of the Bird Watching
and Wildlife Club and there was a lot of information
about local birding and wildlife spots.
We walked in the lovely Findhorn Valley from
where we saw a large herd of Red Deer and the
local wild goats, Peregrine and Ravens as well as
small birds. We went to Chanonry Point to see the
Dolphins close to shore and failed to get a photo,
however 2 men with very smart cameras clicking
off rapidly got only one shot between them so I
didn’t feel too bad!
We saw Roe Deer at RSPB Insh Marshes and on
one evening we had booked to go to a Pine Marten
hide from where we saw 2 Pine Martens! a Badger
and a Red Deer and fawn right outside the
windows.
At RSPB Loch Garten in the lovely Abernethy forest
we saw Ospreys but the best was Slavonian
Grebes, at Avielochan and Loch Ruthven, no
longer quite in full summer plumage but spectacular
nevertheless and with juveniles.
We drove up to the Cairngorm funicular station but
due to long road-works we were too late for the last
train - something for next time.
Susan Brandes
The new pond
It started filling up as soon as it was dug ( the fact
that work started when the unprecedented long dry
spell ended at the end of September may have
something to do with that! )and when it’s finished,
with a bridge across to the island, it will be a great
attraction at Campfield. I’m sure pond dipping will
be very popular with children (and adults too) and
should encourage more families to visit the reserve.
The loop walk around the east side of the farm
takes visitors into part of the reserve they haven’t
seen before and joins the main lonning just behind
the hide. A new section of boardwalk from the new
path will join the existing boardwalk across the
moss giving the option of a much longer circular
walk. These new developments will add a great
deal to the experience of visiting Campfield and
the Centre Volunteers will hope to be even busier
next year! Marjorie Hutchin
3 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
An Extraordinary Day in Norfolk
It’s 8.15am on Friday, 16 May 2014, it’s a beautiful
warm and sunny morning and it’s the first of 3
days in Norfolk – Roger and me, 5 others and
Chris, our guide. 8 blokes together all looking
forward to a great time birdwatching. By the time
we had got away from our base in Hunstanton we
had seen 18 species including fulmar, black-
headed and herring gulls, woodpigeon, feral
pigeon and collared dove; swift; wren; dunnock;
robin; blackbird; jackdaw and carrion crow;
starling; house sparrow; and chaffinch, greenfinch
and goldfinch. Nothing unusual, but still a great
start!
Our first stop is Holme Dunes, which has always
been productive on my earlier trips to Norfolk
(pallid harrier, red-breasted flycatcher, yellow-
browed warbler and wryneck just to mention a few
magnificent sightings here in previous years). On
the way, we spotted lapwing and mistle thrush –
20 species before we had really started. Would Mr
B. allow us to count these 20 or can we only start
at our first port of call? He’s not here, so we’ve
already started. We park the van and creep silently
up onto the ridge. First sightings are promising –
little egrets, avocets, and a greenshank.
Whitethroats seem to be perched on every bush,
and reed buntings, sedge warblers and linnets
were also around. Telescopes are trained on the
greenshank. Suddenly,
“Turtle dove!” exclaim Chris and me in unison.
Were we the only ones to hear the turtle dove?
There it was again, a beautiful, soporific purring
and this time we all heard it; one of the iconic
sounds of summer, but sadly one that is
disappearing from our countryside all too rapidly.
We headed off in the direction of turtle dove song
determined to find it. We found chiffchaff and great
tit on the way, but time for only a very brief glance
– we were after something “better.” It took a while
to find, but eventually we had good views through
telescopes of one of three birds perched out in the
open.
As we walked among the dunes we heard 2
cuckoos, and eventually we had good views of one
as it flew straight past us. At times, it was difficult
to know where to look. There were birds
everywhere.
We found both red-legged partridge and grey
partridge, pheasant, skylark and meadow pipit,
pied wagtail, willow warbler, magpie, and four
wheatears that were, presumably, still on
migration. Flying over were several swallows, sand
martins and house martins plus a solitary yellow
red-legged partridge
RSPB images
turtle dove RSPB images
grey partridge RSPB images
4 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
wagtail (drat, I missed that one!), and there were
distant views of marsh harrier, sparrowhawk,
buzzard and kestrel.
The pools held mute swan; greylag and Canada
geese; shelduck, gadwall and mallard; whilst on
the shore were grey heron, oystercatcher, ringed
plover, sanderling, redshank and some beautiful
grey plovers in all their finery. Out to sea were
great-crested grebe, gannet, cormorant, common
eider, common gull, and sandwich and common
terns.
A relaxed and lazy lunch at Holme Bird
Observatory saw us add blue tit, coot, moorhen
and tufted duck to the list. There was also an
opportunity to see swallows nesting in one of the
hides, but unfortunately there was no ringing
taking place at the Observatory that day.
It is lunchtime and we have already seen 71
different birds – what a start to the trip!
Early afternoon saw us drive the few miles along
the coast to the RSPB reserve at Titchwell. My
best ever sighting here was a Camberwell beauty
(yes, a butterfly and not a bird!) two or three years
ago, but what were we going to see this
afternoon?
The woodland around the visitor centre saw us
add blackcap and long-tailed tit to the list; the reed
beds held cetti’s and reed warblers plus bearded
tits (although I had to wait until day 3 to see these
delightful little birds at Cley); the salt marsh
contained over a hundred brent geese that had not
yet migrated northwards; and the pool in front of
the hides played host to various ducks including
teal, shoveler and pochard, as well as two little
ringed plovers, dunlin, numerous black-tailed and
bar-tailed godwits, two common sandpipers and a
turnstone. Taking their ease were great and lesser
black-backed gulls, and flying across in front of the
hide was a pair of adult Mediterranean gulls.
Several little terns were resting on the shingle with
others fishing, and from the seashore we saw two
common scoters. A welcome drink at the visitor
centre before leaving saw us add a very confiding
song thrush to our now burgeoning list for the day,
but my highlight from Titchwell has to be red-
crested pochard which was a “lifer” for me. There
were two beautiful males escorting one female
.
There is still time to nip up the road to Choseley
Barns where there is always grain around for birds
to feed on. There is the added incentive of reports
over the last few days of several dotterel having
been seen in the area – this would be another
“lifer” for me if we are able to spot them. Others
have no doubt heard the reports too because
Choseley Barns is much busier than I have ever
seen it before, but despite all the binoculars and
telescopes there is no sign of dotterel anywhere.
Ah well, better luck next time! But back to looking
around Choseley Barns – there is grain around
and it is attracting birds, so we add to our list
several stock doves, yellowhammers and nine or
ten corn buntings, but the best sighting has to be
the fantastic views of FOUR turtle doves
displaying on the ground! A great way to finish off
a hectic first day. 96 species for the group is pretty
good by anybody’s standards, and certainly more
than I have ever seen on one day in my life. Can’t
wait for day two!
John Lapraik
bearded tit
red crested pochard
RSPB images
5 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
Squirrels in the Wood
An opportunity for dog-walkers
(and others)
As most of you probably know, Dodd Wood is
home to a population of red squirrels. Many
visitors to the lower Osprey Project viewing-point
are enchanted by seeing these diminutive
squirrels. Some have never seen them before and
are surprised at just how tiny they are. Others
have not seen them since childhood and find the
experience quite emotional.
In order to give our native population the best
possible chance of survival in the area, it is part of
a red squirrel reserve, where any sightings of
greys are reported and controlling action is taken.
Part of ensuring a strong healthy population is by
supplementary feeding. There are two feeding
stations in Dodd. One is in front of the lower
viewpoint where visitors can catch good views and
the other is shortly beyond the upper viewpoint
where a CCTV camera relays images to the visitor
centre at Whinlatter. During the months that the
Osprey Project is up and running (April to August),
the feeders are filled as part of the project’s duties.
In September when the project shuts down, a
separate volunteer rota is formed to ensure both
the squirrel feeders and seed and peanut feeds for
birds are filled. This serves the twin purposes of
ensuring a well-fed, healthy population of birds
and squirrels, but also keeps them accustomed to
visiting the feeding stations where they can be
seen.
My purpose in writing this brief note is to appeal
for more volunteers. We have each day of the
week covered, but there is no slack in the system.
It would be very helpful to have a few other names
to call on, either to cover holidays and other
absences or share a day with existing volunteers.
It is possible to drive all the way to both feeding
stations, but for those such as me with a dog to
walk it is an ideal way of performing two tasks at
once. If the weather is good, I proceed on to Dodd
Summit. If it is wet I simply dish out the food and
return to the car park. There are many trails in the
woods and it is possible to take innumerable
circular routes, keeping both you and your dog
alert and interested.
Please think about it and have a word with me if
you would like more information. Susan Brandes
manages the rota and would be pleased to hear
from anyone willing to consider helping out. She
can be contacted on 01900 828619 or 17798
801053.
Sandra Shaw 01900 829812
Summer Holidays
This year we went to the Isles of Scilly at the end
of June beginning of July. We stayed on the main
island of St Mary’s and had a very nice little
holiday cottage in Old Town, very well equipped as
is necessary because cars have to be left on the
mainland so we were limited as to luggage. We
chose St Mary’s because being the main island
boats leave on a daily basis for all the other
inhabited islands, all of which we visited, plus 2
uninhabited small islands, Gugh which is reached
by a causeway from St Agnes at low tide and
Samson.
By this time of year the spring migrants have
dispersed and the autumn migrants have not yet
arrived but what we did see was good. We had
never seen so many Song Thrushes and they
were so tame. Wherever we went there they were,
in town and countryside, begging at cafes running
around the grassy or sandy areas. I think all the
6 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
Song Thrushes (which are in decline in mainland
UK) have migrated to the Isles of Scilly!
There were also lots of Blackcaps, Willow
Warblers and Chiffchaffs and many House
Sparrows, Blackbirds and Wrens but we did not
see the Scilly Wren or the Scilly Shrew although
we looked, especially on St Agnes and Gugh
where rats have been eradicated to give these
Shrews and the ground nesting birds protection.
There is hope that the eradication programme can
be carried out on other islands.
And of course we saw many sea-birds from the
boat trips to the other islands – lots of Guillemots
and Razorbills and some Gannets, Shags and
Cormorants but just one Puffin. It was too late in
the season; they had already left the islands.
There were also many Grey Seals around and the
other mammal of interest was the introduced Red
Squirrel on Tresco. These were introduced from a
breeding sanctuary in the south of England and
some were released on Tresco 2 or 3 years ago
and are now breeding themselves. As it is an
island the Grey Squirrels can be kept away.
Apart from the squirrels Tresco was the island we
liked least. It is in private hands and expensive
both for the gardens, which were not as good as
we had expected, and the cafes.
My favourite islands were Bryher and St Agnes,
maybe if we go back some day we will stay on one
of those.
Susan Brandes
A Group Visit to Marshside and Martin Mere 25
th October 2014
Twenty seven people left a rather grey damp
Cockermouth for our visit to Lancashire and these
two reserves.
We arrived at Martin Mere Wildlife and Wetlands
Centre to the only shower of the day to allow those
not going on to Marshside to disembark. Then
onwards to Marshside RSPB reserve near
feeding time at Martin Mere
song thrush – S Brandes
Volunteering
Neil and I were surprised and somewhat overwhelmed
when we learnt that we were to receive the RSPB
President’s Award for our volunteering over the years.
We were presented with the award at the AGM in
Birmingham recently.
I’m mentioning this here because we want to say that we
couldn’t have done our volunteering without the help and
support of the committee and members of the West
Cumbria RSPB Group, and the staff and volunteers at
Campfield.
We have gained every bit as much as we have given, as
volunteers. We have learnt a great deal, had many
interesting experiences and a lot of fun and friendship.
If you are thinking of volunteering with RSPB whether
with the Campfield Work Party, the Visitor Centre
volunteers or in some other way, don’t hesitate. Join in!
Give it a go! You’ll be very welcome.
Marjorie Hutchin
7 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
Southport where the hides and screens were all
checked as well as the shoreline and marsh
immature male marsh harrier
RSPB images
Lamberts (Lancaster) Ltd
5, Rosemary Lane Lancaster LA1 1NR Tel 01524 37384 / 01539 821562
www.lambertslancaster.co.uk As one of the country’s largest
optics retailers we carry binoculars and telescopes ranging from value for money to
the world’s best. The shop has extensive stocks of equipment.
Competitive pricing, package deals
and next day mail order a speciality.
If you need information, give your local expert a
call. Our advice is free
plenty of Pinkfoot mixed in with Greylags so a good
opportunity to do a comparison to see the distinct
differences between the two species. From here a
Curlew Sandpiper, a rarity, was identified by a few in
the group. Along the avenue leading to the hides
some of the smaller birds were found at the feeders
and the scrub cover. There were Coal, Blue and
Long Tailed Tits, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and
Goldfinch, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and Wren
along with House and Tree Sparrows. The Wood
Pigeons and Pheasants were also taking
advantage of the fallen seed below the feeders.
At 2.30pm there was a mass march of the Whooper
Swans, geese and ducks from the smaller ponds to
the Mere. The area in front of Swan Link hide on the
Mere is where the daily feeding occurs. There were
more to add to our list here with Coot, Moorhen,
Pochard, Goldeneye and Gadwall. Other waders
seen were Snipe and Ruff and of the gulls were
Common, Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed.
Also identified were Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and
Magpie. Some of the group were lucky enough to
see the Kingfisher and the Sparrowhawk just to
finish off a perfect day.
As a group we counted up 66 species, the highlight
of the day being the Curlew Sandpiper.
Val Young
. At Sandgrounder hide we found a Little Grebe
diving just a few metres away showing his lovely
colours in the sunshine. Also a pair of Pied Wagtail
bobbing about on the pond banks. From here we
started our duck count with Mallard, Widgeon, Teal,
Shelduck and Tufted Duck. There was a pair of Mute
Swan and several Little Egrets along with Grey
Heron and Cormorant. The goose count started here
too with a few Canada and Greylags with large
numbers of Pinkfoot feeding on the fields behind the
ponds.
Those who braved the wind went out to scan the
shore and marsh to be rewarded with great views of
wheeling waders such as Dunlin, Knot and Oyster
Catchers. The first raptors of the day were seen here
with Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Merlin sighted.
Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were also abundant
over the marsh.
At Nell's hide the duck count increased with sightings
of Pintail and Shoveller. Here also there were big
numbers of Black Tailed Godwits all chattering to one
another along with Redshank, Lapwing and Curlew.
One of the group also identified Twite and Siskin
among the Starlings.
It was then time to return to Martin Mere to join the
others. All the hides were visited by the group and at
the Ron Barker hide there were more views of Marsh
Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel too. Here there were
8 RSPB Regd Charity No. 207076
The Group Website is a good source
of news and information with a link to the Campfield blog and other sites.
www.rspb.org.uk/groups/westcumbria
Our website manager is Val Young email [email protected]
Group Leader & Editor If you don’t already receive the newsletter by email and would like to do so and help us to keep costs down, please send me an email
Marjorie Hutchin Tel 01900 825231 email [email protected]
Indoor Programme Jan – April 2015
Jan 6th
Dragonflies - the Birdwatcher’s insects David Clark British Dragonfly Society
Feb 3rd Birds – Movement , Migration and All That
Dave Blackledge Warden, Cumbria
Coastal Reserves
March 3rd from the Kent Coast to Yorkshire Hills via Africa
Peter Robinson Director RSPB North Region
April 7th AGM (very brief) followed by
Butterflies of Cumbria Steve Doyle
Butterfly Conservation Cumbria
Outings 2015
Feb 14th
Washington WWT Reserve, Wearside March 21
st
Mersehead RSPB reserve Dumfries by coach or Ken Dee Marsh & red kites by car April 25
th Brockholes Wildlife Trust
Reserve near Preston May 23rd Leighton Moss RSPB reserve Silverdale June 7
th Farne Islands
These trips will be by coach, ( except Ken Dee) fare £10
to £15 depending on numbers. Outings are open to all.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert birder or
somewhere in between you will be very welcome. Be
sure to take suitable footwear and waterproofs. For more details and to book for a trip phone Brian Furness on 01900 823881 Details also on the Group Website.
A deposit of £5 is payable when booking. Please let
Brian know as early as possible if you are not able to go
on a trip for which you have booked.
Coffee Mornings 2015
in URC Hall Main St Cockermouth
from 10.00 to 12.00
Sat May 9th
Sat August 22nd
Sat November 14
th