30 Sep 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

6.0°C > 8.0°C: Fog / mist lifting to low overcast after 09:30. Increasing SSE breeze. Very poor / poor visibility.

Sunrise: 07:09 BST

* = a photo from today

Priorslee Lake: 05:45 – 09:00

(210th visit of the year)

Poor visibility hampered all sighting which are best-efforts.

Bird notes:
- The 15 fly-over unidentified large gulls could well have dropped in. I simply could not see even half-way across the water at the time.

Birds noted flying over here:
- c.15 Wood Pigeons
- 15 unidentified large gulls
Everything else lost in the mist.

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

Warblers noted:
- 1 Cetti's Warbler: in song in the north-east area
- 5 Chiffchaffs: no song heard

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 4 (2♂) Gadwall
- 6 (4♂) Mallard
- 7 (2?) Tufted Duck
- 11 Moorhens
- Coots not counted
- no Little Grebes
- *Great Crested Grebes not counted
- *>55 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls
- 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Noted on / around dew-covered street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- 1 midge
- *two species of fly
- 1 springtail Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
- *2 probably European Ground Beetles (Nebria brevicollis)
- 1 Leiobunum blackwalli harvestman
- 2 Paroligolophus agrestis harvestman

Noted later:
- *Field Mushrooms (Agaricus campestris)
- *different Agaricaceae fungi
- Grey Squirrel

All a bit misty today. An adult Great Crested Grebe with food for one of its offspring.

And here is the youngster chomping on the hapless and hopefully dead fish.

An adult Black-headed Gull was one of the few birds that came close-enough to photograph.

Did I mention the early dew? I probably could not identify the fly anyway.

There were two of these ground beetles on one of the street lamp poles before dawn. I have SEEK, a smart phone app. from National Geographic. That suggested European Ground Beetle (Nebria brevicollis). There are many very similar ground beetles so I think this must be a provisional identification.

Perhaps a better view of the same specimen?

I found a few of these Field Mushrooms (Agaricus campestris) growing in the grass above the dam.

Also in the grass were these fungi. The SEEK app. suggested that they were from the same Agaricaceae family. The app. is not able to go further and neither am I.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 09:05 – 10:00

(203rd visit of the year)

Visibility was gradually improving. Eventually it was just about good enough to see most things.

Bird notes:
- I did not find the third adult Mute Swan though an earlier conversation with one of the fishermen suggested it was still present.
- The same fishermen opined that many of the Coots had been forced to leave as there is little weed for them to eat. This probably also explains the lower than usual (for this date) totals of Tufted Duck.
- He also reported that a group of 12 Cormorants had been fishing as a team in the water earlier but that many had left. I only noted two.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

Warblers noted:
- 1 Chiffchaff: no song

Noted on / around the water
- 21 Canada Geese
- 2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 38 (23♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 19 (2?♂) Tufted Duck
- 19 Moorhens
- 19 Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Black-headed Gulls: two of these first winter birds
- 2 Cormorants: but see notes
- 1 Grey Heron

On / around the street lamp poles or later:

Nothing noted

Carrion Crow is not a species that I photograph very often. Like most members of the family they are very aware of their surroundings and tend to be camera-shy as a result. I was using the car as a hide and this bird approached some food that had been left for the ducks and the Moorhens. Carrion Crows are rarely as all-black as they seem at first glance. There are usually a few white or grey feathers.

A side view showing the bill with feathering extending along the top of the upper mandible. The bill shape is in stark contrast to that of the similar-sized Rook which has a conical bill with bare skin at the base, allowing it to dig in to grass to find its favourite food – leather jackets, the larvae of crane flies.

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:

- 1 Tipula paludosa cranefly
- 3 owl midges Psychodidae sp.
- 17 other midges of various sizes
- 4 White-legged Snake Millipedes (Tachypodoiulus niger)

(Ed Wilson)

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NOTE

Here are few images from the visit I made yesterday to the RSPB Reserve at Burton Mere on the Wirral.

This trio of waders is asleep so are not too easy to identify, especially with nothing to give an idea of size. Standing up to their bellies in the water means it is impossible to judge the length and colour of the legs as these are mostly hidden. They are a trio of Greenshank. a medium-sized wader looking, in winter, rather grey. The top of one leg on the middle bird is just visible and is clearly not red as it would be on either (Common) Redshank or Spotted Redshank.

Talking of Spotted Redshank: here is one. At Burton many of the hides look South, in to the light, so it is difficult to see colours. Features that separate this species from (Common) Redshank in winter are a longer and thinner bill and a white streak between the base of the bill and the front of the eye. In summer this species is black with white spots, hence its name. Behind it is a sleeping Eurasian Teal. There were hundreds of these, mostly asleep, probably resting after a long post-breeding flight from northern Norway or points East.

The weather was not especially sunny so there were only a few insects about. I did see my first Small Copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) this year.

 I struggle to separate the three species of hawker dragonflies. The RSPB warden pointed the SEEK app. on his mobile phone at this photo on my camera's screen. The app. pronounced it to be a male Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta). I double-checked against Jim Almond's excellent "Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire" web pages Here.

I noticed this unusual-looking fly on the inside of the window of the RSPB's reception centre. The SEEK app. suggested it is a species of soldier fly. Reference to the NatureSpot web site indicates it might be a Twin-spot Centurion (Sargus bipunctatus). The 'twin spots' are small white spots on the frons (the middle part of the face on flies) which cannot be seen in my photo to confirm that identification.

(Ed Wilson)

29 Sep 22

No Sightings in so far today.

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2010

Priorslee Lake

3 Pochard

2 Sparrowhawks

24 Swallows

Peregrine Falcon

(Ed Wilson)

2008

Priorslee Lake

Redwing

(Ed Wilson)

2005

Priorslee Lake

Siskin

105 Greenfinches

Swallow

House Martin

3 Chiffchaffs

Kingfisher

(Ed Wilson)

28 Sep 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

7.0°C > 10.0°C: A few patches of cloud from time to time. Light W wind. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 07:05 BST

* = a photo from today

Priorslee Lake: 05:45 – 09:10

(209th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The Mute Swan family all went for a fly along the length of the lake. The cygnets all managed 'lift-off' to the same degree: there is often one cygnet that is not so strong as the others. They must have had preliminary flights over some days while I was not present.
- Strangely other than a small number of unidentified large gulls pre-dawn there were no gull fly-overs later. All those noted dropped in to the lake.
- A Song Thrush was quietly singing along the North side again.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Canada Geese: outbound together
- 2 Feral Pigeons: together
- 2 Stock Doves: together
- 62 Wood Pigeons
- 15 Black-headed Gulls
- 18 unidentified large gulls
- 16 Jackdaws
- 97 Rooks
- 5 Skylarks: together
- 1 Linnet

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

Warblers noted:
- 1 Cetti's Warbler: in song at the West end
- 7 Chiffchaffs: one of these in song
- 2 Blackcaps: both males

Counts from the lake area:
- *2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 3 (2♂) Gadwall
- 2 (2♂) Eurasian Wigeon: departed?
- 14 (8♂) Mallard
- *15 (6?) Tufted Duck: eight of these flew off West
- 9 Moorhens
- 177 Coots
- 2 Little Grebes
- 21 Great Crested Grebes
- c.100 Black-headed Gulls: 78 of these were on the football field c.07:10
- 8 Herring Gulls
- *74 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 21 unidentified large gulls
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Kingfisher

Noted on / around dew-covered street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- 1 Yellow Swarming Fly (Thaumatomyia notata)
- *several species of fly
- *1 possible Small Black Ant (Lasius niger)
- *1 Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius)
- 1 Leiobunum blackwalli harvestman
- 1 Leiobunum rotundum/blackwalli harvestman: too high up to positively ID
- 1 Paroligolophus agrestis harvestman

Noted later:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): after much searching I found one only
- Grey Squirrel

There was rather little cloud around this morning but a patch prevented a decent sunrise.

The four Mute Swan cygnets take to the air. All clearing the water with feet retracted so they are already confident flyers.

Three of the cygnets always seem to be together with the fourth keeping slightly to itself.

Four of the Tufted Ducks circling around before leaving. With shading in the 'arm-pits' these are all ducks.

An immature large gull with strong underwing markings suggests a Lesser Black-backed Gull. With a pale base to the bill it is likely to be a second winter individual.

The same individual from above. The relative lack of contrast in the upper wing and conversely the contrast between the solid black tail and the pale upper tail both confirm it as a second winter.

A very much underrated species is the Dunnock. It may be the archetypical 'small brown job' but it is very intricately marked. The species also has a very 'modern' sex life. "Children from different dads? It happens with human twins very occasionally. We call it heteropaternal superfecundation. Dunnocks call it life". More on a Dunnocks life Here.

Is this a pair of flies? The one on the top left has the dark wing tips seen on several flies recently. The one on the bottom right looks very similar but lacks the dark wing tips. Could they be a male and female of the same species?

Did I mention there was a heavy dew? The shaded background to this unidentified fly is part of the number of the street lamp.

A Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius).

This may or may not be a Small Black Ant (Lasius niger). Separation of Lasius species needs a more detailed photo than my camera can reproduce.

Aircraft of the day #1. Fresh 'out of the box' is this Ryanair Boeing 737-8-200 MAX en route from Dublin to London's Gatwick airport. The -200 series is a special high-density version produced mainly at the behest of Ryanair who want to cram in as many passengers as they safely can. Delivered to Dublin on 23 September it is seen here on its fifth commercial flight. Just visible under its left wing is its identity EI-IFP. The EI- prefix indicates Eire - the Irish Republic.

Aircraft of the day #2. This helicopter is a Robinson R44 Raven II privately owned by someone near Malvern. The glare of the sun makes it hard to read its identity. Flight Radar 24 aided me: it is G-CEUU.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 09:15 – 10:10

(202nd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The drake Gadwall was not located.
- An unusually well-balanced total of Mallard. Usually drakes significantly outnumber ducks.
- The duck Common Teal is a new arrival.
- One of the Great Crested Grebes was a full adult; another was a juvenile of the age of the residents before they all apparently departed; I could not make up my mind about the third. Was it an adult moulting its head plumes: or a well-advanced immature with little or no facial stripes. It stayed at some range throughout.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Jackdaws: together

Warblers noted:
- 2 Chiffchaffs: no song

Noted on / around the water
- 51 Canada Geese
- 3 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 31 (16♂) Mallard
- *1 (0♂) Common Teal
- 1 (1♂) all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 29 (4?♂) Tufted Duck
- 14 Moorhens
- 25 Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes: see notes
- 10 Black-headed Gulls
- *5 Cormorants
- 1 Grey Heron

On / around the street lamp poles:
Nothing noted

Noted later:

- Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella)

This morning's duck Common Teal. I noted a small duck right up against the island. While I was trying to get a photo to see what it was, it took off, flew past me showing its distinctive green speculum, and then landed reasonably close-by. No sooner had I taken a few photos it took off and flew back to lurk beside the island.

"Are you sure there is room here?" Two Cormorants get cosy.

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:

- 5 owl midges Psychodidae sp.
- 36 (gulp!) other midges of various sizes
- 1 White-legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger)

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2011

Priorslee Lake

2 Skylarks

3 Meadow Pipits

26 Pied Wagtails

7 Siskins

2 Redpolls

142 Greylag Geese

320 Canada Geese

Common Sandpiper

45 Robins

(Ed Wilson)

2010

Priorslee Lake

Cormorant

A pair of Wigeon

220 Coots

Blackcap

Chiffchaff

(Ed Wilson)

2007

RAF Cosford

Juvenile Gannet flew over RAF Cosford at about 30 metres off the ground

(Martin R Adlam)

2005

Priorslee Lake

3 Redpoll

Siskin

5 Chiffchaffs

Blackcap

Kingfisher

Buzzard

2 Kestrel

Meadow Pipit

(Ed Wilson)

27 Sep 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

10.0°C: Mainly light passing showers. Moderate / fresh NW wind. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 07:03 BST

No photos from today: a catch-up from the weekend are below.

Heavy showers suggested an early visit would be unpleasant.

There has been a small arrival of Tufted Ducks at both locations since my previous visits

Priorslee Lake: 10:15 – 11:15

(208th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The Eurasian Wigeon was a surprise survivor of the sailing club's 'try sailing' taster day on Sunday and is still present.
- Meanwhile the Gadwall are now happy to accept any proffered food.
- Five Barn Swallows were seen heading West. A rather late date for this species here but not exceptional.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 21 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 3 Skylarks

Hirundines etc. noted:
- 5 Barn Swallows

Counts from the lake area:
- 30 Canada Geese
- 2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 1 (1♂) Eurasian Wigeon
- 4 (1♂) Gadwall
- 11 (7♂) Mallard
- 7 (2?♂) Tufted Duck
- 7 Moorhens
- 178 Coots
- 2 Little Grebes
- 19 Great Crested Grebes
- 13 Black-headed Gulls only
- 1 Herring Gull
- 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Cormorants: arrived together

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 11:25 – 12:05

(201st visit of the year)

Annoyingly one of the fishermen gave me an excellent description of a Great White Egret that had been present earlier. It had been chased away by Grey Herons.

Bird notes:
- The / a drake Gadwall has (re)appeared – assuming it ever went away.
- Also (re)appearing was one juvenile Great Crested Grebe.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

Warblers noted:

None

Noted on / around the water
- 38 Canada Geese
- 3 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 1 (1♂) Gadwall
- 24 (15♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 30 (11?♂) Tufted Duck
- 10 Moorhens only
- 23 Coots only
- 1 + 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe
- 7 Black-headed Gulls: two first winters
- 2 Cormorants
- 1 Grey Heron

On / around the street lamp poles:
Nothing noted

Noted later:
- Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
- Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris)
- Grey Squirrel


Note
Below are a few photos from Priorslee Lake from last Saturday (24th) and Sunday (25th)

 This was Saturday's sunrise.

It was more colourful on Sunday.

This duck Shoveler dropped in on Sunday. Not a good photo but the species' unusual bill is apparent.

The drake Eurasian Wigeon was here all weekend (and still is). I took this photo on Saturday.

One of the drake Gadwall is quite 'tame' and on Saturday it was quite happy to sit on the concrete ramp.

Sunday found it in the water.

These two Tufted Ducks were new arrivals on Saturday (there are more present now). Very harsh cross-lighting makes it difficult to sex these. The pale flanks might suggest they are drakes. However the white under-tail on the left-hand bird and the white around the base of the bill on the right-hand bird suggests caution is needed. They are probably first winter birds and hence difficult to sex until later in the year.

A juvenile Great Crested Grebe getting some food from its parent.

Zoomed in.

This is a first winter Mediterranean Gull. It is only slightly larger than a Black-headed Gull. The most obvious feature indicating this is something different is the dark smudge around the eye, very different from the black spot behind the eye of Black-headed Gulls. The bill is noticeably heavier. Less obvious features are the longer legs and the more extensive and unpatterned brown in the folded wing.

Another view. A slight mist over the lake has given a slightly fuzzy effect.

A well-marked first winter Herring Gull...

...in profile.

Two Grey Wagtails were on the boat launching platform on Sunday. Here is one.

And here is the other. Most males only have the dark bib in the breeding season so I am not sure about the sex of either of these two.

A Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria).

This Migrant Field Syrph hoverfly (Eupeodes corollae) seemed to have roosted (if that is the right word) on a street lamp pole. It was only when I looked at the photo did I see the small spider lurking behind it.

A Tipula confusa cranefly. A species with very well-marked wings and one of the few Tipula species that rests with its wings folded over its back.

An owl midge Psychodidae sp. This specimen does not have the banded antennae that I have seen on some individuals and the wings are relatively unpatterned.

I did not note this until I examined my photos from Sunday. A species of weevil is as far as I can go. There are many small and dark grey weevils that look very similar.

One of the numerous different spiders I have found on the street lamp poles. I have no idea whether the marks on the pole are anything to do with the spider. Neither have I any idea what the marks are by spider's two left front legs. Might they be spiderlings? I would have expected a larger number if they were.

This spider does not ring any bells and may be a species I have not seen before. I cannot see what is in its jaws. Note the third leg on the spider's right side seems to be damaged.

A Paroligolophus agrestis harvestman recognisable by the noticeable change in the width of the legs near the mid-point.

Planes of the day on Sunday having a race. On the right...

...a United Airlines Boeing 777 200 series en route from Newark's Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, the main international airport. It is powering ahead of....

...a Ryanair Boring 737 800NG (Next Gen(eration)) from Dublin to Rome's Ciampino G. B. Pastine International Airport. This is Rome's secondary airport. It is less expensive to use which in one reason Ryanair flies there. Giovan Battista Pastine was an Italian airship pilot who served in World War I [why do we not have a Douglas Bader International Airport in England?]. These two images courtesy of Flight Radar 24.

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2013

Priorslee Lake

1 Teal

3 Wigeon

1 Kingfisher

(John Isherwood)

2011

Priorslee Lake

13 Meadow Pipits

3 Redpoll

Siskin

Common Sandpiper

(Ed Wilson)

2010

Priorslee Lake

Juvenile Common Scoter

3 Little Grebes

Drake Pintail x Mallard

(Ed Wilson/Andy Latham)