Thenewslette

FEBRUARY 2008 thecommittee thenewsletter THE MAGAZINE OF THE RSPB BOLTON LOCAL GROUP secretary Alma Schofield · tel 01204 791745 e-mail: d/[email protected] membership Lesley McManus · tel 01204 306665 e-mail: [email protected] conservation Tony Johnson · tel 01204 468850 e-mail: [email protected] car and coach trips programme organiser/leader Steve Settle · tel 01204 853096 e-mail: [email protected] coach trips (bookings) Alma Schofield · tel 01204 791745 indoor meetings Alan Prosser · tel 0161 790 2790 sales goods Chris Johnson · tel 01204 468850 bird food and website Steve Settle · tel 01204 853096 e-mail: [email protected] newsletter Richard Bohren · tel 01204 844871 e-mail: [email protected] publicity Frank Wood · tel 01204 884094 e-mail: [email protected] recruitment and events Hugo Charlton-Jones · tel 01204 415200 Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com) Sue Tranter e-mail: [email protected] Missing the whooper swans’ lovely gentle contact calls. Page 26 other members Geoff Leather · tel 01204 840300 Eric Howarth · tel 01204 883906 visit our website at http://boltonrspb.users.btopenworld.com

UK Headquarters: The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL tel: 01767 680551 • fax: 01767 692365 • website: www.rspb.org.uk Northern England: Westleigh Mews,Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8QD • tel: 01484 861148 • fax: 01484 826018

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the news

_A skein of 60 pink-footed geese fl ew exploding. There were fewer sedge and reed Owl of anguish frogs, part of a normal diet along with the east over Dean Wood in the early morning of warblers than in previous years and a few more commonly consumed rats and mice. So, October 29. Whilst an occasional brambling tufted duck during the autumn. Snipe numbers whether it had eaten one with an infection or appeared with the chaffi nch fl ock feeding are looking very healthy, with 40 reported EVEN BEFORE August’s eagle owl story maybe a toad or whether its resistance was just on beechmast around Rivington from early to be present by the Wildlife Trust in early was published - bu whooh - the bird’s double low, we don’t know. But when Michael picked November. December. A pair of ruddy ducks and a couple hoot had ceased to be heard around the it up it just keeled over and died in his arms, Fieldfare and redwing flocks were around of cormorants were seen on December 1. Heaton area…or, so I’m told, which was most upsetting. from late October feeding on any remaining because my ears would not in He discovered that the body berries and foraging with starling fl ocks High Rid: a single goldeneye was again any event have picked it up! was dehydrated, weighing off Sheephouse Lane. However, the fl ocks present during the summer months and by the Then, from an unexpected under 1.5kg. A healthy male appeared to move on quite quickly, with autumn the number had risen to four. Little quarter, came a follow-up. would have weighed about 2kg very small numbers by the end of November. grebe numbers are on the up. The spread of My daughter, Judith, decided and a female is a lot heavier Redwings were seen coming from roost in ivy pondweed is probably the attraction. I counted that she rather fancied a talk but in the absence of a DNA in Dryfield on the 17th. no less than 16 on October 7. Tufted ducks to be given by Michael and test, its sex remains unknown. Goosanders were regularly observed on were present during the autumn and coot Margaret from Blackburn- Additionally, there were no Yarrow reservoir from early November, with numbers were up to 80 with approximately based Lancashire Hawks and rings, so age and origin also 11 there on the 12th. 200 black-headed gulls seen on November Owls to her younger son’s remain shrouded in mystery Green woodpeckers were about throughout 4. Grey wagtails were present on occasions Heaton Beaver Scout colony. and the owl is now buried in the area from the Horwich/Rivington and there was a juvenile long-tailed duck on It was a really excellent Michael’s back garden. boundary to the flanks of Healey Nab and December 1. evening and, with Michael What particularly interested Stronstrey Bank and seemed to be steadily so obviously caring about Bengal eagle owl (Bubo bengalensis) me was the information that building up in numbers. Walker Fold and Barrow Bridge: there the birds on display, she this was not, as in my ignorance Bullfi nches were noted from the usual have been good sightings of dipper along decided to enquire after our Bolton eagle owl. I had supposed, a European but a Bengal four centres – Terraced Gardens, Dean Wood, the stream at Barrow Bridge but since the Thereupon, a sad tale unfolded. Some time in eagle owl, smaller and, according to the Anglezarke car park and Pall Mall Croft. One dry stone walls have been repaired little owl April/May – but clearly after April 21 when website, commonly kept in captivity, being record of interest on November 16 was a pair sightings have been infrequent. Stonechats the bird was spotted in Sherbourne Avenue more fun than most of the owls, easy to train, feeding on nettle seeds. were often to be seen at Burnt Edge. I had – ‘Mike’ from Albert Road telephoned good for beginners and used for display or The high point of my bird watching in the occasional sightings of red grouse (six birds Lancashire Hawks and Owls to report the demonstration. Clearly, the bird would have area during the period was a pair of whooper on November 4) and ravens. continued presence over a been unable to reach the UK swans with two juveniles in the centre of number of days of an owl in under its own steam.This and Yarrow Reservoir on November 4. This Stop Press his back garden. the fact that it had always brought back memories of herds of whooper A joyful Noëll This was a very sound appeared to keep close to swans wintering on our reservoirs and often Noted from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s course of action, one of inhabited areas, indicates flying low over our house with lovely gentle newsletter, whose caption has been cribbed. Lancashire Hawks and Owls’ an escape or a bird released contact calls. Group member, Noëll Leather, who manages main purposes in life being deliberately into the wild their Summerseat reserve as a volunteer, to rescue birds of prey and – hard though it may be to Geoff Leather’s sightings has been awarded the Mersey Basin Trust keep those that cannot be imagine someone deliberately Doffcocker Lodge: two pairs of great crest Dragonfly Award. She will be or will have returned to the wild. Their releasing such a trusting crested grebes raised young during the past been presented with a trophy and cheque for visit revealed the owl to be Distribution of Bubo bengalensis: West Himala- creature to a lonely existence breeding season, along with the common £2,500 early this year. Prize money will be lethargic, although it had yas, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Assam and Burma. and an uncertain future. terns, and numbers of moorhens seem to be spent on improvements to the reserve. been catching and eating Improbable that one could reach the UK unaided Ed

26 3 the local•bird•scene

with a padded post, leaving last February’s picture suggested it might. So here’s another candidate to

him sporting a shiner on his the right - a great spotted - which again is unlikely to quite make it. Ed forehead. Most fortunately, binocular vision was unaffected. Geoff Jottings from Rivington & Anglezarke Chris Johnson Another successful year now has the distinction of being The first of November marked the beginning In contrast, a local farmer reported that the most senior swinger to have of survey work for the BTO Atlas of Wintering her swallows had had a disastrous breeding INTRODUCING the Committee’s report at the AGM on completed a successful circuit. & Breeding Birds (see p 24). Surveying will season with the birds departing on migration November 8, Chris Johnson, confirmed the donation of continue through to 2011 – will we stay the very early. A gathering of 30 were feeding £3,000 to the RSPB, for the Ribble Reserves project, plus A new year barbie course? Although fired with early enthusiasm, very low over fields off Sheephouse Lane £541.13 ‘notional profit’ on sales goods. Receipt of £1,000, Steve Burns flew with his wife the birds seemed not to respond, appearing on the 22nd and on the 30th birds were on the the first Ribble Reserves tranche for the current year, had and daughter to Australia via thin on the ground. However, more of move south with a constant passage down been acknowledged with thanks in writing. Singapore in early January, to November later. Jepson’s Clough. Word had just been received that Bolton were in third settle in Perth. He has been a Early September saw fl ocks gathering, A late wheatear was near Jepson’s Farm on position in the northern area’s league table with 35 national member, man and boy, since with 30 goldfi nches feeding on thistle heads October 5, with stonechats nearby. members recruited. We were beaten only by Southport with the Group was founded and off Sparks Bridge on the 2nd and 25 mistle Tufted duck, pochard, and goldeneye 69 and York with 45 and were highly placed nationally. will be missed for his pleasant, thrushes foraging in fields off Sheephouse have traditionally gathered on our reservoirs The re-election of committee members, all of whom had unassuming company.We wish Lane on the 4th. Eighty meadow pipits were for winter but in recent years they seem to agreed to continue, was confi rmed nem con. Before handing the family every success Down lined up on a fence line on the edge of be arriving later and in smaller numbers. I over to Alma Schofield, whose audited accounts published Under but are surely bound Anglezarke Moor on September 11. Buzzards noted nine tufted duck on Upper Rivington in the August newsletter were accepted unanimously, Chris to feel the loss of Steve’s continued to be noticed with birds around on Reservoir on October 9, with two pochard on warmly thanked and congratulated the many volunteers, formidable birding expertise. September 20. Anglezarke on November 9 and this was an who contribute so much to keeping all the Group’s activities His state-of-the-art Kowa Stonechats must have had a good breeding indication of the few duck seen. At the end of forging ahead, after another successful year. TSN 883 telescope was sent on season, with birds regularly seen around the November, I have just seen my fi rst goldeneye Tony Johnson added a note that new blood would be ahead for a whole new outlook moorland and fringe. A family group were off on the Rivington system, a female on High welcomed onto the committee. on (wild) life. Picture page 27. Roynton Lane on the 22nd. Bullough on November 26. `

4 25 Woolston Eyes. Middleton-in-Teesdale is the Photo contest prize bin laden In store on special offer venue on Saturday, April 19 Indoors Lecking blackcock were observed during our Our third annual photographic competition will Underlined March 13 ‘New Zealand – North Island and first visit and it’s a really nice area. This is this year have a super prize for the picture judged Harry Liptrot’s drawings used South Island’ Colin Smith followed by a Sunday morning visit to Yarrow to be the best overall entry, Frank Wood reports regularly to illustrate and grace Come early if you want to avoid the scrum Valley Park (formerly Birkacre) on April 27. our pages. and don’t forget that photo competition entries The outdoor programme continues in We have a new pair of Opticron compact binoculars, worth A number of reasons are will be on display before and after Colin May, after the final indoor meeting, with the over £70, thanks to a couple who have recently opened a responsible for their absence in delivers judgement. opportunity to get together on Saturday, May superbly located bed and breakfast house in one of the best recent editions. On the editorial 17 at Cannock Chase. Our second visit to an birding areas of northern England. As usual, we will also side, use of more photographs/ April 10 ‘The Wildlife of the Shetland area not previously explored but well known have prizes of an RSPB gift voucher for the best entry in both the internet, space restrictions Islands’ Steve Knell to Hugo. On Wednesday, May 21 another the wildlife and landscape categories, as we did last year. and a lack of suitable subjects. Steve, an electrician by trade, is switched on mid-afternoon walk round Barrow Bridge On Harry’s side, arthritis – bane to the Shetland Islands. He says he loves the and Walker Fold, Geoff Leather’s stamping Muriel and Andy Raistrick, who are aiming to turn their of the British – in the fi ngers. place, which is his favourite spot in the world. ground. This is followed by two evening home into a mecca for bird watchers, have donated the Harry, we’re missing you! walks, on Thursday, May 29 to Crowthorne binoculars for the competition. Bird Watching magazine Outdoors – Holcombe and on Thursday, June 5 to has just named Brockelrigg b&b of the month. It is in Frank (remember his piece on Saturday, March 29 Marbury CP and Longworth Clough. the tranquil hamlet of Port Carlisle, close to Campfi eld ‘Bury pensioners’?) and Sheila Woolston Eyes. Marbury, great for lesser The season ends, until we reopen for Marsh RSPB reserve, Mereshead, St Bees Head and WWT Wood became great grandpar- spotted woodpeckers, assuming that someone business in September, with a second coach Caerlaverock. It is in the middle of an AONB* and a short ents with the birth of Elisha (an knows how to call them in. And there is trip, this time to RSPB South Stack and RSPB drive from the Galloway Kite Trail. anagram of Sheila) on Septem- almost bound to be something of interest at Conwy on Sunday, June 15. ber 27, 2007. Congratulations; Exclusively for RSPB Bolton members, they are offering two most encouraging, Frank, so Final word from the editor required, will be on offer. nights in their guest suite for £75. That is the usual price for soon after revealing that we are I know it, you will have seen quite enough A page can absorb up to 400 words with a one night, and the offer is valid until the end of December looking to attract more young from me already in this issue! And that is the picture or two (which can often be sourced). 2008. members! point. I need more contributions. But your voices are important and need to It doesn’t have to be long (eg news) and be heard (however, I neither like nor intend to The luxury suite is for two people, comprising a beautifully Mike Mason, treasurer of the all the help needed to knock it into shape, if badger anybody…too much!) appointed bedroom with super king size or twin beds as Brighton and District local required. It has an en-suite bathroom and comfortable group, was the guest of Arnold Bird Atlas 2007-11 (see p 25 under ‘Jottings’) agenda for the next decades of ornithology in private sitting room with its own entrance. Muriel and Andy Battson at the season’s opening aims to produce maps of distribution and Britain and Ireland. heard about our photo contest through their friends Phil and indoor meeting. relative abundance for all bird species Fieldwork, which started on November 1, Kay Allenby-Carr, who are members of Bolton group, and breeding and wintering in Britain and Ireland. 2007, will span four winters and four breeding immediately offered to provide the excellent prize Picked up at the Ribble It will allow the organisers, the BTO*, to assess seasons, during which the whole of Britain Discovery Centre committee changes in bird distributions since previous and Ireland will be cumulatively surveyed. We are very grateful to them. get-together (page 6) from breeding atlases in 1970 and 1990 and Anyone and everyone can take part in the Lancaster Local Group. Having since the last winter atlas of the early 1980s. survey, from taking on responsibility for a Full details of Brockelrigg are http//www.brockelrigg.co.uk. a reserve bang on the doorstep. Atlases have been immensely important for tetrad to submitting ‘roving records’ forms. If Or ring Muriel on 016973 51953. can absorb a large slice of furthering bird knowledge and conservation, interested visit the website (www.birdatlas. the local group’s recruitment and bird atlas 2007-11 is destined to set the net), or have a chat with Chris or Tony. See also advertisement page 16 possibilities.

*British Trust for Ornithology * Area of outstanding natural beauty 24 5 Carol on a mission flotilla of feral emperor geese that had come over from Peel Island. Amongst the top priorities for Carol Bamber, volunteers’ Not all were fortunate enough to see the officer (local groups), whose appointment was announced In Memoriam merlin perched on top of the hide on Walney in the August Bryan Leatherbarrow died because most happened to be inside. But, number, was a on July 9, 2007 aged 74.We re-embarked and just after starting off for Reckon to spot a visit to all 28 local had published his bright and home, there was a brilliant view of a barn owl seal at lunch time groups for which stimulating report on the perched on a post. Our driver pulled up to says former group she is responsible in previous November’s coach trip make sure that it was seen by everyone aboard. leader, Peter Young the northern region. to Spurn Point as recently as last Her aim, to see February. how each operates Bryan’s enthusiasm for birds We failed to see red follow. It was very busy with goldfi nches,

Ed and then to was originally fired by a course greenfinches, the odd chaffinch, blue tits and Carol Bamber: groups have their determine needs and he had attended in Sale. But this The name Wigan has a habit of hitting the a couple of willow tits. There were siskins in own individual strengths and don’t how best to deliver was only after retiring from a headlines, occasionally not for entirely nearby alders and above them a great spotted all sing from the same hymn sheet support. ‘second career’ – he had taught welcome reasons. Such as when it’s a matter woodpecker made a brief appearance. On October 4 previously – working with of the survival of an alien species and here we As we penetrated further there was a Carol sat in on our committee meeting held that evening, the families of schizophrenia are not thinking about Association football. large, mixed flock of siskins, redpolls and returning to join us at the December 13 indoor meeting. sufferers. Latterly holidays But there was nothing to disturb the peace goldfi nches. Greenfinches showed from time Her programme of visits must have proved daunting, had been based around the of our Sunday morning walk on November 25, to time. There was in fact quite a variety of given the travelling distances involved. With a territory various bird reserves in the UK. apart from the dismay of a very keen member species elsewhere in addition: goldcrests, long- stretching from Newcastle in the north via West Cumbria And during the last fi ve years, who had brought sandwiches, thinking he tailed and great tits, a representative of most to Chester in the south and with Whitby in the east, no he and Sandra had enjoyed was there for the day. However, the number of that might have been expected but including chance of avoiding the creation of a largish carbon footprint interspersing bird watching with packages appearing towards midday made one house sparrows. The only raptor was a kestrel. initially. But, as ‘Monty’ knew all too well, spending time golf in the Algarve. realise that others were similarly provisioned! On the water a pretty good spread of species in reconnaissance is absolutely essential. Sincere sympathy is offered to It was one of those mornings when there was observed at such times as a blind eye was Very early on, Carol had come to appreciate that groups Sandra and her daughter, Jill. was rain about. Not orderly rain, the forecast not clamped to the telescope. The number were most unlikely to conform to a pattern; that most would that had provoked comment on the Today of gadwall was have strengths in particular areas. So we were pleased to Keith Billington died on October programme. More akin to the alternative noteworthy. learn that she believes in the cross fertilisation of ideas. To 1, 2007. He was aged 83 and, description of ‘not a complete shower’, Just to fi nish us which end a new sub-regional get-together of committee although no longer a member suggested by a listener. So, purposeful activity off, we were led members from the Blackpool and Fylde, Bolton, Lancaster of the Group, had been an early was most welcome and things improved. over a motorbike and Southport groups took place at the Ribble Discovery supporter, along with his brother For those unfamiliar with Wigan Flashes scrambling course. Centre on November 13. Derek, who predeceased him. LNR, it comprises an extensive area of former After terra fi rma Ian Crawshaw We learned that membership recruitment development is Our sympathy is offered to his pit workings where considerable sums have had been regained now a top priority and about plans in the pipeline for the children and grandchildren. been spent on creating access paths. Ground there was a ‘no introduction of new, fl exible RSPB membership. Information that has been subject to subsidence now holds shooting’ notice. was given on local group links to the RSPB website and we News of the death of John the flashes and the rest has been planted with Sighs of relief all The squad look all in after heard how other groups operate. Madden last May at the age of trees, principally birch and alder. round!round! ItIt remainsremains the assault course. Now to Carol iswill now shortly based be in based the new, in a third new, northern third northern regional 78 has just arrived. Sympathy is The feeding station at the start of our aa policy thatto be find the quickest route out regionaloffice at officeLancaster. at Lancaster. See also Seepage also 27. page 27. extended to Margaret, his widow.. walk gave a strong clue as to what might shouldencouraged. be vigorously encouragedencouraged. pursued.

6 23 Speaks of Blackrod Ltd Arnold Battson

Ian Crawshaw Quality Furnishers An old mill by the stream. Any sign of Nellie Dean? Lounge Suites • High Seat Chairs • Recliners • Beds • Wall • Units • Dining Sets • TV/Video/ focal point in the park is its corn mill and adjacent millpond, which held a decidedly ‘new hide’; seen post sitting and then hovering Hi-Fi Units • Bookcases • Nests • Coffee Tables Clocks • Lamps and much more! mixed bag of wildfowl with pied and grey from the East Field Pool hide. in wagtails below the weir. The 10 minutes max. Old Moor is noted for its Sunday luncheon Specialists wait for a kingﬁsher on the stream promised and several dropped out for a while as the ‘POWER’ by an employee ended up with a no show for rest, opening up rustle-free sandwich packs, Chairs and most of us, however. got down to observing the gadwall, green Beds (VAT exempt for It wasn’t until reaching RSPB Old Moor and sandpipers black-tailed godwits, golden disabled or infirm) after a welcome from the tree sparrows that plovers, a little stint and a ruff, lapwings, kingﬁshers started to appear in a number of snipe and anything else on view. locations; spotted from the yet-to-be-named (Kingfisher photographed at Leighton Moss)

Power Beds & Chairs because it’s a draughty spot at the best of FREE times and the day was chilly but it was also TWO YEAR WAR RANTY ﬁne and clear, and sunny from late morning on. They saw eider, red-breasted merganser Quality British Manufacturers and great crested grebe on the sea, and E ﬂying further offshore, small groups of Friendly One-to-One Service E common scoter. The shoreline was a scene Good Advice

Pictures Ian Crawshaw of busy activity. There were ﬂocks of dunlin, E Red-breasted mergansers on the starboard bow oystercatcher, redshank, grey plover and No Hassle from sanderling, along with a solitary purple Commission Salesmen S. Walney, fine but parky sandpiper. E 77/79 Church St Traditional Values The lagoons held wigeon, teal and E The 37 who went on November 11’s coach greenshank. And an interesting sighting, not Blackrod Free Parking trip to Walney Island were well wrapped up that it counted on anyone’s list, was of a small 01204 691141 E www.speaksofblackrod.co.uk Free Local Delivery. Disclaimer: advertisements in this newsletter are not specifically endorsed by the RSPB or the RSPB Bolton Local Removal of old suite/bed Group. Similarly, views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, the RSPB Bolton Local Group or the RSPB (small charge may apply) 22 7 An Impressive banner headline for the Jumbles A foretaste of autumn unfailingly identiﬁed from their calls by Steve Burns, bringing up the rear: skylark and On the Friday before September 22nd’s meadow pipit among them. Morecambe Bay trip, summer was still with Lunch, at a largely deserted Teal Bay, was us. Rain had bucketed down all day! But followed by a visit to Leighton Moss, where Saturday offered a lovely foretaste of autumn, there was much to see. A sparrowhawk put and the turnout of 25 for the trip did it proud. up the black-tailed godwits and other waders We parked at Conder Green, where the tide on the left-hand side of the Eric Morecambe was out and the exposed, muddy channels held hide and on the other a good size comparison principally redshank, curlew and a goosander. was possible between a little egret and a great Signs of autumn were everywhere apparent on white egret – the latter present since August the walk to Glasson Dock and back: starlings – when both species came together on an island in the pool*. Peregrine, merlin, snipe, a curlew sandpiper, a little stint and a spotted redshank, shelduck, pintail and wigeon were also observed. From the Public hide there were buzzards to be seen as well as a merlin, a sparrowhawk, shoveler, gadwall and one member had a brief sighting of a bittern. From Lilian’s hide (and others) one couldn’t

Arnold Battson help but be struck by the large numbers of

Pink-footed geese (taken at Martin Mere) coots, the bird attributed to the Group on the Nathan Lord, proprietor of Impress Signs, at the handover of the banner he has sponsored. sponsorship board in the duly visited café. Banner carriers are Morgana Restall of United Utilities and Martin Jones, Jumbles volunteer flocking, a skein of incoming pink feet, linnets A look-in on Warton Crag, where walkers in substantial numbers and goldfi nches had disturbed the peregrines, rounded off a IT PAYS to advertise! Nathan searching out seed heads. Other fl y-bys were very pleasant start to the season. Lord, of Impress Signs*, based in Rising Bridge, has certainly helped to increase our visibility Heading closer to the fall October 14, two days short of the second at Jumbles events by his anniversary of the previous visit, most of us generous banner sponsorship. stopped in a lay-by off the M62 to car share We hope it will also help to and drove straight past the M1’s Woolley promote his business. Any sort Edge Services (the previous rv point) to of sign produced, so long as it’s Worsborough Country Park. There were no not illuminated! incoming flocks of fog bound redwings on this Hugo Charlton-Jones occasion; all clear ahead for the 14 of us. accepted the banner with Leaves were turning and beginning grateful thanks on behalf of the to fall. The alders held siskins and there

Pictures Ed Pictures Group at November’s event. were numerous long-tailed and great tits, Hugo setting out with visitors to the stand at the Jumbles on Why not pop in and maybe chafﬁnches, etc plus the squeal of a water rail

November 11’s guided walk. Possible future group members join a walk to show support? Ed from reed undergrowth beside the path. The

*Tel/fax 01706 225396: mentioning Group membership *Written in advance of publication of November’s Bird Watching. Honest! 8 21 the programme•report

The cherry on top: Ian Bowker Arctic terns’ striking presence on Inner FarneIsland

A 6.00am start on June 17 saw 14 nearly awake souls leave Bolton in a hired minibus Hugo for a day trip to the Farne Islands. With clear Hugo roads we arrived at the quayside in Seahouses at 10.00am, one more member joining us Training day for volunteers at Inner Marsh there by train from Edinburgh. The boat Farm on December 9. Those present are: Pictures Ian Bowker sailed 30 minutes later for a cruise around the Lynne and Tom Bailey, Janice Sutton, islands. Lots of guillemots and puffins on the Ed Paul Thompson, Pauline Richardson, Pat water; gannets and terns overhead; grey seals The young lady really was keen to learn Rothwell, Veronica Platt, John Richardson resting on exposed rocks; rock faces holding more about birds and had just been and Martin Jones. They enjoyed some good numerous nesting kittiwakes, guillemots, 10 metres from the walkway. A few pairs of enrolled as a Wildlife Explorer by her bird watching on the reserve before and shags and cormorants; only a few razorbills to common terns were spotted. Also on the top parents. John Richardson, is the volunteer after introduction to flexible membership be seen. At the end of two hours we returned of the island were numerous puffi ns. As the to harbour and a quick comfort break before cliff tops were reached close views of nesting VISITORS to the Jumbles stand have kept us July, we intend to run our ‘birds are brilliant’ the landing on Inner Farne and were in for a shags, kittiwakes and guillemots were to be on the go enrolling national RSPB members, events at Doffcocker Lodge (see also page nice warm, sunny afternoon. had. In the garden of the lighthouse were rock directing potential local group recruits 14). We shall be showing nesting common Once landed there is a short uphill walk pipits and a female black redstart. We stayed towards Lesley McManus and running local terns (there will be a telescope!) other birds with the gauntlet to be run of Arctic terns for two hours before returning to Seahouses, walks, well supported on both the Saturday and wildlife to the public. We will have nesting within centimetres of the walkway. A where we had fish and chips for tea and then and Sunday. We have seen great spotted an information marquee – plus a fl ag, for number of eggs had hatched into small brown set off back home. woodpeckers, goldcrests, tits, thrushes and, maximum visibility – providing wildlife fluff balls and we were constantly getting taps The visit was a great experience, with the in November, had good views of what we information and for use in the recruitment of on the head from the irate parents. The Arctic birds only a metre or two away. Just to give thought were buzzard and raven. national and local RSPB members. We could be terns took particular interest in one of our some idea of the numbers of breeding pairs There are currently 10 volunteers who have present at a weekend and/or on a weekday. group who was wearing a red bobble hat.group on the island: Arctic terns 1,163; Sandwich 1,429; been helping at these and other events. And We also have plans to work closely with They looked on guillemots 2,870; Paul Thompson has been putting out bird the natural history section of Bolton Museum. the bobble as eiders 337; shags 319; feed at the Jumbles’ hide on a Wednesday. So, Two events have so far been pencilled in, one ideal nest lining razorbills 143; common again, I would like to thank all of you for such in March during a ‘Wild Wood Week’ and one material and were terns 118; puffi ns excellent help and support, without which it at Smithills Hall on August 26. Details will be most keen on 13,069. would not have been possible to run the events, published as soon as possible; for the earlier taking a strand Even though let alone make as much of an impact. events clearly before this report appears in or two. as a group we At the time of writing early in December, it print. When level only clocked is only possible to give a brief overview of the Would anyone in the Group interested in ground was 24 species we likely programme for 2008. Our intention is volunteering please contact me by e-mail, reached the must have seen not only to carry on with Jumbles activities telephone or at an indoor meeting? Arctic gave way 15,000 birds, of over one weekend a month as at present but Our training session at Inner Marsh Farm to Sandwich which probably also to break fresh ground. was conducted by Paul Winter (RSPB ) on terns, which were 500 attacked Jo’s Alongside Jumbles weekends but not to December 9 and was very well supported. nesting in a large Guillemot-thronged rocks (top) and nesting Arctic terns bobble. coincide with them, from April to June/early Hugo Charlton-Jones

20 9 the conservation•scene Ed

Stan Terry conducted the tour around Seddon Fold Farm. On his left hand the cleared pond, which now has a boggy area beyond the embankment, frequented by snipe and other waders wo images, captured by Arnold Battson on his visit to Norway last April to photograph TAN TERRY has been the sitting tenant comes into his eyes at the mention of the word. Tsea eagles are of a hazel grouse (above), even more remarkably camouflaged seen in full at Seddon Fold Farm since 1984, its Although quite downbeat and dismissive of his colour, and of a red-throated diver taking off in a striking furrowed, backwash wave pattern S79ha made up by the amalgamation efforts, with the support of the RSPB and the of three small farm holdings. If you know very active involvement of Rick Parker and Rumworth Lodge and Lock Lane, you’ll his ‘Green Heroes’ from Bolton Conservation already have an idea of the exact location. Volunteers he is creating a real haven for Roughly half of Rumworth is on Stan Terry’s wildlife, a very healthy lung in an area land and Lock Lane passes his ‘front’ door. increasingly subject to development. Stan had farmed cattle but nowadays has ‘If every farmer was in the position to do very few head because, ‘there’s no money in a little bit, it would be a good thing’, he it’. And, because a first priority has to be to remarked, as we passed a stabling block where earn a living, he has diversified, like so many pied wagtails nest in the beams and swallows farmers close to a town, and now provides nests are on the upper fl oor joists. pasture and stabling for horses. But he is also But lapwings were our main concern on into conservation - and you would need to be the day because BCV now have the opportunity pretty unobservant to miss the sparkle that to manage a new habitat – wet grassland

10 19 – at Seddon Fold. The RSPB in the shape of was cleared and dug out a couple of years Sarah Dullage, farmland birds advisor with ago, the spoil being used to fill a trench Lancashire Rural Futures have drawn up a immediately below. The water now overflows, scheme for its creation, whereby Stan qualifi es creating a small area much loved by snipe for an Entry Level Stewardship award. Wet and other waders. Maybe 100m higher up via grassland is the favoured breeding habitat another pond, once a dump for discarded farm for lapwings, birds once common in our area machinery, into which Stan has introduced but now in sharp decline because of current crested newts, we reached the fi rst scrape, obsessions with land drainage and silage the digger paid for by BCV out of their £200 production, which is destroying good lapwing Green Heroes Award in the competition run meadows. However, all may not be lost and by The Bolton News in conjunction with research undertaken by the RSPB has shown Middlebrook Retail Park. This had fi lled up that scrape creation and careful regulation and will attract midges, midge larvae being a of stock numbers can dramatically improve primary source of food in spring for lapwings. breeding success. Meantime a nearby patch of thistles was Time now to continue the tour, coming face attracting goldfi nches. to face with four tonnes of cockleshells (UU* There is a second scrape and Rick is funded) that Stan was about to move down to the Lodge, ready for Rick – his objective a substantial increase

in the available nesting area for Chris Gomersall:(rspb-images.com) common terns, oystercatchers and little ringed plovers – to ferry over to the islands. From here on, ‘wet grassland’ changed from being a nice idea to harsh reality. I had rushed out without giving a thought to wellies! But we were into our Indian summer, it was a beautiful day and Scrape creation to reverse the lapwing decline locally any moisture was largely superfi cial. Although we were principally into scrapes negotiating for extra ponds and hedgerow. The and ponds that day, the fact that Stan is proud BCV (because habitat, once created, requires of the range of other habitat – from woodland on-going management); Stan Terry (RSPB/ at the bottom end where the Lodge goes former Group, member); and the RSPB are into a narrow neck to what will be 600m of proving to be a pretty formidable combination, hedgerow when Rick has completed his work with the benevolent cooperation of the – deserves a mention. And by that time we had landowners. The two lapwing pairs that are reached the first of the holes in the ground in thought to have bred in 2007 should receive a place where two field drains meet so that loud and clear the message to go forth and it never dries out however low the rainfall. It multiply. Ed

*United Utilities 18 11 “You must be joking!” do I hear you say, remembering that when you can see Winter Hill it’s said to be about to rain and already raining when you can’t? There’s some new thinking on the state of the moorland, so read on

was invited to a West Pennine Moors wide-ranging organisations and individuals. When Richard suggested that I write a short account of my (WPM) biodiversity seminar on October One of the highlights of our region from an ‘unusual’ holiday I wondered just how I could condense a I 30, 2007 and was pleased to attend as two ornithologist’s viewpoint is a wonderful mix three-week adventure of a lifetime into a half page article particular items caught my eye. of moorland breeding waders such as golden One was the proposal for Site of Special plover, dunlin, redshank and curlew. ow could I begin to got close enough to see Scientifi c Interest (SSSI) designation for WPM, Natural England staff are favourably Hdescribe our four day its cheeky, questioning and the other was Moorland Grip Blocking. impressed with the document and Inca Trail, trekking through look as if to say “What’s WPM, as you may well know, is an area of subsequently have been to look at the area some amazing cactus and all the fuss about?” 233sq km of open countryside bordered by and talk to various contributors, and we are agave valleys, watching How do I describe the Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton and Bury, awaiting the next stage from them. torrent ducks wading in changing landscape as Chorley and Haslingden. Yet to be decided is the boundary of the the muddy river beds, then we drove for days over The area currently has only small patches proposed SSSI, as it is unlikely that this will walking amidst enchanted the Altiplano, where lush designated as SSSI, which provides statutory coincide with the existing planning boundary woodland, where humming- green valleys changed protection. An example is the wet fl ush of WPM and, of course, landowners and tenants birds abounded, and on through high altitude to become barren, volcanic moonscapes? at White Coppice. But much bigger areas must be consulted. cloud forests? And what about the million And what about the magnifi cent condors, are classified as either Site of Biological stars, Southern Cross and with their nine foot wing Importance (SBI) or Biological Heritage Site Moorland grip blocking is a means by which Milky Way, glowing like span, rising on the early (BHS), which are non statutory. areas can be re-wetted but the process also a halo in the jet-black sky? morning warm thermals helps prevent erosion and slows down rapid How could I put into from the Colca Canyon Work on the SSSI proposals commenced in water run off from the uplands. words our first sight of far below us? First 2003 and a very impressive document was Those of you who have walked on our the awe-inspiring Lost one, then another until submitted to Natural England (NE) in 2007, moorlands after periods of heavy rain will City of the Incas, Machu at least a dozen glided the work being driven by Peter Jepson (LCC wonder why any re-wetting is necessary! Picchu, with its fascinating majestically around us. ecologist) partnered by our own Tim Melling The digging of drainage ditches was ruins and unbelievable An inquisitive and much photographed The answer’s simple! (RSPB northern regional offi ce). commonplace in the past to extend livestock architecture: and the caracara top and majestic condor bottom* It’s impossible! Go and The report encompasses flora and fauna production and this has encouraged some mountain caracara, perched on a sacred high see for yourselves, and if you want someone

including maps and records contributed from parts to dry out and the sphagnum mosses to Pictures Lesley McManus altar, photographed a hundred times as we to carry your bags, just give me a call! *

12 17 Botanically, My window the recreation of blanket on the world bog, which is a habitat now Tom Fish under threat, will be a great Chris Gomersall(rspb-images.com) achievement ome members may have noticed me last pecking order, who to give way to and who to (rspb-images.com) Ben Hall and will Sseason at a couple of indoor meetings on challenge on the feeder perches. Curlew flying over snow-capped moorland increase crutches.* This and the not so good weather Some nights I have been unable to sleep biodiversity. has restricted my bird watching to the living and have been looking out at any time after be replaced by rough grassland – molinia. It will bring room window. No, don’t say “Oh, poor 4.00am, as it became light, just to see what These drainage ditches/grips sometimes with it some chap!” It has actually given me a much better was going on. I have seen foxes on a regular become erosion scars, often widening protection knowledge of what has been going on in our basis, squirrels and, for four days during dramatically as the peat is washed away, from fl ooding Dunlin in breeding plumage back garden and the field and trees beyond. June, a male roe deer. The birds have been exposing the bedrock. This also aids the rapid downstream in I had been quite an active person, involving mainly the usual ones seen on the edge of run off of surface water rather than gradual these days of climate change. An additional myself with wildlife groups up until town. But there has been a female kestrel and percolation, resulting in flooding of more low benefit of the re-wetting of our moorlands December 2006, when I fell and damaged woodpeckers. We have identified both male lying areas and towns, and discolouration of would be its contribution to halting the spread both legs. This has kept me indoors most of and female of the latter and one day saw four reservoir catchment water. of moorland fi res. the time, only able to get out with the aid of great spotted; mum on the fat balls and dad crutches and friends in their cars. with two male youngsters on the peanuts. In Matt Disdale of Disdale Moorland Services A very thought provoking morning My wife and I have been ardent bird addition to sparrows, starlings and tits feeding Ltd gave an excellent presentation on the work encouraged lots of discussion and optimistic watchers – not twitchers – for many years, their young there has been ‘Maggie’, a magpie he has been doing for some time, elsewhere in thoughts an activity that has kept us away from the the subject of an earlier article and easily the north of England. about the window. I have had to sit resting my legs identified by a right wing that does not fold Global positioning system mapping of future of the but this has given me the opportunity to see back properly, feeding hers. the grips is done first and then the ditches countryside what the wildlife must have got up to in my So my disability has given a little pain but are classified according to the severity of on our absence: the routine of the birds, their feeding also a lot of pleasure regarding my wildlife their widening and deepening. Appropriate doorstep, habits, the way they know their position in the interests. There is a lot going on out there. blocking and reprofiling methods are which we love subsequently tailored for each individual so much. situation. Sites are often many kilometres from the Note: WPM nearest road and access is a problem. One - West Pennine impressive slide was shown of nine machines Moors, SSSI working on a particularly extensive site with - Site of Special grips, themselves many kilometres in length. Scientifi c Matt amused those present by referring to Interest, SBI his farmer father who had actually created - Site of Biological Redshank perched on a post drainage ditches on his land, which was at one Importance, BHS time thought ‘a good thing’! - Biological Heritage Site, NE - Natural England.

*Tom had graduated to two sticks by September 13. Well done! 16 13 the members’•contributions

Fingers are well and truly crossed Yes, we have no bananas! area with brown pelicans, sundry gulls and a at Doffcocker Lodge because the cedar waxwing was ruggedly beautiful. success of a wildlife project can E SET OUT on our Oregon Trail last High spot of the trip was Wildwood Manor, seldom be guaranteed. One is WJune, visiting a daughter and son-in- a most luxurious b&b on San Juan Island, now on going there and a second law at Portland. In town on foot on the way after moving up country into Washington is planned for this year. There are David T to the Mt Tabor dog park the courtesy of State beyond

high hopes for both – reed bed ipling (rspb-images.com) drivers giving way was impressive after close Seattle. It boasted restoration led by the Wildlife Trust encounters in Bolton. So many hybrid cars a splendid library and an initiative from our Jumbles or vehicles running on bio-fuel; they don’t with wildlife volunteers to show off common do diesel. And so many organic outlets down reference books. terns to a much wider audience. town! House ﬁnches, robins and red-shafted The numerous northern ﬂickers were about plus a western brown-tailed scrub-jay at the start point, the family back deer living in the ROSPECTS for the reeds look promising what has become of young birds raised at yard. woods had their Pnow that newly planted rhizomes are Doffcocker, they may well have ended up at Anne at the Audubon Centre in the midst feeding bowls fenced off to prevent raids by Canada geese. Wigan where numbers have increased. of a woodland belt close to town centre was near the front And common terns should put in their There could be light at the end of the tunnel most helpful. There were at times squirrels door replenished customary appearance this April, although because Dave Edwards from Croal Irwell on the feeders. Douglas, small and reasonably every morning. their presence can never be taken for granted Wardens has now been ringing at Doffcocker cuddly; eastern fox, lean, mean and looking Scrupulously because many mishaps could befall them on for a couple of seasons. And what members bigger than our greys. Nothing particularly maintained bird migration from West Africa. visiting in support of Hugo and his volunteers exotic in the way of birds apart from the feeders were at the

The terns would not have been there but at Doffcocker (see p 9) should be on the rufous humming-birds, which were delightful back, with mostly Pictures Ed for the determination of Bolton Wildlife lookout for are birds bearing a yellow ring on as, too, the downy woodpecker. Mostly what we had Project and Bolton Conservation Volunteers the right leg, signifying that they were ringed Steller’s jay, song sparrow, black-headed already seen but to add new bird life to the local landscape at the lodge: in 2006 with a blue ring on the grosbeak, spotted towhee, dark-eyed junco, also brown-headed Banana slug. OK it’s big by stationing two nesting rafts on the lodge. left leg; in 2007 if it is black. red-breasted nuthatch, band-tailed pigeon. cowbird, purple Originally terns were nesting on Wigan The plan now is to ring at both Doffcocker The coastline around the Cannon Beach finch and American goldfi nch. There were Flashes, followed by the colonisation of and Rumworth in 2008, dependent on whether more rufous humming-birds, too, and a bald Rumworth Lodge.* Meantime, a single pair Rumworth is recolonised. (BCV were late on eagle nest and eaglet, fi ttingly, at American began to nest on Doffcocker. But a protracted in 2007 and nesting could have been missed.) Camp. California quails at the roadside as we dry spell followed in 2004. The islands at Conservationists will then begin to be in a left. But the raptors stumped me. This wasn’t Rumworth were left high and dry and the position to track the movement of young birds a bird watching holiday, however, and most terns’ nesting attempts failed. Five pairs and to accumulate scientifi c data. memorable was the orca display off the coast, shot over to Doffcocker.** Only the second To make Rumworth irresistible, Rick Parker with buildings at Victoria, British Columbia raft, hitherto unoccupied, was available to of BCV plans to strip out vegetation coming plainly visible. them, the pair mentioned earlier proving to be up through the cockleshells and, subject to We just hope that San Juan and the other singularly cantankerous and territorial. negotiations with United Utilities, to double islands won’t be spoilt by becoming too Since that time, from 2004 through to the size of the beds on the north island. popular and over developed. 2007, the second raft has held up to fi ve pairs, As to the reeds, leaf litter accumulates and New Seasons organic supermarket. Surely they’re Was everything bigger and better? No, occupancy having probably reached saturation beds dry out. However, Doffcocker’s wet reed not thinking of buying those dried, sliced bananas! simply enjoyable apart, that is, from the point. Whilst there is no firm evidence as to beds are currently the best in the area. Ed banana slug, which was certainly big. Ed

*The islands were cleared and cockleshells spread in 2002. Terns arrived in numbers in 2004 . ** Producing at least 10 young 14 15 the members’•contributions

*The islands were cleared and cockleshells spread in 2002. Terns arrived in numbers in 2004 . ** Producing at least 10 young 14 15 Botanically, My window the recreation of blanket on the world bog, which is a habitat now Tom Fish under threat, will be a great Chris Gomersall(rspb-images.com) achievement

ome members may have noticed me last pecking order, who to give way to and who to Ben Hall (rspb-images.com) and will Sseason at a couple of indoor meetings on challenge on the feeder perches. Curlew flying over snow-capped moorland increase crutches.* This and the not so good weather Some nights I have been unable to sleep biodiversity. has restricted my bird watching to the living and have been looking out at any time after be replaced by rough grassland – molinia. It will bring room window. No, don’t say “Oh, poor 4.00am, as it became light, just to see what These drainage ditches/grips sometimes with it some chap!” It has actually given me a much better was going on. I have seen foxes on a regular become erosion scars, often widening protection knowledge of what has been going on in our basis, squirrels and, for four days during dramatically as the peat is washed away, from fl ooding Dunlin in breeding plumage back garden and the field and trees beyond. June, a male roe deer. The birds have been exposing the bedrock. This also aids the rapid downstream in I had been quite an active person, involving mainly the usual ones seen on the edge of run off of surface water rather than gradual these days of climate change. An additional myself with wildlife groups up until town. But there has been a female kestrel and percolation, resulting in flooding of more low benefit of the re-wetting of our moorlands December 2006, when I fell and damaged woodpeckers. We have identified both male lying areas and towns, and discolouration of would be its contribution to halting the spread both legs. This has kept me indoors most of and female of the latter and one day saw four reservoir catchment water. of moorland fi res. the time, only able to get out with the aid of great spotted; mum on the fat balls and dad crutches and friends in their cars. with two male youngsters on the peanuts. In Matt Disdale of Disdale Moorland Services A very thought provoking morning My wife and I have been ardent bird addition to sparrows, starlings and tits feeding Ltd gave an excellent presentation on the work encouraged lots of discussion and optimistic watchers – not twitchers – for many years, their young there has been ‘Maggie’, a magpie he has been doing for some time, elsewhere in thoughts an activity that has kept us away from the the subject of an earlier article and easily the north of England. about the window. I have had to sit resting my legs identified by a right wing that does not fold Global positioning system mapping of future of the but this has given me the opportunity to see back properly, feeding hers. the grips is done first and then the ditches countryside what the wildlife must have got up to in my So my disability has given a little pain but are classified according to the severity of on our absence: the routine of the birds, their feeding also a lot of pleasure regarding my wildlife their widening and deepening. Appropriate doorstep, habits, the way they know their position in the interests. There is a lot going on out there. blocking and reprofiling methods are which we love subsequently tailored for each individual so much. situation. Sites are often many kilometres from the Note: WPM nearest road and access is a problem. One - West Pennine impressive slide was shown of nine machines Moors, SSSI working on a particularly extensive site with - Site of Special grips, themselves many kilometres in length. Scientifi c Matt amused those present by referring to Interest, SBI his farmer father who had actually created - Site of Biological Redshank perched on a post drainage ditches on his land, which was at one Importance, BHS time thought ‘a good thing’! - Biological Heritage Site, NE - Natural England.

*Tom had graduated to two sticks by September 13. Well done! 16 13 “You must be joking!” do I hear you say, remembering that when you can see Winter Hill it’s said to be about to rain and already raining when you can’t? There’s some new thinking on the state of the moorland, so read on

12 17 – at Seddon Fold. The RSPB in the shape of was cleared and dug out a couple of years Sarah Dullage, farmland birds advisor with ago, the spoil being used to fill a trench Lancashire Rural Futures have drawn up a immediately below. The water now overflows, scheme for its creation, whereby Stan qualifi es creating a small area much loved by snipe for an Entry Level Stewardship award. Wet and other waders. Maybe 100m higher up via grassland is the favoured breeding habitat another pond, once a dump for discarded farm for lapwings, birds once common in our area machinery, into which Stan has introduced but now in sharp decline because of current crested newts, we reached the fi rst scrape, obsessions with land drainage and silage the digger paid for by BCV out of their £200 production, which is destroying good lapwing Green Heroes Award in the competition run meadows. However, all may not be lost and by The Bolton News in conjunction with research undertaken by the RSPB has shown Middlebrook Retail Park. This had fi lled up that scrape creation and careful regulation and will attract midges, midge larvae being a of stock numbers can dramatically improve primary source of food in spring for lapwings. breeding success. Meantime a nearby patch of thistles was Time now to continue the tour, coming face attracting goldfi nches. to face with four tonnes of cockleshells (UU* There is a second scrape and Rick is funded) that Stan was about to move down to the Lodge, ready for Rick – his objective a substantial increase

*United Utilities 18 11 the conservation•scene Ed

10 19 the programme•report

The cherry on top: Ian Bowker Arctic terns’ striking presence on Inner FarneIsland

A 6.00am start on June 17 saw 14 nearly awake souls leave Bolton in a hired minibus Hugo for a day trip to the Farne Islands. With clear Hugo roads we arrived at the quayside in Seahouses at 10.00am, one more member joining us Training day for volunteers at Inner Marsh there by train from Edinburgh. The boat Farm on December 9. Those present are: Pictures IanBowker sailed 30 minutes later for a cruise around the Lynne and Tom Bailey, Janice Sutton, islands. Lots of guillemots and puffins on the Ed Paul Thompson, Pauline Richardson, Pat water; gannets and terns overhead; grey seals The young lady really was keen to learn Rothwell, Veronica Platt, John Richardson resting on exposed rocks; rock faces holding more about birds and had just been and Martin Jones. They enjoyed some good numerous nesting kittiwakes, guillemots, 10 metres from the walkway. A few pairs of enrolled as a Wildlife Explorer by her bird watching on the reserve before and shags and cormorants; only a few razorbills to common terns were spotted. Also on the top parents. John Richardson, is the volunteer after introduction to flexible membership be seen. At the end of two hours we returned of the island were numerous puffi ns. As the to harbour and a quick comfort break before cliff tops were reached close views of nesting VISITORS to the Jumbles stand have kept us July, we intend to run our ‘birds are brilliant’ the landing on Inner Farne and were in for a shags, kittiwakes and guillemots were to be on the go enrolling national RSPB members, events at Doffcocker Lodge (see also page nice warm, sunny afternoon. had. In the garden of the lighthouse were rock directing potential local group recruits 14). We shall be showing nesting common Once landed there is a short uphill walk pipits and a female black redstart. We stayed towards Lesley McManus and running local terns (there will be a telescope!) other birds with the gauntlet to be run of Arctic terns for two hours before returning to Seahouses, walks, well supported on both the Saturday and wildlife to the public. We will have nesting within centimetres of the walkway. A where we had fish and chips for tea and then and Sunday. We have seen great spotted an information marquee – plus a fl ag, for number of eggs had hatched into small brown set off back home. woodpeckers, goldcrests, tits, thrushes and, maximum visibility – providing wildlife fluff balls and we were constantly getting taps The visit was a great experience, with the in November, had good views of what we information and for use in the recruitment of on the head from the irate parents. The Arctic birds only a metre or two away. Just to give thought were buzzard and raven. national and local RSPB members. We could be terns took particular interest in one of our some idea of the numbers of breeding pairs There are currently 10 volunteers who have present at a weekend and/or on a weekday. group who was wearing a red bobble hat.group on the island: Arctic terns 1,163; Sandwich 1,429; been helping at these and other events. And We also have plans to work closely with They looked on guillemots 2,870; Paul Thompson has been putting out bird the natural history section of Bolton Museum. the bobble as eiders 337; shags 319; feed at the Jumbles’ hide on a Wednesday. So, Two events have so far been pencilled in, one ideal nest lining razorbills 143; common again, I would like to thank all of you for such in March during a ‘Wild Wood Week’ and one material and were terns 118; puffi ns excellent help and support, without which it at Smithills Hall on August 26. Details will be most keen on 13,069. would not have been possible to run the events, published as soon as possible; for the earlier taking a strand Even though let alone make as much of an impact. events clearly before this report appears in or two. as a group we At the time of writing early in December, it print. When level only clocked is only possible to give a brief overview of the Would anyone in the Group interested in ground was 24 species we likely programme for 2008. Our intention is volunteering please contact me by e-mail, reached the must have seen not only to carry on with Jumbles activities telephone or at an indoor meeting? Arctic gave way 15,000 birds, of over one weekend a month as at present but Our training session at Inner Marsh Farm to Sandwich which probably also to break fresh ground. was conducted by Paul Winter (RSPB ) on terns, which were 500 attacked Jo’s Alongside Jumbles weekends but not to December 9 and was very well supported. nesting in a large Guillemot-thronged rocks (top) and nesting Arctic terns bobble. coincide with them, from April to June/early Hugo Charlton-Jones

20 9 An Impressive banner headline for the Jumbles A foretaste of autumn unfailingly identiﬁed from their calls by Steve Burns, bringing up the rear: skylark and On the Friday before September 22nd’s meadow pipit among them. Morecambe Bay trip, summer was still with Lunch, at a largely deserted Teal Bay, was us. Rain had bucketed down all day! But followed by a visit to Leighton Moss, where Saturday offered a lovely foretaste of autumn, there was much to see. A sparrowhawk put and the turnout of 25 for the trip did it proud. up the black-tailed godwits and other waders We parked at Conder Green, where the tide on the left-hand side of the Eric Morecambe was out and the exposed, muddy channels held hide and on the other a good size comparison principally redshank, curlew and a goosander. was possible between a little egret and a great Signs of autumn were everywhere apparent on white egret – the latter present since August the walk to Glasson Dock and back: starlings – when both species came together on an island in the pool*. Peregrine, merlin, snipe, a curlew sandpiper, a little stint and a spotted redshank, shelduck, pintail and wigeon were also observed. From the Public hide there were buzzards to be seen as well as a merlin, a sparrowhawk, shoveler, gadwall and one member had a brief sighting of a bittern. From Lilian’s hide (and others) one couldn’t

Arnold Battson help but be struck by the large numbers of

Pictures Ed Group at November’s event. were numerous long-tailed and great tits, Hugo setting out with visitors to the stand at the Jumbles on Why not pop in and maybe chafﬁnches, etc plus the squeal of a water rail

November 11’s guided walk. Possible future group members join a walk to show support? Ed from reed undergrowth beside the path. The

*Tel/fax 01706 225396: mentioning Group membership *Written in advance of publication of November’s Bird Watching. Honest! 8 21 Speaks of Blackrod Ltd Arnold Battson

locations; spotted from the yet-to-be-named (Kingfisher photographed at Leighton Moss)

Pictures Ian Crawshaw Pictures of busy activity. There were flocks of dunlin, E Red-breasted mergansers on the starboard bow oystercatcher, redshank, grey plover and No Hassle from sanderling, along with a solitary purple Commission Salesmen S. Walney, fine but parky sandpiper. E 77/79 Church St Traditional Values The lagoons held wigeon, teal and E The 37 who went on November 11’s coach greenshank. And an interesting sighting, not Blackrod Free Parking trip to Walney Island were well wrapped up that it counted on anyone’s list, was of a small 01204 691141 E www.speaksofblackrod.co.uk Free Local Delivery. Disclaimer: advertisements in this newsletter are not specifically endorsed by the RSPB or the RSPB Bolton Local Removal of old suite/bed Group. Similarly, views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, the RSPB Bolton Local Group or the RSPB (small charge may apply) 22 7 Carol on a mission flotilla of feral emperor geese that had come over from Peel Island. Amongst the top priorities for Carol Bamber, volunteers’ Not all were fortunate enough to see the officer (local groups), whose appointment was announced In Memoriam merlin perched on top of the hide on Walney in the August Bryan Leatherbarrow died because most happened to be inside. But, number, was a on July 9, 2007 aged 74.We re-embarked and just after starting off for Reckon to spot a visit to all 28 local had published his bright and home, there was a brilliant view of a barn owl seal at lunch time groups for which stimulating report on the perched on a post. Our driver pulled up to says former group she is responsible in previous November’s coach trip make sure that it was seen by everyone aboard. leader, Peter Young the northern region. to Spurn Point as recently as last Her aim, to see February. how each operates Bryan’s enthusiasm for birds We failed to see red follow. It was very busy with goldfi nches,

6 23 Woolston Eyes. Middleton-in-Teesdale is the Photo contest prize bin laden In store on special offer venue on Saturday, April 19 Indoors Lecking blackcock were observed during our Our third annual photographic competition will Underlined March 13 ‘New Zealand – North Island and first visit and it’s a really nice area. This is this year have a super prize for the picture judged Harry Liptrot’s drawings used South Island’ Colin Smith followed by a Sunday morning visit to Yarrow to be the best overall entry, Frank Wood reports regularly to illustrate and grace Come early if you want to avoid the scrum Valley Park (formerly Birkacre) on April 27. our pages. and don’t forget that photo competition entries The outdoor programme continues in We have a new pair of Opticron compact binoculars, worth A number of reasons are will be on display before and after Colin May, after the final indoor meeting, with the over £70, thanks to a couple who have recently opened a responsible for their absence in delivers judgement. opportunity to get together on Saturday, May superbly located bed and breakfast house in one of the best recent editions. On the editorial 17 at Cannock Chase. Our second visit to an birding areas of northern England. As usual, we will also side, use of more photographs/ April 10 ‘The Wildlife of the Shetland area not previously explored but well known have prizes of an RSPB gift voucher for the best entry in both the internet, space restrictions Islands’ Steve Knell to Hugo. On Wednesday, May 21 another the wildlife and landscape categories, as we did last year. and a lack of suitable subjects. Steve, an electrician by trade, is switched on mid-afternoon walk round Barrow Bridge On Harry’s side, arthritis – bane to the Shetland Islands. He says he loves the and Walker Fold, Geoff Leather’s stamping Muriel and Andy Raistrick, who are aiming to turn their of the British – in the fi ngers. place, which is his favourite spot in the world. ground. This is followed by two evening home into a mecca for bird watchers, have donated the Harry, we’re missing you! walks, on Thursday, May 29 to Crowthorne binoculars for the competition. Bird Watching magazine Outdoors – Holcombe and on Thursday, June 5 to has just named Brockelrigg b&b of the month. It is in Frank (remember his piece on Saturday, March 29 Marbury CP and Longworth Clough. the tranquil hamlet of Port Carlisle, close to Campfi eld ‘Bury pensioners’?) and Sheila Woolston Eyes. Marbury, great for lesser The season ends, until we reopen for Marsh RSPB reserve, Mereshead, St Bees Head and WWT Wood became great grandpar- spotted woodpeckers, assuming that someone business in September, with a second coach Caerlaverock. It is in the middle of an AONB* and a short ents with the birth of Elisha (an knows how to call them in. And there is trip, this time to RSPB South Stack and RSPB drive from the Galloway Kite Trail. anagram of Sheila) on Septem- almost bound to be something of interest at Conwy on Sunday, June 15. ber 27, 2007. Congratulations; Exclusively for RSPB Bolton members, they are offering two most encouraging, Frank, so Final word from the editor required, will be on offer. nights in their guest suite for £75. That is the usual price for soon after revealing that we are I know it, you will have seen quite enough A page can absorb up to 400 words with a one night, and the offer is valid until the end of December looking to attract more young from me already in this issue! And that is the picture or two (which can often be sourced). 2008. members! point. I need more contributions. But your voices are important and need to It doesn’t have to be long (eg news) and be heard (however, I neither like nor intend to The luxury suite is for two people, comprising a beautifully Mike Mason, treasurer of the all the help needed to knock it into shape, if badger anybody…too much!) appointed bedroom with super king size or twin beds as Brighton and District local required. It has an en-suite bathroom and comfortable group, was the guest of Arnold Bird Atlas 2007-11 (see p 25 under ‘Jottings’) agenda for the next decades of ornithology in private sitting room with its own entrance. Muriel and Andy Battson at the season’s opening aims to produce maps of distribution and Britain and Ireland. heard about our photo contest through their friends Phil and indoor meeting. relative abundance for all bird species Fieldwork, which started on November 1, Kay Allenby-Carr, who are members of Bolton group, and breeding and wintering in Britain and Ireland. 2007, will span four winters and four breeding immediately offered to provide the excellent prize Picked up at the Ribble It will allow the organisers, the BTO*, to assess seasons, during which the whole of Britain Discovery Centre committee changes in bird distributions since previous and Ireland will be cumulatively surveyed. We are very grateful to them. get-together (page 6) from breeding atlases in 1970 and 1990 and Anyone and everyone can take part in the Lancaster Local Group. Having since the last winter atlas of the early 1980s. survey, from taking on responsibility for a Full details of Brockelrigg are http//www.brockelrigg.co.uk. a reserve bang on the doorstep. Atlases have been immensely important for tetrad to submitting ‘roving records’ forms. If Or ring Muriel on 016973 51953. can absorb a large slice of furthering bird knowledge and conservation, interested visit the website (www.birdatlas. the local group’s recruitment and bird atlas 2007-11 is destined to set the net), or have a chat with Chris or Tony. See also advertisement page 16 possibilities.

*British Trust for Ornithology * Area of outstanding natural beauty 24 5 the local•bird•scene

Garden Bird Survey 2006/7 Position Species 1= blue tit robin blackbird Helter-skelter The top ten* among the 36 species recorded in dunnock hell for leather members’ gardens last season are shown in the 5 magpie Nobody takes pre-season table to the right. training more seriously than There were fewer completed forms received 6= great tit chaffinch Geoff Leather. But going but even so there are glimpses of the large to a higher level for peak numbers of birds attracted by the range of 8= wren greenfinch performance in a Tarragona food provided by you. If you have completed jungle theme park with his a survey form for the current 2007/8 season, 10= colllared dove starling nephew and his nephew’s sons please take the extra step and send it to me. coal tit goldfinch almost proved to have been a step too far.At the end of a Chris Johnson traverse, failure to dock squarely brought him into contact * The long-tailed tit didn’t make it into one of the top positions this time, as Arnold Battson with a padded post, leaving last February’s picture suggested it might. So here’s another candidate to him sporting a shiner on his the right - a great spotted - which again is unlikely to quite make it. Ed forehead. Most fortunately, binocular vision was unaffected. Geoff Jottings from Rivington & Anglezarke Chris Johnson Another successful year now has the distinction of being The first of November marked the beginning In contrast, a local farmer reported that the most senior swinger to have of survey work for the BTO Atlas of Wintering her swallows had had a disastrous breeding INTRODUCING the Committee’s report at the AGM on completed a successful circuit. & Breeding Birds (see p 24). Surveying will season with the birds departing on migration November 8, Chris Johnson, confirmed the donation of continue through to 2011 – will we stay the very early. A gathering of 30 were feeding £3,000 to the RSPB, for the Ribble Reserves project, plus A new year barbie course? Although fired with early enthusiasm, very low over fields off Sheephouse Lane £541.13 ‘notional profit’ on sales goods. Receipt of £1,000, Steve Burns flew with his wife the birds seemed not to respond, appearing on the 22nd and on the 30th birds were on the the first Ribble Reserves tranche for the current year, had and daughter to Australia via thin on the ground. However, more of move south with a constant passage down been acknowledged with thanks in writing. Singapore in early January, to November later. Jepson’s Clough. Word had just been received that Bolton were in third settle in Perth. He has been a Early September saw fl ocks gathering, A late wheatear was near Jepson’s Farm on position in the northern area’s league table with 35 national member, man and boy, since with 30 goldfi nches feeding on thistle heads October 5, with stonechats nearby. members recruited. We were beaten only by Southport with the Group was founded and off Sparks Bridge on the 2nd and 25 mistle Tufted duck, pochard, and goldeneye 69 and York with 45 and were highly placed nationally. will be missed for his pleasant, thrushes foraging in fields off Sheephouse have traditionally gathered on our reservoirs The re-election of committee members, all of whom had unassuming company.We wish Lane on the 4th. Eighty meadow pipits were for winter but in recent years they seem to agreed to continue, was confi rmed nem con. Before handing the family every success Down lined up on a fence line on the edge of be arriving later and in smaller numbers. I over to Alma Schofield, whose audited accounts published Under but are surely bound Anglezarke Moor on September 11. Buzzards noted nine tufted duck on Upper Rivington in the August newsletter were accepted unanimously, Chris to feel the loss of Steve’s continued to be noticed with birds around on Reservoir on October 9, with two pochard on warmly thanked and congratulated the many volunteers, formidable birding expertise. September 20. Anglezarke on November 9 and this was an who contribute so much to keeping all the Group’s activities His state-of-the-art Kowa Stonechats must have had a good breeding indication of the few duck seen. At the end of forging ahead, after another successful year. TSN 883 telescope was sent on season, with birds regularly seen around the November, I have just seen my fi rst goldeneye Tony Johnson added a note that new blood would be ahead for a whole new outlook moorland and fringe. A family group were off on the Rivington system, a female on High welcomed onto the committee. on (wild) life. Picture page 27. Roynton Lane on the 22nd. Bullough on November 26. `

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