The Eyes
through the Seasons
Douglas
Buchanan
This series of illustrated articles should
be considered as a work in progress.
I hope to provide
members with some information about what to see at the Eyes through the
seasons, illustrated with photographs all of which will be taken on the site.
This first
attempt is relatively brief but I hope to add to each note as time passes and
as I get better illustrations. Readers will find more details in the sections
of the web site dealing with the results of surveys, ringing and in the annual
report, also available in printed form.
I have not given
exact dates for the change of seasons but work on the basis that
Spring
= March-May
Summer = June-August
Autumn = September-November
Winter = December-February
View from South Bank No 3 28.05.05
The onset of spring with rising
temperatures and lengthening daylight marks a major change in activity at the
Eyes. The site has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 1986
based on its importance for wintering wildfowl. The recent re-designation of
the Eyes as an SSSI in 2004 includes its importance as a breeding site for
Black-necked Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis), Pochard (Aythya farina) and
Gadwall (Anas strepera). The Eyes are also important for the numbers of
amphibians present and more recent data gathering activity demonstrates the
wide range of insects present.
Blackheaded Gull at nest site. 29.04.05
By March the number of Black-headed Gulls
(Larus ridibundus) starts to build up and breeding sites established and
defended. Black necked Grebes arrive round about the middle of the month with
numbers building up into April. It is not a coincidence that the Grebes are
found at a breeding site for gulls. It is common for Black-necked Grebes to
nest alongside Black-headed Gulls.[1] It is
thought that the Grebes benefit from advance warning from aerial gulls of the
presence of predators. They are noted to leave their nests quickly in response
to the alarm calls of the gulls. In general there is little feeding competition
as the gulls feed away from the site and the grebes dive for invertebrates. The
presence of large numbers of gulls may indeed improve the productivity of the
site by their importation of nutrients.
Mediterranean Gulls, 17.04.03
Mediterranean Gulls (Larus melanocephalus)
are found in small numbers most years on No 3 bed but breeding has not yet been
confirmed. This species does breed in increasing numbers in the South of
England so who knows when this might happen at the Eyes. A pair (see
photograph) did make an attempt to breed in 2003 by building a nest but they
then departed.
Identification tip
Very experienced bird watchers can pick out
Mediterranean Gulls without conscious analysis. Lesser mortals such as the
writer need to be more systematic. I find that the best method is to look for
birds without black tips to their wings. One can then focus on the finer
detail. Obsessives and masochists will get pleasure (and kudos) from the
detailed identification of gulls in juvenile and winter plumage. Others might
think that life is too short but none the less wish they could emulate the
experts.
Where to Look
Black-headed Gulls are concentrated on bed
No 3 with some overspill onto No 2. In suitable conditions No 2 is used as a
loafing area after the young have fledged. Good views of No 2 can obtained
through the screens on the path from the weir to the Ship canal. The light is
better after noon.
Black-necked Grebe 29.04.05
Black-necked Grebes are found early in the
season on Nos 2, 3 and the loop of No 4. They have not yet been proved to breed
on No 4 but breeding is well recorded on Nos 2 and 3. They tend to keep to
secluded areas and are not always easily seen. Experience suggests that they
may come into the open more often in the evening. As with all birding calm dry
weather provides the best opportunities. Beware that mosquitoes can be very
active at the eyes on warm summer evenings so take a repellent with you.
Young Black-necked Grebe. 17.06.03
The end of March is the time to start
looking for the first arrivals of migrant Warblers though a few Chiffchaff
(Phylloscopus collybita) are known to winter. I have seen individuals on the
south bank of No 3 on mild winter days. By May large numbers of singing male
warblers are present. The Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) illustrated was
shot from the new hide on the South Bank of No 3 from where the gull and grebe
were also photographed. In 2003 there were 549 singing male warblers with Sedge
Warbler (Acrocephalus schoebaenus) and Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) exceeding
100. On the other hand there were less than ten singing Grasshopper warblers (Locustella
naevia) and fewer Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca). The Ringing
team did however catch larger numbers of immature birds thus demonstrating
successful breeding. Grasshopper Warblers (Locustella naevia) are
present on all beds but the best chance of locating them demands an early rise.
The annual warbler survey conducted in mid May starts at 0430hrs! So many of
our active members are now retired that we are experimenting with conducting
surveys on weekdays. As for all our activities more volunteers are always
welcome.
Whitethroat. 29.04.05
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) males
sing from the tops of reed seed heads particularly in April and May.
Although most of our members are primarily
interested in birds there is a much wider range of faunal interest. The site
holds a wide range of Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies. In April it is worth
looking out for Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), Small White (Artogeia
rapae), Green-veined White (Artogeia napi) (differentiated from the
preceeding species by the string dark vein markings on the underwing) and
Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)(only the male has orange tips but
the female can be distinguished from the preceeding two species by spotty
underwings. It is also possible to see Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta),
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Peacock (Inachis io), Comma
(Polygonia c-album) and Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) in April.
Swan family (Cygnus olor), Sandpit pond.
7.06.05
The onset of summer sees the height of
breeding activity. Some bird species such as grasshopper warbler cease singing
quite quickly so must be sought relatively early in the breeding season. All
visitors should see and hear the common warblers, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus
trochilus), Blackcap and Common Whitethroat. Reed (Acrocephalus
scirpaceus )and Sedge Warblers are also common.
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), 8.06.05
The vegetation grows rapidly in spring and
summer no doubt reflecting the fertility of the soil of most of the beds. Alien
and some opportunistic species are discussed in the feature Aliens at the Eyes
(insert link).
Several species
of Orchid are found at the Eyes. Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza sp), Spotted
Orchid (Dactylorhiza sp) and Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) seem to favour areas
with poor soil fertility and low vegetation. This habitat can be found on the
south side of the sand pit pond. Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactisis
helleborine) is an uncommon orchid with flowers less attractive than the
above two species. It is found in one area on No 3 bed where the shade of the
elder trees inhibits the growth of plants such as Stinging Nettle (Urtica
dioica).
Broadleaved Helleborine
8.08.05 Bee orchid 8.06.05
Where to Look
The common warblers can be easily heard
seen from the paths on no 3. Look in pure reed bed areas for Reed Warblers
while Sedge Warblers are more often found in areas of reed mixed with bushes.
In addition to the Black-necked Grebes the water areas will have breeding Great
Crested ((Podiceps cristatus) and Little Grebes (Tachybaptus
ruficollis) as well as a number of species of breeding duck. Look out for
broods of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) (from early April), Pochard (from
late May), Gadwall (from early June), Tufted Duck (from mid June) and Ruddy
Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) from early July.
Great Crested Grebe Family, 26.08.04
The elevated hide on the south side of No 3
is a good vantage point for observing nesting gulls but grebes are more likely
to be seen from the Centre and Frank Linley hides. Kingfishers are regularly
seen flying under the footbridge.
Regular visitors
will sooner or later have the pleasant surprise of a Fox (Vulpes vulpes),
Weasel (Mustela nivalis), Stoat (Mustela erminela) or even the
less welcome Mink on one of the pathways. The Stoat has a black tip to its
tail. The Mink is larger than the Stoat and Weasel and a much darker brown.
Fox. Taken on a summer afternoon on No 3
bed. 11.06.05
Summer is also the time for butterflies and
Dragonflies.
Those interested
in Butterflies should look out for Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus),
Painted Ladies (Cynthia cardui) (No not at Mr Smith’s), Meadow Brown (Maniola
jurtina) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tythonus). Later in the summer
Peacock and Speckled Wood are likely to be common. For more details see the latest
annual report.
In late summer it
is worth looking out for large gatherings of swifts (Apus apus) and
hirundines. Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in particular roost in large numbers in
the reed beds. In some years over 4000 have been noted to roost on No 3 bed.
The larger the numbers of hirundines, the more the chance of finding a hunting
Hobby (Falco subbuteo).
View from South bank of No 3. 12.11.05
By the beginning of October the great
majority of migrants have departed and watchers attention is best focussed on
wintering wildfowl, resident birds and incoming wintering birds such as
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) and Redwing (Turdus iliacus). Passage
birds can also be observed. Sights of skeins of overflying Pinkfoot Geese (Anser
brachyrhynchus) are quite common. Migration watchers often note large
numbers of Skylarks Alauda arvensis) and Meadow Pipits (Anthus
pratensis).
Ducks are more obvious as numbers build up.
Teal (Anas crecca) numbers for example rise to several hundred and only
fall if the waters on the beds freeze over. Half frozen conditions concentrate
the birds in the remaining open water. Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is
another species uncommon in the summer but wintering at the eyes with over 150
being recorded in some months. Autumn and winter numbers more typically vary
between 50 and 100.
Pair of Teal, 12.12.05
Less experienced observers may have
difficulty with the indentification of ducks early in the season. This is
because many are in drab, eclipse post-breeding plumage but as the season
progresses they moult again into breeding plumage, making identification
correspondingly less difficult.
It is always
worth scanning the trees on the reserve for raptors and owls. The Long-eared
Owl (Asio otus) in the photo was regularly to be found roosting in a
Hawthorn tree on the south bank of No 3 in 2002/03 but roosting birds have not
been seen there more recently. This species remains present on the site so
vigilant observers may be rewarded.
Long-eared Owl, 22.02.03
The Autumn of 2005 was marked by regular
reports of a Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the photograph was taken
from the Morgan (Centre) hide on No 3. The photo was taken at X120
magnification so a telescope is recommended for good views. Kestrels (Falco
tinnunculus) are more common and can be seen on many visits.
Goshawk. Immature female. 11.12.05
There is little interest in the vegetation
at this time of year as herbaceous plants collapse with the first frosts.
Observers will however be interested in the relationships between some bird
species and the size of the berry crop. Photographers may find some interest
when hoar frost makes seed heads very photogenic.
Frosted teasel, (Dipsacus fullonum)
31.12.03
Butterflies may still be seen on mild days
in early autumn but only small numbers.
Where to Look
All open water for ducks, Coots (Fulica
atra) and Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus). Search the trees for
roosting Raptors and Owls. Focus on the river when the water on the beds is
frozen.
Autumn and winter
are a busy time for our wardens and volunteers. Members of the Merseyside
ringing group are active throughout these seasons. This is also the peak time
for maintenance activity. Hides are repaired and work undertaken to maintain
the habitat. It is particularly important to restrain the spread of trees to
maintain a balanced habitat. Volunteers are always welcome but when we are
successful in raising funds we contract out maintenance work.
Volunteers at work. 20.02.05
The Eyes in Winter
View from South bank of No 3. 20.02.05
Wintering wildfowl numbers build up with
peaks of Pochard and Tufted Duck in January and February. Freezing conditions
force the duck onto the river but they quickly return to the beds after a thaw.
This is the best time to get a glimpse of Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus).
The feeding stations are busy as natural food becomes scarce. The feeders to
the east of the Frank Linley hide are a good bet for sightings of the uncommon
Willow Tit (Parus montanus).
Male Tufted Duck, 11.12.05
In freezing conditions it is worth
searching the weir pool for uncommon ducks such as Scaup (Aythya marila) and
Smew (Mergus albellus) which when present can be found both on the river
and No 3 bed. The male Smew is probably the most attractive of all ducks but in
the UK we are more likely to see females and first winter immatures known as
redheads. The males tend to stay on the continent closer to their breeding
territories.[2]
Male Pintail, 12.12.05
It is surprising that we have so few
sightings of Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Our reed beds are far more
extensive than those at Marbury Country Park or Moore Nature Reserve but they
regularly report Bittern each winter. This bird has only ever been recorded on
the reserve on three occasions. Two in 1997 and one being disturbed from the
nearby Paddington meadows and flying on to No 4 bed in 2004. Wintering Bittern
numbers in the UK vary according to the severity of winters across the channel.
If the continental winter proves to be severe we can look forward to improved
chances of seeing Bittern at the Eyes.
Where to Look
The river at all times especially the pool
at Woolston Weir and the loop of the river around no 3. The open waters when
not frozen. Feeding stations and trees.
Weir Pool, 1.01.04
Shelduck, (Tadorna tadorna) 11.12.05
Kestrel, 11.12.05
