Saturday, 14 April 2012

14th April 2012

Apologies for the lack of posts on here, and delay replying to your emails - I've been very busy at work in the last few weeks, and along with resting, a little birding and other things, I haven't had much time to spend on the computer. Actually, I haven't been finding a great many birds recently, but today was the best for a while with four patch year ticks:
  • Male Redstart in hedge around larger horse pasture visible from the brick bridge (Gypsy Lane) at the southwest corner of Windmill Pool. I had a female in this same hedge last autumn, so evidently they like it.
  • Two Oystercatchers flying around the two main pools, briefly settling on one of the reed islands, then heading off over Terry's Pool.
  • A Yellow Wagtail flew straight over Engine Pool.
  • Three Rooks (finally) over Springbrook Lane area.
There were also c. 55 Sand Martins over the lakes, which is largest congregation of this species that I've personally seen at Earlswood. Migrants including Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Common Tern and all three hirundine species are around, with a few Common Sandpipers having passed through. Since the Firecrest, a few other good birds have been found in the area by other observers. From memory, these were a Short-eared Owl along Norton Lane (Craig Reed), A Red Kite along Forshaw Heath Road (Keith Lovell), 3 Oystercatchers over the lakes (Martin Lindop) and a pair of Gadwall (found by Tony Philp) which stayed for many days and were joined by a second pair at one point. John Sirrett found the first Swallow, House Martin and Common Sandpiper, Jon Chidwick the first Blackcap, and Mike Jeeves the first Common Tern, whilst I think I can only claim Earlswood's first Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Sand Martin this year. Up to 3 Shoveler have been at Terry's Pool, with two males present today. Many thanks to everyone who's sent me their sightings - coverage seems to have been pretty good, despite the reduced amount of time I've put in so far this spring.

Matt

Saturday, 7 April 2012

St. Patrick's Church open day

St Patrick’s Church, Salter Street

B94 6DE.

“A striking & unexpected accent in a wholly rural landscape” (Quote from English Heritage)

In 2011, St Patrick’s Church, Salter Street achieved Grade II*listed status. The beautiful Victorian church, designed by Bidlake, had finally been recognised as the very special place it is; there are intricate carvings, ornate decorations, stunning murals and a wonderful ceiling.

To celebrate this there have been several open days, allowing many people to come in and see the treasures for themselves. The next one is on:

Bank Holiday Monday 9th April

Visitors will be welcome between 10am-4pm. There will be

· accompanied tours

· a chance to sit quietly

· the Millennium Tapestry to see

· wildflowers in our churchyard conservation area

· books for sale

· refreshments to enjoy.

Car parking is available in the car park, 100m along from the church

Contact phone number:

Barbara Philp 07734 228500