Sunday 28 November 2010

Wax disaster

The Safari set off after a tasty bacon butty for the Firecrest(s?). But we only got a couple of miles before coming to a stuttering smokey halt. After a three hour wait for the AA the verdict was that perhaps the fuel we bought at a well known supermarket yesterday might not have had winter anti-waxing agent in it and the temperature went down to a numbing -5C- flippin cold for these parts - and if it managed to creep above freezing this afternoon we'd be very surprised.
No chance of getting up to the Purple Sandpipers either.
So what did we get up to while we were waiting? Fortunately, if that's the right word, we came to a stop opposite the park and were able to have a look round the mostly frozen lake. Plenty pf gulls were sat out on the ice. Two Black Headed Gulls had rings, ordinary rather than readable Darviks, and two already had almost fully black (brown actually) hoods.
Also there was a park tick - a Redshank, very unusual and only present because of the ice. Ducks were well represented by 67 Shoveler, 2 female Goldeneyes, 34 Tufted Ducks and 5 male with one female Pochards. The family of two adult and two still stripey headed young Great Crested Grebes, along with 122 Coots, many of which were sporting natty multi-coloured jewelery courtesy of CB.
Flitting about in teh trees was a small flock of Long Tailed Tits - they are really going to suffer if this very cold weather continues much longer.
That, we're afraid is yer lot, really hope the Land Rover starts tomorrow morning...and then continues to run...we have topped up with more diesel from a reputable source.
Where to next? Could be to both Patches on foot.
In the meantime let us know what caused any breakdowns in your outback this weekend.

6 comments:

cliff said...

Bad luck re the Disco Dave (what a great nickname that would make), never heard of that anti Wax(w)ing mullarky before. Funnily enough I also had vehicle problems today (just a puncture) & found myself having to change a wheel in the sub zero temps. The garden's been very busy with birds today, gotta feel for 'em in this weather.

Heather Naomi McGinty said...

Hi Dave,

If you sight any full combos on the Coot please try and read them, we rely on Volunteers as they give us huge support with our projects.

Please could you send any sightings to myself on
chunkchimp91@hotmail.co.uk and Kane Brides on Kanebrides@gmail.com

Saves the BTO duplication Paperwork and we can get back to you far sooner with info.

Cheers for your help and keep up the good work.

Craig

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

Hi Craig

What do the colour combos signify? Different dates, sites? I was looking from distance but noted (I think) a few blue over white and some with orange rings. Wasn't really concentrating just noted they were ringed as the rings were catching the sun.

Cheers

Dave

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

Cliff - you obviously aren't a member on the Land Rover forums! Not had a puncture for some time touch wood - last one I got was in the middle of a lake on a pay 'n' play off road site in Rochdale -shredded front nearside to bits on a bit of re-bar and had a 1 in 1 climb out on the other side before we could get to dry level ground! Expensive day out!

Cheers
D

Heather Naomi McGinty said...

Hi Dave,

The colour codes mark individuals and so can be pinned down to exact ringing location, date, number of re-sights, age and sex etc.

On the park there is a large variety of codes used. Please could you try and read from top to bottom so if a bird has a Dark Blue above metal on right leg and red above black on the left this bird should be reported as Dark Blue,Red-Black.

I'll send you a document in which you can find more info.

Cheers

Craig

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

Thanks Craig - will continue to take notes, we always check the coots wherever we go and suggest others do to now.

Cheers
D