The RSPB are running a blog on Middleton Lakes RSPB which includes posts on recent sightings. Much of this is borrowed from here it appears (without credit) but it does contain some anomalies. For instance in June (see here) a Pied Flycatcher has been reported. Obviously this is a Tame Valley mega and at a funny time of year so I would presume is erroneous? Can anybody shed further light on this?
Naturally RSPB reserves are renowned for "unusual" sightings due to the number of inexperienced birders they attract. Hopefully some sense checking on their blog will take place (as happens on this blog)!
I am not knocking the RSPB by the way - what they have done at Middleton Lakes is fantastic and the more people it gets into birding and wildlife the better!
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeletethanks for the positive comments about the reserve and the work we have done here. Rest assured it will hopefully get even better and we have just been granted the money for the long awaited hide so watch that space!
Regarding the two points you have raised here I am in agreement that we should be crediting the TVB blog as we do refer to it as a valuable resource. Apologies for not doing so to date and we will make mention of it in future blogs.
I can't comment on all the sightings and their sources but I know that the Pied Flycatcher report was closely scrutinised and we decided (rightly or wrongly) the description (both plumage and behaviour) was good enough for us to accept it for the blog.
All the best and keep up the good work,
Nick Martin
Site Manager
RSPB Middleton Lakes
Pied Flycatchers have bred at Middleton in the past,in 1978,Good to see a website updated with regular local sightings,you have no chance of getting accurate up to date information from Rspb website
ReplyDeleteles turner