The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Murky morning on patch:-
6 Wigeon
Bittern flew across mere from reeds on south side to reeds on north at 09:40
4 Bullfinches
c60 Lesser Redpolls on weedy field by Catchwater drain.

_________________
Regards,

Andy.

Looking to at last make the effort to visit Boutham Mere Andy. Weather permitting.

David Jenkins kindly PM'd me and gave me directions (again) from TKMax car park.

When I found newspaper articles from Nov. & Dec. 2012.
One stating that following a recent fatality on the crossing, the footpath had been closed.
I have copied the comments below from the most recent article.

"Network rail is still proposing an alternative route to Ballast Hole Crossing.
The county council plans to write to Network Rail advising them on how to make the current footpath safer"

I assume that the route and crossing mentioned in the article are those used to access Boutham Mere, or are they?
As both you and David have visited the site this year, then I hope and presume the path is now open again.

Can you please advise?

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

Hi Derek,

I access my patch straight from my house at Swanpool, Westwood Drive, and walk across the fields to the mere thus not needing to cross the railway line.
As far as I am aware you can still cross, by foot gate, at Skew bridge crossing and then down the side of the main drain.
I am working away at the moment but if you want to come when I am at home I would be happy to show you around.

_________________
Regards,

Andy.

I probaby wont be making the trip this week anyway, while its freezing. So thanks for the offer of the tour Andy.

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

Hi Derick With regard to the rail crossing mentioned in the Echo, the ballast hole crossing referred to in that article is situated close to Doddington Road and leads to Moorland way. The gated crossing which leads to Boultham Mere is nearly a mile nearer to Lincoln.

Best Wishes Derek

Bitten seen this morning at 10.45ish, flew from hide to far side. Not seen in next hour.

A Willow Tit was a nice bonus, plus 4 Bullfinches.

It was a bit bleak there in the snow!

Bittern x 2
About 12 noon close to hide on left bird made short flight
and settled in reeds / spot by John Farmer
10 mins later second bird flew from south side to drop in
reeds near point on east side.
also
Goosander M
Redpoll 60+ on tip and near Catchwater drain
Mistle Thrush 2
Fieldfare 60+ with a few Redwing
Bullfinch 1 m / 2 f
5 Waxwing over near Tritton rd
cheers
Pete