Monday 19 September 2011

Sundays stroll.................................................. ended with a heavy heart

After my encounter with the cows on Sunday I headed over to Haydn's Pool.
The images below represent what I have been used to seeing over the years.

It's usually deep enough to keep the predators at bay.
Black-tailed Godwits 2009
Flocks of wading birds like these Black-tailed Godwits are a common sight.
Sandpipers, Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatchers and Little-ringed Plovers are regulars..swans and geese breed here and it is a magnet for all the dabbling and diving ducks, swans and herons...
...in fact nearly all the birds seen near water in the UK.
We have had very little rain in Cheshire this year and Haydn's Pool has really suffered.
July 2010
 I haven't had the chance to visit since I last made a post about the low water levels in early August the image above is from that post and was taken on the last day of July.
The images below show Haydn's Pool on Sunday.

Sunday 18th September 2011
Haydn's Pool was created in 1991
 A man made scrape recovered from industrial wasteland... it has a rubber liner.
We have had very little rain in 2011 but it looks to me as though the liner has been leaking.
A sorry sight to see... and the vegetation is advancing at quite a pace.
A Heron stood alone as if holding a vigil.
I made a clip in August showing the difference from last year.
 I have edited that clip to show what I saw today.
The first sweep left to right is 2010 the return is August 2011.. .today's footage is again left to right.



It's a sorry sight.
There was a little bit of encouragement for me as over on the far side was a pile of tyres and rubble.
I can only assume help may be on it's way.
 I really hope so.... It's my favourite place to be... I can spend hours here just watching the wildlife.

I really enjoyed my walk until I reached Haydn's Pool... a link to my last post here:
http://rambleswithacamera.blogspot.com/2011/09/lapwings-woodpeckers-and-cows.html

24 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

oh dear. drought is one thing, but if it is due to faulty engineering or a leak, that's very sad. i hope they can repair the problem and that you get some good fall rains to refill this sanctuary...

Adam Tilt said...

It's surprising how water levels have been suffering this year. If it is a leak I hope they can get it repaired quickly.

ADRIAN said...

Let's hope it isn't a leak. Impossible to find I would think. Who is in charge of it? I do hope it gets sorted.

Inger-M said...

That is so sad! I hope it gets fixed, somehow.

Horst in Edmonton said...

Sad to see it all drained, I hope it is just lack of water and not a leek.

Bob Bushell said...

Somebody must be able to fix it, it is for the birdies.

Fábio Martins said...

The number 3 is wonderful. Great timing and so nice quality

Unknown said...

Wow It's hard to believe it's so low!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Pantherka said...

It's sad ...

mick said...

That's a real shame about the wetland pond drying up. I hope something can be done to repair or replace the liner. Great photos of what it used to be like. I especially like the Black-tailed Godwits.

DeniseinVA said...

Such a shame Andrew and how very sad. I do hope it will be back to the way it was very soon.

eileeninmd said...

Wow, what an end to such a beautiful place and a great place for the birds. I hope someone is able to fix the problem soon.

Larry said...

Beautiful shots of Haydn's Pond Andrew. The Black-tailed Godwits are inspiring and I love that photo with the fox on the shore! I'm sorry to see the pond drying up. Hopefully it's just temporary. Great shots of the Great Spotted Woodpecker too!

Hilke Breder said...

What a loss! Hope there is a solution and the lake will return.

Springman said...

My fingers are crossed the water levels will be rising again soon. I remember your encounter with the fox and geese quite well. Those were amazing photographs. As I recall, the fox did not get his goose that time! Cheers Andrew!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - thanks for the comment on my blog.

I think you may be surprised what some rain will do. I used to work as a Warden on some urban fringe parks in the NE. They could look shocking at times - but they recovered!

Cheers - Stewart M - Australia

Esther Garvi said...

Great birds! Loved the walk - thanks for bringing us along!

NatureFootstep said...

yea, it is sad but maybe it gets better next year.

On your coment on my blog, the Rock Ptarmigan, it seemed like you know it. Do you have them where you live? It is a mountain bird here.

Fotokarusellen said...

A wonderful post an some very beautiful pictures. Wonderful photo work, Andrew.

jeanlivingsimple said...

Andrew, It is sad about the drought. I hope that the liner will be repaired or replaced. What a job that will be. It is neat that you have documented the changes.

I loved your shots of the Great-spotted Woodpecker on your previous post!

joo said...

Such a sad story. It's incredible how it's changed there!

Anonymous said...

Very sad to see the low water level - hope there is a recovery. The image of the Heron seems to express such sadness over the loss of habitat.

Unknown said...

All are great but the flying birds shot is fantastic! Also love the fox, great spotting.

Sondra said...

Too bad Andrew I hope it can be revived--it sure was an oasis for the bird life!!