Cheshire And Wirral Birding: Hills, Lowland and Coast

[deeestuary]

Hi chris and thanks for info--seems you had a great day. Where is hoylake langsfield?

Between Gilroy Road, West Kirby, and Hoylake Station. Otherwise known as The Carrs. There's a good footpath between the two locations, most of the birds Chris reported yesterday will have been in a flooded field next to Gilroy Nature Park, so best parking in Gilroy Road.
See http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/hesred.htm and http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/wescal.htm for directions.

[Jane Turner]

Hi chris and thanks for info--seems you had a great day. Where is hoylake langsfield?

Its a slightly anomalous site, so be prepared. You'd expect it to be more like the inland fields at Leasowe, which pick up and hold onto birds that arrive at the coast, then filter through and settle down to feed inland. Birds on the Langfields/Gilroy area are almost never there after first light, apart from days when there has been a big arrival at Red Rocks and Meols, when it does seem to keep its birds well into the day. So you will need to be there at the crack of dawn.

[chris butterworth]

Check out the Dee Estuary website, www.deeestuary.co, it gives excellent directions ( I'd just end up saying it's at the back of my house 3:-) )
Chris

[Hedgeland]

Had a little view around New Brighton with not much doing except the usual gulls until i came across about 50 sandwich terns.

Half were feeding and the others were resting on the rock armour.

(photo was taken on my phone through the scope)

[Bananafishbones]

Three shire heads area noon - 2pm Pi**ing it down
Stonechat male 1 female 2 (female being a lifer for me)
Curlew 3
Sparrowhawk
Raven
Meadow Pipits
Pied Wags
Wheatear f
Lots of mallards taking to the air for cover (rain too hard even for ducks!!)

[Jane Turner]

The CAWOS rarities committee is making a database showing the current status of county rarities decision available to anyone who is interested. We will still be sending out emails notifying finders of any decisions where the email address of the finder has been included.

See this thread
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=141965

[Bananafishbones]

Jacksons brickworks (Higher Poynton) 18.30 - 19.30

Spent a good 30 minutes cowering under trees out of the rain (deep deep dark clouds causing flash flooding...... oh to be a birder)

Jays x 6 (the most I have ever seen in one location, showing really well)
Kestral
Swallow
Swift
Chiffchaff (saw none heard c4-6)
Willow Warbler (Saw 3, heard lots more)
Morehen
Grey Heron 2
Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion
Great tit, Blue Tit, LTT
Robin
Housesparrows
Chaffinch

I am sure I have missed a few more but didnt brave the note book in the rain and my mind has memory loss when multi tasking...

Was worth getting a bit wet for good views of the Jays I guess!!

[Boom]

Had a few hours at Inner Marsh Farm this afternoon-Cuckoo in view for over 20 minutes being "mobbed" by a male Reed Bunting from the hide ,Sedge Warbler and Goldfinch on the walk down. Common Tern, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine dive bombing the Godwits, female Marsh Harrier showing really well, Fox lingering with intent.

Had half an hour on Burton Marsh before the rain came in- really suprised to see a late Short Eared Owl-thought they`dve left by now and another Fox.

cheers.

[Bananafishbones]

A bit further afield today with a a trip to halftwo`s local patch Nr Lymm
Cracking few hours with nice company (thanks Richard):

Whitethroat (one in particular showing very well as soon as we arrived) quickly followed by a Perigrin (Nice flythrough, fairly low although on a mission and didnt hang about)
Linnet, Little Owl, Stock Dove (3), Woodpigeon, Treesparrow, Housesparrow, Yellowhammer (the purpose of my visit), Chaffinch, Kestral, Buzzard, Carrion crow, Magie, Rook, Starling, Wheatear female, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Swallow, Swift, Chiffchaff (Heard), Black headed Gull, Lesser black backed Gull, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Great tit, Blue tit, Mallard, Grey Heron
Hobby pair feeding and then displaying overhead, cracking end to a nice walk!!

Not a bad list for a couple of hours birding, 2 lifers for moi, Cheers R

Dave

[horsa]

Thanks for the info---very impressive list. where about in Lymm did you go?-- i live in knutsford so not too far from me.
Roy

[Bananafishbones]

Thanks for the info---very impressive list. where about in Lymm did you go?-- i live in knutsford so not too far from me.
Roy

Horsa
you have a PM

Dave

[chris butterworth]

Had to nip into West Kirby this morning to waste money on food and bills and stuff so I called into the drained Marine Lake. 12 Little Egret and 9 Whimbrel made the morning a bit better.
Chris

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[Cheshire Birder]

Spoonbill again at Inner Marsh Farm this afternoon. At last i've had decent views of it.

[Pitvar]

Spoonbill again at Inner Marsh Farm this afternoon. At last i've had decent views of it.

Was it feeding on one of the closer scrapes - always 400m away when I've seen it!

[Cheshire Birder]

Was it feeding on one of the closer scrapes - always 400m away when I've seen it!

It was on the first lagoon. Easily seen from the hide or the path on the way down the slope. i got a couple of record shots. First time i've had proper views of it. Had it flying over the reserve a couple of weeks ago but it didnt land. Loads of Little Egrets around but no sign of the Egret Spp seen a few days ago.

[Cheshire Birder]

Three singing male Corn Buntings today thanks to saluki!!! :t:

I also got the added bonus of a "day flying" Barn Owl at Risley Moss.

[Cheshire Birder]

Went to the Wirral where Whinchat was at Red Rocks. Brent Goose (present off Hilbre for several days now) and c20 Gannets offshore. Several summer plumaged Sanderlings in the wader roost threw me a bit. 6 Little Egrets at West Kirby Marine lake.

Then onto Warrington again (thanks to Pitvar :t:) with Grey Partridge at Winwick. At nearby Houghton Green Flash had male Wigeon, singing Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail and seven broods of Mallard.

A good day :t:

[Cheshire Birder]

Now five Spoobills reported at Inner Marsh Farm today.

[Cheshire Birder]

Five Spoonbills again at IMF today plus Marsh Harrier. May have to make another visit there at the weekend!!

[Bananafishbones]

Turned up at IMF to see Spoonbills (4pm to find it closed aaarrgg), had to make do with the Little Terns at Gronant :t: (7 veiwed fairly close up, plus more alot further away but not sure how many more)

CB I maybe able to make IMF Saturday if you fancy sharing the petrol B (:

Dave

[Bananafishbones]

Threeshire heads 3pm - 4.30pm

Immediatly heard and found Meadow pipits in abundance, looked like they had paired up as there was alot of reeling together then the males fetching food to the very noisy females perched often on woodenstakes. The Wheatears were also very visible, at least 5 males and 2 females, was nice to see a female perched atop of a small rock alongside a female Stonechat. Further down the valley a piar of Stonechats were very visible in the gorse bushes. Along the river a reeling pair of Grey wagtails eventually stopped for a preen on some river boulders before continuing their courtship further down river. Wrens and Chaffinches collected food for youngsters, while a fine male Reed bunting showed itself off on a reed stem and then met up with at least another 3 or 4. Swifts and Swallows kept me company for the journey upstream then a grey Heron swooped down to the riverside and stood statuesque as they do while a Buzzard circled fairly low watching the rabbits scurry about the meadows. 2 Pied wagtails followed me back up stream where I finished off with good views of the male Ring Ouzel.

Dave

[Jane Turner]

Fabulous photos again!

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers again Jane!

However, wally here;) got his facts wrong, I have been through my pics from earlier today and found the female stonechat on the rock along side the female Wheatear was in fact a juvenile Wheatear:-O Happy family.

Even better, my first juv Wheatear:t:

It was at the end of a steep climb and the thinning air must have affected my eysesight:smoke:

Dave

***update***
<must remember to take a note book and pen as my memory isnt too good>
Just remembered caught a glimpse of a cracking juvenile stonechat aswell, pic now added

[horsa]

Hi dave
Brilliant photos--i've never seen a ring ouzel in the wild [but then again i'm a useless birder!] --

[Cheshire Birder]

Stunning pics again Bfb!! Not sure about IMF but will PM you.

Horsa, If you want a guide for Three Shires, i'll gladly give you a tour. I carnt guarantee Ring Ousel tho.

[Bananafishbones]

[QUOTE=Cheshire Birder;1492693]Stunning pics again Bfb!! Not sure about IMF but will PM you.

Can only do Sunday now anyway CB,

wouldnt mind doing threeshires if you and horsa fancy meeting up sunday after 9am?

Dave

[deeestuary]

4 Spoonbill at Parkgate this morning.
Not birds but thousands of Painted Lady Butterflies were observed coming in off the sea at Hoylake yesterday evening around 7pm. Amazing!

[Cheshire Birder]

Increased to 6 Spoonbills at parkgate today. One of the largest counts for cheshire in recent years. Also i had my first Painted Ladies today in east cheshire.

[bartolli]

Have had 3 painted ladies over the last few days, most recent this morning (Chester)

[bradinho]

Turned up at IMF to see Spoonbills (4pm to find it closed aaarrgg), had to make do with the Little Terns at Gronant :t: (7 veiwed fairly close up, plus more alot further away but not sure how many more)

CB I maybe able to make IMF Saturday if you fancy sharing the petrol B (:

Dave

A quick note to all who don't know that IMF is closed on Tuesdays to allow staff and volunteers to carry out maintenance work.

Female Marsh harrier again

Hundreds of Blackwits

No spoonbills today yet.....one rumoured to be at Decca Pools

.....

[Cheshire Birder]

Went to look for Red Kite seen near Crewe this morning but alas it had gone. :C

Not only that but a Common crane had flown over fairly low & with missing wing tip feathers!!! :-C

I had to console myself with numerous Painted Ladies instead. The area also hosts the largest Tree Sparrow colony in the county with c60 pairs. On the way back stopped at several churchyards in the hope of spotted fly but alas again no luck. I did however come across a fem Ruddy Shelduck feeding with 80+ Mute Swans and 130+ Canada Geese. Managed to get some half decent pics of it before leaving. :t:

[Cheshire Birder]

Check out todays pic on http://www.hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/

Awesome!!!

[Cheshire Birder]

No news on the Paddyfield Warbler at Hilbre today but still present yesterday. Surely still worth a visit at low tide.

[bradinho]

for anybody who not yet seen them 2 spoonbill present at IMF

also look out for juv GS Woodies on the feeders.

[Cheshire Birder]

Went for an early morning walk along the bollin valley and had my best ever views of kingfisher B (:

[Bananafishbones]

Fantastic blue sky, light breeze and no-one else around... Bliss

Immediatly disturbed 4 Carrion and a Jay, the Jay gave fantastic views as they do.... of its behind, then stayed well enough hidden for me to put the camera away.

Plenty of Magpies gaurding the lower hillside, while plenty of Willow Warbler, Chiff chaff song and Chaffinch song making for a nice walk. House martins stay close to civilization and dont venture too far up the hillside, about a dozen swirl around me. As the path starts to climb a male Redstart flits from wire to bushes and back again allowing a great view for 10 minutes, while at the same time a Kestrel hovers and hunts then again rests on the wires, this time a little more distant. The kestrel takes to the air again and gives stunning views as it hunts a single meadow that clings to the kerridge hillside often coming to eye level. Higher up now and the swift dominate the sky.

Further on again another male redstart gives a very quick veiw before going deeper into the bushes , the rest of the journey is in accompanyment of Blackbirds, Coal tits, Great tits, Carrion and Rook.

Back at Savio house via white nancy Swallows swirl in the courtyards and sit on the wires enjoying the sun.

A very nice 90 minute stroll

Dave

[Pitvar]

Spoonbills still at IMF this evening and showing very well on pool in front of hide

[Hedgeland]

Popped into Inner Marsh Farm this morning

3 spooted redshank were a nice sight with 27 Black tailed Godwits and 190 lapwing.
Also the usual teal, mallard, coot, moorhen, oystercatcher (on nest), BH gulls, heron, house martin, shoveller, canada geese.

Guessing its pretty quiet by the activity on the cheshire forum and dee estuary website. Not too long before things get mving again....

[Cheshire Birder]

Guessing its pretty quiet by the activity on the cheshire forum and dee estuary website. Not too long before things get mving again....

Should only be a couple of weeks away. The first returning Green Sands have been seen at Marbury No1 tank & Sandbach Flashes in the last week.

CB

[deeestuary]

Should only be a couple of weeks away. The first returning Green Sands have been seen at Marbury No1 tank & Sandbach Flashes in the last week.

CB

and at Gilroy Nature Park and IMF.

[Cheshire Birder]

and at Gilroy Nature Park and IMF.

Apologies for missing them off Richard. I just replyed off the top of my head.

CB

[horsa]

Been away for a while and noticed not many posts-- However thanks for mentioning threeshires head-where is it?----Anyway, a question. A Red legged legged partridge has nested in the nextdoor garden and produced 9 frisky chicks.I wonder how common this is?--we are about 1/4 mile from open fields and the gardens are enclosed.Oddly enough i noticed a pair RLP's nibbling on a lawn opposite me a few weeks ago[presumably mum and dad to be] .They are not obviously numerous around here so seems puzzling to me.Mind you i'm easily puzzled

[Cheshire Birder]

Been away for a while and noticed not many posts-- However thanks for mentioning threeshires head-where is it?----Anyway, a question. A Red legged legged partridge has nested in the nextdoor garden and produced 9 frisky chicks.I wonder how common this is?--we are about 1/4 mile from open fields and the gardens are enclosed.Oddly enough i noticed a pair RLP's nibbling on a lawn opposite me a few weeks ago[presumably mum and dad to be] .They are not obviously numerous around here so seems puzzling to me.Mind you i'm easily puzzled

Hi Horsa,

Three Shires Head is (almost) the most easterly point in cheshire. Park by A54 in the layby at Danebower and walk down the valley.

With regards the RLP depends where you live. They are relatively thinly distributed in cheshire but some areas have large numbers released for shooting. Its a good record and worthy of submission to CAWOS.

CB

[horsa]

Hi CB---Thanks for the info ,will look on the map for Danebower and have contacted CAWOS.Just in passing and maybe not very dramatic but had an adult and juvenile nuthatch visiting our feeder for first time. Dead chuffed.
Roy

[Bananafishbones]

Hi CB---Thanks for the info ,will look on the map for Danebower and have contacted CAWOS.Just in passing and maybe not very dramatic but had an adult and juvenile nuthatch visiting our feeder for first time. Dead chuffed.
Roy

Its a lovely walk if your out birding or not, very much worth a visit :t: to get Ouzal as well is just a cracking bonus.

Also very good for Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Curlew, Wheatear...... I may take a visit one morning this week for a few hours :t:

Dave

[Cheshire Birder]

Hi CB---Thanks for the info ,will look on the map for Danebower and have contacted CAWOS.Just in passing and maybe not very dramatic but had an adult and juvenile nuthatch visiting our feeder for first time. Dead chuffed.
Roy

Roy,

Whereabouts are you? sounds like a good area. If you need any further info just pm me.

CB

[Jane Turner]

For anyone interested, the Cheshire rarities records database has been updated.

[chris butterworth]

Had a quick look at the Marine Lake in West Kirby this lunchtime. 600+ Blackheaded Gull, 1 ad + 1 2nd yr Med Gull and 40 odd Sandwich Tern. It looks like birds might start using the drained lake for roosting instead of the tideline, there's less disturbance
Chris

[Hedgeland]

Will have to brush up on my 2nd summer identification then. I found the adult though.
Also had two common sands at Gilroy yesterday.

[Cheshire Birder]

Also had two common sands at Gilroy yesterday.

The first returning birds are heading south already then!!

[cheshirebirder]

Ruddy shelduck at Redesmere this afternoon, if anyone's interested. Female,I think ,but wasn't close and didn't have my 'bins with me - just out for a walk.

[horsa]

Hi CB----I live in knutsford and not that interesting really.A lot of intensive farming around here[not to mention posh 4x4's!]-------Lots of Buzzards though which is cheering. ----My garden birds have picked up this year.Apart from Nuthatch we've had Goldfinches for the first time and six great tit chicks having fun with the nut feeder.Few Greenfinch though. Nowt exciting really.[well they are to me]-----Anyway thanks for the advice and info and i may well seek your help in the future,
cheers
Roy

[chris butterworth]

Had a quick look at Gilroy area on my way into West Kirby and the juv. Kingfisher from yesterday afternoon was still present, along with 17 Blackwit in the field opposite. My 1st returning Wheatear was at the West Kirby end of the saltmarsh but there were few gulls etc. in the Marine Lake.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Ruddy shelduck at Redesmere this afternoon, if anyone's interested. Female,I think ,but wasn't close and didn't have my 'bins with me - just out for a walk.

There was one near Sandbach a few weeks ago.

Hi CB----I live in knutsford and not that interesting really.A lot of intensive farming around here[not to mention posh 4x4's!]-------Lots of Buzzards though which is cheering. ----My garden birds have picked up this year.Apart from Nuthatch we've had Goldfinches for the first time and six great tit chicks having fun with the nut feeder.Few Greenfinch though. Nowt exciting really.[well they are to me]-----Anyway thanks for the advice and info and i may well seek your help in the future,
cheers
Roy


Hi Roy,

Used to work in Knutsford years ago & its pretty good area for birds. Went to Tatton Park during my lunch & scored some cracking birds.

CB

PS I am not to be confused with cheshirebirder.

[Cheshire Birder]

Forgot to mention - yesterday near Lymm had a Turtle Dove - my first county record for several years!!!!

[Jane Turner]

get that sent into to CAWOS - there was only one record in the County last year!

[horsa]

hi CB----yes tatton can be ok around the wooded areas though not seen much on the water[but frankly i'm a keen but useless/unlucky birder] ---Land near the airport runway can be interesting ,eg it's weird to hear skylarks singing some 100 yards from 747's taking off.
Roy

[Cheshire Birder]

get that sent into to CAWOS - there was only one record in the County last year!

Are they on the county rarity list yet Jane?

[Cheshire Birder]

hi CB----yes tatton can be ok around the wooded areas though not seen much on the water[but frankly i'm a keen but useless/unlucky birder] ---Land near the airport runway can be interesting ,eg it's weird to hear skylarks singing some 100 yards from 747's taking off.
Roy

Hi Horsa,

Never been to the land by the runway but can imagine what goodies may be in that area. Tatton can be fruitless at times but i recall many good finds there - Black Tern, Smew, Marsh Tit, Osprey amongst the best but also the incredible passage of Goldeneye during the spring. From March to the end of April Goldeneye numbers would go up and down as birds stopped off on their way north. I've not been for ages, so must make the effort this autumn to visit. Hopefully when the place is full of Black Terns!!!!

CB

[Rob Smallwood]

Unconfirmed report of Terek Sandpiper at Target Road Heswall

[Cheshire Birder]

Depends on who the observer is as to whether or not its a "good" record. I doubt we'll hear about it again if its not relocated in the next few days.

CB

[Jane Turner]

Are they on the county rarity list yet Jane?


No - but I suspect that they might well go on soon! Capped Tits away from one or two specific areas are another contender.

[horsa]

Hi Horsa,

Never been to the land by the runway but can imagine what goodies may be in that area. Tatton can be fruitless at times but i recall many good finds there - Black Tern, Smew, Marsh Tit, Osprey amongst the best but also the incredible passage of Goldeneye during the spring. From March to the end of April Goldeneye numbers would go up and down as birds stopped off on their way north. I've not been for ages, so must make the effort this autumn to visit. Hopefully when the place is full of Black Terns!!!!

CB

Hi CB,
crickey!---you have been lucky[skilled]- Osprey !-- Best i've had on the water has been GC Grebes and tufties.Redesmere is said to get Goldeneyes but never clocked one. In the woods lots of chiff-chaffs,saw a willow tit last week.I had a shufty by the runway this week--[like going to hear the skylarks--god knows there's non around the fields anywhere near me.]----Saw a pair of Garden warblers and a whitethroat--{lesser? i can't tell the difference] Oh just remembered, went to Brereton heath nature thingy--saw a few GS woodpeckers,treecreeper and redpolls--nice but odd given the number of dog walkers and noisy kids.
Roy

[Rob Smallwood]

Ye of little faith:

07:57 15/07/09 Terek Sandpiper Cheshire Heswall 06:40
with Redshanks on the Dee Estuary opposite Heswall Fields NT; use the public car park off Banks Road near Sheldrakes Restaurant then walk north along the shore

[Jane Turner]

and wait for this afternoon's tide to give you less mud and gutters to search!

[Rob Smallwood]

17:00 I believe?

[Cheshire Birder]

Ye of little faith:

07:57 15/07/09 Terek Sandpiper Cheshire Heswall 06:40
with Redshanks on the Dee Estuary opposite Heswall Fields NT; use the public car park off Banks Road near Sheldrakes Restaurant then walk north along the shore

Obviously the observer was good!!

Couldnt go tonight but if it reappears tomorrow i'll have to go straight after work!!

Jane/Rob - Do you remember the other county record at Frodsham in Apr 1999?

Those were the days when cracking birds turned up regularly at Frodsham. It just not the same these days.

CB

[Jane Turner]

I do indeed... and I missed the bugger, had to go to Conwy to see it. So this was a Cheshire tick and that 300 is in touching distance..

and yes the observer is great. Well done Steve, great find.

[Cheshire Birder]

Hi CB,
crickey!---you have been lucky[skilled]- Osprey !-- Best i've had on the water has been GC Grebes and tufties.Redesmere is said to get Goldeneyes but never clocked one. In the woods lots of chiff-chaffs,saw a willow tit last week.I had a shufty by the runway this week--[like going to hear the skylarks--god knows there's non around the fields anywhere near me.]----Saw a pair of Garden warblers and a whitethroat--{lesser? i can't tell the difference] Oh just remembered, went to Brereton heath nature thingy--saw a few GS woodpeckers,treecreeper and redpolls--nice but odd given the number of dog walkers and noisy kids.
Roy

Horsa,

If i'm heading your way in the next few weeks i'll pm you. I'll try and find you some good birds. :t:

CB

[Cheshire Birder]

I do indeed... and I missed the bugger, had to go to Conwy to see it. So this was a Cheshire tick and that 300 is in touching distance..

and yes the observer is great. Well done Steve, great find.

Jane,

Strange i had the strange feeling that you were there when i saw it but maybe i'm confusing it with the Broad-billed Sand. Which Steve was it?

CB

[Jane Turner]

I did see the BBS there, though that wasn't my first in Cheshire.

It was Steve Hinde who conjured up the Terek in less than easy circumstances

[chris butterworth]

I picked the Terek up on West Kirby Marine Lake, early yesterday afternoon but it only stayed a couple of minutes before heading back towards Thurstaston / Heswall. Could turn up there again, who knows? Damn fine bird, and my 1st for Wirral / Cheshire.
Chris

[horsa]

Horsa,

If i'm heading your way in the next few weeks i'll pm you. I'll try and find you some good birds. :t:

CB

Cheers--i need all the help i can get!

[cheshirebirder]

Ruddy shelduck still at Redesmere today. At least it's not coming to bread like most of the wildfowl there !;)

[Cheshire Birder]

Give it a few weeks and it will be!!!

CB

[Cheshire Birder]

Wood Sandpiper showing well on Frodsham No6 tank till 7.30pm at least. A very early returning bird!!!

[horsa]

Ruddy shelduck still at Redesmere today. At least it's not coming to bread like most of the wildfowl there !;)

There was a ruddy shellduck at shakerley mere for a long time last year. Must have buggered off to pastures new[ie redesmere]-----yes they do get stuffed with bread there[,but 'banned ' at shakerley mere.]

[cheshirebirder]

Horsa , the birds at Shakerley mere ( there was a pair ) were a different species - Cape shelduck. Not sure if they're still around ?

[horsa]

Horsa , the birds at Shakerley mere ( there was a pair ) were a different species - Cape shelduck. Not sure if they're still around ?
Many Thanks for the correction---they are a bit similar i think[?] but would'nt have known that anyway----Have'nt seen any on my recent visits.

[Cheshire Birder]

Horsa , the birds at Shakerley mere ( there was a pair ) were a different species - Cape shelduck. Not sure if they're still around ?

Makes you wander where all these escaped wildfowl actually come from.

CB

[deeestuary]

Makes you wander where all these escaped wildfowl actually come from.

CB

There are a lot of Ruddy Shelduck hybrids around as well, to add to the confusion.

[chris butterworth]

Makes you wander where all these escaped wildfowl actually come from.

CB

Most of the stuff around Hoylake Langfields probably comes from the wildfowl collection at Caldy, there's been a pair of Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgicus opposite Gilroy all summer.
Had a quick look at the Gilroy area this morning and came up with 28 Blackwit, 1 Ruff, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Teal and a pair of Shovler. The Marine Lake held 329 Sandwich Tern, 1 ad Med Gull, 18 Dunlin, 5 Pied Wags and a pair of Shelduck. As the work on he lake wall is almost finished most birds will be moved on to the beach after the weekend.
Chris

[horsa]

Most of the stuff around Hoylake Langfields probably comes from the wildfowl collection at Caldy, there's been a pair of Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgicus opposite Gilroy all summer.
Had a quick look at the Gilroy area this morning and came up with 28 Blackwit, 1 Ruff, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Teal and a pair of Shovler. The Marine Lake held 329 Sandwich Tern, 1 ad Med Gull, 18 Dunlin, 5 Pied Wags and a pair of Shelduck. As the work on he lake wall is almost finished most birds will be moved on to the beach after the weekend.
Chris

Thanks for the info--that's yet another area i have'nt explored[impressive list]
------i saw an Egyptian Goose a few weeks back[not in cheshire,i would add, or Eygpt either!]---would that be an escapee too?.

[chris butterworth]

Hi Horsa, Egyptian geese were introduced to Britain. Most are around North Norfolk, but they seem to be spreading northwest with populations on Rutland Water, some midland reservoirs and around Manchester. They are on the British list as a self sustaining population so you can count them.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Thanks for the info--that's yet another area i have'nt explored[impressive list]
------i saw an Egyptian Goose a few weeks back[not in cheshire,i would add, or Eygpt either!]---would that be an escapee too?.

i had one on my local patch for a number of years but disappeared. As chris says they are countable even though they are descended from escapees

CB

[chris butterworth]

Had a quick look at Gilroy area this morning (while having a break from work!). There were 5 Common Sandpipers around Gilroy Pond itself and another 6 around the pond in the field opposite plus 2 eclipse male Teal - and, the now ubiquitous, pair of Yellow-billed Pintail.
Chris

[Hedgeland]

Numbers seem to be picking up on the mersey.

Young gulls mostly but also numbers of curlew, redshank, oysetercatcher, turnstone on the increase. A single common tern and single great crested grebe by vale park also noted.

[chris butterworth]

Had a look around Gilroy earlier this morning ( before the heavens opened ) and picked up 19 Blackwit, 6 Whimbrel, 6 Common Sandpiper and 2 Wheatear in the pool opposite Gilroy NP. There were also quite a few Willow Warbler migrating through, and more Common Whitethroat around than there have been for quite a while.
Chris

[gareth_blockley]

I'm determined to head up for some seawatching to pick a some petrels this year as i haven't been able to in the past few years. Could someone please advise me on when i should be thinking of doing this and what weather patterns ususlly push them in. I seem to remember there has been a lot of talk about this before but i cant find the threads.

Fancy a bit of sea-watching off New brighten Hedgeland? and did you pick up the Hen harrier at Frodsham?

Gareth

[deeestuary]

I'm determined to head up for some seawatching to pick a some petrels this year as i haven't been able to in the past few years. Could someone please advise me on when i should be thinking of doing this and what weather patterns ususlly push them in. I seem to remember there has been a lot of talk about this before but i cant find the threads.
Gareth

For August a strong to gale force northwest to west wind should push in some Storm Petrels. Hilbre is usually the most reliable place for these but in a really strong wind the mouth of the River Mersey can be very good. Usually New Brighton is best but Crosby beach has also been good over the past couple of years. High tide is best but after a night's gale they can sometimes be seen flying out of the mersey at any state of the tide. So far this summer it's been very poor!
What we need for Leach's Petrels is a prolonged north-west strong wind, preferably gale force. Most birds will be seen at high tide. In these conditions you will see these from the end of August through to mid-Oct, sometimes much later - see http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news0107.htm#sec. In good years most birds will be seen in the Mersey mouth (New Brighton) and Hilbre, but they can also be seen anywhere along North Wirral and also Point of Ayr. The middle two weeks in September is usually when we get the really large numbers but only if we get a NW gale lasting more than a day. There is a shelter close to Fort Perch at New Brighton where many birders go if there is a gale blowing.
See also http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news1001.htm#first which is a few years old now but still relevant.

[Jane Turner]

See this thread Gareth

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=23062&highlight=petrel

[Hedgeland]

Hi Gareth - yes did manage to see the Hen harrier. Had a question about Hen harriers which was when people refer to ringtail does this just mean juv or female? (ie not adult male? - sorry if dumb question).

If you think the weather is good for Petrels at any time feel free to stay at mine for an early start. New Brighton and the Gun site seem best to me for sheltering reasons. Just have to wait for the right conditions but would be a first for me if we did see them.

Will be on hols for last week of Aug and first of september though.

[Cheshire Birder]

Had a question about Hen harriers which was when people refer to ringtail does this just mean juv or female? (ie not adult male? - sorry if dumb question).


Hi Hedgeland,

Ringtail refers as you say, to both the juv and female Harriers.

CB

[Hedgeland]

Thanks CB

[gareth_blockley]

Thank you for the links. I will definately make the effort this year.
Last year i was in Norfolk for a long weekend and did a 10 hr seawatch at Sheringham. Saw loads of skuas and a couple of sabines gulls but no petrels.. 20 mins after i left a leach's cruised along... gutted!

Gareth

[chris butterworth]

Another quick skive down to Gilroy produced c.300 Swallow and c.100 House Martin on the telephone wires and roofs in Paton Close, 1 female Shoveler, 2 Teal and c.60 Swift in the field opposite Gilroy NP. The first bird I picked up on Gilroy Pond was a cracking juvenile Garganey, only my third record from the site. A closer look produced another 5 Teal and the resident pair of Yellow-billed Pintail while the scrub etc. had at least 12 Willow Warbler ( there were more calling ), 3 Whitethroat and a single Lesser Whitethroat among the "usual stuff".
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Another quick skive down to Gilroy produced c.300 Swallow and c.100 House Martin on the telephone wires and roofs in Paton Close, 1 female Shoveler, 2 Teal and c.60 Swift in the field opposite Gilroy NP. The first bird I picked up on Gilroy Pond was a cracking juvenile Garganey, only my third record from the site. A closer look produced another 5 Teal and the resident pair of Yellow-billed Pintail while the scrub etc. had at least 12 Willow Warbler ( there were more calling ), 3 Whitethroat and a single Lesser Whitethroat among the "usual stuff".
Chris

Not a bad haul chris!!

Return migration is already getting apace! :t:

CB

[chris butterworth]

Another early morning down around Gilroy and the Langfields produced 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 19 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 4 Teal, 5 Shoveler among the gulls and other"usual stuff" opposite Gilroy. Gilroy itself had 3 Teal, at least 6 Willow Warbler - there seems to be a lot moving through at the moment -. 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap and 3 Song Thrush and there was another Greenshank on the banks of the Birket. It wasn't a bad morning for mammals, either, with Fox, Brown Hare, Brown Rat and 2 Water Vole.
Chris

[Pitvar]

Just finished a bit of grass cutting when sensed some movement - turned round to see this through the kitchen window - queue mad rush for nearest camera... anyone age/sex the sprawk - I've seen three in the gardens round here [north of Widnes] in the past couple of years - I'd say adult female for this one?

[Bananafishbones]

Just finished a bit of grass cutting when sensed some movement - turned round to see this through the kitchen window - queue mad rush for nearest camera... anyone age/sex the sprawk - I've seen three in the gardens round here [north of Widnes] in the past couple of years - I'd say adult female for this one?

Great pic of a Female, unlucky Starling

How long did she stay in the middle of the lawn?

Dave

[Pitvar]

Great pic of a Female, unlucky Starling

How long did she stay in the middle of the lawn?

Dave

About three minutes Dave - I got the kids to carefully have a look from an upstairs window but they must have moved too quickly and the sprawk took the starling next door to finish the job without an audience! I don't mind my three year old understanding nature red in tooth and claw but I guess the starling's final moments were best out of sight... good garden tick anyway - I tried feeders three years ago and got nothing but this year I've suddenly got loads of sparrow hawk fodder - Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock plus the doves, pigeons, starlings etc.

Might try and get an hour at Inner Marsh tomorrow - always wanted to see a Water Rail and I read they might be easier to see there since some cutting back was done.

[chris butterworth]

After a rather heavy night I managed to get a few minutes in at the Gilroy end of the Langfields around 0800, by which time most stuff has gone! Started with a cracking Golden Plover lifting out of the field opposite Gilroy, with 3 Lapwing. The pond in the field held 3 Snipe, 3 Blackwit, 8 Shoveler and 4 Teal along with Blackheaded Gull, Moorhen, Coot and Mallard. While I was checking out the pond I could hear 2 Raven calling but I didn't see them until they started to fly upwards, accompanied by 4 Buzzard to mob a ringtail Hen Harrier flying over the site, heading SSW. Other "stuff" included 4 Stock Dove ( local breeders ?), 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and, still, plenty of Chiffchaff "wheeting" from the trees and scrub. House Sparrow numbers are starting to rise with c80 on Gilroy, behind the gardens of Greenbank Road. Not a bad morning!!
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

After a rather heavy night I managed to get a few minutes in at the Gilroy end of the Langfields around 0800, by which time most stuff has gone! Started with a cracking Golden Plover lifting out of the field opposite Gilroy, with 3 Lapwing. The pond in the field held 3 Snipe, 3 Blackwit, 8 Shoveler and 4 Teal along with Blackheaded Gull, Moorhen, Coot and Mallard. While I was checking out the pond I could hear 2 Raven calling but I didn't see them until they started to fly upwards, accompanied by 4 Buzzard to mob a ringtail Hen Harrier flying over the site, heading SSW. Other "stuff" included 4 Stock Dove ( local breeders ?), 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and, still, plenty of Chiffchaff "wheeting" from the trees and scrub. House Sparrow numbers are starting to rise with c80 on Gilroy, behind the gardens of Greenbank Road. Not a bad morning!!
Chris

Chris,

Where is the best place to park for Gilroy NR? and how far is the pond from the access?

CB

[Jane Turner]

Gilroy Rd is the best place, 200m walk to the pond, but you need to be there early - there is seldom anything much there later in the morning.

[Cheshire Birder]

Thanks Jane

CB

[chris butterworth]

Chris,

Where is the best place to park for Gilroy NR? and how far is the pond from the access?

CB

As Jane says. If you're coming in from either West Kirby or Frankby there's a 5-barred gate on the left - with a kissing gate next to it, about 400 yards down Gilroy Road, from Greenbank Road. There's a good pull-in there.
Not much there this morning apart from 37 Blackwit, 4 Teal, 8 Shoveler and 19 Swift on, and over the pool on the right, opposite Gilroy NP.
Chris

[halftwo]

Swifts continue to move through - small numbers in loose groups - and a second Marsh harrier for my patch today - heading roughly east (towards Rostherne Mere).
Apparently there have been a few in the NW recently.

[angelan2]

hello
Where are all the Cheshire birders? This thread seems tohave been ded for a while. Hope there are some responses from others who live and bird around here

[chris butterworth]

Blackwit numbers are starting to rise opposite Gilroy with 49 today, along with 5 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 5 Snipe, 27 Lapwing, oh, and a pair of Raven ( who'd have thought, a couple of years ago, that Raven would have been relegated to an afterthought in North Wirral)
Chris

[chris butterworth]

107 Blackwit, 14 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 43 Lapwing and an ad Med Gull opposite Gilroy early this morning, on my way over the Langfields to Hoylake Station.
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Just took a late trip to Higher Poynton and Jacksons Brickworks, although it was quiet at this time of the evening I am glad I went:

Robin
Dunnock
Magpie
Woodpeigeon
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard 2
LTTs
juvenile Morehen roosting on one leg in a tree

Kingfisher... My first of the year and the first I have ever seen in Cheshire, best of all 5 minutes from home :t:

Dave

[chris butterworth]

Another "quick look" at the Gilroy area, this morning, turned into a bit of a "marathon" as the Green Sandpiper I'd picked up early on did a vanishing act, just before 6 other birders turned up. It was finally refound hiding in the most inaccessable part of the pond opposite Gilroy NP. Other "good stuff" on the pond included 142 Blackwit, 127 were juveniles and c.70% were female ( am I getting just a little bit anal ?:-O :-O :-O ), 11 Shoveler, 16 Teal, 62 Lapwing, c.40 Swift, 4 Raven and a juvenile Peregrine. A look around Gilroy, itself, produced 5 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, singing rather pitifully, 4 Whitethroat and a cracking juvenile Hobby.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Kingfisher... My first of the year and the first I have ever seen in Cheshire, best of all 5 minutes from home :t:

Dave

If I had known Dave, I could have virtually guaranteed you one at Poynton Pool in the spring saw 1-2 regularly. Keep your eyes open for Little Grebe next time you go as they have bred there in the past.

Today, went to Tatton Park for the first time in ages. Stacks of GCgrebes (41 inc 7 broods of young), Coots (c100) and Tufties (c90)!! 5 Buzzards circled together but I couldnt get a photo. A few Sand Martins as well but the highlight was virtually the last bird I saw before leaving the park. I scanned the ducks one last time and under the trees with two Mallard was a female Mandarin!!!

CB

[Cheshire Birder]

Dave,

Forgot to say, I had two Red-eared Terrapins at Poynton Pool on Saturday.

CB

[boddie]

"I scanned the ducks one last time and under the trees with two Mallard was a female Mandarin"

I had 2 males in my garden pond a few weeks back, couldn't belive my eyes! Does anyone know of anywhere in Cheshire that might give me a Bullfinch?

[chris butterworth]

Does anyone know of anywhere in Cheshire that might give me a Bullfinch?

Try Cubbin's Green, at the West Kirby end of the Wirral Way. There are usually up to 9 most winters.
C.

Woke this morning to Swallows passing over the house at about 100 per hour, moving ahead of the rain. The rain stopped just before 0900 so I shot off down to Gilroy, just in case the rain had grounded anything. There was a Willow Warbler singing it's heart out just inside the gate while the pond opposite Gilroy had 147 Blackwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, an amazing 5 Greenshank - a site record, 1 Green Sandpiper, 19 Lapwing, 16 Teal and only - I've grown accustomed to double figures here, recently!- 7 Shoveler plus Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Blackheaded Gull and Herring Gull, with an overflying juvenile Peregrine. Didn't get to look around the scrub etc as the heavens opened and I ran for home, like a total wimp. :-O
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

"I scanned the ducks one last time and under the trees with two Mallard was a female Mandarin"

I had 2 males in my garden pond a few weeks back, couldn't belive my eyes! Does anyone know of anywhere in Cheshire that might give me a Bullfinch?

Bullfinches are widespread across the county, so there are plenty of place to try. Depends which area you live in as to wheres best near you. Mandarins on a garden pond are always a good find.

CB

[deeestuary]

Try Cubbin's Green, at the West Kirby end of the Wirral Way. There are usually up to 9 most winters.
C.

Also they come to the feeder at Thurstaston Visitor centre, another place in the same area is Target Road, Heswall (near where the Terek sand was), the scrub area just to the north of the end of the road is good for them - there are some feeders in a nearby house.

[ta brandreth]

"I scanned the ducks one last time and under the trees with two Mallard was a female Mandarin"

I had 2 males in my garden pond a few weeks back, couldn't belive my eyes! Does anyone know of anywhere in Cheshire that might give me a Bullfinch?

Wigg Island Runcorn, hide next to car park (not the one by visitor centre) scan the trees/listen for call.

59 sand martins moving South on a storm front last night at about 8;15 - 9;00PM - this was a garden tick (Hough Green, Widnes) por moi and mucho appreciated as I sipped my brew....with a celebratory Cigar!

Big tide tomorrow should be a mammal fest at the salt Marsh at Hale, but not as good as today's Porpoise record in the mucky brown water at Pickerings Pasture, at least 7 individuals feeding in the tide.

Also got Golden Plover back in dribs and drabs - ones and twos going through at the moment so things are starting to shift around at last!

[Cheshire Birder]

Big tide tomorrow should be a mammal fest at the salt Marsh at Hale, but not as good as today's Porpoise record in the mucky brown water at Pickerings Pasture, at least 7 individuals feeding in the tide.

Also got Golden Plover back in dribs and drabs - ones and twos going through at the moment so things are starting to shift around at last!

Do you know what sort of porpoises they were?

Modest numbers of waders at the usual site now. Hopefully we'll get a good autumn for Curlew Sands and Little Stints.

CB

[ta brandreth]

that would be Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

Occasional at this site and further up at Otterspool.

[chris butterworth]

Another couple of minutes around Gilroy area this morning turned up 89 Blackwit, 2 Common Sandpiper, 50+ Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 18 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 5 Pied and 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven, 3 Chiffchaff, 60+ Swallow and 14 House Martin. Just need a change in wind direction and the birding could be brilliant this weekend.
Chris

[horsa]

Having just got back from mooching about around the Somme Estuary, i was very excited about seeing 3 Curlews in a field near Chelford roundabout[ but i guess 'excitement' in the birding fraternity is a relative thing and certainly not as exciting as the Wilson's phalarope i heard was at Martin Mere today]-------Never expected to see Curlews around here,having searched unsuccessfully for them in the Wildboarclough area and surrounding moors.I don't know how common they are in the inland Cheshire plain areas?

[Boom]

that would be Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

Occasional at this site and further up at Otterspool.

Any ideas if they`re still about? that`s a fantastic count, i only live a ten minute walk away from Pickerings Pasture.

Know a couple were seen this time last year there.

Cost us £80 to see two of them off Mull in June last year (admittedly we saw a Minke Whale on the way back in but still...)

Any idea how the High Tide went on Hale Marsh? have seen Peregrine/Merlin and Short Eared Owl here in the past?

cheers

[Cheshire Birder]

Having just got back from mooching about around the Somme Estuary, i was very excited about seeing 3 Curlews in a field near Chelford roundabout[ but i guess 'excitement' in the birding fraternity is a relative thing and certainly not as exciting as the Wilson's phalarope i heard was at Martin Mere today]-------Never expected to see Curlews around here,having searched unsuccessfully for them in the Wildboarclough area and surrounding moors.I don't know how common they are in the inland Cheshire plain areas?

They breed widely throughout the plains but usually single pairs. They do breed in the Chelford area but these birds could easily be moving through on passage. I'm suprised you have not found them in the moors. They are usually pretty easy to see up there.

Any idea how the High Tide went on Hale Marsh? have seen Peregrine/Merlin and Short Eared Owl here in the past?

cheers

Try this website covers the whole of the Wirral & mersey estuary - http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/SelectPort.aspx

Don't forget to add 1 hour for BST. I made that mistake turning up at Red Rocks a lot earlier than I needed to. Peregrine should be fairly regular during the winter but I suspect Merlin and SEO will be much harder to find.

CB

[Boom]

Try this website covers the whole of the Wirral & mersey estuary - http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/SelectPort.aspx

Don't forget to add 1 hour for BST. I made that mistake turning up at Red Rocks a lot earlier than I needed to. Peregrine should be fairly regular during the winter but I suspect Merlin and SEO will be much harder to find.

CB[/QUOTE]

Merlin certainly, SEO a bit easier to see here over the last couple of Winters-there was at least 3 present during 2007/2008 Winter for quite a while.

Only saw 1 last year however and that was in November-was there for a few weeks though.

It probably went to join the rest of them on the Dee estuary.

cheers.

[Cheshire Birder]

It probably went to join the rest of them on the Dee estuary.

SEO use the other side of the estuary at Frodsham as well so the birds cover a large feeding area.

CB

[ta brandreth]

Didn't get chance for high tide - my job required me to be at the official re-openeing of Hale Park - for shorties Wigg Island on the Runcorn side was always favourite - i can remember one winter having 13 birds at once, also good for Leo's and Chetti's....

[chris butterworth]

Another quick look at Gilroy this lunchtime produced 104 Blackwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15 Common Teal and 9 Shoveler in the field opposite the nature reserve, but apart from half a dozen Chiffchaff there was little about. Hopefully, the tide at Red Rocks will turn up something, later.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Golden Oriole reported in Crewe today!!

CB

[PhilW]

Red-necked Phalarope seen by two experienced observers at Heswall earlier in week - same guy that found Terek's. Seen again y'day according to Deeestuary website but no details.

[Jane Turner]

That is a bird that I still haven't seen in Cheshire! I'll check my pond!

[Cheshire Birder]

That is a bird that I still haven't seen in Cheshire! I'll check my pond!

Your probably more likely to find a Wilson's knowing your luck Jane! You always find the best birds.

CB

[Jane Turner]

Snipe or Petrel?

[Cheshire Birder]

Knowing your luck, you'll get them both!!!

CB

[chris butterworth]

Just got back from Hilbre and it was just my luck the wind had changed direction! Not a bad day, though, with Arctic Skuas, a couple of Leach's, a distant juv Sabines ( and one that turned into a Kittiwake ), Manxies, an "all dark" shearwater - that I missed! -, lots of Common Scoter, Guillemots, Razorbill and Sandwich Tern over the tide. Nice stuff on Middle Eye - 4 Wheatear, 1 Rock Pipit and 2 Whimbrel, with another Wheatear and Whimbrel on the main island. Reports were coming in of a possible Wilson's Storm-Petrel ( CB + Jane using unatural powers, again?), a possible Pterodroma ? sp off Hoylake :eek!: :-C. So near and yet so fffffffffffffffar :t:, and a juv Sabines on the beach at Hoylake.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

....a juv Sabines on the beach at Hoylake.
Chris

Was showing exceptionally well down to a few feet until it got flushed by three photographers.

CB

[Cheshire Birder]

Reports were coming in of a possible Wilson's Storm-Petrel ( CB + Jane using unatural powers, again?)

I'd be surprised if it get accepted.

CB

[Jane Turner]

I understand it was seen very well

[PhilW]

Just got back from Hilbre and it was just my luck the wind had changed direction! Not a bad day, though, with Arctic Skuas, a couple of Leach's, a distant juv Sabines ( and one that turned into a Kittiwake ), Manxies, an "all dark" shearwater - that I missed! -, lots of Common Scoter, Guillemots, Razorbill and Sandwich Tern over the tide. Nice stuff on Middle Eye - 4 Wheatear, 1 Rock Pipit and 2 Whimbrel, with another Wheatear and Whimbrel on the main island. Reports were coming in of a possible Wilson's Storm-Petrel ( CB + Jane using unatural powers, again?), a possible Pterodroma ? sp off Hoylake :eek!: :-C. So near and yet so fffffffffffffffar :t:, and a juv Sabines on the beach at Hoylake.
Chris

Chris

Were was Sabs? We were in seawatching hide and the only Sabs seen was a long way off to the left - so far that only two people sat on the right of the hide could see it as the others were at the wrong angle. Those stood on the slipwat didn't see it either - and they wouldn't have been able to because of the wall.

Was there another we missed? Shame you didn't call it as we were calling all the birds to those on the slipway and one of the lads needed Sabine's as a Cheshire lifer (he got the Dove Point bird later).

A great weekends seawatching by all acounts

[Jane Turner]

The ones [Sabs] here didn't move west of red rocks either... the ad stayed on the sea and drited back and forth, and the juv was going east!

[PhilW]

Jane
Try as hard as we might we couldn't see the Sabs on the beach from Hilbre!! Believe me we tried and with the greater elevation from the hide if anyone could have seen it we would! Great weekend though the missus didn't appreciate the red salt blasted face that made me look like a baboon's rear end when we went to a party Saturday night.

[chris butterworth]

Chris

Were was Sabs?

I just made out the one you called out, Phil, as it bu**ered off to the left.
Chris
p.s. The "first one", not the Kittiwake :-O
C

[PhilW]

You were lucky Chris. The bird was so far to the left when I picked it up that it was impossible to see unless you were sat at the left hand side of the hide and leaning out of the window. Thats why only two of us saw it. Even with our higher elevation in the hide it was very difficult to pick out as it was really low down and kept disappearing into the troughs.

[snowcap]

I'd be surprised if it get accepted.

CB

Hi, why would you be surprised if it got accepted?

cheers,S

[Jane Turner]

Apart from anything else, its no longer a BBRC rarity.

[Jane Turner]

Believe me we tried and with the greater elevation from the hide if anyone could have seen it we would!

I'll think that you may find that mine is considerably more elevated than yours

Actually there are times when its too high - I miss close stuff!

[snowcap]

Apart from anything else, its no longer a BBRC rarity.

Exactly! So is Cheshire Birder on the Lancashire rarities committee I wonder??

[Cheshire Birder]

Hi, why would you be surprised if it got accepted?

cheers,S

Sorry. That was my initial scepticism. Its very weird tho how Jane and I seem to have a freaky sense of timing with our comments a few days ago!!

CB

[PhilW]

I'll think that you may find that mine is considerably more elevated than yours

Are we talking about hides here Jane or moral stances? ;););)
To see the Sabs we saw from Hilbre on the slipway you'd have to have X ray vision to see through the wall so there must have been 2 juveniles!:t:

[Jane Turner]

Perhaps it was merely a Schrödinger's Sabs or more correctly Heisinberg's?

[PhilW]

Uncertain as I am of my physical state and principals I thought Heisenberg was a German Beer?

[laesevets]

At IMF this evening.
Wood Sand
Curlew Sand x2
Merlin fem
Ruff x7
Hobby x2
Marsh Harrier x2
Little Egret xc88
SS...........images on my blog.
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

[chris butterworth]

Couldn't face anymore Snowcock poo analysis ( it's a bitch of a job, but someones got to do it :-C ) so I had a quick 10 minutes down around Gilroy. The field opposite had 319 Blacktailed Godwit - the first 300+ count this autumn -, 29 Greylags, 9 Shoveler, 14 Teal, 19 Lapwing and 3 Redshank among the usual stuff. There were 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven and a Sparrowhawk in the air at once being mobbed by the local Carrion Crows, while the path down to the first right angled bend had 5 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap.
Have to get back to the grindstone or I might start enjoying myself :t:
Chris

[chris butterworth]

Off into West Kirby this morning - to waste money on buying food and other fripparies - so a 10 minute walk turned into a 2 hour one, as normal. The field opposite Gilroy had 327 Blackwit, 8 Shoveler, 23 Teal, 9 Snipe, 15 Lapwing, 25 Greylag and 2 Wheatear when I first got there. Checking out a small flock of 11 Dunlin that dropped in I was surprised, and delighted, to find a Curlew Sandpiper among them, the first for the Langfields - that I know of. Apart from 2 Raven, 1 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel there weren't any raptors about until 1000 hrs when Buzzard started moving through. A concerted 30 minute count saw 18 birds coming from the direction of Meols and heading towards Caldy Hill.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Checking out a small flock of 11 Dunlin that dropped in I was surprised, and delighted, to find a Curlew Sandpiper among them, the first for the Langfields - that I know of.

A concerted 30 minute count saw 18 birds coming from the direction of Meols and heading towards Caldy Hill.
Chris

Congrats on the Curlew Sand Chris :t: Always a good bird in cheshire.

18 Buzzards is a pretty good count and shows this high pressure system is making birds move along the coast.

CB

[chris butterworth]

18 Buzzards is a pretty good count and shows this high pressure system is making birds move along the coast.

CB

Not as good as the 30 odd I had "kettling" over the site a couple of years ago, but, for someone who grew up with Buzzard being a bird you had to travel for, a great sight.
Chris

[Jane Turner]

Funny I had the same 4 Buzzards go through 4 times today - they did the same yesterday - got to the point at Red Rocks and realised that there was nowhere to go! A little damage to one tail feather of one bird was the giveaway!

[Bananafishbones]

No time to walk the forest so just looked in and around the 4 reservoirs and the bottom Pond at Holehouse lane.

Fairly quiet as predicted but enjoyable 09.00 - 11.30am

Little Grebe 7
Mallard 50+(one female with 2 very young chicks)
Tufted 20+
Coot 20+
Cormorant 17
Canada 8
Sparrowhawk 2
House Martins 50-100 :t:
Morehen 2
B H Gulls 8
Grey Wagtail 1
Kingfisher :t:

lots of woodland birds around with a huge flock of Long Tail Tits and 6 Jays

Hopefully a more varied selection of waterfowl will be due in soon

Dave

[Cheshire Birder]

Nice pic of Kingfisher Bfb.

CB

[Bananafishbones]

Back to Macc forest this morning, just a few additions to yesterdays sightings:

Buzzard
Swallow 100+ with Sand martins mixed in
Goldcrest c6
Female Mandarin mixed in with mallards on Holehouse pool

Kingfisher flying between pool and reservoir

Dave

[Cheshire Birder]

Keep your eyes peeled Bfb - Osprey sighted near Lyme Park today!

CB

[Bananafishbones]

Keep your eyes peeled Bfb - Osprey sighted near Lyme Park today!

CB

Wow CB

<picture, Bfb sat static in garden with Jodrell bank size telescope pointing skyward :-O.......... go on ........if only>

Heres hoping it is at least still around the area, would be fantastic to go a hunting over the weekend.

[ta brandreth]

Avocet on Hale point yesterday,goldies and Little egret on River......

[horsa]

Talk about waiting for buses!-----I've not seen a hobby for about two years and low and behold saw 3 at Welney[WWT] last weekend and one at Tatton Park yesterday.It was flying low at times catching Dragonflies before being hassled by two crows.Apparently it had been around for a couple of days and this attracted a small group of birders.One of em told me he thought there were a pair of Hobby's breeding at Rostherne.

[Bananafishbones]

2 Drake Common Scoter on Poynton Pool, Thanks to Cheshire Birder for putting me onto them :t: on my home patch as well!!

Looked like they were staying the night. Light faded fast so only got a few record shots, but a Lifer for moi B (:

Dave

[caergynog]

I visit cheshire once every 2 weeks and I always go to IMF or somewhere elsewhere! phenomenal year I have had in cheshire. ROSS'S GOOSE IMF 2 WEEKS AGO GREAT WHITE EGRET OFF WEST KIRBY EARLY JULY AND A CATTLE EGRET AT BRADLEY ORCHARDS FARM EARLIER IN THE YEAR. ANYONE ELSE SEEN THESE BIRDS?

[horsa]

2 Drake Common Scoter on Poynton Pool, Thanks to Cheshire Birder for putting me onto them :t: on my home patch as well!!

Looked like they were staying the night. Light faded fast so only got a few record shots, but a Lifer for moi B (:

Dave

Well done Dave. I've never seen a Scoter,apart from a stuffed one in a museum.I was suprised how big they are.

[Bananafishbones]

Well done Dave. I've never seen a Scoter,apart from a stuffed one in a museum.I was suprised how big they are.

Heres another veiw, this time front-on gives a good indication of size.... also shows the well defined markings on the bill

Dave

[Cheshire Birder]

2 Drake Common Scoter on Poynton Pool, Thanks to Cheshire Birder for putting me onto them :t: on my home patch as well!!

Looked like they were staying the night. Light faded fast so only got a few record shots, but a Lifer for moi B (:

Dave

No worries. Its the first local record!! :t:

Also had a Whimbrel flew over Tower's Road just before I got the Scoters. Two new patch ticks in 15 mins !!!

No sign of the scoters this evng but i didnt expect them to still be there. They rarely stay more than a day on the inland waters of cheshire.


Heres another veiw, this time front-on gives a good indication of size.... also shows the well defined markings on the bill

Dave

Good pics Dave. Better than mine.

CB

[horsa]

Heres another veiw, this time front-on gives a good indication of size.... also shows the well defined markings on the bill

Dave


Cheers for a great Pic!-Fancy them turning up in Poynton.I guess that's one of the things that make Birds interesting.

[Cheshire Birder]

Cheers for a great Pic!-Fancy them turning up in Poynton.I guess that's one of the things that make Birds interesting.

I've had all sorts of stuff in poynton over the last 20 years!!

CB

[horsa]

I've had all sorts of stuff in poynton over the last 20 years!!

CB
Must have a shufty in the area at some point---.[ I actually lived in poynton for a couple of years a long time ago on the 'Bird housing Estate' so called because of the road names,eg Tern drive,Heron Avenue etc---we actually lived on Widgeon Close!]

[Bananafishbones]

Must have a shufty in the area at some point---.[ I actually lived in poynton for a couple of years a long time ago on the 'Bird housing Estate' so called because of the road names,eg Tern drive,Heron Avenue etc---we actually lived on Widgeon Close!]

My partner used to live on the same estate, Petrel Avenue:



18.00hrs Kingfisher on Poynton Pool this evening flying across the narrows

[Cheshire Birder]

Must have a shufty in the area at some point---.[ I actually lived in poynton for a couple of years a long time ago on the 'Bird housing Estate' so called because of the road names,eg Tern drive,Heron Avenue etc---we actually lived on Widgeon Close!]

i used to live on that estate too!

My partner used to live on the same estate, Petrel Avenue:

18.00hrs Kingfisher on Poynton Pool this evening flying across the narrows

Forgot to mention I had kingfisher on sunday but they are fairly regular there.

CB

[horsa]

[QUOTE=Cheshire Birder;1595796]i used to live on that estate too!

Spooky!----Did'nt like our house.[thin walls ,so we could hear things you don't want to hear from next door]-------Sorry for being Gossipy-Good luck with all things Avian!

[chris butterworth]

A quick look at Gilroy turned up 442 Blackwit, 11 Snipe , what is possibly a record number of Greylags from the site, with 62, ( Canadas seem very scarce around here this autumn ), 3 Raven, 1 Swallow still about, 2 House Martin and 30+ Mipit moving through. Theres still good numbers of Chiffchaff in the area and the numbers of Blackcap seems to be rising as both were bouncing around the scrubby bits with a mixed species flock.
Chris

[ta brandreth]

Hobby and 2 Merlin joined moving passerines through Hale Point this morning including good flight views of Lapland Bunting (non-calling) in with Skylark passage.

[Cheshire Birder]

....good flight views of Lapland Bunting (non-calling) in with Skylark passage.

Did you have a good movement of Mipits as well?

CB

[ta brandreth]

267 - also 74 linnet/54 Skylark and 50 Goldfinch - all hedge lines were alive with the latter species....

[gareth_blockley]

I've been watching the weather - wind mainly. Will this weekend be any good? Chance of picking up a late petrels or skuas etc?

Any advice greatfuly recieved

Gareth

[Cheshire Birder]

Not seen the forecast for the weekend. Petrels, Skuas, etc are all still possible till late October anyway.

CB

[Rob1991S-O-T]

sandbach flashes yesterday
4 ruff
possible yellow leg gull
teal
lapwing
wigeon
very quiet

[coloz]

Are these stronger winds going be any good for a sea watch at the weekend folks. cheers coloz

[Jane Turner]

Probably not going to blow for long enough - though the second system coming in on Wed should do the business

[ta brandreth]

Belting female Merlin on Hale Marsh 9;40am and out and over the river - wigeon numbers building up too......

[Cheshire Birder]

Light passage of Mipits today (and yesterday) over Handforth. Also Tree Pipit over on 30th Sept.

CB

[gareth_blockley]

Frodsham marsh on Wednesday - 3 pintail and a Peregrine, Thursday - small numbers of Golden plover - c10 at one time, 3+ Green sandpipers around, and 2 Barn owls in evening around the farm buildings.
Ince marsh on Thursday - male Wheatear.

I didn't make it for the sea watching today but hopefully Jane's prediction for next week will stand true. Also I really hope the Dowitchers haven't properly disappeared!

Gareth

[Jane Turner]

I didn't make it for the sea watching today but hopefully Jane's prediction for next week will stand true. Also I really hope the Dowitchers haven't properly disappeared!

Gareth
Not much around today - but its still blowing well, so the morning might be good

[Cheshire Birder]

Three Buzzards circling north over Poynton today. Little other movement at the moment. Hopefully we should get a YB Warbler on the wirral in the next few days.

CB

[laesevets]

Parkgate this evening, Two Barn Owls showing very well from 4-15 onwards ,
also ringtail Hen Harrier made several passes, along with two S E Owls and a Merlin. All in all not a bad few hours birding.
Images on my Blog.

http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

;)

[Cheshire Birder]

Macclesfield Forest this morning - at least 5 Crossbills by standing stone car park. Nearby 20 Mandarins on small pool on holehouse lane. This is possibly the largest ever flock for east cheshire.

CB

[John Barber]

Fishing today at Budworth Mere in Cheshire. Lunch time today.

My mate - who's not a birder - shouted that there were two big black and white swans flying overhead !!!

I turned around to see what I belived to be some kind of cranes at the time, but looking at the reference books I now think they were possible black storks with their red beaks

I only watched them for about 10 seconds before they turned south into the sun heading towards Newmans Flash - they originally approached from the East.

Definately, definately some kind of stork or crane.

Anyone else seen anything ?

[bradinho]

Whlst looking towards "Four Oaks Fishery" nr. Ashcroft Farm (JCT of M56 and A540) from the Little Chef i saw a large BoP prey disappear behind the tree line - I had previously being watched 2 buzzrads soaring away - and this bird had the jizz of a ringtail hen harrier to me, I think I even saw a white rump!

Anybody fishing there today???

[Cheshire Birder]

Fishing today at Budworth Mere in Cheshire. Lunch time today.

I turned around to see what I belived to be some kind of cranes at the time, but looking at the reference books I now think they were possible black storks with their red beaks

I only watched them for about 10 seconds before they turned south into the sun heading towards Newmans Flash - they originally approached from the East.

Definately, definately some kind of stork or crane.

Anyone else seen anything ?

Is it possible they were Black Swans? There has been a pair in that area for some time and having just looked at some flight pictures of them, they do show a lot of white on the wings. See this link - http://www.visionwebsites.co.uk/Uploads/Site419/Images/blackswan(small).jpg

CB

[John Barber]

CB

Looking at the photo, you could be right. I've just spoken to my mate who said the birds had white tips to their wings, which I must admit I don't remember seeing. However, if he's right that would rule out the storks. Maybe mystery solved ?

[PhilW]

Whlst looking towards "Four Oaks Fishery" nr. Ashcroft Farm (JCT of M56 and A540) from the Little Chef i saw a large BoP prey disappear behind the tree line - I had previously being watched 2 buzzrads soaring away - and this bird had the jizz of a ringtail hen harrier to me, I think I even saw a white rump!

Anybody fishing there today???

Had the regular escaped harris Hawk with 2 Buzzards approximately 1/2 mile away from this point today. First time I saw it last year it made me think of a harrier. Saw it today for the first time for several months approximately 12.30

[Jaff]

Parkgate this evening, Two Barn Owls showing very well from 4-15 onwards ,
also ringtail Hen Harrier made several passes, along with two S E Owls and a Merlin. All in all not a bad few hours birding.
Images on my Blog.

http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

;)

Steve can I ask what kit you use?

Cheers. B (:

[John Barber]

Whlst looking towards "Four Oaks Fishery" nr. Ashcroft Farm (JCT of M56 and A540) from the Little Chef i saw a large BoP prey disappear behind the tree line - I had previously being watched 2 buzzrads soaring away - and this bird had the jizz of a ringtail hen harrier to me, I think I even saw a white rump!

Anybody fishing there today???

Apart from spotting the black swans flying overhead at Budworth Mere ( not storks or cranes - sorry about that !! ) we both watched a largish dark brown BoP flying West late morning on the far side of the lake, putting up all the ducks and geese as it flew overhead. I've watched Hobbies, Kestrals, Sparrowhawks and Buzzards all summer and I've also seen plenty of Harriers and Kites, but this seemed different, a bit like a harrier, but flew more like a sparrowhawk, but bigger and darker than a sparrowhawk. As Budworth is only about 15 - 16 miles from the M56 - A540 junction ( as the bird flys ), and this bird was heading roughly in that direction, perhaps it could have been the bird you watched, perhaps it could have been the Harris Hawk ?

[laesevets]

Steve can I ask what kit you use?

Cheers. B (:


Hiya Jaff
Canon 30D with a Sigma 500 lens, thats all i can afford ;););)
Steve.............

[Jaff]

Thanks Steve. It's reassuring to know that it'd be within range of my gear. I'll certainly be going down more than once over winter.

Happy hunting. :t:

[Cheshire Birder]

Good passage of Redwings today over Poynton.

CB

[bradinho]

Had the regular escaped harris Hawk with 2 Buzzards approximately 1/2 mile away from this point today. First time I saw it last year it made me think of a harrier. Saw it today for the first time for several months approximately 12.30

Oooh - have we got to the bottom of this? I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw this bird!

What is the size diff with buzzard and harris hawk?

[Bananafishbones]

Macclesfield Forsest 09.00 - 11.15am

Life tick for me immediatly upon arriving with a Crossbill flying from Bottoms reservoir towards Ridgegate. There were certainly more as they had been spooked by an agressive Black Headed Gull that literaly sh1t on them from a not so great height and I managed to track one of the Crossbills until it went out of sight.

Woodland walk around Teggs nose wood showed the usual woodland birds including 3 GSW.

On the reservoirs themselves still fairly quiet but the first autumn Pochards have arrived 3 male.
Lots of little Grebe and a Green Sandpiper on Ridgegate

Still plenty of Mandarin (11) on Holehouse lane pool, cant beat the 17 that I saw the otherday or the 20 Cheshire Birder got!!

Plenty of sunshine.
Dave

[Bananafishbones]

Nothing special but just a few pics from Monday to brighten the old thread up B (:

The best one ended up hidden with the leaf :-O, it all looked good until I pressed the shutter release :eek!:

Enjoy
Dave

[Cheshire Birder]

Nice pics Dave.

House Martin over Handforth Dean today. Getting quite late now for the hirundines.

CB

[chris butterworth]

Had a few ( 26 )Redwing over the house earlier so I nipped down to Hoylake Langfields and found another 50+, but no Fieldfare. No Blackwits opposite Gilroy either but did come up with 3 Gtr. Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Blackcap in Gilroy NP. Apart from 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and a fly-over Peregrine there was little else around.
Chris

[Jane Turner]

Yes - the Redwings have finally started arriving - its been the latest and lowest numbers at coastal observatories on record. Tey only started coming into Shetland at the beginning of the week. I wonder if its pleasant weather holding them back or they just had a bad breeding season?

[John Barber]

Could be bad weather on the continent. I was watching Euro News yesterday and they've had a lot of snow already in some parts of Northern Europe.

[Cheshire Birder]

Good numbers of Redwings moving during the last three days.

CB

[John Barber]

Autumn watch reported 250,00 redwings coming in last week - with another 750,000 expected over the coming days !

[Cheshire Birder]

Had my first "grounded" birds of the autumn today.

CB

[Jane Turner]

Monster vis mig at Red Rocks today.

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1618293&postcount=77

The Thruhes are here finally!

[Boom]

Great 2 hours at Old Baths this afternoon, saw absurd numbers of Kestrels including attempted mating twice?!!? Peregrine, Merlin, 3 Short Eared Owls and a ring tailed Hen Harrier, all just before the rain came in.

cheers

[Cheshire Birder]

Light passage of Skylarks over Handforth this morning.

CB

[AlanCh]

I drove over from Leeds on Monday, hoping that the Spring tide at lunch time would flood over the marsh at Parkgate - it didn't, so we were initially disappointed, though we could see plenty of activity in the distance, and a couple of hovering Kestels nearby. The rest of the day made up for it. Luckily I'd discovered the Dee Estuary Birding site http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/index.html, and printed most of it off, so we had plenty of sites to visit. As my wife spends most of her time in a wheelchair, we were trying to find places where she could see birds as well as me.

Next stop was Red Rock, where plenty of birds were passing by - Cormorants, Shelduck, Oystercatcher and a variety of gulls - nothing unusual, but good to see. Another party of birders suggested the front at Hoylake would be worthwhile, so we followed them, and were rewarded with large numbers of gulls and waders - again, nothing out of the ordinary, but it is so good to see big flocks of birds in a beautiful landscape. You can see a couple of my photos here http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=275834 and here http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=275836 .

Then we went to Inner Marsh farm - had to leave my wife in the car while I went down to the hide, the path is definitely not wheelchair friendly. All the usual common suspects there, including a brief glimpse of a water rail - sadly, no raptors or owls. After Inner Marsh we drove up through Neston, prospecting the roads that lead to the shore, and ended up driving to the end of Station Road, Thurstaston. The view from the cliff over the estuary into the setting sun was stunning - gold and silver with Shelduck, Curlews, Redshanks, Dunlin and plenty more that I couldn't identify - time I bought a scope. You can get an idea of how beautiful it was from this photo http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=275838 . Last stops were at the West Kirby Yacht Club, and a quick trip along the Hoylake front again, although the light had gone by then.

If anyone who knows the area well can suggest wheelchair friendly locations, we would be very grateful

[Bananafishbones]

Nice report Alan :t:

Just added a pic from this evenings Barn Owl at Parkgate

Also in view were 2 Hen Harriers (mobbed by Crows), 2 Short eared owls a little more distant and plenty of Kestrels

Dave

[Jane Turner]

Hi Alan. Let me know next time you come over and I'll see if I can help out a bit re access. I live on the promenade in Hoylake

[horsa]

Nothing special but just a few pics from Monday to brighten the old thread up B (:

The best one ended up hidden with the leaf :-O, it all looked good until I pressed the shutter release :eek!:

Enjoy
Dave

Thanks for the pics[look good to me.]
I was up Macc Forest today. fairly quiet but there were some Pochards,GCG and little Grebes about[plus Tufties]-----did'nt see any Mandarins.
By the way there seems to be a lot of Buzzards about at the moment[3 regularly hunting over the Mobberly rd area in Knutsford.

ps-What Camera/lens do you have?----My pics are useless,think i need better lens.|:(|

[peter hill]

Nice shot of the barn owl dave :t:

[Bananafishbones]

Thanks Peter and Horsa, the light faded fast so without bright blue skys I have to think a bit more and quickly....

more ISO...faster shutter speed

the bl**dy Barn Owl flaps its wings a damned sight faster than a Buzzard.....

Dave

Gotta learn fast I guess

[Cheshire Birder]

Good movement of migrants in east cheshire this morning had both Redpoll and Grey Wagtails going over along with a few Meadow Pipits and Redwings.

Of interest around the county today - Great White Egret over Parkgate and Golden Oriole reported at Congleton. Yesterday Hawfinch over Hale Head.

CB

[gareth_blockley]

Migration at Hale head was outstanding this morning. I arrived a bit late but caught the tale end of the thrushes, pigeons and finches. At the car park a flock of c50 Long-tailed tit went through and there was female Blackcap. I missed the earlier reported Ring ouzel but picked up calls of many Redpolls, a few Siskin and a few Brambling.

I met the people doing the counts there regularly who saw the Hawfinch yesturday and Rouzel today. The chap does a great job picking stuff out considering the numbers. He said there was a possible rare lark yesturday but didn't say what it was and wasn't confident to claim it on just a fly over. Must be a few bits hidden in those big flocks.

Gareth

[Victor Meldrew]

Hi all,

Just saying hello as I'm the new kid on the block around here. Well I say "new" but I was a birdforum poster some years back but have tended to lurk on Focalpoint's pages since then.

Anyway I'm an active birder in Cheshire, mostly the eastern hills near my home in Rainow but occasionally I wander further west to Marbury, Redesmere, Sandbach etc. Walks from my home are usually pretty uneventful bird-wise but today I was lucky enough to witness a Peregrine in a stoop dive on some Woodpigeons at Billinge. Last weekend's highlight was a movement of 500+ Fieldfare over the village in one view.

cheers,
Paul.

[Cheshire Birder]

Hi all,

Just saying hello as I'm the new kid on the block around here. Well I say "new" but I was a birdforum poster some years back but have tended to lurk on Focalpoint's pages since then.

Anyway I'm an active birder in Cheshire, mostly the eastern hills near my home in Rainow but occasionally I wander further west to Marbury, Redesmere, Sandbach etc. Walks from my home are usually pretty uneventful bird-wise but today I was lucky enough to witness a Peregrine in a stoop dive on some Woodpigeons at Billinge. Last weekend's highlight was a movement of 500+ Fieldfare over the village in one view.

cheers,
Paul.

Welcome back to the fold Victor !! :t:

CB

[John Barber]

Used to fish up at Rainow 35 years ago when I lived in Macclesfield. Not been back there for years. Is that area still worth a birding trip these days ?

[Victor Meldrew]

Hi John,

Not really worth an expedition. It's just typical farmland where you have to work really hard to extract anything out of the ordinary. Good place for badgers though and a nice place to live.

Yes, I first became acquainted with Rainow through fishing about 35 years ago - the pond known as Mill Brook - now drained.

cheers,
Paul.

Used to fish up at Rainow 35 years ago when I lived in Macclesfield. Not been back there for years. Is that area still worth a birding trip these days ?

[John Barber]

Hi John,

Yes, I first became acquainted with Rainow through fishing about 35 years ago - the pond known as Mill Brook - now drained.



It's a small world ! Shame about the pond being drained.

[Pitvar]

Had a trip across to Hilbre this afternoon - weather conditions from gale force wind to sleet to rain to brilliant sunshine!

Bird wise saw a much larger flock of Brents than expected - a conservative count of 75 birds. A purple sand [my 200th lifer and what a good place to achieve that milestone], hundeds of oystercatchers, the biggest cormorant roost I've ever seen - over a hundred birds, plus knott, LBBG, BHG, Curlew, Turnstone and the seals on the sandbanks in the distance. No divers or buntings of any description but given the strong winds and sea conditions anything was a bonus.

[Victor Meldrew]

Just imagine - you're sat up in bed with a cuppa, watching a woodpecker in a nearby tree through the window when suddenly it's joined by a male Golden Oriole. Amazingly that's what happened to Mike Atkinson last week in Congleton. Mike's a very keen photographer (you may have seen his articles on BirdGuides) so the joy of seeing this bird was tempered with frustration when it flew off before he could get to his camera. Doh!

[Gronk08]

Had a trip across to Hilbre this afternoon - weather conditions from gale force wind to sleet to rain to brilliant sunshine!

Bird wise saw a much larger flock of Brents than expected - a conservative count of 75 birds. A purple sand [my 200th lifer and what a good place to achieve that milestone], hundeds of oystercatchers, the biggest cormorant roost I've ever seen - over a hundred birds, plus knott, LBBG, BHG, Curlew, Turnstone and the seals on the sandbanks in the distance. No divers or buntings of any description but given the strong winds and sea conditions anything was a bonus.

Hi

Could I ask you if you went over on Hibre just during the high tide or did you allow the tide to come in? I am only asking as Purple Sands would be a lifer for my Wife and me and we have wondered where and when is the best place to see one.

Cheers

Tim.

[Hedgeland]

An easy place to see purple sands is New Brighton - during a good high tide they roost on the platform on the marine lake. First ones recorded nearby over last couple of days.
H

[Gronk08]

An easy place to see purple sands is New Brighton - during a good high tide they roost on the platform on the marine lake. First ones recorded nearby over last couple of days.
H

Thanks for that, I take it they only get there on the really high tides or would a 8m or so tide bring them in.
I only ask as I have next week off and that seems as high as the tide will be getting.

Cheers

Tim.

[Hedgeland]

Not too sure about the tide heights but they seem to use the pontoon if its really windy too whihc i guess is becauses its sheltered.

If they are not there then check the rock armour around the coast for the other roosts.

From west to east

1. End of harrison drive by lifeguard station
2. About 1km east of above before roundabout with clown on it
3. Rock amour going out to lighthouse from Fort
4. End of rock armour almost at the end of Dalmorton Road.
Good luck on your PS search.
H

[Cheshire Birder]

Thanks for that, I take it they only get there on the really high tides or would a 8m or so tide bring them in.
I only ask as I have next week off and that seems as high as the tide will be getting.


Birds sometimes roost on the nearby breakwater as well as the marine lake. Try both to be sure.

Not too sure about the tide heights but they seem to use the pontoon if its really windy too whihc i guess is becauses its sheltered.

If they are not there then check the rock armour around the coast for the other roosts.

From west to east

1. End of harrison drive by lifeguard station
2. About 1km east of above before roundabout with clown on it
3. Rock amour going out to lighthouse from Fort
4. End of rock armour almost at the end of Dalmorton Road.
Good luck on your PS search.
H

I would recommend the rocks just below the lifeguard stn. At high tide I have had very confiding bird there.

CB

[Pitvar]

If you do get to Hilbre the Purple Sand was on the left from the start of the concrete roadway onto the main island - on the top of one of the red sandstone lumps [shaped like Whernside in minature if you know the Yorkshire Dales]! Sadly it crept to the far side of said rock and despite trying some climbing around from both east and west I couldn't relocate it for a photo [and it was too weedy to even think about climbing over the rock in question and I didn't want to disturb the bird.

[Gronk08]

Hi

Thanks to Pitvar, CB and Hedgeland for the tips of where to pick up Purple Sands.

Fingers crossed now for next week.

Tim.

[PhilW]

Tim
Purple Sandpiper numbers build up over the winter. The N end of Hilbre Island off the end of the old slipway is the place to see them feeding with Turnstones on an ebbing or rising tide. At high tide they tend to find a safe roosting place either on unviewable ledges on the Islands or somewher o nthe meain land as mentioned above.

I'd leave going over for a few weeks until numbers have built up. You can always check on the Hilbre Observatory blog:

http://www.hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/

This will give you all the latest sightings and numbers.

[Cheshire Birder]

Belated news for Tuesday - Ring-necked Duck reported at Moore NR.

CB

[chris butterworth]

I finally managed to get out and do some birding this morning after far to much work! As the Langfields have been pretty poor recently I went down to West Kirby shore via the old village. I started off by going down Echo Lane ( at the rear of the Ring'o'Bells pub ) where I managed 2 Gt Spotted Woodpecker - but no sign of the Lesser's that are around there. Upper Ashton Park had another 3 GSW's, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Trecreeper, a flock of c.50 Goldfinch with 9 Siskin and 15 Lesser Redpoll among them, 23 Longtailed Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Fieldfare. On to Cubbin's Green where I picked up 3 Bullfinch ( but little else ), while the Marine Lake held 2 Cormorant and a male Red-breasted Merganser. There were 2 Little Egret, 9 Sky Lark, 5 Meadow Pipit - and a Fox, unusual to see one here so "late" in the day - in the saltmarsh. The dunes held 4 Stonechat and, the birds of the day, 2 Snow Bunting. I finished with at least 2 Water Rail in the Phragmites bed at Red Rocks.
Chris

[Cheshire Birder]

Where abouts were the Snow Bunts Chris?

CB

[Pitvar]

Hi

Thanks to Pitvar, CB and Hedgeland for the tips of where to pick up Purple Sands.

Fingers crossed now for next week.

Tim.

Not quite Cheshire but found five Purple Sands at Colwyn bay just before high tide today, along with a superb male Black Redstart - both just in front of the Little Church on the rock armour. Earlier I saw the three Black Redstarts in the upper quarry on Little Orme mobbing a Little Owl for some of the time - and finished the morning off with a Great Northern Diver!

[Cheshire Birder]

Not quite Cheshire but found five Purple Sands at Colwyn bay just before high tide today, along with a superb male Black Redstart - both just in front of the Little Church on the rock armour. Earlier I saw the three Black Redstarts in the upper quarry on Little Orme mobbing a Little Owl for some of the time - and finished the morning off with a Great Northern Diver!

Not a bad days birding Pitvar!! Even if it was out of the county. Black Redstarts are always a good find.

CB

[Pitvar]

Not a bad days birding Pitvar!! Even if it was out of the county. Black Redstarts are always a good find.

CB

Thanks CB, I can't claim to have [re]found the Black Redstarts but I did find the Purple Sands and the GND - I can recommend that stetch of coast to anyone who fancies a run out - only took me just over an hour each way - but watch the A55 for speed traps if anyone's going!

[Cheshire Birder]

Thanks CB, I can't claim to have [re]found the Black Redstarts but I did find the Purple Sands and the GND - I can recommend that stetch of coast to anyone who fancies a run out - only took me just over an hour each way - but watch the A55 for speed traps if anyone's going!

The north wales coast is very unrated in my view. They get some cracking birds.

CB

[Bananafishbones]

Macclesfield Forest 09.00am

12 Bullfinch in same tree at lodge end of Ridgegate reservoir.

[chris butterworth]

Where abouts were the Snow Bunts Chris?

CB

Sorry I havn't got back before this, my connection went t*ts up. They were on the rocks half way between Pinfold Lane steps and West Kirby.
Chris

[Gronk08]

Not quite Cheshire but found five Purple Sands at Colwyn bay just before high tide today, along with a superb male Black Redstart - both just in front of the Little Church on the rock armour. Earlier I saw the three Black Redstarts in the upper quarry on Little Orme mobbing a Little Owl for some of the time - and finished the morning off with a Great Northern Diver!

Hi Pitvar

Great shots, like your self I do enjoy visiting the north Wales coast, and should realy visit more often.
I will have to try Colwyn bay, as I will admit I have never gone birding there.

Cheers

Tim.

[ta brandreth]

single Whooper of Astmoor Saltmarsh, Runcorn @ 10;30 this morning....