Cheshire And Wirral Birding: Hills, Lowland and Coast

[Dean Powell]

I live in the Staffordshire Moorlands Region. For a while now I have been aware of the close proximity of Cheshire and the Wirral to the Staffordshire Moorlands and North Staffordshire border. I think it would be great to hear from birders and naturalists who go birding, wildlife watching and walking in the region, to hear about their favourite walks/local patches, different habitats and sightings. Perhaps a few photos could also be added from time to time adding another dimention to the reports.

I often find myself crossing the border into Cheshire for a walk in the hills and moorlands to the east or making my way across to the Wirral and the Dee Estuary. Earlier in the year I visited Hilbre with a good friend of mine from the Yorkshire thread. This region is rich in birds and wildlife and there is so much of interest that could be reported here.

Let the thread begin.

Dean

[Boom]

there`s some great sites over on The Wirral-still seeing Marsh Harrier on Parkgate Marsh- Hobby has been knocking about on Burton Marsh (just outside of Neston) and Barn Owl is regular there.

There`s an RSPB reserve (Inner Marsh Farm) that`s had Spotted Flycatcher and Grasshopper Warbler regularly lately as well as Glossy Ibis which seems to fluctuate between there and Marshside by Southport.

the reserve is closed on Tuesdays i think.

go to google and type in "dee estuary latest sightings" follow the link- very informative and updated daily.

cheers.

[Dean Powell]

Back to the 6th April 2008 I was up at 6am and it was -4 degrees outside in the snow and I visited snowy Cheshire making my way to the Wirral and the Dee Estuary for a walk to Hilbre with my friend Jay Jay from the Yorkshire thread.

We didn't have to walk across and was given a lift by the coast guard which was interesting and bumpy to say the least. He has lived on the island for 10 years. There was not a lot about on the island itself other than the odd Meadow Pippit and it was windy or breezy depending on where we stood or sat.

We stayed on Hilbre over high tide and out to sea saw four Velvet Scoter (we were both very pleased with this find), a number of Cormorants in flight, along with various gulls.

On Middle Eye there were a number of Curlew resting on the grassy top. Below them were large numbers of Oystercatcher, Knot, and common gulls. There were seals out at sea.

As the sea receeded we watched 100+ Pale Bellied Brent Geese in flight returning to the shore between Hilbre and Middle Eye. They flew by very closely and from a distance were more or less in a line when in flight. This was superb moment

Got very close views of Knot, Turnstone, and Purple Sandpiper, a few Redshank in flight and feeding close to the Hilbre shoreline.

All in all a good day with sunshine but chilly. Great views towards the snow capped North Wales hills and mountains on the otherside of the estuary and the Point of Ayr.

Finally, about 5 hours later we walked back across the sands to the mornings start point.

I managed a few photos and thought I'd share three of them.

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Dean (and now other thread watchers and users)

I will certainly keep this thread updated.
I live 20minutes from the border of Cheshire & Derbyshire so the local patch for me straddles both.

My main areas of interest are:

Teggs nose
Goyt Valley
Axe edge Moor
Three Shire Heads
Middlewood way
Tittesworth
Reedsmere

I will keep this thread updated

Best regards
Dave

[Bananafishbones]

3 hr walk along part of the Middlewood way (Poynton area) this afternoon
Nothing unusual but its amazing what you can see when your out and about:

Pied Wagtail, Moorehen + Juvenile, Coot, 4 Mallards, Song Thrush (Pair), Blackbirds (2pair), Dunnock, Robin, 2 Willow Warbler + 1 Juvenile, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Herring Gull, 4 Magpie, Swifts, Tree Sparrows.

Plus an unusual Duck in someones pool (about to look it up)

[Bananafishbones]

A short visit to Teggs Nose country park, the Bottoms reservoire at Macclesfield.

Kestrel (Although only a fly-by)
Carrion Crow (12)
Magpie
Coot (3)
Moorhen (2)
Grey Heron (3)
Great Crested Crebe (6)

[mosschops]

Hi Guys,
Good effort Dean in starting this thread. Im a confirmed lurker and irregular poster on Deans Staffordshire moorlands thread. I'll also post my Cheshire sightings on here.
Hopefully next year when the legalities are sorted out we'll have new access and carpark at Inner Marsh Farm. The RSPB have big plans for the reserve, i believe they want it to be the 'minsmere of the north'.
Theres a long way to go to that but its already good and the potential is superb.

[Dean Powell]

Hi jason,

Nice to see that you have found the thread and posted. The plans for Inner Marsh Farm sound interesting.

Dean:t::t:

[mosschops]

Sandbach Flashes 24/08

Up at the crack of dawn on sunday at Elton Hall Flash which was very quiet as the water level is very high at the moment.
No waders except lapwing but great views of 2 little egrets drifting over.
Even quiet on the duck front. Mallards and a few Teal.

Jason.

[Bananafishbones]

Up early to visit Cheshire Staffs border tittesworth etc and saw:

Pea soup
:(

[mosschops]

Crazy water levels today, Pumphouse flash has trebled in size therefore no mud for waders.
2 Dunlin
2 Ruff
500 Lapwing
Chiff Chaff singing
Whitethroat singing and a late Swift.
Not much else apart from the more common gull species.

Jason

[Bananafishbones]

Walked along New Brighton front today:

I guess I saw nothing unusual for those parts but enjoyed it non the less:

Turnstone
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Knot
Lesser BB Gull
Common Gull
Great BB Gull
Cormorant
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Starling

[mosschops]

Walked along New Brighton front today:

I guess I saw nothing unusual for those parts but enjoyed it non the less:

Turnstone
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Knot
Lesser BB Gull
Common Gull
Great BB Gull
Cormorant
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Starling

Doesn't matter though does it. When you're from the east of the county like us, its just nice being by the sea.
Any good sightings are a bonus. I love my winter forays to the Dee estuary, i could spend hours just gazing over Burton marsh. |=)|

[Dean Powell]

Hi Jason and Dave,

Good to see you reporting here. I am looking forward to some Autumn and winter forays to Burton Marsh, the Dee and Hilbre. I am also looking forward to the occassional foray into east Cheshire as well:t:

Dean

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Guys

Your right about getting to the coast, another aspect to the birding day out especially from this part of Cheshire. The Turnstones were fantastic with one or two happy to venture very close by to me while I was sat on the rocks, some cracking pics , Looking forward to later in the year by the coast now.

Just a mention of the Knot on Sunday....It was mingled in with the Redshanks and at first I thought it was a Greenshank, further inspection proved to be a Knot... My first ever sighting!!

That alone was worth the day out.

[Bananafishbones]

I will attach a pic just to enable a positive KNOT ID

LOL

[Bananafishbones]

Please ignore the picture quality, however I think my ever improving bird knowledge says I got a KNOT:eek!:

[Bananafishbones]

Today spent a couple of hours at Bottoms resevoire in Macclesfield:
Buzzard 3
Sparrowhawk
Robin
Goldfinch (10ish)
Great Crested Grebe 3
Tufted Duck M 1
Tufted Duck F 5 (Lucky Fellow!!)
Mallards 11
Moorehen 4
Grey Heron
Wren
Black Headed Gull Juv 5
Mistle thrush (I think) Plump with black mottled against white breast

and a first tick for me... Little Grebe

Not bad for a rainy 2 hours

[Dean Powell]

I went across to the Wirral today and visited RSPB Inner Marsh Farm. The cloud was low but managed to see Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff, Golden Plover(preening), a couple of Snipe, Redshank, Greenshank, Long tailed, Blue and Great tits and a Buzzard. Canada and Greylagg Geese were about and had a good view of a Mute Swan in flight and coming into land. Plenty of lapwings and crows about.

All in all it was quiet today at Inner marsh and then I went down on to Burton Marsh itself. Had good views of numerous Kestrals, Buzzards, a Barn Owl hunting at close quarters, flocks of starlings, and 4 Little Egret in flight over the marsh.

One interesting episode was a flock of crows chasing a Kestral across the marsh and the kestral doing its best to avoid attack.

I made my way home mid afternoon and following a diversion came across a pub called the Goshawk!!

Dean:t:

[Bananafishbones]

I guess we have movement in the skys above:

About 2pm Sunday 2 shelduck passed above my house heading in a yorkshirley direction.

18.00hrs a flock of over 50+ crows flew over in the wirrel direction and about an hour later 100+ lapwing flew over my house also heading in a wirrel direction (very noisely)

20+ Goldfinch in one of my trees on Friday and Saturday, then a sparowhawk circled close by (my first sighting of one above my garden) and disappeared out of sight fairly quickly didnt see which direction as I was trying to reach for my camera in the kitchen, however since the sparrowhawks visit the Goldfinch have not been seen.

Did get 3 greenfinch though:)

also one that I didnt recognise, definatly not a greenfinch (its beak seemed smaller), dull head similar shape and colour to adult willow warbler but down its back it got greener with a very prominant narrow yellow band down towards its rump, didnt see its breast

Starling numbers gone up dramatically in my close, 50 or more now

[Bananafishbones]

10.00am this morning, after a huge commotion by a resident Magpie, I stuck my head outside the backdoor just in time to witness the Sparrowhawk come between a small gap in the trees on one side of the garden. It then swooped down 2 feet from the ground and out the otherside of the garden.

Nothing unusual you may think (albeit this sparrowhawk is new to this area, I have lived here for 5 years and never seen one until this weekend), however when it swooped down the only thing in its range was me (15 feet away) and the neighbours cat 12 feet away.
It couldnt have been going for the cat could it:eek!:

[doakes2]

HI Dean,

I live in Macclesfield,and hopefully when I do get time again to do a spot of birwathing, I will be posting my threads here. My local patches are

Tegs nose
Macc forest
Tittesworth
Bollin Valley

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Dave
I live not far from you in Poynton, your patch is similar to mine, if you fancy meeting up sometime when out and about drop me a line

Cheers
Dave

[doakes2]

HI,

Yes,will have to meet up sometime. Sent a thread yesterday about Common Crossbill sightings in Macc forest. Asked anybody where the best part of the forest your likely to see them. Have you had any luck?

[Bananafishbones]

Hi

Not been out and about for a week or two, however a hive of activity this morning in my garden:
Great Tits
Blue Tits
Coal Tits
Robin
Dunnock
Blackbirds
Mags
Jackdaw
Carrion Crows
Chaffinchs
Greenfinchs

Over head loads of gulls (Not genned up enough on gulls in flight)

and a garden first .... 2 tree creepers

Will try to get down to tittesworth sometime next week

[Dean Powell]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the thread. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Keep an eye on the neighbouring Staffordshire Moorlands and North Staffs thread as well.

There must be more East Cheshire Birders out there so if you come across them let them know about Birdforum and this thread.

Dean:t:

[doakes2]

HI Dean,

Will keep you updated with my posts,and will keep an eye on our neighbouring thread. if i come accross any one else in East cheshire I will let them know about Birdforum, and this thread. I,m hoping to do a spot of birdwatching this weekend, and will let you know if anything or interest turns up

[inyoniUK]

New to Cheshire so still finding my way around, but am lucky enough to have the Woolston Eyes reserve at the end of my road. Just love crossing over the footbridge onto No 3 bed - it's like a little world all of its own!

This Sunday I saw:

Jay, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Kestrel

Nothing earth-shattering, but I enjoyed it. |:d|

[Bananafishbones]

Nice one!
I have Bottoms reservoir in Macclesfield a short drive away from my base in Poynton, and again never earth shattering but still enough to make the journey worthwhile......... Little grebe, Kingfisher, Buzzard etc

First G S Woodpecker in my garden today, showed well for 20 minutes or so :)
Welcome to the Cheshire thread... keep them coming
Dave

[inyoniUK]

Thanks for the welcome - and congrats on having a GSW in your garden. I only ever seem to get fleeting glimpses of them.

You are lucky to be right on the edge of the Peak District too. I went walking in Wye Dale a couple of weeks ago and got great views of 2 Dippers. Also got to see a weasel very close up when I stopped to eat my sandwiches - he just popped out from under a rock and ran around in front of me without seeming to notice I was even there!

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Again

I have had a great response to simply putting 4 feeders out (cheap ones from the pound shop) and some fat balls, thus have had a slight invasion of birds from Tits, Finches, thrushes,...... tree creeper!!..... Sparrowhawk, and now the GSW,
Get lots of starlings now and collard doves that seem to barge in, oh and a squirrel

All exciting stuff

[ikw101]

Took a trip over to Burton Marsh on Sunday and had a great time watching 4 SE Owls. According to one of the locals the previous weekend there had been up to 23 SE Owls hunting in the area - presumably moving through. Also approx 234 Little Egrets coming into roost. Missed the HH but apparently there's at least 2 in the area also plenty of Little Owls and the occasional Barn Owl. No Merlins yet but the occasional MH. Also plenty of mozzies !

[Boom]

Good stuff, i`m over to Burton Marsh this afternoon-i`ve been lucky enough to see most of those birds over the last couple of years in that area but i`ve never seen a Little Owl there. Did you see one or hear about them being present?

cheers.

[Boom]

Excellent afternoon for Raptors today, Parkgate had 2 Ringtails and Marsh Harrier as well as Kestrel and 2 Short Eared Owls- out hunting before 3pm. Burton Marsh had Merlin, Peregrine and 2 more SEO s. Inner Marsh farm manged to see another young Hen Harrier Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. There`s a Raptor Watch at Parkgate on Sunday afternoon run by the RSPB-looks like it could be a good one.

cheers.

[inyoniUK]

Burton Marsh sounds like the place to be. |=)|

Am now armed with OS map and tide tables, so will aim to be there on Sunday.

[inyoniUK]

Spent some time at Moore reserve this afternoon - fairly quiet but did get to see Green Sandpiper. Also Wigeon, GC Grebe, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Lots of jays - I've never seen so many jays as there are around Warrington. Bonus was seeing a fox skulking along the lake shore. 3 BH gulls were intent on pursuing and trying to drown a coot. Any ideas why they were doing that? It was behaving fairly inoffensively I thought (for a coot!)

[Rob Smallwood]

Burton Marsh today was quiet - just a Peregrine, but Parkgate was excellent, 4 Short-eared Owls, 1 or 2 Barn Owl and 1 or 2 Hen Harrier, the Owls putting on an excellent display from at least 4:00 to dusk.

[inyoniUK]

So a whole day trip it is for tomorrow then. |:d| High tide at Burton Marsh to see what waders I can find in the morning, then on to Parkgate for the raptors in the afternoon. BTW thanks to Boom for the tip off about the Raptor Watch.

[doakes2]

Hi, and welcome. Hope Burton marsh produced some good species for you, how did the raptor watch go?? Where is parkgate? Could you send me some details please.

[inyoniUK]

Hi, and welcome. Hope Burton marsh produced some good species for you, how did the raptor watch go?? Where is parkgate? Could you send me some details please.

Hi and thanks for the welcome. Didn't see many waders at Burton Marsh itself because 'high tide' turned out to be still a long way from the shore! Seems it's only when you get the really high Spring tides that the waders are forced in close. So I wandered off to the Inner Marsh Farm reserve instead - and got to see quite a few interesting species there:

Green-winged Teal, Goldeneye, Pintail, Ruff, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Snipe, Hen Harrier (F). Also enjoyed watching a group of Goldcrests in the wooded area on the way to the hide.

The Raptor Watch went fairly well. We got some very good views of female Hen Harriers; a Merlin did a rapid fly-past but was quite distant; lots of Kestrels (on a couple of occasions doing synchronised hovering). We were also treated to excellent fairly close views of a Barn Owl, but unfortunately missed out on Short-eared Owls.

Parkgate is on the Dee Estuary, near to Neston on the Wirral. Hopefully this link (http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/d/dee-parkgate/) will work for you.

[Boom]

2 Ringtails at Parkgate this afternoon and 2 Short Eared Owls at Burton Marsh. Shovellers and Shelducks on Decca Pools.

cheers.

[doakes2]

Hi,

Sounds like you had a good day, and thanks for the link!

[Bananafishbones]

New Brighton today Noon - 14.30

Sanderling (New Tick for me)
Turnstone
Red shank
Knot
Oystercatcher
Ring Plover (New tick for me)
Curlew
Herring Gull
LBB Gull
GBB Gull
Common Gull
Starling, Mags, Carrion, Rook etc

[inyoniUK]

New Brighton today Noon - 14.30

Sanderling (New Tick for me)
Turnstone
Red shank
Knot
Oystercatcher
Ring Plover (New tick for me)
Curlew
Herring Gull
LBB Gull
GBB Gull
Common Gull
Starling, Mags, Carrion, Rook etc

Congrats on the Sanderling and Ringed Plover. |=)| I've yet to see Sanderling. Was watching my waders DVD the other evening and love the way Sanderling scurry along. I know the word 'cute' tends to be frowned on in the birding fraternity - but they definitely are! |:D|

There are a couple of RSPB wader events coming up around the Dee Estuary - 1 Nov at Flint Saltmarsh, 15 Nov at Hoylake. Might be fun - details here (http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/highbird08.htm).

[Bananafishbones]

Hi inyoni

Thanks for the info. The couple of hours on New Brighton front were good, I saw a group of 6 SANDERLING and got pretty close too. I sat on the rocks watching them for a good 30 minutes and I doubt they looked at me once, the Knot stayed close to them aswell.
The Turnstone were even more freindly and came within 20feet without being overly wary!!

I may try the Flint event this weekend, although I have a walk planned so will see what the weather does.

Regards
Dave

[inyoniUK]

Spent a short time at Woolston Eyes this afternoon - very quiet, water levels high. Saw a few of the usual suspects: Mallard, Tufties, Gadwall, Teal and a solitary Pochard. Also Buzzard and a kerfuffle of LTTs. Best was a group of 3 Bullfinches - the males looked a lovely toasty-warm colour on a chilly afternoon. |=)|

[Bananafishbones]

Had a quick run out hoping to see the 14 Goosander at South park Macclesfield, alas none their:C,
to make the journey worth while carried on to Redesmere hoping to catch them their......:C

Anyway the usual suspects were on the water:
Mallard
Tufted
Coot
Black Headed Gull
Canada
Pochard


Lots of Chaffinches in the surrounding headgerows and bushes.

More excitment back at home on my feeders!!

Got a spare day Friday any tips on a guaranteed good spotting day, dont mind driving 2 hours!!

[chris butterworth]

Nice Whooper Swan on West Kirby Marine Lake today
Chris

[inyoniUK]

Got a spare day Friday any tips on a guaranteed good spotting day, dont mind driving 2 hours!!

Ah, if only birding came with a guarantee - put me down for a guaranteed bittern please! |=)|

Flint Saltmarsh was quite good on Saturday. Got to see hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits coming in to roost. Saw them best when they were flying in - they rather blended into the saltmarsh once they'd landed. However we did see one fairly close up all by himself soon after we started the walk. Also lots of Knot and Dunlin - though could only really identify these by size and flying behaviour - and 3 Spotted Redshank. A few Curlews and Little Egrets. There were apparently hundreds of Pintail on the English side of the Dee Estuary, but they were so distant that they were really just blobs.

In the afternoon went over to Inner Marsh Farm for some sun (the Flint side rapidly turned cloudy and cold, so I was enviously gazing across at a sun-basking Wirral!). Saw 4 Whooper Swans, about 12 Pink Foots and a solitary Pintail. Also 2 Snipe very close to the hide which were good to watch for a while.

[Bananafishbones]

Might do Leighton Moss on Friday, although may opt to see what these Staffs folk get upto in Berryhill etc!! Just need directions now :)

[inyoniUK]

may opt to see what these Staffs folk get upto in Berryhill etc!!

Yes, I'm learning to keep a watch on what's happening in neighbouring patches as well as our own - also in the UK County by County Index section: Manchester, Lancs. Have started gathering a list of reasonably nearby places to visit at some point - Pennington Flash, Wigan Flashes, Mere Sands Wood.

[Boom]

forecast doesn`t look good for friday but that can change. At least at Leighton Moss you can shelter in the hides. Stocks Reservoir isn`t too far away-there`s a new hide there and the surrounding woods is good for Green Woodpecker and Crossbills. It`s only a few miles past Dunsop Bridge which on a decent day can be outstanding for raptors.

cheers.

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers for the onfo.

I now have Thursday off too, so will head up towards L Moss and Stocks tomorrow now

[gareth_blockley]

Found a Black redstart today whilst looking at the waders along the New brighton coast near Perch rock. It spent day around the first stone spit/groyne west of perch rock. First picked it up feeding along the beach and then lost to veiw, someone else had it later early afternoon and i saw it again at 4 before it flew south. I didn't see where it went so could still be around. Got some distant record shots and will post if worth it.

Gareth

[Bananafishbones]

Left Cheshire for a day in Silverdale plenty of Waterfowl on the main pools, Teal, Pintails, Pochard, Wigeon, Shellduck etc

Very short of waders, Godwits were too far out to be of great interest, Lapwings plentyful, the day ended with a Snipe which showed really close to the hide, although it was always part concealed by a clump of reed.

I got myself a few ticks.... Bullfinch(F), and I believe a Willow Tit.

The hightlight for me were the Bearded tits, hard to tell how many there were I guess 8-12, I caught them at 10.00am and they showed well.

Dave

[gareth_blockley]

Out at Frodsham today - 4 Scaup and 2 Ruff on the Slurry lagoon.


Gareth

[durham giant]

suprissed no one's mention leaches petrels' i thought they are in wirrel

[Bananafishbones]

Last 3 visits to NB didnt show any Leaches, nor the Manx`s for that matter, maybe just not looking up enough and in the right places

[Richard Powell]

I took a walk round Neumann's Flash in Northwich today. Not much out of the ordinary, but an impressive sized flock of Teal, quite a few Shoveler and Gadwall, Redpoll, Green Woodpecker, Jay.

But most importantly was a win for the mighty Brewers at Northwich Victoria!

[chris butterworth]

Just had a cracking Gt. Nthn Diver on West Kirby Marine Lake. If it's anything like the last one here it'll be around for some time
Chris

[Boom]

I`ll be over there on Wednesday so if anyone could confirm that the GN Diver was still hanging around tomorrow it would be greatly appreciated ta.

[Dean Powell]

Saturday afternoon I went up to Macclesfield Forrest and saw Heron, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Long Tailed Tit flock with Goldcrest. Also saw a Red Deer Stag standing in water at Trentabank Reservoir drinking and grazing. It was there for some time.

Dean:t:

[Boom]

Peregrine and Sparrowhawk hunting the Starlings at their roost on Runcorn Bridge at dusk this evening.

cheers

[Boom]

Ring Tail Hen Harrier at Inner Marsh Farm this afternoon, Snipe, Water Rail, Linnet etc. Burton Marsh saw a Peregrine, 3 Ravens and 4 Short Eared Owls and Parkgate saw another 3 Short Eared Owls another Peregrine, Reed Buntings,Linnets etc.

cheers

[chris butterworth]

Gt Nthn Diver still on the Marine Lake at West Kirby, Snow Bunting seem to be hanging around by Pinfold Steps ( between West Kirby prom and Red Rocks), and at least 3 Water Rail inthe reedbed at Red Rocks today, I also had a flock of 20+ possible Waxwing over ( too far away by the time I got my scope on them!)
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Quick trip to Jacksons Brickworks in Poynton at 3.10pm getting dusky at this time with a little drizzle, really quiet but for a pair of Bullfinch showing really well and loads of Blackbirds............ otherwise its back to my feeders for the Coal tits.

Dave

[mosschops]

Hi All,
Not posted for a while as i haven't been out much but tomorrow will be my first winter visit to my atlas tetrad near Wynbury (between Crewe and Nantwich).
I have just taken posession of the newly published Cheshire bird atlas and what a magnificent job has been done by all involved. Its enormous (700 pages & very heavy)! and well worth a read. Its also one to show the little'uns as i covered a few tetrads and my name is published!.
Has great views of six Red Kites from the train just south of Oxford on friday.

Jason

[inyoniUK]

Had a good day out on the Wirral today. High tide at King's Gap, Hoylake:
thousands of Knot milling about, seemed quite jumpy but no raptors spotted. Redshank, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, a few Black-tailed Godwit and one Bar-tailed Godwit (showing the remains of his summer plumage). Bonus was 3 Snow Buntings.

Then went to West Kirby and saw the Great Northern Diver on the Marine Lake.

Finally Inner Marsh Farm: fairly quiet but among the usual suspects saw Fieldfare, Snipe, Kestrel, Buzzard, Pintail and 2 very distant female Goldeneyes. Bonus was seeing Water Rail close to the hide - wading (and on one occasion leaping!) across the open water areas between reed clumps.

[ikw101]

Had a good day out on the Wirral today. High tide at King's Gap, Hoylake:
thousands of Knot milling about, seemed quite jumpy but no raptors spotted.

Called in at Parkgate late afternoon. At least 3 ringtails plus a stunning young adult male (still a hint of brown on it's back). Could easily have been 5 ringtails - bit difficult to keep an eye on the roost whilst watching the male. Also 4 short-eared owls, a barn owl and a pair of stonechats. Hoping to catch up with the snow buntings and GN diver tomorrow.

[Boom]

Great Northern Diver still at West Kirby Marine Lake today, 2 Short Eared Owls/Peregrine/Stonechats at Parkgate and 4 Short Eared Owls/Ring Tailed Harrier and Peregrine at Burton Marsh.

cheers.

[gareth_blockley]

Out at Frodsham marsh today. There was a single Scaup still on the lagoon, 2 Ruff still around, female Merlin (probably followed Dunlin as they cam in at high tide), c30 Twite feeding on the vegetated part of the lagoon (i only saw part of the flock) and 5 Redpoll hanging around wth the Goldfinch.

Gareth

[ikw101]

From Richard Smith's excellent website - "November 16, 2008:
25 Short-eared Owl on Burton Marsh this afternoon, this must be the highest ever!!!" More info http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/ Normally the counts at Burton are carried out by the RSPB's site manager and given the high numbers recorded elsewhere on the estuary I suspect this is a very accurate record.

[Boom]

yeah the warden did the count himself on Sunday afternoon- he actually went out onto the marsh to do it.

The RSPB are sure its a record- can`t recall hearing of anything like it myself.

cheers

[gareth_blockley]

At New brighton today i had 15 Purple sands go to roost on the pontoon at the marine lake, also 2 or 3 Merlins around - 2(m+f) seen in the morning and female seen in the afternoon.

Burton marsh late afternoon loads of SEO's!! I had 23 in one sweep across. Also around 2 Barn owls, ringtail Hen harrier and Merlin. I didn't see the Marsh harrier.

Gareth

[PhilW]

Out at Frodsham marsh today. There was a single Scaup still on the lagoon, 2 Ruff still around, female Merlin (probably followed Dunlin as they cam in at high tide), c30 Twite feeding on the vegetated part of the lagoon (i only saw part of the flock) and 5 Redpoll hanging around wth the Goldfinch.

Gareth

Gareth

You should submit this record to Cheshire rarities committee. Twite have not been recorded at Frodsham in such a large flock for many years! The site is watched regularly and I understand the last twite was 10 years ago. They are a very rare bird anywhere in Cheshire with a mximum 1 or 2 birds recorded annually.

[gareth_blockley]

Gareth

You should submit this record to Cheshire rarities committee. Twite have not been recorded at Frodsham in such a large flock for many years! The site is watched regularly and I understand the last twite was 10 years ago. They are a very rare bird anywhere in Cheshire with a mximum 1 or 2 birds recorded annually.

Will do. Have you got any details of where/to whom to send the record. I personally would only submit a record of 6 birds as thats all i saw, but 2 collegues saw the c30. I'd not seen Twite before but they were definately Twite, two prominent wing bar (in flight), quite gingery coloured and more subtle differrences in plumage colour, more rounded body shape and dumpy looking than Linnets.

If anyone wants to go have a look for them they were on the vegetated area of the slurry lagoon (no. 6 lagoon?) veiwed from the north side as the track bends round to the right (about here: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=349570&y=378355&z=120&sv=349570,378355&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&lm=0).

Gareth

[PhilW]

Gareth
PM sent. CAWOS website down at moment so sent County Recorders personal e-mail address.

[Bananafishbones]

10.30am - Noon

Redwing c20
Song Thrush 2
Great Tit 2
Wren 2
Long Tails 6
Blue Tit c12
Mallard 6
Morehen
Chaffinch 1M + 1F
Goldfinch 2
Jay 4
plus numerous Carrion, Magpie, Blackbird, Robin

[gareth_blockley]

I feel I need to clarrify my posts about Twite, or the very probable lack of Twite. After discussions with Phil via PM it seems very unlikely that the birds i saw were Twite but Redpolls amongst a flock of Linnets. Which should have been obvious as i've seen loads of them before!

I will definately take more time over IDing possible Twite in the future and take more detailed notes!

Gareth

[Bananafishbones]

On bottoms reservoir and macc forest:
G C Grebe 1
Little Grebe 4
BH Gull 6
Tufted 6m 4f
Pochard 1m
Coot 20+
Buzzard 4 All in the air together, then two singles later on
Kestrel 2
Cormorant 4 1 on water 3 in trees

:t:

[gareth_blockley]

2 Scaup still at Frodsham marsh today on the lagoon. From the high bank by the ship canal 54 Whooper swans could be seen on Ince bank.

Gareth

[Bananafishbones]

Higher Poynton today for a couple of hours, pretty gloomy but loads of activity, didnt have to walk more that 50 yards for the array listed below,

Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Great tit 6+, LTT 10+, Bullfinch 1m 1f, Jay 2, Treecreeper 1, Nuthatch 1, Redwing 12+, Blue Tit 6+, Great Tit 6+, Greenfinch 1, Siskin 16+, Goldfinch 6+, Chaffinch 4, Robin 3, Goldcrest 2, Mistlethrush 1, Blackbird 10+

Missed the Kingfisher by an hour so someone told me in passing:-C

Attached a few photos of this morning

[Boom]

Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Fieldfares, Kestrel and Short Eared Owl (present for 2 weeks) on Hale Marsh this evenng.

cheers

[inyoniUK]

I am celebrating 'cos I have finally managed to see my jinx bird - the bittern - and not just one but two! :bounce:

The first one came out into the open on the ice and then flew over to the reeds at the back. The second one came flying in across the frozen lake and landed in the reeds close to the hide. Couldn't see it after that - just the movement of the reeds as it worked its way along to the left.

Also got to see a Mediterranean Gull in amongst a flock of BH Gulls, and a beautiful Tawny Owl roosting in a tree. So a very good day! |=)|

[Boom]

You weren`t at Moore by any chance were you?

2 Bitterns flying at 15 30 this afternoon - amazing views of them chasing each other

cheers

[deeestuary]

A male Bar-tailed Godwit in full breeding plumage was seen on Wallasey Shore at the weekend, presumably the same bird which was seen at Hoylake a couple of weeks ago.
How unusual is this? They should all have turned into non-breeding plumage a couple of months ago!

[inyoniUK]

You weren`t at Moore by any chance were you?

Yes, at Moore. I'd mentioned it in the heading of the post, forgetting that the eye tends to get drawn to the body instead. A case of virtual life reflecting the real. ;)

[chris butterworth]

A male Bar-tailed Godwit in full breeding plumage was seen on Wallasey Shore at the weekend, presumably the same bird which was seen at Hoylake a couple of weeks ago.
How unusual is this? They should all have turned into non-breeding plumage a couple of months ago!

Hi Richard, individual Waders ( Shorebirds) occasionally skip "winter" plumage and moult straight from breeding plumage to breeding plumage. The causality is genetic and you tend to see the same bird year after year. I've also seen Red Knot, Dunlin and Common Redshank showing this phenominon as well. We probably notice it more in waders than in other groups because they are probably watched more in the winter.
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Macclesfield Kings school / Sainsburys area

I counted at least 25 this morning, too dull, wet, miserable to get pics

But I will return........:t: Weather permitting:eek!:

[Bananafishbones]

New garden tick today Male Bullfinch

Waxwings earlier on in Macclesfield, good day despite the rain, bring on tomorrow

[Bananafishbones]

09.30am - Noon
Back to Macclesfield this morning to see the Waxwings, unfortunatly not there. Plenty of spotters waiting to catch them, hope they return sometime today:smoke:

Scoured the surrounding area to no avail

If anyone catches up with them please post updates

Regards

Dave

[Rob72]

I also had no luck with the waxwings, walked around and around always returning to Salisbury's area before giving up and going home at 14:00... Have you got a red car Dave? and did you put a small group of birders onto the derelict 3 pigeons beer garden? if so thanks for the heads up... Got home to here that there had been 50 or so reported much closer to home (for me) in Baddeley Green between Malcolm Close and Trentfields... i'l get that tick before the years out, and if i don't...i'l have to get it next year... i hope!

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Rob

Yes that was me. Sorry you had a trek and missed them. Its funny how it goes I was there yesterday got within 5 feet of them but had no camera, then got well prepared and went back today and ducked.... Damn.

Anyway it was my first ever sighting so was really chuffed just be there.

There are still some berries about the Coare street area (the road opposite where you were all stood at Sainsburys) so I will keep an eye out. Just after I bumped into your small group I spoke to another birder who said that 2 Waxwings had been seen very early on in the derelict beer garden, but this was not confirmed, so there maybe a bit of hope for me to get a local pic yet.

The Macclesfield RSPB site is keeping up to date on the local sightings, yesterdays sighting is on there posted by the guy (Alan I think) who stood with me in awe of them.

It looks like there are some in your area now so good luck over the next few weeks

Dave

[Bananafishbones]

Waxwings had moved down to Park Green in Macclesfield:C

On the RSPB site it states at 12.30 today 30 were seen.

I will be there tomorrow morning as I am on 2-10

Wish me luck

[Rob72]

Good luck with that Dave,

Aye that 2-10 shift you got is a God send in winter. I get half hour at dinner to scan the fields at back of work... living for the weekend...still after Friday i got 16 days to spend with family and feathered friends.

Very nice indeed!

[Bananafishbones]

Off to see my parents in Prestatyn Friday morning, Point of ayr is just around the corner, Can anyone tell me if I can expect to see anything of interest apart from the usual gulls

Cheers

Dave

[Hedgeland]

Not sure of latest sightings but a little info on the site guide.
http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news0806.htm

worth a look though

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Hedge
Now added to my Favs

[Bananafishbones]

Log onto Macclesfield RSPB site:

Hawfinch seen in Disley 3 days running:t:

[speckled wood]

Single Waxwing in company with Fieldfares and Blackbird feeding on Berries by the Barony in Nantwich today.

Len

[Hedgeland]

Quick walk along small section of seafront by Vale Park at low tide.

Curlew x1
Sanderling
Turnstone
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Ringed Plover
Lesser BB Gull
BH Gull
Great BB Gull
Crow

In Vale Park:

GS Woodpecker
Tree sparrow
Goldfinch
Black bird
Pied wag
Collared dove
Magpie
Song thrush

[Boom]

Inner Marsh Farm today: Pintail, Snipe,Shoveller,Kestrel,Buzzard,Water Rail,Goldfinch,Long Tailed Tits.

Burton Marsh : 2 Peregrine, Merlin, 4 Short eared Owl.

Parkgate: 2 Short Eared Owl and 4 Hen Harriers including an adult and a sub adult male.

cheers.

[Pete Mella]

Any of you Cheshire birders ever have a look round the Bollington area? I was visiting my girlfriend's parents there over Xmas and we stumbled on a flock of 20 waxwings by the canal. A very nice surprise!

Also I saw a was-it-or-wasn't-it glimpse of a suspiciously raven-looking crow on a walk over the ridge near White Nancy. Anyone know how likely this would be?

[peter hill]

I would think its quite likely as there are a few seen most day in the goyt valley and thats not far as the raven flyso:)

[Bananafishbones]

Stanley Green Retail park (Cheadle Hulme) had 9 Waxwings showing really well in the Rowan bushes at the rear of the car park today (20+ the day before). Still plenty of berries left so will have a trip over again in the morning. 3 male Bullfinch joined them for a while........

:t:


Thanks for the Bollington info Pete..............I`m surrounded by them:clap:

[Bananafishbones]

Still plenty of Waxwings this morning, 20 showing really well at Stanley Green

5 male & 1 female Goosander, 4 Little Grebe at Trentabank

Dave

[Bananafishbones]

9am this morning
16 still showing really well, plenty of berries left.:t:

Dave

[Bananafishbones]

11.00am - Noon:

Flock of over 50 Chaffinch, Long Tailed Tit, Tree creeper, Morehen, Song Thrush, plenty of Carrion Crow, but no waders :-C

Saw over 100 Canada Geese yesterday in the stubble fields around the pool

Pied wagtail in Poynton shops car park

[chris butterworth]

Had my first days birding in Uk/Wirral today. Started off on Hoylake Langfields, at the back of the house. There are still a fair number of waders around the 9 frozen over)pool opposite Gilroy with 39 Curlew. 13 Blackwit, 17 Redshank, 6 Oystercatcher and 17 Snipe, plus a couple of Water Rail in the run-off. Little grebe and male Mandarin on Gilroy Pond were good as well. The fields themselves had very little apart from c300 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 15 Stock Pigeon and 2 Little Egret. On down to Red Rocks and along to West Kirby produced 3 Stonechat, 2 more Water Rail, but little else. West Kirby Marine Lake held 23 Goldeneye, 19 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Great Crested Grebe while there were around 100+ Black-tailed Godwit off the south end. Cubbins Green turned up 6 Bullfinch and a Chiffchaff. The 13 Twite were still on the shore at Thurstason and there were 4 Tree Sparrow and 2 Blackcap around the feeding station. The Dungeon turned up 2 Brambling ( probably my bird of the day seeing as they are so scarce around here) and a covey of 14 Grey Partridge in the fields close by. The marshes at Parkgate produced the wintering Richards Pipit, even if it was just a brief glimpse in flight, 11 Short-eared Owls, 5 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c50 Pinkfeet and 33 Little Egret. Buzzard count for the day was a "measly" 8. Not a bad day with a start to my Wirral List of 89 sp
Chris

[chris butterworth]

I was just going to have a cup of tea but Richard Smith just text " Cetti's at Neston Sewage Works" so I'm off for that. No peace for the wicked ( I must be a real ba***rd)
Chris

[mosschops]

Nice clear day today. Highlights were:
Burton Marsh am.
4 SEO
2 Stonechat
2 L. Egret
1 Peregrine
2 Kestrel
4 Raven
1 Sparrowhawk
250 Pink Feet
Lots of Curlew, Redshank

Thurstaston pm.
Few Hundred Knot
Few Hundred Dunlin
000's Redshank
Few Oystercatcher
Couldn't find the Twite flock.
100 Black T Godwit

West Kirby/Red Rocks pm.
2 Merganser
Few Snipe
Usual Waders

ParkGate Dusk.
6 Hen Harrier (2m 4f)
10 SEO
4 Stonechat
10 L Egret
1 Buzzard

A nice day but would've been nice to get Twite, Snow bunting and Barn Owl though.
Noticeable lack of small birds today. Not a single Chaffinch or Dunnock!

[Jon Taverner]

Spent a few hours around West Kirby and Red Rocks today. Snow Bunting at Red Rocks this morning - photographed it between around 10.30 and 11.00am.
Apart from Redshank, Knot, Curlew and Turnstone, did not see anything else of interest. Was hoping to see and photograph the Mergansers but no sight of them on the Marine Lake between midday and 2pm.

[Bananafishbones]

Macc Forrest 09.30-11.00am:

Teggs nose pool:
3 Little grebe
1 Goosander male (flew off as I arrived and flew back in just as quickly once it realised everywhere else was frozen!!)
5 BH Gulls

40+ Canada geese flew in, stayed 10 minutes and flew out en masse

Trentabank pool:
3 male Tufted, 5 Female tufted
3 Little grebe
1 Cormorant

Lodge:
Plenty of Nuthatch, Great tit, Coal tit, Blue tit etc

[chris butterworth]

Shot off down to Neston this morning and got the Cetti's Warbler - plus Chiffchaff. There were lots of Redwing and Fieldfare passing through, most seemed to be heading out of the estuary ( off to Ireland?), Whooper and Tundra Swan, Pinkfoot and a single "ringtail" out on the marsh. Thought I'd check Neston Old Quay while I was there, 3 Jack Snipe, but no Water Pipits, so I called in at Heswall and managed to pick up the bird that's by the sailing club. I was just got home and was making a brew when 16 Waxwing dropped into the Ash tree in my back garden, sadly they left almost sraight away and headed off south. My 2009 Wirral list is up to 91, 37 in/over the garden and UK list stands at 184 for the year.
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

My god chris you have been busy 184........... the year is only 6 days old.

I have.....................................three figures.................046

I must get out more often lol, although while most of the country were getting 80+ 2009 birds on new years day, I didnt get out of bed until nearly noon with a horrendous headache.

EDIT***
I did spend most of the first 3 days watching the Waxwings.... you cant rush these things you know.

[Boom]

Burton Marsh this afternoon saw at least ten SEO`s, 2 Peregrines perched less than 20 ft from each other out on the marsh, and a perched Merlin.

Parkgate Marsh saw really close views of SEO and Barn Owl and saw 6 Harriers returning to the roost including the adult male having a go at the sub adult just before dusk.

Not bad for 2 and a half hours.

[chris butterworth]

[QUOTE=Bananafishbones;1373950]My god chris you have been busy 184........... the year is only 6 days old.
QUOTE]
Up to 187 after skiving off from a meeting in Southampton, yesterday and picking up Red-breasted Goose and Dartford Warbler! ( and I was being paid as well. HE HE HE.)
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

[QUOTE=Bananafishbones;1373950]My god chris you have been busy 184........... the year is only 6 days old.
QUOTE]
Up to 187 after skiving off from a meeting in Southampton, yesterday and picking up Red-breasted Goose and Dartford Warbler! ( and I was being paid as well. HE HE HE.)
Chris


Jammy so and so Chris;)

Upto 49 for me, will visit New Brighton front on Saturday so should be able to add a dozen or so:t:

[chris butterworth]

The Dee Estuary Vol. Wardens ( the ones who protect the wader roosts at West Kirby and Hoylake) have a high tide birdwatch at Kings Gap, Hoylake tomorrow morning, starting at about 0945. Theres usually some good birds around, so, after doing the Langfields I'll be nipping down there. Had a quick look around the area today but nothing of note, although te field opposite Gilroy NP seems to be building up it's wader numbers ( I had 20 species of wader in it, last year! )
Chris

[bradinho]

Hoylake High Tide was slightly held back by High Pressure ..... but there was still some nice sights to be had:
Easily over 1000 cormorant possibly all here as inland waters freeze up?
2 peregrine flyovers/hunts with a near miss or 2.
Nice flock (c,50) Brent Geese earlyish on "Bird Rock" before they flew off to Hilbre
Everbusy duracel Sanderlings, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Knot, Redshanks, Oycs etc
Herring gulls with a kill - looked like some kind of wader but TBH it was in a right mess!!!

See you on Tuesday for the High Tide at Parkgate

[Dean Powell]

Yesterday myself and Rob Jones from Staffordshire thread spent time walking between Burton Marsh and Denhall Quay. It was extremely cold as we arrived there at first light.

Saw the following:-

Pink Footed Geese
Canada Geese
Black Headed Gull
Cormarant
Goldfinch
Chaffinch
Linnet
Reed Bunting
Song Thrush
Crow
House Sparrow
Collard Dove
Robin
Stonechat
Meadow Pipit
Fieldfare
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Snipe
Buzzard
Kestral
Peregrine x2
Teal
Curlew
Mallard
Shellduck
Little Egret

With the extreme cold the birds are struggling at present and all pools on the marsh were completely frozen.

We also had a look at Heswall and a creek with boats. This is also a good location for birding and is where the marsh meets the mudflats.

[Bananafishbones]

Dean, Rob, Chris B I also spent yesterday on the Wirral (Maybe we crossed paths somewhere).
Time at New Brighton, West Kirby, Parkgate. I cant remember it ever being as cold as it was at New Brighton at 9am, seriously thought my hands had got frost bite!!
Anyway my list, sorry no counts:
Turnstone
BH Gull
Common Gull
Cormorants
Dunlin
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Oystercatcher
Shelduck
Sanderling

Knot
Green Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper

Teal
Grey Heron
Greenshank
Little Egret
Kestrel

I am sure their were others out there I just could stay still long enough to spy them......


Regards

Dave

[Dean Powell]

Hi Dave,

We kept mainly to Burton Marsh and Denhall Quay, then had a look at Heswall where marsh meets mudflats. Briefly had a look at Parkgate mid afternoon.

I have never known it to be so cold at Burton Marsh. We didn't visit Inner Marsh Farm. I think it has been closed at times due to ice conditions. Not sure if it was closed yesterday.

Will be back there soon.

Dean:t:

[Bananafishbones]

44 Waxwings at Stanley Green between 11.30 - Noon

This is my highest count so far, still some food about but with increasing bird numbers, how much longer will they stay?

Dave

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Dean

we had most of the area covered between us!!

[PhilW]

Dean, Rob, Chris B I also spent yesterday on the Wirral (Maybe we crossed paths somewhere).
Time at New Brighton, West Kirby, Parkgate. I cant remember it ever being as cold as it was at New Brighton at 9am, seriously thought my hands had got frost bite!!
Anyway my list, sorry no counts:

Green Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Regards

Dave

Dave
Green Sandpiper & Common Sandpiper generally passage migrants in spring and autumn. There are a few wintering Green Sandpipers on the Gowy marshes but I haven't heard of any reports of these species on the Dee. Where were they?

Twite still at Thurstaston am today along with a Litoralis type Rock Pipit near Heswall sewage works.

[Bananafishbones]

Hi Phil
I respect your local knowledge and have thought about your comments.

What i believed to be the Green sandpiper was in the first marsh ditch in front of the pub/chippy on Parkgate. It showed fleetingly with a upright stance slightly curved bill, green legs then moved in a rather probing way and out of sight down into a wet ditch. The local gentleman with me agreed it was a sandpiper, however on reflection and now taking into account its size and added with your comments it may well have been a Greenshank (there were half a dozen redshank in the same ditch/area). I do usually note legs and bill colour to get me started on a basic ID, however just googling these birds (no Collins book at the mo) I notice the Greenshank does stand tall and upright

What i believe to be The common sandpiper were at West Kirby to the right of the marine lake on the shore. These were distant and the shore area included a hell of a lot of birds of similar size. There were a fair few watchers out in that area yesterday maybe someone could confirm? Otherwise we will never know, Looks like it could be 1 less tick for me though

Regards
Dave

[PhilW]

No problem Dave.

Green Sand don't have a curved bill so your probably right with Greenshank. Common Sandpiper very uncommon on the shore as they usually prefer freshwater although they occasionally turn up on the groynes at Wallasey during migration. There are occasional wintering birds on the Manchester ship canal.

Keep it up -you'll soon become familiar with all the commoner species!

[bradinho]

Inner Marsh Farm resumes normal service with a bang - 8 Bewicks @ 9.00am plus a hundred or so Canadas, a GBB Gull too, didn't get to close but viewed from top field.

[chris butterworth]

I must admit I didn't do any counts at the high tide birdwatch although there were far more Sanderling than there have been for a long time. Nothing "special" on my WeBS count, either ( the birds have probably got more sense than hang about in the cold! ) but, after being sent into Parkgate by "she who must be obeyed", for icecream no less, I managed to pick up a cracking 3rd yr Glaucous Gull off The Old Quay pub. Been wardening West Kirby shore today, very few waders about but Kingfisher, Purple Sandpiper, 11 Rb Merganser and 14 Goldeneye on the Marine Lake were good as were the 168 Brents by the islands but pride of place goes to the Cetti's in the dunes by Pinfold Lane. Best " patch" bird of the year.
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Has anyone been since the big thaw?
Anything new since the Goosander? Will it be worth making the effort in the morning?

[bradinho]

IMF update (4pm 13/01/09) pools thawed out :
2 spotted redshanks (7 seen this morning and 14 the day before(the day after the thaw)!!!)
13 Bl. T. Godwits
8 Dunlin
Canada x Barnacle
2 Bewick's and 9 Greylags over
4 Buzzards
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Kestrels
1 Comorant fishing being closely attended by a Grey Heron!
Lapwings and Teal Galore

Parkgate HT watch:
3 Hen Harriers (2 male)
2 Merlin
2 Kestrel
5+ SE Owls
4 Stonechats
Plenty o'Redshank, Teal
Snipe
Little Egrets
Grey Herons
GBB Gulls
BH Gulls
Cormorant
Several smaller groups of Pink Feet
2 Mute Swans

Basically everything was feasting on small mammals it was carnage!

[bradinho]

ANother Raptor watch at Parkgate this afternoon

[chris butterworth]

I was going "stir- crazy" ( as opposed to naturally barmy!) today when a decent flock of Black-tailed Godwit flew over the house and landed on the Langfields. As colour-ringed birds were picked up there yesterday I nipped down to check them out. there were 241 in the field opposite Gilroy N.P., only one of which was ringed ( the " ubiquitous" OR-ORflag) along with 63 Redshank. the pool at Gilroy held little apart from a pair of Shoveler so I thought I'd wander around the Langfields for a bit and I came up with anothe 59 Blackwit on a semi-flooded field. I was just checking them out for rings when they all took off. Expecting a Peregrine I was surprised to see an adult Gt Blackback comre "barreling" into the flock and take a bird in flight, force it down on to the grounnd and start eating it. A bit gory, but spectacular. Very few passerines about so I moved down to West kirby Marine Lake where there was a male Long-tailed Duck flying past/off, my first for the Wirral this year. My year list is now 191, hoping for 200 in January ( I also hope to win the lottery each week!)
Chris

[sylvia staffs]

Went to Parkgage this afternoon.

A quick scan from the Quay produced a Merlin and Peregrine purched up.We oved up to Thurstaton where the Twite were being elusive out on the salt marsh but a good selection of waders showing well.

At the Old Baths carpark late afternoon the following were seen;

3 Hen Harrier (1 sub adult male)
+3 S E Owl
Barn Owl
Merlin
Little Egret

Not a bad afternoon all told.

Sylvia

[Bananafishbones]

1 Male Hawfinch:t: Life tick:t::t::t:

3 male Bulfinch 2 female all in the same hawthorn bush

3 Song thrush, 2 Jay, Wren, Coal Tit 2, Blue tit lots, Great tit lots, Nuthatch 2, Greenfinch 4+, Chaffinch 4, House Sparrows, Dunnock 2, Robin2, Wood pigeon lots, Carrion and Magpie lots

Good hour:smoke:

[Bananafishbones]

Both male and female together :t: but only visible for a few moments.:-C

[chris butterworth]

Hawfinch!!!! Cracking record for Cheshire. Wardening roost at West Kirby yesterday but little about as far as waders concerned. Did manage to count 208 Pb Brents in 3 flocks, one on the tide, one a few yards away on the edge of the saltmarsh and one on Bird Rock, 12 Twite flying through were good for the site. Had the "ultimate" in wader disturbance at West Kirby today when 70 Pb Brent flew in from Red Rocks and put up the whole roost. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd say " Bl**dy Brents!" here.
Chris

[Hedgeland]

Thought i would post this image taken last week at New Brighton using my camera phone through my scope (a cheap digiscoping setup).
There were 1050 bartailed godwits with just one in summer plumage.

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Hedge

Do you (OR ANYONE ESLE) know if the Bar wits are still at New Brighton?

Cheers

DAVE

[PhilW]

Dave
Bar-tailed Godwits are fairly common wintering birds along the length of the Dee Estuary. We had a close view of one at West Kirby last week - down to about 5 metres! Check the foreshore along Kings Gap about an hour or so before high tide. Plenty of bus shelters to sit in out of the weather.

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Phil

I normally park at the fort and usually walk towards seacombe past vale park, is this the location?

Cheers
Dave

[PhilW]

No. Drive as if going into Hoylake from New Brighton. You'll come to big roundabout on main road. Take right exit and follow the road around - it'll take you onto the prom & Kings Gap.

[Hedgeland]

The ones i could see were at the far western end of New Brighton promenade by a little lifeguard building. This was just over the prom wall about 2 hours after high tide.

They are usually found along the whole north wirral foreshore and good places to see them are at the Gunsite (a carpark on coast at the end of Green Lane) or towards Meols and Kings Gap, Hoylake.

With regard to walking from Fort to Seacombe - usually a good area, i get Purple sands on the groyne going from the fort to the lighthouse (feeding).

There is usually a good roost at high tide either on the groyne or next to it (if not disturbed by dogwalkers). This is for the groyne at the bottom of Dalmorton Road.

Another good hightide roost is just over the wall on rock armour by the lifeguard building detailed above.

regards
H




Edit
Adding link for better descriptions of sites and locations http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/nwirral.htm#hoylake

[chris butterworth]

There are "reasonable" numbers of Barwit roosting at Kings Gap, Hoylake but they tend to feed in Leasowe Bay ( park at Leasowe Lighthouse, at the bottom of Pature Road, Moreton and check off the sea defences)

[Hedgeland]

Nice day down at Kings Gap with the high tide roost. Two peregrines were sitting on the beach not letting the waders get too comfortable.

Brent geese were also present on Bird Island.

One grey plover stood out in summer plumage.
H

[chris butterworth]

Nipped down to Gilroy earlier this morning ( snowing fairly hard which must cast serious doubts on my sanity!). there were 227 Black-tailed Godwit in the field opposite the Nature Park, those standing on the ice looked even better than they normally do, contrasting against the snow. Little else apart from a Little Grebe and 3 Water Rail out in the open. Had 200+ Golden Plover over the house yesterday afternoon which was new for this years in/over garden list.
Chris

[Rob Jones]

Hi Guys, There's high tides next week with a 10m+ one on wednesday. Apart from parkgate which I know is popular, which area would you recommend for fairly close views of Raptors/SEO's?

[PhilW]

Rob
Try Denhall Quay. You can drive right down to the edge of the marsh.

[Rob Jones]

Rob
Try Denhall Quay. You can drive right down to the edge of the marsh.

There it is then! Thanks Phil.

[Bananafishbones]

Couldnt make the high tide at Parkgate so decided to do Macclesfield Forest:
3pm - 5.30pm

3 of the 4 reservoirs frozen, but a good selection none the less.
Mallard 29
Coot 8
Tufted duck 7
Little Grebe 5
Morehen 2
Pochard 8
Cormorant 1
Goldeneye 3m 1f
Goosander 8 male flyover then 5 male 8 female on the water at 5pm
Grey Heron 1
Canada 16
Robin 4
Nuthatch 1
Redwing 50+
Blue tit 3
Great tit 1
Dunnock 2
Mistle Thrush 2 (both feasting on berries in the same tree).
Kestrel (with a kill)
Buzzard (taking Kestrels kill)

Good afternoon out:t:

[Pete Mella]

Anyone know if there's any bramblings round Bollington at the moment? I'm visiting the inlaws on Sunday and would like to mop a couple up if possible - they're ridiculously scarce round here this winter.

[Bananafishbones]

Very few recorded sightings in Macc / Bollington area that I can find. Not seen any myself.
Latest recording on the rspb macclesfield website is 20th Dec Thirlmere Macclesfield.

If you find any let me know.

Dave

[chris butterworth]

Just walked back from Hoylake Station, across the Langfields. There was little of note on the main part of the site apart from a couple of Buzzard, 1 Peregrine and 1 Kestrel in flight and a flock of 30 Fieldfare bobbing up and down. The field opposite Gilroy NP had 217 Blackwit, 4 Oyk, 9 Lapwing, 21 Reshank, 6 Snipe 2 Teal and 2 Grey Wagtail in amongst the usual Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Canada's and Greylags. Gilroy itself had a Litle Grebe and at least 3 Water Rail around the pond ( along with 4-5 Common Frogs) and 2 Bullfinch and a Chiffchaff in the scrub. I had a singing Chiffchaff along Lang Lane, West Kirby this morning -a bit earlier than last year!
Chris

[gadus]

Short trip yesterday to see the Hen Harriers coming in to roost at Parkgate (Old Baths)....great views of male over pool straight out from wall along with several SE Owls, Barn Owl and then a "whats that Dad" moment from my son who had trained the scope on a very well camouflaged bird that had flown a short distance before dropping back to the Marsh. I was made up to see a Bittern, a first for me, view was all too brief though as the bird took flight again and flew ten yards or so before dropping out of sight into the Marsh.
Peter.

[chris butterworth]

Coming back from Neston early this morning I picked up 2 Barn Owl between the lights on the High Road at Neston and the roundabout at Gayton. While I was sitting down at home, having my breakfast, I picked up a Merlin being chased by a Peregrine over the garden - my first garden Merlin of the year. A quick look at Hoylake Langfields , to check on the Brown Hares - 8 this morning, and the first time I've seen them "boxing" this year- there were 31 Blackwit, 11 Lapwing, 19 redshank, 41 Greylak ( accompanied by the Greylag X Whitefront and 4 " farmyard" geese ) and 2 calling Chiffchaff opposite Gilroy NP. The rest of the fields were fairly dead with only very small numbers of the commoner birds.
Chris

[chris butterworth]

Had another quick look at Gilroy area this morning. The field opposite Gilroy had 239 Blackwit, 14 Lapwing - building nest scrapes and [I]in cop.[I], 26 Redshank, 5 Teal plus the usual Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and "Slut" Geese. There was still at least 1 Water Rail in the outflow ditch from Gilroy but little else of note ( apart from my 1st Small Tortoiseshell, and butterfly, of the year)
Chris

[desgreene]

Eleven Waxwings paid a welcome and overdue visit to our garden in Stockport yesterday. A garden first for me, they hung around for about an hour.

One interesting thing was that a visit from the local Sparrowhawk, which scattered every other bird, didn't seem to bother the Waxwings at all, they just stayed put.

[chris butterworth]

Had my 1st spring migrants yesterday, on the Langfields, a cracking pair of male White Wagtails (but litle else). Where have all the waders gone from West Kirby and the North Wirral? There doesn't seem to be anything about, apart from fair numbers of Sanderling.
Chris

[chris butterworth]

717 Blackwit, 53 Lapwing, 13 Redshank and 5 Teal in the field opposite Gilroy N.P. this morning. Quite a few of the Blackwit were in breeding plumage, and looking magnificent. Still a derth of spring migrants, though.
chris

[Bananafishbones]

60 minutes after work 4.00pm - 5.00pm
4 Buzzards all up in the air together:t:
Kestrel, 3 Curlew, c100 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, c30 Canada Geese, 2 Long Tail Tit
2 Blue tit, 3 Dunnock, c100 BH Gull, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Mallard, Little Grebe, 2 Blackbird, 2 Morehen, 18 Woodpigeon

and a farmyard cat that followed me everywhere and did my bird watching credability no good whatsoever :cat:

[gareth_blockley]

Hi folks

What is the best way to veiw this area? I see theres a footpath but can it be veiwed from Delph lane?

Cheers
Gareth

[PhilW]

Gareth
You can't really view from road. There is a point on a bad bend where you could view and I know a few people who've nearly caused accidents by parking here. Your best bet is a layby / gate further along Delph Lane towards Houghton Green and then follow the footpath across open land to the flash. Its only a 5 minute walk.

[chris butterworth]

I finally caught up with Waxwing on the Wirral yesterday morning, with the 7 in Newton. Cracking views ( but aren't they always ! ). Went down to Riverbank Rd, for the tide, Missed the Hen Harrier but did get 2 Merlin, Peregrine, 3 Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel along with 5 Stonechat. Called into Gilroy earlier this morning and there were 347 Blackwit along with 23 Lapwing, 5 Teal, 7 Redshank and 4 Snipe among the "usual" gulls, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard and geese.
Chris

[gareth_blockley]

Gareth
You can't really view from road. There is a point on a bad bend where you could view and I know a few people who've nearly caused accidents by parking here. Your best bet is a layby / gate further along Delph Lane towards Houghton Green and then follow the footpath across open land to the flash. Its only a 5 minute walk.

Thanks Phill

Had a look this morning. Saw the grebes, 1 in summer plumage the other almost there. Cracking birds first time i've seen them out of winter plumage and saw a bit of displaying too.

Gareth

[Bananafishbones]

Quick walk through the forest to the sumit of Shutlingsloe

Buzzard
Raven 2
Sparrowhawk pair flying very fast at tree top level and staying very close to each other.
Meadow Pipits around the base of Shutlingsloe
Goldeneye pair in Ridgegate
Goosander pair in Trentabank
Grey Heron nesting in Heronry at least 8
Cormorant also nesting 6+
Mallards
Coot
Canada
Nuthatch 2
Great tit

[gareth_blockley]

A Cattle egret is at Bradley Orchard farm near the river weaver with cattle south of Frodsham. I saw it this afternoon, shows well but from a distance!

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=354280&y=377202&z=120&sv=354280,377202&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=828&ax=354280&ay=377202&lm=0

Gareth

[PhilW]

A Cattle egret is at Bradley Orchard farm near the river weaver with cattle south of Frodsham. I saw it this afternoon, shows well but from a distance!

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=354280&y=377202&z=120&sv=354280,377202&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=828&ax=354280&ay=377202&lm=0

Gareth

Must have just missed you Gareth. Amazingly when the news first came out no one knew where it was as the name of the farm couldn't be found on any map. Two of Cheshires finest ( Malc Curtin & McShifty) went to refind it and I checked a satellite image and found a field with cows in roughly the right area. The bird was in the next field! Who says technology isn't brilliant. :t:

Many thanks to the farmer who let us stand in his yard.

[chris butterworth]

Nipped into West Kirby yesterday ( wasting money on buying food and stuff! ) and came back through Ashton Park. While I was listening to Chiffchaff and Goldcrest in song I suddenly realised I was also listening to a Redwing. Had a wander around Gilroy and the shore at West Kirby this morning. No Blackwit at Gilroy, the first "no-show" for months, but did get 1 White Wag, 4 Raven, 2 Shelduck, 4 Teal, 3 Snipe, 2 Chiffchaff and at least 30 Lapwing. West Kirby saltmarsh held 9 Wheatear and 3 White Wags so it looks like things are looking up as far as migration is concerned.
Chris

[Pitvar]

Non birding family afternoon out got me better birds than I've seen in many trips when I was supposed to be concentrating!

First off Ness Gardens, Neston and an amazing flock of 20 or so Crossbills - anyone know if they are resident or just passing through? Loads of other stuff about - Goldfinches, Siskin etc

Then first ever trip to Parkgate - to find out where it was for a proper visit on my own later in the month. Literally drove to old baths car park, turned round and drove back and as we did a male Hen Harrier sauntered along the marsh - 100m out before settling down in front of the baths!

[sylvia staffs]

A quick trip into Cheshire this morning produced the folowing -

Houghton Green Flash - 3 Black Necked Grebe showing well, 9 Sand Martins.

Moore NR - no sign of Lesser Peckers, but a very obliging roosting Tawny Owl on Lapwing lane.

Finally a quick stop at Bradley near Frodsham - had the desired effect with the Cattle Egret feeding amongst the cattle. :t:

Sylvia

[chris butterworth]

As it was a bit windy this morning I thought " Lets go down to New Brighton for a bit of Seawatching!", as you do:eek!::eek!:. There were 9 Purple Sands still around the Boating Lake and, out to sea , 17 Little Gull, 3 Fulmar, 12 Gannet, 29 Kittiwake - probably from the Mersey colony -, 2 ad Med Gull, 3 Gt Crested Grebe, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Red-breasted Merganser and c.200 Common Scoter, with 3 Wheatear in the "Dips". Not too bad for less than a hour, when I finally had to run for shelter as I didn't have "proper" waterproofs on ( must be getting old:-C)
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Ring Ouzel showing really well at Danebower this morning, sat on a drystone wall for 30+ minutes.
Wheatear were hard to count but I would say 6+ (all male) although did see 2female there last week. Pied Wags in good numbers as were the Meadow Pipits.

Further down in Wildboarclough a Dipper allowed a few pics while guarding the river (I love the white eyelid).

Back at home in nearby Adlington a Little owl sat in its roost (not near enough for any sort of pic), usualy visible.

NICE MORNING :t:

[halftwo]

Cracking shot of the Ouzel, BFb!

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Halftwo

I got to within 30 feet, I sat on a rock and he sat on the wall and we watched each other for 40 odd minutes, he got bored and flew a bit further away.

He does look comfy sat on that wall!

Fantastic

[gareth_blockley]

I had some spare time on my hands this afternoon so went up to New brighton to look for the Purple sandpipers and to see if their plumage has changed. I didn't see any but did see 7 Wheatear (my first of the year) and 4 Swallows.

Back towrds Chester i decided to have a look around Frodsham to see what was about. I called in quickly on the CATTLE EGRET that is still down between Bradley orchard farm and the river weaver.
At Frodsham i scanned the fences over tank 5 and found the female Merlin that is still in the area. I moved further along the bund to search the shoreline of tank 6 and got a phone call from Hedgeland about the Wheatears at New brighton. Talking on the phone i turned towards Frodsham village to see a large bird circling over the M56 as i raised my bins i couldn't believe my eyes - a WHITE STORK!!
Ok so not that rare but a surprise and the first i've seen in the UK.
As i phoned the news through to RBA i followed it as it drifted lower Northeast towards Runcorn and i lost it from view appearing to drop own near the Weaver bend. Moving round to there i failed to see it again with the help of 3 more birders and left at 19:30. On the river at weaver was 2 Ruff and a Peregrine was on the buildings over the river.

Cracking afternoons birding!

Gareth

[halftwo]

.... towards Frodsham village to see a large bird circling over the M56 as i raised my bins i couldn't believe my eyes - a WHITE STORK!!



Oh, that was you, Gareth, well done. I hope it gets re-found, especially if it gets over my patch!

I once saw one very high over Burton-on-Trent - and that one in Cheshire a few years back.

[gareth_blockley]

Oh, that was you, Gareth, well done. I hope it gets re-found, especially if it gets over my patch!

I once saw one very high over Burton-on-Trent - and that one in Cheshire a few years back.

Wheres your patch then? Were you on site and did i speak to you??

I was desperate to find it after the initial sighting and get some locals onto it but had no joy. General verdict was it probably followed the river further along or dipped into one of the many dtches to feed.

Gareth

[chris butterworth]

She who must be obeyed had blown the electics so I had to go over to Neston and "fix" it ( loose connection in the plug to the kettle!). Being down that end of the estuary I had a look inland and picked up 2 cracking male Ring Ouzel ( my 1st for the year) off Cuckoo Lane, along with 1 House Martin, 5 Swallow and 2 Sand Martin. Walking back to West Kirby along the Wirral Way I managed singing Corn Bunting, 4 SEO's over the marshes between Parkgate and Heswall, 30+ Little Egret, 3 singing Willow Warbler ( and lots of Chiffchaff), more Swallows and Sand Martin, 3 Grey Partridge at Heswall Fields NT and a Green Woodpecker at The Dungeon. Not a bad haul, considering I was supposed to be working!
Chris

[chris butterworth]

Up early and out on the patch. A nice male Ring Ouzel on the Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Wheatear and White Wags on West Kirby saltmarsh, 16 Sand Martin, 3 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler and a stunning male Redstart at Gilroy NP. I've also, just, found out about the wintering White-throated Sparrow in a Runcorn garden. It's gone now but, apparently, a 'local birder' was told when it first arrived and dismissed it a 'some kind of escape'!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE !!!!!!!
Chris

[bradinho]

For anyone who is interested:

www.rspb.org.uk/innermarshfarm

www.rspb.org.uk/parkgate

www.rspb.org.uk/pointofair

all now have extra pages of info including "recent sightings" pages - feel free to email any of sightings to deeestuary@rspb.org.uk

Also of note is the facebook group for RSPB Dee Estuary Nature Reserve - feel free to post here too including pics - get a response from staff there.

[halftwo]

Wheres your patch then? Were you on site and did i speak to you??

I was desperate to find it after the initial sighting and get some locals onto it but had no joy. General verdict was it probably followed the river further along or dipped into one of the many dtches to feed.

Gareth

Hi Gareth,

No, I've not been for the egret. I live about 20 miles away (Lymm) and my local patch is there. Now the cows are back in the fields there's hope!

Had a Little-ringed plover on patch yesterday.

H

[chris butterworth]

Stuff is starting to come innow. Had a quick look around Gilroy before setting off to work this morning. Male Redstart, 2 Tree Pipit, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff in song and a fem. stonechat. Nice Common Sand just opposite Gilroy and 5 Whimbrel on the fields towards Hoylake. Tripits and Whimbrel were new for the year. Had an Osprey over the house yesterday evening, another year of having them on my in/over/from the garden list!!
Chris

[halftwo]

Wow, Chris, what a contrast to my patch! Some excellent early birds there.

[chris butterworth]

Getting up at an ungodly hour helps around here. If you don't they've all moved on

[chris butterworth]

I was sitting down to a well earned ( ??? ) cup of tea yesterday afternoon when 8 Waxwing landed in the tree opposite my front window. After chasing them up and down the road - getting a count of at least 12 at one time - I finally finished with 19 in the original tree only for the numbers to drop back down to 8. No sign of them this morning but still plenty of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Swallow, Sand Martin and singles of White Wagtail and House Martin in the Gilroy area.
Chris

[Bananafishbones]

Teggs nose woods:
Chiff chaff 6+
Willow warbler dozens
Great tits
Coal Tits
Robins
Blue tits
Wren
Kestrel
Raven

Reservoirs:
Grey Wagtail (first for me) :t:
Pied Wagtail
GCGrebe 4
Canada Geese
Tufted 12
Reed Bunting m
House Sparrows
Dunnock
Coots
Morehens
Swallow 3

Forest:
Grey Heron 6 (5 on nests)
Coal tits

[Jane Turner]

Hmm I didn't know this thread existed, and I have two ongoing Cheshire ones of my own.

Here are today's offerings

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1455488&postcount=48
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1455483&postcount=938

[Jane Turner]

Up early and out on the patch. A nice male Ring Ouzel on the Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Wheatear and White Wags on West Kirby saltmarsh, 16 Sand Martin, 3 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler and a stunning male Redstart at Gilroy NP. I've also, just, found out about the wintering White-throated Sparrow in a Runcorn garden. It's gone now but, apparently, a 'local birder' was told when it first arrived and dismissed it a 'some kind of escape'!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE !!!!!!!
Chris

When and where was your Ouzel Chris? Mind what chance would I have of seeing it, I put in three hours and didn't manage to see you!

[Jane Turner]

Just back from Carr Lane Brick pit, where the Red-rumped Swallow reappeared in time for me to only just burn the onions I was cooking. Cheers Mr Conlin - a great find. Its likely to roost there tonight and an early start might be productive.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=324332&y=389953&z=115&sv=324332,389953&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=794&ax=324332&ay=389953&lm=0

Nearby there were two Ring Ouzels, a male Whinchat and plenty of Willow Warblers etc at Hilbre

http://hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/

[Jane Turner]

Just back from a quick scoot round Red Rocks, primarily because of a report of 7 Sedge Warblers there yesterday. They must have moved straight through, and shamed the Reeds into silence, since here still appears to be the same two Reed Warblers, one at the north end one at the south end and the same two Sedge Warblers, one in the middle and one in the south end, as there has been for a week now. I was too late to see if the Grasshopper Warbler is still about, he has been shutting up at 6. There was one audible from the house though as I left.

A few Swallows moved through, there were a good 8 Willow Warblers and a single Chiffchaff, as well as the more or less continuous thin trickle of Siskins and Redpolls overhead that there has been for 2 weeks now.

I've not heard if the RR Swallow is still at Moreton.

[Rob Smallwood]

R-r S still present at 9:00 per BG's

[Jane Turner]

Still there now I believe, and its drizzling, so I expect it will stay. I suspect parking might be getting a little tricksy by now.

[Jane Turner]

Now lashing down. Be warned, they take a dim view of trespassers (think oi and waving shotguns) at the Barker and Briscoe brick pits. Also the Hoylake/Moreton road is a freeway and there is very limited parking at the pull in to the brick pit.

[Rob Smallwood]

Thinking of going later. Is bird on the pits? If so are you are restricted to waiting for it to fly over the lane? Would have rung but lost your number!

[Jane Turner]

I've not tried to see it today Rob, but from the description, its ranging about from the front of the pits to the back of the pits. Last night it was quite easy to see in the flock of hirundines that were feeding just seaward of the pits (from the point marked above). As I drove past the front of the pits earlier today, I could see a few hirundines from the main road, and quite a lot of parked cars!

I can't see it moving on in this rain and with patience you'll see it. The pits are only 150ft from the road and I imagine if you can see the flock, you'll see the bird.

I'm even prepared to have a look at the situation for you and text you!

[PhilW]

Still there now I believe, and its drizzling, so I expect it will stay. I suspect parking might be getting a little tricksy by now.

I believe someone has already parked in ditch. Money to be made there Jane. Get yourself a tow rope.....................;)

[chris butterworth]

When and where was your Ouzel Chris? Mind what chance would I have of seeing it, I put in three hours and didn't manage to see you!

At the north end - just south of the ivy covered bay. You were probably half way through your breakfast 3:-) when I finally got there, I started off on the Langfields.
Chris

[chris butterworth]

[QUOTE=Jane Turner;1457070]Just back from a quick scoot round Red Rocks, primarily because of a report of 7 Sedge Warblers there yesterday. QUOTE]

Sedgies were mine, Jane. I picked them up around 1530 on my way home ( the long way!!). 2 Groppers "reeling" as well, one in the "bay" with the Holly tree and one by Pinfold steps
Chris

[Jane Turner]

At the north end - just south of the ivy covered bay. You were probably half way through your breakfast 3:-) when I finally got there, I started off on the Langfields.
Chris

Actually I was probably sat at the back of the ivy - I walked the golf course surveying the Skylarks and looking for Ouzels then sat on the back of the inner dunes!

[Rob Smallwood]

it's just been re-located at the Brick Pits, reported to me just as I arrived home.

[Jane Turner]

As predicted! I did enjoy seeing it in a different location though, and could have the brief fun of sort of finding it. For those in the dark, it was over the horse paddocks between Meols and Leasowe at 14:10 for 5 minutes.

Do you have any photos of those gorgeous Greenland Wheatears to share?

[halftwo]

I believe someone has already parked in ditch.

'twas the Doc!

[PhilW]

it's just been re-located at the Brick Pits, reported to me just as I arrived home.

Mr Payne refound it.

[PhilW]

'twas the Doc!

I wasn't going to mention any names..............

[Rob Smallwood]

As predicted!

Do you have any photos of those gorgeous Greenland Wheatears to share?


Jane did indeed predict it would return late afternoon.
(and I passed this gem on to Mark Payne as I left so I'm claiming a quarter finders fee)

Wheatear pics aren't great and don't do the birds justice. they were so big and bold that they just stayed put when the latter visitor arrived!

[Jane Turner]

Surprised the well settled one isn't still on the fence post. Nice birds!

PS the MErlin that been hanging about Hilbre/Red Rocks appears to be a female (on bulk in flight, tough I'm sure they have had good views of it on the deck on the island.)

[Jane Turner]

Just back from a 4 hour shift at Red Rocks this morning. Recorded 55 species, the pick of them being Tree Pipit (4) Yellow Wagtail, Redpoll (68) and more spectacularly Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow. There were also plenty of Willow Warblers (20) Siskins (45) and 6 Wheatears, all of which had good Greenland credentials.

I was slightly surprised to find out that there was claim of Lesser Whitethroat form the site when I got back.

There is Ring Ouzel and Redstart on Hilbre too.

[PhilW]

Tree Pipits and Yelllow Wagtail Hilbre this morning as well Jane and one of those 'is it a bird, is it a plane? Oh, sh1t its a Fieldfare moments....................

Looks like we all missed out on Lesser Whitethroat and Whinchat though! Lesser Whitethroat last night at Neston Old Quay near sewage works.

[Jane Turner]

Were the finches coming over at all? The GSW thought about it, then went south instead.

[PhilW]

Yes. Plenty of Goldfinches moving along with smaller numbers of Redpoll and even fewer Siskin.

[reikichris]

We had a great sighting of 5 crossbills feeding from the path from Gresty's Waste (Kelsall Hill) to Utkinton. If you are in the area a visit to Whistlebitch well - one of Chesire's only healing wells.

Also had good, close sighting of a pair of lesser spooted woodpeckers at Marbury yesterday.

chris

HI,

Yes,will have to meet up sometime. Sent a thread yesterday about Common Crossbill sightings in Macc forest. Asked anybody where the best part of the forest your likely to see them. Have you had any luck?

[Jane Turner]

Yes. Plenty of Goldfinches moving along with smaller numbers of Redpoll and even fewer Siskin.

That's weird - there were loads of Goldfinches moving, but they appeared to circulating local birds, rather than ones that were seriously moving. Clearly I should have paid them more attention! There were flocks of 5-15 in the air most of the time.

You know the funny thing about the Lesser Whitethroat.... missing birds at Red Rocks is expected, it goes with the territory., but that is the second time now that I've failed to see the birder. I'd blame old age and outages, but I had company from before 7 till after 10, so my lapse in attention must have been earlier.

[PhilW]

.............the Scarlet Pimpernel rides again! He's a dedicated follower of fashion -they seek him here, they seek him there.

[Jane Turner]

Rather than scarlet, I'm thinking belly down in combats through the saltmarsh is the only possible explanation. That would fit nicely with the Wheatears, which were in the saltmarsh and were reported with the Lesser Whitethtoat. The LW must have been a singing bird to be recorded from there of course. I must see to my failing hearing as well as my failing eye-sight

[Bananafishbones]

9am - 11.30am
Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Swallow, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Blackbirds, Grey Heron, Chiffchaff, Long Tail tit, Blue & Great tit, Robin, Wren (12+ :t:), Usual canal wildfowl, Greenfinch, Bullfinch male, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Jachdaw, Rook, Carrion, Buzzard over (2)

and plenty of sunshine in East Cheshire

[chris butterworth]

.............the Scarlet Pimpernel rides again! He's a dedicated follower of fashion -they seek him here, they seek him there.

I wouldn't say RED, slightly bolshie, maybe 3:-)
Chris

[chris butterworth]

I must see to my failing hearing as well as my failing eye-sight

I'd never go anywhere near saying that your hearings going, Jane. :t: The LW was in the large apple on the boardwalk, at the south end of the Phragmites bed.
Chris

[Jane Turner]

When was this?

[Jane Turner]

Lot of new birds in today on the coast, though the stiff wind is making it hard to pick stuff up. I've got a couple of Blackcaps and a Sedge Warbler in the back garden, the latter looking amazingly rare in a lilac tree. I gather that there is a Wood Warbler at Leasowe, to go with the good array of migrants there yesterday. Just a couple of Tree Pipits and 4 Reed Warblers and the standard 2 Sedgies at Red Rocks first thing.

[Bananafishbones]

Nice morning sunshine and a hope to picture the Golden Plover, alas none in sight however did yet a Life tick with the Female Ring Ouzel who was sharing the limelight along with her male partner.
Grey wagtails reeling along the river, 3 in total, with a single Curlew. Wheatears by the dozen hard to count but 20+ would be a good guess, lots of Meadow Pipits and plenty of Wrens also :eek!:

Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Blackbirds.

Raven, Kestrel and Buzzard hunting, no sign of the Red kite that was about on Wednesday :-C

Just had time to get to Macc forest to see year first Pied Flycatcher in a singing Dual with a Wood Warbler.

10 Cormorants in full veiw each gaurding a nest and what I thought was tree felling was actually cackling coming from the nests, couldnt see the young ones though.

Great morning in East Cheshire :t:

[Hedgeland]

Managed a little trip out this morning and managed to pick up a few new species which was nice plus good to see all the usual species and new arriavals (but technically not hard as relatively new to bird watching).

Inner marsh Farm
Spoonbill this morning.

Gilroy
Common Sandpiper

Red Rocks
4 Sandwich Tern at high tide

[Hedgeland]

Had a little walk along my home patch of New Brighton promenade.
Ring plover 8, redshank, herring gull, common gull, lesser black backed, shellduck, turnstone (100+).

Also, which was a little surprising was 4 dunlin in full summer plumage. Is this quite late for them to still be hanging around? the majority left weeks ago.

[Jane Turner]

The ones we had wintering may have moved on, but there will be passage birds right through to the end of May, though there always seems to be a lull at the end of April and the beginning of may, then another little flurry.

[Hedgeland]

Thanks - makes sense.

I guess this is the same for turnstone? Although i have not noticed much change in numbers yet?

[Bananafishbones]

Trentabank reservoir, 5 male Mandarins couldnt see any females. Tufted pair, a pair of Great crested Grebe, a single Little grebe, plenty of Cormorants and Grey Heron.
In the woods beside Trentabank were Pied Flycatcher, 3 Song Thrush, Coal, Great tit chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and possible Wood Warbler was looking up into a dark canopy while bucketing it down with rain, so I gave a hasty retreat......

Enough time to see 40+ Swallows skimming the water at Bottoms reservoir

[MiLisCer]

Trentabank reservoir, 5 male Mandarins couldnt see any females. Tufted pair, a pair of Great crested Grebe, a single Little grebe, plenty of Cormorants and Grey Heron.
In the woods beside Trentabank were Pied Flycatcher, 3 Song Thrush, Coal, Great tit chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and possible Wood Warbler was looking up into a dark canopy while bucketing it down with rain, so I gave a hasty retreat......

Enough time to see 40+ Swallows skimming the water at Bottoms reservoir

We had a Drake and a duck Mandarin at ours yesterday (South Cheshire) they both looked very tired and were feeding in the paddock well away from our pond.

Mike

[Jane Turner]

A rather fabulous Stone Curlew the westernmost ploughed field, inland of the footpath between Meols and Leasowe tonight.

I'm especially happy because its a Cheshire tick and I'm cling in on the elusive 300 species in the county. I really should close some of the holes in my county list, my duck and gull phobia hasn't helped!

[PhilW]

Hi Jane. Good find by Mark. The first 'twitchable' Stone Curlew since 1988 or thereabouts? By the way whats BRW pending?

[Jane Turner]

Blyth's Reed Warbler, waiting for the BBRC to decide if it was within variation for an acceptable one. Stunning find!

[chris butterworth]

Westerly winds ( and work) have meant I've noted very little since belting off for the Leasowe Stone-Curlew so I thought I'd nip down to New Brighton and practise masochism (otherwise known as seawatching). It turned out a cracking tide with 12 Arctic Tern, 9 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and 52 Manxies new for the year plus 29 Sandwich Tern, 50+ Common Tern, 1 ad Med Gull, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 41 Kittiwake and 7 Guillemot as well. There was plenty of "stuff" far out that I wasn't able to be sure about including what was either a very distant House Martin or just a distant Storm-Petrel.
Chris

[Jane Turner]

There were a lot of House Martins moving. I managed 155 Manxies, 200+ Kittiwakes, 400+ Gannet Red-throated Diver 2 c100 each of Common and Sandwich, Arctic Terns and a Little Tern and two Guillemots. I get the feeling that the seabird counts are amplified by circulation around the bay - birds were going west close in, but there was stuff going east at distance.

[chris butterworth]

Glad you mentioned the House Martins, Jane, it gets rid of that little, niggly thought in the back of my brain. :t:
Chris

[Pitvar]

Spoonbill showed well today - flew up out of reeds to have flying dispute with an egret then coasted back into further reed bed. The showed at the front of the reed from the hide and clearly if distantly from the path near the gate and bench. Also three Dunlin, three Avocet and two Common Terns displaying. Looks like there's been major predation to the black headed gulls and avocets though...

[Hedgeland]

Chris

Where abouts are you looking from at New Brighton? Sounds like a great day you had which is a shame I was away (typical).
Straight out o sea from the sea wall by the dips?

Cheer
H

[Pitvar]

Chris

Where abouts are you looking from at New Brighton? Sounds like a great day you had which is a shame I was away (typical).
Straight out o sea from the sea wall by the dips?

Cheer
H

Can I ask a newbie question - I'm planning to try some sea watching but generally - and I know there will be exceptions - are the birds some hundreds of metres out [in which case I'll fetch me scope!] or do they sometimes pass nearer the shore? Thanks in anticipation

[deeestuary]

Can I ask a newbie question - I'm planning to try some sea watching but generally - and I know there will be exceptions - are the birds some hundreds of metres out [in which case I'll fetch me scope!] or do they sometimes pass nearer the shore? Thanks in anticipation

Hi Pitvar
usually hundreds of metres out, so you definitely need your scope!
You have to have patience as well, as you can often sweep the sea and see nothing, but after a longer look you will often be surprised how much is out there.
Although a strong west wind will bring in the most birds (on the west side of the country) sometimes a clear and dead calm day can have it's rewards as the birds are so much easier to see when you are not trying to stop your scope shaking in gale force winds. :)

[Pitvar]

Thanks very much Richard - I was watching the spoonbill at Inner Marsh at about 600m yesterday so it'll have been good practise then! Peter

[Rob Smallwood]

Shelter from the wind is a big help - New Brighton scores with the shelters on the prom (esp if birds are being blown in to the river mouth), Gunsite you can use your car.

[chris butterworth]

You have to have patience as well, :)
Also a certain mindset i.e be prepared to gaze at one spot of sea through your scope for hours and find that all the good stuff has flown over / below your eyeline3:-) . Try either Red Rocks at Hoylake, Dove Point at Meols or anywhere along the front at New Brighton.
Chris

[chris butterworth]

Shelter from the wind is a big help .
Thats a bit "wuzzy" Rob, seawatchers are "hardcore" 3:-)3:-)
Chris

[Hedgeland]

Went out this morning at New Brighton but unfortunately not as long as I would have liked - many gannets in the distant although a couple did come close for reasonable views diving into the sea. Common/sandwich terns visible but still most stuff at great distance. Guessing the wind is not as strong as yesterday and my id aint up to much at this distance. :)

[Jane Turner]

Its also a plan to wait till September, when there is more chance of there being more about.

Still hundreds of Gannets, tens of Manxie, Guillemot, a couple of Skuas, RT Diver etc about at the west end of the Wirral

[Pitvar]

I might try on the high tide tomorrow then - last time I went to Red Rocks as the tide came in I just saw loads of herring gulls and godwits making for Hilbre - but I was only looking 100-200m out! I'll get me scope in the car - thanks to all for the pointers.

[Bananafishbones]

Very windy this morning so not alot about but:
Great veiw of a buzzard, Tree creeper (photo attached), Willow Warbler (photo also), Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Robin, LTT, Blue tits, GC Crebe, Heron, Cormorant, Tufted, Canada, Mallard, Little grebe, House Martin, Swallow, Swift

[Jane Turner]

LOVE that treecreeper!

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers Jane, I can assure you my pic is the right way up!!

[Hedgeland]

Treecreeper in death fall :)

[chris butterworth]

It stopped raining, and I am off today so I nipped down to Hoylake Langfields and picked up my 1st Hobby of the year, belting through as usual, along with 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Raven, Peregrine, plenty of Barn Swallow, House Martin and Common Swift opposite Gilroy NP. Good numbers (5) of Song Thrush, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler and Less. Whitethroat in Gilroy itself. I also had Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to make 5 species of raptor in an hour or so, something that would have been amazing not that long ago, on site.
Chris

[horsa]

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