Pied Flycatcher singing this evening along T&M Canal, between Whatcroft and Middlewich, by bridge 177. What3Words ref ///sulky.custodian.masts
Also Lesser Whitethroat.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Wednesday 3rd of May 2023 06:03:54 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Apr 28 2:13 PM, 2023
Five and a half mile walk from Great Budworth up to just beyond Arley Hall and back via Arley Green and The Slacks. With Mrs J, so it was like a route march with the Royal Marines as opposed to a leisurely birding walk. In the main, through arable farmland, pools dotted around and pockets of woodland. Nothing too exciting, other than being partly chased by three young cows which got Mrs Js stress levels up a bit. Highlights :-
Gadwall (2) Teal (1) Oystercatcher (1) Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) Swallow (4) House Martin (6) Chiffchaff (7) Linnet (9) Yellowhammer (1) Reed Bunting (1)
34 Species seen.
Neil Blood said
Wed Apr 26 10:20 AM, 2023
Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal,
Singing/calling Warblers:
Chiffchaff 20
Blackcap 5
Willow Warbler 4
Reed Warbler 5
Sedge Warbler 1
Cetti's Warbler 2
Other birds including:
Wheatear 1 (patch tick).
Mistle Thrush
Fieldfare, 1 late spring bird.
Lapwing, several displaying.
Grey Wagtail
Swallow
House Martin
Kestrel
Goldcrest
2 Mallard broods
3 sitting Canada Goose nests.
Steve Costa said
Sat Dec 31 10:55 PM, 2022
A friend, in Hartford, has had a female blackcap visiting his garden feeders/table recently.
Neil Blood said
Thu Dec 29 10:27 PM, 2022
Bittern in residence at Big Billinge Lake, Whatcroft since 06/12.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 26 7:59 PM, 2022
Farmland areas north east of Barnton in cold and sunny weather, late morning. 6*c with real feel 2*c, light winds. Species seen 25, highlights being :-
Green Sandpiper (1) Stock Dove (2) Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) Redwing (c.25) Fieldfare (1)
The Green Sandpiper was on the floods at the corner of Hough Lane and Cogshall Lane, Comberbatch. A tick for this mini patch.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Monday 26th of December 2022 07:59:40 PM
Doc Brewster said
Sat Sep 24 9:47 PM, 2022
On the way home from the pub this evening we heard a Redshank calling as it flew along the River Weaver just south of our village, Moulton, Northwich.
Neil Blood said
Fri May 6 12:53 PM, 2022
Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal:
The Great Crested Grebes are still on Whatcroft Wides, with 4 young growing nicely, although they'd done another disappearing act, first thing this morning. Other highlights included Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper, calling Water Rail, Kingfisher and several 4 Bullfinch.
Singing warbler totals:
Blackcap 11
Common Whitethroat 5
Chiffchaff 21
Willow Warbler 3
Sedge Warbler 9
Reed Warbler 21
Cetti's Warbler 5
Neil Blood said
Mon May 2 2:58 PM, 2022
Canal walk Middlewich to Billinge at 06:00 AM:
A pair of Shoveler were flushed from the Canal by Croxton Flash. Also on my last walk (not posted) there were 3 new broods of Mallards, which have again disappeared and likely due to further Mink predation. Also no sign of the Great Crested Grebes with 3 young on Whatcroft Wides. Hopefully they were hiding in the reeds and not also fallen foul of the local Mink?
Warbler counts this morning included:
Reed Warbler 17
Sedge Warbler 9
Willow Warbler 2
Lesser Whitethroat 2
Common Whitethroat 3
Cetti's Warbler 4
Neil Blood said
Thu Apr 28 8:38 PM, 2022
Canal walk this evening from Middlewich and veered off the canal towards Davenhan.
Warbler song was generally quiet apart from 2 Cettis Warblers on Croxton Flash, along with a few Reed Warblers and a single Willow Warbler. The ploughed field behind Croxton Flash held 137 adult LBB Gulls and 5 adult Herring gulls, plus other large gulls at different sub adult age ranges.
Further along the canal I came across a Mink trying to separate a Female Mallard and 3 ducklings. Lobbed a few stones at it and it disappeared, but no doubt it will be back. None of the 5 Mallard broods Ive found in the last couple of weeks, seem to survive more than a couple of days
On a brighter note, I found 21 Lapwings across 3 fields towards Davenham. Although first breeding attempts have failed due to the plough.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 28th of April 2022 08:49:38 PM
Neil Blood said
Wed Apr 27 9:10 AM, 2022
Early morning canal walk, Middlewich to Billinge, with highlights being:
3 Great Crested Grebes, inc pair with 4 young on Whatcroft Wides.
20+ Reed Warblers
4 Sedge Warblers
4 Cetti's Warbler
7 Willow Warblers singing
3 Lesser Whitethroats (2 singing)
1 Common Whitethroat
1 Kingfisher
2 Bullfinch
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Apr 16 3:24 PM, 2022
Farmland areas, north east of Barnton, just short of one and a half hours this morning in sunny and warm weather. Thirty species seen, highlights being :-
89 Fieldfares counted, feeding in the fields between Croxton Flash and Brambles Cutting. The actual number could have been well over 100 birds!
First Reed Warbler of the spring on Croxton Flash.
3 Calling Cettis Warblers and 2 Willow Warblers.
The Mallard brood is now down from 7 to 2 ducklings, probably due to the local Mink.
Neil Blood said
Mon Apr 11 9:37 PM, 2022
My regular Spring walk along the T&M Canal, between Middlewich and Billinge (7.5KM):
3 Mute Swan nests
1 Mallard brood of 7 ducklings
1 Calling Water Rail, Croxton Flash
1 Calling Green Woodpecker, Bostock Estate area (patch tick)
4 Fieldfares
4 Calling Cettis Warblers
1 Singing Willow Warbler
1 Swallow
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Mar 19 3:51 PM, 2022
Two and a quarter hours from 8am, farmland areas north east of Barnton, following the lanes to the north of Comberbach, then in to Comberbatch and back via Marbury Road. Sunny and clear, 10-13*c, light winds.
The first returning Yellowhammer was back on territory, north of Claycroft Farm and a total of seven Skylark were seen in the adjacent fields. Best of the rest included Linnet, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Kennel Wood, three Buzzard, Long-tailed Tit, six Chiffchaff and a flock of up to twenty Redwing. 37 species seen, which is a good total for this patch.
Steve Costa said
Mon Feb 7 11:15 PM, 2022
I was told by a friend, at the weekend, that he and his wife saw a black redstart in their Hartford garden on Tuesday, 1st February. He's an occasional birdwatcher, feeds and watches his garden birds regularly, and has binoculars and telescope. It didn't stay long, but he had good views and saw the tail clearly.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Sep 19 4:17 PM, 2021
A late report for Weds 15th Sept:
A fem/imm Wheatear was in the bottom paddock at my wife's horse fields late afternoon. This is at Foxwist Green not far from my Newchurch Common patch but outside the patch boundaries and not visible from my patch!!
Neil Blood said
Mon Jun 7 8:51 PM, 2021
First canal walk for a couple of weeks from Billinge back to Middlewich. It was pretty quiet to begin with apart from a couple of Cettis, a Willow Warbler and a pair of Great Crested Grebes with 3 young on Whatcroft Wides.
As I approached Croxton Flash, I bumped into another local birder, who put me onto a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, which was a Middlewich tick for me. A little further on and a Cuckoo flew across the canal in front of us and then called from the wooded area opposite Croxton Flash, which was Middlewich tick number two!
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Monday 7th of June 2021 10:02:54 PM
Neil Blood said
Sat May 1 5:32 PM, 2021
I could have posted this report under either Northwich or Frodsham, as it was a 12 mile circular walk between the two. Parked at Acton Bridge and walked down Cliff Lane heading towards the River Weaver, where 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats were heard. On reaching Cliff Brook we cut through the small caravan park and then headed along the River Weaver in the direction of Frodsham. Plenty of common birds were encounterd with the pick being Green Woodpecker, Cettis Warbler, Garden Warbler and my first Common Swifts of the spring. In addition a passage male Common Redstart was also calling from a hedgerow and briefly showed well.
On reaching Frodsham, we turned right onto Sutton Causeway (A56), after crossing the swing bridge, we turned right onto the Weaver towpath and headed back towards Northwich along the opposite bank. Another Garden Warbler was heard, before eventually reaching a large semi-permanent flooded field, which was alive with birds. Immediately a Ruff was flushed and the flood held good numbers of Gadwall, a few Shoveler and a pair of Little Grebes. My attention was then drawn to two other waders which were a pair of Wood Sandpipers! Further along the towpath was another flooded field, which held another Ruff and a Black-tailed Godwit. Thereafter the heavens opening, which put an end to the birding and we continued back to the A49, before heading back to the car.
The What3words location for the flood is listening.limits.curious and its definitely an area worth future attention.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Saturday 1st of May 2021 08:02:57 PM
Neil Blood said
Fri Apr 30 9:10 AM, 2021
06:00 AM start this morning Middlewich to Billinge along the canal. Female Goosander with 8 chicks on the River Dane below Croxton Lane. Both Reed and Sedge warbler numbers still increasing with 18 Reed and 8 Sedge singing between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides. Also my first singing Garden Warbler of the spring between Croxton Flash and Bramble Cuttings.
Other warblers singing were 31 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Cetti's Warbler.
5 Shelduck flew over and 5 Mallard broods along the canal. The Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Great Crested Grebes are still nest sitting in close proximity on Whatcroft Wides.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Friday 30th of April 2021 09:14:00 AM
Neil Blood said
Wed Apr 28 8:51 PM, 2021
Usual route and usual birds encountered. One year list addition, which was Yellow Wagtail and 6 Lapwings now sitting in adjacent fields off Manor Lane. Also Swallow and House Martin numbers up, including 20+ Swallows over Shipbrook Flash.
Neil Blood said
Tue Apr 27 9:48 AM, 2021
16:00 walk last night from Middlewich to Billinge:
More warblers evident in the various reed patches between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides with 13 Reed Warblers and 3 Sedge Warblers singing. Also 3 singing Cetti's Warblers and more Reed Buntings starting to sing. Other warblers were 37 singing/calling Chiffchaffs, 19 Blackcaps, 2 Common Whitethroats and a 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Other birds included both singing Goldcrest and Treecreeper, calling G S Woodpecker and 2 Kingfishers.
On Croxton Flash the Great Created Grebes appear to have left and with a failed Canada Goose nest, I'm wondering if the local Mink or Otters were the culprits?
On Whatcroft Wides, there is a Mute Swan nest, Canada Goose nest and Great Crested Grebe nest, all within a few feet of each other. I'm really surprised that the male Mute Swan is tolerating it and things will likely kick off when the cygnets hatch!
Neil Blood said
Fri Apr 23 9:41 AM, 2021
Usual route with a 06:00 AM start from the Middlewich end of the Canal.
As expected more warblers coming in now, with counts of 4 Sedge and 10 Reed Warblers between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides. Also 2 Cetti's, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Common Whitethroat and my first singing Lesser Whitethroat of the spring.
6 Bullfinch and 6 Reed Buntings also encountered.
At 3 of the 4 Great Crested Grebe sites, only single birds now on show, which suggests birds now sitting on eggs.
Neil Blood said
Tue Apr 20 9:07 PM, 2021
Long walk this evening, Middlewich to Billinge along the canal, Shipbrook loop and back home down the Canal.
First Reed Warbler of the spring singing on Croxton Flash and a further 2 singing birds between here and Whatcroft Wides, where there was also a singing Sedge Warbler.
The usual Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Cettis Warblers, plus 2 singing Willow Warblers.
5 Lapwings now sitting on nests around Manor Lane, plus 2 seen copulating.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 09:15:00 PM
Neil Blood said
Fri Apr 16 10:09 AM, 2021
This morning's 5 mile canal walk from Middlewich to Billinge:
The Willow Warblers have finally arrived, I heard one from my driveway yesterday afternoon and 3 were heard singing on the walk this morning. Also 31 Singing/calling Chiffchaffs and 8 Blackcaps. 4 or possibly 5 Cetti's Warblers singing. 30+ Sand Martins at Whatcroft Wides, along with a few Swallows and a single House Martin.
Still 8 Great Crested Grebes (4 pairs) in residence along the canal and local fishing lakes, 2 Teal, 1 Shelduck, 3 Mallard broods and 9 Lapwings around Manor Lane. Also 2 flyover calling Oystercatchers.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Friday 16th of April 2021 10:11:13 AM
Neil Blood said
Sat Apr 10 6:46 AM, 2021
Only new bird of note on last nights Billinge to Middlewich canal walk was a singing Common Whitethroat.
Singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap numbers appear to have increased, but still no Willow Warblers.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Apr 7 7:39 AM, 2021
Had a Red Kite yesterday afternoon whilst checking the farmland areas, north east of Barnton. The bird was just north of Manor Farm (about 200 yards outside our Marbury Patch recording area) in Anderton, heading east towards Comberbatch. Quite scarce in these parts, we only see a couple each year and they are always fly bys.
Also around were a single Swallow, three Sand Martin moving through north, four Lapwing and two Linnet. A pair of Grey Partridge were seen a few days ago by a Barnton birder but they are certainly hard to pin down.
Neil Blood said
Tue Apr 6 7:55 AM, 2021
Billinge back to Middlewich along T&M Canal.
Quiet in the cold wind, singing Blackcaps outnumbered Chiffchaffs. 15 Sand Martins and 4 Swallows Whatcroft Wides. 5 Fieldfares and 2 Cettis Warblers
Neil Blood said
Sun Mar 28 6:33 PM, 2021
Same walk as last time, also taking in Shipbrook Flash.
8 G C Grebes (4 pairs).
20 Tufted Duck
2 Teal
Singing Water Rail, (Whatcroft Wides).
1 Kingfisher
2 Singing Skylarks
21 Singing Chiffchaffs
4 Singing Blackcap
2 Singing Cettis Warbler (poss new territory on Billinge, meaning 4 territories on the local patch?)
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Sunday 28th of March 2021 06:34:37 PM
Neil Blood said
Thu Mar 25 7:30 PM, 2021
Tonights walk, Billinge back to Middlewich, via T&M Canal, with highlights being:
3 pairs of G C Grebes (Billinge, Whatcroft Wides and Croxton Flash)
1 Gadwall, Billinge
1 Shelduck
3 Cettis Warblers singing (Whatcroft Wides and Croxton Flash)
10 Chiffchaffs singing
2 Bullfinch
Small groups of Redwings and Fieldfares
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 25th of March 2021 08:03:47 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Mar 23 4:55 PM, 2021
Out for an hour and a half this morning in the farmland area north east of Barnton. Cool, dull and fine, 9*c. Highlights being :-
The Linnet were in the paddocks behind Manor Farm whilst the Fieldfare were in two flocks, heading through northwards.
Neil Blood said
Tue Mar 23 11:05 AM, 2021
Evening walk Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal
5 Great Crested Grebes (2 Croxton Flash and 3 Whatcroft Wides)
1 Mute Swan nest.
1 Curlew
5 Kingfishers
3 singing Chiffchaffs
1 Cetti's Warbler
2 Treecreeper
1 G S Woodpecker
12 Fieldfares
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 04:57:13 PM
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 5 2:50 PM, 2021
Samglennie wrote:
Just wondering if anyone has seen the recent White stork that has been flying over lancashire and cheshire. It was last reported in a field opposite the blue cap pub in sandiway.
The sighting was for 1pm on Wednesday 3rd March. An observer took photos but news was late coming out. Several independant observers, including myself, were on site first thing on Thursday morning but no sign at all. I was on my way to my local patch nearby and so checked all accessible fields but still nothing! With its wandering tendancies the most likely scenario is that it is no longer in the area.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 5th of March 2021 02:50:35 PM
Samglennie said
Fri Mar 5 11:13 AM, 2021
Just wondering if anyone has seen the recent White stork that has been flying over lancashire and cheshire. It was last reported in a field opposite the blue cap pub in sandiway.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Mar 1 8:21 PM, 2021
Did a five and a quarter mile walk yesterday in farmland areas north east of Barnton, on to the outskirts of Antrobus before then heading to Comberbach. I carried on to Anderton where I had parked. Nothing too exciting, of note :-
Stock Dove (1) Oystercatcher (1) Buzzard (3) Tawny Owl (1) Jay (1) Mistle Thrush (1) Pied Wagtail (3) Yellowhammer (1)
The Tawny Owl was calling from trees by Senna Green Farm. Only one Yellowhammer but they are just returning to territory. No Skylark yet. Slowly building up the species list for this area which is essentially an expansion of the area I check for Yellowhammer. Up to 47 and the potential for a few more yet.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Feb 27 9:12 PM, 2021
Four Yellowhammer back on territory just before dusk off Cogshall Lane. Two near the track down to Claycroft Farm and two at the end of the field to the north west of the farm.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Feb 25 3:24 PM, 2021
Had a walk in a totally new area for me, knowing that a patch regular was going to be on there meant that I had local knowledge for the walk
This was the area around Lostock Green by the A556 Northwich bypass just a couple of miles from my house, but somewhere that I had never walked before. Mainly farmland it was criss-crossed by access tracks for local industry as well as farms, so not totally rural! Also birch and pine woodland areas and flooded fields and old settling lagoons. I was told it was interesting without ever producing 'headline' birds that would attract outside birders to visit/twitch the area.
The highlinghts of the walk were as follows, I'm not sure where I was as we followed roads back and forth and doubled back several times so I can't give locations!! A single Green Sandpiper was on an old lagoon, always a nice bird to see. At least 8 Tree Sparrows were seen, scattered across the area, again a great bird to add to the day list. Another farmland passerine that seemed abundant was Yellowhammer with at least 8 of these seen too. A male and female Stonechat were seen about halfway round our circuit, I was told that they are pretty regular here, but not on my own patch so another nice record for the daylist. Several Goldfinches were also on the farm tracks. Continuing the farmland birds theme we had 5 Skylarks across the area and 180 Linnets in a massive mobile flock, spectacular indeed. Another highlight was 8 Ravens, all in the one area, interacting with acrobatic flying and cronking just above our heads. A single Redwing and 1 Song Thrush were seen and a lone Cormorant flew over. A Goldcrest was in the woodlands close to where we watched the Ravens, a real little & large experience! A few Long-tailed Tits and Coal Tits were also noted. A Kestrel and 3 Buzzards represented birds of prey for the day, I was hoping that a Peregine from the nearby TATA works would make a visit but sadly not today.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 25th of February 2021 07:59:21 PM
Natalie Clarke said
Wed Dec 30 1:42 PM, 2020
Wintery stroll around Marbury country park. Quite busy but some enjoyable spots!
The absolute highlight on my Birthday was my first proper spot of a Kingfisher! First time I have spotted one perched and it was beautiful!
My other faves were;
Goldcrest
Redwing
Song thrush
Doc Brewster said
Sat Oct 3 3:42 PM, 2020
Seen as I was travelling back to Northwich along the A559 just south of the M6 j.19 opposite the A5033 Knutsford turn - 3 adult Whooper Swans flying west at midday.
Curt Whitby said
Tue Jul 7 4:37 PM, 2020
A bit of a late post as been on nights but on Sunday just gone there was a Hobby flying around Marshalls Arm on the Weaver.
Curt Whitby said
Wed Jul 1 10:51 PM, 2020
Well done Neil for all your recent efforts. I do hope the person(s) involved in the bank side destruction get their just deserves. It doesn't make sense to me as you can't farm it with large machinery used nowadays right to the waters edge and you can't burn willow anyway as it burns terribly. Just vandalism of the environment for no apparent gain in my eyes.
Neil Blood said
Wed Jul 1 10:36 PM, 2020
Not the best walks this week locally. Yesterday I got a call that a Swan had a large fishing hook in its beak, with a length of line attached on Shipbrook Flash. The RSPCA had been called earlier in the day by concerned Fishermen, but hadnt shown up, so I went up to the lake, with a gardening glove, pair of forceps, bread and some courage. On arriving I found a pair of swans with 5 cygnets; the hook and line could clearly be seen in the beak Of the male swan.
I roped in one of the anglers present into helping me and after feeding the male bits of bread by my feet, I quickly grabbed it firmly just below the head. A bit of flapping ensued, but I soon had it under control and settled between my legs. My assistant quickly moved in, removed the hook and line with the forceps, and 30 seconds later the swan was eating bread again. Not bad for a first attempt at grabbing hold of a swan!
Next I went for a walk along the River Dane at Byley and was totally shocked by what greeted me. Along the river for a 1.5KM length, all the mature willows had recently been cut down/pulled out. It looked like a scene from a disaster movie! These trees were known to hold many bats and given the timing, nesting birds would have also been disturbed, along with the clear destruction of fish and otter habitat.
This has since been reported to the relevant authorities and hopefully a criminal investigation is now underway.
Tonights walk along the T&M Canal, from Billinge to Middlewich.
Star bird was a Spotted Flycatcher, which I would have missed, but for the fact it was calling. Given the timing and the fact that its second one Ive seen recently, then hopefully this means they are breeding along here?
Great Crested Grebe incubating on Billinge big lake, plus pair with 2 well grown young on Whatcroft Wides. Various warblers singing including Cettis, Willow and Lesser Whitethroat. Also 15 singing Reed Buntings along the canal and 2 calling Water Rails on Croxton Flash.
The Mute Swan pair have finally abandoned the eggs, which they have been incubating since early April!
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Monday 15th of June 2020 07:50:26 PM
Neil Blood said
Sun May 31 12:50 PM, 2020
This mornings walk from Middlewich along the T&M Canal and Whatcroft loop.
First bird of note was a Lesser Whitethroat singing 200 meters from my front door and its been there for 2+ weeks. 2 other singing Lesser Whitethroats encountered on the walk, along with all the usual warblers.
The Great Crested Grebes are no longer on Croxton Flash and Im concerned its down to more Mink predation? Further along the Great Crested Grebes on Whatcroft Flash, now have 2 young. Theres also a Mute Swan nest, where they seem to have been incubating for weeks and I can only think that the eggs are sterile?
2 Lapwings still incubating on Manor Lane, plus at least one pair with young at the end of Old Lane, but difficult to view due to the height of the maize crop?
Curt Whitby said
Sun May 24 10:32 PM, 2020
At midday an oystercatcher flew overhead Davenham village centre.
Neil Blood said
Mon May 18 7:12 PM, 2020
Tonights walk from Whatcroft back to Middlewich, 64 Stock Doves feeding in the fields around Manor Lane, also 4 Lapwings are now sitting in the same fields and must have laid eggs in the last couple of days? 3 Lapwings still sitting off Old Lane too.
Only other birds of note were 40+ House Martins over Shipbrook Flash.
Neil Blood said
Wed May 13 10:01 PM, 2020
Usual warblers along the canal from Middlewich, although much quieter singing wise.
Re the Lapwings on Manor Lane, another different picture tonight. 1 pair guarding 2 well grown young and 3 birds sitting on nests. Yellowhammer again singing nearby. Also one field held 32 Stock Doves and 2 Drake Mandarin.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Wednesday 13th of May 2020 10:02:18 PM
Neil Blood said
Tue May 12 9:46 PM, 2020
Quiet tonight, apart from a couple of singing Lesser Whitethoats, Cettis and Willow Warblers. Looked hard for Spotted Flycatcher again but no joy, it does look good habitat for them between canal bridges 177 and 179?
Great Crested Grebe still visible on nest at Whatcroft Flash.
Id been meaning to mention that Swallows are thin on the ground again; however they seemed a bit more plentiful this evening, including one group of 15, which drifted over the canal
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 12th of May 2020 09:59:19 PM
Neil Blood said
Mon May 11 7:52 PM, 2020
I know that I shouldn't have tempted fate, with my reply to Mark earlier, as on tonight's walk, I found a very showy Spotted Flycatcher between Croxton Flash and Bramble Cuttings on the Canal. The pair of G C Grebes on Croxton Flash, now appear to be nest building again?
Regarding the Lapwings on Manor Lane, there now only appears to be two birds sitting in the now planted field? Its amazing in that a Rook drifts low over the field and they are not interested; however as soon as a Carrion Crow does the same, they are on it in a flash! A male Yellowhammer was also singing along the same lane.
Elsewhere it was very quiet apart from a few Swift and Sand Martins over Shipbrook Flash, along with a new brood of Mute Swans. On the River Dane below Shipbrook Bridge, there were 2 Mallard broods and a Canada Goose brood.
Neil Blood said
Mon May 11 1:03 PM, 2020
Mark Jarrett wrote:
Walked another section of the Trent & Mersey Canal this morning, south from Billinge Large Lake to a point in line with Bostock Hall and then we retraced our steps.
All the usual warblers around with a Cettis at Whatcroft Wides where there were also plenty of Reed Warbler singing away, as were at least four Sedge Warbler. Another Cettis heard blasting away, on the other side of the canal, at the bottom end of Shipbrook Flash. Good numbers of Reed Bunting about, a couple of Buzzard and two Lesser Whitethroat rattling away. The first heard and the second heard and then seen in a hedgerow right by the canal.
Lovely rolling countryside with fields surrounded by hedges to die for, copses, parcels of woodland and the River Dane often running parallel to the canal. Superb. Forgot to mention. There looks to be some great Spotted Flycatcher habitat. First ones are in now and should be around here, certainly by mid month. Heres hoping.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Wednesday 6th of May 2020 06:25:14 PM
I thought exactly the same Mark, re the Spotted Flycatchers, my two remaining spring targets for the patch are Spot Fly and Hobby
Pied Flycatcher singing this evening along T&M Canal, between Whatcroft and Middlewich, by bridge 177. What3Words ref ///sulky.custodian.masts
Also Lesser Whitethroat.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Wednesday 3rd of May 2023 06:03:54 PM
Gadwall (2)
Teal (1)
Oystercatcher (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Swallow (4)
House Martin (6)
Chiffchaff (7)
Linnet (9)
Yellowhammer (1)
Reed Bunting (1)
34 Species seen.
Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal,
Singing/calling Warblers:
Chiffchaff 20
Blackcap 5
Willow Warbler 4
Reed Warbler 5
Sedge Warbler 1
Cetti's Warbler 2
Other birds including:
Wheatear 1 (patch tick).
Mistle Thrush
Fieldfare, 1 late spring bird.
Lapwing, several displaying.
Grey Wagtail
Swallow
House Martin
Kestrel
Goldcrest
2 Mallard broods
3 sitting Canada Goose nests.
Bittern in residence at Big Billinge Lake, Whatcroft since 06/12.
Green Sandpiper (1)
Stock Dove (2)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Redwing (c.25)
Fieldfare (1)
The Green Sandpiper was on the floods at the corner of Hough Lane and Cogshall Lane, Comberbatch. A tick for this mini patch.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Monday 26th of December 2022 07:59:40 PM
On the way home from the pub this evening we heard a Redshank calling as it flew along the River Weaver just south of our village, Moulton, Northwich.
Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal:
The Great Crested Grebes are still on Whatcroft Wides, with 4 young growing nicely, although they'd done another disappearing act, first thing this morning. Other highlights included Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper, calling Water Rail, Kingfisher and several 4 Bullfinch.
Singing warbler totals:
Blackcap 11
Common Whitethroat 5
Chiffchaff 21
Willow Warbler 3
Sedge Warbler 9
Reed Warbler 21
Cetti's Warbler 5
Canal walk Middlewich to Billinge at 06:00 AM:
A pair of Shoveler were flushed from the Canal by Croxton Flash. Also on my last walk (not posted) there were 3 new broods of Mallards, which have again disappeared and likely due to further Mink predation. Also no sign of the Great Crested Grebes with 3 young on Whatcroft Wides. Hopefully they were hiding in the reeds and not also fallen foul of the local Mink?
Warbler counts this morning included:
Reed Warbler 17
Sedge Warbler 9
Willow Warbler 2
Lesser Whitethroat 2
Common Whitethroat 3
Cetti's Warbler 4
Canal walk this evening from Middlewich and veered off the canal towards Davenhan.
Warbler song was generally quiet apart from 2 Cettis Warblers on Croxton Flash, along with a few Reed Warblers and a single Willow Warbler. The ploughed field behind Croxton Flash held 137 adult LBB Gulls and 5 adult Herring gulls, plus other large gulls at different sub adult age ranges.
Further along the canal I came across a Mink trying to separate a Female Mallard and 3 ducklings. Lobbed a few stones at it and it disappeared, but no doubt it will be back. None of the 5 Mallard broods Ive found in the last couple of weeks, seem to survive more than a couple of days
On a brighter note, I found 21 Lapwings across 3 fields towards Davenham. Although first breeding attempts have failed due to the plough.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 28th of April 2022 08:49:38 PM
Early morning canal walk, Middlewich to Billinge, with highlights being:
3 Great Crested Grebes, inc pair with 4 young on Whatcroft Wides.
20+ Reed Warblers
4 Sedge Warblers
4 Cetti's Warbler
7 Willow Warblers singing
3 Lesser Whitethroats (2 singing)
1 Common Whitethroat
1 Kingfisher
2 Bullfinch
- Skylark (2)
- Willow Warbler (6)
- Chiffchaff (13)
- Blackcap (3)
- Whitethroat (1)
- Nuthatch (1)
- Yellowhammer (1)
89 Fieldfares counted, feeding in the fields between Croxton Flash and Brambles Cutting. The actual number could have been well over 100 birds!
First Reed Warbler of the spring on Croxton Flash.
3 Calling Cettis Warblers and 2 Willow Warblers.
The Mallard brood is now down from 7 to 2 ducklings, probably due to the local Mink.
My regular Spring walk along the T&M Canal, between Middlewich and Billinge (7.5KM):
3 Mute Swan nests
1 Mallard brood of 7 ducklings
1 Calling Water Rail, Croxton Flash
1 Calling Green Woodpecker, Bostock Estate area (patch tick)
4 Fieldfares
4 Calling Cettis Warblers
1 Singing Willow Warbler
1 Swallow
The first returning Yellowhammer was back on territory, north of Claycroft Farm and a total of seven Skylark were seen in the adjacent fields. Best of the rest included Linnet, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Kennel Wood, three Buzzard, Long-tailed Tit, six Chiffchaff and a flock of up to twenty Redwing. 37 species seen, which is a good total for this patch.
A late report for Weds 15th Sept:
A fem/imm Wheatear was in the bottom paddock at my wife's horse fields late afternoon. This is at Foxwist Green not far from my Newchurch Common patch but outside the patch boundaries and not visible from my patch!!
First canal walk for a couple of weeks from Billinge back to Middlewich. It was pretty quiet to begin with apart from a couple of Cettis, a Willow Warbler and a pair of Great Crested Grebes with 3 young on Whatcroft Wides.
As I approached Croxton Flash, I bumped into another local birder, who put me onto a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, which was a Middlewich tick for me. A little further on and a Cuckoo flew across the canal in front of us and then called from the wooded area opposite Croxton Flash, which was Middlewich tick number two!
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Monday 7th of June 2021 10:02:54 PM
I could have posted this report under either Northwich or Frodsham, as it was a 12 mile circular walk between the two. Parked at Acton Bridge and walked down Cliff Lane heading towards the River Weaver, where 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats were heard. On reaching Cliff Brook we cut through the small caravan park and then headed along the River Weaver in the direction of Frodsham. Plenty of common birds were encounterd with the pick being Green Woodpecker, Cettis Warbler, Garden Warbler and my first Common Swifts of the spring. In addition a passage male Common Redstart was also calling from a hedgerow and briefly showed well.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Saturday 1st of May 2021 08:02:57 PM
06:00 AM start this morning Middlewich to Billinge along the canal. Female Goosander with 8 chicks on the River Dane below Croxton Lane. Both Reed and Sedge warbler numbers still increasing with 18 Reed and 8 Sedge singing between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides. Also my first singing Garden Warbler of the spring between Croxton Flash and Bramble Cuttings.
Other warblers singing were 31 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Cetti's Warbler.
5 Shelduck flew over and 5 Mallard broods along the canal. The Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Great Crested Grebes are still nest sitting in close proximity on Whatcroft Wides.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Friday 30th of April 2021 09:14:00 AM
Usual route and usual birds encountered. One year list addition, which was Yellow Wagtail and 6 Lapwings now sitting in adjacent fields off Manor Lane. Also Swallow and House Martin numbers up, including 20+ Swallows over Shipbrook Flash.
16:00 walk last night from Middlewich to Billinge:
More warblers evident in the various reed patches between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides with 13 Reed Warblers and 3 Sedge Warblers singing. Also 3 singing Cetti's Warblers and more Reed Buntings starting to sing. Other warblers were 37 singing/calling Chiffchaffs, 19 Blackcaps, 2 Common Whitethroats and a 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Other birds included both singing Goldcrest and Treecreeper, calling G S Woodpecker and 2 Kingfishers.
On Croxton Flash the Great Created Grebes appear to have left and with a failed Canada Goose nest, I'm wondering if the local Mink or Otters were the culprits?
On Whatcroft Wides, there is a Mute Swan nest, Canada Goose nest and Great Crested Grebe nest, all within a few feet of each other. I'm really surprised that the male Mute Swan is tolerating it and things will likely kick off when the cygnets hatch!
Usual route with a 06:00 AM start from the Middlewich end of the Canal.
As expected more warblers coming in now, with counts of 4 Sedge and 10 Reed Warblers between Croxton Flash and Whatcroft Wides. Also 2 Cetti's, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Common Whitethroat and my first singing Lesser Whitethroat of the spring.
6 Bullfinch and 6 Reed Buntings also encountered.
At 3 of the 4 Great Crested Grebe sites, only single birds now on show, which suggests birds now sitting on eggs.
Long walk this evening, Middlewich to Billinge along the canal, Shipbrook loop and back home down the Canal.
First Reed Warbler of the spring singing on Croxton Flash and a further 2 singing birds between here and Whatcroft Wides, where there was also a singing Sedge Warbler.
The usual Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Cettis Warblers, plus 2 singing Willow Warblers.
5 Lapwings now sitting on nests around Manor Lane, plus 2 seen copulating.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 09:15:00 PM
This morning's 5 mile canal walk from Middlewich to Billinge:
The Willow Warblers have finally arrived, I heard one from my driveway yesterday afternoon and 3 were heard singing on the walk this morning. Also 31 Singing/calling Chiffchaffs and 8 Blackcaps. 4 or possibly 5 Cetti's Warblers singing. 30+ Sand Martins at Whatcroft Wides, along with a few Swallows and a single House Martin.
Still 8 Great Crested Grebes (4 pairs) in residence along the canal and local fishing lakes, 2 Teal, 1 Shelduck, 3 Mallard broods and 9 Lapwings around Manor Lane. Also 2 flyover calling Oystercatchers.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Friday 16th of April 2021 10:11:13 AM
Only new bird of note on last nights Billinge to Middlewich canal walk was a singing Common Whitethroat.
Singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap numbers appear to have increased, but still no Willow Warblers.
Also around were a single Swallow, three Sand Martin moving through north, four Lapwing and two Linnet. A pair of Grey Partridge were seen a few days ago by a Barnton birder but they are certainly hard to pin down.
Billinge back to Middlewich along T&M Canal.
Quiet in the cold wind, singing Blackcaps outnumbered Chiffchaffs. 15 Sand Martins and 4 Swallows Whatcroft Wides. 5 Fieldfares and 2 Cettis Warblers
Same walk as last time, also taking in Shipbrook Flash.
8 G C Grebes (4 pairs).
20 Tufted Duck
2 Teal
Singing Water Rail, (Whatcroft Wides).
1 Kingfisher
2 Singing Skylarks
21 Singing Chiffchaffs
4 Singing Blackcap
2 Singing Cettis Warbler (poss new territory on Billinge, meaning 4 territories on the local patch?)
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Sunday 28th of March 2021 06:34:37 PM
Tonights walk, Billinge back to Middlewich, via T&M Canal, with highlights being:
3 pairs of G C Grebes (Billinge, Whatcroft Wides and Croxton Flash)
1 Gadwall, Billinge
1 Shelduck
3 Cettis Warblers singing (Whatcroft Wides and Croxton Flash)
10 Chiffchaffs singing
2 Bullfinch
Small groups of Redwings and Fieldfares
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 25th of March 2021 08:03:47 PM
Yellowhammer (1)
Skylark (4)
Linnet (35)
Chiffchaff (1)
Buzzard (1)
Fieldfare (80)
Redwing (1)
Mistle Thrush (2)
Nuthatch (1)
The Linnet were in the paddocks behind Manor Farm whilst the Fieldfare were in two flocks, heading through northwards.
Evening walk Middlewich to Billinge along T&M Canal
5 Great Crested Grebes (2 Croxton Flash and 3 Whatcroft Wides)
1 Mute Swan nest.
1 Curlew
5 Kingfishers
3 singing Chiffchaffs
1 Cetti's Warbler
2 Treecreeper
1 G S Woodpecker
12 Fieldfares
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 04:57:13 PM
The sighting was for 1pm on Wednesday 3rd March. An observer took photos but news was late coming out. Several independant observers, including myself, were on site first thing on Thursday morning but no sign at all. I was on my way to my local patch nearby and so checked all accessible fields but still nothing! With its wandering tendancies the most likely scenario is that it is no longer in the area.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 5th of March 2021 02:50:35 PM
Stock Dove (1)
Oystercatcher (1)
Buzzard (3)
Tawny Owl (1)
Jay (1)
Mistle Thrush (1)
Pied Wagtail (3)
Yellowhammer (1)
The Tawny Owl was calling from trees by Senna Green Farm. Only one Yellowhammer but they are just returning to territory. No Skylark yet. Slowly building up the species list for this area which is essentially an expansion of the area I check for Yellowhammer. Up to 47 and the potential for a few more yet.
Had a walk in a totally new area for me, knowing that a patch regular was going to be on there meant that I had local knowledge for the walk
This was the area around Lostock Green by the A556 Northwich bypass just a couple of miles from my house, but somewhere that I had never walked before. Mainly farmland it was criss-crossed by access tracks for local industry as well as farms, so not totally rural! Also birch and pine woodland areas and flooded fields and old settling lagoons. I was told it was interesting without ever producing 'headline' birds that would attract outside birders to visit/twitch the area.
The highlinghts of the walk were as follows, I'm not sure where I was as we followed roads back and forth and doubled back several times so I can't give locations!! A single Green Sandpiper was on an old lagoon, always a nice bird to see. At least 8 Tree Sparrows were seen, scattered across the area, again a great bird to add to the day list. Another farmland passerine that seemed abundant was Yellowhammer with at least 8 of these seen too. A male and female Stonechat were seen about halfway round our circuit, I was told that they are pretty regular here, but not on my own patch so another nice record for the daylist. Several Goldfinches were also on the farm tracks. Continuing the farmland birds theme we had 5 Skylarks across the area and 180 Linnets in a massive mobile flock, spectacular indeed. Another highlight was 8 Ravens, all in the one area, interacting with acrobatic flying and cronking just above our heads. A single Redwing and 1 Song Thrush were seen and a lone Cormorant flew over. A Goldcrest was in the woodlands close to where we watched the Ravens, a real little & large experience! A few Long-tailed Tits and Coal Tits were also noted. A Kestrel and 3 Buzzards represented birds of prey for the day, I was hoping that a Peregine from the nearby TATA works would make a visit but sadly not today.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 25th of February 2021 07:59:21 PM
Wintery stroll around Marbury country park. Quite busy but some enjoyable spots!
The absolute highlight on my Birthday was my first proper spot of a Kingfisher! First time I have spotted one perched and it was beautiful!
My other faves were;
Goldcrest
Redwing
Song thrush
Seen as I was travelling back to Northwich along the A559 just south of the M6 j.19 opposite the A5033 Knutsford turn - 3 adult Whooper Swans flying west at midday.
Not the best walks this week locally. Yesterday I got a call that a Swan had a large fishing hook in its beak, with a length of line attached on Shipbrook Flash. The RSPCA had been called earlier in the day by concerned Fishermen, but hadnt shown up, so I went up to the lake, with a gardening glove, pair of forceps, bread and some courage. On arriving I found a pair of swans with 5 cygnets; the hook and line could clearly be seen in the beak Of the male swan.
I roped in one of the anglers present into helping me and after feeding the male bits of bread by my feet, I quickly grabbed it firmly just below the head. A bit of flapping ensued, but I soon had it under control and settled between my legs. My assistant quickly moved in, removed the hook and line with the forceps, and 30 seconds later the swan was eating bread again. Not bad for a first attempt at grabbing hold of a swan!
Next I went for a walk along the River Dane at Byley and was totally shocked by what greeted me. Along the river for a 1.5KM length, all the mature willows had recently been cut down/pulled out. It looked like a scene from a disaster movie! These trees were known to hold many bats and given the timing, nesting birds would have also been disturbed, along with the clear destruction of fish and otter habitat.
This has since been reported to the relevant authorities and hopefully a criminal investigation is now underway.
Tonights walk along the T&M Canal, from Billinge to Middlewich.
Star bird was a Spotted Flycatcher, which I would have missed, but for the fact it was calling. Given the timing and the fact that its second one Ive seen recently, then hopefully this means they are breeding along here?
Great Crested Grebe incubating on Billinge big lake, plus pair with 2 well grown young on Whatcroft Wides. Various warblers singing including Cettis, Willow and Lesser Whitethroat. Also 15 singing Reed Buntings along the canal and 2 calling Water Rails on Croxton Flash.
The Mute Swan pair have finally abandoned the eggs, which they have been incubating since early April!
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Monday 15th of June 2020 07:50:26 PM
This mornings walk from Middlewich along the T&M Canal and Whatcroft loop.
First bird of note was a Lesser Whitethroat singing 200 meters from my front door and its been there for 2+ weeks. 2 other singing Lesser Whitethroats encountered on the walk, along with all the usual warblers.
The Great Crested Grebes are no longer on Croxton Flash and Im concerned its down to more Mink predation? Further along the Great Crested Grebes on Whatcroft Flash, now have 2 young. Theres also a Mute Swan nest, where they seem to have been incubating for weeks and I can only think that the eggs are sterile?
2 Lapwings still incubating on Manor Lane, plus at least one pair with young at the end of Old Lane, but difficult to view due to the height of the maize crop?
Tonights walk from Whatcroft back to Middlewich, 64 Stock Doves feeding in the fields around Manor Lane, also 4 Lapwings are now sitting in the same fields and must have laid eggs in the last couple of days? 3 Lapwings still sitting off Old Lane too.
Only other birds of note were 40+ House Martins over Shipbrook Flash.
Usual warblers along the canal from Middlewich, although much quieter singing wise.
Re the Lapwings on Manor Lane, another different picture tonight. 1 pair guarding 2 well grown young and 3 birds sitting on nests. Yellowhammer again singing nearby. Also one field held 32 Stock Doves and 2 Drake Mandarin.
-- Edited by Neil Blood on Wednesday 13th of May 2020 10:02:18 PM
Quiet tonight, apart from a couple of singing Lesser Whitethoats, Cettis and Willow Warblers. Looked hard for Spotted Flycatcher again but no joy, it does look good habitat for them between canal bridges 177 and 179?
Great Crested Grebe still visible on nest at Whatcroft Flash.
Id been meaning to mention that Swallows are thin on the ground again; however they seemed a bit more plentiful this evening, including one group of 15, which drifted over the canal
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 12th of May 2020 09:59:19 PM
I know that I shouldn't have tempted fate, with my reply to Mark earlier, as on tonight's walk, I found a very showy Spotted Flycatcher between Croxton Flash and Bramble Cuttings on the Canal. The pair of G C Grebes on Croxton Flash, now appear to be nest building again?
Regarding the Lapwings on Manor Lane, there now only appears to be two birds sitting in the now planted field? Its amazing in that a Rook drifts low over the field and they are not interested; however as soon as a Carrion Crow does the same, they are on it in a flash! A male Yellowhammer was also singing along the same lane.
Elsewhere it was very quiet apart from a few Swift and Sand Martins over Shipbrook Flash, along with a new brood of Mute Swans. On the River Dane below Shipbrook Bridge, there were 2 Mallard broods and a Canada Goose brood.
I thought exactly the same Mark, re the Spotted Flycatchers, my two remaining spring targets for the patch are Spot Fly and Hobby