Cetti's Warbler still singing down near Witton Brook below Haydn's Pool today.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jan 13 10:11 AM, 2016
Text this morning to say that there were 4 Ruff in the Curlew roost and that there was a female Stonechat on Ashton's Flash, all seen before 8.15am. The Cetti's Warbler is still at Witton Brook (all news per Greg Baker).
John Watson said
Mon Jan 11 1:40 PM, 2016
Green-Winged Teal y'day (10th Jan) still, behind small island at N end of Neumann's. Very elusive
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Jan 10 5:40 PM, 2016
Another Starling murmuration late afternoon at Ashton's Flash in excess of 5k birds with a further 1-2k birds continuing north to Neumann's/Coward reed bed at Marbury. One Sparrowhawk in attendance and thirty or so Curlew dropped in to roost.
The Cetti's Warbler below Haydn's Pool is being seen and heard again and, as per info on the Marbury thread, the drake Green winged Teal is back on Neumann's.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jan 5 10:26 PM, 2016
At the end of a day on The Wirral I popped in to see the Green-winged Teal as it seemed rude not to
Many Teal were out on the flash but no sign of the American one! So I circumnavigated the flash scoping at every vantage point. I eventually found the drake Green-winged Teal roosting on the spit with other Teal, viewed from the Bund Hide, between Ashton's & Neumann's Flashes. It could not have been seen from many other vantage points and was almost dusk, so 2 things, it seemed to roost so should still be there tomorrow and the roost location each evening could be on this spit. Just a bit of info that might help anyone else looking for the bird
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jan 4 3:29 PM, 2016
Another text (per Pod Antrobus) that there is a drake Green-winged Teal on Neumann's Flash on north island Present 2.30pm at least
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 4th of January 2016 03:29:35 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jan 4 2:26 PM, 2016
Doc Brewster wrote:
Had a text (per Greg Baker) to say that the Cetti's Warbler is in the usual area, at the confluence of Witton Brook down from Butterfinch Bridge below Haydn's Pool, this morning
Yes, I left around 10.45 after having brief views of the Cetti's Warbler at the base of the reeds just a few feet in front of the muddied path, as per the above. The bird was quite vocal, with several bursts of song and also quite mobile within the area it is frequenting.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jan 4 9:55 AM, 2016
Had a text (per Greg Baker) to say that the Cetti's Warbler is in the usual area, at the confluence of Witton Brook down from Butterfinch Bridge below Haydn's Pool, this morning
John Williams said
Sat Jan 2 4:04 PM, 2016
10.00-13.00
Neumanns Flash
1 Grey Heron, 27 Shoveler, 2m Wigeon and 42 Teal.
2 Treecreepers were in the adjoining copse, and 12 Redwings flushed from near the mound.
What as happened to the Mute Swans, there were often 20+ on this pool, but none today, and very few if any seen on recent visits?.
Also, just 2 Coot were on there today, and no Tufted Ducks or Gadwall, although there were numerous Mallard on the pool.
Haydn Pool
1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Stock Dove, but no waterfowl.
Witton Brook
A few seconds of Cetti's Warbler song came from the reeds, but then a Robin went into song nearby, followed by an explosive burst from a Wren, and after that just silence.
I waited for about 15mins or so to see if the Cetti's appeared, thanks to Mark Jarrett for pointing out the right spot, but only a couple of Goldcrests and a flock of 8 Long Tailed Tits
showed. 6 Teal and a single Grey Heron were on the brook.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jan 2 9:47 AM, 2016
The Cetti's Warbler was still in the same place yesterday & giving half decent views at times! There is a Twitter picture of it for those who want to have a look. Mornings do seem to be best though
Doc Brewster said
Thu Dec 31 9:23 PM, 2015
Just passing on news on a new Patch Bird, long awaited, but found for the first time today - Cetti's Warbler. A bird was heard calling near Marbury No.1 Tank/Haydn's Pool at the Witton Brook confluence by Vernon Lundy. This bird was broadcast on our grapevine & later seen by several patch regulars.
Well done Vernon & thanks for getting the news out
Doc Brewster said
Sun Dec 27 4:27 PM, 2015
If Ian will allow again please
A work party is scheduled at Neumann's Flash on Tuesday 29th December to tidy up the reedbeds and remove invasive trees. All are welcome, please meet at 10am at the Scrapyard Hide (the hide/screen in the corner when you turn right on entering from the large layby where many birders park).
I am away so cannot make it but a big thankyou to all that come & help
Doc Brewster said
Mon Dec 21 11:08 PM, 2015
Nearby over the A559 I had a murmuration of 600-800 Starlings fly over my car a few days ago (on a Saturday) - probably around 4.10pm. A pre-Ashton's/Neumann's murmuration group no doubt
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 21 5:59 PM, 2015
Enjoyable Starling murmuration late afternoon at Ashton's. In excess of 5k birds that started building up just after 4pm and were down by 4.20pm. Around 1-2k birds also headed north, presumably to the reedbeds at Budworth Mere. Also in attendance were one each of Sparrowhawk and Buzzard with c.95 Curlew that had earlier come in to roost.
The large numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings feasting on haws in the NE corner of the flash 10 days ago, appear to have moved on, with the few remaining berries
being eaten today by Blackbirds and a single Song Thrush.
Amongst the large numbers of Black Headed Gulls, one bird has already developed its dark hood ready for the spring.
(A single Knot had been reported amongst the waders just before I arrived).
Haydn Pool
19 Teal, 2 Buzzards plus in a single alder, 8 Siskins, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a pair of Goldfinches.
Dairy House Meadows
15 Fieldfares flying South. 1f Bullfinch was among the finch flock on the specially seeded area.
The majority of finches here were Chaffinches, with lesser numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches. Sadly though, no sign of any Bramblings, or even Linnets.
John Williams said
Wed Nov 4 7:53 PM, 2015
10.00-15.00
Nice to meet you too Mark.
To add to Mark's post.
Ashtons Flash is still devoid of water, and contained 1 Buzzard.
Neumanns Flash
In addition to Mark's report, the flash held 1 Ruff, 2 Grey Herons and surprisingly just 1 Mute Swan.
The dry autumn has meant the waterlevel is still low, ideal for waders, but the only waterfowl apart from the swan were a few Teal.
Redwings and Fieldfares were showing well by the path on the Marsden side, with both thrushes gorging on haws.
6 Lesser Redpolls were feeding on birch seeds. 3 Wrens were fidgeting around the newly cut reeds in front of the hide on the South bank.
The guys have done a great job clearing the vegetation here, many thanks to you all.
Haydn Pool
14 Teal and 1 Grey Heron.
The specially seeded area on Dairyhouse Meadows was attracting, Reed Buntings, Linnets, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Goldfinches.
Several Chaffinches though were also seen to do little aerial sorties, flycatcher style, presumably to catch gnats.
-- Edited by John Williams on Wednesday 4th of November 2015 07:58:37 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Nov 4 4:27 PM, 2015
Walk around part of the flash this morning, just the main hide, of note :-
Curlew (22)
Golden Plover (18)
Lapwing (c.500)
Dunlin (2)
Teal (c. 30)
Plenty of Redwing and a few Fieldfare around. Yesterday, Reed Bunting (6) on Dairy House Meadow and where Witton Brook meets the River Weaver there were Water Rail (1), Little Grebe (1) and Cormorant (1). Green Sandpiper (1) back on Haydn's Pool.
Spent a couple of hours this afternoon in Marbury CP, amongst others, Water Rail squealing from the Coward reedbed, a brief view of a Kingfisher nearby, Long tailed Tit, Coal Tit and Nuthatch at the feeders in front of the hide. Elsewhere, Redwing (c.50) and Siskin (6).
Nice to meet John Williams this morning at Neumann's.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Oct 31 9:59 AM, 2015
I hope Greg won't mind me putting out his latest patch news:
Brambling + 52 Fieldfares behind Scrapyard Hide at Neumann's Flash, also 4 Ruff present.
Stonechat in the NW corner of Ashton's Flash.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Oct 22 10:14 PM, 2015
A report from Greg Baker followed by an appeal for help with management work on Sunday if that's OK with Ian
Today - A 1st winter Blackcap was feeding on elderberries near the paddocks at Neumann's this morning. Moult has revealed the 6 Pintails to be 2 adult males, 3 juv males and a female. The 4 Ruff appear to be an adult male, 2 1st year males and a 1st year female. Also 14 Wigeon today.
There will be a work party, weather permitting, on Sunday 25th at 10am. Meet at Bund Hide (between Neumann's & Ashton's Flashes) at 9.55am. Reed cutting to improve visibility from the hide this winter and generate regrowth for reedbed birds next spring, all with the rangers blessing!!! All welcome, thanks
Bit of extra info passed onto me today: Please bring wellingtons, gloves, garden shears, and if you have one a long reach battery powered hedge trimmer (one will be on site but will run out of charge at some point!!). Cheers
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 23rd of October 2015 12:26:50 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Oct 21 3:18 PM, 2015
Out from 12.00 until 14.40, weather drizzle to start, fine but cloudy later. Amongst others :-
Wigeon (31) Teal (37) Pintail (6) Shoveler (8) Common Gull (4) Golden Plover (13) Lapwing (c.300) Snipe (6) Ruff (3) Water Rail (1 Witton Brook)
Haydn Pool - Teal (29)
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Oct 13 5:36 PM, 2015
Neumann's late afternoon today included Golden Plover (24), Ruff (3), Green Sandpiper (1) and Pintail (6) plus usuals of Snipe, Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler and Cormorant.
Had a flock of Siskin (30) on 8 Oct with smaller numbers being seen daily now. Green Woodpecker seen again today, Peregrine (1m) last night on Tata building, Water Rail being heard from different locations on Witton Brook and also at Haydn Pool where there have been Green Sandpiper (2) at times. My first Redwing (4) we're seen yesterday with a further bird today. Male Stonechat on Ashton's.
John Williams said
Sat Oct 10 2:37 PM, 2015
09.00-12.00
Neumanns Flash
510 Lapwings (Plus a flock of 100+ flying South), 4 Golden Plovers, 28 Snipe (Single flock flew in at noon), 4 Ruff, 4 Pintails, 5 Wigeon,18 Shovelers and 5 Grey Herons.
Ashtons Flash
Dried up and largely devoid of birds.
Haydn Pool
1 Green Sandpiper, 30 Teal and 1 Grey Heron. ( The water level has been raised and the pool currently looks great for waders and waterfowl.)
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Sparrowhawk. The area sown for winter finches produced Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Chaffinches, but by far the most numerous birds here are Reed Buntings.
A single Treecreeper was in an adjoining hawthorn. No sign of any winter thrushes yet. 2 Kestrels and a single Buzzard were by the roadside in Marsden.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Oct 2 1:06 PM, 2015
On the wader front, Golden Plover (3) in with the Lapwing, Ruff (2), Snipe (39) and Green Sandpiper (1) back on Haydn Pool.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Sep 28 1:55 PM, 2015
Full circuit of Neumann's this morning, 9.30 until 13.00, taking in Haydn Pool as well. Lovely, pleasant sunshine, amongst others :-
Haydn Pool was fairly quiet, water level reducing daily. One each of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk soaring in mid distance. Last night a Water Rail was heard squealing from the reeds at Witton Brook, there was a Green Woodpecker nearby and the were a minimum of twenty five Curlew in for roosting at Neumann's.
Adam Jones said
Sun Sep 27 10:11 PM, 2015
Wood Sandpiper at 1.15pm, busying itself along the shoreline with the stationary Lapwings. 1 Golden Plover in with them too.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Sep 26 2:11 PM, 2015
Green Sandpiper on Marbury Brook this morning by Lillian's Leap. Two each of Grey Wagtail and Stonechat at Haydn Pool along with a Buzzard and five Teal.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Sep 24 12:01 PM, 2015
Brief report from a quick circuit this morning. Pintail now up to (4), Snipe (5) and Ruff (2) although the third Ruff may well have been out of view. A juvenile Sparrowhawk came through from the north scattering the Lapwing. One each of Kestrel, Buzzard and Geeen Woodpecker seen in the general area.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Sep 23 3:06 PM, 2015
Full circuit of Neumann's this morning in pleasant weather. Waterfowl species similar to those in last few posts. The Ruff (3) and Dunlin (1) are still around together with Snipe (5).
Haydn's Pool devoid of bird life. Also noted in general area were Reed Bunting (2), Raven (1) and Siskin (4).
Greg Baker said
Tue Sep 22 5:55 PM, 2015
Passage waders present this morning were 3 Ruff (adult male, juvenile male and juvenile female), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 1 juvenile Dunlin and 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover amongst around 900 Lapwing. 2 Pintail are still at their favoured feeding site in the middle of the flash.
A pair of Greylag Geese present only early morning included one sporting an orange-red neck ring with PXX imprinted in black. Apparently a similar bird was seen in August at Nosterfield in Yorkshire and was reportedly tagged at Windermere in June this year. Any further information on this individual would be welcome.
An excellent mixed flock near the pipebridge and around the flower meadow on Dairy House Meadows included a remarkable 11 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and 3 Reed Buntings along with various tits and finches.
2 Grey Wagtails were on Haydn's Pool.
-- Edited by Greg Baker on Tuesday 22nd of September 2015 05:55:53 PM
Also present this morning 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 13 Common Snipe, 50+ Curlew and c300 Lapwing. Warblers down to 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap and 1 Reed Warbler.
sid ashton said
Wed Sep 9 9:26 PM, 2015
John I have sent you a Private Message.
John Irons said
Wed Sep 9 5:58 PM, 2015
Tuesday, 8 September, visited Neumanns and Haydn's pool at 18.10 until 19.30; Starling [35], Woodpigeon, Herring Gull [juv and adult], Lapwing, Black-headed Gull [400+], Canada Geese [1120], Mallard, Moorhen, Curlew [40], Greater Black-backed Gull [juv and adults], Grey Heron [4], Coot, LBB Gull, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail [5], Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Magpie, Teal[12], Jay, Blackbird, Grey-Lag Geese [44], Wigeon [7[, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Robin. Unfortunately, no scope!
Greg Baker said
Mon Sep 7 12:38 PM, 2015
63 species recorded in 3.5 hours this morning plus an unidentified stint early morning which disappeared before I could 'scope it.
Highlights were 3 Ruff (male and 2 juveniles), Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and 13 Common Snipe. Good numbers of warblers are still around with 19 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 6 Reed Warblers and 3 Common Whitethroats. 18 Linnets and 11 Siskins left their roost on Wincham Mound early morning. The overnight roosting flock of geese numbered around 800 Canadas and 70 Greylags, nearly all of which had departed by 7am and moved across to Bedworth Mere. Finally, a Water Rail was calling from Witton Brook near to Haydn's Pool.
John Irons said
Fri Sep 4 1:17 PM, 2015
Hi Greg I have just posted a reply on the birding Forum website. May I refer you to that. I think it supplies all the answers to your questions. If not please email me again. John
John Irons said
Fri Sep 4 12:44 PM, 2015
Hi Rob Irritatingly it has to go down as "heard only". As stated, I was in the car-park area at Marbury Mere. My wife, [who is not a birder herself but has picked up a lot by tagging along with me and also by coming on quite a number of organised birding holidays], said "What bird is that?" It was a fluty call, superficially for a moment not unlike a blackbird, but clearly not a blackbird. It was different enough from a blackbird to attract [even] my wife's attention! I could only reply that I didn't know but it was something that I had heard before, probably not in the UK. After a few moments of rummaging around in my memory I said it might be a golden oriole, to which my dear wife replied, "Don't be daft". We did a circuit of a small paddock [for touring caravans?] next to the car-park but though we tried to locate the bird failed to do so. If you have ever tried to see an oriole when trees are in full leaf, you will know that failure is a 'plus' rather than a negative! At home my wife and I listened to a commercial disc recording of bird calls and songs, including orioles. Her comment was that she could not say, one way or the other. The bird was calling and not singing, therefore not giving its name within the song. The call was musically in the same register as an oriole song and in contrast to the other turdus species, it was less harsh and more fluty in tone. In length the call was two or three notes long. I very much regret not having an all-singing all-dancing smart phone! Regards, John Irons
-- Edited by John Irons on Friday 4th of September 2015 01:13:02 PM
Greg Baker said
Thu Sep 3 11:13 PM, 2015
John Irons wrote:
Took an intended short walk through the country park, along the mere bank and back to the car with my wife, who is not inclined to dally overlong searching for birds in the summertime canopy! Did not on this occasion do a circuit of Neumanns. Pleased to see Mike Jarrett also saw the spotted flyc. Full list; Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Jackdaw [20+], great tit, Mallard [27],Canada goose [100+], Moorhen, Tufted Duck in full eclipse [15], Shoveler [4], Mute Swan, Blue Tit, Common Gull, Coot, Robin, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Herring Gull, Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Golden Oriole [in trees in car-park area, calling], Great Crested Grebe and Grey-lag Geese [6 in the Kid Brook area]. Also a mystery juvenile Gull, possibly a Med. All in all quite a pleasing morning! John Irons
Hi John - Golden Oriole would be a first ever for the Marbury CP patch (as well as great bird for Cheshire) so it would be great if you could provide more details on the record?
Thanks
Rob Creek said
Thu Sep 3 9:41 PM, 2015
Hi John, Was the Golden Oriole seen or was it heard only? Cheers Rob
John Irons said
Thu Sep 3 7:42 PM, 2015
Took an intended short walk through the country park, along the mere bank and back to the car with my wife, who is not inclined to dally overlong searching for birds in the summertime canopy! Did not on this occasion do a circuit of Neumanns. Pleased to see Mike Jarrett also saw the spotted flyc. Full list; Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Jackdaw [20+], great tit, Mallard [27],Canada goose [100+], Moorhen, Tufted Duck in full eclipse [15], Shoveler [4], Mute Swan, Blue Tit, Common Gull, Coot, Robin, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Herring Gull, Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Golden Oriole [in trees in car-park area, calling], Great Crested Grebe and Grey-lag Geese [6 in the Kid Brook area]. Also a mystery juvenile Gull, possibly a Med. All in all quite a pleasing morning! John Irons
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Sep 3 1:23 PM, 2015
Similar walk to that on 1st September. Quieter today, the Green Sandpiper seem to have departed from Haydn's Pool. The single Ruff was still on Neumann's where additions to Tuesday's birds were Tufted Duck (3) and Wigeon (2). Also noted were Sedge Warbler with around five together at the northern end of Neumann's and a similar number by the River Weaver.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Sep 1 1:18 PM, 2015
Walk from Anderton to full circuit of Neumann's Flash via Uplands and Haydn Pool. Back via another look on Haydn. Out from 9 am to 12.30. Warm and sunny to start with then clouded over with rain from 12.15.
Looks like yesterday's rain brought down the Spotted Flycatchers. Five together on the edge of Uplands Wood when approaching from Anderton side. Lovely area of trees, bushes and brambles that looks spot on for migrants. Another bird seen later on wires at the northern end of Neumann's. Plenty of the more commoner woodland birds about including Nuthatch, Great spotted Woodpecker, Jay and Bullfinch. Two foxes on eastern bank of Neumann's also.
Cetti's Warbler still singing down near Witton Brook below Haydn's Pool today.
Text this morning to say that there were 4 Ruff in the Curlew roost and that there was a female Stonechat on Ashton's Flash, all seen before 8.15am. The Cetti's Warbler is still at Witton Brook (all news per Greg Baker).
The Cetti's Warbler below Haydn's Pool is being seen and heard again and, as per info on the Marbury thread, the drake Green winged Teal is back on Neumann's.
At the end of a day on The Wirral I popped in to see the Green-winged Teal as it seemed rude not to
Many Teal were out on the flash but no sign of the American one! So I circumnavigated the flash scoping at every vantage point. I eventually found the drake Green-winged Teal roosting on the spit with other Teal, viewed from the Bund Hide, between Ashton's & Neumann's Flashes. It could not have been seen from many other vantage points and was almost dusk, so 2 things, it seemed to roost so should still be there tomorrow and the roost location each evening could be on this spit. Just a bit of info that might help anyone else looking for the bird
Another text (per Pod Antrobus) that there is a drake Green-winged Teal on Neumann's Flash on north island Present 2.30pm at least
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 4th of January 2016 03:29:35 PM
Yes, I left around 10.45 after having brief views of the Cetti's Warbler at the base of the reeds just a few feet in front of the muddied path, as per the above. The bird was quite vocal, with several bursts of song and also quite mobile within the area it is frequenting.
Had a text (per Greg Baker) to say that the Cetti's Warbler is in the usual area, at the confluence of Witton Brook down from Butterfinch Bridge below Haydn's Pool, this morning
10.00-13.00
Neumanns Flash
1 Grey Heron, 27 Shoveler, 2m Wigeon and 42 Teal.
2 Treecreepers were in the adjoining copse, and 12 Redwings flushed from near the mound.
What as happened to the Mute Swans, there were often 20+ on this pool, but none today, and very few if any seen on recent visits?.
Also, just 2 Coot were on there today, and no Tufted Ducks or Gadwall, although there were numerous Mallard on the pool.
Haydn Pool
1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Stock Dove, but no waterfowl.
Witton Brook
A few seconds of Cetti's Warbler song came from the reeds, but then a Robin went into song nearby, followed by an explosive burst from a Wren, and after that just silence.
I waited for about 15mins or so to see if the Cetti's appeared, thanks to Mark Jarrett for pointing out the right spot, but only a couple of Goldcrests and a flock of 8 Long Tailed Tits
showed. 6 Teal and a single Grey Heron were on the brook.
The Cetti's Warbler was still in the same place yesterday & giving half decent views at times! There is a Twitter picture of it for those who want to have a look. Mornings do seem to be best though
Just passing on news on a new Patch Bird, long awaited, but found for the first time today - Cetti's Warbler. A bird was heard calling near Marbury No.1 Tank/Haydn's Pool at the Witton Brook confluence by Vernon Lundy. This bird was broadcast on our grapevine & later seen by several patch regulars.
Well done Vernon & thanks for getting the news out
If Ian will allow again please
A work party is scheduled at Neumann's Flash on Tuesday 29th December to tidy up the reedbeds and remove invasive trees. All are welcome, please meet at 10am at the Scrapyard Hide (the hide/screen in the corner when you turn right on entering from the large layby where many birders park).
I am away so cannot make it but a big thankyou to all that come & help
Nearby over the A559 I had a murmuration of 600-800 Starlings fly over my car a few days ago (on a Saturday) - probably around 4.10pm. A pre-Ashton's/Neumann's murmuration group no doubt
10.30-13.00
Heavy rain meant I did not linger between hides.
Neumanns Flash
18 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 50 Lapwings, 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron and 92 Teal.
Ashton Flash
After recent rain the flash as regained it's two main pools, but only a couple of Black Headed Gulls were present.
Haydn Pool
63 Teal
Dairyhouse Meadows
The specially seeded area attracted lots of Chaffinches, and with them 1m Linnet and 4 Bullfinches, whilst nearby a Weasel dashed across the path.
Report from Neumann's Flash yesterday:
Female Stonechat by path at SW corner of Neumann's Flash, 2 Ruff on flash (per P.Antrobus).
Report from Neumann's Flash this morning :
2 Wigeon and 18 Golden Plover. at Neumann's Flash (per Greg Baker).
10.00-14.00
Ashtons Flash
1 Mistle Thrush
Neumanns Flash
1 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Snipe, 31 Golden Plover, 3 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 80 Teal, 980+ Lapwings and 2 Kestrels.
The large numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings feasting on haws in the NE corner of the flash 10 days ago, appear to have moved on, with the few remaining berries
being eaten today by Blackbirds and a single Song Thrush.
Amongst the large numbers of Black Headed Gulls, one bird has already developed its dark hood ready for the spring.
(A single Knot had been reported amongst the waders just before I arrived).
Haydn Pool
19 Teal, 2 Buzzards plus in a single alder, 8 Siskins, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a pair of Goldfinches.
Dairy House Meadows
15 Fieldfares flying South. 1f Bullfinch was among the finch flock on the specially seeded area.
The majority of finches here were Chaffinches, with lesser numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches. Sadly though, no sign of any Bramblings, or even Linnets.
10.00-15.00
Nice to meet you too Mark.
To add to Mark's post.
Ashtons Flash is still devoid of water, and contained 1 Buzzard.
Neumanns Flash
In addition to Mark's report, the flash held 1 Ruff, 2 Grey Herons and surprisingly just 1 Mute Swan.
The dry autumn has meant the waterlevel is still low, ideal for waders, but the only waterfowl apart from the swan were a few Teal.
Redwings and Fieldfares were showing well by the path on the Marsden side, with both thrushes gorging on haws.
6 Lesser Redpolls were feeding on birch seeds. 3 Wrens were fidgeting around the newly cut reeds in front of the hide on the South bank.
The guys have done a great job clearing the vegetation here, many thanks to you all.
Haydn Pool
14 Teal and 1 Grey Heron.
The specially seeded area on Dairyhouse Meadows was attracting, Reed Buntings, Linnets, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Goldfinches.
Several Chaffinches though were also seen to do little aerial sorties, flycatcher style, presumably to catch gnats.
-- Edited by John Williams on Wednesday 4th of November 2015 07:58:37 PM
Walk around part of the flash this morning, just the main hide, of note :-
Curlew (22)
Golden Plover (18)
Lapwing (c.500)
Dunlin (2)
Teal (c. 30)
Plenty of Redwing and a few Fieldfare around. Yesterday, Reed Bunting (6) on Dairy House Meadow and where Witton Brook meets the River Weaver there were Water Rail (1), Little Grebe (1) and Cormorant (1). Green Sandpiper (1) back on Haydn's Pool.
Spent a couple of hours this afternoon in Marbury CP, amongst others, Water Rail squealing from the Coward reedbed, a brief view of a Kingfisher nearby, Long tailed Tit, Coal Tit and Nuthatch at the feeders in front of the hide. Elsewhere, Redwing (c.50) and Siskin (6).
Nice to meet John Williams this morning at Neumann's.
I hope Greg won't mind me putting out his latest patch news:
Brambling + 52 Fieldfares behind Scrapyard Hide at Neumann's Flash, also 4 Ruff present.
Stonechat in the NW corner of Ashton's Flash.
Today - A 1st winter Blackcap was feeding on elderberries near the paddocks at Neumann's this morning. Moult has revealed the 6 Pintails to be 2 adult males, 3 juv males and a female. The 4 Ruff appear to be an adult male, 2 1st year males and a 1st year female. Also 14 Wigeon today.
There will be a work party, weather permitting, on Sunday 25th at 10am. Meet at Bund Hide (between Neumann's & Ashton's Flashes) at 9.55am. Reed cutting to improve visibility from the hide this winter and generate regrowth for reedbed birds next spring, all with the rangers blessing!!! All welcome, thanks
Bit of extra info passed onto me today: Please bring wellingtons, gloves, garden shears, and if you have one a long reach battery powered hedge trimmer (one will be on site but will run out of charge at some point!!). Cheers
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 23rd of October 2015 12:26:50 PM
Wigeon (31)
Teal (37)
Pintail (6)
Shoveler (8)
Common Gull (4)
Golden Plover (13)
Lapwing (c.300)
Snipe (6)
Ruff (3)
Water Rail (1 Witton Brook)
Haydn Pool - Teal (29)
Neumann's late afternoon today included Golden Plover (24), Ruff (3), Green Sandpiper (1) and Pintail (6) plus usuals of Snipe, Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler and Cormorant.
Had a flock of Siskin (30) on 8 Oct with smaller numbers being seen daily now. Green Woodpecker seen again today, Peregrine (1m) last night on Tata building, Water Rail being heard from different locations on Witton Brook and also at Haydn Pool where there have been Green Sandpiper (2) at times. My first Redwing (4) we're seen yesterday with a further bird today. Male Stonechat on Ashton's.
09.00-12.00
Neumanns Flash
510 Lapwings (Plus a flock of 100+ flying South), 4 Golden Plovers, 28 Snipe (Single flock flew in at noon), 4 Ruff, 4 Pintails, 5 Wigeon,18 Shovelers and 5 Grey Herons.
Ashtons Flash
Dried up and largely devoid of birds.
Haydn Pool
1 Green Sandpiper, 30 Teal and 1 Grey Heron. ( The water level has been raised and the pool currently looks great for waders and waterfowl.)
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Sparrowhawk. The area sown for winter finches produced Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Chaffinches, but by far the most numerous birds here are Reed Buntings.
A single Treecreeper was in an adjoining hawthorn. No sign of any winter thrushes yet. 2 Kestrels and a single Buzzard were by the roadside in Marsden.
Grey Heron (5)
Mute swan (1)
Shelduck (1)
Wigeon (3)
Gadwall (2)
Teal (12)
Pintail (2)
Shoveler (11)
Kestrel (1)
Lapwing (500 plus)
Jack Snipe (1)
Snipe (21)
Curlew (4)
Green Sandpiper (1)
Ruff (1ad, 2juv)
Haydn Pool was fairly quiet, water level reducing daily. One each of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk soaring in mid distance. Last night a Water Rail was heard squealing from the reeds at Witton Brook, there was a Green Woodpecker nearby and the were a minimum of twenty five Curlew in for roosting at Neumann's.
1 Golden Plover in with them too.
Haydn's Pool devoid of bird life. Also noted in general area were Reed Bunting (2), Raven (1) and Siskin (4).
A pair of Greylag Geese present only early morning included one sporting an orange-red neck ring with PXX imprinted in black. Apparently a similar bird was seen in August at Nosterfield in Yorkshire and was reportedly tagged at Windermere in June this year. Any further information on this individual would be welcome.
An excellent mixed flock near the pipebridge and around the flower meadow on Dairy House Meadows included a remarkable 11 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and 3 Reed Buntings along with various tits and finches.
2 Grey Wagtails were on Haydn's Pool.
-- Edited by Greg Baker on Tuesday 22nd of September 2015 05:55:53 PM
Greylag Goose (23)
Canada Goose
Shelduck (1)
Gadwall (5)
Teal (16)
Shoveler (4)
Lapwing (c.500)
Ruff (2)
Haydn's Pool :-
Green Sandpiper (1)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Teal (13)
Usual commoner woodland birds around. Three separate flocks of Long tailed Tit, a Green Woodpecker heard and two Raven over Winnington as I got home.
1280 Lapwings, 2 Ruff, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 1 Pintail, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Buzzard and 2 Grey Herons
Haydn Pool
The water level is very low, and the only birds around were a single Carrion Crow and a Magpie.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Ravens
Speckled Woods were the only butterflies around, they are still abundant around brambles.
1410 Canada Geese
74 Greylag Geese
1 Shelduck
29 Teal
2 Gadwall
240 Mallard
9 Wigeon
2 Pintail
6 Shoveler
2 Tufted Duck
Also present this morning 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 13 Common Snipe, 50+ Curlew and c300 Lapwing. Warblers down to 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap and 1 Reed Warbler.
Highlights were 3 Ruff (male and 2 juveniles), Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and 13 Common Snipe. Good numbers of warblers are still around with 19 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 6 Reed Warblers and 3 Common Whitethroats. 18 Linnets and 11 Siskins left their roost on Wincham Mound early morning. The overnight roosting flock of geese numbered around 800 Canadas and 70 Greylags, nearly all of which had departed by 7am and moved across to Bedworth Mere. Finally, a Water Rail was calling from Witton Brook near to Haydn's Pool.
I have just posted a reply on the birding Forum website. May I refer you to that. I think it supplies all the answers to your questions. If not please email me again.
John
Irritatingly it has to go down as "heard only". As stated, I was in the car-park area at Marbury Mere. My wife, [who is not a birder herself but has picked up a lot by tagging along with me and also by coming on quite a number of organised birding holidays], said "What bird is that?" It was a fluty call, superficially for a moment not unlike a blackbird, but clearly not a blackbird. It was different enough from a blackbird to attract [even] my wife's attention! I could only reply that I didn't know but it was something that I had heard before, probably not in the UK.
After a few moments of rummaging around in my memory I said it might be a golden oriole, to which my dear wife replied, "Don't be daft". We did a circuit of a small paddock [for touring caravans?] next to the car-park but though we tried to locate the bird failed to do so. If you have ever tried to see an oriole when trees are in full leaf, you will know that failure is a 'plus' rather than a negative!
At home my wife and I listened to a commercial disc recording of bird calls and songs, including orioles. Her comment was that she could not say, one way or the other.
The bird was calling and not singing, therefore not giving its name within the song. The call was musically in the same register as an oriole song and in contrast to the other turdus species, it was less harsh and more fluty in tone. In length the call was two or three notes long. I very much regret not having an all-singing all-dancing smart phone!
Regards, John Irons
-- Edited by John Irons on Friday 4th of September 2015 01:13:02 PM
Hi John - Golden Oriole would be a first ever for the Marbury CP patch (as well as great bird for Cheshire) so it would be great if you could provide more details on the record?
Thanks
Was the Golden Oriole seen or was it heard only?
Cheers
Rob
John Irons
Uplands :-
Spotted Flycatcher (5)
Whitethroat (1)
Willow warbler (1)
Haydn Pool :-
Green Sandpiper (3)
Teal (2)
Heron (1)
Blackcap (1)
Kestrel (1)
Buzzard (1)
Raven (1)
Neumann's :-
Lapwing (500 plus)
Ruff (1)
Curlew (1)
Canada Goose (4)
Greylag Goose (1)
Teal (24)
Gadwall (18)
Shoveler (4)
Whitethroat (1)
Spotted Flycatcher (1)
Raven (2)
Buzzard (1)
Looks like yesterday's rain brought down the Spotted Flycatchers. Five together on the edge of Uplands Wood when approaching from Anderton side. Lovely area of trees, bushes and brambles that looks spot on for migrants. Another bird seen later on wires at the northern end of Neumann's. Plenty of the more commoner woodland birds about including Nuthatch, Great spotted Woodpecker, Jay and Bullfinch. Two foxes on eastern bank of Neumann's also.
Neumanns Flash
1 Ruff, 620+ Lapwings, 300 Canada Geese, 38 Greylag Geese, 1 Kestrel and 1 Buzzard.
6 Common Gulls amongst the mass of Black Headed.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers and 14 Teal.
3 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood plus numerous Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies seen throughout.
Butterflies in the general area :- Gatekeeper, Peacock, Green veined White and Meadow Brown.