A walk to my patch today from the horse paddocks. Fine, bright and warm this afternoon.
On Big Pool there were 7(5drk) Shoveler and 7(4drk) Wigeon, as well as a lone drake Teal. One Greylag Goose was in fields east of the Pine Belt with Canada Geese.
Another male Blackcap was found (at last!), this one in trees near Small Pool. A male Reed Bunting was in willows on the willow spit. A Coal Tit was in Finch Hedge. At least 7 Bullfinch were seen, 2 near the entrance and 5 in Finch Hedge. Two Stock Doves were in fields off Sandy Lane as was a Lapwing.
This was a quiet walk with fewer birds, possibly reflective of it being the afternoon, not a single Gull was seen, unusual.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Apr 3 9:28 PM, 2020
EXTRA FOR APRIL 1st:
Doc Brewster wrote:
The pools were strangely devoid of birds today, nothing much to report on them. A drake Shoveler was again on the flooded field by the entrance track. A Cormorant flew over Big Pool too.
A male White Wagtail was still in the ploughed field with at least 2 Pied Wagtails. Also here were 2 Stock Doves. A Kestrel flew over Sandy Lane. A Green Woodpecker was heard, the first for a while. A lone Redwing was on Sandy Lane. 3(1m) Bullfinch were predictably in Finch Hedge.
Too late to edit the last post - but missed out a bird that I haven't seen here for ages - a Coal Tit, in Finch Hedge. Also a Collared Dove over Sandy Lane.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 3rd of April 2020 09:38:46 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Apr 1 9:44 PM, 2020
Back doing horses this afternoon, dry, cold & dull weather. Lots more cars parked, folk driving to dog walk, but my pal a Rural Crime Police Officer who has her horse stabled near there was checking them out & she'll be reporting this increase in cars and police will be visiting to put leaflets on them this week. Another consequence of this is lots of dog mess, the owners seem to have given up picking it up at the moment too, the main track is horrible.
The pools were strangely devoid of birds today, nothing much to report on them. A drake Shoveler was again on the flooded field by the entrance track. A Cormorant flew over Big Pool too.
A male White Wagtail was still in the ploughed field with at least 2 Pied Wagtails. Also here were 2 Stock Doves. A Kestrel flew over Sandy Lane. A Green Woodpecker was heard, the first for a while. A lone Redwing was on Sandy Lane. 3(1m) Bullfinch were predictably in Finch Hedge.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Mar 30 9:00 PM, 2020
Yesterday the horse husbandry was intense so no walk. Managed a walk today in between 2 lots of work at the horse paddocks. Colder, breezier but dry.
Again the pools were pretty busy with birds but dogwalkers swimming their pets in the pools may have been the reason for no Smew today. Other duck were well represented with 7(5drk) Shoveler, 3(2drk) Wigeon, 2(1drk) Teal, and a drake Gadwall, all bar one drake Shoveler (which unusually was on the flooded field by the entrance track) on Big Pool. A Grey Heron was again on the flooded field by the entrance track too. The lack of anglers and their motorised bait boats means that there are lots of gulls on the pools at the moment, so far all of these have been Black-heaed or Common Gulls, but I'll keep searching through the flocks.
On the ploughed former set-aside there was still one male White Wagtail with 3 Pied Wagtails. A couple of Redwings were still present. At least 3 Collared Doves were around too, mainly outside the common area nearer habitation. At least 8 Chiffchaffs were again the only warblers around today.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 30th of March 2020 09:01:04 PM
Doc Brewster said
Sat Mar 28 4:16 PM, 2020
Another horse husbandry trip so took the opportunity to walk to Newchurch this morning. Cold, bit of a breeze but a few sunny intervals.
The female Smew showed exceptionally well over in East Bay on Big Pool, all on her own-io but plenty of Tufted Ducks on the pool still. Also on Big Pool were 6(3drk) Teal, 2 drake Shoveler and 2 drake Gadwall. A Little Grebe was also on Big Pool. Two Greylag Geese were still with the Canadas. A Grey Heron was on the flooded field by the main track near the entrance barriers.
The top passerine was a sunning male White Wagtail in the ploughed former set-aside field. A couple of Pied Wagtails were also seen. In the farm field near the Pine Belt were 3 Lapwings and a Stock Dove. At least 6 Chiffchaffs were recorded but no Blackcaps today. On Sandy Lane 6 Redwings were still around. Also here were 2 Goldfinches, a species not seen on recent visits.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 27 4:37 PM, 2020
Our shift on the horses today, so a walk from the paddocks around Newchurch was in order first thing. Sunny but a wee bit nippy at first, hardly any breeze.
The female Smew was seen over along the NE shore of Big Pool looking from the spit, but when we got round there she was hidden. The biggest surprise was a female Goosander on Small Pool. A Little Grebe was on Small Pool too. On Big Pool we had a drake Teal and 4(2drk) Wigeon still. 2 Greylag Geese were also seen on Big Pool. Great Crested Grebes are now performing courtship displays on both pools.
The first Blackcap of the year here was a singing male near the car parking area (1 car was still here despite advice not to drive to do exercise or dogwalk). At least 4 Chiffchaffs were heard around the site. Another new bird for the year, surprisingly, was 2 Pied Wagtails, both by Sandy Lane, one on a house roof and the other in a flooded horse paddock. A nice male Reed Bunting was in bushes on the north shore of Big Pool. A lone Redwing was still by the main track near Finch Hedge. One Lapwing was near the breeding fields and a Raven was heard cronking over towards the Mosslands. One Buzzard gave a superb show as it performed it's sky-dance display flight. Other notable birds were Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit and 2 Starlings.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Mar 25 10:10 PM, 2020
I again built in my daily walk with our visit to look after the horses, this time it was a morning visit.
The main news was that the female Smew was back, almost certainly related to the fact that around 50 Tufted Ducks were seen, a big increase on the last few visits. I have every expectation that as they move she will follow so this could be a short visit back to Newchurch. A Little Grebe was unexpected on Small Pool.
A female Sparrowhawk showed very well near Pine Belt with a Buzzard close by. As before notable passerines were Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, 1 Redwing and Stock Dove.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Mar 24 9:50 PM, 2020
Today was the first visit under new regulations so I took a shorter than usual walk, seeing only 6 people during my walk, none close than 25m away! No fishermen are now on site as it has been stopped.
A Grey Heron was on the flood near the entrance barrier.
Two Green Woodpeckers were confirmed today. A Stock Dove showed well in the arable fields. Chiffchaffs were again singing. Other species of note being Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Redwing (6) and Mistle Thrush.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Mar 24 9:44 PM, 2020
During the Covid-19 period of essential car journeys only, I am still lucky enough to be able to visit Newchurch. This is due to visiting our 2 horses daily by a short car journey. Animal Welfare is covered as essential
especially as one horse gets laminitis with too much sugar in her diet and has to have special food prepared daily. Once at the horses I am in walking distance of Newchurch and so can combine the horse welfare with my one excercise walk. It is actually much quieter there than around my village. I will therefore continue to post news from my patch.
First I have a belated report from Monday 23rd March:
A quiet walk with 2(1m) Shoveler and a Teal the pool highlights. A single Greylag Goose was also on Big Pool. On Sunday 22nd there were 4(2m) Wigeon also on Big Pool. Passerine highlights included Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Redwing, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush and Stock Dove.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 24th of March 2020 09:45:27 PM
Doc Brewster said
Tue Mar 17 10:40 PM, 2020
Headed out again this morning in dry, fine and still conditions.
Fewer fishermen were on the pools but I was told that they are meeting the council to have the pools fenced off so no access to them will be possible for non members. If this happens it will probably be the end of my patch There were 2(1drk) Goosander on Small Pool and 2(1drk) Teal on Big Pool today, both species not seen on Sunday. A drake Gadwall was still present and Tufted Ducks were up to c.50 birds, but still no Smew. Two Little Grebes were on Big Pool too.
My first patch Chiffchaff was a singing bird in the same tree as the Brambling had been in last Sunday! A flyover Brambling was seen as well as a Reed Bunting and 30 Linnets again, all north of Big Pool. A second Chiffchaff was heard but not seen. Two Green Woodpeckers were near Big Pool too, whilst Great Spotted Woodpeckers were everywhere! A single Fieldfare and 20 Redwings were seen. A Lapwing was displaying over breeding fields, my first there this year. The same fields also held 2 Stock Doves. A Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane, still a site scarcity! Two Long-tailed Tits and a Coal Tit were also seen. Two Bullfinches were again in Finch Hedge, whilst they are feeding on buds this will be a regular sighting on every walk.
Good news in that I tallied more than my usual number of species on todays walk, bad news if pool access is made impossible with barbed wire fencing soon.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Mar 15 2:18 PM, 2020
Needed a walk on patch so headed out this am, dry and bright, very little wind.
There was a big increase in Fishermen today but a big decrease in duck numbers! The only ducks of note were 2 drake Shoveler, a drake Gadwall and c.30 Tufted Ducks. Two Greylag Geese were still present on Big Pool. A new bird for me in 2020 anywhere was a Kingfisher that flew in front of me across the main path, presumably heading from Big Pool to Small Pool. A single Cormorant was still on Big Pool.
A few nice passerine sightings included a male Brambling with a complete black head near Big Pool and a male Yellowhammer in the fields north of Big Pool. In the same area as the Yellowhammer were 10 Reed Buntings and 30 Linnets as well as numerous Chaffinches. About 30 Redwings were in the area of Finch Hedge and 7 Fieldfares were east of the Pine Belt. My first Mistle Thrush of the Year at Newchurch was a singing bird, many other species also now being in full song. Two Stock Doves were seen as well as 5 Feral Pigeons and a handful of Rooks. The first Nuthatch at Newchurch this year was also recorded.
Many of the 'firsts' were due to me being away from patch during my eye problems, but still a nice day despite being so busy on the banks!
Doc Brewster said
Mon Feb 17 9:34 PM, 2020
Still struggling and eye still receiving hospital treatment but getting there I think! Again needed to get out, so Newchurch it was this morning. Cold, quite breezy but fine and sunny at times.
The female Smew was very mobile, first seen on the east side of the pool and then later towards the west. Across the two pools I counted 17(7drake) Goosanders, also 8 Greylag Geese seen, with 1+Teal heard. An immature Herring Gull was on Big Pools and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.
At least 2 Green Woodpeckers were recorded along with drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Two Ravens flew over low cronking and a huge female Sparrowhawk flew through near Dalefords Farm. Birds in the alders included 8 Siskins, whilst 2 Fieldfares and 4 Redwings were west of Small Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Feb 4 9:47 PM, 2020
Still effectively one-eyed at the moment between eye operations and further complications. So can't go out normal birding really. But feeling I needed a walk I took my bins anyway! Fine, dry and cold today.
The adult female Smew was still on Sandiway Big Pool, in West Bay. Recently on sightings apps she has been reported as a 'redhead Smew', this term implies that age and sex are not known, which they are, at least the two main info systems are reporting it correctly! Across the 2 pools were 11(4 drake) Goosanders, 9 of these on Sandiway Small Pool. Two Greylag Geese were on Big Pool. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in to the pre-roost which contained a large number of Common Gulls.
With me not birding I still have some common stuff that I haven't seen yet, so the 4 Bullfinches I saw in Finch Hedge were amazingly a UK Yeartick! Also in the hedge were 2 Lesser Redpolls and 15+Goldfinches. At least 1+Brambling was seen in a distant Chaffinch flock in fields on the east side of the Pine Belt.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jan 2 9:27 PM, 2020
Having been in S.Wales for New Year today was my first chance for a walk on my patch, and my last for a bit too as I am in hospital for an eye op tomorrow! Weather dry & fine.
I suppose the headline bird for visitors at this time of year was that the female Smew was on Big Pool, over near East Bay. Also on Big Pool were a drake Pochard, 12 (5 drake) Goosander, 9 (3 drake) Shoveler and 28 Greylag Geese. A Grey Heron was on Small Pool and a Little Grebe called. Overhead two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 81 (25 and 56) flew generally SSW. this being a species I missed here in 2019! Also a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.
Passerines included 5 Bramblings, usually with other finches in alders or birches, a fantastic count of 150 Siskins, 5 Lesser Redpoll and a Linnet on the north side. 40 Redwings werre mainly in horse paddocks and 6 Stock Doves were seen in ones and twos. A Grey Wagtail on dung heaps in farm fields was most unexpected.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Dec 24 11:01 PM, 2019
A double walk on patchm am & pm but both only for a couple of hours. Dull & rain at times.
The female Smew was again very elusive but out in the middle of Big Pool eventually. Also on Big Pool were 9(3drk) Goosanders, 2drk Shovelers, a drake Pochard, a female Teal and 20 Greylag Geese. Also on Big Pool was a female Tufted Duck with a large, very well-defines white facial patch around the bill, without careful scrutiny this could catch folk out thinking it is a Scaup, but was identifiable even with just binocular views.
In the fields massive frlocks of Jackdaws contained 8 Stock Doves and a few Rooks. The setaside had 2 Reed Buntings and a site high of 6 Collared Doves in a single group. A male Bullfinch was my first for a while, in Finch Hedge predictably. 40 Siskins fed near Big Pool in alders. A Nuthatch was in trees near the pool below head height! Other birds of note, species not recorded on every visit, included Redwings, a Pheasant and a Mistle Thrush.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Dec 19 10:12 PM, 2019
Despite the forecast decided to risk a walk, i the end mainly dry but with a few drizzly bits, dull all the time though.
The female Smew was out in the middle of Big Pool feeding, only seen on my second visit to check the pool. Three (2drk) Shovelers were also seen in a quick check. I decided to go over to the mosslands today so didn't spend much time at all around the pools. On the way to the mosslands a quick check of the nursery fields produced a flock of 99 Lapwings (counted; but the furrows in the field could have held more as they were deeper than the height of a Lapwing!). Over on the mosslands a new bird for the year on patch, a Great Black-backed Gull, flying over from the direction of Nunsmere. The proximity of the mosses to Nunsmere and not too far from Delamere means that in winter the chance of big gulls flying over is better than at the pools. A few scattered Redwing flocks probably totalled about 12 birds in all.
A much quieter walk, the reason that I don't often 'do' the mosslands in winter, but there are some different species to be had by venturing over there occasionally!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 19th of December 2019 10:13:08 PM
Doc Brewster said
Tue Dec 17 4:22 PM, 2019
A morning walk in the freezing conditions, but dry and bright so really pleasant.
The female Smew was again in West Bay on Big Pool despite that being the ony end that had fishermen on! Also on Big Pool a long overdue year tick for the patch in 2019 - Kingfisher! They are a winterer on the pools only, but I missed them in the first winter period this year. On Big Pool there was also a drake Pochard, 2 female Shovelers and a female Teal. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the pool and 2 immature Herring Gulls flew over. 10 (2drk) Goosanders were in three groups split between Big and Small Pools. Big Pool still held 13 Greylag Geese and my fishermen mates told me of mass shooting of Canada Geese last week on adjacent farmland, not good news that wildfowl is being shot in this area.
At least 4 Yellowhammers were at the new setaside along with 7 Reed Buntings and 2(1m) Bramblings. Roamng flocks of Chaffinches on site must have numbered 500, so I expect more Bramblings to arrive in time. Just 2 Siskins were seen today. A flock of 30 Fieldfares flew over and later 6 Redwings flew through too. A Raven flew over cronking adding to the atmosphere. Two Collared Doves on Sandy Lane were nice to end the visit, this species still being scarce on patch.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Dec 9 9:45 PM, 2019
Another fantastic walk on my patch this morning, sunny and cold with clear skies.
The undoubted highlight was a patch yeartick in the shape of my second ever Woodcock here, in one of the meadows that has extensive birch and alder scrub now taking over - I previously hated this, but now it seems it's not all bad news! The female Smew was still in West Bay on Big Pool where Wigeon numbers were really high with over 100 seen. Also on the pool were 4(1 drake) Shoveler. ON Small Pool just one drake Goosander today. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the pools.
Over 100 Siskin were seen including one flock of 80 birds near Small Pool, feeding in alders. Also with them was one female Brambling and at least 3 Lesser Redpolls. At the northern setaside field a different male Yellowhammer to last time, was seen along with 2 Reed Buntings. In the horse paddocks at least 40 Redwings were seen along with 5+Fieldfares and 2 Mistle Thrushes. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen but no Greens today.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Dec 5 2:36 PM, 2019
A really good patch walk today, very cold and with a sprinkling of showers but, hey, it's December!!
The female Smew was on Big Pool, asleep in West Bay so not showing fantastically! 10(3drk) Goosanders were on Small Pool, great to see this species back for the winter. On Big Pool 2 drake Pochards were amongst a very large gathering of Wigeon, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Coot. A single drake Shoveler was tucked in under overhanging vegetation here too with unseen Teal calling.
A Brambling was found at the new setaside area (NO access possible) as well as 6 Reed Buntings, a Yellowhammer and 20+House Sparrows. Whilst watching these a Grey Wagtail flew over. In the horse paddocks along Novia Scotia Lane at least 30 Redwings fed on the holly berries and in the paddocks themselves 2 Green Woodpeckers showed well. At least 2 Siksins were in alders near Small Pool. A single Stock Dove fed in fields north of Big Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Nov 15 10:19 PM, 2019
Back on patch this morning to meet up with birding pals all the way from Anglesey. Weather was better than yesterday, sun at times and not as strong wind.
The target bird, female Smew, was tricky, not seen in the first few areas that we tried. But eventually we found her over towards East Bay, one of her favoured areas. Also on Big Pool were 2drakePochards today, as well as 8Teal and still 14GreylagGeese. The usual Wigeon and Gadwal were present. At least 6 Mute Swans were new in, including a family of 2 adults and 2 young.
A Goldcrest was by Big Pool, as were 3(1m) Bullfinch. A few Siskins were seen and heard, mainly near Big Pool again. A Nuthatch called near the parking area where a Buzzard was heard distantly. A SongThrush was in trees by the fields here too. A Redwing was in horse paddocks near Dairy Farm.
A really pleasant day, enjoyable to show new folk my patch and relieved that their target bird played ball!!
Doc Brewster said
Thu Nov 14 2:45 PM, 2019
A patch reccie in preparation for a visit from a few of my Anglesey birding pals tomorrow, who I will be showing round. Very cold & pretty windy too, not very nice if truth be told!
Pretty quiet but the target bird for tomorrow, the female Smew, was present. I first picked her up with Tufted Ducks on Small Pool. which is unusual but not unique. Later she couldn't be seen on either pool, but she can be pretty mobile. On Big Pool the best bird was a drake Pochard. Several Wigeon and 2 Teal were on here too. A total of 14 Greylag Geese were with a huge flock of over 200 Canada Geese, I think this is the highest count of the former species that I have had here. A LittleGrebe was on Big Pool too.
Star passerine was a Goldcrest near the parking area, one day it may be a rarer crest, but not today! A Nuthatch and a flyover Reed Bunting were also noteworthy. A few Stock Doves were seen with massive numbers of Woodpigeons. Roving flocks of Goldfinch were seen across the site.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Oct 30 3:07 PM, 2019
A walk on patch this morning in the sunshine but with frost on the grass!
The female Smew was in West Bay on Big Pool looking really good in the autumn sunshine. Also on the pool was a Teal and 2 Little Grebes. Totals across both pools included 28 Wigeon and 4 Gadwall. Six Greylag Geese were in with the Canadas. A Stock Dove was to the north of Big Pool and a female Sparrowhawk flew over Small Pool. A small flock of 6 Redwings flew from trees near the Pine Belt. A Raven soared distantly as did a Buzzard, and 2 Rooks over the parking area was an unusual location for this species.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Oct 17 9:33 PM, 2019
Managed a shortish morning walk today, cold but mainly sunny - bracing as they say!!
The female Smew was on Big Pool but again was mobile. Also on here were 10 Gadwall and a Wigeon. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was of note too, flying over rather than alighting on the pool.
On the north side of Big Pool at least 40 Linnets were near the seed crop. A Goldcrest was by the main track, I always check but have yet to find a rarer crest/warbler, but maybe one day! At least 2 Ravens were seen over the periphery of the patch. A few Redwings flew over and a couple were seen flying from trees as I approached, amazingly these are my first here this autumn, despite good numbers elsewhere in the north-west.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Oct 10 3:41 PM, 2019
Another (rare at the mo!) walk out on Newchurch this morning, sunny at times and quite mild for second week in October.
The most relevant news for potential visitors was that the female Smew was again present, but very elusive, I only found her after 3hrs and then she flew off into West Bay on Big Pool. Also on the Big Pool were the first returning (5) Wigeon of the winter (if you count the one on Aug 2nd as an autumn passage bird!). Also seen was a drake Gadwall.
The star bird for me, however, was the first (fem) Greenfinch of the year on the patch! It was in a mixed flock of birds north of Big Pool near a field with a seed crop in, which had obviously attracted birds, as well as ripe elderberries in the adjacent hedge. Also in the flock were Linnets and House Sparrows, but I'll be checking the area later for Bramblings! Also on patch today were a Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Doves and an overflying, high cronking Raven.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Oct 4 10:14 AM, 2019
Late news for yesterday, 3rd October:
A morning walk and very autumnal indeed. The female Smew was on Big Pool but mobile, seen fly around the whole site. Also on the pool were 2 Teal, a femaleShoveler and up to 4 Gadwall. A sign of summer being over werer the 3 Cormorants on the pool too. A Coal Tit was by the pool too. Six Stock Doves were nice to see in the fields to the N.of Big Pool and the same field had a few Rooks in amongst the more usual Crows, Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 4th of October 2019 10:31:00 AM
Doc Brewster said
Mon Sep 2 9:47 PM, 2019
Two visits in last couple of days:
30th Aug: No sign of the Smew but 5 Gadwall, a Wigeon and 3+Shoveler were seen, a real sign that Autumn approaches! A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over. A Green Woodpecker was heard as was a Chiffchaff. As boredom set in I counted 320+Coot!!
2nd Sept (today): Female Smew on Big Pool with Tufted Ducks. A pair of Gadwall were still present. Again Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker were heard.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Aug 13 10:04 PM, 2019
Only had the chance to pop in late afternoon for an hour and a half. Sun & cloud but not warm.
Increased wildfowl numbers on Big Pool, including many more Tufted Ducks, so not a big surprise to see that the female Smew was with them. These are probably non-breeders or failed breeders that she has imprinted on as her flock, they move so she does too! They are pretty mobile at this time of year and this has happened before. It may be a while until she is back every day. several Green Woodpeckers were present, noisy and showing well in flight.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Aug 8 10:23 PM, 2019
Managed an early start this morning after yesterdays twitching! Fine & sunny with a few clouds at times, warm too.
Nothing exceptional, or even slightly out of the ordinary. Plenty of Green Woodpeckers, a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler were the best things! A Little Grebe was on Gull Pool. A small number of Tufted Ducks frequented Big Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Aug 5 6:03 PM, 2019
My first proper walk since back off hol! Warm & sunny morning. Evidence from dog walkers and fishermen (I'm pals with both) about the tensions at this site. The fishing club are tightening security and trying to make the place fully private. If they have their way the lakes will no longer be viewable
Quiet, not much of note. One Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane, these may now not be worth noting as a scarcity as in the past! No sign of the Mute Swan cygnet, I fear it has perished. A young Dunnock proving breeding. A Willow Warbler was still heard calling.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Aug 4 5:39 PM, 2019
Back after a great hol in Somerset. On patch this morning but only leading the horses so not a birdy walk particularly but a couple of sightings of note:
A male Yellowhammer was on the wires above Sandy Lane in the area that a pair were seen last year and I suspect breeding nearbly. Great that they are still around and have been throughout the breeding season. Also along Sandy Lane between 3 and 5 Collared Doves, my highest count on patch and again possibly indicative of breeding. Green Woodpeckers and Nuthatch were heard aclling on Newchurch Common too.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jul 18 10:34 PM, 2019
A very uneventful morning walk today, overcast but warm.
Lots of Green Woodpeckers calling from all around the site, A steady stream of Swallows over the mosslands. A Few Linnets over the mosslands too and a Common Whitethroat here. A young Willow Warbler was by the Whitegate Way.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jul 9 9:51 PM, 2019
A short morning walk proved again to be very quiet, dull and cloudy but warm.
A Collared Dove on Sandy Lane was the 'rarest' bird seen today. The Garden Warbler was still near Big Pool. A Green Woodpecker was seen near here too.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jul 8 10:50 PM, 2019
Another morning walk, hot sun again.
A Reed Bunting on the main track between the pools was unexpected. The Garden Warbler was again near Big Pool but today didn't show and was just heard. Another scarce species record for here was a day calling Tawny Owl. A Little Grebe calling on Big Pool was my first in months as they move off here to breed. Finally Tufted Duck numbers were back up over 25, maybe due to anly one fisherman still on Big Pool after the usual higher numbers over the weekend.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jul 7 9:59 PM, 2019
A walk with the horses am and a return wildlife walk pm in the hot sunshine produced nothing major, but a few bits worth a mention.
Firstly, since a pal has been asking about Garden Warblers which he wants to see at Newchurch, Carys & I had fabulous views of one near Big Pool as it sat out in an elder scolding us. It was on show constantly as it climbed the bush. We retreated and gave it a wide berth so as not to disturb it any further. Other species noted were a Pied Wagtail off Sandy Lane, a Lesser Black-backed Gull over, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Linnets, all on the mosses and a reduction in Tufted Duck numbers again.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jul 2 10:32 PM, 2019
Dull and overcast & not particularly warm this am.
Incredibly quiet, the lone highlight was a flyover Cormorant, a rare July bird here! A dead adult Mute Swan was less welcome, looks like it had been predated, probably a Fox kill.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 28 10:40 PM, 2019
Another morning walk in hot sunshine. Today I stayed in the area round the pools only so racked up fewer species than yesterday.
Today was a red letter day again on patch, a Patch Lifer no less in the shape of a Reed Warbler, a species I'd hoped for but the lack of any sizeable reedbeds made me doubt that I would get one. In a reedbed in a restricted area I first picked it up singing and then a vigil by the small strip of reeds was rewarded when it popped out and caught a damselfly. Green Woodpecker was again seen as was Garden Warbler. On Big Pool a Great Crested Grebe was seen with 2 newly hatched young on its back. A Lesser Black-backed Gull overhead was unexpected.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jun 27 10:40 PM, 2019
A very early start, hot & sunny.
A long walk including the mosslands today but quiet for birds, although plenty of species. A huge increase in the Tufted Ducks, possibly failed/non-breeders. At least 48 Tufted Ducks were on the pools, could the Smew return soon if numbers continue to build? All it would need would be for her carrier flock to return, watch this space! The Mute Swand had a single cygnet today, just hatched. Also over the pools 2Swifts and small numbers of Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows.
At least 3 Green Woodpeckers were on site with one showing very well on Shemmy Moss. Abbots Moss was the location of the only Common Whitethroat and Reed Bunting. Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers and Chiffchaffs were all again noted across the site.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jun 26 10:39 PM, 2019
An afternoon walk, overcast but warmish!
A new bird again for 2019 here was a Grey Wagtail on Big Pool, annual but scarce. Otherwise just the usual suspects with the best birds being Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Garden Warbler and 1 House Martin amongst several Sand Martins.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jun 23 9:37 PM, 2019
A quick summary of the last 2 days, warm & sunny at times. I tend to avoid weekends but the sun tempted me out for insect watching!
Saturday 22nd: A walk with the horses only but a couple of great sightings, both along Sandy Lane. Firstly a Hobby, my first on patch in 2019, flying over Big Pool area, at an estimate of distance & direction from Sandy Lane. Closer up 2 male Yellowhammers were singing by Sandy Lane, one on each side, halfway along!
Today (Sunday 23rd): Typical, a proper bird walk turned up next to nothing! Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch were calling.10 Tufted Ducks was an increase on recent numbers. A young Willow Warbler was seen.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jun 20 10:02 PM, 2019
Decided on an afternoon walk cos the forecast looked better, ended up in sun, drizzle and cloud, what you'd call changeable!!
Even quieter than yesterday albeit with a couple more species seen. The rain brought down feeding birds over Big Pool including 15 Swifts, 160 Sand Martins and 1 House Martin. This i turn attracted a female Sparrowhawk which proceded to take a Sand Martin, skillful hunting! The Lapwings were noisy in the breeding fields, I can only assume the corvids were paying them unwanted attention. A young Coal Tit was nice to see near the main track/Pine Belt intersection. A Stock Dove bathing in a puddle on Sandy Lane was unexpected. Again Garden Warblers were vocal and showing.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jun 19 10:24 PM, 2019
After a long continous spell at work at Focalpoint I had my first weekday off today so returned to my local patch at last! Sunny & warm-ish, eventually.
The highlight was a new bird for me for the recording area, but one that I have been expecting given that they breed not too far away. The species in question is Common Shelduck, a single bird seen flying off from Big Pool at around 11am. Otherwise quiet, only 6 Tufted Ducks were seen, 2 pairs and 2 males. Four Sand Martins were high over Big Pool too.
A few Garden Warblers were still singing with one showing really well near Big Pool. A Lapwing was also heard nearby. Five Starlings seen by Sandy Lane were probably a family party.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jun 9 10:04 PM, 2019
My visit today started in sunshine and finished in torrential rain.... flaming June indeed
The most unexpected sighting was of 3 Cormorants in the distance, looking across Big Pool. Again a male Cuckoo was calling, over on the mosses today. Also heard were a couple of Green Woodpeckers and a newly fledged Great Spotted Woodpecker was also on the mosses. Several Garden Warblers were singing and the showiest was on Shemmy Moss. A Whitethroat and a Reed Bunting were seen here too. Two Greylag Geese were still on Big Pool. Three Swifts near Big Pool were my first here for ages, and also here were 10 Sand Martins and 4Swallows. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the mosses.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jun 6 10:13 PM, 2019
Another sunny day so out on patch for inverts mainly.
The highlight was 2 calling male Cuckoos, their cuckoo-ing overlapping at times. This means that I have confirmed 2 males and a female this year, my best tally for a few years here. A Green Woodpecker was near Big Pool too. By the Pine Belt a Garden Warbler warned me that I was too close to its nest, scolding me and showing fantasticaly well. I retreated quickly to avoid stressing the bird. Otherwise quiet.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jun 4 10:30 PM, 2019
When the weather wasn't as bad as forecast this morning I nipped out for a couple of hours on patch.
The Cuckoo was still calling as was a Green Woodpecker. An Oystercatcher also called as it flew over the central track. A Collared Dove, rare here, was near Daleford Farm where 6 House Martins were wheeling about. Lots of young birds around, especially Blue and Great Tit broods.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 30 10:00 PM, 2019
Finally back from hols and back on my patch, rainy and dull, heavy cloud cover.
The pools were almost deserted, with just 10 Tufted Ducks of note. A small group of 12 Sand Martins were seen too. The best sightings were on the mosses where I had stunning views of a caling male Cuckoo and then shortly afterwards I heard a female Cuckoo's bubbling call answering him. Now I know why he is still hanging around the area. A new patch bird for 2019 was also on the mosses, a Meadow Pipit (good news for the Cuckoos!) and a male Whitethroat was nice to see too. At least 7 Garden Warblers were heard, 6 on the mosslands, and the other common warblers, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, were all still present. An Oystercatcher flew over the mosses calling too. A Reed Bunting was singing at Gull Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 16 10:03 PM, 2019
Sunny again for my longish morning walk.
The Cuckoo was constantly cuckoo-ing nearly all the time I was there and I even saw him this time, flying low over the mosslands. I counted at least 10 singing Garden Warblers too and had a couple of Whitethroats today. A Pied Wagtail collecting food on the main track suggests breeding nearby. Only1 Green Woodpecker heard today. A Linnet was singing on the mosslands and a Skylark was overhead.
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 14 10:44 PM, 2019
A morning walk in the hot sun again, more invertebrate interest than avian, but still a few highlights.
A new patch tick for 2019 was a Whitethroat heard on Shemmy Moss, where a Cuckoo was again heard early on. A Green Woodpecker called near Small Pool again. A few Garden Warblers were heard and one showed exceptionally well by the main track between the two pools. A Kestrel hunted on the mosses, it looks like they have bred nearby again. Two Lapwings were on fileds near the pine belt.
The best wildfowl record was a female Mandarin with 9 newly hatched ducklings swimming across Gull Pool. Four Greylag Geese were on Big Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 12 11:08 PM, 2019
Went for an afternoon walk in the sun.
Amazingly had a Whimbrel record again. After hearing them call, Carys and I watched a group of 10 Whimbrel circle low over Big Pool appearing as though they were looking for somewhere to land. One even skimmed so low it touched the waters surface! Eventually after about 1o minutes of circling and calling they flew off higher and higher in a V-formation to the west. On the pools all was quiet otherwise with very few Tufted Ducks left. A Lapwing called near Big Pool.
On Shemmy Moss a male Yellowhammer showed well, perching up and singing on the lone dead tree. Just before the Yellowhammer landed here a Green Woodpecker used the same vantage point to sit and yaffle its head off for a good 10 minutes! A second Green Woodpecker yaffled near Small Pool. On the mosslands a Cuckoo was again calling. About 5 Garden Warblers were heard. A male Reed Bunting was singing on Abbot's Moss.
A Swift was seen nearby at the horse paddocks on Foxwist Green Lane.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 9 2:34 PM, 2019
Another rainy morning had me harbouring hopes of terns at Newchucrch so I headed down at 8.30am, but none there again!
But again a new bird added for the year, but only just as it was my last bird of the morning walk, a Yellowhammer, singing on wires over the arable fields on Sandy Lane. Three Stock Doves remained in the former setaside field. A Green Woodpecker was heard again. Only 2 Garden Warblers were again noted. Quiet on the pools with the only new thing noted being a Great Crested Grebe with a newly hatched youngster. Fewer Tufted Ducks were seen and no Smew. Again all the action was over the pools with counts of c.80 House Martins, c.20 Swallows and c.6 Sand Martins. All in all pretty quiet.
Doc Brewster said
Wed May 8 9:28 PM, 2019
What a difference a day makes! I went down onto patch twice today, am and pm, because the rest of Cheshire was experiencing heavy tern passage, with Black Terns, Arctic Terns and Comon Terns passing through. But true to form nowt at Newchurch Common!
Instead I added a patch yeartick in the shape of my first Swift this year at Newchurch. This was one of my targets on a drizzly day when I knew hirundines and the like would be feeding low over lakes. there was a single Swift amongst at least c.100 House Martins, c.20 Swallows and c.2 Sand Martins. Also present was the female Smew, on the east side of Big Pool, again something I had expected due to the influx of Tufted Ducks seen yesterday. A single Garden Warbler was heard as well as one Green Woodpecker. A notable count was of 6 Stock Doves in the ploughed, former setaside. One Lapwing continued to be seen near Big Pool.
A walk to my patch today from the horse paddocks. Fine, bright and warm this afternoon.
On Big Pool there were 7(5drk) Shoveler and 7(4drk) Wigeon, as well as a lone drake Teal. One Greylag Goose was in fields east of the Pine Belt with Canada Geese.
Another male Blackcap was found (at last!), this one in trees near Small Pool. A male Reed Bunting was in willows on the willow spit. A Coal Tit was in Finch Hedge. At least 7 Bullfinch were seen, 2 near the entrance and 5 in Finch Hedge. Two Stock Doves were in fields off Sandy Lane as was a Lapwing.
This was a quiet walk with fewer birds, possibly reflective of it being the afternoon, not a single Gull was seen, unusual.
Too late to edit the last post - but missed out a bird that I haven't seen here for ages - a Coal Tit, in Finch Hedge. Also a Collared Dove over Sandy Lane.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 3rd of April 2020 09:38:46 PM
Back doing horses this afternoon, dry, cold & dull weather. Lots more cars parked, folk driving to dog walk, but my pal a Rural Crime Police Officer who has her horse stabled near there was checking them out & she'll be reporting this increase in cars and police will be visiting to put leaflets on them this week. Another consequence of this is lots of dog mess, the owners seem to have given up picking it up at the moment too, the main track is horrible.
The pools were strangely devoid of birds today, nothing much to report on them. A drake Shoveler was again on the flooded field by the entrance track. A Cormorant flew over Big Pool too.
A male White Wagtail was still in the ploughed field with at least 2 Pied Wagtails. Also here were 2 Stock Doves. A Kestrel flew over Sandy Lane. A Green Woodpecker was heard, the first for a while. A lone Redwing was on Sandy Lane. 3(1m) Bullfinch were predictably in Finch Hedge.
Yesterday the horse husbandry was intense so no walk. Managed a walk today in between 2 lots of work at the horse paddocks. Colder, breezier but dry.
Again the pools were pretty busy with birds but dogwalkers swimming their pets in the pools may have been the reason for no Smew today. Other duck were well represented with 7(5drk) Shoveler, 3(2drk) Wigeon, 2(1drk) Teal, and a drake Gadwall, all bar one drake Shoveler (which unusually was on the flooded field by the entrance track) on Big Pool. A Grey Heron was again on the flooded field by the entrance track too. The lack of anglers and their motorised bait boats means that there are lots of gulls on the pools at the moment, so far all of these have been Black-heaed or Common Gulls, but I'll keep searching through the flocks.
On the ploughed former set-aside there was still one male White Wagtail with 3 Pied Wagtails. A couple of Redwings were still present. At least 3 Collared Doves were around too, mainly outside the common area nearer habitation. At least 8 Chiffchaffs were again the only warblers around today.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 30th of March 2020 09:01:04 PM
Another horse husbandry trip so took the opportunity to walk to Newchurch this morning. Cold, bit of a breeze but a few sunny intervals.
The female Smew showed exceptionally well over in East Bay on Big Pool, all on her own-io but plenty of Tufted Ducks on the pool still. Also on Big Pool were 6(3drk) Teal, 2 drake Shoveler and 2 drake Gadwall. A Little Grebe was also on Big Pool. Two Greylag Geese were still with the Canadas. A Grey Heron was on the flooded field by the main track near the entrance barriers.
The top passerine was a sunning male White Wagtail in the ploughed former set-aside field. A couple of Pied Wagtails were also seen. In the farm field near the Pine Belt were 3 Lapwings and a Stock Dove. At least 6 Chiffchaffs were recorded but no Blackcaps today. On Sandy Lane 6 Redwings were still around. Also here were 2 Goldfinches, a species not seen on recent visits.
Our shift on the horses today, so a walk from the paddocks around Newchurch was in order first thing. Sunny but a wee bit nippy at first, hardly any breeze.
The female Smew was seen over along the NE shore of Big Pool looking from the spit, but when we got round there she was hidden. The biggest surprise was a female Goosander on Small Pool. A Little Grebe was on Small Pool too. On Big Pool we had a drake Teal and 4(2drk) Wigeon still. 2 Greylag Geese were also seen on Big Pool. Great Crested Grebes are now performing courtship displays on both pools.
The first Blackcap of the year here was a singing male near the car parking area (1 car was still here despite advice not to drive to do exercise or dogwalk). At least 4 Chiffchaffs were heard around the site. Another new bird for the year, surprisingly, was 2 Pied Wagtails, both by Sandy Lane, one on a house roof and the other in a flooded horse paddock. A nice male Reed Bunting was in bushes on the north shore of Big Pool. A lone Redwing was still by the main track near Finch Hedge. One Lapwing was near the breeding fields and a Raven was heard cronking over towards the Mosslands. One Buzzard gave a superb show as it performed it's sky-dance display flight. Other notable birds were Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit and 2 Starlings.
I again built in my daily walk with our visit to look after the horses, this time it was a morning visit.
The main news was that the female Smew was back, almost certainly related to the fact that around 50 Tufted Ducks were seen, a big increase on the last few visits. I have every expectation that as they move she will follow so this could be a short visit back to Newchurch. A Little Grebe was unexpected on Small Pool.
A female Sparrowhawk showed very well near Pine Belt with a Buzzard close by. As before notable passerines were Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, 1 Redwing and Stock Dove.
Today was the first visit under new regulations so I took a shorter than usual walk, seeing only 6 people during my walk, none close than 25m away! No fishermen are now on site as it has been stopped.
A Grey Heron was on the flood near the entrance barrier.
Two Green Woodpeckers were confirmed today. A Stock Dove showed well in the arable fields. Chiffchaffs were again singing. Other species of note being Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Redwing (6) and Mistle Thrush.
During the Covid-19 period of essential car journeys only, I am still lucky enough to be able to visit Newchurch. This is due to visiting our 2 horses daily by a short car journey. Animal Welfare is covered as essential
(reference: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/news/how-do-i-look-after-my-horse-if-i-have-to-self-isolate-due-to-coronavirus )
especially as one horse gets laminitis with too much sugar in her diet and has to have special food prepared daily. Once at the horses I am in walking distance of Newchurch and so can combine the horse welfare with my one excercise walk. It is actually much quieter there than around my village. I will therefore continue to post news from my patch.
First I have a belated report from Monday 23rd March:
A quiet walk with 2(1m) Shoveler and a Teal the pool highlights. A single Greylag Goose was also on Big Pool. On Sunday 22nd there were 4(2m) Wigeon also on Big Pool. Passerine highlights included Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Redwing, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush and Stock Dove.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 24th of March 2020 09:45:27 PM
Headed out again this morning in dry, fine and still conditions.
Fewer fishermen were on the pools but I was told that they are meeting the council to have the pools fenced off so no access to them will be possible for non members. If this happens it will probably be the end of my patch There were 2(1drk) Goosander on Small Pool and 2(1drk) Teal on Big Pool today, both species not seen on Sunday. A drake Gadwall was still present and Tufted Ducks were up to c.50 birds, but still no Smew. Two Little Grebes were on Big Pool too.
My first patch Chiffchaff was a singing bird in the same tree as the Brambling had been in last Sunday! A flyover Brambling was seen as well as a Reed Bunting and 30 Linnets again, all north of Big Pool. A second Chiffchaff was heard but not seen. Two Green Woodpeckers were near Big Pool too, whilst Great Spotted Woodpeckers were everywhere! A single Fieldfare and 20 Redwings were seen. A Lapwing was displaying over breeding fields, my first there this year. The same fields also held 2 Stock Doves. A Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane, still a site scarcity! Two Long-tailed Tits and a Coal Tit were also seen. Two Bullfinches were again in Finch Hedge, whilst they are feeding on buds this will be a regular sighting on every walk.
Good news in that I tallied more than my usual number of species on todays walk, bad news if pool access is made impossible with barbed wire fencing soon.
Needed a walk on patch so headed out this am, dry and bright, very little wind.
There was a big increase in Fishermen today but a big decrease in duck numbers! The only ducks of note were 2 drake Shoveler, a drake Gadwall and c.30 Tufted Ducks. Two Greylag Geese were still present on Big Pool. A new bird for me in 2020 anywhere was a Kingfisher that flew in front of me across the main path, presumably heading from Big Pool to Small Pool. A single Cormorant was still on Big Pool.
A few nice passerine sightings included a male Brambling with a complete black head near Big Pool and a male Yellowhammer in the fields north of Big Pool. In the same area as the Yellowhammer were 10 Reed Buntings and 30 Linnets as well as numerous Chaffinches. About 30 Redwings were in the area of Finch Hedge and 7 Fieldfares were east of the Pine Belt. My first Mistle Thrush of the Year at Newchurch was a singing bird, many other species also now being in full song. Two Stock Doves were seen as well as 5 Feral Pigeons and a handful of Rooks. The first Nuthatch at Newchurch this year was also recorded.
Many of the 'firsts' were due to me being away from patch during my eye problems, but still a nice day despite being so busy on the banks!
Still struggling and eye still receiving hospital treatment but getting there I think! Again needed to get out, so Newchurch it was this morning. Cold, quite breezy but fine and sunny at times.
The female Smew was very mobile, first seen on the east side of the pool and then later towards the west. Across the two pools I counted 17(7drake) Goosanders, also 8 Greylag Geese seen, with 1+Teal heard. An immature Herring Gull was on Big Pools and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.
At least 2 Green Woodpeckers were recorded along with drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Two Ravens flew over low cronking and a huge female Sparrowhawk flew through near Dalefords Farm. Birds in the alders included 8 Siskins, whilst 2 Fieldfares and 4 Redwings were west of Small Pool.
Still effectively one-eyed at the moment between eye operations and further complications. So can't go out normal birding really. But feeling I needed a walk I took my bins anyway! Fine, dry and cold today.
The adult female Smew was still on Sandiway Big Pool, in West Bay. Recently on sightings apps she has been reported as a 'redhead Smew', this term implies that age and sex are not known, which they are, at least the two main info systems are reporting it correctly! Across the 2 pools were 11(4 drake) Goosanders, 9 of these on Sandiway Small Pool. Two Greylag Geese were on Big Pool. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in to the pre-roost which contained a large number of Common Gulls.
With me not birding I still have some common stuff that I haven't seen yet, so the 4 Bullfinches I saw in Finch Hedge were amazingly a UK Yeartick! Also in the hedge were 2 Lesser Redpolls and 15+Goldfinches. At least 1+Brambling was seen in a distant Chaffinch flock in fields on the east side of the Pine Belt.
Having been in S.Wales for New Year today was my first chance for a walk on my patch, and my last for a bit too as I am in hospital for an eye op tomorrow! Weather dry & fine.
I suppose the headline bird for visitors at this time of year was that the female Smew was on Big Pool, over near East Bay. Also on Big Pool were a drake Pochard, 12 (5 drake) Goosander, 9 (3 drake) Shoveler and 28 Greylag Geese. A Grey Heron was on Small Pool and a Little Grebe called. Overhead two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 81 (25 and 56) flew generally SSW. this being a species I missed here in 2019! Also a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.
Passerines included 5 Bramblings, usually with other finches in alders or birches, a fantastic count of 150 Siskins, 5 Lesser Redpoll and a Linnet on the north side. 40 Redwings werre mainly in horse paddocks and 6 Stock Doves were seen in ones and twos. A Grey Wagtail on dung heaps in farm fields was most unexpected.
A double walk on patchm am & pm but both only for a couple of hours. Dull & rain at times.
The female Smew was again very elusive but out in the middle of Big Pool eventually. Also on Big Pool were 9(3drk) Goosanders, 2drk Shovelers, a drake Pochard, a female Teal and 20 Greylag Geese. Also on Big Pool was a female Tufted Duck with a large, very well-defines white facial patch around the bill, without careful scrutiny this could catch folk out thinking it is a Scaup, but was identifiable even with just binocular views.
In the fields massive frlocks of Jackdaws contained 8 Stock Doves and a few Rooks. The setaside had 2 Reed Buntings and a site high of 6 Collared Doves in a single group. A male Bullfinch was my first for a while, in Finch Hedge predictably. 40 Siskins fed near Big Pool in alders. A Nuthatch was in trees near the pool below head height! Other birds of note, species not recorded on every visit, included Redwings, a Pheasant and a Mistle Thrush.
Despite the forecast decided to risk a walk, i the end mainly dry but with a few drizzly bits, dull all the time though.
The female Smew was out in the middle of Big Pool feeding, only seen on my second visit to check the pool. Three (2drk) Shovelers were also seen in a quick check. I decided to go over to the mosslands today so didn't spend much time at all around the pools. On the way to the mosslands a quick check of the nursery fields produced a flock of 99 Lapwings (counted; but the furrows in the field could have held more as they were deeper than the height of a Lapwing!). Over on the mosslands a new bird for the year on patch, a Great Black-backed Gull, flying over from the direction of Nunsmere. The proximity of the mosses to Nunsmere and not too far from Delamere means that in winter the chance of big gulls flying over is better than at the pools. A few scattered Redwing flocks probably totalled about 12 birds in all.
A much quieter walk, the reason that I don't often 'do' the mosslands in winter, but there are some different species to be had by venturing over there occasionally!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 19th of December 2019 10:13:08 PM
A morning walk in the freezing conditions, but dry and bright so really pleasant.
The female Smew was again in West Bay on Big Pool despite that being the ony end that had fishermen on! Also on Big Pool a long overdue year tick for the patch in 2019 - Kingfisher! They are a winterer on the pools only, but I missed them in the first winter period this year. On Big Pool there was also a drake Pochard, 2 female Shovelers and a female Teal. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the pool and 2 immature Herring Gulls flew over. 10 (2drk) Goosanders were in three groups split between Big and Small Pools. Big Pool still held 13 Greylag Geese and my fishermen mates told me of mass shooting of Canada Geese last week on adjacent farmland, not good news that wildfowl is being shot in this area.
At least 4 Yellowhammers were at the new setaside along with 7 Reed Buntings and 2(1m) Bramblings. Roamng flocks of Chaffinches on site must have numbered 500, so I expect more Bramblings to arrive in time. Just 2 Siskins were seen today. A flock of 30 Fieldfares flew over and later 6 Redwings flew through too. A Raven flew over cronking adding to the atmosphere. Two Collared Doves on Sandy Lane were nice to end the visit, this species still being scarce on patch.
Another fantastic walk on my patch this morning, sunny and cold with clear skies.
The undoubted highlight was a patch yeartick in the shape of my second ever Woodcock here, in one of the meadows that has extensive birch and alder scrub now taking over - I previously hated this, but now it seems it's not all bad news! The female Smew was still in West Bay on Big Pool where Wigeon numbers were really high with over 100 seen. Also on the pool were 4(1 drake) Shoveler. ON Small Pool just one drake Goosander today. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the pools.
Over 100 Siskin were seen including one flock of 80 birds near Small Pool, feeding in alders. Also with them was one female Brambling and at least 3 Lesser Redpolls. At the northern setaside field a different male Yellowhammer to last time, was seen along with 2 Reed Buntings. In the horse paddocks at least 40 Redwings were seen along with 5+Fieldfares and 2 Mistle Thrushes. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen but no Greens today.
A really good patch walk today, very cold and with a sprinkling of showers but, hey, it's December!!
The female Smew was on Big Pool, asleep in West Bay so not showing fantastically! 10(3drk) Goosanders were on Small Pool, great to see this species back for the winter. On Big Pool 2 drake Pochards were amongst a very large gathering of Wigeon, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Coot. A single drake Shoveler was tucked in under overhanging vegetation here too with unseen Teal calling.
A Brambling was found at the new setaside area (NO access possible) as well as 6 Reed Buntings, a Yellowhammer and 20+House Sparrows. Whilst watching these a Grey Wagtail flew over. In the horse paddocks along Novia Scotia Lane at least 30 Redwings fed on the holly berries and in the paddocks themselves 2 Green Woodpeckers showed well. At least 2 Siksins were in alders near Small Pool. A single Stock Dove fed in fields north of Big Pool.
Back on patch this morning to meet up with birding pals all the way from Anglesey. Weather was better than yesterday, sun at times and not as strong wind.
The target bird, female Smew, was tricky, not seen in the first few areas that we tried. But eventually we found her over towards East Bay, one of her favoured areas. Also on Big Pool were 2 drake Pochards today, as well as 8 Teal and still 14 Greylag Geese. The usual Wigeon and Gadwal were present. At least 6 Mute Swans were new in, including a family of 2 adults and 2 young.
A Goldcrest was by Big Pool, as were 3(1m) Bullfinch. A few Siskins were seen and heard, mainly near Big Pool again. A Nuthatch called near the parking area where a Buzzard was heard distantly. A Song Thrush was in trees by the fields here too. A Redwing was in horse paddocks near Dairy Farm.
A really pleasant day, enjoyable to show new folk my patch and relieved that their target bird played ball!!
A patch reccie in preparation for a visit from a few of my Anglesey birding pals tomorrow, who I will be showing round. Very cold & pretty windy too, not very nice if truth be told!
Pretty quiet but the target bird for tomorrow, the female Smew, was present. I first picked her up with Tufted Ducks on Small Pool. which is unusual but not unique. Later she couldn't be seen on either pool, but she can be pretty mobile. On Big Pool the best bird was a drake Pochard. Several Wigeon and 2 Teal were on here too. A total of 14 Greylag Geese were with a huge flock of over 200 Canada Geese, I think this is the highest count of the former species that I have had here. A Little Grebe was on Big Pool too.
Star passerine was a Goldcrest near the parking area, one day it may be a rarer crest, but not today! A Nuthatch and a flyover Reed Bunting were also noteworthy. A few Stock Doves were seen with massive numbers of Woodpigeons. Roving flocks of Goldfinch were seen across the site.
A walk on patch this morning in the sunshine but with frost on the grass!
The female Smew was in West Bay on Big Pool looking really good in the autumn sunshine. Also on the pool was a Teal and 2 Little Grebes. Totals across both pools included 28 Wigeon and 4 Gadwall. Six Greylag Geese were in with the Canadas. A Stock Dove was to the north of Big Pool and a female Sparrowhawk flew over Small Pool. A small flock of 6 Redwings flew from trees near the Pine Belt. A Raven soared distantly as did a Buzzard, and 2 Rooks over the parking area was an unusual location for this species.
Managed a shortish morning walk today, cold but mainly sunny - bracing as they say!!
The female Smew was on Big Pool but again was mobile. Also on here were 10 Gadwall and a Wigeon. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was of note too, flying over rather than alighting on the pool.
On the north side of Big Pool at least 40 Linnets were near the seed crop. A Goldcrest was by the main track, I always check but have yet to find a rarer crest/warbler, but maybe one day! At least 2 Ravens were seen over the periphery of the patch. A few Redwings flew over and a couple were seen flying from trees as I approached, amazingly these are my first here this autumn, despite good numbers elsewhere in the north-west.
Another (rare at the mo!) walk out on Newchurch this morning, sunny at times and quite mild for second week in October.
The most relevant news for potential visitors was that the female Smew was again present, but very elusive, I only found her after 3hrs and then she flew off into West Bay on Big Pool. Also on the Big Pool were the first returning (5) Wigeon of the winter (if you count the one on Aug 2nd as an autumn passage bird!). Also seen was a drake Gadwall.
The star bird for me, however, was the first (fem) Greenfinch of the year on the patch! It was in a mixed flock of birds north of Big Pool near a field with a seed crop in, which had obviously attracted birds, as well as ripe elderberries in the adjacent hedge. Also in the flock were Linnets and House Sparrows, but I'll be checking the area later for Bramblings! Also on patch today were a Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Doves and an overflying, high cronking Raven.
Late news for yesterday, 3rd October:
A morning walk and very autumnal indeed. The female Smew was on Big Pool but mobile, seen fly around the whole site. Also on the pool were 2 Teal, a female Shoveler and up to 4 Gadwall. A sign of summer being over werer the 3 Cormorants on the pool too. A Coal Tit was by the pool too. Six Stock Doves were nice to see in the fields to the N.of Big Pool and the same field had a few Rooks in amongst the more usual Crows, Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 4th of October 2019 10:31:00 AM
Two visits in last couple of days:
30th Aug: No sign of the Smew but 5 Gadwall, a Wigeon and 3+Shoveler were seen, a real sign that Autumn approaches! A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over. A Green Woodpecker was heard as was a Chiffchaff. As boredom set in I counted 320+Coot!!
2nd Sept (today): Female Smew on Big Pool with Tufted Ducks. A pair of Gadwall were still present. Again Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker were heard.
Only had the chance to pop in late afternoon for an hour and a half. Sun & cloud but not warm.
Increased wildfowl numbers on Big Pool, including many more Tufted Ducks, so not a big surprise to see that the female Smew was with them. These are probably non-breeders or failed breeders that she has imprinted on as her flock, they move so she does too! They are pretty mobile at this time of year and this has happened before. It may be a while until she is back every day. several Green Woodpeckers were present, noisy and showing well in flight.
Managed an early start this morning after yesterdays twitching! Fine & sunny with a few clouds at times, warm too.
Nothing exceptional, or even slightly out of the ordinary. Plenty of Green Woodpeckers, a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler were the best things! A Little Grebe was on Gull Pool. A small number of Tufted Ducks frequented Big Pool.
My first proper walk since back off hol! Warm & sunny morning. Evidence from dog walkers and fishermen (I'm pals with both) about the tensions at this site. The fishing club are tightening security and trying to make the place fully private. If they have their way the lakes will no longer be viewable
Quiet, not much of note. One Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane, these may now not be worth noting as a scarcity as in the past! No sign of the Mute Swan cygnet, I fear it has perished. A young Dunnock proving breeding. A Willow Warbler was still heard calling.
Back after a great hol in Somerset. On patch this morning but only leading the horses so not a birdy walk particularly but a couple of sightings of note:
A male Yellowhammer was on the wires above Sandy Lane in the area that a pair were seen last year and I suspect breeding nearbly. Great that they are still around and have been throughout the breeding season. Also along Sandy Lane between 3 and 5 Collared Doves, my highest count on patch and again possibly indicative of breeding. Green Woodpeckers and Nuthatch were heard aclling on Newchurch Common too.
A very uneventful morning walk today, overcast but warm.
Lots of Green Woodpeckers calling from all around the site, A steady stream of Swallows over the mosslands. A Few Linnets over the mosslands too and a Common Whitethroat here. A young Willow Warbler was by the Whitegate Way.
A short morning walk proved again to be very quiet, dull and cloudy but warm.
A Collared Dove on Sandy Lane was the 'rarest' bird seen today. The Garden Warbler was still near Big Pool. A Green Woodpecker was seen near here too.
Another morning walk, hot sun again.
A Reed Bunting on the main track between the pools was unexpected. The Garden Warbler was again near Big Pool but today didn't show and was just heard. Another scarce species record for here was a day calling Tawny Owl. A Little Grebe calling on Big Pool was my first in months as they move off here to breed. Finally Tufted Duck numbers were back up over 25, maybe due to anly one fisherman still on Big Pool after the usual higher numbers over the weekend.
A walk with the horses am and a return wildlife walk pm in the hot sunshine produced nothing major, but a few bits worth a mention.
Firstly, since a pal has been asking about Garden Warblers which he wants to see at Newchurch, Carys & I had fabulous views of one near Big Pool as it sat out in an elder scolding us. It was on show constantly as it climbed the bush. We retreated and gave it a wide berth so as not to disturb it any further. Other species noted were a Pied Wagtail off Sandy Lane, a Lesser Black-backed Gull over, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Linnets, all on the mosses and a reduction in Tufted Duck numbers again.
Dull and overcast & not particularly warm this am.
Incredibly quiet, the lone highlight was a flyover Cormorant, a rare July bird here! A dead adult Mute Swan was less welcome, looks like it had been predated, probably a Fox kill.
Another morning walk in hot sunshine. Today I stayed in the area round the pools only so racked up fewer species than yesterday.
Today was a red letter day again on patch, a Patch Lifer no less in the shape of a Reed Warbler, a species I'd hoped for but the lack of any sizeable reedbeds made me doubt that I would get one. In a reedbed in a restricted area I first picked it up singing and then a vigil by the small strip of reeds was rewarded when it popped out and caught a damselfly. Green Woodpecker was again seen as was Garden Warbler. On Big Pool a Great Crested Grebe was seen with 2 newly hatched young on its back. A Lesser Black-backed Gull overhead was unexpected.
A very early start, hot & sunny.
A long walk including the mosslands today but quiet for birds, although plenty of species. A huge increase in the Tufted Ducks, possibly failed/non-breeders. At least 48 Tufted Ducks were on the pools, could the Smew return soon if numbers continue to build? All it would need would be for her carrier flock to return, watch this space! The Mute Swand had a single cygnet today, just hatched. Also over the pools 2 Swifts and small numbers of Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows.
At least 3 Green Woodpeckers were on site with one showing very well on Shemmy Moss. Abbots Moss was the location of the only Common Whitethroat and Reed Bunting. Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers and Chiffchaffs were all again noted across the site.
An afternoon walk, overcast but warmish!
A new bird again for 2019 here was a Grey Wagtail on Big Pool, annual but scarce. Otherwise just the usual suspects with the best birds being Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Garden Warbler and 1 House Martin amongst several Sand Martins.
A quick summary of the last 2 days, warm & sunny at times. I tend to avoid weekends but the sun tempted me out for insect watching!
Saturday 22nd: A walk with the horses only but a couple of great sightings, both along Sandy Lane. Firstly a Hobby, my first on patch in 2019, flying over Big Pool area, at an estimate of distance & direction from Sandy Lane. Closer up 2 male Yellowhammers were singing by Sandy Lane, one on each side, halfway along!
Today (Sunday 23rd): Typical, a proper bird walk turned up next to nothing! Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch were calling.10 Tufted Ducks was an increase on recent numbers. A young Willow Warbler was seen.
Decided on an afternoon walk cos the forecast looked better, ended up in sun, drizzle and cloud, what you'd call changeable!!
Even quieter than yesterday albeit with a couple more species seen. The rain brought down feeding birds over Big Pool including 15 Swifts, 160 Sand Martins and 1 House Martin. This i turn attracted a female Sparrowhawk which proceded to take a Sand Martin, skillful hunting! The Lapwings were noisy in the breeding fields, I can only assume the corvids were paying them unwanted attention. A young Coal Tit was nice to see near the main track/Pine Belt intersection. A Stock Dove bathing in a puddle on Sandy Lane was unexpected. Again Garden Warblers were vocal and showing.
After a long continous spell at work at Focalpoint I had my first weekday off today so returned to my local patch at last! Sunny & warm-ish, eventually.
The highlight was a new bird for me for the recording area, but one that I have been expecting given that they breed not too far away. The species in question is Common Shelduck, a single bird seen flying off from Big Pool at around 11am. Otherwise quiet, only 6 Tufted Ducks were seen, 2 pairs and 2 males. Four Sand Martins were high over Big Pool too.
A few Garden Warblers were still singing with one showing really well near Big Pool. A Lapwing was also heard nearby. Five Starlings seen by Sandy Lane were probably a family party.
My visit today started in sunshine and finished in torrential rain.... flaming June indeed
The most unexpected sighting was of 3 Cormorants in the distance, looking across Big Pool. Again a male Cuckoo was calling, over on the mosses today. Also heard were a couple of Green Woodpeckers and a newly fledged Great Spotted Woodpecker was also on the mosses. Several Garden Warblers were singing and the showiest was on Shemmy Moss. A Whitethroat and a Reed Bunting were seen here too. Two Greylag Geese were still on Big Pool. Three Swifts near Big Pool were my first here for ages, and also here were 10 Sand Martins and 4 Swallows. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the mosses.
Another sunny day so out on patch for inverts mainly.
The highlight was 2 calling male Cuckoos, their cuckoo-ing overlapping at times. This means that I have confirmed 2 males and a female this year, my best tally for a few years here. A Green Woodpecker was near Big Pool too. By the Pine Belt a Garden Warbler warned me that I was too close to its nest, scolding me and showing fantasticaly well. I retreated quickly to avoid stressing the bird. Otherwise quiet.
When the weather wasn't as bad as forecast this morning I nipped out for a couple of hours on patch.
The Cuckoo was still calling as was a Green Woodpecker. An Oystercatcher also called as it flew over the central track. A Collared Dove, rare here, was near Daleford Farm where 6 House Martins were wheeling about. Lots of young birds around, especially Blue and Great Tit broods.
Finally back from hols and back on my patch, rainy and dull, heavy cloud cover.
The pools were almost deserted, with just 10 Tufted Ducks of note. A small group of 12 Sand Martins were seen too. The best sightings were on the mosses where I had stunning views of a caling male Cuckoo and then shortly afterwards I heard a female Cuckoo's bubbling call answering him. Now I know why he is still hanging around the area. A new patch bird for 2019 was also on the mosses, a Meadow Pipit (good news for the Cuckoos!) and a male Whitethroat was nice to see too. At least 7 Garden Warblers were heard, 6 on the mosslands, and the other common warblers, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, were all still present. An Oystercatcher flew over the mosses calling too. A Reed Bunting was singing at Gull Pool.
Sunny again for my longish morning walk.
The Cuckoo was constantly cuckoo-ing nearly all the time I was there and I even saw him this time, flying low over the mosslands. I counted at least 10 singing Garden Warblers too and had a couple of Whitethroats today. A Pied Wagtail collecting food on the main track suggests breeding nearby. Only1 Green Woodpecker heard today. A Linnet was singing on the mosslands and a Skylark was overhead.
A morning walk in the hot sun again, more invertebrate interest than avian, but still a few highlights.
A new patch tick for 2019 was a Whitethroat heard on Shemmy Moss, where a Cuckoo was again heard early on. A Green Woodpecker called near Small Pool again. A few Garden Warblers were heard and one showed exceptionally well by the main track between the two pools. A Kestrel hunted on the mosses, it looks like they have bred nearby again. Two Lapwings were on fileds near the pine belt.
The best wildfowl record was a female Mandarin with 9 newly hatched ducklings swimming across Gull Pool. Four Greylag Geese were on Big Pool.
Went for an afternoon walk in the sun.
Amazingly had a Whimbrel record again. After hearing them call, Carys and I watched a group of 10 Whimbrel circle low over Big Pool appearing as though they were looking for somewhere to land. One even skimmed so low it touched the waters surface! Eventually after about 1o minutes of circling and calling they flew off higher and higher in a V-formation to the west. On the pools all was quiet otherwise with very few Tufted Ducks left. A Lapwing called near Big Pool.
On Shemmy Moss a male Yellowhammer showed well, perching up and singing on the lone dead tree. Just before the Yellowhammer landed here a Green Woodpecker used the same vantage point to sit and yaffle its head off for a good 10 minutes! A second Green Woodpecker yaffled near Small Pool. On the mosslands a Cuckoo was again calling. About 5 Garden Warblers were heard. A male Reed Bunting was singing on Abbot's Moss.
A Swift was seen nearby at the horse paddocks on Foxwist Green Lane.
Another rainy morning had me harbouring hopes of terns at Newchucrch so I headed down at 8.30am, but none there again!
But again a new bird added for the year, but only just as it was my last bird of the morning walk, a Yellowhammer, singing on wires over the arable fields on Sandy Lane. Three Stock Doves remained in the former setaside field. A Green Woodpecker was heard again. Only 2 Garden Warblers were again noted. Quiet on the pools with the only new thing noted being a Great Crested Grebe with a newly hatched youngster. Fewer Tufted Ducks were seen and no Smew. Again all the action was over the pools with counts of c.80 House Martins, c.20 Swallows and c.6 Sand Martins. All in all pretty quiet.
What a difference a day makes! I went down onto patch twice today, am and pm, because the rest of Cheshire was experiencing heavy tern passage, with Black Terns, Arctic Terns and Comon Terns passing through. But true to form nowt at Newchurch Common!
Instead I added a patch yeartick in the shape of my first Swift this year at Newchurch. This was one of my targets on a drizzly day when I knew hirundines and the like would be feeding low over lakes. there was a single Swift amongst at least c.100 House Martins, c.20 Swallows and c.2 Sand Martins. Also present was the female Smew, on the east side of Big Pool, again something I had expected due to the influx of Tufted Ducks seen yesterday. A single Garden Warbler was heard as well as one Green Woodpecker. A notable count was of 6 Stock Doves in the ploughed, former setaside. One Lapwing continued to be seen near Big Pool.