Lots of Mallard, with many more flying in as I was leaving, the males in fresh winter/breeding plumage and looking resplendent.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Lapwing & 1 Kestrel.
2 Red Admiral butterflies.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Oct 4 9:14 AM, 2014
Fiiday Morning saw a 1w Med Gull on Neumann's Flash (per G.Baker).
Also the latest issue of British Birds has the summary of Rare Birds 2013 in it in which the Stilt Sandpiper at Neumann's Flash (and subsequently Elton Hall Flash, Sandbach) is documented
sid ashton said
Fri Oct 3 9:40 PM, 2014
Late afternoon walk along the Weaver towards the Anderton boat lift gave us splendid views of a Peregrine sitting on the highest point of the chemical works opposite the boat lift. It took off giving chase to a small group of passing Wood Pigeons. Also a group of three common Buzzards floating around and a cronking Raven went over.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Sep 27 10:06 AM, 2014
3 White Wagtails this morning at Haydn Pool (per V.Lundy).
Doc Brewster said
Fri Sep 26 11:37 AM, 2014
Oh yeah I know, it's just that I do the email feed from the site for folk & it's notable how few emails have been sent out recently as yearlisters are more bothered by 'new' birds for the yearlist on site & there aint been many of them recently. The only noteworthy birds in your list as far as the listers were concerned were the Ruff, but as you say still nice to see what you saw on a day out and better than some recent reports from Frodsham which has always been a premier site too. Looks like Burton Mere Wetlands has been capturing the headlines for the county recently, but given the money spent & management done on that site it isn't surprising. Lots of the work on the Witton Lime Beds complex relies on FOAM, Friends of Anderton & Marbury, which is a totally voluntary organisation. If anyone has free time that they want to put to good use to benefit wildlife hen please consider joining FOAM
John Williams said
Thu Sep 25 11:32 PM, 2014
There's still time for an uncommon wader to turn up Doc, if I remember rightly the Stilt Sandpiper turned up last year with a group of Ruff, of which there were 3 on Neumanns, yesterday, before it moved to Sandbach. Ok, only the odd Golden Plover is turning up amongst the Lapwing, but at least the "Peewits" are still there en-masse. I did'nt think yesterdays tally of waders was too bad, a nice variety. We can look forward to the revamped Haydn Pool, hopefully being ready for the winter Teal influx, and when the rainy season starts, Ashtons Flash holding Lapwings, Curlew and decent gull roost again. Neumanns seemed to hold a better selection of waders than Marshside did on my last visit. With a little TLC the Witton complex could become a premier birding site again.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Sep 25 10:01 AM, 2014
John Williams wrote:
24.09.2014 13.30-15.30
Ashtons Flash
Totally dried up at the moment, just a single Jay and a couple of Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen.
Neumanns Flash
3 Ruff, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe, 8 Curlew, 650+ Lapwings, 2 Swallows, 2 Ravens, 1 Shelduck, 8 Common Gulls, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons plus the usual waterfowl. Surprisingly, there were no Tufted Ducks on the flash. 1 Red Admiral butterfly was on the mound.
The Haydn Pool is undergoing restoration work at the moment, hence no birds (except the odd Woodpigeon).
I think that sums up the situation well, John, it's very very quiet
A few Golden Plover are being seen on & off and are the main point of interest on the patch at the moment. Funny to think only about a year & 2 months ago there was a Stilt Sandpiper here
John Williams said
Thu Sep 25 12:03 AM, 2014
24.09.2014 13.30-15.30
Ashtons Flash
Totally dried up at the moment, just a single Jay and a couple of Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen.
Neumanns Flash
3 Ruff, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe, 8 Curlew, 650+ Lapwings, 2 Swallows, 2 Ravens, 1 Shelduck, 8 Common Gulls, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons plus the usual waterfowl. Surprisingly, there were no Tufted Ducks on the flash. 1 Red Admiral butterfly was on the mound.
The Haydn Pool is undergoing restoration work at the moment, hence no birds (except the odd Woodpigeon).
James Walsh said
Sun Sep 14 5:31 PM, 2014
Blue Snow Goose @ Neumanns Flash
Doc Brewster said
Wed Aug 27 10:04 AM, 2014
Just received news that there are 3 juvenile Ruff on Neumann's Flash this morning. They are favouring the shoreline/bay below the mound on the lay-by side of the flash (thanks to Greg Baker).
This follows on from a single Ruff on Monday (25th) along with a Common Tern on Tuesday (26th) as well as a Spotted Flycatcher.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 10:06:29 AM
John Williams said
Tue Aug 26 11:02 PM, 2014
17.00-19.30
Ashtons Flash
27 Curlew
Neumanns Flash
780+ Lapwings, 380+ Canada Geese, masses of Black Headed Gulls and Mallard. The flock of Greylag Geese is still around, also 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Pochard and 8 Grey Herons. Around the perimeter were 2 Collared Doves, and 3 Chiffchaffs mixed in with a party of Long Tailed Tits. Small groups of Swallows passed through and a single Red Admiral butterfly was in the NW corner.
Haydn Pool
Apart from 3 overflying Jays, the only other birds were Woodpigeons.
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Buzzard.
Lots of Common Darter and 1 Migrant Hawker dragonflies, 4 Meadow Brown, 6 Speckled Wood butterflies and 1 Garden Pebble Moth.
John Williams said
Sun Aug 24 2:43 PM, 2014
10.00-12.00
The only birds showing on Ashton's Flash were a pair of Carrion Crows, and on the Haydn Pool there were no birds at all, even the Pied Wagtails had moved on.
Although the small pools on both look ideal for waders, especially Green Sandpiper.
Neumanns Flash
500+ Lapwings, the same number as 2 days previous, the 50+ flock of Greylag Geese are still there too.
The pair of Great Crested Grebes that have been there all summer are still there, The only new arrivals appear to be a pair of eclipse Shoveler.
3 Red Admiral butterflies were in the North West corner, as were numerous Speckled Woods.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, a single flock of 28 Greenfinches and a solitary Willow Warbler.
John Williams said
Fri Aug 22 5:12 PM, 2014
10.00-13.00
Ashtons Flash
40 Curlew
Neumanns Flash
1 female+1 juvenile Sparrowhawk, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Common Gull, 500+Lapwings,
56 Greylag Geese, 200+Starlings & 1 Buzzard.
Haydn Pool
1 Lapwing & 7 Pied Wagtails.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Aug 12 12:51 PM, 2014
A quick morning visit confirmed that the 3 Green Sandpipers were still on Haydn Pool along with family parties of Pied Wagtails, totalling about 15 birds. Two Little Ringed Plovers remained on here, these are there most days but get hidden in the tall vegetation now dominating the pool. A few Buzzards were around including juvenile birds making their more pathetic mew than the strident adult call!
On Ashton's Flash other than Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings all that was notable was a single Curlew.
Autumn seems to have arrived with windfall apples along some copse patchs and ripe blackberries dripping of the bramble bushes. I( spent a short time and collected 3lbs of blackberries from which I will make some 'Patch Jam' Only a few butterfly species were seen namely Gatekeeper, Large White and Speckled Wood, all singles in the weak August sunshine tempered by a stiff cool breeze.
John Williams said
Mon Aug 11 9:13 PM, 2014
17.30-20.00
Ashtons Flash
75 Curlew
Lots of Lapwings, Black Headed Gulls and Starlings.
Neumanns Flash
Masses of Lapwings & a huge Black Headed Gull roost.
Mallard were noticeably increasing in numbers, with a procession of small flocks arriving from the North.
1 Greylag Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe & 3 female Tufted Ducks with a prominent white bases to the beaks.
A group of 6 Buzzards riding the wind above the mound, plus another on horse paddocks (NE corner) and 1 other on Dairyhouse Meadows.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers & 5 'Alba' Wagtails.
John Williams said
Sat Aug 9 12:56 PM, 2014
07.45-10.45
Ashtons Flash
38 Lapwing, 2 of which were chasing off an 'Alba' wagtail, is it possible that a pair still have hidden unfledged young to defend?.
A female Ruddy Darter dragonfly was resting by the viewing bench.
Neumanns Flash
400+ Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Haydn Pool
No sign of any waders, even though the water level as risen slightly since last weekend.
12 'Alba' Wagtails and 1 juvenile Stock Dove.
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Brown Hawker dragonfly and numerous darter dragonflies catching midges. Just 1 Peacock butterfly.
Lots of Speckled Wood butterflies throughout, they seem to show a clear preference for Ash, which is plentiful around here.
John Williams said
Sun Aug 3 2:17 PM, 2014
Late morning yesterday Doc, myself and another birder scanned the one remaining pool on Haydn for Green Sandpipers, without success. This surprised me as on recent visits there have usually been around 6 Green Sandpipers on there, the Little Ringed Plovers were on the dry mud. The Haydn Pool needs lots of rain soon, or it will dry out completely.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 2 10:16 PM, 2014
reported in to me today :
"Lots of juvenile pied wagtails together with a juvenile yellow wagtail on Ashton's flash. 2 dunlin also present. 200+ lapwing on Neumann's and 1 curlew. 2 green sandpiper on Haydn's with several more juvenile pied wags. "
So looks like Pied Wagtails have had a fantastic breeding year locally with these movements of solely juveniles probably originating for relatively close by. The Dunlin could be the forerunners of more waders hopefully and Green Sandpipers have been ever-present on Ashton's Flash and/or Haydn Pool for the past 2 weeks or so.
John Williams said
Sat Aug 2 3:24 PM, 2014
10.00-12.30
Ashtons Flash
Apart from Black Headed Gulls the only other bird was a single Lapwing.
Neumanns Flash
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 400+ Lapwings, 1 Kestrel & 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Haydn Pool
1 adult + 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, 4 'Alba' Wagtails and a single Grey Heron.
Dairy House Meadow
In or on, the hawthorn hedge between the fields seeded specially for finches were, 1 Garden Warbler, 8 Greenfinches, 6 Linnets, 2 Reed Buntings
2 Common Whitethroats and a Song Thrush.
John Williams said
Sun Jul 20 1:30 PM, 2014
08.30-10.00
Ashtons Flash
1 full grown Lapwing juvenile with a nervous parent close by. (Is this the only youngster to fledge from here this year?.)
Neumanns Flash
250+ Lapwing
Haydn Pool
1 Redshank, 5 Green Sandpipers, 4 Lapwings, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Heron and a pair of Stock Doves.
Lots of Gatekeeper and 3 Speckled Wood butterflies.
John Williams said
Sat Jul 12 4:11 PM, 2014
08.30-11.00
Ashtons Flash
50+ Lapwing. Lots of Swallows & House Martins flying low over the Western end of the flash, large numbers of Swifts high above the bed too.
A charm of 7 Goldfinches.
Neumanns Flash
60+ Lapwing, 1 Buzzard, 2 family groups of Blackcaps, numerous Willow Warblers seen carrying food, a single Common Whitethroat still singing
and a Chiffchaff harassed relentlessly by a male Chaffinch. Reed Warblers showing really well from the hide on the Southern side.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Stock Dove, 1 juvenile Pied Wagtail and a Common Whitethroat that was running around on the dried mud "Plover Style".
Gatekeeper butterflies around every bramble patch, plenty of Meadow Browns too, also 1 Small Heath and a single Red Admiral.
The water level has really dropped, with just a single pool the size of a badminton court left, besides which a solitary Grey Heron stood in anticipation.
The Oystercatchers appear to have moved on, none seen throughout.
John Williams said
Sun Jul 6 3:22 PM, 2014
(AM)
Ashtons Flash
4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 80+ Lapwings (+1 small youngster) and masses of Starlings.
3 Large Skipper butterflies and 1 Common Darter dragonfly.
Neumanns Flash
Again 80+ Lapwings, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 adult Herring and 4 Lesser Black Backed gulls.
2 Blackcaps still singing, 1 Song Thrush carrying food.
7 Mute Swans, plus a pair of half grown cygnets that didn't have any adults anywhere near them, is there predation of adult swans here?.
3 Gatekeeper butterflies around the brambles, Meadow Browns abundant in grassy areas throughout.
Haydn Pool
6 Green Sandpipers and 1 brooding Black Headed Gull.
John Williams said
Sat Jun 7 5:21 PM, 2014
10.00-13.00 (In the rain)
Ashtons Flash
A flock of 28 Starlings feeding in the NW corner, 1 Buzzard, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing plus Black Headed Gulls seen mating and at least 1 pair brooding.
Neumanns Flash
3 Oystercatchers, 3 Great Crested Grebes ( inc. displaying pair) and 2 juvenile Shelducks
Reed Warblers showing really well from the South Side hide, chasing each other around the reed tops and spending lots of time feeding in the nearby birch copse.
Haydn Pool
1 Kingfisher watched catching Sticklebacks, Black Headed Gulls seen mating.
Song Thrush, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Blackcap still singing profusely.
steven burke said
Sun May 18 11:15 PM, 2014
Doc Brewster wrote:
You're a star mate, I will pick up & post it on our forums tomorrow, any problems then i will email you asap :) Thanks again Steven :)
you're welcome
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 18 11:06 PM, 2014
You're a star mate, I will pick up & post it on our forums tomorrow, any problems then i will email you asap :) Thanks again Steven :)
steven burke said
Sun May 18 10:35 PM, 2014
Doc Brewster wrote:
steven burke wrote:
when I arrived about 8am a chap was telling me a spoonbill was on nuemanns, no sooner was I about to go & look for it, it was flying away over ashtons, it circled around in the distance then it soon began clear it was heading straight back as it did I managed to get some pics as it flew right over my head. it landed on nuemanns but after 20 mins went on to ashtons. doc, if nobody else got any pics I will send you some if you like. I also got a pic of the 27 black tailed godwits that were flying around.
-- Edited by steven burke on Saturday 17th of May 2014 11:36:57 PM
Thanks for the offer but I did get several frame fillers when it was on Neumann's Flash & pretty close, posted on Facebook & the Focalpoint Forums Marbury Patch thread. If you could send the godwit pic I would happily pop it on those forums too, please send to paulbrewster@dial.pipex.com if that's OK. I will pick it up & post tomorrow if I get it, otherwise I am on hol from work & it will have to wait til I get back
Thanks again, glad you had such a good day, our patch can either be fabulous or a drag!!! but usually something going on
doc, email has been sent
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 18 9:07 PM, 2014
steven burke wrote:
when I arrived about 8am a chap was telling me a spoonbill was on nuemanns, no sooner was I about to go & look for it, it was flying away over ashtons, it circled around in the distance then it soon began clear it was heading straight back as it did I managed to get some pics as it flew right over my head. it landed on nuemanns but after 20 mins went on to ashtons. doc, if nobody else got any pics I will send you some if you like. I also got a pic of the 27 black tailed godwits that were flying around.
-- Edited by steven burke on Saturday 17th of May 2014 11:36:57 PM
Thanks for the offer but I did get several frame fillers when it was on Neumann's Flash & pretty close, posted on Facebook & the Focalpoint Forums Marbury Patch thread. If you could send the godwit pic I would happily pop it on those forums too, please send to paulbrewster@dial.pipex.com if that's OK. I will pick it up & post tomorrow if I get it, otherwise I am on hol from work & it will have to wait til I get back
Thanks again, glad you had such a good day, our patch can either be fabulous or a drag!!! but usually something going on
David Spencer said
Sun May 18 8:39 PM, 2014
I understand on the 10th May 2 Mediterranean Gulls were seen on the flash in the morning, one with a green colour ring. If it is known where this bird came from I would be interested to know. 3 Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Woolston Eyes on the 10th in the afternoon (not by me). One had a green ring and one a yellow ring but were too distant for any numbers to be read. I'm assuming they could be the same birds, so any information would be appreciated.
Thanks
David
steven burke said
Sat May 17 10:41 PM, 2014
when I arrived about 8am a chap was telling me a spoonbill was on nuemanns, no sooner was I about to go & look for it, it was flying away over ashtons, it circled around in the distance then it soon began clear it was heading straight back as it did I managed to get some pics as it flew right over my head. it landed on nuemanns but after 20 mins went on to ashtons. doc, if nobody else got any pics I will send you some if you like. I also got a pic of the 27 black tailed godwits that were flying around. other birds around... 1 teal 2 gadwall 4 tufted ducks at least 18 shelducks 1 redshank 1 oystercatcher 2 common terns 1 buzzard 2 garden warblers, 1 giving very good views. at around 3pm on my way back past a hobby was over ashtons, it drifted west after a few mins. also 1 common sandpiper on the mud of the river at the bridge. lots of warblers around plus all the usuals.
a great day out
-- Edited by steven burke on Saturday 17th of May 2014 11:36:57 PM
Doc Brewster said
Sat May 17 10:24 PM, 2014
I was told later that the Spoonbill flew off for the third time just a few minutes after I left, put the news belatedly on the pager as I got it late, sorry for anyone who travelled & dipped the bird
A Green Woodpecker perched up showing extremely well on a dead tree on Ashton's whilst we were watching the Spoonbill after it had flown across from Neuamman's Flash. The first I have had decent perched views of all year!!
Patrick Earith said
Sat May 17 4:45 PM, 2014
No sign of the Spoonbill at 10:30. Two Common Terns still present. Also, a very vocal Green Woodpecker flew down the path along Ashtons Flash
Doc Brewster said
Sat May 17 9:38 AM, 2014
After finding a short staying Ring-necked Duck 2 days ago on Neumann's Flash Pete Antrobus found a Spoonbill this morning, initially on Neumann's Flash on Stilt Island but after flying and returning once it then flew a second time & relocated to Ashton's Flash where it was still feeding & occasionally resting (as Spoonbills do) til 9.15am at least. Whilst there a nice flock of 28 Black-tailed Godwits circled Ashton's several times for about 5 minutes but decided not to land & headed off over Neumann's Flash. The 2 resident Common Terns were still in the area.
All before breakfast
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 11 9:40 AM, 2014
Groundhog Day on patch with the discovery/rediscovery of a drake Garganey on Neumann's Flash this morning
Also a Ringed Plover there too (per Greg Baker)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 11th of May 2014 09:52:33 AM
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 11 8:33 AM, 2014
This morning at about 7.40am there were 2 Avocets near Stilt Island on Neumann's Flash. This year has been the best year for Avocets here ever, will Stilt Island host breeding Avocets soon?
John Williams said
Thu May 8 10:38 PM, 2014
Just a single Whimbrel on Ashtons, when I was there 16.00ish.
No sign of yesterday's Gargeney on Neumanns, but a Shelduck, one of ten, attacked any duck that ventured close, a dozen or so Mallard and Gadwall fled as I watched.
Also on Neumanns, 1 drake Teal, the resident pair of Great Crested Grebes, 3 Shovelers, 1 Redshank and an Oystercatcher (I think its mate was brooding).
In between heavy showers 6 Swifts sped North, and a female Sparrowhawk chased a Collared Dove across the paddock on the NE corner of Neumanns.
3 male Bullfinches were in pursuit of a single female.
There seem to be plenty of Song Thrushes around, with one sharing a branch with a male Blackbird, less than a foot apart, and both in full song.
No sign of any Sand Martins, or any other hirundines, on the Haydn Pool, just Black Headed Gulls and a family of 10 tiny Mallard ducklings with their mum.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 8 9:41 PM, 2014
They can be so variable in numbers, Sid. I watched from 5.30pm to about 6.40pm and when I arrived there were c.40 present but when I left only about 3 remained!! So not only date dependant but very time critical too!
sid ashton said
Thu May 8 7:22 PM, 2014
Between showers, late on this afternoon found just one Whimbrel on Ashton's flash.
Doc Brewster said
Wed May 7 6:36 AM, 2014
Yesterday a drake Garganey was at Neumann's Flash, first found early doots (per Greg Baker) and lingering all day in the same area, the bay behind Stilt Island, sometimes swimming up cuts in the reedbed, so could be pretty elusive. Various viewing points to try, the Neumann's Mound, 'Bund' Hide ot through the gap in the hawthorne on the Witton Mill car park side. I also had at least 40 Whimbrel on Neumann's favouring the spit and the islands at the Ashton's Flash end, making a racket & showing very well. Also present were 2 summer plumaged Dunlin and a Redshank. A couple of Whimbrel were also on Ashton's Flash.
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 4 2:12 PM, 2014
Near Neumann's Flash, just up Ollershaw Lane over the canal bridge the Marston Fishing Flashes held a Common Tern this afternoon. The terns have bred and rear chicks on these small flashes in recent years, lets hope for breeding successs again this year
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 1 10:12 AM, 2014
Yesterday the Egyptian Goose that has popped in a couple of times was back on Neumann's Flash, initially seen on the spit, I found it on Stilt Island, tucked down in the long grass near the Canada Goose nest.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Apr 26 9:53 PM, 2014
Arctic Tern at Ashton's Flash this morning, but didn't linger & headed through. I was down pm and heard the first patch Cuckoo of Spring, calling distantly up the valley in the Anderton direction as we were on the road by Butterfinch Bridge. Both Reed and Sedge Warblers were singing.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Apr 25 9:39 AM, 2014
Avocet on Neumann's Flash this morning (per V.Lundy).
Doc Brewster said
Thu Apr 24 9:50 PM, 2014
New in on Ashton's Flash this evening - Black-tailed Godwit (per Greg Baker).
John Williams said
Sun Apr 20 1:47 PM, 2014
(AM)
No sign of Jack Snipe on Ashtons, just a few corvids and Mallard.
On Neumanns were 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Lapwings and 1 pair each of Great Crested Grebe, Teal, Shelduck and Gadwall.
3 Tufted Ducks and a single Shoveler.
Lots of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs around the site, with a Linnet seen with nesting material and a male Blackcap with a beak crammed with caterpillers.
Haydn Pool
A pair of Oystercatchers and the resident Black Headed Gulls. No sign of Sand Martins.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Apr 19 9:48 PM, 2014
The Jack Snipe first found a few days ago by Pete Antrobus was still showing on Ashton's Flash viewed from the bench that 'looks' out over Ashton's, a couple of Common Snipe were on here too and two Little Ringed Plovers. This morning a flyover Red Kite was recorded (per F.Fearn) drifting over Ashton's Flash and then over Lostock Works where it was buzzed by one of the resident Peregrines. Reed Warblers are now ell established at various locations around the 'patch' as well as Common Whitethroats. Two Goosanders were seen in flight this morning too (per G.Baker).
Doc Brewster said
Fri Apr 11 9:25 AM, 2014
Quick nip onto the patch before work & I saw two Little Egrets on the spit at 8.45am. These had only just come in or walked out of the vegetation as birders on site hadn't had any up to the time I arrived. Willow Warblers were everywhere singing in the sun making it really feel like Spring.
News from yesterday of a prob Yellow-legged Gull briefly on Ashton's Flash as well as an Egyptian Goose and a Whimbrel.
John Williams said
Sun Apr 6 4:28 PM, 2014
09.00-10.30
Ashtons Flash (Mostly flooded)
2 Lapwings, 6 Tufted Ducks plus Mallard etc,
Neumanns Flash (High water level virtually no exposed banking)
14 Shovelers, 12 Tufted Ducks, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, 2 Shelduck, a pair of Teal, 1 Sparrowhawk & 2 Buzzards.
A charm of 12 Goldfinches by the mound.
Haydn Pool
Apart from around 20 Black Headed Gulls, just 1 Oystercatcher.
6 Chiffchaffs in the nearby woodland, including 2 with their beaks crammed with feathers and bedding material.
The trunks of a couple of coppiced trees on Dairyhouse Meadows were covered with Alder Leaf Beetles.
DavidBowman said
Wed Mar 26 2:42 PM, 2014
Walked with Em from Marbury Country Park, around Neumann's to the Boat Lift and back round to the park. Warm and sunny with lots of birds in song. Highlights were 19 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stock Doves and 5 Nuthatches all in song and 3 yaffling Green Woodpeckers. In addition, 3 Sand Martins were hawking over the Flash.
...maybe the Blizzard blew them back again Judith
Neumanns Flash
2 Black tailed Godwits, 3 Ruff, 6 Snipe, 2 Golden Plover, 296 Lapwings, 4 Grey Herons, 27 Greylag Geese, 18 Shoveler & 7 Wigeon.
Lots of Mallard, with many more flying in as I was leaving, the males in fresh winter/breeding plumage and looking resplendent.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Lapwing & 1 Kestrel.
2 Red Admiral butterflies.
Also the latest issue of British Birds has the summary of Rare Birds 2013 in it in which the Stilt Sandpiper at Neumann's Flash (and subsequently Elton Hall Flash, Sandbach) is documented
yesterday, before it moved to Sandbach.
Ok, only the odd Golden Plover is turning up amongst the Lapwing, but at least the "Peewits" are still there en-masse.
I did'nt think yesterdays tally of waders was too bad, a nice variety.
We can look forward to the revamped Haydn Pool, hopefully being ready for the winter Teal influx, and when the rainy season starts, Ashtons Flash holding Lapwings, Curlew and
decent gull roost again. Neumanns seemed to hold a better selection of waders than Marshside did on my last visit.
With a little TLC the Witton complex could become a premier birding site again.
I think that sums up the situation well, John, it's very very quiet
A few Golden Plover are being seen on & off and are the main point of interest on the patch at the moment. Funny to think only about a year & 2 months ago there was a Stilt Sandpiper here
Ashtons Flash
Totally dried up at the moment, just a single Jay and a couple of Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen.
Neumanns Flash
3 Ruff, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe, 8 Curlew, 650+ Lapwings, 2 Swallows, 2 Ravens, 1 Shelduck, 8 Common Gulls, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons plus the usual waterfowl.
Surprisingly, there were no Tufted Ducks on the flash.
1 Red Admiral butterfly was on the mound.
The Haydn Pool is undergoing restoration work at the moment, hence no birds (except the odd Woodpigeon).
This follows on from a single Ruff on Monday (25th) along with a Common Tern on Tuesday (26th) as well as a Spotted Flycatcher.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 10:06:29 AM
Ashtons Flash
27 Curlew
Neumanns Flash
780+ Lapwings, 380+ Canada Geese, masses of Black Headed Gulls and Mallard.
The flock of Greylag Geese is still around, also 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Pochard and 8 Grey Herons.
Around the perimeter were 2 Collared Doves, and 3 Chiffchaffs mixed in with a party of Long Tailed Tits.
Small groups of Swallows passed through and a single Red Admiral butterfly was in the NW corner.
Haydn Pool
Apart from 3 overflying Jays, the only other birds were Woodpigeons.
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Buzzard.
Lots of Common Darter and 1 Migrant Hawker dragonflies, 4 Meadow Brown, 6 Speckled Wood butterflies and 1 Garden Pebble Moth.
The only birds showing on Ashton's Flash were a pair of Carrion Crows, and on the Haydn Pool there were no birds at all, even the Pied Wagtails had moved on.
Although the small pools on both look ideal for waders, especially Green Sandpiper.
Neumanns Flash
500+ Lapwings, the same number as 2 days previous, the 50+ flock of Greylag Geese are still there too.
The pair of Great Crested Grebes that have been there all summer are still there, The only new arrivals appear to be a pair of eclipse Shoveler.
3 Red Admiral butterflies were in the North West corner, as were numerous Speckled Woods.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, a single flock of 28 Greenfinches and a solitary Willow Warbler.
Ashtons Flash
40 Curlew
Neumanns Flash
1 female+1 juvenile Sparrowhawk, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Common Gull, 500+Lapwings,
56 Greylag Geese, 200+Starlings & 1 Buzzard.
Haydn Pool
1 Lapwing & 7 Pied Wagtails.
On Ashton's Flash other than Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings all that was notable was a single Curlew.
Autumn seems to have arrived with windfall apples along some copse patchs and ripe blackberries dripping of the bramble bushes. I( spent a short time and collected 3lbs of blackberries from which I will make some 'Patch Jam' Only a few butterfly species were seen namely Gatekeeper, Large White and Speckled Wood, all singles in the weak August sunshine tempered by a stiff cool breeze.
Ashtons Flash
75 Curlew
Lots of Lapwings, Black Headed Gulls and Starlings.
Neumanns Flash
Masses of Lapwings & a huge Black Headed Gull roost.
Mallard were noticeably increasing in numbers, with a procession of small flocks arriving from the North.
1 Greylag Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe & 3 female Tufted Ducks with a prominent white bases to the beaks.
A group of 6 Buzzards riding the wind above the mound, plus another on horse paddocks (NE corner) and 1 other on Dairyhouse Meadows.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers & 5 'Alba' Wagtails.
Ashtons Flash
38 Lapwing, 2 of which were chasing off an 'Alba' wagtail, is it possible that a pair still have hidden unfledged young to defend?.
A female Ruddy Darter dragonfly was resting by the viewing bench.
Neumanns Flash
400+ Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Haydn Pool
No sign of any waders, even though the water level as risen slightly since last weekend.
12 'Alba' Wagtails and 1 juvenile Stock Dove.
Dairyhouse Meadows
1 Brown Hawker dragonfly and numerous darter dragonflies catching midges. Just 1 Peacock butterfly.
Lots of Speckled Wood butterflies throughout, they seem to show a clear preference for Ash, which is plentiful around here.
This surprised me as on recent visits there have usually been around 6 Green Sandpipers on there, the Little Ringed Plovers were on the dry mud.
The Haydn Pool needs lots of rain soon, or it will dry out completely.
"Lots of juvenile pied wagtails together with a juvenile yellow wagtail on Ashton's flash. 2 dunlin also present. 200+ lapwing on Neumann's and 1 curlew. 2 green sandpiper on Haydn's with several more juvenile pied wags. "
So looks like Pied Wagtails have had a fantastic breeding year locally with these movements of solely juveniles probably originating for relatively close by. The Dunlin could be the forerunners of more waders hopefully and Green Sandpipers have been ever-present on Ashton's Flash and/or Haydn Pool for the past 2 weeks or so.
Ashtons Flash
Apart from Black Headed Gulls the only other bird was a single Lapwing.
Neumanns Flash
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 400+ Lapwings, 1 Kestrel & 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Haydn Pool
1 adult + 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, 4 'Alba' Wagtails and a single Grey Heron.
Dairy House Meadow
In or on, the hawthorn hedge between the fields seeded specially for finches were, 1 Garden Warbler, 8 Greenfinches, 6 Linnets, 2 Reed Buntings
2 Common Whitethroats and a Song Thrush.
Ashtons Flash
1 full grown Lapwing juvenile with a nervous parent close by. (Is this the only youngster to fledge from here this year?.)
Neumanns Flash
250+ Lapwing
Haydn Pool
1 Redshank, 5 Green Sandpipers, 4 Lapwings, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Heron and a pair of Stock Doves.
Lots of Gatekeeper and 3 Speckled Wood butterflies.
Ashtons Flash
50+ Lapwing. Lots of Swallows & House Martins flying low over the Western end of the flash, large numbers of Swifts high above the bed too.
A charm of 7 Goldfinches.
Neumanns Flash
60+ Lapwing, 1 Buzzard, 2 family groups of Blackcaps, numerous Willow Warblers seen carrying food, a single Common Whitethroat still singing
and a Chiffchaff harassed relentlessly by a male Chaffinch. Reed Warblers showing really well from the hide on the Southern side.
Haydn Pool
3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Stock Dove, 1 juvenile Pied Wagtail and a Common Whitethroat that was running around on the dried mud "Plover Style".
Gatekeeper butterflies around every bramble patch, plenty of Meadow Browns too, also 1 Small Heath and a single Red Admiral.
The water level has really dropped, with just a single pool the size of a badminton court left, besides which a solitary Grey Heron stood in anticipation.
The Oystercatchers appear to have moved on, none seen throughout.
Ashtons Flash
4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 80+ Lapwings (+1 small youngster) and masses of Starlings.
3 Large Skipper butterflies and 1 Common Darter dragonfly.
Neumanns Flash
Again 80+ Lapwings, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 adult Herring and 4 Lesser Black Backed gulls.
2 Blackcaps still singing, 1 Song Thrush carrying food.
7 Mute Swans, plus a pair of half grown cygnets that didn't have any adults anywhere near them, is there predation of adult swans here?.
3 Gatekeeper butterflies around the brambles, Meadow Browns abundant in grassy areas throughout.
Haydn Pool
6 Green Sandpipers and 1 brooding Black Headed Gull.
Ashtons Flash
A flock of 28 Starlings feeding in the NW corner, 1 Buzzard, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing plus Black Headed Gulls seen mating and at least 1 pair brooding.
Neumanns Flash
3 Oystercatchers, 3 Great Crested Grebes ( inc. displaying pair) and 2 juvenile Shelducks
Reed Warblers showing really well from the South Side hide, chasing each other around the reed tops and spending lots of time feeding in the nearby birch copse.
Haydn Pool
1 Kingfisher watched catching Sticklebacks, Black Headed Gulls seen mating.
Song Thrush, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Blackcap still singing profusely.
you're welcome
doc, email has been sent
Thanks for the offer but I did get several frame fillers when it was on Neumann's Flash & pretty close, posted on Facebook & the Focalpoint Forums Marbury Patch thread. If you could send the godwit pic I would happily pop it on those forums too, please send to paulbrewster@dial.pipex.com if that's OK. I will pick it up & post tomorrow if I get it, otherwise I am on hol from work & it will have to wait til I get back
Thanks again, glad you had such a good day, our patch can either be fabulous or a drag!!! but usually something going on
Thanks
David
other birds around...
1 teal
2 gadwall
4 tufted ducks
at least 18 shelducks
1 redshank
1 oystercatcher
2 common terns
1 buzzard
2 garden warblers, 1 giving very good views.
at around 3pm on my way back past a hobby was over ashtons, it drifted west after a few mins.
also 1 common sandpiper on the mud of the river at the bridge.
lots of warblers around plus all the usuals.
a great day out
-- Edited by steven burke on Saturday 17th of May 2014 11:36:57 PM
A Green Woodpecker perched up showing extremely well on a dead tree on Ashton's whilst we were watching the Spoonbill after it had flown across from Neuamman's Flash. The first I have had decent perched views of all year!!
All before breakfast
Also a Ringed Plover there too (per Greg Baker)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 11th of May 2014 09:52:33 AM
No sign of yesterday's Gargeney on Neumanns, but a Shelduck, one of ten, attacked any duck that ventured close, a dozen or so Mallard and Gadwall fled as I watched.
Also on Neumanns, 1 drake Teal, the resident pair of Great Crested Grebes, 3 Shovelers, 1 Redshank and an Oystercatcher (I think its mate was brooding).
In between heavy showers 6 Swifts sped North, and a female Sparrowhawk chased a Collared Dove across the paddock on the NE corner of Neumanns.
3 male Bullfinches were in pursuit of a single female.
There seem to be plenty of Song Thrushes around, with one sharing a branch with a male Blackbird, less than a foot apart, and both in full song.
No sign of any Sand Martins, or any other hirundines, on the Haydn Pool, just Black Headed Gulls and a family of 10 tiny Mallard ducklings with their mum.
No sign of Jack Snipe on Ashtons, just a few corvids and Mallard.
On Neumanns were 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Lapwings and 1 pair each of Great Crested Grebe, Teal, Shelduck and Gadwall.
3 Tufted Ducks and a single Shoveler.
Lots of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs around the site, with a Linnet seen with nesting material and a male Blackcap with a beak crammed with caterpillers.
Haydn Pool
A pair of Oystercatchers and the resident Black Headed Gulls. No sign of Sand Martins.
News from yesterday of a prob Yellow-legged Gull briefly on Ashton's Flash as well as an Egyptian Goose and a Whimbrel.
Ashtons Flash (Mostly flooded)
2 Lapwings, 6 Tufted Ducks plus Mallard etc,
Neumanns Flash (High water level virtually no exposed banking)
14 Shovelers, 12 Tufted Ducks, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, 2 Shelduck, a pair of Teal, 1 Sparrowhawk & 2 Buzzards.
A charm of 12 Goldfinches by the mound.
Haydn Pool
Apart from around 20 Black Headed Gulls, just 1 Oystercatcher.
6 Chiffchaffs in the nearby woodland, including 2 with their beaks crammed with feathers and bedding material.
The trunks of a couple of coppiced trees on Dairyhouse Meadows were covered with Alder Leaf Beetles.
Cheers David