When the sun finally showed its face this afternoon I decided on a short visit to Newchurch and I'm so glad I did, with 2 Patch Lifers!

As I was down in cover at Big Pool I thought that I heard a distant wader call, but had second thoughts when I cam across a breeding pair of Great Crested Grebes making wierd noises (as they do!). Then I heard a different call, unmistakeably Curlew, and on looking up I saw a flock of 'Numenius' waders flying over. As I had suspected the first call to be a Whimbrel and I could now hear several Curlew I assumed that the 24 birds flying over must be 1+Whimbrel and up to 23 Curlew, but they were high so further ID to nail the numbers was impossible. Whatever the numbers this was the first time I had recorded either species on my patch, which as I've said before holds no wader habitat at all! The flock circled a few times and I heard calls several times between 3.15pm and 3.30pm, but then they must have carried on. Even better was to come at 3.55pm when a low flock of 6 Whimbrel flew over me, all calling, and gave pretty good views, enough for me to know that this was a single species flock this time. I am really chuffed to add these two species to my list here, especially Whimbrel which I'd never thought I'd see. A single Lapwing flying around calling (maybe disturbed by the other wader calls) made this a three-wader day!

On the two pools a count of 44 Tufted Ducks was quite high, but no Smew. Breeding is well underway with 2 broods of Coot (3 & 2), 2 broods of Canada Geese (11 & 5) and a brood of Mallard (4 on Gull Pool to follow the 6 on Big Pool in April). A flyover Cormorant was unexpected.

A Cuckoo was heard on Abbot's Moss and near the pools (the same one or two?). A Green Woodpecker also called. Only 2 Garden Warblers were heard singing. A Pied Wagtail was in the now ploughed 'former setaside' field. A few House Martins were the only hirundines seen.

After a bit of a break it was back on Newchurch Common today in weak sunshine, nippy at first but just starting to get warmer!

The pools are now very quiet, not many Tufted Ducks, a pair of Mute Swans nesting, lots of Coot nests, a few Great Crested Grebe nests, Canada Geese and a few Black-headed Gulls. Most unusual 'water' birds were a flyover pair of Greylag Geese and a Grey Heron at Gull Pool. Little Grebes were only at Gull Pool as always after Winter.

The highlight however was a fabulous male Cuckoo, calling on Abbots Moss, great to have my first one back, fingers crossed for more as him being the only one means he isn't vocalising much at the moment. Another highlight was the first patch Garden Warblers for me this year, with easily in excess of 6 singing birds. Lots of Blackcaps were also singing too, for good comparison on these similar-ish songs. A Green Woodpecker was on the mosslands as well as two Linnets and a Skylark. Lapwing numbers seem down with only 2 seen.

After a great morning migrant hunting on The Wirral I headed onto my local patch for an afternoon sortie in the sunshine.

First bird wasn't on patch but on the outskirts of my village, Moulton: a Lesser Whitethroat in hawthorns, excellent!

A lack of waterfowl led to predictably no Smew. The only news being the first brood of Mallard ducklings with 6 on Big Pool.

A Green Woodpecker showed extremely well north of Big Pool and a Swallow was over the pool. The 3 usual warblers were seen/heard again. Ten Stock Doves together in the ploughed fields was a good count.

Had a short morning walk, cold a bit blustery but fine & dry.

The female Smew was predictably still on Big Pool given that there were at least 60 Tufted Ducks here still. A pair of Gadwall completed the winter wildfowl picture. A small passage of up to 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew high over Big Pool, only visible with optics they were so high up. Around 30 Sand Martins were up above Big Pool but never really came down over the water, this flock also held 1 House Martin.

Again Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff were the only warblers in so far, the latter two species in good numbers and showing well.

A post for yesterday, Friday 12th April.

Sunny but cold. dry with little wind, on the morning visit.

The female Smew was present in East Bay which not surprisingly coincided with a massive increase in Tufted Duck numbers with at least 70 birds present. A Teal called from cover too. Early am saw 2 Oystercatchers circling the pools calling in display, there's no habitat on site for breeding but it's no secret that the species does breed elsewhere in Cheshire. A single Common Gull remained on Big Pool, but the only Little Grebe was on Gull Pool.

I sawe and heard my first Willow Warblers of the year here, at least 7 birds were noted. Lots of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs completed the migrant warblers in so far. A Goldcrest was seen with nesting material and a Skylark sang over good habitat near the mosslands. Two Linnets were also on the mosslands as well as a Green Woodpecker and a Coal Tit. Two Stock Doves fed in the arable fields near Gull Pool, whilst Pied Wagtails and Lapwings were also in other ploughed fields on patch.

Again a morning walk in the drizzle & relatively cold temperatures.

The highlights of a very quiet walk birdwise were passerines. A small mixed finch flock were in Finch Hedge (where else?!!) and comprised of 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Siskins and 2+Goldfinches. Also opposite here was a male Blackcap in song that was so like a Garden Warbler that I had to do a double take. I had written Blackcap in my notebook on heard only but was glad to see the bird as it rambled on & on & on more like a Garden Warbler, but at too early a date really! Lots of Chiffchaffs were again seen and heard but just 100 Sand Martins were over the pools and were the lone hirundine species today. One Stock Dove and 1 Pied Wagtail were the only other notable passerine sightings.

Duck numbers were down significantly with just 26 Tufted Ducks and no Smew nor any other winter wildfowl.

Popped down this morning in the drizzle and had a fabulous walk, I expected that the weather might bring a few hirundines down but it was better than expected.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool, this time in West Bay, an increased number of Tufted Ducks and a drake Teal were also seen, so she may have come back with 'her' carrier flock of Tufties after a short time away. Also over the pool were hundreds of hirundines, as expected the biggest count was of c.200 Sand Martins. On Small Pool a single Swallow was seen with more Sand Martins and 2 House Martins, one over each pool were present too. Quite a few Gulls were on, mostly Black-headed and a few Common but best of all was a 1w Mediterranean Gull in flight over Big Pool, another species new for 2019 on Newchurch, but expected given that double figures of this species are at Delamere at present. Another new bird for me on patch was a flyiver Oystercatcher, again near Big Pool.

On the passerine front a new species for patch 2019 and for my yearlist was added in the shape of 2 Blackcaps, both males. Lots of Chiffchaffs are now in song across the site. A Treecreeper was in the Pine Belt, where I had a pair displaying last year. Lots of the surrounding fields are now ploughed and at least 10 Lapwings were seen in them, along with Skylark and Pied Wagtail. Two Green Woodpeckers were heard, one yaffling for a lengthy period.

So 3 birds were added to my UK 2019 List and 6 to my Newchurch 2019 List, you've got to love this time of year

Had a short afternoon walk in the very warm sunshine today.

Duck numbers were massively down with only 22 Tufted Ducks on the main Sandiway Pools and another 12 on Gull Pool, no Smew too, nor any other species other than Mallard.

A Raven over the paddocks was my first here this year. A couple of Chiffchaffs called, otherwise no Spring migrants. 6 Stock Doves fed in the fields and a Lapwing and 3 Pheasants were seen also. A Tawny Owl was heard daytime calling.

I also had a distant very pale Buzzard. As it was initially preening so I couldn't see it's head and was just with bins it made my heart skip a beat with thoughts of Osprey! Once I got my scope on it and it lifted its head I confirmed what my head knew it was going to be - a Common Buzzard (heavily cropped pic attached) !

A prolonged morning visit, getting back to normal! Overcast & grey, but still and mild.

One White Wagtail was still in a restricted view field by Sandy Lane with Pied Wagtails. Nearby a single Brambling was with Chaffinches. Two singing Chiffchaffs were noted near Big Pool. SA stunning Lesser Redpoll was in Finch Hedge. Two Green Woodpeckers were very active on site, they have suddenly become recorded on every visit. A count of 6 Stock Doves continued a good period on patch for this species.

A drake Shoveler and a drake Teal were on Big Pool along with a late Cormorant. A Grey Heron was seen in flight a couple of times around the site. Two Greylag Geese also flew over. A Lesser Black-backed Gull also flew over. Tufted Duck numbers were down and no Smew was seen.

Had a morning walk at Newchurch and the sun shined!

The female Smew was on Big Pool, out in the middle and very mobile. Little else of note on there other than now 4 Mute Swans.

The fields by Sandy Lane again held 1 White Wagtail amongst the Pied Wagtails, probably the same flock. A Treecreeper with its beak stuffed full of nesting material was nice to see near the Pine Belt. Stock Doves were again active with a couple of birds at least. A Chiffchaff was calling to the north of Big Pool, but still no hirundines. 20 Fieldfares were a surprise, passing noisily through the trees near the entrance barrier. Lots of Buzzards were up thermalling as was a pair of Sparrowhawks, my first sighting of this species on patch this year.

Still looking after my very sick cat, so just a very short walk at Newchurch this afternoon to clear my head and de-stress a bit.

Big Pool held a drake Goldeneye, a pair of Shoveler and the first Gadwall for a while in the shape of a drake. No sign of the Smew anywhere around either pool. A pair of Mute Swans had arrived on Big Pool, no doubt to nest here.

In the fields by Sandy Lane was a large flock of at least 40 Pied Wagtails which contained at least one White Wagtail. A female Reed Bunting at Big Pool was my first on patch for 2019, great to add a new species. Five Stock Doves in the field by the Pine Bely was a good count for this species and my first feral Rock Doves (2) of the year were seen, a second new addition to my 2019 Patch List. 30+Chaffinches also fed in the fields by Sandy Lane, further down than the wagtails. A Chiffchaff was seen by the main track.

A late afternoon visit today after a traumatic day at the vets. Sunshine after the rain.

The female Smew was on Big Pool and as is her wont these days she had relocated right over to the other side of the pool, to East Bay! 5(3drk) Shovelers were seen and Teal were heard. A Herring Gull joined the roosting Black-headed and Common Gulls, unusually on Small Pool, whilst 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over.

7 Pied Wagtails were in a ploughed field by Sandy Lane and Lapwings were nearby in flight. Two Lesser Redpolls were again in Finch Hedge. A Green Woodpecker was at the top of the paddocks by the main track.

After an early wake up today decided on an hour down Newchurch pre-work, especially seeing the weather forecast for the rest of the week! It was fine today with a wee bit of sunshine.

The female Smew was on Big Pool over in West Bay today. A good count of 14(9drk) Shoveler too. A Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Cormorant were still on Big Pool. Two Bullfinch were in Finch Hedge and nearby a few Lapwings were in the breeding field.

A longer morning walk today with an earlier start. Very cold & bright at first, clouding over & getting warmer later.

Today passerines took the headlines with the outstanding sighting being a completely new species for patch, which was also a new yeartick and a yeartick for both patch and UK. The former was a cracking Mealy Redpoll, found in an unprecedented flock of 9 redpolls, 8 Lesser Redpolls and 1 Mealy Redpoll in Finch Hedge. The Mealy was noticeably larger, frosty-plumaged, distinct white 'tramlines' down the back, had a larger beak and all white undertail coverts, standing out immediately from the others. Also in this flock was a single Siskin. The yeartick was a Treecreeper, seen near Big Pool in an area which I have never seen one before, but plenty of mature trees for it to use here. 12 Linnets flew over the mosslands, the first for me for the year on this patch, as was a Skylark singing high above the mossland edge. A single Rook which flew over, again a new species here in 2019. 6 Pied Wagtails were back in fileds by Sandy Lane and two Redwings were near the parking area. Three Lapwings were seen today.

On Big Pool the female Smew was showing very well with Tufted Ducks in East Bay. Teal were again heard and 3(2drk) Shoveler were seen. Again the 'common' gull numbers were high but no large gulls today. Five Little Grebes on Big Pool was an impressive count.

Another short morning walk, dull mostly but a few sunny intervals, warmed up after the early hours.

The female Smew was on Big Pool again on the east side and a pair of Shoveler was seen, with Teal calling from cover again. Single immature Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were seen as well as a good number of Common Gulls and more Black-headed Gulls than normal.

The passerine highlight was my first Spring Chiffchaff, a silent bird found feeding close to the southern edge of Big Pool. After a wintering bird on Jan 1st this is probably the first returning migrant warbler. Also present was my first Coal Tit of the year here, found near the parking area, which is proving to be a productive little area recently! A single Redwing was in the same area too. Three Lapwings were in the breeding fields still. Not a single wagtail was seen, the big flock having moved through.

Spent the first half of the morning out, a slightly shorter walk. Dull but dry today.

Two new birds were added for the year, so even though it was a short walk it was a goodie! First bird was White Wagtail. A large number of 'alba' wagtails were found in a sheepfield off Sandy Lane, at least 20 birds being present but lots of them distant and up and down the furrows. I had a couple of birds that I suspected were 'alba alba'rather than 'alba yarelli' but only having binoculars I was only happy to confirm ID 100% when I found a stonking male White Wagtail halfway across the field. Since I don't even record this species on every walk, probably less than once every 10 walks, a flock of 20+ is always worth checking out. My second new species for the 2019 patchlist was less spectacular, Collared Dove! A bird was at Dairy Farm, but since I almost hand feed the numerous ones in my garden it always seems wierd that they are a patch rarity!

On Big Pool the female Smew and drake Goldeneye were still present. Two drake Gadwall were seen and only one Wigeon remained. A couple of Teal were hidden amongst the submerged willows with a pair of Shoveler in the same area. One Cormorant flew over and 1 imm Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the pool.

A Stock Dove was still near the parking area. One Redwing was seen but others called, so no accurate number could be obtained. Simialrly 1 Lapwing was in the fields but others called aroiund the site.

Made two visits today, morning and afternoon, the pm one more for other wildlife rather than adding many birds! Bright sunshine and warm all day, a light breeze though.

The female Smew was on Big Pool as was the drake Goldeneye still. Also here were 2 Redhead Goosanders, a pair of Teal, a female Gadwall and 3(1 drk) Shoveler. Last thing in the morning a flock of 90 Wigeon flew in and circled Big Pool several times but not looking settled at all. About 20 of these birds came down onto the pool and the rest flew off. Three Greylag Geese flew in and landed on Big Pool. Three Herring Gulls flew over.

Two Goldcrests were displaying near the parking area and a pair of Stock Doves displayed in the trees by the field in the same area. At least 15 Redwings were seen but mobile and a single Fieldfare was again present. A Siskin bathed in a puddle on the main track and the first Nuthatch for a while was seen nearby in Finch Hedge. The breeding field held 2 Lapwings today but more called around the site. Lots of birds singing, paired up and displaying today, the unseasonal weather is making it more Spring-like than February!

I don't usually visit at weekends due to increased dog walkers, cyclists and fishermen but when a birding acquaintance said he was visiting the site for the first time I was only too happy to meet up and give him the guided tour. Sunny and warm for our afternoon visit today.

The female Smew showed well for him, again on Big Pool, on the east side. Even better for me was finding a new bird species for the year for patch - a stunning drake Goldeneye, also on Big Pool. The drake Pochard was still around as were 5(1drk) Goosander, all again on Big Pool. Again wildfowl numbers were low with just 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and a calling Teal of the more uncommon species. One Cormorant was still present.

A Green Woodpecker was by the paddocks near the parking area and a Bullfinch remained in Finch Hedge. A lone Fieldfare fed in fields norh of Big Pool. Three Lapwings were in their breeding fields along with the biggest flock of Woodpigeons I've ever seen on site, estimated at over 250 birds.

A swan update: I was called by an RSPCA officer early on Saturday morning and I headed out to join her on site. We assessed the situation and agreed that the swan was not catchable at the moment. We also decided that I will try to catch it on any visits I make and any passing RSPCA officers will do the same. With it feeding easily we can't entice it close with food to catch it and with wings and feet free of line it is too mobile to catch using a boat. It's a Catch 22 situation and hopefully a lucky break will allow it to be caught and freed of the fishing tackle.

Another wierd walk to follow the Coot rescue one! Popped in mid afternoon for a walk in the wark sunshine.

The highlight was that the female Smew was back on Big Pool along with a lone drake Goosander. A couple of Teal were seen and still only two each of Wigeon and Gadwall. No Shoveler today though!

One Lapwing was in the field by the Pine Belt as were 6 Pheasants. The first drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard today.

However the main event today was finding a Mute Swan with fishing line wrapped around its lower neck/upper breast area. Not only that but the line had a large Spod/Airbomb (angling accessories) attached to it. The line was not hampering the wings or feet but was annoying the swan and needed removing. However the swan was mobile and stayed well out on the water. I even was given a pitta bread (!!!) by a fisherman, with which I tempted the swan within 6 feet but a lunge just missed grabbing it. I did ring the RSPCA immediately but after a 3hr 20min wait it had got too dark to see anything and I rang to cancel saying that I'd return in the morning. Quarter of an hour later the RSPCA inspector was on site so I gave directions over the phone. I suspect he wouldn't have caught it, so I'll return am & ring again if the swan is still tangled up. the swan could feed itself easily so souldn't be in immediate danger and will be OK overnight. I'll see what happens tomorrow. This is getting all too familiar and shows the danger of stray fishing line & tackle

A morning walk today took advantage of fine weather, warm too.

The pools were again low in wildfowl numbers, even lower than last time to be honest. I still think the illegal shooting has caused the premature departure of much of the wildfowl unfortunately. No sign at all of the Smew and I did search both pools very thoroughly. Three redhead Goosanders remain on Big Pool as well as a drake Pochard. Only 2 Gadwall and 2 Wigeon remain, too low for this time in February compared to previous years. A few Teal called from cover too. A pair of Dabchick displayed to each other on Big Pool. A Greylag Goose flew over.

Five Pheasants were still in the fields by the Pine Belt where 4 Lapwings were prospecting since it has now been ploughed. Only 1 Redwing was seen, in Finch Hedge. A Goldcrest was near the parking area.

Had a short visit late afternoon today, fine & sunny, even warm! Pretty Spring-like

The female Smew was still frequenting Sandiway Small Pool along with all but one of 19(5drk) Goosanders. At least 25 Shovelers were still on Big Pool but only 1 Teal was seen. The lone drake Pochard was still present on Big Pool.

A Bullfinch was in Finch Hedge with 2 Long-tailed Tits and a silent Nuthatch just clambering around, I usually hear them before I see them in this area! An unusual sight was a group of 6 Pheasants in a newly harvested carrot field, all immatures so possibly a recent release, although I know of no shooting in the area which I saw them in.

Not been on for a while due to trips further afield and a wee flaring up of my abdominal pain again, not liking this, but getting better more quickly is a bonus! I had a morning walk in the mild and eventually hazy sunshiney conditions, very pleasant. Amazed to still see 5 visiying birders on site looking for the Smew, I thought she'd be on everyone's lists by now

The female Smew didn't disappoint the visitors although today, very unusually but not uniquely, she was on Sandiway Small Pool. Also on Small Pool were 18 Goosanders and with another 2 on Big Pool it gave a winter high total of 20(5 drake) Goosander on site. Generally wildfowl numbers were well down, I have had a report of illegal shooting on site which I have reported and is now posted on the Baliff section of the fishing club website, so increased vigilance may pay dividends. Anyone on here who witnesses this please contact me and I will inform the club. A count of 30 Shoveler was good though and a few Teal were sti8ll present, both species being mainly in cover though initially. A drake Pochard was nice to see on Big Pool too, loafing amongst the reduced numbers of Tufted Ducks. A single Cormorant was present and Great Crested Grebes were displaying. Two each of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls flew over.

Three Siskins were still in alders near Big Pool and Bullfinches were again in Finch Hedge. Green Woodpeckers were heard twice and lots of Mistle and Song Thrushes were in full song. Ten Redwings were seen. A Pheasant was noted, a species not recorded on every walk.

A very interesting split walk today in cold, sunny icy conditions again, the pools being a bit more thawed, Big Pool more so. The walk was split due to me finding a Coot tangled in fishing line on Small Pool. I waded in & rescued it and found it had line round its feet & legs, its wings and down its throat, otherwise a quick check revealed no actual damage, a high fat 'score' and a very lively bird, so a good candidate for survival. Knowing what they are like I avoided the Freddy Kruger like talons all the way back to the car, but on trying to get iot into the only thing I had to carry it (my welly bag!) it managed to lacerate my hands well & proper! Once I got home I transferred it to a pet carrier whilst I cleaned my wounds up. I then disentangle its legs and wings and the line came easily out of its beak, no hook I assume it swallowed it either with weed or as it was trying to free itself. A great result. I returned it to Small Pool where it skittered away over the ice and then stopped to preen and wing-flap before rejoinuing the other Coots in the water, success

In the visits before and after the rescue I managed a few nice sightings too. The female Smew remains on Big Pool, over on the west side today. All but one of 14(6 ad drake) Goosanders were on Big Pool along with 2(1 drake) Pochard. Just 2 Teal were seen.  Two Greylag Geese were with the Canada Geese. A Grey Heron was on Small Pool near where the Coot was trapped, lucky it never found it, which suggests maybe the Coot hadn't been trapped long. A Herring Gull and a Lesser Black -backed Gull were on the ice with the Black-headed and Common Gulls.

Two stunning Lesser Redpolls were seen, one in Finch Hedge and the other near Big Pool. 40 Siskins were seen too in the alders. 30 Redwings still toured the site. A Goldcrest was nice to see, surviving the cold weather. Again between 4-6 Bullfinch were around Finch Hedge.

Had an excellent afternoon walk on Newchurch today, sunshine & blue skies but snow on the ground and icy cold. The two pools were well frozen, Small Pool probably 95% and Big Pool 80% with a reduction in some species of wildfowl, or they may have just been in cover.

The highlight was a Patch Lifer, a wader too which are very thin on the ground for Newchurch. But these waders never landed on the ground, they were a flock of 30 Golden Plovers that flew low over the east side of Big Pool, going south at 2.25pm, presumably a 'cold weather movement'. Another first, but one that doesn't count was a Cockatiel, seen a few minutes after the plovers, in a silver birch by Big Pool! It was first picked up on call, as an unfamiliar noise that I didn't recognise as a British species, no wonder.... it wasn't one! I approached this escape quite closely but it flew off calling into thicker cover. I don't hold out much hope for it surviving, even until tomorrow, poor thing(managed an awful phone shot through my bins - attached!)

The female Smew was still on Big Pool, on the south side but very mobile, even flying around at times. On the two pools a total of 11 (2 ad drake) Goosander were seen as well as 80 Wigeon. 11 Teal all stood out on the ice but a reduced number of Shoveler was seen, more were probably tucked away unseen. Two Herring Gulls plus one Lesser Black-backed Gull were stood on the ice.

Three stunning Bramblings were with Chaffinches on the ground feeding in the old set-aside field. 30 Redwings were mobile and mostly seen in alders. A lone female Bullfinch was seen.

First a belated post coz I use this forum to produce the Newchurch Annual Report & need it to be complete! Never posted coz I came in drenched to the skin & my notebook was a soggy mess as well! It's news for Tuesday 29th January.

The female Smew was tucked away and very elusive but still present. Between the two Pools I made a count of 10(1 ad drake) Goosander. In the passerine line four Bullfinch were in Finch Hedge and a couple of Long-tailed Tits were nice to see.

After several trips out the windy weather kept me at Newchurch today rather than brave a trip further afield! The winds were storm force and dangerous but more of that later!

The female Smew was showing well in West Bay, Big Pool, where it was a bit more sheltered. Also on Big Pool were 5(1 drake) Goosander, a drake Teal and 32 Shoveler. Three Herring Gulls (2 adults and an immature) were unusual for Big Pool but no doubt a result of the weather.

Passerines were hunkering down but 20 Siskins feeding in a low alder by Small Pool were nice. Otherwise quiet.... for birds.

But one incident was far from quiet. As we headed down the main track and turned in to check Big Pool from the spit. unexpectedly a pine tree snapped in half and came down in the wind, smashing onto the track where we had been stood just 3 minutes earlier. This shook us up a bit thinking what could have happened, and we avoided walking under trees for the whole walk after that!! The tree was over 15ft in length and too heavy to be moved by several fishermen, they had to resort to sawing it up as it was trapping them in. We would have been wiped out if it had landed on us, a lucky day!

Again unexpectedly since my last post I had a relapse & ended up in Leighton Hospital gain, such fun.... not! But at last I a slowly improving and so today headed out for another recuperative walk at Newchurch Common. Fine & dry & fun to be out again at last.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool favouring the NE side as was a single redhead Goosander, A pair of Pochard, 12 Shoveler and 2+Teal were also present. On Small Pool the Mandarin that I last saw on Nov 27th was still present, loosely associating with a pair of Mallards. A Grey Heron was on Big Pool, the same bird is being seen now on almost every visit.

Lots of other highlights were had, as is usual early in the year when lots of species constitute a yeartick! First up was a Tawny Owl in the usual area which I unfortunatley have to withold to reduce any disturbance. A flock of 20 Siskins fed in the sunshine in alders by Big Pool and a single Lesser Redpoll was in the Finch Hedge area. 60 Lapwings flew over Big Pool, one if the biggest flocks that I have ever seen here. Also at least 50 Redwings were feeding either side of the main track but were very skittish. A Green Woodpecker was near Big Pool as was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, both first of the year for my patch for me. Two Mistle Thushes fed on berries on Sandy Lane, knowing how they defend such a resource nothing else will get a look in there! Finally a Kestrel was seen hovering so high in the sky that it was only just discernible without bins, to be hovering that high up isn't behaviour that I have witnessed before.

Well I never expected that Since my last post I have been rushed into hospital in an ambulance and been on several drips due to a severe abdominal infection. Not the best way to spend the after Christmas through New Year period But now I'm home & slowly recovering and so took an hours walk on my patch today to aid my recovery. Fine and very cold, frost everywhere.

The female Smew was on Big Pool, as were 2 drake Pochard, 21(14 drake) Shoveler and a Teal. There were 5(2drake) Goosanders on Small Pool. Lots of Wigeon, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Mallard as usual too. A Grey Heron fished the Small Pool shallows. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull was odwn on Big Pool with the usual Black-headed and Common Gulls.

The passerines were extremely interesting too with the biggest surprise being a Chiffchaff feeding along the main track near the ex set-aside field. Also in that area and diving into the cover in that field was a large Chaffinch flock and this contained at least 12 Bramblings, so they have returned, albeit in small numbers to last years favoured area. Two Redwings were also in this area. Two Mistle Thrushes flying along Sandy Lane and a couple of Song Thrushes in song were nice to see too.

Another hour at Newchurch this am in dull weather. Mist covering the pools, laying low over the surface and making viewing difficult. A massive increase in the number of fisherfolk today too.

Ducks on the pools today included a drake Goldeneye, a drake Pochard, two redhead Goosanders and 10(8 drake) Shoveler, but no Smew.  A Grey Heron was fishing in the NE corner of Big Pool. A Kingfisher was perched up and fishing the shallows around the willow spit. A Reed Bunting flew over Big Pool too.

Well, I never saw that coming - I've been laid low with the worst back spasms that I have ever experienced. After Drs, Chiro and more I'm slowly on the mend (I hope) but still in lots of pain. I did, however, finally manage to get out onto my patch for a therapeutic wak. Only an hour but still it's a start to my rehab

The biggest surprise was that 3(1 drake) Goldeneye were on Big Pool. These are my first of this species here this winters end. More predictably the female Smew was still over towrads the NE side of the pool. It was a bumper day for wildfowl with 9(7 drake) Shoveler and a pair of Pochard also on Big Pool. A total of 7 Goosander was counted, a drake on Big Pool and 6(2 drakes) on Small Pool. Seven Teal were seen, all but one in flight. Over 50 Wigeon, over 50 Gadwall, and a smattering of Tufted Ducks and Mallard completed the duck species.

Not many passerine highlights, a female Bullfinch and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers chasing were the only things of note.

A very quick whiz round the pools today, dull and dry again with a few bright intervals.

The female Smew was on Big Pool in the NE corner as were 9(4drk) Shoveler. Also on the pool were 2 redhead Goosander and 1+Teal. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was down on Big Pool today.

In alders by the pool a flock of 20 Siskins was nice to see, around 20 Goldfinch were also seen, but in two flocks. Another finch - Bullfinch - was my first for a while, and was up near the old set-aside. A lone Stock Dove was with Woodpigeons.

A late addition from Dec 10th (as I use these forum reports to write the annual report & don't want to miss it out) was a Grey Heron fisk=hing on Small Pool.

After the excitement of a Royal Tern twitch yesterday it was back to local patching today. Dull again and cold, but dry.

The female Smew was on Big Pool, again over on the NE side at first and later out in the middle again. Also on Big Pool were 3(2drake) Shoveler and 5 Teal. A total of 7 Goosanders were seen, my highest count on the pools this winter, comprising of 3 redheads on Big Pool and three redheads and a stunning drake on Small Pool. As well as the usual Black-headed and Common Gulls there was an adult Herring Gull on Big Pool.

Most unusual sighting was a Treecreeper at knee height in a low hawthorn hedge north of Big Pool, I suppose any feeding area is worth trying in colder weather. Also seen feeding actively were 3 Goldcrests. Five Redwings were near Big Pool on the east side too. Near the old set-aside a small flock of Chaffinches is building up. I wonder if any of last winters Brabmbling will join them, as least until they find no set-aside to feed on this winter.

Dull again am weatherwise but not so for my patch yearlist!

A morning walk produced a new bird for the patch yearlist, one seen before but averaging only one sighting per year - Greenfinch! A single bird perched up in trees where a flock of 20 Redwings had alighted, pretyy close to the Whitegate Way by Small Pool. It looked like the finch was with the Redwings, reminiscent of what happened with the Hawfinches last winter, when several were seen in carrier flocks of Redwings.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool, initially tucked away on the south edge and then later seen more in the middle, she really can be anywhere at the moment! Five redhead Goosanders were on Small Pool, always a nice sight. Three (two drake) Shovelers and a pair of Teal were seen on Big Pool. Five Cormorants were present and five Greylag Geese flew over.

Had a morning walk before the rain set in, glommy but dry.

The female Smew was in the NE corner of Big Pool where there was also a female Shoveler and 4 Teal. A drake Pochard was on Small Pool. Lots of Little Grebes were seen, at least 8 on Big Pool with 6 together near the Smew. A Grey Heron flew over, the first I've seen here for a while. Four Cormorants were counted. A singing Mistle Thrush was again noted.

The weather has been scuppering visits recently but got just an hour in this afternoon in between the rain showers!

The female Smew was on Big Pool, initially on the NW side again but mobile. Two redhead Goosanders were my first of the winter, on Small Pool as is often the case, but then they flew off. This is a very late first record for the second half of the year, not sure why as they are in on several other waters locally. On Big Pool there were 7(5 drake) Shoveler but reduced numbers of Wigeon.

Several Mistle Thrushes were seen and heard, at least 3 of them singing! A large number of gulls were passing over towards dusk, heading for Newchurch, mostly Black-headed Gulls and Common Gulls but with a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls mixed in.

Another late post (SORRY!!) for the 2nd December (Sunday), with just a very short morning walk undertaken in dull but mild weather.

The female Smew was on Big Pool, out in the NE coener again hugging the edge. Also on here were a drake Pochard and a drake Shoveler. Not much else of note bar a flyover Cormorant, 2 Rooks and a Mistle Thrush on Sandy Lane.

Another morning visit yesterday (30th November), early and in lovely weather, sunny and mild.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool but mobile, being in West Bay at first and then later on the NE side. Also on the pool were 6(5 drake) Shoveler and 4 drake Teal. First bird of the day was a Pheasant on Sandy Lane. A Raven was over The mosses.

Passerines of note included 5 Meadow Pipits on Abbot's Moss, on the ground at first and then perched up. A Coal Tit was near the parking area. Ten Lapwings were on the nursery fields. Both Sparrowhawk (large female) and Buzzard were seen.

I had a very short window of opportunity today, so took it and headed down early to my patch. Very dull, overcast & drizzly, the rain & wind coming in after I'd left was even worse.

I took the scope on to try to digiscope the Mandarin but a circuit of Small Pool and a good search of Big Pool failed to find it today. But vaing the scope I managed to find the female Smew on Big Pool, this time over on the north side with four drake Shovelers. She really isn't seen in one specific area at the moment and can be anywhere on the pool and nearly always is elusive. Also on the pool were 3 Teal but no Pochard. A 1w Herring Gull and a 1w Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the pool too rather than the usual flyovers. One of the most unexpected sightings was two Meadow Pipits flying low over Big Pool.

Managed a relatively long walk this morning by getting on early, finished just as the rain started, otherwise dull and quite windy.

The highlight was an eclipse drake Mandarin skulking around the eastern edge of Sandiway Small Pool. I could so easily have overlooked it as it was dull and understated and not showing well at all, the red bill giving away its identity. Despite a good search no sign of the Smew on Big Pool, but on there were 5(3 drake) Shoveler, 3(2 drake) Pochard, 4 Teal and numbers of Wigeon and Gadwall both in excess of 40 birds. Also on the pools were 10 Cormorants, probably because the fisherman count was zero! A Grey Heron was also on Big Pool, tucked away in the willows. A Great Black-backed Gull flew over as well as a single Herring Gull and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

A Green Woodpecker was noted for the first time in several visits. A Goldcrest was in a roving tit flock that contained a dozen Long-tailed Tits. Six Fieldfares were seen perched up on the north side of Big Pool, but winter thrushes are still in low numbers. Ten Rooks over the parking area were unusual here. More expected were 4 Lapwings on the Nursery Fields near the mosses and a couple of Linnets on the Shemmy Moss itself. A Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard were also seen.

A morning walk today, dull & cloudy & cold but still nice to be out and about!

The female Smew was again on Big Pool but was even more elusive, diving at the edge of the south side of the pool often under poolside vegetation. Also on the pool were two drake Pochard and again four Teal. A big surprise were two Grey Wagtails which flew across the pool from 'Beach Peg', a scarce species here and one I've only ever seen singly before. Two Cormorants were on Big Pool today too. A Woodcock exploded out of cover in a meadow area near Small Pool, my second in three weeks. Again a single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.

I managed a short visit this afternnon, dull and dry but pretty cold!

The female Smew was again elusive but eventually found close to the north shore of Sandiway Big Pool. Also on the pool were a drake Pochard and 4 Teal. Lots of Tufted Ducks, Wigeon and Gadwall completed the wildfowl bounty on the two pools. A Raven flew over cronking and 4 Fieldfares were also flyovers. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over too.

After a prolonged spell at work due to covering a holiday I had my first proper chance to have a walk back on my Newchurch Patch this afternoon. The sunny weather and mild temperature made it very pleasant to be back.

No sign of the Smew at all but on the pools were 90 Wigeon, 50 Gadwall and 4 Teal. A count of 12 adult  Mute Swans is my highest here. Two Cormorants flew over the pools but none were on them. A single Stock Dove was seen and several flocks of Long-tailed Tits were seen across the site.

I will private message you with the app link & directions.

Had a message from Friday that the female Smew was seen in the middle of Sandiway Big Pool.

Many thanks for yr response to my msge noted comments re. only bird sightings on here will take heed of that. Will access yr mobile phone app via family phones with the app availability. Marian Jones. 

Only about 500m from my patch boundary today my wife, Carys, had a Woodcock right by the side of the road as she drove to the horses! She saw it walk over to a verge and stand there as she drove slowly towards it, then it took off & flew steadily away, back towards my 'Newchurch Patch' boundary! This was pretty early this morning and after my sighting yeasterday suggests a bit of an arrival of the species

Nipped down early onto my patch, very cold but again dry.

The best bird was a new one for 2018 here for me and a species I have only recorded once before here, Woodcock. A bird was accidentally flushed from an undisclosed area (sorry, I really don't want folk going in repeatedly trying to flush it if it is a regular roost spot) and watched as it steadily flew off in typical Woodcock pose.No sign of the Smew today but on the pools were c.60 Wigeon, 5 Teal, drake Shoveler, lots of Gadwall and 290 Canada Geese. In amongst the latter was a CanadaxGreylag hybrid.

Tit flocks were again very evident and contained a Treecreeper, at least 3 Goldcrests (seen, but mony more present) and a female Siskin. The tit species included a Coal Tit and lots of Long-tailed Tits. A Pied Wagtail flew over as did 5 Meadow Pipits. Redwings and a Fieldfare were seen too. A Sparrowhawk was hunting over Sandy Lane fields.

Went for my first morning walk for a few days and met up again with Simon. Very cold, frost on the ground but dry.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool, out in the middle briefly, but she then disappeared, as she does, and wasn't seen again! Also on the pools were a male and female Shoveler, 10 Teal, 30+Gadwall and 30 Wigeon. 256 Canada Geese and 8 Greylag Geese were on Big Pool along with 2 Cormorants. Seven Lapwings flew over the mosses.

The passerine highlioght was a Treecreeper in a tit flock near the entrance, where a Dunnock was also seen, not a usual place for either species. Also nice to see were good numbers of Goldcrests, especially in the pines, again sometimes with tits including Long-tailed Tits. A heavy Skylark passage was noted by Simon, mostly birds up so high that they were out of my hearing range, but a few lower ones were seen and heard by me! A couple of Redwings and a Mistle Thrush were seen as well as a stunning pair of Bullfinches feeding in the sunshine in Finch Hedge.. A Stock Dove was again seen.

Marian, as Ian prefers to keep the forums for sightings it's best to take this to Private Messaging. The App you mention is the Cheshire Sightings Whatsapp that I run, again PM me about that. To clear up one thing in case new folk are reading this, the parking area is outside the fishermens barriers, by the road proper before the track begins. Just park on the dried muddy edge on the arable fields side. ONLY park outside and walk in, there is NO ACCESS by vehicle past the barrier, even if the blocking stone is moved and it looks like you could drive in.

Hi Doc, Went to check the Common out couple of months ago after reading your reports of this website, would like to go back again to catch sight of the bramblings and bullfinches. On my visit I bumped into you and you said that you had put a map on a phone app. at the time it was to show what area the green butterflies were. I don't have an app. on my phone would it be possible for you to forward a map as an attachment to my email address which is marianjones2@virginmedia.com  -  or alternatively attach it to one of your reports. When I came only turned right after parking the car is designated space for parking and looked at what I presume is the big pool, would like to take the opposite path which I think is probably a much bigger area so a map would be helpful pointing out the various places and pools that you mention in your sightings.  Would be greatly appreciated - thanks for your frequent reports most enjoyable to read and keep up to date with what is around. Marian.

A nice morning walk today with the original patch regular, Simon, who watched it in years gone by when he lived here. When he visits from Scotlad we try to get a few walks in to combine the 'new and old' Newchurch! Drizzly but not too cold.

The female Smew was still in West Bay on Big Pool. New in was a female Pochard on Big Pool, with Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon and Gadwall all still present. 29 Greylag Geese were on the pool too.

A Siskin in alders with Goldfinches was a nice surprise near Small Pool, with a Goldcrest nearby. Other Siskins flew over. A couple of Stock Doves were on fields to the east with Woodpigeons. A Rook was seen in stubble off Sandy Lane too. A Redwing was near the main track and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over.