Even though I was up until half past midnight the night before I woke at 5am this morning and by 5.30am I was down at Newchurch Common. The hope was for a tern - any sort - but that was a forlorn hope, none dropped in!

Instead I added Whitethroat to the patch yearlist with three heard and seen in the mosslands area. Two Cuckoos called, one on the Big Pool island and one on Abbotts Moss. A Tawny Owl called in the woods before 6am too. Garden Warblers showed well again in several places. 60 Swallows, 30 House Martins and 10 Sand Martins were over Big Pool too. Otherwise just a Greylag Goose, 3 Dabchicks (on Gull Pool), Green Woodpecker and a Stock Dove were the only birds of note.

Working today but as we don't open until 10am on Saturdays I took the opportunity to nip down to Newchurch Common for a couple of hours pre-work.

Not a heck of a lot to report. The Tufted Duck numbers were down to c.40 and no sign of the Smew, albeit in quite a short search. Most unusual sighting for here was a pair of Reed Buntings on the Whitegate Way near Gull Pool. They were mating so definitely a pair! One Pied Wagtail was in the ploughed fields where a Lapwing was sitting on a nest, I fear the farmer has more work to do in this field though  Both Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen as well as heard. Otherwise the usuals, a couple of 'showy' Garden Warblers, Swallow , Sand Martin and Greylag Goose still.

Good News on the Tawny Owl taken to Stapeley Grange. The bird has made a full recovery and will be released back at Newchurch Common, hopefully this week 

Another great visit in the sunshine today, albeit a tad nippy, started at 7.30am and stayed until early afternoon.

The highlight was a singing Lesser Whitethroat, my first ever on the patch and my 100th bird seen over the year and a half that I've been recording here The bird was off the Whitegate Way opposite Gull Pool. The other main news was the return of the female Smew, which I hadn't seen since 11th April. A large number of Tufted Ducks had returned, a quick count reached 70, many of which were in the centre of the pool (with the Smew) looking around quite warily like newly arrived birds. I am confident that the Smew arrived with this flock. A male Wheatear was another good bird, in the ploughed fields by Sandy Lane, my third bird of the Spring after never having had one before.

More usual fare was provided by a couple of showy Garden Warblers, over a hundred Sand Martins still over Sandiway Big Pool with 30 or so Swallows and a couple of House Martins. Two Greylag Geese were mobile over the pools, a Collared Dove flew over and two Linnets were on the mosses as was a Reed Bunting.

Todays morning visit was again in cold, overcast conditions with compacted hail or snow on the ground still in places!!

A similar day weatherwise but very different birdwise with two yearticks for my patch and UK lists! The highlight was a male Cuckoo, first heard just once but later found on the island on Sandiway Big Pool before it flew off north. It had sporadic bursts of Cuckoo-ing but since I reckon it is the only male in at the moment it isn't really 'going for it' yet! Presumably it is still around and will start to call more in time. My second new bird was House Martin, with upwards of 20 birds over Big Pool and the adjacent fields, along with at least 200 Sand Martins and 60 Swallows, quite a spectacle.

At least 3 Garden Warblers were seen, and are starting to take up territories I remember them on from last year and showing well. Several Rooks are utilising the newly ploughed fields as were two Linnets. Green Woodpecker is still present but becoming harder to see and now only usually heard on each visit.

A bit late, a morning visit on Monday 24th April, cold & overcast.

A Garden Warbler was singing & showing in birch scrub on the mosslands whilst a Skylark sang overhead. A Collared Dove on Dairy Farm roof and two Stock Doves over Sandy Lane were less common species seen for here. Sand Martins and Swallows were over Sandiway Big Pool but in small numbers. Little more of note to report.

Back for a morning walk in the sunshine, getting hotter as the day went on.

After my first patch Wheatear earlier in the week along came a second today with a male in the ploughed field by the Pine Belt. A Pied Wagtail was in another ploughed field but nothing else! Work parties on the pool meant that all the ducks were flushed into the middle of the pool revealing around 60 Tufted Ducks but little else of interest. Linnet, Skylark, Reed Bunting and Treecreeper were all good records for the patch today.

Another morning walk, but this time much more overcast and cooler than of late.

The highlight was my first (of many if last year was anything to go by) Garden Warbler of the year, seen briefly and singing and scolding on the edge of the Mosslands near the Whitegate Way. Another good day with several sightings of uncommon birds for the patch. Another Oystercatcher was seen, this time a single bird circling and calling over the mosslands. Two Greylag Geese flew over the same area, two Linnets were still here and a Skylark was up singing here too. A Tawny Owl called briefly in a private wooded area, not a common occurrance for me here. Several Sand Martins were again over Sandiway Big Pool with two Swallows. A single Rook flew over the mosslands, again not a common bird on patch.

Back home after Easter at the In-Laws and a patch visit was essential, funny how you miss it when you're away!!

And am I glad I went down today with 2 Patch Lifers and an additional Patch Yeartick, I don't get many days down there like this! Having warm sunshine helped but a thin covering of ice on a shallow puddle showed just how cold it had been overnight.

The first highlight was the discovery of a female Wheatear in a ploughed field as I drove in, luckily still within my patch boundaries and somewhere I have been checking for at least two week for just this sort of thing, just reward (low res pic attached). Three Linnets flew out of the same field, a patch yeartick on 7th April but still great to see again, and all this before I had even reached my parking spot! Later I had two more pairs of Linnets, all on the mosslands. The other main highlight cam almost at the end of my walk as I returned to re-check the pools out on my way back. Amazingly hawking over the middle of Sandiway Big Pool was a Common Tern. With nowhere for it to perch I knew that I wouldn't get a digiscoped shot so I just enjoyed it for the next 45mins or so. Later on returning in the afternoon to possibly video it I found that it had departed. In between the two patch lifers I had a pair of Oystercatchers fly over calling, my next patch yeartick of the day. Wader habitat is zero on here so they are rare. I watched as they flew off over the Pine Belt and were lost to view.

No Smew today, not many waterfowl at all, but a few Sand Martins over the pool. Green Woodpecker and Skylark were on the mossland section and a Goldcrest was still around near the main central track between the pools.

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 19th of April 2017 11:54:13 AM

On this morning and at first I thought that I would be abandoning the walk in favour of a mission of mercy! A Tawny Owl was founf by the main track, exhausted and with bedraggled tail feathers that had a bit of mud caked in them (like they had got wet & dried off later). The RSPCA were called & to their credit they arrived very swiftly, I thought I may have to stay with the bird all morning. I had health checked the bird prior to them coming and it had intact wings,and legs, no broken bones there. The sternum musculature wasn't great, the bird seemed underweight and was obviously in shock/exhausted, possibly due to having got wet and then losing temperature. The bird has been taken to Stapeley Grange and so will get the best chances of recovery there, I have everyhting crossed. (see picture).

With the swift RSPCA response I was able to carry on my walk and the main news was that the female Smew was still on Sandiway Big Pool with a good sized Tufted Duck flock. Over 200 Sand Martins were over the pool with around 4 Swallows but no House Martins. Big numbers of all three warbler species in on site so far, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. A Green Woopecker was in the paddocks area near the entrance. Late news from Sunday 9th was that a Mallard had a brood of 10 ducklings on the flooded field near the entrance track, my first duck brood this year.

I had a short walk this afternoon, mainly looking for invertebrates in the sunshine, but there were birds about!!

A new species was added to the 2017 list with 2 Linnets on the mosslands section of patch. Now at least 6 Willow Warblers as well as double-figure counts of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs.

A couple of visits today amassed a reasonable species total but nothing outstanding amongst them!

The female Smew was again on Sandiway Big Pool and was very mobile, not staying in one particular area all the time I was watching her. Over 60 Tufted Ducks were on and very few fishermen, all helping with her staying a bit longer. Three Swallows and two Sand Martins were over Big Pool too and lots of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and three Willow Warblers were around too. A Skylark was again singing over the mosslands. Nearby just outside my recording area (unfortunately) a Yellowhammer was seen. Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers were present again. Other good birds of note for the area were Collared Dove, Stock Dove and Coal Tit, although the latter is being seen on every visit at the moment!

Another split walk, starting in the morning and then returning in the sfternoon because I just couldn't waste the lovely sunshine, although once I got out it was a tad breezier than I had expected!

I added a new bird to the 2017 Newchurch list for me over on the mosslands section with a singing Skylark, beautiful against the azure sky. Summer visitors were well represented with 2 Sand Martins, 7 Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler and over 20 Chiffchaffs. The pools were packed with fishermen with hardly a peg unused and ducks were scarce, only Tufted Ducks to note, with about 30 of them present. A Goldcrest and a Coal Tit were both noted in the Whitegate Way area.

Had a split walk today, the main one in the morning then with my wife on the horse this afternoon in warm sunshine.

The main news was that the female Smew was back on Sandiway Big Pool, favouring the far north-west corner with a small group of Tufted Ducks. Not a lot else on the pools but a Grey Heron flew over fields to the east in the sfternoon. Two Swallows were over fields by Sandy Lane near Dairy Farm in the afternoon too whilst a few Willow Warblers are now singing on the patch. A Goldcrest singing in the Pine Belt was the only other bird of note today.

An interesting morning as much for what was not there as for what was

New birds for the 2017 Newchurch List were Willow Warbler and Blackcap. Both expected and wierdly within about 50m of each other by the main track at the far end of Sandiway Big Pool. On the pool itself no sign of the Smew again but today for the first time in ages no sign of the Red-crested Pochard. The latter has gone AWOL before so it will be interesting to see if it turns up again. A Kingfisher flashed past on Big Pool and a drake Shoveler plus the pair of Wigeon were both still present. Chiffchaffs were everywhere today but most unexpecetd was a single Lesser Redpoll near the entrance in Finch Hedge.

Down on patch this morning, sunny but pretty nippy, glove weather until late am really.

Only new bird in was a drake Shoveler on Sandiway Big Pool, and the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard continued its stay in West Bay on the same pool. Around 50 Tufted Ducks were countede with no Smew still. Very queit otherwise with notable passerines (ones not seen every visit) including Green Woodpecker and Coal Tit. Chiffchaffs are numerous now, heard and seen across the site. Several Redwings were still feeding in the horse paddocks. A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers in display, flapping and leapfrogging each other like Birds of Paradise was most entertaining.

Another morning walk in the sun, getting warmer as the day progressed.

The biggest surprise was a female Goldeneye on Sandiway Big Pool, which also held the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard and the pair of Wigeon still. A Cormorant was still on Big Pool but no sign of the Smew yet again with Tufted Duck numbers relatively low.

Passerines included spring migrant Chiffchaff and winter visitors Redwing and Fieldfare. A Treecreeper was again in the pine belt. Lots of Buzzards were up in the thermals but a relatively quiet visit for wildlife, not so for fishermen, one of whom commented that it was the busiest he'd ever seen at the pool for anglers. Please be aware that any pegs in use for angling are off limits for birders 

Down for a morning walk, fine & sunny but very windy today. But overall a brilliant day

Highlights included two new birds for the patch in 2017 with one a full yeartick for me. The new bird for my UK Yearlist was Sand Martin, expected but still nice to see. Eight birds were over Sandiway Big Pool early am but when I left they had departed too. The patch tick for the year was a male Brambling in alders near Big Pool Island, really unexpected as I had written off this species until next winter. Other migrants included one White Wagtail in the ploughed fields with several Pied Wagtails, and a singing Chiffchaff. Winter visitors were still represented with 5 Fieldfares and a Redwing present. A Green Woodpecker was heard too and two Stock Doves seen. A Coal Tit was singing and 10 Lapwings were now on breeding territory.

On the pools the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard remained as did the pair of Wigeon, but no sign of the Smew. 53 Tufted Ducks included one incredibly white-faced female, I hope she isn't reported as a Scaup! A single Herring Gull was also on Big Pool.

All in all a great walk round

Again I managed a morning visit in the slightly cooler and overcast conditions today.

The female Smew was on Sandiway Big Pool out in the middle diving for food. The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was stiil in West Bay of the same pool. Tufted Duck numbers were back up above 60, so the Smew being seen was not unexpected. A single drake Gadwall and the pair of Wigeon were on Big Pool too, as well as the return of the Mute Swan family after a long absence. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls over was the only notable larid sighting.

A Treecreeper was in the Pine Belt, and as people who know me know, I can't hear this species, but by the beak movements this was was clearly singing its head off! Another species I can't hear, Goldcrest, was also seen. Ones I can hear that were present were Green Woodpecker and Redwings & Fieldfares. The rarest passerine on my patch that was seen today was a Greenfinch near the parking area closely followed by a Collared Dove over the fields to the NE. Coal Tits were again seen and heard and Long-tailed Tits were nest building. Five Lapwings were in the ploughed fields but again only a pair of resident Pied Wagtails rather than migrant White Wagtails. The expected arrival of hirundines didn't happen today but hopefully it won't be long

A morning visit for a couple of hours, weather generally fine but whisps of rain in the wind at times.

After Sunday's first migrant (White Wagtail) today I came up with the second one on site in the shape of Chiffchaff. At least one bird was singing and feeding well on the clouds of biting flies today on the east side of Sandiway Big Pool. The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was again in West Bay with a pair of Wigeon here too. No sign of the Smew and only 44 Tufted Ducks. A Green Woodpecker called and a few Redwings and Fieldfares were seen still. A male Reed Bunting skulked in bankside brambles on Big Pool and a pair of Coal Tits were on the island of the same pool.

Another good visit today which produced a few surprises but none of the spring migrants that I was actually expecting!!

The first surprise was the sight of 2 female Pintails on Sandiway Big Pool, the birds stayed out amongst the gull flock and looked very wary and could not settle at all. A while later predictably they were gone. Also out amongst the gulls were the two summer plumaged adult Mediterranean Gulls, nice to see that they are still around. Not around was the female Smew, but again lots of fishing pegs in use, however the Tufted Duck numbers were down so she is probably with a flock of these that has departed. Whether they return or not this month is anyone's guess. The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was still in West Bay however. New in were four Shovelers, one female followed by three drakes, but no Wigeon, Teal or Gadwall today. Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were still around in good numbers.

Away from the pools a surprise was a fall in newly ploughed fields of around 30 Pied Wagtails which included one White Wagtail and a couple of birds which superficially looked like White Wagtails but the dusky flanks pointed more towards a hybrid origin. In the same ploughed field were 8 Lapwings so there numbers are still rising. There were still around 50 Fieldfares and 50 Redwings about in the arable fields. Stock Doves, a Green Woodpecker and a Raven were all recorded today, always good birds and not seen on every visit.

The final bird was seen later in the day when we were walking the horse, a Grey Heron flying over horse paddocks on Sandy Lane, heading towards Big Pool.

A very nice visit in the warm sunshine today, albeit a tad breezy. Lots of fishing pegs in use so a bit of disturbance but surrounding fields being ploughed thus attracting huge numbers of gulls to the area.

The undoubted highlight was a 2017 UK Yeartick for me in the shape of a pair of Mediterranean Gulls, both in adult summer plumage, at around 11.50am. These were out in the middle of Sandiway Big Pool amongst over 300 gulls, mainly Black-headed and Common, but with a few Herring Gulls on the water and Lesser Black-backed Gulls over. I say pair because they even displayed to each other on the lake, great to see. Also on Big Pool was the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard but no sign of the Smew, typically missing on a day that the water is most disturbed, I have every confidence that she will be back. Only two Wigeon were seen (a pair) and no Gadwall or Teal.

Lots of Fieldfares were amongst the stubble to the north of the pools, around 100 I guess, with a few Redwings and a couple of Mistle Thrushes. Four Stock Doves were here also. A Sparrowhawk was seen over Small Pool and lots of Buzzards included 5 together in one thermal. A Raven was seen in a tumbling display flight on the north side. Otherwise the usual array of species, no obvious spring migrants yet, but a departure of wildfowl is evident.

One report of note, passed onto me by my fishermen pals was of an escaped Cockatiel present on Monday, which I just missed after sitting chatting with them. Ah well, I couldn't have added it to the official list but it would have been interesting to see on patch!

A strange visit today, just pounding the roads around the perimeter of my patch as I walked with Carys as she rode the horse that we are looking after!

Highlight was another new bird for the Patchlist 2017 - Meadow Pipit, two of which flew up from paddocks by the road into a tree. Lots of winter thrushes were seen, the majority being Fieldfares and Redwings but a couple of Mistle Thrushes were with the flocks too. Two Pied Wagtails were in the horse paddocks, a species only added to the patch yearlist a few days ago!

Nearby, but off my official patch, the Tawny Owl was vocal near wher the horse is stabled. Several Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen in this area too.

Back at Newchurch in the sunshine, post-work parties today.

Predictably the female Smew was on show for most of the time, feeding on the north side of Sandiway Big Pool, the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was still in West Bay. Four female Goosanders were also on Big Pool as well as a pair of Gadwall and 8 Wigeon. A Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Cormorant were on the pool, both not usual at this time of the year actually on either pool. A Kingfisher was seen twice over Big Pool too.

Still a few winter visitors in the shape of Siskins, Redwings and Fieldfares but I hope to see the arrival of summer migrants soon as they are trikling into the UK now. Four Lapwings were again seen.

One sad report that visitors sould be aware of was a couple of travellers rabbiting on site, checking with baliffs they were trespassing and illegally rabbiting but when I asked politely for them to move they threatened me very aggresively and said they would 'punch the lights out' of anyone else challenging them. Warrington AC have been informed as well as the police, but after their threats they left site pretty quickly. Hopefully now that they have been challenged they will go somewhere else. But please be aware of the possibility they may be here if you visit. Do not approach them. They were in a Gutters & Fascias transit type van, so plaese be careful, especially if you go on on your own.

Managed a couple of sojurns onto patch this weekend, the proper on in decent weatehr on Saturday and then walking the horse with my wife in rain this morning!

On the main visit yesterday the first-winter Red-crested Pochard was still in West Bay on Sandiway Big Pool, but extensive work parties were causing lots of disturbance and that's the reason I think that I couldn't find the Smew. Another birding friend message me yesterday and he was down at a different time searching and also couldn't find the Smew either. Again duck numbers were low but 8 Wigeon and a pair of Gadwall were still present. A mixed group of 20 big gulls flew oevr Big Pool, made up of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Two new species for my patch yearlist were seen in the shape of a nice male Reed Bunting in stubble on the north side and a Pied Wagtail in the horse paddocks. Big flocks of winter thrushes included at least 80 Fieldfares and 60 Redwings. Four Lapwings were now in the breeding fields! A Green Woodpecker showed very well near the car parking area on a large tree.

The only addition when we were with the horse today was a Collared Dove, which was new for the year on the patch!!

Looking at the weather I decided an afternoon visit today was best and was rewarded with bright sunshine, warm at times, even small clouds of flies were flying, felt like Spring!

Arriving I bumped into birding friend Tom from Runcorn on a visit so we teamed up and I gave him the grand tour, on my normal winter route round. The two top-billing (sorry for the pun) ducks were still on Sandiway Big Pool, the female Smew out in the middle-ish and the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard still in West Bay. A new bird in was a drake Common Pochard. Seven Wigeon (4 drakes) were now present but only one Gadwall (drake) and one Teal (drake). After being missing recently a single Cormorant flew over.

Three Lapwings are now on the breeding fields which is good news. Over 25 Redwings were seen but only a handful of Fieldfares. Late afternoon saw a small passage of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls flying over.

A very enjoyable walk with good company in excellent weather, and target birds seen too

Initially other plans meant that I wouldn't be able to visit my patch today, but this changed at the last minute and I was able to spend the morning at Newchurch Common. Both Green and Great Spotted Woopeckers were seen, the former being particualrly vocal today, nice to hear.

The female Smew showed very well as did the first-winter Red-crested Pochard, both as usual on Sandiway Big Pool. Two redhead Goosanders were on Small Pool but duck numbers were down drastically overall. Only 3(2 drake) Gadwall and one drake Wigeon were seen along with a pair of Teal.

Over 200 Fieldfares were moving around the site but only 40 Redwings were seen. Ten Siskins and 2 Lesser Redpolls were in mixed finch flocks with numerous Goldfinches, the latter species numbering over 60 birds in total. A Goldcrest and at least 2 Coal Tits were in the Pine Belt. A Lapwing was in display over the breeding field. Other birds seen today but not seen on every visit included Stock Dove and Pheasant.

Just down the road and off my official 'patch' boundaries ( ) a Tawny Owl was calling late morning at Foxwist Green as we were grooming the horse that my wife Carys was about to ride!! I usually have a daytime calling one on patch so I will be more alert now!

The morning after the day before! I decided to go and see what Storm Doris had done to my Patch, and the general impression was she'd cleared out q.a few birds as well as bringing down at least 3 trees and innumerable branches.

The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was still in West Bay but no obvious sign of the female Smew, although Tufted Duck numbers were down and she was probably has flown off temporarily with some of them to another local water, as she frequently does. Other wildfowl counts were also down but an extra species was Greylag Goose, with four flying over late morning, initially picked up by their different flight call to the numerous Canada Geese flying around.

A new 2017 species was added in the form of Pheasant. As usual Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen. Four Coal Tits in one area of pines was a good count. At least 6 Buzzards were up displaying in the sunshine. Only 3 Redwings were seen and no Fieldfares, but a Mistle Thrush instead. One surprise was a lone Lapwing back in their breeding fields, claiming an early territory!

A short afternoon visit but still plenty of species. Decide to call in as I had just checked out another local site that in previous years had had Bramblings. true to form it didn't disappoint with up to 4 Bramblings seen along with 150 Redwings

So on to Newchurch Common. Again the female Smew was present and again very elusive disappearing not long after I had found her. The 1w drake Red-crested Pochard showed well as usual. Two Goosanders (a pair) were unexpected on Big Pool, along with the regular duck species including Teal. The Mute Swans were seen after going missing yesterday and amazingly were with their 2 young for the first time in ages! Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were present again. A nice Redpoll sowed well in the tops of trees along with Fieldfares and Redwings, a strange flock for the finch to be with really. Both Song and Mistle Thrushes were in full song today too. Other species not always seen included Stock Dove on the north side and both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls on Big Pool. The usual pair of Bullfinches were still stripping buds off Finch Hedge, it's amazing it ever gets to come into leaf each year..... but it always does!

Another visit this morning. Fine, dry and a bit warmer, although overcast most of the time.

After a prolonged search the female Smew showed on sandiway Big Pool, she can be very elusive at the moment! The 1w drake Red-crested Pochard showed well, still in West Bay on the same pool. Teal were again seen, otherwise the usual wildfowl mix. Interestingly Tufted Ducks were seen mating today. Siskins, Redpoll and Bullfinches were all present. A Green Woodpecker was near the Pine Belt. The Redwing and Fieldfare flocks had moved due to farm work but were in fields near the Pine Belt. Several Herring Gulls were over the pools and moving through, something I noticed elsewhere in Cheshire today.

No problem Paul, must have missed you as I was down all morning from pretty early to 12.30pm. Met up with a Nantwich birding pal who I showed around too

Fabulous day, bitterly cold but bright sunshine which brought the birds out in numbers. The female Smew was with it's group of Tufted Ducks on Sandiway Big Pool as usual, she's probably there all the time just sometimes very elusive. The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was stil in West Bay as he has been for the past three weeks, and was the target of the birder I was showing around, so he was happy. Teal were present on Big Pool as well as lots of Wigeon but a reduced number of Gadwall today. A Kingfisher was, as usual, showing well on Small Pool, seem to get one on every visit at the moment 

Siskins were everywhere, even down on the puddles, I estimate over 60 today, along with a lone Redpoll. Over 200 Redwings were in one field whilst 2 fields away it was 50 Fieldfares, funny how they didn't mix today. New here for 2017 was a Treecreeper near Big Pool island. A few pairs of Buzzards were displaying around the site and a couple of Stock Doves were seen. A Goldcrest was in the pine belt as usual.

Little out of the ordinary today but the sheer number of birds and amount of birdsong and display was fantastic, a pleasure to be out and about.

Went for a morning stroll and weather was overcast but dry, but also perishingly cold!

The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was still favouring West Bay on Sandiway Big Pool, but three circuits of the pool and a check of Small Pool failed to locate the Smew. Between 8 and 13 Goosanders were present. 8, including 3 drakes, were together on Small Pool and later at least 5 were on Big Pool, but whether these were different birds I couldn't say. Several Little Grebes as usual were on Big Pool as well as a drake Teal. A Kingfisher was on Small Pool again, always nice to see. Unusually a Herring Gull was down on Small Pool too.

Two Sparrowhawks were seen, a male and a female, the former in the Small Pool area and the latter over Big Pool. Two Green Woodpeckers were also present as well as one Great Spotted Woodpecker. A group of 6 Bullfinches was nice to see in Finch Hedge (where else!!). Other winter usuals present were Siskin, Redwing and Fieldfare.

Sorry for my birding friends from Kelsall who came to see the Smew that it wasn't seen today. She does get on other waters & so will almost certainly be back soo, I'll keep everyone posted as usual.

A pleasant walk this morning to see the Red crested Pochard, which was very obliging, unlike the Smew which did not appear!  Gadwall and a Little Grebe were also seen, and a Raven heard. The birds in the hedges were very vocal, especially a flock of over 10 Siskins with at least 1 Redpoll.  A pair of Bullfinches and small flock of Chaffinches were also foraging by the side of the bridleway, and a Buzzard was overhead.

A much longer visit to Newchurch today with an earlier start, and this time in the sunshine, cery pleasant.

The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was picked up pretty early on and some decent pictures obtained as it fed again in West Bay, Big Pool. A long search of Sandiway Big Pool finally paid off when I found the female Smew. I contacted my mate regarding the Redesmere bird but he didn't have any news for today, so it is still possible that one or two Smew are present in Cheshire! Three Goosanders were on Small Pool including one drake but they all flew off later. Two drake Teal were on Big Pool and an increased number of Wigeon (40) seemed to be present. A single Mute Swan was present after none yesterday, which was puzzling. A Herring Gull was again over Big Pool with the Common and Black-headed Gulls.

New for this years patch list were 30 Lapwings that flew over near the site entrance. Over 100 Fieldfares were seen along with a few Redwings and Song Thrushes were in full song all over the site. A Green Woodpecker was recorded for the first time in several visits but Goldcrest was seen again near the Pine Belt. A Raven flew over again and two male Bullfinches were in Finch Hedge.

I managed a late morning walk down on Newchurch Common, ending when the heavens opened, but a better weather scenario than forecast so I can't complain!

The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was still showing well near West Bay on Sandiway Big Pool but no sign of the female Smew in quite an exhaustive search. I had a customer in Focalpoint yesterday who had failed to find it in a morning visit then too. This is interesting given that a redhead Smew has turned up on Redesmere lake in Cheshire. Duck numbers were generally lower than of recent times, so I wonder if there has been a departure of wildfowl, including the Smew?

Two stunning drake Goldeneye were on Big Pool accompanying a female but they seemed very unsettled & soon flew off, later I found a lone female Goldeneye on Small Pool, another bird or one of the three? Also on Small Pool it was nice to see one redhead Goosander after none on my last visit. A single drake Teal was on Big Pool and totals of Gadwall and Wigeon were low at about 20 of each. Little Grebes are present on Big Pool but skulking in the margins, but at least no water is frozen now.

A group of 8 Siskins was seen and 60 Goldfinches was an exceptional count in Finch Hedge, where a male Bullfinch was stripping hawthorn buds. Six Stock Doves were in arable fields to the north, my first sighting here of this species in 2017. Another birder I see here regularly also had no seen any yet when I saw him last week, so nice to pick these up.

Finally, having thrown off the dreaded lurgy to feel strong enough for a 2 hour walk I could get back onto my patch!

The female Smew ond the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were both still on Sandiway Big Pool, but no Goosander were seen on either pool. However, Small Pool was 90% frozen and some of the margins of Big Pool were iced up too. Two Kingfishers were seen on Big Pool which was nice and a Raven flew over nearby cronking away. Lots of Little and Great Crested Grebes were seen. Unusual were six Greylag Geese on Big Pool, which were joined by 20 Canada Geese, but nothing more rare. A Goldcrest flitted about near the main track but generally passerine numbers were low.

A short visit this afternoon in the murk 7 drizzle, didn't look great for birding, and it wasn't!

The female Smew was on Sandiway Big Pool and I was able to show it to a visiting birder from Nantwich who was visiting the site for it, so that was worth the visit for me anyway Other than that just 20 Siskins to show for the visit. Goosander was recorded on Small Pool too still. One Lesser Redpoll was seen near the entrance too, my first of 2017 so that was good.

Had a short afternoon visit today after a few days at work and the female Smew and first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard both showed pretty well on Sandiway Big Pool. At least four Goosanders counted across the two pools, three (2 drake) Shoveler on Big Pool as well as 10 Teal. A pair of Pochards were on Small Pool. Still over 40 each of Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. A Snipe was also on Big Pool, the first there for a while.

A pair of Ravens was particularly active over the Big Pool/Pine Belt area all afternoon. Siskins were seen in a couple of locations too.

Still loads of birders visiting to twitch stuff so please be courteous to other site users. Today a car was blocking the main track and the farmer was stuck for 30 mins whilst the owner was away somewhere. I don't know whether it was a birder or not, I hope not A dog-walker suggested it was a photographer, but whether he was a bird photographer or not I don't know. The farmer removes the concrete blocks when he is working which opens up the main track but there is still no access at all, cars MUST park outside on Novia Scotia Lane as usual.

The only birding today was a morning on my patch again.

The female Smew and the 1w drake Red-crested Pochard still favoured Sandiway Big Pool and a female Goldeneye was new in on here. The two female Pochards and pair of Teal were still on Big Pool with 5 Goosanders split between the two pools. A couple of Green Woodpeckers were present, and a Grey Heron was on Small Pool.

Lots of folk visiting for yearticks today, as they were yesterday, glad to be of help to them when I could, visting birding buddy, Malc, picked up a Chiffchaff in the Pine Belt. One for me to look out for on my next visit.

Spent the afternoon mainly at Newchurch Common due to it being a rainy morning and me being out partying until 3am on New Years Eve/Day!!

The female Smew and first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were still on Sandiway Big Pool, along with a pair of Teal and 2 female Pochard. Three Goosanders were on Small Pool. A Green Woodpecker showed well on the meadow south of the main track and over 200 Redwings fed in fields by the parking area. At least 10 Fieldfares showed to the north of Big Pool. A Goldcrest was in Finch Hedge and a pair of Bullfinches was further up the track. Species not recorded on every visit but seen today included Rook, Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. The final sighting of the day was when we stayed until dusk for the first time in a long time and were treated to a fantastic murmuration of Starlings. At least 5000 Starlings wheeled around over Big Pool and the arable fields to the north, the first time I have seen this here personally but it was noted earlier by Vernon Lundy and a fisherman who both had seen them leaving roost at dawn

Tempted by the Blue Rock Thrush, even with all the posts re it's possible captive origin, but the draw of the Patch won, seeing as how I'd been away from it over Christmas!

An afternoon visit due to other commitments in the morning, so less time before the evening started to draw in. The female Smew and the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were still on Sandiway Big Pool, looking good for January 1st The Red-crested Pochard looks much more adult now, but a dirty smudge down its red bill, a darker nail on the bill and a duller eye all make me still call it a first-winter bird. A flock of 12 Teal wheeled round the pool, my biggest count for this species. Other duck included 5 (2 drake) Goosanders and a drake Pochard. A Herring Gull down on Big Pool was unusual amongst the Black-headed and Common Gulls. 30 Siskins fed in alders near Big Pool and Redwings and Fieldfares were seen. A few Stock Doves were still in fields north of Big Pool.

Itis now looking like my next trip down will be on New Years Day, so if anyone is coming down for yearticks please respect the fishermen and say hello if you see me

I had the great pleasure today of again meeting up with forum member Keith Williams, for a trip around my patch, and as usual when we meet up it was a good morning out.

The first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard was as usual on the north side of Sandiway Big Lake and the female Smew finally gave itself up to Keith on the south side. Plenty of duck species again with Goosanders and Pochards on both pools (totals of 6 of each!), a Shoveler on Small Pool and a Teal on Big Pool. Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck numbers were still very high.

A Skylark was a good find over the arable fields and a Pheasant in a carrot field had to substitute for a Partridge in a Pear Tree Several 'good' passerine species were seen, including Goldcrest, Siskin, Coal Tit, and lots of Fieldfares and Redwings. A Green Woodpecker was hammering the ground in the horse paddocks even though the ground wasn't frozen! Great Spotted Woodpecker & Nuthatch were both also seen. A toatal of 50 species was decent and provided a nice reccie for New Years Day

A much shorter walk at the end of the afternoon today, so a totally different time to normal - would that produce anything different?

Amazingly the answer to that question is yes! A patch yeartick was seen in the shape of a cracking male Brambling, on its own in the top of a distant tree near Sandiway Small Pool. In 2015 I had good numbers of Bramblings in the Chaffinch flocks, but they all dispersed before January 1st 2016! I managed a record digiscoped shot as proof of the sighting (attached) but then it flew off and I could not relocate it, but hopefully this is a sign that I will get them amongst the Chaffinches again, especially as the flocks of those are building up on the arable fields now.

On Sandiway Big Pool the female Smew and first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were still present, both up in the NW corner, but no sign of the drake Common Scoter, despite a very thorough search of the lake from several angles. In total 15 Goosander were present with most on Small Pool, where a male Kingfisher showed well again. Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Redwings were all seen as usual, even on this truncated walk.

Another wander this morning, foreshortened but still productive, mainly concentrating on the pools.

The trilogy of ducks, female Smew, drake Common Scoter and first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were still all on Sandiway Big Pool. Three Teal were also on here, otherwise the usual ducks. Small Pool held 15 Goosanders but I have seen them fly back and forth between here and a provate pool nearby so I don't know if numbers are actually decreasing overall. Two Grey Herons were on site, the most I have seen at once here.

A Green Woodpecker was near the Novia Scotia Lane entrance and a Goldcrest was seen also.

After the heady heights of twitching the Dusky Thrush yeaterday it was back to the bread & butter of the patch today! A morning visit as usual, murky but not cold.

The drake Common Scoter, the female Smew and the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were all still on Sandiway Big Pool. Also on here was a female Goldeneye, a drake Pochard and a pair of Teal. On Small Pool there were 23 Goosander, 4(2 drake) Shoveler and across the two pools over 20 Cormorants. Again 12 species of ducks were present but this time adding Mute Swan and Canada Goose (the latter was not seen on Tuesday) it meant that there were 14 species of wildfowl on the Pools! The Grey Heron was still fishing the margins of Smal Pool.

A Green Woodpecker was in the Pine Belt and nearby Goldcrests, Redpoll and Siskin were all seen. Three Stock Doves were still in the arable fields and Fieldfares and Redwings were still in good numbers....... wonder if there are any rare thrushes in there too

Spent a murky morning down mainly around the lakes again.

The drake Common Scoter was still on Sandiway Big Pool out in the middle and diving frequently, although I never saw it with food. Since this species feeds primarily on molluscs (with some invertebtaes, small fish and plant matter) and since I know that this pool holds freshwater mussels, I can only assume that it is being sustained by these, having stayed now for 3 days. The female Smew and the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard were also on Big Pool. On Small Pool there were 24 Goosanders and two pairs of Shoveler. Six Teal were on Big Pool as well as a female Goldeneye still and a pair of Common Pochard. Along with many Wigeon, Tufted Ducks, Gadwall and Mallard, this gave a record count of 12 species of duck on the pools.

Other noteworthy sightings included a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, a Goldcrest, 6 Stock Doves, Siskins and Redpolls. Four Lesser-black Backed Gulls flew low over Big Pool.