Plenty of usuals around, and Wildfowl numbers are an estimate, may have been more but the light was so bright at times that the reflection off the pool made it difficult to see anything.
Of note on No.6 tank...
- Green-winged Teal 1, eventually showed well in full view on No.6 tank. - Eurasian Teal 100's, they were put up a few times and I realised most were in the vegetation. - Pintail ~ 10 that I saw - Pochard ~ 30-40 (all male that I saw) - Shoveler ~ 30-40 - Tufted Duck, lots ~ 80-100 - Shelduck only a few
- Cormorant 15+
Of Note on No.5 tank and surrounds...
- Short-eared Owl 3 2 together, then 1 further over, eventually 3 seen in the air together. Mainly hunting quartering over the scrub, then perched up on posts, on the ground, and being mobbed by a Herring Gull. Good to see a variation in colour too which helped matters, 1 bird had a brownish almost rusty beige hue but the other 2 seen together at first seemed a lot lighter with a creamy beige plumage. - Kestrel 1 - Raven ~ 20, singles and groups - Curlew 3 over - Golden Plover ~ 60 - Lapwing ~ 75 - Starling ~ 500+ towards the gas towers - Goldfinch and Greenfinch flock over - Great Black-backed Gull 4 - ...and the usual constant stream of commoner Gulls over
Met some nice people up there today, including Bill who does the Frodsham Blog.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 27th of December 2015 06:06:42 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 21 11:56 AM, 2015
Drake Green winged Teal still present on No 6 Tank mid morning. Best viewed from Moorditch Lane roughly where Nos 3,5 & 6 meet. The bird was over to the right (as you look south) in open water.
Rob Creek said
Sun Dec 20 7:37 PM, 2015
Frodsham Marsh this afternoon.
- Green-winged Teal on No.6 tank. Just managed a fleeting glimpse of it (in amongst the masses of Eurasian Teal) swimming into the vegetation on the right hand side and it didn't show again. - Raven at least 6 over - Fieldfare 3 - Redwing small flock of around 15 over - Kestrel 1 - a cracking Short-eared Owl showing well hunting over No.5 tank on opposite side of path, then it perched up for a short while before going to ground - Cormorant, few singles and a group of 3 over showing a lot of white from the belly up to the throat and face area, it was suggested they could be continental types, and they certainly looked like a good possibility, but I wouldn't be able to call that from a flyover view alone.
Mark Burgess said
Fri Dec 18 11:48 AM, 2015
Frodsham Marsh No6 tank 8.30-10.30am
Better conditions than yesterday, no wind and good light, Good prolonged views of a Male Green-winged Teal Picked the bird up in open water initially within a large Commom Teal flock c400 but it drifted into the margins of the Micklsmous daisy vegetation and became more difficult to view, The whole Teal flock where flushed out of the vegetation at one point and I'd guess may be 1000+ birds, Strangely male birds far out numbered female birds.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Nov 1 7:50 PM, 2015
Sunday Nov 1st. 09.30 - 11.30 hrs.
Frodsham Marsh.
Short-eared Owl .... hunting over No3 bed then perched on a stump for 10 mins.
Raven (3)
Fieldfare. 200+
Roger.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Oct 25 6:51 PM, 2015
Frodsham Marsh 8.00am - 10.30am Highlights
No6 tank over high tide Golden Plover 150+ Common Snipe 34 Ruff 9 Black tailed Godwit Dunlin Stonechat 2
Rob Creek said
Mon Aug 31 8:57 PM, 2015
Sunday 30th -August
A late visit after Burton Mere with Steve Burke and Simon Gough. Water was high and not ideal for Waders but we did manage some good sightings.
Of note... -2 Greenshank -2 Ruff -Few Black-tailed Godwits over -Curlew, few groups coming into roost -1 Little Egret -1 Common Buzzard, another heard calling in the distance -3 Kestrel incl probably same 1 as last week close to the car -Reed Warbler heard in swampy vegetation below main path -lots of Shelduck -lots of Teal -possible Shoveler, poor light but I'm pretty sure it was. -3 Raven (2 then 1) flying over cronking
Rob Creek said
Mon Aug 17 6:25 PM, 2015
Yesterday approx 3.30pm - 8.15pm (Ended up staying as the sightings were so good)
-Curlew Sandpiper - a Lifer for me, had a couple of maybes in the past but this is 100%. In summer plumage, really rich rusty red colour to the breast. Fantastic! -Dunlin - possibly up in the region of nearly 2000 and I heard that even more had departed earlier. -Black-tailed Godwit - estimate 500+ possibly more -Lapwing - lots -Golden Plover - small group of around 20 or so over -Curlew - 2 singles over -Whimbrel - 1 partially hidden in vegetation on main tank/pool, thought it was a Curlew at first -Greenshank - 1 (which I now know is a Juv, cheers Ian) -Redshank - plenty around -Ruff - approx 15 -Ringed Plover - few dotted around right at the back, could well have been more concealed -Shelduck - plenty of juv's around -Tufted Duck -Northern Shoveler - 1 female -Common Teal -Gadwall -Wigeon - a lone female -Cormorant - a few about -Great Crested Grebe - 2 -Grey Heron - 2 -Great Black-backed Gull - 1 over early evening towards Runcorn
Raptors... -Hen Harrier - hung around on my own on the off chance of something special and what a good decision it was as one showed on approx 6 occasions, all over the site, from around 5.45pm to about 8pm. Pretty sure there was more than one as I had a pale rusty coloured bird at one point probably a juv, then a more duller brown bird came into view so I thought likely to be adult fem. A few times whilst watching them hunting low over the marshy scrub I saw them twist suddenly and drop to the floor but came up almost immediately and didn't appear to catch anything but then a bit later one bird did go down and didn't show again so could've caught something or was resting. Brilliant to watch!
-Marsh Harrier - seen as singles at first in quick succession and were juveniles having the golden crown. Then another lighter coloured bird was seen, bit of a tatty head and paler markings to the upper-wings so presumed it was an adult male. Then 3 were together in the air calling to each other. Unsure of total but a lot of activity.
-Common Buzzard - at least 5 seen, 3 in view together on posts passed the tank on opposite side, and a couple circling -Sparrowhawk - 1 female hunting -Kestrel - think it was a Juv, heavy barring on orangey back, never flew very far away from me. -Barn Owl - brief views before it went to ground, well passed tank on opposite side but far out -Raven - 2 over -Rook, Jackdaw, and Carrion Crow - plenty over -Chiffchaff - at least 5 moving through the hedges, calling -Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 flew from hedges at side of track -Stock Dove - 2 -large group of House Martin through, approx 30-40 -lots of Swallow around, including 1 lone bird late on with extra long tail streamers, but light was fading and couldn't get on it quick enough before it dropped down over the hedge and out of sight. Lots of usuals around too, a cracking afternoon-evening!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of August 2015 06:28:30 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of August 2015 06:30:31 PM
100's of Swift's hawking over the river, great sight.
John O'Neill said
Sat Jun 27 10:53 PM, 2015
Clouds of Swifts over fields
2 Painted Lady Butterflies first of year for me
Rob Creek said
Sat Mar 14 3:24 PM, 2015
Common Crane has been reported here today and I wondered if there were any reliable GM Birder sightings of it? Cheers
Mark Burgess said
Sun Jan 11 5:06 PM, 2015
10.00-11.15am, Very windy Peregrine Golden Plover 37 Lapwing Good numbers of Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Teal and Shelduck
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 11th of January 2015 06:00:49 PM
Mark Burgess said
Tue Dec 30 2:17 PM, 2014
11.00 - 12.45 No5 & No6 tanks, Highlights.
Golden Plover 500+ Lapwing 500+ Curlew 150+ Black Tailed Godwit 100+ Raven 12 Buzzard 6 Kestrel Stonechat Linnet
Rob Creek said
Tue Sep 2 10:01 PM, 2014
An update for my sightings from Sunday.
After reviewing the photos and some much needed help from Ian, Firstly it seems the 2 small Waders I couldn't ID and sent for a second opinion could well be Dunlin, (I did say I wasn't holding my breath for Temminck's Stint) and the Curlew Sandpiper images from distance are certainly not definitive as field ID shots. I can only go off what I thought they were and a rough location at the waters edge that other birders provided whilst I was there. Many thanks to Ian with this matter.
Mike Chorley said
Tue Sep 2 9:10 PM, 2014
Quick visit on our way back from Ireland.
In among the Dunlin Ruff 1 Little Stint 1 Curlew Sandpiper 2 Black-tailed Godwit 2 Curlew 1
Shelduck Teal Raven over Water Rail heard
Rob Creek said
Mon Sep 1 2:13 PM, 2014
Thanks for that Jonathan, took the chance anyway and glad I did. 5 - 6.30pm
Many birds reported by other birders when I got there and I seemingly got most of them but will amend post accordingly if incorrect. Similar to Chris's sightings on Saturday.
7 - Little Stint 1 - Yellow Wagtail (in the midst of the Stints, roughly same size) 2 - Curlew Sandpiper (could be 3, certainly seems like a 3rd to me in photos) 1 - Ruff Dunlin - a couple of 100 at least Sanderling - maybe up to 100 Ringed Plover - possibly up to 100 A few Redshank 1 drake Scaup (more reported) 1 Whitethroat 1 Chiffchaff 1 Wheatear 1 Whinchat (tried for a shot on these last 2 but they were too flitty) Insects numbers were building and a good number of Swallows and Sand Martins were present also
Someone reported Temminck's Stints yesterday and I have sent photos to Ian of 2 small Waders I'm unsure about that didn't look like the others but I'm not holding my breath as the images were from distance. Cheers
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 1st of September 2014 02:21:46 PM
Jonathan Platt said
Sun Aug 31 9:26 PM, 2014
Try here Rob:
http://frodshammarshbirdblog.wordpress.com/
Rob Creek said
Sun Aug 31 4:12 PM, 2014
Just finished a CPC transport course and was thinking of travelling here for the Little Stints. Has anyone heard any reports of what is still present? Cheers
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Aug 31 12:22 PM, 2014
Lots of distant dots in drizzly conditions this morning !
Greenshank, Ruff, Redshank and Ringed Plover all easy to pick out.
Dunlin bit harder to spot, camouflaged in the mud.
Then at least 3 Little Stint - only really ID'd on size - just a tad smaller than the Pied Wagtails flitting about, but no way could I rule out Temmincks or something more exotic.
You need a decent scope and good lighting
Chris Harper said
Sat Aug 30 6:55 PM, 2014
Walk around number 6 tank from 1-3.30: 5 Little Stint (7 reported from others) Curlew Sandpiper 2 Black Tailed Godwit 100+ Dunlin Common Redshank 40+ Ringed Plover 2 Little Ringed Plover 4 Scaup 4 Raven 2+ Common Buzzard Common Whitethroat Chiffchaff Many Swallow/ Sand Martin
Were the highlights.
steven burke said
Thu Aug 28 10:42 PM, 2014
Simon Gough wrote:
I've never been to Frodsham Marsh, these birds are on No 6 tank right? Is it possible to see everything without a scope? I was considering heading over and if it needs a scope there might not be much point. Any thoughts much appreciated
Thanks
yes simon all these were viewed on the no 6 tank, sorry I forgot to mention that. like sid says you really do need a scope.
Simon Gough said
Thu Aug 28 10:40 PM, 2014
Hi Sid
Thanks for the advice, I figured it could be a struggle just with bins. Might be waiting a bit longer for my first Little Stint then! There was one reported from Martin Mere today to be fair, all might not be lost. I'd need them to stick around till Saturday in any case.
sid ashton said
Thu Aug 28 10:17 PM, 2014
Simon in my opinion you won't see the majority of birds very well on No 6 tank at Frodsham without a scope.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 29th of August 2014 10:51:27 AM
Simon Gough said
Thu Aug 28 10:10 PM, 2014
I've never been to Frodsham Marsh, these birds are on No 6 tank right? Is it possible to see everything without a scope? I was considering heading over and if it needs a scope there might not be much point. Any thoughts much appreciated
Thanks
steven burke said
Thu Aug 28 9:32 PM, 2014
12.30-3pm with phil Kelly.
3 little stints 5 curlew sandpipers 5 greenshanks 6 ruff 1 turnstone 2 golden plover hundreds of redshanks, ringed plovers & dunlins lapwings, shelducks, teals & tufted ducks 3 common gulls 1 peregrine falcon lots of swallows & house martins over south.
steven burke said
Sat Aug 16 10:27 PM, 2014
3.30-6.30pm
2 ruddy shelducks plus what I have read about a female type. 32 shelducks mostly juveniles 1000+ ringed plovers & dunlins 4 turnstones 2 black tailed godwits 3 redshanks 1 grey heron all on no.6 tank.
15 ravens in the air at once, more around 1 hobby with prey in its talons 2 buzzards 4 kestrels 1 whitethroat 2 chiffchaffs 1 yellow wagtail over west 60+ swifts
Doc Brewster said
Wed Aug 13 5:59 PM, 2014
This afternoon on No.6 Tank the two Ruddy Shelducks were showing well amongst a smattering of adult & young Common Shelducks. These birds are commuting between Frodsham Score, where views are very distant, and No.6 tank where they show well. A large flock of Black-tailed Godwits (100+) and a mixed flock of Dunlin (50+), Ringed Plover (15+) and Turnstone (7) were alos on No.6 Tank.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Aug 3 6:51 PM, 2014
7.30- 9.00am Highlights.
Common Sandpiper 3 Ringed plover 4 Black Tailed Godwit in breading plumage Curlew Distant views of a Marsh Harrier quartering the reed bed at the back of Tank No6 Raven x3
Andy Voisey said
Tue Jul 15 7:31 PM, 2014
I'm afraid I can only comment on what I saw.
We parked in the car park and walked east.
As I said I was quite impressed by the place until we got to the east side of the Pump-house Pool.
The pool there in front of the hide was littered with windblown debris and the smell from the landfill site hinted as to its origin.
We did not venture further east due to time restraints, neither did we explore the western end the other side of Lapwing Lane.
I accept that it is a haven for birds and they won't be bothered by a bit of rubbish, but the shine was rather taken off a very pleasant stroll in the country that day by ending up at a very scruffy tip.
We saw more butterfly enthusiasts than birdwatchers on our visit, it is apparently one of the best spots to see a White Hairstreak.
Maybe I'll revise my opinion after a a more extensive visit - we'll see.
Andy Voisey
Pete Astles said
Tue Jul 15 6:36 PM, 2014
Moore is a huge reserve and the landfill only borders one small side to be honest I have never noticed it.
chrisneild said
Mon Jul 14 3:03 PM, 2014
can not believe the recent comments on Moore Nature Reserve. Yes, it is a large reserve bordered by refuse/landfill site with unpleasant smells but the birds are the stars. Each season so different. Best place to see Bittern, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, rare gulls, Green Woodpecker, Peregrine, Tawny Owl, Water Rail, as well as rarer birds that drop in. Add to this, many species of Butterflies and Fungi, plenty of plant life to enjoy, organized walks with guides, and it really is a super reserve well worth a visit.
-- Edited by chrisneild on Monday 14th of July 2014 03:05:33 PM
Mike Chorley said
Wed Jul 9 8:42 PM, 2014
I can remember when the 'tame' Ospreys were the only ones in the country - and when the female was yelling "Feed us" every two minutes she certainly didn't seem tame
Andy Voisey said
Wed Jul 9 7:21 PM, 2014
Visit today to Frodsham and Moore Nature reserve including Norton Marsh
Red Necked Grebe was present and posed for photos on the Frodsham Marsh side of the Weaver.
Fields adjacent , where the hay had been cut and was drying, were full of Lapwing, Starling and Jackdaws.
On river the tide was making and Cormorant and G C Grebes were active. Shelduck, Canada Geese and Mallard were on the banks with a couple of Oystercatchers.
We didn't go to the settling tanks but moved to Norton Marsh to check for the Osprey.
We were told by a couple who had been down earlier ,who we met on the path, that the Osprey had been seen with a fish earlier but had disappeared.
Several Yellowhammers and a Bullfinch in the bushes on the way to the hide, but they didn't stop for photos.
At the hide we found the Osprey on the opposite bank, on the ground eating the fish. It was a long way off and although I got a few photos, it really needed scoping.
My only Osprey this year apart from the tame ones at Loch Garten.
We then walked round Moore Nature Reserve which I had never visited before.
It is a big place and at first I was impressed by the reserve, but as we walked in about a mile the smell and blown rubbish from Arpley Landfill Site really put me off the it.
The warden told us there were a couple of Little Ringed Plovers on the Pumphouse Pool, but we didn't see them.
Both Black-backed Gulls were present as were the usual water birds. Lapwings were the only waders we saw.
Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warblers seen and heard.
We didn't go as far as the reed beds.
Unsure if I'll go back.
But both targeted birds were seen and photographed, so not a completely wasted day.
Andy Voisey
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 9th of July 2014 07:27:03 PM
Karl Bishop said
Sat Jun 28 6:23 PM, 2014
Tanmay Dixit wrote:
Karl Bishop wrote:
Anybody know wether the red necked grebe is still around ? Cheers Karl
According to birdguides it is still there today
Thanks I'll try for it in morn Karl
Tanmay Dixit said
Sat Jun 28 2:48 PM, 2014
Karl Bishop wrote:
Anybody know wether the red necked grebe is still around ? Cheers Karl
According to birdguides it is still there today
Karl Bishop said
Sat Jun 28 2:20 PM, 2014
Anybody know wether the red necked grebe is still around ? Cheers Karl
Adam Jones said
Sun Jun 22 12:48 PM, 2014
Sunday 22nd June 8am
Red Necked Grebe still at Weaver Bend. It came in pretty close as the sun came out giving exceptional views. Lots of Shelduck and Oystercatchers around. On the walk up from No.5 tank I had the following: 3 Sedge Warblers 4 Common Whitethroat 5 Greenfinch Lots of the usuals and very good numbers of Swallows and Swifts with a smattering of Sand Martins thrown in too.
Steve Judge said
Mon Jun 16 5:19 PM, 2014
1st time on this site - have driven past on M56 lots of times but did not realise site existed until reading Forum threads! Red Necked Grebe showing well on bend of River Weaver towards Redwall Reedbed side (lifer for me!) Avocet x 2 Little Egret Black Backed Gull with what looked like eel being eaten on No 6 Shelduck x lots plus 10 chicks on No 6 Common Whitethroat x 4 Buzzards x 5 Kestrels x 3 Goldfinch x lots Lapwing Tufted Duck Chiffchaff Chaffinch Magpie Carrion Crow Pied Wagtail Canada Geese families and about 100 chicks (on bank between Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey) behind Marsh Farm Greylag Geese and 20 plus chicks Coot Heron Blackbird Mallard plus chicks Woodpigeon
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jun 14 9:20 PM, 2014
Tony Coatsworth wrote:
Poor views of Lesser Scaup into the sun
My experience too, Tony, hard viewing from up on the track & into the sun. So I am amazed to see some shots posted that look as if folk are hopping over the fence to get low angle shots of the bird. Didn't think there was any access to the lower banks of Number 6 Tank, but maybe that is the norm now, anyone know whether that is the case?
David Wilson said
Sat Jun 14 6:07 PM, 2014
First light visit to Frodsham/weaver bend in the hope of Red necked grebe. Walked along the full length of causeway with no sign. Nice to meet up with Mark Burgess. Avocets showed well on shooters pool with young. Decided to stroll back along causeway noticing quite a few birds asleep still on the water. Including at first glance 2 Great crested grebe. But one looked slightly smaller and..... Yes. It woke up to reveal itself to be the Red necked grebe. A good way out it was just drifting. About 7am it started to preen gradually drifting towards the reeds in corner. So I stealthily got there before it and was rewarded with nice views of it preening fairly close and giving out its loud call at one point. A lifer for me.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Jun 14 2:29 PM, 2014
Red-necked Grebe still showing well.
Poor views of Lesser Scaup into the sun
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jun 10 5:55 PM, 2014
Popped down to get more pics of the long-staying Red-necked Grebe, which duly obliged coming close to the near shore in the sunshine Whilst photographing it I had an insect lifer in the shape of Water Ladybird (submitted to UK Ladybird Survey!). The Lesser Scaup was also showing pretty well, albeit diving continuously, viewed from the E.end of the upper track around No.6 Tank, which is looking very dry at the moment.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Jun 8 12:12 PM, 2014
Red necked Grebe in stunning full summer plumage seen from the causeway just down from Weaver Bend. Lesser Scaup still present on No6 tank 2 Red legged Partridge along Furlong Lane. Good numbers of Avocet with some newly fledged young around the Lum area.
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 8th of June 2014 06:52:30 PM
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jun 7 11:13 PM, 2014
sid ashton wrote:
Doc Brewster wrote:
............. Several locations just not good for birding any more, like the old ICI Tank, but maybe No.6 is turning up better wildfowl .........
To add a comment - in the relatively short time that I have been visiting the marshes, about ten years I have noticed the place decline from an access point of view. It is now difficult to find a reasonable viewing place for number 6 tank and driving the tracks is to be done with great care, there are that many pot holes.
Got to agree totally, Sid, you need rally driving skills to negotiate access to most parts of it now
sid ashton said
Sat Jun 7 11:22 AM, 2014
Doc Brewster wrote:
............. Several locations just not good for birding any more, like the old ICI Tank, but maybe No.6 is turning up better wildfowl .........
To add a comment - in the relatively short time that I have been visiting the marshes, about ten years I have noticed the place decline from an access point of view. It is now difficult to find a reasonable viewing place for number 6 tank and driving the tracks is to be done with great care, there are that many pot holes.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 6 11:45 PM, 2014
Hi John Yes it is, just about!! brings back old memories of when the Log used to be there & Frodsham buzzed with NW Birders. Seems a lot quieter these days. Bill Morton is still doing a cracking job of recording down there and occasional goodies keep turning up. Several locations just not good for birding any more, like the old ICI Tank, but maybe No.6 is turning up better wildfowl although I miss the old causeway & it's large wader roosts
JOHN TYMON said
Fri Jun 6 6:35 PM, 2014
Doc Brewster wrote:
If you know the site of the old log, John, where we all used to park on the corner, then that's the place to park. A tad muddy underfoot, just walking boots or the like will do, walking down the well trodden path to the Weaver. I saw it range from right at the end of this path (opposite Redwall Reedbed area) to down at the Weaver Bend halfway along the riverside path towards the old ICI tank. Hope that helps
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 6th of June 2014 03:35:55 PM
Cheers yes been many times to that spot ,just wanted to make sure that parking area was still in use :)
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 6 3:35 PM, 2014
If you know the site of the old log, John, where we all used to park on the corner, then that's the place to park. A tad muddy underfoot, just walking boots or the like will do, walking down the well trodden path to the Weaver. I saw it range from right at the end of this path (opposite Redwall Reedbed area) to down at the Weaver Bend halfway along the riverside path towards the old ICI tank. Hope that helps
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 6th of June 2014 03:35:55 PM
James Walsh said
Fri Jun 6 10:28 AM, 2014
On Sunday the Red-necked Grebe was showing well off the Redwall Reedbed, then moved further out to roost in the middle of the River Weaver, parking at the old log book site
Andrew Mitchell said
Fri Jun 6 10:28 AM, 2014
John - yesterday morning it was on the bend itself. I parked where the star on this map is near Redwall Reedbed, then follow the path down.
Plenty of usuals around, and Wildfowl numbers are an estimate, may have been more but the light was so bright at times that the reflection off the pool made it difficult to see anything.
Of note on No.6 tank...
- Green-winged Teal 1, eventually showed well in full view on No.6 tank.
- Eurasian Teal 100's, they were put up a few times and I realised most were in the vegetation.
- Pintail ~ 10 that I saw
- Pochard ~ 30-40 (all male that I saw)
- Shoveler ~ 30-40
- Tufted Duck, lots ~ 80-100
- Shelduck only a few - Cormorant 15+
Of Note on No.5 tank and surrounds...
- Short-eared Owl 3
2 together, then 1 further over, eventually 3 seen in the air together. Mainly hunting quartering over the scrub, then perched up on posts, on the ground, and being mobbed by a Herring Gull. Good to see a variation in colour too which helped matters, 1 bird had a brownish almost rusty beige hue but the other 2 seen together at first seemed a lot lighter with a creamy beige plumage.
- Kestrel 1
- Raven ~ 20, singles and groups
- Curlew 3 over
- Golden Plover ~ 60
- Lapwing ~ 75
- Starling ~ 500+ towards the gas towers
- Goldfinch and Greenfinch flock over
- Great Black-backed Gull 4
- ...and the usual constant stream of commoner Gulls over
Met some nice people up there today, including Bill who does the Frodsham Blog.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 27th of December 2015 06:06:42 PM
- Green-winged Teal on No.6 tank. Just managed a fleeting glimpse of it (in amongst the masses of Eurasian Teal) swimming into the vegetation on the right hand side and it didn't show again.
- Raven at least 6 over
- Fieldfare 3
- Redwing small flock of around 15 over
- Kestrel 1
- a cracking Short-eared Owl showing well hunting over No.5 tank on opposite side of path, then it perched up for a short while before going to ground
- Cormorant, few singles and a group of 3 over showing a lot of white from the belly up to the throat and face area, it was suggested they could be continental types, and they certainly looked like a good possibility, but I wouldn't be able to call that from a flyover view alone.
Better conditions than yesterday, no wind and good light, Good prolonged views of a Male Green-winged Teal Picked the bird up in open water initially within a large Commom Teal flock c400 but it drifted into the margins of the Micklsmous daisy vegetation and became more difficult to view, The whole Teal flock where flushed out of the vegetation at one point and I'd guess may be 1000+ birds, Strangely male birds far out numbered female birds.
Sunday Nov 1st. 09.30 - 11.30 hrs.
Frodsham Marsh.
Short-eared Owl .... hunting over No3 bed then perched on a stump for 10 mins.
Raven (3)
Fieldfare. 200+
Roger.
No6 tank over high tide
Golden Plover 150+
Common Snipe 34
Ruff 9
Black tailed Godwit
Dunlin
Stonechat 2
A late visit after Burton Mere with Steve Burke and Simon Gough.
Water was high and not ideal for Waders but we did manage some good sightings.
Of note...
-2 Greenshank
-2 Ruff
-Few Black-tailed Godwits over
-Curlew, few groups coming into roost
-1 Little Egret
-1 Common Buzzard, another heard calling in the distance
-3 Kestrel incl probably same 1 as last week close to the car
-Reed Warbler heard in swampy vegetation below main path
-lots of Shelduck
-lots of Teal
-possible Shoveler, poor light but I'm pretty sure it was.
-3 Raven (2 then 1) flying over cronking
(Ended up staying as the sightings were so good)
-Curlew Sandpiper - a Lifer for me, had a couple of maybes in the past but this is 100%. In summer plumage, really rich rusty red colour to the breast. Fantastic!
-Dunlin - possibly up in the region of nearly 2000 and I heard that even more had departed earlier.
-Black-tailed Godwit - estimate 500+ possibly more
-Lapwing - lots
-Golden Plover - small group of around 20 or so over
-Curlew - 2 singles over
-Whimbrel - 1 partially hidden in vegetation on main tank/pool, thought it was a Curlew at first
-Greenshank - 1 (which I now know is a Juv, cheers Ian)
-Redshank - plenty around
-Ruff - approx 15
-Ringed Plover - few dotted around right at the back, could well have been more concealed
-Shelduck - plenty of juv's around
-Tufted Duck
-Northern Shoveler - 1 female
-Common Teal
-Gadwall
-Wigeon - a lone female
-Cormorant - a few about
-Great Crested Grebe - 2
-Grey Heron - 2
-Great Black-backed Gull - 1 over early evening towards Runcorn
Raptors...
-Hen Harrier - hung around on my own on the off chance of something special and what a good decision it was as one showed on approx 6 occasions, all over the site, from around 5.45pm to about 8pm. Pretty sure there was more than one as I had a pale rusty coloured bird at one point probably a juv, then a more duller brown bird came into view so I thought likely to be adult fem.
A few times whilst watching them hunting low over the marshy scrub I saw them twist suddenly and drop to the floor but came up almost immediately and didn't appear to catch anything but then a bit later one bird did go down and didn't show again so could've caught something or was resting.
Brilliant to watch!
-Marsh Harrier - seen as singles at first in quick succession and were juveniles having the golden crown. Then another lighter coloured bird was seen, bit of a tatty head and paler markings to the upper-wings so presumed it was an adult male.
Then 3 were together in the air calling to each other. Unsure of total but a lot of activity.
-Common Buzzard - at least 5 seen, 3 in view together on posts passed the tank on opposite side, and a couple circling
-Sparrowhawk - 1 female hunting
-Kestrel - think it was a Juv, heavy barring on orangey back, never flew very far away from me.
-Barn Owl - brief views before it went to ground, well passed tank on opposite side but far out
-Raven - 2 over
-Rook, Jackdaw, and Carrion Crow - plenty over
-Chiffchaff - at least 5 moving through the hedges, calling
-Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 flew from hedges at side of track
-Stock Dove - 2
-large group of House Martin through, approx 30-40
-lots of Swallow around, including 1 lone bird late on with extra long tail streamers, but light was fading and couldn't get on it quick enough before it dropped down over the hedge and out of sight.
Lots of usuals around too, a cracking afternoon-evening!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of August 2015 06:28:30 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of August 2015 06:30:31 PM
Goldfinch 2
Chiffchaff 2
Sedge Warbler 1
Whitethroat 1
Reed Bunting male
Grey Heron
Buzzard 1
100's of Swift's hawking over the river, great sight.
2 Painted Lady Butterflies first of year for me
Cheers
Peregrine
Golden Plover 37
Lapwing
Good numbers of Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Teal and Shelduck
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 11th of January 2015 06:00:49 PM
Golden Plover 500+
Lapwing 500+
Curlew 150+
Black Tailed Godwit 100+
Raven 12
Buzzard 6
Kestrel
Stonechat
Linnet
After reviewing the photos and some much needed help from Ian,
Firstly it seems the 2 small Waders I couldn't ID and sent for a second opinion could well be Dunlin, (I did say I wasn't holding my breath for Temminck's Stint) and the Curlew Sandpiper images from distance are certainly not definitive as field ID shots. I can only go off what I thought they were and a rough location at the waters edge that other birders provided whilst I was there.
Many thanks to Ian with this matter.
In among the Dunlin
Ruff 1
Little Stint 1
Curlew Sandpiper 2
Black-tailed Godwit 2
Curlew 1
Shelduck
Teal
Raven over
Water Rail heard
5 - 6.30pm
Many birds reported by other birders when I got there and I seemingly got most of them but will amend post accordingly if incorrect. Similar to Chris's sightings on Saturday.
7 - Little Stint
1 - Yellow Wagtail (in the midst of the Stints, roughly same size)
2 - Curlew Sandpiper (could be 3, certainly seems like a 3rd to me in photos)
1 - Ruff
Dunlin - a couple of 100 at least
Sanderling - maybe up to 100
Ringed Plover - possibly up to 100
A few Redshank
1 drake Scaup (more reported)
1 Whitethroat
1 Chiffchaff
1 Wheatear
1 Whinchat (tried for a shot on these last 2 but they were too flitty)
Insects numbers were building and a good number of Swallows and Sand Martins were present also
Someone reported Temminck's Stints yesterday and I have sent photos to Ian of 2 small Waders I'm unsure about that didn't look like the others but I'm not holding my breath as the images were from distance.
Cheers
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 1st of September 2014 02:21:46 PM
http://frodshammarshbirdblog.wordpress.com/
Cheers
Greenshank, Ruff, Redshank and Ringed Plover all easy to pick out.
Dunlin bit harder to spot, camouflaged in the mud.
Then at least 3 Little Stint - only really ID'd on size - just a tad smaller than the Pied Wagtails flitting about, but no way could I rule out Temmincks or something more exotic.
You need a decent scope and good lighting
5 Little Stint (7 reported from others)
Curlew Sandpiper
2 Black Tailed Godwit
100+ Dunlin
Common Redshank
40+ Ringed Plover
2 Little Ringed Plover
4 Scaup
4 Raven
2+ Common Buzzard
Common Whitethroat
Chiffchaff
Many Swallow/ Sand Martin
Were the highlights.
yes simon all these were viewed on the no 6 tank, sorry I forgot to mention that. like sid says you really do need a scope.
Thanks for the advice, I figured it could be a struggle just with bins. Might be waiting a bit longer for my first Little Stint then! There was one reported from Martin Mere today to be fair, all might not be lost. I'd need them to stick around till Saturday in any case.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 29th of August 2014 10:51:27 AM
Thanks
3 little stints
5 curlew sandpipers
5 greenshanks
6 ruff
1 turnstone
2 golden plover
hundreds of redshanks, ringed plovers & dunlins
lapwings, shelducks, teals & tufted ducks
3 common gulls
1 peregrine falcon
lots of swallows & house martins over south.
2 ruddy shelducks plus what I have read about a female type.
32 shelducks mostly juveniles
1000+ ringed plovers & dunlins
4 turnstones
2 black tailed godwits
3 redshanks
1 grey heron
all on no.6 tank.
15 ravens in the air at once, more around
1 hobby with prey in its talons
2 buzzards
4 kestrels
1 whitethroat
2 chiffchaffs
1 yellow wagtail over west
60+ swifts
Common Sandpiper 3
Ringed plover 4
Black Tailed Godwit in breading plumage
Curlew
Distant views of a Marsh Harrier quartering the reed bed at the back of Tank No6
Raven x3
We parked in the car park and walked east.
As I said I was quite impressed by the place until we got to the east side of the Pump-house Pool.
The pool there in front of the hide was littered with windblown debris and the smell from the landfill site hinted as to its origin.
We did not venture further east due to time restraints, neither did we explore the western end the other side of Lapwing Lane.
I accept that it is a haven for birds and they won't be bothered by a bit of rubbish, but the shine was rather taken off a very pleasant stroll in the country that day by ending up at a very scruffy tip.
We saw more butterfly enthusiasts than birdwatchers on our visit, it is apparently one of the best spots to see a White Hairstreak.
Maybe I'll revise my opinion after a a more extensive visit - we'll see.
Andy Voisey
-- Edited by chrisneild on Monday 14th of July 2014 03:05:33 PM
Red Necked Grebe was present and posed for photos on the Frodsham Marsh side of the Weaver.
Fields adjacent , where the hay had been cut and was drying, were full of Lapwing, Starling and Jackdaws.
On river the tide was making and Cormorant and G C Grebes were active. Shelduck, Canada Geese and Mallard were on the banks with a couple of Oystercatchers.
We didn't go to the settling tanks but moved to Norton Marsh to check for the Osprey.
We were told by a couple who had been down earlier ,who we met on the path, that the Osprey had been seen with a fish earlier but had disappeared.
Several Yellowhammers and a Bullfinch in the bushes on the way to the hide, but they didn't stop for photos.
At the hide we found the Osprey on the opposite bank, on the ground eating the fish. It was a long way off and although I got a few photos, it really needed scoping.
My only Osprey this year apart from the tame ones at Loch Garten.
We then walked round Moore Nature Reserve which I had never visited before.
It is a big place and at first I was impressed by the reserve, but as we walked in about a mile the smell and blown rubbish from Arpley Landfill Site really put me off the it.
The warden told us there were a couple of Little Ringed Plovers on the Pumphouse Pool, but we didn't see them.
Both Black-backed Gulls were present as were the usual water birds. Lapwings were the only waders we saw.
Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warblers seen and heard.
We didn't go as far as the reed beds.
Unsure if I'll go back.
But both targeted birds were seen and photographed, so not a completely wasted day.
Andy Voisey
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 9th of July 2014 07:27:03 PM
Thanks I'll try for it in morn
Karl
According to birdguides it is still there today
Cheers
Karl
Red Necked Grebe still at Weaver Bend. It came in pretty close as the sun came out giving exceptional views.
Lots of Shelduck and Oystercatchers around.
On the walk up from No.5 tank I had the following:
3 Sedge Warblers
4 Common Whitethroat
5 Greenfinch
Lots of the usuals and very good numbers of Swallows and Swifts with a smattering of Sand Martins thrown in too.
Red Necked Grebe showing well on bend of River Weaver towards Redwall Reedbed side (lifer for me!)
Avocet x 2
Little Egret
Black Backed Gull with what looked like eel being eaten on No 6
Shelduck x lots plus 10 chicks on No 6
Common Whitethroat x 4
Buzzards x 5
Kestrels x 3
Goldfinch x lots
Lapwing
Tufted Duck
Chiffchaff
Chaffinch
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Pied Wagtail
Canada Geese families and about 100 chicks (on bank between Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey) behind Marsh Farm
Greylag Geese and 20 plus chicks
Coot
Heron
Blackbird
Mallard plus chicks
Woodpigeon
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown
My experience too, Tony, hard viewing from up on the track & into the sun. So I am amazed to see some shots posted that look as if folk are hopping over the fence to get low angle shots of the bird. Didn't think there was any access to the lower banks of Number 6 Tank, but maybe that is the norm now, anyone know whether that is the case?
Poor views of Lesser Scaup into the sun
Lesser Scaup still present on No6 tank
2 Red legged Partridge along Furlong Lane.
Good numbers of Avocet with some newly fledged young around the Lum area.
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 8th of June 2014 06:52:30 PM
Got to agree totally, Sid, you need rally driving skills to negotiate access to most parts of it now
Yes it is, just about!! brings back old memories of when the Log used to be there & Frodsham buzzed with NW Birders. Seems a lot quieter these days. Bill Morton is still doing a cracking job of recording down there and occasional goodies keep turning up. Several locations just not good for birding any more, like the old ICI Tank, but maybe No.6 is turning up better wildfowl although I miss the old causeway & it's large wader roosts
Cheers yes been many times to that spot ,just wanted to make sure that parking area was still in use :)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 6th of June 2014 03:35:55 PM
http://frodshammarshbirdblog.wordpress.com/marsh-map/
Cheers