This afternoon 3 Whooper Swans (and 1 Mute with them) flew fairly low east over the Deer Park. Luckily they were calling or i'd have missed them. They went behind a copse which i was standing next to, i legged it to the other side but couldn't find them; they were flying quite slowly and i wonder if they landed in the kale field here, it slopes away so that you can't see most of it. Nice to see flocks of Long Tailed Tits everywhere at the mo.
Yesterday there was a Green Woodpecker near the monument, Stock Doves in the Deer Park and by the Rostherne Entrance, and a Reed Bunting over high south calling. I see that part of the wall has collapsed at the back of the deer park - i wonder if any escaped..
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of October 2014 10:15:24 PM
-- Edited by Mike Duckham on Thursday 30th of October 2014 12:54:48 AM
Adam Jones said
Sun Oct 12 9:20 PM, 2014
During an afternoon stroll, of note: 1 Green Woodpecker 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Nuthatch 3 Common Buzzard 1 Kestrel
John Williams said
Sat Sep 27 4:49 PM, 2014
Rostherne village
A flock of 12 Linnets on power lines & a group of 27 Lapwing flying South.
Tatton Park
6 Buzzards, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers & heading South, a flock of 8 House Martins. 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Melchett Mere
20 Wigeon, 60 Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Herons, 12 Pochard, plus 1 adult Great Crested Grebe that was still feeding a half grown youngster.
Tatton Mere
26 adult+3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes, 16 Little Grebes, 35 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler & 7 Pochard.
Most of the waterfowl were gathered at the Knutsford Moor end of the mere as sailing was taking place.
Also at the Knutsford end, 6 full grown Mute cygnets, 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls and an absolute mass of Coot.
Dog Wood
A large mixed tit flock also held 4 Nuthatches & 3 Treecreepers.
Both Fallow & Red stags are now appear ready for the rut. Especially the Fallow stags which have isolated themselves from the rest of the herd. 2 big Red stags looked really impressive, a 12 pointer & a 10 pointer, but both appeared drowsy & unconcerned, in a couple of weeks that is likely to change.
Chris Storey said
Thu Apr 10 1:21 PM, 2014
Half a dozen Swallows mixed in with 50 or so Sand Martin flying in small groups over Tatton Mere.
3 GS Woodpeckers including a pair feeding on a fallen log, which was on the ground, in vegitation, so it looked as if they were ground feeding. This was in a copse on the Dog Wood side of the mere.
Also heard a couple of Green Woodpeckers.
Lots of GC Grebes on the mere. Three female and one male Goldeneye still around.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 10th of April 2014 02:17:19 PM
Steven Nelson said
Mon Apr 7 6:45 PM, 2014
12.30-3.00pm - Heavy frequent showers. Casual sightings only:
Rostherne Entrance:
2 Egyptian Geese grazing next to the road 3 Brambling - only seen from car but probably more 4 Buzzard Nuthatch - heard near playground
Dave Higginson-Tranter said
Wed Feb 19 5:17 PM, 2014
A few hours wandering in clement conditions -
Jackdaw; Mistle Thrush; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Buzzard; Blackbird; Great Crested Grebe; Tufted Duck; Black Headed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Coot; Mallard; Goldeneye; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Jay; Brambling (*3); Coal Tit; Nuthatch; Great Spotted Woodpecker (*4); Wren; Robin; Raven; Green Woodpecker; Starling; Goldcrest; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Treecreeper; Redwing; Pochard; Moorhen + Dunnock on call.
I expected more!
Fungalpunk Dave - www.fungalpunknature.co.uk
-- Edited by Dave Higginson-Tranter on Wednesday 19th of February 2014 05:18:20 PM
Ivan Ellison said
Fri Jan 31 11:40 AM, 2014
Large flock of Bramblings and Chaffinch along the edge of the golf course at the Knutsford entrance. At least 60 + birds in total. Nice to see my first Brambling of the winter , some of the males were sporting very dark heads.
DavidBowman said
Wed Jan 29 2:40 PM, 2014
Walked round the park with Em this morning and had loads of birds feeding actively. Highlights were: 35 Bramblings (feeding with Chaffinches near the Rostherne entrance), 60 Siskins in the pines near the toilet block, 2,000 Starlings feeding all over the place,140 Redwings, displaying Goldeneyes on the meres plus odd, Wigeon, Shoveler and Shelduck.
Cheers David
John Williams said
Sun Jan 26 5:47 PM, 2014
11.00-15.00
Knutsford Moor/Dog Wood
6 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Tufted Ducks, 2f Goldeneyes, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Treecreeper and 1 Grey Heron.
Tatton Mere
5m+14f Goldeneyes. 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 14 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron & 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Large numbers of Redwings in the rowans near the Mercury Pool, and with them at least 3 Fieldfares.
Melchett Mere
6 Goldfinches on thistles, 1 male Stonechat flitting around the tops of sedge clumps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 19 Pochard, 22 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel and a Heron.
Tatton Mere
27 Great Crested Grebes, including quite a few youngsters, at least 1 still being fed by it's parents. 1 pair of Little Grebes.
Lots of Tufted Duck, Black Headed Gulls, Coot etc.
At the Knutsford Moor end, 5 Shoveler, 3 Cormorants and a Lesser Black Back Gull. Sadly I did'nt have time to view this area in more detail from the Dog Wood side.
Just 1 Buzzard seen, which was close to the Rosetherne entrance. Raven heard. Darter dragonflies still around, as was 1 Small Tortoishell and 1 Red Admiral butterflies.
The big Red stags are looking very impressive, with 2 huge roaring ones that were sizing each other up for a fight, but in the end backed down.
1 huge Fallow stag too, that was having a wallow in a muddy pool.
Tony Usher said
Fri Oct 11 3:15 AM, 2013
The bird was discovered at 10:45am but flew off in a northerly direction almost immediately.
Tony Usher.
Rory Newton said
Fri Oct 11 2:30 AM, 2013
Hi All,
I was just wondering whether there has been any news of the Great Northern Diver at Tatton recently?
Many thanks in advance for any information.
ATVB,
Rory
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 24 1:34 AM, 2013
Louis, please don't worry about it, such an apology is absolutely not necessary I assure you.
I was never in any doubt that you didn't cause any upset to anyone, nor that in reality, you didn't actually intend anything by the comment and merely hadn't condsiered how it might be perceived by others; easily done for sure .
There is a growing trend for us birders to pour scorn on the general public who do not understand our hobby thought but is that really all their fault?
Anyway, as I said in my post, I apologise it was your post that finally tipped me over the edge as clearly there was really little implication in it but it was the straw that broke the camels back...or something like that...
Louis Hill said
Fri Aug 23 8:20 AM, 2013
I do apologise greatly Ian, for I didn't at all mean to offend you and cause dismay to the general public. The hide did start to get rather busy later on and I fully appreciate what you are saying and that I shouldn't have made this assumption that all the general public are noisy (and they were trying to be quiet.) In no way did I cause upset to the mother and their children, just packed away my bins and left the hide. However, later on in the afternoon an older man and his grandson entered the hide and I did inform them of the birds on the lake and had a chat with the man about how he used to be a part of the Warrington Birding Club and passed on some of my knowledge to his grandson.
In no way was my comment meant to be provocative, unkind or scornful but was only informing of what had happened in the hide and that I didn't tell them to be quiet, or anything of the sort.
Once again I am sorry for my lack of respect regarding my statement and that I should have been more careful in what I had written.
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Friday 23rd of August 2013 08:23:07 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Aug 22 2:35 AM, 2013
Louis Hill wrote:
A pleasant walk around the park today, spent about half an hour in the Allen Hide until some noisy toddlers and their mother came storming in.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Wednesday 21st of August 2013 05:04:04 PM
I'm sorry Louis, I know I really ought to bite my lip at this but have you considered how that statement might make us birders sound to the general public? Are the hides not for everyone, including toddlers, who have a particular habit of being noisy ? I fully appreciate they could well scare the birds off for a few minutes and disturb any birders present (one only has to attempt birding at Pennington Flash at the weekends to appreciate that!) but these hides in public places are there for all the general public to enjoy and not just birders. Sure they could well attempt to be quieter but I've seen too many birders just tut loudly and pour scorn at such kids and their parents (especially lone mums it seems), then watch the dismay on their faces and the instant association of a grumpy manner and anyone with bins! I've also watched some birders take the opportunity to very tactfully educate the children (and their parents) and perhaps, hopefully, light the spark which starts off a life long appreciation and love of wildlife; sometimes that's all it takes.
Once again, I apologise I have picked on your post Louis, nothing personal, but it seems many posts like this are appearing on this forum of late and that there is a particularly widening divide amongst birders and the public (on the behalf of birders I might add) which cannot help but be detrimental at some point.
Louis Hill said
Wed Aug 21 5:03 PM, 2013
A pleasant walk around the park today, spent about half an hour in the Allen Hide until some noisy toddlers and their mother came storming in. Did see a few birds though.
11:00am - 3:00pm
Tatton Mere and woodland:
3 Mute Swans 10+ Coots 2 Ravens over 10+ Black Headed Gulls in summer plumage 1 Goldcrest Heard Green Woodpecker Lots of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws
From the Allen Hide:
3 Mute Swans 10+ Tufted Duck (mostly females) 1 drake Pochard 10+ Coots Lots of Mallards 10+ Canada Geese over
2 adult and 2 juvenile Blue Tits, 2 Great Tits, 1 Wren, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chaffinches on feeders
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Wednesday 21st of August 2013 05:04:04 PM
Green woodpecker on young ash tree Wheatear by the lake
Louis.
Denzil Nicklin said
Tue Apr 16 4:20 PM, 2013
Hi Paul
Good to see you out and about
I've Birded Tatton Park on a few occasions over the years, and it's got great potential, but I found that I needed a full day to do it any real justice.
P.S. Not much in the way of sightings being relayed from Burton Mere Wetlands anymore since you departed, ( left to me, via the NWBF now ) but during yesterday's ramblings, myself, Stan Skelton, Keith Duckers and Bill Owens had 2 Brambling ( male and female ), Common Redstart ( male ), and a single Common Sandpiper ( on the reserve itself ) and then also 3 Cetti's Warbler singing around the Neston Sewage Works area....................but somehow managed to miss 3 Ring Ouzel that were reported there also
Denzil
-- Edited by Denzil Nicklin on Tuesday 16th of April 2013 04:47:44 PM
-- Edited by Denzil Nicklin on Tuesday 16th of April 2013 04:52:43 PM
paul brady said
Tue Apr 9 11:25 PM, 2013
Same as Paul below as a family visit not much birding time but 3 green woodpeckers, 3 male goldeneye and a singing chiffchaff were nice highlights on Sunday. Great Spotted woodpecker also drumming, nuthatch calling and greta crested grebe were also nice.
Paul Hurst said
Sun Mar 3 2:15 AM, 2013
A familly visit to the park didn't leave me much time to do some birding, but I got a few year ticks all the same.
Lots of Wigeon on one of the smaller lakes, a Green Woodpecker calling, and some Goldeneyes were the highlights. Also 1 Nuthatch, and c10 Jackdaws flying about.
Not much about, yet I had a nice day out all the same (nice to get out into the sun)
John Williams said
Wed Dec 19 1:46 AM, 2012
10.00-15.00
A pleasant walk from Rostherne, around Tatton Park and back.
The big surprise was an adult winter Yellow Legged Gull sat on one of the posts that cross Tatton Mere at the Knutsford Moor end. Also there 2 Common Gulls and lots of Black Heads.
In the mature wooded areas were :- 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Buzzards. 2 Goldcrests with Coal Tits in the big pines at the Rostherne end.
Raven heard but not seen, not a single Chaffinch seen throughout walk either.
Melchett Mere
2 Grey Herons, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 drake Pochard, 14 Tufted Ducks, 8 Canada Geese and a pair of Mute Swans. A Green Woodpecker was in the sedge area on the South bank.
No sign of any Snipe.
Tatton Mere ( including the Knutsford Moor end)
11 Goldeneye, 33 Tufted Ducks, 3 Gadwall, 3 Cormorants plus at the secluded Knutsford Moor end a flock of 17 Pochard.
Dog Wood
5 Treecreepers with a big mixed tit flock. Lots of Nuthatches here too.
Henry Cook said
Wed Dec 5 4:29 AM, 2012
Sent you a PM Phil.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Dec 5 1:19 AM, 2012
Where would the best area be to see the Jack Snipes?
Henry Cook said
Mon Dec 3 1:16 AM, 2012
02/12/2012 - 1-4pm with Mike Duckham:
15 Jack Snipes 6 Common Snipes 1 Shelduck 2 Goldeneyes 1 Gadwall c70 Tufted Ducks c350 Mallards 4 Great Crested Grebes 5 Buzzards 3 Green Woodpeckers 1 Siskin 3 Reed Buntings
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Dec 2 10:37 PM, 2012
Tatton used to be a regular haunt for Jacks - gl;ad to see they are still there and surving the dog walkers and mountain bikers!
-- Edited by Rob Smallwood on Monday 3rd of December 2012 11:45:35 AM
John Doherty said
Sun Nov 11 2:21 AM, 2012
Good visit today in fine sunshine
Nuthatch, 2 Chaffinches and Great Tits visited feeders at the mansion
1 - F Goldeneye on Melchett Pond which flew across at speed 2 Mute Swan
60ish Tufted Ducks over both main waters, and half a dozen Gadwalls bottom of Tatton Mere
A Buzzard flew from farmland just outside the park and into a tree.
Rory Newton said
Mon Jun 11 3:39 AM, 2012
Displaying Great-Crested Grebes on the Mere along with Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks and Sand Matins.
Around the Mansion there were:
Rooks, Swallows, Jackdaws and House Martins
Phil Barnett said
Sun Mar 18 11:03 PM, 2012
Sand martins - 3 over the mere
Graham Smith said
Sun Mar 11 5:24 PM, 2012
Pleasant walk around today
1 Goldcrest 25 Long tailed tits 4 Song thrush 13 Redwings 3 Nuthatch Robins,Blackbirds,mixed flocks of tits and plenty of rooks and jackdaws
mallards,coots,moorhens and plenty of black headed gulls
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 11th of March 2012 10:56:05 PM
Adam Jones said
Sun Feb 12 12:20 AM, 2012
Saturday 11th February 2.00-3.00pm
Smew still present up to my leaving. It is still very flighty but also still sticking very much to the Northern end of Tatton Mere. Also seen: 6 Goldeneye 2 Pochard 1 Great Crested Grebe
sid ashton said
Sat Feb 11 3:10 AM, 2012
The Smew was still present at c.15.00 - still at the Northern end of the mere and still flighty, on one occasion it went onto the ice covered pool at the extreme north end. Also had the Golden Eye, Tufties and Shelduck on the mere.
Great to meet Scott Reid again and to walk together to where one of the wardens had pointed us in the direction of a goodly sized flock (c.30) of Bramblings
Also had the Great Spotted Woodpecker, an overflying Fieldfare and heard calling Green Woodpecker.
When I first arrived had a really close view of the Airbus taking off over the mere - amazing. The birds took not the slightest notice.
Chris Greene said
Sat Feb 11 12:19 AM, 2012
Redhead smew still showing well,at 14:00 hrs ,today. It appears to favour the ice-free channel at the northern end of the mere,although very flighty,always returning to this area. Also on the mere, m+f goldeneye ,shelduck ,4 great crested grebes 8 pochard,30 + tufties , several coots, mallard and 80 + Canada geese on the ice. Around the park: greater spotted and green woodpeckers, and a very large mixed flock of goldfinch,siskins and a few redpoll.
Cheers Chris.
Ann Ribbands said
Fri Feb 10 6:25 PM, 2012
Redhead (f) smew showed well at the north end of Tatton Mere yesterday inspite of the freezing rain (don't ever call me a fair weather birder!). It seemed to spend quite a lot of time skulking in the vegetation on the west side, thanks to the guy who sent us in the right direction. Do object to paying £5 to get in the park in the middle of winter though.
Phil Panton said
Fri Feb 10 2:47 PM, 2012
Reports of a smew present for the last couple of days on the mere
Mike Duckham said
Tue Nov 1 5:48 PM, 2011
Brambling calling in the beeches inside the Rostherne entrance, Tawny Owl calling near the Deer Park and a nice group of Fieldfare near the mill pond feeding up on Hawthorn berries.
Graham Smith said
Sun May 22 7:53 PM, 2011
Quick walk down to the mere after a visit to the food show and there was loads of swifts flying around
Phil Barnett said
Sat Apr 30 4:55 PM, 2011
Osprey north over the mere at 1.30 pm
Ian Woosey said
Tue Feb 8 3:42 PM, 2011
8/2/11
A leisurely stroll up to the Hall and back from the Knutsford entrance produced the following:
4 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 13 Goldeneye 3 Little Grebe 5 Great Crested Grebe 11 Pochard 41 Tufted Duck 3 Great Heron 5 Cormorant 2 Nuthatch 2 Stock Dove 2 Pied Wagtail
No pies at the cafe, but sirloin steak for £8 did the trick nicely
Henry Cook said
Wed Nov 24 1:47 PM, 2010
24/11/2010 - Species seen around the farmland to the east of the park today:
Raven, Barn Owl, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow and Stock Dove.
Henry Cook said
Tue Jul 6 4:09 PM, 2010
06/07/2010 - Just out of park to the north at Birkinheath Covert this morning were 4 Crossbills briefly. Very noisy but tricky to pick out amongst the conifers there. Also a family of 8 Mandarins on Mobberley Brook adjacent to the covert.
Graham Smith said
Sun Jun 13 4:27 PM, 2010
Called in today and saw black caps , house martins, finches and tits near the house went down to the mere plenty of Canada geese with young ,3 great crested grebe 1 which was sat on her nest and 1 tufted duck.
richard howells 2 said
Tue Apr 6 8:15 AM, 2010
Accompanied my very young grandson to Tatton for the Easter Bunnies on the 5th (Easter Monday - 'twas like Piccadilly Circus!) - he was entranced by the farm animals including one chicken which took a swipe at me. Missed but nearly wild enough to be tickable! No warblers heard although I was listening, but very windy.
Stopped on the way out to see a fair size flock of hirundines over the smaller mere (leading up towards the house). Sands, Swallows and House Martins all there roughly in the ratio of 20:7:2, around 60-80 total. First Swallows of the year for me. Also a pair of Goldeneye still hanging around, although I see that John T had 20+ up at Pennington.
pete berry said
Sat Feb 13 7:02 PM, 2010
One of the Redhead Smew was present today from Dog Wood end of the Mere.Couldn't see t'other one),also a Lesserpecker calling in Dogwood,which lived up to its name as it was overun with dogs(including mine).
Geoff Walton said
Fri Feb 12 4:40 PM, 2010
WE all went today.
The smew were round the back, viewed from the woods, and the scaup up at the top end near the 2nd lake. It's always nice to see male goldeneye as well.
A buzzard above looked nice.
After lugging all my gear around the mere, I was worn out at the end, but we call to look at Rostherne Mere on the way back. 10 gc grebe and some goosander were visible from the churchyard. Must try and get a permit for a day for our group.
sid ashton said
Fri Feb 12 2:36 PM, 2010
Richard Donkin wrote:
Parked at Knutsford entrance on road by golf club for free - saving £4.50 - thanks to Sid Ashton for tip.
All part of the service Richard and welcome to the forum.
Rick Donkin said
Fri Feb 12 12:08 PM, 2010
Spent very pleasant afternoon Thus 11 Feb walking through Tatton. Parked at Knutsford entrance on road by golf club for free - saving £4.50 - thanks to Sid Ashton for tip. Walk started at 11.30.
Redheads not on view initially at Knutsord end of mere so walked along to far end scanning through the many diving tufties and goldeneye, with a few pochard. On Melchett Mere there were more of the same with 10 Ruddy Ducks. Still no Smew so walked back watching 2 Buzzard displying over golf course another soaring over the wood on far side of the mere. Back near the Knutsford end again there was one Redhead drifting along with mallard and coot - then the second one appeared and the two started to dive for food. Watched, sat on the Millennium Project park bench, for an hour in clear, sunny conditions and it became apparent that one of the ducks was slightly larger than the other with noticably more white markings on the sides! (Male in eclipse???). I'm no expert - do we get them here?
Other birds included Jay, Nuthatch, GS Woodpecker, Jackdaw, C Crow, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Chaffinch,Linnet (? 2 overhead against sun) and many cormorant - some in breeding plumage.
Overall a very satisfying afternoon ending at 16.40 before returning to the car frozen to the bone.
This is only my second contribution after having recently come across this excellent birding forum. Hope to post some interesting finds myself to reciprocate the sightings from other members. (In last 10 yrs I have had Lesser Spot in Garden and nesting Kingfisher in opposite bank of stream along side of my garden - but, alas, nothing as good since). Rick.
sid ashton said
Mon Feb 8 5:39 PM, 2010
Tim Wilcox wrote:
Yesterday around 1.00pm both redheads were at the south end of the Mere. One in open water, the other hiding near the bank under branches. It's a long tramp with a heavy tripod if you come in at the Rostherne end and park at the Hall. So best to follow the road on to the Kuntsford end.
There is also parking on the road outside the Knutsford entrance
Tim Wilcox said
Mon Feb 8 10:47 AM, 2010
Yesterday around 1.00pm both redheads were at the south end of the Mere. One in open water, the other hiding near the bank under branches. It's a long tramp with a heavy tripod if you come in at the Rostherne end and park at the Hall. So best to follow the road on to the Kuntsford end.
stuartherring said
Sun Feb 7 6:34 PM, 2010
ONLY ONE SMEW (F) ON MAIN LAKE PENTYOF GOLDEN EYES DISPLAYING PLUS A LOT OF TUFTIES ALSO 2 MALE SHOVELER AND 2 MALE POCHARD,4 HERONS ON THE HERONRY NICE DAY OUT
Pete Welch said
Sat Feb 6 1:59 PM, 2010
Good views of wildfowl today as the mere is partially frozen in the middle - large number of Tufties, Mallard, Coot and Canadas plus good number of Gadwall, a few teal, two red head Smew and displaying Golden Eye drakes. The Smew were at the Northern end about 150m south of the narrow neck where the mere ends in the circular pond. There were more Golden Eye and Teal on the further mere which is separated from the main one by the road.
Elsewhere in the park two pairs of Buzzards displaying and calling, mipits, and the usual goldfinch and mixed tit flocks.
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 6th of February 2010 01:59:41 PM
Yesterday there was a Green Woodpecker near the monument, Stock Doves in the Deer Park and by the Rostherne Entrance, and a Reed Bunting over high south calling. I see that part of the wall has collapsed at the back of the deer park - i wonder if any escaped..
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of October 2014 10:15:24 PM
-- Edited by Mike Duckham on Thursday 30th of October 2014 12:54:48 AM
1 Green Woodpecker
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Nuthatch
3 Common Buzzard
1 Kestrel
A flock of 12 Linnets on power lines & a group of 27 Lapwing flying South.
Tatton Park
6 Buzzards, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers & heading South, a flock of 8 House Martins. 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Melchett Mere
20 Wigeon, 60 Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Herons, 12 Pochard, plus 1 adult Great Crested Grebe that was still feeding a half grown youngster.
Tatton Mere
26 adult+3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes, 16 Little Grebes, 35 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler & 7 Pochard.
Most of the waterfowl were gathered at the Knutsford Moor end of the mere as sailing was taking place.
Also at the Knutsford end, 6 full grown Mute cygnets, 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls and an absolute mass of Coot.
Dog Wood
A large mixed tit flock also held 4 Nuthatches & 3 Treecreepers.
Both Fallow & Red stags are now appear ready for the rut. Especially the Fallow stags which have isolated themselves from the rest of the herd.
2 big Red stags looked really impressive, a 12 pointer & a 10 pointer, but both appeared drowsy & unconcerned, in a couple of weeks that is likely to change.
3 GS Woodpeckers including a pair feeding on a fallen log, which was on the ground, in vegitation, so it looked as if they were ground feeding. This was in a copse on the Dog Wood side of the mere.
Also heard a couple of Green Woodpeckers.
Lots of GC Grebes on the mere. Three female and one male Goldeneye still around.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 10th of April 2014 02:17:19 PM
Rostherne Entrance:
2 Egyptian Geese grazing next to the road
3 Brambling - only seen from car but probably more
4 Buzzard
Nuthatch - heard near playground
Jackdaw; Mistle Thrush; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Buzzard; Blackbird; Great Crested Grebe; Tufted Duck; Black Headed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Coot; Mallard; Goldeneye; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Jay; Brambling (*3); Coal Tit; Nuthatch; Great Spotted Woodpecker (*4); Wren; Robin; Raven; Green Woodpecker; Starling; Goldcrest; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Treecreeper; Redwing; Pochard; Moorhen + Dunnock on call.
I expected more!
Fungalpunk Dave - www.fungalpunknature.co.uk
-- Edited by Dave Higginson-Tranter on Wednesday 19th of February 2014 05:18:20 PM
Cheers David
Knutsford Moor/Dog Wood
6 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Tufted Ducks, 2f Goldeneyes, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Treecreeper and 1 Grey Heron.
Tatton Mere
5m+14f Goldeneyes. 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 14 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron & 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Melchett Mere
13 Pochard, 27 Tufted Ducks, 5 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe & 1 Kestrel
Large numbers of Redwings in the rowans near the Mercury Pool, and with them at least 3 Fieldfares.
Melchett Mere
6 Goldfinches on thistles, 1 male Stonechat flitting around the tops of sedge clumps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 19 Pochard, 22 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel and a Heron.
Tatton Mere
27 Great Crested Grebes, including quite a few youngsters, at least 1 still being fed by it's parents. 1 pair of Little Grebes.
Lots of Tufted Duck, Black Headed Gulls, Coot etc.
At the Knutsford Moor end, 5 Shoveler, 3 Cormorants and a Lesser Black Back Gull. Sadly I did'nt have time to view this area in more detail from the Dog Wood side.
Just 1 Buzzard seen, which was close to the Rosetherne entrance. Raven heard. Darter dragonflies still around, as was 1 Small Tortoishell and 1 Red Admiral butterflies.
The big Red stags are looking very impressive, with 2 huge roaring ones that were sizing each other up for a fight, but in the end backed down.
1 huge Fallow stag too, that was having a wallow in a muddy pool.
Tony Usher.
I was just wondering whether there has been any news of the Great Northern Diver at Tatton recently?
Many thanks in advance for any information.
ATVB,
Rory
I was never in any doubt that you didn't cause any upset to anyone, nor that in reality, you didn't actually intend anything by the comment and merely hadn't condsiered how it might be perceived by others; easily done for sure .
There is a growing trend for us birders to pour scorn on the general public who do not understand our hobby thought but is that really all their fault?
Anyway, as I said in my post, I apologise it was your post that finally tipped me over the edge as clearly there was really little implication in it but it was the straw that broke the camels back...or something like that...
In no way was my comment meant to be provocative, unkind or scornful but was only informing of what had happened in the hide and that I didn't tell them to be quiet, or anything of the sort.
Once again I am sorry for my lack of respect regarding my statement and that I should have been more careful in what I had written.
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Friday 23rd of August 2013 08:23:07 AM
I'm sorry Louis, I know I really ought to bite my lip at this but have you considered how that statement might make us birders sound to the general public? Are the hides not for everyone, including toddlers, who have a particular habit of being noisy ? I fully appreciate they could well scare the birds off for a few minutes and disturb any birders present (one only has to attempt birding at Pennington Flash at the weekends to appreciate that!) but these hides in public places are there for all the general public to enjoy and not just birders. Sure they could well attempt to be quieter but I've seen too many birders just tut loudly and pour scorn at such kids and their parents (especially lone mums it seems), then watch the dismay on their faces and the instant association of a grumpy manner and anyone with bins! I've also watched some birders take the opportunity to very tactfully educate the children (and their parents) and perhaps, hopefully, light the spark which starts off a life long appreciation and love of wildlife; sometimes that's all it takes.
Once again, I apologise I have picked on your post Louis, nothing personal, but it seems many posts like this are appearing on this forum of late and that there is a particularly widening divide amongst birders and the public (on the behalf of birders I might add) which cannot help but be detrimental at some point.
Did see a few birds though.
11:00am - 3:00pm
Tatton Mere and woodland:
3 Mute Swans
10+ Coots
2 Ravens over
10+ Black Headed Gulls in summer plumage
1 Goldcrest
Heard Green Woodpecker
Lots of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws
From the Allen Hide:
3 Mute Swans
10+ Tufted Duck (mostly females)
1 drake Pochard
10+ Coots
Lots of Mallards
10+ Canada Geese over
2 adult and 2 juvenile Blue Tits,
2 Great Tits,
1 Wren,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,
2 Chaffinches on feeders
Louis.
-- Edited by Louis Hill on Wednesday 21st of August 2013 05:04:04 PM
10.00am - 12.00pm
Tatton Mere:
Not as much activity as usual
2 Grey Heron nesting
4 Coot
2 Cormorant
Mallards (drake and female)
Black-Headed Gulls
Canada Geese
Green woodpecker on young ash tree
Wheatear by the lake
Louis.
Good to see you out and about
I've Birded Tatton Park on a few occasions over the years, and it's got great potential, but I found that I needed a full day to do it any real justice.
P.S.
Not much in the way of sightings being relayed from Burton Mere Wetlands anymore since you departed, ( left to me, via the NWBF now ) but during yesterday's ramblings, myself, Stan Skelton, Keith Duckers and Bill Owens had 2 Brambling ( male and female ), Common Redstart ( male ), and a single Common Sandpiper ( on the reserve itself ) and then also 3 Cetti's Warbler singing around the Neston Sewage Works area....................but somehow managed to miss 3 Ring Ouzel that were reported there also
Denzil
-- Edited by Denzil Nicklin on Tuesday 16th of April 2013 04:47:44 PM
-- Edited by Denzil Nicklin on Tuesday 16th of April 2013 04:52:43 PM
Lots of Wigeon on one of the smaller lakes, a Green Woodpecker calling, and some Goldeneyes were the highlights. Also 1 Nuthatch, and c10 Jackdaws flying about.
Not much about, yet I had a nice day out all the same (nice to get out into the sun)
A pleasant walk from Rostherne, around Tatton Park and back.
The big surprise was an adult winter Yellow Legged Gull sat on one of the posts that cross Tatton Mere at the Knutsford Moor end. Also there 2 Common Gulls and lots of Black Heads.
In the mature wooded areas were :- 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Buzzards. 2 Goldcrests with Coal Tits in the big pines at the Rostherne end.
Raven heard but not seen, not a single Chaffinch seen throughout walk either.
Melchett Mere
2 Grey Herons, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 drake Pochard, 14 Tufted Ducks, 8 Canada Geese and a pair of Mute Swans. A Green Woodpecker was in the sedge area on the South bank.
No sign of any Snipe.
Tatton Mere ( including the Knutsford Moor end)
11 Goldeneye, 33 Tufted Ducks, 3 Gadwall, 3 Cormorants plus at the secluded Knutsford Moor end a flock of 17 Pochard.
Dog Wood
5 Treecreepers with a big mixed tit flock. Lots of Nuthatches here too.
15 Jack Snipes
6 Common Snipes
1 Shelduck
2 Goldeneyes
1 Gadwall
c70 Tufted Ducks
c350 Mallards
4 Great Crested Grebes
5 Buzzards
3 Green Woodpeckers
1 Siskin
3 Reed Buntings
-- Edited by Rob Smallwood on Monday 3rd of December 2012 11:45:35 AM
Nuthatch, 2 Chaffinches and Great Tits visited feeders at the mansion
1 - F Goldeneye on Melchett Pond which flew across at speed
2 Mute Swan
60ish Tufted Ducks over both main waters, and half a dozen Gadwalls bottom of Tatton Mere
A Buzzard flew from farmland just outside the park and into a tree.
Around the Mansion there were:
Rooks, Swallows, Jackdaws and House Martins
1 Goldcrest
25 Long tailed tits
4 Song thrush
13 Redwings
3 Nuthatch
Robins,Blackbirds,mixed flocks of tits and plenty of rooks and jackdaws
Lake
2 Great crested grebes
2 Tufted ducks
2 Mute swans
2 Canada geese
mallards,coots,moorhens and plenty of black headed gulls
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 11th of March 2012 10:56:05 PM
Smew still present up to my leaving. It is still very flighty but also still sticking very much to the Northern end of Tatton Mere.
Also seen:
6 Goldeneye
2 Pochard
1 Great Crested Grebe
Great to meet Scott Reid again and to walk together to where one of the wardens had pointed us in the direction of a goodly sized flock (c.30) of Bramblings
Also had the Great Spotted Woodpecker, an overflying Fieldfare and heard calling Green Woodpecker.
When I first arrived had a really close view of the Airbus taking off over the mere - amazing. The birds took not the slightest notice.
Also on the mere, m+f goldeneye ,shelduck ,4 great crested grebes 8 pochard,30 + tufties , several coots, mallard and 80 + Canada geese on the ice.
Around the park: greater spotted and green woodpeckers, and a very large mixed flock of goldfinch,siskins and a few redpoll.
Cheers Chris.
A leisurely stroll up to the Hall and back from the Knutsford entrance produced the following:
4 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
13 Goldeneye
3 Little Grebe
5 Great Crested Grebe
11 Pochard
41 Tufted Duck
3 Great Heron
5 Cormorant
2 Nuthatch
2 Stock Dove
2 Pied Wagtail
No pies at the cafe, but sirloin steak for £8 did the trick nicely
Raven, Barn Owl, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow and Stock Dove.
Also a family of 8 Mandarins on Mobberley Brook adjacent to the covert.
Stopped on the way out to see a fair size flock of hirundines over the smaller mere (leading up towards the house). Sands, Swallows and House Martins all there roughly in the ratio of 20:7:2, around 60-80 total. First Swallows of the year for me. Also a pair of Goldeneye still hanging around, although I see that John T had 20+ up at Pennington.
The smew were round the back, viewed from the woods, and the scaup up at the top end near the 2nd lake.
It's always nice to see male goldeneye as well.
A buzzard above looked nice.
After lugging all my gear around the mere, I was worn out at the end, but we call to look at Rostherne Mere on the way back. 10 gc grebe and some goosander were visible from the churchyard. Must try and get a permit for a day for our group.
Redheads not on view initially at Knutsord end of mere so walked along to far end scanning through the many diving tufties and goldeneye, with a few pochard. On Melchett Mere there were more of the same with 10 Ruddy Ducks. Still no Smew so walked back watching 2 Buzzard displying over golf course another soaring over the wood on far side of the mere.
Back near the Knutsford end again there was one Redhead drifting along with mallard and coot - then the second one appeared and the two started to dive for food. Watched, sat on the Millennium Project park bench, for an hour in clear, sunny conditions and it became apparent that one of the ducks was slightly larger than the other with noticably more white markings on the sides! (Male in eclipse???). I'm no expert - do we get them here?
Other birds included Jay, Nuthatch, GS Woodpecker, Jackdaw, C Crow, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Chaffinch,Linnet (? 2 overhead against sun) and many cormorant - some in breeding plumage.
Overall a very satisfying afternoon ending at 16.40 before returning to the car frozen to the bone.
This is only my second contribution after having recently come across this excellent birding forum. Hope to post some interesting finds myself to reciprocate the sightings from other members. (In last 10 yrs I have had Lesser Spot in Garden and nesting Kingfisher in opposite bank of stream along side of my garden - but, alas, nothing as good since).
Rick.
Elsewhere in the park two pairs of Buzzards displaying and calling, mipits, and the usual goldfinch and mixed tit flocks.
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 6th of February 2010 01:59:41 PM