First a late note from yesterday 29th April: Very little bird-wise, but of note was the first brood of 3 Coots on Small Pool. Also seen were 30 Sand Martins over Big Pool.

Today 30th April: Again very little on the bird front but a stunning drake Mandarin on Nunsmere, seen from the far western patch boundary on the mosses was a really nice sighting.  A group of 20 Sand Martins was over Big Pool, at the moment these birds are dropping in and spending a very short time feeding before departing off high. On Shemmy Moss there are now 5 Garden Warblers singing, all being very elusive.

Morning walk, dry and overcast.

A Great Crested Grebe was on a nest near Big Pool Island. An Oystercatcher showed well in the recently ploughed and plated field east of the Pine Belt. As I watched 5 Sand Martins dropped in to feed over Big Pool.

A morning walk again, overcast, dry but cool.

A drake Gadwall was a surprise, seen from the extreme western patch boundary on Nunsmere and looking alert. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the mosses. A total of 4 Swallows included 2 over Big Pool and 2 on territory at Dairy Farm, also 25 Sand Martins over Big Pool.

Now 3 Garden Warblers singing on Shemmy Moss, all very elusive but a long search gave reasonable views of one of the birds. All the ploughed fields were again checked but just 1 Pied Wagtail was the reward, although 2 Starlings were a scarcer find! at least 2m Reed Buntings were on Abbot's Moss. The first Nuthatch for a while was heard in woods by Gull Pool.

A great morning walk in the sunshine, but nippy when the clouds obscured the sun at times!

A pair of Greylag Geese flew over Shemmy Moss and were then seen on Gull Pool. The fields east of the Pine Belt were being ploughed and 2 Oystercatchers fed there. At least 12 Lapwings mooched around in fields that have been ploughed, no doubt that nests and young have been destroyed and/or predated.

A distant displaying Sparrowhawk was seen. The star birds today were 2(1m) Stonechats, a pair, on Shemmy Moss, after an absence of 25 days! A breeding attempt may now be possible, everything crossed. Also here were 2m Yellowhammers, again after no sign for some while, and 2(1m) Reed Buntings together. A Garden Warbler was again singing on Shemmy Moss and a pair of Whitethroats was seen around a bramble clump, obviously on territory.

A brief visit this morning in rain to only check the ploughed fields.

Not much seen and the tractors were still planting potatoes. Opposite in a  flooded horse paddock a female Mallard had 11 newly hatched ducklings in tow.

A morning walk with a brief visit back pm, sunny and warm.

At least 35 Tufted Ducks were on Big Pool, a good number in late April. On Shemmy Moss 4(3drk) Teal were seen. Also on Shemmy Moss a pair of Mallards with a well grown duckling and a Mallards nest with 11 eggs, well hidden so I hope she hatches them safely. In the fields off Sandy lane that were being ploughed I found 12 Lapwings and one small young that I hope can survive now that the cover has all been ploughed away

In the ploughed fields were 2 White Wagtails and 16 Pied Wagtails, the former being the first seen this year and overdue, but ploughing is late. Also over these fields were 2 Swallows whilst 20 Sand Martins were over Big Pool. Again 2 Ravens were over the mosses. A Chiffchaff was seen carrying nest material on Shemmy Moss where a Whitethroat was heard.

A long morning walk, mainly on the mosslands. Sunny, cool at first but warm when sheltered.

A total of 4 drake Teal was noteworthy on Shemmy Moss. A small group of 2 House Martins and 5 Sand Martins was over Big Pool.

A pair of Ravens were over Shemmy Moss, at first being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows and then one of the Ravens mobbed a Buzzard! A Green Woodpecker was heard across the mosses, just the second record this year. The best bird of the day was a singing Garden Warbler on Shemmy Moss, the first this year, with the four other warbler species all singing too. A total of 6 Linnets included a bird collecting nesting material and a male in full song at the edge of Shemmy Moss. A Pied Wagtail was in a ploughed field off Sandy Lane.

A limited afternoon walk just in the Big Pool area, sunny and warm.

There were 17 Stock Doves and 10 Lapwings in the field east of the Pine Belt. A Goldcrest fed in trees near the main track.

Afternoon visit and the only birds of note were 12 Sand Martins over Big Pool!! The current 4 warbler species were heard, Garden Warblers must arrive soon!

An early start on Newchurch with sun forecast, which came but a cool wind in exposed areas

A drake Teal was on Shemmy Moss. A Common Snipe was on Shemmy Moss and must be a breeding candidate now.

A first for this year (anywhere) were 3 House Martins, consisting of my first one over Big Pool and then 2 more high over the mosslands. Also seen were 1 Swallow over Big Pool and 80 Sand Martins, 30 over Big Pool and 50 over the mosslands. There were 4 Mistle Thrushes on patch with two in the former Leek Field. A male Reed Bunting was on Shemmy Moss as was a Linnet carrying nesting material. There were 2 Whitethroats on Shemmy Moss and a profusion of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps spread across the whole patch. A pair of Long-tailed Tits were on the edge of Shemmy Moss.

Late News for 14th April 2024: A Treecreeper was in a thin-branched elder just inside the entrance barriers from the car parking area, this species really is abundant and widespread this year on patch.

Popped onto Newchurch pm expecting sun but none, warm though.

A new brood was on Gull Pool, a female Mallard + 11 ducklings. A pair of Teal were still on Shemmy Moss.

Now there are 2 Whitethroats singing on Shemmy Moss.

A morning on Newchurch proved very productive, sunny and hot!

On Shemmy Moss the female Mallard has 1 well-grown duckling left. Also here a pair of Teal was seen. A lone Greylag Goose was also on the mosses.

Possibly the best bird of the day was the first Green Woodpecker of the year here, heard yaffling on Abbot's Moss. A Raven was heard cronking here too. At least 10 Stock Doves were in fields off Sandy Lane. On Shemmy Moss the first Whitethroat for anywhere in the UK was seen and heard. At least 10 Willow Warblers are now singing with lots of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps still. A pair of Linnets were on Shemmy Moss as were 2(1m) Reed Buntings.

A brief visit am hoping to miss the rain - I didn't, it chucked it down!

A Curlew was heard several times over Small Pool, my second of the year for patch and it follows my fellow patch watcher hearing one in the same place 3 days ago.

A benefit of the rain was a hirundine flock low over Big Pool containing 15 Sand Martins and 10 Swallows, the latter being my first of 2024 anywhere in the country.

Not a lot to report today, other than 2 Sparrowhawks (one by Big Pool and one over Shemmy Moss) and at least 12 Blackcaps including a pair in courtship, and 1 Willow Warbler.

A short morning walk around Big Pool. Mild but windy.

Today 5(4 fem, 1w.drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool. Overhead a 3w Herring Gull and a 3w Lesser Black-backed Gull drifted south together, the former much scarcer than the latter on my patch!

In the fields east of the Pine Belt a flock of 15 Stock Doves were present, up on yesterday.

Morning walk, dull and not warm.

No Goldeneye today! I did have 4(2drk) Teal, a pair on Gull Pool and a pair on Shemmy Moss. On Shemmy Moss I saw the Water Rail kill for the first time and the feathers were plucked, so a bird kill, almost certainly Sparrowhawk as suspected.

A Willow Warbler was heard singing much more strongly from the main scrub at Shemmy Moss rather than on the fringes as last time.

Dropped off this am on patch, cool at first and then sunshine and warm.

On Big Pool there were 4 Goldeneye consisting of 3 females with the first-winter drake. Also on there was a lone Greylag Goose. An Oystercatcher flew over just west of Big Pool. At least 14 Lapwings were seen on territory in the surrounding arable fields, many in display. Overhead 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were unusual whilst just one Common Gull remains on Big Pool.

Only 4 Stock Doves were seen in the field east of the Pine Belt. A count of 3 Blackcaps and 16 Chiffchaffs was made. A Treecreeper was watched probing for insects in the unusual location of a footpath sign post just next to Finch Hedge!

Bad news from yesterday when fellow patcher, Dave, sent me a picture of a predated Water Rail. This species has only just established itself on patch and now one of the few adults is dead. I have yet to check whether it's a bird or mammal kill but I suspect Sparrowhawk.

Went down in heavy drizzle today as my best chance of a hirundine, and it worked

On Big Pool there were 4(1drk) Goldeneye today. Over on Shemmy Moss 4(2drk) Teal were seen, in two pairs. Success with my quest was 12 Sand Martins flying over Big Pool but at mid-height rather than low over the surface, my first here for 2024.

A large female Sparrowhawk flashed across in front of me on the edge of Shemmy Moss and the small passerines went into alarm call overdrive as it landed in the middle of an elder! One of said passerines was a cracking little Goldcrest, brave soul! The male and female Stonechats were still on Abbot's Moss. A Couple of Linnets were also seen. Generally the rain kept most stuff hidden and I don't blame them!

A brief morning visit, just to the mosslands taking two visitors for photography, sunny and warm.

A view distantly over Nunsmere Lake revealed 42 Tufted Ducks, there are still good numbers of these on patch. A Common Snipe was seen flying off into the distance before we even got to the mosses.

Some good birds to follow but today's highlight was a singing Willow Warbler from the Nurseries entrance road, heard on both sides including Shemmy Moss. Again good double-figure numbers of Chiffchaffs singing. This was the first of the year here (or anywhere for me). The male Stonechat was again on Abbot's Moss. The Cetti's Warbler was again heard in same area giving a brief snatch of sub-song by my mate Paul Hill. Again 2 Yellowhammers were seen as well as 3 Linnets and a Skylark was in song. Two Long-tailed Tits were on Shemmy Moss.

Fab walks am and pm :) Sunny warm and a tad breezy!

On Big Pool 5(1drk) Goldeneye, the permutations continue! The pair of Gadwall were still on Shemmy Moss and a pair of Teal were on Gull Pool. Also on Gull Pool 24 Tufted Ducks was a good count. A Cormorant flew over Shemmy Moss. An Oystercatcher fed on the nursery fields. Three Common Snipe flew up from Shemmy Moss. A Water Rail called continuously on Shemmy Moss and was seen too.

The best birds of the day were 2(1m) Stonechats on Abbot's Moss. The pair were mobile and elusive though. This was closely followed by a brief snatch of Cetti's Warbler song from the margins of Gull Pool, no chance of seeing the bird from where I was even if it had showed! A nice group of 3 Ravens was over Abbot's Moss, 2 in display and 1 chasing them off! Also over the mosses were 3 Buzzards including one in skydancing display. A Kestrel was also over Shemmy Moss.  A Treecreeper and a Nuthatch were in Gull Pool Wood. Linnets were singing on Shemmy Moss as were Reed Buntings. Just one Blackcap was heard along with 20+Chiffchaffs.

Had a mooch on patch this afternoon, warm, bit of sun, bit of cloud, bit of drizzle!

On Big Pool 6(2drk) Goldeneye today. On Shemmy Moss a Gadwall pair again. Today 4(2drk) Teal, made up of a pair on Gull Pool and a pair on Shemmy Moss. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over Abbot's Moss.

A excellent morning walk, dry, even a bit of sun and warm out of the wind.

The biggest surprise was on Shemmy Moss were there was a female Mallard + 2 ducklings. These must have hatched today looking at size and are probably my first March ducklings on patch! Also on Shemmy Moss were 2(1drk) Gadwall, a pair, still on the mossland pools. On Big Pool 3(2drk) Goldeneye were out in the middle. Teal called on Gull Pool. On Shemmy Moss 2 Common Snipe were seen. From the track to the Nursery across Abbot's Moss a Water Rail was heard squealing from dense cover. A Grey Heron flew over Big Pool and a Cormorant flew over Gull Pool Wood.

A Raven flew over Abbot's Moss. On the now scrub-filled meadow on the left just after Finch Hedge 2 Redwings were singing, I watched one which was in sublime plumage with a beak that glowed bright yellow! On the pre-breeding theme a pair of Yellowhammers exhibited distraction behaviour on Shemmy Moss, the male flying up and perching within 2m of me, which they never usually do, before leading me away. A pair of Linnets were here too and a male Reed Bunting was singing.  A Goldcrest was in wing-flicking display in the hedge opposite the car parking area on Novia Scotia Lane, with a probable second bird deeper in the hedge. Now 2 Blackcaps are present and singing with over 25 Chiffchaffs here too.

After a pleasant morning with a few stalwarts of Woolston Eyes I returned to my patch briefly this afternoon. The sun was clinging on but greyer clouds loomed overhead.

On Big Pool there was now just 1(1w drk) Goldeneye and duck numbers seemed reduced.

The best news was my first singing male Blackcap, seen well in pines on the NE corner of Big Pool. A count in a small area only gave 15 Chiffchaffs, so the whole patch total must be impressive.

In the field east of the Pine Belt there were 51 Stock Doves in the single flock.

An afternoon visit to a mates house on the west side of Big Pool allowed me to do a quick check of farm fields and Big Pool without a proper patch walk!!

On Big Pool now 5(3drk) Goldeneye, with one of the drakes being a first-winter bird coming into adult plumage!

A morning visit allowed me to check fields that sometimes have passage birds in them but nothing.  Fine, bright but breezy.

On Big Pool now 3(2drk) Goldeneye but little else of note.

In the fields east of the Pine Belt were 53 Stock Doves and 20 Linnets. Nearby in the Big Pool Meadows a Redwing came out of a low bramble clump again!

Three-figure numbers of Sand Martins on Budworth Mere had me nipping down to Newchurch to check the pools.

Only thing of note on Big Pool were 2(1drk) Goldeneye. No hirundines at all!

In the field east of the Pine Belt I counted 71 Stock Doves which I think now sneaks it as my highest ever flock!

A pop down to patch am, sunny, warm-ish but windy.

On Big Pool now 3(2drk) Goldeneye and on Shemmy Moss there were 2(1drk) Gadwall. A Greylag Goose was on Big Pool.

A group of 3 Rooks flying over Big Pool was unusual. A flock of 18 Stock Doves was in a field east of the Pine Belt whilst a pair was on Shemmy Moss in Display Flight. A total of 45 Linnets included a flock of 30 in a field east of the Pine Belt and a flock of 15 on the Abbot's Moss Nursery Fields. Again more than 15 Chiffchaffs singing.

In contrast to yesterdays all day walks today was a brief afternoon visit mainly for invertebrates due to the warm sunshine.

On Big Pool just 3(1drk) Goldeneye today. Also on the water were lots of Gulls but the only one of note was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull.

At least 45 Stock Doves were in the field east of the Pine Belt in a single species flock still. Three Dunnocks were in courtship display. Double figures of Chiffchaffs singing now.

Spent all day on patch today, morning then lunch then back! Sunny and warm mostly.

On Big Pool the 5(2drk) Goldeneye permutation was present! A total of 4(3drk) Gadwall were seen, a pair on Shemmy Moss and 2 drakes on Big Pool. Teal were heard on Big Pool and on Gull Pool. An unusual Gull Pool sighting was 2 Greylag Geese, but these then flew off. A brief look produced 7 Common Snipe on Shemmy Moss. Muck-spreading in a field west of the pools attracted a few gulls and these included 2ad Mediterranean Gulls bathing on Big Pool. A Grey Heron was in the wet scrub area to the south of the Whitegate Way Gull Pool bench.

One of the most intriguing sightings of the day was a Redwing that flew out from inside a low bramble and perched just 10m away but didn't flush. If this had been a Blackbird then I would have said I had disturbed it at a nest site, added to the fact that this followed on from active singing by Redwings in this area earlier this month. A bit of research revealed (as I had expected) that Redwings nest in low dense vegetation....... Maybe the bird is just following instinct due to warmer days than expected for this time of the year and acting as it would on breeding grounds, I am under no illusion that it will attempt to breed!!

Also seen was a flock of 53 Fieldfares flying south over the north side of Big Pool. In fields to the east 15 Stock Doves were still present and 3 Feral Rock Doves flew over nearby. A Skylark was singing in the Abbot's Moss/ Nurseries area. In the muck-spread fields 2 Pied Wagtails fed on flies.

A male Yellowhammer was on Shemmy Moss as was a male Linnet. A female Siskin was in the now regular location for this species, near Big Pool Island Cut. In Gull Pool Wood 2 Treecreepers were watched foraging together, surely a pair. A Goldcrest was on the main track between the pools. A Great Tit was seen carrying food, most likely to be offered to its mate as this would be a crazily early brood. At least 7 Chiffchaffs were heard, but more will be around.

A good day with 54 species of bird recorded and a great array of non-avian sightings too.

On Newchurch am in the sun before the forecast rain. A wee bit nippier at first.

A bit more of interest on the pools. There were now 3(1drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool as well as 2(1drk) Gadwall and 2(1drk) Shoveler. A brief count gave 45 Tufted Ducks on here. The 4(3ad) Mute Swans were on the two main pools. A sighting of 3 Greylag Geese over Gull Pool Wood was the first of this species for a while.

There were 7 Buzzards loosely together soaring over the mosslands. In fields off Sandy Lane a nice flock containing 180 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings and 10 Starlings was down feeding. A Siskin was again near Big Pool Island Cut and again 3 Chiffchaffs were recorded.

A morning walk, dry and mild. A pretty flat day with the usual species only, local patching personified!

On Big Pool now 5(2drk) Goldeneye. A pair of Teal were seen on Shemmy Moss and another heard on Gull Pool. Just 3 adult Mute Swans. Did the monthly snipe count given the mild weather and recorded 25 Common Snipe in the usual area but no Jacks. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over Shemmy Moss.

A Raven was over Shemmy Moss as were 2 Buzzards in display. A group of 10 Feral Rock Doves over was unusual, this being my rarest pigeon! A male Siskin was by Big Pool Island Cut then flew back to the Pine Belt, potential breeding habitat.  On the mosslands 4 Linnets were seen together. A total of 3 Chiffchaffs was recorded.

Bad forecast but yesterday was too and I missed going out because it was wrong! Was better than forecast, overcast but dry and even a bit of sun, warm too!

On Big Pool there were 6(2drk) Goldeneye, this time split into one drake with four females and a lone drake! A rough count made it 61 Tufted Ducks on Big Pool, just to monitor them as they leave. In total 4(3ad) Mute Swans included the resident pair on Small Pool and an adult and a juvenile on Big Pool new in. A Teal was heard on Gull Pool. A Grey Heron flew over Big Pool.

A small flock of 9 Fieldfares flew over the Whitegate Way. Only 10 Stock Doves were seen today. A total of 4 Bramblings included 3 showing well feeding on the newly ploughed former Leek field and 1 in flight over the field east of the Pine Belt. I saw 2 Siskins today, a male near Big Pool Island Cut and a female in Gull Pool Wood. Also in Gull Pool Wood were a Treecreeper and at least 3 Nuthatches showing well. A Goldcrest was again near Finch Hedge. There were 2 Chiffchaffs singing, one in Gull Pool Wood and one by the main track 50m past Finch Hedge. Probably the biggest surprise was a Grey Wagtail flying over Dairy Farm.

Afternoon on Newchurch today, still overcast and dull.

On Big Pool just 3(1drk) Goldeneye of note. An Oystercatcher was heard over the Nursery Fields from the Whitegate Way.

A Kestrel was on wires on Sandy Lane. Just 2 Redwings were seen, in trees in the former Leek Field. At least 25 Stock Doves still fed in the fields east of the Pine Belt but spraying was happening and this was disturbing the birds. Also in these fields, getting disturbed, was a finch flock containing 25 Linnets. At least 2 Coal Tits were seen, one near Small Pool and one in Finch Hedge. Finch Hedge also contained a feeding Goldcrest.

A brief visit this morning before the rain to check whether the tractors were out again - they weren't! Overcast and dull.

Only two noteworthy reports from the pools, firstly now 6(2drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool, consisting of two groups of three - each with a drake and two females. Also on Big Pool was a drake Gadwall.

The fields east of the Pine Belt held 35 Stock Doves feeding and 8 Lapwings displaying in their breeding field. A Redwing was singing again by Big Pool. One of the owl boxes had a pair of Jackdaws in/on it, previously the domain of Stock Doves it looks like Jackdaws will breed in it this year.

Headed down on patch pretty early this morning and then again early afternoon, dull, overcast, cold!

On Big Pool the ever changing numbers mean that today there were 4(1drk) Goldeneye, the drake displaying to one female in particular. Also on Big Pool was a drake Shoveler. In the former Leek Field which was being worked by 4 tractors there were 360 Black-headed Gulls feeding, a spectacular sight, but despite several thorough searches no Med Gull!

A Raven flew over the paddocks near the entrance barrier calling. A small group of 9 Redwings including one singing its heart out at the top of an alder. I have noted Redwings singing on patch a lot recently and have been contacted by 2 mates who have had the same on their local area! Near Big Pool Island cut 2 Siskins still fed in the alders. A Lesser Redpoll was in a mixed finch flock visiting a small puddle of the main track by Finch Hedge. A Linnet also visited this puddle as did a Goldfinch. The finch flock was commuting between Finch Hedge and the adjacent field and also contained 3 Bramblings, one of which also visited the puddle. A female Reed Bunting was also in this flock too. In Finch Hedge above the puddle at least 4 Bullfinches were devouring blackthorn buds still.

Had a day out planned but with a few Little Gulls turning up I thought that I had better check my patch first! A brief whiz down from 9-10am-ish.

No Little Gulls, but yesterdays gull-fest continued with at least 80 Black-headed Gulls in the former Leek Field and commuting to Big Pool. A check of the field based gulls first revealed nothing special so I had a look on Big Pool. Here I was chuffed to find a smart adult summer-plumaged Mediterranean Gull. This was a patch yeartick and made up for there not being one yesterday.

Out a bit longer this pm, overcast, lots cooler and dark clouds on the horizon!

On Big Pool there were 4(2drk) Goldeneye, split into two pairs and all displaying. A lone drake Gadwall was also on Big Pool but that was about it for ducks. On Small Pool 3 adult Mute Swans were present, the resident pair plus one! In the former Leek Field which has been ploughed today a flock of 290 Black-headed Gulls was exceptional, but despite a search no Med Gull as I'd hoped. But approximately 25 Common Gulls were present. A flock of 50 Lapwings flew over the pools heading south.

There were still 3 Bramblings in the finch flock east of the Pine Belt. Also here in a single flock were 90 Linnets. A flock of 20 Fieldfares were seen in fields to the NW of Big Pool. In the former Leek Field 2 Pied Wagtails fed amongst the gulls. A species that I see almost every walk, Treecreeper, was in trees on the north shore of Small Pool.

A very short afternoon walk preempting it being sunny, but it was overcast lots of the time with brief sunny intervals, but no wind.

On Big Pool 5(3drk) Shoveler were displaying and the 2(1drk) Goldeneye were still present. A Cormorant was again on Big Pool willow spit.

A Chiffchaff was singing east of Big Pool.

Had a morning walk on patch which started early, fine and sunny again, lovely. 3hrs and 51mins walk, 5.57mls and 56 species, but amazingly nothing special!

On Big Pool 2(1drk) Goldeneye were now present, weird how it's toggling between 2 drakes and a pair!! The drake was displaying like mad at the female and they kept close company. Later there were also 3(1drk) Wigeon on Big Pool as well as 4(2drk) Gadwall. On Small Pool the highlight was a drake Goosander, new in, and to complete the 'winter' wildfowl Teal were calling on Gull Pool. As has happened a few times 2 Greylag Geese flew in and landed on Big Pool whilst I was scanning. For the first time in a while a Cormorant, resplendent in breeding plumage, was on the willow spit on Big Pool. There were 6 Lapwings in the breeding field by the Pine Belt, in display at times. A single Common Snipe was seen on Shemmy Moss. At least 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over.

A Raven was thermalling and calling with 2 Buzzards over the main track above Finch Hedge. In the fields by the Pine Belt a count of 68 Stock Doves was my highest ever single flock. Two sightings totalling 3 Feral Rock Doves included a single in display flight and a pair displaying, weird how this species is rare on patch! A small flock of 12 Fieldfares flew over near Totties Hall Farm whilst just 1 Redwing was seen, near Dairy Farm. A total of 2 male Yellowhammers was seen, one on Shemmy Moss and one at the Common Farm pheasant feeders. A male Reed Bunting was also on Shemmy Moss. On the nursery fields 4 Meadow Pipits were noteworthy whilst 2 Pied Wagtails were still near Common Farm. A Linnet was in trees off Novia Scotia Lane with Chaffinches while a Siskin flew over the main track south of Big Pool. A total of 17 Goldfinches included a flock of 15 over horse paddocks off Novia Scotia Lane. A Goldcrest was in trees by Dairy Farm, not an area I see this species usually. Close by one of 2 Treecreepers was seen, the other being in Gull Pool Wood.

A morning on my patch for the first date in March. Very cold but bright and still.

On Big Pool 2 drake Goldeneye were still present as well as 4(2drk) Gadwall. A total of 69 Tufted Ducks were counted across Big Pool, Small Pool and Lymm Vale. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was again on Big Pool.

In the fields by Sandy Lane a flock of winter thrushes contained 30 Redwings and 30 Fieldfares as well as 8 Starlings. Across from here by the Pine Belt a mixed finch flock contained 1 Brambling and  4 Linnets. A Raven was heard and at least 4 Rooks flew over. A Reed Bunting and 2 Pied Wagtails were at Common Farm.

Decided on a morning walk on the day that we only get once every four years!! Fine, mild, no wind, pretty nice to be honest.

The pools were a little more productive with 2(1drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool as well as 4(3drk) Shoveler and 9(7drk) Gadwall. All this was probably associated with females moving and strings of males following them! Teal were again heard calling on Big Pool. As I walked round 4 Greylag Geese dropped in onto Big Pool and brought a huge Canada x Greylag hybrid with them, bigger than both parent species - hybrid vigour and all that! A Cormorant flew over Big Pool, none have been down on the pool for a long time now. A walk over to Shemmy Moss added a new species for the patch yearlist in the shape of 2 Water Rails calling from one of their usual areas in the SE corner.

Another new bird was added, this time new for anywhere in the UK this year, Chiffchaff. A non-calling bird was catching small flies, of which there had been a huge hatch, in trees by the north side of Small Pool. In the fields by the Pine Belt a count of 55 Stock Doves in one flock almost equalled my maximum ever count made two weeks ago. In the former leek field good numbers of winter thrushes still fed on spilt maize, 120 Redwings and 4 Fieldfares were noted. In fields north and east of the Pine Belt Chaffinch flocks contained at least 1 Brambling and 1 Greenfinch, whilst nearby 18 Linnets were on telegraph wires. A Treecreeper was seen in a new area, by the main track just inside the entrance barriers with a Coal Tit at the end of Finch Hedge in the same vicinity.

A morning walk on patch, sunny intervals, bright dry and not too cold. Another good day with a yeartick for the UK and Patch achieved!

The bird in question was a drake Mandarin found on Gull Pool, it caught my attention as it was quacking and was a call that I'd never heard but guessed immediately what it was. For anyone visiting the whole(-ish) of Gull Pool can be viewed from the bench on the Whitegate Way as the wood itself is one of the many private areas on my patch! Mandarins are seen annually on Gull Pool but are very shy and can't be guaranteed on any visit. On Big Pool the 2 drake Goldeneye were still present with the extra drake and female having left. Also on here and amazing event when 55 Wigeon dropped down from high in the sky to circle Big Pool and eventually all land. A thorough check confirmed them all as Eurasian Wigeon (well you never know!!). This was amazing since not a single Wigeon had been recorded on patch since the pair on Feb 12th. Also seen on Big Pool were 4(1drk) Gadwall, so a small number are hanging on. Teal were on Gull Pool, but only heard so no count was possible. Just 2 Greylag Geese were again present. The only Little Grebe today was on Lymm Vale viewed from the Whitegate Way, again a strictly private area. One noteworthy sighting was that 2 new Coot nests were already fully constructed, one on each of the main pools and both attended by a Coot!

A small count of 8 Fieldfares fed in the harvested carrot field NE of Big Pool with 3 Mistle Thrushes, whilst 40 Redwings were seen in total, 20 still near the entrance barriers in hedges, 10 in wet carr woodland near Big Pool Island Cut and 10 near Common Farm.  A Raven showed well in fields by the Whitegate Way SE of Small Pool. In a large flock of Chaffinches E.of the Pine Belt 4 Bramblings were seen, but more were probably present. At least 9 Bullfinches were seen, mostly centered around Finch Hedge and Small Pool 'Car Park' Peg. A single male Yellowhammer was by the Common Farm feeders again, but really difficult to see as it roosted deep in a hedge. A rough estimate of 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers included 3 drumming in Gull Pool Wood and one 'chacking' E.of Small Pool.

Sunny and warm again this morning on my patch. I returned to the area that I saw the Mealy Redpoll in but maintenance work was being carried out so no chance! But still another excellent walk.

The 4(3drk) Goldeneye and 2(1drk) Goosander were still on Big Pool and I found 3(1drk) Gadwall today. A total of 106 Lapwings were seen including 2 displaying in their breeding field and 104 flying over Abbot's Moss in two groups. A Common Snipe was seen sunning itself out in the middle of Shemmy Moss.

With the fine weather it was a bit of a raptor-fest today. This included a new bird for the 2024 Patch List, Peregrine, a scarcity on my patch. It was seen over the fields on the north side of Big Pool being pursued by a Carrion Crow! The Peregrine just outpaced the crow for a bit for fun, and then turned on the afterburners and powered away from the corvid which gave up the chase! Also seen was a nice male Sparrowhawk, which landed in a tree east of the Pine Belt, giving great views to myself and fellow patcher Dave. Finally a tremendous count of 11 Buzzards was made, all viewed from the mossland tracks, perfect thermalling weather so not a great surprise really! Around 14 Stock Doves were seen today. A Raven and a Rook were over the mosslands. Again at least 20 Redwings were near the entrance barriers. A cracking wee Goldcrest was by Big Pool as were 3 Long-tailed Tits.

Was thinking of a trip away but decided on patch this am and so glad that I did! Sunny and very mild again.

On Big Pool one maximum count this winter was achieved with 4(3drk) Goldeneye seen as well as 2(1drk) Goosander too. It was noticeable that other species had shipped out with only 2(1drk) Gadwall seen and Teal heard being the only other reports of note. On Gull Pool 4(2drk) Teal were in two pairs. A Lapwing was again in the breeding fields.

The highlight of the whole walk was when, in a private area that has no access without permission, a flock of 9 Lesser Redpolls flew into a conifer above me and started to feed accompanied by a stunning male Mealy Redpoll. Watchinh mainly from below this bird was larger than the accompanying Lessers, was colder plumaged with white wing bars and a snow white vent and undertail coverts with hardly any discernible markings on. The poll area was bright red and the pink breast flush was on a background of pure white with the only streaking on the flanks. I only got a glimpse of its back once but could see two white (not buff) 'tramlines' running along it. It was as they say "a classic". Also seen were 12 Siskins in alders by Big Pool Island Cut. In Big Pool Wood 3 Treecreepers again showed well and a total of 4 Nuthatches included two here too. Over at Common Farm now 4 male Yellowhammers visited the pheasant feeders, meaning at least 7 birds are using this resource this winter. A Skylark was seen in song flight over the Nursery Fields. Near the entrance barriers 25 Redwings were in the hedges and trees with Blackbirds. In the arable fields 25 Stock Doves were still in a single flock.

Had a morning stroll round my Patch, dull with sunny intervals and still mild.

The pools were incredibly quiet with whinneying Little Grebes on Gull Pool the best record! A Lapwing was on the deck in the arable fields east of the Pine Belt.

Over at Common Farm I recorded 6(3m) Yellowhammers now at the pheasant feeders. Nearby, closer to Totties Hall Farm were 4 Meadow Pipits, a patch scarcity but with more records this year than any other that I have recorded. In the same area a Feral Rock Dove flew over, another patch scarcity! In Gull Pool Wood and the former leek field the large flock of winter thrushes is still present, with an estimated 60 Fieldfares and 60 Redwings. In Gull Pool Wood Great Spotted Woodpecker was still drumming but even better 3 Treecreepers were seen including two which seemed like a pair. In the alders by Big Pool Island Cut 5 Siskins and a Coal Tit fed with a few Blue Tits.

A shorter walk today, dull but mild, getting the walks in whilst it's dry, very very muddy underfoot though.

A massive highlight was 2 Curlew low over Big Pool calling, these went over SSE at 11.10am and then one flew back W at 11.17am. Curlew is a patch mega and a patch yeartick for 2024. The 2 drake Goldeneye were still present, and again one was on each of the main pools! A Kingfisher was on Small Pool. A total of 145 Lapwings flew over, 35 early on and then a loose flock of 110 later.

In the former Leek Field a Brambling was seen with Chaffinches and in the same area 120 Redwings and 40 Fieldfares were seen, 18 Fieldfares also flew over west earlier. In the field near the parking area a flock of 30 Stock Doves was around. A total of 5 Bullfinches were seen.

Sunny at times and mild. Decided to walk my southern and western Patch boundaries as on a sunny Saturday it would be less busy, and it was!!

On the pools as I passed there were 2 drake Goldeneye, one on each main pool. My western boundary passes by Nunsmere so I cast a glance over the water there and saw 6(2drk) Goosander on this big water. On Shemmy Moss 2 Greylag Geese flew over.

Birds of the day were 4 Yellowhammers attracted in by pheasant feeders at Common Farm, a new patch bird for 2024 no less! A total of 36 Fieldfare included 31 over near Common Farm and 5 in hawthorns on the western patch boundary. A Pied Wagtail was on a Common Farm barn roof.

An excellent morning on Patch. same weather, overcast & warm, but with a little drizzle this time.

On Big Pool 4(2drk) Shovelers were seen and 2(1drk) Teal were paired up on Gull Pool. Best bird of the day was an Oystercatcher over the S.side of Big Pool, calling, a new patch bird for 2024. A 1w Lesser Black-backed Gull was again present. On Small Pool 2 Kingfishers were seen chasing.

Another new patch yeartick was 2 Pied Wagtails over by Common Farm. A stunning female Sparrowhawk flew close past at Big Pool Island Cut and a Buzzard was seen over Gull Pool Wood. Two Rooks flew over near Lymm Vale. In the former Leek Field the thrush flock remains, comprising 60 Redwings and 2 Fieldfares. A Greenfinch, patch rarity, was at the top of a tree in the horse paddocks at the end of Sandy Lane. A Treecreeper was seen in Gull Pool Wood.

A morning visit today, dull but very mild.

A drake Goosander was on Big Pool as were 4(2drk) Shoveler. Teal called from Big Pool and Gull Pool. Two Greylag Geese flew off from Big Pool. Over the two pools 3 Mute Swans were seen with the pair on Small Pool in full on display. On Gull Pool 3(2m) Little Grebes were in a frisky mood, the two males fighting hammer and tongs whilst the female looked on. A total of 5 Cormorants were on Big Pool. A Grey Heron flew over Shemmy Moss. A 1w Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over Big Pool. A Kingfisher was on Small Pool still. A small flock of 22 Lapwings drifted over.

A Buzzard was in Gull Pool Wood. A female Great Spotted Woodpecker came up off the ground by Small Pool, unexpectedly out of a small clump of brambles! Nearby a Treecreeper was seen and a Nuthatch called. A total of 50 Redwings were in two areas, the former Leek Field and the field by the parking area. A Goldcrest flitted around the oaks just inside the entrance barrier.

Went on in the afternoon as it was forecast dry, which it was. Overcast & dull but warm.

A winter-plumaged female Pochard was a new Patch bird for 2024, on Big Pool. Also on Big Pool 2(1drk) Shoveler were noted. A drake Goldeneye was on Small Pool. A Little Grebe was whinneying on Big Pool as a prelude to breeding. As I walked in 57 Lapwings flew over in a strung out loose flock.

My highest count ever of 60 Stock Doves were seen in a single flock in the fields by the parking area. In a day of high counts I had a total of 360 Redwings which is probably my highest number in a single day. Just 6 Fieldfares were seen. In the fields by Sandy Lane a large flock of Chaffinches and Redwings contained 6 Bramblings. On the east side of Big Pool it was nice to see 2 female Reed Buntings and close by 7 Siskins whilst a Lesser Redpoll was heard here too. A total of 6 Bullfinches was recorded. A Coal Tit was in a pine to the north of Big Pool.