Another Osprey was reported on BirdGuides as passing over nearby Cuddington, heading north east, early evening. This would have taken it close to Budworth Mere but, with no further reports, it may well have veered off northwards.
On RBA the Cuddington Osprey is reported as heading NE over Kennel Lane at 10.14am, but the news wasn't transmitted until after 6.50am.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Apr 1 9:00 PM, 2021
An Osprey put in an appearance over Budworth Mere around 2pm today. Not sure how long it hung around for but it was missed by all patchers, including myself, who were mainly birding in the morning!
Another Osprey was reported on BirdGuides as passing over nearby Cuddington, heading north east, early evening. This would have taken it close to Budworth Mere but, with no further reports, it may well have veered off northwards.
There have recently been anything up to 300 Sand Martin over the mere and a single Swallow has been seen on two occasions.
Natalie Clarke said
Thu Apr 1 7:59 PM, 2021
Little bit of an afternoon mooch after an early finish from work. From 4pm lots of tufted duck and great crested grebe.
Sand Martin active and plentiful at the west end.
Also blackcap heard but not seen and great spotted woodpecker drumming.
Some very fine looking great tit (rapidly becoming my favourite tit!) around the hide
Roughly four shelduck came in around half four as well
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 1st of April 2021 08:30:14 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Mar 26 5:15 PM, 2021
First Blackcap of the year for me this morning, in song just behind the mereside path. The mere was quiet although there were around 100 Sand Martin, midday, although most appeared to be moving through northwards.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Mar 20 1:03 PM, 2021
Two Tree Sparrow were down at the east end of the mere this morning, in a hedgerow adjacent to the Fishermans Path. A scarce patch tick these days.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Mar 17 10:05 AM, 2021
High Tony - Any chance of an exact location or dropping a pin on the spot etc. The Firecrest was last seen on 31 December (if the same one) so there will be a few people wanting to look for it. Thanks, Mark.
Tony Coatsworth said
Mon Mar 15 7:32 PM, 2021
10:30 At least 5 Sand Martin at west end of mere. Also a stunning male Firecrest at the west end of Big Wood then across the small field to the other side. Flycatching and flitting about.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Mar 4 4:36 PM, 2021
Yesterdays Sand Martin still present this morning at the eastern end of Budworth Mere.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Feb 26 11:27 AM, 2021
Three and a half hours from 7am, 0*c to start with and light winds. Same route as last time out. Just waiting for he first migrants to arrive, everything a bit same as, same as.
Two Green Sandpiper around Kid Brook Spit were the highlight and on the Mere were a pair of Goosander, otherwise as it has been for several weeks now. Three separate Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard drumming, one in Big Wood, one in Black Wood and one at the northern end of Marbury Lane. All other woodland species as recently.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Feb 24 5:42 PM, 2021
PHIL GREENWOOD wrote:
Thermal imaging, wow that's high tech. birding!
Two of the regular patchers have them. Good for locating birds like Woodcock, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe without any possibility of flushing them. Seven Woodcock plus a number of Snipe feeding in a field (in the dark) on patch recently. Also good for checking if the two Bittern are still present even though you cant see them in the usual way. Whats it going to be like in another ten years? We wont have to leave the house!
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Feb 24 4:12 PM, 2021
Thermal imaging, wow that's high tech. birding!
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Feb 24 1:33 PM, 2021
Three hours from 9.25am, weather overcast with some rain, 12*c, light winds. Mereside Path - Slipway - Forge Brook - Big Wood - Flooded Fields - Big Wood - Slipway - Bittern Hide. Of note :-
Usual array of commoner species around. Two Bittern had been picked up by thermal imaging earlier and viewed briefly although they werent on show during my two visits to the hide overlooking Coward Reedbed.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Feb 23 6:35 PM, 2021
One of the two current Bittern was showing in Coward Reedbed late afternoon today just prior to dusk. Also around were one or more Little Grebe trilling, two Water Rail and a Cettis Warbler. Two Oystercatcher, several Curlew and Lapwing plus a couple of Goosander were just about visible over on Kid Brook Spit.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Feb 22 5:36 PM, 2021
Two and a quarter hours from 9.20am, light rain to start, otherwise overcast, 8*c, light winds. Mereside path - Slipway - Forge Brook - Big Wood - Marbury Lane. Of note :-
Nice array of commoner species around, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit etc. Eighteen Meadow Pipit had been seen earlier at the flooded fields inbetween Big Wood and Hopyards. The two I saw were probably remnants of that flock, not too common on patch.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Feb 19 1:49 PM, 2021
Marston area, south east of Budworth Mere, one and a half hours from 9.30am, farmland, floods and the two Marston Pools. Of note :-
Cormorant (1) Grey Heron (2) Great Crested Grebe (2) Little Grebe (1) Mute Swan (6) Teal (7) Tufted Duck (6) Gadwall (6) Curlew (22) Lapwing (150) Skylark (3) Linnet (15) Jackdaw (100) Stock Dove (2) Collared Dove (21) Kestrel (1) Buzzard (2) House Sparrow (35)
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Feb 17 2:31 PM, 2021
Four hours from 8.45am in mild and pleasant weather, light southerly winds, 8-9*c. Mereside Path - Slipway - Forge Brook - Big Wood - Dairy House Meadow - Haydns Pool - Marbury Lane - Big Wood - Slipway - Mereside Path. Of note :-
Canada Goose (75) Greylag Goose (3) Cormorant (6) Grey Heron (4) Great Crested Grebe (3) Little Grebe (1) Tufted Duck (31) Wigeon (3) Pintail (1) Oystercatcher (2) Curlew (71) Lapwing (41) Kingfisher (1) Grey Wagtail (1) Water Rail (2) Cettis Warbler (1) Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) Siskin (6) Redwing (2) Reed Bunting (2) Goldcrest (2) Raven (1) Sparrowhawk (1) Buzzard (4)
Photos of the recently returned Wood Duck pair.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Wednesday 17th of February 2021 02:32:55 PM
Wood Duck pair on the mere today after an absence of a few weeks.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Feb 15 12:54 PM, 2021
Two and a half hours from 9.25am in fairly pleasant weather, fine and sunnyish, 7*c, light winds from the south. Of note :-
Canada Goose (c.75) Greylag Goose (2) Cormorant (6) Great Crested Grebe (7) Little Grebe (1) Tufted Duck (32) Shelduck (2) Goldeneye (1f) Wigeon (6) Pintail (1m) Oystercatcher (1) Green Sandpiper (1) Common Gull (14) Great Black-backed Gull (2) Kingfisher (2) Grey Wagtail (2) Water Rail (1) Buzzard (2) Redwing (5)
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Feb 14 3:14 PM, 2021
Two and a half hours from 9.20am in very cold weather. Bitterly cold south easterlies made it feel much colder than the 3*c that it was. Bittern Hide - Slipway - Forge Brook - Big Wood and return by same route. Amongst others :-
The two Dunlin were seen on the spit a few minutes before I arrived. I suspect they had wandered up Kid Brook as they werent seen on my return over two hours later. The usual dog walking ignoramus was, though, in the course of flushing everything onto the mere. Good numbers of Long-tailed Tit in the woods, three separate flocks, and also decent numbers of Goldfinch. The two Common Snipe flew out of Coward Reedbed. No Bittern were seen this morning although two were present yesterday afternoon.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Feb 12 4:22 PM, 2021
An hour and a half down at the Mere, mid afternoon. Virtually no gulls other than thirty odd Black-headed, four Common and a Lesser Black-back. What a difference a day makes although, surprisingly, the Mere was 95% ice free.
The two Dunlin were still feeding busily on the spit whilst, on the Mere, five Goosander were fresh in, the male Pintail and female Goldeneye were still present plus all the usuals. Bitterly cold, real feel -7*c.
Steve Costa said
Thu Feb 11 5:42 PM, 2021
12:00 - 14:00
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult, partially hooded)
Amongst 400+ gulls stood on ice near the centre of the mere. Mainly black-headed gulls (90-95%) with a few each of common, herring and lesser black-backed gull.
-- Edited by Steve Costa on Thursday 11th of February 2021 10:51:08 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Feb 11 1:41 PM, 2021
Just over two and a half hours from 10am in cold and sunny weather with a bitterly cold east wind, 0*c with real feel -3*c. More or less the same route as yesterday but also taking in Hopyards Wood. Amongst others :-
Hi Sam - Kid Brook Spit is on private land and there is no public footpath, or access to it. It is best viewed from the slipway (500 yards east of the Bittern Hide) but you will really need a telescope as it is distant. The waders turn up either on the spit itself or in the bays, west and east of it. Cheers, Mark.
Samglennie said
Thu Feb 11 9:11 AM, 2021
Hi there, was wondering how to access kid brook spit and if there were any particular places for seeing green sandpiper+jack snipe etc.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Feb 10 1:44 PM, 2021
Three hours from 9.20 in cold and sunny weather with a bitterly cold north east wind, 0*c real feel -3*c, a light dusting of snow overnight. Walked the mereside path to the Slipway, along Forge Brook, into Big Wood, around the flooded fields and back by the same route.
A bit of wader movement with an extra Oystercatcher to supplement the pair that returned a few days ago plus Dunlin and Green Sandpiper being year ticks on, or around Kid Brook Spit. A healthy 52 species, amongst others :-
Canada Goose (c.75) Greylag Goose (7) Grey Heron (11) Little Egret (1) Cormorant (4) Great Crested Grebe (3) Little Grebe (5) Tufted Duck (32) Gadwall (6) Shelduck (5) Wigeon (1) Pochard (2) Teal (7) Green Sandpiper (2) Dunlin (2) Oystercatcher (3) Lapwing (c.140) Curlew (82) Grey Wagtail (1) Water Rail (1) Great Spotted Woodpecker (1) Stock Dove (2) Mistle Thrush (1) Redwing (6)
Plenty of common birds around the feeders such as Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch etc.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Feb 9 3:51 PM, 2021
Two Jack Snipe took flight yesterday by the public footpath that runs north west of the mere and that ends up on Budworth Lane. They were down again, in normal fashion, almost immediately.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Feb 3 11:32 AM, 2021
Three hours from 7.45 in cool and mainly fine weather, some drizzle, 5*c, light winds. Quick look on the mere, walked down Forge Brook, around Big Wood then back via the mereside path. Nothing out of the ordinary, amongst others :-
Good numbers of Blackbird (21), Song Thrush (7) and Robin (19) around plus other common woodland birds such as Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit etc.
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Jan 31 11:50 AM, 2021
Three hours from 7.45am in cold and fine weather, -1*c, light winds. The Eurasian White-fronted Goose returned to the mere yesterday, mid afternoon. I figured that, if it were to roost here, it should be still present if I got down there early enough and it was. Amongst others :-
Eurasian White-fronted Goose (1) Canada Goose (50) Greylag Goose (35) Grey Heron (2) Bittern (1) Cormorant (2) Great Crested Grebe (4) Little Grebe (1) Tufted Duck (50) Shoveler (5) Wigeon (3) Goldeneye (1f) Pintail (1m) Water Rail (1) Cettis Warbler (1) Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) Redwing (3) Stock Dove (1)
A second Bittern had been seen in Coward Reedbed whilst I was wandering around.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Jan 29 3:43 PM, 2021
Spent almost an hour and a half in the Marston area this morning from 8am. Just south east of Budworth Mere and part of our Marbury Patch recording area. It incorporates Marston Pools, Marston Floods and the fields inbetween. Amongst others :-
Continuing on to Budworth Mere, there was a quiet feel with good numbers of Tufted Duck (41) but not too much else. Gadwall (3), female Goosander (1), a few Mallard and our first returning Oystercatcher (1) down near the Sailing Club. Kid Brook spit was devoid of birds, possibly due to further disturbance. There is a certain dog owner who walks down to the spit a few times each week, flushing everything either on to the mere or simply away. There were just a few Canada Geese on the mere which is unusual.
Good news, however, is that a flock of Greylag dropped in after I had left and which included a Eurasian/Russian White-fronted Goose. Nice find by Malc Curtin. Also seen were Pintail (1m) and Goldeneye (2m).
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jan 25 12:35 PM, 2021
Three hours from 8am in cold and clear weather, -3*c to 0*c, light winds. Bittern Hide - Slipway - Forge Brook & Big Wood - Dairy House Meadows - Marbury Lane - Big Wood - Bittern Hide. Amongst others :-
This evening 1 Bittern in the Coward Reedbed showing from 4.45pm-5.05pm at least, I initially picked it up down to the far left of the Bittern Screen in the reeds looking through the tree branches. After a while there it flew over the reeds further out to the small clump of bushes in the reedbed looking straight ahead from the screen. Also present a Sparrowhawk and about 10 Starlings maximum, so no murmuration!! Several Water Rails calling too.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 16th of January 2021 10:04:20 PM
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jan 7 3:24 PM, 2021
In addition to Mark's birds there were also a drake Pintail and a drake Goldeneye on the unfrozen section of Budworth Mere and four Snipe out on Kid Brook shore opposite the mereside path.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Jan 7 2:31 PM, 2021
Two and a half hours from 10.15 this morning. Bittern Hide - Slipway - Forge Brook - Slipway - Bittern Hide. Weather cold and fine, other than snow for ten minutes, 0*c, light winds. Amongst others :-
The Bittern was perched about two feet above the reeds in a small tree and was present there for around two hours. The mere was approx 80% frozen, so the bulk of the ducks were concentrated around the spit and at the eastern end of Coward Reedbed. The sole Teal was way down Forge Brook near the Cattle Drink, possibly unwell.
Edit - Thanks Paul, forgot to include the male Pintail that was asleep on the ice when I saw it.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Thursday 7th of January 2021 04:15:02 PM
Nine Golden Plover took flight from the large field that leads down to the eastern end of Budworth Mere, this morning. Technically not Marbury Country Park but this area forms part of the Marbury Patch recording area. A number of Golden Plover have been associating with Lapwing in this general area for a few days now. A Stonechat pair are still in the flooded field, over the brow of the hill, west of Higher Marston. A couple of Linnet, four Stock Dove and a few Skylark were also seen.
Had a quick look at the eastern end of the mere where an adult male Goldeneye was still present. Waterfowl species and numbers were as have been seen recently. There are now three Bittern in Coward Reedbed but none were on show around midday.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Jan 2 2:03 PM, 2021
Just short of 4 hours at Budworth Mere in cold and sunnyish weather. Minus 2 to start with and a heavy frost. A sizeable chunk of the western end of the mere was frozen. Spent a bit longer than normal in Big Wood after I had walked along Forge Brook. Also spent a short while near the Woodland Hide looking for the Firecrest, without luck. It hasnt been seen this year. Of note :-
Both Bittern were on view as I returned to the Bittern Hide. One at the back of the reedbed had been in the same spot without moving for over three hours, whilst the other was lower down and more mobile.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Jan 1 12:53 PM, 2021
Three hours at Budworth Mere from 9.30am in light rain, around 2*c, amongst others :-
Had twenty minutes or so at the Woodland Hide looking for the Firecrest without luck. The Lapwing and most of the Curlew were in the ploughed field behind the sailing club. One of the two Bittern was showing reasonably well, left hand corner of Coward Reedbed.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Dec 22 12:15 PM, 2020
Budworth Mere, two and a half hours from 9am in fine and cold weather. Amongst others :-
No sign of the Firecrest near the Woodland Hide although the bird was reported just before midday.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Dec 20 9:33 AM, 2020
Mark Dean wrote:
Ps The wood ducks I saw were a female and Male together just along the path from the Boat House,not sure if anyone has reported the Male?
-- Edited by Mark Dean on Saturday 19th of December 2020 07:28:55 PM
Thanks for that Mark, but yes the drake has been reported previously and photographs put onto the Marbury Patchers Grapevine. As an escape and not on the UK List (!!) I suppose this species once Id-ed has fallen off the radar a bit when reports are put in. But nonetheless. a glorious duck to see when in full drake plumage.
Mark Dean said
Sat Dec 19 7:20 PM, 2020
Managed to see the Firecrest today when I headedto the woodland hide and when there I was told it was seen about 9.10am,I got there at 11.30.After just over an hour of waiting,it showed for me 3 times the, first time I did not get on it quick enough and only got a very brief view of it flying from the Yew behind the hide,across the pond and lost it.Then it was in the same yew tree at around 12.40 to 12.45 when it showed really well though very active at only about 20 Meters away,a lifer for me ,so great to see it so well.it again showed at 1pm for around 10 mins.I had also seen the Wood Ducks b4 this on the Mere,and to top it all of ,thanks to another birder spotting the Bittern in the reeds and help from John Raynor (nice to meet up with you again John) I got on it and a few minutes later saw what we all agreed was probably the second one,this happened shortly after the start of the Starling Murmuration at 3.30, which although the birds went down in individual flocks must of consisted of 1000+ birds.So a good days birding!
Ps The wood ducks I saw were a female and Male together just along the path from the Boat House,not sure if anyone has reported the Male?
-- Edited by Mark Dean on Saturday 19th of December 2020 07:28:55 PM
John Watson said
Fri Dec 18 10:27 AM, 2020
Got onto the Firecrest y'day (Thu) 3pm. Many thanks to whomever came to find me
Apparently, it had been in the large clump of Yew trees between the dipping pool & lake for a while, but moved back to the single Yew tree just before the hide. For the uninitiated, it's considerably more active than the few Goldcrests & Coal Tits in the same trees - that might help with getting on to it
Also, Bittern came out the reeds at ~16:10 just after the starling flocks had settled. It climbed up for a good view, flew past the flock, then sneaked back at low level for supper with the fading light behind it. One of the regular guys saw a 2nd Bittern, but not everyone got into it
-- Edited by John Watson on Friday 18th of December 2020 10:32:47 AM
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Dec 17 12:58 PM, 2020
After several attempts, finally caught up with our elusive Firecrest this morning, close to the Woodland Hide. Showed quite well on a few occasions and each time for good periods. Favoured a yew tree, fifteen yards or so to the left of the hide.
The Firecrest, seen and photographed on 11 November, was refound on Monday by a local birder and photographer (Maggie B). At the Woodland Hide and in the same yew tree, to the left of the feeders. It has been showing on and off since then but I was out of luck, late afternoon today.
Diverted to the Bittern Hide to check on the two Bittern currently present. One was soon located and shortly after it flew twenty yards into another part of the reedbed. It promptly disturbed the second Bittern and sort of chased it further to the right before both of them settled. So, we have one lightly coloured bird with a second darker bird that is noticeably smaller than the other.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 7 4:48 PM, 2020
Budworth Mere from 1pm until dusk in cold and fairly clear weather. Amongst others :-
One of the two current Bittern was found before the Starling started to drop in. Eventually, the Starling started arriving and a few hundred went down into the reedbed before larger numbers built up to an impressive murmuration. The Bittern stayed put for at least half an hour before flying 30 yards into a different part of the reedbed. Also present were one each of Peregrine and Sparrowhawk.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Dec 1 1:41 PM, 2020
Budworth Mere, three hours from 9.45 in fine, dry and cold weather. Amongst others :-
Grey Heron (16) Cormorant (14) Canada Goose (c.200) Greylag Goose (c.75) Mute Swan (2) Great Crested Grebe (12) Little Grebe (5) Tufted Duck (47) Shoveler (3) Wigeon (5) Goosander (8) Curlew (61) Green Sandpiper (1) Water Rail (1) Kingfisher (2) Raven (1) Sparrowhawk (2) Stock Dove (1)
Nice assortment of birds at the Bittern Hide feeders and those at the Woodland Hide including Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Wren, Dunnock, Blue, Great & Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Nov 18 8:19 PM, 2020
So easy to just flick past stuff on a grapevine like the patch one so I'm pleased I brought everyone's attention to it and allowed you and the others to get down to see it. I see lots of Wood Duck and Mandarins on the R.Weaver below Moulton, in a variety of plumages, plus Mandarins have bred for 3 years on my Newchurch Patch so it jumped out immediately as 'not a Mandarin' !! Paul Hill confirms he hasn't seen Wood Duck on patch so must be a first!!
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Nov 18 6:47 PM, 2020
I think many of the patchers have seen Wood Duck on the Weaver, Paul but we think its a first for Marbury Patch. Unless one of the long standing regulars comes forward with a distant record . I knew adult female Mandarin and Wood Duck were very similar but just not how much similar. I wasnt, therefore, going to question the original id but, once home with photos and field guide to hand, it was an easy enough confirmation.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Nov 17 8:06 PM, 2020
Hadn't realised this was a Patch first Mark! I know it will only make it onto the escapes list but really glad now that I questioned the original ID. Originally put out as a Mandarin I questioned the picture and posted on the patch grapevine that I thought it was a Wood Duck. Think I caused a few patchers to head down to check it out & see it
I cut my teeth on wildfowl ID at Chorlton WP when that was my patch, so I still pay special attention to that group of birds. Now if it had been a gull, that's a whole different story .............
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Nov 17 3:09 PM, 2020
Rather unexpectedly, and probably a patch first this morning, an adult female Wood Duck in front of the Bittern Hide. It disappeared amongst the overhanging branches towards the boathouse, before later appearing again near the hide.
Had another look, without success, for the Firecrest around the Woodland Hide. Eight Goosander were on the Mere with the usuals and one of the Bittern was, at times, showing well from Coward Reedbed.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 17th of November 2020 03:10:30 PM
On RBA the Cuddington Osprey is reported as heading NE over Kennel Lane at 10.14am, but the news wasn't transmitted until after 6.50am.
Another Osprey was reported on BirdGuides as passing over nearby Cuddington, heading north east, early evening. This would have taken it close to Budworth Mere but, with no further reports, it may well have veered off northwards.
There have recently been anything up to 300 Sand Martin over the mere and a single Swallow has been seen on two occasions.
Little bit of an afternoon mooch after an early finish from work. From 4pm lots of tufted duck and great crested grebe.
Sand Martin active and plentiful at the west end.
Also blackcap heard but not seen and great spotted woodpecker drumming.
Some very fine looking great tit (rapidly becoming my favourite tit!) around the hide
Roughly four shelduck came in around half four as well
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 1st of April 2021 08:30:14 PM
10:30 At least 5 Sand Martin at west end of mere. Also a stunning male Firecrest at the west end of Big Wood then across the small field to the other side. Flycatching and flitting about.
Two Green Sandpiper around Kid Brook Spit were the highlight and on the Mere were a pair of Goosander, otherwise as it has been for several weeks now. Three separate Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard drumming, one in Big Wood, one in Black Wood and one at the northern end of Marbury Lane. All other woodland species as recently.
Two of the regular patchers have them. Good for locating birds like Woodcock, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe without any possibility of flushing them. Seven Woodcock plus a number of Snipe feeding in a field (in the dark) on patch recently. Also good for checking if the two Bittern are still present even though you cant see them in the usual way. Whats it going to be like in another ten years? We wont have to leave the house!
Canada Goose (2)
Cormorant (2)
Grey Heron (7)
Great Crested Grebe (6)
Little Grebe (2)
Tufted Duck (58)
Wigeon (6)
Goosander (1)
Water Rail (1)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Nuthatch (8)
Siskin (4)
Meadow Pipit (2)
Redwing (50)
Mistle Thrush (1)
Goldcrest (4)
Reed Bunting (2)
Usual array of commoner species around. Two Bittern had been picked up by thermal imaging earlier and viewed briefly although they werent on show during my two visits to the hide overlooking Coward Reedbed.
Canada Goose (5)
Greylag Goose (3)
Cormorant (4)
Grey Heron (7)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Little Grebe (4)
Tufted Duck (22)
Wigeon (3)
Goldeneye (1)
Goosander (3)
Shelduck (3)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Water Rail (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
Meadow Pipit (2)
Redwing (21)
Mistle Thrush (3)
Goldcrest (2)
Nice array of commoner species around, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit etc. Eighteen Meadow Pipit had been seen earlier at the flooded fields inbetween Big Wood and Hopyards. The two I saw were probably remnants of that flock, not too common on patch.
Cormorant (1)
Grey Heron (2)
Great Crested Grebe (2)
Little Grebe (1)
Mute Swan (6)
Teal (7)
Tufted Duck (6)
Gadwall (6)
Curlew (22)
Lapwing (150)
Skylark (3)
Linnet (15)
Jackdaw (100)
Stock Dove (2)
Collared Dove (21)
Kestrel (1)
Buzzard (2)
House Sparrow (35)
Canada Goose (75)
Greylag Goose (3)
Cormorant (6)
Grey Heron (4)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Little Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (31)
Wigeon (3)
Pintail (1)
Oystercatcher (2)
Curlew (71)
Lapwing (41)
Kingfisher (1)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Water Rail (2)
Cettis Warbler (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Siskin (6)
Redwing (2)
Reed Bunting (2)
Goldcrest (2)
Raven (1)
Sparrowhawk (1)
Buzzard (4)
Photos of the recently returned Wood Duck pair.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Wednesday 17th of February 2021 02:32:55 PM
Canada Goose (c.75)
Greylag Goose (2)
Cormorant (6)
Great Crested Grebe (7)
Little Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (32)
Shelduck (2)
Goldeneye (1f)
Wigeon (6)
Pintail (1m)
Oystercatcher (1)
Green Sandpiper (1)
Common Gull (14)
Great Black-backed Gull (2)
Kingfisher (2)
Grey Wagtail (2)
Water Rail (1)
Buzzard (2)
Redwing (5)
Canada Goose (122)
Grey Heron (1)
Cormorant (3)
Great Crested Grebe (2)
Little Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (29)
Shelduck (2)
Goldeneye (2)
Goosander (3)
Snipe (2)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Pied Wagtail (1)
Stock Dove (5)
Buzzard (1)
Redwing (12)
The two Dunlin were seen on the spit a few minutes before I arrived. I suspect they had wandered up Kid Brook as they werent seen on my return over two hours later. The usual dog walking ignoramus was, though, in the course of flushing everything onto the mere. Good numbers of Long-tailed Tit in the woods, three separate flocks, and also decent numbers of Goldfinch. The two Common Snipe flew out of Coward Reedbed. No Bittern were seen this morning although two were present yesterday afternoon.
The two Dunlin were still feeding busily on the spit whilst, on the Mere, five Goosander were fresh in, the male Pintail and female Goldeneye were still present plus all the usuals. Bitterly cold, real feel -7*c.
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult, partially hooded)
Amongst 400+ gulls stood on ice near the centre of the mere. Mainly black-headed gulls (90-95%) with a few each of common, herring and lesser black-backed gull.
-- Edited by Steve Costa on Thursday 11th of February 2021 10:51:08 PM
Canada Goose (c.150)
Greylag Goose (2)
Canada/Greylag Hybrid (1)
Grey Heron (21)
Little Egret (1)
Cormorant (1)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Little Grebe (3)
Tufted Duck (60)
Gadwall (1)
Shelduck (11)
Teal (11)
Goldeneye (1f)
Dunlin (2)
Oystercatcher (3)
Lapwing (c.125)
Curlew (64)
Grey Wagtail (2)
Pied Wagtail (1)
Water Rail (1)
Stock Dove (5)
Buzzard (1)
Redwing (c.35)
A bit of wader movement with an extra Oystercatcher to supplement the pair that returned a few days ago plus Dunlin and Green Sandpiper being year ticks on, or around Kid Brook Spit. A healthy 52 species, amongst others :-
Canada Goose (c.75)
Greylag Goose (7)
Grey Heron (11)
Little Egret (1)
Cormorant (4)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Little Grebe (5)
Tufted Duck (32)
Gadwall (6)
Shelduck (5)
Wigeon (1)
Pochard (2)
Teal (7)
Green Sandpiper (2)
Dunlin (2)
Oystercatcher (3)
Lapwing (c.140)
Curlew (82)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Water Rail (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
Stock Dove (2)
Mistle Thrush (1)
Redwing (6)
Plenty of common birds around the feeders such as Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch etc.
Canada Goose (54)
Greylag Goose (22)
Grey Heron (2)
Cormorant (5)
Great Crested Grebe (5)
Little Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (16)
Gadwall (3)
Pintail (1)
Goosander (2)
Shelduck (3)
Curlew (1)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Goldcrest (2)
Redwing (17)
Reed Bunting (1)
Good numbers of Blackbird (21), Song Thrush (7) and Robin (19) around plus other common woodland birds such as Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit etc.
Eurasian White-fronted Goose (1)
Canada Goose (50)
Greylag Goose (35)
Grey Heron (2)
Bittern (1)
Cormorant (2)
Great Crested Grebe (4)
Little Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (50)
Shoveler (5)
Wigeon (3)
Goldeneye (1f)
Pintail (1m)
Water Rail (1)
Cettis Warbler (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Redwing (3)
Stock Dove (1)
A second Bittern had been seen in Coward Reedbed whilst I was wandering around.
Grey Heron (1)
Cormorant (7)
Great Crested Grebe (1)
Tufted Duck (6)
Teal (6)
Gadwall (3)
Mute Swan (4)
Curlew (2)
Lapwing (550)
Stock Dove (1)
Raven (1)
Skylark (35)
Continuing on to Budworth Mere, there was a quiet feel with good numbers of Tufted Duck (41) but not too much else. Gadwall (3), female Goosander (1), a few Mallard and our first returning Oystercatcher (1) down near the Sailing Club. Kid Brook spit was devoid of birds, possibly due to further disturbance. There is a certain dog owner who walks down to the spit a few times each week, flushing everything either on to the mere or simply away. There were just a few Canada Geese on the mere which is unusual.
Good news, however, is that a flock of Greylag dropped in after I had left and which included a Eurasian/Russian White-fronted Goose. Nice find by Malc Curtin. Also seen were Pintail (1m) and Goldeneye (2m).
Bittern (1)
Grey Heron (3)
Cormorant (4)
Pink-footed Goose (4)
Canada Goose (75)
Greylag Goose (35)
Mute Swan (2)
Little Grebe (3)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Tufted Duck (23)
Goldeneye (2)
Teal (1)
Wigeon (7)
Shoveler (5)
Gadwall (1)
Pochard (1)
Shelduck (6)
Water Rail (1)
Grey Wagtail (1)
Redwing (4)
Plenty of the commoner woodland birds seen included several Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit.
This evening 1 Bittern in the Coward Reedbed showing from 4.45pm-5.05pm at least, I initially picked it up down to the far left of the Bittern Screen in the reeds looking through the tree branches. After a while there it flew over the reeds further out to the small clump of bushes in the reedbed looking straight ahead from the screen. Also present a Sparrowhawk and about 10 Starlings maximum, so no murmuration!! Several Water Rails calling too.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 16th of January 2021 10:04:20 PM
In addition to Mark's birds there were also a drake Pintail and a drake Goldeneye on the unfrozen section of Budworth Mere and four Snipe out on Kid Brook shore opposite the mereside path.
Bittern (1)
Grey Heron (1)
Cormorant (10)
Canada Goose (c.125)
Greylag Goose (2)
Mute Swan (2)
Little Grebe (2)
Great Crested Grebe (11)
Tufted Duck (c.45)
Teal (1)
Goldeneye (2f)
Wigeon (4)
Gadwall (8)
Pochard (1m)
Shelduck (7)
Lapwing (15)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (2)
Buzzard (2)
Raven (1)
Tawny Owl (1)
Redwing (5)
Fieldfare (1)
The Bittern was perched about two feet above the reeds in a small tree and was present there for around two hours. The mere was approx 80% frozen, so the bulk of the ducks were concentrated around the spit and at the eastern end of Coward Reedbed. The sole Teal was way down Forge Brook near the Cattle Drink, possibly unwell.
Edit - Thanks Paul, forgot to include the male Pintail that was asleep on the ice when I saw it.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Thursday 7th of January 2021 04:15:02 PM
Had a quick look at the eastern end of the mere where an adult male Goldeneye was still present. Waterfowl species and numbers were as have been seen recently. There are now three Bittern in Coward Reedbed but none were on show around midday.
Bittern (2)
Grey Heron (2)
Cormorant (5)
Canada Goose (c.125)
Greylag Goose (1)
Mute Swan (2)
Little Grebe (2)
Great Crested Grebe (10)
Tufted Duck (31)
Shoveler (3)
Teal (4)
Goldeneye (1m)
Goosander (1)
Shelduck (6)
Curlew (17
Lapwing (5)
Water Rail (2)
Redwing (7)
Cettis Warbler (1)
Sparrowhawk (1)
Buzzard (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
Bullfinch (1)
Both Bittern were on view as I returned to the Bittern Hide. One at the back of the reedbed had been in the same spot without moving for over three hours, whilst the other was lower down and more mobile.
Grey Heron (1)
Cormorant (3)
Canada Goose (c.100)
Mute Swan (2)
Little Grebe (1)
Great Crested Grebe (17)
Tufted Duck (45)
Pochard (2)
Gadwall (2)
Shoveler (3)
Teal (14)
Buzzard (1)
Water Rail (1)
No luck with either Bittern or Firecrest although one of the Bittern was seen in flight at dawn.
Little Grebe (2)
Goosander (2)
Pochard (2m)
Gadwall (5)
Shelduck (2)
Pink-footed Goose (1)
Kingfisher (2)
Plus all the usuals, Tufted Duck, Canada & Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe etc.
Bittern (1)
Grey Heron (3)
Cormorant (17)
Canada Goose (c.150)
Greylag Goose (c.75)
Mute Swan (2)
Great Crested Grebe (9)
Little Grebe (1)
Pintail (1m)
Tufted Duck (37)
Goosander (1)
Pochard (1m)
Curlew (17)
Lapwing (c.150)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (1)
Buzzard (1)
Sparrowhawk (1)
Had twenty minutes or so at the Woodland Hide looking for the Firecrest without luck. The Lapwing and most of the Curlew were in the ploughed field behind the sailing club. One of the two Bittern was showing reasonably well, left hand corner of Coward Reedbed.
Grey Heron (6)
Cormorant (10)
Canada Goose (c.125)
Greylag Goose (c.100)
Mute Swan(2)
Great Crested Grebe (10)
Little Grebe (2)
Pintail (1m)
Tufted Duck (36)
Wigeon (1f)
Goosander (4)
Curlew (6)
Lapwing (55)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (1)
Cettis Warbler (1)
No sign of the Firecrest near the Woodland Hide although the bird was reported just before midday.
Thanks for that Mark, but yes the drake has been reported previously and photographs put onto the Marbury Patchers Grapevine. As an escape and not on the UK List (!!) I suppose this species once Id-ed has fallen off the radar a bit when reports are put in. But nonetheless. a glorious duck to see when in full drake plumage.
-- Edited by Mark Dean on Saturday 19th of December 2020 07:28:55 PM
Apparently, it had been in the large clump of Yew trees between the dipping pool & lake for a while, but moved back to the single Yew tree just before the hide. For the uninitiated, it's considerably more active than the few Goldcrests & Coal Tits in the same trees - that might help with getting on to it
Also, Bittern came out the reeds at ~16:10 just after the starling flocks had settled. It climbed up for a good view, flew past the flock, then sneaked back at low level for supper with the fading light behind it. One of the regular guys saw a 2nd Bittern, but not everyone got into it
-- Edited by John Watson on Friday 18th of December 2020 10:32:47 AM
Diverted to the Bittern Hide to check on the two Bittern currently present. One was soon located and shortly after it flew twenty yards into another part of the reedbed. It promptly disturbed the second Bittern and sort of chased it further to the right before both of them settled. So, we have one lightly coloured bird with a second darker bird that is noticeably smaller than the other.
Grey Heron (9)
Bittern (1)
Cormorant (13)
Canada Goose (c.85)
Greylag Goose (c.45)
Pink-footed Goose (1)
Mute Swan (2 plus 5 over)
Great Crested Grebe (14)
Little Grebe (2)
Tufted Duck (c.50)
Shoveler (1)
Wigeon (8)
Goosander (5)
Goldeneye (pr)
Curlew (4)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (1)
Sparrowhawk (1)
Peregrine (1)
Starling (25k)
One of the two current Bittern was found before the Starling started to drop in. Eventually, the Starling started arriving and a few hundred went down into the reedbed before larger numbers built up to an impressive murmuration. The Bittern stayed put for at least half an hour before flying 30 yards into a different part of the reedbed. Also present were one each of Peregrine and Sparrowhawk.
Grey Heron (16)
Cormorant (14)
Canada Goose (c.200)
Greylag Goose (c.75)
Mute Swan (2)
Great Crested Grebe (12)
Little Grebe (5)
Tufted Duck (47)
Shoveler (3)
Wigeon (5)
Goosander (8)
Curlew (61)
Green Sandpiper (1)
Water Rail (1)
Kingfisher (2)
Raven (1)
Sparrowhawk (2)
Stock Dove (1)
Nice assortment of birds at the Bittern Hide feeders and those at the Woodland Hide including Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Wren, Dunnock, Blue, Great & Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch.
So easy to just flick past stuff on a grapevine like the patch one so I'm pleased I brought everyone's attention to it and allowed you and the others to get down to see it. I see lots of Wood Duck and Mandarins on the R.Weaver below Moulton, in a variety of plumages, plus Mandarins have bred for 3 years on my Newchurch Patch so it jumped out immediately as 'not a Mandarin' !! Paul Hill confirms he hasn't seen Wood Duck on patch so must be a first!!
Hadn't realised this was a Patch first Mark! I know it will only make it onto the escapes list but really glad now that I questioned the original ID. Originally put out as a Mandarin I questioned the picture and posted on the patch grapevine that I thought it was a Wood Duck. Think I caused a few patchers to head down to check it out & see it
I cut my teeth on wildfowl ID at Chorlton WP when that was my patch, so I still pay special attention to that group of birds. Now if it had been a gull, that's a whole different story .............
Had another look, without success, for the Firecrest around the Woodland Hide. Eight Goosander were on the Mere with the usuals and one of the Bittern was, at times, showing well from Coward Reedbed.
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 17th of November 2020 03:10:30 PM