I hope Nigel was lucky. The Siberian Stonechat was showing quite well east of the bench this morning between 1100 and 1200 approx.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Feb 3 4:18 PM, 2020
Nigel Sluman wrote:
Morning all,
I'm driving up to Manchester next Monday afternoon and hoping to catch up with the Siberian Stonechat. Have never been to the area before, so was wondering if someone would be kind enough to provide directions of where to park and where the bird typically hangs out please? I keep reading about 'Bund Bench' but not sure where this is.
Many thanks,
Nige
Hi Nigel - Go on Google Satellite and make your way to Old Warrington Road. This runs into Marbury Lane and runs up the north western side of Ashtons Flash. There is a free car park here. Fifty yards north of the car park bear right on the path between the two flashes. Neumanns Flash on your left, Ashtons Flash on your right. In 250 yards, on your right hand side, there is a small gap in the trees where you will see the bund bench. The bird has been frequenting the area to the left/east of here, sometimes coming quite close to the fence. Mark.
Nigel Sluman said
Mon Feb 3 11:08 AM, 2020
Morning all,
I'm driving up to Manchester next Monday afternoon and hoping to catch up with the Siberian Stonechat. Have never been to the area before, so was wondering if someone would be kind enough to provide directions of where to park and where the bird typically hangs out please? I keep reading about 'Bund Bench' but not sure where this is.
Many thanks,
Nige
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Feb 3 8:44 AM, 2020
Originally posted yesterday by Judy Denison:
Heard, but didn't manage to see, a Cetti's warbler today.
Also lovely to see a flock of 20+ curlews in flight.
Steven Nelson said
Sun Feb 2 6:01 PM, 2020
The Siberian Stonechat gave really good close views at around 13.00 today in good light.
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Feb 1 8:54 PM, 2020
Steve Costa wrote:
JOHN TYMON wrote:
Apparently 10 strimmers cutting all the vegatation on the bank where the Siberian Stonechat normally is, thats a clever move by someone. Siberian Stonechat still present in there one of the far corner i have just been told.
Re: Ashton's Flash
I'm afraid, John, that this is a rather inaccurate report. I'm a volunteer for the Northwich Woodlands/Marbury Country Park. Volunteers, under the supervision of the ranger, are involved in habitat management (amongst other work) - on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I was there on Thursday. Only a couple of strimmers are used - the rest of the cutting/coppicing is done manually - loppers, saws and slashers.
This is necessary and important conservation work. Most parts of the open grassland areas (including the bank), surrounding the flash, would 'scrub over' with sallow, birch and hawthorn if they weren't cut on a rotational basis e.g. annually or biennially. This is a prime site and has superb wildlife/flora interest e.g. significant colonies of dingy skipper, six-belted clearwing, fragrant orchid, marsh helleborine and many more species. This year, there will be a new survey by an entomologist. Of course, birds, such as green woodpeckers, use the open areas too. In order to maintain this rich biodiversity, the work must be done sometime during the winter months.
By the way, the Siberian stonechat has been present for five weeks now - ample time for birdwatchers to see it. In any event, the stonechat is not significantly disturbed by the work being done and simply relocates a short distance away from the activity. I'm a birdwatcher too and have seen it several times.
One last point - if the habitat hadn't been managed as open grassland, the stonechat wouldn't have been there in the first place!! It is precisely this type of open habitat that has attracted it, and provided the food and conditions that it needs.
It would be heartening if more birdwatchers became actively involved in practical nature conservation.
Sorry I shouldn't post 3rd party news someone sent me a message saying what I put ,I was trying to make people aware if they were going ,its not an area I know greatly ,so I will bow to your knowledge of the issue . I think most conservation would never have happened in the first place if it was not for the birdwatchers ,and I think most long time birders have had many links with conservation and practical nature conservation as I have .
Steve Costa said
Sat Feb 1 5:24 PM, 2020
JOHN TYMON wrote:
Apparently 10 strimmers cutting all the vegatation on the bank where the Siberian Stonechat normally is, thats a clever move by someone. Siberian Stonechat still present in there one of the far corner i have just been told.
Re: Ashton's Flash
I'm afraid, John, that this is a rather inaccurate report. I'm a volunteer for the Northwich Woodlands/Marbury Country Park. Volunteers, under the supervision of the ranger, are involved in habitat management (amongst other work) - on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I was there on Thursday. Only a couple of strimmers are used - the rest of the cutting/coppicing is done manually - loppers, saws and slashers.
This is necessary and important conservation work. Most parts of the open grassland areas (including the bank), surrounding the flash, would 'scrub over' with sallow, birch and hawthorn if they weren't cut on a rotational basis e.g. annually or biennially. This is a prime site and has superb wildlife/flora interest e.g. significant colonies of dingy skipper, six-belted clearwing, fragrant orchid, marsh helleborine and many more species. This year, there will be a new survey by an entomologist. Of course, birds, such as green woodpeckers, use the open areas too. In order to maintain this rich biodiversity, the work must be done sometime during the winter months.
By the way, the Siberian stonechat has been present for five weeks now - ample time for birdwatchers to see it. In any event, the stonechat is not significantly disturbed by the work being done and simply relocates a short distance away from the activity. I'm a birdwatcher too and have seen it several times.
One last point - if the habitat hadn't been managed as open grassland, the stonechat wouldn't have been there in the first place!! It is precisely this type of open habitat that has attracted it, and provided the food and conditions that it needs.
It would be heartening if more birdwatchers became actively involved in practical nature conservation.
Curt Whitby said
Wed Jan 29 7:48 PM, 2020
I had really good, close views of the Siberian Stonechat around 1 pm. It was very active flitting from branch to branch in the scrub and offered up prolonged views as it perched. A lovely looking bird. Many thanks to the couple of kindly birders that gave me directions to find the bird and the chap with the scope watching at the gate I'd never have seen it without your help.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of January 2020 08:11:52 PM
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jan 29 1:46 PM, 2020
Apparently 10 strimmers cutting all the vegatation on the bank where the Siberian Stonechat normally is, thats a clever move by someone. Siberian Stonechat still present in there one of the far corner i have just been told.
John Williams said
Mon Jan 27 11:53 PM, 2020
Brief visit 11.00-12.00
Apart from the Siberian Stonechat still showing well on Ashton's Flash, the following were of note on Neumann's.
90 Wigeon (The recent high numbers are amazing as not so long ago Wigeon was only an occasional visitor here),
4 Shelducks, a huge 2nd winter "Argentatus" Herring Gull and a flock of 5 House Sparrows.
markwoodhead said
Mon Jan 27 2:31 PM, 2020
Siberian Stonechat still present this morning. Initially frustratingly distant views looking into the sun, but eventually it came quite close giving all present good views. Again about 75 yards east of bench on bund.
Siberian Stonechat still present this morning in its favoured area of Ashtons Flash, the north east corner, viewed from seventy five yards or so east of the bund bench. Sometimes close, sometimes distant, always mobile and constantly moving.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jan 20 10:26 PM, 2020
Doc Brewster wrote:
The consensus of opinion is that this is a Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola maurus....
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 25th of December 2019 07:41:13 PM
As Andy says it's nice to have confirmation of what we thought all along from field observations of the bird, the above post being from my visit on the day after the original find on the previous afternoon. So it was mooted as Siberian by most folk for all the time it has been there. Huge credit to David Bedford for flagging the bird up and adding a new species to the Cheshire list.
Andy Isherwood said
Mon Jan 20 8:33 PM, 2020
For those that haven't seen the news today the "Stonechat" has been confirmed as a Siberian by DNA analysis. Good to have science confirm what most observers felt from field views.
John Williams said
Mon Jan 20 7:36 PM, 2020
11.00-14.00
The Siberian Stonechat showed quite well along the North Bank of Ashtons Flash.
Also seen in the same area were 1 Kestrel and a group of 4 Meadow Pipits.
1m Pintail was with 64 Wigeon and 3 Shelducks that were gathered around an unfrozen
part of Neumanns. A single Sparrowhawk zoomed low across the mere at one point.
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Jan 12 7:03 PM, 2020
Siberian type Stonechat still present today up until 1pm when it did a disappearing act from the north east corner. Great for scope views but still a little distant for photos. If I persist, I may just get lucky with a really close view lol. The last photo below is cropped more than the others.
Good views of Siberian Stonechat around lunchtime today
Steve Costa said
Sun Jan 5 3:56 PM, 2020
(Common) Pochard - 58 (+2 on Ashton's Flash)
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jan 2 9:39 PM, 2020
Seeing as how I had to pop into Northwich this afternoon I decided to see if I could see the 'Siberian' Stonechat for a second time. On arrival the gathered small group of birders, at the 'Bund Bench', informed me that the bird had been missing for just over an hour. 20 minutes later with still no show I decided to head off. Myself and a fellow local decided to have one last look, by nipping down to the lower gate at the SW corner of Ashton's Flash. As we were chatting I saw a small bird move only 5m away. On rasing my bins I saw the stonechat there, right in front of us, giving stonking views. I got John onto it immediately and we had great views. I also rang the other birders to let them know and they all headed down, several getting immediate views. I then had to leave but hope all there did connect seeing as how they knew where the bird was! It can be an elusive little critter but worth a look, or several looks.
For info a poo sample which is thought to almost ceratinly be from the bird (seen pooing on a post!) was collected today, so confirmatory ID may be on the way
Phil Oddy said
Wed Jan 1 9:01 PM, 2020
Siberian type Stonechat still present this afternoon on Ashton's Flash
Chris Harper said
Mon Dec 30 7:47 PM, 2019
Eventually got half decent views of the Siberian/Steneigers Stonechat at Ashton Flash from 14.45-15.30.
Initially it was distant and looking into the sun from the bench at The Bund, but it moved centrally near the fence for a good 20 minutes allowing good scope views when on the small shrubs.
2 grainy digiscoped shots included to show rough perching behaviour.
Talking to the finder, he is asking for anyone with good shots to post on the Marbury Watts App group to check for key identification features. No faeces collected as yet.
Also present were Green Woodpecker, 4 Siskin, 3 Fieldfare, Curlew, Pochard.
The 1st w male Eastern Stonechat still present this morning, viewed from both the mound near the car park and the bund bench area. As has been the case, the bird is both very active and mobile.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Dec 28 4:41 PM, 2019
Stonechat still showing around 3pm but very distant and mobile. Impossible to get decent views of dark underwing coverts, plain peachy rump or other features to pin it down.
Still present between 1-2pm whilst I was there early afternoon. Very distant then reasonably distant before flying further back and becoming very distant again! Viewed from the bund bench area, as in previous days flitting around constantly, rarely perching for more than thirty seconds or so.
sid ashton said
Sat Dec 28 2:25 PM, 2019
Like Mark had distant views of the bird on the fence looking from the mound at the north west end of the flash. We then had much closer views when it moved to be in front of the metal gate in the NW corner. Nice to chat to those forum members I met enjoying the Cheshire sunshine
Steven Nelson said
Sat Dec 28 2:16 PM, 2019
11.00-13.00
Ashtons Flash The Siberian Stonechat showing initially quite well near the fence in the water but then moved further out showing mostly in the centre of the bed but still giving decent scope views at times.
Neumanns Flash Good duck numbers: c.260 Wigeon 3 Pintail Plenty of Teal A few Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Shelduck and Tufted Duck
Also 1 Bullfinch- male
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 28th of December 2019 02:23:09 PM
markwoodhead said
Sat Dec 28 1:27 PM, 2019
This morning bird initially showed around 10.30 along the fence line leading out into the water in the centre of the flash and then briefly moved into North west corner before moving out into the centre of the flash again. Mobile and usually distant.
Just heard that the bird is currently in the north west corner of Ashtons Flash. For those wishing to see it, a pattern seems to be developing in so far as in the mornings, it is usually well out from the bund bench area and by early afternoon, its preferred spot seems to be in the north west corner.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Dec 27 2:13 PM, 2019
The 1st w male Eastern Stonechat showed well this morning from around 10.50 until 11.40. I saw it from the mound (adjacent to the car park) but walked over to the bund bench (between the two flashes) where viewing was both nearer and better.
The scope views were good enough but the bird was reasonably distant most of the time. It was very active, constantly flitting around whilst feeding and only perching for short periods. A couple of poor record shots attached.
I know Pete was only joking in the previous post but please do not attempt to get onto the flash for either better viewing or collecting droppings/feathers for DNA. It really is lethal and folk have disappeared up to their waists in the past!
The Siberian Stonechat was showing reasonable well today dispute the murky weather,someone needs to volunteer to don a pair of wellies and go poo hunting to get some dna
Great bird. I joined the re-locators near the bench on the bund overlooking Ashton's Flash late am and had a brief, distant view of the bird at 11am. At that distance no details could be discerned at all. A Sparrowhawk was frequenting the area in which I had seen the bird so no wonder it then went missing for ages. As a last resort I ventured down to the gate in the NW corner with a fellow birder. Not too long after we watched the bird relatively close and I had excellent scoped views. Then it came very close and showed superbly well. In the scope the pale, unstreaked rump and 'whinchat-like' appearance was evident.
The consensus of opinion is that this is a Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola maurus, and some forums are even discussing it being the same bird recently seen in Suffolk due to identical plumage details
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 25th of December 2019 07:41:13 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Dec 25 1:21 PM, 2019
The Eastern/Siberian Stonechat was re found this morning after an hour and a half or so. Initially the bird was quite distant and viewing was difficult looking into the sun from the bund bench. It then moved to the area in which it was originally found yesterday afternoon, the north west corner of Ashtons Flash. A superb find by local patcher Dave Bedford.
Neil Blood said
Tue Dec 24 8:20 PM, 2019
Eastern Stonechat on Ashtons Flash this afternoon:
*A further 10 Pochard were reported to be on Ashtons Flash.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Stock Doves sat on an owl box. 1 Buzzard and 1 Kingfisher.
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Dec 15 6:33 PM, 2019
Starling murmuration of around 35k this afternoon, most birds settling into the south west corner of the reedbed at Neumanns by 16.05 hrs.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Nov 14 6:30 PM, 2019
Starling murmuration of around 3k late afternoon, viewed from Wincham Mound which, to be honest, isnt the best spot. Still dropping in to the south west corner behind Stilt Island although some, together with some Redwing, settled at the north end. I arrived just before 4pm and probably missed some.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Nov 4 9:44 PM, 2019
Female Pintail present late morning.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Nov 2 8:15 AM, 2019
Went down late afternoon to see how the Starling murmuration was getting on. Arrived at the lay-by, to the east of the Flashes at 4.15 as a good 500 or so birds wheeled overhead. Walked the path to Pods Hide as further groups flew in from the east, settling in the reeds at the south west corner of Neumanns Flash. Then walked to the mound at the north west corner of Ashtons, where the last few birds were arriving from the south. Probably around 8k in total, a far cry from the 1 million peak in the Winter of 2016/17 but hopefully numbers will increase over the coming weeks.
John Williams said
Mon Oct 21 10:58 PM, 2019
12.00-14.00
Huge numbers of Canada Geese, with lesser numbers of Greylags and a single white goose
were on Neumanns, together with 36 Wigeon. A flock of 10 Redwings flew over heading West.
1 adult and 1 juvenile Little Grebes were close to Pods Hide.
The adult was still feeding its youngster, noticeably reluctantly now as the juvenile was seen diving
frequently. This popular family have been seen in front of Pods Hide for many weeks now, and the
youngster gives its parent no peace, the other adult appears to have slipped away.
The single juvenile Great Crested Grebe that was raised on Neumanns this year has gone too, it's
parents left weeks ago. Mute Swans numbers are building up, but no sign of last winters Whooper yet.
John Williams said
Mon Oct 7 9:19 PM, 2019
10.00-11.30
Ashtons Flash : 1 Kestrel
Neumanns Flash : 5 adult + 1 juv Little Grebs, the youngster still being fed by a parent.
Also 1 juv Great Crested Grebe.
Unsurprisingly the water level is still very high with no exposed shoreline at all on Neumanns,
and thus not a single Lapwing or Snipe seen throughout.
John Williams said
Tue Oct 1 7:39 PM, 2019
11.00-13.00
Ashton Flash : 1m Sparrowhawk.
Neumanns Flash : 1 Cettis Warbler heard by Pods hide then seen in the birches alongside the path.
1 juv Sparrowhawk chased across the flash by a Black Headed Gull. What may have been the same
hawk was later seen being pursued by a couple of Magpies near the fishing pools by Ollershaw Lane.
Also seen around Neumanns were 4 Buzzards, 6 Little Grebes and a juvenile Great Crested Grebe.
John Williams said
Sun Sep 22 1:29 PM, 2019
10.00-12.00
1f Marsh Harrier, flushed all the ducks from the Eastern shoreline, then flew all round
the edge of the flash, plunging twice into the reeds though not seen to catch anything,
before flying off towards Wincham. Also 1 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 13 Little Grebes (including
2 young still being fed by their parents), 2ad+1juv Great Crested Grebes, 3 Wigeon and
a charm of 30 Goldfinches. 180 Lapwings were on Ashtons Flash.
John Williams said
Fri Sep 20 3:41 PM, 2019
09.45-11.30
Neumanns Flash : 2ad+2juv Great Crested Grebes plus 2ad+2juv Little Grebes and another pair of adults with
at least one highly vocal youngster. 5 Wigeon. A flock of 50 Lapwings circled a few times then flew off towards
Marbury CP. Ashtons Flash appeared devoid of birdlife.
Phil Oddy said
Thu Sep 12 5:46 PM, 2019
Little Ringed Plover over this afternoon
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 12th of September 2019 07:16:21 PM
John Williams said
Tue Sep 10 4:59 PM, 2019
09.45-13.30
Neumanns Flash : 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2ad+2juv Little Grebes (Youngsters being fed by parents), 3 Buzzards,
Also a noticeabley light but steady passage of House Martins.
The Haydn Pool is currently overgrown to the point where barely any of the pool is visible from the main screen.
However the path leading towards Marbury Park from here, and which runs parellel to Marbury Lane, is bordered
by some tall mature oaks. These big trees, and the area around them is always worth checking out, today they
contained 2 Chiifchaffs, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Nuthatch, a Jay and a varied selection of insects.
John Williams said
Wed Aug 21 4:29 PM, 2019
10.00-13.00
Neumanns Flash :
120 Lapwings, 3 Buzzards, 2 adult + 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebes and 1 Little Grebe.
3 Chiffchaffs were amongst a large mixed flock of Long Tailed, Great and Blue Tits.
John Williams said
Tue Aug 6 4:49 PM, 2019
10.00-11.00
The resident pair of Great Crested Grebes are still tending 2 youngsters.
Also here were 2 Little Grebes and a Common Whitethroat.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Aug 2 1:15 PM, 2019
Common Tern moved through south yesterday morning whilst, today, there were singles of Green Sandpiper on both adjacent Ashtons Flash and Haydns Pool. Otherwise quiet.
John Williams said
Fri Jul 26 7:00 PM, 2019
10.30-14.00
1 Adult Great Crested Grebe + 2 near full grown young, 4 Little Grebes and 1 Buzzard.
400+ Lapwing were flushed at one point, mainly off Ashtons Flash and flew in tight formation
over Neumanns for quite a while, but the threat that upset them could not be found.
A roving flock of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and a couple of Common Whitethroats were
near the dip on the track leading to Dairyhouse Meadows, also here was a single Reed
Warbler seen flitting through a hawthorn bush.
John Williams said
Wed Jul 10 7:10 PM, 2019
Neumanns Flash (10.30-13.00)
2 Oystercatchers, 1pr of Great Crested Grebes with 2 tiny youngsters, 2 Buzzards and 2 Grey Herons.
2 Chiffchaffs and a single Blackcap still singing. Family group of 4 Willow Warblers together by the mound.
Reed Warblers showing really well along the edge of the reeds by Pods Hide.
Ashtons Flash : 16 Lapwings.
Dairyhouse Meadows : 3 Common Whitethroats together in the same small bush.
Hi Nigel - Go on Google Satellite and make your way to Old Warrington Road. This runs into Marbury Lane and runs up the north western side of Ashtons Flash. There is a free car park here. Fifty yards north of the car park bear right on the path between the two flashes. Neumanns Flash on your left, Ashtons Flash on your right. In 250 yards, on your right hand side, there is a small gap in the trees where you will see the bund bench. The bird has been frequenting the area to the left/east of here, sometimes coming quite close to the fence. Mark.
Morning all,
I'm driving up to Manchester next Monday afternoon and hoping to catch up with the Siberian Stonechat. Have never been to the area before, so was wondering if someone would be kind enough to provide directions of where to park and where the bird typically hangs out please? I keep reading about 'Bund Bench' but not sure where this is.
Many thanks,
Nige
Originally posted yesterday by Judy Denison:
Heard, but didn't manage to see, a Cetti's warbler today.
Also lovely to see a flock of 20+ curlews in flight.
Sorry I shouldn't post 3rd party news someone sent me a message saying what I put ,I was trying to make people aware if they were going ,its not an area I know greatly ,so I will bow to your knowledge of the issue . I think most conservation would never have happened in the first place if it was not for the birdwatchers ,and I think most long time birders have had many links with conservation and practical nature conservation as I have .
Re: Ashton's Flash
I'm afraid, John, that this is a rather inaccurate report. I'm a volunteer for the Northwich Woodlands/Marbury Country Park. Volunteers, under the supervision of the ranger, are involved in habitat management (amongst other work) - on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I was there on Thursday. Only a couple of strimmers are used - the rest of the cutting/coppicing is done manually - loppers, saws and slashers.
This is necessary and important conservation work. Most parts of the open grassland areas (including the bank), surrounding the flash, would 'scrub over' with sallow, birch and hawthorn if they weren't cut on a rotational basis e.g. annually or biennially. This is a prime site and has superb wildlife/flora interest e.g. significant colonies of dingy skipper, six-belted clearwing, fragrant orchid, marsh helleborine and many more species. This year, there will be a new survey by an entomologist. Of course, birds, such as green woodpeckers, use the open areas too. In order to maintain this rich biodiversity, the work must be done sometime during the winter months.
By the way, the Siberian stonechat has been present for five weeks now - ample time for birdwatchers to see it. In any event, the stonechat is not significantly disturbed by the work being done and simply relocates a short distance away from the activity. I'm a birdwatcher too and have seen it several times.
One last point - if the habitat hadn't been managed as open grassland, the stonechat wouldn't have been there in the first place!! It is precisely this type of open habitat that has attracted it, and provided the food and conditions that it needs.
It would be heartening if more birdwatchers became actively involved in practical nature conservation.
I had really good, close views of the Siberian Stonechat around 1 pm. It was very active flitting from branch to branch in the scrub and offered up prolonged views as it perched. A lovely looking bird. Many thanks to the couple of kindly birders that gave me directions to find the bird and the chap with the scope watching at the gate I'd never have seen it without your help.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of January 2020 08:11:52 PM
Apparently 10 strimmers cutting all the vegatation on the bank where the Siberian Stonechat normally is, thats a clever move by someone. Siberian Stonechat still present in there one of the far corner i have just been told.
Apart from the Siberian Stonechat still showing well on Ashton's Flash, the following were of note on Neumann's.
90 Wigeon (The recent high numbers are amazing as not so long ago Wigeon was only an occasional visitor here),
4 Shelducks, a huge 2nd winter "Argentatus" Herring Gull and a flock of 5 House Sparrows.
Siberian Stonechat still present this morning. Initially frustratingly distant views looking into the sun, but eventually it came quite close giving all present good views. Again about 75 yards east of bench on bund.
As Andy says it's nice to have confirmation of what we thought all along from field observations of the bird, the above post being from my visit on the day after the original find on the previous afternoon. So it was mooted as Siberian by most folk for all the time it has been there. Huge credit to David Bedford for flagging the bird up and adding a new species to the Cheshire list.
The Siberian Stonechat showed quite well along the North Bank of Ashtons Flash.
Also seen in the same area were 1 Kestrel and a group of 4 Meadow Pipits.
1m Pintail was with 64 Wigeon and 3 Shelducks that were gathered around an unfrozen
part of Neumanns. A single Sparrowhawk zoomed low across the mere at one point.
Seeing as how I had to pop into Northwich this afternoon I decided to see if I could see the 'Siberian' Stonechat for a second time. On arrival the gathered small group of birders, at the 'Bund Bench', informed me that the bird had been missing for just over an hour. 20 minutes later with still no show I decided to head off. Myself and a fellow local decided to have one last look, by nipping down to the lower gate at the SW corner of Ashton's Flash. As we were chatting I saw a small bird move only 5m away. On rasing my bins I saw the stonechat there, right in front of us, giving stonking views. I got John onto it immediately and we had great views. I also rang the other birders to let them know and they all headed down, several getting immediate views. I then had to leave but hope all there did connect seeing as how they knew where the bird was! It can be an elusive little critter but worth a look, or several looks.
For info a poo sample which is thought to almost ceratinly be from the bird (seen pooing on a post!) was collected today, so confirmatory ID may be on the way
Siberian type Stonechat still present this afternoon on Ashton's Flash
Eventually got half decent views of the Siberian/Steneigers Stonechat at Ashton Flash from 14.45-15.30.
Initially it was distant and looking into the sun from the bench at The Bund, but it moved centrally near the fence for a good 20 minutes allowing good scope views when on the small shrubs.
2 grainy digiscoped shots included to show rough perching behaviour.
Talking to the finder, he is asking for anyone with good shots to post on the Marbury Watts App group to check for key identification features. No faeces collected as yet.
Also present were Green Woodpecker, 4 Siskin, 3 Fieldfare, Curlew, Pochard.
Stonechat still showing around 3pm but very distant and mobile. Impossible to get decent views of dark underwing coverts, plain peachy rump or other features to pin it down.
Heavily cropped image attached
Like Mark had distant views of the bird on the fence looking from the mound at the north west end of the flash. We then had much closer views when it moved to be in front of the metal gate in the NW corner. Nice to chat to those forum members I met enjoying the Cheshire sunshine
Ashtons Flash
The Siberian Stonechat showing initially quite well near the fence in the water but then moved further out showing mostly in the centre of the bed but still giving decent scope views at times.
Neumanns Flash
Good duck numbers:
c.260 Wigeon
3 Pintail
Plenty of Teal
A few Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Shelduck and Tufted Duck
Also
1 Bullfinch- male
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 28th of December 2019 02:23:09 PM
This morning bird initially showed around 10.30 along the fence line leading out into the water in the centre of the flash and then briefly moved into North west corner before moving out into the centre of the flash again. Mobile and usually distant.
The scope views were good enough but the bird was reasonably distant most of the time. It was very active, constantly flitting around whilst feeding and only perching for short periods. A couple of poor record shots attached.
I know Pete was only joking in the previous post but please do not attempt to get onto the flash for either better viewing or collecting droppings/feathers for DNA. It really is lethal and folk have disappeared up to their waists in the past!
The Siberian Stonechat was showing reasonable well today dispute the murky weather,someone needs to volunteer to don a pair of wellies and go poo hunting to get some dna
Great bird. I joined the re-locators near the bench on the bund overlooking Ashton's Flash late am and had a brief, distant view of the bird at 11am. At that distance no details could be discerned at all. A Sparrowhawk was frequenting the area in which I had seen the bird so no wonder it then went missing for ages. As a last resort I ventured down to the gate in the NW corner with a fellow birder. Not too long after we watched the bird relatively close and I had excellent scoped views. Then it came very close and showed superbly well. In the scope the pale, unstreaked rump and 'whinchat-like' appearance was evident.
The consensus of opinion is that this is a Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola maurus, and some forums are even discussing it being the same bird recently seen in Suffolk due to identical plumage details
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 25th of December 2019 07:41:13 PM
Eastern Stonechat on Ashtons Flash this afternoon:
https://twitter.com/davidbedford86/status/1209518121045897216?s=21
Neumanns Flash
8m+4f Pochard*, 2m+2f Wigeon, 1m Shoveler, 3 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel,
2m+1f Bullfinches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
*A further 10 Pochard were reported to be on Ashtons Flash.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Stock Doves sat on an owl box. 1 Buzzard and 1 Kingfisher.
Huge numbers of Canada Geese, with lesser numbers of Greylags and a single white goose
were on Neumanns, together with 36 Wigeon. A flock of 10 Redwings flew over heading West.
1 adult and 1 juvenile Little Grebes were close to Pods Hide.
The adult was still feeding its youngster, noticeably reluctantly now as the juvenile was seen diving
frequently. This popular family have been seen in front of Pods Hide for many weeks now, and the
youngster gives its parent no peace, the other adult appears to have slipped away.
The single juvenile Great Crested Grebe that was raised on Neumanns this year has gone too, it's
parents left weeks ago. Mute Swans numbers are building up, but no sign of last winters Whooper yet.
Ashtons Flash : 1 Kestrel
Neumanns Flash : 5 adult + 1 juv Little Grebs, the youngster still being fed by a parent.
Also 1 juv Great Crested Grebe.
Unsurprisingly the water level is still very high with no exposed shoreline at all on Neumanns,
and thus not a single Lapwing or Snipe seen throughout.
Ashton Flash : 1m Sparrowhawk.
Neumanns Flash : 1 Cettis Warbler heard by Pods hide then seen in the birches alongside the path.
1 juv Sparrowhawk chased across the flash by a Black Headed Gull. What may have been the same
hawk was later seen being pursued by a couple of Magpies near the fishing pools by Ollershaw Lane.
Also seen around Neumanns were 4 Buzzards, 6 Little Grebes and a juvenile Great Crested Grebe.
1f Marsh Harrier, flushed all the ducks from the Eastern shoreline, then flew all round
the edge of the flash, plunging twice into the reeds though not seen to catch anything,
before flying off towards Wincham. Also 1 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 13 Little Grebes (including
2 young still being fed by their parents), 2ad+1juv Great Crested Grebes, 3 Wigeon and
a charm of 30 Goldfinches. 180 Lapwings were on Ashtons Flash.
Neumanns Flash : 2ad+2juv Great Crested Grebes plus 2ad+2juv Little Grebes and another pair of adults with
at least one highly vocal youngster. 5 Wigeon. A flock of 50 Lapwings circled a few times then flew off towards
Marbury CP. Ashtons Flash appeared devoid of birdlife.
Little Ringed Plover over this afternoon
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 12th of September 2019 07:16:21 PM
Neumanns Flash : 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2ad+2juv Little Grebes (Youngsters being fed by parents), 3 Buzzards,
1m Blackcap, 1 Snipe, 2m Wigeon, 1m Pochard and 20 Lapwings.
Also a noticeabley light but steady passage of House Martins.
The Haydn Pool is currently overgrown to the point where barely any of the pool is visible from the main screen.
However the path leading towards Marbury Park from here, and which runs parellel to Marbury Lane, is bordered
by some tall mature oaks. These big trees, and the area around them is always worth checking out, today they
contained 2 Chiifchaffs, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Nuthatch, a Jay and a varied selection of insects.
Neumanns Flash :
120 Lapwings, 3 Buzzards, 2 adult + 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebes and 1 Little Grebe.
3 Chiffchaffs were amongst a large mixed flock of Long Tailed, Great and Blue Tits.
The resident pair of Great Crested Grebes are still tending 2 youngsters.
Also here were 2 Little Grebes and a Common Whitethroat.
1 Adult Great Crested Grebe + 2 near full grown young, 4 Little Grebes and 1 Buzzard.
400+ Lapwing were flushed at one point, mainly off Ashtons Flash and flew in tight formation
over Neumanns for quite a while, but the threat that upset them could not be found.
A roving flock of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and a couple of Common Whitethroats were
near the dip on the track leading to Dairyhouse Meadows, also here was a single Reed
Warbler seen flitting through a hawthorn bush.
2 Oystercatchers, 1pr of Great Crested Grebes with 2 tiny youngsters, 2 Buzzards and 2 Grey Herons.
2 Chiffchaffs and a single Blackcap still singing. Family group of 4 Willow Warblers together by the mound.
Reed Warblers showing really well along the edge of the reeds by Pods Hide.
Ashtons Flash : 16 Lapwings.
Dairyhouse Meadows : 3 Common Whitethroats together in the same small bush.