A short walk in drizzly, overcast weather. Heavy rain at end of walk!

Best bird on the pools was a late female Goldeneye. A Cormorant flew over. The heavy rain at the end of my walk brought a flock of 14 Sand Martins down to skim over Big Pool.

In the former Leek Field 20 Fieldfares remained with 2 Redwings and 3 Mistle Thrushes. Near the main track a small group of 4 Redpolls was a surprise. At least three pairs of Long-tailed Tits were seen.

A very unusual walk today, after waking at 3.40am I decided to head onto patch to carry on field testing a Thermal Imaging Monocular, one of several models we have taken in as stock at Focalpoint. A review will be the result of my tests, but don't think there'll be any more as early in the morning as today! The walk started at 4.20am!

As well as several mammals (see other post) a few birds did feature. The best of these by far was a Tawny Owl, a patch and UK Yeartick for 2023. This was watched through the monocular in the horse paddocks at the end of Sandy Lane at the Novia Scotia Lane junction. The views were fantastic as the owl hunted along a fenceline, perching several times before quartering the paddock again. It was like footage from Springwatch and without the Thermal Imager it was pitch black and the owl was invisible. Other Tawny Owls were heard on the walk too. Also in the paddocks were the distinctive shape of ducks, hard to get to species from the image but I'm sure that they were Mallards.

As I was walking back to the car the time was 6.20am and the cacophony of the dawn chorus had got into full swing, the first time that I have ever heard it on my patch, brilliant :)

Went for another morning stroll on patch, sunny and overcast spells in equal measure, warm when sunny, cool when overcast!

The wildfowl highlight was 6(3drk) Teal on Shemmy Moss. On Gull Pool 2 Moorhens were watched displaying, not something I've seen before. A Jack Snipe was in a private area with 10 Common Snipe. A total of 5 Lapwings was made up of 3 on the breeding field by the Pine Belt and 2  on the Abbot's Moss Nursery fields.

A Green Woodpecker called near Gull Pool. At least 8 Stock Doves were seen overall. A Nuthatch called near Small Pool. North of Big Pool 2 Yellowhammers and 10 Linnets were still in the arable fields whilst a Bullfinch called in Gull Pool Woods, an unusual location for this relatively common patch species. At least 20 Chiffchaffs were seen or heard on the whole walk.

An even earlier start to my Newchurch Common Local Patch walk today in cold-ish blustery conditions at first getting warmer and sunnier later.

On Big Pool 2(1drk) Goosander, a pair together, was unexpected and I only picked them up on my second visit to the pool. Another nice sighting was of 6(3drk) Teal, two pairs on Shemmy Moss and one on Gull Pool, all presumably possible breeding pairs given the date. A Grey Heron flew over the Big Pool too. A total of 2 Cormorants were seen, both flyovers and both in smart full breeding plumage, over Shemmy Moss and over Big Pool. On Shemmy Moss 2 Snipe were seen on a marshy area watched from the path, and not flushed as I kept my distance. It was brilliant to see them relaxed rather than shooting off high into the sky as they flush out of a marshy area. A total of 7 Lapwings on my whole walk included 5 in the fields by the Pine Belt still.

A total of 2 Sparrowhawks included a huge female showing superbly at close quarters by Lymm Vale and a male thermalling distantly, high in the clear blue sky. At least 3 Ravens were seen, one was watched being mobbed by Carrion Crows over Big Pool and two over Gull Pool Wood were mobbed by various crows. These huge charismatic corvids are fantastic birds and I never tire of seeing them on patch. Just 30 Fieldfares remained in the former leek field today with 1 Redwing, I suspect that it wont be long before they all depart north. Nuthatches called in Gull Pool Wood and near Common Farm. In all, 3 Skylarks were seen, 1 in song flight over Abbot's Moss Nursery where they breed and 2 off Sandy Lane flying over the horse paddocks. Reed Buntings were heard in song on Shemmy Moss, obviously males, whilst a female was by Gull Pool. In Finch Hedge 4(2m) Bullfinches were destroying the new buds in the blackthorn, Im amazed that any survive to produce the fruits but they do, and I am grateful as they find their way into my Sloe Gin! All the Long-tailed Tits seen were paired up and prospecting for nest sites. Chiffchaffs are everywhere now. Their song filling the air and making it seem like spring has sprung, but no Sand Martins today.

Again more bird species than yesterday, which was so uneventful that I never posted a summary here, but a much longer walk so it was sort of expected, but 46 species was still a decent total.

Quite an early start today, overcast throughout, colder, drizzle at first and then heavy rain stopped play!

The pools were even quieter with no wildfowl highlights at all. Over near Lymm Vale 2 Greylag Geese were in a wet field. A total of 5 Mute Swans were on the two main pools still. In the breeding field 5 Lapwings were very vocal in display. In all 5 Sand Martins flew through, all but one over my head away from the pools, and all flew straight through ignoring the pools.

The former leek field was empty at first but later on 180 Fieldfares flew in with 2 Redwings. A Total of 8 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, drumming and chasing, they were in a frisky mood today! North of Big Pool 2 Yellowhammers and the flock of 20 Linnets were still present. An increase to 6 Chiffchaffs was noted, all calling birds. A Coal Tit was nice to see near Big Pool Island Cut.

More species were seen in total compared to yesterday but somehow it felt much quieter!

Had another morning walk, breezy but sun and warm in sheltered areas.

On Big Pool a drake Gadwall was unexpected. Around 30 Tufted Ducks was a reduced number today. A Lesser Black-Backed Gull was amongst almost equal numbers of Common and Black-headed Gulls down on Big Pool. A new species for the year anywhere was seen in the shape of 4 Sand Martins over Big Pool, keeping quite high and never really skimming over the surface. Now only 5 Lapwings remain in the field east of the Pine Belt.

At least 6 Buzzards were up thermalling again. In all 6 Stock Doves were seen, whilst a Feral Rock Dove was a patch rarity! A Raven was over field NW of Big Pool again and a Rook flew over the main track between the pools. In the former leek field around 90 Fieldfares remain and a Redwing was near the parking area. A single Chiffchaff was heard north of Big Pool where 2 Yellowhammers were seen too. In the same fields a flock of 30 Linnets were seen and heard.

A morning couple of hours in mixed weather, drizzly spells but mainly dry.

The pools were very quiet with a slight increase to 40 Tufted Ducks. A Cormorant was on Big Pool. Only 12 Lapwings remained in the field east of the Pine Belt. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over.

On a good thermalling day 2 Sparrowhawks and 6 Buzzards were seen up high. A Raven was watched north of Big Pool with a dead pigeon and was harassed first by Carrion Crows and then by a Buzzard! A flock of 20 Feral Pigeons were a new 'species' for patch in 2023. The flock of 400 Fieldfares were still in the former leek field with a total of 4 Redwings seen. On the path between the pools a group of 4 Dunnocks together was unusual.

Another morning walk with an early start, the weather was fine, cold to start off but warmer later with sunshine peeking through!

The best bird on the pools was a drake Goosander. A pair of Teal was on Shemmy Moss.  Two Greylag Geese flew over near Lymm Vale, a species not seen at all recently. On the pools a total of 5 Mute Swans consisted of the family party of three on Big Pool and two adults on Small Pool. A pair of Little Grebes was watched on Gull Pool from the Whitegate Way. A breeding plumaged Cormorant flew over north of Big Pool. A Common Snipe was seen and 28 Lapwings were in the field east of the Pine Belt.

A pair of Buzzards were in display in an area in which I suspect nesting. As well as skydancing the male was seen offering a rabbit to the female. A new bird for patch for 2023 was a Kestrel, seen near Common Farm above the pheasant feeders. A Raven flew over the fields by Sandy Lane, not my usual area for this species. Both Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard in Gull Pool Wood. A spectacular sight was 400 Fieldfares feeding in the former Leek Field, the chattering racket they made was like I had never heard before. A couple of Redwings were in with this flock whilst another 4 near the entrance blocks gave a total of c.6 Redwings for the walk. A total of just 3 Starlings were seen, 1 on Sandy Lane and 2 near Lymm Vale.

My first spring migrants were found on this sunny day in the shape of 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 singing near Beach Peg, Big Pool and a silent bird N.of Big Pool. These were my first of this species anywhere in 2023. Another patch yeartick was a pair of Yellowhammers, again N.of Big Pool. The pair were watched as the male chased the female in courtship display. Another passerine highlight was 4 Meadow Pipits now on the muck heap near Common Farm. A Skylark was seen and in song over the nursery fields by Shemmy Moss. The only wagtail was a Pied Wagtail on a roof on Sandy Lane, hopefully soon wagtail passage will start and something rarer will drop in. On Shemmy Moss it was nice to see 2 male Reed Buntings on breeding habitat, a further 2 were seen on spilt seed at the Common Farm pheasant feeders. a female Bullfinch was on Shemmy Moss. A Coal Tit was on the Big Pool feeders and 2 Long-tailed Tits were just north of here.

A total of 52 species is the best day total since New Years Day and was made in a half day rather than the full day back then!

An earlier start on patch today around 7.30am, very cold but dry overhead, wet underfoot!!

The wildfowl highlight was a female Goosander on Small Pool with 2(1drk) Teal on Gull Pool being the only other duck report of note. The only Little Grebe was on Gull Pool. The single best sighting was a patch year tick in the shape of 3 Oystercatchers, first seen and heard over Gull Pool Wood and then seen feeding in Abbot's Moss Nursery fields. A flock of Lapwings was again in fields E.of the Pine Belt, but not counted today. Whilst walking paths 2 Common Snipe flushed from areas that they are not usually in, a result of the overnight freeze no doubt. A Grey Heron flew over fields by Common Farm.

All the expected corvid species included a group of 3 Ravens over the horse paddocks by Novia Scotia Lane. At least 4 Collared Doves were near Common Farm but only 1 Stock Dove was seen. A total of 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers included 3 birds chasing and drumming in Gull Pool Wood. A total of 10 Redwings were seen in ones and twos across the whole site but 10 Fieldfares were in a single flock over Big Pool. A flock of 30 Starlings fed in long grass near Common Farm.

Over near Common Farm 2 Meadow Pipits were still on the muck heap with a Pied Wagtail nearby and 3(2m) Reed Buntings were amongst other passerines attracted to spilt seed near the farm pheasant feeders. A male Bullfinch was near Finch Hedge whilst at least 12 Goldfinches were on Shemmy Moss. A Skylark was heard over the Nursery fields and a Linnet flew over here. A Goldcrest was flicking along the hedge on the main track between the two fishing pools.

A day on patch in between several days in work, sunny and mild mostly. A patch yeartick was the reward, more of that later!

The pools were again pretty quiet. On Big Pool 2(1drk) Gadwall were the best sighting. Over the two pools a total of c.40 Tufted Ducks was seen. A Little Grebe was heard on Big Pool. Notable was the ratio of the two gull species with 9 Common Gulls to 12 Black-headed Gulls. In the fields E.of the Pine Belt 55 Lapwings still loafed about...... at first (see below!).

The biggest highlight was a patch yeartick in the shape of a male Peregrine seen over the Big Pool and then shortly afterwards a flock of Lapwings (from the fields) flew through, no doubt that the large numbers of Lapwings had attracted the predator. at least 4 Buzzards were up thermalling taking advantage of the good weather. Lots of Rooks and Jackdaws were in fields by Dalefords Lane where muck-spreading has been taking place. A single Stock Dove was noted as well as a lone Collared Dove. A Fieldfare was in the former Leek Field whilst 7 Redwings were seen, 5 near Big Pool and singles near Finch Hedge and the parking area. A Grey Wagtail was in a wet field near Common Farm where 2 Meadow Pipits were sunning themselves on the dung heaps. At Big Pool 3(2m) Reed Buntings were in chase mode, the males following the female! A Goldcrest flicking around the hedgerows on its own was a surprise as I walked back along Novia Scotia Lane and a pair of Long-tailed Tits were near Common Farm, the winter feeding flocks now seem to be no more. Large numbers of Chaffinches were again seen from across the site but especially in the former Leek Field, just 2 Goldfinches were also seen but no Bramblings today.

Had just a short walk this am, overcast but dry.

A flight of 35 Wigeon over Big Pool were the only duck of note. A Cormorant flew over as well. At least 257 Lapwings were in the field by the Pine Belt with a further 13 over the Paddocks Estate.

A group of 3 Feral Rock Doves over the Pine Belt were my first of that species for patch in 2023. The feeders by Big Pool had been re-filled and attracted 4 Long-tailed Tits. In the finch Hedge area were a Redwing and over 12 Blackbirds (numbers across patch suggest an influx of migrant birds passing through at the moment) whilst 8 Fieldfares were still in the former Leek Field.

An excellent walk this morning on my patch. Overcast but dry and not too cold.

The pools were again quiet but brightened up by a drake Goldeneye and a drake Goosander, both on Big Pool. A total of 70 Tufted Ducks were seen, 40 of these being on Gull Pool. Just 3(2drk) Wigeon and 1 drk Gadwall were on Big Pool. A total of 2 Little Grebes was seen, 1 on Big Pool and 1 on Gull Pool. A Greylag Goose was over on the mossland area and amazingly was my first on patch in 2023. Another 2023 patch tick was Jack Snipe, one being found on my snipe count with 29 Common Snipe in a strictly private area. Also on the wader front my highest ever count of grounded Lapwings was made with 340 Lapwings in the ploughed stubble field east of the Pine Belt (a note that the ones seen on February 22nd were a new patch bird for the year!). A Lesser Black-backed Gull was over the nursery fields. (A note from 18th January was that the Shovelers seen that day were a patch yeartick!).

Whereas wildfowl numbers were low, in contrast passerine numbers were off the scale. In the former leek field a flock of 500 Chaffinches was scanned thoroughly with the welcome reward of 1 female Brambling, only my second on patch this year. In the same field 4 Pied Wagtails and 10 Fieldfares were seen feeding. Another huge 'finch count' was a total of 220 Linnets, with 110 in fields north of Big Pool and groups of 90 and 20 in the mossland/nurseries area. These were singing and making a racket heard from afar, reminiscent of the year I got a mixed finch flock of c.1400 birds in the setaside (former leek) field. Inevitably with all this noise they attracted a male Sparrowhawk which took a Linnet from the flock in mid air, fantastic to see and this was my first patch Sparrowhawk of 2023. Just 2 Buzzards were seen but it wasn't a thermalling day, both took off from trees. Near to the first flock I found north of Big Pool was a female Reed Bunting, my first of this species on patch this year. To complete the thrush family, 4 Redwings were in Finch Hedge whilst Song Thrushes and Mistle Thrushes were in song all over my patch and double-figures of Blackbirds were seen. A single Long-tailed Tit was recorded in the hedgerows.

A Green Woodpecker called near Small Pool and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers chased each other around trees in Gull Pool Wood. Nuthatches called in the Gull Pool Wood/Whitegate Way area and 7 Starlings were in the nursery fields. A lone Rook flew over Shemmy Moss whilst at least 7 Jays were seen, more than before so far this year. A total of 6 Stock Doves was seen.

Yesterday (21st Feb 2023) popped onto Newchurch very briefly.

Just a couple of noteworthy sightings. In the field by the Pine Belt, which is maize stubble, there were 35 Lapwings down feeding. A Stock Dove was also seen here. In Finch Hedge 3(1m) Bullfinches were picking off the new buds of the blackthorn.

Another short morning visit, very flat conditions, not cold.

Today was so quiet, hardly anything to get excited about and very low bird numbers all round. Best of the lot were 3(2drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool, with 20 Gadwall also here but not a single Wigeon. Also on Big Pool were 1 Little Grebe and 1 Cormorant. A Grey Heron was on the north side of the pool.

A Raven flew over Gull Pool Wood. A total of 4 Stock Doves was seen. On Sandy Lane 2 Starlings were seen. A good count of 7 Blackbirds was made in just one small area of the former leek field, some if not all probably being migrant birds. There were 2 Long-tailed Tits north of Big Pool.

A short visit this morning, dry at first, light rain later, mild.

On the pools the best bird was a drake Goosander on Big Pool but there was no sign of any Goldeneye. In fact the pools seemed to be holding far fewer wildfowl today, but maybe it was just that in the strong winds that they were sheltering under bankside vegetation. Just 1 Cormorant was on Big Pool.

A nice flock of 24 Redwings fed in the horse paddocks off Novia Scotia Lane and 3 Fieldfares were in trees near Common Farm. Also at Common Farm on the dung heap was a Grey Wagtail and 2 Pied Wagtails. Nearby at least 5 Collared Doves were seen in total. On the north side of Big Pool 2(1m) Bullfinches were seen. At least 8 Goldfinches were noted with 3 in Finch Hedge and 5 near Common Farm. A lone Starling was on Sandy Lane, not a common patch bird in the day!!

A long overdue revisit to my patch this morning. Fine and still but cold-ish.

A great return with a first for patch, what I would class a Patch Mega!! This was a Merlin, seen over on the mosslands, in hunting mode traveling from Shemmy Moss over towards the nursery fields where it gave prolonged views as it sped low over the ground. Also seen over the Nursery Fields were singing Skylarks, a new patch yeartick.

On the pools the highlight were 2(1drk) Goldeneye on Big Pool, the drake looking stunning as he dived for food. Out in the middle of Big Pool were 3 female Teal and another 2(1drk) Teal were on Gull Pool. A large gathering of 40 Mallards were on Gull Pool too. On the mosses 15 Common Snipe were recorded.

Unusual was a count in total of over 600 Woodpigeons on the various farm fields. Also on the harvested fields at least 160 Chaffinches were counted, but not a single Brambling was found amongst them. Other than that a Nuthatch was near the car parking area and a few Mistle Thrushes were seen as well as heard singing.

An afternoon walk, cold, rain, sleet, but my only day off in 6!!

On Big Pool a drake Goldeneye showed well out in the centre. On Small Pool 2 drake Goosanders and 2(1drk) Shovelers were seen. At least 40 Wigeon are now on Big Pool too. A passage of Lesser Back-backed Gulls over the mosses contained a Great Black-backed Gull which was new for patch for the year and is a patch rarity. Also seen were 3 Woodcock and 4 Snipe.

A noisy Raven was in the top of a Pine near Shemmy Moss. A Song Thrush on Sandy Lane was another patch yeartick.

Due to an eye operation only just back on patch! A very very short walk yesterday and a longer one today. Summary of both below:

Wednesday 11th Jan 2023: A couple of new species for the year in the shape of a singing Mistle Thrush near the Pine Belt and a Siskin near Big Pool Island Cut.

Today, Thursday 12th Jan 2023:

Very little to report on the pools, a drake Goosander on Big Pool being the only bird of note. Three Cormorants were also on Big Pool. A Grey Heron on Lymm Vale was the first of the year for patch as were the 2 Herring Gulls flying over here in the company of up to 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

In the fields near the Pine Belt at least 20 Stock Doves were present. A walk over near Totties Farm and Common Farm produced 5 Collared Doves and a pair of Ravens in display. In the same area a Grey Wagtail on one of Common Farm's barn roofs was new for the year anywhere in the UK for me this year.  Also around Common Farm 2 Pied Wagtails were still present. A Green Woodpecker was heard in the Big Pool area, again my first anywhere in 2023. At least 4 Mistle Thrushes and 6 Redwings were seen. A new patch bird was added when 3 Starlings flew over the horse paddock opposite Dairy Farm as was a Rook that also flew over these paddocks. Two more species were added that were totally new for the year, these being a stunning male Lesser Redpoll near Big Pool Island Cut and a female Brambling on Sandy Lane with Chaffinches. The feeders still held three tit species including Coal Tit.

A nice gentle start to the year at Newchurch Common. At first light it hammered it down but later just the odd light shower, stayed dull most of the day but mild.

On Big Pool a drake Goldeneye was a nice find since it wasn't there all last week. Also pleasing were 3 drake Goosander, with 1 on Big Pool and 2 on Small Pool. At least 34 Gadwall were seen along with over 20 Wigeon. 3(1 drake) Teal were on Gull Pool. There were 5 Mute Swans on including the family of 3 on Big Pool, but only 1 Canada Goose. On Small Pool 2 Little Grebes showed well. A group of 4 Cormorants were in the submerged willos on Big Pool. A flyover Lesser Black-backed Gull was the rarest gull of the day. Waders were surprisingly well represented with a patch rarity of a Curlew flying over near Lymm Vale fishing pool the best of these. Also seen were a Woodcock and 12 Snipe. A Kingfisher was still on Small Pool.

The best bird away from the pools was a male Stonechat on Shemmy Moss, the first sighting of this species since breeding season. Another good find was a Meadow Pipit on a dung heap with Pied Wagtails near Common Farm.

A Raven flew low over us near Small Pool. After a dearth of winter thrush sightings recently a different route around patch produced 22 Redwings, near Common Farm, and 6 Fieldfares, by horse paddocks off Novia Scotia Lane. Also near Common Farm were 2 Collared Doves and 8 House Sparrows, the latter not seen anywhere else on patch. A Nuthatch was near the parking area as usual. A Treecreeper was by the Whitegate Way near Gull Pool Wood as were 2 Long-tailed Tits in a loose feeding flock. A group of 3(2m) Bullfinches were near Big Pool as was a Coal Tit on the peanut feeders. A Goldcrest was feeding unusually low in the bracken on Shemmy Moss.

A reasonable total of 52 species was pleasing on such a shortened, dull weather day!

Popped down for a brief walk this afternoon, dry and still.

Quite a few wildfowl still including at least 12 Gadwall. A Little Grebe was on Small Pool, where a Kingfisher showed well.

In the alders near Big Pool Island Cut 2 Lesser Redpolls were a nice surprise. A Coal Tit was on the feeders by Big Pool.

Had an afternoon walk for a change, freezing cold but bright and sunny.

Not a lot of change in the wildfowl numbers. Just 5(4ad) Mute Swans now and 5 Cormorants on Big Pool too. There were 2 drake Shoveler on Small Pool where a male Kingfisher showed well enough to be sexed with only binoculars used.

A male Sparrowhawk whizzed through Gull Pool Wood where the main pool was mostly frozen over. In the alders next to Small Pool the tit flocks were joined by 2 Siskins.

Another morning walk, cold and still with awful flat light! But with the other main Patcher so good to be out.

Best birds were probably 4(3drk) Shoveler, 2m on Big Pool and a pair on Small Pool. Two drake Goosanders were on Small Pool but flew off. An increase to c.20 Gadwall and more Tufted Ducks than normal, but just a few Wigeon. After the goose-fest recently there was just 1 Canada Goose representing the goose family! On Big Pool a Little Grebe and 3 Cormorants were noted. The Kingfisher was again on Small Pool.

A pair of Ravens flew over Abbot's Moss. Up to 5 Stock Doves and a Nuthatch were near the parking area. A Goldcrest was in a tit flock in Gull Pool Wood.

Another morning walk on my patch, with similar weather, cold, still, murky and flat light.

On Small Pool a stunning drake Goosander and a drake Shoveler were the highlights. On Big Pool a drake Goldeneye was new in too. At least 2 Teal were on Gull Pool and 10 Wigeon were on Big Pool. A total of 6(5ad) Mute Swans were on the two main pools. The only geese were many Canada Geese and 10 Greylag Geese. One Canada Goose out on Big Pool was showing symptoms of Bird Flu, again very sad to see. A Grey Heron was on Small Pool as was a Kingfisher. Between the two main pools 3 Cormorants were recorded. On Shemmy Moss 5 Common Snipe were counted.

A total of 15 Stock Doves were in the cut maize off Sandy Lane. A Raven called over Abbot's Moss. There were 5 Redwings near the northern edge of Small Pool.

A short visit this morning, overcast, dry and flat light!

Off Sandy Lane the goose numbers had dropped with around 350 Pink-footed Geese feeding in the maize stubble along with 2 Greylag Geese and a total of around 60 Canada Geese on the fields and pools. On Big Pool duck numbers were up with 14 Gadwall and 31 Wigeon. A single Cormorant was still present.

In the maize stubble fields large numbers of Woodpigeons were joined by 36 Stock Doves. On Sandy lane at least 40 Chaffinches were seen but no Bramblings, but a Redwing flew over.

Long overdue morning on patch in the q.warm sunshine.

First port of call were the maize stubble fields by Sandy Lane where for the last 13 days mixed goose flocks had built up to feed on spilled grain. This morning there were over 1200 Pink-footed Geese and c.240 Canada Geese so a search with a scope was called for, who knows what they may have brought in with them. The two goose species were in distinct flocks and favoured different fields never really mixing. Concentrating on the 'wild geese' my reward was quick coming with a fabulous Barnacle Goose, a patch lifer, feeding in amongst a large flock of Pink-footed Geese pretty close to the road. Using the hedge as a screen to avoid spooking the flock I rattled off lots of digiscoped shots to record my latest new patch bird which was my 106th species for 2022, a new year record list for me on patch too. As has been commented on on Facebook, where I posted a picture, this has to have excellent credentials for being a wild Barnacle rather than a resident from a park flock!! On Big Pool the usual small numbers of winter duck were seen with rough counts of 8 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon and a smattering of commoner species. Also seen were 16 Greylag Geese, completing a four goose species day on patch for the first time ever! A Comorant was on the spit and 3(2ad) Mute Swans were still here. Another really good species recorded was a calling Water Rail on the north-east side of Big Pool, not even a patch yeartick but my first Big Pool record.

A surprising find was 2 peanut feeders by one of the fishing pegs on Big Pool, well the carp fishermen need something to watch whilst waiting for their bite indicators to buzz!! A Great Spotted Woodpecker used one feeder whilst tits visiting the other included a Coal Tit. A group of Chaffinches in stubble north of Big Pool included a Brambling. As the flocks grow I hope for more.

Due to working every day at the moment I popped onto patch am and pm today!! Sunny and warm.

The big highlight was approx. 900 Pink-footed Geese feeding on spilled grain in the recently harvested maize fields by Sandy Lane, the car parking area and east of the Pine Belt.  This is easily the largest number of this species ever on the deck on my patch as they are only ever usually seen flying over. A good number of Canada Geese and a few Greylag Geese fed with them but I couldn't find anything more unusual as I scanned through those that I could see clearly. On Big Pool nothing extraordinary just a few Wigeon and Gadwall with the usual wildfowl.

A couple of Siskins fed in alders by Big Pool. Lots of Chaffinches were seen flying around and one white rump gave away a Brambling with them on Sandy Lane. A Large number of Woodpigeons were also feeding on the spilled maize.

Had a morning walk on my patch in the sunshine.

On Big Pool the highlight was a drake Pochard, my first Pochard of 2022 on patch! Also on the pool were over 10 Gadwall and over 10 Wigeon. There were 19 Greylag Geese in with the Canadas. An unusual sight was 3 Little Grebes together at the end of the willow spit. On Shemmy Moss 5 Snipe were counted.

Another highlight was a Tawny Owl that flew out of a rhododendron as I was fungi hunting on Shemmy Moss, the second to do this in the last two years. A Green Woodpecker was also seen on Shemmy Moss.

Another morning walk and starting to pay more attention to the birds now.

The sad news was that I came across a Canada Goose, alive and in the throes of bird flu. It was horrible to see but nothing I could do as we are advised not to touch birds with this disease and DEFRA won't come out for a just 1 case. I am trying to get professional advice currently. On Big Pool were 40 Wigeon, c.28 of which were seen flying in with 4 Teal. Also here were a drake Shoveler and 8 Gadwall. A flock of Pink-footed Geese was heard but not seen and they must have been pretty high as they sounded faint.

From the car as I parked I watched 7 Redwings feeding on holly berries. Near Big Pool a small group of 5 Bullfinch was nice to see.

A short morning walk for fungi produced a few bird sightings.

On Big Pool 14 Greylag Geese joined the Canada Geese. At least 6 Gadwall were seen. A Little Grebe was also on Big Pool. A Kingfisher flashed across Small Pool. On Shemmy Moss 1 Common Snipe was seen, I forgot to say but on 28th October we had 5 Common Snipe.

I had an afternoon walk with company

Not much birdwise but a Goosander was on Big Pool, the first this end of the year and a day-calling Tawny Owl was heard in Gull Pool Wood as we walked the Whitegate Way.

With the first person taking up my offer of being shown patch fungi I was on Newchurch briefly this afternoon.

A quick glance at Big Pool reavealed a drake Shoveler new in and 16 Greylag Geese.

Went for a short late afternoon walk in the Big Pool area of my [patch.

The pools were quiet with Gadwall, Tufted Ducks and lots of Canada Geese but nothing new. Two Cormorants fished East Bay.

The main action was all along Finch Hedge where 3+Bramblings were the highlight, in stunning plumage too. These were in a large feeding gathering including 6+Siskins, 1+Greenfinch, a Nuthatch, a Redwing, 20+Goldfinch and over 40 Chaffinch.

A morning walk added a new patch yeartick, so well worth it!!

This was in the shape of Pink-footed Goose. First a flock of c.100 Pink-footed Geese flew NE over the Pine Belt around 9.40am and then 1 Pink-footed Goose was weirdly with 3 Canada Geese fling around N.of Big Pool and calling which drew my attention to it! On Big Pool here were 8 Wigeon and 5 Gadwall.

At patch am again, not birding but kept an eye out!!

On Big Pool 2(1drk) Wigeon were new in and 2+Gadwall were still present. A total of 6(5ad) Mute Swans were seen, 3 adults on Small Pool and the family on Big Pool.

A Grey Wagtail was on Beach Peg at Big Pool.

Another fungus walk am.

On Big Pool 3 Cormorants was the only thing of note other than a flock of over 300 Canada Geese containing at least 6 Greylag Geese.

A mixed tit flock near the east shore of Big Pool contained 3 Long-tailed Tits as well as Blue and Great.

A visit this morning was for fungi but a look at Big Pool was necessary too! Drizzly and overcast.

No Smew again but 6 Gadwall. Goose numbers are still high with 67 Greylag Geese and 400 Canada Geese. The 3(2ad) Mute Swans still survived.

A cracking male Sparrowhawk landed right next to me in Finch Hedge.

A morning visit, very autumnal.

No sign of the female Smew on Sandiway Big Pool despite an exhaustive search. The goose flock on Big Pool had increased to 550 Canada Geese and 10 Greylag Geese. Sadly there were 3 dead geese partially submerged out in the lake, and with Avian Flu confirmed at nearby Marbury CP/Witton Flashes I suspect this to be the cause. The current advice is to call DEFRA for 3 or more dead waterfowl but seeing as theses are right out in the middle retrieval would be a problem, so I'll have to wait until there are bodies that can be collected.

Had a morning on Newchurch, dull and grey but the main sighting lifted the gloom!

On Big Pool I was surprised to find the female Smew back with a small group of Tufted Ducks on the west side. This was the first sighting of her since May 2021 and I was convinced that she had persished, either of natural causes of been killed. There was a definite increase in wildfowl numbers today with at least 50 Tufted Ducks, 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall and probably more Mallard than usual. Also very evident were 350 Canada Geese and 4 Greylag Geese. Just 1 Cormorant was on Big Pool. At least 3 Common Gulls were also seen.

Elsewhere 5 Rooks were over the mosslands with Jackdaws and Carrion Crows. A party of 12 Long-tailed Tits was nice to see crossing the main track between the two fishing pools.

This afternoon on Newchurch Common a single Sand Martin over Big Pool.

Another afternoon on patch albeit a shorter walk. Overcast but warm.

On Big Pool plenty of Tufted Ducks but only 2 Gadwall noted on open water. The 3(2ad) Mute Swans were still present.

Bird of the day was a heard only day-calling Tawny Owl, which only called a couple of times in the birch woodland near Big Pool Island Cut. There was a lot of activity in Finch Hedge, mainly Chaffinches and Goldfinches but with a Chiffchaff joining the feeding flock.

Had an afternoon walk today with my mate, Dave, the other main patch birder. Warmish and bright at times.

There were 4 Mandarins on the private pool, possibly a female plus 3 juveniles. A Teal was on Gull Pool viewed from the Whitegate Way. New in was a Kingfisher on Small Pool. nice to see one back for this winter. A Grey Heron flew over the mosslands. Up to 2 Snipe were on Shemmy Moss as was a Water Rail, seen from the main road down to the nurseries.

A Raven called over the mosslands. A Coat Tit and a Nuthatch were by the Whitegate Way. A Common Whitethroat was on the mosslands.

Another morning on patch feeling very autumnal, cloud and drizzle, very grey.

The 2 juv Mandarins were still on the private pool. A Teal flew over Shemmy Moss where a Water Rail was heard. A Snipe was also on Shemmy Moss in the wet area.

A Raven called near Gull Pool. A Goldcrest was in Gull Pool Wood as was a Nuthatch. A Meadow Pipit and a Linnet flew over Shemmy Moss where a Reed Bunting was seen.

Morning on patch again, later today and warmer and sunny.

On Big Pool a Teal and 4 Gadwall were signs of winter whilst 2 Sand Martins feeding low over the water was a throw back to summer. A Common Gull was also on Big Pool.

Another morning, even earlier start, pretty cold at first but a few rays of sun started to warm it up a bit.

On the private pool 2 juv Mandarins were still present. A Water Rail called on Shemmy Moss and 3 Cormorants flew over here.

A beautiful female Sparrowhawk flew low over the area where the Water Rail was and caused a Moorhen to alarm call. Good birds recorded on the mosslands were a Meadow Pipit, a Skylark and 10 Linnets together, no doubt adults and this years young gathering into a winter flock. A Chiffchaff was seen and heard near Shemmy Moss. At least 4(ad+J) Goldfinches were around Finch Hedge and a Nuthatch called near the entrance barrier.

A morning on my patch, sunny at first dull later, but never too warm!!

Best species of the day was a group of 3 juvenile Mandarins on a private pool, proof of local breeding and my first for my patch for 2022. A surprise on Big Pool was an adult Herring Gull. On Gull Pool 2 Little Grebes were seen whilst 2(1ad) Moorhens were on Shemmy Moss.

A Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane. A Rook flew over Abbot's Moss where a Chiffchaff still called.

An afternoon stroll around Big Pool, dry and warm with occasional sun.

On Big Pool 3 Mute Swans consisted of the 2 adults and a single remaining well grown cygnet. A flock of 90 Lapwings flew over Big Pool coming from the north, circling two or three times and then slowly flying off to the south.

There were 2 Goldfinches by Finch Hedge and 3 Feral Pigeons flew over to the north of Big Pool.

Morning walk before the rain, dry and dull.

A quiet day, Gadwall were still on Big Pool but heard only so no count. A lone Common Gull was present too. A Common Snipe fed on the pools on Shemmy Moss.

A Raven flew over Abbot's Moss calling. A Chiffchaff and a Common Whitethroat were both on Abbot's Moss, both silent but watched feeding. A Redpoll called near Finch Hedge.

Very late report for yesterday, Sat 3rd Sept. Sunny and still.

On Big Pool a new bird for the year was found in the shape of 2 Pintail, coincidentally earlier in the day 2 Pintail were at Sandbach Flashes and from pictures mine could well have been the same two birds.The Sandbach birds were never reported again and mine were seen a couple of hours later. At least 6 Gadwall and over 40 Tufted Ducks were also on Big Pool. A Chiffchaff was still calling and a Collared Dove was on Dairy Farm barn roof, otherwise it was very quiet.

A morning walk but very little to report.

The male Stonechat was still on Shemmy Moss. A juvenile Little Grebe was with an ad on Gull Pool.

A morning walk: sun and cloud.

The male Stonechat was still on Shemmy Moss where a Common Snipe , 2 Lapwings and a Grey Heron were still present. A female Teal was on Gull Pool and a drake Gadwall on Big Pool.