Three hours from 8.50am in heavy rain. Of note, Green Sandpiper (1), Dunlin (1) and a single Common Tern that passed through at around 11am.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Jul 25 3:45 PM, 2017
One hour visit from 9am. Little Ringed Plover (9), Black-tailed Godwit (4) and Green Sandpiper (5) of note.
Mark Jarrett said
Sun Jul 23 4:06 PM, 2017
Mid afternoon, Avocet (3), Black-tailed Godwit (c.100) and Green Sandpiper (2).
John Williams said
Tue Jul 18 7:15 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash (11.00-13.30)
2 Black Tailed Godwits. 112 Lapwings, 4 Grey Herons and 2 Great Crested Grebes (No sign of youngsters seen on the 11th).
6 adult Common Gulls were amongst the mass of Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed.
Haydn Pool
2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Buzzard and a pair of "Alba" Wagtails.
(6 Green Sandpipers were reported earlier in the morning, I struggled to find 2 as the water level as risen quite a lot since my last visit on the 11th.)
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jul 17 4:50 PM, 2017
A family of Green Woodpecker was present this morning around Ashton's Flash. Both flashes otherwise quiet. Nine Green Sandpiper were noted at Haydn's Pool mid afternoon with a Kingfisher at one of the nearby pools on Dairy House Meadow.
John Williams said
Tue Jul 11 8:57 PM, 2017
13.00-16.00
Neumanns Flash
1 adult Yellow Legged Herring Gull with 30+ Lesser Black Back Gulls, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 adult + 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebes,
1 juvenile Shelduck and 38 Lapwings.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers and 2 Lapwings.
John Williams said
Wed May 31 11:52 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash (18.00-20.00)
36 Mute Swans, 1pr Great Crested Grebes with 3 young, 4 Lapwings, 3m Teal, 1m Shoveler, 4 Linnets and 3 Grey Herons.
30+ Swifts overhead and a flock of around 180 Starlings headed North at 8pm. Lots of Mallard and Gadwall starting to moult.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker was being chased by an irate Blackbird.
Ashtons Flash
8 Lapwings were busy chasing off crows.
Haydn Pool
Very little water left on here now. 1 Lapwing shared the small pool with a few Black Headed Gulls and 4 Gadwall.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon May 1 7:55 PM, 2017
Whilst on nearby Budworth Mere, this morning, watching a single Arctic Tern move through, I received a text re 14 Black Tern at Neumann's Flash. They were still around when I arrived, so thanks for the heads up Malc and Greg. The birds circled the Flash a few times, high up and were great to watch. At times they stayed in a tight group, bathing in the water and/or feeding very close to the surface. Nice views through the bins but always a little too distant for decent photos. Two record photographs attached. With easterlies still forecast for tomorrow, together with the good numbers of terns around country wise, hopefully more will be seen.
Green Woodpecker and Cetti's Warbler this morning near Carden's Ferry Bridge. Little Ringed Plover and Whimbrel (17) this evening on Ashton's Flash.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Apr 25 9:15 PM, 2017
A great find on Ashton's Flash this morning by Dave Hughston - A male Whinchat. I went down in the morning and watched it in a dispute with a Willow Warbler on a clump of brambles. A very nice local bird to add to Wood Warbler (see Northwich Area thread) this week
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 25th of April 2017 09:16:13 PM
John Williams said
Tue Apr 18 9:58 PM, 2017
18.00-20.00
Neumanns Flash
13 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Curlew, 1 Lapwing, 1 Shelduck and 3 Oystercatchers.
Ashtons Flash
2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshanks, 2 Lapwings and a singing male Reed Bunting.
Haydn Pool
(The water level as risen creating 2 islands again, with a pair of Black Headed Gulls and a single Oystercatcher checking out nesting areas).
Also here, 8 Teal and 1 Buzzard.
Chiffchaffs very evident throughout the site, Willow Warblers less so, with just 3 in song, although several more were seen.
There appears to have been a fall of Phylloscopus warblers, every few yards there was one flitting through a bush feasting on insects.
John O'Neill said
Fri Apr 14 11:58 AM, 2017
Haydn Pool
AM drizzley
3 Green Sandpipers very active
5+ Snipe
1 Water Rail
Reed Warbler singing deep in reeds
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Apr 13 4:02 PM, 2017
Witton Brook proved productive this morning with two Kingfisher sightings (possibly the same bird), five Reed Warbler in song as was a noisy Cetti's Warbler just downstream of Cardens Ferry Bridge. The latter was showing well, initially crossing the River Weaver, then moving down towards the bridge and giving further bursts of song from there. Two Green Sandpiper were at Haydn's Pool together with a pair of Oystercatcher, a few Teal, Snipe, Stock Dove and Buzzard. Had a walk through Dairy House Meadow and drew a blank on Whitethroat which was seen yesterday. All quiet as well at the Flash with no Mediterranean Gulls on show nor (as expected) Whimbrel which was in last night for roost.
Peter Dawson said
Tue Apr 11 12:08 PM, 2017
Couldn't find the mediterranean gulls this morning. Still 4 green sandpipers on Haydn's Pool together with 2 redshanks, 2 oystercatchers, 2 lapwings, 2 shelducks and 1 snipe.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 11th of April 2017 02:24:34 PM
Doc Brewster said
Mon Apr 10 1:25 PM, 2017
Two Mediterranean Gulls been on Neumann's all am. 4 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool. Reed Warbler Witton Brook. Common Whitethroat Dairyhouse Meadows. (all from patch grapevine)
John Williams said
Tue Apr 4 11:28 PM, 2017
17.30-20.00
Neumanns Flash
2prs Great Crested Grebes, 2prs Little Grebes, 10 Sand Martins, 1 Buzzard and 1 singing Willow Warbler.
The water level seems too high to attract passing waders at present.
Ashtons Flash
6 Lapwings and 40+ Black Headed Gulls.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Redshanks, 1 Buzzard, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 highly vocal Green Woodpecker, 3 Ravens and 2 Shelduck.
The water level appears to be too low to attract the usual breeding Black Headed Gulls, but good for passing waders.
In woods by Marbury Lane were 1 singing Blackcap and a pair of Nuthatches.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Mar 10 10:28 PM, 2017
Early this afternoon still one Green Sandpiper on Haydn's Pool (per S.Grimmett, thanks )
Doc Brewster said
Wed Mar 8 10:57 AM, 2017
As of 10.55am there are 3 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Doc Brewster said
Wed Mar 8 10:38 AM, 2017
Thought I'd put this news out quickly to give folk with a day off the chance to visit the area:
2 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Greg Baker said
Sat Mar 4 12:54 PM, 2017
Some photos attached of the 2nd year / first winter Caspian Gull at Neumann's Flash on 2nd March. Difference when seen in bright sunlight as opposed to cloudier conditions was quite noticeable. A real patch rarity.
A video is also available @ https://youtu.be/HULmvHeWjsc
Greg
-- Edited by Greg Baker on Saturday 4th of March 2017 12:55:42 PM
The pool itself appeared devoid of birdlife, although a nearby copse held 1 Bullfinch and 1 Nuthatch.
No sign of Peregrine or pigeons on the former ICI tower.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Buzzards and 1 overflying Little Egret.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Dec 13 8:56 PM, 2016
3 Ruff were on Neumann's Flash mid morning (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Sat Dec 10 12:26 PM, 2016
News texted to me today:
Cetti's Warbler singing along Witton Brook near the confluence with Forge Stream am. (per V.Lundy, thanks)
Doc Brewster said
Fri Dec 2 2:13 PM, 2016
News texted to me this morning:
Yellow-legged Gull and 2 first-winter drake Scaup am (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Nov 28 11:33 AM, 2016
Approximately 31 Pink footed Goose over Haydn's Pool mid morning, heading west.
John Williams said
Sun Nov 27 1:59 PM, 2016
09.30-12.30
Ashton's Flash : 1 Raven.
Neumanns Flash
The female Scaup is still here, but is the only diving duck on the flash. Lots of Wigeon and Teal though, plus 6 Shoveler, and 1 Shelduck.
3 Snipe and 20 Lapwings were also here. 6 Common Gulls were amongst the mass of Black Headed. An unusually high number of larger gulls was also here, mainly Lesser Black Back and Herring.
With them was 1 noticeably larger "Argentatus". Around the perimeter were 3f Goldcrests, and 2 Bullfinches, plus lots of Redwings and really impressive numbers of Blackbirds.
Haydn Pool
1 Buzzard, plus 1 Snipe that was flushed by the cattle.
Dairyhouse Meadow
7 Bullfinches. The former specially seeded area still attracts large numbers of Reed Buntings, Greenfinches and Chaffinches.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Nov 25 3:57 PM, 2016
Female Scaup still present together with an impressive number of 268 Wigeon.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Nov 16 3:42 PM, 2016
Text today to say that there was a 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull on Neumann's Flash with an influx of large gulls, also the female Scaup was still present. 246 Wigeon was a record count on here too and a Green Sandpiper was present. The female Stonechat was still on Ashton's Flash (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Curt Whitby said
Wed Nov 9 9:10 PM, 2016
Hi folks was meaning to post this a few days ago but have been too busy. Last time we walked around the flash at the recently wooden bridge that leads to the main road to lion salt works theres a dead buzzard caught up in a tree/undergrowth near to the bridge. I tried to retrieve it but with two toddlers under 3 was unable to. I suspect that it had been shot but without examining impossible to tell.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Nov 8 2:32 PM, 2016
Texted news for today:
Female Scaup still on Neumann's Flash + 3 Pintail, 153 Wigeon. Stonechat still on Ashton's Flash (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Mon Nov 7 11:29 AM, 2016
News texted to me today:
Stonechat still Ashton's Flash, viewed from Bund by bench looking to left.
Female Scaup Neumman's Flash still + 63 Gadwall, Pintail, Little Grebe, Chiffcaff.
Cetti's Warbler just downriver of Carden's Ferry Bridge (per G.Baker, thanks).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 3rd of November 2016 02:05:50 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Nov 2 12:14 PM, 2016
Haydn's Pool late morning, 1 Green Sandpiper, an impressive 22 Snipe and distant Peregrine and Raven on Tata Complex buildings.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Oct 27 2:40 PM, 2016
This morning female Scaup & Chiffchaff at Neumann's Flash and Stonechat on Ashton's Flash still (first seen on Monday in the NW area, sorry forgot to post here about it). (all info per Greg Baker, thanks)
The female Scaup is still frequenting Neumman's Flash this morning (info per Greg Baker, thanks).
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Oct 13 1:56 PM, 2016
Female Scaup still present late morning together with five Pintail and a good assortment of other ducks including Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mallard and Shelduck. No waders present other than Curlew, Lapwing and the odd Snipe.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Oct 11 4:59 PM, 2016
The female Scaup is still on Neumann's Flash today, and 78 Pink-footed Geese flew over SE. A Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and 2 Pintail were also present (all per Greg Baker, thanks)
Greg Baker said
Tue Oct 4 11:03 PM, 2016
With no joy from the bund earlier this morning I decided to scan for Spotted Crakes from the Scrapyard Hide and after an hour or so's wait eventually got three sightings between 10:30 and 11:00. The first view was best and confirmed the adult at least still to be present but on the other two views I couldn't see the bill well enough to be sure whether they were adult or juvenile. Views from here are distant (and you certainly need a 'scope) but at least you can see along the line of the reedbed that runs around the south edge of Mound Bay.
Also on Neumann's was a Scaup new in with an influx of Tufted Duck. At first I thought it must be a young male due to there apparently being no pale patch on the ear coverts, grey showing through on the mantle and some grey feathers seemingly coming through on the flanks (all this despite the obvious white forehead blaze) but better views later suggested it is actually an adult female, as confirmed by photo below.
Also present today 3 Pintail, 54 Wigeon, 63 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Grebes, now 12 Golden Plover, 2 male Ruff, 2 Grey Wagtail, just 1 Chiffchaff and a few Lesser Redpolls and Siskins back around the mound and the bund area.
Much of my day was spent looking for the elusive Spotted Crake. For me, it remained precisely that. Most others were also out of luck. I did meet with one birder who had seen it from a distance and further into the southeast corner of the flash than where it was first seen. However, far from a wasted day. I saw:
Scaup Peregrine Ruff (1) Curlew (c. 50) Lapwing (200+) Golden Plover (12) Snipe (1 - although more were seen by others) Grey Heron (1) Common Gull (10) Lesser Black-backed Gull (12) Black-headed Gull (numerous) Mallard Wigeon Shoveler Tufted Duck Teal (I didn't count the ducks) Mute Swan (15) Dabchick (2) Canada Goose (1) Kingfisher (1) Grey Wagtail (2)
And a bunch of other 'normal' things. My total species tally was 35.
John Williams said
Sat Oct 1 9:58 PM, 2016
14.00-18.00
Thanks to the couple of guys who showed me where to find the Spotted Crake, it gave great views before disappearing back into the reeds.
To find this little gem, search the edge of the reedbeds in the SE corner. Also on Neumanns 30+ Wigeon, 19 Curlew, 23 Snipe, 1 Little Egret and a single Great Crested Grebe.
1 Sparrowhawk flew over the flash.
The water level on the Haydn Pool is very low, with just a pair of Gadwall and a few Teal on the water, whilst on the surrounding mud were 2 Lapwings, 2 Grey Wagtails and 10 Stock Doves.
Tim Wilcox said
Sat Oct 1 12:09 PM, 2016
The Spotted Crake showed superbly well yesterday at 11.55am, stepping out of the reeds preening and bathing before moving around the corner out of sight. The 12 or so squeezed onto the little spit were well rewarded and left happy. And I only had to wait 20 minutes! /for a crake! Unheard of - especially after a whole 5 hours at Burton Mere Wetlands without reward
Greg Baker said
Thu Sep 29 12:02 PM, 2016
With all the crake stuff going on yesterday, I almost forgot about the Great White Egret that Malc Curtin and I seemingly simultaneously found out in the middle of Neumann's Flash yesterday. Only the third patch record I believe and from plumage details looks to be the same winter plumaged adult that has been at Sandwich Flashes.
Some video posted on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/J20176hRypA
Pete Antrobus first flagged the possibility and I agree there are 2 Spotted Crakes at Neumann's Flash currently - an adult and a juvenile. The juvenile was seen and photographed by Pete yesterday and I saw it again at 7 am this morning. I also think it was the first bird seen at the tip of the reedbed on the evening vigil today. The individual that showed well later is definitely an adult and shows a different bill colour, ear coverts and mantle from the juvenile.
Photo of the adult attached - compare with Pete's photo on from yesterday on the Marbury Patch Twitter feed.
I have also posted video of the adult seen today on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/Ef8_t0C-UXc
For those that haven't heard & not to step on finders toes, but to get the news to the GMForum brethren quickly:
A Spotted Crake was found on Neuman's Flash yesterday evening and is still being seen from the Bund Hide this Morning. A Great White Egret (from Sandbach no doubt!) was also on Neumann's Flash (all direct info thanks to Greg Baker).
Greg Baker said
Tue Sep 27 1:50 PM, 2016
As well as the record 17 Little Grebes on Neumann's (there was also another on Witton Brook) there were also exactly 100 Shoveler present this morning, probably another record. Other wildfowl numbers seem to be on the decrease with 34 Wigeon, c50 Teal and c15 Gadwall. A Pochard was still with a small flock of Tufties.
Over on Ashton's still 2 Ruff and a Dunlin with the Lapwing flock and 39 Snipe counted. 2 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool.
Other sightings at the flashes included 15 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and a Coal Tit, both of the latter at Haydn's Pool, plus 2 Swallows over.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Sep 25 7:53 PM, 2016
Originally posted today by James Wood:
Haydn Pool
Went for a stroll this pm and spotted 2 Green Sandpipers at Hayden's. Neuman's very busy with lots on but nothing really exceptional. Nice Snipe, a few Wigeon, loads of Teal, Lapwing, Shoveler, Coot and one Little Grebe.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Sep 9 12:38 PM, 2016
A Whinchat was seen on Ashton's Flash this morning. Nearby on Neumann's Flash there was a Greenshank, Little Egret and a female Pintail (all per M.Taylor, thanks)
Additionally I have had notification that there will be a work party at Neumann's Flash this coming Sunday, 11th August. It starts at 9am and if all meet by the Bund Hide it will start from there (the hide between Neumman's & Ashton's). Please bring wellies (essential), tools will be provided. Everyone is welcome and this is a chance to make a difference. So rather than sit & post that it is too overgrown, why not do something about it Get down here on Sunday
John Williams said
Thu Aug 25 10:18 PM, 2016
6.00-8.00pm ( Rain throughout)
Neumanns Flash
240+ Lapwings, 10 Snipe, 100+ Greylag Geese ( Including a white one) and 1 Little Grebe.
Ashtons Flash
32 Teal, and 1 Common Gull.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers and 6 Lapwings. 1 Buzzard sat on the dove box.
2 Black Tailed Godwits. 112 Lapwings, 4 Grey Herons and 2 Great Crested Grebes (No sign of youngsters seen on the 11th).
6 adult Common Gulls were amongst the mass of Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed.
Haydn Pool
2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Buzzard and a pair of "Alba" Wagtails.
(6 Green Sandpipers were reported earlier in the morning, I struggled to find 2 as the water level as risen quite a lot since my last visit on the 11th.)
Neumanns Flash
1 adult Yellow Legged Herring Gull with 30+ Lesser Black Back Gulls, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 adult + 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebes,
1 juvenile Shelduck and 38 Lapwings.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers and 2 Lapwings.
36 Mute Swans, 1pr Great Crested Grebes with 3 young, 4 Lapwings, 3m Teal, 1m Shoveler, 4 Linnets and 3 Grey Herons.
30+ Swifts overhead and a flock of around 180 Starlings headed North at 8pm. Lots of Mallard and Gadwall starting to moult.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker was being chased by an irate Blackbird.
Ashtons Flash
8 Lapwings were busy chasing off crows.
Haydn Pool
Very little water left on here now. 1 Lapwing shared the small pool with a few Black Headed Gulls and 4 Gadwall.
A great find on Ashton's Flash this morning by Dave Hughston - A male Whinchat. I went down in the morning and watched it in a dispute with a Willow Warbler on a clump of brambles. A very nice local bird to add to Wood Warbler (see Northwich Area thread) this week
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 25th of April 2017 09:16:13 PM
Neumanns Flash
13 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Curlew, 1 Lapwing, 1 Shelduck and 3 Oystercatchers.
Ashtons Flash
2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshanks, 2 Lapwings and a singing male Reed Bunting.
Haydn Pool
(The water level as risen creating 2 islands again, with a pair of Black Headed Gulls and a single Oystercatcher checking out nesting areas).
Also here, 8 Teal and 1 Buzzard.
Chiffchaffs very evident throughout the site, Willow Warblers less so, with just 3 in song, although several more were seen.
There appears to have been a fall of Phylloscopus warblers, every few yards there was one flitting through a bush feasting on insects.
AM drizzley
3 Green Sandpipers very active
5+ Snipe
1 Water Rail
Reed Warbler singing deep in reeds
Couldn't find the mediterranean gulls this morning. Still 4 green sandpipers on Haydn's Pool together with 2 redshanks, 2 oystercatchers, 2 lapwings, 2 shelducks and 1 snipe.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 11th of April 2017 02:24:34 PM
Two Mediterranean Gulls been on Neumann's all am. 4 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool. Reed Warbler Witton Brook. Common Whitethroat Dairyhouse Meadows. (all from patch grapevine)
Neumanns Flash
2prs Great Crested Grebes, 2prs Little Grebes, 10 Sand Martins, 1 Buzzard and 1 singing Willow Warbler.
The water level seems too high to attract passing waders at present.
Ashtons Flash
6 Lapwings and 40+ Black Headed Gulls.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Redshanks, 1 Buzzard, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 highly vocal Green Woodpecker, 3 Ravens and 2 Shelduck.
The water level appears to be too low to attract the usual breeding Black Headed Gulls, but good for passing waders.
In woods by Marbury Lane were 1 singing Blackcap and a pair of Nuthatches.
Early this afternoon still one Green Sandpiper on Haydn's Pool (per S.Grimmett, thanks )
As of 10.55am there are 3 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Thought I'd put this news out quickly to give folk with a day off the chance to visit the area:
2 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool (per Greg Baker, thanks)
A video is also available @ https://youtu.be/HULmvHeWjsc
Greg
-- Edited by Greg Baker on Saturday 4th of March 2017 12:55:42 PM
Neumanns Flash
27 Wigeon, 20 Shovelers, 4 Shelducks, 1 Buzzard and 1 Bullfinch.
Ashtons Flash
86 Lapwings, 10 Snipe and 2 Common Gulls.
Haydn Pool
The pool itself appeared devoid of birdlife, although a nearby copse held 1 Bullfinch and 1 Nuthatch.
No sign of Peregrine or pigeons on the former ICI tower.
Dairyhouse Meadows
2 Buzzards and 1 overflying Little Egret.
3 Ruff were on Neumann's Flash mid morning (per Greg Baker, thanks).
News texted to me today:
Cetti's Warbler singing along Witton Brook near the confluence with Forge Stream am. (per V.Lundy, thanks)
News texted to me this morning:
Yellow-legged Gull and 2 first-winter drake Scaup am (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Ashton's Flash : 1 Raven.
Neumanns Flash
The female Scaup is still here, but is the only diving duck on the flash. Lots of Wigeon and Teal though, plus 6 Shoveler, and 1 Shelduck.
3 Snipe and 20 Lapwings were also here. 6 Common Gulls were amongst the mass of Black Headed. An unusually high number of larger gulls was also here, mainly Lesser Black Back and Herring.
With them was 1 noticeably larger "Argentatus". Around the perimeter were 3f Goldcrests, and 2 Bullfinches, plus lots of Redwings and really impressive numbers of Blackbirds.
Haydn Pool
1 Buzzard, plus 1 Snipe that was flushed by the cattle.
Dairyhouse Meadow
7 Bullfinches. The former specially seeded area still attracts large numbers of Reed Buntings, Greenfinches and Chaffinches.
Text today to say that there was a 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull on Neumann's Flash with an influx of large gulls, also the female Scaup was still present. 246 Wigeon was a record count on here too and a Green Sandpiper was present. The female Stonechat was still on Ashton's Flash (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Texted news for today:
Female Scaup still on Neumann's Flash + 3 Pintail, 153 Wigeon. Stonechat still on Ashton's Flash (per Greg Baker, thanks).
News texted to me today:
Stonechat still Ashton's Flash, viewed from Bund by bench looking to left.
Female Scaup Neumman's Flash still + 63 Gadwall, Pintail, Little Grebe, Chiffcaff.
(all per Greg Baker, thanks)
A few snippets passed on to me by patch-watchers
Ruff on Neumann's Flash (per D.Robinson, thanks) plus female Scaup, Pintail, Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 56 Gadwall & 8 Fieldfares (per G.Baker, thanks).
Cetti's Warbler just downriver of Carden's Ferry Bridge (per G.Baker, thanks).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 3rd of November 2016 02:05:50 PM
This morning female Scaup & Chiffchaff at Neumann's Flash and Stonechat on Ashton's Flash still (first seen on Monday in the NW area, sorry forgot to post here about it). (all info per Greg Baker, thanks)
1 scaup, female
38 tufted duck
38 wigeon
24 gadwall
1 pintail
15 teal
16 shoveler
4 pochard
28 snipe
1 ruff
198 lapwing
1 golden plover
1 kestrel
5 jay
4 redpoll
haydns pool...
6 green sandpiper
2 snipe
4 lapwing
127 teal
4 meadow pipit
2 pied wagtail
2 peregrine falcon
1 buzzard
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 23rd of October 2016 08:27:51 PM
Had a few texts this morning re the Neumann's Flash area:
4 Green Sandpipers Haydn's Pool at 8am (per Vernon Lundy)
2 Whooper Swans Neumann's Flash 10am (per Sheelagh Grimmett)
Little Stint Neumann's Flash + 2 Whooper Swans 1.20pm (per Greg Baker)
Many thanks to all
The female Scaup is still frequenting Neumman's Flash this morning (info per Greg Baker, thanks).
The female Scaup is still on Neumann's Flash today, and 78 Pink-footed Geese flew over SE. A Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and 2 Pintail were also present (all per Greg Baker, thanks)
Also on Neumann's was a Scaup new in with an influx of Tufted Duck. At first I thought it must be a young male due to there apparently being no pale patch on the ear coverts, grey showing through on the mantle and some grey feathers seemingly coming through on the flanks (all this despite the obvious white forehead blaze) but better views later suggested it is actually an adult female, as confirmed by photo below.
Also present today 3 Pintail, 54 Wigeon, 63 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Grebes, now 12 Golden Plover, 2 male Ruff, 2 Grey Wagtail, just 1 Chiffchaff and a few Lesser Redpolls and Siskins back around the mound and the bund area.
Much of my day was spent looking for the elusive Spotted Crake. For me, it remained precisely that. Most others were also out of luck. I did meet with one birder who had seen it from a distance and further into the southeast corner of the flash than where it was first seen. However, far from a wasted day. I saw:
Scaup
Peregrine
Ruff (1)
Curlew (c. 50)
Lapwing (200+)
Golden Plover (12)
Snipe (1 - although more were seen by others)
Grey Heron (1)
Common Gull (10)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (12)
Black-headed Gull (numerous)
Mallard
Wigeon
Shoveler
Tufted Duck
Teal
(I didn't count the ducks)
Mute Swan (15)
Dabchick (2)
Canada Goose (1)
Kingfisher (1)
Grey Wagtail (2)
And a bunch of other 'normal' things. My total species tally was 35.
Thanks to the couple of guys who showed me where to find the Spotted Crake, it gave great views before disappearing back into the reeds.
To find this little gem, search the edge of the reedbeds in the SE corner. Also on Neumanns 30+ Wigeon, 19 Curlew, 23 Snipe, 1 Little Egret and a single Great Crested Grebe.
1 Sparrowhawk flew over the flash.
The water level on the Haydn Pool is very low, with just a pair of Gadwall and a few Teal on the water, whilst on the surrounding mud were 2 Lapwings, 2 Grey Wagtails and 10 Stock Doves.
Some video posted on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/J20176hRypA
Photo of the adult attached - compare with Pete's photo on from yesterday on the Marbury Patch Twitter feed.
I have also posted video of the adult seen today on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/Ef8_t0C-UXc
For those that haven't heard & not to step on finders toes, but to get the news to the GMForum brethren quickly:
A Spotted Crake was found on Neuman's Flash yesterday evening and is still being seen from the Bund Hide this Morning. A Great White Egret (from Sandbach no doubt!) was also on Neumann's Flash (all direct info thanks to Greg Baker).
Over on Ashton's still 2 Ruff and a Dunlin with the Lapwing flock and 39 Snipe counted. 2 Green Sandpipers on Haydn's Pool.
Other sightings at the flashes included 15 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and a Coal Tit, both of the latter at Haydn's Pool, plus 2 Swallows over.
Haydn Pool
Went for a stroll this pm and spotted 2 Green Sandpipers at Hayden's. Neuman's very busy with lots on but nothing really exceptional. Nice Snipe, a few Wigeon, loads of Teal, Lapwing, Shoveler, Coot and one Little Grebe.
A Whinchat was seen on Ashton's Flash this morning. Nearby on Neumann's Flash there was a Greenshank, Little Egret and a female Pintail (all per M.Taylor, thanks)
Additionally I have had notification that there will be a work party at Neumann's Flash this coming Sunday, 11th August. It starts at 9am and if all meet by the Bund Hide it will start from there (the hide between Neumman's & Ashton's). Please bring wellies (essential), tools will be provided. Everyone is welcome and this is a chance to make a difference. So rather than sit & post that it is too overgrown, why not do something about it Get down here on Sunday
Neumanns Flash
240+ Lapwings, 10 Snipe, 100+ Greylag Geese ( Including a white one) and 1 Little Grebe.
Ashtons Flash
32 Teal, and 1 Common Gull.
Haydn Pool
4 Green Sandpipers and 6 Lapwings. 1 Buzzard sat on the dove box.