2f Goosanders, 40+ Great Crested Grebes, 3m Pochard, 8 Grey Herons and 5 Little Egrets.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jan 13 10:41 PM, 2017
Originally posted today by Chris Part:
A visit between 1:10 and 3:45pm produced the following,
Budworth mere - 2 female Goosanders, 3 Little egrets, Kingfisher, Pochard, Shoveler, 2 Curlew, the usual small birds around the feeders but there wasn'the much food out for them, Cormorants and an impressive 43 Great crested grebes. No sign of the Bittern unfortunately.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jan 6 10:38 PM, 2017
Originally posted today by Clive Part:
A visit in the afternoon between 1.00pm and 4.00pm produced the following
Kingfisher, Pochard, Wigeon, Shoveler, Curlew, Great Crested grebe, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted woodpecker, Jay, Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Cormorant and Goldcrest.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jan 4 11:56 AM, 2017
A text this morning to say that there are 5 Little Egrets at Budworth Mere, Marbury CP this morning along wil 2 Goosanders and drake Goldeneye (per Greg Baker, thanks)
Rhys Richards said
Mon Jan 2 6:15 PM, 2017
Saw a Bittern around 4.20pm today was difficult to spot in the reeds bar when it moved about but it then flew across the mere to reeds near the spit đalso good views of Kingfisher and Goosander.
Greg Baker said
Sun Jan 1 5:36 PM, 2017
A good start to the New Year with 2 Bitterns showing well this evening in the Coward Reedbed, one of which seemed to be catching Starlings as they came in to roost. Also at least 3 Little Egrets and the 2 Goosanders still present.
On the way to the country park I had c15 Waxwings fly over the car at Soot Hill between Barnton and Anderton, presumably part of the flock that has recently been seen in Barnton.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Dec 30 6:07 PM, 2016
Just in case anyone missed the news yesterday, a Bittern is back in Coward Reedbed at the mere and was showing well at dusk, 2 Goosanders were also still on the mere (info per Greag Baker, thanks)
Greg Baker said
Fri Dec 16 5:52 PM, 2016
Further to the Doc's post earlier, it was a good morning down at Budworth Mere today with 4 Little Egrets now at what seems to be their regular resting site at the east end of the mere, plus a first winter Goosander (probably female) around the boathouse. Also a drake Goldeneye, 3 Kingfishers and a young Peregrine over the mere for a few minutes despite constant harassment from the local Black-headed Gulls.
Another text today to say that there are now 4 Little Egrets at Budworth Mere this morning, they will be breeding in the heronry next year at this rate! Still no sign of a wintering Bittern in Coward Reedbed (all per Greg Baker, thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Tue Dec 13 8:54 PM, 2016
A Little Egret was at Budworth Mere today (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 12 1:01 PM, 2016
Budworth Mere count - walk from far end of Fisherman's Path to Coward Reedbed Hide. Intermittent rain & cold. 9.30 until 12.00
1w drake Scaup and Little Egret at E.end of Budworth Mere (per Greag Baker, thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Mon Nov 28 9:49 PM, 2016
News texted to me today:
2 female Common Scoters on Budworth Mere, Marbury Country Park 2pm + drake Goldeneye (per R.elsby, thanks)
Doc Brewster said
Mon Nov 7 11:30 AM, 2016
News from Today so far:
Little Egret on Kid Brook Spit, Budworth Mere + Dunlin (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Wed Oct 19 1:52 PM, 2016
1w/fem Garganey Budworth Mere around Kidbrook Spit 11.50am but mobile (per Greg Baker, thanks)
John Williams said
Thu Aug 11 4:55 PM, 2016
Midday
20 Great Crested Grebes, including 3 juveniles. 200+ Lapwings around Kid Brook. 8 Mistle Thrushes were on the field by the fishermans path.
1 Buzzard was over the meadows, and a Raven was heard in Big Wood.
Greg Baker said
Tue Jul 26 3:56 PM, 2016
Wildfowl numbers have suddenly increased on the mere with 342 Mallard, 160 Canadas and 97 Greylags counted this morning. The regular hybrid Canada x Greylag was also present with 4 second generation hybrid juveniles. A Grey Wagtail was by the slipway.
John O'Neill said
Mon May 30 6:33 PM, 2016
2 (or 1 very mobile) Garden Warbler
Southern Marsh Orchids 5 spikes
Steve Judge said
Sat May 28 7:24 PM, 2016
Saturday 28th May 2016. 11:30 - 18:00 hrs.
Circular walk from Marbury Country Park (Budworth Mere) - Anderton - along Trent and Mersey Canal - diversion to Neumman's Flash and Ashton Flash - back along canal to Bridge 193 - Marston - Great Budworth - return to Marbury Country Park.
Linnet x 1 Reed Warbler x 1 Sedge Warbler x 1 Reed Bunting x 5 Common Whitethroat x 2 Chiffchaff x 4 Willow Warbler x 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 3 Gadwall x 2 Buzzard x 9 (different sightings) Shelduck x 7 Great Crested Grebe x 6 Song Thrush x 1 Mistle Thrush x Tufted Duck x 8 Mute Swan x 8 Lapwing x 4 Long Tailed Tit x 1 Pied Wagtail x 1 Cormorant x 4 Coal Tit x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Robin x 8 Blackbird x 12 Great Tit x 3 Blue Tit x 1 House Sparrow x 8 Chaffinch x 1 Moorhen x 2 Coot x 6 Canada Geese x 7 Greylag Geese x 15 Lesser Black Backed Gull x 5 Great Black Backed Gull x 2 Black-Headed Gull x 20 Herring Gull x 3 Mallard x 20 Woodpigeon x 15 Feral Pigeon x 1 Kestrel x 1 (on way home above A57 just off M6 past Thelwall) Swift x 3 Swallow x 25 Grey Heron x 7 Carrion Crow x 30 Jackdaw x 5
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 28th of May 2016 11:12:43 PM
John Williams said
Sat May 14 7:26 PM, 2016
Around Midday
Only 6 Great Crested Grebes and a few Tufted Ducks etc, were on the mere, with lots of sailing taking place.
No wagtails, just a few Mallard on the field by the fisherman's path. 1 Mistle Thrush was on the cattle pasture.
6 Buzzards were riding the thermals above Budworth, with 2 more being mobbed by crows over Big Wood.
A highly vocal male Blackcap was patrolling "Garden Warbler Corner", but no sign of any other warblers.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 12 8:53 PM, 2016
Thanks to Mark Taylor & Paul Hill for the updates on the Black Terns whilst I was in South Wales for the morning running a family errand. When I got back it was straight down Fisherman's Path to find at least 8 Black Terns and an Arctic showing really well in front of the yacht club. This was around 1.45pm. As Mark says later the numbers were higher but to be honest the others could have been elsewhere on the mere when I was there as I stopped at the yacht club end due to time restraints. If anyone is chancing it tomorrow then the Fisherman's Path is a good starting place
Mark Jarrett said
Thu May 12 8:15 PM, 2016
Four Black Tern over Budworth Mere when I arrived around 10am after walking in from Anderton, via Haydn's Pool, where the male Garganey was extremely active, completing four or five flight circuits of the pool. Back to Budworth Mere, I had just missed one each of Arctic and Common Tern, recently departed. Tern numbers peaked mid afternoon with thirteen Black and three Arctic.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed May 11 3:43 PM, 2016
Six Arctic Terns over Budworth Mere mid afternoon with one each of Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper on Kid Brook Spit.
Patrick Earith said
Thu May 5 2:39 PM, 2016
Many thanks Greg (and Mark, who replied offline)
Greg Baker said
Thu May 5 12:48 PM, 2016
Patrick Earith wrote:
For the uninitiated, where exactly is 'Garden Warbler Corner' ? Thanks in advance
Hi Patrick,
It's the area of scrub between the path that runs alongside the mere and the path that skirts the open park area. The Garden Warblers are usually at the eastern end of this scrubby area and can be seen from either path or from the path that links the two by the mere slipway, without venturing into the scrub.
Cheers
Greg
Patrick Earith said
Thu May 5 7:41 AM, 2016
For the uninitiated, where exactly is 'Garden Warbler Corner' ? Thanks in advance
John Williams said
Wed May 4 11:30 PM, 2016
7.00-8.30pm
6 Great Crested Grebes and 26 Tufted Ducks on the mere.
A male Blackcap by"Garden Warbler Corner", no sign of Garden Warbler though.
People were stood by Kid Brook so no birds there.
As I was leaving and the light fading I'm sure I heard a Wood Warbler, just South of the boardwalk in Big Wood, close to where the small bench once was.
4 Swifts were above Big Wood
Greg Baker said
Wed May 4 2:05 PM, 2016
Notice of a couple of free events organised by FOAM (Friends of Anderton & Marbury) this coming Sat 7th May at Marbury Country Park.
4:00-5:00 am - Dawn chorus: a chance to hear the local birds advertising their territories around the park and the arboretum.
5:00-c7:30 am - Bird Walk - usually covers the country park, Big Wood and some of Haydn's Pool and Dairy House Meadows.
For both events meet at the main car park. As well as the event being free, car parking is also free at this time of day. The events are suitable for all ages and abilities, however please note if we do a longer walk it is around 3 miles distance. Tea and bacon butties will be served at the end of the walk.
Cheers
Greg
Greg Baker said
Wed May 4 12:52 PM, 2016
32 Black-tailed Godwits circled over the mere around 07:30 this morning but didn't linger and flew off south. Also 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, a female Wheatear and a Common Sandpiper from the Fisherman's Path, 7 Swifts over the mere and 2 Garden Warblers in the mereside scrub.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue May 3 4:49 PM, 2016
A Garden Warbler this afternoon at 'Garden Warbler Corner,' a Common Sandpiper on Kid Brook Spit, two White Wagtails in the fields along side the Fisherman's Path with half a dozen Swift overhead.
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 3 9:52 AM, 2016
I had a text this morning to say that there were two Ringed Plovers on Kid Brook Spit across Budworth Mere (thanks to Ian Barber).
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun May 1 11:48 AM, 2016
Huge numbers of House Martins, Sand Martins and Swallow but not a single Swift.
4 White Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails but no Yellow Wagtails :(
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Sunday 1st of May 2016 11:49:16 AM
Hobby chasing the hirundines over Budworth Mere at around 07:10 this morning. Also 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtails and a Common Sandpiper along the Fisherman's Path.
John Williams said
Thu Apr 28 12:08 AM, 2016
6.30-8.00pm
3 Yellow Wagtails with the White and Pied Wagtails by the Fishermans Path.
Masses of Swallows and a couple of Sand Martins were flying just inches above the mere, with a bitterly cold North wind blowing in, no sign of House Martins or Swifts.
Greg Baker said
Mon Apr 25 2:16 PM, 2016
Despite the heavy showers and brisk wind a few good birds to be seen around the park and Budworth Mere this morning. 4 Common Sandpipers were around the mere with a Dunlin on Kid Brook spit mid morning. The fields along Fisherman's Path held 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails and a Wheatear plus a Grey Wagtail was by the footbridge. Lots of hirundines over the mere but just 1 Swift seen mid morning. Still no obvious Garden Warblers back yet.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Apr 23 9:12 AM, 2016
After Greater Manchester beating Cheshire to it, there was 1+Swift over Budworth Mere this morning (per V.Lundy thanks).
Doc Brewster said
Wed Apr 20 8:20 PM, 2016
A report of an Osprey through Budworth Mere today, went straight through and didn't linger but caused mass panic amongst the gulls on the mere.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Apr 19 10:20 PM, 2016
Malc Curtin found a female Redstart in a hedge by the fields by Fisherman's Path this evening
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Apr 18 6:30 PM, 2016
Eleven Yellow Wagtail (including one blue headed type), several Pied Wagtail and a minimum of four White Wagtail in flooded field by Fisherman's Path, late afternoon.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Apr 16 9:39 PM, 2016
Spent late afternoon around Budworth Mere, accessed from the layby on the A559. Two Common Sandpipers were on Kid Brook shore to the left of the spit when looking across from the mereside path. Ten Yellow Wagtails made a spectacluar sight as they fed in close proximity in the first grassed field when entering along the Fisherman's Path from the A559 layby. They were feeding with at least 15 Pied Wagtails but not a single White Wagtail was amongst them. Around 700 Sand Martins were over the mere with several Swallows.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Apr 11 9:46 PM, 2016
The 10 Little Gulls and the Arctic Tern were still hawking over the mere with several Black-headed Gulls at 5.30pm, they did the decent thing and lingered until I could pop down after work
Doc Brewster said
Mon Apr 11 3:05 PM, 2016
From mixture of sources, including patch watchers texting & emailing and from customers in the shop:
Up to 10 Little Gulls over Budworth Mere and an Arctic Tern. White Wagtail Kid Brook Spit (per G.Baker, J.Gilbody, D.King et al) thanks all
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Apr 6 7:54 PM, 2016
The female Common Scoter was still present at a very windy and choppy Budworth Mere at 18.30 hours, at the right hand side of the bay to the right of Kid Brook Spit. Nice to meet Pod Antrobus at long last, whilst we were chatting a Yellow a Wagtail flew high overhead in roughly the same area as Tuesday's bird by the Fisherman's Path. I walked the full length of the mere and reckon there could have been anything up to one thousand Sand Martin.
Greg Baker said
Wed Apr 6 4:12 PM, 2016
The female Common Scoter was still on the mere mid afternoon, although the presence of a wind surfer may instigate its departure (unless of course it's last Spring's long stayer?). Also 2 Redshank on Kid Brook spit and 600+ Sand Martins over the mere with just 2 Swallows.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Apr 6 11:36 AM, 2016
Interesting sighting texted to me this morning:
female Common Scoter on Budworth Mere favouring sailing club end at 11.30am (per S.Grimmett, thanks)
Could this be my bird from Newchurch
John Williams said
Wed Apr 6 12:06 AM, 2016
6.30-7.30pm
Just a quick visit to see if anything unusual had settled on the mere.
2 Swallows were over the pasture/meadow. More Swallows were with large numbers of Sand Martins over the mere, no sign of any House Martins amongst them though.
I did'nt count the waterfowl, but 3 prs great Crested Grebes were displaying, whilst Tufted Ducks and Coot appeared numerous.
1 Kingfisher was below the screen.
There were a couple of anglers at Kid Brook, so that area was birdless.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Apr 5 5:47 PM, 2016
Cheers for the call back Greg so I could catch up with the wagtail. As I said at the time all the hirundines lifted as I came to meet you but on my way back they all dropped in again. A re-check revealed still just the one House Martin.
Greg Baker said
Tue Apr 5 12:08 PM, 2016
Following on from the record of 2 Yellow Wagtails on Kid Brook spit at Budworth Mere yesterday morning, a smart male was showing well this morning on the middle field along the Fisherman's Path. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps all back in reasonable numbers and over the mere 770 Sand Martins, 11 Swallows and 1 House Martin.
2 Yellow Wagtails around the Kid Brook Spit area (per M.Curtin, thanks).
John Williams said
Sun Apr 3 11:07 PM, 2016
6-7.30pm
No sign of the Little Gull for me either, just a few Black Headed Gulls behaving like Little Gulls and taking insects off the surface of the mere, watched by 3 adult Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
Large numbers of Sand Martins were hawking insects over the mere, and with them a single Swallow. The hirundines appear to arrive in small groups from the East, and drift off Westwards
after feeding. Also there, 2 Oystercatchers and 1 Kingfisher.
The small pool that borders the meadow and the canal end of park attracted 3 Song Thrushes and several Blackbirds, which fed amongst the poolside sedge. I could'nt make out what
they were feeding on, I had a look for any tadpoles along the edge of the pool, but could'nt see any.
2f Goosanders, 40+ Great Crested Grebes, 3m Pochard, 8 Grey Herons and 5 Little Egrets.
A visit between 1:10 and 3:45pm produced the following,
Budworth mere - 2 female Goosanders, 3 Little egrets, Kingfisher, Pochard, Shoveler, 2 Curlew, the usual small birds around the feeders but there wasn'the much food out for them, Cormorants and an impressive 43 Great crested grebes. No sign of the Bittern unfortunately.
A visit in the afternoon between 1.00pm and 4.00pm produced the following
Kingfisher, Pochard, Wigeon, Shoveler, Curlew, Great Crested grebe, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted woodpecker, Jay, Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Cormorant and Goldcrest.
A text this morning to say that there are 5 Little Egrets at Budworth Mere, Marbury CP this morning along wil 2 Goosanders and drake Goldeneye (per Greg Baker, thanks)
On the way to the country park I had c15 Waxwings fly over the car at Soot Hill between Barnton and Anderton, presumably part of the flock that has recently been seen in Barnton.
Just in case anyone missed the news yesterday, a Bittern is back in Coward Reedbed at the mere and was showing well at dusk, 2 Goosanders were also still on the mere (info per Greag Baker, thanks)
Another text today to say that there are now 4 Little Egrets at Budworth Mere this morning, they will be breeding in the heronry next year at this rate! Still no sign of a wintering Bittern in Coward Reedbed (all per Greg Baker, thanks).
A Little Egret was at Budworth Mere today (per Greg Baker, thanks).
Shelduck (1)
TuftedDuck (12)
Mallard (160)
Goldeneye (2)
Wigeon (2)
Gadwall (6)
Moorhen (5)
Coot (44)
Great crested Grebe (56)
Cormorant (31)
Heron (3)
Canada Goose (c.400)
Greylag Goose (1)
Lapwing (16)
Curlew (1)
Water Rail (2)
Kingfisher (3)
Raven (4)
News texted to me today:
1w drake Scaup and Little Egret at E.end of Budworth Mere (per Greag Baker, thanks).
News texted to me today:
2 female Common Scoters on Budworth Mere, Marbury Country Park 2pm + drake Goldeneye (per R.elsby, thanks)
News from Today so far:
Little Egret on Kid Brook Spit, Budworth Mere + Dunlin (per Greg Baker, thanks).
1w/fem Garganey Budworth Mere around Kidbrook Spit 11.50am but mobile (per Greg Baker, thanks)
20 Great Crested Grebes, including 3 juveniles. 200+ Lapwings around Kid Brook. 8 Mistle Thrushes were on the field by the fishermans path.
1 Buzzard was over the meadows, and a Raven was heard in Big Wood.
Southern Marsh Orchids 5 spikes
Circular walk from Marbury Country Park (Budworth Mere) - Anderton - along Trent and Mersey Canal - diversion to Neumman's Flash and Ashton Flash - back along canal to Bridge 193 - Marston - Great Budworth - return to Marbury Country Park.
Linnet x 1
Reed Warbler x 1
Sedge Warbler x 1
Reed Bunting x 5
Common Whitethroat x 2
Chiffchaff x 4
Willow Warbler x 1
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 3
Gadwall x 2
Buzzard x 9 (different sightings)
Shelduck x 7
Great Crested Grebe x 6
Song Thrush x 1
Mistle Thrush x
Tufted Duck x 8
Mute Swan x 8
Lapwing x 4
Long Tailed Tit x 1
Pied Wagtail x 1
Cormorant x 4
Coal Tit x 1
Dunnock x 1
Goldfinch x 4
Robin x 8
Blackbird x 12
Great Tit x 3
Blue Tit x 1
House Sparrow x 8
Chaffinch x 1
Moorhen x 2
Coot x 6
Canada Geese x 7
Greylag Geese x 15
Lesser Black Backed Gull x 5
Great Black Backed Gull x 2
Black-Headed Gull x 20
Herring Gull x 3
Mallard x 20
Woodpigeon x 15
Feral Pigeon x 1
Kestrel x 1 (on way home above A57 just off M6 past Thelwall)
Swift x 3
Swallow x 25
Grey Heron x 7
Carrion Crow x 30
Jackdaw x 5
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 28th of May 2016 11:12:43 PM
Only 6 Great Crested Grebes and a few Tufted Ducks etc, were on the mere, with lots of sailing taking place.
No wagtails, just a few Mallard on the field by the fisherman's path. 1 Mistle Thrush was on the cattle pasture.
6 Buzzards were riding the thermals above Budworth, with 2 more being mobbed by crows over Big Wood.
A highly vocal male Blackcap was patrolling "Garden Warbler Corner", but no sign of any other warblers.
Thanks to Mark Taylor & Paul Hill for the updates on the Black Terns whilst I was in South Wales for the morning running a family errand. When I got back it was straight down Fisherman's Path to find at least 8 Black Terns and an Arctic showing really well in front of the yacht club. This was around 1.45pm. As Mark says later the numbers were higher but to be honest the others could have been elsewhere on the mere when I was there as I stopped at the yacht club end due to time restraints. If anyone is chancing it tomorrow then the Fisherman's Path is a good starting place
Many thanks Greg (and Mark, who replied offline)
Hi Patrick,
It's the area of scrub between the path that runs alongside the mere and the path that skirts the open park area. The Garden Warblers are usually at the eastern end of this scrubby area and can be seen from either path or from the path that links the two by the mere slipway, without venturing into the scrub.
Cheers
Greg
For the uninitiated, where exactly is 'Garden Warbler Corner' ? Thanks in advance
6 Great Crested Grebes and 26 Tufted Ducks on the mere.
A male Blackcap by"Garden Warbler Corner", no sign of Garden Warbler though.
People were stood by Kid Brook so no birds there.
As I was leaving and the light fading I'm sure I heard a Wood Warbler, just South of the boardwalk in Big Wood, close to where the small bench once was.
4 Swifts were above Big Wood
4:00-5:00 am - Dawn chorus: a chance to hear the local birds advertising their territories around the park and the arboretum.
5:00-c7:30 am - Bird Walk - usually covers the country park, Big Wood and some of Haydn's Pool and Dairy House Meadows.
For both events meet at the main car park. As well as the event being free, car parking is also free at this time of day. The events are suitable for all ages and abilities, however please note if we do a longer walk it is around 3 miles distance. Tea and bacon butties will be served at the end of the walk.
Cheers
Greg
I had a text this morning to say that there were two Ringed Plovers on Kid Brook Spit across Budworth Mere (thanks to Ian Barber).
Huge numbers of House Martins, Sand Martins and Swallow but not a single Swift.
4 White Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails but no Yellow Wagtails :(
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Sunday 1st of May 2016 11:49:16 AM
3 Yellow Wagtails with the White and Pied Wagtails by the Fishermans Path.
Masses of Swallows and a couple of Sand Martins were flying just inches above the mere, with a bitterly cold North wind blowing in, no sign of House Martins or Swifts.
After Greater Manchester beating Cheshire to it, there was 1+Swift over Budworth Mere this morning (per V.Lundy thanks).
A report of an Osprey through Budworth Mere today, went straight through and didn't linger but caused mass panic amongst the gulls on the mere.
Malc Curtin found a female Redstart in a hedge by the fields by Fisherman's Path this evening
Spent late afternoon around Budworth Mere, accessed from the layby on the A559. Two Common Sandpipers were on Kid Brook shore to the left of the spit when looking across from the mereside path. Ten Yellow Wagtails made a spectacluar sight as they fed in close proximity in the first grassed field when entering along the Fisherman's Path from the A559 layby. They were feeding with at least 15 Pied Wagtails but not a single White Wagtail was amongst them. Around 700 Sand Martins were over the mere with several Swallows.
The 10 Little Gulls and the Arctic Tern were still hawking over the mere with several Black-headed Gulls at 5.30pm, they did the decent thing and lingered until I could pop down after work
From mixture of sources, including patch watchers texting & emailing and from customers in the shop:
Up to 10 Little Gulls over Budworth Mere and an Arctic Tern. White Wagtail Kid Brook Spit (per G.Baker, J.Gilbody, D.King et al) thanks all
Interesting sighting texted to me this morning:
female Common Scoter on Budworth Mere favouring sailing club end at 11.30am (per S.Grimmett, thanks)
Could this be my bird from Newchurch
6.30-7.30pm
Just a quick visit to see if anything unusual had settled on the mere.
2 Swallows were over the pasture/meadow. More Swallows were with large numbers of Sand Martins over the mere, no sign of any House Martins amongst them though.
I did'nt count the waterfowl, but 3 prs great Crested Grebes were displaying, whilst Tufted Ducks and Coot appeared numerous.
1 Kingfisher was below the screen.
There were a couple of anglers at Kid Brook, so that area was birdless.
Cheers for the call back Greg so I could catch up with the wagtail. As I said at the time all the hirundines lifted as I came to meet you but on my way back they all dropped in again. A re-check revealed still just the one House Martin.
News from the Patch Grapevine today :
2 Yellow Wagtails around the Kid Brook Spit area (per M.Curtin, thanks).
6-7.30pm
No sign of the Little Gull for me either, just a few Black Headed Gulls behaving like Little Gulls and taking insects off the surface of the mere, watched by 3 adult Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
Large numbers of Sand Martins were hawking insects over the mere, and with them a single Swallow. The hirundines appear to arrive in small groups from the East, and drift off Westwards
after feeding. Also there, 2 Oystercatchers and 1 Kingfisher.
The small pool that borders the meadow and the canal end of park attracted 3 Song Thrushes and several Blackbirds, which fed amongst the poolside sedge. I could'nt make out what
they were feeding on, I had a look for any tadpoles along the edge of the pool, but could'nt see any.