Carried on with my early starts, especially as I hate it on weekends when it gets busy later on in the day! Dull, overcast and cold again but thankfully no wind.

Not bad for some wildfowl on Big Pool but no Smew. A good sighting was 6(5drk) Shoveler, my first of this species for a while. A drake Gadwall was seen again in a similar area to last time. A count of 12 Wigeon was made along with around 48 Tufted Ducks on Big Pool, Small Pool and Lymm Vale. A small group of 5 Greylag Geese flew off Big Pool away to the east. In the breeding field east of the Pine Belt there were now 4 Lapwings present.

Just 1 Green Woodpecker was heard today. A large flock of Woodpigeons held 2 Stock Doves east of the Pine Belt. There were 3 Collared Doves in three usual locations. A Fieldfare was again east of the Pine Belt with 20 Redwings, probably the same flock as seen two days ago.

The big highlight today was a new record count of 11 Yellowhammers in the hedge north of Big Pool, along with 2 Reed Buntings. I thought this flock had moved on so it was nice to see them again. The field east of the Pine Belt held 3 Pied Wagtails, maybe passage birds so soon White Wagtails may be passing through. Again a Goldcrest was recorded, in the Pine Belt north of Big Pool. Long-tailed Tits and Coal Tits were in display in the same area of woodland east of Small Pool.

The walk was primarily to check for migrant arrivals or passage birds, but none here yet!!

Another early start, cold, overcast and with a few small light showers.

The female Smew was her usual elusive self, on Big Pool, staying half in and half out of cover all the time. Other ducks made a reappearance on Big Pool, firstly a drake Gadwall and also around 18 Wigeon, with the latter count including 3 on the field flood over near Lymm Vale. On the flood near the entrance track I recorded a first for here, 4(2drk) Teal. Todays absentee species was Goosander with none seen. A Cormorant flew over, it being a while since one was on the pools. Two Little Grebes again called. In a new private area a Jack Snipe was classic in that it came up as I nearly trod on it, its wing actually brushing my welly, it was silent and then dropped down after a short low flight. Myself and a friend had some of our best views ever of this species in flight. After this bird came up we didn't continue through the area so as not to disturb any other snipe species. The field east of the Pine Belt still held the pair of Lapwings.

A good count of 3 Green Woodpeckers was made, all calling birds. A Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane and was the last species seen. On Sandy Lane 2(1m) Bramblings were with just 5 Chaffinches. A larger flock of passerines in fields east of the Pine Belt held no Brambling but did have 2+Reed Buntings in it. A smart Fieldfare was in the same area and overall at least 30 Redwings were seen. Near the dung heaps NE of Big Pool were 2 Pied Wagtails. As usual a Goldcrest was een, near the main track in the 'meadow area' above Small Pool with 2 Coal Tits also here.

For the second visit running by the same friend we recorded 45 species on the day and also had Jack Snipe both times

An early morning start on a dull, overcast and cold day on patch.

The female Smew was unusually first found on Small Pool in the company of a female Goosander. Then they both flew across to Big Pool.In total 2(1drk) Goosanders were seen but no Wigeon. Over 70 Tufted Ducks remain which are the Smew's carrier species so she'll be here for a bit yet. On the walk 2 Little Grebes were again recorded. A Kingfisher was still on Small Pool.

My monthly wader count on the private area resulted in 48 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe and 1 Woodcock. Also 2 Lapwings were on territory east of the Pine Belt.

A Green Woodpecker Showed well on Shemmy Moss whilst Great Spotted Woodpeckers were still heard drumming. A scarce species this winter was een with 2 Fieldfares north of Big Pool. Much more common at least 20 Redwings were seen in a few scattered locations. In the leek field a group of 10 Mistle Thrushes was unexpected. Most passerines seem to be pairing up so a small feeding flock including 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Coat Tits and a Goldcrest in the Pine Belt was unusual. A silent Nuthatch was in Gull Pool Wood and another called near the entrance barrier.

My first walk of meteorological Spring today, it being March 1st! Went in the afternoon on a butterfly hunt, warm and sunny and still, perfect, but quiet on the bird front.

The female Smew again put in a fleeting appearance in her usual area, but almost as soon as she appeared she headed off rapidly intio cover again. Other ducks were fewer in number, only 4 Wigeon were seen but potentially more heard. Tufted Duck numbers were still relatively high, when they go then the Smew will too. A Little Grebe was still on Big Pool, these usually nest elsewhere so there's time for it to leave later in Spring.

A Raven was over the fields east of Big Pool with 2 Stock Doves in the same area. A female Bullfinch was in Finch Hedge.

Typically despite carrying my scope round today there was no sign of any sparrows in the hedge N.of Big Pool. Similarly the Kingfisher on Small Pool wasn't seen after being on the same branch for the last 3 days, all because I had my digiscoping gear with me!!

My final walk here in February this morning, cold at first then sunny and warm and still.

The female Smew was again on Big Pool as were 2(1drk) Goosander and 5(3drk) Shoveler, the first sighting of the latter species in a few visits. There were 2 Kingfishers today, one on each pool. Again 2 Little Grebes were heard. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over Big Pool. In their breeding field east of the Pine Belt 2 Lapwings were displaying.

Also in breeding habitat were 2 Stock Doves near Gull Pool. In Gull Pool Wood 2 Goldcrests and a Coal Tit were in the pines. Still ground feeding 5 Redwings showed well, again near Gull Pool. An intruiging sighting was a sparrow, in the hedge north of Big Pool that recently hosted the buntings and finches, which with bins looked really good for Tree Sparrow. But it was just too distant to be 100% so this species still isn't on my patch list! This was the 'one that got away'. I will return with scope and give the area a good grilling!

A walk in the warm sun this afternoon, off piste, looking for invertebtates.

Just a female Goosander representing the sawbill fraternity today! Teal were heard for the first visit in a while and the lone Cormorant was still present. New in were 6 Greylag Geese on Big Pool. Little Grebes were whinnying on both Big Pool and Gull Pool. A Kingfisher showed well on the same branch as yesterday on Small Pool.

A male Sparrowhawk flew down the main track ahead of me for at least 150m before meeting some walkers and veering off. He stayed about 6 inches from the ground all the way, fantastic. Several Buzzards were up and displaying and Ravens were cronking. A Green Woodpecker was heard near the distant gardens NE of Big Pool. Just 1 Redwing was seen. A lone female Yellowhammer was in the chaffinch flock in the leek field. At least 2 Bullfinches and 2 Long-tailed Tits were noted. A Goldcrest was in a small wooded area north of Big Pool, it certainly has been a fantastic start of the year for sightings of this species.

Back to Newchurch today and decided on the afternoon to give the pre-roost of gulls a go! Dry, still, sunny intervals and warm.

The female Smew was seen sailing across the middle of Big Pool, probably disturbed out by the huge influx of anglers today. Around 8(2drk) Goosanders were on Big Pool and only 30 Wigeon which is a big drop in the latter species since January. One feature in the last 9 days is no swans, not sure where they have gone, I have checked some of the local pools and nothing! Again just 1 Cormorant was on the pool. A Kingfisher was watched at close quarters on Small Pool.

A sit and search through the gulls in to pre-roost paid off massively with a second-winter Mediterranean Gull being found on my 4th or 5th pass through the flock as more and more gulls dropped in (pic attached). This is my first of this species anywhere this year. Several Common Gulls and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull were also in the flock. Earlier I headed over to the field flood near Lymm Vale and picked up another yeartick for 2021 in the shape of 2 Oystercatchers. Another wader record was 17 Lapwings, 14 over on the Abbots Moss Nursery fields and 3 in the field east of the Pine Belt.

A Green Woodpecker was heard in the Pine Belt and a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted. One of the latter was watched at length, drinking from a knot-hole in a tree trunk, it is always nice to watch behaviour you have never seen before. A Stock Dove was in the leek field with Woodpigeons. A Nuthatch was seen in Gull Pool Wood and a Goldcrest was near Finch Hedge, as were 2 Bullfinches.

Doc Brewster wrote:

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An excellent morning walk, windy, overcast and a degree or two colder than on late, but dry. Whole walk in the company of another regular here who's timing coincided with mine for the first time!

The female Smew was present on Big Pool as soon as we walked up, I spotted her without bins. After hanging around for a short while she headed off into cover as usual. 4(2drk) Goosanders were on here too as well as just 1 Comorant. The Grey Heron was seen near the wilow spit again and 1 Kingfisher was on Small Pool still. 9 Lapwings flew over near Lymm Vale. In a private area 4 Jack Snipe were seen as well as 40 Snipe and a single Woodcock. A Herring Gull down on Big Pool was unusual whilst a Lesser Black-backed Gull over was more expected.

The big highlight was a Tawny Owl, new for 2021 for me anywhere, which flew out of a rhododendron at head height when I was only 1m away, flying past my shoulder at point blank range. To say I had exceptional views would be an understatement! Combining Daleford Lane and Sandy Lane sightings  there were 3 Collared Doves again. There were still 2 male Bramblings at least in the Chaffinch flock in the leek field. A Goldcrest was north of Big Pool. A small flock of 10 Redwings was near Lymm Vale with a Pied Wagtail on the flooded field there.

A very enjoyable walk with 45 species without doing some areas that I normally would do

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 23rd of February 2021 03:25:58 PM

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 An addition to the above, for 23rd Feb, that I forgot and was too late to edit in was 2 Meadow Pipits near the Pine Belt in the field north-east of Big Pool. This is a scarcity on my patch so worth a mention!

An excellent morning walk, windy, overcast and a degree or two colder than on late, but dry. Whole walk in the company of another regular here who's timing coincided with mine for the first time!

The female Smew was present on Big Pool as soon as we walked up, I spotted her without bins. After hanging around for a short while she headed off into cover as usual. 4(2drk) Goosanders were on here too as well as just 1 Comorant. The Grey Heron was seen near the wilow spit again and 1 Kingfisher was on Small Pool still. 9 Lapwings flew over near Lymm Vale. In a private area 4 Jack Snipe were seen as well as 40 Snipe and a single Woodcock. A Herring Gull down on Big Pool was unusual whilst a Lesser Black-backed Gull over was more expected.

The big highlight was a Tawny Owl, new for 2021 for me anywhere, which flew out of a rhododendron at head height when I was only 1m away, flying past my shoulder at point blank range. To say I had exceptional views would be an understatement! Combining Daleford Lane and Sandy Lane sightings  there were 3 Collared Doves again. There were still 2 male Bramblings at least in the Chaffinch flock in the leek field. A Goldcrest was north of Big Pool. A small flock of 10 Redwings was near Lymm Vale with a Pied Wagtail on the flooded field there.

A very enjoyable walk with 45 species without doing some areas that I normally would do

Had an afternoon walk on patch due to it being sunny and warm, to add a few inverts to the yearlist!! But had a few birds too.

The female Smew was showing well for a change but that didn't last long and she disappeared. A relatively high count of 10(5drk) Goosanders were distributed between Big and Small Pool. A pair of Shovelers was on Big Pool and a count tallied c.40 Wigeon. Just 1 Cormorant remained. Little Grebes were heard whinnying.

In the leek field (former setaside) a Chaffinch Flock contained 2 male Bramblings in nice plumage with black heads. Lots of Long-tailed Tits were seen as well as 2 Goldcrests, one north of Big Pool and one in Gull Pool Wood. Just 2 Redwings were seen, near Gull Pool.

Doc Brewster wrote:

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 A female Mute Swan had joined the resident Cob and Great Crested Grebes were in display.

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 18th of February 2021 08:29:47 AM

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I have had the background information for my new female Mute Swan now Green CNX4 was ringed at Winsford Bottom Flash on 25th January 2020 and is 2 years old.

She joins my new resident male Mute Swan Green CNC0 who was also ringed at Winsford Bottom Flash who was ringed as an adult on 23rd September 2018.

They are showing strong bonding behaviour, but as the Cheshire Swan Study Group Leader said to me, they are unlikely to succesfully breed this year given the Pen's age.

An early start, sunny and warm, concentrated on the pools area and the floods over near Lymm Vale.

The female Smew was still on Big Pool but a reduced number of wildfowl were on other than plenty of Tufted Ducks. Just 4(1drk) Goosander were present across the two pools and a small flight of 5 Teal were seen on Big Pool. A female Mute Swan had joined the resident Cob and Great Crested Grebes were in display. A Little Grebe was whinnying also. Two Greylag Geese flew in late morning. A Kingfisher was still on Small Pool. The Grey Heron was still on the shores of Big Pool and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was present briefly before flying off.

Two male Sparrowhawks were seen in two widely seperated locations. Two Green Woodpeckers were calling. Collared Doves were at Dairy Farm and on Daleford Lane. Two Stock Doves were in the field east of the Pine Belt as were 2 Lapwings. At least 20 Redwings were seen in horse paddocks on Sandy Lane with a single Fieldfare. Just 1 male Reed Bunting was in the hedge north of Big Pool but no Yellowhammers. A Goldcrest was over by Lymm Vale. A count of 6 Bullfinches in Finch Hedge was a 2021 maximum.

Sunny and freezing cold for my first visit this week, the car temp gauge reading -5*C as I set off which with wind chill was probably nearer -8*C!!! Only 'did' the Big Pool area and it was approx. 80% iced over.

The female Smew was in the clear water to the west but highly mobile. Also here were 2(1drk) Goldeneye, 11(4drk) Goosander and 19(12drk) Shoveler, the latter flying over to the willow spit area later on. Out on the ice in the willow spit area 22 Teal were visible, more were probably hidden and 80 Wigeon were counted on the open water with again probably more hidden. Three Little Grebes together on the far western side of Big Pool was a good record. A Grey Heron was on the willows too whilst an immature Herring Gull dropped into the pool. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew low over Sandy Lane.

A Raven was near the Pine Belt and in fields east of here at least 20 Rooks fed with Jackdaws on a frozen field. At Dairy Farm the 2 Collared Doves were still present. In the northern hedge 2 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings were in a reduced passerine flock. In Finch Hedge at least 4 Bullfinches were feeding on buds whilst a Goldcrest picked its way along the hedge low down.

Back this am in dry, still and mild conditions, before maybe a freeze at the weekend!

The female Smew was showing well and for a little longer on Big Pool but in the end headed off into cover and never returned! Counts of 15(7drk) Goosander (across 2 pools) and 7(4drk) Teal (Big Pool) were reasonable. Just 1 drake Shoveler was seen and only 2(1drk) Gadwall, all on Big Pool. A Grey Heron was on the flood by the entrance track. A sub-ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Big Pool.

At least 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard yaffling in well seperated locations. 140 Redwings were feeding on the ground in a field east of the bottom of Sandy Lane with just 1 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.

A count of 8 Yellowhammers north of Big Pool is my best day count of this species, just 1 Reed Bunting was with them. A Pied Wagtail was by the flood by the entrance track. At least 2 Bullfinches were in Finch Hedge.

After a weekend off because of how busy it gets I was back at Newchurch Common this morning. Dry, dull and relatively warm!

The female Smew was on Big Pool but as usual only seen very briefly. A nice party of 3(2 drake) Goldeneye was also on the pool, the drakes looking stunning in the sunshine. A total of 15(6 drake) Goosanders were counted on the two pools. Also on Big Pool 3 Teal flew around with more probably in cover where strangely most of the Wigeon and Gadwall were today, I wonder if there had been disturbance over the weekend that had spooked them. Two Kingfishers were seen again, one on each pool.  A new species for the patch thios year was seen with 100 Lapwings in the flooded field east of the Pine Belt. The Grey Heron was still in the willow spit area.

The hedge north of Big Pool held 3 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings still amongst the large flock of mainly Chaffinches. two nice flocks of Long-tailed Tits were seen and the one north of Big Pool also contained a Goldcrest. A Nuthatch called on Sandy Lane and a Collared Dove was still around nearby at Dairy Farm.

An earlier start than usual this morning paid dividends with a cracking walk. Dry, overcast and not too cold.

The female Smew was again briefly seen on Big Pool in her usual area. A great reduction in several species with only 5 (2drk) Goosanders (4 on Big Pool and 1 on Small Pool) and 1 female Shoveler (on Big Pool) seen. A good count of 14 Teal was made on Big Pool, this number are not usually seen out on the open water. Very early on in the walk a skein of 160 Pink-footed Geese flew south at 8.40am just east of Sandy Lane. Later in my walk 10 Greylag Geese flew into Big Pool. A Kingfisher was again on Small Pool on its usual perch. The best bird of the day was a Redshank which flew SW over the west side of Big Pool, a species new for 2021 for me.

A Raven cronked in Gull Pool Wood whilst 2 Stock Doves were over the leek field adjacent to the wood. A flock of 20 Redwings were also in the same area. The Kestrel was again on wires in the horse paddock by Sandy Lane. From halfway down Daleford Lane to the bottom of Sandy Lane a count of 3 Collared Doves was made, this area is more residential and so is the hotspot for the species.

A Treecreeper was seen at close quarters in the Pine Belt, it has been my best winter ever for this species on patch. North of Big Pool the passerine flock included probably the same female Brambling, 5 Yellowhammers and a male Reed Bunting. At the top of the Pine Belt a feeding flock of 5 female Bullfinches was unexpected.

My birthday today so as a treat my wife, Carys, joined me for a Newchurch morning walk. Cold but getting warmer daily, dry and no wind.

The female Smew was on Big Pool and showed well for about 4mins and then melted into the dense bankside vegetation not to be seen again. Around 22 Goosanders and 18 Shovelers were on show today but some duck were hidden from view so numbers will have been higher. No sign of the Goldeneye though. At least 8 Teal were flying around too. The Sandy Lane cut maize fields contained 13 Greylag Geese which later flew over onto Big Pool. Just 1 Little Grebe was on Big Pool. The 2 Kingfishers were again on Small Pool and chasing each other again. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in and landed on Big Pool. A Grey Heron flew over.

The fields north of Big Pool were disturbed by runners but 1 female Brambling and 1 female Yellowhammer were seenhere. A total of 2 Reed Buntings included one here and one in trees near Big Pool Island Cut. Near Small Pool a female Siskin was in the alders and a female Bullfinch was in Finch Hedge. A Fieldfare was in trees north of Big Pool before being chased off by a Mistle Thrush whilst several Redwings were seen or heard. Again 2 Goldcrests were seen in display, the male wing-flicking and crest-flaring.

A relatively short walk concentrating on just the 2 pools and their environs produced a respectable 47 species today.

I didn't have my camera yesterday, and as we are limited to 1 exercise walk only per day (for those obeying the rules) I couldn't return so relied on my walk today and the Goldeneye still being present. A shorter visit, cold and overcast with spits of sleet.

A real bonus as whilst scoping Big Pool I discovered that today there were 2(1drk) Goldeneye out in the middle. The drake looking superb as they always do, you wait all this time and then two come along at once! Other highlinghts from a shorter walk were tremendous counts of two other duck species. There were 29(18drk) Goosander on the two pools and a single group of 28(18drk) Shoveler on Big Pool. Two Kingfishers chased each other on Small Pool which was still partially iced over. The margins here being ice free was why the Kingfishers were on here as well as a Grey Heron.

After the first one yesterday another Siskin was seen, this time by Small Pool feeding in alders with 2 Lesser Redpolls. In a pine by the main track 3 Goldcrests included a male and a female in display, the male chasing, wing-flicking and flaring his crest. Also by the main track 2 female Bullfinches fed on buds again.

Got down earlier than usual at Newchucrh this morning, cold, frosty & Small Pool 90% iced over but Big Pool nearly fully ice-free. Sunny intervals later and ended with a hailstorm!! The early start paid dividends with 3 Yearticks for 2021 for anywhere and 5 new birds for Newchurch in 2021!

Headline bird on the pools was a female Goldeneye out in the middle of Big Pool, this was a species not seen by me at all in 2020 on patch, but now added as a Newchurch tick in January 2021. Also on Big Pool were 15(9drk) Shovelers and a count of 14(7drk) Goosanders was made between the two pools. A group of 6 Teal milled around just inside the vegetation on the willow spit, possibly where the Smew was hiding as she wasn't seen today. Another bird that was new for Newchurch was an adult Herring Gull on Big Pool which for some reason kept getting chased by 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls also on the pool. A single Grey Heron was again on the shore of Big Pool. A Kingfisher was seen again, this time on Small Pool.

Two wader species were seen during my walk, locations withheld: namely a Common Snipe which came up just a few metres off a main path and 3 Woodcock which gave the best views of this species so far this year.

A Raven called over on the mosslands, a good area for this species. A welcome record was 2 Green Woodpeckers, one silent bird seen near the Pine Belt and another yaffling over the horse paddocks near the parking area. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in Gull Pool Woods. Again a Mistle Thrush was in full song near the entrance track.

The three new species not seen anywhere else this year were all passerines and all were seen on the north side of Big Pool. Firstly, a beautiful male Siskin showed well low in small alders before heading off into a private area. Nearby a Linnet was perched on wires whilst 3 Fieldfares flew across the field at about the same height as the wires, thus one small area of my patch delivered three yearticks for me! In the same area 5 Yellowhammers were in their usual hedge with 1 Reed Bunting. Approximately 12 Redwings were seen and heard in small groups across the whole of the patch.A Goldcrest was near the north side of Gull Pool and a female Bullfinch was in Finch Hedge starting to eat the newly emerging hawthorn and blackthorn buds.

A morning walk, still some snow underfoot and more water in all the fields but thankfully the roads were all passable unlike nearby Northwich which is underwater still

The female Smew was seen almost immediately heading across Big Pool but as is her wont she disappeared pretty quickly, not to be seen again! Some ice was on the pools but that didn't explain the reduced number of one duck species in particular: only 5(1drk) Goosander was a very low number. With more heard than seen, 2(1drk) Teal were near the willow spit as were 3(1drk) Shoveler. 20 Greylag Geese was a decent count, outnumbering the Canada Geese for once. Two Grey Herons were seen, one as usual on the willow spit and the other by Gull Pool.

A female Brambling was in a large flock of Chaffinches near Swallow Farm and 6 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings were in the usual hedge on the north side of Big Pool. This must be my biggest single day count of Yellowhammers on my patch ever. Another Treecreeper was seen, again in Gull Pool Wood and again loosely associating with a feeding winter tit flock that contained 16 Long-tailed Tits. A lone Redwing was by the edge of the flood in the field near the entrance track. A Nuthatch called near Small Pool and both Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush were heard in full song.

Despite a forecast of rain I thought I would chance a morning walk at Newchurch and was rewarded as it stayed dry. Again not too cold either but getting breezy at times. I decided on a new route for a change as I'm sort of restricted to here alone during Lockdown, so mixing it up keeps it fresh! I headed over across the farmland on the south side of my patch mainly but ended up with a quick look at the pools.

The female Smew showed briefly again on Big Pool. A total of 11(4drk) Goosander was counted across Lymm Vale, Small Pool and Big Pool. Teal were heard but not seen. Two Grey Herons were seen, one still on Big Pool and one flew over Lymm Vale. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew low over Big Pool.

On the farmland walks the highlights were two species, one new of the year for me and the other new for patch 2021. The former was a Kestrel sat on wires near Sandy Lane and the latter a Raven flying low and cronking in the Lymm Vale area. All my patch corvids were seen today, I don't do that too often! Over near Lymm Vale 10 Redwings were with a Mistle Thrush whilst in the horse paddocks north of the Whitegate Way a Song Thrush was my first for a while. Two Nuthatches were recorded, one over on the Lymm Vale entrance road and another near Big Pool. Finch Hedge held its first finches for a while too in the shape of 5 Goldfinches.

A visit to patch before the rains sweep in this week. Relatively warm and not frozen at all. Dry too.

The female Smew appeared after a long search, on Big Pool as usual, and showed for all of 5 minutes (which is a long time for her at the moment) and then swam back into deep cover. A total of 14(5drk) Goosanders were counted over both pools. Just 1 drake Shoveler and 1 drake Teal were seen, both on Big Pool. Once they all came out I counted 25 Greylag Geese amongst a similar number of Canada Geese. The goose highlight was a small number, probably 20 Pink-footed Geese flying over whilst I was in woodland,hence my innacurate count! This was a new species for the year for me. A Little Grebe on Big Pool was new for the year on patch. The usual (probably) Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Small Pool today. Two Grey Herons were on Big Pool and a Kingfisher flashed past on here too.

A stunning rufous male Sparrowhawk was watched bathing for a good 10 minutes as I peeped out unseen from behind a tree! At least 70 Rooks were in the area with at least 150 Jackdaws, all using the harvested maize fields, mainly off Sandy Lane. Just one Stock Dove was seen amongst three-figure numbers of Woodpigeons. A ground-feeding flock of 20 Redwings was in Gull Pool Woods. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was still drumming in the same area as per my last visit.

A male Bullfinch on Sandy Lane was new for patch for 2021. The usual hedge that I've been monitoring held 4 Yellowhammers and 3 Reed Buntings as well as numerous Chaffinches. A bit worring was the presence of two falconers in the same field flying a Harris Hawk, as I really don't want this hedge disturbed this winter. A really nice flock of c.20 Long-tailed Tits was by Small Pool but didn't contain any other species. A Pied Wagtail was still in a flooded horse paddock by Sandy Lane.

Ice on the cars but with a decent forecast I decided to head onto patch. Unfortunately down there (but not at home less than 3mls away) it was thick freezing fog. Also both pools iced up to a greater extent than the previous freeze. Dry all the time.

On the tiny portion of open water on Big Pool new in were 2 female Pochards with the Tufted Ducks, Pochard being a new bird for the year here. A nice group of 6(3 drake) Shovelers were also on Big Pool whilst 3 Teal flew around here too. The usual Grey Heron was perched in a new area, deep in West Bay. The most unusual gull was an adult Lesser Black backed Gull on Big Pool.

A new passerine species added for 2021 anywhere was a Meadow Pipit picking around the edges of a flood in a horse paddock off Sandy Lane in the company of a Pied Wagtail. A second Pied Wagtail was in fields NW of Big Pool. Another nice sighting, albeit not new, was a Treecreeper in with at least 12 Long-tailed Tits and a few Blue Tits on the south shore of Big Pool. A flock of 10 Redwings were still in trees by Sandy Lane with a lone Starling. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming near Big Pool Meadows, the first drumming bird of the year.

A morning walk, dull but dry, then a wee bit of sunshine later, still pretty cold though with some of the shallower pools still frozen.

The female Smew was present in East Bay but as elusive as ever hiding under bankside vegetation in  aslightly different area than usual. A total of 15 Goosanders were on the two pools with 7 adult drakes. A drake Shoveler lurked almost fully hidden and 4 Teal flew over me on Sandy Lane. Just 10 Greylag Geese today and the Canada x Greylag hybrid still. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Big Pool as well as just 1 Common Gull with the few Black-headeds. The Grey Heron was still around Big Pool as well as 6 Cormorants on it.

A Green Woodpecker was over on the mosslands, my first of the year anywhere. On the north side fields a Stock Dove was seen. A total of c.300 Woodpigeons were still using the cut maize fields around the east side of the pools. A nice female Sparrowhawk flew over Big Pool late morning.

Off Sandy Lane 3(1m) Bramblings had returned to join an increased number of Chaffinches in the cut maize fields. In the fields north of Big Pool there were still 4(1m) Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings but a lone Greenfinch here was a nice addition to the yearlists for the UK and my Patch! Another addition for the year lists was the sighting of 2 Treecreepers in Gull Pool Woods, where another loose feeding flock contained a Coal Tit (new for Newchurch 2021), 2 Goldcrests, a Nuthatch and at least 2 Long-tailed Tits. Another excellent bird added for the year was a smart female Lesser Redpoll which landed just 3ft away from me at head height east of Big Pool in the meadows before flying up into an alder to feed. A Pied Wagtail (new for Newchurch 2021) was in horse paddocks off Sandy Lane as were 14 Redwings and 17 Starlings.

51 species was a nice return for a morning that ended in bright sunshine and was even starting to warm up!!

Foggy at home but OK at Newchurch, albeit cold and icy. The two pools were almost totally frozen with just small areas of clear water, more on Big Pool than Small Pool. This concentrated the wildfowl and brought species that usually skulk out into view!

The female Smew was present but only seen when a woman went down onto a fishing peg near the open water with all the wildfowl on it and flushed the lot as she set up a picnic - blanket and all The Smew hadn't been visible before so must have been under the bankside vegetation again. Also on the open water areas of Big Pool were 18(7drk) Goosander, 12(5drk) Shoveler and 18 (9drk) Teal. For my first time ever Canada Geese were in the minority with 42 Greylag Geese being seen, 24 on Big Pool and 18 feeding off Sandy Lane and only 3 Canada Geese on the pool. A Grey Heron was again around Big Pool shores and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the ice here. A Woodcock came up in one of the woodlands near Big Pool.

A beautiful rufous male Sparrowhawk was in Gull Pool wood with prey. In fields to the north of Big Pool 8 Stock Doves was a good count. A total of 3 Collared Doves comprised of 2 on Daleford Lane and 1 at Dairy Farm. Several Rooks were still around. A total of 7 Yellowhammers were seen, 6 north of Big Pool and 1 off Sandy Lane. Also north of Big Pool were 2 Reed Buntings and 1 Brambling. Lots of Chaffinches were across the whole site and included 3 Goldfinches near Gull Pool Wood. At least 6 Redwings fed in Gull Pool Wood and a Mistle Thrush was nearby on wires at at Swallow Farm. A Goldcrest was near Finch Hedge. A Nuthatch calling and seen near the entrance barrier was my first of the year here, along with the Sparrowhawk and Goldfinches.

Bit of a gap since my last walk here, and now in Lockdown rather than Tier 4. Enforced absence due to family health and losing my car for 3 days for repair of a failed clutch. Back to walking from the horse paddocks to Newchurch and back! Just like old times....... without the sun, warmth, summer birds, butterflies, dragonflies etc..... Met another regular who hasn't seen the Smew this year of for the second half of December - shows how elusive she is at present.

But..... I did manage to find the female Smew, still on Big Pool again under bankside vegetation and to all intents and purposes nearly invisible! Also on the pool were 2(1drk) Shoveler and 11 Greylag Geese. A count covering both pools produced 17 Goosanders. The now usual Grey Heron was on Big Pool on the willow spit and an immature Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over. In one of the woodland area a Woodcock flew up and was a first for the year anywhere for me.

Two Collared Doves were again on Sandy Lane, this seems to be the core area as they are seen nowhere else really. At the junction of Sandy Lane and Daleford Lane 4 Redwings 'played chicken' flying low in front of cars, not a good idea. A Starling on Sandy Lane was new for patch in 2021 as were at least 25 Rooks flying over here, a rare sight to see this number on my patch walks.

Just the 3 mile journey today following the new Tier 4 Rules, very sad to see some posts on here breaking those rules. I met 3 visiting birders on my patch and all lived locally, well done guys. Sadly none connected with the Smew even though all 3 birders spent several hours searching. A cold day overall with showers at times and not ideal birding weather.

I finally found the female Smew on Big Pool after much searching, skulking under bankside vegetation and diving constantly. She was so, so elusive, I'm not surprised everyone else, other than Carys and I, dipped. Also on Big Pool were 28 (10 drake) Goosanders, a massive count and no doubt increased by cold weather movements. Other wildfowl seen on the pool were a female Shoveler and a female Teal. Amongst the Canada Geese were 28 Greylag Geese. A Kingfisher was seen on Small Pool.

A good record was 3 Great Black-backed Gulls flying over, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls included 2 birds with these Greats and 1 on Big Pool. Another even better record was a Jack Snipe with 5 Common Snipe in a private area. A Grey Heron was on Big Pool as usual.

A single Yellowhammer was on the north side of Big Pool with Chaffinches. The same hedge contained one Brambling and 3 Reed Buntings. A Collared Dove was near Dairy Farm and 2 Stock Doves were in fields north of Big Pool. Two Goldcrests were near the main track between the pools and several Redwings were seen across the site. Parties of Long-tailed Tits were again widespread.

A late afternoon walk at a snow-covered Newchurch, a couple of inches deep after a second night of snow. Glorious with bright sunshine and not too cold.

No sign of the Smew but 4 Goosander on Big Pool. The most notable duck sighting was 60 Teal flying over me into the pool as I left around 3pm, this easily being my site maximum count. An adult Great Black-backed Gull on Big Pool was only my second record this year. A Grey Heron was on the northern bank of Big Pool.

As well as the gull there were two other observations today which were only my second records for those species in 2020. Firstly 2 Meadow Pipits were on a frozen flooded field east of the Pine Belt with a single Pied Wagtail. The a Tawny Owl was heard constantly calling over towards Dalefords Farm. In my usual area I had a single male Yellowhammer but without a scope I couldn't pick anything else out in the distant hedgerow. A lone Fieldfare was north of Big Pool as were 6 Starlings with another on Sandy Lane. A nice Sparrowhawk flew low and slowly over me north of Big Pool and landed in a nearby tree as I stayed as frozen as the snow to saty as unnoticed as possible! Finally on the way out 3 Goldfinch were in Finch Hedge.

A morning walk, fine, bright and not cold but some frost still.

The female Smew was on Big Pool along with 8(5drake) Goosander, 2 drake Shoveler and a drake Teal amongst the throngs of the commoner species here. Just 7 Greylag Geese on the pool and a Grey Heron again. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Big Pool.

Two Ravens over Big Pool low and cronking were nice. A thorough search of large flocks of Chaffinches produced zero Bramblings. But 4(2m) Yellowhammers and 3(1m) Reed Buntings were still in the usual area. A Lone Greenfinch was also in this vicinity, until this winter a site mega!! A Pied Wagtail was in fields east of the Pine Belt whilst 2(1m) Bullfinch were in the Big Pool meadows. A Collared Dove was on Sandy Lane and 2+Stock Doves in the cut maize stubble here too.

As Cheshire is going into Tier 3 on Boxing Day and with GM still Tier 3 travel between the two for birding is prohibited, even leaving a Tier 3 is against the rules, so I'll be doing my patch for the foreseeable future.

Todays walk started early, frost on the ground and below freezing but bright and clear with sun at times.

Best bird was species number 100 for me for Newchurch in 2020 - a Woodcock - found in one of the birch woodlands, of which there are many and most were searched thouroughly today specifically for this species.

Wildfowl included the female Smew (very elusive indeed), 6(4 drake) Goosander, 5(3 drake) Pochard, 5 Teal, and the usual large numbers of Wigeon, Tufted Ducks and Gadwall. Several hundred Canada Geese were in surrounding maize stubble fields with c.20 Greylag Geese. A Grey Heron was still by Big Pool as was a Pied Wagtail. Two male Mute Swans were on Big Pool, the resident cob chasing the visitor non-stop!

3(1m) Yellowhammers, 2(1m) Reed Buntings and 1 Brambling were seen. Two Treecreepers were in Gull Pool Wood with a roaming tit flock. Two Nuthatches included one with the same flock and a second one in Finch Hedge. A Goldcrest was also in Finch Hedge. Redwings were heard but only 1 seen, similar to Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 recorded but just 1 seen. At least 4 Collared Doves were seen in the Sandy Lane/Daleford Lane area.

Started quite early this morning, fine and bright.

The female Smew was on Big Pool but not on view for lengthy periods. Also on Big Pool were 10(6 drake) Goosander, a sub-adult drake Pochard, a drake and female Shoveler and a female Teal. There were 12 Greylag Geese and a Little Grebe too. A Kingfisher was seen in flight and a Grey Heron was on its now usual perch on the willow spit.

The large flock of finches was no longer by Sandy Lane, so only 2 Bramblings were seen, both flying over. A search failed to find where they are now feeding, it could be off my patch. The fields north of Big Pool held 2 female Yellowhammers and a female Reed Bunting. In the same area Goldcrest and Bullfinch were also seen. A Nuthatch was near the paddocks by the entrance barriers.

Yes definitely, the Bramblings especially are very specific to one area. PM me & I'll give full details

Planning on heading up to Newchurch common on the weekend. Is there any particular route that is good for watching the smew and bramblings? 

Had a bit of time this afternoon so did a couple of hours on my patch. Dry, but a mix of bright and glowering clouds.

The pools had a total of 12(5 drake) Goosanders on across both pools, split 4 on Big Pool, 8 on Small Pool. A pair of Pochard were on Big Pool as well as a Teal. Just 10 Greylag Geese were amongst over 100 Canada Geese.  Two Grey Herons were by Big Pool. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the entrance paddocks.

The fields by Sandy Lane again held good numbers of finches, this included 30 Bramblings (pics attached), 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Greenfinch that I picked out. Finch Hedge had 2 Goldcrests in it whilst a Long-tailed Tit was seen by Big Pool east shore. The massive flocks of Woodpigeons were still around the cut maize fields and had 2 Stock Doves at least feeding in them. The usual 2 Collared Doves were on Sandy Lane.

A really pleasant day on my patch in 2 visits, am with sun and the company of a birding pal, Dave, who I bumped into near the car parking area, and pm on my own in dull weather.

The female Smew was on Big Pool and provided Dave with a yeartick, always happy to show folk her favourite haunts and try to find her for them (he is relatively local so was breaking no rules using Newchurch for his exercise!). Also on the pools were 10 (4 drake) Goosander, 8 on Big Pool and 2 on Small Pool. A good count and a year high was 8 drake Pochards on Big Pool. Also on here were 2 female Teal. A Grey Heron was perched high in willows on the Willow Spit late afternoon. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was still on Big Pool.

Again passerines were impressive with 3(2m) Yellowhammers in the usual hedge north of Big Pool, these were another yeartick for Dave. In the same hedge were 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Linnets. In the fields by Sandy Lane I counted 10 Bramblings amongst the large numbers of Chaffinches. Again around 6 Greenfinches were seen. A Pied Wagtail was also in the same fields. A feeding flock containing Long-tailed Tits, a Coal Tit and a Goldcrest was along the main track between the pools. Again just a single Stock Dove was picked out amongst around 800 Woodpigeons in the cut maize fields by Sandy Lane.

Another early morning start to my walk, dry but mainly overcast today and cold again. A great walk with some fabulous Patch birds.

The female Smew was on Big Pool as well as a drake Pochard, a female Shoveler and 4 Teal. 14 Goosanders were on Small Pool including 5 adult drakes, all gathered together in a tight flock looking superb. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the pools, an adult on Big Pool and a near-adult on Small Pool. A brand new bird for 2020 for Patch was a Great Black-backed Gull flying languidly quite high up over Sandy Lane. Also over the fields her and agin fling high and direct was a large flock of 50 Golden Plovers, another new bird for the year for the recording area. Another wader species was seen in the form of 10 Common Snipe in a private area. Two Grey Herons were seen, one still on Big Pool and the other over the mosslands.

Passerines were again impressive with a male and female Yellowhammer in the field hedge north of Big Pool. At least 10 Bramblings were seen, many in recently cut maize off Sandy Lane. These same fields also held at least 6 Greenfinches and 2 Linnets. A Reed Bunting was seen on Abbot's Moss. The pines near Shemmy Moss held 2 Goldcrests whilst a large flock of at least 30 Redwings were over the mosslands. Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush were also seen.

Huge numbers of pigeons were feeding in the many cut maize fields across the area, estimated at 500 Woodpigeons at least, but only 1 confirmed Stock Dove was seen but there must have been more. A Collared Dove was on Dairy Farm farmhouse roof again. Again up to 20 Rooks were in trees to the north of Big Pool. Woodpeckers aren't showing much at the moment so it was nice to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker, low down pecking at a tree trunk, next to Shemmy Moss.

It may not be a huge total for elsewhere but a total of 53 species of birds seen was an excellent count for my Patch.

Had a morning walk starting q.early, sunshine at times, fine but cold with a frost on the grass.

The female Smew was on Big Pool and very mobile, seen from at least 4 vantage points in 4 different areas of the pool. There were 12 Goosanders in total, 10 on Big Pool and 2 on Small Pool including 3 adult drakes. Other good duck species to see were 2 drake Pochards and a female Shoveler, all on Big Pool. Only 1 Greylag Goose was seen but also 2 CanadaxGreylag Goose hybrids. There were 2 Kingfishers - one on Big Pool and one on Small Pool, showing well as usual. Similarly 2 Grey Herons were present, one on either pool. The now seemingly resident near-adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was still on Big Pool. More Moorhens than I usually see were much in evidence with at least 10 birds seen between the pools.

It was a particularly good walk for passerines. A Yellowhammer was in a field hedge north of Big Pool, in an area in which I have seen this species in previous winters. A Brambling was in the hedge of the horse paddocks near the entrance. A Treecreeper was in the small copse between arable fields north of Big Pool, always a nice species to see. There were at least 5 Goldcrests across the site, a number of which were feeding low down in bankside vegetation by Big Pool, these areas being sheltered and in direct sunlight so certainly harbouring plenty of insect prey. A Grey Wagtail was in tractor tracks filled with water in the Leek field currently being harvested between Small Pool and Gull Pool and a Pied Wagtail was by Big Pool on Beach Peg. A pair of Bullfinches was north of Big Pool but only 1 Redwing was recorded today. Finally around 20 Rooks were in trees viewed north from the north shore of Big Pool.

Managed a morning at my patch, again breaking my 'never on a weekend' rule, but with sunny weather, dry and still, I just had to take advantage of that!

The female Smew was lurking under bankside vegetation being elusive on Big Pool. Also on here wer 2(m+f) Goosander and 2(m+f) Shoveler. Just 1 Greylag Goose was on but 5 Cormorants was a pretty high count. A Grey Heron was around the pool shore again. A single Kingfisher was in the same area that I always see it. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was down on the pool harassing Coots!

3+Bramblings were feeding on alders with Chaffinches, nowhere near the arable fields where I have been seeing them for the last few visits. A surprise was my first sighting in 2020 on site of 2 Greenfinches, a species seen annually but still rare. A Coal Tit was in the Pine Belt and a Stock Dove was in the field to the east of here.

An early start at Newchurch today, dry and bright but a wee bit nippier than of late!

On Big Pool a group of 7(3ad drk) Goosanders were nice to see. Also on here were 2(1drk) Teal and despite not showing all morning the female Smew came out of cover mid afternoon. A skein of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew over the parking area low S.at 8.25am after being heard for a fair time before, I suspect they were down feeding in one of the cut maize fields to the north of Novia Scotia Lane. Just 4 Greylag Geese were on Big Pool. A high count for this winter was 6 Cormorants on Big Pool as well as 3 Little Grebes. A Grey Heron was around the shores of Big Pool, occasionally flying but never leaving the pool. A noteworthy sighting was 2 Kingfishers on Big Pool, the first time that I have seen two together here for several years. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was also on the pool whilst 2(ad + imm) Herring Gulls flew over. The male Mute Swan with green darvic CNC0 was again on Big Pool, I have been informed by David, head of the Cheshire Swan Study Group, that he was ringed as an adult male at Winsford Bottom Flash on 23rd September, 2018, so it hasn't had too far to come and will hopefully establish a territory.

A huge flock of at least 250 Chaffinches contained a few Bramblings, one male perching long enough for cracking views, the rest were only seen in flight. Lots of winter feeding flocks were around and at least 7 Goldcrests were in these, 6 were in Gull Pool Woods and a lone bird was in a hedge north of Big Pool. A Coal Tit was seen in these flocks as well as lots of Long-tailed Tits again. 12 Starlings flew over Sandy Lane. Again double-figures of Redwings were feeding in Gull Pool Woods but a count was impossible, best estimate was around 30. A Rook flew over the Whitegate Way near Gull Pool. A Stock Dove was again near the Pine Belt.

After a couple of very short trips for exercise it was time for the Local Patch again! Fine but with an occassional light shower, not cold though.

On Big Pool were 5(1 ad.drk) Goosander, a drake Pochard, 4 Teal and large numbers of Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Ducks. A good search didn't produce the Smew but so many ducks were under bankside vegetation a lot of the time. After zero last time there were 11 Greylag Geese today. Also a Little Grebe and 4 Cormorants. The wintering Kingfisher showed really well, both perched and in flight.

Away from the pool I had 3 male Bramblings, 2 in treetops east of the Pine Belt and 1 by the entrance track, all with Chaffinch flocks. In fileds to the north of Big Pool 2 Reed Buntings were in the hedge which also contained House Sparrrows and Chaffinches feeding on a harvested maize field. Another nice bird was a lone Fieldfare in a treetop north of Big Pool. A few Redwings were seen near Small Pool. A Pied Wagtail was on the roof of Dairy Farm. In the birch scrub east of Small Pool my first 2 Buffinches for some time were a pair. At least 20 Long-tailed Tits were seen in three roving, feeding flocks, which also contained a few Blue Tits. The fields east of Pine Belt held 2 Stock Doves amongst feeding Wood Pigeons.

Broke my 'never on a weekend' rule for my Newchurch Patch this morning as I'm not gonna travel anywhere else and break lockdown rules. Fine and bright and crisp, great to be out.

The absolute headline was a Patch Lifer, unfortunately at a location I have to withhold given recent history. I was doing a one-off 'survey' and put up 16 Common Snipe in numerous groups ranging from 1 to 6, this species in itself being a Patch Yeartick. As one group got up 3 birds called and headed off high to the north whilst a fourth bird was silent and made a short hop to the south coming down within 20m, an obvious Jack Snipe - my Patch Lifer! The count of 16 Common Snipe is easily my highest ever count on my recording area, I won't be repeating the count for some time now and the birds will be left in peace, hence withholding the location. In the same area a single Meadow Pipit was also seen, only my second record of the species in 2020.

The female Smew was on Big Pool but quite elusive. Wildfowl numbers on Big Pool were up and included a drake Goosander, a drake Pochard and a pair of Shoveler. Common duck counts were c.125 Tufted Ducks, 40 Gadwall and 40 Wigeon. A Little Grebe and 2 Cormorants were on the pool too. Unusual amongst the gulls down on the pool were 3(2ad) Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with a fourth seen later over Abbot's Moss.

The passerine highlights included two feeding flocks in the same area of woodland, The first contained 4 Goldcrests, a Coal Tit and a Nuthatch and the second was made up of 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Nuthatches, a Coal Tit and Blue and Great Tits. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the same trees as the latter flock. A total of 30 Redwings were seen, all in woodlands and some floor-feeding. A Song Thrush was also seen, my first in several visits.

My rule of avoiding patch on weekends was broken and it paid off, but it was so busy. I took off-piste routes to avoid all the ramblers, cyclists and dog-walkers out en masse and that worked!

Back to a patch only period for lockdown, but this time angling is permitted! Fine and not too cold this am.

The female Smew was still on Big Pool with lots of winter wildfowl present, nothing out of the ordinary though. A Grey Heron was perched in willows on Big Pool spit. A flock of 17 Lapwings flew distantly over the mosses.

A gorgeous female Sparrowhawk cruised over the paddocks near the parking area. Around 30 Redwings and 20 Fieldfares were flightly in the woods near Gull Pool. A Pied Wagtail and 2 Collared Doves were all on Sandy Lane. Jays seemed to be everywhere ferrying acorns back and forth!!

Bit of a shorter walk, drizzly and quite wet at times.

The pool headline was a record count of 89 Greylag Geese, in with c.400 Canada Geese. Other wildfowl numbers were high with 30 Gadwall, 25 Wigeon, 3(2drk) Shoveler, 120 Tufted Ducks and the female Smew seen by a mate with a scope!

Not much else, 2 Stock Doves were in fields E.of Pine Belt and a Nuthatch called near the entrance barrier. A flock of 40 Jackdaws mobbing a Buzzard was unusual as Jackdaws usually co-exist with the resident Buzzards, I did look carefully in case it wasn't a Buzzard but it was, maybe a non-resident bird passing through.

A morning walk again with a fair forecast, but it rained quite heavily!

The female Smew was on Big Pool as usual as well as 2 Shoveler and 40 Wigeon. Gadwall were present in small numbers. There were 28 Greylag Geese with the Canada Goose flock today. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over. Three Cormorants were still on Big Pool.

On the passerine front the headline bird was a cracking male Brambling, my first anywhere this autumn. Another first was 4 Fieldfare north of Big Pool. In the same flock as the Brambling and c.40 Chaffinch was a female Reed Bunting. Hopefully this will build into a nice feeding flock this winter. Around 8 Redwings were north of Big Pool in the hedges. Two Stock Doves were in a harvested maize fielf near Big Pool. A Bullfinch was north of Big Pool and several Goldfinches were in Finch Hedge.

Doc Brewster wrote:

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A morning walk, fine and a bit of sun but frost on the grass. Went back early to see if the Green Sand had returned, I was just about to photograph it yesterday when 2 loose dogs ran up to me barking and flushed it But no sign this am, didn't expect it really I spent the whole time in the Sandiway Big Pool area today.

The female Smew was elusive but I found her after a full circuit of the pool tucked away. Now 16 Wigeon on Big Pool as well as 2 Teal and several Gadwall. A nice small skein of 18 Pink-footed Geese flew high west at 10.10am. There were still 2 Cormorants on Big Pool.

A Kestrel was north of Big Pool, not a place I see them often. A Green Woodpecker was east of the Pine Belt, the first I've heard for a while. A Goldcrest was in the pines in the Pine Belt whilst a Redwing flew into the tops of the trees there with several more heard. Other birds seen less than every visit were a Rook north of Big Pool and a Starling off Dalefords Lane on my patch boundary.

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Tiny addition for 15th October that I missed (and editing time has passed on my original post). My first Grey Heron on site for a wee while was an adult bird on the west shore of Big Pool.

A morning walk, fine and a bit of sun but frost on the grass. Went back early to see if the Green Sand had returned, I was just about to photograph it yesterday when 2 loose dogs ran up to me barking and flushed it But no sign this am, didn't expect it really I spent the whole time in the Sandiway Big Pool area today.

The female Smew was elusive but I found her after a full circuit of the pool tucked away. Now 16 Wigeon on Big Pool as well as 2 Teal and several Gadwall. A nice small skein of 18 Pink-footed Geese flew high west at 10.10am. There were still 2 Cormorants on Big Pool.

A Kestrel was north of Big Pool, not a place I see them often. A Green Woodpecker was east of the Pine Belt, the first I've heard for a while. A Goldcrest was in the pines in the Pine Belt whilst a Redwing flew into the tops of the trees there with several more heard. Other birds seen less than every visit were a Rook north of Big Pool and a Starling off Dalefords Lane on my patch boundary.

A visit pm, a bit of everything weatherwise, showers, dull and sunny bits !!

The best 2 birds were firstly a Tawny Owl daytime calling, a new record for my patch records this year and secondly a Green Sandpiper on the flooded field by the entrance track, my 2nd record of this species this year on patch. The female Smew was again on Big Pool, seen in East Bay, not surprising as there were at least 60 Tufted Ducks on the pool too. Also on Big Pool were 2 Teal (m+f), 5 Wigeon and at least 4 Gadwall. Amongst the Canada geese were 10 Greylag Geese still. A Little Grebe and 2 Cormorants were also on Big Pool.

A few Redwings were heard near Small Pool and 7 Mistle Thrushes were feeding in the field east of the Pine Belt.

Another morning visit and slightly better weather, a bit of sun at times!

The female Smew was in the same area as yesterday initially but then headed to the other side of Big Pool. A slight increase in ducks with 60 Tufted Ducks in total - 45 on Big Pool and 15 on Gull Pool. A pair of Gadwall were on Big Pool. With only 4 Greylag Geese, numbers were well down on yesterday. There were 3 Cormorants now on Big Pool but just 3 Lttle Grebes in total, 1 on Big Pool and 2 on Gull Pool. The Kingfisher was perched up in the same place as yesterday.

2 Ravens were over Abbot's Moss and in the distance a large flock of Rooks and Jackdaws took to the air.

Linnets were heard on Abbot's Moss and Goldfinches heard in Finch Hedge. A Nuthatch was near the entrance barrier.

A morning visit with light rain at times and brief sunshine but mainly dull.

The female Smew was back on Big Pool after being missing on several recent visits. She was with a small group of 6 Tufted Ducks so presumably she came in with these, overall only 30 Tufted Ducks were on. There were 3 Gadwall on Big Pool too but no other ducks of note. A huge count of 41 Greylag Geese is probably my site record. 3 Little Grebes were on Big Pool and 1 was on Gull Pool, 4 being the highest count since last winter. Two pairs of Great Crested Grebes were on Big Pool, both having a well grown stripey-headed youngster with them. A Kingfisher flew low over West Bay. A Cormorant was still on Big Pool.

A Raven was over Gull Pool Wood and a Rook was over Big Pool. 6 Stock Doves were in the field by the Pine Belt. A Collared Dove was by Dalefords Lane on my patch boundary.

A sign of winter was a feeding flock containing Blue Tits, Great Tits, 3 Coal Tits and 2 Goldcrests near Gull Pool. A Long-tailed Tit and a Nuthatch were by Gull Pool too. A Chiffchaff was by the main track between Big and Small Pools.

With autumn in the air I went down to my patch expecting winter wildfowl. Cold and breezy and overcast!!

Big Pool didn't hold much to be honest, an exhaustive search but no Smew again. Only c.25 Tufted Ducks were on but 2 fem Shoveler were new in and nice to see. Also on Big Pool were 6 Gadwall, but very flighty. 7 Greylag Geese were amongst the large number of Canada Geese. A Cormorant was back on the end of the Willow Spit.

In fields east of Pine Belt a flock of mainly Wood Pigeons contained 2 Stock Doves. A Pied Wagtail was on a house roof on Sandy Lane, my first record of this species for some time. Jays were everywhere, I counted at least 10 individuals.