Honey- Buzzard up in sky seen about 5 minutes ago roughly above fiddler's ferry area
Rob Creek said
Sat Mar 2 10:11 AM, 2024
Sun 25th Feb.
Nice to see Chris Chandler who arrived shortly before I had to go.
Thought Id try my luck with the adult Glaucous Gull thats been visiting WSR Recycling recently but it was a no show, the 3W Kumliens Gull didnt put in an appearance either.
Of note.. - 1w Caspian Gull on sandbanks - adult Yellow-legged Gull at WSR
3w Kumlien's Gull gave an excellent close flypast on sandbanks just west of old bridge also seen today by myself and/or others 3 Caspian Gulls. Thanks to Steve T, Dave & Alex for assistance.
-- Edited by Phil Oddy on Saturday 3rd of February 2024 06:04:04 PM
Terry Long said
Tue Jan 30 11:06 PM, 2024
Large skein of Pink-footed Goose about 150 flew over Widnes this afternoon.
Also noticed a few Ring-necked Parakeet around Victoria park the other day
Rob Creek said
Sun Jan 28 9:28 PM, 2024
Sun 28th Jan. With not even the slightest sniff of a rarity at Redgate in the last couple of weeks, I thought Id try my luck in Widnes.
Nice to see Steve T, Ian Igglesden, Colin Davies, Dan Gornall etc
Of note on the sandbanks.. - adult Caspian Gull .. a corker! - poss 2w Caspian Gull (same bird Steve T had yesterday) - poss 2w Yellow-legged Gull
WSR Recycling.. - 1w Caspian Gull .. self found, good looking bird soon obscured - missed the 3w Kumliens Gull by seconds, both roof sides were crammed with Gulls, handful of birders watching both sides, it was picked up and as we walked round it flew off!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:29:47 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:32:41 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:33:43 PM
Sunday 20th August. Early morning visit to the sandbanks at Runcorn Bridge.
- Yellow-legged Gulls Minimum of 3 adults, possibly 5 but one was too distant and the other was asleep so not good enough views were had. Sunlight was a factor so some of the Lesser Black-backed Gulls were becoming a bit deceiving.
I thought I had a Caspian Gull but just didnt get the best of views so that one and a few other possibles of something decent I had to let go!
Also.. - 2 Ravens were patrolling the edge of the sandbanks - 2 Common Buzzard
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 27th of August 2023 11:32:03 AM
Just West of Old Runcorn Bridge on the Sandbanks looking from the Widnes side 1 x Caspian Gull - 2nd cy , YLG- 1 Adult , Kumlien's Gull - 2nd W/ 3rd Cy Still present 6.30 pm Friday
Terry Long said
Fri Mar 3 5:17 PM, 2023
Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Grey Wagtail, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Greenfinch and Buzzard highlights seen around The Bongs this afternoon
Terry Long said
Mon Jan 23 6:15 PM, 2023
A very surprising find sat next to the brook by Dundalk road playing fields this afternoon. Cattle Egret.
Rob Creek said
Tue Jun 21 1:14 AM, 2022
Sunday 19th June. Morning visit to West Bank sandbanks under the Old Runcorn Bridge. Tried to time it right with the tide for decent viewing.
Of note - 1 1st summer Caspian Gull - 1 adult Yellow-legged - 1 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull - 1 Little Egret - 1 Yellowhammer sat in a bush singing away - 2 Blackcap - 1 Chiffchaff
Images show 1 of the adult Yellow-legged Gull 2 of the 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull 2 of the 1st summer Caspian Gull 1 of the Caspian and 2s YLG together
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 21st of June 2022 01:15:52 AM
I spent an hour on Pex Hill this afternoon in Widnes, into the quarry and above up in the woodland I spotted a Common Buzzard above the quarry on thermals.
The following were seen in and around Pex Hill...
1 Goldcrest (a first for me) 5 Long Tailed Tit 10 Blue Tit 2 Great Tit 3 Goldfinch 5 Magpie 5 Robin 1 Crow 2 Wren 1 Common Buzzard 4 Blackbird
All the usual Common Magpie and Wood Pigeon sightings....
Weather was bright with late afternoon sunshine.......a lovely place Pex Hill is although United utilities are doing some work on a pumping station at the moment so there is limited parking as the car park by the observatory is being used by the engineers.
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 05:54:12 PM
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 05:55:53 PM
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 07:13:51 PM
John O'Neill said
Mon Sep 4 11:11 PM, 2017
M62 am
20 plus Pink Footed Geese in a line over motorway this morning. First of season for me.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 22 10:09 PM, 2017
Originally posted today by Ken Noone:
Hello all, I'm a new member here, I've had a falcon frequently visiting my garden several times over the last four years, I've never had the opportunity to get a picture of it till this week when I was fortunate enough to see it catch a pigeon, not only that but capture it on my phone, I think it's a peregrine but would love somebody with more knowledge to clarify this, I have a video (from my iPhone unfortunately) I really hope someone can help me identify this beautiful bird of prey. I have attached a short edited video clip I shot, many thanks your help would be really appreciate, Ken
Scott robinson said
Fri Mar 17 10:32 PM, 2017
Late post for Wednesday forgot about this a Sparrowhawk over our site in Runcorn, Pine Road. Not sure on sex as it was really high on thermals. Also seen a buzzard riding on thermals. Both birds seemingly pretty close together riding thermals.
Scott robinson said
Sat Mar 4 12:12 AM, 2017
Late post for this morning, Male Marsh Harrier over Pine Road, Runcorn, heading South West.
Sorry Ian if it's wrong thread, didn't know where to post it.
Scott robinson said
Fri Dec 9 5:26 PM, 2016
No idea where to put this sorry Ian if it's wrong. Been working on Pine road in Runcorn and about 7:45 every morning have had a large flock of Jackdaw over probably about 200+ heading North.
Pete Welch said
Sun Nov 9 9:28 PM, 2014
Quite surprised to observe a Grey Wagtail around our suburban gardens for the last three weeks - at first I'd only heard it and though I was hearing things but it showed well this weekend. Miles from the nearest substantial water so I'll be interested to see if it overwinters here or moves on.
John O'Neill said
Sun Sep 22 3:16 AM, 2013
Pex Hill
3 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk soaring high together over the Quarry.
Plenty of butterflies on the wing Speckled Wood v common
Pete Welch said
Fri Sep 6 1:58 AM, 2013
Many species joining up in bigger flocks observed on my morning walks around Cronton/Pex Hill/Blundells Hill. Highlights so far this week were a mixed finch flock of over 40 birds, a covey of around 18 partridge and this morning a juvenile [dark looking] Peregrine stooping on the Woodpigeon and feral pigeon flocks on all the stubble fields between Pex Hill and the M62. I did wonder if its a bird that's dispersed from Thelwall or somewhere local.
Pete Welch said
Mon Feb 18 5:29 AM, 2013
Two male Sparrowhawks up in the air together over Gorsey Lane [the road to the tip!] this morning seemed to be establishing territorial boundaries.
Ian Coote said
Sat Feb 16 10:26 PM, 2013
Flock of around 20 Waxwings in Ditton Road this morning. Nice Year tick
Pete Welch said
Sun Jan 20 3:19 AM, 2013
Flock of 64 Fieldfare, with a Mistle Thrush and two Starlings mixed in, were using the tall trees around my suburban garden this morning as a roost in between feeding on some local berries. Guess the poor weather had forced them in.
Pete Welch said
Mon Dec 10 2:22 AM, 2012
Went for a wander over the Runcorn Bridge at dusk to see the Starlings up close and saw a Sparrowhawk having a go at the flock - then my sharp eyed daughter spotted that most the the starlings were actually roosting under the road deck of the bridge and not up in the steelwork.
Pete Welch said
Mon Dec 3 8:28 PM, 2012
Tricky to view at 70 mph but there have been big mixed flocks in the stubble field just north of the M62 a mile or so east of Junction 7 for the last three weeks or so - definite IDs include Fieldfare, Jackdaw, Crow, Woodpigeon, Starling etc but there was a large finch flock today - just in case anyone's using the footpaths in the area :)
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 3rd of December 2012 09:26:05 PM
Mike Turton said
Mon Dec 3 1:12 PM, 2012
8 waxwings feeding. On berries under Birch's at side of express way trade park entrance waterloo road Widnes There now Mike.
-- Edited by Mike Turton on Monday 3rd of December 2012 05:36:24 PM
Pete Welch said
Fri Nov 16 1:18 AM, 2012
Late report from Sunday evening - Barn Owl flying over Junction 7 M62 as we returned from watching the starlings and waxwings at Leighton Moss
Pete Welch said
Wed May 23 2:48 AM, 2012
Lots of Whitethroat on territory over the past fortnight and Yellow Hammer and Chiffchaff still present but best so far this week was a Buzzard flying over my rather suburban garden! Cheered me up and then I read that article about Buzzard "control" in Scotland...
Pete Welch said
Thu Mar 22 5:39 AM, 2012
Over the last week Yellowhammer numbers have dropped back to five or six males on my four mile circuit. Other birds of interest:
Pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers around Pex Hill itself Grey Partridge now well dispersed and paired off Pair of Jays in residence First Chiffchaff of the year at the bottom of Sandy Lane this morning :) Skylarks now singing consistently
Pete Welch said
Sat Mar 10 2:12 AM, 2012
At least 14 Yellowhammer in a mile of hedgerow at the back of Pex Hill plus a flock of ten Linnet - no skylark this morning but it was a bit gloomy!
Pete Welch said
Fri Mar 9 3:59 AM, 2012
Walk round Pex Hill at dawn this morning produced Skylarks singing and it seemed like a Yellowhammer in every bush - males and females. I can't recall seeing many round that walk before so not sure if they're on territory or some are passing through - I'll be out again to see how numbers are tomorrow at the same time!
Pete Welch said
Sun Jan 1 1:09 AM, 2012
Good start to 2012 with a Tawny Owl perched on the post and rail fence just off J7 of the M62 at 12:45! Turned round for a second look to make sure all the family saw it... Happy New Year all, Peter
Pete Welch said
Sat Oct 15 8:03 PM, 2011
Thanks Ian, can't see a metal ring an the yellow ring is either distorted or just yellow with black stripes - [I'll email you a shot] looks like its got a damaged wing which explains the rather strange location! Peter
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Oct 15 12:27 PM, 2011
Wild colour-ringed birds should carry a metal ring too Peter and it's common for feral birds to be singly colour ringed.
Pete Welch said
Sat Oct 15 12:10 PM, 2011
For two days now there's been a Barnacle goose in the corner of the winter wheat field at the southern side of the M62 at Junction 7. I guessed it was feral but today saw a yellow plastic leg ring and no sign of a metal one - I'm without scope so will try and get some photos to read the ring/see if its wild...also whilst I was watching it last night flocks of Redwing over and skylark flocks going south
dave broome said
Sun Aug 8 6:21 PM, 2010
An emergence of flying ants attracted 800+ Starlings to the vicinity of the Widnes Linkway today, many fly-catching, with 200+ Black-Headed Gulls and a large flock crowded on to a small area of the verge, where there was presumably an ant nest
Pete Welch said
Thu Apr 30 7:16 AM, 2009
Carr Lane pools at Hale Village, [the Widnes/Speke Hale] last night - three yellow wagtails and finally the white form pied that I'd been searching for, for a month! Also probable common sand but couldn't get a decent view - wing pattern on flight looked right though.
Pete Welch said
Sat Apr 18 10:26 PM, 2009
Thanks Sid, I'll have to have a look round Fiddlers - yesterdays bird was about two miles away as the falcon flies, Peter
sid ashton said
Sat Apr 18 9:54 PM, 2009
The Peregrines do indeed lie in wait on the Runcorn bridge for the Starlings during the roost in winter time and yes the power station is a good place to see them on the towers. With a decent scope they can easily be seen from Moore reserve.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 18th of April 2009 08:59:24 PM
Pete Welch said
Sat Apr 18 6:49 PM, 2009
Peregrine over this time near chemical works NE of Widnes over dual carriageway from Runcorn Bridge to J7 M62 - scared the nearest pigeon who dived for cover and put up the rest that were roosting. I believe they hunt starlings at Runcorn Bridge from time to time but have never seen them there - Fiddlers Ferry must be a possible location?
Mike Chorley said
Tue Apr 7 11:45 PM, 2009
From the train back to Manchester tonight, 19.15 p.m. Peregrine falcon over suburbs towaeds Fiddlers' Ferry end of the town, heading west as I was heading east
Nice to see Chris Chandler who arrived shortly before I had to go.
Thought Id try my luck with the adult Glaucous Gull thats been visiting WSR Recycling recently but it was a no show, the 3W Kumliens Gull didnt put in an appearance either.
Of note..
- 1w Caspian Gull on sandbanks
- adult Yellow-legged Gull at WSR
3w Kumlien's Gull gave an excellent close flypast on sandbanks just west of old bridge also seen today by myself and/or others 3 Caspian Gulls. Thanks to Steve T, Dave & Alex for assistance.
-- Edited by Phil Oddy on Saturday 3rd of February 2024 06:04:04 PM
Sun 28th Jan.
With not even the slightest sniff of a rarity at Redgate in the last couple of weeks, I thought Id try my luck in Widnes.
Nice to see Steve T, Ian Igglesden, Colin Davies, Dan Gornall etc
Of note on the sandbanks..
- adult Caspian Gull .. a corker!
- poss 2w Caspian Gull (same bird Steve T had yesterday)
- poss 2w Yellow-legged Gull
WSR Recycling..
- 1w Caspian Gull .. self found, good looking bird soon obscured
- missed the 3w Kumliens Gull by seconds, both roof sides were crammed with Gulls, handful of birders watching both sides, it was picked up and as we walked round it flew off!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:29:47 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:32:41 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 28th of January 2024 09:33:43 PM
Early morning visit to the sandbanks at Runcorn Bridge.
- Yellow-legged Gulls
Minimum of 3 adults, possibly 5 but one was too distant and the other was asleep so not good enough views were had. Sunlight was a factor so some of the Lesser Black-backed Gulls were becoming a bit deceiving.
I thought I had a Caspian Gull but just didnt get the best of views so that one and a few other possibles of something decent I had to let go!
Also..
- 2 Ravens were patrolling the edge of the sandbanks
- 2 Common Buzzard
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 27th of August 2023 11:32:03 AM
Early morning visit to the sandbanks under the Runcorn Bridge.
Of note..
- 1 2CY Caspian Gull (another reported earlier)
- 1 3CY Yellow-legged Gull (not 100% but looked ok)
- possible adult Caspian Gull but it disappeared
- 1 Marsh Harrier patrolling the area
- 2 Peregrines hunting together, one caught a Carrion Crow
- 3 Chiffchaff
- 2 Blackcap
- 1 Little Egret
- 1 Redshank
Originally posted by John Tymon today:
Just West of Old Runcorn Bridge on the Sandbanks looking from the Widnes side 1 x Caspian Gull - 2nd cy , YLG- 1 Adult , Kumlien's Gull - 2nd W/ 3rd Cy Still present 6.30 pm Friday
Morning visit to West Bank sandbanks under the Old Runcorn Bridge. Tried to time it right with the tide for decent viewing.
Of note
- 1 1st summer Caspian Gull
- 1 adult Yellow-legged
- 1 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull
- 1 Little Egret
- 1 Yellowhammer sat in a bush singing away
- 2 Blackcap
- 1 Chiffchaff
Images show
1 of the adult Yellow-legged Gull
2 of the 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull
2 of the 1st summer Caspian Gull
1 of the Caspian and 2s YLG together
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 21st of June 2022 01:15:52 AM
M Yellowhammer in road early AM an unusual sighting
at least 2 Yellowhammers in tall roadside hedges.
Noticed this little fella as I was opening the front door.....a recent visitor to the garden.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 6th of April 2019 03:47:44 PM
I spent an hour on Pex Hill this afternoon in Widnes, into the quarry and above up in the woodland I spotted a Common Buzzard above the quarry on thermals.
The following were seen in and around Pex Hill...
1 Goldcrest (a first for me)
5 Long Tailed Tit
10 Blue Tit
2 Great Tit
3 Goldfinch
5 Magpie
5 Robin
1 Crow
2 Wren
1 Common Buzzard
4 Blackbird
All the usual Common Magpie and Wood Pigeon sightings....
Weather was bright with late afternoon sunshine.......a lovely place Pex Hill is although United utilities are doing some work on a pumping station at the moment so there is limited parking as the car park by the observatory is being used by the engineers.
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 05:54:12 PM
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 05:55:53 PM
-- Edited by Gary Smith on Tuesday 5th of March 2019 07:13:51 PM
20 plus Pink Footed Geese in a line over motorway this morning. First of season for me.
Originally posted today by Ken Noone:
Hello all, I'm a new member here, I've had a falcon frequently visiting my garden several times over the last four years, I've never had the opportunity to get a picture of it till this week when I was fortunate enough to see it catch a pigeon, not only that but capture it on my phone, I think it's a peregrine but would love somebody with more knowledge to clarify this, I have a video (from my iPhone unfortunately) I really hope someone can help me identify this beautiful bird of prey. I have attached a short edited video clip I shot, many thanks your help would be really appreciate, Ken
Sorry Ian if it's wrong thread, didn't know where to post it.
3 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk soaring high together over the Quarry.
Plenty of butterflies on the wing Speckled Wood v common
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 3rd of December 2012 09:26:05 PM
There now
Mike.
-- Edited by Mike Turton on Monday 3rd of December 2012 05:36:24 PM
Pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers around Pex Hill itself
Grey Partridge now well dispersed and paired off
Pair of Jays in residence
First Chiffchaff of the year at the bottom of Sandy Lane this morning :)
Skylarks now singing consistently
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 18th of April 2009 08:59:24 PM