The fields on either side of the lane are now heavily flooded. Yesterday afternoon saw a crowd of gulls and crows, the most notable member being an adult Herring Gull (not that common around here). There were also c40 Lapwings and c30 Starlings.
A busy scene here at 15:00 today. The edges of the flood were icy, but there was plenty of open water. It's amazing how busy this large field becomes in wet weather, given that it is virtually empty of birds in the dry season:
155 Canada Geese 1 Greylag Goose 50+ Jackdaws 45 Lapwings 20+ Starlings 40+ Black-headed Gulls 10 Mallards 1 Treecreeper (on a tree on the lane, not on the water!!)
I managed to combine watching my son playing junior cricket at Bramhall CC this morning with a little discreet bird watching.
The highlight was five Buzzards in the air together (a high count for Woodford). There are plenty of Swallows still around and a party of about 12 House Martins passed overhead. A single Swift flew through. Other species:
No further sign of the Little Ringed Plover on Wednesday evening (11th April). However, a Redshank on the muddy verges was a good find for this site. Only other birds present hardly warrant a mention:
At least four Swallows had returned to the breeding site on nearby Blossoms Lane.
There was a Blackcap and at least four Chiffchaffs singing in Happy Valley, Bramhall yesterday afternoon, and two Blackcaps and two Chiffchaffs at Mirrlees this morning.
There was a Little Ringed Plover on the flooded field alongside Bramhall Cricket Club this evening (SJ883830). Also present were four Pied Wagtails and two Lapwings. On the opposite side of the road was a lingering flock of 17 Fieldfare.
There was a Swallow over Woodford Parish Church and two Red-legged Partridge in the adjoining field.
Just over the Cheshire border at Mottram Bridge, at least six Sand Martins had returned to an established breeding site.
