Park in Mallard Close just off the B5085 then walk over the railway bridge, north up through Dog Wood - look for Redpoll, Woodpeckers and Buzzard overhead. When you come out of the wood check up to the right for Fieldfare and Redwing. On a fine day there are often a lot of Buzzards circling around here and there was a Red Kite a few years ago - also Osprey at the right time of year. Walk up to the top of the mere looking out for Smew, check out the car park for Brambling (and the toilet area for shifty characters). Left to have a look at Melchett Mere though I've rarely seen anything here apart from Coots. Then down the west bank of the main mere along the main drive - the deer are usually around here, some fungi on fallen logs but not many birds. Out of the main gates and left into Knutsford town centre for a pie/pint, then round by the church back to the car.
Don't know if it is still the case but the small copse at the north end of the main mere was always touted as a good spot for LSW. Unfortunately, it's where the toilets are(were? not been there for a while) so you get some very funny looks if you're birding on your own. Yes, Riggers, even funnier than the ones I usually get
Hi folks. Went to Tatton today with two friends and saw a female Smew on the main lake, two thirds along on the Hall side where the bank juts out and has trow trees on it.
Also saw a tree creeper and stonechat, plus the usual stuff on the Lake.
Smews here traditionally commute between Tatton Mere, the smaller Melchett Mere and Rostherne Mere. The rushes at the far corners of Melchett Mere were reliable for holding Jack Snipe, although as a kid, on 4th March 1977 (I'll never forget it) I nearly s**t myself when I flushed a Bittern
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Don't know if it is still the case but the small copse at the north end of the main mere was always touted as a good spot for LSW. Unfortunately, it's where the toilets are(were? not been there for a while) so you get some very funny looks if you're birding on your own. Yes, Riggers, even funnier than the ones I usually get
The Smew as showing down to 10 feet this afternoon according to a colleague.
Dog Wood used to be excellent for Lesser Spot but I haven't tried in years.
Mandarin are also possible, and both Goshawk and Red Kite have been recorded in the past so well worth a trip I'd say, coupled with a quick look over Rostherne from the churchyard - great views even on the rare birdless day.
Quick visit today to check out the Smew which was a lifer for me. The redhead hung out at the north end of the main mere but flew off when a kestrel flew nearby across the water. I didn't see the Smew land but it went south over the water and presumed it landed out of view. Lots of other stuff on the water including 1 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Ruddy Duck, 4 Cormorant, 40+ Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Moorhens, 7 Mute Swans, Coots, Mallards and Black-headed Gulls. Thanks. Henerz.
