Bit of a surreal moment at Tesco early this morning, just having a coffee before shopping ,looked out of the Café window and a Pristine Adult Iceland Gull flew past the window 10 feet away and went onto the roof,2 mins later it was flying round again and back on the roof. This bird I have seen on and off through the winter usually by the collage or Decathlon, but finally to see it close was nice, shame no camera. Later when I was driving past Decathlon ,it was sat on top of one of the streetlights ,then flew off and landed on the grass area by the entrance to the collage ,so anyone in the area ,its worth a look,my guess is its roosting on either Tesco's Roof or the Asda Warehouse opposite. I have also seen it in brief views when driving pat on the Grass area opposite the Alban retail park.
Although strictly not in Warrington but this was the closest description I could find, went to Walton gardens with the kids today saw a sparrowhawk over head and 2 ring neck parakeets flying over. Not sure if they were escapees from the aviary section of the park or what but I know that "wild ones"are expanding their range.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 19th of January 2018 08:59:51 PM
Aileen and I had a walk around Paddington Meadows this morning, highlights included a singing Cetti's Warbler at the Greymist end and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler at the western end.
I called in to Warrington Collegiate on Long Lane, while we were in the car park there was an adult Iceland Gull on the lawn in front of the reception, it was with a few other gulls including a first winter Herring, when some of the students threw some bread down it was the only gull not to go for it although it did fly around a little. I managed a couple of extremely poor photos through the car windscreen
Up to c100 Waxwings at Milner Street this morning, with around 30 each of Redwing and Fieldfare also present
same up to 3pm , not many berries left and most were heading across the road to Honda Garage were there are 3 decent trees full of berries left ,Redwing were up to around the 100 mark or more passing through and a sparrowhawk was seen twice.
After a look at the Waxwings today a juvenile Glaucous Gull flew low over car whilst we were stopped at the lights at the junction of A49 and A574.There were quite a few gulls milling about in the general area,but a quick search of the industrial estate at the back didn't turn owt up.
Most of the Gulls seem to roost on the ASDA Warehouse on Dallam Lane, you can view them from the Tesco Extra Car Park, there are hundreds of big gulls on there most early mornings recently ive never tried ,but I imagine scoping from the corner of the Tesco car park would work.
After a look at the Waxwings today a juvenile Glaucous Gull flew low over car whilst we were stopped at the lights at the junction of A49 and A574.There were quite a few gulls milling about in the general area,but a quick search of the industrial estate at the back didn't turn owt up.
8.30 Milner St
Some of the berry trees completely stripped. The trees right alongside A57 still have fruit on them and thrush/waxwing flocks were on these this morning.
Fewer birds than a few days ago, 90% of birds were Redwing. Single figures of Waxwing in with them.
There were 2 Waxwing at Milner Street, after lunch along with a large mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfares. However about 2.45 c50 Waxwings flew in giving very good views. They were still there when I left about 3.15.
Just off A57 right next to closed B&Q opposite Post Office Depot
Fantastic close views of mixed flock of thrushes and waxwings gorging on berries.
at least 10 Waxwing and 20 plus Fieldfare 30 plus Redwing smaller nos of Mistle Thrush and Blackbirds.
This is right next to VW showroom but when waxwings here in previous years the VW staff were very unsympathetic to birders (and birds) so if anyone's planning a visit to see them best to avoid the showroom's carparks.
A slightly earlier traipse round Forshaw/Milner St area found plenty of Starlings but not much else.
23+ at Milner Street at 13.10. A bit flighty as a Magpie was in their favoured tree. Also 2 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrushes. Lots of berries here. Beware the traffic wardens!!
Anyone in Warrington whos out and about check Milner street for Waxwings has the berries are perfect and in abundance has waxwings have been seen at Lowton this morning,so Milner street has always been the top spot in Warrington -anyone who goes please update ,I have been checking has I live close ,but am at work all week,so can't get to check .
Just seen a Magpie near Asda Westbrook, flying with it's beak full of sticks and twigs, are they still nesting, or is this early preparation for next spring?.
Saw my first Black Tern of the year today ,in the stranges of places ,1 Flying over the swing bridge on Chester Road down the Manchester ship canal towards Moore ,presumebly from Woolston Eyes,in the Rush hour at 4.20 .Who would ever thought you could see Black Tern in Almost town centre Warrington :) Always expect anything anywhere and you won't go wrong :)