Details of November sightings compiled by John Thompson will appear on the Monthly Sightings page.
35 Comments
David Cookson 30th November 2020
Out at Lea Forge this morning. Along with the usual mix of birds. I saw a Woodcock.
John Thompson 30th November 2020
23 –29 Nov
EHF/PHF: Barnacle & Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler, Pintail, Goosander, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, L Egret, Peregrine
MGT/RF: Stonechat
CF: Water Rail, Jack Snipe, L Egret
FF: Woodcock
GF: Water Rail, Jack Snipe
WF: Kestrel, Stonechat, Greenfinch, L Redpoll, Linnet
Astbury Mere: Teal, Pochard, L Grebe, L Redpoll
Borrow Pit: Goosander, Kingfisher
Bosley Res: Mandarin, Goosander
The Cloud: Crossbill
Congleton: Woodcock, Dipper
Doddington: Pink-footed Goose, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Raven, Mistle Thrush
Lawton Woods/Lake: Goldeneye
Lea Forge: Wigeon, Kestrel, Goldcrest, Meadow Pipit
Rode Pool: Mandarin, Goosander, Snipe, L Egret, Kingfisher
Scholar Green: Woodcock, Snipe
Mike&Andy 29th November 2020
At Lea forge this morning,Goldcrest,a few Meadow Pipits,2 Tree Creepers together,Kestrel,both winter Thrushes,150 Lapwing over as were 12 Wigeon.A quick scan at Doddington gave us a Pink-f Goose,6 Wigeon,6 Shoveler,4 Goldeneye,Little Grebe and Mistle Thrush.Good to see you on Thursday John.
John Thompson 27th November 2020
Wybunbury Moss yesterday morning: tree cutting again & inner footpath closed! Bumped into Mike & Andy – a chance to catch-up.
Only birds of note: – Sparrowhawk, Jay, Raven, a singing Song Thrush, Reed Bunting
Colin 27th November 2020
At Doddington this morning the usual few winter ducks with pochard 7; wigeon 4; shoveler 2; goldeneye 3 as well as 103 tufted duck. Not many but when you add in over 400 coot, 700 mallard and 800 geese it looked a bit crowded!
Colin 25th November 2020
A good morning at Rode Pool yesterday with 4 Little Egrets, 2 male Goosander, 5 Mandarin, 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher
John Thompson 24th November 2020
Meremoor Moss this morning:
Green Sandpiper, Kestrel, Raven, Skylark, Stonechat ( at least 2 prs ), Winter thrushes and both Mistle & Song Thrush, Meadow Pipit and Linnet
John Thompson 23rd November 2020
While on Macon Meadows this morning, I heard ‘wing-clapping’.
With very little foliage, I watched 3 Stock Dove on a thick branch for a couple of minutes as this action played out. One bird appeared passive while the other two stood parallel to each other as they flapped their wings, hitting the other. It’s the first time I can recall seeing this behaviour.
Checking my copy of BWPi, they describe it as ‘Birds fight with blows from carpal joint and pecking ..’
Glyn Jones 23rd November 2020
23rd November 2020 – 1130
Borrow Pit Meadows Pool
Kingfisher flying over pool, first time I’ve seen it this year and I’ve been going every week!!!
A lady sitting on the bench also saw it and said she had seen the Kingfisher four times since August.
Also on pool 4 Goosander females, pair of Mallards, Moorhen and for the last week or so, a Black-Headed Gull!
Colin 23rd November 2020
At Doddington this morning, a nice flock of around 200 Linnets feeding in maize stubble just a few yards from me. Also 15 redwing sadly my first of the year – in late November! Best ducks on the water were wigeon 5; shoveler 3; teal 2; pochard 1.
John Thompson 23rd November 2020
16 –22 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed & Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Goosander, L Grebe, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, L Egret
MGT/RF: Snipe, GW & L Egret, Stonechat
CF: L Egret
GF: Water Rail, Great Egret
WLF: Water Rail, GC Grebe, Snipe, Cetti’s Warbler
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Raven, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
Hassall: Fieldfare, Redwing
Lawton Woods/Lake: L Grebe, Dipper
Macon Meadows: Water Rail
Malkins Bank: Goosander
John Thompson 22nd November 2020
While on a SWaBBS visit to a private wood in Barthomley this morning, I heard geese flying over at 9:20.
As I watched them flying westerly, two skeins totalling 50 Pink-footed Geese in separate ‘V’ formations merged into one.
Glyn Jones 19th November 2020
19th November
Spent an hour or so at Redesmere watching a pair of Kingfishers flying along the edge of the lake, flying individually and together, very active, calling all the time, stopping on trees over the lake, very entertaining. Only managed one decent photograph though, see gallery.
Had a quick scope of the lake before I left, 3 Goldeneyes, 2 F 1 M.
Terry Hughes. 19th November 2020
Mixed flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing seen from the towpath today at Hassall Green. Feeding on Hawthorn between Locks 57 and 59.
Mike& Andy 16th November 2020
A continuous movement of Pink-f Geese for the first hour at Doddington this morning with 4 skeins of over 50, 1 of 130 and other smaller groups totalling over400, wonderful sight and sound.Also 6 Goldeneye,3Teal,8 Wigeon,4 Pochard,Shelduck,Raven,Meadow Pipits,a pair of Grey Wagtails,55 Lapwings,10 L Grebes and Mistle Thrush.All the Geese came from due north.
John 16th November 2020
9 –15 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed & Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal, Pochard, Goosander, Curlew, Dunlin, Snipe
MGT/RF: GW Egret, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat
FF: Goosander
GF: L Redpoll
WLF: Water Rail
Astbury/ Mere CP: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, L Grebe, Grey Wagtail
Basford: Linnet
Bradwall: Green Woodpecker
Brereton Heath LNR: L Gull
Church Lawton: Brambling
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Common Gull, Kestrel, Mistle Thrush, Brambling, Greenfinch, Linnet & Redpoll
Lawton Woods: Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail
Lea Forge: Stock Dove, Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Siskin
Rode Heath/Scholar Green: L Egret
Wrinehill: Snipe, Jay, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit
Wybunbury Moss: Sparrowhawk, Jay, Meadow Pipit, L Redpoll
Mike&Andy 13th November 2020
Earlier at Doddington we only managed 4 Pochard but 17 Wigeon and no Shelduck!At Lea Forge,Siskin,Snipe,Grey Wagtail,Goldcrest,M Pipits,Stock Doves and a continuous movement of winter Thrushes.
Colin 13th November 2020
At Doddington this morning a few winter ducks finally started to arrive with pochard 11 (7m 4f); wigeon 10; teal 4; goldeneye 3f; shelduck 2 and tufted numbers up to 123.
Pam Henderson 12th November 2020
The nice weather this morning brought out all my favourites on the Dane and Congleton Park. The kingfisher was very busy and a single female goosander was hanging out with the mallards. Grey wagtails and a dipper were also on the river. Nuthatches in the park.
Nigel Henderson 12th November 2020
I suspect Redesmere is just outside the SECOS recording area but there is a Red-crested Pochard on the mere. There has been much discussion on the Manchester birding blog as to whether it it a female or 1st winter male but I saw red on the lower mandible which puts me in the 1st winter male corner.
Mike&Andy 11th November 2020
Unfortunately we missed you again John.The Sparrowhawk was around earlier and a few to ad to your list were 2 Redpoll,Goldcrest,Meadow Pipits, G.S.Woodpecker and Jay.
John 10th November 2020
Speculative walk into town late afternoon to see if there was a roost of Pied Wagtails. No joy, probably not cold enough and too early yet.
Today, late morning on Wybunbury Moss: chainsaw/tree cutting heard throughout but despite that I connected with all 5 of this season’s thrushes + Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting and my first Blackcap for ages!
There was a persistent Sparrowhawk as I could hear alarm calls all the way round the inner path. On one occasion, I got a good view of it as it banked while circling, a distinct ‘white’ rump, which I was hoping would help me age the bird. I can’t find it mentioned in “Collins”!
Mike&Andy 9th November 2020
3 Redpoll and a Brambling from part of a mixed flock of Greenfinches,Linnets and Goldfinches at Doddington this afternoon.Also,Common Gull,Kestrel,Mistle Thrush,pair of Goldeneye,3 Wigeon,Shoveler and L. Grebes.
Alsager Fannys Croft walk to Corn Bunting site and to county boundary footpath.
An abundance of birds in the stubble fields but flighty.
Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Linnet 60, Chaffinch 80, Brambling 1, Skylark 100, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Starling, Fieldfare 300, Redwing 30, Mistle Thrush, Jay,
Buzzard 4, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Stock Dove.
John 7th November 2020
I triple-checked the Lockdown 2.0 regulations:
1) unlimited outdoor exercise and 2) I can drive to the country – as long as I maintain social-distancing
Hurray, I can cover my SWaBBS patches!
Meremoor Moss this morning: Stock Dove, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Jay, Skylark, Coal Tit, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Linnet + flock of c70 nervous winter thrushes – spooked every time a train passed
Colin 6th November 2020
At Doddington this morning I was lucky to quickly latch on to the best bird of the year for me with a Grey Phalarope showing well. It was present when I arrived at 09-15 and I watched it through to 09-45 when it was lost to view and not re-found so possibly left the site. A super bird, I had forgotten how small they are and at first thought it was a leaf on the water. But it immediately was not since it never stopped moving all the time I watched it, either pecking at food on the surface or moving away from black-headed gulls that tended to harass it, usually flying just a few yards and then landing to carry on feeding. Also present were 2 Goldeneye, 1 male and 1 female.
John 6th November 2020
Macon Meadows mid-morning: the recent weather conditions have flattened riverbank vegetation, although not a lot to see as water level is still quite high! And the trees have very few leaves left on them, making it easier to connect with the smaller birds. A female Sparrowhawk disturbed the Feral Pigeon and Starling flocks but was in turn being harassed by a couple of Carrion Crow. For the fifth visit in a row, I’ve noted a large Buzzard in the same clump of trees also a very mobile female GS Woodpecker. Very quiet at the moment
Nigel Henderson 6th November 2020
Congleton: River Dane between the Steamboat and the park: Dipper, Female Goosander
Dane Street riverside walk: Grey Wagtail (Pam).
Martin 6th November 2020
There were a couple of bramblings on Wybunbury Moss yesterday afternoon.
Darron Boutlon 5th November 2020
3rd Nov. The Barnacle goose at Queens park, Crewe has a ‘ring’ on it’s right foot. It is not a conventional coloured plastic ring with number but is a yellow plastic spiral with no room for a number. It is neatly located ie it looks as though it has been cut to length and attached properly. A proper ring or a piece of plastic the bird has somehow got involved with?
Nigel Henderson 5th November 2020
Congleton: River Dane: Riverside Walk to Dane Street: Kingfisher (flying downstream) and female Goosander. Now we are in lockdown 2.0 Pam and I will be walking along the River Dane in Congleton on a regular basis. You have been warned.
David Cookson 2nd November 2020
I was in Wybunbury moss this morning 2nd. Among the usual birds I saw the following. Fieldfare and Redwing, Meadow Pipit, 1 Snipe and 1 Jack Snipe.
Colin 2nd November 2020
At Doddington this morning a few winter visitors for me at last with fieldfare 80 in the trees, and on the water goosander 1 male, shoveler 6, wigeon 5 and pink-footed goose when I spotted 3 with about 300 greylag but the PFG flew off west on their own.
John 2nd November 2020
26 Oct – 1 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed Goose, Swallow
Astbury Mere CP: L Grebe, Raven, Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail
Congleton: Mallard ducklings
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Goldeneye, L Grebe, S-e Owl, Jay, Meadow Pipits
Quakers Coppice: Bullfinch
Queens Park: Barnacle Goose, Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Jay
Rode Heath: Egyptian Goose, Green Sandpiper, L Egret, Swallow
Wrinehill: R-l Partridge, Hobby, Meadow Pipit
30th November 2020
Out at Lea Forge this morning. Along with the usual mix of birds. I saw a Woodcock.
30th November 2020
23 –29 Nov
EHF/PHF: Barnacle & Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler, Pintail, Goosander, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, L Egret, Peregrine
MGT/RF: Stonechat
CF: Water Rail, Jack Snipe, L Egret
FF: Woodcock
GF: Water Rail, Jack Snipe
WF: Kestrel, Stonechat, Greenfinch, L Redpoll, Linnet
Astbury Mere: Teal, Pochard, L Grebe, L Redpoll
Borrow Pit: Goosander, Kingfisher
Bosley Res: Mandarin, Goosander
The Cloud: Crossbill
Congleton: Woodcock, Dipper
Doddington: Pink-footed Goose, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Raven, Mistle Thrush
Lawton Woods/Lake: Goldeneye
Lea Forge: Wigeon, Kestrel, Goldcrest, Meadow Pipit
Rode Pool: Mandarin, Goosander, Snipe, L Egret, Kingfisher
Scholar Green: Woodcock, Snipe
29th November 2020
At Lea forge this morning,Goldcrest,a few Meadow Pipits,2 Tree Creepers together,Kestrel,both winter Thrushes,150 Lapwing over as were 12 Wigeon.A quick scan at Doddington gave us a Pink-f Goose,6 Wigeon,6 Shoveler,4 Goldeneye,Little Grebe and Mistle Thrush.Good to see you on Thursday John.
27th November 2020
Wybunbury Moss yesterday morning: tree cutting again & inner footpath closed! Bumped into Mike & Andy – a chance to catch-up.
Only birds of note: – Sparrowhawk, Jay, Raven, a singing Song Thrush, Reed Bunting
27th November 2020
At Doddington this morning the usual few winter ducks with pochard 7; wigeon 4; shoveler 2; goldeneye 3 as well as 103 tufted duck. Not many but when you add in over 400 coot, 700 mallard and 800 geese it looked a bit crowded!
25th November 2020
A good morning at Rode Pool yesterday with 4 Little Egrets, 2 male Goosander, 5 Mandarin, 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher
24th November 2020
Meremoor Moss this morning:
Green Sandpiper, Kestrel, Raven, Skylark, Stonechat ( at least 2 prs ), Winter thrushes and both Mistle & Song Thrush, Meadow Pipit and Linnet
23rd November 2020
While on Macon Meadows this morning, I heard ‘wing-clapping’.
With very little foliage, I watched 3 Stock Dove on a thick branch for a couple of minutes as this action played out. One bird appeared passive while the other two stood parallel to each other as they flapped their wings, hitting the other. It’s the first time I can recall seeing this behaviour.
Checking my copy of BWPi, they describe it as ‘Birds fight with blows from carpal joint and pecking ..’
23rd November 2020
23rd November 2020 – 1130
Borrow Pit Meadows Pool
Kingfisher flying over pool, first time I’ve seen it this year and I’ve been going every week!!!
A lady sitting on the bench also saw it and said she had seen the Kingfisher four times since August.
Also on pool 4 Goosander females, pair of Mallards, Moorhen and for the last week or so, a Black-Headed Gull!
23rd November 2020
At Doddington this morning, a nice flock of around 200 Linnets feeding in maize stubble just a few yards from me. Also 15 redwing sadly my first of the year – in late November! Best ducks on the water were wigeon 5; shoveler 3; teal 2; pochard 1.
23rd November 2020
16 –22 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed & Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Goosander, L Grebe, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, L Egret
MGT/RF: Snipe, GW & L Egret, Stonechat
CF: L Egret
GF: Water Rail, Great Egret
WLF: Water Rail, GC Grebe, Snipe, Cetti’s Warbler
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Raven, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
Hassall: Fieldfare, Redwing
Lawton Woods/Lake: L Grebe, Dipper
Macon Meadows: Water Rail
Malkins Bank: Goosander
22nd November 2020
While on a SWaBBS visit to a private wood in Barthomley this morning, I heard geese flying over at 9:20.
As I watched them flying westerly, two skeins totalling 50 Pink-footed Geese in separate ‘V’ formations merged into one.
19th November 2020
19th November
Spent an hour or so at Redesmere watching a pair of Kingfishers flying along the edge of the lake, flying individually and together, very active, calling all the time, stopping on trees over the lake, very entertaining. Only managed one decent photograph though, see gallery.
Had a quick scope of the lake before I left, 3 Goldeneyes, 2 F 1 M.
19th November 2020
Mixed flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing seen from the towpath today at Hassall Green. Feeding on Hawthorn between Locks 57 and 59.
16th November 2020
A continuous movement of Pink-f Geese for the first hour at Doddington this morning with 4 skeins of over 50, 1 of 130 and other smaller groups totalling over400, wonderful sight and sound.Also 6 Goldeneye,3Teal,8 Wigeon,4 Pochard,Shelduck,Raven,Meadow Pipits,a pair of Grey Wagtails,55 Lapwings,10 L Grebes and Mistle Thrush.All the Geese came from due north.
16th November 2020
9 –15 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed & Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal, Pochard, Goosander, Curlew, Dunlin, Snipe
MGT/RF: GW Egret, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat
FF: Goosander
GF: L Redpoll
WLF: Water Rail
Astbury/ Mere CP: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, L Grebe, Grey Wagtail
Basford: Linnet
Bradwall: Green Woodpecker
Brereton Heath LNR: L Gull
Church Lawton: Brambling
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe, Common Gull, Kestrel, Mistle Thrush, Brambling, Greenfinch, Linnet & Redpoll
Lawton Woods: Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail
Lea Forge: Stock Dove, Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Siskin
Rode Heath/Scholar Green: L Egret
Wrinehill: Snipe, Jay, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit
Wybunbury Moss: Sparrowhawk, Jay, Meadow Pipit, L Redpoll
13th November 2020
Earlier at Doddington we only managed 4 Pochard but 17 Wigeon and no Shelduck!At Lea Forge,Siskin,Snipe,Grey Wagtail,Goldcrest,M Pipits,Stock Doves and a continuous movement of winter Thrushes.
13th November 2020
At Doddington this morning a few winter ducks finally started to arrive with pochard 11 (7m 4f); wigeon 10; teal 4; goldeneye 3f; shelduck 2 and tufted numbers up to 123.
12th November 2020
The nice weather this morning brought out all my favourites on the Dane and Congleton Park. The kingfisher was very busy and a single female goosander was hanging out with the mallards. Grey wagtails and a dipper were also on the river. Nuthatches in the park.
12th November 2020
I suspect Redesmere is just outside the SECOS recording area but there is a Red-crested Pochard on the mere. There has been much discussion on the Manchester birding blog as to whether it it a female or 1st winter male but I saw red on the lower mandible which puts me in the 1st winter male corner.
11th November 2020
Unfortunately we missed you again John.The Sparrowhawk was around earlier and a few to ad to your list were 2 Redpoll,Goldcrest,Meadow Pipits, G.S.Woodpecker and Jay.
10th November 2020
Speculative walk into town late afternoon to see if there was a roost of Pied Wagtails. No joy, probably not cold enough and too early yet.
Today, late morning on Wybunbury Moss: chainsaw/tree cutting heard throughout but despite that I connected with all 5 of this season’s thrushes + Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting and my first Blackcap for ages!
There was a persistent Sparrowhawk as I could hear alarm calls all the way round the inner path. On one occasion, I got a good view of it as it banked while circling, a distinct ‘white’ rump, which I was hoping would help me age the bird. I can’t find it mentioned in “Collins”!
9th November 2020
3 Redpoll and a Brambling from part of a mixed flock of Greenfinches,Linnets and Goldfinches at Doddington this afternoon.Also,Common Gull,Kestrel,Mistle Thrush,pair of Goldeneye,3 Wigeon,Shoveler and L. Grebes.
9th November 2020
2 – 8 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed & Greylag Goose, Mandarin, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal, Goosander, L & GC Grebe, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Redshank, Peregrine, Swallow, Grey Wagtail
MGT/RF: Woodcock, Stonechat
FF: Goosander
FFF: Goosander
Rookery Br: Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
WF: Stonechat
WLF: Water Rail, Kingfisher, Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Wagtail
Alsager: Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven, Tree Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Brambling, Linnet, Yellowhammer,
Arclid: Barnacle Geese, Pochard, Knot, Skylark, Tree Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
Astbury/ Mere CP: Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard, L Grebe, Common Gull, Siskin
The Cloud: Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Raven, Meadow Pipit, Redpoll, Crossbill,
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Goldcrest, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Doddington: Pink-footed Goose, Shoveler, Wigeon, Goosander, Grey Phalarope
Middlewich Lime Beds: Green Sandpiper
Mow Cop: Stonechat
Queens Park: Barnacle Goose
Rode Heath/Scholar Green: Lapwing
Wallhill: Shelduck
Wybunbury Moss: Jack & Common Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Brambling
8th November 2020
Alsager Fannys Croft walk to Corn Bunting site and to county boundary footpath.
An abundance of birds in the stubble fields but flighty.
Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Linnet 60, Chaffinch 80, Brambling 1, Skylark 100, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Starling, Fieldfare 300, Redwing 30, Mistle Thrush, Jay,
Buzzard 4, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Stock Dove.
7th November 2020
I triple-checked the Lockdown 2.0 regulations:
1) unlimited outdoor exercise and 2) I can drive to the country – as long as I maintain social-distancing
Hurray, I can cover my SWaBBS patches!
Meremoor Moss this morning: Stock Dove, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Jay, Skylark, Coal Tit, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Linnet + flock of c70 nervous winter thrushes – spooked every time a train passed
6th November 2020
At Doddington this morning I was lucky to quickly latch on to the best bird of the year for me with a Grey Phalarope showing well. It was present when I arrived at 09-15 and I watched it through to 09-45 when it was lost to view and not re-found so possibly left the site. A super bird, I had forgotten how small they are and at first thought it was a leaf on the water. But it immediately was not since it never stopped moving all the time I watched it, either pecking at food on the surface or moving away from black-headed gulls that tended to harass it, usually flying just a few yards and then landing to carry on feeding. Also present were 2 Goldeneye, 1 male and 1 female.
6th November 2020
Macon Meadows mid-morning: the recent weather conditions have flattened riverbank vegetation, although not a lot to see as water level is still quite high! And the trees have very few leaves left on them, making it easier to connect with the smaller birds. A female Sparrowhawk disturbed the Feral Pigeon and Starling flocks but was in turn being harassed by a couple of Carrion Crow. For the fifth visit in a row, I’ve noted a large Buzzard in the same clump of trees also a very mobile female GS Woodpecker. Very quiet at the moment
6th November 2020
Congleton: River Dane between the Steamboat and the park: Dipper, Female Goosander
Dane Street riverside walk: Grey Wagtail (Pam).
6th November 2020
There were a couple of bramblings on Wybunbury Moss yesterday afternoon.
5th November 2020
3rd Nov. The Barnacle goose at Queens park, Crewe has a ‘ring’ on it’s right foot. It is not a conventional coloured plastic ring with number but is a yellow plastic spiral with no room for a number. It is neatly located ie it looks as though it has been cut to length and attached properly. A proper ring or a piece of plastic the bird has somehow got involved with?
5th November 2020
Congleton: River Dane: Riverside Walk to Dane Street: Kingfisher (flying downstream) and female Goosander. Now we are in lockdown 2.0 Pam and I will be walking along the River Dane in Congleton on a regular basis. You have been warned.
2nd November 2020
I was in Wybunbury moss this morning 2nd. Among the usual birds I saw the following. Fieldfare and Redwing, Meadow Pipit, 1 Snipe and 1 Jack Snipe.
2nd November 2020
At Doddington this morning a few winter visitors for me at last with fieldfare 80 in the trees, and on the water goosander 1 male, shoveler 6, wigeon 5 and pink-footed goose when I spotted 3 with about 300 greylag but the PFG flew off west on their own.
2nd November 2020
26 Oct – 1 Nov
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed Goose, Swallow
Astbury Mere CP: L Grebe, Raven, Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail
Congleton: Mallard ducklings
Doddington: Shoveler, Wigeon, Goldeneye, L Grebe, S-e Owl, Jay, Meadow Pipits
Quakers Coppice: Bullfinch
Queens Park: Barnacle Goose, Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Jay
Rode Heath: Egyptian Goose, Green Sandpiper, L Egret, Swallow
Wrinehill: R-l Partridge, Hobby, Meadow Pipit