The South East Cheshire recording area comprises mostly of the low lying Cheshire Plain. To see upland birds most local birders leave our recording area and travel to the East Cheshire Pennine hills or Staffordshire moorlands. However, on our doorstep we have our own site, where it is possible to see some upland species as well as witnessing diurnal migration. This site is Mow Cop, which rises to over a thousand feet in the south of our area on the border with Staffordshire. Although often appearing birdless, it can, with persistence and good coverage, produce nice records for S.E. Cheshire.
The best months for birding, we have found, are March to mid-May, and mid-August to early November. Mid-summer is quiet and winter bleak, although who knows what you might find.
In spring and autumn arrive at dawn, park in the castle car park. If the barrier is locked, park close by. Climb the steps leading up to the castle and birdwatch from the level ground at the top. Especially in September when conditions are right (calm or slight easterly wind) early morning diurnal migration is often visible with hirundines and pipits flying over. Sometimes Wheatears land on the heather or rocks, and occasionally in late August or early September a Tree Pipit will call as it flies over, or even lands in the heather. Explore the area around the castle in September, there may be warblers or an occasional Redstart, and in October Goldcrests may be present in the gardens. If you have parked on the road watch for the National Trust attendant to arrive and unlock the car park barrier.
Next follow the dirt track north-west for 100 yds. until it emerges on Wood Street. Turn right, then after 30 yds. turn left on to a dirt lane with ‘South Cheshire Way’ and ‘Mow Cop Trail’ footpath signs. After 50 yds. pass a duck pond on the left. Check the heather by the ‘Old Man of Mow’ on your right. Also check the large rough field on the left. Wheatears are often here in April and occasionally Ring Ouzel.
After 130 yds. you will reach a crossroads of paths. In spring we often walk left across two fields checking for Wheatears, and watching Meadow Pipits and Skylarks in song flight. Soon the path enters woodland and descends steeply. Listen in April and early May for migrant Pied Flycatchers or Redstart singing, especially near old oak trees. They don’t breed here but sometimes stop and sing on spring mornings. Lower down we have also seen Wood Warblers at the end of April. Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff are common in spring and summer.
