Details of January sightings compiled by John Thompson will appear on the Monthly Sightings page.
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Colin & Sylvia 31st January 2020
A quiet morning at Doddington with no OC and no PI. 300 starlings with 60 fieldfare and 5 redwing were noisy in the trees along the main road.
Mike&Andy 29th January 2020
Our first Oystercatcher of the year for Doddington this afternoon and the male Pintail still present.A tree Creeper was also a year tick there and a male Kestrel was favouring the Yatcht masts.At least 14 Goldeneye showing but only 3 Wigeon and Little Grebes of other note apart from Redwings,Fieldfares and Lapwings around the pool.
John 29th January 2020
SWaBBS – Wybunbury Moss
Despite more felling taking place this morning ( I assume to reduce the uptake of water by the trees ) I had quite a good list: m & f GS Woodpecker, a Jay, a Magpie carrying nesting material, a distant Raven calling, both winter thrushes, a lone Mistle Thrush singing, Bullfinch, Greenfinch and a couple of L Redpoll
David Cookson 29th January 2020
At Doddington this morning 29th. I Pintail and a group of Great Black Backed Gulls.
John 27th January 2020
20 – 26 Jan
EHF/PHF: Pintail, Goosander, L & GC Grebe, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Mediterranean, Common & Y-l Gull, GW & L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Peregrine, Raven
FF / towpath: Goosander, L Grebe, Woodcock
Astbury: Skylark
Borrow Pit M: Meadow Pipit
Doddington: Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe
Lea Forge: Bullfinch, Linnet & Siskin
Whooper Swan over Elworth & Wistaston
John 27th January 2020
Sparrowhawk – Dunwoody Way, Crewe
One circled, gaining height, then shot into the trees alongside the Entertainment Park off Dunwoody Way this morning
Mike&Andy 24th January 2020
At Doddington this afternoon, 11 Goldeneye ,37 Wigeon,4 Pochard ,4 Shovelers and 5 Little Grebes.
Derek Owen 22nd January 2020
6 Whooper Swans flew over Wistaston at 3.30 pm heading North West.
John 21st January 2020
SWaBBS Meremoor Moss this morning
Leucitic Greylag Goose, Stock Dove, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, female Kestrel, Raven heard, Song & Mistle Thrush, male & female Stonechat, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet. Sadly no Kingfisher!
Mike&Andy 20th January 2020
At Lea Forge this morning,4 Siskins,a pair of Bullfinches,25 Linnets and not much else!
John 20th January 2020
13 – 19 Jan
EHF/PHF: Black Swan, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, L Grebe, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Common, GB-b & Y-l Gull, L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Raven
Canal towpath: Pink-footed Geese, Sparrowhawk, Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
FF: Woodcock
Astbury Mere CP: Pochard, Goosander, L Grebe, Common & GBB Gull, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Goosander, Tawny Owl
Checkley: Peregrine
Doddington: Mandarin, Shoveler, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe
Mow Cop: Pink-footed Geese (skeins)
Wybunbury Moss: Sparrowhawk, Jay, Raven, Song & Mistle Thrush, Green & Bullfinch
John 19th January 2020
Quakers Coppice this morning – 7:30 – 10:30
Admittedly, a ‘half-hearted’ attempt at an optional SWaBBS night visit!
A preoccupied female GS Woodpecker and a pair of noisy Nuthatch were the only species of note. Across University Way, in the direction of Crewe Hall / Woods, I could hear a large corvid flock/roost which had one or two Raven in.
John 18th January 2020
SWaBBS on Macon Meadows:
The overnight frost helped me this morning – I’ve never seen so many Moorhen out in the open here before!
A mixed flock of thrushes ( 40 Redwing plus 2 Song Thrush ) and finches ( Chaffinch and Goldfinch plus 1 Greenfinch ) foraging through the leaf-litter was a welcome sight as was a marauding male Sparrowhawk.
Mike&Andy 16th January 2020
No highlight birds at Wybunbury Moss this morning but a decent list included,Goldcrests,Ravens,Greenfinches,Bullfinches,Jays,Song and Mistle Thrush,Nuthatches,Coal Tit and a male Sparrowhawk.Only a Shoveler different at Doddington with Goldeneye on double figures.
John 15th January 2020
SWaBBS, lunchtime at Roe Park:
Ravens and Buzzards displaying.
Only other notable species was 2 Treecreepers in what appeared to be in a fight!
Lynn Turner 15th January 2020
15/1/20 Checkley Lane near railway. I am pretty sure the two birds of prey rolling and calling high up in a clear sky tonight at 3:30 were peregrine falcons.
Mike& Andy 13th January 2020
2 male Mandarin at Doddington this morning but apart from Goldeneyes and Little Grebes,just 1 Pochard and 1 Teal of any note on the main lake.A very poor winter,so far.
John 13th January 2020
6 – 12 Jan
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed Geese, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, L Egret, Peregrine, Raven
MGT/RF: Iceland Gull, Peregrine, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit
Canal towpath: Pink-footed Geese, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
CF: L Egret
FF: Goosander, L Grebe, Woodcock, Sparrowhawk, Jay
Set-aside: Chaffinch, Linnet
Astbury Mere CP: Goosander, L & GC Grebe, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Siskin
Bagmere: Water Rail, Starling murmuration, Meadow Pipit
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Goosander, Song Thrush
Brereton Heath LNR: Goosander, Mistle Thrush
Congleton: Tawny Owl, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
David Whitby Way: Barn Owl
Doddington: Pink-footed Goose, Goldeneye, Kestrel, Raven
Rode Heath: Stonechat
John 12th January 2020
Dippers – Dane-in-Shaw, Congleton. One bird seen on pebble island below weir mid-morning.
After spending a couple of minutes calling, dipping and ‘drinking’ at the waters edge, it was joined by a second bird. Within seconds of it arriving the first bird started displaying to the other – standing upright, throws head back, pointing bill upwards, and turns head slowly from side to side with white breast plumage ruffled; lowers and fans tail, and half-spreads wings, pointing them sideways or upwards; wings quivering and flickering.
This went on for roughly a minute before both birds flew off together.
BWP describes “Advertising-displaying” and “Antagonistic Behaviour” and they are very similar. I was so chuffed with what I was observing, together with it only lasting for a short time I am not sure if it was a pair or two rival males! I’ll have to go back for another look.
After recent heavy rain, the water level was high and faster flowing than I’ve seen it. Also seen there – Grey Wagtail
Peter 10th January 2020
BARN OWL along David Whitby Way, Crewe 10.00pm – returning from an excellent photo talk at our monthly SECOS indoor meeting.
Colin 9th January 2020
I had not heard a song thrush so far this winter until this morning when four were singing at the Borrow Pit Meadows. Also a pair of goosander on the pool.
Mike&Andy 7th January 2020
A lone Pink- footed Goose at Doddington this morning and apart from Goldeneye,3 Wigeon and Tufted Duck,still very quiet.4 Ravens together looked to be having fun and a kestrel was duly noted.Fieldfare and Redwings showing everywhere locally and this morning 200 in a mixed flock as well as 85 Lapwing.
John 6th January 2020
30 Dec -5 Jan
EHF/PHF: Gadwall, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, L & GC Grebe, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Redshank, Mediterranean, Common & Y-l Gull, L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Chiffchaff
MGT/RF: L Egret, Snipe, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Peregrine, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting
CF: L Egret
FF: Woodcock, Tawny Owl, L Redpoll
Astbury Mere CP: Pochard, Goosander, L Grebe, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Peregrine, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail
Bent Ln, Congleton: Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Tawny Owl, Raven, Meadow Pipit, Siskin
Congleton: Goosander, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Doddington: Egyptian Goose, Shoveler, Pochard, Goldeneye, Mistle Thrush
Rode Heath: Stonechat
Mike&Andy 5th January 2020
A single Egyptian Goose at Doddington this afternoon .
Colin 3rd January 2020
A glorious sunny day at Doddington. tufted 86; pochard 6; goldeneye 14; teal 2; oh and 600 mallard!; a flock of fieldfare 65; redwing 7; starling 50; goldfinch 20; mistle thrush 1. Also 2 red-legged partridge across the main road
Pam Henderson 2nd January 2020
1/1/2020 Grey Wagtail, Male Goosander and Dipper on river Dane in Congleton.
31st January 2020
A quiet morning at Doddington with no OC and no PI. 300 starlings with 60 fieldfare and 5 redwing were noisy in the trees along the main road.
29th January 2020
Our first Oystercatcher of the year for Doddington this afternoon and the male Pintail still present.A tree Creeper was also a year tick there and a male Kestrel was favouring the Yatcht masts.At least 14 Goldeneye showing but only 3 Wigeon and Little Grebes of other note apart from Redwings,Fieldfares and Lapwings around the pool.
29th January 2020
SWaBBS – Wybunbury Moss
Despite more felling taking place this morning ( I assume to reduce the uptake of water by the trees ) I had quite a good list: m & f GS Woodpecker, a Jay, a Magpie carrying nesting material, a distant Raven calling, both winter thrushes, a lone Mistle Thrush singing, Bullfinch, Greenfinch and a couple of L Redpoll
29th January 2020
At Doddington this morning 29th. I Pintail and a group of Great Black Backed Gulls.
27th January 2020
20 – 26 Jan
EHF/PHF: Pintail, Goosander, L & GC Grebe, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Mediterranean, Common & Y-l Gull, GW & L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Peregrine, Raven
FF / towpath: Goosander, L Grebe, Woodcock
Astbury: Skylark
Borrow Pit M: Meadow Pipit
Doddington: Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe
Lea Forge: Bullfinch, Linnet & Siskin
Whooper Swan over Elworth & Wistaston
27th January 2020
Sparrowhawk – Dunwoody Way, Crewe
One circled, gaining height, then shot into the trees alongside the Entertainment Park off Dunwoody Way this morning
24th January 2020
At Doddington this afternoon, 11 Goldeneye ,37 Wigeon,4 Pochard ,4 Shovelers and 5 Little Grebes.
22nd January 2020
6 Whooper Swans flew over Wistaston at 3.30 pm heading North West.
21st January 2020
SWaBBS Meremoor Moss this morning
Leucitic Greylag Goose, Stock Dove, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, female Kestrel, Raven heard, Song & Mistle Thrush, male & female Stonechat, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet. Sadly no Kingfisher!
20th January 2020
At Lea Forge this morning,4 Siskins,a pair of Bullfinches,25 Linnets and not much else!
20th January 2020
13 – 19 Jan
EHF/PHF: Black Swan, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, L Grebe, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Common, GB-b & Y-l Gull, L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Raven
Canal towpath: Pink-footed Geese, Sparrowhawk, Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
FF: Woodcock
Astbury Mere CP: Pochard, Goosander, L Grebe, Common & GBB Gull, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Goosander, Tawny Owl
Checkley: Peregrine
Doddington: Mandarin, Shoveler, Pochard, Goldeneye, L Grebe
Mow Cop: Pink-footed Geese (skeins)
Wybunbury Moss: Sparrowhawk, Jay, Raven, Song & Mistle Thrush, Green & Bullfinch
19th January 2020
Quakers Coppice this morning – 7:30 – 10:30
Admittedly, a ‘half-hearted’ attempt at an optional SWaBBS night visit!
A preoccupied female GS Woodpecker and a pair of noisy Nuthatch were the only species of note. Across University Way, in the direction of Crewe Hall / Woods, I could hear a large corvid flock/roost which had one or two Raven in.
18th January 2020
SWaBBS on Macon Meadows:
The overnight frost helped me this morning – I’ve never seen so many Moorhen out in the open here before!
A mixed flock of thrushes ( 40 Redwing plus 2 Song Thrush ) and finches ( Chaffinch and Goldfinch plus 1 Greenfinch ) foraging through the leaf-litter was a welcome sight as was a marauding male Sparrowhawk.
16th January 2020
No highlight birds at Wybunbury Moss this morning but a decent list included,Goldcrests,Ravens,Greenfinches,Bullfinches,Jays,Song and Mistle Thrush,Nuthatches,Coal Tit and a male Sparrowhawk.Only a Shoveler different at Doddington with Goldeneye on double figures.
15th January 2020
SWaBBS, lunchtime at Roe Park:
Ravens and Buzzards displaying.
Only other notable species was 2 Treecreepers in what appeared to be in a fight!
15th January 2020
15/1/20 Checkley Lane near railway. I am pretty sure the two birds of prey rolling and calling high up in a clear sky tonight at 3:30 were peregrine falcons.
13th January 2020
2 male Mandarin at Doddington this morning but apart from Goldeneyes and Little Grebes,just 1 Pochard and 1 Teal of any note on the main lake.A very poor winter,so far.
13th January 2020
6 – 12 Jan
EHF/PHF: Pink-footed Geese, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, L Egret, Peregrine, Raven
MGT/RF: Iceland Gull, Peregrine, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit
Canal towpath: Pink-footed Geese, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
CF: L Egret
FF: Goosander, L Grebe, Woodcock, Sparrowhawk, Jay
Set-aside: Chaffinch, Linnet
Astbury Mere CP: Goosander, L & GC Grebe, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Siskin
Bagmere: Water Rail, Starling murmuration, Meadow Pipit
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Goosander, Song Thrush
Brereton Heath LNR: Goosander, Mistle Thrush
Congleton: Tawny Owl, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
David Whitby Way: Barn Owl
Doddington: Pink-footed Goose, Goldeneye, Kestrel, Raven
Rode Heath: Stonechat
12th January 2020
Dippers – Dane-in-Shaw, Congleton. One bird seen on pebble island below weir mid-morning.
After spending a couple of minutes calling, dipping and ‘drinking’ at the waters edge, it was joined by a second bird. Within seconds of it arriving the first bird started displaying to the other – standing upright, throws head back, pointing bill upwards, and turns head slowly from side to side with white breast plumage ruffled; lowers and fans tail, and half-spreads wings, pointing them sideways or upwards; wings quivering and flickering.
This went on for roughly a minute before both birds flew off together.
BWP describes “Advertising-displaying” and “Antagonistic Behaviour” and they are very similar. I was so chuffed with what I was observing, together with it only lasting for a short time I am not sure if it was a pair or two rival males! I’ll have to go back for another look.
After recent heavy rain, the water level was high and faster flowing than I’ve seen it. Also seen there – Grey Wagtail
10th January 2020
BARN OWL along David Whitby Way, Crewe 10.00pm – returning from an excellent photo talk at our monthly SECOS indoor meeting.
9th January 2020
I had not heard a song thrush so far this winter until this morning when four were singing at the Borrow Pit Meadows. Also a pair of goosander on the pool.
7th January 2020
A lone Pink- footed Goose at Doddington this morning and apart from Goldeneye,3 Wigeon and Tufted Duck,still very quiet.4 Ravens together looked to be having fun and a kestrel was duly noted.Fieldfare and Redwings showing everywhere locally and this morning 200 in a mixed flock as well as 85 Lapwing.
6th January 2020
30 Dec -5 Jan
EHF/PHF: Gadwall, Pintail, Goosander, Water Rail, L & GC Grebe, Curlew, Bl-t Godwit, Snipe, Redshank, Mediterranean, Common & Y-l Gull, L Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Chiffchaff
MGT/RF: L Egret, Snipe, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Peregrine, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting
CF: L Egret
FF: Woodcock, Tawny Owl, L Redpoll
Astbury Mere CP: Pochard, Goosander, L Grebe, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Peregrine, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail
Bent Ln, Congleton: Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Tawny Owl, Raven, Meadow Pipit, Siskin
Congleton: Goosander, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Doddington: Egyptian Goose, Shoveler, Pochard, Goldeneye, Mistle Thrush
Rode Heath: Stonechat
5th January 2020
A single Egyptian Goose at Doddington this afternoon .
3rd January 2020
A glorious sunny day at Doddington. tufted 86; pochard 6; goldeneye 14; teal 2; oh and 600 mallard!; a flock of fieldfare 65; redwing 7; starling 50; goldfinch 20; mistle thrush 1. Also 2 red-legged partridge across the main road
2nd January 2020
1/1/2020 Grey Wagtail, Male Goosander and Dipper on river Dane in Congleton.