Details of June sightings compiled by John Thompson will appear on the Monthly Sightings page.
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John 30th June 2020
Speculative mornings birding:
Casey Lane, Weston/Basford: Swift & calling Oystercatcher, Skylark plus Quail; calls heard from 3 areas of the field repeatedly. Either a very fast bird or a ventriloquist!
Meremoor Moss: Swift, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark – I failed to connect with last week’s Cuckoo
Pool behind Toad Hole Farm, Radway Green: Ringed Plover (although I’m doubting myself now) more likely a LRP, Kestrel, Greenfinch & Yellowhammer
Garden Warbler singing at the traffic lights at junction Radway Green Rd x Crewe Rd
Mike & Andy 30th June 2020
Little Owl and two Grey Wagtails were the best birds at Doddington this morning but no sign of the Oystercatcher chick and no alarm calls from the adults!
John 29th June 2020
22 – 28 Jun
EHF/PHF: Oystercatcher, Bl-t Godwit, Med & Y-l Gull, Common Tern, Sparrowhawk, Siskin
MGT/RF: Teal, Stonechat
Alsager: Hobby, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury: Stock Dove, Skylark, Sand Martin, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail
Astbury Mere: Mandarin
Bradwall: Red Kite, L Owl
Cloud: Kestrel, Raven, Willow Warbler, Spot Flycatcher, Stonechat, Meadow & Tree Pipit, Siskin
Doddington: GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Swift, Sparrowhawk, L Owl, Hobby, Mistle Thrush
Meremoor Moss: Cuckoo, Oystercatcher, Kestrel,
Mow Cop: Siskin
Queens Park: L Owl
Rode Pool: Egyptian Goose, Common Sandpiper
Salt Line/BPM: Kingfisher
Scholar Green: Crossbill, Siskin
Weston: Quail, Skylark
Wybunbury Moss: Spotted Flycatcher
Wychwood Park: Stonechat
Roy Broughton 28th June 2020
Skylark been singing for the past 5 days and landing in maize field at Basford.
Also Quail was calling at 7.30 last night in Casey Lane.
Colin 26th June 2020
At Doddington this afternoon the 2 common sandpipers were still there, also mute swans now up to 59, and tufted ducks up to 35 but still a lot of females missing with 19 males and 7 females (I hope they are all on nests!). Best bird though was a tiny fluffy juv oystercatcher still in the nest with 2 adults alarm calling nearby.
Mike&Andy 26th June 2020
2 Common Sandpipers at Doddington this morning and the Little Owl was perched up.Also good to see a newly fledged Oystercatcher with the sailing club pair.The only difference on the water these past few days were female singles of Shoveler and Teal.
David Winnington 26th June 2020
Borrow pit meadows Salt line pond 2 or 3 Kingfishers this morning
John 24th June 2020
SECOS Blog: –
Meremoor Moss this morning: unfortunately machinery in the fields and on the neighbouring fishery! Birds seen/heard include: Swift, Cuckoo ( see below ), Oystercatcher, Buzzards x 6 displaying – on one occasion one was on the ground & it was harassed by a Kestrel and later as it flew past some trees and was harassed again, presumably where the Kestrel is nesting, GS Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Goldcrest juvs, Song Thrush, Linnet & Reed Bunting.
** A Cuckoo flew out of an elder tree beside Englesea Brook as I approached. It landed on a fence post not far away. I got my scope on it as I don’t see these often & wanted a good view. On one occasion it flew off into the long grass, returning within a second or two with a big caterpillar in its beak. I compared it to the images of a male & female in my pocket-sized bird book I had with me, but it didn’t fit! It didn’t have the grey head of either adult, nor the rusty-buff throat of a female. Its head was very pale, mottled/patchy with a hint of brown on the back of the head BUT no white nape patch. Its wings were grey, but patchy. I didn’t hear it call while I was there. At first, I thought it was a juvenile, but I am now thinking it’s a female that hasn’t read the ID books! I would welcome comments as I’d love to be able to report it that Meremoor Moss has bred Cuckoo this Summer.
David Winnington 23rd June 2020
Rodepool 22/6/20 Common Sandpiper
John 22nd June 2020
15 – 21 Jun
EHF/PHF: Common Tern
Clay Ln: L Owl
Alsager: Red Kite, Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury: Yellow Wagtail
Astbury Mere: Common Tern
Balterley: Hobby, Yellowhammer
Bent Lane: Barn Owl
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Greylag Goose
Cloud: Hobby, Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Hobby
Crewe BP: Bullfinch
Doddington: L & GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Swift, L Owl, GS Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Sparrowhawk, Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting
Mow Cop: L Owl
Timbersbrook: Garden Warbler
Wybunbury Moss: Swift, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher
John 22nd June 2020
SWaBBS on Wybunbury Moss this morning: notable birds: Swift, Stock Dove, GS Woodpecker juv, Jay, Raven, Swallow juvs being fed by adults, House Martin, Whitethroat with food, Goldcrest with food, agitated Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher – one on a nest being fed by another ( Church ) + it or another at the other end of churchyard.
Called at Doddington after for 90 min for a game of Hide ‘n’ Seek with the Little Owl. It won! It wouldn’t show in its usual perch. Notable birds: a white goose with the adult Canadas on the water. Is this the one that Colin described previously? Swift, GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Sparrowhawk, Hobby – flew low from the yacht club south over the track and very low over the fields and behind the trees, Swallow, House Martin, Mistle Thrush. As I drove out of the lane from the units, I noticed something on a pallet in the field with the sheep. I parked up & got out at the gates for a look through my bins – a Little Owl BOOM!
Stopped at Checkley Brook Farm on the way home: more Swift, Collared Dove, a ‘yikkering’ Kestrel – a female perched briefly on a ( telegraph ) pole – with a kill. It dropped into the trees close to the pole. Skylark singing nearby and House Martins coming and going from under the eaves of the farm/house.
John 22nd June 2020
From Mark Broughton
“I went for a walk with my wife and two sons round Wybunbury Moss yesterday. We saw a grass snake, 3 common lizards, spotted flycatcher, numerous swifts and swallows as well as sedge and reed warblers. Would have potentially seen more but the “Permissive Path” is out of bounds at the moment due to the heavy rainfall from last week.”
Colin 19th June 2020
At Doddington this morning the highlights – and lowlights – included 10 gc grebe but no juvs, 18 tufted but no juvs (13 males and 5 females; are all the missing females on nests?), little grebe 7 ( 4 pairs, 1 with a juv), mute swan up to 55, oystercatcher 9 (pair with 2 full size juvs but still possible to separate them since the juvs have a slight brown tinge to the body colour but the head is full black; a pair with one still on a nest, another pair and a lone single); and the little owl was showing well.
Mick 16th June 2020
A pair of Red Kites circled low above me at Merelake (1 mile south of Alsager).
Different from the one I reported 2 days ago, wing moult very different.
Mike&Andy 15th June 2020
A decent mix at Lea Forge this morning included,Sedge Warbler,Chiffchaff ,Blackcap,Whitethroat ,Bullfinch,Kestrel,Sparrowhawk ,Linnets,Skylarks,Jay,Reed Bunting and Red-legged Partridge.Dire at Doddington but at least the Little Owl was perched up.In the dead tree a family of 4 G.S.Woodpeckers were noted.Also Oystercatchers,Mistle Thrush and Swifts on a very brief visit.
John 15th June 2020
Early yesterday morning on Macon Meadows: a Water rail called, my first summer record here. Has this secretive species been here since winter or was is forced down in the rain of Saturday evening? Not long after, I noticed unusual movement, a counterflow, of the vegetation in the stream. Seconds later something appeared from the vegetation and immediately submerged. Too small for a rat or a mink, could it be a return of the bank vole?
Later sightings incl: juv GS Woodpecker, male and juv Grey Wagtail plus a Song Thrush belting out
Monday 8:45 – traffic lights at West St x Dunwoody Way – numerous Swift above houses to the north of West St – historically, an important area locally for this increasing scarce species
Macon Meadows before lunch today: I closely checked the vegetation where I’d seen the mammal yesterday and noted some had been bitten of at an angle of 45’ – I believe it’s a classic sign of a Bank Vole feeding. Both adult Grey Wagtail but I still can only find one juv! I stood for a while listening to a Goldcrest hoping to pin it down with a chance of there being young with it. Eventually I connected with it but couldn’t see any others. While watching it, it was attacked by a bigger bird, but I was surprised to see it fend it off with the attacker retreating. The crest was very visible, a bright orange and remained fluffed [ a Collin’s description ] up for at least a minute afterwards.
John 15th June 2020
8 – 14 Jun
EHF/PHF: Yellow-l Gull, Common Tern
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Swift, Red Kite, Raven
Astbury: Quail, Barn Owl, Skylark, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere: Gadwall
Balterley: L Owl
Bent Ln/Wallhill: Hobby, Skylark, Sand Martin, L Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat
Bradwall: L Owl
Cloud: Kestrel, Meadow & Tree Pipit
Congleton: Quail
Doddington: Oystercatcher, L Owl, Raven, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Skylark, Sedge & Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Linnet
Macon Meadows: Water Rail, Reed Warbler
Rode Pool: Egyptian Goose, Mandarin, GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Kingfisher, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Queens Park: Hobby
Quinta: Spotted Flycatcher
Smethwick: Quail, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Weston: Cuckoo
Mick 14th June 2020
Red Kite this morning heading towards Radway.
David Cookson 14th June 2020
While out at Lea Forge this morning, my list of birds included. Skylank, Whitethroat, Kingfisher, Swallow, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler and Kestrel
John 13th June 2020
Early morning on Macon Meadows:
Mallard with ducklings walking towards the stream, followed intently by a Magpie! A Song Thrush belting out, male Grey Wagtail still busy collecting flies as is a Treecreeper. A Reed Warbler singing in the marshy area by MMU grounds is new for me here this year and the only other was in last May
Yesterday I saw a GS Woodpecker on the grass. I can’t recall seeing one on the ground before! After it flew into the trees, I managed to get a look at it – it was a juvenile.
Weston Rd Ind Est: plenty of gulls loafing on the roofs except on Swanways roof – there’s a model of a raptor. If it’s been erected as a scarer for this building, it’s working! A male Grey Wagtail was singing intently on the roof of Crewe Arms
Mike&Andy 12th June 2020
A few additions to our Lea Forge list this week were,Sedge Warbler,Chiffchaff ,and G.S.Woodpecker.The Garden Warbler still in full song this morning,showing occasionally.
John 11th June 2020
On Weston Road, the three balls of fluff seen yesterday have gone! Further along at MECX, one larger ball of fluff on the roof – no adult in attendance.
At the culvert on Macon Meadows, I could see a male Grey Wagtail exclusively feeding a juv. The female was also seen catching flies, but I was unable to see if she was feeding another juv(s).
Mike& Andy 10th June 2020
9 Oystercatchers including 2 juvs at Doddington this afternoon and the sailing club pair still sitting .2 Ravens,Reed Bunting,Mistle Thrush,Jays and Swifts also noted.Last evening the Little Owl was showing.A Kestrel was hovering over Lea Forge as I passed.
Mike Tonks 10th June 2020
This afternoon along Child’s Lane, Astbury: 2 singing Quail, 2 Skylark, 20+ Sand Martin, Swift, calling (not singing) Chiffchaff.
John 10th June 2020
This morning on Macon Meadows: GS Woodpecker heard, 2 Rook at possible nest site. As I walked along the edge of the stream, a family of Wren exploded from the nettles between me and the stream – the juvs flew across the stream and landed on the fencing. At the culvert, I could see a Grey Wagtail feeding another. Finally! Only one juv seen, hopefully others will emerge in due course.
On Weston Road, a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in very close attendance to three balls of fluff. Surprising, the roof is sloping – the juvs are moving freely and occasionally without either adult being present.
John 10th June 2020
SWaBBS on Meremoor Moss yesterday: Stock & Collared Dove, Lapwing heard, grass too long to see any! 4 pairs of Buzzards – 3 pairs seen displaying simultaneously, beautifully marked female Kestrel hunting & perched, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff & Reed Bunting fledglings. Swallow & House Martin. I counted 9 Skylark singing/displaying. Sedge & Reed Warbler, C & L Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Greenfinch & Linnet all in good voice
Glyn 9th June 2020
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Borrow Pit Meadows heard Sedge Warbler in reeds by bench.
Mike&Andy 8th June 2020
A Garden Warbler was singing from deep cover before finally showing opposite the house at Lea Forge this morning.A second one was feeding fledged young by the brook.Also,Whitethroat , Blackcaps,Bullfinches ,Linnets,R. l.Partridge,Skylarks,Song Thrush,Swifts,Jays and Kestrel.A family of Grey Wagtails were feeding on the shoreline between the sailing club and the old boathouse at Doddington .
John 8th June 2020
1 – 7 Jun
EHF/PHF: Teal, R & LR Plover, Mediterranean Gull
Alsager: Swift, Hobby, Sand & House Martin
Astbury Mere: Sand Martin, Willow & Reed Warbler, Grey Wagtail
Bent Ln/Wallhill: Peregrine, Skylark, Sand Martin, L Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Reed Warbler
Congleton: Goosander, Quail, Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Crewe BP: Reed Warbler
Doddington: L & GC Grebe, L Owl, Sedge Warbler
Rode Heath/Pool: Egyptian Goose
Sandbach: L Owl
Smethwick: Quail, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Weston: Cuckoo
John 7th June 2020
Early afternoon on Macon Meadows: the recent high winds have damaged/downed a few smaller branches but the stream still looks clear and low, despite the rain we’ve had.
GS Woodpecker calling from MMU grounds; of the 5 or more Moorhen territories along the stream, I failed to find any of the young seen earlier! Lots of juveniles: Blue & Great Tit, Robin & Blackcap. The pair of Grey Wagtails are still very busy collecting flies and returning to the culvert with them. My earlier sighting of a third bird doesn’t appear to have been a juvenile after all?
On the Weston Road Industrial Estate, the flat roofs are peppered with Herring and Less Black-backed Gulls, some on nests, other in attendance.
Nigel Henderson 5th June 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Riverside walk to Dane Street: 2 x Kingfishers flying down stream about 5 minutes apart. Lots of Grey Wagtails.
River Dane between the Steamboat and the park: One female Goosander with three young and one female Goosander with two young. One juvenile Dipper standing at the waters edge and one adult flying downstream. Lots of Grey Wagtails again – male, female and juveniles. Also a male Blackcap feeding young.
Mick Ball 4th June 2020
Alsager Mere
2 Sand Martins (a diificult bird to see in Alsager), 8 House Martins, pair of GCGrebes, 1 Mute Swan.
also an American Wigeon with some European Wigeon in it.
Colin 3rd June 2020
reed warbler singing from the reedbed by the pond at Borrow Pit Meadows this morning.
Pam Henderson 2nd June 2020
River Dane Congleton from Rood Hill bridge to Congleton Park – Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher. Also saw Goosander with 6 young, she had 7 yesterday, watched them go under the bridge towards the park, crossed the road and looked for them but saw one juvenile heading away from the park in a panic calling (mum, mum, where are you). There was much splashing near the steam boat as it found it’s family. Later as I was walking round the park I saw the 7 juveniles heading upstream without mum, and on my way back to Rood Hill I saw a female on her own. Nigel went down in the afternoon and saw the 7 juveniles back with mum and another female with 2 juveniles – good news I can relax now.
Colin 2nd June 2020
at Doddington this morning I watched a vicious fight between two great crested grebes, as one tried hard to drown the other whilst four other grebes watched. After being held under the water several times for long periods the loser finally broke free from the grip on the back of its neck, the six birds split into three pairs and started displaying to each other. Also nice to see a little grebe pair with three small juvs, a sedge warbler singing in the bed of bulrushes near the hall and the little owl on its usual perch.
Michael Ball 1st June 2020
Alsager: Hobby
John 1st June 2020
25 – 31 May
EHF/PHF: Hobby
MGT: Tree Sparrow
Fodens/Moston: Tawny Owl x3
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Red Kite, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere: Shoveler, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest
Bent Ln/Wallhill: R-l Partridge, Oystercatcher, Hobby, Skylark, Sand Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Swift, Swallow & House Martin, Song & Mistle Thrush
Congleton: Hobby, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Peregrine
Doddington: Oystercatcher, L Owl
Elworth: Siskin
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Willow & Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Linnet
Middlewich: Red Kite
Mow Cop: Cuckoo, Red Kite, Tree Pipit, Crossbill
Queens Park: L Owl
Rode Heath/Pool: Red Kite, Spotted Flycatcher
Roe Park: Spotted Flycatcher
Scholar Green: Red Kite
Smethwick/Brereton: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, L Whitethroat, Yellowhammer
Weston/Wychwood Pk: Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, L Grebe, Lapwing, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Willow, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting
30th June 2020
Speculative mornings birding:
Casey Lane, Weston/Basford: Swift & calling Oystercatcher, Skylark plus Quail; calls heard from 3 areas of the field repeatedly. Either a very fast bird or a ventriloquist!
Meremoor Moss: Swift, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark – I failed to connect with last week’s Cuckoo
Pool behind Toad Hole Farm, Radway Green: Ringed Plover (although I’m doubting myself now) more likely a LRP, Kestrel, Greenfinch & Yellowhammer
Garden Warbler singing at the traffic lights at junction Radway Green Rd x Crewe Rd
30th June 2020
Little Owl and two Grey Wagtails were the best birds at Doddington this morning but no sign of the Oystercatcher chick and no alarm calls from the adults!
29th June 2020
22 – 28 Jun
EHF/PHF: Oystercatcher, Bl-t Godwit, Med & Y-l Gull, Common Tern, Sparrowhawk, Siskin
MGT/RF: Teal, Stonechat
Alsager: Hobby, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury: Stock Dove, Skylark, Sand Martin, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail
Astbury Mere: Mandarin
Bradwall: Red Kite, L Owl
Cloud: Kestrel, Raven, Willow Warbler, Spot Flycatcher, Stonechat, Meadow & Tree Pipit, Siskin
Doddington: GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Swift, Sparrowhawk, L Owl, Hobby, Mistle Thrush
Meremoor Moss: Cuckoo, Oystercatcher, Kestrel,
Mow Cop: Siskin
Queens Park: L Owl
Rode Pool: Egyptian Goose, Common Sandpiper
Salt Line/BPM: Kingfisher
Scholar Green: Crossbill, Siskin
Weston: Quail, Skylark
Wybunbury Moss: Spotted Flycatcher
Wychwood Park: Stonechat
28th June 2020
Skylark been singing for the past 5 days and landing in maize field at Basford.
Also Quail was calling at 7.30 last night in Casey Lane.
26th June 2020
At Doddington this afternoon the 2 common sandpipers were still there, also mute swans now up to 59, and tufted ducks up to 35 but still a lot of females missing with 19 males and 7 females (I hope they are all on nests!). Best bird though was a tiny fluffy juv oystercatcher still in the nest with 2 adults alarm calling nearby.
26th June 2020
2 Common Sandpipers at Doddington this morning and the Little Owl was perched up.Also good to see a newly fledged Oystercatcher with the sailing club pair.The only difference on the water these past few days were female singles of Shoveler and Teal.
26th June 2020
Borrow pit meadows Salt line pond 2 or 3 Kingfishers this morning
24th June 2020
SECOS Blog: –
Meremoor Moss this morning: unfortunately machinery in the fields and on the neighbouring fishery! Birds seen/heard include: Swift, Cuckoo ( see below ), Oystercatcher, Buzzards x 6 displaying – on one occasion one was on the ground & it was harassed by a Kestrel and later as it flew past some trees and was harassed again, presumably where the Kestrel is nesting, GS Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Goldcrest juvs, Song Thrush, Linnet & Reed Bunting.
** A Cuckoo flew out of an elder tree beside Englesea Brook as I approached. It landed on a fence post not far away. I got my scope on it as I don’t see these often & wanted a good view. On one occasion it flew off into the long grass, returning within a second or two with a big caterpillar in its beak. I compared it to the images of a male & female in my pocket-sized bird book I had with me, but it didn’t fit! It didn’t have the grey head of either adult, nor the rusty-buff throat of a female. Its head was very pale, mottled/patchy with a hint of brown on the back of the head BUT no white nape patch. Its wings were grey, but patchy. I didn’t hear it call while I was there. At first, I thought it was a juvenile, but I am now thinking it’s a female that hasn’t read the ID books! I would welcome comments as I’d love to be able to report it that Meremoor Moss has bred Cuckoo this Summer.
23rd June 2020
Rodepool 22/6/20 Common Sandpiper
22nd June 2020
15 – 21 Jun
EHF/PHF: Common Tern
Clay Ln: L Owl
Alsager: Red Kite, Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury: Yellow Wagtail
Astbury Mere: Common Tern
Balterley: Hobby, Yellowhammer
Bent Lane: Barn Owl
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Greylag Goose
Cloud: Hobby, Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Hobby
Crewe BP: Bullfinch
Doddington: L & GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Swift, L Owl, GS Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Sparrowhawk, Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting
Mow Cop: L Owl
Timbersbrook: Garden Warbler
Wybunbury Moss: Swift, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher
22nd June 2020
SWaBBS on Wybunbury Moss this morning: notable birds: Swift, Stock Dove, GS Woodpecker juv, Jay, Raven, Swallow juvs being fed by adults, House Martin, Whitethroat with food, Goldcrest with food, agitated Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher – one on a nest being fed by another ( Church ) + it or another at the other end of churchyard.
Called at Doddington after for 90 min for a game of Hide ‘n’ Seek with the Little Owl. It won! It wouldn’t show in its usual perch. Notable birds: a white goose with the adult Canadas on the water. Is this the one that Colin described previously? Swift, GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Sparrowhawk, Hobby – flew low from the yacht club south over the track and very low over the fields and behind the trees, Swallow, House Martin, Mistle Thrush. As I drove out of the lane from the units, I noticed something on a pallet in the field with the sheep. I parked up & got out at the gates for a look through my bins – a Little Owl BOOM!
Stopped at Checkley Brook Farm on the way home: more Swift, Collared Dove, a ‘yikkering’ Kestrel – a female perched briefly on a ( telegraph ) pole – with a kill. It dropped into the trees close to the pole. Skylark singing nearby and House Martins coming and going from under the eaves of the farm/house.
22nd June 2020
From Mark Broughton
“I went for a walk with my wife and two sons round Wybunbury Moss yesterday. We saw a grass snake, 3 common lizards, spotted flycatcher, numerous swifts and swallows as well as sedge and reed warblers. Would have potentially seen more but the “Permissive Path” is out of bounds at the moment due to the heavy rainfall from last week.”
19th June 2020
At Doddington this morning the highlights – and lowlights – included 10 gc grebe but no juvs, 18 tufted but no juvs (13 males and 5 females; are all the missing females on nests?), little grebe 7 ( 4 pairs, 1 with a juv), mute swan up to 55, oystercatcher 9 (pair with 2 full size juvs but still possible to separate them since the juvs have a slight brown tinge to the body colour but the head is full black; a pair with one still on a nest, another pair and a lone single); and the little owl was showing well.
16th June 2020
A pair of Red Kites circled low above me at Merelake (1 mile south of Alsager).
Different from the one I reported 2 days ago, wing moult very different.
15th June 2020
A decent mix at Lea Forge this morning included,Sedge Warbler,Chiffchaff ,Blackcap,Whitethroat ,Bullfinch,Kestrel,Sparrowhawk ,Linnets,Skylarks,Jay,Reed Bunting and Red-legged Partridge.Dire at Doddington but at least the Little Owl was perched up.In the dead tree a family of 4 G.S.Woodpeckers were noted.Also Oystercatchers,Mistle Thrush and Swifts on a very brief visit.
15th June 2020
Early yesterday morning on Macon Meadows: a Water rail called, my first summer record here. Has this secretive species been here since winter or was is forced down in the rain of Saturday evening? Not long after, I noticed unusual movement, a counterflow, of the vegetation in the stream. Seconds later something appeared from the vegetation and immediately submerged. Too small for a rat or a mink, could it be a return of the bank vole?
Later sightings incl: juv GS Woodpecker, male and juv Grey Wagtail plus a Song Thrush belting out
Monday 8:45 – traffic lights at West St x Dunwoody Way – numerous Swift above houses to the north of West St – historically, an important area locally for this increasing scarce species
Macon Meadows before lunch today: I closely checked the vegetation where I’d seen the mammal yesterday and noted some had been bitten of at an angle of 45’ – I believe it’s a classic sign of a Bank Vole feeding. Both adult Grey Wagtail but I still can only find one juv! I stood for a while listening to a Goldcrest hoping to pin it down with a chance of there being young with it. Eventually I connected with it but couldn’t see any others. While watching it, it was attacked by a bigger bird, but I was surprised to see it fend it off with the attacker retreating. The crest was very visible, a bright orange and remained fluffed [ a Collin’s description ] up for at least a minute afterwards.
15th June 2020
8 – 14 Jun
EHF/PHF: Yellow-l Gull, Common Tern
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Swift, Red Kite, Raven
Astbury: Quail, Barn Owl, Skylark, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere: Gadwall
Balterley: L Owl
Bent Ln/Wallhill: Hobby, Skylark, Sand Martin, L Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat
Bradwall: L Owl
Cloud: Kestrel, Meadow & Tree Pipit
Congleton: Quail
Doddington: Oystercatcher, L Owl, Raven, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Skylark, Sedge & Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Linnet
Macon Meadows: Water Rail, Reed Warbler
Rode Pool: Egyptian Goose, Mandarin, GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Kingfisher, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Queens Park: Hobby
Quinta: Spotted Flycatcher
Smethwick: Quail, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Weston: Cuckoo
14th June 2020
Red Kite this morning heading towards Radway.
14th June 2020
While out at Lea Forge this morning, my list of birds included. Skylank, Whitethroat, Kingfisher, Swallow, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler and Kestrel
13th June 2020
Early morning on Macon Meadows:
Mallard with ducklings walking towards the stream, followed intently by a Magpie! A Song Thrush belting out, male Grey Wagtail still busy collecting flies as is a Treecreeper. A Reed Warbler singing in the marshy area by MMU grounds is new for me here this year and the only other was in last May
Yesterday I saw a GS Woodpecker on the grass. I can’t recall seeing one on the ground before! After it flew into the trees, I managed to get a look at it – it was a juvenile.
Weston Rd Ind Est: plenty of gulls loafing on the roofs except on Swanways roof – there’s a model of a raptor. If it’s been erected as a scarer for this building, it’s working! A male Grey Wagtail was singing intently on the roof of Crewe Arms
12th June 2020
A few additions to our Lea Forge list this week were,Sedge Warbler,Chiffchaff ,and G.S.Woodpecker.The Garden Warbler still in full song this morning,showing occasionally.
11th June 2020
On Weston Road, the three balls of fluff seen yesterday have gone! Further along at MECX, one larger ball of fluff on the roof – no adult in attendance.
At the culvert on Macon Meadows, I could see a male Grey Wagtail exclusively feeding a juv. The female was also seen catching flies, but I was unable to see if she was feeding another juv(s).
10th June 2020
9 Oystercatchers including 2 juvs at Doddington this afternoon and the sailing club pair still sitting .2 Ravens,Reed Bunting,Mistle Thrush,Jays and Swifts also noted.Last evening the Little Owl was showing.A Kestrel was hovering over Lea Forge as I passed.
10th June 2020
This afternoon along Child’s Lane, Astbury: 2 singing Quail, 2 Skylark, 20+ Sand Martin, Swift, calling (not singing) Chiffchaff.
10th June 2020
This morning on Macon Meadows: GS Woodpecker heard, 2 Rook at possible nest site. As I walked along the edge of the stream, a family of Wren exploded from the nettles between me and the stream – the juvs flew across the stream and landed on the fencing. At the culvert, I could see a Grey Wagtail feeding another. Finally! Only one juv seen, hopefully others will emerge in due course.
On Weston Road, a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in very close attendance to three balls of fluff. Surprising, the roof is sloping – the juvs are moving freely and occasionally without either adult being present.
10th June 2020
SWaBBS on Meremoor Moss yesterday: Stock & Collared Dove, Lapwing heard, grass too long to see any! 4 pairs of Buzzards – 3 pairs seen displaying simultaneously, beautifully marked female Kestrel hunting & perched, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff & Reed Bunting fledglings. Swallow & House Martin. I counted 9 Skylark singing/displaying. Sedge & Reed Warbler, C & L Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Greenfinch & Linnet all in good voice
9th June 2020
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Borrow Pit Meadows heard Sedge Warbler in reeds by bench.
8th June 2020
A Garden Warbler was singing from deep cover before finally showing opposite the house at Lea Forge this morning.A second one was feeding fledged young by the brook.Also,Whitethroat , Blackcaps,Bullfinches ,Linnets,R. l.Partridge,Skylarks,Song Thrush,Swifts,Jays and Kestrel.A family of Grey Wagtails were feeding on the shoreline between the sailing club and the old boathouse at Doddington .
8th June 2020
1 – 7 Jun
EHF/PHF: Teal, R & LR Plover, Mediterranean Gull
Alsager: Swift, Hobby, Sand & House Martin
Astbury Mere: Sand Martin, Willow & Reed Warbler, Grey Wagtail
Bent Ln/Wallhill: Peregrine, Skylark, Sand Martin, L Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Reed Warbler
Congleton: Goosander, Quail, Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Crewe BP: Reed Warbler
Doddington: L & GC Grebe, L Owl, Sedge Warbler
Rode Heath/Pool: Egyptian Goose
Sandbach: L Owl
Smethwick: Quail, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Weston: Cuckoo
7th June 2020
Early afternoon on Macon Meadows: the recent high winds have damaged/downed a few smaller branches but the stream still looks clear and low, despite the rain we’ve had.
GS Woodpecker calling from MMU grounds; of the 5 or more Moorhen territories along the stream, I failed to find any of the young seen earlier! Lots of juveniles: Blue & Great Tit, Robin & Blackcap. The pair of Grey Wagtails are still very busy collecting flies and returning to the culvert with them. My earlier sighting of a third bird doesn’t appear to have been a juvenile after all?
On the Weston Road Industrial Estate, the flat roofs are peppered with Herring and Less Black-backed Gulls, some on nests, other in attendance.
5th June 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Riverside walk to Dane Street: 2 x Kingfishers flying down stream about 5 minutes apart. Lots of Grey Wagtails.
River Dane between the Steamboat and the park: One female Goosander with three young and one female Goosander with two young. One juvenile Dipper standing at the waters edge and one adult flying downstream. Lots of Grey Wagtails again – male, female and juveniles. Also a male Blackcap feeding young.
4th June 2020
Alsager Mere
2 Sand Martins (a diificult bird to see in Alsager), 8 House Martins, pair of GCGrebes, 1 Mute Swan.
also an American Wigeon with some European Wigeon in it.
3rd June 2020
reed warbler singing from the reedbed by the pond at Borrow Pit Meadows this morning.
2nd June 2020
River Dane Congleton from Rood Hill bridge to Congleton Park – Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher. Also saw Goosander with 6 young, she had 7 yesterday, watched them go under the bridge towards the park, crossed the road and looked for them but saw one juvenile heading away from the park in a panic calling (mum, mum, where are you). There was much splashing near the steam boat as it found it’s family. Later as I was walking round the park I saw the 7 juveniles heading upstream without mum, and on my way back to Rood Hill I saw a female on her own. Nigel went down in the afternoon and saw the 7 juveniles back with mum and another female with 2 juveniles – good news I can relax now.
2nd June 2020
at Doddington this morning I watched a vicious fight between two great crested grebes, as one tried hard to drown the other whilst four other grebes watched. After being held under the water several times for long periods the loser finally broke free from the grip on the back of its neck, the six birds split into three pairs and started displaying to each other. Also nice to see a little grebe pair with three small juvs, a sedge warbler singing in the bed of bulrushes near the hall and the little owl on its usual perch.
1st June 2020
Alsager: Hobby
1st June 2020
25 – 31 May
EHF/PHF: Hobby
MGT: Tree Sparrow
Fodens/Moston: Tawny Owl x3
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Red Kite, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere: Shoveler, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest
Bent Ln/Wallhill: R-l Partridge, Oystercatcher, Hobby, Skylark, Sand Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Swift, Swallow & House Martin, Song & Mistle Thrush
Congleton: Hobby, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Peregrine
Doddington: Oystercatcher, L Owl
Elworth: Siskin
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Willow & Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Linnet
Middlewich: Red Kite
Mow Cop: Cuckoo, Red Kite, Tree Pipit, Crossbill
Queens Park: L Owl
Rode Heath/Pool: Red Kite, Spotted Flycatcher
Roe Park: Spotted Flycatcher
Scholar Green: Red Kite
Smethwick/Brereton: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, L Whitethroat, Yellowhammer
Weston/Wychwood Pk: Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, L Grebe, Lapwing, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Willow, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting