Dave Riley was on No1 bed for a couple of hours on the Tuesday evening when he caught 14 birds with the 5 new including 3 Reed Buntings. He was back at first light the following morning with the next five and a half hours producing 15 birds with another 5 new including the first Reed Warbler of the year for the bed. Sightings during the session included a Grasshopper Warbler and the Cetti’s Warbler that has been present for a couple of weeks.

On No3 bed, the team were out on the Saturday morning when they caught 44 birds with 24 new including the first Grasshopper Warbler of the year and 6 Sedge Warblers before the rain resulted in an early finish at 10am.

Click here to view the Ringing Totals at 26/04/2015

An excellent morning on the Eyes if a little cold and showery. No.3 bed: 16 Black-necked Grebes,four broods of Greylag Geese( 4,5,6 and 13young respectively). One Swift over the north bank and two Little Ringed Plovers,two Oystercatchers and a Dunlin on the Morgan hide scrapes.Two Med. Gulls heard calling overhead and later found on water. Both 2nd summers which soon left. At least 10 Little Grebes. Loop of No.4 bed: Mallard with 4 small young,4 pairs of Shelduck and single pairs of Tufted,Teal and Lapwing. Water Rail calling and 2 pairs of Little Grebes in a territorial dispute. Five Jackdaws were an unusual sight there.Around rest of bed a total of six singing Blackcaps along the north bank, two of which paired and one reeling Grasshopper Warbler.Three singing Song Thrushes.On river between Nos 3 and 4 Beds 2 pairs of Tufted Duck and a pair of Great Crested Grebes one of which on a nest.

Warbler numbers are increasing and there were plenty of Whitethroats singing across the reserve. I found my first Garden Warbler of the year on the south bank of No.2 bed whilst the Cetti’s Warbler is still on territory on No.1 bed. One of the resident Peregrines was active near the viaduct and it seems likely that the young have now hatched. On No.3 bed were 2 Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Lapwing are nesting in front of the John Morgan Hide. Photo; Solomon’s Seal on the south bank of No.3 bed

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), No3 Bed.

Shoveler (Anas clypeata) from John Morgan Hide, No3 Bed.

Oyster Catcher (Haematopus Ostralegus) & Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) from John Morgan Hide, No3 Bed

Photograph by Paul Hazelhurst of the view from the Frank Linley hide

Another grebe photo!

A productive day on the reserve. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls spent some time in the Black-headed Gull colony early afternoon. They flew off several times only to return to the colony later. Whilst scanning through the gull colony a male Garganey swam into view. Unfortunately views were brief as it soon disappeared into the reeds and could not be relocated. As conditions became cooler and cloudy, a large flock of hirundines descended onto No.3 bed, c130 Sand Martins, c20 House Martin and c20 Swallow. There was also 1 Swift amongst them. Two Little Ringed Plovers flew onto the scrape, shortly followed by a single Dunlin. Other birds of note were 2 Gardens Warblers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 1 Cetti’s Warbler

Not a common on the reserve, these two Great Black-backed Gulls were joined by two Lessers. Hopefully, for the sake of the Black-headed Gulls none of them will linger!

This grebe went for a brief and ungainly walkabout on one of the ridges today!

Photograph of the Wood Sandpiper found by the Sandbach U3A visiting party

Ringing update week ending 19/04/2015

On No1 bed, ringing took place on the Friday morning, when Dave Riley, John Blundell and Mike Baron were there, 38 birds were caught with the 19 new including the first Willow Warblers (2) of the year along with 7 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. Amongst the retraps were 5 Willow Warblers and a non-MRG Cetti’s Warbler that had been on territory for a couple of weeks. Mike was also there on the Sunday morning when he caught 21 birds with four new. Sighting of the week was a Red-legged Partridge seen on the bed on the latter day.

Mike Miles was out on the Friday when he caught 20 birds with the 4 new including they first Jay of the year and on th Saturday morning Kieran Foster was joined by Margaret Rawlins and JasonAtkinson when they caught 69 birds with the 25 new including their first Reed, Willow and Sedge Warblers along with 3 returning Chiffchaffs. Sighting during the session included 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Grasshopper Warblers and good numbers of Whitethroats.

Yet another glorious spring day and birds and butterflies did not disappoint. The highlight was a Wood Sandpiper which gave excellent views from the John Morgan Hide before apparently departing mid-afternoon. A Grasshopper Warbler sang briefly on No.1 bed and the Cetti’s Warbler was on territory on the same bed. One of the resident Peregrines was prominent on the viaduct. Of the more common warblers Blackcap and Willow Warbler totalled 20 and 19 respectively whilst 8 Whitethroat were present including a pair on Butchersfield Tip. As regards butterflies I saw my first Speckled Woods of the year and the first definitely identified Green-veined White whilst Orange Tips totalled 12. A possible Large White was on No.2 bed. Photo; Bluebells on No.3 bed.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)from John Morgan Hide, No3 Bed.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)from John Morgan Hide, No3 Bed

9 Black-tailed Godwits circled No.3 bed this morning. Unfortunately they didn’t land but flew off southeast. The Cetti’s Warbler was again singing below the banks of No.2 bed and also at the weir basin. Photograph of Grey Heron from the John Morgan hide.

WeBS Count for BTO

Little Grebe 11,Great Crested Grebe 22,Black-necked Grebe 15,Cormorant 11,Heron 6 Mute Swan 22,Greylag Goose 9 (plus brood of 8 yng),Canada Goose 39,Shelduck 33, Gadwall 78,Teal 88,Mallard 80,Shoveler 29,Pochard 18,Tufted Duck 124,Goosander 1 Moorhen 10,Coot 40,Water Rail 5,Little Ringed Plover 2Lapwing 5,Snipe 1, Black-headed Gull 900,Mediterranean Gull 2,Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Also seen a female Marsh Harrier.

A male Lapwing had made a scrape on the first ridge in front of the John Morgan hide and was actively displaying most of the morning to a female.

Redshank from the John Morgan hide

On of the many Chiffchaffs singing on the reserve today

A brilliant sunny morning, though with little evidence of visible passage. Highlights were: 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grashopper Warbler, 15 Black-necked Grebes, 1 Goosander, 1 Ruddy Duck, 1 Water Rail, 1 Redshank, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 11 Whitethroats,4 Willow Tits, 6 Swallows, 21 Sand Martins and 1 Peregrine. Last bit of Woolston birding for me for a couple of weeks, as I’m off to southern Greece!

Cheers David with (David Spencer,Alan Warford, Paul Hazlehurst,Brian Baird,Helen Allan, Kelly Ainsworth, Diane Shepherd, Ste Dodd, Dave and Glenda Melia and George Dunbar)

Had a really good morning ringing on No1 bed with John Blundell and Mike Baron, lots of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs there, also, a Sedge Warbler, we caught the (longish) staying Cetti’s Warbler which was already wearing a BTO ring, we assumed it was a bird from No3 bed last year, but it wasn’t one of theirs, so it must have come from elsewhere! We also saw 3 Snipe, 2 House Martins and an Oystercatcher.

Bert Lloyd heard a Cuckoo calling south of No.3 bed this morning. Also, two permit holders saw a Swift over the centre of No.3 bed. I think this equals the earliest date recorded on the reserve for this species. Other birds included 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying over the bed, 2 House Martin, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Grasshopper Warblers (one by the John Morgan hide and one on the footpath along No.2 bed)

Great morning on No.3 bed, with lots of quality birds. Early on, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showed well by the footbridge and two adult Mediterranean Gulls, along with ten Black-necked Grebes were in front of the Morgan Hide. Later, on a walk round the bed, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 7 Willow Warblers and 4 Water Rails added to the variety. Finally, two Common Terns flew through, stopping only briefly before heading off to the north-west. Then had a mooch photographing butterflies. Another Cetti’s Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler were also reported from the eastern end of the Reserve.

Photograph of a Peacock (I know, another one!)

Cheers David

An excellent couple of hours before on No.3 bed this evening. Records included 1 Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails and at least 4 White Wagtails with 10 Pied Wagtails on the Morgan Hide scrape, 1 Barn Owl hunting outside the hide, 1 Ruddy Duck, plus 175 Sand Martins and a few Swallows over the lagoon. Earlier in the day a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 9 Black-necked Grebes were reported. As we walked off the bed a badger was ambling along the south bank ahead of us and 2 unidentified Pipistrelles were hunting. David (with Dave Spencer and Darren Lloyd)

Ringing update weeks 30th March to 12th April - Ringing took place on three occasions during the two weeks, Mike Baron was at the eastern end of the bed on 2nd when he caught 19 birds, including the first Chiffchaffs (2) of the year for the bed. Dave Riley was joined by Steve Menzie on 5th when seven birds were caught which included another Chiffchaff and three Bullfinches. Dave and Mike were both there on 9th when 75 birds were caught, amongst the 24 new were the first two Blackcaps for the bed, the second Jay of the year and five Reed Buntings. Sightings during the sessions included a singing Cetti’s Warbler from 5th and two overflying Goshawks on 9th.

On No3 bed, Mike Miles, Kieran Foster, Margaret Rawlins and Chris Piner were out on the 4th when they caught 44 birds, with 21 new including 2 Mallard, 3 Teal, along with there first Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock and Goldfinch of the year, retraps included Chiffchaff and Goldfinch, both from 2014. During the second week, team was out on both the Wednesday and Saturday catching a total of 65 birds with 22 new including there first Blackcaps of the year (5), 1 Stock Dove, 3 Mallard and 6 Bullfinch. Sightings during the sessions included Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier, fly by Egyptian Goose and 2 Mediterranean Gulls, one of which was wearing a green darvic ring and is believed to have originated from France.

Photo of one of the three Oystercatchers which were on the Morgan Hide scrape this evening.

Cheers David

A beautiful late afternoon and evening on No.3 bed. Highlight was a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, along with the first Reed Warbler of the year, 6 Black-necked Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 2 Willow Tits and 70 Sand Martins, plus masses of commoner birds.

Photo of an immature Cormorant.

Cheers David

Another lovely day at the Eyes after a rather cloudy start. There were lots of warblers about including 77 Chiffchaff (slightly down on last week), 19 Blackcap, 15 Willow warbler and 2 Cetti’s Warblers heard; one at the weir and one on No.1 bed. 2 Grey Wagtails appear to be nesting at the locks as is a pair of Mute Swans. On No.3 bed were about 900 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Oystercatchers and 6 Black-necked Grebes. Butterfly totals were 88 Peacock, 47 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Orange Tip, a Small White and a Brimstone. Photo; Comma on No.1 bed

This morning’s Oystercatchers included a pair and one lone bird.

Two Common Sandpipers on the scrape this morning and 3 Oystercatchers.

A terrific morning?, with the weather moving from cold and wet to breezy sunshine. Starting on No.3 bed, covering No.1 bed and then back onto No.3. Highlights were 1 Cetti’s Warbler in song and seen briefly, an early Hobby cutting through the masses of Sand Martins (c.220 in total), 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 House Martins, 8 Willow Warblers, 2 Willow Tits, 16 Swallows, 9 Black-necked Grebes, a male Ruddy Duck, 1 Redshank and both Peregrines and Kestrels at nest sites. Buttertflies included 2 Brimstones and an Orange Tip.

Photo of an Orange-tip buttefly from No.3 bed this morning.

Cheers David (with Dave Steel?, David Spencer, Alan Warford?, Brian Baird, Diane Shepherd?, George Dunbar?, Les Jones, Dave Melia? and Glenda Melia)

Redshank in front of Main hide this morning.

The morning started well when a Cetti’s Warbler sang briefly on the river edge below the south bank of No.3 bed. From the John Morgan hide 8 Black-necked grebes were very active. Two 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls spent the morning on an island of Typha amongst the Black-headed Gulls. From the markings on the primaries I don’t think either bird was the 2nd summer individual which frequented the scrape earlier in April. Hopefully they will be photographed to help confirm this. Late morning a 3rd bird, a full adult, flew across the bed,landed briefly but then flew south. There was a single Little Ringed Plover on the scrape early morning. Late morning two were present. Also today, Brian Martin saw a female Marsh Harrier on the No.4 bed loop.

A very pleasant morning ringing on No1 bed with Mike Baron, I was greeted at first light by a singing Cetti’s Warbler, presumed to be the same as Sunday’s, the mornings catch of 68 birds included 2 Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff along with a new Willow Tit, another excellent sighting was of two Goshawks drifting slowly east and giving superb views at up to 50 metres

Lovely warm afternoon at the reserve.Sightings included greylag one lapwing,two little grebe four great crested grebe and five blacknecked grebe.One shoveler and the usual show of ducks lots of peacock butterflies tortoishell and two brimstone.Two blackcap and chiffchaff everywhere a great afternoon Gill and Roger Riley

A glorious spring day resulted in some excellent butterfly counts, including 74 Peacock, 28 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, 2 Brimstone and a single “white” thought to be a Small White. Chiffchaffs totalled 88, and with another 6 known to be present in other areas of the Reserve an overall total of 94 was excellent. Photo; Wood Anemones on No.3 bed

A brilliant morning on No.3 bed at?, with the early morning mist burning off to reveal some excellent birds. Highlight was a Cetti’s Warbler in full song, with a supporting cast of 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Black-necked Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 2 Snipe, 4 Water Rails, 5 Swallows, 4 Sparrowhawks, 14 Chiffchaffs, 6 Buzzards plus loads of commoner stuff. The photo tries to capture the early morning light.

Cheers David (with David Spencer, Brian Martin, Dave Riley?, Paul Hazlehurst?, Diane Shepherd? and George Dunbar?)

Called in for a couple of hours in mid-afternoon. A Wheatear had been seen earlier but I couldn’t find it. Two Black-necked Grebes, 3 Sand Martins, 1 Raven, 1 Peregrine, 2 singing Willow Tits, 7 Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 820 Black-headed Gulls were the best I could do. The sunshine brought out the butterflies, too, with 18 Peacocks, 5 Small Tortoiseshells and a Speckled Wood on the path round No.3 bed.

Cheers David

A short trip on to No.1 bed this morning was rewarding when a Peregrine landed on the viaduct close to the canal track.

Took advantage of the sunny afternoon to carry out my first survey of the butterfly transect this year. The temperature was 14 degrees and on the transect I counted 7 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and a male Brimstone at the car park. Additional butterflies on No.3 bed and the canal track were 9 Peacock and 4 Small Tortoiseshell. Some were warming themselves on a pile of stones beside the track. A good start to the season! Also an Oystercatcher was on No.3 bed.

Carried out a common bird survey on the northern half of No.4 bed from 7.30a.m.onwards. Totals included 30 Chiffchaff, 17 Robin, 9 Dunnock, 7 Wren, 8 Song Thrush, 15 Blackbird, 11 Pheasant, 3 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a single Reed Bunting in song on the Loop. On the river between Nos. 2 and 3 beds were 2 pairs of Great-crested Grebe.

A really beautiful morning produced some excellent birds. On arrival, a Barn Owl flew across the Ship Canal to quarter the far bank. Three Redwings flew over as we walked to the Morgan Hide, where the bird of the day, an Egyptian Goose flew through. At least 6 Black-necked Grebes were very active, with a female Marsh Harrier, drake Ruddy Duck and a single Swallow also noted. Then on to No.2 bed to complete a Breeding Bird Survey. Highlights were a Green Sandpiper, a pair of Kestrels occupying a newly erected nest box and Peregrine at the usual nest site. With high single figure counts of Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks, Kieran Foster also added a single Brimstone in No.3 bed. Cheers David (with Dave Steel?, David Spencer, Paul Hazlehurst?, Helen Allan? and George Dunbar?)

Photo of a Toad from No.3 bed

David

A cold and blustery day for April but it stayed largely dry for my walk round the reserve. I had planned to carry out a common bird survey but the strong winds meant that very few birds were in song. One of the resident Peregrines was on the viaduct and a group of Pochard were on one of the No.1 bed pools where they usually breed. On No.3 bed 3 Black-necked Grebes were squabbling in front of the Frank Linley Hide whilst on the Loop wildfowl included Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck and Little Grebe. Photo; Cowslips on No.3 bed