MY BIRDING YEAR 2021

The year started off with some local birding and all was quiet until early June  when on the 11th a Rose Coloured Starling was found at Frodsham Marshes this was only the 4th record for Cheshire and Wirral.This was due to an influx of the species in Europe that started to arrive in May where there was the first breeding record for France. ... Numbers in France had likely reached four figures by 1st of June,with the biggest flock totalling 320 birds.A minimum of 182 individuals had been reported from north-east Spain by the end of May.We had over 50 reports in late May and June in the UK so thankfully Cheshire and Wirral didn't miss out.

Rose Coloured Starling!My first for Cheshire and Wirral

On the 15th of June an Asian Desert warbler was found on Holy Island in Northumberland so I made my way there the next morning and thankfully the bird was still there and showed really well.

Asian Desert Warbler!My first lifer of the year.

Two weeks later the bird I had always wanted to see in the British Isles turned up at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire a Black Browed Albatross.I had made several attempts to see one of these magnificent birds before and the views we had were incredible as it flew around us.

Black Browed Albatross

On the 10th of July I visited Howdon moor in South Yorkshire and got incredible views of a Bearded Vulture that had been found a few days before by Dan pointon,hell of a find but hell of a slog but well worth it.

Bearded Vulture

Work then interrupted the latter half of the summer and early autumn when I missed a Yelkouan Shearwater in Dorset,Scopoli's Shearwater in Lothian and a British 1st a Yellow belled Flycatcher on the Isle of Tiree.Oh well fingers crossed they will come around again!

Early October I travelled north with Malc Curtin and John Pegden and had a great few days birding.Starting at Kilminning in Fife where we had good views of a Siberian Thrush and then we travelled to Shetland and dipped the Tennessee Warbler but it was relocated twenty miles north on Yell in a nettle bed where we had cracking views!We were so lucky with this bird.On are way home we flew to Orkney and then to North Ronaldsay where we connected with an Eyebrowed Thrush,smiles all around!

Siberian Thrush

Tennessee Warbler

Eyebrowed Thrush

On the 23rd of December I visited Astbury mere where I saw my first Dusky warbler for Cheshire and Wirral.

Dusky warbler

A good years birding!Roll on 2021!

 

BIRDGUIDES PHOTO OF THE WEEK-30TH DECEMBER-5TH JANUARY 2021

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Patch birding: Woolston Eyes

Sometimes you just get a feeling about a place, and that's exactly how my Woolston patching started … Woolston Eyes is, in my (biased) opinion, one of the best birding locations in Cheshire. To date, 243 species have been recorded here – not bad for inland Cheshire!CLICK ON LINK

Birdguides photo of the Week: 23-29 December 2020

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BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:23RD-5TH JANUARY 2021

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Birdguides photo of the Week: 16-22 December 2020

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Birdguides review of the Week: 16-22 December 2020

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FIRECREST!200 UP FOR THE MARBURY PATCH!

News came out on are whatsapp group on monday evening that a Firecrest had been photographed at Marbury country park.I needed this for the patch so visited the woodland hide in Big wood the next morning with Malc curtin and John gregory.

After a good few hours searching for the bird it was found by Malc but he only had brief views of the bird.The next hour was was frustrating trying to find the bird again but eventually it was refound by John and the bird showed well for all of us feeding in the bottom of a yew tree.

What a cracking bird for the patch

This was my 200th bird for the patch and a milestone that seems to have took an eternity but eventually over twenty years I've reached it!

Birdguides review of the Week: 9-15 December 2020

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COVID-19: Please adhere to current government advice where relevant,comply with recommended social distancing measures

Dec 14th

200+ Brent Geese, 880 Cormorant (flew out of estuary), 9,000 Knot, 4,500 Dunlin, 530 Grey Plover and 14,300 Oystercatcher at first light - Hilbre.

Little Owl - Burton Point.

400 Pink-footed Geese on saltmarsh, another 1300 flew inland, 875 Pintail, 640 Teal, 93 Golden Plover, 500 Knot, 44 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier on rising tide - Heswall Shore.

Firecrest-Female showing well from Woodland Hide late morning-Marbury Country Park

Black Redstart-Male still showing well along concrete farm track at Booths Hall business park

Smew-Redhead in north-west corner-Lapwing Hall Pool

Dec 13th

Smew-Redhead along west side opposite sailing club-Redes Mere

Eurasian Bittern-Two still in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Marbury Country Park

2 Hen Harrier (grey males) - Parkgate.

24,000 Knot,6,500 Dunlin, 200+ Grey Plover, 10,500 Oystercatcher, 120 

Ringed Plover and 650 Cormorant on ebbing tide - Hilbre.

Woodcock - Royden Park.

Dec 12th

Little Stint-Pickerings Pasture

Black Redstart-Male again briefly in flight at farm track at Booths Hall business park

Ruddy Duck-Female again late afternoon-Helsby

Hen Harrier-Flew over Budworth Mere-Marbury country park

Western Cattle Egret-Three still opposite pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince

4 Western Cattle egret and 2 Great White Egret-Frodsham Marshes

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed.

249 Cormorant on edge of East Hoyle Bank - Meols groyne.

Little Stint - Burton Mere Wetlands.

20,000 Knot and 2,000 Dunlin on ebbing tide - Hilbre.

4 Goosander,Hen Harrier (ringtail),4 Marsh Harrier,8 Great Egret and 5,000 Lapwing - Parkgate.

Dec 11th

Siberian Chiffchaff-one in scrub at back of derelict building at c 53.342, -2.737; view from security fence and do not enter building grounds

Hen Harrier-Ringtail over the flash then flew north-Neumanns Flash-Northwich

Black Redstart-Male again briefly in flight at farm track at Booths Hall business park

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

Greenshank by Meols groyne.

Little Stint and 8 spotted Redshank, 18 Cattle Egret flew inland at dawn - Burton Mere Wetlands.

CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

COVID-19: Please adhere to current government advice where relevant,comply with recommended social distancing measures

December 10th

2 Great White Egret-Hale

Western Cattle Egret-three still opposite pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince Marshes

5 Great White Egret-Frodsham Marshes

Hen Harrier-Male and Ringtale-Parkgate

Peregrine,17 Goosander and 12 Brent Geese-West Kirby Marine Lake.

Little Stint-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

December 9th

15+ Goosander and 25 Brent Geese-West Kirby Marine Lake.

2 Hen Harrier (grey male and ringtail) and a Marsh Harrier - Parkgate.

Little Stint,2 Spotted Redshank and 10 Cattle Egret-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk (4pm).

Water Pipit in field south of sewage works-Neston.

December 8th

Little Stint,2 Spotted Redshank and a Bar-tailed Godwit - Burton Mere Wetlands.

300+ Brent Geese and a Peregrine - Hilbre.

December 7th

6 Tundra Bean Geese-Flew over Raby Mere

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park

Smew-Of unknown origin-Newchurch Common

Water Pipit-Neston Marsh.

110 Great Crested Grebe and 500+ Common Scoter off Meols before high tide.

30,000 Knot on Dawpool Bank off Thurstaston and Caldy at low tide.

270 Brent Geese and 2 Raven-Hilbre.

December 6th

Black Redstart-Male still between No 3 building at Booths Park and Booths Mere-Knutsford

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park

2 Great White Egret-Frodsham Score

Western cattle Egret-still opposite pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince Marshes

Russian White Fronted Goose-juvenile in fields off Holcroft Lane-Culceth

Smew-Of unknown origin-Newchurch Common

Black Redstart-Female-type at farm near Frodsham Score-Frodsham Marshes

14 Cattle Egret - Burton Mere Wetlands.

3 Hen Harrier (2 grey male and a ringtail) - Parkgate.

2 Water Pipit (near sewage works)-Neston Marsh.

c400 Common Scoter (mostly drakes),4 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet - Hoylake at high tide.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk (4pm).

16,000 Knot roosting early morning-Thurstaston.

December 5th

5 Great White Egret-Frodsham Marshes

Western Cattle Egret-Four still in pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince Marshes

Great White Egret-Sandbach Flashes

Water Pipit,3 Jack Snipe and 3 Great White Egrets

Black Redstart-On roof of No 3 building Booths Park-Knutsford

Smew-Of unknown origin-Newchurch Common

c30,000 Knot before high tide - West Kirby.

2 Ring-necked Parakeet in garden - Newton (West Kirby).

12 Goosander on West Kirby Marine Lake.

Kingfisher - Leasowe Lighthouse.

3 Peregrine in the air together,23,000 Knot and 530 Grey Plover on flood tide - Hilbre.

December 4th

Great White Egret-Alford

Great White Egret-Crabmill-Sandbach Flashes

23 Russian White Fronted Geese-Flew low north-Neumann's Flash-Northwich

Glaucous Gull and a Little Stint on main scrape this morning,work on scrape due to start around lunch time so will be disturbance also 15 Cattle Egret-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Hen Harrier (grey male)-Riverbank Road, Heswall.

8 Purple Sandpiper at New Brighton Marine Lake.

210 Black-tailed Godwit in Kerr's Field,Leasowe Lighthouse.

December 3rd

Eurasian Bittern-TA Coward Reserve-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

Greenland White Fronted Goose-Adult again in fields off Holcroft Lane 400m north of Frank's Farm with c 250 Pink Footed Goose although mobile

9 Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

Little Stint on main scrape-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

6+Marsh Harrier,2+ Hen Harrier (at least one grey male and a ringtail) and a Merlin-Parkgate.

30,000 Knot at high tide-Hoylake.

December 2nd

Greater White Fronted Goose-Chelford

Osprey reported (well seen by several birders) also 3 Marsh Harrier and 2 Hen Harrier-Parkgate.

15 Purple Sandpiper,35 Red-throated Diver,600 Common Scoter,12 Gannet, 20 Great Crested Grebe,14 Guillemot and a Razorbill-Hilbre.

12 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet-Red Rocks.

30 Great Crested Grebe at high tide,8,000 Knot on rising tide-Meols.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

1st December

Snow Bunting-Sponds Hill

Smew-Of unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Whooper Swan-Adult on Trent & Mersey Canal between Cledford Lane bridge and The Kings Lock Inn-Middlewich

Western Cattle Egret-Three still in pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince

Bittern flew into reedbed this afternoon-Parkgate.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

3 Jack Snipe and a Rock Pipit-Red Rocks Marsh.

9,000+ Knot,2,500 Dunlin,350 Grey Plover,500 Sanderling,45 Ringed Plover, 110 Curlew,600 Oystercatcher and 90 Redshank at high tide-Hoylake Shore.

November 30th

Whooper Swan-Six probables flew low south-east over No 3 Bed mid-morning-Woolston Eyes

Smew-Of Unknown origin-Newchurch Common

Bean Goose SP-Three flew low south over No 3 Bed-Woolston Eyes

Mediterranean Gull in Kerr's Field - Leasowe Lighthouse.

November 29th

2 Water Pipits and 2 Jack Snipe-Carr lane Pools-Hale

Western Cattle Egret-Two still in pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

Woodcock over Meols fields.

Woodcock,Kingfisher,80 Golden Plover,Merlin,Hen Harrier and a Marsh Harrier - Burton Mere Wetlands.

6 Goosander - West Kirby Marine Lake.

32 Brent Geese on shore by Dee Sailing Club, 230 Bar-tailed Godwit - Thurstaston.

2 Marsh Harrier - Parkgate.

November 28th

Western Cattle Egret-Four still in pig field by Kinsey's Lane-Ince

9 Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

2 Greenshank on the shore,5 Whooper Swan heading for outer marsh and 1,000+ Pink-footed Geese heading inland early morning, also a Green Woodpecker heard inland-Heswall Marsh.

Large flocks of Knots over West Kirby Shore at high tide, seen from some distance but must have been in the region of 30,000.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

500+ Pink-footed Geese in field by Dungeon Wood, Thurstaston.

23,500 Knot,7,500 Dunlin,235 Grey Plover and a Rock Pipit early morning - Hilbre.

Hen Harrier (grey male),2 Greenshnak,120 Black-tailed Godwit and 1,000+ Pintail after high tide - Heswall Shore.

November 27th

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Great White Egret-One flew east over A535 towards sand quarry-Chelford

Jack Snipe-15-Ashtons-Flash-Northwich

9 Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

700 Pink-footed Geese in field close to Heswall Fields NT.

2 Great Egret heading NE at dusk-Target Road, Heswall.

4 Chiffchaff-Leasowe Lighthouse.

7 Cattle Egret,2 Bearded Tit,50 Siskin and a Kingfisher,Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier came in to roost in reedbed-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Bittern flew into Neston Reed Bed at dusk.

November 26th

Great White Egret-4 Off Within Way-Hale

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

c13 Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

Short-eared Owl over horse paddocks-Leasowe Lighthouse.

Hen Harrier (ringtail)-Burton Point.

Peregrine,385 Curlew,7,500 Oystercatcher,720 Sanderling,5,500 Dunlin,210 Grey Plover,Raven and a Rock Pipit-Hilbre.

November 25th

Western Cattle Egret-3 still in pig fields-Ince Marshes

Ruddy Shelduck-Wigg Island

European Shag-Pickerings Pasture

Western Cattle Egret-One in field by B5113 near Hooton Farm-Hooton

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Short-eared Owl (Pinfold Lane),Cetti's Warbler and 2 Water Rail-Red Rocks.

25 Brent Geese and 10,000 Knot by Dee Sailing Club causeway - Thurstaston.

November 24th

Jack Snipe-One in flight over Pumphouse Flash then continued down River Wheelock and appeared to land-Sandbach Flashes

Ruddy Shelduck-Wigg Island

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

765 Pink-footed Geese roosted and flew inland,745 Pintail,270 Teal,65 Little Egret left overnight roost,6700 Oystercatcher,920 Lapwing,86 Golden Plover, 15000 Knot,33 Black-tailed Godwit,890 Curlew,2 Greenshank,465 Redshank early morning on ebb tide-Heswall Shore.

2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and grey male),Marsh Harrier and 2 Little Grebe - Parkgate.

2 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Egyptian Geese-Burton Marsh.

9 Goosander (2 males)-West Kirby Marine Lake.

November 23rd

Eurasian Bittern-Still in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Northwich

15 Cattle Egret at Burton Mere Wetlands with another 5 reported along Puddington Lane.

Snow Bunting and Stonechat on sea wall and 2 Mediterranean Gull-Meols.

2 Hen Harrier-Parkgate.

7 Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

November 22nd

Western Cattle Egret-3 Still in pig fields-Ince

Eurasian Bittern-One again in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Northwich

Ringtail Hen Harrier,3 Jack Snipe and a Great White Egret-Hale

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

15 Cattle Egret in field with cattle along Puddington Lane.

250 Pink-footed Geese in stubble field by Pensby High School.

Hen Harrier (grey male),Marsh Harrier and a Merlin - Parkgate.

Goldeneye (east past N end),566 Cormorant and 300+ Brent Geese - Hilbre.

November 21st

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Western cattle Egret-@ In pig fields-Ince Marshes

2 Black Redstart-Two on seaward side of old town hall-Wallasey

Water Pipit and Great White Egret-Hale

2 Goosander and 2 Red-breasted Merganser - West Kirby Marine Lake.

7,500 Knot and 7,500 Dunlin feeding on mud off West Kirby Sailing Club this morning.

13 Cattle Egret and 5 Whooper Swan - Burton Mere Wetlands.

November 20th

2 Western Cattle Egrets and a Great White Egret-Frodsham Score

Eurasian Bittern-One again in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Northwich

Great White Egret-Sandbach Flashes

2 Goosander - West Kirby Marine Lake.

Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay.

2 Marsh Harrier,3 Hen Harrier (1 grey male) and 1 Short-eared Owl - Parkgate.

November 19th

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Water Pipit,Short Eared Owl,5 Great White Egrets and 3 Jack Snipe-Hale

2 Eurasian Bittern-Marbury County Park-Northwich

3 Whooper Swan past north end,349 Brent Geese,680 Grey Plover and 200+ Sanderling on the flood tide - Hilbre.

Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe Lighthouse.

Hen Harrier (ringtail) flew out to Decca Pools from inland fields.

November 18th

Great White Egret-Railway Flash-Sandbach Flashes

2+ Cattle Egret,Water Pipit,4 Spotted Redshank and 2 Hen Harrier (ringtails) this morning,10 Cattle Egret,27 Great Egret and 124 Little Egret this evening came into roost-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Lapland Bunting seen and heard briefly after being flushed by dog,not yet relocated (09.15)-Red Rocks Marsh.

Merlin which caught a Snipe,Little Owl and 2 Egyptian Geese - Burton Point.

Hen Harrier (grey male) showed well over Decca Pools this afternoon.

2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail),2 Marsh Harrier and 2 Short-eared Owl - Parkgate.

4,000 Knot - Meols.

November 17th

3 Great White Egret-Hale

2 Jack Snipe-Woolston Eyes

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Eurasian Bittern-Still in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Northwich

180 Turnstone roosting on rocks before high tide-West Kirby Marine Lake.

Hen Harrier (grey male) flew inland at first light, 9+ Great Egret off Heswall Golf Course-Parkgate.

Greenshank,8 Purple Sandpiper,340 Turnstone and 700 Redshank-New Brighton Marine Lake.

32 Great Egret flew into roost-Burton Mere Wetlands.

November 16th

2 Caspain Gulls-Rosetherne Mere

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

Yellow Browed Warbler-One in garden along hedge line towards Carr Lane-Hale

Smew -Unknown Origin-Newchuch Common

Great Skua in Mersey mouth at 9.15am-New Brighton.

c10 Red-breasted Merganser,c100 Brent Geese,Merlin,2 Peregrine,Hen Harrier (grey male),4+ Marsh Harrier and 7+ Great Egret-Riverbank Road, Heswall.

2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and grey male),6 Marsh Harrier and a Merlin - Burton Point.

Short-eared Owl - Parkgate.

November 15th

Green Winged Teal-N03 Bed-Woolston Eyes

Eurasian Bittern-T A Coward Reserve-Marbury Country Park

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe Lighthouse.

4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet - Hoylake.

4 Short-eared Owl,2 Great Egret,c40 Little Egret,2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and grey male) over high tide-Cottage Lane, Heswall.

2 Greenshank - Riverbank Road, Heswall.

2 Hen Harrier,5 Marsh Harrier,Peregrine,2 Short-eared Owl,45 Little Egret and 5 Great Egret over high tide Parkgate.

7 Purple Sandpiper-New Brighton Marine Lake.

10 Purple Sandpiper,370 Grey Plover,530 Sanderling,7,500 Dunlin and 374 Brent Geese on flood tide-Hilbre.

November 14th

6 Avocet-River Weaver-Also Great White Egret and Short eared Owl-Frodsham Marshes

Leach's Petrel-Possible at south end viewed from car park mid-afternoon-Redes Mere

Great White Egret-Roosted in Herony-Marbury Country Park and Eurasian Bittern-Still

Great White Egret-Hale

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Great White Egret-Sandbach Flashes

Firecrest-One in gardens along Bond Street then moved towards Winnington works-Northwich

Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe Lighthouse.

Eider (drake) and a Red-throated Diver - Red Rocks.

40 Little Egret roosting in trees - Ness Gardens.

November 13th

Red-throated Diver,14 Brent Geese,60 Scoter,2 Guillemot and 4 Razorbill over high tide - Red Rocks.

Greenshank and a Mediterranean Gull by the groyne - Meols.

At least 3 Hen Harrier (including a grey male),up to 6 Marsh Harrier and 2 Peregrine - Heswall Marsh.

1 Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe Lighthouse.

800 Sanderling,5,000 Dunlin,1,200 Knot,1,500 Oystercatcher and 75 Grey Plover-Hoylake Shore.

November 12th

Snow Bunting-Still just north of summit on path from Pym's Chair car park-Shining Tor

Red Crested Pochard-Redes Mere

Great White Egret-One on River Weaver off Welsh Row Bridge-Nantwich

Yellow Browed warbler-One with tit flock by Birchwood Starbucks-Risley

Great White Egret-At least four at Duck Decoy at dawn then flew off-Hale

4 Great White Egret and 2 Jack Snipe-Hale

14 Cattle Egret and 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail) - Burton Mere Wetlands.

11 Brent Geese and a Hen Harrier (grey male) at high tide - Heswall Marsh.

6 Goosander - West Kirby Marine Lake.

Short-eared Owl of RLGC - Red Rocks.

November 11th

Firecrest-By Woodland hide-Marbury Country Park

Little Gull-1st Winter-Brereton County Park

1880 Pinkfeet,550 Pintail,4 Red-breasted Merganser,6000 Oystercatcher,92 Golden Plover,97 Grey Plover,600 Lapwing,2000 Dunlin,17000 Knot,1000 Curlew,150 Black-tailed Godwit,55 Bar-tailed Godwit,900 Redshank,grey male Hen Harrier,2 Marsh Harrier,2 Merlin over high tide-Heswall Shore.

Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tit flock-Leasowe Lighthouse.

7 Goosander (redheads) in gutter west of Meols groyne.

Gannet,Razorbill,5 Red-throated Diver and 10 Purple Sandpiper - Hilbre.

Goosander-West Kirby Marine Lake.

9 Marsh Harrier and 2 Hen Harrier (grey males) at dusk - Parkgate.

Cetti's Warbler - Red Rocks.

November 10th

Eurasian Bittern and A Great White Egret-Marbury Country Park

Great White Egret-Frodsham Marshes

Great White Egret-Marbury Country Park

Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tit flock by duck pond-Leasowe Lighthouse.

c40,000 Knot and c25,000 Oystercatcher off Thurstaston/Caldy at low tide.

Marsh Harrier,Hen Harrier (ringtail),small flock of Siskins and LOTS of Pink-footed Geese-Burton Mere Wetlands.

Short-eared Owl and 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and grey male) by Harp Inn - Neston Marsh.

Hen Harrier (male),Merlin,Great Egret, 500 Pink=footed Geese and 3 Stonechat - Parkgate.

Nov 9

2 Great White Egret-Frodsham Marshes

Eurasian Bittern-Two again in Coward Reedbed at west end of Budworth Mere-Northwich

Ruddy Shelduck-Wigg Island

Smew-Of Unkown Origin-Newchurch Common

Woodcock,383 Brent Geese (3 dark-bellied) and 2 Rock Pipit-Hilbre.

Woodcock-Caldy Woods.

Woodcock in field off Saughall Massie Road - West Kirby.

Hen Harrier (ringtail) - Parkgate.

2 Short-eared Owl - Neston Marsh.

Ruddy Shelduck and a Hen Harrier (ringtail) - Burton Mere Wetlands.

November 8th

Red Knot-Two flew west over north quarry at Arclid-Sandbach

2 Eurasian Bittern-Marbury County Park

Great Northern Diver-Juvenile on East Float-Birkenhead

2 Green Sandpiper (Burton Point),Greenshank,7 Whooper Swan,2 Red-breasted Merganser,Merlin and 2 Cetti's Warbler - Burton Marsh.

7 Marsh Harrier appeared to be going to roost off Old Baths and 5 Great Egret - Parkgate.

November 7th

2 Eurasian Bittern-Marbury County Park

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Ring Ouzel-One flew south; also 4 Hawfinches flew south-east and Great White Egret-still present-Hale

10,000+ Knot on Dawpool Bank, Thurstaston.

100 Pink-footed Geese briefly in stubble field,noisy Raven circling over Stapledon Wood, Caldy

Swallow and  a Brambling, both by railway bridge - Burton Mere Wetlands.

Hen Harrier (grey male) and 4 Stonechat (2 pairs), several other distant harriers - Parkgate.

Whooper Swan in flooded field - Hoylake Langfields.

3 Eider,4 Whooper Swan flewSW,3 Rock Pipit,Merlin,Raven and 265 Cormorant flew out of estuary early morning - Hilbre.

November 6th

Grey Phalarope-Doddington Pool

Common Whitethroat-Gowy Meadows

2 Western Cattle Egrets and 3 Great White Egrets-Frodsham Marshes

2 Eurasian Bitterns-T A Coward Reserve-Northwich

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Ringtail Hen Harrier,Water Pipit and Great White Egret-Hale

Whooper Swan in flooded field - Hoylake Langfields.

Woodcock,Short-eared Owl and a Whooper Swan - Hilbre.

8,000 Knot - Thurstaston Shore.

11 Cattle Egret - Burton Mere Wetlands.

Hen Harrier (grey male) showing well,Merlin and 2 Marsh Harrier - Riverbank Road, Heswall.

2 grey male Hen Harrier, 10 Marsh Harrier, 4 Great Egret and a Merlin - Parkgate.

November 5th

Hawfinch-Two flew low south-east over Church Lane; also 4 Great White Egrets-Hale

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

Ruddy Shelduck,Bullfinch,4 Siskin,3 Cetti's Warbler,4 Whooper Swan,Ruff and Hen Harrier (grey male) - Burton Marsh/Point.

Cattle Egret by border pool - Burton Mere Wetlands.

Green Sandpiper,2 Grey Wagtail,Hen Harrier (ringtail) and 2 Marsh Harrier  - Shotwick Lake area.

Short-eared Owl and 2 Stonechat - Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Hoylake.

November 4th

Snow Bunting on embankment by Leasowe Lighthouse.

Short-eared Owl off Harp Inn - Neston Marsh.

2 grey male Hen Harrier and 2 Merlin - Parkgate.

Merlin,Grey male Hen Harrier and 100+ Brent Geese - Riverbank Road, Heswall.

Short-eared Owl and 2 Stonechat - Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Hoylake.

November 3rd

2 Great White Egret-Hale

Ruddy Shelduck,Hen Harrier and 11 Cattle Egret - Burton Mere Wetlands.

Hen Harrier (ringtail) - Burton Marsh.

Little Owl and a Green Woodpecker - Burton Point.

November 2nd

Ruddy Shelduck-Wigg Island

Great White Egret-Sandbach Flashes

Great White Egret-Redes Mere

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Snow Bunting on embankment 100 yards west of Leasowe Lighthouse.

360 Pink-footed Geese in field below Dungeon Wood, Thurstaston.

Hen Harrier (grey male) and a Spoonbill (in flight) - Burton Marsh.

Hen Harrier (young female) roosting in reeds - Burton Mere Wetlands.

November 1st

Great White Egret-Hale

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

2 Snow Bunting on embankment 100 yards west of Leasowe Lighthouse.

Great Egret in field below Dungeon Wood, Thurstaston.

2 Short-eared Owl,Hen Harrier (fem) and 14 Great Egret flying to roost - Denhall Quay.

4 Hen Harrier (2 grey male,sub-adult male and 1 ringtail),10 Marsh Harrier and 3 Great Egret - Parkgate.

9 Cattle Egret - Burton Mere Wetlands.

October 31st

24+ Great Egret counted flying over Burton Marsh towards Burton Mere Wetlands this evening.

2 Snow Bunting on embankment by Leasowe Lighthouse this morning then moved back to Dove Point, Meols.

285 Pintail,2,900 Knot and 180 Black-tailed Godwit off Tinker's Dell early morning - Thurstaston.

490 Lapwing, 69 Golden Plover, 600 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank and 700 Redshank - Heswall Shore.

600+ Sanderling,1000+ Dunlin,500 Knot,Golden Plover and 90+ Grey Plover, 2 drake Eider off East Hoyle flying west - Hoylake Shore over high tide.

2 Short-eared Owl - Neston Marsh (off Harp Inn).

4 Marsh Harrier,4+ Great Egret and 2 Stonechat - Parkgate.

October 30th

Great White Egret-Hale

Smew-Of Unknown Origin-Newchurch Common

Eurasian Bittern-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

Black Redstart still among gardens behind boatyard at Dove Point, also 2 Snow Bunting - Meols.

3 male Hen Harrier - Parkgate.

Kingfisher by Larton Fishery - Frankby.

October 29th

Black Redstart on roof of house behind boatyard at Dove Point, 2 Snow on sea defence just east of Dove Point slipway, 1 Greenshank by groyne - Meols.

Hen Harrier and a Marsh Harrier,also 5 Kestrel over the marshes - Parkgate.

1 Ruddy Shelduck - Burton Mere Wetlands.

October 28th

1 Black Redstart in vicinity of car/boat park Dove Point, 2 Snow Bunting on cycle path just to the east, 350 Shelduck and 1,000 Oystercatcher on the shore - Meols.

Lapland Bunting,260 Starling,7 Skylark,535 Chaffinch,2 Brambling,40 Linnet,3 Lesser Redpoll and 8 Reed Bunting on vis mis, 4,000 Knot on the shore - Heswall Fields/Shore.

2 Goosander (redheads) - West Kirby Marine Lake.

Short-eared Owl and a Merlin - Decca Pools.

2 Raven - Kerr's Field, Leasowe Lighthouse.

October 27th

2 Snow Bunting on path by sea-defence - Leasowe Lighthouse.

Marsh Harrier (fem) - Parkgate.

Swallow,Ruddy Shelduck and 2 Hen Harrier - Burton Mere Wetlands.

October 26th

2 Snow Bunting by car parks at Leasowe Golf Course.

4 Hen Harrier came to roost this evening (2 adult male, 1 adult female and 1st year male) - Parkgate.

October 25th

6 Ruff,2 Cetti's Warbler,Ruddy Shelduck,3 Cattle Egret,Great Egret and a Hen Harrier (ringtail) - Burton Mere Wetlands. 

285 Pink-footed Geese (roosted overnight and flew inland at first light), 110 Pintail, 3300 Oystercatcher, 62 Golden Plover, 180 Grey Plover, 600 Dunlin, 2000 Knot, 250 Black-tailed Godwit, 900 Curlew, 800 Redshank, 1 male Merlin over high tide - Heswall Shore.

2 (possibly three) grey male Hen Harrier, 8+ Great Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4+ Marsh Harrier and 2 Raven - Parkgate.

Great Egret - Meols Shore.

Short-eared Owl - Burton Point.

October 24th

Yellow-browed Warbler in private garden - Heswall.

Wheatear on golf course fence - Red Rocks.

October 23rd

c9 Whooper Swan flew east over Hoylake.

2 Hen Harrier (grey males) - Riverbank Road, Heswall.

6 Whooper Swan flew SW - Wallasey Shore.