CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

 

12th December

Black Redstart (fem) on fence line in 'Hoopoe Hollow' (horse paddock behind sand dunes east of the Dove Point car park) - Meols

Black Redstart

(c)Sean O'Hara 

Eurasian Bittern-Again in flight off Old Baths car park and 3 Short-eared owls

7 Red-throated Diver and an Eider on flat, calm sea at low tide - Hoylake

Slavonian Grebe - West Kirby Marine Lake

11th December

Common Scoter-One at East Float, Birkenhead Docks-Birkenhead

Short-eared Owl-three again between Denhall Quay and Neston Reedbed-Little Neston

Slavonian Grebe-One reported late afternoon-West Kirby Marine Lake

10th December

Black Redstart (fem) on top of Community Centre (opp Lifeboat Station) - Hoylake

Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

9th December

Black Redstart (fem) on top of Community Centre (opp Lifeboat Station) - Hoylake

10+ Marsh Harrier, Merlin and 2 Stonechat (lunchtime), 3 Short-eared Owl, 25+ Golden Plover, 3 Great White Egret and a Barn Owl this evening -Parkgate

3 Short-eared Owl, 5 Marsh Harrier and 2 Great White Egret - Denhall Quay

Spotted Redshank-One at Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

8th December

Caspian Gull-adult at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

Spotted Redshank roosting with Redshanks on the sea wall - Meols

7th December

Short-eared Owl-Parkgate

6 Whooper swans-Puddington

Ruddy Shelduck-Spike Island-Widnes

Short-eared Owl and 6 Whooper swans-Hale

13 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Eider and a Peregrine - Hilbre Island

280 Redshank and 25 Turnstone on pontoon on rising tide - West Kirby Marine Lake

6th December

4 Whooper swans-Puddington

1st Winter Caspian Gull-WSR recycling-Widnes

2 Ruddy Shelduck-Spike Island-Widnes

Green Sandpiper off Marshlands Road - Neston Marsh

Willow Tit by boardwalk just before the second screen - Burton RSPB

5th December 

Adult Yellow-Legged Gull-Neumann's Flash-Northwich

Green-winged Teal-Drake at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

4th December

Bittern and 2 Short-eared owl-Parkgate

3rd December

7 Greenshank-Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

2nd December 

2 Short-eared Owl - Late afternoon -  Neston Marsh

Water Pipit -  Neston Old Quay

Snow bunting over - Little Eye

DARTFORD WARBLER-RAYDON-SUFFOLK

I was working down in Suffolk this week and, having finished early on Friday, decided it made more sense to stay on for the weekend rather than drive all the way back to Cheshire only to return on Monday. With a good selection of species reported locally and plenty of birds about, the weekend was already looking promising.

My first stop was Raydon, where a Dartford Warbler had been reported the previous day at the disused airfield. On arrival, it didn’t take long before I heard the distinctive call coming from the scrub. Before long, the bird flew up into a small tree and showed remarkably well. For a species that’s usually so skulking and elusive, it was almost a shock to see it so easily and out in the open.

A great start to the weekend, and it definitely set the tone for what I’m hoping will be a productive couple of days in the county.

RED-NECKED GREBE-FEN DRAYTON LAKES RSPB-CAMBRIDGESHIRE

With my ECOW role in Oxfordshire now completed—which I really enjoyed—I’ve started a new position in Suffolk. On the drive down to begin work today, I made a brief detour to Fen Drayton Lakes (RSPB), as a first-winter Red-necked Grebe has been lingering there for about a week.

A quick scan of the south-east corner of Ferry Lagoon soon picked it up. The grebe was showing well, offering excellent and prolonged views as it fed and drifted across the open water. A cracking way to break up the journey and a nice bonus bird to kick off this next chapter working in Suffolk.

Fen Drayton Lakes (RSPB)

1st winter Red-necked Grebe

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:1ST-7TH DECEMBER 2025

The start of meteorological winter didn't translate to winter doldrums on the birding front, with a fantastically action-packed week full of surprise visitors from all points of the compass. Read more>

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:24TH-30TH NOVEMBER 2025

The weather seemed all over the place this past week, with wind from various directions and torrential rain in some areas, followed by bright blue skies shortly after. Read more>

˘CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

30th November

Bittern this morning, 3 Short-eared Owl at dusk - Old Baths-Parkgate

3 Greenshank and 3 Goosander - Leasowe Lighthouse

2 Short-eared Owl late afternoon -  Neston Old Quay

29th November

Slavonian Grebe this afternoon - West Kirby Marine Lake

Green-winged Teal-Drake at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

28th November

Firecrest-One trapped and ringed in a private garden-Bidston Hill

1,500 Pink-footed Geese in 'Hoylake Wetlands' area this morning - Hoylake Langfields

Bittern flew in at dusk - Neston Reedbed

Short-eared Owl at Dusk - OldBaths-Parkgate

27th November

5 Corn Buntings-Rixton Moss

26th November

Hen harrier-Male over salt marsh north of Old Baths car park-Parkgate

Green-winged Teal-Drake at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

25th November

Bittern seen in flight twice, male Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl and a Merlin - Parkgate

Black Redstart-One at Ashfield Drive- Macclesfield

24th November

Green-winged Teal-Drake at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

23rd November

Short-eared Owl-Three from Denhall Quay-Neston

Hen harrier-Male over salt marsh north of Old Baths car park-Parkgate

22nd November

Hen harrier-Male over salt marsh-Burton Marsh

Little Stint-Two in high tide roost-Pickerings Pasture

21st November

Water Pipit-Two again by stream outfall at Old Quay-Neston Marsh

9600 Dunlin, 5000 Knot, 321 Curlew and 304 Grey Plover over high tide - West Kirby Shore

17 Goosander - West KirbyMarine Lake

Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, 2 Water Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 4 Green Sandpiper - Neston Marsh

Tawny Owl calling rear of Old Baths car park, this evening - Parkgate

Firecrest-One trapped and ringed in a private garden-Bidston Hill

Hen Harrier-Male again flew upriver past Old Baths car park and Short-eared Owl-Parkgate

20th November

Hen Harrier-Male again flew upriver past Old Baths car park,17 Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and 5 Great white Egret-Parkgate

Bittern in flight off Boathouse flash early morning - Parkgate

4,000 Knot roosting at first light but spooked by a Peregrine and flew towards Formby,

400 Shelduck on the shore - Meols

19th November

Caspian Gull-Adult at WSR Recycling Centre, Ditton Road-Widnes

Barn Owl, 10 Marsh Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Merlin and a Tawny Owl calling near the rear of Old Baths car park, this evening - Parkgate

15,000 Dunlin at high tide - West Kirby Shore

Woodcock flushed from church grounds - Lower Heswall

Black Redstart-Male in the back garden along the promenade -Hoylake

18th November

 

Yellow Legged Gull-Adult-Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

17th November 

Glossy Ibis-One circled over and then flew south up Gowy Valley-Sweeney Wetlands

Lapland Bunting-Male still in coastal paddock by tyre jump-Leasowe

Short-eared Owl and 7 Marsh Harrier-Off Old Baths car park-Pakegate

16th November 

Glossy Ibis-Again on Main Scrape; use reserve car park off Puddington Lane-Burton RSPB

Lapland Bunting still in coastal paddock, Mediterranean Gull on flooded field - Leasowe Lighthouse

19 Brent Geese, 4 Water Rail, 2,000 Knot, 2-3 Cetti's Warbler - Red Rocks

15th November 

Black-necked Grebe-One near sunken fenceline on Budworth Mere from hide-Marbury CountryPark

Caspian Gull-Adult on River Mersey sandbank west of old Runcorn Bridge-Widnes

Caspian Gull-Adult still at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

2 Snow Bunting 500 yards W of Lighthouse on embankment, Lapland Bunting still in coastal paddock, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and a Mediterranean Gull on floods by Park Lane - Leasowe Lighthouse

24 Whooper Swan, 5 Cattle Egret and 25 Ruff - Burton Marsh

Short-eared Owl over marsh at 4pm - Old Baths-Parkgate

14th November 

Glossy Ibis on main scrape - Burton RSPB

26 Whooper Swan - Burton Marsh

Snow Bunting-Two still on promenade c 500m west of Lighthouse Car Park-Leasowe

Lapland Bunting-Male still in coastal paddock by tyre jump-Leasowe

13th November 2025

Firecrest - Leasowe lighthouse

Greater Scaup-1st-winter still on west pool-Silver Lane Pools

Glossy Ibis-Still off Nets Cafe, Denhall Lane-Burton Marsh

Caspian Gull-Adult still at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Lapland Bunting-Male still in coastal paddock by tyre jump-Leasowe

Snow Bunting-Two still on promenade c 500m west of Lighthouse Car Park-Leasowe

12th November 

Caspian Gull-Adult still at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

3 Snow Bunting on sea defence west of Leasowe lighthouse, Lapland Bunting still in coastal paddock.

Glossy Ibis off Nets Cafe, 6 Cattle Egret and 20 Whooper Swan on outer marsh -Burton Marsh

11th November 

Caspian Gull-Adult still at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Lapland Bunting (male) in coastal paddock, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest - Leasowe lighthouse

12 Whooper Swan, Goldeneye (1st win), Merlin, 10+ Marsh Harrier, 6 Cattle Egret and 17 Ruff off Denhall Lane - Burton Marsh

Glossy Ibis, 6 Whooper Swan - Outer Burton Marsh

Firecrest-Bidston Hill

(c) Alan 0909

Adult Caspian Gull-Widnes

(c) Steve Tomlinson

Lapland Bunting-Leasowe

(c)Pete Sutton

Snow Bunting-Leasowe

(c) Pete Sutton

Firecrest-Leasowe

(c) Allan Conlin

Snow Bunting-Leasowe

(c)Sean O'Hara

HEN HARRIER FOUND DEAD IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag. Read more>

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:17TH-23RD NOVEMBER 2025

It felt like winter arrived this week, with bouts of snow widely spread across much of northern England and Scotland. Read more>

AN AFTERNOON'S BIRDING AT FARMOOR RESERVOIR

Working in Oxfordshire, I visited Farmoor Reservoir this afternoon after a Black Redstart was reported on BirdGuides, apparently showing well around the sewage works. 

The last time I visited this site was in August 2009, which turned out to be a bit of a tern fest — I saw an American Black Tern, a Black Tern and a White-winged Black Tern, all juveniles.

 (c)Josh Jones 

On arrival, it didn’t take long to find the Black Redstart, which I first saw perched on a railing.

The bird then dropped down to the ground and showed really well.

They’re always great birds to see, and other than this, it was very quiet around the reservoir. A Grey Wagtail, a Tufted Duck, and a Cormorant showed well on the walk back to the car.

 

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:10TH-16TH NOVEMBER 2025

Despite the middle of November having been and gone, there appears to be plenty of life left in the tank of autumn 2025. Read More>

CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

10th November 

Caspian Gull-Adult-Sandbach Flashes

Lapland Bunting (male) in coastal paddock, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest - Leasowe Lighthouse

Glossy Ibis towards Flint Bridge - Burton Marsh

9th November 

Green-winged Teal-Reported-Tatton Park

Lapland Bunting over towards Red Rocks, Hen Harrier (ringtail), Short-eared Owl and 2 Ravens - Hilbre

Lapland Bunting (male) with Meadow Pipits in coastal paddock (tyre jump field), also  Yellow-browed Warbler still - Leasowe Lighthouse

Glossy Ibis best viewed from Burton Point - Burton Marsh

21,500 Knot, 7,000 Dunlin, 488 Sanderling, 223 Grey Plver. 520 Oystercatcher and 204 Curlew at high tide - West Kirby

8th November 

Short-eared Owl-One flew towards Hale Marsh viewed from riverbank-Hale

Ruddy Shelduck-One on sandbank under Mersey Gateway Bridge-Wigg Island

Greater Scaup-1st-winter female on west pool-Silver Lane Pools

Lapland Bunting over a couple of times, Sandwich Tern on the beach before high tide -Hoylake

Short-eared Owl over - Middle Eye

Siberian Chiffchaff by eastern kissing gate, also a Yellow-browed Warbler -Leasowe Lighthouse

Glossy Ibis on flood west of rifle range - Burton Marsh

7th November 

Greater Scaup-1st-winter female on west pool-Silver Lane Pools

Spotted Redshank-Burton RSPB

Hen Harrier-Female-Gowy Meadows

Siberian Chiffchaff-Probable along the path to Pod's hide-Neumann's Flash-Northwich

Siberian Chiffchaff-One trapped and ringed-Red Rocks

Water Rail, 36 Snipe, 4 Jack Snipe, 3 Rock Pipit, pair Stonechat at the  bottom of Banks Road over high tide - Heswall Marsh

Lapland Bunting (male) briefly feeding with Linnets on marsh, also 2,500 Knot, 2,000 Dunlin, 200 Sanderling, 150 Grey Plover, 200 Redshank, 50 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2,000 Oystercatcher over high tide - Hoylake

Firecrest in Bird Obs garden - Hilbre

6th November 

Water Pipit-Parkgate Marsh

Glossy Ibis-Burton RSPB

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Ring Ouzel-One flew over Hale Head-Hale

Twite-At least three west of the lighthouse-Leasowe

Slavonian Grebe on Donkey Stand Flash, also 9 Great White Egret - Parkgate

2 Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, 2 Water Pipit and a Hen Harrier (ringtail) -Neston Old Quay

3,500 Knot roosting early morning - Dove Point, Meols

Marsh Harrier - Parkgate/Neston

11 Great White Egret - Denhall Quay

5th November 

Yellow-browed Warbler-Still along the nature trail west of the lighthouse-Leasowe

Long-tailed Duck-On sea-Hoylake

Firecrest-One trapped and ringed in a private garden-Bidston Hill

4th November 

Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest-Still along the nature trail west of the lighthouse-Leasowe

Firecrest-Still between Lingham Lane and duck pond-Leasowe

Glossy Ibis-Burton RSPB

Water Pipit-One at Carr Lane Pools-Hale

3rd November 2025

Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest-Still along the nature trail west of the lighthouse-Leasowe

2nd November 

Firecrest-One trapped and ringed in a private garden-Bidston Hill

Yellow-browed Warbler-Still in sallows between Rotary Hide and John Morgan Hide with tit flock; reserve open from 08:00-16:00-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

Firecrest in sycamores on the path from Lingham Lane to the duck pond, and a Yellow-browed Warbler a bit further west, has been present since mid-morning, 2 Barn Owls over fields inland - Leasowe Lighthouse

2,500+ Knot on rising tide - Dawpool Bank-Thurstaston

Barn Owl and a Merlin - Neston Marsh

15 Whooper Swan - Burton RSPB

Long-tailed Duck (fem) - Shotwick Boating Lake

1st November 

Yellow-browed Warbler-Still in sallows between Rotary Hide and John Morgan Hide with tit flock; reserve open from 08:00-16:00-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

31st October 

Hen Harrier (ringtail) and Barn Owl at dusk - Burton Marsh

3000 Pink-footed Geese roosted overnight, 730 Pintail, 2 redhead Goosander, 5100 Oystercatcher, 92 Golden Plover, 1000 Knot, 950 Curlew, 800 Redshank over high tide, 38 Skylark, 205 Chaffinch and 70 Greenfinch flew south - Heswall/Thurstaton shore

Yellow-browed Warbler-Still on No 3 Bed; reserve open from 08:00-16:00-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

30th October 

3 Brambling over, 353 pale-bellied Brent Geese - Hilbre

2 Curlew Sandpiper-Weaver Bend-Frodsham Marshes

Yellow-browed Warbler-Still on No 3 Bed; reserve open from 08:00-16:00-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

29th October 

Glossy Ibis on the pool in the marsh just south of Shotwick rifle range, then flew north towards Parkgate.

Caspian Gull-Two (adult and 1st-winter) on River Mersey sandbank west of old Runcorn Bridge- Widnes

Lapland Bunting-Leasowe

(c)Sean O'Hara

Siberian Chiffchaff-Leasowe

(c)Allan Conlin

Lapland Bunting-Hoylake

(c)Allan Conlin

Slavonian Grebe-Parkgate

(c) Marc

Yellow-browed Warbler-Leasowe

(c)Sean O'Hara

Yellow-browed Warbler-Leasowe

(c) Allan Conlin