CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

 

21st Jan

Caspian Gull-Adult-Elton Hall flash-Sandbach

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Russian White-fronted Goose-One still at Bradley Orchard Farm-Bradley-Frodsham

20th Jan 

Caspian Gull-Adult on Small Pool late morning, then flew south-east-Newchurch Common

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Scaup (drake)- West Kirby Marine Lake

19th Jan 

3 Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

Caspian Gull-Adult-Elton Hall flash-Sandbach

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe Lighthouse

Siberian Chiffchaff

(c)Sean O'Hara

Short-eared Owl off Golf Course, also 4 Great White Egret and c3,200 Lapwing - Parkgate

440+ Great Crested Grebe on flat calm sea over high tide -Leasowe

NORTHERN LIGHTS LIGHT UP SKIES ACROSS THE UK

Skies across the UK were recently illuminated with stunning shades of green and pink as the Northern Lights made a rare appearance.

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon occurs when eruptions from the sun send charged particles toward Earth. When these particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, they create the colourful light displays seen in the night sky.

Although the Northern Lights are usually visible near the Arctic Circle, periods of intense solar activity can push them much further south. This time, auroras were reportedly spotted as far south as northern Italy, southern Spain, and even the south of France.

I was alerted by a phone app earlier in the evening and managed to take a distant photo from outside my home. However, due to heavy light pollution where I live, the view wasn’t great. 

View from the back garden

Determined to see more, I headed down to Eastham Ferry on the River Mersey, where I was rewarded with clear and impressive views of the aurora glowing above John Lennon Airport in Liverpool.

Why Did This Happen?

Monday’s display was caused by a severe geomagnetic storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) — a huge burst of charged particles released from the sun’s surface.

As these particles reached Earth, they interacted with gases in the atmosphere. Oxygen produced green light, while nitrogen created red, blue, and pink hues.

We are currently experiencing a phase known as solar maximum, part of the sun’s roughly 21-year cycle. During this time, the sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs, increasing the chances of seeing auroras here on Earth.

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:12TH-18TH JANUARY 2026

The New Year has had a little time to bed in now, and those 2026 year lists have started to level off. Read more>

CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

18th Jan

Slavonian Grebe-Two still off the southern end-Hilbre

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Eurasian Bittern-Flew towards Old Baths car park-Parkgate

Eurasian Bittern-Burton RSPB

17th Jan

Scaup (drake)- West Kirby Marine Lake

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Siberian Chiffchaff-One still near the lighthouse-Leasowe

Short-eared Owl-Two again off The Harp Inn-Neston

16th Jan

Siberian Chiffchaff-One still near the lighthouse-Leasowe

Siberian Chiffchaff

(c)Sean O'Hara

Short-eared Owl-Three again off Old Baths car park-Parkgate

Shore Lark-One at the northern end of Marine Lake-West Kiby Marine Lake

Shore Lark-In field by the wall along the Gritstone Trail between the telephone mast and the Old Man O'Mow-Mow Cop

Shore Lark

(c) Steve Seal

Scaup (drake)- West Kirby Marine Lake

Russian White fronted goose-Two-Elton hall Flash-Sandbach

15th Jan

Siberian Chiffchaff-one calling from scrub behind main lake-Bidston

Greenshank by groyne, also at least 5 Chiffchaff, including a Siberian Chiffchaff - Leasowe lighthouse

Scaup (drake), 3 (2 drake) Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser,11 Goosander and 23 Brent Geese - West Kirby marine lake

14th Jan

Scaup (drake) and 26 Brent Geese (including 2 dark-bellied)-West Kirby Marine Lake

Merlin - Riverbank Road-Heswall

23 Brent Geese by the causeway - Thurstsaton Shore

13th Jan

Scaup (drake)- West Kirby Marine Lake

3 Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

12th Jan

Caspian Gull-Near-adult roosted this evening-Rosethern Mere

Russian White-fronted goose- In roadside field by Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

Ruddy Shelduck- Again on sandbank east of The Mersey Gateway Bridge-Runcorn

Siberian Chiffchaff-One at Dutton Locks (bird has been present since 28 December 2025)-Dutton

Caspian Gull-Three (3rd-winter and two 1st-winters) at Veolia Recycling Centre, Wallasey Bridge Road-Bidston

Siberian Chiffchaff-Still in trees by path to Holdcroft Hall near sewage works-Glazebury

Green-winged Teal-Drake still on Rosemary's Flash-Sanbch Flashes

Scaup (drake), 15 Brent Geese and 3 (2 drakes) Goldeneye - West Kirby Marine Lake

Bittern flew from Neston Reedbed at dusk - Parkgate

3 Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

Barn Owl - Burton Point

11th Jan

Caspian Gull-1st-winter at Veolia Recycling Centre, Wallasey Bridge Road- Bidston

1st-winter Caspian Gull

(c) Steve Williams

Scaup (drake), 11 Brent Geese, Goldeneye (drake) and a Red-breasted Merganser -West Kirby Marine Lake

Greater Scaup

(c) Pete Sutton

10th Jan

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on River Mersey off Spike Island, viewed from Wigg Island-Widnes

Siberian Chiffchaff-Still at sewage works; view from mound at north side-Glazebury

Caspian Gull-Two 1st-winters on River Mersey-Widnes

Russian White fronted goose-Two-Elton hall Flash-Sandbach

2 Short-eared Owl - Burton Marsh

Short-eared Owl

(c) Paul Ralston

Greenshank and 7,000 Knot, with several hundred Pintail -Thurstaston Shore 

Juv Kittiwake flew west - Dove Point-Meols

Mediterranean Gull - New Brighton

2 European White-fronted Geese in the field by the Bunker hide - Burton RSPB

Scaup (drake), - West Kirby Marine Lake

4 Short-eared Owl - Denhall Quay

9th Jan

Siberian Stonechat-Still at sewage works-Glazebury

Drake Greater Scaup - West Kirby Marine Lake

Russian White-fronted goose-Two-Burton RSPB

Drake Greater Scaup-Budworth Mere-Northwich

8th Jan

Drake Greater Scaup - West Kirby Marine Lake

Russian White fronted goose-Two-Elton hall Flash-Sandbach

Drake Greater Scaup-Budworth Mere-Northwich

7th Jan

Drake Greater Scaup- West Kirby Marine Lake

Russian White fronted goose-Two still in the field off A49 opposite Park Farm-Cholmondeley

Russian White fronted goose-Two-Elton hall Flash-Sandbach

Caspian Gull-Two (adult and 2nd-winter) on sandbank west of Silver Jubilee Bridge-Widnes

2nd Winter Caspian Gull

(c) Steve Tomlinson

Short-eared Owl-Denhall Quay-Little Neston

6th Jan 

Scaup (drake), 8 Brent Geese, 6 Goldeneye and 7 Goosander - West Kirby Marine Lake

Bittern (briefly), 4+ Great White Egret and 3+ Marsh Harrier -Parkgate

Drake Greater Scaup-Budworth Mere-Northwich

Caspian Gull-Three (two adults and 1st-winter) in roost-Rosetherne Mere

5th Jan 

2 Scaup. 20 Goosander. 4 Goldeneye and a Mediterranean Gull - West kirby Marine lake

Short-eared Owl - Parkgate

2 Greenshank by groyne - Meols shore

30 Brent Geese at high tide - Hoylake

4th Jan 

Caspian Gull-Three (two adults and 1st-winter) in roost-Rosetherne Mere

Hen Harrier-Ringtail flew east along the Manchester Ship Canal-Moore Nature Reserve

Russian White fronted goose-Three still in the field off A49 opposite Park Farm-Cholmondeley

3rd Jan 

2 Purple Sandpiper - New Brighton Marine Lake

17 (incl 13m) Goosander on Roodee Mere - Royden

130 Golden Plover off Boathouse Flash - Parkgate

1st winter Caspian Gull in high tide roost - Hoylake

22 Whooper Swan - Outer Burton Marsh

2nd Jan 

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

Russian White-fronted goose-Four at Bowdens Lock-Frodsham

c11,000 Dunlin in high tide roost, also 4 Rock Pipit - West Kirby Shore

c12 Goosander on Roodee Mere (present for a couple of days) - Royden Park

4 Goldeneye - West Kirby Marine Lake

Bittern flew from Neston Reedbed to roost off Parkgate at 16.30hrs.

2 Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl - Denhall Quay

Drake Greater Scaup-Budworth Mere-Northwich

1st Jan 

Little Gull-1st-winter still at Budworth Mere and drake Greater Scaup-Budworth Mere-Northwich

Little Gull-Astbury Mere-Congleton

Caspian Gull-two (adult and 1st-winter) on sandbank-Widnes

5 Russian White-fronted Goose-Lordship marsh-Frodsham

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:5TH-11TH JANUARY 2026

Freezing conditions dominated before the violent arrival of Storm Goretti in south-west England on 8th, resulting in a wild mix of rain, wind, snow and ice across Britain and Ireland for the remainder of the week. Read more>

WINTER RARITIES ALONG THE NORTH WALES COAST

Storm Goretti left a dramatic imprint across the UK. As it swept in from the Atlantic, the system delivered a potent mix of hazards—exceptionally strong winds, heavy snowfall and prolonged rainfall. A rare red warning for wind was issued for the Isles of Scilly and much of Cornwall, where gusts peaked at 99mph at St Mary’s Airport, the strongest recorded there since 1991. On the mainland, Culdrose clocked winds of 90mph, while Camborne reached 80mph.

But as so often follows extreme weather, calm eventually returned—and with it came opportunity.

An early start under settled skies provided ideal conditions for a mid-winter circuit of the North Wales coast. From limestone headlands to estuarine edges, the day would deliver a rewarding mix of scarce visitors and classic coastal species.

The first stop was the Great Orme at Llandudno, where the long-staying Shorelark continued to perform reliably.

Early morning on the Great Orme looking down to Conwy

Present since Boxing Day 2025, the bird showed exceptionally well, offering prolonged views against the stark, dramatic limestone backdrop.

A species of Arctic tundra and high mountain systems-breeding across Scandinavia, northern Russia and ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees—the Shorelark is a scarce and charismatic winter visitor to Britain’s coasts. Seeing one feeding calmly on the windswept Orme felt like a fitting symbol of winter resilience.

From the coast, attention turned inland to the Conwy Valley in search of Hawfinches. Two well-watched churchyards, St Mary’s at Caerhun and St Peter’s at Llanbedr-y-Cennin, were given several hours of patient coverage.

St Peter's-Llanbedr-y-Cennin

St Mary’s at Caerhun

Despite their reputation and regular appearance in annual reports, the finches remained elusive. Instead, the stillness of the churchyards was marked only by Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Great, Blue and Coal Tits, plus a single Goldcrest flitting quietly through the canopy.

Greenfinches were in good numbers in both churchyards

Back along the coast, Colwyn Bay offered a change in both pace and reward. Joined by Cheshire birder Dave Bedford, an hour of seawatching produced a steady passage of wintering sea ducks and divers.

Dave seawatching

Among hundreds of Common Scoters, there were three Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, and most notably, a drake Surf Scoter. Unlike its Common and Velvet relatives, Surf Scoter is an irregular winter visitor to the British Isles, with most records thought to involve birds displaced from North America by strong westerlies or Atlantic gales. In the context of Storm Goretti’s recent passage, its presence felt especially apt.

Surf Scoter

(c)Sean O'Hara

The final destination was the River Clwyd at Rhyl, where a first-winter Lesser Yellowlegs discovered the previous week was still present. Feeding alongside Redshank, the bird offered excellent comparative views, its finer structure and brisk feeding action clearly evident. A rare Nearctic vagrant in Britain, Lesser Yellowlegs remains a notable find anywhere, and this encounter marked my first with the species for several years. 

A juvenile Magpie, curiously persistent, lingered nearby throughout the observation.

As daylight faded, the day drew to a close with a strong sense of satisfaction. In the calm aftermath of an Atlantic storm, North Wales had once again demonstrated its winter potential, delivering quality birding, memorable encounters and the reminder that even the quietest season can shine when conditions, timing and persistence align.

COLD WINDS,SCARCE GEESE AND A SUPERB START TO THE YEAR AT ABBERTON

With the New Year underway, I found myself back at work in Essex. Finishing at lunchtime gave me the perfect opportunity to make the short drive to Abberton Reservoir, and what followed turned into a fantastic few hours of birding.

Abberton Reservoir

The current influx of scarce geese across Britain and Ireland—driven by brisk, cold north-easterly winds—has been producing some excellent records, and Abberton did not disappoint. The two headline species of this movement, Russian White-fronted Goose and Tundra Bean Goose, were both present, with three Tundra Bean Geese and seventeen White-fronted Geese recorded during the afternoon.

Russian White-fronted Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

Waterfowl highlights continued with a Long-tailed Duck and five Smew, while three Bewick’s Swans were a particularly welcome sight. Given the severe population declines this species has suffered in recent years, it was encouraging to see them, even though they remained at a distance.

Smew

Further interest came from five Black-necked Grebes and four Red-crested Pochards, rounding off an excellent visit to the reservoir.

Red-crested Pochard

All in all, Abberton once again proved its value as a winter hotspot, delivering quality birds and a memorable start to the year.

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:22ND-4TH JANUARY 2026

Goose was certainly on the menu over the festive period. Read more >

A NEW YEAR ON THE WING–CHESHIRE 1ST-2ND JANUARY 2026

The year began in classic Cheshire fashion — unpredictable weather, good birds, and plenty of miles covered in search of them.

Marbury Memories and Midwinter Colour

New Year’s Day saw Jenna and I enjoying a gentle run out in mid Cheshire, returning to my old patch at Marbury Country Park. A brief stop at Whitley Reed set the tone for the day, with excellent views of Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers brightening the winter gloom. Finch numbers were impressive too, with good flocks of Greenfinch and Chaffinch, while a smart pair of Bullfinches showed particularly well.

Whitley Reed

Tree Sparrow

Budworth Mere

At Marbury itself, the headline bird was a fine drake Scaup, which performed admirably and offered prolonged views. Hopes of catching up with the elusive first-winter Little Gull were dashed after a sharp hailstorm, which seemed to clear both birders and birds alike. Nevertheless, there was plenty to enjoy, including good numbers of Goosander, five Little Egrets, and a lone but imposing Great White Egret.

Drake Scaup

Goose Chasing on the Weaver

On the afternoon of 2 January, attention turned to Frodsham and reports of four Russian White-fronted Geese along the River Weaver. True to form, the birds proved elusive, repeatedly moving just ahead of us and testing our patience.

River Weaver

The chase was far from fruitless, however. The river corridor held lively flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing, while adjacent pools and riverside habitats produced Pintail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, and Shoveler.

Fieldfare

Eventually, perseverance paid off. Thanks to Cheshire stalwart Frank Duff, who successfully relocated the birds further downstream, we finally connected with the White-fronts. They were found loosely associating with a skein of Greylag Geese — distant, but unmistakable, and a satisfying end to the search.

Russian White-fronted geese

A Wider Movement

These sightings form part of a much broader picture. This winter has seen a significant influx of Russian White-fronted Geese into south-east England, with hundreds arriving from mainland Europe. Since late November, over 100 sites between Norfolk and the Isle of Wight have logged birds, many involving family groups, likely assisted by persistent easterly winds from the Near Continent.

The movement has also included notable arrivals of Tundra Bean Geese, while Bewick’s Swans have appeared in better numbers than in recent years — welcome signs for wildfowl enthusiasts.

Back to Reality

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days birding in Cheshire — a fine way to start the year. With work beckoning again on Monday, it’s hard not to wonder just where the time goes.