I first discovered Marbury Country Park in 1980 during a drive with my parents. We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the park and noted a pleasing variety of bird species. Although subsequent visits were limited by my reliance on my mother for transport, I continued to make occasional trips with my father whenever the opportunity arose.
Map Of the Area
In 1994, I moved to the area and began visiting the park regularly. I quickly became acquainted with other local birders, and over the years, we have shared the enjoyment of discovering a wide range of species together.
Although I moved away in 2007, I continue to return whenever new species are recorded, as the patch is still explored daily by dedicated local birders. My current patch life list stands at 201 species (see below).
Latest Birds seen on the Patch:
Blue-Winged Teal-Neumann's Flash-18th October 2021
(c)Fred Fearn
Ring Ouzel-Fisherman's Path fields-21st April 2021
Cattle Egret-Neumann's Flash-5th October 2020
(c)Greg Baker
Siberian Stonechat-Ashton's Flash-27th December 2019
Great White Egret-Neumann's Flash-12th July 2018
Glossy Ibis-Neumann's Flash-26th July 2016
Ring-Necked Duck-Neumann's Flash-15th May 2014
Green-Winged Teal-Neumann's Flash-9th January 2014
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Stilt Sandpiper-Neumann's Flash-31st August 2013
Tundra Bean Goose-Budworth Mere-23rd February 2012
Redstart-Path between Neumann's flash and Ashton's flash-20th July 2011
Waxwing-Ashtons Flash-12 seen from here, looking towards National tyres, over Wade Brook-16th December 2010
Long-billed Dowitcher-Neumann's Flash-25th August 2010
Black Redstart-Marbury Park-28th March 2010
Hawfinch-Marbury Park-3rd January 2009
Black Winged Stilt-Neumann's Flash-25th April 2008
Red-Necked Phalarope-Neumann's Flash-23rd May 2006
Pectoral Sandpiper-Neumann's Flash-31st May 2005
Whiskered Tern-Ashton's Flash-19th May 2005
White Stork-Ashton's Flash-2nd May 2004
Spotted Crake-Witton Brook-No1 Tank-6th August 2002
Patch Bird Yearlist 2006
During the Christmas period, I set myself a challenge: to surpass the long-standing patch record of 150 species recorded in a calendar year. I was competing alongside John Gregory and Pete Antrobus, and while I knew the record would be difficult to beat, I felt ready for the task. What I hadn’t anticipated was just how competitive — and all-consuming — the year would become. Patch birding soon dominated my life.What follows are my month-by-month highlights from an unforgettable year.
January
I began the year with an early visit on New Year’s Day, recording an impressive 52 species. A good mix of wildfowl and woodland birds was complemented by outstanding views of a Water Rail feeding directly in front of the Bittern Hide.
The rest of the month continued strongly, with all three British woodpeckers recorded. On 24 January, Pete Antrobus (‘Pod’) found a Long-eared Owl on Neumann’s Flash. Despite a thorough search, I initially missed it, but returned the following evening and enjoyed excellent views as it flew across Marbury Lane before perching in a nearby bush. On the 27th, I added Ruddy Duck on Budworth Mere. Persistent evening searches for Woodcock in Carey Park finally paid off on the 28th.
91 species recorded
February
The month began well when, while walking through the park with the children, Dave Bedford alerted me to a Mediterranean Gull he had just found. The remainder of February was relatively quiet until the 15th, when I located a Pintail on Ashton’s Flash.
93 species recorded
March
March opened positively with a Willow Tit near the canal opposite the Forge Bed, followed by a Peregrine Falcon showing superbly while perched atop one of the ICI chimneys. Late in the month, spring finally arrived with the addition of Sand Martin and Chiffchaff.
98 species recorded
April
April proved to be a pivotal month. Swallow and House Martin appeared early on, and on the 10th Pod discovered a Red-legged Partridge near Higher Marston, viewable just beyond the patch boundary.
Early mornings now became essential. Rising at 5am daily paid dividends on the 17th, when I recorded Wheatear, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo and Reed Warbler. As I crossed the bund, a Little Egret flew directly overhead from Ashton’s Flash to Neumann’s Flash. I immediately phoned John Gregory (‘Gregsey’), who sprinted to the hide to catch up with the bird.
The Egret lingered until the 19th, when I also connected with a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Pod managed to miss both in spectacular fashion during heavy rain — a moment that still raises a smile. On the 21st, an early morning meeting with Fred Fearn and Gregsey produced Black Tern and Wood Sandpiper in quick succession, followed later that day by the year’s first Yellow Wagtail.
Further highlights included Garden Warbler at its traditional site, Lesser Whitethroat trapped and then seen well on the Forge Bed, Common Scoter on Budworth Mere, and Wood Warbler near Bittern Hide.
125 species recorded
May
The 3rd of May stands out as one of the most memorable days I’ve ever had on the patch. At first light, I found Little Ringed Plover on Neumann’s Flash, followed shortly by an extraordinary Grey Plover flushed from Fisherman’s Path and watched landing on Kidbrook spit. Thankfully, the bird showed all day and was enjoyed by everyone.
Further highlights included Spotted Flycatcher, Hobby, Ringed Plover, an unforgettable flyover Goshawk, Temminck’s Stint (snatched en route to Roy Keane’s testimonial), Sanderling, Knot and Curlew Sandpiper. The month peaked when I managed a dramatic escape from work to see a Red-necked Phalarope — a spectacular patch lifer.
137 species recorded
June
Activity slowed considerably, with Greenshank on Ashton’s Flash on the 26th the sole addition.
138 species recorded
July
On the 14th, Gregsey found a Black-necked Grebe on Neumann’s Flash, which showed superbly. The following evening produced Little Owl on Budworth Lane.
140 species recorded
August
August will forever be remembered for the White-winged Black Tern. Evening gull watches with Pod — complete with beers and the newly christened ‘Al’s Bar’ — finally paid off on the 9th when the tern appeared in torrential rain. Absolute scenes followed.
Additional species included Ruff, Mandarin Duck and Barnacle Goose.
144 species recorded
September
Mid-month produced Tree Pipit and Little Stint, followed on the 17th by a Whinchat on Ashton’s Flash. That bird proved significant — it was Gregsey’s 150th species, leaving me trailing in the race.
147 species recorded
October
A long wait ended on the 31st with a well-showing Short-eared Owl.
148 species recorded
November
The final addition came on 17 November with Goosander on Budworth Mere.
149 species recorded
Summary
After a gruelling but hugely rewarding year, I finished third with 149 species, just behind Pod on 150 and Gregsey on 151. It remains one of the most enjoyable and competitive birding challenges I’ve ever undertaken — forging friendships, producing memorable birds and creating stories that will last a lifetime.
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
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