I decided over the Christmas period, whilst having a morning coffee, to do a Cheshire and Wirral year list. What followed was a cracking year's birding, where I was helped along by some of Cheshire and Wirral's finest birders, letting me know about birds straight away on their patches. A big thank you to everyone who helped me see 220 species in a calendar year.
January 1st
New Year's Day was spent in the house, ill and full of cold—not a good start, but I got a good list going from just looking out into the garden. The best bird of the day was a Sparrowhawk that tries to attack my aviary on a daily basis. One day this bird is going to knock itself out with how low and fast it swoops towards the aviary.
January 2nd-4th
Only two birds were added today, but I'm feeling a bit better: a Dunnock in the back garden and a Jay.
January 5th
Feel a lot better today, and the list has now come to a standstill. The snow has arrived; at least 21 centimetres fell in an hour, causing chaos in Ellesmere Port. The roads were in gridlock due to the snow, and by the next morning the whole country was white over. Snow and ice had already caused significant travel disruption across the country during the second half of December, and this had already been the coldest December since 1995; it was like we were in an ice age. Temperatures at night were forecast for the rest of the week to plunge to -12 degrees!Great!
Outside the house
The garden
January 6th
No birds were seen today as the roads were like ice rinks, so I spent the day in the house. The temperature outside was a raw -7 and went down to -9 through the night. Unbelievable!
January 7th
I got up early this morning and started birding at Backford near Chester this morning and saw a Brambling thanks to Phil Woollen, who had seen a small group earlier in the week in a mixed finch flock; other birds were all common species. After this I visited Capenhurst, and I got cracking views of a little owl sitting in its usual tree. I then moved on to Shotwick, where we found the wintering flock of Bewick and Whooper swans. I then drove to West Kirby Marine Lake, where we added three shags, which are a real rarity in Cheshire, along with six Red-breasted mergansers. Waders were then on the agenda as the tide was due in, so we headed for Kings Gap, where hundreds of waders were feeding. Grey plovers, Bar-tailed godwits, and a Spotted redshank were seen along with other common waders. I then headed towards Coastguards at New Brighton, where we saw two Purple Sandpipers at the end of the causeway. On the way to the roost at Parkgate, I called into Raby Mere, where I saw two Mandarins sitting out on the ice. The roost at Parkgate produced six Short-eared owls, which showed really well, and then as I was leaving, I noticed a cat walking off the marsh with a bird in its mouth; it was a Water rail, which was still alive. I chased the cat, which had gone under cover, and thankfully saved the bird, which then ran back onto the marsh. A good day's birding and a good start to the list!
Shag
Purple Sandpiper
Short Eared Owl
When I got home, the national news said tonight was going to be one of the coldest since 1963. It was -10 when I went to bed, and the news had issued this picture from space.
This striking image taken by Nasa's Terra satellite on 7 January shows the UK deep in the clutches of the current cold snap.
January 8th
An early start this morning, I picked up Malc Curtin and Jason Atkinson and visited Moore Nature Reserve in Warrington. The temperature was -12 when I picked the lads up!.The main birds we saw were Tree sparrows, Woodcocks, Willow tits, and a female Brambling. We tried for the Bitterns, but no luck! We also spent a good hour looking for white-winged gulls, but none could be found.
Arply tip-Warrington
After this we moved on to Rosetherne Mere, where Malc picked up the female Smew over the east side of the mere. There was a good variety of wildfowl on the mere, including a drake Mandarin.I then drove to Marbury Park, where we had good views of the resident tawny owl sitting at the top of the tree, but no joy again with the Bitterns.
Budworth mere was like a skating rink
By the time I dropped the lads off the temperature was back down to -9!A cold days birding but enjoyed by all.
January 9th
A Velvet scoter had been seen yesterday off of Hilbre Island, so I waited on news. I had my boys with me, Elliot and Dylan, so I made my way to Burton Marsh, where I got stunning views of Hen harrier and Merlin. My lads were made up as we watched two foxes fighting on the marsh in the snow.I then got a call from Steve Williams saying that the Velvet scoter was showing well, so I made my way there. After a good thirty-minute yomp with the boys, I was looking at my first juvenile/1st winter Velvet scoter for Cheshire. The scoter showed really well, and I picked up some good birds whilst on the island. Two Scaup were seen along with a rock pipit, and I flushed a Woodcock as I was walking on the island. On the way back, we had two Ravens fly over us.
Pictures of the day
Velvet Scoter
Whilst scoping out to sea, I found a small raft of Common scoters bobbing around, which I was happy to find. After this I drove to the coastguards in New Brighton, where we had seventeen White-fronted geese fly over us. I was really made up with this sighting, as these are really scarce species in Cheshire and Wirral. After a great day out, we made our way to Parkgate for our tea at the Quay pub!
January 10th
I spent this morning in the house, and just as I was leaving to do some shopping, I received a phone call from Robo from Sandbach to say that a Glaucous gull was showing well at Sandbach Flashes, so I drove there. On arrival I saw Tony and Enid, who I hadn’t seen for ages, and they showed me the juvenile Glaucous through their scope. As I was leaving, Frank Duff phoned me to say that he had two Common redpolls on some feeders in Delamere Forest, so off I went again! On arrival I saw a male Brambling, but there was no sign of the Redpoll flock. I had a good walk around and found at least ten Lessers and one Common feeding on the back of the caravan park in some alders.
Another rewarding afternoon birding and some good additions to the year list.
Pumphouse flash
January 11th
News yesterday from Jason Atkinson that two waxwings had been seen in Stockton Heath in Warrington had me getting up early. I called in first to Moore Nature Reserve and was rewarded with cracking views of a Bittern sitting out in the reeds; there had been up to three birds showing before I got there, and also good views of a Water rail. On the way out of Moore, I saw the very showy Little owl sitting on the tin roof of the farm. Next I visited Ackers Pit in Warrington, where I recorded six Siskins feeding in the alders, but after a good hour search of the area, there was no sign of the Waxwings. I then moved on to Carr Lane in Hale, where I recorded a Corn bunting and two Grey partridge.
Bittern
January 12th
I went for a walk today to Burton Marsh and then up to Neston. I got cracking views of two ring-tailed Hen harriers and a Peregrine.Whilst I was having a warm drink outside the Harp Inn, I picked up a female marsh harrier in the scope. A bloody cold day but well worth the walk after getting such great views of the raptor. On my way back to the car, I saw a Little egret by the coastal path.
Marsh harrier
January 13th
With news breaking of a Slavonian grebe at Wigg Island in Runcorn last night, I got up early and visited the site. After a good hour of scoping in freezing conditions and with snow coming down thick, my reward was a near-adult Mediterranean gull with no sign of the grebe, a bit gutted as this would have been a good addition to my year list. After a coffee, I headed for Oxmoor Nature Reserve, which was situated just downriver, where I connected with two Cetti's warblers, with one showing really well, and a flyover green woodpecker. Another good morning birding, but I was glad to get home and get warm.
Wigg Island with Runcorn Bridge in the distance
January 14th
I picked Malc Curtin up this morning, and we visited South Cheshire, where my friend Mark Powell does all his birding. He had contacted me to say he had seen Marsh tits at Deer Park Mere on some feeders, so I wanted to check it out. I and Malc didn’t have to wait long after entering the hide before a Marsh tit landed on the feeders, showing very well; two were seen in total with good numbers of woodland species.
The feeders at Deer Park Mere
After this we moved on to Sandbach Flashes, where Malc found an adult Yellow-legged gull after standing out in the cold for over an hour, freezing our balls off! Again, no sign of any white wingers!
Yellow Legged Gull
Leaving Sandbach Flashes and dropping Malc off, I headed for Frodsham Marshes, where I attempted to visit last week, but the ice was too bad. On my way round, I connected with a Green sandpiper on the new workings as I was driving around No. 6 tank. When I got to No. 4 tank, I picked out the Water pipit straight away that had been hanging around since after christmas feeding with meadow pipits.
N04 Tank
Water Pipit
After this I travelled to meet Jason at Moore Nature Reserve, where I saw the Bittern again and a near-adult Mediterranean gull. Other good birds were the Little owl again and a Grey wagtail on Birchwood Pool. After this I dropped in again at Sandbach Flashes for the elusive Iceland gull, but there was no sign but was rewarded with four Ruff for the year list.
January 16th
News of four Twite at Hale lighthouse the following day had me annoyed that they hadn’t been put out on the pager as they were really scarce in Cheshire, but hey, that’s suppressing birders for you! I arrived on site and soon picked them up on the coastal path next to the Mersey, which I was happy about as they will be a good bird for my year list. Had a phone call from Allan Conlin that a Black redstart was at Leasowe late on, so I told him I would meet him tomorrow.
Twite
January 17th
I decided to get to Leasowe for first light, but there was no sign of the black redstart after a good hour. I did have distant views of the Brent geese off Little Eye at Hilbre, though, as I moved to Red Rocks. I then met up with Allan Conlin at Meols and walked down the beach again to look for the black redstart, but again, after a good hour's search, there was no sign. Absolutely fuming when I got home that someone had put out two snow buntings late evening at Kings Gap; I could have gotten them as I drove past them earlier on!
My boy, Dylan enjoying the beach
January 19th
A report of two Snow buntings at Hale lighthouse last night had me visiting the site again.After a good two hour walk there was no sign but did flush a Jack snipe that was a good addition to the yearlist and I got two Red legged partridge in the fields at the back of Hale church.
Hale lighthouse
January 20th
I had a text from Frank Duff to say that a red-crested pochard was on No. 6 tank at Frodsham, so I picked Phil Woollen up and went. We had good views of the female bird in freezing conditions.When I returned home, I had a look on the internet, and someone had seen the snow buntings again yesterday and had not put them out. I rang Phil, who knew nothing about the sightings, so we went to have a look ourselves. On arrival we met a local birder that Phil knew, and he said there was no sign of the birds yesterday or today as he'd walked all the way along Kings Gap down to New Brighton! Speaking to Jane Turner, who practically lives on the beach, she said all she had seen were LINNETS!.
Red Crested Pochard
January 22nd
A mornings birding at Gowy meadows and at last I connected with a juvenile Iceland gull and a first winter Glaucous gull. On the way home I connected with the resident Lesser spotted woodpecker that was following a tit flock at Stanney woods in Ellesmere port. A good afternoons birding and only a few miles away!
January 23rd
I got a text from Frank duff again this morning to say that he had seen three Firecrests in Delamere forest. I soon sorted myself out and was on my way. Frank met us on site it wasn’t long before I got my first views of Firecrest for Cheshire and as a bonus forty plus Crossbills flew over us, circled and landed in a pine tree above us and started to feed. Another great days birding.
Crossbills were in good numbers
January 27th
News of a Little stint yesterday at Frodsham had me visiting late morning, but after a good hour there was no sign. Called Robo who saw the bird yesterday and he told me I was looking in the wrong place, I drove towards the farm and soon connected with the stint with a flock of Dunlin. I was glad I had found the flock as it was absolutely freezing and pouring with rain.
Little Stint
January 30th
I woke up this morning and the Spoonbill at Parkgate was apparently showing well.The Parkgate Spoonbill had been giving everyone the run around-primarily because no one knew where to look! Although the news had been put out twice that the Spoonbill was present whilst I was there I still couldn't find it. Eventually, after much detective work, I located it roosting on the marsh opposite the Marsh cat restaurant and duly put out the directions for others to benefit! A beautiful walk along the edge of the marsh, provided Hen harriers,Little Egrets(seemingly greatly reduced in numbers) and a Short-eared Owl.
Spoonbill
February 4th
I Got a text from Frank duff this morning, that some birders had just had a Ruddy shelduck at Newsbank near Congleton. I drove over and got the bird straight away on a pool by the side of the road.
Ruddy shelduck
February 6th
I took a trip up to the Peak district today and was rewarded with two Red grouse in flight from the Cat and fiddle car park.On my way down to Wildboarclough I connected with a Dipper that showed right by the side of the car. These were two more additions to the year list but I must say I was glad to be back home as it was freezing.
February 8th
News came out on the pager that a Black redstart had been seen in Chester so I thought id give it ago as this would be my third attempt to see one already this year. On arrival I parked up and had a good walk around and then I saw an allotment at the back of the houses. Thankfully as I entered the Redstart popped up on the wall giving cracking views. At last I had seen one!
Black Redstart
February 14thth
Whilst I was gardening yesterday Malc Curtin phoned me to say that a Long billed dowitcher had been seen on Burton marsh. I soon got there and met up with Phil Woolen who was already on sight but the bird had flown. After a good search of the area all we could come up with were three Ruff and a Bar tailed godwit.
February 15th
I received a phonecall from Colin wells to say that the Dowitcher was showing on No1 pool at Inner marsh farm. I soon arrived on site but there was no sign on arrival, but after twenty minutes I picked the bird up with Lapwings on a pool behind No1. When Phil Woolen arrived he was looking down his scope at the Dowitcher when an Egyption goose flew in and landed right behind it. HAPPY DAYS!
Me and Phil
February 20th
I went for a walk along Leasowe front and connected with a Red throated diver, at last after several attempts.
February 21st
I went out to Warrington today and visited Richmond bank. After a good half an hour walk I connected with a 1st winter Iceland gull and as I was walking further along the river I met up with two guys who were on a Caspian gull. After a good scan round I found two Mediterranean gulls and a Yellow legged gull. A good afternoons birding but should have worn Wellingtons as I was totally shit up to the knees by the time I had got back to the car.
March 1st
I got a phone call from Allan Conlin mid morning to say that one of his friends had just had three Eiders in the Mersey mouth.I got my stuff together and headed off. On arrival I picked up a female Eider has I was heading towards the coastguards station and I found the male Eider.These were a good addition to my yearlist as Eider are very scarce on the north Wirral coastline.
Eider
March 2nd
I went to high tide bird watch today at Parkgate. This only happens occasionally throughout the winter/spring and autumn period so its good to see as usually when you go to Parkgate its just miles of salt marsh.
On arrival I couldn’t believe how many people had turned up there must have been over three hundred birders. Birds of the morning were, Spoonbill, Ring tailed Hen harrier, Marsh harrier and a Merlin. After a good hours birding and the tide coming in i treated myself to good old traditional bag of fish and chips on the seafront!
March 3rd
I received a text from Alan Collin regarding four Avocets and three Garganey on Denhall lane. Rang Phil Woollen but he said that the reports were a load of rubbish and told me not to bother. After a good hour looked on bird guides and the Garganey were still there apparently showing well. I rang Phil Woollen and told him so I said id go and check this out for myself. On arrival I connected with two drake Garganey and a female, but there was no sign of the four Avocets. I think Phil Woollen is doing a secret yearlist and wants to beat me, I`ll have to keep an eye on him, during the coming months
Garganey
March 4th
Received a phone call from Phil Woollen regarding a Goshawk at Peckforton so I dropped the boys off at school and made my way over to the site. I eventually found the site after several phone calls and when I got out the car I saw a Goshawk straight away but it flew into some trees. I stood outside the car for about another ten minutes when a male Goshawk took to the sky and displayed, What a sight! I called in at Frodsham Marshes on the way home and got good views of a Little ringed plover on the new workings.
March 10th
Received a phonecall off Alan Conllin to say that there was an Avocet at Inner marsh farm. When I got there I got good views along with two Ruddy shelduck and a Bittern in flight which was a patch tick for the site
Avocet
March 11th
I went shopping this morning to Moreton and got good views of a Chiffchaff in the Co-op car park in the back of someone’s garden. It must have been an over wintering bird that had survived the deep freeze. In the afternoon whilst taking the patients out for a walk around the hospital grounds I connected with a Blackcap.
March 16th
I spent this morning at Leasowe looking for early migrants and was rewarded with three Gannets flying past the wind turbines.Nothing else of note but good views of a Stonechat.
March 18th
Whilst working on my mums aviary I got a phonecall from Jason Atkinson to say that a Black Necked grebe had returned to Houghton green pond so I took a drive upto Warrington with me mam.On arrival we soon connected and got cracking views.
Black necked grebe
March 19th
I got a phonecall from Phil Woollen to say that Steve Williams had seen a Snow bunting fly over Hilbre and head towards Red rocks.I Set off and spent a good two hours searching around Red rocks and Kings gap but no sign. This was my sixth attempt for this species and it was starting to do me head in! Anyway called in at Leasowe and got good views of two wheatears!
First Wheatears of the year
March 23rd
I ppent the morning at Leasowe sea watching and got distant views of a Fulmar and two Little gulls. Lovely mornings birding finished off with a bag fish and chips!
March 24th
After visiting Clatterbridge hospital with work I called into Raby mere with the patients where I connected with my first Swallow and Sand martins of the year. Two Mandarins showed really well on the mere, it then came through on the pager after I`d picked my boys up that a Red kite was flying around Lymm in Warrington. I went for a drive around with the boys but there was no sign of the bird.
Swallow
Sand Martin
March 25th
It came through on the pager that the Red kite had been relocated sat in a tree at Lymm but on arrival and a two hour wait there was no sign. I then had a phonecall in the evening that a Lapland Bunting had been seen at Moore in Warrington at 3pm, I couldn’t believe that nobody had put the bird out on the pager.
March 26th
I spent the morning at Moore Nature Reserve with about five other birders but there was no sign of the Lapland bunting. On a bit of a bad run at the moment hopefully my luck will change soon.
March 28th
As I was just leaving off work after a night duty Malc Curtin texted me to say that a Black Redstart was showing well at Marbury park. This was a patch first for the park so I made my way straight there. On arrival I met up with Fred Fearne who pointed me in the right direction. Thankfully as I met up with Malc the bird was still showing well in some birches, this was a patch mega and showed really well. Other birds of note were a female Lesser spotted woodpecker and my first Willow warbler of the year.
After this I met up with Phil Woollen and Mark Payne and walked over to Hilbre island where I connected with my first Kittiwake and Fulmar of the year. Also on the island was a first winter Black redstart that had been ringed in the morning by Steve Williams in the observatory. A great days birding in Cheshire followed by a Chinese takeaway when I got back home! Happy days!
Black Redstart
Hilbre Bird Observatory
Me in the obs
April 9th
It had been very quiet lately in Cheshire for birds but whilst gardening mid afternoon I could not believe my eyes when an Osprey flew right over the house and headed towards the Mersey.UNBELIEVABLE!
April 12th
I had a walk down the canal in Chester with one of the patients from work today and got my first views of the year of a House martin and as we walked towards Blacon, I could also hear a Grasshopper warbler reeling on the other side of the canal. The bird did show eventually after a long wait. I spent the afternoon after work at Frodsham marshes where I connected with my first Common sandpiper and Yellow wagtails of the year.
Yellow Wagtail
April 14th
As I was leaving me mum's in Holmes chapel news came out that two Arctic terns were on Winsford flash so I took a detour on the way home and connected with them over the flash.
April 19th
I started out early this morning for the high tide and headed for New Brighton where I was rewarded with good views of Sandwich tern and Whimbrel. I then carried onto to Leasowe where I saw my first Sedge warbler of the year along with a male Ring Ouzel which showed really well in the horse paddocks and a Whitethroat. A great mornings birding rewarded with a nice cup of tea at Leasowe café.
Ring Ouzel
April 21st
I visited Acton bridge this morning near Northwich and got the returning Reed warblers that have bred here for years that always show well, a surprise though was a Common tern on the weir flying around, which was an added bonus.
April 22nd
I took the boys to school and afterwards got good views of Frank Duff's Tree pipit he had phoned me about in Delamere forest, I also got good views of Redstart. Late evening I called in at Inner marsh farm where I saw my first Lesser whitethroat of the year which showed really well. After this I had a Cuckoo at Ness gardens and a fly over swift at Decca pools. A good days birding.
APRIL 24th
An early morning raid to Farndon near Chester produced stunning views of a Dotterel found last night. Unfortunately as we were on our way to Norfolk Frank Duff phoned me to say there was no sign of the bird as birders as entered the field and flushed it.
APRIL 26th
An early morning walk around Leasowe lighthouse produced a Whinchat, nothing else of note just a few common migrants.
APRIL 29th
An early morning visit to the Peak district produced stunning views of Pied Flycatcher and Wood warbler by the rangers cabin at Trentabank in full song. On returning home I picked up Malc Curtin and visited Marbury country park where I found the Garden warbler. The bird could be heard but proved very elusive but after a ten minutes we pinned the bird down and got great views.
MAY 10th
I started the morning off at Sandbach flashes where I connected with a Wood sandpiper which showed quite well but distant. I then moved on to Risley moss in Warrington where I connected with two Hobbies sat in some distant trees.
MAY 12th
Whilst out walking in Ellesmere port down at Rivacre woods I had great views of two Spotted flycatchers and a stunning Green woodpecker sat out in the fields. I had a call from Colin Wells late evening saying that 2 Curlew Sandpipers were at Inner marsh Farm.
MAY 15th
I got up early and made my way to Inner marsh farm where I connected with two Curlew sandpipers right in front of the hide. I then moved on to Leasowe where I saw my first Razorbill of the year.
Curlew Sandpiper
MAY 18th
Whilst out with work at the Grovener park in Chester I had a flyover Ring necked parakeet. I couldn’t believe it and thankfully I got a few of the staff on it who were amazed that one of these beautiful birds was flying around Chester.
Ring Necked Parakeet
MAY 22nd-23rd
Three days off work so I decided a sea watching assault at Leasowe. I connected with Gullimot, Manx shearwater and an Arctic skua which were all good additions the the yearlist.
MAY 25th
I couldn’t believe it back at work and Allan Conlin rings me to say that Kenny Duningham had found a Bluethroat at Leasowe. I managed to blag myself out of work and in no time I was watching my first Bluethroat for Cheshire. Absolutely cracking bird and what a find.
What a find!
Bluethroat
JUNE 2nd
I had a lovely walk over to Hilbre today where I got stunning views of two Little terns. I had my lunch whilst watching seals a few feet away from where I was sat.Heaven!
JUNE 24th
A quick dash across to Lymm near Warrington with Phil Woollen produced a Quail calling in a cornfield. We had to yomp around looking for it but eventually found it on call.
AUGUST 03rd
News broke of a Lesser yellowlegs at Inner marsh farm an yes this bird gave me the run around but thankfully Colin Wells the warden rang me after a few days of me trying for it and I connected. The bird wasn't settling in one area for long and was flying over to a new scrape which isn’t visible yet until the reserve opens properly. Anyway the little yankie sod is on the list!
Lesser Yellowlegs
AUGUST 6th
News of a Black Tern at Hilbre, but thankfully I scoped it without having to walk all the way over as it was showing in the channel looking over to the island.Hell of a walk again but its on the list!
Black Tern at last after a poor spring passage
Black tern
SEPTEMBER 10th
Whilst out shopping I got news of a juvenile Red backed shrike at Frodsham marshes. I arrived on site and connected with the bird straight away. All the locals lads were there and I had a good laugh, another good addition to the yearlist and a great bird for Cheshire.
Red Backed Shrike
SEPTEMBER 14th
Where do I start! After a good lie in Allan Conlin phoned me to say that a Wryneck had been found on the North wirral coast so I got myself ready and soon arrived on site. The bird was very flighty but we eventually got onto it sat in the bottom of a bush. After good views me and Allan decided to do a seawatch off Meol's promenade. After setting up our scopes we soon connected with our first Leaches petrels of the year and then a Black tern, when Allan got onto a bird and is words were “OH SHIT” I replied with what have you got “He replied LITTLE SHEARWATER” I got on the bird straight away I couldn’t believe my eyes, I was so excited watching the bird pass us. The bird was smaller than a Manx shearwater with black upperparts and was pure white on its underparts.The bird dipped from side to side with really stiff wing beats with its head held upwards. This was an amazing sighting and I was in a state of shock! Thankfully Allan had only seen this species a few months before in Lanzarote so I was so glad he was stood birding with me and picked the bird up as I was on the phone at the time when he picked the bird up WHAT A DAY AND ONE I`LL NEVER FORGET!
Me and Allan after are great find
OUR SUBMISSION FORM WE COMPLETED TO THE BBRC
| British Birds Rarities Committee Rarity For BBRC |
Species: Little Shearwater (baroli) |
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Date first seen: 13/09/2010 | Date last seen: 13/09/2010 |
No. of Birds: 1 | Age/Sex: |
County: Cheshire | Location: Meols |
Please fill in your email address to ensure that you get an acknowledgement |
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Finder: Allan Conlin | Email: alan@conlin.fsbusiness.co.uk |
Identifier (if different): Allan Conlin / Alistair Orton | Email: |
Submitter (if different): | Email: |
Other observers: Another observer apparently had it independently further down the coast | Alastair Orton |
Any who disagrees with identification? No | No |
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Optical aids: Nikon 30x wide angle |
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Distance from bird: 350 – 400 Yds |
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Have you enclosed photographs? N | Was the bird videoed? N |
Have the photographs been published in magazines? If so, where: |
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Species present for comparison: Manx Shearwater |
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which species were alongside the bird: Guillemot |
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Observer(s) experience of the species: Several seen in the Canaries and Madeira over last 25 years |
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Observer(s) experience of similar species on the same day or previously: Many thousands of Manx over 25 years |
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Weather (general description): Sunshine and blustery with occasional squall |
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Wind direction and Force: West 5-6 |
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Light conditions (good, dull, etc & sun behind, side etc): Good |
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Visibility (distance): 3 miles |
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Rain, mist, etc: None |
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Cloud cover: 3/8 |
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Description:
With the wind strenghthening from the West attention always turns to seawatching as it has done for me for 25 years with some reward over this time but nothing quite like the developments of this day. Myself (Allan Conlin) and Alastair Orton decided to a Seawatch from Dove Point Meols. Within 10 minutes of setting up I picked up the Shearwater coming in from the East at about 350 yds offshore.Getting Al Orton onto it quickly the bird was on view for approximately 90 seconds as it ‘fluttered’ past.
The plumage details are as follows.
Upperparts/ Primaries /tail/ Mantle/nape and top of head Black: This was particularly significant as even in the excellent light the bird never appeared brown in the same way the Manxies did depending upon the light conditions. This bird was most definitely black.
Undeparts: Very white particularly the underwings which had a narrow black border. The underside of the primary tips were also bordered black. The rest of the underwing was completely white.
Cliché of course but the wholly white face was clear for all to see as the bird flew by.It is my experience that well lit Manx can often show very white faces but again in direct comparison to the Manx that were also present on the day,the white on the face was no where near as extensive as on our bird. The Little Shearwater also lacked any hint of dusky collar that is normally present on Manx.It was quite simply gleaming white underneath..
Structure: This for me having seen many Littles abroad and the real clincher, apart from its small size approx 2/3 that of nearby Manx,was the general stubbiness of the bird but what is always a key feature was the broader round hand giving the wings and bird an overall stubbier appearance.
Jizz: Again clichéd,but the typical fluttering flight interspersed with short glides and as the bird turned to fly directly away from us the bowed / arched wing position became obvious.
Additonal information: I guess most Shearwaters must throw their heads back whilst flying but I have to say I have never observed this in Manx so it was notable that for nearly the whole time the bird was on view it was constantly throwing it’s head back, presumably calling.
Allan Conlin & Alastair Orton
SEPTEMBER 15th
After yesterdays proceedings I met with Kenny Duningham at Perch Rock and soon connected with a juvenile Sabine's gull which was reported last night which showed really well. I then met up with Phil Woollen at the Leasowe gunsites, birds were passing all the time and the highlights included firstly an adult Sabine's Gull picked up by Frank Duff and then a juvenile. I found a Sooty Shearwater-a county 'lifer' for me. The same bird was seen by several other birders at Leasowe and then by Jane Turner from her lofty perch at Hoylake. Leach's Petrels streamed past for the whole duration of our watch and we also picked up two Storm Petrels, lots of Kittiwakes (including good numbers of juveniles) over thirty Manx Shearwaters, a Fulmar, two Bonxies, four Arctic Skuas, numerous Guillemots a Razorbill and a few small flocks of Common Scoter.
What a fantastic two days birding!
Pictures of the day!
Leach's Petrel
SEPTEMBER 18th
Whilst in Manchester at my brothers Frank Duff phoned me to say that a Whisked tern had been found at Inner marsh farm. There had been much confusion over this bird has it had been originally identified as a possible Black tern but after some good photos it was the latter. I made my way there and got great views of the bird.
Whiskered Tern
OCTOBER 8th
Malc Curtin phoned me to say that a Pectoral sandpiper had been seen at Neumann’s flash so I made my way over and got good views. The bird was showing well with the Lapwing flock but was very flighty.
OCTOBER 12th
Well I was expecting a lie in this morning but good old Allan Conlin phoned me to say that a Great Grey shrike was on Hilbre Island. I bombed it there in the car and yomped across and thankfully on arrival the bird had been caught. I got stunning views in the hand of the Shrike and a well deserved brew off of Steve Williams. On the way back I flushed two Lapland bunting from West Kirby marsh which ended another great day on the Wirral.
Photo's of the Shrike
OCTOBER 24th
After a severn hour drive last night from my beloved Scilly isles I managed to get up for first light and connect with a Slavionian grebe at my dads old stomping ground Withington Sandpits near Holmes Chapel. The bird was really elusive at first but I eventually found it over the other side of the pool.
OCTOBER 26th
An early morning raid to Macclesfield forest produced Waxwing at Standing Stones and a beautiful Long eared owl in flight behind the rangers cabin at Trentbank. What a fantastic mornings birding I had already tried for the owls twice this year near Wigg island to much avail.
Waxwing
NOVEMBER 9th
Robo from Sandbach phoned me today to say that his mate had found two Woodlarks near Brereton sand quarry near holmes chapel. I went and didn’t see a thing as people were saying they had flown but again they turned up the next day and thankfully I refound them in the field.
Woodlark
NOVEMBER 13th
An early morning raid to Congleton produced a stunning Great northern diver which showed so well.A cracking addition to my yearlist as I thought this one had gone for this year!
Great Northern Diver
