I spent the afternoon birding Teggs Nose County Park and Wildboarclough, beginning at Bottoms Reservoir before walking up towards Teggs Nose itself. A pair of Mandarin Ducks was present on the reservoir, accompanied by nine well-grown ducklings, providing the highlight of the visit.
Mandarin Duck
A thorough search of the usual woodland areas for Pied Flycatcher proved unsuccessful, which was concerning, as this site has traditionally been a reliable breeding area for the species within Cheshire. Little else was encountered around Teggs Nose, aside from a calling Redstart.
Teggs Nose County Park
Moving on to Wildboarclough, I soon connected with the resident Dippers, which had successfully raised a single young bird, offering more positive breeding evidence.
Dipper
Although overall bird numbers were low, the visit was still enjoyable, helped greatly by beautiful weather and the stunning scenery of the Wildboarclough valley, with Shutlingsloe providing a fine backdrop. Long may the good weather continue.
