FAIR ISLE-LIVING ON THE EDGE-EPISODE 1

Two-part documentary revealing life on Fair Isle, Britain's most remote inhabited island. Following the arrival of a new couple as they settle in and adapt to island life.

EPISODE 1 -Shown on BBC1 Scotland last night at 9pm CLICK ON LINK

EPISODE 2 -Next Monday at 9pm

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT RENEWS COMMITMENT TO WILDLIFE CRIME PREVENTION

The RSPB has applauded Scotland's renewal of its commitment to pursue criminals who illegally persecute birds of prey.CLICK ON LINK

REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 21ST NOV-27TH NOV 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS

Burton RSPB-A Marsh harrier was seen on the 22nd and the 4 Cattle egrets remained until the 23rd when they dispersed. 2 Water pipits remained all week with a third bird being seen on the 27th.A juvenile Hen harrier was seen over the reserve on the 23rd and a male flew over the main scape on the 27th.

Thurstaton-1 Whooper Swan (flew SW),100 Pink-footed Geese,440 Pintail,580 Teal, 590 Lapwing, 148 Golden Plover, 300 Knot, 1200 Black-tailed Godwit were seen on the 22nd.480 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1,800 Black-tailed Godwit were present on the 23rd. A Curlew Sandpiper hung around until the 26th with c1,800 Black-tailed Godwit being present on the 24th.A  Firecrest was at Dawpool LNR by Wirral Way on the 27th.

Parkgate-The Bittern was seen in flight and landed near Donkey stand pool on the 23rd and was seen again at the Raptor watch on the 27th.1 Hen Harrier,3 Marsh Harrier,1 Peregrine, 1 Great White Egret,2 Water Rail and 1 Greenshank were seen during the RSPB Raptor watch on the 27th.

Heswall-1 male Hen Harrier,1 Merlin,120 Pink-footed Geese,420 Pintail,2 Scaup,145 Golden Plover,760 Lapwing,2,000 Dunlin,2,100 Black-tailed Godwit,415 Bar-tailed Godwit,1 Grey Partridge on the 25th.205 Pink-footed Geese,730 Pintail,2 Scaup,1 Merlin,1 Peregrine,142 Golden Plover,690 Lapwing,700 Dunlin,1 Curlew Sandpiper,1,000 Redshank, 1 Greenshank,340 Bar-tailed Godwit,1,750 Black-tailed Godwit over high tide on the 27th.

Denhall Quay-6 Short-eared Owls,Great white egret,Merlin,Peregrine,4 Marsh Harriers were seen on the 23rd.A Cattle Egret,2 Hen Harrier (both grey males),1 Marsh Harrier and 7 Short-eared Owl were seen on the 24th.The Cattle Egret was still present on the 25th.4 Short-eared Owl,3 Hen Harrier (2f & 1m),2 Marsh Harrier,2 Stonechat (pair) and 3 Water Rail were seen on the 26th.1 Hen harrier (male) and 2 Short eared owls were present on the 27th.

 FEMALE RINGTAIL HEN HARRIER

(C)FRANK BURNS

SHORT EARED OWL

(C)FRANK BURNS

West Kirby Marine Lake-2 Goosander and 7 Red-breasted Merganser were present until the 25th.

Puddington-2 Cattle Egret were a in a sheep field on the 25th.

Caldy-8,000 Knot were present on the 25th.

Neston-5 Water Pipit were present on the 23rd.2 Marsh Harrier and 2 Great White Egret were seen on the 24th.

Burton Marsh-4 Short-eared Owl and 1 Marsh Harrier were seen on the 22nd.

Decca Pools-2 Merlin,1 Hen Harrier(ringtail),1 Short-eared Owl and 2 Great White Egrets were present on the 23rd.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS

Newchurch Common-The female Smew was still present on the large pool north of the track along with the 1st-winter drake Red crested pochard throughout the week.

SMEW

(C)A ORTON

Richmond Bank-An adult Caspian Gull,Knot and 6 Yellow Legged gulls were seen on the 22nd.

Sandbach Flashes-A juvenile Glaucous gull was found on Pumphouse Flash on the 23rd.

Lapwing Hall pool-The Black necked grebe remained all week.

Rostherne Mere-A Black necked grebe was present on the 25th.

Hale-Carr lane pools-3 Water pipits were present throughout the week and by the 27th five were on the pools.On the 26th a Great white egret flew into Cormorant roost at the Decoy Wood. 

Fourways Sand Quarry-A Jack snipe was present on the 26th and the female Scaup was seen again on the 27th.

Neumann's Flash-The female Scaup remained all week and a Ruddy Shelduck flew over the flash with a skein of Canada geese on the 27th.

Pickerings Pasture-A Yellow browed warbler was found on the 25th near the scrape and was seen again the next day around the bird feeders with a Long Tailed tit flock.2 Little stints were seen briefly on the 27th from the hide.

 PLEASE SEND ALL YOUR CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS TO alastairorton72@gmail.com or you can TWEET @CHESHIREBIRDING

URBAN FEATURES IMPACT SONGBIRDS CHOICE OF GARDENS

A new study has found that birds commute between leafy suburban neighbourhoods more readily to visit bird feeders than they do on city terraces or new-build estates.CLICK ON LINK

SHORT EARED OWLS AT DENHALL QUAY

This morning, I headed to Denhall Quay, hoping to catch up with the Short-eared Owls that have been seen daily hunting over the marshes. It didn’t take long before I spotted one in the distance, gliding low and purposeful across the open habitat. Gradually, it drew nearer, providing classic views of this striking, ghostly hunter as it quartered the marsh in search of prey.

Short Eared Owl

While the owl hunted, it spooked a male Hen Harrier from the reeds, offering a fleeting but excellent view. I managed to capture a quick photograph as the harrier returned to the safety of the marsh.

Male Hen Harrier

On my walk back towards the Harp Inn Pub, the Short-eared Owl had perched on a bush, allowing for a final, calm observation before it melted back into the landscape. Its presence, alongside the harrier, highlighted the quality of the marshes and the value of having such magnificent raptors on the Wirral.

Another great morning’s birding, and a reminder of why mornings in these coastal marshes are always worth the effort.

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF RARE BIRDS THIS WEEK IN BRITAIN 16th-22ND NOV 2016

REVIEW OF THE WEEK CLICK ON LINK
BY JOSH JONES

CIRL BUNTING PASSES 1,000-PAIR MILESTONE

Cirl Bunting has made a magnificent comeback from the brink after the British population climbed to over 1,000 pairs this year, says the RSPB.CLICK ON LINK

SCOTLANDS WOODLAND BIRDS UP TWO THIRDS SINCE 1994

Woodland birds have increased in Scotland by 68 per cent overall since 1994, according to a new report from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).CLICK ON LINK

REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 14TH NOV -20TH NOV 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS

Heswall-500 Pink-footed Geese,64 Pale-bellied Brent Geese,2,000 Pintail,350 Wigeon, 400 Teal, 14 Red-breasted Merganser,5 Great-crested Grebe,84 Little Egret,2 Peregrine,1 Water Rail were seen over the high tide on the 14th.On the 15th a Short-eared Owl,3 Peregrine,18 Red-breasted Merganser and 12 Brent Geese were present.There were 156 Brent geese on the 16th.2 Greenshank and 89 Golden Plover were seen on the 17th and 9 Great White Egret were seen after high tide on the 18th.

Meols-c3,000 Common Scoter were seen before high tide on the 14th.

Puddington-4,000 Pink-footed Geese were a in field the morning of the 19th.

Caldy Wildfowl Collection-500 Black-tailed Godwit were present on the 19th.

Thurstaston Shore-2,000 Black-tailed Godwit and 1,110 Pintail were seen before high tide on the 14th.

Burton RSPB-The Long-eared Owl was still present to the 20th with the 6 Cattle Egrets being present all week.On the 15th 3 Bewicks swans were present on the main scape.A  Green winged Teal (drake) was showing well from the Reception Scrape on the 20th along with 6 Whopper swans on Burton marsh.

THE 6 CATTLE EGRETS ARE STILL SHOWING 

WELL AT BURTON RSPB

GREEN WINGED TEAL

Hoylake Shore-300 Sanderling,5,000 Dunlin and 3,000 Oystercatcher were seen at high tide on the 14th.

Denhall Quay-4 Short-eared Owl and 4 Hen Harrier (2 grey male and 3 ringtail) remain in the area throughout the week.On the 16th at Denhall marsh 21 Barnacle geese were seen.

 SHORT EARED OWL

(C)FRANK BURNS

Parkgate-A Water pipit was present on the early morning high tide and also 4 Hen Harriers (2 adult males) and 2 Great white egrets on the 15th.The Bittern was seen flying at least twice,1 Hen Harrier (male),1 Marsh Harrier,1 Peregrine and 4 Short-eared Owl over the  high tide birdwatch on the 16th.A Marsh Harrier (fem) and 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail) were still present on the 19th.

Gilroy-West Kirby-A Short-eared Owl was present on the  16th On the 17th Woodcock, 4 Mute Swan, c35 Redshank, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe and 1 Dunlin were present.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS

Newchurch Common-The Redhead Smew and the 1st Winter Red Crested Pochard were still present up to the 19th.

Frodsham Marshes-A Great white egret was on the Score on the 20th.

Hale-3 Water Pipits were present throughout the week on Carr Lane pools.Nearby a Little owl was seen on the 20th.

    LITTLE OWL 

(C)DAVE CRAVEN

Chelford-Lapwing Hall Pool-2 Black Necked Grebes were still present on the 14th.A single bird was still present on the 20th.

Woolston Eyes-A Siberian Chiffchaff was trapped and ringed on No.1 bed on the 14th and another bird was trapped and ringed at dawn on the 19th.

Sandbach Flashes-A juvenile Glaucous gull was on Railway Flash on the afternoon of the 16th.

Neumanns flash-The female Scaup was still present throughout the week and a Yellow legged gull was found on the 18th.

Wincham-At least 1 Waxwing was on Wincham Industrial Estate on the 20th.

Pickerings pasture-4 Little stint were present on the 19th.

PLEASE SEND ALL YOUR CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS TO alastairorton72@gmail.com or you can TWEET @CHESHIREBIRDING

THE NEXT BUNTING TO GO?

Conservationists are worried, but not surprised, when species with limited population size and restricted geographic range spiral into a downward trend.CLICK ON LINK

SEABIRDS EAT PLASTIC BECAUSE IT SMELLS LIKE FOOD

Researchers have discovered seabirds are eating plastic waste because it smells like their food.CLICK ON LINK

BITTERN BREEDS IN OXFORDSHIRE FOR FIRST TIME IN 150 YEARS

Bittern is once again part of Oxfordshire's breeding avifauna with at least two pairs nesting at the RSPB's Otmoor reserve.CLICK ON LINK

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF RARE BIRDS THIS WEEK IN BRITAIN 9th-15TH NOV 2016

REVIEW OF THE WEEK CLICK ON LINK
BY JOSH JONES

A MORNINGS BIRDING AT BURTON R.S.P.B

This morning, I visited Burton RSPB, keen to catch up with the Long-eared Owl discovered last week. On arrival at the visitors’ centre, it was a pleasant surprise to see Janet and Bob Jones from Sandbach, whom I hadn’t seen since the Whiskered Terns earlier in the year. After a quick chat, I noticed that the Cattle Egrets were showing well, so I said my goodbyes and headed out. Six birds were present, and true to their name, one even perched atop the local cow herd—a classic photo opportunity.

There are now six cattle egrets showing on the reserve

Moving towards Inner Marsh Farm hide, small passerines were busy around the hedges. Siskin and Redpoll flitted among the trees, and a particularly showy Bullfinch paused long enough for some excellent views and photos.

Bullfinch

While walking along the marshes, Pink-footed Geese passed overhead in constant streams, and a Great White Egret added a flash of elegance to the landscape. The Long-eared Owl didn’t take long to locate; a small group of birders were already watching it as it skulked quietly in a hedge. Half an hour later, it remained largely stationary, so I moved on to the nearby hide. Here, a Green Sandpiper provided excellent views alongside two Shelduck and a few Teal.

Long Eared Owl

Green Sandpiper

Returning towards the owl, it still hadn’t moved, so I continued to Burton Point, where the tide had nearly covered all the marshes. Hundreds of birds were in flight. Highlights included two Short-eared Owls, a ring-tailed Hen Harrier, and three Great White Egrets. Goose numbers were impressive: Pink-footed and Canada Geese dominated, with a few Brent Geese scattered across the marsh. The biggest surprise was a skein of Barnacle Geese flying past the point and landing on Denhall Marsh. Having only seen the occasional Barnacle Goose in Cheshire before, this was an extraordinary spectacle.

Burton Point

Looking over the reserve from Burton Point

At Denhall Lane, I managed to locate 21 Barnacle Geese feeding on the marsh. Photos were challenging due to distance, but the experience more than made up for it. Other notable birds included over twenty Little Egrets, another Great White Egret, and a Stonechat perched on the marsh edges.

 Barnacle Geese

Stonechat

Another great morning’s birding, showcasing the rich diversity of the Wirral marshes, and a reminder of why these winter months are so rewarding—though sadly, the trip had to come to an end due to other commitments.

 Denhall Marsh

AN EXCEPTIONAL INFLUX OF SIBERIAN ACCENTORS TO NORTHERN EUROPE

To say that this autumn will go down in history for one of the most phenomenal rarity events of all time is not hyperbole.CLICK ON LINK

REMEMBERING PETE (POD)

It has taken me some time to put this into words, but last week I received the terrible news that my friend Pete “POD” had passed away in his sleep. Pete was one of my oldest birding mates and one of the first people I met at Marbury Country Park when I moved to Northwich in 2002.

Pete could almost always be found birding at Marbury over the years. He had an uncanny eye for the rare and remarkable, and he discovered countless birds that became local highlights—most notably the Black-winged Stilts that bred at Neumann’s Flash, a sight that thrilled everyone lucky enough to see them. But Pete’s passion didn’t stop at local rarities. He was twitching mad, always chasing new birds appearing in Britain, and he had stories for every bird he had seen. If he hadn’t seen it himself, it didn’t really count!

Among his many achievements, Pete was the finder of Britain’s first Little Whimbrel, a record he was immensely proud of. His dedication to listing was legendary—he had lists for everything, and it was awe-inspiring to see just how many species he had documented over the years. Pete was a regular visitor to the Isles of Scilly and made numerous trips to Shetland, often accompanying me for week-long birding holidays.

Beyond his skills and achievements, Pete was simply great fun to be around. He was the life and soul of any gathering, a brilliant companion in the field, and an incredible friend. I have countless memories of our adventures, and I could sit for hours writing about them. Pete’s loss is deeply felt, both by the birding community at large and by all who were lucky enough to call him a close friend.

My thoughts are with Debbie and his family at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, my friend.

Pod on the ferry to twitch the Black-billed Cuckoo with me this year—a fitting snapshot of his love for birding and adventure.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 9TH-15TH NOVEMBER 2016

CLICK ON LINK

ARJAN BREAKS WORLD YEAR LIST RECORD

Dutch birder Arjan Dwarshuis has broken birding's world year list record, with over a month of the year still to go.CLICK ON LINK

REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 7TH NOV -13TH NOV 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS
West Kirby-A Richard's Pipit was a in the rough field between Gilroy and West Kirby Tip late morning before flying towards Hoylake on the 7th.

Hoylake Langfields-A Great White Egret flew over east on the 7th.

Burton R.S.P.B-25 Whooper Swan and 1,200 Pink-footed Geese were on the wet field's on the 7th.The Water Pipit was still present from Marsh Covert Hide on the 7th along with the 5 Cattle Egrets on the main scape,on the10th the 6th bird had joined the others.7 Great White egrets were on Burton marsh on the 8th.On the 11th a Long eared owl was found by the wooden bridge roosting near Inner marsh farm hide and was still present on the 13th.

12 GREAT WHITE EGRETS HAVE BEEN PRESENT ON BURTON MARSH (C)DAVE KING

WATER PIPIT (C)DAVE KING

Neston Marsh-4 Great White Egrets flew from the marsh with 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail), 1 Merlin (male), 4 Rock Pipit and 19 Twite on the 8th.Neston old quay also held 2 Water Pipit's,3 Marsh Harrier's and a Short-eared Owl.

Hilbre-A Snow Bunting was present on the 7th and again on the 11th.

Bidston-One or Possibly 2 Siberian Chiffchaff were calling around Moss on the 13th.

Birkenhead-The juvenile Common Scoter was still on the East Float of Birkenhead Docks on the 9th.

Gilroy Nature Park-1 Woodcock was flushed on the 11th.

Meols-6,500+ Common Scoter were on the sea, 450 Shelduck on the shore,two hours after high tide on the 11th.

Thurcaston-2,450 Black-tailed Godwit on the 9th.

Decca Pools-3 Great White Egrets were present on the 9th.

Parkgate-The Male Hen Harrier was seen on the 10th.

Denhall Quay and Marsh-2 Short-eared Owl and 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail) were present on the 9th.

Heswall Marsh-330 Pink-footed Geese, 470 Teal, 1 grey male Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Water Rail were calling in the reed beds on the 13th.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS
Oakmere-2 Red Breasted Mergansers were present at Fourways Sand Quarry on the 12th.The 2 Common Scoters reappeared on the 13th.

Marbury Country Park-A Little Egret was on Kid Brook Spit on Budworth Mere and a Dunlin on the 7th.The Female Scaup reappeared on Neumman's Flash on the 7th and was still present on the 10th.

Poynton-A Waxwing was seen flying over on the 8th.

Newchurch Common-The Redhead Smew and the 1st Winter Red Crested Pochard were still present throughout the week

 

REDHEAD SMEW (C) A.ORTON

           1ST WINTER RED CRESTED POCHARD (C) A.ORTON

Richmond Bank- A First winter Yellow-legged Gull was seen on on the 9th.

Hale-At least three Waxwings were fly catching on Arran Close towards Pond House garden on the 9th along with 2 Water pipits which were present on Carr Lane pools,a 3rd bird was present on the 11th,2 were still present on the 13th.

                                                         WATER PIPIT (C)DAVE CRAVEN

Adlington-A Waxwing flew west over Macclesfield Canal near Brookledge Lane on the 13th.

Woolston Eyes- A Yellow Browed warbler was present in the shelter belt by No.3 bed on the 12th and a female Firecrest was trapped and ringed at No.3 bed and also Siberian Chiffchaff on the 13th,but there was no sign of Yellow Browed Warbler.

Pickerings Pasture-A Temminck's Stint was present on the 9th mid afternoon.

Frodsham Marsh-The Little Stint was still present on the 12th.

PLEASE SEND ALL YOUR CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS TO alastairorton72@gmail.com or you can TWEET @CHESHIREBIRDING

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF RARE BIRDS THIS WEEK IN BRITAIN 2ND-8TH NOV 2016

REVIEW OF THE WEEK CLICK ON THIS LINK
BY JOSH JONES

GOLDEN EAGLE POPULATION ON THE RISE

Results from the fourth national Golden Eagle survey show that its population has increased to 508 pairs in Scotland, a rise of 15 per cent.CLICK ON LINK

AFTERNOON VISIT TO NEWCHURCH COMMON

This afternoon, I made a quick stop at Newchurch Common while passing the site. The weather wasn’t ideal—Cheshire had seen relentless rain for the past two days—but it was worth braving the elements to try and photograph the Red-crested Pochard that had been present for the last couple of weeks.

On arrival, I was delighted to find the pochard close to the shore, offering excellent photographic opportunities. It had been years since I last saw a Red-crested Pochard in Cheshire, so this was a particularly rewarding moment.

Red Crested Pochard

Even better, as I was standing in the pouring rain photographing the pochard, a female Redhead Smew landed right behind it. This bird has been present for several weeks and showed extremely well before flying to the far side of the pool, providing a rare two-species spectacle in one frame.

Redhead Smew

Other notable species on the site included Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Gadwall, and at least 40 Wigeon. Despite the rain, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of birding and a reminder that great birds can appear even in the worst weather.