REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 26TH DEC-31ST DECEMBER 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS

Leasowe-7 Waxwings flew northeast over the lighthouse on the 28th.

Barnston-10 Waxwings were present on Whitehouse lane on the 28th.

Burton RSPB-A male Hen harrier was present from the reception hide on the 29th.On the 30th a Marsh harrier was over the reserve and another Marsh harrier was over Decca pools on Burton marsh.

Hilbre Island-A Long tailed duck flew past the Islands on the 29th.

Thingwall-A Waxwing was present on the morning of the 29th.

Neston-12 Waxwings were briefly at Pine hey on the 30th.

Parkgate-6 Marsh Harriers were present on the 27th

Thurstaton-58 Brent Geese were feeding just north of the Dee Sailing Club causeway after high tide on the 28th.

West Kirby Marine Lake-6 Brent geese and Goldeneye were present on the 31st.

Riverbank-Heswall-140 Brent geese were present at high tide.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS

Middlewich-6 Waxwings were present on Gorsley close on the 27th.

Frodsham Marshes-2 Little Stints and a Great White egret remained throughout the week.

Hale-A Short Eared owl was present on the 27th.On the 29th, 2 Water pipits were still present on Carr lane pools.

Warrington-There were up to 45 Waxwings present throughout the week around Milner street in the town centre.

Widnes- 3 Waxwings were present opposite Horns garage on Hunts heath road on the 28th.

Lyme Park-A Hen harrier was present on the moor beyond Paddock cottage on the 28th.

Ince Marshes-2 Great white egrets were present on the 29th.

Northwich-8 Waxwings were present in Lidl carpark on the 29th.

Chelford-The Black necked grebe was still present throughout the week at Lapwing hall pool.

Crewe-7 Waxwings were present on the Manchester metropolitan university grounds on the 30th,only 2 were present on the 31st.

Congleton-4 Waxwings were present in trees opposite Aldi on the 30th.

Sandbach Flashes-An adult Iceland gull was present on Elton hall flash on the 31st.

Woolston Eyes-A Siberian Chiffchaff was present on N03 bed on the 31st and 2 were trapped and ringed.

Newchurch Common-The redhead Smew and Red Crested Pochard remained all week.

Marbury Country Park-A Bittern showed well until dusk on the 29th 

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

MY BIRDING YEAR 2016

The year began quietly enough, but in hindsight, there was little warning of just how extraordinary 2016 would become.

On 2 January, I opened my account with a patch first: my first-ever Cetti’s Warbler at Witton Brook, Northwich. A cracking start—but the day wasn’t finished yet. Later that afternoon, Allan Conlin rang with news that a Pallas’s Warbler had been found at Heswall. Although I’d already seen the species in Cheshire back in 2005, resistance was futile. One glimpse of that tiny eastern gem was all it took to confirm that 2016 meant business

Pallas's Warbler

After a relatively quiet spring, everything changed in May. A mega alert sent shockwaves through the birding community: Britain’s first Dalmatian Pelican had arrived in Cornwall. Within hours, I was heading south, joining the crowds to witness one of the most remarkable birds ever to grace these shores. Seeing such a huge, ancient-looking species in Britain was simply surreal.

Dalmatian Pelican

Barely had we caught our breath when, on 22 May, news broke of a Black-billed Cuckoo on the Outer Hebrides. Plans were made immediately, and by the following morning, I was watching the bird. Few transatlantic vagrants match the presence of this species—an absolutely unforgettable encounter.

Black Billed Cuckoo

Summer continued to deliver. On 5 July, the BOU announced that Chinese Pond Heron and Slaty-backed Gull had been added to the British List—two very welcome armchair ticks. Later that month, I added another patch first when a Glossy Ibis appeared at Neumann’s Flash in Northwich.

Chinese Pond Heron

Glossy Ibis

August raised the bar yet again with Britain’s first Western Swamphen, a bird that felt almost too improbable to be true.

Western Swamphen

Then came autumn—and with it, sheer ornithological madness.

On the morning of 6 September, my good friend Higgo rang from the Isles of Scilly with news of a Cliff Swallow. By 6pm that same day, I was watching it. Few twitches have ever felt so gloriously impulsive.

Cliff Swallow

September also saw a Cattle Egret invasion on the Wirral, with up to five birds present at Burton RSPB. Meanwhile, long-overdue recognition arrived for Allan Conlin, whose Western Sandpiper found at Hoylake and Meols back in September 2012 was finally accepted—Cheshire and Wirral’s first, and only the ninth British record. A richly deserved moment

Cattle Egret

Cheshire and Wirral's first Western Sandpiper

(C)S.Williams

I spent the final week of September on the Isles of Scilly, enjoying superb birding despite narrowly missing Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Eastern Kingbird. There’s always next time.

On 9 October, another phone call—this time from Simon Slade—changed everything. A Siberian Accentor had been found on Shetland: Britain’s first. I was there the following day, unaware that we were witnessing the opening chapter of one of the most extraordinary invasion events in British birding history.

A strong and sustained easterly airflow poured birds out of Asia and into northern Europe. Siberian Accentors were soon joined by a remarkable supporting cast: Sakhalin (Pale-legged) Leaf Warblers, Black-faced Buntings, Dusky and Siberian Thrushes, Two-barred Greenish Warblers, along with multiple Pine Buntings, White’s Thrushes, Eastern Black Redstarts, Brown and Isabelline Shrikes. Even more “expected” rarities appeared in unprecedented numbers, including Red-flanked Bluetails, Dusky and Pallas’s Warblers, and the largest influx of Yellow-browed Warblers ever recorded.

By the end of October, an astonishing 182 Siberian Accentors had been recorded across northern Europe:
66 in Sweden, 58 in Finland, 12 in Britain, 10 each in Germany, Poland, and Denmark, with others scattered across Norway, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The story wasn’t finished. Early November brought further birds across Scandinavia and mainland Europe, and Britain’s final individual appeared at Avoch, Highland, from 6–9 November—fitted with a BTO ring, a fitting end to an extraordinary episode.

Siberian Accentor

Closer to home, Cheshire and Wirral experienced their own Yellow-browed Warbler inundation, with 35 records. I caught up with one at Houghton Green Pond, Warrington.

Yellow-browed Warbler

December provided a strong finish. On the 6th, I travelled to Beeley in Derbyshire to see my second British Dusky Thrush.

Dusky Thrush

Britain’s first Masked Wagtail was identified at Camrose, Pembrokeshire, on 29 November, and on 12 December the BOU added Acadian Flycatcher and Chestnut Bunting to Category A of the British List.

Masked Wagtail-Camrose-Pembrokeshire-9th December 2016

Chestnut Bunting

Finally, on 27 December, a Blue Rock Thrush appeared in a garden in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire—an intriguing bird that sparked much debate. I went to see it and will await the BBRC’s decision.

Blue Rock Thrush

By any measure, 2016 was a landmark year for British birding. With only eleven species left to reach the magic 500, the goal feels tantalisingly close.

But no year can be remembered without acknowledging loss. Two very close friends—Kenny Dunningham and Pete Antrobus—both birding legends—passed away in 2016. I spent countless hours in the field with them, and they are deeply missed by all who knew them.

A phenomenal year, in every sense of the word.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGIST'S UNION AND THE COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY MERGE TO FORM AOS

Two of the oldest and most influential professional ornithological societies in the world have legally merged, forming the American Ornithological Society (AOS), an organization devoted to advancing research focused on birds in the Western Hemisphere, promoting their conservation, and training the next generation of scientists.CLICK ON LINK

HAS THE WEATHER PLAYED A ROLE IN BRINGING UNUSUAL BIRDS TO BRITAIN DURING 2016?

With our position on the edge of northwest Europe, the UK receives air masses from all points of the compass during the year adding to the natural variability of our weather. This fact is known by meteorologists and birdwatchers because when air masses approach the UK during bird migration times – principally spring and autumn – then exotic birds from other parts of the world can unexpectedly arrive on our shores.CLICK ON LINK

HOW TO REPORT COLOUR RINGED WAXWINGS

The UK is currently experiencing its largest Waxwing invasion in three winters, with birds being reported up and down the country throughout November and December 2016.CLICK ON LINK

AUTUMN ON A BOAT

I've been lucky enough to work offshore on boats in many parts of the world over the past eight years, in that time watching penguins and albatrosses in the Falklands, boobies and frigatebirds in the Caribbean and shearwaters and skuas off Africa.CLICK ON LINK

BLUE ROCK THRUSH:TO SEE OR TO SPECULATE?

Late December delivered one final twist to an already astonishing year. Images began circulating on social media of a striking bird that had been present in a private garden for over a week, unseen by the wider birding community. When the photographs finally emerged, there was little doubt about its identity: a Blue Rock Thrush.

The usual chain reaction followed—phone calls, messages, lifts hastily arranged—and by the following morning, we were on site. On arrival, the bird was initially perched quietly in a tree within the private garden before dropping down to feed on the ground. It then flew up onto a chimney pot, where it showed superbly, offering prolonged and close views. A truly cracking bird.

Almost immediately, the discussion turned to the inevitable questions. Was it wild or an escapee? What about the timing? The drooping left wing? A supposed “gammy” foot? With good views, the feet looked fine; the wing was clearly damaged. But after the extraordinary autumn we had just experienced—one that rewrote the rulebook on what might turn up in Britain—nothing felt impossible anymore.

At some point, analysis becomes noise. I’ll leave the forensic debates to those who enjoy them and to the committees whose job it is to decide. For me, birding is about being out there, seeing birds, and enjoying moments like this. And judging by the smiles and cameras on show, plenty of birders felt the same—especially those who chose the field over the keyboard.

Blue Rock Thrush

If accepted, this individual would represent just the seventh British record of Blue Rock Thrush, joining a select and fascinating list:

2007

Radnorshire

Caban Quarry, Elan Valley, male, 11th April, photo.

2000

Cornwall

Geevor, Pendeen, first-summer female, 14th to 18th May, photo.

1999

Cornwall

Cot Valley, St Just, male, 25th October; possibly same as Scilly.

1999

Isles of Scilly

Porthloo, St Mary's, male, 14th to 15th October, photo.

1987

Caernarfonshire

Moel-y-gest, male, 4th June.

1985

Argyll

Skerryvore Lighthouse, SSW of Tiree, first-summer male, 4th to 8th June when found dead, now at Natural History Museum, Tring (BMNH 1986.2.4).

REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 19TH DEC-25TH DEC 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS

Thurstaston Shore-2,900 Black-tailed Godwit,200 Bar-tailed Godwit,700 Pintail and 1 Raven flew over on the 19th on the rising tide. 730 Pintail,190 Teal,3000 Knot,2600 Black-tailed Godwit were present on the 21st.c2,500 Black-tailed Godwit and c5,000 Knot were present on the 22nd.

West Kirby-7 Brent Geese briefly landed on the Marine Lake on the 24th along with  2 Goosander (redheads).At Newton on the 23rd a Short eared owl was seen late afternoon flying east.On the 24th a Brambling was present with Chaffinches.

Burton RSPB-Two Great white egrets were present on Burton marsh on the 22nd and four Marsh harriers were over the reserve.

Heswall Shore-182 Golden Plover and 970 Lapwing were present on the 22nd.

Neston Marsh-Two Hen Harrier's (1 grey male) and 3 Short-eared Owl were seen on the 22nd.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS

Sandbach Flashes-A Great white egret was present all week.

Frodsham Marshes-Three Little stints were present on the 24th and then two showed daily for the rest of the week.

Chelford-Lapwing Hall Pool-The Black Necked grebe was present all week.

Newchurch Common-The redhead Smew remained all week.

Hale- Two Water pipits remained on Carr lane pools until the 24th.

Richmond Bank-An adult Caspian gull was present on the 19th and a Cetti's warbler was in the scrub adjacent to viewing point.

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF RARE BIRDS THIS WEEK IN BRITAIN 14TH-20TH DECEMBER 2016

REVIEW OF THE WEEK CLICK ON LINK
BY JOSH JONES

WINTER SPECTACLES:TEN TOP UK STARLING MURURATIONS

Like clouds of smoke, large flocks of Starlings roll and churn through the evening sky, creating ever-changing shapes as they gather before diving into their chosen roost sites

CLICK ON LINK

WWT 'HUMAN SWAN' FLIES HOME

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) conservationist Sacha Dench flew into Slimbridge, Gloucestershire,on Friday in her paramotor,completing a record-breaking three-month journey following Bewick's swan on migration from Russia.CLICK ON LINK

REVIEW OF THE WEEK OF BIRDS RECORDED IN CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL 12TH DEC-18TH DEC 2016

WIRRAL BIRD SIGHTINGS

West Kirby-A Great White Egret flew from Leasowe towards Thurstaston over Newton on the 12th.

Burton RSPB-A Green Sandpiper was present on the 12th.3 Marsh Harrier's were over the reserve on the 13th and a male Hen harrier was seen on the 14th.There were 3 Short eared owls over burton marsh on the 18th.

Hoylake Shore-1,200 Bar-tailed Godwit,16,000 Knot,140 Sanderling,100 Grey Plover, 2,000 Oystercatcher and 3,500 Dunlin were present on the on the 13th

Thurstaston Shore-1,550 Pintail after high tide on the 13th this is thought to be a site record,1,500 Pintail, 123 Golden Plover, 600 Dunlin, 270 Knot, 1 Greenshank, 2400 Black-tailed Godwit,on the rising tide on the 14th.400 Pink-footed Geese were  feeding in a field below Dungeon Wood by Wirral Way on the 15th.2,700 Black-tailed Godwit, 700 Pintail and 180 Bar-tailed Godwit were seen on the rising tide on the 15th.

Heswall Shore-1 Snow Bunting,1 Greenshank and 2,300 Black-tailed Godwit 
1 Peregrine and 600 Pink-footed Geese were seen on the 13th.

Heswall-Riverbank Road-248 Brent Geese, 2000 Pintail, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Little Egret, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Short-eared Owl at high tide 14th.195 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 23 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Greenshank  at high tide on the 15th.235 Brent Geese,9 Red-breasted Merganser,7 Little Egret 2 Merlin together-male and female,1 ringtail Hen Harrier at high tide on the 17th.

Neston Old Quay-6+ Marsh Harrier were seen on the 13th.


Denhall Quay-1 Merlin,1 Hen Harrier and 5 Marsh Harrier were present on the 13th.


Leasowe Lighthouse-c20 Scaup were off the lighthouse on the 14th.

Meols-7,000 Knot roosting off Roman Road before high tide, they were flushed by the tide at 9.40am and flew towards Formby followed 10 minutes later by a larger flock of c10,000 Knot coming from Hoylake direction on the 15th.175 Great Crested Grebe and c500 Common Scoter were seen  at high tide on the 17th.

Parkgate-2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail),2 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 1 Great White Egret and 3 Little Grebe on the Donkey Stand pool over high tide on the 15th.A Marsh harrier was seen on the 18th.

Seacombe-A Glaucous gull flew north past the ferry station on the 17th.

Hilbre-1 Scaup (drake) and 117 pale-bellied Brent Geese were present on the 18th.

CHESHIRE BIRD SIGHTINGS

Shocklach-A Common Crane flew west over fields towards the River Dee near Caldecott Green on the 14th

Newchurch Common-The redhead Smew and the Red Crested Pochard remained all week

Marbury Country Park- 2 Little egrets were on Budworth mere on the 14th.3 Ruff were on Neumann's Flash mid morning on the 13th.The Little egret numbers increased by the 16th with 4 at the east end of Budworth mere.

Macclesfield-A Waxwing was seen on Union Street near B&Q on the 16th.

Pickmere Lake-A  1st-winter drake Scaup was present on the 16th.

Hale-2 Water Pipits were still present at Carr lane pools on the 17th and 18th.

Pickerings Pasture-A Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint were seen on the 17th.A Yellow legged gull was seen on the 18th.

Chelford-Lapwing Hall Pool-The Black Necked grebe has been present all week.On the 18th 9 Tree Sparrows were seen around the hedgerows of the pool.

BLACK NECKED GREBE

Frodsham Marsh-On the 18th a Water Pipit flew from N06 Tank and a Little Stint was present at high tide.Frodsham score held a Great white egret as well.

Moore Nature Reserve-An Adult Yellow legged Gull was seen on the 16th at Birchwood pools.

Sandbach Flashes-The Great white egret and Juvenile Glaucous gull were present on the 14th.