CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

September 30th 2025

Glossy Ibis-Burton RSPB

2 Black necked Grebe-On sunday-Rosthern Mere

Garganey-Two on No 4 Bed (juvenile female on eastern cell and juvenile drake on western cell); also 4 Black-necked Grebes-Woolston Eyes-PERMIT ONLY

Caspian Gull-One at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Slavonian Grebe-West Kirby Marine Lake

7 Eurasian Spoonbill-Still roosting on flash off Bevyl Road-Parkgate

September 29th 2025

275 Great Crested Grebe, 3,200 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, Guillemot, 16 Wigeon, Eider and 5 Red-breasted Merganser off East Hoyle-Hoylake

Slavonian Grebe-West Kirby Marine Lake

7 Eurasian Spoonbill-Still roosting on flash off Bevyl Road-Parkgate

September 28th 2025

Slavonian Grebe and 232 Turnstone roosting on rocks-West Kirby Marine Lake

Slavonian Grebe
(c) Pete Sutton

Grey Phalarope-Off Leasowe Gunsite-Leasowe

Eurasian Spoonbill-Eight still roosting on flash off Bevyl Road-Parkgate

September 27th 2025

Curlew Sandpiper - Burton RSPB

Grey Phalarope off groyne, also 2 Greenshank - Leasowe Lighthouse

5,160 Black-tailed Godwit and an Osprey flying south - Caldy Wildfowl Collection

30 Sandwich Tern - Leasowe Bay

Slavonian Grebe this afternoon - West Kirby Marine Lake

Slavonian Grebe

(c) Allan Conlin

Black necked grebe-Four (adult and three juveniles), two Red-breasted mergansers-Redheads flew low south over No. 4 Bed, No.4 bed and a Rock pipit-Woolston Eyes- PERMIT ONLY

Caspian Gull-two (adult and 1st-winter) on River Mersey sandbanks just west of old Runcorn Bridge, Widnes

1st winter and an Adult Caspian Gull

(c) Steve Tomlinson

Caspian Gull-One at Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

September 26th 2025

Yellow-browed Warbler, early morning - Hilbre

Yellow-browed warbler

(c)Steve Williams

Spoonbill, 22 Greenshank and 51 Shoveler - Parkgate

2 Jack Snipe-Bridge screen-Burton RSPB

September 25th 2025

2 Curlew Sandpiper-Two on the marsh pool from the viewing platform-Wigg Island

September 24th 2025

Curlew Sandpiper and Ruddy Shelduck-Two on the marsh pool from the viewing platform-Wigg Island

September 24th 2025

4 s/pl Red-throated Diver off East Hoyle Bank - Hoylake

2140 Pink-footed Geese (780 roosted overnight, 1360 arrived from N by 08:00), 5000 Shelduck, 52 Mallard, 12 Pintail, 150 Teal - Heswall Shore

Greater Scaup-One flew south-west past the west side of Hilbre Island

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on River Mersey off Spike Island - Widnes

September 23rd 2025

Glossy Ibis-Juvenile again at Hancock's Flood-Sandbach Flashes

Nightjar-Flew out of Canoe Club Garden this morning but was not relocated - Hilbre Island

September 22nd 2025

Glossy Ibis-Juvenile again at Hancock's Flood, then flew towards Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Black-necked Grebe-Three still on western cell of No 4 Bed-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Red Knot-Neumann's Flash-Northwich

2 Greenshank and a Mediterranean Gull on flooded fields - Leasowe Lighthouse

Grey Phalarope on mud flats, East Hoyle Bank this afternoon - Hoylake

Grey Phalarope

(c)Allan Conlin

September 21st 2025

Black Tern-One still on North Pool at Mere Farm Quarry-Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

Ruddy Shelduck-Sandbach Flashes

Glossy Ibis and 3 Great White Egret flew in at dusk - Burton RSPB

180 Pink-footed Geese, 4150 Shelduck, 145 Teal, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 125 Grey Plover, 8 Curlew Sandpiper, 1130 Curlew, 3000 Redshank, 23 Greenshank - Heswall Shore

Grey Phalarope reported flying east - Hoylake

4 Curlew Sandpiper and a Whimbrel - Meols

Arctic skua and 2 Manx Shearwater out to sea, 36 Little Egret on flooded fields, also 3 Greenshank - Leasowe Lighthouse

700 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Spoonbill and 18 Greenshank - Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

September 20th 2025

Black Tern-One still on North Pool at Mere Farm Quarry-Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

Curlew Sandpiper-At least six off Sandhey Slipway-Meols

Hen Harrier-Ringtail flew south-east over fields between Ramsbrook Lane and Carr Lane-Hale

September 19th 2025

4 Curlew Sandpiper - Heswall Shore

24 Spoonbill - Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint-Still on beach off Roman Road-Meols

Ruddy Shelduck-Sandbach Flashes

Yellow-Legged Gull-Neumann's Flash-Northwich 

Yellow-Legged Gull

(c) Greg Baker

Black Tern-Two juveniles still showing well at Budworth Mere, Budworth Mere, Marbury Country Park, Northwich

Black Tern-Two still on North Pool at Mere Farm Quarry-Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

September 18th 2025

7 Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1550 Shelduck, 3400 Oystercatcher, 32 Grey Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 580 Curlew, 2650 Redshank and 15 Greenshank - Heswall Shore

11 Goosander - West Kirby Marine Lake

Glossy Ibis-Juvenile flew towards Elton Hall Flash at dusk, and female Ruddy Shelduck-Sandbach Flashes

Caspian Gull-Two (adult and 1st-winter) on River Mersey sandbanks just west of old Runcorn Bridge-Widnes

Black Tern-Two still on North Pool at Mere Farm Quarry-Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

Black-necked Grebe-Four (adult and three juveniles) still on western cell of No 4 Bed; reserve open from 08:00-20:00-Permit Only-Woolston Eyes

Curlew Sandpiper-Seven on the beach off Roman Road this morning-Meols

Curlew Sandpiper-Adult on sand spit and then flew towards Runcorn bridge-Wigg Island

Black Tern-Two juveniles still on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere mid-morning-Budworth Mere-Marbury Country Park-Northwich

Black Tern

(c)Greg Baker

September 17th 2025

Juvenile Black Tern, Bittern, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4+ Greenshank, 7 Ruff, 10 Knot, 3 Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Spotted Redshank, Hobby and a Cattle Egret-Burton RSPB

Leach's Storm Petrel-Two at Mersey Estuary off Fort Perch Rocks-New Brighton

Eurasian Spoonbill-24 at Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

Black Tern-Two at the north end, but distant-Acre Nook Sand Quarry

Curlew Sandpiper-Four on beach off Sandhey Slipway-Meols

Curlew Sandpiper

(c)S O'hara

Little Stint-One on beach off Firshaw Road-Meols

Ruddy Shelduck-Elton Hall flash-Sandbach Flashes

September 16th 2025

2 Black Tern-Mere Farm Quarry-Chelford

50 Guillimot, 15 Razorbill, 65 Gannets, 38 Kittiwake, 14 Arctic Skua, 65 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red Throated Diver, 225 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Tern, Pomarine Skua, Great Skua, Fulmar, 34 Leach's Petrel, Black Tern, Drake Eider, Sabine's Gull  and Great Northern Diver- Hilbre

Leach's Petrel

(c)Steve Williams

Leach's Petrel

(c)Steve Williams

Pomarine Skua

(c)Steve Williams

Great Skua

(c)Steve Williams

Great Skua

(c)Steve Williams

Great Northern Diver

(c)Steve Williams

Great Northern Diver

(c)Steve Williams

13 Leach's Petrel, 3 Arctic Skua (sat on beach!), Grey Phalarope and a Great Skua -Leasowe Lighthouse

17 Leach's Petrel, Grey Phalarope, Black Tern and 2 Arctic Skua - Leasowe Gunsites

15 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Skua, Great Northern Diver,19 Leach's Petrel, 10 Arctic Skua, 3 Sabine's Gull and a Black Tern - Hoylake

12 Leach's Petrel, 2 Sabine's Gull, Great Skua and 3 Arctic Skua -Coastguards-Wallasey

Leach's Petrel

(c)Pete Sutton

Sabine's Gull

(c) Robert Taylor

Sabine's Gull

(c)Pete Sutton

Sabine's Gull

(c)Elliot Montieth

Pomarine Skua, 4 Leach's Petrel, 4 Arctic Skua, 2 Curlew Sandpiper on shore - Dove Point-Meols

Arctic Skua,2 Red Throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, Black Tern,4 Kittiwake, 5 Leach's Petrel and 2 Sabine's Gull - New Brighton

Ruddy Shelduck-Elton Hall flash-Sandbach Flashes

Ruddy Shelduck

Leach's Petrel-One along the River Mersey-Frodsham Marshes

Black Tern-Burton RSPB

September 15th 2025

Ruddy Shelduck-Elton Hall flash-Sandbach Flashes

Curlew Sandpiper-Meols

2 Arctic Skua this morning, 4 Arctic Skua, 15+ Manx Shearwater and 3 Guillemot this afternoon - Leasowe Gunsites

Juv Sabine's Gull, 2 Leach's Petrel, 10 Manx Shearwater, 5 Arctic Skua, Black Tern and a  Fulmar - Hilbre 

Grey Phalarope flew out of the Mersey mouth - New Brighton

September 14th 2025

8 Curlew Sandpiper, 11 Pintail, 9 Greenshank, 300 Black-tailed Godwit -Thurstaston Shore

285 Little Egret left the overnight roost this morning - Heswall Fields

2 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 8 Ruff, 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Wigeon, 35 Pintail on flashes, also 2 juv Hobby, 1 Merlin and 1 Peregrine -Denhall Quay

2 Little Stint - Burton Mere wetlands

3 Curlew Sandpiper this afternoon - Meols

Wood Sandpiper-Neumann's Flash-Northwich

Black Tern-One flew west past lighthouse-Hale

2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Eurasian Spoonbill-Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

September 13th 2025

Black Tern and Manx Shearwater-Past lighthouse-Hale

18 Eurasian Spoonbill-Boathouse Flash-Parkgate

Black necked grebe-4 (adult and three juveniles) still on the western cell of No. 4 Bed-Woolston eyes-Permit ONLY

Leach's Petrel this afternoon and 22 Curlew Sandpiper west of Kings Gap over high tide - Hoylake

Curlew Sandpiper

(c)Allan Conlin

Leach's Petrel (presumably the same bird as at Hoylake) - Hilbre

Little Stint and 2 Curlew Sandpiper before high tide - Meols

3 Leach's Petrel west past coastguards this afternoon - Wallasey Shore

10 Brent Geese between Little Eye and West Kirby

2 Hobby - Burton RSPB

September 12th 2025

6 Curlew Sandpiper, 2450 Shelduck, 25 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Whimbrel, 3000 Redshank, 10 Greenshank, Adult Mediterranean Gull,2 Wheatear on rising tide - Heswall Shore

Leach's Petrel, 5 Gannet, 8 Manx Shearwater, Eider out to sea, and 7 Curlew Sandpiper - Hoylake

11th September 2025

Western Osprey-One flew south distantly-Acre Nook Sand Quarry

5 Curlew Sandpiper-From hide-Pickerings Pasture

Little Gull-Juvenile on Hale Marsh from Town Lane-Hale

8 Black Tern flew west, 14 Curlew Sandpiper, and a Little Stint in a wader roost - Hoylake

Black Tern

(c)Allan Conlin

Curlew Sandpiper

(c)Allan Conlin

Glossy Ibis flew south over Decca Pools, then was seen on Centenary Pool-Burton RSPB, then flew off and showed distantly on Burton Marsh

Eurasian Spoonbill-18 still on flash off Bevyl Road-Parkgate

Black necked grebe-4 (adult and three juveniles) still on the western cell of No. 4 Bed-Woolston eyes-Permit ONLY

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

10th September 2025

Curlew Sandpiper-Two at high tide-Hoylake

Eurasian Spoonbill-11 still on flash off Bevyl Road-Parkgate

Little Stint-Main Scape-Burton RSPB

9th September 2025

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Black necked grebe-Three (adult and two juveniles) still on the western cell of No. 4 Bed-Woolston eyes-Permit ONLY

2 Curlew Sandpiper-On beach off Roman road - Meols

16 Spoonbill-Still on Boathouse Flash - Parkgate

8th September 2025

2 Curlew Sandpiper off Roman road at 0830 - Meols

16 Spoonbill on Boathouse Flash - Parkgate

Juv Curlew Sandpiper, Juv Spotted Redshank, 4500 Redshank, 7 Whimbrel over high tide - Heswall

350 Turnstone on pontoon - New Brighton Marine Lake

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Osprey-Burton RSPB

Black Necked Grebe-Two from the car park-Redesmere

7th September 2025

Greater Scaup-Two females still on Lapwing Moore Nature reserve.

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Curlew Sandpiper-Four; 2 juveniles from Dovepoint Road and 2 adults from Roman Road-Moels

Little Gull-Adult on No 3 Bed-Woolston Eyes-Permit ONLY

Curlew Sandpiper-Wood sandpiper, Little Stint and 3 Curlew sandpiper-Hoylake

Curlew Sandpiper

(c)S O'hara

Wood Sandpiper

(c)S O'hara

2 Curlew Sandpiper (Donkeystand Flash) and 14 Spoonbill (Boathouse Flash) this morning-Parkgate

6th September 2025

2 Curlew Sandpiper and 13 Spoonbill - Boathouse Flash)-Parkgate

200 Pink-footed Geese (first ones!!) over Little Neston

Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Common Redstart,  Hobby and 2 Cetti's Warbler - Burton Point

Curlew Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 20 Yellow Wagtail and several Ruff - Burton RSPB

12 Wheatear - Hilbre

Black necked grebe-Three (adult and two juvenile) still on the western cell of No 4 Bed-Woolston eyes-Permit ONLY

Caspian Gull-Two (adult and 1st-winter) on River Mersey sandbanks just west of old Runcorn Bridge-Widnes

5th September 2025

Osprey-One flew south over Tatton Park

C30 Glossy Ibis-On sand bank then flew west-Parkgate

Black necked grebe-Three (adult and two juvenile) still on western cell of No 4 Bed-Woolston eyes-Permit ONLY

14 Spoonbill - Boathouse Flash)-Parkgate

4th September 2025

Juv Curlew Sandpiper (off Shore Cottage) and 9 Whimbrel at high tide - Thurstaston Shore

9 Goosander this morning - West Kirby Marine

30 Ruff, Cattle Egret, Green Sandpiper and 5 Greenshank - Burton RSPB

2 Hobby (ad and 1st sum) and a Whinchat - Leasowe Lighthouse

Wood Sandpiper, briefly with Redshanks and 5 Spoonbill- Donkey Stand Flash-Parkgate

Osprey-One flew over-Maw Green Tip

3rd September 2025

Juv Curlew Sandpiper, 3050 Oystercatcher, 330 Ringed Plover, 45 Knot, 25 Dunlin, 13 Turnstone, 3000 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Mediterranean Gull over high tide - Thurstaston Shore

14 Greenshank over high tide - Heswall Shore

200 Grey Plover roosting on shore off Cubbins Green - West Kirby

Hobby over - Burton Village

2 Greenshank at Meols Groyne,  and 2 Whinchat - Leasowe Lighthouse

Wood Sandpiper-Elton Hall Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Osprey-One flew Inland-Parkgate

2nd September 2025

2 Brent Geese (first ones of the autumn!) - Hilbre

14 Spoonbill, 2 Ruff, 8 Greenshank and a Water Rail Boathouse flash - Parkgate

29 Little Egret and 3 Grey Heron in the channel near the groyne - Meols

15 Common Buzzards 'kettling' this morning over Greasby

2 Whinchat and a Hobby west of Leasowe Lighthouse

2+ Crossbill over, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Hobby and 25+ Yellow Wagtail - Burton

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK: 22ND-28TH SEPTEMBER-2025

Doesn't it just feel so right to have a bird-filled East Coast again!  More here >

EAST COAST WEEKEND

The weather forecast for birds this weekend had initially looked perfect. I needed to collect a new moth trap from a friend in Scarborough, who had kindly made it for me. With south-easterly winds predicted and a significant influx of migrants expected along the east coast, Jenna and I booked a hotel and set off on Friday afternoon. However, overnight Friday saw a mass clear-out of birds, and the weekend forecast had shifted. Undeterred, we continued with our plans and made our way to Scarborough.

After picking up the trap, we found a safe spot to leave our equipment overnight: the cliffs beneath Scarborough Castle.

As dawn broke, the air was surprisingly warm for the hour, and we were treated to a spectacular sunrise over the coast.

Scarborough Castle

Once the light allowed, we checked our traps and were delighted to discover three species new to my list, including both Ranunculus moths, which are typically on the wing in this area at this time of year. After a rewarding morning of trapping, we returned to the hotel for breakfast.

On our way home, we made a stop at Bempton RSPB in the hope of seeing a Barred Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler, recently reported in the area. Unfortunately, the weather had deteriorated, the wind had strengthened, and the birds remained elusive. The highlights were limited to the usual flock of Tree Sparrows around the main reception and a good number of Gannets along the cliffs—always a pleasure to observe up close.

Bempton Cliffs

Gannet

After a beautiful start to the day, the rain had set in, signalling the end of our outing. Despite the mixed conditions, it had been a memorable trip, and I am sure I will return to the East Coast before autumn is out.

 

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK: 15TH -21ST SEPTEMBER- 2025

When I started writing out this Review of the Week on Saturday afternoon, I didn't expect my draft to look that different by Monday, naively assuming nothing major would happen in Britain and Ireland by Sunday evening. How wrong I was! Read more >

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK: 8-14th September 2025

BirdGuides Review of the Week: 8-14th September 2025

More Here>

 

DUBWATH SILVER MEADOWS-CUMBRIA

This morning, Jenna and I visited Cumbria to attend an organised moth event at Dubwath Silver Meadows, where we were able to add several species to our life lists.

We were fortunate that the event followed a night of heavy rain, as the damp conditions seemed to bring out a wide variety of moths. Among the species trapped overnight, a remarkable selection was on display:

Poplar Hawk-moth

Swallow Prominent

Centre-barred Sallow

Angle Shades

Snout

Frosted Orange

Rosy Rustic

Purple Thorn

Canary-shouldered Thorn

The Sallow

The Sallow

Heath Rustic

NORTH WEST BIRD WATCHING FESTIVAL-SATURDAY 18th & SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER 2025

North West Bird Watching Festival

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025

Buy Tickets here>

CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

1st September 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-Six (two adults and four juveniles) around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive-Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Forster's Tern-Adult, off Shipstal Point-Arne RSPB-Dorset

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

4 Wheatear on rocks by Lifeboat Station - Hoylake

31st August 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-Six (two adults and four juveniles) around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive-Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

14 Spoonbill - Parkgate

Spotted Redshank-Burton RSPB

Garganey-Juvenile reported again on No 3 Bed viewed from Rotary Hide-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

2300 Shelduck, 3 Pintail, 173 Little Egret, 1700 Oystercatcher, 380 Ringed Plover, 265 Grey Plover, 40 Dunlin, 3000 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 1560 Curlew, 3500 Redshank, 6 Greenshank on this morning's ebbing tide - Thurstaston

30th August 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-Six (two adults and four juveniles) around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive-Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

14 Spoonbill - Parkgate

Osprey was seen to cross the Mersey from Seaforth.

220 Sandwich Tern, 6 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper, 21 Little Egret was a good number for the island - Hilbre

Black Necked Grebe-Two (adult and juvenile) still on No 4 Bed-Woolston Eyes

Spotted Redshank- Juvenile still at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

29th August 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-At least three around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive-Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

Spotted Redshank- Juvenile still at Pumphouse Flash-Sandbach Flashes

Hobby over Beacon Woods-Heswall

2 Common Sandpiper, Little Stint and a Greenshank - Meols Shore

28th August 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-At least two around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive-Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

Ruddy Shelduck-Still on the River Mersey off Spike Island-Widnes

Juvenile Garganey on No 3 Bed viewed from John Morgan Hide-Woolston Eyes-Permit Only

27th August 2025

National Mega News

Zitting Cisticola-At least two around scrub between beach and Dunwich River, although elusive--Walberswick NNR-Suffolk

Cheshire and Wirral Bird News

Juv Spotted Redshank, 14 Spoonbill, 8 Greenshank and 7 Ruff- Parkgate