Birding Brockholes 19/10/2011

Between the heavy showers 14 birdwatchers gathered in Sandbach for the visit to Brockholes, just off Junction 31 of the M6 at Preston. The forecast had promised that the rain would finish by 1000, but proved as unreliable as usual, although it did turn cold as promised.

While waiting in the car park at Brockholes for our last arrivals, a small mixed flock of mainly Fieldfare with some Redwing amongst them rose above the scrub lining the river Ribble for what was our only sighting of the day. Half a dozen Linnets were more obliging as they zoomed around the small hawthorns on the berms of the car park.

Having gathered all together we set off to walk clockwise around the main pit and pools. As we approached the main north-south public footpath through the reserve, movement in the tops of trees caused us to pause, while we latched onto another likely winter migrant – Mistle Thrush, with its cousin Song Thrush alongside. We also stopped to watch a Kestrel hunting – a mistake, as the clouds approaching from the west released its untimely precipitation upon us. We faced a long trudge through the rain and brief hail to reach the hide on the east side of No 1 pit. As the water drained off our jackets, the illusion of thawing out commenced, but didn't last long with the open windows of the hide. We were able to see a variety of waterfowl, Tufted Duck, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and a pair of very hungry Goldeneye. Why hungry? - the interval between dives was brief, as if the birds were in a hurry. Short enough intervals to prevent good views of the birds until the watching eyes were synchronised with the Goldeneyes' rhythms.

Careful scrutiny of the near bank of the island gave up a single Snipe, poking around on the shoreline. And several Great Crested Grebe with well-grown juveniles were also swimming around.

When finally the rain ran eastward, and the sun emerged, we made our way round to the hide on the west side of No 1 pit. As we passed the most southerly point of the pit, we at last encountered some passerines, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Greenfinch, and our fifth thrush, a humble Blackbird. From the West Side hide we got good views of a small flock of Meadow Pipits feeding on the island, and a single male Pochard half hidden among the Tufted Ducks.

We rambled on, passing Goldfinches stereotypically feeding on thistledown near Ribbleton Lake. Some of our number made a break to double back on themselves, but were caught, turned, and released in the right direction! The wood at the north end of the reserve proved nearly birdless until we reached the corner near the burned out hide overlooking Boilton Marsh. Here we stopped and watched as a feeding flock went past, Goldfinches and more Tits, this time including a Coal Tit. We also heard and saw a Nuthatch, and a Treecreeper was briefly seen.

From there it was a short step back to the car park, where we picked up our sandwiches and headed for the floating visitor centre. Here we invaded the veranda of the restaurant and ate our lunch protected from the wind sitting in sunlight. And we saw a Jay on its perambulations, and a Buzzard mobbed by a flock of 20 Jackdaws. As lethargy started to creep over some in the group, calculations were made around how much time we had left in the car park, and whether it was worth an extra £6 per car for an extra hours' watching......... we headed home a little early, 46 species to the good!

Coombs Valley & Westport Lake Report 18 May 2011

A damp morning at RSPB Coombs Valley led to a warbler morning. But the foliage in full leaf meant that it was time to put our hearing to best use. With one of the wardens to help us it wasn't quite as difficult as feared, and Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat were all identified by sound. The opportunity was taken to compare Blackcap and Garden Warbler, and the scratchy notes of the Whitethroat were, I hope, committed to memory.

The song of the Song Thrush was also heard and the bird glimpsed high in a tree. The usual woodland birds such as Pheasant and Blackbird were recorded, and several Stock Doves were seen above the canopy, while individuals saw Long-tailed Tit and Jay. The pick of the birds was one of Coombs Valley's specialities, and we spent time watching a Pied Flycatcher around its nestbox.

Onwards then to Westport Lake, where a dive into the cafe was made to avoid the drizzle that greeted us. Welcome teas and coffees were drunk and the weather brightened. We walked around the lake noting water birds and filling in the gaps in our morning list. Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck were on the water, while a single Swift scythed over head. Garden Warbler was identified following our morning warbler workshop, and a family of Mistle Thrushes were picked out in the tree tops.

The weather, the early full-leafed foliage and timing restricted our list to just 33, but a pleasant day was spent exploring two birding sites close to Stoke.

COOMBES VALLEY & WESTPORT LAKE LIST 18 May 2011                            Sandbach U3A Birdwatchers

Spring in Shropshire – 20 April 2011

Eight birdwatchers set off from Sandbach on a brisk beautiful Spring morning, which matured into a warm almost early summers' day. A first, brief stop was made at Nantwich Lake to meet our ninth participant, and to juggle cars. We were soon speeding past Whitchurch and Ellesmere to Colemere, a fairly regular destination for Cheshire birdwatching groups.

The car park is on a rise overlooking the mere, and a good overview can be made from there. We quickly added Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose and Cormorant to our list. We watched too as one of the Sandbach walking groups coincidently arrived, having enjoyed a leisurely lie-in! Remarkably one of their number was the other half to one of our number! We of course commented upon the lateness of the walkers' start and how they had missed the very best of the day! We waited until their much larger group set off, and then picked the opposite direction for ourselves – not, you understand, caused by any disharmony between the groups, but rather a hope that the birdlife would be less disturbed.

Colemere is a circular walk of around a mile through mature woodland with a couple of hay meadows thrown in and plenty of glimpses of the mere en route. Wrens were heard as soon as we entered the wood, and we racked up four Tit species (including Long-tailed) in the trees fringing the mere. The  group quickly spread out over 50 metres or so, as members found their own birds among the canopy, and waited for them to show among  the leaves. We heard Chiffchaff, and patience was soon rewarded with a glimpse as it sought sustenance in the birches. Another later was more showy on still-bare branches.

A pair of Blackcaps were seen, the first of four spread around the Mere. Jays were spotted feeding on the ground, before Treecreepers (at least three) and Nuthatches (2) fell to the sharp-eyed hunters. Great Spotted Woodpeckers had been drumming since we arrived but it was two thirds of the way round before we spied one in a glade. And yet further on before a Willow Warbler announced its presence with its delightful descending trill. Swallows seen over the mere completed our summer migrant sightings, before we used one of the picnic tables for lunch.

The afternoon venue was Wood Lane gravel pits, just a mile or so away, well known to one member over the years as a prime birdwatching site. Still a working quarry, its vertical sand faces provide nesting sites for Sand Martins, and a cloud of these birds high over the car park greeted us. A pair of Great Crested Grebes had three small black-and-white striped chicks, watched scrambling onto and off their parents' back. And the scrapes yielded displaying Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers and a single Greylag Goose.

We had arranged a tour of the whole site, which allowed us to see the process from farmland to nature reserve and fishing lakes, via gravel extraction and landfill, with a massive recycling works and a plant producing electricity from the waste landfill gas. We were able to see the next area, aready partially landscaped, destined for conservation and angling. We did not miss the opportunity to view the gull loafing area, and found Herring Gulls among the Lesser Black-backs and Black-headed Gulls. Corvids too enjoy landfills, and the last bird to make its way into our notebooks was a Raven, flighting to the tip among Crows and Jackdaws. A total of 46 species had beeen noted.

One of our number lived close to the route back to Sandbach, and had invited us for tea, which was very gratefully received. The difference between the hot fetid dusty atmosphere of the recycling plant at Wood Lane and the calm quiet of Arthur's garden was marked. And so ended a varied and interesting birdwatching day.

WAVES OF WADERS 18 March 2011

Sandbach U3A Birdwatchers took off on their second weekend trip with four nights in the bird-rich county of Norfolk. A dozen of us set off from Sandbach on the morning of the 18^{th March 2011 heading across country towards East Anglia, where we had booked into a hotel on the north-west tip of Norfolk at Old Hunstanton. But first we had organised a stop for lunch, and a little light birding, at Rutland Water!}

The usual plethora of countryside birds met us at Rutland, with the highlight being good views of a Green Woodpecker. The lagoons produced good numbers of waterfowl with Canada and Greylag geese, Shelduck, Tufted, Pochard, Gadwall, Goldeneye and Teal. A pair of the locally-breeding Egyptian Geese put in an appearance, as did a Little Egret. Marie's sharp ears picked out out the song of our first migrant, a Chiffchaff, and the bird of the day, a thermalling Red Kite, was spotted by Louise.

We continued on towards our destination, turning the corner at King's Lynn and committing ourselves to the sometimes-winding A149, which was to become our main traffic artery over the next four days. Having settled in at the hotel, we took a stroll along the beach, adding Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit to our list before retiring to the hotel for dinner.

After dinner, Gary Hibberd, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Home Dunes Reserve Warden, talked to us about his reserve, how it had developed, and what species we were likely to see there. He also invited us to a Visible Migration watch just after dawn the next morning, which suggestion was met with little enthusiasm! However, one member did wake early, and heard and saw Siskin, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Greenfinch migrating west over the low Hunstanton cliffs.

We returned to a nearby spot after breakfast, mainly to observe Norfolk's only nesting Fulmars, which breed on Hunstanton's sandstone cliffs. A couple of fly-by Eiders were also seen, along with Scaup, Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes on the calm sea. The foreshore gave up Sanderling, Turnstone, Grey Plover and Rock Pipit, before we turned our attention to Holme.

Holme proved to be of great interest, combining several habitats, and adding Wigeon and Pintail, Pink-footed and Brent Geese and Dabchick to our wildfowl list. The majority of the group now connected with Meadow Pipits on the heathland and Siskin in the pines before viewing 11 Avocets on the scrapes. Raptors were present in numbers with Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, two Marsh Harriers and a Red Kite which was visiting the bird resorts of the North Norfolk coast. We had lunch at Holme before returning to the hotel for a brief rest.

In the mid-afternoon we set out for the RSPB's Snettisham reserve, where the one of the highest tides of the early spring was expected. Its a long walk out at Snettisham, and we took time to add Knot, Dunlin and Redshank during the trek. We headed for a group of benches between the lagoons and the Wash, where dry land was likely to be at its narrowest. And made it just in time to watch the spectacle, seated in the late afternoon sun.

 Wisps of waders like thick smoke were already swirling about above the Wash, growing ever larger as the water pushed them off the mudbanks. The tide came in faster and faster with water flooding the channels quicker than a man can jog and with it came Shelducks and Wigeon seeking new areas to dabble in. And then the water reached the final few square metres of mud.

Waves of waders started flowing off the Wash and up and over the banks of the lagoons in flocks of 100 or more, the rush of wings clearly audible as they skimmed overhead. Knot in their thousands, Dunlin in their hundreds, Redshank in their scores, Oyster-catchers in their dozens. Pockets of Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and a couple of Avocets seasoned the heady brew. A single stint clung onto the tail of a fling (coll. noun – useful for the next quiz!) of Dunlin, moving too fast to be identified as it twisted and turned. And as quickly as it had started, it drew to a close, the last of the waders rushed overhead, over the berm and into the lagoons.

One last spectacle to see, as we entered the nearby hide overlooking the lagoon. And there, on a gravel bank, were the densely-packed flocks of waders, almost as mobile on the shingle as when on the wing. They flowed backwards and forwards in a seeming Brownian motion within their own flock. The “Whirling Wader” video on the RSPB Snettisham website will awaken memories for those that were there, and perhaps whet the appetite of those yet to join us for such a spectacle (http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/snettisham/video.aspx ). As we walked back to the cars one turn of the path brought us head on to a huge, orange, gibbous rising moon, the antecedent of the spring tide, and a fitting end to our day.

Despite dire warnings of the odds against seeing them, two carloads made the (very) early morning journey to Wolferton to see Golden Pheasant. As we turned off the A149, one was spotted pecking its daily quota of grit from the roadside. A second soon joined it and we were treated to the sight of two gorgeous adult males strutting their stuff, their iridescent golden helmets shimmering in the dawn light. The follow-on visit to Dersingham Bog was bound to be anti-climactic, but a singing Woodlark and a Jay made it on to the trip list, before the return journey added a female Goldie to whet the appetite for breakfast.

After the wolf had been driven from the door, we visited Choseley Drying Barns, where up to 73 Corn Bunting were spending their time only a month ago. Just one or two remained, but we did see them, along with Yellowhammers, Red-legged Partridge and flocks of Golden Plover. Onwards then to Titchwell, that jewel among RSPB reserves, a relatively small area into which a large number of species are crammed. Among crowds of Sunday birdwatchers, notable species included Snipe, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Chiffchaff (heard and seen), Water Pipit, Twite, Bearded Tit, Snow Bunting and Scoter. Also noted were the “groupies”, those partners among us without the all-consuming avian interest, drawn by Titchwell's numerous delights. These nomadic wanderers also spent time in a King's Lynn glass factory and underook a brief patchwork course in Hunstanton.

On Monday, we  headed east, stopping briefly at Burnham Overy Staithe to watch a Barn Owl perched up in the open and then hunting. Marsh Harrier and Kestrel reminded us of the area's importance for raptors. And so we came to that legendary reserve on the North Norfolk coast at Cley, although perhaps waning a little in importance in modern times. Here we had some luck, both good and bad. The reported Ross's Goose was quickly spotted. This Arctic Canada breeder usually winters in the Western US, but had chosen the Norfolk Goose resorts for a change. (Or had escaped from a wild fowl collection!) It kept company with seven Barnacle Geese among the hundreds of Brent feeding around the reserve. The vacationing Spoonbill put in a brief appearance, allowing a telescope wielder a very brief view before hopping over into a hidden dyke, just as the group arrived to view it. We did add Little Egret to our Norfolk list, and saw our only Great Black-backed Gull of the weekend. Another hunting Barn Owl was seen, with the third of the day hunting alongside the road on the way back to the hotel.

All too soon it was time to go home. We stopped at a Common Crane site near Peterborough. The Cranes were not at home however, and the only addition to our weekend's list of a 104 species was a late Fieldfare, scurrying along the hedgerow. The only cranes were those seen in a heavy plant yard on the outskirts of Peterborough! So a dozen tired but satisfied birwatchers and “groupies” made their way back to Cheshire, with memories full of Golden Pheasants and scarce birds such as Ross's Goose and Water Pipit. But the spectacle of waves of waders headed over Snettisham's sea wall will stay long in the memory.

Park Hall CP and Tittesworth Reservoir 15 February 2011

A misty morning greeted us on our way to Park Hall, making navigation somewhat of a lottery for some of us. When found however, the feeding area near the visitor centre quickly drew attention. Up to three Willow Tits vied with Great, Blue and Coal Tits for the seed and nuts. Good numbers of Chaffinches on the ground failed to attract a Brambling to add to their number, but 4 pairs of Bullfinches made up for it.

The Head Ranger took across to the wood which is the hiding place of up to 4 Long-eared Owls, and helped us look for them. Well to be honest he found them, and it took some time for all members of the group to lock on. A bundle of camouflaged feathers standing upright and asleep on a branch close to the trunk deep in the canopy of a very tall pine tree among many pine trees perhaps gives some idea of the problems of locating these beasts. Yet our Head Ranger found three, and after some difficulty telescopes were focussed and all members of the group achieved reasonable views.

A walk around the main quarry in the park produced a Goldcrest feeding on a birch tree, and 4 Redpoll fed with a Goldfinch on another birch. The “Golden Plover field” was devoid of their namesake birds, but a couple of thrushes caused some discussion as to their identity. One was obviously a Mistle Thrush, and after more patient scrutiny as the birds ducked below the tufts of grass, the second bird was identified as a sub-adult Mistle Thrush. A final look at the feeders allowed us brief views of a shy female Yellowhammer stealing fragments of fallen seed close to the undergrowth.

After a very chilly lunch, stoically endured beside Tittesworth reservoir the group hastily retreated to the welcoming warmth of the Visitor Centre for hot drinks and a short browse round the shop.

Out in the middle of the reservoir was a solitary Canada Goose but many more were found patrolling the car park at the entrance. The feeding station there had a busy collection of Chaffinches, various Tits, House Sparrows and an elusive Nuthatch.

We had no competition for space in the bird hide overlooking the lagoon on the other side of the causeway and even without Richard’s help managed to add another 9 species to our list. These included a fly-by of 5 teal and an exciting 30 sec appearance of a male Mandarin duck just before it flew off over the trees.

Another good and varied day of bird watching but the highlight for me was, despite being nearly the last to spot a Long Eared Owl, managing to focus the scope on to it!

Richard Howells and Louise Adams.

MARSHSIDE January 2011

Nine of us gathered for the first outing of the year, and were joined by two more on arrival at Marshside. Although cold, the weather was kind to us. Pink-footed Geese greeted our arrival in the car park, and our only Oystercatchers of the day were seen over the marsh heading west. It was high tide, and perfect visibility allowed great views of the clouds of waders forming and reforming over Southport beach. They almost certainly included thousands of Knot, but were too far away to identify.

Sandgrounders Hide.

Our first stop, where both Greylag and Canada were picked out amongst the Pinkfeet. Wigeon, Shelduck, Pintail, Teal, Shoveler and Mallard were all noted, and a few Curlew were identified out among the Lapwing.

Junction Pool

We added Tufted Duck to the list, and picked out a female Peregrine on the salt marsh. A Sparrowhawk was glimpsed along the hedge line.

Nel's Hide

Overlooked wader central, with several species resting on the marsh over  the high tide period.

Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, a few Golden Plover and a single Dunlin. Half a dozen Gadwall were added to our already lengthy wildfowl list, and groups of Pinkfeet decorated the background. We returned to Sandgrounders Hide for lunch, and were able to see goups of Golden Plover in the fields to the rear of the marsh.

Hesketh Out Marsh

On then to Hesketh Out Marsh, a first visit to this new RSPB site for all of us. A group of 50 Whooper Swans in an adjacent stubble field caused us to hesitate until it was realised that their bills were stained with mud. Passerines were more in evidence at this site, and Chaffinch, Linnet, Meadow Pipit and a male Reed Bunting all made their way onto our list. Another Peregrine was seen, before a raptor with upraised, grey-panelled wings gave us pause for thought. It resolved itself into a male Marsh Harrier, our last and 45^th species of the trip.

SANDBACH FLASHES December 2010

Our Christmas outing took place at our local venue, the Flashes. Usually handy to the White Lion for our Christmas lunch, roadworks put paid to that with a long detour later on. About ten of us gathered at 0900, a little later than usual to see what we could. I must admit that I had no great hopes for the day, knowing that a good deal of the normally open water would be frozen.

And so it proved, with little unfrozen water for the ducks to enjoy themselves on. Nevertheless there were several species present in small numbers, with Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, 2 Pintail and Shoveler all noted. Careful scrutiny of the river revealed three Goosanders bobbing along. Just a single flyover Cormorant made it on to the list.

The feeding station by the roadside was well-stocked, and very popular with fast (and easy) food-loving avians, Blue, Coal and Great Tits all noted along with Chaffinch, House and Tree Sparrows and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Fieldfare and Redwing were seen in close-by shrubs, and a pale-breasted Buzzard perched on a fence.

With little mud showing, waders were scarce, with plenty of Lapwing, a calling Curlew, and three Redshanks which strutted around the field below the viewpoint. We strolled down the lane to look at Elton Hall Flash, but with no additions to the list. And a peek in at Pump House Flash added only Mute Swan.

We moved on then to Foden's Flash, parking by the canal. Walking down the lane the group came to a halt with a glimpse of azure blue. Sure enough it was a Kingfisher, flitting down the lane above the ditch. The first I'd seen on the Flashes in twenty years of visiting! Not much to see at Foden's Flash so we returned to the canal, and were entertained by the Kingfisher flying up the other side of the lane.  We walked a short distance along the canal and added Jay and Bullfinch, before turning towards the pub, warmth and lunch.

As we parked at the White Lion, in a repeat of last year's sighting, a Mistle thrush was seen on the hedge across the road. I thought the sightings were over, but sitting opposite the window added Collared Dove and Sparrowhawk from the table. 44 species for the morning. And despite special pleading nobody ticked turkey!

Next outing will be to Marshside on 19^th January 2001, where we hope to see wintering wildfowl, waders and hopefully some raptors. Happy New Year.

PINKFEET AT PILLING 20^th October 2010

Nine intrepid souls set out from Sandbach on a clear, fine but cold morning, our second attempt to visit Pilling. Traffic conditions delayed our arrival, and the tide had already peaked by the time we got there. Nevertheless birds were numerous, with Lapwing and Curlew quickly into the notebook. Pink-footed Geese were everywhere, mainly in small flocks to begin with.

As we parked at Fluke Hall, goose numbers were increasing. The cloudless sky looked as though it had an attack of measles! We “booted up” with Skylarks twittering overhead, and 3 Redwing flew over as we started out. The northerly wind tried to make its way through us as we climbed up to the seawall, and the Lapwings sheltering behind the tussocks on the marsh eyed us with disbelief. Redshank were scattered among them, and a pair of Meadow Pipits put in a brief appearance.

Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls could be seen out on Preesall Sands, while a loose flock of Dunlin fed a good distance out among another gathering of Lapwings. A single Little Egret played hide and seek in the gutters on the marsh, and a single Goldfinch performed a flypast while coffee was taken on our return to the cars. Three Buzzards were seen soaring behind Fluke Hall.

We made our way towards Pilling Lane Ends, but were brought to a halt shortly after leaving Fluke Hall by the sight of Pinkfeet feeding in a field accompanied by 17 Whooper Swans. A glance behind us showed us another much larger flock of Pinkfeet, so we back-tracked to view them. Somewhere between 4 and 5000 geese fed in a maize field some 150 yards away from the observers. Careful study revealed 2 Barnacle Geese among their number, and about half of the group saw them through the telescope, before the deafening rustle of wings announced the flock's departure.

At Pilling Lane Ends, 2 Little Grebe were seen on the westerly pool, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over while the group was lunching. The goose flock (around 6000 in total) was commuting between Pilling Marsh and inland feeding sites, and three Barnacle Geese were picked out at long range, allowing those who had not seen them before to catch up.

We finished at the two feeding sites set up by the Fylde Bird Club, and sighted a single Fieldfare feeding on berries at Bradshaw Lane Head. An early end was placed on proceedings, as we wished to avoid the heavy traffic seen at the end of the morning rush hour. Just 38 species made it into the notebook. Star birds were few, but the spectacle was king – the sights and sounds of 6000 Pink-footed Geese made up for any lack of species numbers.

BLITHFIELD RESERVOIR September 2010

The Sandbach U3A Birdwatching programme for 2010/2011 began at Blithfield Reservoir between Uttoxeter and Rugeley on Wednesday 15th. A strong westerly blew us to our destination, and triggered a scrabble through rucksacks and car boots for extra clothing. Blowy autumn had arrived!

Ten members met at the western end of the causeway across the reservoir, and there we were joined by Roger Broadbent, the West Midlands Bird Club's man at Blithfield. Roger's help over the next 6 hours was to prove invaluable as he shared his intimate local knowledge of the site with us. We had been joined too by Chris Parry of the South East Cheshire Ornithological Society, along to lend us his experience (invaluable when extracting a couple of Barnacle Geese out of several hundred Greylags and Canadas).

Roger quickly found one of the two Little Gulls on site, and his running commentary of the bird's progress as it hunted for food across the choppy water ensured all had good views of this magic Little Gull in its juvenile, black-W-across-the-wing plumage.  The reservoir surface had a mosaic of hirundines moving across it in the strong wind with Swallows and House Martins the more numerous, but Sand Martin well represented. We walked up the Admaston Reach shoreline of the reservoir adding Skylark, Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and brief views of a departing Yellow Wagtail. An insensitive driver on the foreshore put up the birds we were walking to see, but a large Ruff partially made up for that on the return.

As we left the dam car park a Hobby flew west towards Admaston. We crossed the dam and headed north, for the Stansley Wood Education centre, close to which we parked. First stop was the feeding area, where the star birds were a Nuthatch and a shy Chiffchaff, which kept to an elderberry bush at the back. We walked down to the new hide overlooking Tad Bay, and scaring out the incumbents, settled down to our watching and our lunch. We saw a single Black-tailed Godwit feeding around the Tad Brook outflow, and a smaller Ruff. Three eclipse-plumaged Ruddy Ducks were picked out amongst the Tufted, and several Shoveler painstakingly identified amongst the Mallards.

A Peregrine flashed across Duckley Plantation before diving across the Dimsdale Shallows to our left. And two Barnacle geese were picked out from the Greylag and Canada Geese multitude.

The majority of the group headed down to the hide at Beech Tree Point, where excellent views were obtained of the juvenile Little Gull. On the walk back three larger waders dropped onto the shore of Duckley Reach, across Tad Bay from us. Telescope scrutiny soon revealed three Greenshank, a thoroughly good end to an excellent day's birdwatching, which yielded some 46 species.

Blithfield Reservoir is generally a site open only to permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club. Access by the general public is confined to the causeway which holds the B5013 road across the middle of the reservoir, and Watery Lane on the east side of the reservoir, which leaves the B5013 in a southerly direction, and sticks fairly close to the reservoir banks for about half a mile.

Next outing will be to Pilling on 20^th October, where we hope to see wintering geese as well as waders on the estuary.

Summer Specials 19 May 2010

The last meeting of the season took place at Lake Vyrnwy on the 19^th May. Seven of us gathered in Sandbach, with two more joining at Mile End services at Oswestry. The journey took longer than expected, and we didn't make it to Vyrnwy until after 1100.

Parking in the visitor centre carpark, first suspect into the notebook was a Siskin on the feeders just outside the Coed y Capel hide. Male Great Spotted Woodpecker and Pheasant quickly followed, the feeders outside the visitor centre added Coal Tit, and a Goldcrest was heard. A few Swifts and Swallows were swirling about above the dam.

As the hour was already late, we confined ourselves to the Grwn-oer trail, waymarked in yellow, and set off after our recently-arrived migrant targets. We spent a little while looking into the B&B's garden, in the hope of connecting with the reported Spotted Flycatcher, but no luck. We did add Goldfinch and Blue Tit to our list, and a couple of Stock Doves enlivened the scene. The trail led down the hill to the river, and from that point, there just one way to go – up! A fairly stiff ascent up steps led us into an area which had a number of nestboxes in place. A flash of black and white led us to our first Pied Flycatcher as it darted from perch to perch, and it wasn't long before we'd seen a second. As we emerged onto a driveway, a bird singing at the top of a clump of pines caught the attention. Binocular views into poor light suggested it was a male Redstart, but it wasn't until the scope was set up that we confirmed it. Although it moved from tree-top to tree-top, all members managed to get good telescope views.

A Nuthatch  was soon added, and we came to a clear area with a gate just off the road. We had been hearing Wood Warblers for a little while, but they seemed distant. One started up in this area with its “spinning-coin” song although keeping out of sight. Eventually patience paid off and it started moving through the bushes at around 8 to 10ft off the ground (unusually low). Eventually all members got good views of the bright lemon throat and pure white undersides which distinguish Wood from Willow Warblers (and Chiffchaffs).

The path turned back uphill into a wooded area, and we heard Willow Warbler and heard and saw Chiffchaff. As we finally started our descent down a farm track, a Garden Warbler sang and dodged in front of us. Only glimpses were available and not all of us got on to the bird.

Eventually reaching the lower levels of the trail we set off for the Llechwedd Du picnic site for our lunch, where the sun came out and we were joined by numerous Chaffinches looking for hand-outs. Another Nuthatch searched one of the large picnic tables, and two Ravens glided down the hillside and across the lake. A Common Sandpiper also crossed the lake, its pulsating flap-and-glide flight action distinctive. A Blackcap sang from nearby fir trees, but did not afford us even a peek, although a Spotted Flycatcher was glimpsed briefly as it launched off a perch.

After lunch we made our way to the Lakeside hide, from where a Peregrine watch had been set up. Canada Geese, a pair of Great Crested Grebe and a female Goosander were seen on the lake before careful watching of the cliff nest site revealed the head of a female Peregrine sitting on the nest.

Onward to the Centenary Hide, where the walk in produced Pied Wagtail and a Treecreeper, before a single Cormorant was spotted near the hotel during the search for an open tea-shop. Success on the refreshment front was found at the craft centre near the Coed y Capel hide, at the third time of asking, before a late afternoon return to Cheshire. 41 species were seen, including the Vyrnwy summer specials. Did we miss one? Well, yes, Tree Pipit, but you always need an excuse to visit again!

Eyeing Up Woolston's Grebes 21 April

Just two cars and seven birdwatchers left Sandbach for the principal UK breeding site for the rare Black-necked Grebe at Woolston Eyes. Often seen from the winter coastline in eclipse plumage, the opportunity to see them in their breeding finery was not one to pass up at a relatively local site. Woolston Eyes is on the northern bank of the ship canal and is the seemingly scruffy piece of land which the Thelwall M6 Viaduct passes over. But its lightly-managed 645 acres are a mecca for birds. Not only for Black necked Grebes, but nationally important numbers of breeding Gadwall and Pochard. Not to mention the 400-plus Reed Warblers that are ringed here each year.

As the first gate was opened the sound of summer – the song of the Willow Warbler - greeted us. We drove past Great Crested Grebes on the ship canal, and recorded Long-tailed Tit, 2 Swallows and heard Chiffchaff in the car park. Crossing the gated footbridge produced 2 more Great Crested Grebes and half a dozen Tufted Ducks.

A Sparrowhawk was seen circling from the ramp leading up from the footbridge, and a pair of Bullfinches spotted just before the Sybil Hogg hide. Little Grebe was seen from this hide, as well as Gadwall, Pochard and Teal, a Snipe flew low left to right and snatches of a Sedge Warbler's song were heard.

From the Tower Hide the first two Black-necked Grebes were seen somewhat distantly, but up to six performed well from the huge John Morgan hide, where they displayed their speed at swimming both on top of and under the water. We were in this hide for well over an hour, and BNGs, with their golden ear fans, were in sight throughout, enabling terrific views and allowing comparisons with both their Little and Great Crested cousins. Two pairs of Ruddy Duck showed their species' resilience in the face of DEFRA harassment, and a pair of Greylag showed briefly. Three Sand Martins were picked out hawking insects over the lagoon and a solitary Curlew flew west. The feeders and spilt sunflower seeds (a result unfortunately of vandalism) attracted Jays, Greenfinches, Reed Buntings and Chaffinches, while a lone, and early, Whitethroat foraged nearby.

We walked back across the reserve in warm sunshine, although the northerly component in the wind had searched us out often, reminding us of winter meetings gone.  The sound of warblers, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, held the promise of summer to come.

CATCHING THE WILD GEESE 19th to 23rd March

The final 'phone calls had been made, weather checked, optics polished, bags packed and suddenly the long-awaited Wild Goose Chase was upon us. Eight intrepid birdwatchers crammed themselves, baggage and birdwatching gear into two cars , abandoned ourselves to the M6 rollercoaster and headed for the Scots border. The news of a pair of Smew near Gretna raised the antennae and we met our ninth member, coming from the land of the Geordies, at Longtown ponds. But despite a good search although with the light against us, we could not find our quarry. And it began to spit with rain – not the best of starts.

We set off into the rolling countryside of Dumfries and Galloway leaving motorways behind for the next four days. Near the village of Rothwell, not far from Caerlaverock, we caught up with one of our targets – Barnacle Geese, 4000 of them feeding in fields, including a leucistic bird showing all-white feathering, which we saw twice more as the flock shifted to  and around Caerlaverock.

Caerlaverock covers a massive area, and our brief visit didn't do it justice, although we landed the day's prize there – a male American Wigeon which performed well for us. Gadwall, Little Grebe and Shoveler were seen from the ponds off the Avenue (exciting, cramming into the bunker-style hides!). A flock of bright Yellowhammers attracted the attention on the feeders until they were scattered by an attacking run from a Sparrowhawk. Apart from the Barnacles and a couple of Canada, geese were conspicuous by their absence, although both Mute and Whooper Swans were present.

And then away to Newton Stewart, to check into the Bruce Hotel, enjoy an excellent dinner, and listen to Paul Tarling, an RSPB warden for the Mull of Galloway, talk of the geese, their origins and where to find them. And he was remarkably accurate with his information, as we found over the next couple of days.

Saturday dawned bright and clear, although with a cold wind, and we were soon in the cars rolling for West Freugh, quickly finding 14 Greenland White-fronted Geese on farmland north of the airfield. At Maitland Terrace, wildfowl again entertained us with Greylag Geese top of the bill, and we eventually nailed the drake Green-winged teal, another transatlantic visitor. The first migrant of the spring, a Sand Martin, hawked up and down a hedgeline. Behind the terrace was the big Pink-footed Goose flock, with two Barnacle Geese (of the Icelandic race – thanks Paul!) among them. And down the road at Low Mye were 98 more White-fronts.

Our next major stop was Loch Ryan, where a northerly wind was blowing straight into the loch. This was causing the high tide to splash on to the road in some places, but was also responsible for bringing in the eight Gannets who were fishing in the loch. Red-Breasted Merganser, Goldeneye, Scaup, Eider, Shag, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Black Guillemot and Raven were all seen before we turned into Broadstone Road in Stranraer. Here we achieved our aim as two pale-bellied Brent Geese paddled across the Stranraer seafront – we had seen 6 species of geese and two of swan – and our Wild Goose Chase was over.

We could relax into the rest of the weekend now, and made our way to The Wig, on the west side of Loch Ryan. 42 Brent Geese awaited us, with an ostracised dark-bellied amongst them, but waders were the main course here. We saw Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, with 2 Stonechats and 6 Long-tailed Ducks as dessert.

The next morning we surfaced at 0400 to undertake the Dawn Goose Walk at Wigtown LNR. Elizabeth Tyndall, the ranger, led us, and in the pre-dawn, heard the evocative calling of the Barnacle Geese out on the merse. Pink-footed Goose, Whooper Swan and Pintail were seen, but the morning alarm calls came from a Blackbird (and friends) as it was chased along a hedge by a Sparrowhawk. We returned to the Municipal Buildings, to be met by steaming bowls of porridge and mugs of tea. Which other local authority in Britain supplies that?

After a second breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the RSPB reserve at the Ken-Dee Marshes. Red Kites were hanging over the car park as we arrived and walked down to the observation platform. Family groups of Greylag and White-fronts were quickly latched on to, and flocks of Fieldfare and Linnets located in the rough fields. Threatening weather and a hint of tiredness cut the visit a little short and we made our way to the Red Kite Feeding Station at Bellymack Farm.

Bellymack yielded up to 20 Red Kites poised over the feeding site producing fantastic views, with 3 Buzzards. A single Tree Sparrow made use of the feeders with Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings and Chaffinches, all scared into immobility when a Sparrowhawk slashed unsuccessfully through the area. A final stop at Skyreburn near Gatehouse of Fleet produced two Dunlin on the estuary and a most obliging Dipper on the burn, followed by a cup of tea.

For Monday morning rain was forecast, and so it proved, setting in as we reached the RSPB reserve at Mersehead. We spent two hours in the visitor centre there, picking out a Snipe among the waterfowl through the rainswept glass. We could see the end of the rain clouds coming, so timed our lunch to match, and left the centre for the main hide as the sun came out. On the walk out a Little Egret was spotted quickly followed by a fine male Wheatear. Spring had definitely arrived. Barnacle, Pink-footed and Canada Geese were noted, with good numbers of Gadwall and Pintail, not to mention a Little Grebe and a locally uncommon Magpie. Singing Skylarks accompanied us on our way back to the car park.

Onwards to Southerness as high tide approached. A different type of birdwatching here, searching the rocky outcrops for waders, and the mighty Solway for seabirds and sea duck. The highlight was three Purple Sandpipers on the rocks opposite the lighthouse among 33 Turnstones, with 44 Redshank further along. Two Red-breasted Mergansers flew west offshore, and at 1600 we left for the hotel, to meet up with the two ladies who had spent the day sight-seeing, for a final dinner.

On our last morning we chose to make a stop on the journey home at Castle Loch, Lochmaben. A good selection of wildfowl greeted us included 6 Great Crested Grebes and a dozen Goosanders. The jewels were a Chiffchaff both heard and seen, a swirling cloud of 70+ Sand Martins high above the loch, and 5 House Martins hawking insects over the loch. We had seen 94 species in our time in Dumfries and Galloway.

And so it came to an end, as all good things must do. Four days of good scenery, good weather, good birds, good food and good company. In fact a good time was had by all.

Connah's Quay in the Cold

The 17^th February saw us braving the  cold once more to head into Wales and the Deeside reserve of Connah's Quay. But  before the reserve itself, the convoy from Sandbach stopped on a frosty  roadside in Shotton, to decipher through the mist both Whooper and Bewick's Swans,  as a number of both species fed in a mixed flock.

On reaching Deeside Naturalists Society's reserve,  the first bird of note was a single Red-legged Partridge which brought the line of cars to a halt. An abortive attempt to pass on the news to the other cars  only flushed the bird, which thus allowed only tantalising glimpses. Parking  at the visitor centre, we set off along the road to visit the hides overlooking the Bunded Pools, picking up Curlew, Redshank and Greenshank, and working  out which Redshank had Spots. Small numbers of Teal, Wigeon and a Shelduck were  also inhabiting the pools. Some members twice spotted a Peregrine. 

As time hurried on, so did we, commuting up by car  to the West (tower) hide overlooking the marshes, the estuary and the Ash Pool  as the tide flooded in. More waders were identified, Lapwing, Oystercatcher,  Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and Knot, and the white dot at the back of the marsh resolved itself into a Little Egret. More wildfowl too, with Little  Grebe, 46 Canada Geese, a Greylag, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck and Gadwall. We watched a Buzzard on a kill far out on Oakenholt Marsh, and as the tide reached  its zenith, the intense cold drove us out of the hide. 

We returned to the visitor centre, where a warm  welcome was extended by Society members, with hot drinks, and excellent views of a Kingfisher on the Bunded Pools close to the centre's windows. A final  walk up to the three pool hides added a male Bullfinch and Common Snipe to our  list, totalling 49 species for the day.

Meeting of 20th January 2010

A Mere 35 Species..... 

.....kicked off 2010. For the meeting at Mere Sands, 7 of us arrived thinking the weather reasonable for the time of year. However, walking around woodland under the canopy of branches, coupled with lakes still mostly frozen, soon cooled our ardour, and the cold set in. Mere Sands is a Wildlife Trust Reserve near Ormskirk, 105 acres of lakes, woodland and grasslands set in an agricultural landscape. 

Starting at the Visitor Centre, we checked the feeders on both sides of the building. Four finches, four tits and Reed Bunting quickly made their way into the notebook, plus Tree Sparrow. The hide overlooking the Scrape behind the Visitor Centre was disappointing. Mainly frozen, wildfowl were difficult to come by, and searching the vegetated edges became the order of the day. We found a couple of Teal among an equally meagre number of Mallard, and a single male Shoveler.  

Moving on to the Marshall and Ainscough hides, overlooking the Hollow, again solid sheets of ice restricted open water to the edges of the lake, and we could add only a single Shelduck here. Still, Treecreeper at the entrance to one of the hides, and another later, entertained, while Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker turned up on the northern edge of the reserve. Close by the Redwing hide we saw its namesake.

Views over open farmland enabled us to add Stock Dove and note its difference from Wood Pigeon. And several flocks of geese swirled around, emanating from nearby Martin Mere, one flock straying close enough to be recognised as Pink-feet by their darker heads/bills and lighter wings.

The number of new additions to our list dropped until we reached Mere End, which had a greater area of ice-free water. Here we added Gadwall and Wigeon to our list. We returned to the Visitor Centre, where the staff let us eat our lunch in the vacant lecture room, where feeling slowly returned. As time had moved on, and some of our number had to return to Sandbach, we postponed our visit to Marshside until next season. Just as we were about to leave the Visitor Centre, the receptionist there called that the bird of the day was at the rear feeders - a male Brambling, resplendent with orange sides and white rump.

Richard Howells

Sandbach Flashes   16^th December 2009

On a cold damp December Wednesday morning we met in Salt Lane to see whether Santa was going to bring us a present in the form some decent sightings on what, for most of us, could be counted our home ground. We started off at the little watchpoint recently fenced and provided with a gravel path. A number of small birds using the feeders quickly went into the notebook, including Wren, Coal Tit and the ever-present Tree Sparrows.

Along the edges of the Salt Pan, a Common Snipe was picked up, and a search revealed more, with the total rising to four. Other waders were winkled out from their hiding places with 4 Ruff and 5 Redshank among the many Lapwing. Larger waterbirds were scarce with just 2 juvenile Mute Swans and 2 Canadas, although several Shelduck were spotted. A pair of Pintail were the best of the smaller waterbirds.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker entertained at the feeding station, while 3 pale phase Buzzards were located on various perches around the Salt Pan.

We walked on to Elton Hall Flash and then Pump House Flash, though not much was added to the species already recorded. A promised Peregrine, on its usual perch high up on distant pylons, initially could not be found, to mild mockery from some quarters! A more careful scan revealed our quarry, and most had a look through the scope. The complaint by this time had segued into “Its not doing much, is it?”, when (obviously under orders from yours truly) the bird dived off the tower, down and away, gathering speed, ready to spoil Christmas for a Pigeon somewhere.

From there we moved on to Fields Farm Flashes, behind the railway line from the main flashes. As we strolled up the path, a Treecreeper worked the hedge, giving all excellent close views while totally ignoring us. As we reached the furthest point of our mooch (the River Wheelock) and turned for the cars, a small flock of swans were seen out towards Wheelock, heading south east. Santa had come up trumps with 4 Whooper Swans!

We ended our morning at Watch Lane Flash, where the almost guaranteed Great Crested Grebe fished, and a Song Thrush flew across the fishing lakes.

From there we gathered at the White Lion at Coppenhall for a Christmas lunch. With orders already in (thanks, Louise), we played some musical chairs before settling into the window area at the pub to enjoy good food and better company. See you next month, when Mere Sands and Marshside beckon, weather permitting.

INNER MARSH FARM     November 2009

Well it was supposed to be Pilling, up at the southern end of Morecambe Bay. But forecast Force 7 gales and heavy rain up there put paid to that. And as Pilling has no facilities, it seemed necessary to shift our day's bird watching to somewhere that at least had a hide. A hurried 'phone call to Inner Marsh Farm near Burton on the Wirral, where the forecast was slightly better, quickly ascertained that they were not expecting any other groups and could therefore take us. Phew!

Inner Marsh Farm was on the preliminary list for next season, as development by the RSPB is under way with IMF2, with a new entrance, car parking, visitor centre and hide. However, its already an excellent although small and “under-facilitated” reserve with a reputation for a good cross-section of birds, particularly in the migration seasons.

A mere six of us set out from a rainy Sandbach to meet up with Arthur at IMF. In heavy drizzle we set off down through the meadows to the hide, spooking a 20-strong Linnet flock in the lower meadow by our passage. Hustling into the welcoming dry hide, we were introduced to the exhibitionist Water Rail. Despite its species' renowned “skulkiness”, this one spent an hour entertaining us, scurrying around the small bays in front of the hide feeding, dodging the Moorhens, but most remarkably, staying out of the close-by cover.

The lagoons seemed fairly quiet with 5 male Shovelers of note, and the usual numbers of Teal feeding in the shallows. But Inner Marsh Farm is a slow burner, and usually brings the goodies out one by one to show its guests. Two Whooper Swans flew north unfortunately passing nearly overhead the length of the hide, so were seen by few. Then four Curlews flew south, and the discovery of a Snipe group eventually led to a count of 15. A Gadwall floated out from its hiding place below the bank of one of the lagoons, and a couple of Meadow Pipits played hide and seek on a small island in front of the hide.

Movements in the vegetation away to the right eventually revealed a flock of 100 or more Goldfinches, a male Pintail repeated the Gadwall's trick, and a Redshank landed among the Lapwings. A Little Egret appeared on the right hand lagoon, and a fly-through Heron filled in a gap. Kestrel and Buzzard were the only two raptors seen.

We ate our lunch in the hide, and waited for the rain to pass. Which it did, and we made the decision to re-locate up to Parkgate, to see if we could see a Hen Harrier. On our way up to the cars, we saw 13 Pheasants in a field, obviously outside cover. A little study revealed the reason - a Fox was patrolling the rough grass at the field's edge looking for a meal.
At Parkgate we did see Hen Harrier, but only briefly as a ringtail flew across behind us. At least looking in that direction put us on to Mistle Thrush and a couple of Redwing. Out over the marsh, several Kestrels hovered, and both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese were seen. The Little Egret count of three was outnumbered by four Herons, and a Skylark rose against the grey sky. The heavy drizzle returned, and with a drop in temperature a decision was made to call it a day, with 48 species in the note book.

DIDN'T WE HAVE A LUVVERLEY TIME...    October 2009

“The day we went to Bangor”. Or at least The Spinnies, a North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve which is close by. It was dull, overcast and threatening rain as we gathered in Sandbach. But by the time we passed Llandudno, blue skies and sunshine greeted us. Ten of us met at our first stop, Llanfairfechan. Oystercatchers, Curlew and Little Egret were on the foreshore, while careful scoping brought to light Common and Velvet Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Great Crested Grebes and a winter-plumaged Great Northern Diver. The stream was checked for Dipper, but revealed only Pied Wagtail and bathing House Sparrows.

We hurried on to the Spinnies, where the Ogwen estuary was close to filling with the incoming tide. First bird of note was a male Eider in the channel, seen from the car park by telescope, quickly followed by Greylags flighting out, and the first of the winter's Goldeneye visitors, feeding in the estuary. Jay and Buzzard made it into the notebook during the walk up to the Kingfisher hide, which overlooks the pool and lived up to its name. The turquoise and orange cruise missile whizzed around the back of the island, alighting a couple of times for all to catch good views. At least ten Greenshanks and a greater number of Redshanks roosted on the shore of the pool, and we took time to view their identification features.

On then to the main hide, which over looks both the pool and the estuary. Some 59 Little Egrets roosted in the trees on the far side of the estuary, while a herd of Mute Swans patrolled the water, with a few Great Crested Grebes and good numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers and Mallards. The pool held a fishing Little Grebe, and a shy Great Spotted Woodpecker darted around the edges of the feeding area. Lunch was taken here, rather than “on the way”, but it was “A beautiful day”.

Walkers on the foreshore restricted the numbers of birds seen close to the hide, so a decision was made to relocate to Conwy RSPB reserve for a last hours' birding. We were greeted with the news that a Cetti's Warbler had taken up temporary residence at the Bridge Pool. We started in the restaurant area where one or two of our number partook of the goodies. The rest were keen to hear or catch a glimpse of the visitor, more normally associated with south and east coast reserves, so we pressed on to the bridge. Here was disappointment, as the warbler fell silent, and remained invisible during our stay there. Nevertheless, we did see a pair of Ravens and discussed their identification features compared to other corvids. From the Carneddau hides, we added Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and a female Pintail, bringing the total for the day to 57. And then we set out for home “And the wheels went round”. We may find it difficult to exceed that total at Pilling next month, but we can certainly give it a try!

Richard Howells 21st October 2009

Autumn Flash     September 2009

The last day of September saw the first outing for the Sandbach U3A birdwatchers. With various members still in exotic places, just seven of us gathered in Tatton Drive, bleary-eyed from the early start. A short trip up the M6 brought us quickly to Leigh, and along a built-up road to dive into the inconspicuous entrance to Pennington Flash. The area quickly opened out into a large nature reserve with a golf course alongside, and we were very soon parking next to the flash among Canada Geese, Mallards and Black-headed Gulls. The day was overcast, but turned out to deliver a light misty drizzle and sunshine in equal measure.

Even before boots were donned, a spiralling Sparrowhawk had been spotted over the south end of the Flash. We set off, walking between trees and water, to reach the Horrocks Hide, overlooking a spit of land which was formerly the bed of a railway. Diligent searching brought to light a number of Snipe, Teal and Gadwall, with a single Grey Wagtail. We spent some time sorting through the gulls to try to provide some identification points for future reference.

Next call was at the Bunting hide, and here we were excited to see both bright male and less conspicuous female Bullfinches, as they patronised one of the feeding cages. Right in front of the hide Willow Tits (and Blue, Coal and Great Tits) fed in another of the cages, allowing good views of the pale panels on their wings. Just as the group was thinking of moving on, an adult female Great Spotted Woodpecker made a dramatic entrance over the roof of the hide, and spent several minutes entertaining us before opting for an equally dramatic exit through the trees.

At the Teal hide, we saw another Grey Wagtail, 2 Green Sandpipers, Wigeon, Ruddy Duck and Little Grebe. A Kingfisher flashed quickly along the back of the scrape, but wasn't seen by all of us. This was quickly rectified at our lunch stop, the new and comparatively luxuriously-appointed Ramsdale hide, where the Kingfisher, or another of his ilk, posed in front of the hide for all to see. Our last stop provided views of another Sparrowhawk, before buzzing calls announced the arrival of a tit flock, and seventeen Long-tailed Tits straggled across the gap in front of the hide.

All in all, with 44 species recorded, a successful start to our 2009/2010 programme. For those of you who missed the trip, perhaps we can provide more of the same next time out on 21st October 2009.
 

Penninngton Flash 30th September 2009

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