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Latest news, views, gossip etc.
Supplementary Pages 2024
Old KOS Bird Reports and Latest News Archive.
Back to Knutsford Ornithological Society Homepage
Joining the KOS
KOS programme - 2023 / 2024
If you'd like to receive an email when this website is updated - click here
Enter the 2024 Sand Martin Competition - click here
Old KOS Bird Reports and Latest News Archive.
Back to Knutsford Ornithological Society Homepage
Joining the KOS
KOS programme - 2023 / 2024
If you'd like to receive an email when this website is updated - click here
Enter the 2024 Sand Martin Competition - click here
April 23rd 2024........ Brockholes.At last a decent Spring day and it coincided nicely with our April (20/4) outing to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust's excellent Brockholes nature reserve. Despite a few absences due to other commitments, a decent turnout of members gathered in the car park and, once we'd navigated the complexities of the ticket machine, set off on a circular walk around the perimeter paths of the reserve.
Willow Warbler was the first species on the day list followed closely by Chiffchaff, both heard as we made our way to the large "Lookout hide". Sand Martins are again nesting in the artificial Sand Martin wall but they were the only hirundines we saw during the visit.
Out on the imaginatively named "Number One Pit Lake" Cormorant, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Teal and a late Wigeon were added to the list. Oystercatchers and Lapwings were also present, no sign of the Whimbrels or Little Ringed Plovers we'd seen on previous visits to Brockholes and they were the only waders, apart from two overflying Curlews.A new "year tick" for everyone was provided by a Sedge Warbler singing and indulging in its springtime display flight from the top of a bramble bush and a second tick a little further on by courtesy of a Whitethroat that sang from deep inside a hawthorn bush without revealing itself.
Moving on alongside the very noisy M6 we reached the edge of Boilton Wood; in the reed bed around the edge of the "Nook Pool", our third new warbler with the unmistakable chattering of a Reed Warbler.
The path through the wood was very muddy in places but we did add a few new specie for the day - Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Jay, Nuthatch and Stock Dove.
Lunchtime butties were enjoyed back at the cars before a cup of tea or coffee in the crowded restaurant, the good weather had tempted the crowds out and the children's play area must have been approaching capacity!
Part two of our visit took us up a zig-zag path to the top of a small hill before descending to a path alongside the River Ribble. We'd had Dippers and Terns on previous visits but, on this occasion, we had to make do with excellent views of the local Goosanders, up to seven at one time, as we arrived back at the exit from Boilton Wood again and made our way back to the cars.
Just 50 species this year, down from the 61 on our last springtime visit but the good company and beautiful weather more than made up for any sense of disappointment.
Last Thursday (18/4) Geoff and Sheila Blamire returned to Tatton for their morning constitution ........" A brilliant 10km walk this morning around Tatton Park. First, on Tatton Mere were 100s Sand Martins low over the water and also over our heads, love their ‘twittering ‘ calls. Then further on a pair of Stonechats. While Geoff was trying get a better photo I walked on then I had to attract Geoff’s attention for him to hurry on – I actually made him run! Why? A superb male Wheatear was posing on a small rock by the mere! Watched it for some time and saw it landed on a fence around a tree which had been planted by a Primary School in 1999. Then onto Melchett Mere: single Pochard and c30 Sand Martins. Walked up to Mill Pond just in case we could find another Wheatear, but no joy. Walking back along Tatton Mere the Sand Martins still there but definitely reduced numbers and a single Oystercatcher. Couldn’t see any Goldeneyes (just one last week). Back through Dog Wood, then past the Moor with a Willow Warbler singing its heart out. ".........Following their tip-off I walked along the western side of Tatton Mere the next day, the Wheatear was still there and I managed a reasonable record shot of the bird, although it was a bit skittish. By Sunday it had moved on but had been replaced by a female - this from park ranger Darren Morris ......."On a walk around Melchett this more it was nice to see two stonechats and a female wheatear. Plus the sandy pathways that were in the sun were teaming with bees. My “seek” app informed me that they were ashy mining bees, there were hundreds of them.
Later, on a run around Mobberley, it was nice to see and hear lapwings displaying along Smith Lane."...........
The path that runs around runway 2 at Manchester Airport is a favourite place for warblers and on Sunday (21/4) I parked at "crashgate 11" at the top of Wood Lane in Mobberley and took the path, in a northerly direction, as far as the concrete blocks at the top of the steep hill that runs down to the River Bollin hoping for one or two. There were plenty of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers and eventually I heard the characteristic rattle of my favourite bird - a Lesser Whitethroat from a distant tangle of vegetation [amplified "Merlin" recording of this bird] . This was what I'd hoped for, lets hope it finds a mate and they nest again this year!
Don't forget that it's the KOS AGM this coming Friday (26th April). It won't take long and afterwards Colin Butler will be showing us some shots taken on his visit to Scandinavia. You only need to see the picture that Colin took of the Reed Warbler, shown at the start of this update, to realise what an accomplished photographer he is - should be good!
Species recorded on trip to Brockholes. 20th April 2024. |
April 17th 2024......A good day in Mobberley.
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Walking along Gleavehouse Lane in Mobberley on Sunday morning (14/4) I was pleased to see that the Swallows had returned to Blackthorn Farm. Peter Dawson, approaching from the opposite direction, was also happy to catch up with his first of the year but it was nothing compared to what else he'd had earlier!
........."Highlights from my morning walk from central Knutsford home to Gleave House Pool via Booths Hall and Pavement Lane.
Lime Walk - pair of ring necked parakeets. Still there on the way back.
Pavement Lane - one wheatear in the field behind the donkey sanctuary.
Gleave House Lane - around the barns a few tree sparrows and one swallow (my first of the year). Raven over and a small group of linnets.
GH Farm - approx 50m along the hedge to the south from the entrance gate, lesser whitethroat (heard first, then seen). My previous earliest locally was Apr 19th.
Field immediately north of the farm - one yellow wagtail and singing skylarks.
GH Pool - two lapwings, two lesser black-backed gulls, four shelduck and three wheatears in the field beyond the pool.
I couldn't find either the yellow wagtail or lesser whitethroat on the return journey.
All in all, a pretty good morning!".......... A bit of an understatement Peter - well done!
Another new species for the year was ticked off this morning (17/4) - a Common Swift in Cranage, seen by Jude Halman. There was one yesterday over the Woolston Eyes reserve in Warrington. Sam Peers, an old Mobberley birder, now long-gone unfortunately, once told me that in the 1920s
they never expected to see Swifts before Knutsford May Day which is held every year on the first Saturday in May.Common Sandpipers are being recorded as they pass through the area; park ranger Darren Morris had one in Tatton on Monday (15/4) and Geoff and Sheila Blamire one at Rostherne Mere last Saturday (13/4) ..........."We had a brilliant 50mins in the Obs: highlight was a Common Sandpiper which flew left to the right along the edge of the mere (towards Bittern Hide?), than a pair of Blackcaps below the Obs (including song). Many Blackcaps around Rostherne – more than Chiffchaffs.
A Willow Warbler was singing in the wood opposite Martin’s Field along New Lane. ".............
The following day, Bob Groom and Pete Kelly did the monthly WeBS count over at Tabley Mere ........Pete and I did the count this morning. Quieter than last month, no egrets. A surprising number of Great Crested Grebes (8) as normally only one or two pairs breed. A dozen Canada Geese. Just a single Shelduck. 4 Oystercatchers. 2 Egyptian Geese and the resident pair of Mute Swans. Only a few Mallards and Tufted Ducks. Not a lot of Heron activity so perhaps a little behind. Buzzards circling as usual. A few Swallows. Pair of Treecreepers. Very vocal Blackcap and Chiffchaffs. Couple of Long-Tailed Tits. No Reed Warbler as yet. Hare in the wood..........
Geoff and Sheila were out on their morning stroll at the same time ........" Were continuing to come across more Willow Warblers where we haven’t seen them before, eg Holford Hall. Found a Little Egret on a small pond near Inovyn offices. Then in the afternoon I was accompanied by a very loud Blackcap singing right by me when I was gardening in the back garden"..........
Others have also remarked on the apparent increase in Willow Warblers this Spring. I was in Tatton this morning and there was one on Knutsford Moor plus a further two singing in Dog Wood. Scanning Tatton Mere from the bench overlooking the old bathing area I counted about 100 hirundines, they were all Sand Martins; no House Martins or Swallows - I was looking carefully as, a few minutes before, a message on the Rostherne Mere WhatsApp group alerted recipients to reports of a Red-rumped Swallow over nearby Booth's Mere. I don't know who reported what would have been a really rare sighting in our area. No sign of it though and I didn't linger as there was a brisk northerly wind and my new weather station indicated a temperature at that time as only 6⁰C !
In the last update I predicted that, perhaps, Rostherne's next new species would be a Spoonbill. Steve Barber kindly pointed out that it was already on the list!.........."Another excellent 'Latest News' on the KOS website but I have to pick you up on one thing: Rostherne has already had Spoonbill, a bird present on the Brook Meadow 'beach' on 19th and 20th July 1989. I remember it well as Gill and I dashed down on the evening of July 19th having been alerted by Mike Bailey, then the Warden. We had been relaxing in the garden on a very warm evening and, 'not a moment to lose', dashed off with bins and scopes but without changing out of our shorts. That omission proved a mistake as we had great views of the bird but suffered somewhat with nettle stings and insect bites. Happy days!"........... Cheers Steve, all feedback is welcome!!
KOS Secretary Karina Stanley is one of only a handful of members still gainfully employed, so it was nice to receive some news from Blackhill Lane - the last of the Winter visitors and another Willow Warbler sighting.........."Blackhill Lane has lost the last of the Fieldfare this weekend – 9 were around last Sunday. Today I opened the curtains to a Tawny Owl flying past the window, which was a bit of a WOW moment, and then as the chorus got going , in amongst the Blackcap, Song Thrush and Chiffchaff song, was Willow Warbler! I haven’t heard one here for years."..............
Don't forget it's our trip to Brockholes on Saturday - Garden Warblers, Whitethroats, Terns and Whimbrel; I've ordered some fine dry weather which will be delivered in time for our arrival!
April 12th 2024 ...... An all-time new species for Rostherne!
After 135 years of observations, a new species for the Rostherne Mere National Nature Reserve is an increasingly rare event, so there was much excitement on Sunday (7/4) when, during the monthly WeBS wildfowl count, a Cattle Egret was seen
perched in the middle of the Cormorant colony.This was species number 230 for the reserve; not bad, considering it's an inland location with little in the way of a shoreline to attract passing birds. So what's next, Spoonbill must be an obvious candidate - another species with a rapidly expanding population.
Geoff and Sheila Blamire had visited the reserve two days earlier (5/4)..........""We went to Rostherne this morning – a very good, but brief visit: Green Woodpecker yaffling several times from Harper’s Wood direction (heard from the viewpoint on Rostherne Lane), male Goosander, pair of Bullfinches and a Chiffchaff below the Obs, Sparrowhawk mobbed by Raven, male Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jays courtship feeding (never seen this before with this species), then walking back from the Obs a Grey Wagtail (!) perched on the end of the church before it flew down towards Doll’s Meadow. In the log book Common Scoter seen on 3 and 4 April! Ciceley Mill Pool: the Mute Swans have chosen their nest site.
Yesterday we did our Millington walk: displaying Lapwings, pair of Red-legged Partridges in one of the Lapwings’ field, singing Skylarks, Kestrel, Buzzards, c12 Chiffchaffs, no Yellowhammers seen but the lady from Newhall Cottages stopped to tell us that 6 Yellowhammers are visiting their bird table! And on Little Mere: Oystercatcher, female Goosander, pair of Great Crested Grebes and Blackcap. .........
The Egret had moved on the following morning (8/4) when we spent a couple of hours in the observatory it was a dull misty day but cleared a little later on - 2 male Goosanders, lots of Sand Martins, 1 Swallow seen by Bob, Chiffchaffs, Cetti's Warbler, Sparrowhawk, Buzzards.
On the way home, Jude Halman and I stopped off at the Ashley Pool where there was a good selection of Gulls - Black-headed, Herring and many Lesser Black-backed, overhead displaying Lapwings again; this is an ideal location for them and, given the state of the land, they're unlikely to be disturbed by farming activities any time soon.
As we walked towards the farmhouse we witnessed an amazing sight - no less than 11 Brown Hares indulging in their characteristic springtime activities; I've never seen this before and nowadays rarely even see a hare when out and about. I took some video of the event - not very good but gives you an idea of the spectacle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlgcCrHus0s ..... Warning from the proof and sensitivity reader. The video below shows images of a sexual nature (If you look carefully!!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvpvLhpqmgo
Last Saturday (6/4) I had an email from ex-member Bill Mccaig with news of a Red Kite he'd seen flying over Oulton Park; perhaps it was the same bird seen on the same day by Bob Groom on his local patch......."My patch has been pretty quiet for a while now but this morning I had a Greenfinch, a Chiffchaff and a Red Kite, the provenance of which is difficult but it did head off towards Tatton with 2 Buzzards in pursuit"...........
Incidentally Bill is now entitled to add the initials LRPS after his name (Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society). Nice one Billy - FRPS next?
Barrie Armitt has completed his move from Crosby to Northwich and, after years of vismig observations from his favourite sand dune, has decided that his new location will be a point overlooking Ashton's Flash ........"Settled on a vismig spot on west side of Ashton's Flash - by the Witton car park. It's on Trektellen under 'Marbury, Northwich'. Good views south though facing east on clear, sunny mornings is a problem - had same problem in Crosby, though. Only 15 mins on the bike from home so easy ride to start the day. Local birders are friendly and I've joined the local whatsapp group. Past week has been checking out the area in between showers. Hopefully get some vismig done next week once Storm Katherine has blown through, wind drops and get some dry mornings. "..........
Bob Groom was over in that area yesterday morning (11/4) and came across a very early Spotted Flycatcher! .........."A better one than forecast with sunshine and the temperature touching 18C. No sign of the kittiwake today but I did have a nice surprise with my first Spotted Flycatcher, also 2 singing Willow Warblers, Tree Creeper, 2 Goldcrests, 5 Buzzards up."...........
Don't forget that a week tomorrow (Saturday 20th April) it's our KOS trip to Brockholes - 10am in the car park. I'll be leading this trip so you may want to let me know if you're coming along tony@10X50.com.
April 5th 2024......More Blackcaps and the first Willow Warblers
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Ken Davies and I had our first singing Blackcap of the season on Monday morning (1/4), with a bird in song from a tangle of vegetation just below the Rostherne observatory. That was the highlight though, as it was yet another damp and drizzly day - the sort we've become so accustomed to this year so far. There were plenty of Sand Martins, low over the mere, feeding
on emerging insects, dipping down to pick each one from the surface, leaving behind a small, circular ripple as they did so. There were about 150 Sand Martins but, despite watching closely, there were no House Martins or Swallows amongst them. I've been over to Blackthorn Farm, in Mobberley, every day this week hoping for the first returning Swallows. There was a substantial colony there last year but none so far this Spring - perhaps they'll appear over the weekend when storm Kathleen hits us, with 60mph southerly winds and temperature up to
20⁰C.
Bill Bellamy has produced the latest quarterly review covering goings on at the Rostherne Mere reserve for the period January, February and March 2024 - you can read it here.
On my way home on Monday I stopped off at the temporary field pond in Ashley; the drake Goosander had moved on but two Teal and a Little Grebe were "new" species. The Lapwings were displaying again and the pair of Oystercatchers seem to be quite settled there.
Another stretch of water that's proved productive since we started visiting again during the first covid lockdown is the permanent pool at Gleavehouse Farm, I've not been across there yet fearing it would still be a bit boggy. Wendy Stratford found that this was indeed the case on a visit there last week (28/3). So I'll perhaps leave it a little longer! ..........."I Walked to Gleavehouse Pool this morning, very wet in places – I should be in flip flops by the end of March! 3 of the stiles have been replaced with metal ‘kissing’ gates, one of which is draped with a blue pipe containing the electric fence wire! The wind was gusting strongly at times, but when it dropped there were several skylarks up and singing. Saw at least 3, and another 2 on the ground close to the Gleave House gates – they looked like they were prospecting, but the field is all but underwater... A single lapwing flew over the skylark field.
A pair of lesser black-backed gulls were presiding over the pond – one making repeated low fast flights over the water. 13 canada geese and 2 coots were taking no notice. 2 shelduck were grazing along with 3 mallards. 2 pairs of pied wagtails were feeding on the far bank. ".............
Wednesday (3/4) found us over at Neumann's Flash, Northwich in search of our first Willow Warbler of the year. Bob Groom had located a singing bird on Monday (1/4). We walked the perimeter path of Neumann's/Ashton's flashes as far as the hide over the far side, where elevenses were enjoyed before completing the circuit and walking to "Pod's Hide" and then returning to the car park. We were surprised at one point when a Marsh Harrier suddenly appeared and flew low along the path we were taking, Cetti's Warblers, Song Thrushes and Chiffchaffs were all in good form but it wasn't until we'd progressed most of the way around that the first Blackcap was heard. Walking towards the hide we were delighted to come across at flock of about 20 Lesser Redpolls feeding in the birch trees at the side of the path. A couple of species were added to the daylist from the hide but the number of water birds seen was lower than anticipated, and we still hadn't seen or heard a Willow Warbler! But fear not because, as we neared the end of our walk, the ever-alert Jude Halman picked up the faintest song of a distant Willow Warbler that became more distinct as the bird moved closer. Just 36 species during the morning but I'm sure that could be improved by a return visit in a few weeks time.Long-time KOS member Phil Rowley now lives in the grounds of Blithfield Hall, Staffordshire where Ravens and Red Kites are regular visitors to his garden. The Kite image you see here was taken using a Browning wildlife camera that he's set up to record the activities of his visitors - thanks Phil.
Species recorded on a visit to the Northwich flashes - Wednesday 3rd April 2024 |
The weather hasn't been kind to the first of this year's Summer visitors with an area of low pressure sitting over the British Isles bringing heavy rain showers and
strong winds as we enter the Easter weekend.It hasn't stopped the build up of Sand Martins, with good numbers present at the usual locations; locally Tatton and Rostherne meres. Roger Barnes counted c.50 Sand Martins over Tatton Mere on Saturday (23/3) where Bob Groom had 60 the following Morning (24/3).
Across at Rostherne Geoff and Sheila Blamire counted 30 Martins on their Saturday morning stroll ........"A good morning at Rostherne today: 20+ Sand Martins (difficult to count them – could have been well over 30), male Goosander, female Goldeneye, good views of Buzzards including 1 on the ‘Hobby Tree’, and the usual ducks including 13 Shovelers. Brief rainbow between the Obs and the trees before the mere – then the rain started! Cetti’s Warbler and Chiffchaff heard frequently. Ciceley Mill Pool: pair of Mute Swans and pair of Egyptian Geese. Little Mere: Grey Wagtail and pair of Great Crested Grebes "...........
Yesterday morning (27/3) G&S had the first singing Blackcap of 2024 at Ciceley Mill ......."This morning first Blackcap of the year on Ciceley Mill Lane, Rostherne! From the Obs ‘usual’ Buzzards, Raven, singing Cetti’s and Chiffchaffs, GSW, etc, etc. 70++ Sand Martins hawking low over the mere, particularly in the rain.".............. Last year they had the first record on exactly the same date and location!
Chiffchaffs have arrived back with us in good numbers, a fact confirmed by Tatton Ranger, Darren Morris who has his own unique method of assessing the early Chiffchaff population, he counted a record 12 singing birds on his way around the 13.136 miles of the Wilmslow half marathon last Sunday (24/3). He also set a new personal best, completing the course in 1hour 54 minutes - there are easier ways, Darren!!
We spent a couple of hours in the Rostherne obs. on Monday morning (25/3), not much about but we did enjoy watching a pair of Mandarins searching the trees in front of the obs. for a nest site. The female seemed to doing most of the work with the male bird watching from a distance - probably wondering how much all this was going to cost!We returned home via the village of Ashley where we'd recently "discovered" a promising new site [you can see it on Google earth by clicking here]. It's situated on Lower House Lane, just outside Ashley on the road to Mobberley and consists of a sheet of shallow water, approaching the size of Melchett Mere, that will (presumably) shrink to nothing in the Summer (see the image on Google) but looks as though, before then, it will prove very attractive to passing waders.
On Monday it hosted displaying Lapwings, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, two Oystercatchers and a fine male Goosander. Previously I'd also seen over-wintering Snipe around the edges.
Wheatears have been seen already on the coast, so now is the time that we should expect the first locally; the area north of Tatton's old hall is a favourite stopping off point as they journey north and Derek Pike gave the area a coat of looking at on Saturday (23/3) ........."I went into Tatton 10 am yesterday parked at the Allen Hide car park turned right at the old Hall and walked along side of Tatton Mere Brook eventually coming out at Mill Pond as Tony said a pair of Tufted ducks and a Chiffchaff also another Chiffchaff calling in Millennium Wood, unless same bird relocating. Also pair of Egyptian geese, one Buzzard but a very cold wind. No other birds except Canada Geese and Crows, Jackdaws and a Green Woodpecker calling "........
Our KOS programme for 2024/25 has been finalised and you can see it here.
Our next get-together is on Saturday 20th April when we'll be visiting the Lancashire Wildlife Trust's Brockholes Nature Reserve - 10am in the visitor car park. I've been volunteered to lead this outing, so please let me know if you're coming along.
On Friday 26th April it's our AGM in the usual Jubilee Hall, this takes about 10 minutes! after which Colin Butler will be giving us a presentation - "The Birds of Finland and Norway 2022". This promises to be good, Colin is an excellent photographer.
On Sunday 12th May we'll be making our way north for an "overnighter". Sunday at Walney Island followed on the Monday with a visit to Leighton Moss. We'll be staying at the Barrow-in-Furness Premier Inn. Derek Pike is our trip leader and you should contact him for further details or to confirm you'll be going.
March 19th 2024........ We have a winner!
It seemed to take a long time this year but the first Sand Martin appeared over Tatton Mere on Friday afternoon (15th March) at 2:28pm, just one day later than the historical average of the 14th.
It
was a good team effort, uncoordinated but which, by chance, involved seven KOS members at various times during the day. Darren Morris was first in at 8:00am, on his way to work in the park, I walked in through Dog Wood at 9:00am and, an hour later, I saw Geoff and Sheila Blamire walking along the opposite side of the mere. Shortly afterwards Bob Groom dropped in on his way back from Rostherne mere, Bob was followed by Jude Halman and finally, in mid-afternoon, Derek Pike arrived and it was Derek who clocked the three birds hawking for insects low over the mere.No one had actually predicted the 15th, so a quick calculation on the back of a woodbine packet revealed that this year's winner was Runcorn's own Colin Butler - who also triumphed in 2023 and he wins a very nice, framed print of five White-winged Black Terns by Ernest Leahy which was donated by Jill Thornley for use by the Society.
Next year I think Colin should be given a handicap - perhaps he should be restricted to dates in February!
On the same day, Darren had two Red Kites soaring over the park but they were mobbed by five Buzzards and quickly left the area without a fight, a pity as Tatton is an ideal location for the species - perhaps they were young birds who were not yet ready to breed; this doesn't take place until they are two years old.
The following morning (16/3) Geoff and Sheila were on the road again, this time in Millington......"Did 12.5km around Millington this morning: 21 Lapwings some display (4 sites: 3+11+2+5), 2 singing Skylarks, no Yellowhammers!, 60+ Fieldfares and 70+ Starlings, many Buzzards displaying, pair Kestrel displaying, many singing Song Thrushes and 4 different Chiffchaffs."......
Also on Sunday Bob and Pete did the March WeBS count over at Tabley ........."WEBS count this morning with Pete. Had what I think is a new record, no less than 7 Little Egrets festooning one side of the mere. Lovely sight! An exceptional count of 12 Great Crested Grebes. The Heronry was in full swing. Pair of Egyptian Geese. No less than 4 Oystercatchers. Also 2 Shelducks. 8 Greylags. 2 Mute Swans. Pete glimpsed a Kingfisher and heard a Chiffchaff but I couldn't hear it. Buzzards constantly circling.."...........
We had distant views of a Little Egret from the observatory at Rostherne on Monday morning (18/3), it was perched in the middle of the Cormorant colony, they will nest in heronries and also, so I'm told, amongst Cormorants - so you never know. No Sand Martins as yet in the Rostherne log but last week a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in the lime trees, just in front of the obs. An increasingly rare species. We were joined by G&S who'd been watching a pair of Mute Swans at Ciceley Mill, doing what Mute Swans do at this time of the year, Geoff had taken the picture shown - good enough to grace the lid of any tin of posh biscuits!
The speaker due to talk to us at next Friday's indoor meeting has had to pull out due to illness, so Paul Hill has kindly stepped in and will present his talk "Tarifa - Gateway to Africa"..........."Tarifa in Andalucia is famous for the numbers of birds that pass through on their way to North Africa each autumn and then again in spring on their northwards migration. We have made trips to Tarifa in 2017, 2018 and 2019".............
As usual the venue is the Jubilee Hall, Stanley Road, Knutsford WA16 0GP. KOS members will be there from around 7:15pm - non-members are welcome to come along and join us, parking is free at the next door Booths car park (you can park there free any time after 6.00pm Friday through to 8.00 am Saturday). Admission is £ 3 for members and £ 6 for non-members.
March 14th 2024......Chiffchaffs 1 v Sand Martins 0
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Budworth Mere has now hosted Sand Martins for the past week but we've yet to see one over Tatton Mere, despite many hours of looking by Jude, Sheila, Geoff, Derek, Bob, Tatton Ranger Darren and me. So, at the moment, there are only 6 possible winners of this year's Sand Martin competition,
out of the 35 people who entered! But it's not been a lost cause as the extra attention given to the park has come up with some good records - for the past few days a nice male Goosander has graced the mere, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been very conspicuous, the Heronry in Higmere Plantation has been confirmed as having 14 active nests (one more than last year), yesterday (13/3) the first Chiffchaff of the year was singing in Dog Wood and, also yesterday, the male of the pair of Stonechats was in full song; so it looks as though they may nest again in the park, as they are thought to have done in 2023.Large flock of Siskins are still with us and Derek Shaw reports unprecedented numbers in his Knutsford garden ........"at the moment I am having to refill my feeders daily ( sunflower seed hearts) as between 20 and forty Siskins are constantly in the garden. We are also seeing two Lesser Redpolls and four Bullfinches as well as Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Chaffinches - more than I've seen for a number of years. ".......
It must have been the inclement weather that put some members off journeying over to the RSPB's Burton Mere Wetlands reserve on Saturday (10/3) for our March field trip. Nevertheless we just squeezed into double figures and the weather wasn't as bad as forecast, cool at 8⁰C but mostly dry.
The feeders on the way into the visitor centre were busy and we were able to start the day list
with the likes of Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Goldfinch, Nuthatch and Chaffinch etc.Through the large windows of the centre we were pleased to see that the Avocets had returned in good numbers since our last visit to the reserve, in February. Fewer Little Egrets than anticipated but we did see a couple, as well as a superb Great White Egret that gave excellent views just in front of us.
Waders were represented by Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ruff, and a single Snipe; Lapwings were displaying and, unlike our local birds, should be successful as an electric fence now surrounds their breeding area in the centre of the marsh. A female Marsh Harrier floated low over the reedbeds whilst, much higher, a small flock of Golden Plovers were considered a bonus.
Making our way towards the reedbed screen the expected Cetti's Warblers were in song and our Secretary, Karina, picked out a distant singing Chiffchaff - our first of the year. Further along, on the approach to the new Border Hide, we were treated to a fly past by hundreds of Pink-footed Geese, perhaps disturbed by the incoming tide - a wonderful sight and sound.
Butties were enjoyed in the Border hide where a few new species were added to the list - Mute Swan, Shoveler, Reed Bunting, Wigeon, Pintail and Kestrel.
We ended our visit in the excellent new cafe, a welcome addition to the reserve and a facility now offered by many other RSPB locations with an appropriate footfall. 65 different species were recorded during the trip, a good effort and as many as I can remember at Burton.
Species recorded on the trip to Burton Mere Wetlands - 10th March 2024. |
March 7th 2024 ....... Still waiting..
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No Sand Martins yet but it's been enjoyable looking for them, the weather has been dry, if a little cool, with winds from the east passing over the North Sea and the Pennines before reaching us. In the park's Dog Wood Great Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming and for the past few days a Green Woodpecker has been very vocal up towards the scout camp. Across the mere the heronry has 14 nests, one more than last year if they are all active. Walking down the path in Dog Wood, Siskins are much in evidence, a euphonious chorus from the tree tops as if they're discussing the best time to head north
to their summer homes. It's been a good winter for Siskins, we've had them in the garden for a number of weeks now, they don't usually appear until the beginning of this month. Just up the avenue Len Mason has had up to 12 feeding on and under his feeders. In Knutsford Derek Pike was surprised on Sunday with the appearance of a male Brambling in the back garden; I've yet to see or hear one this Winter but there's still time, they stay with us until the first week in May most years.The Tatton Rangers have just published their Spring 2024 Wildlife Newsletter you can read it here. Thanks Darren.
Geoff and Sheila Blamire walked around Tatton this morning (7/3) looking for Sand Martins, not one of their usual routes. Yesterday it was Millington .........."We did 12.5km around Millington this morning to check on specific sites: 20 Lapwings some display (4 sites: 3+12+3+2), 4 singing Skylarks (4 sites), 4 Yellowhammers on a hedge (no song), 3 Redwings, 150+ Starlings (1 flock), Buzzards, Kestrel, GSW drumming, Jay, etc. Still got female Goosander and pair of Great Crested Grebes on Little Mere."..........
The singing Yellowhammer shown at the start of this update was taken on Monday at Holford ..........."We did our Plumley. Holford/Lostock Green 11km walk Sunday morning (doesn't include Keeper’s Cottage currently). Beautiful Yellowhammer singing and 2 Kestrels ‘interacting – both at Holford."...........
On Sunday (10/3) it's our March field trip when we'll be visiting the excellent Burton Mere Wetlands reserve - Sand Martin guaranteed!
9:30am in the car park. Leader Bob Groom, this time we're expected so we won't get told off again!
The final indoor meeting of the year (apart from April's AGM) is on Friday March 22nd when Kevin Briggs will be talking to us about - 'A Walk in the Woods' This talk focuses on the nesting behaviour of Pied Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Blue Tit and Great Tit. Perfect timing!
The KOS committee has finalised the programme for 2024/2025,it runs from April this year through to the 2025 AGM. Once again Jacquie Ledward had done an excellent job organising the speakers, there looks to be some really good ones in the new programme, which you can view by clicking here. Thanks Jacquie!
February 27th 2024 ...... A busy weekend for KOS members.
Some of our more energetic members were out and about over the weekend enjoying the cool, but dry and sunny, late Winter weather,
Geoff and Sheila Blamire included Rostherne Mere on their Saturday (24/2) itinerary .............."What a brilliant day – blue sky, sunshine, though a little
chilly. c260 Fieldfares on Martins Field, Grey Wagtail on Rostherne Brook near the bridge, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, singing Cetti’s Warbler, etc, but the mere was rather quiet . Little Mere: female Goosander, pair of Great Crested Grebes, usual ducks and Cormorants."..............On the same day KOS Secretary Karina Stanley explored the Alderley Edge area ........"A lovely circular walk from Alderley Park to Alderley Edge today. Tawny owl, Kestrel, Buzzard, Siskin, Goosander 2 pairs, Wigeon, Pochard, Shoveler, 2 pairs of Mandarin Duck, Gadwall and a Heronry Island! "...........
The following day (25/2) found her doing a circular walk around Chelford's Acre Nook disused Sand Quarry ........."I saw 20 Whooper Swans at Acre Nook today and also a Goldeneye there. I walked all the way round. 3 groups of c.100 lapwing were very skittish. Apart from a buzzard, I couldn't see anything else that would cause them to be so unsettled. Seeing and hearing them was just wonderful.".........
Over at Budworth Mere (Northwich) there was a flock of 30 Whoopers at the same time, so they're on the move again but perhaps they'll remain with us for some time yet, last year it was as late as the 27th March that a flock was recorded on
Tatton Mere.Also on Sunday "Team Tabley", Bob Groom and Pete Kelly completed the February WeBS wildfowl count ..........""With the weather so good this morning there was plenty of activity when Pete and I did the WEBS count at Tabley Mere . A Great White Egret was present and no less than 3 Little Egrets. 20 Cormorants was a high count for that species, as was 13 Great Crested Grebes. There was a single Shelduck and a single Egyptian Goose. A pair of Oystercatchers may attempt to breed, as in previous years. A dozen Teal were hard to pick out through binocs but confirmed though Pete's 'scope. A couple of female Goldeneyes, 28 Mallards and 20 Tufted Ducks. 3 Herons were back on nests. 3 Mute Swans and 15 Canada Geese. Buzzards were constantly circling and calling. Single Great Spotted Woodpecker & a Treecreeper............
We spent a couple of hours yesterday morning in the Rostherne observatory; the wind had switched to the north and was blowing right through the open windows - it was perishing! The highlight was watching the display flight of a Sparrowhawk over Mere Covert - flapping it's wings in a slow, deliberate way before swooping towards the ground, wings folded, then up again to its original height. It seemed quite a big bird and could have been a female, apparently both sexes display in the same manner, often in unison.
A Cetti's Warbler was in full song from the reed bed below the obs., it's now a common sound throughout the area as the species extends its range northwards.
Ringer Malcolm Calvert has kindly sent me some details about Cetti's Warblers at Rostherne last year
........."You might like to have some information regarding encounters with Cetti’s Warblers at Rostherne in 2023.
13 individuals were caught: 3 were re-trapped birds & 10 were newly-ringed.
The re-traps were an adult female ringed in April 2022, an adult male ringed in October 2022 and a young male ringed in September 2022.
The "new" birds were an adult male, 4 adult females and 5 juveniles (presumably bred on the reserve) which included 2 definite males.
and 2 definite females. (Cetti’s Warblers are dimorphic, the males being longer-winged and heavier than females)
One bird was caught elsewhere, details: 13/04/22 Ad Female Rostherne Mere - caught 06/09/23 Betley Mere, Staffordshire 38 km S ".............. Thanks Malcolm, keep up your good work!
Our next get together will be the March field trip on Sunday 10th March, when we'll be visiting the RSPB's Burton Mere Wetlands - 09:30 in the car park.
Our leader for this trip will be Bob Groom, you may want to let him know if you're coming along. bobbluesgroom@hotmail.co.uk
February 18th 2024 ...... Tatton walk + Sand Martin Competition entries.
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A dry and mild morning yesterday (17/2) for what's become our annual stroll around Tatton Park before the arrival, in a few weeks or even days time, of the first of our Summer migrants.
A good turnout of 17 Members for the morning's birding, including new member Alison on her first outing with us. She's new to the KOS but an experienced birder and I've no doubt she will be a great asset to the society.
We followed the usual route from the meeting point at Dog Lodge, down
onto Knutsford Moor, up though the park's Knutsford entrance then along the side of Tatton Mere to the Allen hide for elevenses before returning via Dog Wood; a distance of about 5½Km but quite a bit longer for Frank and Derek who had walked all the way from Lilac Avenue to join us. The day list began with a Sparrowhawk that the pair had seen en route and an overflying Oystercatcher from our parking spot. Down on the Moor, the usual collection of water birds - Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and Mallard were joined this year by the four Black-bellied Whistling Ducks that have generated some interest on local social media sites! Then through the park's main gates and down to the side of Tatton Mere adding Siskin to the list on the way, the Grey Herons in Higmere Plantation were very active, I'd counted nine occupied nests earlier in the week with some of the birds incubating early clutches of eggs.
On Tatton Mere Great Crested Grebes, displaying Goldeneye, three Little Grebes, 12 Pochard and a single Cormorant.
The stand of conifers close to the shore proved quite productive and gave us Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit and a pair of Mistle Thrushes dealing unceremoniously with an intruding Magpie. Further along the mere a smart looking Stonechat posed nicely for us and from the direction on Beech Walk we heard the yaffling call of a Green Woodpecker.
Elevenses were enjoyed in the Allen Hide from where Wigeon was a new species, as were the Snipe that proved difficult to see until they were spooked by incoming Herons and, on one occasion by a hunting Kestrel, another new one. We ended a very pleasant morning with a total of exactly 50 species, not a bad total given the time of the year - some good birds and excellent company.
Walking my usual route around the lanes of Mobberley this morning, along Smith Lane I noticed that a pair of Lapwings had returned to their favoured field to the west of Smith Lane Farm; unfortunately I don't hold out much hope for them and any others that attempt to nest here, as their nests and eggs will almost certainly be trashed during agricultural activities later in the Spring.
The 2024 Sand Martin competition attracted 35 entries, the same as last year. A big range of guesses with over a month between the earliest and latest dates: 18th February and 20th March!
The favourite date is the 10th March (6), closely followed by the 8th March(4) and the 14th March(5). You can see the entries by clicking here
This Friday, 23rd February, it's our monthly indoor meeting when we have a special showing of two Gordon Yates videos - "The Wildlife Gems of Islay" and "A Bird for all Seasons". Gordon has kindly allowed us to use these videos free of charge.
The venue is the Jubilee Hall, Stanley Road, Knutsford WA16 0GP. KOS members will be there from around 7:15pm - non-members are welcome to come along and join us, parking is free at the next door Booths car park (you can park there free any time after 6.00pm Friday through to 8.00 am Saturday). Admission is £ 3 for members and £ 6 for non-members.
Species recorded on the Field Trip to Tatton Park on Saturday 17th February 2024 |
Only one week to go before closing date for the 2024 Sand Martin competition - do it now before you forget - it will take less than a minute!
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It was back in 2017 when we last hosted Waxwings in our area, a late flock of 52 birds spent a week on two cotoneaster trees along Town Lane in Mobberley. The trees are still there and are again laden
with berries that, so far, remain untouched. There are Waxwings about though, Maria Freel discovered three birds on Old Hall Lane in Tabley whilst driving home on Friday evening (2/2) and many people have taken advantage of their proximity during the past few days. They were still there late this afternoon (8/2), lets hope they re-discover our Mobberley treasure trove.On Sunday (4/2), during a walk around the lanes of Mobberley, I heard my first singing Chaffinch of the year - just about on schedule, looking back through my notes the average date over the past few years has been the 7th February. It was the usual spluttering start but probably enough to prompt other into song and we'll soon get fed up of hearing them!
Further signs of the advancing season from Mere where Geoff and Sheila Blamire watched displaying grebes ........."Little Mere: the Great Crested Grebes were displaying this morning, including doing the ‘weed’ dance – fabulous. So Skylark singing 24th January in Millington. What’s going to be the 3rd event? Perhaps the arrival of Sand Martins….."...........
There's still plenty of time to catch up with our Winter visitors, Bob Groom and daughter Elaine finally added Bittern to their lists on a visit to Marbury Mere .........."This afternoon we had great views of the Bittern, a female Scaup and 6 Goosanders, plus long views of a Kingfisher. Redwings, lots of Long-Tailed Tits. ".........
We had hoped for Bitterns yesterday (7/2) at the RSPB's Burton Mere Wetlands when a group of 15 retirees enjoyed the first mid-weeker for quite some time. Two birds had been seen the previous day but we had no luck with them, despite some folk spending a considerable time at the viewing
screen on the path to the Marsh Covert hide.Species from the reception centre included the usual waterfowl - Canada and Greylag geese with substantial flocks of Pinkfeet overhead. On the water - Moorhen, Coot, Shoveler, Mallard, Wigeon and good numbers of Teal, resting in front of the reedbeds as we searched for Snipe.
Grey Heron, Little Egret and a Great White Egret passed by, as did a pair of Marsh Harriers, a male and female, lets hope they stick around and nest again. Leaving the reception centre and heading for the Marsh Covert hide we took a detour into the excellent new cafe where, due to an imminent and significant upcoming birthday, I treated the troops to an early morning coffee or pot of tea (I wondered why so many had turned up!!) The cafe is a good addition to the reserve, the vegetation in front had been cleared giving far-ranging views that can be enjoyed from inside or the seating area on the outside patio.
We didn't spend much time in the Marsh Covert hide, it was very quiet, before moving on to the Inner Marsh Hide where some took elevenses outside in the weak but surprisingly warm Winter sunshine.
Some new species were added to the list as we made our way back to the Reception Centre, including Treecreeper, Greenfinch, Siskin and Grey Wagtail. All in all we found the reserve quieter than in the past at this time of the year but nevertheless we accumulated at list of 57 species; I've no doubt we'll be returning to Burton Mere a few more times in the coming months (but next time you'll have to buy your own drinks!!)
Our next get together is on Saturday 17th February when we'll be having a stroll around Tatton Park, meeting in the Dog Lodge lay-by (off Mobberley Road) at 09:15am. I'll be leading this trip and you may want to let me know if you intend to come along tony@10X50.com
Again please don't forget to enter the 2024 Sand Martin Competition - it's open to anyone click here it will only take a few seconds.
Any KOS member who fails to enter will be hung upside down over a picture of Donald Trump (other politicians are available)
Species recorded on the trip to Burton mere Wetlands. Wednesday 7th February 2024 |
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A good showing of KOS members over the weekend as we helped out with the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, joining forces with the Friends of the Moor on Saturday and Friends of the Heath the following morning.
The Moor woodland seemed quieter than in the past, with neither sight nor sound of woodpeckers or the Siskins that can normally be found feeding in the alders at the edge of the recording area. So the number of species was a little down at 24 recorded in the allotted 1 hour period although the total number of individuals seen was up at 192 (mainly due to 80 Black-headed Gulls on the Moor pool). Four Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were an all-time new species for the Moor's Big Garden Birdwatch.
There's no area of water on the heath so, naturally, fewer birds are recorded every year, but not by many this time with 72 individuals and 19 different species,
which included good views of Goldcrests, Treecreepers and a singing Song Thrush.Thanks to both organisations for inviting us along - we must do it again sometime!
Geoff and Sheila Blamire had a disappointing count due to the attentions of a Sparrowhawk during their one hour ..........."We just had 13 species (39 birds) in our Garden Birdwatch – very low count compared with previous years (no finches at all!). Best were 2 male G S Woodpeckers at the same time (we had a female GSW earlier). The male Sparrowhawk came in 5 times during the hour!"............
13 species for me too, in Bucklow Avenue. I hadn't intended to do a count but as I was waiting to leave for the Heath I noticed a Lesser Redpoll and two Siskins on our lone feeder - this encouraged me to start the clock. Just 31 individuals including a count of eight Goldfinches and five Greenfinches. I look forward to including Ring-necked Parakeets on next years list!
G&S later paid a visit to Northwich's Neumann's Flash hoping for a good Starling murmuration - they were given a fine display ........."Then this afternoon we went to
Neumann’s Flash hoping to witness the Starling murmuration – we weren't disappointed. There must have been 40,000 in total. If you haven’t seen a murmuration recently do go. There was also a Sparrowhawk hoping for a late snack. Finally, the final Starlings came into roost just in front of us – brilliant."........... Geoff took some video footage - you can see it here.The Slavonian Grebe that's caused some interest at Mere Farm Quarry in Chelford seems to have moved the short distance to Redesmere. Bob and Elaine came across it last Wednesday (24/1) ........."This afternoon Elaine and I had reasonable views of the Slavonian Grebe at Redesmere. It tended to hug the bank as both Coots and Mallards seemed to have a go at it. They obviously recognized it as a stranger! There were at least 7 Goosanders and 4 Goldeneyes present, also the usual Herons and Cormorants. Several Buzzards seen en route."............
I spent a couple of hours in Dog Wood yesterday morning (30/12). As on my last visit, walking down the path Blue, Great and Coal Tits in song, along with Wrens and Robins. Nuthatches and Jackdaws were very active, joined today a by Stock Dove. No woodpeckers.
This time I remembered the herons, they have returned and I counted 7 occupied nests, each with one or both birds standing guard.
Well, it's that time of the year again and our thoughts are turning to the coming Spring. As you may probably know by now the KOS Spring is a moveable feast and the first day of the new season occurs when the first Sand Martin of the year is recorded in Tatton Park. Again I am running the annual KOS Sand Martin competition - it's open to anyone and all you need to do is
January 24th 2024 ...... Snow, ice and another two storms.
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Geoff and Sheila Blamire took advantage of a free offer and had an enjoyable morning in Tatton last Tuesday (16/1)......."We took advantage of half price vehicle entry and free admission into the gardens, booked online on Sunday – so was a quite surprise when woke up with snow today! But it was lovely. We explored the gardens and the maze (over 4km) then walked up to Melchett Mere. The hide was open and on the mere there was a stunning male Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Tufted, Mallard, Cormorant, GC Grebe, etc . Then we walked on and I spotted male and female Stonechats – very confiding. Much shorter walk (7.6km) than we usually do but it was enjoyable"..........
Following the snow the temperatures dipped sharply and on Thursday Morning (18/1) Derek Pike's thermometer, in Lilac Avenue, registered
-7.7⁰C
prompting a visit by two Tree Sparrows, the first for a long time.Here in Mobberley my weather station showed -7⁰C and we were pleased to see our first Siskins and Redpolls of the Winter on the feeder.
With the imminent arrival of storm Isha forecast I decided on a walk in Tatton was in order. -1⁰C as I set off but rising quickly to 6⁰C by 2pm.
In Dog Wood Wrens, Robins, Dunnocks plus Blue, Great and Coal Tits were all in Song, Nuthatches and Jackdaws were also very active. Tatton Mere was almost completely frozen over but I could see wildfowl on some clear water across the other side, so decided to walk all the way round. Melchett Mere was also nearly ice-bound but I could make out a few Tufted Ducks and two Mute Swans.
It was easy walking along the main driveway as it was closed to traffic because of the ice; salt and grit can't be used as the mere is a SSSI. The wildfowl were concentrated in the ice-free section, which was about 200 meters long and 30 meters wide. Mallard, Goldeneye (c.15), Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Ducks, Little Grebes (c.5), Pochard (c.40), Canada geese, Gadwall(2), Pintail (2f). Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Common Gull (1). Raven croaking over.
Also on the 18th. Bob and the family paid their usual visit to Redesmere and Chelford's Acre Nook sand quarry ........."The former was 95% frozen and yet throbbing with birds, the latter 90% unfrozen but few birds apart from gulls , Cormorants and a couple of Great Crested Grebes.
On just a couple of narrow patches of clear water at Redesmere there were at least 900 Canada Geese and about 600 more in adjacent field (where also a Mistle Thrush), not to mention hundreds in a field en route. There were 2 Black Swans, 4 Goldeneyes (3 were drakes_), 4 Goosanders, several Shovelers, 4 Herons, Cormorants, a few Greylags and Tufties. Quite a sight. The usual customers - domestic geese, Coots, Mallards galore, gulls - were absolutely ravenous so were glad of our visit. Lovely sunset on the way back..".............
On Sunday (21/1) Bob did his monthly WeBS count at Tabley Park accompanied by Pete Kelly who has volunteered to help Bob with the task, at least until June (Bob's 40th anniversary) and eventually take over when Bob decides to retire completely. Well done Pete!
........"We were lucky with the weather this morning. Pete enjoyed his first visit with me and helped with the count. Tabley Mere was still at least 70% frozen, which obviously limited the amount of wildfowl. About 40 Mallard. Only a few Coot. A Little Egret put in several appearance. Usual pair of Mute Swans, Single Heron and Cormorant. 50+ Canada Geese. Lots of small bird activity, c.40 Siskins, party of Long-Tailed Tits, Tree Creeper, Nuthatch, Goldcrests, Coal Tit. Several Buzzards flying round, calling and interacting, but no other raptor. No sign of any grebes this time..".........
The following morning (22/1) a small group of KOS regulars met up in the Rostherne observatory for a couple of hours birding, gossiping and enjoying tea/coffee and Goostrey's sausage rolls. The wintering Wigeon, as usual, were hidden away amongst the mereside vegetation but something disturbed them and we counted 84 when they left cover and gathered in the centre of the mere. A scattering of Teal, 8 Goldeneye and that was about it. One thing we did notice was that the Cormorants have begun nest building/refurbishment, probably about 20 pairs staking their claims to the most favourable bits of real estate. Darren Morris told me a couple of weeks ago that Ravens were displaying in Tatton's deer enclosure. Perhaps they're already on eggs - Spring's just around the corner!
Don't forget that this Friday (26/1) it's our January indoor meeting when we'll be welcoming Keith Offord back to talk to us, this time about "The land of geysers and Gyrs".
Vast expanses of wild country comprising rugged mountains, volcanoes and lakes make Iceland one of the most scenically interesting countries to visit. During summer it is the breeding ground for a sumptuous array of bird species such as Red-throated and Great Northern Divers in vibrant summer plumage, Red-necked Phalarope, Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Whooper Swan, Snow Bunting, Gyr Falcon, a host of waders and seabirds, not forgetting a plethora of flowering plants. All this is set against one of the most geologically impressive backdrops imaginable and this photographic exploration cannot fail to whet the appetite.
Keith's talk will begin at 8:00pm but the Jubilee Hall will be open from about 7:15pm, allowing time for members and visitors to do some catching up and socialising. Non-members will be made most welcome!
Activity too on the following two days - It's the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch with the Friends of the Moor, Knutsford on Saturday 27th January. 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the pavilion on Knutsford Moor. The following day we repeat the exercise with the Friends of the Heath. Again it's 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the information notice board on the west side of the Heath, close to Northwich Road.
January 17th 2024...... Mere Sands Wood & Lunt Meadows
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Our first field trip of the new year, on Saturday (13/1), began well when Pat Sponder spotted a Barn Owl quartering the fields as she approached the day's first port of call, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust's Mere Sands Wood nature reserve. #1 on our day list that eventually reached a respectable 61 species, shared between Mere Sands and Lunt Meadows.
Trip leader, Karina, lead a group of 13 KOS members along the reserve's
Blue route, it's easy going, along the well-maintained footpaths that are shared with dog walkers. The reserve is advertised as dog-friendly and there were plenty of them, all, without exception, on leads. How different from Tatton Park's appropriately named Dog Wood where dogs on a lead are the exception, rather than the rule!Spring was in the air - a Song Thrush was heard from the car park and all along our route Blue, Great and Coal Tits were in song and in the distance a Great Spotted Woodpecker hammered out it's early-season territorial message.
The various pools and scrapes held a good selection of wildfowl with Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Canada Geese, Wigeon and Goosander. Pink-footed Geese were prominent overhead with good numbers feeding in the fields alongside the paths through the woodland, A Kingfisher provided more colour as it flew to an overhanging shrub, giving excellent but distant views. Approaching the end of the trail I noticed that a brass plaque on one of the seats was dedicated to the memory of Eric Hardy, arguably one of Britain's most influential, and perhaps controversial, conservationists. It's nearly an hour long but I would recommend this tribute to the great man, broadcast on Radio Merseyside some years ago "........Boyd was driven round in a chauffeur driven car - I went round on a bicycle........."
Arriving back at the visitor centre we enjoyed our lunchtime butties - some dined al fresco; Hon Treasurer Frank and I sat in the warmth
of the splendid reserve cafe and enjoyed tea and coffee - once the very pleasant and patient young lady had showed us how to use the vending machine!Mere Sands Wood is an excellent reserve, good in Winter, as we found on Saturday, and I'm sure it's an equally enjoyable place to visit later in the year when the Summer migrants have returned.
On then to Lunt Meadows, a drive of about 30' for part 2 of trip. We had hoped that by going later we'd perhaps see the Short-eared Owls that roost there but we were unlucky in that respect, although we did have a nice surprise later in the afternoon. Setting off from the car park we were met by a party of Greylags grazing peacefully alongside the perimeter path and just a little further on a Cetti's Warbler blasted out it's song from the middle of a bramble bush. Reaching the first viewing screen some new species were added to the day list including, Goldeneye, Little and Great Crested Grebes and a small group of Whooper Swans that made a fine sight as they flew off over the River Alt into nearby fields.
Moving on we met a young man by the name of Jacob Gill (I'm guessing he was about 10 years old) who was out birding with his parents, he certainly knew his birds and was pretty handy with a camera too and proudly showed us the images he's just obtained of a male Smew that was attracting the attention of a gaggle of birders a little further on. It was heartening to see such knowledge and enthusiasm from one so young, let's hope he keeps it up! The Smew showed well for us, albeit at a distance that precluded anything but blurred record shots. By now it was beginning to rain so we headed for the reserve's covered hide where we had our only Marsh harrier of the visit and good views of what we were told was a Cackling Goose (B. h. hutchinsii), a close relative of the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) that we're all familiar with. The cackling Goose is found in North America and the far east of Asia, individuals ringed in North America have been seen in Britain. Apparently there are five sub-species of the Cackling Goose - a minefield!
Needless to say Geoff and Sheila were out and about the next morning and also on Monday when we met them on the obs at Rostherne ..........."Sunday 14 Jan, 12km walk around Plumley/Holford/Lostock Green: c95 Curlew and 1 Oystercatcher (Patmos Lane), 40 Redwings (Cheadle Lane) and 50 Redwings plus a few Fieldfares and male Yellowhammer (Trouthall Lane) and Buzzard, Jay, etc.
Monday 15 Jan, 10km around Rostherne area: 2 Egyptian Geese, 70+ Fieldfare and 10+ Redwings (Martin’s Field), c200 Pink-footed Geese (flew over Rostherne Lane, then over the reserve towards Manchester), pair Mute Swans and 10 Gadwall (Ciceley Mill Pool on a sliver of open water, rest was frozen), met up with Tony and Jude in the Obs and a superb male Sparrowhawk perched briefly on the split limes before flying towards Harpers Bank Wood, earlier we had a Buzzard. "................
Geoff and I had a quick view of a raptor as it vanished over towards Harper's Bank wood, it wasn't the Sparrowhawk and it could well have been the Peregrine Falcon that Tatton ranger, Darren Morris had seen hunting over the park's deer enclosure the same morning.
Darren also tells me that he heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Dog Wood early last week. Our next field trip is to Tatton on Saturday 17th February - more details in due course.
Before then our January indoor get together will take place on Friday 26th January when Keith Offord will be giving a presentation titled "The Land of Geysers and Gyrs". The lecture will begin at 8pm and the doors of the Jubilee Hall will be open from 7:15pm.
Activity too on the following two days - It's the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch with the Friends of the Moor, Knutsford on Saturday 27th January. 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the pavilion on Knutsford Moor.
The following day we repeat the exercise with the Friends of the Heath. Again it's 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the information notice board on the west side of the Heath, close to Northwich Road.
Species recorded on the trip to Mere Sands Wood and Lunt Meadows - Saturday 13th January 2024. |
Another of our winter storms, this one storm Henk, arrived on the 2nd. January bringing with it an immense amount of rain. The south of England bore the brunt and the storm caused widespread flooding but we suffered too, and
as Mike's picture shows, a huge amount of material from Rostherne Mere's catchment area was washed into the mere via Rostherne Brook. Eventually this run-off may affect the water quality, due to the dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen it contains, and this will have a detrimental effect on its flora and fauna. I did turn to Tom Wall's excellent book " Rostherne Mere - aspects of a wetland nature reserve", published in 2019 for relevant information; there's plenty in the 91 pages devoted to the water quality of Rostherne Mere - both current and historic but I found it a bit hard going!One of the main problems is blue-green algae that can give the mere the appearance of pea soup during the Summer months; it can be dangerous to waterfowl, fish and domestic animals. In fact, in 1978, blue-green algae is thought to have caused the death of three cows, out of a herd of 40, that had access to the mere and was their only source of water. "Rostherne Mere achieved the unfortunate distinction of being the location of what may have been the first case in Britain of cattle deaths caused by the consumption of blue-green algae"
Water quality samples are taken from the mere and it will be interesting to see if they contain an increase in nutrients caused by this run-off; if this is the case we may see a spectacular algal bloom later in the year at Rostherne and also nearby Tatton Mere.
Geoff and Sheila Blamire weren't going to let a bit of rain spoil there morning stroll and made for the Rostherne observatory to dry out a bit, before heading for home................. "We braved the weather do our walk to Rostherne area – by the time we got back we were completely drenched!! Not surprised that no-one else was in the Obs. Highlight was a Lesser Redpoll
– made 3 very brief visits and one time landed on the bird table but was too scared to stay. Difficult to see what was on the Mere – visibility was atrocious. Unfortunately, I couldn't focus the big bins which I can usually do. On the way in Redwings were on the Holly tree (no Mistle Thrush!) but walking back home there were c50 Fieldfares and Redwings on Martin’s Field (50:50) plus c100 Starlings. Second highlight was bumping into Darren who was driving back to Tatton after filling up with diesel (not sure what sort of vehicle!). He was disappointed to miss the Christmas party – the social highlight of the year.I've decided to keep a year list – not going for specific birds, just species seen on our walks, KOS trips and garden. 2 days – 44. Missed quite a few species I should have seen, but will get to 50 very soon." ................. Of course listing is normally frowned upon here, it's the domain of plane spotters and gricers, but, given the parameters, it's acceptable - I suggest a total of 180 should be aimed for.
Bob Groom was on grandad duties the following morning - Redesmere seemed OK but Chelford's Acre Nook not so ..........."We visited Redesmere for the usual duck/geese feeding. A small skein of Pinkfeet went over, actually my first of the winter locally. On the mere - 6 Goosanders, c.4 Goldeneyes, 3 Cormorants and 2 Herons. Acre Nook was a write-off as a rain mist had descended so nothing was visible.."...........
A reminder from Sheelagh Halsey that Rostherne subs. are due and also the dates of this years wildfowl counts.
Hopefully you have renewed your permit via CAWOS as the door code will change on 1st February.
The duck count days for this year are shown below:
14th January... 11th February... 10th March
7th April... 12th May... 9th June
21st July... 18th August... 22nd September
20th October... 17th November.... 15th December
Normally we would walk around the reserve to flush the duck from the margins, but it is incredibly wet at the moment so this won't be possible this month. We will be going to the bittern hide though for people wanting to do this. The count starts in the observatory at 9am.
A reminder that this Saturday (13th January) it's the first field trip of this,our 50th anniversary year, when we'll be visiting Mere Sands Wood and Lunt Meadows. Secretary Karina will be the leader and, like Frank last month, has done a recce - you can read her plan here.
December 29th 2023 ..... The Christmas Walk.
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Well, the strangely-named Storm Gerrit came and went overnight, taking with it some house roofs in Stalybridge as it morphed into a T5 tornado during the early hours of Thursday (28th). Fortunately things had calmed down by 9:30am when a hardy group of 13 KOS members gathered in the Witton Mill car park ready for our annual Christmas walk around Neumann's Flash and Marbury Mere.
Sheila Blamire was our trip leader for the day; she and Geoff had done a recce the previous day, so this year we began by taking the path between Ashton's and Neumann's flashes towards Pod's Hide. Ashton's was very quiet but an overflying Curlew was a useful addition to the day list that we'd started in the car park, where eight species were using the bird table including Jay and Bullfinch.A decent selection of wildfowl from Pod's Hide, including Shelduck, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Shoveler sharing the flash with Black-headed, Herring, Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls. In the distance, out of earshot, a substantial flock of Pink-footed Geese headed south.
What had been a dry morning became a lot wetter as we passed through Big Wood and down to the shores of Budworth Mere, so we didn't hang about but made quick progress to the welcome shelter of the covered viewing screen.
Up to 19 Goosanders have been counted recently on the mere, there seemed to be fewer on Thursday but those that were present gave great views as they fished just below the screen where we sat enjoying elevenses. Pride of place though must go to three Kingfishers that provided an ever-changing kaleidoscope of cobalt blue as they perched right in front of their audience fishing and taking short flights out towards the centre of the mere before returning. Two's company and three's a crowd - I think Spring was in the air!
The rain held off as we walked back to the cars, there were no new species, except for a Cetti's Warbler's quick burst of song as we passed over Butterfinch bridge on Marbury Lane bringing the total count to 44 species during a walk of 7.25Km (4.6miles)
Bob Groom rounded of his monthly wildfowl counts on Tabley Mere on Sunday 17th December ......"An ideal morning for my WEBS count at Tabley Mere, lovely and mild - Min 9C Max 11C - if a bit breezy. Buzzards constantly circling and 'talking' to each other. Male Great Spotted, Goldcrest with the Long-Tailed Tits, Sparrowhawk, Redwings in the wood. Water Rail (heard), Little Egret, 2 Herons, 5 Cormorants. The most noticeable thing was the absence of Coots. A few months ago there were hundreds; barely double figures today. In contrast 12 was a good count for Great Crested Grebes there (many more at Rostherne and Budworth meres, of course). 27 Greylags (but again no Canadas) ,4 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneyes, 36 Mallards, 20 Tufted Ducks, just 2 Mute Swans. Not at all bad underfoot but very slow progress."........
So there we are, Bob's final count of the year and my last "Latest News" update of 2023 - 46,000 words this year! I can recall my favourite trips and indoor lectures but, of course, everyone will have their own favourites - let's hope that 2024, our society's 50th anniversary year, will provide just as many, if not more, for all. Happy new year!
Species recorded on the Christmas walk around Neumann's Flash and Budworth mere. 28th December 2023. |
. December 17th 2023...... The Christmas Party!
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Arriving at the Jubilee Hall on Friday evening with the baked potatoes Len and I were delighted to find that during the afternoon Jude, Karina and her husband, David had been hard at work decorating the hall and setting out the tables in preparation for the annual KOS Christmas party!
Gradually more people arrived with their offerings - all the usual favourites - Goostrey's pork
pies, specially flown in from Mobberley, sausages, cooked meats etc. and a table full of puddings, ready to challenge the self-discipline of those who should really be watching their glucose intake!The annual quiz proceeded in the traditional manner, I stuck the pictures up around the hall and people could then peruse them at their leisure during and after the meal. This year it was a close run contest and three people ended up with 41 out of the possible 50 points; Bob, Sheila and Hugh - the three pre-race favourites! So a tie-break was called for and each of the three were given the same picture, positioned face down on a table and on the word "go" they were turned over to reveal the tie-breaker. This year's bird was a White's Thrush, Sheila took the honours and won a large box of sweets that of course were then shared around the room - it's the taking part that counts!
My proof and sensitivity reader (those that need to know, know!) has insisted that I put this picture, kindly taken by Jude Halman, on this update, as I normally never appear due to me always taking the people images myself. So it should appear on the right.
For various reasons numbers were down for this year's party but nevertheless it was a most enjoyable evening and our thanks go to Karina, David and Jude for preparing the room, for those that provided the food and/or brought along articles for the raffle or bring and buy. Great value at £8 and I'm sure we have made some money to pay for the ever increasing cost of speakers for our indoor lectures.
Meanwhile, back at the coalface, Bob Groom and I were in the Rostherne observatory on Monday morning (11/12)
......."Just 8°C this morning when Bob and I arrived at the observatory. The overnight rain continued and it was a gloomy outlook, with a thick mist making it impossible to see the far side of the mere.
After half an hour or so the rain slowly began to clear and the sun appeared giving rise to a rainbow that reached right down to the surface of the mere.
The rain had cleared the atmosphere and as the sun became brighter viewing conditions were excellent. 31 teal were very active over towards Gale Bog, also there c.16 Pochard, a single male Goosander and 3 drake Mandarin. Four Goldeneye and possibly more were scattered across the mere, whilst on their floating island 2 Green Sandpipers had returned after a couple of weeks absence.
The bird table was busier than recently with Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits recorded as well as 2 Bullfinches and a Goldfinch. A big female Sparrowhawk caused panic as it shot through in-between the obs and the bird table!
Phil Dell had been down to the Bittern Hide and heard at least two Cetti's Warblers. He also obtained some excellent video of one of two Water Rails in front of the hide.
Bill Bellamy had done a count yesterday and recorded 39 Mandarin and 109 Wigeon, we could see there were plenty of the latter about but they were well hidden in the mereside vegetation."............
The following morning (13/12 Geoff and Sheila were out and about on their daily perambulation
........" We did our 12km Plumley, Holford, and Lostock Green this morning. It was disappointing with only 1 Curlew in one of the fields next to Inovyn offices and 4+ in the maize stubble field behind Ridgeway Farm, but the sunflower field made up for it: 50-100 finches (very difficult to count!) mostly Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and a few Bramblings. Could be more species but the light was atrocious. Need someone else to put more time there…Yesterday in Martin’s Field, Rostherne 3 Egyptian Geese and 50+ winter thrushes – mostly Fieldfare. Ciceley Mill Pool: pair Mute Swans, 4 Gadwall and Cormorant. Female Goosander still on Little Mere along with 4 Cormorants and the usual wildfowl. ".........
Geoff has been keeping a record of their walks, that began during the first covid lockdown and the stats. are very impressive - 12,459km or 7,787miles in 1304 days (9.55km or 5.97mls per day). The map shows the distances involved!
Tatton's a bit under-watched at the moment but Bob's a regular visitor. This from Tuesday (12/12) ......." A decent enough day - Min 7C Max 10C - but the park was almost deserted. The Stonechats (2m 1f) were down by Tatton Mere. A f Great Spotted called frequently as it foraged in the trees and a Mistle Thrush sang strongly, just as if it were spring. A lady who asked advice about some small birds she had just seen (probably Goldfinches but a Kestrel scattered them before I got close enough) had watched a green woodpecker flying through. There were at least half-a-dozen Pochard [or 'pokkard' as T.Hedley Bell would have it] but surprisingly few ducks overall. Usual Heron and 2 Cormorants at Melchett Mere.".........
Darren Morris has kindly sent me a copy of the park's Winter news letter - you can read it here - Thanks Darren.
Just a few more days now until the Winter solstice after which the days slowly become longer and we can anticipate the arrival of Spring!
So here are a few dates for your diaries -
On Thursday 28th December it's our Christmas Walk around Neumann's Flash and Budworth Mere, meeting at 09:30am at the Witton Mill Bridge car park. Sheila will be leading this trip and you may want to let her know if you intend to come along - sheila@onlybirding.com
Our first field trip of 2024, which of course is the 50th anniversary year of the founding of the KOS, is to Mere Sands Wood and Lunt Meadows. This will take place on Saturday 13th January 2024 (more details later).
It's the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch with the Friends of the Moor, Knutsford on Saturday 27th January. 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the pavilion on Knutsford Moor.
The following day we repeat the exercise with the Friends of the Heath. Again it's 11:00am until noon. Meeting at the information notice board on the west side of the Heath, close to Northwich Road.
** Late news just in from treasurer Frank Dearden**
Thank you for your support in raising £261 for the Society on Friday last. The breakdown was as follows:
Admission £144
Raffle £58
Bring and buy £29
Donation £30
A very useful contribution which will pay for two of our speakers.
Frank
December 6th 2023........ The trip to Marshside and Martin Mere.
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Only 1⁰C , but there was some birding to be done and the day began well as, before we left the car park, Bob Groom found us a Peregrine being mobbed by a selection of corvids out towards the sea. A second raptor quickly followed, with a Sparrowhawk looking for breakfast over the Sandgrounder's hide. It felt even colder once the windows in the hide had been opened revealing a tundra-like vista with just patches of open water, being kept ice-free by the movement of the wildfowl - Mute Swans, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler and a few gulls. We didn't linger too long.
Across the other
side of the busy road we added Marsh Harrier, Great and Little Egrets to the day list before moving on to the newly re-built Nell's Hide. More water here and new birds included Pintail, Gadwall, Wigeon, Coot, Moorhen and Greylag Goose. Bob had taken a different route and was able to announce ring-tailed Hen Harrier and Stonechat seen from the corner screen.On then to Martin Mere; except for Colin and Don who chose to join us later after going in search of a Red-breasted Goose that had been spotted during the week. After a long walk they caught up with the bird and they now have the tricky problem of deciding whether or not it was a genuine wild bird or an escapee from someone's wildfowl collection - I always find with "listers" that if it's not on their list already then it's definitely wild, otherwise it's just an escaped bird!
The car park was full at Martin Mere and the reception building, shop and restaurant were very busy; groups of kids and their parents were again being ferried by Santa's elves across to an island to meet the great man himself. No life jackets and this year the elves were having to push back encroaching sheets of ice as they made their way slowly across the lake!
After
lunch in the restaurant we went onto the reserve proper, making our way first to the Ron Barker hide; along the way, close to the feeders, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch were added to the list and Blackbird, Fieldfare and Redwings were also welcome additions.A couple of Marsh Harriers floated over the reedbeds in front of the hide and incoming Whooper Swans were a reminder that feeding time was rapidly approaching. Frank takes the role of trip leader very seriously, so much so that, earlier in the week, he'd driven up to do a recce! He'd walked past the United Utilities hide to a newly opened part of the reserve and found a group of 12 Cattle Egrets amongst the English Longhorn cattle, they were still there on Sunday!
Waiting in the Discovery hide for feeding time we had the usual excellent views of wintering Ruff, joined this year by a Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank whilst out on the water Whooper Swans, Pochard and a single male Goldeneye. As I added the latter to my list on the dictaphone (much easier than writing the list in a notebook) I was overheard by one of the locals who became mildly excited. Apparently it's a rare sighting at Martin Mere, he'd never seen one there before despite numerous visits over the years. It promptly went out on their local WhatsApp group! We ended up with 62 species, 5 less than last time we did this trip, which was in 2021. Considering the weather, a commendable effort.
The following morning we had the sad task of saying a last farewell to John Somerville at the Altrincham Crematorium. Barbara is still recovering from a broken hip and was worried about having to use a wheelchair, but I'm pleased to report that she managed the ceremony unaided. The minister read the eulogy and Frank read out a short tribute from all his many friends in the KOS. It's been suggested that this tribute be published on the website, you can read it here.
Species recorded at Marshside and martin Mere- Sunday 3rd December 2023 |
All 2023's updates and the update archive.................Homepage