Field Meeting Reports – 2024

Burton – Sunday 24th November 2024

We had an amazing 22 members that turned up last Sunday for our November field meeting.  Concerned that Burton Woods would be very wet and muddy, it was decided to remain at BMW.  Storm Bert had luckily passed through and although some paths were slightly flooded, we enjoyed a dry and relatively mild day.  Starting with the main Scrape, we were soon adding to the species list.  Teal, Shoveler, Lapwing, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits were the most common birds. We had the first of several Marsh Harrier sightings.

From the viewing platform, Ruff was easier to pick out, and a single, distant Snipe kept us puzzled until a good view of its bill confirmed it was a Common, not Jack Snipe.

We started to return to the Centre, and some members made a beeline for the Cafe. Was that a bad decision?  Well, the rest of the party enjoyed a colourful Kingfisher on Willow Pool! (Sorry, my photo was rubbish!).  A Cormorant roosted in a tree behind Burton Pool.

Marsh Covert Hide was remarkably quiet, so we returned to the cafe for lunch. 

In the afternoon, Bridge Pool was more productive, with Wigeon, Curlew and Redshank added.  A pair of Spotted Redshank were seen intermittently by some members here.

Walking on to Border Hide, we added Little Egret, and Black-headed and Common Gull.

Braving the wind up at Burton Point, we found a flock of Whooper Swans and at least one Great White Egret out on the salt marsh.

We returned to the car park to end a successful day, adding Brambling and Goldcrest on the way back to bring the group’s total list to at least 55 species.

N.B. We will try and include a visit to Burton Wood in next year’s programme – hopefully it will be a bit drier!

Hugh

Delamere Forest – Wednesday 23rd October 2024

What a beautiful day we had at Delamere Forest.  The storm from a couple of days earlier had produced a carpet of golden autumnal leaves on the ground that were dappled with the sunlight coming through the trees.

We began our walk along one of the many trails towards Blakemere, soon passing Doolittle Moss, a depression with layers of peat laid down over centuries.  The Forestry Commission and Cheshire Wildlife Trust are working together to improve the biodiversity of the whole area.

Many of the birds were high in the tall trees – we were soon getting cricks in our necks!  But we eventually had nice views of Redwing, as well as Blackbird and Song Thrush, gorging on Rowan berries.  A Treecreeper was seen briefly but almost immediately flew deeper into the forest.  Goldcrest called but were difficult to spot.

On the mere itself there were mostly Greylag Geese, Black-headed Gulls and Lapwing, with the occasional Teal, Coot and Moorhen.  This large mere is slowly transforming back to a moss too – but we may need to come back in one or two hundred years to see the process completed!  A flock of charming Long-tailed Tits buzzed along the shore.  Colin was fortunate to see a possible Goshawk swooping quickly and acrobatically through the trees!  Reaching the impressive Visitor Centre, we finally enjoyed a welcome lunch break.

In the afternoon we scaled Old Pale Trail to enjoy the wonderful 360° panorama from the summit.  A Carrion Crow was surprisingly tolerant of a nearby dog!  Then a male Kestrel put on a wonderful display, hovering and stooping repeatedly before settling in a tree.

A Buzzard completed the raptor list for the day.  We descended back to the Centre and began our slow return to the cars.

We walked a few more miles than we normally do, but I think the effort was worth it.

Photos courtesy of Ellie and Hugh.

Hugh

Thornton Hough (and Denhall) – Saturday 14th September 2024

As we assembled at Brimstage Hall, several Swallows and House Martins were swirling above the Courtyard, busy feeding in preparation for their long migration to sub-Saharan Africa.

Setting off along a farm track, we saw the first of several Red-legged Partridges we were to see. These non-native game birds are sadly released, along with Pheasants, in their millions each year purely for shooting.

Moving on to the lovely tree-lined avenues, the birds were sadly quiet and elusive amongst the dense foliage.

Reaching the far point of our walk, we spotted Blue and Great Tit and a pair of Goldcrests.

As we started the return trek to the cars, an unexpected Grey Wagtail walked on the path ahead of us, before it was disturbed by two cyclists!

Walking back across a maize field footpath, a female Marsh Harrier briefly swept low over the tree-line. A bit later a pair of Buzzards circled overhead.

A herd of friendly bullocks came to investigate us – safely behind a fence!

Some members were happy with just the morning walk, while a few of us went on to Denhall Lane. Walking along the edge of the Marsh, we were entertained by two Hobbies hunting and sitting on posts by Decca Pools. A few members then succumbed to the lure of refreshments at Nets Café at this point!

Walking back towards Burton Point we spotted a single Wheatear and 5 Stonechats. Pairs of Egyptian Goose and Ruddy Shelduck were of interest. We also found a single Little Owl enjoying the warm afternoon sun. A nice end to an enjoyable day.

Thank you for the photos from Ellie, Bill and Hugh

Hugh

Moel Arthur – Sunday 28th July 2024

It was great to have 18 Members at our last field meeting of the current Programme. We couldn’t have asked for better weather too, especially given the poor summer we’ve been having. We enjoyed blue skies and warm temperatures all day.  We left the car park and initially walked into the woods.  Chiffchaff and Wren were seen here.

As the trees opened up, a male Kestrel was using the updraft from the hillside to coast along.  The colours from the heather, foxgloves and gorse were beautiful and there were stunning views of the Vale of Clwyd below, and in the distance Snowdonia.  Ravens were seen and heard.  A pair of Red Kites flew majestically below us – it is always lovely to see these majestic birds.

Climbing up to the ridge summit, a family of Stonechats worked their way along the fence line.

We left Angela collecting wild Wimberries, while we reached our high point, Penycloddiau Iron Age Hill Fort. She did catch us up though!  From the top we could look north towards Wirral and Liverpool.  After a brief rest, we made our way back to the cars for lunch.

In the afternoon we took the woodland path down the valley.  Birds were hard to find amongst the leaves, but we picked out Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Treecreeper.

Butterflies and damselflies enjoyed the sunny glades, including a female Beautiful Demoiselle and a Small Tortoiseshell.

One of the last birds we saw was a Buzzard that flew into a tree to finish its rodent lunch!  It was nice to see this impressive bird close up.

Thank you to Ellie, Joyce and Hugh for the images.  The Kite photo from Ellie was not from Sunday, but it was taken in Wales.  I had to put one image in!

Hugh

RSPB Leighton Moss – Saturday 15th June 2024

Leighton Moss certainly delivered! What a great day we had despite the rain.

Starting at the buzzing feeding station, we enjoyed a confiding Marsh Tit with a supporting cast of Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, and Great-spotted Woodpecker, amongst others. There were lots of young birds amongst them indicating a good breeding season.

Next stop was the Causeway Hide.One or two Otters were seen regularly, while scores of Swifts fed low over the water – we could hear them calling. Swallows and House Martins were mixed in too.  A Kingfisher sped past all too quickly. There were several views of Marsh Harrier here and elsewhere on the reserve. Then a Bittern flew overhead and dropped into the reeds.

Just as we prepared to leave, an Osprey appeared.  It circled around before diving down into the water, then emerged without a fish.  Frustrated, it flew off into the distance.  What a tremendous half hour!

We moved down to the Lower Hide and had lunch.  A few different warblers were heard but not easily seen in the dense foliage.

The heavens opened and we heard thunder around.  It looked set in so we marched hastily back to the Centre. The afternoon was fairly constant rain, but we toured the remaining hides when it eased off periodically.  From Lilian Hide, a female Great-crested Grebe had her young on her back, and they occasionally went on to the water to explore.  An attentive male fed them periodically.

Sand Martin was eventually picked out, and we watched a family of Great Black-backed Gulls that were squatting on the Osprey nest platform.  A single Oystercatcher looked to be nesting on an artificial Sand Martin bank – but no Martins!

A final stop at the café for me, then back on the coach.  Many Members had a snooze on the way home, a little soggy but content with the 62 bird species seen or heard, and the animals we had seen.

Photos from Ellie and Hugh.

Hugh

Woolston Eyes – Sunday 12th May 2024

As thirteen members assembled at the gate, I pondered whether or not this was an auspicious number for our search for the Black-necked Grebes that the reserve is famous for!

As we crossed the bridge into Bed No. 3, Ellie glimpsed a Kingfisher, and Canada Geese with three fluffy goslings in tow . We were to see more young Canada’s and Coot through the day.  Walking up a gentle hill, we heard Chiffchaff and Song Thrush, and finally saw a male Blackcap – the growing leaves made seeing birds difficult!

Our first view of main lake yielded Heron, Gadwall, Pochard and Great-crested Grebe – but not our target grebe species!  We enjoyed great views of Marsh Harrier quartering the reed beds, the first of several sightings.  A pair of smart Bullfinches fed on sunflower seems.

Moving on, we heard snatches of Whitethroat and finally saw a single bird.  We reached the John Morgan hide, and settled in to scan as we enjoyed lunch.  More of the same duck species, single Shelduck and Oystercatcher, Greenfinch and Great-spotted Woodpecker were ticked off, and eventually Little Grebe.  Still no Red-necked!

Nothing new was seen at the next hide. We reached the last hide and tentatively climbed the steps.  There, right in front of us was a pair of beautiful Black-necked Grebes, busy fishing.  We admired them for ages, cameras clicking continuously! We eventually dragged ourselves away.

There was still time to see Reed Warbler, Buzzard, Kestrel, and a fly-by Hobby on the way back.

The warm day brought out numerous dragonflies (including several female Broad-bodies Chasers), damselflies and butterflies.

A successful day at a lovely reserve with great weather – and we got back home before the thunderstorms!

Thank you to Gary, Ellie, Paul and Hugh for the wonderful photos – there were too many to select from!

Hugh

Elan Valley – Saturday 27th April 2024

What great support we had for our coach trip to Elan Valley near Rhayader! We enjoyed a relaxing drive through increasingly beautiful countryside, with glimpses of Red Kites to whet the appetite.

On arrival at the Visitor Centre, we set off in slight drizzle, but soon found a couple of Stonechat and, on the river, the first sight of many Grey Wagtails we were to see throughout the day.

Crossing under the dam we ascended towards the oak woodland.  Apologies for the slippery, wet stones steps!  The trees were initially quiet, but eventually we started to see or hear Nuthatch, Willow Warber and Chiffchaff.  A male Pied Flyctacher eventually obliged and gave good views.  We were to see several more Pied Flycatchers, both male and female.  It was interesting to observe several male flycatchers feeding on the riverside rocks – I wondered if there were more insects here than in the chilly woods.

It was noticeable that apart from 2 House Martins seen very briefly on our arrival, there were no Hirundines seen all day.  The birds were clearly wishing for warmer weather as well as us.  We returned to the Centre for lunch – and to warm up!

In the afternoon, the rain held off at least, although there was still a chilly wind.  We followed the river upstream and enjoyed very good views of 2 displaying Common Sandpipers.  In the same area a confiding Dipper showed well on a rock mid-stream, allowing everyone to admire it and take hundreds of photos!  Only 3 of our group were fortunate to see a Redstart, one of our target birds.  Also seen was a Daubenton’s bat unusually feeding in mid-afternoon, over river then alighting on a house roof!

Despite the weather, everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and while we only saw 34 species, these included some beautiful views of some classic Welsh valley birds.

Thank you to everyone for supporting the coach trips; and to Ellie, Colin, Bill and Hugh for sharing their photos.  I could have included so many more if space allowed!

Hugh

Whitegate Way – Saturday 23rd March 2024

Despite the poor weather forecast, 10 members met up for our trip to explore Whitegate Way.  But as is often the case, the conditions were not as bad as we might have feared, and we enjoyed a pleasant day out.

As we gathered together, a Treecreeper made a brief appearance, although we did see another one later.  Following the main path, several Chiffchaffs were seen and heard, back for their breeding season.  The expected Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits were noted, as well as Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Rook.  At the first lake, Mute Swan and Tufted Ducks kept an eye on the fishermen dotted around the shore.  A pair of Goldcrest were found by Ellie, one being particularly obliging as it atypically settled for a minute or two.

A little further on at the larger lake were more Tufted Duck and several Great-crested Grebes as well as Coots.  A single male Gadwall and two drake Goldeneye were picked out.

We returned to the car park for lunch before starting a walk in the opposite direction.  Almost immediately a couple of Redpolls were seen feeding intently.  After some checking, it was decided that they were Lesser Redpolls, the regular species seen in the UK.

A male Kestrel alighted on a nearby tree, but the wind shook the branch and it flew off before I could get my camera out!

Shenagh spotted pair of Blue Tits exploring a possible nest hole in a rotten tree.  Surely Spring proper must arrive soon!

Eventually we slightly reluctantly called it a day and most of the group returned to Whitegate Station.  Well, in truth we wanted to visit the Station Cafe before it closed, for a very welcome drink and cake!  It was a lovely way to end the day.

Thank you to Ellie for the wonderful bird photos.

Hugh

Thurstaston Country Park – Tuesday 27th February 2024

It is a long time since I visited Thurstaston Visitor Centre, so it was nice to get reacquainted with the focal point of Wirral Country Park.  While there were signs around that spring is just around the corner, it was a rather cold, breezy and grey day to remind us that winter isn’t quite over!

Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove were common, attracted no doubt by the feeding station behind the Centre.  We set off and quickly made our way to the cliff edge to scan the mudflats before the incoming tide covered them. Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew could be seen spread out over the vast expanse, but the cold wind made the telescope shake terribly!  We moved a little further on and found a more sheltered spot where we also picked out a few Bar-tailed Godwit and a couple of Knot.  A Greenfinch “wheezed” from a dense bush but didn’t show.  That was to be a feature of the day!

The Rangers have been busy clearing the ponds, making a great looking habitat that should come alive when the summer migrants return in a few weeks time.  Today there were only Mallard, Coot and Moorhen.

Walking on to the Wirral Way, birds were keeping down out of the wind still.  We did see Robin, Goldcrest, Wren and Long-tailed Tit though.  Turning off to the Dungeon, we added Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit, and Jay, and heard Buzzard “mews”. 

We returned to the Centre for lunch, making good use of the Whistle Stop Cafe!

After lunch, a reduced number walked in the opposite direction down to Dee Sailing Club.  A Great-spotted Woodpecker flew away in front of us, then flew back past us and settled in a tree.  Sean picked out the red nape of a male bird.  The tide was well in at the Sailing Club slipway, and there was nothing much to see on or above the water except for one, then two Kestel hovering on the updraft from the cliffs. We returned across Dawpool Nature Reserve, noting the emerging Bluebells, and Blackthorn and Wild Cherry Blossom.

Photos by Colin, Bill and Hugh.

Hugh

Wigan Flashes – Saturday 28 January 2024

Once we’d separated ourselves from the walking group also setting off from the carpark, we began our exploration. A small lake had a family of approachable Mute Swans and Mallard, obviously used to being given bread by passers-by.  We picked up the canal path alongside the large Scotsman’s Flash, where there were at least 3 Great-crested Grebes plus many Tufted Duck and Coots.

Further on we turned off into a wet woodland area.  We found a really productive spot, where it was difficult to decide which way to look.  First of all, it’s confession time!  Seeing the photos from Colin and Ellie, I can see they were Willow Tits we saw (not Marsh as I claimed at the time!).  I said they were difficult species to separate! Bullfinch, Treecreeper and Reed Bunting were also amongst the birds seen here. Robins and Goldcrests were everywhere.

We stopped for lunch where locals had put seed out so we were entertained by various Tits as we ate.  Three Buzzards soared above us.

We resumed our way along the canal, but despite a tip-off, we couldn’t find the reported Bittern sadly.  Returning back along the canal path, Siskin and Nuthatch were spotted.  On Pearson’s Flash at least 25 Goldeneye flocked tightly together, and the males were displaying by throwing their heads backwards over their backs. Tufted Duck were also present as a nice comparison.  Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall were noted in smaller numbers.  A single, piping Oystercatcher betrayed its presence.  A flock of Lapwing passed by overhead.

As the sun started to drop lower, the temperature began to drop.  But we had enjoyed a lovely day.  It was capped back at the car park by a circling Sparrowhawk! That made it 44 species seen by the group, plus 2 probable/possible species heard only.

Photos courtesy of Colin, Ellie and Hugh.

Hugh