Conservation area / Feeders

For any one new just visiting the conservation area and feeders are located in the left hand corner from the car park at visitors centre. Face the water from the coffee shop and you will see a gate in the left corner 20 yds from coffee shop , this is the conservation area and as you stand at the gate the feeders are opposite you. The feeders are best viewed from either gate on both sides or by sitting on the bench opposite. I fill them up myself so unfortunately with work I can't get every day but I fill them as often as I can , hope you enjoy . With patients you can see Bullfinch , Brambling , Goldfinch , Greenfinch , Chaffinch , Reed Bunting , Siskin also Coal , Great , Blue and Long-tailed Tits.

March 18th

Two female Brambling , pair of Reed Bunting , pair of Bullfinch , five Goldfinch , three Greenfinch and three Jay all in conservation area this morning. Also noted three Grey Heron flew over and one singing Chiffchaff.

March 15th

Three male Brambling around the conservation area also two male Reed Bunting and the overwintering male Blackcap. One single Little Grebe on the mere , also noted Buzzard , Goldcrest , Grey Wagtail and single Redwing.

March 14th

Two adult Common Gulls on the mere , two Chiffchaff , three male Reed Buntings on the feeders along with the overwintering male Blackcap. Also noted a single Grey Wagtail ,three Greenfinch , pair Bullfinch and two Buzzards.

Blackcap (male) photo by Tracey Stubbs

March 13th

Male Blackcap still on feeders also male Reed Bunting.

March 11th

Two Common Gull's this evening in amongst the Black-headed Gulls this is the first record of them this year . Still a scarce bird at this site with just a handful of scattered records throughout the year. Also five Brambling still around the usual spot in the north east corner of the mere.

Treecreeper late afternoon by Tracey Stubbs.

2018 Birding Review.

Last year 2018 proved to be a very good year for bird species at Astbury Mere with a record total of 105 being recorded. This was mainly due to a dedicated few that put many many hours of work in , and as the saying goes hours spent equals birds found . Also thanks must go to visiting birders who kindly sent in there sightings swelling our total even more. Undoubtabley  the highlight of the year was the influx of Hawfinch into the UK from Scandinavia , which Astbury had its share of eight birds staying with us for over eight weeks . Giving many hours of entertainment to over one hundred visiting and local birders.

 

Monthly Review Jan 6th saw eighty Pink-footed Geese fly over heading in a north / west direction , this was the first of a few sighting of this species throughout the next two months. The rest of the month produced the usual winter wildfowl with Goosander , Goldeneye , Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal and Wigeon all putting in a appearance. Feb 15th was the start of the Hawfinch sightings with first a single bird being found with a pair of Brambling and eight Siskins. Just twenty minutes later we had three birds and along with Brambling numbers continued to increased as the days went on. Brambling have only ever been recorded in single figures before at this site , so to see flocks of between ten and twenty birds was a nice site . The feeding station we set up played it's part and on many days birds could be found feeding along side other finches. Feb 23rd brought our first Oystercatcher sighting of the year along wit a pair of Gadwall both scarce birds at the mere. A site MEGA on Mar 2nd when only our second ever record of a Redhead Smew was found the last one being twenty two years ago. Unfortunatly it only stayed with us for one day .

The next few days proved to be quite a little purple patch as on Mar 3rd our first ever record of Short-eared Owl when a bird was unexpectedly flushed from the conservation area at 6-00 in the morning. This one was definitely to quick for my camera as it headed in the opposite direction , but was relocated later the same day some four miles away quartering farm fields. Also same day two Dunlin were found these are also very scarce at the mere .

A bad snow storm during the morning of Mar17th brought five Greater Scaup down on the mere they had been displaced from nearby Tittesworth reservoir during the bad weather . They included two drakes and three females,they stayed with us for eight days giving excellent views to all who visited . Also during the snow storm a female Stonechat another first for the site was briefly seen by one birder but was flushed by a jogger and flew off . It was relocated later same day over the other side of the mere this time seen by two different birders.

Mar18th brought another first sighting at the mere when a flock of thirty two Golden Plover flew over quickly followed by another flock of eleven birds. Curlew usually fly over in early spring in just ones or two's so it was nice to see six over on Mar19th. The end of March into early April saw the usual migrants appear , Apr11th and yet another first when a single Arctic Tern graced the mere , the identification took some discussion with five of us but was clinched with on site photos.

On April 14th an amazing fifty two Brambling were counted and there could have been a few more , like I said earlier we only had record's in single figures so this was an exceptional year at the mere. Just a few days after this sighting not one could be found anywhere. With a little bit of patience reasonable views and photo's could be had around the feeding station.

On Apr 19th two Common Sandpiper's arrived of which on closer inspection one was ringed. Photographs showed the colours and information soon came back. It was a female ringed on 02/05/2017 on the river Spey at Cromdale a small village downstream of Grantown on Spey in Cairngorms NP. The bird had also been sighted in Dublin and along the west coast of Flintshire. Three birds were present for a couple of days on the mere. Two Shelduck recorded on Apr 22nd another scarce and not annual bird . May 1st and again another first for the site when a male Pied Flycatcher sang for 30 minutes before disappearing in the wood on the eastern edge of the mere. Also the same morning and again very scarce was a singing Lesser Whitethroat this one I did get on camera.

A Hobby was seen chasing Martin's on a number of occasions on May 3rd , these birds breed close by but are not a regular site at Astbury.

Three more Shelduck on May 5th and the first returning Reed Warbler noted on May 8th. During the next few months most birders tend to give the mere a wide berth as watersports , fishing and other activities take a strong hold. Birding early mornings only I tend to turn my attention to Butterflies and Dragonflies. Aug 1st two Common Sandpiper's arrived and on Aug 26th an exceptional record of two Greenshank feeding early morning for over a hour before being disturbed by dog walkers. The last and only other record was 2002.

Yet another site first on Aug 31st when a Little Egret was found on the sand bank just off the sailing club beach. The bird stayed for a few hours giving excellent views as it flew across the mere to the fisherman's beach and back again . This first record is really surprising as one or two birds are seen regular just less than a mile away .

A drake Common Scoter was found early morning on Sept 2nd but only stayed for 30 mins before flying off in poor light in a north / westerly direction. But just two days later Sept 4th two drakes appeared and stayed all day giving close views at times but in poor light. Iam never satisfied.

Sept 8th and our one and only Black Tern of the year again early morning it was soon being harrassed and chased off by local gulls. Sept 19th and three Snipe flew over obviously flushed from further afield. Oct 5th and a first winter Mediterranean Gull was in amongst a large flock of around three hundred Black headed Gulls but when all the birds took off the Med Gull did not return and was lost from site. Oct 27th and a single Common Sandpiper's showed reasonably well along the sailing club beach area.

Nov 16th and two Whooper Swans flew around the mere trying to land before flying off in a north / east direction , this personally gave Mark his one hundred species at the mere for the year and gave us a record 105 species for the site. Nov 18th and another Dunlin noted along with another record of Little Egret flew over Nov 25th. Thirteen Pink-footed Geese flew over Dec 9th , and a large Skien of around 150 birds over Dec 12th. Only our second ever record of Woodcock seen by the ranger flying over visitors centre at dusk on Dec 13th. With records throughout the year of Tawny Owl , Kingfisher , Goosander , Goldeneye , and Raven etc it proved to be a exceptional year for birds at the mere. I would personally like to thank all who sent records into me you all know who you are many thanks for making it a record year. Steve Seal.

March 9th Chiffchaff Back

The first returning Chiffchaff singing this morning in north / east corner of the mere ,Its the earliest record by three days . Also the overwintering bird seen again. Also a single Little Grebe and twelve Brambling , Coal Tit , Treecreeper , Goldcrest , two Buzzard and 24 x Tufted Duck. Pair of Reed Bunting on feeders late afternoon and a flock of twenty two Goldfinch over conservation area. Also three Buzzards up displaying and still a single Little Grebe on the mere.

March 7th

Female Goosander this morning and the Kingfisher is back on the mere.

Last Four Years Migrant Dates

List below shows the last four years migrant arrival dates for the Mere.

                                      2015            2016          2017           2018

Chiffchaff                     24/03           23/03         12/03          22/03

Sand Martin                 31/03           27/03         26/03          27/03

Swallow                       15/04           28/03         05/04          17/03

Willow Warbler            15/04           05/04         01/04          04/04

House Martin               05/05           01/04         16/04          06/04

Blackcap                      15/04            01/04         29/03         05/04

Garden Warbler           05/05            19/04         07/05          29/04

Swift                            12/05             02/05        30/04          27/04

Reed Warbler               10/05            07/05         24/04         08/05

March 6th

Very quiet today just three Buzzards up together , male Reed Bunting on feeders with Long-tailed Tits and Bullfinch . Eight Great Crested Grebes but no sign of any Little Grebes.

Reed Bunting (male).

March 5th

Overwintering male Blackcap on feeders this morning also two female Brambling pair of Bullfinch several Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Also noted Siskin , Buzzard , Raven , Reed Bunting ,(male) , 43 Tufted Duck and a couple of pairs of G C Grebe's displaying. Buff-tailed Bumblebee also seen . No Sand Martin's have arrived as yet , we are always about a week later than other waters nearby,there was four at Redesmere this morning.

Blackcap (male).

March 4th

First Oystercatcher of the year today with a single bird over early morning. Also four Brambling , single Siskin and Reed Bunting around feeders. Raven over calling along with Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.

Raven.

Buzzard.

March 2nd

Six Brambling this morning along with Siskin , Mistle Thrush , Treecreeper and Goldcrest.

February 27th

Past few days have been really quiet on 24th eight Teal present , others of note include first butterfly of the year with a Peacock on 26th , and Mistle Thrush , Skylark and couple of Buzzards.

February 21st

Still a pair of Brambling and a pair of Reed Buntings on the feeders. Also Raven and Buzzard over and two Little Grebe on the mere.

Reed Bunting (female).

Brambling (female).

February 19th

Very quiet on the mere just two Little Grebe's , eight G C Grebe , Coot numbers down on previous week's count. The feeders are drawing in the species with Siskin new on there this morning along with male Brambling , female Chaffinch , six Greenfinch , pair Bullfinch , four Goldfinch , single Coal Tit , two Song Thrush and now three Reed Buntings (two males). Also noted Sparrowhawk , Raven , Buzzard and Goldcrest .

Reed Bunting (female).

February 18th

Two pairs of Shoveler this morning , also Reed Buntings again on feeders.

February 17th

A good selection of birds on the feeders early morning with seven Greenfinch , four Bullfinch , six Goldfinch and a male Reed Bunting amongst the highlights . On the mere was six G C Grebe's , two Little Grebe's, 91x Coot and 57x Tufted Ducks. Also noted two Raven over , Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Male Blackcap on and around feeders this afternoon , also two male Brambling.

Blackcap (male) photo taken at distance by Tracey Stubbs.

Bumblebee

The first Bumblebee was noted yesterday identification was not confirmed but it was almost certain to be Buff-tailed as a few records of this species have been seen locally due to the spell of warmer weather.

February 16th

Two Reed Buntings on feeders this morning , also the wintering Chiffchaff seen again . Redhead Goosander still present with two Little Grebe , also noted Kestrel , Goldcrest , two Treecreeper , four Grey Wagtail and local fisherman said the Tawny Owl was calling well throughout the night.

February 15th

Male Blackcap seen twice on feeders also male Reed Bunting both birds new for this year .(SS ,TS). Also redhead Goosander on the mere again along with three Little Grebe . (MS).

Reed Bunting (Tracey Stubbs).

Image by (Tracey Stubbs).

Scaup Prodiction

Depending on weather systems out at sea and around our coast past records at Astbury show that February and early March is possibly the best time to find a Scaup on the Mere. Early March last year saw us with five birds (3 x drakes / 2 x fem) which got displaced from nearby Tittisworth Reservoir due to bad weather , and spent eight days with us giving good views to visiting birders.

Scaup. (1st winter drake).

February 13th

Female Goosander on the mere unusual because they are usually just fly overs. Only one Little Grebe seems to be present now the other three must have departed . Two drake Pochard a single Cormorant , Kestrel , Treecreeper , but no sign of any Brambling today. On the feeders this afternoon Song Thrush , Blackbird , Blue Tit , Great Tit, House Sparrow , Bullfinch and Greenfinch.MS.

February 12th

Five Brambling this morning along with three Teal and Nuthatch again in the car park / conservation area. Plenty of Bullfinch and Greenfinch present and a count of 91 x Coot.

February 11th

Two female Brambling on feeders this morning , only other birds of note were Nuthatch in conservation area , Sparrowhawk over and two Little Grebe. Nearby .........the female Redhead Smew and drake Goldeneye still present at Redesmere

February 10th

At least eight Brambling ranging from conservation area along the headgerow to woodland. MS

Sparrowhawk by Tracey Stubbs.

Robin by Tracey Stubbs.

Annual Report

Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report 2016 is out now. If your not already a member why not ! . Membership secretary Phil Hampson email memsec@cawos.org

Species Total

Sixty three species recorded on site so far this year , compared to sixty four this time last year.

Febuary 9th

Female Goldeneye this morning along with two drake Pochard , female Brambling , Kestrel , Grey Wagtail , two Siskin , Lesser Redpoll and drake Goosander over. MS. Eight Teal 24/01/19 , Two Tawny Owl also two Brambling 26/01/19 , four Brambling , four Goosander over 01/01/19 , Fifteen Pochard and three Little Grebe , nineteen Cormorant 02/02/19 , MS / JS.

January 22nd

The last few days both Mark Stubbs and Rob Black have had a pair of Brambling. Also twelve Bullfinch , three Siskin , two Pochard and two Stock Dove. Also last Saturday a pair of Shoveler.

January 9th

No sign of yesterday's Smew , still two Little Grebe's , four Pochard , two Lesser Redpoll , Sparrowhawk and several Bullfinch.Three Linnet over this afternoon although they are quite local they are still scarce at Astbury. One or two pairs used to breed at the mere up until about four years ago , until further housing developments put pay to that.

Little Grebe.

Little Grebe.

Bullfinch by Tracey Stubbs.

January 8th

Two Redhead Smew found by Jack , this species is very rare at Astbury and constitutes only the third ever record for the site. Also present 12 x Lesser Redpoll ,two Little Grebe and a single drake Goosander fly over. An outstanding record on Sunday the 6th when Mark had 29x Grey Wagtail's fly out of there reedbeed roost along with a single overwintering Chiffchaff and three calling Tawny Owls. Images below are distant record shots of today's Smew.

Redhead Smew.

Redhead Smew.

Redhead Smew.

December 30th

Sixteen Grey Wagtails left the reedbeed roost this morning , two Tawny Owls calling , 12 x Lesser Redpoll and Kingfisher. Goosander and Cormorant flew over , also Buzzard , four Little Grebe's and twelve Pochard . (MS)

Image by Tracey Stubbs.

Buzzard by Tracey Stubbs.

Buzzard by Tracey Stubbs.

December 28th

Two female Goldeneye this morning along with 18 x Pochard (12 x drakes) and two Little Grebe . Also Lesser Redpoll and Mistle Thrush. (MS).

December 26th

Not much doing this morning a female Goldeneye , drake Teal , 75 X Tufted Duck , three drake Pochard and female Kestrel (MS).

December 20th

Three Gadwall on the mere mid morning two drakes and a female , also four Wigeon reported from yesterday.

December 19th

The Ringtail Hen Harrier seen again this morning @ around 11-00 by Jack Swan just south of Congleton around Bent Lane farm and fields .

December 18th

Two Chiffchaff together this morning , also female Goldeneye still , Kestrel and 15 Teal circled the mere but did not land. (MS).

Hen Harrier

A report of a ringtail Hen Harrier quartering fields to the south of Congleton yesterday afternoon, no further information.

December 17th

Twelve Pochard today ten drakes , also two Gooseander, female Goldeneye, two Raven, Chiffchaff, five Siskin , Little Grebe, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk (MS).

December 14th

Chiffchaff again today along with Lesser Redpoll , Grey Wagtail , Little Grebe , Siskin , Nuthatch , Treecreeper and Sparrowhawk. Also 21 Pochard a couple of days ago . (MS)

December 13th

Only the second ever record of Woodcock a well under looked for species at the mere , was seen flying over at dusk by a Ranger on the evening of the 11th. The last record was a single bird flushed by a dog during winter 2011, the 105th species for the site this year.

December 12th

A large skien of Pinkfeet over @10-30 around 150 birds, Tracey Stubbs.

December 10th

Two drake Shoveler , female Goldeneye , three Teal and Chiffchaff again by gorsey corner.

December 9th

Thirteen Pink-Footed Geese over at 8-35 this morning along with eleven Cormorants and five drake Goosanders. The overwintering Chiffchaff was seen again , also a single Siskin with fifteen Goldfinch by the visitors centre. Also noted six Bullfinch , five Goldcrest , two Treecreeper and twelve Pochard (MS).

December 7th

Chiffchaff again late afternoon also Grey Wagtail's coming into roost Along with Jay , 150+ Tufted Duck , three Little Grebe , 8 drake Pochard , Buzzard , Tree creeper , Goldcrest and three Shoveler yesterday. MS.

December 6th

Thirteen Raven drifting north west over Airbags Congleton retail park at 8-00 this morning RB.

December 4th

Sixty one Mallard , six Grey Wagtail, Little Grebe , Kingfisher , Sixteen Pochard and a single Tawny Owl calling again by visitors centre. (MS)

December 3rd

Around 45 Geese over high and distant at 15-40 possibly Pink-feet ?.A single Tawny Owl calling in daylight , Jay over and five Grey Wagtails roosted in reed bed (MS).

December 1st

To start the new month off two Raven over also female Goldeneye, female Teal , twelve Pochard (10 × drakes) , Grey Wagtail , 122 × Tufted Duck , 107 x Coot , Siskin , G S Woodpecker, Bullfinch , Greenfinch , Chaffinch , Goldcrest and single Cormorant over (MS).

November 30th

Three Little Grebes today at Astbury. (AG).

November 28th

Fourteen Pochard and a single female Goldeneye . (AG)

69 species recorded this month so far compared to 64 last year.

November 25th

Sunday 25th a Little Egret flew over only the second record at the site. Monday 26th two female Goldeneye , thirteen Pochard (11 drakes) , twelve Teal and five Cormorant . Also Little Grebe , Kingfisher , Grey Wagtail and two Siskin.

Sunset by Tracey Stubbs.

November 23rd

Ten Pochard , single drake Teal , Buzzard , Little Grebe , three Grey Wagtail and Raven.

November 21st

Around 150 Lapwing circled the mere late afternoon for several minutes flying low over the water but didn't land. That's is the highest count of Lapwing at the mere .Also 59 Canada Geese , Cormorant , Grey Wagtail , three Pied Wagtail and five Goldcrest . MS

November 19th

A single Hawfinch was seen twice this morning in the same area as eight frequented earlier in the year , also a female Brambling. Three Teal ,six drake Pochard and four Little Grebe's , three Siskin , Lesser Redpoll , Grey Wagtail , Raven , two Cormorant and Kingfisher.

November 18th

Mark and Jack had a Dunlin late afternoon on sailing club beach of which Jack managed some photos. Also present eleven Pochard (9 drakes) , female Shoveler , three Goosander flew over , Grey Wagtail , Sparrowhawk and Redwing. Ian Westwood also saw Kingfisher and Buzzard earlier in the day.

Buzzard photo by Ian Westwood.

November 17th

Two Tawny Owls calling at first light , also nine Wigeon , eight Pochard (6 x drakes) , three Shoveler (1 x drake) , single drake Teal , single Little Grebe and Reed Bunting . (MS)

100 UP

Mark as achieved his personal 100 species for the year by seeing two Whooper Swans circle the mere then fly off towards the town centre direction at 15-45. It's a fantastic achievement to get the 100 up at Astbury. All the many hours Mark has put in over the year as finally paid off for him , missing just four of the other recorded species throughout the year , well done fella the drinks are on me.

November 14th

Sunset this evening photo by Tracey Stubbs

Fourty one Lapwing over this evening also Cormorant , Sparrowhawk , Grey Wagtail and three Goldcrest (MS&TS).

November 13th

Two pair of Pochard this evening also Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Also  2 x Pipistrelle Bats (MS).

Note
The two Great White Egrets are still showing well just up the road at Redesmere  viewed from car park, also five Goosander  and female Goldeneye .

G W Egret photo from Redesmere.

November 12th

Two female Goldeneye new in this morning , also still present Little Grebe and a single drake Pochard. Just up the road at Redesmere two Great White Egrets are showing really well from the car park. Well worth a visit and well overdue here at Astbury.

November 7th

A record count of 159 Tufted Ducks late afternoon also two Raven over and Grey Wagtail . And two Pipistrelle Bats.(MS).

November 4th

Mark had 53 species today beating his own personal record. Highlights were Goosander , Siskin , Lesser Redpoll , Brambling , Chiffchaff , Sparrowhawk , Little Grebe , Pochard , Nuthatch , Treecreeper , Raven and Kingfisher. (MS).

October 31st

One hundred and two Tufted Duck this evening along with two Little Grebe's , a single drake Pochard and two Grey Wagtail. Five drake Shoveler flew over but didn't land. And twenty LBB Gulls on the water along with a single Herring Gull (MS). We finished the month with 66 species , five up on last year.

October 30th

A female Goldeneye the first returning bird this autumn , along with four drake Pochard winters comeing . Two Little Grebe's and five Common Gulls . Grey Wagtail and. 59 Lesser Black Backed Gulls and around 300 Black Headed. (MS).

October 29th

Eleven Wigeon first thing this morning along with two Shoveler and seven Cormorant over. Mark had the two Common Gulls again they seem to be hanging around. And possibly a adult Yellow-legged Gull but was not fully identified. A real shame as it would have been our first record for the mere. Fieldfare's are still moving over early mornings with a few small flocks again today.

October 28th

Female Shoveler and Teal early morning along with two Wigeon and a first winter Common Gull. Also Kingfisher , Sparrowhawk , Grey Wagtail , 35 Rook , 12 Redwing , Siskin , 2 Raven ,2 Cormorant and Great Spotted Woodpecker. 46 species recorded. (MS).

October 27th

Mark had 72 Pink Footed Geese fly over heading south east at 9-00 this morning and found a very late Common Sandpiper on the mere late afternoon , which I managed a couple of photos in fading light. Also throughout the day , Great Spotted Woodpecker , 68 Tufted Duck , two flocks of Fieldfare's 50/13 , two Buzzard's , Treecreeper , a single drake Pochard ,Jay , Redwing , Meadow Pipit , Grey Wagtail , and around 300 Wood Pigeons moving south. Late afternoon Andy had four Shoveler drop in and two Common Gulls a 1st winter and a adult.

October 25th

Last couple of days produced twelve Redwing , Jay , Treecreeper , Lesser Redpoll , three Skylark , Black Swan , Bullfinch and Goldcrest ( MS).

October 23rd

We now have four Pochard back on the mere one female and three drakes. And on the 19th there were ten Wigeon. Redwings and Fieldfare's are now starting to arrive with birds passing over daily, especially just after first light. Around 100 Lesser Black Backed Gulls came in late afternoon. Also Buzzard and Sparrowhawk over.

October 22nd

Female Pochard this morning along with Tawny Owl , Grey Wagtail , Buzzard , Sparrowhawk and Skylark over. Mark and Tracey added Siskin this afternoon flying over .The Black Swan arrived again early morning but was soon chased off by the resident Mute Swans.

October 10th

A single female Teal this morning along with Buzzard , Nuthatch , Great Spotted Woodpecker and Grey Wagtail. This afternoon Speckled Wood , Small Copper and Small White. This morning's Buzzard showed really well hanging effortlessly just above the tree line on a light breeze.

October 7th

A pair of Gadwall asleep in the middle of the mere this afternoon.

October 5th

A call from Mark at 16-40 saying he had a first winter Mediterranean Gull in with around 250 Black headed Gulls on the water. I missed it by two minutes due to works traffic , a journey that usually takes me four minutes in the car took fifteen. All the gulls flew up off the water just before my arrival , when they all settled again the bird could not be re-located .It's first record in four years and takes Marks personal total for the year to 99, nice one fella.

October 1st

Grey Wagtail , Kingfisher , Coal Tit , Goldcrest , Buzzard , Treecreeper , Nuthatch , Bullfinch , Chiffchaff and Great Spotted Woodpecker best of the bunch this morning. The Grey Wagtail showed well allowing some reasonable images.