Tuesday 22 January 2019

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.

Wednesday 9 January 2019

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.

Tuesday 8 January 2019

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.