HAPPY NEW YEAR

I would like to wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. And no you havn't had that much to drink you are still on the Astbury Blog but with a new format covering the Congleton Area. We will now report sightings from the north west of Congleton at Newsbank Pool over to Eaton SQ and following the river Dane over to The Cloud. Then following the Cheshire border along Congleton Edge down to Mow Cop , then over towards Moreton Hall on the A34 still south of Congleton before moving back up north towards Brownlow Heath and back upto Newsbank. It basically covers a 3 mile radios around Congleton Town Centre which takes in some good farmland , Woodland and of course still covers Astbury Mere. Areas covered will be the River Dane and the Macclesfield Canal two miles in either direction of Congleton , Newsbank Pool , Eaton Sand Quarry , Astbury Mere, Bent Lane and Farm , The Cloud , Congleton Edge and Mow Cop. See map below for reference .

December 31st

Three hundred and fifty Pink-footed Geese flew over this morning @ 10-15 heading North/West. This will be the last post this year and from tomorrow the blog will take on a new format . The blog will no longer cover just Astbury Mere but will cover a wider area . Thank you for all your support over the last twelve months . Best wishes and have a great evening . See you all next year.

December 30th

One drake Shoveler this morning and fourteen Pochard , this afternoon Pochard numbers had increased to twenty five. Also Little Grebe , six Great Crested Grebe , two Raven , Kestrel and a single overwintering Chiffchaff. Today,s count of 25 Pochard is the highest total since December 2011.

Bearded Tit a site first.

Two female Bearded Tits were seen on March 11th 2017 and appear in the annual Bird Report as an accepted record which brings the site total to 157 species. Bearded Tit is a rare bird in Cheshire and one that was never really anticipated to visit Astbury, but as every birdwatcher knows always expect the unexpected. Birds don't have a passport and know no boundaries so as we all know to well anything can turn up anywhere. A request again for records please let us no what you find you never no it could be a first for Astbury or even a county first.

100 UP

One Hundred for the year this morning when Mark had Yellowhammer and Greater Black Backed Gull go over. Also present two Raven , five Wigeon , two Teal , thirteen Pochard , three Little Grebe and a drake Goosander. The overwintering Chiffchaff was seen again this morning again by fishing peg eight and nine in gorsey corner.

Bent Lane SQ
Peregrine adult

Cheshire & Wirral Bird Report 2017

The annual Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report 2017 is now out. If you are not already a member why not. Just £15 for Individual Membership. Membership Secretary is Phil Hampson 2 Winsfield Road , Hazel Grove, Stockport , SK7 6ES. Or email memsec@cawos.org The annual report can be purchased alone £10 .

December 26th

A pair of Wigeon thirteen Pochard and drake Goosander still.

Merry Xmas

Merry Christmas to all the contributers and followers of this blog.

December 24th

Drake Goosander still present along with twelve Pochard and two Little Grebe.

December 21st

Eighteen Pochard this morning.

December 20th

Twelve adult Shelduck the largest flock ever recorded on the mere, also a pair Goosander.

December 17th

Two drake Goosander today.

December 15th

WeBS Count
Mallard 93
Pochard 9
Coot 163
Tufted Duck 149
Goosander 1
Moorhen 2
Mute Swan 2
Great Crested Grebe 6
Little Grebe 1
Black Headed Gull 164
L B B Gull 3
Herring Gull 1
Kingfisher 1

Also noted
Siskin
Bullfinch
Chiffchaff
Sparrowhawk
Nuthatch
Song Thrush
Jay

Pochard (female)

December 8th

Nothing changed still the drake Goosander , a pair of Siskin and single Fieldfare and Nuthatch.

Goosander drake by Tracey Stubbs.

December 7th

Drake Goosander present for its third day now , along with ten Pochard and two Little Grebe. Also noted Meadow Pipit , Kestrel , Bullfinch , Cormorant and over two hundred Wood Pigeon. No sign yet of any wintering Bramblings.

Pochard drake by Tracey Stubbs.

Astbury,s Bees

The Bee fauna of Astbury is incredibly diverse, Bumblebees and Honey Bee may be the most familiar. The remaining species exhibit a range of social and solitary lifestyles , many are Cuckoo's that take over the nest cells of other species. Many Bee species are in decline and more recording is needed to help determine changes in abundance. The Field Guide to Bees of Great Britain and Ireland by Steven Falk is a must for identification purposes superbly illustrated by Richard Lewington. If anybody would like to help us record and document the species at Astbury please get in touch with either a Ranger ,  Jack ,Mark or myself. Below is a list of what we found and photographed this year.

.

Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Tree Bumblebee
Early Bumblebee
Red-tailed Bumblebee
White-tailed Bumblebee
Garden Bumblebee
Common Carder Bee
Hairy-footed Flower Bee

Honey Bee

Ashy Mining Bee
Clark's Mining Bee
Gwynne's Mining Bee
Tawny Mining Bee
Sandpit Mining Bee
Red Mason Bee

Fabricius Nomad Bee
Sandpit Blood Bee
Gooden's Mining Bee
Early Nomad Bee

December 6th

Astbury Mere
Little Grebe x 3
Goosander (drake)
Pochard x 9 (4 drakes)
Tufted Duck estimated x150
Siskin x1

December 5th

Drake Goosander late afternoon on the mere , also nine Pochard approximately 150 Tufted Duck and two Little Grebe.

Redesmere
Goldeneye x 20 +

December 4th

Astbury Mere
Goosander x 2 female flew over
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Little Grebe x 2
Pochard x 5 (3x drakes)

A34 Child's Lane Astbury
Barn Owl early morning.

Buglawton
Goosander x 2 female flew over.
 

Mammals

In nearly freezing temperatures late afternoon two small bats hunting over the tree tops by visitors centre , possibly not Pipistrelles . Also a Bank Vole along the path near Gorsey corner for second day.

December 3rd

Astbury Mere
Blackcap male by feeding station
Wigeon x 2 female
Little Grebe x 2
Pochard x 3
Tawny Owl x 1
Grey Wagtail x 5
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Kestrel
Two small bats not pipistrelle.?

Redesmere
White-fronted Goose.

Congleton
Raven single over calling.

December 2nd

A pair of Wigeon on this morning also a single Chiffchaff noted feeding around the edge of the water again by fishing peg 8/9 in Gorsey corner.
Late Afternoon. .... 2 pairs of Goosander.


Redesmere
White Fronted Goose still present with resident Graylags.
10 x Goldeneye.

December 1st

A good selection of species today with 54 being recorded around and over the mere. Highlights include , 45 Pinkfeet over at 11-50 heading west . Tawny Owl calling , Kingfisher , Lesser Redpoll , two Chiffchaff , 12 Pochard , two Little Grebe , Redwings and Fieldfares passing over. On the feeders Nuthatch , Bullfinch , Coal Tit and all the other usual suspects . Also noted Kestrel , Sparrowhawk and Buzzard.

Redesmere
18 x Goldeneye (15 fem / 3 drakes)
2 x Gadwall
2 x Pochard
2 x White Fronted Geese in field behind car park.

A fine set of images taken late afternoon by Tracey Stubbs in perfect lighting conditions nice one Tracey.

Old Records

Some old records have come to light from Alan Lewis during the 1980,s (via A Goodwin) these include our only sighting of Corn Bunting in 1981 . Also Ruddy Duck , Yellowhammer , Iceland Gull and Sanderling records , all of which have now been added to our database. So please if you visited here during the early Sand Quarry days and just after dig those old sightings out every record is valuable........ Request for sightings , birds that you see regular at other lakes, pools and reservoirs around our area are not always seen at Astbury. Please if you see something of interest around the water on the water or around the feeding station please let us no. Tree Sparrows are recorded near by but are a rareity at the Mere , it's as simple as that.

November 30th

A record count of 167 Tufted Duck two days ago , along with sixteen Pochard and a couple of Little Grebe. And it looks like we have another overwintering Chiffchaff again this year seen in the same area as past two winters in gorsey corner. Very quiet this morning but after a cold night duck numbers looking good with still over 100 Tuffties , around 60 Mallard and just under one hundred Coot. These numbers could hold a suprise amongst them especially if the weather stays cold . The feeders were topped up today as through work Saturdays are the only time I can get down now. I would again like to say a big thank you to whoever left me the bags of seed it is a great help Thank You. The male Kestrel that has been with us now for the past couple of months showed well this morning in the sunshine. And the date for Mark's wildlife walk next Spring has been set for Sunday 26th April .

Kestrel (male).

November 26th

Ten Pochard and a single drake Wigeon this afternoon.

November 25th

Sixteen Pochard ,9 drakes & 7 female.

November 24th

Six pairs of Pochard now on the mere along with two Little Grebe , eight Great Crested Grebe and around 120 Tufted Duck. Three Tawny Owls calling earlier this morning , also noted male Siskin and two Collared Dove.

November 23rd

Two Tawny Owl calling first thing this morning . Four pairs of Pochard on the mere but no sign of the pair of Little Grebe. Good numbers of Redwings passing over , also noted Nuthatch , Grey Heron , Bullfinch , Greenfinch and Treecreeper. This afternoon 38 Lapwing flew over heading south and noted on the feeders were Bullfinch ,Chaffinch , Blue Great and Coal Tit.

Sunset this evening by Tracey Stubbs.

November 21st

We now have ten Pochard on the mere four drakes and six female. Fifty four Redwing flew over mid morning also two Raven. This afternoon twelve Pink Feet flew over heading south , also noted a female Goldeneye , Kestrel ,Grey Heron , Cormorant and five Greenfinch on the feeders.

November 20th

Two Dipper on the river Dane in Congleton yesterday and single Raven over town centre this morning. Astbury Mere very quiet no change from last few days.

November 19th

The last couple of days a pair of Shoveler two Little Grebes four Pochard four Greylag Geese five Cormorant , Nuthatch and two Great Spotted Woodpecker. Femal Goldeneye still present couple of Raven over , two Siskin , Jay , good numbers of Goldcrest and around 130 Tufted Duck. Good numbers of Long-tailed Tits been sighted with 42 on Sunday and 30 today. Also today three Bullfinch , eight Redwing , five Goldfinch 98 B H Gulls and two Raven .

November 16th

Yesterday three drake Pochard and one female , single Little Grebe , Jay , Nuthatch , five Goldcrest and two Treecreeper. Mark and Tracey recorded the highest ever Long-tailed Tit flock at the Mere with 48 birds. Today fifteen Grey Wagtails came out of the roost , also noted Kingfisher , four Pochard two Little Grebe , Kestrel , Grey Heron and twenty Redwing.

Thank you

I would like to say a really big THANK YOU to whoever left some seed with the Rangers and to whoever left some feeders in a bag for me very much appreciated. But please don't stop there feel free to put a little bit of seed on the table if you see it running low . I have moved it a little closer to the hedge to make it easier to reach. It will be during January and February when the cold weather really sets in that the birds will need more. At present there is still enough natural food around , and they need to get used to the feeding station being there and up and running again . It is there for all of us to enjoy , and if the birds need a top up they no where to come. Once again thank you .

Wildlife Walk

Mark Stubbs is taking us on a wildlife walk around the Mere in April 2020. The last two walks went down very well so why not come and see what we can find at the Mere and join in the banter with Mark and myself next April. It will be advertised on the Astbury Mere Facebook page and on this blog when the date is confirmed. Again it will be by ticket only from the Rangers office.

Annual Bird Report

The 2017 Cheshire and Wirral Bird report is now at the printers.

November 14th

Five Pochard (2 drakes / 3 fem) , two Little Grebe also Sparrowhawk , Kestrel and Buzzard ...... Request for seed or feeders , any of those two items would be appreciated either pass to Mark , Jack or one of the Rangers who will pass them on. It cost quite a lot to keep our feathered friends happy during the winter months. Thank you.

Feeding Station

The feeding station is now being set up again in the conservation area. So it would be nice if I could get any help with old feeders or bird seed now and then as it cost myself between £80 to £100 each winter to keep the feeding station going. Either see myself , Mark or Jack or one of the Rangers will pass your contribution on. The birds need our help through the colder months. And with a bit of luck and cold weather we could get our Bramblings back , the last two winters we have had over one hundred birds. The feeding station will be built up with more feeders over the coming weeks so if you can contribute it would be very much appreciated. Thanks Steve.

November 10th

Female Common Scoter present this morning but no sign of any Scaup. Also present was a Common Gull rare at this site , two Little Grebe and two drake Pochard. The feeding station is now up and running in the conservation area same place as last two years. Any help with a little bit of seed or any old feeders you have would be appreciated. Images below of female Common Scoter was the best I could get as the bird was always distant.

Common Scoter (female).

Common Scoter (female).

Common Gull.

November 9th

No change this morning still two female Scaup , two Little Grebe and two drake Pochard.

November 8th

Around 150 Pink Feet flew over heading south east at 15-35 . The two female Scaup are still present along with eight Wigeon , two Little Grebe and two drake Pochard.

November 6th

MEGA.....
A site first this morning when Jack found a drake Mandarin it  was present at 8-00 but couldn't be found later during the day. Also present two drake Pochard and two female Scaup still and two Little Grebe .

Congleton
Raven x 2 over at 10-15.

November 5th

Scaup x 2
Pochard (drake)
Kestrel
L B B Gull x 490
Grey Wagtail x 6
Sparrowhawk
Tawny Owl
Pip Bat x 1

November 3rd

The two female/immature Scaup are still with us surprisingly after last night's fireworks which usually displace ducks from one water to another. Twenty four Grey Wagtails came out of their reedbed roost at first light this morning by fishing peg 38 for anyone that's interested. Also this morning Nuthatch , Treecreeper , Goldcrest , G S Woodpecker , Fieldfare and Redwings. A drake Shoveler appeared from out the mist which covered part of the lake. A female Goosander flew in mid-day giving excellent close views......LATE AFTERNOON......151 x Tufted Duck , 135 x Coot , 48 x Mallard , 3 x Little Grebe , 2 x Scaup , 6 x G C Grebe and 7 x Grey Wagtails going to roost. The Scaup have been with us on and off now for a week , often disappearing with a flock of Tuffties only to return later in the day . Only 34 Tufted Duck on the Mere at mid-day and we finished the day with 151.

Goosander (fem).

Goosander (fem).

November 2nd

Two Scaup still present this morning but not together , they were with different flocks of Tufted Duck at different part of the mere. Also two Little Grebe , Kingfisher , two Grey Wagtail and two Tawny Owl calling at first light. Flyovers included Skylark , Meadow Pipit , Redwing , Goosander fem, Rook and twelve Fieldfares. Others of note Sparrowhawk , G S Woodpecker , Goldcrest , Bullfinch and Treecreeper.

November 1st

Still two female Scaup present this morning also good numbers of Tufted Duck. Also Kestrel , two Little Grebe , two Buzzard , Grey Wagtail and plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares passing overhead.

October 31st

The two immature female Scaup still present on the mere also female Goldeneye. Along with 148 Tufted Duck , 3 Pochard , 2 Little Grebe , 5 Goldcrest , 90 Redwings , 14 Fieldfare and Sparrowhawk.

October 30th

Two female / Immature Scaup have reappeared this afternoon back on the mere. Four Pochard (3m - 1fem) also three Siskin over. Over one hundred Tufted Duck this morning along with Kingfisher , Fieldfare and Redwings going over. This afternoon three Common Gull two adults and first winter , Grey Wagtail and G S Woodpecker.

Scaup female by Tracey Stubbs.

October 28th

Two female/immature type Scaup still present this afternoon.

October 27th

Two female / immature Scaup on the mere apparently present since this morning , also female Goldeneye and Skylark over. Two Little Grebe , single Meadow Pipit , Grey Wagtail , 100 Tufted Duck and 93 Coot.

Bottom photo by Tracey Stubbs.

October 22nd

Three female Goldeneye and eight Teal today along with around 100 Tufted Duck , Kingfisher , Grey Wagtail , Mistle Thrush and Redwing.

October 21st

Good numbers of Redwing passing through the mere this morning estimated over 100 birds , also Meadow Pipit , Fieldfare and Sparrowhawk. This afternoon Common Gull and Little Grebe.

Chiffchaff

Two Chiffchaff recorded on site yesterday these are late records as they have usually departed before now . It will be interesting to see if they overwintering , as did two birds last year could these possibly be the same two?.

October 20th

Two Tawny Owls calling at first light , also two Little Grebe , Kingfisher , Grey Wagtail , Kestrel , two Siskin , several Redwing ,two Treecreeper , seven Goldcrest ,three Bullfinch , small movement of Wood Pigeon and sixty Tufted Duck.

October 19th

Two Chiffchaff still present also five Redwing a single Cormorant and drake Pochard very little else .

October 12th

Oct 12th
Pochard Drake still

Oct 9th
Goldeneye female

October 7th

Astbury Mere
Raven
Chiffchaff x 2
Nuthatch
Jay
Coal Tit
Goldcrest

October 6th

All the time and effort spent at the mere as paid off again for Mark, as he found our second ever Short-eared Owl this morning at 7-50. It flew over the wood by the visitors centre out over the water towards Mow Cop and Congleton edge, the only other record was march last year. Also present Kestrel , Cormorant , Chiffchaff , Goldcrest , G S Woodpecker , Meadow Pipit and several Redwing over.

Astbury Oct 3rd
Meadow Pipit over
Jay
Siskin x 5
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard

Mow Cop Oct 2nd
Wheatear
Stonechat x 3


Astbury Oct 1st
Raven x 2
Meadow Pipit x 6
Chiffchaff x 3
House Martin
Treecreeper
Goldcrest
G S Woodpecker

Astbury 30th Sept
Pochard (drake)
Tufted Duck x47
Meadow Pipit x 16
Grey Wagtail
Painted Lady (butterfly)
Chiffchaff

September 20th

Mow Cop
Stonechat x 3

September 19th

Astbury Mere
Small Copper
Red Admiral
Speckled Wood
Common Darter
Brown Hawker
House Martin x 4
Swallow x 2
Sparrowhawk

September 16th

Astbury Mere
Meadow Pipit x 5
Cormorant
Song Thrush x 3
Swallow x 2
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard x 4
Chiffchaff  good numbers.

September 15th

Astbury Mere
Kingfisher
Meadow Pipit
Reed Warbler x 3
Collared Dove
Grey Heron
Reed Bunting
Jay x 3
Goldcrest.

September 14th

Astbury Mere
Meadow Pipits x 30 (f/o)
Grey Wagtail
Raven
Kingfisher
Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Goldfinch x 12
House Martin

Bent Lane
Tree Sparrow x 21
Yellowhammer
Grey Wagtail
Meadow Pipit

September 10th

Kingfisher
Blackcap x 5
Reed Warbler x 2 separate broods
House Martin x 2
Chiffchaff X 8
Nuthatch
Little Grebe
G S Woodpecker
Greenfinch
Bullfinch
Raven x 2
Goldcrest
Treecreeper
Coot x 91
Tufted Duck x 21.

Mow Cop
Stonechat still present. (DW).

September 9th

During the past week a pair of Raven , Kingfisher , twelve Chiffchaff , Snipe , Whitethroat , Tawny Owl , Teal ,  House Martin , Swallow , seven Blackcap and still an adult Reed Warbler feeding two fledglings.
Also three Common Darter and Southern Hawker.

Mow Cop 08/09/19
Wheatear x 6
Redstart x 1
Stonechat x 1
Tree Pipits x 2
Spotted Flycatcher x 1
Grey Wagtail x 1.......(AG).

Mow Cop 09/09/19
Stonechat

Child's  Lane 09/09/19
Sand Martin x 6

August 15th

Common Sandpiper mid-morning on sailing club shore line. (AG)

August 11th

Four Goosanders flew over early morning also Stock Dove , Willow Warbler , four Chiffchaff , four Goldcrest and single Sand Martin and Jay.

Flooded Field Child's Lane
133 Greylag Geese
62 Canada Geese

Child's Lane Flood August 9th
98 Lapwing
5 Teal
6 Mallard
2 Stock Dove
Large numbers of Greylags and Canada Geese.

Child's Lane Flood August 4th
Greenshank (flew off 7-10).
109 Canada Geese

 Late afternoon A Yellow Legged Gull was pick up by Mark and photographed by Tracey.

Yellow-legged Gull photo by T Stubbs.

August 3rd

Eighteen Swift over early morning .

Flooded Field just south west of the Mere.
6 x Greylags
185 x Canada Geese
95 x Lapwing
100  x B H Gulls
18 x L B B Gulls.

Aug 2nd

Kingfisher again early morning. We now have our full complement of Butterflies with Small Copper being the last on the list. That's all nineteen that we get each year , not unless we are lucky enough to have another Clouded Yellow the last being 2015.

July 31st

Kingfisher early morning possibly due to the high water levels along the rivers. Twelve Swift this afternoon also Goldcrest , Sparrowhawk , four House Martin and Buzzard.

Congleton
Barn Rd
Hobby over water treatment works @ 17-30 (RB).

July 30th

Congleton Barn Rd
Raven over at mid-day (RB).

Astbury Butterflies yesterday .
Holy Blue x3
Large White
Comma
Gatekeeper
Ringlet
Meadow Brown
Small Skipper
Large Skipper

July 28th

Another excellent find by Mark this morning during the heavy rain when at 6-40 this morning he found eight Common Scoter at the mere. Unfortunately they were flying around and only landed briefly before flying off in a South Westerly direction. Just south of us in Staffordshire good numbers of Common Scoters were being found with!
Blithfield Res  x 108
Westport Lake x 18
Gailey Res x 4
Tucklesholme x 1
Branston GP x 1

July 26th

Still very quiet at the mere early morning Treecreeper , Goldcrest , Jay , Bullfinch and Chiffchaff . Below a couple of images from few days ago taken by Tracey Stubbs.

Meadow Brown by T Stubbs.

Gatekeeper by T Stubbs.

July 24th

Sixteen Raven flew over at 5-20 this morning , along with twelve two days ago. Also this morning Holy and Common Blue and Brown Hawker and Migrant Hawker.

July 21st

Tracey Stubbs found our first Emperor Dragonfly this afternoon at Astbury , possibly over looked but never been recorded before at the mere.Also good numbers of Gatekeeper and Small Skipper Butterflies.

July 19th

Common Sandpiper again early morning on the sailing club beach , also Reed Warbler calling.

Black-tailed Skimmer female.

July 18th

Things still very quiet around the mere bird wise , the Reed Warbler can still be heard calling early mornings. Also a good selection of butterflies are now on the wing , we have already had eighteen out of the nineteen species that get recorded annually , the only one missing is Small Copper . So if anyone sees one please drop us a text or better still a photo.

July 13th

Bird wise it's still very quiet at the mere with all the resident species feeding their offspring and staying mostly out of site. The Great Crested Grebe seems to have at least two chicks , as they were seen on mum's back this afternoon. Also around Swallow, House Martin , Swift , Buzzard , G S Woodpecker and Jay. Butterflies are still showing well with Large White , Small White , Small and Large Skipper , Gatekeeper (12) , Meadow Brown , Comma(3) and Ringlet . A female Black-tailed Skimmer and possibly a Southern Hawker along with plenty of Azure Blue Damselfly. Shaded-broad Bar and Six-spot Burnet were a couple of the day flying moths noted. All photos below courtesy of Tracey Stubbs.

Large Skipper by T Stubbs.

Ringlet by T Stubbs.

Large White by T Stubbs.

Comma by T Stubbs.

Shaded-broad Bar by T Stubbs.

Six-spot Burnet by T Stubbs.

July 11th

Congleton Area
Bent Lane
Yellowhammers
Tree Sparrow
Linnet
Pied Wagtails x 8
Oystercatcher f/o
Reed Bunting
Stock Dove

Congleton Town Centre
Raven x 2 f/o
Swift x 40

Astbury Mere
Buzzard
Gatekeeper
Meadow Brown
Ringlet
Small Whites x 3

July 10th

No sign of yesterday's Common Scoter's. A single juvenile Grey Wagtail on the sailing club beach , also noted Grey Heron , 25 Tufted Duck , Goldcrest , Pheasant , Chiffchaff , Jay , single Swift and Two House Martin's. Afternoon saw the first Gatekeeper of the year along with Small and Large Skipper , Meadow Brown , Ringlet , Green-veined White , Speckled Wood and Comma.

Ringlet photo by Tracey Stubbs.

Small Skipper photo by Tracey Stubbs.

Gatekeeper photo by Tracey Stubbs.

July 9th

Excellent find by Mark Stubbs at 5-30 this morning , finally rewarded for all his hard work and effort. Five Common Scoter on the mere , four drakes and a single female. They were still present mid- morning but we're being pushed around by the sailing boats. They were always distant when on the water but did come closer when flying around.

Common Scoter.

Common Scoter.

Common Scoter.

Common Scoter.

July 6th

Reed Warbler in full song and Oystercatcher over.

July 1st

July 1st
Congleton Park
Two juvenile Goosander
Juvenile Dipper.

Astbury Mere
Jay , Buzzard , Swift , Common Toad , Smooth Newt , Meadow Brown,
Ringlet and Wood Mouse.


June 30th
Bent Lane
Whitethroat x 2
Oystercatcher x 2
Shelduck.

Astbury Mere 29th
Kestrel
Willow Warbler
Reed Warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
G S Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Swift
Coal Tit
House Martin
Bullfinch
Greenfinch

Astbury Mere 28th
Red Admiral
Painted Lady
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Chiffchaff
House Martin
Swift

Astbury Mere 27th
Small Skipper
Large Skipper
Ringlet
Meadow Brown
Speckled Wood

Astbury Mere 26th
Common Sandpiper

Brereton Heath CP 25th
Whitethroat
Black-tailed Skimmer
Common Blue
Meadow Brown x 5
Painted Lady

June 21st

Reed Warbler still this morning along with single Nuthatch , Bullfinch and Jay. Butterflies include seven Meadow Brown , one Common Blue and the first Large Skipper. Also Southern Marsh Orchids are now out. (MS).

Brererton Heath
Painted Lady Butterfly

Large Skipper photo by Tracey Stubbs.

Southern Marsh Orchid photo by Tracey Stubbs.

June 20th

Congleton Area
 Bent Lane
Yellow Wagtail
Yellowhammer x2 (MS).

June 19th

First Painted Lady Butterfly seen this morning by B Hicks. also Azure and Common Damselflies.
Yesterday three Meadow Brown , Common Blue and three Azure Damselflies.

Congleton Area
River Dane Congleton Park
Two juvenile Goosander MS.

Lime Hawkmoth on the path yesterday.

May 20th

Still nothing happening at the mere very quiet. A single Greylag this morning , Chiffchaff , Blackcap , two House Martin's and a single Jay. Holy Blue Butterflies in conservation area , and eight Smooth Newts in pond.

Congleton Area
Mow Cop
Hobby over early afternoon.

Congleton Town Centre
Raven over .

Cloud
Wood Warbler still performing well.
Spotted Flycatcher
No sign of Redstart

May 19th

Very very quiet at the mere , two Greylags over , Buzzard , 12 x Sand Martin's , 4 x House Martin's , Reed Warbler , Goldcrest singing .
Congleton Area
Bent Lane
Yellowhammer
Linnet
Red-Legged Partridge

Mow Cop
Red Kite

The Cloud
Wood Warbler
Redstart
Tree Pipit

Wood Warbler (Tracey Stubbs).

Wood Warbler (Tracey Stubbs ).

Wood Warbler (Tracey Stubbs ).

May 11th

Eighteen Swift over the water this morning along with around 70 Sand Martin and 8 Swallow. Also two Greylag Geese flew over and Buzzard and Sparrowhawk noted.
This afternoon two Shelduck dropped in briefly , Raven and Kestrel over. Also noted Reed Warbler , Willow Warbler , Chiffchaff , Blackcap and Swift.

Congleton Area
Mow Cop
Little Owl
Garden Warbler
Wheatear x 2...(AG)

The Cloud
Wood Warbler
Hobby
Tree Pipit..(MS)

Graylag Goose.

May 10th

Early morning before work 200 plus Sand Martin , 2 Swift , 10 Swallow and several House Martins noted amongst them .

Sand Martin.

Black Tern's

Yesterday's Black Tern was a nice addition to the year list as they are not annual, its only the third record since 2006. . It's always nice to see these elegant marsh terns flycatching over the water wherever you are , and to see one at Astbury is extra special . There was a good passage throughout the Midlands yesterday and with the weather conditions being just right it was almost certain that we would get one sometime during the day. Rob Black called it right and decided to pay a quick visit at lunch time and was rewarded with this elegant bird along with three Arctic's which is only our third record at the site for this species. Two of the records coming this year as two weeks previous Mark Stubbs found two birds feeding over the water mid afternoon on 27th April.