Details of May sightings compiled by John Thompson will appear on the Monthly Sightings page.
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Glyn Jones 31st May 2020
Sunday 31 May 2020 at 1900
35+ Swifts over Frank Webb Avenue / Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my garden. Glyn
John 29th May 2020
Mow Cop from 8:30 – 14:30 ..
3 hours looking north from large layby (1m east of town): – Cuckoo, Curlew & Peacock (heard), Lapwing, GS Woodpecker, Kestrel, Willow Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, brief song flight of Tree Pipit, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting. After listening to the Cuckoo getting ever closer, one flew slowly below me, landed in a tree at the other end of the layby and called!
I went for a walk along the road to look over into the old quarry for an hour: another Cuckoo, this time a much paler bird. Back at the car for lunch and a Red Kite glided at eye-level towards us. It gained height as it approached us and flew over our heads and into Staffordshire. Andy Goodwin had reported seeing some ( 27th ) and described one had inner primary feathers missing. ‘Our’ bird matched this description – perhaps it has a territory nearby?
For the last hour & a bit, I parked in the town and walked east past the Old Man of Mow and the aerials then back. I was only able to add Garden Warbler to the list plus ‘White’ Doves in the Mow Cop Inn car park.
Other wildlife seen today: – Fox and Highland cattle
Mike Tonks 29th May 2020
Today I walked along Smethwick Lane, Sandbach. A singing Yellowhammer was seen on a wire. Further along the lane, a Yellow Wagtail was seen briefy on another distant wire. Another 600 metres along the lane, a second Yellow Wagtail was perched in a small oak tree at the road side. I was about 50 metres away so got a nice view. My first Yellow Wags of the year!
Colin 29th May 2020
A quiet morning again at Doddington except for observing some oystercatcher behaviour I wasn’t aware of. One of the pairs has two large fledged juvs.
When I approached the four were feeding on the grass bank, the two adults took flight with alarm calls as usual but the two juvs disappeared. I found them shortly after, swimming on the open water amongst the ducks , looking quite happy – and safe.
John 28th May 2020
My third afternoon walk recently on Macon Meadows has again been productive: Blackbird – nest with young seen, finally seen the first juv. Grey Wagtail. It was proficient as picking flies in mid-air, while the male was filling his beak with flies and repeatedly going into the culvert – presumably to tempt any remaining nestlings? While watching a family party of Great Tits, something different in the top of the same tree caught my eye, a Spotted Flycatcher!
Mike&Andy 28th May 2020
Rather than playing hard to get,a Garden Warbler was singing from the top of a bush amidst the ruined farm buildings at Lea Forge.Also this morning,Willow Warbler,Blackcaps,Whitethroats,Chiffchaff ,Red- legged Partridge ,Linnets and Song Thrush.At Doddington just Little Owl in flight of note.The island Oystercatcher juvs were being fed but the two chicks that fledged from the sailing club pair must have been predated as a second pair of eggs have been laid.This happened last year but they never hatched.
John 27th May 2020
SWaBBS on Meremoor Moss first thing: Muscovy Duck, Oystercatcher, Curlew (heard), 6 Lapwing in the distant long grass – nesting? Also, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coal Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Sedge & Reed Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Linnet & Reed Bunting plus fledgling Blue, Great & Long-tailed Tit.
Lunch at the neighbouring Fisheries confirmed breeding of: Mallard, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch.
A different habitat after lunch for another SWaBBS visit – a private wood in Barthomley: nothing to add to today’s list – unless I can include a deer? Looking in my copy of Collins “Wild Animals”, my encounter was probably with a Roe Deer.
Glyn 26th May 2020
Tuesday 26th May 2020 – 1500
Walk along Salt Line Way to Borrow Pit Meadows
5 Chiffchaffs heard but not seen, 2 Blackcaps heard but not seen, 5 Mistle Thrushes on top field, 3 Song Thrushes all at BPM, 20 Swallows, 6 Swifts and 6 House Martins flying over BPM, Coot and four juveniles on the pool. 2 Pied Wagtails along SLW. Glyn
John 26th May 2020
Cycled to Quakers Coppice this morning via Crewe Business Park for a SWaBBS visit.
I re-found the Moorhen chicks on the pond by the roundabout – now well grown. There was adults with 3 very small chicks on the same pool and another pair with very small chicks on the dipping pool halfway towards Quakers Coppice.
In Quakers Coppice, I could hear chicks begging from inside most of the small-hole nest boxes, I saw a Nuthatch feeding young in the open. In the distance, I could hear Great Spotted Woodpecker calling – it sounded like a youngster! Three-quarters of a way round, I finally pin-pointed where the begging was coming from and saw a large juvenile at the hole, looking out and calling continuously. At least one of the large-hole nest boxes had Stock Dove in, when, close to me, an adult came out and flew off. There’s a small group of Jackdaw nesting in the hollows of old trees, a Whitethroat still singing in the thinner scrub between the woods and University Way. Plenty of Blackcap but only the odd Chiffchaff was heard, also an alarm call from Mistle Thrush – perhaps they have young nearby? High in the canopy I saw a family party of Bullfinch – I don’t see them here as a rule. On the way out of the woods, I stopped at the pool near the entrance where the, now, dismantled dipping platform was to see if I could get views of the Mistle Thrush and a bird flew through my line of sight. Curious to see what it was, I found it on a branch of an Oak tree, picking insects from the underside of the leaves. Not doing its usual MO – it was a Spotted Flycatcher! BOOM
John 25th May 2020
18 – 24 May
EHF/PHF: Garganey, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Tern
MGT: Tree Sparrow
Alsager: Skylark, Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Bent Ln: R-l Partridge, Skylark, Sand Martin, C Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Swallow & House Martin
The Cloud: Mandarin, Green Woodpecker, Raven, Willow & Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Meadow & Tree Pipit, Siskin, Linnet, L Redpoll
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Treecreeper, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Red Kite
Doddington: Swift, Stock Dove, L Grebe, Oystercatcher, Red Kite, Skylark, Willow Warbler
Middlewich: Mandarin, Hobby
Mow Cop: Cuckoo, Tree Pipit
Queens Park: GS Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush
Wheelock/Malkins Bank: Stock Dove, House Martin, Swallow, Grey Wagtail
John 24th May 2020
Macon Meadows first thing this morning. A lot calmer today but I noticed some damage: one big branch from a willow is down by the MMU, a multi-trunked tree ( of a species I don’t know ) is looking precarious. It is already damaged from a storm over the winter with one trunk down weakening the rest at the base.
Another family of Great Tits seen, my first juv Blackbird here. I picked up some contact calls that I didn’t know but failed to spot the bird(s)! A brief view of a Grey Wagtail by the culvert and on the way back spent another 5 minutes trying to spot the source of the ‘new’ contact call! Eventually, I connected with a juv perched deep in a bush – a Blackcap. I then noticed behind it, there was another. Both were begging at an attentive, nearby male
John 23rd May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning: still gusty and lots of small branches underfoot. Hopefully no major damage to the trees?
Juvenile Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon and Great Tit seen, Song Thrush and Greenfinch still singing. No sightings of the Grey Wagtails today but while looking at the culvert, a Red Kite drifted over the Heritage Centre on the other side of the tracks and continued heading south
Nigel Henderson 23rd May 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Female goosander but she is down to 2 young. She had seven on the 18th May so some disaster has stuck. Any goosander experts out there? Pam has seem a mink on the Dane in the park which would be an ideal candidate.
Glyn 22nd May 2020
22nd May 2020 at 1400
Walk along Salt Line Way to Borrow Pit Meadows, extremely windy.
Male Blackcap and two singing Chiffchaffs on SLW, pair of Canada Geese with two young and a pair of Coots with four young on the pool.
20 Swallows and 12 House Martins over footpath nearest to recycling plant.
Graham 22nd May 2020
Garganey still at EHF at what is apparently called Hancocks Flood. Also 2 Swift.
Colin 22nd May 2020
A quiet time at Doddington this morning until at 11-15 a Red Kite appeared low down and passed slowly overhead going east
John 21st May 2020
Macon Meadows after lunch: a change of strategy! Got chatting to a neighbour whose house backs on the area. She has a nest box in her garden and she tells me she been watching Blue Tits. The busy parents are making frequent visits to the nest box.
Only bird of note on Macon Meadows was a female Sparrowhawk which I first saw above the houses on Ludlow Avenue. It stooped into the stream-side vegetation opposite me – two flaps of its wings ‘put the brakes on’ and brought it to a graceful landing. The grass is tall there & I couldn’t see if it had a kill.
Later, on the other side of Macon Way, I got a brief view of it or another female as it banked round & swooped into the trees between the stream and the office blocks on Herald Drive
Glyn Jones 20th May 2020
20th May2020 -1945
12+ Swifts again over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my garden.
Also 6 Swifts over Selworthy Drive/Underwood Lane junction, also seen from my garden, seems the common denominator(?) are council houses.
Today I did my first SWaBBS of the year around Wheelock and Malkins Bank. It was great to do a ‘normal’ birding activity. I encountered very few people and social distancing was easy.
Two Grey Wagtails were seen on the brook to the west of Hassall Road. Further along the brook, five House Martins and two Swallows were collecting mud for nest building. Large number of Starling families on the field to the north of Malkins Bank Golf Course, plus a pair of Stock Doves. 25 species in all.
I called in at Doddington after: Red-legged Partridge, Swift, Stock Dove, L Grebe, Oystercatcher, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Mistle Thrush
On the way home, I had Skylark & Reed Bunting on Jack Mills Way
John 19th May 2020
SECOS Winter and Breeding Bird Survey ( SWaBBS ) – our very own bird survey
The recent UK Government’s announcement about the relaxation of the Lockdown has prompted the national birding organisations to update their advice to volunteers. In line with their review, SECOS is happy if any SWaBBS fieldworkers want to undertake a count for the remaining months of this Summer season ( April to July ).
As Co-ordinator, I will process any data you send me.
New fieldworkers are welcomed. If you are interested in taking part, including any non-members, please contact me.
Glyn Jones 19th May 2020
18th May 2020 – 2000
Song Thrush singing behind my garden in Crewe.
12+ Swift over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenues crossroads as seen from my garden!!!
Nigel Henderson 18th May 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Grey Wagtail (female, males and juveniles being fed), Dipper, Kingfisher, Goosander female – she still has 7 young – go Goosander.
Congleton Park: Treecreeper nest.
John 18th May 2020
Macon Meadows before lunch: a pair of Mallard on the roof of Mannin House on Macon Way. Are they nesting there?
A gull with nest material above the gym behind Mannin House. I couldn’t see any nests on northern side of the roof. I’ll have to find another vantage point to see if the nesting gull colony has extended to this building.
A good candidate for a Garden Warbler watched for a couple of minutes, possibly a second nearby – neither bird sang or called. Male Grey Wagtail still very active near the culvert.
John 18th May 2020
11 – 17 May
EHF/PHF: Cuckoo, R Plover, Whimbrel
Moston: Cuckoo
RLP: Reed Warbler
Astbury Mere CP: Shelduck, Willow & Garden Warbler
Bent Ln: Stock Dove, Skylark, Sand & House Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Kestrel, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Meadow & Tree Pipit, L Redpoll
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Golden Oriole, Treecreeper, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Peregrine
Doddington: Swift, Stock Dove, L & GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Raven, Willow & Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail
Lea Forge: Red Kite, Wheatear
Middlewich LB: Hobby
Rode Heath: Green Woodpecker
Sandbach: Red Kite
Mike&Andy 17th May 2020
2 Common Sandpipers at Doddington this morning and the island pair of Oystercatchers have 2 mobile chicks.Also 2 Raven,Reed Warbler.Reed Bunting,Coal Tit,4 juv Pied Wagtails with adults and Little Grebe.
John 17th May 2020
Bike ride to Quakers Coppice via Crewe Business Park 8 till 9 am: very quiet, only bumped into one dog walker.
On the pond at the roundabout, a well grown juv. Moorhen.
In Quakers Coppice: new birds here for me recently, a distant Whitethroat, probably in the scrub between the woods and University Way. Also, a contact call from a GS Woodpecker got my attention as I haven’t been able to connect with any here all Spring! As I walked in the direction of the call, I could hear nestlings as well. I failed to find the nest but I got views of two adults – one was definitely a female. The other was too quick for me to get a good look at.
Mike&Jenny 16th May 2020
A male Wheatear at Lea Forge this afternoon.I would have missed it had my wife not been present!
Dave Winnington 16th May 2020
Rodeheath , Green Woodpecker in woodland over canal bridge near nurseries
John 16th May 2020
A Site Guide to the SECOS Recording Area
Now that the ‘Lockdown’ restrictions are being relaxed and many may be wanting to spread your wings and go birdwatching, an update to the main birdwatching locations in the SECOS Recording Area is available in the Publications section of this website
This is the first time for eight weeks that I have been able to start a note like this; so HURRAY and……this morning at Doddington to do a WeBS count for the BTO. Few waterbirds but a brilliant display from at least 150 swifts, 50 sand martins, 50 house martins and 4 swallows. Insects must have been very low in the cloudy conditions and as I stood still the birds were passing by within touching distance!! Just 32 tufted, 15 mute swans and 9 great crested grebes on the water, plus around 70 canada geese with 12 small juvs but at least 10 pairs still on nests on the island. 3 oystercatchers but no nest found and 3 reed warblers singing. The only down side was no yellow wagtails although Sylvia had 4 yesterday.
John 15th May 2020
Macon Meadows: weird feeling this morning. I’m not used to taking my time, I’m usually rushing to get back home within the hour!
Very nice to see a pair of Coal Tit feeding their young – one adult repeatedly flying back across the stream, presumably to young in cover, while another adult was feeding a juvenile oblivious to me being less than 2 feet below watching them. Fascinating!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that Chiffchaff are in the vegetation between Macon Way and the railway tracks. The vegetation is denser that side of the road.
The male Grey Wagtail very active along the edges of the stream, while both Song Thrush and Greenfinch were belting out
Mike 14th May 2020
A Red Kite was soaring over Lea Forge this afternoon, still around when I left 40 minutes later.
John 13th May 2020
With the easing of The Lockdown restrictions, I thought I’d give the car a blow out and headed over to Meremoor Moss for a couple of hours this morning. Notable sightings include: Muscovy Duck, Swift (50+), Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin ( a first for the year !), Reed Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Linnet & Reed Bunting
Colin 13th May 2020
No bird to report but I just wanted to say that I really like Nigel’s photo of the female Goosander with ducklings on the River Dane at Congleton.
Mike&Andy 13th May 2020
A pair of Yellow Wagtails on the island at Doddington this morning were a real treat.Also a superb low level display from around 100 Swifts with all the Hirundines totalling around 200 over the water.Not much else apart from Oystercatchers G.S.Woodpecker and Stock Doves.
Nigel Henderson 13th May 2020
I forgot: Tuesday 12/05/2020: A kingfisher flying upstream and downstream seen from the Dane Street riverside walk. (Or possibly two kingfishers.)
Nigel Henderson 13th May 2020
Treecreepers breeding in Congleton Park. They are now feeding young. Grey Wagtails and Dippers are feeding young on the River Dane between the Steamboat and the weir. Tuesday 12/05/2020 – Female Goosander, but she is down to seven young, from 10.
Ed: see Nigel’s photos in our member’s http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/ gallery
John 12th May 2020
Macon Meadows: over the past couple of days notable sightings are few.
Swift seen occasionally when cloudy; a Moorhen pair with 2 chicks seen on the 8th but juvs not seen since; a flyby Sparrowhawk this morning. Yesterday I heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker – my first here for ages!
A Jay has been seen occasionally and today I watched it land on a garden feeder and later fly off in the direction it came from with something in its bill. Is someone putting down suitable feed?
My first Swallow this morning flying low over the recently mowed grass. A Treecreeper collecting seed heads / vegetation off reedmace / bulrush heads and flying off to a probable nest site in a gap behind the bark of a nearby tree. Occasional sightings of a Grey Wagtail, but no activity by the culvert!
Glyn 11th May 2020
11th May 2020
A walk round Queen’s Park, Crewe, 8 Canada Geese young with 5 adults! also a pair of Coots with 6 young.
Apparently there were 18 young Mallards but now there are only two left, probably predated by the Gulls.
John 11th May 2020
3 – 10 May
EHF/PHF: Oystercatcher, R & LR Plover, Bl-t Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler
MGT: Shoveler, L Grebe, Swift, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark, Cetti’s, Willow, Sedge, Reed & Garden Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, Wheatear,
FFF: Goosander,
Rookery Bridge: Yellowhammer
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Stock Dove, Kestrel, Hobby, Willow Tit, Garden Warbler, L Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear
Arclid: LRP, Raven, Sand Martin, Wheatear, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere CP: Sand Martin, Sedge, Reed & Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Basford: Swift
Brereton Heath LNR: Cuckoo, Mistle Thrush
Church Lawton: LR Plover, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Coppenhall Moss: Hobby
Crewe: Swift
Crewe GC: Raven
Elworth: Swift
Goostrey: Cuckoo, Red Kite
Lawton Woods/lake: Mandarin, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Martin’s Moss: House Martin
Middlewich: Hobby
Mow Cop: Swift, Garden Warbler
Rode Heath: Oystercatcher
Sandbach: Swift
Scholar Green: Swift
Wheelock: Kingfisher, Whitethroat, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
Wrinehill: R-l Partridge, Cetti’s, Sedge & Reed Warblers, Whitethroat
Colin 9th May 2020
On a nearby building site when work resumed after a four week stoppage they found a blackbird’s nest with four young built in the hydraulics of a large excavator.
Ed: see Colin’s picture in our Gallery http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/
Mick 9th May 2020
Some recent Alsager patch sightings
MAY 2nd
Green Woodpecker 2, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl
MAY 3rd
L R Plover 2, Wheatear
MAY 4th
Egyptian Goose, Kestrel
MAY 5th
Willow Tit
MAY 6th
Yellow Wagtail 3, Wheatear 3
MAY 7th
Oystercatcher 2, Hobby
MAY 8th
Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler pair
that is number 100 for my patch this year.
Pam Henderson 8th May 2020
River Dane Congleton, grey wagtail feeding 1 young.
Glyn 8th May 2020
Friday 8 May 2020 1400
Walk from Westbourne Avenue to New Cemetery, Crewe Blackcap singing at footpath access off Frank Webb Avenue, two Swifts over, three Chiffchaff heard but not seen, Blackcap heard but not seen right side of entrance to cemetery and three Swifts over Underwood Lane.
House Martins flying over Martin’s Moss(!!), Smallwood, on May 4th.
Swifts over Sandbach town centre May 7th.
Ed: were they flying over Swift Services in Hightown?
John 7th May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 8 – 9ish: not that much to report over the past couple of days. Just the usual species noted with the previous recorded evidence of breeding activity.
The only record of note was a Hobby flying low over my head from east to west along the ‘valley’
Glyn 6th May 2020
Wednesday 6 May 2020 1400
Walked to Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads to see the Swifts, saw about 12, not always easy to see due the tree lined avenues, but you can hear them also as viewed from back garden at 1930 15 Swifts flying over same area.
David Cookson 6th May 2020
This morning 6th May. The highlights were 50 plus Swifts, Reed Bunting and Warbler. And all the usual birds singing. A distant Fox was spotted.
SECOS 5th May 2020
Glyn Jones has reported, “Had my first sighting of a Swift today at 15.10 over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my house, and at 19.20 tonight I saw a further 12 Swifts over the same area.”
John 4th May 2020
27 Apr – 3 May
EHF/PHF: Swift, Oystercatcher, LR Plover, Bl-t Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern
MGT: Shoveler, L & GC Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Kestrel, Skylark, Cetti’s, Willow, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Bullfinch
CF: Kingfisher, L Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler
RLP: Sedge & Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting
Rookery Bridge: Wheatear
WLF: Swift, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Reed Warbler
Albion Lock: Yellowhammer
Alsager: Swift, Red Kite, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer
Arclid: Shelduck, Oystercatcher, LRP, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail
Astbury: L & C Whitethroat
Astbury Mere CP: Swift, Green Woodpecker
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Whitethroat
The Cloud: Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Dipper, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush
Crewe GC: Garden Warbler, Jay
Doddington: Swift
Elworth: Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Hobby
Lawton Woods/lake: Mandarin, Dipper, Pied Flycatcher,
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Oystercatcher, Raven, Swallow, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch
Rode Heath: Oystercatcher
Rope: Hobby
Scholar Green: Goosander, Barn Owl, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Hobby, L & C Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellowhammer
Weston: Song Thrush
John 4th May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 9 – 10ish: I didn’t hear Whitethroat or Garden Warbler today. The only things of note were a male Blackcap with nest material and a Nuthatch repeatedly returning to a nest hole with food
Colin 4th May 2020
a raven, calling and flying low, went over the golf course heading east this morning
Pam Henderson 3rd May 2020
Strange looking Goosander on the Dane (Rood Hill, Congleton), red head like a female but too much white, I suspect it’s a male going into eclipse. Female now down to nine ducklings but they’re doing well. I watched them climbing the weir this morning and later they all climbed onto a log for a bit of preening.
John 3rd May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 8:30 to 9:30ish: the gulls above the railway track & Dunelm were noisy this morning, flying round in a low anti-clockwise circle making a commotion, then they suddenly stopped. My view has partly obscured and I didn’t see want the fuss was about.
A Buzzard, Jay, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Song Thrush and the Grey Wagtail pair were all showing well, but were topped at the end of my walk when I heard a Garden Warbler in the small willows by the allotments. Despite trying to triangulate where the song was coming from, I failed to connect with the bird.
Pam 2nd May 2020
Congleton Park – Treecreepers still active, Mistle Thrushes and Kingfisher
John 2nd May 2020
Went for a bike ride 8:30 – 9:30 around Crewe Town Centre & Sydney: There were small pockets of Swift that I noted last year in the survey, so I went for a look around – it was cold and windy, so no joy!
Garden birding 10:20 – 10:40 this morning: There was a couple of Buzzard displaying in the direction of Crewe Green roundabout, one was harassed by a large gull. I heard a call behind me and there was another pair of Buzzard kettling in the direction of the railway tracks / Mill St.
In the garden, one of the pair of Magpies nesting in the neighbour’s garden began harassing the ever-present House Sparrows sending them in all directions and making a commotion!
Jean Harrison 2nd May 2020
On our exercise walk on 1st May around Alsager Sprink saw good views of several Yellowhammers, and also saw and heard a Whitethroat singing from the top of a tree -I think my ID skills are improving 🙂
Mike 1st May 2020
A Hobby showed really well on my walk along Gresty Lane this afternoon .It landed briefly then swooped on and missed a Starling before flying overhead.
Nigel Henderson 1st May 2020
River Dane from the Aldi roundabout to Congleton Park: Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Congleton Park: Treecreeper
Ed: Some of Nigel’s River Dane pictures are showing in our Members Gallery http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/
John 1st May 2020
Macon Meadows
Yesterday morning ( 9 till 10 ish ): Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Jay, Rook, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
This morning ( 8 till 9 ish ): Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over heading for Weston Road with nest material in its bill, Rook still foraging along the verge on Macon Way. My first Coal Tit for a couple of weeks and FINALLY I heard a Whitethroat in the rough patch where I’d had them in previous years. It perched at the top of the brambles and sang just as the sun came out although briefly. A Song Thrush singing, 3 Robin juvs in a clump of bushes and the pair of Grey Wagtails
31st May 2020
Sunday 31 May 2020 at 1900
35+ Swifts over Frank Webb Avenue / Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my garden. Glyn
29th May 2020
Mow Cop from 8:30 – 14:30 ..
3 hours looking north from large layby (1m east of town): – Cuckoo, Curlew & Peacock (heard), Lapwing, GS Woodpecker, Kestrel, Willow Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, brief song flight of Tree Pipit, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting. After listening to the Cuckoo getting ever closer, one flew slowly below me, landed in a tree at the other end of the layby and called!
I went for a walk along the road to look over into the old quarry for an hour: another Cuckoo, this time a much paler bird. Back at the car for lunch and a Red Kite glided at eye-level towards us. It gained height as it approached us and flew over our heads and into Staffordshire. Andy Goodwin had reported seeing some ( 27th ) and described one had inner primary feathers missing. ‘Our’ bird matched this description – perhaps it has a territory nearby?
For the last hour & a bit, I parked in the town and walked east past the Old Man of Mow and the aerials then back. I was only able to add Garden Warbler to the list plus ‘White’ Doves in the Mow Cop Inn car park.
Other wildlife seen today: – Fox and Highland cattle
29th May 2020
Today I walked along Smethwick Lane, Sandbach. A singing Yellowhammer was seen on a wire. Further along the lane, a Yellow Wagtail was seen briefy on another distant wire. Another 600 metres along the lane, a second Yellow Wagtail was perched in a small oak tree at the road side. I was about 50 metres away so got a nice view. My first Yellow Wags of the year!
29th May 2020
A quiet morning again at Doddington except for observing some oystercatcher behaviour I wasn’t aware of. One of the pairs has two large fledged juvs.
When I approached the four were feeding on the grass bank, the two adults took flight with alarm calls as usual but the two juvs disappeared. I found them shortly after, swimming on the open water amongst the ducks , looking quite happy – and safe.
28th May 2020
My third afternoon walk recently on Macon Meadows has again been productive: Blackbird – nest with young seen, finally seen the first juv. Grey Wagtail. It was proficient as picking flies in mid-air, while the male was filling his beak with flies and repeatedly going into the culvert – presumably to tempt any remaining nestlings? While watching a family party of Great Tits, something different in the top of the same tree caught my eye, a Spotted Flycatcher!
28th May 2020
Rather than playing hard to get,a Garden Warbler was singing from the top of a bush amidst the ruined farm buildings at Lea Forge.Also this morning,Willow Warbler,Blackcaps,Whitethroats,Chiffchaff ,Red- legged Partridge ,Linnets and Song Thrush.At Doddington just Little Owl in flight of note.The island Oystercatcher juvs were being fed but the two chicks that fledged from the sailing club pair must have been predated as a second pair of eggs have been laid.This happened last year but they never hatched.
27th May 2020
SWaBBS on Meremoor Moss first thing: Muscovy Duck, Oystercatcher, Curlew (heard), 6 Lapwing in the distant long grass – nesting? Also, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coal Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Sedge & Reed Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Linnet & Reed Bunting plus fledgling Blue, Great & Long-tailed Tit.
Lunch at the neighbouring Fisheries confirmed breeding of: Mallard, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch.
A different habitat after lunch for another SWaBBS visit – a private wood in Barthomley: nothing to add to today’s list – unless I can include a deer? Looking in my copy of Collins “Wild Animals”, my encounter was probably with a Roe Deer.
26th May 2020
Tuesday 26th May 2020 – 1500
Walk along Salt Line Way to Borrow Pit Meadows
5 Chiffchaffs heard but not seen, 2 Blackcaps heard but not seen, 5 Mistle Thrushes on top field, 3 Song Thrushes all at BPM, 20 Swallows, 6 Swifts and 6 House Martins flying over BPM, Coot and four juveniles on the pool. 2 Pied Wagtails along SLW. Glyn
26th May 2020
Cycled to Quakers Coppice this morning via Crewe Business Park for a SWaBBS visit.
I re-found the Moorhen chicks on the pond by the roundabout – now well grown. There was adults with 3 very small chicks on the same pool and another pair with very small chicks on the dipping pool halfway towards Quakers Coppice.
In Quakers Coppice, I could hear chicks begging from inside most of the small-hole nest boxes, I saw a Nuthatch feeding young in the open. In the distance, I could hear Great Spotted Woodpecker calling – it sounded like a youngster! Three-quarters of a way round, I finally pin-pointed where the begging was coming from and saw a large juvenile at the hole, looking out and calling continuously. At least one of the large-hole nest boxes had Stock Dove in, when, close to me, an adult came out and flew off. There’s a small group of Jackdaw nesting in the hollows of old trees, a Whitethroat still singing in the thinner scrub between the woods and University Way. Plenty of Blackcap but only the odd Chiffchaff was heard, also an alarm call from Mistle Thrush – perhaps they have young nearby? High in the canopy I saw a family party of Bullfinch – I don’t see them here as a rule. On the way out of the woods, I stopped at the pool near the entrance where the, now, dismantled dipping platform was to see if I could get views of the Mistle Thrush and a bird flew through my line of sight. Curious to see what it was, I found it on a branch of an Oak tree, picking insects from the underside of the leaves. Not doing its usual MO – it was a Spotted Flycatcher! BOOM
25th May 2020
18 – 24 May
EHF/PHF: Garganey, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Tern
MGT: Tree Sparrow
Alsager: Skylark, Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer
Bent Ln: R-l Partridge, Skylark, Sand Martin, C Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer
Borrow Pit Meadow/Salt Line: Swallow & House Martin
The Cloud: Mandarin, Green Woodpecker, Raven, Willow & Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Meadow & Tree Pipit, Siskin, Linnet, L Redpoll
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Treecreeper, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Red Kite
Doddington: Swift, Stock Dove, L Grebe, Oystercatcher, Red Kite, Skylark, Willow Warbler
Middlewich: Mandarin, Hobby
Mow Cop: Cuckoo, Tree Pipit
Queens Park: GS Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush
Wheelock/Malkins Bank: Stock Dove, House Martin, Swallow, Grey Wagtail
24th May 2020
Macon Meadows first thing this morning. A lot calmer today but I noticed some damage: one big branch from a willow is down by the MMU, a multi-trunked tree ( of a species I don’t know ) is looking precarious. It is already damaged from a storm over the winter with one trunk down weakening the rest at the base.
Another family of Great Tits seen, my first juv Blackbird here. I picked up some contact calls that I didn’t know but failed to spot the bird(s)! A brief view of a Grey Wagtail by the culvert and on the way back spent another 5 minutes trying to spot the source of the ‘new’ contact call! Eventually, I connected with a juv perched deep in a bush – a Blackcap. I then noticed behind it, there was another. Both were begging at an attentive, nearby male
23rd May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning: still gusty and lots of small branches underfoot. Hopefully no major damage to the trees?
Juvenile Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon and Great Tit seen, Song Thrush and Greenfinch still singing. No sightings of the Grey Wagtails today but while looking at the culvert, a Red Kite drifted over the Heritage Centre on the other side of the tracks and continued heading south
23rd May 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Female goosander but she is down to 2 young. She had seven on the 18th May so some disaster has stuck. Any goosander experts out there? Pam has seem a mink on the Dane in the park which would be an ideal candidate.
22nd May 2020
22nd May 2020 at 1400
Walk along Salt Line Way to Borrow Pit Meadows, extremely windy.
Male Blackcap and two singing Chiffchaffs on SLW, pair of Canada Geese with two young and a pair of Coots with four young on the pool.
20 Swallows and 12 House Martins over footpath nearest to recycling plant.
22nd May 2020
Garganey still at EHF at what is apparently called Hancocks Flood. Also 2 Swift.
22nd May 2020
A quiet time at Doddington this morning until at 11-15 a Red Kite appeared low down and passed slowly overhead going east
21st May 2020
Macon Meadows after lunch: a change of strategy! Got chatting to a neighbour whose house backs on the area. She has a nest box in her garden and she tells me she been watching Blue Tits. The busy parents are making frequent visits to the nest box.
Only bird of note on Macon Meadows was a female Sparrowhawk which I first saw above the houses on Ludlow Avenue. It stooped into the stream-side vegetation opposite me – two flaps of its wings ‘put the brakes on’ and brought it to a graceful landing. The grass is tall there & I couldn’t see if it had a kill.
Later, on the other side of Macon Way, I got a brief view of it or another female as it banked round & swooped into the trees between the stream and the office blocks on Herald Drive
20th May 2020
20th May2020 -1945
12+ Swifts again over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my garden.
Also 6 Swifts over Selworthy Drive/Underwood Lane junction, also seen from my garden, seems the common denominator(?) are council houses.
20th May 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Grey Wagtail juveniles fledged, Dipper = adult feeding juvenile.
Congleton Park: Treecreeper – juveniles fledged.
19th May 2020
Today I did my first SWaBBS of the year around Wheelock and Malkins Bank. It was great to do a ‘normal’ birding activity. I encountered very few people and social distancing was easy.
Two Grey Wagtails were seen on the brook to the west of Hassall Road. Further along the brook, five House Martins and two Swallows were collecting mud for nest building. Large number of Starling families on the field to the north of Malkins Bank Golf Course, plus a pair of Stock Doves. 25 species in all.
19th May 2020
SWaBBS on Wybunbury Moss this morning: Swift, GS Woodpecker, Jay, Coal Tit, Swallow, Willow & Sedge Warbler, Mistle Thrush & Reed Bunting
I called in at Doddington after: Red-legged Partridge, Swift, Stock Dove, L Grebe, Oystercatcher, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Mistle Thrush
On the way home, I had Skylark & Reed Bunting on Jack Mills Way
19th May 2020
SECOS Winter and Breeding Bird Survey ( SWaBBS ) – our very own bird survey
The recent UK Government’s announcement about the relaxation of the Lockdown has prompted the national birding organisations to update their advice to volunteers. In line with their review, SECOS is happy if any SWaBBS fieldworkers want to undertake a count for the remaining months of this Summer season ( April to July ).
As Co-ordinator, I will process any data you send me.
New fieldworkers are welcomed. If you are interested in taking part, including any non-members, please contact me.
19th May 2020
18th May 2020 – 2000
Song Thrush singing behind my garden in Crewe.
12+ Swift over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenues crossroads as seen from my garden!!!
18th May 2020
Congleton – River Dane: Grey Wagtail (female, males and juveniles being fed), Dipper, Kingfisher, Goosander female – she still has 7 young – go Goosander.
Congleton Park: Treecreeper nest.
18th May 2020
Macon Meadows before lunch: a pair of Mallard on the roof of Mannin House on Macon Way. Are they nesting there?
A gull with nest material above the gym behind Mannin House. I couldn’t see any nests on northern side of the roof. I’ll have to find another vantage point to see if the nesting gull colony has extended to this building.
A good candidate for a Garden Warbler watched for a couple of minutes, possibly a second nearby – neither bird sang or called. Male Grey Wagtail still very active near the culvert.
18th May 2020
11 – 17 May
EHF/PHF: Cuckoo, R Plover, Whimbrel
Moston: Cuckoo
RLP: Reed Warbler
Astbury Mere CP: Shelduck, Willow & Garden Warbler
Bent Ln: Stock Dove, Skylark, Sand & House Martin, L & C Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Kestrel, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Meadow & Tree Pipit, L Redpoll
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Golden Oriole, Treecreeper, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Crewe: Peregrine
Doddington: Swift, Stock Dove, L & GC Grebe, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Raven, Willow & Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail
Lea Forge: Red Kite, Wheatear
Middlewich LB: Hobby
Rode Heath: Green Woodpecker
Sandbach: Red Kite
17th May 2020
2 Common Sandpipers at Doddington this morning and the island pair of Oystercatchers have 2 mobile chicks.Also 2 Raven,Reed Warbler.Reed Bunting,Coal Tit,4 juv Pied Wagtails with adults and Little Grebe.
17th May 2020
Bike ride to Quakers Coppice via Crewe Business Park 8 till 9 am: very quiet, only bumped into one dog walker.
On the pond at the roundabout, a well grown juv. Moorhen.
In Quakers Coppice: new birds here for me recently, a distant Whitethroat, probably in the scrub between the woods and University Way. Also, a contact call from a GS Woodpecker got my attention as I haven’t been able to connect with any here all Spring! As I walked in the direction of the call, I could hear nestlings as well. I failed to find the nest but I got views of two adults – one was definitely a female. The other was too quick for me to get a good look at.
16th May 2020
A male Wheatear at Lea Forge this afternoon.I would have missed it had my wife not been present!
16th May 2020
Rodeheath , Green Woodpecker in woodland over canal bridge near nurseries
16th May 2020
A Site Guide to the SECOS Recording Area
Now that the ‘Lockdown’ restrictions are being relaxed and many may be wanting to spread your wings and go birdwatching, an update to the main birdwatching locations in the SECOS Recording Area is available in the Publications section of this website
Ed: the booklet can be downloaded here http://www.secos.org.uk/a-site-guide-to-the-secos-recording-area/
15th May 2020
This is the first time for eight weeks that I have been able to start a note like this; so HURRAY and……this morning at Doddington to do a WeBS count for the BTO. Few waterbirds but a brilliant display from at least 150 swifts, 50 sand martins, 50 house martins and 4 swallows. Insects must have been very low in the cloudy conditions and as I stood still the birds were passing by within touching distance!! Just 32 tufted, 15 mute swans and 9 great crested grebes on the water, plus around 70 canada geese with 12 small juvs but at least 10 pairs still on nests on the island. 3 oystercatchers but no nest found and 3 reed warblers singing. The only down side was no yellow wagtails although Sylvia had 4 yesterday.
15th May 2020
Macon Meadows: weird feeling this morning. I’m not used to taking my time, I’m usually rushing to get back home within the hour!
Very nice to see a pair of Coal Tit feeding their young – one adult repeatedly flying back across the stream, presumably to young in cover, while another adult was feeding a juvenile oblivious to me being less than 2 feet below watching them. Fascinating!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that Chiffchaff are in the vegetation between Macon Way and the railway tracks. The vegetation is denser that side of the road.
The male Grey Wagtail very active along the edges of the stream, while both Song Thrush and Greenfinch were belting out
14th May 2020
A Red Kite was soaring over Lea Forge this afternoon, still around when I left 40 minutes later.
13th May 2020
With the easing of The Lockdown restrictions, I thought I’d give the car a blow out and headed over to Meremoor Moss for a couple of hours this morning. Notable sightings include: Muscovy Duck, Swift (50+), Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin ( a first for the year !), Reed Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Linnet & Reed Bunting
13th May 2020
No bird to report but I just wanted to say that I really like Nigel’s photo of the female Goosander with ducklings on the River Dane at Congleton.
13th May 2020
A pair of Yellow Wagtails on the island at Doddington this morning were a real treat.Also a superb low level display from around 100 Swifts with all the Hirundines totalling around 200 over the water.Not much else apart from Oystercatchers G.S.Woodpecker and Stock Doves.
13th May 2020
I forgot: Tuesday 12/05/2020: A kingfisher flying upstream and downstream seen from the Dane Street riverside walk. (Or possibly two kingfishers.)
13th May 2020
Treecreepers breeding in Congleton Park. They are now feeding young. Grey Wagtails and Dippers are feeding young on the River Dane between the Steamboat and the weir. Tuesday 12/05/2020 – Female Goosander, but she is down to seven young, from 10.
Ed: see Nigel’s photos in our member’s http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/ gallery
12th May 2020
Macon Meadows: over the past couple of days notable sightings are few.
Swift seen occasionally when cloudy; a Moorhen pair with 2 chicks seen on the 8th but juvs not seen since; a flyby Sparrowhawk this morning. Yesterday I heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker – my first here for ages!
A Jay has been seen occasionally and today I watched it land on a garden feeder and later fly off in the direction it came from with something in its bill. Is someone putting down suitable feed?
My first Swallow this morning flying low over the recently mowed grass. A Treecreeper collecting seed heads / vegetation off reedmace / bulrush heads and flying off to a probable nest site in a gap behind the bark of a nearby tree. Occasional sightings of a Grey Wagtail, but no activity by the culvert!
11th May 2020
11th May 2020
A walk round Queen’s Park, Crewe, 8 Canada Geese young with 5 adults! also a pair of Coots with 6 young.
Apparently there were 18 young Mallards but now there are only two left, probably predated by the Gulls.
11th May 2020
3 – 10 May
EHF/PHF: Oystercatcher, R & LR Plover, Bl-t Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler
MGT: Shoveler, L Grebe, Swift, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Skylark, Cetti’s, Willow, Sedge, Reed & Garden Warbler, L & C Whitethroat, Wheatear,
FFF: Goosander,
Rookery Bridge: Yellowhammer
WLF: Common Tern
Alsager: Stock Dove, Kestrel, Hobby, Willow Tit, Garden Warbler, L Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear
Arclid: LRP, Raven, Sand Martin, Wheatear, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer
Astbury Mere CP: Sand Martin, Sedge, Reed & Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Basford: Swift
Brereton Heath LNR: Cuckoo, Mistle Thrush
Church Lawton: LR Plover, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Reed Bunting
The Cloud: Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Coppenhall Moss: Hobby
Crewe: Swift
Crewe GC: Raven
Elworth: Swift
Goostrey: Cuckoo, Red Kite
Lawton Woods/lake: Mandarin, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Martin’s Moss: House Martin
Middlewich: Hobby
Mow Cop: Swift, Garden Warbler
Rode Heath: Oystercatcher
Sandbach: Swift
Scholar Green: Swift
Wheelock: Kingfisher, Whitethroat, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
Wrinehill: R-l Partridge, Cetti’s, Sedge & Reed Warblers, Whitethroat
9th May 2020
On a nearby building site when work resumed after a four week stoppage they found a blackbird’s nest with four young built in the hydraulics of a large excavator.
Ed: see Colin’s picture in our Gallery http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/
9th May 2020
Some recent Alsager patch sightings
MAY 2nd
Green Woodpecker 2, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl
MAY 3rd
L R Plover 2, Wheatear
MAY 4th
Egyptian Goose, Kestrel
MAY 5th
Willow Tit
MAY 6th
Yellow Wagtail 3, Wheatear 3
MAY 7th
Oystercatcher 2, Hobby
MAY 8th
Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler pair
that is number 100 for my patch this year.
8th May 2020
River Dane Congleton, grey wagtail feeding 1 young.
8th May 2020
Friday 8 May 2020 1400
Walk from Westbourne Avenue to New Cemetery, Crewe Blackcap singing at footpath access off Frank Webb Avenue, two Swifts over, three Chiffchaff heard but not seen, Blackcap heard but not seen right side of entrance to cemetery and three Swifts over Underwood Lane.
7th May 2020
House Martins flying over Martin’s Moss(!!), Smallwood, on May 4th.
Swifts over Sandbach town centre May 7th.
Ed: were they flying over Swift Services in Hightown?
7th May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 8 – 9ish: not that much to report over the past couple of days. Just the usual species noted with the previous recorded evidence of breeding activity.
The only record of note was a Hobby flying low over my head from east to west along the ‘valley’
6th May 2020
Wednesday 6 May 2020 1400
Walked to Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads to see the Swifts, saw about 12, not always easy to see due the tree lined avenues, but you can hear them also as viewed from back garden at 1930 15 Swifts flying over same area.
6th May 2020
This morning 6th May. The highlights were 50 plus Swifts, Reed Bunting and Warbler. And all the usual birds singing. A distant Fox was spotted.
5th May 2020
Glyn Jones has reported, “Had my first sighting of a Swift today at 15.10 over Frank Webb Avenue/Badger Avenue crossroads as seen from my house, and at 19.20 tonight I saw a further 12 Swifts over the same area.”
4th May 2020
27 Apr – 3 May
EHF/PHF: Swift, Oystercatcher, LR Plover, Bl-t Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern
MGT: Shoveler, L & GC Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Kestrel, Skylark, Cetti’s, Willow, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Bullfinch
CF: Kingfisher, L Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler
RLP: Sedge & Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting
Rookery Bridge: Wheatear
WLF: Swift, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Reed Warbler
Albion Lock: Yellowhammer
Alsager: Swift, Red Kite, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer
Arclid: Shelduck, Oystercatcher, LRP, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail
Astbury: L & C Whitethroat
Astbury Mere CP: Swift, Green Woodpecker
Borrow Pit M/Salt Line: Whitethroat
The Cloud: Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit
Congleton: Goosander, Kingfisher, Dipper, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush
Crewe GC: Garden Warbler, Jay
Doddington: Swift
Elworth: Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Hobby
Lawton Woods/lake: Mandarin, Dipper, Pied Flycatcher,
Lea Forge: R-l Partridge, Oystercatcher, Raven, Swallow, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Bullfinch
Rode Heath: Oystercatcher
Rope: Hobby
Scholar Green: Goosander, Barn Owl, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Hobby, L & C Whitethroat, Wheatear, Yellowhammer
Weston: Song Thrush
4th May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 9 – 10ish: I didn’t hear Whitethroat or Garden Warbler today. The only things of note were a male Blackcap with nest material and a Nuthatch repeatedly returning to a nest hole with food
4th May 2020
a raven, calling and flying low, went over the golf course heading east this morning
3rd May 2020
Strange looking Goosander on the Dane (Rood Hill, Congleton), red head like a female but too much white, I suspect it’s a male going into eclipse. Female now down to nine ducklings but they’re doing well. I watched them climbing the weir this morning and later they all climbed onto a log for a bit of preening.
3rd May 2020
Macon Meadows this morning 8:30 to 9:30ish: the gulls above the railway track & Dunelm were noisy this morning, flying round in a low anti-clockwise circle making a commotion, then they suddenly stopped. My view has partly obscured and I didn’t see want the fuss was about.
A Buzzard, Jay, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Song Thrush and the Grey Wagtail pair were all showing well, but were topped at the end of my walk when I heard a Garden Warbler in the small willows by the allotments. Despite trying to triangulate where the song was coming from, I failed to connect with the bird.
2nd May 2020
Congleton Park – Treecreepers still active, Mistle Thrushes and Kingfisher
2nd May 2020
Went for a bike ride 8:30 – 9:30 around Crewe Town Centre & Sydney: There were small pockets of Swift that I noted last year in the survey, so I went for a look around – it was cold and windy, so no joy!
Garden birding 10:20 – 10:40 this morning: There was a couple of Buzzard displaying in the direction of Crewe Green roundabout, one was harassed by a large gull. I heard a call behind me and there was another pair of Buzzard kettling in the direction of the railway tracks / Mill St.
In the garden, one of the pair of Magpies nesting in the neighbour’s garden began harassing the ever-present House Sparrows sending them in all directions and making a commotion!
2nd May 2020
On our exercise walk on 1st May around Alsager Sprink saw good views of several Yellowhammers, and also saw and heard a Whitethroat singing from the top of a tree -I think my ID skills are improving 🙂
1st May 2020
A Hobby showed really well on my walk along Gresty Lane this afternoon .It landed briefly then swooped on and missed a Starling before flying overhead.
1st May 2020
River Dane from the Aldi roundabout to Congleton Park: Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Congleton Park: Treecreeper
Ed: Some of Nigel’s River Dane pictures are showing in our Members Gallery http://www.secos.org.uk/our-gallery-our-members-pictures/
1st May 2020
Macon Meadows
Yesterday morning ( 9 till 10 ish ): Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Jay, Rook, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail
This morning ( 8 till 9 ish ): Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over heading for Weston Road with nest material in its bill, Rook still foraging along the verge on Macon Way. My first Coal Tit for a couple of weeks and FINALLY I heard a Whitethroat in the rough patch where I’d had them in previous years. It perched at the top of the brambles and sang just as the sun came out although briefly. A Song Thrush singing, 3 Robin juvs in a clump of bushes and the pair of Grey Wagtails