MARBURY and WITTON FLASHES BIRD REPORT 2018
Male Hawfinch, Marbury Country Park, © David Bedford
© Greg Baker INTRODUCTION
Lying on the northern outskirts of Northwich, the Marbury and Witton Flashes have for long been treated as a single patch by local birders. The area is undoubtedly one of Cheshire’s best birding sites, with an enviable record for turning up rare and scarce birds. It is also as an excellent breeding and wintering location for many commoner species. Habitats range from a traditional Cheshire mere to subsidence flashes, rivers and streams, mixed woodland and scrub providing for an excellent range of wildlife. Most of the area is officially known as the Northwich Woodlands following its development from supposedly derelict land (see Page 2), but Marbury and Witton Flashes (also referred to herein as M&WF or just ‘the patch’) is a more widely used, and certainly in birding circles, a more traditional moniker.
Northwich town centre and the River Weaver to the south, Marbury Road to the west, Budworth Lane to the north, and the A559 and B5075 to the east largely determine the boundaries of the Marbury and Witton Flashes patch. For the purposes of this report, it consists of five major areas: Marbury Country Park, the Witton Flashes, Anderton Nature Park, Carey Park and Higher Marston. Included within Marbury Country Park is the prime site of Budworth Mere along with the main woodlands of Big Wood and Hopyards Wood. Budworth Mere itself also hosts the Coward Reedbed plus Kid Brook Spit on its northern shoreline and its associated Kid Brook Fields. Witton Flashes are the reclaimed lime beds north of Northwich, and include the famous Neumann’s Flash plus Ashton’s Flash, Haydn’s Pool, Witton Mill Meadows and Dairy House Meadows. The other areas are more standalone; Carey Park is the site of the former Witton landfill, Anderton Nature Park is the rather less birded country park west of Haydn’s Pool, and Higher Marston encompasses the fields and housing estate north and east of the Trent & Mersey Canal, including the Marston Pools along Ollershaw Lane.
Over 240 species of bird have been recorded at Marbury and Witton Flashes, due mainly to regular coverage by a skilled and enthusiastic band of local birders. Their dedication to monitoring and recording the birdlife of the patch, plus information provided by visitors from elsewhere, means an increasing wealth of data is readily accessible on residents and migrants alike. Given this availability of material and the fact that 2018 was one of the better birding years in recent times, it seemed worthwhile compiling and producing an annual patch-based bird report.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 1
Map of Northwich Woodlands
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 2
THE 2018 BIRDING YEAR
An excellent total of 156 species were recorded at Marbury and Witton Flashes in 2018. These included a first for the patch when a Western Cattle Egret appeared for less than half an hour on 15th Nov, plus only the second record for Black Redstart, another brief visitor on 10th May. Thankfully, what was the third White-winged Tern for M&WF stayed to entertain locals and twitchers from further afield when it graced Budworth Mere for the afternoon of 18th May.
Month by month review
The 1st Jan got the year off to a cracking start with Hawfinches, Greater Scaup, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Geese, Yellow-legged Gull, Western Barn Owl and European Stonechat all present. Part of a nationwide irruption that began in the autumn of 2017, the Hawfinches at Marbury Country Park were star performers through to early spring. Numbers seemed to increase almost daily at one point, reaching a maximum of 20 by 30th Mar. They were probably the most numerous and regular flock in the northwest of England, attracting birders from near and far. Many also came to see the usually reliable Eurasian Bittern, although it was not until the 23rd Jan that one became regularly viewable, however two were then seen on the 6th Feb. The last sighting of this iconic winter visitor was on th Hawfinch, Marbury Country Park, © Greg Baker the 15 Mar.
Another symbolic species for the patch is Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. First reported on the 13th Jan, they became easier to see and hear in early spring and up to 3 were believed to have been present. Given none were recorded in 2014 their fortunes have improved in recent years, although as usual no juveniles were seen.
After a good first week and these celebrated species aside, January was otherwise a quiet month (aside from the usual spate of Jack Snipe and Woodcock
records from year listing birders). February carried Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marbury Country Park on with much the same trend, although 4 Whooper © Greg Baker Swans over Neumann’s Flash and later relocated at Budworth Mere on the 6th were notable, and what was to become a regular but elusive male Mandarin Duck first appeared on the 15th.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 3
The notorious Beast from the East cold weather system that arrived in early March spiced things up a bit, with the year’s only Red Knot together with 2 Ruff and 13 Dunlin on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on the 3rd. Following February’s sightings, a remarkable flock of c50 Whooper Swans flew over Dairy House Meadows on the 17th with 4 more found on Neumann’s Flash on the 22nd. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls at Budworth Mere on the 19th were expected to be the forerunners for many more but this proved to be a surprisingly hard species to catch up with in 2018. In past years Goosanders have only been occasional at M&WF, but a steady increasing in numbers saw a peak of 12 on the 20th. March’s best find was probably the young Black-legged Kittiwake, still in first winter plumage, on Budworth Mere on the 23rd and seen again from the 29th to the 30th. What was presumed to be the same Greater Scaup seen in early January th Immature Black-legged Kittiwake, Budworth Mere was back on Budworth Mere on the 26 . © Greg Baker
Budworth Mere was the place to be in April with a Western Osprey drifting overhead on the 4th, 2 Arctic Terns (plus the year’s only reported Red-legged Partridge calling nearby) on the 13th, a fine adult Little Gull on the 15th and an Egyptian Goose on the 17th. Two more Arctic Terns arrived on the 26th with one staying until the next day.
May began very sluggishly, the highlight being a scattering of Common Cuckoo reports beginning on the 7th. Some decent migrants finally began to appear from mid month. Firstly a female type Black Redstart was at Dairy House Meadows on the 10th, followed by a male Garganey and 2 Wood Sandpipers at Neumann’s Flash on the 14th, with the duck remaining until the 16th. A Pied Avocet was at Haydn’s Pool on the 17th and on the same day a Great White Egret paid only a brief visit to Male Garganey, Neumann’s Flash Ashton’s Flash, much to the frustration (at the time) of most © Malc Curtin patch listers. On the 18th news circulated that a White-winged Tern had been seen at Neumann’s Flash although it appeared to have moved on. Thankfully it was relocated at Budworth Mere where it performed admirably (if usually rather distantly) until its departure early evening. On the 24th a breeding plumaged Ruddy Turnstone was found at Neumann’s Flash, and to round off the month a Red Kite was near Anderton Nature Park and 2 more Pied Avocets were at Neumann’s Flash on the 28th. White-winged Tern, Budworth Mere © Patrick Earith
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 4
As the long, hot summer began to take hold, June failed to produce any new scarce visitors, although there were a few more sightings of what was presumably the same Red Kite as had been seen at the end of May. The first Eurasian Hobby was finally seen on the 12th at Neumann’s Flash and a juvenile male Mandarin Duck took up residence on Budworth Mere from the 25th.
In comparison to June, July was surprisingly jam-packed with quality birds. With the continuing hot weather and drought-like conditions, the Witton Flashes began to lose water rapidly. Neumann’s Flash became a magnet for herons, with a Great White Egret arriving on 7th, joined by 2 Little Egrets from the 12th with 3 often present from the 18th. On the 14th, 3 Pied Avocets were at Budworth Mere and an outstanding count of 17 Little Ringed Plovers came from Neumann’s Flash. A female Garganey (that later moved to Neumann’s Flash) and a juvenile Black-necked Grebe were discovered at Budworth Mere on the 18th, the same day that a sub-adult Yellow- legged Gull first appeared at Neumann’s Flash (last seen at Budworth Mere on the 24th). Another Ruddy Turnstone was at Budworth Mere on 21st. Neumann’s Flash finished the month in fine form with a Ruddy Shelduck on the 22nd, what was the first of a set of regular sightings of a juvenile Western Marsh Harrier on the 23rd and a very early juvenile Black Tern on the 26th.
Great White Egrets, Neumann’s Flash © Greg Baker Little Egrets, Neumann’s Flash © Greg Baker
Juvenile Black-necked Grebe, Budworth Mere Juvenile Western Marsh Harrier, Neumann’s Flash © Greg Baker © Greg Baker
August began in much the same vein as July. At Neumann’s Flash the Little Egrets were still present until the 28th, and a second Great White Egret materialised alongside the original individual from the 9th to the 13th (with one until the 17th). 2 juveniles joined the female Garganey
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 5
from the 2nd to the 3rd with one remaining until the 4th, whilst the juvenile Western Marsh Harrier was last seen on the 18th. Nothing new emerged mid month but then a new eclipse male Garganey arrived at Neumann’s Flash from the 25th, and on the 28th a first winter female Common Redstart was found at Neumann’s Flash and a juvenile Black Tern was at Budworth Mere, remaining until the 30th.
In September, the drake Garganey was still at Neumann’s Flash until the 11th and one of the Great White Egrets re- th th First winter female Common Redstart appeared there on the 8 and 9 . September will be best Neumann’s Flash remembered though for a stunning three-day purple patch © Greg Baker earlier in the month. On the 4th, two juvenile Black Terns were at Budworth Mere and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Neumann’s Flash. The morning of the 5th kicked off a rather special day, with a Western Osprey over Carey Park, followed by an obliging Willow Tit (now a patch rarity) at Witton Mill Meadows, then probably best of all a Spotted Redshank on Neumann’s Flash and finally the year’s only Whinchat on Ashton’s Flash. None of these were present next day but instead Neumann’s Flash produced a juvenile Little Stint and a juvenile Wood Sandpiper. The stint stayed until the 10th and the sandpiper until the 21st. Even the 7th produced a treat, with the year’s only Tree Pipit at Witton Mill Meadows.
Juvenile Spotted Redshank, Neumann’s Flash © Greg Baker Juvenile Little Stint, Neumann’s Flash © Greg Baker
More was to come later in the month with 2 more juvenile Black Terns at Budworth Mere on the 18th (with one remaining until the 21st), and a juvenile Little Gull there on the 22nd, the same day than an impressive 338 Meadow Pipits passed over Wincham Mound.
After such an inspiring late summer and early autumn period, October was rather disappointing. Whooper Swans continued their strong showing with 4 at Dairy House Meadows on the 19th then moving to Budworth Mere where they stayed until the next day. 3 more were at Neumann’s Flash on the 25th with another (or one of th Juvenile Litte Gull the same) there on the 27 . A good count of 9 Common Budworth Mere, © Malc Curtin Goldeneye was made at Budworth Mere on 29th.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 6
November started well with an excellent sighting of a Common Firecrest briefly at Marbury Country Park on the 1st, and 2 separate Red Crossbills in flight there on the 2nd. The 2nd also saw a Yellow-legged Gull begin a short stay on Budworth Mere and one of the returning wintering Eurasian Bitterns was reported in flight at the Coward Reedbed. Two more Whooper Swans were at Budworth Mere on the 13th. The 15th was the day that the Western Cattle Egret made its Cattle Egret all too fleeting appearance on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Budworth Mere, © Trevor Davies Mere, and on the 16th a Grey Plover was seen circling the mere before heading off west. A visit to Higher Marston on the 23rd revealed at least 2 Tree Sparrows to be in residence by Marston Hall Farm, and they were still around to the end of the year.
Two Eurasian Bitterns were seen in the Coward Reedbed at Budworth Mere on the 2nd Dec but only one was seen subsequently and that didn’t become regularly visible until the end of the month. A significant Goosander influx aside, the only other notable records in December were of a build up of Little Egrets that peaked at 6 on the 15th.
General summary
Most of the commoner species had mixed fortunes at Marbury and Witton Flashes in 2018. Compared with recent years, spring migrants were somewhat late (and initially at least) thin on the ground. Mid March saw the first Sand Martins (13th) and Common Chiffchaffs (16th) but it was pretty quiet thereafter until the first Eurasian Blackcap was heard on 31st. April is traditionally the main month for arrivals and the first Barn Swallow was logged on 1st. Thereafter, arrival dates were Willow Warbler on 4th, Common House Martin on 6th, Eurasian Reed Warbler on 8th, Common Grasshopper Warbler on 12th, Common Sandpiper on 13th, Western Yellow Wagtail and Common Tern on 15th, Whimbrel (rare this year) on 17th, alba White Wagtail on 18th, Common Whitethroat on 19th, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Northern Wheatear (the only spring sighting) all on 21st, Garden Warbler on 22nd and finally Common Swift on 27th.
It was generally considered to have been only a modest year for hirundines with House Martins coping best. Some reasonable flocks of Swifts in the early summer boded well but early departures suggested breeding success at local colonies might have been low.
Eurasian Reed Warbler numbers seemed normal and Common Grasshopper Warbler most likely bred but other migrant warblers appeared to be present in lower than average numbers. The same cannot be said for Cetti’s Warbler, now a fairly common resident at the Witton Flashes following the discovery of one on New Year’s Eve in 2015. Cetti’s Warbler, Dairy House Meadows © Greg Baker Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 7
Amongst other summer visitors, it was good to have a few reports of Common Cuckoo and Common Tern sightings were about average but Eurasian Hobbys proved hard to come by and there was only one Spotted Flycatcher occupying territory for a couple of weeks.
Hawfinches may have dominated finch reports but that wasn't just because of their rarity value. Other species generally fared badly. Surprisingly given their general decline in recent years, European Greenfinch scored the highest finch flock of the year with 40 at Dairy House Meadows at the end of October. Eurasian Siskins and Lesser Redpolls were relatively scarce, there were no significant European Goldfinch flocks reported, and Bramblings were only reported occasionally. At least Common Linnets bred again this year.
The late autumn period witnessed an interesting assembly of avian pescivores at Budworth Mere, with many of them feeding off the Coward Reedbed. Some surprisingly high counts from November onwards included 56 Great Crested Grebes, 158 Great Cormorants, and a surge of Goosander numbers that reached 44 by the end of the year. Peak wildfowl counts included 53 Mute Swans (as usual in summer), 23 Common Shelduck, 140 Eurasian Wigeon, around 50 Northern Shoveler, up to 900 Common Teal, 114 Tufted Duck and 9 Common Goldeneye. Gadwall numbers were unexceptional whereas Northern Pintail and Common Pochard remain as uncommon visitors. Interestingly there were no Common Scoter records this year.
Amongst the wetland breeders, the success of Mallard, Common Coot, Water Rail and Little Grebe was apparent with numerous juveniles on view. The latter two somewhat surprising given it was such a poor year for the likes of Mute Swan (one pair, two cygnets) and Great Crested Grebe (at least 4 pairs with just one juvenile raised). The Grey Heron colony at Budworth Mere currently appears to have stabilised with an estimated 64 occupied nests. On the wader front, only one Northern Lapwing and one Little Ringed Plover chick were seen, whereas Eurasian Oystercatchers certainly failed again and Common Redshank may have attempted to nest but no young were observed. Black-headed Gulls also nested but all were rather quickly predated.
Wader passage is always much anticipated at M&WF but is very dependent on water levels, particularly at the Witton Flashes. A wet spring this year meant muddy edges were sparse and therefore with few attendees. Little Ringed Plovers struggled to find suitable habitat and there were only three sightings of Whimbrel, although up to 140 Black-tailed Godwits were around during May. A dry late summer and autumn provided adequate recompense. A fine scattering of scarcer species has already been covered in the monthly review above, but it was also a good year for Common Ringed Plover, Common Greenshank and Ruff. Numbers of Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers and Common Redshanks were about average whereas the traditional autumn movement of European Golden Plovers seems to be on the wane. There was only one count of more than 1000 Northern Lapwings this year and although some good totals of Eurasian Curlew and Common Snipe were reported, they both generally appear to be in decline.
Finally, the celebrated winter Common Starling murmurations were sporadic this year. There were some large gatherings at the Witton Flashes in January and February but from October onwards evidence suggested most have found safer haven elsewhere.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 8
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
The taxonomy of these species accounts follows version 7.3 of the IOC World Bird List (Gill and Donsker 2017) as adopted by the British Ornithological Union (BOU). The list of species includes Barnacle Goose, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Feral Pigeon, all of which may or may not be of feral origin. Without any direct evidence of them being escapes however they are included here as they are within the annual Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society (CAWOS) reports.
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
A resident throughout the year. Nesting was attempted on Ashton’s Flash, Neumann’s Flash and Haydn’s Pool but breeding success was low, with 6 goslings hatched on Haydn’s Pool and at least 2 small broods on Neumann’s Flash.
Up to 400 were on Kid Brook Fields and Budworth Mere throughout Jan but numbers then declined dramatically and there were no notable counts until c100 were back at Budworth Mere on 4th Aug. Large flocks are a regular feature in late summer and autumn but this year they were fewer in number, possibly due to low water levels on their favoured overnight roost at Neumann’s Flash. Here the highest count was of 560 on 29th Aug with 550 on 7th Sept. All other significant counts came from Budworth Mere and Kid Brook Fields, with 250+ on 22nd Aug, 360 on 6th Nov, 565 on 15th Nov increasing to a peak of 620 on 20th Nov, 600 on 10th Dec and 280 on 29th Dec.
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
This continues to be a scarce species, with contention over the true status of most seen at M&WF. The pair seen amongst the goose flock on Kid Brook Fields at the end of 2017 were still present on 1st Jan and were last seen on 30th Jan. 6 which dropped onto Budworth Mere during a snowstorm on 8th Mar were presumed migrants and of possibly truly wild status. 1 was also seen at Budworth Mere on 11th Apr and another was there from 26th to 28th Apr. There were no further records through to the end of the year.
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
Resident throughout the year, although there was no evidence of successful breeding in 2018. Around 50 were regularly feeding on Kid Brook Fields during Jan but thereafter there were no double figure counts until 19 were at Budworth Mere on 18th July. Numbers then built up to an impressive count of 260 at Budworth Mere on 7th Aug. The flock usually roosted at Neumann’s Flash with the highest count of 227 there on 29th Aug. By early autumn most had moved elsewhere, but 90 were back at Budworth Mere / Kid Brook Fields on 15th Nov with 127 there on 20th Nov and 100 on 30th Nov. There were no further significant counts at the end of the year with the main flock again appearing to have found safer or better feeding away from M&WF.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 9
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus
The 2 that were first seen in 2017 remained amongst the Canada Goose flock at Kid Brook Fields until 4th Jan, with a single in the same area on 15th Jan. Flocks were also noted passing overhead early in the year, with 10 heading north-west over Budworth Mere on 22nd Jan, 50 moving south over Marbury Country Park on 23rd Jan and 60 passing west over Dairy House Meadows on 4th Feb.
Autumn / early winter passage commenced with 3 west over Dairy House Meadows on 29th Oct, followed by 52 over Higher Marston on 24th Nov and finally separate flocks of 80 and c200 over Higher Marston on 25th Nov.
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
Present throughout the year, but the formerly healthy breeding population has seemingly been decimated due (it is believed) to predation by North American Mink. Successful breeding was therefore limited to the experienced resident pair at Budworth Mere, who again nested in the Coward Reedbed but raised only 2 cygnets. They both survived however and were still present with their parents at the end of the year.
The highest count early in the year was of 14 at Neumann’s Flash on 7th Jan with 13 around the Witton Flashes on 13th Mar with 19 in the same area on 4th Apr. There followed the usual early summer congregation of non-breeders and immatures on Neumann’s Flash, with 39 on the 17th May increasing to a peak of 53 on 21st June. Numbers then declined quite rapidly as water levels dropped with only 1 by 22nd Aug. The few that remained in the area moved to nearby Marston Pools, with up to 11 there to the year end with some occasionally venturing back to Neumann’s Flash. There were no double figure counts from Budworth Mere.
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
A good spate of records early in the year began with 4 flying over Neumann’s Flash on 6th Feb which were later relocated the same day on Budworth Mere. A flock of c50 heading north over Dairy House Meadows on 17th Mar must have been an amazing sight, and finally for the spring, a family party of 4 spent a few hours on Neumann’s Flash on the morning of 22nd Mar.
Seemingly part of a countrywide arrival in the autumn, 4 were found on the new scrapes on Dairy House Meadows on 19th Oct and were relocated at Budworth Mere later the same day, where they were still present on 20th. 3 were then found on Neumann’s Flash on 25th Oct, with 1 there on 27th Oct and the last of the year being 2 at Budworth Mere on 13th Nov.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 10
Whooper Swans, Neumann’s Flash, 22nd March 2018 © Greg Baker
EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus
1 present amongst the goose flock on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 17th Apr (DR) was the only record of the year, somewhat surprisingly given they now breed not far away at Tatton Park.
COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
Unusually present every month this year, as they are often absent from late autumn to early winter. 8 were at Budworth Mere on 1st Jan then 10 at Neumann’s Flash on 11th Jan with 23 there on 30th Jan being a notable count. The only other double figure counts early in the year were of 13 at Budworth Mere on 7th Feb and 16 across the Witton Flashes on 28th Mar. Small numbers continued to be seen into spring and summer, with the first evidence of successful breeding being two separate broods of 13 and 10 along with their parents on Budworth Mere on 11th June. Another brood of 3 was also there on 20th June. The juveniles subsequently seen at Neumann’s Flash from 20th July through to the end of Sept were presumed to have been from these broods. There were no further significant counts, with at least 3 present to the end of the year.
RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea
A presumed feral adult was on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 22nd July (PB). It may also have been present at Neumann’s Flash during the previous few days.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 11
MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata
A male was on Budworth Mere from 15th Feb to 28th Mar but proved elusive and was often not seen for days. What was possibly the same individual was seen again at Budworth Mere on Kid Brook Spit on 5th May. Another elusive individual was a juvenile male first seen on 25th June, again at Budworth Mere and usually at the west end. It became more easily viewable when it moved to the mere’s slipway area from 28th July and was last seen on 15th Aug. Finally, a male was at Budworth Mere on 17th Nov.
GARGANEY Anas querquedula
A reasonably good year began with a striking male at Neumann’s Flash from 14th to 16th May, favouring the area around Stilt Island. Return passage commenced with a female first seen on Budworth Mere on 18th July which then moved to Neumann’s Flash from 24th July and was joined by 2 juveniles from 2nd to 3rd Aug, with 1 juvenile still present to 4th Aug. An eclipse plumaged male was then at Neumann’s Flash from 25th Aug to 11h Sept.
Juvenile female Garganey, Neumann’s Flash, 2nd August 2018 © Greg Baker
NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Appears to becoming increasingly common. The year began well with 44 on Neumann’s Flash on 1st Jan with 54 there by 22nd Jan. Across the Witton Flashes c30 were present during Feb and c25 in Mar but with 41 counted there on 6th Apr (mainly on Neumann’s Flash). A pair remained on Neumann’s Flash into early June. Although there was no obvious sign of any attempted breeding, intriguingly only the male was seen from 4th to 26th June. Following the arrival of 12 onto the flash on 11th July, 2 juveniles were then seen on 12th July. This is an early date for migrant juveniles but it seems unlikely that they were raised at M&WF. A total of 7 were on Neumann’s Flash on 16th
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 12
July and small numbers were then seen daily until 14 were counted on 9th Sept and 28 by 14th Sept. Another decline followed until 35 were seen on 21st Nov and 42 on 25th Nov, with between 15-20 then around until the end of the year.
At Budworth Mere 4 were first seen on 22nd Jan, after which a few remained in the area until the end of Mar. 2 on 5th Sept were the first returnees, with no further sightings here until 2 on 22nd Oct increasing to 5 on 15th Nov. There then followed a significant influx with 38 counted on 19th Nov and up to 34 remaining until the end of the year. Interestingly they were actively feeding on the mere rather than simply loafing or roosting.
GADWALL Anas strepera
An unremarkable year for numbers generally and with no evidence of successful breeding. The Witton Flashes are the primary sites with counts of 13 on 23rd Jan, 20 on 16th Mar, 15 on 22nd Mar (including a partially leucistic individual), and 13 on 21st May. 30 had congregated on Neumann’s Flash by 11th June with 35 by the 15th but as water levels there dropped so did their numbers, with single figure counts until 21st Aug when 21 were present. Most again quickly moved on however 22 were counted on the 17th Sept and 16 on 20th Sept and 17 on 7th Oct. The only other sightings there were of 4 on 25th Nov and 2 on 4th Dec.
Generally scarce at Budworth Mere with 1 and never more than 2 seen occasionally in Mar, Apr, July, Aug, Nov and Dec.
EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope
In recent years this species has been appearing (often briefly) in large numbers at Neumann’s Flash. This year, 124 were present on 1st Jan, increasing to 140 by 6th Jan but only 15 there by 22nd Jan. 20 on 7th Feb was the only other double figure count. The last seen in spring at Neumann’s Flash were a presumed passage flock of 8 on 3rd Apr. During the early part of the year the only records from Budworth Mere were of 10 on 7th Jan, a female present from 7th to 9th Mar and another rather late female at Budworth Mere on 6th May.
6 at Neumann’s Flash from 6th to 13th July were a particularly early return passage flock. The first 2 juveniles arrived at Neumann’s Flash on 4th Sept. Thereafter there were occasional sightings of 1 or 2 eclipse males here, with flocks becoming more regular from 13th Oct when 10 were present, increasing to 40 on 27th Oct and then c100 on 30th Oct and 126 on 4th Nov. The majority of this flock quickly moved on however with low numbers remaining to the end of the year, with a peak of 20 on 22nd Dec.
At Budworth Mere, the first record on autumn passage was of a juvenile on 5th Sept. 13 on 29th Oct had presumably moved across from Neumann’s Flash, similarly the 11 that arrived from that direction on 14th Dec.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 13
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
An abundant resident during most months, though numbers this year were obviously affected by changing water levels at the Witton Flashes. Breeding success across all sites appeared to be very good although there was no definitive monitoring of the number of young produced. There were typically no significant counts during the first half of the year, with the first evidence of gathering post-breeding / moulting flocks being 97 on Neumann’s Flash on 15th June followed by 166 on 25th June and a peak of 258 on 16th July. A dramatic reduction then followed with only a few seen at Neumann’s Flash from mid Sept and then only occasional sightings until 9 appeared on 10th Dec.
Seen throughout the year at Budworth Mere with the usual late summer influx peaking at 360 on 6th Aug but already down to 160 by 8th Aug.
NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta
Generally uncommon during the winter and spring, so typical sightings were pairs on Neumann’s Flash on 28th Jan and 11th Mar plus a male on Budworth Mere on 25th Feb. Late summer and autumn passage was sporadic with the first being a single female or juvenile at Neumann’s Flash on 18th July, followed by 2 on 31st July, 1 on 14th Aug, a female on 11th Sept, a male on 25th Oct, a female on 27th Oct, and finally 1 on 4th Nov. A pair were at Budworth Mere on 29th Oct.
COMMON TEAL Anas crecca
Present during every month of the year. Although often abundant at Witton Flashes they remain relatively scarce at Marbury Country Park. With water levels high at Neumann’s Flash during the early part of the year, numbers were relatively low with c30 from 1st Jan to 22nd Mar (although 52 were counted on 30th Jan) after which many seemed to depart, with for example just 11 on 4th Apr. Up to 3 remained during May (including an obvious pair) but there was no evidence of breeding. 6 at Neumann’s Flash on 15th June were all moulting adults and preceded the bigger and more usual post breeding arrivals. On 3rd July, 51 were at the Witton Flashes (with 48 being on Ashton’s Flash), but they appeared to be on passage as thereafter only single figures were seen until 25 were on Neumann’s Flash on 4th Aug. This increased to c100 on 20th Aug, down to 74 on 18th Sept and 58 on 3rd Oct. An obvious influx occurred from the 24th Oct when 179 were at Neumann’s Flash and other high counts there included 168 on 21st Nov, 322 on 30th Nov, 534 on 10th Dec, 560 on 17th Dec and an impressive 900+ on 22nd Dec but just 350 on 30th Dec.
At Budworth Mere up to 8 were present from 7th Jan to 13th Mar, with 2 remaining to 3rd Apr and the last of the spring seen on 13th Apr. The first returning migrants here were 3 on the relatively early date of 21st June, with 1 or 2 often seen through to Oct but 5 on 25th Sept. Numbers are usually low on the mere, so 26 there on 29th Oct was an unusually high count (although Neumann’s Flash was largely frozen). 10 were seen on 30th Nov and up to 5 through to the end of the year.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 14
COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina
Generally uncommon and given the decline in the breeding populations that winter in the UK seemingly likely to remain so. 3 (2 males and 1 female) were on Budworth Mere on 7th Jan and again on 24th Jan, with 1 male then from 27th Jan to 7th Feb, although 5 birds were present on 30th Jan. 7 (5 males and 2 females) were there on 13th Mar, and a pair on 22nd Mar with just the male on 23rd Mar. At Neumann’s Flash, 3 were seen on 30th Jan and a male there on 21st Apr was the last reported in the first half of the year. 2 early returning migrant males were on Neumann’s Flash on 6th July joined by a female the next day, and a female was there from 16th to 18th July. A single individual was reported from Budworth Mere on 25th Aug, with a male on Neumann’s Flash on 31st Aug. 11 on Neumann’s Flash on 20th Oct was a notably high count but just a pair remained the next day. At Budworth Mere a male was seen on 28th Oct, followed by 3 males on 12th Nov, 2 males and a female on 16th Nov, then 2 males intermittently from 20th Nov to 4th Dec and then just 1 male occasionally to the end of the year.
Note: A presumed Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid was seen at Neumann’s Flash on 14th Mar and again on Budworth Mere on 22nd Mar.
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
The commonest diving duck at M&WF and usually resident on all the major water bodies. Normally a successful breeder, but there was little evidence of such in 2018. 20 or 30 are regularly seen outside of late spring and early summer at Budworth Mere. This year a late winter influx increased this resident flock to 64 on 7th Feb, down to 38 by 24th Feb. 35 were still present on 21st Apr but by late April through to the end of June no more than 10 were present at the mere. Numbers began to increase again in July with 26 by 24th, followed by a major and unexpected influx with 60 on 5th Sept, then 105 on 18th Sept increasing to 114 on 23rd Sept. It is not clear whether the majority of this flock had been disturbed from elsewhere or whether they were simply migrants, either way numbers quickly declined with only 16 by 2nd Oct. Another minor influx saw 48 counted on 20th Nov with more usual numbers of c30 through to the end of Dec.
Numbers were typically low around Witton Flashes early in the year until 38 were at Neumann’s Flash on 13th Mar (when many were displaying), 52 on 16th Mar and 46 on 27th Mar. 27 were still there on 21st Apr and 28 on 28th May with up 14 present though June until 23 were seen on 3rd July. A drop in numbers coinciding with a drop in water levels meant there were no further double figure counts here other than an anomalous 38 on 13th Oct that had presumably been disturbed from elsewhere.
GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila
A typically sparse set of sightings for this scarce species that is at best annual at M&WF. A first winter male initially found on Neumann’s Flash on 1st Jan (JG) moved to Budworth Mere later the same day and stayed until 4th Jan. Possibly the same (in more advanced plumage) or another first winter male was on Budworth Mere on 26th Mar (DB).
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 15
Second calendar year male Greater Scaup, Budworth Mere, 26th March 2018 © Malc Curtin
COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
A reasonably good year after a poor return in recent winters but nonetheless only recorded at Budworth Mere. A pair here that were present from the end of 2017 continued their residency at the start of the year (although 3 individuals were counted on 7th Jan) and were joined by an immature male during Feb. Thereafter, 5 (2 adult males, an immature male and 2 females) were recorded on 7th Mar with 3 females seen on 14th Mar, 4 (an adult male, an immature male and 2 females) on 25th Mar, 3 (1 of the females having departed) on 31st Mar and finally the immature male last seen on 6th Apr.
The second winter period commenced with an excellent count of 9 at Budworth Mere on 27th Oct, down to 3 on 29th Oct and then 2 first calendar year immatures on 6th Nov. 5 were seen on 20th Nov and 6 on 16th Dec, with at least 5 (3 adult males, 1 immature male and a female) present though to the end of the year.
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser
2018 proved to be a record breaking year for this formerly scarce visitor to the patch. Budworth Mere hosted regular flocks throughout the first winter period with 7 present from 1st Jan increasing to 9 on 19th Jan with similar figures through into Feb and early Mar (during which
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 16 period numbers fluctuated). 11 (including 3 adult males) on 9th Mar followed a period of very cold weather and increased to a peak of 12 on 20th Mar. Thereafter numbers began to decline with just 4 by the end of Mar and finally after the departure of a female, a single immature male from 4th to 28th Apr. No other sites produced records during this period.
Following a report of 6 at Witton Mill bridge in the middle of July, a female was on Neumann’s Flash on 15th July, with 3 there on 19th July and 1 on 4th Aug. The first returning to Budworth Mere were 4 on passage on 6th Aug. 3 were recorded flying over Carey Park on 16th Sept, with 1 on Neumann’s Flash on 7th Oct, and a female at Budworth Mere from 20th to 28th Oct. A male was back at Budworth Mere from 5th Nov joined by a female from 12th Nov. It wasn’t until 9th Dec when 11 were seen (and unusually including 6 males) that what was to turn into an unprecedented influx began. By 16th Dec 20 were present, increasing to 38 on 23rd Dec, and finally a remarkable count of 44 on 31st Dec. Many of those present were actively fishing and were probably attracted by a glut of small fish (see also Great Cormorant) and could often be seen flying off to the west at dusk to return at dawn. During this period a few were occasionally seen at Neumann’s Flash, including a pair on 12th Dec.
Male Goosanders, Budworth Mere, 10th December 2018 © Greg Baker
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa
1 heard calling from the fields by the outlet to Forge Brook at the east end of Budworth Mere on 13th Apr (GB) was the only record of the year. This has once again become a very rare species within the boundaries of the patch.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 17
COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
A fairly common resident in areas of farmland and rough grassland, the main sites being Higher Marston, the fields north of Budworth Mere and Haydn’s Pool. A female flushed from the country park path at Budworth Mere on 31st Mar was probably the most unusual sighting. There were no counts of more than 3 at any one site.
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
There were intermittent sightings of 1 at the east end of Budworth Mere from 7th Jan through to 13th Mar and 1 was at Neumann’s Flash on 30th Jan. A pair had returned to Haydn’s Pool by 11th Mar and to both Ashton’s Flash and Neumann’s Flash by 13th Mar. 7 were on Ashton’s Flash on 30th Mar and 2 separate territories had been established at Neumann’s Flash by 3rd Apr. By late spring the pair on Haydn’s Pool had deserted the site as water levels dropped whilst at Ashton’s Flash there appeared to be nesting pairs present but no evidence of any young raised. On Neumann’s Flash 2 pairs had raised a chick each by 20th June. Both these chicks fledged and by early July more adults and juveniles were arriving onto Neumann’s Flash from other sites, with 5 adults and 4 juveniles there by mid July. Further increases saw the first double figure count of 10 on 28th July, with 13 by the 4th Aug (including 6 juveniles) and a peak count of 16 on 20th to 21st Aug, still 12 on 29th Aug, and 11 on 9th Sept. Numbers then steadily decreased with the last seen at Neumann’s Flash on 25th Nov.
Following a spring and early summer absence, 2 juveniles arrived on Budworth Mere on 6th July, remaining until 16th July after which only 1 was seen through to 23rd July. The next sightings here were of an adult and juvenile on 15th Aug and possible the same on 27th Aug, 3 on 5th Sept and 4 on 20th Sept. 1 was then seen discontinuously from 2nd Nov (with 2 seen on 14th Dec) and was last seen on 17th Dec. The only other sightings at the end of the year away from the main sites were 4 on the River Weaver at Anderton Nature Park on 21st Oct and 1 also on the River Weaver near Carden’s Ferry Bridge on 26th Dec.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
There were relatively very low numbers early in the year on Budworth Mere with 10 on 22nd Jan but only 3 on 3rd Feb. There was a small increase to 11 on 7th Feb but numbers then fell away again and there were no further double figure counts until 18 were counted on 6th July following a degree of post-breeding dispersal.
1 was back at Neumann’s Flash as early as 19th Jan, joined by a second from 22nd Mar. 3 pairs had gathered there by 15th May and a total of 12 were present on 17th May. 2 pairs attempted to breed on Neumann’s Flash, a pair on Stilt Island that was predated and another by the North Island. This latter pair may have produced a single chick glimpsed on 7th June but not seen thereafter. By the end of June all had deserted the flash and the only subsequent records there were of 1 from 2nd to 3rd Oct.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 18
At Budworth Mere, 3 pairs attempted to nest in the floating vegetation at the west end. This area was formerly the stronghold for this species but mink predation and ever more severe summer storms have taken their toll. Of the 3 nests visible on 27th June only 1 remained by 6th July. This nesting pair managed to hatch 2 chicks by 10th Aug, only 1 of which survived beyond the end of Aug. This single juvenile endured through to the end of the year.
Elsewhere, 4 juveniles seen at Marston Pools on 18th June had presumably hatched there, but only 1 was present by 23rd July. At least 1 adult also spent the summer on the River Weaver around Carden’s Ferry Bridge but there were no reports of any breeding activity.
Adults and juveniles typically move to and join the resident population at Budworth Mere post- breeding. Numbers here had increased to 29 by 29th Aug, up to 35 by 23rd Sept, then 43 on 29th Oct and 56 on 15th Nov. This increase probably had much to do with good feeding opportunities that also attracted other fish eating specialists (see Goosander and Great Cormorant). 54 were still present on 30th Nov but a decline from early Dec saw only 26 counted on 31st Dec. The mild weather at the end of the year meant that some pairs had begun displaying at the mere from early Dec.
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis
Despite the relative proximity of the breeding colony at Woolston Eyes, this species remains only an occasional visitor to M&WF. Typically there was only one individual recorded this year, a juvenile (presumably from Woolston) discovered at the west end of Budworth Mere on 18th July (GB) and seen again off Kid Brook Spit on 20th July (GB).
EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris
The individual seen at the end of 2017 proved elusive at the start of the year and was not reported from the Coward Reedbed at Budworth Mere until 23rd Jan. It was then seen well at dusk on 5th Feb joined by a second individual the next evening. Up to 2 were then seen intermittently until 11th Mar with the last sighting being of 1 on 15th Mar.
In the second winter period, the first report was of 1 in flight at the Coward Reedbed on 2nd Nov but there were no further reports until 22nd Nov from when 1 was seen daily until the 26th Nov. 2 were seen on 2nd Dec but not subsequently. 1 then became more regular as it roosted in the reedbed from 16th Dec and seen daily from 22nd Dec to 31st Dec.
WESTERN CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
1 seen and photographed on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 15th Nov (TD) was the first ever for M&WF, but unfortunately it only stayed briefly before flying off north.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 19
Eurasian Bittern, Budworth Mere, January 2018 © David Bedford
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
Generally common but most abundant around Budworth Mere. From 2001 until 2009 the heronry here was one of the largest in the United Kingdom but declined substantially from 127 nests in 2010 to just 64 in 2015. The official BTO census in 2018 again recorded 64 apparently occupied nests, following a small increase noted in 2016 (71) and 2017 (69). Given the census will never be precise, it would appear that the number of nesting pairs at the colony is currently stable.
Given this breeding population it is surprising how low counts are around the patch. Up to 5 could regularly be seen around the mere in the early part of the year, with a high count of 10 on 30th Jan. There were no more than 1 or 2 usually around the Witton Flashes. 10+ were at Budworth Mere on 19th June, with 7 at Neumann’s Flash and 3 at Ashton’s Flash on 26th June. The Neumann’s Flash gathering increased to 8 by 24th July and 11 on 31st July with at least 5 still present in early Aug and 6 on 5th Sept. The only other notable count at the flashes was of 5 at Neumann’s Flash on 24th Oct. Numbers remained unremarkable at Budworth Mere given the presence of the heronry, with no more than 5 seen in late summer and autumn. 4 were feeding in the Coward Reedbed on 19th Nov, presumably attracted to the same fish stock that was pulling in other species during the same period. Following 10 counted at the mere on 17th Dec, 20 were present around the heronry on 24th Dec with 11 there on the 29th.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 20
GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba
As has already occurred with Little Egret, this species seems destined to lose its rarity status at M&WF. Most patch birders assumed they had missed the boat for 2018 when 1 found on Ashton’s Flash on 17th May (AB) departed soon after news was released. Thankfully another was found on Neumann’s Flash on 7th July (DH, VL) that stayed until it was surprisingly joined by a second individual from 9th to 13th Aug (MJ) after which only 1 remained until last seen on 17th Aug. One that re-appeared on Neumann’s Flash from 8th to 9th Sept (JS) looked to be the same individual that had originally arrived in July.
Great White Egret, Neumann’s Flash, 1st August 2018 © Greg Baker
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
Given this species’ progressively common status, 2 flying over Marbury Country Park towards Comberbach on 11th Mar were surprisingly the only sightings in the first half of the year. The now seemingly annual arrival in mid summer (presumably following post-breeding dispersals from elsewhere) commenced with 2 at Neumann’s Flash from 12th July, increasing to 3 irregularly from 18th July to 22nd Aug, with 2 last seen on 28th Aug. A single individual was also at 1 Neumann’s Flash on 13th Sept. Budworth Mere then became the centre of attention, with 1 from 6 Nov, 2 from 30th Nov and then 6 on 15th Dec, with 2 last seen on 17th Dec. 1 was also seen on Neumann’s Flash on 27th Nov.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 21
GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Recorded every month but much more numerous during the winter months. Budworth Mere is the stronghold, with the only notable counts from elsewhere being 7 together over Neumann’s Flash on 23rd July and 8 over Carey Park on 10th Oct. At Budworth Mere the highest counts in the early months were 15 on 19th Jan and 17 on 13th Feb. By the end of May only 1 or 2 were present until 5 were counted on 18th July. 14 on 1st Nov were the first signs of a major arrival, probably instigated by a glut of fish, particularly at the west end of the mere. 36 on 12th Nov increased to 122 on 15th Nov, and then a phenomenal 158 on 30th Nov. Following that peak, fewer remained through to the end of the year, with 52 on 10th Dec down to 28 on 31st Dec.
Note: Many of those that could be identified to race during the Nov influx appeared to be of the Continental form sinensis, although coordinated counts were difficult due to their mobility.
WESTERN OSPREY
Predictably the only two records were of individuals on passage. 1 was seen circling over Budworth Mere around midday on 4th Apr before heading off to the north-east (JM) and 1 was observed flying over Carey Park on 5th Sept (JG).
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
An uncommon resident with possibly 2 or 3 pairs breeding, although there were no reports of males or females displaying. Individuals are regularly recorded across the patch and the only report of more than two was of 3 together over Budworth Mere on 22nd Aug, considered to be a male, female and juvenile. Up to 2 females regularly attended the Common Starling roosts at Budworth Mere from mid Oct onwards. The only other reports of note were of 1 carrying a recently caught Blue Tit over Neumann’s Flash on 10th May, 2 in a territorial dispute over Neumann’s Flash on 21st Sept and 2 heading purposefully west over Marbury Country Park on 16th Oct and considered to be actively migrating.
WESTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
Following unconfirmed reports of a female at Neumann’s Flash in mid May, a juvenile was first seen at Neumann’s Flash on 23rd July (MJ), with the same individual seen again there (also sometimes on Ashton’s Flash) on 25th July, 3rd and 4th Aug and last seen on 18th Aug.
RED KITE Milvus milvus
All records possibly relate to the same individual that was also apparently regularly seen further north of the patch. The first record was of 1 over fields west of the Moorings at Anderton Nature Park on 28th May (GB), followed by 1 heading over Comberbach towards Budworth Mere on 13th
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 22
June and again on 24th June (both MC). 1 was also reported heading over Neumann’s Flash towards Haydn’s Pool on 30th June.
Red Kite, Anderton, 28th May 2018 © Greg Baker
COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
This is by far the commonest raptor on and around the patch, with 4-5 pairs breeding either within the patch boundaries or adjacent to them. There were relatively few however recorded early in the year, with a maximum of 3 at the Witton Flashes on 23rd Jan. Of 5 seen at Marbury Country Park on 9th Mar, at least two were displaying and 3 were displaying at the Witton Flashes with 2 more at Marbury Country Park on 16th Mar. There is usually a build-up of numbers in early spring and 7 were at the Witton Flashes on 23rd Mar and 8 on 6th Apr plus 6 at Marbury Country Park on 26th May. 1 was seen to catch either a juvenile Coot or Moorhen on Stilt Island at Neumann’s Flash on 5th June. There was no confirmed evidence of breeding but juveniles were certainly apparent from late June onwards.
Post breeding, 5 were over the north side of Budworth Mere on 3rd Aug and the year’s highest count of 10 were around the Witton Flashes on 20th Aug (5 of which were at Ashton’s Flash). The only other significant count was of 5 at the Witton Flashes on 18th Sept. 1 became a regular feature on Ashton’s Flash from early Oct to the end of the year.
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
An increasing number of sightings (and particularly of juveniles) suggest the fortunes of this species continue to prosper at M&WF. During the winter months, individuals can regularly be heard calling from the Coward Reedbed, along Witton Brook (including the Forge Brook confluence and Butterfinch Bridge) and at Neumann’s Flash. 1 often showed very well at the
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 23 overflow behind Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on various dates between 25th Jan to 4th Apr and again from early Dec to the end of the year.
In early spring, up to 3 were calling at Neumann’s Flash from 11th to 23rd Mar. The first heard at Ashton’s Flash was on 4th Apr. At least 3 were calling from the south-west corner of Neumann’s Flash on 23rd May. The first heard on Haydn’s Pool (as opposed to the nearby river) was on 11th June but there was no evidence of breeding here. A probable juvenile was at Ashton’s Flash on 26th June and it seems that at least 2 and possibly 3 pairs bred successfully at Neumann’s Flash. The first two juveniles were seen separately there on 26th June. Sightings then became regular (particularly as water levels dropped) as they appeared on open mud by the reed edges. A juvenile became particularly tame in front of Pod’s Hide from early Aug and remained visible (but less regularly so) through to the end of the year. A high count of 5 juveniles were seen at Neumann’s Flash on 13th July. 5 individuals there on 6th Aug included at least 3 juveniles. 6 (4 adults and 2 juveniles) were seen on 25th Aug with 5 un-aged on 7th Sept, plus another calling near Butterfinch Bridge on the same date.
Those at the Coward Reedbed at Budworth Mere are presumed to be a wintering rather than breeding population, as the last were heard there on 3rd Apr and not again until 20th Oct. From Nov onwards, at least 8 were estimated to be wintering on the patch, with 6 around the Witton Flashes and 2 at the Coward Reedbed.
Juvenile Water Rail, Neumann’s Flash, 19th August 2018 © Greg Baker
COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
A common resident and successful breeder but significantly under recorded. The only counts of 5 or more at any site were 5 at Budworth Mere on 22nd Jan and 13th Feb, and 6 at Neumann’s Flash on 16th June, followed by 9 there on 11th July, 14 from 8th Aug, high counts of up to 15 from 14th Sept to 7th Oct, 8 on 26th Oct and 9 on 16th Nov. Chicks were seen at Neumann’s Flash from 4th June onwards. Up to 6 individuals were at Budworth Mere from early Nov to the end Dec.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 24
EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
A common resident, with the largest flocks in winter and post-breeding. There is also a healthy breeding population.
Significant counts at Budworth Mere were 136 on 5th Jan with 170 by 19th Jan and 126 still by 13th Feb. This flock then dispersed to breeding territories with just 54 by 20th Mar and c10 by 26th May. The first chicks were seen there on 20th June when a total of 90 (mostly adults) were present. 130 had returned by 8th Aug with 146 on 25th Sept and even larger flocks by the end of the year, with for example 180 on 20th Nov and c220 from 30th Nov to the end Dec.
At the Witton Flashes, 138 were counted on 19th Jan down to 102 by 13th Feb and 70 by 16th Mar by which time the first nests were observed. Chicks were seen from 12th May and with healthy broods including 6 and 4 separately at Haydn’s Pool on 23rd May. Post-breeding flocks accumulated on Neumann’s Flash with 98 on 20th June and 106 on 4th Aug. As water levels here continued to lower so these flocks moved on, with 1 seen on 18th Sept being surprisingly the last seen there until 6 returned on 30th Dec.
EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Returning breeders often return in the late winter but 1 at Budworth Mere on 30th Jan was particularly early. 2 were around the mere by 22nd Feb and up to 4 there from 25th Feb to 18th Mar. There were then 2 or 3 present through to mid June but although previous breeding territories seemed to be occupied there was no evidence of any young being raised. Sightings thereafter became less regular and the last record here was of 2 on 8th Aug.
The first returning birds were back at Haydn’s Pool on 17th Feb with a pair mating there next day. Although 2 were still present on 11th Apr there appeared to be no breeding attempts. 1 seen on 23rd May was not only the first seen there for a while but also the last there of the year.
Rather scarce this year at Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes (with no breeding apparently attempted) with a maximum of 3 on 5th June and again from 4th to 6th July and on 13th July. The last record anywhere on the patch was of 2 on Neumann’s Flash on 4th Aug.
PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
With breeding flocks now established elsewhere in Cheshire, it is expected that this will become an increasingly regular visitor (and potential breeder) at M&WF. This remained a typical year of just three sightings nonetheless, with the first record being what appeared to be a first calendar year immature found on Haydn’s Pool on 17th May (SO), followed by 2 at Stilt Island on Neumann’s Flash on 28th May (GB), and finally an adult and 2 juveniles on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 14th July (JG).
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 25
Second calendar year Pied Avocet, Haydn’s Pool, 17th May 2018 © Greg Baker
NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
A common autumn and winter visitor with a few pairs usually attempting to breed on Ashton’s Flash, Neumann’s Flash and Haydn’s Pool.
The only sizeable flock at the start of the year was c250 at Budworth Mere from 19th to 22nd Jan. 3 or 4 territories were established on Ashton’s Flash as early as 13th Mar but breeding pairs here typically suffer heavy predation from corvids and mammals and no young were reported. 2 pairs were nesting on Stilt Island at Neumann’s Flash by 23rd May but both nests were predated. There was no evidence of any attempted nesting at Haydn’s Pool. By 4th June non-breeders had begun to assemble on Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes, with 39 mainly at the latter on 19th June. On 13th July a well grown chick was seen on Neumann’s Flash, the only one seen across the whole patch in 2018. As post-breeders began to join the non-breeders the flocks on Neumann’s Flash increased substantially with 655 on 25th Aug, 753 on 13th Sept, 825 on 14th Sept, and a peak of 1040 on 17th Sept. Other high counts after that included 600 on 1st Oct, 380 on 16th Oct, 830 on 16th Nov, 380 on 30th Nov and c1000 from 22nd to 30th Dec. From the end of Oct, between 50 and 100 could often be seen at Budworth Mere, whilst the larger flocks seen at Neumann’s Flash would also sometimes be seen in flight or in the fields at Higher Marston.
EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
Normally a passage visitor in autumn and early winter (but becoming less regular), however given the flock wintering at nearby Rudheath, the sighting of 110 over the fields at Higher Marston on 7th Feb was surprisingly the only record in the first half of the year.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 26
1 over Carey Park on 5th Sept heralded the start of autumn passage and another flew west over there on 24th Sept. Meanwhile, 2 appeared amongst the Lapwing flock at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Sept, with just 1 on the 23rd. 1 was also at Neumann’s Flash on 1st Oct, with 2 on 3rd Oct, and 1 on 14th Oct, with the only sizeable flocks being a high count of 65 on 16th Nov and 23 on 17th Nov. With mild conditions prevailing, 1 was at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Dec plus a good count of 19 on 30th Dec.
GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola
A scarce, less than annual migrant and normally recorded in spring, so 1 that circled Budworth Mere a few times before heading off west on 16th Nov (GB) was both late and highly unexpected.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula
A common migrant in the past, this species can be tricky to find on the patch nowadays but 2018 proved to be a good year. The first was seen at Neumann’s Flash from 28th to 30th May, with another at Ashton’s Flash on 21st June. Autumn passage was confined to Neumann’s Flash and commenced with 2 on 24th July, then 3 on 30th July down to 1 from 31st July to 2nd Aug, 1 on 14th Aug, 5 on 21 Aug, 4 on 24 Aug, and 5 again (including a juvenile) on 27 Aug. 2 were then present from 29 Aug until 8th Sept, one of which only had one leg. 2 juveniles joined the unimpaired adult on 9th Sept, with one of the juveniles having departed by the 10th. The last sighting was of a single juvenile on 20th Sept.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
As has been the case in more recent years, this was a poor spring for this species at M&WF. The first record was of 1 at Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on the relatively late date of 12th Apr, with presumably the same individual also seen on 21st and 26th Apr. 2 were present there on 1st May, the same date when they first arrived at the Witton Flashes with 1 on Ashton’s Flash. Singles were then at Neumann’s Flash and Ashton’s Flash from 15th May onwards with pairs present on each flash by 26th May. 1 had also been at Budworth Mere on 23rd May and 3 on Haydn’s Pool on 25th May.
Single pairs observed nesting on Stilt Island on Neumann’s Flash and also on Ashton’s Flash were both predated. One pair however at an unknown site on Ashton’s Flash did manage to succeed in raising one chick that was seen on 5th July.
As opposed to the poor spring, late summer and autumn passage was considerably better than in recent years. A post-breeding gathering of 6 on Neumann’s Flash on 26th June included a juvenile, however its origins are unknown (but possibly the now grown chick from Ashton’s). At Ashton’s Flash an adult and 2 juveniles were present on 9th July and an excellent total of 11 were seen on 4th July. Over at Neumann’s Flash, 4 on 8th July increased to 9 from 11th July, followed by a significantly high count of 17 on 14th July. Most of these were presumably on active migration as there were only 6 on 16th July, then 3 from 18th July to 1st Aug, reducing to one or two during most
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 27 of Aug. A single juvenile was at Haydn’s Pool on 6th Aug. 3 juveniles at Neumann’s Flash from 31st Aug had reduced to 2 from 7th to 10th Sept, which proved to be the last of the year.
Away from the flashes, 2 were on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 27th June, with 1 on 21st July and 2 on 23rd July.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
Probably as a result of high water levels during the main spring passage period, this was poor year. There were only 3 reports, the first being at the flood to the southeast of Budworth Mere on 17th Apr, then 1 over Ashton’s Flash on 28th Apr, and finally 1 which resorted to perching on a fence post at Ashton’s Flash on 2nd May.
EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata
Recorded in every month apart from May, however numbers appear to be in decline albeit with some large flocks still often on show. These flocks usually roost on either Neumann’s or Ashton’s Flashes and feed during the day around Higher Marston, on Kid Brook Fields at Budworth Mere, or away from the patch.
66 were around Budworth Mere on 19th Jan with there 82 on 30th Jan. 74 were still present by 24th Feb down to 42 by 16th Mar. There were no significant counts from the Witton Flashes early in the year until 40 were on Ashton’s Flash on 2nd Apr. The last seen in the spring were 25 by Budworth Mere on 13th Apr.
Return passage and/or the arrival of non-breeders commenced with 12 at Budworth Mere and 3 on Ashton’s Flash on 26th June. 54 were feeding on Kid Brook fields behind the mere by 22nd July. Roosts began to be seen more regularly at Neumann’s Flash from mid July with 71 on 25th July and 90 on 2nd Aug with thereafter up to 75 roosting here or on Ashton’s Flash during the rest of Aug. There was a slight decline in Sept but a resurgence was evident later that month with 66 at Neumann’s Flash by 1st Oct followed by an excellent peak count of 160 on 25th Oct and still 126 on 4th Nov. From Nov onwards fairly large flocks gathered to feed by Budworth Mere with high counts of 73 on 6th Nov, 85+ on 20th Nov and 56 on 29th Dec.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa
Migrant flocks often remain for long periods around the Witton Flashes if conditions are right, as was the case this year. A flock of 53 that arrived at Neumann’s Flash on 10th May had increased to c70 by 13th May. They then moved the short distance to Haydn’ Pool where 88 were seen on 15th May with up to c100 on 16th May. This flock then became rather mobile, often disappearing from the area, with for example only 3 on Haydn’s Pool by 21st May but then 110 on 23rd May up to a peak count of 140 on 25th May. The last count of this spring flock was of c100 on Ashton’s Flash on 29th May.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 28
After an absence for most of June, 9 were back on Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes on 30th. 33 were then at Neumann’s Flash from 5th to 8th July, down to 8 by 23rd July and then 2 regularly after 1st Aug, with up to 3 from 8th to 31st Aug, and then 6 on 3rd Sept. A juvenile was present at Neumann’s Flash intermittently from 4th Sept onwards and was last seen on 20th Oct, sometimes also being seen at Budworth Mere. 6 were at Neumann’s Flash on 29th Sept.
The first of the year at Budworth Mere were 2 on 21st July. 1 was then found amongst the Eurasian Curlew flock from 20th Oct, with 2 then present from 29th Oct through to 10th Dec, with 3 reported on 4th Nov. The two regular birds could also sometimes be seen at Neumann’s Flash.
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Traditionally an occasional passage migrant, there were two records this year; a breeding plumaged adult on Neumann’s Flash on 24th May (JJ) and rather more surprisingly, 1 on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 21st July (DB).
RED KNOT Calidris canutus
A welcome outcome of the arrival of the “Beast From the East” weather pattern was 1 found on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 3rd Mar (DB).
RUFF Calidris pugnax
Part of a cold weather system arrival of waders (see Red Knot and Dunlin), 1 was at Budworth Mere on 3rd Mar and was joined by a second the next day, with both present until 6th Mar and 1 remaining until 7th Mar. They often ranged between Kid Brook Spit and the flooded fields southeast of the mere.
Low water levels at Neumann’s Flash assisted a reasonable autumn passage. 2 moulting males were in residence from 3rd to 4th July, with single individuals reported on 14th Aug and 4th Sept. A male was then present from 12th to 26th Sept, joined by 2 juveniles from 27th to 29th Sept. A single was reported on 2nd Oct with 2 present from 3rd to 8th Oct.
Finally, 1 was at Higher Marston on the unusual date of 24th Nov.
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
A notable 13 on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 3rd Mar arrived with a cold weather system and proved to be the highest count of the year. 6 were still present the next day but just 1 by 5th Mar. 1 at Kid Brook Spit on 21st Apr was the only record during the traditional spring passage period, with no records at all from the Witton Flashes.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 29
Late enough to be deemed a returning passage individual, an adult was at Neumann’s Flash on 21st June. Adults were also seen at Budworth Mere on 20th July and at Neumann’s Flash on 24th July. Juveniles were first seen at Neumann’s Flash daily from early Aug with a peak of 6 on 22nd Aug, down to 2 by 31st Aug, then back up to 5 on 8th Sept, 4 by 19th Sept and then just 1 from 20th Sept seen regularly (but not daily) right through to its last sighting on 22nd Oct.
LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta
Despite a reasonable autumn passage regionally, the only record of the year was of a juvenile found on Neumann’s Flash on 6th Sept (LO-H) that remained until 10th Sept.
EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
As with Jack Snipe, this is a difficult species to accurately census, with most birders only searching them out early in the year. A spread of records during Jan and Feb suggested at least 6 were present on the patch, with presumably many more tucked away in even more inaccessible locations. There were no further reports after Feb.
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
This is a difficult species to census without causing disturbance, and is probably much commoner during the winter months and on passage than records suggest. The regular haunt of Ashton’s Flash produced 2 on 6th and 7th Jan, 1 on 11th Jan and 2 again on 8th Feb. 1 was also at Dairy House Meadows on 7th Feb. Towards the end of the year, 2 were on Ashton’s Flash on 4th Nov.
COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
Counts of 80+ on Ashton’s Flash on 1st Jan, plus 60 on Ashton’s Flash and 50 more on Neumann’s Flash on 7th Jan were outstanding totals and far exceeded anything recorded during the rest of the year. 22 were seen flying off of Ashton’s Flash onto Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Jan. Small numbers were present on the flooded fields southeast of Budworth Mere in early Mar with 9 there on 7th. There were no further sightings at any other site until 1 was on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on the relatively early return date of 2nd July, with 2 there on 21st July. All further records to the end of the year were from Neumann’s Flash, with 2 from 8th July, 10 on 21st Aug, 20+ on 4th Sept, and 8 on 5th Sept. A few were then seen fairly frequently around the flash margins with 5 on 21st Nov and the last sightings being 3 on 28th Dec.
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
A common passage migrant at Budworth Mere and the Witton Flashes, initial sightings were at the traditional site of Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere, starting with 1 on 13th Apr, with up to 2 there from 16th to 28th Apr and 3 on 29th Apr. The next sightings were not until the 10th May when 1 was
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 30 at Kid Brook Spit and 2 more at Neumann’s Flash, which also proved to be the last of the spring passage.
Late summer and autumn passage commenced with 3 at Neumann’s Flash on 26th June. The next observation was of 4 on Kid Brook Spit on 13th July, with 1 there on 18th July, and 2 intermittently from 20th July to 4th Aug. 1 was on Neumann’s Flash from 8th to 14th July, with 2 irregularly from 20th July to 6th Aug. A high count of 6 were at Neumann’s Flash on 20th Aug, but surprisingly there were then none until 1 (and the last of the year) was seen there on 6th Sept.
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus
A wintering individual was recorded regularly in the Budworth Mere area from 1st Jan to 31st Mar. What may have been the same individual was seen at Haydn’s Pool on 18th Feb and again on 23rd Mar. 3 were at the flood to the southeast of Budworth Mere on 5th Apr, with 2 at Haydn’s Pool on 7th Apr and 1 there on 9th Apr. Other spring sightings were of 1 at Budworth Mere on 15th Apr and again on 22nd Apr. May was the only month with no reports.
Return passage of this species is always early (presumably failed or non-breeders) and 2 were on Ashton’s Flash on 7th June, with probably the same two (they are very mobile at the flashes) at Haydn’s Pool from 9th to 11th June. 1 was at Ashton’s Flash on 15th June, and 2 were there on 26th June when there were also 3 on Haydn’s Pool and 3 on Neumann’s Flash. It’s difficult to know whether just 3 or 8 individuals were involved. 3 on Ashton’s Flash on 3rd July were the last seen late summer as conditions dried up, with sightings being centred on Haydn’s Pool and Neumann’s Flash. Haydn’s Pool is traditionally the main site, and 4 on 4th July increased to 7 on 8th July, with 5 on 9th July, 4 from 16th to 19th July and 3 on 3rd Aug, with 1 on 6th Aug. The pool also then dried up, relinquishing its prime site status to Neumann’s Flash.
Up to 3 were at Neumann’s Flash from 12th July, with 4 from 6th to 20th Aug followed by a peak of 8 on 21st Aug but only 2 seen from 22nd Aug. Only 1 remained by 6th Sept, with the last sightings there being 1 on 13th Sept and 1 on 27th Sept. During this period, 1 was at Witton Mill Bridge on 22nd Aug. Following heavy rains, 1 was back on Haydn’s Pool on 24th Sept. 1 was seen flying over Ashton’s Flash on 19th Oct and again on 4th Nov. Meanwhile, 1 was at Budworth Mere on 22nd Oct. 1 flew over Marbury Lane near Haydn’s Pool on 16th Nov, and 2 were found at Haydn’s Pool on 9th Dec with 1 still present on 10th Dec.
COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus
A fairly common visitor from spring through to late autumn, with at least one pair usually staying on to breed. 1 on the flooded fields southeast of Budworth Mere on 6th Mar was the first of the year, followed by 1 on nearby Kid Brook Spit on 24th Mar and the same or another there on 7th Apr. 3 seen displaying on Ashton’s Flash on 18th Apr suggested a territorial attachment, and although often apparently absent for long periods, a pair were seen and heard there through to 6th June. They may have nested but there was no clear evidence of any young being raised.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 31
Elsewhere, 1 was at Budworth Mere on 28th May, 1 on Haydn’s Pool on 1st June and 2 on Neumann’s Flash from 30th June through to 5th July. These latter records probably related to the birds seen previously at Ashton’s Flash. Intriguingly, 3 juveniles at Neumann’s Flash on 6th July could possibly have also come from Ashton’s Flash, although they may just as easily have arrived here from elsewhere in the region. Other records from Neumann’s Flash were singles on 8th and 17th July, a peak count of 7 on 21st July, 2 on 5th Aug, 1 discontinuously between 6th and 14th Aug, 3 on 20th Aug, and 2 juveniles on 26 Aug. There then followed an absence before 1 was seen from 7th to 8th Oct, 1 on 16th Oct and finally 1 on 16th Nov. Over at Budworth Mere, 1 was on Kid Brook Spit on 14th July and another on 12th Sept.
WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola
A scarce but usually annual passage migrant, 2 were at Neumann’s Flash on 14th May (MC) and a juvenile at the same site from 6th to 21st Sept (GB).
Juvenile Wood Sandpiper, Neumann’s Flash, 6th September 2018 © Greg Baker
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus
A very occasional migrant, so the juvenile found on Neumann’s Flash on 5th Sept was much appreciated.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 32
COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
The first of the year was on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 14th Apr, followed by 1 at Ashton’s Flash on 17th May which later moved to Haydn’s Pool where it stayed until 20th May.
An above average late summer and autumn period of passage and centred on Neumann’s Flash began with 1 there on 28th June, with 2 on 2nd July and 1 on 9th July. 1 seen daily from 12th Aug was joined by a second from 18th Aug and then a third from 21st to 22nd Aug. 2 were last seen on 29th Aug when they were calling continuously, presumably a prelude to their departure. Finally, 1 was on Neumann’s Flash on 9th Sept.
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
A local rarity, a second calendar year immature still in first winter plumage was found on Budworth Mere on 23rd Mar (GB) and seemed to have moved on later the same day, however what seemed to be the same individual reappeared there from 29th to 30th Mar (DR, VL).
Second calendar year Black-legged Kittiwake, Budworth Mere, 23rd March 2018 © Greg Baker
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BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus
An abundant resident throughout the year, with in recent years pairs attempting to breed at the Witton Flashes. There were no very large roost counts this year, although c1000 were estimated to have been roosting at Neumann’s Flash in early Sept. The only other notable counts were of 120 at Budworth Mere and a further 50 at Neumann’s Flash on 7th Jan, 120 and 60 at the same sites on 24th Feb, 270 at Neumann’s Flash on 7th July, 200 at Budworth Mere on 20th July with 190 there on 4th Aug, 170 at Neumann’s Flash on 7th Oct and 200 at Budworth Mere and 150 at Neumann’s Flash on 30th Dec.
A few pairs attempted to nest at Haydn’s Pool and at Stilt Island on Neumann’s Flash but all were either predated or the adults deserted. The first juveniles of the year (presumably from either of the relatively nearby Cheshire colonies at Woolston Eyes and Blakemere Moss) were of 2 on Ashton’s Flash and 1 on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 19th June.
LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus
A typical year for this occasional migrant, with a spring adult at Budworth Mere on 15th Apr (HF) and an autumn juvenile, also on Budworth Mere, on 22nd Sept (LO-H).
MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
Not a classic year, this species proved difficult to catch up with for many in 2018. The first sighting was of 2 at Budworth Mere on 19 Mar, after which 2 flew south over Dairy House Meadows on 21st Mar and at least 1 passed over Big Wood on 31st Mar. 1 at Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes on 1st Apr, an adult at Ashton’s Flash on 10th, 11th and 14th Apr, and 2 adults on Kid Brook Spit on 12th Apr were all short stayers. They usually become more regular as they join the Black-headed Gull flocks roosting on the patch having departed their local breeding territories. This year however post-breeding sightings were restricted to an adult on Ashton’s Flash on 2nd July, a juvenile at Budworth Mere on 20th and 23rd July, and the same juvenile at Neumann’s Flash on 26th and 28th July.
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Neumann’s Flash, 28th July 2018 © Greg Baker
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COMMON GULL Larus canus
Small numbers were present early in the year (no more than 15 on any one date), with the usual surge during passage in Mar peaking at 54 on Budworth Mere on 22nd Mar. The last seen during spring was a lone individual on Neumann’s Flash on 2nd May. The first adult was back on Neumann’s Flash on 4th July and the first juvenile also seen there on 12th July. The highest count in the second half of the year was of 26 at Budworth Mere on 26th Oct with 25 also there on 28th Dec.
Note: an immature in first winter type plumage found on Budworth Mere on 5th Apr (GB) showed mixed characteristics consistent with a hybrid Mediterranean x Common Gull
Second calendar year gull showing characteristics of Mediterranean x Common Gull Budworth Mere, 5th April 2018 © Greg Baker
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus
Recorded every month of the year apart from Aug and Oct, the majority of sightings being from Budworth Mere where a few regularly loiter. 5 were here on 5th Feb, which turned out to be the highest count of the year. 4 there on 27th Mar were aged as 2 adults, a fourth calendar year sub- adult and a second calendar year immature. The immature was last seen on 17th May at Neumann’s Flash. An adult had returned to Budworth Mere by 4th June and remained until 7th July. There were then no further sightings from the mere until an adult and a first calendar year
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 35 immature were seen on 21st Nov. They were joined by a second calendar year immature on 3rd Dec. Elsewhere, the only other records were from Neumann’s Flash, with an adult on 4th June and a juvenile on 20th Sept.
EUROPEAN HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
Relatively uncommon, with most seen passing overhead, but nonetheless recorded in every month, although the highest counts were of only 5 at Neumann’s Flash on 25th Nov with 4 at Budworth Mere on 30th Nov. A moulting second calendar year that commuted between Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes from 28th May to 17th Sept was the only other noteworthy record. There were no reports of any of the argentatus sub-species.
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis
An adult was reported from Neumann’s Flash on 1st Jan (JW) but not subsequently. A fourth calendar year immature first seen on Neumann’s Flash on 18th July (JG) then roamed between there and Budworth Mere, and was last seen at Budworth Mere on 24th July. An adult was at Neumann’s Flash on 9th Sept (FD), and the last record was of an adult at Budworth Mere from 2nd to 4th Nov (GB).
Third calendar year Yellow-legged Gull, Neumann’s Flash, 23rd July 2018 © Greg Baker
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 36
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus
A common passage migrant, commonest during the summer and autumn with fewer during the spring and winter periods. They are also often seen passing overhead to and from roosts or on passage. Sightings were regular (undoubtedly daily) but there were no counts of more than 50 at a time and autumn passage in particular was well below average. Most counts of over 20 were from Neumann’s Flash with 25 on 24th May, 44 on 7th July, 28 on 28th July, 30 on both 6th Sept and 7th Oct and 24 on 16th Nov. Away from there, 35 were at Budworth Mere on 20th June. The mere also hosted the first juvenile seen, with 1 on the 1st Aug.
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Spring passage was limited to Budworth Mere, with 1 seen early on 15th Apr being joined by 2 more by the same evening. 2 were there on 17th Apr and 1 on 18th Apr, followed by singles from 22nd to 23rd Apr, on 28th Apr, and on 30th Apr. None were reported during May and the next sightings were of 3 at Budworth Mere on 27th June, followed by 2 there on 5th July, then 3 on 6th July, 2 from 16th to 18th July, 1 on 23rd July, and 4 on 1st Aug.
The only other records were from Neumann’s Flash with 3 on 1st July, then 1 on 4th July and 1 again from 14th to 18th July. The last sighting of the year was of a juvenile at Neumann’s Flash from 13th to 14th Oct.
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
Seen on only three days this year, with 2 at Budworth Mere on 13th Apr (MC, GB) and another 2 at the same site on 26th Apr (JW) with 1 still there on 27th Apr (HF).
WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus
Having initially been briefly seen on Neumann’s Flash on 18th May (JK), a superb breeding plumaged adult was thankfully re-found on Budworth Mere later the same day (MC) where it performed admirably until the early evening. This was only the third record for M&WF.
BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
Although there were no spring records this year there was an exceptionally early juvenile on Neumann’s Flash on 26th July. More typically, a juvenile was at Budworth Mere from 28th to 30th Aug, with 2 juveniles present on 4th Sept. 2 more un-aged individuals appeared on Budworth Mere on 18th Sept with 1 there from 20th -21st Sept.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 37
White-winged Tern, Budworth Mere, 18th May 2018 © Steve Collins
Juvenile Black Tern, Neumann’s Flash, 26th July 2018 © Greg Baker
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 38
FERAL PIGEON Columba livia
A common resident around the periphery of M&WF (particularly in Northwich and at the Winnington industrial sites) and therefor mainly seen in flight over the patch. Generally ignored by birders, the maximum count was of 50 seen from the Witton Flashes on 30th Dec.
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
A common resident on Haydn’s Pool and Dairy House Meadows throughout the year with large flocks sometimes present at Higher Marston, plus a few pairs breeding in Big Wood at Marbury Country Park. Up to 4 could be seen at Haydn’s Pool throughout the year, usually around the owl boxes, with 2 or 3 also at Dairy House Meadows. The only counts higher than of these residents were of 8 around the Witton Flashes on 27th Aug, 9 over Carey Park on 16th Sept, and 18 at the Witton Flashes on 18th Oct.
At Marbury Country Park territorial individuals can be heard calling from early Jan and 6 were heard on 24th Feb. There may have been up to 5 territories maintained through the spring, principally in Big Wood. Elsewhere, 30 were at Higher Marston on 7th Feb.
COMMON WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus
An abundant resident at all sites, with an obvious south-westerly passage during the autumn being their annual highlight. Visible migration over Carey Park this year included 320 on 7th Oct, 540 on 10th Oct, and 559 on 19th Oct. A further 200 passed over Budworth Mere on 20th Oct.
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
Easiest to see where villages are either within or adjacent to the patch. Common at Higher Marston, particularly around the back gardens of Manor Avenue or at Marston Hall Farm, where the peak count was of 23 on 30th Nov. They are also often seen around the east side of Neumann’s Flash having ventured from nearby Wincham, with for example 4 on wires there on 18th July. Despite being resident in Comberbach, sightings are few and far between at Marbury Country Park, and the only record this year was of 1 flying over Budworth Mere on 27th June.
COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
Following a blank year in 2017, it was good to have a scattering of records this year. 1 was audible from Budworth Lane on 7th May, then possibly the same or another was heard calling around Marbury Country Park on 24th and 25th May. 1 heard between Witton Mill Meadows and Neumann’s Flash and then later at Carey Park on 26th May was presumably the same as heard at Neumann’s Flash on 29th May. The only individual seen was 1 briefly at Neumann’s Flash on 26th June.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 39
WESTERN BARN OWL Tyto alba
At least 1 was sometimes distantly viewable in the nest box at Dairy House Meadows from the start of the year. Breeding was confirmed in the spring and 2 juveniles (male and female) were ringed, being at the time about a week away from fledging. What was presumed to be the male from this pair was often seen in the owl box on Haydn’s Pool from 18th July onwards and was last seen there on 25th Aug. At least one was again visible in the owl box at Dairy House Meadows at the end of the year.
TAWNY OWL Strix aluco
A common resident in woodland across M&WF, but only occasionally seen. Up to 5 were calling in the general area from the arboretum to the garden centre at Marbury Country Park during Jan and early Feb with at least 2 calling in the same area from early Oct to the end of the year. 1 became a regular feature sunning itself alongside the main path in Big Wood from 26th Mar to 30th Mar. There were no other noteworthy records.
th Tawny Owl, Marbury Country Park, 26 March 2018 © Greg Baker
COMMON SWIFT Apus apus
The first sightings of the year were 3 over Budworth Mere on 27th Apr with 6 there by 30th Apr. The first at the Witton Flashes were 2 on 2nd May. A substantial arrival on 10th May saw c40 over Budworth Mere and a further 65 over Neumann’s Flash. Other high counts were 60 over
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 40
Neumann’s Flash on 30th May, c100 over Marbury County Park and 60 over Neumann’s Flash on 5th June and 50 over the Witton Flashes on 21st June.
Although 17 were still present on 20th July at Neumann’s Flash, most had departed by the end of that month, with only a few sightings in August and the latest being 2 over Carey Park on 28th Aug then 1 over Neumann’s Flash on 29th Aug.
COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
One or possibly two resident pairs that breed around Budworth Mere are responsible for the regular sightings here throughout the year, particularly in front of the hide. This year however there were no records of more than 2 on any one date. Elsewhere, 1 first seen at the overflow by Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 25th Jan became a regular feature during Feb and into the middle of Mar. The only other reports from the Witton Flashes were of 1 at Neumann’s Flash on 14th July, 1 on 6th Sept, and 1 on Dairy House Meadows on 31st Aug.
Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marbury Country Park 16th March 2018 © Luke Ozsanlav-Harris
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 41
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor
This iconic species continued to retain a foothold at Marbury Country Park in 2018 (albeit rather precariously) after the failed breeding attempt in 2017. The much anticipated first sighting of the year was of 1 on 13 Jan, followed by sporadic reports until 7 Mar when a male was seen drumming with a female calling nearby in Big Wood. Thereafter sightings became more regular in Big Wood with birds also seen and/or heard along Marbury Lane, in Coward Wood and by the canal. It is thought that 3 individuals were present, a pair and a separate male. A nest site was reported but no further details are available, and no young were observed. After mid April they became more elusive, although 1 was still calling along Marbury Lane on 22nd May and the last record of the year was of 1 calling in Coward Wood by Budworth Mere on 23rd June. As usual they seem to melt away from mid-summer onwards. There were no records away from Marbury Country Park.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major
A common resident at Marbury Country Park, less so at the other sites. Drumming was first heard at Marbury Country Park as early as 7th Jan. Big Wood has the largest population, with 5 territories estimated to have been occupied from the end of Feb to early Mar and 8 counted there on 25th Mar. The highest count from the Witton Flashes was of 3 on the 6th Aug. There were no other noteworthy records and although there was plenty of anecdotal evidence, no confirmed breeding.
EUROPEAN GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
An uncommon and often elusive resident, surprisingly more often recorded at the Witton Flashes than at Marbury Country Park and certainly more often heard than seen. They seemed particularly mobile here early in the year, so it was difficult to gauge how many pairs or territories were present or being established. A best guess based on calling and observed individuals suggested there were territories at the west end of Marbury Country Park (and possibly beyond the patch boundary), in Big Wood, to the east of Haydn’s Pool and also in the private land to the north-east of Neumann’s Flash.
Greater site fidelity was palpable post-breeding. 1 became regular from along the bund between Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes from 19th June, with 2 separate individuals (one of which was a juvenile) usually around both Neumann’s and Ashton’s Flashes from mid July and through to early Sept. A female became regularly visible by Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash from 16th to at least 21st Sept and was also seen there on 21st Nov. 2 were at Carey Park on 21st Aug with 1 there on 4th Oct.
COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
A seemingly slight improvement in sightings in 2018 but nonetheless remains uncommon across the patch. Never easy to see at Marbury Country Park so individuals seen there on 7th Jan and 12th
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 42
Nov were notable. There were occasional records at the Witton Flashes in all months except for June and July. Sightings became a little more regular from Aug onwards, which was hopefully a sign of breeding success although there was direct evidence of nesting on the patch. It was during this period that the only counts of more than one individual were achieved, with a separate male and female at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Aug, and a female on Ashton’s Flash, a juvenile male at Carey Park and a male at Neumann’s Flash all on 26th Aug. 2 were separately at Neumann’s Flash on 21st Oct.
EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo
This proved to be a tough species to catch up with on the patch this year. There were surprisingly no spring records and the first reported was at Neumann’s Flash on 12th June. A juvenile was photographed at Neumann’s Flash on 21st July and other records from there were 1 overhead on 30th Aug, 1 on 8th Sept, and finally a more obliging juvenile from 12 to 13th Sept. The only other sightings were at Budworth Mere, with 1 flying over on 5th and again on 15th July, 2 seen over the patch border at Comberbach on 4th Aug and finally 2 (presumed the same) over Kid Brook fields on 22nd Aug.
Juvenile Eurasian Hobby, Neumann’s Flash, 21st July 2018 © John Williams
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PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
Up to two pairs regularly breed on the periphery of M&WF and can sometimes be seen hunting or generally passing overhead. More particularly, and as was the case again this year, either one or a pair can often be seen perched on the railings or chimneys of the Winnington chemical works as viewed from Carey Park, Anderton Nature Park or Haydn’s Pool. There was no evidence of successful breeding in that area this year, although success elsewhere and probably nearby was suggested by the first sighting of a juvenile over Neumann’s Flash on 6th Aug. Sightings are much less regular at Marbury Country Park and were limited to a female hunting over Budworth Mere on 7th July, 1 hunting Common Starlings at their dawn roost there on 20th Sept, a male sparring with Ravens over the heronry on 21st Nov (and possibly the same individual also at the Common Starling roost at the Coward Reedbed the same evening), and finally 1 on 30th Nov.
EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
A common but often secretive resident, with the largest numbers usually seen during autumn dispersals and on migration. During the first half of the year, the only reports of more than 2 at any one time were of 3 at the Witton Flashes on 9th Mar, 4 at Marbury Country Park on 20th Mar, and 3 at the Witton Flashes on 26th June. The autumn influx this year was below average, with 6 at Carey Park from 9th to 10th Sept and 5 there on 28th Sept, and 6 at the Witton Flashes on 14th Sept, and again on 7th Oct and 6th Nov. 4 were at Marbury Country Park on 14th Dec.
EURASIAN MAGPIE Pica pica
A common resident usually seen in small numbers across the patch but generally ignored by birders. All noteworthy counts came from the Witton Flashes with 8 on 30th Jan, 14 on 3rd Apr, 12 on 11th Apr, 14 on 22nd Oct, and 8 on 30th Dec.
WESTERN JACKDAW Corvus monedula
A very common resident, breeding in the towns and villages around the patch and also in Big Wood and Hopyard’s Wood in Marbury Country Park. Large flocks often pass overhead to and from feeding areas but are not often counted, although 100 recorded at Marbury Country Park on 4th Aug and 50 at the Witton Flashes on 30th Dec were both valuable reports. Passage flocks can be seen moving over Carey Park in autumn, but numbers seemed low this year with the highest count being 24 on 30th Sept.
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
The rookery near Great Budworth probably accounts for most of the records at M&WF, however away from Higher Marston they are not often recorded directly on or over the patch. Notable records therefore were of 7 over Haydn’s Pool on 28th May, 12 over Carey Park on 30th Sept, 56 flying east over Dairy House Meadows on 22nd Oct with 31 heading in the same direction on 29th
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 44
Oct, 51 flying south-west over Marbury Country Park on 20th Nov and 30 at Marbury Country Park on 4th Dec.
CARRION CROW Corvus corone
A very common resident that is hard to miss on visits to the main sites. Recorded by one observer on every visit in every month. Usually in small numbers however, with the only counts of more than 5 being 6 at Marbury Country Park on 13th and 24th Feb, 16th Mar and 14th Dec with a maximum of 10 there on 4th Dec; and at the Witton Flashes 10 on 12th May, 6 on 2nd Oct and again on 7th Oct, and 10 on 30th Dec.
NORTHERN RAVEN Corvus corax
As with elsewhere in Cheshire, the fortunes of this species at M&WF seem destined to further improve. There were however relatively few records in the early part of the year, with no sightings of more than two. Although there were no confirmed reports of breeding at the Winnington chemical works, a family party of 2 adults and 3 juveniles were seen over Haydn’s Pool and Dairy House Meadows on 4th June and 6 were over Carey Park on 4th Aug. Records of up to 3 during migration watches from Carey Park in Sept and Oct probably related to the resident birds. From early Nov, 4 or 5 could regularly be seen around Marbury Country Park with an exceptional 12 seen over the heronry at Budworth Mere on 21st Nov, some of which were sparring with a male Peregrine Falcon.
COAL TIT Periparus ater
A fairly common resident, and being attracted to feeders this is where most sightings around the patch originate. 2 or 3 were regularly seen at the feeders by Budworth Mere and in Big Wood in Marbury Country Park and during the latter part of the year more occasionally at the feeders at Witton Mill Meadows. Marbury Country Park hosts the largest population, with a maximum of 5 recorded on any single visit on 30th Jan, 16th Mar, 22nd Mar, 6th Nov, 20th Nov and 4th Dec. Much less common at the Witton Flashes, although still recorded in every month other than June with 2 on 21st Aug being the only count of more than 1. Individuals were also recorded at Carey Park on 5th to 6th Sept and 28th Sept during migration watches.
WILLOW TIT Poecile montanus
A rarity nowadays, 1 was reported amongst a mixed tit flock along the west side of Neumann’s Flash on 18th July (PL) and then 1 showed well at Witton Mill Meadows throughout the morning of 5th Sept (GB) but surprisingly not subsequently.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 45
Willow Tit, Witton Mill Meadows, 5th September 2018 © Greg Baker
EURASIAN BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus
An abundant resident at Marbury Country Park, but a little less common elsewhere. Very common at the feeders in Big Wood and by Budworth Mere with sometimes up to 15 visiting at any one time. Appeared to be notably numerous in Marbury Country Park during the early part of the year with 22 on both 30th Jan and 24th Feb, 24 on 20th Mar and 35 in Big Wood alone on 6th Apr (mainly in pairs). During the second half of the year however the only counts of more than 10 in the country park were of 12 on 20th Aug, 14 on 20th Nov, and 18 on 4th Dec. The only other double figure count from any other site was of 10 at the Witton Flashes on 22nd Dec.
GREAT TIT Parus major
A very common resident, mainly around Marbury Country Park, and generally a little less common than Eurasian Blue Tit other than around the Witton Flashes where the populations seem similar. Some good counts from Marbury Country Park were 14 on 30th Jan, 16 on 16th Mar, at least 25 in Big Wood on 6th Apr, 14 on 20th Nov and 16 on 4th Dec. At the Witton Flashes double figure counts were 10 on 9th Mar, 11 on 27th Mar and 10 on the 11th Apr.
EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
There were no reports of any wintering early in the year, and the first record was of 1 singing over Ashton’s Flash on 3rd Apr. This individual was occasionally heard singing thereafter through to mid July and although no more than 1 was reported a breeding attempt was possibly made. Another territorial individual was at Higher Marston from 6th Apr. It’s a measure of their decline that only two territories existed across the entire patch.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 46
Autumn passage commenced with an excellent count of 29 over Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Sept in the wake of Storm Bronagh, but just 1 passed over Neumann’s Flash the next day. Other counts of migrants passing overhead were of 8 over Carey Park on 4th Oct, 5 on 7th Oct and 3 on 19th Oct, 3 over Ashton’s Flash on 22nd Oct, 2 over Dairy House Meadows on 29th Oct and 1 over Neumann’s Flash on 12th Nov. 1 passing over Budworth Mere on 1st Nov was the only 2018 record from Marbury Country Park.
An impressive (and in recent times unprecedented) flock that became established at Higher Marston was estimated at c60 on 24th Nov up to 70 on 30th Nov. There were no further reports but it’s likely the flock remained in the area into the New Year.
Note: A lark seen with the Eurasian Skylark flock at Higher Marston on 23rd and 24th Nov was considered to be a possible Woodlark but was only seen in flight and views were inconclusive.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
These much-anticipated harbingers of spring arrived a little later than has been the norm in recent years, with 1 over Ashton’s Flash and 3 over Budworth Mere on 13th Mar. Although 8 were at Budworth Mere the next day, there followed a gap of nearly two weeks before the next sightings, when a total of 18 were noted at various sites around the patch on 27 Mar and then 30+ over Budworth Mere on 28th Mar. This was the first evidence that 2018 was going to become a poor year, as the latter record was the year’s equal highest count. 20 were over Budworth Mere on 2nd Apr and 25 on 6th Apr but only 2 there by 10th May. There were no further sightings at any site until 4 were at Budworth Mere on 20th June. None were seen to visit the bank at Haydn’s Pool and neither was there any evidence of breeding at the mere.
They remained unusually scarce throughout the summer and autumn with the only double figure counts being 12 at Neumann’s Flash on 11th July, 30 on 12th Aug, and 15 there and a further 10 at Budworth Mere on 27th Aug. 10 passed over Carey Park on 28 Aug and the last sightings of the year were also at Carey Park with 3 on the relatively early date of 12th Sept.
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
The first sighting of the year was of 1 over Budworth Mere on 1 Apr. As with Sand Martin, spring passage was unremarkable to say the least, with the highest counts being 17 over Budworth Mere on 10th Apr, 20 at Neumann’s Flash on 11th Apr, 50 at Budworth Mere on 13th Apr, and 20 at the mere plus 15 at Neumann’s Flash on 27th Apr. Amazingly, 5 across the entire patch on 10th May was the maximum count during the whole of that month, with on many days there being none at all. Numbers remained low in June (again no double figure counts), with the first juveniles amongst a flock of 9 over Neumann’s Flash on 26th June. By the end of July, 10 were at Budworth Mere on 24th. By the end of Aug migrants made up the majority of increased numbers with 28 moving south over Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Aug and 40 over Carey Park on 28th. The year’s peak count was of 52 were over Carey Park on 6th Sept, with 15 there on 16th Sept. The last of the year were 14 over Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on the early date of 22nd Sept.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 47
COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbichum
Typically the last of the regular hirundines to arrive, with 1 over Budworth Mere on 6th Apr followed by 10 on 11th Apr at Neumann’s Flash. This proved to be by far the commonest hirundine around the patch from late spring through to early autumn. By 15th Apr, 15 were at the Witton Flashes and 20 over Budworth Mere. Around 30 were then regularly seen on the patch from May onwards, with a good count of 70+ over Budworth Mere on 20th June. 35 were over Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Aug and 110 were seen from Carey Park on 28th Aug as passage migrants joined the local flocks. 10 were at Budworth Mere on 6th Sept, with 1 there on the 7th (when 30 more were at Neumann’s Flash) being the last to be seen there. Further migration watches at Carey Park revealed 46 on 8th Sept, the year’s highest count of 115 on 16th Sept, and 11 on 17th Sept. The last to be seen anywhere on the patch were 24 over Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Sept.
CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti
Given the first record was only as far back as 31st Dec 2015, this species has spread exponentially around the Witton Flashes, and its explosive song is now a familiar sound. Remarkably though, there are still no records from across the canal and into Marbury Country Park. It was difficult to assess how many were resident early in the year as calling individuals appeared to be quite mobile but it was estimated that up to 6 were present. Regular haunts included the south side of Neumann’s Flash (where up to two may have been present), Butterfinch Bridge (where 2 were present on 31st Jan), Carden’s Ferry Bridge, Haydn’s Pool and Witton Mill Meadows near the car park. 1 was singing from the middle of Ashton’s Flash from 23rd Mar to 3rd Apr, although this may have been the same as previously heard and seen at Witton Mill Meadows.
At least 5 (and possibly 7) territories during the breeding season seemed more confined to Witton Brook between Ashton’s Flash and the River Weaver, and along the south side of Dairy House Meadows. 1 singing from the south side of Ashton’s Flash on 8th May was not reported subsequently. 1 at the pipes dip between Neumann’s Flash and Dairy House Meadows from 27th Apr became a popular individual (although a pair may have been involved) as it would often show well. It was last reported from here on 8th Oct.
By the end of Aug wintering territories were beginning to be established, involving at least 6 but possibly as many as 8 individuals. As with start of the year there was a mixture of fixed and mobile territories, with up to 2 along the west side of Neumann’s Flash, 1 back at Witton Mill Meadows by 28th Aug (with 2 there on 22nd Oct), 1 occasionally on Ashton’s Flash, 1 around Butterfinch Bridge and 3 along Witton Brook beyond Witton Mill and up to Anderton Nature Park. Fewer were being reported at the end of the year with the last heard at Carden’s Ferry Bridge on 26th Dec.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 48
Cetti’s Warbler, Dairy House Meadows, © David Bedford
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
A common resident across the patch, with most sightings being usually of foraging flocks. Counts of 10 or more from Marbury Country Park were 10 on 19th and 27th Jan, 12 on 7th Feb, and 10 on 4th Dec. Similarly from the Witton Flashes, there were 13 on 7th Sept, 10 on 14th Sept and 14 on 22nd Dec. 3 territories were at the Witton Flashes by 4th Apr, with birds seen carrying nesting material on 6th Apr and with faecal sacs on 12th May. The first juvenile was seen near Haydn’s Pool on 28th May. Juveniles were also seen at Marbury Country Park from 20th June.
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
Separate individuals at Neumann’s Flash and Haydn’s Pool on 4th Apr were the first records of the year. 6 around Neumann’s Flash on 8th Apr were a notable count and an estimated 7 territories were around the Witton Flashes from late spring and into summer. They are scarce at Marbury Country Park but 1 was singing in Coward Wood on 28th May.
The latest records from the main flashes area were of 2 at Witton Mill Meadows on 7th Sept, whilst on Carey Park a juvenile was still present on 12th Sept, and there was a very late record of 2 there on 4th Oct.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 49
COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
The first singing individual of the spring was at Marbury Country Park on 16th Mar after which there were regular sightings, including 6 at Carey Park on 25th Mar. Numbers continued to increase and 10+ were around the Witton Flashes on 4th Apr and 10 at Marbury Country Park on 6th Apr. A total of 11 were around the Witton Flashes on 12th May, although only 4 territories seemed to be maintained from then through to the end of June. 8 were at Marbury Country Park on 26th June.
Of 4 at Neumann’s Flash on 20th Sept, 1 was singing. 3 were at Witton Mill Meadows on 23rd Sept. The last at Marbury Country Park was on 18th Sept. At Carey Park 8 were present on 26th Aug, increasing to 13 on 5th Sept, down to 7 by 26th Sept, 3 on 4th Oct and just 1 on 7th Oct which was a relatively early date to be the last sighting of the year.
There were no records of any over-wintering at either end of the year.
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
A rather poor year, with the first being 1 on Ashton’s Flash from 21st Apr followed 1 on Haydn’s Pool on 22nd Apr, which was to be the only report away from Ashton’s Flash. 3 territories had been established at Ashton’s Flash from 4th May however no more than 2 were reported singing after 12th May. There were no records from anywhere after 1 was heard on Ashton’s Flash on 11th July.
EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus
The earliest report was of 1 singing at Witton Mill Meadows from 8th Apr onwards, however as with many migrants there was then a big gap until the next was found at Neumann’s Flash on 21st Apr. From then on they returned to their reedbed habitats in typical numbers, with for example 23 around the Witton Flashes on 12th May. The first juveniles were visible at Neumann’s Flash from 15th June. 2 or 3 territories were established at Budworth Mere from May onwards with the first juveniles there evident in the Coward Reedbed from 19th June. All began to drift back to their wintering quarters by Aug, with some lingering at Neumann’s Flash with for example 5 on 31st Aug, 2 on 10th Sept and lastly 1 on 12th Sept.
COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia
This species has become harder to see or hear on the patch in recent years, but a good return to form in 2018 means its fate may not be so gloomy after all. The first was heard reeling along the River Weaver at Anderton Nature Park on 12th Apr. That seemed to be it for another year, but what then proved to be popular individual could be seen reeling from the Witton Mill Mound at Ashton’s Flash from 31st May to 1st June. What was presumed to be another was heard reeling on Haydn’s Pool intermittently from 9th to 16th June before a juvenile was seen exceptionally well perched on the slats of the Tata hide there on 26th June, highly suggestive of breeding success.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 50
Reeling continued to be heard from Haydn’s Pool from at least 26th June but there were no further reports after 11th July. 1 was also heard reeling by Neumann’s Flash on 5th July.
Common Grasshopper Warbler, Ashton’s Flash, 1st June 2108 © Greg Baker
EURASIAN BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
With no reports of any wintering during the early part of the year, the first record was of 1 at Anderton Nature Park on 31st Mar followed by 8 in the vicinity of Budworth Mere on 6th Apr. An estimated 10 territories were at each of the Witton Flashes and Marbury Country Park through the late spring and summer. 5 juveniles were being fed by a pair of adults at Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 8th July.
Notable records in the autumn were 6 along the main path beside Budworth Mere on 20th Aug, a good count of 21 between Carey Park and Neumann’s Flash on 28th Aug, 15 along the south-west section of Dairy House Meadows and the east side of Neumann’s Flash on 7th Sept, 3 on Dairy House Meadows on 17th Sept, and 1 at Carey Park that lingered to 25th Sept. There were no reports after this date.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin
The first of the year was at Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Apr and this territory was maintained through to mid summer, being one of 5 territories estimated at the Witton Flashes. The earliest back at Marbury Country Park were 2 on 23rd Apr, with one back at the traditional site by Budworth Mere on 27th Apr with 2 there on 7th May when another was also in Big Wood. They were by no means regular here this year and possibly the habitat there has lost its appeal. Indeed, the Witton Flashes were the best site to see this species, with along with the Wincham Mound pair another showy individual at Witton Mill car park from 15th May.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 51
Very few were reported from late summer onwards and the last record of the year was of 1 amongst a mixed species flock by Budworth Mere on the early date of 20th Aug.
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
1 was reported from Marbury Country Park on 21st Apr and again on 26th Apr, with another at Wincham Mound by Neumann’s Flash on the same latter date. 1 was at Dairy House Meadows on 28th Apr with 2 there from 29th to 30th Apr, with 1 remaining from 1st to 2nd May. There were no further reports during spring and summer, and the only autumn record was of 2 around Witton Mill Meadows car park on 28th Aug.
COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
The earliest arrival was 1 singing at Dairy House Meadows on 19th Apr although there were no further records until 3 were there from 27th Apr onwards. By 10th May, 6 territories were established around the main Witton Flashes, but it was generally a poor spring passage with below average numbers around the patch during the summer. There were 2 territories at Anderton Nature Park and only one record from Marbury Country Park where 1 was singing on 26th June. A family party were at Witton Mill Meadows on 19th June and 2 juveniles were present at Haydn’s Pool on 26th June.
Most returned south early with the latest sightings being 3 at Dairy House Meadows on 28th Aug, 1 there on 31st Aug, and finally 1 on 7th Sept.
COMMON FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla
An excellent record of 1 briefly near the grotto in Big Wood at Marbury Country Park on 1st Nov (SC) would undoubtedly have been much appreciated had it hung around, but unfortunately despite extensive searching it was not seen subsequently.
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
A fairly common resident, with numbers swelled by migrants in the autumn and early winter and most often recorded at Marbury Country Park. The highest counts early in the year were of 3 at Marbury Country Park on 30th Jan, 22nd Mar and 3rd Apr, with 5 on 26th May. The first heard in song were at Big Wood on 9th Mar. Up to 4 could regularly be seen in Marbury Country Park from mid Sept, often favouring the grotto in Big Wood where there were 7 on 15th Nov. 7 were also generally around the country park on 19th Nov and 6 there on 4th Dec.
Odd individuals could often be encountered at the Witton Flashes but the only count of 2 was on 7th Oct. A juvenile was along east side of Neumann’s Flash on 10th Sept. Migration watches on Carey Park in Sept and Oct usually encountered one or two, with 4 on 4th Oct and 3 on 11th Oct.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 52
EURASIAN WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
A very common resident, which appears to be maintaining a healthy population at all locations. Some good counts were of 14 at the Witton Flashes on 14th Mar and 13 at Marbury Country Park on 16th Mar, with an excellent 38 recorded across the patch on 3rd Apr, 20 at the Witton Flashes on 12th May, 21 at Marbury Country Park on 26th May, another great count of 36 across the patch on 20th June, 14 at the Witton Flashes, Carey Park and Anderton Nature Park on 21st Aug, and 12 at the Witton Flashes on 7th Oct.
1 was seen carrying food into the Cheshire Wildlife Trust trailer’s undercarriage at Marbury Country Park on 5th June.
EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea
A common resident around Marbury Country Park with fewer found at other sites, although becoming more regular around wooded sections of the Witton Flashes. Notable counts from Marbury Country Park were 10 on 24th Feb, 9 on 22nd Mar, 9 again on 11th Apr, 8 on 24th July and 8 on 20th Nov. Interestingly, 5 were counted around Anderton Nature Park on 21st Aug. No more than 2 were logged on any one date at the Witton Flashes, although May was the only month in which they were not reported.
EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
An uncommon resident, generally restricted to well wooded habitats. For that reason, Marbury Country Park is the stronghold where they were recorded in every month but with the only noteworthy counts being 5 on 9th Mar and 3 together amongst a mixed flock on 20th Aug. The only sightings away from Marbury Country Park were of 1 along the east side of Neumann’s Flash on 14th Sept, 1 at Carey Park on various dates from 14th Sept to 11th Oct and 1 at Anderton Nature Park on 30th Dec.
COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
The famous murmurations were a very hit and miss affair in 2018. Early in the year there were hardly any notable roosts spending the night at Budworth Mere, as the Witton Flashes became the favoured location. Actual roost sites varied between Neumann's and Ashton's Flashes with high counts of c10,000 on 6th Jan, 20,000 on 13th Jan, an estimated 100,000 on 14th Jan, 50,000+ on 10th Feb and 7000 on 23rd Mar. 20,000 over Budworth Mere on 7th Feb didn’t linger and headed off east to roost at the flashes. On 13th Mar there was though a murmuration and roost of 6000 in the Coward Reedbed at Budworth Mere.
Residents breed at Higher Marston and other towns and villages around the patch but there were no significant post-breeding flocks encountered until 1000 were seen to roost on Neumann’s Flash on 12th July with 500 at Budworth Mere on 13th July. 1000+ roosting near the heronry at Budworth Mere on 20th Sept were being harassed by a Peregrine Falcon. Around 3000 had
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 53 accumulated in the Coward Reedbed roost by 19th Oct. As was the case at the end of 2017, the roosts at Budworth Mere usually contained flocks heading straight into the reedbeds with no murmuration occurring beforehand. Notable counts were 10,000 on 5th Nov, 8,000 on 2nd Nov and the same estimated on 22nd Nov, 5,000 on 22nd Dec, and 10,000 on 24th Dec but only c500 on 31st Dec.
During Nov and Dec around 1000 were regularly seen during the day at Higher Marston, mainly around Marston Hall Farm.
COMMON BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
A very common resident and migrant, with passage being typically more visible at sites such as Carey Park. Interesting counts included 20 at Marbury Country Park on 22nd Jan, 42 across the patch on 13th Feb, 35 apparent territories across the patch on 16th Mar, 20 at Marbury Country Park on 20th June, and 30 across the patch on 14th Dec. Usually in single figures on Carey Park but 10 there on 25th Sept up to 12 by 10th Oct indicated a degree of autumn passage.
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
Generally uncommon from Oct through to Mar but subject to influxes. There were very few at the start of the year, with 6 in Coward Wood at Budworth Mere on 27th Jan, 2 at Witton Mill Meadows on 7th Feb, then 20 at Dairy House Meadows on 3rd Mar and the last of the spring being 1 over Marbury Country Park on 6th Apr.
1 over Carey Park on 19th Oct initiated autumn passage, soon followed by 4 over Budworth Mere on 20th Oct and 12 at Witton Mill Meadows on the 21st Oct. 69 passed over the old paddocks at Neumann’s Flash in three flocks on 6th Nov. An impressive total of 202 were seen on 16th Nov when 104 moved south-west over Dairy House Meadows, 32 were over the west side of Marbury Country Park and another 66 present in the cow fields between Big Wood and Hopyards Wood. 7 along the east side of Neumann’s Flash on 10th Dec proved to be the last record of the year.
REDWING Turdus iliacus
Although 40 passed over Neumann’s Flash on 1st Jan and 30 were seen there on 30th Jan, there were generally very few at the Witton Flashes early in the year. Flocks lingered around Marbury Country Park, usually in Big Wood along Forge Brook (feeding in the adjacent fields) with at least 50 from Jan through to mid Mar and 8 there on 6th Apr (most in song) being the last of the spring records.
4 over Carey Park on 7th Oct were the first of the autumn, with 57 over the same site on 11th Oct. The first returning to Marbury Country Park were 6 on the relatively late date of 20th Oct. 50 or so could generally be found around the patch in Nov but the only sizeable count after that was of 30 along Marbury Lane at Marbury Country Park on 29th Dec.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 54
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelus
Widespread across M&WF but nowhere particularly common with seemingly fewer in early winter. 14 were in song across the patch by 30th Jan, with an estimated 15 territories on 3rd Apr. Juveniles were apparent from mid June onwards. There was little indication of autumn passage, although 4 were together at the wildflower meadow on Dairy House Meadows on 29th Oct.
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
A resident, with a stable population estimated at no more than 3 breeding pairs. Notable records included 1 singing as early as 23rd Jan near Neumann’s Flash, 4 feeding together at Witton Mill Meadows on 30th Jan, 4 at Marbury Country Park on 24th Feb, a presumed family party of 6 together by the arboretum at Marbury Country Park on 10th Aug, 12 flying south over Carey Park on 12th Sept, and 1 singing on the unusual date of 30th Nov at Marbury Country Park.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
1 at the west end of Big Wood at Marbury Country Park from 28th May to 16th June helped to maintain this species’ annual status at M&WF, but the lack of any other or further reports suggests this may not be sustainable in the long (or even medium) term.
Spotted Flycatcher, 28th May 2018 © Chris Reiki
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 55
EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
An abundant and widespread resident with numbers swelled by autumn arrivals. There were a number of good counts across the patch with 38 on 30th Jan, 30 on 16th Mar, and an estimated 42 territories on 3rd Apr. Double figure counts from Carey Park in autumn commenced with an obvious fall of 14 on 8th Sept with 16 there on 10th Sept, 18 on 7th Oct and 23 on 10th Oct down to 14 by 21st Oct. 25 were at Marbury Country Park and another 20 at the Witton Flashes on 25th Sept, and 24 at the Witton Flashes on 7th Oct. 11 were along the main path at Budworth Mere on 14th Dec.
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochrurus
What was either a female or second calendar year male was briefly observed by the wildflower meadow on Dairy House Meadows on 10th May but unfortunately could not be relocated after its initial sighting (GB). This was only the second ever record for the patch, the other being in Marbury Country Park on 27th Mar 2010.
COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus
This species is just about annual, with only the one logged this year. A first winter female found along the track at the northeast side of Neumann’s Flash on 28th Aug (GB) remained for most of the morning but was not reported again subsequently.
WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra
Usually seen annually but mainly in the spring, however this year there was only one record with a first winter on Ashton’s Flash on 5th Sept (MJ).
EUROPEAN STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
The female wintering on Ashton’s Flash at the end of 2017 was still present at the start of the year and was last reported on 23rd Jan. A pair were then seen on Ashton’s Flash on 3rd Mar with another female seen on Dairy House Meadows the same day. Finally for the spring, a male was on Ashton’s Flash on 21st Apr.
In the autumn, a female / first winter type was on Ashton’s Flash on 6th Oct and presumably the same individual again on 22nd Oct.
NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
This species can normally be relied upon to appear from late Mar, either on Ashton’s Flash, Carey Park or in the fields to the east of Budworth Mere, but in what was a very poor year, the only
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 56 sighting in spring was of a male on Ashton’s Flash on 21st Apr. Things were only a little better in autumn with an excellent 5 on Ashton’s Flash on 4th Sept and 1 on 7th Sept.
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
This remains a common breeder at Higher Marston with 30+ present there at start and end of the year. Elsewhere, sightings are limited to stragglers from nearby estates, with the area east of Wincham Mound near Neumann’s Flash relatively popular with a peak count of 6 from 10th to 14th Dec. There was only a single record from Marbury Country Park with at least 1 near the car park on 18th July.
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Despite a lack of sightings (there were none recorded in 2017), it was hoped that this species was clinging on somewhere in the Higher Marston area, so 2 near Marston Hall Farm from 23rd Nov (DH) were a welcome discovery, with 3 seen there on 24th Dec.
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis
Generally unobstrusive and under recorded but nonetheless at best fairly common across the patch. On 19th Jan, 7 were at the Witton Flashes with a further 5 at Marbury Country Park, with an estimated 13 territories across these main sites on 20th Mar. The only other counts of more than 5 at any one site were 6 at Marbury Country Park on 27th Apr, 7 on the 12th May across the Witton Flashes, 6 at Carey Park on 10th Oct, and 6 at the Witton Flashes on 14th Dec.
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
Although never common, this species can usually be relied upon to linger around Budworth Mere (particularly along the eastern side) in early spring, however this year records were limited to 1 at the flooded area southeast of the mere on 15th Apr, 1 on Kid Brook Spit on 17th Apr with 2 there on 18th Apr, and 3 again at the flood on 23rd Apr.
A few records from Neumann’s Flash in late summer and early autumn helped to bolster the records, with a juvenile on 24th and 26th July and again on 1st Aug, then 2 present on 21st Aug, and finally 1 on 29th Aug. 1 was also noted flying over Carey Park on 26th Aug.
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
With wintering birds being a fairly regular feature in recent years, the first sighting was not surprisingly of 1 on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 5th Jan. There followed sporadic sightings around Marbury Country Park (mainly Budworth Mere) later in Jan and Feb with a pair becoming a regular feature along Forge Brook and an individual occasionally in Hopyards Wood and again at Budworth Mere from Mar until at least 12th Apr.
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 57
A gap in records followed until 1 was seen at Budworth Mere on 20th June and then an adult along with a juvenile there on 23rd June. An adult with 2 juveniles were also seen along Marbury Brook in Hopyards Wood on 28th June. Either these were all part of the same mobile family or two pairs successfully bred on the patch.
Post breeding, 1 was at Budworth Mere on 5th July, 2 adults on Haydn’s Pool on 16th July, and singles at Neumann’s Flash on 20th July and 4th Aug. Those on more obvious passage were 1 over Carey Park on 27th Aug, 1 over Witton Mill Meadows on 5th Sept, 1 over Carey Park on 8th Sept, 4 over Carey Park on 12th Sept, 1 over Wincham Mound at Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Sept, 3 over Carey Park on 25th Sept and singles there on 4th and 10th Oct. 1 flew over Marbury Country Park on 29th Oct, 1 was seen intermittently around Witton Mill Meadows from 1st to 6th Nov, a female was at Budworth Mere on 19th Nov and finally a pair were in Hopyards Wood from 26th to 30th Dec.
PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrelli
Only one or two were present early in the year until 4 were at the flood to the southeast of Budworth Mere on 5th Apr, indicating the start of the customary spring passage. The only notable counts however were of 8 on 18th Apr and 19 on 26th Apr, all on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere.
As water levels dropped on Neumann’s Flash in late summer, some large flocks began to assemble with 25 on 20th July increasing to 30+ on 28th July, 34 on 4th Aug, a peak of 45 from 27th Aug to 7th Sept, still 24 by 14th Sept then dropping to 16 by 25th Sept and only 4 on 21st Oct. On 22nd Sept when 18 were still present on Neumann’s Flash a further 22 were around Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere. 8 flew over Carey Park on 10th Oct plus 7 more the next day.
At the end of the year a sizeable flock was discovered on the fields at Higher Marston with c50 on 24th Nov and still 40+ on 30th Nov. 17 were on Ashton’s Flash on 10th Dec with 11 counted across the Witton Flashes on 22nd Dec.
Note: The passage of identifiable continental race White Wagtails (Motacilla alba alba) was poor this spring, with just single birds on Kid Brook Spit at Budworth Mere on 18th, 26th and 29th Apr. Those identified to this race amongst the flocks at Neumann’s Flash in the autumn were 2 adults on 22nd Aug, 3 on 26th Aug, 1 on 28th Aug, and a first winter on 9th Sept.
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
A few birds usually over-winter but most often recorded as a passage migrant. A good count early in the year was of 10+ on Ashton’s Flash on 9th Feb. 2 at the flood southeast of Budworth Mere on 6th Mar had increased to 4 the next day. The only other reports of spring migrants were of 4 at Witton Mill Meadows on 20th Mar and 3 at Dairy House Meadows on 9th Apr.
Autumn passage migrants began passing over Carey Park by 28th Aug with notable counts being 28 on 12th Sept, 32 on 24th Sept, 34 on 30th Sept, and 39 on 7th Oct but then only single figures counts
Marbury and Witton Flashes 2018 Bird Report 58 through to 19th Oct. Other autumn counts included 39 over Witton Mill Meadows on 10th Sept and a truly remarkable 388 over Wincham Mound on 22nd Sept between 08:40 and 09:45 after Storm Bronagh has passed through the previous day. A small flock resided at Ashton’s Flash in mid Oct with c6 on 17th and 9 on 22nd.
Higher Marston sometimes holds small numbers when visited during the winter months, but c20 on 24th Nov and c50 on 30th Nov were substantially higher counts than is usual.
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis
A scarce and usually only annual passage migrant and most often reported calling overhead, however this year’s only record was of 1 resting and occasionally preening in a tree at Witton Mill Meadows on 7th Sept (GB).
Tree Pipit, Witton Mill Meadows, 7th September 2108 © Greg Baker
COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Notwithstanding their common status here, they are rarely encountered in anything other than in single figure flocks. Although 12 were at Marbury Country Park on 13th Feb, numbers appeared to be higher at the end rather than the beginning of the year with for example 9 at Diary House Meadows on 29th Oct, 18 counted around the patch on 16th Nov, and 10 at Higher Marston on 30th Nov. A total of 10 territories were estimated to be at Marbury Country Park on 20th Mar. Passage noted over Carey Park in Oct included 11 on 7th, 15 on 11th and 17 on 19th.
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BRAMBLING Fringilla montifrigilla
Despite good numbers being present locally elsewhere, this remained a difficult species to locate at M&WF in 2018. The only sightings during the first winter period were 1 which flew over the east side of Neumann’s Flash on 1st Jan, another reported around the Old Hall site at Marbury Country Park in Feb, and 1 in Big Wood on 15th Apr. Again, despite influxes being reported locally, there were few records at the end of the year with just 1 over Coward Wood at Budworth Mere on 19th Oct, 1 along Marbury Lane on 6th Nov, and 2 calling near the ranger’s cabins at Marbury Country Park on 5th Nov.
HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes
The continued presence of these superb finches from the national influx in 2017 was one of the highlights of the year. Up to 5 were still around the Old Hall site at Marbury Country Park at the beginning of Jan, then later in the month more began to arrive. 10 were seen on 25th Jan and again on 6th Feb, then 15 were reported on 8th Feb growing to 19 on 13th Feb. Into March, at least 17 were still present on 4th and other double figure counts were of 10 on 10th and 14 on 22nd, but surprisingly increasing again with 20+ reported on 30th, which was to be the highest count. Thereafter numbers quickly declined with 4 on 6th Apr being the last to be observed. Interestingly, some could be heard singing from Feb onwards and a male was also seen apparently collecting nesting material on 23rd Feb, raising hopes that some might stay to breed, but it wasn’t to be. Despite much anticipation, none returned in later in the year.
EURASIAN BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
A fairly common resident and recorded every month of the year, but seldom numerous. This was not a classic year, with no double figure counts. The highest numbers reported were 5 across Marbury Country Park and the Witton Flashes on 19th Jan and again on 10th May. A pair nested at Wincham Mound by Neumann’s Flash but there were no definitive reports of successful breeding there.
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Chloris chloris
Up to 4 were around Marbury Country Park in Jan and 4 were at the Witton Flashes on 9th Mar, but these were the only counts of more than one in the first half of the year. Evidence however of how this species’ fortunes continue to sway began when an adult and 2 fresh juveniles were first seen at the wildflower meadow at Dairy House Meadows on 18th July. They were soon joined by others and reached a post-breeding peak of 35 seen on 28th Aug. Some then dispersed, with only 19 by 7th Sept, but then presumed migrants swelled the flock again and 40 were counted on 29th Oct. As numbers here reduced, so they increased at Marbury Country Park suggesting they may have been the same birds. 30 were across both sites on 6th Nov but there were no higher counts than 15 (on 4th Dec) by the end of the year.
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Visible migration over Carey Park was limited to 5 on 26th Aug and 8 on 19th Oct.
COMMON LINNET Linaria cannabina
10+ were present in the Higher Marston area in early Jan, but there were no further records until 1 was reported at Neumann’s Flash on 5th Apr and 2 at Higher Marston on 6th Apr. The regular breeding pair had returned to their territory besides Neumann’s Flash by 2nd May. They raised 3 young and the family group were regularly seen in the southeast area of Neumann’s Flash from 16th July until at least 22nd Aug. A singing male and a separate pair at Anderton Nature Park on 7th June were in potential breeding habitat but there no further reports from there.
During the autumn a flock developed around the wildflower meadow at Dairy House Meadows, with 8 on the 29th Oct, 12 on 6th Nov and still 10 on 4th Dec. A few also passed over Carey Park in autumn, including 4 on 1st Oct with the last being 1 on 11th Oct. Of interest, there were no records at all this year from Marbury Country Park.
First winter Common Linnet, Dairy House Meadows, 6th November 2108 © Greg Baker
LESSER REDPOLL Acanthis cabaret
As with Eurasian Siskin, this was a poor year and only two sizeable flock were seen. They were very scarce at the start of the year, with a few reported around Anderton Marina and Butterfinch Bridge on 8th Jan, 1 over Neumann’s Flash on 30th Jan, 1 over Ashton’s Flash on 7th Feb, 2 at Neumann’s Flash on 30th Mar, and a single at Marbury Country Park on 20th and 22nd Mar. A flock of around 20 were on the south side of Ashton’s Flash on 4th Apr and the last of the spring flew over Neumann’s Flash on 6th Apr.
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6 over Carey Park on 24th Sept were the first signs of autumn passage but generally visible migration here was also poor, with just 2 on 7th Oct and 1 on 10th Oct. Single birds were fairly regularly encountered overhead at the Witton Flashes in Nov but the only sighting of more than one was of 2 over Witton Mill Meadows on 20th Nov. Following a sighting of 5 in Marbury Country Park on 4th Dec, a roving flock of 18 were found in Hopyards Wood on 29th Dec.
RED CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra
During what appeared to be a period of local irruptions, two separate individuals were seen in flight at Marbury Country Park on 2nd Nov (JG and GB), maintaining this species’ position as an annual visitor.
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
This is normally the commonest and most regularly encountered finch on the patch, but this year there were no particularly large flocks to be found. On some dates European Greenfinches outnumbered them. Double figure counts in the first half of the year included 22 across Marbury Country Park and the Witton Flashes on 19th Jan, 20 at the Witton Flashes on 23rd Jan, and 14 there on 2nd May. 5 feeding on a sandbar at Kid Brook Spit on Budworth Mere on 5th Apr seemed rather incongruous at the time. A flock of c20 at Neumann’s Flash on 16th July contained many juveniles, and similar numbers were still present here through to mid Oct. It’s often difficult to know whether those seen over Carey Park are actively migrating or just local birds. The largest count was just 20 on 19th Oct. In early winter a flock became established around the west end of Marbury Country Park with c20 on 4th Dec and 22 on 17th Dec. The year’s highest count was of a relatively low 28 at the Witton Flashes on 14th Dec.
EURASIAN SISKIN Spinus spinus
A rather poor year, with only one significant flock reported. Only a few were in their favoured alders by the main path alongside Budworth Mere from mid Jan and less regularly into mid Mar, however were there 8 on 20th Mar with 4 on 4th Apr the last seen. 5 flew over Witton Mill Meadows on 23rd Jan.
There were no reports in May or June and the first (and early) returning individual flew over Budworth Mere on 23rd July. There were no further records until 2 passed over Witton Mill Meadows on 20th Sept and then 8 over Wincham Mound by Neumann’s Flash on 22nd Sept. Passage over Carey Park started with 5 on 24th Sept, then singles regularly into early Oct with the highest count being of only 4 on 19th Oct. 1 was by Budworth Mere on 16th Oct. 10 observed flying over Marbury Country Park on 2nd Nov were considered to be on active migration. 23 feeding together in the trees by the ranger’s cabins at Marbury Country Park on 5th Nov were the only double figure flock reported the entire year, but only 1 or 2 stayed on in the general area through to the end of year.
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YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Absent as either a breeder or even a regular winter visitor for some years now, a few cling on at territories just outside of the patch. 1 such male was visible perched and singing from wires in the fields to the west of Anderton Nature Park on 28th May (GB). The only other record was of 1 by Marston Hall Farm at Higher Marston on 25th Nov (DB).
COMMON REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
Remains fairly common and widespread in marshy or open habitats (more particularly around the Witton Flashes) but evidence suggest this is a declining species. During the early part of the year, up to 2 could be seen at the feeders by Budworth Mere and at Witton Mill Meadows. Territories began to be established at the Coward Reedbed at Budworth Mere and at the Witton Flashes by early Mar, with 1 also back at its now regular territory along the main path at Budworth Mere on 23rd Mar and 7 at the Witton Flashes by 27th Mar. 9 territories were counted at the Witton Flashes on 12th May. Around 10 were at the flashes on 26th June, including at least 2 juveniles being fed by a female at Haydn’s Pool.
Autumn passage is often apparent over Carey Park and this year included 10 on 30th Sept, 7 on 1st Oct, 9 on 7th Oct and 4 on 19th Oct. The wildflower meadow at Dairy House Meadows attracted small numbers from mid Sept onwards with a peak of 6 on 29th Oct. From Nov to the end of the year one or two could be found around Neumann’s Flash, at Witton Mill Meadows, at the feeders at Budworth Mere, at Haydn’s Pool and at Higher Marston.
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SOURCES AND CONTRIBUTORS
This report owes everything to those birders who have contributed their sightings to the various forums and websites dedicated to the Marbury and Witton Flashes patch. The key sources have been the Marbury Patch Sightings WhatsApp group, the @marburypatch Twitter account and the Marbury Country Park and Neumann’s Flash sites on the Manchester Birding website. In addition Sheelagh Halsey provided access to her bird record spreadsheets, which were a useful supplement to my own patch records, and David Norman provided data on the Grey Heron nesting surveys.
The list below is as complete as I am aware of those who have contributed via the data sources above, and my apologies to anyone who has been inadvertently omitted. Initials after names indicate that the individual was the finder of the particular bird or birds referenced in the species accounts.
Greg Baker (GB) Ruth Elsby David Norman Paul Baker (PB) Howard Fearn (HW) Phil Oddy Ian Barber John Gregory Stuart Orford David Bedford (DB) Sheelagh Halsey Luke Ozsanlav-Harris (LO-H) Alan Booth (AB) David Hughston (DH) Mark Payne Paul Brewster Paul Hill Nigel Philpott Mike Colbridge Mark Jarrett (MJ) Chris Reiki Steve Collins (SPC) John Jones (JJ) Graham Roberts Steve Costa (SC) Steve Jones Dave Robinson (DR) Malc Curtin (MC) John Kirlkand (JK) John Spottiswood (JS) Frank Duff (FD) Peter Leicester Mark Taylor Trevor Davies (TD) Vernon Lundy (VL) Paul Wilkins Robert Dunne John Mahon (JM) John Williams (JW) Patrick Earith
My appreciation also to those who provided permission for their photographs to be included in this report: David Bedford, Steve Collins, Malc Curtin, Trevor Davies, Patrick Earith, Luke Ozsanlav- Harris, Chris Reiki and John Williams.
Compiled and edited by © Greg Baker 2019
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