10.02.13. Birdlog (WeBS Count)
The WeBS count was conducted by the more than capable Wilde family Heather, Nigel, Findlay and Harley with assistance by Peter Fearon.
No 6 tank: 1500 Dunlin, 65 Shelduck, 60 Tufted Duck, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Grey Heron, 150 Mallard, 10 Pochard, 20 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 2 Curlew. Hen Harrier (male & female) again from No 6 tank (and additionally the same female was also seen on 8th by Mark Payne, who also took the image above).
No 5 tank: 15 Raven, 500 Lapwing, 150 Golden Plover and 4 Redshank
Notes: Peregrine flew across from No 6 tank to No 5 tank and spooked and lifted all the birds
Lordship Marsh: Little Egret in gully and along the north side of No 6 tank was a charm of 100 Goldfinch. Towards the end of the day they spotted a Barn Owl hunting along the ditch where the egret had been earlier and a sizable flock of roosting Starlings (see image below).
Observers: Heather, Nigel, Findlay and Harley Wilde with Peter Fearon.
You can read more about Findlay’s birding day on the marsh:http://wildeaboutbirds.blogspot.com/
2 Marsh Harrier were present on Frodsham Score today during the WeBS count and were the reason for the extremely large number of Lapwings being put up. At one stage there were the 2 Harriers, 2 Peregrines and a Buzzard in the same area! The Peregrines were very active. 2 Great White Egret on Ince Marsh.
Observer: Ian Coote
Also present on the Weaver Estuary were 20 Goldeneye and the first Oystercatcher on the river of the year.
