21.12.14. Birdlog (Winter Solstice Edition)
I was out at first light from Ince berth before walking along the Manchester Ship Canal around No.4 tank and back along the Holpool Gutter. Surprisingly, a few Wigeon and Common Teal were with Mallard on the ship canal.
Frodsham Score was rather quiet with only 3 Mute Swan to be seen and beyond were Canada Geese out by the river edge. Good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover high in the air together and also noted 2 Little Egret flew by. A kestrel hunting the canal bank kept the Goldfinch and Linnet flocks moving. Several Common Buzzards and Ravens were in the area and a small party of Fieldfare flew over.
Lordship Lane had a flock of mixed tits with Chaffinch and more Linnet. On to the gutter and c15 Moorhen and 2 Little Grebe tried to hide in the shallow water from me. A Green Sandpiper was feeding on the bank.
A female Merlin sat in a bush preening for a while and caused a flock of Curlew to rise in the air when it moved to another advantage point. It then sat there before it took exception to a passing Sparrowhawk and gave chase.
Observer and images: Paul Ralston
The Cattle Egret was reported again by the Canal Pools.
Hi there. I know you sometimes report on the local area as well. On walking around runcorn hill on Sunday afternoon a distinctive peep, peep caught my attention. I found a small grey warbler responsible, pale grey in colour but other than that looked like a chiffchaff. Looking into it since I think it may be a Siberian chiffchaff – I have some good photos if they are of interest
Cheers
Andy Humphreys
Andyhumphreys2013@hotmail.com
LikeLike