23.08.15. Birdlog

23.08.15. Birdlog

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The bushes along the south bank of No.4 tank were full of warblers, tits and finches early this morning. Amongst them was an adult male Redstart which gave a few brief views and possibly another female type bird? A Lesser Whitethroat was with numerous Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap. A Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Sparrowhawk and Greenfinch were also present.

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Around midday No.6 tank had 2 Greenshank, 15 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Wigeon, 2 Pintail and 17 Shoveler. The Sparrowhawk appeared again and there was a fly over Collared Dove.

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An immature Stonechat was on No.1 tank and 4 Avocet were on the Mersey estuary.

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Observer: Alyn Chambers (image 1).

A late walk around No.6 after the downpour. A Chiffchaff was calling by the track alongside the tank, while 2 Swift and many Swallow were feeding overhead. There were good numbers of Tufted Duck, Common Teal, Mallard and Shelduck out on the water with 8 Mute Swan amongst them. 38 Cormorant were on the roost tree and more were flying in as I walked along.

Waders were scarce with only 2 Curlew and a Common Snipe noted. Meanwhile an area set away from the main action featured 4 Greenshank and 2 Wood Sandpiper and yet more Teal and Gadwall.

The walk along Lordship Lane had both Reed and Sedge Warbler calling in alarm as I made my way back to my car.

Don had the first Merlin of the autumn on No.5 tank.

Observers: Paul Ralston (images 2-3), Don Weedon.