26.09.15. Birdlog
A splendid day to be out and about birding on Frodsham Marsh. I met Simon from Manchester at the eastern corner of No.6 tank and after a chat about his Svalbard summer jaunt, it was a sub-singing Cetti’s Warbler which broke the conversation and brought us both back to a spot of birding. The Cetti’s was tucked into an Elder bush and gave very brief views as it moved through the leafy branches before throwing its song which bounce about in the amphitheatre of the tank walls.
A text from MacDuff and we soon located the relocated Black-necked Grebe after a week’s absence. I’m sure it doesn’t leave No.6 tank but secretes itself into the banks and remains undetected during midweek.
I was having a day off counting ducks but the whole of the open water was filled with them. Wigeon, Pintail, Common Teal, Common Shelduck, Common Pochard, Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail and the ever-present Tufted Duck.
A kettle of 17 Common Buzzard were circling high over No.5 tank and a Peregrine hurtled out towards Frodsham Score.
A small movement of 50 Meadow Pipit were on and over No.5 tank and small flocks of House Martin and Swallow were moving west with the occasional Siskin calling overhead.
The Great White Egret was sighted from there earlier in the day (Dave Craven) and the same observer was vigilant when watching the spiraling raptors over at Within Way, Hale he spotted a Common Crane which flew from the direction of Frodsham Marsh.
Observers: Simon, Frank Duff, WSM (images 1-6).
A female Merlin was sat out on the fence line by the pipes on No.1 tank and watched a flock 200 strong Goldfinch charm.
Observer: Roger Wilkinson (image 7)
