Date:  13th November 2016  by Amanda, Anne and Terry, 0800 hrs to 1120 hrs

 Weather : Cool, calm and misty morning, Temperature 6°C to 8°C

Blue Tit 16

Dunnock 9

Wood Pigeon 14

Wren 11

Blackbird 99

Magpie 30

Greenfinch 10

Reed Bunting 13

Chaffinch 3

House Sparrow 21

Carrion Crow 10

Mallard 26

Bullfinch 10

Great Tit 6

Robin 20

Fieldfare 3

Redwing 65

Song Thrush 10

Goldfinch 49

Black-headed Gull 25

Grey Heron 3

Buzzard 1

Kestrel 2

Lesser Black-backed Gull 1

Snipe 2

Redpoll (Lesser) 10

 26 species in all

 A still and misty Sunday morning on the Meadows; a little soggy underfoot following an atrociously wet Saturday.

With three new species this month, one on the BTO red list and two on the amber list, it was something of a red letter day.

10 Lesser Redpolls were feeding in the tops of the Silver Birch along side the New Cut Canal at the entrance to the Meadows on Larkfield Avenue.

2 Snipe were flushed from transect 4 and did a circuit of the field before disappearing along the course of the Mersey towards the Eyes.

And finally a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull kept sentinel atop a pylon in transect 8.

The local thrushes have been joined by a massive influx of continental birds with almost a hundred blackbirds being recorded, along with 65 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush and 3 Fieldfare. Hawthorn berries were being plundered all round the Meadows. 

The highlights of the day were undoubtedly the Lesser Redpolls, with a honourable mention going to a handsome male Kestrel posing for several minutes on a Holly bush in transect 8.

 The most successful areas of the survey this month was again transect 7; thrush central for a morning at least.

 

Redwing 

Female Reed Bunting

 

On the morning of the 2nd of November a female stonechat (only the second recorded sighting of the year on the Meadows) showed well enough for a photo, see below.

  

A pair of Willow Tits have been seen on feeders near transect 2 and there is a report of Woodcock being flushed in transect 8.

 Mammals

 7 Grey Squirrels seen during this month’s survey.

Date:  22nd October 2016, 0800 hrs to 1100 hrs

by Amanda, Anne and Terry

Weather : Cool, calm and sunny morning

Temperature 6°C to 9°C

 Blue Tit 7

Dunnock 11

Wood Pigeon 7

Wren 15

Blackbird 47

Magpie 55

Greenfinch 11

Reed Bunting 24

Chaffinch 10

House Sparrow 10

Carrion Crow 10

Mallard 24

Sparrowhawk 1

Bullfinch 7

Great Tit 5

Robin 18

Long-tailed tit 12

Jay 2

Fieldfare 2

Redwing 32

Canada Goose 2

 21 species in all

 

 It was a later start for this months survey as dawn gets later and later but a great morning to be about on the Meadows.

 With seven less species this month, the significant absentees were the complete lack of both warblers and hirundines (swallows, martins and swifts).

 There were some new arrivals, in the shape of winter thrushes, with a commendable 32 Redwings feasting on the hawthorn berries.

 The highlights of the day were undoubtedly the numerous feeding Redwings plus the sight of a Magpie and a Stoat sporting in the hedgerows of number 3 transect for at least 5 minutes.

 The most successful areas of the survey this month was transects 4 and 7.

 The resident pair of Grey Partridge where located in transect 8 on the morning after the survey; nice to see they’re still about.

 Mammals

 8 Grey Squirrels and 1 stoat seen during this month’s survey.

 Butterflies

 A solitary Red Admiral in transect 5.

 

 Flora

A pristine shaggy ink cap located in the gateway of transect 8.

Spindle bushes resplendent in the hedgerows of transect 7.

 

 

 

Date:  4th September 2016, 0740 hrs to 1030 hrs, by Amanda and Terry

Weather : a showery and cloudy morning. Temperature 13°C – 15°C

 Blue Tit 12

Dunnock 5

Wood Pigeon 44

Wren 5

Blackbird 17

Magpie 34

Greenfinch 4

Reed Bunting 7

Chaffinch 1

Goldfinch 43

House Sparrow 4

Carrion Crow 9

Mute Swan 2

Chiffchaff 3

Swallow 1

Blackcap 4

Collared Dove 1

Mallard 23

House Martin 16

Sparrowhawk 1

Grey Heron 2

Buzzard 1

Bullfinch 2

Great Tit 6

Robin 8

Kestrel 1

Long-tailed tit 8

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

 28 species in all

 It was a later start in the day for this months survey as a severe downpour postponed activities for 40 minutes.

The autumnal weather meant that it was all change on the New Cut Canal and Meadows, with the loss of several species of summer visitor and no winter species to take their place; so three fewer species than last month.

Significant absentees this month were the Whitethroat, Linnet and Song Thrush. Nevertheless, there were large numbers of Blackbird, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Mallard, Carrion Crow plus House Martin feeding over the Meadows en route on their migration south and as always dozens of Magpie and Wood Pigeon.

The highlights of the day were undoubtedly the numerous raptor sightings with Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard seen several times hunting over most transects of the Meadows. It’s highly likely the same birds were seen on several occasions.

The most successful area of the survey this month was again transect 7.

 Mammals

 Only 1 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey.

 Butterflies

Few butterflies during the survey period this month largely down to the weather; only a solitary Speckled Wood seen.

Several Red Admirals seen later in the month when the temperatures improved.

Date:  13th Aug 2016 by Amanda and Terry 

Weather : a bright and cloudy summers morning. Temperature 15°C – 17°C 0700 hrs to 1000 hrs

Blue Tit 4

Dunnock 1

Wood Pigeon 21

Wren 7

Blackbird 13

Magpie 25

Greenfinch 3

Reed Bunting 3

Chaffinch 1

Goldfinch 9

Moorhen 2

House Sparrow 5

Carrion Crow 5

Song Thrush 1

Mute Swan 2

Chiffchaff 3

Swift 10

Whitethroat 10

Linnet 3

Swallow 2

Blackcap 3

Collared Dove 1

Mallard 6

House Martin 1

Sparrowhawk 1

Grey Heron 2

Buzzard 1

Kingfisher 2

Bullfinch 1

Great Tit 1

Robin 1

31 species in all

The birding has definitely slowed this month with less birds seen of most species. Nevertheless, we did manage one new species with the very welcome sighting of a pair of Kingfishers along the water filled section of the New Cut Canal opposite the kissing gate at the start of the board walk in transect 1.

Significant absentees this month were the Reed Warblers and the Willow Tits. The highlights of the day was undoubtedly the Kingfishers and a very obliging Buzzard in the hedgerow of transect 4.

The most successful area of the survey this month was transect 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song Thrush and Blackcap (female) –  courtesy of David Mercer

 Mammals

Only 1 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey.

Later in the day, a crepuscular meander along the New Cut Canal and Paddington Meadows with Harold “Batman” Green resulted in 4 species of bat being located. Namely Common Pipistrelle Bat; Soprano Pipistrelle Bat; Whiskered Bat and Daubenton’s Bat.

A big thanks to Harold Green and friends and Cheryl Knott of Lancashire Wildlife Trust for organising this enjoyable and informative insight into the fascinating world of bats. 

 Butterflies

This is the best time of year for butterflies on the Meadows with the first Peacocks being seen plus Comma’s, Red Admiral’s and Speckled Wood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Comma

 

 

 

 

 Speckled Wood

NEW CUT HERITAGE & ECOLOGY TRAIL GROUP

Evening Bat Walk – With Harold Green & Cheryl Knott

Saturday 13^th August 2016

Meet at 7.30pm  – Front of the Dog & Partridge, on Old Manchester Rd   WA1 3TZ

Good sturdy footwear, good coat, torch required & insect repellent advised.

The Walk will be augmented by the use of bat detectors to aide in the location and identification of the species prior to hopefully spotting the individual.

The evening will commence with a brief discussion and familiarisation with some of Harolds rescued bats prior to crossing over into the Ecology Park & heading off through Woolston Park South & then along the river bank.

The evening may well continue for a couple of hours into the dark (depending on success and weather etc.). Safe passage at appropriate intervals back to a lit street environment will be provided to anyone wishing to leave earlier, who may be unfamiliar with Paddington Meadows.

It’s free to come along and enjoy and learn about these fascinating mammals. An optional  small donation would be appreciated to assist in the running of Harold’s Bat Hospital.

What may we see?

Common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) one of the most common species.

 

Vital statistics

Head & body length: 35mm – 45mm

Forearm length: 30mm – 35mm

Wingspan: 200mm-235mm

Weight: 3g – 8g Colour:

Medium to dark brown. Face and around the eyes usually dark

A tiny bat; they are common throughout Britain. Like  other bats, pipistrelles are nocturnal.

They emerge at dusk to feed for a couple of hours before returning to their roosts.

In the winter they hibernate in trees and buildings. In the summer they use trees, buildings and bat boxes to roost. Pipistrelles are agile, fast fliers.

During the breeding season males defend a territory, Females visit these territories and after mating give birth in June and July, usually to a single baby. Bats are mammals and feed their young milk. After about three or four weeks the young bats are able to fly and leave the roosts in August.

What does it eat? Small insects, such as moths and gnats.  A single pipistrelle can eat 3,000 gnats in one night.

 

Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii) a hunter over water

Daubenton’s bat is a medium-sized species. It has a steady flight, often within a few centimetres of the water surface and is reminiscent of a small hovercraft.

Vital statistics

Head & body length: 45mm -55mm

Forearm length: 34mm – 41mm

Wingspan: 240mm – 275mm

Weight: 7g – 12g

Colour: Fur red brown, pale underneath. Pinkish face, bare around the eyes.

Daubenton’s bats usually feed within about 6km of the roost, but have been recorded following canals for up to 10km (at speeds of up to 25kph). They usually take insects from close to the water and have even been seen taking prey directly from the water surface, using their large feet as a gaff or the tail membrane as a scoop.

 

Noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula)

The noctule bat is one of the largest British species and is usually the first bat to appear in the evening, sometimes even before sunset.

Noctules have broad brown ears and a distinctive mushroom-shaped tragus.

Vital statistics Head & body length: 37mm – 48mm

Forearm length: 48mm – 58mm

Wingspan: 320mm – 400mm

Weight: 18g – 40g

Colour: Adults sleek chocolate brown, juveniles and some females dull chocolate brown

Noctules have a characteristic powerful, direct flight on narrow pointed wings.They fly in the open, often well above tree-top level, with repeated steep dives when chasing insects.

Noctule bats can fly at 50 kph. Most food is caught on the wing and eaten in flight but occasionally prey is taken from the ground and in suburban areas noctules are attracted to street lamps to feed on moths.

During spring noctules will feed mainly on smaller insects such as midges, changing their diet to take beetles and moths later in the season. They forage mainly at dusk for up to two hours and for about half an hour at dawn. They are known to fly over 10km from roost to feeding areas.

 

Date:  10th July 2016, 07:10 hrs to 10:20hrs, Temperature 19°C

by Amanda and Terry

 A cloudy and muggy morning.

Robin 2

Blue Tit 5

Dunnock 3

Woodpigeon 22

Wren 7

Blackbird 21

Magpie 24

Greenfinch 19

Reed Bunting 18

Chaffinch 1

Goldfinch 30

Moorhen 4

House Sparrow 35

Carrion Crow 2

Song Thrush 6

Mute Swan 12

Chiffchaff 8

Reed Warbler 4

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

Swift 17

Whitethroat 17

Linnet 4

Swallow 6

Willow Tit 1

Black-headed Gull 1

Blackcap 9

Collared Dove 1

Mallard 8

House Martin 1

Sparrowhawk 1

Pheasant 1

31 species in all

 Birding can slow down in July and August in what is known as the “summer doldrums”, as birds begin to moult and recover from their brood rearing activities. Nevertheless, more species were logged this month than last, although no new species were noted.

 The success stories this month, were the large numbers of  House Sparrows foraging in the meadows along with family groups of Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Noted absentees were Bullfinch and also only a singleton Chaffinch.

 The highlights of the day must again be reserved for a Willow Tit along the boardwalk in transect 2 and a very obliging Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding for several minutes on an ancient hawthorn trunk on the river bank of transect 6.

The most successful areas of the survey this month were Transects 2 and 11.

 

Mammals

3 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey.

Recent late evening forays have resulted in a solitary fox being seen in Transect 2 crossing the boardwalk and a dozen bats located throughout the survey area.

Hopefully, further information will be gleaned as to the exact species of bats to be found, as a result of a future bat survey programmed for August.

What is believed to be a Grey Seal has been seen regularly on the Mersey between Woolston and Howley weirs. A link to a short video of the seal seen gorging itself on a large fish can be found on the site’s home page.

Butterflies

Finally we have some butterflies to talk of, with numerous Meadow Browns flitting among the grasses in each meadow along with Small Skippers. On Wednesday 13th a Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue were all seen in the hedgerows of transect 8. The first Gatekeeper was spotted on the 17th, ironically adjacent to the missing kissing gate at the corner of transect 7.

Wildflowers

The wildflower meadow (transect 7) is currently a cloud of Meadow Sweet, interspersed with fine examples of Common Mallow and Chicory.

Date:  14th May 2016. 0700 hrs to 1000 hrs

by Amanda, Anne and Terry

 A cool but pleasantly sunny morning.  Temperature 6° – 11°C

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Survey List

Robin 11

Blue Tit 8

Dunnock 6

Woodpigeon 25

Wren 12

Blackbird 18

Magpie 14

Greenfinch 13

Reed Bunting 10

Bullfinch 1

Chaffinch 12

Long-tailed Tit 13

Great Tit 1

Goldfinch 6

Moorhen 4

House Sparrow 7

Carrion Crow 5

Coot 1

Song Thrush 3

Collared Dove 2

Mute Swan 7

Chiffchaff 4

Blackcap 4

Gadwall 1

Reed Warbler 6

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

Grey Heron 1

Greylag Goose 3

Grasshopper Warbler 1 (heard but not seen)

Swift 16

Whitethroat 13

Linnet 1

Swallow 1

Starling 2

Willow Tit 1

 

 35 species in all

 

The Early Worm!

 Another very enjoyable days birding on a cool, dry, windless morning resulted in a record number of birds being encountered; possibly due to the earlier start time and the arrival of further summer migrants. Swift, Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat and Reed Warbler all put in an appearance.

 However, again no Willow Warblers were seen or heard on the Meadows, though they were singing tantalisingly close by, on Number 4 bed of the Eyes.

 The welcome sight of a couple of starlings and a linnet were both first records for the year, a measure perhaps of how the numbers of these once very common birds has plummeted;  but the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the sighting of a Willow Tit in a newly discovered territory, which now means there are at least two sites occupied by these threatened little birds within the New Cut Canal/Paddington Meadows survey area.

 

 Mammals

 5 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey, although there are plenty more about.

 

Butterflies

 Absent during the survey, perhaps because of the cool temperature.

 

 News flash!

 The pair of Grey Partridge, last seen in March, have been seen twice since Saturday morning’s monthly survey. Lets hope they have been successful in raising some chicks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:  9th April 2016  0800 hrs to 1110 hrs

by Amanda, Clare and Terry

A cool sunny morning with a slight breeze only,  Temperature 5° – 7°C

Robin 13

Blue Tit 11

Dunnock 17

Woodpigeon 28

Wren 10

Blackbird 14

Magpie 24

Greenfinch 8

Reed Bunting 9

Bullfinch 5

Chaffinch 8

Long-tailed Tit 8

Great Tit 6

Goldfinch 15

Moorhen 4

Mallard 5

House Sparrow 6

Carrion Crow 1

Buzzard 2

Coot 1

Cormorant 1

Song Thrush 3

Collared Dove 2

Mute Swan 1

Tufted Duck 4

Sparrowhawk 1

Chiffchaff 8

Blackcap 5

House Martin 10 (and at least 2 Sand Martin)

30 species in all

The Migrants have arrived!

Another very enjoyable days birding on a cool morning resulted in two more species than in March largely due to the recent influx of summer migrants; Chiffchaff, Blackcap and very recently Martins. Although no Willow Warblers were seen or heard on the Meadows one could be clearly heard from transect 12 singing on No 4 bed on Woolston Eyes.

The paths and fields are wetter than in March due to recent rainfall. The majority of birds were noted in transects 2, 3, 7 and 12.

Unfortunately no sign of either the Grey Partridge or the Stonechat from last month.

Mammals

5 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey, although there are plenty more about.

Plants

The Cowslips are out in transect  7 (the wild flower meadow).

News flash!

Although too late to make last months survey results the increasingly rare Willow Tit has been seen regularly in transect 2, but never yet during a monthly survey.

10th -16th April

In virtually the same location in transect 2  on Sunday 10th April a pair of Siskin were seen feeding and the first Swallow of spring was seen overflying the meadows on Monday April 11th.

A Lesser Whitethroat has been singing on the Meadows since Tuesday and was seen on Friday 15th in transect 7 (the wild flower meadow).

24th – 30th April

The Lesser Whitethroat is still reeling in the hedgerows and has been joined by his larger cousin the Common Whitethroat. 2 seen; 1 in transect 7 and one in transect 10.

Pairs of Linnet seen on several occasions; again transect 7 a favourite location.

Mammals

A mink has been spotted during the month in Transect 2. Lets hope it doesn’t find the Willow Tits!

Members of the New Cut Heritage and Ecology group took part in a co-ordinated survey undertaken by volunteers throughout Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

The surveys aim is to estimate the current Willow Tit population within the carbon landscape and provide relevant onsite habitat information to allow for future habitat management, to hopefully increase Willow Tit numbers.

The first Willow Tit survey was undertaken along the length of the New Cut Canal on Good Friday and resulted in the successful location and sighting of one bird on the day of the survey, plus information regarding confirmed sightings of at least three additional birds seen on other occasions.

This is a terrific result bearing in mind the rapid decline in Willow Tit numbers of 87% over the last three decades and augers well for the future of this endangered species along the length of the Woolston New Cut.

This video and photos of birds seen recently adjacent to the New Cut Canal can be seen on Facebook Group Willow Tits North West along with news of other Willow Tit surveys undertaken in the North West.