CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD REPORT 2014

We're delighted to say that the annual Bird Report for 2014 is now available (February 2015). This year's eye-catching colour front cover is a stunning summer-plumaged Red-necked Grebe, which graced the Weaver Bend at Frodsham for almost two months.

The 176 pages of text include 77 maps, graphs and tables, and 15 beautiful illustrations from three different artists. As usual, the colour map of the county forms the centre spread of the Bird Report. A total of 18 colour photographs, which best capture some of the highlights of the year, are spread over seven full pages.
The Bird Report is full of interesting articles:
  • Local 'patchers' turned Red Rocks into a rarity hot-spot, when Citrine Wagtail, Tawny Pipit and Marsh Warbler were discovered in 2014. Sound recordings are an under-rated aspect of bird identification, in that the resultant sonograms can often provide a clear 'footprint' as part of the evidence to substantiate a record which were provided in two out of these three rarities.
  • Another article recalls the excitement of finding a male Little Bunting on Hilbre; the first record for the island, and also the first 'boat twitch' to the island as the tide was in!
  • Back in 1930s, Spotted Crake used to breed at Burton Mere Wetlands (known then as Burton bog), but in 2014 breeding was again witnessed by the sighting of an adult pair and two fluffy black chicks. Hopefully they will become regular breeders on the reserve.
  • Even the smallest of suburban gardens with an established feeding station can bring hours of fascinating birding with the odd surprise. This was true in 2014 when a redpoll bonanza occurred which included Common Redpolls, and more unusually, a Coues' Arctic Redpoll.
  • Last, but not least, there's a striking account of 27,000 Common Scoters seen from Hilbre on March 3rd 2014 - one of those great wildlife spectacles that will always remain in the memory of those who saw it.
All the 'regulars' are there: 'Weather and Bird Review of the Year'; the full 'Systematic List of Birds Recorded in Cheshire and Wirral during 2014', including 'Category E Species'; 'Early and Late Dates for Migrants'; 'Ringing Report'; 'BBRC and County Rarities Decisions'; 'Chairman's Review'; and finally, advice on the Cheshire and Wirral Gazetteer, and the 'Submission of Records', including rarities.

Last, but not least, we have again included a 'Species Index' at the back to help you quickly look up your favourite species.

The Bird Report is free to Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society members (ordinary membership costs £12), otherwise it costs £8 + £2 p&p and copies are available from:

David Cogger, 71 Parkgate, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8HF
Tel: 01565 228503 Email: