On a beautiful, sunny but chilly December morning, a group of us sallied forth to park our cars on the appropriately named Lapwing Lane, Chelford. Although sand is still quarried in the area, some disused pits have been allowed to fill with water, providing a haven for waterfowl. At our first stop at Acre Nook Sand Quarry, we spotted a deceit (flock) of lapwing mingled with various gulls, namely herring, common and both the lesser black-backed and great black-backed gulls. A shoveler, cormorant and great crested grebe were also clearly visible. On the far side of the water a buzzard was seen surveying the area for his next meal!
From this lake we meandered a short distance to Lapwing Hall Pool, en route passing through a small wooded area known as The Mosses. Here we had sightings of a nuthatch, fieldfare, redwing and long-tailed tits to name but a few, before espying yet more water fowl including pochard and gadwall. However the highlights must have been, for me, goosander and at least 2 snipe.
Having spent 2 hours in this vicinity, we returned to our cars to travel a short distance to an area over looking Withington Hall. A skein of greylag approached this area at the same time as us. A barnacle goose was detected amongst these greylag and Canada geese plus a red-breasted goose (probably a stray from a private collection). A mistle thrush was also visible in a nearby meadow.
The final destination before lunch was Redesmere. Yet more waterfowl were sighted in addition to a sparrowhawk. Considering that we were so close to Wilmslow, it was amazing that 54 different species of birds were spotted within a 4-hour period!
After a good mornings bird watching, we all adjourned to a local hostelry in Marton for a Christmas lunch, which now appears to becoming an annual event! Ironically, a majority of the group opted for pheasant as their main course!
Many thanks to Val for organising the festive lunch.
A good time was had by all.
CHRIS B