The Woolston New Cut Canal has been selected as one of the locations to be surveyed as part of a co-ordinated surveillance of this species in the months March and May 2016. The survey is being undertaken as part of the Carbon Landscape project under the guidance of Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trusts.

Willow tit numbers have declined rapidly in the last three decades. Results from national monitoring schemes suggest the British Willow Tit population declined by 87% between 1970 and 2005, making it one of the UK’s most rapidly declining breeding birds. Nevertheless, it is estimated that 10% of the UK population or these birds is to be found within the carbon landscape area of the north west.

The aim of the survey is to better estimate the existing willow tit population in the local area and to provide relevant habitat information to hopefully increase future willow tit numbers. The birds nest typically in a rotted tree stump in a hole the birds make themselves each year and it is thought that areas of the New Cut canal may provide ideal conditions.

Need help to identify a Willow Tit? The best way is by listening to it’s call. This BTO link my help.

If you live close to the New Cut canal and believe you may have seen a willow tit on your bird feeders or whilst walking along the canal trail, please contact Terry Eagan on 07710 548170 or email terryeagan@lineone.net with the details.

February’s Bird Survey

Date: February 13th 2016, 09: 10 – 11:25

by Erica, Amanda, Anne and Terry

A cold and clear day with a slight breeze only with a little sunshine later in the morning.Temperature 2°C

Robin 8

Blue Tit 10

Dunnock 5

Woodpigeon 27

Wren 4

Blackbird 14

Song Thrush  7

Collared Dove 5

Magpie 27

Greenfinch 21

Reed Bunting 2

Bullfinch 11

Black-headed Gull 2

Chaffinch 8

Long-tailed Tit 1

Great Tit 9

Goldfinch 12

Moorhen 2

Mallard 2

House Sparrow 5

Carrion Crow 7

Buzzard 1

Kestrel 1

Mute Swan 2

Meadow Pipit 5

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

Teal 2

 27 species in all

Another enjoyable days birding but with 3 less species than in January, paths and fields still muddy but not waterlogged;  the majority of birds were noted in transects 2, 3, 4 and 7.

 Nice to have the first record of Meadow Pipits and the welcome increase in Song Thrush sightings; a bird that has seen a major decline in numbers in the last forty years and is on the RSPB’s red list, but which is hopefully making a come back. These thrushes are very vocal at present with birds claiming their territories.

 Mammals

 Only one Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey, although there are plenty about. A field vole was seen briefly in transect 9.

Date: January 9th 2016

by Amanda Fiddler, Anne Price and Terry Eagan

 A Damp, Cool and Clear Day with some sunshine, lots of mud and surface water on the Meadows.  Temperature 6°C    1015 hrs to 1250 hrs

 Robin 11

Blue Tit 12

Dunnock 5

Woodpigeon 35

Wren 1

Blackbird 6

Song Thrush  1

Collared Dove 4

Grey Heron 2

Magpie 14

Greenfinch 5

Reed Bunting 7

Bullfinch 11

Black-headed Gull 23

Chaffinch 15

Long-tailed Tit 2

Great Tit 6

Goldfinch 14

Moorhen 2

Mallard 2

House Sparrow 6

Carrion Crow 6

Goldcrest 1

Buzzard 2

Sparrowhawk 1

Redwing 1

Canada Geese 10

Great crested Grebe 1

Kestrel 1

An enjoyable start to the year, if a little waterlogged; similar to December the majority of birds were noted in transects 2, 4 and 7.

The later start was due to the earlier downpour.

 Nice to observe three different raptors this month and a Redwing.

 High points probably the Goldcrest, the single Redwing (unusual to be alone) and the Sparrowhawk being seen off by a Magpie.

Interesting to note House sparrows in the hedge between transects 3 and 4.

 At least 3 Grey squirrels seen.

 See Collation Sheet for a more in depth resume of the survey.

Inaugural Bird Survey

 December 20th 2015 by Amanda Fiddler and Terry Eagan

 A Bright, Breezy and Clear Day Temperature 11°C,  0900 hrs to 1105 hrs

Robin 6

Blue Tit 11

Dunnock 5

Woodpigeon 14

Wren 7

Blackbird 3

Teal 1

Jay 2

Grey Heron 2

Magpie 13

Greenfinch 2

Reed Bunting 7

Bullfinch 8

Black-headed Gull 12

Chaffinch 2

Long-tailed Tit 2

Great Tit 2

Goldfinch 12

Moorhen 3

Cormorant 2

Mute Swan 2

 An enjoyable start to our endeavours; the majority of birds were noted in transects 4 and 7. In general the birds faded out towards the end of the survey probably due to the increased activity on the Meadows.

No raptors or Winter Thrushes seen unfortunately.

 At least 3 Grey squirrels seen.