March/April - Timperley Tit Box Mystery

A pair of blue tits moved in to a nest box and were seen feeding 2 weeks later. They suddenly disappeared. Several days later one blue tit appeared calling non-stop and another appeared eventually - definitely courting. Now one bird is going into the nest with feathers etc and is feeding on the nuts nearby. Is this the same couple? A new couple? One from the original two? Did the original babies die or fly?

Claire Joures

Friday 15th April 2016 - Staffordshire Border (Ring Ouzels)

10 Ring Ouzels seen dropping in just over the border in Staffordshire, flying in from different directions.

Claire Joures

Tuesday 14th April 2016 - Baguley (Alexanders)

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)

Masses of Alexanders seen on the verge at the junction of the A560 and Shady Lane. Not common in this area.

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)

Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)

A ladybird on the plant was probably the invasive, predatory Harlequin Ladybird.

Alexanders Rust (Puccinia smyrnii)

Also found Alexanders Rust on the underside of some leaves.

Cathy Pettipher

Tuesday 12th April 2016 - Stretford (Blackcaps)

Two Blackcaps seen in garden.

Cathy and Mike Pettipher

Monday April 11th 2016 - Moore Nature Reserve, Marbury Country Park

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at Moore Nature Reserve.
10 Little Gulls and a Sandwich Tern passing through Marbury Country Park.

Claire Joures

Saturday 2nd April 2016 - Timperley (Mistletoe)

On a  visit to Timperley Community Centre, a 'clump' of Mistletoe, about 2m across, was spotted high in a lime tree. The only other specimens in the locality known to us are those reported in Sale Moor by Maurice Lees, just over a year ago.This one was difficult to photograph, but just about recognisable:

Misteltoe (Viscum album)

Misteltoe (Viscum album)

 Cathy and Mike Pettipher