BIRD SIGHTINGS IN THE MACCLESFIELD AREA
April 2003

HELP I have received the following email.

Can anybody help identify these birds?

Between the dates March 15th and 23rd what appeared to be a pair of Velvet Scoters in the large pond in Styal Woods (Wilmslow side of Quarry Bank Mill). I have not seen them since that period, and although I know they are normally only seen on the coast, wondered if anyone else had reported them or had any other suggestions as to what they could be if they are not Velvet Scoters. The bird was all black except for a white patch over the wing in flight and a small white patch near the eye. On one occasion I watched one bird rapidly diving in and out of the water moving in a line forwards. I have scoured every bird book I have, and cannot see any other bird fitting this description?
2nd Ridgegate Reservoir Smew and 3 mandarin ducks (PK)
3rd Tittesworth

Osprey (PK)

4th Ridgegate Reservoir 3 mandarin ducks (PK)
5th Riverside Park Lesser spotted woodpecker (B&MR)
7th Nr Bosley

2 buzzards between Cluelow Cross and Bosley (DB)

7th Ridgegate Reservoir Mandarin Ducks 2 males and 1 female (DB)
7th Broken Cross Buzzard (JB)
7th Marbury Country Park Sand martins, blackcap and chiffchaffs (PK)
7th Redesmere Sand Martins (PK)
8th Riverside Park

Willow warbler (PK)

9th Bottoms Reservoir Swallow (the first report in our area) and 3 mandarins (PK)
10th Lyme Park 30 Crossbills (PK)
11th Riverside Park Sand martin (PK)
15th Broken Cross Willow warbler (JB)
15th Riverside Park Common snipe (2) and sand martins (PK)
18th Middlewood Way

Between Poynton Coppice and Bollington (BR)
4 blackcaps numerous willow warblers and chiffchaff

20th Whiteley Green Swallow (JB)
21st Capesthorne 3 buzzards, sand martin and swallow (DT)
22nd Roaches

10 ring ouzel, wheatear, raven, red grouse, swallows, willow warblers
Grid Ref SJ997643 near Bearstone Rock and Roach End (CG)

24th Alderley Edge 6 buzzards (PK)
27th Sutton Swift (CG)
29th Macclesfield Swift over Brynton Road/Northgate Avenue (HR)
30th Ridgegate Reserevoir and Teggs Nose Ridgegate - 2 Mandarin Ducks (BR)
Teggs Nose - Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher (pair), Redstart
30th Prestbury House Martin (DT)