July 5th 2025

Seven Black-tailed Godwit at north end early morning. 

June 11th 2025

Single Common Tern this morning. 

June 8th 2025

Oystercatcher  x 7

L R Plover x 3

Common Sandpiper  x 1

Redstart  x 2

Spotted Flycatcher x 1

June 2nd 2025

No sign of the Little Stint today but two summer plumage Sanderling early morning found by Tom . That's only the second ever Sanderling record the last being August 1992. 

Today's other sightings

Reed Warbler x 1 (first this year) .

Hobby x 1

Swift x 2

Ringed Plover  x 6

L R Plover  x 4

Oystercatcher x 10

Common Sandpiper x 1

Redstart x 6 ( 5 x males )

Spotted Flycatcher  x 1

Note ......

10 x Oystercatcher's (adults) is a site record.

Distant record shot of the two Sanderling taken through Tom's scope. Well done fella nice find.

To get the best out of this blog.

 If you are looking at this blog for the first time on your  phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open it up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer and will allow you access to more information  . On the right hand side you will see a new email address  where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database and adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife especially here at Rudyard. Birds that you might think are common elsewhere may not be the case at this site , also high counts of species are just as welcome . Not only Birds but we are also interested in Butterfly and Dragonfly records to add to the database. Thank you for your cooperation and please send us your sightings however common you might think they are. 

Regards Steve.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

June 1st 2025

The summer plumage Little Stint is still present at the north end along with , 8 x Ringed Plover,  2 x L R Plover , Dunlin , Common Sandpiper and 3 x Oystercatcher's.  

Frustratingly the bird is very distant and is almost impossible to get a decent image . 

Little Stint photo's by Phil Jones.

LATE REPORT

A late report of a Sandwich Tern on 26th May for the morning only.

May 31st 2025

Little Stint on the mud north end . First spring record , the last record on site was August 1995.

Only photo I could get way out of my camera range. The Little Stint is far right of the picture , also Dunlin , Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper in same photo.

Hobby over north end early afternoon. 

Little Stint photo by Steve Gibson. 

Little Stint still present at the north end this evening. 

May 30th 2015

A first summer Kittiwake was at the north end this morning,  the bird looked oiled and unwell but was surface feeding when I left. It's our first record of Kittiwake since 30th June 2012.

First summer Kittiwake. 

Dunlin re-located this evening showing well with a bit of patience. 

Get the best out of this Blog.

If you are looking at this blog for the first time on your  phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open it up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer and will allow you access to more information  . On the right hand side you will see a new email address  where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database and adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife especially here at Rudyard. Birds that you might think are common elsewhere may not be the case at this site , also high counts of species are just as welcome . Not only Birds but we are also interested in Butterfly and Dragonfly records to add to the database. Thank you for your cooperation and please send us your sightings however common you might think they are. 

Regards Steve.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

May 29th 2025

The area at the north end is looking good for passage waders . 

Today

6 x Ringed Plover 

2 x L R Plover 

4 x Oystercatcher 

1 x Common Sandpiper 

5 x Lapwing 

Several young Pied Wagtails. 

May 28th 2015

Thirteen Ringed Plovers on the mud at the north end along with a single Dunlin and four Oystercatcher. The previous highest count was 11 in 1983 and 10 in 2021.

Spotted Flycatcher. 

Redstart female. 

May 25th 2025

Seven Spotted Flycatcher's noted at various locations around the lake this morning. 

May 22nd 2025

Peregrine over this afternoon. 

May 19th 2025

First Cuckoo of the year today .

May 17th 2025

The second Osprey of the year over this morning straight through heading north . All the usual stuff as expected along with two Spotted Flycatcher's showing reasonable well at the north end .

May 8th 2025

First Swift of the season back seen at the north end also single Spotted Flycatcher singing by the cottages. All the usual still present Pied Flys , Redstart's,  Garden Warbler etc.

May 5th 2025

Three Spotted Flycatcher's now back at Rudyard , we are still waiting for our first sightings of Common Tern and Swift then we have all our spring migrants back.

April 26th 2025

Hobby and Lesser Whitethroat found this morning by Phil Locker both new for the year . Also another 2 x  Pied Flycatcher's and male Redstart fresh in . Best of the rest Garden Warbler , Willow Warbler and Blackcap. 

April 25th 2025

Two drakes and one female Mandarin in the stream by the feeders yesterday and this morning.  Pieds and Redstart's settling down now , two more Garden Warblers fresh in and singing .  All the usual stuff around , noted 12 x  Great Crested Grebes all at the north end  possibly all none breeding birds . Three Buzzards over along with single Raven and a female Common Whitethroat seen , unusual at this end as they are usually seen at the south end.

Mandarin drake .

Several Orange-tips around the cottages.

April 23rd 2015

Excellent news our first female Pied Flycatcher has returned. 

April 22nd 2025

We have a third male Pied Flycatcher back today.

Speckled Wood. 

April 20th 2025

A very early visit this morning as I don't like the weekend crowds and especially this weekend. Only did the north end to see if we have got any female Pieds back yet but alas no. The Redstart's put on a fine display showing very close at times going about there courtship in the early morning sun. Two Garden Warblers were new in singing well . This male Pied Fly needs a female soon or else we could loose him too. 

Female Redstart. 

April 19th 2025

We are down to only two male Pied Flycatcher's now as one male has moved on . We need the females to return quickly or we could loose the others. A pair of Redstart's were showing very well early morning also there seems to be more Willow Warblers around today. Also noted a drake Mandarin,  two Oystercatcher's and good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff and several Swallow over the water.

Late News

Garden Warbler singing by the caravans north end late afternoon our first record for the year.

April 18th 2015

A walk around both ends this morning with good friend Phil Jones .

Osprey through at 9-00 heading north.

Redstart x 7 singing males

Pied Flycatcher x 3 singing males

Whitethroat x 3

Willow Warbler x 4

Snipe x 3

Teal x 2

Mandarin x 1

Blackcap x 6

Common Sandpiper x 2

LR Plover x 2

Kingfisher x 1

Both Osprey and Whitethroat are new birds for the year. Also seven singing male Redstart's is a site record the previous being six in 2012.

WMBC Open Day.

 

WMBC Annual Bird Report 2023

The WMBC Bird Report2023 is now available .

If your not already a member WHY not .

The Report covers our region Staffordshire,  also Warwickshire,  Worcestershire and the West Midlands. 

Website for further details. 

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk 

Summer Migrants

We are still waiting for six of our summer migrants to appear , so if anybody sees these on there visit please drop me a text or email .

Common Whitethroat 

Garden Warbler 

Common Tern

Spotted Flycatcher 

Hobby

Swift

We are currently on 92 species this year.

April 15th 2025

A White Wagtail was a nice surprise this morning along with 3 x male Pied Flycatcher's,  3 x male Redstart,  2 x Common Sandpiper,  2 x L R Plover , 7 x Teal , 6 x Swallow and a single Snipe.

Phone settings

 If youu are looking at this blog for the first time on  phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer. On the right hand side you will see a new email address  where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common elsewhere may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are also interesting aswell. Not only Birds but we are also interested in Butterflies and Dragonfly records to add to the database. Thank you for your cooperation regards Steve.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

April 14th 2015

Pied Flycatcher  x 3

Redstart  x 1

Willow Warbler  x 3

Blackcap  x 4

Common Sandpiper x 1

Oystercatcher  x 4

Swallow  x 5

Sand Martin  x 3

Teal x 4

Butterflies 🦋

Brimstone 

Orange-tip 

Peacock

Speckled Wood 

Small Tortoiseshell 

Comma

Green Veined White 

April 12th 2025

Now three Pied Flycatcher's on site along with three Redstart. Common Sandpiper on the spit and a couple of Sand Martin and Swallows over the water.  Four Blackcap , Willow Warbler and good numbers of Chiffchaff. 

Butterflies 🦋

Speckled Wood (new this year)

Brimstone 

Peacock 

Orange-tip 

Comma

Small Tortoiseshell 

Green Veined White 

April 8th 2025

Three Redstart's back this morning along with another male Pied Flycatcher (2 x now). Also the first Willow Warbler of the year. Also noted ..........

Blackcap x 2

Chiffchaff ( everywhere)

Oystercatcher  x 6

Common Sandpiper  x 1

L R Plover x 1

Kingfisher  x 1

Swallow x 5

Sand Martin  x 2

House Martin  x 1

Teal x 4

Butterflies this morning 🦋

Orange-tip x 6 (first of the year)

Green Veined White  x 2

Peacock x 1

Small Tortoiseshell  x 3

Comma x 1

Comma .

April 7th 2025

We have our first male Pied Flycatcher back on site one day earlier than last year.

April 5th 2025

First Swallow noted today over the lake.

April 4th 2025

First Blackcap of the year singing at the north end .

March 27th 2025

Nine Oystercatcher's were photographed today which is a site record . We usually get between 5 and eight during March each year , before they dissappear to there breeding grounds elsewhere.

🦋 Butterflies 

The first Butterflies of the year were noted , 1 x Brimstone,  2 x Small Tortoiseshell. 

Small Tortoiseshell. 

Also noted this morning 

1 x L R Plover

3 x Mandarin 

4 x Buzzard 

9 x Greylag 

1 x Goosander female 

3 x G S Woodpecker 

2 x Bullfinch

18 x G C Grebe

4 x Teal 

Plus the usual common birds.

March 26th 2015

Our first Little Ringed Plover of the year is back on site . Also Oystercatcher's are down to six birds from eight , and we now have a pair of Shelduck at the north end. Also this morning 4 x Buzzard,  14 x Chiffchaff singing , 4 x Teal and a single Lesser Redpoll on the feeders. Two Jay , single Raven and Grey Heron  , no sign of any Hirundines this morning. 

Little Ringed Plover (first back this year).

Oystercatcher's,  three of the six present. 

March 25th 2025

First House Martins of the year with two at the north end. Five Oystercatcher's on the spit and five Mandarin also north end.

Afternoon visit

8 x Oystercatcher's 

1 x Shelduck 

9 x Greylag 

3 x Buzzard 

9 x Chiffchaff 

2 x Lesser Redpoll 

March 22nd 2025

Early morning .

15 x Chiffchaff 

32 x Wigeon

5 x Oystercatcher's 

5 x Little Egret 

7 x Buzzard 

1 x Water Rail calling 

Small flocks of Meadow Pipits passing over.

March 20th 2025

5 x Oystercatcher's 

8 x Curlew

2 x Little Egret 

9 x Chiffchaff 

Tawny Owl 

Green Woodpecker 

March 19th 2025

Oystercatcher  x 4

Wigeon x 32

Curlew x 8

Green Woodpecker x 1

Mandarin x 1 (drake)

Common Gull x 8

Little Egret x 2

March 17th 2025

South end

Chiffchaff  x 5

Wigeon x 32

Green Woodpecker  x 1

Also 7 x Curlew on the ground which is a good number for us , as we usually only get one or two and they are usually fly overs.

March 9th 2025

A short walk this morning south end produced 5 singing Chiffchaff,  36 Wigeon a single Little Egret and Raven. 

March 8th 2025

Little Egret  x 1

Grey Wagtail  x 1

Goosander x 5 (1 x drake)

March 7th 2025

Two Tawny Owls calling this morning , and around 50 plus Redwing in the field off the north car park . The first Buff-tailed Bumblebee for the year was seen today but we still wait for our first Butterfly sighting for 2025. 🦋

March 6th 2025

Tawny Owl x 2 calling

Redwing / Fieldfare mixed flock 50 plus

Wigeon x 30

Shoveler  x 1 drake

Little Egret  x 1

Goldcrest x 4

Chiffchaff x 3 ( overwintering birds)

Weasel x 1 

Phone settings

 If you are looking at this blog for the first time on your phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer. On the right hand side you will see a new email address  where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common elsewhere may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are also interesting aswell. Not only Birds but we are also interested in Butterflies and Dragonfly records to add to the database. Thank you for your cooperation regards Steve.

steveseal1957@gmail.com 

March 3rd 2025

No sign of the Red-breasted Merganser since Friday now so obviously it was disturbed by the weekends boating activities. The Pink footed Goose is still present at the north end of the lake feeding with the Canada flock along with 8 x Oystercatcher's.  Eight being the highest count and always in March before they dissappear to there breeding locations. The past 4 years totals below.

8 x 11/03/2022

7 x 01/03/2023

8 x 24/03/2024

8 x 03/03/2025

Oystercatcher's. 

Also present today 4 x female Goosander,  2 x Little  Egret , Kingfisher  , 6 x Greylag and 18 x Teal.

Pink-footed Goose. 

March 2nd 2025

No reports of the Merganser since Friday . Pink footed Goose still at the north end with the Canada flock,  also Green Woodpecker at the north end. South of the dam 32 x Wigeon , 2 x Teal , 2 x Little Egret and a single drake Shoveler. 

Pink-footed Goose. 

March 1st 2025

Tawny Owl , 5 x fem Goosander,  20 x Pink-footed Geese over early morning and single Raven.

Phone settings

If you are looking at this blog for the first time on your phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer. On the right hand side you will see a new email address  where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common elsewhere may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are also interesting aswell. Not only Birds but we are also interested in Butterflies and Dragonfly records to add to the database. Thank you for your cooperation regards Steve.

steveseal1957@gmail.com 

Love is in the Air

It's gone past valentines day but love was most certainly in the air today , three pairs courtship displaying .

Twenty two birds counted on site today.

February 28th 2025

The Merganser was showing really well this morning  just up from the dam amongst the moored boats. It was nice to see some old friends and meet some new faces aswell. Best of the rest today,  1 x Pink-footed Goose still with Canada flock at the north end  , 7 x Goosander  , 11 x Teal , 1 x Kingfisher  , 5 x Mistle Thrush , 4 x Grey Wagtail , 4 x Oystercatcher's and 1 x Red Kite. Selection of Red-Breasted Merganser images below taken early this morning. 

Additions to February 27th list

B  H Gull x 50

Canada Geese  x 107

Cormorant  x 13

Curlew x 2 ( New for 2025)

G B B Gull x 2

Lapwing  x 5

L B B Gull x 20

Oystercatcher  x 2

Tufted Duck  x 10.

Nuthatch

We have a good healthy Nuthatch population here at Rudyard,  you can't go very far without hearing their distinctive call . But can you tell the difference between male and female.  The males have a deeper chestnut flank and undertail than females as shown in the two images below.

Nuthatch male.

February 27th 2025

The first winter drake Red-breasted Merganser was showing well today just by the last moored boat up from the Dam,  only about 200yds walk which made it easy on the legs. At the north end the single Pink-footed Goose was still with the Canada flock also 6 x Greylag with them. Only 7 x female Goosander seen today and one Little Egret in the Cattle field south of the dam by the Land Rover garage. 15 x Teal and a Kingfisher best of the rest.

First winter drake Red-breasted Merganser. 

If you are looking at this blog for the first time on your phone scroll to the bottom of the page and open up in web version this allows you to view as if on a computer. On the right hand side you will see my email address where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you mfight think are common may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are required aswell. Not only Birds we are also interested in Butterflies,  Dragonflies basically all wildlife that can be found here around the lake and surrounding area. Thank you Steve.

steveseal1957@gmail.com 

February 26th

I was determined this morning to find and photograph the Red-breasted Merganser that's been eluding me for the past few days , soon found it was present near the boathouse . A single Pink-footed Goose amongst the Canada flock at the north end. 11 x Goosander all females  , single Kingfisher,  2 x Little Egret , Sparrowhawk  , 3 x Buzzard and 9 x Cormorant. 

1st winter drake Red-breasted Merganser. 

Pink-footed Goose with Greylag's.

Pink-footed Goose with Canada flock.

February 25th 2025

Red Kite again today over the lake this afternoon also 5 x Raven and 5 x female Goosander',s.

Late News

Apparently the first winter drake Red-breasted Merganser is still present late evening with 10 x Goosander. 

February 24th 2025

I couldn't find the Red-breasted Merganser in a two hour search this morning,  it doesn't mean it's not there just possibly over looked. I saw one Red Kite myself around 11-00 over the lake but two were seen again later in the day. Best of the rest 3 x female  Goosander,  2 x Buzzard , single Little Egret sat in a tree by the Dam and two Grey Wagtails.  The usual suspects on the north end feeders along with a male Reed Bunting nearby. Some of today's Great Crested Grebe's were displaying to each other , always nice to watch.

February 23rd 2025

No reports either way today on the Red-breasted Merganser possibly due to the bad weather. Below is another excellent photo by Steve Gibson from yesterday's session.

Two Red Kites over the visitors centre this morning. 

View Blog

 If you are looking at this blog on your phone scroll down to the bottom of the page and open up in Web version . This allows you to see all the information on the page as viewed on a computer. On the right hand side you will see my email address where to send information too, email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are required aswell. Not only Birds we are also interested in Butterflies,  Dragonflies basically all wildlife that can be found here around the lake and surrounding area. Thank you Steve.

steveseal1957@gmail.com 

February 22nd 2025

The first winter drake Red-breasted Merganser still present today but no sign of yesterday evenings reported female Long-tailed Duck  . Also a single Pink footed Goose in amongst the Canada flock, 4 x Oystercatcher's and 12 x Goosander. Best of the rest include....90 x B H Gull's  , 9 x Cormorant  , 5 x Buzzard  , 8 x Siskin , 1 x Little Egret  , 7 x Teal , 20 x G C Grebe,  2 x Common Gull and a single Sparrowhawk. 

First winter drake R B Merganser photo by Steve Gibson.

If you don't already have my mobile number which most of you do. Here is a new contact email for sending sightings in. 

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

February 21st 2025

The first winter drake Red-breasted Merganser is still present halfway along the lake opposite the Lady of the Lake boathouse.

Late afternoon a report of what possibly could be a female Long-tailed Duck from the north end . 

February 20th 2025

Five Little Egrets all south of railway station also around 40 x Redwing in trees adjacent to station car park .

Late Afternoon 

A first winter drake Red-breasted Merganser at North end, 600 mts down railway side .

Three Oystercatcher's on the spit.

If you don't already have my mobile number which most of you do. Here is a new contact email for sending sightings in.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

February 14th 2025

Red Kite drifted high south west over the south end of the lake just after mid day today. It was observed  flying over Tittesworth earlier in the day .

Contact Details

If you don't already have my mobile number which most of you do. Here is a new contact email for sending sightings in.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

Report Sightings

 If you are looking at this blog on your phone scroll down to the bottom of the page and open up in Web version . This allows you to see all the information on the page as viewed on a computer. On the right hand side you will see my email address where to send information to email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are required aswell. Not only Birds we are also interested in Butterflies,  Dragonflies basically all wildlife that can be found here around the lake and surrounding area. Thank you Steve.

scseal29@yahoo.co.uk 

February 8th

A single Great White Egret this morning and 3 x Little Egret Heron Marsh , also noted 2 x Goosander  , 4 x Bullfinch,  4 x Teal and a single Jay. 

February 7th 2025

   CONFIRMED AVIAN INFLUENZA IN CHESHIRE

Late this evening official notification of Avian Flue from Middlewich area of Cheshire.

Here at Rudyard if you see any sick or dead birds report them to a Ranger ASAP. Do not under any circumstances touch any sick or dead bird.

February 6th 2025

Fourty Pink-footed Geese flew over heading n/w at around 10-00 this morning. The Willow Tit was heard again calling at the south end but not seen . Also 3 x Little Egret,  Jay and Buzzard.

February 4th 2025

Early morning walk  produced 7 x Common Gull with around 100 x Black headed Gulls off the spit and in the adjacent field. Siskin x 11 on the feeders along with 3 x Lesser Redpoll and around a dozen Goldfinch.  Else where a single Little Egret , 26 x Wigeon , 2 x Goosander  , 11 x G C Grebe , 7 x Cormorant,  41 x Fieldfare flew over and 8 x Chaffinch on seed in North Cark Park. Two Buzzard a single Jay and 6 x Moorhen south end. I looked for the Willow Tit for over a hour but no sight or sound of it unfortunately. 

February 3rd

Just a quick visit this morning to the north end all the usual on the feeders Siskin , Redpoll , Goldfinch,  Nuthatch,  Coal Tits etc . Single Raven over and three Teal on the marsh pool next to the bridge feeders . A couple of confiding treecreepers and a report of a Green Woodpecker at the south end by Heron Marsh which is a scarce bird at Rudyard with only a handful of reports each year.

Report sightings

If you are looking at this blog on your phone scroll down to the bottom of the page and open up in Web version . This allows you to see all the information on the page as viewed on a computer. On the right hand side you will see my email address where to send information to email also below. All sightings are recorded onto a database , we have records going back to the 1970s . All sightings are useful as it adds a picture to what's happening to our wildlife. Birds that you might think are common may not be the case here at Rudyard.  Also high counts of species are required aswell. Not only Birds we are also interested in Butterflies,  Dragonflies basically all wildlife that can be found here around the lake and surrounding area. Thank you Steve.

steveseal1957@gmail.com 

February 1st 2025

Fantastic news a Willow Tit has been seen and photographed along the old disused railway line just south of the Miniature Railway station next to Heron Marsh fishing pool.  Also today 11 x Siskin around the feeders and two Grey Wagtail by the Cattle grid. Others noted Greenfinch,  Goldcrest , Redwing , 2 x drake Tufted Duck and 6 x Goosander. Tawny Owl calling last night and early this morning. 

January 31st 2025

Twenty three Wigeon just south of miniature railway station in flooded field along with 3 x Little Egret. Four Goosander on Heron Marsh fishing pool and three female Goosander on main lake . Kingfisher along the stream bottom of the Dam.

January 30th 2025

A Merlin was hunting the field behind the Scout Hut this afternoon , first Merlin record since 2018. On the lake we're 6 x Goosander  , 5 x Tufted Duck , 12 x Cormorant,  16 x G C Grebe , 4 x Common Gull and a single  G B B Gull. Also noted 8 x Little  Egret , 2 x Grey Wagtail  , 2 x Mistle  Thrush and a single Sparrowhawk. 

January 29th 2025

Eight Little Egrets and six Goosander best of today's offerings.

January 24th 2025

Twenty one Cormorant,  10 x G C Grebe and 6 x Goosander. Around 170 x Canada Geese and 145 x B H Gulls. Single Grey Wagtail and Raven.

January 23rd 2025

South end early morning .

Five Goosander (3 x fem , 2 x drakes) , 3 x G C Grebe and 4 x Cormorant.  Also Jay and a pair of Bullfinch.  

January 22nd 2025

Two drake Pochard at the north end this morning these are scare birds at Rudyard with only a couple of records each year usually of just single birds. Also noted 6 x Teal , 170 x Canada Geese , 180 B H Gulls and 19 x Cormorant.  Redpolls and Siskins still frequenting the north end feeders , and we now have 11 x Great Crested Grebe's back on the lake after there disappearance due to it being frozen over. Three Little  Egrets in the Cattle field below the Dam. 

January 21st 2025

Around 300 Canada Geese were on the water north end this morning along with 150 plus B H Gulls. Also noted were 5 x Lesser Redpoll,  20 x Siskin , several Redwing ,  8 x Common  Snipe and singles of Raven , Grey Wagtail and a Little Egret. Nine Great Crested Grebe's were off the sailing Club along with two drake Tufted Duck , and 12 x Cormorant on the shingle spit.

Just one mile north of Rudyard Lake at Rushton Spencer a Dipper on the River Dane were it passes under the A523.

January 16th 2025

The lake is still frozen today , a second hand report of a G B B Gull on the ice.

January 15th 2015

Even with good overnight temperatures of 4 degrees and daytime at around 10 degrees the lake is still frozen over . On the ice were around 200+ B H Gull's,  Lapwing down from yesterday with 104 x counted. Common Snipe numbers up slightly with 15 noted and a single G C Grebe and 2 x Wigeon in one very small patch of open water. 10 x Teal around the edge of the reedbed along with a single Grey Heron and Cormorant.  Other birds noted Lesser Redpoll  x 3 , Siskin x 9 , Goldfinch x 8 , Nuthatch  x 3 , Coal Tit x 11 , G S Woodpecker drumming. Down the south end good numbers of Redwing with 60 + and around 40+ Fieldfare. A single Little Egret on Heron Marsh along with Buzzard and 4 x Mistle Thrush.

Request.

If any visiting birders get a positive ID on any Willow Tits could they please let myself or a Ranger or county recorder Nick Pom no. Thank you Steve.

Mega Hawfinch January 14th.

A report of a Hawfinch flying over the north end bridge towards the lake mid-afternoon . This would be only the second record for the sight , the other being a flyover on the same date in 2018 by M Stubbs. Record reported from Birdguides. 

Also at Highfield Farm 

Bullfinch x 5

Brambling x 1

Reed Bunting x 1

January 14th 2025

Even though temperatures are now above freezing for the second day the lake is still frozen over. On the ice at the north end were 267 x Lapwing  , 87 x B H Gull's and 10 x Common Snipe. Lesser Redpolls are still visiting the feeders with 4 again today along with several Siskin and Goldfinch. Other birds noted were G S Woodpecker,  9 x L T Tits,  L B B Gull  , Song Thrush and 4 x Chaffinch.  Appeal for sightings,  I know not many birders visit Rudyard but if you do could you either drop me a text with your sightings most of you have my mobile number. If not my e mail address is top right hand side of this blog. Sightings you might not feel are important , but lots of birds that are common at other sites could be scarce here. Iam also after counts of species all will be gratefully appreciated and logged into a database.  We especially would like to know of any Willow Tit sightings as we lost our regular pair from the north end in April 2023.

January 13th 2025

Lake is still completely frozen over from one end to the other.  Its good to see Lesser Redpoll are back at the north end feeders , they have been missing over the past couple of winters. Birds all noted around North end feeders. Nuthatch,  Siskin , Lesser Redpoll , Coal Tit , Goldfinch , Chaffinch , Great and Blue tit , good numbers of Robin with 11 noted between the car park and the bridge .

January 11th 2015

Siskin x 12 and 5 x Redpoll on north feeders . The lake is completely frozen over. Bad conditions under foot around North end car park and feeders.

January 9th 2025

I always spend new year away so this is the first time I have been able to get to Rudyard . Heavy snow again making the roads difficult to get here along with overnight temperatures of down to minus 7. Lesser Redpolls have finally found the feeders at the north end , with 5 birds present today along with 15 Siskin and 20 Goldfinch. The lake is completely frozen.