ON a dull cloudy Wednesday morning in late November, seven volunteers led by Terry Eagan from the New Cut Heritage and Ecology group were on Paddington Meadows for what they thought would be a normal monthly survey of birdlife.
To great surprise they were to count some 46 different species. This beat the previous monthly record of 44 recorded in spring 2021.
Paddington Meadows is Local Nature Reserve of 30 hectares consisting of flood meadows, wildflower meadows, ancient hedgerows, “carrs” and reed beds creating an oasis for wildlife surrounded by the River Mersey and the New Cut Canal, both of which once formed part of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation abandon finally in the 1960`s.
Not only was this a record count, but there have been some rare predators recorded in November with the first Marsh Harrier (very likely a visitor from the nearby Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve) and the first Short-eared Owl to be seen on the “patch” since surveys were commenced in 2016.
There has been an unusually high influx of Short-eared Owls from Europe this autumn and one of these enigmatic predators has recently taken a liking to the present conditions on the Meadows.
Environmental factors such as higher than normal rainfall and water tables has created flooded areas on the meadows forcing voles and shrews into the open, where the raptors could feed more easily. The wet conditions have also been to the liking of secretive Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe plus several Grey Heron and a surprise Little Egret.
The Wild Carrot seed heads of the recently created wildflower meadow has created the perfect habitat for large flocks of Goldfinch and a few Pheasant.
Bird species on the British Trust for Ornithology Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern noted during the survey included Redpoll (20), Greenfinch (3) and the common yet threatened House Sparrow (25).
There has been a good crop of Hawthorn and Holly berries this autumn which has encouraged large flocks of foraging Blackbirds, Redwings and Song Thrushes.
Terry Eagan (Member of the New Cut Bird Group) said “The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group’s volunteers working with Warrington B.C. officials have helped to create an accessible green space in the midst of urban surroundings for all to enjoy. This exceptional bird count demonstrates what can be achieve when a suitable environment is both improved and cared for.”
If you wish to help out with friendly work parties, bird and mammal surveys, litter picks you can contact the group on:
e-mail: [email protected]
www.newcuttrail.com
facebook: New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group
1 Comment
This is the type of unique areas that WBC are giving planning permission to build houses on the land elsewhere in the town.
No respect no consideration from WBC at all ? all they want is the cash to fill the debt crater