Siberian Stonechat, Ashton's Flash 5th January 2020

An 'Eastern' Stonechat was found at Ashton's Flash, near Northwich, by local birder David Bedford on 24th December 2019. Whether this bird is Siberian or Stejneger's it's a first for Cheshire & Wirral. DNA has been collected, so we should know for sure in a couple of weeks.

I popped over to Ashton's Flash this morning, not having any transport over the Christmas period. A small group of maybe half a dozen birders were watching the 'Eastern' Stonechat when I arrived on site. The bird performed pretty well being on view when I arrived & for the whole of my stay, a little east of the bund bench.

Videos by Pete Hines

 

Update: 20th January 2020 - DNA confirmed as Siberian Stonechat

Siberian Stonechat, Quendale 13th October 2015

Photo courtesy Paul Wilson

A Siberian Stonechat had been found at Quendale the previous day & was still present so, I decided to pop over there to try & see it.

When I arrived there were a few birders tracking the Siberian Stonechat along the wall between the dam & the mill. It was on view pretty much the whole time I was there covering the same area, providing some excellent views.

Photo courtesy Paul Wilson

I took a trip around Spiggie Loch on the way out & saw the long-staying Little Egret. A visit to Hoswick produced an adult Goldfinch.