RARE predators and a record number of species were spotted by enthusiastic volunteers on a walk round a Warrington beauty spot.

Paddington Meadows is a magnet for birdlife and members of the New Cut Group Volunteers were on their monthly survey of species, spotting a new record of 46 different species. This beat the previous monthly record of 44 recorded in spring 2021.

Terry Eagan, member of the New Cut Bird Group, said: “The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group’s volunteers working with Warrington Borough Council 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.”

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 Mersey and the New Cut Canal, both of which once formed part of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation abandon finally in the 1960s.

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.

 

A little egret

A 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.

If you wish to help out with the friendly work parties, bird and mammal surveys, litter picks you can contact info@newcuttrail.com, birding@newcuttrail.com, newcuttrail.com or on Facebook New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group