Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report 2005

We’re delighted to say that the annual report for 2005 is now available. There’s an eye-catching colour front cover depicting a stunning portrait of a Kingfisher. The 168 pages of text includes 12 distribution maps, 11 graphs and 14 beautiful illustrations from two different artists. An updated colour map of the county forms the centre spread of the report. There are seven pages of colour photographs which best capture some of the highlights of the year. But there is no doubt that 2005 will be remembered as ‘the Waxwing year’ when large numbers invaded the country breaking records wherever they went, including here in Cheshire and Wirral. Phil Oddy’s comprehensive article on this remarkable event makes for fascinating reading. But Waxwings were not the only species of particular interest in 2005. There are articles on our first ever Chimney Swift and the second record of a Black Kite in the county, plus accounts of a Long-billed Dowitcher at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB, Whiskered Terns on Ashton’s Flash, Cetti’s Warblers in Neston Reed Bed RSPB and Pallas’s Warbler at Crossley. The increase in Little Egret numbers over the past few years, particularly on the Dee estuary marshes, is nothing short of phenomenal. In 2005 they bred next to the estuary for the first time, Colin Wells’ article tells all about this landmark event.

All the ‘regulars’ are there: ‘Weather and Bird Review of the Year’; the full ‘Systematic List of Birds Recorded in Cheshire and Wirral during 2005’, including ‘Category E Species’; ‘Early and Late Dates for Migrants’; ‘BBRC and County Rarities Decisions’; ‘Ringing Report’; ‘Chairman’s Review’; ‘Database Statistics for 2005’ and finally advice on the ‘Submission of Records’.

Last, but not least, we have again included a species index at the back to help you quickly look up your favourite species, instead of having to wade through pages trying to find it. This will be particularly useful to those not familiar with new Systematic List order now adopted for the first time.

Tel: 01625 614501 Email: prmm@hordernpottery.wanadoo.co.uk

We would welcome comments and suggestions regarding the report – what do you particularly like and what could be improved upon? What articles or additional features would you like to see included? Would you like to see more colour photographs, cost-permitting? Do give us your views and help us to make sure the report improves year on year.

Sheila Blamire, Technical Editor, Woodruff Cottage, Clamhunger Lane, Mere, Cheshire, WA16 6QG Tel: 01565 830168 Email: sheilablamire@cawos.org

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