Patch Gadwall are still increasing with 134 tonight, but likely many more between Sankey Bridges and Ferry Tavern and beyond on the St Helens Canal. Would to do a full count before their numbers drop around Christmas. #SankeyValley #Patchbirding

High count of 121 Gadwall on the St Helens Canal near Bewsey Lock, #SankeyValley this evening. It's always been good for them, but that's an impressive count. Also my second record of wigeon on the canal itself #PatchBirding

4 Ruff on patch this evening were a nice patch tick with additional 14 Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover and adult Yellow-legged Gull. Also grey seal. River Mersey south of Moss Bank and the St Helen's Canal. #SankeyValley #PatchBirding

And two patch ticks of two Dunlin and a beautiful Turnstone also present. The Ruddy Shelduck also added entertainment on the Mersey south of Moss Bank, Widnes. @birdguides.bsky.social #SankeyValley #PatchBirding

And a handheld phone shot for good measure and to provide some context. One of the best views of otters I've ever had and potentially my first dog otter. Amazing to have on the River Mersey and so close to home. #SankeyValley #PatchBirding

Otter! Went to check the river for waders before work and was greeted by a wonderful dog otter feeding along the close shore line only a few 100 metres east of the Mersey Gateway. A Cheshire tick for me #SankeyValley #PatchBirding #Digibinned

Moulting adult Sanderling, 28 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Ringed Plover on the River Mersey east of the Gateway and south of Moss Bank this afternoon #SankeyValley #PatchBirding

Two red-eared sliders on the St Helens Canal were a novel patch tick this afternoon. Yeartick or two reed warblers was also nice. #SankeyValley #PatchBirding

Drake Common Scoter swimming around on the River Mersey below Forrest Way overbridge, Sankey Bridges, Warrington just now. Excellent suggestion by @liamlangley1.bsky.social to check the river. Literally the first bird I saw when I got out the car! #SankeyValley #PatchBirding #PatchTick

I've seen them along the Mersey closer to Fiddlers Ferry, but a flock to four REDSHANK heading north low over the water along the St Helens Canal in the #SankeyValley CP. Much excitement on my morning run into work #PatchBirding

Managed a quick visit to Richmond Bank today to try and grab some year ticks in the sub-0 conditions. Plenty of snipe, gadwall and teal with small numbers of lesser black-backed and great black-backed gulls, plus redshank, little grebe goosander & reed bunting #patchbirding #ukbirding #SankeyValley

1cy Caspian Gull and 2 Golden Plover on the exposed Richmond Bank, Warrington. Both patch ticks and lovely to see. #patchbirding #ukbirding #sankeyvalley

Rock Pipit (presumably littoralis) was an unexpected patch tick whilst out on a run this morning to Spike Island, Widnes. I'm sure you get them on the estuary most of not every winter, but wasn't on my radar this morning. #ukbirding #sankeyvalley #patchbirding

Ring-necked Parakeet flying over the house was a patch and house tick yesterday in Great Sankey, Warrington. They really are spreading almost out of control now 🫣 I can't help find them charming, but still. #ukbirding #SankeyValley

100 up! Managed to break the 100 species barrier yesterday with Peregrine, Yellowhammer and Water Rail. I'm lucky to have such varied habitat on patch including a section of tidal River Mersey. Not bad for 3.5 months of birding #ukbirding #sankeyvalley

Yellow-browed Warbler in the Sankey Valley! Repeatedly calling whilst foraging with a mobile tit flock. Just north of Bewsey Lock in Twig & Bog Woods, Old Hall, Warrington at c12:50. So good! @birdguides.bsky.social #UKBirding #SankeyValley

Gadwall on the house list! I've heard them on the canal from the house several times but three just flew over calling as I put the bins out 😍 well good! #ukbirding #sankeyvalley

#Patchbirding ticks of 2 snipe and a lesser whitethroat today. Also 33 gadwall on the canal close to Ferry Tavern. Interesting to see their number build in the last month. #UKBirding #SankeyValley

Start the day right. Greenshank and 2 Green Sandpiper in with the Lapwings on the Mersey off Ferry Tavern this morning. #SankeyValley #PatchBirding #UKbirding

Local 'megaflock' of now 42 gadwall remain at Bewsey Lock, Sankey Valley with a further 10 towards Ferry Tavern. Patch tick of 3 yellow wagtail too. #SankeyValley #PatchBirding #UKbirding

Nice short visit to Ferry Tavern yesterday evening with highlights being eclipse mandarin and 3 gadwall on the canal, male marsh harrier and kingfisher on the river. Singing chiffchaff, Cetti's and reed warbler remain. Also 5 swift #SankeyValley #PatchBirding #UKBirding