Rare birds spotted on Paddington Meadows

ORNITHOLOGIST members of Warrington’s New Cut Heritage group have spotted some rare birds on Paddington Meadows.
Some have been species not spotted before and others have been old favourites returning.
Top of the list was a Red Kite, a species almost extinct in Britain a few years ago but after successful reintroductions in Wales and Southern England they are now spreading out across the country.
While surveying the average number of different species seen on this special habitat the group found 32 with a peak of 40 in June and other new arrivals included Black Necked Grebe, Hobby, Common Sand Piper, Curlew plus Goldeneye and Shoveller Ducks.
The very distinctive call of the Cuckoo was heard in dense foliage, a sound not heard for many years, and a Skylark again not seen in recent years was also been sighted. The ornithologists are hopeful that the Skylark species once a permanent resident of the meadows and which gave its name to nearby Larkfield Avenue will return in numbers.
The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group liaise with local authorities and statutory bodies to help maintain the unique environment of Paddington meadows and New Cut Canal. In addition they carry out regular litter picks, lobby for better seating / benches along the canal and have begun hedge laying work parties.