Mute Swan (4, 2 juv) Great Crested Grebe (2, 1 juv) Coot (10) Moorhen (1 juv) Kingfisher (1) Goldcrest (1) Barlow Tip Reed Warbler (1m) reed bed at the east end
Tony Coatsworth said
Wed Jul 25 7:53 PM, 2012
Pretty quiet now, apart from various juvenile birds calling, including - Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits.
Reed Warbler putting out a few fragments of song from the reed bed
Liam Langley said
Tue Jul 24 3:22 PM, 2012
Fairly quiet visit to the patch today 11.32-13.21
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv) Tufted Duck (1m) Great Crested Grebe (2, 1 juv) Common Buzzard (1) flew high east over Barlow Tip Common Kestrel (1) soaring over Barlow Tip Black Headed Gull (60+) anting over Barlow Tip Great Spotted Wodpecker (1) Barlow Tip
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 03:27:12 PM
Pete Hines said
Sun Jul 22 3:12 AM, 2012
Barlow Tip
2 Willow Tit together, behind 'Bullfinch corner' orchard 1 Spotted Flycatcher at least 2 juvenile Bullfinch 1 Sparrowhawk
2 Fox cubs
Liam Langley said
Sat Jul 21 8:09 PM, 2012
Fantastic walk around the lake and the tip this morning 10.41-12.11
The undoubted highlight was at least 2 Willow Tit on Barlow Tip, an unexpected patch tick . The birds were on the edge of a copse down the track which is the first right turn before the methane gas station.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2juv) Tufted Duck (2,1m) Coot (9) Pied Wagtail (1) Jay (1) Mistle Thrush (4) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (1m) Barlow Tip Whitethroat (4,2m) Barlow Tip Reed Warbler (1m) reed bed at the east end
Ian Keith said
Thu Jul 19 2:17 PM, 2012
7am 1 dipper on Mersey by far/closed bridge 1 Kingfisher
female Sparrowhawk doing the rounds by the Bailey Bridge
Liam Langley said
Wed Jul 18 9:40 PM, 2012
Really quiet walk around the patch today 13.42-15.15
Highlights:
Cormorant (1) flew east over Barlow Tip Mute Swan (4, 2juv) Whitethorat (1m) Barlow Tip Collared Dove (3) Barlow Tip Reed Bunting (1m) Barlow Tip Lesser Black Backed Gull (1ad) over Barlow Tip Black Headed Gull (5)
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 09:42:08 PM
Liam Langley said
Mon Jul 16 5:27 PM, 2012
Couple of hours walking around the lake and tip in the rain early afternoon. Best birds were the juvenile Great Crested Grebe and 2 juvenile Moorhens that seem to have appeared out of nowhere. Maybe the local minks have had less of an affect than I thought.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2juv) Tufted Duck (2,1m) Great Crested Grebe (5, 1 juv) Moorhen (2 juv) Coot (5) Stock Dove (2) Barlow Tip Woodpigeon (38+) SW over Barlow Tip Lesser Black Backed Gull (2) S over Barlow Tip Black Headed Gull (1) Reed Warbler (1m) in reedbed on the south side.
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Monday 16th of July 2012 05:27:26 PM
Liam Langley said
Thu Jul 5 10:16 PM, 2012
Early afternoon visit 12.02-14.01
A search for the Lesser Whitethroat unfortunately ended in failure
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2 juv) Great Crested Grebe (3) Common Buzzard (1) Kenworthy Woods Reed Warbler (2m) 1 south slipway, 1 east end Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Also had another possible peregrine sighting. I noticed a medium sized raptor flying away from me over Barlow Tip towards Sale golf course. It flew with a flap flap glide flight action and appeared brown on the mantle and upperwings. The wings also appeared fairly pointed suggestng a falcon but I guess it could have been a female Sparrowhawk seen poorly. Any suggestions?
Ian Keith said
Thu Jul 5 2:50 AM, 2012
Still unable to use bins since being steamrollered by Ella the out of control Rottweiller 3 weeks ago. (resulted in broken arm).
7am Sparrowhawk over the Orchard 1 Buzzard perched up in trees at side of CWP overlooking the River. 3 singing male reed Warblers (2 eastern end, 1 southern slipway. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing on Barlow Tip close to gas plant. Young Swallows perched up and being fed in dead tree close to substation. Still plenty of Swifts around - one of them took a Small Tortoiseshell that was about 2 ft away from me.
12pm Male Kestrel over Kenworthy
Also a family group of 4 Mink walking across the Bailey Bridge until they spotted the dog and decided that going back and swimming across the river was a safer option. Interesting to note the 3 kits were the same size as the presumed adult. Another Mink seen fishing by substation at 5pm.
Graham Smith said
Wed Jul 4 9:02 PM, 2012
Nice walk before the rain loads of kids with canoes and someone with a radio controlled boat
2 Reed warblers seen take food to nest just near the play area 1 Goosander m Swifts 2 Whitethroat 1 Kingfisher fishing on the island near the picnic area plus the usual
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 5th of July 2012 04:54:05 PM
Liam Langley said
Wed Jul 4 5:48 AM, 2012
Decent visit to the patch got off to a fantastic this morning when a Peregrine flew low north over the car park at 10.49! My third patch tick in the last month After that it was predictably quieter but the Reed Warbler was still singing away in the reeds on the south side.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv) Goosander (1m) Great Crested Grebe (4,2 pairs) Black Headed Gull (2) Lesser Black Backed Gull (2) flew east Reed Warbler (3,2m) Swallow (2) Common Swift (10+)
Liam Langley said
Fri Jun 29 11:55 PM, 2012
Mid-afternoon walk around the patch, 13.49-15.21. Good to finally see some raptors again!
Highlights:
Common Buzzard (1) Barlow Tip, regular bird with damaged primaries on the let wing. Kestrel (2) East over Barlow Tip, my first record of multiple birds for the site. Mute Swan (4,2juv) Great Crested Grebe (4) Coot (4) Moorhen (1) Grey Heron (1) Black Headed Gull (1) Barlow Tip Lesser Black Backed Gull (1 ad) Barlow Tip Whitethroat (2m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Tony Darby said
Fri Jun 29 1:06 AM, 2012
Apart from the 2 singing Reed Warblers I heard at the East end this morning, there was a third singing away by the slipway on the South bank. That makes 3 possible breeding territories at CWP now. Tony
Liam Langley said
Tue Jun 26 4:41 PM, 2012
Early afternoon walk round in damp conditions
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv) Goosander (1m) Coot (5) Great Crested Grebe (4) Grey Heron (1) Whitethroat (5,4m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip Reed Bunting (4,2m) Barlow Tip House Martin (1) Barlow Tip
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 04:42:44 PM
Gerry Flanagan said
Mon Jun 25 11:14 PM, 2012
Short evening walk Lake / Barlow Tip
Common Buzzard 2 - Barlow Tip Mute Swan 2 + 2 cynets Common Whitethroat 4 Blackcap 1 male Reed Bunting 5 Coot 1 Great Crested Grebe 2 Swift 8 Swallow 2 Song Thrush 2 Blackbird 3 Carrion Crow 3 Magpie 4 Jay 1
-- Edited by Gerry Flanagan on Monday 25th of June 2012 11:47:48 PM
Liam Langley said
Mon Jun 25 1:27 PM, 2012
A midday walk round the patch was enlivened by a Common Tern over the lake. The bird flew in from the east at 12.27 and proceeded to fish around the western end for 5 minutes. It then headed off north over the car park at 12.32 and was lost to view. A long overdue patch tick
Other Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv) Great Crested Grebe (3) Coot (3) Moorhen (1) Grey Heron (1) Whitethroat (3m) Barlow Tip Reed Warbler (2,1m) One seen carrying food indicating a breeding attempt from at least 1 pair. Reed Bunting (5,2m) Common Swift (10+)
Unfortunately no sign of any Goosander on the river
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Monday 25th of June 2012 01:29:28 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 25th of June 2012 03:00:30 PM
Ian Keith said
Sun Jun 24 7:07 PM, 2012
1 female Goosander plus 2 young next to the substation at 8.30am this morning. No sign of the Dipper but hardly surprising with the height of the river.
Ben Smart said
Sun Jun 24 1:46 AM, 2012
I walked down from Jackson's Bridge, Chorlton, to West Didsbury along the Mersey this afternoon. No sign of Goosanders young or old, or of dippers for that matter.
Probably approx 1000 Swift along the river plus smaller numbers of Swallow and House Martin feeding over the high water levels.
Ian Keith said
Thu Jun 14 5:39 AM, 2012
The first "Goosander-lings" of the season downstream of the Bailey Bridge at 7am today. Just the 2 approx. 3 weeks old c/w the adult female.
Pete Hines said
Wed Jun 13 11:42 PM, 2012
Ian Keith wrote:
Dipper back on the river at 11.30am
I've sent you a pm Ian.
Ian Keith said
Wed Jun 13 1:26 AM, 2012
Dipper back on the river at 11.30am
Chris Harper said
Tue Jun 12 3:26 PM, 2012
Regular Buzzard over Chorlton High School last month or so.
Ian Keith said
Tue Jun 12 5:52 AM, 2012
Joey Eccles wrote:
Liam Langley wrote:
Hi Ollie
Over the course of April I saw a pair everytime I visited. One bird was recogniseable as it had slightly clipped primaries on the left wing. I havent seen either bird in the past few weeks so Im slightly worried that they've either left the area.
I had some amazing views of the birds on Barlow Tip especially when they were seeing off the attentions of mobbing crows! Truly stunning birds and I really hope there still around.
Cheers
Liam
I would guess that they've nested (assuming they were a breeding pair) at a different location, possibly due to the lack of suitable nesting sites around the water park, and for the moment they are localised around the nest site.
I'm still seeing 1 of the birds coming into roost close to the water park most evenings. I've every confidence they'll soon be back over the tip. Not too sure about the Kestrels :(
Still a spectacular low flying exhibition from the Swifts, House Martins and Swallows best viewed from the upper riverbank in front of the substation - 8pm onwards. Incredible to be within 2-3ft of the Swifts picking off midges at head height. Significant increase in the number of House Martins being seen on a daily basis this year.
Joey Eccles said
Mon Jun 11 6:28 AM, 2012
Liam Langley wrote:
Hi Ollie
Over the course of April I saw a pair everytime I visited. One bird was recogniseable as it had slightly clipped primaries on the left wing. I havent seen either bird in the past few weeks so Im slightly worried that they've either left the area.
I had some amazing views of the birds on Barlow Tip especially when they were seeing off the attentions of mobbing crows! Truly stunning birds and I really hope there still around.
Cheers
Liam
I would guess that they've nested (assuming they were a breeding pair) at a different location, possibly due to the lack of suitable nesting sites around the water park, and for the moment they are localised around the nest site.
Liam Langley said
Mon Jun 11 5:35 AM, 2012
Hi Ollie
Over the course of April I saw a pair everytime I visited. One bird was recogniseable as it had slightly clipped primaries on the left wing. I havent seen either bird in the past few weeks so Im slightly worried that they've either left the area.
I had some amazing views of the birds on Barlow Tip especially when they were seeing off the attentions of mobbing crows! Truly stunning birds and I really hope there still around.
Cheers
Liam
Ollie Wright said
Mon Jun 11 5:07 AM, 2012
I always expect to see Buzzards in and around the Water Park / Ees / Barlow Tip / Kenworthy Woods area and can't remember the last time I didn't, to be honest (although I haven't been along in a few weeks).
Last time I went to Barlow Tip, at the end of April, I wandered around a corner in the woodland, looked up and one was hanging in the air about ten feet in front of me. Phenomenal!
Charles Coutts said
Mon Jun 11 2:09 AM, 2012
2 Buzzards were noted very high over Gatley on Friday,not very far from Chorlton WP as Buzzards fly
Liam Langley said
Sun Jun 10 9:48 PM, 2012
Walk around the lake and the tip early afternoon was quiet.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv) Great Crested Grebe (2) Jay (2) Whitethroat (1m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip Blackcap (5m) Reed Warbler (1m) Reedbed at the east end
Slightly concerened that I haven't seen either of the Buzzards for around a month now. Seems like any potential nesting attempt has failed. Anyone seen a Buzzard around recently?
Cheers
Liam
Pete Hines said
Thu Jun 7 3:38 AM, 2012
1 Common Tern over high to the west at 1.20 (same as yesterdays bird at Sale WP?) 1 Reed Warbler 1 Kingfisher at the seasonal pond at Kenworthy (by the new track) I've never seen one there before. 2 male Reed Bunting at Barlow Tip 2 pair Tufted Duck
1 Pippestrelle day flying at 1.30 Banded Demoiselle male at Kenworthy Blue-tailed Damselflies
Tony Darby said
Mon Jun 4 7:54 PM, 2012
Cygnets now down to 2 , the pair were left with just 1 last year. I don't know why CWP should be so cygnet-unfriendly, unless the problem is purely down to the Mink population round here.
Phil Owen said
Mon Jun 4 12:50 AM, 2012
Liam Langley wrote:
Dipper still present at 12.51 showing well between the bridge and the weir A patch tick! Great find Ian and thanks very much Phil for getting the news out
No problem at all Liam. Glad other forum members got the chance to see the bird, that's what makes it all worthwhile.
Must get over there soon myself as never seen Dipper at Chorlton before.
Thanks to Ian for the text message!
Liam Langley said
Sun Jun 3 10:22 PM, 2012
Dipper still present at 12.51 showing well between the bridge and the weir A patch tick! Great find Ian and thanks very much Phil for getting the news out
Other highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv) Goosander (1m) Great Crested Grebe (4, 2 pairs) Reed Warbler (1m) Whitethroat (1m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
I also had the pleasure of watching 20+ Swift hawking low over the river bank opposite the substation. The birds were flying really low passing within a couple of feet of me. An absolutely magical experience!
Phil Owen said
Sun Jun 3 3:58 PM, 2012
Dipper on River Mersey at Chorlton WP by weir upstream of bridge.
Info thanks to Ian Keith
Liam Langley said
Thu May 31 5:15 AM, 2012
Hi Martin.
Earlier in the spring I heard at least 2 male Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming on Barlow Tip but they've gone abit quiet now the season has progressed and I presume any nest sites are on the golf course as I've not seen or heard one in several weeks. Similarly I regularly see a couple of Buzzards soaring towards the golf course. Maybe you've seen the regular bird distinguishable by the slightly clipped lower primaries on the left wing?
Cheers, Liam
Martin Cuthbert said
Wed May 30 7:45 AM, 2012
As a regular golfer at Chorlton Golf Club, I am surprised that the Water Park postings rarely record Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Every time I play I see 3 or 4 of them, and often in the trees where we are adjacent to Chorlton Water Park. Perhaps their territories are not too scattered and they reside in the centre of our golf course. We have regular pheasants, jays, herons and long tailed tits, and 3 or 4 buzzards circling is not uncommon. Your kingfisher pays an occasional visit to one of our streams. Also Magpies occasionally in clusters of 20 or more
Liam Langley said
Wed May 30 3:29 AM, 2012
Morning walk round the patch 08.12-10.01
Highlights:
Goosander (1m) bird wih damaged wing still present appeared to be feeding. Mute Swan (6, 4 juv) Great Crested Grebe (4) Reed Warbler (2m) in the reedbed at the east end, 1 gave stunning views briefly Whitethroat (5) Barlow Tip Blackcap (9m) Willow Warbler (3m) Barlow Tip Common Swift (5) Barlow Tip Grey Wagtail (1) River Mersey
Also I'd be interested to know if anyone has a systematic list for the site? Maybe Pete Hines would know as he seems to have watched the place religously in the past. Either way I'd be interested to know what's been seen here in the past as I've heard of records of Bluethroat among other things.
cheers
Liam
Liam Langley said
Mon May 28 11:52 PM, 2012
Enjoyable visit this morning 08.14-10.02
Quite quiet with none of the hoped for raptors overhead
Highlights:
Great Crested Grebe (4) Mute Swan (2 adults with 4 small chicks) Canada Goose (45+, 16 juv) Moorhen (1) Coot (1) Reed Warbler (2m) singing in reeds at the east end Blackcap (10m) probably the commonest small passerine around at the moment inlcuding females. Whitethroat (2m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (3m) Barlow Tip Common Swift (4) Barlow Tip
Liam Langley said
Sat May 26 8:19 PM, 2012
25/05/12- Quick early morning walk around the lake and Barlow Tip before college
Highlights:
Goosander (1m) appears to have damaged primaries on the left wing preventing it from leaving. Great Crested Grebe (2) Grey Heron (1) Reed Warbler (2m) singing in reeds at the east end Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip Blackcap (8m) Chiffchaff (2m) Whitethroat (3) Barlow Tip Common Buzzard (1) Barlow Tip. Recogniseable individual with slightly damaged primaries on left wing.
Plus all the usuals.
Also I wonder if that Red Kite seen in Stretford drifted over this morning? Shame I wasnt there to look for it
Gerry Flanagan said
Sat May 19 6:06 AM, 2012
Lake / Barlow Tip - Evening
Reed Warbler 1 - East side of lake Goosander 1 male Kestrel 1 Willow Warbler 3 singing Chiffchaff 4 singing Blackcap 3 males Common Whitethroat 4 (2m 2f) Bullfinch 4 - 2 pairs - male carrying food Greenfinch 6 Goldfinch 3 Great Crested Grebe 4 Canada Geese 12 adults - (at least 3 pairs with goslings, 2, 4 & 12) Song Thrush 2 singing Blackbird 3 Robin 3 Wren 2 Mallard 20
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher
Phil Owen said
Thu May 17 5:52 AM, 2012
No sign of the Spotted Flycatcher at 8.15pm this evening with Jason Atkinson. Probably a bit late in the day with very few insects about and the weather getting much cooler, still worth the try nonetheless.
Our walk up the Mersey from Jackson's Boat talking about Sunday's epic title win at The Etihad Stadium more than made up for absence of the bird though!
Liam Langley said
Thu May 17 5:30 AM, 2012
Hi Tim. Yeah I've been birding the site for a few years but only seriously since last May. I had one in September several years ago and one in the same area on 30th August last year but wasnt really aware of the forum at that time. After encouragement from Nick and Tony Mossman I decided it was time to start posting so hopefully I'l find a few more decent birds to post about in the coming months.
Tim Wilcox said
Thu May 17 5:13 AM, 2012
Great find! 'only your third for the site' Hmm must've been birding the WP for a while!
Nick Hilton said
Thu May 17 5:04 AM, 2012
Welcome onboard Liam, keep up the postings
Liam Langley said
Wed May 16 6:29 PM, 2012
Hi everyone this is my first post on the forum.
Chorlton WP is my local patch and I visit most Wednesdays and weekends. This afternoon I found a Spotted Flycatcher on Barlow Tip.
The bird was in the trees behind the gas extraction station showing well between 15.45 and 16.00 and was still present when I left it. If your facing the gas works take the footpath to the right for about 50 yards until you reach an open area of brambles on your right hand side. The bird was making feeding forays out over the brambles from the trees around the edge. A very obliging bird and only my third for the site!
Also present:
Goosander (1m) Whitethroat (3,2m) Barlow Tip Willow Warbler (4m) Barlow Tip Common Buzzard (1 with slightly broken primaries on the left wing)
plus all the commoner stuff
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 06:30:01 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 07:44:38 PM
Ian Keith said
Fri May 11 5:24 AM, 2012
Sedge Warbler on Kenworthy this evening close to the split Elder.
Doubtful it'll be there long with the ongoing disturbance being created by Mersey Valley Wardens as they build a 3m wide Motocross track around the field. As if there isn't already enough of a problem with the motorbikes its become a classic example of build it and they will come. Still no Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on Kenworthy or Barlow Tip.
Mixed group of up to 20 Swifts and 30 hirundines amongst the showers. Predominantly Swallows but several House and Sand Martins mixed in.
Mink checking out the recently arrived Reed Warblers at the eastern end of the lake at 7am this morning.
Tony Darby said
Fri May 11 1:18 AM, 2012
Nice to hear a Reed Warbler back at the reeds at the Eastern end of the lake this afternoon.
Graham Smith said
Mon May 7 6:22 PM, 2012
Went for a late walk on Sunday after 7pm there was a duck that looked very much like a Pochard but i spent a long time trying to get a better view unfortunately it stayed in middle of lake. It was smaller than a Mallard red head very pale throat turning to a light grey body with a white tail?
Neil McCall said
Mon May 7 5:45 AM, 2012
Passed through Kenworthy fields slightly earlier, around 17.00. Several Whitethroats singing and two pairs of Bullfinches.
Noticeable number of Greenfinches in the bushes around the water park.
Gervase Cooke said
Mon May 7 2:56 AM, 2012
An early morning walk through the ees down the river to Barlow tip and kenworthy from 6.30-9 am Saturday 5th May
2 Reed warblers heard in the beds Beautiful Sedgie seen singing in the meadow very near to the reeds Blackcaps everywhere 7+ Whitethroats along the way, very active 1 Chiffchaff seen a few heard 1 Willow Warbler heard Several Reed Buntings on the meadow 3 Greenfinch (2 males singing) Are they on the increase again?
Couple of Swallows on the river and CWP
Heard a blackbird doing a very passable version of a police siren near the golf course before barlow tip. Strangeset thing. Would like to post up the vid I took of the sound. Is youtube the only way?
Other usual suspects. Stunning walk. So lucky to have this patch.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv)
Great Crested Grebe (2, 1 juv)
Coot (10)
Moorhen (1 juv)
Kingfisher (1)
Goldcrest (1) Barlow Tip
Reed Warbler (1m) reed bed at the east end
Reed Warbler putting out a few fragments of song from the reed bed
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv)
Tufted Duck (1m)
Great Crested Grebe (2, 1 juv)
Common Buzzard (1) flew high east over Barlow Tip
Common Kestrel (1) soaring over Barlow Tip
Black Headed Gull (60+) anting over Barlow Tip
Great Spotted Wodpecker (1) Barlow Tip
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 03:27:12 PM
2 Willow Tit together, behind 'Bullfinch corner' orchard
1 Spotted Flycatcher
at least 2 juvenile Bullfinch
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Fox cubs
The undoubted highlight was at least 2 Willow Tit on Barlow Tip, an unexpected patch tick . The birds were on the edge of a copse down the track which is the first right turn before the methane gas station.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2juv)
Tufted Duck (2,1m)
Coot (9)
Pied Wagtail (1)
Jay (1)
Mistle Thrush (4) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (1m) Barlow Tip
Whitethroat (4,2m) Barlow Tip
Reed Warbler (1m) reed bed at the east end
1 dipper on Mersey by far/closed bridge
1 Kingfisher
female Sparrowhawk doing the rounds by the Bailey Bridge
Highlights:
Cormorant (1) flew east over Barlow Tip
Mute Swan (4, 2juv)
Whitethorat (1m) Barlow Tip
Collared Dove (3) Barlow Tip
Reed Bunting (1m) Barlow Tip
Lesser Black Backed Gull (1ad) over Barlow Tip
Black Headed Gull (5)
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 09:42:08 PM
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2juv)
Tufted Duck (2,1m)
Great Crested Grebe (5, 1 juv)
Moorhen (2 juv)
Coot (5)
Stock Dove (2) Barlow Tip
Woodpigeon (38+) SW over Barlow Tip
Lesser Black Backed Gull (2) S over Barlow Tip
Black Headed Gull (1)
Reed Warbler (1m) in reedbed on the south side.
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Monday 16th of July 2012 05:27:26 PM
A search for the Lesser Whitethroat unfortunately ended in failure
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2 juv)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Common Buzzard (1) Kenworthy Woods
Reed Warbler (2m) 1 south slipway, 1 east end
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Also had another possible peregrine sighting. I noticed a medium sized raptor flying away from me over Barlow Tip towards Sale golf course. It flew with a flap flap glide flight action and appeared brown on the mantle and upperwings. The wings also appeared fairly pointed suggestng a falcon but I guess it could have been a female Sparrowhawk seen poorly. Any suggestions?
7am
Sparrowhawk over the Orchard
1 Buzzard perched up in trees at side of CWP overlooking the River.
3 singing male reed Warblers (2 eastern end, 1 southern slipway.
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing on Barlow Tip close to gas plant.
Young Swallows perched up and being fed in dead tree close to substation.
Still plenty of Swifts around - one of them took a Small Tortoiseshell that was about 2 ft away from me.
12pm
Male Kestrel over Kenworthy
Also a family group of 4 Mink walking across the Bailey Bridge until they spotted the dog and decided that going back and swimming across the river was a safer option. Interesting to note the 3 kits were the same size as the presumed adult. Another Mink seen fishing by substation at 5pm.
2 Reed warblers seen take food to nest just near the play area
1 Goosander m
Swifts
2 Whitethroat
1 Kingfisher fishing on the island near the picnic area
plus the usual
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 5th of July 2012 04:54:05 PM
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv)
Goosander (1m)
Great Crested Grebe (4,2 pairs)
Black Headed Gull (2)
Lesser Black Backed Gull (2) flew east
Reed Warbler (3,2m)
Swallow (2)
Common Swift (10+)
Highlights:
Common Buzzard (1) Barlow Tip, regular bird with damaged primaries on the let wing.
Kestrel (2) East over Barlow Tip, my first record of multiple birds for the site.
Mute Swan (4,2juv)
Great Crested Grebe (4)
Coot (4)
Moorhen (1)
Grey Heron (1)
Black Headed Gull (1) Barlow Tip
Lesser Black Backed Gull (1 ad) Barlow Tip
Whitethroat (2m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
there was a third singing away by the slipway on the South bank. That makes 3
possible breeding territories at CWP now.
Tony
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv)
Goosander (1m)
Coot (5)
Great Crested Grebe (4)
Grey Heron (1)
Whitethroat (5,4m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Reed Bunting (4,2m) Barlow Tip
House Martin (1) Barlow Tip
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 04:42:44 PM
Common Buzzard 2 - Barlow Tip
Mute Swan 2 + 2 cynets
Common Whitethroat 4
Blackcap 1 male
Reed Bunting 5
Coot 1
Great Crested Grebe 2
Swift 8
Swallow 2
Song Thrush 2
Blackbird 3
Carrion Crow 3
Magpie 4
Jay 1
-- Edited by Gerry Flanagan on Monday 25th of June 2012 11:47:48 PM
Other Highlights:
Mute Swan (4,2juv)
Great Crested Grebe (3)
Coot (3)
Moorhen (1)
Grey Heron (1)
Whitethroat (3m) Barlow Tip
Reed Warbler (2,1m) One seen carrying food indicating a breeding attempt from at least 1 pair.
Reed Bunting (5,2m)
Common Swift (10+)
Unfortunately no sign of any Goosander on the river
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Monday 25th of June 2012 01:29:28 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 25th of June 2012 03:00:30 PM
No sign of Goosanders young or old, or of dippers for that matter.
Probably approx 1000 Swift along the river plus smaller numbers of Swallow and House Martin feeding over the high water levels.
I've sent you a pm Ian.
I'm still seeing 1 of the birds coming into roost close to the water park most evenings. I've every confidence they'll soon be back over the tip. Not too sure about the Kestrels :(
Still a spectacular low flying exhibition from the Swifts, House Martins and Swallows best viewed from the upper riverbank in front of the substation - 8pm onwards. Incredible to be within 2-3ft of the Swifts picking off midges at head height. Significant increase in the number of House Martins being seen on a daily basis this year.
I would guess that they've nested (assuming they were a breeding pair) at a different location, possibly due to the lack of suitable nesting sites around the water park, and for the moment they are localised around the nest site.
Over the course of April I saw a pair everytime I visited. One bird was recogniseable as it had slightly clipped primaries on the left wing. I havent seen either bird in the past few weeks so Im slightly worried that they've either left the area.
I had some amazing views of the birds on Barlow Tip especially when they were seeing off the attentions of mobbing crows! Truly stunning birds and I really hope there still around.
Cheers
Liam
Last time I went to Barlow Tip, at the end of April, I wandered around a corner in the woodland, looked up and one was hanging in the air about ten feet in front of me. Phenomenal!
Highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv)
Great Crested Grebe (2)
Jay (2)
Whitethroat (1m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Blackcap (5m)
Reed Warbler (1m) Reedbed at the east end
Slightly concerened that I haven't seen either of the Buzzards for around a month now. Seems like any potential nesting attempt has failed. Anyone seen a Buzzard around recently?
Cheers
Liam
1 Reed Warbler
1 Kingfisher at the seasonal pond at Kenworthy (by the new track) I've never seen one there before.
2 male Reed Bunting at Barlow Tip
2 pair Tufted Duck
1 Pippestrelle day flying at 1.30
Banded Demoiselle male at Kenworthy
Blue-tailed Damselflies
I don't know why CWP should be so cygnet-unfriendly, unless the problem is
purely down to the Mink population round here.
Other highlights:
Mute Swan (4, 2 juv)
Goosander (1m)
Great Crested Grebe (4, 2 pairs)
Reed Warbler (1m)
Whitethroat (1m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
I also had the pleasure of watching 20+ Swift hawking low over the river bank opposite the substation. The birds were flying really low passing within a couple of feet of me. An absolutely magical experience!
Info thanks to Ian Keith
Earlier in the spring I heard at least 2 male Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming on Barlow Tip but they've gone abit quiet now the season has progressed and I presume any nest sites are on the golf course as I've not seen or heard one in several weeks. Similarly I regularly see a couple of Buzzards soaring towards the golf course. Maybe you've seen the regular bird distinguishable by the slightly clipped lower primaries on the left wing?
Cheers, Liam
Highlights:
Goosander (1m) bird wih damaged wing still present appeared to be feeding.
Mute Swan (6, 4 juv)
Great Crested Grebe (4)
Reed Warbler (2m) in the reedbed at the east end, 1 gave stunning views briefly
Whitethroat (5) Barlow Tip
Blackcap (9m)
Willow Warbler (3m) Barlow Tip
Common Swift (5) Barlow Tip
Grey Wagtail (1) River Mersey
Also I'd be interested to know if anyone has a systematic list for the site? Maybe Pete Hines would know as he seems to have watched the place religously in the past. Either way I'd be interested to know what's been seen here in the past as I've heard of records of Bluethroat among other things.
cheers
Liam
Quite quiet with none of the hoped for raptors overhead
Highlights:
Great Crested Grebe (4)
Mute Swan (2 adults with 4 small chicks)
Canada Goose (45+, 16 juv)
Moorhen (1)
Coot (1)
Reed Warbler (2m) singing in reeds at the east end
Blackcap (10m) probably the commonest small passerine around at the moment inlcuding females.
Whitethroat (2m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (3m) Barlow Tip
Common Swift (4) Barlow Tip
Highlights:
Goosander (1m) appears to have damaged primaries on the left wing preventing it from leaving.
Great Crested Grebe (2)
Grey Heron (1)
Reed Warbler (2m) singing in reeds at the east end
Willow Warbler (2m) Barlow Tip
Blackcap (8m)
Chiffchaff (2m)
Whitethroat (3) Barlow Tip
Common Buzzard (1) Barlow Tip. Recogniseable individual with slightly damaged primaries on left wing.
Plus all the usuals.
Also I wonder if that Red Kite seen in Stretford drifted over this morning? Shame I wasnt there to look for it
Reed Warbler 1 - East side of lake
Goosander 1 male
Kestrel 1
Willow Warbler 3 singing
Chiffchaff 4 singing
Blackcap 3 males
Common Whitethroat 4 (2m 2f)
Bullfinch 4 - 2 pairs - male carrying food
Greenfinch 6
Goldfinch 3
Great Crested Grebe 4
Canada Geese 12 adults - (at least 3 pairs with goslings, 2, 4 & 12)
Song Thrush 2 singing
Blackbird 3
Robin 3
Wren 2
Mallard 20
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher
Our walk up the Mersey from Jackson's Boat talking about Sunday's epic title win at The Etihad Stadium more than made up for absence of the bird though!
Chorlton WP is my local patch and I visit most Wednesdays and weekends. This afternoon I found a Spotted Flycatcher on Barlow Tip.
The bird was in the trees behind the gas extraction station showing well between 15.45 and 16.00 and was still present when I left it. If your facing the gas works take the footpath to the right for about 50 yards until you reach an open area of brambles on your right hand side. The bird was making feeding forays out over the brambles from the trees around the edge. A very obliging bird and only my third for the site!
Also present:
Goosander (1m)
Whitethroat (3,2m) Barlow Tip
Willow Warbler (4m) Barlow Tip
Common Buzzard (1 with slightly broken primaries on the left wing)
plus all the commoner stuff
-- Edited by Liam Langley on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 06:30:01 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 07:44:38 PM
Doubtful it'll be there long with the ongoing disturbance being created by Mersey Valley Wardens as they build a 3m wide Motocross track around the field. As if there isn't already enough of a problem with the motorbikes its become a classic example of build it and they will come. Still no Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on Kenworthy or Barlow Tip.
Mixed group of up to 20 Swifts and 30 hirundines amongst the showers. Predominantly Swallows but several House and Sand Martins mixed in.
Mink checking out the recently arrived Reed Warblers at the eastern end of the lake at 7am this morning.
this afternoon.
Noticeable number of Greenfinches in the bushes around the water park.
2 Reed warblers heard in the beds
Beautiful Sedgie seen singing in the meadow very near to the reeds
Blackcaps everywhere
7+ Whitethroats along the way, very active
1 Chiffchaff seen a few heard
1 Willow Warbler heard
Several Reed Buntings on the meadow
3 Greenfinch (2 males singing) Are they on the increase again?
Couple of Swallows on the river and CWP
Heard a blackbird doing a very passable version of a police siren near the golf course before barlow tip. Strangeset thing. Would like to post up the vid I took of the sound. Is youtube the only way?
Other usual suspects. Stunning walk. So lucky to have this patch.