Kersal Wetlands. Eighteen goldeneyes on the river including eight displaying drakes. Three goosanders, all redheads including one first-Winter drake starting to show his adult colours. A pair of dabchicks were displaying close to the river bank. Over a hundred black-headed gulls on the wetlands with handfuls of herring gulls and lesser black-backs and a couple of first-Winter common gulls, also a dozen herons. A couple of ring-necked parakeets screeching in the trees to the North.
Steven Heywood said
Thu Jan 19 9:32 PM, 2023
Eighteen goldeneyes on the river including eight displaying drakes. Three goosanders, all redheads including one first-Winter drake starting to show his adult colours. A pair of dabchicks were displaying close to the river bank. Over a hundred black-headed gulls on the wetlands with handfuls of herring gulls and lesser black-backs and a couple of first-Winter common gulls, also a dozen herons. A couple of ring-necked parakeets screeching in the trees to the North.
Michael Hood said
Fri Dec 23 12:33 PM, 2022
Friday 22nd late lunchtime (of note):
21 Goldeneye (6m, 15f) - there have been at least a couple of Goldeneye on this stretch every time I've been
2 Goosanders - both males in full breeding plumage
Not seen a Kingfisher for a little while - I think the river's been a bit full & fast & murky recently for optimum Kingfisher fishing conditions although it doesn't appear to affect the Goldeneye
Tried photographing the Goldeneye with smartphone + adaptor through my compact spotting scope but the results are not so good as soon as it's on anything larger than a smartphone screen - think I might have to invest in a proper camera
A lunchtime walk along the river through Peel Park produced a patch tick for me, as 2 Snipe dropped briefly onto the river bank rocks just down from the Frederick Road bridge. I guess this is the sort of local movement of birds you get when the weather changes.
Michael Hood said
Wed Nov 30 6:15 PM, 2022
30 Goldeneye today (11 drakes, 19 ducks), there must be plenty of edible stuff in the river
Michael Hood said
Tue Nov 29 7:35 PM, 2022
16 Goldeneye today (8 drakes, 8 ducks), one of each with a few signs of eclipse plumage, the rest in breeding plumage - had to wait for them to stop diving before I could be confident of the counting
Michael Hood said
Mon Nov 28 7:34 PM, 2022
10 Goldeneye (4 drakes, 6 ducks) on "my" little section of the Irwell. They even had the decency to stop diving for a while so that they could be confidently counted.
Steven Heywood said
Thu Nov 10 7:05 PM, 2022
Just the one Goldeneye today, a male in full breeding plumage. Also two redhead goosanders and a first-Winter drake moulting into adult plumage. Just up river, 27 cormorants and 7 herons roosting in the trees by The Crescent.
Michael Hood said
Wed Nov 9 7:39 PM, 2022
A first for me today on "my" little section of the Irwell (Broughton Bridge to Adelphi Footbridge) - 2 male Goldeneye, one fully breeding plumage, the other almost completely out of eclipse.
Have now seen a Little Grebe a couple of times on this stretch (I'd seen them previously on other bits of the Irwell).
I've been regularly spotting Kingfishers and I think I've only had one occasion when there hasn't been at least 1 Goosander about; starting to get some male plumage back, green heads and pinky lower halves are become more frequent.
Realised the other day that I can see the top of the CIS building - now hoping for a distant Peregrine spot to add to my "site" tally.
James Walsh said
Thu Aug 25 9:33 PM, 2022
Little Egret on the River Irwell adjacent to Kersal Wetlands
1 Greylag Goose with Canada Geese near Mocha Parade
Seeing at least one Kingfisher most days (2 today)
Watched some impressive fishing by a Cormorant in today's murky water - 2 good sized fish within a minute - absolutely no time wasted eating, just gulped down
The Greylag Goose has apparently been part of the Canada Geese flock for at least a couple of years
Michael Hood said
Mon Aug 8 7:50 PM, 2022
A first on "my" little section of the Irwell - a Little Egret
Have also seen at least 2 different Kingfishers (because once there were 2 at the same time) at various times but have only identified male so far
Sand Martins still occasionally about, but no longer seeing Swifts
Apparently, the 15-16 inch long fish are likely to be Bream
Also, I have a feeling that the Goosander may fish co-operatively, have seen several times that 3 or 4 will swim underwater together, presumably it makes it harder for fish to outflank them
Michael Hood said
Wed Jul 20 7:07 PM, 2022
Today on "my" little section of the Irwell - between Broughton Bridge A5066 and the Adelphi Footbridge - I had the pleasure of watching a Kingfisher fishing for about 15 minutes - only the second time I've seen one on this stretch (I have a quick check most weekday lunchtimes).
Apart from all the usual inhabitants (Canada Geese + the 1 Greylag, Black-headed gulls, Mallards, Goosanders) I could also see a shoal of approx 30 substantial fish - all about 15-16 inches long.
Michael Hood said
Tue May 10 9:19 PM, 2022
Late lunchtime today upstream of Broughton Bridge...
61 Goosander - 30 Male, 27 Female and 4 goosanderlings (far too cute to merely be called ducklings) all on or in-front or near the shingle bank in the photo (phone maximally zoomed so not great quality), and there were a couple more Goosanders both upstream & downstream
2 Grey Wagtail
2 Pied Wagtail - although one may be a White Wagtail (I'll post some photos on the Basic identification help! thread) - Edit: further looking at the photos I think it's just a rather grey Pied female
Plus the usual Mallard (well outnumbered by the Goosanders), Canada Geese (some goslings) and Black-headed Gulls
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Tuesday 10th of May 2022 09:55:34 PM
Quick walk along the riverside path this afternoon between Broughton Bridge and the first footbridge upstream (Linen Ct to Riverside)...
13 Goosander - the river brings down loads of unsightly rubbish but the water itself must be fairly ok if it's supporting so many fish eaters
Wagtails - at least one Pied and one Grey, possibly a White Wagtail as well (Edit: quick read tells me it's more likely to be a 1-year old Pied still in winter plumage) but didn't have binoculars with me so can't be sure - I'll have them with me next time
Just downstream from Broughton Bridge - a Greylag Goose amongst the Canada Geese, pair of Lesser Black Backed Gulls
Lots of Black Headed Gulls and Mallard around of course
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Thursday 31st of March 2022 08:55:20 PM
Michael Hood said
Sat Feb 26 10:53 PM, 2022
Quick walk around the wetlands Friday pm - (relatively) notable sightings...
Wetlands: Mute Swan pair, Little Grebe 1, Gadwall 2M, 1F
River Irwell: Little Grebe 1, Goosander 1M, 2F
Kersal Dale (path back up to car): Goldcrest 2, Sparrowhawk 1
Simon Gough said
Thu Feb 10 2:22 PM, 2022
Pretty sure I heard a singing Black Redstart on the Meadow side of the river at Peel Park this lunchtime. Not enough time to go and look before I had a meeting though...
Simon Gough said
Tue Feb 1 2:31 PM, 2022
A quick look around Kersal Wetlands this lunchtime as I am on campus at work today. Not a lot on there, it needs some trees and bushes to grow up a bit I reckon, and maybe you'll get more stuff. I did see 4 Goldeneye bombing down the river towards Peel Park.
Clear highlight was 8-9 Siskins in the Alder trees at the end of Basset Avenue as you come onto the wider bit of the riverbank footpath, point blank views above my head, lovely!
Michael Hood said
Fri Jan 21 12:48 PM, 2022
12 Goldeneye today at about 12:00; 1 (M) upstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge, the other 11 downstream (6M, 5F) - I think, so difficult to count when they're all constantly diving but definitely more than 10
Michael Hood said
Thu Jan 20 10:10 AM, 2022
9:30am 20/01/2022
5 Goldeneye - 3 downstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge (2M 1F), 2 upstream from Kersal Wetlands footbridge (1M 1F)
2 Little Grebe - downstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge
1 Tufted Duck - upstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge
Lots of the "usual suspects"; possible Common Gull amongst the Black Headed Gulls on the wetlands but sun in the wrong direction and no binoculars (running)
Chris Knight said
Sat Dec 18 8:14 AM, 2021
14 Goldeneye (7 of each sex) a little West of Broughton bridge yesterday (plus 3 goosander further East)
Steven Heywood said
Mon Sep 27 3:00 PM, 2021
Spotted flycatcher showing nicely in the trees by the path at the southern end of The Meadow.
Adrian Dancy said
Tue Sep 21 9:53 PM, 2021
This evening around 'The Cliff' and flood plain.
5 grey herons
2 mute swans with 3 cygnets
2 ring necked parakeets flew over and landed in trees and disturbed a great spotted wood pecker
1 snipe
John Doherty said
Thu Aug 26 10:34 AM, 2021
An impressive raft of Nine Redhead Goosander all together on the Irwell
One Swift through headed south
James Walsh said
Mon Aug 16 10:28 AM, 2021
Sunday 15th August 2021
1 Kingfisher viewable from the Cromwell Bridge on the River Irwell
Was stood at the river bank today minding my own when a male Sparrowhawk swooped from nowhere meters away.
Also had sandmartins (3), 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander and 1 Little Grebe
Kev Jin said
Fri Feb 5 9:20 PM, 2021
4.2.2021 14.00-15.07
13 Grey Heron
2 Little Grebe
1 Goosander
1 Lesser Black Backed Gull
Steven Heywood said
Mon Dec 21 10:15 PM, 2020
12:45 2:40, Broughton Bridge to Frederick Road, including Peel Park and the Meadow. 26 goldeneyes, including a group of six drakes and three ducks; a couple of dozen goosanders, mostly drakes with four redheads by The Crescent. Just the one grey wagtail, with pied wagtails by Frederick Road. Interesting bookends to the walk with three mistlethrushes rattling from a treetop by The Friars Primary School and another trip in a treetop by the Art Gallery.
Kev Jin said
Thu Dec 10 11:27 PM, 2020
07.12.2020
10.30-11.00
12 Grey Heron
1 Wigeon
2 Pied Wagtail
4 Goldfinch
2 Reed Bunting (male and female)
8 Goldeneye (counted 8, but there were more, all female)
Adrian Dancy said
Sat Nov 7 7:39 AM, 2020
A walk from The Cliff to Hough End Bridge yesterday. (the bridge is closed to the public and will remain closed till 10th Dec, if I am correct. 4 grey herons 2 mute swans 6 mistle thrushs 2 female goldeneye 1 male tufted duck 6 little grebes 4 female goosander 2 kingfishers chasing each other circa 200-300 crows
A few images attached. A firework (larger banger type) was thrown over a bank into the river. It exploded about 2 feet away from the goosander you see in the image attached. The sound almost deafened me so god knows what it did to the bird. The bird was not targeted. The idiot threw the banger blind (no defence). I thought banger type fireworks were banned?
-- Edited by Kev Jin on Friday 25th of September 2020 09:23:13 PM
Charles Farrell said
Sun Sep 13 12:29 AM, 2020
Sat 12-Sep-20 (14:30 - 17:00):
Walked from Victoria Station
River Irwell south of Kersal Wetlands: - c 7 'redhead' Goosanders along a long stretch of the Irwell - 2 adult Little Grebe - seen from Broughton footbridge - 1 Kingfisher - seen from Broughton footbridge - 3 House Martin
River Irwell south of Kersal Wetlands: - 1 juv Little Grebe - 1 Sparrowhawk - c10 House Martin - 2 Swallow plus usual Corvids and small passerines
James Walsh said
Sat Aug 29 10:19 AM, 2020
Wednesday 26th August 2020
2 Swifts and 2 Mute Swans on Salford Wetlands
Kingfisher on the River Irwell adjacent to Kersal Dale LNR
James Richardson said
Fri Aug 21 2:44 PM, 2020
Broughton footbridge, (where the gravel bank is) yesterday
1 Kingfisher hunting, 2 late swift with 2 swallow, a few sand martin, 4 lapwing, several lesser black backed gulls, 1 grey heron, 1 moorhen
Steven Heywood said
Tue Aug 18 12:40 AM, 2020
Stroll from New Bridge Road to Adelphi Bridge, 1:50pm - 2:40pm
Highlights included 1 kingfisher, 20 juvenile goosanders and a family of four grey wagtails. A cormorant and seventy-four Canada geese by Broughton Bridge.
James Walsh said
Fri Aug 14 9:54 AM, 2020
Thursday 13th August 2020
Salford Wetlands / River Irwell
2 Kingfishers and 20 Goosanders on the River Irwell
Little Grebes and Common Buzzard on Salford Wetlands
Bryan Deighton said
Thu Aug 6 2:51 PM, 2020
1030-1230 6th August
Wetlands
Blackbird x 4
Chiffchaff x 1
Coot x 8
Goldfinch x 8
Grey Heron x 3
Little Grebe x 2 (adult and chick)
Mallard x 6
Swift x 6
Wren x 1
Plus usual rafts of Canada Geese, Magpies, Wood and Feral Pigeons, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws.
River Irwell
Canada Goose x 8
Goosander x 11 - all female in two separate flocks. 5 flew past and went downstream towards the city shortly followed by another 7 who were in the river. They split shortly after some hunting and going back upstream whilst others continued down stream.
Kingfisher x 1
Mallard x 7
Cheers
Bryan
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 6th of August 2020 02:53:35 PM
phillipskelly said
Sun Aug 2 7:56 PM, 2020
First ever mooch around the wetlands this afternoon.
R.Irwell. Canada goose - c50. Goosander - 2 f. Plus lots of Sandmartin.
First trip to the wetlands with my little lad today whilst daughter was trampolining around the corner.
Highlight was two pairs of Kingfishers on the Irwell. I'm presuming parents and offspring.
One pair had an almighty kick off with a magpie and were clearly warning the other two who were perched further upstream. Watched them up and down and circling the river for a good ten minutes. Was a beautiful sight to behold.
Also seen:
2 Blackbird
1 Dunnock
22 Goldfinch, 7 of which were juveniles
2 Great Tit
2 Little Grebe (adult and chick)
Numerous Magpies
2 Pied Wagtail
1 Robin
Dozens of Sand Martin's in flight
10 Wood Pigeon
As well as huge flocks of Carrion Crows, Jackdaws,a Canadian Geese and starlings. All of which has 25 + per flock.
There was also almost all white gull type bird wading and swimming in the wetlands but I wasn't able to identify it.
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 30th of July 2020 03:46:17 PM
Stuart Marsden said
Sat Jul 25 6:43 PM, 2020
Two little egret on the wetlands this afternoon, 4 stock dove, buzzard
James Walsh said
Tue Jun 2 8:57 AM, 2020
Monday 1st June 2020
Kingfisher and female Goosander on the River Irwell, Kersal Dale
1 Lapwing and 2 Little Grebes on the Wetlands
James Richardson said
Thu Apr 30 10:53 AM, 2020
Absolute joy to watch dozens of sand martins, a few house martins and up to 10 swifts feeding over the wetlands, river and woodlands yesterday afternoon.
James Richardson said
Sun Apr 19 1:47 PM, 2020
2 great crested grebes on the Irwell by the sports village this morning, think that's the first time i've seen this species in the area.
also 2 swifts and some house martins have joined the sand martins over the wetland.
-- Edited by James Richardson on Sunday 19th of April 2020 01:52:02 PM
Simon Gough said
Wed Mar 4 1:19 PM, 2020
Some nice birds in Peel Park this lunchtime: 3 Bullfinch - 2m 1f - my first since i started here 3 Goosander on the river - 2m 1f, no Goldeneyes or Little Grebes that are normally around 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 drumming approx 10 Redwing feeding on the ground Nuthatch Mistle Thrush
Simon Gough said
Tue Jan 14 2:29 PM, 2020
11am
Black Redstart singing in trees within the University Campus, up the steps from Peel Park. Brief views before it flew off. Weather is sufficiently filthy that I can't see it moving far so worth a look tomorrow I imagine
Song akin to the first phrases in this item in Xeno Canto:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/503962
It is in a public space but visitors should be mindful that the park boundary is at the base of the steps and ramp, so at the top you are within the campus.
Charles Farrell said
Mon Dec 23 9:02 PM, 2019
Sun 22-Dec-19 (11:30 - 14:00), Generally Mild and dry.
My first visit to this site. Shame about the irresponsible dogwalkers disturbing the Gulls, but at least it demonstrated that there were no waders present :(
I believe the proposed development area is the bit of land currently fenced off to the south of the flood basin. The wetland and route around the river will therefore probably experience a lot more disturbance in future but as for physical destruction I don't think so - it's been specifically designed to be a flood zone and wetland. see article here. https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/salboy-wins-bid-race-for-castle-irwell/
fredford said
Tue Nov 19 10:01 AM, 2019
Will this area be destroyed by the new house building project ?
Friday 22nd late lunchtime (of note):
Tried photographing the Goldeneye with smartphone + adaptor through my compact spotting scope but the results are not so good as soon as it's on anything larger than a smartphone screen - think I might have to invest in a proper camera
30 Goldeneye today (11 drakes, 19 ducks), there must be plenty of edible stuff in the river
16 Goldeneye today (8 drakes, 8 ducks), one of each with a few signs of eclipse plumage, the rest in breeding plumage - had to wait for them to stop diving before I could be confident of the counting
10 Goldeneye (4 drakes, 6 ducks) on "my" little section of the Irwell. They even had the decency to stop diving for a while so that they could be confidently counted.
A first for me today on "my" little section of the Irwell (Broughton Bridge to Adelphi Footbridge) - 2 male Goldeneye, one fully breeding plumage, the other almost completely out of eclipse.
Have now seen a Little Grebe a couple of times on this stretch (I'd seen them previously on other bits of the Irwell).
I've been regularly spotting Kingfishers and I think I've only had one occasion when there hasn't been at least 1 Goosander about; starting to get some male plumage back, green heads and pinky lower halves are become more frequent.
Realised the other day that I can see the top of the CIS building - now hoping for a distant Peregrine spot to add to my "site" tally.
1 Greylag Goose with Canada Geese near Mocha Parade
1 Mute Swan
2 Kingfisher
10 Little Grebe
10 Sand Martins
20+ Goosanders
5+ Rose-ringed Parakeets
On "my" little section of the Irwell:
A first on "my" little section of the Irwell - a Little Egret
Have also seen at least 2 different Kingfishers (because once there were 2 at the same time) at various times but have only identified male so far
Sand Martins still occasionally about, but no longer seeing Swifts
Apparently, the 15-16 inch long fish are likely to be Bream
Also, I have a feeling that the Goosander may fish co-operatively, have seen several times that 3 or 4 will swim underwater together, presumably it makes it harder for fish to outflank them
Today on "my" little section of the Irwell - between Broughton Bridge A5066 and the Adelphi Footbridge - I had the pleasure of watching a Kingfisher fishing for about 15 minutes - only the second time I've seen one on this stretch (I have a quick check most weekday lunchtimes).
Apart from all the usual inhabitants (Canada Geese + the 1 Greylag, Black-headed gulls, Mallards, Goosanders) I could also see a shoal of approx 30 substantial fish - all about 15-16 inches long.
Late lunchtime today upstream of Broughton Bridge...
61 Goosander - 30 Male, 27 Female and 4 goosanderlings (far too cute to merely be called ducklings) all on or in-front or near the shingle bank in the photo (phone maximally zoomed so not great quality), and there were a couple more Goosanders both upstream & downstream
2 Grey Wagtail
2 Pied Wagtail - although one may be a White Wagtail (I'll post some photos on the Basic identification help! thread) - Edit: further looking at the photos I think it's just a rather grey Pied female
Plus the usual Mallard (well outnumbered by the Goosanders), Canada Geese (some goslings) and Black-headed Gulls
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Tuesday 10th of May 2022 09:55:34 PM
Quick walk along the riverside path this afternoon between Broughton Bridge and the first footbridge upstream (Linen Ct to Riverside)...
13 Goosander - the river brings down loads of unsightly rubbish but the water itself must be fairly ok if it's supporting so many fish eaters
Wagtails - at least one Pied and one Grey, possibly a White Wagtail as well (Edit: quick read tells me it's more likely to be a 1-year old Pied still in winter plumage) but didn't have binoculars with me so can't be sure - I'll have them with me next time
Just downstream from Broughton Bridge - a Greylag Goose amongst the Canada Geese, pair of Lesser Black Backed Gulls
Lots of Black Headed Gulls and Mallard around of course
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Thursday 31st of March 2022 08:55:20 PM
Quick walk around the wetlands Friday pm - (relatively) notable sightings...
Wetlands: Mute Swan pair, Little Grebe 1, Gadwall 2M, 1F
River Irwell: Little Grebe 1, Goosander 1M, 2F
Kersal Dale (path back up to car): Goldcrest 2, Sparrowhawk 1
Clear highlight was 8-9 Siskins in the Alder trees at the end of Basset Avenue as you come onto the wider bit of the riverbank footpath, point blank views above my head, lovely!
12 Goldeneye today at about 12:00; 1 (M) upstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge, the other 11 downstream (6M, 5F) - I think, so difficult to count when they're all constantly diving but definitely more than 10
9:30am 20/01/2022
5 Goldeneye - 3 downstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge (2M 1F), 2 upstream from Kersal Wetlands footbridge (1M 1F)
2 Little Grebe - downstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge
1 Tufted Duck - upstream from Cromwell Rd Bridge
Lots of the "usual suspects"; possible Common Gull amongst the Black Headed Gulls on the wetlands but sun in the wrong direction and no binoculars (running)
14 Goldeneye (7 of each sex) a little West of Broughton bridge yesterday (plus 3 goosander further East)
5 grey herons
2 mute swans with 3 cygnets
2 ring necked parakeets flew over and landed in trees and disturbed a great spotted wood pecker
1 snipe
An impressive raft of Nine Redhead Goosander all together on the Irwell
One Swift through headed south
1 Kingfisher viewable from the Cromwell Bridge on the River Irwell
1 Greylag Goose
2+ Little Grebe
2 Mute Swan
9 Goosander
10 Grey Heron
c20 Sand Martins
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Wednesday 16th of June 2021 09:59:14 AM
Was stood at the river bank today minding my own when a male Sparrowhawk swooped from nowhere meters away.
Also had sandmartins (3), 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander and 1 Little Grebe
4.2.2021 14.00-15.07
13 Grey Heron
2 Little Grebe
1 Goosander
1 Lesser Black Backed Gull
07.12.2020
10.30-11.00
12 Grey Heron
1 Wigeon
2 Pied Wagtail
4 Goldfinch
2 Reed Bunting (male and female)
8 Goldeneye (counted 8, but there were more, all female)
A walk from The Cliff to Hough End Bridge yesterday. (the bridge is closed to the public and will remain closed till 10th Dec, if I am correct.
4 grey herons
2 mute swans
6 mistle thrushs
2 female goldeneye
1 male tufted duck
6 little grebes
4 female goosander
2 kingfishers chasing each other
circa 200-300 crows
A few images attached. A firework (larger banger type) was thrown over a bank into the river. It exploded about 2 feet away from the goosander you see in the image attached. The sound almost deafened me so god knows what it did to the bird. The bird was not targeted. The idiot threw the banger blind (no defence). I thought banger type fireworks were banned?
25.09.2020
11.45-12.35
Kersal Wetlands
1 Kingfisher
6 Grey Heron
8 Black Headed Gulls (first winter plumage)
2 Mute Swans
1 Grey Wagtail
-- Edited by Kev Jin on Friday 25th of September 2020 09:23:13 PM
Walked from Victoria Station
River Irwell south of Kersal Wetlands:
- c 7 'redhead' Goosanders along a long stretch of the Irwell
- 2 adult Little Grebe - seen from Broughton footbridge
- 1 Kingfisher - seen from Broughton footbridge
- 3 House Martin
River Irwell south of Kersal Wetlands:
- 1 juv Little Grebe
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- c10 House Martin
- 2 Swallow
plus usual Corvids and small passerines
2 Swifts and 2 Mute Swans on Salford Wetlands
Kingfisher on the River Irwell adjacent to Kersal Dale LNR
1 Kingfisher hunting, 2 late swift with 2 swallow, a few sand martin, 4 lapwing, several lesser black backed gulls, 1 grey heron, 1 moorhen
Salford Wetlands / River Irwell
2 Kingfishers and 20 Goosanders on the River Irwell
Little Grebes and Common Buzzard on Salford Wetlands
1030-1230 6th August
Wetlands
Blackbird x 4
Chiffchaff x 1
Coot x 8
Goldfinch x 8
Grey Heron x 3
Little Grebe x 2 (adult and chick)
Mallard x 6
Swift x 6
Wren x 1
Plus usual rafts of Canada Geese, Magpies, Wood and Feral Pigeons, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws.
River Irwell
Canada Goose x 8
Goosander x 11 - all female in two separate flocks. 5 flew past and went downstream towards the city shortly followed by another 7 who were in the river. They split shortly after some hunting and going back upstream whilst others continued down stream.
Kingfisher x 1
Mallard x 7
Cheers
Bryan
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 6th of August 2020 02:53:35 PM
R.Irwell.
Canada goose - c50.
Goosander - 2 f.
Plus lots of Sandmartin.
Wetlands .
Grey heron - 1 + 1 over.
Chiffchaff - 1 heard.
Mixed Jackdaw/Carrion crow flock c50.
Little grebe - 1 + 2 young.
Coot - 4 +2 young.
Black-headed gull - 3.
Starling - 20.
Mallard - 2.
Sand martin - c50.
First trip to the wetlands with my little lad today whilst daughter was trampolining around the corner.
Highlight was two pairs of Kingfishers on the Irwell. I'm presuming parents and offspring.
One pair had an almighty kick off with a magpie and were clearly warning the other two who were perched further upstream. Watched them up and down and circling the river for a good ten minutes. Was a beautiful sight to behold.
Also seen:
2 Blackbird
1 Dunnock
22 Goldfinch, 7 of which were juveniles
2 Great Tit
2 Little Grebe (adult and chick)
Numerous Magpies
2 Pied Wagtail
1 Robin
Dozens of Sand Martin's in flight
10 Wood Pigeon
As well as huge flocks of Carrion Crows, Jackdaws,a Canadian Geese and starlings. All of which has 25 + per flock.
There was also almost all white gull type bird wading and swimming in the wetlands but I wasn't able to identify it.
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 30th of July 2020 03:46:17 PM
Two little egret on the wetlands this afternoon, 4 stock dove, buzzard
Kingfisher and female Goosander on the River Irwell, Kersal Dale
1 Lapwing and 2 Little Grebes on the Wetlands
-- Edited by James Richardson on Sunday 19th of April 2020 01:52:02 PM
3 Bullfinch - 2m 1f - my first since i started here
3 Goosander on the river - 2m 1f, no Goldeneyes or Little Grebes that are normally around
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 drumming
approx 10 Redwing feeding on the ground
Nuthatch
Mistle Thrush
Black Redstart singing in trees within the University Campus, up the steps from Peel Park. Brief views before it flew off. Weather is sufficiently filthy that I can't see it moving far so worth a look tomorrow I imagine
Song akin to the first phrases in this item in Xeno Canto:
https://www.xeno-canto.org/503962
It is in a public space but visitors should be mindful that the park boundary is at the base of the steps and ramp, so at the top you are within the campus.
My first visit to this site. Shame about the irresponsible dogwalkers disturbing the Gulls, but at least it demonstrated that there were no waders present :(
On the Irwell
- 6 or maybe 7 Goldenye (2 males)
- 5 Goosander (2 males)
- 1 Tufted DUck
- 3 Little Grebe
Elsewhere
- 1 Buzzard
- 2+ Jay
- 3 Mistle Thrush
- 6 Meadow Pipit
- Great Spotted Woodpecker
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Pied Wagtail
+other usual species. 33 species in all.
see article here.
https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/salboy-wins-bid-race-for-castle-irwell/