Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
James Walsh said
Fri Mar 4 3:04 PM, 2022
Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
Simon Hitchen said
Thu Feb 24 7:47 PM, 2022
An adult Kittiwake briefly mid afternoon before flying SE
No sign of the diver though
Tucker Dore photographed a Crossbill here yesterday but no sign this afternoon
Steve Atkins said
Sun Feb 20 1:25 PM, 2022
Having ridden out Storms Dudley and Eunice this week, the Red-throated Diver celebrated its 3 month anniversary this morning and put in an appearance (close into the dam, just out from the steps up from the car park) for the 3rd consecutive WeBS count. It must have felt at home this week, the choppy waters of the reservoir resembling the sea at times.
Otherwise very quiet in the rain. Tufted Duck - pair Great Crested Grebe - 1 Coot - 1
Pair of Bullfinches at the feeding station. Siskins heard calling from the nearby trees
Treecreeper along the path to the hide
Huw Morgan said
Fri Jan 28 3:35 PM, 2022
Red-throated Diver still in the centre of the reservoir early afternoon. Also a handful of Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3x Tufted Ducks, 1x redhead Goosander and Mallards.
The feeders were busy with Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird all on or around the feeders. A Treecreeper was on the trees behind the feeders.
From the path to the hide (hide was locked) a Kingfisher was fishing on the small pool and another redhead Goosander and a Grey Heron were also present.
pete berry said
Fri Jan 28 12:58 PM, 2022
The Red Throated Diver still present this am,showing distantly and a couple of Goosander were the only other birds of note.
Steven Heywood said
Tue Jan 25 12:24 PM, 2022
Red-throated diver showing very well by the dam this lunchtime. Otherwise fairly quiet except a pair of goosanders, a couple of lesser black-backs, half a dozen common gulls and about a dozen black-headed gulls.
Steve Atkins said
Fri Jan 21 8:38 PM, 2022
16:30 - 17:05 hrs
Goosander - 20 (11 drakes) roosting with the last 2 birds flying in at 16:58 hrs
Pink-footed Geese - 58 flew west at 16:54 hrs
Red-throated Diver - there was no sign of the bird until 16:57 hrs when it appeared on the west side of the reservoir. So it had either been out of sight in the north channel, or had possibly flown in unseen whilst I was counting the over flying Pink feet. It has now been present for 2 months.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Jan 6 6:52 PM, 2022
16:15 - 16:30hrs viewing from the west end of the dam briefly before darkness fell!
Red-throated Diver still present - the bird can be reliably seen early morning between sunrise and 9pm and again late afternoon between about 3.30pm and sunset. However, if the windsurfers are out it is likely to be found at Hollingworth Lake and has been seen there at 15:00 hrs on 31st December and 09:30 and 11:30 on 1st January.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Jan 1 11:27 AM, 2022
No sign of the diver here at 11:25 hrs. It is on Hollingworth Lake now.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Jan 1 8:22 AM, 2022
The Red-throated Diver is still on Watergrove, on the west side.
Happy New Year!
Steve
Steve Atkins said
Fri Dec 31 5:50 PM, 2021
The Red-throated Diver went on an away day to Hollingworth Lake, or at least spent a few hours there this afternoon before returning to Watergrove sometime between 15:30 and 16:00 hrs.
10 Goosanders (4 adult males) roosting at 16:20 hrs.
If anyone is planning to come over to see the diver on New Year's Day, just a couple of things to be aware of:
There is a Parkrun (although Watergrove is definitely not a park, it's a Grade A Site of Biological Importance) which takes place every Saturday. So if you want to park in the main car park it would be best to arrive by 8.30am or wait until 10am or later.
The top of the dam is like a quagmire, so wellies are advisable. However, if you prefer to avoid sliding through mud for 500m then walk west along the road below the dam until you reach the spillway. There is new gravel path at the side of the spillway which brings you out at the top of the dam by the tower. The diver is usually on this side of the reservoir and there is plenty of space to set up scopes without blocking the footpath and to maintain social distancing.
I'll post on here about 8.30am, unless some early bird sees it first, or it decides to go to Hollingworth Lake again
Steve Atkins said
Thu Dec 30 4:05 PM, 2021
The Red-throated Diver was on the west side of the reservoir at 13:00 hrs associating with a flock of ducks comprising: 17 Wigeon 6 Gadwall (first of the year here). Treecreeper along the path to the hide and by the feeding station
On 27th December a Red-throated Diver was high up over the reservoir at 08:45 hrs and heard call once. It flew NW and looked to have disappeared from view. My initial assumption was that the resident diver had departed but on reaching the top of the dam five minutes later, it was still on the water! So possibly a second bird flying over.
Unless anyone knows differently, this appears to be the longest staying Red-throated in GM since at least the 1960's when one was on Hollingworth Lake from 12th Nov to 16th Dec 1967 (source: The Status of Birds in Rochdale 1900-1977 by Peter Hill).
Other recent highlights: Goosander - 11 (5 males) roosting after sunset on 21st December Woodcock - one flew over after sunset on 25th Brambling at the feeding station on 27th
Samglennie said
Mon Dec 20 1:33 PM, 2021
11:00-13:20,
Red-Throated diver still showing on west end of res, although no sign when looked for at 13:15. Also Song thrush, and Kestrel seen, with Tits, Gold, Green and Chaffinch plus Dunnock and Robin on feeders
Steve Atkins said
Sun Dec 19 1:02 PM, 2021
Probably my best ever WeBS Count at Watergrove Reservoir and certainly the longest! 08:35 - 11:40 hrs Clear blue sky and bright sunshine, the water's surface was like a mill pond.
Red-throated Diver was in the channel at the north end of the reservoir and watched feeding on a fish. Only the second ever to be recorded on a GM WeBS count and a relief that it hadn't departed last night, with the full moon and clear skies.
Mediterranean Gull - adult close in to the dam. Then took flight and landed on the field below Trap Farm car park (east side of the cobbled road). Only the 2nd site record here.
Ring-necked Parakeet flew in from the south, landed briefly in the plantations by the club house, then took flight south. Also the 2nd site record but unlikely to be the last.
Brambling at the feeding station.
Bullfinch - 5 feeding in the willows near the hide
Steve Atkins said
Sat Dec 18 5:33 PM, 2021
The Red-throated Diver was on the east side of the reservoir nicely lit by the early morning sun.
Kingfisher and two Snipe on the hide pool.
Green Woodpecker heard calling
16 Wigeon roosting this afternoon 16:00 - 16:30 hrs.
210+ Pink-footed Geese flew west over Wardle at 16:30 hrs
During the week Goosanders were flying in to roost late afternoon with a maximum of 13 (6 adult males) on 14th.
At the feeding station during the week (information thanks to Tucker): Brambling - male and female Goldcrest Lesser Redpoll - 2 Reed Bunting - 3 Treecreeper - 2
Richard Thew said
Mon Dec 13 1:43 PM, 2021
Many thanks James for the update on Saturday. I made my effort this morning.
The Red throated diver was mostly keeping its distance, so no pictures from me. Still, a nice year tick!!
Certainly not the best of weather, but not the worst. And after a round trip of 30 miles cycling, I hope I can still find enough energy for work in a couple of hours time. We'll worth it though, if not for the diver, but also for the exercise!!!!
Ta!
James Walsh said
Sat Dec 11 5:25 PM, 2021
Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir this morning
Also sightings of Brambling and Wigeon
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
Richard Thew said
Sat Dec 11 2:10 PM, 2021
Does anyone know the latest status of the Red throated diver? Whether he has long gone or still present. Been trying to get up there myself previous weeks but for weather, health issues or work obligation. Thanks.
Adrian Dancy said
Thu Dec 2 9:58 PM, 2021
I was with Ivan...a few pics taken at 1000mmFL circa 2/3rd crop.
Red throated diver showing well but distant, catching several fish during the time we were there.
Steve Collins said
Thu Dec 2 8:18 AM, 2021
Late report. The Red-throated Diver still present yesterday 1/12/21 at lunchtime.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Nov 27 10:44 AM, 2021
The Red-throated Diver is still here.
Chris Chandler said
Fri Nov 26 4:40 PM, 2021
Red-throated Diver showed well between 2-4pm at the western end of the reservoir, sometimes quite close.
Also male Brambling on the feeders by the visitor centre. Required some patience, as it only showed for around 30s in 40 minutes of watching. Also 2 Siskin.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Nov 25 7:33 PM, 2021
16:00 - 16:45 hrs
The Red-throated Diver was bathing and preening this evening, showing off its white underparts.
Wigeon - 12 (6 males) were roosting on the reservoir and took flight south at 16:45 hrs.
Tufted Duck - 2 males with the Wigeon.
Goosander - 7 (5 adult males) came in to roost.
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Lapwings on the spit in front of the club house (not counted). 30+ were circling low over the reservoir on Wednesday evening.
James Walsh said
Thu Nov 25 2:52 AM, 2021
Wednesday 24th November 2021
Red-throated Diver still present and Brambling visiting the feeders around the green containers / disused visitor centre
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
David Hughes said
Tue Nov 23 9:03 PM, 2021
Arrived 12 ish today,was quickly put on the diver by a couple from Tyldesley ,showed very well but mobile,a walk around gave jay,bullfinch, dunnock, wren, robin,carrion crow, the feeders were popular with coal tit,greenfinch,goldfinch, blue and great tit,a few long tailed tit were around too,further views over the res gave ,great crested grebe,black headed gull,wigeon,lesser black backed gull,i left around 3 30,with the diver still present,
-- Edited by David Hughes on Tuesday 23rd of November 2021 09:03:51 PM
Red-throated Diver still present in SW corner, near the Dam at 14:15
Steve Atkins said
Sat Nov 20 10:50 AM, 2021
Red-throated Diver on Watergrove. View from west end of dam. Diving but showing well.
Steve Atkins said
Sun Oct 10 7:49 PM, 2021
The Wigeon keep coming! A flock of 11 was roosting in the middle of the reservoir this evening.
Rather typically, they weren't present this morning during the WeBS count. I had to make do with a highlight of 3 Goosanders
Also this morning, 60 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 08:30 and 30 also SE at 09:10 hrs.
A Chiffchaff was calling along the path to the hide and the first Redwing of the autumn here was perched in a conifer.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Sunday 10th of October 2021 07:51:49 PM
Steve Atkins said
Thu Sep 23 11:33 AM, 2021
Yesterday's Wigeon flock had departed by the evening. However, what is presumably a different flock of 18 birds, (unless they are moving between local sites) was on the reservoir at 9am. Still present at 11am.
Kestrel - four at various locations around the reservoir and on the moors. Goldfinch - a flock 35 feeding on the dam slope.
Steve Atkins said
Wed Sep 22 12:58 PM, 2021
Very foggy conditions first thing this morning, with the fog starting to lift after 9am. 15 Wigeon at 10:50 hrs. Initially, a flock of six were joined by a further nine birds which came down during a short spell of light rain.
Goosander - 2 immature birds which have been present most days since 11th September Great Crested Grebe - 2 adults. The three young left during August.
Meadow Pipits - 55 flying over (not a Vismig count) most in SW or W direction with a further 19 circling low over Dobbin Hill
Grey Wagtail - 1 Robin - 8 singing, others ticking
Monday 20th September A Kingfisher was on the hide pool Yellow Wagtail - 2 flew NE over the reservoir
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 22nd of September 2021 01:05:15 PM
Steve Atkins said
Thu Sep 2 9:17 PM, 2021
It's been a good week for Spotted Flycatchers. Last Saturday, 3 were seen by a local birder in the NE corner of the field to the north of Little Town. One was in the plantation opposite Little Town yesterday evening. This evening one in the plantation to the SE of the reservoir. Watergrove Spotted Flycatchers They all favour the west side of the plantations in the lee of the NE wind
2 female/immature Common Scoters on the reservoir on Sunday evening, 30th August.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 3rd of September 2021 07:58:10 PM
Steve Atkins said
Wed Aug 25 8:32 PM, 2021
5 Wigeon on the reservoir this evening (a very early autumn date) were joined by two Teal.
A Kingfisher landed in a willow overhanging the water at the top end of the reservoir.
A family party of Goldcrests were in a conifer by the dipping pond (top end). Difficult to view but the juveniles were hunger calling and an adult was flying in and out of the tree, presumably carrying food. The first time I've confirmed breeding here for the species. 3 to 4 males were on territory this spring and summer.
Lapwing - 23 on the shoreline near the hide.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Aug 21 8:43 PM, 2021
Two Redshanks were feeding on the edge of the spit in front of the windsurfers' club house at 9am. Lapwing - 26+ on the shoreline near the hide
A Tree Pipit called in flight as it flew north over the dam at 10am. Probably moving ahead of the incoming rain.
A Sanderling still pretty much in breeding plumage feeding and bathing on the spit in front of the windsurfers' club house at 19:10 hrs.
Didn't have my scope with me so wasn't 100% certain on the ID. Thanks to Simon Hitchen for confirming that it is definitely a Sanderling!
Probably brought down by the rain which didn't stop here until late afternoon.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Jun 24 8:38 PM, 2021
Seven male Common Scoters on the reservoir at 18:10 hrs. They were unperturbed by the windsurfers and still present at 19:30 hrs.
The Garden Warbler sang intermittently by the hide and a Blackcap sang close by for comparison!
Young Treecreepers were calling from a nest in a drystone wall in what appears to be the same location used in 2019. Another pair has bred successfully with four fledged young huddled together yesterday evening on a tree in the NW corner of the reservoir.
Steve Atkins said
Sun May 9 12:48 PM, 2021
Seven Pink-footed Geese down on the reservoir at 10:10 hrs must have flown in some time after 09:00 hrs. They looked strangely out of place on the water. Six took flight west at 10:25 hrs leaving one behind which then started following a pair of Canada Geese on the water.
According to the GMBRG database, the first ever flock seen in Rochdale in May.
A Garden Warbler singing by the hide which has been present since May 2nd. It was showing well yesterday evening, in the willows on the edge of the reservoir, but slipped away into cover this morning as soon as it saw me approaching.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Apr 24 12:56 PM, 2021
37 Willow Warblers singing from the plantations around the reservoir this morning, which equals last year's maximum count on 12th April, but below the all time record of 42 singing on 21st April 2019. Also singing: Blackcap - 2 Chiffchaff -1
One Swallow flew north only the second I've seen here this spring.
On the reservoir Goosander - 5. Ten immature males present yesterday evening with a maximum count of 17 on 15th April. They are usually seen early evening (15 on 9th April) and then take flight south, possibly going to roost at Heaton Park Reservoir. Tufted Duck - pair Great Crested Grebe
Yesterday evening (23rd) a flock of 20+ Lesser Redpolls were feeding in alders on the west side of the reservoir. Presumably a migrant flock although a few birds were in song flight this morning.
A Long-tailed Tit's nest built in a willow bush growing in the water at the edge of the reservoir, had its top ripped off yesterday evening. I was amazed to see a bird sitting in the nest this morning in clear view!
Steve Atkins said
Wed Mar 24 9:38 PM, 2021
A good flock of ducks this evening together in a single flock:
5 Shoveler (4 males)
15 Wigeon (8 males)
Seen on Hollingworth Lake early morning.
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
Otherwise very quiet in the rain.
Tufted Duck - pair
Great Crested Grebe - 1
Coot - 1
Pair of Bullfinches at the feeding station.
Siskins heard calling from the nearby trees
Treecreeper along the path to the hide
Red-throated Diver still in the centre of the reservoir early afternoon. Also a handful of Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3x Tufted Ducks, 1x redhead Goosander and Mallards.
The feeders were busy with Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird all on or around the feeders. A Treecreeper was on the trees behind the feeders.
From the path to the hide (hide was locked) a Kingfisher was fishing on the small pool and another redhead Goosander and a Grey Heron were also present.
Goosander - 20 (11 drakes) roosting with the last 2 birds flying in at 16:58 hrs
Pink-footed Geese - 58 flew west at 16:54 hrs
Red-throated Diver - there was no sign of the bird until 16:57 hrs when it appeared on the west side of the reservoir. So it had either been out of sight in the north channel, or had possibly flown in unseen whilst I was counting the over flying Pink feet. It has now been present for 2 months.
Wigeon 20 (12 drakes)
Tufted Duck 4 (3 drakes)
Goosander 4 (2 drakes)
Red-throated Diver still present - the bird can be reliably seen early morning between sunrise and 9pm and again late afternoon between about 3.30pm and sunset. However, if the windsurfers are out it is likely to be found at Hollingworth Lake and has been seen there at 15:00 hrs on 31st December and 09:30 and 11:30 on 1st January.
10 Goosanders (4 adult males) roosting at 16:20 hrs.
If anyone is planning to come over to see the diver on New Year's Day, just a couple of things to be aware of:
There is a Parkrun (although Watergrove is definitely not a park, it's a Grade A Site of Biological Importance) which takes place every Saturday. So if you want to park in the main car park it would be best to arrive by 8.30am or wait until 10am or later.
The top of the dam is like a quagmire, so wellies are advisable. However, if you prefer to avoid sliding through mud for 500m then walk west along the road below the dam until you reach the spillway. There is new gravel path at the side of the spillway which brings you out at the top of the dam by the tower. The diver is usually on this side of the reservoir and there is plenty of space to set up scopes without blocking the footpath and to maintain social distancing.
I'll post on here about 8.30am, unless some early bird sees it first, or it decides to go to Hollingworth Lake again
17 Wigeon
6 Gadwall (first of the year here).
Treecreeper along the path to the hide and by the feeding station
On 27th December a Red-throated Diver was high up over the reservoir at 08:45 hrs and heard call once. It flew NW and looked to have disappeared from view. My initial assumption was that the resident diver had departed but on reaching the top of the dam five minutes later, it was still on the water! So possibly a second bird flying over.
Unless anyone knows differently, this appears to be the longest staying Red-throated in GM since at least the 1960's when one was on Hollingworth Lake from 12th Nov to 16th Dec 1967 (source: The Status of Birds in Rochdale 1900-1977 by Peter Hill).
Other recent highlights:
Goosander - 11 (5 males) roosting after sunset on 21st December
Woodcock - one flew over after sunset on 25th
Brambling at the feeding station on 27th
Clear blue sky and bright sunshine, the water's surface was like a mill pond.
Red-throated Diver was in the channel at the north end of the reservoir and watched feeding on a fish. Only the second ever to be recorded on a GM WeBS count and a relief that it hadn't departed last night, with the full moon and clear skies.
Wigeon - 15 (8 drakes)
Teal - 2+ heard calling
Tufted Duck - 3 drakes
Goosander f./imm
Snipe - 6 visible, roosting on the hide pool.
Mediterranean Gull - adult close in to the dam. Then took flight and landed on the field below Trap Farm car park (east side of the cobbled road). Only the 2nd site record here.
Ring-necked Parakeet flew in from the south, landed briefly in the plantations by the club house, then took flight south. Also the 2nd site record but unlikely to be the last.
Brambling at the feeding station.
Bullfinch - 5 feeding in the willows near the hide
Kingfisher and two Snipe on the hide pool.
Green Woodpecker heard calling
16 Wigeon roosting this afternoon 16:00 - 16:30 hrs.
210+ Pink-footed Geese flew west over Wardle at 16:30 hrs
During the week Goosanders were flying in to roost late afternoon with a maximum of 13 (6 adult males) on 14th.
At the feeding station during the week (information thanks to Tucker):
Brambling - male and female
Goldcrest
Lesser Redpoll - 2
Reed Bunting - 3
Treecreeper - 2
The Red throated diver was mostly keeping its distance, so no pictures from me. Still, a nice year tick!!
Certainly not the best of weather, but not the worst. And after a round trip of 30 miles cycling, I hope I can still find enough energy for work in a couple of hours time. We'll worth it though, if not for the diver, but also for the exercise!!!!
Ta!
Also sightings of Brambling and Wigeon
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
I was with Ivan...a few pics taken at 1000mmFL circa 2/3rd crop.
The Red-throated Diver still present yesterday 1/12/21 at lunchtime.
The Red-throated Diver was bathing and preening this evening, showing off its white underparts.
Wigeon - 12 (6 males) were roosting on the reservoir and took flight south at 16:45 hrs.
Tufted Duck - 2 males with the Wigeon.
Goosander - 7 (5 adult males) came in to roost.
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Lapwings on the spit in front of the club house (not counted). 30+ were circling low over the reservoir on Wednesday evening.
Red-throated Diver still present and Brambling visiting the feeders around the green containers / disused visitor centre
Information thanks to Tucker Dore
Arrived 12 ish today,was quickly put on the diver by a couple from Tyldesley ,showed very well but mobile,a walk around gave jay,bullfinch, dunnock, wren, robin,carrion crow, the feeders were popular with coal tit,greenfinch,goldfinch, blue and great tit,a few long tailed tit were around too,further views over the res gave ,great crested grebe,black headed gull,wigeon,lesser black backed gull,i left around 3 30,with the diver still present,
-- Edited by David Hughes on Tuesday 23rd of November 2021 09:03:51 PM
Best photos I could manage of the Red Throated Diver from yesterday afternoon.
Red-throated Diver still early afternoon, although never particularly close whilst I was there.
Also 6 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 15 Goosanders, 2 Lapwing and 2 Great-crested Grebes.
Great views of the Red Throated Diver from the dam from 2.10-2.45
Couple of pictures attached.
Red throated diver still here. Between western side and centre. Another gm tick!
-- Edited by Rick Hall on Sunday 21st of November 2021 11:29:42 AM
Goosander 1 drake flew in
Great Crested Grebe 1
Rather typically, they weren't present this morning during the WeBS count. I had to make do with a highlight of 3 Goosanders
Also this morning, 60 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 08:30 and 30 also SE at 09:10 hrs.
A Chiffchaff was calling along the path to the hide and the first Redwing of the autumn here was perched in a conifer.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Sunday 10th of October 2021 07:51:49 PM
Kestrel - four at various locations around the reservoir and on the moors.
Goldfinch - a flock 35 feeding on the dam slope.
15 Wigeon at 10:50 hrs. Initially, a flock of six were joined by a further nine birds which came down during a short spell of light rain.
Goosander - 2 immature birds which have been present most days since 11th September
Great Crested Grebe - 2 adults. The three young left during August. Meadow Pipits - 55 flying over (not a Vismig count)
Grey Wagtail - 1
Robin - 8 singing, others ticking
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 4 (2 singing)
Song Thrush - 2
Bullfinch - 2
Lesser Redpoll - 8
Goldfinch - 30
Kestrel - one hovering north of Little Town
Monday 20th September
A Kingfisher was on the hide pool
Yellow Wagtail - 2 flew NE over the reservoir
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 22nd of September 2021 01:05:15 PM
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 3rd of September 2021 07:58:10 PM
A Kingfisher landed in a willow overhanging the water at the top end of the reservoir.
A family party of Goldcrests were in a conifer by the dipping pond (top end). Difficult to view but the juveniles were hunger calling and an adult was flying in and out of the tree, presumably carrying food. The first time I've confirmed breeding here for the species. 3 to 4 males were on territory this spring and summer.
Lapwing - 23 on the shoreline near the hide.
Lapwing - 26+ on the shoreline near the hide
A Tree Pipit called in flight as it flew north over the dam at 10am. Probably moving ahead of the incoming rain.
Green Woodpecker heard calling
Kestrel - 2
Swallow - 2
Chiffchaff - 4
Treecreeper - 1
Bullfinch - 3+
Lesser Redpoll -1
Didn't have my scope with me so wasn't 100% certain on the ID. Thanks to Simon Hitchen for confirming that it is definitely a Sanderling!
Probably brought down by the rain which didn't stop here until late afternoon.
The Garden Warbler sang intermittently by the hide and a Blackcap sang close by for comparison!
Young Treecreepers were calling from a nest in a drystone wall in what appears to be the same location used in 2019. Another pair has bred successfully with four fledged young huddled together yesterday evening on a tree in the NW corner of the reservoir.
According to the GMBRG database, the first ever flock seen in Rochdale in May.
A Garden Warbler singing by the hide which has been present since May 2nd. It was showing well yesterday evening, in the willows on the edge of the reservoir, but slipped away into cover this morning as soon as it saw me approaching.
Also singing:
Blackcap - 2
Chiffchaff -1
One Swallow flew north only the second I've seen here this spring.
On the reservoir
Goosander - 5. Ten immature males present yesterday evening with a maximum count of 17 on 15th April. They are usually seen early evening (15 on 9th April) and then take flight south, possibly going to roost at Heaton Park Reservoir.
Tufted Duck - pair
Great Crested Grebe
Yesterday evening (23rd) a flock of 20+ Lesser Redpolls were feeding in alders on the west side of the reservoir. Presumably a migrant flock although a few birds were in song flight this morning.
A Long-tailed Tit's nest built in a willow bush growing in the water at the edge of the reservoir, had its top ripped off yesterday evening. I was amazed to see a bird sitting in the nest this morning in clear view!