Late post for last week - surreal sight - 20 Canada Geese feeding on the triangular verge on surrounded by the busy Queen's and Oldham Roads.....
Yesterday a swan of some description - almost certain a lone Mute swan - headed over the Oldham Road low--- like a plane coming in to land at the airport, it was coming to land, probably onto the canal.
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Oct 16 2:33 AM, 2013
Today (15/10/13)
Early morning: 2 Cormorant, possibly disturbed from the canal, circled the area several times and flew off east 1 Cormorant flew past the office window late afternoon c40 Canada Geese on the canal
Yesterday (14/10/13)
Cracking juvenile Grey Wagtail by the canal
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Oct 4 8:01 PM, 2013
Some sightings from the area over this week
Tuesday
A small Peregrine (presumed male) landed on the gasometer at the end of Varley Street late afternoon
Wednesday
A 30 strong mixed flock of Tits and Goldfinches flew across the Victoria Mill car park early morning Early evening male Kestrel on lamp post on ground by the canal at the end of Upper Helena Street Many Pied Wagtails in the area early evening, appear to be roosting around the Next/Asda area at Eastlands
Thursday
4 Meadow Pipits south over Victoria Mill early morning
Friday
12 House Martins south west over Varley Street early morning 8 Black-headed Gulls 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls including one juvenile Jay seen from office window
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 4th of October 2013 08:02:03 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Mon Sep 30 2:51 AM, 2013
Near Holt Town Tram Station
1 Jay 1 Chiffchaff calling
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Sep 25 6:10 PM, 2013
Two juvenile Grey Wagtails were chasing each other back and forth along the canal towpath late afternoon today
There also seemed to be more Blackbirds present in the general area than normal.
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 06:10:27 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Sep 25 5:15 AM, 2013
Cormorant flying towards Manchester seen from bridge over canal on Varley Street and juvenile Grey Wagtail on canal towpath viewed from office window this morning.
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Sep 18 1:04 AM, 2013
This morning
6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 9 Black-headed Gulls along with 4 Starlings feeding on the corner of Bradford Road and Varley Street.
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Sep 12 2:58 AM, 2013
Some sightings from today
4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush and 30 Starling feeding on one of the grassy areas on Varley Street this morning 25+ Goldfinch flying around Victoria Mill car park
Yesterday evening (10/9)
2 Swallow near junction of Cambrian Street/Bradford Road
Karen Foulkes said
Tue Sep 3 10:27 PM, 2013
This afternoon
A family party of 5 Mistle Thrush and 20+ Starling feeding on the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road.
Swallow also present
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Tuesday 3rd of September 2013 10:29:15 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Sep 1 11:48 PM, 2013
Lean pickings this morning near Holt Town Tram Stop
Grey Wagtail Grey Heron 2 Goldfinch Carrion Crow
John Doherty said
Wed Aug 28 9:03 PM, 2013
Really excellent result, Karen - it gives rise to hope that I could just find my own whilst casually wandering to Aldi
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Aug 28 7:08 PM, 2013
Spotted Flycatcher present this morning close to the canal towpath in the grounds of Park View School. Visible from the office!
A juvenile Grey Wagtail was flycatching by the canal this morning Mallard with her seven ducklings still present 30 Canada Geese were blocking the pavement this morning! 50+ have been grazing on the grassy areas this week A colleague told me one of the Mute Swan cygnets has been separated from the rest of the family and was apparently east along the canal yesterday
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Aug 7 1:20 AM, 2013
Yesterday 05/08/13
Mallard with 7 ducklings (now quite well grown) on canal Juvenile Blackbird eating berries in Park View school grounds
Today's sightings (Varley Street area)
30 Canada Geese grazing 7 Black-headed Gull including one juvenile 8 Magpie
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Jul 24 12:52 AM, 2013
Blackcap singing this morning in the same area as yesterday Mallard brood reduced to seven ducklings
Karen Foulkes said
Tue Jul 23 2:58 AM, 2013
Late afternoon
Blackcap singing in the corner of Victoria Mill car park close to Varley Street 13+ Magpies on grass on corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road
John Doherty said
Sat Jul 20 4:34 PM, 2013
Swan family on the banks of the canal last night too; cygnets seem well grown and doing well.
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Jul 19 5:50 PM, 2013
Today
Three Peregrines drifted over high near Brunswick Mill towards the city centre, calling noisily Seven Mute Swan on canal (two adults, five cygnets) close to Victoria Mill Park Two Sand Martin near Holt Town Tram Station
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 19th of July 2013 06:37:06 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Jul 14 11:32 PM, 2013
Holt Town tram station area
6+ Sand Martin
4 Swift
Grey Heron on Medlock
Bullfinch calling
Great Tit
Blue Tit
John Doherty said
Sat Jul 13 11:11 AM, 2013
Down the canal from the Victoria Mill towards Manchester - Swan parents with 5 cygnets. Also, two Pied Wagtails on top of the mini-weir, and four Swifts skimming the surface at times.
-- Edited by John Doherty on Saturday 13th of July 2013 11:12:25 AM
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Jul 12 5:02 PM, 2013
There are actually 9 ducklings in the Mallard brood, one must have been hiding in the reeds yesterday!
Also this morning along Bradford Road and Varley Street, 100+ Starling in three separate groups (adults and juveniles present) Mistle Thrush also collecting food
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 12th of July 2013 05:07:26 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Jul 12 12:32 AM, 2013
All sightings in Varley Street area
Mallard with 8 small ducklings on canal this morning
2 Grey Wagtail (adult and juv)
Blackcap singing this morning
20+ Starling mix of adult and juv birds
Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all singing earlier in the week
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Jul 5 12:36 AM, 2013
Willow Warbler singing this morning on Varley Street
30+ adult Canada Geese and the same family party of 6 as seen earlier in the week
3 Swift near Victoria Mill as I left work this afternoon
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Jul 3 12:58 AM, 2013
A few sightings from today
Juvenile Black-headed Gull seen from office on canal towpath, fighting for a slice of bread with Feral Pigeons Family party of Canada Geese, 2 adults and four well-grown goslings
On the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road this afternoon
60+ Starlings, mixture of adult and juveniles 2 Swallows hawking Woodpigeon Feral Pigeon Blackbird
Karen Foulkes said
Tue Jun 25 12:32 AM, 2013
This morning between Holt Town tram stop and Victoria Mill
4 Sand Martin 2 Swallow Jay 2 Blackcap (heard only) Kestrel 2 Bullfinch 2 Greenfinch
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Jun 20 6:10 AM, 2013
Varley Street area
Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff both singing today Pied Wagtail collecting food by canal 50 Canada Geese, all adult birds, presumably non-breeders
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Jun 9 5:17 PM, 2013
Around Holt Town Tram Stop to River Medlock
Sand Martin Swift Blackcap singing Family party of 10-12 Long-tailed Tit Goldfinch Greenfinch Juvenile Magpie Grey Heron fishing on Medlock
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Sunday 9th of June 2013 05:28:20 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Jun 6 5:49 AM, 2013
Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff both heard today.
Mistle Thrush collecting food on one of the grassy areas
A Linnet flew over yesterday (4/6)
2 Swift were around Varley Street on 28/5
bev dobson said
Wed May 29 1:31 AM, 2013
Wow, I am only 10 minutes up the road (in Failsworth) how honoured are you??? And to think how close to Manchester town centre you are! When I worked in Manchester town centre, walking through Piccadily Gardens, in the few sparse trees, I used to see goldfinches and tits, also coming up to winter (when the german markets were on) the trees used to be alive in St Anns Square with what I at first thought were long tailed tits, but later realised they were wagtails. I am trying to educate my hubby at the moment dragging him along the canal and pointing out different things (we saw a male bullfinch last week, and even hubby could see the difference in the colour , between him and a robin) . Thank you and I will keep my eyes and ears open to see if any of your birds come this way.
Karen Foulkes said
Tue May 28 12:42 AM, 2013
This afternoon
2 Blackcap singing near Holt Town tram stop
Between Holt Town and Etihad Campus tram stops
Pair of Bullfinch 4 Swift 2 House Martin Blue Tit feeding young
Karen Foulkes said
Sat May 18 4:35 PM, 2013
Between Holt Town and Etihad Campus tram stops:
This afternoon
Spotted Flycatcher, flycatching over the Medlock, also picking insects from the surface of the river. Willow Warbler and Blackcap also present in the area
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 18th of May 2013 04:36:59 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Wed May 15 3:22 PM, 2013
This morning:
Whitethroat Chiffchaff Willow Warbler
all singing in the rain
Karen Foulkes said
Fri May 10 3:22 PM, 2013
This morning:
A female Wheatear on the grass on the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road, a true Miles Platting mega!
Blackcap singing by the canal Several Starlings collecting food
8/5/13
Both the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff still present and a pair of Canada Geese with a brood of 5 goslings on the canal
Karen Foulkes said
Thu May 2 12:36 AM, 2013
Three species of Warbler present on Varley Street today:
Male Blackcap was singing high up in a tree by the canal Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were both singing also
Karen Foulkes said
Wed May 1 2:44 AM, 2013
2 Swallows were present whilst I was waiting for the bus late afternoon on Bradford Road
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Apr 26 2:27 AM, 2013
This morning, Varley Street area:
Chiffchaff near Park View School Willow Warbler Jay
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Apr 25 1:39 AM, 2013
Chiffchaff still present on Varley Street. Willow Warbler also present today.
John Doherty said
Wed Apr 17 4:35 PM, 2013
And another Chiffchaff singing this morning near the railway bridge before Monsall estate
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Apr 17 1:16 AM, 2013
Chiffchaff singing this afternoon on Varley Street
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Mar 28 5:26 AM, 2013
A stunning Grey Wagtail was by the canal lock on Varley Street late afternoon today.
Also three pristine adult Common Gulls and around 30 Black Headed Gulls of mixed age were on the grassy areas between Bradford Road and Park View School this morning.
On Monday 25 March 15 Meadow Pipits flew along Varley Street towards Oldham Road late afternoon.
Karen Foulkes said
Mon Mar 25 12:54 AM, 2013
30+ Meadow Pipit feeding on the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road this afternoon.
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Mar 9 4:16 AM, 2013
Singing male Chaffinch and two females near the swimming baths Siskin flew over the car park at Victoria Mill across Varley Street towards the canal Carrion Crow stealing nesting material from a pair of Magpies
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Mar 2 2:50 AM, 2013
Today's sightings from lunchtime
A cracking flock of 25+ Siskin alongside canal near to bridge on Varley Street 1 Lesser Redpoll singing briefly near Park View school Grey Wagtail flew over Victoria Mill car park calling 10 Magpies including two nest building in trees six feet apart! 15 Starling 1 Mistle Thrush singing
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Feb 28 6:27 AM, 2013
Birds seen in Varley Street/Victoria Mill area
Today (27/2/13)
55 Black Headed Gull 2 Common Gull 4 Lesser Black Backed Gull all utilising one of the flooded grassy areas
Siskin calling by canal (sounded like only one bird present) Pair of Mistle Thrush Dunnock singing Greenfinch "wheezing" Cormorant dropped out of sight on canal near Victoria Mill
Yesterday (26/2/13)
Female Grey Wagtail seen on canal towpath
MARK HULSE said
Sun Feb 10 9:45 PM, 2013
Bill Myerscough wrote:
MARK HULSE wrote: pity this is under the heading of miles platting this site is most certainly newton heath being a very proud newton heather i just felt the need to mention this.
And you're right to be proud of your own area too Mark! I don't know if you are aware Mark that Newton Heath does have it's own dedicated thread and this can be found using the search facility. I think there are some old records of wintering golden plover flocks in this area on that particular thread.
Best wishes,
Bill.
hi bill, I did know that newton heath as its own thread just being a bit cheeky but I will check the records for the wintering flocks of Golden plover I am interested to know what they look like ,it was a pleasure to watch them yesterday they looked so at home pity it will not always be there [the site] many thanks Bill , all the best Mark.
Bill Myerscough said
Sun Feb 10 9:24 PM, 2013
MARK HULSE wrote: pity this is under the heading of miles platting this site is most certainly newton heath being a very proud newton heather i just felt the need to mention this.
And you're right to be proud of your own area too Mark! I don't know if you are aware Mark that Newton Heath does have it's own dedicated thread and this can be found using the search facility. I think there are some old records of wintering golden plover flocks in this area on that particular thread.
Best wishes,
Bill.
MARK HULSE said
Sun Feb 10 8:46 PM, 2013
2.30 PM-3.45 PM SATURDAY.
44 lapwing 2 lesser Black Backed GullS approx 16 Black Headed Gulls 6 long tail tit 14 golden plover.
pity this is under the heading of miles platting this site is most certainly newton heath being a very proud newton heather i just felt the need to mention this.
Collette Collier said
Sat Feb 9 5:30 PM, 2013
Approx 50 golden Plover 30 lapwing Various gulls Behind Sharps off Oldham rd
Yesterday a swan of some description - almost certain a lone Mute swan - headed over the Oldham Road low--- like a plane coming in to land at the airport, it was coming to land, probably onto the canal.
Early morning: 2 Cormorant, possibly disturbed from the canal, circled the area several times and flew off east
1 Cormorant flew past the office window late afternoon
c40 Canada Geese on the canal
Yesterday (14/10/13)
Cracking juvenile Grey Wagtail by the canal
Tuesday
A small Peregrine (presumed male) landed on the gasometer at the end of Varley Street late afternoon
Wednesday
A 30 strong mixed flock of Tits and Goldfinches flew across the Victoria Mill car park early morning
Early evening male Kestrel on lamp post on ground by the canal at the end of Upper Helena Street
Many Pied Wagtails in the area early evening, appear to be roosting around the Next/Asda area at Eastlands
Thursday
4 Meadow Pipits south over Victoria Mill early morning
Friday
12 House Martins south west over Varley Street early morning
8 Black-headed Gulls
4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls including one juvenile
Jay seen from office window
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 4th of October 2013 08:02:03 PM
1 Jay
1 Chiffchaff calling
There also seemed to be more Blackbirds present in the general area than normal.
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 06:10:27 PM
6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 9 Black-headed Gulls along with 4 Starlings feeding on the corner of Bradford Road and Varley Street.
4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush and 30 Starling feeding on one of the grassy areas on Varley Street this morning
25+ Goldfinch flying around Victoria Mill car park
Yesterday evening (10/9)
2 Swallow near junction of Cambrian Street/Bradford Road
A family party of 5 Mistle Thrush and 20+ Starling feeding on the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road.
Swallow also present
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Tuesday 3rd of September 2013 10:29:15 PM
Grey Wagtail
Grey Heron
2 Goldfinch
Carrion Crow
Upper Helena Street
Bullfinch
2 Willow Warbler calling
Chiffchaff singing
Holt Town Tram stop area
2 Sand Martin
1 Swallow
1 Grey Heron
2 Carrion Crow
1 Goldfinch
1 Magpie
1 Willow Warbler calling
Mallard with her seven ducklings still present
30 Canada Geese were blocking the pavement this morning! 50+ have been grazing on the grassy areas this week
A colleague told me one of the Mute Swan cygnets has been separated from the rest of the family and was apparently east along the canal yesterday
Mallard with 7 ducklings (now quite well grown) on canal
Juvenile Blackbird eating berries in Park View school grounds
Today's sightings (Varley Street area)
30 Canada Geese grazing
7 Black-headed Gull including one juvenile
8 Magpie
Mallard brood reduced to seven ducklings
Blackcap singing in the corner of Victoria Mill car park close to Varley Street
13+ Magpies on grass on corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road
Three Peregrines drifted over high near Brunswick Mill towards the city centre, calling noisily
Seven Mute Swan on canal (two adults, five cygnets) close to Victoria Mill Park
Two Sand Martin near Holt Town Tram Station
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 19th of July 2013 06:37:06 PM
6+ Sand Martin
4 Swift
Grey Heron on Medlock
Bullfinch calling
Great Tit
Blue Tit
-- Edited by John Doherty on Saturday 13th of July 2013 11:12:25 AM
Also this morning along Bradford Road and Varley Street, 100+ Starling in three separate groups (adults and juveniles present)
Mistle Thrush also collecting food
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Friday 12th of July 2013 05:07:26 PM
Mallard with 8 small ducklings on canal this morning
2 Grey Wagtail (adult and juv)
Blackcap singing this morning
20+ Starling mix of adult and juv birds
Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all singing earlier in the week
Juvenile Black-headed Gull seen from office on canal towpath, fighting for a slice of bread with Feral Pigeons
Family party of Canada Geese, 2 adults and four well-grown goslings
On the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road this afternoon
60+ Starlings, mixture of adult and juveniles
2 Swallows hawking
Woodpigeon
Feral Pigeon
Blackbird
4 Sand Martin
2 Swallow
Jay
2 Blackcap (heard only)
Kestrel
2 Bullfinch
2 Greenfinch
Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff both singing today
Pied Wagtail collecting food by canal
50 Canada Geese, all adult birds, presumably non-breeders
Sand Martin
Swift
Blackcap singing
Family party of 10-12 Long-tailed Tit
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Juvenile Magpie
Grey Heron fishing on Medlock
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Sunday 9th of June 2013 05:28:20 PM
Mistle Thrush collecting food on one of the grassy areas
A Linnet flew over yesterday (4/6)
2 Swift were around Varley Street on 28/5
2 Blackcap singing near Holt Town tram stop
Between Holt Town and Etihad Campus tram stops
Pair of Bullfinch
4 Swift
2 House Martin
Blue Tit feeding young
This afternoon
Spotted Flycatcher, flycatching over the Medlock, also picking insects from the surface of the river.
Willow Warbler and Blackcap also present in the area
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 18th of May 2013 04:36:59 PM
Whitethroat
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
all singing in the rain
A female Wheatear on the grass on the corner of Varley Street and Bradford Road, a true Miles Platting mega!
Blackcap singing by the canal
Several Starlings collecting food
8/5/13
Both the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff still present and a pair of Canada Geese with a brood of 5 goslings on the canal
Male Blackcap was singing high up in a tree by the canal
Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were both singing also
Chiffchaff near Park View School
Willow Warbler
Jay
Willow Warbler also present today.
Also three pristine adult Common Gulls and around 30 Black Headed Gulls of mixed age were on the grassy areas between Bradford Road and Park View School this morning.
On Monday 25 March 15 Meadow Pipits flew along Varley Street towards Oldham Road late afternoon.
Siskin flew over the car park at Victoria Mill across Varley Street towards the canal
Carrion Crow stealing nesting material from a pair of Magpies
A cracking flock of 25+ Siskin alongside canal near to bridge on Varley Street
1 Lesser Redpoll singing briefly near Park View school
Grey Wagtail flew over Victoria Mill car park calling
10 Magpies including two nest building in trees six feet apart!
15 Starling
1 Mistle Thrush singing
Today (27/2/13)
55 Black Headed Gull
2 Common Gull
4 Lesser Black Backed Gull
all utilising one of the flooded grassy areas
Siskin calling by canal (sounded like only one bird present)
Pair of Mistle Thrush
Dunnock singing
Greenfinch "wheezing"
Cormorant dropped out of sight on canal near Victoria Mill
Yesterday (26/2/13)
Female Grey Wagtail seen on canal towpath
hi bill, I did know that newton heath as its own thread just being a bit cheeky
but I will check the records for the wintering flocks of Golden plover I am interested
to know what they look like ,it was a pleasure to watch them yesterday they looked so
at home pity it will not always be there [the site]
many thanks Bill , all the best Mark.
And you're right to be proud of your own area too Mark! I don't know if you are aware Mark that Newton Heath does have it's own dedicated thread and this can be found using the search facility. I think there are some old records of wintering golden plover flocks in this area on that particular thread.
Best wishes,
Bill.
SATURDAY.
44 lapwing
2 lesser Black Backed GullS
approx 16 Black Headed Gulls
6 long tail tit
14 golden plover.
pity this is under the heading of miles platting
this site is most certainly newton heath being
a very proud newton heather i just felt the need
to mention this.
30 lapwing
Various gulls
Behind Sharps off Oldham rd
9.30