Early morning, a Cetti's Warbler singing along the canal below blue container, between Benny's and the dip. Typically elusive but finally showed fairly well in bushes and brambles, present from 7.10am to 8.45am at least.
Ian Campbell said
Sun Mar 21 11:02 AM, 2021
Highlights from this a.m. Scaup still present, 1 Little Egret behind Old Hall Farm and the female Brambling near the feeders. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Sat Mar 20 3:21 PM, 2021
Highlights from this lunchtime:
Teal Goldeneye Scaup (still and in adult plumage now) Goosander Little egret x2 Lapwing Oystercatcher Kingfisher Common gull Pheasant Meadow pipit Nuthatch
1 Mediterreanean Gull. (Flew west midday). 1 Curlew. (Flew East over Reservoir). 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Displaying, Dip). 1 Sand Martin. 1 Buzzard. 1 Sparrowhawk. 2 Kestrel. 1 Kingfisher.(Irwell) 1 Scaup. 29 Goldeneye (Counted at Noon, Roger had counted 62 earlier am). 1 Little Egret. 23 Meadow Pipit. 7 Lapwing. 2 Greylag Goose.(Withins) 60+ Canada Goose. 4 Oystercatcher. 2 Pheasant (M). 1 Common Gull. 150+ Black Headed Gull. 5 Herring Gull. 3 Lesser Black Backed Gull. 7 Jay. 44 Blackbird. 1 Mistle Thrush. 5 Song Thrush. 23 Long Tailed Tit. 15 Greenfinch. 40+ Goldfinch. 5 Bullfinch. (1F,4M). 18 Greenfinch. 12 Teal. 19 Tufted Duck. 4 Great Crested Grebe. 4 Goosander. (Flew over). 3 Mute Swan. 1 Grey Wagtail 6 Pied Wagtail. 1 Grey Heron.
Thanks Derek.
Richard Thew said
Fri Mar 19 10:00 AM, 2021
A really interesting morning with a few nice moments:
Highlights include:
Teal Goldeneye x14+ (at that time of counting) Scaup Greylag goose Little egret x1 Water rail Oystercatcher x4 Pheasant Common gull x4 (Mediterranean gull was heard flying over but distant) Brambling x1 stunning female Nuthatch Jay Meadow pipit (with a number passing through in migration) Sand martin x1 (but was reported x3 on my way back)
Ta!
Derek Polley said
Thu Mar 18 2:00 PM, 2021
Hoping to be over as lockdown eases. Is it still possible to walk down the lane to the yacht club and cut left through the stile into the dip and then join the path along the canal to the bridge?
Disappointed to see they've taken out the hedge below the bank where the slippage is, was nice for small stuff.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Mar 18 12:50 PM, 2021
In to Steven's post, 1 Little Egret amongst the Highland Cattle and 1 Water Rail at the canal. Cheers Ian
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Mar 18 11:57 AM, 2021
Walk around this morning 18th March highlights. 3 Oystercatcher. 3 Common Gulls. 2 Great black varied gulls 1st winter. 1 Greylag Goose. 1 Scaup. 1 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Tit. Female brambling seen at the feeders by 2 other regulars. Raven over NE Lots of meadow pipits around. Cheers Steven
[no sign of any Sand Martins for me even though lovely warm calm afternoon with midges hatching being picked up by c 60 Black headed gulls]
Mike Jepson said
Wed Mar 17 5:08 PM, 2021
Nipped in as in area with work add
Mediterranean Gull at 12pm and 2 Water Rail on canal showing well for 10 minutes
Richard Thew said
Wed Mar 17 9:40 AM, 2021
Highlights this morning:
Sand martin x1, first on withins, then on the main reservoir.
Greylag goose x2 Teal Gadwall x4 Goldeneye x28 (or about) Scaup Meadow pipit Fieldfare x4 in flight Little egret Common gull x6 Lapwing Oystercatcher heard passing Pheasant Buzzard
Ta!
Steven Higginbottom said
Tue Mar 16 10:36 AM, 2021
In addition to Simons report from this morning 16.3.21. 4 Water Rail 1 in Capsticks 3 along the canal. Record shots attached of the Kittiwake, 6 Wigeon ans a Water Rail.
Early morning with Paul and Steve H. Adult Kittiwake dropped in for 10 mins from 7.35am then flew off south. Also 8 Wigeon (6 on the reservoir that flew off and another 2 that flew over west), Little Grebe, the drake Scaup still present, Curlew through, few Meadow Pipits and Redwings flying north and an unusual sighting of a calling Dipper flying north over the reservoir and off over the housing estate.
08.00am - 12.15pm. Grey cloud, Windy. 04c - 08c.
46 Species including:
3 Common Gull.
2 Little Egret.
2 Water Rail.
5 Dunlin.
1 Scaup.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.(Behind feeders).
3 Oystercatcher.
1 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
200+ Black Headed Gull.
3 Herring Gull.
1 Greylag Goose.
2 Grey Wagtail.
5 Pied Wagtail.
1 Jay.
6 Lapwing.
1 Pheasant.
3 Long Tailed Tit.
9 Meadow Pipit.
1 Mistle Thrush.
4 Song Thrush.
2 Goldcrest.
30+ Goldfinch.
15 Greenfinch.
5 Bullfinch. (1F, M).
5 Reed Bunting.
3 Collared Dove.
8 Teal.
1 Goosander.
8 Goldeneye.
2 Great Crested Grebe.
15 Tufted Duck.
1 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Richard Thew said
Mon Mar 15 1:00 PM, 2021
Highlights this morning include:
Teal Scaup Goldeneye Goosander Greylag goose (in field by Capstick's) Glimpse of a Water rail Little egret x3 Lapwing Oystercatcher heard just taking off Pheasant Meadow pipit Common gull x2 stunning adults
There was a report of 3x dunlin but on the opposite far side to where I was.
Ta!
Simon Warford said
Sun Mar 14 9:34 PM, 2021
This evening at dusk were 30 Goldeneye, 17 Goosander and the drake Scaup roosting and 7 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover also present.
This evening in the roost was a site record count of 35 Goldeneye, also 16 Goosander and the drake Scaup.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Mar 13 7:47 PM, 2021
Early morning
Shelduck dropped in for a while then departed west 2 Curlew on the mud wader point then dropped into fields at the goyt 4 oystercatchers west 4 snipe 20 Redwing north 20 Gadwall in the area 39 Teal in the area 2 little Egret Kingfisher 23 Goldeneye
Ian Campbell said
Sat Mar 13 11:21 AM, 2021
This a.m. in the wind and rain, 1 Scaup and a Curlew heard were my highlights. Cheers Ian
Mike c cooper said
Fri Mar 12 3:34 PM, 2021
Fri 12/3 Willow Tit heard in willows opposite sailing club Kingfisher flew up stream by road from car park Curlew 4 flying around res calling at 8:45 then flew of East Mediterranean Gull 2 ads calling flew north from Res over car park at 14:45
Teal Goldeneye Scaup Lapwing Water rail Common gull Pheasant Sparrowhawk Meadow pipit Jay
Ta!
Ps. There is an injured Black headed gull on Withins. I rang the RSPCA and they rang me saying they will collect it yesterday, but unfortunately it is still there sat on the bank. I wish I had a long net then I could catch it myself and take to a vet.
Richard Thew said
Mon Mar 8 9:15 AM, 2021
Lane and path closed again from "Pump house" (sluice gates) and behind sailing club.
Highlights this morning:
Teal Goldeneye Scaup (showing well this morning) Water rail Pheasant Lapwing Oystercatcher Buzzard Sparrowhawk Common gull Meadow pipit Lesser redpoll
Ta!
Ian Campbell said
Sun Mar 7 1:50 PM, 2021
a.m. highlights 1 Scaup, 2 Curlew (flyovers), 2 Little Egret and a Kingfisher. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Sat Mar 6 5:49 PM, 2021
Also, to add to ians sightings, this lunchtime, (for a brief visit) produced:
" A heads up for anyone visiting Elton Reservoir as from Saturday 06/03/21.
Plenty of " Bob the Builders around in their "toys for boys", Their ongoing "work" has caused half of the main path from the boathouse to the pumphouse being "Out of bounds" most of the slope is now sectioned off with the brook below having plenty of shrubbery cut back to ground level. The left hand side of the path along the side of the boathouse up to the entrance to the reservoir has been severely cut back to the grass including the roots probably by up to 1 metre, including an area near the two houses completely gone. The Hospital wall on the bend on the way down to the car park, a large part of it has been taken down including a mature tree and shrubbery. The car park is caged off.When i left today another Wagon full of caged fencing went down the hill to the car park.The reservoir level is still receding and is probably area wise reduced by 50% of it's normal capacity for March. Since Wednesday 03/03/21 the far side cycling/walking paved path, past the creek up to Spenmoor, both sides of the pedestrian side of the fenced fields has had all the shrubbery,blackberry and various flora cut back to grass level "God knows why",i spent the last two weeks weaving the blackberry branches together, Moving the grass/weeds back, and had made sure none was on the 4/5 metre wide path, (I also collected and moved 9 bags of rubbish/debris) to make good sanctuary areas for the insects, birds, wildlife etc this has all gone.I will follow up what is happening by the CRT or council.
I put the above up as the individual numbers of birds today is by far the lowest I have seen/counted in any March in the first week.
The area from the "Pump house" (sluice gate hut) down to the Sailing club is currently blocked off. Apparently, the lane behind the sailing club was also blocked of while they have their heavy machinery out. I don't know how regular this lane will be blocked off but caution is needed when visiting and please be prepared to go a very long way round if you need to get through.
1 Skylark. ( Singing high above field top end of Withins). 1 Common Buzzard. 5 Kestrel. 1 Little Egret. 1 Scaup. 5 Oystercatcher. 110+ Lapwing. (1x50+, 1x40+, 1x20). 3 Pheasant. (3M). 3 Lesser Black Backed Gull. 120+ Black Headed Gull. 4 Herring Gull. 2 Cormorant. 17 Bullfinch. (8F, 9M). (My highest Count). 6 Chaffinch. 15 Greenfinch. 40+ Goldfinch. 11 Long Tailed Tit. 2 Meadow Pipit. 40+ Starling. 60+ Wood Pigeon. 2 Collared Dove. 2 Jay. 34 Blackbird. 60+ Jackdaw. 1 Mistle Thrush. 14 Song Thrush. 5 Great Crested Grebe. 15 Tufted Duck. 7 Goldeneye. (3F, 4M). 1 Teal. 2 Grey Heron. 2 Grey Wagtail. 4 Pied Wagtail. 4 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Phil Hilton said
Wed Mar 3 2:57 PM, 2021
fredford wrote:
I have heard that jackdaws roost here . Please let me know the location . Thank you !
The Jackdaws don't actually roost at Elton Reservoir but a few hundred fly over every morning on their way from Philips park nr Whitefield to Redisher woods. A few hundred also fly over Bury Bridge following the river Irwell.
Richard Thew said
Wed Mar 3 9:11 AM, 2021
Highlights this morning:
Teal Goldeneye Scaup, (and actually awake and feeding) Pheasant Willow tit Meadow pipit Grey wagtail Oystercatcher Lapwing Little egret Buzzard Common gull
Ta!
fredford said
Wed Mar 3 8:00 AM, 2021
I have heard that jackdaws roost here . Please let me know the location . Thank you !
Tom OShea said
Tue Mar 2 5:43 PM, 2021
In addition to the Bar-tailed Godwit, 59 species total were recorded today on a full walk around including the canal and Irwell.
Highlights were some Elton firsts for me: Curlew (3) and White-throated Dipper.
Also had Water Rail, Shoveler, Willow Tit, Scaup, Goosander, Goldeneye, Teal, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Meadow Pipit.
-- Edited by Tom OShea on Tuesday 2nd of March 2021 06:35:57 PM
Bar tailed godwit right now on the rez, on the mud by the car park/sailing club,best viewable from the little outcrop near where the tents were
Richard Thew said
Tue Mar 2 10:36 AM, 2021
Highlights this morning include:
Teal Shoveler x1 drake Scaup Goldeneye Common gull Lapwing Oystercatcher Meadow pipit Pheasant Water rail And I was most intrigued by watching a male Sparrowhawk hunt over the reeds and tall grasses as he was firmly interested in seeing if he could flush something out, presumably Reed buntings or even voles (yes, they can hunt for voles aswell). The tactics he was using was entertaining to observe.
Ta!
Tom OShea said
Mon Mar 1 7:47 PM, 2021
Amazing movement of Jays this morning. Atleast 12 passed through, hopping through treetops over from the carpark-pylon area north towards the cycle path, first a group of 7, then a trio and a pair within ten minutes.
Also in addition to prev posts: 3 Treecreeper and 1 Skylark:)
As I kept thinking Robins were very Successful breeding last Summer,followed by a wet but mild winter, I paid more attention to them. I seen today 48 plus heard an additional 13.
61 Robin. I Believe proved my point.
Thanks Derek.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Mar 1 1:07 PM, 2021
Also of note this a.m. 1 Raven and 1 Dunlin.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Mar 1 11:27 AM, 2021
This a.m. a Sand Martin was seen by Brian Fielding. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Mon Mar 1 10:44 AM, 2021
A few nice highlights on this morning's exercise from about 9am:
Teal Goldeneye Scaup Oystercatcher Lapwing Meadow pipit Jay x3 Nuthatch Willow tit by feeders, (heard only as noise from the gate scattered the birds.) Common gull
Ta!
Ian Campbell said
Sun Feb 28 12:45 PM, 2021
Scaup still present this am.
Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Sat Feb 27 4:00 PM, 2021
This am 3 Little Egret, 1 in outflow below pumphouse and 2 in field with highland cattle behind Old Hall Farm.
Cheers Ian
1 Common Buzzard. 1 Kestrel. 1 Kingfisher. (Irwell). 1 Little Egret. 1 Scaup. 11 Snipe. 1 Raven. 3 Oystercatcher. 1 Treecreeper. 13 Bullfinch.(6F, 7M). 7 Chaffinch. 40+ Goldfinch. 20+ Greenfinch. 2 Reed Bunting. 16 Long Tailed Tit. 13 Meadow Pipit. (12 Near creek). 4 Lesser Black Backed Gull. 200+ Black Headed Gull. 5 Herring Gull. 6 Lapwing. 4 Cormorant. 12 Great Crested Grebe. (2 Displaying, 4 in Spring plumage). 17 Tufted Duck. 8 Goldeneye. 5 Goosander. 17 Teal. 38 Blackbird. 12 Jay. (6 in one flock). 9 Song Thrush. 1 Mistle Thrush. 3 Collared Dove. 1 Grey Heron. 1 Grey Wagtail. 9 Mute Swan. 5 Pied Wagtail.
Thanks Derek.
Richard Thew said
Sat Feb 27 10:08 AM, 2021
A nice short potter about. Highlights include:
Teal Goosander x1 drake over Goldeneye Scaup.... (guess what? Asleep with the Tufted ducks) Pink footed goose (in flight) Lapwing x41+ Oystercatcher Snipe Water rail Grey wagtail Pheasant Common gull
Ta!
George Warburton said
Fri Feb 26 5:16 PM, 2021
Thurs 26.02.21 2.00pm to 3.30pm
34 species including Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Goldeneye and Chiffchaff.
The latter in the hedge to the left of the lane behind the Sailing Club below the two cottages.
Cheers Ian
Teal
Goldeneye
Scaup (still and in adult plumage now)
Goosander
Little egret x2
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Kingfisher
Common gull
Pheasant
Meadow pipit
Nuthatch
Ta!
52 Species including.
1 Mediterreanean Gull. (Flew west midday).
1 Curlew. (Flew East over Reservoir).
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Displaying, Dip).
1 Sand Martin.
1 Buzzard.
1 Sparrowhawk.
2 Kestrel.
1 Kingfisher.(Irwell)
1 Scaup.
29 Goldeneye (Counted at Noon, Roger had counted 62 earlier am).
1 Little Egret.
23 Meadow Pipit.
7 Lapwing.
2 Greylag Goose.(Withins)
60+ Canada Goose.
4 Oystercatcher.
2 Pheasant (M).
1 Common Gull.
150+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Herring Gull.
3 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
7 Jay.
44 Blackbird.
1 Mistle Thrush.
5 Song Thrush.
23 Long Tailed Tit.
15 Greenfinch.
40+ Goldfinch.
5 Bullfinch. (1F,4M).
18 Greenfinch.
12 Teal.
19 Tufted Duck.
4 Great Crested Grebe.
4 Goosander. (Flew over).
3 Mute Swan.
1 Grey Wagtail
6 Pied Wagtail.
1 Grey Heron.
Thanks Derek.
Highlights include:
Teal
Goldeneye x14+ (at that time of counting)
Scaup
Greylag goose
Little egret x1
Water rail
Oystercatcher x4
Pheasant
Common gull x4
(Mediterranean gull was heard flying over but distant)
Brambling x1 stunning female
Nuthatch
Jay
Meadow pipit (with a number passing through in migration)
Sand martin x1 (but was reported x3 on my way back)
Ta!
Cheers Ian
3 Oystercatcher.
3 Common Gulls.
2 Great black varied gulls 1st winter.
1 Greylag Goose.
1 Scaup.
1 Sand Martin.
1 Willow Tit.
Female brambling seen at the feeders by 2 other regulars.
Raven over NE
Lots of meadow pipits around.
Cheers Steven
52 Species including:
2 Mediterranean Gull.(Flew over creek calling heading Spenmoor/Lowercroft).
1 Kestrel.
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Kingfisher (M).
1 Scaup.
1 Chiffchaff (heard only).
50+ Lapwing.
1 Little Egret.
21 Teal.
3 Wigeon.
2 Oystercatcher.
1 Pheasant (M).
3 Gadwall ( 1F,2M,Withins).
21 Goldeneye.
2 Common Gull.
1 Greylag Goose.
4 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
150+ Black Headed Gull.
7 Herring Gull.
1 Cormorant.
41 Blackbird.
1 Mistle Thrush.
6 Song Thrush.
3 Collared Dove.
1 Goldcrest.
7 Long Tailed Tit.
20+ Meadow Pipit.
40+ Goldfinch.
30+ Greenfinch.
2 Bullfinch. (M).
6 Chaffinch.
1 Reed Bunting.
50+ Canada Goose.
6 Great Crested Grebe.
15 Tufted Duck.
1 Goosander. (F).
1 Grey Heron.
3 Mute Swan.
8 Pied Wagtail.
2 Grey Wagtail.
Thanks Derek.
Ring necked Parakeet flew by hospital at 07:40
Brambling female ringed at 11:30
[no sign of any Sand Martins for me even though lovely warm calm afternoon with midges hatching being picked up by c 60 Black headed gulls]
Nipped in as in area with work add
Mediterranean Gull at 12pm and 2 Water Rail on canal showing well for 10 minutes
Sand martin x1, first on withins, then on the main reservoir.
Greylag goose x2
Teal
Gadwall x4
Goldeneye x28 (or about)
Scaup
Meadow pipit
Fieldfare x4 in flight
Little egret
Common gull x6
Lapwing
Oystercatcher heard passing
Pheasant
Buzzard
Ta!
4 Water Rail 1 in Capsticks 3 along the canal.
Record shots attached of the Kittiwake, 6 Wigeon ans a Water Rail.
Cheers Steven.
Teal
Scaup
Goldeneye
Goosander
Greylag goose (in field by Capstick's)
Glimpse of a Water rail
Little egret x3
Lapwing
Oystercatcher heard just taking off
Pheasant
Meadow pipit
Common gull x2 stunning adults
There was a report of 3x dunlin but on the opposite far side to where I was.
Ta!
162 Meadow pipit flew N/NW
2 Dunlin
Ringed Plover
5+ Curlew north
2 oystercatcher
2 Snipe
Scaup
2 little Egret
Willow tit
8 Skylark
Buzzard
Shelduck dropped in for a while then departed west
2 Curlew on the mud wader point then dropped into fields at the goyt
4 oystercatchers west
4 snipe
20 Redwing north
20 Gadwall in the area
39 Teal in the area
2 little Egret
Kingfisher
23 Goldeneye
Cheers Ian
Willow Tit heard in willows opposite sailing club
Kingfisher flew up stream by road from car park
Curlew 4 flying around res calling at 8:45 then flew of East
Mediterranean Gull 2 ads calling flew north from Res over car park at 14:45
2 Kingfisher. (Irwell).
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Dip).
1 Skylark. (Withins,singing).
1 Treecreeper.
2 Kestrel.
7 Lapwing.
1 Scaup.
1 Water Rail.
3 Meadow Pipit.
5 Mistle Thrush.
7 Song Thrush.
5 Pheasant. (M).
3 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
100+ Black Headed Gull.
14 Jay.
7 Grey Wagtail. (4 Irwell, 3 Reservoir).
8 Pied Wagtail.
16 Long Tailed Tit.
25 Greenfinch.
5 Bullfinch. (1F,4M).
1 Reed Bunting.
7 Chaffinch.
11 Goldfinch.
5 Collared Dove.
10 Teal.
70+ Canada Goose.
16 Tufted Duck.
2 Great Crested Grebe. (Withins).
7 Goldeneye (3F, 4M).
1 Grey Heron.
8 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Teal
Goldeneye
Scaup
Lapwing
Water rail
Common gull
Pheasant
Sparrowhawk
Meadow pipit
Jay
Ta!
Ps. There is an injured Black headed gull on Withins. I rang the RSPCA and they rang me saying they will collect it yesterday, but unfortunately it is still there sat on the bank. I wish I had a long net then I could catch it myself and take to a vet.
Highlights this morning:
Teal
Goldeneye
Scaup (showing well this morning)
Water rail
Pheasant
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Common gull
Meadow pipit
Lesser redpoll
Ta!
Cheers Ian
Oystercatcher
Teal
Gadwall
Goldeneye
Goosander
Grey wagtail
Ta!
Cheers Ian
" A heads up for anyone visiting Elton Reservoir as from Saturday 06/03/21.
Plenty of " Bob the Builders around in their "toys for boys", Their ongoing "work" has caused half of the main path from the boathouse to the pumphouse being "Out of bounds" most of the slope is now sectioned off with the brook below having plenty of shrubbery cut back to ground level. The left hand side of the path along the side of the boathouse up to the entrance to the reservoir has been severely cut back to the grass including the roots probably by up to 1 metre, including an area near the two houses completely gone. The Hospital wall on the bend on the way down to the car park, a large part of it has been taken down including a mature tree and shrubbery. The car park is caged off.When i left today another Wagon full of caged fencing went down the hill to the car park.The reservoir level is still receding and is probably area wise reduced by 50% of it's normal capacity for March. Since Wednesday 03/03/21 the far side cycling/walking paved path, past the creek up to Spenmoor, both sides of the pedestrian side of the fenced fields has had all the shrubbery,blackberry and various flora cut back to grass level "God knows why",i spent the last two weeks weaving the blackberry branches together, Moving the grass/weeds back, and had made sure none was on the 4/5 metre wide path, (I also collected and moved 9 bags of rubbish/debris) to make good sanctuary areas for the insects, birds, wildlife etc this has all gone.I will follow up what is happening by the CRT or council.
I put the above up as the individual numbers of birds today is by far the lowest I have seen/counted in any March in the first week.
47 Species Seen.
1 Kestrel.
1 Kingfisher
1 Scaup. (Asleep as usual).
1 Oystercatcher.
2 Meadow Pipit.
1 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
120+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Herring Gull.
31 Blackbird.
3 Song Thrush.
1 Jay.
3 Collared Dove.
13 Lapwing.
3 Goldcrest. (1 near hospital,2 near creek).
4 Grey Wagtail.
5 Pied Wagtail.
16 Greenfinch.
30+ Goldfinch.
3 Bullfinch. (1F, 2M).
4 Chaffinch.
3 Long Tailed Tit.
8 Teal.
31 Canada Goose.
6 Goldeneye. (3F, 3m).
2 Great Crested Grebe.
16 Tufted Duck.
3 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
The area from the "Pump house" (sluice gate hut) down to the Sailing club is currently blocked off. Apparently, the lane behind the sailing club was also blocked of while they have their heavy machinery out. I don't know how regular this lane will be blocked off but caution is needed when visiting and please be prepared to go a very long way round if you need to get through.
Highlights this morning:
Teal
Shoveler x2 drakes
Scaup x1 drake
Goldeneye
Goosander
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Water rail
Buzzard
Meadow pipit
Grey wagtail
Ta!
50 Species including:
1 Skylark. ( Singing high above field top end of Withins).
1 Common Buzzard.
5 Kestrel.
1 Little Egret.
1 Scaup.
5 Oystercatcher.
110+ Lapwing. (1x50+, 1x40+, 1x20).
3 Pheasant. (3M).
3 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
120+ Black Headed Gull.
4 Herring Gull.
2 Cormorant.
17 Bullfinch. (8F, 9M). (My highest Count).
6 Chaffinch.
15 Greenfinch.
40+ Goldfinch.
11 Long Tailed Tit.
2 Meadow Pipit.
40+ Starling.
60+ Wood Pigeon.
2 Collared Dove.
2 Jay.
34 Blackbird.
60+ Jackdaw.
1 Mistle Thrush.
14 Song Thrush.
5 Great Crested Grebe.
15 Tufted Duck.
7 Goldeneye. (3F, 4M).
1 Teal.
2 Grey Heron.
2 Grey Wagtail.
4 Pied Wagtail.
4 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
The Jackdaws don't actually roost at Elton Reservoir but a few hundred fly over every morning on their way from Philips park nr Whitefield to Redisher woods.
A few hundred also fly over Bury Bridge following the river Irwell.
Teal
Goldeneye
Scaup, (and actually awake and feeding)
Pheasant
Willow tit
Meadow pipit
Grey wagtail
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Little egret
Buzzard
Common gull
Ta!
In addition to the Bar-tailed Godwit, 59 species total were recorded today on a full walk around including the canal and Irwell.
Highlights were some Elton firsts for me: Curlew (3) and White-throated Dipper.
Also had Water Rail, Shoveler, Willow Tit, Scaup, Goosander, Goldeneye, Teal, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Meadow Pipit.
-- Edited by Tom OShea on Tuesday 2nd of March 2021 06:35:57 PM
Teal
Shoveler x1 drake
Scaup
Goldeneye
Common gull
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Meadow pipit
Pheasant
Water rail
And I was most intrigued by watching a male Sparrowhawk hunt over the reeds and tall grasses as he was firmly interested in seeing if he could flush something out, presumably Reed buntings or even voles (yes, they can hunt for voles aswell). The tactics he was using was entertaining to observe.
Ta!
Amazing movement of Jays this morning. Atleast 12 passed through, hopping through treetops over from the carpark-pylon area north towards the cycle path, first a group of 7, then a trio and a pair within ten minutes.
Also in addition to prev posts: 3 Treecreeper and 1 Skylark:)
47 Species including:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Dip).
1 Mediterranean Gull.(Close to Wader Point).
4 Kestrel.
1 Kingfisher. (Irwell).
1 Scaup.
90+ Lapwing. (80+ in crow trees field).
1 Willow Tit.
1 Pheasant.(M).
7 Bullfinch. (4F,3M).
9 Greenfinch.
2 Reed Bunting.
1 Coal Tit.
10 Long Tailed Tit.
53 Coot.
1 Cormorant.
300+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Herring Gull.
1 Common Gull.
80+ Jackdaw.
100+ Wood Pigeon.
47 Blackbird.
1 Mistle Thrush.
7 Song Thrush.
32 Starling.
2 Jay.
14 Teal.
5 Great Crested Grebe.
14 Tufted Duck.
3 Goldeneye.
2 Goosander.
62 Mallard.
22 Moorhen.
1 Oystercatcher.
2 Grey Heron.
1 Grey Wagtail.
11 Mute Swan.
3 Pied Wagtail.
As I kept thinking Robins were very Successful breeding last Summer,followed by a wet but mild winter, I paid more attention
to them. I seen today 48 plus heard an additional 13.
61 Robin. I Believe proved my point.
Thanks Derek.
Cheers Ian
Teal
Goldeneye
Scaup
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Meadow pipit
Jay x3
Nuthatch
Willow tit by feeders, (heard only as noise from the gate scattered the birds.)
Common gull
Ta!
56 Species including:
1 Common Buzzard.
1 Kestrel.
1 Kingfisher. (Irwell).
1 Little Egret.
1 Scaup.
11 Snipe.
1 Raven.
3 Oystercatcher.
1 Treecreeper.
13 Bullfinch.(6F, 7M).
7 Chaffinch.
40+ Goldfinch.
20+ Greenfinch.
2 Reed Bunting.
16 Long Tailed Tit.
13 Meadow Pipit. (12 Near creek).
4 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
200+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Herring Gull.
6 Lapwing.
4 Cormorant.
12 Great Crested Grebe. (2 Displaying, 4 in Spring plumage).
17 Tufted Duck.
8 Goldeneye.
5 Goosander.
17 Teal.
38 Blackbird.
12 Jay. (6 in one flock).
9 Song Thrush.
1 Mistle Thrush.
3 Collared Dove.
1 Grey Heron.
1 Grey Wagtail.
9 Mute Swan.
5 Pied Wagtail.
Thanks Derek.
Teal
Goosander x1 drake over
Goldeneye
Scaup.... (guess what? Asleep with the Tufted ducks)
Pink footed goose (in flight)
Lapwing x41+
Oystercatcher
Snipe
Water rail
Grey wagtail
Pheasant
Common gull
Ta!
Thurs 26.02.21 2.00pm to 3.30pm
34 species including Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Goldeneye and Chiffchaff.
The latter in the hedge to the left of the lane behind the Sailing Club below the two cottages.
Two screenshots from a video are attached.
Teal
Goldeneye
Goosander
Scaup (sleeping as usual)
Lapwing
Little egret
Skylark
Snipe
Pheasant
Ta!
52 Species including:
12 Raven. (11 flying over towards Bury, then Rochdale, 1 on Pylon).
1 Scaup.
110 Lapwing. (1x 53, 1x47 Both West, 10 displaying in fields).
1 Oystercatcher.
1 Water Rail.
1 Buzzard.
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Kestrel.
1 Little Egret.
7 Song Thrush.
2 Mistle Thrush.
2 Jay.
34 Blackbird.
20+ Greenfinch.
4 Bullfinch.
60+ Goldfinch.
2 Reed Bunting.
120+Black Headed Gull.
2 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
5 Herring Gull.
3 Cormorant.
14 Long Tailed Tit.
7 Goldeneye.
32 Tufted Duck.
4 Great Crested Grebe.
4 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Cheers Ian