A quick walk round fields 4 and 2 this morning ( 9:30 - 10:30 ) revealed all the usuals plus 6 Yellow Wagtail, lots of Whitethroat and a pair of Blue Tit with fledglings- blissfully unaware of the Sparrowhawk watching them from a nearby tree!
Rob Smallwood said
Thu May 27 5:32 PM, 2010
sid ashton wrote:
Sarfraz - Carrington Moss is a big area and doesn't really get busy. Best thing for you to do is check out on the home page of the forum County Birding Sites and Maps and go to the Carrington Moss page - here you get field numbers and a map of the area. Armed with that information check out the field numbers mentioned in previous posts to find where other forum members look for birds.
As for parking seeing that you are coming down the M60 the Isherwood Road "entrance", near MUFC training ground, would probably be your best bet. Good luck.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 27th of May 2010 12:45:33 PM
Good advice.
Don't expect it to be pretty or easy either. It's bordered by a huge chemical works, attracts a surpring number of extras from Shameless and can be hard work sometimes.
Having said that it can be productive, early is usually best.
sid ashton said
Thu May 27 12:36 PM, 2010
Sarfraz - Carrington Moss is a big area and doesn't really get busy. Best thing for you to do is check out on the home page of the forum County Birding Sites and Maps and go to the Carrington Moss page - here you get field numbers and a map of the area. Armed with that information check out the field numbers mentioned in previous posts to find where other forum members look for birds.
As for parking seeing that you are coming down the M60 the Isherwood Road "entrance", near MUFC training ground, would probably be your best bet. Good luck.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 27th of May 2010 12:45:33 PM
Sarfraz Hayat said
Thu May 27 11:19 AM, 2010
I am thinking of visiting this site psoibbly over the Bank Hol weekend bu t was wondering will it be busy?
Ideally would love to see birds such as Yellowhammer, Grey Partidge, White throats and Lesser too, Corn Buntings, any other Warblers except Willow, Hobby, Yellow wagtail and Little ringed Plover if the last 3 are present.
I will be coming from Rossendale and the west side of the m60, if thast easiest. How would i find CM and where is teh best place to look for th mentionned birds?
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Tue May 25 10:52 AM, 2010
Monday, 24th May, afternoon walk from Isherwood Road to ETW and return, produced a few highlights:
Yellowhammer 3 singing plus 2 others, 1 of which was a definite female with caterpillar in beak. Yellow Wagtail 1 over ETW, 1 southern edge of Basell site and 1m Field 11.
WWs/Chiifchaffs/Blackcaps/Whitethroats everywhere, plus 1 Garden W, 1 Reed W and 2 Sedge Ws singing just north/east of ETW. Also usual Gadwalls, Lapwings etc. Swifts, Swallows and House Martins overhead.
Highlight was a Kingfisher that flew up from Sinderland Brook and flew east over ETW.
Vaughan Evans said
Tue May 25 8:03 AM, 2010
An evening ride around, with plenty of birds about. Vain search for the Mythical Little Owl - Part 127 .. produced a Hobby zipping across the lane to Brookheys Farm. Yellowhammers singing all over the moss, a grey partridge stood conspicuously in the centre of the just mown Field 113, with another in Field 55. A Commic Tern headed low south across Field 113 too. Tree sparrows around Black Brow and Black Moss farms.
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 08:14:15 AM
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 11:18:54 AM
Paul Heaton said
Fri May 21 11:59 AM, 2010
7 Oystercatchers over isherwood road near F3
4 Yellowhammers 2 Corn Bunting
1 Reed Bunting 1 Grasshopper Warbler
Good numbers of Chiff-chaffs and Willow Warblers.
3 Buzzard 1 Raven.
Keep Birding.
Henry Cook said
Tue May 18 10:05 PM, 2010
18/05/2010 - 7.00-8.30pm at the Sewage Works with Phil Owen:
5 Cormorants (over) 1 Grey Heron (over) 1 Little Grebe 4 Gadwalls 3 Oystercatchers 4 Stock Doves 1 Sand Martin 1 House Martin 20+ Swifts 1 Grasshopper Warbler 2 Sedge Warblers 2 Reed Warblers 2 Reed Buntings
Jeff Clarke said
Wed May 12 12:15 PM, 2010
Altrincham ETW this morning (7:45 - 8:40): Reed Bunting (seem to be scarce this year) Garden Warbler (in scrub to north of ETW), Willow tit in same area. Oystercatcher, Gadwall (3) Masses of swifts, handful of swallows, one house martin. Kingfisher on sinderland brook
Also Lesser Whitethroat singing on Dark Lane. No skylarks heard anywhere!
Henry Cook said
Tue May 11 10:47 AM, 2010
10/05/2010 - 7-10am covering Dunham Woodhouses, Black Moss Road, Sinderland Road, Alty Sewage Works, Danewell Wood, Swiss Cottage round to Old Orchard:
1 Garden Warbler (Danewell Wood) 2 Tree Sparrows (Dunham Woodhouses) 2 Corn Buntings (put on a great show at the edge of field 57) 1 Linnet (field 32) 1 Grey Partridge (field 60) 2 Gadwall (Sewage Works) less of the common warblers and finches generally hirudine spectacle over the filtration beds at the sewage works
Paul Heaton said
Sat May 8 9:19 PM, 2010
Danewell woods area this morning.
7Willow warblers, 9 chiffchaffs, 6whitethroat, and 2 blackcap
2Grey partridge, 3Buzzard,4 lapwing,
3Skylarks, 11Swallows, 9Swifts, 4House martin.
Keep birding
numbers added after reprimand sorry
-- Edited by Paul Heaton on Sunday 9th of May 2010 07:19:45 AM
Vaughan Evans said
Sat May 8 5:26 PM, 2010
A quite spectacular display of hirundines at ETW late this afternoon, along with a couple of yellow wagtails.
Vain search for the Mythical Little Owl - Part 124 .. produced a Hare in field 32
Henry Cook said
Wed May 5 4:34 PM, 2010
05/05/2010 - 3-4pm at Altrincham ETW and Danewell Wood with calm conditions and a bit of drizzle:
1 Shelduck (on first lake - bit of a Trafford scarcity!)
1 Garden Warbler 2 Grasshopper Warblers 2 Reed Warblers 3 Sedge Warblers 2 Blackcaps 2 Chiffchaffs 3 Willow Warblers 6 Whitethroats 6 Swifts 20+ Swallows 2 House Martins 12 Gadwalls 2 Little Grebes Canada Geese with goslings now
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 5 10:57 AM, 2010
Late news for Saturday the 24th April, 10am:
Little Owl on an Oak Tree nearest Brookheys Covert from the road to the cattery.
Info thanks to Phil Kelly
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Tue May 4 5:40 PM, 2010
Afternoon visit, 1300-1600, Tuesday, 4th May.
General sightings:
Grey Partridge 2 field 22 Linnet 2 field 22 Swift 30+ over f22 Yellow Wagtail 1m Willow Tit 1 main ride from Isherwood Road. Yellowhammer 4m 3f fields 2 and 14 Lapwings, Stock Doves, etc.
ETW and environs:
Garden Warbler 2 singing, 1 of which seen. Both area north of main pool. Sedge Warbler 2 singing northern edge of main pool. Reed Warbler 3 singing Grasshopper Warbler 1 singing just outside NE corner of fenced area. Little Grebe 4 Reed Bunting 2 singing Pied Wagtail 1 House Martin 3 Swallow 6+ Oystercatcher 1 just south of main pool. Song Thrush 1 singing Shoveler 1m 1f Gadwall 6m 6f Coot 8+ Moorhen 8+ Mallard 12+ Grey Heron 1 BH Gull 8+ Canada Geese Chiffchaff 1 singing Willow Warbler 1 singing Buzzard 2 over. Blackcap 1 singing
Phil Owen said
Mon May 3 9:51 PM, 2010
Evening visit with dog to Altrincham Sewage Works 7.00pm-8.15pm
1 Reed Warbler seen, 2 others heard - Warbler number 10 of the year for me so far 1 Sedge Warbler heard 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and gave a brief view 1 Yellow Wagtail (in flooded field) 6 Pied Wagtails 2 Mute Swans 2 Stock Doves 2 Gadwalls 2 Shovelers 2 Oystercatchers 2 Reed Buntings 1 Sparrowhawk (over) 1 Buzzard (over) 1 Greenfinch 2 Pheasants Good numbers of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins
Iain Johnson said
Mon May 3 2:31 PM, 2010
Hobby flew north over the sewage works circa 1.30pm
sid ashton said
Mon May 3 12:34 PM, 2010
A flying visit to Alty sewage works, 10.30 - 11.30 after going to the tip, found my annual Garden Warbler a lot more easily than normal behind the rear lagoon just before Danewell Wood singing his heart out on the top of a small bush.
Two Grey Partridge in field 57 where I stop to look for Corn Bunts but none present today.
Tim Wilcox said
Sun May 2 5:45 PM, 2010
Searched in vain for the Whinchat this afternoon (a county bird that just keeps on eluding me)
Pair Shoveler pond next to the track at Alti ETW House Martins 80+ Swallows 80+ both over the sewage spinners
Otherwise v quiet in the cold wind
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 2nd of May 2010 05:46:19 PM
Phil Owen said
Sun May 2 12:11 PM, 2010
9.30am - 11.20am round Altrincham Sewage Works and up the edge of the mosses past Danewell Wood, highlights being:
1 Whinchat (Male relocated or possibly a different individual?? on the wooden fence at the back of the 2 pools - still present when I left) 2 Grasshopper Warblers (1 heard reeling and showing amongst Brambles at ASW, another heard reeling out on the mosses) 1 Garden Warbler (in a small copse past Danewell Wood) 2 Sedge Warblers (ASW) Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat 2 Oystercatchers 2 Shovelers 2 Gadwall 2 Lapwings 2 Grey Herons Lots of Swifts and Swallows with a few House Martins in amongst them.
Henry Cook said
Sat May 1 10:15 AM, 2010
Last time I saw them Jeff was in mid-April but they weren't in their usual tree, as with last year at times, they favoured the leaning tree behind as you look from Sinderland Road, or to the right of the old tree if you look from the road leading to Brookhey's Covert.
Jeff Clarke said
Sat May 1 10:05 AM, 2010
This morning 7:30 - 9:30 Altrincham ETW: Grasshopper warbler showing well at north end of fence, Sedge and Reed warbler seem well established. 5 or more swifts, one oystercatcher. A falcon wizzed through at low level putting all ducks, starlings etc up, but I never saw it properly. Willow tit singing at north end of path. There has been a leucistic Black headed gull there - all black on wings replaced by pale brown. At a distance it looks very white, with all pale underwings, but not seen today.
Sinderland green area: Lesser whitethroat singing between fields 65 and 69 5 Wheatear and 1 yellow wagtail field 25 Willow tit singing field 24 Still no little owl in usual position - has anyone seen it recently?
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 1st of May 2010 10:06:18 AM
sid ashton said
Thu Apr 29 10:56 AM, 2010
0830 - 0945, light drizzle - Quick whizz round the "sewage works" this morning looking for my first Swift - found one then three more over the settling tanks at the treatment plant - otherwise nothing different from recent reports.
Two Corn Bunting in field 57 sitting on a pile stuff the farmer has left just inside the gate.
Nev Wright said
Wed Apr 28 9:26 PM, 2010
Alty ETW 1940-2045 2 Reed Warblers competing back lake, same area as Henry describes. Gropper reeling (not seen) west of path just beyond edge of works. Yellow wag on wires with 5 Pied adjacent to main pool opposite path. Only one swallow?
Jeff Clarke said
Wed Apr 28 9:22 PM, 2010
Long circular walk from Altrincham ETW - Brookheys - Sinderland Green - Partington (gas terminal) - Altrincham ETW 06:45 - 12:30 finishing in cafe at stables by ETW. Sedge and reed warbler at ETW. Also at least 7 Gadwall and one drake shoveller. 2 or 3 pairs of little grebes. Pied Wag and Grey Wag but no Yellow Wagtails anywhere. Whitethroats everywhere. Partridge - 2 in field 23, and 2 in field 28 (probably different birds) Thanks to Henrys post I finally caught up with Tree Sparrow in the hedge by the main road through Sinderland Green - I had given up there, not having seen them there for more than two years. At least one pair of Gadwalls on Sinderland Brook (away from ETW). Swallows, but no Sand or House Martins, and no swifts. No little Owl. No wheatears. No Willow Tit. Total 61 species. Overall not too bad, but could do better.
Henry Cook said
Wed Apr 28 3:56 PM, 2010
1 Reed Warbler singing away again from the reedbed in the back lake at Alty ETW, this afternoon in a brief visit. Also Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, Stock Doves, 4 Swifts, 2 House Martins, Swallows, 2 Shovelers, 8 Gadwalls and 2 Oycs still present.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Wednesday 28th of April 2010 04:02:38 PM
Tim Wilcox said
Tue Apr 27 8:09 PM, 2010
Henry we almost crossed paths then! I was there 12.45 - 3.30 from Diaryhouse Lane end.
Not much to add to that fantastic list as activity had died down Reed Warbler still going at small reed bed in E pond Fine pair of Yellow Wagtails in full view on the path between f.25 and 27 around the heap of rubbish near the railway bridge Stock Doves 34 f.4 Linnets 4 f.223
Henry Cook said
Tue Apr 27 3:12 PM, 2010
27/04/2010 - 6.30am-1pm epic, covering Alty ETW, Swiss Cottage, Old Orchard, Dark Lane + Brookhey's Covert, Sinderland Green, over to Midlands Farm, Moss Wood, Warburton Tip, Trans Penine Trail and Red House Farm. Sunny conditions turned to cloud as the morning progressed but nice and calm still. Stuff seen included:
2 Cormorants (over) 11 Gadwalls 9 Buzzards 3 Grey Partridges 7 Oystercatchers (2 at sewage works, 2 over field 4, 2 in field 99 + 1 flyover) 30+ Lapwings 24 Skylarks 65+ Whitethroats 20+ Blackcaps 11 Willow Warblers 6 Chiffchaffs 1 Reed Warbler (singing from reedbed in most easterley pond at sewage works first thing) 5 Sedge Warblers (4 at sewage works, 1 along Dark Lane) 4 Grasshopper Warblers (2 at sewage works, 1 by Danewell Wood, 1 in field 92) 1 Wheatear (field 180) 2 Yellow Wagtails (field 187) 2 Treecreepers (Brookhey's Covert) 1 Nuthatch (by field 146) 2 Coal Tits (Danewell Wood) 4 Tree Sparrows (Sinderland Green + Henshall Lane) 9 Linnets (5 on Warburton Tip) 5 Bullfinches 21 Yellowhammers 4 Reed Buntings
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 27th of April 2010 03:23:15 PM
Graham Gill said
Tue Apr 27 1:05 PM, 2010
A somewhat delayed report from Friday 23-4-10 pm round disused sewage works and side of MUFC.
First visit and rather quick -- heard Rooney swearing (but not sighted) but the highlight was a female Peregrine having afternoon tea under the big tree in horse field near houses on Woodhouse Lane. Made my day.
Vaughan Evans said
Tue Apr 27 8:18 AM, 2010
ETW area. 4 Grasshopper Warblers reeling this morning. Good numbers of warblers in general, particularly conspicuous were displaying Whitethroats, plus the usual Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.
No sign of the Reed Warbler though, whose little stand of reeds fell victim to Saturday's burning. No Reed Buntings in the first dry bed either.
Phil Owen said
Mon Apr 26 10:56 PM, 2010
A great evenings birding.
Unfortunately,we noticed that some of the reedbeds appear to have been destroyed by fire!!!
Still a cracking site nonetheless!!!
Henry Cook said
Mon Apr 26 9:43 PM, 2010
Alty ETW and environs at 6.30pm-8.40pm with Phil Owen. A sublime evening with both the weather and the birds playing ball!
1 Whinchat (male still present just north of the most easterley pond) 1 Yellow Wagtail (male in the marshy field) 2 Grasshopper Warblers (one bird gave fab views just south of Danewell wood) 4 Sedge Warblers 2 Chiffchaffs 2 Willow Warblers 7+ Blackcaps 1 Whitethroat 5 Swifts (appeared at dusk) 3 House Martins 24 Sand Martins (wheeling around in a tight-knit flock just before dark over the pools) 20+ Swallows 2 Shovelers 8 Gadwalls 2 Little Grebes 2 Oystercatchers 1 Lapwing 4 Stock Doves 2 Reed Buntings 1 Yellowhammer
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Apr 26 2:54 PM, 2010
Today around the ETW at 1:40pm
Whinchat, Oystercatcher and Buzzard south west over, plus 2 Yellow Wagtail in horse paddocks nearby.
Info thanks to Dave Ousey
Jon Stevenson said
Sun Apr 25 2:03 PM, 2010
Yellow Wagtail seen yesterday afternoon in field 37 plus Grasshopper Warbler seen very clearly in hedge between field 67 and the lane, just where the power transmission lines cross the lane.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sat Apr 24 5:26 PM, 2010
ETW:
Moorhen 6, Coot 4, Little Grebe 2, Canada Geese 3, BH Gull 2, Mallard 8+, Gadwall 2 pairs, Pied Wagtail 1, Reed Warbler 1 singing between 1st and 2nd pool, Grasshopper Warbler 1 singing just North of 2nd pool, Grey Wagtail 1 along brook, Yellow Wagtail 1 over, Kestrel 1m, Swallow 2
Rest of area:
Oystercatcher 1, Buzzard 1, Yellow Wagtail 2 over field 11, Skylark 1 seen, none singing! Wheatear 1f field 12, Yellowhammer 5m 1f, none singing, Linnet 2, Missel Thrush 3, Chiffchaff 7 singing, Willow Warbler 9 singing, Blackcap 7 singing, Whitethroat 6 singing, Grey Partridge 4, Lapwing 10 on Basell site and 6 in fields, Reed Bunting 2, Stock Doves, Swallow 3, etc., etc., etc.
Melanie Beckford said
Fri Apr 23 9:05 PM, 2010
Yep female Blackcap, pair of Mistle Thrush also...
Several Scroats around
Never been there before, great walk with Cliffy...
-- Edited by Melanie Beckford on Friday 23rd of April 2010 09:09:15 PM
Paul Cliff said
Fri Apr 23 6:36 PM, 2010
lovely mid afternoon walk with Melanie highlight being a garden warbler 50 yards beyond the first barrier at the end of isherwood road. lots of yellowhammer a singing whitethroat in the orchid lots of stock dove wood pigeon and carrion crow with a smattering of rook. 2 wheatear, 2 grey partridge a pied wagtail, chiffchaffs and willow warblers galore and a female blackcap.
think that was it, mel?
oh and if you've lost something on the moss let me know cause i found something...
Vaughan Evans said
Fri Apr 23 8:23 AM, 2010
Very quick visit to the ETW on the way to work - hope I don't stink.
07.00 - Fair bit of warbler activity - Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap,Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (in the small patch of standing reeds at the NW end of the first dry bed across the path from the now flooded field) and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler in the next dry bed along, though I wasn't able to pin it down. Quite a few Reed Buntings too. Only a couple of Pied Wagtails on the main part of the ETW, and just a couple of Swallows.
Jeff Clarke said
Thu Apr 22 4:16 PM, 2010
Long gentle walk from ETW up to flare stack (field 2), then to Brookheys covert. Most of the usual stuff present, but no wheatears or little owl (maybe because there was a crow perched above the normal place), and lots of butterflies.
ETW: Reed Warbler Whitethroat (also by flare stack) Grasshopper warbler Small numbers of swallows, house martins and sand martins (at about 9:30)
Field 4: Yellow wagtail Garden warbler (on approach road to United training ground)
Vaughan Evans said
Wed Apr 21 7:05 PM, 2010
11 Yellow Wagtails in all.
ETW 4 Yellow Wagtails 1 White Wagtail 1 Grey wagtail several Pied Wagtails
Quite a few Swallows around, with a handful of House Martins and a single Sand Martin
Field 36 3 Yellow Wagtails plus a male Wheatear on the bricks and a couple of Stock Doves
Field 32 4 Yellow Wagtails 1 Yelowhammer No sign of the mythical Little Owl(s). Never seen one must have tried a hundred times.
Henry Cook said
Mon Apr 19 6:50 PM, 2010
19/04/2010 - 2-5pm with Phil Owen, from Alty Sewage Works, Danewell Wood, Swiss Cottage, Old Orchard and back again. Building swarms of flies at the sewage works seem to be doing the trick and brought in lots of hirundines in the afternoon heat. Stuff seen included:
3 Little Grebes 2 Cormorants 2 Grey Herons 8 Gadwalls 1 Kestrel 2 Grey Partridges 2 Oystercatchers 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 20+ Stock Doves 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 1 White Wagtail 3 Pied/White Wagtails 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Wheatear (Greenland male in marshy field behind sewage works lake) 5 Mistle Thrushes 4 House Martins c20 Swallows 12+ Willow Warblers 5 Chiffchaffs 3 Blackcaps 1 Coal Tit (unusual on the moss) 3 Linnets (in field north of lake at sewage works) 4 Bullfinches 15+ Yellowhammers 1 Reed Bunting
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Monday 19th of April 2010 07:37:43 PM
Andy Bissitt said
Sun Apr 18 9:35 PM, 2010
Pretty uneventful for here really this morning, even though I flogged my weary body all the way round from the Shell pools to the top of Dark Lane then along the bridleway next to the old rail line to the ETW and back to Shell. Apart from reasonable numbers of the early warbler trio (chiffys, willows and blackcap), the only thing that raised the heartbeat (literally as they took off from only feet in front of me) were two grey partridge. Only the good weather and therefore a few butterflies kept me going.
Henry Cook said
Thu Apr 15 12:46 PM, 2010
15/04/2010 - 7-11am - Very nice morning out on the moss with plenty of activity from the common species and a few of the special mossland birds seen too. My route took in ASW, Swiss Cottage, Old Orchard, Sinderland Green and Brookheys Covert. Stuff seen included:
1 Yellow Wagtail (flew north over ASW) 4 Little Grebes 1 Shoveler 5 Teals 2 Gadwalls 2 Greylag Geese (flew south over ASW) 4 Buzzards 1 Kestrel 4 Grey Partridges (2 by the Flare Stack + 2 in field 70) 5 Oystercatchers 36 Lapwings 4 Swallows 1 Sand Martin 2 Little Owls (field 32 in tree behind the traditional tree) 18 Stock Doves (spread about in pairs and small groups) 3 Meadow Pipits 7 Skylarks 1 Grey Wagtail 5 Chiffchaffs 11 Willow Warblers 7 Blackcaps 1 Treecreeper (Sinderland Green Woods) 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 3 Willow Tits (Old Orchard + field 17) 2 Tree Sparrows (Sinderland Green) 4 Linnets (flew over field 2) 2 Bullfinches 23 Yellowhammers 5 Reed Buntings
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Thursday 15th of April 2010 12:50:29 PM
Mike Chorley said
Wed Apr 14 11:42 PM, 2010
Water/Effluent Treatment Works = sewage
James Hutchison said
Wed Apr 14 10:53 PM, 2010
Just out of interest, what does WTW/ETW stand for?
LRP is a nice spot, pretty sure that wasn't there on Monday.
-- Edited by James Hutchison on Wednesday 14th of April 2010 11:02:27 PM
Matt Potter said
Wed Apr 14 8:23 PM, 2010
No sign of Garganey tonight around 6 - 6.45pm. Although it could if still around been in the thicker reeds/vegetation.
Did see though: Gadwall Teal Coot Little Grebe Little Ringed Plover - 2 Moorhen Canada Geese Mallard Pied Wagtail and heard Chiifchaff.
Pete Hines said
Wed Apr 14 12:39 AM, 2010
I saw a Little Stint there when I was 12 (17.10.76) and it wasn't a tick! (Minsmere 5.8.76). I've been compiling my life list lately for Bubo. Interesting stuff compiling the old records .
Phil Owen said
Tue Apr 13 9:11 PM, 2010
Another trip to see the Garganey which was still present at 7.00-8.00pm.
Took my 12 year old niece with me as she has started birding 3 weeks ago and is really enjoying compiling her new life list.
A decent tick for her to start her birding career!!!
Also present, Gadwall, Teal, Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting, Lapwing and a wader which flew from the pools before I had chance to get onto it, pretty sure it was a Common Snipe.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Tuesday 13th of April 2010 10:53:15 PM
David Ousey said
Tue Apr 13 5:26 PM, 2010
Good directions on the website and from the postings enabled me to see the fine male Garganey at the WTW. Will have to visit this place again it has real potential! Birds seen:- Little Grebe,Mallard,Gadwall,Teal,Garganey,Moorhen,Coot,Lapwing, BH Gull,Stock Dove,Woodpigeon,Song Thrush,Blackbird,Great Tit,Magpie,Starling,House Sparrow. The Garganey was on/in the flooded field behind the small lagoon. David Ousey.
Good advice.
Don't expect it to be pretty or easy either. It's bordered by a huge chemical works, attracts a surpring number of extras from Shameless and can be hard work sometimes.
Having said that it can be productive, early is usually best.
As for parking seeing that you are coming down the M60 the Isherwood Road "entrance", near MUFC training ground, would probably be your best bet. Good luck.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 27th of May 2010 12:45:33 PM
I am thinking of visiting this site psoibbly over the Bank Hol weekend bu t was wondering will it be busy?
Ideally would love to see birds such as Yellowhammer, Grey Partidge, White throats and Lesser too, Corn Buntings, any other Warblers except Willow, Hobby, Yellow wagtail and Little ringed Plover if the last 3 are present.
I will be coming from Rossendale and the west side of the m60, if thast easiest. How would i find CM and where is teh best place to look for th mentionned birds?
Yellowhammer 3 singing plus 2 others, 1 of which was a definite female with caterpillar in beak.
Yellow Wagtail 1 over ETW, 1 southern edge of Basell site and 1m Field 11.
WWs/Chiifchaffs/Blackcaps/Whitethroats everywhere, plus 1 Garden W, 1 Reed W and 2 Sedge Ws singing just north/east of ETW. Also usual Gadwalls, Lapwings etc.
Swifts, Swallows and House Martins overhead.
Highlight was a Kingfisher that flew up from Sinderland Brook and flew east over ETW.
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 08:14:15 AM
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 11:18:54 AM
4 Yellowhammers
2 Corn Bunting
1 Reed Bunting
1 Grasshopper Warbler
Good numbers of Chiff-chaffs and Willow Warblers.
3 Buzzard
1 Raven.
Keep Birding.
5 Cormorants (over)
1 Grey Heron (over)
1 Little Grebe
4 Gadwalls
3 Oystercatchers
4 Stock Doves
1 Sand Martin
1 House Martin
20+ Swifts
1 Grasshopper Warbler
2 Sedge Warblers
2 Reed Warblers
2 Reed Buntings
Reed Bunting (seem to be scarce this year)
Garden Warbler (in scrub to north of ETW), Willow tit in same area.
Oystercatcher, Gadwall (3)
Masses of swifts, handful of swallows, one house martin.
Kingfisher on sinderland brook
Also Lesser Whitethroat singing on Dark Lane.
No skylarks heard anywhere!
1 Garden Warbler (Danewell Wood)
2 Tree Sparrows (Dunham Woodhouses)
2 Corn Buntings (put on a great show at the edge of field 57)
1 Linnet (field 32)
1 Grey Partridge (field 60)
2 Gadwall (Sewage Works)
less of the common warblers and finches generally
hirudine spectacle over the filtration beds at the sewage works
7Willow warblers, 9 chiffchaffs, 6whitethroat, and 2 blackcap
2Grey partridge, 3Buzzard,4 lapwing,
3Skylarks, 11Swallows, 9Swifts, 4House martin.
Keep birding
numbers added after reprimand sorry
-- Edited by Paul Heaton on Sunday 9th of May 2010 07:19:45 AM
Vain search for the Mythical Little Owl - Part 124 .. produced a Hare in field 32
1 Shelduck (on first lake - bit of a Trafford scarcity!)
1 Garden Warbler
2 Grasshopper Warblers
2 Reed Warblers
3 Sedge Warblers
2 Blackcaps
2 Chiffchaffs
3 Willow Warblers
6 Whitethroats
6 Swifts
20+ Swallows
2 House Martins
12 Gadwalls
2 Little Grebes
Canada Geese with goslings now
Little Owl on an Oak Tree nearest Brookheys Covert from the road to the cattery.
Info thanks to Phil Kelly
General sightings:
Grey Partridge 2 field 22
Linnet 2 field 22
Swift 30+ over f22
Yellow Wagtail 1m
Willow Tit 1 main ride from Isherwood Road.
Yellowhammer 4m 3f fields 2 and 14
Lapwings, Stock Doves, etc.
ETW and environs:
Garden Warbler 2 singing, 1 of which seen. Both area north of main pool.
Sedge Warbler 2 singing northern edge of main pool.
Reed Warbler 3 singing
Grasshopper Warbler 1 singing just outside NE corner of fenced area.
Little Grebe 4
Reed Bunting 2 singing
Pied Wagtail 1
House Martin 3
Swallow 6+
Oystercatcher 1 just south of main pool.
Song Thrush 1 singing
Shoveler 1m 1f
Gadwall 6m 6f
Coot 8+
Moorhen 8+
Mallard 12+
Grey Heron 1
BH Gull 8+
Canada Geese
Chiffchaff 1 singing
Willow Warbler 1 singing
Buzzard 2 over.
Blackcap 1 singing
1 Reed Warbler seen, 2 others heard - Warbler number 10 of the year for me so far
1 Sedge Warbler heard
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and gave a brief view
1 Yellow Wagtail (in flooded field)
6 Pied Wagtails
2 Mute Swans
2 Stock Doves
2 Gadwalls
2 Shovelers
2 Oystercatchers
2 Reed Buntings
1 Sparrowhawk (over)
1 Buzzard (over)
1 Greenfinch
2 Pheasants
Good numbers of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins
Two Grey Partridge in field 57 where I stop to look for Corn Bunts but none present today.
Pair Shoveler pond next to the track at Alti ETW
House Martins 80+
Swallows 80+
both over the sewage spinners
Otherwise v quiet in the cold wind
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 2nd of May 2010 05:46:19 PM
1 Whinchat (Male relocated or possibly a different individual?? on the wooden fence at the back of the 2 pools - still present when I left)
2 Grasshopper Warblers (1 heard reeling and showing amongst Brambles at ASW, another heard reeling out on the mosses)
1 Garden Warbler (in a small copse past Danewell Wood)
2 Sedge Warblers (ASW)
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat
2 Oystercatchers
2 Shovelers
2 Gadwall
2 Lapwings
2 Grey Herons
Lots of Swifts and Swallows with a few House Martins in amongst them.
Altrincham ETW:
Grasshopper warbler showing well at north end of fence, Sedge and Reed warbler seem well established. 5 or more swifts, one oystercatcher.
A falcon wizzed through at low level putting all ducks, starlings etc up, but I never saw it properly.
Willow tit singing at north end of path.
There has been a leucistic Black headed gull there - all black on wings replaced by pale brown. At a distance it looks very white, with all pale underwings, but not seen today.
Sinderland green area:
Lesser whitethroat singing between fields 65 and 69
5 Wheatear and 1 yellow wagtail field 25
Willow tit singing field 24
Still no little owl in usual position - has anyone seen it recently?
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 1st of May 2010 10:06:18 AM
Two Corn Bunting in field 57 sitting on a pile stuff the farmer has left just inside the gate.
1940-2045
2 Reed Warblers competing back lake, same area as Henry describes.
Gropper reeling (not seen) west of path just beyond edge of works.
Yellow wag on wires with 5 Pied adjacent to main pool opposite path.
Only one swallow?
Sedge and reed warbler at ETW. Also at least 7 Gadwall and one drake shoveller. 2 or 3 pairs of little grebes. Pied Wag and Grey Wag but no Yellow Wagtails anywhere.
Whitethroats everywhere.
Partridge - 2 in field 23, and 2 in field 28 (probably different birds)
Thanks to Henrys post I finally caught up with Tree Sparrow in the hedge by the main road through Sinderland Green - I had given up there, not having seen them there for more than two years.
At least one pair of Gadwalls on Sinderland Brook (away from ETW).
Swallows, but no Sand or House Martins, and no swifts.
No little Owl. No wheatears. No Willow Tit. Total 61 species.
Overall not too bad, but could do better.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Wednesday 28th of April 2010 04:02:38 PM
Not much to add to that fantastic list as activity had died down
Reed Warbler still going at small reed bed in E pond
Fine pair of Yellow Wagtails in full view on the path between f.25 and 27 around the heap of rubbish near the railway bridge
Stock Doves 34 f.4
Linnets 4 f.223
2 Cormorants (over)
11 Gadwalls
9 Buzzards
3 Grey Partridges
7 Oystercatchers (2 at sewage works, 2 over field 4, 2 in field 99 + 1 flyover)
30+ Lapwings
24 Skylarks
65+ Whitethroats
20+ Blackcaps
11 Willow Warblers
6 Chiffchaffs
1 Reed Warbler (singing from reedbed in most easterley pond at sewage works first thing)
5 Sedge Warblers (4 at sewage works, 1 along Dark Lane)
4 Grasshopper Warblers (2 at sewage works, 1 by Danewell Wood, 1 in field 92)
1 Wheatear (field 180)
2 Yellow Wagtails (field 187)
2 Treecreepers (Brookhey's Covert)
1 Nuthatch (by field 146)
2 Coal Tits (Danewell Wood)
4 Tree Sparrows (Sinderland Green + Henshall Lane)
9 Linnets (5 on Warburton Tip)
5 Bullfinches
21 Yellowhammers
4 Reed Buntings
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 27th of April 2010 03:23:15 PM
First visit and rather quick -- heard Rooney swearing (but not sighted) but the highlight was a female Peregrine having afternoon tea under the big tree in horse field near houses on Woodhouse Lane. Made my day.
No sign of the Reed Warbler though, whose little stand of reeds fell victim to Saturday's burning. No Reed Buntings in the first dry bed either.
Unfortunately,we noticed that some of the reedbeds appear to have been destroyed by fire!!!
Still a cracking site nonetheless!!!
1 Whinchat (male still present just north of the most easterley pond)
1 Yellow Wagtail (male in the marshy field)
2 Grasshopper Warblers (one bird gave fab views just south of Danewell wood)
4 Sedge Warblers
2 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
7+ Blackcaps
1 Whitethroat
5 Swifts (appeared at dusk)
3 House Martins
24 Sand Martins (wheeling around in a tight-knit flock just before dark over the pools)
20+ Swallows
2 Shovelers
8 Gadwalls
2 Little Grebes
2 Oystercatchers
1 Lapwing
4 Stock Doves
2 Reed Buntings
1 Yellowhammer
Whinchat, Oystercatcher and Buzzard south west over, plus 2 Yellow Wagtail in horse paddocks nearby.
Info thanks to Dave Ousey
Moorhen 6,
Coot 4,
Little Grebe 2,
Canada Geese 3,
BH Gull 2,
Mallard 8+,
Gadwall 2 pairs,
Pied Wagtail 1,
Reed Warbler 1 singing between 1st and 2nd pool,
Grasshopper Warbler 1 singing just North of 2nd pool,
Grey Wagtail 1 along brook,
Yellow Wagtail 1 over,
Kestrel 1m,
Swallow 2
Rest of area:
Oystercatcher 1,
Buzzard 1,
Yellow Wagtail 2 over field 11,
Skylark 1 seen, none singing!
Wheatear 1f field 12,
Yellowhammer 5m 1f, none singing,
Linnet 2,
Missel Thrush 3,
Chiffchaff 7 singing,
Willow Warbler 9 singing,
Blackcap 7 singing,
Whitethroat 6 singing,
Grey Partridge 4,
Lapwing 10 on Basell site and 6 in fields,
Reed Bunting 2,
Stock Doves,
Swallow 3,
etc., etc., etc.
Several Scroats around
Never been there before, great walk with Cliffy...
-- Edited by Melanie Beckford on Friday 23rd of April 2010 09:09:15 PM
a singing whitethroat in the orchid lots of stock dove wood pigeon and carrion crow with a smattering of rook. 2 wheatear, 2 grey partridge a pied wagtail, chiffchaffs and willow warblers galore and a female blackcap.
think that was it, mel?
oh and if you've lost something on the moss let me know cause i found something...
07.00 - Fair bit of warbler activity - Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap,Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (in the small patch of standing reeds at the NW end of the first dry bed across the path from the now flooded field) and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler in the next dry bed along, though I wasn't able to pin it down. Quite a few Reed Buntings too. Only a couple of Pied Wagtails on the main part of the ETW, and just a couple of Swallows.
ETW:
Reed Warbler
Whitethroat (also by flare stack)
Grasshopper warbler
Small numbers of swallows, house martins and sand martins (at about 9:30)
Field 4:
Yellow wagtail
Garden warbler (on approach road to United training ground)
ETW
4 Yellow Wagtails
1 White Wagtail
1 Grey wagtail
several Pied Wagtails
Quite a few Swallows around, with a handful of House Martins and a single Sand Martin
Field 36
3 Yellow Wagtails plus a male Wheatear on the bricks and a couple of Stock Doves
Field 32
4 Yellow Wagtails
1 Yelowhammer
No sign of the mythical Little Owl(s). Never seen one must have tried a hundred times.
3 Little Grebes
2 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
8 Gadwalls
1 Kestrel
2 Grey Partridges
2 Oystercatchers
5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
20+ Stock Doves
3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
1 White Wagtail
3 Pied/White Wagtails
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Wheatear (Greenland male in marshy field behind sewage works lake)
5 Mistle Thrushes
4 House Martins
c20 Swallows
12+ Willow Warblers
5 Chiffchaffs
3 Blackcaps
1 Coal Tit (unusual on the moss)
3 Linnets (in field north of lake at sewage works)
4 Bullfinches
15+ Yellowhammers
1 Reed Bunting
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Monday 19th of April 2010 07:37:43 PM
1 Yellow Wagtail (flew north over ASW)
4 Little Grebes
1 Shoveler
5 Teals
2 Gadwalls
2 Greylag Geese (flew south over ASW)
4 Buzzards
1 Kestrel
4 Grey Partridges (2 by the Flare Stack + 2 in field 70)
5 Oystercatchers
36 Lapwings
4 Swallows
1 Sand Martin
2 Little Owls (field 32 in tree behind the traditional tree)
18 Stock Doves (spread about in pairs and small groups)
3 Meadow Pipits
7 Skylarks
1 Grey Wagtail
5 Chiffchaffs
11 Willow Warblers
7 Blackcaps
1 Treecreeper (Sinderland Green Woods)
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
3 Willow Tits (Old Orchard + field 17)
2 Tree Sparrows (Sinderland Green)
4 Linnets (flew over field 2)
2 Bullfinches
23 Yellowhammers
5 Reed Buntings
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Thursday 15th of April 2010 12:50:29 PM
LRP is a nice spot, pretty sure that wasn't there on Monday.
-- Edited by James Hutchison on Wednesday 14th of April 2010 11:02:27 PM
Did see though:
Gadwall
Teal
Coot
Little Grebe
Little Ringed Plover - 2
Moorhen
Canada Geese
Mallard
Pied Wagtail
and heard Chiifchaff.
Took my 12 year old niece with me as she has started birding 3 weeks ago and is really enjoying compiling her new life list.
A decent tick for her to start her birding career!!!
Also present, Gadwall, Teal, Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting, Lapwing and a wader which flew from the pools before I had chance to get onto it, pretty sure it was a Common Snipe.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Tuesday 13th of April 2010 10:53:15 PM
Birds seen:- Little Grebe,Mallard,Gadwall,Teal,Garganey,Moorhen,Coot,Lapwing, BH Gull,Stock Dove,Woodpigeon,Song Thrush,Blackbird,Great Tit,Magpie,Starling,House Sparrow.
The Garganey was on/in the flooded field behind the small lagoon.
David Ousey.
Info thanks to Dave Ousey