This mornings walk around Elton Reservoir highlights from 54 species. 1 Greater Scaup 1st winter drake being mobile. 4 Pochard 3m 1f. 3 Wigeon 1m 2f 21 Teal. 11 Goldeneye. 6 Shoveler. 3 Goosander. 65+ Pink footed geese. 5 Little Egret. 2 Snipe flew over the Reservoir towards the Goyt. 8 Water rail heard only 1 seen. 2 Nuthatch. 2 Coal tit. 166 Redwing in the hedgerows around Elton res area. 3 Fieldfare. 2 Song Thrush. 2 Meadow Pipits. 1500+ Black headed gulls in the roost. 497 Jackdaw leaving their Radcliffe roost over the Reservoir.
Cheers Steven.
Steven Higginbottom said
Wed Nov 18 10:11 AM, 2020
Morning walk around Elton Reservoir Area highlights. 3 Little Egret. 3 Goosander 1 Gadwall. 9 Goldeneye. 3 Shoveler. 18 Teal. 1 Greater Scaup 1st Winter male 4 Great black backed Gull. 2 Common Gulls. Redwing, fieldfare.
Only 3 Little Egrets present this morning. I couldn't find the scaup but it could have been hiding at the back of the creek. Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Mon Nov 16 11:59 AM, 2020
Also this a.m. 5 Little Egret, 1 near car park, 1 in creek and 3 in capsticks field. 10 different Water Rail heard along canal with none seen. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Mon Nov 16 11:12 AM, 2020
Highlights this morning in the drizzle and wind.....
Teal Gadwall Shoveler ×7+ Goldeneye Scaup (asleep in the Creek) Meadow pipit Grey wagtail Kingfisher Little egret x2 Redwing
Been forgetting to jot down Common gull over my last few visits too!!!
Ta!
Burton Hastings said
Sun Nov 15 6:06 PM, 2020
Tripod foot found. Many thanks to the birder (name not known to me) who found it and to Dennis for transporting it back to me. I really am most grateful.
Steven Higginbottom said
Sun Nov 15 12:32 PM, 2020
7.30 to 10am walk around. Highlights. 1 Greater Scaup 1st winter drake still present. 3 Little Egret. 5 Shoveler. 18 Teal. 4 Gadwall. 1 Goldeneye. 1 Goosander on the Irwell.
Cheers Steven
Burton Hastings said
Sun Nov 15 12:25 PM, 2020
If anybody finds a screw in rubber foot for a tripod around the Southern side of the reservoir it is mine and I would welcome the return of it. Thanks.
Charles Farrell said
Sat Nov 14 4:00 PM, 2020
Sat 14-Nov-2020 (9:35 - 11:50):
Did a full circuit of the Reservoir and a section in search of the Scaup (successful) and Water Rail(once again, unsuccessful). It was rather muddy, but a worthwhile visit:
Species noted included - Scaup (with Tufted duck at the Capsticks end) - 2 Kestrel - 2 Little Egret - 4 Shoveler - c12 Teal - c10 Great Crested Grebe - 1m Goosander - c6 Goldeneye - 1 Common Gull - which have not been as common as I would have expected this autumn - c4 Bullfinch - c50 Redwing - 1 Grey Wagtail - 1 Pied Wagtail - c2 Meadow Pipit along the canal
Richard Thew said
Sat Nov 14 9:19 AM, 2020
Highlights this morning on my usual rounds ......
Teal Gadwall Shoveler Goldeneye ×7+ scattered about Scaup Goosander Meadow pipits Grey wagtail Kingfisher Little egret x2 Water rail x2 Sparrowhawk Jay Redwing
Ta!
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Nov 14 8:30 AM, 2020
This thread has already got off topic enough unfortunately, so please direct any future posts regarding this matter of on site disturbance etc to a thread on the discussion forum or via myself privately for further clarification please.
The original comment was directed at those who knew what they were doing quite frankly, whether some actually appreciated the potential of their actions or not, and was intentionally vague in that regard for several reasons. It is highly likely, if you haven't a clue what it's going on about, where SBI's are (they are never signposted but are amongst the most valuable habitats in the county and remain probably our best chance of preventing future developments on this site), if you don't go wandering off paths into areas which clearly look like you shouldn't be in, or intentionally flushing birds for your own gratification, then it wasn't intended for you and you shouldn't worry about it too much.
The post in its format was necessary and the matter is hopefully resolved, let's get back to birding and just enjoy being out
Lez Fairclough said
Sat Nov 14 1:32 AM, 2020
I totally agree with you Paul, Ive only been a member of this forum for less than 12 months & never even heard of SBIs & feel for sight regulars like Richard who must be very confused about where they can walk or what they are allowed to do as a birder. I am in no way condoning apparent recent reported actions of some so called 'Birders' on this sight, but do feel clarification of what we 'can' & 'can't' do as a responsible birder on these SBI sights is needed.
I am not a regular to this sight but on my most recent visit 2 weeks ago the only signs I noticed were regarding saving this 'Greenbelt' area from development. I didn't see any SBI signs !
Paul Samuels said
Sat Nov 14 12:03 AM, 2020
With all due respect to all parties concerned I haven't the foggiest idea what the last four or five post are all about, for the purpose of clarity perhaps someone could state what the issue is......"With a very heavy heart"....whats all that about !
Just to state all links work, just accept its unsecured
-- Edited by Paul Samuels on Saturday 14th of November 2020 12:04:11 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Nov 13 11:06 PM, 2020
Just to put your mind at ease Richard, the link Mike posted is merely to a post on this very forum which I can assure you is very secure (it runs the highest level of security currently available, which is one reason its runs on a paid for, not free, platform). It may be that you ae trying to access an old page via the link which does not possess the certificate for that very highest level of security the forum now runs (though I had no such issues following the link) but the issue is probably with your device and clearing your cache usually does the trick.
Richard Thew said
Fri Nov 13 9:50 PM, 2020
Thanks and much appreciated!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Saturday 14th of November 2020 07:16:36 AM
-- Edited by mike killelea on Friday 13th of November 2020 03:36:31 PM
Martin Loftus said
Fri Nov 13 11:15 AM, 2020
11am :
Scaup just off the mound in front of sailing club.
There were also two little egrets there too untill a dog spooked them..they flew off over the pumphouse.
Richard Thew said
Fri Nov 13 9:24 AM, 2020
It is with a very heavy heart I've made my rounds this morning after hearing about the regrettable incident yesterday.
Highlights this am.
Teal Shoveler Goldeneye Goosander Water rail Snipe x1 Redwing Fieldfare Grey wagtail Meadow pipit Kingfisher Pink footed goose x1 (in flight low) Raven (in flight) Linnet calling over
Ta!
Ps. 20 years of birding at Elton and I never knew about the SBI areas! (And I wasn't the only one)
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Nov 12 9:11 PM, 2020
It has come to my attention that some ‘birders’ at this site are intentionally disturbing bird species on a designated Site of Biological Interest, species which are very susceptible to disturbance and ultimately are prone to abandoning sites as a result.
A couple of birders in particular at Elton have gone to great lengths to provide continued detailed information in order for these areas to be assigned and maintained as SBIs and any regulars should be aware of these SBIs, of their responsibilities as birders, and especially of the potential impact of any inconsiderate actions.
Anyone entering SBIs or indeed any area on site, with the intention to disturb any bird species for their own benefit with face further action, but I would ask that the more responsible birders on site police this as much as possible.
James Walsh said
Thu Nov 12 6:12 PM, 2020
First-winter drake Greater Scaup showing in the sailing club bay at 2:55pm also 8 Goldeneye, 5 Shoveler and 20 Teal
Bryan Deighton said
Thu Nov 12 4:59 PM, 2020
Fantastic walk this morning a few firsts for me. Couldn't identify the scaup which I presume was present from others reports
1050-1400hrs
Goldcrest x 1 ( a first and the highlight of the day )
Redwing 40+ (a first)
Fieldfare x 15 (a first)
Northern Shoveler x 2
Teal x 8
Great crested grebe x 9
Wood pigeon x 13
Cormorant x 6
Heron x 5
Buzzard x 1 (took off about 10 feet from me. Just an amazing sight)
Kestral seen in 3 different locations, not sure if same bird
Jay x 1
Magpie x 8
Jackdaw x 1
Carrion crow x 9
Coal tit x 1
Blue tit x 3
Great tit x 5
Long tailed tit x 12
Wren x 1
Starling x 11
Mistle thrush x 1
Blackbird x 17
Fieldfare x 15
Robin x 6
Sparrow x 5
Chaffinch x 2
Goldfinch x 2
Greenfinch x 3
Lots of tufted ducks. I'm presuming some of these will have been goldeneye and the scaup. I'll go back tomorrow hopefully and try identify them as scaup and goldeneye are on the need list!!
Lots of the usual suspects such as canada goose moorhen coot and mallard.
Also think I heard a water rail but couldn't see it.
Thanks
Bryan
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 12th of November 2020 05:15:07 PM
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Nov 12 4:03 PM, 2020
Early morning till 11.15am highlights.
1 Greater Scaup.
7 Goldeneye.
18 Teal.
6 Shoveler.
5 Gadwall.
1 Little Egret.
3 Water rail (heard only.)
1 Brambling.
2 Skylark.
12 Meadow pipits.
Redwing & Fieldfare in good numbers.
22 Mistle Thrush.
1 Song Thrush.
Cheers Steven
Derek Richardson said
Thu Nov 12 3:38 PM, 2020
07.15am - 12.15pm. Light cloud, still . 04c - 09c.
Also a Kingfisher giving good views at the Capsticks end of the res.
cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Wed Nov 11 9:08 AM, 2020
Highlights this morning include:
Teal Shoveler Goldeneye Scaup (I had to double check that there was still one as he was in two areas in 10 minutes) Redwing Fieldfare Grey wagtail Meadow pipit Jay
Ta!
Simon Johnson said
Tue Nov 10 10:15 PM, 2020
Sightings from this morning
34 Whooper Swan flew SE at 9am with at least 5 juveniles in the flock Scaup 6 shoveler 3 Wigeon which left west Pochard 5 Goldeneye 371 Starling west 379 Fieldfare SE 332 Redwing SE plus 400 present at spenmoor/withins/Elton Goyt 5 stock dove south 3700 woodpigeon south
Craig Bell said
Tue Nov 10 9:51 AM, 2020
Apologies for the late posting re Sat 7th Nov. Sunny, calm and quite mild.
Just a couple of noteworthy additions to other posts that day.
A single Pink footed goose came in from the north at 13.15pm, circled for 5 mins eventually landing in the centre of the res, then departed SW. Calling continually.
1 Pochard (unfortunately not the Red-crested variety!), 1 Goosander and 1 Wigeon.
Dipper still present and at least 5 Water Rail calling along the canal.
1 Mistle and 5+ Song Thrush in with the multitudes of Redwing.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Nov 9 1:18 PM, 2020
I can add Dipper seen at Withins overflow this a.m.
Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Mon Nov 9 10:37 AM, 2020
A very pleasant exercise routine this morning......
Highlights include:
Teal Shoveler x2m x1f Goldeneye Scaup Water rail (twice) Jay Meadow pipits Grey wagtail Kingfisher Reed bunting Redwing Fieldfare Pheasant Snipe Jack snipe (in flight) - another Elton 1st (no.11 for 2020) Elton list now 150
Ta!
Martin Loftus said
Sun Nov 8 5:58 PM, 2020
Here are the best pics I could get of the stunning Drake Red-crested Pochard, and the 3 common Pochard it was travelling with, this morning.
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 8th of November 2020 05:58:56 PM
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 8th of November 2020 06:00:15 PM
Red-Crested pochard - Male present until 9:55 then departed west 3 Pochard (left west 9:55) 16 Wigeon west Scaup 1st Winter Male in the creek 20+ Teal plus 8 high west 4 Gadwall (2 high west) 9 Goldeneye Shoveler - female 4 Goosander Little Grebe 16 Whooper swan east 7 Snipe Lapwing
Scaup still present(in the creek), although I managed not to see it, Water Rail seen at capsticks with Goldcrest in hedgerow nearby. Little Egret in front of Sailing Club at 1st light. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Fri Nov 6 2:43 PM, 2020
My morning exercise produced.....
Teal Gadwall Scaup Grey wagtail Redwing Fieldfare Meadow pipit A very dark pipit was seen breifly, likely a Rock pipit in dull morning light (90% certain) and Simon told me shortly after when it took flight with meadow pipits that he may have heard a rock pipit.. Buzzard Sparrowhawk Kingfisher
Ta!
Steve Christmas said
Fri Nov 6 9:33 AM, 2020
Thanks for posting this, Martin. It was ringed on 12/8/2020 as one of the brood of 6 cygnets at Elton.
Martin Loftus said
Fri Nov 6 9:05 AM, 2020
Dead mute swan cygnet under the power lines at the carpark one of the parents is waiting close by for it to wake up..so sad
I took a photo of the ring.
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Friday 6th of November 2020 09:12:57 AM
1 Little Egret. 1 Scaup. 1 Sparrowhawk. 2 Kestrel. 1 Mistle Thrush. 1 Song Thrush. 9 Fieldfare. 250+ Redwing.(Including 200+ In high hedges West of Capsticks). 1 Coal Tit. 1 Willow Tit. 300+ Starling 4 Cormorant. 7 Lesser Black Backed Gull. 15 Herring Gull. 57 Blackbird (Much higher count). 4 Teal. 7 Shoveler. 2 Gadwalll 9 Great Crested Grebe. 47 Tufted Duck. 3 Goosander. 3 Bullfinch.(1F, 2M). 13 Chaffinch. 1 Grey Wagtail. 7 Grey Heron. 5 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Simon Johnson said
Thu Nov 5 7:30 PM, 2020
69 Whooper Swan SE (4, 21, 9, 11 & 24) Curlew NW Redpoll south 325 Redwing south 66 Fieldfare south 3 Great spotted Woodpecker west 685 starling west 1400 Woodpigeon south Stock dove south 3 Raven SW 2680 Pinkfooted Geese SE in 12 skeins plus 310 NW
Ian Campbell said
Thu Nov 5 6:42 PM, 2020
This a.m. Scaup still present at Capsticks end of res. 3 Goldcrest here also. 4 Water Rail seen along canal and 1 Snipe. Migration above was again impressive but I hope Simon J has all the numbers on this. No sign of Bar-tailed Godwit again. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Wed Nov 4 10:00 AM, 2020
Highlights this morning during and after the mist/fog.....
Teal Goldeneye x6 Scaup (again near capsticks) Pink footed geese over (at least x400 that showed in a gap in the mist) Snipe Fieldfare (flock near where Bennie's was) Redwing Grey wagtail Meadow pipit
Ta!
Simon Johnson said
Tue Nov 3 2:24 PM, 2020
A very busy morning for migration watching
Approx 6,200+ Pink-footed Geese flew SE in 28 Skeins plus 216 NW in 5 Skeins 5 Whooper Swan west (2 ad and 3 young) 4,900+ Woodpigeon south Stock Dove south 975 Redwing south plus 1000 present 139 Fieldfare south 206 Chaffinch south 93 Goldfinch south 125 Lapwing south Great Spotted Woodpecker south 1200+ Starling west 6 Sparrowhawk (4 together)
Ian Campbell said
Tue Nov 3 12:02 PM, 2020
I can also add 3 Water Rail seen at Capsticks. Also an impressive movement of Pink-footed Geese and other species, hopefully Simon J (vis mig supremo) can provide details. Cheers Ian
Richard Thew said
Tue Nov 3 9:36 AM, 2020
Highlights this morning include:
Little egret Little grebe Common gull Teal Shoveler Gadwall Goldeneye Scaup at capsticks end Bar tailed godwit on wader point Redwing Fieldfare Jay Grey wagtail Meadow pipit
Yesterday I forgot to add Snipe x12
Ta!
Oh, almost forgot, a single Siskin few over calling.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Tuesday 3rd of November 2020 09:42:28 AM
Simon Johnson said
Mon Nov 2 11:07 PM, 2020
This morning
3 Little Egret on wader point Scaup feeding close to path capsticks end Chiffchaff 1000+ Redwing 4 shoveler 2 Gadwall 2 Goosander 370 Pinkfooted geese SE and 143 NW
Dennis atherton said
Mon Nov 2 5:18 PM, 2020
1st winter Greater Scaup still present today. Plus one of the Little Egrets was on Capsticks with the Horses easilly picking up worms after the horses dislodged the ground
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Monday 2nd of November 2020 05:27:14 PM
1 Greater Scaup 1st winter drake being mobile.
4 Pochard 3m 1f.
3 Wigeon 1m 2f
21 Teal.
11 Goldeneye.
6 Shoveler.
3 Goosander.
65+ Pink footed geese.
5 Little Egret.
2 Snipe flew over the Reservoir towards the Goyt.
8 Water rail heard only 1 seen.
2 Nuthatch.
2 Coal tit.
166 Redwing in the hedgerows around Elton res area.
3 Fieldfare.
2 Song Thrush.
2 Meadow Pipits.
1500+ Black headed gulls in the roost.
497 Jackdaw leaving their Radcliffe roost over the Reservoir.
Cheers Steven.
3 Little Egret.
3 Goosander
1 Gadwall.
9 Goldeneye.
3 Shoveler.
18 Teal.
1 Greater Scaup 1st Winter male
4 Great black backed Gull.
2 Common Gulls.
Redwing, fieldfare.
Cheers Steven.
47 Species including.
210+ Pink Footed Goose. (1x 60+ SW, 1x 150+ E).
250+ Redwing.
3 Little Egret.
23 Fieldfare.
2 Mistle Thrush.
3 Song Thrush.
2 Kestrel.
107 Blackbird.( Much higher count today).
3 Pheasant. ( 3M).
13 Long Tailed Tit.
14 Pied Wagtail.
27 Teal.
4 Gadwall.
6 Shoveler.
100+ Starling.
3 Goldeneye. (2F,1M).
6 Cormorant.
2 Jay.
4 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
100+ Black Headed Gull.
13 Herring Gull.
27 Goldfinch.
2 Bullfinch.(1F, 1M).
6 Greenfinch.
7 Chaffinch.
100+ Canada Goose.
6 Collared Dove.
120+ Wood Pigeon.
9 Great Crested Grebe.
2 Grey Wagtail.
1 Grey Heron.
4 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
Teal
Gadwall
Shoveler ×7+
Goldeneye
Scaup (asleep in the Creek)
Meadow pipit
Grey wagtail
Kingfisher
Little egret x2
Redwing
Been forgetting to jot down Common gull over my last few visits too!!!
Ta!
Tripod foot found. Many thanks to the birder (name not known to me) who found it and to Dennis for transporting it back to me. I really am most grateful.
1 Greater Scaup 1st winter drake still present.
3 Little Egret.
5 Shoveler.
18 Teal.
4 Gadwall.
1 Goldeneye.
1 Goosander on the Irwell.
Cheers Steven
If anybody finds a screw in rubber foot for a tripod around the Southern side of the reservoir it is mine and I would welcome the return of it. Thanks.
Sat 14-Nov-2020 (9:35 - 11:50):
Did a full circuit of the Reservoir and a section in search of the Scaup (successful) and Water Rail(once again, unsuccessful). It was rather muddy, but a worthwhile visit:
Species noted included
- Scaup (with Tufted duck at the Capsticks end)
- 2 Kestrel
- 2 Little Egret
- 4 Shoveler
- c12 Teal
- c10 Great Crested Grebe
- 1m Goosander
- c6 Goldeneye
- 1 Common Gull - which have not been as common as I would have expected this autumn
- c4 Bullfinch
- c50 Redwing
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- c2 Meadow Pipit along the canal
Teal
Gadwall
Shoveler
Goldeneye ×7+ scattered about
Scaup
Goosander
Meadow pipits
Grey wagtail
Kingfisher
Little egret x2
Water rail x2
Sparrowhawk
Jay
Redwing
Ta!
This thread has already got off topic enough unfortunately, so please direct any future posts regarding this matter of on site disturbance etc to a thread on the discussion forum or via myself privately for further clarification please.
The original comment was directed at those who knew what they were doing quite frankly, whether some actually appreciated the potential of their actions or not, and was intentionally vague in that regard for several reasons. It is highly likely, if you haven't a clue what it's going on about, where SBI's are (they are never signposted but are amongst the most valuable habitats in the county and remain probably our best chance of preventing future developments on this site), if you don't go wandering off paths into areas which clearly look like you shouldn't be in, or intentionally flushing birds for your own gratification, then it wasn't intended for you and you shouldn't worry about it too much.
The post in its format was necessary and the matter is hopefully resolved, let's get back to birding and just enjoy being out
I totally agree with you Paul, Ive only been a member of this forum for less than 12 months & never even heard of SBIs & feel for sight regulars like Richard who must be very confused about where they can walk or what they are allowed to do as a birder. I am in no way condoning apparent recent reported actions of some so called 'Birders' on this sight, but do feel clarification of what we 'can' & 'can't' do as a responsible birder on these SBI sights is needed.
I am not a regular to this sight but on my most recent visit 2 weeks ago the only signs I noticed were regarding saving this 'Greenbelt' area from development. I didn't see any SBI signs !
With all due respect to all parties concerned I haven't the foggiest idea what the last four or five post are all about, for the purpose of clarity perhaps someone could state what the issue is......"With a very heavy heart"....whats all that about !
Just to state all links work, just accept its unsecured
-- Edited by Paul Samuels on Saturday 14th of November 2020 12:04:11 AM
Just to put your mind at ease Richard, the link Mike posted is merely to a post on this very forum which I can assure you is very secure (it runs the highest level of security currently available, which is one reason its runs on a paid for, not free, platform). It may be that you ae trying to access an old page via the link which does not possess the certificate for that very highest level of security the forum now runs (though I had no such issues following the link) but the issue is probably with your device and clearing your cache usually does the trick.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Saturday 14th of November 2020 07:16:36 AM
In reply to richards post
https://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t65159825/sites-of-biological-importance-your-records-are-needed/
https://gmwildlife.org.uk/mapapp/
-- Edited by mike killelea on Friday 13th of November 2020 03:36:31 PM
11am :
Scaup just off the mound in front of sailing club.
There were also two little egrets there too untill a dog spooked them..they flew off over the pumphouse.
Highlights this am.
Teal
Shoveler
Goldeneye
Goosander
Water rail
Snipe x1
Redwing
Fieldfare
Grey wagtail
Meadow pipit
Kingfisher
Pink footed goose x1 (in flight low)
Raven (in flight)
Linnet calling over
Ta!
Ps. 20 years of birding at Elton and I never knew about the SBI areas! (And I wasn't the only one)
It has come to my attention that some ‘birders’ at this site are intentionally disturbing bird species on a designated Site of Biological Interest, species which are very susceptible to disturbance and ultimately are prone to abandoning sites as a result.
A couple of birders in particular at Elton have gone to great lengths to provide continued detailed information in order for these areas to be assigned and maintained as SBIs and any regulars should be aware of these SBIs, of their responsibilities as birders, and especially of the potential impact of any inconsiderate actions.
Anyone entering SBIs or indeed any area on site, with the intention to disturb any bird species for their own benefit with face further action, but I would ask that the more responsible birders on site police this as much as possible.
Fantastic walk this morning a few firsts for me. Couldn't identify the scaup which I presume was present from others reports
1050-1400hrs
Goldcrest x 1 ( a first and the highlight of the day )
Redwing 40+ (a first)
Fieldfare x 15 (a first)
Northern Shoveler x 2
Teal x 8
Great crested grebe x 9
Wood pigeon x 13
Cormorant x 6
Heron x 5
Buzzard x 1 (took off about 10 feet from me. Just an amazing sight)
Kestral seen in 3 different locations, not sure if same bird
Jay x 1
Magpie x 8
Jackdaw x 1
Carrion crow x 9
Coal tit x 1
Blue tit x 3
Great tit x 5
Long tailed tit x 12
Wren x 1
Starling x 11
Mistle thrush x 1
Blackbird x 17
Fieldfare x 15
Robin x 6
Sparrow x 5
Chaffinch x 2
Goldfinch x 2
Greenfinch x 3
Lots of tufted ducks. I'm presuming some of these will have been goldeneye and the scaup. I'll go back tomorrow hopefully and try identify them as scaup and goldeneye are on the need list!!
Lots of the usual suspects such as canada goose moorhen coot and mallard.
Also think I heard a water rail but couldn't see it.
Thanks
Bryan
-- Edited by Bryan Deighton on Thursday 12th of November 2020 05:15:07 PM
46 Species including:
1Tawny Owl.
1 Little Egret.
4 Kestrel.
58 Redwing.
19 Pink Footed Goose. West.
2 Song Thrush.
8 Goldeneye.
6 Shoveler.
1 Goosander.
11 Teal.
1 Coal Tit.
6 Long Tailed Tit.
7 Pied Wagtail.
3 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
100+ Black Headed Gull.
15 Herring Gull.
8 Cormorant.
4 Great Crested Grebe.
41 Tufted Duck.
57 Blackbird.
2 Jay.
4 Collared Dove.
3 Bullfinch.
4 Chaffinch.
4 Greenfinch.
6 Grey Heron.
4 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Teal
Shoveler
Goldeneye
Scaup (I had to double check that there was still one as he was in two areas in 10 minutes)
Redwing
Fieldfare
Grey wagtail
Meadow pipit
Jay
Ta!
34 Whooper Swan flew SE at 9am with at least 5 juveniles in the flock
Scaup
6 shoveler
3 Wigeon which left west
Pochard
5 Goldeneye
371 Starling west
379 Fieldfare SE
332 Redwing SE plus 400 present at spenmoor/withins/Elton Goyt
5 stock dove south
3700 woodpigeon south
Apologies for the late posting re Sat 7th Nov. Sunny, calm and quite mild.
Just a couple of noteworthy additions to other posts that day.
A single Pink footed goose came in from the north at 13.15pm, circled for 5 mins eventually landing in the centre of the res, then departed SW. Calling continually.
Teal
Shoveler
Gadwall
Goldeneye
Goosander x4
Wigeon
Pochard
Scaup
Meadow pipit
Redwing
Fieldfare
Goldcrest
Sparrowhawk
Ta!
44 Species Including:
1 Scaup.
3 Kestrel.
2 Kingfisher. (1 Irwell, 1 Withins.).
11 Fieldfare.
120+ Redwing.
2 Mistle Thrush.
2 Song Thrush.
13 Meadow Pipit.
7 Chaffinch.
1 Goldcrest.
3 Goldfinch.
4 Greenfinch.
8 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
100+ Black Headed Gull.
10 Herring Gull.
2 Common Gull.
7 Cormorant.
83 Blackbird.
70+ Wood Pigeon.
1 Jay.
80+ Jackdaw.
40+ Starling.
2 Collared Dove.
3 Bullfinch. (1F, 2M).
220+ Canada Goose.
12 Great Crested Grebe.
1 Goldeneye.
2 Shoveler.
46 Tufted Duck.
2 Goosander.
13 Teal.
4 Grey Heron.
1 Grey Wagtail.
4 Pied Wagtail.
3 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
And during a slightly later circuit:
1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel.
1 Pochard (unfortunately not the Red-crested variety!), 1 Goosander and 1 Wigeon.
Dipper still present and at least 5 Water Rail calling along the canal.
1 Mistle and 5+ Song Thrush in with the multitudes of Redwing.
Highlights include:
Teal
Shoveler x2m x1f
Goldeneye
Scaup
Water rail (twice)
Jay
Meadow pipits
Grey wagtail
Kingfisher
Reed bunting
Redwing
Fieldfare
Pheasant
Snipe
Jack snipe (in flight) - another Elton 1st (no.11 for 2020) Elton list now 150
Ta!
Here are the best pics I could get of the stunning Drake Red-crested Pochard, and the 3 common Pochard it was travelling with, this morning.
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 8th of November 2020 05:58:56 PM
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 8th of November 2020 06:00:15 PM
1. Teal
2. Gadwall
3. Shoveler x1f
4. Wigeon x13 around wader point 7am
5. Pochard
6. Red crested pochard x1m (Elton first (no.10 in 2020))
7. Goosanders over
8. Goldeneye x3m 1xf
9. Mallard
10. Tufted duck
11. Scaup x1m (1st wint)
Also noteworthy:
Meadow pipit
Jay
Snipe
Redwing
Fieldfare
Ta!
Red-Crested pochard - Male present until 9:55 then departed west
3 Pochard (left west 9:55)
16 Wigeon west
Scaup 1st Winter Male in the creek
20+ Teal plus 8 high west
4 Gadwall (2 high west)
9 Goldeneye
Shoveler - female
4 Goosander
Little Grebe
16 Whooper swan east
7 Snipe
Lapwing
43 Species including:
2 Buzzard.
5 Kestrel.
2 Sparrowhawk.
70+ Starling.
1 Kingfisher.
11 Fieldfare.
77 Redwing.
1 Pink Footed Goose.(W).
3 Pheasant.(1F,2M).
5 Bullfinch. (5M).
7 Chaffinch.
8 Greenfinch.
3 Jay.
5 Teal.
2 Goosander.
1 Goldcrest.
4 Goldeneye. (2F, 2M).
3 Wigeon.(Flew over Capsticks).
52 Tufted Duck.
6 Cormorant.
14 Great Crested Grebe.
9 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
130+ Black Headed Gull.
15 Herring Gull.
170+ Canada Goose.
63 Blackbird.
5 Collared Dove.
100+ Wood Pigeon.
9 Grey Heron.
1 Grey Wagtail.
2 Pied Wagtail.
3 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Cheers Ian
Teal
Gadwall
Scaup
Grey wagtail
Redwing
Fieldfare
Meadow pipit
A very dark pipit was seen breifly, likely a Rock pipit in dull morning light (90% certain) and Simon told me shortly after when it took flight with meadow pipits that he may have heard a rock pipit..
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Kingfisher
Ta!
Thanks for posting this, Martin. It was ringed on 12/8/2020 as one of the brood of 6 cygnets at Elton.
Dead mute swan cygnet under the power lines at the carpark one of the parents is waiting close by for it to wake up..so sad
I took a photo of the ring.
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Friday 6th of November 2020 09:12:57 AM
Solo Covid 19 social distancing visit.
48 Species including:
Migratory:
470+ Pink Footed Goose. ( 3 Skeins, 1x 250+ SE, 1x 150+, SE, 1x 70+ NW).
1 Raven (SW).
60+ Redwing (S).
200+ Starling (1 flock W).
4 Whooper Swan.
Around Elton.
1 Little Egret.
1 Scaup.
1 Sparrowhawk.
2 Kestrel.
1 Mistle Thrush.
1 Song Thrush.
9 Fieldfare.
250+ Redwing.(Including 200+ In high hedges West of Capsticks).
1 Coal Tit.
1 Willow Tit.
300+ Starling
4 Cormorant.
7 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
15 Herring Gull.
57 Blackbird (Much higher count).
4 Teal.
7 Shoveler.
2 Gadwalll
9 Great Crested Grebe.
47 Tufted Duck.
3 Goosander.
3 Bullfinch.(1F, 2M).
13 Chaffinch.
1 Grey Wagtail.
7 Grey Heron.
5 Mute Swan.
Thanks Derek.
Curlew NW
Redpoll south
325 Redwing south
66 Fieldfare south
3 Great spotted Woodpecker west
685 starling west
1400 Woodpigeon south
Stock dove south
3 Raven SW
2680 Pinkfooted Geese SE in 12 skeins plus 310 NW
Cheers Ian
Teal
Goldeneye x6
Scaup (again near capsticks)
Pink footed geese over (at least x400 that showed in a gap in the mist)
Snipe
Fieldfare (flock near where Bennie's was)
Redwing
Grey wagtail
Meadow pipit
Ta!
Approx 6,200+ Pink-footed Geese flew SE in 28 Skeins plus 216 NW in 5 Skeins
5 Whooper Swan west (2 ad and 3 young)
4,900+ Woodpigeon south
Stock Dove south
975 Redwing south plus 1000 present
139 Fieldfare south
206 Chaffinch south
93 Goldfinch south
125 Lapwing south
Great Spotted Woodpecker south
1200+ Starling west
6 Sparrowhawk (4 together)
Cheers Ian
Little egret
Little grebe
Common gull
Teal
Shoveler
Gadwall
Goldeneye
Scaup at capsticks end
Bar tailed godwit on wader point
Redwing
Fieldfare
Jay
Grey wagtail
Meadow pipit
Yesterday I forgot to add Snipe x12
Ta!
Oh, almost forgot, a single Siskin few over calling.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Tuesday 3rd of November 2020 09:42:28 AM
3 Little Egret on wader point
Scaup feeding close to path capsticks end
Chiffchaff
1000+ Redwing
4 shoveler
2 Gadwall
2 Goosander
370 Pinkfooted geese SE and 143 NW
1st winter Greater Scaup still present today. Plus one of the Little Egrets was on Capsticks with the Horses easilly picking up worms after the horses dislodged the ground
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Monday 2nd of November 2020 05:27:14 PM