Many of the "commic" terns came down on No 2 and I was able to ascertain 40 Arctic Terns, 2 poss. 3 Common Terns and 12 Black Terns.
There were 3 or 4 singing Skylarks on the covered reservoir - all was quiet when I was going off as they had just mowed it nests, eggs, young the lot. This has now happened for 4 or 5 years on the trot.I have tried ringing United Utilities but all I get is an engaged toll all the time.
John Rayner said
Wed May 11 4:13 PM, 2016
One of the sanderlings from this morning was a particularly smart bird.
-- Edited by John Rayner on Wednesday 11th of May 2016 04:13:36 PM
I counted 12 black terns on No 2. just before I came off at 11.45 a.m., and there was another on No. 1 the last time I viewed it ten minutes before. There were also 35 'commic' terns, of which only the odd one appeared to be common. 30+ arctics I'd say.
Rob Creek said
Wed May 11 11:19 AM, 2016
Late Tuesday teatime until gone 8pm
My sighting numbers may vary to others, good to see some familiar faces.
- Black Tern 6 - Arctic Tern 7 - Common Tern 6 - Whimbrel 1 - Turnstone 6 (4 distant, 2 close up) - Sanderling 4 (good range of different plumages shown) - Common Sandpiper 1 - Ringed Plover 7 (1 feeding on No.3 stone wall M60 side such is the glut of Midge's) - Linnet 1 - Swift and Sand Martin lots around
Black Tern 7. Common Tern 3. Arctic Tern 5. Ringed Plover 13. Sanderling 2. Dunlin 1. Turnstone 3. Redshank 1. Common Sandpiper 2. Swift c250.
Chris Chandler said
Wed May 11 12:40 AM, 2016
Quick wander 6.15 - 7.30pm
7 Black Terns putting on a fantastic acrobatic display over the middle of No1. They tended to stick closely together, mixed in with a group of larger terns. 5 Arctic Terns 6-7 Common Terns (difficult to keep count as they wheeled around. 1 Linnet 8 Turnstone 1 Common Sandpiper 2 Ringed Plover
Ian McKerchar said
Tue May 10 7:33 PM, 2016
This evening's sightings include:
6 Turnstone 4 Sanderling 5 Ringed Plover 5 Dunlin 2 Common Sandpiper 7 Black Tern 7 Common Tern 8 Arctic Tern 1 Whimbrel
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Tue May 10 2:16 PM, 2016
9:45-12-45. In addition to the previous sightings.
Ringed Plover x 10 ( they've taken to sitting on the walls). Common Sandpiper x 4. Dunlin x 2. Grey Wagtail x 1. Common Tern x 1.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Tuesday 10th of May 2016 04:41:01 PM
There were two Sanderling present today, one on no.3 and the misidentified bird in no.1
steve ashworth said
Sat May 7 8:52 PM, 2016
Which one was the sanderling the one on 2 or the one 3
Ian McKerchar said
Sat May 7 5:58 PM, 2016
Today's Little Stint was in fact a Sanderling.
Mike Chorley said
Sat May 7 4:20 PM, 2016
No sign of the Little Stint between approx. 12.00 and 14.50.
Sanderling, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin all on No 3, being flushed from West to East and back by dog walkers and others on the water's edge. Redshank on No 2, again flushed.
Small numbers of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins Common and Arctic Terns Goosander M & F
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat May 7 2:24 PM, 2016
This mornings waderfest. I missed the Little Stint though :(
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Saturday 7th of May 2016 02:26:16 PM
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Saturday 7th of May 2016 02:51:56 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 7th of May 2016 04:27:49 PM
Adult Little Stint Six Ringed Plover 2 Dunlin Common Sandpiper Sanderling Yellow Wagtail
Rob Creek said
Sat May 7 8:22 AM, 2016
After work visit on Friday and nice to see the familiar faces of Rob Adderley and wife Sonia, Phil Kelly, Karen Foulkes etc. On site approx 5.30pm - 7.45pm...covering No1, No3, and scoured No.2.
- Little Stint 1, a cracking little bird that was showing really well - Dunlin 5 (3 with the Stint, 2 more near the Kentish Plover) - Kentish Plover 1 - Ringed Plover 7 minimum - Linnet 3 - Meadow Pipit 1 - Pied Wagtail 1 - Swallow 3 - Shelduck 1 - Lesser Black-backed Gull 2
Incidentally the Grey Plover was reported again late tea time whilst I was there, there was no sign of it for me unfortunately and I did a fairly long walk round.
Adult Little Stint present this morning; remarkably a different, paler bird, than yesterday's adult!
Simon Gough said
Fri May 6 10:56 PM, 2016
A cracking visit to Audenshaw today. A friend of mine from 'down south' has come up for the weekend, so it was quite jolly to be able to suggest we check out a Kentish Plover to start the day. When we got there various folk were saying it might have flown off, so we started scoping the edges of all the beds. We started on Number 1 and saw some small birds which turned out to be Dunlin. When we looked there were 7, then Jim said 'that one looks a bit small!' and we started trying to ID their smaller friend. We wanted to rule out Sanderling basically as it seemed likely to be a Little Stint but Sanderling can be deceptive.
Having texted Ian Mc who very kindly gave us a couple more diagnostic things to look for, it was a delight to confirm that it was a Little Stint. I had no idea it had been reported there so it was a proper bonus, and it is a county tick for me. Very nice. The other brilliant thing is it is an adult in spring plumage; I've only seen autumn birds before. Also it was right in front of us rather than miles away. What a top bird! Fair play to Jim for taking the time to look properly too.
Then we idly scoped over the motorway side of No 3 bed and I got onto the Kentish Plover. We walked round and got point blank views of that little ripper too. I only had distant scope views last week so that was really good. All in all it was a pretty good advert for Manchester Birding really.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 6 9:50 PM, 2016
A detailed comparison of images seems to prove the male Kentish Plover IS the same individual as was present at this site just over a week ago. Where it has been in between that time is anyone's guess though!
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 6 4:49 PM, 2016
Little Stint still present on no.1 reservoir at 4:45pm (photos courtesy of Andy Makin)
Little Stint currently still on the west bank of no. 1 reservoir, with 7 Dunlin.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 6 2:49 PM, 2016
Adult Little Stint currently present, with a small group of Dunlin.
Male Kentish Plover also still present.
Please keep a sensible distance from all birds at all times.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 6 9:55 AM, 2016
Male Kentish Plover still present on no. 3 at 09:50
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 6 6:00 AM, 2016
Male Kentish Plover (presumably the same as last week?) on no. 3 again this morning.
Also a breeding plumaged Grey Plover present.
vic chatterton said
Wed May 4 4:34 PM, 2016
Nothing on the reservoirs in late morning that was different from earlier posting but several warblers in song including a Whitethroat singing from a telegraph wire. A singing Garden Warbler showing well by the sw corner of No2 but no sight or sound of it on leaving at lunchtime. Garden Warblers have become really scarce at Audenshaw Res. in recent years
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 4 9:26 AM, 2016
This morning:
4 Pink-footed Geese over high north Singles of Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper 3 Ringed Plovers c50 Swifts 5 White Wagtail 2 Wheatear
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 2 10:01 AM, 2016
This morning's sightings so far include:
Ringed Plover 3 Dunlin At least two Arctic Tern Yellow Wagtail Common Sandpiper At least 10 White Wagtail At the very least 100 Swift
Ian McKerchar said
Sun May 1 10:48 AM, 2016
This morning:
Single Sanderling on no.3 2 Dunlin 2 White Wagtail
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat Apr 30 3:21 PM, 2016
Early to mid day.
Ringed Plover x 1. Little Ringed Plover x 2. Common Sandpiper x 1. Dunlin x 1 (ring on right leg, T98?). Wheatear x 1 ( female). Grey Wagtail x 2. White Wagtail (alba) x c10. Swallow ,House Martin in abundance.( to many to count). Swift x c10. Sand Martin x c20. Mallard x 5. Great Crested Grebe x 18. Canada Goose x 2. Lesser Black-backed Gull x 5. Mute Swan x 2 (over).
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, all found on the Railway side of #1 & #2.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 30th of April 2016 04:16:29 PM
Many migrants moving through in Spring will inevitably move on relatively quickly. The urge to breed is strong. They need to get to breeding grounds to secure good territory, good breeding habitat and a mate. So no surprise that it has moved on.
Just one picture to add to the mix, so as not to swamp the site
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 27th of April 2016 09:23:54 PM
Couldn't resist another visit to see this fantastic little bird after work yesterday.
- Kentish Plover male, was still present at 8.10pm when I left. Even heard it calling, photo included. - Ringed Plover 6 (4 in view at once) - Little Ringed Plover 5 (2pr + single) - Common Sandpiper 1 - Wheatear 1 - White Wagtail 8 - Grey Wagtail 2 - Sand Martin and Swallow in 100's over all 3 Res - House Martin plentiful - Swift 1 only - Mistle Thrush 1 - Blackbird 1 male feasting on Midge's on wall near centre point
No sign of the Kentish Plover so far this morning.
Frank Whitney said
Tue Apr 26 8:33 PM, 2016
Excellent views of the Kentish plover , well worth the 2 hours train journey straight from work and nice to sit and wait till it flew back after it disappeared just before I arrived , everything comes to he who waits , now to get back home
Mark Burgess said
Tue Apr 26 7:39 PM, 2016
Kentish Plover still present at 6.45pm Also Little Ringed Plover 2 Ringed Plover
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 07:40:03 PM
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Tue Apr 26 7:02 PM, 2016
Kentish Plover still showing very well at 7:00pm
David Morris said
Tue Apr 26 6:21 PM, 2016
Now I know what all the birders I could see when driving home along the M60 this afternoon were after! May pop down after work tomorrow if it's still there...
Steven Nelson said
Tue Apr 26 6:09 PM, 2016
16.30-17.00 Great views of the Kentish Plover and I avoided the snow/sleet/hail/rain showers! Lifer for me. Also: 1 Common Sandpiper 2 Ringed Plover 2 White Wagtail 2 Pied Wagtail 4 Great Crested Grebes including a pair displaying Large numbers of Swallows, Sand Martins and House Martins - no doubt feeding on the millions of midges!
Bernard McGurrin said
Tue Apr 26 4:43 PM, 2016
managed a visit this afternoon, what a beautiful and obliging bird the Kentish Plover is a lifer for me, other birds included a pair goosander, little ringed plover, pied wagtail, swallow and sand martin.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Apr 26 3:59 PM, 2016
With a dental appointment in Manchester today I couldn't resist a peek at the Audenshaw Kentish Plover and glad that I did. This was the best plumaged & closest views of all the six Kentish Plovers that I have seen in the UK, a real cracker. For those that got it as a lifer this will take some beating! Good to bump into lots of familiar faces, too many to mention! Special mention must go to the finder, Rob Adderley, who I had a chat to and thanked him from all of us, good to see Sonia for a chat too, long standing mates & I hope it's not as long until I see them again
Keith Mills said
Tue Apr 26 3:25 PM, 2016
Very satisfying views of this wonderful Kentish Plover at around 11.30 this morning. Nice to meet the finder, with thanks.
-- Edited by keith mills on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 04:20:20 PM
I couldn't resist a second bite of the cherry,after good, but distant views of this little stunner yesterday.I revisited this morning for a closer look, what a charismatic little bird! Many congratulations to the finder.
Also seen were, two Ringed Plovers,one Common Sandpiper,six Great Crested Grebes,good numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins, approx 30 House Martins through and at least half a dozen Swift.
c50 Arctic Terns
c7 Common Terns
At least 11 Black Terns
3 Sanderling
3 Turnstone
At 2.45pm - 4 Sanderlings, 4 Turnstones, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin.
Many of the "commic" terns came down on No 2 and I was able to ascertain 40 Arctic Terns, 2 poss. 3 Common Terns and 12 Black Terns.
There were 3 or 4 singing Skylarks on the covered reservoir - all was quiet when I was going off as they had just mowed it nests, eggs, young the lot. This has now happened for 4 or 5 years on the trot.I have tried ringing United Utilities but all I get is an engaged toll all the time.
-- Edited by John Rayner on Wednesday 11th of May 2016 04:13:36 PM
I counted 12 black terns on No 2. just before I came off at 11.45 a.m., and there was another on No. 1 the last time I viewed it ten minutes before. There were also 35 'commic' terns, of which only the odd one appeared to be common. 30+ arctics I'd say.
My sighting numbers may vary to others, good to see some familiar faces.
- Black Tern 6
- Arctic Tern 7
- Common Tern 6
- Whimbrel 1
- Turnstone 6 (4 distant, 2 close up)
- Sanderling 4 (good range of different plumages shown)
- Common Sandpiper 1
- Ringed Plover 7 (1 feeding on No.3 stone wall M60 side such is the glut of Midge's)
- Linnet 1
- Swift and Sand Martin lots around
Black Tern 7.
Common Tern 3.
Arctic Tern 5.
Ringed Plover 13.
Sanderling 2.
Dunlin 1.
Turnstone 3.
Redshank 1.
Common Sandpiper 2.
Swift c250.
7 Black Terns putting on a fantastic acrobatic display over the middle of No1. They tended to stick closely together, mixed in with a group of larger terns.
5 Arctic Terns
6-7 Common Terns (difficult to keep count as they wheeled around.
1 Linnet
8 Turnstone
1 Common Sandpiper
2 Ringed Plover
6 Turnstone
4 Sanderling
5 Ringed Plover
5 Dunlin
2 Common Sandpiper
7 Black Tern
7 Common Tern
8 Arctic Tern
1 Whimbrel
In addition to the previous sightings.
Ringed Plover x 10 ( they've taken to sitting on the walls).
Common Sandpiper x 4.
Dunlin x 2.
Grey Wagtail x 1.
Common Tern x 1.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Tuesday 10th of May 2016 04:41:01 PM
8 Black Tern
2 Arctic Tern
4 Turnstone
2 Sanderling
Also present:
1 Sanderling
2 Common Sandpiper
7 Ringed Plover
1 Oystercatcher
4 Goosander
4 Cormorant flew east.
Late morning - early afternoon. Sunny, fresh to strong easterly wind.
1 Goosander (m)
4 Ringed Plovers
5 Sanderlings
1 Dunlin
2 Oystercatchers
3 Greenshanks
5 Arctic Terns
2 breeding plumaged Turnstone
1 Greenshank
6 Ringed Plover
1 Dunlin
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Common Tern
Yellow Wagtail
2 Common Tern
Whimbrel
Yellow Wagtail
2 Redshank
6 Ringed Plover
3 Dunlin
Which one was the sanderling the one on 2 or the one 3
Sanderling, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin all on No 3, being flushed from West to East and back by dog walkers and others on the water's edge.
Redshank on No 2, again flushed.
Small numbers of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins
Common and Arctic Terns
Goosander M & F
This mornings waderfest. I missed the Little Stint though :(
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Saturday 7th of May 2016 02:26:16 PM
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Saturday 7th of May 2016 02:51:56 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 7th of May 2016 04:27:49 PM
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 7th of May 2016 11:06:31 AM
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 7th of May 2016 12:44:24 PM
Sightings so far this morning:
No sign of the Kentish Plover yet
Adult Little Stint
Six Ringed Plover
2 Dunlin
Common Sandpiper
Sanderling
Yellow Wagtail
On site approx 5.30pm - 7.45pm...covering No1, No3, and scoured No.2.
- Little Stint 1, a cracking little bird that was showing really well
- Dunlin 5 (3 with the Stint, 2 more near the Kentish Plover)
- Kentish Plover 1
- Ringed Plover 7 minimum
- Linnet 3
- Meadow Pipit 1
- Pied Wagtail 1
- Swallow 3
- Shelduck 1
- Lesser Black-backed Gull 2
Incidentally the Grey Plover was reported again late tea time whilst I was there, there was no sign of it for me unfortunately and I did a fairly long walk round.
Having texted Ian Mc who very kindly gave us a couple more diagnostic things to look for, it was a delight to confirm that it was a Little Stint. I had no idea it had been reported there so it was a proper bonus, and it is a county tick for me. Very nice. The other brilliant thing is it is an adult in spring plumage; I've only seen autumn birds before. Also it was right in front of us rather than miles away. What a top bird! Fair play to Jim for taking the time to look properly too.
Then we idly scoped over the motorway side of No 3 bed and I got onto the Kentish Plover. We walked round and got point blank views of that little ripper too. I only had distant scope views last week so that was really good. All in all it was a pretty good advert for Manchester Birding really.
Male Kentish Plover also still present.
Please keep a sensible distance from all birds at all times.
Also a breeding plumaged Grey Plover present.
Nothing on the reservoirs in late morning that was different from earlier posting but several warblers in song including a Whitethroat singing from a telegraph wire. A singing Garden Warbler showing well by the sw corner of No2 but no sight or sound of it on leaving at lunchtime. Garden Warblers have become really scarce at Audenshaw Res. in recent years
4 Pink-footed Geese over high north
Singles of Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper
3 Ringed Plovers
c50 Swifts
5 White Wagtail
2 Wheatear
Ringed Plover
3 Dunlin
At least two Arctic Tern
Yellow Wagtail
Common Sandpiper
At least 10 White Wagtail
At the very least 100 Swift
Single Sanderling on no.3
2 Dunlin
2 White Wagtail
Ringed Plover x 1.
Little Ringed Plover x 2.
Common Sandpiper x 1.
Dunlin x 1 (ring on right leg, T98?).
Wheatear x 1 ( female).
Grey Wagtail x 2.
White Wagtail (alba) x c10.
Swallow ,House Martin in abundance.( to many to count).
Swift x c10.
Sand Martin x c20.
Mallard x 5.
Great Crested Grebe x 18.
Canada Goose x 2.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 5.
Mute Swan x 2 (over).
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, all found on the Railway side of #1 & #2.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 30th of April 2016 04:16:29 PM
Many migrants moving through in Spring will inevitably move on relatively quickly. The urge to breed is strong. They need to get to breeding grounds to secure good territory, good breeding habitat and a mate. So no surprise that it has moved on.
Just one picture to add to the mix, so as not to swamp the site
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 27th of April 2016 09:23:54 PM
A few image's of yesterday's Kentish Plover. I could post another 40 images, but don't think Ian would appreciate the image spam.
Its a pity but no surprise the Kentish Plover has moved on. Its ridiculously cold for late April today.
Lets hope it has moved on safely after lots managed to see it. We popped down there yesterday dinnertime. Great local find Rob.
Also present -
2 Little ringed Plover.
1 Ringed Plover.
1Common Sandpiper.
2 Goosander
1 Buzzard.
A few pics from yesterday.
-- Edited by Craig Bell on Wednesday 27th of April 2016 02:33:42 PM
Couldn't resist another visit to see this fantastic little bird after work yesterday.
- Kentish Plover male, was still present at 8.10pm when I left. Even heard it calling, photo included.
- Ringed Plover 6 (4 in view at once)
- Little Ringed Plover 5 (2pr + single)
- Common Sandpiper 1
- Wheatear 1
- White Wagtail 8
- Grey Wagtail 2
- Sand Martin and Swallow in 100's over all 3 Res
- House Martin plentiful
- Swift 1 only
- Mistle Thrush 1
- Blackbird 1 male feasting on Midge's on wall near centre point
Also
Little Ringed Plover 2
Ringed Plover
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 07:40:03 PM
Great views of the Kentish Plover and I avoided the snow/sleet/hail/rain showers! Lifer for me.
Also:
1 Common Sandpiper
2 Ringed Plover
2 White Wagtail
2 Pied Wagtail
4 Great Crested Grebes including a pair displaying
Large numbers of Swallows, Sand Martins and House Martins - no doubt feeding on the millions of midges!
With a dental appointment in Manchester today I couldn't resist a peek at the Audenshaw Kentish Plover and glad that I did. This was the best plumaged & closest views of all the six Kentish Plovers that I have seen in the UK, a real cracker. For those that got it as a lifer this will take some beating! Good to bump into lots of familiar faces, too many to mention! Special mention must go to the finder, Rob Adderley, who I had a chat to and thanked him from all of us, good to see Sonia for a chat too, long standing mates & I hope it's not as long until I see them again
Nice to meet the finder, with thanks.
-- Edited by keith mills on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 04:20:20 PM
I couldn't resist a second bite of the cherry,after good, but distant views of this little stunner yesterday.I revisited this morning for a closer look, what a charismatic little bird! Many congratulations to the finder.
Also seen were, two Ringed Plovers,one Common Sandpiper,six Great Crested Grebes,good numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins, approx 30 House Martins through and at least half a dozen Swift.
Cheers Chris