Walk round this a.m. produced a reeling Grasshopper Warbler by the canal, 3 Common Tern and 3 Oystercatcher over the res.
Cheers Ian

08.45am - 12.45pm. Cloudy, Still . 08c - 12c.

53 Species Including:


1 Kingfisher.
2 Treecreeper.
4 Kestrel.
1 Buzzard.
2 Common Tern.
3 Oystercatcher.
14 Whitethroat. (5juv).
4 Willow Warbler.
4 Sedge Warbler.
1 Blackcap. (M).
7 Reed Bunting.
6 Greenfinch.
5 Chaffinch.
4 Bullfinch. (3M, 1F).
17 Goldfinch.
37 Swift.
23 Swallow.
15 Sand Martin.
2 House Martin.
1 Common Gull.
10 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
63 Black Headed Gull.
9 Pied Wagtail.
2 Mistle Thrush. (1juv).
5 Song Thrush.
19 Mute Swan.
1 Gadwall.
5 Tufted Duck.
2 Grey Heron.
90+ Wood Pigeon.
4 Great Crested Grebe.

Thanks Derek.

07.30am - 11.30am. Grey cloud, still. 08c - 13c.

52 Species including:

Several hundred Swifts. ( Too "swift " to count).
1 Grasshopper Warbler.
1 Kingfisher. (Irwell).
56 Lapwing ( 20+ juv).
3 Pheasant. (M).
5 House Martin.
30+ Swallow.
40+ Sand Martin.
2 Common Tern.
4 Willow Warbler.(1juv).
3 Blackcap.( 2M, 1F).
4 Sedge Warbler.
3 Chiffchaff.
4 Whitethroat.
2Jay . (1Juv).
4 Mistle Thrush.
3 Song Thrush.
80+ Canada Goose. ( 26 juv).
1 Gadwall.
21 Mute Swan.
2 Grey Heron.
1 Grey Wagtail.
9 Pied Wagtail. ( 3 juv).
6 Chaffinch.
11 Greenfinch.
26 Goldfinch.
70+ Wood Pigeon.
40+ Starling.
60+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Lesser Black Backed Gull.

Thanks Derek.

Also noteworthy adding to the sightings reported so far::

With the swifts was a few Swallow, Sand martins and House martins.
Gadwall
Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Blackcaps still singing (though some have moved on as expected now most youngsters are starting to fledge)
Whitethroat

Also: The first reported Black headed gull juvenile was seen just before I went home.

Ta!

Best this a.m. excellent views of the Grasshopper Warbler near the canal and 100's of Swift flying at head height around the pumphouse and 2 Common Tern.
Cheers Ian

08.00am - 11.00am. Clear, Still. 11c -17c.


53 Species including:

1 Hobby. (Flew over marsh from Radcliffe direction towards scout moor).
1 Kestrel.
2 Common Tern.
3 Grey Wagtail. ( 3juv).
12 Pied Wagtail. (2juv)
5 Sedge Warbler.
2 Willow Warbler.
1 Blackcap.
1 Mistle Thrush.
3 Song Thrush.
7 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
3 Herring Gull.
9 Greenfinch.
120+ Starling.
22 Lapwing.
15 Mute Swan.
7 Collared Dove.


Thanks Derek.

Highlight this a.m. was a Hobby moving at speed over Withins, also the 2 Common Terns were mating on one of the bouys.
Cheers Ian

07.30am - 11.30am. Clear, Light breeze 10c - 17c .


51 Species Including:

2 Common tern.
2 Skylark.
1 Pheasant.(M).
1 Oystercatcher.
40+ Goldfinch.
7 Chaffinch.
5 Greenfinch.
4 Bullfinch. (3M, 1F).
1 Blackcap.
7 Reed Bunting.
5 Whitethroat.
4 Sedge Warbler.
3 Willow Warbler.
350+ Swift.
29 Swallow.
3 House Martin.
21 Sand Martin.
5 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
16 Herring Gull.
1 Gadwall.
2 Tufted Duck.
1 Ringed Plover.
6 Pied Wagtail.
28 Lapwing. (11 juv).
3 Great Crested Grebe.
23 Mute Swan. (12 Juv).
2 Grey Heron.

Thanks Derek.

Headed breifly to get some essential shopping at 11am and going along the canal, I was impressed to see a common tern flying along it, really close, not the slightest bit bothered about anybody walking/ cycling on the tow path.

Ta!

This a.m. best were 2 Common Terns and 2 Oystercatchers (1 carrying food). Cheers Ian

07.45am - 10.45am. Clear, light breeze. 13c - 19c .

50 Species including:

1 Reed Warbler. (Coney Green reed bed).
1 Grasshopper Warbler.
2 Common Tern.
1 Kestrel.
1 Oystercatcher.
4 Sedge Warbler.
3 Willow Warbler.
2 Blackcap.
5 Reed Bunting.
4 Greenfinch.
5 Chaffinch.
23 Swallow.
7 Sand Martin.
4 Swift.
1 House Martin.
1 Whitethroat.
31 Lapwing (10 juv).
2 Common Gull.
60+ Black Headed Gull.
5 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
14 Herring Gull.
22 Blackbird.
4 Mistle Thrush.
2 Song Thrush.
1 Pheasant. (M).
63 Canada Goose. ( 25 juv).
2 Tufted Duck.
22 Mute Swan. (13 Cygnets, 1 new ).
3 Great Crested Grebe.

Thanks Derek.

Also noteworthy in addition to Ian Chisnall was:

Lapwings
Oystercatcher
Common tern x2
Willow warbler
Blackcap
Sedge warbler
Whitethroat
A possible Reed warbler but it was such a fast glimpse, I cannot be 100% certain at Capsticks:
Willow tit heard
Swallow
Swift
Sand martin
And a Great spotted woodpecker in the slightly wider area.

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Friday 29th of May 2020 12:48:12 PM

This morning highlights include:

Reed warbler at capsticks was a good find by another local birder
Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Whitethroat
Grasshopper warbler
House martin
Sand martin
Swift
Swallow
Skylark was heard singing

I had to cut my morning scout short due to pressed for time for essential shopping.

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 27th of May 2020 12:49:25 PM

08.30am - 12.10am. Grey cloud,still. 09c - 14c.

51 Species including:

1 Grasshopper Warbler.
9 Oystercatcher. (6 circled reservoir 3 times, too many people inside the basin so did not land).
1 Buzzard.
1 Kestrel.
2 Common Tern.
17 Long Tailed Tit.
4 Willow Warbler.
2 Chiffchaff.
4 Blackcap.
2 Bullfinch.
1 Sedge Warbler.
9 Reed Bunting.
2 Whitethroat.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Gadwall.
24 Swallow.
6 Swift.
13 Sand Martin.
2 House Martin.
4 Great Crested Grebe.
1 Jay.
52 Canada Geese. (19 juv).
17 Mute Swan. (12 juv).
3 Song Thrush.
1 Mistle Thrush.
2 Ringed Plover.
23 Lapwing .(7juv).

Thanks Derek.

Thanks Derek.

Had a long bike ride from here to Holcombe, totalling 61 species and an additional 3 or 4 others heard only.

Highlights around Elton include:

Grasshopper warbler seen reeling from his usual spot
Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Gadwall
Goosander (presumably the same one I keep seeing fly over)
Common tern
Willow tit
Swift
Swallow
Sand martin
Dipper
Great spotted woodpecker
Goldcrest
Chiffchaff
Jay

.....Continued in Holcombe post (not 2nd class post)

Ta!

08.00am - 11am. Clear,still.11c -13c.

52 Species Including:

1 Buzzard.
3 Kestrel.
1 Grasshopper Warbler.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Common Tern.
4 Ringed Plover.
5 Blackcap. (3M,2F).
1 Sedge Warbler.
2 Chiffchaff.
2 Whitethroat.
3 Willow Warbler.
6 Reed Bunting.
1 Grey Wagtail.
7 Pied Wagtail (1 juv).
1 Jay.
1 Pheasant. (M).
25 Swallow.
13 Swift.
5 House Martin.
7 Sand Martin.
22 Mute Swan.(12 juv).
1 Gadwall.
65 Mallard (17 juv).
3 Grey Heron.
12 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
13 Herring Gull.
38 Coot.(4 juv).
29 Lapwing.(11juv).
5 Song Thrush.
1 Mistle Thrush.

Thanks Derek.

An interesting morning with ......

Good views of Swifts
Swallows
House martin
Sand martin
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Whitethroat
Blackcap
Sedge warbler
Grasshopper warbler heard but remained hidden
Willow tit
Pheasant x2
Goosander flew around and over
Common tern x1
Oystercatcher
Gadwall
Grey wagtail

And in the slightly wider area:

Kingfisher
Dipper
Jay
Great spotted woodpecker


Ta!

Wader fest late morning

17 Ringed Plover
4 Dunlin
4 Sanderling
Ad Mediterranean Gull
3 Common Tern
350+ swift

The Ringed Plover, Dunlin and a single Sanderling were in one flock at wader point and the 3 further Sanderling in front of the sailing club.

09.00am -12.15pm. Windy, Mixed cloud,09c - 11c.

50 Species Including.

1 Sanderling.
1 Grasshopper Warbler.
1 Water Rail.
2 Pheasant. (M).
2 Kestrel.
1 Oystercatcher.
2 Common Tern.
13 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
17 Herring Gull.
60+ Black Headed Gull.
100+ Starling. (inc 25+juv).
23 Lapwing.
1 Chiffchaff.
5 Reed Bunting.
2 Sedge Warbler.
3 Willow Warbler.
6 Reed Bunting.
19 Swift.
26 Swallow.
5 House Martin.
8 Sand Martin.
63 Wood Pigeon (in 2 adjacent fields).
1 Gadwall.
17 Mute Swan.(inc 6 Cygnets).
47 Canada Goose. (inc 15 Goslings).
5 Pied Wagtail. (inc 1 juv).

Many Thanks Derek.

I usually like to have a lie-in Saturday but I woke up too early (I will suffer for the sleep loss later), So I spent a shorter round this morning and I'm so glad I did as it ment I had a nice experience with......

One Sanderling turned up at the creek, giving cracking views too whilst I sat to enjoy watching it. It flew off at the same time the pied wagtails and a few birds gave an alarm calls, so I presume something spooked it.

Also:

Female Wheatear made an appearance
Grasshopper warbler in his usual spot
2 Common terms breifly too.

Ta!

5:15 am - 8:30am

4 Sanderling
4 Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Hobby
2 Gadwall

Quite an interesting morning......

I had another Grasshopper warbler reeling from his favourite shrub
Sedge warbler
Chiffchaff
Willow warbler
Blackcap
The Whitethroats were singing close but would they show for me?
Swift
Swallow
Sand martins
House martin
Yellow wagtail called over but I couldn't find him, so I presume he went right through.
Common terns x2
My favourite moment was an Elton first for me when Ian found 2 Sanderlings on the Creek which I would have had no chance of finding from the opposite side with just my binos. They took off after minutes, but, as I was doing my rounds, they turned up again and I managed to enjoy them for a while from the grass before I left them there in peace.
Gadwall

Ta and many thanks!

10.30am - 12.45pm. Light cloud,still,11c - 15c.

48 Species Including:

1 Grasshopper Warbler.
1 Water Rail.
2 Kestrel.
1 Pheasant.(M).
200+ Starling. (inc:40+ Juv).
16 Swallow.
5 Sand Martin.
1 House Martin.
9 Swift.
100+House Sparrow.
5 Greenfinch.
1 Whitethroat.
1 Sedge Warbler.
4 Willow Warblers.
2 Chiffchaff.
6 Reed Bunting.
7 Collared Dove.
1 Oystercatcher.
1 Gadwall.
2 Tufted Duck.
21 Mute Swan.(inc:12 cygnets,(2x6) ).
7 Pied Wagtail. (inc: 2 juv).
60+ Black Headed Gull.
8 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
11 Herring Gull.
38 Canada Goose. (inc:14juv).

Thanks Derek.

8 Sanderling present at 5.55am this morning before flying north, represents probably the highest count here in modern times, info thanks to another site regular.

Highlights this morning include.....

Swallow
Swift
Sand martins
Sedge warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Grasshopper warbler (again, with two reeling for a short time after a couple of weeks of being mostly silent)
Willow warblers still singing beautifully
Willow tit
Oystercatcher
Gadwall
Greylag geese x6 flew throuh too just before the threat of light rain.

Ta!

This morning rounds include......

Jay
Swift
Swallow
Sand martins
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Sedge warbler
Grasshopper warbler (two reeling this morning and with a little patience, managed to see one in a thinly spread shrub)
Skylarks x2 singing but couldn't see either as one was too high up to locate on the tow path and the other was in the sun.
Dunlin x1 thanks to ian, as I almost missed, (it'll teach me to scan the area properly next time)
Oystercatcher
Pheasant
Common terns x2 for 5-10 mins
Gadwall

Ta!


-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 04:34:21 PM

10.00am - 13.OO pm. Grey cloud, still. 09c - 13c.

47 Species Including:

1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Kestrel.
1 Common Sandpiper.
100+Starling.
31 Goldfinch.
12 Chaffinch.
6 Greenfinch.
1 Pheasant.(M).
2 Sedge Warbler.
3 Willow Warbler.
1 Whitethroat.
2 Blackcap. (2F, one carrying food back).
4 Chiffchaff.
17 Swallow.
8 Sand Martin.
11 Swift.
1 Oystercatcher.
6 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
9 Herring Gull.
43 Black Headed Gull.
1 Gadwall.
2 Great Crested Grebe.
1 Tufted Duck.
11 Lapwing.
7 Reed Bunting. (2 Males constantly taking food into two nests).
4 Song Thrush.
2 Mistle Thrush.
4 Pied Wagtail.
14 Mute Swan. (Includes 7 new cygnets from one pair).

Many Thanks Derek.

Almost forgot to write my mornings report......

Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Swallow
Sand martins
Swift
Oystercatcher
Common sandpiper
Gadwall
Goosander flew through
Water rail
Mediterranean gull immature seen at distance and confirmed later by Ian

Ta!

A fairly quiet morning with the following highlights:

Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Swallow
Sand martin
Swift
Jay
Great black backed gull
Oystercatcher
Gadwall

Ta!

10.30am - 13.00pm. Mixed cloud,light breeze,09c - 12c.

46 Species Including:

1 Buzzard.
1 Kestrel.
80+ Starling.
2 Jay.
50+ House Sparrow.
26 Lapwing. (3 juv).
1 Oystercatcher.
1 Goldcrest.
1 Sedge Warbler.
2 Whitethroat.
1 Willow Warbler.
1 Blackcap.
3 Reed Bunting.
5 Chaffinch.
6 Greenfinch.
15 Goldfinch.
7 Swift.
11 Swallow.
5 Sand Martin.
1 Mistle Thrush.
1 Song Thrush.
9 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
6 Herring Gull.
35 Black Headed Gull.
41 Canada Goose. (8 new juv).
3 Great Crested Grebe.
9 Mute Swan.
4 Pied Wagtail.

Thanks Derek.

3 Sanderling and 5 Ringed Plover present early morning only.

10.30am - 13.30pm. Grey/light cloud, light breeze, 09C - 11C.

42 Species including:


2 Skylark.
2 Bullfinch. (2M).
1 Goldcrest.
1 Sedge Warbler.
1 Chiffchaff.
1 Blackcap.
5 Whitethroat.
2 Willow Warbler.
4 Reed Bunting.
11 Chaffinch.
4 Greenfinch.
21 Swift.
13 Swallow.
6 Sand Martin.
2 House Martin.
1 Grey Wagtail.
1 Mistle Thrush.
2 Song Thrush.
2 Mediterranean Gulls.
1 Kestrel.
1 Great Black Backed Gull.
8 Herring Gull.
70+ Black Headed Gull.
11 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
3 Oystercatcher.
4 Great Crested Grebe.
52 Canada Goose. ( 17 juv).
7 Mute Swan.
1 Gadwall.
14 Lapwing.(6juv).
65 Starling. (4 juv).
2 Tufted Duck.

Thanks Derek.

10.15am - 12.15pm. Mixed cloud, still, 07c-11c.

37 Species Including:

1 Sedge Warbler.
1 Goldcrest
2 Oystercatcher.
2 Willow Warbler.
1 Chiffchaff.
17 Lapwing.(3 new juv).
9 Swift.
1 Grey Wagtail.
3 Reed Bunting.
11 Sand Martin.
12 Swallow.
1 Pheasant. (M).
1 Blackcap.
4 Song Thrush. (2juv).
1 Mistle Thrush.
80+ Starling.
17 Blackbird.
39 Canada Goose. (9 new juv).
4 Greenfinch.
1 Gadwall.
8 Mute Swan.
5 Great Crested Grebe.
3 Tufted Duck.
5 Pied Wagtail.

Thanks Derek.

Highlights this morning.....

Common tern x2
Mediterranean gulls x2 (Adult found by Ian, 1st year-type bird found by myself)

Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Chiffchaff singing
Willow tit heard only
Gadwall
Oystercatcher x3
Swift (Seen them with mid-air mating aswell)
Swallow
Sand martin
House martin

Ta!

10.30am - 12.30pm. Light cloud, light breeze. 06c-10c.

39 Species Including:

2 Kestrel.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Nuthatch.
2 Whitethroat.
3 Willow Warbler.
1 Chiffchaff.
7 Swift.
10 Swallow.
27 Sand Martin.
1 Gadwall.
36 Black Headed Gull.
41 Canada Goose. (10 new Juv).
56 Mallard.(11 Juv).
9 Herring Gull.
4 Chaffinch.
9 Goldfinch.
2 Greenfinch.
5 Reed Bunting.
18 Lapwing. (4 new juv).
6 Great Crested Grebe.
7 Mute Swan.
65 Starling.
6 Pied Wagtail.

Thanks Derek.

Highlights include:

Water rail, (brief full view)
Grasshopper warbler seen well flitting in a shrub.
Sedge warbler (one landed right close to me, we were looking at each other for a couple of minutes to see who was more surprised!)
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Swift
Swallow
Sand martin
House martin
Grey wagtail
Pheasant
Jay
Blackcap
Whitethroat

Slightly on the wider area was:

Great spotted woodpecker
Dipper
Little grebe in flight.

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Friday 15th of May 2020 11:07:36 AM

At last I am back to my Bird therapy walks.

Hope everybody is safe and well.

Short 2 Hours to start with.

11.00am - 13.00pm. Light cloud, light breeze, 07c-10c.

38 Species including:

1 Buzzard.
2 Kingfisher.
1 Kestrel.
1 Pheasant. (M).
1 Willow Warbler.
1 Chiffchaff.
9 House Martin.
3 Swift.
120+ Sand Martin.
17 Swallow.
21 Lesser Black Backed Gull.
1 Common Gull.
3 Herring Gull.
6 Mute Swan.
9 Lapwing. (3 juvenile).
38 Canada goose. (8 juvenile)
17 Moorhen. (4 juvenile ).
1 Grey Wagtail.
6 Pied Wagtail.
5 Reed Bunting.
7 Great Crested Grebe.
46 Starling.
1 Jay.
37 Jackdaw (inc 1 half albino).

Thanks Derek.

Just one thing to add to Richard's sightings, spotted by Malcolm a Kingfisher flying away from Withins carrying a fish.
Cheers Ian

A nice morning, finally, we have a little more freedom with how long were out as long as it's done carefully.....

Highlights include.....

Sedge warbler
Blackcap
Willow warbler
Whitethroat
Oystercatcher
Swift
Swallow
House martin
Sand martins
Female Yellow wagtail near Old hall farm
Grey wagtail
and a pied wagtail makes this a wagtail hat trick
common sandpiper by wader point too!Gadwall

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 13th of May 2020 01:46:35 PM

Cold.... wet.... and... wet

Morning exercise produced.....

Swallow
Sand martins
House martin
Swift
Willow tit
Gadwall
Willow warbler.
Chiffchaff
Blackcap (f)
Sedge warbler
Grasshopper warbler (mostly was preening in cover)
Whitethroat
And a distant skylark was heard singing breifly after the first shower

Ta!

A very nice cold but interesting morning exercise........

Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Whitethroat
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow tit
Gadwall
Swift

Now, the swallows, sand martins and a few house martins were all landing on the wall of the reservoir and especially this was the case on the overflow section next to the sailing club. This it seems that they were having a brief rest out of that icy wind.

Ta!

Some highlights from this a.m. were 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Cheers Ian

In addition to Richard's post there were 2 Common Tern, 2 Ringed Plover, a 1st Winter/Spring Mediterranean Gull and a Common Sandpiper.

An interesting morning exercise.....

Highlights include:

Sedge warbler
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow warbler
Whitethroat
Lesser whitethroat
Buzzard
Swallow
Swifts
Sand martins
Gadwall
Common tern was heard but just missed spotting it.

Ta!

A little quieter than recent days whilst getting my exercise.....

Sedge warbler
Willow warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Swallow
Swift
Sand martins
Common tern
And a skylark singing, (for at least 30 seconds)

Ta!

Also this a.m. 1 Common Tern and a Reed Warbler at Coney reedbed also.
Cheers Ian