Redwing - c115 seen from Turn Moss briefly alighting then moving off from the trees behind Broad ees dole at 4pm.
Ian Howarth said
Mon Mar 7 5:34 PM, 2022
Lovely sunny, cool day. On the path to Jacksons Boat, 1x Greenfinch, 1 x Kestrel (f), a few Siskin, 1 passing Great Spotted Woodpecker, several Redwing, 1x Treecreeper. At/near Broad Ees Dole a passing Kingfisher, 1 x Little Grebe, several Gadwall and a close up view of some beautiful Teal.
-- Edited by Ian Howarth on Monday 7th of March 2022 07:54:54 PM
Tony Koziol said
Wed Mar 2 2:11 PM, 2022
10.00/11.30
A quick visit this morning with the highlights being three Dunnock displaying near the feeders and three Nuthatch doing the same behind the cafe near the car park.
Ian Howarth said
Mon Feb 21 6:49 PM, 2022
Couldn't get near Broad Ees Dole, even with wellies, as it was well flooded due to the River Mersey sluice gates been opened in the middle of the night. A few fallen trees due to the high winds last night. But did see 2 Redpoll amongst several Goldfinch.
Andrew Jeffery said
Thu Feb 17 12:44 PM, 2022
Highlights this morning were a flock of 40+ Siskin, 2 Goldcrests. 2 Shoveller & 9 Teal.
Andrew Jeffery said
Sun Feb 13 3:06 PM, 2022
On Broad Ees Dole in the light drizzle were 2 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 12 Grey Heron and 1 Little Grebe..
Around the feeders at the cafe 3 Bullfinch. 1 Willow Tit, 3 Nuthatch and the usual selection of other tits and parakeets also 6 Teal in the flood area below the feeders.
Andrew Jeffery said
Sun Feb 6 5:06 PM, 2022
3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 7 Goosander, 8 Gadwall & 9 Grey Heron on Broad Ees this afternoon .
Tony Koziol said
Wed Jan 5 11:51 AM, 2022
Today between 08.30/10.15. Lovely morning but icy underfoot, nice butties and brew from cafe !!
2 Willow tits on feeders near cafe, along with male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch, good flock of mixed tits, 2 Dunnock, 6 Robin, 1 Wren and 2 Ring necked Parakeets.
On the lake at least 2 Common Gull, 1 Pochard, 18 Tufted duck,12 Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swans, lots of Canada Geese and Black headed Gulls
Pete Hines said
Tue Jan 4 12:11 AM, 2022
Monday 3rd Jan
Peregrine 1 on the pylon opposite The Boathouse restaurant before circling the lake and flying north Willow Tit 2 along Cow Lane Teal 19 Pochard 1 Goosander 1 Kingfisher 1 Snipe 2 Siskin 57+
steven burke said
Fri Dec 31 10:34 PM, 2021
Afternoon visit till dusk.
38 mute swans 55 gadwall 23 tufted duck 1 goosander 4 great crested grebe 3 little grebe No sign of the pochard for me 1 Grey wagtail 2 ring necked parakeets over Usual gulls around Peregrine falcon flew over me whilst near the hide at Broad ees dole, it then perched on the pylon next to the hide for a while.
Broad ees dole..
4 Grey herons 6 goosander
Teal pool..
2 Teal 1 snipe
Harris hawk was seen across the river in top of tree on meadow pond field at chorlton ees, first time I have actually caught up with it.
Pete Hines said
Fri Dec 31 3:57 PM, 2021
Peregrine on pylon between the main Tree tops Cafe car park and the M60 junction Harris Hawk 1 continuing escapee Gadwall 54 Pochard 1 Kingfisher 2 Willow Tit 1 at feeders at Tree Tops Cafe
37 mute swans 54 gadwall 31 tufted duck 1 pochard 2 goosander 4 great crested grebes 9 cormorants Lots of Black headed gulls including a yellow darvic ringed one ETKE. Common gulls Herring gulls Lesser Black backed gulls 1 pied wagtail 1 bullfinch 1 great spotted woodpecker 2 Grey herons
Broad ees dole...
7 goosander 5 Grey herons 2 kingfishers
Teal pool...
2 Teal 1 snipe
2 goosanders on the river
Andrew Jeffery said
Fri Dec 17 5:37 PM, 2021
Broad Ees at dusk held 3 Grey Herons, 1 Shoveler (m), 11 Goosander (4m. 7f) and 3 Teal.
phillipskelly said
Thu Dec 9 4:04 PM, 2021
Today from 2pm. Visitor centre feeders . Willow tit - 2. Nuthatch - 2. Coal tit - 1. Main lake. Mute swan - 29. Gadwall - c20. Tufted duck - 15. Little grebe - 4. Grt. Crested grebe - 4. Broad Ees dole. (water level high) Snipe - 2.
Pete Hines said
Sun Dec 5 8:23 PM, 2021
Pink-footed Goose 65 > NW at 10.32 Gadwall 39 Teal 4 Tufted Duck 23 Little Grebe 9 Great Crested Grebe 7 Coot 125 Willow Tit 1 at feeders Bullfinch 8 Redpoll 6 Goldfinch 70 Siskin 5
Harris Hawk 1 (regular escapee)
Ian Howarth said
Thu Nov 25 12:42 PM, 2021
12 Teal on the little island in Broad Ees Dole and a pied wagtail. Then not far from the hide, close to the path, a cracking view of a Kingfisher in full sun, slowly doing a 360 ° turn before diving, catching its meal and eating. Several Siskin. On the feeders 1 Nuthatch and 1 Willow Tit back and forth.
Andrew Jeffery said
Mon Nov 22 2:26 PM, 2021
Late post for yesterday - not much around bar 1 Willow Tit on the feeders, but it was very busy around the River & Water Park due to the sun being out.
Also nice to see that there has been a trim around the front of the hide at Broad Ees Dole.
Paul Heaton said
Mon Nov 8 11:19 AM, 2021
Willow tits at least 3 regularly visting the bird feeders , along with nuthatches and coal tits
Several goldcrest, and 5 Bullfinches today.
Kingfisher in the brook app the sluice gates .
main lake holds large Swan geese and coot numbers all 50 plus .
broad ees dole is overgrown and a mess but has bits and bobs on it
Keep birding
Andrew Jeffery said
Sat Nov 6 2:17 PM, 2021
Highlights this morning were 4 Willow Tits viewed on the feeders whilst I was having a well earned espresso stop.
Paul Heaton said
Thu Oct 28 3:10 PM, 2021
Nothing on the Egret front at Sale water park today , stroll round with Tim Wilcock , Kingfisher on the Teal pool the dole was quite .
Keep Birding
Paul Heaton said
Wed Oct 27 11:32 AM, 2021
100 + Pinkfooted geese over this morning.
40 Mute swans
Several Goldcrest today
Coots high numbers as were BH Gulls with 4 lesser black backed gull
Gadwall 26
and lots of regular birds ... Keep Birding
Peter Yendle said
Mon Sep 13 10:53 AM, 2021
Saturday, 11-Sep, there was a Great Egret on Broad Ees Dole at 17:30. Horrible record shot attached.
Also there were 3 Eurasian Teal and 6 Gadwall, along with the usual supporting cast. (Full list on eBird.)
Apologies for the delayed post; I had to wait to sign up for the forum.
Mediterranean Gull 3 adults together on Broad Ees Dole this afternoon. Assuming two of these were recorded on Turn Moss this morning that's 4 birds in the area including the 2nd summer at TM.
brenden preece said
Fri Jun 18 7:07 PM, 2021
Yesterday 17th June : Broad Ees Dole : A juvenile Ruff on the Island
Ian Howarth said
Mon May 24 10:27 PM, 2021
8 p.m. Near Broad Ees Dole. 1 x Reed Bunting (F).
Ian Howarth said
Sun May 9 2:24 PM, 2021
Sun 09May21. 12.30 p.m. Broad Ees Dole hide. 5 x Herons on the tiny island or within 1.5m (one was a juvenile) plus another Heron about 30m away. 1 x Little Grebe. 1 Buzzard being harassed by crows.
Pete Hines said
Sat May 8 5:50 PM, 2021
Common Sandpiper 8 together on the islands opposite the restaurant
Steven Heywood said
Sun May 2 10:52 PM, 2021
17:00 - 17:50
40 sand martins and 4 swallows feeding over the lake
Fledgling pied wagtail being fed at the lake side
Pair of goosander on Broad Ees Dole
Huw Morgan said
Fri Apr 23 6:16 PM, 2021
Quick wander late afternoon
1 Common Sandpiper at the sailing club 10 Blackcap 7 Chiffchaff 1 Willow Warbler 1 Swallow 2 Little Grebe 1 Goosander (female) along the flood channel
Huw Morgan said
Wed Apr 21 8:33 PM, 2021
Common Sandpiper on the Mersey by Sale Ees whilst on my run this evening.
Richard Barnard said
Thu Apr 15 1:55 PM, 2021
Broad Ees Dole Hide (10:00 this morning)
1 x Common Sandpiper
3 x Little Grebe
1 x Teal
1 x Kingfisher
John Shaughnessy said
Mon Apr 12 8:44 PM, 2021
Kittiwake present to 1910hrs., when it flew off with five L. B.-b. Gulls, heading towards Trafford Park / Salford Quays.
Huw Morgan said
Mon Apr 12 6:25 PM, 2021
Kittiwake still showing well at 18:00 but getting harassed by the Herring Gulls.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 12th of April 2021 06:55:31 PM
Connor Rand said
Mon Apr 12 5:09 PM, 2021
Enjoyed spending some time with the 2nd cy Kittiwake in front of the boat house this afternoon. Wonderful views.
Morning visit with John Shaughnessy. Second year kittiwake on the water polo court.
John Shaughnessy said
Sun Apr 11 11:40 PM, 2021
Got down to see the Whooper Swans at 1015hrs., they were in the centre of the lake as quite a tight group, looking alert and a bit ill at ease, perhaps because of the increasing number of people around the lake, and the paddle boards and canoes etc. at the east end of the lake; I did notice a powerboat being prepared for going onto the lake.
Ten minutes or so later, the powerboat did a high speed circuit round the main body of the lake. The Whooper Swans were clearly disturbed by this, and four birds took off in alarm, gaining height and moving away from the area used by the boat. This took them directly towards the powerlines along the north side of the lake, the section from B.E.D. over the river to Stretford Ees. Getting closer to the cables, they clearly saw the hazard, and tried to slow down and turn away. This they succeeded in doing, and all four turned and descended back towards the lake, landing back with the other eighteen swans.
A further high speed run by the powerboat caused panic, with initially four birds taking flight, then followed by the rest of the group fragmenting, individuals and small groups taking off over the course of several seconds. The first four birds strove for height, and again approached the powerlines. Three of the birds managed to slow down and either turn back or manoeuvre a way through. The other bird struck one of the cables, and dropped vertically, showing no sign of struggle, out of sight either into or behind the trees at B.E.D. All the eighteen other birds seemed to go generally eastwards, somewhat scattered. I think all managed to get through the powerlines in that direction, but I doubt if they all found each other again.
I decided to try and find the fallen bird, and set off round the lake. After a few minutes I noticed one of the Whooper Swans still on the lake, swimming towards the eastern part; I assumed one bird had returned. A couple of minutes later, it took off and flew eastward. Then I searched Stretford Ees, the riverbanks, and the bits of B.E.D. wood I could get into, but no swan, so I gave up. Later, I received a text: "the Whooper came clattering out of the wood through the willows. Met two dogs on the path but neither made contact. It swam back onto the water only for a real near miss with the speedboat. It then swam up the lake. No visible sign of damage". So, it survived, and was the lone bird I had seen.
Birds don't get much of a chance on the lake. Four pairs of Great Crested Grebe are present; last week, the only active nest was washed away by waves from high speed jet-skis, as was the Little Grebe nest. One of the pairs of Kingfisher appears to have gone after boating activity in one area, similarly, one of the G.C. Grebe pairs has given up at the eastern end of the lake. Even the Mute Swans (34 at the moment) have to be wary of attempted attacks by uncontrolled dogs; a daily event I think.
On a brighter note: over 50 species today, including fem. Wheatear, the Sedge Warbler still in the same bush as when I first saw it on 3rd, and double figures of both Chiffchaff and Blackcap. The Great Tit which sings exactly like a Willow Tit is still active by B.E.D. hide (I have seen W. Tit there this week though), and the Great Tit which calls like a Common Sandpiper is still in B.E.D. wood.
Pete Hines said
Sun Apr 11 1:04 PM, 2021
Whooper Swan 22 until flushed by a powerboat at 10.39, when 21 departed, one remained for another 10 minutes before also being flushed.
Common Scoter 1 ( found by an experienced local birdwatcher earlier that day).
By the time I got to the main lake it was getting dark and I found the Scoter at 7pm lost it,went to the motorway side of the lake and re- found it at 7.20pm. Although it was dark,the white clouds were reflecting off the water surface plus a bit of light from the motorway helped. Also at that time were 3 Great crested grebe on the water and a Moorhen close to the bank. Earlier 2 Mute swan were seen building a nest close by.
Lovely sunny, cool day. On the path to Jacksons Boat, 1x Greenfinch, 1 x Kestrel (f), a few Siskin, 1 passing Great Spotted Woodpecker, several Redwing, 1x Treecreeper. At/near Broad Ees Dole a passing Kingfisher, 1 x Little Grebe, several Gadwall and a close up view of some beautiful Teal.
-- Edited by Ian Howarth on Monday 7th of March 2022 07:54:54 PM
10.00/11.30
A quick visit this morning with the highlights being three Dunnock displaying near the feeders and three Nuthatch doing the same behind the cafe near the car park.
Today between 08.30/10.15. Lovely morning but icy underfoot, nice butties and brew from cafe !!
2 Willow tits on feeders near cafe, along with male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch, good flock of mixed tits, 2 Dunnock, 6 Robin, 1 Wren and 2 Ring necked Parakeets.
On the lake at least 2 Common Gull, 1 Pochard, 18 Tufted duck,12 Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swans, lots of Canada Geese and Black headed Gulls
Peregrine 1 on the pylon opposite The Boathouse restaurant before circling the lake and flying north
Willow Tit 2 along Cow Lane
Teal 19
Pochard 1
Goosander 1
Kingfisher 1
Snipe 2
Siskin 57+
38 mute swans
55 gadwall
23 tufted duck
1 goosander
4 great crested grebe
3 little grebe
No sign of the pochard for me
1 Grey wagtail
2 ring necked parakeets over
Usual gulls around
Peregrine falcon flew over me whilst near the hide at Broad ees dole, it then perched on the pylon next to the hide for a while.
Broad ees dole..
4 Grey herons
6 goosander
Teal pool..
2 Teal
1 snipe
Harris hawk was seen across the river in top of tree on meadow pond field at chorlton ees, first time I have actually caught up with it.
Harris Hawk 1 continuing escapee
Gadwall 54
Pochard 1
Kingfisher 2
Willow Tit 1 at feeders at Tree Tops Cafe
37 mute swans
54 gadwall
31 tufted duck
1 pochard
2 goosander
4 great crested grebes
9 cormorants
Lots of Black headed gulls including a yellow darvic ringed one ETKE.
Common gulls
Herring gulls
Lesser Black backed gulls
1 pied wagtail
1 bullfinch
1 great spotted woodpecker
2 Grey herons
Broad ees dole...
7 goosander
5 Grey herons
2 kingfishers
Teal pool...
2 Teal
1 snipe
2 goosanders on the river
Visitor centre feeders .
Willow tit - 2.
Nuthatch - 2.
Coal tit - 1.
Main lake.
Mute swan - 29.
Gadwall - c20.
Tufted duck - 15.
Little grebe - 4.
Grt. Crested grebe - 4.
Broad Ees dole.
(water level high)
Snipe - 2.
Gadwall 39
Teal 4
Tufted Duck 23
Little Grebe 9
Great Crested Grebe 7
Coot 125
Willow Tit 1 at feeders
Bullfinch 8
Redpoll 6
Goldfinch 70
Siskin 5
Harris Hawk 1 (regular escapee)
Late post for yesterday - not much around bar 1 Willow Tit on the feeders, but it was very busy around the River & Water Park due to the sun being out.
Also nice to see that there has been a trim around the front of the hide at Broad Ees Dole.
Willow tits at least 3 regularly visting the bird feeders , along with nuthatches and coal tits
Several goldcrest, and 5 Bullfinches today.
Kingfisher in the brook app the sluice gates .
main lake holds large Swan geese and coot numbers all 50 plus .
broad ees dole is overgrown and a mess but has bits and bobs on it
Keep birding
Nothing on the Egret front at Sale water park today , stroll round with Tim Wilcock , Kingfisher on the Teal pool the dole was quite .
Keep Birding
100 + Pinkfooted geese over this morning.
40 Mute swans
Several Goldcrest today
Coots high numbers as were BH Gulls with 4 lesser black backed gull
Gadwall 26
and lots of regular birds ... Keep Birding
Saturday, 11-Sep, there was a Great Egret on Broad Ees Dole at 17:30. Horrible record shot attached.
Also there were 3 Eurasian Teal and 6 Gadwall, along with the usual supporting cast. (Full list on eBird.)
Apologies for the delayed post; I had to wait to sign up for the forum.
Pochard 1 Broad Ees Dole
Gadwall 9 Broad Ees Dole
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Tuesday 24th of August 2021 08:44:10 PM
17:00 - 17:50
1 Common Sandpiper at the sailing club
10 Blackcap
7 Chiffchaff
1 Willow Warbler
1 Swallow
2 Little Grebe
1 Goosander (female) along the flood channel
Broad Ees Dole Hide (10:00 this morning)
1 x Common Sandpiper
3 x Little Grebe
1 x Teal
1 x Kingfisher
Kittiwake present to 1910hrs., when it flew off with five L. B.-b. Gulls, heading towards Trafford Park / Salford Quays.
Kittiwake still showing well at 18:00 but getting harassed by the Herring Gulls.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 12th of April 2021 06:55:31 PM
Enjoyed spending some time with the 2nd cy Kittiwake in front of the boat house this afternoon. Wonderful views.
Kittiwake showing well 16:45
-- Edited by Tony Coatsworth on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:42:13 PM
Morning visit with John Shaughnessy. Second year kittiwake on the water polo court.
Got down to see the Whooper Swans at 1015hrs., they were in the centre of the lake as quite a tight group, looking alert and a bit ill at ease, perhaps because of the increasing number of people around the lake, and the paddle boards and canoes etc. at the east end of the lake; I did notice a powerboat being prepared for going onto the lake.
Ten minutes or so later, the powerboat did a high speed circuit round the main body of the lake. The Whooper Swans were clearly disturbed by this, and four birds took off in alarm, gaining height and moving away from the area used by the boat. This took them directly towards the powerlines along the north side of the lake, the section from B.E.D. over the river to Stretford Ees. Getting closer to the cables, they clearly saw the hazard, and tried to slow down and turn away. This they succeeded in doing, and all four turned and descended back towards the lake, landing back with the other eighteen swans.
A further high speed run by the powerboat caused panic, with initially four birds taking flight, then followed by the rest of the group fragmenting, individuals and small groups taking off over the course of several seconds. The first four birds strove for height, and again approached the powerlines. Three of the birds managed to slow down and either turn back or manoeuvre a way through. The other bird struck one of the cables, and dropped vertically, showing no sign of struggle, out of sight either into or behind the trees at B.E.D. All the eighteen other birds seemed to go generally eastwards, somewhat scattered. I think all managed to get through the powerlines in that direction, but I doubt if they all found each other again.
I decided to try and find the fallen bird, and set off round the lake. After a few minutes I noticed one of the Whooper Swans still on the lake, swimming towards the eastern part; I assumed one bird had returned. A couple of minutes later, it took off and flew eastward. Then I searched Stretford Ees, the riverbanks, and the bits of B.E.D. wood I could get into, but no swan, so I gave up. Later, I received a text: "the Whooper came clattering out of the wood through the willows. Met two dogs on the path but neither made contact. It swam back onto the water only for a real near miss with the speedboat. It then swam up the lake. No visible sign of damage". So, it survived, and was the lone bird I had seen.
Birds don't get much of a chance on the lake. Four pairs of Great Crested Grebe are present; last week, the only active nest was washed away by waves from high speed jet-skis, as was the Little Grebe nest. One of the pairs of Kingfisher appears to have gone after boating activity in one area, similarly, one of the G.C. Grebe pairs has given up at the eastern end of the lake. Even the Mute Swans (34 at the moment) have to be wary of attempted attacks by uncontrolled dogs; a daily event I think.
On a brighter note: over 50 species today, including fem. Wheatear, the Sedge Warbler still in the same bush as when I first saw it on 3rd, and double figures of both Chiffchaff and Blackcap. The Great Tit which sings exactly like a Willow Tit is still active by B.E.D. hide (I have seen W. Tit there this week though), and the Great Tit which calls like a Common Sandpiper is still in B.E.D. wood.
Willow Tit 1 singing, viewed from SJ 807 926.
Raven 2 over Mersey heading south, to Carrington Moss presumably.
Chiffchaff 4 singing.
Blackcap 3 singing.
Sand Martin 5
Reed Bunting 1 male.
Kingfisher 1
Teal 11
Gadwall 3
Great Crested Grebe 2
Little Grebe 3
Grey Heron 6
etc.etc.etc.
Sand martin - c100.
Swallow - 5.
Great crested grebe - 2.
Drake Garganey still showing well early evening though mobile.
Earlier in the week (1/4) singing Willow Tit near the carpark and 2 Redpoll.
-- Edited by Connor Rand on Sunday 4th of April 2021 07:05:27 PM
Raven 1
Buzzard 1
Drake Garganey on Broad Ees Dole at 1-1:30pm
Info thanks to Bill Sellwood
Common Scoter 1 ( found by an experienced local birdwatcher earlier that day).
By the time I got to the main lake it was getting dark and I found the Scoter at 7pm lost it,went to the motorway side of the lake and re- found it at 7.20pm.
Although it was dark,the white clouds were reflecting off the water surface plus a bit of light from the motorway helped. Also at that time were 3 Great crested grebe on the water and a Moorhen close to the bank.
Earlier 2 Mute swan were seen building a nest close by.