Tawny Owl seen around 6:00am this morning in woods between Westwood Flash and the canal
Ian Woosey said
Fri May 9 7:02 PM, 2008
Whilst filming the Cattle Egret, Jake had a Marsh Harrier over Horrock`s. It flew towards Bamfurlong. Time would be about 14:35
Grey plover was still present at 16:00 but no sign of Egret.
Cetti`s seen well at 16:45
2 Little Ringed Plovers present this morning, plus 2 Oystercatchers.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 9 4:21 PM, 2008
The Cattle egret is still present in the field opposite Horrock's Flash this early afternoon atleast.
Info thanks to Jake Moot.
Simon Warford said
Fri May 9 2:20 PM, 2008
GREY PLOVER - still present Horrocks Flash approx 12.30pm (info from Riggers)
CETTI'S WARBLER - showed well a couple of times along the edge of Hawkley reedbed 9-10.30.
Alan Warford said
Fri May 9 8:46 AM, 2008
Summer plumage GREY PLOVER at Horrocks Flash 0845 at least Also Ringed Plover
Info from Simon
-- Edited by Alan Warford at 10:59, 2008-05-09
Ian McKerchar said
Thu May 8 8:50 PM, 2008
First summer Little Gull on Scotmans Flash late this evening.
Info thanks to Dave Broome
Ian Woosey said
Thu May 8 10:39 AM, 2008
8/5/08 (05:30-09:30)
CETTI`S singing but not showing at all - Hawkley Reedbed,
Garden Warbler opp Bryn Flash along canal, at least 3 Grasshopper Warblers reeling from various locations - good views of one at Moss Bridge, at least 12 Common Terns on Horrock`s. Greylags with 9 goslings & Canada`s with 5 opp Horrock`s. Barnacle also present.
Geoff Hargreaves said
Tue May 6 9:53 PM, 2008
just back from horrocks after a quick look on the front pool only no, egret found but i didn,t see the barnacle or pink foot either and the fields are full of canada mostly showing from neck up so it could still be around.
on the canal 4 grey lag with 10 chicks 2 canada with 6 chicks
cheers geoff
Keith Pilling said
Tue May 6 9:53 PM, 2008
Bryn / Ochre Flash and reedbed areas this evening, Garden Warbler, Blackcap,Reed Warbler,Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler( heard not seen),Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff,Reed Bunting and a pair of Bullfinches .
Ian McKerchar said
Tue May 6 5:19 PM, 2008
Brian Harding wrote:
you can always just follow the canal from pennington to wigan flashes if you have a bike, or like a walk.
i think its about 4 or 5 miles, and that will take you through abram flashes etc as well.
Now that sir is THE only way to get there as far as I'm concerned and what a way, non stop birding. Great suggestion
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar at 17:20, 2008-05-06
Tim Wilcox said
Tue May 6 12:56 PM, 2008
Phil - on my one visit to Abram Flashes along the canal from the Dover pub the 'towpath' is not metalled and can be very muddy in parts if it's wet so if biking a mountain bike or hybrid would be best and boots not shoes if walking. That said the weather looks set fair this week and it should dry out.
I've only just started to explore some of this excellent chain of bodies of water fronm Wigan to Leigh when I get acces to my mate Tony's car. Lucky people who live within waling or biking distance.
Ian Woosey said
Tue May 6 11:16 AM, 2008
6/5/08 (06:15-09:45)
CETTIS WARBLER seen well again, Hawkley Reedbed @ 06:30
fem MARSH HARRIER again, being chased NW over Bryn, Hawkley, and Scotman`s @ 07:30
Ringed Plover on Horrock`s Flash, 2 Oycs also.
No sign of Cattle Egret (though it COULD still be in the field opp Horrock`s hidden from view over the ridge).
Brian Harding said
Tue May 6 9:38 AM, 2008
you can always just follow the canal from pennington to wigan flashes if you have a bike, or like a walk.
i think its about 4 or 5 miles, and that will take you through abram flashes etc as well.
Phil Owen said
Tue May 6 8:39 AM, 2008
Thanks for that.
Is the Garganey at the same place too or is this elsewhere??
Phil
brian fielding said
Tue May 6 7:58 AM, 2008
from pennington turn right at the entrance then right on a580 east lancs to m6, go north on m6 to a49 wigan, left at roundabout then right at next roundabout onto poolstock lane, turn right at first lights, park at the end of the road nr hawkley school. you will see the path onto the flashes, the cettis warbler is on the right of the path before the bridge, for the egret go over canal bridge and turn right, follow for aprox half a mile to view flash on left after railway bridge, also gets into field on other side of canal.
Phil Owen said
Mon May 5 11:33 PM, 2008
Will try my luck at Pennington tomorrow.
Could anyone one give me quick directions from Pennington to the Wigan Flashes please.
Thanks
Phil
Judith Smith said
Mon May 5 8:46 PM, 2008
The egret still present at 5pm. If not showing on the flash, look on the fields on the other side of the canal, where it was consorting with numerous Greylags, Canadas and our old friends the Barnacle and Pinkfoot duo.
Simon Warford said
Mon May 5 5:23 PM, 2008
no sign of Cattle Egret 1.30-3.30pm but could be still about, drake Garganey showing well back right of Horrocks looking from canal.
Judith Smith said
Mon May 5 3:20 PM, 2008
Some of us have now seen all 3 white egrets on Horrocks Flash...
Jimmy Meadows said
Mon May 5 2:14 PM, 2008
yahoo finally got the holy grail cracking views of the cettis warbler and even better views of the cattle egret today than yday 2 county lifers
Craig Higson said
Mon May 5 12:39 PM, 2008
Just to say it was nice to finally put some faces to 'avatars' this morning. Cattle Egret is a cracker - best views I've had of one for a long long time. Marsh harrier was good too - only my third ever in GM.
-- Edited by Craig Higson at 18:12, 2008-05-05
Paul Heaton said
Mon May 5 11:47 AM, 2008
Ian Woosey wrote:
5/5/08 (05:30-10:15)
Is this Minsmere ????...........no, it`s WIGAN !
No its Mankymere nice views this morning and no brollies needed.
well done on harrier Mr Woosey keep me in mind when you see the next one still need it for county list.
keep birding
Ian Woosey said
Mon May 5 10:35 AM, 2008
5/5/08 (05:30-10:15)
Is this Minsmere ????...........no, it`s WIGAN !
CATTLE EGRET still present, commuting between Horrock`s Flash and the field opposite,
CETTI`S WARBLER- corner of Hawkley Reedbed (nr. screen) @ 05:40 - crippling views as it sang, preened and fed........at one point it even brewed up !
fem MARSH HARRIER - over Horrock`s Flash @ 09:40 and headed towards Turner`s Flash.
drake GARGANEY - flew in to Horrock`s @ 07:15 but soon disappeared in the channels at the back.
brian fielding said
Mon May 5 8:33 AM, 2008
cattle egret still present this morning on horrocks, im of back to wales now!
Mark Rigby said
Mon May 5 12:08 AM, 2008
Cattle Egret made up for dipping the Alpine Swift yesterday
Stonking Black Terns as well!!
Then for a fast car to Audy
Mr Woosey- I hope thats not the lucky hat you are taking off
-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 00:10, 2008-05-05
brian fielding said
Mon May 5 12:02 AM, 2008
after a manic drive from anglessey still managed to miss the cattle egret by 5 mins, 3 black terns on horrocks and cettis singing nr viewing screen, maybe going to wales this weekend was a bad idea! and to add insult to injury sat for 2 hours on the m60 after it was closed at whitefield, nightmare!
Ian Woosey said
Sun May 4 10:57 PM, 2008
Hats off to young Mr Thorpe. The first record for the Wigan Flashes.
Great find pal
Paul Heaton said
Sun May 4 10:40 PM, 2008
The egret was seen tonight around 7.30 very briefly behind one of the islands I was expecting it to come around the other side but it disappeared
Hats off to Mr fielding who arrived straight from wales without his bins now that what i call keen
Despite Judith Smith mounting an attack along the left bank we were unable to relocated it again, but we were brave with our brollies and stayed to watch the sunset on what must be the finest birding weekend for ages and it aint over yet.
keep biring
Ian McKerchar said
Sun May 4 8:03 PM, 2008
cattle egret still present 7:30pm on horrocks
Geoff Hargreaves said
Sun May 4 6:11 PM, 2008
horrocks flash cattle egret still present 18.00 black terns showing well
cheers geoff
Ian McKerchar said
Sun May 4 4:20 PM, 2008
Cattle Egret on Horrock's Flash 4:10 pm atleast, viewed from the canal, also 3 Black Terns present.
Info thanks to Rob Thorpe
Geoff Hargreaves said
Sun May 4 11:58 AM, 2008
sunday am cetti,s still at hawkley (heard only) shelduck on scotmans black tern on (county lifer)horrocks and very wet
cheers geoff
Rob Thorpe said
Sat May 3 2:26 PM, 2008
Saturday 3 May 2008
Peregrine - high and south over Horrock's Flash 11:30
Cetti's Warbler - showing really well along the north edge of Hawkley reed-bed
3 Lesser Whitethroat - one in the hedge between Bryn Marsh and the fields to the south, one between Ochre Flash and Hawkley reed-bed and one at Moss Bridge.
1 Garden Warbler - along the canal towpath at Bryn Marsh
2 Grasshopper Warbler - one near Moss Bridge and the other near that big concrete thing at Pearson's Flash
Lots of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willows and Chiffs.
8 Common Tern - 4 pairs at Horrock's Flash
also heard a Cuckoo on the old land-fill site, but couldn't find it...
Ian Woosey said
Fri May 2 11:12 AM, 2008
2/5/08 (05:45-10:45)
CETTI`S WARBLER singing near the screen at Hawkley Reedbed.
BLACK TERN again on Horrock`s Flash @ 08:10 though briefly.
Lesser Whitethroat & Garden Warbler in same Hawthorn bush - Moss Bridge, Oystercatcher over Scotman`s, 2 Willow Tits round Ochre Flash, usual assortment of Geese on Horrock`s.
Geoff Hargreaves said
Thu May 1 10:17 PM, 2008
horrocks flash till gone dark,not for me the lure of an easy black tern from the comfort of a hide,and yet another quid in the tax machine,spent a hour or so rooted in on one spot watching the perching posts at the back, result
4 common tern 1 herring gull 5 oystercatchers 1 pochard 2 little grebe, loads of other stuff coming in and not another soul to myther me,bliss
cheers geoff
Ian Woosey said
Thu May 1 10:04 PM, 2008
No, not counted the Barnacle, but the Pink-foot is fair game....................like the Lobby-Gobbling Mandarin !
Craig Higson said
Thu May 1 9:21 PM, 2008
Ian Woosey wrote:
Judith Smith wrote:
Ian, you forgot the Barnacle's Pinkfooted friend!
Must have overlooked him !..............still, nice to know he/she will still be around for my 24hr May-hem assault. Have you Lobby-Gobblers got one ??????
The escaped Barnie and lost pinkfoot - You're not seriously considering counting these two are you Ian My my, how low can you go
Lobby Gobbler = someone from Leigh (which I'm not, just that Pennington is pure quality compared to other unnamed sites).
Edits cause I cant spell -- Edited by Craig Higson at 21:23, 2008-05-01
-- Edited by Craig Higson at 21:23, 2008-05-01
Dean Macdonald said
Thu May 1 9:16 PM, 2008
Lobby- Gobblers?????? Translation please Ian
Ian Woosey said
Thu May 1 8:06 PM, 2008
Judith Smith wrote:
Ian, you forgot the Barnacle's Pinkfooted friend!
Must have overlooked him !..............still, nice to know he/she will still be around for my 24hr May-hem assault. Have you Lobby-Gobblers got one ??????
Judith Smith said
Thu May 1 7:26 PM, 2008
Ian, you forgot the Barnacle's Pinkfooted friend!
Ian Woosey said
Thu May 1 10:59 AM, 2008
1/5/08 (06:00-10:30)
ad BLACK TERN flew in to Horrock`s Flash @ 08:20 and stayed for 20 mins or so.
Heard Jimmy`s Cuckoo, but it sounds to have relocated somewhere near to Bryn Marsh.
Jimmy Meadows said
Sun Apr 27 10:37 AM, 2008
this a.m wet scotmans 1 cuckoo 40+swifts 6 house martins 10+swallows 6 l b b gulls pochard pearsons 100+sandmartins 6 gadwall 6 pochard no sign of garganey but no self respecting garganey would be out on a morning like this 1 grey wagtail
Brian Harding said
Sat Apr 26 10:23 PM, 2008
Phil Owen wrote:
Can someone please give me directions to the Wigan Flashes from the M6.
I will be coming from the M56 AT Manchester Airport.
come off junction 25, first exit on the left onto the dual carriageway, get into the right hand lane, turn right at the roundabout, then right onto carr lane at the traffic lights, keep going til you reach the school and the entrance is right next to it. its only a short distance.
to get to pearsons you would have to follow the footpath, cross moss bridge, turn left up the canal path and it will be on your right.
Phil Owen said
Sat Apr 26 9:19 PM, 2008
Can someone please give me directions to the Wigan Flashes from the M6.
I will be coming from the M56 AT Manchester Airport.
Also Pearson's Flash??
Thanks
Phil
Robert Adderley said
Sat Apr 26 7:28 PM, 2008
26.4.08 late am/early pm
CETTI'S WARBLER singing by the path near Hawkley Reedbed before the first bridge and showed well perched (albeit briefly) on 2 occasions during our visit.
GARGANEY - male still on Pearson's flash.
Reed Warbler at least 6 on the Hawkley side of Scotman's Flash and the canal side of Pearsons.
Judith Smith said
Fri Apr 25 8:26 PM, 2008
By midday the Garganey had moved over to Scotman's Flash by that daft structure which is supposed to be pitgear, in the inlet at the south end. Also heard the Cettis (from the canal at Pearson's) which apparently has moved over there, too. Masses of Little Grebes - 5 pairs on Pearson's and at least 3 on Scotman's.
Tony Coatsworth said
Fri Apr 25 7:40 PM, 2008
Cetti's at Marbury earlier this week - lets hope it flies Wigan way !
Steve Collins said
Fri Apr 25 7:06 PM, 2008
My thanks and a pint to Mr Woosey too for the Garganey this morning, giving me a county tick. 3 grasshopper warblers (1 showing well in a bush) reeling in addition to the plentiful Reed Warblers and Whitethroats around. I didn't hear any Sedge Warblers though. Parked near the cemetery so didn't get over for the Cettis - save for next time! Steve
Grey plover was still present at 16:00 but no sign of Egret.
Cetti`s seen well at 16:45
2 Little Ringed Plovers present this morning, plus 2 Oystercatchers.
Info thanks to Jake Moot.
CETTI'S WARBLER - showed well a couple of times along the edge of Hawkley reedbed 9-10.30.
Also Ringed Plover
Info from Simon
-- Edited by Alan Warford at 10:59, 2008-05-09
Info thanks to Dave Broome
CETTI`S singing but not showing at all - Hawkley Reedbed,
Garden Warbler opp Bryn Flash along canal,
at least 3 Grasshopper Warblers reeling from various locations - good views of one at Moss Bridge,
at least 12 Common Terns on Horrock`s.
Greylags with 9 goslings & Canada`s with 5 opp Horrock`s. Barnacle also present.
on the canal 4 grey lag with 10 chicks 2 canada with 6 chicks
cheers geoff
Now that sir is THE only way to get there as far as I'm concerned and what a way, non stop birding. Great suggestion
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar at 17:20, 2008-05-06
I've only just started to explore some of this excellent chain of bodies of water fronm Wigan to Leigh when I get acces to my mate Tony's car. Lucky people who live within waling or biking distance.
CETTIS WARBLER seen well again, Hawkley Reedbed @ 06:30
fem MARSH HARRIER again, being chased NW over Bryn, Hawkley, and Scotman`s @ 07:30
Ringed Plover on Horrock`s Flash,
2 Oycs also.
No sign of Cattle Egret (though it COULD still be in the field opp Horrock`s hidden from view over the ridge).
i think its about 4 or 5 miles, and that will take you through abram flashes etc as well.
Is the Garganey at the same place too or is this elsewhere??
Phil
Could anyone one give me quick directions from Pennington to the Wigan Flashes please.
Thanks
Phil
-- Edited by Craig Higson at 18:12, 2008-05-05
Is this Minsmere ????...........no, it`s WIGAN !
CATTLE EGRET still present, commuting between Horrock`s Flash and the field opposite,
CETTI`S WARBLER- corner of Hawkley Reedbed (nr. screen) @ 05:40 - crippling views as it sang, preened and fed........at one point it even brewed up !
fem MARSH HARRIER - over Horrock`s Flash @ 09:40 and headed towards Turner`s Flash.
drake GARGANEY - flew in to Horrock`s @ 07:15 but soon disappeared in the channels at the back.
Stonking Black Terns as well!!
Then for a fast car to Audy
Mr Woosey- I hope thats not the lucky hat you are taking off
-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 00:10, 2008-05-05
Great find pal
Hats off to Mr fielding who arrived straight from wales without his bins now that what i call keen
Despite Judith Smith mounting an attack along the left bank we were unable to relocated it again, but we were brave with our brollies and stayed to watch the sunset on what must be the finest birding weekend for ages and it aint over yet.
keep biring
cheers geoff
Info thanks to Rob Thorpe
black tern on (county lifer
cheers geoff
Peregrine - high and south over Horrock's Flash 11:30
Cetti's Warbler - showing really well along the north edge of Hawkley reed-bed
3 Lesser Whitethroat - one in the hedge between Bryn Marsh and the fields to the south, one between Ochre Flash and Hawkley reed-bed and one at Moss Bridge.
1 Garden Warbler - along the canal towpath at Bryn Marsh
2 Grasshopper Warbler - one near Moss Bridge and the other near that big concrete thing at Pearson's Flash
Lots of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willows and Chiffs.
8 Common Tern - 4 pairs at Horrock's Flash
also heard a Cuckoo on the old land-fill site, but couldn't find it...
CETTI`S WARBLER singing near the screen at Hawkley Reedbed.
BLACK TERN again on Horrock`s Flash @ 08:10 though briefly.
Lesser Whitethroat & Garden Warbler in same Hawthorn bush - Moss Bridge,
Oystercatcher over Scotman`s,
2 Willow Tits round Ochre Flash,
usual assortment of Geese on Horrock`s.
watching the perching posts at the back, result
4 common tern
1 herring gull
5 oystercatchers
1 pochard
2 little grebe, loads of other stuff coming in and not another soul to myther me,bliss
cheers geoff
The escaped Barnie and lost pinkfoot - You're not seriously considering counting these two are you Ian
Lobby Gobbler = someone from Leigh (which I'm not, just that Pennington is pure quality compared to other unnamed sites).
Edits cause I cant spell
-- Edited by Craig Higson at 21:23, 2008-05-01
-- Edited by Craig Higson at 21:23, 2008-05-01
Lobby- Gobblers?????? Translation please Ian
Must have overlooked him !..............still, nice to know he/she will still be around for my 24hr May-hem assault. Have you Lobby-Gobblers got one ??????
ad BLACK TERN flew in to Horrock`s Flash @ 08:20 and stayed for 20 mins or so.
Common Sandpiper,
Garden Warbler,
4 Oycs,
13 Greylags,
Lesser Redpoll,
Barnacle Goose.
CETTI`S WARBLER singing just to the left of the screen at Hawkley Reedbed feeding station.
Horrocks Flash :
4 Swift,
8+ Common Terns,
8 Greylags,
Barnacle Goose,
2 Kingfisher.
Heard Jimmy`s Cuckoo, but it sounds to have relocated somewhere near to Bryn Marsh.
scotmans
1 cuckoo
40+swifts
6 house martins
10+swallows 6 l b b gulls
pochard
pearsons
100+sandmartins
6 gadwall
6 pochard
no sign of garganey but no self respecting garganey would be out on a morning like this
1 grey wagtail
this map should help...
http://www.lancswt.org.uk/Our%20Reserves/reserve%20maps/wigan_flashes_map.htm
come off junction 25, first exit on the left onto the dual carriageway, get into the right hand lane, turn right at the roundabout, then right onto carr lane at the traffic lights, keep going til you reach the school and the entrance is right next to it. its only a short distance.
to get to pearsons you would have to follow the footpath, cross moss bridge, turn left up the canal path and it will be on your right.
I will be coming from the M56 AT Manchester Airport.
Also Pearson's Flash??
Thanks
Phil
CETTI'S WARBLER singing by the path near Hawkley Reedbed before the first bridge and showed well perched (albeit briefly) on 2 occasions during our visit.
GARGANEY - male still on Pearson's flash.
Reed Warbler at least 6 on the Hawkley side of Scotman's Flash and the canal side of Pearsons.
Masses of Little Grebes - 5 pairs on Pearson's and at least 3 on Scotman's.
3 grasshopper warblers (1 showing well in a bush) reeling in addition to the plentiful Reed Warblers and Whitethroats around. I didn't hear any Sedge Warblers though. Parked near the cemetery so didn't get over for the Cettis - save for next time!
Steve