Velvet Scoter still present today, also a Redshank.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Dec 4 9:59 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still with us today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Dec 3 6:49 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present and correct today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Steven Nelson said
Sun Dec 2 5:16 PM, 2018
The Velvet Scoter still showing very close at times actively diving and occasionally resting. Still present when I left at 3.00pm and looks very settled. Also 1 Goldeneye (male) amongst the Tufted Duck.
phillipskelly said
Sun Dec 2 3:36 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present when I left at 2:40pm today. ps . nice to meet Pam and Graham .
Craig Higson said
Sun Dec 2 1:48 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present at 13:45. Spent about half an hour with the bird and it was a real pleasure to be able to watch it at close range and not whizzing past half a mile out to sea. Managed to get a real good feel for the behaviour of the bird, particularly its diving which is represented brilliantly in the Collins Field guide.
-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 2nd of December 2018 02:46:44 PM
Carl Fletcher-Poole said
Sun Dec 2 11:57 AM, 2018
Went to see this bird this morning on a very wet a miserable day.........but it was well worth it. Good to meet everyone there and what a very showy bird (pictures attached) Not that I know anything but I would say this is a young wild bird (In answer to Ian below).....just my opinion though
Richard Thew wrote: Quote "Whilst I was going down the path, the scoter was swimming straight for me and I was amazed how close she came. This made me wonder where she would have come from as in my experience, all wild scoters like to keep a good distance from you".
Well I hope it is a truly wild bird as I would like to count it as a tick. I don't know whether or not the Velvet Scoter is a species that is often kept in captivity anywhere, but would be grateful if any others have any comments on this matter please.
Adam Jones said
Sat Dec 1 8:22 PM, 2018
I'm glad this reservoir is not the size of Audenshaw, as the Velvet Scoter was on the far bank, having been spooked by some dogs when I arrived at 1pm. Great to see and observe, and glad it has stayed so long for me to catch up with it.
After stressful hectic weeks, it was nice to have an afternoon free to be able to do a bit of birding.
I was itching to see the velvet scoter, even the horrible wet weather didn't put me off. The only hitch was that the conditions were a nightmare for taking pictures, very dull and drizzly. But I didn't do too bad considering....
The velvet scoter was showing well at the back, giving belting views when I got round there. I sat down in the corner of the bank when she was moving towards that area. It was working nicely until someone thought they could do the same but right in front of where it was, so she swam to the middle.
After 15 minutes, I retraced my steps to slowly headed back to my bike for home. Whilst I was going down the path, the scoter was swimming straight for me and I was amazed how close she came. This made me wonder where she would have come from as in my experience, all wild scoters like to keep a good distance from you.
Still, an excellent opportunity to enjoy this bird - but just my luck being the way it is, a growling dog made her turn and swim back!... I'm happy though, with the attached picture results.....
Velvet Scoter still present Sat 10.20am, take your waterproofs.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Nov 30 5:07 PM, 2018
A single Yellowhammer feeding on the muck heap today.
Info thank to Andy Makin
Keith Mills said
Fri Nov 30 11:15 AM, 2018
Velvet Sctoter still at 11.15 this am.
Presently 35 yards from south shore.
Good to meet Allan and Jean Rimmer.
Rob Creek said
Thu Nov 29 9:38 PM, 2018
I was there Sunday Craig and took the Fall Birch Road turning off Chorley New Road. Easy to find and I parked up with ease on arrival near the private road on your left as you drive up, maybe worth pointing out though that some locals getting dogs out of their cars were talking and making sure they werent blocking that particular road, apparently the resident is always out complaining, which is totally understandable if her property access road is blocked!
Craig Higson said
Thu Nov 29 8:53 PM, 2018
Cheers Keith
Keith Mills said
Thu Nov 29 7:44 PM, 2018
Strongly advise that you dont take the route from Old Kiln Lane,
but take Fall Birch Rd. From Chorley New Rd.
The Old Hall Lane route from Old Kiln Lane is very muddy.
Plus large potholes.
Parking spots available usually near the Reservoir
Craig Higson said
Thu Nov 29 7:22 PM, 2018
Updates as Saturday approaches would be most welcome. Also any tips on parking please.
Neil Southworth said
Thu Nov 29 5:06 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present at 3.30 pm, showing well close to the shore. Also present were c20 Tufted Duck, c 100 Black-headed Gulls, one or two each of Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull, plus Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Redpoll.
Keith Mills said
Thu Nov 29 2:05 PM, 2018
Velvet scoter still present today info thanks
to Mark Hainey.
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Nov 28 3:26 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present at 3.15 thanks to Karl Bishop
Tony Koziol said
Wed Nov 28 1:30 PM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present this morning at 07.40. Thank you to the finder, a lifer for us.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Nov 27 8:54 AM, 2018
Juvenile Velvet Scoter still present this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Steve Collins said
Mon Nov 26 2:47 PM, 2018
What a pity I can't believe I missed you! I was there until just before 1.30! It was asleep for a while then came alive for photos when the sun came out. There were 2 Little Grebes earlier otherwise pretty much the same.
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:27:57 PM
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:29:25 PM
You missed me by about 10mins Mr Collins, I was there earlier this morning, Velvet Scoter roamed the whole reservoir over a couple hour period, eventually posing for some photos.
Velvet Scoter still present and showing well at 3pm
Bumped into Phil Rhodes and got to say thanks for a really good county tick!
Chris Harper said
Sun Nov 25 10:21 AM, 2018
Female Velvet Scoter still present near Eastern end at 10am.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Nov 25 8:09 AM, 2018
Velvet Scoter still present this morning.
Info thanks to Dave Ousey
steven burke said
Sat Nov 24 4:49 PM, 2018
Velvet scoter showed well when I arrived around 2.20pm. Swam past me then drifted out a bit. We'll done to Phil who I actually got to congratulate when I arrived at Pennington flash later.
Velvet Scoter still present today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Velvet Scoter still present.
Info thanks to Pete Berry
Velvet Scoter still present today, also a Redshank.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Velvet Scoter still with us today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Velvet Scoter still present and correct today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Also 1 Goldeneye (male) amongst the Tufted Duck.
ps . nice to meet Pam and Graham .
-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 2nd of December 2018 02:46:44 PM
Richard Thew wrote: Quote "Whilst I was going down the path, the scoter was swimming straight for me and I was amazed how close she came. This made me wonder where she would have come from as in my experience, all wild scoters like to keep a good distance from you".
Well I hope it is a truly wild bird as I would like to count it as a tick. I don't know whether or not the Velvet Scoter is a species that is often kept in captivity anywhere, but would be grateful if any others have any comments on this matter please.
Great to see and observe, and glad it has stayed so long for me to catch up with it.
I was itching to see the velvet scoter, even the horrible wet weather didn't put me off. The only hitch was that the conditions were a nightmare for taking pictures, very dull and drizzly. But I didn't do too bad considering....
The velvet scoter was showing well at the back, giving belting views when I got round there. I sat down in the corner of the bank when she was moving towards that area. It was working nicely until someone thought they could do the same but right in front of where it was, so she swam to the middle.
After 15 minutes, I retraced my steps to slowly headed back to my bike for home. Whilst I was going down the path, the scoter was swimming straight for me and I was amazed how close she came. This made me wonder where she would have come from as in my experience, all wild scoters like to keep a good distance from you.
Still, an excellent opportunity to enjoy this bird - but just my luck being the way it is, a growling dog made her turn and swim back!...
Other noteworthy birds...
Grey wagtails
Jay
Nuthatch
Ta!
A single Yellowhammer feeding on the muck heap today.
Info thank to Andy Makin
Velvet Sctoter still at 11.15 this am.
Presently 35 yards from south shore.
Good to meet Allan and Jean Rimmer.
Strongly advise that you dont take the route from Old Kiln Lane,
but take Fall Birch Rd. From Chorley New Rd.
The Old Hall Lane route from Old Kiln Lane is very muddy.
Plus large potholes.
Parking spots available usually near the Reservoir
Velvet Scoter still present at 3.30 pm, showing well close to the shore. Also present were c20 Tufted Duck, c 100 Black-headed Gulls, one or two each of Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull, plus Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Redpoll.
Velvet scoter still present today info thanks
to Mark Hainey.
Velvet Scoter still present at 3.15 thanks to Karl Bishop
Velvet Scoter still present this morning at 07.40. Thank you to the finder, a lifer for us.
Juvenile Velvet Scoter still present this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
There were 2 Little Grebes earlier otherwise pretty much the same.
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:27:57 PM
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:29:25 PM
You missed me by about 10mins Mr Collins, I was there earlier this morning, Velvet Scoter roamed the whole reservoir over a couple hour period, eventually posing for some photos.
1f Goldeneye
4f Goosander
21 Tufted Duck
1 Little Grebe
Dave
County tick!
Lunchtime visit to see the female Velvet Scoter, an absolute cracker of a bird, nice one Phil.
Reminded me a bit of Audenshaw as it was bitterly cold around the reservoir yet milder back at the car.
Cheers, John
Female Velvet Scoter still present near Eastern end at 10am.
Velvet Scoter still present this morning.
Info thanks to Dave Ousey
We'll done to Phil who I actually got to congratulate when I arrived at Pennington flash later.
Female Velvet Scoter still, at 4pm today.
Near to outflow corner close in at 25yards
County Lifer.
Thanks to finder, Phil Rhodes, and Ians alert which I got in Manchester city centre.
-- Edited by Keith Mills on Saturday 24th of November 2018 04:57:09 PM
Velvet Scoter still present at 3:30pm. Showing close to edge on occasions
Velvet Scoter present at 1:10pm
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
2.00pm to 3.00pm. 20 species recorded including:
Late morning today:
2 Brambling with a Chaffinch flock in the NW Beeches, plus Siskin, 3 Wigeon and 5 Goldeneye.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
5 Goldeneye, 60 Redwing and 10 Fieldfare present at midday today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
This mid-morning:
Wheatear
16 Swallow
5 House Martin
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
3 Crossbill NW at 10:35 today, also a Merlin.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Hobby over NW woodland at 12:25 today, plus a Gadwall on the reservoir.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
2.30pm to 3.45pm. 16 species recorded including:
2 Spotted Flycatcher in the NW hedges at midday today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
2 Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Teal present at midday today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Spotted Flycatcher present this morning.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Juvenile Yellow Wagtail flew in and landed on the west dam briefly then headed off SE at 12:100. 3 Swift also flew through SW.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Hobby chasing Swallows this evening.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes