Ringnecked Parakeets very active Rook 22 - a visitation in the Linden tops. They were repeatedly chasing the Parakeets.
9:40 Lake 1 Goosander male
Copland Smith said
Thu Nov 24 9:31 AM, 2016
At 4:30am today, female Tawny Owl heard calling in the Park (kevick) repeatedly, close to Demesne Road and then the calls receded further north. Magpies immediately kicked up a rattle of alarm calls that went on for nearly half an hour, although I didn't hear the owl again.
David Morris said
Sat Nov 19 3:33 PM, 2016
Only 4 Goosander on the lake approx 3:00-3:20pm- 3 females/juveniles, 1 male.
Other highlights:
Grey Heron- 1
Ring-necked Parakeet- 3
Song Thrush- 1
Copland Smith said
Fri Nov 18 9:22 AM, 2016
16 Goosander early yesterday (Thursday) according to Tony O'Mahony
David Morris said
Thu Nov 17 5:11 PM, 2016
Counted approx. 10 Goosander on the lake this afternoon, 3 males and maybe 6-7 females/juveniles. Before I could confirm the count some dogs ran towards the lake and despite the barrier the birds got scared and flew off!
Copland Smith said
Wed Nov 16 3:55 PM, 2016
13 Goosanders on the Alex Park lake today, most of them around the new floating island, which is there to add aquatic vegetation and good fish habitat, which is, of course, good for Goosanders.
Also Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck as usual, with lots of Feral Pigeons and Blackheaded Gulls and some Ringnecked Parakeets screeching over.
The usual lake denizens [Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail] but they've been joined by a male Goosander.
Yesterday (Tue 19 Jul 2016) saw the usual Park pond residents - 4 mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted, Coot, Moorhen, 4 Terrapins, with Feral Pigeons, a couple of Carrion Crows and a few Blackheaded Gulls flying over. And, of course, Ringnecked Parakeets all around. Difficult to count now that the leaves are hiding them, but there hasn't been a single day without hearing or seeing them since I moved here in January. 4 flew past last month, 2 of which had shorter tails and were presumably juveniles. Last night at 10.30, I heard a Tawny Owl for the first time here.
Copland Smith said
Mon May 2 5:02 PM, 2016
Swifts screaming this morning - my first of the year. 4 Swallows skimming the water yesterday.
The usual lake population - Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot but the young Herons have flown the South nest.
Copland Smith said
Sat Apr 23 1:43 PM, 2016
The usual lake population - Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot and Herons - 3 young in one nest and one in another I think. On the floating pallet, usually occupied by Tufted Duck, 2 terrapins were sunbathing (Yellowbellied Sliders, I think). Nuthatches, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers about the park, plus Ring-necked Parakeets.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of April 2016 03:46:43 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Mar 28 2:07 PM, 2016
Swallow by the lake this morning and a Chiffchaff singing at north end.
Info thanks to Tony O'Mahony
Copland Smith said
Fri Mar 4 3:10 PM, 2016
As I had begun to suspect, the head of one of the 2 Goosanders on the lake is now clearly darkening, so a Redheaded juvenile is coming out as a drake. The other is very red, so I think we have a pair. Photos through today's snow are not very clear but I'll get a clear picture of both to show the difference when the sun comes out.
Copland Smith said
Thu Feb 25 3:34 PM, 2016
I did another count today with a view to mapping the seasonal changes in bird attendance around Alexandra Park Lake. These are minimum counts.
Blackheaded gull 211 Common gull 4 Lesser blackbacked gull 7
Plus away from the lake: Mistle thrush; Blackbird; Robin Blue tit; Great tit Wren; House sparrow Carrion crow Magpie Woodpigeon Feral pigeons Nuthatch Treecreeper (yesterday)
During the last week, there has usually been a single redhead Goosander on the lake. Both the north and south Heron nests have been busy with pairs nest-building and mutual-preening. Parakeets have become even noisier. There were 8 feeding in the conifer next to the south Heron nest, plus others spiralling around. 13 is my maximum definite count so far.
The fields have had their usual thrushes - mainly Mistle and Redwing. In the short time since I moved here, as well as Robins, I've seen Song, Mistle, Blackbird (including Luke, a leucistic bird - see picture), Redwing & Fieldfare. I'm waiting for a Ring Ousel.
A Nuthatch joined the Blue tits at my feeder on Demesne Road yesterday.
Monday 15th February. Heron mobbed by gulls, heron on nest on island of the lake. Group of tufted duck of both sexes. Several noisy ring necked parakeets. Nuthatch.
Female goosander still on the lake.
-- Edited by Fiona Moate on Thursday 18th of February 2016 06:49:40 PM
Copland Smith said
Mon Feb 8 3:22 PM, 2016
Yesterday, Sunday 7 Feb, the sun came out for a while and I started my walk by watching the Herons in Alexandra Park for a while. There are 2 pairs on nests at the north and south ends of the island. The south pair are clearly visible, more so than most of the nests in the Chorlton Ees heronry - no branches in the way and no leaves yet. One was sitting low in the nest, presumably on egg(s). The north nest is more hidden.
Fiona Moate said
Sat Feb 6 6:20 PM, 2016
Thursday 4th February, very large flock of winter thrushes feeding on the cricket pitch in the rain. Mistle, redwing and probably fieldfares. It was very poor visibility so hard to see details.
Copland Smith said
Sat Jan 23 4:11 PM, 2016
This morning, I watched 2 pairs of Herons on new nests in separate trees on the island.
Off the water: Feral & Woodpigeons, Great, Blue and Longtailed Tits, Wrens, Blackbirds, Robins, Mistle Thrushes. I think I heard Goldcrest, but at my age, I have lost the higher frequencies.
Also a screaming Kestrel harried by Crows and Magpies. It passed my window on Demesne Road later, still screaming, at about 2pm.
Copland Smith said
Thu Dec 10 12:43 PM, 2015
Yesterday (Wed 9 Dec), amongst the Coots, Mallards, Moorhens, Canadas, Blackheads & Tufties on the lake were 2 male Goosander, and flying in out of a nearby conifer next to Demesne Road was a very smart Fieldfare.
Pete Hines said
Tue Nov 17 1:37 PM, 2015
13 Goosander and a pair of Shoveler on the lake
Info via Tony O'Mahony
Rick Hall said
Sun May 17 9:53 PM, 2015
1 Ring Necked Parakeet at Whalley Range Cricket Club this afternoon. First in GM for me.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Apr 30 3:38 PM, 2015
Garden Warbler in trees east of the lake at 11:25 today but mobile.
Info thanks to Tony O'Mahony
David Morris said
Wed Apr 8 4:22 PM, 2015
Keep searching Ian, you'll see him at some point! And sadly he wasn't doing his dance when I spotted him.
Andy Isherwood said
Wed Apr 8 3:32 PM, 2015
I imagine he may have moved on with all this fine weather!
-- Edited by Andy Isherwood on Wednesday 8th of April 2015 03:33:18 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 8 2:48 PM, 2015
Yeah, dipped too
Andy Isherwood said
Wed Apr 8 2:00 PM, 2015
You weren't using work as an excuse to twitch Bez were you
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 8 12:06 PM, 2015
A quick wander around the lake whilst out at work this morning:
Grey Heron with two fairly well grown young in the nest. First winter Cormorant Two Coot nests 36 Tufted Duck Two singing Treecreeper Nuthatch Four Long-tailed Tits
No Bez
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Apr 5 3:09 PM, 2015
David Morris wrote:
and Bez from the Happy Mondays.
One of the best sightings I've seen on here in ages; I'm actually quite envious! I can only hope he was doing 'his dance'
David Morris said
Sun Apr 5 3:06 PM, 2015
Saw a pair of Cormorants on the pond today. Other highlights spotted were a pair of Chaffinches mating and Bez from the Happy Mondays.
Chris Porter said
Sat Apr 4 5:43 PM, 2015
Cormorant on the pond today. Not sure if anyone has seen them here before, but this is first one I've seen here. Was sunning itself on a low branch over water, just beneath Grey Heron on nest. What looked like a juvenile heron was also tentatively making its way into the water nearby. The Tufted Ducks seem to be doing well here, with many more around than last year around, along with plenty of Coot, Canada Goose and Mallard.
Fiona Moate said
Fri May 10 3:23 AM, 2013
What action can people take on this?
adam1730 said
Fri May 10 3:06 AM, 2013
GUYS! They're gonna start draining the lake soon . by a metre. to rebuild the wall (which means it will take ages) there's a heron chick that needs protecting - theyre doing it at the wrong time of year - the fact theyre doing it altogether is outrageous as it will affect the whole ecosystem of the lake. please take action!
Chris Porter said
Fri Mar 29 10:26 PM, 2013
Highlights of today's walk were good sightings of 2 x nuthatch and 2 x redwing.
Chris Porter said
Sun Mar 17 2:26 AM, 2013
Quick walk in the park today - large areas of the park devastated by the tree felling since my last visit. Will undoubtedly have a negative effect on many species.
Spent some time at the other side of the park, around where the firecrests had previously been reported. No firecrests or goldcrests as I was really hoping for (the former more in unduly optimistic hope, as they have perhaps now moved on permanently as has been suggested on here), but did see a couple of bullfinch which brightened up the day.
Steve Suttill said
Wed Feb 6 1:35 AM, 2013
I think the City Council are well aware of the Wildlife & Countryside Act, which is why they are chopping down the trees now before any eggs are laid
Estelle Kensdale said
Tue Feb 5 5:37 PM, 2013
Steve - I fear you're right. But I spoke to the RSPB this morning, who confirmed that if any evidence of bird nesting behaviour (even just flying from tree to tree carrying nesting materials) is evident in the park, then it is unlawful for the felling to continue. That's why I'm urging any local birders with a half decent zoom lens to get down to the park and see if they can spot, and photograph, any such behaviour, ASAP...
Estelle Kensdale said
Tue Feb 5 5:29 PM, 2013
Spent an hour last Saturday 26th January watching birds in the area which is soon to be felled to make way for tennis courts (unless we can provide evidence of bird nesting behaviour in the park ASAP). Spotted the following:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Nuthatch 1 Treecreeper 5 Redwing 1 Chaffinch (f) 1 Coal Tit 2 Long Tailed Tit 1 Wren 1 Robin 1 Blackbird
... as well as the usual suspects (blue tits, great tits, woodpigeon, magpies, etc).
Today, 5th Feb, saw a stunning male bullfinch in a tree, moments before it was felled. Absolutely gutting that they're destroying this wildlife habitat. See Save Alexandra Park's Trees for more info.
Paul Heaton said
Fri Feb 1 1:37 AM, 2013
400 trees under the chop , work has already started and large area already felled over past fews days,
No sign of any Firecrests the last few days but knowing how elusive and mobile they've been they could easily still be about. Also 1 Siskin over.
Pete Hines said
Wed Dec 19 12:00 AM, 2012
2 Firecrest in Hollies by the Play Centre at 3pm 1 Treecreeper 4 Goosander drakes
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Dec 18 11:33 PM, 2012
One Firecrest this morning and two this afternoon per BG's.
Jon Beckett said
Sun Dec 16 11:34 PM, 2012
Nice to meet you Tony, shame we spent so long in the wrong spot. Chuffed to see one eventually though.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Dec 16 11:24 PM, 2012
The duller bird showed well in the SW corner around 14:40
Moved quickly from tree to tree but spent a little time fly-catching and hovering in a birch. It then flew towards and over Demesne Road.
(Unfortunately I had spent 2 hours looking in the wrong trees near the abandoned building)
Birds also seen
Dunnock Goldcrest Coal, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits Treecreeper Nuthatch Redwing Fieldfare
Nev Wright said
Sun Dec 16 9:09 PM, 2012
Yes, who knows what the locals thought with a crowd of folk gathered under the dark trees only legs showing...some sort of drug party! Anyway, second time lucky for me and arrived about 1110, so great timing after dipping yesterday!
Henry Cook said
Sun Dec 16 8:30 PM, 2012
16/12/2012 - 8.45am-12pm with Phil Owen and a good crowd of Mancunian birders:
1 Firecrest - male, showed well after a couple of hours around the yews and hollys to the east of the lake by the boarded up building
And in addition to yesterdays sightings (44 species in total): 3 Common Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 5 Ring-necked Parakeets 1 Grey Wagtail - over 1 Dunnock
John Rayner said
Sun Dec 16 8:30 PM, 2012
1 Firecrest showed well for 5 mins at 11.15. In conifers near abandoned building opposite Spring Bridge Road entrance.
Redwing 6 flitting from Holly to Holly (Demesne Road end)
Carrion Crows
Lake
the usual Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Moorhens, Coots
no Goosanders
Linden Avenue
Ringnecked Parakeets very active
Rook 22 - a visitation in the Linden tops. They were repeatedly chasing the Parakeets.
9:40
Lake
1 Goosander male
Also Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck as usual, with lots of Feral Pigeons and Blackheaded Gulls and some Ringnecked Parakeets screeching over.
Tony O'Mahoney reported a Pochard a few days ago.
but they've been joined by a male Goosander.
Alexandra Park Lake
Mute Swan 2
Canada Goose 24
Mallard 45
Tufted Duck 10
Coot 6
Moorhen 6
Black-headed Gull 75
Grey Wagtail 2
4 Swallows skimming the water yesterday.
The usual lake population - Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot
but the young Herons have flown the South nest.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of April 2016 03:46:43 PM
Info thanks to Tony O'Mahony
Blackheaded gull 211
Common gull 4
Lesser blackbacked gull 7
Heron 3 (1 on north nest)
Mute swan 4
Canada goose 25
Mallard 11
Tufted duck 23
Goosander 2 redhead
Moorhen 3
Coot 3
Parakeets 5
Plus away from the lake:
Mistle thrush; Blackbird; Robin
Blue tit; Great tit
Wren; House sparrow
Carrion crow
Magpie
Woodpigeon
Feral pigeons
Nuthatch
Treecreeper (yesterday)
Lake: Moorhen; Coot; Mallard; Mute swan; Canada Geese; Tufted duck; Blackheaded gull; Common gull; Lesser blackbacked gull.
The fields have had their usual thrushes - mainly Mistle and Redwing. In the short time since I moved here, as well as Robins, I've seen Song, Mistle, Blackbird (including Luke, a leucistic bird - see picture), Redwing & Fieldfare. I'm waiting for a Ring Ousel.
A Nuthatch joined the Blue tits at my feeder on Demesne Road yesterday.
Heron mobbed by gulls, heron on nest on island of the lake.
Group of tufted duck of both sexes.
Several noisy ring necked parakeets.
Nuthatch. Female goosander still on the lake.
-- Edited by Fiona Moate on Thursday 18th of February 2016 06:49:40 PM
At the lake:
3 Mute Swan (2 ad 1 juv)
4 Moorhen
1 Goosander (brown head)
15 Tufted Duck
6 Coot
10 Mallard
99 Blackheaded Gull
2 Lesser Blackbacked Gull
24 Canada Goose
Off the water:
Feral & Woodpigeons, Great, Blue and Longtailed Tits, Wrens, Blackbirds, Robins, Mistle Thrushes.
I think I heard Goldcrest, but at my age, I have lost the higher frequencies.
Also a screaming Kestrel harried by Crows and Magpies. It passed my window on Demesne Road later, still screaming, at about 2pm.
13 Goosander and a pair of Shoveler on the lake
Info via Tony O'Mahony
Info thanks to Tony O'Mahony
-- Edited by Andy Isherwood on Wednesday 8th of April 2015 03:33:18 PM
Grey Heron with two fairly well grown young in the nest.
First winter Cormorant
Two Coot nests
36 Tufted Duck
Two singing Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Four Long-tailed Tits
No Bez
One of the best sightings I've seen on here in ages; I'm actually quite envious! I can only hope he was doing 'his dance'
Spent some time at the other side of the park, around where the firecrests had previously been reported. No firecrests or goldcrests as I was really hoping for (the former more in unduly optimistic hope, as they have perhaps now moved on permanently as has been suggested on here), but did see a couple of bullfinch which brightened up the day.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
5 Redwing
1 Chaffinch (f)
1 Coal Tit
2 Long Tailed Tit
1 Wren
1 Robin
1 Blackbird
... as well as the usual suspects (blue tits, great tits, woodpigeon, magpies, etc).
Today, 5th Feb, saw a stunning male bullfinch in a tree, moments before it was felled. Absolutely gutting that they're destroying this wildlife habitat. See Save Alexandra Park's Trees for more info.
5 Ring necked Parakeets seen today.
campsite area where protesters have set up !
40+ Redwing
2 Mistle Thrush
Sparrowhawk
Nuthatch
Bullfinch (m)
Also 1 Siskin over.
1 Treecreeper
4 Goosander drakes
Moved quickly from tree to tree but spent a little time fly-catching and hovering in a birch. It then flew towards and over Demesne Road.
(Unfortunately I had spent 2 hours looking in the wrong trees near the abandoned building)
Birds also seen
Dunnock
Goldcrest
Coal, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits
Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Redwing
Fieldfare
Anyway, second time lucky for me and arrived about 1110, so great timing after dipping yesterday!
1 Firecrest - male, showed well after a couple of hours around the yews and hollys to the east of the lake by the boarded up building
And in addition to yesterdays sightings (44 species in total):
3 Common Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
5 Ring-necked Parakeets
1 Grey Wagtail - over
1 Dunnock
Cheers John.