0600-0645 cold frost and a bit misty on the pools Sedge Warbler Reed Warbler Garden Warbler singing and good views in scrubland towards Racecourse Estate Whitethroat Willow Warbler Blackcap Chiffchaff no Garganey for me, but could easily lurk in the undergrowth.
TanmayI usually find the most productive area the scrubland at the back of the works towards Danewell Woods, but the reeds in the works are good for Sedge, Reed and Grasshopper Warbler.
Also take care at weekendssometimes unsavoury folks about, although I've never had a problem.
Rob Creek said
Sat May 3 9:30 AM, 2014
Laurence Hopkins wrote:
Garganey visible on main pool around the back, being terrorised by Coot. Hello Rob, who i met while he was having a quick look round in mid-afternoon!
Good to meet you too Laurence (didn't know it was you then). A very active site whilst I was here, especially a lot of Warbler activity, and one particular bird heard but I didn't see it, a bit further up the path from the 1st pool where I saw you, sounded a bit like a cross between a Blackbird and a Whitethroat, I think I've matched it to a Garden Warbler but I didn't see it.
Tanmay Dixit said
Sat May 3 9:16 AM, 2014
I may visit tomorrow, hoping to see the garganey or especially garden warbler. Is anyone planning a visit by any chance as I really don't know the site well and not sure where are the best areas for warblers? Just thought I'd ask, just in case!
Laurence Hopkins said
Fri May 2 9:45 PM, 2014
Garganey visible on main pool around the back, being terrorised by Coot. Hello Rob, who i met while he was having a quick look round in mid-afternoon!
Rob Creek said
Fri May 2 6:42 PM, 2014
Quick visit whilst delivering in Altrincham about 2.45pm.
No sign of the Garganey. 3 Whitethroat 3 Reed Warblers 2 Chiffchaff Grasshopper Warbler (heard only) 2 Reed Bunting 1 Little Grebe 1 Gadwall Plus usuals
Vaughan Evans said
Fri May 2 6:11 PM, 2014
2 yellow wagtails plus the garganey on pool 2
Tony Darby said
Fri May 2 12:55 PM, 2014
The Garganey is now on the first pool, although not always easy to see as it's skulking amongst the vegetation a lot of the time.
Elsewhere a bit of a warbler-fest this morning
1 Grasshoper Warbler in the first enclosure 13 Whitethroat 5 Sedge Warbler 4 Chiffchaff 3 Willow Warbler 2 Garden Warbler 4 Blackcap 1 Yellowhammer
Vaughan Evans said
Thu May 1 5:51 PM, 2014
6 yellow wagtails and about 60 hirundines - 20 of each Very little else across the nearby moss area, the highlight being a hare in field 33 and a single yellowhammer
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Thursday 1st of May 2014 07:36:39 PM
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Wednesday 30th of April 2014 10:04:56 AM
Steven Nelson said
Tue Apr 29 10:11 PM, 2014
Chris Mitchell wrote:
Garganey in centre of third pool at 8.10pm.
So that's where it was hiding! Probably forced off the middle pool by the Coots that were giving it grief when I saw it this morning!
Rob Creek said
Tue Apr 29 10:11 PM, 2014
Cheers Steve.
Steve Scrimgeour said
Tue Apr 29 9:27 PM, 2014
Rob, Think it depends on what time you plan on going and where you live, I am in Urmston and tend to trek it from Isherwood Rd, up towards MUFC then left past Swiss Cottage Farm, And then right up the other side of MUFC just follow footpath and you will come to the pools. I did drive this morning as was heading into work and parked at the stables as there was room opposite Woodcote Farm, off Woodcote Rd, must stress there isn't much room to park, but it was 0800. Hope this helps
Steve
Rob Creek said
Tue Apr 29 9:03 PM, 2014
Is this place easily accessible and is it best parking Sinderland Rd side OR over near MUFC? Thanks for any info as it looks like a maze on the site map and Google maps doesn't give you much. Cheers
Chris Mitchell said
Tue Apr 29 8:53 PM, 2014
Garganey in centre of third pool at 8.10pm.
Steven Nelson said
Tue Apr 29 6:48 PM, 2014
5.45pm
No sign of the Garganey at 5.45pm. But it could be hiding in the vegetation somewhere.
5 Little Grebe
1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well along the Trans Peninne Trail
1 Reed Warbler singing
40 House Martins over
Andrew Mitchell said
Tue Apr 29 5:34 PM, 2014
Thanks Patrick - I know where you mean!
Patrick Earith said
Tue Apr 29 5:06 PM, 2014
Sorry, should have made it clear, it was the path (Pennine Way, is it?) leading directly away from the stables/Sinderland Road, i.e. not one of the paths off to the right where the pools are.
HTH
Andrew Mitchell said
Tue Apr 29 4:25 PM, 2014
Patrick,
Was the Garden Warbler down the path as in towards Carrington Moss, or towards the stables/Sinderland Road?
Cheers
Andrew
Patrick Earith said
Tue Apr 29 3:05 PM, 2014
As well as the Garganey, I can also add a very showy Garden Warbler, 300m down the main path from the pools. Also at least 8 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and (heard only) 2 Sedge Warbler. Also 4 Little Grebe on first pool along with some Gadwall.
Nice to meet you today James. Good luck with your exam!
James Walsh said
Tue Apr 29 2:59 PM, 2014
Drake Garganey showing well at 12:45pm
Steve Scrimgeour said
Tue Apr 29 11:34 AM, 2014
The Garganey was still being harassed by the Coots,nice to meet you Steve......
Steven Nelson said
Tue Apr 29 8:35 AM, 2014
Drake Garganey still present this morning at 8.00am.
Patrick Earith said
Tue Apr 29 7:47 AM, 2014
Many thanks Nick
Nick Hilton said
Mon Apr 28 9:57 PM, 2014
Patrick Earith wrote:
Hi, are there any directions to this place in the forum that someone can point me at? I don't think it's on the site guide section of the website (unless I'm missing the obvious). I've been before but several years ago and I had it stored in a previous car's sat nav!
TIA
Patrick - its covered on the Carrington Moss site guide (look for Woodcote Farm on the map with the field numbers)
Patrick Earith said
Mon Apr 28 9:33 PM, 2014
Hi, are there any directions to this place in the forum that someone can point me at? I don't think it's on the site guide section of the website (unless I'm missing the obvious). I've been before but several years ago and I had it stored in a previous car's sat nav!
TIA
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Mon Apr 28 8:08 PM, 2014
Sorry, I forgot the 1 singing Grasshopper Warbler.
Drake Garganey still here, but a bit flighty as being harassed by the local Coots.
Tony Darby said
Mon Apr 28 4:23 PM, 2014
Drake Garganey still present when I left at 3.30. Also, the Garden Warbler by the path was showing really well.
Dave Cropper said
Mon Apr 28 8:57 AM, 2014
Drake Garganey currently on middle pool
Also of note 5 Sedge Warbler 1 Reed Warbler singing 2 Garden Warbler ( one in the usual spot next to the main path and one nearer the Sale West estate).
-- Edited by Dave Cropper on Monday 28th of April 2014 10:49:31 AM
-- Edited by Dave Cropper on Monday 28th of April 2014 10:50:16 AM
Steven Nelson said
Thu Apr 24 9:25 PM, 2014
4.45-5.20pm
1 Grasshopper Warbler - singing and showing well in the middle of the 2nd 'reedy bed' west of the cycle path 1 Reed Warbler singing from 1st bed west of cycle path 3 Whitethroat 1 Chiffchaff 1 Willow Warbler 1 Willow Tit - heard 1 Yellow Wagtail (m) singing from one of the big trees near the ETW big grey tanks 1 Grey Wagtail (m) 1 Pied Wagtail (m) 1 large female Sparrowhawk soaring high up before descending into a spectacular 'Peregrine style' stoop at break-neck speed and lost to view behind the Riding Centre - not seen that before! 2 Buzzard 10 Gadwall 1 Little Grebe 2 Mute Swan 4 Canada Geese A few Sand Martins and Swallows but much less than yesterday
Also a superb Fox on the grassy embankment in the same bed as the Grasshopper Warbler
Vaughan Evans said
Wed Apr 23 6:20 PM, 2014
17.00 upto five yellow wagtails, a grey wagtail plus several hirundines
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Apr 23 4:28 PM, 2014
Wednesday, April 23rd.
Reed Warbler 1 singing. Grasshopper Warbler 1 reeling. Both across the path opposite the first lake. Whitethroat 5 singing. Willow Warbler 2 singing. Reed Bunting 1 singing. Blackcap 1 singing. Chiffchaff 2 singing. Yellowhammer 1 singing. Sand Martin 10+ Swallow 6+ House Martin 6+ Shoveler 1 pair. Gadwall 13 Canada Geese 3 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 9 Little Grebe 3 Coot 4 Moorhen 4 Lapwing 1 Tufted Duck 2 pairs. Pied Wagtail 4 Song Thrush 1 singing. Missel Thrush 2 Cormorant 2 over. Black-headed Gull 1 Buzzard 1
steven burke said
Mon Apr 21 10:16 PM, 2014
Tony Coatsworth wrote:
Yellow Wagtail on big concrete tank by road.
Also Steven Burke snapping away - hope you got a decent picture :)
tony, I did manage to get some decent shots the yellow wagtail was like you say on the big concrete tank & flew into the trees opposite on a couple of occasions, but never came down. also around, 3-4 pied wagtails, 1 mistle thrush, 1 whitethroat more heard as were blackcaps, willow warblers & chiffchaffs, several swallows & sand martins over.
I know they might be a little upset , but the couple who I was having a little chat with whilst first looking for the yellow wagtail, obviously it turned up just after you left, but come back & have another search.
Tony Coatsworth said
Mon Apr 21 2:48 PM, 2014
Yellow Wagtail on big concrete tank by road.
Also Steven Burke snapping away - hope you got a decent picture :)
Steve Scrimgeour said
Mon Apr 21 1:36 PM, 2014
A quick look this morning around 0945_1015
1 Grey Wagtail 1 Pied Wagtail In first Donkey paddock after the house.
1 Yellow Wagtail in second big tree at first Donkey paddock
Gentleman in the house came out as he had seen several birders over over the last couple of days, he wondered if the Yellow Wagtails were back...
Cheers
Chris Greene said
Sun Apr 20 12:44 PM, 2014
5 yellow wagtails and 3 pied wagtails currently in horse paddock next to donkey paddock
Tim Wilcox said
Fri Apr 18 1:28 PM, 2014
Yellow Wagtail 3 at 1.10pm none am. With the Donkeys
Also in the scrub land area Willow Warbler 2 Whitethroat 3 (first of the year for me) Bullfinch 4 Reed Bunting 1 Blackcap 9 Wrens 3 Pied Wagtail 2 Buzzard 2 Kestrel 1 Mute Swan 2 still on pool Shoveler 1 Gadwall 3
Superb showing of butterflies list under other wildlife
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Friday 18th of April 2014 07:24:21 PM
4.30-4.45pm - quick stop off tonight on my cycle home. Virtual darkness but the cloudy sky was illuminated by the streetlights from Altrincham so that anything flying overhead was silhouetted. It turned out to be a very productive short stop. Quite a few duck flying in which is why I stopped but there was a general feel of uneasiness amongst the birds as though something was about. I could make our the shapes of Teal (c.15), Shoveler (c.8), Mallard (c.5) and, what I think, were a few Gadwall all flying around.
But there were other birds also:-
1 Peregrine over and quite well illuminated from below. Maybe looking to pick off one of the birds flying around. It headed of NW towards Carrington Moss and into the darkness. 2 Woodcock - 1 of which came down somewhere in the front pool vegetation 2 Snipe + 2 more heard 1 Water Rail squealing close to the path in the overgrown bed opposite front pool
All to a background noisey chatter of Jackdaws and Rooks heard from the Birchmoss Cover roost. A few late Jackdaws still flying in.
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Garden Warbler singing and good views in scrubland towards Racecourse Estate
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
no Garganey for me, but could easily lurk in the undergrowth.
TanmayI usually find the most productive area the scrubland at the back of the works towards Danewell Woods, but the reeds in the works are good for Sedge, Reed and Grasshopper Warbler.
Also take care at weekendssometimes unsavoury folks about, although I've never had a problem.
Good to meet you too Laurence (didn't know it was you then).
A very active site whilst I was here, especially a lot of Warbler activity, and one particular bird heard but I didn't see it, a bit further up the path from the 1st pool where I saw you, sounded a bit like a cross between a Blackbird and a Whitethroat, I think I've matched it to a Garden Warbler but I didn't see it.
No sign of the Garganey.
3 Whitethroat
3 Reed Warblers
2 Chiffchaff
Grasshopper Warbler (heard only)
2 Reed Bunting
1 Little Grebe
1 Gadwall
Plus usuals
the vegetation a lot of the time.
Elsewhere a bit of a warbler-fest this morning
1 Grasshoper Warbler in the first enclosure
13 Whitethroat
5 Sedge Warbler
4 Chiffchaff
3 Willow Warbler
2 Garden Warbler
4 Blackcap
1 Yellowhammer
Very little else across the nearby moss area, the highlight being a hare in field 33 and a single yellowhammer
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Thursday 1st of May 2014 07:36:39 PM
Garganey 1m
Garden Warbler 1
Blackcap 2
Sedge Warbler 4
Reed Warbler 2
Whitethroat 5
Sand Martin 2
Reed Bunting 1
Greenfinch 7
Swallow 4
Little Grebe 2
Gadwall 4
Mute Swan 2
Pied Wagtail 1
Grey Wagtail 1
Song Thrush 1
Mistle Thrush 1
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Wednesday 30th of April 2014 10:04:56 AM
So that's where it was hiding! Probably forced off the middle pool by the Coots that were giving it grief when I saw it this morning!
Think it depends on what time you plan on going and where you live,
I am in Urmston and tend to trek it from Isherwood Rd, up towards MUFC then left past Swiss Cottage Farm,
And then right up the other side of MUFC just follow footpath and you will come to the pools.
I did drive this morning as was heading into work and parked at the stables as there was room opposite Woodcote Farm, off Woodcote Rd, must stress there isn't much room to park, but it was 0800.
Hope this helps
Steve
Thanks for any info as it looks like a maze on the site map and Google maps doesn't give you much.
Cheers
No sign of the Garganey at 5.45pm. But it could be hiding in the vegetation somewhere.
5 Little Grebe
1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well along the Trans Peninne Trail
1 Reed Warbler singing
40 House Martins over
Was the Garden Warbler down the path as in towards Carrington Moss, or towards the stables/Sinderland Road?
Cheers
Andrew
Patrick - its covered on the Carrington Moss site guide (look for Woodcote Farm on the map with the field numbers)
TIA
Garganey 1m.
Garden Warbler 1 singing.
Sedge Warbler 2 singing.
Reed Warbler 2 singing.
Sand Martin 1
Swallow 2
Little Grebe 3
Gadwall 8+
Mute Swan 2
BH Gull 1
Pied Wagtail 2
Song Thrush 1 singing.
Oystercatcher 1
Whitethroat 4 singing.
etc.
Also, the Garden Warbler by the path was showing really well.
Also of note
5 Sedge Warbler
1 Reed Warbler singing
2 Garden Warbler ( one in the usual spot next to the main path and one nearer the Sale West estate).
-- Edited by Dave Cropper on Monday 28th of April 2014 10:49:31 AM
-- Edited by Dave Cropper on Monday 28th of April 2014 10:50:16 AM
1 Grasshopper Warbler - singing and showing well in the middle of the 2nd 'reedy bed' west of the cycle path
1 Reed Warbler singing from 1st bed west of cycle path
3 Whitethroat
1 Chiffchaff
1 Willow Warbler
1 Willow Tit - heard
1 Yellow Wagtail (m) singing from one of the big trees near the ETW big grey tanks
1 Grey Wagtail (m)
1 Pied Wagtail (m)
1 large female Sparrowhawk soaring high up before descending into a spectacular 'Peregrine style' stoop at break-neck speed and lost to view behind the Riding Centre - not seen that before!
2 Buzzard
10 Gadwall
1 Little Grebe
2 Mute Swan
4 Canada Geese
A few Sand Martins and Swallows but much less than yesterday
Also a superb Fox on the grassy embankment in the same bed as the Grasshopper Warbler
Reed Warbler 1 singing.
Grasshopper Warbler 1 reeling. Both across the path opposite the first lake.
Whitethroat 5 singing.
Willow Warbler 2 singing.
Reed Bunting 1 singing.
Blackcap 1 singing.
Chiffchaff 2 singing.
Yellowhammer 1 singing.
Sand Martin 10+
Swallow 6+
House Martin 6+
Shoveler 1 pair.
Gadwall 13
Canada Geese 3
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 9
Little Grebe 3
Coot 4
Moorhen 4
Lapwing 1
Tufted Duck 2 pairs.
Pied Wagtail 4
Song Thrush 1 singing.
Missel Thrush 2
Cormorant 2 over.
Black-headed Gull 1
Buzzard 1
tony, I did manage to get some decent shots
the yellow wagtail was like you say on the big concrete tank & flew into the trees opposite on a couple of occasions, but never came down.
also around, 3-4 pied wagtails, 1 mistle thrush, 1 whitethroat more heard as were blackcaps, willow warblers & chiffchaffs, several swallows & sand martins over.
I know they might be a little upset , but the couple who I was having a little chat with whilst first looking for the yellow wagtail, obviously it turned up just after you left, but come back & have another search.
Also Steven Burke snapping away - hope you got a decent picture :)
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
In first Donkey paddock after the house.
1 Yellow Wagtail in second big tree at first Donkey paddock
Gentleman in the house came out as he had seen several birders over
over the last couple of days, he wondered if the Yellow Wagtails were back...
Cheers
Also in the scrub land area
Willow Warbler 2
Whitethroat 3 (first of the year for me)
Bullfinch 4
Reed Bunting 1
Blackcap 9
Wrens 3
Pied Wagtail 2
Buzzard 2
Kestrel 1
Mute Swan 2 still on pool
Shoveler 1
Gadwall 3
Superb showing of butterflies list under other wildlife
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Friday 18th of April 2014 07:24:21 PM
Little Grebe 4
Moorhen 6
Coot 4
Teal 2m 2f
Mallard 3
Canada Geese 2
Gadwall 14
Shoveler 2m 2f
Tufted Duck 1m 1f
BH Gulls
Sand Martin 1
4.30-4.50pm
23 Teal (19 on the flooded field next to 1st pool)
12 Shoveler
6 Gadwall
1 Tufted Duck
4 Mallard
2 Little Grebe
1 Yellowhammer singing
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Tuesday 11th of March 2014 07:39:38 PM
pm
Generally waterlogged with few birds on the pools.
However highlights;
Peregrine over
In one leafless tree close to pool 3..
2 Common Buzzard
2 Magpie
and a Green Woodpecker!
all within about 6 feet of each other.
Cheers
Nev
Starling 50+
BH Gull 100+
Gt.Spotted Woodpecker 1
Meadow Pipit 2
Pied Wagtail 30+
Shoveler 2
Moorhen 15+
Teal 15+
Reed Bunting 1
Fieldfare 3
Redwing 10+
etc.
Virtual darkness but the cloudy sky was illuminated by the streetlights from Altrincham so that anything flying overhead was silhouetted. It turned out to be a very productive short stop.
Quite a few duck flying in which is why I stopped but there was a general feel of uneasiness amongst the birds as though something was about.
I could make our the shapes of Teal (c.15), Shoveler (c.8), Mallard (c.5) and, what I think, were a few Gadwall all flying around.
But there were other birds also:-
1 Peregrine over and quite well illuminated from below. Maybe looking to pick off one of the birds flying around. It headed of NW towards Carrington Moss and into the darkness.
2 Woodcock - 1 of which came down somewhere in the front pool vegetation
2 Snipe + 2 more heard
1 Water Rail squealing close to the path in the overgrown bed opposite front pool
All to a background noisey chatter of Jackdaws and Rooks heard from the Birchmoss Cover roost. A few late Jackdaws still flying in.
c50 pied wagtails
51 teal
11 moorhens
1 shoveler
2 gadwall
woodcote farm.. 15 meadow pipits, 8 pied wagtails.
info thanks to phil Kelly.
36 teal
7 moorhens
3 skylarks
horse paddocks..
21 pied wagtails
1 grey wagtail
11 meadow pipits
1 coal tit
info thanks to phil Kelly.
18 gadwall
1 shoveler
low water level, but lots of vegetation covering the mud.
info thanks to phil Kelly.
Green sandpiper 1
Teal 7
Moorhen 15+
Grey Wagtail 1
Pied Wagtail 5+
Meadow Pipit 2+
BH Gull 10+
LBB Gull 1
etc.
Water replenished a bit by Friday's deluge
Buzzard 2 over
Snipe 1
Grey Heron 1
Moorhens
BH Gulls
Swallows
Mallards
Gadwall
Teal
Canada Goose 1