26 Lesser Redpoll with approximately 90 Goldfinch feeding today between Turner's Flash and the canal nr Moss Bridge
Steve Judge said
Sat Dec 10 4:43 PM, 2016
Saturday, 10th December 2016 12:00 - 15:30 hrs.
Walk from Dover Lock Inn (Abram) along Leigh branch of Leeds-Liverpool canal - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Hawksley Viewing Screen - and return
Redpoll x 20 (in trees between canal and Horrocks Flash; and on other side of canal) Redwing x 50 Goldcrest x 1 Goosander x 2 Willow Tit x 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 Bullfinch (Male) x 1 Coal Tit x 1 Shoveler x 4 Wigeon x 4 Reed Bunting x 1 Gadwall x 10 Lapwing x 20 Nuthatch x 1 Jay x 1 Magpie x 20 House Sparrow x 25 Dunnock x 1 Collared Dove x 3 Tufted Duck x 25 Coot x 100 Mallard x 10 Cormorant x 30 Long Tailed Tit x 8 Robin x 5 Blackbird x 12 Moorhen x 3 Great Tit x 4 Blue Tit x 12 Woodpigeon x 30 Carrion Crow x 5 Black-Headed Gull x 40 Mute Swan x 5 Buzzard x 1 Grey Heron x 1 (flying overhead above East Lancs on way home)
Steve Judge said
Sat Nov 26 5:51 PM, 2016
Saturday, 26th November 2016 12:30 - 15:30 hrs.
Walk from Dover Lock Inn (Abram) along Leigh branch of Leeds-Liverpool canal - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Hawksley Viewing Screen - Ochre Flash - Bryn Marsh and return
Redwing x 30 Goldcrest x 1 Goosander x 5 Willow Tit x 2 Shoveler x 4 Reed Bunting x 3 Teal x 4 Pochard x 2 Gadwall x 6 Kestrel x 2 Jay x 4 Magpie x 10 Great Crested Grebe x 3 House Sparrow x 7 Collared Dove x 3 Tufted Duck x 5 Coot x 100 Mallard x 50 Cormorant x 12 Long Tailed Tit x 10 Robin x 12 Blackbird x 8 Chaffinch x 4 Moorhen x 4 Great Tit x 5 Blue Tit x 4 Woodpigeon x 6 Carrion Crow x 15 Black-Headed Gull x 25 Mute Swan x 4 Buzzard x 1 (on same lamp-post on East Lancs going and returning!)
Target birds of Bittern and Waxwing not seen unfortunately - but still cracking day on a chilly but sunny winter afternoon!
John Rayner said
Fri Nov 25 11:09 AM, 2016
Bryn Marsh: Bittern in flight at 11.02. Landed at 80m range but is currently out of sight.
(Info thanks to Mike Passant)
Cheers John
dave broome said
Thu Nov 24 5:38 PM, 2016
Woodcock in flight nr Ochre Flash at dusk today
bernard hooley said
Thu Nov 24 9:34 AM, 2016
post from yesterday blackbird : 10 mallard :16 long tailed tit :8 carrion crow : 4 wood pigeon :5 collared dove : 6 house sparrow : 3 moorhen : 8 tufted duck :14 coot :100 + black headed gull :16 lesser black backed gull :2 herring gull:1 magpie : 4 wren :1 shoveler :4 blue tit : 5 coal tit :2 pheasant : 1 robin :5 reed bunting : 1 willow tit : 1
bernard hooley said
Sat Nov 12 7:04 PM, 2016
blackbird x 6 jay x 1 mallard x 15 blue tit x 6 house sparrow x 16 starling x 9 tree sparrow x1 lesser black backed gull x 4 coot x 50+ black headed gull x 12 gadwall x 8 tufted duck x12 lapwing x 27 Canada goose x 6 moorhen x4 goosander (f) x 2 teal x 6 mute swan x 2 cormorant x 1 magpie x 6 pochard x 2 raven x 1 jackdaw x 6
dave broome said
Thu Nov 3 12:06 PM, 2016
A Bittern this morning at Bryn Marsh, also singing Cetti's Warbler and 7 Goosander over towards Horrocks Flash
dave broome said
Mon Oct 31 6:49 PM, 2016
Approx 2000 Starling roosted in Bryn Marsh tonight, min 8 Water Rail heard, Cetti's Warbler singing, 7 Goosander flew over
brian fielding said
Mon Oct 31 3:56 PM, 2016
Visited Bryn marsh today with Ian Campbell to follow up a bearded Tit report from Sunday but no joy although did see juvenile or female marsh harrier and 2 bitterns in flight, also cettis warbler and water rail heard, we also saw the red throated diver at Pennington earlier so not a bad day all in all.
John Williams said
Sat Oct 29 5:22 PM, 2016
10.00-14.30
Westwood Flash : 1f Goosander
Pearsons Flash : 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pochard and 1 Water Rail. Gadwall displaying. 8 Common Gulls were amongst the Black Headed flock.
Several flocks of mixed Redwings and Blackbirds were on the surrounding hawthornes, seen with them was a single Song Thrush.
Scotsmans Flash : 16 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Little Grebes, 8 Wigeon and 1 Sparrowhawk.
dave broome said
Tue Oct 25 12:36 PM, 2016
Brambling S over Pearson's Flash this morning
dave broome said
Tue Oct 11 4:59 PM, 2016
Birds at south end of Scotman's Flash this afternoon included 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper and a loose feeding flock of 20+ Redwing and 10+ Blackbird
Ernest Sherman said
Sun Oct 9 4:28 PM, 2016
Highlight of a full morning ride around the flashes was a male Peregrine diving on Lapwings on rear of Horrocks flash.
dave broome said
Thu Oct 6 9:59 PM, 2016
1 hour early morning, birds moving S inc 161 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied/White Wagtail, 121 Redwing, 10 Siskin, 6 Skylark.
46 Wigeon and 15 Little Grebe on Scotmans
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 6th of October 2016 09:59:58 PM
Scott robinson said
Sun Oct 2 1:16 PM, 2016
Been Haigh Hall on mountain bike this morning down the canal,
2 Cettis Warbler both singing one at Pearsons the other just before Scotmans Flash. Massive numbers of Coot on Scotmans. Grey Wagtail flew over. Little Grebe, Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck seen on Scotmans Flash.
dave broome said
Tue Sep 27 2:50 PM, 2016
Scotman's and Pearson's Flash this morning: 2 Pintail, 109 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 67 Gadwall, 9 Little Grebe, 8 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler
dave broome said
Mon Sep 19 3:01 PM, 2016
3 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Water Rail at Pearson's Flash today
dave broome said
Wed Sep 14 9:44 AM, 2016
1 Pintail and 19 Wigeon on Scotman's Flash this morning
Steve Judge said
Sun Sep 11 10:50 PM, 2016
Linear walk from Plank Bridge car park (near Pennington Flash) - along Leigh Branch of Leeds/Liverpool canal - Lightshaw Meadows - Dover Lock - Platt Bridge - Horrocks Flash and return.
Saturday, 10th September 2016. 13:30 - 17:00 hrs. Nice and quiet on the roads (Manchester Football Derby taking place certainly helped here!).
Snipe x 7 (all on Horrocks Flash) Buzzard x 1 Kestrel x 1 Willow Warbler x 3 Wigeon x 2 Jay x 3 Swallow x 10 House Martin x 7 Lapwing x 150 (most in field next to Dover Flash) Reed Bunting x 1 Canada Geese x 50 Greylag Geese x 10 Tufted Duck x 4 Great Crested Grebe x 1 Coot x 30 Moorhen x 3 Cormorant x 8 House Sparrow x 5 Goldfinch x 4 Starling x 30 Carrion Crow x 7 Robin x 2 Great Tit x 5 Magpie x 10 Mallard x 40 Black-Headed Gull x 5
dave broome said
Fri Aug 26 1:09 PM, 2016
Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat this afternoon in Big Hedge, running through fields between Ochre Flash and Park House Farm
-- Edited by dave broome on Friday 26th of August 2016 02:56:34 PM
dave broome said
Fri Aug 19 9:45 AM, 2016
2 Garganey and 6 Shoveler on Scotman's Flash this morning
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Aug 18 9:42 AM, 2016
Garganey still on Pearsons Flash this morning.
Info thanks to Judith Smith
Keith Pilling said
Sat Aug 13 5:29 PM, 2016
Hobby seen feeding on Dragonflies over the canal at Moss Bridge, then flew off in the direction of Horrocks flash at 4:30 pm.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Aug 1 10:26 AM, 2016
Garganey still present on Pearsons Flash 6.00 a.m. this morning, many thanks Judith for your directions. Cheers Ian
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Jul 30 10:58 AM, 2016
Eclipse drake Garganey on Pearsons Flash at 10:50 this morning.
Info thanks to Judith Smith
John Williams said
Sat Jul 23 10:43 PM, 2016
11.30-14.30
Scotsmans Flash
Boating was dominating most of the flash, and the SW corner appears choked with algae.
Common Terns are constantly visiting the flash though, and dive for fish right in among the yachts. One left the flash carrying a small eel.
Whilst the boating took place Mute Swans gather en-masse in the NE corner.
Horrocks Flash
Around a dozen Common Terns are around the flash at any one time, but there is a constant procession of them arriving with fish for their young.
4 half grown youngster were dotted around the small islets, plus 3 fledged young begging for, and getting, fed by their parents.
One of the smaller nestlings devoured a teaspoon sized Perch, no problem. Only one half grown Black Headed Gull could be seen, but their were plenty of newly fledged birds,
including one that pulled a large earthworm out of the ground on one of the little islets. 50+ Lapwings were the only waders. 1 Grey Heron stalked along the edge of the reedbed.
The 3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes noted on my visit on the 13th were still around, bunched together close to the reeds, with an adult close by.
Pearsons Flash
25 Great Crested Grebes, including a juvenile. One is still brooding, and appeared to have a couple young tucked underneath. The brooding bird was being attended by it's mate.
1 Blackcap was still singing near the canal footbridge.
-- Edited by John Williams on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 10:55:42 PM
dave broome said
Sat Jul 23 9:47 PM, 2016
1043 Black-Headed Gull roosting on Scotman's Flash this evening, also there 11 Little Grebe and a drake Shoveler
Scott robinson said
Sun Jul 17 9:51 AM, 2016
2 Common Tern, Single Kingfisher and at least 500 Swift this morning.
John Williams said
Wed Jul 13 10:49 PM, 2016
6-8pm
Westwood Flash
5 Common Terns & 1 Kingfisher
Pearsons Flash
12 Great Crested Grebes including 1 that is brooding, and 1 Grey Heron.
Horrocks Flash
6prs Common Terns, including 2 adults brooding and 1 pair with 2 "Robin" sized youngsters. 2 Oystercatchers, 3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes, 1 juvenile Pied Wagtail and 1 Grey Heron.
Scotsmans Flash
10 adult Great Crested Grebes
The sheer numbers of Swifts over Pearsons Flash and the canal was breathtaking, with birds zooming across the towpath and missing peoples heads by just a few feet, whilst innumerable
others were above, some so high they could barely be seen. Lesser numbers of House Martins were amongst the Swifts, whilst around a dozen Swallows skimmed the surface of Pearsons.
As I was leaving many Swifts moved across to feed just above the surface of Scotsmans Flash.
The Common Terns were commuting from their colony on Horrocks Flash to feed on Westwood or Scotsmans Flashes.
dave broome said
Mon Jul 11 9:41 AM, 2016
1 Common Sandpiper on the jetty at Scotman's Flash this morning, where approx 350 Sand Martin and 50 House Martin were feeding
dave broome said
Thu Jul 7 9:31 AM, 2016
In drizzle at Scotman's Flash this morning approx numbers feeding were 1600 Swift, 100 House Martin, 40 Sand Martin
Steve Judge said
Sat Jul 2 6:50 PM, 2016
Linear walk (seriously long to burn off the calories!) from Plank Bridge car park (near Pennington Flash) - along Leigh Branch of Leeds/Liverpool canal - Lightshaw Meadows - Dover Lock - Platt Bridge - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Pearsons Flash and return.
Saturday, 2nd July 2016. 12:15 - 17:30 hrs - long but enjoyable walk - breezy with one brief heavy shower and pleasant evening sunshine.
Common Tern x 25 (most on Horrocks Flash) Siskin x 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (juvenile) x 1 Bullfinch (Male) x 1 Song Thrush x 1 Buzzard x 3 Kestrel x 2 Reed Bunting x 1 Skylark x 1 Willow Warbler x 1 Chiffchaff x 5 Lapwing x 5 Pied Wagtail x 2 Goldfinch x 7 Canada Geese x 70 Greylag Geese x 8 Gadwall x 2 Swallows x 40 Swift x 100 House Martin x 35 Collared Dove x 2 Grey Heron x 2 Wren x 1 House Sparrow x 3 Mute Swan x 20 Tufted Ducks x 30 Goldfinch x 4 Great Crested Grebe x 20 Coot x 50 Moorhen x 8 Cormorant x 3 Great Tit x 7 Blue Tit x 3 Chaffinch x 1 Blackbird x 7 Mallard x 40 Black-Headed Gull x 150 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 15 Herring Gull x 10 Woodpigeon x 30 Carrion Crow x 10 Magpie x 35
dave broome said
Sat Jul 2 6:45 PM, 2016
Approx 800 Swift, 100 House Martin and min 12 Sand Martin feeding this afternoon around Scotman's, Pearson's and Westwood Flashes
1 Arctic Tern at Scotman's Flash before sunset sat on a buoy
dave broome said
Wed May 11 4:30 PM, 2016
3 Arctic Tern at Scotman's Flash at the moment
Steve Judge said
Sat Apr 30 8:07 PM, 2016
Linear walk from Plank Bridge car park (near Pennington Flash) - along Leigh Branch of Leeds/Liverpool canal - Dover Lock - Platt Bridge - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Pearsons Flash and return.
Saturday, 30th April 2016. 12:45 - 17:30 hrs - long but enjoyable walk with pleasant evening sunshine.
Peregrine x 1 (Horrocks Flash - mobbed and chased off by Black-Headed Gulls) Cettis Warbler x 1 (near bridge at Scotmans Flash) Buzzard x 3 Kestrel x 1 Reed Bunting x 5 Common Whitethroat x 1 Willow Warbler x 3 Chiffchaff x 3 Coal Tit x 1 Canada Geese x 150 Greylag Geese x 20 Oystercatcher x 4 Meadow Pipit x 1 Long Tailed Tit x 1 Gadwall x 4 Swallows x 50 Swift x 2 House Martin x 10 Dunnock x 1 Wren x 1 House Sparrow x 8 Mute Swan x 8 Tufted Ducks x 40 Goldfinch x 4 Great Crested Grebe x 4 Coot x 20 Moorhen x 4 Cormorant x 1 Great Tit x 3 Blue Tit x 10 Chaffinch x 4 Blackbird x 5 Robin x 7 Mallard x 20 Black-Headed Gull x 50 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 3 Woodpigeon x 70 Carrion Crow x 8 Pheasant x 3 Magpie x 10
dave broome said
Fri Apr 29 1:14 PM, 2016
A Shelduck flew in to Scotman's Flash from the NW early pm, where one hardy Swift was also braving the conditions
dave broome said
Tue Apr 26 12:12 PM, 2016
Singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Swift at Scotman's Flash today
dave broome said
Thu Apr 14 9:12 AM, 2016
2 Cetti's Warbler singing at Bryn Marsh this morning. One close to the screen had a metal ring on its right leg.
A Water Rail flew along the channel in front of the screen.
John Williams said
Wed Apr 13 9:45 PM, 2016
6.00-8.00pm
Pearsons Flash
Still plenty of ducks on the flash, mainly Tufted Duck, Mallard and Gadwall, but also 6 Shoveler, 10 Teal and 7 Pochard.
The surprise was still finding 16 Goldeneye, including 3 displaying males here. Masses of Sand Martins and Swallows were over the flash, with just 1 House Martin.
1 Buzzard flew over.
Scotsmans Flash
Pretty much a waste of time, with a group of youths sat on the bank with a stereo that I could still hear from Horrocks Flash, and when they'd gone the yachts came out.
3 Great Black Backed Gulls and a couple of pairs of Great Crested Grebes were about the only birds on the water. Whilst a single Kestrel hovered over the South bank.
Horrocks Flash
1 Buzzard flew over. Around 10 Black Headed Gulls appeared to be settling in on their breeding spots, but just dusk every single gull flew off.
5 Willow Warblers sang from sallows along the towpath.
dave broome said
Mon Apr 11 7:07 PM, 2016
No sign of either the Common Scoters or Little Gull on Scotman's Flash in a brief early evening visit
dave broome said
Mon Apr 11 1:42 PM, 2016
3 Common Scoter (2 drake) and 1 adult Little Gull at Scotman's Flash early pm
dave broome said
Fri Apr 1 2:15 PM, 2016
c500 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow feeding at Scotman's Flash early pm
dave broome said
Wed Mar 30 9:23 AM, 2016
1 Swallow and approx 450 Sand Martin at Scotman's Flash this morning
dave broome said
Sat Mar 26 10:47 AM, 2016
Birds at Scotman's Flash this morning included 2 ad Great Black-Backed Gull, Kingfisher, 48 Sand Martin and a singing Cetti's Warbler - actually within gardens!
-- Edited by dave broome on Saturday 26th of March 2016 10:53:36 AM
Les Walton said
Fri Mar 25 9:19 AM, 2016
25th March 06:30 Notable- Marsh Harrier flying low over Bryn flash (photos), also grey heron and kingfisher. Elsewhere good viewing of Cetti's warbler at Moss Bridge.
At Scotman's Flash this morning 3 Sand Martin, 31 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, singing Cetti's Warbler and Nuthatch singing alongside car park and dismantled railway embankment
-- Edited by dave broome on Wednesday 23rd of March 2016 09:10:13 AM
26 Lesser Redpoll with approximately 90 Goldfinch feeding today between Turner's Flash and the canal nr Moss Bridge
Walk from Dover Lock Inn (Abram) along Leigh branch of Leeds-Liverpool canal - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Hawksley Viewing Screen - and return
Redpoll x 20 (in trees between canal and Horrocks Flash; and on other side of canal)
Redwing x 50
Goldcrest x 1
Goosander x 2
Willow Tit x 3
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1
Bullfinch (Male) x 1
Coal Tit x 1
Shoveler x 4
Wigeon x 4
Reed Bunting x 1
Gadwall x 10
Lapwing x 20
Nuthatch x 1
Jay x 1
Magpie x 20
House Sparrow x 25
Dunnock x 1
Collared Dove x 3
Tufted Duck x 25
Coot x 100
Mallard x 10
Cormorant x 30
Long Tailed Tit x 8
Robin x 5
Blackbird x 12
Moorhen x 3
Great Tit x 4
Blue Tit x 12
Woodpigeon x 30
Carrion Crow x 5
Black-Headed Gull x 40
Mute Swan x 5
Buzzard x 1
Grey Heron x 1 (flying overhead above East Lancs on way home)
Walk from Dover Lock Inn (Abram) along Leigh branch of Leeds-Liverpool canal - Horrocks Flash - Scotmans Flash - Hawksley Viewing Screen - Ochre Flash - Bryn Marsh and return
Redwing x 30
Goldcrest x 1
Goosander x 5
Willow Tit x 2
Shoveler x 4
Reed Bunting x 3
Teal x 4
Pochard x 2
Gadwall x 6
Kestrel x 2
Jay x 4
Magpie x 10
Great Crested Grebe x 3
House Sparrow x 7
Collared Dove x 3
Tufted Duck x 5
Coot x 100
Mallard x 50
Cormorant x 12
Long Tailed Tit x 10
Robin x 12
Blackbird x 8
Chaffinch x 4
Moorhen x 4
Great Tit x 5
Blue Tit x 4
Woodpigeon x 6
Carrion Crow x 15
Black-Headed Gull x 25
Mute Swan x 4
Buzzard x 1 (on same lamp-post on East Lancs going and returning!)
Target birds of Bittern and Waxwing not seen unfortunately - but still cracking day on a chilly but sunny winter afternoon!
(Info thanks to Mike Passant)
Cheers John
Woodcock in flight nr Ochre Flash at dusk today
blackbird : 10
mallard :16
long tailed tit :8
carrion crow : 4
wood pigeon :5
collared dove : 6
house sparrow : 3
moorhen : 8
tufted duck :14
coot :100 +
black headed gull :16
lesser black backed gull :2
herring gull:1
magpie : 4
wren :1
shoveler :4
blue tit : 5
coal tit :2
pheasant : 1
robin :5
reed bunting : 1
willow tit : 1
jay x 1
mallard x 15
blue tit x 6
house sparrow x 16
starling x 9
tree sparrow x1
lesser black backed gull x 4
coot x 50+
black headed gull x 12
gadwall x 8
tufted duck x12
lapwing x 27
Canada goose x 6
moorhen x4
goosander (f) x 2
teal x 6
mute swan x 2
cormorant x 1
magpie x 6
pochard x 2
raven x 1
jackdaw x 6
A Bittern this morning at Bryn Marsh, also singing Cetti's Warbler and 7 Goosander over towards Horrocks Flash
Approx 2000 Starling roosted in Bryn Marsh tonight, min 8 Water Rail heard, Cetti's Warbler singing, 7 Goosander flew over
Visited Bryn marsh today with Ian Campbell to follow up a bearded Tit report from Sunday but no joy although did see juvenile or female marsh harrier and 2 bitterns in flight, also cettis warbler and water rail heard, we also saw the red throated diver at Pennington earlier so not a bad day all in all.
Westwood Flash : 1f Goosander
Pearsons Flash : 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pochard and 1 Water Rail. Gadwall displaying. 8 Common Gulls were amongst the Black Headed flock.
Several flocks of mixed Redwings and Blackbirds were on the surrounding hawthornes, seen with them was a single Song Thrush.
Horrocks Flash : 1f Pintail, 1 Snipe, 8 Lapwings, 1 Buzzard, 3 Grey Herons, 1f Goosander and 2 Goldcrests.
Scotsmans Flash : 16 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Little Grebes, 8 Wigeon and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Brambling S over Pearson's Flash this morning
Birds at south end of Scotman's Flash this afternoon included 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper and a loose feeding flock of 20+ Redwing and 10+ Blackbird
1 hour early morning, birds moving S inc 161 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied/White Wagtail, 121 Redwing, 10 Siskin, 6 Skylark.
46 Wigeon and 15 Little Grebe on Scotmans
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 6th of October 2016 09:59:58 PM
2 Cettis Warbler both singing one at Pearsons the other just before Scotmans Flash. Massive numbers of Coot on Scotmans. Grey Wagtail flew over. Little Grebe, Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck seen on Scotmans Flash.
Scotman's and Pearson's Flash this morning: 2 Pintail, 109 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 67 Gadwall, 9 Little Grebe, 8 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler
3 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Water Rail at Pearson's Flash today
1 Pintail and 19 Wigeon on Scotman's Flash this morning
Saturday, 10th September 2016. 13:30 - 17:00 hrs. Nice and quiet on the roads (Manchester Football Derby taking place certainly helped here!).
Snipe x 7 (all on Horrocks Flash)
Buzzard x 1
Kestrel x 1
Willow Warbler x 3
Wigeon x 2
Jay x 3
Swallow x 10
House Martin x 7
Lapwing x 150 (most in field next to Dover Flash)
Reed Bunting x 1
Canada Geese x 50
Greylag Geese x 10
Tufted Duck x 4
Great Crested Grebe x 1
Coot x 30
Moorhen x 3
Cormorant x 8
House Sparrow x 5
Goldfinch x 4
Starling x 30
Carrion Crow x 7
Robin x 2
Great Tit x 5
Magpie x 10
Mallard x 40
Black-Headed Gull x 5
Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat this afternoon in Big Hedge, running through fields between Ochre Flash and Park House Farm
-- Edited by dave broome on Friday 26th of August 2016 02:56:34 PM
2 Garganey and 6 Shoveler on Scotman's Flash this morning
Info thanks to Judith Smith
Hobby seen feeding on Dragonflies over the canal at Moss Bridge, then flew off in the direction of Horrocks flash at 4:30 pm.
Cheers Ian
Info thanks to Judith Smith
Scotsmans Flash
Boating was dominating most of the flash, and the SW corner appears choked with algae.
Common Terns are constantly visiting the flash though, and dive for fish right in among the yachts. One left the flash carrying a small eel.
Whilst the boating took place Mute Swans gather en-masse in the NE corner.
Horrocks Flash
Around a dozen Common Terns are around the flash at any one time, but there is a constant procession of them arriving with fish for their young.
4 half grown youngster were dotted around the small islets, plus 3 fledged young begging for, and getting, fed by their parents.
One of the smaller nestlings devoured a teaspoon sized Perch, no problem. Only one half grown Black Headed Gull could be seen, but their were plenty of newly fledged birds,
including one that pulled a large earthworm out of the ground on one of the little islets. 50+ Lapwings were the only waders. 1 Grey Heron stalked along the edge of the reedbed.
The 3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes noted on my visit on the 13th were still around, bunched together close to the reeds, with an adult close by.
Pearsons Flash
25 Great Crested Grebes, including a juvenile. One is still brooding, and appeared to have a couple young tucked underneath. The brooding bird was being attended by it's mate.
1 Blackcap was still singing near the canal footbridge.
-- Edited by John Williams on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 10:55:42 PM
1043 Black-Headed Gull roosting on Scotman's Flash this evening, also there 11 Little Grebe and a drake Shoveler
Westwood Flash
5 Common Terns & 1 Kingfisher
Pearsons Flash
12 Great Crested Grebes including 1 that is brooding, and 1 Grey Heron.
Horrocks Flash
6prs Common Terns, including 2 adults brooding and 1 pair with 2 "Robin" sized youngsters. 2 Oystercatchers, 3 juvenile Great Crested Grebes, 1 juvenile Pied Wagtail and 1 Grey Heron.
Scotsmans Flash
10 adult Great Crested Grebes
The sheer numbers of Swifts over Pearsons Flash and the canal was breathtaking, with birds zooming across the towpath and missing peoples heads by just a few feet, whilst innumerable
others were above, some so high they could barely be seen. Lesser numbers of House Martins were amongst the Swifts, whilst around a dozen Swallows skimmed the surface of Pearsons.
As I was leaving many Swifts moved across to feed just above the surface of Scotsmans Flash.
The Common Terns were commuting from their colony on Horrocks Flash to feed on Westwood or Scotsmans Flashes.
1 Common Sandpiper on the jetty at Scotman's Flash this morning, where approx 350 Sand Martin and 50 House Martin were feeding
In drizzle at Scotman's Flash this morning approx numbers feeding were 1600 Swift, 100 House Martin, 40 Sand Martin
Saturday, 2nd July 2016. 12:15 - 17:30 hrs - long but enjoyable walk - breezy with one brief heavy shower and pleasant evening sunshine.
Common Tern x 25 (most on Horrocks Flash)
Siskin x 1
Great Spotted Woodpecker (juvenile) x 1
Bullfinch (Male) x 1
Song Thrush x 1
Buzzard x 3
Kestrel x 2
Reed Bunting x 1
Skylark x 1
Willow Warbler x 1
Chiffchaff x 5
Lapwing x 5
Pied Wagtail x 2
Goldfinch x 7
Canada Geese x 70
Greylag Geese x 8
Gadwall x 2
Swallows x 40
Swift x 100
House Martin x 35
Collared Dove x 2
Grey Heron x 2
Wren x 1
House Sparrow x 3
Mute Swan x 20
Tufted Ducks x 30
Goldfinch x 4
Great Crested Grebe x 20
Coot x 50
Moorhen x 8
Cormorant x 3
Great Tit x 7
Blue Tit x 3
Chaffinch x 1
Blackbird x 7
Mallard x 40
Black-Headed Gull x 150
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 15
Herring Gull x 10
Woodpigeon x 30
Carrion Crow x 10
Magpie x 35
Approx 800 Swift, 100 House Martin and min 12 Sand Martin feeding this afternoon around Scotman's, Pearson's and Westwood Flashes
This AM
4 Cettis Warblers singing (2 Pearsons,1 Westwood,1 Scotmans)
1 Grasshopper Warbler pearsons
10 Lesser Redpolls.
Pr Mute Swans 7cygnets on canal.
33 Canada geese goslings in various ages.
1 Arctic Tern at Scotman's Flash before sunset sat on a buoy
3 Arctic Tern at Scotman's Flash at the moment
Saturday, 30th April 2016. 12:45 - 17:30 hrs - long but enjoyable walk with pleasant evening sunshine.
Peregrine x 1 (Horrocks Flash - mobbed and chased off by Black-Headed Gulls)
Cettis Warbler x 1 (near bridge at Scotmans Flash)
Buzzard x 3
Kestrel x 1
Reed Bunting x 5
Common Whitethroat x 1
Willow Warbler x 3
Chiffchaff x 3
Coal Tit x 1
Canada Geese x 150
Greylag Geese x 20
Oystercatcher x 4
Meadow Pipit x 1
Long Tailed Tit x 1
Gadwall x 4
Swallows x 50
Swift x 2
House Martin x 10
Dunnock x 1
Wren x 1
House Sparrow x 8
Mute Swan x 8
Tufted Ducks x 40
Goldfinch x 4
Great Crested Grebe x 4
Coot x 20
Moorhen x 4
Cormorant x 1
Great Tit x 3
Blue Tit x 10
Chaffinch x 4
Blackbird x 5
Robin x 7
Mallard x 20
Black-Headed Gull x 50
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 3
Woodpigeon x 70
Carrion Crow x 8
Pheasant x 3
Magpie x 10
A Shelduck flew in to Scotman's Flash from the NW early pm, where one hardy Swift was also braving the conditions
Singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Swift at Scotman's Flash today
2 Cetti's Warbler singing at Bryn Marsh this morning. One close to the screen had a metal ring on its right leg.
A Water Rail flew along the channel in front of the screen.
Pearsons Flash
Still plenty of ducks on the flash, mainly Tufted Duck, Mallard and Gadwall, but also 6 Shoveler, 10 Teal and 7 Pochard.
The surprise was still finding 16 Goldeneye, including 3 displaying males here. Masses of Sand Martins and Swallows were over the flash, with just 1 House Martin.
1 Buzzard flew over.
Scotsmans Flash
Pretty much a waste of time, with a group of youths sat on the bank with a stereo that I could still hear from Horrocks Flash, and when they'd gone the yachts came out.
3 Great Black Backed Gulls and a couple of pairs of Great Crested Grebes were about the only birds on the water. Whilst a single Kestrel hovered over the South bank.
Horrocks Flash
1 Buzzard flew over. Around 10 Black Headed Gulls appeared to be settling in on their breeding spots, but just dusk every single gull flew off.
5 Willow Warblers sang from sallows along the towpath.
No sign of either the Common Scoters or Little Gull on Scotman's Flash in a brief early evening visit
3 Common Scoter (2 drake) and 1 adult Little Gull at Scotman's Flash early pm
c500 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow feeding at Scotman's Flash early pm
1 Swallow and approx 450 Sand Martin at Scotman's Flash this morning
Birds at Scotman's Flash this morning included 2 ad Great Black-Backed Gull, Kingfisher, 48 Sand Martin and a singing Cetti's Warbler - actually within gardens!
-- Edited by dave broome on Saturday 26th of March 2016 10:53:36 AM
Notable- Marsh Harrier flying low over Bryn flash (photos), also grey heron and kingfisher. Elsewhere good viewing of Cetti's warbler at Moss Bridge.
At Scotman's Flash this morning 3 Sand Martin, 31 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, singing Cetti's Warbler and Nuthatch singing alongside car park and dismantled railway embankment
-- Edited by dave broome on Wednesday 23rd of March 2016 09:10:13 AM
This AM
At least 2 Cetti Warblers
30+ Goldeneye
1 Sand Martin
Jimmy