3 x ring-necked parakeet on feeders along with nuthatch, coal tit, blue and great tit. Bullfinch male in the bushes near the feeders.
5 x goosander and a few pairs of gadwall on the lake
Ray Scally said
Tue Dec 15 3:57 PM, 2020
44 species early afternoon, highlights being
Chiffchaff 1 - seen briefly at Teal Pond. Shoveler 3 - 2 males and female Teal Pond. Goosander 1 Snipe 5 Sparrowhawk 1 Willow Tit 1
Ray
steven burke said
Mon Dec 14 6:05 PM, 2020
Afternoon visit.
Visitor centre feeders all topped up...
2 willow tits 2 nuthatch 2 ring necked parakeets 1 chaffinch Usual blue, great & coal tits. A bit further along from the feeders down on the marsh, 5 teal & 1 grey heron.
Main lake...
5 mute swans 8 cormorants 5 great crested grebes 7 little grebes 10 gadwall 1 tufted duck 1 kestrel Male perched on pylon watching me then suddenly dropped about 15 feet away from me catching some prey. 2 bullfinch
Broad ees dole...
5 goosander 5 gadwall 3 little grebes 3 grey herons 2 snipe 1 kestrel 1 jay
Teal pool...
12 teal 1 shoveler 8 snipe, possibly more as I could see some more movement around them but only had my binoculars.
Ray Scally said
Tue Dec 8 3:12 PM, 2020
Black headed Gull numbers down today, 2 Snipe visible on Broad Ees Dole, 3 Goosander and 1 Willow Tit being highlights. Ray
Tony Koziol said
Sat Dec 5 8:23 PM, 2020
Just over two hours on site today between 12 noon until 2.30 with 35 species recorded the highlights being:
Around the feeders near the cafe 2 Nuthatch, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Necked Parakeet and Willow Tit (very possibly 2).
At Broad Ees Dole 3 Snipe.
John Shaughnessy said
Sun Nov 29 11:57 PM, 2020
Friday 27th November - Sunday 29th November, three or four hours each afternoon until dusk.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on lake + 2 ad. on B.E.D. The male from the lake tried to evict the B.E.D. male, but seems to have failed.
Five minutes at cafe feeders, 22/11 - Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit (1), Willow Tit (2), Nuthatch (1), Magpie, Chaffinch (1) & parakeets.
Rob Creek said
Sun Nov 22 5:56 PM, 2020
Probably wouldnt make much difference Steve, various water-sport activities are done during the week too!
Steven Heywood said
Sun Nov 22 3:21 PM, 2020
Hi Rob,
It returned for a while though it stayed well out in the water (can't say I blame it, the paths were very busy when I arrived and dogs were playing in the water at the Western end). The arrival of the canoeists was the trigger for its leaving again. Shame it didn't arrive on a weekday.
Rob Creek said
Sun Nov 22 3:16 PM, 2020
Nice to see a few familiar faces this morning.
- Great Northern Diver (juv / 1st w)
Showing well on main lake infront of Deckers when I arrived at 8.50am but it was short lived as it took flight within 10 minutes. It flew off high to the south and over the M60 at approx 9am Presumably the Diver returned then Steven if you saw it between 9.45-10.12am?
Other birds of note... - c45 Pink-footed Geese over E - 4 Ring-necked Parakeets - 2 Redwings - 6 Great Crested Grebe - 4 Common Gulls
Great Northern diver in mid water across from boathouse 0945, flew off SW at 10:12 and hadn't returned by 10:40. Probably unlikely to do so, lots of watersports activity starting up.
Pete Hines said
Sun Nov 22 10:05 AM, 2020
Great Northern Diver juvenile flew off south at 09.02 Kingfisher 1 Pink-footed Geese - 3 skeins over east c200 at 08.13, 100 at 08.39 and 110 at 08.42
& a few usual species. Also 1 male Pheasant, 13/11.
10min. at the cafe feeders, 13/11: Blue Tit, Great Tit (6 at once), Coal Tit (1), Nuthatch (1-2), Robin, Chaffinch (1 only).
Rob Creek said
Thu Nov 12 5:14 PM, 2020
Lunchtime / early afternoon visit after delivering on Sale.
Of note... - 1 Pink-footed Goose Looks to be an immature probably 1st Winter, no white division between upper parts and the flank, no obvious thumbprint plumage either on the flank area, and the bluey grey tone looks to be starting to come through on the back with white flecks still showing here and there.
- 300+ Black-headed Gulls (Stopped counting at 280 with lots more to go) - 14 Common Gulls - 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 3 Great Crested Grebe - 2 Cormorant
- Mute Swan adult 4DPH - Cygnets 4DNV, 4DNX, 4DNY, 4DPD, 4DPF - also one of the Canada Geese had a metal ring on right tibia but nothing on left.
Thanks to Steve Christmas for the heads up. All 4D, not 40, and ringed in the last couple of weeks.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 12th of November 2020 11:27:11 PM
Friday 6th November - Monday 9th November Daily visit, c.1330-1700hrs., though not for long at lake on Saturday & Sunday -- too many people, looked unsafe.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv.; Pink-footed Goose 1 on lake, 6-7/11; Mallard 170 to roost at B.E.D., dusk, 9/11; Teal Max. 14, B.E.D., 9/11; Wigeon 1 juv. m., on lake, 6-7/11, ad. m. + fem., B.E.D., 9/11; Gadwall Max. 16, 8/11; Tufted Duck On lake - 2 on 6/11, 4 on 7/11, 3 on 8/11, 6 on 9/11; Goosander Up to 4, B.E.D.
Cormorant Max. 16, 5/11; Little Grebe Max. 9; Great Crested Grebe Up to 5; Grey Heron 1-2.
Sparrowhawk 1, 5/11; Kestrel 1, 3/11.
Coot Max. 91, 4/11; Moorhen Max. 37, 4/11 (12 Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool + 18 lake + 7 B.E.D.).
Common Snipe 1-2, B.E.D.
Black-headed Gull Max. 230, 5/11; Mediterranean Gull 1 first cal. yr. at lake, 4 & 5/11; Common Gull Max. 9, 5/11; Herring Gull Max. 5, 5/11; L. B.-b. Gull Up to 4.
G. S. Woodpecker 1, 3 & 4/11; Kingfisher 1-2; Grey Wagtail 1-3; Pied Wagtail 1 only.
Goldcrest 1, Cow Lane west, 3/11; Starling 48 to W., 5/11; Goldfinch 8, 4/11; Siskin 1, 4/11.
Magpie 55+ to roost, B.E.D., 5/11; Jackdaw 1500 to roost, B.E.D., 4/11; Carrion Crow 55, old cricket field, 3/11, most now stay to roost on Chorlton side.
River from canal / railway bridge up to Jackson's Boat bridge, 3/11 -- Mallard (49), Cormorant (1), Kingfisher (1), Grey Wagtail (1)
phillipskelly said
Wed Nov 4 4:21 PM, 2020
Visitor Centre feeders Willow tit - 2. Coal tit - 2. Robin - 1. Nuthatch - 1. Dunnock - 2. Ring-necked Parakeet - 2 Also Blue tit and Grt tit.
Cow lane : Treecreeper - 1. Redwing - 1.
Main lake : Mute Swan - 7 (inc. 5 juv). Little Grebe - 2. Grey Heron - 1. Coot - 51.
Mid afternoon - dusk visits, Thursday 29th October - Monday 2nd November
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on 29/10, then with 2 extra ad. on 30/10, but just 1 ad. + 5 juv. on 31/10 & 1/11. Then 2 ad.+ 2 juv. & 2 ad. + 5 juv. on 2/11. The 'extras' on 2/11 looked to be one of the families from Chorlton W.P.
Black-headed Gull Max. 210, 2/11; Mediterranean Gull 1 first cal. yr. on lake, 2/11; Common Gull Max. 6, 2/11; Herring Gull 4, 31/10; L. B.-b. Gull 1-3 on lake & usually 3-4 over.
Wood Pigeon Max. c.30, 2/11.
Kingfisher 1-2.
Grey Wagtail 1-2; Pied Wagtail 2-3.
Blackcap 1, by Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool, 30/10.
Carrion Crow 75 on / around old cricket field, 31/10; Long-tailed Tit 10+, 2/11; Reed Bunting 1, 2/11.
Cafe feeders, 30/10: Nuthatch, Willow Tit, Coal Tit etc.
Karen Foulkes said
Mon Nov 2 6:24 PM, 2020
A late morning visit to the feeders today. Other forum members were also present.
Birds seen from the area around the feeders included:
Willow Tit Nuthatch At least five Ring-necked Parakeets were flying across the gap behind the feeders and one had been on the feeders before I arrived A male Chaffinch and a Song Thrush were in the trees just beyond the feeders A Buzzard was also seen on several occasions flying over the area below and beyond the feeders Also I caught the end of what looked a decent sized finch flock flying over the cafe building, most of the birds I saw looked Goldfinch sized
steven burke said
Sun Nov 1 8:47 PM, 2020
Afternoon visit.
Feeders all topped up... 2 willow tits 1 great spotted woodpecker 2 ring necked parakeets 1 chaffinch 2 nuthatch Plus the usual blue, great & coal tits.
Main lake...
7 mute swan, Inc 5 juvenile 12 cormorants 6 great crested grebes 2 little grebes 74 coots all together at the east end probably due to the canoes & jet skis 2 bullfinch 1 buzzard 1 kestrel 2 grey herons
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 1st of November 2020 10:10:13 PM
John Shaughnessy said
Wed Oct 28 9:32 PM, 2020
Saturday 24th - Wednesday 28th October, daily visits, two hours late afternoon to dusk.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. daily.
Pink-footed Goose 152 in high from NW, then in wide arc round to SW / W over Sale towards Carrington Moss, 1640hrs. 27/10.
Teal 6, B.E.D., 24/10.
Mallard Max. 76 into B.E.D. at dusk, 24/10.
Gadwall Max. 14.
Goosander Up to 4, often in from far upriver to B.E.D. at dusk.
Little Grebe Max. 10.
Great Crested Grebe 3-5.
Cormorant Max. 10.
Grey Heron 1-3.
Moorhen Max. 34, 24/10.
Coot Max. 79, 24/10 & 76, 26/10.
Kestrel 1 daily.
Ring-necked Parakeet Pre-roost, Jackson's Boat, max. 95, 28th. All fly off over Hardy Farm area near dusk.
Grey Wagtail Max. 5, mainly river area.
Pied Wagtail 2-3 only.
Jackdaw B.E.D. roost, 1250, 26/10.
Carrion Crow 120, old cricket field & adjacent trees, 27/10. Roost nearby in trees on side of old tip, though some to Chorlton.
Jay 1-2, Jackson's Boat area.
Redwing Max. 8, from Chorlton to roost on Sale side.
Willow Tit 1, cafe feeders, 28/10.
Bullfinch 1, 28/10.
Goldfinch 11, 27/10.
Cafe feeders quiet, G. S. Woodpecker and Coal Tit the best. Just up to 3 Common Gull (2 ad. + 1 1st yr.) and 1 ad. L. B.-b. Gull with the Black-headeds. Very little else around.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Oct 24 8:00 AM, 2020
Originally posted yesterday by John Shaughnessy
Visits 1645-1845hrs. on 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 & 23 October 2020:
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. daily.
Greylag Goose 1, 22/10.
Teal Max. 8, 20/10.
Gadwall Max. 17, 20/10.
Shoveler 2, 18/10.
Goosander 1-7, but 22 at roost on B.E.D., 17/10.
Great Crested Grebe 2-3 daily.
Little Grebe Max. 8.
Cormorant Max. 10, 20/10.
Grey Heron Max. 6, 20/10.
Common Buzzard 1, 22/10.
Coot Max. 66, 20/10 & 61, 23/10.
Moorhen Max. 42, 19/10 ---- 11 Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool + 20 lake + 11 B.E.D.
Kingfisher 1-2 daily.
Grey Wagtail 1-3 daily.
Raven 2, 22/10 & 1, 23/10, Streford side of river.
Jackdaw Roost at B.E.D. Count of 1100, 20/10 & 1300, 22/10. Pre-roost on Chorlton side of river.
Rook 1, 22/10.
Magpie Roost at B.E.D., c.60, 22/10.
Long-tailed Tit Max. 17, 22/10.
Goldfinch 9, 23/10.
& other usual spp.
Colour-ringed Black-headed Gull: Ad. on 20/10, from Belgium, previously at S.W.P. on 16/7/17 & three times in 2018.
First cal. yr. on 20/10 & 22/10, first sightings of Polish bird ringed on 11/6/20.
steven burke said
Tue Oct 13 4:11 PM, 2020
Late morning/early afternoon visit.
Visitor centre feeders all topped up....
1 willow tit 3 nuthatch 1 female chaffinch 1 great spotted woodpecker Blue, great & coal tits. 2 ring necked parakeets 4 redwings over
Main lake...
Pair of mute Swan with 5 juvenile. 10 cormorant 6 little grebe 1 great crested grebe 6 gadwall 1 grey heron 1 kestrel 3 bullfinch, 1 female blackcap at old car park on cow lane. 2 siskin over 3 goldcrest c80 distant fieldfare over towards stretford ees
Also a couple of migrant hawker dragonflies on the water park so Summer's hanging on by its fingertips still.
Kate Babbage said
Wed Jul 29 5:36 PM, 2020
29.07.2020 11.30 to 1.40
visitor centre feeders willow tit 1 coal tit 1 blue tit 3 great tit 2 nuthatch 2 dunnock 1
main lake mute swan 2 adult 5 young pied wagtail 4 grey wagtail 1
Broad Ees Dole kingfisher 1 little grebe 2 adult 4 young moorhen 1 adult 1 young grey heron 6
Very pleased to confirm willow tit rather than marsh tit - I've not been following this forum.
phillipskelly said
Thu Jul 23 11:29 AM, 2020
Late post for yesterday 22. 07.20 from 2: 30pm
Visitor centre feeders - Willow tit - 1 . Coal tit - 1. Great tit - 1. Both great and coal tits were throwing the mixed seed out of the feeder until they got to the right one - probably Sunflower Hearts Main lake - Grey Heron - 1. Mute swan - 2 + 5 young. Broad Ees Dole - Grey heron - 3. Little grebe - 9 (1 with 2 well developed chicks and the other with 5 recently hatched swimmers).
Little egret and one kingfisher still on Broad Ees Dole 14:45
Per earlier comments, the feeders are back next to the café. Just great tits and blue tits on today, willow tit and nuthatch earlier in the week.
Pete Hines said
Fri Jul 17 11:31 AM, 2020
Little Egret - juvenile on Broad Ees Dole still this morning Kingfisher 2 Common Sandpiper 1
Broad Ees Dole Little Egret at the moment plus Kingfisher and Little Grebe.
Joel Tragen said
Sat May 16 3:53 PM, 2020
Thats an awful shame Tim, Ive seen many not avid/beginner birders taking joy from the feeders. Have you tried Trafford Council to see if they will reimburse or if they still have hold of them. I have heard people commenting on the rats and even someone throwing stones at them >:(
Tim Wilcox said
Sat May 16 11:17 AM, 2020
Huw Morgan wrote:
Afternoon visit:
Broad Ees Dole
Lapwing - 2 feeding on the island.
Goosander - 2f
Teal - 2 (1m, 1f)
Tufted Duck - 3 (1m, 2f)
Little Grebe - 4
Bullfinch - 2
Main Lake
Reed Warbler - 2 possibly 3, one showed well.
Great Crested Grebe - 6, a pair had three young in tow.
Swift - 2
Swallow - 2
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 4
Herring Gull - 1
I walked past the feeders and they have all been taken down, including the bird tables. Anyone know what's happened to them?
Yeah. Pete Hines tells me someone complained to Trafford Council about rats and they came and removed them. They all actually belonged to myself, Steve Burke, Phil Kelly and Chris Sutton. I presume they just threw them away...
Joel Tragen said
Fri May 15 9:38 PM, 2020
1 Hobby zoomed over the woods at the back of Broad Ees Dole this evening. Seen from under the pylons (where the bench used to be) by the river. Also 5 Swallows, 3 Grey Wagtails and several Swifts
Huw Morgan said
Tue May 5 4:24 PM, 2020
Afternoon visit:
Broad Ees Dole
Lapwing - 2 feeding on the island.
Goosander - 2f
Teal - 2 (1m, 1f)
Tufted Duck - 3 (1m, 2f)
Little Grebe - 4
Bullfinch - 2
Main Lake
Reed Warbler - 2 possibly 3, one showed well.
Great Crested Grebe - 6, a pair had three young in tow.
Swift - 2
Swallow - 2
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 4
Herring Gull - 1
I walked past the feeders and they have all been taken down, including the bird tables. Anyone know what's happened to them?
Joel Tragen said
Sun May 3 11:14 PM, 2020
Yesterday late afternoon cycle. Pretty much the same as Huw however no Goosanders nor Sand martins seen. Finally saw 1 of the Reed warblers yesterday as it was singing in the open of the rather spacious phragmites right next to the path.
Main Lake Common sandpiper - 2 around the pontoons at the sailing club Swallow - 1 Reed warbler - 3 heard Blackcap - 2 heard Grey wagtail - 2 Also the largest bat I've seen!!
-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Sunday 3rd of May 2020 11:18:50 PM
Huw Morgan said
Sat May 2 5:28 PM, 2020
Afternoon wander:
Broad Ees Dole
Common Sandpiper - 1 on the island, likely to be one of the three I saw yesterday.
Goosander - 6 (2m, 4f)
Teal - 4 (2m, 2f)
Tufted Duck - 2 (1m, 1f)
Little Grebe - 3
Sparrowhawk - 1
Main Lake
Reed Warbler -2
Chiffchaff - 2
Blackcap - 4
Swallow - 1
Sand Martin - 1
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 5
Herring Gull - 3
Black Headed Gull - 3
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Multiple Canada Goose, Mallard and Coot broods around the lake.
Huw Morgan said
Fri May 1 4:06 PM, 2020
Three common sandpiper around the main lake at the moment, two were on the slipway by the Boathouse before flying off to the eastern end of the lake. The other is feeding between the two pontoons at the sailing club. Also two reed warbler, one swift and one swallow amongst the usuals.
Joel Tragen said
Fri May 1 12:20 AM, 2020
I went on a cycle both today and yesterday but decided to just compile the sightings as other have pretty much covered everything I saw, both late afternoon cycles.
Broad Ees Dole Green Sandpiper (29/04) Swallow - 1 Goosander - 1m & 4f Teal - 4m & 4f Tufted duck - 1m & 1f Grey heron - 1 Little grebe - 3 Also yesterday there was a duck at the very far back right asleep that I couldn't id, I was in a rush to get back for tea so couldn't wait for it to raise its head.
Main Lake Reed warbler - again 2 heard but not seen Great crested grebe - 3 Cormorant - 1
Sale Ees Swifts - my first 2 of the year here (29/04)
-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Friday 1st of May 2020 12:29:25 AM
Huw Morgan said
Wed Apr 29 2:41 PM, 2020
A very wet lunchtime walk today:
Broad Ees Dole
Green Sandpiper - 1
Swift - 2
Swallow - 1
Goosander - 1m
Teal - 1m, 1f
Tufted Duck 1m, 1f
Little Grebe - 2
Buzzard - 1
Jay - 1
Main Lake
Herring Gull - 2
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 4
Cormorant - 1
Swallow - 1
Ollie Metcalf said
Wed Apr 29 9:18 AM, 2020
Green sandpiper on Broad Ees this morning, otherwise very quiet
Joel Tragen said
Sat Apr 25 8:24 PM, 2020
During my cycle today
Sale Ees Swallow - 2 singles west Blackcap - 1m Whitethroat - 2m & 2f Willow warbler - 1 Pheasant - 3m
Main Lake Reed warbler - 2 heard only Great crested grebe - 2 Herring gull - 2 Great black backed gull - 1 Lesser black backed gull - 7
Broad Ees Dole Swallow - 1 south Teal - 2m & 3f Grey heron - 2 Little grebe - 3
3 x ring-necked parakeet on feeders along with nuthatch, coal tit, blue and great tit. Bullfinch male in the bushes near the feeders.
5 x goosander and a few pairs of gadwall on the lake
Chiffchaff 1 - seen briefly at Teal Pond.
Shoveler 3 - 2 males and female Teal Pond.
Goosander 1
Snipe 5
Sparrowhawk 1
Willow Tit 1
Ray
Visitor centre feeders all topped up...
2 willow tits
2 nuthatch
2 ring necked parakeets
1 chaffinch
Usual blue, great & coal tits.
A bit further along from the feeders down on the marsh, 5 teal & 1 grey heron.
Main lake...
5 mute swans
8 cormorants
5 great crested grebes
7 little grebes
10 gadwall
1 tufted duck
1 kestrel Male perched on pylon watching me then suddenly dropped about 15 feet away from me catching some prey.
2 bullfinch
Broad ees dole...
5 goosander
5 gadwall
3 little grebes
3 grey herons
2 snipe
1 kestrel
1 jay
Teal pool...
12 teal
1 shoveler
8 snipe, possibly more as I could see some more movement around them but only had my binoculars.
Ray
Just over two hours on site today between 12 noon until 2.30 with 35 species recorded the highlights being:
Around the feeders near the cafe 2 Nuthatch, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Necked Parakeet and Willow Tit (very possibly 2).
At Broad Ees Dole 3 Snipe.
Friday 27th November - Sunday 29th November, three or four hours each afternoon until dusk.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on lake + 2 ad. on B.E.D. The male from the lake tried to evict the B.E.D. male, but seems to have failed.
Gadwall Max. 22, 29/11; Teal Max. 9, B.E.D., 29/11; Mallard c.60 roosted at B.E.D., 29/11.
Shoveler 1 m. + 1 fem., B.E.D. daily; Tufted Duck Max. 11.
Goosander Max. 2 m. + 4 fem., B.E.D. roost, 29/11, also 1 juv. on lake, 27/11.
Cormorant Max. 13; Grey Heron Max. 2.
Little Grebe Max. 10, 29/11 -- 5+ on lake & 5 on B.E.D.; Great Crested Grebe Max. 7.
Kestrel 2 males, pylon on Stretford side, in dispute.
Coot 95, 28/11 --- 90 on lake & 5 on B.E.D.
Common Snipe 1-2, B.E.D.
Black-headed Gull 270, 28/11; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 8; Herring Gull Max. 5.
Stock Dove 4 over on 28/11; Kingfisher 1, 29/11; G. S. Woodpecker 1, 27/11; Jay 1, 28/11.
Raven 1 over from W. and onto pylon on Sale G.C.
Goldcrest Singles, 28 & 29/11; Willow Tit 1, cafe feeders, 28/11; Coal Tit 1, cafe feeders, 28/11.
Long-tailed Tit Max. 39+, 28/11, incl. flock of 19 which came across from Chorlton Ees.
Nuthatch 2, cafe feeders area, 28/11. Also 1 Sale G.C., 27/11.
Mistle Thrush 5, Sale G.C., 27/11. Presumed 3 of same on old cricket pitch, 28/11.
Redwing 1, 28/11; Song Thrush 2, 28/11, incl. 1 singing.
Grey Wagtail 1 daily; Pied Wagtail 1-2.
Chaffinch Max. 2; Bullfinch 3, 28/11.
Monday 23rd November - Thursday 26th November, two to three hours each afternoon to dusk.
S.W.P. - B.E.D.
Mute Swan Still 2 ad. + 5 juv. on lake & 2 ad. on B.E.D.
Gadwall Max. 18; Teal Max. 14, B.E.D., 26/11; Shoveler 1 fem., 24/11 & 1 m. + 1 fem., 25-26/11. All B.E.D.
Tufted Duck Max. 8; Goosander Max. 9, B.E.D. roost, 26/11.
Cormorant Max. 14; Grey Heron Max. 4; Little Grebe Max. 7; Great Crested Grebe Max. 9, 26/11.
Common Buzzard 2 in from W., over B.E.D. and to roost on Chorlton Ees at dusk daily.
Sparrowhawk 1, 25/11; Kestrel 1 daily.
Moorhen 31, 26/11 ---- 23 lake + 8 B.E.D.; Coot 98, 26/11 ---- 93 lake + 5 B.E.D.
Common Snipe Max. 3, 23/11.
Common Gull Max. 13; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 10; Herring Gull Max. 7.
Magpie 179 in B.E.D. roost, 23/11; Jay 1, 25/11; Jackdaw 800 in to roost, B.E.D., 25/11.
Rook 2 together to SW, 25/11; Carrion Crow 75 on old cricket field, 24/11, roost in adjacent trees.
Long-tailed Tit Max. 22, 25/11; Redwing 1, 25/11; Mistle Thrush 1, Stretford side riverbank, 25/11.
Grey Wagtail 1-2 daily; Pied Wagtail Max. 4.
Siskin 7, 26/11; Goldfinch Max. 5. & other usual species.
Ring-necked Parakeet Pre-roost of 60, Jackson's Boat, 24/11.
Cow Lane west / Barrow Brook pool: Moorhen (11); Common Buzzard (1 over, 24/11); Tawny Owl (1 hooting, 24/11);
G. S. Woodpecker (1 occasionally); Fieldfare (2, 24/11); Song Thrush (1 singing, 24/11); Treecreeper (1, 24/11); Coal Tit (1, 26/11);
Goldcrest (1, 25/11); Grey Wagtail (1 most days); Bullfinch (1, 24/11); Chaffinch (Max. 5, 26/11); & common species.
Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd November, two or three hours each afternoon to dusk, though much of Sunday spent trying to avoid the afternoon crowds.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on lake &, from 20/11, also 2 ad. on B.E.D.
Gadwall Max. 24; Teal Max. 16, B.E.D., 20/11; Tufted Duck Max. 10, but all gone by 22/11.
Goosander Max. 5, B.E.D.
Cormorant Max. 14; Grey Heron Max. 4; Little Grebe Max. 15, 20/11; Great Crested Grebe Max. 8.
Common Buzzard 1 daily, but 4 on 22/11, incl. 2 in to roost from NW; Kestrel 1 in area daily.
Moorhen Max. 37, 20/11; Coot 94 on 20/11 & 92 on 22/11.
Common Snipe Flock of 6 high over E. to W., 20/11.
Black-headed Gull Max. 380; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 13 Herring Gull Max. 9.
Wood Pigeon Max. 40, B.E.D. roost, 22/11; Stock Dove 1 over, 22/11.
Kingfisher 1, 19/11; G. S. Woodpecker Daily singles.
Magpie 155 to roost at B.E.D., 22/11, nearly all these from Stretford side of river.
Jay 1-3.
Jackdaw 800 in to roost, B.E.D., 21/11.
Mistle Thrush 2, 22/11, on pylon, Stretford side; Song Thrush 2, 22/11.
Grey Wagtail 1-2; Pied Wagtail Usually 2, though 4 on 20/11.
Goldcrest 1, 21/11; Long-tailed Tit Max.12.
Redpoll 1, 19/11; Chaffinch Max. 3; Goldfinch Max. 10; Bullfinch Daily singles.
& some of the other usual species.
Five minutes at cafe feeders, 22/11 - Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit (1), Willow Tit (2), Nuthatch (1), Magpie, Chaffinch (1) & parakeets.
- Great Northern Diver (juv / 1st w)
Showing well on main lake infront of Deckers when I arrived at 8.50am but it was short lived as it took flight within 10 minutes. It flew off high to the south and over the M60 at approx 9am
Presumably the Diver returned then Steven if you saw it between 9.45-10.12am?
Other birds of note...
- c45 Pink-footed Geese over E
- 4 Ring-necked Parakeets
- 2 Redwings
- 6 Great Crested Grebe
- 4 Common Gulls
Kingfisher 1
Pink-footed Geese - 3 skeins over east c200 at 08.13, 100 at 08.39 and 110 at 08.42
Saturday 21st November
Great Northern Diver 1 juv. on lake this afternoon. Tended to keep to SW corner, often close to shore.
Saturday 14th November - Wednesday 18th November, daily visits, mid afternoon to dusk.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on lake; also 2 ad. on B.E.D. on 15, 17 & 18/11.
Pink-footed Goose 1 on lake, 14/11.
Gadwall Max. 35, 14/11; Teal 3, B.E.D., 16/11; Tufted Duck Max. 12; Goosander Max. 5, B.E.D., 17/11.
Cormorant Max. 14; Grey Heron Max. 7; Little Grebe Max. 13, plus 1 on river, 16/11; Great Crested Grebe Max. 8.
Common Buzzard 1 daily; Kestrel 1, 16 & 18/11.
Moorhen Max. 42, 18/11; Coot Max. 93, 17/11.
Common Snipe 1-3, B.E.D.
Common Gull Max. 15; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 8; Herring Gull Max. 8.
Wood Pigeon Max. 30, B.E.D. roost, 15/11; Stock Dove Max. 8 over, local commuting W. to E.
Kingfisher 1 daily.
Magpie 110 in B.E.D. roost, 14/11; Carrion Crow 40 on /around old cricket field, 18/11. Roost now scattered, mainly Chorlton side;
Jackdaw Big decrease, just 850 to B.E.D. roost, 14/11 & 900 there, 16/11. The rest now roost Chorlton Ees, near Chorlton W. P. & near Jackson's Boat.
Long-tailed Tit Max. 20; Goldcrest Couple of singles; Grey Wagtail 1-2 daily; Pied Wagtail 1-3 daily.
Starling 1, 18/11.
Bullfinch Max. 5, 17/11; Chaffinch Max. 3.
& the other usual species.
10 min. at cafe feeders, 17/11, produced: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Willow Tit (1), Nuthatch, Robin, Dunnock, & Chaffinch (1).
Tuesday 10th - Friday 13th November, afternoon visits, c.1300-1700hrs.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv.; Pink-footed Goose 1 on lake; Teal 10, B.E.D., 10/11; Gadwall Max. 16;
Shoveler 1, B.E.D., 12/11; Wigeon 1, B.E.D., 10/11; Tufted Duck Max. 10, 13/11; Goosander Max. 4, B.E.D.;
Little Grebe Max. 10; Great Crested Grebe Max. 8, 13/11; Cormorant Max. 12; Grey Heron Max. 5;
Sparrowhawk 1, 10/11; Common Buzzard 1, 13/11; Kestrel 1, 13/11;
Moorhen Max. 44, 10/11 (11 Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool + 22 lake + 11 B.E.D.); Coot Max. 96, 13/11 (91 lake + 5 B.E.D.);
Common Snipe Max. 4, B.E.D., 12/11;
Black-headed Gull Max. 390, 13/11; Common Gull Max. 15; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 8; Herring Gull 1-3;
Stock Dove 2, 10/11; Kingfisher 1, 12/11;
Jay 2, 13/11; Goldcrest 1-2 daily; Long-tailed Tit Max. 20, 12/11; Treecreeper 1, 10/11;
Starling 7 in to roost, B.E.D., 10/11; Song Thrush 1, 13/11; Mistle Thrush 1 in from S. and onto top of pylon on Stretford side of river;
Grey Wagtail 1-2 daily; Pied Wagtail 1-2 daily; Bullfinch Max. 4, 13/11; Greenfinch Just 1 daily.
& a few usual species. Also 1 male Pheasant, 13/11.
10min. at the cafe feeders, 13/11: Blue Tit, Great Tit (6 at once), Coal Tit (1), Nuthatch (1-2), Robin, Chaffinch (1 only).
Of note...
- 1 Pink-footed Goose
Looks to be an immature probably 1st Winter, no white division between upper parts and the flank, no obvious thumbprint plumage either on the flank area, and the bluey grey tone looks to be starting to come through on the back with white flecks still showing here and there.
- 300+ Black-headed Gulls
(Stopped counting at 280 with lots more to go)
- 14 Common Gulls
- 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Great Crested Grebe
- 2 Cormorant
- Mute Swan adult 4DPH
- Cygnets 4DNV, 4DNX, 4DNY, 4DPD, 4DPF
- also one of the Canada Geese had a metal ring on right tibia but nothing on left.
Thanks to Steve Christmas for the heads up. All 4D, not 40, and ringed in the last couple of weeks.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 12th of November 2020 11:27:11 PM
Friday 6th November - Monday 9th November Daily visit, c.1330-1700hrs., though not for long at lake on Saturday & Sunday -- too many people, looked unsafe.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv.; Pink-footed Goose 1 on lake, 6-7/11; Mallard 170 to roost at B.E.D., dusk, 9/11; Teal Max. 14, B.E.D., 9/11; Wigeon 1 juv. m., on lake, 6-7/11, ad. m. + fem., B.E.D., 9/11; Gadwall Max. 16, 8/11; Tufted Duck On lake - 2 on 6/11, 4 on 7/11, 3 on 8/11, 6 on 9/11; Goosander Up to 4, B.E.D.
Cormorant Max. 14, 7/11; Grey Heron Max. 5; Great Crested Grebe 5-6.
Sparrowhawk Fem. displaying over B.E.D., 6/11, 1 on 9/11; Kestrel Usual male.
Moorhen Max. 37, 9/11; Coot Max. 89, 9/11.
Common Snipe 1-2, B.E.D.
Black-headed Gull Max. 320, 7/11; Common Gull Max. 20, 7/11; L. B.-b. Gull Max. 9, 8/11 Herring Gull 3 daily.
Stock Dove Max. 6, over from W. of canal, 6/11; Wood Pigeon Max. 20; Kingfisher 1-2 daily.
Ring-necked Parakeet 88 at Jackson's Boat area pre-roost, 7/11.
Jackdaw 1700 into B.E.D. roost from Chorlton pre-roost, 6/11.
Pied Wagtail 1-2; Grey Wagtail 1-2; Fieldfare 5, 6/11; Goldcrest 1, 7/11; Willow Tit 1, 9/11; Goldfinch Max. 20, 9/11; Siskin 2, 9/11; Bullfinch 1-2.
Also odd singles of G. S. Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Redwing, Song Thrush, Greenfinch & Chaffinch, plus other usual species.
-- Edited by John Shaughnessy on Tuesday 10th of November 2020 12:03:06 AM
Pink-footed Goose a single bird flew in, landed on the lake, then joined the Canada's on the walkway below deckers and the slipway.
Broad Ees Dole 13:50 - 14:10
Sale Water Park 14:10 - 14:45
Sale Ees 14:45 - 14:55
Jackson's Boat 14:55 - 15:05
Daily visits, 1430-1730hrs., Tuesday 3rd November - Thursday 5th November 2020.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. daily, and 2 extra ads. 5/11, chased off by resident male.
Pink-footed Goose 36 to SE, 1630hrs., 3/11; 100 to ESE, 1620hrs. + 220 to ESE, 1645hrs., 4/11.
Gadwall Max. 30, 4/11; Teal 8, B.E.D., 4/11; Goosander 6, B.E.D., 3 & 4/11.
Cormorant Max. 16, 5/11; Little Grebe Max. 9; Great Crested Grebe Up to 5; Grey Heron 1-2.
Sparrowhawk 1, 5/11; Kestrel 1, 3/11.
Coot Max. 91, 4/11; Moorhen Max. 37, 4/11 (12 Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool + 18 lake + 7 B.E.D.).
Common Snipe 1-2, B.E.D.
Black-headed Gull Max. 230, 5/11; Mediterranean Gull 1 first cal. yr. at lake, 4 & 5/11; Common Gull Max. 9, 5/11; Herring Gull Max. 5, 5/11; L. B.-b. Gull Up to 4.
G. S. Woodpecker 1, 3 & 4/11; Kingfisher 1-2; Grey Wagtail 1-3; Pied Wagtail 1 only.
Goldcrest 1, Cow Lane west, 3/11; Starling 48 to W., 5/11; Goldfinch 8, 4/11; Siskin 1, 4/11.
Magpie 55+ to roost, B.E.D., 5/11; Jackdaw 1500 to roost, B.E.D., 4/11; Carrion Crow 55, old cricket field, 3/11, most now stay to roost on Chorlton side.
River from canal / railway bridge up to Jackson's Boat bridge, 3/11 -- Mallard (49), Cormorant (1), Kingfisher (1), Grey Wagtail (1)
Willow tit - 2.
Coal tit - 2.
Robin - 1.
Nuthatch - 1.
Dunnock - 2.
Ring-necked Parakeet - 2
Also Blue tit and Grt tit.
Cow lane :
Treecreeper - 1.
Redwing - 1.
Main lake :
Mute Swan - 7 (inc. 5 juv).
Little Grebe - 2.
Grey Heron - 1.
Coot - 51.
Broad ees dole :
Snipe - 4.
Gadwall - 14.
Little Grebe - 4.
Kingfisher - 1.
Shoveler duck - 1.
Teal - 2.
Mid afternoon - dusk visits, Thursday 29th October - Monday 2nd November
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. on 29/10, then with 2 extra ad. on 30/10, but just 1 ad. + 5 juv. on 31/10 & 1/11. Then 2 ad.+ 2 juv. & 2 ad. + 5 juv. on 2/11. The 'extras' on 2/11 looked to be one of the families from Chorlton W.P.
Mallard Max. 21 on 2/11; Gadwall Max. 18, 29/10; Teal 7, B.E.D., 29/10 & 1, B.E.D., 2/11.
Goosander Max. 9, B.E.D., 29/10.
Great Crested Grebe 4, then 6 from 31/10; Little Grebe Max. 11, 2/11.
Cormorant Max. 13, 31/10.
Grey Heron Max. 6, 31/10.
Moorhen Max. 37, 29/10; Coot 91, 29/10; 81, 31/10; 82, 2/11.
Sparrowhawk 1, 31/10; Common Buzzard 1, 30/10.
Black-headed Gull Max. 210, 2/11; Mediterranean Gull 1 first cal. yr. on lake, 2/11; Common Gull Max. 6, 2/11; Herring Gull 4, 31/10; L. B.-b. Gull 1-3 on lake & usually 3-4 over.
Wood Pigeon Max. c.30, 2/11.
Kingfisher 1-2.
Grey Wagtail 1-2; Pied Wagtail 2-3.
Blackcap 1, by Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool, 30/10.
Carrion Crow 75 on / around old cricket field, 31/10; Long-tailed Tit 10+, 2/11; Reed Bunting 1, 2/11.
Cafe feeders, 30/10: Nuthatch, Willow Tit, Coal Tit etc.
Birds seen from the area around the feeders included:
Willow Tit
Nuthatch
At least five Ring-necked Parakeets were flying across the gap behind the feeders and one had been on the feeders before I arrived
A male Chaffinch and a Song Thrush were in the trees just beyond the feeders
A Buzzard was also seen on several occasions flying over the area below and beyond the feeders
Also I caught the end of what looked a decent sized finch flock flying over the cafe building, most of the birds I saw looked Goldfinch sized
Feeders all topped up...
2 willow tits
1 great spotted woodpecker
2 ring necked parakeets
1 chaffinch
2 nuthatch
Plus the usual blue, great & coal tits.
Main lake...
7 mute swan, Inc 5 juvenile
12 cormorants
6 great crested grebes
2 little grebes
74 coots all together at the east end probably due to the canoes & jet skis
2 bullfinch
1 buzzard
1 kestrel
2 grey herons
Broad ees role...
28 gadwall
12 teal
4 goosander
5 little grebes
1 kingfisher
3 grey herons
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 1st of November 2020 10:10:13 PM
Saturday 24th - Wednesday 28th October, daily visits, two hours late afternoon to dusk.
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. daily.
Pink-footed Goose 152 in high from NW, then in wide arc round to SW / W over Sale towards Carrington Moss, 1640hrs. 27/10.
Teal 6, B.E.D., 24/10.
Mallard Max. 76 into B.E.D. at dusk, 24/10.
Gadwall Max. 14.
Goosander Up to 4, often in from far upriver to B.E.D. at dusk.
Little Grebe Max. 10.
Great Crested Grebe 3-5.
Cormorant Max. 10.
Grey Heron 1-3.
Moorhen Max. 34, 24/10.
Coot Max. 79, 24/10 & 76, 26/10.
Kestrel 1 daily.
Ring-necked Parakeet Pre-roost, Jackson's Boat, max. 95, 28th. All fly off over Hardy Farm area near dusk.
Grey Wagtail Max. 5, mainly river area.
Pied Wagtail 2-3 only.
Jackdaw B.E.D. roost, 1250, 26/10.
Carrion Crow 120, old cricket field & adjacent trees, 27/10. Roost nearby in trees on side of old tip, though some to Chorlton.
Jay 1-2, Jackson's Boat area.
Redwing Max. 8, from Chorlton to roost on Sale side.
Willow Tit 1, cafe feeders, 28/10.
Bullfinch 1, 28/10.
Goldfinch 11, 27/10.
Cafe feeders quiet, G. S. Woodpecker and Coal Tit the best. Just up to 3 Common Gull (2 ad. + 1 1st yr.) and 1 ad. L. B.-b. Gull with the Black-headeds. Very little else around.
Originally posted yesterday by John Shaughnessy
Visits 1645-1845hrs. on 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 & 23 October 2020:
Mute Swan 2 ad. + 5 juv. daily.
Greylag Goose 1, 22/10.
Teal Max. 8, 20/10.
Gadwall Max. 17, 20/10.
Shoveler 2, 18/10.
Goosander 1-7, but 22 at roost on B.E.D., 17/10.
Great Crested Grebe 2-3 daily.
Little Grebe Max. 8.
Cormorant Max. 10, 20/10.
Grey Heron Max. 6, 20/10.
Common Buzzard 1, 22/10.
Coot Max. 66, 20/10 & 61, 23/10.
Moorhen Max. 42, 19/10 ---- 11 Cow Lane / Barrow Brook pool + 20 lake + 11 B.E.D.
Kingfisher 1-2 daily.
Grey Wagtail 1-3 daily.
Raven 2, 22/10 & 1, 23/10, Streford side of river.
Jackdaw Roost at B.E.D. Count of 1100, 20/10 & 1300, 22/10. Pre-roost on Chorlton side of river.
Rook 1, 22/10.
Magpie Roost at B.E.D., c.60, 22/10.
Long-tailed Tit Max. 17, 22/10.
Goldfinch 9, 23/10.
& other usual spp.
Colour-ringed Black-headed Gull: Ad. on 20/10, from Belgium, previously at S.W.P. on 16/7/17 & three times in 2018.
First cal. yr. on 20/10 & 22/10, first sightings of Polish bird ringed on 11/6/20.
Visitor centre feeders all topped up....
1 willow tit
3 nuthatch
1 female chaffinch
1 great spotted woodpecker
Blue, great & coal tits.
2 ring necked parakeets
4 redwings over
Main lake...
Pair of mute Swan with 5 juvenile.
10 cormorant
6 little grebe
1 great crested grebe
6 gadwall
1 grey heron
1 kestrel
3 bullfinch, 1 female blackcap at old car park on cow lane.
2 siskin over
3 goldcrest
c80 distant fieldfare over towards stretford ees
Broad ees dole...
Female wigeon
4 gadwall
3 shoveler
7 little grebe
2 grey heron
Broad Ees Dole 4:00pm - 4:20pm
2:40pm - 3:55pm
Broad Ees Dole
On the feeders by the café
Also a couple of migrant hawker dragonflies on the water park so Summer's hanging on by its fingertips still.
visitor centre feeders
willow tit 1
coal tit 1
blue tit 3
great tit 2
nuthatch 2
dunnock 1
main lake
mute swan 2 adult 5 young
pied wagtail 4
grey wagtail 1
Broad Ees Dole
kingfisher 1
little grebe 2 adult 4 young
moorhen 1 adult 1 young
grey heron 6
Very pleased to confirm willow tit rather than marsh tit - I've not been following this forum.
Visitor centre feeders -
Willow tit - 1 .
Coal tit - 1.
Great tit - 1.
Both great and coal tits were throwing the mixed seed out of the feeder until they got to the right one - probably Sunflower Hearts
Main lake -
Grey Heron - 1.
Mute swan - 2 + 5 young.
Broad Ees Dole -
Grey heron - 3.
Little grebe - 9 (1 with 2 well developed chicks and the other with 5 recently hatched swimmers).
(No Little Egret)
Little Egret - juvenile still
Kingfisher 1
Kingfisher 2
Common Sandpiper 1
Little Egret at the moment plus Kingfisher and Little Grebe.
Yeah. Pete Hines tells me someone complained to Trafford Council about rats and they came and removed them. They all actually belonged to myself, Steve Burke, Phil Kelly and Chris Sutton. I presume they just threw them away...
Also 5 Swallows, 3 Grey Wagtails and several Swifts
Afternoon visit:
Broad Ees Dole
Lapwing - 2 feeding on the island.
Goosander - 2f
Teal - 2 (1m, 1f)
Tufted Duck - 3 (1m, 2f)
Little Grebe - 4
Bullfinch - 2
Main Lake
Reed Warbler - 2 possibly 3, one showed well.
Great Crested Grebe - 6, a pair had three young in tow.
Swift - 2
Swallow - 2
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 4
Herring Gull - 1
I walked past the feeders and they have all been taken down, including the bird tables. Anyone know what's happened to them?
Today managed a cycle evening/dusk.
Broad Ees Dole
Tufted duck - 2m & 2f
Teal - 2m & 2f
Little grebe - 2
Grey heron - 2
Main Lake
Common sandpiper - 2 around the pontoons at the sailing club
Swallow - 1
Reed warbler - 3 heard
Blackcap - 2 heard
Grey wagtail - 2
Also the largest bat I've seen!!
-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Sunday 3rd of May 2020 11:18:50 PM
Afternoon wander:
Broad Ees Dole
Common Sandpiper - 1 on the island, likely to be one of the three I saw yesterday.
Goosander - 6 (2m, 4f)
Teal - 4 (2m, 2f)
Tufted Duck - 2 (1m, 1f)
Little Grebe - 3
Sparrowhawk - 1
Main Lake
Reed Warbler -2
Chiffchaff - 2
Blackcap - 4
Swallow - 1
Sand Martin - 1
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 5
Herring Gull - 3
Black Headed Gull - 3
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Multiple Canada Goose, Mallard and Coot broods around the lake.
Three common sandpiper around the main lake at the moment, two were on the slipway by the Boathouse before flying off to the eastern end of the lake. The other is feeding between the two pontoons at the sailing club. Also two reed warbler, one swift and one swallow amongst the usuals.
Broad Ees Dole
Green Sandpiper (29/04)
Swallow - 1
Goosander - 1m & 4f
Teal - 4m & 4f
Tufted duck - 1m & 1f
Grey heron - 1
Little grebe - 3
Also yesterday there was a duck at the very far back right asleep that I couldn't id, I was in a rush to get back for tea so couldn't wait for it to raise its head.
Main Lake
Reed warbler - again 2 heard but not seen
Great crested grebe - 3
Cormorant - 1
Sale Ees
Swifts - my first 2 of the year here (29/04)
-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Friday 1st of May 2020 12:29:25 AM
A very wet lunchtime walk today:
Broad Ees Dole
Green Sandpiper - 1
Swift - 2
Swallow - 1
Goosander - 1m
Teal - 1m, 1f
Tufted Duck 1m, 1f
Little Grebe - 2
Buzzard - 1
Jay - 1
Main Lake
Herring Gull - 2
Lesser Black Backed Gull - 4
Cormorant - 1
Swallow - 1
Sale Ees
Swallow - 2 singles west
Blackcap - 1m
Whitethroat - 2m & 2f
Willow warbler - 1
Pheasant - 3m
Main Lake
Reed warbler - 2 heard only
Great crested grebe - 2
Herring gull - 2
Great black backed gull - 1
Lesser black backed gull - 7
Broad Ees Dole
Swallow - 1 south
Teal - 2m & 3f
Grey heron - 2
Little grebe - 3