Our first Swallow of the year, flying over the fields between the canal and the reservoir.
Simon Warford said
Wed Apr 5 11:25 AM, 2023
female Common Scoter present this morning, also 4 singing Willow Warblers, 2 singing Blackcaps and singing Willow Tit.
Simon Johnson said
Mon Apr 3 9:15 AM, 2023
5 Common Crane flew SW at 8:10 this morning to the west off Elton lost to view behind Radcliffe Cemetery
Andy Isherwood said
Sun Apr 2 10:10 AM, 2023
Alpine swift still present 10.10 at least getting higher and more distant at the moment
Rob Creek said
Sun Apr 2 9:13 AM, 2023
Sat 1st April Mid morning to early afternoon visit with Lucas. Plenty of familiar faces present which was good to see.
- Alpine Swift On arrival the bird was distant and high, and barely visible but eventually flew closer into view. It was favouring Withins so everyone walked round and what happened .. it flew over us and started circling over the end of Elton where we?d just been, typical. Wasn?t long before it favoured the area we were in and everyone had cracking overhead views. Seen plenty abroad but nice to see a local one in the UK.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 2nd of April 2023 09:14:39 AM
Alpine Swift till approx 5.35pm then not since, checked the local mill and church spires till dusk but no sign of it roosting. Also a juvenile Iceland Gull briefly at 6pm which flew west. Also today 2 Curlew over and a male Wheatear seen and this evening 200+ Sand Martin.
colin davies said
Sat Apr 1 3:48 PM, 2023
Alpine swift still showing very well over fields south west of reservoir at 15.45. Also little ringed plover flew over.
colin davies said
Sat Apr 1 2:47 PM, 2023
Alpine swift still, high over fields to south of main reservoir at 14.45
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 1 8:47 AM, 2023
Alpine Swift still present this morning and showing well.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Martin Loftus said
Fri Mar 31 9:18 PM, 2023
3,30pm - 5,30pm
Alpine swift.
Light was very challenging, plus so was the subject, being a swift and all !
Was a good turnout of some of Greater Manchester's finest birders too. Was good to catch up.
And well done to Keith on the find and "swiftly" getting the news out to us all
Camera chose today to start playing up, but managed to get a couple of shots of this outstanding bird. Great find Keith and thanks for getting the news out for us all to share!
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Friday 31st of March 2023 06:01:23 PM
Alpine Swift still ranging over Capsticks end of the res, between Within;s and the Spen Moor pylon wires, sometimes dropping lower down. Fantastic find by Keith!
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Mar 31 4:00 PM, 2023
Alpine Swift over the Capsticks end of the reservoir at 3:20pm (found by Keith Rowland) and still present by 3:35pm at least.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Ian Campbell said
Wed Mar 29 12:06 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, 1 Little Egret, 4 Wigeon and Blackcap singing behind the Sailing Club.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Mar 27 8:44 PM, 2023
4 Little Egrets and 1 Mediterranian Gull this morning,also heard what sounded like many Whooper Swan over but didnt see them. Cheers Ian
Simon Johnson said
Sun Mar 26 5:20 PM, 2023
Sightings from this morning
72+ Whooper Swan NW Willow warbler - singing from willows old hall marsh 2 Swallow 180 sand Martin 480 Meadow pipit north 9 Skylark north 7 Siskin north 94 Chaffinch east 350 Fieldfare east 400 redwing east 18 common buzzard
Ian Campbell said
Sat Mar 25 4:10 PM, 2023
Best this morning, 5 Little Egret together near the canal, also 2 Common Scoter (found by Keith). Cheers Ian
Ian Campbell said
Fri Mar 24 12:32 PM, 2023
Highlights this morning, 2 Wheatear, 1 Little Egret, 1 water Rail and 50-60 Sand Martin. Cheers Ian
Roger Halsey said
Tue Mar 21 5:30 PM, 2023
Highlights from short afternoon visit:
2 Great Black-backed Gull among 150 large gulls- mainly Herring. 2 Common Gull.
2 Sparrowhawk sightings, probably 2 birds.
10 Sand Martin.
1 Treecreeper on feeder tree.
Ian Campbell said
Tue Mar 21 1:53 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, Redshank, Little Egret and Water Rail
Simon Johnson said
Sat Mar 18 6:42 PM, 2023
Sightings from this morning
Wheatear (male) sat on top of tree at old hall farm 4 Golden Plover NE 10 Curlew east Redshank 22 Sand Martin 96 Fieldfare east 5 little egret 2 Gadwall 2 Kingfisher
Derek Richardson said
Sat Mar 18 3:12 PM, 2023
09.00am - 11.30am. Light cloud, then rain, still. 10c-13c.
Quick visit, mainly canal to dip, Irwell, feeders & one side of the reservoir.
37 species including.
1 Little egret. 1 Kingfisher. 2 Oystercatcher. 7 Jay. 2 Chiffchaff. 1 Willow warbler. 5 Meadow pipit. 1 Bullfinch. 30+ Goldfinch. 10 Greenfinch. 11 Long tailed tit. 1 Collared dove. 10 Song thrush. 2 Lapwing. 2 Pheasant. 4 Great crested grebe. 2 Goldeneye. 17 Tufted duck. 200+ Black headed gull. 2 Lesser black backed gull. 2 Common gull. 1 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Simon Warford said
Tue Mar 14 3:17 PM, 2023
This morning with Paul Wilson-
1 Sand Martin 5 Wigeon 2 Gadwall 20+ Teal 15 Goldeneye 2 Curlew over Water Rail 3 Little Egret 80+ Meadow Pipit 2 Willow Tit
Steven Higginbottom said
Sun Mar 12 5:29 PM, 2023
Highlights from Sunday 12th March. 16 Wigeon 2 Gadwall. 15 Teal. 2 Little Egrets. 2 Oystercatchers. 3 Snipe. 30+ Lapwings. 5 Fieldfare. 1 Redwing. 2 Willow tits 1 Lesser Redpoll. 1 Blackcap male. Water rail heard but not seen.
Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Sunday 12th of March 2023 05:30:15 PM
Derek Richardson said
Sat Mar 11 5:43 PM, 2023
09.OO am - 12.45pm. Clear then light cloud, still. 0c - 04c.
This morning with Simon, out of the blizzards was a spectacular cold weather movement of 329 Skylarks over SW in several flocks, highest flocks were 70 and 54, a remarkable count for here.
Michael Hood said
Fri Mar 10 1:19 PM, 2023
Finally seen a Water Rail in the canal this morning - although it was only for a second as it flew across and into the reeds.
Also:
Goosander 8; 3M 5F
Goldeneye 6-8; at least 3M 3F but difficult to count when they're diving
Teal - not many but with it being windy there may have been more hiding onshore
Several Common Gull (as well as many Black-headed, Herring & Lesser Black-backed)
Mixed flock of approx 50 Fieldfare & Redwing (including some Starlings) in the field "below" Withins
Little Egret 1 or 2 (may have been same bird)
Many Greenfinch, Goldfinch & Chaffinch and 1 M Bullfinch on feeders, plus various tits
Jays 3
Simon Warford said
Mon Mar 6 9:58 AM, 2023
A brilliant morning in heavy downpours with Ian and Paul.
1 drake Common Scoter 14 Pochard (8 drakes) 5 Wigeon 3 Shoveler 30 Teal 15 Goldeneye 5 Curlew through 4 Dunlin through and 1 by the stream near main car park Redshank 2 Siskin Water Rail in creek Willow Tit singing
Derek Richardson said
Sat Mar 4 3:41 PM, 2023
08.45am - 11.45am. Grey cloud, still then light breeze. 02c-06c
Dip area, Irwell, one side of reservoir and behind feeders only.
Morning highlights, Chiffchaff still near overflow, Skylark over, Jack Snipe, 2 Shelduck, 1 Greylag and the single Pink-Footed Goose at Withins. Cheers Ian
Also 3 Little Egret
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Wednesday 1st of March 2023 11:44:00 AM
Ian Campbell said
Mon Feb 27 12:20 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, Chiffchaff near Elton overflow, Siskin over pumphouse and the Stonechat in hedge below. Withins had a Pink-footed Goose and a Greylag. 2 Water Rail seen along the canal. Cheers Ian
Also 3 Little Egret
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Monday 27th of February 2023 01:47:32 PM
Simon Warford said
Sun Feb 26 12:53 PM, 2023
This morning with Simon, Ian and Paul was livened up by the magical sound of 10 Whooper Swans flying slowly north over Withins at 9.35am.
A single male Stonechat still in the Goyt near the reservoir outflow end.
c90 Pink-footed Geese over NW.
4+ Little Egrets scattered about.
Cetti's Warbler (Ian) and several Water Rails calling along the canal.
Redpoll over and 20 Meadow Pipits.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Feb 25 7:02 PM, 2023
This afternoon
2 male Stonechat feeding on the res banking 25 Goldeneye
At the feeders 150 Goldfinch Great spotted Woodpecker 20 Great Tit 50 Greenfinch 20 Chaffinch Water Rail
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Saturday 25th of February 2023 07:02:41 PM
Single Curlew north 4 Oystercatcher Little grebe withins Pink-footed Goose 4 Little Egret Skylark Gadwall 12 Teal coney green floods 20 Redwing
Richard Thew said
Mon Feb 20 3:00 PM, 2023
Managed to have a scout. Seems like forever since I've had chance to escape from work etc. and log in my report!
Highlights include in addition to Ians report:
Goldeneye Teal Sparrowhawk Water rail Oystercatcher x7 Pheasant Curlew heard over Meadow pipit x12+ Grey wagtail
Ta!
Ian Campbell said
Mon Feb 20 12:10 PM, 2023
The Red crested Pochard from yesterday was not seen this morning. Highlights of this morning, 1 Woodcock, Tawny Owl, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 2 Little Egret with Little Grebe and 1 Pink-footed Goose on Withins. Cheers Ian
Please tell me what the trick is for spotting Water Rail near bridge 19 - I've never seen one there or anywhere at Elton Res (have heard them though) and it's bugging me.
Is there a particular time of day to see them?
Does there have to be a long gap between people going along the canal path?
Are they (it) in a particular spot at bridge 19?
Ian Campbell said
Sat Feb 18 1:28 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, 1 Curlew over, 6 Shoveler, 2 Oystercatcher and good views of Water Rail on canal by bridge 19. Cheers Ian
Hovering over the creek then down to capsticks back to the creek slowly heading off NW over spenmoor
Teal
Goldeneye x1 immature male
Gadwall
Pheasant
Sparrowhawk
Swallow
House martin
Wheatear female
Lapwing
Ta!
2 female Common Scoter
2 Ringed Plover through
1 Little Ringed Plover through
3 Snipe
4 Oystercatcher
2 Wheatear
1 Shoveler
10 singing Willow Warblers
2 singing Willow Tit
47 Species including:
1 Buzzard.
2 Sparrowhawk. (1F, 1M).
2 Kestrel.
1 Common scoter.
1 Swallow.
5 Sand Martin.
7 Chiffchaff.
7 Reed Bunting. (7M).
2 Oystercatcher.
13 Lapwing.
3 Song thrush.
3 Lesser black backed gull.
300+ Black headed gull.
14 Herring gull.
1 Cormorant.
1 Wigeon.
13 Tufted Duck.
4 Great crested grebe.
2 Goosander. (1F, 1M).
5 Teal.
1 Grey wagtail.
2 Grey heron.
3 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Male Scaup and common Scoter present this am.
Our first Swallow of the year, flying over the fields between the canal and the reservoir.
Mid morning to early afternoon visit with Lucas. Plenty of familiar faces present which was good to see.
- Alpine Swift
On arrival the bird was distant and high, and barely visible but eventually flew closer into view. It was favouring Withins so everyone walked round and what happened .. it flew over us and started circling over the end of Elton where we?d just been, typical. Wasn?t long before it favoured the area we were in and everyone had cracking overhead views. Seen plenty abroad but nice to see a local one in the UK.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 2nd of April 2023 09:14:39 AM
Alpine Swift still present this morning.
Alpine swift still showing very well over fields south west of reservoir at 15.45. Also little ringed plover flew over.
Alpine swift still, high over fields to south of main reservoir at 14.45
Alpine Swift still present this morning and showing well.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
3,30pm - 5,30pm
Alpine swift.
Light was very challenging, plus so was the subject, being a swift and all !
Was a good turnout of some of Greater Manchester's finest birders too. Was good to catch up.
And well done to Keith on the find and "swiftly" getting the news out to us all
best photos I could manage:
Camera chose today to start playing up, but managed to get a couple of shots of this outstanding bird. Great find Keith and thanks for getting the news out for us all to share!
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Friday 31st of March 2023 06:01:23 PM
Alpine Swift over the Capsticks end of the reservoir at 3:20pm (found by Keith Rowland) and still present by 3:35pm at least.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Cheers Ian
72+ Whooper Swan NW
Willow warbler - singing from willows old hall marsh
2 Swallow
180 sand Martin
480 Meadow pipit north
9 Skylark north
7 Siskin north
94 Chaffinch east
350 Fieldfare east
400 redwing east
18 common buzzard
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
Highlights from short afternoon visit:
2 Great Black-backed Gull among 150 large gulls- mainly Herring. 2 Common Gull.
2 Sparrowhawk sightings, probably 2 birds.
10 Sand Martin.
1 Treecreeper on feeder tree.
Wheatear (male) sat on top of tree at old hall farm
4 Golden Plover NE
10 Curlew east
Redshank
22 Sand Martin
96 Fieldfare east
5 little egret
2 Gadwall
2 Kingfisher
Quick visit, mainly canal to dip, Irwell, feeders & one side of the reservoir.
37 species including.
1 Little egret.
1 Kingfisher.
2 Oystercatcher.
7 Jay.
2 Chiffchaff.
1 Willow warbler.
5 Meadow pipit.
1 Bullfinch.
30+ Goldfinch.
10 Greenfinch.
11 Long tailed tit.
1 Collared dove.
10 Song thrush.
2 Lapwing.
2 Pheasant.
4 Great crested grebe.
2 Goldeneye.
17 Tufted duck.
200+ Black headed gull.
2 Lesser black backed gull.
2 Common gull.
1 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
1 Sand Martin
5 Wigeon
2 Gadwall
20+ Teal
15 Goldeneye
2 Curlew over
Water Rail
3 Little Egret
80+ Meadow Pipit
2 Willow Tit
16 Wigeon
2 Gadwall.
15 Teal.
2 Little Egrets.
2 Oystercatchers.
3 Snipe.
30+ Lapwings.
5 Fieldfare.
1 Redwing.
2 Willow tits
1 Lesser Redpoll.
1 Blackcap male.
Water rail heard but not seen.
Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Sunday 12th of March 2023 05:30:15 PM
09.OO am - 12.45pm. Clear then light cloud, still. 0c - 04c.
42 species including:
1 Kingfisher.
2 Buzzard.
2 Kestrel.
1 Little egret.
5 Grey wagtail.
5 Pied wagtail.
8 Bullfinch.
40+ Goldfinch.
30+ Greenfinch.
6 Long tailed tit.
3 Song Thrush.
2 Collared dove.
550 Black headed gull.
7 Lesser black backed gull.
44 Herring gull.
2 Cormorant.
10 Goosander.
2 Great Crested Grebe.
33 Tufted duck.
2 Goldeneye.
9 Teal.
8 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Finally seen a Water Rail in the canal this morning - although it was only for a second as it flew across and into the reeds.
Also:
1 drake Common Scoter
14 Pochard (8 drakes)
5 Wigeon
3 Shoveler
30 Teal
15 Goldeneye
5 Curlew through
4 Dunlin through and 1 by the stream near main car park
Redshank
2 Siskin
Water Rail in creek
Willow Tit singing
Dip area, Irwell, one side of reservoir and behind feeders only.
40 Species:
2 Sparrowhawk.
2 Greylag goose.
1 Treecreeper. (Thanks Paul).
2 Little Egret.
6 Bullfinch.
60+ Goldfinch.
20+ Greenfinch.
7 Long tailed tit.
4 Collared Dove.
5 Song thrush.
2 Grey wagtail.
1 Lapwing.
1 Pheasant.
80+ Herring gull.
2 Lesser black backed gull.
200+ Black headed gull.
4 Cormorant.
3 Great crested grebe.
2 Teal.
20 Tufted duck.
2 Grey heron.
2 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Cheers Ian Also 3 Little Egret
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Wednesday 1st of March 2023 11:44:00 AM
Cheers Ian Also 3 Little Egret
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Monday 27th of February 2023 01:47:32 PM
A single male Stonechat still in the Goyt near the reservoir outflow end.
c90 Pink-footed Geese over NW.
4+ Little Egrets scattered about.
Cetti's Warbler (Ian) and several Water Rails calling along the canal.
Redpoll over and 20 Meadow Pipits.
2 male Stonechat feeding on the res banking
25 Goldeneye
At the feeders
150 Goldfinch
Great spotted Woodpecker
20 Great Tit
50 Greenfinch
20 Chaffinch
Water Rail
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Saturday 25th of February 2023 07:02:41 PM
Just canal and one side of reservoir.
37 species including:
2 Buzzard.
2 Kestrel.
47 Lapwing. (All in fields).
2 Great black backed gull.
7 Lesser black backed gull.
120+ Black headed gull.
70+ Herring gull.
2 Common Gull.
22 Blackbird.
2 Song thrush.
50+ Jackdaw.
13 Goldfinch.
6 Greenfinch.
16 Carrion Crow.
80+ Wood pigeon.
170+ Canada goose.
17 Tufted duck.
90+ Mallard.
11 Teal.
3 Cormorant.
3 Great crested grebe.
5 Goldeneye.
3 Goosander.
16 Moorhen.
3 Grey heron.
1 Grey wagtail.
5 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Friday 24th of February 2023 07:13:02 PM
Single Curlew north
4 Oystercatcher
Little grebe withins
Pink-footed Goose
4 Little Egret
Skylark
Gadwall
12 Teal coney green floods
20 Redwing
Highlights include in addition to Ians report:
Goldeneye
Teal
Sparrowhawk
Water rail
Oystercatcher x7
Pheasant
Curlew heard over
Meadow pipit x12+
Grey wagtail
Ta!
Cheers Ian
1/3 circuit only.
41 species including:
1 Red crested pochard.
2 Dipper.
1 Kestrel.
1 Little Egret.
5 Oystercatcher.
4 Bullfinch. (1F, 3M).
30+ Goldfinch.
40+ Greenfinch.
6 Long tailed tit.
9 Song Thrush.
2 Lesser black backed gull.
100+ Black headed gull.
11 Herring Gull.
7 Cormorant.
120+ Canada goose.
8 Wigeon.
9 Goldeneye.
4 Great crested grebe.
15 Tufted duck.
1 Goosander.
5 Teal.
1 Grey heron.
Thanks Derek.
10am
Female Red-Crested Pochard at Capstics end of the res.
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 19th of February 2023 10:14:08 AM
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 19th of February 2023 06:47:15 PM
Please tell me what the trick is for spotting Water Rail near bridge 19 - I've never seen one there or anywhere at Elton Res (have heard them though) and it's bugging me.
Is there a particular time of day to see them?
Does there have to be a long gap between people going along the canal path?
Are they (it) in a particular spot at bridge 19?
Cheers Ian