Also noteworthy are 2 gadwall on the flooded field, lesser black backed gulls and a few herring gulls amongst about 100 black headed gulls. Ta.
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Apr 27 10:51 AM, 2017
08:20-10:45am
150+ Swallows.
200+ Sand martins.
10 House Martins.
2 Swift.
3 Sedge Warblers heard not seen.
2 Lesser Whitethroats heard only 1 Seen.
3 Moorhen Chicks only about a day old.
Cheers Steven
Simon Warford said
Tue Apr 25 9:18 PM, 2017
A nice surprise this evening, was a male Redstart in the Hawthorns on the viewing mound, but very elusive in the cold northerly wind. It showed twice while I was there between 6.50pm to 7.45pm and one of those views were because I accidently flushed it from one of the small hawthorns as I walked up to the mound.
Also 500+ Sand Martin, 4 Common Sandpiper and at least 4 Whitethroats around the Creek.
Ian Campbell said
Tue Apr 25 9:54 AM, 2017
This a.m. with Brian, 50 House Martin, 2 Swift amongst 350 Sand Martin over the res. plus 4 Common Sandpiper and my first Sedge Warbler singing near the res. overflow. Cheers Ian
brian fielding said
Mon Apr 24 9:47 AM, 2017
This morning, 2 swifts and 3 common sandpiper
Steven Higginbottom said
Sun Apr 23 12:20 PM, 2017
05:45-11:45am. Spent most of the time looking for Warblers. 2 Common Terns flew through west 06:30am 2 Gadwall. 3 Oystercatchers. Green Sandpiper heard but not seen. 6 Swift 3 Chiffchaff. 7 Willow Warblers. 4 Whitethroat. 1 Lesser Whitethroat (photo attached). 1 Garden Warbler. 5 Blackcap. 1 Reed Warbler. 1 Sedge Warbler. 1 Wheatear. (Photo attached) Cheers Steven.
Sedge warbler singing from bushes around car park 6:30-7:15
Also male whitethroat singing under first pylon
-- Edited by Mike c cooper on Sunday 23rd of April 2017 10:16:24 AM
Simon Warford said
Sat Apr 22 5:44 PM, 2017
Garden Warbler still singing near first Pylon today.
Ian Campbell said
Sat Apr 22 10:58 AM, 2017
This a.m. with Malcolm, 4 Swift, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff and 4 Greylag Geese at the res. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in hedgerow by canal. 1 Reed Warbler in coney reedbed, Kingfisher at withins and 1 Whitethroat by canal near Bennies. Cheers Ian
Peter Johnson said
Fri Apr 21 7:31 PM, 2017
This afternoon -
2 Common Sandpiper
3 Greylag Geese
Richard Thew said
Fri Apr 21 10:16 AM, 2017
I've had enough time this morning to have a good scout in every possible spot and like Ian says- no garganey. Several gulls on the main reservoir of lesser black backed, herring and one 2nd summer great black backed gull. Also the usual black headed gulls and that's about all worth noting for now. Ta.
Ian Campbell said
Fri Apr 21 9:48 AM, 2017
This a.m. no sign of the Gargany but Lesser Whitethroat singing in hedgerow by the pond it was on, also no sign of the Little Gulls. 1 Common Tern made a brief appearance at 7.30, also 2 Common Sandpipers and 3 Oystercatcher. Simon Warford had a Whitethroat by the river. Cheers Ian
John Doherty said
Thu Apr 20 8:41 PM, 2017
First, long time no post. I've been on a hiatus, plus I've recently had a health setback - it was emotional getting to Elton, not because I love it but because it boosted me
I'm still fragile but.... The sightings were worth it. I managed 2 Little Gull - somehow a lifer after all my birding years - and it was beautiful getting them in that plumage. One looks to be just be coming into summer plumage, the second is fully. I also relocated the Garganey - it's in the field just before Cocklestorm, if you're coming up the canal from Radcliffe. It's metres away. Also, several swallow, sparrowhawk.
Phil Hampson said
Thu Apr 20 5:27 PM, 2017
My visit this morning sadly a day too late! Thanks for the help and information.
Phil
Sarfraz Hayat said
Thu Apr 20 12:33 PM, 2017
2 Little Gull still on. First time I have seen adults in breeding plumage I believe and first time within 12 miles of home.
Richard Thew said
Thu Apr 20 8:00 AM, 2017
Unfortunately the garganey is no longer in his usual spot as the field is in use today. But the lesser whitethroat is still present if a little further north along the canal.
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Apr 20 7:13 AM, 2017
06:00-07:00am Spent most of the time in the creek due to influx of warblers with:
1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler heard not seen.
1 Singing Lesser Whitethroat heard not seen.
1 Garden Warbler heard not seen.
3 Willow Warblers.
2 Blackcaps.
1 Chiffchaff.
Now 2 Little Gulls.
2 Gadwall
Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Thursday 20th of April 2017 08:53:20 AM
Simon Warford said
Wed Apr 19 9:40 AM, 2017
Also this morning, drake Garganey still on the pools between Canal and tram line at Crow Trees and a singing Lesser Whitethroat there.
Mike c cooper said
Wed Apr 19 9:00 AM, 2017
Little gull still showing from west end to opposite sailing club.
Steven Higginbottom said
Wed Apr 19 6:30 AM, 2017
06:10-06:25am before work
1 Little Gull
1 Sedge warbler. Singing but unable to see.
Cheers Steven
Steven Heywood said
Tue Apr 18 7:02 PM, 2017
Little gull still on at 1:50pm. Thanks to the chap who pointed it out to me, I couldn't see it for looking.
Drake garganey showing nicely in the flooded field by the canal, close enough to hear it grunting. Even the very shouty guy on his 'phone as he walked down the towpath couldn't ruffle its feathers.
Hi Phil, if going just for the Garganey, it will be best to park just off Bury Road in Radcliffe, on Within's Lane and walk up past Cocklestorm Paints (you cant drive up the track to Within's), then turn left down the canal towpath, and there are small floods on both sides of the canal. This is where the Garganey is favouring and it will only be about 200 yards walk in total.
Cheers, Simon
Phil Hampson said
Tue Apr 18 1:21 PM, 2017
Could I ask for some directions please. I don't know the site or the area and fancy a trip for the Gargeney, assuming stays for a couple of days. Key thing for me is it far to walk, I'm limited post back surgery at the moment and 1km is about my limit.
Many thanks, Phil
brian fielding said
Tue Apr 18 11:02 AM, 2017
0700 till 1030 with ian c and malcolm
1 drake garganey showing well on near pool to the canal path
1 little gull on res
1 green sandpiper flew from res outflow first thing but not relocated
1 yellow wagtail over pumphouse
1 common sandpiper
1 grasshopper warbler heard in field close to boathouse
Richard Thew said
Tue Apr 18 10:02 AM, 2017
Garganey still close on the flooded field next to the canal at crow trees farm but currently asleep on the tiny island. No sign so far of the common sandpiper that was with him yesterday yet! Ta.
Steven Higginbottom said
Tue Apr 18 6:16 AM, 2017
Quick check before work
1 Little Gull
1 Common Tern
Cheers Steven
Rob Creek said
Mon Apr 17 7:52 PM, 2017
Sunday 16th April, morning visit and nice to bump into both site regulars and forum members.
- Little Gull 1 adult. Showed really well near the pumphouse putting on an acrobatic show. - Garganey 1 drake. Showing on and off on distant pool on left beyond canal bridge 18.
Other birds or note... - Sand Martin 300+ - House Martin 2 - Swallow 3 - Willow Warbler 2
Also 1 Garden Warbler heard after a tip off from Paul Wilson and 1 Lesser Whitethroat heard near the dip opposite sailing club but I didn't see either unfortunately.
Garganey still next to canal tow path in flooded field (9am). Also upto 3 common sandpipers were found. One was originally with the garganey- now along the Brook in front of withins. The other two are on the reservoir wall side. Also greylag goose, little gull (as of 8:30), good numbers of swallows and sand martins. Blackcap, sparrowhawk and willow warbler.
Steven Higginbottom said
Mon Apr 17 6:38 AM, 2017
Little Gull still present this morning 17/4/17
Richard thew text saying Garganey and Common Sand Pipier in same place a yesterday but closer.
Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Monday 17th of April 2017 06:44:05 AM
Roger Halsey said
Sun Apr 16 7:01 PM, 2017
Little Gull still present at 5.30 along with c400 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and 1 House Martin. Also of note at least 10 rats climbing in the tree with the feeders on! I didn't go down the canal for the Garganey.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Apr 16 2:39 PM, 2017
Garganey still present at 12.30 on flooded field next to tram lines on left off canal just past crow trees canal bridge 18 as you walk towards coney green. Also 1 Common sandpiper on adjacent pool. Little Gull also present on reservoir at 12.45.
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 16th of April 2017 02:41:17 PM
The Elton Little gull is showing well today, in bad light unfortunately but well enough to see the bird is in breeding plumage with a stunning Pink tinge to its chest, a little cracker
Also Garganey still present on res although lost from view presently
Garganey refound in flooded field next to tram lines on left off canal just past crow trees canal bridge 18 as you walk towards coney green.
Also 1 Common sandpiper. Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Sunday 16th of April 2017 10:24:23 AM
Paul Wilson said
Sun Apr 16 7:18 AM, 2017
Steven Higginbottom wrote:
Little Gull still present this morning.
Also Garganey still present on res although lost from view presently
Steven Higginbottom said
Sun Apr 16 6:53 AM, 2017
Little Gull still present this morning.
Richard Thew said
Sat Apr 15 9:28 PM, 2017
Managed to see the garganey at 7:30 on the flooded field near the tram line. Pity I missed it when it was closer but can't win them all. Who knows what will turn up next!
Martin Loftus said
Sat Apr 15 6:35 PM, 2017
Here are some photos of the Garganey before it was spooked by two walkers and flew into the adjacent field, much further away. Thanks again to George, for my lifer tick
14:20-17:00pm with Martin Loftus. 1 Drake Garganey thanks for the call George Warburton great find. 1 White Wagtail. 2 Gadwall. 1 Greylag Goose. 1 Little Gull on Elton Res. 1 Sparrowhawk.
Garganey flew into flooded field on other side of canal due to walkers walking past pool. Still present
brian fielding said
Sat Apr 15 2:28 PM, 2017
Drake garganey reported in flooded field at crow trees farm this afternoon
Rob Creek said
Sat Apr 15 8:42 AM, 2017
Quick look on way to Spurn. - No sign of Little Gull for me, few Black-headed Gulls around - Sand Martin allover the res - 3 House Martins - handful of Swallows - pair of Shoveler - 3 Willow Warbler inc 1 near car park - 2 pr Bullfinch
Simon Johnson said
Sat Apr 15 6:39 AM, 2017
Quick look this morning
Little Gull still present
Common Tern
300 Sand Martin which looked to go North
19 Meadow pipit North
2 Goodander
2 Shoveler
Steven Higginbottom said
Sat Apr 15 6:09 AM, 2017
Quick look before work what looks like 1 Common Tern but could be Article light not the best so going with common Tern
Cheers Steven
Richard Thew said
Fri Apr 14 4:10 PM, 2017
Little gull still active at lunchtime (excellent find Steven), Also this morning in addition to Stevens... 6 linnets on the reservoir path 2 grey wagtails 2 pied wagtails (male and female) Meadow pipit
06:15-10am with Ian Cand Malcolm. 1 Little Gull which flew off at about07:25 but returned when we left. 1 Female Merlin flew along banking below pumphouse to oldhall farm before flying over Red towards Spenn Moor. 2 White Wagtail 1 inf field near bridge 19 and one on wall path at side of Elton Res . 1 House martin amongst the 300+ sand martins and 10+ Swallows.
Also 500+ Sand Martin, 4 Common Sandpiper and at least 4 Whitethroats around the Creek.
Cheers Ian
2 Common Terns flew through west 06:30am
2 Gadwall.
3 Oystercatchers.
Green Sandpiper heard but not seen.
6 Swift
3 Chiffchaff.
7 Willow Warblers.
4 Whitethroat.
1 Lesser Whitethroat (photo attached).
1 Garden Warbler.
5 Blackcap.
1 Reed Warbler.
1 Sedge Warbler.
1 Wheatear. (Photo attached)
Cheers Steven.
-- Edited by Mike c cooper on Sunday 23rd of April 2017 10:16:24 AM
Cheers Ian
This afternoon -
2 Common Sandpiper
3 Greylag Geese
Cheers Ian
First, long time no post. I've been on a hiatus, plus I've recently had a health setback - it was emotional getting to Elton, not because I love it but because it boosted me
I'm still fragile but.... The sightings were worth it. I managed 2 Little Gull - somehow a lifer after all my birding years - and it was beautiful getting them in that plumage. One looks to be just be coming into summer plumage, the second is fully. I also relocated the Garganey - it's in the field just before Cocklestorm, if you're coming up the canal from Radcliffe. It's metres away. Also, several swallow, sparrowhawk.
My visit this morning sadly a day too late! Thanks for the help and information.
Phil
2 Little Gull still on. First time I have seen adults in breeding plumage I believe and first time within 12 miles of home.
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Thursday 20th of April 2017 08:53:20 AM
Little gull still showing from west end to opposite sailing club.
Little gull still on at 1:50pm. Thanks to the chap who pointed it out to me, I couldn't see it for looking.
Drake garganey showing nicely in the flooded field by the canal, close enough to hear it grunting. Even the very shouty guy on his 'phone as he walked down the towpath couldn't ruffle its feathers.
Simon, that's great thank you.
Phil
Cheers, Simon
Could I ask for some directions please. I don't know the site or the area and fancy a trip for the Gargeney, assuming stays for a couple of days. Key thing for me is it far to walk, I'm limited post back surgery at the moment and 1km is about my limit.
Many thanks, Phil
0700 till 1030 with ian c and malcolm
1 drake garganey showing well on near pool to the canal path
1 little gull on res
1 green sandpiper flew from res outflow first thing but not relocated
1 yellow wagtail over pumphouse
1 common sandpiper
1 grasshopper warbler heard in field close to boathouse
- Little Gull 1 adult. Showed really well near the pumphouse putting on an acrobatic show.
- Garganey 1 drake. Showing on and off on distant pool on left beyond canal bridge 18.
Other birds or note...
- Sand Martin 300+
- House Martin 2
- Swallow 3
- Willow Warbler 2
Also 1 Garden Warbler heard after a tip off from Paul Wilson and 1 Lesser Whitethroat heard near the dip opposite sailing club but I didn't see either unfortunately.
Little gull, garganey and common sandpiper all still present and correct. The latter 3 are in the same location area. Ta.
1 Little Gull
1 Garganey Drake
2 Gadwall.
2 Goosander.
1 Curlew.
1 Common Sandpiper.
1 Kingfisher.
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Monday 17th of April 2017 06:44:05 AM
Little Gull still present at 5.30 along with c400 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and 1 House Martin. Also of note at least 10 rats climbing in the tree with the feeders on! I didn't go down the canal for the Garganey.
Garganey still present at 12.30 on flooded field next to tram lines on left off canal just past crow trees canal bridge 18 as you walk towards coney green. Also 1 Common sandpiper on adjacent pool. Little Gull also present on reservoir at 12.45.
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 16th of April 2017 02:41:17 PM
The Elton Little gull is showing well today, in bad light unfortunately but well enough to see the bird is in breeding plumage with a stunning Pink tinge to its chest, a little cracker
Garganey refound in flooded field next to tram lines on left off canal just past crow trees canal bridge 18 as you walk towards coney green. Also 1 Common sandpiper.
Cheers Steven
-- Edited by Steven Higginbottom on Sunday 16th of April 2017 10:24:23 AM
Also Garganey still present on res although lost from view presently
Here are some photos of the Garganey before it was spooked by two walkers and flew into the adjacent field, much further away. Thanks again to George, for my lifer tick
14:20-17:00pm with Martin Loftus.
1 Drake Garganey thanks for the call George Warburton great find.
1 White Wagtail.
2 Gadwall.
1 Greylag Goose.
1 Little Gull on Elton Res.
1 Sparrowhawk.
Cheers Steven
- No sign of Little Gull for me, few Black-headed Gulls around
- Sand Martin allover the res
- 3 House Martins
- handful of Swallows
- pair of Shoveler
- 3 Willow Warbler inc 1 near car park
- 2 pr Bullfinch
Also this morning in addition to Stevens...
6 linnets on the reservoir path
2 grey wagtails
2 pied wagtails (male and female)
Meadow pipit
Ta.
(Attached (i hope); - little gull)
1 Little Gull which flew off at about07:25 but returned when we left.
1 Female Merlin flew along banking below pumphouse to oldhall farm before flying over Red towards Spenn Moor.
2 White Wagtail 1 inf field near bridge 19 and one on wall path at side of Elton Res .
1 House martin amongst the 300+ sand martins and 10+ Swallows.
Cheers Steven