Highlights of walk from Stott Drive to FlyAsh Hill and return via Jack Lane.
Chiffchaff 1 south edge of FlyAsh Hill. Willow Tit 1 Jack Lane. Fieldfare 30+ in the general area. Redwing 45+ Stock Dove 10+ Pied Wagtail 12 Herring Gull 2-usual adults on Wellacre College. Lapwing 2 on Wellacre College field. Magpie 50+...not a highlight just out of interest. Could be an underestimate, as I didn't go to the ETW.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 2nd of March 2018 04:30:06 PM
Steve Scrimgeour said
Fri Mar 2 2:54 PM, 2018
William Wroe 0910-1145ish
2 Snipe 1 Ring-necked Parakeet 1 Red Kite, over being mobbed by Magpies 0915, appeared to drop onto Flixton Rd side, but not seen again. I have seen a Kite sighting over Carrington reported also this morning on a local Facebook page. 6 Meadow Pipts Plenty of Redwings around again
Trafford FC. 4 Fieldfare 1 Golden Plover 3 Lapwing 2 Mistle Thrush
Buzzard over William Wroe golf course this morning. Eventually took refuge from the cold wind in a large Leylandii at the entrance to the back nine.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Feb 24 3:31 PM, 2018
Along the Manchester Ship Canal from Cadishead to Boysnope today:
1 drake Goldeneye
15 Little grebe
6 Redwing
23 Gadwall
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Steve Judge said
Fri Feb 9 10:39 PM, 2018
Friday, 9th February 2018. 10:15 - 16:30 hrs.
Walk from A.J. Bell Stadium (home to Salford Rugby League and Sale Rugby Union clubs) - along Manchester Ship Canal via Barton Locks - Boysnope Wharf - Irlam Locks - cross over to other side of Manchester Ship Canal - past Urmston Water Treatment Works - along Jack Lane - through Jack Lane NR - Dutton Ponds - Green / FlyAsh Hill - and return.
Goosander x 4 Goldcrest x 3 Bullfinch x 4 Greenfinch x 1 Redwing x 30 (the red under the wings now getting darker and looking a 'blood' like colour) Mistle Thrush x 1 Gadwall x 6 Coal Tit x 1 Buzzard x 2 Jay x 2 Pied Wagtail x 30 Meadow Pipit x 5 Mute Swan x 33 Black-Headed Gull x 100 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 1 Great Crested Grebe x 1 Little Grebe x 4 Cormorant x 12 Carrion Crow x 10 Teal x 15 Tufted Duck x 40 Mallard x 35 Blackbird x 9 Coot x 23 Woodpigeon x 40 Canada Geese x 2 Starling x 50 Grey Heron x 3 Long-Tailed Tit x 24 Goldfinch x 2 Robin x 5 Dunnock x 4 Moorhen x 7 Pheasant x 2 Blue Tit x 5 Great Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 1 Collared Dove x 2 Wren x 1 Magpie x 25 Feral Pigeon x 3
Steven Nelson said
Sun Feb 4 2:52 PM, 2018
Ship Canal alongside A57 at Irlam
2 Goldeneye - pair. Male displaying 22 Little Grebe c30 Tufted Duck 8 Gadwall 1 Teal
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jan 31 10:24 PM, 2018
Ship Canal to Barton Locks today produced:
9 Goldeneye
550 Black-headed Gull
2 Grey Wagtail
9 Little Grebe
34 Gadwall
28 Teal
36 Mute Swan
4 Snipe
Info thanks to Dave Steel
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Mon Jan 22 5:33 PM, 2018
Pair of Goosander on Dutton's Pond this afternoon.
Herring Gull pair still at Wellacre College together with a possible first winter.
Male Kestrel and Sparrowhawk also noted north of the railway line.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sun Jan 21 3:28 PM, 2018
This morning, 10+ Siskin in an Acre Hall School tree, along Irlam Road.
Nick Hilton said
Sat Jan 20 8:47 PM, 2018
This morning between 1000 - 1100;
William Wroe Golf Course
North side of railway; 1 Coal Tit 3 Blue Tit 6 Long-tailed Tit 1 Wren 4 Blackbird 3 Robin 7 Redwing 23 Goldfinch 4 Greenfinch 1 Bullfinch 6 Wood Pigeon 2 Magpie 2 Ring-necked Parakeet 1 Goldcrest 2 Starling
South side of railway; 15 Blackbird 1 Robin 225 Redwing 16 Goldfinch 30 Woodpigeon 3 Magpie 1 Blue Tit 1 Great Tit 1 Collared Dove 1 Jay 1 Chaffinch 4 Mistle Thrush 1 Buzzard
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jan 19 10:20 AM, 2018
Irlam Locks to Boysnope yesterday morning:
116 Mallard
6 Goldeneye
33 Mute Swan
14 Little Grebe
350 Black-headed Gull
1 Brambling
2 Willow Tit
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sun Jan 14 9:01 PM, 2018
Similar to what I saw Nick this afternoon, although I did have a 3 year old shouting most of the time not many birds answer to " Dad, Dad, Dad" Only difference was
Redwings only 5 flew in from Flixton Fields direction onto North side of WW.
And 20 Mistle Thrushes on the pitch at Trafford...
Nick Hilton said
Sun Jan 14 12:44 PM, 2018
Today between 1000 - 1100;
Trafford FC's ground; 2 Great Tit 2 Blue Tit 27 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 20 Redwing 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Common Gull
William Wroe Golf Course North side of railway; 120 Redwing 4 Blackbird 6 Greenfinch 35 Goldfinch 12 Magpie 2 Blue Tit 1 Great Tit 1 Robin 32 Woodpigeon
South side of railway; 2 Ring-necked Parakeet 2 Blue Tit 4 Magpie 12 Woodpigeon 4 Goldfinch 2 Goldcrest 12 Redwing 1 Kestrel 1 Buzzard
B Benson said
Wed Jan 10 2:32 PM, 2018
1 Ring -necked Parakeet feeding on a Beech tree in my back garden this afternoon. Backing onto Flixton Golf course.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jan 7 7:22 PM, 2018
Irlam Locks to the end of the bypass east along the Ship Canal this morning:
15 Cormorant
102 Mallard
18 Mute Swan
19 Little Grebe
78 Tufted Duck
16 Goldeneye
Surprisingly 2 Pink-footed Geese with 24 Canada Geese
Info thanks to Dave Steel
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sun Jan 7 5:05 PM, 2018
Walk down to the ETW/Irlam Locks.
Cormorant 9 including a whitish-headed bird also with white thigh feathers. Early breeding plumage? Pied Wagtail 40+ Grey Wagtail 2 Starling 200+ Grey Heron 1 Mute Swan 2 Canada Geese 2 Gadwall 1 Mallard 20+ Coot 1 Moorhen 1 Great-crested Grebe 1 Buzzard 1 Meadow Pipit 1 Black-headed Gull 200+ Common Gull 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 etc.
Nick Hilton said
Sun Jan 7 12:20 PM, 2018
Today between 1000 - 1100;
Trafford FC's ground; 3 Ring-necked Parakeet
William Wroe Golf Course North side of railway; 85 Redwing 6 Blackbird 10 Greenfinch 22 Goldfinch 1 Chaffinch 4 Magpie 3 Blue Tit 4 Long-tailed Tit 1 Pied Wagtail 2 Robin 8 Starling
South side of railway; 4 Long-tailed Tit 2 Blue Tit 3 Great Tit 2 Jay 1 Mistle Thrush 14 Magpie 4 Robin 12 Blackbird 1 Song Thrush 23 Woodpigeon 14 Goldfinch
Steve Judge said
Thu Jan 4 3:09 PM, 2018
Thursday, 4th January 2018 10:00 - 13:30 hrs.
Walk along north side of Manchester Ship Canal: Starting at AJ Bell Stadium - Barton Locks - Boysnope Wharf - Irlam Locks - crossed over to other side of Manchester Ship Canal to Flixton Sewage works - and return. At start of walk I passed the Salford Rugby League 1st team doing a training session.
This was one of those walks I have been intending to do for years (and if it was possible!) and at last got round to completing. Hi Nick (Hilton) - please ignore my private message to you - I managed to work out the route!
Willow Tit x 1 Goosander x 3 Goldeneye x 12 (9M and 3F) Teal x 20 Bullfinch x 1 (M) Gadwall x 10 Sparrowhawk x 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 Pied Wagtail x 1 Tufted Duck x 40 Mute Swan x 25 Grey Heron x 4 Great Crested Grebe x 1 Black-Headed Gull x 50 Coot x 30 Moorhen x 4 Cormorant x 7 Goldfinch x 2 Long-Tailed Tit x 5 Dunnock x 2 Robin x 9 Great Tit x 5 Blue Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 5 Blackbird x 7 Starling x 200 (gathering above Flixton Sewage works) Woodpigeon x 4 Feral Pigeon x 30 Magpie x 9 Carrion Crow x 7 Mallard x 40
Next time when I have more time - I will link this walk up with the one over the new bridge (Salford Western Gateway) over the ship canal below M60 Barton Motorway Bridge to Barton Swing Bridge (for which there is a separate thread under Old Barton Road/Manchester Ship Canal).
I was speaking to a guy walking his dog who lives in a house near Barton Swing Bridge - who told me that he has almost daily visits from Ring-Necked Parakeets on to his garden feeders. They are certainly spreading around Greater Manchester now!
Steven Nelson said
Tue Jan 2 6:24 PM, 2018
Manchester Ship Canal - Irlam Locks to Boysnope Wharf plus viewing towards Barton Locks 14.45-16.00
15 Goldeneye (9 adult males, 2 first winter males, 4 females) 75+ Tufted Duck 10 Gadwall 12 Teal 33 Mute Swan 16+ Little Grebe 9 Great crested Grebe (2 at Boysnope plus a group of 7 just downstream of Irlam Locks) 1 Grey Heron 4 Cormorant 14 Coot 3 Moorhen 2 Goldcrest
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 2nd of January 2018 09:03:57 PM
Steven Nelson said
Fri Dec 29 4:30 PM, 2017
Manchester Ship Canal from Irlam Locks to Barton Locks 13.00-15.30
10 Goldeneye (7m & 3f) 120+ Tufted Duck 45+ Teal plus 10 more on Salt Eye Brook 20+ Gadwall 40+ Mallard 24 Mute Swan 14 Little Grebe 4 Great Crested Grebe 4 Cormorant 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 130+ Black-headed Gull seemed to be coming into roost at Barton Locks 6 Common Gull 3 Snipe 4 Goldcrest 2 Fieldfare 3 Redwing 1 Kestrel 6 Long-tailed Tit 1 Grey Wagtail
dave broome said
Thu Dec 28 6:38 PM, 2017
Today on the Manchester Ship Canal just north of Irlam Locks, birds included 5 Goldeneye (inc 4 ad male), 3 Little Grebe and 26 Tufted Duck
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 28th of December 2017 06:41:28 PM
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Dec 27 7:28 PM, 2017
Nice to see 2 male and 3 female Goosanders on Dutton's Pond, along with a Kingfisher.
Usual 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Herring Gull adults and 11 Common Gulls on Wellacre College field. 50+ Redwing nearby and a single Siskin overhead.
I didn't see Santa on Monday but 60+ Jackdaws flew over Stott Drive. 12+ Rooks along Irlam Road, with some starting to sit in pairs near their old nests.
William Wroe Golf Course North side of railway; 1 Kestrel 27 Redwing 16 Blackbird 1 Carrion Crow 1 Mute Swan (fly over) 3 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Jay 14 Magpie 12 Woodpigeon
South side of railway; 14 Long-tailed Tit 7 Redwing 2 Blue Tit 1 Kestrel 12 Carrion Crow 2 Great Tit
Martin Whittam said
Sat Dec 23 9:49 AM, 2017
2 Peregrine circling high up over Jack Lane , 09:35 this morning. One eventually went towards the power station and the other went North
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Dec 16 10:50 PM, 2017
Just a reminder to those posting on this thread that it relates to the whole area of Flixton and so wherever possible posts should be specific to which site they relate to (ie William Wroe Golf Course etc)
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sat Dec 16 9:42 PM, 2017
No joy either for me today although having spent almost every hour of daylight searching the last 2 weekends, I only had 2 spare hours today.
Highlights
3 Ring Necked Parakeets over. 2 Kestrels, Several Treecreepers Great Spotted Woodpecker Long Tailed Tits in several flocks with Goldcrests.
Severe lack of Redwings , Fieldfare , Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Goldfinches, today although it was very frosty. The resident Buzzards were also missing today..
Nice to meet Simon Gough a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning... Also 2 more birders were seen prowling The Grove early afternoon I the rain, nice to speak to them also..
Have a couple of hours spare tomorrow, so will have another wander then..
Nick Hilton said
Fri Dec 15 4:20 PM, 2017
Nice to meet you too Steve.
No Hawfinch sightings for me either, covering the golf course north and south of the railway. There were Redwing skulking in a number of places, notably the trees at the rear of the Flixton station car park on the north side of the railway. Other species very similar to Steve's list.
Steve Judge said
Fri Dec 15 3:44 PM, 2017
William Wroe Golf Course - Flixton
No sightings of Hawfinch for me this morning. Nice to have chat with Nick Hilton.
Nice selection of birds seen, though, included: Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redwing x 10, Mistle Thrush, Long-Tailed Tits x 5, Goldfinch x 4, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Starlings, Carrion Crow, Black-Headed Gulls, Pied Wagtail x 2.
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Friday 15th of December 2017 03:44:56 PM
Steve Scrimgeour said
Thu Dec 14 10:12 AM, 2017
Thanks Bernard...
Seems to be expanding its area, from when I first saw it....
Many thanks and Fingers definately crossed....
bernard hooley said
Wed Dec 13 10:43 PM, 2017
Steve . They flew over the trees and onto the other golf course . Hope you get a garden tick .
Steve Scrimgeour said
Wed Dec 13 10:19 AM, 2017
Bernard,
so glad you have seen it, and thanks for reporting it...
Get a bit twitchy during the week when no news, as work gets in the way....
Seems to have moved closer to the school, as I saw it in the 3 birches on Saturday and then it flew across the school field onto The Grove, so still hoping for a garden tick....
Also being seen at 1345hrs which is close to its favourite 1400hrs window, when we see it frequently..
Quick question Bernard, when they flew over the railway did they land in the wooded bit or keep going onto what is the other half of the golf course. ?
Thanks
bernard hooley said
Wed Dec 13 8:06 AM, 2017
Thanks Tim ! In my excitement I forgot to mention the other birds in the flock they were mostly Redwings and a few Goldfinch .On the leaf litter were at least 15 blackbirds .also seen Jay -1 robin .4 Wood Pigeon ~4 Pied Wagtail 2 Jackdaw -2 Blue Tit - 4 Fieldfare - 2 Magpie - 5 Herring Gull - 1 B H gull -6
Tim Wilcox said
Tue Dec 12 7:17 PM, 2017
bernard hooley wrote:
W alked down the narrow path from the railway station onto the golf course .As my wife and I got to the back of the school we noticed lots of small birds in the three birch trees there.Just as I got my bins on them they all flew off over the railway .Five minutes later they returned. On top of the middle tree on my first scan there it was, my first ever Hawfinch the time was 1.45pm .
Lifer and County tick of Hawfinch in one! Good stuff!
bernard hooley said
Tue Dec 12 7:12 PM, 2017
W alked down the narrow path from the railway station onto the golf course .As my wife and I got to the back of the school we noticed lots of small birds in the three birch trees there.Just as I got my bins on them they all flew off over the railway .Five minutes later they returned. On top of the middle tree on my first scan there it was, my first ever Hawfinch the time was 1.45pm .
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Dec 10 6:04 PM, 2017
The Brambling was in Birches alongside the school field and flew with the Goldfinch flock over the road towards the Church.
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sun Dec 10 5:42 PM, 2017
Tony, Nice to meet you this morning..
Funny you should post about a Brambling as me and Paul Heaton were discussing that very possibility when we were wandering.
Just out of interest, was it on the floor feeding or in the that big flock flitting around the trees...
That's 2 new site species you have seen today, but not the one you wanted..lol
Cheers Steve
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Dec 10 2:14 PM, 2017
I drew a blank this morning at old William Wroe Gild Course as well.
1 Snipe flew south
female Brambling with the Goldfinch flock was a bonus
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 10th of December 2017 03:49:46 PM
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sun Dec 10 2:10 PM, 2017
Another extremely cold and grey day
No more sightings until I sought a boiling kettle at home at approx 1330hrs
Although it was 30 mins before the time it normally shows.
Hope it shows tomorrow for anyone looking as forecast is brighter..
Oh well work gets in the way now till next Saturday.....
steven burke said
Sun Dec 10 11:44 AM, 2017
Hawfinch seen in flight just before 9am then seen at 11am perched in tree next to 17th fairway on the old William Wroe Golf Course but then flew off towards the church, a quick look around but no signs.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 10th of December 2017 01:26:40 PM
pete berry said
Sun Dec 10 10:10 AM, 2017
According to Birdguides Hawfinch seen again this am.
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sat Dec 9 2:51 PM, 2017
Hawfinch seen again at 1400hrs,
This time favouring the trees at end of path onto golf course over the fence next to the school field. Its was hanging around with the Fieldfares, Redwings and Mistle Thrushes
Then flew into the trees directly opposite, before actually landing on top of tree on corner of The Grove opposite corner to my house.
Please note my neighbours are aware we have a Hawfinch in the area, Bill with the feeding station has been warned about people looking at the feeders, but please don't climb on his wall....
Nice to spend some time with Paul Heaton this afternoon, glad you saw it.
Nice to know that the Hawfinch has been around all week.
Cheers Steve
-- Edited by Steve Scrimgeour on Saturday 9th of December 2017 02:53:28 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 9th of December 2017 03:39:53 PM
Steve Scrimgeour said
Sat Dec 9 10:53 AM, 2017
Hawfinch refound top of silver birch on the old William Wroe Golf Course, above area that was seeded. its with 2 Redwings.
Phone had died so back having a brew, but back out shortly..
Nice to know its hung around...
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 9th of December 2017 11:09:00 AM
steven burke said
Wed Dec 6 11:51 AM, 2017
Old William wroe golf course, 10-11.20am.
No signs of the hawfinch, other birders still looking. Several redwings 1 fieldfare 1 nuthatch 1 treecreeper 1 great spotted woodpecker 5 jays 1 buzzard 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk 4 siskin, over.
-- Edited by steven burke on Wednesday 6th of December 2017 11:52:23 AM
pete berry said
Tue Dec 5 12:20 PM, 2017
Steve Scrimgeour wrote:
Hawfinch seen this morning, not sure of time, but Lynn spoke to Pete Berry so he maybe able to give a little more info....
At least its still on site...
Cheers Steve
-- Edited by Steve Scrimgeour on Tuesday 5th of December 2017 12:11:59 PM
Yes it showed well for at least 10 mins perched in a couple of smallish trees just before the line of poplars.Picked it up in flight as it flew across from just near The Grove just after a small flock of Redwings were flushed from that area and it flew shortly after they did from the same general area..
Steve Scrimgeour said
Tue Dec 5 12:06 PM, 2017
Hawfinch seen this morning at William Wroe Golf Course, not sure of time, but Lynn spoke to Pete Berry so he maybe able to give a little more info.... At least its still on site... Cheers Steve
-- Edited by Steve Scrimgeour on Tuesday 5th of December 2017 12:11:59 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 5th of December 2017 12:54:00 PM
Steve Scrimgeour said
Tue Dec 5 9:30 AM, 2017
dave broome wrote:
Some phonescoped shots of the Hawfinch taken just after 2:30pm today on the closed golf course, shortly before it flew off towards The Grove.
-- Edited by dave broome on Monday 4th of December 2017 11:12:37 PM
Please dont tell me that Dave, whilst I am stuck in Knutsford, although its almost a garden tick for me anyway.
Glad its showing for all of you, will be dropping more seed tonight.......
Thanks for all the kind comments and messages its much appreciated and you would have all done the same..
If it sticks will probably see some of you again over the weekend......
dave broome said
Mon Dec 4 10:50 PM, 2017
Some phonescoped shots of the Hawfinch taken just after 2:30pm today on the closed golf course, shortly before it flew off towards The Grove.
-- Edited by dave broome on Monday 4th of December 2017 11:12:37 PM
Chiffchaff 1 south edge of FlyAsh Hill.
Willow Tit 1 Jack Lane.
Fieldfare 30+ in the general area.
Redwing 45+
Stock Dove 10+
Pied Wagtail 12
Herring Gull 2-usual adults on Wellacre College.
Lapwing 2 on Wellacre College field.
Magpie 50+...not a highlight just out of interest. Could be an underestimate, as I didn't go to the ETW.
A walk down Irlam Road to the ETW/Locks produced:
Fieldfare 10+
Mistle Thrush 1
Redwing 1
Song Thrush 1
Lesser Redpoll 5
ETW/Canal:
Cormorant 6
Meadow Pipit 1
Lapwing 15
Teal 6
Gadwall 2
Great crested Grebe 1
Mallard 20+
Mute Swan 2
Coot 2
Moorhen 2
Common Gull 2
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Black-headed Gull 200+
Starling 50+
Pied Wagtail 10+
Raven 1 over garden whilst bird-feeding.
etc.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 2nd of March 2018 04:30:06 PM
William Wroe 0910-1145ish
2 Snipe
1 Ring-necked Parakeet
1 Red Kite, over being mobbed by Magpies 0915, appeared to drop onto Flixton Rd side, but not seen again. I have seen a Kite sighting over Carrington reported also this morning on a local Facebook page.
6 Meadow Pipts
Plenty of Redwings around again
Trafford FC.
4 Fieldfare
1 Golden Plover
3 Lapwing
2 Mistle Thrush
St Michaels School Field
3 Lapwing
Irlam locks to Barton locks 09:35-13:45 today:
610 Black headed Gull
2 Shoveler
102 Mallard
53 Gadwall
18 Little Grebe
1 Drake Goldeneye
Pair of Goosander
33 Redwing
132 Tufted Duck
2 Snipe
1 Chiffchaff (Irlam Locks, photo attached)
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Buzzard over William Wroe golf course this morning. Eventually took refuge from the cold wind in a large Leylandii at the entrance to the back nine.
Along the Manchester Ship Canal from Cadishead to Boysnope today:
1 drake Goldeneye
15 Little grebe
6 Redwing
23 Gadwall
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Walk from A.J. Bell Stadium (home to Salford Rugby League and Sale Rugby Union clubs) - along Manchester Ship Canal via Barton Locks - Boysnope Wharf - Irlam Locks - cross over to other side of Manchester Ship Canal - past Urmston Water Treatment Works - along Jack Lane - through Jack Lane NR - Dutton Ponds - Green / FlyAsh Hill - and return.
Goosander x 4
Goldcrest x 3
Bullfinch x 4
Greenfinch x 1
Redwing x 30 (the red under the wings now getting darker and looking a 'blood' like colour)
Mistle Thrush x 1
Gadwall x 6
Coal Tit x 1
Buzzard x 2
Jay x 2
Pied Wagtail x 30
Meadow Pipit x 5
Mute Swan x 33
Black-Headed Gull x 100
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 1
Great Crested Grebe x 1
Little Grebe x 4
Cormorant x 12
Carrion Crow x 10
Teal x 15
Tufted Duck x 40
Mallard x 35
Blackbird x 9
Coot x 23
Woodpigeon x 40
Canada Geese x 2
Starling x 50
Grey Heron x 3
Long-Tailed Tit x 24
Goldfinch x 2
Robin x 5
Dunnock x 4
Moorhen x 7
Pheasant x 2
Blue Tit x 5
Great Tit x 4
Chaffinch x 1
Collared Dove x 2
Wren x 1
Magpie x 25
Feral Pigeon x 3
2 Goldeneye - pair. Male displaying
22 Little Grebe
c30 Tufted Duck
8 Gadwall
1 Teal
Ship Canal to Barton Locks today produced:
9 Goldeneye
550 Black-headed Gull
2 Grey Wagtail
9 Little Grebe
34 Gadwall
28 Teal
36 Mute Swan
4 Snipe
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Herring Gull pair still at Wellacre College together with a possible first winter.
Male Kestrel and Sparrowhawk also noted north of the railway line.
William Wroe Golf Course
North side of railway;
1 Coal Tit
3 Blue Tit
6 Long-tailed Tit
1 Wren
4 Blackbird
3 Robin
7 Redwing
23 Goldfinch
4 Greenfinch
1 Bullfinch
6 Wood Pigeon
2 Magpie
2 Ring-necked Parakeet
1 Goldcrest
2 Starling
South side of railway;
15 Blackbird
1 Robin
225 Redwing
16 Goldfinch
30 Woodpigeon
3 Magpie
1 Blue Tit
1 Great Tit
1 Collared Dove
1 Jay
1 Chaffinch
4 Mistle Thrush
1 Buzzard
Irlam Locks to Boysnope yesterday morning:
116 Mallard
6 Goldeneye
33 Mute Swan
14 Little Grebe
350 Black-headed Gull
1 Brambling
2 Willow Tit
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Only difference was
Redwings only 5 flew in from Flixton Fields direction onto North side of WW.
And 20 Mistle Thrushes on the pitch at Trafford...
Trafford FC's ground;
2 Great Tit
2 Blue Tit
27 Goldfinch
2 Greenfinch
20 Redwing
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
2 Common Gull
William Wroe Golf Course
North side of railway;
120 Redwing
4 Blackbird
6 Greenfinch
35 Goldfinch
12 Magpie
2 Blue Tit
1 Great Tit
1 Robin
32 Woodpigeon
South side of railway;
2 Ring-necked Parakeet
2 Blue Tit
4 Magpie
12 Woodpigeon
4 Goldfinch
2 Goldcrest
12 Redwing
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
1 Ring -necked Parakeet feeding on a Beech tree in my back garden this afternoon. Backing onto Flixton Golf course.
Irlam Locks to the end of the bypass east along the Ship Canal this morning:
15 Cormorant
102 Mallard
18 Mute Swan
19 Little Grebe
78 Tufted Duck
16 Goldeneye
Surprisingly 2 Pink-footed Geese with 24 Canada Geese
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Cormorant 9 including a whitish-headed bird also with white thigh feathers. Early breeding plumage?
Pied Wagtail 40+
Grey Wagtail 2
Starling 200+
Grey Heron 1
Mute Swan 2
Canada Geese 2
Gadwall 1
Mallard 20+
Coot 1
Moorhen 1
Great-crested Grebe 1
Buzzard 1
Meadow Pipit 1
Black-headed Gull 200+
Common Gull 2
Lesser Black-backed Gull 2
etc.
Trafford FC's ground;
3 Ring-necked Parakeet
William Wroe Golf Course
North side of railway;
85 Redwing
6 Blackbird
10 Greenfinch
22 Goldfinch
1 Chaffinch
4 Magpie
3 Blue Tit
4 Long-tailed Tit
1 Pied Wagtail
2 Robin
8 Starling
South side of railway;
4 Long-tailed Tit
2 Blue Tit
3 Great Tit
2 Jay
1 Mistle Thrush
14 Magpie
4 Robin
12 Blackbird
1 Song Thrush
23 Woodpigeon
14 Goldfinch
Walk along north side of Manchester Ship Canal: Starting at AJ Bell Stadium - Barton Locks - Boysnope Wharf - Irlam Locks - crossed over to other side of Manchester Ship Canal to Flixton Sewage works - and return.
At start of walk I passed the Salford Rugby League 1st team doing a training session.
This was one of those walks I have been intending to do for years (and if it was possible!) and at last got round to completing. Hi Nick (Hilton) - please ignore my private message to you - I managed to work out the route!
Willow Tit x 1
Goosander x 3
Goldeneye x 12 (9M and 3F)
Teal x 20
Bullfinch x 1 (M)
Gadwall x 10
Sparrowhawk x 1
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1
Pied Wagtail x 1
Tufted Duck x 40
Mute Swan x 25
Grey Heron x 4
Great Crested Grebe x 1
Black-Headed Gull x 50
Coot x 30
Moorhen x 4
Cormorant x 7
Goldfinch x 2
Long-Tailed Tit x 5
Dunnock x 2
Robin x 9
Great Tit x 5
Blue Tit x 4
Chaffinch x 5
Blackbird x 7
Starling x 200 (gathering above Flixton Sewage works)
Woodpigeon x 4
Feral Pigeon x 30
Magpie x 9
Carrion Crow x 7
Mallard x 40
Next time when I have more time - I will link this walk up with the one over the new bridge (Salford Western Gateway) over the ship canal below M60 Barton Motorway Bridge to Barton Swing Bridge (for which there is a separate thread under Old Barton Road/Manchester Ship Canal).
I was speaking to a guy walking his dog who lives in a house near Barton Swing Bridge - who told me that he has almost daily visits from Ring-Necked Parakeets on to his garden feeders. They are certainly spreading around Greater Manchester now!
Manchester Ship Canal - Irlam Locks to Boysnope Wharf plus viewing towards Barton Locks 14.45-16.00
15 Goldeneye (9 adult males, 2 first winter males, 4 females)
75+ Tufted Duck
10 Gadwall
12 Teal
33 Mute Swan
16+ Little Grebe
9 Great crested Grebe (2 at Boysnope plus a group of 7 just downstream of Irlam Locks)
1 Grey Heron
4 Cormorant
14 Coot
3 Moorhen
2 Goldcrest
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 2nd of January 2018 09:03:57 PM
10 Goldeneye (7m & 3f)
120+ Tufted Duck
45+ Teal plus 10 more on Salt Eye Brook
20+ Gadwall
40+ Mallard
24 Mute Swan
14 Little Grebe
4 Great Crested Grebe
4 Cormorant
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
130+ Black-headed Gull seemed to be coming into roost at Barton Locks
6 Common Gull
3 Snipe
4 Goldcrest
2 Fieldfare
3 Redwing
1 Kestrel
6 Long-tailed Tit
1 Grey Wagtail
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 28th of December 2017 06:41:28 PM
Usual 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Herring Gull adults and 11 Common Gulls on Wellacre College field.
50+ Redwing nearby and a single Siskin overhead.
Flixton ETW/Canal:
Cormorant 9
Grey Heron 2
Gadwall 1m 1f.
Mallard 30+
Starling 150+
Black-headed Gull 200+
Magpie 30+
Pied Wagtail 30+
Common Gull 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults.
Moorhen 2
Great Crested Grebe 1
12+ Rooks along Irlam Road, with some starting to sit in pairs near their old nests.
Trafford FC's ground;
5 Ring-necked Parakeet
17 Common Gull
2 Black-headed Gull
1 Mistle Thrush
William Wroe Golf Course
North side of railway;
1 Kestrel
27 Redwing
16 Blackbird
1 Carrion Crow
1 Mute Swan (fly over)
3 Greenfinch
4 Goldfinch
2 Mistle Thrush
1 Jay
14 Magpie
12 Woodpigeon
South side of railway;
14 Long-tailed Tit
7 Redwing
2 Blue Tit
1 Kestrel
12 Carrion Crow
2 Great Tit
Just a reminder to those posting on this thread that it relates to the whole area of Flixton and so wherever possible posts should be specific to which site they relate to (ie William Wroe Golf Course etc)
Highlights
3 Ring Necked Parakeets over.
2 Kestrels,
Several Treecreepers
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Long Tailed Tits in several flocks with Goldcrests.
Severe lack of Redwings , Fieldfare , Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Goldfinches, today although it was very frosty.
The resident Buzzards were also missing today..
Nice to meet Simon Gough a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning...
Also 2 more birders were seen prowling The Grove early afternoon I the rain, nice to speak to them also..
Have a couple of hours spare tomorrow, so will have another wander then..
No Hawfinch sightings for me either, covering the golf course north and south of the railway. There were Redwing skulking in a number of places, notably the trees at the rear of the Flixton station car park on the north side of the railway. Other species very similar to Steve's list.
No sightings of Hawfinch for me this morning. Nice to have chat with Nick Hilton.
Nice selection of birds seen, though, included: Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redwing x 10, Mistle Thrush, Long-Tailed Tits x 5, Goldfinch x 4, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Starlings, Carrion Crow, Black-Headed Gulls, Pied Wagtail x 2.
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Friday 15th of December 2017 03:44:56 PM
Seems to be expanding its area, from when I first saw it....
Many thanks and Fingers definately crossed....
Hope you get a garden tick .
so glad you have seen it, and thanks for reporting it...
Get a bit twitchy during the week when no news, as work gets in the way....
Seems to have moved closer to the school, as I saw it in the 3 birches on Saturday and then it flew across the school field onto The Grove, so still hoping for a garden tick....
Also being seen at 1345hrs which is close to its favourite 1400hrs window, when we see it frequently..
Quick question Bernard, when they flew over the railway did they land in the wooded bit or keep going onto what is the other half of the golf course. ?
Thanks
In my excitement I forgot to mention the other birds in the flock they were mostly
Redwings and a few Goldfinch .On the leaf litter were at least 15 blackbirds .also
seen
Jay -1
robin .4
Wood Pigeon ~4
Pied Wagtail 2
Jackdaw -2
Blue Tit - 4
Fieldfare - 2
Magpie - 5
Herring Gull - 1
B H gull -6
Lifer and County tick of Hawfinch in one! Good stuff!
got to the back of the school we noticed lots of small birds in the three birch trees there.Just as
I got my bins on them they all flew off over the railway .Five minutes later they returned. On top
of the middle tree on my first scan there it was, my first ever Hawfinch the time was 1.45pm .
The Brambling was in Birches alongside the school field and flew with the Goldfinch flock over the road towards the Church.
Nice to meet you this morning..
Funny you should post about a Brambling as me and Paul Heaton were discussing that very possibility when we were wandering.
Just out of interest, was it on the floor feeding or in the that big flock flitting around the trees...
That's 2 new site species you have seen today, but not the one you wanted..lol
Cheers
Steve
I drew a blank this morning at old William Wroe Gild Course as well.
1 Snipe flew south
female Brambling with the Goldfinch flock was a bonus
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 10th of December 2017 03:49:46 PM
No more sightings until I sought a boiling kettle at home at approx 1330hrs
Although it was 30 mins before the time it normally shows.
Hope it shows tomorrow for anyone looking as forecast is brighter..
Oh well work gets in the way now till next Saturday.....
Hawfinch seen in flight just before 9am then seen at 11am perched in tree next to 17th fairway on the old William Wroe Golf Course but then flew off towards the church, a quick look around but no signs.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 10th of December 2017 01:26:40 PM
Hawfinch seen again at 1400hrs,
This time favouring the trees at end of path onto golf course over the fence next to the school field. Its was hanging around with the Fieldfares, Redwings and Mistle Thrushes
Then flew into the trees directly opposite, before actually landing on top of tree on corner of The Grove opposite corner to my house.
Please note my neighbours are aware we have a Hawfinch in the area, Bill with the feeding station has been warned about people looking at the feeders, but please don't climb on his wall....
Nice to spend some time with Paul Heaton this afternoon, glad you saw it.
Nice to know that the Hawfinch has been around all week.
Cheers
Steve
-- Edited by Steve Scrimgeour on Saturday 9th of December 2017 02:53:28 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 9th of December 2017 03:39:53 PM
Hawfinch refound top of silver birch on the old William Wroe Golf Course, above area that was seeded. its with 2 Redwings.
Phone had died so back having a brew, but back out shortly..
Nice to know its hung around...
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 9th of December 2017 11:09:00 AM
No signs of the hawfinch, other birders still looking.
Several redwings
1 fieldfare
1 nuthatch
1 treecreeper
1 great spotted woodpecker
5 jays
1 buzzard
1 kestrel
1 sparrowhawk
4 siskin, over.
-- Edited by steven burke on Wednesday 6th of December 2017 11:52:23 AM
Yes it showed well for at least 10 mins perched in a couple of smallish trees just before the line of poplars.Picked it up in flight as it flew across from just near The Grove just after a small flock of Redwings were flushed from that area and it flew shortly after they did from the same general area..
Hawfinch seen this morning at William Wroe Golf Course, not sure of time, but Lynn spoke to Pete Berry so he maybe able to give a little more info.... At least its still on site... Cheers Steve
-- Edited by Steve Scrimgeour on Tuesday 5th of December 2017 12:11:59 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 5th of December 2017 12:54:00 PM
Please dont tell me that Dave, whilst I am stuck in Knutsford, although its almost a garden tick for me anyway.
Glad its showing for all of you, will be dropping more seed tonight.......
Thanks for all the kind comments and messages its much appreciated and you would have all done the same..
If it sticks will probably see some of you again over the weekend......
-- Edited by dave broome on Monday 4th of December 2017 11:12:37 PM