2 adult Common Terns in flight over the reservoir this morning at 09:40 hrs, blown in by Storm Lilian. They landed on the north shoreline amongst the gulls and were still present at 10:40 hrs. Other sightings Buzzard Kestrel - 2 Willow Warbler - 1 in sub song Chiffchaff Lesser Redpoll in willows by the hide
48 Lapwings yesterday (22/08) evening.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Jul 18 4:49 PM, 2024
Adult Mediterranean Gull (in breeding plumage) bathing on the edge of the north shoreline at 15:25 hrs. Shortly after settling amongst the Black-headed Gulls something spooked the birds and it flew off high up to the south.
Steve Atkins said
Wed Jul 17 12:20 PM, 2024
The bird was feeding in a willow on the reservoir side of the track at 12:10 hrs.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 17th of July 2024 01:56:40 PM
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 17th of July 2024 01:54:29 PM
Steve Atkins said
Thu May 9 3:24 PM, 2024
Two drake Common Scoters on the reservoir at midday. Still present at 14:00 hrs despite the windsurfer.
Steve Atkins said
Sun May 5 8:34 PM, 2024
An Avocet was on the water in the middle of the reservoir at 06:30 hrs and then took flight landing on the inside of the dam. It was flushed by a jogger and whilst in flight mobbed by a Lesser Black-backed Gull. It was lost to view as it flew north over the reservoir and not seen again. A site first, a pity there was no shoreline for it to land on.
Common Sandpiper in display flight Garden Warbler - singing and showing well by the hide. Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling from Juncus on the moors Whitethroat singing below the car park Willow Warbler - 12 singing Also single Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing
Steve Atkins said
Fri May 3 5:45 PM, 2024
April has been the worst here for spring migrants in 30 years of recording, many species have arrived late and in reduced numbers but finally with the warmer weather a few more birds have turned up. 03/05/2024 Shelduck - a drake on the reservoir Common Sandpiper - one on the shoreline Skylark - 9 singing on the moors Chiffchaff - 3 singing Willow Warbler - 14 singing. The highest count this spring was 22 singing on 14th April down from 28 last year. Blackcap - 3 singing Garden Warbler - singing by the hide and giving close range views. The bird arrived yesterday and amazingly, it's the 4th year since 2020 that one (or the same bird) has returned on 2nd May. Whitethroat - singing from brambles below the car park. First of the year here. Grasshopper Warbler - seen reeling from juncus on the moor along Ramsden Road. Also first of the year here. Treecreeper Wheatear - male Meadow Pipit - just two singing. Numbers have crashed since last year. Lesser Redpoll - 2 in the plantations Reed Bunting - 3 singing
Steve Atkins said
Fri Mar 15 8:24 PM, 2024
15th March 10 Wigeon were on the reservoir at 11:00 hrs and still present at dusk. Goosander - 16 came into roost late afternoon. Great Crested Grebe - pair present since 4th Feb when they were displaying with weed in their bills. Oystercatcher - 2 roosting on posts in the water after changing shifts with the 3 Cormorants which use them during the day. Snipe - 2 on the hide pool Fieldfare - 17 calling in the trees by the hide shortly after sunset. The first of the year here.
14th March Chiffchaff singing, the earliest ever date here, continuing the trend since 2020 when the first was singing on 3rd April. Redwing - 30 Woodcock - watched walking by a fallen tree before taking flight.
Other recent sightings: Siskin - 18 at the feeding station on 12/03. Many in sub song in the nearby trees. The flock has been at the feeders since 20/02. Brambling - female at the feeding station on 10/03 Crossbill - 3 feeding on larch cones on 09/03. Seen by 2 other site regulars.
Steve Atkins said
Fri Oct 6 2:06 PM, 2023
A Great White Egret, landed at the top of a willow tree by the compensation lagoon this morning, on the east side of the reservoir. The bird was flapping its wings to maintain its balance and after about a minute took flight south over the dam at 09:35 hrs. A new species for the site.
A Chiffchaff was singing along the path to the hide and a Kingfisher was on the hide pool.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 6th of October 2023 02:11:01 PM
Steve Atkins said
Tue Sep 5 1:06 PM, 2023
A few Spotted Flycatchers have been passing through the valley in recent days. Two on 2nd September found by 2 site regulars One on 3rd September Two on 5th September (this morning) The favoured locations are the dead larches above the compensation lagoon on the east side of the reservoir and this morning along the bridleway next to Old Tom's Wood (to the west of the reservoir) Spotted Flycatchers Watergrove
5 Teal on the reservoir this morning were the first of the autumn here A Whitethroat was feeding on blackberries on 3rd Sep Small parties of Siskins seen regularly around the site with a maximum of 15. Five Crossbills were in Old Tom's Wood on 25th August A Kingfisher has been seen regularly on the hide pools and at the north end of the reservoir.
A Great Crested Grebe is sitting on a nest, after five previous attempts this year failed due to fluctuating water levels, the latest ever date for incubation here.
Steve Atkins said
Mon Aug 7 10:22 AM, 2023
The Scoter have just flown NW high up. Final count was 74.
Steve Atkins said
Mon Aug 7 9:21 AM, 2023
70+ Common Scoter landed in the middle of the reservoir at 09:00 hrs. Swimming together in a tightly packed flock.
Steve Atkins said
Fri Aug 4 1:04 PM, 2023
Finally, some autumn migrants have turned up. 4 Common Scoters were on the reservoir this morning - 3 males (2 in partial eclipse) and a female/immature. 5 Shelducks flew in at 11:05 hrs - a pair with 3 juveniles All ducks still present at midday
A Kingfisher flew across the east side of the reservoir Lesser Repoll - 2 in song flight. Breeding has been confirmed this year with at least one family party seen on several occasions
Unfortunately, after the incessant rain in July the reservoir is nearly full, so no shoreline left to attract waders.
Steve Atkins said
Sun Jul 2 5:32 PM, 2023
A Little Egret flew south over the dam at 08:40 hrs. Only the 3rd site record.
2+ recently fledged Willow Warblers were hunger calling, with the adults in attendance, collecting food and calling anxiously. A second pair was seen carrying food yesterday along the path to the hide.
Lesser Repoll - 1 in song flight over the windsurfers' car park.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Jun 29 9:11 PM, 2023
10 Black-tailed Godwits on the north shoreline this evening is surprisingly only the second site record. They were found by another site regular and in view from the dam until 20:30 hrs at least. All in breeding plumage, they were bathing and preening. Thankfully, the nature reserve fence which protects the shoreline had been repaired last week, otherwise the birds would have probably been flushed.
Steve Atkins said
Tue May 9 4:29 PM, 2023
A RED KITE drifted slowly south at 14:20 hrs heading towards Wardle village. It appeared to be moulting inner primaries from both wings. At one point it went into a steep dive, possibly in response to a Buzzard which was circling higher up.
Great Crested Grebe - 3 Lapwing - 4 displaying over East Hill Goldcrest - 3 singing House Martin - 1 Swallow - 1. No sign of any Swifts here as yet. Long-tailed Tit carrying food A Chiffchaff and Whitethroat were singing around the car park. Willow Warbler - 20 singing. The peak migration count this year was 25 singing on 26th April, well down on the 32 recorded in 2022. Blackcap - 2 singing and a 3rd male by the hide Linnet - 3 feeding on the dam Lesser Redpoll - 2
Steve Atkins said
Wed Apr 26 9:06 PM, 2023
Steve Atkins wrote:
A WHITE STORK drifted NW towards Brown Wardle hill at 09:45 hrs. The bird was high up but seen well for a couple of minutes in a clear blue sky with bright sunshine. Its origin is unknown and it could potentially be one of the free flying birds which belong to a collection.
The White Stork evidently had a blue ring on (not visible to me given the distance of the bird) and came from the Knepp Introduction Scheme in Sussex. The bird is still touring Lancashire now. Information courtesy of Ian McKerchar.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Apr 20 8:46 PM, 2023
A WHITE STORK drifted NW towards Brown Wardle hill at 09:45 hrs. The bird was high up but seen well for a couple of minutes in a clear blue sky with bright sunshine. Its origin is unknown and it could potentially be one of the free flying birds which belong to a collection.
18 Willow Warblers singing from the plantations around the reservoir and one Chiffchaff singing.
7 Linnets on the dam slope which has abundant flowering dandelions.
3 Swallows flew low north over the car park this evening but most migrants are yet to arrive.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Apr 9 10:28 AM, 2023
Originally posted today by Dave Olive:
7th April 2023.
Sunny and warm, with high levels of dog walkers and families out for a stroll.
Feeders:long
Coal tit, Goldfinch, Robin, Canada geese on the water, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lone Cormorant, Mallards, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Male Chaffinch, Redpoll on feeders, Male Bullfinch, Great Tit (2), Long Tailed Tit, Blue Tit, First Willow Warbler at the hide, Chiffchaff at the hide, Robin, look Crow, Buzzard, Dunnock below feeders, Skylarks, Pied Wagtail.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Apr 6 8:48 PM, 2023
An OSPREY flew NW over the moors at 18:45 hrs. It passed low over Ramsden Road at SD912184 within approx. 100m of where I was standing. Luckily, an agitated corvid made me turn round, otherwise I could have missed the bird.
Oystercatcher - 2 roosting on posts out from the windsurfers' club house
Curlew - 3 flying low together, one giving display call on the west side of the valley gives me some hope. However, the likelihood is that they are just passing through.
This morning's highlights. Pink-footed Goose on the reservoir, viewed from the recently refurbished hide Swallow - my first of the year here, flew north Chiffchaff - 1 singing Willow Warbler - 3 singing. The first arrived on 2nd April, joint earliest date with 2021 Lesser Redpoll - 2 at the feeding station
Steve Atkins said
Thu Mar 16 4:48 PM, 2023
A Chiffchaff sang briefly this morning in the Ramsden Road plantation near to the windsurfers' club house. It's interesting to note the progressively earlier year-on-year arrival dates: 3rd April 2020 30th March 2021 26th March 2022 None overwintered here, the last sighting was on 01/11/2022
3 Cormorants standing on posts in the reservoir. 2 Oystercatchers come into roost most evenings and use the same posts. Goosander - pair Great Crested Grebe - pair
Lapwing - 9 circling high up over Brown Wardle hill
Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding in birch trees on the west side of the reservoir with a small flock of Goldfinches.
Steve Atkins said
Thu Mar 2 8:35 PM, 2023
15 Whooper Swans came in from the south at 09:30 hrs and flew NW over the reservoir and summit of Brown Wardle.
Steve Atkins said
Tue Feb 28 12:37 PM, 2023
14 Whooper Swans on the reservoir. Found by Alan Nuttall at 11:05 hrs, 3 minutes after I left! Teal - 2 pairs on the hide pools Goosander - 2 pairs Cormorant - 2 Great Crested Grebe - pair Lapwing - 6 low over the summit of Brown Wardle hill Goldcrest - 3 singing Skylark - 7 singing Song Thrush - 2 singing Redwing - 5 Meadow Pipit - 3 Chaffinch - 6 singing Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding in alders on the edge of Old Tom's Wood (along the bridleway on the west side of reservoir) Reed Bunting - 1
Mike c cooper said
Fri Jan 27 6:33 PM, 2023
Around feeders area 08:15 - 15:30
Greenfinch a flock of 14 in tree tops Lesser redpoll 2 on feeders Bullfinch c 8 Chaffinch c 20 Goldfinch c 30 G S Woodpecker Jay singles Treecreeper heard several times
Pink footed goose 34 over to NE
Teal 6 m 2f on hide pool
Steve Atkins said
Wed Jan 25 8:27 PM, 2023
Whooper Swan - 2 dropped in briefly late afternoon and then flew off west into the sunset, calling. Wigeon - 10 Goosander - 22 roosting at 17:05 hrs. The peak count so far in January was 34 on 20th. Green Woodpecker calling from the top of a larch Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding on alder cones on the west side of the reservoir
24/01 - a Brambling was calling by the windsurfers' club house, close to the feeding station
23/01 - a Nuthatch (very rarely seen here) was calling on the edge of Old Tom's Wood to the NW of the reservoir Pink-footed Geese - 160 flew west at 11:18 hrs
19/01 - a Pink-footed Goose was on the reservoir late afternoon with the roosting Canada Geese
Steve Atkins said
Mon Nov 14 6:15 PM, 2022
Wigeon - 8 on the reservoir when I arrived this morning with 14 flying in to join them at 08:55 hrs. Increasing to 25 by late morning. Still present at dusk.
Teal - 30 with some feeding on the nature reserve shoreline and others out in the middle of the reservoir.
Goosander - adult male and 2 red heads roosting late afternoon. Great Crested Grebe - 2 Cormorant - 3 flying north Snipe - 4 Green Woodpecker Song Thrush in sub song Long-tailed Tit - 18+ Goldcrest - 4 Grey Wagtail - 2
Steve Atkins said
Sun Nov 13 6:53 PM, 2022
26 Wigeon on the reservoir late afternoon, reported by another observer.
Rather typically, the WeBS count this morning only produced 2 Wigeon and the following: Gadwall - a pair Mallard - 27 Teal - 4 Tufted Duck - 5 Great Crested Grebe - 2 Lapwing - 51 Snipe - 4 Grey Wagtail - 1
Steve Atkins said
Tue Nov 1 8:17 PM, 2022
Wigeon - increased to 4 today Gadwall - a pair Great Crested Grebe - 2
On the causeway which is reducing in size as the water level rises Cormorant - an adult and immature Lapwing - 65 roosting Dunlin - 2 in winter plumage feeding. Took flight west when someone put their head over the dam wall and shouted to me "how are you doing?" Snipe - 2 Black-headed Gull - 99 Common Gull - 38 Lesser Black-backed Gull - 17 Herring Gull - 2
Goldcrest - 5 Chiffchaff - a silent bird feeding with tit flock along the path to the hide Bullfinch - 4 Lesser Redpoll - flock of 20+ circling over the trees by the Little Town ruin
Steve Atkins said
Mon Oct 31 8:13 PM, 2022
Today's highlight was a Merlin (probably an immature male) which flew NW over the dam at 12:40 hrs, then continued over the reservoir and onto the moors where it was lost to view. Total of 42 species seen including the following: Gadwall - 4 Wigeon - 3 Wood Pigeon - 2 fully grown juveniles begging from and being fed by an adult. The latest date I've ever seen dependent young of this species. Kingfisher - heard calling from the hide pool Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Raven - 3 Chiffchaff - one calling by the Little Town ruin was the first since 19/10. Birds were present on 9 dates during the first half of October, so the passage for this autumn looks to be more or less over. Treecreeper Fieldfare - 19 dropped down into the treetops Mistle Thrush - 2 (very rarely seen here this year) Grey Wagtail at the top of the spillway Lesser Redpoll - 6 Siskin - 9
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Tuesday 1st of November 2022 02:15:19 PM
Steve Atkins said
Thu Oct 20 2:32 PM, 2022
9 Wigeon and 5 Teal were on the reservoir this morning brought down by the rain.
Wed 19th Oct Wigeon - 4 Lapwing - 43 roosting on the old Ramsden Rd causeway Goldcrest - 10 Long-tailed Tit - a flock of 13 Chiffchaff - 1 singing Redwing - 47 Stonechat - 2 Lesser Redpoll - 27 (including a flock of 15)
Steve Atkins said
Sun Sep 18 8:02 PM, 2022
A ringtail Hen Harrier was on the moors at 2.30pm.
I've seen Kestrels stealing prey from both Barn Owls and Short-eared Owls but never before witnessed this interaction with a Hen Harrier. My attention was drawn to the birds by the loud, agitated calling of a Kestrel coming from a large patch of Juncus. Then two birds flew up and to my astonishment I realised that the other was a Hen Harrier which appeared to have hold of the Kestrel. The latter then managed to escape and flew off calling.
The Hen Harrier lifted off from the Juncus flapping heavily with its tail fanned and was carrying prey (probably a vole). It flew perhaps 50m, landed on the ground and was still partly in view (it's head and part of its body visible) whilst feeding on the prey. I watched the harrier feeding for about 10 minutes, at a distance of approx. 200m, until it was flushed by a dog walker. The harrier then flew off east across the moor and was lost to view.
It's a pity that I didn't see the birds before they were both down in the Juncus, as it would be interesting to know whether the Hen Harrier took its chance and dropped onto the Kestrel when it was already on the ground with the prey. Nonetheless, an amazing encounter, one that I'm unlikely to see again.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Sep 10 7:57 PM, 2022
Greenshank - one flew off calling, high up to the west at 08:30 hrs. Possibly one of the Ashworth Moor Reservoir birds. Lapwing - 65 roosting at the base of the dam on a narrow strip of shoreline which has emerged due to the very low water levels Spotted Flycatcher - one in the willows along the path to the hide
This evening at 18:30 hrs Spotted Flycatcher - 4 hawking from the trees in the field to the north of the Little Town ruin and then probably the same birds seen along the old cobbled Ramsden Road.
Greenshank - one was feeding and calling intermittently on the Ramsden Road Causeway at 09:45 hrs. The bird was presumably flushed, as no further sign later in the morning. Yellow Wagtail - one flew low north calling in the NE corner of the reservoir Spotted Flycatcher - 3 hawking from conifers to the east of the bridleway by Old Tom's Wood (west side of the reservoir) Green Woodpecker heard calling Swallow - 57 hawking high up Chiffchaff - 4 Blackcap - 3 Goldcrest - 4 Treecreeper - 2 Lesser Redpoll - 4
Steve Atkins said
Fri Sep 2 1:09 PM, 2022
Teal - 15 flushed off the nature reserve shoreline by a dog walker at 09:30 hrs Meadow Pipit - 90+ on the shoreline
A cream-crown Marsh Harrier was circling over the summit of Middle Hill at 10:15 hrs, well lit by the morning sun. It circled high up and was lost to view. A Buzzard was hovering lower down the hillside at the same time.
Only the fourth site record for Marsh Harrier at Watergrove and the first September bird here, it has occurred less than annually in Rochdale over the past ten years.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 2nd of September 2022 01:20:03 PM
Steve Atkins said
Thu Sep 1 3:20 PM, 2022
Highlights from this morning: Teal - 24 on the reservoir. Clearly a migrant flock which had departed by 10:45 am Meadow Pipit - 83+ on the north shoreline which is well vegetated below the usual summer water level. Birds moving down off the moors, they are not normally seen around the reservoir except in spring and autumn Goldfinch - a flock of 50+ feeding on seeds on the dam slope
Yesterday evening (31st August) a single Spotted Flycatcher was in the dead larches above the compensation lagoon.
Attached photo of the Ramsden Rd Causeway which now connects the north and south sides of the reservoir. The water level is 5.5 metres down on maximum.
09:00 - 12:00 hrs Four Dunlins feeding on the muddy margins of the old Ramsden Road causeway which has now completely emerged from the water and connects the north and south sides of the reservoir. Two birds still retained traces of breeding plumage (some black on the belly). No further sign at midday. 40+ Meadow Pipits on the causeway Juvenile Sparrowhawk landed on the causeway Great Crested Grebe - 2 Cormorant - 1 Grey Heron - 1 Kestrel - 2 over the moors Chiffchaff - 3 Goldcrest - 4 Treecreeper - 1 Lesser Redpoll - 6
Steve Atkins said
Tue Aug 30 8:01 PM, 2022
3 Spotted Flycatchers hawking from the trees above the compensation lagoon this evening. Viewed from the footpath on the east side of the reservoir. A single was on the west side on Saturday (27th) morning.
Also this evening: Green Woodpecker heard calling from Ramsden Rd Plantation to the north of the windsurfers' club house. Along the path to the hide Chiffchaff - 2 calling Treecreeper calling
Great Crested Grebe - 2 on the reservoir
Tim Pears said
Sun Jul 31 1:02 PM, 2022
2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Herring Gull, 3 Lapwing (the gulls and the Lapwing were on a causeway that practically splits the reservoir in half - so low is the water level), Moorhen with a single, very young chick.
Steve Atkins said
Sun Jun 5 4:23 PM, 2022
Two Sanderlings (in breeding plumage) feeding on the north shoreline, still present at 15:40 hrs. Best viewed with a scope from the top of the dam, by the steps up from the car park. The first June record here. Found by another Watergrove regular. Yes, there is more than one of us Garden Warbler and Blackcap singing against each other by the hide, this morning.
Steve Atkins said
Sat Apr 16 8:27 PM, 2022
28 Willow Warblers were singing from the plantations around the reservoir this morning. Based on previous years' records migration is likely to peak in the next week.
The only other migrants seen in the past week were 3 Swallows on 12th.
The Red-throated Diver has left after a stay extending to 4 months and 3 weeks, last seen by me on Sunday 10th April. I'm not aware of any other sightings since.
Steve Atkins said
Sun Apr 10 12:58 PM, 2022
Red-throated Diver in SW corner of the reservoir near the tower at 10:50 hrs. It called twice! So is the first April record for the species in Rochdale since 1989 and in GM since 1992. Greylag Goose on the reservoir trying to outcompete the diver for decibel levels. Great Crested Grebe - pair Tufted Duck - male Goosander - immature male and 2 adult males
Chiffchaff - 2 singing Willow Warbler - 4+ singing, the first arrived on 2nd April which is the same date as last year and joint earliest ever. Brambling flew over calling and landed in the trees to the south of the Tree for a Life garden Lesser Redpoll - 3
The following all in song: Great Tit -4 Coal Tit - 1 Goldcrest - 1 Skylark- 4 Treecreeper - 1. One seen taking nesting material into a drystone wall on 2nd April. Either one of the same pair which nested in another drystone wall in 2019 and 2021, or the habit is catching on! Perhaps one of the offspring from the two previous wall broods. Wren - 9 Blackbird - 4 Song Thrush - 1 Robin - 11 Dunnock - 1 plus a pair Chaffinch - 6 Greenfinch - 2 Goldfinch - 2
Steven Heywood said
Tue Mar 29 4:58 PM, 2022
The red-throated diver is still on this afternoon and seems to be showing some breeding plumage feathers on its back.
Also three teal and a great crested grebe.
James Walsh said
Fri Mar 25 12:15 AM, 2022
Thursday 24th March 2022
Red-throated Diver Green Woodpecker (heard) Great Crested Grebe 6 Tufted Ducks
Steve Atkins said
Sun Mar 20 12:15 PM, 2022
The Red-throated Diver was present for the fourth consecutive WeBS count and has now extended its stay to four months having arrived on the 20th November last year. Some people think the bird is an adult and in fact the Submitted Rarities Decision page on the Manchester Birding website states "probably an adult". It has developed a dark chin patch but otherwise remains in winter plumage.
Also recorded this morning: Curlew - a pair flying low over the fields, one following the other and beating its wings slowly Great Crested Grebe Teal - male on the west hide pool. The hide is open today, as it is most weekends, but views onto the reservoir are very restricted due to the trees which have grown up over the past 10 years. Tufted Duck - pair
Skylark - 4 singing Redwing - 100+ in several flocks landing in the plantations. Very few seen here this winter. Long-tailed Tit - pair collecting lichens off an old hawthorn tree Treecreeper - one singing Goldcrest - one singing Dunnock - four singing Chaffinch - 7 singing Bullfinch - one heard calling Reed Bunting - male calling Lesser Redpoll - two. Noticeably absent this winter with flocks usually numbering between 20 and 40 birds.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Sunday 20th of March 2022 12:52:21 PM
Nick Hilton said
Mon Mar 14 9:39 AM, 2022
Sunday (10.30 - 12.30)
The Red-throated Diver was present throughout, down to circa 20m from the south edge when a couple of windsurfers were out on the water.
1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Mallard, 2 Canada Geese and a handful of Black-headed Gull also present.
Up Wardle Brook 3 Stonechat and circa 6 Meadow Pipit were showing. The highlight was a Woodcock. Circa 26 Redwing moving through the area.
Around the feeders at the watersport centre was Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit.
A short walk up Ramsden Road produced a couple of singing Skylark.
Old Tom's wood held a couple of singing Goldcrest.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 14th of March 2022 10:30:37 AM
Michael Hood said
Fri Mar 11 3:59 PM, 2022
Friday 11/03/2022 - 11:30-14:00
Red-throated Diver - near the west end of the dam (after I'd walked all the way round the reservoir), then it took off and flew round and round for 10 minutes before landing near the dam virtually in front of the car park, at times coming within 20m of the dam giving superb views, picture taken on my smartphone with approx 4x zoom gives an idea of how close. Too windy to take through my scope but anyone with a decent camera would have had some cracking close up shots.
Goosander - pair near the east side of the "entrance" to the northern inlet
Snipe - several near the unused hide
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Friday 11th of March 2022 04:00:58 PM
If the diver is a 1st winter bird(which it may well be judging earlier photos-although I ain't no expert) then unfortunately it won't achieve full summer plumage this year.Like a lot of larger birds they do not breed in their first summer,and therefore do not achieve breeding plumage. Either way a great record for the county having stayed so long. .
Anthony Robinson said
Thu Mar 10 2:27 PM, 2022
Hi Steve
Thanks for your great reply. Yeah, if the Diver sticks around long enough for it to moult into summer plumage then yeah, please keep us updated.
Cheers, Anthony
Steve Atkins said
Tue Mar 8 7:42 PM, 2022
Hi Anthony,
The Red-throated Diver is still in winter plumage and present this evening. Must admit, it has crossed my mind whether we will be fortunate enough to see this bird moult into full breeding plumage which would be a fantastic sight. Hopefully, it will stay for another month and by then should have started its transition. I'll post an update if it does start to moult.
Red-throated Divers are less than annual in Greater Manchester, in fact it's only the fourth accepted sighting since 2013, and this one has well and truly smashed the record for the longest stayer, in the past sixty years at least. It's now been here for over 3.5 months and contradicted the Collins Bird Guide which says "silent in winter." I've seen it in flight several times, including one occasion when it came in to land and completed its descent with an undignified belly flop onto the water, bouncing once before coming to rest!
Last week it was heard calling in flight, after dark, and I was relieved to find it still there the next day.
There have only been four April records in GM since 1985, the most recent being an incredible flock of 16 down on Scotman's Flash on 18th April 1992. Some of these birds were in breeding plumage, some in transition and others still in winter plumage.
Fingers crossed that it stays!
Steve
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Tuesday 8th of March 2022 08:07:04 PM
Anthony Robinson said
Mon Mar 7 8:23 PM, 2022
Does anyone know if the Red-throated Diver is coming in to summer plumage?
Other sightings
Buzzard
Kestrel - 2
Willow Warbler - 1 in sub song
Chiffchaff
Lesser Redpoll in willows by the hide
48 Lapwings yesterday (22/08) evening.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 17th of July 2024 01:56:40 PM
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 17th of July 2024 01:54:29 PM
Common Sandpiper in display flight
Garden Warbler - singing and showing well by the hide.
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling from Juncus on the moors
Whitethroat singing below the car park
Willow Warbler - 12 singing
Also single Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing
03/05/2024
Shelduck - a drake on the reservoir
Common Sandpiper - one on the shoreline
Skylark - 9 singing on the moors
Chiffchaff - 3 singing
Willow Warbler - 14 singing. The highest count this spring was 22 singing on 14th April down from 28 last year.
Blackcap - 3 singing
Garden Warbler - singing by the hide and giving close range views. The bird arrived yesterday and amazingly, it's the 4th year since 2020 that one (or the same bird) has returned on 2nd May.
Whitethroat - singing from brambles below the car park. First of the year here.
Grasshopper Warbler - seen reeling from juncus on the moor along Ramsden Road. Also first of the year here.
Treecreeper
Wheatear - male
Meadow Pipit - just two singing. Numbers have crashed since last year.
Lesser Redpoll - 2 in the plantations
Reed Bunting - 3 singing
10 Wigeon were on the reservoir at 11:00 hrs and still present at dusk.
Goosander - 16 came into roost late afternoon.
Great Crested Grebe - pair present since 4th Feb when they were displaying with weed in their bills.
Oystercatcher - 2 roosting on posts in the water after changing shifts with the 3 Cormorants which use them during the day.
Snipe - 2 on the hide pool
Fieldfare - 17 calling in the trees by the hide shortly after sunset. The first of the year here.
14th March
Chiffchaff singing, the earliest ever date here, continuing the trend since 2020 when the first was singing on 3rd April.
Redwing - 30
Woodcock - watched walking by a fallen tree before taking flight.
Other recent sightings:
Siskin - 18 at the feeding station on 12/03. Many in sub song in the nearby trees. The flock has been at the feeders since 20/02.
Brambling - female at the feeding station on 10/03
Crossbill - 3 feeding on larch cones on 09/03. Seen by 2 other site regulars.
A Chiffchaff was singing along the path to the hide and a Kingfisher was on the hide pool.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 6th of October 2023 02:11:01 PM
Two on 2nd September found by 2 site regulars
One on 3rd September
Two on 5th September (this morning)
The favoured locations are the dead larches above the compensation lagoon on the east side of the reservoir and this morning along the bridleway next to Old Tom's Wood (to the west of the reservoir) Spotted Flycatchers Watergrove
5 Teal on the reservoir this morning were the first of the autumn here
A Whitethroat was feeding on blackberries on 3rd Sep
Small parties of Siskins seen regularly around the site with a maximum of 15.
Five Crossbills were in Old Tom's Wood on 25th August
A Kingfisher has been seen regularly on the hide pools and at the north end of the reservoir.
A Great Crested Grebe is sitting on a nest, after five previous attempts this year failed due to fluctuating water levels, the latest ever date for incubation here.
4 Common Scoters were on the reservoir this morning - 3 males (2 in partial eclipse) and a female/immature.
5 Shelducks flew in at 11:05 hrs - a pair with 3 juveniles
All ducks still present at midday
A Kingfisher flew across the east side of the reservoir
Lesser Repoll - 2 in song flight. Breeding has been confirmed this year with at least one family party seen on several occasions
Unfortunately, after the incessant rain in July the reservoir is nearly full, so no shoreline left to attract waders.
2+ recently fledged Willow Warblers were hunger calling, with the adults in attendance, collecting food and calling anxiously. A second pair was seen carrying food yesterday along the path to the hide.
Lesser Repoll - 1 in song flight over the windsurfers' car park.
Great Crested Grebe - 3
Lapwing - 4 displaying over East Hill
Goldcrest - 3 singing
House Martin - 1
Swallow - 1. No sign of any Swifts here as yet.
Long-tailed Tit carrying food
A Chiffchaff and Whitethroat were singing around the car park.
Willow Warbler - 20 singing. The peak migration count this year was 25 singing on 26th April, well down on the 32 recorded in 2022.
Blackcap - 2 singing and a 3rd male by the hide
Linnet - 3 feeding on the dam
Lesser Redpoll - 2
18 Willow Warblers singing from the plantations around the reservoir and one Chiffchaff singing.
7 Linnets on the dam slope which has abundant flowering dandelions.
3 Swallows flew low north over the car park this evening but most migrants are yet to arrive.
Originally posted today by Dave Olive:
7th April 2023.
Sunny and warm, with high levels of dog walkers and families out for a stroll.
Feeders:long
Coal tit, Goldfinch, Robin, Canada geese on the water, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lone Cormorant, Mallards, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Male Chaffinch, Redpoll on feeders, Male Bullfinch, Great Tit (2), Long Tailed Tit, Blue Tit, First Willow Warbler at the hide, Chiffchaff at the hide, Robin, look Crow, Buzzard, Dunnock below feeders, Skylarks, Pied Wagtail.
Oystercatcher - 2 roosting on posts out from the windsurfers' club house
Curlew - 3 flying low together, one giving display call on the west side of the valley gives me some hope. However, the likelihood is that they are just passing through.
This morning's highlights.
Pink-footed Goose on the reservoir, viewed from the recently refurbished hide
Swallow - my first of the year here, flew north
Chiffchaff - 1 singing
Willow Warbler - 3 singing. The first arrived on 2nd April, joint earliest date with 2021
Lesser Redpoll - 2 at the feeding station
It's interesting to note the progressively earlier year-on-year arrival dates:
3rd April 2020
30th March 2021
26th March 2022
None overwintered here, the last sighting was on 01/11/2022
3 Cormorants standing on posts in the reservoir. 2 Oystercatchers come into roost most evenings and use the same posts.
Goosander - pair
Great Crested Grebe - pair
Lapwing - 9 circling high up over Brown Wardle hill
Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding in birch trees on the west side of the reservoir with a small flock of Goldfinches.
Teal - 2 pairs on the hide pools
Goosander - 2 pairs
Cormorant - 2
Great Crested Grebe - pair
Lapwing - 6 low over the summit of Brown Wardle hill
Goldcrest - 3 singing
Skylark - 7 singing
Song Thrush - 2 singing
Redwing - 5
Meadow Pipit - 3
Chaffinch - 6 singing
Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding in alders on the edge of Old Tom's Wood (along the bridleway on the west side of reservoir)
Reed Bunting - 1
Greenfinch a flock of 14 in tree tops
Lesser redpoll 2 on feeders
Bullfinch c 8
Chaffinch c 20
Goldfinch c 30
G S Woodpecker
Jay singles
Treecreeper heard several times
Pink footed goose 34 over to NE
Teal 6 m 2f on hide pool
Wigeon - 10
Goosander - 22 roosting at 17:05 hrs. The peak count so far in January was 34 on 20th.
Green Woodpecker calling from the top of a larch
Lesser Redpoll - 5 feeding on alder cones on the west side of the reservoir
24/01 - a Brambling was calling by the windsurfers' club house, close to the feeding station
23/01 - a Nuthatch (very rarely seen here) was calling on the edge of Old Tom's Wood to the NW of the reservoir
Pink-footed Geese - 160 flew west at 11:18 hrs
19/01 - a Pink-footed Goose was on the reservoir late afternoon with the roosting Canada Geese
Teal - 30 with some feeding on the nature reserve shoreline and others out in the middle of the reservoir.
Goosander - adult male and 2 red heads roosting late afternoon.
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Cormorant - 3 flying north
Snipe - 4
Green Woodpecker
Song Thrush in sub song
Long-tailed Tit - 18+
Goldcrest - 4
Grey Wagtail - 2
Rather typically, the WeBS count this morning only produced 2 Wigeon and the following:
Gadwall - a pair
Mallard - 27
Teal - 4
Tufted Duck - 5
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Lapwing - 51
Snipe - 4
Grey Wagtail - 1
Gadwall - a pair
Great Crested Grebe - 2
On the causeway which is reducing in size as the water level rises
Cormorant - an adult and immature
Lapwing - 65 roosting
Dunlin - 2 in winter plumage feeding. Took flight west when someone put their head over the dam wall and shouted to me "how are you doing?"
Snipe - 2
Black-headed Gull - 99
Common Gull - 38
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 17
Herring Gull - 2
Goldcrest - 5
Chiffchaff - a silent bird feeding with tit flock along the path to the hide
Bullfinch - 4
Lesser Redpoll - flock of 20+ circling over the trees by the Little Town ruin
Gadwall - 4
Wigeon - 3
Wood Pigeon - 2 fully grown juveniles begging from and being fed by an adult. The latest date I've ever seen dependent young of this species.
Kingfisher - heard calling from the hide pool
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Raven - 3
Chiffchaff - one calling by the Little Town ruin was the first since 19/10. Birds were present on 9 dates during the first half of October, so the passage for this autumn looks to be more or less over.
Treecreeper
Fieldfare - 19 dropped down into the treetops
Mistle Thrush - 2 (very rarely seen here this year)
Grey Wagtail at the top of the spillway
Lesser Redpoll - 6
Siskin - 9
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Tuesday 1st of November 2022 02:15:19 PM
Wed 19th Oct
Wigeon - 4
Lapwing - 43 roosting on the old Ramsden Rd causeway
Goldcrest - 10
Long-tailed Tit - a flock of 13
Chiffchaff - 1 singing
Redwing - 47
Stonechat - 2
Lesser Redpoll - 27 (including a flock of 15)
I've seen Kestrels stealing prey from both Barn Owls and Short-eared Owls but never before witnessed this interaction with a Hen Harrier. My attention was drawn to the birds by the loud, agitated calling of a Kestrel coming from a large patch of Juncus. Then two birds flew up and to my astonishment I realised that the other was a Hen Harrier which appeared to have hold of the Kestrel. The latter then managed to escape and flew off calling.
The Hen Harrier lifted off from the Juncus flapping heavily with its tail fanned and was carrying prey (probably a vole). It flew perhaps 50m, landed on the ground and was still partly in view (it's head and part of its body visible) whilst feeding on the prey. I watched the harrier feeding for about 10 minutes, at a distance of approx. 200m, until it was flushed by a dog walker. The harrier then flew off east across the moor and was lost to view.
It's a pity that I didn't see the birds before they were both down in the Juncus, as it would be interesting to know whether the Hen Harrier took its chance and dropped onto the Kestrel when it was already on the ground with the prey. Nonetheless, an amazing encounter, one that I'm unlikely to see again.
Lapwing - 65 roosting at the base of the dam on a narrow strip of shoreline which has emerged due to the very low water levels
Spotted Flycatcher - one in the willows along the path to the hide
This evening at 18:30 hrs
Spotted Flycatcher - 4 hawking from the trees in the field to the north of the Little Town ruin and then probably the same birds seen along the old cobbled Ramsden Road.
Watergrove Spotted Flycatchers
Yellow Wagtail - one flew low north calling in the NE corner of the reservoir
Spotted Flycatcher - 3 hawking from conifers to the east of the bridleway by Old Tom's Wood (west side of the reservoir)
Green Woodpecker heard calling
Swallow - 57 hawking high up
Chiffchaff - 4
Blackcap - 3
Goldcrest - 4
Treecreeper - 2
Lesser Redpoll - 4
Meadow Pipit - 90+ on the shoreline
A cream-crown Marsh Harrier was circling over the summit of Middle Hill at 10:15 hrs, well lit by the morning sun. It circled high up and was lost to view. A Buzzard was hovering lower down the hillside at the same time.
Only the fourth site record for Marsh Harrier at Watergrove and the first September bird here, it has occurred less than annually in Rochdale over the past ten years.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 2nd of September 2022 01:20:03 PM
Teal - 24 on the reservoir. Clearly a migrant flock which had departed by 10:45 am
Meadow Pipit - 83+ on the north shoreline which is well vegetated below the usual summer water level. Birds moving down off the moors, they are not normally seen around the reservoir except in spring and autumn
Goldfinch - a flock of 50+ feeding on seeds on the dam slope
Yesterday evening (31st August) a single Spotted Flycatcher was in the dead larches above the compensation lagoon.
Attached photo of the Ramsden Rd Causeway which now connects the north and south sides of the reservoir. The water level is 5.5 metres down on maximum.
Four Dunlins feeding on the muddy margins of the old Ramsden Road causeway which has now completely emerged from the water and connects the north and south sides of the reservoir. Two birds still retained traces of breeding plumage (some black on the belly). No further sign at midday.
40+ Meadow Pipits on the causeway
Juvenile Sparrowhawk landed on the causeway
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Cormorant - 1
Grey Heron - 1
Kestrel - 2 over the moors
Chiffchaff - 3
Goldcrest - 4
Treecreeper - 1
Lesser Redpoll - 6
A single was on the west side on Saturday (27th) morning.
Also this evening:
Green Woodpecker heard calling from Ramsden Rd Plantation to the north of the windsurfers' club house.
Along the path to the hide
Chiffchaff - 2 calling
Treecreeper calling
Great Crested Grebe - 2 on the reservoir
2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Herring Gull, 3 Lapwing (the gulls and the Lapwing were on a causeway that practically splits the reservoir in half - so low is the water level), Moorhen with a single, very young chick.
Found by another Watergrove regular. Yes, there is more than one of us
Garden Warbler and Blackcap singing against each other by the hide, this morning.
Great Crested Grebe - pair
Common Gull -2
Other birds singing:
Goldcrest - 2
Great Tit - 1
Coal Tit - 5
Skylark - 2
Chiffchaff - 1
Wren - 13
Blackbird - 5
Song Thrush - 1
Robin - 14
Dunnock - 3
Chaffinch - 4
Greenfinch - 2
Lesser Repoll - 2
The only other migrants seen in the past week were 3 Swallows on 12th.
The Red-throated Diver has left after a stay extending to 4 months and 3 weeks, last seen by me on Sunday 10th April. I'm not aware of any other sightings since.
Greylag Goose on the reservoir trying to outcompete the diver for decibel levels.
Great Crested Grebe - pair
Tufted Duck - male
Goosander - immature male and 2 adult males
Chiffchaff - 2 singing
Willow Warbler - 4+ singing, the first arrived on 2nd April which is the same date as last year and joint earliest ever.
Brambling flew over calling and landed in the trees to the south of the Tree for a Life garden
Lesser Redpoll - 3
The following all in song:
Great Tit -4
Coal Tit - 1
Goldcrest - 1
Skylark- 4
Treecreeper - 1. One seen taking nesting material into a drystone wall on 2nd April. Either one of the same pair which nested in another drystone wall in 2019 and 2021, or the habit is catching on! Perhaps one of the offspring from the two previous wall broods.
Wren - 9
Blackbird - 4
Song Thrush - 1
Robin - 11
Dunnock - 1 plus a pair
Chaffinch - 6
Greenfinch - 2
Goldfinch - 2
Red-throated Diver
Green Woodpecker (heard)
Great Crested Grebe
6 Tufted Ducks
Also recorded this morning:
Curlew - a pair flying low over the fields, one following the other and beating its wings slowly
Great Crested Grebe
Teal - male on the west hide pool. The hide is open today, as it is most weekends, but views onto the reservoir are very restricted due to the trees which have grown up over the past 10 years.
Tufted Duck - pair
Skylark - 4 singing
Redwing - 100+ in several flocks landing in the plantations. Very few seen here this winter.
Long-tailed Tit - pair collecting lichens off an old hawthorn tree
Treecreeper - one singing
Goldcrest - one singing
Dunnock - four singing
Chaffinch - 7 singing
Bullfinch - one heard calling
Reed Bunting - male calling
Lesser Redpoll - two. Noticeably absent this winter with flocks usually numbering between 20 and 40 birds.
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Sunday 20th of March 2022 12:52:21 PM
Sunday (10.30 - 12.30)
The Red-throated Diver was present throughout, down to circa 20m from the south edge when a couple of windsurfers were out on the water.
1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Mallard, 2 Canada Geese and a handful of Black-headed Gull also present.
Up Wardle Brook 3 Stonechat and circa 6 Meadow Pipit were showing. The highlight was a Woodcock. Circa 26 Redwing moving through the area.
Around the feeders at the watersport centre was Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit.
A short walk up Ramsden Road produced a couple of singing Skylark.
Old Tom's wood held a couple of singing Goldcrest.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 14th of March 2022 10:30:37 AM
Friday 11/03/2022 - 11:30-14:00
Red-throated Diver - near the west end of the dam (after I'd walked all the way round the reservoir), then it took off and flew round and round for 10 minutes before landing near the dam virtually in front of the car park, at times coming within 20m of the dam giving superb views, picture taken on my smartphone with approx 4x zoom gives an idea of how close. Too windy to take through my scope but anyone with a decent camera would have had some cracking close up shots.
Goosander - pair near the east side of the "entrance" to the northern inlet
Snipe - several near the unused hide
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Friday 11th of March 2022 04:00:58 PM
.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your great reply. Yeah, if the Diver sticks around long enough for it to moult into summer plumage then yeah, please keep us updated.
Cheers, Anthony
The Red-throated Diver is still in winter plumage and present this evening. Must admit, it has crossed my mind whether we will be fortunate enough to see this bird moult into full breeding plumage which would be a fantastic sight. Hopefully, it will stay for another month and by then should have started its transition. I'll post an update if it does start to moult.
Red-throated Divers are less than annual in Greater Manchester, in fact it's only the fourth accepted sighting since 2013, and this one has well and truly smashed the record for the longest stayer, in the past sixty years at least. It's now been here for over 3.5 months and contradicted the Collins Bird Guide which says "silent in winter." I've seen it in flight several times, including one occasion when it came in to land and completed its descent with an undignified belly flop onto the water, bouncing once before coming to rest!
Last week it was heard calling in flight, after dark, and I was relieved to find it still there the next day.
There have only been four April records in GM since 1985, the most recent being an incredible flock of 16 down on Scotman's Flash on 18th April 1992. Some of these birds were in breeding plumage, some in transition and others still in winter plumage.
Fingers crossed that it stays!
Steve
-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Tuesday 8th of March 2022 08:07:04 PM
Does anyone know if the Red-throated Diver is coming in to summer plumage?