Highlights of today's High Peak RSPB group trip to Carsington Water:
Great Northern Diver, Red Crested Pochard, 2+ Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, 4 Siskin, 31 Barnacle Geese, 3 Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 15 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 15 Redwing, Common Snipe, many Goldeneye with some displaying, Great Crested Grebe also, many Pochard and Little Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk.
Simon Gough said
Sun Feb 12 3:30 PM, 2023
Saturday 11th February 11.30-16.00
Stockport Birdwatching Society trip for the afternoon after a good morning at Cromford. The expected birds were all seen, with an adult Great Northern Diver showing in the normal fashion moving around the middle of the reservoir and Willow Tits at feeders at different viewing points around the place. A small flock of Barnacle geese showed well, I can't recall seeing them at Carsington before. Fair to say they probably hadn't come in from Svalbard though...
Also fairly notable was a couple of distant Red Kites over the northern shore, but a few of us were lucky enough to see one a bit closer. We got on an immature Peregrine with a kill on the island closest to the Visitor Centre, and suddenly above it was a smart adult kite, which stooped down and chased the falcon off its dinner. How rude!
The Peregrine started striking at the Red Kite and they clashed in the air for a little while, not something I've ever seen before and worth the visit on its own, it was like something off the telly! Some Crows got involved and the Peregrine ended up flying off; at least it had fed a bit before the interruption. It looked small so I imagined it was a male bird, the Red Kite looked miles bigger but they are quite slim birds with long wings and tail, so it was probably quite an even fight. I wonder if the Kite would have tried it on with a big female Peregrine?
Overall I tallied 50 species onsite without trying too hard and it was also really nice to have some milder weather after the recent cold snap.
We managed around 75 species on the day across the whole party. There is information on the Society at https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/ and the Society is always keen to welcome new members and friends for indoor and outdoor meetings through the year.
Chris Harper said
Fri Apr 2 7:42 PM, 2021
10:30-14:00 First out of county trip this year of any length.
Red Necked Grebe by dam showed very well. Great Northern Diver distant from Stones Island.
Also day flying Barn Owl, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Willow Tit, 4 Barnacle Goose, House Martin, 5 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 3 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting, Skylark, 20 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Redwing, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe displaying.
Nick Hilton said
Sun Feb 17 4:12 PM, 2019
27 members and friends made it to Carsington Water yesterday on the Stockport Birdwatching Society coach trip, the Great Northern Diver was the highlight, closely followed by a 3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull. Supporting cast of Willow Tit, Bullfinch, Ruff, Shelduck and all the expected commoner species.
Excellent day, next coach trip on the 16th March to Cors Caron & Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Wales. Should be quite a spectacle for Red Kite.
All welcome, further details: https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/
Chris Harper said
Sun Feb 11 8:32 PM, 2018
Highlights of the High Peak RSPB group visit today.
Great Northern Diver from Visitor Centre and later from Millfields. Peregrine Falcon, 2+ Willow Tit, Ruff, 3 Pochard, 3 Raven, 3 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, 4 Redwing, 100+ Fieldfare by Brassington village, Common Buzzard, 3 Redshank, 20 Siskin, Goldcrest, 12 Meadow Pipit.
Chris Harper said
Sun Oct 8 9:46 PM, 2017
Highlights of the High Peak RSPB group visit today:
Dark Bellied Brent Goose from visitor centre, 4 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 30 Linnet, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Little Egret
Sheepwash: Green Winged Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Willow Tit, many Teal and Pochard
Dam: Barnacle Goose, 3 Little Egret
Phil Hampson said
Wed Apr 13 2:47 PM, 2016
From Sheepish : 1 blackcap, goldcrest, willow warbler and chiffchaff. 4 common sandpiper from the hide.
Wildlife Centre : 10+ send martin, willow warbler and chiffchaff all usual species.
Phil
Steve Judge said
Sat Jun 20 5:56 PM, 2015
Saturday 20th June 2015. Full circuit of Carsington Water starting from Sheepwash Car Park. 10:30 - 17:00 hrs.
Tree Sparrow House Sparrow Reed Bunting Sedge Warbler (heard) Willow warbler Chiffchaff Blackcap (2M and 1F) Bullfinch (2M) Common Whitethroat Redshank Barnacle Geese Greylag Geese Canada Geese Oystercatcher Lapwing Kestrel Buzzard Cormorant Pied Wagtail White Wagtail Black Headed Gulls Lesser Black Backed Gulls Jackdaws Carrion Crows Magpies Blackbirds Chaffinch Mallards Tufted Ducks Robin Blue Tits Wren Mute Swans Great Crested Grebes with chicks Swallows Swifts House Martins Grey Heron Moorhen Coot Song Thrush
Also seen:
Butterflies: Painted Lady, Brimstone and small black butterfly/moth with white edging (cannot identify - any help anyone?) Shrew (in Sheepwash car park)
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 06:13:49 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 10:21:34 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 10:26:57 PM
Adam Jones said
Mon Mar 30 8:15 AM, 2015
To add to Neil's sightings;
A singing Chiffchaff and several Tree Sparrows and Bullfinch in the Sheepwash car park.
Neil McCall said
Sun Mar 29 1:51 PM, 2015
Great Northern Diver still present Friday 27th March. Not only a long-stayer but a regular winter visitor.
Ducks include Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Teal. Waders - Oystercatcher and Redshank.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Jan 10 7:25 PM, 2014
A good view of one of the Great Northern Divers this pm from Stones.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 10th of January 2014 09:08:25 PM
Tony Mossman said
Sun Jan 5 4:24 PM, 2014
4 January 2014
Stockport Birdwatching Society trip to Cromford and Carsington Water.
A great day out was had, highlights were 11 Hawfinch at Cromford Village, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Adult Yellow Legged Gull and a number of Scaup at Carsington.
-- Edited by Tony Mossman on Sunday 5th of January 2014 09:58:53 PM
Chris Mitchell said
Mon Feb 25 5:49 AM, 2013
Lunchtime Saturday 23rd Feb - 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash Hide, plus Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, many Coots, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank. Thoroughly enjoyed watching c.15 tree sparrows on feeders by the Wildlife Centre - I rarely get to see them.
john brookes said
Sun Mar 25 11:25 AM, 2012
At least a dozen chiffchaff calling away around brown ale bay. First blackcap seen this year and six perhaps seven gs woodpeckers, all male claiming territories.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 25th of March 2012 01:13:27 PM
Geoff Walton said
Sat Mar 17 2:50 AM, 2012
Good views of this years Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash, 4 Curlew, plus all the usual stuff
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 3 11:24 PM, 2011
The Black-throated Diver was still present on Wednesday June 1st showing well but in the midle distance from Sheepwash Hide. It was then disturbed by fly fishermen in a boat & flew close to the hide over towards the Wildlife Centre. A drake Red-crested Pochard was in the bay near the Wildlife Centre and a couple of Common Terns were present too.
John Barber said
Sat May 21 4:51 PM, 2011
Glad you made the suggestion to vist this water Sid - a place I had not even heard of yesterday. A lovely place on a lovely day. The birds were the icing on the cake.
sid ashton said
Sat May 21 3:29 PM, 2011
Visited Carsington with John Barber this morning looking for the Black-throated Diver we found the bird north of Sheepwash and had really good close up views - a life time first for both of us. We also found a pair of Red-crested Pochard, a new bird for John. Also of interest a couple of singing Garden Warblers and a pair of Redshank with 3 chicks.
Adam Jones said
Wed Apr 20 9:56 PM, 2011
Wednesday 20th April 8.00-9.30 1 Great Northern Diver (juv) 1 Redshank 2 Oystercatcher 1 GSW 2 Nuthatch 2 Song Thrush 6 Bullfinch 2 Willow Tit 2 Reed Bunting 1 Reed Warbler 3 Tree Sparrow 4 Lapwing
Adam Jones said
Wed Apr 20 7:38 AM, 2011
Tuesday 19th April
Late posting from yesterday. Much the same as Monday's sightings. The Great Northern Diver was seen flying towards the dam wall. A pair of Willow Tit/Marsh Tit were on the feeders at the Sheepwash car park, although I will be seeking a second opinion from my photos as I really cannot distinguish between the two. 2 Redshank were the main addition to yesterdays birds around the water.
Adam Jones said
Mon Apr 18 9:05 PM, 2011
Monday 18th April
1 Great Northern Diver by visitor centre 4 Barnacle Geese Paul Stanley hide: 1 Oystercatcher 4 Lapwings 4 G C Grebe 2 Nuthatch Sheepwash car park feeders: 6 Bullfinch 2 Reed Bunting 3 Tree Sparrow 1 Green Woodpecker
-- Edited by Adam Jones on Monday 18th of April 2011 09:06:13 PM
Geoff Walton said
Sat Feb 5 8:32 AM, 2011
Fri 4th 2 GN Divers from Dam slipway -halfway between there and Stones. Loads of GC Grebe
Sheepwash A dozen or so Goldeneye Pintail Yellow-legged Gull A few lapwing
Heated Hide
Loads of Tree Sparrows Pheasant Usual other stuff on the water.
Karen Foulkes said
Thu Jan 27 6:35 PM, 2011
Trip to Carsington today
Sheepwash Hide 2 Great Northern Divers 1 ad Yellow Legged Gull giving great close views both on the ground and in flight, apparently the bird has decimated the Little Grebe population though and also tried Tufted Duck on its menu! 2 Pintail
plus plenty of common wildfowl
Geoff Walton said
Fri Dec 17 6:58 PM, 2010
Was it cold today!! Nice day though.
Goldeneye Pochard Mallard Tuffties Teal Widgeon Cormorant Gadwall GN Diver Slav.Grebe GC Grebe Siskin Tree /House Sparrows Robin Great Tit Heron
pete berry said
Sun Feb 21 7:34 PM, 2010
Popped down there yesterday,2 Red Necked Grebes at the Hopton end of the res were giving great views down to 20ft,also a GND which wasn't giving great views,as it was at least 1/2 mile away most of the time! I've posted a pic of one of the Grebes on the out of county site.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Feb 19 6:02 PM, 2010
Not a very hot day at Carsington today, but some good sightings.
Red-necked grebe, great northern diver, and two pairs of goldeneye, with the drakes doing their courtship stuff.
Lots of gc grebe and little grebe, and hundreds of tuffties, plus all the usual stuff and gadwall.
Nice day, despite a minor snow flurry on the way home, and snow in the fields and roadside. Bought the carsington dvd. If it is as good as the tittesworth ones it should be great.
Geoff Walton said
Thu Sep 3 11:29 PM, 2009
We four went today due to the weather forecast for Wigan Flashes, as there are some hides and a Red Crested Pochard had been reported. We duly found it, along with the usual stuff and Gadwall
Geoff Walton said
Fri Apr 17 7:30 PM, 2009
Great Northern Diver still there today, and had the best view yet. Not a lot else about on the water - only managed Tuffties,GC Grebe,Oyster Catchers. Redshank and Common Sandpiper on the spit at Sheepwash
Geoff Walton said
Fri Feb 20 9:03 PM, 2009
OK Sid, my hands were still cold . Great NORTHERN Divers. Mind you from the distance away, even with our scopes, they could have been any Diver, but definitely Divers.
sid ashton said
Fri Feb 20 7:26 PM, 2009
Geoff - GD Divers?????
Sid
Geoff Walton wrote:
Wee three went back again today. A bit warmer and clearer. Went in all the hides, and had views(albeit from a great distance) of 3 GD Divers. Usual stuff around, but nice close view of a Goldeneye. Also Snipe and Redshank on a pool. Oyster Catchers about, and a terrific view of a GS Woodpecker on a feeder in the entrance to the bottom hide.Nice as they but a back window in for that purpose, and the GSW was only about 10 feet away. Buzzards and lapwings, so a good day all in all. Loads of people around as it was half term.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Feb 20 5:34 PM, 2009
Wee three went back again today. A bit warmer and clearer. Went in all the hides, and had views(albeit from a great distance) of 3 GD Divers. Usual stuff around, but nice close view of a Goldeneye. Also Snipe and Redshank on a pool. Oyster Catchers about, and a terrific view of a GS Woodpecker on a feeder in the entrance to the bottom hide.Nice as they but a back window in for that purpose, and the GSW was only about 10 feet away. Buzzards and lapwings, so a good day all in all. Loads of people around as it was half term.
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Jan 25 9:20 PM, 2009
Me and my dad went to Carsington yesterday. We saw at least two of the three Great Northern Divers. Called in at Bradley Dam on the way and saw 23+ Mandarin. Then on the way home we went to Beeley Moor and saw a good mixed flock of Chaffinch and Brambling (200+ birds) and two Short Eared Owls.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Dec 12 5:18 PM, 2008
Rubbish weather, fog all morning, could hardly see the water. Afternoon not much better, but lifted slightly, and we were luck to see a Great Northern Diver fairly close from the Sheepwash Hide.
Highlights of today's High Peak RSPB group trip to Carsington Water:
Great Northern Diver, Red Crested Pochard, 2+ Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, 4 Siskin, 31 Barnacle Geese, 3 Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 15 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 15 Redwing, Common Snipe, many Goldeneye with some displaying, Great Crested Grebe also, many Pochard and Little Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk.
Stockport Birdwatching Society trip for the afternoon after a good morning at Cromford. The expected birds were all seen, with an adult Great Northern Diver showing in the normal fashion moving around the middle of the reservoir and Willow Tits at feeders at different viewing points around the place. A small flock of Barnacle geese showed well, I can't recall seeing them at Carsington before. Fair to say they probably hadn't come in from Svalbard though...
Also fairly notable was a couple of distant Red Kites over the northern shore, but a few of us were lucky enough to see one a bit closer. We got on an immature Peregrine with a kill on the island closest to the Visitor Centre, and suddenly above it was a smart adult kite, which stooped down and chased the falcon off its dinner. How rude!
The Peregrine started striking at the Red Kite and they clashed in the air for a little while, not something I've ever seen before and worth the visit on its own, it was like something off the telly! Some Crows got involved and the Peregrine ended up flying off; at least it had fed a bit before the interruption. It looked small so I imagined it was a male bird, the Red Kite looked miles bigger but they are quite slim birds with long wings and tail, so it was probably quite an even fight. I wonder if the Kite would have tried it on with a big female Peregrine?
Overall I tallied 50 species onsite without trying too hard and it was also really nice to have some milder weather after the recent cold snap.
We managed around 75 species on the day across the whole party. There is information on the Society at https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/ and the Society is always keen to welcome new members and friends for indoor and outdoor meetings through the year.
10:30-14:00 First out of county trip this year of any length.
Red Necked Grebe by dam showed very well. Great Northern Diver distant from Stones Island.
Also day flying Barn Owl, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Willow Tit, 4 Barnacle Goose, House Martin, 5 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 3 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting, Skylark, 20 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Redwing, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe displaying.
Excellent day, next coach trip on the 16th March to Cors Caron & Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Wales. Should be quite a spectacle for Red Kite.
All welcome, further details: https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/
Highlights of the High Peak RSPB group visit today.
Great Northern Diver from Visitor Centre and later from Millfields. Peregrine Falcon, 2+ Willow Tit, Ruff, 3 Pochard, 3 Raven, 3 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, 4 Redwing, 100+ Fieldfare by Brassington village, Common Buzzard, 3 Redshank, 20 Siskin, Goldcrest, 12 Meadow Pipit.
Highlights of the High Peak RSPB group visit today:
Dark Bellied Brent Goose from visitor centre, 4 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 30 Linnet, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Little Egret
Sheepwash: Green Winged Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Willow Tit, many Teal and Pochard
Dam: Barnacle Goose, 3 Little Egret
From Sheepish : 1 blackcap, goldcrest, willow warbler and chiffchaff. 4 common sandpiper from the hide.
Wildlife Centre : 10+ send martin, willow warbler and chiffchaff all usual species.
Phil
Tree Sparrow
House Sparrow
Reed Bunting
Sedge Warbler (heard)
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap (2M and 1F)
Bullfinch (2M)
Common Whitethroat
Redshank
Barnacle Geese
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Kestrel
Buzzard
Cormorant
Pied Wagtail
White Wagtail
Black Headed Gulls
Lesser Black Backed Gulls
Jackdaws
Carrion Crows
Magpies
Blackbirds
Chaffinch
Mallards
Tufted Ducks
Robin
Blue Tits
Wren
Mute Swans
Great Crested Grebes with chicks
Swallows
Swifts
House Martins
Grey Heron
Moorhen
Coot
Song Thrush
Also seen:
Butterflies: Painted Lady, Brimstone and small black butterfly/moth with white edging (cannot identify - any help anyone?)
Shrew (in Sheepwash car park)
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 06:13:49 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 10:21:34 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 20th of June 2015 10:26:57 PM
A singing Chiffchaff and several Tree Sparrows and Bullfinch in the Sheepwash car park.
Ducks include Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Teal.
Waders - Oystercatcher and Redshank.
A good view of one of the Great Northern Divers this pm from Stones.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 10th of January 2014 09:08:25 PM
4 January 2014
Stockport Birdwatching Society trip to Cromford and Carsington Water.
A great day out was had, highlights were 11 Hawfinch at Cromford Village, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Adult Yellow Legged Gull and a number of Scaup at Carsington.
-- Edited by Tony Mossman on Sunday 5th of January 2014 09:58:53 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 25th of March 2012 01:13:27 PM
A lovely place on a lovely day. The birds were the icing on the cake.
1 Great Northern Diver (juv)
1 Redshank
2 Oystercatcher
1 GSW
2 Nuthatch
2 Song Thrush
6 Bullfinch
2 Willow Tit
2 Reed Bunting
1 Reed Warbler
3 Tree Sparrow
4 Lapwing
Late posting from yesterday.
Much the same as Monday's sightings. The Great Northern Diver was seen flying towards the dam wall.
A pair of Willow Tit/Marsh Tit were on the feeders at the Sheepwash car park, although I will be seeking a second opinion from my photos as I really cannot distinguish between the two.
2 Redshank were the main addition to yesterdays birds around the water.
1 Great Northern Diver by visitor centre
4 Barnacle Geese
Paul Stanley hide:
1 Oystercatcher
4 Lapwings
4 G C Grebe
2 Nuthatch
Sheepwash car park feeders:
6 Bullfinch
2 Reed Bunting
3 Tree Sparrow
1 Green Woodpecker
-- Edited by Adam Jones on Monday 18th of April 2011 09:06:13 PM
2 GN Divers from Dam slipway -halfway between there and Stones.
Loads of GC Grebe
Sheepwash
A dozen or so Goldeneye
Pintail
Yellow-legged Gull
A few lapwing
Heated Hide
Loads of Tree Sparrows
Pheasant
Usual other stuff on the water.
Sheepwash Hide
2 Great Northern Divers
1 ad Yellow Legged Gull giving great close views both on the ground and in flight, apparently the bird has decimated the Little Grebe population though and also tried Tufted Duck on its menu!
2 Pintail
plus plenty of common wildfowl
Goldeneye
Pochard
Mallard
Tuffties
Teal
Widgeon
Cormorant
Gadwall
GN Diver
Slav.Grebe
GC Grebe
Siskin
Tree /House Sparrows
Robin
Great Tit
Heron
I've posted a pic of one of the Grebes on the out of county site.
Red-necked grebe, great northern diver, and two pairs of goldeneye, with the drakes doing their courtship stuff.
Lots of gc grebe and little grebe, and hundreds of tuffties, plus all the usual stuff and gadwall.
Nice day, despite a minor snow flurry on the way home, and snow in the fields and roadside.
Bought the carsington dvd. If it is as good as the tittesworth ones it should be great.
Sid
Buzzards and lapwings, so a good day all in all. Loads of people around as it was half term.