If I remember correctly a GWE was reported as a possible over Barton days before it was located at Rindle Rd last winter. Perhaps Rindle Rd is worth checking?
Robin Tong said
Wed Sep 16 8:08 PM, 2009
Visited Irlam locks after work at 17:45, nothing there:(
Paul Heaton said
Wed Sep 16 5:09 PM, 2009
I am not a big fan of possible sightings, however I had to call Ian today with this one. I have been traveling over Barton Bridge for years, and I know what a Swan looks like? they have made me double check on a few occasions.
Today sighting was different, first thoughts were " oh! theres a great white egret, then I looked again, here was a great white bird flying up the ship canal, bowed wings, trailing legs and no protruding neck or head.
Having spent two weeks last october waiting for a harrier on astley moss, I had sighting of the Great White Egret most days
However today view was off Barton bridge looking down,I had to pull over on waste ground opposite Barton airport, but was not able to find it again
I hope its relocated.
Keep birding.
Robin Tong said
Wed Sep 16 4:24 PM, 2009
I work right next to the Davyhulme millenium nature reserve, wonder if it's stopped off there for some tea, shame I'm stuck in work, will watch the skys though.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Sep 16 12:32 PM, 2009
A possible Great White Egret flew SW roughly along the Ship Canal from Barton Bridge towards Irlam Locks at 12:15 today.
Already done Mike
keep birding
I have been traveling over Barton Bridge for years, and I know what a Swan looks like? they have made me double check on a few occasions.
Today sighting was different, first thoughts were " oh! theres a great white egret, then I looked again, here was a great white bird flying up the ship canal, bowed wings, trailing legs and no protruding neck or head.
Having spent two weeks last october waiting for a harrier on astley moss, I had sighting of the Great White Egret most days
However today view was off Barton bridge looking down,I had to pull over on waste ground opposite Barton airport, but was not able to find it again
I hope its relocated.
Keep birding.