Hi Mark, I have been watching the Pennine reservours for over 25 years. You are correct that Light Hazzels seemed quiet, its a strange area with birds passing and staying sometimes just a short while. This time of the year it can be quite dead.
The best time to visit Light Hazzels,White Holme,Warland, all possible on one trip is during the Spring and August. Sep, and a couple of weeks into October.
Winter months produce Twite, 5-7 species of ducks and the occasional surprise.
The area will never in my opinion produce a fantastic list but can be entertaining with some ups and downs.
The Twite build up during the Winter Months with counts around 25-35 species fairly common.Best location for Twite " Feeding station" on the South weatern corner of White Holme OS 109,970195. Sit on the water tower looking over the reservoure and they will find you.Second location is where Light Hazzels drains into Warland, 963204,birds feed on slope just over small wooden bridge over drain.
I have had about 90 species on my many trips,I posted mail on the out of area birding a few months ago that will give you some idea of birding on the high moors above Rochdale,hope this info is helpful. Cheers Alan

Hi I ve just been to Light Hazzles Reservoir as per the site guide. Was quite quiet with just a couple of crows and a passing raven. I was wondering if this location is best visited in Spring/Summer rather than this time of year as Winter approaches. There are photos in the gallery posted for January although this was a few years ago. 'Where to watch birds in the NW' also mentions that twite are present here in Winter. I have only been birding for 2-3 years so any advice would be much appreciated for this site. I appreciate that specific locations cant be posted and so general advice for this area from someone who has had success here would be great. Im sorry I have posted under this username but I m having problems changing it on my profile. Many Thanks Mark Connaughton