Two ravens mobbing a buzzard over Altrincham Retail Park 17:05
Andy Marsh said
Mon Aug 7 10:16 PM, 2023
Harris's Hawk in Altrincham - perched in tall fir tree near John Leigh Park on Sunday evening (last seen here in 2021) - Gull and 2 Crows not happy it being there!
A flock of 11 Swallows heading south over Altrincham this afternoon between showers
Steven Heywood said
Wed Aug 4 10:29 PM, 2021
16 lapwings with the black-headed gulls on Carpetright this teatime.
Richard Pennell said
Sun Aug 1 6:40 PM, 2021
50+ Lapwings on roof of Carpetright at Altrincham Retail Park this afternoon
Rob Creek said
Wed Jul 21 10:08 PM, 2021
No probs Andy, and yes thats a Common Buzzard.
Andy Marsh said
Wed Jul 21 8:28 PM, 2021
For comparison a photo I took a few years ago in Timperley garden - Buzzard? sat on fence - he was looking over at neighbours fish pond and visited a few times
Thanks for confirming ID, he was there again this morning, same time 10am-11am on exactly the same branch at top of tallest tree around. Definitely has a large yellow beak and pure white undertail, saw him rotate head almost 180 degrees. He may have spotted our rabbit in the garden mesh run or fish in neighbour's pond but again heard sound of gulls/screeching,
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Jul 21 5:48 PM, 2021
The Harris Hawk has been semi resident around the canal at Broadheath for some time now, roosting on buildings on the north Bank visible from the towpath just west of Manchester Road
Rob Creek said
Tue Jul 20 11:29 PM, 2021
Hi Andy, its a Harriss Hawk, or at least judging by the single image it certainly appears to be one. The fairly large looking yellow bill, and the black and white tail pattern look to be that of a Harriss Hawk that is native to The Americas.
A fairly common kept Raptor by those in the Falconry hobby but they do occasionally escape and are adaptable. Theres been a few around GM over the last few years, some sightings could relate to the same bird due to location proximity. Places include City centre, Prestwich, Bury, Bredbury, Reddish, to name a few. Cheers
Andy Marsh said
Tue Jul 20 7:59 PM, 2021
Large bird of prey - possibly a Goshawk or Common Buzzard? (see photo) appears to be nesting in huge fir tree on Wainwright Rd in Altrincham - was screeching at gull which was dive bombing. Also spotted there last year and chasing after parakeets that live in John Leigh Park, fewer wood pigeons around recently
It,s been 5 year or so since I saw the Alty towers couple,but on Wednesday they had four young on the mast low down and larking around,they may have had broods before.
Geoff
Ian Howarth said
Fri May 21 10:18 PM, 2021
12.30 p.m. I couldn't see anything on the Raven nest platform, but half way down the mast, sitting on a horizontal bar facing Moss Lane, there were 2 x Ravens.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 21st of May 2021 10:50:02 PM
Ian Howarth said
Wed May 12 8:32 PM, 2021
12May21 20.30, right now. 2 at the very top where no nest. You can see them it you stand at end of Golf Road, by the road barrier. You are under them but can see them. Also if you stand by the Sabre Valves Delivery notice you can see 2 more on the actual nest platform...I got a view because they were walking around. So definitely at least 4.
sid ashton said
Sat May 8 9:24 PM, 2021
Ian Howarth wrote:
Hi Sid, Go up Golf Road (metres from Alty FC), about 40/50m on the left, there is a big brick wall set back in an open space. I leant against it for 10 mins. The nest is almost at the top of the mast. There was a lot of movement but you can easily see them; maybe better when they are feeding.
Thanks Ian, I tried that spot but felt I was only looking at the bottom of the nest and in the hope of a sideways view of the birds at the nest I had to walk away from the tower through the car park behind the football ground towards the allotments. That wasn't much better because the view was partially obstructed by trees. At least from there I had two sightings of birds on the structure as I reported on the Hale thread. I did go round towards the main post office and even with my scope it was not much better.
My feeling is that the young have fledged and maybe the group is setting up a colony based on the tower. The "Tower of Altrincham" in fact
Ian Howarth said
Sat May 8 8:45 PM, 2021
Hi Sid, Go up Golf Road (metres from Alty FC), about 40/50m on the left, there is a big brick wall set back in an open space. I leant against it for 10 mins. The nest is almost at the top of the mast. There was a lot of movement but you can easily see them; maybe better when they are feeding.
sid ashton said
Sat May 8 3:46 PM, 2021
Ian Howarth wrote:
Fri 07May21, 7.45 p.m. At the top of the telecommunications mast, next to Alty FC, there were at least 2 Ravens on the nest when a third arrived and perched about 1m above the nest.
Hi Ian sounds as though you have had a good view of the birds on the nest, better than my attempts that I reported on the Hale thread on 28th April further back on the forum.
Where actually did you view from as wherever I tried from around the area I couldn't get a decent view? I ask because I live about half a mile from the site and would like to check it out occasionally. Ta.
Ian Howarth said
Fri May 7 8:53 PM, 2021
Fri 07May21, 7.45 p.m. At the top of the telecommunications mast, next to Alty FC, there were at least 2 Ravens on the nest when a third arrived and perched about 1m above the nest.
sid ashton said
Sun Apr 18 4:34 PM, 2021
An unusual sighting yesterday afternoon, a Canada Goose on the grass verge over the old bridge on Lloyd St just before the junction with Armitage Rd.
Although quite alert, it didn't seem bothered by the cars on the busy road or the people walking close by.
sid ashton said
Sat Mar 13 4:57 PM, 2021
My next door neighbour reports seeing a Kingfisher on the smaller of the two pools in Stamford Park this morning. A nice find in Altrincham.
John Rayner said
Sat May 23 10:08 PM, 2020
Hoopoe found in Hale, no further details. Screenshot attached.
Was a teeny bit gobsmacked to see a Raven gliding south over Wetherspoons not far above rooftop height at 12:45 pm today, following the line of buildings. At 3.30pm it (or another) flew NNW ish over almost the same spot. Given the time of year you have to wonder if it's found a tall building somewhere to nest on.
sid ashton said
Sun Apr 28 4:22 PM, 2019
Just added to my "Birds seen whilst going shopping to Sainsburys Altrincham list" - a Common Buzzard seen floating around over the end of Hale Road was a nice surprise
sid ashton said
Wed Dec 12 3:34 PM, 2018
Just did a circuit of King George V pool, plenty of activity today including 3 Cormorant, 7 Goosander (5 female and 2 male), male and female Pochard, a Grey Heron perched in the same tree on one of the small islands as two Little Egrets.
Interestingly I discovered a bit of history about the pool today. It is a small artificial lake constructed between 1910 and 1911 in celebration of the coronation of King George V and was gifted to the people of Atrincham in the king's memory in the hope that the folk of Altrincham would take an interest in the pool's birdlife.
sid ashton said
Tue Jul 24 5:57 PM, 2018
Just been watching a pair of Mute Swans on King George V pool with eight well grown cygnets. I've never seen such a large swan family.
Matt Potter said
Tue Jul 10 12:05 PM, 2018
Rob Smallwood wrote:
I've seen reports of a Harris Hawk on Altrincham social media.
Thats probably the badger then! Or Harris Hawk! I wonder if anyone has reported losing one?
Cheers
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Jul 10 12:02 PM, 2018
I've seen reports of a Harris Hawk on Altrincham social media.
Matt Potter said
Tue Jul 10 11:46 AM, 2018
Just seen a large bird of prey circling over Atlantic Street, nothing unusual as Buzzards often circle over, but immediate instinct was it wasnt a buzzard, with a white rump and undertail, and the gulls above it were going mad. Similar size to Buzzard, perhaps a touch bigger but with deeper wings. Seemed to have banding underwing but was looking up into the sun. Obvious light bills too.
I though Harris Hawk but keep your eyes peeled. Headed over the canal towards Althrincham, with ensuing gulls!
Mark Whalley said
Mon May 22 1:35 PM, 2017
Only a brief glimpse but second time now. Reasonably sure there is a Spotted Flycatcher on Altrincham Golf Course. In the hedge between the 5th Fairway and a pond near the green on the 6th.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 29 7:42 PM, 2017
Originally posted today by John Edwards:
Ring Ousel on playing field off Oldfield Rd. Altrincham
sid ashton said
Fri Jul 15 9:30 PM, 2016
When visiting the Blue Chip Busness Park on Atlantic St this afternoon I heard what I thought was a Peregrine calling. It seemed to be calling quite loudly at regular intervals and it turned out to be a recording being used as a bird scarer. It was certainly working, there was not a single bird to be seen in the area
sid ashton said
Fri May 13 6:13 PM, 2016
Late this afternoon, a mixed group of Swifts and Swallows over King George V pool busily taking insects of which there were very many.
sid ashton said
Sun Apr 17 5:57 PM, 2016
As we waited at the lights at the junction of Dunham Road and Park Road at about 17.30 a Red Kite drifted overhead going east.
Barry Brett said
Fri Mar 11 2:25 PM, 2016
George V pond 8-30am Goosander 1m 5f Pochard 1m Tufted Duck m&f lots Little Egret Great Spotted Woodpecker m&f Grey Wagtail Canada Geese Moorhen Coot Dunnock Robin Blue,Great &Long Tailed Tits Nuthatch Sparrows Blackheaded gulls Chaffinch Blackbird Magpie Crow
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Feb 11 3:46 PM, 2016
Red Kite drifting slowly from Altrincham/Broad Heath and towards Manchester City Centre at 15:20 today.
Info thanks to Peter Rolph
Vaughan Evans said
Sun Jul 5 2:46 PM, 2015
Red Kite over Hale near to AFC heading ENE
Ann Ribbands said
Sat Mar 28 2:49 PM, 2015
4 swallows over Broadheath Retail Park this afternoon.
Patrick Earith said
Thu Jan 1 5:14 PM, 2015
A non-birding friend of mine saw, what sounded very much like, a Jack Snipe near Costa Coffee in Altrincham shopping precinct last night! This was at 21:00 (he was still sober ). Couldn't be anything else from his description. He had an attack of conscience once he'd got to the pub; contacted me and I gave him the Lower Moss Wood rescue place number, but, he said it went to voicemail. So, I guess my question is did anyone else hear about this bird and, more pointedly, what happened to it? Don't they migrate at night? I guess it's possible it was brought down by weather? Certainly most unusual!
sid ashton said
Tue Dec 30 6:06 PM, 2014
30+ Redwings around Sainsbury's car park this afternoon. Plenty of berries on the bushes especially the one near the recycling containers on the overflow car park where the Waxwings fed a couple of years ago - could we be lucky enough to get some this winter? - there have been sighting reports from a number of parts of the country in the last few days.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 01:30:05 PM
sid ashton said
Fri Dec 12 3:30 PM, 2014
Had to look twice at a Blackbird feeding on berries on Tesco's car park, opposite the ice rink - it had a clear round white patch on the back of its head/neck.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Dec 10 4:22 PM, 2014
Short-eared Owl flying low west over Woodlands Road (Cresta Court end) at 9:10am today, being mobbed by two crows.
Info thanks to Peter Rolph
James Walsh said
Sat Jan 4 1:28 PM, 2014
Kingfisher on the brook adjacent to KGVP
Mike Duckham said
Thu Jan 2 6:40 PM, 2014
Ann Ribbands wrote:
Grey Wagtail in Altrincham town centre at 9.30 this morning - on the rooftops behind Timpsons. (One for the birds-seen-while-returning-garments-to-Marks & Spencer List!)
From time-to-time i've seen or heard a Grey Wagtail in the Greenhalghs/Country Bumpkin area of Alty over the last couple of winters, i remember remarking to Henry Cook - where's the water? They don't need much, one wintered in Bangor town centre a few years ago in the vicinity of a leafy trickle down a public footpath - but there's usually some water somewhere. Perhaps a blocked gutter or a flat roof with a puddle?
James Walsh said
Wed Jan 1 8:50 PM, 2014
c50 Fieldfare in trees on Woodlands Road
Ann Ribbands said
Sat Mar 24 6:01 PM, 2012
Grey Wagtail in Altrincham town centre at 9.30 this morning - on the rooftops behind Timpsons. (One for the birds-seen-while-returning-garments-to-Marks & Spencer List!)
sid ashton said
Wed Dec 8 5:23 PM, 2010
I have been keeping an eye on some berry trees at the junction of St Johns Road and Delamere Road in the hope of getting some Waxwings closer to home. Had a look late morning and there were 8 Redwings going at the berrys also a Goldcrest in one of the trees but alas no Waxies.
Harris's Hawk in Altrincham - perched in tall fir tree near John Leigh Park on Sunday evening (last seen here in 2021) - Gull and 2 Crows not happy it being there!
50+ Lapwings on roof of Carpetright at Altrincham Retail Park this afternoon
For comparison a photo I took a few years ago in Timperley garden - Buzzard? sat on fence - he was looking over at neighbours fish pond and visited a few times
Thanks for confirming ID, he was there again this morning, same time 10am-11am on exactly the same branch at top of tallest tree around. Definitely has a large yellow beak and pure white undertail, saw him rotate head almost 180 degrees. He may have spotted our rabbit in the garden mesh run or fish in neighbour's pond but again heard sound of gulls/screeching,
The Harris Hawk has been semi resident around the canal at Broadheath for some time now, roosting on buildings on the north Bank visible from the towpath just west of Manchester Road
its a Harriss Hawk, or at least judging by the single image it certainly appears to be one. The fairly large looking yellow bill, and the black and white tail pattern look to be that of a Harriss Hawk that is native to The Americas.
A fairly common kept Raptor by those in the Falconry hobby but they do occasionally escape and are adaptable. Theres been a few around GM over the last few years, some sightings could relate to the same bird due to location proximity. Places include City centre, Prestwich, Bury, Bredbury, Reddish, to name a few.
Cheers
Large bird of prey - possibly a Goshawk or Common Buzzard? (see photo) appears to be nesting in huge fir tree on Wainwright Rd in Altrincham - was screeching at gull which was dive bombing. Also spotted there last year and chasing after parakeets that live in John Leigh Park, fewer wood pigeons around recently
12.30 p.m. I couldn't see anything on the Raven nest platform, but half way down the mast, sitting on a horizontal bar facing Moss Lane, there were 2 x Ravens.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 21st of May 2021 10:50:02 PM
12May21 20.30, right now. 2 at the very top where no nest. You can see them it you stand at end of Golf Road, by the road barrier. You are under them but can see them. Also if you stand by the Sabre Valves Delivery notice you can see 2 more on the actual nest platform...I got a view because they were walking around. So definitely at least 4.
Thanks Ian, I tried that spot but felt I was only looking at the bottom of the nest and in the hope of a sideways view of the birds at the nest I had to walk away from the tower through the car park behind the football ground towards the allotments. That wasn't much better because the view was partially obstructed by trees. At least from there I had two sightings of birds on the structure as I reported on the Hale thread. I did go round towards the main post office and even with my scope it was not much better.
My feeling is that the young have fledged and maybe the group is setting up a colony based on the tower. The "Tower of Altrincham" in fact
Hi Ian sounds as though you have had a good view of the birds on the nest, better than my attempts that I reported on the Hale thread on 28th April further back on the forum.
Where actually did you view from as wherever I tried from around the area I couldn't get a decent view? I ask because I live about half a mile from the site and would like to check it out occasionally. Ta.
An unusual sighting yesterday afternoon, a Canada Goose on the grass verge over the old bridge on Lloyd St just before the junction with Armitage Rd.
Although quite alert, it didn't seem bothered by the cars on the busy road or the people walking close by.
My next door neighbour reports seeing a Kingfisher on the smaller of the two pools in Stamford Park this morning. A nice find in Altrincham.
Cheers John.
Was a teeny bit gobsmacked to see a Raven gliding south over Wetherspoons not far above rooftop height at 12:45 pm today, following the line of buildings. At 3.30pm it (or another) flew NNW ish over almost the same spot. Given the time of year you have to wonder if it's found a tall building somewhere to nest on.
Just added to my "Birds seen whilst going shopping to Sainsburys Altrincham list" - a Common Buzzard seen floating around over the end of Hale Road was a nice surprise
Just did a circuit of King George V pool, plenty of activity today including 3 Cormorant, 7 Goosander (5 female and 2 male), male and female Pochard, a Grey Heron perched in the same tree on one of the small islands as two Little Egrets.
Interestingly I discovered a bit of history about the pool today. It is a small artificial lake constructed between 1910 and 1911 in celebration of the coronation of King George V and was gifted to the people of Atrincham in the king's memory in the hope that the folk of Altrincham would take an interest in the pool's birdlife.
Just been watching a pair of Mute Swans on King George V pool with eight well grown cygnets. I've never seen such a large swan family.
Thats probably the badger then! Or Harris Hawk! I wonder if anyone has reported losing one?
Cheers
I've seen reports of a Harris Hawk on Altrincham social media.
Just seen a large bird of prey circling over Atlantic Street, nothing unusual as Buzzards often circle over, but immediate instinct was it wasnt a buzzard, with a white rump and undertail, and the gulls above it were going mad. Similar size to Buzzard, perhaps a touch bigger but with deeper wings. Seemed to have banding underwing but was looking up into the sun. Obvious light bills too.
I though Harris Hawk but keep your eyes peeled. Headed over the canal towards Althrincham, with ensuing gulls!
Only a brief glimpse but second time now. Reasonably sure there is a Spotted Flycatcher on Altrincham Golf Course. In the hedge between the 5th Fairway and a pond near the green on the 6th.
Originally posted today by John Edwards:
Ring Ousel on playing field off Oldfield Rd. Altrincham
When visiting the Blue Chip Busness Park on Atlantic St this afternoon I heard what I thought was a Peregrine calling. It seemed to be calling quite loudly at regular intervals and it turned out to be a recording being used as a bird scarer. It was certainly working, there was not a single bird to be seen in the area
Late this afternoon, a mixed group of Swifts and Swallows over King George V pool busily taking insects of which there were very many.
As we waited at the lights at the junction of Dunham Road and Park Road at about 17.30 a Red Kite drifted overhead going east.
Goosander 1m 5f
Pochard 1m
Tufted Duck m&f lots
Little Egret
Great Spotted Woodpecker m&f
Grey Wagtail
Canada Geese
Moorhen
Coot
Dunnock
Robin
Blue,Great &Long Tailed Tits
Nuthatch
Sparrows
Blackheaded gulls
Chaffinch
Blackbird
Magpie
Crow
Info thanks to Peter Rolph
-- Edited by sid ashton on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 01:30:05 PM
Info thanks to Peter Rolph
Kingfisher on the brook adjacent to KGVP
From time-to-time i've seen or heard a Grey Wagtail in the Greenhalghs/Country Bumpkin area of Alty over the last couple of winters, i remember remarking to Henry Cook - where's the water? They don't need much, one wintered in Bangor town centre a few years ago in the vicinity of a leafy trickle down a public footpath - but there's usually some water somewhere. Perhaps a blocked gutter or a flat roof with a puddle?
c50 Fieldfare in trees on Woodlands Road