Coot Moorhen Black-headed Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Great Tit Blackbird Song Thrush House Sparrow Dunnock
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Fri Dec 18 5:58 PM, 2020
Pair of Goosander this am, between Copperas & the first lock towards the marina.
Sean Molloy said
Tue Jul 7 12:38 PM, 2020
Rob Creek wrote:
Saw this on the news last week Sean, apparently due to the lack of boats on the canal creating any water agitation thus allowing stagnancy and bacteria build up.
So I saw, interesting how the canal boats play a part in the canal ecosystem.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jul 6 9:50 AM, 2020
Saw this on the news last week Sean, apparently due to the lack of boats on the canal creating any water agitation thus allowing stagnancy and bacteria build up.
Worth knowing for anyone who birds the canal regularly, outbreak of avian botulism. RSPCA asking that people contact them if they see any birds showing symptoms.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat Jun 13 10:34 AM, 2020
This am 07:00-09:15.
Highlights.
Chiffchaff. x 1.
Blackcap. x 2.
Swift x 24+
Swallow x 1.
Song Thrush x 4, 2 singing.
Pied Wagtail x 2.
Moorhen x 3 adult x 6 young, 1 pair on nest at the junction.
Mute Swan x 2 at the junction sitting on the historic nesting site.
Collared Dove x 1.
Mallard x 5.
Manky Millard x 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 14.
Black-headed Gull x 3.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 69 adults and 26 young of various age's.
plus the expected.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat May 23 9:04 AM, 2020
06:30-08-30.
A really quiet morning. Nothing much singing other than the usual Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, Dunnock ,Tits etc and the constant calls of Goldfinch everywhere.
Best of the rest.
Swift X 1.
Mistle Thrush X 2.
Song Thrush X 1 (singing).
Collared Dove x 2 (or the same one twice).
Pied Wagtail X 7 (including 4 juvenile).
Mallard X 6.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 53 adult. (6 pair still sitting, & 3 pair still with young).
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat May 16 9:46 AM, 2020
07:00-09:00 usual route.
Highlights.
Swift X 5.
Kestrel X 1.
Greenfinch X 1.
Blackcap X 3.
Song Thrush X 4.
Collared Dove x 1.
Pied Wagtail X 2.
Mallard X 4.
Manky Mallard X 1.
Moorhen X 2.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 2.
Black-headed Gull X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 47. (4 pairs still sitting & 4 pairs with gosling's).
Starling everywhere ,including a large crèche of 300 to 400 + individual's being constantly fed by the adults at the Northern Ley of Copperas field.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Thu May 7 9:55 AM, 2020
This early am. Usual route.
Highlights.
Swift x10.
Chiffchaff X 1.
Blackcap X c7.
Song Thrush X 3.
Moorhen X 2.
Grey Wagtail X 2. (1 adult feeding a juvenile).
Pied Wagtail X 2.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Mallard X 6.
Manky Mallard X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 40. (Possible 8 sitting & a pair still with 5 Gosling).
Mute Swan X 2 (immature, junction/marina).
John Taylor said
Tue May 5 6:13 PM, 2020
1 adult and 2 immature mute swan at Fairfield Junction, usual number of canada geese one pair with 5 chicks. 2 other unidentified chicks being chased by moorhen. Further down towards the school grey wagtail pair with one young. Beyond the school single pied wsgtail more canada geese several nests, greylag goose and mallard. Moorhen towards Yew Tree swing bridge.
John Taylor said
Mon May 4 5:10 PM, 2020
To add today, 2 immature mute swan at Fairfield Junction at 16:00, my mistake the other day.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Mon May 4 10:35 AM, 2020
This am, slightly different route.
On at Copperas Lane swing bridge but West down to lock 14, back up to and around Copperas field, then up to the Marina and back.
Highlights.
Swing bridge to lock 14 and back.
Swallow X 1.
Mistle Thrush X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Blackcap X 6.
Mallard X 5.
Moorhen X 2 + 4 chick's.
Collard Dove x 5.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Song Thrush X 1.
Canada Goose X 18.
Copperas field, to the Marina and back.
Blackcap X 2.
Moorhen X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Graylag/Canada Goose hybrid X 1.
Canada Goose X 40 (+ 5 Gosling at the junction/marina. Possible 8 sitting).
Mallard X 6 (+ 2 Duckling junction/marina).
Manky Mallard X 1.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Mute Swan X 1 (immature junction/marina).
Coal Tit X 1.
Collared Dove x 1.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat May 2 9:30 AM, 2020
Early this am. Usual route.
Highlights.
Willow Warbler X 5.
Blackcap X 3.
Greenfinch X 1.
Goldfinch everywhere.
Song Thrush X 6.
Grey Heron X 1.
Moorhen X 2.
Mallard X 9, plus 2 Duckling.
Manky Mallard X 2.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 44. (6 sitting).
Czech/Roman farm Goose X 1.
Mute Swan X 3 (marina/junction, 1 adult,2 immature).
Black-headed Gull X 4.
Herring Gull X 18.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x4.
John Taylor said
Fri May 1 5:09 PM, 2020
Pair of mute swan plus the immmature bird at Fairfield Junction this afternoon along with 23 canada geese, moorhen and two grey wagtail. The discarded? eggs from the nest the other day cannot be seen. Further down towards Yew Tree swing bridge another 17 canada geese, 1 greylag goose, 2 grey wagtail and moorhen on nest. Other birds on Copperas Field blackbird, starling, magpie, house sparrow, great and blue tit and goldfinch.
John Taylor said
Mon Apr 27 8:03 PM, 2020
Similar numbers of canada goose today. Three eggs have been removed (presumably by the bird) from the nest near the flats at Fairfield Junction and were lying nearby. Bird still on nest. Both immature and adult mute swan present.
John Taylor said
Sun Apr 26 7:17 PM, 2020
Immature mute swan alone today at Fairfield Junction. Other birds at this location canada goose 21, coot, moorhen, domestic duck, house sparrows, starlings, blackbird. Birds between Fairfield and Yew Tree swing bridge canada goose 23, 2 goldfinch seen but many more calling, chaffinch, house sparrows, starlings, blackbird. Song thrush in the wooded area on Copperas field.
John Taylor said
Sat Apr 25 5:34 PM, 2020
The immature mute swan is back at Fairfield Junction with the adult this afternoon. Similar numbers of canada goose as reported this morning. Moorhen 1, nothing at the nest. Grey heron near Yew Tree swing bridge. Abundance of house sparrows and starlings. Grey wagtail at Fairfield junction. Several blackbird in the wooded area on Copperas Field. Great and blue tit also in wood.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat Apr 25 9:36 AM, 2020
This am 06:30-08:00, usual route.
Highlights.
Blackcap X 4+ (Northern edge of Copperas field).
Chiffchaff X 1 (think area is designated as the"wetland & nature area").
Song Thrush X c4.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 3.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Coal Tit X 2.
Moorhen X 1.
Great Black-backed Gull X 2.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 4.
Black-headed Gull X 1.
Mute Swan X 1 (adult, marina).
Mallard X 4.
Mankie Mallard X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X c48. (Still 4 pairs sitting, & 1 pair still around the raided nest, no eggs as yet but very territorial ).
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 25th of April 2020 06:49:14 PM
John Taylor said
Fri Apr 24 5:33 PM, 2020
Moorhen nest complete(ish)with one bird sitting this afternoon. No swans today. Other birds, canada goose c.45 goldfinch, house sparrow, chaffinch, wood pigeon, blackbird, blue tit, starling and a grey wagtail. All seen between Fairfield Junction and Yew Tree swing bridge.
John Taylor said
Thu Apr 23 6:43 PM, 2020
Only the mature mute san at Fairfield Junction today. It was chasing the immature mute swan yesterday afternoon. Still over 40 canada geese between Fairfield and Copperas Field, 2 moorhen, house sparrows, goldfinches, magpie, wood pigeon and a pied wagtail on the field. Blackbird, wren, robin and starlings in the wooded area.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Mon Apr 20 10:18 AM, 2020
Usual route. 06:00-07:30.
Highlights.
Willow Warbler X 1.
Chiffchaff X 1.
Song Thrush X 3.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 44. 5 pairs sitting, ,1 pair has taken over the old Mute Swan nest in the marina . Within an hour of originally finding the nest, with an egg showing, the egg from one of the pairs nesting near to the swing bridge had been taken.
Mute Swan X 1 immature (marina).
Moorhen X 1.
Collared Dove x 1.
Cormorant X 1.
Grey Wagtail X 1.
Pied Wagtail X 3.
Goldfinch X c14/15.
Mallard X 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 6.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Monday 20th of April 2020 10:41:49 PM
2 mute swan at the entrance to Droylsden marina, 2 moorhen, approx. 30 canada geese between Fairfield junction and the open swing bridge at the end of Buxton Lane 4 on nests. Other birds sparrows, goldfinches, blackbird, magpie, wood pigeon.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat Apr 18 8:55 AM, 2020
Usual route. 06:30-07:30.
Highlights.
Blackcap x 2 (pair).
Chiffchaff x 1.
Goldfinch x 14.
Mistle Thrush x 2.
Moorhen x 2.
Pied Wagtail x 5.
Dunnock x 3.
Collard Dove x 1.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 46. 2 pair now sitting.
John Taylor said
Fri Apr 17 8:06 PM, 2020
Single mute swan at the entrance to Droylsden marina this afternoon along with single coot, moorhen, several mallards and canada geese. Chiffchaff in the copse at Copperas Field amongst the house sparrows. Great tits, blue tits, magpies, blackbirds and starlings also present.
John Taylor said
Thu Apr 16 1:28 PM, 2020
To add today, 1 pair moorhen nest building on the stretch between the two swing bridges that come onto Copperas Field
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Thu Apr 16 10:28 AM, 2020
Again on at Copperas Lane swing bridge, a walk around Copperas field, up to Droylsden Marina and back.
06:45-08:15.
Highlights.
Canal stretch Mega. Female Whinchat on the recently planted saplings at the Southern edge of Copperas field.
Willow Warbler x 1. Copperas field South ley.
Cormorant x 1 over.
Dunnock x 4.
Robin x 3.
Wren x 2.
Coal Tit x 2.
Collard Dove x 1.
House Sparrow x c14.
Song Thrush x 1.
Pied Wagtail x 7.
Grey Wagtail x 1.
Greenfinch x 1.
Chaffinch x 1.
Goldfinch x c12.
Moorhen x 2.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Roman/Czech Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 48. 2 pair nest building,1 pair sitting.
Mallard x 3.
Manky Mallard x 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 3.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Fri Apr 10 8:32 AM, 2020
On at Copperas Lane Swing Bridge, a walk around Copperas Field then up to Droylsden Marina and Back. 06:30-07:30.
Highlights.
Blackcap x 1 (male).
Bullfinch x 2 (pair).
Chaffinch x 2 (pair).
Goldfinch x c30.
Coal Tit x 2.
Long-tailed Tit x 2.
Collard Dove x 2.
Wren x 2.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 50.
Mallard x 6.
Pied Wagtail x 7.
Dunnock x 2.
Song Thrush x 2.
Moorhen x 5.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 9.
Herring Gull x 4.
Black-headed Gull x 1.
Mute Swan x 2 (Marina. One green ringed right leg, but again to far to obtain any details from. Activitly nest building).
John Taylor said
Fri Apr 3 7:20 PM, 2020
The cormorant was successfully fishing on the pound at the back of Fairfield primary at 16:00. Plenty of canada geese about, 2 moorhen and one of the mute swans was sat at an old nesting site outside the marina.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Fri Apr 3 8:42 AM, 2020
This am 07.00-08.00, same route as Wednesday.
Highlights.
Chiffchaff x 1.
Coal Tit x 1.
Long-tailed Tit x 2.
Grey Wagtail x 1.
Cormorant x 1.
Collard Dove x 1.
Chaffinch x 2.
Goldfinch x c24.
Song Thrush x 4.
Moorhen x 3.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 44.
Mallard x 6.
Manky Mallard x 1.
Dunnock x 2.
Robin x 5.
Wren x 1.
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Wed Apr 1 10:12 AM, 2020
Getting on at Copperas Lane Swing Bridge, a walk around Copperas Field then up to Droylsden Marina and Back.
07:00-8:00.
Highlights.
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 (Copperas Field, small wooded area at the mid Western end).
Chiffchaff x3.
Greenfinch x 4.
Chaffinch x 2.
Song Thrush x 1.
Mistle Thrush x 2.
Dunnock x 4.
Robin x 3.
Wren x 2.
Long-tailed Tit x 4.
Moorhen x 5.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 34.
Roman/Czech farm Goose x 1.
Mallard x 5.
Cormorant x 3 (all fly overs along the canal Westward).
Mute Swan x 2 (Marina).
Pied Wagtail x 4.
John Taylor said
Tue Mar 31 5:24 PM, 2020
2 mute swan at Droylsden marina at 16:30 today
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Tue Mar 31 8:48 AM, 2020
06:45-07:45.
Getting on via Edge Lane, at the bottom of Copperas Field up to the Marina and back.
Highlights.
Without seeing one for three years I find four.
Greenfinch x 4.
Bullfinch x 2.
Chaffinch x 2.
Goldfinch x 9.
Collard Dove x 1.
Mistle Thrush x 3.
Song Thrush x 1.
Robin x 4.
Long-tailed Tit x 3.
Dunnock x 2.
Mallard x 3.
Canada Goose x 50.
Greylag Goose x 1
Moorhen x 5.
Cormorant x4.
Grey Heron x1.
Pied Wagtail x 3.
Black-headed Gull x 1.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Tuesday 31st of March 2020 08:58:59 AM
Peter Nolan Woolley said
Sat Mar 28 9:35 AM, 2020
With Audi being a none starter, Ashton canal is within very easy walking distance, getting on at Copperas Lane swing bridge and walking up to Droylsden marina and back home again, one mile. Not a unreasonable distance for my daily permitted exercise.
Highlights. 06:30-07:30.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull X 1 (Copperas field).
Herring Gull X 2.(Copperas field).
Black-headed Gull X 1.(Copperas field).
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 8.(Copperas field).
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Mallard X 7.
Mankie Mallard X 2.
Canada Goose X 47.
Roman/Czech farm Goose X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.(the resident individual).
Moorhen X 4 (2 pairs).
Robin X 1.
Goldfinch X 8+.
Chaffinch X 1.
Bullfinch X 2 (males).
Wren X 1.
Long-tailed Tit X 4.
Mistle Thrush X 1.
House Sparrow X 4.
Cormorant X 1 (marina).
Dunnock X 2.
Plus the usuals.
James Walsh said
Sun Mar 25 9:11 PM, 2018
Male Sparrowhawk displaying over Audenshaw Park
Chris Harper said
Wed Oct 25 2:55 PM, 2017
26 Redwing over this morning just West of Portland Basin
James Walsh said
Mon Oct 10 12:50 AM, 2016
Drake Wood Duck
16 Fieldfare
1 Sparrowhawk
Terry Sykes said
Fri Oct 7 9:55 AM, 2016
Male Wood Duck still at Fairfield junction desperately fending his mate from the attentions of male Mallards. Bridge 17 to fairfield Lock.
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:56:32 AM
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:57:11 AM
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 10:01:02 AM
Had a quick walk back to my house from the city centre on this dull Easter Sunday. Nothing special seen, but here goes:
3 Song thrush (Mistle thrush heard) 1 Collared Dove Several Housesparrows Several Blackbirds Circa 20 Canada Maybe a dozen Mallard.
John Doherty said
Thu Apr 14 7:20 PM, 2011
Couldn't find a thread on the canal and I intend to bird it regularly, so here goes:
I don't have access to transport so literally, today, I must have covered near 20 miles - I walked from my house in the Collyhurst area all the way to Ashton and back via Drolysden and the Medlock Valley.
I saw: A ringed teal! At least 80 Canada Geese, Maybe 50 Mallard A Barnacle Goose! Three Greylags 1 Grey Heron 5 'Farmyard' ducks (White with yellow bills) 2 Goldcrest Robin Several Housesparrow 2 Coal Tits 2 Great Tits Songthrush 20 Magpies in a Tree Plus usual cache of Magpie Plenty of Woodpigeon
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 07:25:08 PM
Edit- Being newish to the hobby I did a double take when I saw the ringed teal down there - I never added it to the list just in case it was super-rare and therefore worthy of recording, but I have since been informed that there are several escapees roaming about the county, and I also searched the forum and found out particularly in the Droylsden area (same for the Barnacle also regularly sighted round there) Still, I am proud of myself for taking the description of the bird and then searching the internet for it, and all in relative quick time. I had a run in with a woman who asked me what I was up to, and I know I heard her say 'he's getting on my nerves' but she twisted that around when I asked her if that is what she had said - something about 'making me nervous' - so I had to go through all of that just to jot down notes, but worth it in the end.
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:00:06 PM
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:05:58 PM
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:25:08 PM
New addition, Muscovy at lock 14
This pm.
At the junction. Mute Swan X 3. Adult and 2 well developed young.
This am. Usual route.
Highlights.
Song Thrush, the predominant species heard everywhere.
Moorhen, 2 pairs with broods of 5 &.8 respectively.
Blackcap.
Swift x7.
Long-tailed Tit X 4.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Czech /Roman Goose X1.
Canada Goose X 72, a mix of adults and well grown young.
Pied Wagtail X 2.
This am 09:00-11 :00.
Usual route. Highlights.
Kingfisher X1.
Goosander X 3.
Bullfinch X 4 (2 pairs).
Greenfinch X 4.
Long-tailed Tit X 6.
Collard Dove X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Czech /Roman farm Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 92.
Mallard X 3.
Back to plan B birding. Around Copperas, then up to the Marina and back again.
Highlights.
Kingfisher X1.
Goosander X 3 (male 2, 1 basic & 1 alternate plumed & 1 female/immature . Phone image)
Greenfinch X 4.
Goldfinch X 6.
Long-tailed Tit X 6.
Coal Tit X 2.
Grey Wagtail X 1.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Collard Dove X 2.
Moorhen X 6.
Mute Swan X 2.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 112.
Czech /Roman farm Goose X 1.
Black-headed Gull X 56.
Herring Gull X 2.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 09:21:12 PM
Goosander 2 adult males
Canada Geese 200+
Mute Swan 3 adult, 1 juvenile.
Kingfisher 1
Grey Wagtail 1
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Tit
Blackbird
Song Thrush
House Sparrow
Dunnock
Pair of Goosander this am, between Copperas & the first lock towards the marina.
So I saw, interesting how the canal boats play a part in the canal ecosystem.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/reason-people-been-finding-dead-18525003?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
Worth knowing for anyone who birds the canal regularly, outbreak of avian botulism. RSPCA asking that people contact them if they see any birds showing symptoms.
This am 07:00-09:15.
Highlights.
Chiffchaff. x 1.
Blackcap. x 2.
Swift x 24+
Swallow x 1.
Song Thrush x 4, 2 singing.
Pied Wagtail x 2.
Moorhen x 3 adult x 6 young, 1 pair on nest at the junction.
Mute Swan x 2 at the junction sitting on the historic nesting site.
Collared Dove x 1.
Mallard x 5.
Manky Millard x 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 14.
Black-headed Gull x 3.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 69 adults and 26 young of various age's.
plus the expected.
06:30-08-30.
A really quiet morning. Nothing much singing other than the usual Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, Dunnock ,Tits etc and the constant calls of Goldfinch everywhere.
Best of the rest.
Swift X 1.
Mistle Thrush X 2.
Song Thrush X 1 (singing).
Collared Dove x 2 (or the same one twice).
Pied Wagtail X 7 (including 4 juvenile).
Mallard X 6.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 53 adult. (6 pair still sitting, & 3 pair still with young).
07:00-09:00 usual route.
Highlights.
Swift X 5.
Kestrel X 1.
Greenfinch X 1.
Blackcap X 3.
Song Thrush X 4.
Collared Dove x 1.
Pied Wagtail X 2.
Mallard X 4.
Manky Mallard X 1.
Moorhen X 2.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 2.
Black-headed Gull X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 47. (4 pairs still sitting & 4 pairs with gosling's).
Starling everywhere ,including a large crèche of 300 to 400 + individual's being constantly fed by the adults at the Northern Ley of Copperas field.
This early am. Usual route.
Highlights.
Swift x10.
Chiffchaff X 1.
Blackcap X c7.
Song Thrush X 3.
Moorhen X 2.
Grey Wagtail X 2. (1 adult feeding a juvenile).
Pied Wagtail X 2.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Mallard X 6.
Manky Mallard X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 40. (Possible 8 sitting & a pair still with 5 Gosling).
Mute Swan X 2 (immature, junction/marina).
This am, slightly different route.
On at Copperas Lane swing bridge but West down to lock 14, back up to and around Copperas field, then up to the Marina and back.
Highlights.
Swing bridge to lock 14 and back.
Swallow X 1.
Mistle Thrush X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Blackcap X 6.
Mallard X 5.
Moorhen X 2 + 4 chick's.
Collard Dove x 5.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Song Thrush X 1.
Canada Goose X 18.
Copperas field, to the Marina and back.
Blackcap X 2.
Moorhen X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Graylag/Canada Goose hybrid X 1.
Canada Goose X 40 (+ 5 Gosling at the junction/marina. Possible 8 sitting).
Mallard X 6 (+ 2 Duckling junction/marina).
Manky Mallard X 1.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Mute Swan X 1 (immature junction/marina).
Coal Tit X 1.
Collared Dove x 1.
Early this am. Usual route.
Highlights.
Willow Warbler X 5.
Blackcap X 3.
Greenfinch X 1.
Goldfinch everywhere.
Song Thrush X 6.
Grey Heron X 1.
Moorhen X 2.
Mallard X 9, plus 2 Duckling.
Manky Mallard X 2.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 44. (6 sitting).
Czech/Roman farm Goose X 1.
Mute Swan X 3 (marina/junction, 1 adult,2 immature).
Black-headed Gull X 4.
Herring Gull X 18.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x4.
This am 06:30-08:00, usual route.
Highlights.
Blackcap X 4+ (Northern edge of Copperas field).
Chiffchaff X 1 (think area is designated as the"wetland & nature area").
Song Thrush X c4.
Grey Wagtail X 2.
Pied Wagtail X 3.
Long-tailed Tit X 2.
Coal Tit X 2.
Moorhen X 1.
Great Black-backed Gull X 2.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 4.
Black-headed Gull X 1.
Mute Swan X 1 (adult, marina).
Mallard X 4.
Mankie Mallard X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X c48. (Still 4 pairs sitting, & 1 pair still around the raided nest, no eggs as yet but very territorial ).
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Saturday 25th of April 2020 06:49:14 PM
Usual route. 06:00-07:30.
Highlights.
Willow Warbler X 1.
Chiffchaff X 1.
Song Thrush X 3.
Greylag Goose X 1.
Canada Goose X 44. 5 pairs sitting, ,1 pair has taken over the old Mute Swan nest in the marina . Within an hour of originally finding the nest, with an egg showing, the egg from one of the pairs nesting near to the swing bridge had been taken.
Mute Swan X 1 immature (marina).
Moorhen X 1.
Collared Dove x 1.
Cormorant X 1.
Grey Wagtail X 1.
Pied Wagtail X 3.
Goldfinch X c14/15.
Mallard X 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 6.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Monday 20th of April 2020 10:41:49 PM
Usual route. 06:30-07:30.
Highlights.
Blackcap x 2 (pair).
Chiffchaff x 1.
Goldfinch x 14.
Mistle Thrush x 2.
Moorhen x 2.
Pied Wagtail x 5.
Dunnock x 3.
Collard Dove x 1.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 46. 2 pair now sitting.
Again on at Copperas Lane swing bridge, a walk around Copperas field, up to Droylsden Marina and back.
06:45-08:15.
Highlights.
Canal stretch Mega. Female Whinchat on the recently planted saplings at the Southern edge of Copperas field.
Willow Warbler x 1. Copperas field South ley.
Cormorant x 1 over.
Dunnock x 4.
Robin x 3.
Wren x 2.
Coal Tit x 2.
Collard Dove x 1.
House Sparrow x c14.
Song Thrush x 1.
Pied Wagtail x 7.
Grey Wagtail x 1.
Greenfinch x 1.
Chaffinch x 1.
Goldfinch x c12.
Moorhen x 2.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Roman/Czech Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 48. 2 pair nest building,1 pair sitting.
Mallard x 3.
Manky Mallard x 1.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 3.
On at Copperas Lane Swing Bridge, a walk around Copperas Field then up to Droylsden Marina and Back. 06:30-07:30.
Highlights.
Blackcap x 1 (male).
Bullfinch x 2 (pair).
Chaffinch x 2 (pair).
Goldfinch x c30.
Coal Tit x 2.
Long-tailed Tit x 2.
Collard Dove x 2.
Wren x 2.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 50.
Mallard x 6.
Pied Wagtail x 7.
Dunnock x 2.
Song Thrush x 2.
Moorhen x 5.
Lesser Black-backed Gull x 9.
Herring Gull x 4.
Black-headed Gull x 1.
Mute Swan x 2 (Marina. One green ringed right leg, but again to far to obtain any details from. Activitly nest building).
This am 07.00-08.00, same route as Wednesday.
Highlights.
Chiffchaff x 1.
Coal Tit x 1.
Long-tailed Tit x 2.
Grey Wagtail x 1.
Cormorant x 1.
Collard Dove x 1.
Chaffinch x 2.
Goldfinch x c24.
Song Thrush x 4.
Moorhen x 3.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 44.
Mallard x 6.
Manky Mallard x 1.
Dunnock x 2.
Robin x 5.
Wren x 1.
Getting on at Copperas Lane Swing Bridge, a walk around Copperas Field then up to Droylsden Marina and Back.
07:00-8:00.
Highlights.
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 (Copperas Field, small wooded area at the mid Western end).
Chiffchaff x3.
Greenfinch x 4.
Chaffinch x 2.
Song Thrush x 1.
Mistle Thrush x 2.
Dunnock x 4.
Robin x 3.
Wren x 2.
Long-tailed Tit x 4.
Moorhen x 5.
Greylag Goose x 1.
Canada Goose x 34.
Roman/Czech farm Goose x 1.
Mallard x 5.
Cormorant x 3 (all fly overs along the canal Westward).
Mute Swan x 2 (Marina).
Pied Wagtail x 4.
06:45-07:45.
Getting on via Edge Lane, at the bottom of Copperas Field up to the Marina and back.
Highlights.
Without seeing one for three years I find four.
Greenfinch x 4.
Bullfinch x 2.
Chaffinch x 2.
Goldfinch x 9.
Collard Dove x 1.
Mistle Thrush x 3.
Song Thrush x 1.
Robin x 4.
Long-tailed Tit x 3.
Dunnock x 2.
Mallard x 3.
Canada Goose x 50.
Greylag Goose x 1
Moorhen x 5.
Cormorant x4.
Grey Heron x1.
Pied Wagtail x 3.
Black-headed Gull x 1.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Tuesday 31st of March 2020 08:58:59 AM
With Audi being a none starter, Ashton canal is within very easy walking distance, getting on at Copperas Lane swing bridge and walking up to Droylsden marina and back home again, one mile. Not a unreasonable distance for my daily permitted exercise.
Highlights. 06:30-07:30.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull X 1 (Copperas field).
Herring Gull X 2.(Copperas field).
Black-headed Gull X 1.(Copperas field).
Lesser Black-backed Gull X 8.(Copperas field).
Pied Wagtail X 1.
Mallard X 7.
Mankie Mallard X 2.
Canada Goose X 47.
Roman/Czech farm Goose X 1.
Greylag Goose X 1.(the resident individual).
Moorhen X 4 (2 pairs).
Robin X 1.
Goldfinch X 8+.
Chaffinch X 1.
Bullfinch X 2 (males).
Wren X 1.
Long-tailed Tit X 4.
Mistle Thrush X 1.
House Sparrow X 4.
Cormorant X 1 (marina).
Dunnock X 2.
Plus the usuals.
26 Redwing over this morning just West of Portland Basin
Male Wood Duck still at Fairfield junction desperately fending his mate from the attentions of male Mallards. Bridge 17 to fairfield Lock.
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:56:32 AM
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:57:11 AM
-- Edited by Terry Sykes on Friday 7th of October 2016 10:01:02 AM
Drake Wood Duck still present at 15.40. Image attached.
Stunning Male.
-- Edited by Peter Nolan Woolley on Sunday 11th of September 2016 08:04:38 PM
3 Song thrush (Mistle thrush heard)
1 Collared Dove
Several Housesparrows
Several Blackbirds
Circa 20 Canada
Maybe a dozen Mallard.
I don't have access to transport so literally, today, I must have covered near 20 miles - I walked from my house in the Collyhurst area all the way to Ashton and back via Drolysden and the Medlock Valley.
I saw:
A ringed teal!
At least 80 Canada Geese,
Maybe 50 Mallard
A Barnacle Goose!
Three Greylags
1 Grey Heron
5 'Farmyard' ducks (White with yellow bills)
2 Goldcrest
Robin
Several Housesparrow
2 Coal Tits
2 Great Tits
Songthrush
20 Magpies in a Tree
Plus usual cache of Magpie
Plenty of Woodpigeon
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 07:25:08 PM
Edit- Being newish to the hobby I did a double take when I saw the ringed teal down there - I never added it to the list just in case it was super-rare and therefore worthy of recording, but I have since been informed that there are several escapees roaming about the county, and I also searched the forum and found out particularly in the Droylsden area (same for the Barnacle also regularly sighted round there) Still, I am proud of myself for taking the description of the bird and then searching the internet for it, and all in relative quick time.
I had a run in with a woman who asked me what I was up to, and I know I heard her say 'he's getting on my nerves' but she twisted that around when I asked her if that is what she had said - something about 'making me nervous' - so I had to go through all of that just to jot down notes, but worth it in the end.
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:00:06 PM
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:05:58 PM
-- Edited by John Doherty on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:25:08 PM