7/7/24 Dunkirk Area, quick look at the pool and river around 8am
Common Sandpiper, Mandarin, Kingfisher, juvenile Grey Wagtails, juvenile Moorhen and 8 Mallard on the river.
1 Mallard on the Pool, 1 Lapwing over, a few Swallows and Sand Martins drinking from it.
Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Bullfinch heard. Juvenile Woodpigeon and Jackdaws in the fields.
Thought I heard a briefly drumming Woodpecker, don't recall hearing that in July before.
vic chatterton said
Thu May 9 8:28 PM, 2024
Grange Road South - Hyde
Highway Maintenance - At 9.15 am had just about finished cutting down a large stretch of thick ivy covering a stone wall. There was at least a pair of Blackbirds nesting there (not anymore). Almost certainly other birds nesting there. Who gives an order to do
this in the peak breeding season? Is it because they have no regard for nature or just thick, or both?
Vic C
simon ghilks said
Thu Mar 7 9:12 AM, 2024
7/3/24 Some sightings from Dunkirk area early afternoon yesterday.
Pool, Horse Field and surrounding Woods 1 Green Sandpiper, this was flushed to another pool with limited views a few yards further to the south. 2 Oystercatcher 2 Teal Kingfisher flew over the pool 2 Stock Dove Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming Mistle Thrush singing
On the river adjacent to the pool 5 Goldeneye 2 Goosander 2 Little Grebe 2 Teal Mallards and Canada Geese
simon ghilks said
Fri Feb 2 4:19 PM, 2024
2/2/24 Mid afternoon in the Dunkirk area.
The Green Sandpiper was on the usual pool, also 3 Heron. Along the river between ETW and Motorway bridge 2 Goosander 4 Goldeneye 4 Little Grebe 1 Kingfisher 32 Mallard 4 Teal 1 Heron In riverside trees of note c120 Redwing put to flight by a Sparrowhawk 2 Song Thrush 3 Goldcrest 1 Treecreeper
vic chatterton said
Thu Jan 18 4:44 PM, 2024
Walked back through Hyde cemetery at lunchtime on my way back from the Tesco express at Gee Cross when I came across one of the most bizarre and unexpected bird sightings I've ever recorded locally. At the bottom of the cemetery perched on the stone
boundary wall backing onto the terraced houses on Peel Street was a Red-legged Partridge. The bird was on the wall for some time before it flew up onto the ridge tiles on Peel St. A young man who was passing took a photo of the bird when I pointed it out to
him. The bird was still perched on the Peel St roof as I left the cemetery but when I walked up the front of Peel St it had gone.
Vic C
simon ghilks said
Fri Jan 12 10:33 PM, 2024
12/1/24 Dunkirk area early afternoon
The Green Sandpiper was on the usual pool along with a Heron and a pair of Teal that were seen mating.
On the river 18 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Heron and a Little Grebe.
c70 Redwings were in riverside tree tops.
Roger Baker 3 said
Tue Dec 5 3:49 PM, 2023
6/12/23
Newton, Hyde.
30+ Waxwings feeding on the Rowans on the corner of Talbot Road and St Marys Road.
Roger.
simon ghilks said
Sat Sep 16 5:54 PM, 2023
16/9/23 Dunkirk are mid-afternoon
The Green Sandpiper was by the usual pool, first sighting here since spring. 7 Lapwing c60 Black-headed Gull A few Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in the fields behind the pool, can't recall seeing any on the ground here previously. 7 Pied Wagtail 2 Little Grebe and 3 Goosander were on the river with c10 Mallard 1 Chiffchaff in bank side vegetation
simon ghilks said
Mon Apr 17 1:35 PM, 2023
17/4/23 Dunkirk Area around Noon
Green Sandpiper still on horse field pool, now in full breeding plumage. 2 Oystercatcher flew in whilst I was there. Of note, neither of these birds are ringed whereas one of the birds being seen at Audenshaw reservoirs is metal ringed. 3 Goosander on the river. 1 Chiffchaff heard Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Chaffinch singing.
simon ghilks said
Mon Mar 20 1:15 PM, 2023
20/3/23 quick visit mid morning
The Green Sandpiper was snoozing by the horse field pool 2 Oystercatchers pulling worms up for fun near the pool 50+ Redwing in the general area 1 Goldeneye on the river 2 Chiffchaff Pair of Bullfinch Lots of birdsong and calls in surrounding woods
simon ghilks said
Tue Jan 24 12:36 PM, 2023
24/1/23 Dunkirk area mid morning
The Green Sandpiper was on the pool. It had been seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs last week when the pool was frozen. Also 4 Teal on the pool On the river 3 Goldeneye 1 Goosander c10 Teal 1 Little Grebe 1 Dipper 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Heron Around the woods and fields 1 Buzzard c20 Redwing 1 Goldcrest 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a short burst of drumming heard.
simon ghilks said
Sun Jan 15 2:17 PM, 2023
15/1/23 Dunkirk area early pm
Green Sandpiper was on the horse field pool Counted 10 Goldeneye on the river, could have been more as they were all diving continuously.
Chris Harper said
Sun Dec 18 2:10 PM, 2022
12 Lapwing over the town centre at 11:45
simon ghilks said
Fri Nov 4 12:07 PM, 2022
4/11/2022 Dunkirk Area Pool in the Horse Field mid-morning
1 Green Sandpiper, first sighting since the pool filled up again after drying out completely. 1 Lapwing 9 Teal 1 Heron 1 Grey Wagtail 94 Black-headed Gull
On my last visit on 28th Oct there were 36 Mallard, 1 Goosander and 5 Heron on the pool, a Dipper was on the adjacent river.
simon ghilks said
Mon Mar 21 9:32 AM, 2022
21/3/22 Dunkirk Area, brief visit from 7:45am
On the horse field pool Green Sandpiper in breeding plumage now. I didn't see it on my visit last week. 4 Teal. Grey Heron.
A Common Snipe was feeding near the river in a Juncus patch. 1 Stock Dove with a flock of Woodpigeon in the Horse Field.
Chiffchaff, Song Thrushes and Chaffinch singing near the car park also a few Redwing still flitting about.
Bill Beckwith said
Tue Mar 8 2:30 PM, 2022
Dunkirk area 8/3/2022
Pair of goosanders on west side of river loop.Green sandpiper by the pool.2 oystercatchers in the field above the pool. Sparrowhawk flying near seat just outside the wood from the loop.2 nuthatches;
Mike Chorley said
Sun Mar 6 10:09 PM, 2022
06/03/2022 Dunkirk area
Green Sandpiper (eventually) at the back of the pool at 12.20 after not being visible when I arrived at around 11.00 am or 40 mins later after a mooch north along the river looking for views onto the front edge of the pool. Glad I went back "just for last quick look" after exploring the wider area. Teal M & F in the back area of the pool with the Sandpiper Goosander M on the West neck of the loop beyond the metal bridge Song Thrush feeding near the bridge, then one singing up the hill towards the reedmace pond just off the canal towpath heading North. Grey Heron in the area of the pond Redwing 2 minimum in the hedge between the path to that pond and Jet Amber Fields car park Goldcrest 2 1 Singing Dunkirk Lane in conifers beside the track and one in the woods in the loop. Treecreeper in the field boundary trees by the riverside path
simon ghilks said
Tue Mar 1 11:47 AM, 2022
1/3/22 Dunkirk area
The Green Sandpiper still present on the pool, in it's 10th month now since first sighting in June, although I didn't check during November or December it was seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs in late November. Also 6 Teal on the pool. Couple of Song Thrush singing by the river also Chaffinch heard singing on the way down to the river. 4 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and a few Blackbird were feeding in the same area along the field edge next to Jet Amber Fields car park.
simon ghilks said
Wed Feb 9 12:00 PM, 2022
9/2/22 Mid Morning Dunkirk area.
The Green Sandpiper was present at the back of the pool (wasn't seen last time I looked about a week ago) also 21 Teal and min. 9 Pied Wagtail.
Song Thrush singing near the car park.
David Bramhall said
Mon Jan 24 8:09 PM, 2022
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
David Bramhall said
Mon Jan 24 8:04 PM, 2022
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
David Bramhall said
Mon Jan 24 8:02 PM, 2022
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
Phil Panton said
Mon Jan 17 11:29 AM, 2022
Simon/Chris many thanks for that, was aware of Dunkirk Lane in Duckie, but didn't realise there was any suitable habitat in the vicinity
simon ghilks said
Sun Jan 16 8:37 PM, 2022
The Dunkirk Pool area is around the River Tame just north of the M67, by car to access use Jet Amber Fields car park which is at the bottom of Dunkirk Lane (off Dukinfield Road at Newton Hall) over the canal bridge. Last bit to the car park is a bit bumpy though. Once over the canal bridge you have to turn to the right then go straight on to the car park, don't bend left.
Leave the car park walking away from the canal, there is a path at the bottom left of the car park, take path to the lane then bare right down the hill, the river is a short walk and the pool is directly across the river. A scope is handy but you can usually pick the birds out with binoculars.
Chris Harper said
Sun Jan 16 8:26 PM, 2022
Hi Phil. If you park near the Lowes Arms in Denton and walk down hill, you cross the River Tame and there is a footpath that follows the river upstream. Follow this for 10 minutes and you can see the pond on the left.
Hope this helps. The path starts near the Riverside Care Home
Phil Panton said
Sun Jan 16 7:37 PM, 2022
Where exactly is the Dunkirk Pool area ? Thanks in advance
simon ghilks said
Sun Jan 16 5:31 PM, 2022
16-1-22 Dunkirk area mid afternoon
Green Sandpiper, 20 Teal, c30 Black-headed Gull and 15 Pied Wagtail on or around the pool. Water level now much reduced providing plenty of muddy margin. In the general area 150+ Redwing 10+ Siskin 1 Buzzard 2 Goldcrest 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Chris Harper said
Sun Jan 9 11:20 AM, 2022
10-11 around Dunkirk pool.
4 Goldeneye on the Tame, including 1 male. 6 Shoveler and 2 Teal on the pond. 200 Redwing near abandoned farm, with at least 1 Fieldfare. 14 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Treecreeper, 4 Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch, Goldcrest.
Andy Bissitt said
Wed Jan 5 8:38 PM, 2022
vic chatterton wrote:
Just after sundown as I reached the top of Peel St a large bird of prey flew past me carrying a bird. When I got home I could see the bird from my kitchen window perched on a rooftop near the bottom of Grange Road South, plucking and eating the bird. I was
able to watch the bird for around 15 mins with binoculars from my back garden. Despite the poor light I was able to make out that the bird was a Harris Hawk with a feral pigeon. I could not see any jesses on the bird and even in poor light the bird would appear
to have been in good condition. It eventually flew off over Hyde cemetery with the remains of the pigeon.
Vic,
This will be the culprit. It's been on the loose in the general area for a few years now. Nice to hear it takes pigeons! This was taken on the south-east slope of Werneth Low late Summer 2021.
Cheers,
Andy B
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Wednesday 5th of January 2022 09:56:40 PM
Just after sundown as I reached the top of Peel St a large bird of prey flew past me carrying a bird. When I got home I could see the bird from my kitchen window perched on a rooftop near the bottom of Grange Road South, plucking and eating the bird. I was
able to watch the bird for around 15 mins with binoculars from my back garden. Despite the poor light I was able to make out that the bird was a Harris Hawk with a feral pigeon. I could not see any jesses on the bird and even in poor light the bird would appear
to have been in good condition. It eventually flew off over Hyde cemetery with the remains of the pigeon.
simon ghilks said
Tue Jan 4 12:54 PM, 2022
4/1/22 Dunkirk Area. Brief visit around midday
The Green Sandpiper was around the pool edges where there were also 3 drake Shoveler and 1 drake Teal.
c30 Redwing flew from the riverside trees.
-- Edited by simon ghilks on Tuesday 4th of January 2022 01:16:01 PM
simon ghilks said
Sun Oct 24 2:45 PM, 2021
24/10/2021 Some sightings from the Dunkirk area at about 11am
The Green Sandpiper was at the back of the pool. It was also present on the 17th Oct. Whilst the pool was dried out it was almost certainly the bird being seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs from the 18th Sept to the 12th Oct. 5 Teal were on the pool today with 9 there on the 17th. Also today 1 Heron, 50+ Black-headed Gull, a single Stock Dove and a Pied Wagtail were on or around the pool. There were 7 Lapwing on the 17th Oct.
simon ghilks said
Tue Sep 14 1:32 PM, 2021
14/9/21 Dunkirk area around midday
Horse field pool little more than a large puddle at the moment but the Green Sandpiper was happily feeding around the edges. Some interest in the old hawthorn hedge that runs through the horse field. 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 Blackcap min 3 Chiffchaff Tit flock with all four of the regular species moving through. Nuthatch heard.
simon ghilks said
Wed Sep 1 5:18 PM, 2021
1/9/21 Dunkirk area
Didn't see the Common Sandpiper mentioned below but the Green Sandpiper was on the pool with 4 Lapwing and the first returning Teal.
-- Edited by simon ghilks on Wednesday 1st of September 2021 05:19:16 PM
12.30pm today Common sandpiper on the river by horse field 2 kingfishers flew down river by steps, Dunkirk woods area
simon ghilks said
Sun Aug 15 8:52 PM, 2021
15/8/21 Dunkirk area
The Green Sandpiper was back on the horse field pool at 10am today.
simon ghilks said
Thu Aug 12 6:38 PM, 2021
12/8/21
Short visit to Dunkirk area late afternoon Didn't see the Green Sandpiper around the pool, looks like the water level had covered the mud recently but some is now exposed so if still around it might return. 1 Snipe was boldly sat out on the waters edge, (there is no waterside vegetation for hiding in). 4 Lapwing and 2 Stock Dove were also on the pool edge. A kingfisher and Goosander were on the adjacent river.
simon ghilks said
Wed Aug 4 10:49 AM, 2021
Sighting from 3/8/21 at Dunkirk area
The Green Sandpiper was around the horse field pool at 8pm
simon ghilks said
Fri Jul 23 11:09 AM, 2021
23/7/21 Dunkirk Area
Short visit from 6:30 this morning.
Green Sandpiper on the horse field pool. 80 Black-headed Gulls including 7 juveniles. 2 Lapwing. 2 Grey Wagtail on the river edge. A family group of Song Thrushes, min 4 in bushes by river bank. Bullfinch, Blackcap, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker all heard only.
Roger Baker 3 said
Fri Jul 16 10:43 PM, 2021
Friday 16th July.
21.45 hrs. Swift (6) screaming and swirling above the crossroads at the Cheshire Cheese public house, Newton.
Roger.
simon ghilks said
Tue Jul 13 4:05 PM, 2021
13/7/21 Dunkirk Area early pm
Green Sandpiper around the replenished horse field pool. First time in 4 visits I have seen it since 25/6, possibly getting on the river bank at times. Also 1 Lapwing and 40 Black-headed Gulls including 2 juveniles. A Kestrel over. A couple of Swallows and House Martins. 3 Blackcap singing.
simon ghilks said
Fri Jun 25 10:39 AM, 2021
25/6/21 Dunkirk Area
A nice breeding plumage Green Sandpiper was picking around the edges of the horse field pool at 9:45. Without any substantial rain the pool will probably be dried out in less than 2 weeks.
simon ghilks said
Mon Jun 21 4:46 PM, 2021
21/6/21 2:30 to 3:30pm Dunkirk Area
Unsurprisingly not much water in the horse field pool now, plenty of muddy margin but only attracted c10 Black-headed Gulls including a couple of juveniles. A few hirundine hawking the river, c10 Sand Martin, c8 House Martin and 4 Swallow. 3 Swift overhead. A female Mandarin Duck flew low along the river. 2 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were in the adjacent wooded areas. Also a noisy group of Jackdaw and Magpie gathered on the river bank, 50+ birds in total. See other wildlife thread for the reason.
On a couple of previous visits an Oystercatcher was around the pool on the 7th May with two there on the 6th June, a Kingfisher was present on the later date.
simon ghilks said
Thu Apr 22 3:37 PM, 2021
22/4/21 Dunkirk area from noon for 45mins
2 Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper on the fast drying pool. 2 Common Sandpiper on the river, one of these might have been the bird seen on the pool a little later. 2 Stock Dove 2 Sand Martin 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Kestrel 1 Buzzard only warbler heard was a Blackcap singing at the car park.
Chris Harper said
Sun Jan 31 7:39 PM, 2021
Sneaky shot of the Pink Footed Goose today around Dunkirk Pond attached.
Along the river Tame and then canal from Haughton Dale to Dunkirk Pond and beyond. 09:30-11:45
4 Goldeneye, Pink Footed Goose, 7 Teal, Kingfisher, 7 Goosander, Mandarin Duck, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Bullfinch, 2 Nuthatch, 3+ Common Buzzard, 4 Common Gull.
vic chatterton said
Mon Jan 25 4:50 PM, 2021
A walk along the old railway line from Stockport Rd to Apethorne Lane.
3 Bullfinches (2m 1f) and several Goldfinches on bushes near feeders at top of embankment about 100 yards along from Stockport Rd.
simon ghilks said
Wed Aug 26 10:56 AM, 2020
26/8/20 Mid morning Dunkirk area, a detour from a walk along canal from Hyde to Dukinfield
Green Sandpiper present on pool in horse field with a couple of Lapwing. On the 2nd August there were 2 Stock Dove by the pool, a Kingfisher and 3 juv. Grey Wagtail on the river.
Notable along the canal today
1 Kingfisher 12 Moorhen incl. 4 juveniles a few Bullfinch heard 2 Chiffchaff heard 2 Goldcrest
Chris Harper said
Thu May 7 5:11 PM, 2020
At least one House Martin back at Halton Street this morning.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 25 12:41 PM, 2020
Yesterday, at Stone Curlew was picked up on a roadside verge in Hattersley, being mobbed by corvids and taken in and kept overnight. This morning it was checked over by a qualified vet and will be released closer to its normal breeding grounds.
Common Sandpiper, Mandarin, Kingfisher, juvenile Grey Wagtails, juvenile Moorhen and 8 Mallard on the river.
1 Mallard on the Pool, 1 Lapwing over, a few Swallows and Sand Martins drinking from it.
Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Bullfinch heard. Juvenile Woodpigeon and Jackdaws in the fields.
Thought I heard a briefly drumming Woodpecker, don't recall hearing that in July before.
Grange Road South - Hyde
Highway Maintenance - At 9.15 am had just about finished cutting down a large stretch of thick ivy covering a stone wall. There was at least a pair of Blackbirds nesting there (not anymore). Almost certainly other birds nesting there. Who gives an order to do
this in the peak breeding season? Is it because they have no regard for nature or just thick, or both?
Vic C
Pool, Horse Field and surrounding Woods
1 Green Sandpiper, this was flushed to another pool with limited views a few yards further to the south.
2 Oystercatcher
2 Teal
Kingfisher flew over the pool
2 Stock Dove
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Mistle Thrush singing
On the river adjacent to the pool
5 Goldeneye
2 Goosander
2 Little Grebe
2 Teal
Mallards and Canada Geese
The Green Sandpiper was on the usual pool, also 3 Heron.
Along the river between ETW and Motorway bridge
2 Goosander
4 Goldeneye
4 Little Grebe
1 Kingfisher
32 Mallard
4 Teal
1 Heron
In riverside trees of note
c120 Redwing put to flight by a Sparrowhawk
2 Song Thrush
3 Goldcrest
1 Treecreeper
Walked back through Hyde cemetery at lunchtime on my way back from the Tesco express at Gee Cross when I came across one of the most bizarre and unexpected bird sightings I've ever recorded locally. At the bottom of the cemetery perched on the stone
boundary wall backing onto the terraced houses on Peel Street was a Red-legged Partridge. The bird was on the wall for some time before it flew up onto the ridge tiles on Peel St. A young man who was passing took a photo of the bird when I pointed it out to
him. The bird was still perched on the Peel St roof as I left the cemetery but when I walked up the front of Peel St it had gone.
Vic C
The Green Sandpiper was on the usual pool along with a Heron and a pair of Teal that were seen mating.
On the river 18 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Heron and a Little Grebe.
c70 Redwings were in riverside tree tops.
Newton, Hyde.
30+ Waxwings feeding on the Rowans on the corner of Talbot Road and St Marys Road.
Roger.
The Green Sandpiper was by the usual pool, first sighting here since spring.
7 Lapwing
c60 Black-headed Gull
A few Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in the fields behind the pool, can't recall seeing any on the ground here previously.
7 Pied Wagtail
2 Little Grebe and 3 Goosander were on the river with c10 Mallard
1 Chiffchaff in bank side vegetation
Green Sandpiper still on horse field pool, now in full breeding plumage.
2 Oystercatcher flew in whilst I was there. Of note, neither of these birds are ringed whereas one of the birds being seen at Audenshaw reservoirs is metal ringed.
3 Goosander on the river.
1 Chiffchaff heard
Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Chaffinch singing.
The Green Sandpiper was snoozing by the horse field pool
2 Oystercatchers pulling worms up for fun near the pool
50+ Redwing in the general area
1 Goldeneye on the river
2 Chiffchaff
Pair of Bullfinch
Lots of birdsong and calls in surrounding woods
The Green Sandpiper was on the pool. It had been seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs last week when the pool was frozen.
Also 4 Teal on the pool
On the river
3 Goldeneye
1 Goosander
c10 Teal
1 Little Grebe
1 Dipper
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Heron
Around the woods and fields
1 Buzzard
c20 Redwing
1 Goldcrest
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a short burst of drumming heard.
Green Sandpiper was on the horse field pool
Counted 10 Goldeneye on the river, could have been more as they were all diving continuously.
12 Lapwing over the town centre at 11:45
1 Green Sandpiper, first sighting since the pool filled up again after drying out completely.
1 Lapwing
9 Teal
1 Heron
1 Grey Wagtail
94 Black-headed Gull
On my last visit on 28th Oct there were 36 Mallard, 1 Goosander and 5 Heron on the pool, a Dipper was on the adjacent river.
On the horse field pool
Green Sandpiper in breeding plumage now. I didn't see it on my visit last week.
4 Teal.
Grey Heron.
A Common Snipe was feeding near the river in a Juncus patch.
1 Stock Dove with a flock of Woodpigeon in the Horse Field.
Chiffchaff, Song Thrushes and Chaffinch singing near the car park also a few Redwing still flitting about.
Dunkirk area 8/3/2022
Pair of goosanders on west side of river loop.Green sandpiper by the pool.2 oystercatchers in the field above the pool.
Sparrowhawk flying near seat just outside the wood from the loop.2 nuthatches;
Green Sandpiper (eventually) at the back of the pool at 12.20 after not being visible when I arrived at around 11.00 am or 40 mins later after a mooch north along the river looking for views onto the front edge of the pool. Glad I went back "just for last quick look" after exploring the wider area.
Teal M & F in the back area of the pool with the Sandpiper
Goosander M on the West neck of the loop beyond the metal bridge
Song Thrush feeding near the bridge, then one singing up the hill towards the reedmace pond just off the canal towpath heading North.
Grey Heron in the area of the pond
Redwing 2 minimum in the hedge between the path to that pond and Jet Amber Fields car park
Goldcrest 2 1 Singing Dunkirk Lane in conifers beside the track and one in the woods in the loop.
Treecreeper in the field boundary trees by the riverside path
The Green Sandpiper still present on the pool, in it's 10th month now since first sighting in June, although I didn't check during November or December it was seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs in late November.
Also 6 Teal on the pool.
Couple of Song Thrush singing by the river also Chaffinch heard singing on the way down to the river.
4 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and a few Blackbird were feeding in the same area along the field edge next to Jet Amber Fields car park.
The Green Sandpiper was present at the back of the pool (wasn't seen last time I looked about a week ago)
also 21 Teal and min. 9 Pied Wagtail.
Song Thrush singing near the car park.
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
SUNDAY 23/01 /22 14:00- 15:00 approx
DUNKIRK POOL & RIVER TAME
On the pool: 9 teal and a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with 2 Common Gulls in the field.
On the river: 2 pair Goldeneye, 2 female Goosander, Teal and Mallard.
Also noted. Canada Geese, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Cormorant over.
Leave the car park walking away from the canal, there is a path at the bottom left of the car park, take path to the lane then bare right down the hill, the river is a short walk and the pool is directly across the river. A scope is handy but you can usually pick the birds out with binoculars.
Hi Phil. If you park near the Lowes Arms in Denton and walk down hill, you cross the River Tame and there is a footpath that follows the river upstream. Follow this for 10 minutes and you can see the pond on the left.
Hope this helps. The path starts near the Riverside Care Home
Green Sandpiper, 20 Teal, c30 Black-headed Gull and 15 Pied Wagtail on or around the pool. Water level now much reduced providing plenty of muddy margin.
In the general area
150+ Redwing
10+ Siskin
1 Buzzard
2 Goldcrest
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
10-11 around Dunkirk pool.
4 Goldeneye on the Tame, including 1 male. 6 Shoveler and 2 Teal on the pond. 200 Redwing near abandoned farm, with at least 1 Fieldfare. 14 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Treecreeper, 4 Goosander, Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch, Goldcrest.
Vic,
This will be the culprit. It's been on the loose in the general area for a few years now. Nice to hear it takes pigeons! This was taken on the south-east slope of Werneth Low late Summer 2021.
Cheers,
Andy B
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Wednesday 5th of January 2022 09:56:40 PM
Just after sundown as I reached the top of Peel St a large bird of prey flew past me carrying a bird. When I got home I could see the bird from my kitchen window perched on a rooftop near the bottom of Grange Road South, plucking and eating the bird. I was
able to watch the bird for around 15 mins with binoculars from my back garden. Despite the poor light I was able to make out that the bird was a Harris Hawk with a feral pigeon. I could not see any jesses on the bird and even in poor light the bird would appear
to have been in good condition. It eventually flew off over Hyde cemetery with the remains of the pigeon.
The Green Sandpiper was around the pool edges where there were also 3 drake Shoveler and 1 drake Teal.
c30 Redwing flew from the riverside trees.
-- Edited by simon ghilks on Tuesday 4th of January 2022 01:16:01 PM
The Green Sandpiper was at the back of the pool. It was also present on the 17th Oct. Whilst the pool was dried out it was almost certainly the bird being seen at Audenshaw Reservoirs from the 18th Sept to the 12th Oct.
5 Teal were on the pool today with 9 there on the 17th.
Also today 1 Heron, 50+ Black-headed Gull, a single Stock Dove and a Pied Wagtail were on or around the pool.
There were 7 Lapwing on the 17th Oct.
Horse field pool little more than a large puddle at the moment but the Green Sandpiper was happily feeding around the edges.
Some interest in the old hawthorn hedge that runs through the horse field.
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Blackcap
min 3 Chiffchaff
Tit flock with all four of the regular species moving through.
Nuthatch heard.
Didn't see the Common Sandpiper mentioned below but the Green Sandpiper was on the pool with 4 Lapwing and the first returning Teal.
-- Edited by simon ghilks on Wednesday 1st of September 2021 05:19:16 PM
Common sandpiper on the river by horse field
2 kingfishers flew down river by steps, Dunkirk woods area
The Green Sandpiper was back on the horse field pool at 10am today.
Short visit to Dunkirk area late afternoon
Didn't see the Green Sandpiper around the pool, looks like the water level had covered the mud recently but some is now exposed so if still around it might return.
1 Snipe was boldly sat out on the waters edge, (there is no waterside vegetation for hiding in).
4 Lapwing and 2 Stock Dove were also on the pool edge.
A kingfisher and Goosander were on the adjacent river.
The Green Sandpiper was around the horse field pool at 8pm
Short visit from 6:30 this morning.
Green Sandpiper on the horse field pool.
80 Black-headed Gulls including 7 juveniles.
2 Lapwing.
2 Grey Wagtail on the river edge.
A family group of Song Thrushes, min 4 in bushes by river bank.
Bullfinch, Blackcap, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker all heard only.
21.45 hrs. Swift (6) screaming and swirling above the crossroads at the Cheshire Cheese public house, Newton.
Roger.
Green Sandpiper around the replenished horse field pool. First time in 4 visits I have seen it since 25/6, possibly getting on the river bank at times.
Also 1 Lapwing and 40 Black-headed Gulls including 2 juveniles.
A Kestrel over.
A couple of Swallows and House Martins.
3 Blackcap singing.
A nice breeding plumage Green Sandpiper was picking around the edges of the horse field pool at 9:45.
Without any substantial rain the pool will probably be dried out in less than 2 weeks.
Unsurprisingly not much water in the horse field pool now, plenty of muddy margin but only attracted c10 Black-headed Gulls including a couple of juveniles.
A few hirundine hawking the river, c10 Sand Martin, c8 House Martin and 4 Swallow.
3 Swift overhead.
A female Mandarin Duck flew low along the river.
2 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were in the adjacent wooded areas.
Also a noisy group of Jackdaw and Magpie gathered on the river bank, 50+ birds in total. See other wildlife thread for the reason.
On a couple of previous visits an Oystercatcher was around the pool on the 7th May with two there on the 6th June, a Kingfisher was present on the later date.
2 Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper on the fast drying pool.
2 Common Sandpiper on the river, one of these might have been the bird seen on the pool a little later.
2 Stock Dove
2 Sand Martin
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
only warbler heard was a Blackcap singing at the car park.
Sneaky shot of the Pink Footed Goose today around Dunkirk Pond attached.
Along the river Tame and then canal from Haughton Dale to Dunkirk Pond and beyond. 09:30-11:45
4 Goldeneye, Pink Footed Goose, 7 Teal, Kingfisher, 7 Goosander, Mandarin Duck, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Bullfinch, 2 Nuthatch, 3+ Common Buzzard, 4 Common Gull.
A walk along the old railway line from Stockport Rd to Apethorne Lane.
3 Bullfinches (2m 1f) and several Goldfinches on bushes near feeders at top of embankment about 100 yards along from Stockport Rd.
Green Sandpiper present on pool in horse field with a couple of Lapwing.
On the 2nd August there were 2 Stock Dove by the pool, a Kingfisher and 3 juv. Grey Wagtail on the river.
Notable along the canal today
1 Kingfisher
12 Moorhen incl. 4 juveniles
a few Bullfinch heard
2 Chiffchaff heard
2 Goldcrest
At least one House Martin back at Halton Street this morning.
Yesterday, at Stone Curlew was picked up on a roadside verge in Hattersley, being mobbed by corvids and taken in and kept overnight. This morning it was checked over by a qualified vet and will be released closer to its normal breeding grounds.