These cruises go from strength to strength, a very enjoyable trip again with Peregrines giving a superb aerial display, The Big Five (Kingfisher, Lapwing, Mute Swan, Grey Heron and Cormorant) all seen, Sand Martin numbers getting bigger, Gary The Goldeneye showing and a Mute Swan family with 4 cygnets
Thanks again to Captain Salt, GMLRC and Salford Council
Paul Richardson said
Sat May 30 5:06 PM, 2015
Thanks for this posting - we really enjoyed the trip. Salford Quays is such a great place anyway, and it's the first time we'd seen it from the water, not being open air swimmers!! The sand martins were amazing - and as you say, James, we really had a feel of being up close to them - much more than you get with optical aid from the shore. Great to see them nesting between the stonework on the banks too.
We had an excellent view of a Peregrine over Media City - that was great. Amazing to see it accelerate away from the mobbing of the Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
Although there wasn't anything massively unusual, 35 species was a good tally and Steve's commentary and information aided by James were really good.
Definitely would recommend this as a different way of urban birding - shame it's only once a year. Very cheap too at £11 a head. Glad we took several clothing layers and the hot chocolate at Cuppa afterwards was essential!!
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Saturday 30th of May 2015 05:07:00 PM
James Walsh said
Thu May 28 7:53 AM, 2015
The cruise offers a unique opportunity to birdwatch and take photos from the comfort of the deck of the Princess Katherine, whilst learning about the heritage and ecology of the docklands
Look for The Big Five, get up close and personal with Sand Martins, and keep your eyes to the skies for Peregrines
Over 120 species have been recorded at the site, including Ferruginous Duck, Pomarine Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, Iceland Gull, Arctic Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Short-eared Owl, Raven, Little Egret, Pink-footed Goose, Egyptian Goose, Kittiwake, Greater Scaup and Common Scoter so who knows what we might see ?
James Walsh said
Thu May 21 7:57 AM, 2015
Ahoy there me hearties
The Salford Quays Birdwatching Cruises are always special events, looking forward to this one
GM Local Record Centre said
Thu May 14 3:39 PM, 2015
The third spring Salford Quays birdwatching cruise takes place on Saturday 30th May (8am to 10am).
In case the long awaited heatwave hasn't arrived by then there will be plenty of seats downstairs in the cabin for those who don't wish to brave the elements on the top deck!
The boat will set off from the Lowry footbridge at 8am and return by 10am. We will be travelling along the Manchester Ship Canal to the city centre and stopping off at Pomona Dock on the way.
Tickets are £11.00 per person and can be purchased on-line Birdwatching Cruise
Thanks again to Captain Salt, GMLRC and Salford Council
We had an excellent view of a Peregrine over Media City - that was great. Amazing to see it accelerate away from the mobbing of the Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
Although there wasn't anything massively unusual, 35 species was a good tally and Steve's commentary and information aided by James were really good.
Definitely would recommend this as a different way of urban birding - shame it's only once a year. Very cheap too at £11 a head. Glad we took several clothing layers and the hot chocolate at Cuppa afterwards was essential!!
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Saturday 30th of May 2015 05:07:00 PM
Look for The Big Five, get up close and personal with Sand Martins, and keep your eyes to the skies for Peregrines
Over 120 species have been recorded at the site, including Ferruginous Duck, Pomarine Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, Iceland Gull, Arctic Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Short-eared Owl, Raven, Little Egret, Pink-footed Goose, Egyptian Goose, Kittiwake, Greater Scaup and Common Scoter so who knows what we might see ?
The Salford Quays Birdwatching Cruises are always special events, looking forward to this one
In case the long awaited heatwave hasn't arrived by then there will be plenty of seats downstairs in the cabin for those who don't wish to brave the elements on the top deck!
The boat will set off from the Lowry footbridge at 8am and return by 10am. We will be travelling along the Manchester Ship Canal to the city centre and stopping off at Pomona Dock on the way.
Tickets are £11.00 per person and can be purchased on-line Birdwatching Cruise