Adam, can you look on the river between the Quays and Modwen Rd if you are arriving very early at work? When Pete B and I checked that out a couple of years ago, the ducks were in that area as it hasn't been oxygenated like the Quays have.  You should be able to drive in to the Modwen Rd office area  - it's shut off at night I think.

thanks for that adam i,ve been known to have an early look on the quay,s before work let us know what turns up

regards geoff

I saw a flock of 30+ diving duck leaving Salford Quays this morning at about 7.45am. They circled  and headed off East presumably to CWP. The birds will be spending the night feeding in the Manchester Ship Canal basin as in the past. They can be viewed at night by the bright ambient lights of the quays albiet greatly reduced numbers than in previous years.

Could be useful for those of you out there who need to go birding morning, noon and night!