Both Yellow-legged Gulls still here this afternoon at Smithfield Market, Openshaw. Also 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew through!
Images showing both birds stood and sat down so anyone trying for them knows what to look for, there is the odd Argenteus Herring Gull around too though so it can be confusing sometimes as I've already found out recently.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 31st of August 2017 08:37:06 AM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 31st of August 2017 08:37:52 AM
Finished work around 2pm today and decided to check if the Yellow-legged Gulls were still around Smithfield Market. I didn't get that far at first as a large Gull flying around with Some Lesser Black-backed's near KFC Hyde Road in Gorton caught my attention. The Gull in question then landed on Crawshaw's Meat shop next to KFC, I got my bins and on realising it was a Yellow-legged Gull, I soon realised it matched the bill pattern of 1 of the 'Smithfield 2'. It was very mobile so I didn't manage a photo.
I drove to Smithfield Market literally less than a minute away and from Bessemer St I soon picked up on the second Yellow-legged Gull. It was stood on the roof of the fish units near Big Fish Little Fish and China Star. Then true to form it sat down and didn't move for about 10 minutes, at which point I left and drove round to Redgate Recycling. Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls were the only large Gulls here.
No joy trying to find the yellow-legged gulls as per below today; though about 5 minutes after I turned up (at about 11.45), all the gulls departed, so I by no means got a positive ID on every bird; those I did ID, at least 10 lesser-black backed and 3 herring. Also about, blue tit and long-tailed tit, 5+ house martin and a small flock of 7 goldfinch.
Around the scrubland off Knott and Crime Lanes outside of Ashton later on in the afternoon I had a peregrine flying about; very happy with that, until I saw it perched up on a distant man's arm just afterwards. No patch tick for me. A stock dove and a juvenile sparrowhawk were seen, though, but only 9 pied wagtails feeding on the paddocks this week.
Nice one Chris, on my way into town this morning... 1 of the Yellow-legged Gulls was on the lamp-post light right next to the market security lodge approx 9.35am
Yeah last couple of visits I've noticed that 1 of the birds is quite active and the other is sat down and barely moves for the duration of my break or whilst I'm on site at least. But saying that, there's other Gulls here and at Redgate Recycling that hardly move in that space of time.
If well fed and don't have to move, then why bother??
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 25th of August 2017 02:49:31 PM
Thanks to Rob for directions. Got good views of 1 of the presumed 2 Yellow Legged Gulls at Smithfield Market in Openshaw this morning from 9.50-10.25
Both were sat on the roof of J and B Wilde, viewed from Bessemer Street. One was a lot more active as described, the other barely moved for the whole 40 minutes, but am assuming it was a second.
Both currently still present at Smithfield Market this afternoon, 1 resting, the other fairly mobile.
I've posted an image of 1 of today's 2 Yellow-legged Gull to prove their presence still.
Also present was a huge Great Black-backed Gull youngster, probably a 2nd year bird.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 25th of August 2017 12:16:41 AM
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls Both present this afternoon at Smithfield Market in Openshaw and surprisingly both together. I was on site for around an hour and for the last 30 mins of my visit they were both sat down on China Star frozen food roof and didn't move, they were both in same location when I left the site at 2pm.
In addition to earlier...
I've attached some images of the Yellow-legged Gulls from today. At last a shot of them together.
Incase anyone was wondering, the blood around one of the Gulls mouth was from where it snaffled down what looked like a Starfish or some other Crustacean that must've been left or thrown out of one of the units.
With deliveries coming and going constantly, unit shutters and wagon doors left open, crates left out in the yards, I suppose it's inevitable that there's going to be plenty of rich pickings left around and the Gulls are benefiting greatly, hence probably why they've hung around.
I'll keep reporting sightings from here when I can and records will be fully submitted for this County Rarity with all the relevant dates.
Once again thanks to Ian for checking the photos and confirming the 2 different individuals a few weeks back.
Cheers
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 21st of August 2017 09:25:10 PM
First common gulls of the season back at the stables referred to in my last post, at least two amongst the black-headed on the paddocks. At least 19 pied wagtail in the same fields too, though nothing more notable this week.
Both Yellow-legged Gulls were still present at Smithfield Market at 1.30pm when I left. I observed them for approximately an hour which included the duration of my Tacho break and longer whilst a supplier was preparing an order for collection. One thing I've noticed...they never seem to associate with each other and as yet I'm still trying for a photo of them both together, but for now I'm happy with good, fairly close views on a site they seem to be happy at.
Currently 2 Yellow-legged Gulls present at Smithfield Market in Openshaw. They look like the same 2 birds again, 1 fairly mobile over the site, the other soaking up the sun on Syke's roof.
Wheatear on one of the paddocks of the stables I ride at off Knott Lane, near Ashton this afternoon. First time I've been for a few weeks, and nice to see a build up of birds feeding here alongside it, with good numbers of black-headed gull, starling and at least 16 pied wagtail all taking advantage.
The swallow production line's still churning out numbers, and several house martin flitting about, too, though I don't think they breed here.
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls currently present this afternoon at Smithfield Market. Certainly look like the same 2 birds I've seen in recent weeks.
Just incase anyone was wondering, my previous posts shouldn't have misled anyone or left any doubt as to my purpose on site. I'm meant to be here due to work purposes, I'm fully booked in with security and the company I'm visiting so no problems there! Cheers.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 9th of August 2017 01:27:50 PM
Smithfields fish market at Openshaw still has the yellow legged gull. But unknown before as no information in previous posts that if anyone wants to take pictures of the gulls must speak to the management in the office first to get written permission (for picture taking) The security guard was most helpful in giving me this information. I only saw 1 possibly 2 yellow legged gulls as the sun angle was terrible this afternoon. Ta.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Monday 7th of August 2017 07:01:53 PM
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Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
A non-birding friend has seemingly discovered a roost of Oystercatchers numbering 50-100 birds using the roof of an industrial unit visible from the Asda car park on Atlantic Street in Broadheath. He saw them last night at 6pm. Anyone who lives that way they might be worth checking out. He obviouslly didn't have bins.
PS after discussion with Ian it is more likely my friend was looking at Lapwings not Oystercatchers
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Saturday 5th of August 2017 12:46:37 PM
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Saturday 5th of August 2017 12:47:48 PM
- Yellow-legged Gull 2 Same 2 individuals present at Smithfield Market fish units late lunchtime. Looks like the single individual I found here on 11th July (posted on this thread) is also one of the 2 birds that are currently present on an almost daily basis, cheers Ian.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 2nd of August 2017 10:45:27 PM
Good numbers of Swift this evening over Westleigh Estate, Leigh. Two large groups, one group at the top of Westleigh Estate 20 plus birds. The other group at the bottom, yates street area again 20 plus birds.
Tuesday 25th July 2.20pm Currently no fewer than 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (adults) flying round and perched up on rooves / lamp-posts in Smithfield Market, Openshaw. Possible younger birds present too! Will attach images later. Cheers
...after careful consideration with the images, it has been determined there are only 2 different Yellow-legged Gulls, and as I originally thought, 1 is the same individual that I observed last week in the same location. Many thanks for your time and effort Ian, and it's proved that even with the time lapse being negligible I've managed to miss them flying to another location of the site and pretend to be another individual. Still, I'm happy with 2 and another County Rarity form will be submitted for the 2nd individual. I've had another look at the images of the younger Gulls and I'm now fairly sure they are Lesser Black-backed, of which there's always plenty of here. Thanks again
Tuesday 25th July 2.20pm Currently no fewer than 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (adults) flying round and perched up on rooves / lamp-posts in Smithfield Market, Openshaw. Possible younger birds present too! Will attach images later. Cheers
As of 2.38pm make that 5 adult (or near adult types) Yellow-legged Gulls.
Tried to take images of the individuals in their different locations with same time stamp, but some were quite mobile.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 25th of July 2017 03:17:09 PM
- 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull (With a Lesser Black-backed for comparison) Stood on Cast-Rads unit opposite our yard in Reddish. I tried to sneak to the car for my camera but I spooked it and it flew off towards Gorton. Will check Redgate Recycling later.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 20th of July 2017 10:35:16 AM
Two Herring Gulls alighted on a Ford Fiesta parked in the nearly empty Middlebrook Retail car park, Bolton at 10.15 this am. The Gulls then dropped down and attacked the car with their beaks.
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Rumworth List 2019, species to date: 63 Latest: Sand Martin, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Pink-footed Goose, Curlew.
Saturday 15th July On way to pick Michelle up from work in Mc around 7.45pm
C15 Ring-necked Parakeets flew over Hyde Rd, Gorton, just beyond the Alan Turing Way traffic lights (near Redgate Recycling). I watched whilst the lights were on red and they weren't hanging about, they flew in a direct line towards Longsight / Rusholme etc so likely to one of the South Manchester roosts.
This afternoon whilst collecting frozen fish produce from a unit on Smithfield Market in Openshaw.
- Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult Certainly looks good for it, quite mobile around the units. I will attach images later. If it's not one then I will amend the post accordingly and walk away with my tail between my legs!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 11th of July 2017 08:02:57 PM
Grasshopper warbler reeling off Knott Lane, outside Ashton, this afternoon, and gave a nice, if fairly brief view; first time I've ever actually seen one!
The nearby stables I ride at is also churning out swallows at a rate of knots. Lovely to see them there, at all stages of life.
Grey Wagtail juveniles, one on the flat roof of Topaz Dance Studio the other on the parking space below (Kingsway side) asking to be fed. Two adults back and forth over Kingsway from Topaz to the roofs around Stretford Civic Theatre .
Wasn't sure where to post this but driving out of the city over where princess road crosses the river mersey today at 14:00 a Hobby flew nice and low in clear view from east to west following the river
A Rook feeding in Tesco Extra car park, Irlam this evening. Not rare but quite noteworthy for Irlam itself. Even Irlam Moss doesn't get that many Rooks! The nearest Rookery I know off is the small one on Irlam Rd, Flixton on the other side of the ship canal.
First whitethroat of the year today at the area I watch off Crime Lane outside Ashton.
Also a couple of brief reels from a grasshopper warbler, and a green woodpecker heard. As well as being a patch first, that's the third I've heard this month, having previously never had one in the north; funny how it goes. Also about: chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, linnet, stock dove, lapwing, kestrel.
-- Edited by Shannon Llewellyn on Saturday 22nd of April 2017 08:55:30 PM
Putting this on here as don't know where else it would fit
Walk from Failsworth to sewage works at medlock vale including fishing pond through woods at end of Warwick Rd M35
Goldfinch 4
Magpie 3
Swallow
Robin 7
Great Tit 4
Chiffchaff 3
Blackbird 6
Wood Pigeon 3
Willow Warbler 4
Wren 2
Carrion Crow 14 at sewage works
Moorhen on river
Long tailed Tit small flock
Jay
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Blue Tit 2
Juvenile Iceland Gull briefly at Redgate Recycling this afternoon 3pm. It circled over the 384 building but didn't land then headed off east with 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls (possibly to Audenshaw Res?)