Sale Water Park this (foggy) morning - Broad Ees Dole 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Snipe, 7 Teal, 3 Lapwing. Also pair of Goosanders on the river. Several Chiffchaffs in the area but no other warblers yet.
I checked Broad Ees Dole Sale WP, on 28th March, arriving about 10.30, but the spraying contracters had already been on the jheel that morning, so no LRP's (and no known sightings prior to this date), Teal or Snipe. Saw 2 Lapwing on the jheel, pair Tufted and 1 Little Grebe on the pond. 4 Reed Buntings ( 2 singing male, 1 at overflow channel and 1 in phragmites ). A pair of Kingfishers at the overflow channel and 1-2 heard at B.E.D. (maybe same). Male Sparrowhawk, 3 Cormorant and a singing Goldcrest.
I counted four occupied nests, out of seven, with at least three birds sitting, at the Chorlton Ees heronry on 26th March, also male Sparrowhawk (with no crows in tow) and then came across the male Goshawk (with lots of crows in tow!) at Turn Moss / Ivy Green.
A minor northward return passage of Meadow Pipits noted over Chorlton WP, with four today, 1st April, and one yesterday. Otherwise just 6 Tufted and 2 adult L Bl-b Gull today. The herons on the west island have one chick visible.
-- Edited by Pete Hines at 19:54, 2007-04-01
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Just back from an amble round the Mersey Valley (Chorlton Ees, Chorlton Water Park, Broad Ess Dole). Turned up 28 species without too much effort - and a few bautterflies as well. Highlights: Singing Blackcap, Chorlton Ees, Little Ringed Plover, Broad Ees Dole. I only saw one LPR but my guess is there is another about. Also a pair of Lapwing on the Dole - one looked as if it was sitting - and still four Teal. Oh yes, saw a Reed Bunting - the first for ages - the place used to be stiff with them. " Adult Lesser Black-backs on Chorlton Water Park which is a bit unusual.
(with lots of crows in tow!) at Turn Moss / Ivy Green.