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BACK TO THE MANCHESTER BIRDING WEBSITE HOMEPAGE -> Manchester Birding Forum -> GREATER MANCHESTER BIRD SIGHTINGS -> Etherow Country Park and Nature Reserve
Post Info TOPIC: Etherow Country Park and Nature Reserve
Andy Bissitt


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RE: Etherow Country Park and Nature Reserve
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p.m.

12 sand martins around the mills and lodge area. A pair of sparrowhawks way on high, one in display. Male goosander in flight, one dipper briefly near weir, and chiffchaffs/buzzards as expected. Across the road along the river, a willow warbler was heard very briefly, but not seen. This, I think, was my earliest ever for the county.

A couple of pieces of behaviour were quite interesting. One was noting mandarins 'diving' (for up to 20 seconds). I had always considered them a dabbler/grazer. The other was a coot steaming towards me across the pond in an aggressive manner, mute swan style, and its mate likewise. They did not leave the water though, and backed off when I made steps towards them. Never seen that before (it was not a pond where the birds are fed).



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Chris Harper


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8.45-10.45.

2 Siskin by Keg Pool, 50+ Mandarin Duck, 5 Goosander, Treecreeper, 4 Common Buzzard, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Nuthatch, 10 Redwing, Raven, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest, Teal, Great Spotted Woodpecker. 



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vic chatterton


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Late posting for yesterday 28/12/16

90 Pink-footed Geese (also posted in Pink-feet thread)                                                                                                          

52 Mandarin Ducks

2Teal, 2 Pochard (both fs), 1Little Grebe, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Raven, 6 Great spotted Woodpeckers, at least 1500 Jackdaws through to roost

 Where are all the Siskin?



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Chris Harper


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10-11am: 30+ Mandarin Duck, Sparrowhawk, 2 Goosander, Grey Heron. 



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Chris Harper


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10am-12. Best bird was a male Blackcap near cottages. Also 6 Goosander , 6 Mandarin Duck , 2 Common Buzzard , 15 Fieldfare , 5 Nuthatch , 4 Tufted Duck , Egyptian Goose, Bullfinch, Goldcrest , Great Spotted Woodpecker,Grey Wagtail . 



-- Edited by Chris Harper on Saturday 19th of November 2016 12:46:09 PM

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Chris Chandler


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Late report for Sunday 6th November
Walk along the Etherow from Broadbottom and around the CP
1.30-4pm

3 Dipper (all on the river, none by the weir)
10 Mandarin (6m, 4f)
2 Redwing
2 Jay
2 Buzzard
3 Grey Heron
Kestrel
Long-tailed Tits
Grey Wagtail
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Cormorant
Tufted Duck

The hide was utterly devoid of any birdlife. Nothing but a carrion crow in 15 minutes. The trees over the river are getting quite overgrown, meaning the field if view us quite limited.




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Ian Boote


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Fairly quite bird wise but lots of people to the hide

2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Heron, 6 Mandarin, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, 1 Siskin, and Nuthatch



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Chris Harper


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6-7pm 21 Mandarin Duck, 3 Teal , 2+ Tawny Owl, Raven, Dipper above weir, 7 roosting Cormorant, 4 Tufted Duck,  Grey Heron. 



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Chris Harper


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Common Sandpiper on island in main boating lake (one furthest from the car park) at 7.15pm

Also 10 Mandarin Duck, Egyptian Goose, Dipper and Tufted Duck. 



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Julian Winstanley


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Lovely view a of a Buzzard circling over Etherow while calling loudly as I cycled up Werneth Low this morning

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Chris Harper


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Fleeting visit this evening produced 10 Mandarin Duck, Egyptian Goose, 2 Tufted Duck and Sparrowhawk. 



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Nick Hilton


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Today 1200 - 1500;

Chiffchaff x 5
Blackcap x 3
Goldcrest x 3
Song Thrush x 6
Siskin x 4
Coal Tit x 8
Long Tailed Tit x 6
Bullfinch x 1
Chaffinch x 3
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 2
Jay x 1
Grey Wagtail = 2

Conservative count of 32 Mandarin (plus two duckling)
One female Tufted Duck on Keg Pool with 5 duckling.

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Tim Wilcox


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meayrs wrote:

I had thought that the Egyptian Goose at Platt Fields and the one at Etherow were two different birds. Anyone feel sure about this?




They are! The Platt Fields bird has been at that site for years

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meayrs


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I had thought that the Egyptian Goose at Platt Fields and the one at Etherow were two different birds. Anyone feel sure about this?

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Andy Bissitt


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Egyptian Goose was still at the Keg on 28th May, and I wasn't even looking for it!!



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Tim Wilcox


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Ian Campbell wrote:

5.00-7.30 a.m. after dropping son off at airport at 4.40 a.m. Good walk through whole area listening to dawn chorus. Magical and I had the whole place to myself seeing and hearing all the expected birds except Egyptian Goose, 3rd visit this year and still not connectedfurious.
Cheers Ian




The resident Egyptian Goose is still at Platt Fields. No more plastic than the Etherow bird...which is quite a lot anyway

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Ian Campbell


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It wasn't on the keg pool this morning(alas), neither were any Swans, just 2 redhead Goosanders.
Cheers Ian

-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 04:20:29 PM

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Bill Beckwith


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I saw it on Tuesday 24th May on the keg pool near the swans.

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John Rayner


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Perhaps it continued to get too close to the Mute Swan pair and they dispatched it (see post on March 13th). From what I witnessed the Swan was quite capable of drowning it. March 13th appears to be last recorded sighting on this website.

Cheers John

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Chris Harper


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Visitor centre informed me that the Egyptian Goose has not been seen for weeks now Ian. 



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Ian Campbell


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5.00-7.30 a.m. after dropping son off at airport at 4.40 a.m. Good walk through whole area listening to dawn chorus. Magical and I had the whole place to myself seeing and hearing all the expected birds except Egyptian Goose, 3rd visit this year and still not connectedfurious.
Cheers Ian

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Mark Walsh


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Had a wander round the park from 1 through till 4:30 getting back just in time for a coffee at the café.......happy days aww

Plenty of bird life around the park;

9 Chiffchaff.
Several Goldcrest heard though only managed to track a couple down.
1 Dipper seen briefly from the Weir Bridge.
2m and 1f Blackcap seen, more heard.
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker
4 Tufted Duck
3 Swallow over the main boating lake
Redpoll heard
1 Buzzard over
1 Grey Heron
Then all the usual Tit,s, Nuthatch, treecreeper.

Cheers

Mark

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Geoff Walton


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7.15pm

 

5 Swallow over the main lake

6 Swift over the main lake

1 Dipper in the usual place



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Andy Bissitt


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A pair of siskin were using the feeder in the last garden before you enter the park. Nearby, my first fledgling of the year, a robin, was pondering why its parents had chosen to nest in mid-winter! A male goosander flew down the length of the mill lodge. 



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Chris Harper


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7-8.30 Dipper, Kingfisher, 12 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, Goosander, 4 Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail,2 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch, 4 Grey Heron,2 Mute Swan, 12 Mandarin Duck, 500+ Jackdaw in pre roost. 



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Steve Taylor


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8.10am to 10.15am walk from visitors centre to keg pool and back via the weir.

weather cool breeze with sunny outbreaks.

Mallard, Tufted Duck,Wren, Grey Wagtail,Chaffinch,Goldfinch, 2 Common Redpoll, Moorhen , Coot Jackdaw

Blackbird,Great Tit, Nuthatch,Woodpigeon , Coal Tit, Canada Geese,Robin, Dunnock.

5 Cormorant on island on main lake.

10 Mandarin Duck on canal.

Buzzard mobbed by 6 crows near main lake.



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meayrs


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That'll learn him - or possibly not. I've seen Egyptian Geese trying to get on the Ospreys' nests at Rutland Water. They seem incorregible birds, but I have asoft spot for our Lancashire and Cheshire ones. There's an Egyptian Goose on Platt Fields at the moment, and one up at the Quays too (unless it's the same bird?). Good post John, and great
pics.

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 13th of March 2016 09:39:55 PM

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John Rayner


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Thought there might be a Chiffchaff or two today but no. To avoid the crowds I missed visitor centre pools and the weir so no Mandarins seen. But on the way to and around Keg Pool:

Song Thrush 6
Cormorant 6
Tufted Duck 3
Goosander 1m
Muter Swan 2
Egyptian Goose 1

The female swan appeared to be sitting on eggs with the male patrolling. But in close attendance to the nest was the Egyptian Goose. After a while preening the Goose approached the nest and perched on it. This caused the female to grab it by the neck, a little more than just allopreening but not as aggressive as pecking. The Egyptian Goose was completely submissive and lay down with neck outstretched and endured a good 'worrying', which lasted a few minutes. Eventually the swan lost interest and the goose left the nest. The following images, taken into strong sunlight, set the scene.

Cheers, John


-- Edited by John Rayner on Sunday 13th of March 2016 08:20:12 PM

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James Walsh


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c50 Mandarin Ducks

2 Ravens

2 Tufted Ducks



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Barbara Bird


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Egyptian goose along the canal at Etherow today, making it's usual racket. It usually tags onto a pair of swans later,inspecting their nest and having a lot to say until they get cheesed off with it.
I think the canal bank is being cleared to stop the leaning trees uprooting and taking the soil away that's holding up the tarmac road. Only one permanent warden now, who has to do what he can!

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Ian Campbell


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Doc Brewster wrote:

Ian Campbell wrote:

Decided to call in after seeing the Scaup at Chorlton, counted 41(at least) Mandarin along canal but no sign of the Egyptian Goose, has it departed/died ?.
Cheers Ian

 Presumably you walked down to Keg Pool, Ian, as it is very often resident on here?



No I didn't get that far, I thought it lived mostly around the main lake.
Cheers Ian

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Doc Brewster


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Ian Campbell wrote:

Decided to call in after seeing the Scaup at Chorlton, counted 41(at least) Mandarin along canal but no sign of the Egyptian Goose, has it departed/died ?.
Cheers Ian

 Presumably you walked down to Keg Pool, Ian, as it is very often resident on here?



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Ian Campbell


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Decided to call in after seeing the Scaup at Chorlton, counted 41(at least) Mandarin along canal but no sign of the Egyptian Goose, has it departed/died ?.
Cheers Ian

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Andy Bissitt


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vic chatterton wrote:

late am to 4.30pm

Pretty quiet  A few Redwings on the Werneth Low edge of the CP, but largest flock only 9.

Mandarin very scattered throughout the canal and river but at least 30.

11 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 1 Grey Heron.

A Kingfisher flew down river and flew into fairly deep overhanging waterside cover. Could just about make it out in the dense cover and would appear to have settled down to roost.

Anybody know why umpteen trees have been cut down along the waterside edges by the roadside leading to the hide entrance gate? It's even worse along the central causeway from the car park and the canal.  As well as the trees almost all the undershrub layer of bramble, hazel and blackthorn etc has been removed leaving a very bare edge to the lake and canal. Just another episode in the worst run CP in the North West - not just my opinion having talked to other regular birders.


Vic,

I think there were signs at one point saying that the embankment of the canal had been severly undermined by unnamed burrowing animals, and was in danger of collapse. I dare say that they decided to extend the action taken there as it would not go down too well if the road to the farm collapsed (they wouldn't be able to hold their music festival then!!). I try to look on the bright side and imagine that more sunlight reaching the surface of the water might encourage some new species of dragonfly. I think future developments in the insect world will be far more interesting than birding ones in ECP (and probably elsewhere).  

 

 

 

 

 



-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Friday 15th of January 2016 09:19:48 PM

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vic chatterton


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late am to 4.30pm

Pretty quiet  A few Redwings on the Werneth Low edge of the CP, but largest flock only 9.

Mandarin very scattered throughout the canal and river but at least 30.

11 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 1 Grey Heron.

A Kingfisher flew down river and flew into fairly deep overhanging waterside cover. Could just about make it out in the dense cover and would appear to have settled down to roost.

Anybody know why umpteen trees have been cut down along the waterside edges by the roadside leading to the hide entrance gate? It's even worse along the central causeway from the car park and the canal.  As well as the trees almost all the undershrub layer of bramble, hazel and blackthorn etc has been removed leaving a very bare edge to the lake and canal. Just another episode in the worst run CP in the North West - not just my opinion having talked to other regular birders.



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John Rayner


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Mandarin 16m, 7f (Canal & Weir)
Tufted Duck 2m, 7f (Keg Pool)
Goosander 2m, 1f (KP)
Teal 1f (KP)
Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Bullfinch (Sunny Corner)

Cheers John

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John Rayner


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The Grey Wagtail details are as follows:

Ringed:  Z297587 (M/PK Y/L) 1st CY. Heysham NR, Lancs  6/9/15

I have been asked to look out for it over the coming months to see if it overwinters.

Could any other birders in the area keep an eye out for it as well.

Cheers John



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John Rayner


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Grey Wagtail 1 colour ringed individual near the weir. Left - Metal over Shocking Pink. Right - Yellow over Light Green. A quick Google search suggests it may have been ringed at Heysham. I will try to find out.

Mute Swan 2 (both Blue Darvics 4ADL and ZP4)

Wigeon 1f (my second local one of the year)

Mandarin 12m, 5f

Tufted Duck 8

Chiffchaff 1 heard

Cheers John

 

 



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Chris Harper


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6.15-7.30 pm:
Kingfisher
Mandarin
Tawny Owl
2 Goldcrest
Small female duck hanging around with Mallard but wary of them. Quite like a Wigeon but not all the features. May be worth checking out. Hybrid?

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vic chatterton


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late am/ early pm
3 Buzzards (minimum - possibly more as birds were overhead in various parts of CP)
1 Sparrowhawk - caused pigeon mayhem around car park
1 Kingfisher
1 Chiffchaff
Where have the Little Grebes got to - not seen any this year?

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Chris Harper


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Weir-hide-keg pool 10-12.30:
2 Kingfisher
Egyptian Goose
4 Bullfinch
Nuthatch
2 families of Tufted Duck
Blackcap and young
15+ Mandarin
Mute Swan
Buzzard
20 House Martin
7 Swallow
3 Swift
5 Chiffchaff
Great Spotted Woodpecker

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Mark Burgess


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A badly timed visit to coincide with a torrential downpour, Highlights

Mandarin Duck 24
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Great spotted Woodpecker 1 adult and 2 juvinile birds
Goldcrest
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Buzzard


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Ian Boote


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Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Heron, kingfisher, Siskin, and Goldcrest.

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Andy Bissitt


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Not really at the park for birds today, but seeing two broods of tufted duck on the keg was the highlight. Two females (no drakes) have broods of seven and four. There was also another juvenile which was sort of with no one. It tried to join the brood of seven and was viciously attacked by the female who made an attempt to drown it. Birds always provide the best action it can't be denied.

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steven burke


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late post for yesterday 14th, 12-5.30pm.

1 Egyptian goose
18+ mandarin
1 goosander
1 kestrel
1 buzzard
1 sparrowhawk
2 bullfinch
1 kingfisher
2 grey heron
4 tufted duck
2 little grebe
great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, treecreeper, goldcrest
willow warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap
swift, swallow, sand martin.
plus all the usuals around.

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Mark Walsh


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Another early morning walk yesterday, at the park for 6:30......I'm getting pretty good at these early morning starts biggrin

Anyway;

Chiffchaff 6
Nuthatch 5
Great Spotted Woodpecker 2
Bullfinch 1
Blackcap 6
Then the usual blue, great, coal and long tailed tit flocks.

There is a Beer and Cider festival next weekend so expect it to be busier than usual.

Cheers

Mark

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Mark Dean


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Hi Mark,
Went up to Etherow Country Park on Saturday June 6th with the Saturday Club which Anne Shaw,from RSPB High Peak started a few years ago.We also saw the party of about 50 Long Tail tits near Hirst Cottage flying like little torpedoes into the trees,always nice to see! Also lots of Mandarin Ducks,on the canal,a Male Tufted duck on the pond near the Weir, Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the river up from the bridge,on to Sunny Corner saw Blackcap,as well as usual Great tit and Blue Tits on the way but no Pied Flycatchers. On to Keg Pool,the Mute Swans still there and a pair of Tufted Ducks,as well as usual Mallards. House Martin and Barn Swallows flying low over river on way back to Visitor Centre and on canal Coots and Moorhens with young and 2 Common Swifts High up. On the lake the Great Crested Grebe swimming on its own ,never seen two here ?
Did not manage to see the Kingfisher or the Egyptian Goose.
All the best and Good Birding.

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Mark Walsh


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Early morning walk round the park. It seemed like I had it to myself for a few hours.

4 Chiffchaff
1 Willow Warbler
3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
3 Blackcap
sizable party of Long Tailed Tit's just before Hirst Cottage.

Usual other bits and pieces about.

Cheers

Mark

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Chris Harper


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12-2:
23 Mandarin inc young
7 Blackcap
Willow warbler
5 Chiffchaff
3 Treecreeper
Nuthatch
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Common Buzzard
Stock Dove
Goldcrest
Swallow


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Mark Walsh


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A look round the park before the masses descended;

Birds of note:

2f + 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker tending to young.
7m Blackcap calling throughout the park
1f Goosander flythrough
4 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
1 Willow Warbler (must be lonely on his own)
1m Bullfinch
Plenty of Goldcrest calling through the park as well as some tit flocks roaming.

I wanted to spend a bit longer walking along the side of Keg pool but the male swan followed me the entire length, so I beat a hasty retreat giving it a piece of my mind........but don't think it was overly bothered hmm.gif

Cheers

Mark

-- Edited by Mark Walsh on Monday 25th of May 2015 02:20:17 PM

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