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BACK TO THE MANCHESTER BIRDING WEBSITE HOMEPAGE -> Manchester Birding Forum -> GREATER MANCHESTER BIRD SIGHTINGS -> Watergrove Reservoir
Post Info TOPIC: Watergrove Reservoir
Steve Atkins


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Hi Anthony,

The Red-throated Diver is still in winter plumage and present this evening. Must admit, it has crossed my mind whether we will be fortunate enough to see this bird moult into full breeding plumage which would be a fantastic sight. Hopefully, it will stay for another month and by then should have started its transition. I'll post an update if it does start to moult.

Red-throated Divers are less than annual in Greater Manchester, in fact it's only the fourth accepted sighting since 2013, and this one has well and truly smashed the record for the longest stayer, in the past sixty years at least. It's now been here for over 3.5 months and contradicted the Collins Bird Guide which says "silent in winter." I've seen it in flight several times, including one occasion when it came in to land and completed its descent with an undignified belly flop onto the water, bouncing once before coming to rest!

Last week it was heard calling in flight, after dark, and I was relieved to find it still there the next day.

There have only been four April records in GM since 1985, the most recent being an incredible flock of 16 down on Scotman's Flash on 18th April 1992. Some of these birds were in breeding plumage, some in transition and others still in winter plumage.

Fingers crossed that it stays!

Steve

-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Tuesday 8th of March 2022 08:07:04 PM

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Anthony Robinson


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Does anyone know if the Red-throated Diver is coming in to summer plumage? 



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James Walsh


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Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir

Information thanks to Tucker Dore

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James Walsh


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Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir

Information thanks to Tucker Dore

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Simon Hitchen


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An adult Kittiwake briefly mid afternoon before flying SE No sign of the diver though Tucker Dore photographed a Crossbill here yesterday but no sign this afternoon

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Steve Atkins


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Having ridden out Storms Dudley and Eunice this week, the Red-throated Diver celebrated its 3 month anniversary this morning and put in an appearance (close into the dam, just out from the steps up from the car park) for the 3rd consecutive WeBS count. It must have felt at home this week, the choppy waters of the reservoir resembling the sea at times.

Otherwise very quiet in the rain.
Tufted Duck - pair
Great Crested Grebe - 1
Coot - 1

Pair of Bullfinches at the feeding station.
Siskins heard calling from the nearby trees

Treecreeper along the path to the hide





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Huw Morgan


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Red-throated Diver still in the centre of the reservoir early afternoon. Also a handful of Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3x Tufted Ducks, 1x redhead Goosander and Mallards.

The feeders were busy with Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird all on or around the feeders. A Treecreeper was on the trees behind the feeders.

From the path to the hide (hide was locked) a Kingfisher was fishing on the small pool and another redhead Goosander and a Grey Heron were also present.



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pete berry


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The Red Throated Diver still present this am,showing distantly and a couple of Goosander were the only other birds of note.

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Steven Heywood


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Red-throated diver showing very well by the dam this lunchtime. Otherwise fairly quiet except a pair of goosanders, a couple of lesser black-backs, half a dozen common gulls and about a dozen black-headed gulls.

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Steve Atkins


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16:30 - 17:05 hrs

Goosander - 20 (11 drakes) roosting with the last 2 birds flying in at 16:58 hrs

Pink-footed Geese - 58 flew west at 16:54 hrs

Red-throated Diver - there was no sign of the bird until 16:57 hrs when it appeared on the west side of the reservoir. So it had either been out of sight in the north channel, or had possibly flown in unseen whilst I was counting the over flying Pink feet. It has now been present for 2 months.

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Steve Atkins


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16:15 - 16:30hrs viewing from the west end of the dam briefly before darkness fell!

Wigeon 20 (12 drakes)
Tufted Duck 4 (3 drakes)
Goosander 4 (2 drakes)

Red-throated Diver still present - the bird can be reliably seen early morning between sunrise and 9pm and again late afternoon between about 3.30pm and sunset. However, if the windsurfers are out it is likely to be found at Hollingworth Lake and has been seen there at 15:00 hrs on 31st December and 09:30 and 11:30 on 1st January.

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Steve Atkins


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No sign of the diver here at 11:25 hrs. It is on Hollingworth Lake now.

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Steve Atkins


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The Red-throated Diver is still on Watergrove, on the west side. Happy New Year! Steve

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Steve Atkins


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The Red-throated Diver went on an away day to Hollingworth Lake, or at least spent a few hours there this afternoon before returning to Watergrove sometime between 15:30 and 16:00 hrs.

10 Goosanders (4 adult males) roosting at 16:20 hrs.

If anyone is planning to come over to see the diver on New Year's Day, just a couple of things to be aware of:

There is a Parkrun (although Watergrove is definitely not a park, it's a Grade A Site of Biological Importance) which takes place every Saturday. So if you want to park in the main car park it would be best to arrive by 8.30am or wait until 10am or later.

The top of the dam is like a quagmire, so wellies are advisable. However, if you prefer to avoid sliding through mud for 500m then walk west along the road below the dam until you reach the spillway. There is new gravel path at the side of the spillway which brings you out at the top of the dam by the tower. The diver is usually on this side of the reservoir and there is plenty of space to set up scopes without blocking the footpath and to maintain social distancing.

I'll post on here about 8.30am, unless some early bird sees it first, or it decides to go to Hollingworth Lake again

biggrin

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Steve Atkins


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The Red-throated Diver was on the west side of the reservoir at 13:00 hrs associating with a flock of ducks comprising:
17 Wigeon
6 Gadwall (first of the year here).
Treecreeper along the path to the hide and by the feeding station

On 27th December a Red-throated Diver was high up over the reservoir at 08:45 hrs and heard call once. It flew NW and looked to have disappeared from view. My initial assumption was that the resident diver had departed but on reaching the top of the dam five minutes later, it was still on the water! So possibly a second bird flying over.

Unless anyone knows differently, this appears to be the longest staying Red-throated in GM since at least the 1960's when one was on Hollingworth Lake from 12th Nov to 16th Dec 1967 (source: The Status of Birds in Rochdale 1900-1977 by Peter Hill).

Other recent highlights:
Goosander - 11 (5 males) roosting after sunset on 21st December
Woodcock - one flew over after sunset on 25th
Brambling at the feeding station on 27th







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Samglennie


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11:00-13:20, Red-Throated diver still showing on west end of res, although no sign when looked for at 13:15. Also Song thrush, and Kestrel seen, with Tits, Gold, Green and Chaffinch plus Dunnock and Robin on feeders

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Steve Atkins


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Probably my best ever WeBS Count at Watergrove Reservoir and certainly the longest! 08:35 - 11:40 hrs
Clear blue sky and bright sunshine, the water's surface was like a mill pond.

Red-throated Diver was in the channel at the north end of the reservoir and watched feeding on a fish. Only the second ever to be recorded on a GM WeBS count and a relief that it hadn't departed last night, with the full moon and clear skies.

Wigeon - 15 (8 drakes)
Teal - 2+ heard calling
Tufted Duck - 3 drakes
Goosander f./imm

Snipe - 6 visible, roosting on the hide pool.

Mediterranean Gull - adult close in to the dam. Then took flight and landed on the field below Trap Farm car park (east side of the cobbled road). Only the 2nd site record here.

Ring-necked Parakeet flew in from the south, landed briefly in the plantations by the club house, then took flight south. Also the 2nd site record but unlikely to be the last.

Brambling at the feeding station.

Bullfinch - 5 feeding in the willows near the hide




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Steve Atkins


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The Red-throated Diver was on the east side of the reservoir nicely lit by the early morning sun.

Kingfisher and two Snipe on the hide pool.

Green Woodpecker heard calling

16 Wigeon roosting this afternoon 16:00 - 16:30 hrs.

210+ Pink-footed Geese flew west over Wardle at 16:30 hrs

During the week Goosanders were flying in to roost late afternoon with a maximum of 13 (6 adult males) on 14th.

At the feeding station during the week (information thanks to Tucker):
Brambling - male and female
Goldcrest
Lesser Redpoll - 2
Reed Bunting - 3
Treecreeper - 2


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Richard Thew


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Many thanks James for the update on Saturday. I made my effort this morning.

The Red throated diver was mostly keeping its distance, so no pictures from me. Still, a nice year tick!!

Certainly not the best of weather, but not the worst. And after a round trip of 30 miles cycling, I hope I can still find enough energy for work in a couple of hours time. We'll worth it though, if not for the diver, but also for the exercise!!!!

Ta!

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James Walsh


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Red-throated Diver still present on Watergrove Reservoir this morning

Also sightings of Brambling and Wigeon

Information thanks to Tucker Dore

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Richard Thew


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Does anyone know the latest status of the Red throated diver? Whether he has long gone or still present. Been trying to get up there myself previous weeks but for weather, health issues or work obligation. Thanks.

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Adrian Dancy


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I was with Ivan...a few pics taken at 1000mmFL circa 2/3rd crop.



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Ivan Ellison


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Red throated diver showing well but distant, catching several fish during the time we were there.

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Steve Collins


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Late report.
The Red-throated Diver still present yesterday 1/12/21 at lunchtime.

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Steve Atkins


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The Red-throated Diver is still here.

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Chris Chandler


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Red-throated Diver showed well between 2-4pm at the western end of the reservoir, sometimes quite close. Also male Brambling on the feeders by the visitor centre. Required some patience, as it only showed for around 30s in 40 minutes of watching. Also 2 Siskin.

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Steve Atkins


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16:00 - 16:45 hrs

The Red-throated Diver was bathing and preening this evening, showing off its white underparts.

Wigeon - 12 (6 males) were roosting on the reservoir and took flight south at 16:45 hrs.

Tufted Duck - 2 males with the Wigeon.

Goosander - 7 (5 adult males) came in to roost.

Great Crested Grebe - 2

Lapwings on the spit in front of the club house (not counted). 30+ were circling low over the reservoir on Wednesday evening.

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James Walsh


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Wednesday 24th November 2021

Red-throated Diver still present and Brambling visiting the feeders around the green containers / disused visitor centre

Information thanks to Tucker Dore

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David Hughes


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Arrived 12 ish today,was quickly put on the diver by a couple from Tyldesley ,showed very well but mobile,a walk around gave jay,bullfinch, dunnock, wren, robin,carrion crow, the feeders were popular with coal tit,greenfinch,goldfinch, blue and great tit,a few long  tailed tit were around too,further views over the res gave ,great crested  grebe,black headed gull,wigeon,lesser black backed gull,i left around 3 30,with the diver still present,



-- Edited by David Hughes on Tuesday 23rd of November 2021 09:03:51 PM

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James Walsh


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Red-throated Diver still present at 2pm, also 16 Wigeon (8 drakes), 2 Great Crested Grebes and 10 Lapwings

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Mark Earlam


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That last post should have been Tuesday, not Monday!

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Mark Earlam


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Red-throated Diver still present at 13:00, Monday.

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Martin Loftus


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Best photos I could manage of the Red Throated Diver from yesterday afternoon. 



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Connor Rand


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Red-throated Diver still early afternoon, although never particularly close whilst I was there. 

Also 6 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 15 Goosanders, 2 Lapwing and 2 Great-crested Grebes.



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Steve Atkins


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Red-throated Diver still present this morning. Thanks to Tucker for the update.

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Chris Harper


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Great views of the Red Throated Diver from the dam from 2.10-2.45

Couple of pictures attached. 



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Rick Hall


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Red throated diver still here. Between western side and centre. Another gm tick!



-- Edited by Rick Hall on Sunday 21st of November 2021 11:29:42 AM

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Steve Atkins


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Red-throated Diver is still here. On west side of reservoir.

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Pete Hines


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Red-throated Diver 1 (had moved up to the north end of the reservoir early afternoon)
Goosander 1 drake flew in
Great Crested Grebe 1

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Charles Farrell


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Red-throated Diver still present in SW corner, near the Dam at 14:15

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Steve Atkins


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Red-throated Diver on Watergrove. View from west end of dam. Diving but showing well.

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Steve Atkins


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The Wigeon keep coming! A flock of 11 was roosting in the middle of the reservoir this evening.

Rather typically, they weren't present this morning during the WeBS count. I had to make do with a highlight of 3 Goosanders bleh

Also this morning, 60 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 08:30 and 30 also SE at 09:10 hrs.

A Chiffchaff was calling along the path to the hide and the first Redwing of the autumn here was perched in a conifer.

-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Sunday 10th of October 2021 07:51:49 PM

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Steve Atkins


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Yesterday's Wigeon flock had departed by the evening. However, what is presumably a different flock of 18 birds, (unless they are moving between local sites) was on the reservoir at 9am. Still present at 11am.

Kestrel - four at various locations around the reservoir and on the moors.
Goldfinch - a flock 35 feeding on the dam slope.

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Steve Atkins


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Very foggy conditions first thing this morning, with the fog starting to lift after 9am.
15 Wigeon at 10:50 hrs. Initially, a flock of six were joined by a further nine birds which came down during a short spell of light rain.

Goosander - 2 immature birds which have been present most days since 11th September
Great Crested Grebe - 2 adults. The three young left during August. Meadow Pipits - 55 flying over (not a Vismig count) biggrin most in SW or W direction with a further 19 circling low over Dobbin Hill

Grey Wagtail - 1
Robin - 8 singing, others ticking

Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 4 (2 singing)
Song Thrush - 2
Bullfinch - 2
Lesser Redpoll - 8
Goldfinch - 30

Kestrel - one hovering north of Little Town

Monday 20th September
A Kingfisher was on the hide pool
Yellow Wagtail - 2 flew NE over the reservoir



-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Wednesday 22nd of September 2021 01:05:15 PM

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Steve Atkins


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It's been a good week for Spotted Flycatchers. Last Saturday, 3 were seen by a local birder in the NE corner of the field to the north of Little Town. One was in the plantation opposite Little Town yesterday evening. This evening one in the plantation to the SE of the reservoir. Watergrove Spotted Flycatchers They all favour the west side of the plantations in the lee of the NE wind 2 female/immature Common Scoters on the reservoir on Sunday evening, 30th August.

-- Edited by Steve Atkins on Friday 3rd of September 2021 07:58:10 PM

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Steve Atkins


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5 Wigeon on the reservoir this evening (a very early autumn date) were joined by two Teal.

A Kingfisher landed in a willow overhanging the water at the top end of the reservoir.

A family party of Goldcrests were in a conifer by the dipping pond (top end). Difficult to view but the juveniles were hunger calling and an adult was flying in and out of the tree, presumably carrying food. The first time I've confirmed breeding here for the species. 3 to 4 males were on territory this spring and summer.

Lapwing - 23 on the shoreline near the hide.





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Steve Atkins


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Two Redshanks were feeding on the edge of the spit in front of the windsurfers' club house at 9am.
Lapwing - 26+ on the shoreline near the hide

A Tree Pipit called in flight as it flew north over the dam at 10am. Probably moving ahead of the incoming rain.

Green Woodpecker heard calling
Kestrel - 2
Swallow - 2
Chiffchaff - 4
Treecreeper - 1
Bullfinch - 3+
Lesser Redpoll -1




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Steve Atkins


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A Sanderling still pretty much in breeding plumage feeding and bathing on the spit in front of the windsurfers' club house at 19:10 hrs.

Didn't have my scope with me so wasn't 100% certain on the ID. Thanks to Simon Hitchen for confirming that it is definitely a Sanderling!

Probably brought down by the rain which didn't stop here until late afternoon.





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The Watergrove Skyline (January 2010) - before desecration.
Steve Atkins


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Seven male Common Scoters on the reservoir at 18:10 hrs. They were unperturbed by the windsurfers and still present at 19:30 hrs.

The Garden Warbler sang intermittently by the hide and a Blackcap sang close by for comparison!

Young Treecreepers were calling from a nest in a drystone wall in what appears to be the same location used in 2019. Another pair has bred successfully with four fledged young huddled together yesterday evening on a tree in the NW corner of the reservoir.



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Steve Atkins


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Seven Pink-footed Geese down on the reservoir at 10:10 hrs must have flown in some time after 09:00 hrs. They looked strangely out of place on the water. Six took flight west at 10:25 hrs leaving one behind which then started following a pair of Canada Geese on the water.

According to the GMBRG database, the first ever flock seen in Rochdale in May.

A Garden Warbler singing by the hide which has been present since May 2nd. It was showing well yesterday evening, in the willows on the edge of the reservoir, but slipped away into cover this morning as soon as it saw me approaching.

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