Bittern at Penny yesterday in superb viewing conditions. I've waited a long time to see one in Greater Manchester and the wait was worthwhile with it dazzling in the sunshine at length. As well as I've ever seen one in the UK.
GM best bird(s) highlights for me... 1. Roseate Tern - nice flypast for me and Mr Wilcox as it left Pennington Flash 2. Black Tern passage in May at Audenshawe (with the supporting cast of Common and Arctics) 3. White-winged Black Tern at High Rid. Bit of a tern theme going on there ! Kentish was no doubt the star bird but I didn't manage the greatest views. And much frustration in not connecting with the GM Great Grey Shrike or and Yellow-browed Warblers ! C
I feel, for the shear excitement, it would have to be the Kentish Plover. From receiving the txt from Rob to getting to see it was a battle. Finally got to see it on the second day after much bartering with the Mr's and work. When I got there the weather was windy,raining and followed by snow. Finally got to number 3, and Thoth interceded , bright sunshine from behind lighting the Kentish as it danced along the waters edge. Stunning. Just as sweet, but not as dramatic would be the Lapland Bunting. Was more it found me, rather than me it.
Unfortunately I just missed the kentish plover as I was just returning from a holiday in Norfolk on the last day it was staying put! However, the star for me in the GM area has to be the Great grey shrike! I would never have expected such a stunning close view of it, especially when considering my 1st view from the St Anne's area last year was fairly distant in comparison. The 2nd bird is the long tailed duck on next week's visit..., That's me for you, thanks........
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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
Obviously the Kentish Plover was superb. I was happy when I went back for a second view on that Friday because we stumbled on a Little Stint that had also pitched up that day. A proper bonus, it would have been the star attraction normally.
It's been a funny old year for my GM list, I had to sit at work and curse a Roseate Tern on a Tuesday and Manx Shearwater and Red-throated Diver on Mondays. Also missed all the Yellow-browed Warblers, although that was largely due to swanning about on Humberside for half of October so you can't have it both ways. I've finished the year [I assume] on 161 for GM so it is getting there.
Personal highlights have been the White-winged Black Tern at High Rid, which was class, Barn Owl in the county for the first time and generally the spring passage was pretty special, there were good waders all over the place; I got 5 new county waders this year before the end of May. Full marks to the guys who drained Elton Reservoir at just the right time. Great Grey Shrike was good, but it felt weird standing around outside somebody's house. Reminded me of the Hoopoe last year; I least I didn't scare this one off... The other belter for me was a Wood Warbler that Nick Hilton found in Sale, which I got to before it moved on. Cracking bird was that and a great find.
But my best county bird this year was my first ever Bittern at Pennington Flash back in February, where after long unsuccessful hours in the Teal Hide I wandered round to the canal and saw the bird flying around in front of me before dropping into plain sight in the reeds. I expect when I've been birding for 20 years the rarer ones will be more sweet, but for me it was a brilliant moment, especially to get a good view like that.
Hello and thanks to all the GM Birders I've seen and met this year and happy holidays to everyone
I have seen lots of Kentish Plovers in the UK but this was by far the best plumaged bird of the lot. I got some really nice photos at pretty close quarters as it paraded up and down the waters edge over the wall from everyone and thus unconcerned by all the birders present. Well done Rob & Sonia and well done for 'allowing' access to the site rather than keeping the news quiet
Yes, I know we still have a week and a half left of 2016; - but the chances are that a Siberian Thrush will probably not be found in Heaton Park (not before year end at least).
My nomination this year must be Audenshaw's fine Kentish Plover, a fitting reward for years of dedicated coverage by finder Rob Adderley. As well as being a very smart bird, this bird showed great consideration by returning to Audenshaw (after a convincing disappearing act) to the relief of several leading listers who had missed it earlier, ( or were they just playing it extra cool?)
Best Wishes to all in the Greater Manchester birding community.
Mike P
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Challenges are inevitable, but failure is optional.
