Birds around Manchester

[Roberta Jane]

I'm quite new to birding but mark and I have seen quite a few nice birds around Manchester this year....

I work in Brookside business park Chadderton and the Wince brook runs thro it. Regular birds on the brook are a female grey wagtail, a dunnock, long tail tits, and at the moment later in the day house martins buzz the brook and bridge taking insects in flight.... Along Middleton rd behind the estate there are a number of green finches and I saw a Lapwing resting on a factory roof too !..Theres a tree pippit I'm sure around too but not seen it properly yet only heard it. Wrens are common too !

Rhodes is nearby and along with the ducks swans and canada gees there are Gt crested Grebes there with young ! (They looked like they had stripy zebra suits on ! ) Also a tern of some sort payed a visit a few weeks a go, probably a common tern diving and swooping to catch fish. Very white with a yellow beak tho ?

On the Rochdal Canal in Ancoats by Radium St there is a patch of waste land/park that has green finches sparrows, a black cap ?, wrens, pied wagtails, and the usual tits robins and black birds.

Chorlton Nature reserve yielded a tawny owl along with lots of robins singin thrushes, wrens and a warbler of some sort on the steam there. We even spotted a Jay and its nest !

On Astley Moss we have seen pied wagtails, yellowhammers, cuckoos in flight pointed out to us by a local who knew his stuff ! red and grey legged partridges, and reed buntings.

I even saw a linnet earlier in the year singing in a tree in Ardwich green ! Also sen a pair of Linnets in a bush alongside the Ashton canal close to Gt Ancoats St behin d the old Ancoats Hospital..

So there are plenty of birds around Mcr you just have to look !

I read that Black redstarts nest in Mcr around the canal areas or did, but having looked, we cant find them. Has anyone got any specific information about last sightings ?

[peter hayes]

Hi Roberta Jane

Welcome to Bird Forum on behalf of Admin and the Moderators! Thanks for telling us about your local patch. We have a few members up your way, so I am sure they'll be able to answer your question.

Have fun with BF - there's a lot to see!

[Andrew]

:hi: Roberta! A nice selcetionof birds you have on a good local patch, I hope you get some Black Redstarts. Look for 'bomb' sites or building sites, that is the extent of my limited knowledge. I have only seen them in Sidmouth and on the cliffs of Cornwall.

[Roberta Jane]

Have already done so Andrew Theres an area between and alongside the Rochdale and Ashton Canals thats looks ideal but seems only populated by pigeons and the occasional linnet !
By the way, I cant say I like your Icon/avatar as I am and always have been a true Blue ! C'mon you blue boys !

[Andrew]

Just managed to avoid being under you the last season!

[Johnny1]

Hi Roberta and a big welcome from one true bblue to another.
I havn't done much birding in Manchester but I did go to see the Waxwings (90+) outside the train station a couple of years ago. I've also been to Pennington flash a few times.

[James]

Hi Roberta.

A few years ago black redstart was annual beside the car park next to Piccadillt Station on the old buildings. Don't know if they still gat there but it was an ideal site. Somebody will probably reply that they knocked it down last year so my advice is to wait for some more recent news!!! Good luck and let us know if you find one.

James

[Edward]

Originally posted by Andrew
[B Look for 'bomb' sites or building sites[/B]

Sounds like Liverpool's your best bet in that case.

Anyway welcome to BF from a Mancunian in exile. I've still never seen a Black Redstart in Britain, only in Spain, so I'd be interested to see them in the Manchester area on my next visit.

I must say I was disappointed to hear that you are a Bertie. However, Ronaldinho is practising his lobs over Seaman as we speak. Bring it on.

Ed (Red)

[Andrew]

Edward, I think Roberta is a Toffee?

[Edward]

Originally posted by Andrew
Edward, I think Roberta is a Toffee?

Oh I see, Andrew. I never thought of that and it makes more sense now I've read it again. Oh well, it's much better being an Evertonian than a City fan and definitely better than being a Liverpool fan :-)

Grey Partridge also sounds good, it's been ages since I saw one of those.

E

[Andrew]

Originally posted by Edward
Oh well, it's much better being an Evertonian than a City fan and definitely better than being a Liverpool fan :-)

E

And being a Liverpool fan is better than being a Red Manc! ;)

[Roberta Jane]

Hmm B4 this footie thing gets nasty....back to the birds....Johnny 1 which station ? Piccadilly or Victoria ?

I live right by Piccadilly station.havent seen waxwings or a Black redstart...will look again though !

We wnt up to Leighton Moss in N.Lancs last week and although we didnt see a Bittern or the Bearded Tits, we did see several Masrh Harriers, Avocets, Green shank, Balck Tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Marsh tits, Coal tits..etc ! Not a bad day !

Jane

[Surreybirder]

Nice and nostalgic for me, this thread... as another exiled Mancunian. I used to live very near the Chorlton Ees nature reserve (except that it wasn't a NR then). I've seen snipe and short-eared owl there in years gone by. There used to be tree sparrows and breeding LRPs, too, and I've seen grasshopper warblers there. I remember being quite pleased to hear lesser whitethroat there in the days when they were a comparative rarity in the NW. There are lots of good places for birding within reach of M/c, such as Leighton Moss, Frodsham, Wirral, Delamere Forest, Ladybower Res., Millerdale (dipper, redstart, kingfisher and I've seen pied fly)... and the Fylde coast... you've got it made!

[Malvolio]

As Grimsby Town supporter I'm probably some way out of my league but I've got to say that I'm amused that Man Utd fans always seem to feel the need to have a pop at Liverpool - clearly, and despite a decade or so at or near the top, Man Utd fans still feel a sense of inadequacy when thoughts turn to Liverpool and it's illustrious record.

MV

[Roberta Jane]

HI...Ever seen Green Woodpeckers around Manchester my b/f Mark wants to see one and hasn't yet !

As for the Man U v Lpool thing..I can print here wot I think about em both..Its only sport after all !
Jane

[alanhill]

I've come across a few green woodpeckers in the Manchester area this year: in Chorlton Water Park (earlier on in the year one came daily from around the Wythenshawe Park area - it may still); in the Sinderland Green area, just north of Dunham Park; and in Swallows Wood Nature Reserve at Hollingsworth. I think there are plenty around.

Alan Hill

[Johnny1]

Roberta it was Piccadilly in February 2001, up to 170 waxwings were reported, the day I visited I counted about 90. There was a tree near the station where they roosted...dunno if the trees still there?
There are plenty of Green Woodpeckers in the Leighton Moss area, try the Woodwell area which is also good for Hawfinches.
Coincidentally I had a Green Woodpecker on my local patch today...the first in 10 years of birdwatching here.

[cjay]

Hi & welcome along. Your tern with the yellow bill could be a Little Tern!

[Roberta Jane]

I don't think it was a little Tern because it had a completely black head above the beak and it was nearly as big as the Black headed gull it was chasing off. I'm entertaining hopes it might have been a rare one but it was probably an arctic or common tern

[cjay]

Gull billed Tern?

[Roberta Jane]

Hmm dunno it was very light in colour mostly white and the same size as the black headed gull. Definite yellow beak and no white patch on head. Swooped around and dived on the lake fishing !

Off hunting green woodpeckers tomorrow !

Went looking for the escaped booted eagle up in Royton, Oldham couldnt find it tho, maybe its been recaptured ?

Jane

[saluki]

I notice you've visited Astley Moss Jane - do you know there are three small nature reserves at the south end of the Moss? The whole area, Astley, Irlam, Bedford, Little Woolden Moss and Holcroft Mosses are known as Chat Moss. They run up to Holcroft Lane to the south, after that it's Rixton and Risley Mosses - a huge area, unfortunately a lot of it is inaccessible to the general public.

I visited New Moss (perversly, on Little Woolden Moss!) reserve yesterday, run by the Woodland Trust. It's a small (30 hectare) reserve consiting of newly planted native hardwoods running into scrub birch and willow. It's too young (1995) to be really good yet, but they did some work on it last winter, cutting back scrub to create more edges, which has made it more attractive. Lots of butterflies though on the massive nettle and thistle beds, roe deer (though I've never seen any) and I almost always see foxes if I visit early. Yesterday, on the surrounding farmland, I saw a brood of yellow wagtails, linnets, corn buntings and yellowhammers - all species which have declined dramatically locally.

Holcroft Moss reserve is an area of mature typical moss woodland with a cleared area adjoining which just screams Short Eared Owl or even Hen Harrier in the winter!. Jennets Lane reserve (it hasn't actually got a real name as far as I can see) is a little gem! Approx. 200 acres of farmland, bought by the Forestry Commission a couple of years ago. A couple of woods, but mostly hay meadow which I presume they will cut later this year, with thick, mature hedges. It's only a couple of years old and in a dozen visits (I only discovered it earlier in the summer) I've encountered five people! Whilst walking around it's difficult to believe you're only a few miles away from Manchester.

If you're new to birdwatching Jane, then try a visit to Pennington Flash and go to Bunting Hide, especially in winter. It's a feeding station and can be quite spectacular - close up views of many species of birds, including the odd water rail!

saluki

[Roberta Jane]

Hi Mark here(Jane's b/f). Thanks for the info Saluki, unfortunately with neither of us originating from Manchester our knowledge of the local geography is a bit sketchy so if u give us a bit more detail as to how to get to the places u mention we'd be very grateful. We have been to Pennington flash a few times and specifically to the Bunting hide, saw our first Greater spotted woodpecker there. Still hunting the Green Woodpecker but no success yet, we've been to places where they are supposed to be but no luck yet, we'll be trying again today

[Rob Smallwood]

Roberta Jane,

Hello from Timperley!

If you want Green Woodpeckers one of the best "local" spots is Marbury Country Park (also known as Budworth) which is about 5 miles from Northwich.

Green Woodpeckers are regular here and if you time your visit well, early Spring especially you stand a really good chance of all three, Great & Lesser Spotted as well as Green.

The Mere itself attracts wintering Bitterns (at least three last year).

I haven't seen Black Redstart for a while in Manchester, but one was reported singing in St Peter's Square 12/06/02 and also in June 2001 near the Town Hall. I have seen one here but only found it by going into Manchester at 5:00 when there is no traffic and listening for the song!

They also used to nest in buildings around the car parks at Dale/Ducie Street - so you never know - they might be on your doorstep!

I also believe that they have nested in Ashton-under-Lyne recently, and there have been reports from Adswood Tip nr Stockport.

Finally - to add to the list of local sites, Carrington Moss is not bad - the birds can sometimes be hard to find but Brambling, Merlin and Buzzard are regular in the winter and Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Yellow Wagtail all breed or summer.

[saluki]

As you probably know by now, I've mailed you instructions on how to find the reserves. I wouldn't bother making a special visit as the reserves are small, but if your planning a trip to Astley Moss or Pennington Flash it's worth calling in - although if you want a lovely, peaceful walk in the evening the Jennets Lane reserve is ideal. Between the Flash and the Moss there's another reserve, Hope Carr, take a look at the 'Timberland Trail' sign in the carpark of the Flash for instructions on how to get there.

I did see an adult and a juvenile G. Woodpecker at Jennets Lane a couple of weeks ago, which suggests they may have nested in the area but I'd second Rob's suggestion of Marbury for them - just listen out for their call, it's unmistakable! I saw LS woodpeckers there last spring but, as Rob suggests, it's better to get there before the leaves are on the trees, otherwise they can be impossible to spot. A good place for nuthatches too.

Have you tried this site BTW:

http://www.gmbirds.freeserve.co.uk/

saluki

[Roberta Jane]

Thanks all ! Will try these sites out !

Jane

[Roberta Jane]

Hi all !...Well we've had a look around Dale St and Ducie St., to no avail..I think all the development may have scared the Blk Redstarts away ?..Still havent seen any Green woodies yet but may go looking again later today....However, Mark and I have both spotted a Raptor of some type around the buildings here near Piccadilly and Mark is fairly certain he saw a Peregrine chaing Pidgeons over near a new buildinh on the Irwel over behind the MacDonalds on the A57 at the viaduct. Fast food indeed. Our blue tits have returned to the feeder we have haging 4 floors up too !
Jane

[TonyC]

I work on Dickinson St just off Portland St and I saw Black Redstart on roof tops on Portland St in 1999, but they have built a new hotel and generally 'tidied up' around the area and I've not seen them since.
A traditional spot was Ducie St car park by Picadilly train station but again with the Metrolink and the new Malmaison Hotel work going on, they seem have to gone from there as well.

Green Woodpecker is tricky in Greater Manchester - I've seen them at Arnfield Reservoir up near Tintwistle. Marbury Country Park is probably the most reliable place - you get all three species of peckers here so a nice sunny Spring day before the leaves come out is your best bet.

[Roberta Jane]

HI we tired Jennets Lane and New MOss reserve but saw very little at all at Jennets La! Saw some grey partridges on the farmers track opposite that disused yard at New Moss just B4 we left though and a couple of Kestrels. Heard lots of little chirrups form unidentified flying brown birds too. And some long tail tits too.
Also we saw a Kingfisher at Pennington flash at Curlew Hide ?(The 1 past the bunting hide ?) It sat on a post in the pond for us and fished a few small sprats. Stayed for 15 mins or so th eflew off-Magnificent ! Also saw Snipe and Sanderling and probablbe Black tailed Godwit there ! The Cormorants are still there too on the main lake. Gadwall are on the pond by the New hide too - a good trip. Easy too !
wE think it is a Peregrine in the City centre, seen it a few times now flying over.
May have a look at Marbury today ?
Jane

[TonyC]

I was also at Pennington Flash this morning so we probably passed each other !

Not sure about Godwit or Sanderling. There was a Ruff close in by Horrocks Hide and the juv. Pectoral Sandpiper at the end of the spit. One Green Sandpiper from Teal Hide and 6 Bullfinches on the feeders.

[Roberta Jane]

If you read my previous posting there was an area of disued land next to the Rochdale canal where I saw sparrow wagtails thrushes and balckbirds and blue tits maybe even a black cap ! this summer. Well its all tinned off now for building by the council and they've cut all the trees down too ! - Urban vandalism on an official scale. NO more birds there I guess ?
Jane

[TonyC]

3 Redwings in Withington yesterday

[jayhunter]

Hi Jane and Mark,

I see Green and Pied Woodpeckers on my patch in the Dean valley running between Rainow and Bollington, just South of Stockport.

[Roberta Jane]

Well for 2007 ....

Peregirnes breeding Near Victoria station...

Black redstarts in China town ....

Possible Olivaceous warbler there too (btw I'm certain it was the one I saw previously on Tobin St behing Piccadilly station in July - big beak + warbler shaped ?)

Goldfinches in Piccadilly gardens and Albert square ....

Also we still have Greenfinches, blue tits and an occasional Great tit on our
4th floor bird feeder.

Not bad ?
Roberta

[henerz1]

A great year in Manc Roberta. For loads more info and stuff check out www.manchesterbirding.com
Thanks. Henerz.

[rezMole]

Well for 2007 ....

Possible Olivaceous warbler there too (btw I'm certain it was the one I saw previously on Tobin St behing Piccadilly station in July - big beak + warbler shaped ?)

Roberta

I think this was (reluctantly) agreed upon that it was a Reed Warbler in the end.

[Roberta Jane]

I'm just coming to the end of a years contract working in City Tower in Piccadilly Gardens on the 13th floor and we see the Peregines almost daily. Mostly a brief glimpse as they whizz past, but earlier this month we saw the parents enticing the juveniles into the air to take food from the Parents claws in the air ! I spotted 5 birds doing this very hawk like thing and then realised they were the Peregrine family ! They took off repeatedlly from the top of the Arndale Tower. This lasted 20 minutes or so until they flew off.

We have seen one of the Parents previously swoop past the windows going upwards with a dead pigeon in its claws. Apparently they use the top of a bay type window on the 24th or so floor as a plucking site !

The best sighting I have had was last week when Mark and I were walking back up Ducie Street going towards Jutland street where we now live. I noticed a bird circling over 1 Jutland street keening as it did so. We got right underneath it and it was definitely one of the Peregines. No idea what it was doing ? Maybe a young bird after prey, or calling at a parent bird with food ? It did it for about 5 or 6 minutes, then flew off back towards the North side of the city.

Its fantastic to see these birds so close and I will miss them.

Mark and I have also tried to spot the Black Redstarts again, but this time on top of the old CWS buikdings on Button Street. We have seen birds there briefly and the calls sound like on-line recordings of Black Redstarts but so far we have not got a decent sighting that we could confirm.

Lastly, also last week a young Heron flew across jutland street and landed on the canal side just past the bridge. It then flew off down the Ashton canal. That was 9.00 ish in the morning and we havent seen it since !

Roberta

[2520years]

Hi everyone!

Just a quick recommendation please.

I'll be in Wythenshawe on Friday morning with about three or four hours free. Where would you recommend I spend my time?

I don't get much time to go birding. For example I haven't seen any of these yet this year: siskin, grey wagtail, blackcap, snipe, treecreeper.

I've heard about a place in Northwich, but anywhere in the South Manchester area will be considered.

Thanks very much.

Andrew.

BTW I too was brought up in Timperley.

[Rob Smallwood]

Neumann's Flash/Marbury near Northwich would be a good choice with a reasonable chance of seeing some of those on your "wanted" list. Good for all 3 woodpecker also.

You could park at Marbury Country Park, walk through the woods along the lake towards Neumanns, taking in Hadyns Pool and Neumanns as well.

Alternatively Pennington Flash near Leigh is good, with an outside chance of the Great White Egret in the area making an appearance.

Enjoy your day - I'd offer to meet up but am busy Friday pm.

[2520years]

Neumann's Flash was the place I was thinking of. There was a rare bird there earlier this year but I can't remember what it was.

Anyway, I've never been there before so that sounds like a good option (weather-permitting).

Thanks.

[rezMole]

Think it was Black-winged Stilt

[Rob Smallwood]

BW Stilt did indeed nest there and came within an ace of fledging a chick before a presumed predator stepped in.

There was a less celubrious but relatively unusual Knot there this morning. Water Rail is a possibility there too.

There is a thread dedicated to reports from the site on the Focalpoint Optics forum.

As ever, lots of local Manchester info on:

www.manchesterbirding.com and its associated Forum.

[2520years]

Thanks for the link, it brings back memories. I played on Smith's field as a kid but wouldn't have noticed hobbies, or even sparrows then to be honest. I was under the impression there are no decent birds in Timperley!

[Rob Smallwood]

The Great White Egret is still around - Rindle Road, Astley Moss off the East Lancs - mornings, and early are best as the bird frequents roadside ditches until disturbed then moves to a private site with no access.

Photos courtesy of Mike Ribbands.

[Nightranger]

HI...Ever seen Green Woodpeckers around Manchester my b/f Mark wants to see one and hasn't yet !

Reddisher Woods on the side of Holcombe Hill is a good place although they can be difficult to spot. I have seen a juvenile at Knob End (stop giggling at the back) at the Farnworth end of the Bury - Bolton canal.

[Rob Smallwood]

See here for the latest additionsd to South manchester's growing array of exotics...

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=131192&highlight=rosella

[rezMole]

There's a good article on the Manchester Birding Website covering occurence, sexing and aging waxwings and it's well illustrated with photos of birds from Greater Manchester this winter.

Link to Waxwing article (http://www.manchesterbirding.com/waxwingarticle.htm)

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan