Golden Eye at Elton Reservoir? (1 Viewer)

Hi All

On my walk to work the other morning, I saw two (male and female) "ducks" on the River Irwell. I couldn't positively identify them but the male was black and white with more white on his back and the female had a rust coloured head. They flew off while I was watching them and the only pictures I took with my phone are terrible. I tried identify them and Golden Eye was the closest match. Today, my husband and I walked to Elton Reservoir and it looks like those two birds were there. Has anyone else seen them? Are they Golden Eyes? Again the only pictures I have might as well be used to identifying the Loch Ness Monster.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like Goldeneyes, they are not uncommon in the Manchester area in winter/early spring. I've seen them at Gorton/Debdale Reservoirs and Chorlton and Sale Water Parks.

edit: actually, your description could also match Goosanders, which I've seen in the same places, as well as in the much more urban/humanly populated Platt Fields and Alexandra Parks!

Bill shape is what you want to get ... long or short? Stubby or flattened?