Having missed a very showy adult male Kentish Plover at Audenshaw Reservoir, Greater Manchester, the previous week due to work commitments — and being thoroughly annoyed about it — I was delighted when news broke that the bird had reappeared. With the day free, I rang Malc Curtin, who was keen to join me, and we headed over together.
On arrival, we walked the reservoir margins, enduring a constant assault from midges, before eventually locating the bird. The Kentish Plover showed exceptionally well and appeared completely unfazed by our presence, allowing prolonged views.
Kentish Plover
This record represents the first Kentish Plover for Greater Manchester since 1980, and with the species becoming increasingly scarce inland, it was a remarkable occurrence — made all the better by the bird’s return a week after initially being missed.
Teggs Nose Country Park-Eastern Hills
Bullfinch
After dropping Malc back in Northwich, I continued on to Teggs Nose Country Park, spending over an hour searching unsuccessfully for Pied Flycatchers. Somewhat worryingly, there was also no sign of Redstart. The area felt notably quiet, though Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were present in good numbers, and a pair of Bullfinches was seen near the stream.
Mandarin Duck
Pied Flycatcher
Trentabank Reservoir
I then moved on to Trentabank Reservoir, where I connected with the resident Mandarin Duck and soon heard a Pied Flycatcher calling. After a short search, I located a singing male in the trees around the picnic area, which showed superbly and sang almost continuously — a very welcome turnaround after earlier frustration.
The final stop was Wildboarclough, where a walk along the river again failed to produce Redstart, but did yield Dipper, Stock Dove, and Grey Wagtail, rounding off a satisfying afternoon.
Dipper
Stock Dove
Grey Wagtail
Wildboarclough
Another excellent day in the field, and with easterly winds forecast for the weekend, expectations are already rising. Bring on the next mega.
