Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis A common winter visitor in small numbers with birds fishing both the lake and the nearby River Mersey. Monthly maxima counts: J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 8 6 2 - - - 1 - - 4 7 Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Resident breeder and winter visitor. Typically, two pairs raised two broods of two or three, nesting on each island. Unfortunately, a brood of one pair did not survive to adulthood. Monthly maxima counts: J F M A M J J A S O N D 10 9 12 12 - - - - - - 6 6 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Monthly maxima counts: J F M A M J J A S O N D 10 4 6 3 - - 1 4 8 13 4 6 Highest count was of a flock of 13 birds flying east on 9th October. The majority of records refer to birds flying up and down the River Mersey with up to five fishing the lake during the later months. After an absence of sightings during May and June singles ( often juveniles ) were recorded regularly during July. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea A pair was observed nest building on the west island on 24th March though this attempt was abandoned. A different pair were nest building on the east island, in a tree above last years ground level nest on 28th March, a bird was sat on the nest for several weeks but breeding was unsuccessful and the nest was abandoned by the 10th June. In addition 5+ birds regularly hunted Kenworthy fields and the River Mersey. Mute Swan Cygnus olor Of the resident pair, the male, wearing a blue darvic ring inscribed BSX ( the bird had lost its ring by 28th February ) and a BTO ring U4844, was ringed as a cygnet at Hindley Hall, Wigan in 1993 ( A.J.S ). The pair were observed nest building from 7th March, but again breeding was unsuccessful and a swan egg was found at the lakeside on 10th May. The residents are extremely territorial and will chase off, or kill, any other visiting swan given a chance. An unringed immature swan, mobbed by the residents, was taken into care to be checked over before being released on Chorlton Ees meadow pond on 27th February. Available data gathered from ring numbers noted from visiting swans : Adult with green darvic ring C882, BTO Z97371, was ringed as a cygnet on 16th August 1998 at Nether Alderley Mill Pool, present on 11th, 12th & 27th January. An adult with green darvic ring C450, BTO Z98871, was ringed as a cygnet on 18th September 1999 at Tatton Park, Knutsford, present on 11th, 12th, 27th January & 2nd February. An adult, ( without its green darvic ring C084 ), BTO Z95525 was ringed as a cygnet at Winterley, Sandbach, Cheshire on 22nd February 1998 was present on 12th January and 1st February. A bird with green darvic ring CA14, BTO W04056 was ringed at Winterley, Sandbach on 20 January 2001 was present on 20th February. A bird with green darvic ring C720, BTO Z99289 was ringed as a cygnet on 27th March 2000 at Kingsway Bridge, Warrington, which had visited Chorley on 16th April 2000 and Southport on 26th May 2000 was present on 27th February. Additional swan data for 2000 includes : A bird with green darvic ring C225, BTO Z97353 ringed as a cygnet on 9th August 1998 at Spike Island, Widness and present on 26 January 2000. A bird with green darvic ring C695, BTO Z99259, ringed as a cygnet at Tatton Park, Knutsford and present on 30th October 2000. ( Data provided courtesy of David Cookson of the Cheshire Swan Study Group ). Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Overhead skeins were recorded as follows :- JANUARY : c120 flew north-west at 13.50 on 9th. OCTOBER : 320-350 flew east at 10.20 on 16th. 65+ flew east at 14.45 on 20th. An estimated total of c1500 flew east between 08.40 - 09.00 on 21st, with 700+ at 08.40, 100+ at 08.47 and two skeins of 150+ and 500+ at 09.00. 85 flew east at 15.15 on 28th. NOVEMBER : c30 flew north-east at 08.10 on 3rd. DECEMBER : 60+ flew east at 09.00 on 12th. 350+ flew east at 11.15 on 18th. On the 19th 100+ flew east at 08.20 followed by 70+ flying east at 08.45 and another c60 flying east at 08.47, at 09.45 a flock of 500+ then returned flying west and another 100+ flew east, also at 09.45. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus One was reported on 18th March ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). Greylag Goose Anser anser One was present on the 18th April ( the only record in 2000 was of two on the same date ) and one flew in from the east on 4th October. Canada Goose Branta canadensis Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 71 90 120 87 nc 233+ 253+ 160+ 53 56 55 nc For the first time at Chorlton W.P., a licence was applied for, and granted by, the Department of Food and Farming and Rural Affairs to prick the eggs in an attempt to reduce and control the local goose population. 43 juveniles hatched at Sale W.P. and were brought up river in a crche to Chorlton W.P. escorted by 12 adults. 8th June 2001 LAKE RIVER TOTAL ADULT 169+ 19 188+ JUVENILE 0 45 45 TOTAL 169+ 64 233+ A bird wearing a BTO ring inscribed 5142263 which was present on 22nd, 28th April and 22nd May was ringed at Scotsmans Flash, Wigan on 22nd April 1990. This bird frequented Chorlton W.P. during January to March 1999 and 15th to 26th May 2000. A sick individual taken to a local vet on 10th April, was diagnosed as suffering from lead poisoning and was put down. A gosling was observed being predated on by a Carrion Crow on 19th June. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis One tame unringed individual which first appeared on 17th November 2000 was present on most days until 9th February 2001. Barnacle x Canada Goose hybrid B. Leucopsis x B. Canadensis The resident bird, present throughout 1999 and 2000, remained with the Canada Geese throughout the year. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus A single bird first recorded on 9th June, flew in from the west on 17th September and was still present the next day. The bird reappeared again on 20th October and was present from 7th - 9th November. ( Possibly the same bird was at Platt Fields Park on 20th & 24th September ). Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Two females favoured the east island throughout the day on 1st October only. Wigeon Anas penelope Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 2 4 4 2 - - - - - - 2 4 Gadwall Anas strepera 1 on 1st January, 3 on 2nd November, 2 on 26th November, 2 on 22nd December, 1 on 23rd and 26th December. Teal Anas crecca Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 24 17 2 2 - - - 1 3 - 4 3 Teal numbers at Chorlton W.P. typically increase during cold spells when nearby shallower waters completely freeze over and occasionally small numbers are seen on the River Mersey. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 25 41 11 16 nc 29 89+ 88+ 82 28 34 nc A pair were nesting on the island within the pond in late February, a pair nested at the lakeside in late March, and a pair probably nested on Kenworthy. Three family groups were on the River Mersey at the end of June. Shoveler Anas clypeata In January single males on 1st, 14th and 23rd. 2 males on 1st February and 1 male on 10th February. 3 ( 2 eclipse male and one female ) on 7th September. A male and female were present on most dates from 15th December until the months end with 5 on 31st. Pochard Aythya ferina Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 387 467 285 7 1 1 - - 1 11 63 257 Numbers have increased compared with the figures for 2000, but low in comparison with the 1999 figures. A partial albino male with large amounts of white on an otherwise chestnut head was present on and off throughout the winter months. A female, exhibiting white flecking on the head was present earlier in the year. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca The female first identified on 14th November 2000 ( PH ) and recorded on 22nd November 2000 and 6th December 2000 was recorded again in 2001 on 27th -29th January, 2nd and 9th of February, 3rd - 4th and 6th March. This is one of fourteen individuals recorded across Great Britain during 2000. This record has been accepted by the BBRC. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 455 101 45 8 4 7 4 3 14 14 124 374 Numbers have increased in comparison with figures for both 1999 and 2000. Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid A.fuligula x A. ferina A single bird was present on 2nd - 6th January then two 7th -13th January, one 14th January, and again 28th January - 3rd February, then two 4th - 15th February, one 20th & 26th February. One on nine dates between 11th - 24th March with two on 21st March. A single bird present on most dates between 19th November - 9th December and again on 22nd December. Scaup Aythya marila A single female from 21st February - 2nd March was joined by a second female from 22nd - 27th February and 2nd March. A female was present from 4 - 5 December and 12th - 23rd December. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 16 13 14 1 - - - - - 3 3 9 Latest record on 7th April and the earliest winter arrival was a first year male on 12th October. Goosander Mergus merganser Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 9 10 6 2 - - - - 1 1 2 17 Latest record of a male and female on 7th April. A single female circled the lake twice before departing to the north-east on the exceptionally early date of 10th September. A single female was present on 22nd October and another flew NW on 24th October. Ruddy Duck Oxymura jamaicensis A male and female were present on 2nd April. One was reported on 5th August ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Probably bred nearby, perhaps at Southern Cemetery. Recorded in all months, with a male and female together in April, the maximum number of sightings were during August and September, with immature birds seen August to October. Buzzard Buteo buteo A total of 5 sightings during 20001.1 flew north on 26th February. 1 was reported on 9th May ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). 1 on Kenworthy woods before flying north on 22nd June. 1 was reported sat in tree on the M60 embankment before flying to Kenworthy Woods on 5th July, and one flew east on 16th August. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Again a pair is thought to have bred off-site nearby, possibly at the C.E.G.B. sub- station adjacent to Kenworthy, with up to two immatures regularly seen hunting Barlow Tip and Kenworthy. Four were present on Kenworthy on 18th January. Hobby Falco subbuteo A single bird was observed over Barlow Moor and Sale golf courses carrying a small bird in its talons and being harassed by two swallows, between c16.35 and c16.45 before flying south-west towards Sale on 6th July ( SB, JMB ). Peregrine Falco peregrinus One was reported on 21st January ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ) and one flew east at 08.45 on 22nd January. Pheasant Phasianus colchicus A presumed 5 pairs on Kenworthy produced at least four broods of 2-6. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus About five pairs bred. Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 30 19 16 10 nc nc nc 11+ nc nc 17 nc Coot Fulica atra Five or six pairs bred, many with second broods. Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 87 37 27 17 nc nc 39 68+ 52 65 56 nc Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus One flew over west on 2nd May and one flew west over Barlow Tip on 8th May. Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 60+ were reported circling the west end of the lake before flying off west down the River Mersey at 11.30 (M.O.P.) and a flock of c30 flew south at 15.00 on 11th January. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus One landed by the lake briefly before flying off east on 2nd February. 6 were reported flying west on 3rd February, 4-5 flew south on 6th February, 2 flew north and 5 flew east on 7th March, 1 flew west on 12th April, 1 flew west on 21st May, 3rd June and 30th June. 13 over Barlow Tip on 13th July and 20 flew west on 20th October. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes pugnax All records refer to birds flushed on Barlow Tip, with 3 on 10th February, and singles on 6th and 10th March and 12th December. Snipe Gallinago gallinago Recorded January - March and November - December, with maximum of 4 flying around the lake on 1st January and 5 Barlow Tip on 12th December. Others include 2 Kenworthy 11th March and one on the bank of the River Mersey during a freeze on 23rd December. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola A single bird present on Kenworthy from 30 December 2000 was recorded on three dates in January. 2 reported from Barlow Tip on 3rd February, and singles there on 10th & 19th February and 12th December. Maximum of 3 Barlow Tip 10th March, one flew across the river to Kenworthy on 11th March and one Kenworthy on 18th December. Curlew Numenius arquata One was heard from Kenworthy on 28th March and one flew north - south over Jacksons Boat on 29th April. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Earliest date recorded of 1 on 20th April. A maximum of 4 on 25th April. Up to three were recorded during July and singles during August. Latest record of one on 9th September. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Noticeable movements of large flocks flying west at dusk from the first week of July until at least mid-August, with highest count of 420+ within twenty minutes on 31st July. Other notable numbers include 216 in mid January, c100 flying north-east on 28 March and 225 on the U.M.I.S.T. playing fields on 30th September. Common Gull Larus canus Monthly maxima counts : J F M A M J J A S O N D 28 25 128 1 - 3 2 24 38 13 nc 13 Numbers include birds feeding on the U.M.I.S.T. playing fields behind Kenworthy. There were no records between 7th April and 10th June. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Very small numbers recorded in all months with a maximum of 6 on the U.M.I.S.T. playing fields during September. Herring Gull Larus argentatus Not previously recorded during 1999 & 2000, there were several sightings during 2001 involving mostly fly-overs. 4 over from the NE on 7th January; 7 - east on 13th January; 4 - north on 9th April. 1 imm. on 2nd May and 2 ( 1 immature & 1 first winter ) were scavenging at the lake on 26th December. Great Black-backed Gull Larus hyperboreus One was reported on 18th March ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). Common Tern Sterna hirundo One visited for one hour on 26th July. Stock Dove Columba oenas 2 were on Barlow Tip from 13th March until at least 3rd June. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Common resident. 65 flew north on 29th January and c60 were resident on Kenworthy during March. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Probably breeds nearby as birds prefer to remain adjacent to housing areas. No notable numbers recorded. Tawny Owl Strix aluco One flew across the lake from Barlow golf course on 16th August. Swift Apus apus Earliest sighting was of three birds on 25th April. c50 were present during mid-May and mid-July. Birds became scarcer from mid-August, with the latest record of three on 10th September ( with the earliest Goosander in the same field of view! ). Kingfisher Alcedo atthis September held the maximum number of sightings, with fifteen records of singles and one of two birds. 2 were recorded on four occasions in February and once in August. There were only two sightings during March, none during April and May, and a single bird reported once ( by a fisherman ) during June and July. There have still not been any signs of Kingfishers showing interest in the artificial kingfisher bank which was constructed on the east island in 1999. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis One first recorded on Kenworthy on 8th October, ranged widely, frequenting Barlow Tip and Barlow golf course until the years end. Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Probably breeds at the adjacent Barlow golf course. At the start of the year, apart from one sighting in mid-February, none recorded until 2 were seen on 11th April. The maximum number of sightings were during April to May and September to November, with 3 birds seen on three occasions during the autumn. Drumming on a nest-box was heard during July. One was watched flying high north-south amongst the Meadow Pipits at the peak of their migration on 4th October. Skylark Alauda arvensis 2 were recorded flying over Barlow Tip on 20th November. Sand Martin Riparia riparia The earliest sighting was of 3 birds on 25th March, with numbers swelling to 50 on 4th April. Birds were inspecting the sand-bank on the River Mersey near to Jacksons Boat pub by 18th April ( which became exposed in May 2000 ), but only two adult and two juveniles were recorded there by 30th June and the colony appeared to have been abandoned by mid-July. The Environment Agency undertook work to strengthen the exposed river bank and create an artificial Sand Martin bank complete with 56 holes in two rows of 28, which had been completed by 26th September. Swallow Hirundo rustica The earliest sighting was of 3 birds on 7th April. Notable numbers include: c40 at high altitude on 27th July; c50 on 8th, 10th & 29th August and a movement of c20 on 19th September. The latest record was of 5 on 1st October. House Martin Delichon urbica The earliest sighting was of 5 on 26th April. Notable numbers include: a combined total of c160 at Jacksons Boat, Chorlton W.P. and Kenworthy on 11th July; c40 on 18th July; c50 on 8th, 10th & 22nd August; c70 passed through on 29th August; c200 at Jacksons Boat on 7th September and a movement of c40 on 19th September. The latest sighting was of 4 on 2nd October. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis In the early months up to April only up to three birds were recorded, either flying east-west or residing on Barlow Tip, with two there on 30th April. The north-south autumn migration was first noted with a single bird over on 28th August, then small numbers over daily until October, with 18 over on the 2nd, 17 on the 3rd, then on the 4th October 132+ flew over between 08.30-09.30. It was estimated that birds were flying over at a rate of 100 per hour until at least 13.00hrs, not just at Chorlton W.P. but also at other sights in the Mersey Valley. Numbers dropped dramatically after the 4th, recording just very low numbers. The migration had ceased completely by the 21st October. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Ones and twos recorded almost daily throughout the year. One pair bred at a nearby unknown location, with a family of five seen along the River Mersey between 30th June and 1st August. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Small numbers, up to 8, recorded flying north-south amongst the Meadow Pipits between 2nd and 17th October. Two birds often reside by the lakeside over the winter months. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes A common resident breeder. Dunnock Prunella modularis A common resident breeder. Robin Erithacus rubecula A common resident breeder. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A male was on Barlow Tip on 16th April (DH). Stonechat Saxicola torquata One male and one female were on Kenworthy on 6th March, the male was seen there the following day and the female relocated on Barlow Tip on 9th March. A male and female were on Kenworthy from 9th-12th October with only the female being recorded there on 16th October. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe One was reported flying across the River Mersey from Barlow Tip to Sale g.c. on 11th May ( M.O.P. ). Blackbird Turdus merula A common resident breeder. The partial albino male Blackbird, resident along the golf course path for many years, was thought to have met its demise by the end of the year. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Early in the year the only notable number recorded was of c90 flying east-west at dusk on 27th February. Several flocks were recorded flying north-south between 16th October - 11th November, notably: 50+ on 16th October; 25 & 23 on 17th October; 25 & c40 on 19th October; 23 on 21st October; 7 on 24th October; 25 & 13 on 27th October; 59 on 28th October; 40 & 25 on 11th November. Only small numbers lingered amongst Redwings on Kenworthy for part of the winter. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos A common resident breeder in small numbers. Numbers appear to swell slightly during late autumn with the arrival of continental birds. Redwing Turdus iliacus Birds were in song on 12th & 19th February. Notable numbers on Kenworthy during March include: c130 on 11th & c80 on 22nd. The first of the autumn was of a single bird on 30th September, with numbers building up to many by mid-October. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus A resident breeder in small numbers. Movements of post-breeding flocks were recorded between 10th July (c10)- 15th October (25), with numbers increasing during September notably: 45 on 10th; 20+ on 12th; 35 on the U.M.I.S.T. playing fields on 26th and 35+ on 27th. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Following a report of a bird reeling on Barlow Tip on 2nd May ( DB ), one was reeling on Kenworthy from 5th May, increasing to 3 singing males by the 8th, which remained vocal until 23rd June. At least two non-singing birds ( thought to be females ) were also present during this period. It is assumed that 3 pairs bred. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus First of the year was of a bird singing in the north-west lake compound on 27th April and another there on 15th May. One in song on Barlow Tip on 10th May. Breeding was confirmed on Kenworthy, with a pair in residence there from 12th May. The latest sighting was of two on Kenworthy on 4th August. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus As recorded in 2000, a bird was on territory singing from the small patch of Phragmites in the east-bay groynes, from 13th - 30th June ( when it is believed to have been disturbed by either dogs or people ) and again from 13th - 25th July. There was no evidence of breeding. Whitethroat Sylvia communis The earliest recorded was of 1 on Kenworthy on 23rd April. Good numbers bred on Kenworthy and Barlow Tip. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Two were reported on 15th June ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla One was reported on 21st February ( M.O.P. via Mersey Valley Visitor Centre ). The earliest spring record was one on Kenworthy on 3rd April. Good numbers bred across all sites. 4-5 were feeding on elder berries on Barlow Tip on 18th September and another in the car park the next day. The latest record was on Barlow Tip on 22nd September. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita The earliest recorded was of 3 on 23rd March. Birds resumed song between 15th - 26th September ( latest record ) as daylight hours reflect that of March. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Earliest recorded was a single bid on 7th April, numbers soon swelled to 18 - 20 by 20th April ( Chorlton W.P. & Barlow Tip combined ). Goldcrest Regulus regulus 10 were reported on 30th January ( TC ), with up to 7 remaining throughout the winter. One was in song on 15th March. One on 10th September was the first of the autumn. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus The male, first discovered on 5th December 2000 (PH, SB) which remained elusive throughout December ( it was next recorded on 31st ), became more obliging during January and February ( to the delight of many visiting birders ) and was last recorded on the 14th March. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1 was fly-catching in the car park on 19th September and 1 was reported on 26th September ( JMB). Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common resident breeder. A family party of 30+ was recorded on Kenworthy on 6th July. Coal Tit Parus ater One frequented the car park area during January and February and again from mid- September when it was joined by a second in mid-October, both remaining until the years end. One was recorded on Kenworthy on 11th October. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Common resident breeder. Again birds bred in the back of all the lifebouys. Great Tit Parus major Common resident breeder. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Resident birds, typically favouring the more mature trees of Barlow golf course, can often be heard and occasionally seen around the car park area. Two immatures were behind the pond on 3rd July. Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 6 singles were recorded around the Park during the autumn and winter months : on 28th January, 6th February, 10th October, 18th November and 12th & 17th December. Jay Garrulus glandarius A common resident breeder. None were recorded around late March and early April. Birds become more conspicuous from mid September until late autumn, when there is an increase in their activity, as birds laden with acorns collected from the nearby Southern Cemetery fly across to the Mersey Valley and return again unladen to collect more. Family groups are also conspicuous during September, with six on Barlow Tip on the 6th and 12 counted around the Park on the 19th. Magpie Pica pica Common resident breeder. The largest gatherings were noted during the autumn with c40 around the car park on 20th September and 20 on Barlow Tip on 26th September. Over 100 harassing a visiting escapee Harris Hawk on 20th October must have contained birds from neighbouring populations joining in the chase. One was seen carrying nesting material on 26th November. Jackdaw Corvus monedula Small groups seen regularly near to built up areas at the Park periphery are thought to derive from the Chorltonville population. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Resident breeder in small numbers. 33+ were counted on Barlow golf course on 15th March. As with the Magpies, a group of c50 harassing the visiting escapee Harris Hawk on 20th October probably contained birds from neighbouring areas. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Post breeding flocks noted during the autumn from 11th July with c70 birds. On 9th September c1000 were on the U.M.I.S.T. playing fields behind Kenworthy and another c300 on a pylon at Fairy Lane, Kenworthy. C40 were flying around the lake on 12th September, 160 over Kenworthy on 26th September and 150-200 were on the Barlow golf course on 30th September. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Small numbers are generally confined to the car park, peripheral to housing, but during the summer months birds can be seen in amongst the willow groynes at the lake-side catching damselflies. One was chasing a Brown Hawker dragonfly over the wardens compound on 1st July. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Resident breeder in small numbers with no notable sized flocks recorded during the autumn or winter months. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Resident breeder in small numbers, small flocks noticed from mid-October had increased by the 22nd October, but no counts were recorded. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis A resident breeder in small numbers. Birds become more conspicuous from mid- August as birds congregate in family groups with c20 Barlow Tip on 13th august, c40 around the Park on 17th August, 20 Barlow Tip 19th September, 30 on Barlow Tip and another 12 by the lake on 4th October and c50 at the lakeside on 25th October. Siskin Carduelis spinus A common winter visitor with flocks of c30 regular early in the year until 8th April when c20 were recorded. The first record of the autumn was of 2 birds on 30th September, small numbers were recorded flying over throughout October. The largest flock was of c50 in alders on 26th November. Linnet Carduelis cannabina One record of a single bird in a lakeside compound on 21st April ( AD ). Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret A common winter visitor. A possible Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea was seen briefly from a rear view amongst a flock of c50 Lesser Redpoll in the alders along the golf course path, before the flock flew to Barlow Tip and remained distant and mobile, thus not allowing further scrutiny, on 13th January ( PH ). Flocks remained into April, the latest being c20 on 24th, and a singing male on Kenworthy on 28th April. A single bird was recorded on 31st July, but otherwise there were no sightings until 1st October, during which month numbers gradually built up to 18+ on the 4th, 25 over north-south with meadow pipits and pied wagtails, and 25+ on 15th. A flock of c50 were on Barlow Tip on 12th December. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula A resident breeder but in small numbers, with a maximum of 6 seen together at any one time. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus A resident breeder in small numbers with territories being held both on Barlow Tip ( immature birds seen in July ) and Kenworthy. ESCAPES Harris Hawk Parabuteo unicintus The adult bearing jesses and bells, recorded on 24th October 2000, made visits on 30th January and 2nd, 4th, 6th & 18th of February, during which time it had established a routine of appearing at 15.00hrs and perching in a large trees by the play area, on the 4th it was observed making an unsuccessful attempt at grabbing a coot on the bankside. A bird over the wardens compound on 13th April was allegedly without jesses (SB). A bird with jesses and bells, harassed by many corvids, landed by the play area briefly on 20th October, before being pushed-off over to Kenworthy. Chorlton Water Park L.N.R., Kenworthy Wood and Barlow Tip, Bird Report 2001. 1