Long-tailed Tit gathering moss at Sale Water Park. After what seems like several months a couple of days of sunshine created an ideal opportunity to dust the bike off and head off down the Trans-Pennine Trail towards Sale Water Park. Feeling a little bit unsure of Read More …
Tag: River Mersey
They Might Be Giants
The unwelcome sight of Giant Hogweed growing in the central reservation of Princess Parkway just south of the junction with the M60. Why unwelcome? Unfortunately Giant Hogweed is one of the few highly toxic plants capable of causing blistering, severe burns, and even blindness. Highly Read More …
Home is where the hole is
Rose-ringed Parakeet in Didsbury. One of at least 3 pairs breeding in the local park (and another dodgy digiscoped effort). Although technically feral they seem to have found a niche in south Manchester and the population is now circa 30 birds. One of the Read More …
The American Mink
The American Mink living on the River Mersey first appeared around 9 years ago and although secretive at first over the past 3 years they’ve gradually become bolder. During Spring and Summer they’re normally relatively easy to see around dawn and dusk. Although not everybody’s Read More …
The Mersey Dippers
Dipper on the River Mersey downstream from Cheadle Bridge, Manchester As recently as 30 years ago the Mersey was considered to be the most polluted river in Europe. In 1983 the then Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Heseltine stated “…the river Read More …
Sawbills and Butterbur
Courtship begins. A pair of Goosanders on the River Mersey opposite Chorlton Water Park. Until 4 years ago Goosanders were winter visitors departing north in late February/early March. More recently they’ve started to breed further upstream and can now be seen all year Read More …
Autumn Glory
Great to discover a small clump of Devil’s Bit Scabious whilst out with the gorgeous and excitable Jake – (description c/o Manchester Dog’s Home). 150 years ago Devils Bit Scabious, Green Winged Orchids, Adders Tongue Ferns, Moschatel etc. were relatively common on the floodplains of Read More …
Naked Flowering Crocus
Unusually this year Autumn seems to have arrived right on cue. Certainly no sign of an Indian summer. Several groups of Autumn Crocus are now in flower along the Mersey Valley. The most reliable spot appears to be where Chorlton Brook joins the Mersey at Read More …