Greater Manchester, contrary to popular belief, is infact rich in bird life and supports a wide variety of habitats, enjoying a mild climate attractive to many wintering birds. On average, around 200 species are recorded each year and the total number recorded in the county currently stands at 305.
It is VERY important that observers further the knowledge of the avifauna of the county and help conservation by contributing their records for the annual County Bird Report and this page is intended to assist observers in doing just that! Recent planning developments like the Greater Manchester Spacial Framework proposes to build on the county's green belt land and it is those bird records submitted to the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group which are utilised in official objections to such proposals.
Please use the tabs to open the various selections
It is VERY important that observers further the knowledge of the avifauna of the county and help conservation by contributing their records for the annual County Bird Report and this page is intended to assist observers in doing just that! Recent planning developments like the Greater Manchester Spacial Framework proposes to build on the county's green belt land and it is those bird records submitted to the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group which are utilised in official objections to such proposals.
Please use the tabs to open the various selections
TO SUBMIT YOUR COUNTY BIRD RECORDS TO THE GREATER MANCHESTER BIRD RECORDING GROUP
YOUR BIRD RECORDS ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO US!
We (the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group), urge all observers in the county to submit their records to us on a monthly or annual basis. Your records will not only then go into the county's definitive bird records database and be utilised in the annual county bird report (where you will rightly be acknowledged for your contribution) but perhaps more importantly they will be used in important conservation issues throughout the county.
There are three main methods of submitting your records to us:
1. MapMate recording software. This is the GMBRG's preferred method of submission.
The recent invitation (here) extended to Greater Manchester birders to join the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group (hereafter referred to as GMBRG) stated that one of the key aims of the group is to increase the submission of bird records from observers within the county. Your records are incredibly valuable to us and as such we are pleased to announce that members will be eligible to purchase a copy of MapMate biological recording software at a special discounted price of £25.00 (this is on the assumption that a minimum of 10 people wish to take up the offer, normal price £32).
MapMate has many advantages for both the individual birder and the GMBRG and we see it as a major step forward in making the recording and submission of bird records more efficient for county birders. Your records are essential to us for many reasons but none more so than the protection of county sites and bird species for which they are continuously being used. Sightings placed on the Manchester Birding forum are not utilized in any formal recording capacity and we would dearly like to see those users of the forum not already actively involved in submitting their records start to do so and see MapMate as an easy and enjoyable option for all birders regardless of experience or ability. Similarly, those birders who already submit their records via previous methods should find MapMate a very advantageous and exciting product indeed.
It is important to point out at this stage that all other previous methods of record submission will continue to be accepted and that MapMate is an option, not an essential requirement.
The benefits of MapMate recording software are:
2. Excel Spreadsheet
Birders may also utilise the Excel spreadsheet available below to record their bird sightings as these can then be incorporated into the county database. The spreadsheet has a list of sites and observers attached to it.
YOUR BIRD RECORDS ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO US!
We (the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group), urge all observers in the county to submit their records to us on a monthly or annual basis. Your records will not only then go into the county's definitive bird records database and be utilised in the annual county bird report (where you will rightly be acknowledged for your contribution) but perhaps more importantly they will be used in important conservation issues throughout the county.
There are three main methods of submitting your records to us:
1. MapMate recording software. This is the GMBRG's preferred method of submission.
The recent invitation (here) extended to Greater Manchester birders to join the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group (hereafter referred to as GMBRG) stated that one of the key aims of the group is to increase the submission of bird records from observers within the county. Your records are incredibly valuable to us and as such we are pleased to announce that members will be eligible to purchase a copy of MapMate biological recording software at a special discounted price of £25.00 (this is on the assumption that a minimum of 10 people wish to take up the offer, normal price £32).
MapMate has many advantages for both the individual birder and the GMBRG and we see it as a major step forward in making the recording and submission of bird records more efficient for county birders. Your records are essential to us for many reasons but none more so than the protection of county sites and bird species for which they are continuously being used. Sightings placed on the Manchester Birding forum are not utilized in any formal recording capacity and we would dearly like to see those users of the forum not already actively involved in submitting their records start to do so and see MapMate as an easy and enjoyable option for all birders regardless of experience or ability. Similarly, those birders who already submit their records via previous methods should find MapMate a very advantageous and exciting product indeed.
It is important to point out at this stage that all other previous methods of record submission will continue to be accepted and that MapMate is an option, not an essential requirement.
The benefits of MapMate recording software are:
- It is relatively easy to set up and use and a special free of charge training session will be run for GMBRG members. Ongoing technical support will be offered via the Manchester Birding forum, offering direct access to experienced users of the software. You certainly don’t have to be an IT wizard to use it.
- It allows you to create your own personal database of records which you will be able to refer to for years to come and see the changes taking place in your local bird populations. So the next time you want to find out your earliest date for Swallow, or your largest flock of Fieldfare, the answers will be accessible with a few clicks of the mouse.
- All users will be supplied with a complete set of their personal records currently held in the GMBRG database. For some people this could run into hundreds of records. You’ll be able to see which important records are currently missing and add these in yourself.
- All the major sites in Greater Manchester, plus a detailed list of sites for your borough, will be supplied on a file by the GMBRG, so there will be no need to spend time setting up sites.
- Standard queries within the software will allow you to generate a life list, or year list, for a site, borough, or the county.
- If you birdwatch regularly at a particular site you will be able to exchange your records with other birders who watch the same site and are also using MapMate. So you will all have access to the site records. You could even volunteer to enter other birders’ records for them, so ensuring the site records are as comprehensive as possible.
- MapMate covers the whole of the UK so wherever you go birding you’ll be able to enter your records and generate your lists.
- If you are interested in flora and other fauna groups you can record these as well and submit your records to the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit / GM Local Record Centre for use in species conservation and site protection.
- MapMate recording software allows you to create maps pinpointing the locations of any species you have seen, both in Greater Manchester and throughout the UK. Want to be able to see where all your sightings of Whimbrel have been in the county or perhaps the distribution of all your Buzzards? MapMate can easily generate these with its atlas wizard.
- GMBRG will maintain a secure back up of your records, so if your computer suffers a hard drive failure or is stolen, you’ll be able to get all your records back!
- After the first year of using MapMate there is an annual licence fee of £11.00 to be paid but dependant on how many county birders purchase the software the GMBRG will look towards funding this annual fee for all users.
2. Excel Spreadsheet
Birders may also utilise the Excel spreadsheet available below to record their bird sightings as these can then be incorporated into the county database. The spreadsheet has a list of sites and observers attached to it.
| GMBRG Excel Bird Recording File |
3. RODIS on-line record submission
Click on the image below to find more details.
Click on the image below to find more details.
4. Typed (Word document) or handwritten records
We appreciate that not all birders may have access to a computer or may be willing to use either MapMate or the Excel file and with this in mind, we still welcome records to be submitted on a Word document or hand written.
Such records have to be manually inputted into the database by one of the county recorders though and as I'm sure you can appreciate, the receipt of large quantities of records in this way is incredibly time consuming for those who input the data.
Whatever method of record submission you use though, please aim to send your records to the County Recorder as soon as possible after the year end and certainly before the end of March.
We appreciate that not all birders may have access to a computer or may be willing to use either MapMate or the Excel file and with this in mind, we still welcome records to be submitted on a Word document or hand written.
Such records have to be manually inputted into the database by one of the county recorders though and as I'm sure you can appreciate, the receipt of large quantities of records in this way is incredibly time consuming for those who input the data.
Whatever method of record submission you use though, please aim to send your records to the County Recorder as soon as possible after the year end and certainly before the end of March.
TO SUBMIT A COUNTY OR NATIONAL RARITY
See also under the 'guidelines' tab
A rarity report form to use when submitting county rarities can be found on the file download below:
See also under the 'guidelines' tab
A rarity report form to use when submitting county rarities can be found on the file download below:
| GREATER MANCHESTER RARITY REPORT FORM |
CURRENT RARITIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS
(with effect from November 2015)
Rob Adderley
Andy Isherwood
Pete Hines
Ian McKerchar (Chairman)
John Rayner
Gulls Sub-committee members:
Rob Adderley
Dave Broome
Ian McKerchar
COUNTY RARITY LIST
The following (non BBRC) species and sub-species are county rarities and require a description to be provided to the County Rarities Committee (as of 01.01.17).
Bewick’s Swan; Bean Goose; Brent Goose; White-fronted Goose; American Wigeon; Green-winged Teal; Ring-necked Duck; Lesser Scaup; Long-tailed Duck; Eider; Velvet Scoter; Surf Scoter; Smew; Black Grouse; Quail (non-calling birds); all Divers; Red-necked Grebe; Slavonian Grebe; Fulmar; all shearwater species; Wilson's Petrel; Storm Petrel; Leach's Petrel; Gannet; Shag; Night Heron; Cattle Egret; Great White Egret; Purple Heron; Spoonbill; Honey Buzzard; Black Kite; Red Kite; Montagu's Harrier; Goshawk; Rough-legged Buzzard; Red-footed Falcon; Spotted Crake; Corncrake; Common Crane; Stone Curlew; Kentish Plover; Dotterel; American Golden Plover; Black-winged Stilt; Little Stint; Temminck's Stint; Curlew Sandpiper; White-rumped Sandpiper; Pectoral Sandpiper; Purple Sandpiper; Buff-breasted Sandpiper; Red-necked Phalarope; Grey Phalarope; all skua species; Sabine's Gull; Ring-billed Gull; Caspian Gull; Yellow-legged Gull; Roseate Tern; White-winged Black Tern; all auk species; Turtle Dove; Nightjar; Alpine Swift; Bee-eater; Hoopoe; Wryneck; Woodlark; Shore Lark; Red-rumped Swallow; Richard's Pipit; Olive-backed Pipit; Water Pipit; Citrine Wagtail; Nightingale; Bluethroat; Red-flanked Bluetail; Barred Warbler; Cetti's Warbler; Blyth's Reed Warbler; Marsh Warbler; Dartford Warbler; Subalpine Warbler; Icterine Warbler; Melodious Warbler; Greenish Warbler; Yellow-browed Warbler; Pallas's Warbler; Radde's Warbler; Dusky Warbler; Red-breasted Flycatcher; Bearded Tit; Marsh Tit; Penduline Tit; Golden Oriole; all shrike species; Chough; Hooded Crow; Rose-coloured Starling; Serin; Parrot Crossbill; Twite (usually lowland records only); Common (Mealy) Redpoll (except in influx years designated by the Assistant County Recorder for rarities); Arctic Redpoll; Coues's (Arctic) Redpoll; Common Rosefinch; Hawfinch; Lapland Bunting; Cirl Bunting; Ortolan Bunting; Little Bunting.
SUBSPECIES:
Iceland Gull- "Kumlien's Gull" L.g. kumlieni
Yellow Wagtail- all races other than flavissima and any purported hybrids.
Chiffchaff - all races other than P. collybita
If observers are in any doubt as to what constitutes a county or national rarity they should not hesitate to contact the County Recorder.
(with effect from November 2015)
Rob Adderley
Andy Isherwood
Pete Hines
Ian McKerchar (Chairman)
John Rayner
Gulls Sub-committee members:
Rob Adderley
Dave Broome
Ian McKerchar
COUNTY RARITY LIST
The following (non BBRC) species and sub-species are county rarities and require a description to be provided to the County Rarities Committee (as of 01.01.17).
Bewick’s Swan; Bean Goose; Brent Goose; White-fronted Goose; American Wigeon; Green-winged Teal; Ring-necked Duck; Lesser Scaup; Long-tailed Duck; Eider; Velvet Scoter; Surf Scoter; Smew; Black Grouse; Quail (non-calling birds); all Divers; Red-necked Grebe; Slavonian Grebe; Fulmar; all shearwater species; Wilson's Petrel; Storm Petrel; Leach's Petrel; Gannet; Shag; Night Heron; Cattle Egret; Great White Egret; Purple Heron; Spoonbill; Honey Buzzard; Black Kite; Red Kite; Montagu's Harrier; Goshawk; Rough-legged Buzzard; Red-footed Falcon; Spotted Crake; Corncrake; Common Crane; Stone Curlew; Kentish Plover; Dotterel; American Golden Plover; Black-winged Stilt; Little Stint; Temminck's Stint; Curlew Sandpiper; White-rumped Sandpiper; Pectoral Sandpiper; Purple Sandpiper; Buff-breasted Sandpiper; Red-necked Phalarope; Grey Phalarope; all skua species; Sabine's Gull; Ring-billed Gull; Caspian Gull; Yellow-legged Gull; Roseate Tern; White-winged Black Tern; all auk species; Turtle Dove; Nightjar; Alpine Swift; Bee-eater; Hoopoe; Wryneck; Woodlark; Shore Lark; Red-rumped Swallow; Richard's Pipit; Olive-backed Pipit; Water Pipit; Citrine Wagtail; Nightingale; Bluethroat; Red-flanked Bluetail; Barred Warbler; Cetti's Warbler; Blyth's Reed Warbler; Marsh Warbler; Dartford Warbler; Subalpine Warbler; Icterine Warbler; Melodious Warbler; Greenish Warbler; Yellow-browed Warbler; Pallas's Warbler; Radde's Warbler; Dusky Warbler; Red-breasted Flycatcher; Bearded Tit; Marsh Tit; Penduline Tit; Golden Oriole; all shrike species; Chough; Hooded Crow; Rose-coloured Starling; Serin; Parrot Crossbill; Twite (usually lowland records only); Common (Mealy) Redpoll (except in influx years designated by the Assistant County Recorder for rarities); Arctic Redpoll; Coues's (Arctic) Redpoll; Common Rosefinch; Hawfinch; Lapland Bunting; Cirl Bunting; Ortolan Bunting; Little Bunting.
SUBSPECIES:
Iceland Gull- "Kumlien's Gull" L.g. kumlieni
Yellow Wagtail- all races other than flavissima and any purported hybrids.
Chiffchaff - all races other than P. collybita
If observers are in any doubt as to what constitutes a county or national rarity they should not hesitate to contact the County Recorder.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING COUNTY OR NATIONAL RARITIES
The County Rarities Committee urges all serious observers, however experienced, to complete rarity forms so that a truly scientific record can be maintained of the county’s avifauna. Observers finding a national or county rarity should take a description in writing and if possible obtain a photograph and find another competent observer to confirm the identification. When submitting a rarity description, observers should include as much possible detail, taken from field notes (which should ideally be included in the submission), bearing in mind that the Rarities Committee can only assess the submission from the information provided by the observer. Line drawings are always useful and greatly appreciated by the committee, no matter how poor the artist perceives them, and can often provide great clarity to the overall submission.
The County Rarities Committee urges all serious observers, however experienced, to complete rarity forms so that a truly scientific record can be maintained of the county’s avifauna. Observers finding a national or county rarity should take a description in writing and if possible obtain a photograph and find another competent observer to confirm the identification. When submitting a rarity description, observers should include as much possible detail, taken from field notes (which should ideally be included in the submission), bearing in mind that the Rarities Committee can only assess the submission from the information provided by the observer. Line drawings are always useful and greatly appreciated by the committee, no matter how poor the artist perceives them, and can often provide great clarity to the overall submission.
Example of actual field notes (Short-toed Lark in Cornwall, October 2009, Ian McKerchar)
The use of digital photographs is increasing dramatically and whilst we would encourage the use of photographs, especially as an addition to a submission, observers should still continue to obtain high quality field notes, even if the submission meets the criteria for assessment by photo only, as field notes may be invaluable in the event of a query. Digital photographs of any quality should be provided to the committee as an email attachment (not included within the text of an email or other document), preferably without any computer enhancement or touch-ups and of any file size bnut preferably as large as possible.
Conventional film photographs and professionally developed digital photographs should be included, preferably of atleast 6’x4’ size and home printed digital photographs are acceptable provided the print quality is of a sufficiently high standard. We would welcome observers requiring advise with any of the above processes to contact Ian McKerchar to discuss the matter.
Further information relating to how and why we should submit rarities can be found on the 'Articles' page of this website, under the 'miscellaneous' section.
Depending on the circumstances, of which the welfare of the bird is paramount at all times, with serious consideration given to access and possible habitat damage, the sighting may be reported to one of the commercial bird information services. Observers in any doubt should contact Ian McKerchar on 07958 687481 for advise.
All national rarities should be submitted initially to the County Bird Recorder, Ian McKerchar and NOT directly to BBRC, which enables me to make a copy of the submission and to iron out any queries before it is then forwarded to this very busy committee. This route for submissions is also that preferred and requested by BBRCNo county or national rarity will be accepted unless supported by a description, other than, in the case of an ‘on the nod’ decision of a county rarity, the finder is informed by the County Bird Recorder . All observers, however experienced, are required to submit descriptions: it would be invidious to make exceptions. It is imperative that observers complete the necessary rarity forms as it is universally accepted that only those records of rarities which are submitted in writing to the appropriate county or national committee will stand as authenticated observations, and can therefore be used for national statistics, conservation purposes etc. It is the function of the county bird report, in each ornithological recording county to maintain a definitive list of authenticated records. This list may of course contradict records received in clubs or site reports. Other records of unusual birds may, at the discretion of the County Rarities Committee require a description, and in any case, records of rarer, non-description species will only be accepted with an observer's name attached (i.e. mentions on site wardens' lists, birdline, magazines and pager reports will not be sufficient). In influx years, the requirement for a description may be suspended at short notice by the Committee. The committee may also ask for descriptions to be submitted for any other record, e.g. exceptionally early or late migrants, species seen away from normal habitats.
Conventional film photographs and professionally developed digital photographs should be included, preferably of atleast 6’x4’ size and home printed digital photographs are acceptable provided the print quality is of a sufficiently high standard. We would welcome observers requiring advise with any of the above processes to contact Ian McKerchar to discuss the matter.
Further information relating to how and why we should submit rarities can be found on the 'Articles' page of this website, under the 'miscellaneous' section.
Depending on the circumstances, of which the welfare of the bird is paramount at all times, with serious consideration given to access and possible habitat damage, the sighting may be reported to one of the commercial bird information services. Observers in any doubt should contact Ian McKerchar on 07958 687481 for advise.
All national rarities should be submitted initially to the County Bird Recorder, Ian McKerchar and NOT directly to BBRC, which enables me to make a copy of the submission and to iron out any queries before it is then forwarded to this very busy committee. This route for submissions is also that preferred and requested by BBRCNo county or national rarity will be accepted unless supported by a description, other than, in the case of an ‘on the nod’ decision of a county rarity, the finder is informed by the County Bird Recorder . All observers, however experienced, are required to submit descriptions: it would be invidious to make exceptions. It is imperative that observers complete the necessary rarity forms as it is universally accepted that only those records of rarities which are submitted in writing to the appropriate county or national committee will stand as authenticated observations, and can therefore be used for national statistics, conservation purposes etc. It is the function of the county bird report, in each ornithological recording county to maintain a definitive list of authenticated records. This list may of course contradict records received in clubs or site reports. Other records of unusual birds may, at the discretion of the County Rarities Committee require a description, and in any case, records of rarer, non-description species will only be accepted with an observer's name attached (i.e. mentions on site wardens' lists, birdline, magazines and pager reports will not be sufficient). In influx years, the requirement for a description may be suspended at short notice by the Committee. The committee may also ask for descriptions to be submitted for any other record, e.g. exceptionally early or late migrants, species seen away from normal habitats.
2012
RECORDS CONSIDERED PROVEN:
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, Pennington Flash, 2nd April, photo (Paul Brown et al.)
SMEW, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 15th December, photo (Karen Foulkes et al.)
Elton Reservoir, 7th December, photo (Chris Brown et al.)
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, Castleshaw Reservoirs, 9th December, photo (per County Recorder)
Horrock's Flash, 28th November, photo (John Williams)
MANX SHEARWATER, Hollingworth Lake, 8th October, found dead (per Simon Hitchen)
LEACH'S PETREL, Pennington Flash, 13th September, photo (Bill Harrison et al.)
GANNET, Castleshaw Reservoirs, 9th October, immature (Mark Rigby)
Horwich Moors, 11th September, juvenile (Andy Makin)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Heaton Mersey, 17th February (Kenny Dummigan)
Lightshaw Hall Flash, 9th April, photo (Rob Thorpe et al.)
SPOONBILL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 2nd May (Andy Bissitt, Roy Travis)
RED-NECKED GREBE, Pennington Flash, 26th July, photo (Bill Harrison et al.)
SLAVONIAN GREBE, Hollingworth Lake, 31st January (Simon Hitchen et al.)
RED KITE, Altrincham, 25th May (Drayton O'Connor)
Astley Moss, 26th May, photo (Wayne Jones)
Astley Moss East, 21st May (Pete Berry)
Billinge Plantations, 13th May (Chris Derbyshire)
Burnt Edge, Horwich Moors, 29th September (Andy Makin)
Castleshaw Reservoirs, 9th October (Mark Rigby et al.)
Chat Moss, 24th October (Dave Steel)
Chorlton-cum-Hardy, 26th May (Gervase Crook)
Cow Lane, Hollingworth, 26th May (Rob and Sonia Adderley)
Hale Barns, 13th September (Henry Cook)
Highfield Moss, 27th September (Nick Isherwood)
Longden Clough, 27th May (Yvonne Mynett)
Lowton, 28th September (Andrew Swift)
Pennington Flash, 4th June, photo (Cliff Hampson)
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Hollingworth, Hyde, 15th February (Iain Johnson, John Rayner, Mark Rigby et al.)
CRANE, Astley Moss (2), 24th February, thereafter also on Chat Moss, photo (Melanie Beckford, Simon Johnson et al)
AVOCET, Lightshaw Hall Flash (2), 3rd April, ame individuals as below on 2nd April, photo (Roy Rhodes et al.)
Pennington Flash (2), 2nd April, photo (Pete Hines et al.)
Pennington Flash, 12th June, photo (Bill Harrison et al.)
AMERICAN BLACK TERN, Pennington Flash, 1st September, juvenile, photo (Bill Harrison, Ian McKerchar et al.)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs (2), 15th October, adults, photo (Rob Adderley)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 4th December, adult, photo (Sonia Adderley)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 29th December, adult, photo (Sonia Adderley)
Pennington Flash, 9th September, third winter, photo (John Tymon)
Pennington Flash, 11th November, adult, photo (John Tymon)
FIRECREST, Alexandra Park (2), 9th December (Karen Foulkes, Tony O'Mahony, John Rayner, Mark Rigby et al.)
CETTI'S WARBLER, Hawkley Reedbed, 9th September, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Scotmans Flash, 6th October, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Pennington Flash, 17th April, photo (Paul Wilson); accepted only as 'showing characteristics of'.
WILLOW WARBLER Acredula, Orrell Water Park, 26th August, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
WATER PIPIT, Higher Meadows, Horwich Moors, 11th April (Andy Makin)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
SHAG, Etherow CP, 31st January (Incomplete description; Cormorant not eliminated)
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 13th March (Incomplete description)
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Hollingworth, Hyde, 25th February (Incomplete description; failed to eliminate well marked Buzzard and/or similar escaped raptor present in the area)
GREAT SKUA, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 23rd June (Incomplete description; failed to eliminate other species)
ROSEATE TERN, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 30th April, adult (Marginally incomplete description: the committee had full sympathy for the observer, in that his description provided clearly seemed to possibly indicate this species but ultimately felt that its identification could not be fully confirmed beyond all reasonable doubt)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Gorton Reservoirs, 2nd February, adult (Incomplete description; little detail which failed to eliminate Lesser Black-backed Gull or a hybrid)
KUMLIEN'S GULL, Pennington Flash, 19th February, second winter, photo (well marked Iceland could not be eliminated)
GOLDEN ORIOLE, Heaton Norris, 23rd May, male (Confirmed hoax)
RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Houghton Dale, 27th May, male (Incomplete description; little detail provided)
MARSH TIT, Droylsden, 8th October (Description failed to eliminate Willow Tit)
CETTI'S WARBLER, Hawkley Reedbed (2), 13th April (Incomplete description; important details not noted)
Horrock's Flash, 5th May (Incomplete description; no detail provided)
GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL, Elton Reservoir, 15th May (Considered to be an intergrade)
Kingsway Business Park, 19th May (Description failed to eliminate intergrade)
TWITE, Middleton, 29th September (Marginally incomplete description)
LAPLAND BUNTING, Edge Lane, Horwich Moors, 14th October (Heard only in flight)
Dean Ditch, Horwich Moors, 7th October (Heard only in flight)
Horwich Moors, 6th October (Heard only in flight)
2013
RECORDS CONSIDERED PROVEN:
BEWICK'S SWAN, Woodford, 28th March (Jake Caveney, John Rayner et al.)
BARNACLE GOOSE, Pennington Flash (8), 10th October, photo (Richard Belter, Bill Harrison et al.)
BRENT GOOSE (dark-bellied), Audenshaw Reservoirs/Denton, 27th February, photo (Simon Ghilks et al.)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 3rd March, photo (Paul Hammond)
Horwich Moors (26), 28th February (Andy Makin)
Rumworth, 7th February, photo (Steve Almond et al.)
Woodford, 14th February (Jake Caveney)
RING-NECKED DUCK, Heaton Park Boating Lake, 17th February, female, photo (Simon Johnson et al)
LESSER SCAUP, Pennington Flash, 17th October, eclipse drake, photo (Ian McKerchar, John Tymon et al.)
LONG-TAILED DUCK, Ringley ETW, 25th May, female/immature, photo (Steve Christmas et al.)
SMEW, Pennington Flash, 21st February, two males and a female, photo (Barry Hulme et al.)
RED-THROATED DIVER, Pennington Flash (2), 10th October, photo (Ian McKerchar et al.)
BLACK-THROATED DIVER, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 25th December, photo (Roy Travis et al.)
GANNET, Heaton Park Reservoir (4), 11th October (Simon Johnson)
Lowton, 11th October (Nick Isherwood)
SHAG, Hollingworth Lake (2), 24th October, photo (Simon Hitchen)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Withins Reservoir, 11th May (Simon Johnson, Paul Wilson)
GLOSSY IBIS, Horwich Moors (4), 27th September, photo (Ken Haydock et al.)
Aspull, 29th December to 2nd February 2014, photo (Stephen Gaskell et al.)
RED-NECKED GREBE, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 27th September (Karen Foulkes, Bill Harrison, Mike Passant)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 6th October, photo (per County Recorder)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 12th October (rob Adderley et al.)
SLAVONIAN GREBE, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 7th February, photo (John Ireland et al.)
Pennington Flash, 29th December, photo (Barry Hulme et al.)
RED KITE, Altrincham ETW, 29th June (Chris Greene)
Bedford, Leigh, 7th June, photo (Joe Wynn)
Hollingworth Hall Farm, 30th March (Iain Johnson)
Jacksons Bridge, 1st April (Chris Honer)
Sunderland Green, 27th May (Dennis Latham)
Spring Mill Reservoir, 19th April (Dave Ousey)
CRANE, Little Wooden Moss (2), 25th March, photo, (Michael Willett et al.)
Bedford Moss, 27th April, photo (Peter Harrison)
LITTLE STINT, Rumworth, 17th May, photo (Phil Rhodes et al.)
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Rumworth, 12th September, photo (Steve Almond, Simon Warford et al.)
GREAT SKUA, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 30th September, photo (Simon Ghilks et al.)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 1st January, third winter, photo (Rob Adderley)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 9th January, third winter, photo (Rob Adderley)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 28th March, second winter (Henry Cook, Mike Duckham)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 5th April, third winter, photo (Rob Adderley)
Audenshaw Reservoirs (2), 12th September, adults (Gary Crowder)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 26th September, adult, photo (Gary Crowder)
Castleshaw Reservoirs, 19th December, adult, photo (Mark Rigby)
Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 18th August, adults, photo (Pete Berry)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 7th December, third winter, photo (Pete Berry)
Pennington Flas, 19th January, adult (Paul Brown)
Pennington Flash, 9th March, adult, photo (John Tymon)
Pennington Flash, 11th October, adult, photo (James Walsh)
Pennington Flash, 30th November, third winter, photo (John Tymon)
Trinity, Salford, 1st October, adult, photo (James Walsh)
TURTLE DOVE, Castleshaw Reservoirs, 23rd September, photo (Stuart Rothery et al.)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE, Rindle, Astley Moss, 20th October, photo (Dave Thacker et al.)
CETTI'S WARBLER, Pennington Flash, 31st October, sound recorded (Charlie Owen at al.)
Wigan Flashes (3), present all year, (per County Recorder)
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Wince Brook NR, Middleton, photo/sound recorded (Paul Hurst et al.)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 19th April, male, photo (Roy Travis et al.)
CHANNEL WAGTAIL, Altrincham ETW, 1st May, male, photo (Anthony McLean et al.)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 25th April, male, photo (Rob Adderley, John Ireland et al.)
HAWFINCH, Horwich Moors, 14th September (Andy Makin)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
LESSER CANADA GOOSE, Salford Quays, 17th June, photo (Small female canadensis could not be eliminated)
EIDER, Salford Quays, 2nd January (No description provided)
GLOSSY IBIS, Dunham, 3rd November (No description provided)
RED KITE, Dunwood Park, Shaw (2), early April (Incomplete description: very little detail, failed to eliminate Buzzard)
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 10th April (Incomplete description; little to no detail provided)
site withheld (2), 14th March (Marginally incomplete description)
COMMON CRANE, Elton Reservoir, 9th September (Withdrawn by the observer)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 20th November, adult (Incomplete description; failed to eliminate argentatus Herring Gull or hybrid)
Pennington Flash, 2nd November, first winter, photo (Confirmed as a second winter Lesser Black-backed Gull)
CASPIAN GULL, Pilsworth Tip, 3rd February, adult, photo (Failed to confirm the identification with a full suite of requisite features and hybrid could not eliminated)
RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Bickershaw Rucks, 6th June (Incomplete description)
MARSH TIT, Wigan Flashes, 17th January (Incomplete description and transcription of call; failed to eliminate Willow Tit)
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Stalybridge, 10th March (Incomplete description; little detail provided)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Carrington Moss, 3rd May, male (Withdrawn by the observer; considered to be Channel Wagtail)
TWITE, Elton Reservoir, 14th August (Incomplete description)
2014
RECORDS CONSIDERED PROVEN:
BRENT GOOSE, Horwich Moors (20), 2nd November (Andy Makin, Simon Warford)
LONG-TAILED DUCK, Elton reservoir, 17th November, female/immature, photo (Steve Higginbottom et al.)
Heaton Park Reservoir (3), 22nd October, female/immature, photo (Simon Johnson et al.)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 5th November, male, photo (Simon Johnson)
Pennington Flash, 25th April, female/immature, photo (Richard Belter, Barry Hulme et al.)
GANNET, Lees, 23rd August, adult (Mark Rigby)
LITTLE BITTERN, Elton reservoir, 25th May, male, photo (Brian Fielding et al.)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Horwich, 24th October (Ken Haydock, Andy Makin, Jill Mills)
BLACK STORK, Horwich Moors, 26th May (Andy Makin)
GLOSSY IBIS, Horrock's Flash, 5th February to 29th May, same individual as Aspull/Hindley, photo (per County Recorder)
Pennington Green, Aspull/Hindley, 29th December 2013 to 11th February), photo (per County Recorder)
HONEY BUZZARD, Cutacre, 23rd September (Simon Johnson, Simon Warford)
RED KITE, Burnt Edge, 26th May (Ian Woosey)
Carrington Moss, 2nd August (Jeff Clarke)
Featherbed Moss, 19th June (Mark Rigby)
Rindle, Astley Moss, 19th May, photo (Ian McKerchar)
Sale Water Park, 14th March, photo (Steven Burke)
Smithills Moor, 13th September (Andy Makin, Alan Warford, Simon Warford)
ROUCH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Greenfield, 31st October, juvenile (Steve Suttill)
Saddleworth Moor, 25th November, two juveniles, photo (Gary Crowder, Mark Rigby et al.)
Saddleworth Moor, 10th November, male (Andy Makin et al.)
AVOCET, Elton Reservoir, 13th May (Brian Fielding, Paul Wilson et al.)
Pennington Flash (2), 19th June (Barry Hulme et al.)
LITTLE STINT, Pennington Flash, 18th September, juvenile, photo (Bill Harrison et al.)
GREY PHALAROPE, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 22nd October (Rob Adderley et al.)
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN, Elton Reservoir (2), 17th May, adults, photo (Ian Campbell et al.)
RING-BILLED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 25th January, second winter, photo (Gary Crowder et al.)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 18th August, adult, photo (Rob Adderley)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 9th February, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 15th February, adult, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 11th December, second and fourth winters, photos (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 16th December, third and fourth winters, photos (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Kingsway, 12th January, adult, photo (Simon Hitchen)
CASPIAN GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 30th December, second winter, photo (Paul Wren et al.)
KUMLIEN'S GULL, Heaton Park Reservoir, 16th February, third winter, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE, Watergrove Reservoir, 4th April, photo (Alan Nutall et al.)
MARSH TIT, Watergrove Reservoir, 21st October, photo (Steve Atkins et al.)
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Scotmans Flash, 15th April, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 1st May, male, photo (Paul Wren)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 2nd May, male, photo (Roy Travis)
TWITE, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 5th October, photo (Gary Crowder)
COMMON REDPOLL, Longshaw, 1st March, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
Walkden, 4th January, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 1st March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 18th March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 26th March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden (2), 29th March, photo/trapped (Michael David)
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL, Binn Green, 30th March, photo (John Parker et al.)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 9th March (Incomplete description)
site withheld, 8th September (Incomplete description)
CRANE, Worsley Woods, 16th March (Incomplete description: very little detail provided)
TEMMINCK'S STINT, Elton Reservoir, 31st July (Incomplete description; the committee had much sympathy for the observers who provided an honest description of what they had seen but felt it failed to confirm the identification beyond reasonable doubt)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs (6), 29th December (Incomplete descriptions; failed to fully describe primary patterns)
Elton Reservoir, 20th December, adult (Incomplete description: failed to describe primary pattern, nor to exclude argentatus Herring Gull or hybrids)
Elton Reservoir, 27th December, adult, photo (Photos inconclusive, wing detail not portrayed)
Pennington Flash, 15th February, adult (Incomplete description; little detail, failed to describe structural features or pattern of primaries)
CASPIAN GULL, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 9th December, third winter and adult (Incomplete descriptions; failed to eliminate potential hybrids)
Pennington Flash, 2nd December, adult (Incompete description; failed to describe primary pattern)
TURTLE DOVE, Carrington Moss, 4th June (Incomplete description; little detail provided)
LESSER WHITETHROAT eastern race, Hulme, January, photo (photos inconclusive)
Timperley, 2nd March, photo (photos inconclusive)
BRENT GOOSE, Horwich Moors (20), 2nd November (Andy Makin, Simon Warford)
LONG-TAILED DUCK, Elton reservoir, 17th November, female/immature, photo (Steve Higginbottom et al.)
Heaton Park Reservoir (3), 22nd October, female/immature, photo (Simon Johnson et al.)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 5th November, male, photo (Simon Johnson)
Pennington Flash, 25th April, female/immature, photo (Richard Belter, Barry Hulme et al.)
GANNET, Lees, 23rd August, adult (Mark Rigby)
LITTLE BITTERN, Elton reservoir, 25th May, male, photo (Brian Fielding et al.)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Horwich, 24th October (Ken Haydock, Andy Makin, Jill Mills)
BLACK STORK, Horwich Moors, 26th May (Andy Makin)
GLOSSY IBIS, Horrock's Flash, 5th February to 29th May, same individual as Aspull/Hindley, photo (per County Recorder)
Pennington Green, Aspull/Hindley, 29th December 2013 to 11th February), photo (per County Recorder)
HONEY BUZZARD, Cutacre, 23rd September (Simon Johnson, Simon Warford)
RED KITE, Burnt Edge, 26th May (Ian Woosey)
Carrington Moss, 2nd August (Jeff Clarke)
Featherbed Moss, 19th June (Mark Rigby)
Rindle, Astley Moss, 19th May, photo (Ian McKerchar)
Sale Water Park, 14th March, photo (Steven Burke)
Smithills Moor, 13th September (Andy Makin, Alan Warford, Simon Warford)
ROUCH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Greenfield, 31st October, juvenile (Steve Suttill)
Saddleworth Moor, 25th November, two juveniles, photo (Gary Crowder, Mark Rigby et al.)
Saddleworth Moor, 10th November, male (Andy Makin et al.)
AVOCET, Elton Reservoir, 13th May (Brian Fielding, Paul Wilson et al.)
Pennington Flash (2), 19th June (Barry Hulme et al.)
LITTLE STINT, Pennington Flash, 18th September, juvenile, photo (Bill Harrison et al.)
GREY PHALAROPE, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 22nd October (Rob Adderley et al.)
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN, Elton Reservoir (2), 17th May, adults, photo (Ian Campbell et al.)
RING-BILLED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 25th January, second winter, photo (Gary Crowder et al.)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 18th August, adult, photo (Rob Adderley)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 9th February, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir, 15th February, adult, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 11th December, second and fourth winters, photos (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 16th December, third and fourth winters, photos (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
Kingsway, 12th January, adult, photo (Simon Hitchen)
CASPIAN GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 30th December, second winter, photo (Paul Wren et al.)
KUMLIEN'S GULL, Heaton Park Reservoir, 16th February, third winter, photo (Pete Berry, Ian McKerchar)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE, Watergrove Reservoir, 4th April, photo (Alan Nutall et al.)
MARSH TIT, Watergrove Reservoir, 21st October, photo (Steve Atkins et al.)
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Scotmans Flash, 15th April, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 1st May, male, photo (Paul Wren)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 2nd May, male, photo (Roy Travis)
TWITE, Audenshaw Reservoirs, 5th October, photo (Gary Crowder)
COMMON REDPOLL, Longshaw, 1st March, photo/trapped (Peter Alker)
Walkden, 4th January, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 1st March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 18th March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden, 26th March, photo (Michael David)
Walkden (2), 29th March, photo/trapped (Michael David)
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL, Binn Green, 30th March, photo (John Parker et al.)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 9th March (Incomplete description)
site withheld, 8th September (Incomplete description)
CRANE, Worsley Woods, 16th March (Incomplete description: very little detail provided)
TEMMINCK'S STINT, Elton Reservoir, 31st July (Incomplete description; the committee had much sympathy for the observers who provided an honest description of what they had seen but felt it failed to confirm the identification beyond reasonable doubt)
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Audenshaw Reservoirs (6), 29th December (Incomplete descriptions; failed to fully describe primary patterns)
Elton Reservoir, 20th December, adult (Incomplete description: failed to describe primary pattern, nor to exclude argentatus Herring Gull or hybrids)
Elton Reservoir, 27th December, adult, photo (Photos inconclusive, wing detail not portrayed)
Pennington Flash, 15th February, adult (Incomplete description; little detail, failed to describe structural features or pattern of primaries)
CASPIAN GULL, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 9th December, third winter and adult (Incomplete descriptions; failed to eliminate potential hybrids)
Pennington Flash, 2nd December, adult (Incompete description; failed to describe primary pattern)
TURTLE DOVE, Carrington Moss, 4th June (Incomplete description; little detail provided)
LESSER WHITETHROAT eastern race, Hulme, January, photo (photos inconclusive)
Timperley, 2nd March, photo (photos inconclusive)
2015
RECORDS CONSIDERED PROVEN:
LONG-TAILED DUCK, Elton Reservoir, 16th February, photo (Ian Campbell et al)
Pearson's Flash, 1st May, immature drake, photo (Rob Thorpe, Terry Thorpe et al)
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, Elton Reservoir, 9th November, juvenile, photo (Ian Campbell et al)
Salford Quays, 13th December, juvenile, photo (Nick Hilton et al)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 14th November, juvenile, photo (Pete Wooley et al)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 6th December, juvenile, photo (per County Recorder)
SHAG, Pennington Flash, 18th November, juvenile, photo (per County Recorder)
Hollingworth Lake, 17th November, juvenile, photo (Simon Hitchen et al)
RED-NECKED GREBE, Pennington Flash, 14th March, adult, photo (Dave Sherington et al)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Elton Reservoir, 29th September (Ian Campbell, Brian Fielding)
RED KITE, Bickershaw Rucks, 11th May (Bernard McGurrin)
Chelburn Reservoirs, 28th April (Alan Nuttall)
Flexion, 16th June (Kevin McCabe)
Haigh, 25th June (Judith Smith et al)
Holcombe Moor, 11th June (Steven Higginbottom)
Horwich Moors, 27th September (Ken Haydock, Jill Mills)
Kingsway, 13th October, photo (Deon Meadwocroft)
Saddleworth Moor, 22nd March (Steve Suttill)
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 4th June (observer withheld)
STONE CURLEW, Little Woolden Moss, 11th May, photo (Dave Steel et al)
TEMMINCK'S STINT, Heaton Park Reservoir, 12th May, photo (Simon Johnson)
POMERINE SKUA, Salford Quays, 6th May (Steven Burke)
SABINE'S GULL, Pennington Flash, 5th August, second summer, photo (Bill Harrison et al)
HOOPOE, Tandle Hills, Royton, photo (Mike Ausberger et al)
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 17th April, photo (Simon Johnson et al)
CETTI'S WARBLER, Dover Basin, 12th March, sound recorded (Judith Smith et al)
BONELLI'S WARBLER, Higher End, Billinge, 31st August, photo (Damian Pendlebury)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Chat Moss, 31st May, male (Dave Steel)
RED-THROATED PIPIT, Ludworth Moor, 3rd May, adult, photo (John Rayner et al)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Pots and Pans, Greenfield (2), 24th April, photo (Photos provided failed to eliminate Common Buzzard)
CRANE, Leigh, 30th August (Incomplete description; very little detail provided)
NIGHTJAR, Maypole Colliery Woods, Abram, 9th September (Incomplete description)
MARSH TIT, Pennington Flash, 6th November (Incomplete description; call heard but not transcribed)
LONG-TAILED DUCK, Elton Reservoir, 16th February, photo (Ian Campbell et al)
Pearson's Flash, 1st May, immature drake, photo (Rob Thorpe, Terry Thorpe et al)
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, Elton Reservoir, 9th November, juvenile, photo (Ian Campbell et al)
Salford Quays, 13th December, juvenile, photo (Nick Hilton et al)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 14th November, juvenile, photo (Pete Wooley et al)
Audenshaw Reservoirs, 6th December, juvenile, photo (per County Recorder)
SHAG, Pennington Flash, 18th November, juvenile, photo (per County Recorder)
Hollingworth Lake, 17th November, juvenile, photo (Simon Hitchen et al)
RED-NECKED GREBE, Pennington Flash, 14th March, adult, photo (Dave Sherington et al)
GREAT WHITE EGRET, Elton Reservoir, 29th September (Ian Campbell, Brian Fielding)
RED KITE, Bickershaw Rucks, 11th May (Bernard McGurrin)
Chelburn Reservoirs, 28th April (Alan Nuttall)
Flexion, 16th June (Kevin McCabe)
Haigh, 25th June (Judith Smith et al)
Holcombe Moor, 11th June (Steven Higginbottom)
Horwich Moors, 27th September (Ken Haydock, Jill Mills)
Kingsway, 13th October, photo (Deon Meadwocroft)
Saddleworth Moor, 22nd March (Steve Suttill)
GOSHAWK, site withheld, 4th June (observer withheld)
STONE CURLEW, Little Woolden Moss, 11th May, photo (Dave Steel et al)
TEMMINCK'S STINT, Heaton Park Reservoir, 12th May, photo (Simon Johnson)
POMERINE SKUA, Salford Quays, 6th May (Steven Burke)
SABINE'S GULL, Pennington Flash, 5th August, second summer, photo (Bill Harrison et al)
HOOPOE, Tandle Hills, Royton, photo (Mike Ausberger et al)
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW, Heaton Park Reservoir (2), 17th April, photo (Simon Johnson et al)
CETTI'S WARBLER, Dover Basin, 12th March, sound recorded (Judith Smith et al)
BONELLI'S WARBLER, Higher End, Billinge, 31st August, photo (Damian Pendlebury)
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Chat Moss, 31st May, male (Dave Steel)
RED-THROATED PIPIT, Ludworth Moor, 3rd May, adult, photo (John Rayner et al)
RECORDS CONSIDERED NOT PROVEN:
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Pots and Pans, Greenfield (2), 24th April, photo (Photos provided failed to eliminate Common Buzzard)
CRANE, Leigh, 30th August (Incomplete description; very little detail provided)
NIGHTJAR, Maypole Colliery Woods, Abram, 9th September (Incomplete description)
MARSH TIT, Pennington Flash, 6th November (Incomplete description; call heard but not transcribed)
2016
2017
