A Velvet Scoter at High Rid Reservoir near Horwich had been found by Bolton`s finest Phil Rhodes on Saturday. Being a sea duck and being so far inland meant we had to go and see it. Myself, Steve & Chris Brown left a chilly Rochdale at 7am and headed for the reservoir that is just below Winter Hill. It was just about light as we arrived and as we got out of Chris`s car the biting wind hit us, so fully dressed for winter conditions we walked on to the reservoir. The Velvet Scoter was seen swimming around and diving for food items, freshwater muscles etc. Back to the car for a warm up and head up to Leighton Moss. The watch point on Crag Road just before the main reserve that overlooks the Morecambe Hides area, was to be the area to search for the American Wigeon. After 40 minutes or so the American Wigeon was found in amongst a group of Eurasian Wigeon, though distant most of the identification features could be seen. At the Blue gate we made our way down the path towards the Lower Hide, hoping to catch up with a Great Grey Shrike that has been around for a few days. A few fellow birders were milling around the footpath near the Lower Hide and they told us the bird was still present but had not been seen for about an hour, time to find it then! After 15 minutes Steve B found the shrike and a small crowd gathered as the news was circulated. It gave some good views and some distant views, but we all agreed what a nice bird it was to see. In the hide lots of wildfowl was observed then a Bittern did a fly past always good to see one of those. As we headed back to the car I managed to tell the lads the story of the Leighton Moss Golden Oriole from a few years ago, they seemed to enjoy that tale. We called in at Condor Green and saw a Common Sandpiper that must be wintering, the once resident Spotted Redshank has now departed or died. At the various feeding stations near Eagland Hill we managed to see Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows but none of the more sought after species. Pink footed Geese and Whooper Swans were the last birds we saw on our trip out in Lancashire. Dave O.
