01/04/2023 Elton Reservoir,

Alpine Swift: Another day and another Alpine swift my third in a week after the Doxey and then the Llandudno birds. This time however I was pretty pleased to have one locally, in Greater Manchester.

Upon arriving the bird has disappeared, typically so Kristian and I walked off to try and tog some local dippers before receiving the message that the bird was back. 

It was favouring the fields between Withins Res and Elton Res, we got some point blank views over Withins.

Elton Res has been in the new recently over some controversial plans to build a huge development that they are calling a 'new community' on largely green belt land around Elton Reservoir have been put forward by developer Peel Holdings. The so called 'new community' contains a school and three new roads and 3,500 new homes.

I can only hope that the development is shelved and if not that it is done sympathetically. Elton Res holds a special place in the hearts of many Greater Manchester birders a place known for its passage terns and waders,  scarce gulls and migrant wildfowl.

29/03/2023 Conwy, North Wales

Alpine Swift: With an influx of Alpine swift into the UK I have been hoping for a local bird to turn up, first was the one I saw on Sunday at Doxey Marshes, Staffs although this bird was extremely distant. 

Now there is this Conwy bird, a much more confiding and had the decency to hang around for a few days.

 

I only managed one half decent shot off the bird while it gave some good passes over the A55. The bird wasn't slowing down or hanging about while it whizzed over our heads and zoomed across the tree line and the industrial units. 

The bird would disappear for long spells as it covers a large range over the coastal town of Llandudno before reappearing over industrial estate. Apart from the bird it was also great to catch ip with Peter Sutton, Steve T and his better half.