Hollingworth Lake – a GREAT place for birding

Photo: James Walsh

Great Egret at Hollingworth Lake

“Hollingworth Lake attracts birds from all around the world, and birders from all around the country to see them!” says James Walsh, also known as The Mancunian Birder, author of ‘Greater Manchester Birding City Region’.

A Great Egret, a rare, pure white, heron-like bird was present on Shaw Moss, between Hollingworth Lake and Birchinley Hall on Saturday 23 November. One was also photographed in flight in this area on 5 October.

“This sighting highlights what a great place for birding the Hollingworth Lake area is.

“It’s been a great year so far here with birds such as Avocet, Little Egrets, Red Kite, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Whinchat, Redstart, Black-tailed Godwit, Northern Pochard, Common Scoter, Sanderling, Goldeneye, Black Tern, Whimbrel, Ring Ouzel, Grey Plover, Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose all being seen in the Hollingworth Lake area.

“It’s such a great place for birders with a hide overlooking the nature reserve where you can photograph the Kingfisher if you are lucky, and plenty cafes to get a brew!

“Rare birds seen at Hollingworth Lake over the years include Pied-billed Grebe from North America, Collared Pratincole and Black-winged Stilt from Southern Europe, Glaucous Gull from the High Arctic, White-fronted Geese from Greenland and Ruddy Shelduck, perhaps from Eastern Europe.”