You've just solve a mystery for me. This afternoon, naked eye, 2 dark birds flying high in close formation against a clear blue sky over a Hazel Grove garden. They showed distinct silvery outerwings and had quite a fast wing beat. Without bins I couldn't decide on an ID but now you've mentioned Common Scoter it's clicked and I am sure that is what they were. It will be interesting to see if any more are reported.
These 2 were flying NW at 3.30. Quite a garden tick - pity it wasn't my garden!
quiet a surreal sight at Ashworth Moor Res this eve as 52, yes 52, Common Scoter flew through. Managed to see the flock coming towards the res as i was counting swifts, they then flew (west-easterly) over the Res, quiet high, and onwards. of 3 counts i managed as they flew through 52 was the minimum but on another i got 60.
a great record for me - 5 was the highest i had ever seen here before today! Makes up for the lack of anything else up there this year.
