Had a walk round Anglezarke and High Bullough yesterday afternoon and had excellent views of 3 male and 1 female Mandarin on High Bullough.
Isabel Hay said
Tue Sep 20 11:23 AM, 2022
Apologies if there's a board for High Bullough reservoir (the little one on the path round Anglezarke) but I couldn't find it - the search doesn't seem to work.
Yesterday around lunchtime: 2 mandarin ducks, male + 1 juv I think (may have also been a female but didn't have my bins with me oops), tufted ducks, mallards.
John Williams said
Wed Apr 20 5:17 PM, 2022
Morning visit to the Northern end of Anglezarke Reservoir and Watermans Cottage area.
Woodlands : 1 noisy pair of Nuthatches, 1 squabbling pair of Treecreepers, a pair of Goldcrests and 3 Buzzards.
A flock of 28 Rooks flew over.
Reservoir : 8 Great Crested Grebes (Inc 2 displaying pairs), 1m+1f Mandarin Ducks and 1 Common Sandpiper.
A male Kestrel came close enough to see that he was carrying a mouse (With a longish tail) in his talons.
Cracking season for the migrants, 3 broods of Redstarts fledged, 1 brood of Spotted Flycatchers, good numbers of Willow Warblers, Green Woodpeckers also produce young, one decided to go to sleep on the main path and did not object to being moved away from the dog walkers. it felt well fed and parents were still calling nearby so left it alone, no signs of it day after also no signs any harm had come to it, young still heard a week after. single juvenile Kestrel calling and following adult also in same area.
John Williams said
Mon Aug 24 4:28 PM, 2020
Walked all round Anglezarke Reservoir, and had a quick look over Yarrow Reservoir too. 09.00-13.00
Anglezarke Reservoir : 1 adult Great Black Backed and 6 adult Herring Gulls amongst a gathering of Lesser Black Backs.
1 f (Or eclipse male) Mandarin Duck in flight low over the water. 5 Buzzards soared high over the N.End of the reservoir.
A large mixed flock of Swallows and House Martins drifted South. Also seen 2 Grey Herons and 3 Jays.
A Nuthatch was among the common woodland birds, together with a noticeably large number of Coal Tits.
A single Cormorant was the only bird on Yarrow Reservoir.
Also by Heapey Fold Lane a mixed flock of around of a dozen Tree and House Sparrows, containing at least 3 of the former.
I can't recall finding a mixed flock like this before, do they hybridise?.
-- Edited by John Williams on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:47:25 PM
-- Edited by John Williams on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:50:12 PM
John Williams said
Thu May 21 2:46 PM, 2020
Late post for yesterday 20th May.
A couple of weeks later than I would normally go in search of Redstart, Pied Flycatcher etc, due to the lockdown,
I decided to try the Anglesarke area this spring for these summer migrant little gems.
From 06.00am.
Lead Mines Clough.
Redstart briefly heard but not seen, and no sign of any flycatchers.
A Grey Wagtail was by Limestone Brook, and a Kestrel soared overhead.
A drake Mandarin was on the River Yarrow, whilst 2 Treecreepers and a pair of Nuthatches were in the woodland.
Watermans Cottage area.
2f Goosanders and a single Great Crested Grebe were at the North end of Anglezarke Reservoir.
Around the woodland were 3 highly vocal Nuthatches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Coal Tit.
Blue and Great Tits appear to be the only birds utilising the nestboxes at both sites.
John Williams said
Thu Mar 5 8:18 PM, 2020
11.00-15.00
Circular walk from White Coppice along Black Brook to the beech copse and return via Anglezarke Moor,
Round Loaf and the path above the quarry at White Coppice.
40+ Bramblings were in the beech copse, where there appears to be a very good supply of mast still remaining.
The beech nuts also appear to have attracted 5 Reed Buntings and a few Great Tits.
1 Woodcock flushed from a patch of bracken and a pair of Mistle Thrushes were above the quarry.
The only other birds seen were 3 Wrens along Black Brook and 5 crows plus a single Meadow Pipit on the moor.
Sadly I could not find a single Dipper anywhere along Black Brook, where on previous visits I have had no trouble finding them.
Also notable for their absence were Kestrels, indeed not a single raptor was seen throughout the walk.
Kestrels can usually be seen hovering above the moor, and are usually very much a feature of any walk here regardless of the season.
Much of the moor though seems to be absolutely sodden due to the recent rain, and many parts appear to be changing into peat bog.
Could it be that most of the vole population on the moor have drowned?. Oddly not a single Red Grouse was seen either.
Steve Judge said
Wed Feb 5 4:38 PM, 2020
Tuesday, 4th February 2020: 11:00 - 15:30 hrs. Missed rain in the morning!
Walk from Upper Rivington Reservoir (from Horrobin Lane - Eastern side) - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - High Bullough Reservoir (currently drained for maintenance) - White Coppice cricket ground - and return via paths on opposite (western) side.
Siskin x 10 Nuthatch x 3 Treecreeper x 1 Willow Tit x 1 Coal Tit x 1 Buzzard x 2 Kestrel x 3 Redwing x 30 Great Crested Grebe x 2 Grey Heron x 1 Wren x 1 Dunnock x 1 Mistle Thrush x 1 House Sparrow x 5 Tufted Duck x 4 Pied Wagtail x 12 Greylag Goose x 1 Black-Headed Gull x 40 Herring Gull x 1 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2 Dunnock x 1 Moorhen x 2 Woodpigeon x 25 Rook x 10 Carrion Crow x 50 Jackdaw x 20 White Doves x 4 Chaffinch x 10 Robin x 7 Blue Tit x 5 Great Tit x 8 Blackbird x 7 Cormorant x 1 Mallard x 40 Magpie x 9
Paul Risley said
Sun Jun 16 10:11 PM, 2019
couple of hours Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime
Spotted Flycatchers, 3 possibly 4 large feathered young dead in nest, absolutely gutted with this, met one of the Chorley lads near this nest early on during incubation and we both agreed it was destined to fail, however it lasted so long each time I passed it and they were still feeding I got the feeling they were going to make it against the odds
Redstarts, both Adults and 2 young feeding along the hedges and fence lines at one site, adults still taking food into nest hole at another site
Treecreepers feeding young in nest
Nuthatches at least 3 broods of fledged young
Willow Warbler with fledged young just out of the nest
Curlew Oystercatcher and Tawny Owls heard plus a jay mimicking Tawny Owl
lots of Long tailed, Great and Blue tits about
Paul Risley said
Mon Jun 10 10:17 PM, 2019
Spotted Flycatchers still feeding young in nest tonight, Sparrowhawk just missed a Blackbird nearby, 1 brood of Redstarts have fledged another brood still being fed in nest,plenty young titmice around, male Pied Wagtail with a mouthful of food on the main road, the midges were out in force tonight
Paul Risley said
Sun Jun 2 11:05 AM, 2019
a couple of hours last Saturday and a couple of hours yesterday (Saturday)
male Pied Flycatcher feeding female in nest, unfortunately not there yesterday though looks like they've failed
Spotted Flycatchers going into nest
2 pairs of Redstarts feeding young in nests
Coal Tit, Nuthatch and Great Tits also feeding young in nest holes
John Williams said
Tue May 7 9:54 PM, 2019
09.00-16.30
Anglezarke Reservoir : 2 Curlews calling and in display flight above the reservoir.
The mature oak woodlands at the Watermans Cottage just held common garden birds including 2 Nuthatches.
White Coppice : 5 Grey Wagtails + 1 Dipper on Black Brook, 2m Wheatears around the adjacent old quarry.
The path along the moorland edge between White Coppice and Heatherlea Woods produced the following sightings :
Heatherlea Woods : 1 Treecreeper. Also a short trill from what sounded like a Wood Warbler, but I could not locate the bird.
As it was midday and bird song had ebbed I quickly gave up looking for either Wood Warbler or any possible flycatchers.
I returned to White Coppice via the moorland path, along which 1 Tree Pipit was singing from an hawthorn and 2f Wheatears were on stone walls.
A Cuckoo was calling along the moorland edge throughout, but I simply could not locate him.
Meadow Pipits, as expected, were plentiful all across the moor.
dave broome said
Sun Nov 4 6:07 PM, 2018
3 Crossbill at Lead Mines Clough this morning
Craig Higson said
Sat Nov 3 10:26 PM, 2018
Hopefully this is the right place for this - its the nearest I can see anyway.
Posted on twitter today - c350 Crossbills at the North end of Lead Mines Clough today.
Paul Richardson said
Thu Aug 23 5:04 PM, 2018
Impressive views from the dam of an Osprey fishing over the water at 0845 today, and being harassed by several gulls. On the third pass, it caught something (in the area roughly below the Anglezarke car park) and flew off northwards, presumably looking for a suitable place to perch and eat.
We were on a walk, so no further views of the reservoir until we got back to the dam at 12.15 - nothing to see at that stage up until about 12.30.
Steve Judge said
Sat Jul 21 5:19 PM, 2018
In an effort to help sort out my stiff neck - I did this walk without any binoculars or rucksack!
Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return via reservoir on other side
My 'Naked eye watch' produced:
Kingfisher x 1 (flying across White Coppice cricket field towards Black Brook) Curlew x 1 Great Crested Grebe x 5 Grey Heron x 2 Swift x 7 Swallow x 30 House Martin x 10 Lapwing x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Starling x 30 House Sparrow x 2 Cormorant x 1 Tufted Duck x 1 Canada Goose x 25 Swan x 2 adults (plus 5 cygnets) Wren x 5 Robin x 1 Black-Headed Gull x 40 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2 Carrion Crow x 10 Blackbird x 4 Woodpigeon x 30
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher at Watermans Cottage
Buzzard seen near Junction 13 of M60
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 21st of July 2018 08:48:16 PM
John Williams said
Sat Jun 16 6:22 PM, 2018
09.00-12.00
A last attempt to find Redstart or Spotted Flycatcher as the breeding season closes for 2018. Sadly I could neither.
Plenty of yellow faced Blue Tits around though, many still being fed by parents.
At Lead Mines Clough 2 adult and 3 juvenile Grey Wagtails were by the almost dried up River Yarrow.
A female Mallard led her brood of 3 half grown ducklings and 2 Curlew called loudly as they circled above the woodland.
3 juvenile Black Headed Gulls were with a couple of adults and a pair of Lapwings on the scrape by Yarrow Reservoir.
The Southern end of Anglezarke Reservoir was devoid of birds apart from a single Great Crested Grebe.
A couple of Oystercatchers, a Lapwing and a Grey Heron were at the Northern end.
A thorough scan through the large oaks and ashes near Watermans Cottage produced a few more Blue Tit families but little else.
A Robin was still in full song here, Chaffinches and Wrens managed a few notes too.
At least the cooler weather and light rain kept horseflies at bay, mosquitoes were still biting though.
John Williams said
Sat May 26 8:53 PM, 2018
09.00-14.00
Covered the area from Lead Mines Clough to Watermans Cottage and the North side of Anglezarke Reservoir.
At one point on the walk a female Pied Flycatcher was frantically snatching insects from the leaves of a large oak,
whilst nearby a Wood Warbler was heard trilling, but alas I could'nt locate the bird.
No sign of Redstart or Spotted Flycatcher.
Lead Mines Clough : 1 Dipper, 2 Ravens and 2 Nuthatches.
Watermans Cottage area : 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Nuthatches, a pair Great Crested Grebes and a melanistic cock Pheasant.
Chaffinches, Robins, Wrens, Song Thrushes, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps were still singing.
John Williams said
Sat Apr 14 3:38 PM, 2018
09.00-14.00
Lead Mines Clough :
1 Chiffchaff (Only summer migrant found throughout), 2 Buzzards, 1 Dipper and a pair of Coal Tits.
1m Goosander on Yarrow Reservoir.
Anglezarke Reservoir & Adjoining Woodland :
4 Oystercatctchers, 2 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, 12 Tufted Ducks, 1 Treecreeper, 4 Ravens, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Nick Hilton said
Fri Jan 26 6:31 PM, 2018
Today, a Buzzard and Kestrel over Anglezarke and 14 Goosander on the adjacent Yarrow Res.
John Williams said
Sat Jun 3 5:44 PM, 2017
(09.00-13.30)
Lead Mines Clough
2m+1f Redstarts, 4 Nuthatches and 2 Treecreepers. Also, a family of Coal Tits with 2 fledged young being fed by their parents.
Watermans Cottage
2 Nuthatches and lots of Chaffinches etc, in the woodland by the reservoir but no sign of any flycatchers of either species.
A single Great Crested Grebe was on the reservoir, which is surprisingly full after a dry spring.
White Coppice
1 Kestrel, 2 Nuthatches (They appear to be plentiful around here), 3 Ravens and 1 Curlew.
( Is this going to be a bad year for Pied Flycatchers, I could'nt find any in areas where I could easily do so in previous years, and I struggled to find
a single male in Macclesfield Forest/Teggs Nose a few weeks ago?.)
Steve Judge said
Mon May 29 4:45 PM, 2017
May Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May 2017: 10:15 - 15:30 hrs.
Walk from Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Lead Mines Clough - Anglezarke Reservoir (passing by High Bullough Reservoir) - Watermans Cottage - White Coppice cricket ground - and return.
Redstart x 1 stunning male (Lead Mines Clough) Spotted Flycatcher x 1 (Watermans Cottage) Whitethroat x 1 Willow Warbler x 5 Chiffchaff x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Buzzard x 5 Kestrel x 4 Jay x 1 Oystercatcher x 1 Lapwing x 1 Meadow Pit x 2 Moorhen x 1 Grey Heron x 2 Grey Wagtail x 3 Pied Wagtail x 3 House Sparrow x 1 Mistle Thrush x 1 Greylag Geese x 4 Canada Geese x 12 House Martin x 20 Swallow x 10 Swift x 4 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 3 Black-Headed Gull x 20 Cormorant x 2 Goldfinch x 5 Wren x 3 Dunnock x 1 Chaffinch x 7 Great Tit x 4 Blackbird x 3 Robin x 3 Collared Dove x 1 Mallard x 10 Magpie x 3 Carrion Crow x 40 Jackdaw x 1 Male Pheasant x 1
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Monday 29th of May 2017 04:48:19 PM
Steve Judge said
Mon Apr 17 6:22 PM, 2017
Easter Monday, 17th April 2017: 10:15 - 15:00 hrs.
After yesterday's washout it was good to get the bins out and get my lungs full of fresh air!
Walk from north side of Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - White Coppice cricket ground - and return via south side.
Willow Warbler x 10 Chiffchaff x 3 Swallow x 4 Dipper x 1 Curlew x 3 Lapwing x 7 Oystercatcher x 4 Great Crested Grebe x 3 Pied Wagtail x 1 Nuthatch x 3 Jay x 2 House Sparrow x 2 Long Tailed Tit x 2 Goldfinch x 3 Tufted Duck x 8 Mallard x 15 Canada Geese x 3 Greylag Geese x 11 Wren x 5 Dunnock x 1 Coal Tit x 2 Robin x 5 Blue Tit x 3 Great Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 7 Blackbird x 5 Magpie x 4 Carrion Crow x 30 Jackdaw x 1 Black Headed Gull x 30 Herring Gull x 1 Woodpigeon x 10 Moorhen x 2 Cormorant x 3 Coot x 2 Pheasant x 1
Keith Mills said
Sun Mar 26 10:00 PM, 2017
Early this pm: Two Buzzards soaring, seen from Long Lane as I cycled and looked towards Back Lane and Anglezarke Reservoir.
Steve Almond said
Wed Mar 15 5:06 PM, 2017
18 Curlew north of Yarrow reservoir today
Steve Judge said
Tue Dec 27 4:19 PM, 2016
Tuesday, 27th December 2016: 11:00 - 15:00 hrs.
Walked southside of Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return northside via Yarrow Reservoir.
Redwing x 15 Goldeneye x 4 (2M and 2F) Goosander x 1 Nuthatch x 1 Jay x 4 Mistle Thrush x 1 House Sparrow x 1 Long Tailed Tit x 3 Goldfinch x 5 Mallards x 15 Canada Geese x 2 Wren x 1 Dunnock x 1 Coal Tit x 1 Robin x 7 Blue Tit x 3 Great Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Blackbird x 8 Magpie x 4 Carrion Crow x 30 Rook x 20 Jackdaw x 15 Black Headed Gulls x 50 Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2 Woodpigeon x 4 Moorhen x 1 Cormorant x 2 Mute Swan x 1 Kestrel x 1 (on way home by side of M61)
Chris Sutton said
Tue Apr 26 4:05 PM, 2016
Quick walk from Anglezarke Reservoir to White Coppice and back. Highlights;
Cuckoo - 1 flew over the sheep field at top end of the reservoir. Redpoll - displaying - further up the valley towards White Coppice. Plenty of willow warblers
Chris
Steve Judge said
Sat Apr 23 10:01 PM, 2016
Saturday, 23rd April 2016: 12:45 - 16:30 hrs.
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Sunny with 'nip in the air' - perfect walking and birding weather.
White Pheasant x 1 (first one I have seen - apparently they are leucistic / albino birds) Male Pheasant x 3 Blackcap (1M and 1F) Willow Warbler x 2 (seen); and lot more heard Swallow x 3 Curlew x 3 Oystercatcher x 4 (1 sat on nest) Buzzard x 2 Tree Sparrow x 1 Meadow Pipit x 2 Skylark x 1 Mistle Thrush x 2 Greylag Geese x 14 Mallards x 8 Canada Geese x 10 Wren x 1 Grey Heron x 1 Dunnock x 2 Robin x 5 Blue Tits x 8 Great Tits x 2 Chaffinch x 8 Blackbird x 5 Magpies x 4 Carrion Crow x 20 Black Headed Gulls x 30 Muscovy Duck x 1 Woodpigeon x 20 Feral Pigeon x 4 Moorhen x 2 Coot x 2 Tufted Duck x 3
Steve Judge said
Sun Mar 6 9:14 AM, 2016
Saturday, 5th March 2016: 12:45 - 17:00 hrs.
Walked from Lower House Car Park - 'Pigeon Tower' - Great Hill - White Coppice - Angelzarke Reservoir - Upper Rivington Reservoir - and return via Great Barn.
Great to see work being done to put large stone slabs on boggy parts of walk up to Great Hill. Good deal of work completed - some outstanding work still to be done.
Raven x 2 Oystercatcher x 4 Goosander x 1 Goldeneye x 3 Kestrel x 3 Buzzard x 1 Mallards x 10 Canada Geese x 15 Robin x 3 Blue Tits x 4 Great Tits x 1 Blackbird x 3 Magpies x 10 Carrion Crow x 20 Chaffinch x 3 Black Headed Gulls x 50 Cormorant x 1 Mute Swan x 2 Pheasant x 1 Woodpigeon x 7 Moorhen x 2
Steve Judge said
Sun Feb 21 3:03 PM, 2016
Saturday, 20th February 2016: 13:00 - 16:30 hrs.
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Rain until approximately 16:00 hrs. Got wet through - but enjoyed it enormously. Had to get out of central heated house to get some fresh air in my lungs and do some birding!
Goldcrest x 2 Goosander x 2 (1M and 1F) - on Angelzarke Reservoir Goldeneye x 4 (1M and 3F) - High Bullough Reservoir Kestrel x 1 Buzzard x 1 Mistle Thrush x 3 Long Tailed Tit x 2 Mallards x 30 Canada Geese x 20 Robin x 8 Blue Tits x 9 Great Tits x 5 Blackbird x 7 Magpies x 10 Carrion Crow x 30 Rook x 5 Chaffinch x 1 Black Headed Gulls x 100 Lesser Black Backed Gulls x 5 Cormorant x 1 Mute Swan x 4 Female Pheasant x 1 Woodpigeon x 5 Feral Pigeon x 10 Moorhen x 4 Coot x 3
John Williams said
Mon Dec 28 11:49 AM, 2015
10.30-14.00
Anglezarke Reservoir
3m Goosanders, 3 Shoveler, 10 Canada Geese and 60+ Mallard.
Sadly, I did'nt get the chance to scan properly through the Black Headed and Common Gulls which were not only massed at the Knowsley Lane end but on floods in surrounding pastures.
The surrounding woodland appeared to be eerily birdless, with just one flock of 10 Long Tailed Tits and a single Nuthatch.
Singles of Blue Tit and Robin was all I could find in the woods around High Bullough reservoir, where 3 Tufted Ducks were on the water.
In previous winters, when there as been a good crop of nuts, these areas of mature Beech have been teeming with Chaffinches and Bramblings.
Phil Cunliffe said
Mon Oct 5 10:26 PM, 2015
The great white egret was still at Upper Rivington Reservoir on Sunday 4 October at lunchtime.
Also seen:
2 grey heron
1 nuthatch
2 blue tit
2 great tit
1 great black backed gull
3 jay
24 swallow
18 startling
5 pied wagtail
A number of magpie, carrion crow and jackdaw
Steve Almond said
Mon Sep 21 1:37 PM, 2015
Great White Egret on Upper Rivington Reservoir 10.30 am today
Neil Southworth said
Mon Sep 14 10:57 PM, 2015
The Great White Egret was again on Anglezarke Reservoir this evening before moving onto Upper Rivington Reservoir where it was showing well at 6.45 pm.
Neil Southworth said
Tue Sep 8 10:36 AM, 2015
There has been a Great White Egret at north end of Anglezarke Reservoir for last couple of days.
Steve Judge said
Sat Apr 18 6:03 PM, 2015
Saturday, 18th April 2015: 12:30 - 16:30 hrs.
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Sunny, dry with cold 'nip' in the air - perfect walking conditions.
Willow Warbler x 3 Swallows x 3 Lapwings x 7 Coal Tit Kestrel Nuthatch Pied Wagtails x3 Long Tailed Tits Greylag Geese x 7 Mallards Canada Geese x 5 Blue Tits x 10 Great Tits x 8 Magpies Blackbirds Black Headed Gulls x lots Lesser Black Backed Gulls x 5 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock Carrion Crows Great Crested Grebe x 1 Cormorant x 1 Jay x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Oystercatchers x 4 Mute Swan Tufted Ducks x 7 Curlew x 2 Male Pheasant x 1 Mistle Thrush Robin x 7 Woodpigeon Feral Pigeon
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:13:07 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:14:18 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:23:23 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Sunday 19th of April 2015 11:29:12 AM
John Williams said
Sun Mar 8 3:33 PM, 2015
Walked from Joan Meadow Wood to White Coppice along the edge of the moor,then followed Black Brook onto the moor, and back across the moor to Moor Road.
5 Ravens were displaying above the high moor, also seen were 3 Kestrels, 1 Buzzard, a pair of Red Grouse and 4 singing Skylarks.
Not a single Meadow Pipit seen throughout, and no sign of either Dipper or Grey Wagtail on Black Brook.
A single drake Mandarin within a group of 86 Mallard.
Apart from the usual Black Headed there 4 Common, 7 Lesser Black Backed and a single Great Black Backed Gull.
Woodland
2 Nuthatches, 2 Bullfinches and 1 Buzzard.
4 Goldcrests were within a large mixed tit flock.
John Williams said
Mon Jun 9 11:43 PM, 2014
Watermans Cottage area.
Early Evening
A pair of Spotted Flycatchers in the oak woods.
Jon Bowen said
Sun May 18 10:36 AM, 2014
Waterman's Cottage to High Bullough 8.00-10.00
Spotted Flycatcher on cottage roof Raven mobbed by Black-headed Gulls as it flew over HB Res Wood Warbler calling and showing briefly as it flittered through the canopy Treecreeper carrying food Garden Warbler Lots of young Blackbirds / Robins / Blue Tits 14 Canada Geese with 3 goslings Oystercatcher
-- Edited by Jon Bowen on Sunday 18th of May 2014 10:36:49 AM
Jimmy Meadows said
Wed May 14 8:25 PM, 2014
Anglezarke to White Coppice n Back with Wigan RSPB group
3 Garden Warblers, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Raven over, 2 Redstarts seen at least 3 heard, 1 Cuckoo, 6+ Lesser Redpolls, 4 Oystercatchers, Treecreeper taking food to nest site Also seen Willow Warblers Blackcaps Long Tailed Tits Chiffchaff Black Headed Gulls Blackbird Mistle Thrush Buzzard Wren going to nest site Grey Wagtail
Didn't find the Wood Warblers but then again we might not have walked in the area that they are.
Jimmy
John Williams said
Sun May 11 6:20 PM, 2014
09.00-12.00
High Bullough-Watermans Cottage
Could'nt locate Wood Warbler or any flycatchers.
2 near fledged Tawny Owlets, looked like they'd been knitted not grown, did'nt view for long as Tawny parents can get nasty.
2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, a pair of displaying Ravens and on the reservoir a single Great Crested Grebe.
8 Swallows swooped low over High Bullough Reservoir.
2 male Redstarts (Chasing each other around), 1 Treecreeper & 5 Oystercatchers.
1 Roebuck.
A real abundance of Great Tits, almost every tree seemed to hold a pair, Blue Tits too, will there be any vacant nestboxes left when our little migrant friends arrive back?.
Chaffinches & Wiillow Warblers also plentiful.
A very early Spotted Flycatcher was reported near the Watermans Cottage, although I could'nt find any flycatchers anywhere, maybe it's still too early?.
Keith Mills said
Wed Jan 15 4:03 PM, 2014
Today with Wigan RSPB Mid- Week Group. No rain; dull am but bright pm.
Group Sightings:
Brambling....60+ in 2 flocks feeding on Beech mast around the Woodland Trails. Flighty. Chaffinch...45 ......one flock of c25. on Beech mast. Bullfinch...4 Goldfinch...1 Tits.... numerous small flocks of Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, and Long-tailed Tit , often ground feeding. Goldcrest....3 Treecreeper....4 Nuthatch....5 Great Spotted Woodpecker...2 Winter Thrushes.... 11 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing in a tree. Also 6 Fieldfare and c20 Redwing over. Mistle Thrush...2 Lapwing...4 Jay...1 Numerous Robins and a few Blackbird. Plus Carrion Crow and Wood pigeon.
On the reservoirs: Anglezarke: Cormorants...2 Canada Goose c50 with.... Pink-footed Goose...1 Greylag....1 Mallards...c50 Lesser Black-backed Gull...1 Common Gull...2 Herring Gull...1 High Bullough...nothing.
Also 6 Roe Deer. Two of which were seen in cover by our lunch stop.
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 15th of January 2014 04:17:07 PM
Pete Liptrot said
Mon May 20 3:25 PM, 2013
Wood Warbler still present at 7 p.m., also Spotted Fly same area.
Jon Bowen said
Sun May 19 4:01 PM, 2013
Wood Warbler showing well below High Bullough Res @ 8.00
Also Spotted Flycatcher at Watermans Cottage
2 Treecreeper
4 Nuthatch
John Williams said
Fri May 4 4:14 PM, 2012
Lead Mines Clough 08.00-30
1 Grey Wagtail.
Yarriow Reservoir
1 Oystercatcher
Anglesarke reservoir 09.15
1 Osprey mobbed by 2 crows & a BH Gull, raptor flew off towards Rivington
Reservoir.
White Coppice 09.40-11.30
4 Wheatear in old quarry
1 Cuckoo ( mobbed persistantly by pipits) 1 Tree Pipit & 1 Redstart (m)
along moorland edge towards Brinscall. 1 Roebuck.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 4th of May 2012 04:38:00 PM
Martyn Jones said
Thu Feb 16 2:33 AM, 2012
I didn't see much at all in this area today, but the highlight was the feeding station on the Alance Bridge in the NW corner of the Yarrow Reservoir. Here I got close up views of a Nuthatch, a Coal Tit and many Great Tits, Blue Tits and Chaffinches.
Steve Almond said
Sat Feb 11 12:46 AM, 2012
4th February, 11am, walking from White Coppice along The Goit towards Brinscall, 3 Dippers seen together. (Bolton CHA Rambling Club walk)
Keith Mills said
Sat Oct 22 7:19 PM, 2011
This pm with Wigan RSPB. Lunch in Anglezarke car park followed by Janet's excellent home made cake, then a walk along the trails by Higher Bullough and Anglezarke reservoirs. Sitings : Buzzard.... 3 Fieldfare/Redwing mixed flock (45/25)... 70 total...flying SE Nuthatch....1 Long Tail Tit flock .... 9 with...1 Great Tit Tufted Duck 4 Cormorants...10 Wren 1 BH Gulls/ Mallards.
Had a walk round Anglezarke and High Bullough yesterday afternoon and had excellent views of 3 male and 1 female Mandarin on High Bullough.
Woodlands : 1 noisy pair of Nuthatches, 1 squabbling pair of Treecreepers, a pair of Goldcrests and 3 Buzzards.
A flock of 28 Rooks flew over.
Reservoir : 8 Great Crested Grebes (Inc 2 displaying pairs), 1m+1f Mandarin Ducks and 1 Common Sandpiper.
A male Kestrel came close enough to see that he was carrying a mouse (With a longish tail) in his talons.
Cracking season for the migrants, 3 broods of Redstarts fledged, 1 brood of Spotted Flycatchers, good numbers of Willow Warblers, Green Woodpeckers also produce young, one decided to go to sleep on the main path and did not object to being moved away from the dog walkers. it felt well fed and parents were still calling nearby so left it alone, no signs of it day after also no signs any harm had come to it, young still heard a week after. single juvenile Kestrel calling and following adult also in same area.
Anglezarke Reservoir : 1 adult Great Black Backed and 6 adult Herring Gulls amongst a gathering of Lesser Black Backs.
1 f (Or eclipse male) Mandarin Duck in flight low over the water. 5 Buzzards soared high over the N.End of the reservoir.
A large mixed flock of Swallows and House Martins drifted South. Also seen 2 Grey Herons and 3 Jays.
A Nuthatch was among the common woodland birds, together with a noticeably large number of Coal Tits.
A single Cormorant was the only bird on Yarrow Reservoir.
Also by Heapey Fold Lane a mixed flock of around of a dozen Tree and House Sparrows, containing at least 3 of the former.
I can't recall finding a mixed flock like this before, do they hybridise?.
-- Edited by John Williams on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:47:25 PM
-- Edited by John Williams on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:50:12 PM
A couple of weeks later than I would normally go in search of Redstart, Pied Flycatcher etc, due to the lockdown,
I decided to try the Anglesarke area this spring for these summer migrant little gems.
From 06.00am.
Lead Mines Clough.
Redstart briefly heard but not seen, and no sign of any flycatchers.
A Grey Wagtail was by Limestone Brook, and a Kestrel soared overhead.
A drake Mandarin was on the River Yarrow, whilst 2 Treecreepers and a pair of Nuthatches were in the woodland.
Watermans Cottage area.
2f Goosanders and a single Great Crested Grebe were at the North end of Anglezarke Reservoir.
Around the woodland were 3 highly vocal Nuthatches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Coal Tit.
Blue and Great Tits appear to be the only birds utilising the nestboxes at both sites.
Circular walk from White Coppice along Black Brook to the beech copse and return via Anglezarke Moor,
Round Loaf and the path above the quarry at White Coppice.
40+ Bramblings were in the beech copse, where there appears to be a very good supply of mast still remaining.
The beech nuts also appear to have attracted 5 Reed Buntings and a few Great Tits.
1 Woodcock flushed from a patch of bracken and a pair of Mistle Thrushes were above the quarry.
The only other birds seen were 3 Wrens along Black Brook and 5 crows plus a single Meadow Pipit on the moor.
Sadly I could not find a single Dipper anywhere along Black Brook, where on previous visits I have had no trouble finding them.
Also notable for their absence were Kestrels, indeed not a single raptor was seen throughout the walk.
Kestrels can usually be seen hovering above the moor, and are usually very much a feature of any walk here regardless of the season.
Much of the moor though seems to be absolutely sodden due to the recent rain, and many parts appear to be changing into peat bog.
Could it be that most of the vole population on the moor have drowned?. Oddly not a single Red Grouse was seen either.
Walk from Upper Rivington Reservoir (from Horrobin Lane - Eastern side) - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - High Bullough Reservoir (currently drained for maintenance) - White Coppice cricket ground - and return via paths on opposite (western) side.
Siskin x 10
Nuthatch x 3
Treecreeper x 1
Willow Tit x 1
Coal Tit x 1
Buzzard x 2
Kestrel x 3
Redwing x 30
Great Crested Grebe x 2
Grey Heron x 1
Wren x 1
Dunnock x 1
Mistle Thrush x 1
House Sparrow x 5
Tufted Duck x 4
Pied Wagtail x 12
Greylag Goose x 1
Black-Headed Gull x 40
Herring Gull x 1
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2
Dunnock x 1
Moorhen x 2
Woodpigeon x 25
Rook x 10
Carrion Crow x 50
Jackdaw x 20
White Doves x 4
Chaffinch x 10
Robin x 7
Blue Tit x 5
Great Tit x 8
Blackbird x 7
Cormorant x 1
Mallard x 40
Magpie x 9
couple of hours Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime
Spotted Flycatchers, 3 possibly 4 large feathered young dead in nest, absolutely gutted with this, met one of the Chorley lads near this nest early on during incubation and we both agreed it was destined to fail, however it lasted so long each time I passed it and they were still feeding I got the feeling they were going to make it against the odds
Redstarts, both Adults and 2 young feeding along the hedges and fence lines at one site, adults still taking food into nest hole at another site
Treecreepers feeding young in nest
Nuthatches at least 3 broods of fledged young
Willow Warbler with fledged young just out of the nest
Curlew Oystercatcher and Tawny Owls heard plus a jay mimicking Tawny Owl
lots of Long tailed, Great and Blue tits about
Spotted Flycatchers still feeding young in nest tonight, Sparrowhawk just missed a Blackbird nearby, 1 brood of Redstarts have fledged another brood still being fed in nest,plenty young titmice around, male Pied Wagtail with a mouthful of food on the main road, the midges were out in force tonight
a couple of hours last Saturday and a couple of hours yesterday (Saturday)
male Pied Flycatcher feeding female in nest, unfortunately not there yesterday though looks like they've failed
Spotted Flycatchers going into nest
2 pairs of Redstarts feeding young in nests
Coal Tit, Nuthatch and Great Tits also feeding young in nest holes
Anglezarke Reservoir : 2 Curlews calling and in display flight above the reservoir.
The mature oak woodlands at the Watermans Cottage just held common garden birds including 2 Nuthatches.
White Coppice : 5 Grey Wagtails + 1 Dipper on Black Brook, 2m Wheatears around the adjacent old quarry.
The path along the moorland edge between White Coppice and Heatherlea Woods produced the following sightings :
2 Mistle Thrushes, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Tawny Owl.
Heatherlea Woods : 1 Treecreeper. Also a short trill from what sounded like a Wood Warbler, but I could not locate the bird.
As it was midday and bird song had ebbed I quickly gave up looking for either Wood Warbler or any possible flycatchers.
I returned to White Coppice via the moorland path, along which 1 Tree Pipit was singing from an hawthorn and 2f Wheatears were on stone walls.
A Cuckoo was calling along the moorland edge throughout, but I simply could not locate him.
Meadow Pipits, as expected, were plentiful all across the moor.
Posted on twitter today - c350 Crossbills at the North end of Lead Mines Clough today.
We were on a walk, so no further views of the reservoir until we got back to the dam at 12.15 - nothing to see at that stage up until about 12.30.
Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return via reservoir on other side
My 'Naked eye watch' produced:
Kingfisher x 1 (flying across White Coppice cricket field towards Black Brook)
Curlew x 1
Great Crested Grebe x 5
Grey Heron x 2
Swift x 7
Swallow x 30
House Martin x 10
Lapwing x 1
Goldfinch x 4
Starling x 30
House Sparrow x 2
Cormorant x 1
Tufted Duck x 1
Canada Goose x 25
Swan x 2 adults (plus 5 cygnets)
Wren x 5
Robin x 1
Black-Headed Gull x 40
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2
Carrion Crow x 10
Blackbird x 4
Woodpigeon x 30
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher at Watermans Cottage
Buzzard seen near Junction 13 of M60
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 21st of July 2018 08:48:16 PM
A last attempt to find Redstart or Spotted Flycatcher as the breeding season closes for 2018. Sadly I could neither.
Plenty of yellow faced Blue Tits around though, many still being fed by parents.
At Lead Mines Clough 2 adult and 3 juvenile Grey Wagtails were by the almost dried up River Yarrow.
A female Mallard led her brood of 3 half grown ducklings and 2 Curlew called loudly as they circled above the woodland.
3 juvenile Black Headed Gulls were with a couple of adults and a pair of Lapwings on the scrape by Yarrow Reservoir.
The Southern end of Anglezarke Reservoir was devoid of birds apart from a single Great Crested Grebe.
A couple of Oystercatchers, a Lapwing and a Grey Heron were at the Northern end.
A thorough scan through the large oaks and ashes near Watermans Cottage produced a few more Blue Tit families but little else.
A Robin was still in full song here, Chaffinches and Wrens managed a few notes too.
At least the cooler weather and light rain kept horseflies at bay, mosquitoes were still biting though.
Covered the area from Lead Mines Clough to Watermans Cottage and the North side of Anglezarke Reservoir.
At one point on the walk a female Pied Flycatcher was frantically snatching insects from the leaves of a large oak,
whilst nearby a Wood Warbler was heard trilling, but alas I could'nt locate the bird.
No sign of Redstart or Spotted Flycatcher.
Lead Mines Clough : 1 Dipper, 2 Ravens and 2 Nuthatches.
Watermans Cottage area : 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Nuthatches, a pair Great Crested Grebes and a melanistic cock Pheasant.
Chaffinches, Robins, Wrens, Song Thrushes, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps were still singing.
Lead Mines Clough :
1 Chiffchaff (Only summer migrant found throughout), 2 Buzzards, 1 Dipper and a pair of Coal Tits.
1m Goosander on Yarrow Reservoir.
Anglezarke Reservoir & Adjoining Woodland :
4 Oystercatctchers, 2 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, 12 Tufted Ducks, 1 Treecreeper, 4 Ravens, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Lead Mines Clough
2m+1f Redstarts, 4 Nuthatches and 2 Treecreepers. Also, a family of Coal Tits with 2 fledged young being fed by their parents.
Watermans Cottage
2 Nuthatches and lots of Chaffinches etc, in the woodland by the reservoir but no sign of any flycatchers of either species.
A single Great Crested Grebe was on the reservoir, which is surprisingly full after a dry spring.
White Coppice
1 Kestrel, 2 Nuthatches (They appear to be plentiful around here), 3 Ravens and 1 Curlew.
( Is this going to be a bad year for Pied Flycatchers, I could'nt find any in areas where I could easily do so in previous years, and I struggled to find
a single male in Macclesfield Forest/Teggs Nose a few weeks ago?.)
Walk from Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Lead Mines Clough - Anglezarke Reservoir (passing by High Bullough Reservoir) - Watermans Cottage - White Coppice cricket ground - and return.
Redstart x 1 stunning male (Lead Mines Clough)
Spotted Flycatcher x 1 (Watermans Cottage)
Whitethroat x 1
Willow Warbler x 5
Chiffchaff x 1
Greenfinch x 1
Buzzard x 5
Kestrel x 4
Jay x 1
Oystercatcher x 1
Lapwing x 1
Meadow Pit x 2
Moorhen x 1
Grey Heron x 2
Grey Wagtail x 3
Pied Wagtail x 3
House Sparrow x 1
Mistle Thrush x 1
Greylag Geese x 4
Canada Geese x 12
House Martin x 20
Swallow x 10
Swift x 4
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 3
Black-Headed Gull x 20
Cormorant x 2
Goldfinch x 5
Wren x 3
Dunnock x 1
Chaffinch x 7
Great Tit x 4
Blackbird x 3
Robin x 3
Collared Dove x 1
Mallard x 10
Magpie x 3
Carrion Crow x 40
Jackdaw x 1
Male Pheasant x 1
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Monday 29th of May 2017 04:48:19 PM
After yesterday's washout it was good to get the bins out and get my lungs full of fresh air!
Walk from north side of Upper Rivington Reservoir - Yarrow Reservoir - Anglezarke Reservoir - White Coppice cricket ground - and return via south side.
Willow Warbler x 10
Chiffchaff x 3
Swallow x 4
Dipper x 1
Curlew x 3
Lapwing x 7
Oystercatcher x 4
Great Crested Grebe x 3
Pied Wagtail x 1
Nuthatch x 3
Jay x 2
House Sparrow x 2
Long Tailed Tit x 2
Goldfinch x 3
Tufted Duck x 8
Mallard x 15
Canada Geese x 3
Greylag Geese x 11
Wren x 5
Dunnock x 1
Coal Tit x 2
Robin x 5
Blue Tit x 3
Great Tit x 4
Chaffinch x 7
Blackbird x 5
Magpie x 4
Carrion Crow x 30
Jackdaw x 1
Black Headed Gull x 30
Herring Gull x 1
Woodpigeon x 10
Moorhen x 2
Cormorant x 3
Coot x 2
Pheasant x 1
Two Buzzards soaring, seen from Long Lane as I cycled and looked towards Back Lane and Anglezarke Reservoir.
Walked southside of Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return northside via Yarrow Reservoir.
Redwing x 15
Goldeneye x 4 (2M and 2F)
Goosander x 1
Nuthatch x 1
Jay x 4
Mistle Thrush x 1
House Sparrow x 1
Long Tailed Tit x 3
Goldfinch x 5
Mallards x 15
Canada Geese x 2
Wren x 1
Dunnock x 1
Coal Tit x 1
Robin x 7
Blue Tit x 3
Great Tit x 4
Chaffinch x 2
Blackbird x 8
Magpie x 4
Carrion Crow x 30
Rook x 20
Jackdaw x 15
Black Headed Gulls x 50
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 2
Woodpigeon x 4
Moorhen x 1
Cormorant x 2
Mute Swan x 1
Kestrel x 1 (on way home by side of M61)
Cuckoo - 1 flew over the sheep field at top end of the reservoir.
Redpoll - displaying - further up the valley towards White Coppice.
Plenty of willow warblers
Chris
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Sunny with 'nip in the air' - perfect walking and birding weather.
White Pheasant x 1 (first one I have seen - apparently they are leucistic / albino birds)
Male Pheasant x 3
Blackcap (1M and 1F)
Willow Warbler x 2 (seen); and lot more heard
Swallow x 3
Curlew x 3
Oystercatcher x 4 (1 sat on nest)
Buzzard x 2
Tree Sparrow x 1
Meadow Pipit x 2
Skylark x 1
Mistle Thrush x 2
Greylag Geese x 14
Mallards x 8
Canada Geese x 10
Wren x 1
Grey Heron x 1
Dunnock x 2
Robin x 5
Blue Tits x 8
Great Tits x 2
Chaffinch x 8
Blackbird x 5
Magpies x 4
Carrion Crow x 20
Black Headed Gulls x 30
Muscovy Duck x 1
Woodpigeon x 20
Feral Pigeon x 4
Moorhen x 2
Coot x 2
Tufted Duck x 3
Walked from Lower House Car Park - 'Pigeon Tower' - Great Hill - White Coppice - Angelzarke Reservoir - Upper Rivington Reservoir - and return via Great Barn.
Great to see work being done to put large stone slabs on boggy parts of walk up to Great Hill. Good deal of work completed - some outstanding work still to be done.
Raven x 2
Oystercatcher x 4
Goosander x 1
Goldeneye x 3
Kestrel x 3
Buzzard x 1
Mallards x 10
Canada Geese x 15
Robin x 3
Blue Tits x 4
Great Tits x 1
Blackbird x 3
Magpies x 10
Carrion Crow x 20
Chaffinch x 3
Black Headed Gulls x 50
Cormorant x 1
Mute Swan x 2
Pheasant x 1
Woodpigeon x 7
Moorhen x 2
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Rain until approximately 16:00 hrs. Got wet through - but enjoyed it enormously. Had to get out of central heated house to get some fresh air in my lungs and do some birding!
Goldcrest x 2
Goosander x 2 (1M and 1F) - on Angelzarke Reservoir
Goldeneye x 4 (1M and 3F) - High Bullough Reservoir
Kestrel x 1
Buzzard x 1
Mistle Thrush x 3
Long Tailed Tit x 2
Mallards x 30
Canada Geese x 20
Robin x 8
Blue Tits x 9
Great Tits x 5
Blackbird x 7
Magpies x 10
Carrion Crow x 30
Rook x 5
Chaffinch x 1
Black Headed Gulls x 100
Lesser Black Backed Gulls x 5
Cormorant x 1
Mute Swan x 4
Female Pheasant x 1
Woodpigeon x 5
Feral Pigeon x 10
Moorhen x 4
Coot x 3
10.30-14.00
Anglezarke Reservoir
3m Goosanders, 3 Shoveler, 10 Canada Geese and 60+ Mallard.
Sadly, I did'nt get the chance to scan properly through the Black Headed and Common Gulls which were not only massed at the Knowsley Lane end but on floods in surrounding pastures.
The surrounding woodland appeared to be eerily birdless, with just one flock of 10 Long Tailed Tits and a single Nuthatch.
Singles of Blue Tit and Robin was all I could find in the woods around High Bullough reservoir, where 3 Tufted Ducks were on the water.
In previous winters, when there as been a good crop of nuts, these areas of mature Beech have been teeming with Chaffinches and Bramblings.
Walked from Great Barn - Upper Rivington Reservoir - Angelzarke Reservoir - White Coppice - and return from other side.
Conditions: Sunny, dry with cold 'nip' in the air - perfect walking conditions.
Willow Warbler x 3
Swallows x 3
Lapwings x 7
Coal Tit
Kestrel
Nuthatch
Pied Wagtails x3
Long Tailed Tits
Greylag Geese x 7
Mallards
Canada Geese x 5
Blue Tits x 10
Great Tits x 8
Magpies
Blackbirds
Black Headed Gulls x lots
Lesser Black Backed Gulls x 5
Chaffinch x 4
Dunnock
Carrion Crows
Great Crested Grebe x 1
Cormorant x 1
Jay x 1
Goldfinch x 2
Oystercatchers x 4
Mute Swan
Tufted Ducks x 7
Curlew x 2
Male Pheasant x 1
Mistle Thrush
Robin x 7
Woodpigeon
Feral Pigeon
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:13:07 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:14:18 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 18th of April 2015 06:23:23 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Sunday 19th of April 2015 11:29:12 AM
5 Ravens were displaying above the high moor, also seen were 3 Kestrels, 1 Buzzard, a pair of Red Grouse and 4 singing Skylarks.
Not a single Meadow Pipit seen throughout, and no sign of either Dipper or Grey Wagtail on Black Brook.
Anglezarke Reservoir
1m+2f Goosanders, 3 Cormorants, 1 Grey Wagtail & 2 Kestrels
A single drake Mandarin within a group of 86 Mallard.
Apart from the usual Black Headed there 4 Common, 7 Lesser Black Backed and a single Great Black Backed Gull.
Woodland
2 Nuthatches, 2 Bullfinches and 1 Buzzard.
4 Goldcrests were within a large mixed tit flock.
Early Evening
A pair of Spotted Flycatchers in the oak woods.
Spotted Flycatcher on cottage roof
Raven mobbed by Black-headed Gulls as it flew over HB Res
Wood Warbler calling and showing briefly as it flittered through the canopy
Treecreeper carrying food
Garden Warbler
Lots of young Blackbirds / Robins / Blue Tits
14 Canada Geese with 3 goslings
Oystercatcher
-- Edited by Jon Bowen on Sunday 18th of May 2014 10:36:49 AM
3 Garden Warblers,
1 Bullfinch,
3 Raven over,
2 Redstarts seen at least 3 heard,
1 Cuckoo,
6+ Lesser Redpolls,
4 Oystercatchers,
Treecreeper taking food to nest site
Also seen
Willow Warblers
Blackcaps
Long Tailed Tits
Chiffchaff
Black Headed Gulls
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
Buzzard
Wren going to nest site
Grey Wagtail
Didn't find the Wood Warblers but then again we might not have walked in the area that they are.
Jimmy
High Bullough-Watermans Cottage
Could'nt locate Wood Warbler or any flycatchers.
2 near fledged Tawny Owlets, looked like they'd been knitted not grown, did'nt view for long as Tawny parents can get nasty.
2 Nuthatches, 2 Treecreepers, a pair of displaying Ravens and on the reservoir a single Great Crested Grebe.
8 Swallows swooped low over High Bullough Reservoir.
2 male Redstarts (Chasing each other around), 1 Treecreeper & 5 Oystercatchers.
1 Roebuck.
A real abundance of Great Tits, almost every tree seemed to hold a pair, Blue Tits too, will there be any vacant nestboxes left when our little migrant friends arrive back?.
Chaffinches & Wiillow Warblers also plentiful.
A very early Spotted Flycatcher was reported near the Watermans Cottage, although I could'nt find any flycatchers anywhere, maybe it's still too early?.
No rain; dull am but bright pm.
Group Sightings:
Brambling....60+ in 2 flocks feeding on Beech mast around the Woodland Trails. Flighty.
Chaffinch...45 ......one flock of c25. on Beech mast.
Bullfinch...4
Goldfinch...1
Tits.... numerous small flocks of Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, and Long-tailed Tit , often ground feeding.
Goldcrest....3
Treecreeper....4
Nuthatch....5
Great Spotted Woodpecker...2
Winter Thrushes.... 11 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing in a tree. Also 6 Fieldfare
and c20 Redwing over.
Mistle Thrush...2
Lapwing...4
Jay...1
Numerous Robins and a few Blackbird.
Plus Carrion Crow and Wood pigeon.
On the reservoirs:
Anglezarke:
Cormorants...2
Canada Goose c50 with....
Pink-footed Goose...1
Greylag....1
Mallards...c50
Lesser Black-backed Gull...1
Common Gull...2
Herring Gull...1
High Bullough...nothing.
Also 6 Roe Deer. Two of which were seen in cover by our lunch stop.
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 15th of January 2014 04:17:07 PM
1 Grey Wagtail.
Yarriow Reservoir
1 Oystercatcher
Anglesarke reservoir 09.15
1 Osprey mobbed by 2 crows & a BH Gull, raptor flew off towards Rivington
Reservoir.
White Coppice 09.40-11.30
4 Wheatear in old quarry
1 Cuckoo ( mobbed persistantly by pipits) 1 Tree Pipit & 1 Redstart (m)
along moorland edge towards Brinscall. 1 Roebuck.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 4th of May 2012 04:38:00 PM
towards Brinscall, 3 Dippers seen together. (Bolton CHA Rambling Club walk)
Lunch in Anglezarke car park followed by Janet's excellent home made cake, then a walk along the trails by Higher Bullough and Anglezarke reservoirs.
Sitings :
Buzzard.... 3
Fieldfare/Redwing mixed flock (45/25)... 70 total...flying SE
Nuthatch....1
Long Tail Tit flock .... 9 with...1 Great Tit
Tufted Duck 4
Cormorants...10
Wren 1
BH Gulls/ Mallards.
Sitings a bit thin but all very pleasant.