You can walk over this circuit at some times of year and not know that Song Thrush exists, but today they were in full song from every point of the walk, despite the gloom.
I saw a Kingfisher on Chudleigh Close pond two weeks ago, but it was fairly quiet there this morning. There was no Goosander there either.
Bullfinch maintained its recent form as the commonest finch. There were also a few Siskins around, but in nothing like the numbers that we used to see here ten years ago.
Canada Goose 12 Mallard c30 Moorhen Black-headed Gull 3 Woodpigeon Magpie Jay 5 Jackdaw Carrion Crow Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit Great Tit 12 Coal Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit Wren Starling c15 Blackbird Song Thrush Redwing c80 Robin Dunnock House Sparrow Grey Wagtail 1 Chaffinch Bullfinch 9 Greenfinch Goldfinch Siskin 5
Nigel Troup said
Sun Jan 14 11:58 AM, 2018
I was tipped off a while ago that Ring-necked Parakeets have moved into the area: it was confirmed this morning when two flew above the trees at the edge of the cricket ground. This noisy bird is not a delight to everyone, but it is a great ambassador for birding, as every novice knows instantly that they have seen something unusual, and often has a good idea what it is. There were two Buzzards on different parts of the site. Much gloom is voiced about species decline, but we should not miss the positives. I would have been very excited by each of these species when I first started to cover the area nearly twenty years ago.
The changing finch populations have also been a feature. I saw only one Greenfinch and no Chaffinch. Siskin numbers were a tiny fraction of past winters, and I saw no Lesser Redpoll; however, Goldfinches are still in healthy numbers and Bullfinches are now very easy to find throughout the year (two were feeding on lilac seeds a few feet from my window as I left).
It was good to find both Treecreeper and Nuthatch.
Canada Goose Mallard 2 Buzzard 2 Black-headed Gull Woodpigeon Collared Dove 2 Ring-necked Parakeet 2 Magpie Jay 4 Jackdaw Carrion Crow Blue Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Nuthatch 1 Treecreeper 1 Wren Blackbird Song Thrush Redwing Robin Dunnock House Sparrow Grey Wagtail 2 Bullfinch Greenfinch 1 Goldfinch 20+ Siskin 3
Nigel Troup said
Sat Dec 9 11:23 AM, 2017
A Peregrine was settled on the top of the Stepping Hill Hospital chimney during one of this morning's snow showers. It was the first that I have recorded here, meaning that I have seen new birds for the site on successive visits - I caught up with our newly resident Ring-necked Parakeet on my last sortie.
Otherwise, it was much as usual, though finch numbers had risen a little. There was no sign of Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond yet.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 37 Grey Heron 2 Moorhen 8 Black-headed Gull 4 Woodpigeon Collared Dove 2 Peregrine 1 Magpie Jay 5 Jackdaw Carrion Crow Blue Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Nuthatch 2 Wren Starling Blackbird Song Thrush Redwing 35C Robin House Sparrow Chaffinch 4 Bullfinch 5+ Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 30+
Nigel Troup said
Sat Mar 25 10:05 AM, 2017
Spring has finally sprung in Woodsmoor. Though there was some frost on the ground, the sun was warm and the air was windless. Warblers are singing: one Blackcap near the railway bridge and seven Chiffchaffs. Three Sparrowhawks were in the air together. Four Redwing were the last sign of winter.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 3 Sparrowhawk 3 Woodpigeon Magpie Jay 3 Jackdaw Carrion Crow 1 Blue Tit Great Tit 3 Coal Tit 1 Long-tailed Tit 3 Chiffchaff 7 Blackcap 1 Nuthatch 2 Wren 10+ Starling Blackbird Song Thrush 3 Redwing 4 Mistle Thrush 1 Robin Dunnock 6 House Sparrow Bullfinch 3 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 1
Nigel Troup said
Wed Feb 15 10:21 AM, 2017
There were nine Waxwings at the entrance to the playing fields on Woodsmoor Lane at 08:00 today. Though not strictly Mirrlees, this is part of the patch that I cover and seems the right thread to report them on.
This is the second time I have seen them in Woodsmoor, the last sighting being four in my garden in early 2013.
Nigel Troup said
Sun Feb 5 6:11 PM, 2017
The birds shook off their winter lethargy under bright sunshine on Mirrlees yesterday morning. Song Thrushes led the chorus - at least half a dozen. Many of the birds were in pairs, as they should be at this time of year: Herons, Nuthatches, Dunnock etc. A Grey Wagtail flew over.
It was a good day for finches. I saw four species, which is a rare event these days. Three Chaffinches were a very high count, plus one each of Greenfinch and Siskin (in a garden on Flowery Field), plus the dependable Bullfinch, which are now this site's commonest finch. It is strange not to see a Goldfinch at this time of year.
There were about a dozen Redwing feeding on the shady edge of the cricket ground.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 7 5:55 PM, 2017
The first 2017 circuit of Mirrlees turned up some good birds and a species total of 29. The obvious highlight was a Kingfisher by Chudleigh Close pond - the first I have seen here for a little over ten years.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 20+ Grey Heron 2 Moorhen 4 Black-headed Gull 1 Woodpigeon Collared Dove 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Magpie Jackdaw Carrion Crow Goldcrest 2 Blue Tit 10+ Great Tit 2 Coal Tit 3 Long-tailed Tit 2 Wren Blackbird Song Thrush 2 Redwing 2 Mistle Thrush 2 Robin 10+ Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 12+ Chaffinch 1 Bullfinch 3 Greenfinch 1 Goldfinch 2
Nigel Troup said
Sat Nov 12 12:07 PM, 2016
Goosander were back on the pond on Chudleigh Close this morning: six red heads and an adult male.
Two Treecreepers, in different spots, were the first that I have seen anywhere since January.
A Buzzard was in the trees in the wooded area near Man Diesel.
A full circuit around Mirrlees in bright, dry weather. 09:00 to 10:00
Highlight: two Redwings were the first I have seen this autumn; two Meadow Pipit on Woodsmoor Lane playing fields. Lowlight: the customary observation that finches become ever fewer.
Moorhen Woodpigeon Black-headed Gull Blackbird Mistle Thrush Redwing Dunnock Robin Wren Long-tailed Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Nuthatch Meadow Pipit Bullfinch Goldfinch Magpie Jay Crow Jackdaw Starling
Nigel Troup said
Mon Mar 28 12:00 PM, 2016
Cold and windy morning. Two Chiffchaffs singing.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Mar 5 10:55 AM, 2016
It was a pleasant morning, but the unwelcome mixture of mud and overlying snow made for heavy going. Apart from the snow, the most obvious sign that it is still winter was the Redwings - an estimated 100 in the tree tops and feeding on leaf litter. A redhead Goosander was on the pond at Chudleigh Close and a pair of Grey Wagtails on the sodden fields by the railway line near Stepping Hill. It was an almost finchless circuit: single examples of Siskin and Bullfinch (both males).
Canada Goose Mallard Goosander Moorhen Black-headed Gull Common Gull Woodpigeon Collared Dove Great Spotted Woodpecker Magpie Jay Jackdaw Carrion Crow Goldcrest Blue Tit Great Tit Coal Tit Long-tailed Tit Wren Starling Blackbird Song Thrush Redwing Mistle Thrush Robin Dunnock House Sparrow Grey Wagtail Bullfinch Siskin
Nigel Troup said
Sun Jan 31 11:39 AM, 2016
A solid wall of incessant fine rain. In the circumstances, it was quite a good showing. It was good to see a small group of Siskins back again, and I heard, though did not see, at least one Redpoll. Bullfinches are doing well this year, and are venturing into my garden fairly regularly.
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Sunday 31st of January 2016 11:41:12 AM
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 23 11:09 AM, 2016
A lovely sunny morning - plenty of bird song.
Mallard C30 Goosander 2 Moorhen 1 Common Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Woodpigeon 19 Collared Dove 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Magpie 34 Jackdaw 6 Carrion Crow 4 Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit 16 Great Tit 3 Coal Tit 5 Treecreeper 1 Wren 3 Starling 4 Blackbird 14 Song Thrush 1 Redwing 44 Mistle Thrush 1 Robin 13 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 4 Chaffinch 1 Bullfinch 4 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 6
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 16 10:53 AM, 2016
The first genuinely cold morning of the winter, and it made a welcome change to be crunching over icy ground not squelching through mud. The pond at Chudleigh Close was frozen over, apart from a small area into which 35 Mallards had squeezed. There was a good selection of thrushes, including my first local Fieldfares for quite a while. Dunnock and Song Thrush are both now in song.
Canada Goose 5 Mallard 35 Moorhen 1 Black-headed Gull 5 Feral Pigeon Woodpigeon 36 Collared Dove 1 Magpie 37 Jay 5 Jackdaw 3 Carrion Crow 7 Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit 6 Great Tit 6 Long-tailed Tit 8 Wren 3 Starling 5 Blackbird 15 Fieldfare 2 Song Thrush 2 Redwing 10 Mistle Thrush 2 Robin 12 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow Bullfinch 5 Goldfinch 1 Siskin 1
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Saturday 16th of January 2016 04:40:50 PM
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 9 10:49 AM, 2016
It was pretty quiet on this morning's walk over a sodden Mirrlees. It was pleasing to find a good flock of Siskin for the first time in the last few years: about 20 feeding in alders near the fence at the station end. I had always believed that numbers increased as a factor of the hardness of the weather. It looks as though I can kick that theory into touch.
Black-headed Gull 1, Woodpigeon C10, Magpie C10, Jackdaw 2, Carrion Crow 2, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 8, Coal Tit 2, Wren 1, Starling 1, Blackbird 6, Song Thrush 2, Robin 9, House Sparrow 6, Chaffinch 1, Bullfinch 2, Goldfinch 8, Siskin C20
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Saturday 9th of January 2016 10:50:50 AM
Nigel Troup said
Sun Jan 3 3:05 PM, 2016
First circuit of the year on a wet and miserable afternoon. The species count was lower than usual, but this was not unexpected in the circumstances. It was lovely to watch a pair of Treecreepers feeding together low down in a patch of willows at very close range.
Canada Goose 7 Mallard 26 Goosander 1 Moorhen 4 Black-headed Gull C30 Woodpigeon +10 Collared Dove 3 Magpie +20 Jay 3 Jackdaw 1 Carrion Crow 2 Blue Tit 6 Great Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit 2 Treecreeper 2 Wren 2 Starling C10 Blackbird +5 Redwing C30 Robin 2 House Sparrow 2 Goldfinch 4
Nigel Troup said
Mon Dec 28 11:27 AM, 2015
My final circuit of the year brought a pleasing count of 33 species. Goldcrest are doing well this year: I added five to the three in my back garden yesterday. Siskin, Redpoll and Goosander were the first that I've seen here for a while.
Pink-footed Goose
100
C
Flying over
Canada Goose
7
Mallard
20
+
Goosander
1
Moorhen
4
Black-headed Gull
4
Feral Pigeon
Woodpigeon
20
+
Collared Dove
2
Great Spotted Woodpecker
1
Magpie
30
C
Jay
2
Jackdaw
2
Carrion Crow
2
Goldcrest
5
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
1
Long-tailed Tit
6
Nuthatch
2
Wren
1
Starling
7
Blackbird
10
+
Song Thrush
1
Redwing
20
+
Mistle Thrush
2
Robin
10
+
Dunnock
1
House Sparrow
5
Chaffinch
1
Lesser Redpoll
2
Goldfinch
30
+
Siskin
1
Nigel Troup said
Sat Nov 14 10:36 AM, 2015
A pleasant morning circuit, 23 species seen:
Pink-footed Goose c65 Mallard 38 Moorhen 3 Black-headed Gull 3 Woodpigeon 16 Collared Dove 1 Magpie 9 Jay 2 Jackdaw 1 Carrion Crow 2 Goldcrest 2 Blue Tit 4 Great Tit 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 Wren 2 Starling 6 Blackbird 15 Redwing c35 Robin 4 House Sparrow 5 Chaffinch 2 Bullfinch 1 Goldfinch c5
Nigel Troup said
Sun Oct 18 9:37 PM, 2015
A rare weekend in Stockport. Morning dog walk around a mild, and very dry, Mirrlees produced 26 species:
Mallard Sparrowhawk Moorhen Black-headed Gull Woodpigeon Great Spotted Woodpecker Magpie Jay Jackdaw Carrion Crow Goldcrest Blue Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Nuthatch Wren Starling Blackbird Redwing Robin Dunnock House Sparrow Grey Wagtail Bullfinch Lesser Redpoll Goldfinch
As I cycled through later in the morning, five swans flew distantly past; too distantly to name the species.
On Saturday afternoon, c100 Pink-footed Geese flew over, heading east.
My first local Redwings of the autumn passed over on the morning of Thursday 15th; 9 of them, with 10 the following morning. They show a remarkable consistency - not a scientific study by any means, but here are past records of first dates:
Two noisy Peregrines circling over the playing field at 08:45 this morning were a first for Woodsmoor. There was also a male Sparrowhawk in a conifer near the cricket ground.
Andy Bissitt said
Sun Apr 26 9:07 PM, 2015
Nigel Troup wrote: With the planned destruction of other key pieces of local green belt for a variety of commercial uses, this is a rare piece of good news.
Green belt being built on? Perish the thought!! Anyone making an election pledge about this sort of thing? Thought not.
Nigel Troup said
Sun Apr 26 9:02 PM, 2015
I took part in Mirrlees Action Group's first official bird tour early this morning, in the company of a select band of local residents and Richard of Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who will play a key part in the future management of this wonderful amenity. With the planned destruction of other key pieces of local green belt for a variety of commercial uses, this is a rare piece of good news.
The highlight of the two hour wander was the company, the crystal clear light and the singing warblers. Good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff entertained us, along with a single Willow Warbler.
List of species heard and seen:
Canada Goose Mallard Lesser Black-backed Gull (overflying) Woodpigeon Magpie Jay Jackdaw Carrion Crow Goldcrest (probable) Blue Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Chiffchaff Willow Warbler Blackcap Nuthatch Wren Starling Blackbird Robin Dunnock Chaffinch Greenfinch
Nigel Troup said
Fri Mar 20 11:00 AM, 2015
First sign of spring this morning - a Chiffchaff singing by the anglers' pool.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Mar 14 9:37 AM, 2015
08:00 to 09:00 - walking the dog. Nothing unusual, and no sign of spring, but an abundance of birds.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 9 Sparrowhawk 1 Moorhen 3 Herring Gull 2 Woodpigeon 36 Collared Dove 2 Magpie 32 Jay 4 Jackdaw 2 Carrion Crow 6 Blue Tit 13 Great Tit 7 Long-tailed Tit 6 Wren 15 Starling 25 Blackbird 26 Song Thrush 2 Redwing 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Robin 19 Dunnock 12 House Sparrow 17 Pied Wagtail 2 Chaffinch 1 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 20
Nigel Troup said
Sun Feb 8 10:34 AM, 2015
09:30 through 10:20. Cold; not enough wind to move a damp mist.
First visit of the weekend, having taken yesterday's dog walk along the beach from Wallasey coastguard station to New Brighton. Chudleigh Close pond was still mostly frozen. The small non-iced area along the railway line hosted today's surprise visitor: a female Tufted Duck.
8:40 through 10:00. Air temperature a bit higher, but a cold breeze, and much of last week's snow still under foot. Highlight was a Treecreeper, near the Shady Oak pub.
Canada Goose 1 Mallard 37 Moorhen 4 Black-headed Gull 2 Woodpigeon 7 Collared Dove 2 Magpie 14 Jay 2 Jackdaw 4 Carrion Crow 3 Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit 16 Great Tit 1 Coal Tit 1 Long-tailed Tit 4 Nuthatch 1 Wren 1 Starling 7 Blackbird 15 Song Thrush 1 Redwing c20 Robin 4 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 24 Chaffinch 4 Greenfinch 3 Goldfinch c20 Siskin 2
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 10 12:44 PM, 2015
Twenty one species on the one hour morning dog walk circuit, with Monty, in grim weather.
Surprises included a Snipe sitting in the middle of the playing field between Woodsmoor Lane and Stockport Georgians CC, three Herring Gulls over (two adults), and a stonking count of sixteen Goosander on the small pool off Chudleigh Close.
As per last Saturday, I didn't see a single Long-tailed Tit; neither did I see one over the first three days of the year, spent on Anglesey.
Nigel Troup said
Wed Oct 15 7:56 AM, 2014
C65 Redwings over Woodsmoor at 07:45, heading south in four separate groups; my first of the autumn.
John Rayner said
Fri Apr 4 3:49 PM, 2014
4 Chiffchaffs singing and a perched female Sparrowhawk calling loudly.
Cheers, John
Nigel Troup said
Wed Mar 26 6:37 PM, 2014
A Treecreeper was near the anglers' pool at 5:30 this evening - the first I have seen in 2014.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Mar 22 10:24 AM, 2014
It may have been a chilly breeze that accompanied this morning's bright sunshine, but six singing Chiffchaffs on my dog walk circuit proved that spring has arrived in Woodsmoor. Other highlights included a Sparrowhawk soaring over the house, at least five Jays and a Nuthatch. It was good to see that a Coot is still on Chudleigh Close pond.
There was no sign of any wintering thrushes, though I did see seven Redwing on Old Hall Lane, Woodford, yesterday evening.
Full list from this morning's one hour walk.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 10 Sparrowhawk 1 Moorhen 1 Coot 1 Woodpigeon 28 Magpie 21 Jay 5 Jackdaw 12 Carrion Crow 4 Blue Tit 8 Great Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit 4 Chiffchaff 6 Nuthatch 1 Wren 9 Starling 10 Blackbird 11 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush 2 Robin 6 Dunnock 8 House Sparrow 13 Chaffinch 1 Greenfinch 2 Goldfinch 1
Nigel Troup said
Tue Mar 11 4:31 PM, 2014
Singing Chiffchaff at 09:00 this glorious morning - showing well. A pair of Bullfinch was nearby and a Siskin flew over.
There was a pair of Coot on the pond off Chudleigh Close yesterday evening - something of a local rarity these days.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Feb 15 11:50 AM, 2014
This morning brought another horribly wet walk around Mirrlees fields. The wind has dropped a little, but Wednesday's gales have left their mark, with a large silver birch uprooted by the edge of Chudleigh Close pond.
The first decent Siskin flock (eight) of the year was feeding in alders in the old golf course area, alongside similar numbers of Goldfinch, with both Chaffinch and Greenfinch in song nearby. Five Jay were harvesting acorns, and a count of four Song Thrushes was encouraging for a species that seems to lie low for much of the winter. There was a redhead Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond.
Full list:
Mallard c20 Goosander 1 Moorhen 4 Black-headed Gull 1 Woodpigeon Collared Dove 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Magpie c12 Jay 5 Jackdaw 2 Blue Tit c10 Great Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit 2 Wren 1 Blackbird c20 Song Thrush 4 Redwing c20 Robin c6 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow c12 Chaffinch 1 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 6 Siskin 8
Nigel Troup said
Sat Feb 8 10:44 AM, 2014
The morning got off to a good start with a male Blackcap in my back garden, briefly. A Goldcrest fed in the pear tree for ten minutes.
The Redwing, missing last Saturday, are back in some force on the sodden playing fields off Woodsmoor Lane; numbers were down to about 60.
It was good to hear a few birds singing, notably a couple of Song Thrush.
Other species:
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 27 Moorhen 3 Woodpigeon 20 Collared Dove 3 Magpie 17 Jackdaw 2 Carrion Crow 5 Blue Tit 7 Great Tit 8 Wren 1 Starling 2 Blackbird 12 Mistle Thrush 2 Robin 8 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 8 Greenfinch 5 Goldfinch 4 Bullfinch 3
Nigel Troup said
Sun Feb 2 10:46 AM, 2014
Despite treble figure counts of Redwing on the past two weekends, I didn't see a single one this morning. I saw 27 other species on my circuit, which includes the pond off Chudleigh Close, and I counted them more thoroughly than usual.
Canada Goose 2 Mallard 28 Sparrowhawk 1 Moorhen 3 Black-headed Gull 2 Common Gull 2 Woodpigeon 15 Collared Dove 3 Magpie 27 Jay 1 Jackdaw 7 Carrion Crow 5 Blue Tit 13 Great Tit 2 Nuthatch 1 Wren 2 Starling 3 Blackbird 19 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Robin 11 Dunnock 3 House Sparrow 8 Chaffinch 2 Greenfinch 6 Goldfinch 2 Bullfinch 2
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 25 1:51 PM, 2014
There were still a great many Redwing around this morning. At least 100 were feeding with Starling on the former playing field (now more like moorland bog) off Woodsmoor Lane.
At least two Nuthatches were around the old golf course, also two Jay. Greenfinch are numerous this winter, other finches markedly less so.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 18 11:19 AM, 2014
There has been a great abundance of Redwing in the area this winter, and the number actually seems to be increasing. I counted 140 feeding on Stockport Georgians football pitch this morning, alongside Mistle Thrush, Starling, Goldfinch and Blackbird; there were others in the neighbouring trees.
A Siskin at a feeder by Chudleigh Close pond was the first that I have seen this year, and brought up my 100th species of 2014 (not all of them around Mirrlees!).
Nature is being fooled to believe that spring is nearly here: daffodils are shooting and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming near the pond.
Other sightings included:
Heron Mallard Moorhen Black-headed Gull Common Gull Woodpigeon Collared Dove Blackbird Robin Dunnock Wren Goldcrest Long-tailed Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Magpie Jackdaw Carrion Crow House Sparrow Greenfinch Bullfinch
Nigel Troup said
Wed Dec 25 6:42 PM, 2013
A lovely Christmas morning - I took a full circuit with Monty around 10:00.
Where are the finches of yesteryear? This used to be a reliable site at this time of year for Siskin and Lesser Redpoll, but the only finches I managed today were a dozen Goldfinch in the alders near the end of Flowery Field and a further three drinking from puddles in the cricket club car park.
On a more positive note, there are a few winter thrushes around. I saw two each of Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush from the garden before I set off, plus a Redwing feeding on cotoneaster near the kitchen window. There were several more Redwing on the way around the fields.
A Heron was at the anglers' pool, a Nuthatch near Flowery Field, and a Sparrowhawk by the factory. A Cormorant overhead was a scarce sighting here.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Dec 21 7:28 PM, 2013
There were five Herring Gulls around Stepping Hill's chimney at 10:00 this morning - unusual here. Other sightings included:
15 Redwing feeding on the football pitch. 1 male Bullfinch. A pair of Chaffinch. 1 Nuthatch. 1 Sparrowhawk. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 4 Mistle Thrush. 50+ Black-headed Gulls.
Lter in the day, there was a redhead Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond at 3:30.
Nigel Troup said
Tue Dec 10 3:06 PM, 2013
08:00 today: 14 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing in the mature trees in gardens on Montrose Avenue, overlooking the sports field.
Nigel Troup said
Tue Dec 3 10:23 PM, 2013
A Tawny Owl seen in flight at 9.00 tonight, close to the entrance to the playing fields at junction of Woodsmoor Lane and Egerton Road.
Nigel Troup said
Sun Nov 24 7:22 PM, 2013
A bit more variety this morning - 19 species, including Goldcrest and Treecreeper by the railway bridge on the newly-laid path and a male Chaffinch, something of a rarity these days.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Nov 23 6:55 PM, 2013
12 Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond this morning. 4 Redwing over. 1 Nuthatch in trees at end of Flowery Field.
Otherwise pretty quiet.
Two Fieldfare yesterday morning: not regular at this site.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Oct 12 7:18 PM, 2013
A Treecreeper was in with a small flock of Long-tailed Tits near the entrance at Barlow Lane South at 11:30. Not having seen one in Stockport throughout 2013, this was my second of the day, having seen one at Adswood Tip earlier.
Nigel Troup said
Sat May 18 8:07 PM, 2013
A circuit at 08:30 onwards produced 20 species, including six Chiffchaffs and four Blackcaps.
John Rayner said
Sat Apr 6 4:59 PM, 2013
1 Chiffchaff (singing) 8 Jays (single party) c20 Redwings scattered by a male Sparrowhawk 2 Song Thrushes (singing) 1 Mistle Thrush (saw off the Sparrowhawk)
Cheers John
Nigel Troup said
Sat Feb 2 6:22 PM, 2013
Magpies dominated Mirrlees in crisp, but beautiful, sunshine this morning. I counted 27 in a single group.
Also in good numbers were Goosander. Five (three drakes) were on Chudleigh Close pond when I arrived, and another drake dropped in five minutes later. There was also a pair (duplication is possible) on the anglers' pool on Mirrlees; I have never seen one here before.
A Lesser Redpoll was a nice surprise. I used to see flocks of up to 60 here ten years ago, but they are irregular winter visitors now. It was feeding in bramble near the station entrance.
A Song Thrush was singing, and a Mistle Thrush chastised Magpies angrily nearby. The commoner finches were scarce, but I saw at least three Bullfinches (two males). Once again, a Sparrowhawk was patrolling the area, and a Common Gull was on the playing fields.
26 species in all.
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 5 6:30 PM, 2013
There were no fewer than 15 Goosander (7 drakes) on the small pond off Chudleigh Close this morning: a high count for me at this site. Also on the water were c20 Mallard and four Moorhen. There are still a few Siskin in the waterside alders, along with Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Song Thrush. A Heron departed as I arrived.
Nigel Troup said
Wed Dec 26 5:11 PM, 2012
I squelched over Mirrlees with Month yesterday morning. There was a small flock of Goldfinch feeding in the alders at the anglers' pool end of he site, one male Siskin fed with them. A Sparrowhawk flew over. Winter thrushes seem thin on the ground.
A walk to Chudleigh Close pond in the afternoon was more productive: 32 Mallard, 4 Moorhen, c20 Siskin, c12 Goldfinch, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits and a Treecreeper.
There is plenty of action at my garden feeder now, including two regular Nuthatches.
You can walk over this circuit at some times of year and not know that Song Thrush exists, but today they were in full song from every point of the walk, despite the gloom.
I saw a Kingfisher on Chudleigh Close pond two weeks ago, but it was fairly quiet there this morning. There was no Goosander there either.
Bullfinch maintained its recent form as the commonest finch. There were also a few Siskins around, but in nothing like the numbers that we used to see here ten years ago.
Canada Goose 12
Mallard c30
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull 3
Woodpigeon
Magpie
Jay 5
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest 1
Blue Tit
Great Tit 12
Coal Tit 2
Long-tailed Tit
Wren
Starling c15
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Redwing c80
Robin
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Grey Wagtail 1
Chaffinch
Bullfinch 9
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Siskin 5
The changing finch populations have also been a feature. I saw only one Greenfinch and no Chaffinch. Siskin numbers were a tiny fraction of past winters, and I saw no Lesser Redpoll; however, Goldfinches are still in healthy numbers and Bullfinches are now very easy to find throughout the year (two were feeding on lilac seeds a few feet from my window as I left).
It was good to find both Treecreeper and Nuthatch.
Canada Goose
Mallard 2
Buzzard 2
Black-headed Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove 2
Ring-necked Parakeet 2
Magpie
Jay 4
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Nuthatch 1
Treecreeper 1
Wren
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Redwing
Robin
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Grey Wagtail 2
Bullfinch
Greenfinch 1
Goldfinch 20+
Siskin 3
Otherwise, it was much as usual, though finch numbers had risen a little. There was no sign of Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond yet.
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 37
Grey Heron 2
Moorhen 8
Black-headed Gull 4
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove 2
Peregrine 1
Magpie
Jay 5
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Nuthatch 2
Wren
Starling
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Redwing 35C
Robin
House Sparrow
Chaffinch 4
Bullfinch 5+
Greenfinch 4
Goldfinch 30+
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 3
Sparrowhawk 3
Woodpigeon
Magpie
Jay 3
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow 1
Blue Tit
Great Tit 3
Coal Tit 1
Long-tailed Tit 3
Chiffchaff 7
Blackcap 1
Nuthatch 2
Wren 10+
Starling
Blackbird
Song Thrush 3
Redwing 4
Mistle Thrush 1
Robin
Dunnock 6
House Sparrow
Bullfinch 3
Greenfinch 4
Goldfinch 1
This is the second time I have seen them in Woodsmoor, the last sighting being four in my garden in early 2013.
It was a good day for finches. I saw four species, which is a rare event these days. Three Chaffinches were a very high count, plus one each of Greenfinch and Siskin (in a garden on Flowery Field), plus the dependable Bullfinch, which are now this site's commonest finch. It is strange not to see a Goldfinch at this time of year.
There were about a dozen Redwing feeding on the shady edge of the cricket ground.
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 20+
Grey Heron 2
Moorhen 4
Black-headed Gull 1
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove 2
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Magpie
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest 2
Blue Tit 10+
Great Tit 2
Coal Tit 3
Long-tailed Tit 2
Wren
Blackbird
Song Thrush 2
Redwing 2
Mistle Thrush 2
Robin 10+
Dunnock 4
House Sparrow 12+
Chaffinch 1
Bullfinch 3
Greenfinch 1
Goldfinch 2
Two Treecreepers, in different spots, were the first that I have seen anywhere since January.
A Buzzard was in the trees in the wooded area near Man Diesel.
Other species included:
Mallard
Moorhen
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Goldcrest (3+)
Long-tailed Tit
Chaffinch
Bullfinch
Goldfinch
Jay
Highlight: two Redwings were the first I have seen this autumn; two Meadow Pipit on Woodsmoor Lane playing fields. Lowlight: the customary observation that finches become ever fewer.
Moorhen
Woodpigeon
Black-headed Gull
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
Redwing
Dunnock
Robin
Wren
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Nuthatch
Meadow Pipit
Bullfinch
Goldfinch
Magpie
Jay
Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
Canada Goose
Mallard
Goosander
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Magpie
Jay
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Wren
Starling
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Robin
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Grey Wagtail
Bullfinch
Siskin
A solid wall of incessant fine rain. In the circumstances, it was quite a good showing. It was good to see a small group of Siskins back again, and I heard, though did not see, at least one Redpoll. Bullfinches are doing well this year, and are venturing into my garden fairly regularly.
Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch, Siskin.
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Sunday 31st of January 2016 11:41:12 AM
A lovely sunny morning - plenty of bird song.
Mallard C30 Goosander 2 Moorhen 1 Common Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Woodpigeon 19 Collared Dove 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Magpie 34 Jackdaw 6 Carrion Crow 4 Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit 16 Great Tit 3 Coal Tit 5 Treecreeper 1 Wren 3 Starling 4 Blackbird 14 Song Thrush 1 Redwing 44 Mistle Thrush 1 Robin 13 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 4 Chaffinch 1 Bullfinch 4 Greenfinch 4 Goldfinch 6The first genuinely cold morning of the winter, and it made a welcome change to be crunching over icy ground not squelching through mud. The pond at Chudleigh Close was frozen over, apart from a small area into which 35 Mallards had squeezed. There was a good selection of thrushes, including my first local Fieldfares for quite a while. Dunnock and Song Thrush are both now in song.
Canada Goose 5 Mallard 35 Moorhen 1 Black-headed Gull 5 Feral Pigeon Woodpigeon 36 Collared Dove 1 Magpie 37 Jay 5 Jackdaw 3 Carrion Crow 7 Goldcrest 1 Blue Tit 6 Great Tit 6 Long-tailed Tit 8 Wren 3 Starling 5 Blackbird 15 Fieldfare 2 Song Thrush 2 Redwing 10 Mistle Thrush 2 Robin 12 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow Bullfinch 5 Goldfinch 1 Siskin 1
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Saturday 16th of January 2016 04:40:50 PM
It was pretty quiet on this morning's walk over a sodden Mirrlees. It was pleasing to find a good flock of Siskin for the first time in the last few years: about 20 feeding in alders near the fence at the station end. I had always believed that numbers increased as a factor of the hardness of the weather. It looks as though I can kick that theory into touch.
Black-headed Gull 1, Woodpigeon C10, Magpie C10, Jackdaw 2, Carrion Crow 2, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 8, Coal Tit 2, Wren 1, Starling 1, Blackbird 6, Song Thrush 2, Robin 9, House Sparrow 6, Chaffinch 1, Bullfinch 2, Goldfinch 8, Siskin C20
-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Saturday 9th of January 2016 10:50:50 AM
First circuit of the year on a wet and miserable afternoon. The species count was lower than usual, but this was not unexpected in the circumstances. It was lovely to watch a pair of Treecreepers feeding together low down in a patch of willows at very close range.
Canada Goose 7 Mallard 26 Goosander 1 Moorhen 4 Black-headed Gull C30 Woodpigeon +10 Collared Dove 3 Magpie +20 Jay 3 Jackdaw 1 Carrion Crow 2 Blue Tit 6 Great Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit 2 Treecreeper 2 Wren 2 Starling C10 Blackbird +5 Redwing C30 Robin 2 House Sparrow 2 Goldfinch 4My final circuit of the year brought a pleasing count of 33 species. Goldcrest are doing well this year: I added five to the three in my back garden yesterday. Siskin, Redpoll and Goosander were the first that I've seen here for a while.
A pleasant morning circuit, 23 species seen:
Pink-footed Goose c65 Mallard 38 Moorhen 3 Black-headed Gull 3 Woodpigeon 16 Collared Dove 1 Magpie 9 Jay 2 Jackdaw 1 Carrion Crow 2 Goldcrest 2 Blue Tit 4 Great Tit 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 Wren 2 Starling 6 Blackbird 15 Redwing c35 Robin 4 House Sparrow 5 Chaffinch 2 Bullfinch 1 Goldfinch c5Mallard
Sparrowhawk
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Woodpigeon
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Magpie
Jay
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Nuthatch
Wren
Starling
Blackbird
Redwing
Robin
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Grey Wagtail
Bullfinch
Lesser Redpoll
Goldfinch
As I cycled through later in the morning, five swans flew distantly past; too distantly to name the species.
On Saturday afternoon, c100 Pink-footed Geese flew over, heading east.
My first local Redwings of the autumn passed over on the morning of Thursday 15th; 9 of them, with 10 the following morning. They show a remarkable consistency - not a scientific study by any means, but here are past records of first dates:
15/10/2014
10/10/2013
10/10/2012
16/10/2011
12/10/2010
10/10/2009
17/10/2008
14/10/2007
14/10/2006
16/10/2005
The highlight of the two hour wander was the company, the crystal clear light and the singing warblers. Good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff entertained us, along with a single Willow Warbler.
List of species heard and seen:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Lesser Black-backed Gull (overflying)
Woodpigeon
Magpie
Jay
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest (probable)
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Nuthatch
Wren
Starling
Blackbird
Robin
Dunnock
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 9
Sparrowhawk 1
Moorhen 3
Herring Gull 2
Woodpigeon 36
Collared Dove 2
Magpie 32
Jay 4
Jackdaw 2
Carrion Crow 6
Blue Tit 13
Great Tit 7
Long-tailed Tit 6
Wren 15
Starling 25
Blackbird 26
Song Thrush 2
Redwing 2
Mistle Thrush 1
Robin 19
Dunnock 12
House Sparrow 17
Pied Wagtail 2
Chaffinch 1
Greenfinch 4
Goldfinch 20
First visit of the weekend, having taken yesterday's dog walk along the beach from Wallasey coastguard station to New Brighton. Chudleigh Close pond was still mostly frozen. The small non-iced area along the railway line hosted today's surprise visitor: a female Tufted Duck.
Mallard 42
Tufted Duck 1
Moorhen 3
Black-headed Gull 12
Lesser Black-backed Gull 2
Woodpigeon 12
Magpie 6
Jackdaw 9
Carrion Crow 2
Goldcrest 1
Blue Tit 10
Great Tit 2
Coal Tit 2
Nuthatch 1
Wren 1
Starling 23
Blackbird 6
Mistle Thrush 1
Robin 3
Dunnock 4
House Sparrow +6
Chaffinch 3
Greenfinch 6
Goldfinch 10
Canada Goose 1
Mallard 31
Goosander 4 (1m)
Moorhen 3
Black-headed Gull 3
Woodpigeon 24
Collared Dove 1
Magpie 19
Jackdaw 4
Carrion Crow 8
Blue Tit 10
Great Tit 3
Long-tailed Tit 4
Treecreeper 1
Wren 3
Starling C20
Blackbird 10
Mistle Thrush 2
Robin 5
Dunnock 5
House Sparrow C6
Greenfinch 1
Goldfinch 1
Canada Goose 1
Mallard 37
Moorhen 4
Black-headed Gull 2
Woodpigeon 7
Collared Dove 2
Magpie 14
Jay 2
Jackdaw 4
Carrion Crow 3
Goldcrest 1
Blue Tit 16
Great Tit 1
Coal Tit 1
Long-tailed Tit 4
Nuthatch 1
Wren 1
Starling 7
Blackbird 15
Song Thrush 1
Redwing c20
Robin 4
Dunnock 2
House Sparrow 24
Chaffinch 4
Greenfinch 3
Goldfinch c20
Siskin 2
Surprises included a Snipe sitting in the middle of the playing field between Woodsmoor Lane and Stockport Georgians CC, three Herring Gulls over (two adults), and a stonking count of sixteen Goosander on the small pool off Chudleigh Close.
As per last Saturday, I didn't see a single Long-tailed Tit; neither did I see one over the first three days of the year, spent on Anglesey.
Cheers, John
There was no sign of any wintering thrushes, though I did see seven Redwing on Old Hall Lane, Woodford, yesterday evening.
Full list from this morning's one hour walk.
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 10
Sparrowhawk 1
Moorhen 1
Coot 1
Woodpigeon 28
Magpie 21
Jay 5
Jackdaw 12
Carrion Crow 4
Blue Tit 8
Great Tit 2
Long-tailed Tit 4
Chiffchaff 6
Nuthatch 1
Wren 9
Starling 10
Blackbird 11
Song Thrush 1
Mistle Thrush 2
Robin 6
Dunnock 8
House Sparrow 13
Chaffinch 1
Greenfinch 2
Goldfinch 1
There was a pair of Coot on the pond off Chudleigh Close yesterday evening - something of a local rarity these days.
The first decent Siskin flock (eight) of the year was feeding in alders in the old golf course area, alongside similar numbers of Goldfinch, with both Chaffinch and Greenfinch in song nearby. Five Jay were harvesting acorns, and a count of four Song Thrushes was encouraging for a species that seems to lie low for much of the winter. There was a redhead Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond.
Full list:
Mallard c20
Goosander 1
Moorhen 4
Black-headed Gull 1
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove 5
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Magpie c12
Jay 5
Jackdaw 2
Blue Tit c10
Great Tit 2
Long-tailed Tit 2
Wren 1
Blackbird c20
Song Thrush 4
Redwing c20
Robin c6
Dunnock 4
House Sparrow c12
Chaffinch 1
Greenfinch 4
Goldfinch 6
Siskin 8
The Redwing, missing last Saturday, are back in some force on the sodden playing fields off Woodsmoor Lane; numbers were down to about 60.
It was good to hear a few birds singing, notably a couple of Song Thrush.
Other species:
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 27
Moorhen 3
Woodpigeon 20
Collared Dove 3
Magpie 17
Jackdaw 2
Carrion Crow 5
Blue Tit 7
Great Tit 8
Wren 1
Starling 2
Blackbird 12
Mistle Thrush 2
Robin 8
Dunnock 2
House Sparrow 8
Greenfinch 5
Goldfinch 4
Bullfinch 3
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 28
Sparrowhawk 1
Moorhen 3
Black-headed Gull 2
Common Gull 2
Woodpigeon 15
Collared Dove 3
Magpie 27
Jay 1
Jackdaw 7
Carrion Crow 5
Blue Tit 13
Great Tit 2
Nuthatch 1
Wren 2
Starling 3
Blackbird 19
Song Thrush 1
Mistle Thrush 1
Robin 11
Dunnock 3
House Sparrow 8
Chaffinch 2
Greenfinch 6
Goldfinch 2
Bullfinch 2
At least two Nuthatches were around the old golf course, also two Jay. Greenfinch are numerous this winter, other finches markedly less so.
A Siskin at a feeder by Chudleigh Close pond was the first that I have seen this year, and brought up my 100th species of 2014 (not all of them around Mirrlees!).
Nature is being fooled to believe that spring is nearly here: daffodils are shooting and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming near the pond.
Other sightings included:
Heron
Mallard
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Blackbird
Robin
Dunnock
Wren
Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Magpie
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
House Sparrow
Greenfinch
Bullfinch
Where are the finches of yesteryear? This used to be a reliable site at this time of year for Siskin and Lesser Redpoll, but the only finches I managed today were a dozen Goldfinch in the alders near the end of Flowery Field and a further three drinking from puddles in the cricket club car park.
On a more positive note, there are a few winter thrushes around. I saw two each of Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush from the garden before I set off, plus a Redwing feeding on cotoneaster near the kitchen window. There were several more Redwing on the way around the fields.
A Heron was at the anglers' pool, a Nuthatch near Flowery Field, and a Sparrowhawk by the factory. A Cormorant overhead was a scarce sighting here.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
15 Redwing feeding on the football pitch.
1 male Bullfinch.
A pair of Chaffinch.
1 Nuthatch.
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
4 Mistle Thrush.
50+ Black-headed Gulls.
Lter in the day, there was a redhead Goosander on Chudleigh Close pond at 3:30.
4 Redwing over.
1 Nuthatch in trees at end of Flowery Field.
Otherwise pretty quiet.
Two Fieldfare yesterday morning: not regular at this site.
8 Jays (single party)
c20 Redwings scattered by a male Sparrowhawk
2 Song Thrushes (singing)
1 Mistle Thrush (saw off the Sparrowhawk)
Cheers John
Also in good numbers were Goosander. Five (three drakes) were on Chudleigh Close pond when I arrived, and another drake dropped in five minutes later. There was also a pair (duplication is possible) on the anglers' pool on Mirrlees; I have never seen one here before.
A Lesser Redpoll was a nice surprise. I used to see flocks of up to 60 here ten years ago, but they are irregular winter visitors now. It was feeding in bramble near the station entrance.
A Song Thrush was singing, and a Mistle Thrush chastised Magpies angrily nearby. The commoner finches were scarce, but I saw at least three Bullfinches (two males). Once again, a Sparrowhawk was patrolling the area, and a Common Gull was on the playing fields.
26 species in all.
A walk to Chudleigh Close pond in the afternoon was more productive: 32 Mallard, 4 Moorhen, c20 Siskin, c12 Goldfinch, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits and a Treecreeper.
There is plenty of action at my garden feeder now, including two regular Nuthatches.