Sports Complex to Dunscar Bridge :- Pair of Grey Wagtails, 1 Blackcap, & an Oystercatcher flying over heading towards Egerton.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :- 1 Canada Goose, 13 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 5 adult Coots + 3 juveniles, 1 Buzzard flew up from trees above the lodges, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warblers, + the usual species.
Whilst watching the pair of Pied Wagtails at the golf clubhouse I saw an Oystercatcher fly in from Egerton and land by Smith Fold Farm. Presumably the same bird as seen earlier.
Nothing along Eagley Brook on my way to Dunscar Bridge but then I found a Grey Wagtail singing from a chimney pot at Blackburn Road before it headed down to the brook.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :- 4 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 4 Coots, pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Siskins, 2 Bullfinches.
2 Pied Wagtails on the practice area at the golf club.
Fernhill Farm :- 12 Lapwings, 9 Curlews, 29 Woodpigeons, 2 Swallows have been back using the stables since the weekend, 3 Pied Wagtails, 20+ Starlings, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet.
4 Meadow Pipits on the scrubland between Belmont Road & Wilton Quarries.
Scout Road/Horrocks Hill Farm :- 4 Mallards, 5 Lapwings, 1 Snipe calling from long grass, 2 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting.
Eagley Brook, sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :- 3 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 4 Grey Wagtails, & a Dipper. Passing back through here at lunchtime the pair of Bromley Cross Oystercatchers flew low overhead heading towards Dunscar Lodges.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :- 1 Grey Heron, 6 Canada Geese, 7 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Coot. Usual woodland species along the lane.
Gleaves Lodge :- Pair of Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, pair of Goosanders, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Redwings, 1 Reed Bunting.
Fernhill Farm. More birds than expected in the strong wind. No sign of any Wheatears though, but good to see Linnets back :- 7 Mallards (pair on a field, pair on a small pond, & 3 in a stream) 4 Pheasants 23 Lapwings 19 Curlews 130+ Woodpigeons 2 Meadow Pipits 2 Pied Wagtails Numerous Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows 26 Starlings 4 House Sparrows 8 Linnets 2 Goldfinches 2 Siskins
David Lumb said
Sun Mar 20 5:26 PM, 2016
7.30am to 10.50am. Some interesting pairs of birds this morning.
A pair of Dippers on Eagley Brook by Dunscar Timber. Also 2 pairs of Grey Wagtails which did not go down well with the resident pair which chased the invasive pair off over the works roof, before dropping back down to the brook at Dunscar Bridge.
Wales Lodges/Longworth Lane :- 1 Grey Heron, 2 pairs of Canada Geese, 9 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 2 Coots, 35+ Woodpigeons, 2 pairs of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pied Wagtail at the golf clubhouse, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Nuthatches, 2 Jays, + the usual species.
Going up the track to Gleaves Lodge myself & a passing friend watched a pair of Treecreepers going up adjacent trees. Going back down this track later in the morning I saw a Grey Wagtail on the brook which runs underneath the track.
Gleaves Lodge :- 1 Cormorant, pair of Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 2 Black-headed Gulls, pair of Oystercatchers, 1 Meadow Pipit, & a pair of Ravens flying over heading towartds Bromley Cross.
Fernhill Farm :- 31 Lapwings, 21 Curlews on the usual field, 30+ Woodpigeons, 2 Pied Wagtails, & a Buzzard soaring around.
A pair of Stonechats were between Belmont Road and Wilton Quarries. A Stock Dove was at the quarries.
Not too much on the fields by Horrocks Fold Farm. 6 Lapwings, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, + a few Woodpigeons, Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows.
David Lumb said
Sun Mar 13 5:40 PM, 2016
7.30am to 11.15am. 1 Dipper on Eagley Brook by the sports complex.
As I headed back towards Bromley Cross a couple of Buzzards flew over heading towards Dunscar.
David Lumb said
Sun Mar 6 4:17 PM, 2016
8.00am to 11.50am. Set off from home in a snowstorm but it soon cleared to leave a fine morning.
No Dippers again on my early visit but found one by Dunscar Timber on my way home late morning.
3 Canada Geese & a pair of Mallards on Shore Lodge.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :- 10 Canada Geese, 12 Mallards, 4m + 1f Goosanders, 2 Moorhens, 6 Coots, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30+ Redwings, + the usual species.
Gleaves Lodge :- 2 Canada Geese, 13 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Pied Wagtail, 29 Jackdaws on the field by the lodge.
The fields on the way to Fernhill Farm are normally good for Curlews gathering in Spring & I got 24 of them feeding together this morning. Spread around a few fields were 17 Lapwings.
Time of year now for lots of Black-headed Gulls coming down from Belmont Reservoir to fly over the quarries & Scout Road. A Mediterranean Gull flying over with them today, giving itself away by calling loudly as it passed right above me.
Fields from Horrocks Fold Farm to Oldhams Estate :- A Buzzard was chased by corvids low across the fields to Smithills Woods. A little later 2 Buzzards flew up from the woods together and then soared around together. On my way down the fields I came across 2 Ravens together on a fence and they did not move until I got a little over 10 yards away. Even then they only dropped to the ground and then perched back on the fence posts after I passed. Other birds on the fields included 1 Pheasant, 2 Lapwings, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 70+ Woodpigeons, 2 Skylarks, 7 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, & 30+ Jackdaws.
David Lumb said
Tue Feb 23 6:43 PM, 2016
8.05am to 11.15am.
Eagley Brook from sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :- 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, flock of 12 Magpies.
After checking all the above areas I cut across the field above Gleaves Lodge heading towards Templecombe Drive estate. As I got to a small icy boggy area I flushed a Jack Snipe, which put up a Meadow Pipit as it took off.
David Lumb said
Thu Feb 11 7:10 PM, 2016
I Had a text from a mate this afternoon to say there were 4 Goldeneyes on Wales Lodges
David Lumb said
Wed Feb 3 8:48 PM, 2016
Not much about this morning. Nothing on the brook & only 4 Mallards & a Black-headed Gull on Gleaves Lodge.
Wales Lodges/Longworth Lane :- 1 Grey Heron 1 Canada Goose 30 Mallards 2 Moorhens 5 Coots 1m Sparrowhawk perched at the top of a tree Finches made up of Chaffinches, Goldfinches, 5 Siskins, & a couple of Bullfinches
A Cormorant & a Great Black-backed Gull flew over
David Lumb said
Thu Jan 21 7:06 PM, 2016
Morning mooch, lodges mostly frozen.
Eagley Brook, sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :- 1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhens, & a pair of Dippers which were never more than a couple of feet apart whilst I was watching them, even when feeding in the brook.
Wales Lodges, only a small patch of open water :- The injured Canada Goose, 4 Mallards, 1 Coot.
Hardly anything along Longworth Lane, a Redwing, a Treecreeper, & a Siskin the best I could find.
Gleaves Lodge, only the top end ice free :- 1 Grey Heron, 39 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 6 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
David Lumb said
Fri Jan 15 7:11 PM, 2016
10.30 to 13.30.
Dipper at Dunscar Bridge 1 Cormorant & 2 Mallards at Shore Lodge 1 Grey Heron, 1 Canada Goose, 56 Mallards, 4 Moorhens, & 4 Coots at Wales Lodges 1 Goldcrest & 6 Siskins along Longworth Lane 60+ Redwings, 4 Mistle Thrushes, & 40 Starlings at Smith Fold 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallards, & a Wigeon at Gleaves Lodge. The Wigeon flew out of cover at the top end of the lodge and flew off into the distance. 4 Mistle Thrushes, 25 Jackdaws, 12 Carrion Crows, & 2 Rooks at Fernhill Farm
David Lumb said
Mon Jan 4 6:48 PM, 2016
10.25am to 12.30pm. Patience needed this morning as there did not seem much about when I got there, but I eventually picked up on a few things flying through.
Wales Lodges :- 2 Cormorants flew in as I was heading up to Gleaves Lodge 1 Grey Heron on field between lodge & Blackburn Road 1 Canada Goose with an injured looking wing 47 Mallards 1 Goosander flying over 2 Moorhens, 3 Coots, Flock of 28 Woodpigeons 1 Nuthatch
Longworth Lane :- 1 Redwing in a tree by 1st tee at glof club with a Mistle Thrush. A few minutes later 60+ Redwings flew across from Walmsley Church. A Siskin the only finch along here
Gleaves Lodge and nearby fields :- 3 Cormorants flew up here from Wales Lodges. The earlier 2 + 1 other 4 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Black-headed Gull 2 flocks of Woodpigeons (45+ & 20+) A few Fieldfares heard but hidden from view 1 Raven flying over
Kingfisher on one of the Wales Lodges. 2 Grey Wagtails on the road to Gleaves Res. Grey Heron over Eagley Brook.
David Lumb said
Fri Apr 25 5:59 PM, 2014
Grey Heron & Dipper on Eagley Brook by Dunscar Bridge this morning.
Wales Lodges :- 3 juvenile Coots born a couple of weeks now almost fully grown Also present a Grey Heron, 6 Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 4 Moorhens, & a dozen Black-headed Gulls
Just a couple of Mallards on Gleaves Lodge
Fernhill Farm :- 2 Oystercatchers which flew off the fields and headed down the Eagley Valley. Are they nesting on rooftops down Tonge Moor again ? I will be checking that out again. 4 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, nesting Swallows & House Saprrows, and a couple of Linnets
Scrubland between Belmont Road & Scout Road :- A male Stonechat and a buck Roe Deer bounding across
David Lumb said
Fri Apr 4 7:26 PM, 2014
Not much to report around Eagley & Dunscar Lodges this morning apart from the flock of Bramblings still around Eagley Lodges.
As on my last trip things picked up around Fernhill Farm :- 8 Lapwings 2 Curlews 2 Pied Wagtails 2 Meadow Pipits 1f Wheatear A flock of at least a dozen Linnets House Sparrows around the stable blocks
DAVID KENNEDY said
Thu Apr 3 4:47 PM, 2014
DIPPER, KINGFISHER, MUSCAVOY DUCK, "FREAKY" BLUE TIT
Viewable from the road bridge on Folds Road (with the River Tonge going underneath), dipper and kingfisher are a daily occurance at the moment.
On the feeders hung on the river railings on the right hand side (as you stand on the bridge looking south) a blue tit visits many times a day with its "freaky" very long upper beak. It looks ever so strange but has been around since last year and survives quite happily.
Since Monday a female muscavoy duck lazily sits on the river bank on the left hand side.
David Lumb said
Mon Mar 31 5:07 PM, 2014
9am to 11.30am through Eagley, Dunscar, & Fernhill Farm.
The usual pair of Canada Geese & Moorhens at Eagley Lodges with a Chiffchaff & a small flock of Bramblings. Picked up on the Bramblings again this afternoon on Higher Ridings.
A pair of Goosanders flew downstream (probably from Wales Lodges) as I passed the sports complex.
Pair of Grey Wagtails on Eagley Brook & the smaller brook at Dunscar Bridge.
Hardly anything on Wales Lodges (unless you count the dozens of Toads which have now arrived). Mallards, Moorhens, a Coot, and a Reed Bunting. A cracking male Brambling was nearby.
Just a couple of Moorhens on Gleaves Lodge, but things picked up when I checked the farmland at Fernhill Farm :- 2 Oystercatchers, 17 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (nice to see them on the ground for once), a Chiffchaff, a pair of Linnets, & a Reed Bunting.
David Lumb said
Thu Mar 27 10:18 PM, 2014
A short trip around the lodges late morning.
Wales Lodges :- 1 Grey Heron, pair of Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Coot.
Gleaves Lodge :- 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mallard, 1m Tufted Duck, 1 Moorhen, 2 Reed Buntings, a couple of Siskins, 1 Treecreeper, & a Raven soaring around upsetting the local Carrion Crows.
David Lumb said
Tue Mar 18 6:18 PM, 2014
9.15am to 11.30am.
Eagley Lodges :- Pair of Canada Geese, pair of Goosanders, 6 Mallards, 1 Moorhen.
Wales Lodges :- 1 Grey Heron, 5 Canada Geese, pair of Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting.
Passing Gulls from Belmont Reservoir :- The usual dozens of Black-headed Gulls and two larger gulls, One was an immature Herring Gull, the other one with it did not look right for an adult Herring Gull. After they had spiralled around for a while I was able to make notes and check them later. Everything pointed to a Yellow-legged Gull.
Horrocks Fold Farm :- The large pile of steaming muck attracted lots of small birds made up of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, and a couple of Reed Buntings.
David Lumb said
Sun Mar 9 6:59 PM, 2014
A wander through Eagley & Dunscar between 8am & 9am.
10am to 12.30pm. Eagley - Dunscar - Fernhill Farm - Wilton Quarries - Horrocks Fold. Fairly quiet around the lodges and woodland but more promising on farmland.
A pair of Canada Geese flew onto Eagley Lodges to join a couple of Moorhens.
A Dipper on the brook by the sports complex.
Only Mallards, Moorhens, & Coots on Wales Lodges, 10 Siskins along Longworth Lane, & a pair of Canada Geese at Gleaves Lodge.
7 Lapwings back on territory at Fernhill Farm, with 4 Pied Wagtails on a different field.
Pair of Stock Doves in Wilton Quarries.
After seeing a Kestrel perched in a tree behind Horrocks Fold Farm I watched a singing Skylark rising high up. As I headed down the fields to Oldhams Estate I kept putting up a flock of Skylarks. They always kept low and I estimated up to 20 birds.
2 Grey Herons, 15 Mallards, Pair of Goosanders, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots, & a Black-headed Gull on Wales Lodges
Others seen this morning :- A female Sparrowhawk in the woodland between Wales Lodges & Gleaves Lodge 1 Kestrel in the Wilton Quarries area 1 Pheasant near Gleaves Lodge Numerous Woodpigeons 1 Grey Wagtail feeding on muck heaps at Horrocks Fold 1 Pied Wagtail at Gleaves Lodge 1 Dipper on Eagley Brook by Wales Lodges Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, & Blackbirds 2 Mistle Thrushes around Eagley Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches Jays, Magpies (including 21 on the fields between Horrocks Fold & Oldhams Estate), Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows A few House Sparrows at Horrocks Fold Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Wed Jan 22 5:48 PM, 2014
9.00am to 11.00am around Eagley & Dunscar, the latter hour in pouring rain which quietened the birds down.
2 Grey Herons Numerous Mallards A pair of Goosanders on Wales Lodges Moorhens on Eagley Lodges, Eagley Brook, and Wales Lodges 2 Black-headed Gulls on Wales Lodges Lots of Woodpigeons 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, & a Mistle Thrush Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, & Great Tits 3 Nuthatches & a Treecreeper along Longworth Lane Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, & Starlings Chaffinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
Early afternoon I saw a Cormorant flying over Eagley Mills
David Lumb said
Tue Jan 14 4:19 PM, 2014
8am to 9am around Dunscar Lodges & Longworth Lane.
1 Grey Heron 16 Mallards 2m + 3f Goosanders 1 Moorhen 1 Pheasant 1 Buzzard 30+ Woodpigeons 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Dipper Numerous Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, & a Mistle Thrush Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & a couple of Nuthatches Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, & a Raven flying over Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches.
John Carter said
Fri Jan 10 8:01 PM, 2014
7 Goosander (4 males) back on Wales lodges this afternoon. Also a Nuthatch in its usual place calling in the beeches next to the golf club access road.
David Lumb said
Fri Jan 3 4:20 PM, 2014
9.30am to 12.30pm. Eagley-Dunscar Lodges-Fernhill Farm-Belmont Road (including Wilton Quarries).
Not much through Eagley, along Belmont Road, or on farmland, apart from 300+ Woodpigeons on the latter.
Much better around Dunscar Lodges/Longworth Lane where it was more sheltered :- 3 Grey Herons, 32 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Coot, 1 Black-headed Gull. Dippers on Eagley Brook (flying under the bridge at Blackburn Road), and on the small stream by the road to Wales Lodges (at lunchtime a pair of Roe Deer wandered through this stream and into the stables area). A Buzzard flew up from the field just before Dunscar Golf Course and flew into the wooded area at Walmsley Church. c25 Woodpigeons, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, a couple of Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Chaffinches, a Greenfinch, Goldfinches, a Siskin, and Bullfinches.
John Carter said
Tue Dec 24 11:58 AM, 2013
A flock of about 20 siskin were feeding on the alders at the edge of Wales Lodges this morning.
John Carter said
Tue Dec 3 2:07 PM, 2013
5 Goosander (2 male) on Wales Lodge at midday. Later seen flying downstream over Eagley Brook. It was very nice to see them on a lodge that has largely been abandoned by the local Mallards in favour of Gleaves Reservoir.
Also 2 Moorhen, 2 Mallard and 2 Grey Heron.
Sarfraz Hayat said
Mon Oct 7 5:29 AM, 2013
Not sure if this is the Dunscar area but saw 4 Buzzards over Hill Cot Road which then disappeared North-ish. a 5th large bird was also present I assume it was a Buzzard but not 100% sure in the late afternoon.
David Lumb said
Sat Jul 6 12:01 AM, 2013
Mid morning to lunchtime around Wales Lodges
Usual Mallards & Coots on the lodges. A few Black-headed Gulls and I heard a Common Tern on the way over, probably at Gleaves Lodge.
Swifts, House Martins & a Swallow visited.
Highlight was a Buzzard which flew in and landed in a tree for a few minutes.
Grey Wagtails & Dippers on the brook.
Other species around :- Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw (a flock of 60+ flew over), Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch.
David Lumb said
Sat Jun 29 9:15 PM, 2013
8.30am to 10.45am.
Wales Lodges :- 2 Grey Herons, Mallards with ducklings, Coots with their now well grown young, a few Swifts & Swallows, Dipper on the brook, and a Grey Wagtails on the brook between here and Gleaves Lodge.
Gleaves Lodge :- 6 Mallards, 1 Common Tern. After hearing no Grasshopper Warblers around here this year I had one reeling by the lodge and another at the top of the field by Belmont Road.
Fernhill Farm :- Nesting Swallows, House Martins, and House Sparrows (Sparrows also at Smith Fold). Also present Lapwings, 25+ Woodpigeons, a Whitethroat, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, & Goldfinches.
Scrubland between Belmont Road & Scout Road :- Another reeling Grasshopper Warbler, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, and Reed Buntings.
David Lumb said
Sun Jun 23 2:44 AM, 2013
A check of the breeding birds this morning.
Moorhen with juveniles on Eagley Lodges Juvenile Woodpigeon on clubhouse at Sports Complex, and a Woodpigeon nest building at Dunscar Timber A pair of Swallows flying around Dunscar Timber may be nesting, but I still need to confirm that. Lots of young tits along Eagley Brook 8 new ducklings at Wales Lodges The latest brood of Coots now down to just one A young Grey Heron with an adult at Wales Lodges. They will be from the Entwistle Reservoir heronry.
David Lumb said
Sun Jun 16 2:32 AM, 2013
Most of the activity today (9.15am to 12.30pm) around Wales Lodges.
1 Grey Heron Mallard with ducklings Coots with the same number of juveniles as last time 1 Sparrowhawk Lots of hirundines (25+ House Martins with a few Swifts and Swallows) 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Grey Wagtail flying along the brook Blackcaps & Willow Warblers Plus other common species
Other areas :- Moorhen with a juvenile on Eagley Mills lodge. A Chiffchaff calling nearby. 2 Mistle Thrushes on the cricket field Dipper near Dunscar Bridge Pied Wagtail on the roof of Dunscar Timber
David Lumb said
Wed Jun 12 1:42 AM, 2013
8.30am to 9.30am.
Moorhen with a juvenile on bottom lodge at Eagley Mills, by the path to the Sports Complex.
2 Mistle Thrushes on the cricket field and an Oystercatcher flying over heading towards Bromley Cross.
A family of Grey Wagtails split between Eagley Brook and the roof of Dunscar Timber.
2 pairs of Coots on Wales Lodges. It has been a poor year for surviving juveniles. Two left from the first lot, only one from the second, and now down to two from the latest ones. 4 House Martins flying around high above the lodges.
1 Grey Heron and a few Mallards & Black-headed Gulls at Gleaves Lodge. A couple of Reed Buntings were on the field going up to Belmont Road, with a Roe Deer running past them and the cattle.
Lapwings at Fernhill Farm, Reed Buntings by Belmont Road, and Whitethroats outside the Wilton Arms.
2 Grey Herons flying over Eagley Sports Complex. One seen just before on the brook, and one later at Wales Lodges. 2 pairs of Canada Geese on fields upstream from Wales Lodges, one pair with 5 goslings Mallards, including ducklings at Wales Lodges 1 Buzzard flew into fields above Wales Lodges Pheasants Moorhens including juveniles at Gleaves Lodge 2 pairs of Coots with juveniles at Wales Lodges, 2 almost fully grown & 5 new ones. A dozen Lapwings at Fernhill Farm Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Common Tern at Gleaves Lodge. Any Terns seen here can normally be seen flying in from the direction of Doffcocker. Feral Pigeons Woodpigeons 2 Swifts over Eagley Mills Numerous Swallows Pair of House Martins have finally arrived at Fernhill Farm to join the nesting Swallows Great Spotted Woodpeckers. A friend saw juveniles near the 1st tee on the golf course a few days ago Meadow Pipits off Belmont Road 1 Grey Wagtail on brook near Wales Lodges 1 Dipper near Dunscar Bridge Wrens Dunnocks Robins Blackbirds 1 Mistle Thrush on Eagley Cricket Field 1 Garden Warbler at Wales Lodges Whitethroats off Belmont Road Blackcaps Chiffchaffs Willow Warblers Long-tailed Tits Blue Tits Great Tits 2 Treecreepers along Longworth Lane Jays Magpies Jackdaws Carrion Crows House Sparrows Chaffinches Goldfinches Linnets off Belmont Road Reed Buntings off Belmont Road
David Lumb said
Fri May 31 12:15 AM, 2013
8.15am to 11.15am.
Eagley Brook :- 1 Grey Heron, a few Mallards, 1 Dipper.
Dunscar Lodges :- Canada Geese with goslings on the other side of the brook Mallards with ducklings Coots with young 1 Moorhen 1 Swift 2 Swallows 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Garden Warbler. I do not remember seeing one here before. Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and Willow Warblers. 1 Treecreeper
Fernhill Farm & Belmont Road :- 1 Sparrowhawk 12 Lapwings 1 Curlew 1 Snipe 1 male Cuckoo, just over the border in Lancashire Swallows nesting Meadow Pipits Whitethroats Reed Buntings
David Lumb said
Sun May 26 1:55 AM, 2013
Not much about this morning apart from the regulars. A juvenile Dipper on Eagley Brook was my first one this year.
Two pairs of Coots with their young on Wales Lodges, with a Grey Heron, a Moorhen, a few Mallards, and a few black-headed Gulls. A couple of Swifts flying over, and the usual Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, & Willow Warblers. Still no damselflies which I was hoping for in this glorious weather.
Only Mallards on Gleaves Lodge, with a Reed Bunting by the lodge and another one calling from the field as I headed up towards Horrocks Fold.
David Lumb said
Fri May 17 11:03 PM, 2013
8.10am to 12.40pm.
Eagley Lodges :- 1 Grey Heron, Pair of Canada Geese with 4 goslings, 1 Moorhen.
Wales Lodges :- Pair of Coots with two now fully grown juveniles, another pair with 5 very young juveniles, and a single Coot on Wales no 2 lodge. 1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallards, 10 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Buzzard high above, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers.
Dunscar Golf Course :- 1 Sparrowhawk high up, and not much else apart from the regulars.
A Redstart calling from up the field from the lodges kept moving away as I tried to locate it. Last heard near the 1st tee of the golf course. Did not get to see it.
Gleaves Lodges :- 4 Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 2 Swallows. The pair of Oystercatchers have moved to a small pond on the farmland below Belmont Road.
Fernhill Farm :- 14 Lapwings, 3 Curlews.
David Lumb said
Sun Apr 28 6:27 AM, 2013
Late afternoon wander up to the lodges during tea at the cricket (Chiffchaffs & Willow Warblers there, no sign of the Redstart from earlier in the week)
I suspected that one of the two pairs of Coots at Wales Lodges may have had young in the nest amongst the bulrushes earlier in the week. Three youngsters today confirmed that. A couple of Moorhens, a few Swallows, and a Grey Wagtail on the brook also present.
Up at Gleaves Lodge a pair of Greylags were with the pair of Canada Geese on the water. An unusual species around here I suspect they were probably the pair being chased around Delph Reservoir yesterday. Pair of Oystercatchers also there.
Walking back down the track a female Sparrowhawk flew across in front of me, landing nearby on a branch, giving cracking views.
David Lumb said
Tue Apr 23 1:08 AM, 2013
7.30am to 9.25am and a wander back through this afternoon.
Eagley Sports Complex :- Dipper on the brook this morning and a Great Spotted Woodpecker by the tennis courts. A Redstart by the brook this afternoon and a Sparrowhawk flying over.
Gleaves Lodge :- Pair of Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting. I was surprised to see the 3 Oystercatchers still together this afternoon, on a small muddy island, as I thought the pair which has been around recently would have chased the other one off.
A mooch around this morning, and a brief check on my way back through this afternoon.
Wales Lodges and fields :- 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallards, 1 female Goosander, 6 Coots, 1 Buzzard rising from the trees, pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Willow Warblers. (2 Swallows this afternoon)
Gleaves Lodge :- Pair of Canada Geese, 9 Mallards, 1 Coot, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Warblers. (Female Goosander this afternoon, possibly the one from Wales this morning)
Eagley Sports Complex. (Forget the FA Cup, Eagley won the Lancashire Amateur Shield last night. Having pies for tea (not humble pie) before watching Wigan in the pub though) 3 Pied Wagtails on the cricket field. A few years ago during a match someone said "Are they baby Magpies ?". Her mate put her right ! 3 Moorhens on the field across the brook.
Eagley Brook :- 1 Dipper at Dunscar Bridge.
Wales Lodges :- 3 Grey Herons, one watching 3 Roe Deer very closely from a few yards away. The others probably keen on the many spawning frogs. Pair of Canada Geese on the field across the brook. 4 Mallards, 1 male Teal, 2 female Goosanders, 2 Moorhens, 5 Coots, 1 Sparrowhawk, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers chasing off an unwelcome second pair.
Other species seen this morning :- Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw (including some collecting wool for their nests), Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch.
John Carter said
Thu Mar 28 11:22 PM, 2013
30 Curlew were feeding in a field off Longworth Lane just past the Golf Club at midday.
Nothing on Shore Lodge but a Dipper on the small stream which leads into Eagley Brook.
Wales Lodges :- 6 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots.
Gleaves Lodge and adjoining fields :- 1 Grey Heron 6 Mallards 2 Oystercatchers 15 Curlews 16 Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Great Black-backed Gull flying over 2 Common Gulls 1 Pied Wagatil 1 Tawny Owl
Fernhill Farm :- 19 Lapwings 1 Meadow Pipit (the 120 on Sunday must have just been passing through) 1 Raven which seemed to come out of Wilton Quarries.
Sports Complex to Dunscar Bridge :-
Pair of Grey Wagtails, 1 Blackcap, & an Oystercatcher flying over heading towards Egerton.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :-
1 Canada Goose, 13 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 5 adult Coots + 3 juveniles, 1 Buzzard flew up from trees above the lodges, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warblers, + the usual species.
Whilst watching the pair of Pied Wagtails at the golf clubhouse I saw an Oystercatcher fly in from Egerton and land by Smith Fold Farm. Presumably the same bird as seen earlier.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 1 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warblers, pair of Bullfinches, 2 Reed Buntings.
Fernhill Farm :-
1 Buzzard soaring around, 12 Lapwings, 2 Curlews, 8 Swallows, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, + the usual species.
Scrubland between Belmont Road & Wilton Quarries :-
3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnets, 1 Reed Bunting.
Scout Road/Horrocks Hill Farm :-
1 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 3 Skylarks, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1m Wheatear, 3 Willow Warblers, pair of Reed Buntings.
Horrocks Fold Farm & fields to Oldhams Estate :-
7 Lapwings, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3m Wheatears, 4 Linnets.
Nothing along Eagley Brook on my way to Dunscar Bridge but then I found a Grey Wagtail singing from a chimney pot at Blackburn Road before it headed down to the brook.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :-
4 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 4 Coots, pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Siskins, 2 Bullfinches.
2 Pied Wagtails on the practice area at the golf club.
Gleaves Lodge :-
1 Cormorant, 2 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, 1 Coot, 1 Pied Wagtail on the roof of Cubbins Farm, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings.
Fernhill Farm :-
12 Lapwings, 9 Curlews, 29 Woodpigeons, 2 Swallows have been back using the stables since the weekend, 3 Pied Wagtails, 20+ Starlings, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet.
4 Meadow Pipits on the scrubland between Belmont Road & Wilton Quarries.
Scout Road/Horrocks Hill Farm :-
4 Mallards, 5 Lapwings, 1 Snipe calling from long grass, 2 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting.
Horrocks Fold Farm to Oldhams Estate :-
1 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mallards, 5 Lapwings, 25 Feral Pigeons, 45+ Woodpigeons, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Linnets.
Eagley Brook, sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :-
3 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 4 Grey Wagtails, & a Dipper.
Passing back through here at lunchtime the pair of Bromley Cross Oystercatchers flew low overhead heading towards Dunscar Lodges.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :-
1 Grey Heron, 6 Canada Geese, 7 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Coot.
Usual woodland species along the lane.
Gleaves Lodge :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, pair of Goosanders, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Redwings, 1 Reed Bunting.
Fernhill Farm. More birds than expected in the strong wind. No sign of any Wheatears though, but good to see Linnets back :-
7 Mallards (pair on a field, pair on a small pond, & 3 in a stream)
4 Pheasants
23 Lapwings
19 Curlews
130+ Woodpigeons
2 Meadow Pipits
2 Pied Wagtails
Numerous Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows
26 Starlings
4 House Sparrows
8 Linnets
2 Goldfinches
2 Siskins
A pair of Dippers on Eagley Brook by Dunscar Timber.
Also 2 pairs of Grey Wagtails which did not go down well with the resident pair which chased the invasive pair off over the works roof, before dropping back down to the brook at Dunscar Bridge.
Wales Lodges/Longworth Lane :-
1 Grey Heron, 2 pairs of Canada Geese, 9 Mallards, 3 Moorhens, 2 Coots, 35+ Woodpigeons, 2 pairs of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Pied Wagtail at the golf clubhouse, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Nuthatches, 2 Jays, + the usual species.
Going up the track to Gleaves Lodge myself & a passing friend watched a pair of Treecreepers going up adjacent trees.
Going back down this track later in the morning I saw a Grey Wagtail on the brook which runs underneath the track.
Gleaves Lodge :-
1 Cormorant, pair of Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 2 Black-headed Gulls, pair of Oystercatchers, 1 Meadow Pipit, & a pair of Ravens flying over heading towartds Bromley Cross.
Fernhill Farm :-
31 Lapwings, 21 Curlews on the usual field, 30+ Woodpigeons, 2 Pied Wagtails, & a Buzzard soaring around.
A pair of Stonechats were between Belmont Road and Wilton Quarries. A Stock Dove was at the quarries.
Not too much on the fields by Horrocks Fold Farm.
6 Lapwings, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, + a few Woodpigeons, Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows.
1 Dipper on Eagley Brook by the sports complex.
1 Mallard, 2 Moorhens, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Goldcrests, & 2 Long-tailed Tits at Shore Lodge.
Wales Lodges/Longworth Lane :-
Grey Heron & male Goosander flew over, 4 Canada Geese, 30 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 4 Coots, 34 Woodpigeons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Pied Wagtails (golf clubhouse), Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, 3 Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Great Tits, Blue Tits, 2 Nuthatches, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Siskins.
Gleaves Lodge :-
4 Greylags with 5 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, 1 Lapwing, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Reed Bunting.
Fernhill Farm :-
1 Sparrowhawk, 21 Lapwings, 19 Curlews, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Raven flying over.
Scout Road/Horrocks Hill Farm :-
1 Lapwing, 3 Skylarks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Jay, 1 Raven, a few Chaffinches & Goldfinches, 1 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings.
Horrocks Fold Farm :-
12 Lapwings, 1 Curlew flying over, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail.
As I headed back towards Bromley Cross a couple of Buzzards flew over heading towards Dunscar.
No Dippers again on my early visit but found one by Dunscar Timber on my way home late morning.
3 Canada Geese & a pair of Mallards on Shore Lodge.
Wales Lodges & Longworth Lane :-
10 Canada Geese, 12 Mallards, 4m + 1f Goosanders, 2 Moorhens, 6 Coots, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30+ Redwings, + the usual species.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Canada Geese, 13 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Pied Wagtail, 29 Jackdaws on the field by the lodge.
The fields on the way to Fernhill Farm are normally good for Curlews gathering in Spring & I got 24 of them feeding together this morning.
Spread around a few fields were 17 Lapwings.
Horrocks Fold Farm to Oldhams Estate :-
3 Lapwings, 35 Woodpigeons, 17 Skylarks, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 20+ Redwings, 13 Magpies, 36 Jackdaws, 5 Carrion Crows.
No Dippers on Eagley Brook again is a bit worrying. None seen for over a month.
Just a Grey Wagtail & a pair of mallards this morning.
Wales Lodges :-
6 Canada Geese, 25 Mallards, pair of Goosanders, 1 Moorhen, 6 Coots.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Greylags, pair of Mallards, 1 Black-headed Gull. 1 Reed Bunting.
Fernhill Farm :-
12 Lapwings, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Reed Bunting.
Wilton Quarries :-
3 Stock Doves.
Time of year now for lots of Black-headed Gulls coming down from Belmont Reservoir to fly over the quarries & Scout Road. A Mediterranean Gull flying over with them today, giving itself away by calling loudly as it passed right above me.
Fields from Horrocks Fold Farm to Oldhams Estate :-
A Buzzard was chased by corvids low across the fields to Smithills Woods. A little later 2 Buzzards flew up from the woods together and then soared around together.
On my way down the fields I came across 2 Ravens together on a fence and they did not move until I got a little over 10 yards away. Even then they only dropped to the ground and then perched back on the fence posts after I passed.
Other birds on the fields included 1 Pheasant, 2 Lapwings, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 70+ Woodpigeons, 2 Skylarks, 7 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, & 30+ Jackdaws.
Eagley Brook from sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :-
1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, flock of 12 Magpies.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Canada Goose, 7 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 6 Coots, 28 Woodpigeons, 2 Mistle Thrushes.
Longworth Lane :-
2 Goldcrests, 4 Nuthatches, numerous Siskins calling.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Greylags, 14 Mallards.
Fernhill Farm :-
24 Lapwings, 1 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtails, mixed flock of Jackdaws/Carrion Crows/Rooks.
Wilton Quarries :-
1 Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 2 Ravens.
Horrocks Fold to Oldhams Estate :-
1 Grey Heron, 1 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush.
Eagley Brook :-
1 Grey Heron, 6 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Grey Wagtail.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Canada Goose, 19 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 6 Coots, 10 Black-headed Gulls.
Longworth Lane :-
51 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatches, 1 Treecreeper, 15 Siskins.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Grey Herons, 9 Mallards, 1 Coot, 1 Grey Wagtail.
Fernhill Farm :-
20 Lapwings, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a flock of 30+ Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, mixed flock of corvids (Jackdaws, Rooks, & Carrion Crows), c75 Starlings.
After checking all the above areas I cut across the field above Gleaves Lodge heading towards Templecombe Drive estate. As I got to a small icy boggy area I flushed a Jack Snipe, which put up a Meadow Pipit as it took off.
Wales Lodges/Longworth Lane :-
1 Grey Heron
1 Canada Goose
30 Mallards
2 Moorhens
5 Coots
1m Sparrowhawk perched at the top of a tree
Finches made up of Chaffinches, Goldfinches, 5 Siskins, & a couple of Bullfinches
A Cormorant & a Great Black-backed Gull flew over
Eagley Brook, sports complex to Dunscar Bridge :-
1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhens, & a pair of Dippers which were never more than a couple of feet apart whilst I was watching them, even when feeding in the brook.
Wales Lodges, only a small patch of open water :-
The injured Canada Goose, 4 Mallards, 1 Coot.
Hardly anything along Longworth Lane, a Redwing, a Treecreeper, & a Siskin the best I could find.
Gleaves Lodge, only the top end ice free :-
1 Grey Heron, 39 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 6 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Dipper at Dunscar Bridge
1 Cormorant & 2 Mallards at Shore Lodge
1 Grey Heron, 1 Canada Goose, 56 Mallards, 4 Moorhens, & 4 Coots at Wales Lodges
1 Goldcrest & 6 Siskins along Longworth Lane
60+ Redwings, 4 Mistle Thrushes, & 40 Starlings at Smith Fold
1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallards, & a Wigeon at Gleaves Lodge. The Wigeon flew out of cover at the top end of the lodge and flew off into the distance.
4 Mistle Thrushes, 25 Jackdaws, 12 Carrion Crows, & 2 Rooks at Fernhill Farm
Wales Lodges :-
2 Cormorants flew in as I was heading up to Gleaves Lodge
1 Grey Heron on field between lodge & Blackburn Road
1 Canada Goose with an injured looking wing
47 Mallards
1 Goosander flying over
2 Moorhens, 3 Coots,
Flock of 28 Woodpigeons
1 Nuthatch
Longworth Lane :-
1 Redwing in a tree by 1st tee at glof club with a Mistle Thrush. A few minutes later 60+ Redwings flew across from Walmsley Church.
A Siskin the only finch along here
Gleaves Lodge and nearby fields :-
3 Cormorants flew up here from Wales Lodges. The earlier 2 + 1 other
4 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Black-headed Gull
2 flocks of Woodpigeons (45+ & 20+)
A few Fieldfares heard but hidden from view
1 Raven flying over
Dunscar Bridge to Eagley Sports Complex :-
2 Moorhens, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Dipper
Only Mallards & a Coot on Dunscar Lodges.
Lodges frozen as expected and very quiet around all the woodland.
Eagley Brook :-
2 Grey Herons, 1 Canada Goose by sports complex, numerous Mallards. 1 Grey Wagtail at Eagley Mills. No sign of any Dippers.
Near Wales Lodges :-
12 Redwings.
Fernhill Farm :-
2 Lapwings, 1 Buzzard, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, c25 Carrion Crows.
Dunscar Golf Course :-
1 Pied Wagtail.
2 Grey Wagtails on the road to Gleaves Res.
Grey Heron over Eagley Brook.
Wales Lodges :-
3 juvenile Coots born a couple of weeks now almost fully grown
Also present a Grey Heron, 6 Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 4 Moorhens, & a dozen Black-headed Gulls
Just a couple of Mallards on Gleaves Lodge
Fernhill Farm :-
2 Oystercatchers which flew off the fields and headed down the Eagley Valley. Are they nesting on rooftops down Tonge Moor again ? I will be checking that out again.
4 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, nesting Swallows & House Saprrows, and a couple of Linnets
Scrubland between Belmont Road & Scout Road :-
A male Stonechat and a buck Roe Deer bounding across
As on my last trip things picked up around Fernhill Farm :-
8 Lapwings
2 Curlews
2 Pied Wagtails
2 Meadow Pipits
1f Wheatear
A flock of at least a dozen Linnets
House Sparrows around the stable blocks
Viewable from the road bridge on Folds Road (with the River Tonge going underneath), dipper and kingfisher are a daily occurance at the moment.
On the feeders hung on the river railings on the right hand side (as you stand on the bridge looking south) a blue tit visits many times a day with its "freaky" very long upper beak. It looks ever so strange but has been around since last year and survives quite happily.
Since Monday a female muscavoy duck lazily sits on the river bank on the left hand side.
The usual pair of Canada Geese & Moorhens at Eagley Lodges with a Chiffchaff & a small flock of Bramblings. Picked up on the Bramblings again this afternoon on Higher Ridings.
A pair of Goosanders flew downstream (probably from Wales Lodges) as I passed the sports complex.
Pair of Grey Wagtails on Eagley Brook & the smaller brook at Dunscar Bridge.
Hardly anything on Wales Lodges (unless you count the dozens of Toads which have now arrived). Mallards, Moorhens, a Coot, and a Reed Bunting.
A cracking male Brambling was nearby.
Just a couple of Moorhens on Gleaves Lodge, but things picked up when I checked the farmland at Fernhill Farm :-
2 Oystercatchers, 17 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (nice to see them on the ground for once), a Chiffchaff, a pair of Linnets, & a Reed Bunting.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, pair of Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Coot.
Gleaves Lodge :-
1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mallard, 1m Tufted Duck, 1 Moorhen, 2 Reed Buntings, a couple of Siskins, 1 Treecreeper, & a Raven soaring around upsetting the local Carrion Crows.
Eagley Lodges :-
Pair of Canada Geese, pair of Goosanders, 6 Mallards, 1 Moorhen.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, 5 Canada Geese, pair of Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting.
Gleaves Lodge :-
2 Greylags, 2 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards.
Fernhill Farm :-
15 Lapwings, 1 Curlew.
Passing Gulls from Belmont Reservoir :-
The usual dozens of Black-headed Gulls and two larger gulls, One was an immature Herring Gull, the other one with it did not look right for an adult Herring Gull. After they had spiralled
around for a while I was able to make notes and check them later. Everything pointed to a Yellow-legged Gull.
Horrocks Fold Farm :-
The large pile of steaming muck attracted lots of small birds made up of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, and a couple of Reed Buntings.
Eagley Lodges :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 15 Mallards, 1m + 2f Goosanders, 2 Moorhens.
1 Dipper on the brook at Dunscar Bridge with a pair of Mallards.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Mallard, 2 Moorhens, 2 Coots.
Gleaves Lodge :-
1 Grey Heron flying over, 7 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 1 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtails, 10+ Redwings.
Fernhill Farm :-
12 Lapwings, 2 Pied Wagtails.
Fairly quiet around the lodges and woodland but more promising on farmland.
A pair of Canada Geese flew onto Eagley Lodges to join a couple of Moorhens.
A Dipper on the brook by the sports complex.
Only Mallards, Moorhens, & Coots on Wales Lodges, 10 Siskins along Longworth Lane, & a pair of Canada Geese at Gleaves Lodge.
7 Lapwings back on territory at Fernhill Farm, with 4 Pied Wagtails on a different field.
Pair of Stock Doves in Wilton Quarries.
After seeing a Kestrel perched in a tree behind Horrocks Fold Farm I watched a singing Skylark rising high up. As I headed down the fields to Oldhams Estate I kept putting up a flock of Skylarks. They always kept low and I estimated up to 20 birds.
2 Grey Herons, 15 Mallards, Pair of Goosanders, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots, & a Black-headed Gull on Wales Lodges
Others seen this morning :-
A female Sparrowhawk in the woodland between Wales Lodges & Gleaves Lodge
1 Kestrel in the Wilton Quarries area
1 Pheasant near Gleaves Lodge
Numerous Woodpigeons
1 Grey Wagtail feeding on muck heaps at Horrocks Fold
1 Pied Wagtail at Gleaves Lodge
1 Dipper on Eagley Brook by Wales Lodges
Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, & Blackbirds
2 Mistle Thrushes around Eagley
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches
Jays, Magpies (including 21 on the fields between Horrocks Fold & Oldhams Estate), Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows
A few House Sparrows at Horrocks Fold
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
2 Grey Herons
Numerous Mallards
A pair of Goosanders on Wales Lodges
Moorhens on Eagley Lodges, Eagley Brook, and Wales Lodges
2 Black-headed Gulls on Wales Lodges
Lots of Woodpigeons
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, & a Mistle Thrush
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, & Great Tits
3 Nuthatches & a Treecreeper along Longworth Lane
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, & Starlings
Chaffinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
Early afternoon I saw a Cormorant flying over Eagley Mills
1 Grey Heron
16 Mallards
2m + 3f Goosanders
1 Moorhen
1 Pheasant
1 Buzzard
30+ Woodpigeons
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Dipper
Numerous Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, & a Mistle Thrush
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & a couple of Nuthatches
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, & a Raven flying over
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches.
7 Goosander (4 males) back on Wales lodges this afternoon. Also a Nuthatch in its usual place calling in the beeches next to the golf club access road.
Not much through Eagley, along Belmont Road, or on farmland, apart from 300+ Woodpigeons on the latter.
Much better around Dunscar Lodges/Longworth Lane where it was more sheltered :-
3 Grey Herons, 32 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Coot, 1 Black-headed Gull.
Dippers on Eagley Brook (flying under the bridge at Blackburn Road), and on the small stream by the road to Wales Lodges (at lunchtime a pair of Roe Deer wandered through this stream and into the stables area).
A Buzzard flew up from the field just before Dunscar Golf Course and flew into the wooded area at Walmsley Church.
c25 Woodpigeons, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, a couple of Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Chaffinches, a Greenfinch, Goldfinches, a Siskin, and Bullfinches.
Also 2 Moorhen, 2 Mallard and 2 Grey Heron.
Not sure if this is the Dunscar area but saw 4 Buzzards over Hill Cot Road which then disappeared North-ish. a 5th large bird was also present I assume it was a Buzzard but not 100% sure in the late afternoon.
Usual Mallards & Coots on the lodges. A few Black-headed Gulls and I heard a Common Tern on the way over, probably at Gleaves Lodge.
Swifts, House Martins & a Swallow visited.
Highlight was a Buzzard which flew in and landed in a tree for a few minutes.
Grey Wagtails & Dippers on the brook.
Other species around :- Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw (a flock of 60+ flew over), Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch.
Wales Lodges :-
2 Grey Herons, Mallards with ducklings, Coots with their now well grown young, a few Swifts & Swallows, Dipper on the brook, and a Grey Wagtails on the brook between here and Gleaves Lodge.
Gleaves Lodge :-
6 Mallards, 1 Common Tern.
After hearing no Grasshopper Warblers around here this year I had one reeling by the lodge and another at the top of the field by Belmont Road.
Fernhill Farm :-
Nesting Swallows, House Martins, and House Sparrows (Sparrows also at Smith Fold).
Also present Lapwings, 25+ Woodpigeons, a Whitethroat, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, & Goldfinches.
Scrubland between Belmont Road & Scout Road :-
Another reeling Grasshopper Warbler, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, and Reed Buntings.
Moorhen with juveniles on Eagley Lodges
Juvenile Woodpigeon on clubhouse at Sports Complex, and a Woodpigeon nest building at Dunscar Timber
A pair of Swallows flying around Dunscar Timber may be nesting, but I still need to confirm that.
Lots of young tits along Eagley Brook
8 new ducklings at Wales Lodges
The latest brood of Coots now down to just one
A young Grey Heron with an adult at Wales Lodges. They will be from the Entwistle Reservoir heronry.
1 Grey Heron
Mallard with ducklings
Coots with the same number of juveniles as last time
1 Sparrowhawk
Lots of hirundines (25+ House Martins with a few Swifts and Swallows)
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Grey Wagtail flying along the brook
Blackcaps & Willow Warblers
Plus other common species
Other areas :-
Moorhen with a juvenile on Eagley Mills lodge. A Chiffchaff calling nearby.
2 Mistle Thrushes on the cricket field
Dipper near Dunscar Bridge
Pied Wagtail on the roof of Dunscar Timber
Moorhen with a juvenile on bottom lodge at Eagley Mills, by the path to the Sports Complex.
2 Mistle Thrushes on the cricket field and an Oystercatcher flying over heading towards Bromley Cross.
A family of Grey Wagtails split between Eagley Brook and the roof of Dunscar Timber.
2 pairs of Coots on Wales Lodges. It has been a poor year for surviving juveniles. Two left from the first lot, only one from the second, and now down to two from the latest ones.
4 House Martins flying around high above the lodges.
1 Grey Heron and a few Mallards & Black-headed Gulls at Gleaves Lodge. A couple of Reed Buntings were on the field going up to Belmont Road, with a Roe Deer running past them and the cattle.
Lapwings at Fernhill Farm, Reed Buntings by Belmont Road, and Whitethroats outside the Wilton Arms.
2 Grey Herons flying over Eagley Sports Complex. One seen just before on the brook, and one later at Wales Lodges.
2 pairs of Canada Geese on fields upstream from Wales Lodges, one pair with 5 goslings
Mallards, including ducklings at Wales Lodges
1 Buzzard flew into fields above Wales Lodges
Pheasants
Moorhens including juveniles at Gleaves Lodge
2 pairs of Coots with juveniles at Wales Lodges, 2 almost fully grown & 5 new ones.
A dozen Lapwings at Fernhill Farm
Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Common Tern at Gleaves Lodge. Any Terns seen here can normally be seen flying in from the direction of Doffcocker.
Feral Pigeons
Woodpigeons
2 Swifts over Eagley Mills
Numerous Swallows
Pair of House Martins have finally arrived at Fernhill Farm to join the nesting Swallows
Great Spotted Woodpeckers. A friend saw juveniles near the 1st tee on the golf course a few days ago
Meadow Pipits off Belmont Road
1 Grey Wagtail on brook near Wales Lodges
1 Dipper near Dunscar Bridge
Wrens
Dunnocks
Robins
Blackbirds
1 Mistle Thrush on Eagley Cricket Field
1 Garden Warbler at Wales Lodges
Whitethroats off Belmont Road
Blackcaps
Chiffchaffs
Willow Warblers
Long-tailed Tits
Blue Tits
Great Tits
2 Treecreepers along Longworth Lane
Jays
Magpies
Jackdaws
Carrion Crows
House Sparrows
Chaffinches
Goldfinches
Linnets off Belmont Road
Reed Buntings off Belmont Road
Eagley Brook :-
1 Grey Heron, a few Mallards, 1 Dipper.
Dunscar Lodges :-
Canada Geese with goslings on the other side of the brook
Mallards with ducklings
Coots with young
1 Moorhen
1 Swift
2 Swallows
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Garden Warbler. I do not remember seeing one here before.
Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and Willow Warblers.
1 Treecreeper
Fernhill Farm & Belmont Road :-
1 Sparrowhawk
12 Lapwings
1 Curlew
1 Snipe
1 male Cuckoo, just over the border in Lancashire
Swallows nesting
Meadow Pipits
Whitethroats
Reed Buntings
Two pairs of Coots with their young on Wales Lodges, with a Grey Heron, a Moorhen, a few Mallards, and a few black-headed Gulls. A couple of Swifts flying over, and the usual Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, & Willow Warblers.
Still no damselflies which I was hoping for in this glorious weather.
Only Mallards on Gleaves Lodge, with a Reed Bunting by the lodge and another one calling from the field as I headed up towards Horrocks Fold.
Eagley Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, Pair of Canada Geese with 4 goslings, 1 Moorhen.
Eagley Brook :-
2 Dippers & 1 Pied Wagtail near Eagley Sports Complex.
Wales Lodges :-
Pair of Coots with two now fully grown juveniles, another pair with 5 very young juveniles, and a single Coot on Wales no 2 lodge.
1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallards, 10 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Buzzard high above, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers.
Dunscar Golf Course :-
1 Sparrowhawk high up, and not much else apart from the regulars.
Gleaves Lodge :-
1 Grey Heron, pair of Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 4 House Martins, 2 Swallows, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting.
Fernhill Farm :-
2 Buzzards, 12 Lapwings, 2 Curlews, Swallows & House Sparrows nesting.
Eagley Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, 1 Canada Goose, 7 Mallards, 2 Moorhens.
Eagley Sports Complex :-
Buzzard being mobbed by a Carrion Crow.
Eagley Brook :-
2 Dippers.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, 1 Canada Goose, 6 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 5 adult Coots + 3 juveniles.
A Redstart calling from up the field from the lodges kept moving away as I tried to locate it. Last heard near the 1st tee of the golf course. Did not get to see it.
Gleaves Lodges :-
4 Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 2 Swallows. The pair of Oystercatchers have moved to a small pond on the farmland below Belmont Road.
Fernhill Farm :-
14 Lapwings, 3 Curlews.
I suspected that one of the two pairs of Coots at Wales Lodges may have had young in the nest amongst the bulrushes earlier in the week. Three youngsters today confirmed that.
A couple of Moorhens, a few Swallows, and a Grey Wagtail on the brook also present.
Up at Gleaves Lodge a pair of Greylags were with the pair of Canada Geese on the water. An unusual species around here I suspect they were probably the pair being chased around Delph Reservoir yesterday. Pair of Oystercatchers also there.
Walking back down the track a female Sparrowhawk flew across in front of me, landing nearby on a branch, giving cracking views.
Eagley Lodges :-
1 Canada Goose, 12 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 3 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Chiffchaff.
Eagley Sports Complex :-
Dipper on the brook this morning and a Great Spotted Woodpecker by the tennis courts. A Redstart by the brook this afternoon and a Sparrowhawk flying over.
Wales Lodges & fields :-
1 Grey Heron, pair of Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 4 Coots, 1 Lapwing, 4 Swallows, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting.
Gleaves Lodge :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting.
I was surprised to see the 3 Oystercatchers still together this afternoon, on a small muddy island, as I thought the pair which has been around recently would have chased the other one off.
Fernhill Farm :-
14 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 5 Swallows, 2 Meadow Pipits.
Wales Lodges and fields :-
1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallards, 1 female Goosander, 6 Coots, 1 Buzzard rising from the trees, pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Willow Warblers.
(2 Swallows this afternoon)
Gleaves Lodge :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 9 Mallards, 1 Coot, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Warblers.
(Female Goosander this afternoon, possibly the one from Wales this morning)
Fernhill Farm :-
16 Lapwings, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Swallows.
Eagley Lodges :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 10 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Chiffchaff.
Eagley Sports Complex. (Forget the FA Cup, Eagley won the Lancashire Amateur Shield last night. Having pies for tea (not humble pie) before watching Wigan in the pub though)
3 Pied Wagtails on the cricket field. A few years ago during a match someone said "Are they baby Magpies ?". Her mate put her right !
3 Moorhens on the field across the brook.
Eagley Brook :-
1 Dipper at Dunscar Bridge.
Wales Lodges :-
3 Grey Herons, one watching 3 Roe Deer very closely from a few yards away. The others probably keen on the many spawning frogs.
Pair of Canada Geese on the field across the brook.
4 Mallards, 1 male Teal, 2 female Goosanders, 2 Moorhens, 5 Coots, 1 Sparrowhawk, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers chasing off an unwelcome second pair.
Gleaves Lodge :-
6 Mallards, 1 female Goosander, 1 Chiffchaff.
Fernhill Farm :-
16 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting.
Eagley Lodges :-
1 Canada Goose, 8 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Black-headed Gull.
Eagley Brook :-
Pair of Canada Geese on the field between the brook and Shorefield Mount with 2 Grey Herons, 1 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 2 Dippers.
Wales Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallards, 2m + 1f Teal, 1 Moorhen, 5 Coots, 3 Black-headed Gulls.
Gleaves Lodge :-
Pair of Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 1 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Pied Wagtail.
Fernhill Farm :-
16 Lapwings, 14 Curlews, 10+ Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 40+ Redwings.
Other species seen this morning :-
Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw (including some collecting wool for their nests), Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch.
Eagley Lodges :-
1 Grey Heron, 9 Mallards, 2 Moorhens, 1 Black-headed Gull.
Nothing on Shore Lodge but a Dipper on the small stream which leads into Eagley Brook.
Wales Lodges :-
6 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots.
Gleaves Lodge and adjoining fields :-
1 Grey Heron
6 Mallards
2 Oystercatchers
15 Curlews
16 Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Great Black-backed Gull flying over
2 Common Gulls
1 Pied Wagatil
1 Tawny Owl
Fernhill Farm :-
19 Lapwings
1 Meadow Pipit (the 120 on Sunday must have just been passing through)
1 Raven which seemed to come out of Wilton Quarries.