To get back on track it was refreshing to see good numbers of Common Starlings and House Sparrows in the area. Also House Martins and Swifts
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jun 13 12:35 PM, 2021
Thanks for the comments about the Rose-coloured Starling, in order to keep this thread about the birds of the Horwich area though, could any further be directed to a thread on the discussion forum please.
Richard Thew said
Sun Jun 13 12:18 PM, 2021
On the last hour I was there, I saw someone reach up to put food on the wall (he didn't look like a proper birder), and this was after an hour after the starling was last seen. It is very unfortunate that this happened and I have deep regrets that I didn't protest against it, but apparently, it sounds like this wasn't the only occasion this happened.
The fact is, (my emphasis on this point) the starling was already showing of and on - without any food being there on my first 30-40 mins of arriving, and I personally was satisfied with that. Shame some others think otherwise.
Ta!
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Jun 13 10:27 AM, 2021
Thats a real shame. All the locals I spoke to were genuinely interested in what was going on yesterday. In this age of long lenses and good optics you could stand in the middle of the field and not invade peoples privacy.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jun 13 10:15 AM, 2021
With regard the Rose-coloured Starling at the rear of Singleton Avenue, it seems to have been reported on other information services that the owner of the property who puts the food out has been unhappy with the attention of visiting birders etc which has been causing some distress to her young son and as such, she has taken the feeders down. Contact was made by a local birder who knows the resident though and this has not been the case.
The fact is that the owner of the property has not had issue with birders and photographers viewing from reasonable distance but has become concerned (yesterday in particular) by the attention of what is undoubtably a small number off visiting photographers who have taken it upon themselves to put their own food onto her wall in order to attract the bird for they own purposes and it is this close approach to her property and clear violation of her privacy and her family's wellbeing which has caused her to remove the feeders from the wall.
Such selfish behaviour by a small minority is clearly increasing within 'birding' and is unfortunately seemingly more and more tolerated by others but either way, I would ask that visitors to the site do not attempt to introduce their own food either onto the walls at the rear of Singleton Avenue or indeed anywhere else in the area and also to keep a reasonable distance from the houses and carefully consider the privacy of the local residents when viewing their houses.
Tony Coatsworth said
Sun Jun 13 9:27 AM, 2021
No sign 9-9:30. Feeder is empty.
Connor Rand said
Sat Jun 12 11:04 PM, 2021
No sign of the Rose-coloured Starling from 4.50-7.10pm and apparantly hadn't been seen for at least an hour by the time I arrived. Block feeder empty and visits seemingly becoming less frequent?
-- Edited by Connor Rand on Saturday 12th of June 2021 11:04:53 PM
pfoster51 said
Sat Jun 12 9:36 PM, 2021
Here's a link to a video I did this morning of the rose coloured starling,horwich!
https://youtu.be/9oMaeUQFIIM
Vicky Harper said
Sat Jun 12 8:01 PM, 2021
Thought Id add some photos of the Rosy Starling seen today between 7-7.30 after my dip on Thursday.
We did however on Thursday have 4 flyover common tern.
I thought I must have a look myself at this stunner of a starling, (Rosy starling)
1 arrived at 11am, he showed up at 11:10, and again at 11:30.
On the first occasion, he was partly concealed by the fence post, and on the 2nd occasion, his head was in the shade of the sun. I waited for him to show again but I had to give up by 2:10pm. But what a better!!!!!!
At least I saw it as I felt for those who showed up after 11:30 and they departed without a glimpse.
Rosy starling showing well at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields, between 07:00-07:30.
Martin Loftus said
Fri Jun 11 8:30 PM, 2021
4,20 - 5,50 pm
Just so no one has any misconceptions that this is an "easy" twitch ..
A few of us were stood in a field at the back of a housing estate for over two hours straight, staring into some very understanding residents gardens. Only for it to show for a total of 30 seconds .
The first time it appeared on the rooftop a sparrowhawk suddenly appeared scaring everything in the vicinity off for at least 30mins (the only time no one wants to see a close up sparrowhawk !) It eventually came back, posed on the fence for 10 seconds then disappeared into the garden... then flew off.
Still a welcomed epic life tick for me especially with it being so local
Dropped in for short periods this afternoon, but went AWOL for over an hour at times - worth waiting for.
I well remember the juv in St Helens - saw it with John Tymon and it was killed by a Sparrowhawk shortly after we saw it. Hope the future is brighter for this one!
After dipping on Thurs evening caught up with the Rose-coloured Starling at 12.15 hrs on the block feeder .... it went AWOL for an hour then re-appeared on the telephone wires crossing Singleton Avenue, spent 10 minutes on the roof tops then dropped down to the feeder again. Still there when I left at 14.30 hrs.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Friday 11th of June 2021 04:32:56 PM
JOHN TYMON said
Fri Jun 11 10:23 AM, 2021
Rose-coloured Starling still present at 10.15
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Friday 11th of June 2021 12:51:02 PM
John Rayner said
Fri Jun 11 9:57 AM, 2021
Rose-coloured Starling still present at 09.50. Defending feeders vigorously.
Cheers, John.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jun 11 7:59 AM, 2021
Rose-coloured Starling still showing well this morning, same location, on feeders at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Pete Hines said
Thu Jun 10 4:58 PM, 2021
Complementary photograph of said Rose-coloured Starling attached
Rose-coloured Starling resent of rooftop at Singleton Avenue, viewed from playing field at 16:40
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jun 10 3:45 PM, 2021
Ian McKerchar wrote:
adult Rose-coloured Starling currently best viewed at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields, coming and going to garden feeders
Still showing at 3:30pm
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jun 10 2:48 PM, 2021
adult Rose-coloured Starling currently best viewed at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields, coming and going to garden feeders
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jun 10 2:17 PM, 2021
adult Rose-coloured Starling viewed from the north end of Green Lane Playing Fields, nearest to Castle Close where the bird has been on the roofs of houses there.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Oct 16 10:28 AM, 2019
Yellow-browed Warbler showing again at 10:25 in roadside bushes along Cotswold Drive by the obvious grassy area surrounded by trees and bushes close to the sign in the image below.
Yellow-browed Warbler off Coltswold Drive this morning at 09:35, in willows by the obvious field surrounded by hedgerows, before moving into nearby gardens.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
ed gradwell said
Fri Jul 19 12:55 PM, 2019
Female Marsh Harrier landed for 15 minutes on a ploughed section of field next to M6 (seen from Royal Oak pub on A6 (Middlebrook). Then it took off and drifted away towards Red Moss. (11.45am)
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Oct 28 10:24 AM, 2017
Hawfinch flew NW over New Chapel Lane, Horwich at 10:02am.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Dan Brown said
Sun Dec 6 5:09 PM, 2015
15:00 - 16:15 Barn Owl hunting in the fields below Higher Barn, down to Buckingham Avenue and across to Horwich Golf Club. Also, 1 Common Snipe.
Dan Brown said
Fri Dec 4 9:38 AM, 2015
07:45 Barn Owl - Quartering the field on the corner of New Chapel Lane and Buckingham Avenue
Dan Brown said
Tue Nov 17 5:22 PM, 2015
4.45 New Chapel Lane
Amazed to see a Barn Owl fly over the road by the chapel in horrendous conditions.
Lawrence Hindley said
Fri Nov 6 4:44 PM, 2015
Barn Owl seen flying over New Chapel Lane near Higher Barn turn at 6.30am
John Watson said
Wed Jan 14 1:37 PM, 2015
When Great Grey Shrikes arrive on the east coast, they can just pass through or hang around for a couple of days. Once they've found a comfy wintering location, they usually stay there all winter, but can be mobile over several hundred yards looking for food. Not shy, and often showy, but can disappear for long periods or relocate a couple of hundred yards away. They like fairly open, rough habitat with just a few bushes or trees so they can have a good look around. Insects & occasional small rodents must be hard to find when it gets really cold.
With the Horwich individual, it's quite possibly still there or nearby, but equally it might have moved on for a better food supply.
-- Edited by John Watson on Wednesday 14th of January 2015 01:43:16 PM
Simon Gough said
Wed Jan 14 9:22 AM, 2015
I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours before Xmas looking for this shrike, but haven't had a chance to go back yet. I think the holiday season accounts for the lack of sightings; both people doing year list ticks and also just not being out birding. Loads of forum members were up on the Fylde in the recent 10 days or so, there are too many good birds up there. I will get back to Horwich I hope, it was a really nice spot to wander around.
What confuses me a bit is that this Horwich bird seems mobile whereas the Lytham one stays put. I don't know much about Shrikes, are they normally static or more mobile?
Roger Baker 3 said
Wed Jan 14 3:13 AM, 2015
Craig Higson wrote:
Level of interest may be down to a) many (but not all) county listers ticked this species off the other year at Rindle Road, and b) there is an apparently easier bird to see at Lytham. Possibly. .........................................................................................................................
I sincerely hope you're wrong with this one Craig and that there is some other reason.
It will be a sad day for birding when the interest in any bird ends with a "tick" on a list.
Roger.
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 13 7:04 PM, 2015
Craig Higson wrote:
Level of interest may be down to a) many (but not all) county listers ticked this species off the other year at Rindle Road, and b) there is an apparently easier bird to see at Lytham. Possibly.
Craig you've just beaten me to it regarding one of your points, the easier bird at Lytham will in my view be more attractive a prospect for more people to go and view, taking into account the fact it has shown almost every single day in virtually the same area since around the end of October.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 13th of January 2015 07:29:14 PM
Craig Higson said
Tue Jan 13 6:52 PM, 2015
Level of interest may be down to a) many (but not all) county listers ticked this species off the other year at Rindle Road, and b) there is an apparently easier bird to see at Lytham. Possibly.
Keith Mills said
Tue Jan 13 6:04 PM, 2015
Hi Mike, As you know, although I believe I saw the bird that day, it was an unsatisfactory view. I have every intention of going back again, once the wind and the rain stop and I have the time. I know two well known local birders, who have been up without success although one thought that he had a glimpse. Two brothers, who are friends of mine from the cycling club, and one of them knows the area well, have also looked unsuccessfully. As you say the low overall number of sightings (four I believe) and the overall interest level is puzzling.
Mike Passant said
Tue Jan 13 1:32 PM, 2015
Hi Keith, After lunch on Dec 22nd, Barb and I had another hour in the afternoon searching for the Shrike and I made a point of exploring the Clough in particular, from top to bottom, (as we didn't venture down there in the morning). It was of course still quite windy in the afternoon but I carried on until eventually I was rained off. I added nothing notable during the second session, (other than a female Sparrowhawk).
There have been no updates (either negative or positive) in the last three weeks from this site, so I guess it could still be around if nobody is looking, as the habitat looks OK, though it could be ranging quite far and wide; nevertheless, I'm a little surprised that so few people have actually managed to see this bird, as they are normally pretty conspicuous.
Cheers, Mike P.
Keith Mills said
Mon Dec 22 1:55 PM, 2014
This morning 10 to 12ish: With Mike Passant most of the time and nice to meet Pete Berry and Lady. I left Mike, to move my vehicle round from Sandringham Road to the New Chapel, as I descended the clough footpath, a bird flew across the clough, in front of me. Coming from either a tree in the clough or the golf course. It headed across Sandringham Road toward Buckingham Ave. and the fields beyond. As it was just above eye level I was able to pick out the black fingered wing ends and the white wing panel Although only seen for 4 seconds everything fitted Great Grey Shrike...as Pete said they are pretty unique. This is my fourth visit up here for this bird. Rang Mike, but he had not got his phone switched on! but met up with everyone again at New Chapel and we had a good scout round but no further signs.
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 22nd of December 2014 01:59:09 PM
Paul Risley said
Sun Dec 21 10:34 PM, 2014
dipped the Shrike for the third time today, juvenile male Sparrowhawk going down the valley below me at speed was the highlight birding wise, nice meeting Bernard, double dipper could have chatted for hours mate, good luck if you get up there tomorrow
Bernard McGurrin said
Sun Dec 21 5:07 PM, 2014
Couple of hours late afternoon but no sign of great grey shrike, birds seen include goldfinch, great tit,blue tit, blackbird, redwing,magpie,wood pigeon, carrion crow, jackdaw, nice to meet Paul Risley.
-- Edited by Bernard McGurrin on Sunday 21st of December 2014 05:07:48 PM
Karl Blundell said
Sat Dec 20 1:55 PM, 2014
Great Grey Shrike spotted today on a holly bush in the fields parallel with New Chapel.
Paul Risley said
Wed Dec 17 10:53 PM, 2014
had a couple of visits here myself,couple hours recce on sunday and a couple of hours again this morning, no luck. parked in small layby on victoria road in front of college and walked throngh car parks between college and school, path goes alongside golf course and leads to fields at back of buckingham avenue, walked all around outskirts of golf course and across fields at rear of avenue along public footpath to new chapel lane without any sightings, some promising looking areas. drove up to matchmoor lane afterwards hoping to search that area but the fog had descended, from the brief information I have read there could be a good chance of it sticking around but they have a fairly large winter territory
Keith Mills said
Wed Dec 17 4:18 PM, 2014
Bernard McGurrin wrote:
had a quick scout around late morning but no sign of great grey shrike although my timing wasn't great in terms of weather i got a good soaking, birds seen included 4 fieldfare, 6 redwing, 3 blackbird, robin, wren, magpie, carrion crow,great, blue and long tailed tit, collared dove, wood pigeon. Only called as i was passing may have another go tomorrow with more time if weather is looking decent.
Hi Bernard, I had a similar visit yesterday, drawing a blank over 90 minutes. This fenced field is long and narrow and runs all along the back of property in Buckingham Ave. There is no viewing from this Avenue other than a narrow strip of very overgrown land with tangled brambles etc., between the bungalows at the bottom end of the Avenue. I viewed from this strip, getting my scope up with a struggle but the views are limited . I also viewed from both ends ( the clough and New Chapel Lane) The only way to view the field, in it's entirety, is from the top and I have not yet sorted out the access situation to the top field. ( although I did see a birder up there yesterday, who appeared to be still searching) To confuse us more, there appears to be several lone trees, although the biggest Hawthorn is near the clough end. I will try again too!
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 17th of December 2014 04:59:35 PM
Bernard McGurrin said
Wed Dec 17 3:08 PM, 2014
had a quick scout around late morning but no sign of great grey shrike although my timing wasn't great in terms of weather i got a good soaking, birds seen included 4 fieldfare, 6 redwing, 3 blackbird, robin, wren, magpie, carrion crow,great, blue and long tailed tit, collared dove, wood pigeon. Only called as i was passing may have another go tomorrow with more time if weather is looking decent.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Dec 16 11:19 AM, 2014
Great Grey Shrike still present this morning, in fields off the Buckingham Drive; it flew across East towards the fields by New Chapel Lane at 10:42.
Also, a Little Egret flew low west through the fields above at 10:30.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Gough said
Sat Dec 13 8:46 PM, 2014
I went up and had a look this afternoon too, walking up from the station past the football ground. I walked down Buckingham Ave from the New Chapel Lane end and then found a footpath through to the road Keith mentions, Sandringham Road, where there is a path onto those fields as he says. I covered all the edges of 4 or 5 of the fields and sadly there was no sign of the Shrike. I saw a birder briefly, which I presume was Keith, and in addition to his list I did see a Sparrowhawk, an adult winter Common Gull over, a couple of Mistle Thrush and lots more Redwings than 6, at least 30. Only heard the Jays kicking off.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 13th of December 2014 09:31:22 PM
Keith Mills said
Sat Dec 13 3:16 PM, 2014
This afternoon up to 2.20.....Great Grey Shrike not seen. By accident I parked in Sandringham Road, which borders the clough, and has the golf course on the other side. Access to the clough and fields was easy... and easy to scope the Golf course, which was busy with a competition on today. The lone Hawthorn in the field behind Buckingham Ave. was well scoped.
Buckingham Ave has properties both sides and is a cul-de-sac. I'm not sure on the access from here.
Sightings: Kestrel...2 Jay..2 constantly seen in the clough, once together. Redwing....6 Fieldfare...1 Both the above feeding and preening in dense hawthorn in the clough Goldfinch....c30 feeding in the clough's Alders. Chaffinch...3 Common Tits Blackbirds ... widespread in number Pink-footed Geese.... single skein c90 over NW
-- Edited by keith mills on Saturday 13th of December 2014 03:20:56 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Dec 13 11:48 AM, 2014
Great Grey Shrike still present near Horwich this morning at 11am; in fields off Buckingham Avenue, last seen bordering the golf course.
Thanks for the comments about the Rose-coloured Starling, in order to keep this thread about the birds of the Horwich area though, could any further be directed to a thread on the discussion forum please.
The fact is, (my emphasis on this point) the starling was already showing of and on - without any food being there on my first 30-40 mins of arriving, and I personally was satisfied with that. Shame some others think otherwise.
Ta!
With regard the Rose-coloured Starling at the rear of Singleton Avenue, it seems to have been reported on other information services that the owner of the property who puts the food out has been unhappy with the attention of visiting birders etc which has been causing some distress to her young son and as such, she has taken the feeders down. Contact was made by a local birder who knows the resident though and this has not been the case.
The fact is that the owner of the property has not had issue with birders and photographers viewing from reasonable distance but has become concerned (yesterday in particular) by the attention of what is undoubtably a small number off visiting photographers who have taken it upon themselves to put their own food onto her wall in order to attract the bird for they own purposes and it is this close approach to her property and clear violation of her privacy and her family's wellbeing which has caused her to remove the feeders from the wall.
Such selfish behaviour by a small minority is clearly increasing within 'birding' and is unfortunately seemingly more and more tolerated by others but either way, I would ask that visitors to the site do not attempt to introduce their own food either onto the walls at the rear of Singleton Avenue or indeed anywhere else in the area and also to keep a reasonable distance from the houses and carefully consider the privacy of the local residents when viewing their houses.
No sign of the Rose-coloured Starling from 4.50-7.10pm and apparantly hadn't been seen for at least an hour by the time I arrived. Block feeder empty and visits seemingly becoming less frequent?
-- Edited by Connor Rand on Saturday 12th of June 2021 11:04:53 PM
https://youtu.be/9oMaeUQFIIM
We did however on Thursday have 4 flyover common tern.
The Rosy starling brought my county list to 200.
1 arrived at 11am, he showed up at 11:10, and again at 11:30.
On the first occasion, he was partly concealed by the fence post, and on the 2nd occasion, his head was in the shade of the sun. I waited for him to show again but I had to give up by 2:10pm. But what a better!!!!!!
At least I saw it as I felt for those who showed up after 11:30 and they departed without a glimpse.
Ta!
Rosy starling showing well at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields, between 07:00-07:30.
4,20 - 5,50 pm
Just so no one has any misconceptions that this is an "easy" twitch ..
A few of us were stood in a field at the back of a housing estate for over two hours straight, staring into some very understanding residents gardens. Only for it to show for a total of 30 seconds
.
The first time it appeared on the rooftop a sparrowhawk suddenly appeared scaring everything in the vicinity off for at least 30mins (the only time no one wants to see a close up sparrowhawk !) It eventually came back, posed on the fence for 10 seconds then disappeared into the garden... then flew off.
Still a welcomed epic life tick for me especially with it being so local
Dropped in for short periods this afternoon, but went AWOL for over an hour at times - worth waiting for.
I well remember the juv in St Helens - saw it with John Tymon and it was killed by a Sparrowhawk shortly after we saw it. Hope the future is brighter for this one!
Cheers, John
After dipping on Thurs evening caught up with the Rose-coloured Starling at 12.15 hrs on the block feeder .... it went AWOL for an hour then re-appeared on the telephone wires crossing Singleton Avenue, spent 10 minutes on the roof tops then dropped down to the feeder again.
Still there when I left at 14.30 hrs.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Friday 11th of June 2021 04:32:56 PM
Rose-coloured Starling still present at 10.15
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Friday 11th of June 2021 12:51:02 PM
Cheers, John.
Rose-coloured Starling still showing well this morning, same location, on feeders at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Rose-coloured Starling resent of rooftop at Singleton Avenue, viewed from playing field at 16:40
Still showing at 3:30pm
Info thanks to Andy Makin
adult Rose-coloured Starling currently best viewed at the rear of Singleton Avenue, viewed from Green Lane Playing Fields, coming and going to garden feeders
adult Rose-coloured Starling viewed from the north end of Green Lane Playing Fields, nearest to Castle Close where the bird has been on the roofs of houses there.
Yellow-browed Warbler showing again at 10:25 in roadside bushes along Cotswold Drive by the obvious grassy area surrounded by trees and bushes close to the sign in the image below.
Yellow-browed Warbler off Coltswold Drive this morning at 09:35, in willows by the obvious field surrounded by hedgerows, before moving into nearby gardens.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Female Marsh Harrier landed for 15 minutes on a ploughed section of field next to M6 (seen from Royal Oak pub on A6 (Middlebrook). Then it took off and drifted away towards Red Moss. (11.45am)
Hawfinch flew NW over New Chapel Lane, Horwich at 10:02am.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
15:00 - 16:15 Barn Owl hunting in the fields below Higher Barn, down to Buckingham Avenue and across to Horwich Golf Club. Also, 1 Common Snipe.
07:45 Barn Owl - Quartering the field on the corner of New Chapel Lane and Buckingham Avenue
4.45 New Chapel Lane
Amazed to see a Barn Owl fly over the road by the chapel in horrendous conditions.
With the Horwich individual, it's quite possibly still there or nearby, but equally it might have moved on for a better food supply.
-- Edited by John Watson on Wednesday 14th of January 2015 01:43:16 PM
What confuses me a bit is that this Horwich bird seems mobile whereas the Lytham one stays put. I don't know much about Shrikes, are they normally static or more mobile?
Level of interest may be down to a) many (but not all) county listers ticked this species off the other year at Rindle Road, and b) there is an apparently easier bird to see at Lytham. Possibly.
.........................................................................................................................
I sincerely hope you're wrong with this one Craig and that there is some other reason.
It will be a sad day for birding when the interest in any bird ends with a "tick" on a list.
Roger.
Craig you've just beaten me to it regarding one of your points, the easier bird at Lytham will in my view be more attractive a prospect for more people to go and view, taking into account the fact it has shown almost every single day in virtually the same area since around the end of October.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 13th of January 2015 07:29:14 PM
As you know, although I believe I saw the bird that day, it was an unsatisfactory view.
I have every intention of going back again, once the wind and the rain stop and I have the time.
I know two well known local birders, who have been up without success although one thought that he had a glimpse.
Two brothers, who are friends of mine from the cycling club, and one of them knows the area well, have also looked unsuccessfully.
As you say the low overall number of sightings (four I believe) and the overall interest level is puzzling.
Hi Keith,
After lunch on Dec 22nd, Barb and I had another hour in the afternoon searching for the Shrike and I made a point of exploring the Clough in particular, from top to bottom, (as we didn't venture down there in the morning).
It was of course still quite windy in the afternoon but I carried on until eventually I was rained off.
I added nothing notable during the second session, (other than a female Sparrowhawk).
There have been no updates (either negative or positive) in the last three weeks from this site, so I guess it could still be around if nobody is looking, as the habitat looks OK, though it could be ranging quite far and wide; nevertheless, I'm a little surprised that so few people have actually managed to see this bird, as they are normally pretty conspicuous.
Cheers,
Mike P.
With Mike Passant most of the time and nice to meet Pete Berry and Lady.
I left Mike, to move my vehicle round from Sandringham Road to the New Chapel, as I descended the clough footpath,
a bird flew across the clough, in front of me. Coming from either a tree in the clough or the golf course.
It headed across Sandringham Road toward Buckingham Ave. and the fields beyond.
As it was just above eye level I was able to pick out the black fingered wing ends and the white wing panel
Although only seen for 4 seconds everything fitted Great Grey Shrike...as Pete said they are pretty unique.
This is my fourth visit up here for this bird.
Rang Mike, but he had not got his phone switched on! but met up with everyone again at New Chapel
and we had a good scout round but no further signs.
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 22nd of December 2014 01:59:09 PM
-- Edited by Bernard McGurrin on Sunday 21st of December 2014 05:07:48 PM
Hi Bernard,
I had a similar visit yesterday, drawing a blank over 90 minutes.
This fenced field is long and narrow and runs all along the back of property in Buckingham Ave. There is no viewing from this Avenue other than a narrow strip of very overgrown land with tangled brambles etc., between the bungalows at the bottom end of the Avenue.
I viewed from this strip, getting my scope up with a struggle but the views are limited .
I also viewed from both ends ( the clough and New Chapel Lane)
The only way to view the field, in it's entirety, is from the top and I have not yet sorted out the access situation to the top field.
( although I did see a birder up there yesterday, who appeared to be still searching)
To confuse us more, there appears to be several lone trees, although the biggest Hawthorn is near the clough end.
I will try again too!
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 17th of December 2014 04:59:35 PM
Only called as i was passing may have another go tomorrow with more time if weather is looking decent.
Also, a Little Egret flew low west through the fields above at 10:30.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 13th of December 2014 09:31:22 PM
By accident I parked in Sandringham Road, which borders the clough, and has the golf course
on the other side. Access to the clough and fields was easy... and easy to scope the Golf course,
which was busy with a competition on today. The lone Hawthorn in the field behind Buckingham
Ave. was well scoped.
Buckingham Ave has properties both sides and is a cul-de-sac. I'm not sure on the access
from here.
Sightings:
Kestrel...2
Jay..2 constantly seen in the clough, once together.
Redwing....6
Fieldfare...1
Both the above feeding and preening in dense hawthorn in the clough
Goldfinch....c30 feeding in the clough's Alders.
Chaffinch...3
Common Tits
Blackbirds ... widespread in number
Pink-footed Geese.... single skein c90 over NW
-- Edited by keith mills on Saturday 13th of December 2014 03:20:56 PM
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Ken Haydock