Cheers Rob. Yes, work. I intend to keep cycling, but won't be on this excellent route much now. Shame they seem to have gone the Lesser Whitethroats.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jul 29 3:03 PM, 2024
Chris Harper wrote:
Well it's been a fun cycle over the last 7 years here, but hanging up my clips in retirement now, so won't be posting much from this lovely route. This week still good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing, the odd Swallow by the donkey sanctuary, 25+ Swift over the tram stop, odd snippet of Song Thrush.
Didn't hear or see any Lesser Whitethroat this year, and Common Whitethroat not seen since May. Increases over the years anecdotally are Ring Necked Parakeet, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch and Goldcrest, whilst Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Martin, Whitethroat all declined. No House Martin at all this year.
Wright Robinson playing fields are well worth checking for the morning gull post roost, and with great habitat around there hopefully the Lesser Whitethroat and possibly Grasshopper Warbler may be seen next year.
Looking forward to reading any posts from the forum.
Retiring from work or just from cycling Chris? Enjoyed reading your Loop sightings, I work at the Reddish end as you know, but it was one of your posts from the Wright Robbie section that led me to great views of one of my favourite species Lesser Whitethroat. Cheers
Well it's been a fun cycle over the last 7 years here, but hanging up my clips in retirement now, so won't be posting much from this lovely route. This week still good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing, the odd Swallow by the donkey sanctuary, 25+ Swift over the tram stop, odd snippet of Song Thrush.
Didn't hear or see any Lesser Whitethroat this year, and Common Whitethroat not seen since May. Increases over the years anecdotally are Ring Necked Parakeet, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch and Goldcrest, whilst Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Martin, Whitethroat all declined. No House Martin at all this year.
Wright Robinson playing fields are well worth checking for the morning gull post roost, and with great habitat around there hopefully the Lesser Whitethroat and possibly Grasshopper Warbler may be seen next year.
Looking forward to reading any posts from the forum.
Brief snippet of a Grasshopper Warbler reeling at 07:20 this morning near the Donkey Sanctuary. Waited a minute but never showed. Also 8 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Rob Creek said
Fri May 17 7:42 PM, 2024
Fri 17th May.
Reddish works yard and surrounding area this morning.
- Willow Warbler at least 3 - Blackcap 3 - Chiffchaff 2 - Common Whitethroat 1 near the bridge - Song Thrush 1 - Male Greenfinch - Male Chaffinch - few House Martin & Swift over
Chris Harper said
Tue May 14 8:06 AM, 2024
Common Whitethroat at bridge 12 near North Reddish this morning. Also Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Swift, Goldcrest, 3 Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
- Willow Warbler 3 singing, 1 seen, almost daily - Chiffchaff probably 3 singing, 1 seen daily - Blackcap 3 or 4 singing ?? male seen on Tues am - Great Spotted Woodpecker over on Weds am - Song Thrush 2 - Oystercatcher over Thurs afternoon - 2 Ring-necked Parakeets over Fri am
Chris Harper said
Tue Apr 30 8:10 AM, 2024
3+ Willow Warbler this morning. 8 Blackcap, 15 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Ring Necked Parakeet.
Chris Harper said
Tue Apr 23 8:14 AM, 2024
They say one Swallow doesn't make a summer, but a single bird over St Warbugh's tram stop made my morning cycle. Also Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 16 Chiffchaff this morning.
Rob Creek said
Mon Apr 22 5:14 PM, 2024
Mon 22nd April
- at least 3 Willow Warbler singing (only 1 seen) behind Reddish works yard and nearby - 2 Chiffchaff singing - 2 Blackcap singing - 1 Song Thrush
Another 2 Willow Warbler singing a bit further up Station Rd, Reddish, whilst on my way home from work
Chris Harper said
Mon Apr 22 8:19 AM, 2024
Treecreeper was an unusual spot by bridge 18. Also willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, Ring Necked Parakeet and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Rob Creek said
Sat Apr 20 8:58 AM, 2024
Rob Creek wrote:
Tues 16th April
Late afternoon today virtually over Reddish works yard, a noisy mob of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was flying around and as I looked up - it looked like a pale morph Common Buzzard just drifting out of sight over one of the nearby factories. They seemed to be making a lot of noise for just a Buzzard.
A local Facebook group have posted in the last couple of days in relation to a Red-tailed Hawk that hasnt returned to its owner in the Dane Bank and Reddish area. Apparently has now been out since last weekend. It has been spotted a few times, one of which was on Thornley Lane North, few hundred yards from Station Rd where I work .. Im wondering if this could be the bird I saw, maybe?
Rob Creek said
Tue Apr 16 11:43 PM, 2024
Tues 16th April
Late afternoon today virtually over Reddish works yard, a noisy mob of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was flying around and as I looked up - it looked like a pale morph Common Buzzard just drifting out of sight over one of the nearby factories. They seemed to be making a lot of noise for just a Buzzard.
Chris Harper said
Tue Apr 16 8:14 AM, 2024
7 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff and 4 Ring Necked parakeet on my journey this morning
Rob Creek said
Sun Apr 14 10:25 PM, 2024
Reddish works yard & surrounds.
Weds 10th April - 2 Willow Warbler (1 seen, another singing) - 3 Chiffchaff (1 seen) - 3 Blackcap (2 seen) - 1 Song Thrush - 1 m Greenfinch - 2 Ring-necked Parakeets
- 2 singing Chiffchaff trying to out do each other - 3 singing Blackcap - 3 Ring-necked Parakeets - 1m Greenfinch - lots of Goldfinch activity - 2 Song Thrush
Chris Harper said
Tue Mar 19 8:09 AM, 2024
11 Chiffchaff along the route this morning from 07:15-07:45. Also 3 Ring Necked Parakeet
Rob Creek said
Sat Mar 16 10:54 AM, 2024
Lots of activity around the rear edge of our Reddish works yard where it meets the Loop path last few days.
Minimum 3 Chiffchaff this morning, with 2 near Wright Robinson School, and one near bridge 26. Also 9 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest and displaying Greenfinch.
Chris Harper said
Wed Feb 28 8:15 AM, 2024
10+ Siskin still in Highfield CP this morning. Also 30+ Ring Necked Parakeet on the route, Goldcrest, Nuthatch.
Chris Harper said
Fri Feb 16 9:09 PM, 2024
20+Siskin were in Highfield Country Park near the Loop this afternoon.
Chris Harper said
Tue Feb 13 8:17 AM, 2024
29 Song Thrush counted this morning. Also 30 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Chris Harper said
Thu Feb 1 8:10 AM, 2024
Counted 34 Song Thrush from start to finish of the Loop this morning from 07:15-07:45. Also 8 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Chris Harper said
Wed Jan 24 8:18 AM, 2024
Tawny owl at eastern end of the loop this morning.
Chris Harper said
Mon Jan 22 6:43 PM, 2024
30+Ring Necked Parakeet in Gorton cemetery at 16:45
Chris Harper said
Thu Jan 4 8:17 AM, 2024
17 Song Thrush this morning on my cycle along the loop, with 3 Blackbirds also in full voice. 0710-0740
Rob Creek said
Sun Dec 3 10:44 PM, 2023
Fri 1st Dec
- 2 drake Goosanders low over Reddish works yard a.m.
Chris Harper said
Fri Nov 24 4:06 PM, 2023
Over 50 Ring Necked Parakeet by Bethnal Drive in Fallowfield this morning. Also Redwing on the route.
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 13 5:46 PM, 2023
Fri 10th Nov
- Flock of around 50-75 Redwings & Fieldfares over Reddish works yard at end of the loop path. They were flirting around one of the treetops and then flew off towards Levenshulme.
I always feel like I dont really do this thread any justice, but its mainly Parakeets which have their own thread
Chris Harper said
Fri Nov 3 8:10 AM, 2023
2 Great Black backed Gulls were at Wright Robinson School playing fields at 07:20
Rob Creek said
Tue Oct 10 11:19 PM, 2023
Mon 8th Oct
- 2 Redwings over Reddish works yard am, towards Levenshulme over the loop path
Chris Harper said
Tue Oct 10 8:08 AM, 2023
25 Redwing over Highfields Country Park at 07:30. Also 4 Goosander, 20 Ring Necked Parakeet, Bullfinch, 30 Woodpigeon South.
Chris Harper said
Wed Oct 4 7:10 PM, 2023
3 Redwing were in Gorton cemetery this morning and some heard near Wright Robinson school. 12 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest and Jay also on the route.
Chris Harper said
Thu Sep 21 8:14 AM, 2023
6 meadow Pipit over as i came in this morning. 2 over Wright Robinson School, 4 over Levenshulme. Heading South.
Also 3 Chiffchaff, 2 ring necked parakeet
Chris Harper said
Mon Jul 17 8:19 AM, 2023
Oystercatcher on Wright Robinson's High School playing fields at 07:25 this morning, but soon flew. Also 7 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch.
Chris Harper said
Tue Jun 13 9:36 AM, 2023
Common Whitethroat at bridge 15
15 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker
Chris Harper said
Mon Jun 5 8:19 AM, 2023
Peregrine Falcon over Gorton Cemetary. 8 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Common Swift.
Chris Harper said
Fri May 26 8:16 AM, 2023
3 Willow Warbler this morning, Common Whitethroat was singing by bridge 14 on Monday but not since. 12 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 10 Ring Necked Parakeet, Nuthatch feeding young, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Common Swift.
Chris Harper said
Thu May 18 6:40 PM, 2023
Lesser Whitethroat singing again at the Eastern end of the Loop between Boothdale Drive and Wright Robinson High School at 4pm.
Rob Creek said
Wed May 10 3:21 PM, 2023
Fri 5th May. Got back from Liverpool and went for a mooch around the back of the works yard, Reddish. - Lesser Whitethroat heard bellowing out a tune but I just couldnt locate it - 2 Willow Warbler - 3 Chiffchaff - 2 Blackcap - 1 Jay - 1 Reed Bunting which was a surprise
Tues 9th May. - 5 Ring-necked Parakeets over the yard towards Levenshulme
Chris Harper said
Fri May 5 8:12 AM, 2023
Probable brief snippet of Lesser Whitethroat song this morning at the 'traditional' spot between Wright Robinson High School and the end of the Loop.
Also Common Swift over, 4 Willow Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 17 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, 7 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Chris Harper said
Thu Apr 20 8:25 AM, 2023
10 Blackcap on the full route this morning, 4 Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch
Blackcap's up to 12 this morning on the whole length of the loop. 3 Willow Warbler still, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Ring Necked Parakeets, Nuthatch still at nestbox in Gorton Cemetary
Cheers Rob. Yes, work. I intend to keep cycling, but won't be on this excellent route much now. Shame they seem to have gone the Lesser Whitethroats.
Retiring from work or just from cycling Chris?
Enjoyed reading your Loop sightings, I work at the Reddish end as you know, but it was one of your posts from the Wright Robbie section that led me to great views of one of my favourite species Lesser Whitethroat.
Cheers
Well it's been a fun cycle over the last 7 years here, but hanging up my clips in retirement now, so won't be posting much from this lovely route. This week still good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing, the odd Swallow by the donkey sanctuary, 25+ Swift over the tram stop, odd snippet of Song Thrush.
Didn't hear or see any Lesser Whitethroat this year, and Common Whitethroat not seen since May. Increases over the years anecdotally are Ring Necked Parakeet, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch and Goldcrest, whilst Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Martin, Whitethroat all declined. No House Martin at all this year.
Wright Robinson playing fields are well worth checking for the morning gull post roost, and with great habitat around there hopefully the Lesser Whitethroat and possibly Grasshopper Warbler may be seen next year.
Looking forward to reading any posts from the forum.
07:15-07:40
Willow Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 14 Chiffchaff, 6 Swift, 4 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Brief snippet of a Grasshopper Warbler reeling at 07:20 this morning near the Donkey Sanctuary. Waited a minute but never showed. Also 8 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Reddish works yard and surrounding area this morning.
- Willow Warbler at least 3
- Blackcap 3
- Chiffchaff 2
- Common Whitethroat 1 near the bridge
- Song Thrush 1
- Male Greenfinch
- Male Chaffinch
- few House Martin & Swift over
Common Whitethroat at bridge 12 near North Reddish this morning. Also Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Swift, Goldcrest, 3 Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3 Willow Warbler (2 at Donkey sanctuary), 5 Swift, Swallow (Donkey sanctuary), 9 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest.
- Willow Warbler 3 singing, 1 seen, almost daily
- Chiffchaff probably 3 singing, 1 seen daily
- Blackcap 3 or 4 singing ?? male seen on Tues am
- Great Spotted Woodpecker over on Weds am
- Song Thrush 2
- Oystercatcher over Thurs afternoon
- 2 Ring-necked Parakeets over Fri am
3+ Willow Warbler this morning. 8 Blackcap, 15 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Ring Necked Parakeet.
They say one Swallow doesn't make a summer, but a single bird over St Warbugh's tram stop made my morning cycle. Also Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 16 Chiffchaff this morning.
- at least 3 Willow Warbler singing (only 1 seen) behind Reddish works yard and nearby
- 2 Chiffchaff singing
- 2 Blackcap singing
- 1 Song Thrush
Another 2 Willow Warbler singing a bit further up Station Rd, Reddish, whilst on my way home from work
Treecreeper was an unusual spot by bridge 18. Also willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, Ring Necked Parakeet and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
A local Facebook group have posted in the last couple of days in relation to a Red-tailed Hawk that hasnt returned to its owner in the Dane Bank and Reddish area. Apparently has now been out since last weekend.
It has been spotted a few times, one of which was on Thornley Lane North, few hundred yards from Station Rd where I work .. Im wondering if this could be the bird I saw, maybe?
Late afternoon today virtually over Reddish works yard, a noisy mob of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was flying around and as I looked up - it looked like a pale morph Common Buzzard just drifting out of sight over one of the nearby factories.
They seemed to be making a lot of noise for just a Buzzard.
7 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff and 4 Ring Necked parakeet on my journey this morning
Weds 10th April
- 2 Willow Warbler (1 seen, another singing)
- 3 Chiffchaff (1 seen)
- 3 Blackcap (2 seen)
- 1 Song Thrush
- 1 m Greenfinch
- 2 Ring-necked Parakeets
Thurs 11th April
- 3 Willow Warbler (1 seen, 2 more singing)
- 3 poss 4 Chiffchaff
- 3 Blackcap
- 2 Ring-necked Parakeets
- 2 singing Chiffchaff trying to out do each other
- 3 singing Blackcap
- 3 Ring-necked Parakeets
- 1m Greenfinch
- lots of Goldfinch activity
- 2 Song Thrush
11 Chiffchaff along the route this morning from 07:15-07:45. Also 3 Ring Necked Parakeet
- 2 singing Blackcap (1 seen)
- 1 singing Chiffchaff
- 1 singing Chaffinch
- 1m 2f Greenfinch
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 2 Redwings over
Minimum 3 Chiffchaff this morning, with 2 near Wright Robinson School, and one near bridge 26. Also 9 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest and displaying Greenfinch.
10+ Siskin still in Highfield CP this morning. Also 30+ Ring Necked Parakeet on the route, Goldcrest, Nuthatch.
20+Siskin were in Highfield Country Park near the Loop this afternoon.
29 Song Thrush counted this morning. Also 30 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Counted 34 Song Thrush from start to finish of the Loop this morning from 07:15-07:45. Also 8 Ring Necked Parakeet.
Tawny owl at eastern end of the loop this morning.
30+Ring Necked Parakeet in Gorton cemetery at 16:45
17 Song Thrush this morning on my cycle along the loop, with 3 Blackbirds also in full voice. 0710-0740
- 2 drake Goosanders low over Reddish works yard a.m.
Over 50 Ring Necked Parakeet by Bethnal Drive in Fallowfield this morning. Also Redwing on the route.
- Flock of around 50-75 Redwings & Fieldfares over Reddish works yard at end of the loop path. They were flirting around one of the treetops and then flew off towards Levenshulme.
I always feel like I dont really do this thread any justice, but its mainly Parakeets which have their own thread
2 Great Black backed Gulls were at Wright Robinson School playing fields at 07:20
- 2 Redwings over Reddish works yard am, towards Levenshulme over the loop path
25 Redwing over Highfields Country Park at 07:30. Also 4 Goosander, 20 Ring Necked Parakeet, Bullfinch, 30 Woodpigeon South.
3 Redwing were in Gorton cemetery this morning and some heard near Wright Robinson school. 12 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest and Jay also on the route.
6 meadow Pipit over as i came in this morning. 2 over Wright Robinson School, 4 over Levenshulme. Heading South.
Also 3 Chiffchaff, 2 ring necked parakeet
Oystercatcher on Wright Robinson's High School playing fields at 07:25 this morning, but soon flew. Also 7 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch.
Common Whitethroat at bridge 15
15 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon over Gorton Cemetary. 8 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Common Swift.
3 Willow Warbler this morning, Common Whitethroat was singing by bridge 14 on Monday but not since. 12 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 10 Ring Necked Parakeet, Nuthatch feeding young, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Common Swift.
Lesser Whitethroat singing again at the Eastern end of the Loop between Boothdale Drive and Wright Robinson High School at 4pm.
Got back from Liverpool and went for a mooch around the back of the works yard, Reddish.
- Lesser Whitethroat heard bellowing out a tune but I just couldnt locate it
- 2 Willow Warbler
- 3 Chiffchaff
- 2 Blackcap
- 1 Jay
- 1 Reed Bunting which was a surprise
Tues 9th May.
- 5 Ring-necked Parakeets over the yard towards Levenshulme
Probable brief snippet of Lesser Whitethroat song this morning at the 'traditional' spot between Wright Robinson High School and the end of the Loop.
Also Common Swift over, 4 Willow Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 17 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, 7 Ring Necked Parakeet.
10 Blackcap on the full route this morning, 4 Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch
Reddish works yard.
- 2 Blackcap singing
- 1 Willow Warbler singing
- 3 Chiffchaff singing (min 3)
- 1 Greenfinch
- 1 Song Thrush
Blackcap's up to 12 this morning on the whole length of the loop. 3 Willow Warbler still, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Ring Necked Parakeets, Nuthatch still at nestbox in Gorton Cemetary
7:15-7:45
3 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 15 Chiffchaff, 15 Ring Necked Parakeet, 4 Greenfinch
Reddish works yard.
- 5 Swallows together over the yard towards Levenshulme mid afternoon
Around the Reddish works yard before going out on the road.
- numerous Chiffchaff singing and seen (4+)
- 2 Greenfinch
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 2 Ring-necked Parakeets
- 1 Mistle Thrush
Blackcap in song this morning by Debdale Reservoir dam. Also 10 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, 4 Ring Necked Parakeet, 5 Bullfinch.