"ZH6 was ringed as a female cygnet on 17/8/2013 at Ashton Moss. Unusual to have a record from such a high altitude." (Info S.Christmas)
JamieDunning said
Mon Jun 2 9:50 AM, 2014
Have you noticed the Mute wearing a large blue Darvik ring or not Mark?
Johnbernard said
Sun Jun 1 4:50 PM, 2014
Hundreds of starlings near Upper Reservoir..as many as 500. Many young. Song thrush Mistle thrush 2 Oystercatchers 2 GC grebes 2 Lapwings swallows, house martins mute swan on LR Moorhens with young on LR Canada geese and goslings on LR several pied wagtails grey heron
-- Edited by Johnbernard on Sunday 1st of June 2014 04:52:15 PM
Mark Rigby said
Sun Jun 1 1:43 PM, 2014
An adult Mute Swan on the Lower reservoir still present at 1230hrs. Seen earlier on Upper Reservoir (info B.Stanley and A.Platt)
Lower reservoir 1 great crested grebe 8 mallard 1 juv moorhen 2 ad and 2 juv pied wagtails 2 male, 1 fem reed buntings 2 swifts 1 house martin c12 swallows
Hull Mill dam area 3 male reed buntings 1 sedge warbler 1 whitethroat 4 willow warblers 2 blackcaps 2 swifts c10 house martins
Mark Rigby said
Fri May 23 8:11 PM, 2014
Pretty quiet and miserable this afternoon.
A flock of about a dozen House Martins flew straight through the lower res and over the upper res and straight over the moors ahead of a heavy downpour. They were flying in a tight flock and calling constantly? A bit late for migrating birds?
Mark Rigby said
Sat May 10 4:44 PM, 2014
2 redhead Goosander on Upper res the only thing of note this lunchtime in foul weather.
Mark Rigby said
Sun May 4 7:13 PM, 2014
Little Egret (K.Butterworth and P.Kenyon) seen flying in from the direction of Castleshaw Moor and over the Upper Reservoir at approx. 1610hrs. It landed on the east shore briefly then flew around gaining height before returning to a plantation. It perched on top of a tree for a few seconds before dropping into the plantation. No further sign until it perched up again at 1829hrs (G.Crowther)
Mark Rigby said
Fri May 2 10:16 PM, 2014
Common Tern flew straight through over the Lower Reservoir and over the fort towards Brun Clough at 0855hrs this morning
Andy Platt said
Sat Apr 26 10:51 AM, 2014
Early Morning Walk at Castleshaw 5 Yellow Wagtails 4F 1M first I have seen here since 3rd May 1980. Tony, Barry and a yawning Riggers also at site. 2 Little Ringed Plover feeding along side the Yellow Wagtails 4-5 Sand Martin 1 House Martin 30+ Swallow All the hirundies left together when the rain stopped and sun came out at about 9.15am Goldfinch Greenfinch Chaffinch 3 Moorhen Pied Wagtail 2 Linnet Meadow Pipit Skylark Mislte Thrush Reed Bunting
Been a good week at Cas. whats next??
Mark Rigby said
Sat Apr 26 9:07 AM, 2014
0830
5 Yellow Wagtail on lower reservoir dam wall.
2 Little Ringed Plover in field opposite the gate.
Mark Rigby said
Fri Apr 25 10:14 PM, 2014
Brief visit at 1620.
50 Swallow (B.Stanley had 200+ earlier) 2 House Martin 9 Sand Martin 2 Oystercatcher Little Ringed Plover (B.Stanley) 2 Great Crested Grebe 4 Tufted Duck Gadwall (drake) 4th record this year for a bird that is usually less than an annual visitor!
-- Edited by Mark Rigby on Friday 25th of April 2014 10:17:02 PM
anthony capuano said
Wed Apr 23 7:26 PM, 2014
Thanks Mark.
Will have an early morn walk and listen out for them
Mark Rigby said
Wed Apr 23 5:15 PM, 2014
Mid morning to mid afternoon with T Mather and B Stanley briefly
Many insects after rain brought birds out. Ring plover Lesser black backed gull Common sandpiper pair Wheatear Mistle thrush Swallows and house martin Oyster catcher pair
Mark Rigby said
Mon Apr 21 6:46 PM, 2014
A quick visit in the rain, 1720-1820hrs
Common Sandpiper Oystercatcher Great Crested Grebe 19 Swallow 2 House Martin Sand Martin (yet another one Mr McKerchar)
Geoff Walton said
Sat Apr 12 8:39 AM, 2014
Friday 12-20pm 1 Swallow 2 Great Grested Grebe on lower Res. 4 Goosander(1 male-3 female) on top Res. 1 Curlew flying
Mark Rigby said
Thu Apr 10 9:16 PM, 2014
First Swallow of the year this evening
Also
4 Tufted Duck 2 Great Crested Grebe 5 Mallard 3 Oystercatcher 2 Redshank 13 Stock Dove 500+ Jackdaw
Yesterday's Goldeneye have departed Pair of Shoveler dropped in on upper reservoir at 1108 then flew to lower with 2 Teal. 6 pair of Teal in total and 5 Tufted Duck on lower res.
1 Male Wheatear Top res parking area 2 pair Tufted duck Meadow Pipits passing through
Ashley Edwards said
Sat Mar 22 3:06 PM, 2014
The Greylags flew over Carrbrook at 0818. Posted in the Stalybridge/Dukinfield thread.
S Rothery said
Sat Mar 22 2:56 PM, 2014
I checked my records and I've seen Greylag locally on 2 occasions before (Feb 1996 and April 2007), both on the lower resvr, both with Canada Geese and both with one or two weird feathers. Neither was I happy to class as a wild bird.
These were immaculate and wary and therefore would look like good contenders for being a local tick for me.
Also saw 2 pairs Goosander, 2 curlews, 2 redshanks, 2 cormorants, 2 great created grebes, 2 reed buntings......wait a minute! We expecting some bad weather??
Mark Rigby said
Sat Mar 22 12:36 PM, 2014
1115-1145
6 Greylag Geese present at 0830hrs (info A.Platt and S.Rothery) on top reservoir had relocated to fields adjacent to lower reservoir feeding with Canada Geese at 1130hrs.
Then I retreated to the car to avoid the blizzard conditions!
Nice to see Graham Beverley (Castleshaw rarity these days) who flushed a Woodcock adjacent to the 'no fishing' pond.
S Rothery said
Sun Mar 16 8:58 PM, 2014
Around midday 9 Goosander on top resvr 1 pr Tufted Ducks 9 Lapwing 1 Redshank 2 Oystercatcher 1 Great Crested Grebe
Mark Rigby said
Mon Mar 10 6:47 PM, 2014
1650hrs
A report of 5 Greylag Geese at 11am (B.Stanley) picked up by voicemail at 1600hrs resulted in an unplanned visit. Not expecting them to still be present, it was a pleasant surprise to find them feeding on the far bank of the Lower reservoir.
Also present
Redshank 9 Cormorant
Unfortunately they didn't stay much longer and could not be found at 1725hrs (A.Platt and T.Mather)
Redshank- first of the year 2 Oystercatcher 2 Curlew 9 Cormorant 17 Mallard 3 Skylark on territory Reed Buntings back on the moors
Andy Platt said
Sat Mar 1 4:17 PM, 2014
Saturday morning walk up Castlehsaw Valley
1 Pair tufted duck at Hull Mill Lodge 1 Pair Coot on the 'No fishing Pond' 48 Lapwing enjoying the sunshine on the bank of the Lower res. 100+ Black headed Gull 1 Common Gull 3 Herring Gull 1 Female Goosander 20 Fieldfare in the Valley 100+ yesterday Kestrel Several Pairs of Reed Bunting in the Valley 3 Oystercatchers 9 Cormorant 1 pair Goldcrest 1 Skylark in full voice. 1 Moorhern
1 Curlew first of the year 3 Oystercatchers 2 Female Goosanders 1 kestrel 3 Cormorant 30 lapwing Mallard 1 pair Goldeneye 15+ Reed Bunting at the feeders
Midday visit No signs of the Gadwall pair or the Tufted Ducks 3 Oystercatchers - 2 on far bank bottom res as usual and one in the field adjacent to the fisherman's pull-in 4 redhead goosander 9 cormorants 1 grey wagtail v close on top res overflow - what a crackin' little bird they are. 1 great crested grebe Usuals on feeders.
Andy and I also had 3 drake and 3 redhead goosander last night after the Gadwall episode.
Mark Rigby said
Wed Feb 19 8:57 PM, 2014
1655hrs
Quick visit having received news of a pair of Gadwall. (Thanks Mr.Platt)
Also
2 Oystercatcher 2 Tufted Duck Great Crested Grebe 2 Cormorant
Mark Rigby said
Tue Feb 18 1:49 PM, 2014
1250 onwards
31 Lapwing Oystercatcher 11 Cormorant Great Crested Grebe 18 Mallard Stock Dove
4 Reed Bunting 6 Chaffinch Great Tit Blue Tit 2 Greenfinch Dunnock Robin Pheasant
Mark Rigby said
Sat Feb 8 4:23 PM, 2014
Oystercatcher still present at 1545hrs. This is the earliest ever record at Castleshaw beating the previous earliest on 11/02/11.
Also 4 Lapwing on Lower reservoir sheltering from the hail storm with the Oystercatcher.
S Rothery said
Sat Feb 8 2:47 PM, 2014
About 1130am 2 fem goosander - one top and one bottom resvr 1 oystercatcher back on bottom resvr far bank Handful of black headed and common gulls 11 cormorants 1 kestrel
Steve Suttill said
Mon Feb 3 5:29 PM, 2014
An hour's visit before lunchtime today - usual freezing cold wind particularly on the top dam. Nice to meet Barry Stanley.
Very few birds, unless you count Canada Geese (over 180). 10 Cormorants (think Barry had counted 11) 3 redhead Goosanders Kestrel hunting approx 30 gulls - Common outnumbering Black-headed for a change.
Mark Rigby said
Thu Jan 30 4:45 PM, 2014
1400-1600
Brambling (fem) on the feeders,also
Reed Bunting 11 Greenfinch 3 Blue Tit Great Tit Robin Dunnock Blackbird
"ZH6 was ringed as a female cygnet on 17/8/2013 at Ashton Moss. Unusual to have a record from such a high altitude." (Info S.Christmas)
Song thrush
Mistle thrush
2 Oystercatchers
2 GC grebes
2 Lapwings
swallows, house martins
mute swan on LR
Moorhens with young on LR
Canada geese and goslings on LR
several pied wagtails
grey heron
-- Edited by Johnbernard on Sunday 1st of June 2014 04:52:15 PM
5 oystercatchers
2 curlews
1 pied wagtail
2 grey herons
Chaffinch
Wren
Mistle thrush
Blackbirds
Lower reservoir
1 great crested grebe
8 mallard
1 juv moorhen
2 ad and 2 juv pied wagtails
2 male, 1 fem reed buntings
2 swifts
1 house martin
c12 swallows
Hull Mill dam area
3 male reed buntings
1 sedge warbler
1 whitethroat
4 willow warblers
2 blackcaps
2 swifts
c10 house martins
A flock of about a dozen House Martins flew straight through the lower res and over the upper res and straight over the moors ahead of a heavy downpour. They were flying in a tight flock and calling constantly? A bit late for migrating birds?
5 Yellow Wagtails 4F 1M first I have seen here since 3rd May 1980. Tony, Barry and a yawning Riggers also at site.
2 Little Ringed Plover feeding along side the Yellow Wagtails
4-5 Sand Martin
1 House Martin
30+ Swallow
All the hirundies left together when the rain stopped and sun came out at about 9.15am
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
3 Moorhen
Pied Wagtail
2 Linnet
Meadow Pipit
Skylark
Mislte Thrush
Reed Bunting
Been a good week at Cas. whats next??
5 Yellow Wagtail on lower reservoir dam wall.
2 Little Ringed Plover in field opposite the gate.
50 Swallow (B.Stanley had 200+ earlier)
2 House Martin
9 Sand Martin
2 Oystercatcher
Little Ringed Plover (B.Stanley)
2 Great Crested Grebe
4 Tufted Duck
Gadwall (drake) 4th record this year for a bird that is usually less than an annual visitor!
-- Edited by Mark Rigby on Friday 25th of April 2014 10:17:02 PM
2 Moorhen
Coot
Grey Heron
4 Tufted Duck
Oystercatcher
Redshank
3 Curlew
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
2 Grasshopper Warbler
Wheatear
Fieldfare
Anthony, the Grasshopper Warblers are pretty common in the valley but there are a couple reeling near the car park at the moment.
where were the grasshopper warblers?
cheers Anthony
The bird you saw was a Little Ringed Plover
Also present,
3 Whinchat (2 male)
2 Grasshopper Warbler
15 Wheatear
2 Linnet
6-7 Tufted Duck
3 Skylark
2 Common Sandpiper
2 Oystercatcher
Redshank
2 Moorhen
Ring plover
Lesser black backed gull
Common sandpiper pair
Wheatear
Mistle thrush
Swallows and house martin
Oyster catcher pair
Common Sandpiper
Oystercatcher
Great Crested Grebe
19 Swallow
2 House Martin
Sand Martin (yet another one Mr McKerchar)
1 Swallow
2 Great Grested Grebe on lower Res.
4 Goosander(1 male-3 female) on top Res.
1 Curlew flying
Also
4 Tufted Duck
2 Great Crested Grebe
5 Mallard
3 Oystercatcher
2 Redshank
13 Stock Dove
500+ Jackdaw
8 Teal (4 pair)
2 Wigeon (pair)
Gadwall (drake)
2 Tufted Duck (pair)
2 Mallard
2 Goosander
Great Crested Grebe
Coot
2 Cormorant
12 Meadow Pipit
Skylark
Pheasant
Yesterday's Goldeneye have departed
Pair of Shoveler dropped in on upper reservoir at 1108 then flew to lower with 2 Teal.
6 pair of Teal in total and 5 Tufted Duck on lower res.
2 Oystercatcher
2 Redshank
3 Lapwing
2 Great Crested Grebe
Greylag Goose
Skylark
2 Great Crested Grebe
6 Tufted Duck
2 Goosander
2 Goldeneye
20+ Meadow Pipit
3 Pied Wagtail
Pheasant
Blackbird
Wren
1 Male Wheatear Top res parking area
2 pair Tufted duck
Meadow Pipits passing through
These were immaculate and wary and therefore would look like good contenders for being a local tick for me.
Also saw 2 pairs Goosander, 2 curlews, 2 redshanks, 2 cormorants, 2 great created grebes, 2 reed buntings......wait a minute! We expecting some bad weather??
6 Greylag Geese present at 0830hrs (info A.Platt and S.Rothery) on top reservoir had relocated to fields adjacent to lower reservoir feeding with Canada Geese at 1130hrs.
Then I retreated to the car to avoid the blizzard conditions!
2 Redshank
2 Oystercatcher
3 Curlew
Heron
Moorhen
2 Coot
11 Goosander
7 Mallard
2 Skylark
2 Oystercatcher
2 Redshank
Curlew
11 Goosander
6 Mallard
6 Cormorant
2 Coot
Nice to see Graham Beverley (Castleshaw rarity these days) who flushed a Woodcock adjacent to the 'no fishing' pond.
9 Goosander on top resvr
1 pr Tufted Ducks
9 Lapwing
1 Redshank
2 Oystercatcher
1 Great Crested Grebe
A report of 5 Greylag Geese at 11am (B.Stanley) picked up by voicemail at 1600hrs resulted in an unplanned visit. Not expecting them to still be present, it was a pleasant surprise to find them feeding on the far bank of the Lower reservoir.
Also present
Redshank
9 Cormorant
Unfortunately they didn't stay much longer and could not be found at 1725hrs (A.Platt and T.Mather)
2 Oystercatcher
2 Curlew
4 Lapwing
Great Crested Grebe
25 Mallard
2 Goosander
9 Cormorant
Grey Wagtail
2 Oystercatcher
10 Curlew
31 Lapwing
9 Cormorant
19 Mallard
7 Goosander
Great Crested Grebe
2 Skylark
Coal Tit
5 Reed Bunting
Usuals at the feeders
Redshank- first of the year
2 Oystercatcher
2 Curlew
9 Cormorant
17 Mallard
3 Skylark on territory
Reed Buntings back on the moors
1 Pair tufted duck at Hull Mill Lodge
1 Pair Coot on the 'No fishing Pond'
48 Lapwing enjoying the sunshine on the bank of the Lower res.
100+ Black headed Gull
1 Common Gull
3 Herring Gull
1 Female Goosander
20 Fieldfare in the Valley 100+ yesterday
Kestrel
Several Pairs of Reed Bunting in the Valley
3 Oystercatchers
9 Cormorant
1 pair Goldcrest
1 Skylark in full voice.
1 Moorhern
3 Curlew
2 Oystercatcher (actually catching worms)
7 Cormorant
6 Goosander (just one adult male)
1 Great Crested Grebe
pair Tufted Duck
usual Mallards and Canada Geese
Pheasant and Reed Bunting at the feeders.
7 Curlew
3 Oystercatcher
9 Cormorant
Great Crested Grebe
12 Common Gull
30 Black-headed Gull
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Small passage of Meadow Pipits
3 Skylark
4 Reed Bunting
Usuals at the feeders.
4 Oystercatcher
13 Lapwing
6 Cormorant
3 Skylark (displaying)
Usuals at the feeders.
1 Curlew first of the year
3 Oystercatchers
2 Female Goosanders
1 kestrel
3 Cormorant
30 lapwing
Mallard
1 pair Goldeneye
15+ Reed Bunting at the feeders
58 Lapwing
4 Oystercatcher
2 Goldeneye (pair)
Goosander
Great Crested Grebe
No signs of the Gadwall pair or the Tufted Ducks
3 Oystercatchers - 2 on far bank bottom res as usual and one in the field adjacent to the fisherman's pull-in
4 redhead goosander
9 cormorants
1 grey wagtail v close on top res overflow - what a crackin' little bird they are.
1 great crested grebe
Usuals on feeders.
Andy and I also had 3 drake and 3 redhead goosander last night after the Gadwall episode.
Quick visit having received news of a pair of Gadwall. (Thanks Mr.Platt)
Also
2 Oystercatcher
2 Tufted Duck
Great Crested Grebe
2 Cormorant
31 Lapwing
Oystercatcher
11 Cormorant
Great Crested Grebe
18 Mallard
Stock Dove
Oystercatcher
5 Cormorant
21 Mallard
Heron
13 Black-headed Gull
Coot back on 'no fishing' pool
Feeders
4 Reed Bunting
6 Chaffinch
Great Tit
Blue Tit
2 Greenfinch
Dunnock
Robin
Pheasant
Also 4 Lapwing on Lower reservoir sheltering from the hail storm with the Oystercatcher.
2 fem goosander - one top and one bottom resvr
1 oystercatcher back on bottom resvr far bank
Handful of black headed and common gulls
11 cormorants
1 kestrel
Very few birds, unless you count Canada Geese (over 180).
10 Cormorants (think Barry had counted 11)
3 redhead Goosanders
Kestrel hunting
approx 30 gulls - Common outnumbering Black-headed for a change.
Brambling (fem) on the feeders,also
Reed Bunting
11 Greenfinch
3 Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Dunnock
Blackbird
8 Lapwing
9 Cormorant
Goosander
2 Goosander
47 Mallard
3 Tufted Duck
8 Meadow Pipit
72 Woodpigeon
2 Goldeneye (pair displaying)
9 Goosander (3 drake)
2 Tufted Duck (pair)
7 Cormorants
7 Common Gull
15 Black-headed Gull
High Moor tip has closed, hence the lack of any large gulls
Usuals at the feeders