Curlew. Pair displaying on moor above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Saturday 11th of March 2017 01:18:11 AM
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 9 10:36 PM, 2017
Thursday 9th March 2017
A couple of visits to Brushes Valley, early morning and mid-afternoon.
Around Lower Swineshaw scout hut
3 Lesser Redpoll, my first of the year higher up the valley. 2 Chaffinch singing 3 Goldfinch 4 Reed Bunting, all female, with three together 1 pair of Stonechat
1 pair of Goosander on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Kestrel over Harridge 1 Buzzard over Swineshaw Moor 21 Carrion Crows around Pack Saddle. Ominous for the arriving Curlew. Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages 1 Lesser Redpoll calling around Walkerwood Dam 1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
David Walsh said
Wed Mar 8 7:47 AM, 2017
Wednesday 8th March 2017, 7.00am
Curlew calling from Brushes Reservoir
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 4 11:54 PM, 2017
Saturday 4th March 2017, 8.00 - 11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Curlew flying around the reservoir, then landed in the fields above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir. My first of the year in the valley, following Roger and Paul's sighting over the hill on Wednesday. 2 Greylag Geese landing at the far end of the reservoir was a surprise. Immediately confronted by the local Canada Geese. 8 singing Skylark around the SK0099 Boar Flat recording area. 1 pair of Stonechat Several Reed Bunting calling, not singing yet. Plenty of Lapwing displaying on the far side of Ogden Brook, in Derbyshire. None on the GM side. 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 1 Buzzard
Ravens tumbling over both ends of the valley on Thursday morning Woodcock still coming out of the woods at dusk Been doing a systematic count of singing Mistle Thrush at dawn throughout the week. Nine around Walkerwood Reservoir, and a further four as far as Lower Swineshaw scout hut. Only the country park to do, if anyone wants to take over? Single Willow Tit at Walkerwood
A lot of activity around the feeder, compared to none yesterday
1 Willow Tit 6 Bullfinch 4 Chaffinch Blue and Great Tits 1 Coal Tit Song and Mistle Thrush singing Buzzard over Harridge
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 18 1:17 PM, 2017
Saturday 18th February 2017, 8.00 - 10.30am
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
6 Skylark around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, a couple singing. My first of the year up here, signalling the end of winter. 2 Stonechat, the male way down the clough at Higher Bank - took some finding. The female was moving along the fencing around Lees Hill. 7 Reed Bunting 1 Lesser Redpoll over Boar Flat, from the direction of Chew, down the valley. 1 Raven cronking around Lees Hill and Higher Swineshaw 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow. 10 Mallard on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 17 7:54 AM, 2017
Friday 17th February 2017, 6.30 - 7.30am
Walkerwood area
1 Woodcock flew from Millbrook, into the woods above the gamekeeper's cottage, at 6.50 4 Siskin flew down the valley, and into the country park, my first here this winter Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush singing 15 Redwing flew over from Harridge, into the trees by the reservoir 2 Moorhen 13 Canada Geese
Same area, mid-morning, yesterday
1 Willow Tit 6 Chaffinch, in full song, along the reservoir edge 1 Raven 1 Buzzard
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 3 7:53 AM, 2017
Friday 3rd February 2017, 6.30 - 7.15am
Walkerwood
1 Woodcock flew back from the fields around Cote Farm, over the reservoir, and into Cock Wood, at 7am 3 Song Thrush singing around the dam 2 Mistle Thrush singing 1 Tawny Owl calling from Cock Wood. There have been a pair hooting and calling from this area, before dawn, for the past couple of weeks. 14 Canada Geese on the reservoir Moorhen calling
David Walsh said
Thu Feb 2 4:47 PM, 2017
Thursday 2nd February 2017, 9am
Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
1 pair of Goosander 11 Mallard 4 Canada Geese
Song Thrush, Coal Tit, and Goldfinch singing along the valley
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 26 2:27 PM, 2017
Thursday 26th January 2017, 9.30 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges, then up onto Wild Bank Moor, as far as Shaw Farm, on a beautiful, frosty morning.
Wild Bank Hill - always quiet at this time of year, but an unbeatable view in these conditions.
One pair of Stonechat had moved down from the frozen moor, into the fields below Shaw Farm, accompanied by four Meadow Pipits. 1 Little Owl 5 Red Grouse
Flaxfield
2 Fieldfare picking over the fields at Flaxfield Farm 1 Mistle Thrush 2 Bullfinch
Walkerwood
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the reservoir, being hassled by six Black-headed Gulls 1 Moorhen in the overflow 1 Jay
Stuart Pike said
Sat Jan 21 8:03 PM, 2017
3:30 to 5pm
3 Goldcrest, one Treecreeper and 5 Bullfinch on the way up from Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw.
1 Kestrel and 3 Red Grouse up by Higher Swineshaw, with a male and female Shoveler on the water in the far corner!
3 Tawny Owl on the way back down.
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 21 12:49 PM, 2017
Saturday 21st January 2017, 9.30 - 11.45am
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill.
2 pairs of Stonechat, one feeding around the Higher Bank side of Lees Hill. The other pair were feeding in the more usual area of Higher Swineshaw dam. 1 Kestrel over Pack Saddle, another on a wire by Walkerwood Reservoir 1 Buzzard over Swallows Wood / Arnfield area 1 Pied Wagtail followed me almost into the newsagents on Brushes Road
David Walsh said
Fri Jan 20 7:54 AM, 2017
Friday 20th January 2017, 6.50 - 7.30am
Walkerwood area
3 Tawny Owls. A pair hooting and calling from Cock Wood, and another individual calling from the direction of the gamekeeper's cottage.
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 19 1:40 PM, 2017
Thursday 19th January 2017, 9.30 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, and onto the moor at Turf Pits.
1 Common Snipe on the moor at Turf Pits 2 Ravens over Irontongue Hill 10+ Reed Bunting, including six mobbing the Ravens 1 Pied Wagtail at Walkerwood 1 Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood 1 Willow Tit on the feeder Several Bullfinch Several noisy Jays, both in the woods on Harridge, and around Walkerwood A little singing going on this morning, Great Tits, Mistle Thrush, and Blackbirds, giving the place a lift.
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 14 6:06 PM, 2017
Saturday 14th January 2017, 5.00pm
3 Woodcock flew over, from Lower Swineshaw to Pack Saddle, at dusk.
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 12 2:42 PM, 2017
Thursday 12th January 2017, 11.30am - 1.00pm
Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw, before giving up due to heavy snow flurries rendering everything wet
1 Kestrel over the scout hut A few Reed Bunting calling at Lower Swineshaw 1 Willow Tit on the feeder at Walkerwood Several Bullfinch on the feeder, plus the usuals 1 Cormorant fishing at Walkerwood, presumably without a permit. That should please Carrbrook Angling Club, who have just leased angling rights from UU.
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 5 10:31 PM, 2017
Thursday 5th January 2017, 4.50pm
3 Woodcock around Lower Swineshaw scout hut at dusk. One flew down the valley, and two flew across towards Pack Saddle.
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 5 2:55 PM, 2017
Thursday 5th January 2017, 12.00 - 1.30pm
Wild Bank Hill, along the 1,000ft contour.
1 pair of Stonechat, the second year running that a pair have overwintered at this site. There is also a pair around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill. 7 Meadow Pipits, moving together around the moor, plus one calling around the rifle ranges 2 Fieldfare feeding in the fields A flock of 6 Bullfinch in the scrub behind Range House
Flaxfield Farm
12 Fieldfare feeding in the fields 2 Mistle Thrush
David Walsh said
Fri Dec 30 7:47 AM, 2016
Friday 30th December 2016, 6.30 - 7.15am
Walkerwood area
3 Tawny Owls - a pair calling and hooting at the Walkerwood Dam side of Cock Wood, and another flew from a telegraph pole on my way back along Brushes Road, and into the country park.
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 29 1:00 PM, 2016
Thursday 29th December 2016, 10.00 - 11.30am
An hour spent wandering around the Swineshaws on a beautiful winter's morning.
The main point of interest was a mixed group flying around the heather and dead bracken in the clough to the west of Higher Swineshaw dam, consisting of: One pair of Stonechat 8+ Reed Bunting 6 Dunnock, one doing a bit of singing And a Wren attempting to move them all on! A Raven was cronking at Higher Swineshaw, but not seen Another 8+ Reed Bunting were around the scout hut, and several Dunnock
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 18 11:15 PM, 2016
Sunday 18th December 2016
1 Woodcock flew up from Harridge woods, across the valley from Lower Swineshaw scout hut, landing in the fields opposite, at 4.35pm.
1 Dipper was feeding along the northern shore of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir this morning.
Otherwise a quiet day.
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 17 12:33 PM, 2016
Saturday 17th December 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill, in shifting, freezing fog. Clear one minute, pea soup the next.
1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill 1 Buzzard flushed out of the bracken Several Reed Bunting calling - none seen today Plenty of Red Grouse flying around A skein of Pink-footed Geese flew east over Lees Hill at 9.00am, invisible due to the fog. 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood Several groups of Jays flying around the woods on the way up the valley
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 15 1:18 PM, 2016
Thursday 15th December 2016, 10.00 - 11.45am
A desperately quiet walk, from Walkerwood Dam, the length of Brushes Valley, in good conditions, apart from mist at the top end.
The only thing of any real note was a flock of approximately 30 Fieldfare feeding in the fields and on berries above Walkerwood Dam, the first sizeable number I've seen on the ground this autumn. c 6 Redwing The usual noisy Mistle Thrush Kestrel on a telegraph pole on Brushes Road, flew off towards the ranges
David Walsh said
Tue Dec 13 10:34 PM, 2016
Tuesday 13th December 2016, 8.30 - 10.30am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in good conditions
Good numbers of Reed Bunting higher up the valley. About 10, in ones and twos around the scout hut, and along the path up to Higher Swineshaw dam. There was also a mobile flock of about 30 flying around the bushes on the far side of Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, with around 10 noisy Bullfinch with them. A single Meadow Pipit calling from the rough grass at the scout hut c 10 Dunnock, most calling from the moor, with 4 moving through the trees at the scout hut together Male Sparrowhawk on a fence post near Higher Swineshaw dam 2 Mistle Thrush at the scout hut, one singing
Around the Walkerwood feeder
The usual Willow Tit, calling loudly as I filled the feeder 6+ Bullfinch, including one singing Several Chaffinch 6+ Jays 10+ Long-tailed Tits
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 10 11:20 AM, 2016
Saturday 10th December 2016, 7.45 - 10.15am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, then up onto the moor at Turf Pits. The weather steadily worsened, then closed in, with driving drizzle forcing me off the moor, as everything was either soaked, or fogged up. Mild for the time of year, though
The highlight was 4 Whooper Swans on Walkerwood Reservoir at first light. Three adults and a first winter bird. They had left by the time I came back down after 10.00am. 2 Moorhen on the reservoir, also 1 Willow Tit on the Walkerwood feeder Several Lesser Redpoll also heard around Walkerwood, my first for a while Pair of Stonechat at Higher Swineshaw Couple of Reed Bunting calling from the moor
Otherwise very quiet
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 8 2:56 PM, 2016
Thursday 8th December 2016, 8.30 - 10.30am
Higher Swineshaw
1 pair of Stonechat, the first sighting here of a pair together for a month. It also means that I have recorded this species at this site, at an altitude of 300m, in every month of 2016. 1 Dipper in the overflow 2 Ravens 1 Buzzard Several Reed Bunting Dunnock and Wren calling from the bracken Several Jays on the way up the valley
Walkerwood
c 10 Redwing 1 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush 10+ Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Wed Dec 7 7:57 AM, 2016
Wednesday 7th December 2016, 6.45 - 7.30am
Walkerwood Dam, to Brushes Cottages and back.
A pair of Tawny Owls have been calling from Cock Wood this week, before dawn.
I also had very good views of a Woodcock flying back to roost at 7.25. It flew from the direction of the ranges, over Walkerwood Dam, then did a couple of circuits of the treetops, before dropping into the brambley undergrowth in the field in front of me.
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 4 2:12 PM, 2016
Sunday 4th December 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits, deathly quiet.
2 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 1 Raven A few Reed Bunting calling 20+ Red Grouse
Walkerwood area
30 Redwing 1 Fieldfare 1 Mistle Thrush having a "rattle off" with the Fieldfare 10+ Blackbirds 1 Willow Tit Other usual Tit species Several Bullfinch Several Chaffinch 15 Goldfinch 1 Moorhen in the overflow 41 Canada Geese on the reservoir 1 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
David Walsh said
Fri Dec 2 7:57 AM, 2016
Friday 2nd December 2016, 6.40 - 7.30am
Walkerwood area
Redwing always seem to be the first birds calling overhead before it gets light, but this morning sounded like a steady movement of large numbers down the Valley 2 Tawny Owls calling; one from the area of the gamekeeper's cottage, the other from the Cock Wood side of Walkerwood Reservoir. 1 Woodcock flying over Walkerwood Dam from the direction of the fields below Range House, towards the woods on Harridge. Is it just me, or is this a good autumn for this species locally? Usually I have one or two fleeting glimpses each winter, but I'm seeing them almost every time I'm out at dawn or dusk, with good views of them flying around.
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 1 9:40 PM, 2016
Thursday 1st December 2016, dusk.
4 Woodcock, my highest count of the Autumn, around Lower Swineshaw scout hut.
One flew out of the small wood at the scout hut, across the moor. The other three came up from the woods lower down, and flew towards the fields on the opposite side of the valley.
David Walsh said
Wed Nov 30 8:01 AM, 2016
Wednesday 30th November 2016, 6.50 - 7.30am
Walkerwood area.
1 Woodcock flying back to roost 1 Tawny Owl calling from Brushes Cottages at 7.15. One called at the same time yesterday from Cock Wood, the first I have heard for a while. 38 Canada Geese on the reservoir.
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 27 10:50 PM, 2016
Sunday 27th November 2016, 4.40pm
2 Woodcock flew up from the direction of Harridge Woods, over the moor by the scout hut. They appeared to be interacting with each other, flying around and squeaking, before flying off and over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir . I am not an expert on this species, so I have no idea what that signifies?
Earlier today there was a flock of around 50 Redwing moving south through Walkerwood, and another dozen or so in the hawthorns. The only other notable sighting was a solitary Reed Bunting high up in the heather on Irontongue Hill.
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 26 11:14 PM, 2016
Saturday 26th November 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
3 Stonechat. One pair were on the fencing, in the sunshine, on the Higher Bank side of Lees Hill, an unusual sighting for this area. The other was a now solitary female in the more usual area of Higher Swineshaw. The male seems to have disappeared of late. Overwintering birds of this species seem to do so as a pair. It will be interesting to see whether this female hangs on up here if the male has gone. c 30 Reed Bunting. Ones and twos around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, with a flock of c 20 in the trees around the scout hut. 1 Buzzard at Higher Swineshaw
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw. Very windy at the top, keeping everything down.
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 1 Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages c 20 Long-tailed Tits 39 Canada Geese on Walkerwood Reservoir c 30 Redwing around the scout hut 35 Black-headed Gulls and c 50 Starlings in the fields at Flaxfield
4.50pm
1 Woodcock flew up from the woods, over the scout hut, and Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, landing in the fields above the reservoir.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 24th of November 2016 10:03:20 PM
Roger Baker 3 said
Wed Nov 23 6:15 PM, 2016
Weds 23rd Nov.
4 Whooper Swans flew in and circled Walkerwood reservoir several times at 16.00 hrs ... I thought they were going to land at the top end but they rose at the last minute and carried on up the valley.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 19 12:32 PM, 2016
Saturday 19th November 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, with the areas above Lower Swineshaw covered 'neath a blanket of snow.
Higher Swineshaw
1 Common Snipe in the overflow 16 Reed Bunting. Very visible today, due to the snow cover, perched on fences, and the few trees remaining on the moor 2 Stonechat 15 Red Grouse 2 Goldfinch
Walkerwood area
6+ Jays 2 Redwing 1 Song Thrush 10+ Blackbirds 1 Willow Tit Bullfinch and Chaffinch on the feeder
A quick look at the fields at Flaxfield
14 Redwing 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush Several Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Fri Nov 18 7:44 AM, 2016
Friday 18th November 2016, 7.00am
Walkerwood Reservoir, in heavy snow.
2 Woodcock flying back from the direction of Cote Farm, into the trees Tawny Owl calling from the area of the gamekeeper's cottage A lot of Redwing calling overhead, with a couple on the dam when it eventually became light
David Walsh said
Tue Nov 15 7:52 AM, 2016
Tuesday 15th November 2016, 7.00am
Brushes Valley
Woodcock fluttering through the gloom, calling on its way back to roost 10 Fieldfare up from the grass Redwing calling
David Walsh said
Fri Nov 11 7:56 AM, 2016
Friday 11th November 2016, 6.30am
Walkerwood area
25 Fieldfare over south at first light 3 Moorhen on the dam wall 1 Willow Tit Several Bullfinch Plenty of noisy Jays
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 10 3:01 PM, 2016
Thursday 10th November 2016, 9.00 - 11.00am
Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Dipper singing in the overflow of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir Male and female Stonechat, feeding in separate areas today 12+ Reed Bunting 6 Dunnock in the bracken with the Reed Bunting 6+ Wrens, including a couple singing 2 Meadow Pipits 2 Ravens
Walkerwood Dam
38 Canada Geese 16 Mallard 1 drake Mandarin 1 Moorhen 1 Cormorant 1 Willow Tit on the feeder 10+ Jays
dave broome said
Mon Nov 7 8:03 PM, 2016
Drake Mandarin on Walkerwood Reservoir today, plus 25 Mallard and a Moorhen
A vocal Red Grouse was visible from the dam, among boulders up the valley side to the right of reservoir
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 6 10:46 PM, 2016
Sunday 6th November 2016, 4.00pm
Walkerwood Reservoir
26 Mallard 1 Mandarin drake
c 120 Fieldfare north over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, onto the moor
1 Dipper in Swineshaw Brook at the northern end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir this morning
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 5 1:58 PM, 2016
Saturday 5th November 2016, 8.00 - 10.30am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
All Higher Swineshaw sightings from the eastern side of the reservoir and Lees Hill, due to the areas to the north and west crawling with men with guns and dogs, attempting to flush foxes.
Pair of Stonechat 2 Raven 6 Reed Bunting 3 Dunnock, with the Reed Bunting 2 Meadow Pipits 2 Grey Wagtails 1 Pied Wagtail
Walkerwood area
1 Mandarin drake on the reservoir 46 Canada Geese 6 Mallard 3 Moorhen in the overflow 1 Willow Tit, plus the usuals around the feeder
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 3 5:05 PM, 2016
Thursday 3rd November 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, with an hour wandering around the top of the moor, at Turf Pits.
4 Common Snipe in Higher Swineshaw overflow 25+ Meadow Pipits around the top of the moor, flying in small groups 6+ Reed Bunting 3 Ravens over SE 1 Skylark over south 7 Linnet over west 6 Wrens 3 Dunnock together in the heather, with one attempting a song 18 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Walkerwood area
Groups of 25 and 30 Redwing over, plus c 10 feeding near Walkerwood Dam 1 Fieldfare with the Redwing 4 Mistle Thrush 2 Song Thrush 12+ Blackbirds 80 Woodpigeon over the country park south 1 Willow Tit on the feeder Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and Goldfinch
David Walsh said
Tue Nov 1 8:03 PM, 2016
Tuesday 1st November 2016, 4.30 - 5.30pm
Woodcock definitely back on their winter feeding grounds. An hour at dusk produced good views of one flying over the moor, in the same area as Saturday.
David Walsh said
Tue Nov 1 10:38 AM, 2016
Tuesday 1st November 2016, 9.00 - 10.00am, very windy at the top of the valley.
1 Dipper flew across Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. My first sighting for almost a month. Couple of Reed Bunting calling Buzzard over Pack Saddle 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
3 Shelduck were reported to be on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir for much of yesterday, by one of the UU reservoir managers.
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 30 10:13 PM, 2016
Sunday 30th October 2016, 3.30 - 4.30pm
Walkerwood area
1 Kingfisher flying around the northern edge of the reservoir. An unusual sighting for the area. 26 Mallard 2 Moorhen 1 Willow Tit 6+ Jays 35 Redwing Several Mistle Thrush Song Thrush 10+ Blackbirds Bullfinch Chaffinch
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 29 11:55 PM, 2016
Saturday 29th October 2016, 6.15pm
Woodcock flying at dusk around Lower Swineshaw scout hut. My first of the Autumn.
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 27 10:11 PM, 2016
Thursday 27th October 2016, early afternoon
Higher Swineshaw, quiet in intermittent drizzle
1 pair of Stonechat 3 Ravens - 2 flying together, another cronking from the moor
1 Willow Tit and several Bullfinch around the Walkerwood feeder
Curlew. Pair displaying on moor above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Saturday 11th of March 2017 01:18:11 AM
A couple of visits to Brushes Valley, early morning and mid-afternoon.
Around Lower Swineshaw scout hut
3 Lesser Redpoll, my first of the year higher up the valley.
2 Chaffinch singing
3 Goldfinch
4 Reed Bunting, all female, with three together
1 pair of Stonechat
1 pair of Goosander on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Kestrel over Harridge
1 Buzzard over Swineshaw Moor
21 Carrion Crows around Pack Saddle. Ominous for the arriving Curlew.
Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages
1 Lesser Redpoll calling around Walkerwood Dam
1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
Curlew calling from Brushes Reservoir
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Curlew flying around the reservoir, then landed in the fields above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir. My first of the year in the valley, following Roger and Paul's sighting over the hill on Wednesday.
2 Greylag Geese landing at the far end of the reservoir was a surprise. Immediately confronted by the local Canada Geese.
8 singing Skylark around the SK0099 Boar Flat recording area.
1 pair of Stonechat
Several Reed Bunting calling, not singing yet.
Plenty of Lapwing displaying on the far side of Ogden Brook, in Derbyshire. None on the GM side.
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
Walkerwood
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
2 Moorhen
1 Cormorant
Earlier this week:
Ravens tumbling over both ends of the valley on Thursday morning
Woodcock still coming out of the woods at dusk
Been doing a systematic count of singing Mistle Thrush at dawn throughout the week. Nine around Walkerwood Reservoir, and a further four as far as Lower Swineshaw scout hut. Only the country park to do, if anyone wants to take over?
Single Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Upper Brushes Valley - early PM 2 Ravens
Walkerwood - 1 Willow Tit , 4 Bullfinches, 1 Coal Tit.
Walkerwood area
On the reservoir
15 Canada Geese
10 Mallard
1 Moorhen
1 female Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
A lot of activity around the feeder, compared to none yesterday
1 Willow Tit
6 Bullfinch
4 Chaffinch
Blue and Great Tits
1 Coal Tit
Song and Mistle Thrush singing
Buzzard over Harridge
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
6 Skylark around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, a couple singing. My first of the year up here, signalling the end of winter.
2 Stonechat, the male way down the clough at Higher Bank - took some finding. The female was moving along the fencing around Lees Hill.
7 Reed Bunting
1 Lesser Redpoll over Boar Flat, from the direction of Chew, down the valley.
1 Raven cronking around Lees Hill and Higher Swineshaw
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow.
10 Mallard on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Walkerwood area
1 Woodcock flew from Millbrook, into the woods above the gamekeeper's cottage, at 6.50
4 Siskin flew down the valley, and into the country park, my first here this winter
Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush singing
15 Redwing flew over from Harridge, into the trees by the reservoir
2 Moorhen
13 Canada Geese
Same area, mid-morning, yesterday
1 Willow Tit
6 Chaffinch, in full song, along the reservoir edge
1 Raven
1 Buzzard
Walkerwood
1 Woodcock flew back from the fields around Cote Farm, over the reservoir, and into Cock Wood, at 7am
3 Song Thrush singing around the dam
2 Mistle Thrush singing
1 Tawny Owl calling from Cock Wood. There have been a pair hooting and calling from this area, before dawn, for the past couple of weeks.
14 Canada Geese on the reservoir
Moorhen calling
Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
1 pair of Goosander
11 Mallard
4 Canada Geese
Song Thrush, Coal Tit, and Goldfinch singing along the valley
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges, then up onto Wild Bank Moor, as far as Shaw Farm, on a beautiful, frosty morning.
Wild Bank Hill - always quiet at this time of year, but an unbeatable view in these conditions.
One pair of Stonechat had moved down from the frozen moor, into the fields below Shaw Farm, accompanied by four Meadow Pipits.
1 Little Owl
5 Red Grouse
Flaxfield
2 Fieldfare picking over the fields at Flaxfield Farm
1 Mistle Thrush
2 Bullfinch
Walkerwood
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the reservoir, being hassled by six Black-headed Gulls
1 Moorhen in the overflow
1 Jay
3 Goldcrest, one Treecreeper and 5 Bullfinch on the way up from Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw.
1 Kestrel and 3 Red Grouse up by Higher Swineshaw, with a male and female Shoveler on the water in the far corner!
3 Tawny Owl on the way back down.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill.
2 pairs of Stonechat, one feeding around the Higher Bank side of Lees Hill. The other pair were feeding in the more usual area of Higher Swineshaw dam.
1 Kestrel over Pack Saddle, another on a wire by Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Buzzard over Swallows Wood / Arnfield area
1 Pied Wagtail followed me almost into the newsagents on Brushes Road
Walkerwood area
3 Tawny Owls. A pair hooting and calling from Cock Wood, and another individual calling from the direction of the gamekeeper's cottage.
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, and onto the moor at Turf Pits.
1 Common Snipe on the moor at Turf Pits
2 Ravens over Irontongue Hill
10+ Reed Bunting, including six mobbing the Ravens
1 Pied Wagtail at Walkerwood
1 Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
1 Willow Tit on the feeder
Several Bullfinch
Several noisy Jays, both in the woods on Harridge, and around Walkerwood
A little singing going on this morning, Great Tits, Mistle Thrush, and Blackbirds, giving the place a lift.
3 Woodcock flew over, from Lower Swineshaw to Pack Saddle, at dusk.
Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw, before giving up due to heavy snow flurries rendering everything wet
1 Kestrel over the scout hut
A few Reed Bunting calling at Lower Swineshaw
1 Willow Tit on the feeder at Walkerwood
Several Bullfinch on the feeder, plus the usuals
1 Cormorant fishing at Walkerwood, presumably without a permit. That should please Carrbrook Angling Club, who have just leased angling rights from UU.
3 Woodcock around Lower Swineshaw scout hut at dusk. One flew down the valley, and two flew across towards Pack Saddle.
Wild Bank Hill, along the 1,000ft contour.
1 pair of Stonechat, the second year running that a pair have overwintered at this site. There is also a pair around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill.
7 Meadow Pipits, moving together around the moor, plus one calling around the rifle ranges
2 Fieldfare feeding in the fields
A flock of 6 Bullfinch in the scrub behind Range House
Flaxfield Farm
12 Fieldfare feeding in the fields
2 Mistle Thrush
Walkerwood area
3 Tawny Owls - a pair calling and hooting at the Walkerwood Dam side of Cock Wood, and another flew from a telegraph pole on my way back along Brushes Road, and into the country park.
An hour spent wandering around the Swineshaws on a beautiful winter's morning.
The main point of interest was a mixed group flying around the heather and dead bracken in the clough to the west of Higher Swineshaw dam, consisting of:
One pair of Stonechat
8+ Reed Bunting
6 Dunnock, one doing a bit of singing
And a Wren attempting to move them all on!
A Raven was cronking at Higher Swineshaw, but not seen
Another 8+ Reed Bunting were around the scout hut, and several Dunnock
1 Woodcock flew up from Harridge woods, across the valley from Lower Swineshaw scout hut, landing in the fields opposite, at 4.35pm.
1 Dipper was feeding along the northern shore of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir this morning.
Otherwise a quiet day.
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill, in shifting, freezing fog. Clear one minute, pea soup the next.
1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill
1 Buzzard flushed out of the bracken
Several Reed Bunting calling - none seen today
Plenty of Red Grouse flying around
A skein of Pink-footed Geese flew east over Lees Hill at 9.00am, invisible due to the fog.
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Several groups of Jays flying around the woods on the way up the valley
A desperately quiet walk, from Walkerwood Dam, the length of Brushes Valley, in good conditions, apart from mist at the top end.
The only thing of any real note was a flock of approximately 30 Fieldfare feeding in the fields and on berries above Walkerwood Dam, the first sizeable number I've seen on the ground this autumn.
c 6 Redwing
The usual noisy Mistle Thrush
Kestrel on a telegraph pole on Brushes Road, flew off towards the ranges
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in good conditions
Good numbers of Reed Bunting higher up the valley. About 10, in ones and twos around the scout hut, and along the path up to Higher Swineshaw dam. There was also a mobile flock of about 30 flying around the bushes on the far side of Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, with around 10 noisy Bullfinch with them.
A single Meadow Pipit calling from the rough grass at the scout hut
c 10 Dunnock, most calling from the moor, with 4 moving through the trees at the scout hut together
Male Sparrowhawk on a fence post near Higher Swineshaw dam
2 Mistle Thrush at the scout hut, one singing
Around the Walkerwood feeder
The usual Willow Tit, calling loudly as I filled the feeder
6+ Bullfinch, including one singing
Several Chaffinch
6+ Jays
10+ Long-tailed Tits
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, then up onto the moor at Turf Pits. The weather steadily worsened, then closed in, with driving drizzle forcing me off the moor, as everything was either soaked, or fogged up. Mild for the time of year, though
The highlight was 4 Whooper Swans on Walkerwood Reservoir at first light. Three adults and a first winter bird. They had left by the time I came back down after 10.00am.
2 Moorhen on the reservoir, also
1 Willow Tit on the Walkerwood feeder
Several Lesser Redpoll also heard around Walkerwood, my first for a while
Pair of Stonechat at Higher Swineshaw
Couple of Reed Bunting calling from the moor
Otherwise very quiet
Higher Swineshaw
1 pair of Stonechat, the first sighting here of a pair together for a month. It also means that I have recorded this species at this site, at an altitude of 300m, in every month of 2016.
1 Dipper in the overflow
2 Ravens
1 Buzzard
Several Reed Bunting
Dunnock and Wren calling from the bracken
Several Jays on the way up the valley
Walkerwood
c 10 Redwing
1 Song Thrush
1 Mistle Thrush
10+ Blackbirds
Walkerwood Dam, to Brushes Cottages and back.
A pair of Tawny Owls have been calling from Cock Wood this week, before dawn.
I also had very good views of a Woodcock flying back to roost at 7.25. It flew from the direction of the ranges, over Walkerwood Dam, then did a couple of circuits of the treetops, before dropping into the brambley undergrowth in the field in front of me.
Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits, deathly quiet.
2 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Raven
A few Reed Bunting calling
20+ Red Grouse
Walkerwood area
30 Redwing
1 Fieldfare
1 Mistle Thrush having a "rattle off" with the Fieldfare
10+ Blackbirds
1 Willow Tit
Other usual Tit species
Several Bullfinch
Several Chaffinch
15 Goldfinch
1 Moorhen in the overflow
41 Canada Geese on the reservoir
1 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Walkerwood area
Redwing always seem to be the first birds calling overhead before it gets light, but this morning sounded like a steady movement of large numbers down the Valley
2 Tawny Owls calling; one from the area of the gamekeeper's cottage, the other from the Cock Wood side of Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 Woodcock flying over Walkerwood Dam from the direction of the fields below Range House, towards the woods on Harridge. Is it just me, or is this a good autumn for this species locally? Usually I have one or two fleeting glimpses each winter, but I'm seeing them almost every time I'm out at dawn or dusk, with good views of them flying around.
4 Woodcock, my highest count of the Autumn, around Lower Swineshaw scout hut.
One flew out of the small wood at the scout hut, across the moor. The other three came up from the woods lower down, and flew towards the fields on the opposite side of the valley.
Walkerwood area.
1 Woodcock flying back to roost
1 Tawny Owl calling from Brushes Cottages at 7.15. One called at the same time yesterday from Cock Wood, the first I have heard for a while.
38 Canada Geese on the reservoir.
2 Woodcock flew up from the direction of Harridge Woods, over the moor by the scout hut. They appeared to be interacting with each other, flying around and squeaking, before flying off and over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir . I am not an expert on this species, so I have no idea what that signifies?
Earlier today there was a flock of around 50 Redwing moving south through Walkerwood, and another dozen or so in the hawthorns.
The only other notable sighting was a solitary Reed Bunting high up in the heather on Irontongue Hill.
Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
3 Stonechat. One pair were on the fencing, in the sunshine, on the Higher Bank side of Lees Hill, an unusual sighting for this area. The other was a now solitary female in the more usual area of Higher Swineshaw. The male seems to have disappeared of late. Overwintering birds of this species seem to do so as a pair. It will be interesting to see whether this female hangs on up here if the male has gone.
c 30 Reed Bunting. Ones and twos around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, with a flock of c 20 in the trees around the scout hut.
1 Buzzard at Higher Swineshaw
Walkerwood area
12 Redwing
6 Blackbirds
1 Mistle Thrush
6 Long-tailed Tits
1 Willow Tit
2 Jackdaws
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw. Very windy at the top, keeping everything down.
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
1 Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages
c 20 Long-tailed Tits
39 Canada Geese on Walkerwood Reservoir
c 30 Redwing around the scout hut
35 Black-headed Gulls and c 50 Starlings in the fields at Flaxfield
4.50pm
1 Woodcock flew up from the woods, over the scout hut, and Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, landing in the fields above the reservoir.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 24th of November 2016 10:03:20 PM
4 Whooper Swans flew in and circled Walkerwood reservoir several times at 16.00 hrs ... I thought they were going to land at the top end but they rose at the last minute and carried on up the valley.
Roger.
Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, with the areas above Lower Swineshaw covered 'neath a blanket of snow.
Higher Swineshaw
1 Common Snipe in the overflow
16 Reed Bunting. Very visible today, due to the snow cover, perched on fences, and the few trees remaining on the moor
2 Stonechat
15 Red Grouse
2 Goldfinch
Walkerwood area
6+ Jays
2 Redwing
1 Song Thrush
10+ Blackbirds
1 Willow Tit
Bullfinch and Chaffinch on the feeder
A quick look at the fields at Flaxfield
14 Redwing
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
Several Blackbirds
Walkerwood Reservoir, in heavy snow.
2 Woodcock flying back from the direction of Cote Farm, into the trees
Tawny Owl calling from the area of the gamekeeper's cottage
A lot of Redwing calling overhead, with a couple on the dam when it eventually became light
Brushes Valley
Woodcock fluttering through the gloom, calling on its way back to roost
10 Fieldfare up from the grass
Redwing calling
Walkerwood area
25 Fieldfare over south at first light
3 Moorhen on the dam wall
1 Willow Tit
Several Bullfinch
Plenty of noisy Jays
Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Dipper singing in the overflow of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Male and female Stonechat, feeding in separate areas today
12+ Reed Bunting
6 Dunnock in the bracken with the Reed Bunting
6+ Wrens, including a couple singing
2 Meadow Pipits
2 Ravens
Walkerwood Dam
38 Canada Geese
16 Mallard
1 drake Mandarin
1 Moorhen
1 Cormorant
1 Willow Tit on the feeder
10+ Jays
Drake Mandarin on Walkerwood Reservoir today, plus 25 Mallard and a Moorhen
A vocal Red Grouse was visible from the dam, among boulders up the valley side to the right of reservoir
Walkerwood Reservoir
26 Mallard
1 Mandarin drake
c 120 Fieldfare north over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, onto the moor
1 Dipper in Swineshaw Brook at the northern end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir this morning
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
All Higher Swineshaw sightings from the eastern side of the reservoir and Lees Hill, due to the areas to the north and west crawling with men with guns and dogs, attempting to flush foxes.
Pair of Stonechat
2 Raven
6 Reed Bunting
3 Dunnock, with the Reed Bunting
2 Meadow Pipits
2 Grey Wagtails
1 Pied Wagtail
Walkerwood area
1 Mandarin drake on the reservoir
46 Canada Geese
6 Mallard
3 Moorhen in the overflow
1 Willow Tit, plus the usuals around the feeder
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, with an hour wandering around the top of the moor, at Turf Pits.
4 Common Snipe in Higher Swineshaw overflow
25+ Meadow Pipits around the top of the moor, flying in small groups
6+ Reed Bunting
3 Ravens over SE
1 Skylark over south
7 Linnet over west
6 Wrens
3 Dunnock together in the heather, with one attempting a song
18 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Walkerwood area
Groups of 25 and 30 Redwing over, plus c 10 feeding near Walkerwood Dam
1 Fieldfare with the Redwing
4 Mistle Thrush
2 Song Thrush
12+ Blackbirds
80 Woodpigeon over the country park south
1 Willow Tit on the feeder
Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and Goldfinch
Woodcock definitely back on their winter feeding grounds. An hour at dusk produced good views of one flying over the moor, in the same area as Saturday.
1 Dipper flew across Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. My first sighting for almost a month.
Couple of Reed Bunting calling
Buzzard over Pack Saddle
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
3 Shelduck were reported to be on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir for much of yesterday, by one of the UU reservoir managers.
Walkerwood area
1 Kingfisher flying around the northern edge of the reservoir. An unusual sighting for the area.
26 Mallard
2 Moorhen
1 Willow Tit
6+ Jays
35 Redwing
Several Mistle Thrush
Song Thrush
10+ Blackbirds
Bullfinch
Chaffinch
Woodcock flying at dusk around Lower Swineshaw scout hut. My first of the Autumn.
Higher Swineshaw, quiet in intermittent drizzle
1 pair of Stonechat
3 Ravens - 2 flying together, another cronking from the moor
1 Willow Tit and several Bullfinch around the Walkerwood feeder