ASTLEY, CHAT, LITTLE WOOLDEN AND ASSOCIATED MOSSES
Dave Thacker said
Fri May 14 9:08 PM, 2010
4.30-8pm
Hobby flying alongside Rindle wood and over f69 at 4.35pm
Field 67 3 Wheatear 2 Grey partridge 3 Tree sparrows 8 Yellowhammers 5 Lapwings and just before I was leaving a Little owl was perched on a fence post in the same field about 50m from the rail track.
Field 69 and horse paddock 2 Wheatears Curlew 2 Oystercatchers 5 Mpipits 2 Yellow and 1 Pied wagtails Jay Buzzard over
Rindle woods Treecreeper 4 LT Tits GS Woodpecker
In the fields behind the woods 2 Cuckoos flying over the fields and the SSSI and Bedford moss Whinchat in the ditch between the first two fields Unusual sight of a GS woodpecker in the furrows 2 Oystercatchers Plenty of Mpipits, Yellowhammers and Chaffinch 3 Wheatear 4 Song thrush 7 Mistle thrush 14 Blackbirds which were well checked and the only thing with a white head in the fields tonight was me 2 Buzzards and a Kestrel over
Bedford moss 2 Treecreepers Blackcap 2 Goldcrest Sedge warbler 2 Chiffchaff 5 Whitethroat Lots of Swifts/Swallows and a couple of Sand martins feeding on the clouds of insects above the moss. You now need to wear insect repellent when out walking.
From the constant calling coming from around the mosses when watching the 2 Cuckoos this evening I would guess that there are at least 4 around the Rindle/ Bedford moss area at the moment.
JOHN TYMON said
Fri May 14 6:25 PM, 2010
Dennis atherton wrote:
JOHN TYMON wrote:
pm 1 cuckoo 6 wheatear 2 red legged partridge 1 grey partridge 1 male yellow wagtail 8 yellowhammer and a very strange(be wary)looking blackbird in the exact same spot as the ouzal,that from a distance looks just like the ouzal,til you get closer and realise it has a white head as well as breast
Good to see youve been ont moss today, you said knowing me i would be out birding on friday, good stuff
ta den I was out on thursday-nowt much keeps mi down!!
Dennis atherton said
Fri May 14 6:02 PM, 2010
JOHN TYMON wrote:
pm 1 cuckoo 6 wheatear 2 red legged partridge 1 grey partridge 1 male yellow wagtail 8 yellowhammer and a very strange(be wary)looking blackbird in the exact same spot as the ouzal,that from a distance looks just like the ouzal,til you get closer and realise it has a white head as well as breast
Good to see youve been ont moss today, you said knowing me i would be out birding on friday, good stuff
JOHN TYMON said
Fri May 14 5:47 PM, 2010
pm 1 cuckoo 6 wheatear 2 red legged partridge 1 grey partridge 1 male yellow wagtail 8 yellowhammer and a very strange(be wary)looking blackbird in the exact same spot as the ouzal,that from a distance looks just like the ouzal,til you get closer and realise it has a white head as well as breast
Nick Isherwood said
Thu May 13 4:51 PM, 2010
2.00pm to 4.00pm this afternoon.
Wheatear Yellowhammer Pied Wagtail Willow Warbler Blackcap Whitethroat Mistle Thrush Song Thrush Blackbird Buzzard Mallard Pheasant Heron Swallow Swift Crow 2 Cuckoo heard Garden Warbler heard by railway line Also a white headed blackbird in the ploughed field by the notice board.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu May 13 11:59 AM, 2010
This morning pre-10am:
Male Whinchat and 4 Wheatear in field 67.
2 Wheatear behind Rindle Wood and 3 along Moss Lane.
The second field behind Rindle Wood: 3 Blackbirds 2 Mistle Thrushes 2 Song Thrushes 9 Lapwings 1 Yellow Wagtail 1 Meadow Pipit 4 Lapwings 3 Mallards 1 Moorhen 2 Robins 4 Pheasants
Around the scrapes: 2 Gadwalls 3 Mallards 7 Canada Geese 5 Swallows 1 Grey Heron over
1 Cuckoo heard towards Bedford Moss
Nice to meet Roy Trevelyan (LOS)
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 12 3:13 PM, 2010
Early to mid-afternoon today with Pete Berry:
Redstart- single male in the line of trees by the new pools and notice board alongside the SSSI. Quickly headed up towards Bedford Moss.
4 Wheatear and 2 (possibly 3) Corn Buntings in field 67.
6 Wheatear off Moss Lane
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 12 3:11 PM, 2010
Pre 09:50am today:
single Corn Bunting and 3 Wheatear in field 67
2 Wheateat, 18 Meadow Pipit and 3 Yellow Wagtail in the field behind Rindle Wood.
8 Wheatear off Moss Lane
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood.
Iain Johnson said
Tue May 11 11:00 PM, 2010
grey partridge, two tree sparrow at the end of moss lane with a sparrowhawk over plus two grey partridge at the end of rindle road and four tree sparrow the highlights from an evening walk.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue May 11 4:53 PM, 2010
2 Whinchats along Moss Lane this afternoon, scrabbling around the string fence and soil bunds. One of the birds eventually flicked over the bund and across to the pipeline area.
Steve Collins said
Tue May 11 2:36 PM, 2010
2 Cuckoos again this morning with both visible in the air- made easier by them singing in flight! Also 1 Yellow Wagtail 2 Wheatear 2 Grey Partridge Along with Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Yellowhammer , Jay and Reed Bunting Steve
Henry Cook said
Tue May 11 8:48 AM, 2010
10/05/2010 - 1pm
2 Cuckoos - still present 1 Yellow Wagtail 2 Grey Partridges 2 Tree Sparrows 2 Buzzards 1 Corn Bunting - singing 13 Wheatears - 1 by new cottages, 12 in ploughed field near Sods+Plods
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 11th of May 2010 10:39:27 AM
Steve Collins said
Mon May 10 2:01 PM, 2010
Everything you ask for Mark is on the Manchester Birding Website and only 3 clicks away! Manchester Birding Website Homepage (above)- County Birding sites and Maps - Astley Moss. Steve
Mark Whalley said
Mon May 10 1:43 PM, 2010
Dave Thacker wrote:
6-8.30pm this evening
2 Yellow, 3 White wagtails in the horse paddock with also 2 Oystercatchers.
2 Cuckoo showing well over the SSSI 2 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and lots of Willow warblers around Astley moss
Tawny Owl and 2 Buzzard on Bedford moss
Lesser Whitethroat perched on the wires along Rindle road
I've been thinking of going for a walk round the mosses. Has anyone got a map of them so I know where the horse paddock, bedford moss and rindle road is
Thanks
Dave Thacker said
Sun May 9 9:14 PM, 2010
6-8.30pm this evening
2 Yellow, 3 White wagtails in the horse paddock with also 2 Oystercatchers.
2 Cuckoo showing well over the SSSI 2 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and lots of Willow warblers around Astley moss
Tawny Owl and 2 Buzzard on Bedford moss
Lesser Whitethroat perched on the wires along Rindle road
Mark Rigby said
Sun May 9 7:01 PM, 2010
Corn Bunting on wires over field 67 at 4 45pm.
Dennis atherton said
Sun May 9 6:34 PM, 2010
Not to much to add today to list, loads of willow warblers and jays down at bedford moss side, cuckoos flying around too, chiffchaffs, pied wagtails, no ring ouzel or winchat today, lots of mistle thrushes, also a small group of sand martins flying over with the always present swallows and swifts
with Jon Taverner,and Later Dennis Atherton,who went on another mooch after we left.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 9th of May 2010 02:08:28 PM
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 9th of May 2010 04:00:43 PM
sid ashton said
Sun May 9 8:57 AM, 2010
Rindle Road,05.30 - 06.45, 3 deg but sunny
Found Little Owl on telegraph pole by cottages, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Yellowhammer, 2 Mipit etc - no sign of Whimbrel or Whinchat but a really nice start to the day.
Nice to meet all of the Manchester birders at Penny later.
Phil Owen said
Sat May 8 10:14 PM, 2010
Nice to meet you too Dennis and also Martin Jones.
Good views this evening of the 2 Cuckoos (including one in the 'scope calling away).
The Whinchat was a nice bonus after we scanned the fields.
A great couple of hours on the Mosses!!!
PS, That photo was a cracker Dennis!!!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 8th of May 2010 10:20:05 PM
Dennis atherton said
Sat May 8 8:28 PM, 2010
A full afternoon hiding and trying to get good cuckoo shot, also having a go were John Tymon and Jon Tav, we had a good try at least, i was still there at around seven before i ran out of battery power, i might have one ok photo though, not checked yet,
early afternoon 2 whimbrel in horse paddock, also curlew in opposite feild, behind the woods were also the usual yellowhamers, wheatear, chiffchaff, whitethroats, mistle thrushes, willow warblers, no ring ouzel today, lots of sightings of cuckoos being mobbed by meadow pipits, buzzards and kestrel, loads of swifts over with a few swallows
Nice to meet three other Manchester birders today who picked out a great looking Winchat moving along the ditch inbetween the two feilds behind the woods
I am hoping to get lucky and have actually got the astley moss Cuckoo sat on the Astley moss reserve sign...............
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Saturday 8th of May 2010 08:39:08 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Sat May 8 6:51 PM, 2010
Late pm:
No Whimbrel, they had gone somewhere else
2 Corn Buntings singing from power cables in field 67.
JOHN TYMON said
Sat May 8 6:24 PM, 2010
pm 2 whimbrel 2 or 3 cuckoo lots of mipits approx 10 yellowhammers plus the normal stuff
Around the scrapes; Sedge warbler Many Willow warblers 2 Teal 2 Gadwall 3 Mallard 2 Canada geese
Bedford moss Treecreeper Buzzard Chiffchaff
6 Herons over
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 7 5:42 PM, 2010
2 Whimbrel in the horse paddock by Rindle Hedge all day today with a single Corn Bunting in song earlier on in blustery weather (latter sighting thanks to Andy Isherwood).
IANMOFFAT1 said
Thu May 6 9:28 PM, 2010
Late afternoon in newly ploughed field directly behind Manor farm (field 9) 14 Wheatears, 8 f & 6 males. 2 pairs Yellowhammers 2 pairs of Linnets pair of Kestrels & a Little Owl Field 10 off 12 yrds road 4 pairs of Lapwings pair of Oystercatchers & a Yellow Wagtail cheers Ian
Dennis atherton said
Thu May 6 8:41 PM, 2010
Just a thought on the plumage colour change of the ring ouzel, i have read before that some birds have iridescent feathers, they can pick up, absorb and reflect light, depending on the angle and also the light at the time can they change colour quite dramatically, the kingfisher is a prime example of a bird with iridescent plumage, maybe the ring ouzels feathers appear to be more brown in brighter lighting conditions and appear blacker in dull light, this will certainly explain why a male one day can look like a female the next, just a thought
Ian McKerchar wrote:
sid ashton wrote:
Steve I should have pointed out that Rouzel put in a really good appearance after you left and I had excellent views. It looked comparable with the bird that was at Leasowe lighthouse recently in that it wasn't "jet black". The Leasowe bird, I was told, was a first summer bird - could the Rindle Woods bird be of a similar vintage?
The actual browness of the birds plumage isn't indicative of age Sid since a second calender year bird this time of year will have undergone a full body moult. Ageing such a bird would be reliant on moult contrast in the greater coverts and other ringery type things
It is interesting though that the plumage of the bird could change so easily depending on light and angle etc. When I first saw the Astley bird it was face on at close range, looked very black, had a whopping white crescent and was undoubtably a male. It went missing for a good while and the next time I saw it was in the middle of the field from the rear. I scratched my head as I thought it was a female from that view!
Needless to say, some females can look very male like and attain an almost white crescent but never (I think) actually pure white as this birds. Take a look at the images of the recent Barrow Bridge male in the galleries and you'll see one image by Dennis Atherton of a completely black bird and others of the same bird by Jon Taverner of a much browner looking individual. Similarly Rob Adderley's Lees Hill males look quite brown too.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu May 6 8:01 PM, 2010
Mid-late afternoon today:
Still 2 Whimbrel in the horse paddock by Rindle Hedge and a single Wheatear in the field behind Rindle Wood which was being ploughed again, so no sign of the Ring Ouzel.
2 Garden Warblers along the southernmost edge of Worsley Wood beyond f47/48 (about the only periphery I had left to check!).
Yellow Wagtail heard along Twelve Yards Road.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu May 6 7:51 PM, 2010
sid ashton wrote:
Steve I should have pointed out that Rouzel put in a really good appearance after you left and I had excellent views. It looked comparable with the bird that was at Leasowe lighthouse recently in that it wasn't "jet black". The Leasowe bird, I was told, was a first summer bird - could the Rindle Woods bird be of a similar vintage?
The actual browness of the birds plumage isn't indicative of age Sid since a second calender year bird this time of year will have undergone a full body moult. Ageing such a bird would be reliant on moult contrast in the greater coverts and other ringery type things
It is interesting though that the plumage of the bird could change so easily depending on light and angle etc. When I first saw the Astley bird it was face on at close range, looked very black, had a whopping white crescent and was undoubtably a male. It went missing for a good while and the next time I saw it was in the middle of the field from the rear. I scratched my head as I thought it was a female from that view!
Needless to say, some females can look very male like and attain an almost white crescent but never (I think) actually pure white as this birds. Take a look at the images of the recent Barrow Bridge male in the galleries and you'll see one image by Dennis Atherton of a completely black bird and others of the same bird by Jon Taverner of a much browner looking individual. Similarly Rob Adderley's Lees Hill males look quite brown too.
Steve I should have pointed out that Rouzel put in a really good appearance after you left and I had excellent views. It looked comparable with the bird that was at Leasowe lighthouse recently in that it wasn't "jet black". The Leasowe bird, I was told, was a first summer bird - could the Rindle Woods bird be of a similar vintage?
Steve Collins said
Wed May 5 8:15 PM, 2010
Yes Sid nice to see you again. I think Emily coped with the bumpy ride down the paths in the push trolley ok. I'm not surprised some people miss the Ring Ouzel with the ploughed furrows. I saw it through my bins but every time I tried to look through Sid's scope it was down again! It flew of low into the bushes in the corner diagonally opposite to the end of the feeding station path. Perhaps it favours sitting in there when not feeding. Steve
sid ashton said
Wed May 5 5:11 PM, 2010
10.30 - 13.00 , Light showers and dull
Similar sightings to Nick's plus:-
2 Whimbrel and 2 Mipit in the field to the left of the path to Rindle Wood.
Several Yellowhammer, Linnets and Mistle Thrush in the field behind the wood. A Yellow Wag in the field beside the cottages. Unfortunately no Cuckoo either but also heard call. However did have good views of the Ring Ouzel in the ploughed field as well as meeting Steve Collins with young miss Collins and Eddy King - good to see you both again.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 5 4:11 PM, 2010
First visit to this area and was really impressed. Some great habitat. Will definately be paying more visits in the future. Anyway, sightings as follows: -
Ring Ouzel (at top of ploughed field as per earlier posts) 2 Oystercatcher 1 Wheatear Blackcap Willow warbler Chiff Chaff Sedge Warbler Whitethroat Cuckoo heard over near railway line. Plus all the other usual stuff.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 5 10:56 AM, 2010
10:00 am this morning:
Mle Ring Ouzel still present in the ploughed field behind Rindle Wood.
Info thanks to Dave Broome
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 5 10:54 AM, 2010
Pre 9am this morning:
2 Redwing in Rindle Hedge with the usual Fieldfare. 2 Wheatear still in the ploughed field behing Rindle Wood.
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood
Ian McKerchar said
Tue May 4 7:52 PM, 2010
This evening:
3 Whimbrel still in the horse paddock by Rindle Hedge. 2 Oystercatchers in the newly ploughed field behind Rindle Wood, which also contained:
but no sign of the Ring Ouzel for me, though considering how deep some of the furrows are that's no surprise and I only viewed from Rindle Hedge.
2 Corn Buntings singing from power lines in field 67. One by the green metal barn and one closer to the railway. 18 Linnet in a single flock in field 67, disturbed by the farmer in his tractor.
John Taylor said
Tue May 4 5:25 PM, 2010
2.00PM - 4.00PM
3 Whimbrel in horse field near Rindle Wood
Male Ring Ouzel in ploughed field behind Rindle Wood near SSSI Map
Female Wheatear in same field
Male Wheatear on roof of new cottages
Hobby over SSSI
Ian McKerchar said
Tue May 4 5:02 PM, 2010
Rindle (railway end)/Astley Moss this morning:
Corn Bunting singing from the hedgerow just east of the newly converted cottages. Several Yellow Wagtail. 3 Cuckoo
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood
Paul Cliff said
Tue May 4 8:13 AM, 2010
3 lapwing chicks in the fields near cobs and plods. a couple of kerchars skulking in the woods near rindle road :D
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 3 8:35 PM, 2010
Over 1000 Swifts flew steadily and purposefully north through the Astley Moss/Astley Moss East in 3 hours this early afternoon.
Paul Wilson said
Mon May 3 5:38 PM, 2010
Sue and I missed the Ring Ouzel, but did get a surprising Lesser Whitethroat which flew across the main road and into one of the trees near the row of parked cars, just as we were leaving. Although we heard two Cuckoos, we didn't manage to see one.
Jill Islam said
Mon May 3 1:22 PM, 2010
Ring Ouzel appeared near the Whimbrel then flew towards the corner where I'd just spoken to you, Dave. Wheatear on ploughed field near fishing pond.
Dave Thacker said
Mon May 3 12:45 PM, 2010
More birdwatchers than birds this morning on Astley moss
4 Whimbrel in the horse paddock Cuckoos calling Both m+f Sparrowhawks hunting over the fields No sign of the Ouzel, Fieldfare or any Wheatears.
Nice to meet everyone this morning.
Dennis atherton said
Sun May 2 9:01 PM, 2010
A good new site guide, thanks Ian
3 cuckoos behind rindle woods today, two of them feathered and the other one me
Not too much to add to everyone elses sightings, lots of linnets, loads of swifts over today, last saw ring ouzel at 11 myself in usual place, 5 whimbrel moved onto the feild by the feeding station with the horses, lots of whitethroats, willow warbler, blackcaps, 3 buzzards, kestrel and sparrowhawk over the whimbrel making them all duck down and hide, lots of yellowhammers too
I think i met steve and alan today, they will remember me as the one hiding in the bushes trying to get a cuckoo photo nice to meet you
Dave Thacker said
Sun May 2 8:38 PM, 2010
Ian's New Astley moss site guide which can be found on the website is well worth reading before making your trip to the moss.
Excellent article and photo's as usual Ian
Steven Nelson said
Sun May 2 6:53 PM, 2010
Astley Moss 10.30am - 12.30pm
5 Whimbrel 1 Cuckoo calling and showing in Rindle Woods next to SSSI 2 Wheatear 1 Curlew (heard only) 1 Lesser Redpoll (male) 2 Buzzard a few Blackcaps & Willow Warblers singing 1 Meadow Pipit - SSSI 1 Skylark 5 Yellowhammer 1 Sand Martin plenty of Swifts & Swallows 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls - all overhead heading NE 2 Heron over
0 Ring Ouzel !!!
Also Stoat & Hare
Alan Rowley said
Sun May 2 4:18 PM, 2010
This AM, Grasshopper Warbler reeling in field on SE side of Vicar's Hall Lane Bridge Boothstown (en route to Keeper's cottage). Whitethroat, L, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler also.
Geoff Hargreaves said
Sun May 2 10:55 AM, 2010
must have just missed you mat,7.30 till 10.15
5 whimbrel 2 wheatear 1 fieldfare(in may) 1 ring ouzel lots of small stuff, the ring ouzel and whimbrel were flushed(by a tractor) out of the ploughed fields and into the horse paddock left of the feeding station,although I only got brief views of the ring ouzel.
Hobby flying alongside Rindle wood and over f69 at 4.35pm
Field 67
3 Wheatear
2 Grey partridge
3 Tree sparrows
8 Yellowhammers
5 Lapwings
and just before I was leaving a Little owl was perched on a fence post in the same field about 50m from the rail track.
Field 69 and horse paddock
2 Wheatears
Curlew
2 Oystercatchers
5 Mpipits
2 Yellow and 1 Pied wagtails
Jay
Buzzard over
Rindle woods
Treecreeper
4 LT Tits
GS Woodpecker
In the fields behind the woods
2 Cuckoos flying over the fields and the SSSI and Bedford moss
Whinchat in the ditch between the first two fields
Unusual sight of a GS woodpecker in the furrows
2 Oystercatchers
Plenty of Mpipits, Yellowhammers and Chaffinch
3 Wheatear
4 Song thrush
7 Mistle thrush
14 Blackbirds which were well checked and the only thing with a white head in the fields tonight was me
2 Buzzards and a Kestrel over
Bedford moss
2 Treecreepers
Blackcap
2 Goldcrest
Sedge warbler
2 Chiffchaff
5 Whitethroat
Lots of Swifts/Swallows and a couple of Sand martins feeding on the clouds of insects above the moss. You now need to wear insect repellent when out walking.
From the constant calling coming from around the mosses when watching the 2 Cuckoos this evening I would guess that there are at least 4 around the Rindle/ Bedford moss area at the moment.
ta den
I was out on thursday-nowt much keeps mi down!!
Good to see youve been ont moss today, you said knowing me i would be out birding on friday, good stuff
1 cuckoo
6 wheatear
2 red legged partridge
1 grey partridge
1 male yellow wagtail
8 yellowhammer
and a very strange(be wary)looking blackbird in the exact same spot as the ouzal,that from a distance looks just like the ouzal,til you get closer and realise it has a white head as well as breast
Wheatear
Yellowhammer
Pied Wagtail
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Mistle Thrush
Song Thrush
Blackbird
Buzzard
Mallard
Pheasant
Heron
Swallow
Swift
Crow
2 Cuckoo heard
Garden Warbler heard by railway line
Also a white headed blackbird in the ploughed field by the notice board.
Male Whinchat and 4 Wheatear in field 67.
2 Wheatear behind Rindle Wood and 3 along Moss Lane.
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood.
Rindle Road:
1 Moorhen
1 Mallard
1 Wren
1 Great Tit
1 Blackbird
1 Magpie
5 Woodpigeons
3 Lapwings
Horse paddock:
1 Oystercatcher
2 Lapwings
Field 67:
3 Grey Partridge
1 Wheatear
1 Lapwing
The second field behind Rindle Wood:
3 Blackbirds
2 Mistle Thrushes
2 Song Thrushes
9 Lapwings
1 Yellow Wagtail
1 Meadow Pipit
4 Lapwings
3 Mallards
1 Moorhen
2 Robins
4 Pheasants
Around the scrapes:
2 Gadwalls
3 Mallards
7 Canada Geese
5 Swallows
1 Grey Heron over
1 Cuckoo heard towards Bedford Moss
Nice to meet Roy Trevelyan (LOS)
Redstart- single male in the line of trees by the new pools and notice board alongside the SSSI. Quickly headed up towards Bedford Moss.
4 Wheatear and 2 (possibly 3) Corn Buntings in field 67.
6 Wheatear off Moss Lane
single Corn Bunting and 3 Wheatear in field 67
2 Wheateat, 18 Meadow Pipit and 3 Yellow Wagtail in the field behind Rindle Wood.
8 Wheatear off Moss Lane
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood.
Also 1 Yellow Wagtail
2 Wheatear
2 Grey Partridge
Along with Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Yellowhammer , Jay and Reed Bunting
Steve
2 Cuckoos - still present
1 Yellow Wagtail
2 Grey Partridges
2 Tree Sparrows
2 Buzzards
1 Corn Bunting - singing
13 Wheatears - 1 by new cottages, 12 in ploughed field near Sods+Plods
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 11th of May 2010 10:39:27 AM
Manchester Birding Website Homepage (above)-
County Birding sites and Maps -
Astley Moss.
Steve
I've been thinking of going for a walk round the mosses. Has anyone got a map of them so I know where the horse paddock, bedford moss and rindle road is
Thanks
2 Yellow, 3 White wagtails in the horse paddock with also 2 Oystercatchers.
2 Cuckoo showing well over the SSSI
2 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and lots of Willow warblers around Astley moss
Tawny Owl and 2 Buzzard on Bedford moss
Lesser Whitethroat perched on the wires along Rindle road
10-1.30
buzzard-7+
whimbrel-1 heard
linnets
garden warbler-1
blackcap
kestrel-2
sparrowhawk-1
wheatear-1(horse paddock)
with Jon Taverner,and Later Dennis Atherton,who went on another mooch after we left.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 9th of May 2010 02:08:28 PM
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 9th of May 2010 04:00:43 PM
Found Little Owl on telegraph pole by cottages, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Yellowhammer, 2 Mipit etc - no sign of Whimbrel or Whinchat but a really nice start to the day.
Nice to meet all of the Manchester birders at Penny later.
Good views this evening of the 2 Cuckoos (including one in the 'scope calling away).
Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Wheatear
amongst others.
The Whinchat was a nice bonus after we scanned the fields.
A great couple of hours on the Mosses!!!
PS, That photo was a cracker Dennis!!!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 8th of May 2010 10:20:05 PM
early afternoon 2 whimbrel in horse paddock, also curlew in opposite feild, behind the woods were also the usual yellowhamers, wheatear, chiffchaff, whitethroats, mistle thrushes, willow warblers, no ring ouzel today, lots of sightings of cuckoos being mobbed by meadow pipits, buzzards and kestrel, loads of swifts over with a few swallows
Nice to meet three other Manchester birders today who picked out a great looking Winchat moving along the ditch inbetween the two feilds behind the woods
I am hoping to get lucky and have actually got the astley moss Cuckoo sat on the Astley moss reserve sign...............
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Saturday 8th of May 2010 08:39:08 PM
No Whimbrel, they had gone somewhere else
2 Corn Buntings singing from power cables in field 67.
2 whimbrel
2 or 3 cuckoo
lots of mipits
approx 10 yellowhammers
plus the normal stuff
Astley moss/ Rindle road
Horse paddock
2 Whimbrel
Oystercatcher
3 Jays
5 Pied wags
6 Yellowhammers
2 Buzzards over
Field 67
2 Grey partridge
The second field behind Rindle woods is still being ploughed by 2 tractors leaving very large furrows in which were;
8 Blackbirds
5 Mistle thrush
2 Song thrush
9 Lapwings
7 Yellowhammers
3 Reed buntings
8 MPipits
3 Pied wags
4 Linnets
12 Chaffinch
4 Lapwings
2 Mallard
Around the scrapes;
Sedge warbler
Many Willow warblers
2 Teal
2 Gadwall
3 Mallard
2 Canada geese
Bedford moss
Treecreeper
Buzzard
Chiffchaff
6 Herons over
14 Wheatears, 8 f & 6 males.
2 pairs Yellowhammers
2 pairs of Linnets
pair of Kestrels & a Little Owl
Field 10 off 12 yrds road
4 pairs of Lapwings
pair of Oystercatchers
& a Yellow Wagtail
cheers Ian
i have read before that some birds have iridescent feathers, they can pick up, absorb and reflect light, depending on the angle and also the light at the time can they change colour quite dramatically, the kingfisher is a prime example of a bird with iridescent plumage, maybe the ring ouzels feathers appear to be more brown in brighter lighting conditions and appear blacker in dull light, this will certainly explain why a male one day can look like a female the next, just a thought
Still 2 Whimbrel in the horse paddock by Rindle Hedge and a single Wheatear in the field behind Rindle Wood which was being ploughed again, so no sign of the Ring Ouzel.
2 Garden Warblers along the southernmost edge of Worsley Wood beyond f47/48 (about the only periphery I had left to check!).
Yellow Wagtail heard along Twelve Yards Road.
The actual browness of the birds plumage isn't indicative of age Sid since a second calender year bird this time of year will have undergone a full body moult. Ageing such a bird would be reliant on moult contrast in the greater coverts and other ringery type things
It is interesting though that the plumage of the bird could change so easily depending on light and angle etc. When I first saw the Astley bird it was face on at close range, looked very black, had a whopping white crescent and was undoubtably a male. It went missing for a good while and the next time I saw it was in the middle of the field from the rear. I scratched my head as I thought it was a female from that view!
Needless to say, some females can look very male like and attain an almost white crescent but never (I think) actually pure white as this birds. Take a look at the images of the recent Barrow Bridge male in the galleries and you'll see one image by Dennis Atherton of a completely black bird and others of the same bird by Jon Taverner of a much browner looking individual. Similarly Rob Adderley's Lees Hill males look quite brown too.
Rindle Wood area, Astley Moss:
2 Whimbrel
2 Wheatear
2 Oystercatcher
1 Yellowhammer
4 Linnet
5 Meadow Pipit
3 Pied Wagtail
4 Willow Warbler
3 Mallard
2 Reed Bunting
3 Mistle Thrush
5 Blackbird
2 Pheasant
1 Cuckoo (heard)
I'm not surprised some people miss the Ring Ouzel with the ploughed furrows. I saw it through my bins but every time I tried to look through Sid's scope it was down again! It flew of low into the bushes in the corner diagonally opposite to the end of the feeding station path. Perhaps it favours sitting in there when not feeding.
Steve
Similar sightings to Nick's plus:-
2 Whimbrel and 2 Mipit in the field to the left of the path to Rindle Wood.
Several Yellowhammer, Linnets and Mistle Thrush in the field behind the wood. A Yellow Wag in the field beside the cottages. Unfortunately no Cuckoo either but also heard call. However did have good views of the Ring Ouzel in the ploughed field as well as meeting Steve Collins with young miss Collins and Eddy King - good to see you both again.
Ring Ouzel (at top of ploughed field as per earlier posts)
2 Oystercatcher
1 Wheatear
Blackcap
Willow warbler
Chiff Chaff
Sedge Warbler
Whitethroat
Cuckoo heard over near railway line.
Plus all the other usual stuff.
Mle Ring Ouzel still present in the ploughed field behind Rindle Wood.
Info thanks to Dave Broome
2 Redwing in Rindle Hedge with the usual Fieldfare.
2 Wheatear still in the ploughed field behing Rindle Wood.
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood
3 Whimbrel still in the horse paddock by Rindle Hedge.
2 Oystercatchers in the newly ploughed field behind Rindle Wood, which also contained:
2 Wheatear
8 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
1 Fieldfare
6 Yellowhammer
but no sign of the Ring Ouzel for me, though considering how deep some of the furrows are that's no surprise and I only viewed from Rindle Hedge.
2 Corn Buntings singing from power lines in field 67. One by the green metal barn and one closer to the railway.
18 Linnet in a single flock in field 67, disturbed by the farmer in his tractor.
3 Whimbrel in horse field near Rindle Wood
Male Ring Ouzel in ploughed field behind Rindle Wood near SSSI Map
Female Wheatear in same field
Male Wheatear on roof of new cottages
Hobby over SSSI
Corn Bunting singing from the hedgerow just east of the newly converted cottages.
Several Yellow Wagtail.
3 Cuckoo
Info thanks to Andy Isherwood
4 Whimbrel in the horse paddock
Cuckoos calling
Both m+f Sparrowhawks hunting over the fields
No sign of the Ouzel, Fieldfare or any Wheatears.
Nice to meet everyone this morning.
3 cuckoos behind rindle woods today, two of them feathered and the other one me
Not too much to add to everyone elses sightings, lots of linnets, loads of swifts over today, last saw ring ouzel at 11 myself in usual place, 5 whimbrel moved onto the feild by the feeding station with the horses, lots of whitethroats, willow warbler, blackcaps, 3 buzzards, kestrel and sparrowhawk over the whimbrel making them all duck down and hide, lots of yellowhammers too
I think i met steve and alan today, they will remember me as the one hiding in the bushes trying to get a cuckoo photo nice to meet you
Excellent article and photo's as usual Ian
5 Whimbrel
1 Cuckoo calling and showing in Rindle Woods next to SSSI
2 Wheatear
1 Curlew (heard only)
1 Lesser Redpoll (male)
2 Buzzard
a few Blackcaps & Willow Warblers singing
1 Meadow Pipit - SSSI
1 Skylark
5 Yellowhammer
1 Sand Martin
plenty of Swifts & Swallows
20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls - all overhead heading NE
2 Heron over
0 Ring Ouzel !!!
Also Stoat & Hare
5 whimbrel
2 wheatear
1 fieldfare(in may)
1 ring ouzel
lots of small stuff,
the ring ouzel and whimbrel were flushed(by a tractor) out of the ploughed fields and into the horse paddock left of the feeding station,although I only got brief views of the ring ouzel.
cheers geoff