About 2 hours early this morning mainly on field 25. Many hundreds of thrushes - mainly Fieldfares, but also lots of Redwings and at least 10 Song Thrushes. Numbers started dropping by about 9 a.m. Three skeins of Pink footed Geese totalling about 250. Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, also distant Peregrine over field 8. This is my sixth sighting of Peregrine here since early September and these could all relate to the same bird. Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, many Skylarks (probably 30 - 50).
Jeff Clarke said
Sun Oct 19 10:42 AM, 2014
Sunday Morning 8am - 10am. Tree Sparrow field 24 Chiffchaff field 25 Bullfinch - lots! probably more than 10 seen Redwings - at least 25 seen in small groups Teal - 2 on Sinderland Brook (with about 25 Mallards) Pink footed Goose : 45 heading East 08:13 35 heading East 08:21 35 heading South-East 08:42 60 heading East 09:32
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Fri Oct 17 5:43 PM, 2014
Friday morning.
Swiss Cottage area:
Grey Wagtail 1 House Sparrow 1m Kestrel 1m
General sightings:
Willow Tit 1 Goldcrest 1 GtSpotted Woodpecker 1f Buzzard 4 with 1 a very pale individual. Redwing 1 Yellowhammer 5 Skylark 20+ Coal Tit 1 Song Thrush 2 Bullfinch 4 Stock Doves etc.etc.etc.
Jeff Clarke said
Fri Oct 17 3:17 PM, 2014
10am to noon. Tree Sparrows at south end of field 24 (the first I have here seen for some weeks) Merlin over fields 25 and 24 (most likely a female on size) which flushed a Kestrel from field 24. Male Stonechat north side of field 25. Sparrowhawk seen several times, once trying to get Redwings fields 65 and 66.
Tony Darby said
Sun Oct 5 4:43 PM, 2014
Stonechat pair at the Townsend Fm. Lane end of f24/f25, the first I've seen in the area for ages. Yellohammer 4 in the same area. Woodpigeon 750-1000 on f 73/f76 Lots of corvids and Woodpigeons in other fields plus 8 Stock Doves in f4.
Most of the big fields have already been sowed with Winter crops, so not many left with the stubble which can benefit overwintering flocks.
B Benson said
Wed Oct 1 7:07 PM, 2014
Kingfisher spotted on the Basell site this morning. It was on some steelwork just above an old concrete bund. This bund fills with water and never really drains. However there is never usually any life in the water. The bird flew off when it saw my colleague and myself.
Also on site this week there have been more Crows than I have seen before.
One grey Heron this afternoon.
The Peregrine reappeared last week and we spent a few minutes watching it pursue a flock of Pigeons around the silos. It didn't have any luck and gave up before returning to its perch high up.
John Doherty said
Wed Oct 1 3:32 PM, 2014
1 Buzzard carrying prey 1 Kestrel 1 Yellowhammer
sighted about the mosses behind Sale FC before Alty sewage works visit.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Sep 20 9:13 PM, 2014
As this is a sightings thread it's not the best location for details of access for sites, not least as once a few months has rolled by such posts get 'lost' within the thread. Moreover, the Manchester Birding website has (and always has) had a section dedicated to such site access information and this is where such information should appear; always available, easily accessible and everything in the once place
Mike Savage said
Sat Sep 20 8:57 PM, 2014
Jeff - very useful summary, with lots of options I wasn't aware of. I would just add there is some parking (6 cars?) off Epping Walk in Sale West, then walk across Dainewell Pk.Mike
Jeff Clarke said
Sat Sep 20 8:33 PM, 2014
Guidance on parking for Carrington Moss sites
Sorry that this is such a long post but their are a lot of details to cover. Maybe there could be a separate category just for access to sites? I don't know how much work this would create for the webmaster. Just on the law of averages a mega will eventually appear again on Carrington Moss. It has happened before - the Black Wheatear/White Crowned Black Wheatear in 1943! If any bird should remain to be twitchable it could attract much traffic to an area which has a very limited ability for the parking of many cars. I thought that it could be useful to summarise the parking available that I know of around this area. This information could also be useful to anyone who may be unfamiliar with this area. In this text ample means there is space for at least 50 vehicles.
For access from the North There is ample parking on Isherwood Road in Carrington village (SJ 748 920). This provides easy access for most of the North side of the Moss. There are two lay-bys on Carrington Lane (SJ 760 927) and (SJ 754 929) but these are adjacent to fields which are rarely watched. Common Lane is now a private road with no parking allowed. There now appears to be no other useful parking areas between Partington and Carrington.
For access from the West Parking seems ok at the end of Heath Farm Lane (off Moss View Road in Partington - SJ 754 929), but there is space only for a few cars. With a slightly longer walk there is ample parking on Broadway in Partington village (SJ 723 914)
For access from the South Most of the roads here are very narrow with little possibility for parking on the verges. There is very little parking available on Sinderland Lane and Moss Lane, but there is space for one or two cars at Sinderland Green at the junction with Townsend Farm Lane (SJ 732 902), but this lane is frequently used by farm traffic for access to the moss and should not be obstructed. Note that the farm vehicles used here can be long and wide and need plenty of space. There is also parking for one or two cars next to the bus stop at the south end of Dark Lane (junction of Sinderland Lane and Whitehouse Lane - SJ 739 900). If nothing else is available there is a wide verge on Sinderland Lane between Green Lane Farm and Sinderland Green (SJ 734 900) but I do not know how uneven this is. This could provide space for at least 50 cars There is a layby ok for 4-5 cars next to junction of Sinderland Lane and lane to Roe Clare Cattery (SJ 743 900).
For access from the East. There may be some parking available near to the stables and recycling plant adjacent to Altrincham treatment works (SJ 752 904 and SJ 753 903) but this is generally private and may only be available early in the morning, and probably limited to two or three vehicles. Parking is also possible near the West end of Woodhouse Lane (SJ 759 904). If using an A-to-Z map note that Woodhouse Lane is not a continuous road. The western part is only accessible from Cherry Lane. I have no idea how a SatNav system will guide you on an interrupted road such as this.
Security Some of these locations have been described as prone to car crime. Do not leave anything even slightly tempting on view.
Updates Although I am familiar with this area I am sure that I have not covered all of the possibilities for the parking areas suitable for accessing Carrington Moss. If anyone would wish to add details or comment on this post please do so.
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 20th of September 2014 08:35:10 PM
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 20th of September 2014 08:37:23 PM
Jeff Clarke said
Sat Sep 20 10:20 AM, 2014
Sinderland Green areas and round field 25 (7-9am) The summer visitors have almost gone the exceptions being: Blackcap 3; Whitethroat 1; Swallow only 1 at Sinderland Green; Chiffchaff at least 5, some singing; Hobby only 1 adult pylon in field 65. Also a steady stream of Meadow Pipits overhead mainly heading South West; and there has been a small influx of Song Thrushes overnight (total of seven seen) - The Redwings cannot be far behind!
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Thu Sep 18 5:53 PM, 2014
Thursday morning, September 18th.
Hobby 3 over Trans-Pennine path, east of Man U. Flew off quickly west with 1 calling. Kestrel 2 Buzzard 3 Meadow Pipit 5+ Jay 10+ Willow Tit 2 Chiffchaff 2 singing. Coal Tit 2 Willow Warbler 1 Blackcap 1
munsworth said
Thu Sep 11 2:23 PM, 2014
12.30 - 1pm today Hobby 2 ( 1 juvenile) on pylon behind Green Lane Farm. The pylon has the number 500 on it. Then later both hobbies in what seemed to be a territorial dispute with 2 kestrel over fields 64 and 65. This afforded an excellent opportunity to study the shape and behaviour of both falcons in flight.
Mike
JamieDunning said
Thu Sep 11 12:22 PM, 2014
Sorry to come late to this. I have some recordings of juvenile Hobby I made earlier this year in eastern europe. happy to share them if they're useful?
J
Jeff Clarke said
Thu Sep 11 10:17 AM, 2014
The three regular hobbies in fields 65/67/68 were joined by two more this morning at about 8am. Lots of calling and chasing with all five flying around. Later (10am) only three seen so I assume that these visitors had left.
Dave Cropper said
Thu Sep 4 3:40 PM, 2014
Further thoughts about this morning. The bird I still believe to be a Wryneck appeared to be in the hedge or even on the ground. The second calling distant bird I now believe to be Tony's Hobby. I was surprised at the time that it appeared to have travelled over an open field rather than down the hedge line and given the distance and the undoubted similarity of the calls I am happy to accept this as the likely explanation. Given the element of doubt it will not make it any further in the records!
sid ashton said
Thu Sep 4 3:11 PM, 2014
Went over specifically to have a look at the Hobbies late morning today and wasn't disappointed. Had several sightings over fields 63/64/67. Just as I was leaving had one of the birds taking a Dragonfly just above my head as I walked back along Dark Lane.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 4th of September 2014 03:29:30 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Sep 4 2:34 PM, 2014
Spent about an 2 hours in the area but at the Brookheys End, no sight or sound but we would probably have been too far away.
We also thought we heard it but it was the begging calls of the juv Hobby, which do sound similar, but as dave says not similar enough if you have experience of both.
It could well have just been moving through.
Several Yellowhammer, Buzzard and two lots of two Hobby made it a pleasant couple of hours.
Dave Cropper said
Thu Sep 4 1:40 PM, 2014
The call I heard was definitely Wryneck as I was really close at first. I've seen and heard plenty on various trips abroad including earlier this year. It looks like we'll never know now.
Tony Darby said
Thu Sep 4 12:50 PM, 2014
Dave, I was at Sinderland Green Woods at that time and I'm pretty sure the call was from a Hobby. It was coming from high up in the trees and I had a brief view as it flew off.
Rick Hall said
Thu Sep 4 12:14 PM, 2014
I'm going to go and have a look this afternoon. Fingers Crossed!!
Great find by the way!
Dave Cropper said
Thu Sep 4 12:03 PM, 2014
Sadly Rick I had to move on. It called again about five minutes after my post although more distantly towards the Sinderland green woods area. Can't win them all.
Rick Hall said
Thu Sep 4 11:59 AM, 2014
Any more news on this Wryneck???
Dave Cropper said
Thu Sep 4 10:38 AM, 2014
Wryneck calling edge of f67 near brookheys covert but currently unable to relocate
Jeff Clarke said
Tue Sep 2 10:36 AM, 2014
An interesting visit this morning to Sinderland Green area (mainly around field 25) Continuous small passage of Meadow Pipits, and one Tree Pipit. At least 2 Garden Warblers (first for the year for the site) Whinchat in exactly the same location as one seen in May. Greenfinch flock now in excess of 40. 3 Hobbies as usual over field 64.
steven burke said
Sat Aug 30 9:59 PM, 2014
had a big wonder around from 1pm up Isherwood rd past f4 & f2 upto f25 then f63,64,65 through brookheys covert on to etw then back past swiss cottage farm to Isherwood rd.
got the 2 hobbies in the same area as Richard, nice to meet & have a chat with you, I managed to get a few pics of a hobby as it sat in a dead tree above me as I walked past f67. 6-8 buzzards 3 kestrels 1 sparrowhawk lots of willow warblers around 4 whitethroats 2 yellow wagtails 2 blackcaps 4 jays 2 yellowhammers 1 willow tit 4 greenfinches 20+ goldfinches 2 grey herons 1 great spotted woodpecker 4 mistle thrushes several stock doves around usual rooks, crows & jackdaws lots of house martins & swallows around.
Richard Would said
Sat Aug 30 4:47 PM, 2014
At least 2 Hobbies regularly around field 67 area midday to early afternoon today. Plenty of Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk.
Jeff Clarke said
Sat Aug 30 11:09 AM, 2014
morning walk around Sinderland Green area - highlights were: Hobby - 3 over fields 63,64,65 Finch flocks increasing - largest today was about 60 Goldfinches (nearly all were juveniles) First Meadow Pipits of the autumn over field 25
Jeff Clarke said
Fri Aug 29 9:41 PM, 2014
Tour of sinderland green and field 25 area in difficult conditions 11am - 1 pm (windy and occasional rain) Small birds very difficult to find (mainly because of the wind) Strong passage of hirundines heading South West (almost into the wind) Hobbies - numbers uncertain but never more than three in the air together. The best spot appears to be field 64, and this is the fourth consecutive visit that I have seen them here. I thought it unusual but they are often perched on top of the barn of Green Lane Farm (visible from Sinderland Lane).
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Fri Aug 29 7:18 PM, 2014
Afternoon walk from Isherwood Road to Field 25, then to ETW and return to car. Alas no Hobbies for me. Except Birding of course.
Kestrel 1m Buzzard 3 Linnet 20+ Willow Warbler 1 Blackcap 1 Chiffchaff 1 Skylark 1 Yellowhammer 1m Whitethroat 1 Swallow 10+ House Martin 6+ Rook 200+ etc.
Pete Hines said
Thu Aug 28 8:52 PM, 2014
F25 mid afternoon
3 Hobby 1 Kestrel 1 Sparrowhawk 11 Buzzard
Richard Would said
Wed Aug 27 9:21 PM, 2014
I also suspect 4. After we left you this morning, we were watching 3 from near the bridge over the railway and there seemed to be a 4th, high above the others staying a bit apart
-- Edited by Richard Would on Thursday 28th of August 2014 10:12:00 AM
Pete Hines said
Wed Aug 27 9:00 PM, 2014
Certainly 3, though I suspect 4 (2 adult and 2 juvenile) Hobby from Sinderland Green 2 Swift and another in Stretford.
Pete Hines said
Wed Aug 27 12:37 AM, 2014
Tues 26th August 2 Hobby still between Sinderland Green / Dark Lane
Jeff Clarke said
Sun Aug 24 10:35 AM, 2014
7-9 am this morning - walk from Sinderland Green to field 25, returning via fields 63-66: Substantial flocks of greenfinch (15+) and goldfinch (30+). Warblers hard to find (being mainly silent) but Blackcaps easier to see than usual now they are feeding on elder berries. Plenty of raptors buzzards calling continuously (probably at least four present), also Kestrel and 2 Hobbies. Small passage of hirundines (at some height) all generally heading East, also male Yellow Wagtail over Sinderland Green.
Jeff Clarke said
Sat Aug 2 3:33 PM, 2014
Short walk around field 25 - 12:30 - 14:00. Continuous rain at first then the weather improved. Very little seen until the rain stopped, and then there was a marked movement of Swifts mainly heading South East. At least 80 seen with 41 counted in 5 minutes. Three buzzards wandered round the area (one with a very pale tail), and a Red Kite moved East low over the railway line.
Robert Farmer said
Mon Jul 28 2:19 PM, 2014
Had a walk around yesterday early evening.
Most notable were the large flock of finches, mostly Greenfinches and Goldfinches, moving back and forth between the hawthorn trees and the stubble between field 4 and fields 12/13.
Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the trees leading to Nursery Farm Riding Centre and a male Kestrel sat on the substation for a while.
There were quite a few motorcycles ripping up and down the tracks and even some of their number seemed a bit disappointed with the behavior of one or two of their brethren - one apologizing after another had deliberately accelerated past us spraying clouds of dust and gravel all over us. Needless to say there were no number plates (or anything else) visible in the massive dust clouds they created.
Woodpigeon were being shot at the southern end of field 14 (it looked like decoys were in use) and it was a shame to see several dozen carcasses being simply tossed into the bushes by the disused railway line there. Presumably feed for the local foxes?
Brian Benson said
Thu Jul 24 1:44 AM, 2014
A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen on the Basell site north of field f1. Unusually it was on the ground when I came around the corner in the works van. it flew a few yards but stayed next to the fenceline for about a minute. This was on Monday in the very hot weather. I wonder if it was down on the ground for the Ants.
I have seen one in this area about a year ago but it was flitting from tree to tree and coming nowhere near ground level.
Jeff Clarke said
Mon Jul 21 8:56 AM, 2014
A couple of hours early this morning in the Sinderland Green area. It has been generally quiet with the same birds on every visit, but a bit of variety today: Field 25 - 1 Partridge, 2 Willow Tits, at least 3 Treecreepers in the hedges and 1 Sand Martin flying over. This could be the beginning of post-breeding dispersal. Hobby over Sinderland Lane, and 20+ Lapwings near to the crematorium.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Jun 25 7:43 PM, 2014
Afternoon walk from Isherwood Road to ETW and return, with detour to Field 2.
A Kestrel pair, a lone Buzzard, several (6+) singing Yellowhammers heard/or seen, 2 Meadow Pipit and three Swifts were the highlights from today's very warm visit!
Richard Would said
Mon Jun 16 8:19 AM, 2014
Also Hobby about 7:40 yesterday evening, flew across track from f4 into f13, then lost over MUFC.
Martin Whittam said
Mon Jun 16 8:03 AM, 2014
Hobby flew from f73 over to f88 close to Covershaw Bridge at 07:40 thismorning
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Jun 11 9:19 PM, 2014
Isherwood Road to field 10, along old railway line to ETW and return.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 11th of June 2014 10:14:43 PM
Tony Darby said
Mon Jun 9 5:19 PM, 2014
A quick visit this afternoon from Sinderland Rd. via Dark Ln. (not recommended, very overgrown)
A single Hobby over f10 & f11 at 3.00pm headed off towards Altrincham sewage works. 1 Grey Partridge flushed from f10 by Steve Judge and his better half. 2 Grey Partridge again in f25. No Quail heard by any of us.
Nick Hilton said
Sat Jun 7 10:47 PM, 2014
07/06/14 Carrington Moss 0640-0900; (singles unless noted otherwise) Non-BBS Count; F4 = Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 3 Wren, Wood Pigeon, 2 Canada Goose, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap F13 - 3 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, Robin, Chaffinch In Man Utd complex - Moorhen, Reed Warbler (in reeded filter bed) F14 - 4 Wren, 2 Yellowhammer, 3 Magpie, 3 Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon Dark Lane NR - 2 Wren, Chaffinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Long Tailed Tit F25 - 3 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 45 Rook, 2 Stockdove, Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit F11 - 2 Robin, 3 Skylark, 4 Wren, Whitethroat, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 2 Blackbird, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Yellowhammer, 2 Swallow, 3 Swift.
I wandered down to F10 and gave it 1/2 hr but the rain had started, no Quail were heard.
Roger Hewitt said
Fri Jun 6 5:29 PM, 2014
17:20 one Quail singing from the path between fields 1 and 10, in field 10 towards the railway
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Jun 5 11:20 PM, 2014
Great to meet and chat with you too Steve, and Andrew also.
Same as below with quail. 6 stock dove and 2 mistle thrush in 71, also in various areas several whitethroat, skylark, sedge warbler, reed warbler, yellowhammer, pheasant, 2 grey partridge on track near 71 (flushed by dog), chiffchaff, buzzard, swift, swallow and some common finches and tits. 5 collared dove off sinderland rd too.
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Friday 6th of June 2014 10:21:48 AM
Richard Would said
Thu Jun 5 10:55 PM, 2014
Quail calling frequently tonight in field 10 between 9:45 and 10:15pm. Might have been two, a few of the calls seemed to be further away, though I suppose it could just have turned its head The closer sounding calls seemed quite close to the path between 10 and 11
Many hundreds of thrushes - mainly Fieldfares, but also lots of Redwings and at least 10 Song Thrushes. Numbers started dropping by about 9 a.m.
Three skeins of Pink footed Geese totalling about 250.
Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, also distant Peregrine over field 8. This is my sixth sighting of Peregrine here since early September and these could all relate to the same bird.
Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, many Skylarks (probably 30 - 50).
Tree Sparrow field 24
Chiffchaff field 25
Bullfinch - lots! probably more than 10 seen
Redwings - at least 25 seen in small groups
Teal - 2 on Sinderland Brook (with about 25 Mallards)
Pink footed Goose :
45 heading East 08:13
35 heading East 08:21
35 heading South-East 08:42
60 heading East 09:32
Swiss Cottage area:
Grey Wagtail 1
House Sparrow 1m
Kestrel 1m
General sightings:
Willow Tit 1
Goldcrest 1
GtSpotted Woodpecker 1f
Buzzard 4 with 1 a very pale individual.
Redwing 1
Yellowhammer 5
Skylark 20+
Coal Tit 1
Song Thrush 2
Bullfinch 4
Stock Doves
etc.etc.etc.
Tree Sparrows at south end of field 24 (the first I have here seen for some weeks)
Merlin over fields 25 and 24 (most likely a female on size) which flushed a Kestrel from field 24.
Male Stonechat north side of field 25.
Sparrowhawk seen several times, once trying to get Redwings fields 65 and 66.
Yellohammer 4 in the same area.
Woodpigeon 750-1000 on f 73/f76
Lots of corvids and Woodpigeons in other fields plus 8 Stock Doves in f4.
Most of the big fields have already been sowed with Winter crops, so not many left with the stubble which
can benefit overwintering flocks.
Also on site this week there have been more Crows than I have seen before.
One grey Heron this afternoon.
The Peregrine reappeared last week and we spent a few minutes watching it pursue a flock of Pigeons around the silos. It didn't have any luck and gave up before returning to its perch high up.
1 Kestrel
1 Yellowhammer
sighted about the mosses behind Sale FC before Alty sewage works visit.
Sorry that this is such a long post but their are a lot of details to cover. Maybe there could be a separate category just for access to sites? I don't know how much work this would create for the webmaster.
Just on the law of averages a mega will eventually appear again on Carrington Moss. It has happened before - the Black Wheatear/White Crowned Black Wheatear in 1943! If any bird should remain to be twitchable it could attract much traffic to an area which has a very limited ability for the parking of many cars. I thought that it could be useful to summarise the parking available that I know of around this area. This information could also be useful to anyone who may be unfamiliar with this area.
In this text ample means there is space for at least 50 vehicles.
For access from the North
There is ample parking on Isherwood Road in Carrington village (SJ 748 920). This provides easy access for most of the North side of the Moss.
There are two lay-bys on Carrington Lane (SJ 760 927) and (SJ 754 929) but these are adjacent to fields which are rarely watched.
Common Lane is now a private road with no parking allowed. There now appears to be no other useful parking areas between Partington and Carrington.
For access from the West
Parking seems ok at the end of Heath Farm Lane (off Moss View Road in Partington - SJ 754 929), but there is space only for a few cars.
With a slightly longer walk there is ample parking on Broadway in Partington village (SJ 723 914)
For access from the South
Most of the roads here are very narrow with little possibility for parking on the verges.
There is very little parking available on Sinderland Lane and Moss Lane, but there is space for one or two cars at Sinderland Green at the junction with Townsend Farm Lane (SJ 732 902), but this lane is frequently used by farm traffic for access to the moss and should not be obstructed. Note that the farm vehicles used here can be long and wide and need plenty of space.
There is also parking for one or two cars next to the bus stop at the south end of Dark Lane (junction of Sinderland Lane and Whitehouse Lane - SJ 739 900).
If nothing else is available there is a wide verge on Sinderland Lane between Green Lane Farm and Sinderland Green (SJ 734 900) but I do not know how uneven this is. This could provide space for at least 50 cars
There is a layby ok for 4-5 cars next to junction of Sinderland Lane and lane to Roe Clare Cattery (SJ 743 900).
For access from the East.
There may be some parking available near to the stables and recycling plant adjacent to Altrincham treatment works (SJ 752 904 and SJ 753 903) but this is generally private and may only be available early in the morning, and probably limited to two or three vehicles.
Parking is also possible near the West end of Woodhouse Lane (SJ 759 904). If using an A-to-Z map note that Woodhouse Lane is not a continuous road. The western part is only accessible from Cherry Lane. I have no idea how a SatNav system will guide you on an interrupted road such as this.
Security
Some of these locations have been described as prone to car crime. Do not leave anything even slightly tempting on view.
Updates
Although I am familiar with this area I am sure that I have not covered all of the possibilities for the parking areas suitable for accessing Carrington Moss. If anyone would wish to add details or comment on this post please do so.
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 20th of September 2014 08:35:10 PM
-- Edited by Jeff Clarke on Saturday 20th of September 2014 08:37:23 PM
The summer visitors have almost gone the exceptions being:
Blackcap 3;
Whitethroat 1;
Swallow only 1 at Sinderland Green;
Chiffchaff at least 5, some singing;
Hobby only 1 adult pylon in field 65.
Also a steady stream of Meadow Pipits overhead mainly heading South West; and there has been a small influx of Song Thrushes overnight (total of seven seen) - The Redwings cannot be far behind!
Hobby 3 over Trans-Pennine path, east of Man U. Flew off quickly west with 1 calling.
Kestrel 2
Buzzard 3
Meadow Pipit 5+
Jay 10+
Willow Tit 2
Chiffchaff 2 singing.
Coal Tit 2
Willow Warbler 1
Blackcap 1
Hobby 2 ( 1 juvenile) on pylon behind Green Lane Farm. The pylon has the number 500 on it.
Then later both hobbies in what seemed to be a territorial dispute with 2 kestrel over fields 64 and 65. This afforded an excellent opportunity to study the shape and behaviour of both falcons in flight.
Mike
happy to share them if they're useful?
J
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 4th of September 2014 03:29:30 PM
We also thought we heard it but it was the begging calls of the juv Hobby, which do sound similar, but as dave says not similar enough if you have experience of both.
It could well have just been moving through.
Several Yellowhammer, Buzzard and two lots of two Hobby made it a pleasant couple of hours.
a Hobby. It was coming from high up in the trees and I had a brief view as it flew off.
Great find by the way!
Continuous small passage of Meadow Pipits, and one Tree Pipit.
At least 2 Garden Warblers (first for the year for the site)
Whinchat in exactly the same location as one seen in May.
Greenfinch flock now in excess of 40.
3 Hobbies as usual over field 64.
got the 2 hobbies in the same area as Richard, nice to meet & have a chat with you, I managed to get a few pics of a hobby as it sat in a dead tree above me as I walked past f67.
6-8 buzzards
3 kestrels
1 sparrowhawk
lots of willow warblers around
4 whitethroats
2 yellow wagtails
2 blackcaps
4 jays
2 yellowhammers
1 willow tit
4 greenfinches
20+ goldfinches
2 grey herons
1 great spotted woodpecker
4 mistle thrushes
several stock doves around
usual rooks, crows & jackdaws
lots of house martins & swallows around.
Plenty of Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk.
Hobby - 3 over fields 63,64,65
Finch flocks increasing - largest today was about 60 Goldfinches (nearly all were juveniles)
First Meadow Pipits of the autumn over field 25
Small birds very difficult to find (mainly because of the wind)
Strong passage of hirundines heading South West (almost into the wind)
Hobbies - numbers uncertain but never more than three in the air together. The best spot appears to be field 64, and this is the fourth consecutive visit that I have seen them here. I thought it unusual but they are often perched on top of the barn of Green Lane Farm (visible from Sinderland Lane).
Alas no Hobbies for me. Except Birding of course.
Kestrel 1m
Buzzard 3
Linnet 20+
Willow Warbler 1
Blackcap 1
Chiffchaff 1
Skylark 1
Yellowhammer 1m
Whitethroat 1
Swallow 10+
House Martin 6+
Rook 200+
etc.
3 Hobby
1 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
11 Buzzard
After we left you this morning, we were watching 3 from near the bridge over the railway and there seemed to be a 4th, high above the others staying a bit apart
-- Edited by Richard Would on Thursday 28th of August 2014 10:12:00 AM
2 Swift and another in Stretford.
2 Hobby still between Sinderland Green / Dark Lane
Substantial flocks of greenfinch (15+) and goldfinch (30+).
Warblers hard to find (being mainly silent) but Blackcaps easier to see than usual now they are feeding on elder berries.
Plenty of raptors buzzards calling continuously (probably at least four present), also Kestrel and 2 Hobbies.
Small passage of hirundines (at some height) all generally heading East, also male Yellow Wagtail over Sinderland Green.
Very little seen until the rain stopped, and then there was a marked movement of Swifts mainly heading South East. At least 80 seen with 41 counted in 5 minutes. Three buzzards wandered round the area (one with a very pale tail), and a Red Kite moved East low over the railway line.
Most notable were the large flock of finches, mostly Greenfinches and Goldfinches, moving back and forth between the hawthorn trees and the stubble between field 4 and fields 12/13.
Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the trees leading to Nursery Farm Riding Centre and a male Kestrel sat on the substation for a while.
There were quite a few motorcycles ripping up and down the tracks and even some of their number seemed a bit disappointed with the behavior of one or two of their brethren - one apologizing after another had deliberately accelerated past us spraying clouds of dust and gravel all over us. Needless to say there were no number plates (or anything else) visible in the massive dust clouds they created.
Woodpigeon were being shot at the southern end of field 14 (it looked like decoys were in use) and it was a shame to see several dozen carcasses being simply tossed into the bushes by the disused railway line there. Presumably feed for the local foxes?
I have seen one in this area about a year ago but it was flitting from tree to tree and coming nowhere near ground level.
It has been generally quiet with the same birds on every visit, but a bit of variety today:
Field 25 - 1 Partridge, 2 Willow Tits, at least 3 Treecreepers in the hedges and 1 Sand Martin flying over. This could be the beginning of post-breeding dispersal.
Hobby over Sinderland Lane, and 20+ Lapwings near to the crematorium.
Yellow Wagtail 1 field 2.
Yellowhammer 6 singing.
Buzzard 1
Kestrel 1
Linnet 10+
Greenfinch 10+
Lapwing 9 over.
Willow Tit 1
etc.
Yellowhammer 9 singing.
Whitethroat 10 singing.
Linnet 20+
Willow Warbler 2 singing.
Skylark 3 singing plus 8.
Yellow Wagtail 6+ (f11/f1) with 2 males carrying food.
Kestrel 1m
Buzzard 3
Chiffchaff 8 singing.
Blackcap 5 singing.
Chaffinch 8 singing.
Rook 50+ (f25).
Cormorant 1 over.
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Bullfinch 2
Mistle Thrush 3
Song Thrush 3 singing.
etc.etc.etc.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 11th of June 2014 10:14:43 PM
A single Hobby over f10 & f11 at 3.00pm headed off towards Altrincham sewage works.
1 Grey Partridge flushed from f10 by Steve Judge and his better half.
2 Grey Partridge again in f25.
No Quail heard by any of us.
(singles unless noted otherwise)
Non-BBS Count;
F4 = Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 3 Wren, Wood Pigeon, 2 Canada Goose, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap
F13 - 3 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, Robin, Chaffinch
In Man Utd complex - Moorhen, Reed Warbler (in reeded filter bed)
F14 - 4 Wren, 2 Yellowhammer, 3 Magpie, 3 Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon
Dark Lane NR - 2 Wren, Chaffinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Long Tailed Tit
F25 - 3 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 45 Rook, 2 Stockdove, Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit
F11 - 2 Robin, 3 Skylark, 4 Wren, Whitethroat, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 2 Blackbird, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Yellowhammer, 2 Swallow, 3 Swift.
BBS Late Count;
F22/23 - 2 Wren, 6 Wood Pigeon, 2 Magpie, Skylark, Blue Tit, Robin, Cormorant (flight), Grey Partridge, Carrion Crow, Swift, 2 Canada Goose (flight), Lesser Black Backed Gull (flight), Blackcap, Yellowhammer, Coal Tit, 2 Rook (flight)
Around Birch Road Farm - Chiffchaff, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Wood Pigeon, Whitethroat, Jay, Wren, 2 Blackbird, Pheasant, Magpie, 16 House Sparrow, Collared Dove, 3 Yellowhammer, 2 Carrion Crow
F34 - Magpie, 2 Wood Pigeon, Swallow (flight), Buzzard, Pheasant, 2 Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Wren
F60 - 5 Lapwing, 7 Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, 2 Kestrel (flight)
F32 - 5 Carrion Crow, Pheasant, 30 Wood Pigeon, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Buzzard (flight), Grey Heron (flight), Song Thrush, 2 Stock Dove, Lapwing (flight), Common Tern (flight (with the Lapwing!))
Brookheys Covert - 6 Blackbird, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Rook, 8 Wren, Buzzard, 3 Robin, Blackcap, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinch, 3 Nuthatch, 2 Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Yellowhammer
F27/28 - 4 Blackbird, Blue tit, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Yellowhammer, 3 Wren, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Pheasant, Robin, Blackcap, 21 Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush, 30 Rook, Great Tit, Cormorant (flight)
F20 - Robin, Great Tit, Yellowhammer, 2 Carrion Crow, Pheasant, Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, Wren, 2 Jay, Swallow, Cormorant (flight), Buzzard (flight).
I wandered down to F10 and gave it 1/2 hr but the rain had started, no Quail were heard.
Same as below with quail. 6 stock dove and 2 mistle thrush in 71, also in various areas several whitethroat, skylark, sedge warbler, reed warbler, yellowhammer, pheasant, 2 grey partridge on track near 71 (flushed by dog), chiffchaff, buzzard, swift, swallow and some common finches and tits. 5 collared dove off sinderland rd too.
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Friday 6th of June 2014 10:21:48 AM
Might have been two, a few of the calls seemed to be further away, though I suppose it could just have turned its head
The closer sounding calls seemed quite close to the path between 10 and 11