Along Walkerwood Dam, to Brushes Reservoir, and back.
Female Sparrowhawk drifted low over Harridge Pair of Moorhen in the overflow The first singing Greenfinch of the year Several Song Thrush singing Chaffinch, Dunnock, and Mistle Thrush singing Plenty of Bullfinch at the feeder 1 Willow Tit 1 Coal Tit Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 20 11:56 AM, 2016
Saturday 20th February 2016, 6.30 - 9.30am
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill.
An early start in a bid to beat the forecast rain, and count Tawny Owls on the way up the valley. Success with the first part of the plan, but no sign of any owls, in very blustery conditions. In fact, very quiet all round, so much so that never has a sighting of a Stonechat been so warmly welcomed.
3, possibly 4 Stonechat around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill. The usual pair were at Lees Hill, but a new female (to me, at least) with different plumage was around Higher Swineshaw overflow. I then saw another male in this area on my return, which could have been the male of the pair relocated, or a separate male. 1 Pied Wagtail on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 Canada Goose on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 2 Meadow Pipits heard over Lees Hill 2 Goldfinch, which have been regulars recently at Higher Swineshaw Several Red Grouse on the moor 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
With reference to Steve's Saddleworth post. I had a similar thought, and walked around Lees Hill looking for Curlew, but also drew a blank.
Steve Suttill said
Thu Feb 18 2:21 PM, 2016
David Walsh wrote:
A pair of Blue Tits in and out of one of our nest boxes in Harridge Woods was a nice sight.
They obviously know that it's National Nestbox Week
David Walsh said
Thu Feb 18 1:33 PM, 2016
Thursday 18th February 2016, 9.30 - 11.45am
From Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, then following the path towards Carrbrook, as far as Turf Pits, and back.
Around the Swineshaws:
2 Ravens cronking over from Carrbrook, to Lees Hill 1 male Stonechat on the fences between Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits. This species often shows in pairs up here, even in winter, but I hung around for half an hour without any sign of a female. Then, as is often the case, the male dropped into the vegetation and disappeared without trace. 2 Reed Bunting 1 Mistle Thrush singing at the far end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Kestrel hunting over the moor 1 Pied Wagtail over the moor Several Wrens calling around the moor
Brushes Valley:
5 Song Thrush, 2 singing, and three together in the same tree Several singing Chaffinch Goldfinch Bullfinch everywhere A pair of Blue Tits in and out of one of our nest boxes in Harridge Woods was a nice sight. This one was used by a pair of Great Tits last year. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Steve Suttill said
Tue Feb 16 1:54 PM, 2016
An enjoyable couple of hours around the valley with Dave Sanderson.
Thanks to Mr. Walsh topping up the sunflower seed as promised, Walkerwood dam produced the goods within 5 minutes: Willow Tit, Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinches, Chaffinches and Robin.
The rest of our walk was pretty quiet (need to get there at dawn it seems) though there were two Kestrels, a couple of Red Grouse and a pair of Mallard at Upper Swineshaw. Two Treecreepers in Cock Wood.
David Walsh said
Tue Feb 16 7:53 AM, 2016
Tuesday 16th February 2016, 7.00am
Walkerwood Dam
Similar to yesterday, with the addition of a Grey Wagtail in the overflow, my first this year here. Plenty of Bullfinch this morning Couple of Coal Tits
David Walsh said
Mon Feb 15 7:49 AM, 2016
Monday 15th February 2016, 6.30 - 7.15am
Along Walkerwood Dam and the length of the reservoir
1 Tawny Owl hooting from Cock Wood 4 Mistle Thrush singing 4 Song Thrush singing 7 Canada Geese 1 Moorhen in the overflow 1 Willow Tit
Roger Baker 3 said
Fri Feb 12 5:35 PM, 2016
David Walsh wrote:
Friday 12th February 2016, 7.30 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, on another morning with a feel of spring to it, despite the crunch of ice underfoot. .............................................................................................................................
Will probably still be like that in July !
R.
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 12 1:19 PM, 2016
Friday 12th February 2016, 7.30 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, on another morning with a feel of spring to it, despite the crunch of ice underfoot.
Brushes Valley:
6 Mistle Thrush (5 singing) 1 Song Thrush singing 10+ Chaffinch (6 singing) 2 Coal Tit 1 Treecreeper 1 Lesser Redpoll flew into the trees at the scout hut
Around the Swineshaws:
11 Reed Bunting, including 6 in the rhodedendrons at the scout hut, given away initially by that call. Also two males at Higher Swineshaw weakly singing 12 Red Grouse 1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill 1 Dunnock singing 1 Pied Wagtail at Higher Swineshaw 1 Kestrel
Plus the usual Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Thu Feb 11 3:42 PM, 2016
Thursday 11th February 2016, 9.00 - 10.00am
Brushes Cottages to Lower Swineshaw
A nice spring feel to the place this morning, with Chaffinch, in particular, singing strongly. Feels like we're under way, at last.
8+ Chaffinch (5 singing males) 3 Song Thrush (1 singing) 5 Mistle Thrush (2 singing, and including one pair) 1 Treecreeper, calling loudly Goldfinch Bullfinch
Nothing out of the ordinary, but a pleasant hour's wander
David Walsh said
Sun Feb 7 10:49 PM, 2016
Sunday 7th February 2016, 9.30am
Around Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir 1 Willow Tit 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brushes Cottages 2 Song Thrush, one singing at Brushes Cottages Several Bullfinch Goldfinch singing
c 40 Redwing at Flaxfield, 20 in the hawthorns joined by a flock of similar size from the direction of the country park.
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 6 1:45 PM, 2016
Saturday 6th February 2016, 7.30 - 9.00am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Desperately quiet, then the rain arrived, and things really went downhill!!
3 Reed Bunting, with one male attempting a song at Higher Swineshaw 4 Red Grouse 2 Mistle Thrush singing along Brushes Valley 1 Song Thrush singing at Brushes Cottages Several Bullfinch along the valley Chaffinch sub-singing at Brushes Cottages
And that was about it.
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 30 2:32 PM, 2016
Saturday 30th January 2016, 7.45 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
12 Canada Geese on Walkerwood Reservoir at first light 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 1 Sparrowhawk drifted down the valley, into Cock Wood 2 singing Mistle Thrush Several Coal Tits calling along the valley 6 Long-tailed Tits at Brushes Cottages Several Bullfinch, including the usual gaggle around the feeder
Higher up:
4 Reed Bunting calling 9 Red Grouse 1 Pied Wagtail flew over the moor, down the valley 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill 4 Goldfinch At least 10 Fieldfare picking through the fields towards Higher Bank, remarkably similar in behaviour and posture to the Ring Ouzels that fed in the same area last spring
Flaxfield
31 Redwing feeding in the fields in front of Range House 2 Mistle Thrush
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 28 1:52 PM, 2016
Thursday 28th January 2016, 9.30 - 11.30am
Walkerwood and Lower Brushes Valley
6+ Coal Tits calling 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 6+ Bullfinch, mostly around the feeder 1 Mistle Thrush
C 20 Redwing feeding in the fields at Flaxfield
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 23 1:05 PM, 2016
Saturday 23rd January 2016, 7.30 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, and Lees Hill - quiet
3 Stonechat, a pair at Lees Hill, and another bird dropping from fence wires out on Boar Flat 5 Reed Bunting skulking in the bracken 1 Little Owl on a wall at Lees Hill 4 Meadow Pipits west over Lees Hill 7 Mistle Thrush, 2 singing males in Brushes Valley, the rest feeding in the grass at Lees Hill c 20 Starlings, feeding with the above thrushes c 10 Red Grouse 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
"vanelline deceit" .... As you know David, this is a term that I use a lot ! But not as much as I use my little "Googling Finger". Learn something every day !
Roger.
Not a term I get the chance to use round these parts Roger. The most I had last year were two separate pairs deceiving me in Millbrook, with a chick each
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Jan 17 3:20 PM, 2016
"vanelline deceit" .... As you know David, this is a term that I use a lot ! But not as much as I use my little "Googling Finger". Learn something every day !
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sun Jan 17 2:10 PM, 2016
Sunday 17th January 2016, 9.30 - 11.30am
A full circuit of a snow-covered Wild Bank Hill, with the Horwich and Rochdale moors standing out in the snow to the northwest
Unsurprisingly quiet on the moor:
3 Red Grouse 3 Mistle Thrush flew noisily onto the moor, then very quickly, noisily off again 2 "tseeping" Meadow Pipits were unexpected 10 Lapwing (a vanelline deceit, if you prefer ) flew over from the northeast towards Audenshaw Reservoirs / Car People Flock of 6 Bullfinch around the gorse at the foot of the hill
As expected, plenty of life around the feeder at Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit More Chaffinch than Bullfinch Blue, Great, and Coal Tits 2 Robins in the overflow, another battling away at the feeder Kestrel over Harridge
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 16 1:41 PM, 2016
Saturday 16th January 2016, 7.30 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, on a lovely winter's morning beneath a big blue sky.
Walkerwood area:
1 Willow Tit Several Bullfinch and Chaffinch 1 Pied Wagtail 23 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir 15 Canada Geese on the reservoir before first light
Higher up:
1 Raven over Harridge 4 Stonechat, 1 male in the usual area above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, 1 pair moving between Boar Flat and Lees Hill, with another bird feeding from a fence further out on Boar Flat. I thought the freezing conditions may have forced these birds off the high ground, but it was not the case. 9 Reed Bunting, most picked up on call, skulking in the bracken in ones and twos 11 Red Grouse 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 9 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Kestrel 5 Red-legged Partridge sunning themselves on a wall at Lees Hill 1 Lesser Redpoll over the scout hut
Quick mooch around Flaxfield:
1 Peregrine on a fence post was a surprise c35 Redwing feeding in the fields in front of Range House were my first locally this winter, other than migrants in October. There have been no berries to speak of, and presumably berries elsewhere are now exhausted and the birds have started ground feeding? 2 Mistle Thrush with the Redwing 6 Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch
David Walsh said
Thu Jan 7 11:05 AM, 2016
Thursday 7th January 2016, 8.30 - 9.30am
Around Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, calling loudly around the treetops 3 Nuthatch Kestrel hunting low down on Harridge 1 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush Chaffinch and Bullfinch battling with a squirrel on the feeder A cacophony from Blackbirds and Jay suggested that yesterday's Tawny Owl had roosted further towards Cock Wood this morning 10 Long-tailed Tits at Walkerwood Large numbers of Great and Blue Tits around
David Walsh said
Wed Jan 6 1:53 PM, 2016
Wednesday 6th January 2016, 9.30 - 10.30am
Morning dog walk along Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
The best action was a roosting Tawny Owl being harassed by: Several Blackbirds Song Thrush Goldcrest Chaffinch Great, Blue, and Coal Tits Robin
Also seen:
Great Spotted Woodpecker Red Grouse on Wild Bank 15 Goldfinch Willow Tit at Walkerwood Several singing Mistle Thrush
David Walsh said
Sun Jan 3 4:15 PM, 2016
Sunday 3rd January 2016, 8.00 - 11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Around the Swineshaws
1 Raven 2 Kestrel 3 Reed Bunting 3 Red Grouse 3 singing Mistle Thrush, at Brushes Cottages, the scout hut, and above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
Lower down
15+ Bullfinch, including 9 on the feeder 1 Willow Tit c80 Siskin, moving in a tight group around Walkerwood, feeding on alders and birch. My highest count locally. 1 Cormorant on Walkerwood yesterday morning
John Taylor said
Thu Dec 31 1:53 PM, 2015
Did a circuit of Harridge Pike (starting at Walkerwood reservoir) this morning 10:15 - 12:15 Not been up there before so saw some spectacular scenery.
Saw two buzzards over the pike
Kestral hunting at Lower Swineshaw
Coal and blue tits on a garden feeder when I took a wrong turn. Also goldcrest (pretty certain but only fleeting glimpse) at this feeder.
2 red grouse on top
Bullfinch female at stone houses on way back down.
Mallard pair on Walkerwood when returning to car.
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 31 12:36 PM, 2015
Thursday 31st December 2015, 9.30 - 11.45am
From Walkerwood Dam, a full circuit of Wild Bank Hill, then down past the rifle ranges.
2 pairs of Stonechat, one at either end of Wild Bank Hill, the males sporting differing plumages. The brighter of the two, at Shaw Moor side, even tried a little singing. 4 Red Grouse 2 Mistle Thrush singing, at Flaxfield, and towards Cock Wood 1 Song Thrush Plenty of Bullfinch around 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 27 3:47 PM, 2015
Sunday 27th December 2015, 9.30 - 11.30am
A walk in stunning conditions, from Walkerwood Reservoir to Higher Swineshaw, then around Lees Hill, with my 81 year-old father and 25 year-old daughter illustrated what an anti-social pastime birding can be, when your companions don't share your interest.
They were enthralled with the following:
Around the Swineshaws
1 pair of Stonechat 16 Reed Bunting 6 Bullfinch (they were genuinely impressed with a sunlit male calling from a treetop, but who wouldn't be?) 2 Red Grouse 1 Meadow Pipit
Brushes Valley
Several Nuthatch calling 6 Coal Tits calling along the valley 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 20 2:11 PM, 2015
Sunday 20th December 2015, 9.30 - 11.30am
A full circuit of Wild Bank Hill, the first time I've been up here for a few weeks. As is usual around here, not much in the way of quantity, but a couple of decent sightings dug out.
1 pair of Stonechat, high up Wild Bank Hill, above the 1000 feet contour. Tameside seems to be having the lion's share of this species of late 1 Mistle Thrush feeding in the fields of Shaw Farm, another singing at Flaxfield 2 Ravens tumbling over Harridge 1 Peregrine seen off by the Ravens, back towards Carrbrook 2 Red Grouse on the moor
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 19 11:54 AM, 2015
Saturday 19th December 2015, 7.15 - 10.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Around the Swineshaws:
1 pair of Stonechat 1 Reed Bunting 1 Buzzard 4 Red Grouse 6 Bullfinch at the scout hut 1 Goldfinch 2 Mistle Thrush singing Several Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Quite a bit of life around the feeder at Walkerwood, not least Roger Baker devouring his breakfast pie 1 Willow Tit Several Bullfinch Several Chaffinch Goldcrest Coal Tits A single Redwing with several Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Fri Dec 18 8:49 AM, 2015
Friday 18th December 2015, 7.45am
1 Woodcock flying into the trees at the Harridge side of Brushes Reservoir, at first light.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sat Dec 12 2:06 PM, 2015
David Walsh wrote:
Saturday 12th December 2015, 7.00 - 9.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in steadily worsening conditions. Eventually, driving sleet and a biting, icy wind, forced me to abandon the morning. ..............................................................................................................................
Are you going soft ? Only a bit of a "lambing storm" that. You young 'uns are all the same. Roger.
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 12 10:32 AM, 2015
Saturday 12th December 2015, 7.00 - 9.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in steadily worsening conditions. Eventually, driving sleet and a biting, icy wind, forced me to abandon the morning. A couple of interesting sightings, nonetheless.
1 Woodcock circling the treetops at Harridge Woods before first light
Around Higher Swineshaw:
1 Dipper in Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 Grey Wagtail, also in the overflow 1 pair of Stonechat 3 Reed Bunting 5 Red Grouse 2 Bullfinch at Lower Swineshaw scout hut
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 10 2:17 PM, 2015
Thursday 10th December 2015, 11.00am
Walkerwood area
4 Kestrels hunting over Harridge 8 Long-tailed Tits moving through the trees 1 Willow Tit 7 Blue Tits 2 Coal Tits 2 Jays 1 Moorhen 2 Mallard 2 Song Thrush, for a change 8 Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 6 1:07 PM, 2015
Sunday 6th December 2015, 10.30am
Walkerwood Dam to Brushes Cottages
At least 4 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages Several Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit 1 redhead Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 6th of December 2015 01:12:21 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 5 2:51 PM, 2015
Saturday 5th December 2015, 8.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Unsurprisingly quiet around the Swineshaws. Impossible to stand still in the wind and rain.
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 2 Reed Bunting 1 Red Grouse flushed A couple of Wren calling, and that was it.
More life lower down:
2 Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages Several Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood Several Bullfinch Several Chaffinch Goldcrest heard at Brushes Cottages
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 3 11:58 AM, 2015
Thursday 3rd December 2015, 9.00 - 10.00am
Walkerwood Dam
1 Willow Tit Couple of Bullfinch Kestrel hunting over Harridge 2 Jays in the woods A few Blackbirds feeding on the hollies on Harridge. I don't know about elsewhere, but there seems to be a complete lack of hawthorn berries this winter?
Otherwise quiet
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 28 12:15 PM, 2015
Saturday 28th November 2015, 9.00 -11.00am
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 4 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Around Higher Swineshaw:
4 Reed Bunting 1 Stonechat 1 Raven on Lees Hill 2 Kestrel 1 Peregrine
Otherwise quiet, in cold, windy conditions
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 26 3:10 PM, 2015
Thursday 26th November 2015, 10.00am
Walkerwood Dam
1 female Sparrowhawk, perched briefly on the fence posts low down on Harridge 5 Mallard on the reservoir Green Woodpecker heard yaffling in the area below Walkerwood Dam. An unusual species for the area.
Otherwise quiet.
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 21 12:30 PM, 2015
Saturday 21st November 2015, 7.15 - 11.00am
Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, the valley looking beautiful beneath a blanket of snow, but a blisteringly cold wind at the top.
At the top of the valley:
31 Reed Bunting, in two groups of 18 and 11, either side of Higher Swineshaw, plus 2 in the treetops at the scout hut 1 Dipper in Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 Grey Wagtail, with the Dipper 1 Dunnock being chased by the Reed Bunting 5 Wrens at Higher Swineshaw 5 Red Grouse 3 Goldfinch, clinging onto thistles for dear life at Higher Swineshaw 3 Kestrel, 2 hunting together around Lower Swineshaw 2 Goldcrest at the scout hut
Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges, onto Wild Bank Hill, and back
Absolutely deathly quiet around the ranges and Wild Bank Hill. I decided to do a full count, BBS fashion. Didn't need an abacus!
2 Bullfinch 2 Chaffinch 1 Goldfinch 1 Lesser Redpoll heard distantly at Flaxfield 3 Robins 2 Wrens 3 Blackbirds feeding on the meagre supply of shrivelled berries 6 Black-headed Gulls over 6 Magpies 11 Jackdaws ?!? 2 Carrion Crows 2 Dunnock calling 4 Red Grouse on the moor 6 Woodpigeon
A bit more life around Walkerwood, highlights being:
4+ Siskin feeding on birch trees in the country park Several Chaffinch Several Bullfinch - the most numerous finch in the area at present 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Willow Tit 1 Coal Tit Groups of mixed Tits around the edge of the country park Kestrel over Harridge
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 19th of November 2015 01:15:57 PM
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 15 12:32 PM, 2015
Sunday 15th November 2015, 10.15 - 11.00am
Walkerwood Dam, taking advantage of a break in the rain.
1 Willow Tit 1 Coal Tit 2 Ravens cronking around the pylons 2 Kestrels over Harridge Several Bullfinch and Chaffinch Several Blackbirds taking advantage of the patchy supply of Hawthorn berries
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 14 12:01 PM, 2015
Saturday 14th November 2015, 7.30 - 10.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in better than forecast conditions.
Walkerwood
1 Willow Tit Great, Blue and Coal Tits 3 Siskin from Cock Wood, into the country park, at first light Several Goldfinch, Bullfinch, and Chaffinch
Further up
At least 3 Goldcrest at Brushes Cottages 2 Ravens over Harridge 14 Reed Bunting in the bracken, a couple of males singing weakly. Another group of 12 were flying up from the moor above Lower Swineshaw on the way down, but I couldn't discount the possibility of them being the same birds relocated. Pair of Stonechat 6+ Wrens calling around the moor 1 Kestrel, the only raptor of the morning 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 12 1:09 PM, 2015
Thursday 12th November 2015, 9.30 - 11.00am
Around Walkerwood
2 Raven over SW 2 Buzzard over Harridge and the Swineshaw Moors 1 Kestrel 1 juvenile Cormorant on Walkerwood 20+ Goldfinch 7 Bullfinch 6 Chaffinch 1 Willow Tit, calling loudly over the past few days Great, Blue, and Coal Tits Several noisy Jays
Also reports of 4 Whooper Swans on Higher Swineshaw, on two occasions over the past fortnight, most recently last Friday
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 31 8:49 PM, 2015
Saturday 31st October 2015, 7.30 - 10.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
51 Reed Bunting, my highest ever count in the valley. 15 flew south west, down the valley from Higher Swineshaw, landing in the beech trees at the scout hut. Further groups of 23, 7, and 6 seen in the bracken around Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. 2 Stonechat 10 Meadow Pipits 5 Red Grouse 2 Buzzard 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 Kestrel over Harridge 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 29 1:29 PM, 2015
Thursday 29th October 2015, 10.00 - 11.15am
Walkerwood Dam
Several noisy Jays around the treetops c20 Siskin back and forth between the country park and Cock Wood 6 Redwing 22 Mistle Thrush, in two groups of 15 and 7 3 Buzzard over the Harridge side of the valley Chaffinch Female Bullfinch defending the feeder 1 Pied Wagtail 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 29th of October 2015 01:31:01 PM
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 27 7:48 AM, 2015
Tuesday 27th October 2015, 6.45 - 7.30am
Walkerwood Dam, quite lively around the overflow area.
1 Willow Tit Coal, Great, and Blue Tits 2 Chaffinch 1 Raven over south west 7 Mistle Thrush over Cock Wood, another alarm calling as the Raven went over 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 11 Canada Geese 3 Mallard
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 25 12:36 PM, 2015
Sunday 25th October 2015, 8.30 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, up to Higher Swineshaw
3 Stonechat 36 Reed Bunting, at least. All seen. 28 counted chasing around the bracken to the west of Higher Swineshaw dam, the other 8 put up by a Buzzard over Swineshaw Moor, to the north of the reservoir 4 Red Grouse 3 Meadow Pipits 2 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Buzzard
Around the scout hut
2 Mistle Thrush 3 Long-tailed Tits 2 Bullfinch
1 Sparrowhawk causing a commotion in the woods further down the valley
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 24 11:24 AM, 2015
Saturday 24th October 2015, 8.30 - 9.30am
Higher Swineshaw, in deteriorating conditions, ending up being forced to abandon the morning in torrential rain.
1 Dipper, flying noisily along the shoreline of the dam. It would be interesting to know whether this is the same bird as the one I've seen at Higher Swineshaw for the past two weeks. Unfortunately, I'd planned to nip around to Woodhead this morning, rather than up Brushes Valley 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers Bullfinch Several Great Tits 1 Coal Tit 1 Willow Tit
Following discussions with Steve Atkins, could anyone sending records to GMBRG for the Willow Tit (or any other species) please use the site "Brushes Road" (SJ982989) for non-reservoir sightings (including the feeder), to avoid confusion. Use Walkerwood Reservoir for sightings on or around the reservoir itself, and the overflow
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 02:43:46 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 17 2:02 PM, 2015
Saturday 17th October 2015, 6.30 - 11.30am, broken up by a couple of hours mooching around the eastern side of Lees Hill.
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
2 Kestrel, one each at Lower and Higher Swineshaw 25 Redwing out of the trees by the scout hut, at first light, flew north over Higher Swineshaw. Another 4 heading east over Higher Swineshaw dam 3 Mistle Thrush 1 Dipper still singing away at Higher Swineshaw 1 Snipe flushed from Higher Swineshaw overflow 1 male Stonechat 6 Reed Bunting 9 Goldfinch 7 Red Grouse Goldcrest heard around the scout hut, not seen Single Black-headed Gull on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Walkerwood Dam
1 Willow Tit Several Bullfinch Several Chaffinch
David Walsh said
Wed Oct 14 7:58 AM, 2015
Walkerwood Dam. A few sightings from this, and yesterday morning. The window of daylight is becoming smaller by 7.30, the time I have to leave.
1 Willow Tit 9 Canada Geese 5 Mallard Siskin rising from Cock Wood direction at first light today, in two groups of c20 and 4. Both flew over into the country park Several Bullfinch Several Goldfinch Lesser Redpoll heard Several Dunnock, including on the feeder
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 14th of October 2015 04:44:50 PM
Along Walkerwood Dam, to Brushes Reservoir, and back.
Female Sparrowhawk drifted low over Harridge
Pair of Moorhen in the overflow
The first singing Greenfinch of the year
Several Song Thrush singing
Chaffinch, Dunnock, and Mistle Thrush singing
Plenty of Bullfinch at the feeder
1 Willow Tit
1 Coal Tit
Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill.
An early start in a bid to beat the forecast rain, and count Tawny Owls on the way up the valley. Success with the first part of the plan, but no sign of any owls, in very blustery conditions. In fact, very quiet all round, so much so that never has a sighting of a Stonechat been so warmly welcomed.
3, possibly 4 Stonechat around Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill. The usual pair were at Lees Hill, but a new female (to me, at least) with different plumage was around Higher Swineshaw overflow. I then saw another male in this area on my return, which could have been the male of the pair relocated, or a separate male.
1 Pied Wagtail on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 Canada Goose on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
2 Meadow Pipits heard over Lees Hill
2 Goldfinch, which have been regulars recently at Higher Swineshaw
Several Red Grouse on the moor
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
With reference to Steve's Saddleworth post. I had a similar thought, and walked around Lees Hill looking for Curlew, but also drew a blank.
They obviously know that it's National Nestbox Week
From Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, then following the path towards Carrbrook, as far as Turf Pits, and back.
Around the Swineshaws:
2 Ravens cronking over from Carrbrook, to Lees Hill
1 male Stonechat on the fences between Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits. This species often shows in pairs up here, even in winter, but I hung around for half an hour without any sign of a female. Then, as is often the case, the male dropped into the vegetation and disappeared without trace.
2 Reed Bunting
1 Mistle Thrush singing at the far end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Kestrel hunting over the moor
1 Pied Wagtail over the moor
Several Wrens calling around the moor
Brushes Valley:
5 Song Thrush, 2 singing, and three together in the same tree
Several singing Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Bullfinch everywhere
A pair of Blue Tits in and out of one of our nest boxes in Harridge Woods was a nice sight. This one was used by a pair of Great Tits last year.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Thanks to Mr. Walsh topping up the sunflower seed as promised, Walkerwood dam produced the goods within 5 minutes:
Willow Tit, Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinches, Chaffinches and Robin.
The rest of our walk was pretty quiet (need to get there at dawn it seems) though there were two Kestrels, a couple of Red Grouse and a pair of Mallard at Upper Swineshaw.
Two Treecreepers in Cock Wood.
Walkerwood Dam
Similar to yesterday, with the addition of a Grey Wagtail in the overflow, my first this year here.
Plenty of Bullfinch this morning
Couple of Coal Tits
Along Walkerwood Dam and the length of the reservoir
1 Tawny Owl hooting from Cock Wood
4 Mistle Thrush singing
4 Song Thrush singing
7 Canada Geese
1 Moorhen in the overflow
1 Willow Tit
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, on another morning with a feel of spring to it, despite the crunch of ice underfoot.
Brushes Valley:
6 Mistle Thrush (5 singing)
1 Song Thrush singing
10+ Chaffinch (6 singing)
2 Coal Tit
1 Treecreeper
1 Lesser Redpoll flew into the trees at the scout hut
Around the Swineshaws:
11 Reed Bunting, including 6 in the rhodedendrons at the scout hut, given away initially by that call. Also two males at Higher Swineshaw weakly singing
12 Red Grouse
1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill
1 Dunnock singing
1 Pied Wagtail at Higher Swineshaw
1 Kestrel
Plus the usual Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Brushes Cottages to Lower Swineshaw
A nice spring feel to the place this morning, with Chaffinch, in particular, singing strongly. Feels like we're under way, at last.
8+ Chaffinch (5 singing males)
3 Song Thrush (1 singing)
5 Mistle Thrush (2 singing, and including one pair)
1 Treecreeper, calling loudly
Goldfinch
Bullfinch
Nothing out of the ordinary, but a pleasant hour's wander
Around Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Willow Tit
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brushes Cottages
2 Song Thrush, one singing at Brushes Cottages
Several Bullfinch
Goldfinch singing
c 40 Redwing at Flaxfield, 20 in the hawthorns joined by a flock of similar size from the direction of the country park.
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Desperately quiet, then the rain arrived, and things really went downhill!!
3 Reed Bunting, with one male attempting a song at Higher Swineshaw
4 Red Grouse
2 Mistle Thrush singing along Brushes Valley
1 Song Thrush singing at Brushes Cottages
Several Bullfinch along the valley
Chaffinch sub-singing at Brushes Cottages
And that was about it.
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
12 Canada Geese on Walkerwood Reservoir at first light
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
1 Sparrowhawk drifted down the valley, into Cock Wood
2 singing Mistle Thrush
Several Coal Tits calling along the valley
6 Long-tailed Tits at Brushes Cottages
Several Bullfinch, including the usual gaggle around the feeder
Higher up:
4 Reed Bunting calling
9 Red Grouse
1 Pied Wagtail flew over the moor, down the valley
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 pair of Stonechat at Lees Hill
4 Goldfinch
At least 10 Fieldfare picking through the fields towards Higher Bank, remarkably similar in behaviour and posture to the Ring Ouzels that fed in the same area last spring
Flaxfield
31 Redwing feeding in the fields in front of Range House
2 Mistle Thrush
Walkerwood and Lower Brushes Valley
6+ Coal Tits calling
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
6+ Bullfinch, mostly around the feeder
1 Mistle Thrush
C 20 Redwing feeding in the fields at Flaxfield
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, and Lees Hill - quiet
3 Stonechat, a pair at Lees Hill, and another bird dropping from fence wires out on Boar Flat
5 Reed Bunting skulking in the bracken
1 Little Owl on a wall at Lees Hill
4 Meadow Pipits west over Lees Hill
7 Mistle Thrush, 2 singing males in Brushes Valley, the rest feeding in the grass at Lees Hill
c 20 Starlings, feeding with the above thrushes
c 10 Red Grouse
1 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Flaxfield. 15.00 - 16.30
15 Bullfinch. Mainly female.
Chaffinch. 2
Mistle Thrush. 2
Roger.
Not a term I get the chance to use round these parts Roger. The most I had last year were two separate pairs deceiving me in Millbrook, with a chick each
But not as much as I use my little "Googling Finger".
Learn something every day !
Roger.
A full circuit of a snow-covered Wild Bank Hill, with the Horwich and Rochdale moors standing out in the snow to the northwest
Unsurprisingly quiet on the moor:
3 Red Grouse
3 Mistle Thrush flew noisily onto the moor, then very quickly, noisily off again
2 "tseeping" Meadow Pipits were unexpected
10 Lapwing (a vanelline deceit, if you prefer ) flew over from the northeast towards Audenshaw Reservoirs / Car People
Flock of 6 Bullfinch around the gorse at the foot of the hill
As expected, plenty of life around the feeder at Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit
More Chaffinch than Bullfinch
Blue, Great, and Coal Tits
2 Robins in the overflow, another battling away at the feeder
Kestrel over Harridge
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, on a lovely winter's morning beneath a big blue sky.
Walkerwood area:
1 Willow Tit
Several Bullfinch and Chaffinch
1 Pied Wagtail
23 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir
15 Canada Geese on the reservoir before first light
Higher up:
1 Raven over Harridge
4 Stonechat, 1 male in the usual area above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, 1 pair moving between Boar Flat and Lees Hill, with another bird feeding from a fence further out on Boar Flat. I thought the freezing conditions may have forced these birds off the high ground, but it was not the case.
9 Reed Bunting, most picked up on call, skulking in the bracken in ones and twos
11 Red Grouse
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
9 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Kestrel
5 Red-legged Partridge sunning themselves on a wall at Lees Hill
1 Lesser Redpoll over the scout hut
Quick mooch around Flaxfield:
1 Peregrine on a fence post was a surprise
c35 Redwing feeding in the fields in front of Range House were my first locally this winter, other than migrants in October. There have been no berries to speak of, and presumably berries elsewhere are now exhausted and the birds have started ground feeding?
2 Mistle Thrush with the Redwing
6 Goldfinch
2 Chaffinch
Around Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, calling loudly around the treetops
3 Nuthatch
Kestrel hunting low down on Harridge
1 Song Thrush
1 Mistle Thrush
Chaffinch and Bullfinch battling with a squirrel on the feeder
A cacophony from Blackbirds and Jay suggested that yesterday's Tawny Owl had roosted further towards Cock Wood this morning
10 Long-tailed Tits at Walkerwood
Large numbers of Great and Blue Tits around
Morning dog walk along Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs
The best action was a roosting Tawny Owl being harassed by:
Several Blackbirds
Song Thrush
Goldcrest
Chaffinch
Great, Blue, and Coal Tits
Robin
Also seen:
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Red Grouse on Wild Bank
15 Goldfinch
Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Several singing Mistle Thrush
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Around the Swineshaws
1 Raven
2 Kestrel
3 Reed Bunting
3 Red Grouse
3 singing Mistle Thrush, at Brushes Cottages, the scout hut, and above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
Lower down
15+ Bullfinch, including 9 on the feeder
1 Willow Tit
c80 Siskin, moving in a tight group around Walkerwood, feeding on alders and birch. My highest count locally.
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood yesterday morning
From Walkerwood Dam, a full circuit of Wild Bank Hill, then down past the rifle ranges.
2 pairs of Stonechat, one at either end of Wild Bank Hill, the males sporting differing plumages. The brighter of the two, at Shaw Moor side, even tried a little singing.
4 Red Grouse
2 Mistle Thrush singing, at Flaxfield, and towards Cock Wood
1 Song Thrush
Plenty of Bullfinch around
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
A walk in stunning conditions, from Walkerwood Reservoir to Higher Swineshaw, then around Lees Hill, with my 81 year-old father and 25 year-old daughter illustrated what an anti-social pastime birding can be, when your companions don't share your interest.
They were enthralled with the following:
Around the Swineshaws
1 pair of Stonechat
16 Reed Bunting
6 Bullfinch (they were genuinely impressed with a sunlit male calling from a treetop, but who wouldn't be?)
2 Red Grouse
1 Meadow Pipit
Brushes Valley
Several Nuthatch calling
6 Coal Tits calling along the valley
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
A full circuit of Wild Bank Hill, the first time I've been up here for a few weeks. As is usual around here, not much in the way of quantity, but a couple of decent sightings dug out.
1 pair of Stonechat, high up Wild Bank Hill, above the 1000 feet contour. Tameside seems to be having the lion's share of this species of late
1 Mistle Thrush feeding in the fields of Shaw Farm, another singing at Flaxfield
2 Ravens tumbling over Harridge
1 Peregrine seen off by the Ravens, back towards Carrbrook
2 Red Grouse on the moor
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Around the Swineshaws:
1 pair of Stonechat
1 Reed Bunting
1 Buzzard
4 Red Grouse
6 Bullfinch at the scout hut
1 Goldfinch
2 Mistle Thrush singing
Several Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Quite a bit of life around the feeder at Walkerwood, not least Roger Baker devouring his breakfast pie
1 Willow Tit
Several Bullfinch
Several Chaffinch
Goldcrest
Coal Tits
A single Redwing with several Blackbirds
1 Woodcock flying into the trees at the Harridge side of Brushes Reservoir, at first light.
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in steadily worsening conditions. Eventually, driving sleet and a biting, icy wind, forced me to abandon the morning. A couple of interesting sightings, nonetheless.
1 Woodcock circling the treetops at Harridge Woods before first light
Around Higher Swineshaw:
1 Dipper in Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 Grey Wagtail, also in the overflow
1 pair of Stonechat
3 Reed Bunting
5 Red Grouse
2 Bullfinch at Lower Swineshaw scout hut
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Walkerwood area
4 Kestrels hunting over Harridge
8 Long-tailed Tits moving through the trees
1 Willow Tit
7 Blue Tits
2 Coal Tits
2 Jays
1 Moorhen
2 Mallard
2 Song Thrush, for a change
8 Blackbirds
Walkerwood Dam to Brushes Cottages
At least 4 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Several Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
1 redhead Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 6th of December 2015 01:12:21 PM
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
Unsurprisingly quiet around the Swineshaws. Impossible to stand still in the wind and rain.
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
2 Reed Bunting
1 Red Grouse flushed
A couple of Wren calling, and that was it.
More life lower down:
2 Nuthatch at Brushes Cottages
Several Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Several Bullfinch
Several Chaffinch
Goldcrest heard at Brushes Cottages
Walkerwood Dam
1 Willow Tit
Couple of Bullfinch
Kestrel hunting over Harridge
2 Jays in the woods
A few Blackbirds feeding on the hollies on Harridge. I don't know about elsewhere, but there seems to be a complete lack of hawthorn berries this winter?
Otherwise quiet
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
4 Nuthatch around Brushes Cottages
Around Higher Swineshaw:
4 Reed Bunting
1 Stonechat
1 Raven on Lees Hill
2 Kestrel
1 Peregrine
Otherwise quiet, in cold, windy conditions
Walkerwood Dam
1 female Sparrowhawk, perched briefly on the fence posts low down on Harridge
5 Mallard on the reservoir
Green Woodpecker heard yaffling in the area below Walkerwood Dam. An unusual species for the area.
Otherwise quiet.
Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw, the valley looking beautiful beneath a blanket of snow, but a blisteringly cold wind at the top.
At the top of the valley:
31 Reed Bunting, in two groups of 18 and 11, either side of Higher Swineshaw, plus 2 in the treetops at the scout hut
1 Dipper in Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 Grey Wagtail, with the Dipper
1 Dunnock being chased by the Reed Bunting
5 Wrens at Higher Swineshaw
5 Red Grouse
3 Goldfinch, clinging onto thistles for dear life at Higher Swineshaw
3 Kestrel, 2 hunting together around Lower Swineshaw
2 Goldcrest at the scout hut
Brushes Cottages:
1 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
4 Siskin
2 Coal Tits
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit
1 Coal Tit
4 Bullfinch
5 Chaffinch
Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges, onto Wild Bank Hill, and back
Absolutely deathly quiet around the ranges and Wild Bank Hill. I decided to do a full count, BBS fashion. Didn't need an abacus!
2 Bullfinch
2 Chaffinch
1 Goldfinch
1 Lesser Redpoll heard distantly at Flaxfield
3 Robins
2 Wrens
3 Blackbirds feeding on the meagre supply of shrivelled berries
6 Black-headed Gulls over
6 Magpies
11 Jackdaws ?!?
2 Carrion Crows
2 Dunnock calling
4 Red Grouse on the moor
6 Woodpigeon
A bit more life around Walkerwood, highlights being:
4+ Siskin feeding on birch trees in the country park
Several Chaffinch
Several Bullfinch - the most numerous finch in the area at present
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Willow Tit
1 Coal Tit
Groups of mixed Tits around the edge of the country park
Kestrel over Harridge
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 19th of November 2015 01:15:57 PM
Walkerwood Dam, taking advantage of a break in the rain.
1 Willow Tit
1 Coal Tit
2 Ravens cronking around the pylons
2 Kestrels over Harridge
Several Bullfinch and Chaffinch
Several Blackbirds taking advantage of the patchy supply of Hawthorn berries
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in better than forecast conditions.
Walkerwood
1 Willow Tit
Great, Blue and Coal Tits
3 Siskin from Cock Wood, into the country park, at first light
Several Goldfinch, Bullfinch, and Chaffinch
Further up
At least 3 Goldcrest at Brushes Cottages
2 Ravens over Harridge
14 Reed Bunting in the bracken, a couple of males singing weakly. Another group of 12 were flying up from the moor above Lower Swineshaw on the way down, but I couldn't discount the possibility of them being the same birds relocated.
Pair of Stonechat
6+ Wrens calling around the moor
1 Kestrel, the only raptor of the morning
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
Around Walkerwood
2 Raven over SW
2 Buzzard over Harridge and the Swineshaw Moors
1 Kestrel
1 juvenile Cormorant on Walkerwood
20+ Goldfinch
7 Bullfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Willow Tit, calling loudly over the past few days
Great, Blue, and Coal Tits
Several noisy Jays
Also reports of 4 Whooper Swans on Higher Swineshaw, on two occasions over the past fortnight, most recently last Friday
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
51 Reed Bunting, my highest ever count in the valley. 15 flew south west, down the valley from Higher Swineshaw, landing in the beech trees at the scout hut. Further groups of 23, 7, and 6 seen in the bracken around Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
2 Stonechat
10 Meadow Pipits
5 Red Grouse
2 Buzzard
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 Kestrel over Harridge
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Walkerwood Dam
Several noisy Jays around the treetops
c20 Siskin back and forth between the country park and Cock Wood
6 Redwing
22 Mistle Thrush, in two groups of 15 and 7
3 Buzzard over the Harridge side of the valley
Chaffinch
Female Bullfinch defending the feeder
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 29th of October 2015 01:31:01 PM
Walkerwood Dam, quite lively around the overflow area.
1 Willow Tit
Coal, Great, and Blue Tits
2 Chaffinch
1 Raven over south west
7 Mistle Thrush over Cock Wood, another alarm calling as the Raven went over
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
11 Canada Geese
3 Mallard
Brushes Valley, up to Higher Swineshaw
3 Stonechat
36 Reed Bunting, at least. All seen. 28 counted chasing around the bracken to the west of Higher Swineshaw dam, the other 8 put up by a Buzzard over Swineshaw Moor, to the north of the reservoir
4 Red Grouse
3 Meadow Pipits
2 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Buzzard
Around the scout hut
2 Mistle Thrush
3 Long-tailed Tits
2 Bullfinch
1 Sparrowhawk causing a commotion in the woods further down the valley
Higher Swineshaw, in deteriorating conditions, ending up being forced to abandon the morning in torrential rain.
2 Stonechat
3 Reed Bunting
4 Red Grouse
1 Buzzard
1 Pied Wagtail
Walkerwood Dam
1 Dipper, flying noisily along the shoreline of the dam. It would be interesting to know whether this is the same bird as the one I've seen at Higher Swineshaw for the past two weeks. Unfortunately, I'd planned to nip around to Woodhead this morning, rather than up Brushes Valley
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Bullfinch
Several Great Tits
1 Coal Tit
1 Willow Tit
Following discussions with Steve Atkins, could anyone sending records to GMBRG for the Willow Tit (or any other species) please use the site "Brushes Road" (SJ982989) for non-reservoir sightings (including the feeder), to avoid confusion. Use Walkerwood Reservoir for sightings on or around the reservoir itself, and the overflow
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 02:43:46 PM
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
2 Kestrel, one each at Lower and Higher Swineshaw
25 Redwing out of the trees by the scout hut, at first light, flew north over Higher Swineshaw. Another 4 heading east over Higher Swineshaw dam
3 Mistle Thrush
1 Dipper still singing away at Higher Swineshaw
1 Snipe flushed from Higher Swineshaw overflow
1 male Stonechat
6 Reed Bunting
9 Goldfinch
7 Red Grouse
Goldcrest heard around the scout hut, not seen
Single Black-headed Gull on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Walkerwood Dam
1 Willow Tit
Several Bullfinch
Several Chaffinch
1 Willow Tit
9 Canada Geese
5 Mallard
Siskin rising from Cock Wood direction at first light today, in two groups of c20 and 4. Both flew over into the country park
Several Bullfinch
Several Goldfinch
Lesser Redpoll heard
Several Dunnock, including on the feeder
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 14th of October 2015 04:44:50 PM