Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond (even) my control no Waxwings were ringed at the bowling green this morning, due to the fact there were no Waxwings..............
.............but I went back this afternoon (15.00) 8 birds appeared and fed on the berries along with three Redwings. In between feeds the birds went over Ashley Road to the tall tree behind the shops, next to the library where there was a small group when I first arrived this morning. I have seen the birds in that tree 2 or 3 times during the week.
I stood watching the birds feed from about 5m in front of the berry tree and they were not disturbed but interestingly when I tried sitting on the bench also about 5m to the left of the tree briefly, they didn't come to feed .
Good to see several "old" forum hands present this morning and to meet Chris Greene and Mrs as well as Karen Foulkes at long last
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 23rd of February 2013 06:57:32 PM
Dave Cropper said
Sat Feb 23 3:56 PM, 2013
20 at junction of Park Road and Frieston Road West Timperley at 7.45 this morning.
Awainwright said
Sat Feb 23 5:03 AM, 2013
34 Waxwing outside doctors surgery at Captain Lee's Rd, Westhoughton. Trying to feed in nearby tree in private garden but very flighty. Present till at least 4.15pm
steven burke said
Sat Feb 23 2:43 AM, 2013
a lonely 1 waxwing was back at the bowling green hale at 1.30pm it fed briefly with 9 redwings at around 1.40pm before flying to the top of the tree, it then flew off south at 2pm only to be joined by another 32 which landed in the top of the trees for a few minutes before all flying of north east. not a lot off berries left there, but on a little wonder around I did manage to find a (loaded) berry tree on culcheth road inbetween Ashley rd & willow tree rd, Altrincham, north west of the bowling green.
good luck with tomorrow Jason, unfortunately I cant make it tomorrow
JasonAtkinson said
Sat Feb 23 2:17 AM, 2013
Waxwings in Hale
For anybody who is interested I am setting up the net at the bowling green from 7:30, the birds usually come down to feed around 8am. Anybody who would like to see Waxwings in the hand, it would be great to see you. All we need is a bit of luck. I put the net up for 20 minutes this morning and caught a further 7 (21 in 2 days) so hopefully 3 hours tomorrow should provide at least one!
Cheers Jason
Andy Platt said
Sat Feb 23 1:12 AM, 2013
70 Waxwings on Hillspring Road Springhead at 4.30pm flew off at 5.00pm towards Grotton:
steven burke said
Fri Feb 22 9:29 PM, 2013
7 waxwings, bowling green hale, landed in tall trees briefly then flew off north east at 12.55pm.
Phil Hampson said
Fri Feb 22 5:01 PM, 2013
Numbers in Hale at the Bowling Club this morning have been fluctuating between 12 and 80. Have been feeding on the Costa Coffee side. Phil
Melanie Beckford said
Fri Feb 22 4:11 PM, 2013
Fiona Moate wrote:
I tried to get there today on a bus from Altrincham. they seem to have altered the buses since I last went to Hale. I asked a fellow passenger where the nearest stop to the centre was & they directed me to Hale Barns...back to Altrincham & another bus & this went to Hale Barns too even though it said Hale on the stand. It was so cold I got a bus home & missed seeing the birds. Very disappointing.
Ohhh that IS disappointing Fiona, I'm unsure of where you are but you can get a train from Piccadilly that goes straight into Hale and the birds at Costa Coffee are within a few minutes walk. Alternatively if you try again you can walk from Altrincham town centre, l'd say maybe 20 mins it'll take.
Jason's there this morning but he said tomorrow he'll set up a larger net, good luck !
sid ashton said
Fri Feb 22 12:50 PM, 2013
Hale bowling green, 10 birds present at c.11.00 and berry numbers decreasing. Possibly a day's supply remaining ????.
Nice to meet forum members;- Nigel, David and Lisa and Anthony Dixon.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 22nd of February 2013 02:50:26 PM
Fiona Moate said
Fri Feb 22 6:23 AM, 2013
I tried to get there today on a bus from Altrincham. they seem to have altered the buses since I last went to Hale. I asked a fellow passenger where the nearest stop to the centre was & they directed me to Hale Barns...back to Altrincham & another bus & this went to Hale Barns too even though it said Hale on the stand. It was so cold I got a bus home & missed seeing the birds. Very disappointing.
sid ashton said
Fri Feb 22 4:58 AM, 2013
Yes Melanie great to meet you at last. Those two small charges of yours were really interested, well done you.
As I said in my earlier post this morning "what a privilege to be there". After a 2 or 3 bad months the occasion really lifted the old spirits, thanks all.
Melanie Beckford said
Fri Feb 22 4:18 AM, 2013
Took my two small charges to see the Waxwings straight after breakfast, l'd seen them yesterday but l wanted them to see them up close... l was hoping a birder would have a scope for the children to look through, even though the birds are very close. Nice to meet you Sid Ashton, the children were very interested in the birds and even told their Mum this evening that you live in Hale!! Lovely also to meet Phil Hampson...all the info you shared about the birds stayed with the children and we appreciate you showing us your photo's.
Big thanks to Jason Atkinson...it was really kind and a special moment that you allowed the children to release the ringed birds. The little girl l look after wanted today's experience to go in her "What l did at Half-term" book so l've added it...and her brother told his parents when they arrived home about how you can tell a juvenile from an adult. No prompting from me at all !!
l was delighted that today's cold but interesting morning's birding has stayed with them. Who knows....it might spark an interest ??
Do u have the road on which Hale Bowling Green is situated? Thanks
Graham Smith said
Fri Feb 22 12:02 AM, 2013
41 sat on telephone wires on Calvecroft rd Wythenshaw flying between these and the tree in back garden
Nigel Richards said
Thu Feb 21 11:52 PM, 2013
Havng now missed today any palns for tomorrow? Cheers
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Feb 21 11:50 PM, 2013
Waxwings are still present at Hale Bowling Green and qualified ringer Jason Atkinson has a net erected (having caught eight today already) and will be present until dusk this afternoon if anyone would like to go down and see the birds close up.
Ben Smart said
Thu Feb 21 9:06 PM, 2013
Just headed down again to Hardy Lane to get more photos, but they've moved off. Don't suppose they are too far away. There are still some berries remaining, so they may return later.
Ben Smart said
Thu Feb 21 8:44 PM, 2013
About 40 waxwings on Hardy Lane in Chorlton. If heading from Barlow Moor Road, they are on the left hand side, in one of the tall trees regularly flying down for berries from a front garden, just before the left turn to Darley Avenue. Photo just taken at: flickr
Phil Hampson said
Thu Feb 21 8:24 PM, 2013
Melanie, to me today is what our hobby is all about - sharing. Be it us adults to the children, or, Jason explaining and showing the differences between adults/juvenile/female/male. It all made for a most enjoyable and rewarding 3 hours. Many thanks to all and it was a delight to see how the children enjoyed it.
Regards
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 09:00:39 PM
Tony Coatsworth said
Thu Feb 21 8:14 PM, 2013
About 20 at 08:00 on Wilmslow Rd near the Hardys Well pub - a Sparrowhawk then spooked them and they headed west over Platt Fields - maybe the same flock as below ??
Nigel Richards said
Thu Feb 21 7:55 PM, 2013
Dave Any update on Chorlton sightings as I am ready to get in the car and have a search Cheers
Phil Hampson said
Thu Feb 21 7:24 PM, 2013
Sid, likewise for me - wonderful. Great birds and some of the best viewing possible.
Phil
Dave Dalrymple said
Thu Feb 21 6:37 PM, 2013
There were around 20 Waxwings in trees on Hardy Lane, Chorlton near the junction with Barlow Moor Road at 09.00 this morning. They were very mobile though and may have moved on by now.
sid ashton said
Thu Feb 21 6:34 PM, 2013
07.45 - 09.45 cold but bright, Hale bowling green, c.80 Waxwings present. Also present were Jason Atkinson, Phil Hampson and Melanie Beckford with two of her delightful little charges. Jason netted and ringed 6 of the birds, Phil and Melanie took pictures and the little boy and girl released a bird each and I just stood around - but what a privilege to be there I shall think of Waxwings in a different light from now on, brilliant.
Nigel Richards said
Thu Feb 21 6:17 PM, 2013
Any Waxwings in South Manchester, Hale, Stockport?
JasonAtkinson said
Thu Feb 21 5:40 PM, 2013
Hale Waxwings
In total 14 Waxwings were ringed today in 2 visits. The early session produced 6 1st winter birds and the afternoon session managed a further 8, 7 1st winter and a stunning adult male. Thanks to Sid Ashton for the updates and Ian for the earlier post. Nice to meet Phil Hampson and Mellanie Beckford. A few curious folk asking questions and pleased to see these enigmatic birds up close. Also a show and tell this afternoon to the folk in the bowling green cafe which resulted in a cup of tea and 2 biscuits. I may have another go in the morning and will probably be present Saturday morning. If you fancy seeing Waxwings super close then I will see you down there, I must add its not an exact science catching birds so you could also be disappointed.
Cheers Jason
-- Edited by JasonAtkinson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 05:41:51 PM
Phil Hampson said
Thu Feb 21 4:21 PM, 2013
Its immediately after Costa Coffee if coming from the railway station direction (or before if coming from Ashley) on Ashley Road, B5163. There is a large car park behind it, up the side of Costa Coffee towards the Co-op. No charge until 08:00 then 30p for 2 hours. According to Sid Ashton they are very keen on parking charges and give tickets if not paid or time exceeded.
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 04:22:31 PM
Phil Hampson said
Thu Feb 21 3:56 PM, 2013
I will be down there first thing tomorrow. Have some images from this morning when Jason was ringing.
Happy to email if people send me their email address.
Cheers
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 05:27:49 PM
Jimmy Meadows said
Thu Feb 21 4:20 AM, 2013
23 Waxwings at Buckley Street Wigan 3:45
Jimmy
Melanie Beckford said
Thu Feb 21 12:09 AM, 2013
50 + now outside Costa Coffee in Hale
sid ashton said
Wed Feb 20 7:22 PM, 2013
Today, Waxwing flock size up to 55 - 60 around Hale bowling green at 11.00 and up to 80 birds at 09.00. Two Redwings as well today. Plenty of berries left on the tree.
Phil Hampson said
Wed Feb 20 11:54 AM, 2013
109 in Hale village at 11:50. Outside Costa Coffee.
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Wednesday 20th of February 2013 01:13:12 PM
Phil Hampson said
Wed Feb 20 1:07 AM, 2013
Sid, thank you. Phil
sid ashton said
Wed Feb 20 12:55 AM, 2013
Phil Hampson wrote:
Sid Were there plenty of berries on the tree, i.e. enough for them to be there Wednesday.
Cheers
Phil
Phil, there are still plenty of berries on the tree. Had another look later on as I was passing and the birds were still around. Some sitting out in the sunshine and some flycatching and going to the berry tree - a nice mixed diet There was a single Redwing with them.
I was chatting to a lady who lives close to the bowling green and it seems they have been around for a couple of days, quite often disappearing as a group for short periods. So probably a good chance you would see them tomorrow.
Phil Hampson said
Wed Feb 20 12:29 AM, 2013
Sid Were there plenty of berries on the tree, i.e. enough for them to be there Wednesday.
Cheers
Phil
sid ashton said
Tue Feb 19 9:23 PM, 2013
30 - 35 Waxwings around Hale bowling green most of the morning. Visiting the berry tree outside Costa coffee. The birds were still there at 13.15.
Dave Thacker said
Tue Feb 19 4:24 AM, 2013
Eight Waxwings high in the trees next to Light Oaks garage on Lancaster road in Salford at 16.35 this afternoon. They flew off over the nearby playing fields opposite.
John Doherty said
Mon Feb 18 8:19 PM, 2013
9 in the trees belonging to the rec. at Slack Road/Andrew Rd, Blackley/Harpurhey border - flew north, but were later seen on my return heading East over the terrace houses.
Darren carr said
Mon Feb 18 3:47 PM, 2013
Approx 30 waxwings on the Buckley st/Barnsley st junction Wigan At 7.30 am opp the Methodist church feeding on the rowen in the white bungalows Garden
Tony Martin said
Mon Feb 18 3:46 AM, 2013
36 waxwings at the corner of Avon Road/Portloe Road, Heald Green, yesterday, Saturday 16.2.13, but flew shortly after 10.00 am.
Mike Duckham said
Mon Feb 18 2:24 AM, 2013
c. 45 at Sainsburys Altrincham above the recycling centre at the far end of the car park at 5.10 pm. A massive decrease in berries in that area since December. They then flew east and i had them at the Grove Lane traffic lights before they again flew off east. So that's part of their circuit anyway!
Graham Smith said
Mon Feb 18 12:31 AM, 2013
10 in my Wythenshawe garden
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Feb 17 10:59 PM, 2013
Mike Duckham wrote:
Still present 2pm.
Mike Duckham wrote:
11 at the junction of Grove Lane and Delahays Road Hale again at 12 pm today, in a tree above the cotoneaster. It'd be interesting to know what kind of a circuit a flock develops in an area over time..
Up to 13 by mid-afternoon then flew towards hale centre.
Stephen Fuentes said
Sun Feb 17 10:43 PM, 2013
2 Waxwings this morning from my back garden in Bredbury, sat in a neighbours Oak tree.
Cheers,
Steve.
Mike Duckham said
Sun Feb 17 10:01 PM, 2013
Still present 2pm.
Mike Duckham wrote:
11 at the junction of Grove Lane and Delahays Road Hale again at 12 pm today, in a tree above the cotoneaster. It'd be interesting to know what kind of a circuit a flock develops in an area over time..
Mike Duckham said
Sun Feb 17 8:33 PM, 2013
11 at the junction of Grove Lane and Delahays Road Hale again at 12 pm today, in a tree above the cotoneaster. It'd be interesting to know what kind of a circuit a flock develops in an area over time..
.............but I went back this afternoon (15.00) 8 birds appeared and fed on the berries along with three Redwings. In between feeds the birds went over Ashley Road to the tall tree behind the shops, next to the library where there was a small group when I first arrived this morning. I have seen the birds in that tree 2 or 3 times during the week.
I stood watching the birds feed from about 5m in front of the berry tree and they were not disturbed but interestingly when I tried sitting on the bench also about 5m to the left of the tree briefly, they didn't come to feed .
Good to see several "old" forum hands present this morning and to meet Chris Greene and Mrs as well as Karen Foulkes at long last
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 23rd of February 2013 06:57:32 PM
good luck with tomorrow Jason, unfortunately I cant make it tomorrow
For anybody who is interested I am setting up the net at the bowling green from 7:30, the birds usually come down to feed around 8am. Anybody who would like to see Waxwings in the hand, it would be great to see you. All we need is a bit of luck. I put the net up for 20 minutes this morning and caught a further 7 (21 in 2 days) so hopefully 3 hours tomorrow should provide at least one!
Cheers
Jason
Ohhh that IS disappointing Fiona, I'm unsure of where you are but you can get a train from Piccadilly that goes straight into Hale and the birds at Costa Coffee are within a few minutes walk. Alternatively if you try again you can walk from Altrincham town centre, l'd say maybe 20 mins it'll take.
Jason's there this morning but he said tomorrow he'll set up a larger net, good luck !
Nice to meet forum members;- Nigel, David and Lisa and Anthony Dixon.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 22nd of February 2013 02:50:26 PM
As I said in my earlier post this morning "what a privilege to be there". After a 2 or 3 bad months the occasion really lifted the old spirits, thanks all.
Nice to meet you Sid Ashton, the children were very interested in the birds and even told their Mum this evening that you live in Hale!!
Lovely also to meet Phil Hampson...all the info you shared about the birds stayed with the children and we appreciate you showing us your photo's.
Big thanks to Jason Atkinson...it was really kind and a special moment that you allowed the children to release the ringed birds. The little girl l look after wanted today's experience to go in her "What l did at Half-term" book so l've added it...and her brother told his parents when they arrived home about how you can tell a juvenile from an adult. No prompting from me at all !!
l was delighted that today's cold but interesting morning's birding has stayed with them. Who knows....it might spark an interest ??
Thanks again to all three....x
Nigel
Thanks
Thanks
Cheers
Photo just taken at:
flickr
Regards
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 09:00:39 PM
Any update on Chorlton sightings as I am ready to get in the car and have a search
Cheers
Phil
In total 14 Waxwings were ringed today in 2 visits. The early session produced 6 1st winter birds and the afternoon session managed a further 8, 7 1st winter and a stunning adult male. Thanks to Sid Ashton for the updates and Ian for the earlier post. Nice to meet Phil Hampson and Mellanie Beckford. A few curious folk asking questions and pleased to see these enigmatic birds up close. Also a show and tell this afternoon to the folk in the bowling green cafe which resulted in a cup of tea and 2 biscuits.
I may have another go in the morning and will probably be present Saturday morning. If you fancy seeing Waxwings super close then I will see you down there, I must add its not an exact science catching birds so you could also be disappointed.
Cheers
Jason
-- Edited by JasonAtkinson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 05:41:51 PM
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 04:22:31 PM
Happy to email if people send me their email address.
Cheers
Phil
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Thursday 21st of February 2013 05:27:49 PM
Jimmy
-- Edited by Phil Hampson on Wednesday 20th of February 2013 01:13:12 PM
I was chatting to a lady who lives close to the bowling green and it seems they have been around for a couple of days, quite often disappearing as a group for short periods. So probably a good chance you would see them tomorrow.
Were there plenty of berries on the tree, i.e. enough for them to be there Wednesday.
Cheers
Phil
At 7.30 am opp the Methodist church feeding on the rowen in the white bungalows
Garden
Up to 13 by mid-afternoon then flew towards hale centre.
Cheers,
Steve.