Single Oystercatcher over, up the valley Several Curlews bubbling on top of Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 15 8:02 AM, 2015
Wednesday 15th April 2015, 6.30am
Walkerwood Dam, misty and cold.
My first Blackcap this year, firing out his song from the top of a Hawthorn, showing well 3 Jays moving very agitatedly around the foot of Harridge Several Willow Warblers singing 3 Chiffchaff singing Pied Wagtail Female Bullfinch Lesser Redpoll over Great Spotted Woodpecker, one over, one drumming
David Walsh said
Mon Apr 13 10:06 PM, 2015
Monday 13th April 2015, 7.15 - 8.15pm
Wild Bank, a quick circular walk, taking in the trig point. Quiet again.
12 singing Willow Warblers 3 Chiffchaff 6 Linnet, including 2 singing males 4+ Lesser Redpoll Pair of Bullfinch 2 Greenfinch singing 3 Chaffinch singing 2 Song Thrush Pair of Skylark showing well at the summit, at least 6 others singing 3 Red Grouse
Late post for this morning's dog walk, Walkerwood Dam, 6.30am
1 Willow Tit Pair of Grey Wagtails, copulating Pair of Pied Wagtails Pair of Moorhen Mandarin drake feeding in the fields at Cote Farm 3 Bullfinch, with 2 females having a right go at each other, male looking on 5 Willow Warblers singing 2 Chiffchaff singing 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 13th of April 2015 10:21:58 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Apr 11 10:07 AM, 2015
Saturday 11th April 2015, 6.15 - 8.30am
Brushes Valley, and around Lees Hill, in atrocious conditions at Lees Hill. From sunstroke to hypothermia in two days.
2 male Ring Ouzels flew noisily onto Lees Hill at 7.15, showed well in the treetops and fence posts for half an hour, then flew off towards Higher Bank. I heard at least one other higher up the hill, but didn't see it 2 Curlews Several singing Reed Bunting 3 Willow Warblers singing Chiffchaff singing 4 Lesser Redpoll at Brushes Cottages
I intended spending the morning up there, but a combination of man, beast, and equipment being drenched, and the biting wind and temperature of one degree forced us home early - just as the weather cleared up. Never has a bacon butty and a tinfoil blanket felt so good
David Walsh said
Fri Apr 10 10:16 PM, 2015
Friday 10th April 2015, 7.00 - 8.15pm
Wild Bank Moor
4 Ring Ouzels (2 male, 2 females), at 1000ft 6 Red Grouse Several Skylark Meadow Pipits parachuting 1 Willow Warbler singing strongly in the birch 3 Chiffchaff singing Lesser Redpoll at Flaxfield and Cock Wood areas of the moor
David Walsh said
Thu Apr 9 2:59 PM, 2015
Thursday 9th April 2015, 7.00 - 11.30am
Brushes Valley, including a wander from Higher Swineshaw to Middle Bank with Roger Baker. Heavy pylon maintenance traffic at Higher Swineshaw put the kibosh on any hoped for migrants. Possibly a week early also?? Sightings for the Brushes Valley, in addition to Roger's from the Middle Bank side.
2 pairs of Pied Wagtails Pair of Stonechat at Lower Swineshaw At least 4 Reed Bunting singing 4 Lesser Redpoll at Lower Swineshaw scout hut, 2 at Brushes Cottages Greenfinch singing at the scout hut Pair of Grey Wagtails at Walkerwood 6 Chiffchaff singing along the valley Long-tailed Tits nesting 6 Red Grouse Grey Heron over Walkerwood Buzzard over Kestrel over Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 8 9:19 AM, 2015
Wednesday 8th April 2015, 6.15 - 7.30am
Walkerwood Dam, then quickly up to Wild Bank Moor. Sunshine and birdsong, a fantastic start to the day.
6+ Lesser Redpoll in the birch above Cock Wood, and 2 feeding at Walkerwood Dam. This species is well distributed throughout the area, particularly in the birch growth fringing the moor c6 Skylarks, some singing, and some showing well on the moor 1 Buzzard Pair of Grey Wagtails in Walkerwood overflow 1 Pied Wagtail 2 Bullfinches 2 Song Thrush Pair of Long-tailed Tits nest building Red Grouse calling from the moor No sign of any Wheatear this morning, but I didn't have time to venture as high up the moor as last night
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 8th of April 2015 09:20:15 AM
David Walsh said
Tue Apr 7 10:44 PM, 2015
Tuesday 7th April 2015, 7.15 - 8.30pm
Flaxfield and Wild Bank
1 male Wheatear on the scree slopes on Wild Bank Moor, above Cock Wood, at dusk c4 Skylarks over the moor 6 Red Grouse 3 singing Greenfinch at Flaxfield 3 Mistle Thrush at Flaxfield 2 Song Thrush singing Chiffchaff singing at Flaxfield Single Swallow again near Range House Lesser Redpoll in the birch Kestrel over Wild Bank
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 7th of April 2015 11:08:49 PM
David Walsh said
Mon Apr 6 3:43 PM, 2015
Monday 6th April 2015, a couple of visits today.
9.30 - 10.30am, in the fog at Walkerwood
11 Bullfinch, including 3 pairs, some males singing 6 Meadow Pipits picking through the dam banking Pair of Pied Wagtails Pair of Grey Wagtails Grey Heron down the valley Several Jays Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming 3 Chiffchaff singing
3.00pm, a quick half-hour along the foot of Wild Bank Moor, in glorious conditions
1 Swallow singing strongly from a telephone wire at Range House, my first of the year 2 Skylark singing 10+ Lesser Redpoll, a couple of males singing in the birch. I find this species so difficult to count, moving around as they do 1 Linnet singing at Flaxfield Pair of Pied Wagtails at Flaxfield Chiffchaff singing behind Range House Buzzard over 20+ Meadow Pipits parachuting
David Walsh said
Sun Apr 5 11:47 AM, 2015
Sunday 5th April 2015, 8.30 - 10.00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up to the rifle ranges. Foggy and very poor visibility above 200m. Pointless going on to the moor
1 Skylark singing 1 pair of Lesser Redpoll, the male singing in the birch 1 Willow Tit 1 Coal Tit Pair of Long-tailed Tits Pair of Grey Wagtails Jay Female Bullfinch 3 Song Thrush singing 20+ Meadow Pipits Plenty of Chaffinch and Dunnock singing Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
David Walsh said
Sat Apr 4 12:46 PM, 2015
Saturday 4th April 2015, 6.45 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill
At least 6 Curlew, on both sides of Brushes Valley, and between Middle and Higher Bank 6+ Reed Bunting, singing at both Swineshaw reservoirs 6+ Skylark singing Too many Meadow Pipits to count, must have been 100+ 10 Red Grouse Drake Gadwall on Higher Swineshaw At least 4 Lesser Redpoll around the scout hut 7 Pied Wagtails 1 Linnet at Middle Bank 2 Mistle Thrush on Lower Swineshaw dam 1 pair of Blackbirds at Higher Swineshaw Chiffchaff singing in Cock Wood
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 4th of April 2015 12:51:28 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 28 10:12 AM, 2015
Saturday 28th March 2015, 7.00 - 8.45am
From Walkerwood Dam, past the ranges to Flaxfield, then up on to Wild Bank Moor. Dry and mild at first, then heavy rain and windy from 8.15
1 Raven at Harridge 1 Skylark singing over the moor Meadow Pipits back in force now, 50+ today At least 3 Lesser Redpoll in the birch at Wild Bank 1 Red Grouse Mandarin drake at Walkerwood 1 Moorhen at Walkerwood Pair of Grey Wagtails in the overflow Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park, and another over the dam Several Coal Tits around, some singing
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 28th of March 2015 10:14:49 AM
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 26 12:58 PM, 2015
Thursday 26th March 2015, 10.00 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood Dam, past the ranges to Flaxfield, and back over Wild Bank Moor
Cold and windy, with pockets of overnight snow still around
Pair of Stonechat at Wild Bank 2 Buzzard over the valley 1 Kestrel 6 Redwing c10 Meadow Pipits 4 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Jay 1 Willow Tit Pair of Pied Wagtails at Walkerwood Mandarin drake flying around Walkerwood with a group of Mallard Not a lot of singing, other than Dunnock, Chaffinch, and Thrushes, but it was a wild old morning up on the moor
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 26th of March 2015 01:14:02 PM
David Walsh said
Mon Mar 23 11:23 AM, 2015
Monday 23rd March 2015, 8.15 - 9.45am
Must have just missed you Roger - did you hear us coming?
From Walkerwood, up past the ranges to Flaxfield - didn't bother going onto the moor due to poor visibility with low cloud
Similar Meadow Pipit count to Roger At around 9.00am, a Skylark began singing strongly over the moor through the drizzle, continuing until we left Chiffchaff singing in the country park Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming 1 Mistle Thrush 3 Song Thrush More thrushes in the far fields at Flaxfield, where Fieldfare and Redwing have been recently, but unable to make them out in the gloom Several singing Chaffinch 4 Goldfinch 4 Bullfinch around Walkerwood, more calling
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 23rd of March 2015 11:56:45 AM
Roger Baker 3 said
Mon Mar 23 8:52 AM, 2015
Mon 23rd March. 06.45 - 08.00 hrs.
Past the ranges to Wild Bank and Flaxfield. Cold and drizzling.
Meadow Pipit ( c30+) quite a few "parachuting".
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 21 11:18 AM, 2015
Saturday 21st March 2015, 8.00 - 9.00am
Walkerwood Reservoir
First Chiffchaff here this year. Not singing, but being chased around by Blue Tits 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the reservoir Lesser Redpoll over Female Bullfinch mopping up beneath the feeders 4 Jays, very active today
Otherwise fairly quiet, but it was a quick skip around this morning
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 19 12:06 PM, 2015
Thursday 19th March 2015, 9.00 - 11,00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Wild Bank and Flaxfield, a beautiful spring morning.
At least 4 Lesser Redpoll back at Wild Bank, "jangling" around the gorse and birch c15 Meadow Pipits, some displaying Pair of Bullfinch at Flaxfield 10+ Chaffinch singing A mixed flock of c25 Redwing and c15 Fieldfare in the fields and trees of Flaxfield Farm 6+ Blackbirds in with the above, plus many more everywhere 6+ Mistle Thrush 3 Song Thrush 2 Jays 6+ Dunnock singing Pair of Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow Mandarin drake at Walkerwood Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 19th of March 2015 12:08:42 PM
David Walsh said
Wed Mar 18 9:14 AM, 2015
Wednesday 18th March 2015, 6.40 - 7.25am
Walkerwood Dam, on a beautiful, crisp morning
1 Grey Wagtail in the overflow 2 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall several chattering Jays Mandarin drake chasing around after the female Mallard 3 Mistle Thrush singing 2 Song Thrush 10+ Blackbirds 4 Bullfinch (2m, 2f) 4 singing Chaffinch Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park Kestrel over Harridge Dunnock, Wren, and Robin singing - temperature aside (-2 degrees), it felt like spring.
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 14 1:45 PM, 2015
Saturday 14th March 2015, 9.00 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back. Cold and windy at the top.
5 Red Grouse 3 Meadow Pipits At least 4 Lesser Redpoll at the scout hut, feeding on alders Nuthatches singing Buzzard over 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 1 pair of Grey Wagtails - male performing a very impressive display, head upright and tail held vertically.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 13th of March 2015 09:53:56 AM
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 12 8:28 PM, 2015
Steve Suttill wrote:
David Walsh wrote:
Plus a trio of Grey Wagtails? The male was calling persistently from the overflow, then flew further up the channel, where it started a wing-shivering display, so I scanned around for a female, and saw two! All three birds then flew further up the overflow and out of sight, calling loudly. I've read that Dippers sometimes have one male paired with two females, but I don't know about Wagtails. My other thought was that maybe one of the birds could be a first winter bird still hanging around with the pair.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 12th of March 2015 11:53:10 AM
Hi David
apparently polygamy has been noted amongst Grey Wagtails. I'll send you an old paper from Bird Study.
Thanks Steve, you'll soon be charging me library fees.
Steve Suttill said
Thu Mar 12 4:36 PM, 2015
David Walsh wrote:
Plus a trio of Grey Wagtails? The male was calling persistently from the overflow, then flew further up the channel, where it started a wing-shivering display, so I scanned around for a female, and saw two! All three birds then flew further up the overflow and out of sight, calling loudly. I've read that Dippers sometimes have one male paired with two females, but I don't know about Wagtails. My other thought was that maybe one of the birds could be a first winter bird still hanging around with the pair.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 12th of March 2015 11:53:10 AM
Hi David
apparently polygamy has been noted amongst Grey Wagtails. I'll send you an old paper from Bird Study.
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 12 11:52 AM, 2015
Thursday 12th March 2015, 9.00 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield, and back
Very quiet around Flaxfield and Wild Bank Moor. Plenty of Dunnock and Chaffinch singing, but not a lot else.
1 Red Grouse on the moor 3 Meadow Pipits 1 Kestrel
A bit more life around Walkerwood
1 pair of Goosander on the reservoir Drake Mandarin still with the pair of Mallard 12 Black-headed Gulls 1 Willow Tit Song Thrush singing in the country park Plus a trio of Grey Wagtails? The male was calling persistently from the overflow, then flew further up the channel, where it started a wing-shivering display, so I scanned around for a female, and saw two! All three birds then flew further up the overflow and out of sight, calling loudly. I've read that Dippers sometimes have one male paired with two females, but I don't know about Wagtails. My other thought was that maybe one of the birds could be a first winter bird still hanging around with the pair.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 12th of March 2015 11:53:10 AM
David Walsh said
Mon Mar 9 1:49 PM, 2015
Monday 9th March 2015, 6.30 - 7,15am
Walkerwood area
Drake Mandarin still present, again with Mallard pair 1 Willow Tit 1 female Grey Wagtail in the overflow Lesser Redpoll over 4 Goldfinch 4 Chaffinches singing
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 7 7:06 PM, 2015
Saturday 7th March 2015, 8.15 - 9.15am, and 3.30 - 5.00pm
Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield
Surprisingly quiet, and no sign of any Skylarks today
3 Redwing next to Walkerwood Dam. I've had very few sightings in the area of this species this winter 1 Kestrel 1 Grey Heron in the field next to Brushes Road Drake Mandarin still present at Walkerwood. Despite the gaudy plumage, it was surprisingly well camouflaged sitting amongst dead bracken by the dam 1 Grey Wagtail in the overflow 1 Willow Tit 3 Red Grouse 1 Meadow Pipit 6+ Dunnock, including 2 singing in the gorse at Wild Bank Plenty of Chaffinches singing Mistle Thrushes singing
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 5 1:38 PM, 2015
Thursday 5th March 2015, 9.00 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
2 Reed Bunting singing, in full breeding plumage, at Lower and Higher Swineshaw, a harbinger of spring 7 Red Grouse, one pair displaying at Lower Swineshaw 10+ Chaffinches along the length of the valley, with 7 singing 2 Kestrels at Higher Swineshaw 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 1 female Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Tue Mar 3 8:04 AM, 2015
Tuesday 3rd March 2015, 6.45 - 7.25am
2 Peregrines over 1 Kestrel through the overflow 1 Willow Tit
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 3rd of March 2015 05:23:05 PM
David Walsh said
Mon Mar 2 7:56 AM, 2015
Monday 2nd March 2015, 7.00am
Walkerwood Reservoir, in a snowstorm.
1 Willow Tit on makeshift feeder Mandarin drake still present, swimming with Mallard Mistle Thrush and Chaffinch leading the singing
David Walsh said
Sun Mar 1 3:09 PM, 2015
Sunday 1st March 2015, 9.00 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield, then back across Wild Bank Moor
A very quiet morning, in a bone-chilling wind up on Wild Bank Moor, notable for a complete lack of Meadow Pipits. In previous years there have been reasonable numbers in every month of the year, but this winter produced one count of 2 in December, nothing in January, and a single group of 6 last month. Last year birds were displaying in February.
At the 1,000 foot contour a single Skylark sang briefly, then flew (or rather, was blown) for cover, on territory a week earlier than last year.
1 Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank Moor Dunnock singing briefly in the gorse 1 Jay 15 Fieldfare in the fields at Flaxfield
Very hard work this morning, rescued by a 20 second burst of song from the Skylark.
A brief stop-off at 2.00pm
1 Mandarin drake on Walkerwood Reservoir, swimming with a pair of Mallard
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 28 10:33 AM, 2015
Saturday 28th February 2015, 7.00 - 8.30am
From Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw, in heavy drizzle
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brushes Cottages 2 Jays 1 female Bullfinch 2 Long-tailed Tits Plenty of Dunnock singing, with a pair displaying at Walkerwood 1 Pied Wagtail on Walkerwood Dam 1 pair of Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir Chaffinch and Mistle Thrush singing everywhere Valley filled with birdsong, mainly from Great, Blue, and Coal TIts, Robins, and Wren And a female Mallard perched in the treetops at Walkerwood!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 28th of February 2015 10:34:55 AM
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 27 9:03 AM, 2015
Friday 27th February 2015, 6.30 - 7.10am
Walkerwood area
2 Kestrels, one over the country park, the other over Harridge 1 Willow Tit 2 Coal Tits 4 Mistle Thrushes singing 2 Chaffinch singing 6 Blackbirds charging around
David Walsh said
Thu Feb 26 9:32 PM, 2015
A brief walk up Brushes Valley after this morning's rain didn't produce much in the way of sightings.
Chaffinch singing Goldfinch singing Mistle Thrush singing 2 Bullfinch 12+ Great and Blue Tits 4 Coal Tits, including one collecting nesting material 2 Long-tailed Tits 1 Jay
Most of the Tits were on feeders that someone has recently erected in one of the old quarries next to Brushes Reservoir, as well as a nest box in the same area. Should it be a forum member, I would like to issue a word of caution. The nest box, in particular, is very visible from the path, and unfortunately, I had the feeders stolen from Walkerwood at the weekend. It may be prudent to move the box to a less visible position, just in case.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 26th of February 2015 09:48:12 PM
David Walsh said
Sun Feb 22 1:50 PM, 2015
Sunday 22nd February 2015, 11.00am
Brief visit to Flaxfield, in a bitterly cold wind
c15 Fieldfare feeding in the fields at Flaxfield Farm Mistle Thrush singing 1 Grey Heron dropped in behind Range House
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 20 9:29 AM, 2015
Friday 20th February 2015, 7.00 - 8.30am
From Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw reservoir
5 Mistle Thrushes, higher up the valley than Tuesday's 8 males, including a singing male plus a pair at the scout hut, with the other 2 singing on either side of Brushes Reservoir 1 Song Thrush 6 Chaffinch (3 singing at the scout hut) 2 Bullfinch 6 Goldfinch 1 Greenfinch singing by Brushes Reservoir 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Willow Tit, very active today, calling repeatedly 1 Cormorant over, down the valley, then back up 5 minutes later
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 20th of February 2015 12:49:21 PM
David Walsh said
Tue Feb 17 9:05 AM, 2015
Tuesday 17th February 2015, 6.45 - 7.15am
Walkerwood area
8 singing Mistle Thrushes A good time of year to count this species at dawn. A brief walk along Walkerwood Dam and up to the gate at Brushes Cottages yielded the above count. More time would have certainly produced more; there was a new male singing every 200 yards or so, like a relay.
1 at Cote Farm 4 dotted around Walkerwood Reservoir 1 near Brushes Cottages 2 down in the country park
1 Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank Moor
David Walsh said
Sun Feb 15 2:26 PM, 2015
Sunday 15th February 2015, 8.45 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Back
More signs of Spring today, not least the weather!
1 Reed Bunting singing weakly at Lower Swineshaw Chaffinches singing at Brushes Cottages and at the scout hut Several singing Dunnock 1 Nuthatch 4 Long-tailed Tits, including 2 at Lower Swineshaw Dam 4 Bullfinches 54 Black-headed Gulls on Walkerwood Reservoir
Surprising not to see any Stonechats at the top, but nice to hear the Reed Bunting learning his lines.
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 14 6:31 PM, 2015
Saturday 14th February 2015, 8.30 - 10.30am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges to Flaxfield, and back
Nothing exciting, but some signs of Spring.
Mistle Thrushes singing at Walkerwood, the Country Park, and Wild Bank Moor Chaffinches singing at Flaxfield and the Country Park 4 Dunnocks singing in the gorse at Wild Bank 2 Red Grouse on the moor 1 Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood 6 Meadow Pipits out of the heather - the first I've seen in the area since mid-December 3 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit
David Walsh said
Wed Feb 11 9:42 AM, 2015
Wednesday 11th February 2015, 6.30 - 7.00am
Walkerwood area
First bird in song this morning was a Mistle Thrush, at Cote Farm, followed by two others, at either end of Walkerwood Dam 1 male Tawny Owl hooting down in the Country Park 53 Canada Geese on reservoir
Still dark at 7 o'clock today!
David Walsh said
Sat Feb 7 11:57 AM, 2015
Saturday 6th February 2015, 6.30 - 10.15am
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, around Lees Hill, and back - still snow-covered from Brushes Reservoir.
The early start was part of an effort to count Tawny Owls in the woods higher up Brushes Valley, after Friday morning's collection around Walkerwood. I seem to spend a lot of time wandering around the area looking for things and finding nothing, and I thought this was another of those mornings, as a slow walk in the darkness produced nothing for half an hour. Then at around seven, just as dawn was breaking, a female called from the valley bottom between Brushes and Lower Swineshaw, followed by another female in the woods higher up Harridge, accompanied by a male hooting, then another female low down by Brushes Reservoir. So I make that 9 Tawny Owls over the past two days, along the length of Brushes Valley - only the Country Park to do now. I have no idea how to interpret all of this; I'll submit them to Professors Atkins and McKerchar to see what they make of them!
4 Tawny Owls c20 Red Grouse More Chaffinches singing - 3 around the scout hut, 1 at Brushes Cottages, and 2 at Walkerwood Dam 1 Goldfinch at the scout hut 2 Reed Bunting - scout hut c6 Wren, including 2 singing in the snow at Higher Swineshaw 1 Robin followed us along the wall at Higher Swineshaw Dam 2 Treecreepers on the same tree trunk near Brushes Cottages 77 Black-headed Gulls on Walkerwood Reservoir 14 Mallard at Higher Swineshaw, 6 on Lower Swineshaw 1 Kestrel at Lees Hill c10 Coal Tits, including 7 counted calling from the scout hut to Brushes Cottages
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 6 8:45 AM, 2015
Friday 6th February 2015, 6.30 - 7.10am
Walkerwood Area
5 Tawny Owls - male and female in the trees near Walkerwood Dam, Wild Bank side; male and female in Cock Wood near Brushes Dam, and male calling from the woods on Harridge side. 55 Canada Geese on reservoir 14 Mallard
David Walsh said
Thu Feb 5 1:41 PM, 2015
Thursday 5th February 2015, 9.00 -11.00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up onto Wild Bank Moor and down to Cock Wood
1 Red Grouse, 2 Wren, and a few roosting Woodpigeon were the only birds in the snow on the moor 3 singing Chaffinches at Walkerwood and Cock Wood c130 Black-headed Gulls on the ice at Walkerwood 1 female Grey Wagtail feeding in the reservoir overflow 1 Willow Tit 2 Long-tailed Tits
Despite the snow, and a temperature of 2 degrees, a large number of flying insects around
David Walsh said
Wed Feb 4 8:53 AM, 2015
Wednesday 4th February 2015, 6.45 - 7.15am
Walkerwood Reservoir
Tawny Owl again calling from Cock Wood area Sparrowhawk after a Blackbird along reservoir edge at first light Mistle Thrush 6+ Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Tue Feb 3 10:18 AM, 2015
Tuesday 3rd February 2015, 7.00am
Walkerwood Reservoir
Tawny Owl calling from the Cock Wood side of the reservoir Kestrel silhouetted against the dawn light, hunting over the snow of Wild Bank Moor
A nice change to be able to see again, on the pre-work dog walk
David Walsh said
Sun Feb 1 2:19 PM, 2015
Sunday 1st February 2015, 9.30 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, on a stunning, icy morning.
1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 1 Treecreeper 1 Goldcrest Bullfinch and Chaffinch around Brushes Cottages Coal Tits calling everywhere, again. 3 or 4 skulking Reed Buntings calling at Lower Swineshaw Scout hut, but not seen. Not a sight nor sound of anything in the thick snow beyond the scout hut
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 31 6:35 PM, 2015
Saturday 31st January 2015, 8.30 -10.30am
From Walkerwood, up to the Rifle Ranges and Flaxfield
Very quiet, with a thick blanket of snow, except for 30+ Magpies, in small groups, everywhere 1 Buzzard, slowly over the moor 1 Dunnock singing in the snow at Flaxfield Reed Bunting heard calling again, low down on Wild Bank Moor. Not seen.
More life around Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit 8+ Great Tits 8+ Blue Tits 4 Long-tailed Tits 4 Coal Tits - more calling 1 Mistle Thrush 4 Bullfinch, the males looking resplendent against the snowy backdrop 24 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir 2 Wren 1 Jay eating peanuts
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Jan 24 6:22 PM, 2015
Late afternoon visit
Country Park
4 Redwing Song Thrush Coal Tit singing 2 Great Tit singing 10 Lesser Redpoll
Walkerwood
Dunnock Willow Tit 7 Great Tit 2 Blue Tit Bullfinch calling
A party of 7 Long-tailed Tit on Brushes Road
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 24th of January 2015 06:24:10 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 24 1:20 PM, 2015
Saturday 24th January 2015, 8.30 - 10.45 am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw - overcast with snow flurries. Very quiet, bird-wise.
2 Reed Bunting near the scout hut 1 Meadow Pipit at Lower Swineshaw 4 Red Grouse 3 Goldcrest with a c15 strong mix of Great, Blue, and Coal Tits along Brushes Reservoir Bullfinch calling
Walkerwood area:
1 Peregrine flew over from Wild Bank, and was intercepted and chased off over the Country Park by a Kestrel 10+ Long-tailed Tits, with 20+ Great and Blue Tits 2 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit 1 Jay eating peanuts 1 male Grey Wagtail, back around the overflow - first seen on Thursday after several months absence
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 17 11:20 AM, 2015
Saturday 17th January 2015, 8.00 - 10.00am
From Walkerwood Dam up to the Rifle Ranges and Flaxfield, then back across Wild Bank Moor
I've not been up around the Ranges much this winter, and on the walk back over the moor in a snowstorm I remembered why! Very quiet, unsurprisingly, but I did dig out a few bits.
1 Buzzard perched atop a tree towards Gallowsclough 2 Reed Bunting were a pleasant surprise lurking, Dunnock-like, low down in a gorse bush at the foot of Wild Bank Moor. I don't often see this species on the moor. Only a flash of tail feathers made me investigate further. 1 Red Grouse standing proud in the blizzard 3 Lesser Redpoll over Green Woodpecker heard at Flaxfield, but not seen 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood, with a group of c15 of the commoner Tits 1 Kestrel over Harridge 1 white Woodpigeon Other than that, mainly Blackbirds, Dunnock, and Robins, a couple singing in the snow, looking like they were auditioning for next year's Christmas cards.
Despite the paucity of sightings, an enjoyable morning. After all, who doesn't like playing in the snow on the hills?
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 10 1:25 PM, 2015
Saturday 10th January 2015, 9.30 - 11.00am
A brief walk up from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw Dam, in blustery but pleasant conditions. Quiet, bird-wise.
1 pair of Stonechat, very active around Lower Swineshaw - male in more or less full breeding plumage, very handsome. Unusually, no sign of Red Grouse or Reed Bunting at the Swineshaws? 6+ Coal Tits, with males singing and chasing each other next to Brushes Cottages. 1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Sat Jan 3 12:22 PM, 2015
Saturday 3rd January 2015, 10.30am
Very quiet. Only sightings of note:
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood 6+ Coal Tits 1 singing Mistle Thrush at Flaxfield Couple of Jays making a racket
Walkerwood Dam
Single Oystercatcher over, up the valley
Several Curlews bubbling on top of Wild Bank
Walkerwood Dam, misty and cold.
My first Blackcap this year, firing out his song from the top of a Hawthorn, showing well
3 Jays moving very agitatedly around the foot of Harridge
Several Willow Warblers singing
3 Chiffchaff singing
Pied Wagtail
Female Bullfinch
Lesser Redpoll over
Great Spotted Woodpecker, one over, one drumming
Wild Bank, a quick circular walk, taking in the trig point. Quiet again.
12 singing Willow Warblers
3 Chiffchaff
6 Linnet, including 2 singing males
4+ Lesser Redpoll
Pair of Bullfinch
2 Greenfinch singing
3 Chaffinch singing
2 Song Thrush
Pair of Skylark showing well at the summit, at least 6 others singing
3 Red Grouse
Late post for this morning's dog walk, Walkerwood Dam, 6.30am
1 Willow Tit
Pair of Grey Wagtails, copulating
Pair of Pied Wagtails
Pair of Moorhen
Mandarin drake feeding in the fields at Cote Farm
3 Bullfinch, with 2 females having a right go at each other, male looking on
5 Willow Warblers singing
2 Chiffchaff singing
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 13th of April 2015 10:21:58 PM
Brushes Valley, and around Lees Hill, in atrocious conditions at Lees Hill. From sunstroke to hypothermia in two days.
2 male Ring Ouzels flew noisily onto Lees Hill at 7.15, showed well in the treetops and fence posts for half an hour, then flew off towards Higher Bank. I heard at least one other higher up the hill, but didn't see it
2 Curlews
Several singing Reed Bunting
3 Willow Warblers singing
Chiffchaff singing
4 Lesser Redpoll at Brushes Cottages
I intended spending the morning up there, but a combination of man, beast, and equipment being drenched, and the biting wind and temperature of one degree forced us home early - just as the weather cleared up. Never has a bacon butty and a tinfoil blanket felt so good
Wild Bank Moor
4 Ring Ouzels (2 male, 2 females), at 1000ft
6 Red Grouse
Several Skylark
Meadow Pipits parachuting
1 Willow Warbler singing strongly in the birch
3 Chiffchaff singing
Lesser Redpoll at Flaxfield and Cock Wood areas of the moor
Brushes Valley, including a wander from Higher Swineshaw to Middle Bank with Roger Baker. Heavy pylon maintenance traffic at Higher Swineshaw put the kibosh on any hoped for migrants. Possibly a week early also?? Sightings for the Brushes Valley, in addition to Roger's from the Middle Bank side.
2 pairs of Pied Wagtails
Pair of Stonechat at Lower Swineshaw
At least 4 Reed Bunting singing
4 Lesser Redpoll at Lower Swineshaw scout hut, 2 at Brushes Cottages
Greenfinch singing at the scout hut
Pair of Grey Wagtails at Walkerwood
6 Chiffchaff singing along the valley
Long-tailed Tits nesting
6 Red Grouse
Grey Heron over Walkerwood
Buzzard over
Kestrel over Wild Bank
Walkerwood Dam, then quickly up to Wild Bank Moor. Sunshine and birdsong, a fantastic start to the day.
6+ Lesser Redpoll in the birch above Cock Wood, and 2 feeding at Walkerwood Dam. This species is well distributed throughout the area, particularly in the birch growth fringing the moor
c6 Skylarks, some singing, and some showing well on the moor
1 Buzzard
Pair of Grey Wagtails in Walkerwood overflow
1 Pied Wagtail
2 Bullfinches
2 Song Thrush
Pair of Long-tailed Tits nest building
Red Grouse calling from the moor
No sign of any Wheatear this morning, but I didn't have time to venture as high up the moor as last night
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 8th of April 2015 09:20:15 AM
Flaxfield and Wild Bank
1 male Wheatear on the scree slopes on Wild Bank Moor, above Cock Wood, at dusk
c4 Skylarks over the moor
6 Red Grouse
3 singing Greenfinch at Flaxfield
3 Mistle Thrush at Flaxfield
2 Song Thrush singing
Chiffchaff singing at Flaxfield
Single Swallow again near Range House
Lesser Redpoll in the birch
Kestrel over Wild Bank
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 7th of April 2015 11:08:49 PM
9.30 - 10.30am, in the fog at Walkerwood
11 Bullfinch, including 3 pairs, some males singing
6 Meadow Pipits picking through the dam banking
Pair of Pied Wagtails
Pair of Grey Wagtails
Grey Heron down the valley
Several Jays
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
3 Chiffchaff singing
3.00pm, a quick half-hour along the foot of Wild Bank Moor, in glorious conditions
1 Swallow singing strongly from a telephone wire at Range House, my first of the year
2 Skylark singing
10+ Lesser Redpoll, a couple of males singing in the birch. I find this species so difficult to count, moving around as they do
1 Linnet singing at Flaxfield
Pair of Pied Wagtails at Flaxfield
Chiffchaff singing behind Range House
Buzzard over
20+ Meadow Pipits parachuting
From Walkerwood Dam, up to the rifle ranges. Foggy and very poor visibility above 200m. Pointless going on to the moor
1 Skylark singing
1 pair of Lesser Redpoll, the male singing in the birch
1 Willow Tit
1 Coal Tit
Pair of Long-tailed Tits
Pair of Grey Wagtails
Jay
Female Bullfinch
3 Song Thrush singing
20+ Meadow Pipits
Plenty of Chaffinch and Dunnock singing
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill
At least 6 Curlew, on both sides of Brushes Valley, and between Middle and Higher Bank
6+ Reed Bunting, singing at both Swineshaw reservoirs
6+ Skylark singing
Too many Meadow Pipits to count, must have been 100+
10 Red Grouse
Drake Gadwall on Higher Swineshaw
At least 4 Lesser Redpoll around the scout hut
7 Pied Wagtails
1 Linnet at Middle Bank
2 Mistle Thrush on Lower Swineshaw dam
1 pair of Blackbirds at Higher Swineshaw
Chiffchaff singing in Cock Wood
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 4th of April 2015 12:51:28 PM
From Walkerwood Dam, past the ranges to Flaxfield, then up on to Wild Bank Moor. Dry and mild at first, then heavy rain and windy from 8.15
1 Raven at Harridge
1 Skylark singing over the moor
Meadow Pipits back in force now, 50+ today
At least 3 Lesser Redpoll in the birch at Wild Bank
1 Red Grouse
Mandarin drake at Walkerwood
1 Moorhen at Walkerwood
Pair of Grey Wagtails in the overflow
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park, and another over the dam
Several Coal Tits around, some singing
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 28th of March 2015 10:14:49 AM
From Walkerwood Dam, past the ranges to Flaxfield, and back over Wild Bank Moor
Cold and windy, with pockets of overnight snow still around
Pair of Stonechat at Wild Bank
2 Buzzard over the valley
1 Kestrel
6 Redwing
c10 Meadow Pipits
4 Song Thrush
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Jay
1 Willow Tit
Pair of Pied Wagtails at Walkerwood
Mandarin drake flying around Walkerwood with a group of Mallard
Not a lot of singing, other than Dunnock, Chaffinch, and Thrushes, but it was a wild old morning up on the moor
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 26th of March 2015 01:14:02 PM
Must have just missed you Roger - did you hear us coming?
From Walkerwood, up past the ranges to Flaxfield - didn't bother going onto the moor due to poor visibility with low cloud
Similar Meadow Pipit count to Roger
At around 9.00am, a Skylark began singing strongly over the moor through the drizzle, continuing until we left
Chiffchaff singing in the country park
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
1 Mistle Thrush
3 Song Thrush
More thrushes in the far fields at Flaxfield, where Fieldfare and Redwing have been recently, but unable to make them out in the gloom
Several singing Chaffinch
4 Goldfinch
4 Bullfinch around Walkerwood, more calling
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 23rd of March 2015 11:56:45 AM
Past the ranges to Wild Bank and Flaxfield. Cold and drizzling.
Meadow Pipit ( c30+) quite a few "parachuting".
Roger.
Walkerwood Reservoir
First Chiffchaff here this year. Not singing, but being chased around by Blue Tits
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the reservoir
Lesser Redpoll over
Female Bullfinch mopping up beneath the feeders
4 Jays, very active today
Otherwise fairly quiet, but it was a quick skip around this morning
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Wild Bank and Flaxfield, a beautiful spring morning.
At least 4 Lesser Redpoll back at Wild Bank, "jangling" around the gorse and birch
c15 Meadow Pipits, some displaying
Pair of Bullfinch at Flaxfield
10+ Chaffinch singing
A mixed flock of c25 Redwing and c15 Fieldfare in the fields and trees of Flaxfield Farm
6+ Blackbirds in with the above, plus many more everywhere
6+ Mistle Thrush
3 Song Thrush
2 Jays
6+ Dunnock singing
Pair of Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
Mandarin drake at Walkerwood
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 19th of March 2015 12:08:42 PM
Walkerwood Dam, on a beautiful, crisp morning
1 Grey Wagtail in the overflow
2 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall
several chattering Jays
Mandarin drake chasing around after the female Mallard
3 Mistle Thrush singing
2 Song Thrush
10+ Blackbirds
4 Bullfinch (2m, 2f)
4 singing Chaffinch
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park
Kestrel over Harridge
Dunnock, Wren, and Robin singing - temperature aside (-2 degrees), it felt like spring.
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back. Cold and windy at the top.
5 Red Grouse
3 Meadow Pipits
At least 4 Lesser Redpoll at the scout hut, feeding on alders
Nuthatches singing
Buzzard over
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
1 pair of Grey Wagtails - male performing a very impressive display, head upright and tail held vertically.
Walkerwood Dam, cold, windy, and heavy sleet
2 Grey Wagtails (1m, 1f)
2 Pied Wagtails
Mandarin drake with Mallard
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 13th of March 2015 09:53:56 AM
Thanks Steve, you'll soon be charging me library fees.
Hi David
apparently polygamy has been noted amongst Grey Wagtails. I'll send you an old paper from Bird Study.
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield, and back
Very quiet around Flaxfield and Wild Bank Moor. Plenty of Dunnock and Chaffinch singing, but not a lot else.
1 Red Grouse on the moor
3 Meadow Pipits
1 Kestrel
A bit more life around Walkerwood
1 pair of Goosander on the reservoir
Drake Mandarin still with the pair of Mallard
12 Black-headed Gulls
1 Willow Tit
Song Thrush singing in the country park
Plus a trio of Grey Wagtails? The male was calling persistently from the overflow, then flew further up the channel, where it started a wing-shivering display, so I scanned around for a female, and saw two! All three birds then flew further up the overflow and out of sight, calling loudly. I've read that Dippers sometimes have one male paired with two females, but I don't know about Wagtails. My other thought was that maybe one of the birds could be a first winter bird still hanging around with the pair.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 12th of March 2015 11:53:10 AM
Walkerwood area
Drake Mandarin still present, again with Mallard pair
1 Willow Tit
1 female Grey Wagtail in the overflow
Lesser Redpoll over
4 Goldfinch
4 Chaffinches singing
Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield
Surprisingly quiet, and no sign of any Skylarks today
3 Redwing next to Walkerwood Dam. I've had very few sightings in the area of this species this winter
1 Kestrel
1 Grey Heron in the field next to Brushes Road
Drake Mandarin still present at Walkerwood. Despite the gaudy plumage, it was surprisingly well camouflaged sitting amongst dead bracken by the dam
1 Grey Wagtail in the overflow
1 Willow Tit
3 Red Grouse
1 Meadow Pipit
6+ Dunnock, including 2 singing in the gorse at Wild Bank
Plenty of Chaffinches singing
Mistle Thrushes singing
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw
2 Reed Bunting singing, in full breeding plumage, at Lower and Higher Swineshaw, a harbinger of spring
7 Red Grouse, one pair displaying at Lower Swineshaw
10+ Chaffinches along the length of the valley, with 7 singing
2 Kestrels at Higher Swineshaw
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
1 female Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
2 Peregrines over
1 Kestrel through the overflow
1 Willow Tit
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 3rd of March 2015 05:23:05 PM
Walkerwood Reservoir, in a snowstorm.
1 Willow Tit on makeshift feeder
Mandarin drake still present, swimming with Mallard
Mistle Thrush and Chaffinch leading the singing
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the ranges to Flaxfield, then back across Wild Bank Moor
A very quiet morning, in a bone-chilling wind up on Wild Bank Moor, notable for a complete lack of Meadow Pipits. In previous years there have been reasonable numbers in every month of the year, but this winter produced one count of 2 in December, nothing in January, and a single group of 6 last month. Last year birds were displaying in February.
At the 1,000 foot contour a single Skylark sang briefly, then flew (or rather, was blown) for cover, on territory a week earlier than last year.
1 Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank Moor
Dunnock singing briefly in the gorse
1 Jay
15 Fieldfare in the fields at Flaxfield
Very hard work this morning, rescued by a 20 second burst of song from the Skylark.
A brief stop-off at 2.00pm
1 Mandarin drake on Walkerwood Reservoir, swimming with a pair of Mallard
From Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw, in heavy drizzle
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker at Brushes Cottages
2 Jays
1 female Bullfinch
2 Long-tailed Tits
Plenty of Dunnock singing, with a pair displaying at Walkerwood
1 Pied Wagtail on Walkerwood Dam
1 pair of Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
Chaffinch and Mistle Thrush singing everywhere
Valley filled with birdsong, mainly from Great, Blue, and Coal TIts, Robins, and Wren
And a female Mallard perched in the treetops at Walkerwood!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 28th of February 2015 10:34:55 AM
Walkerwood area
2 Kestrels, one over the country park, the other over Harridge
1 Willow Tit
2 Coal Tits
4 Mistle Thrushes singing
2 Chaffinch singing
6 Blackbirds charging around
Chaffinch singing
Goldfinch singing
Mistle Thrush singing
2 Bullfinch
12+ Great and Blue Tits
4 Coal Tits, including one collecting nesting material
2 Long-tailed Tits
1 Jay
Most of the Tits were on feeders that someone has recently erected in one of the old quarries next to Brushes Reservoir, as well as a nest box in the same area. Should it be a forum member, I would like to issue a word of caution. The nest box, in particular, is very visible from the path, and unfortunately, I had the feeders stolen from Walkerwood at the weekend. It may be prudent to move the box to a less visible position, just in case.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 26th of February 2015 09:48:12 PM
Brief visit to Flaxfield, in a bitterly cold wind
c15 Fieldfare feeding in the fields at Flaxfield Farm
Mistle Thrush singing
1 Grey Heron dropped in behind Range House
From Walkerwood to Lower Swineshaw reservoir
5 Mistle Thrushes, higher up the valley than Tuesday's 8 males, including a singing male plus a pair at the scout hut, with the other 2 singing on either side of Brushes Reservoir
1 Song Thrush
6 Chaffinch (3 singing at the scout hut)
2 Bullfinch
6 Goldfinch
1 Greenfinch singing by Brushes Reservoir
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Willow Tit, very active today, calling repeatedly
1 Cormorant over, down the valley, then back up 5 minutes later
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 20th of February 2015 12:49:21 PM
Walkerwood area
8 singing Mistle Thrushes
A good time of year to count this species at dawn. A brief walk along Walkerwood Dam and up to the gate at Brushes Cottages yielded the above count. More time would have certainly produced more; there was a new male singing every 200 yards or so, like a relay.
1 at Cote Farm
4 dotted around Walkerwood Reservoir
1 near Brushes Cottages
2 down in the country park
1 Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank Moor
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Back
More signs of Spring today, not least the weather!
1 Reed Bunting singing weakly at Lower Swineshaw
Chaffinches singing at Brushes Cottages and at the scout hut
Several singing Dunnock
1 Nuthatch
4 Long-tailed Tits, including 2 at Lower Swineshaw Dam
4 Bullfinches
54 Black-headed Gulls on Walkerwood Reservoir
Surprising not to see any Stonechats at the top, but nice to hear the Reed Bunting learning his lines.
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the rifle ranges to Flaxfield, and back
Nothing exciting, but some signs of Spring.
Mistle Thrushes singing at Walkerwood, the Country Park, and Wild Bank Moor
Chaffinches singing at Flaxfield and the Country Park
4 Dunnocks singing in the gorse at Wild Bank
2 Red Grouse on the moor
1 Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
6 Meadow Pipits out of the heather - the first I've seen in the area since mid-December
3 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
Walkerwood area
First bird in song this morning was a Mistle Thrush, at Cote Farm, followed by two others, at either end of Walkerwood Dam
1 male Tawny Owl hooting down in the Country Park
53 Canada Geese on reservoir
Still dark at 7 o'clock today!
From Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw, around Lees Hill, and back - still snow-covered from Brushes Reservoir.
The early start was part of an effort to count Tawny Owls in the woods higher up Brushes Valley, after Friday morning's collection around Walkerwood. I seem to spend a lot of time wandering around the area looking for things and finding nothing, and I thought this was another of those mornings, as a slow walk in the darkness produced nothing for half an hour. Then at around seven, just as dawn was breaking, a female called from the valley bottom between Brushes and Lower Swineshaw, followed by another female in the woods higher up Harridge, accompanied by a male hooting, then another female low down by Brushes Reservoir. So I make that 9 Tawny Owls over the past two days, along the length of Brushes Valley - only the Country Park to do now. I have no idea how to interpret all of this; I'll submit them to Professors Atkins and McKerchar to see what they make of them!
4 Tawny Owls
c20 Red Grouse
More Chaffinches singing - 3 around the scout hut, 1 at Brushes Cottages, and 2 at Walkerwood Dam
1 Goldfinch at the scout hut
2 Reed Bunting - scout hut
c6 Wren, including 2 singing in the snow at Higher Swineshaw
1 Robin followed us along the wall at Higher Swineshaw Dam
2 Treecreepers on the same tree trunk near Brushes Cottages
77 Black-headed Gulls on Walkerwood Reservoir
14 Mallard at Higher Swineshaw, 6 on Lower Swineshaw
1 Kestrel at Lees Hill
c10 Coal Tits, including 7 counted calling from the scout hut to Brushes Cottages
Walkerwood Area
5 Tawny Owls - male and female in the trees near Walkerwood Dam, Wild Bank side; male and female in Cock Wood near Brushes Dam, and male calling from the woods on Harridge side.
55 Canada Geese on reservoir
14 Mallard
From Walkerwood Dam, up onto Wild Bank Moor and down to Cock Wood
1 Red Grouse, 2 Wren, and a few roosting Woodpigeon were the only birds in the snow on the moor
3 singing Chaffinches at Walkerwood and Cock Wood
c130 Black-headed Gulls on the ice at Walkerwood
1 female Grey Wagtail feeding in the reservoir overflow
1 Willow Tit
2 Long-tailed Tits
Despite the snow, and a temperature of 2 degrees, a large number of flying insects around
Walkerwood Reservoir
Tawny Owl again calling from Cock Wood area
Sparrowhawk after a Blackbird along reservoir edge at first light
Mistle Thrush
6+ Blackbirds
Walkerwood Reservoir
Tawny Owl calling from the Cock Wood side of the reservoir
Kestrel silhouetted against the dawn light, hunting over the snow of Wild Bank Moor
A nice change to be able to see again, on the pre-work dog walk
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, on a stunning, icy morning.
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
1 Treecreeper
1 Goldcrest
Bullfinch and Chaffinch around Brushes Cottages
Coal Tits calling everywhere, again.
3 or 4 skulking Reed Buntings calling at Lower Swineshaw Scout hut, but not seen.
Not a sight nor sound of anything in the thick snow beyond the scout hut
From Walkerwood, up to the Rifle Ranges and Flaxfield
Very quiet, with a thick blanket of snow, except for 30+ Magpies, in small groups, everywhere
1 Buzzard, slowly over the moor
1 Dunnock singing in the snow at Flaxfield
Reed Bunting heard calling again, low down on Wild Bank Moor. Not seen.
More life around Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit
8+ Great Tits
8+ Blue Tits
4 Long-tailed Tits
4 Coal Tits - more calling
1 Mistle Thrush
4 Bullfinch, the males looking resplendent against the snowy backdrop
24 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir
2 Wren
1 Jay eating peanuts
Country Park
4 Redwing
Song Thrush
Coal Tit singing
2 Great Tit singing
10 Lesser Redpoll
Walkerwood
Dunnock
Willow Tit
7 Great Tit
2 Blue Tit
Bullfinch calling
A party of 7 Long-tailed Tit on Brushes Road
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 24th of January 2015 06:24:10 PM
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw - overcast with snow flurries. Very quiet, bird-wise.
2 Reed Bunting near the scout hut
1 Meadow Pipit at Lower Swineshaw
4 Red Grouse
3 Goldcrest with a c15 strong mix of Great, Blue, and Coal Tits along Brushes Reservoir
Bullfinch calling
Walkerwood area:
1 Peregrine flew over from Wild Bank, and was intercepted and chased off over the Country Park by a Kestrel
10+ Long-tailed Tits, with 20+ Great and Blue Tits
2 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
1 Jay eating peanuts
1 male Grey Wagtail, back around the overflow - first seen on Thursday after several months absence
From Walkerwood Dam up to the Rifle Ranges and Flaxfield, then back across Wild Bank Moor
I've not been up around the Ranges much this winter, and on the walk back over the moor in a snowstorm I remembered why! Very quiet, unsurprisingly, but I did dig out a few bits.
1 Buzzard perched atop a tree towards Gallowsclough
2 Reed Bunting were a pleasant surprise lurking, Dunnock-like, low down in a gorse bush at the foot of Wild Bank Moor. I don't often see this species on the moor. Only a flash of tail feathers made me investigate further.
1 Red Grouse standing proud in the blizzard
3 Lesser Redpoll over
Green Woodpecker heard at Flaxfield, but not seen
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood, with a group of c15 of the commoner Tits
1 Kestrel over Harridge
1 white Woodpigeon
Other than that, mainly Blackbirds, Dunnock, and Robins, a couple singing in the snow, looking like they were auditioning for next year's Christmas cards.
Despite the paucity of sightings, an enjoyable morning. After all, who doesn't like playing in the snow on the hills?
A brief walk up from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw Dam, in blustery but pleasant conditions. Quiet, bird-wise.
1 pair of Stonechat, very active around Lower Swineshaw - male in more or less full breeding plumage, very handsome.
Unusually, no sign of Red Grouse or Reed Bunting at the Swineshaws?
6+ Coal Tits, with males singing and chasing each other next to Brushes Cottages.
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
Very quiet. Only sightings of note:
1 Willow Tit at Walkerwood
6+ Coal Tits
1 singing Mistle Thrush at Flaxfield
Couple of Jays making a racket