Fri 2/1/15: afternoon walk up Brushes valley and a circuit of Harridge:
Very quiet bird-wise - only one Red Grouse seen but Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk in the space of 10 minutes provided a good exercise in raptor ID.
Paul Heaton said
Tue Dec 30 9:15 PM, 2014
Goosander 2 m 1 f Red Grouse x2
highlights of a walk around cowbury res.
Keep birding
David Walsh said
Tue Dec 30 1:42 PM, 2014
Tuesday 30th December 2014, 10.30am
Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit 1 Mistle Thrush guarding holly Several Chaffinches
Flaxfield:
Male Stonechat feeding from the fence wires in front of Range House. Unusual sighting this low down. Possibly been forced down the valley by the snow further up. 17 Fieldfare in the hawthorns
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 27 12:40 PM, 2014
Saturday 27th December 2014, 10.00 - 11.15am
A walk over a snowy Wild Bank Moor and around the rifle ranges yielded very little, other than a dozen or so Magpies and Blackbirds, plus the usual woodpigeons and black-headed gulls around the fields.
Only things of note around Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit 2 Jays 1 Mistle Thrush
David Walsh said
Thu Dec 25 6:50 PM, 2014
Thursday 25th December 2014, 11.00am
1 redhead Goosander fishing on Walkerwood Reservoir.
David Walsh said
Sun Dec 21 2:52 PM, 2014
Sunday 21st December 2014, 10.30 -11.15am
Along Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs - only sightings of note:
2 Treecreepers 1 Willow Tit Bullfinches calling
Otherwise desperately quiet
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 13 1:00 PM, 2014
Saturday 13th December 2014, 9.00 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in sub-zero temperatures, the early fog lifting to produce a beautiful morning.
1 Stonechat braving it out at Higher Swineshaw Several Reed Buntings around the Swineshaws Couple of Meadow Pipits calling from the moor 4 Red Grouse 12+ Bullfinches - calling everywhere Several Chaffinches 1 Treecreeper 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Kestrel c6 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit 20+ Blackbirds 1 Mistle Thrush guarding berries c10 Redwings 2 Ravens
David Walsh said
Sat Dec 6 1:32 PM, 2014
Saturday 6th December 2014, 9.30 - 11.00am
Walkerwood area, with most of the action at the Harridge side, in the hawthorns and holly.
Mixed flock around the bushes low down on Harridge c10 Greenfinch c10 Chaffinch C6 Goldfinch
Plus 4 Bullfinch 4 Long-tailed Tit c10 Redwings 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Sparrowhawk over 1 Pied Wagtail 3 Coal Tits 10+ Blackbirds Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 29 2:14 PM, 2014
Saturday 29th November 2014, 9.30 - 11.30am
Desperately quiet morning
Walkerwood Dam area
1 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush 1 Jay 1 Willow Tit Several Bullfinch calling - they seem to be everywhere at present 1 Linnet over
Flaxfield
6 Mistle Thrushes in the fields 1 Song Thrush 6 Redwing in the hedges 4 Bullfinch Couple of Meadow Pipit calling from the grass
Plenty of Blackbirds everywhere, chasing Redwing and Thrushes around
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 23 12:26 PM, 2014
Sunday 23rd November 2014, 10.00am
Flaxfield, around Brushes Rangers football pitch
c20 Redwings around the hawthorn bushes A few Fieldfare mixed in, and a flock of c25 over SW 6+ Mistle Thrushes, objecting noisily to the above 2 or 3 Song Thrush 10+ Blackbirds also darting around 2 Linnet 6 Meadow Pipits 2 Kestrels up above Range House Reed Bunting heard down towards Copley, not seen
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 22 1:41 PM, 2014
Saturday 22nd November 2014, 8.00 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back. Very quiet.
2 pairs of Stonechat Several Reed Bunting calling around Lower Swineshaw, only 2 seen 8+ Red Grouse 1 Kestrel 2 or 3 Meadow Pipits only 6+ Bullfinch 1 Willow Tit 1 Mistle Thrush 12+ Wrens - everywhere, particularly higher up by the Swineshaws Goldcrest heard in the woods by Brushes Reservoir, but not seen
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 13 1:16 PM, 2014
Thursday 13th November 2014, 9.00 - 11.00am
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the Rifle Ranges to Flaxfield, and back.
1 female/imm Stonechat around the gorse by the ranges 1 Linnet feeding on hawthorns at Flaxfield c50 Fieldfare on Wild Bank Moor c12 Redwings flying around Flaxfield, plus odd birds squeaking in the holly trees 4 Mistle Thrush c20 Blackbirds c30 Goldfinches couple of Chaffinch Bullfinch calling 1 female Kestrel 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Pied Wagtail over Walkerwood Reservoir 1 Willow Tit 4 Coal Tits 7 Starlings around the pylons Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank Moor Only 1 Meadow Pipit!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 13th of November 2014 01:17:37 PM
David Walsh said
Tue Nov 11 9:32 PM, 2014
Tuesday 11th November 2014, 7.30am
A quick walk up and around Range House, late post for this morning
1 Reed Bunting perched next to Brushes Rangers football pitch - more heard calling down towards Copley direction. c25 Redwings moving around the "Redstart" hedges 4 Fieldfare over south-west 2 or 3 Meadow Pipits calling from the long grass c20 Starlings on the pylons 1 Kestrel over Wild Bank Moor 1 Buzzard higher up Brushes Valley, Harridge side. Another calling from the Cock Wood area, by the reservoir??
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 11th of November 2014 09:33:18 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Nov 9 10:21 AM, 2014
Rough-legged Buzzard North over Swineshaw Moor this morning at 09:20; heading towards Greenfield.
Info thanks to Simon Ghilks
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 8 11:54 AM, 2014
Saturday 8th November 2014, 7.00 - 10.30am
An early start to avoid the forecast rain. Along Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, with a couple of hours spent wandering around Higher Swineshaw, in pleasant conditions (for Higher Swineshaw in November!)
2 Peregrines drifting back and forth over Irontongue Hill from the north, to Lees Hill, and back 2 Buzzards, one hanging in the direction of Hoarstone Edge to the north-east of Lees Hill, the other on top of the hut at the north-east corner of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Kestrel over Swineshaw Moor 1 Raven At least 7 Stonechat, including 2 pairs, with some first winter birds moving around with the Reed Bunting 12+ Reed Buntings (after last week's blank?), including some calling from the Lower Swineshaw area 12+ Red Grouse c6 Meadow Pipits only Bullfinch calling all the way up the valley Plenty of Nuthatch also calling
Walkerwood Dam
3 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit Large flock of mixed tits and finches, consisting of mainly Great and Blue Tits, and Chaffinch, but with at least one Brambling Several Long-tailed Tits
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 8th of November 2014 11:57:08 AM
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 8th of November 2014 12:09:31 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 1 5:56 PM, 2014
Saturday 1st November 2014, 8.30 - 11.30am
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
At least 1 Peregrine, seen over the moor above Higher Swineshaw, over Lees Hill towards Tintwistle, and perched on a fence post by Lees Hill, over the course of an hour and a half 2 Buzzards 3 Kestrels 1 male Sparrowhawk perched next to Walkerwood Dam 4 Stonechat 1 Raven c15 Meadow Pipits 2 Pied Wagtail Plenty of Bullfinch calling Several Jays No sign of any Reed Bunting today at Higher Swineshaw 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush 1 Willow Tit Several Coal Tits Otherwise quiet
Mike Passant said
Fri Oct 31 7:15 PM, 2014
Late report for 30th Oct:
My first ever visit here; - another of G M's hidden gems!
Arriving at 10am, I walked through the woods below the Walkerwood Res. Dam along a very convenient concrete casing over an overflow pipe which went on for 100's of yards (roughly at right angles to the alignment of the dam). This habitat looks really good for Woodcock; (perhaps they might gather/roost here in winter?)
Afterwards, 'scoping from the dam itself, (whilst nibbling my butties) there was a little "finch fest" around and in the hillside bushes just below and right of the base of the nearest pylon, these comprised an obvious berry laden conical shaped holly, and patches of scattered hawthorns with a few thin (Alders?); birds noted were :
-These in company with: Mistle Thrushes(6) Song Thrushes (2) Redwing (1) Blackbirds (perhaps10)
All the above seemed to be feeding as an assorted mob on the berries and catkins, with the Mistle Thrushes voicing degrees of disapproval with usurpers (mainly the Blackbirds).
I walked up to Lower Swineshaw Res. adding Bullfinches, Goldcrests and the usual Tits, but on reaching the open moorland birding was curtailed by the racket of a National Grid Helicopter hovering low for a good 20 mins. no doubt doing necessary work checking the power lines/pylons.
Red Grouse was heard distantly (but not seen) when I arrived back at the dam. I think the helicopter scuppered any chance of seeing them higher up.
All in all, a really pleasant few hours.
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 25 12:55 PM, 2014
Saturday 25th October 2014, 9.00 - 10.30am
Walkerwood area, in intermittent drizzle
1 Kestrel, perched up 4 Chaffinches 6 Bullfinches c10 Goldfinches 12+ Great Tits 6+ Blue Tits 3 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit (though I didn't hear it call to confirm ID) 10 Meadow Pipits in the field by Brushes Road 1 adult Pied Wagtail with 2 juveniles 2 Grey Wagtails c20 Redwing c300 Pink-footed Geese over in 2 skeins, at 10.20, and 10.30am
Flaxfield
2 Mistle Thrush 25 Starlings on a pylon c65 Canada Geese feeding in the fields
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 19 12:30 PM, 2014
Sunday 19th October 2014, 7.30 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill. Quiet, in very blustery conditions.
1 pair of Stonechat 8+ Reed Buntings 3 Red Grouse 22 Cormorant over east c 600 Pink-footed Geese over east, in 5 skeins 10+ Meadow Pipits only 3 Kestrels 1 Buzzard 1 Willow Tit 1 juvenile Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir Plenty of Bullfinch calling
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 16 12:06 PM, 2014
Thursday 16th October 2014, 6.30 - 10.30am
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Around the Swineshaws and Lees Hill
4 Stonechat 24 Reed Buntings 16 Red Grouse 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Fieldfare - a migrant thrush, but not the one I was hoping for 1 Buzzard 2 Kestrels c30 Meadow Pipits 9 Wrens 6 Bullfinch 4 Chaffinch Goldcrest heard from the scout hut, not seen 2 Pied Wagtails
Walkerwood area
c30 Redwing 1 Buzzard 6 Chaffinch 4 Bullfinch 12 Long-tailed Tits 1 Willow Tit 3 Coal Tits Many Blue and Great Tits in with the above 2 Red Grouse on Wild Bank
plus a Tawny Owl from Harridge Woods before first light
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 16th of October 2014 12:08:10 PM
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 14 8:01 PM, 2014
Tuesday 14th October 2014, 7.15pm
Tawny Owl calling persistently from Cock Wood
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 12 1:21 PM, 2014
Sunday 12th October 2014, 8.30am - 12.00pm
From Walkerwood Reservoir, up the valley to Higher Swineshaw and around Lees Hill. The dense fog of the Tame Valley cleared to brilliant sunshine by Lower Swineshaw - a fantastic morning!
c20 Reed Buntings all around Higher Swineshaw 6 Stonechats 11 Red Grouse, including one handsome male perched for 10 minutes on a fence wire by Lees Hill 1 Little Owl 6 Willow Warblers together at Higher Swineshaw. Headed off west down the valley. c20 Meadow Pipits - never as numerous here as Wild Bank Moor 8+ Wrens around the walls and bracken of Higher Swineshaw 2 Pied Wagtails at Higher Swineshaw 2 Kestrels 1 Mistle Thrush high up on Swineshaw Moor 1 Willow Tit 2 Coal Tits 3 Goldcrest at the scout hut 37 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 11 8:48 PM, 2014
Saturday 11th October 2014, 5.00pm
Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank Small group of hirundines low over Flaxfield, moving quickly south, comprising of 3 House Martins and 5 Swallows c6 Meadow Pipits in the field by Range House Magpies flying everywhere - counted 15 in ten minutes
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 11 12:44 PM, 2014
Saturday 11th October 2014, 9.00 - 11.30am
From Walkerwood Dam, to Flaxfield, and back over Wild Bank Moor - nothing exciting
40+ Meadow Pipits, all over Wild Bank Moor 3 Lesser Redpoll over 2 Bullfinch 1 Mistle Thrush on top of a pylon Several Chaffinch 1 Kestrel over Flaxfield Several Wrens, including one at the top of the moor 2 Chiffchaffs singing at Flaxfield 20+ Great Tits 3 Coal Tits 1 Willow Tit 2 Jays
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 5 3:35 PM, 2014
Sunday 5th October 2014, 12.45 - 2.30pm
A quick scout around Higher Swineshaw, then back down to Walkerwood. A lovely afternoon, but quiet, bird-wise.
3 Buzzards around Lees Hill, over from Ogden Clough 1 Peregrine on the pylons Several Reed Buntings calling around Higher Swineshaw c20 Goldfinches moving around Willow Tit Several Coal Tits Bullfinch calling A handful of Meadow Pipits only today Juvenile Cormorant
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 5th of October 2014 03:36:27 PM
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 2 12:41 AM, 2014
Wednesday 1st October 2014, 7.15pm
Walkerwood Dam
Immature Tawny Owl flying around the Country Park
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 27 1:25 PM, 2014
Saturday 27th September 2014, 9.00 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back
1 Raven on the pylons 2 Buzzard c10 Reed Buntings around Higher Swineshaw 3 Stonechat Red Grouse calling from the moor 2 Pied Wagtails 1 Grey Wagtail Just the odd Willow Warbler calling c20 Meadow Pipits c25 Goldfinches moving around Higher Swineshaw 1 Willow Tit c6 Long-tailed Tits at Higher Swineshaw Several Coal Tits
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 25 12:13 PM, 2014
Thursday 25th September 2014, 9.30 - 11.30am
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in increasingly poor conditions. A dry start, turning to mist and cold, driving drizzle by the time I got to Lees Hill. Very quiet compared to recent visits, but conditions at the top were awful.
c20 Meadow Pipits only 2 Buzzards 5 Red Grouse, with more calling 4 Reed Buntings 1 juvenile Stonechat 2 Pied Wagtails 1 Grey Wagtail Several Willow Warblers, some singing. No Chiffchaffs heard today 10+ Wrens, including several around Higher Swineshaw Jackdaw on Harridge, with a white primary on its right wing
And that was about it!
David Walsh said
Tue Sep 23 8:07 AM, 2014
Tuesday 23rd September 2014, 6.30 - 7.15am
Walkerwood Dam
2 Buzzards over Harridge 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel over Wild Bank, 1 over Flaxfield 1 Grey Heron Kingfisher heard along reservoir, not seen Chiffchaff singing Coal Tits Willow Tit
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 21 1:09 PM, 2014
Sunday 21st September 2014, 10.00am
Walkerwood Dam area
Buzzard over the valley Kestrel 10 Jays over south, several others in the woods Grey Wagtail c6 Chaffinches Willow Tit Coal Tit Moorhen on reservoir
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 18 12:46 PM, 2014
Thursday September 18th 2014, 8.30 - 11.30am
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill. Cloudy over towards Chew, and the east, and Longdendale was shrouded in mist, but Brushes Valley basked in glorious sunshine. A beautiful morning.
1 Wheatear on Higher Swineshaw Dam 1 Whinchat at Lees Hill c20 Reed Buntings, mainly juveniles, at both sides of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and around Lees Hill. Very vocal. 2 Buzzards over the valley, the entire time 2 Peregrines, one mobbed by 2 Kestrels over Lees Hill, before drifting over Ogden Clough, then joined by another Peregrine which appeared out of the mist from the direction of Glossop 4 Kestrels, 3 over Lees Hill, 1 over Harridge 4 juv Mistle Thrushes, out of the area of the scout hut, up and over Higher Swineshaw 50+ Meadow Pipits, noticably fewer than on Sunday A group of Blue Tits and Chaffinches, with a few Willow Warblers mixed in, at the scout hut Several Bullfinches calling along the valley Chiffchaffs singing at the scout hut 1 juv Grey Wagtail at Brushes Reservoir 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the Country Park 1 juv Cormorant at Walkerwood Reservoir Several Jays
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 18th of September 2014 12:47:54 PM
David Walsh said
Wed Sep 17 11:19 AM, 2014
Wednesday 17th September 2014, 9.00 - 10.00am
Walkerwood Dam
1 juvenile Cormorant 3 Grey Wagtails flying around the reservoir's edge 6 Swallows - 4 very young birds begging food from 2 adults on the wires at the Harridge end of the dam. Seems a very late brood? c6 Chaffinches Several Bullfinch heard 2 Chiffchaffs singing 2 Willow Warblers Several young Jays All the usual tits for the area - some large groups of Great Tits, with juv Dunnock mixed in
Roger Baker 3 said
Mon Sep 15 4:24 PM, 2014
Monday 15th Sept. 14.00 - 15.30 hrs.
200+ Sand Martins milling around overhead for about 15 minutes ..... drifted off slowly west. Blackcap (F) in with a large flock of tits. Bullfinch. Jay. Moorhen. Buzzard soaring ...... got a bit of hassle off a female Kestrel as it went over Wild Bank.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Mon Sep 15 9:51 AM, 2014
Monday 15th September 2014, 8.00 - 9.00am
Walkerwood Dam, in a light drizzle.
1 juvenile Cormorant c100 Sand Martins through, in three groups heading south-west, with a few Swallows mixed in 1 Grey Wagtail 2 Chiffchaffs 2 Willow Warblers Bullfinches and Chaffinches calling
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 14 12:29 PM, 2014
Sunday 14th September 2014, 7.30 - 11.00am
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around the edge of Lees Hill
Cold and quiet again
150+ Meadow Pipits, up from the moor around Lower and Higher Swineshaw reservoirs. The greatest concentration was around the edge of Lees Hill, with 70+ birds all along the fencing and on the bridleway, presumably moving through 6 Red Grouse, very vocal and mobile - many more calling from the moor 10 Reed Bunting, in two groups. 4 juveniles in the the trees along the southern shore of Higher Swineshaw, and what appeared to be a pair with 4 juveniles squabbling with the Meadow Pipits by Lees Hill 1 Raven over Lees Hill (Brushes side) 1 male Kestrel 10+ Dunnocks, including juveniles in the bracken 2 Chiffchaffs at the scout hut Several Willow Warblers
With reference to Steve Suttill's Mossley post - I saw my Willow Tit this morning, so there must be at least 2 in Tameside!!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 14th of September 2014 12:50:59 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 13 1:13 PM, 2014
Saturday 13th September 2014, 9.00 - 11.00am
Walkerwood Dam, Wild Bank, and Flaxfield
A desperately quiet morning, with a perching male Kestrel being the only sighting of note at Flaxfield 40+ Meadow Pipits in the heather and rough grass Red Grouse calling from the moor A couple of Willow Warblers calling at Wild Bank when the sun came out
A bit more life around Walkerwood Reservoir:
1 juvenile Cormorant 9 juvenile Pied Wagtails picking through the grass of the dam couple of Chiffchaffs in with a group of mixed tits 6 Sand Martins circled briefly, took a drink, and headed west
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 13th of September 2014 01:33:26 PM
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 11 1:12 PM, 2014
Thursday 11th September 2014, 9.45 - 11.45am
Brushes Valley - to Higher Swineshaw and back, in very pleasant, still, conditions. Nothing very exciting to report.
2 Ravens on the pylons at Higher Swineshaw 1 pair of Stonechat 40+ Meadow Pipits, scattered around the moor. No large groups moving through as on Sunday. Several Red Grouse, including one very brazen female on a wall, giving excellent views to 20 yards Nuthatches calling Several Coal Tits c12 Linnets over west at Higher Swineshaw c50 juvenile Goldfinch in two separate groups, at Higher and Lower Swineshaw, feeding on thistles Little Owl heard but not seen Juvenile Cormorant at Walkerwood Several Willow Warblers, with plenty calling from the moor at Higher Swineshaw Several Chiffchaff singing along the valley
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 11th of September 2014 01:13:17 PM
David Walsh said
Mon Sep 8 7:42 AM, 2014
Monday 8th September 2014, 6.20 - 7.00am
Walkerwood Dam
Kingfisher perched up near the dam. First time I've seen one here. I thought I heard one briefly on Saturday morning. Juvenile Cormorant Moorhen Chaffinches Bullfinch calling Several Willow Warblers Chiffchaff singing
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 8th of September 2014 07:45:25 AM
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 7 1:01 PM, 2014
Sunday 7th September 2014, 8.30 - 10.30am
Brushes Valley, up to Higher Swineshaw and back, the mist lifting all the while. Sunny on the way down.
1 juvenile Cormorant 1 Juvenile Grey Heron 2 juvenile Pied Wagtails 1 Moorhen Several Nuthatches, at Brushes Cottages, and around the scout hut 1 pair of Stonechat 100+ Meadow Pipits - particularly numerous around Higher Swineshaw. A group of 30+ on Higher Swineshaw dam banking, picking through the grass Several juvenile Linnets in with the above - - and 1 juvenile Reed Bunting Several Red Grouse - more calling from the moor Couple of small groups of juv Bullfinch Several juvenile Chaffinches Several juvenile Goldfinches Willow Warblers Several Chiffchaffs, particularly around the scout hut Juvenile Blackcap 6+ Coal Tits Song Thrush Juvenile Mistle Thrush Several juvenile Jays
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 4 5:10 PM, 2014
Thursday 4th September 2014, 3.00pm
Walkerwood Dam
Juvenile Cormorant Moorhen 10 juvenile Pied Wagtails 1 juvenile Grey Wagtail c6 juvenile Chaffinches c6 Bullfinches along the edge of the Country Park Juvenile Blackcap
Juvenile Cormorant roosting in trees by Walkerwood Reservoir Buzzard hunting at dusk over Harridge Kestrel over Shaw Moor
David Walsh said
Thu Aug 28 12:02 PM, 2014
Thursday 28th August 2014, 9.30 - 11.00 am
Walkerwood Dam area
Small groups of mixed, mainly juvenile birds around the bushes, including: Mixed tits, with several Coal and Long-tailed Tits Several Willow Warblers 2 juvenile Whitethroat 4 juvenile Blackcaps Several juvenile Chaffinches
c8 Linnets around the fields of Cote Farm Juvenile Jays moving noisily around 12+ Swallows hawking around Harridge
12+ juvenile Meadow Pipits around the fields at Flaxfield
David Walsh said
Wed Aug 27 3:05 PM, 2014
Wednesday 27th August 2014, 7.45 - 10.30am
Walkerwood Dam, Flaxfield, and back across Wild Bank Moor
Nothing exciting to report, but some signs of movement. All the breeding birds have left the moor, Meadow Pipits aside.
Small, very vocal and mobile flock of around 20 juvenile Meadow Pipits around the hawthorn bushes Counted 30+ other, mainly skulking, Meadow Pipits on trek back up and across the moor. Calling but not flying up. 2 Chiffchaffs singing weakly at Flaxfield - the first I've heard for weeks 10+ Willow Warblers 3 Swallows feeding over the moor and Walkerwood Reservoir, with 20+ other birds counted moving through c10 Sand Martins briefly over Walkerwood, then moved off south-west 6 juvenile Linnets feeding in the fields at Flaxfield Several Bullfinches calling Flock of c30 juvenile Goldfinches 2 Kestrels 3 Buzzards 1 Moorhen on reservoir Two distinct, and separate, groups of Starlings at Flaxfield, c15 juveniles, and c10 adults 4 Coal Tits on Wild Bank Moor Several juvenile Dunnocks and Robins
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 03:05:48 PM
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 03:06:54 PM
David Walsh said
Wed Aug 20 8:03 AM, 2014
Wednesday 20th August 2014, 6.30 - 7.15am
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart Mixed group of mainly juv long-tailed tits, with a few Willow Warblers mixed in c12 juvenile Meadow Pipits around the hedges Several Greenfinches Linnet over Male kestrel
72 Canada Geese on Walkerwood reservoir
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 20th of August 2014 08:05:15 AM
David Walsh said
Tue Aug 19 7:34 AM, 2014
Tuesday 19th August 2014, 6.25 - 7.15am
Walkerwood Reservoir
67 Canada Geese Juvenile Pied Wagtail
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart
David Walsh said
Mon Aug 18 12:35 PM, 2014
Monday 18th August 2014, 9.00 - 11.00am
A walk up to Lower Swineshaw and back, in bright, pleasant conditions. Very quiet, bird-wise. The breeding season feels a lot longer ago than a few weeks!
c20 mainly juvenile Swallows around Lower Swineshaw Dam Bullfinches calling all along valley, particularly around the scout hut Several Juvenile Willow Warblers Green Woodpecker heard in the valley, not seen Kestrel Buzzard a solitary juvenile Pied Wagtail at Lower Swineshaw, another at Walkerwood Juvenile Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood Treecreeper near Brushes Cottages 4+ Coal Tits in the woods Female Blackcap at Walkerwood 4 Linnets over
David Walsh said
Fri Aug 15 8:52 PM, 2014
Friday 15th August 2014, 7.15 - 7.45pm
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart Kestrel over Wild Bank 6+ Swallows c40 juvenile Goldfinches Willow Warbler singing
Very quiet bird-wise - only one Red Grouse seen but Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk in the space of 10 minutes provided a good exercise in raptor ID.
Red Grouse x2
highlights of a walk around cowbury res.
Keep birding
Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit
1 Mistle Thrush guarding holly
Several Chaffinches
Flaxfield:
Male Stonechat feeding from the fence wires in front of Range House. Unusual sighting this low down. Possibly been forced down the valley by the snow further up.
17 Fieldfare in the hawthorns
A walk over a snowy Wild Bank Moor and around the rifle ranges yielded very little, other than a dozen or so Magpies and Blackbirds, plus the usual woodpigeons and black-headed gulls around the fields.
Only things of note around Walkerwood:
1 Willow Tit
2 Jays
1 Mistle Thrush
1 redhead Goosander fishing on Walkerwood Reservoir.
Along Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs - only sightings of note:
2 Treecreepers
1 Willow Tit
Bullfinches calling
Otherwise desperately quiet
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in sub-zero temperatures, the early fog lifting to produce a beautiful morning.
1 Stonechat braving it out at Higher Swineshaw
Several Reed Buntings around the Swineshaws
Couple of Meadow Pipits calling from the moor
4 Red Grouse
12+ Bullfinches - calling everywhere
Several Chaffinches
1 Treecreeper
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Kestrel
c6 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
20+ Blackbirds
1 Mistle Thrush guarding berries
c10 Redwings
2 Ravens
Walkerwood area, with most of the action at the Harridge side, in the hawthorns and holly.
8 Mistle Thrushes
1 Song Thrush
c25 Redwing
15+ Blackbirds
6 Greenfich
6 Goldfinch
2 Chaffinch
4 Bullfinch
4 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
2 Meadow Pipits
1 Jay
Walkerwood Dam
Mixed flock around the bushes low down on Harridge
c10 Greenfinch
c10 Chaffinch
C6 Goldfinch
Plus
4 Bullfinch
4 Long-tailed Tit
c10 Redwings
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Sparrowhawk over
1 Pied Wagtail
3 Coal Tits
10+ Blackbirds
Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank
Desperately quiet morning
Walkerwood Dam area
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
1 Jay
1 Willow Tit
Several Bullfinch calling - they seem to be everywhere at present
1 Linnet over
Flaxfield
6 Mistle Thrushes in the fields
1 Song Thrush
6 Redwing in the hedges
4 Bullfinch
Couple of Meadow Pipit calling from the grass
Plenty of Blackbirds everywhere, chasing Redwing and Thrushes around
Flaxfield, around Brushes Rangers football pitch
c20 Redwings around the hawthorn bushes
A few Fieldfare mixed in, and a flock of c25 over SW
6+ Mistle Thrushes, objecting noisily to the above
2 or 3 Song Thrush
10+ Blackbirds also darting around
2 Linnet
6 Meadow Pipits
2 Kestrels up above Range House
Reed Bunting heard down towards Copley, not seen
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back. Very quiet.
2 pairs of Stonechat
Several Reed Bunting calling around Lower Swineshaw, only 2 seen
8+ Red Grouse
1 Kestrel
2 or 3 Meadow Pipits only
6+ Bullfinch
1 Willow Tit
1 Mistle Thrush
12+ Wrens - everywhere, particularly higher up by the Swineshaws
Goldcrest heard in the woods by Brushes Reservoir, but not seen
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the Rifle Ranges to Flaxfield, and back.
1 female/imm Stonechat around the gorse by the ranges
1 Linnet feeding on hawthorns at Flaxfield
c50 Fieldfare on Wild Bank Moor
c12 Redwings flying around Flaxfield, plus odd birds squeaking in the holly trees
4 Mistle Thrush
c20 Blackbirds
c30 Goldfinches
couple of Chaffinch
Bullfinch calling
1 female Kestrel
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Pied Wagtail over Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Willow Tit
4 Coal Tits
7 Starlings around the pylons
Red Grouse calling from Wild Bank Moor
Only 1 Meadow Pipit!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 13th of November 2014 01:17:37 PM
A quick walk up and around Range House, late post for this morning
1 Reed Bunting perched next to Brushes Rangers football pitch - more heard calling down towards Copley direction.
c25 Redwings moving around the "Redstart" hedges
4 Fieldfare over south-west
2 or 3 Meadow Pipits calling from the long grass
c20 Starlings on the pylons
1 Kestrel over Wild Bank Moor
1 Buzzard higher up Brushes Valley, Harridge side. Another calling from the Cock Wood area, by the reservoir??
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 11th of November 2014 09:33:18 PM
Info thanks to Simon Ghilks
An early start to avoid the forecast rain. Along Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, with a couple of hours spent wandering around Higher Swineshaw, in pleasant conditions (for Higher Swineshaw in November!)
2 Peregrines drifting back and forth over Irontongue Hill from the north, to Lees Hill, and back
2 Buzzards, one hanging in the direction of Hoarstone Edge to the north-east of Lees Hill, the other on top of the hut at the north-east corner of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Kestrel over Swineshaw Moor
1 Raven
At least 7 Stonechat, including 2 pairs, with some first winter birds moving around with the Reed Bunting
12+ Reed Buntings (after last week's blank?), including some calling from the Lower Swineshaw area
12+ Red Grouse
c6 Meadow Pipits only
Bullfinch calling all the way up the valley
Plenty of Nuthatch also calling
Walkerwood Dam
3 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
Large flock of mixed tits and finches, consisting of mainly Great and Blue Tits, and Chaffinch, but with at least one Brambling
Several Long-tailed Tits
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 8th of November 2014 11:57:08 AM
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 8th of November 2014 12:09:31 PM
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
At least 1 Peregrine, seen over the moor above Higher Swineshaw, over Lees Hill towards Tintwistle, and perched on a fence post by Lees Hill, over the course of an hour and a half
2 Buzzards
3 Kestrels
1 male Sparrowhawk perched next to Walkerwood Dam
4 Stonechat
1 Raven
c15 Meadow Pipits
2 Pied Wagtail
Plenty of Bullfinch calling
Several Jays
No sign of any Reed Bunting today at Higher Swineshaw
2 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
1 Willow Tit
Several Coal Tits
Otherwise quiet
Late report for 30th Oct:
My first ever visit here; - another of G M's hidden gems!
Arriving at 10am, I walked through the woods below the Walkerwood Res. Dam along a very convenient concrete casing over an overflow pipe which went on for 100's of yards (roughly at right angles to the alignment of the dam). This habitat looks really good for Woodcock; (perhaps they might gather/roost here in winter?)
Afterwards, 'scoping from the dam itself, (whilst nibbling my butties) there was a little "finch fest" around and in the hillside bushes just below and right of the base of the nearest pylon, these comprised an obvious berry laden conical shaped holly, and patches of scattered hawthorns with a few thin (Alders?); birds noted were :
Greenfinches (5)
Goldfinches (3)
Brambling (1)
Lesser Redpoll (3)
Chaffinches (2)
-These in company with:
Mistle Thrushes(6)
Song Thrushes (2)
Redwing (1)
Blackbirds (perhaps10)
All the above seemed to be feeding as an assorted mob on the berries and catkins, with the Mistle Thrushes voicing degrees of disapproval with usurpers (mainly the Blackbirds).
I walked up to Lower Swineshaw Res. adding Bullfinches, Goldcrests and the usual Tits, but on reaching the open moorland birding was curtailed by the racket of a National Grid Helicopter hovering low for a good 20 mins. no doubt doing necessary work checking the power lines/pylons.
Red Grouse was heard distantly (but not seen) when I arrived back at the dam. I think the helicopter scuppered any chance of seeing them higher up.
All in all, a really pleasant few hours.
Walkerwood area, in intermittent drizzle
1 Kestrel, perched up
4 Chaffinches
6 Bullfinches
c10 Goldfinches
12+ Great Tits
6+ Blue Tits
3 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit (though I didn't hear it call to confirm ID)
10 Meadow Pipits in the field by Brushes Road
1 adult Pied Wagtail with 2 juveniles
2 Grey Wagtails
c20 Redwing
c300 Pink-footed Geese over in 2 skeins, at 10.20, and 10.30am
Flaxfield
2 Mistle Thrush
25 Starlings on a pylon
c65 Canada Geese feeding in the fields
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill. Quiet, in very blustery conditions.
1 pair of Stonechat
8+ Reed Buntings
3 Red Grouse
22 Cormorant over east
c 600 Pink-footed Geese over east, in 5 skeins
10+ Meadow Pipits only
3 Kestrels
1 Buzzard
1 Willow Tit
1 juvenile Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
Plenty of Bullfinch calling
From Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill
Around the Swineshaws and Lees Hill
4 Stonechat
24 Reed Buntings
16 Red Grouse
2 Mistle Thrush
1 Fieldfare - a migrant thrush, but not the one I was hoping for
1 Buzzard
2 Kestrels
c30 Meadow Pipits
9 Wrens
6 Bullfinch
4 Chaffinch
Goldcrest heard from the scout hut, not seen
2 Pied Wagtails
Walkerwood area
c30 Redwing
1 Buzzard
6 Chaffinch
4 Bullfinch
12 Long-tailed Tits
1 Willow Tit
3 Coal Tits
Many Blue and Great Tits in with the above
2 Red Grouse on Wild Bank
plus a Tawny Owl from Harridge Woods before first light
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 16th of October 2014 12:08:10 PM
Tawny Owl calling persistently from Cock Wood
From Walkerwood Reservoir, up the valley to Higher Swineshaw and around Lees Hill. The dense fog of the Tame Valley cleared to brilliant sunshine by Lower Swineshaw - a fantastic morning!
c20 Reed Buntings all around Higher Swineshaw
6 Stonechats
11 Red Grouse, including one handsome male perched for 10 minutes on a fence wire by Lees Hill
1 Little Owl
6 Willow Warblers together at Higher Swineshaw. Headed off west down the valley.
c20 Meadow Pipits - never as numerous here as Wild Bank Moor
8+ Wrens around the walls and bracken of Higher Swineshaw
2 Pied Wagtails at Higher Swineshaw
2 Kestrels
1 Mistle Thrush high up on Swineshaw Moor
1 Willow Tit
2 Coal Tits
3 Goldcrest at the scout hut
37 Black-headed Gulls on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Kestrel hunting over Wild Bank
Small group of hirundines low over Flaxfield, moving quickly south, comprising of 3 House Martins and 5 Swallows
c6 Meadow Pipits in the field by Range House
Magpies flying everywhere - counted 15 in ten minutes
From Walkerwood Dam, to Flaxfield, and back over Wild Bank Moor - nothing exciting
40+ Meadow Pipits, all over Wild Bank Moor
3 Lesser Redpoll over
2 Bullfinch
1 Mistle Thrush on top of a pylon
Several Chaffinch
1 Kestrel over Flaxfield
Several Wrens, including one at the top of the moor
2 Chiffchaffs singing at Flaxfield
20+ Great Tits
3 Coal Tits
1 Willow Tit
2 Jays
A quick scout around Higher Swineshaw, then back down to Walkerwood. A lovely afternoon, but quiet, bird-wise.
3 Buzzards around Lees Hill, over from Ogden Clough
1 Peregrine on the pylons
Several Reed Buntings calling around Higher Swineshaw
c20 Goldfinches moving around
Willow Tit
Several Coal Tits
Bullfinch calling
A handful of Meadow Pipits only today
Juvenile Cormorant
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 5th of October 2014 03:36:27 PM
Walkerwood Dam
Immature Tawny Owl flying around the Country Park
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and back
1 Raven on the pylons
2 Buzzard
c10 Reed Buntings around Higher Swineshaw
3 Stonechat
Red Grouse calling from the moor
2 Pied Wagtails
1 Grey Wagtail
Just the odd Willow Warbler calling
c20 Meadow Pipits
c25 Goldfinches moving around Higher Swineshaw
1 Willow Tit
c6 Long-tailed Tits at Higher Swineshaw
Several Coal Tits
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in increasingly poor conditions. A dry start, turning to mist and cold, driving drizzle by the time I got to Lees Hill. Very quiet compared to recent visits, but conditions at the top were awful.
c20 Meadow Pipits only
2 Buzzards
5 Red Grouse, with more calling
4 Reed Buntings
1 juvenile Stonechat
2 Pied Wagtails
1 Grey Wagtail
Several Willow Warblers, some singing. No Chiffchaffs heard today
10+ Wrens, including several around Higher Swineshaw
Jackdaw on Harridge, with a white primary on its right wing
And that was about it!
Walkerwood Dam
2 Buzzards over Harridge
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel over Wild Bank, 1 over Flaxfield
1 Grey Heron
Kingfisher heard along reservoir, not seen
Chiffchaff singing
Coal Tits
Willow Tit
Walkerwood Dam area
Buzzard over the valley
Kestrel
10 Jays over south, several others in the woods
Grey Wagtail
c6 Chaffinches
Willow Tit
Coal Tit
Moorhen on reservoir
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around Lees Hill. Cloudy over towards Chew, and the east, and Longdendale was shrouded in mist, but Brushes Valley basked in glorious sunshine. A beautiful morning.
1 Wheatear on Higher Swineshaw Dam
1 Whinchat at Lees Hill
c20 Reed Buntings, mainly juveniles, at both sides of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and around Lees Hill. Very vocal.
2 Buzzards over the valley, the entire time
2 Peregrines, one mobbed by 2 Kestrels over Lees Hill, before drifting over Ogden Clough, then joined by another Peregrine which appeared out of the mist from the direction of Glossop
4 Kestrels, 3 over Lees Hill, 1 over Harridge
4 juv Mistle Thrushes, out of the area of the scout hut, up and over Higher Swineshaw
50+ Meadow Pipits, noticably fewer than on Sunday
A group of Blue Tits and Chaffinches, with a few Willow Warblers mixed in, at the scout hut
Several Bullfinches calling along the valley
Chiffchaffs singing at the scout hut
1 juv Grey Wagtail at Brushes Reservoir
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the Country Park
1 juv Cormorant at Walkerwood Reservoir
Several Jays
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 18th of September 2014 12:47:54 PM
Walkerwood Dam
1 juvenile Cormorant
3 Grey Wagtails flying around the reservoir's edge
6 Swallows - 4 very young birds begging food from 2 adults on the wires at the Harridge end of the dam. Seems a very late brood?
c6 Chaffinches
Several Bullfinch heard
2 Chiffchaffs singing
2 Willow Warblers
Several young Jays
All the usual tits for the area - some large groups of Great Tits, with juv Dunnock mixed in
200+ Sand Martins milling around overhead for about 15 minutes ..... drifted off slowly west.
Blackcap (F) in with a large flock of tits.
Bullfinch.
Jay.
Moorhen.
Buzzard soaring ...... got a bit of hassle off a female Kestrel as it went over Wild Bank.
Roger.
Walkerwood Dam, in a light drizzle.
1 juvenile Cormorant
c100 Sand Martins through, in three groups heading south-west, with a few Swallows mixed in
1 Grey Wagtail
2 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
Bullfinches and Chaffinches calling
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, and around the edge of Lees Hill
Cold and quiet again
150+ Meadow Pipits, up from the moor around Lower and Higher Swineshaw reservoirs. The greatest concentration was around the edge of Lees Hill, with 70+ birds all along the fencing and on the bridleway, presumably moving through
6 Red Grouse, very vocal and mobile - many more calling from the moor
10 Reed Bunting, in two groups. 4 juveniles in the the trees along the southern shore of Higher Swineshaw, and what appeared to be a pair with 4 juveniles squabbling with the Meadow Pipits by Lees Hill
1 Raven over Lees Hill (Brushes side)
1 male Kestrel
10+ Dunnocks, including juveniles in the bracken
2 Chiffchaffs at the scout hut
Several Willow Warblers
With reference to Steve Suttill's Mossley post - I saw my Willow Tit this morning, so there must be at least 2 in Tameside!!
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 14th of September 2014 12:50:59 PM
Walkerwood Dam, Wild Bank, and Flaxfield
A desperately quiet morning, with a perching male Kestrel being the only sighting of note at Flaxfield
40+ Meadow Pipits in the heather and rough grass
Red Grouse calling from the moor
A couple of Willow Warblers calling at Wild Bank when the sun came out
A bit more life around Walkerwood Reservoir:
1 juvenile Cormorant
9 juvenile Pied Wagtails picking through the grass of the dam
couple of Chiffchaffs in with a group of mixed tits
6 Sand Martins circled briefly, took a drink, and headed west
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 13th of September 2014 01:33:26 PM
Brushes Valley - to Higher Swineshaw and back, in very pleasant, still, conditions. Nothing very exciting to report.
2 Ravens on the pylons at Higher Swineshaw
1 pair of Stonechat
40+ Meadow Pipits, scattered around the moor. No large groups moving through as on Sunday.
Several Red Grouse, including one very brazen female on a wall, giving excellent views to 20 yards
Nuthatches calling
Several Coal Tits
c12 Linnets over west at Higher Swineshaw
c50 juvenile Goldfinch in two separate groups, at Higher and Lower Swineshaw, feeding on thistles
Little Owl heard but not seen
Juvenile Cormorant at Walkerwood
Several Willow Warblers, with plenty calling from the moor at Higher Swineshaw
Several Chiffchaff singing along the valley
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 11th of September 2014 01:13:17 PM
Walkerwood Dam
Kingfisher perched up near the dam. First time I've seen one here. I thought I heard one briefly on Saturday morning.
Juvenile Cormorant
Moorhen
Chaffinches
Bullfinch calling
Several Willow Warblers
Chiffchaff singing
-- Edited by David Walsh on Monday 8th of September 2014 07:45:25 AM
Brushes Valley, up to Higher Swineshaw and back, the mist lifting all the while. Sunny on the way down.
1 juvenile Cormorant
1 Juvenile Grey Heron
2 juvenile Pied Wagtails
1 Moorhen
Several Nuthatches, at Brushes Cottages, and around the scout hut
1 pair of Stonechat
100+ Meadow Pipits - particularly numerous around Higher Swineshaw. A group of 30+ on Higher Swineshaw dam banking, picking through the grass
Several juvenile Linnets in with the above -
- and 1 juvenile Reed Bunting
Several Red Grouse - more calling from the moor
Couple of small groups of juv Bullfinch
Several juvenile Chaffinches
Several juvenile Goldfinches
Willow Warblers
Several Chiffchaffs, particularly around the scout hut
Juvenile Blackcap
6+ Coal Tits
Song Thrush
Juvenile Mistle Thrush
Several juvenile Jays
Walkerwood Dam
Juvenile Cormorant
Moorhen
10 juvenile Pied Wagtails
1 juvenile Grey Wagtail
c6 juvenile Chaffinches
c6 Bullfinches along the edge of the Country Park
Juvenile Blackcap
Walkerwood Dam
Juvenile Cormorant
Juvenile Grey Heron
Juvenile Pied wagtail
1 female, 1 juv Grey Wagtail
Moorhen
Several Bullfinches
Juvenile Chaffinches
Mixed Tits
Buzzard over Harridge
Walkerwood Dam, on a miserable, wet morning
1 juvenile Cormorant diving
1 juvenile Grey Wagtail
Bullfinches calling
1 juvenile Chaffinch
Mixed tit flock
And that was it - desperate!!
Juvenile Cormorant roosting in trees by Walkerwood Reservoir
Buzzard hunting at dusk over Harridge
Kestrel over Shaw Moor
Walkerwood Dam area
Small groups of mixed, mainly juvenile birds around the bushes, including:
Mixed tits, with several Coal and Long-tailed Tits
Several Willow Warblers
2 juvenile Whitethroat
4 juvenile Blackcaps
Several juvenile Chaffinches
c8 Linnets around the fields of Cote Farm
Juvenile Jays moving noisily around
12+ Swallows hawking around Harridge
12+ juvenile Meadow Pipits around the fields at Flaxfield
Walkerwood Dam, Flaxfield, and back across Wild Bank Moor
Nothing exciting to report, but some signs of movement. All the breeding birds have left the moor, Meadow Pipits aside.
Small, very vocal and mobile flock of around 20 juvenile Meadow Pipits around the hawthorn bushes
Counted 30+ other, mainly skulking, Meadow Pipits on trek back up and across the moor. Calling but not flying up.
2 Chiffchaffs singing weakly at Flaxfield - the first I've heard for weeks
10+ Willow Warblers
3 Swallows feeding over the moor and Walkerwood Reservoir, with 20+ other birds counted moving through
c10 Sand Martins briefly over Walkerwood, then moved off south-west
6 juvenile Linnets feeding in the fields at Flaxfield
Several Bullfinches calling
Flock of c30 juvenile Goldfinches
2 Kestrels
3 Buzzards
1 Moorhen on reservoir
Two distinct, and separate, groups of Starlings at Flaxfield, c15 juveniles, and c10 adults
4 Coal Tits on Wild Bank Moor
Several juvenile Dunnocks and Robins
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 03:05:48 PM
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 03:06:54 PM
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart
Mixed group of mainly juv long-tailed tits, with a few Willow Warblers mixed in
c12 juvenile Meadow Pipits around the hedges
Several Greenfinches
Linnet over
Male kestrel
72 Canada Geese on Walkerwood reservoir
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 20th of August 2014 08:05:15 AM
Walkerwood Reservoir
67 Canada Geese
Juvenile Pied Wagtail
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart
A walk up to Lower Swineshaw and back, in bright, pleasant conditions. Very quiet, bird-wise. The breeding season feels a lot longer ago than a few weeks!
c20 mainly juvenile Swallows around Lower Swineshaw Dam
Bullfinches calling all along valley, particularly around the scout hut
Several Juvenile Willow Warblers
Green Woodpecker heard in the valley, not seen
Kestrel
Buzzard
a solitary juvenile Pied Wagtail at Lower Swineshaw, another at Walkerwood
Juvenile Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
Treecreeper near Brushes Cottages
4+ Coal Tits in the woods
Female Blackcap at Walkerwood
4 Linnets over
Flaxfield
Juvenile Redstart
Kestrel over Wild Bank
6+ Swallows
c40 juvenile Goldfinches
Willow Warbler singing