Sedge Warbler 1 (My first in Stockport Borough since 01/05/2013)
Garden Warbler 2
Common Whitethroat 4
Plus Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps
Swifts 12
Buzzard 1 (hunting by repeatedly hovering)
Pheasant (heard)

Cheers John

-- Edited by John Rayner on Saturday 14th of May 2016 05:15:47 PM

Whitethroat (2) back at last. Not much else to enthuse over.

Blackcap 3
Chiffchaff 3
Willow Warbler 2
Swallow 2

Bullfinch 2
Reed Bunting 2
Pheasant 1

Thanks, Nigel (a bit belated)!

Linnet (Male singing. Flock of 23 on spoil heaps on 23rd Apr)
Chiffchaff 2
Willow Warbler 4
Blackcap 6
Reed Bunting 6
Song Thrush 2
Greenfinch 2
Bullfinch 2
Pheasant 1

Cheers, John

I was pleased with myself last Thursday evening when I found four Linnets in the top of a small tree: my first here for over three years. Early this evening I broke my site record with a flock of 16 feeding on the cleared ground that will become a biomass plantation. There was a single Lesser Redpoll feeding on the ground at the other side of this wilderness. Three Swallows were my first of the year here After peaking at six of each species, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were down to one Two grounded Herring Gulls were a surprise. There were three Stock Doves in neighbouring Ladybrook Valley. No sign of life in the heronry, but maybe it's still early Other highlights Bullfinch 3 Pheasant 2 Jay 1 Reed Bunting 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Snipe 1 Grey Wagtail 2

-- Edited by Nigel Troup on Sunday 17th of April 2016 06:31:01 PM

18:40 to 19:20

Chiffchaff 3
Willow Warbler 2
Kestrel 1
Reed Bunting 1
Heron 2
Pheasant 1
Lapwing 1
Bullfinch 2

Late report for yesterday evening (19:00 to 19:40).

Chiffchaff 5
Pheasant 4
Bullfinch 4
Kestrel 1
Reed Bunting 2
Snipe 1

Laurence,

There is no official public access. I enter via a gap in the trees at the top (Bramhall end) of Tenement Lane: SJ887869. You can clearly see the gap from the track here, as it is used by dog walkers. Be warned it is very muddy at this point. There are various other rough access points along Tenement Lane. I recommend that you turn right as you enter the site and follow the track towards the old brickyard, ascending to the upper section in the obvious gap in the fence or along the fenced edge of the brickyard.

There is space to park cars on Tenement Lane.

Hi Nigel, what is the best way to access this site, and is there any car parking available there?

I did a circuit this evening in the hope of some passage visitors. Only the upper half has any birding value now, so it can be well-covered in just 45 minutes. This may compress all of the more interesting birds into a smaller area, but it will also mean that there is no longer suitable habitat to attract certain species.

Three Chiffchaffs proved to be the only sign of spring, but there was some good variation among the other birds. There were still eleven Snipe in the wet NW corner: way down on my last count of 62, but a good showing for April. A Redwing equals the latest date that I have seen one near home. Five Pheasants (four female) was a highest count for the site. More predictable, but still good urban birds, were a female Kestrel, male Reed Bunting, two Jays and three Bullfinch.

Still large numbers of Snipe on site:

59 Snipe
3 Bullfinches
7 Jays
2 Buzzards
2 Lesser Redpolls
2 Siskins

Cheers John

Ted Ralph wrote:

---

Is this the same area?

 

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/legal-threat-over-plan-13000-10857654

---

Only just caught up with this thread and I am astounded. Last year, after louts had set fire to the Grasshopper Warbler breeding areas, there were pockets of methane burning from holes in the ground for days after the grass fire had been put out. What depth of soil is deemed a safe filter of noxious gases? It's sheer lunacy.

Cheers, John

Sorry this isn't a sighting post. Agreed that the proposed building on that site is very disappointing, also dubious that it is an ideal site for housing, the biomass plantation will be next door, the traffic is already heavy around there, never mind the noxious substances possibly lurking in the ground. I saw my first ever Woodcock and Jack Snipe on there and I agree completely it is a real oasis. I hope the developers give up and go home to be honest.

-- Edited by Simon Gough on Tuesday 9th of February 2016 05:35:08 PM

Yes Ted, this is the very spot.

The bottom area has already been lost as a birding site following the depositing of soil in readiness for the creation of a biomass plantation. I had heard that the upper area was to be developed, but did not realise that 250 homes were in the plan. Given the long history of landfill and the very visible evidence of its presence (there were active methane burners until recently), it is perhaps surprising that planning permission has been given. I seem to remember a newspaper story some years ago that tried to link an unexpectedly high incidence of childhood cancers in the area to material buried nearby - probably just irresponsible journalism.

I have seen many good birds here over the years and have enjoyed the rare sanctuary it offers in this densely developed area. It is sad to know that it will soon be lost without trace.

Despite the unwelcoming weather and still worse conditions underfoot, I did a long circuit with Monty the Westie from around 8:45 this morning, comprising a loop of Bramall Park, a squelchy march along the Ladybrook to the Seven Arches and a circuit of what remains of Adswood Tip. The birdsong on this dull morning was uplifting, and a total of 35 species was pretty good.

I have never seen so many Snipe on Adswood Tip. There were around 45 Common Snipe around the wet corner on the NE side, near the old Jewson's yard, with at least one Jack Snipe, which I managed to flush twice. This is the biggest day count I have ever had here by a factor of three. I suspect that the disruption of the lower area, now a mountain range of muddy ridges, may have concentrated the former population of the overall site into one small area. The other good count was Bullfinch: at least eight indivduals. Singles of Pheasant and Reed Bunting were my first of the year in Stockport, and small numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing, Greenfinch and Chaffinch were good to see. There were singles of Kestrel and Buzzard.

There were three Mandarin Ducks on the river between the tennis club and the stone bridge, a Great Spotted Woodpecker near Hill House and a Heron prospecting the nesting area further upstream.

I don't want to pour cold water on this scheme (not a pun), but doesn't Adswood have trouble with firestarters? It will be interesting to see how they stop the crop from going up in smoke. Could be restrictions on access coming up I'd guess.

---

Well this is what the proposal document promises regarding access and management. Believe as much or as little as you like. You are correct about arsonists. Already a couple of fires this year.

Cheers, John


Health & Wellbeing
The scheme will provide walking routes set within
areas of open space. Information boards will be used throughout the site to
promote the use of the site for open space. In addition, linkages will be
created with the surrounding areas thereby improving local connectivity
and promote health and wellbeing.

Biodiversity Benefits and Enhancements
The proposed landscaping
strategy at the site will deliver biodiversity benefits and enhancements.
Furthermore, the application proposals will include a dedicated area of
wildlife habitat which will be managed and maintained in the long term to
encourage biodiversity and improve species diversity at the site.

John Rayner wrote:

---

Further to my last comments: Here is an extract from the planning proposals for the Adswood Biomass Development. I assume this spoil is deemed to be 'suitable' landscape material.

"Landcare (Manchester) Ltd are seeking to import suitable materials to landscape
the site and in order create a new a biomass plantation to produce energy crops
(Short Rotational Bio-Coppice (SRC)) with the intention that these are used locally
to provide a sustainable source of energy. The SRC grows up to 4m in height in
the first season and is then cut back to encourage growth during the next season.
The SRC is harvested as chips, rods or billets depending on the end use
requirements and is harvested every 3 - 4 years. The plantation can remain viable
for up to 30 years before re-planting becomes necessary."

Cheers, John

---

I don't want to pour cold water on this scheme (not a pun), but doesn't Adswood have trouble with firestarters? It will be interesting to see how they stop the crop from going up in smoke. Could be restrictions on access coming up I'd guess.

At least four Whitethroat were back this afternoon. Other warblers were Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (3) and Blackcap (1), but no sign of Grasshopper Warbler. Two Swallows were drinking from the murky sunken pool.

Further to my last comments: Here is an extract from the planning proposals for the Adswood Biomass Development. I assume this spoil is deemed to be 'suitable' landscape material.

"Landcare (Manchester) Ltd are seeking to import suitable materials to landscape
the site and in order create a new a biomass plantation to produce energy crops
(Short Rotational Bio-Coppice (SRC)) with the intention that these are used locally
to provide a sustainable source of energy. The SRC grows up to 4m in height in
the first season and is then cut back to encourage growth during the next season.
The SRC is harvested as chips, rods or billets depending on the end use
requirements and is harvested every 3 - 4 years. The plantation can remain viable
for up to 30 years before re-planting becomes necessary."

Cheers, John

First Common Whitethroat of the year. (Remarkable consistency of first dates over the past few years 22/04/15, 21/04/14, 23/04/13, 22/04/10)
Willow Warblers 6
Chiffchaffs 5
Bullfinch 6
Reed Bunting 1
Pheasant 2
Grey Heron 2

The cleared lower area, so good for Grasshopper Warblers in recent years, is now being dumped on with large mounds of sub-soil spoil.

Cheers John

4 Willow Warblers singing
3 Chiffchaffs singing
4 Bullfinches
Singles of Grey Heron, Pheasant, Jay and Meadow Pipit

Cheers John

9:25. A 90 minute dog walk incorporating a stretch of the Ladybrook valley. First Reed Buntings (two males) and Chiffchaff of the year here.

Buzzard 3
Snipe 6
Woodpigeon 25
Magpie 22
Jackdaw 1
Carrion Crow 36
Goldcrest 4
Blue Tit 3
Great Tit 2
Chiffchaff 1
Wren 8
Blackbird 5
Song Thrush 4
Redwing 1
Robin 4
Dunnock 2
House Sparrow 1
Meadow Pipit 1
Bullfinch 3
Greenfinch
Reed Bunting 2

11:30 through 12:45. The scraping of the bottom section offers a poor long term future, but it does look as though it may be a magnet for some different passage species this spring. My hopes of an early Wheatear were not fulfilled today.

Mallard 2
Pheasant 1
Grey Heron 1
Snipe 11
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Herring Gull 1
Stock Dove 3
Woodpigeon 22
Magpie 17
Jackdaw 43
Carrion Crow 36
Blue Tit 5
Great Tit 1
Long-tailed Tit 1
Wren 5
Starling 10
Blackbird 1
Fieldfare 13
Redwing 16
Robin 1
Dunnock 6
Meadow Pipit 2
Chaffinch 3

Plenty of bird song but no early migrants

Dunnock 6
Song Thrush 3
Wren 11
Bullfinch 4
Blue Tit 2
Great Tit 2
Robin - surprisingly only 1
Nuthatch 1
Buzzard 1

Cheers John

Dog walk. 10:10 through 11:00. 3C. Bitter wind. Some of Thursday's snow remains.

Teal 2 - on sunken car pond - a site first for me
Snipe 12
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Stock Dove 1
Woodpigeon 6
Magpie 17
Jackdaw 4
Carrion Crow C30
Blue Tit 2
Wren 2
Starling 1
Blackbird 4
Fieldfare 9
Mistle Thrush 2
Dunnock 2
Meadow Pipit 5
Bullfinch 1f

A pleasant morning. No glove weather.

The newly-excavated area adjacent to the recycling centre proved popular with thrushes, pipits and wagtails.

Lapwing 40C
Snipe 11
Black-headed Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Stock Dove 1
Woodpigeon 12
Peregrine 1 - first for me at this site
Magpie 14
Jackdaw 15C
Carrion Crow 25C
Blue Tit 1
Great Tit 3
Wren 1
Starling 7
Blackbird 6
Fieldfare 9
Song Thrush 2
Redwing 14
Robin 3
Dunnock 1
Pied Wagtail 6
Meadow Pipit 12
Bullfinch 4 (3 male)
Greenfinch 3

45 minute circuit. It was 6C, but a bitter wind made it feel much colder. Very wet underfoot. The area cleared for biomass is grassing over nicely and is very popular with crows.

Grey Heron 1
Snipe 9
Black-headed Gull 3
Common Gull 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Stock Dove 2
Woodpigeon 7
Magpie 15+
Jackdaw 20+
Carrion Crow 20+
Raven 2
Great Tit 2
Starling 1
Blackbird 3
Mistle Thrush 3
Meadow Pipit 8

A quick spin round the old brickworks area. 3 Snipe and 7 Meadow Pipits flushed up. I'd expect more Snipe when it gets wetter, there wasn't any appreciable standing water today. Also 2 Greenfinch over, and nice views of a Song Thrush eating berries.

On the cleared western half:

2 Stock Doves
1 Snipe
2 Meadow Pipits over

The eastern half is still largely untouched (for the moment?)

3 Jays
2 Kestrels
2 Bullfinches
5 Chiffchaffs
1 Great Soptted Woodpecker

Cheers John

A Wheatear on the newly-cleared area this morning. I am told that the area is to become a biomass plantation. Anyone who wants to know more should go to:

http://interactive.stockport.gov.uk/edrms/onlinemvm/getimage.asp?DocumentNumber=212026

Two Stock Doves and a Bullfinch present.
Four Meadow Pipits and a Pied Wagtail over.

The good news:

This morning, a small, busy mixed flock, not far from the Midland Road entrance, included a male Blackcap, at least four Chiffchaff, and a Spotted Flycatcher (a rarity in these parts). Snipe and Sparrowhawk flew overhead, and at least eight Stock Doves were on the bottom section.

The bad news:

A huge area of ground adjoining the old Jewson's yard on the bottom, western area, of the site has been completely cleared. All bramble has been removed and some small groups of mature trees felled, leaving behind a desert. There is also evidence that similar work has started on other parts of the site.

Until 2013, this area hosted one of the densest populations of Grasshopper Warbler in the county, plus breeding Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Reed Bunting. It will not do so again for a long while. The 'groppers' did not return this year - maybe a premonition.

08.05 - 10.30:

Tried to conduct a warbler census.

Blackcaps 7
Chiffchaff 5
Whitethroat 11 (inc. carrying food for young)
Willow Warbler 8 (inc. carrying food for young)

Also a family party of Great Tits, a healthy population of Blackbirds (12), Wrens (13), Goldfinches (12) and 54 Swifts over before the sun broke through.

Other bits:

Greenfinch 3
Starlings 14
Song Thrush 2
Swallow 1
House Martin 2
Bullfinch 4
Buzzard 1
Heron 3
Pheasant 2
Reed Bunting 1

Cheers John

A pleasant amble this morning. Nothing remarkable except for the high number of Whitethroats. I counted 16, mostly singing males. Even allowing for a bit of double counting there is a healthy population here.

Whitethroat 16
Willow Warbler 5
Chiffchaff 1
Blackcap 3
Swift 4
Bullfinch 4
Heron 1
Song Thrush 7

Plus a single Mallard duckling running for cover in tall grass well away from any water. Could only hear the one but there may have been more.

Cheers John

I had a scout for Warblers a few weeks ago and there was nowt around but it was only first week of April. But I was talking to somebody the other day who said the brickworks bit had had a load of earth dumped on it since then. Maybe this disruption put the Grasshopper Warblers off? If indeed it was disruptive, I've not seen it myself.

Thanks Bill, a lot of interesting thoughts here.

It is true that Grasshopper Warblers at Adswood reduce or stop singing once breeding has begun and it is always possible that they have been overlooked. I would like to think this is unlikely as between Nigel Troup and myself they have been looked for since mid April.

The area that was burnt out last year has completely regenerated but, as you say, apparently perfect looking habitat is so often shunned (Why isn't Etherow C.P. woodland attractive to Wood Warblers and Redstarts for example?)

Hopefully some will be found later in the season, if not, then perhaps next year.

Cheers John

Hi John,

I too have been following your comments about Grasshopper Warbler numbers at Adswood with interest. On reading your recent posts, I recalled reading somewhere in the dim and distant past about the Grasshopper Warbler being one of those species that appears to show a low level of faithfulness to both breeding and wintering sites. I finally managed to track those comments down to the 2005 publication "Birds in England" by Brown and Grice. I thought this extract might possibly of some interest and relevance? "Assessing long-term population trends in Grasshopper Warbler populations is difficult because local populations clearly undergo pronounced fluctuations in numbers between years and many apparently suitable sites are used erratically. One possible explanation is the low site-fidelity shown by the species, with fewer birds arriving and breeding in years when unfavourable weather predominates during the spring migration period. Low site-fidelity to both the breeding and wintering areas may be a behavioural trait that has evolved to allow the efficient exploitation of transient wetland habitats (Migration Atlas)." However, the opposite is suggested in the BTO publication "A Field Guide to Monitoring Nests" by Ferguson-Lees, Castell and Leech and possibly highlights how relatively little we understand about this secretive species, when they suggest "high site-fidelity in successive years, if habitat remains suitable." So that's as clear as mud then!!

I can also recall reading somewhere but can't currently find where that was (and indeed I mentioned this idea in the paragraph on Grasshopper Warbler in the 2011 County Report) the suggestion about this species falling silent whilst paired up and incubation duties are shared and the pair feed any young. Is it possible maybe one or two pairs are already on first clutches and silent and almost undetectable?

It was also interesting to note that you didn't think the habitat had changed appreciably from earlier years. I personally have often wondered if a species selection of breeding habitats is much more exacting than we as humans yet understand. We've all been out to locations where we think, wow, this habitat should be great for breeding...say Stonechat, Little Ringed Plover, Redstart, Grasshopper Warbler...take your pick of any number of species...but for some reason, that we can't quantify, they are not there. I suppose what I'm saying is that to the human eye things possibly don't look to be any different but to the birds themselves maybe just one or two of the subtle requirements by the species in nest site selection are missing and they have gone elsewhere for a more desirable summer residence! I can recall you mentioning a major fire on site about a year ago. Maybe this has had a delayed knock-on effect? Just an afterthought really this last paragraph.

Your figure work for earlier years certainly does back up the "volatility" that this species is suggested as showing. Fingers crossed that some do yet turn up on site at Adswood for you and other local birders.

Regards,


Bill.

Hi Phil,

I remember meeting you at Woodford. The situation regarding habitat at Adswood has not really changed this year. There has been some heavier duty vehicles churning up dog walker paths and a bit of scrub clearance in one corner, the occasional teenagers on motorbikes plus just one small grass fire this year and, of course, always dog walkers. Nothing out of the ordinary. There is still plenty of willow scrub - large bramble patches - drying out reed beds - extensive grassland. So nothing to account for the sudden absence of Grasshopper Warblers. In fact it is absolutely perfect for something good to drop in but it doesn't get the coverage that Geoff Lightfoot gave it in its heyday. My own efforts are rather casual.

Cheers, John

I've been following this Grasshopper Warbler quest with interest - I used to go down to Adswood - John I met you a couple of times at Woodford before relocating to Lancashire.

Has the habitat deteriorated?

My current patch has some habitat similar to Adswood
http://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t55145485/roby-mill-and-area/

Grasshopper warblers have increased this year to 5 reeling males - maybe we've got yours :)

13th May (18.45-20.00):

A good showing of Song Thrushes with 9 individuals including a family party of 6.

The Grasshopper Warbler situation this year is very disappointing. It is beginning to look as if none will attempt to breed in 2014. Just scrolling down this thread there have been annual counts of reeling birds:
2013 (4)
2012 (2)
2011 (9)
2010 (2)
2009 (4)

Cheers John

Still no Grasshopper Warbler on a thorough circuit at 20:15 yesterday. However, it was pleasing to see my first Swifts of the year: six over the Midland Road entrance. This is the latest arrival date on my records, by six days.

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 9th of May 2014 08:38:09 AM

3 Swifts
No Grasshopper Warblers

Cheers John

3rd May (17.30-18.30)

Still no Grasshopper Warblers

In song were:
7 Whitethroats
2 Chiffchaffs
3 Willow Warblers
2 Blackcaps

Also:
c50 Starlings
2 Stock Doves
2 Pheasants
3 Song Thrushes
Singles of Buzzard, Jay, Reed Bunting, Swallow

Cheers John

19.00 - 20.00

Similar spread of species as Nigel yesterday... and still no Grasshopper Warblers. They were a week earlier than this last year despite the awful 2013 spring weather.

Cheers John

A lovely calm evening, and I did a thorough circuit. Whitethroats are back in number, but not a peep from a Grasshopper Warbler - quite unusual.

Mallard 2
Pheasant 3
Lesser Black-backed Gull 5
Stock Dove 2
Woodpigeon 5
Magpie 8
Jay 1
Carrion Crow 20 +
Blue Tit 1
Great Tit 3
Swallow 1
Chiffchaff 4
Willow Warbler 3
Blackcap 5
Whitethroat 7
Wren 2
Starling 30 +
Blackbird 5
Song Thrush 1
Dunnock 2
House Sparrow 1
Greenfinch 1
Reed Bunting 2

A bit of a disappointing evening, despite a fairly large circuit, in light drizzle.

Willow Warbler - 3
Blackcap - 2
Chiffchaff - 1
Pheasant - 1
Jay - 2

Motorcyclist - 1.

I had expected a few Whitethroat by now.

First Whitethroat this evening. Still no Grasshopper Warblers.

Cheers John

Chiffchaff 6
Willow Warbler 4
Blackcap 6
Jay 1
Buzzard 1
Song Thrush 1
Pheasant (H)

No Whitethroats or Grasshopper Warblers yet. The fire brigade turned up as I was leaving to check on a reported grass fire but I didn't see anything.

Cheers John

-- Edited by John Rayner on Friday 18th of April 2014 04:42:31 PM

A better day for migrants:

Willow Warbler 3
Blackcap 6
Chiffchaff 2
Herring Gull 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Buzzard 1
Pheasant 1

Cheers, John