24 Pied Wagtail...Flying over west heading for evening roost I guess...
1 Swallow
2 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
2 Coal Tit.
Dave Steel said
Thu Oct 1 7:58 PM, 2020
Afternoon Visit
17 Robin
5 Chiffchaff...one 'in song'
2 Coal Tit
16 Mallard
7 Buzzard in a 'Kettle' + 2 more about the Woodland
1 Swallow
14 Jackdaw.
Dave Steel said
Sat Sep 26 11:31 PM, 2020
Afternoon Visit
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Grey wagtail
1 Snipe
2 Willow Tit
5 Jay...including one noted burying Acorns
4 Chiffchaff...1 in song
5 Bullfinch
Dave Steel said
Tue Sep 15 8:14 PM, 2020
Afternoon Visit
1 Nuthatch
1 Chiffchaff in song
2 Siskin
1 Yellowhammer
24 Long-Tailed Tit
27 Robin
32 Jackdaw.
Dave Steel said
Sun Sep 13 7:23 PM, 2020
130920...mid-afternoon visit
2 House Martin
1 Swallow
2 Sparrowhawk
6 Chiffchaff...1 in song
Dave Steel said
Tue Sep 1 4:17 PM, 2020
010920 Midday Visit
14 Chiffchaff
2 Blackcap
7 Robin
2 Raven
5 Swallow
6 Jackdaw
4 Carrion Crow
1 Buzzard
2 Coal Tit
3 Siskin.
Dave Steel said
Sat Jun 13 7:42 PM, 2020
PM Amble...as ever quiet
6 Blackcap in song
11 Willow Warbler in Song
5 Whitethroat in song
2 Swift
4 Song Thrush...3 in song
10 Blackbird...8 in song
1 Coal Tit
6 Magpie
2 Jay
Dave Steel said
Thu Jun 11 7:04 PM, 2020
PM amble...little about
3 Whitethroat in song
4 Willow Warbler in song
3 Blackcap in song
1 Kestrel
4 Swift
7 House Martin
2 Swallow.
Dave Steel said
Wed Jun 10 4:22 PM, 2020
Late Record for Yesterday afternoon
5 Buzzard
8 Willow Warbler in song
6 Blackcap in song
13 Swift
5 Swallow
1 Mallard female with 4 young
1 Mallard female with 8 young
7 House Sparrow
3 Greenfinch in song
1 House Martin
7 Whitethroat in song
2 Willow Tit...suspect family party
4 Robin in song
10 Blackbird
1 Moorhen plus two well grown young
1 Herring Gull.
Dave Steel said
Sun Jun 7 10:30 PM, 2020
3 Chiffchaff in song
5 Blackcap in song
8 Willow Warbler in song
1 Garden Warbler in song
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
5 Carrion Crow
13 Woodpigeon
3 Jackdaw
4 Mallard
2 Swift
1 Swallow
1 House Martin
2 Tufted Duck...pair
1 Cormorant
2 Kestrel
8 Blackbird in song
13 Goldfinch
1 Buzzard.
Dave Steel said
Fri Jun 5 6:52 PM, 2020
Late record for 040620 pm
4 Buzzard
5 House Martin
7 Swift
4 Swallow
4 Jackdaw
2 Greenfinch in song
6 Blackcap in song
5 Willow Warbler in song
4 Whitethroat in song
5 Stock Dove
1 Yellow Wagtail overflying the site heading south
1 Willow Tit...a different location than the WT encountered yesterday
5 Mallard
1 Cormorant overflying
1 Yellowhammer in alarm
1 Reed Bunting in song
9 Woodpigeon.
Dave Steel said
Thu Jun 4 7:32 PM, 2020
Late Record for 030620
8 Blackcap in song
5 Willow Warbler in song
4 Swallow
7 Chiffchaff in song
5 Whitethroat in song
9 Blackbird in song
1 Mallard female with 2 young
7 Jackdaw
8 Lesser Black-Backed Gull
2 Jay
16 Woodpigeon
2 Oystercatcher
7 Carrion Crow
4 Song Thrush in song
2 Kestrel
1 Willow Tit...suspect a family party.
Dave Steel said
Sat May 30 11:18 PM, 2020
Afternoon Wander...
6 Chiffchaff in song
5 Blackcap in song
7 Whitethroat in song
26 Woodpigeon
4 Buzzard
3 Swallow
2 Tufted Duck...pair
1 Grey Heron
1 Goldcrest in song
2 Greenfinch in song
9 Robin
1 Mallard with 7 small young.
Always a quiet site...
Dave Steel said
Wed May 13 8:05 PM, 2020
I was asked to do a summary of this site for the Great Manchester Wetland Area as they were trying to gain as much local knowledge for this project
I have wandered this site as part of my Mossland 'Patch'...it needs a lot of legwork to get this substantial patch covered but slowly-slowly it offers such gems as this...a quiet and understated site but it can offer a good selection of Dragonflies/Butterflies and an acceptable number of birds...groups I have taken round in mid-summer always enjoy it and the real bonus is it hasn't a carpark directly on site...a walk from the very accommodating Bents Garden Centre Car Park or a journey along the Timberland Trail on Foot in the south is required..
This is my summary for the GMWA...
Windy Bank Wood
Now heres a hidden gem within the landscapeif you want a wander that has quiet on its side then here it is...this backwater that you can drive to with ease thanks to the indulgence of the Bents Garden Centre who allow free parking when you visit this forestry Commission site.
Well that is the driving over with now begin the walk to the site which in truth is part of the enjoyment to be gained from your first (of many Im sure) visits.
Take a simple foot right of way routecross the Glaze---dont forget to look for Banded Demoiselle Dragonflies in early summer as they flit about the banks of the Glaze---and move over to the site along a track that is mainly traffic freeonly access is to a farm which is on the edge of the site.
A spring/early summer visit gives stands of wildflowers/butterflies/dragonflies to try and name whilst such summer visiting birds such as the Willow Warbler and Blackcap will serenade you from the cleverly imagined tree plantations which complement the more mature trees that were already on the site before the Forestry Commission bought this jewel for our tranquil enjoyment.
The site in winter can give flocks of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll with the chance of an encounter with a Tawny Owl which may appear if you are alerted to its daytime roost by a mixed flock of birds chastising it before it retreats to cover.
A positive peaceful tranquil backwater that waits patiently for your quiet-time visits.
Dave
PS you can also access the site by following along some of the route of the Timberland Trail...see you didnt realise HOW MUCH this GMWA holds now did you!
Today (130520) as Nick said the long awaited Garden Warbler finally gave up its song...
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 13 4:41 PM, 2020
A full circuit with the family this afternoon.
Highlights were a singing Garden Warbler and a distant calling Cuckoo.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 13 11:45 AM, 2020
Cycle round this morning was relatively quiet but its a fabulous looking site with loads of potential. Highlights included:
4 Bullfinch
3 Willow Warbler
2 Chiffchaff
4 Blackcap
5 Whitethroat
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Nov 4 3:00 PM, 2019
Originally posted today by Dave Steel:
Windy Bank Wood...am
1 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
17 Siskin
6 Stock Dove
49 Redwing
3 Fieldfare
150 Goldfinch being followed by 2 Sparrowhawk
3 Buzzard
1 Rook
3 Lesser Redpoll
10 Herring Gull.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Jul 3 3:06 PM, 2018
Today:
1 Garden Warbler
1 Nuthatch
1 family party of Willow Tit
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Nov 8 9:43 PM, 2017
This morning:
3 Lesser Redpoll
3 Siskin
2 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jul 28 9:16 PM, 2017
Two Willow Tits present today.
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Jun 27 7:29 PM, 2017
A few sightings from today:
Family party of Nuthatch
1 singing Garden Warbler
2 Reeling Grasshopper Warblers
Info thanks to Dave Steel
David Gornall said
Sun Apr 30 1:50 PM, 2017
walk this am with granddaughter & dog
several swallows across fields several of : Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat. 1 Grasshopper warbler reeling Pair Song thrush 1 Male Bullfinch Several Robins, Chaffinch & Blackbirds 1 Goldcrest A few Blue & Great tits around 1 Jay 1 Meadowpipit Pair of Sparrowhawks - displaying
Rob Smith said
Tue Mar 28 5:40 PM, 2017
As of yesterday
Mallard, female + 11 ducklings (ca 2/3 days old) on R Glaze Mallard - 12 mostly males Grey Heron Sparrowhawk, male
This morning: 2 Chiffchaff - singing 2 Buzzards 6 Lapwing Plenty of : Blue & Great tit, Blackbirds, Robins & Wrens 5 Singing Songthrush 4 Chaffinch 40 Redwing Pair Canada geese
Also 1 dead Canada goose, been shot & breasts removed
David Gornall said
Tue Mar 7 8:52 AM, 2017
Late post for Sat 4th March
Red Kite - perched in a tree & then took off
Info thanks to my next door neighbour Mark
David Gornall said
Sat Feb 11 2:40 PM, 2017
Walk around this am with the dog:
2 Jays 2 Lapwing Plenty Woodpigeon Several Great & Blue Tit 12 Goldfinch 50 Redwing 2 Mistle thrush Several Blackbirds 2 Bullfinch 1 Goldcrest 1 Nuthatch 6 Robins
Scott robinson said
Wed Sep 28 6:41 PM, 2016
Quick hour after work, only working at Hurst Mill Lane so literally only 5 mins away. Pretty quiet to be honest.
5 Jay 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Nuthatch 1 Kestrel 3 Mistle Thrush 2 Goldcrest 2 Chiffchaff
Plenty usuals about.
c20 Linnet over and plenty Jackdaw too.
David Gornall said
Sun Apr 10 1:52 PM, 2016
morning dog walk:
numerous Chiffchaff numerous Blue, Great & Long tailed tit 2 Coal Tit 2 Goldcrest 2 Jay 1 Common Buzzard 2 Swallow 1 Goosander (f) on river glaze Several Magpies & common crow Several Chaffinch Numerous Robins & Wrens 1 Willow warbler 2 Grey Wagtail Several Goldfinch 1 Great Spotted woodpecker Nuthatch (heard only)
Scott robinson said
Sat Apr 9 3:34 PM, 2016
Afternoon mooch, highlights:
3 Chiffchaff 2 Willow Warbler 1 Blackcap 5 Yellowhammer 2 Teal, Glaze 6 Sand Martin 2 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 3 Jay 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
David Gornall said
Sat Mar 26 6:51 AM, 2016
25TH March on a guided dog walk
Pair of Buzzards -displaying
pete berry said
Wed Mar 23 2:40 PM, 2016
Sand Martin over River Glaze behind Bents A singing Chiffchaff in the hedgerow Approx 100 Redwings feeding in the woods
Paul Richardson said
Fri Mar 18 1:58 PM, 2016
A couple of hours around Windy Bank Woods and footpaths this morning - a bit of a try-out as I haven't often counted round there before. Quite a good variety nothing massively unusual today. Woodland areas appeared relatively quiet.
Great Tit 14 Long Tailed Tit 4 Blackbird 7 Robin 11 Blue Tit 8 Goldfinch 2 (more heard) Chaffinch 10 Wren 9 Dunnock 7 Mistle Thrush 4 Song Thrush 6 Starling 11 Reed Bunting 1 Jay 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming Jackdaw 1 Grey Heron 2 Canada Goose 3 Mallard 21 Goosander 2m 2f (on the river Glaze) Teal 8 - same Moorhen 2 Common Buzzard 4 Yelowhammer 1m Bullfinch 1m Redwing - big flock singing in a stand of trees - approx 100 Pheasant 1 Black Headed Gull 10 feeding on fields, several more in the air over Lapwing 2 plus woodpigeon, carrion crow, magpie not counted.
Scott robinson said
Sat Feb 27 3:12 PM, 2016
Couple of hours after dinner,
Highlights,
40+ Lapwing 17 Redwing 37 Fieldfare, Not seen many this winter, so this flock was nice to see. 1 Female Sparrowhawk 5 Bullfinch 1 Goldcrest 1 Nuthatch 3 Siskin, Over 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush
Plenty usuals about aswell.
Kristian Wade said
Mon Dec 28 12:27 PM, 2015
Late Post for Yesterday:
Highlight was a female Grey Wagtail on the Glaze.
Not much else about. The only other things of note were a Jay, 10 Long-Tailed Tits and a Song Thrush doing an excellent impression of a siren. If it wasn't for the fact that I was in the middle of the woods I may have been tempted to look around for a police car!
David Gornall said
Sat Oct 31 12:24 PM, 2015
This morning:
1 Barn Owl 100+ Fieldfare 5 Jays 3 Pheasant Blue, Great & Longtailed Tit Several Robins Several Blackbirds
Came across the local shooters next to their land rovers with their dogs having a brew -- no wonder the pheasants were on the forestry commission land!
David Gornall said
Sun Oct 18 11:25 AM, 2015
This morning:
Green Woodpecker -- heard only
Lots of Jays 1 Kestrel Flock of Longtailed tits Several Blue & great tits around the site. 4 Goldfinch Chaffinch heard only around the site several Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds Nuthatch - heard only
David Gornall said
Sun Sep 27 11:29 AM, 2015
this morning 8.30am:
20 Goldfinch 5 Mistle Thrush Several Robins Several Blackbirds Blue, Great & Longtailed Tits around the site 2 Jays 3 Magpies 1 Kestrel 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker lots of Jackdaws over.
Gordon Newman said
Fri May 29 6:22 PM, 2015
half hour before work midmorning, Jennets Lane as far as river Glaze bridge only
4 Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow 1 male Mandarin on river bank, Mallard, Canada Goose Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff 70+ Starling Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin Stock Dove, Woodpigeon Magpie, Carion Crow , Jackdaw Blackbird, Song Thrush Robin,Dunnock Goldfinch,Greenfinch Blue Tit, Great Tit
Ian Boote said
Fri Apr 3 1:31 PM, 2015
Male Kestrel, Peregrine flew over and set up 120 Wood pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Male Reed Bunting, (One Singing) Pair of Teal, Pair of Bullfinch, 4 singing Chiffchaff, House Sparrows, Pied Wagtail, Heron, Coal Tit and Long Tailed Tits. At the Menagerie Collection Pond- Shelduck, Pintail, Wigeon, Wood Duck, Harlequin Duck, Barheaded Goose Barnacle Goose and others
Scott robinson said
Sat Jan 31 2:06 PM, 2015
Early morning 0730 till 1000
34 Redwing 17 Feildfare 6 House sparrow 3 Tree sparrow 5 Redpoll 2 Bullfinch All the tits including Blue,Great,Long tailed and Coal Plenty Robin and Blackbird Also plenty Corvids and Woodpigeon 3 Chaffinch 2 Dunnock 1 Wren 2 Kestrel 1 Buzzard 1 Jay 23 Lapwing over 2 Reed bunting Not much on Glaze apart from a couple of Mallards and a Swan
Kristian Wade said
Sun Jan 25 6:32 PM, 2015
Ran a tour of woods today 9:40 - 10:20
Full Sightings:
1 Blackbird 10+ Great Tits 2 Robins 1 Dunnock 2 Blue Tits 2 Woodpigeons 1 Collared Dove 2 Mute Swans 2 Canada Geese 50+ Redwing 5 House Sparrow c5 Black-Headed Gulls 3 Chaffinch 2 Kestrel 2 Magpies
Not a bad place but I expected more waterfowl, especially on the river.
Paul Richardson said
Thu Jan 1 3:14 PM, 2015
A family walk 0945-11am to beat the incoming rain!
Impressive white Robin (presumably leucistic) seen on the pavement next to the Forresters Arms pub - very light plumage and a hint of a light orange breast. Never seen one quite like that before.
Otherwise on the approach track and around the walk itself:
Jackdaw ++ Carrion Crow ++ Jay - 1 Starlings - 2 small flocks Black Headed Gulls
Lapwing - a highly mobile flock of about 80 Goldfinch - nice charm of 20 Great Tits Blue Tits Blackbirds Little Grebe - 1 pair on the River Glaze Grey Heron 1 Collared Dove 1 Woodpigeon +++ Long Tailed Tit 2
Peregrine - 1 Kestrel - 2 Common Buzzard - 2
Reckoned that was pretty good for a non-serious expedition!
Scott robinson said
Sun Jun 15 12:02 PM, 2014
2 willow warbler 3 chiffchaff 2 tree sparrow 1 great spotted woodpecker 3 wren Blue and great tits in good numbers 2 robin 1 common whitethroat 2 blackcap 1 kestrel Carrion crow and woodpigeon over fields 3 lapwing 1 yellowhammer 3 reed bunting 2 bullfinch (pair) Skylark and meadow pipit
First visit for a least 5 years, completely forgot about this site until I found it looking through all the different threads
Mark Burgess said
Sun May 11 5:33 PM, 2014
1.00 - 2.45 highlights,
Garden Warbler Willow Warbler Chiffchaff Common Whitethroat Linnet Swift 20+ Swallow Great Spotted Woodpecker Sparrowhawk Kestrel Buzzard
DavidBowman said
Mon Feb 10 12:07 PM, 2014
Another amble round with Em, picking up odd sightings. As well as many of the commoner species, 34 Redwings, 9 Bullfinches, 6 Reed Buntings, 1 Sparrowhawk and 5 Redpolls were worthy of note.
Cheers David
Raymond Ashcroft said
Sat Feb 8 5:18 PM, 2014
Very windy weather made sighting difficult 3 Little Grebe on Glaze north of bridge on Jennetts Lane A couple of buzzards, sparrowhawk, Goldcrest mixed in a flock of Long tailed tits, several bullfinch and a small flock of 10 redwing the highlights
DavidBowman said
Tue Feb 4 3:15 PM, 2014
Walked with Em round the wood from Bents Garden Centre, on a nice sunny morning. Highlights were: 1 Chiffchaff, 108 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, 10 redpolls, 1 Siskin and (less desirably) 44 Magpies!
Cheers David
pete berry said
Fri Nov 22 12:18 AM, 2013
A probable Yellow Browed Warbler this afternoon at SJ368284 397476,in the trees near the pond in a mixed flock of Blue Tits,Goldcrests and Long Tailed Tits.I initially heard a di-syllabic warbler type call,which to me sounded just like a Y.B.Warbler,and as I searched the flock I got one brief view of a bird with a pronounced pale wing bar.Unfortunately the flock moved off through the back of the trees away from the pond and I didn't get another view of the bird,however I'm 99.9% certain that it was a Yellow Browed. Please remember if visiting this site not to park on the private approach roads to the woods,either park on Jennets Lane or at Bents Garden Centre.
Gordon Newman said
Sat Oct 26 12:12 AM, 2013
Not quite Windy Bank but very close, 2 Little Grebe on River Glaze by bridge at end of Jennets Lane @ 10.45
Late Record for Yesterday (151020) Afternoon
2 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
2 Willow Tit
6 Jay
1 Nuthatch
1 Grey Wagtail
34 Redwing
2 Lesser Redpoll
1 Siskin
Late Record for yesterday afternoon
8 Jay...Acorn Burying Duties keeping them busy
6 Magpie
14 Jackdaw
5 Mistle Thrush
24 Pied Wagtail...Flying over west heading for evening roost I guess...
1 Swallow
2 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
2 Coal Tit.
Afternoon Visit
17 Robin
5 Chiffchaff...one 'in song'
2 Coal Tit
16 Mallard
7 Buzzard in a 'Kettle' + 2 more about the Woodland
1 Swallow
14 Jackdaw.
Afternoon Visit
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Grey wagtail
1 Snipe
2 Willow Tit
5 Jay...including one noted burying Acorns
4 Chiffchaff...1 in song
5 Bullfinch
Afternoon Visit
1 Nuthatch
1 Chiffchaff in song
2 Siskin
1 Yellowhammer
24 Long-Tailed Tit
27 Robin
32 Jackdaw.
130920...mid-afternoon visit
2 House Martin
1 Swallow
2 Sparrowhawk
6 Chiffchaff...1 in song
010920 Midday Visit
14 Chiffchaff
2 Blackcap
7 Robin
2 Raven
5 Swallow
6 Jackdaw
4 Carrion Crow
1 Buzzard
2 Coal Tit
3 Siskin.
PM Amble...as ever quiet
6 Blackcap in song
11 Willow Warbler in Song
5 Whitethroat in song
2 Swift
4 Song Thrush...3 in song
10 Blackbird...8 in song
1 Coal Tit
6 Magpie
2 Jay
PM amble...little about
3 Whitethroat in song
4 Willow Warbler in song
3 Blackcap in song
1 Kestrel
4 Swift
7 House Martin
2 Swallow.
Late Record for Yesterday afternoon
5 Buzzard
8 Willow Warbler in song
6 Blackcap in song
13 Swift
5 Swallow
1 Mallard female with 4 young
1 Mallard female with 8 young
7 House Sparrow
3 Greenfinch in song
1 House Martin
7 Whitethroat in song
2 Willow Tit...suspect family party
4 Robin in song
10 Blackbird
1 Moorhen plus two well grown young
1 Herring Gull.
3 Chiffchaff in song
5 Blackcap in song
8 Willow Warbler in song
1 Garden Warbler in song
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
5 Carrion Crow
13 Woodpigeon
3 Jackdaw
4 Mallard
2 Swift
1 Swallow
1 House Martin
2 Tufted Duck...pair
1 Cormorant
2 Kestrel
8 Blackbird in song
13 Goldfinch
1 Buzzard.
Late record for 040620 pm
4 Buzzard
5 House Martin
7 Swift
4 Swallow
4 Jackdaw
2 Greenfinch in song
6 Blackcap in song
5 Willow Warbler in song
4 Whitethroat in song
5 Stock Dove
1 Yellow Wagtail overflying the site heading south
1 Willow Tit...a different location than the WT encountered yesterday
5 Mallard
1 Cormorant overflying
1 Yellowhammer in alarm
1 Reed Bunting in song
9 Woodpigeon.
Late Record for 030620
8 Blackcap in song
5 Willow Warbler in song
4 Swallow
7 Chiffchaff in song
5 Whitethroat in song
9 Blackbird in song
1 Mallard female with 2 young
7 Jackdaw
8 Lesser Black-Backed Gull
2 Jay
16 Woodpigeon
2 Oystercatcher
7 Carrion Crow
4 Song Thrush in song
2 Kestrel
1 Willow Tit...suspect a family party.
Afternoon Wander...
6 Chiffchaff in song
5 Blackcap in song
7 Whitethroat in song
26 Woodpigeon
4 Buzzard
3 Swallow
2 Tufted Duck...pair
1 Grey Heron
1 Goldcrest in song
2 Greenfinch in song
9 Robin
1 Mallard with 7 small young.
Always a quiet site...
I was asked to do a summary of this site for the Great Manchester Wetland Area as they were trying to gain as much local knowledge for this project
I have wandered this site as part of my Mossland 'Patch'...it needs a lot of legwork to get this substantial patch covered but slowly-slowly it offers such gems as this...a quiet and understated site but it can offer a good selection of Dragonflies/Butterflies and an acceptable number of birds...groups I have taken round in mid-summer always enjoy it and the real bonus is it hasn't a carpark directly on site...a walk from the very accommodating Bents Garden Centre Car Park or a journey along the Timberland Trail on Foot in the south is required..
This is my summary for the GMWA...
Windy Bank Wood
Now heres a hidden gem within the landscapeif you want a wander that has quiet on its side then here it is...this backwater that you can drive to with ease thanks to the indulgence of the Bents Garden Centre who allow free parking when you visit this forestry Commission site.
Well that is the driving over with now begin the walk to the site which in truth is part of the enjoyment to be gained from your first (of many Im sure) visits.
Take a simple foot right of way routecross the Glaze---dont forget to look for Banded Demoiselle Dragonflies in early summer as they flit about the banks of the Glaze---and move over to the site along a track that is mainly traffic freeonly access is to a farm which is on the edge of the site.
A spring/early summer visit gives stands of wildflowers/butterflies/dragonflies to try and name whilst such summer visiting birds such as the Willow Warbler and Blackcap will serenade you from the cleverly imagined tree plantations which complement the more mature trees that were already on the site before the Forestry Commission bought this jewel for our tranquil enjoyment.
The site in winter can give flocks of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll with the chance of an encounter with a Tawny Owl which may appear if you are alerted to its daytime roost by a mixed flock of birds chastising it before it retreats to cover.
A positive peaceful tranquil backwater that waits patiently for your quiet-time visits.
Dave
PS you can also access the site by following along some of the route of the Timberland Trail...see you didnt realise HOW MUCH this GMWA holds now did you!
Today (130520) as Nick said the long awaited Garden Warbler finally gave up its song...
A full circuit with the family this afternoon.
Highlights were a singing Garden Warbler and a distant calling Cuckoo.
Cycle round this morning was relatively quiet but its a fabulous looking site with loads of potential. Highlights included:
4 Bullfinch
3 Willow Warbler
2 Chiffchaff
4 Blackcap
5 Whitethroat
Originally posted today by Dave Steel:
Windy Bank Wood...am
1 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
17 Siskin
6 Stock Dove
49 Redwing
3 Fieldfare
150 Goldfinch being followed by 2 Sparrowhawk
3 Buzzard
1 Rook
3 Lesser Redpoll
10 Herring Gull.
Today:
1 Garden Warbler
1 Nuthatch
1 family party of Willow Tit
Info thanks to Dave Steel
This morning:
3 Lesser Redpoll
3 Siskin
2 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
Info thanks to Dave Steel
Two Willow Tits present today.
Info thanks to Dave Steel
A few sightings from today:
Family party of Nuthatch
1 singing Garden Warbler
2 Reeling Grasshopper Warblers
Info thanks to Dave Steel
several swallows across fields
several of : Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat.
1 Grasshopper warbler reeling
Pair Song thrush
1 Male Bullfinch
Several Robins, Chaffinch & Blackbirds
1 Goldcrest
A few Blue & Great tits around
1 Jay
1 Meadowpipit
Pair of Sparrowhawks - displaying
As of yesterday
Mallard, female + 11 ducklings (ca 2/3 days old) on R Glaze
Mallard - 12 mostly males
Grey Heron
Sparrowhawk, male
Grey Partridge - 1 pair
Chiffchaff - 7
Goldcrest - 2
Bullfinch - 2 pairs
This morning:
2 Chiffchaff - singing
2 Buzzards
6 Lapwing
Plenty of : Blue & Great tit, Blackbirds, Robins & Wrens
5 Singing Songthrush
4 Chaffinch
40 Redwing
Pair Canada geese
Also 1 dead Canada goose, been shot & breasts removed
Red Kite - perched in a tree & then took off
Info thanks to my next door neighbour Mark
2 Jays
2 Lapwing
Plenty Woodpigeon
Several Great & Blue Tit
12 Goldfinch
50 Redwing
2 Mistle thrush
Several Blackbirds
2 Bullfinch
1 Goldcrest
1 Nuthatch
6 Robins
5 Jay
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Nuthatch
1 Kestrel
3 Mistle Thrush
2 Goldcrest
2 Chiffchaff
Plenty usuals about.
c20 Linnet over and plenty Jackdaw too.
numerous Chiffchaff
numerous Blue, Great & Long tailed tit
2 Coal Tit
2 Goldcrest
2 Jay
1 Common Buzzard
2 Swallow
1 Goosander (f) on river glaze
Several Magpies & common crow
Several Chaffinch
Numerous Robins & Wrens
1 Willow warbler
2 Grey Wagtail
Several Goldfinch
1 Great Spotted woodpecker
Nuthatch (heard only)
3 Chiffchaff
2 Willow Warbler
1 Blackcap
5 Yellowhammer
2 Teal, Glaze
6 Sand Martin
2 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
3 Jay
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
25TH March on a guided dog walk
Pair of Buzzards -displaying
Sand Martin over River Glaze behind Bents
A singing Chiffchaff in the hedgerow
Approx 100 Redwings feeding in the woods
Great Tit 14
Long Tailed Tit 4
Blackbird 7
Robin 11
Blue Tit 8
Goldfinch 2 (more heard)
Chaffinch 10
Wren 9
Dunnock 7
Mistle Thrush 4
Song Thrush 6
Starling 11
Reed Bunting 1
Jay 2
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming
Jackdaw 1
Grey Heron 2
Canada Goose 3
Mallard 21
Goosander 2m 2f (on the river Glaze)
Teal 8 - same
Moorhen 2
Common Buzzard 4
Yelowhammer 1m
Bullfinch 1m
Redwing - big flock singing in a stand of trees - approx 100
Pheasant 1
Black Headed Gull 10 feeding on fields, several more in the air over
Lapwing 2
plus woodpigeon, carrion crow, magpie not counted.
Highlights,
40+ Lapwing
17 Redwing
37 Fieldfare, Not seen many this winter, so this flock was nice to see.
1 Female Sparrowhawk
5 Bullfinch
1 Goldcrest
1 Nuthatch
3 Siskin, Over
2 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
Plenty usuals about aswell.
Highlight was a female Grey Wagtail on the Glaze.
Not much else about. The only other things of note were a Jay, 10 Long-Tailed Tits and a Song Thrush doing an excellent impression of a siren. If it wasn't for the fact that I was in the middle of the woods I may have been tempted to look around for a police car!
1 Barn Owl
100+ Fieldfare
5 Jays
3 Pheasant
Blue, Great & Longtailed Tit
Several Robins
Several Blackbirds
Came across the local shooters next to their land rovers with their dogs having a brew -- no wonder the pheasants were on the forestry commission land!
Green Woodpecker -- heard only
Lots of Jays
1 Kestrel
Flock of Longtailed tits
Several Blue & great tits around the site.
4 Goldfinch
Chaffinch heard only around the site
several Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds
Nuthatch - heard only
20 Goldfinch
5 Mistle Thrush
Several Robins
Several Blackbirds
Blue, Great & Longtailed Tits around the site
2 Jays
3 Magpies
1 Kestrel
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
lots of Jackdaws over.
4 Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow
1 male Mandarin on river bank, Mallard, Canada Goose
Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff
70+ Starling
Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin
Stock Dove, Woodpigeon
Magpie, Carion Crow , Jackdaw
Blackbird, Song Thrush
Robin,Dunnock
Goldfinch,Greenfinch
Blue Tit, Great Tit
At the Menagerie Collection Pond- Shelduck, Pintail, Wigeon, Wood Duck, Harlequin Duck, Barheaded Goose Barnacle Goose and others
34 Redwing
17 Feildfare
6 House sparrow
3 Tree sparrow
5 Redpoll
2 Bullfinch
All the tits including Blue,Great,Long tailed and Coal
Plenty Robin and Blackbird
Also plenty Corvids and Woodpigeon
3 Chaffinch
2 Dunnock
1 Wren
2 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
1 Jay
23 Lapwing over
2 Reed bunting
Not much on Glaze apart from a couple of Mallards and a Swan
Full Sightings:
1 Blackbird
10+ Great Tits
2 Robins
1 Dunnock
2 Blue Tits
2 Woodpigeons
1 Collared Dove
2 Mute Swans
2 Canada Geese
50+ Redwing
5 House Sparrow
c5 Black-Headed Gulls
3 Chaffinch
2 Kestrel
2 Magpies
Not a bad place but I expected more waterfowl, especially on the river.
Impressive white Robin (presumably leucistic) seen on the pavement next to the Forresters Arms pub - very light plumage and a hint of a light orange breast. Never seen one quite like that before.
Otherwise on the approach track and around the walk itself:
Jackdaw ++
Carrion Crow ++
Jay - 1
Starlings - 2 small flocks
Black Headed Gulls
Lapwing - a highly mobile flock of about 80
Goldfinch - nice charm of 20
Great Tits
Blue Tits
Blackbirds
Little Grebe - 1 pair on the River Glaze
Grey Heron 1
Collared Dove 1
Woodpigeon +++
Long Tailed Tit 2
Peregrine - 1
Kestrel - 2
Common Buzzard - 2
Reckoned that was pretty good for a non-serious expedition!
3 chiffchaff
2 tree sparrow
1 great spotted woodpecker
3 wren
Blue and great tits in good numbers
2 robin
1 common whitethroat
2 blackcap
1 kestrel
Carrion crow and woodpigeon over fields
3 lapwing
1 yellowhammer
3 reed bunting
2 bullfinch (pair)
Skylark and meadow pipit
First visit for a least 5 years, completely forgot about this site until I found it looking through all the different threads
Garden Warbler
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Common Whitethroat
Linnet
Swift 20+
Swallow
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Buzzard
Cheers David
3 Little Grebe on Glaze north of bridge on Jennetts Lane
A couple of buzzards, sparrowhawk, Goldcrest mixed in a flock of Long tailed tits, several bullfinch and a small flock of 10 redwing the highlights
Cheers David
Please remember if visiting this site not to park on the private approach roads to the woods,either park on Jennets Lane or at Bents Garden Centre.