HOBSON'S MOOR/HOLLINGWORTH HALL/LEES HILL/MIDDLE BANK AREAS
Stuart Pike said
Sun Oct 27 4:55 PM, 2019
Large finch flock mostly Chaffinch, but picked out a few Brambling. Flock was mobile around area of Landslow Green. Also flock of 30+ Fieldfare in fields above Hobson Moor Road.
Also Wheatear, Skylark, Lapwing, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Curlew
David Walsh said
Wed Mar 27 12:33 PM, 2019
Wednesday 27th March 2019, 8.30 - 10.30am.
Circular route, from Hobson Moor Road, taking in Hobson Moor, Shaw Moor, Wild Bank, Moorside Farm, and back along Hobson Moor Road.
7 Reed Bunting, at four separate sites; Gallows Clough, Wild Bank, Moorside Farm, and Hobson Moor Road. Included three pairs, and a singing male. 30+ Meadow Pipits, displaying 20+ Skylarks, many singing 2 Curlew over towards Hollingworthall Moor
Otherwise quiet, in blustery conditions.
Chris Harper said
Thu Dec 27 1:34 PM, 2018
20+ Brambling, possibly up to 50 with various flocks seen beyond Hollingworth Hall Farm.
Also 2 Meadow Pipit, Treecreeper, 2+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Nuthatch, 4 Jay, Fieldfare, Redwing, 2 Pied Wagtail.
From10.30-12
simon ghilks said
Sun Nov 18 12:15 PM, 2018
Late post for Saturday 17/11/18. Circular walk at 7:30am from Landslow Green Farm down Cow Lane through Swallows Wood up onto Middle Bank and back via Hollingworth Hall Farm
Masses of beech mast seen throughout the circuit. Brambling sightings included birds on Hobson Moor Rd and beyond Hollingworth Hall Farm plus a flock of 30+ calling birds flying over Cow Lane. Redwing and Fieldfare were moving through the Hawthorn and Holly Trees at the bottom of Cow Lane. Plenty of Nuthatch, Great, Blue and Coal Tit in the wooded areas. 4 Red-legged Partridge were at Middle Bank. 2 Kestrel and a Common Buzzard were the only raptors seen.
Rob Creek said
Thu Nov 15 8:23 PM, 2018
David Walsh wrote:
Rob,
That fire was going this morning, as well as one above Glossop, towards the A57, and another over Longdendale, above Woodhead. I assume that it is heather burning, at this time of year?
David
David Ive spoken to Ian after forwarding over some images of the incident. Probably a small fire and its the smoke arising from it that makes it look bigger than it actually is. Its also too wet to sustain the burning, but the issue would probably be the location, and quite likely to have been started intentionally.
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 15 5:19 PM, 2018
Rob,
That fire was going this morning, as well as one above Glossop, towards the A57, and another over Longdendale, above Woodhead. I assume that it is heather burning, at this time of year?
David
Rob Creek said
Thu Nov 15 3:25 PM, 2018
Currently on a break up here David, and no sign of a finch flock for me either. But what I have noticed is a possible fire up on the moors as you look out towards Broadbottom and Charlesworth. Seems to be a fair bit of smoke coming from a moor up that way. Could be totally innocent. Sent you some images over Ian.
David Walsh said
Thu Nov 15 2:35 PM, 2018
Thursday 15th November 2018, 10.00 - 11.45am.
Hobson Moor, and the edge of Wild Bank.
One pair of Stonechat, commuting between Hobson Moor and Wild Bank 1 Buzzard 2 Kestrel 10 Meadow Pipits, mainly in the fields 1 Skylark 1 Red-legged Partridge at Moorside Farm
No sign of any finches whatsoever along Hobson Moor Road.
simon ghilks said
Sun Oct 28 8:11 PM, 2018
28/10/2018 A morning walk from Landslow Green up onto Pack Saddle overlooking Brushes Valley and the Swineshaws.
1 Brambling near Landslow Green, seems to be plenty of beech mast but the large hedge that the birds took shelter in has been chopped and folded into a very neat but useless fence. 30+ Rook 250+ Redwing flew over from east to west From Pack Saddle A Dipper was on Lower Swineshaw 2 Buzzard holding on the cold northeasterly wind 2 Kestrel 2 Raven tumbling briefly before touring the hill.
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 18 1:20 PM, 2018
Thursday 18th October 2018, 9.00 - 11.00am
Around Hobson Moor, Shaw Moor, and the edge of Wild Bank.
An Oystercatcher flying over east, calling, was a bit of a surprise. 1 juvenile Wheatear 2 Stonechat (male and female) 1 Reed Bunting 40+ Meadow Pipits 2 Kestrels 1 Little Owl A flock of c 50 Woodpigeons flew over south
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 8 11:52 PM, 2018
Saturday 8th September 2018, 8.30 - 9.30am.
Hobson Moor Road, after a two hour soaking around Higher Swineshaw seeing one Kestrel.
1 female / juvenile Merlin again hunting a large Starling flock, with Mistle Thrush mixed in, in the fields between Hobson Moor Road and Dewsnap Lane. 100+ Starling 20+ Mistle Thrush c 20 Meadow Pipits 10+ Robins
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 6 2:06 PM, 2018
Thursday 6th September 2018, 9.30 - 11.00am.
From Hobson Moor Road, only as far as Hobson Moor and Moorside Farm, until the drizzle turned to rain.
A few decent flocks gathering together attracted the morning's highlight, a female Merlin patrolling the fence posts around the moor. Despite the dozens of Meadow Pipits in the vicinity, she was more interested in a flock of c 150 Starlings feeding in the middle of a mown field, flying low and fast over the grass, spooking the whole flock, which then relocated to Hobson Moor Road.
The following numbers are rough estimates of total flock sizes:
From Hobson Moor Road, following the "easy" route to Wild Bank.
2 Wheatear (m + f), feeding in a newly mown field on Hobson Moor Road 6 Mistle Thrush together on one pylon A flock of c 50 Meadow Pipits in the mown fields. Another 50+ around Wild Bank 100+ Swallows around the area, including Hobson Moor and Wild Bank A flock of 40+ Starlings on the Wild Bank side
David Walsh said
Sat May 26 2:30 PM, 2018
Saturday 26th May 2018, 7.00 - 9.45am
Hobson Moor, Hollingworthall Moor, and Wild Bank Hill, in very windy conditions. Majority of sightings outside of Wild Bank SBI, hence this thread.
30+ Skylark, providing a fantastic backdrop to the morning 20+ Meadow Pipits, many carrying food 2 Snipe, one drumming; unusual here, during the daytime 3 Lapwing 1 Kestrel 1 Reed Bunting singing near Moorside Farm 4 Linnet 4 Swallows 3 Swifts 1 Pied Wagtail
Wild Bank Hill, Hollingworthall Moor, and Hobson Moor. Majority of sightings on the eastern side of the hill, therefore I have plumped for this, rather than the Brushes thread.
14 Wheatear 1 male Whinchat 1 Lapwing 3 Curlew 30+ Meadow Pipits 2 Skylark singing 6 Red Grouse
Chris Harper said
Tue Apr 24 6:54 AM, 2018
Top of Shutts Lane around plantation and back 7-8pm
Possible Tree Pipit. Also 5 Lesser Redpoll, Red Grouse, Kestrel, 3 Willow Warbler, Blackcap.
-- Edited by Chris Harper on Tuesday 24th of April 2018 06:55:37 AM
Chris Harper said
Sun Apr 15 12:17 PM, 2018
Minimum of 4, possibly up to 6 Ring Ouzel at 10.30 this morning just to the West of Hobson Moor summit as it heads down towards Gallows Clough. 2 males and 2 females.
Also Common Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 4 Red Grouse, 25 Meadow Pipit 6 Skylark, Willow Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Simon Gough said
Sun Apr 8 3:58 PM, 2018
9.00-12.00 with Chris Chandler
Started at the Mottram end of Hobson Moor Road and walked round to Middle Bank and then to the Swineshaw Reservoirs and down, which I'll cover in the Brushes thread.
Almost the first bird we saw was a male Ring Ouzel perched up on a hawthorn on the hillside. While we watched it, a second male and a female appeared in the next bush, then suddenly more until we had 8 in view. Nice! As we contemplated creeping up the hill a dog walker strode past us up the path and scattered the flock. We followed him up and did see a male again as it flew into the same tree and showed well. Tallying up flight views we decided we'd seen 9 birds.
Walking by Moorside Farm 2 swallows were our first of the year.
At Middle Bank we bumped into Ian Lyth, who had been on Ring Ouzels up on the hill there. As we chatted a few appeared until we had 4 in view together feeding merrily. No idea if these were different birds to the earlier group, but my gut feeling is it was the same flock. It was a great scene with a soundtrack of Curlew and Skylark and lots of busy Meadow Pipits. Chris spotted a Wheatear that I missed too. Again the birds were disturbed by walkers, but we had some great views.
Classic April birding in GM, loved it.
simon ghilks said
Sun Feb 4 12:35 PM, 2018
4/2/18 from 8:30 until 11:00 am. Along Hobson Moor Road up onto Middle Bank and back through Hollingworth Hall Farm.
Along the road and the farm area 25+ Blackbird 2 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush singing 2 Redwing 5 or 6 Bullfinch 3 Chaffinch singing 4 Nuthatch c10 Rook 1 Little Owl 1 Kestrel
Middle Bank 4 Raven, all very vocal and 2 were doing some synchronised flying, assume this is pairing/display activity. 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk
Also seen, a flock of about 30 Golden Plover above Hobson Moor and a few Red Grouse heard calling from the west side of Brushes valley.
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 2 2:58 PM, 2017
Saturday 2nd September 2017, mid-morning.
Lees Hill and Middle Bank.
2 Wheatear at Lees Hill 3 Kestrel - a male and juvenile together, plus a separate male towards Higher Bank Chiffchaff singing at Middle Bank Mistle Thrush singing in the clough 15+ Meadow Pipit 6 Goldfinch Hirundine count very low - just a few Swallows this morning.
David Walsh said
Wed Aug 30 7:52 AM, 2017
Wednesday 30th August 2017, 7.00am
Female Wheatear moving around the walls at Lees Hill.
David Walsh said
Sun Aug 13 2:10 PM, 2017
Sunday 13th August 2017, 8.30 - 11.00am
Circular walk from Higher Swineshaw. Around Lees Hill, Middle Bank, then Higher Bank.
1 juvenile Wheatear 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding in a dead tree on Lees Hill The pair of Stonechat collecting food, still being followed around by juvenile Willow Warblers, who were joined today by a juvenile Whitethroat. Just one fledgling Stonechat visible again. 1 Buzzard 12+ Goldfinch, feeding on thistle heads 30+ Meadow Pipits 100+ Swallows 2 Swift
David Walsh said
Thu Aug 10 1:39 PM, 2017
Thursday 10th August 2017, 9.00 - 11.00am
Around Lees Hill and Higher Bank, having wandered round from Higher Swineshaw.
None of the hoped for migrants, as yet, but Swallow numbers have increased since the weekend. Over 200 today feeding around the area. A Peregrine was mobbed all the way from Arnfield, and eventually headed off towards Brushes, over Lees Hill. 1 Kestrel around the bushes. A pair of agitated Stonechat accompanied a very recently fledged juvenile, its gape still obvious. The male had a mouthful of caterpillars, and was being harassed by three juvenile Willow Warblers. Both Steve Suttill and myself have commented several times on the attraction of Willow Warblers to both adult and juvenile Stonechat. Those this morning definitely seemed to seeking food from the male.
18 Golden Plover feeding in fields between Pack Saddle and Hall Farm. The flock appeared to contain birds of both sexes?
There are still large numbers of Wheatear around. I counted over twenty, with no effort, on a wander down from Middle Bank, past Higher Bank, and onto the moor, at dusk.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Apr 23 10:43 AM, 2017
23rd April. 05.45 - 09.30 hrs.
Wheatear. c13. Meadow Pipit. c7. Curlew. c3. Skylark. c2 singing. Red Grouse. 3 pair. These were on Swineshaw side of Lees Hill.
Roger.
vic chatterton said
Tue Apr 18 6:32 PM, 2017
At Middle Bank 2 Kestrels (both females), 2 Common Buzzards as usual getting grief from corvids. At least 6 Curlews.
Not had a single Wheatear yet, here or on Werneth Low. However on walking past Middle Bank quarry I was amazed to find 2 fields alive with Wheatears. 36 birds counted! - def not an overcount as there may have been a few more close to the wall that weren't in view. Been a birder for 50 years and never seen that many - 20+ on Audenshaw being the most 'til now.
Roger Baker 3 said
Wed Mar 1 10:11 PM, 2017
March 1st. 14.00 - 16.30 hrs.
Sightings mainly between Cow Lane and top of Middle Bank.
With Paul Greenall.
Slowly coming to life up here.
Great Spotted Woodpecker .... pair chasing each other round. Treecreeper ... pair chasing each other round. Stock Dove. 4 Kestrel. Lapwing. 6 Curlew. 1 Brambling. Flock of approx 20 feeding on beechmast ........ well back in the United Utilities drum compound. There were 3 Red-legged Partridge galloping about in the compound but probably recent releases. Flock of 100+ Wood Pigeon feeding in a field below Middlebank. Plenty of Carrion Crows knocking about but managed to pick out a few Rook (4) in a distant tree. Also Siskin and Meadow Pipit heard only.
Roger.
vic chatterton said
Wed Mar 1 6:10 PM, 2017
Late morning . In a litter strewn copse on Hobson Moor Road - flock of c 40 finches, mostly Goldfinches with 4 or 5 each of Bramblings and Chaffinches. They were flying in and out of a conifer with Blackbirds, Mistle Thrushes and a single Song Thrush who were creating a right old racket - almost certainly mobbing a roosting Tawny Owl.
simon ghilks said
Sun Feb 5 8:27 PM, 2017
05/02/17 circular walk also taking in a section of Swallows Wood and returning via Cow Lane
A few Brambling at a couple of places Green Woodpecker heard at 2 locations 25+ Rook A few Red Grouse seen and heard 1 Meadow Pipit 1 Little Owl 2 Tawny Owls heard 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel Small flock of Fieldfare with a couple of Redwing At least 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen or heard, some drumming. Plenty of activity from the commoner woodland species.
simon ghilks said
Sun Oct 23 12:01 PM, 2016
23/10/2016 Early morning, a non birdwatching walk with Wife (she would boot a White's Thrush into the undergrowth if it were to hinder progress for more than a millisecond).
However I did manage to see a few Brambling along Hobson Moor Road, some next to the junction with Cow Lane and a few more further along near Hollingworth Hall Farm and a flock of c20 Fieldfare that flew up Brushes Valley and over the top of Middle Bank.
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 11 2:29 PM, 2016
Tuesday 11th October 2016, first light until 9.30am
Around Lees Hill, to Middle Bank
2 Sparrowhawk, male and female together 1 Kestrel 1 Buzzard 2 Raven 1 Green Woodpecker 2 Mistle Thrush A flock of 60 Redwing flew noisily southwest from Boar Flat 1 female Stonechat on the Swineshaw side of Lees Hill
Roger Baker 3 said
Mon Oct 10 7:08 PM, 2016
Monday 10th Oct. 14.00 - 15.30 hrs.
c 19 Rook feeding with the Jackdaw flocks at side of Hobson Moor Road. 40+ Meadow Pipit feeding in field behind Higher Landslow Green Farm.
Plenty of Beech Mast this year after last years shortage.
Roger.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Sep 18 9:34 PM, 2016
Sunday 18th Sept. 17.00 - 18.30 hrs.
Road up to Moorside Farm.
Very quiet.
Swallow. 20+ feeding over new mown hay. Meadow Pipit. c 8 feeding in the hay ..... 40+ flock flew over and were joined by the 8.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 17 6:42 PM, 2016
Saturday 17th September 2016, mid-morning
Around Lees Hill
Large numbers of Meadow Pipits, even for this area. At least 200, on walls, wires, in trees, and flying up from the juncus. 2 Wheatear 1 Raven 2 Kestrel 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Green Woodpecker - good views of it feeding at Middle Bank Small flock of c 10 Chaffinch moving around 1 Skylark over south 3 Linnet 50+ House Martins through, in two groups 50+ Swallows
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 10 1:10 PM, 2016
Saturday 10th September 2016, 8.30 - 10.00am
Around Lees Hill, quiet again.
2 Ravens 2 Wheatear 2 Stonechat 50+ Meadow Pipits
David Walsh said
Tue Sep 6 8:52 PM, 2016
Tuesday 6th September 2016.
Around Lees Hill at dusk
3 Wheatear 1 Kestrel
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 1 1:13 PM, 2016
Thursday 1st September 2016, 10.30 - 11.30am
Around Lees Hill. Very quiet.
3 Wheatear 1 Raven 1 Buzzard Several Swallows feeding
And that was about it.
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 27 1:35 PM, 2016
Saturday 27th August 2016, 7.30 - 11.00am
Around Lees Hill
The highlight again was two Spotted Flycatchers, feeding in the same area as on Thursday. I picked up the first of them as I was about to leave, when it appeared on a wall with a couple of Wheatear, then it was joined by the second. Both Flycatchers were associating with the Wheatear, and on a couple of occasions the Wheatear flew into the trees with the Flycatchers.
3 Wheatear 2 Kestrel 3 Buzzard together 1 Whinchat Several Willow Warblers 100+ Swallows c 30 House Martins moving south 2 Red-legged Partridge 20+ Meadow Pipits
David Walsh said
Thu Aug 25 1:27 PM, 2016
Thursday 25th August 2016, 10.30am - 12.00pm
Around Lees Hill
A great hour or so ambling around, making up for all the times I wander about seeing next to nothing. It won't win the Makin/McKerchar Trophy for visual migration, but it satisfied me
2 Whinchat 2 Spotted Flycatchers, one giving a great display of the Flycatcher's art 10 Wheatear, 9 of which dropped in together late on 1 very ragged Kestrel 10+ Goldfinch 20+ Meadow Pipits
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 20 12:46 PM, 2016
Saturday 20th August 2016, 9.00 - 11.30am
Around Lees Hill and Higher Bank. Very windy and quiet, bird-wise. Probably not helped by the late start.
At least 2 Wheatear 100+ Swallows feeding, moving south 2 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 1 Raven 30+ Meadow Pipits 2 Willow Warblers
1 male Redstart 3 Wheatear 100+ Swallows feeding, moved in from the north after 8.00am. No other Hirundines. Several Willow Warblers 50+ Meadow Pipits 1 Buzzard way out over Boar Flat
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 6 12:36 PM, 2016
Saturday 6th August 2016, mid-morning
Lees Hill and Ogden Clough
2 Wheatear 2 Buzzard calling constantly 1 female Sparrowhawk having a right go at a Raven, eventually seeing it off towards Arnfield Around 50 Swallows feeding in the area, with other Hirundines trickling through south. Very roughly: 50 Swift and 30 House Martins 2 Red-legged Partridge 2 Pied Wagtails Several Goldfinch 1 Linnet
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 6th of August 2016 12:43:18 PM
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 31 12:30 PM, 2016
Sunday 31st July 2016, 10.30am
Juvenile Wheatear moving between Lees Hill and Higher Bank
David Walsh said
Sat Jul 30 12:47 PM, 2016
Saturday 30th July 2016, 8.30 - 11.00am
Around Lees Hill - a few signs of movement.
1 juvenile Pied Flycatcher, being harassed along the fence wires by Meadow Pipits 1 juvenile Wheatear 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, noisily feeding between the rocks 20+ Willow Warblers, some feeding in the trees with Coal Tits, but mostly in the bracken c 100 Swallows feeding, with a couple of smaller groups through southwest 1 House Martin 1 Kestrel 2 juvenile Pied Wagtails 4 Linnet over 4 Goldfinch Several Chaffinch 1 ragged Cormorant circling over towards Lower Swineshaw Dozens of Meadow Pipits
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 20 10:34 AM, 2016
Originally posted today by Paul Bayley:
Red Kite just south of Hollingworthhall Moor being harassed by a Lapwing. 15:30 Tuesday 19 Apr.
Nuthatch - 1 heard .
Swallow - 6 in out of barn.
Red- legged Partridge - 2.
Meadow Pipit - 1.
Curlew - 1 heard.
Chaffinch - 2.
Cuckoo - 1.
Also Wheatear, Skylark, Lapwing, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Curlew
Circular route, from Hobson Moor Road, taking in Hobson Moor, Shaw Moor, Wild Bank, Moorside Farm, and back along Hobson Moor Road.
7 Reed Bunting, at four separate sites; Gallows Clough, Wild Bank, Moorside Farm, and Hobson Moor Road. Included three pairs, and a singing male.
30+ Meadow Pipits, displaying
20+ Skylarks, many singing
2 Curlew over towards Hollingworthall Moor
Otherwise quiet, in blustery conditions.
20+ Brambling, possibly up to 50 with various flocks seen beyond Hollingworth Hall Farm.
Also 2 Meadow Pipit, Treecreeper, 2+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Nuthatch, 4 Jay, Fieldfare, Redwing, 2 Pied Wagtail.
From10.30-12
Masses of beech mast seen throughout the circuit. Brambling sightings included birds on Hobson Moor Rd and beyond Hollingworth Hall Farm plus a flock of 30+ calling birds flying over Cow Lane.
Redwing and Fieldfare were moving through the Hawthorn and Holly Trees at the bottom of Cow Lane.
Plenty of Nuthatch, Great, Blue and Coal Tit in the wooded areas.
4 Red-legged Partridge were at Middle Bank.
2 Kestrel and a Common Buzzard were the only raptors seen.
David Ive spoken to Ian after forwarding over some images of the incident. Probably a small fire and its the smoke arising from it that makes it look bigger than it actually is. Its also too wet to sustain the burning, but the issue would probably be the location, and quite likely to have been started intentionally.
That fire was going this morning, as well as one above Glossop, towards the A57, and another over Longdendale, above Woodhead. I assume that it is heather burning, at this time of year?
David
Hobson Moor, and the edge of Wild Bank.
One pair of Stonechat, commuting between Hobson Moor and Wild Bank
1 Buzzard
2 Kestrel
10 Meadow Pipits, mainly in the fields
1 Skylark
1 Red-legged Partridge at Moorside Farm
No sign of any finches whatsoever along Hobson Moor Road.
1 Brambling near Landslow Green, seems to be plenty of beech mast but the large hedge that the birds took shelter in has been chopped and folded into a very neat but useless fence.
30+ Rook
250+ Redwing flew over from east to west
From Pack Saddle
A Dipper was on Lower Swineshaw
2 Buzzard holding on the cold northeasterly wind
2 Kestrel
2 Raven tumbling briefly before touring the hill.
Around Hobson Moor, Shaw Moor, and the edge of Wild Bank.
An Oystercatcher flying over east, calling, was a bit of a surprise.
1 juvenile Wheatear
2 Stonechat (male and female)
1 Reed Bunting
40+ Meadow Pipits
2 Kestrels
1 Little Owl
A flock of c 50 Woodpigeons flew over south
Hobson Moor Road, after a two hour soaking around Higher Swineshaw seeing one Kestrel.
1 female / juvenile Merlin again hunting a large Starling flock, with Mistle Thrush mixed in, in the fields between Hobson Moor Road and Dewsnap Lane.
100+ Starling
20+ Mistle Thrush
c 20 Meadow Pipits
10+ Robins
From Hobson Moor Road, only as far as Hobson Moor and Moorside Farm, until the drizzle turned to rain.
A few decent flocks gathering together attracted the morning's highlight, a female Merlin patrolling the fence posts around the moor. Despite the dozens of Meadow Pipits in the vicinity, she was more interested in a flock of c 150 Starlings feeding in the middle of a mown field, flying low and fast over the grass, spooking the whole flock, which then relocated to Hobson Moor Road.
The following numbers are rough estimates of total flock sizes:
40 Linnets
200 Starlings
150 Meadow Pipits
70 Black-headed Gulls
Also
10 Mistle Thrush
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Reed Bunting heard calling
From Hobson Moor Road, following the "easy" route to Wild Bank.
2 Wheatear (m + f), feeding in a newly mown field on Hobson Moor Road
6 Mistle Thrush together on one pylon
A flock of c 50 Meadow Pipits in the mown fields. Another 50+ around Wild Bank
100+ Swallows around the area, including Hobson Moor and Wild Bank
A flock of 40+ Starlings on the Wild Bank side
Hobson Moor, Hollingworthall Moor, and Wild Bank Hill, in very windy conditions. Majority of sightings outside of Wild Bank SBI, hence this thread.
30+ Skylark, providing a fantastic backdrop to the morning
20+ Meadow Pipits, many carrying food
2 Snipe, one drumming; unusual here, during the daytime
3 Lapwing
1 Kestrel
1 Reed Bunting singing near Moorside Farm
4 Linnet
4 Swallows
3 Swifts
1 Pied Wagtail
Wild Bank Hill, Hobson Moor, and Moorside Farm.
21 singing Skylarks, minimum.
10 Wheatear
1 Curlew
2 Pied Wagtails
1 Grey Heron
Wild Bank Hill, Hollingworthall Moor, and Hobson Moor. Majority of sightings on the eastern side of the hill, therefore I have plumped for this, rather than the Brushes thread.
14 Wheatear
1 male Whinchat
1 Lapwing
3 Curlew
30+ Meadow Pipits
2 Skylark singing
6 Red Grouse
Top of Shutts Lane around plantation and back 7-8pm
Possible Tree Pipit. Also 5 Lesser Redpoll, Red Grouse, Kestrel, 3 Willow Warbler, Blackcap.
-- Edited by Chris Harper on Tuesday 24th of April 2018 06:55:37 AM
Minimum of 4, possibly up to 6 Ring Ouzel at 10.30 this morning just to the West of Hobson Moor summit as it heads down towards Gallows Clough. 2 males and 2 females.
Also Common Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 4 Red Grouse, 25 Meadow Pipit 6 Skylark, Willow Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Started at the Mottram end of Hobson Moor Road and walked round to Middle Bank and then to the Swineshaw Reservoirs and down, which I'll cover in the Brushes thread.
Almost the first bird we saw was a male Ring Ouzel perched up on a hawthorn on the hillside. While we watched it, a second male and a female appeared in the next bush, then suddenly more until we had 8 in view. Nice! As we contemplated creeping up the hill a dog walker strode past us up the path and scattered the flock. We followed him up and did see a male again as it flew into the same tree and showed well. Tallying up flight views we decided we'd seen 9 birds.
Walking by Moorside Farm 2 swallows were our first of the year.
At Middle Bank we bumped into Ian Lyth, who had been on Ring Ouzels up on the hill there. As we chatted a few appeared until we had 4 in view together feeding merrily. No idea if these were different birds to the earlier group, but my gut feeling is it was the same flock. It was a great scene with a soundtrack of Curlew and Skylark and lots of busy Meadow Pipits. Chris spotted a Wheatear that I missed too. Again the birds were disturbed by walkers, but we had some great views.
Classic April birding in GM, loved it.
Along the road and the farm area
25+ Blackbird
2 Song Thrush
1 Mistle Thrush singing
2 Redwing
5 or 6 Bullfinch
3 Chaffinch singing
4 Nuthatch
c10 Rook
1 Little Owl
1 Kestrel
Middle Bank
4 Raven, all very vocal and 2 were doing some synchronised flying, assume this is pairing/display activity.
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
Also seen, a flock of about 30 Golden Plover above Hobson Moor and a few Red Grouse heard calling from the west side of Brushes valley.
Lees Hill and Middle Bank.
2 Wheatear at Lees Hill
3 Kestrel - a male and juvenile together, plus a separate male towards Higher Bank
Chiffchaff singing at Middle Bank
Mistle Thrush singing in the clough
15+ Meadow Pipit
6 Goldfinch
Hirundine count very low - just a few Swallows this morning.
Female Wheatear moving around the walls at Lees Hill.
Circular walk from Higher Swineshaw. Around Lees Hill, Middle Bank, then Higher Bank.
1 juvenile Wheatear
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding in a dead tree on Lees Hill
The pair of Stonechat collecting food, still being followed around by juvenile Willow Warblers, who were joined today by a juvenile Whitethroat. Just one fledgling Stonechat visible again.
1 Buzzard
12+ Goldfinch, feeding on thistle heads
30+ Meadow Pipits
100+ Swallows
2 Swift
Around Lees Hill and Higher Bank, having wandered round from Higher Swineshaw.
None of the hoped for migrants, as yet, but Swallow numbers have increased since the weekend. Over 200 today feeding around the area.
A Peregrine was mobbed all the way from Arnfield, and eventually headed off towards Brushes, over Lees Hill.
1 Kestrel around the bushes.
A pair of agitated Stonechat accompanied a very recently fledged juvenile, its gape still obvious. The male had a mouthful of caterpillars, and was being harassed by three juvenile Willow Warblers. Both Steve Suttill and myself have commented several times on the attraction of Willow Warblers to both adult and juvenile Stonechat. Those this morning definitely seemed to seeking food from the male.
18.30-20.20 yesterday.
1+ Red Legged Partridge, 2 Stonechat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 5 Meadow Pipit, Stock Dove, 30 Swallow.
18 Golden Plover feeding in fields between Pack Saddle and Hall Farm. The flock appeared to contain birds of both sexes?
There are still large numbers of Wheatear around. I counted over twenty, with no effort, on a wander down from Middle Bank, past Higher Bank, and onto the moor, at dusk.
Wheatear. c13.
Meadow Pipit. c7.
Curlew. c3.
Skylark. c2 singing.
Red Grouse. 3 pair. These were on Swineshaw side of Lees Hill.
Roger.
At Middle Bank 2 Kestrels (both females), 2 Common Buzzards as usual getting grief from corvids. At least 6 Curlews.
Not had a single Wheatear yet, here or on Werneth Low. However on walking past Middle Bank quarry I was amazed to find 2 fields alive with Wheatears. 36 birds counted! - def not an overcount as there may have been a few more close to the wall that weren't in view. Been a birder for 50 years and never seen that many - 20+ on Audenshaw being the most 'til now.
Sightings mainly between Cow Lane and top of Middle Bank.
With Paul Greenall.
Slowly coming to life up here.
Great Spotted Woodpecker .... pair chasing each other round.
Treecreeper ... pair chasing each other round.
Stock Dove. 4
Kestrel.
Lapwing. 6
Curlew. 1
Brambling. Flock of approx 20 feeding on beechmast ........ well back in the United Utilities drum compound.
There were 3 Red-legged Partridge galloping about in the compound but probably recent releases.
Flock of 100+ Wood Pigeon feeding in a field below Middlebank.
Plenty of Carrion Crows knocking about but managed to pick out a few Rook (4) in a distant tree.
Also Siskin and Meadow Pipit heard only.
Roger.
Late morning . In a litter strewn copse on Hobson Moor Road - flock of c 40 finches, mostly Goldfinches with 4 or 5 each of Bramblings and Chaffinches. They were flying in and out of a conifer with Blackbirds, Mistle Thrushes and a single Song Thrush who were creating a right old racket - almost certainly mobbing a roosting Tawny Owl.
A few Brambling at a couple of places
Green Woodpecker heard at 2 locations
25+ Rook
A few Red Grouse seen and heard
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Little Owl
2 Tawny Owls heard
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
Small flock of Fieldfare with a couple of Redwing
At least 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen or heard, some drumming.
Plenty of activity from the commoner woodland species.
However I did manage to see a few Brambling along Hobson Moor Road, some next to the junction with Cow Lane and a few more further along near Hollingworth Hall Farm and a flock of c20 Fieldfare that flew up Brushes Valley and over the top of Middle Bank.
Around Lees Hill, to Middle Bank
2 Sparrowhawk, male and female together
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
2 Raven
1 Green Woodpecker
2 Mistle Thrush
A flock of 60 Redwing flew noisily southwest from Boar Flat
1 female Stonechat on the Swineshaw side of Lees Hill
c 19 Rook feeding with the Jackdaw flocks at side of Hobson Moor Road.
40+ Meadow Pipit feeding in field behind Higher Landslow Green Farm.
Plenty of Beech Mast this year after last years shortage.
Roger.
Road up to Moorside Farm.
Very quiet.
Swallow. 20+ feeding over new mown hay.
Meadow Pipit. c 8 feeding in the hay ..... 40+ flock flew over and were joined by the 8.
Roger.
Around Lees Hill
Large numbers of Meadow Pipits, even for this area. At least 200, on walls, wires, in trees, and flying up from the juncus.
2 Wheatear
1 Raven
2 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Green Woodpecker - good views of it feeding at Middle Bank
Small flock of c 10 Chaffinch moving around
1 Skylark over south
3 Linnet
50+ House Martins through, in two groups
50+ Swallows
Around Lees Hill, quiet again.
2 Ravens
2 Wheatear
2 Stonechat
50+ Meadow Pipits
Around Lees Hill at dusk
3 Wheatear
1 Kestrel
Around Lees Hill. Very quiet.
3 Wheatear
1 Raven
1 Buzzard
Several Swallows feeding
And that was about it.
Around Lees Hill
The highlight again was two Spotted Flycatchers, feeding in the same area as on Thursday. I picked up the first of them as I was about to leave, when it appeared on a wall with a couple of Wheatear, then it was joined by the second. Both Flycatchers were associating with the Wheatear, and on a couple of occasions the Wheatear flew into the trees with the Flycatchers.
3 Wheatear
2 Kestrel
3 Buzzard together
1 Whinchat
Several Willow Warblers
100+ Swallows
c 30 House Martins moving south
2 Red-legged Partridge
20+ Meadow Pipits
Around Lees Hill
A great hour or so ambling around, making up for all the times I wander about seeing next to nothing. It won't win the Makin/McKerchar Trophy for visual migration, but it satisfied me
2 Whinchat
2 Spotted Flycatchers, one giving a great display of the Flycatcher's art
10 Wheatear, 9 of which dropped in together late on
1 very ragged Kestrel
10+ Goldfinch
20+ Meadow Pipits
Around Lees Hill and Higher Bank. Very windy and quiet, bird-wise. Probably not helped by the late start.
At least 2 Wheatear
100+ Swallows feeding, moving south
2 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Raven
30+ Meadow Pipits
2 Willow Warblers
Lees Hill and Higher Bank
1 Whinchat
1 Redstart
1 Wheatear
3 Stonechat
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Juvenile Kestrels
1 Raven
4 Red-legged Partridge
4 Willow Warblers
13 Canada Geese on the moor
Lees Hill, Ogden Clough, and Higher Bank
1 male Redstart
3 Wheatear
100+ Swallows feeding, moved in from the north after 8.00am. No other Hirundines.
Several Willow Warblers
50+ Meadow Pipits
1 Buzzard way out over Boar Flat
Lees Hill and Ogden Clough
2 Wheatear
2 Buzzard calling constantly
1 female Sparrowhawk having a right go at a Raven, eventually seeing it off towards Arnfield
Around 50 Swallows feeding in the area, with other Hirundines trickling through south.
Very roughly: 50 Swift and 30 House Martins
2 Red-legged Partridge
2 Pied Wagtails
Several Goldfinch
1 Linnet
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 6th of August 2016 12:43:18 PM
Juvenile Wheatear moving between Lees Hill and Higher Bank
Around Lees Hill - a few signs of movement.
1 juvenile Pied Flycatcher, being harassed along the fence wires by Meadow Pipits
1 juvenile Wheatear
1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, noisily feeding between the rocks
20+ Willow Warblers, some feeding in the trees with Coal Tits, but mostly in the bracken
c 100 Swallows feeding, with a couple of smaller groups through southwest
1 House Martin
1 Kestrel
2 juvenile Pied Wagtails
4 Linnet over
4 Goldfinch
Several Chaffinch
1 ragged Cormorant circling over towards Lower Swineshaw
Dozens of Meadow Pipits
Red Kite just south of Hollingworthhall Moor being harassed by a Lapwing. 15:30 Tuesday 19 Apr.