No sign of any Waxwings between 9am and 10.25 am at Howe Bridge Crematorium
Pauline Greenhalgh said
Sat Jan 5 4:32 PM, 2013
The 8 birds (Howe Bridge Crem) were still present and feeding when we left at 2.20-ish the light however had gone for photography!
Once again I feel thanks is due to the many folk visiting their memorials, who despite their sad reasons for being there, were friendly and interested to see both the number of photographers and hear about the birds and didn't seem to mind our invasion!
Pauline
-- Edited by Pauline Greenhalgh on Saturday 5th of January 2013 04:33:50 PM
Dave Agnew said
Sat Jan 5 3:21 AM, 2013
Hi John, Well done. Must swot up on their call. I live in Higher Tunstead. Dick Clough nearby is full of hawthorn berries. Good for fieldfare and redwing. They may have headed for there. Exciting! Will search tomorrow.
Phil Hampson said
Sat Jan 5 3:02 AM, 2013
Alan. Thank you.
Regards
Phil
alanhill said
Sat Jan 5 2:32 AM, 2013
Mersey Vale Nature Park is part of Stockport MBC, between Heaton Moor/Heaton Mersey and the river Mersey. Access is via various points along Stockport-Didsbury Road. A common access is down Vale Road from the traffic lights at Heaton Mersey and park at the end of the road near the old Bleach works and weir on the Mersey. From this point if you walked up river towards Stcokport you pass a field of horses on your left and then come across the remains of an old railway bridge. Just beyond that on the left is an area where a pond has been established under a pylon. The waxwings were using a poplar tree to the west of the pond as a base and making forays into neighbouring sources of food.
Sorry I should have been clearer about the location. I made a similar post on the 'East Didsbury to Stockport' thread. It has nothing at all to do with Sale Water Park.
John Harden said
Sat Jan 5 2:30 AM, 2013
Joe Wynn wrote:
No sign of the Chilcote/Lightborne rd birds (Sale) today after an inadvertent extensive search of the area (basically I couldn't find the road) around 1500, but loads of berries on the tree so i'm hopeful for the weekend.
Just 4 here mid-morning today, but not seen any this afternoon. It's also worth checking the top of the very large tree to be seen behind the houses opposite (in the gap between Nos 20 & 14 Lightborne) when viewed from the end of Chilcote Ave. Periodically, the Waxwings seem to spend quite a long time there preening, before flying to the telegraph pole/wires & then dropping down to the berry tree described above. Assuming they come back here of course.
Phil Hampson said
Sat Jan 5 2:25 AM, 2013
John Many thanks, think its the Burnage location. Have found a pylon and pool on the map using the satellite option. Jamie, thanks.
Regards
Phil
Joe Wynn said
Sat Jan 5 2:17 AM, 2013
No sign of the Chilcote/Lightborne rd birds (Sale) today after an inadvertent extensive search of the area (basically I couldn't find the road) around 1500, but loads of berries on the tree so i'm hopeful for the weekend.
Jimmy Meadows said
Sat Jan 5 1:47 AM, 2013
Wigan 24 waxwings in trees at jtn of Mesnes St,Northway,New Market Street. Fly catching from these trees and flying to Mesnes Terrace 50yds away to feed on the large berry tree then returning to the large trees.
Jimmy
Phil Hampson said
Sat Jan 5 12:38 AM, 2013
Alan I'm not familiar with Mersey Vale NAture PArk, can you advise directions and access to where the waxwings were please.
Cheers and thanks
Phil
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 5 12:24 AM, 2013
Doh - just seen your "East Didsbury" post - so answered my own question!!
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 5 12:23 AM, 2013
alanhill wrote:
14 Wawings this lunchtime (Friday 1pm) in Mersey Vale Nature Park, in poplar near pool under the pylon. Feeding mainly on rose-hips and some haw berries.
Alan Hill
Hi Alan - is that East Didsbury?
alanhill said
Fri Jan 4 10:45 PM, 2013
14 Wawings this lunchtime (Friday 1pm) in Mersey Vale Nature Park, in poplar near pool under the pylon. Feeding mainly on rose-hips and some haw berries.
Alan Hill
John Doherty said
Fri Jan 4 8:14 PM, 2013
I had one mother of a bad December/Christmas and as I began my first birding foray of the New Year I was a bit miserable, but obviously determined to find something given the weather (!)
I was walking past The Clarence pub in Greenfield and then I heard... the trill of Waxwings. I quickly located my first for the county in a large conifer, just downstream from the Clarence and on the opposite side of the stream - there were 20. One of my all time favorite birding moments and a GM tick! Very happy to have picked them up aurally first.
I went around a quiet reservoir and then when I returned the birds had departed.
John Harden said
Fri Jan 4 6:17 PM, 2013
Jamie came back with correct location before i hit submit so my post now irrelevant!
-- Edited by John Harden on Friday 4th of January 2013 06:35:56 PM
John Harden said
Fri Jan 4 1:41 PM, 2013
John Harden wrote:
Ann Ribbands wrote:
We went to Sale before lunch and watched a lot of starlings! No waxwings for us today, but plenty of berries on rowan tree in Chilcot Drive. -- Edited by Ann Ribbands on Thursday 3rd of January 2013 02:38:56 PM
Yes, only seen two here today - they mustn't like the drizzle either!
4/1/13 10.35 Just 4 Waxwings here today in Lightborne Road, Sale. Gone by 11am. No sign of any others Plymouth Road/Manor Ave/Sidmouth Road area at this time.
-- Edited by John Harden on Friday 4th of January 2013 01:43:27 PM
John Harden said
Fri Jan 4 7:45 AM, 2013
Ann Ribbands wrote:
We went to Sale before lunch and watched a lot of starlings! No waxwings for us today, but plenty of berries on rowan tree in Chilcot Drive.
-- Edited by Ann Ribbands on Thursday 3rd of January 2013 02:38:56 PM
Yes, only seen two here today - they mustn't like the drizzle either!
Karl Bishop said
Thu Jan 3 10:28 PM, 2013
New years resolution No1 post sightings on forum So here goes 20 Waxwings Howe Bridge Cemetry - Leigh 13.15 03/01/2013
Richard Norris said
Thu Jan 3 10:26 PM, 2013
A damp 45 minute wander round the Lightborne Road area in Sale this lunchtime revealed only three Waxwings today. Still, better than none at all
Ann Ribbands said
Thu Jan 3 2:38 PM, 2013
We went to Sale before lunch and watched a lot of starlings! No waxwings for us today, but plenty of berries on rowan tree in Chilcot Drive.
-- Edited by Ann Ribbands on Thursday 3rd of January 2013 02:38:56 PM
Paul Heaton said
Thu Jan 3 12:25 AM, 2013
Har snobby bunch of residents they must be, yes my mistake sorry.
John Harden said
Thu Jan 3 12:11 AM, 2013
Paul Heaton wrote:
100 plus on the Avenue Sale M33 opposite the Nica Store, but mobile, seen between 10, and 11 this morn.
I assume that's meant to say Manor Avenue, opposite NISA store! I don't think that residents of The Avenue would ever allow a retail premises on their road! These will almost certainly be the same flock that is frequenting Lightborne Road/ Plymouth Grove, Bodmin Road area.
Tony Darby said
Wed Jan 2 11:36 PM, 2013
c20 in Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury at 11.15am. at the top of one of the tall, ornamental conifers. They eventually flew off S and after a good search around the area I was unable to relocate them... just passing through unfortunately.
Paul Heaton said
Wed Jan 2 10:49 PM, 2013
100 plus on the Avenue Sale M33 opposite the Nica Store, but mobile, seen between 10, and 11 this morn.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jan 2 9:44 PM, 2013
17 at the rear of the grounds at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Atherton at 10:40 this morning.
Info thanks to Pete Loydall
John Harden said
Wed Jan 2 9:48 AM, 2013
Rob Smallwood wrote:
3 late afternoon at junction of Lightbourne Road & Chilcote Ave, Ashton upon Mersey showing very well.
2/1/2013 09.20 - 09.40 this morning, a flock of 41 moving between the berry tree at Lightborne Road/Chilcote Ave, Sale (M33 5), the adjacent telegraph pole and the tallest leafless tree behind houses on opposite side of road. Smaller flock of 20 - 25 seen earlier in bare tree in front garden of house in Firs Road, opposite the end of Gaydon Road, just 500yds from the Lightborne Road "feeding" tree. Once again, very flighty, mostly preening, and don't stay still for long.
10.20 - 10.35 Waxwings back again at Lightborne Road/Chilcote Ave, approx 30 in number before being set up by sparrowhawk & disappeared off in a SE direction.
10.45 - 13.00 frequently returning to the above trees, but don't stay long on each visit. It does make you wonder how much energy they use up flying to & fro to gain another few berries!
-- Edited by John Harden on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 04:13:53 PM
-- Edited by John Harden on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 04:14:54 PM
Paul Richardson said
Wed Jan 2 6:22 AM, 2013
Thanks for your input, Pauline (and John too) - I didn't want to start a general discussion on the issue, but I'm reassured to know you felt fine about birders being there. I had thought to drop back over tomorrow (it's only about 5 minutes from where I live) but the forecast is grim!
Henry Cook said
Wed Jan 2 1:47 AM, 2013
01/01/2013 - 2 Waxwings at Altrincham Sainsbury's in tall poplars, at 12.15pm.
Paul Richardson said
Wed Jan 2 12:23 AM, 2013
Pat Griffin wrote:
12 Waxwings at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Westleigh, late morning. Showing very well again in the memorial garden.
Thanks for this, Pat - it prompted me to nip over there when we arrived back from Woolston Eyes, and I managed to see the "Howe Bridge 13" before they flew away just after 3pm. Light was not great - and frustratingly improved after they had gone! They appeared again just before 3.30pm, but didn't settle for more than a minute before flying off again in a southerly direction. Still plenty of berries on a couple of trees though.
Only two of us birders while I was there.
I hope those who go to visit their loved ones' resting places don't mind the influx of birders - hopefully they appreciate the natural beauty being enhanced by the birds.
Paul
munsworth said
Wed Jan 2 12:18 AM, 2013
3pm today
13 Waxwings giving incredibly close views in Howe Bridge Cemetery,Leigh. Plenty berries left so they should linger, as their was no competition for their food.
Mike
Paul Risley said
Tue Jan 1 11:30 PM, 2013
13 at Howe Bridge slightly later, outnumbered by birders, showing well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrisley/
Pat Griffin said
Tue Jan 1 8:50 PM, 2013
12 Waxwings at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Westleigh, late morning. Showing very well again in the memorial garden.
Pauline Greenhalgh said
Tue Jan 1 8:38 PM, 2013
Ian and I went at about 10am and left just after 1pm. There were 10 birds when we arrived: during the morning a further two and then a singleton joined from a south easterly direction making 13 in all. The birds fed reasonably frequently but spent quite some time resting and preening in the taller trees in the middle of the gardens. At one stage there must have been 15 or more 'togs in a half circle facing the selected berry tree and somehow at dinner time I found myself stood under the tree the birds were roosting in ... the 'droppings' rained down on head, coat and camera - sounding like heavy rain or hailstones dropping! A party of two dozen or more bikers arrived and despite being noisy and jokey about us on the way to lay flowers at a new remembrance plot, the birds were not spooked and the bikers were educated into the ways of waxwings by various birders and LOS members. Just as the last 'tog left us and we thought we had them all to ourselves the birds suddenly flew off - I didn;t see which way they went as I was looking thro the camera waiting for the next fly down! I see from others comments that they did come back later tho and there are still berries on three or more trees so hopefully a few more opportunities yet with them ....
Several folk came to place flowers and have a few mins with loved one's while we were there - folk smiled a welcome at us generally - there was no upset or tension in the time that I was there - tho the large number of leather-clad bikers was an interesting diversion! My own dear father is buried on the other side of the crem and I'm not fazed or upset at photographers taking opportunities in what is a peaceful, quiet, reflective place - it was a pleasure to be in such peaceful surroundings ...
-- Edited by Pauline Greenhalgh on Tuesday 1st of January 2013 08:48:23 PM
JOHN TYMON said
Tue Jan 1 5:57 PM, 2013
Paul Richardson wrote:
Pat Griffin wrote:
12 Waxwings at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Westleigh, late morning. Showing very well again in the memorial garden.
Thanks for this, Pat - it prompted me to nip over there when we arrived back from Woolston Eyes, and I managed to see the "Howe Bridge 13" before they flew away just after 3pm. Light was not great - and frustratingly improved after they had gone! They appeared again just before 3.30pm, but didn't settle for more than a minute before flying off again in a southerly direction. Still plenty of berries on a couple of trees though.
Only two of us birders while I was there.
I hope those who go to visit their loved ones' resting places don't mind the influx of birders - hopefully they appreciate the natural beauty being enhanced by the birds.
Paul
They are not in Westleigh though ,Howe bridge is always been classed as Atherton,Westleigh is a mile and half SW of the crem personally,I am not sure its the sort of place Birders should be stood with bins ,scopes and cameras,Only my oppinion though and each to his own as to what they do,as all of us enjoy our Hobby in the way we wish to and its not for me to influence what others do,with thier time
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 09:43:25 AM
Alan Larsen said
Mon Dec 31 11:10 PM, 2012
Visited Howe Bridge Cemetery today between 11:30am and mid-day 9 Waxwings sat in a tree in the memorial garden at far side of the cemetery from Chapel, it was grey day but took some good photographs. They are the first Waxwings I have ever seen.
John Harden said
Mon Dec 31 3:56 PM, 2012
Rob Smallwood wrote:
3 late afternoon at junction of Lightbourne Road & Chilcote Ave, Ashton upon Mersey showing very well.
Phew, I was worried that having posted details of the larger numbers there last week, that none would return. Glad you found them, though it looks as though the main flock has moved on, just two stragglers there again this morning. (31st)
-- Edited by John Harden on Monday 31st of December 2012 04:11:01 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 31st of December 2012 05:07:38 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Mon Dec 31 1:21 AM, 2012
3 late afternoon at junction of Lightbourne Road & Chilcote Ave, Ashton upon Mersey showing very well.
Ivan Ellison said
Mon Dec 31 12:07 AM, 2012
9 still at Howe bridge feeding and drinking , between 1400/ 1515 hrs
Phil Cunliffe said
Mon Dec 31 12:06 AM, 2012
8 waxwings still showing well at Howe Bridge Crem between 15:15 and 15:30.
Dave Tennant said
Sun Dec 30 10:51 PM, 2012
Flock of 19 waxwings at robin park retail in wigan, a bit flighty between trees near to jd sports, 1315 today.
steve ashworth said
Sun Dec 30 8:34 PM, 2012
9 waxwing at howe bridge crematorium at 12.30 showing well
Pat Griffin said
Sun Dec 30 7:40 PM, 2012
9 Waxwings at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Westleigh, at 10am today. Showing very well at close range and feeding on berries.
mike haylett said
Sun Dec 30 6:39 PM, 2012
sorry i should have been clearer. timperley lane off warrington rd, leigh, regards mike
John Harden said
Sun Dec 30 10:46 AM, 2012
Flock of up to 90 Waxwings feasting on pink berry tree (cotoneaster?) on Lightborne Road, Sale (M33 5) every day for 4 days now. Very flighty though, and feed only briefly before moving to adjacent telegraph pole. According to adjacent houseowner they have been here most days over the last 2 weeks or so. Flock sometimes splits and a smaller group of 20 - 25 appears, commuting between this location, nearby sycamore trees on School playing field and (presumably) the previously mentioned locations on Sidmouth Road, Plymouth Road and Bodmin Road, all within a quarter of a mile. Best sightings I've ever had of waxwings!
EDIT Typically of course, despite keeping a reasonably frequent lookout, not a single one seen so far here today. Still plenty of berries though, so they may be back. >
-- Edited by Merseyman on Sunday 30th of December 2012 01:42:26 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Dec 30 7:23 AM, 2012
Rob Smallwood wrote:
mike haylett wrote:
nice big flock about 20 over timperley lane settling in the trees at sandypool cottage.
Is that in Leigh? BG's are placing the report in Timperley but I don't think there is a Timperley lane in Timperley!
Ian McKerchar wrote:
If we are replying to a specific post (and thus not actually including an area for a sighting) could we ensure we quote the original post too then please.
Some posts within this thread are ambiguous at best as to what area Waxwings are in and its not up to the readers to work out what is meant
It is indeed in Leigh Rob and its good too see my no doubt often thought as dictatorial requests and guidelines vindicated.
I now just wish people would bother reading them. I can feel my deleted finger flexing...
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Dec 30 6:02 AM, 2012
mike haylett wrote:
nice big flock about 20 over timperley lane settling in the trees at sandypool cottage.
Is that in Leigh? BG's are placing the report in Timperley but I don't think there is a Timperley lane in Timperley!
mike haylett said
Sun Dec 30 1:14 AM, 2012
nice big flock about 20 over timperley lane settling in the trees at sandypool cottage.
chrisdorney said
Sat Dec 29 11:40 PM, 2012
10 waxwings still present at Howe bridge crematorium today around 1.30.thanks for the posts as my mother came and finally got to see them.should have taken her to see the Milner street birds but never got round to it.I am a terrible son!
Steve Christmas said
Sat Dec 29 8:54 PM, 2012
A rather lonely waxwing on the berry trees outside Pharmatube on Shield Drive, Wardley Industrial Estate at 10.10 this morning.
Charles Coutts said
Sat Dec 29 8:32 PM, 2012
7 waxwings in trees on Hasty Lane Ringway,cant see any Berry trees around,
Once again I feel thanks is due to the many folk visiting their memorials, who despite their sad reasons for being there, were friendly and interested to see both the number of photographers and hear about the birds and didn't seem to mind our invasion!
Pauline
-- Edited by Pauline Greenhalgh on Saturday 5th of January 2013 04:33:50 PM
Well done. Must swot up on their call. I live in Higher Tunstead. Dick Clough nearby is full of hawthorn berries. Good for fieldfare and redwing. They may have headed for there. Exciting! Will search tomorrow.
Thank you.
Regards
Phil
Sorry I should have been clearer about the location. I made a similar post on the 'East Didsbury to Stockport' thread. It has nothing at all to do with Sale Water Park.
Just 4 here mid-morning today, but not seen any this afternoon.
It's also worth checking the top of the very large tree to be seen behind the houses opposite (in the gap between Nos 20 & 14 Lightborne) when viewed from the end of Chilcote Ave. Periodically, the Waxwings seem to spend quite a long time there preening, before flying to the telegraph pole/wires & then dropping down to the berry tree described above. Assuming they come back here of course.
Many thanks, think its the Burnage location. Have found a pylon and pool on the map using the satellite option. Jamie, thanks.
Regards
Phil
24 waxwings in trees at jtn of Mesnes St,Northway,New Market Street.
Fly catching from these trees and flying to Mesnes Terrace 50yds away to feed on the large berry tree then returning to the large trees.
Jimmy
I'm not familiar with Mersey Vale NAture PArk, can you advise directions and access to where the waxwings were please.
Cheers and thanks
Phil
Hi Alan - is that East Didsbury?
Alan Hill
I was walking past The Clarence pub in Greenfield and then I heard... the trill of Waxwings. I quickly located my first for the county in a large conifer, just downstream from the Clarence and on the opposite side of the stream - there were 20.
One of my all time favorite birding moments and a GM tick! Very happy to have picked them up aurally first.
I went around a quiet reservoir and then when I returned the birds had departed.
-- Edited by John Harden on Friday 4th of January 2013 06:35:56 PM
4/1/13
10.35
Just 4 Waxwings here today in Lightborne Road, Sale. Gone by 11am. No sign of any others Plymouth Road/Manor Ave/Sidmouth Road area at this time.
-- Edited by John Harden on Friday 4th of January 2013 01:43:27 PM
Yes, only seen two here today - they mustn't like the drizzle either!
So here goes
20 Waxwings Howe Bridge Cemetry - Leigh 13.15 03/01/2013
-- Edited by Ann Ribbands on Thursday 3rd of January 2013 02:38:56 PM
I assume that's meant to say Manor Avenue, opposite NISA store! I don't think that residents of The Avenue would ever allow a retail premises on their road!
These will almost certainly be the same flock that is frequenting Lightborne Road/ Plymouth Grove, Bodmin Road area.
They eventually flew off S and after a good search around the area I was unable to relocate them... just passing
through unfortunately.
Info thanks to Pete Loydall
2/1/2013
09.20 - 09.40 this morning, a flock of 41 moving between the berry tree at Lightborne Road/Chilcote Ave, Sale (M33 5), the adjacent telegraph pole and the tallest leafless tree behind houses on opposite side of road.
Smaller flock of 20 - 25 seen earlier in bare tree in front garden of house in Firs Road, opposite the end of Gaydon Road, just 500yds from the Lightborne Road "feeding" tree.
Once again, very flighty, mostly preening, and don't stay still for long.
10.20 - 10.35 Waxwings back again at Lightborne Road/Chilcote Ave, approx 30 in number before being set up by sparrowhawk & disappeared off in a SE direction.
10.45 - 13.00 frequently returning to the above trees, but don't stay long on each visit. It does make you wonder how much energy they use up flying to & fro to gain another few berries!
-- Edited by John Harden on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 04:13:53 PM
-- Edited by John Harden on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 04:14:54 PM
Thanks for this, Pat - it prompted me to nip over there when we arrived back from Woolston Eyes, and I managed to see the "Howe Bridge 13" before they flew away just after 3pm. Light was not great - and frustratingly improved after they had gone!
They appeared again just before 3.30pm, but didn't settle for more than a minute before flying off again in a southerly direction. Still plenty of berries on a couple of trees though.
Only two of us birders while I was there.
I hope those who go to visit their loved ones' resting places don't mind the influx of birders - hopefully they appreciate the natural beauty being enhanced by the birds.
Paul
13 Waxwings giving incredibly close views in Howe Bridge Cemetery,Leigh. Plenty berries left so they should linger, as their was no competition for their food.
Mike
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrisley/
Several folk came to place flowers and have a few mins with loved one's while we were there - folk smiled a welcome at us generally - there was no upset or tension in the time that I was there - tho the large number of leather-clad bikers was an interesting diversion! My own dear father is buried on the other side of the crem and I'm not fazed or upset at photographers taking opportunities in what is a peaceful, quiet, reflective place - it was a pleasure to be in such peaceful surroundings ...
-- Edited by Pauline Greenhalgh on Tuesday 1st of January 2013 08:48:23 PM
They are not in Westleigh though ,Howe bridge is always been classed as Atherton,Westleigh is a mile and half SW of the crem personally,I am not sure its the sort of place Birders should be stood with bins ,scopes and cameras,Only my oppinion though and each to his own as to what they do,as all of us enjoy our Hobby in the way we wish to and its not for me to influence what others do,with thier time
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 2nd of January 2013 09:43:25 AM
Phew, I was worried that having posted details of the larger numbers there last week, that none would return.
Glad you found them, though it looks as though the main flock has moved on, just two stragglers there again this morning. (31st)
-- Edited by John Harden on Monday 31st of December 2012 04:11:01 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 31st of December 2012 05:07:38 PM
According to adjacent houseowner they have been here most days over the last 2 weeks or so. Flock sometimes splits and a smaller group of 20 - 25 appears, commuting between this location, nearby sycamore trees on School playing field and (presumably) the previously mentioned locations on Sidmouth Road, Plymouth Road and Bodmin Road, all within a quarter of a mile.
Best sightings I've ever had of waxwings!
EDIT
Typically of course, despite keeping a reasonably frequent lookout, not a single one seen so far here today. Still plenty of berries though, so they may be back.
>
-- Edited by Merseyman on Sunday 30th of December 2012 01:42:26 PM
It is indeed in Leigh Rob and its good too see my no doubt often thought as dictatorial requests and guidelines vindicated.
I now just wish people would bother reading them. I can feel my deleted finger flexing...
Is that in Leigh? BG's are placing the report in Timperley but I don't think there is a Timperley lane in Timperley!