Quiet morning on the moors with the only birds of note a Spotted Flycatcher which briefly landed on a fence along Georges Lane before flying of south; also 12 Siskin south east and 21 Wheatear.
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Phil Rhodes
Bob and Joyce Calder said
Wed Aug 19 3:31 PM, 2015
Wednesdays sightings on a walk 9.00 to 12.30 taking in Walker Fold, Burnt Edge, Mast Road, George's Lane, Mast and compounds and Holden's.
8 Wheatear plus in fields bottom of Mast Road with another nr the mast. 5/6 Kestrels 2 Common Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 35/40 Goldfinch area nr Burnt Edge and Holden's appx 6 Willow Warblers seen/heard Swallows the only Hirundine seen in small numbers throughout the walk
Otherwise generally very quiet everywhere.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Aug 18 10:47 PM, 2015
Sightings from today include:
5 Tree Pipits along Georges Lane plus 2 adult Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatcher just past kennels 1 Spotted Flycatcher with a feeding flock which included 25 Coal Tits at Walker Fold. 8 Wheatear. 2 Green Woodpeckers at Higher Meadows and Wilderswood.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 17 11:19 PM, 2015
A summary of today's sightings from Andy Makin:
Redstart: 2 along Georges Lane with 1 by the kennels and 1 just over border in Lancashire. Tree Pipit: 3 in the kennels gardens at Higher Meadows, 3 in the cable compounds on the Greater Manchester side, 6 together in Roscoes Tenement Clough briefly, 1 at Holdens Farm, 1 at Sheep Cote Green. Female/immature Black Redstart on the mast building on Winter Hill 10-11am at least. 47 Willow Warbler in the top of Winter Hill in cable compounds and around the mast buildings, with a total moors site count Wheatear: 32 Spotted Flycatcher: 2 Roscoes Tenement Clough and 1 at Walker Fold. 19 Swift and 37 House Martin flew through South.
gary lilley said
Mon Aug 17 5:13 PM, 2015
2 spotted flycatchers , 2 redstart , 2 fem blackcap , willow warblers , robin , great tit , several goldfinches all in the big hedge and dropping to the small pool for regular drinks .
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Aug 16 9:58 PM, 2015
Sightings from today by Andy Makin and myself (mainly Andy):
7 Tree Pipit with 5 along Georges Lane and on 2 Burnt Edge 19 Wheatear 4 Whinchat on Burnt Edge with Stonechat Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart in trees between Burnt Edge and Sugar Loaf Plantation 17 Willow Warbler
Patrick Earith said
Sun Aug 16 5:35 PM, 2015
Adult and 2 juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in Wilderswood this morning
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 16th of August 2015 06:36:33 PM
gary lilley said
Sun Aug 16 1:07 PM, 2015
Male redstart flycatching in the same hawthorn on the big hedge that the tree pipits and spotted flyctcher were seen yesterday .
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 15 8:32 PM, 2015
Sightings from early this morning to early afternoon:
A large flock of 800 Swallow and 500 House Martin moving south in from of a weather front. 3 Spotted Flycatcher (one big hedge at Georges Lane, two at Burnt Edge). Single Pied Flycatcher along Georges Lane just over the county border in Lancashire. 8 Tree Pipit with 4 at Georges Lane and another 2 over east;1 at Burnt Edge;1 at Lomax Wifes Plantation. 2 Whinchat at Holders Farm. 19 Wheatear 44 Willow Warbler. 15 Common Scoter seen to drop down on to Belmont Reservoir after flying over the moors.
Info thanks to Andy Makin, Dan Brown, Phil Rhodes
Steve Judge said
Sat Aug 15 5:42 PM, 2015
Saturday, 15th August 2015 11:30 - 16:00 hrs.
2 x Spotted Flycatchers (in field next to Roscoe Farm and Barn) 1 x Raven above moors between Winter Hill and Roscoe Tenements Clough 1 Wheatear (on wall on Burnt edge) 1 x Kestrel (behind Gilligants Farm) 1 solitary Swift 3 x Mistle Thrush (next to Gilligants Farm) Swallows 30 plus Goldfinch Carrion Crows Robin Black Headed Gulls Woodpigeon Feral Pigeon Pied Wagtail (at side of Chorley Old Road near Blundell Arms) on way home
And Lancashire winning off last ball (in 20-20) to round off a great day
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 15th of August 2015 05:43:19 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 15th of August 2015 05:45:55 PM
Bob and Joyce Calder said
Sat Aug 15 2:17 PM, 2015
Highlights of a 3 hour walk in the area this morning mainly spent dodging showers:-
2 Spotted Flycatchers bottom of Burnt Edge nr Walker Fold Min 6 Wheaters on middle part of Mast Road nr the barriers Family party of 6 Mistle Thrush 3 Jays 1 Chiffchaff 1 C Buzzard 2 Kestrel
Bob & Joyce C
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Aug 13 11:14 PM, 2015
Sightings from today:
Spotted Flycatcher at Newfields Whinchat with Stonechats at Burnt Edge Single Tree Pipit (still?) on wires by Walker Fold car park and two in hawthorns along Georges Lane above the big hedge, the latter incredibly 'showy' snd approachable.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 12 10:52 PM, 2015
Other highlights from today include:
Two Whinchat and a Tree Pipit at Burnt Edge 5 Spotted Flycatcher by Sugar Loaf Plantation and one at Walker Fold Single Redstart below Burnt Edge Whimbrel over early morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Andy Voisey said
Wed Aug 12 4:44 PM, 2015
10.00 to 1330 Georges Lane 1 stonechat goldfinch Linnet 1 repoll 1 jay buzzard Pied wagtails Many willow warblers
Burnt Edge (Matchmoor Lane along top then descent down to path that leads to Holden's Farm) 1 Wheatear on top 7 stonechat inc 2 adults in bracken Numerous linnet in bracken 1 Whinchat in bracken 2 Wren in bracken 1 warbler in bracken I'm struggling to identify, but seeing the previous post it could be the wood warbler. (I have a photo) 1 spotted flycatcher at bottom of descent in a dead fallen tree. 3 spotted flycatchers in the tall pines about 100 yards further on at the bottom of the rise up to Matchmoor Lane Holdens Farm Just the usual willow warblers, swallows and seed eaters, but the highlight was a hobby. It zipped out from behind the barn presumably after one of the swallows, but within a couple of seconds every swallow from Holden's Farm was mobbing it. I reckon there must have been 30-40 swallows attacking it. It was driven away empty handed. I banged off a few photos of the fight, but it was into the sun, so they're not great.
The whole episode rounded off a pleasant day out in the sun.
munsworth said
Wed Aug 12 3:21 PM, 2015
12-2 pm today
Female Pied Flycatcher on George's Lane half a mile beyond the kennels. 2 juvenile Spotted Flycatcher George's Lane just beyond the kennels.
Mike
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 12 2:54 PM, 2015
Stunning Wood Warbler at 12:30 today with a feeding party of Willow Warbler and tits on the path down to Walker Fold Wood by the stream.
A very rare autumn passage record for the county!
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Aug 11 10:47 PM, 2015
Main sightings from today between Andy Makin, Andy Pinches and myself:
Hobby low East over Wilderswood Green Woodpecker by the kennels on Georges Lane 2 Redstart, with one in ferns in Burnt Edge and one in the 'Big Hedge' along Georges Lane Single Spotted Flycatcher along Wilderswood 2 Tree Pipit with singles showing well on telephone wires and trees at Walker Fold and one by Holdens Farm
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 10 9:39 PM, 2015
Today, only 113 Swallows heading south and a juvenile Peregrine flew through NW
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 10 9:38 PM, 2015
Late news for yesterday:
3 Redstart (2 still present from the day before and a single was along Georges Lane by the kennels 9 Wheatear 6 Crossbill spread across various points around the moors
info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 8 6:02 PM, 2015
Ian McKerchar wrote:
In isolated willows by the bottom of Burnt Edge today:
3 Pied Flycatcher still present 5 Spotted Flycatcher 2 Redstart Tree Pipit (with no tail!)
Info thanks to Andy Makin
10 Spotted Flycatcher present at the same location by midday.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Paul Richardson said
Sat Aug 8 5:34 PM, 2015
Gorgeous morning at Burnt Edge and round to Walker Fold via Holden's and Roccoe's Tenement Clough.
Really nice to meet the expert Andy Makin again and thanks Andy for your help - we never DID spot the Tree Pipit though!
In addition to the Spotted and Pied Flycatchers and the Redstarts (the latter two being site firsts for me).....
In isolated willows by the bottom of Burnt Edge today:
3 Pied Flycatcher still present 5 Spotted Flycatcher 2 Redstart Tree Pipit (with no tail!)
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Aug 7 9:04 PM, 2015
Totals from today:
27 Wheatear 2 Spotted Flycatcher; 1 bottom of mast road and 1 southern end of burnt edge 3 Pied Flycatcher (family party on migration!) at the southern end of burnt edge Tree Pipit and immature male Redstart southern end of burnt edge 6 Stonechat burnt edge 33 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Martin Loftus said
Sun Aug 2 6:58 PM, 2015
4pm, Juvenile Cuckoo In the fields adjacent to the Pike and the Barn.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Aug 2 12:45 PM, 2015
Late news for yesterday, when a juvenile Wheatear was by the main mast on Winter Hill at 6:30pm.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
John Williams said
Sat Aug 1 5:27 PM, 2015
09.00-12.30
Georges Lane
A large mixed flock of passerines, including Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat and a juvenile Bullfinch, moved through the bushes below the lane, and attracted
the attention of a female Sparrowhawk. She in turn attracted a couple of brave Swallows who mobbed her vigorously, she almost managed to grab one, but then she just
disappeared towards Wilderswood. The reason for the Swallows courage was there to see, 3 newly fledged juveniles sat on the fence below the drama.
Another Swallow family were resting up just North of the kennels. Also here were 8 Lapwings, 30+ Starlings, and in the young conifers, a single male Lesser Redpoll.
Burnt Edge
As along Georges Lane, Swallows were here in profusion, with 4 juveniles sat on a stone wall, and many more gathered in the nearby willows.
5 Linnets and 3 Reed Buntings were below Burnt Edge, whilst the horse paddock above held a Kestrel, 3 Ravens and a charm of 30 Goldfinches.
Below Burnt Edge I met Andy Makin, who kindly pointed out a juvenile Stonechat, and expressed concern that Stonechats have been scarce on the moor this year.
I did'nt manage to glimpse the juvenile Redstart Andy had seen, Walker Fold though held a huge flock of Coal Tits, and mixed in with them the odd Chaffinch etc.
Paul Richardson said
Sun Jul 26 2:30 PM, 2015
Sat 25th 0800-1200
Wilderswood:
Treecreeper - 1 Goldcrest - 1 Willow Warbler - several family groups Common Whitethroat - 3 adullt, 3 juv Goldfinch - several groups Kestrel - 1
Burnt Edge:
Mistle Thrush 2 flocks one of 10 and one of about 8 Reed Bunting - 2 Meadow Pipit - 4 No Stonechat seen or heard Kestrel - 1
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jul 19 10:39 AM, 2015
Birds from yesterday morning from Scout Road included 9 Crossbill South (in two flocks of 6 and 3) and a third flock calling but not seen.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Andy Voisey said
Sat Jul 18 7:11 PM, 2015
1000 to1500 Saturday George's Lane and Wilderswood, then Matchmoor Lane along Burnt Edge, down the valley and up to Holden's Farm.
Very quiet all over on a very windy day.
No crossbills, no wheatear, no stonechat, no buzzard.
Kestrels, goldfinches, linnets and greenfinches etc, and a group of 5 mistle thrush in the valley.
Only excitement was in the wood with a group of goldcrests which had one very shy member with a fiery orange crest. I only glimpsed it twice briefly in dense pine. I did not get a look at its face, but I'm pretty sure it was a goldcrest.
Guess I'll have to wait until September and Spurn to see the real deal again.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jul 15 9:27 PM, 2015
Late news for yesterday morning; 3 Crossbill and 3 Siskin NW over Georges Lane.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Christaylor said
Tue Jul 14 10:34 PM, 2015
Heard a Grasshopper Warbler
Saw 2 Meadow Pipits
5 Goldfinch
1 Reed Bunting
Several Willow Warblers
Tonight around 1900 by Sugar Loaf Plantation
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jul 10 8:42 PM, 2015
25 Crossbills over yesterday, including 20 down together in one plantation alone.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jul 2 10:24 PM, 2015
Five Crossbills SW over Scout Road this morning. Also 3 Siskin and 88 Swift directly over SE in small groups.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jun 19 7:32 PM, 2015
Originally posted today by Jack Danson:
Nice to see a hen pheasant with 9 chicks a couple of days old, in the conservation area directly in front of Holdens Farm.
Kristian Wade said
Thu Jun 11 8:43 PM, 2015
I could see the smoke from that fire all the way from Atherton at about 7:00pm , I hope it got under control all right.
Holly Page said
Thu Jun 11 5:21 PM, 2015
Large grass/heather fire this afternoon above Holdens Farm. Decided to drive the scenic route home from work up Matchmoor Lane and down to Scout Road. Ended up driving down Burnt Edge Lane to take a look with my bins. At least one fire engine seen driving up Mast Road but I could only see one firefighter. He was using one of the fire beaters but not getting very far. Hopefully they'll have it under control soon.
Simon Warford said
Thu Jun 4 4:15 PM, 2015
Two Cuckoos singing across the moors yesterday evening.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat May 30 10:56 PM, 2015
This morning:
Hobby and Common Tern both North over Higher Meadows at 07:35 and six Crossbill NNW at 07:40. Two Cuckoo by the kennels.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 22 8:25 PM, 2015
Originally posted today by Jack Danson:
Pleasant walk around Holdens Farm, numerous hen pheasants with cocks in attendance, pair of mallard in wood in front of farm and the high light 2 pair of English partridge one in front of farm in the rough ground and the other pair just behind the house.
Rick Hall said
Mon May 11 11:26 AM, 2015
Jon Bowen wrote:
Craig Higson wrote:
Forgot to add - 99% certain I heard Grasshopper Warbler singing down in the valley from the top of Burnt Edge.
Usually one knocking around there Craig, so probably right
Was there yesterday for about an hour and there were at least 3 possibly as many as 6 Grasshopper Warblers reeling away in that area. Also a whimbrel over followed by 2 more possibles but they may have been curlews. didn't get a good look.
Dan Brown said
Mon May 11 11:23 AM, 2015
Sunday 15:00. Cuckoo calling at Walker Fold.
Jon Bowen said
Wed Apr 29 11:15 PM, 2015
Craig Higson wrote:
Forgot to add - 99% certain I heard Grasshopper Warbler singing down in the valley from the top of Burnt Edge.
Usually one knocking around there Craig, so probably right
Craig Higson said
Mon Apr 27 8:44 PM, 2015
Forgot to add - 99% certain I heard Grasshopper Warbler singing down in the valley from the top of Burnt Edge.
Craig Higson said
Sat Apr 25 11:37 AM, 2015
Seemed quiet this morning. A redshank over George's Lane and two curlew were the best birds between 06.30 and 07.30. A single female wheatear was in the horse paddock at slack hall along with a female Sparrowhawk and another curlew over south. A single wheatear was on the spoil heaps near the quarry on Matchmoor Lane and a singing Blackcap was in the sallows/willows opposite the stables.
Oh yes. A "Moors" tick in the form of a Canada goose feeding in the field opposite Wilderswood car park!
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Apr 24 10:31 PM, 2015
Still a single Ring Ouzel in the field between Matchmoor Lane and Montcliffe Quarry today, plus 51 Wheatear across the whole moor.
Info thanks to Ken Haydock and Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Apr 23 10:04 PM, 2015
Sightings from today thanks to Andy Makin, Brian Fogg, Ken Haydock and myself:
Whinchat alongGeorges Lane 42 Wheatear 9 Ring Ouzel including 6 in the field between Matchmoor Lane and Montcliffe Quarry, at least one by New Fields Plantation with a further 2 along Coal Pit Road. Grasshopper Warbler at Burnt Edge Male Whitethroats at Brownstones and Walker Fold Cuckoo ranging from Burnt Edge to Walker Fold 2 Tree Pipit at Holden's Farm (in the field below the farm and then trees in the plantation)
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 21 11:13 PM, 2015
Other birds from today:
4+ Ring Ouzel near Pilkington Quarry and 19 Wheatear this morning. Whimbrel calling NW over Burnt Edge this afternoon.
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Ken Haydock
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 21 9:59 AM, 2015
Female Black Redstart around the cable compounds in GM, moving towards the mast buildings, then onto the moor north of the mast with 2 Wheatear, possibly moving towards the rocket mast at 7:30 this morning.
3 Spotted Flycatcher
31 Willow Warblers
3 Chiffchaff
6 Whitethrost
3 Wheatears
Today's morning sightings:
5 Whinchat
1 Tree Pipit
1 Spotted Flycatcher
2 Redstart
13 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Phil Rhodes
8 Wheatear plus in fields bottom of Mast Road with another nr the mast.
5/6 Kestrels
2 Common Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
35/40 Goldfinch area nr Burnt Edge and Holden's
appx 6 Willow Warblers seen/heard
Swallows the only Hirundine seen in small numbers throughout the walk
Otherwise generally very quiet everywhere.
5 Tree Pipits along Georges Lane plus 2 adult Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatcher just past kennels
1 Spotted Flycatcher with a feeding flock which included 25 Coal Tits at Walker Fold.
8 Wheatear.
2 Green Woodpeckers at Higher Meadows and Wilderswood.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Redstart: 2 along Georges Lane with 1 by the kennels and 1 just over border in Lancashire.
Tree Pipit: 3 in the kennels gardens at Higher Meadows, 3 in the cable compounds on the Greater Manchester side, 6 together in Roscoes Tenement Clough briefly, 1 at Holdens Farm, 1 at Sheep Cote Green.
Female/immature Black Redstart on the mast building on Winter Hill 10-11am at least.
47 Willow Warbler in the top of Winter Hill in cable compounds and around the mast buildings, with a total moors site count Wheatear: 32
Spotted Flycatcher:
2 Roscoes Tenement Clough and 1 at Walker Fold.
19 Swift and 37 House Martin flew through South.
7 Tree Pipit with 5 along Georges Lane and on 2 Burnt Edge
19 Wheatear
4 Whinchat on Burnt Edge with Stonechat
Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart in trees between Burnt Edge and Sugar Loaf Plantation
17 Willow Warbler
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 16th of August 2015 06:36:33 PM
A large flock of 800 Swallow and 500 House Martin moving south in from of a weather front.
3 Spotted Flycatcher (one big hedge at Georges Lane, two at Burnt Edge).
Single Pied Flycatcher along Georges Lane just over the county border in Lancashire.
8 Tree Pipit with 4 at Georges Lane and another 2 over east;1 at Burnt Edge;1 at Lomax Wifes Plantation.
2 Whinchat at Holders Farm.
19 Wheatear
44 Willow Warbler.
15 Common Scoter seen to drop down on to Belmont Reservoir after flying over the moors.
Info thanks to Andy Makin, Dan Brown, Phil Rhodes
2 x Spotted Flycatchers (in field next to Roscoe Farm and Barn)
1 x Raven above moors between Winter Hill and Roscoe Tenements Clough
1 Wheatear (on wall on Burnt edge)
1 x Kestrel (behind Gilligants Farm)
1 solitary Swift
3 x Mistle Thrush (next to Gilligants Farm)
Swallows
30 plus Goldfinch
Carrion Crows
Robin
Black Headed Gulls
Woodpigeon
Feral Pigeon
Pied Wagtail (at side of Chorley Old Road near Blundell Arms) on way home
And Lancashire winning off last ball (in 20-20) to round off a great day
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 15th of August 2015 05:43:19 PM
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Saturday 15th of August 2015 05:45:55 PM
2 Spotted Flycatchers bottom of Burnt Edge nr Walker Fold
Min 6 Wheaters on middle part of Mast Road nr the barriers
Family party of 6 Mistle Thrush
3 Jays
1 Chiffchaff
1 C Buzzard
2 Kestrel
Bob & Joyce C
Spotted Flycatcher at Newfields
Whinchat with Stonechats at Burnt Edge
Single Tree Pipit (still?) on wires by Walker Fold car park and two in hawthorns along Georges Lane above the big hedge, the latter incredibly 'showy' snd approachable.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Two Whinchat and a Tree Pipit at Burnt Edge
5 Spotted Flycatcher by Sugar Loaf Plantation and one at Walker Fold
Single Redstart below Burnt Edge
Whimbrel over early morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Georges Lane
1 stonechat
goldfinch
Linnet
1 repoll
1 jay
buzzard
Pied wagtails
Many willow warblers
Burnt Edge (Matchmoor Lane along top then descent down to path that leads to Holden's Farm)
1 Wheatear on top
7 stonechat inc 2 adults in bracken
Numerous linnet in bracken
1 Whinchat in bracken
2 Wren in bracken
1 warbler in bracken I'm struggling to identify, but seeing the previous post it could be the wood warbler. (I have a photo)
1 spotted flycatcher at bottom of descent in a dead fallen tree.
3 spotted flycatchers in the tall pines about 100 yards further on at the bottom of the rise up to Matchmoor Lane
Holdens Farm
Just the usual willow warblers, swallows and seed eaters, but the highlight was a hobby.
It zipped out from behind the barn presumably after one of the swallows, but within a couple of seconds every swallow from Holden's Farm was mobbing it.
I reckon there must have been 30-40 swallows attacking it. It was driven away empty handed.
I banged off a few photos of the fight, but it was into the sun, so they're not great.
The whole episode rounded off a pleasant day out in the sun.
Female Pied Flycatcher on George's Lane half a mile beyond the kennels.
2 juvenile Spotted Flycatcher George's Lane just beyond the kennels.
Mike
A very rare autumn passage record for the county!
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Hobby low East over Wilderswood
Green Woodpecker by the kennels on Georges Lane
2 Redstart, with one in ferns in Burnt Edge and one in the 'Big Hedge' along Georges Lane
Single Spotted Flycatcher along Wilderswood
2 Tree Pipit with singles showing well on telephone wires and trees at Walker Fold and one by Holdens Farm
Info thanks to Andy Makin
3 Redstart (2 still present from the day before and a single was along Georges Lane by the kennels
9 Wheatear
6 Crossbill spread across various points around the moors
info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
10 Spotted Flycatcher present at the same location by midday.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Really nice to meet the expert Andy Makin again and thanks Andy for your help - we never DID spot the Tree Pipit though!
In addition to the Spotted and Pied Flycatchers and the Redstarts (the latter two being site firsts for me).....
9 Mistle Thrush
Approx 30 Linnet
10 Goldfinch
4 Meadow Pipits
1 Kestrel juv male
3 Pied Flycatcher still present
5 Spotted Flycatcher
2 Redstart
Tree Pipit (with no tail!)
Info thanks to Andy Makin
27 Wheatear
2 Spotted Flycatcher; 1 bottom of mast road and 1 southern end of burnt edge
3 Pied Flycatcher (family party on migration!) at the southern end of burnt edge
Tree Pipit and immature male Redstart southern end of burnt edge
6 Stonechat burnt edge
33 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Georges Lane
A large mixed flock of passerines, including Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat and a juvenile Bullfinch, moved through the bushes below the lane, and attracted
the attention of a female Sparrowhawk. She in turn attracted a couple of brave Swallows who mobbed her vigorously, she almost managed to grab one, but then she just
disappeared towards Wilderswood. The reason for the Swallows courage was there to see, 3 newly fledged juveniles sat on the fence below the drama.
Another Swallow family were resting up just North of the kennels. Also here were 8 Lapwings, 30+ Starlings, and in the young conifers, a single male Lesser Redpoll.
Burnt Edge
As along Georges Lane, Swallows were here in profusion, with 4 juveniles sat on a stone wall, and many more gathered in the nearby willows.
5 Linnets and 3 Reed Buntings were below Burnt Edge, whilst the horse paddock above held a Kestrel, 3 Ravens and a charm of 30 Goldfinches.
Below Burnt Edge I met Andy Makin, who kindly pointed out a juvenile Stonechat, and expressed concern that Stonechats have been scarce on the moor this year.
I did'nt manage to glimpse the juvenile Redstart Andy had seen, Walker Fold though held a huge flock of Coal Tits, and mixed in with them the odd Chaffinch etc.
Wilderswood:
Treecreeper - 1
Goldcrest - 1
Willow Warbler - several family groups
Common Whitethroat - 3 adullt, 3 juv
Goldfinch - several groups
Kestrel - 1
Burnt Edge:
Mistle Thrush 2 flocks one of 10 and one of about 8
Reed Bunting - 2
Meadow Pipit - 4
No Stonechat seen or heard
Kestrel - 1
Info thanks to Andy Makin
George's Lane and Wilderswood, then Matchmoor Lane along Burnt Edge, down the valley and up to Holden's Farm.
Very quiet all over on a very windy day.
No crossbills, no wheatear, no stonechat, no buzzard.
Kestrels, goldfinches, linnets and greenfinches etc, and a group of 5 mistle thrush in the valley.
Only excitement was in the wood with a group of goldcrests which had one very shy member with a fiery orange crest.
I only glimpsed it twice briefly in dense pine.
I did not get a look at its face, but I'm pretty sure it was a goldcrest.
Guess I'll have to wait until September and Spurn to see the real deal again.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Nice to see a hen pheasant with 9 chicks a couple of days old, in the conservation area directly in front of Holdens Farm.
Hobby and Common Tern both North over Higher Meadows at 07:35 and six Crossbill NNW at 07:40.
Two Cuckoo by the kennels.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Pleasant walk around Holdens Farm, numerous hen pheasants with cocks in attendance, pair of mallard in wood in front of farm and the high light 2 pair of English partridge one in front of farm in the rough ground and the other pair just behind the house.
Was there yesterday for about an hour and there were at least 3 possibly as many as 6 Grasshopper Warblers reeling away in that area. Also a whimbrel over followed by 2 more possibles but they may have been curlews. didn't get a good look.
Usually one knocking around there Craig, so probably right
Oh yes. A "Moors" tick in the form of a Canada goose feeding in the field opposite Wilderswood car park!
Info thanks to Ken Haydock and Andy Makin
Whinchat alongGeorges Lane
42 Wheatear
9 Ring Ouzel including 6 in the field between Matchmoor Lane and Montcliffe Quarry, at least one by New Fields Plantation with a further 2 along Coal Pit Road.
Grasshopper Warbler at Burnt Edge
Male Whitethroats at Brownstones and Walker Fold
Cuckoo ranging from Burnt Edge to Walker Fold
2 Tree Pipit at Holden's Farm (in the field below the farm and then trees in the plantation)
4+ Ring Ouzel near Pilkington Quarry and 19 Wheatear this morning.
Whimbrel calling NW over Burnt Edge this afternoon.
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Ken Haydock
Info thanks to Andy Makin