A Greenshank was calling and circling above Winter Hill before flying south this morning. Also 7 Wheatear and 1 Siskin south.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Sep 9 11:02 PM, 2014
Other sightings for today:
121 Meadow Pipits south 245 House Martin 355 Swallow 10 Sand Martin 7 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Simon Warford
David Shallcross said
Mon Sep 8 10:28 PM, 2014
today no repeat of yesterdays bonanza of Wheatears along the mast road. 1-12 pm till 3-05pm 4 Wheatears many meadow Pipits i saw at least 50 1 Kestrel
David Shallcross said
Sun Sep 7 10:56 PM, 2014
a nice afternoon on the moors up by the mast, followed by a slow decent of the road viewing both sides, i noted 35 Wheatears, 16 Meadow Pipits, other birds were 2 Skylarks, 3 Kestrels 27 Swallows, 2 Whinchat and 1 Stonechat, 1 Curlew
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Sep 7 10:14 PM, 2014
Sightings for today:
Goshawk flew directly SW over Dean Ditch at 7:14 am 6 Grey Wagtails south 8 Whinchat in total over the area 4 Redstart: 1 big hedge, 2 male and a female past the kennels at Georges Lane 19 + Buzzard 44 Wheatear 1 Tree Pipit south over Edge Lane 1 Willow Tit at Matchmoor Lane and a Golden Plover over
Info thanks to Andy Makin
John Williams said
Sun Sep 7 5:16 PM, 2014
09.30-13.30 Burnt Edge
7 Goldfinches on thistles, 2 Wheatears, 1 Kestrel.
Path from Burnt Edge to Walkerfold, the area below the wires, 2 Linnets, 3 Stonechats and 1 Whinchat.
Walkerfold seemed birdless, with just a few butterflies around.
Holdens Farm
1 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaffs in a Blue/Great Tit flock.
2 Wheatears on the stonewall. 8+ Swallows still around the farm.
Georges Lane
1 Goldcrest & 1 Song Thrush amongst the conifers just North of the kennels.
Over the border, amongst the rocks, by the steps that lead down from the kissing gate, 3 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat.
Small flocks of Meadow Pipits abundant throughout, Raven heard near Holdens Farm but not seen.
Len Poxon said
Sun Sep 7 2:42 PM, 2014
Georges Lane, Lancashire section:
1 Kestrel, 2 Magpie, several Carrion Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpoll, several Meadow Pipit, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, juvenile Common Whitethroat, juvenile Wheatear, heard Red Grouse.
Georges Lane, Manchester section: Magpie, Carrion Crow, 8 Goldfinch, Robin, several Meadow Pipit.
Winter Hill, on the walk up Mast Road I noted plenty Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark and a single Wheatear on a wall. At the top on the wall that lies next to the boundary between Lancashire & Manchester, there were at least 12 Wheatear and several Meadow Pipit. At the top of Mast Road, whilst talking to Andy Makin (Manchester Birding) he pointed out to me that there were three Red Grouse sat on the same wall but about 100yds to the south. Around the masts (on the LCC side) there were several more Meadow Pipits, a single Swallow, 3 Kestrel and 2 Carrion Crows. On the walk back down Mast Road I noted most of the Wheatear from the wall had dispersed, but there were at least 8 more by the empty compound on the hill with 6 Meadow Pipit and 1 Reed Bunting (all on Manchester side). Further down on the walls to the east of the road where there had been 1 Wheatear on the way up there were at least 50 Wheatear and a dozen or so Meadow Pipit. Farther down still was a single Kestrel being mobbed by at least a dozen Meadow Pipit. 1 Brown Hawker Dragonfly also seen.
Craig Higson said
Sun Sep 7 1:17 PM, 2014
1 Redstart in the sallows just past, and on the opposite side from Wilderswood car park
2 Tree Pipits over going south
1 Wheatear mast rd
4 Red Grouse mast Road
6+ Goldcrests in the pines at the end of Wilderswood
3 Chiffchaffs
2 Sparrowhawks
4 Ravens
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Sep 6 10:00 PM, 2014
Today's sightings, pretty much all day:
1 Spotted Flycatcher at Marklands Road. 8 Chiffchaff 3 Hobby through 1 Osprey at 4:50pm about 500ft SSE at the start of Georges Lane 1 Redstart past the kennels on Georges Lane and also 2 juvenile Green Woodpeckers 10 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Sep 5 11:02 PM, 2014
Sightings from today:
1 Spotted Flycatcher in the cable compounds on Winter Hill along with 7 chiffchaff (day totals were 18) and 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Whinchat, while 3 Sparrowhawks hunted around compounds. A further 2 Spotted Flycatchers were along Georges Lane past the kennels, and a further 2 single Whinchat also there and another 3 at Burnt Edge.
33 Wheatear 1 Tree pipit Burnt Edge 1 Sedge Warbler briefly on the tops, which is a very rare bird here (first for 11 years). 2 Redstart with one in the plantation below Burnt Edge and one along Georges Lane
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Bernard McGurrin said
Thu Sep 4 9:45 PM, 2014
Pm walk from walkerfold past Holdens farm and back, Great tit,blue tit,robin, blackbird,chaffinch,5 linnet, 2 whinchat,7 swallow,masses of meadow pipit, at least 2 kestrel possibly 4, 2 pheasant, 2 raven over, magpie,carrion crow,wood pigeon, 1 jay.
Simon Warford said
Thu Sep 4 8:13 PM, 2014
This morning up to 11.45am, with Alan Warford & Andy Makin:
Merlin flew south and chased a few Meadow Pipits along the way. 4 Whinchats Burnt Edge 1 Grasshopper Warbler 17 Wheatear 90 House Martin flew south in 3 groups.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Sep 4 6:07 AM, 2014
Yesterday's sightings:
Only 17 Wheatear and 4 Whinchat Adult Yellow Wagtail at Higher Meadows 3 Tree Pipits briefly in Wilderswood clearing
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Sep 3 3:04 PM, 2014
3 Whinchat at Holdens Farm this morning.
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
munsworth said
Wed Sep 3 2:13 PM, 2014
10.30-12.30 today Wilderswood :- 3 Spotted Flycatcher Great spotted Woodpecker Jay Blue Tit, Great Tit and Long Tailed Tit
From Mast Road:- Wheatear 3 Meadow Pipit too numerous to count
Mike
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Sep 2 9:08 PM, 2014
Today's main highlights for the (huge!) entire moors area for the whole day, with combined sightings mainly from Andy Makin but also a few extras from myself:
23 Whinchat 1 Cuckoo along Deans Ditch 4 Redstart 4 Tree Pipit 2 Hobby 89 Wheatear 19 Spotted Flycatcher 2 Yellow Wagtail 1 Ringed Plover over south
Alan Warford said
Tue Sep 2 1:44 PM, 2014
2 hour walk on Georges Lane including Wilderswood and into Lancs...1030-1230 (Met with Andy Makin)
Spotted Flycatchers 3 Wilderswood and 3 Big Hedge
Whinchat 2 Wheatear 8+ Black Redstart just in Lancs Redpoll Whitethroat Redstart Few Swallows moving south Swift 1
-- Edited by Alan Warford on Tuesday 2nd of September 2014 02:13:51 PM
Dennis atherton said
Tue Sep 2 1:26 PM, 2014
5 whinchats below burnt edge
1 spotted flycatcher at holdens farm
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Sep 2 7:38 AM, 2014
News for yesterday, 1st September:
9 Tree Pipit over south 1 Greenshank and 1 Oystetcatcher over south 1 curlew over west 106 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin over south Male Black Redstart moved rapidly down Mast road wall by the edge of Smithills Moor mid afternoon 1 Whinchat 1 Spotted Flycatcher at Brownstones 1 Yellow Wagtail at Higher Meadow 5 Wheatear 5 Chiffchaff 23 Meadow Pipit over north
Spotted Flycatcher in Newfields Plantation at 12:30 today.
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Aug 28 8:01 PM, 2014
Sightings from the morning:
7 Whinchat: 1 along Georges Lane past the kennels; 3 in the pony field at Mast Road; and 3 at Burnt Edge. 1 Redstart Georges Lane and 1 at Adams Hill Plantation. 2 Tree pipit heading south over Wilderswood and 1 south over Burnt Edge. 45 Wheatear. 3 Yellow Wagtails. 3 Willow Warbler. 7 Buzzard.
Into thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Andy Voisey said
Thu Aug 28 7:12 PM, 2014
From 0700 until midday Started misty, sun came out about 8 and rain started at midday.
Georges Lane:- The mast was obscured by mist and birds were just leaving their roosts. 7 wheatear, 2 kestrel, 1jay, 1 juv redstart, 1 willow warbler heard only
Wilderswood:- 2 great tit
Matchmoor Lane to Holdens Farm:- 7 Starling, 2 blue tit 2 Wren, 3 Kestrel
Holdens Farm:- 2 whitethroat, 1 robin, 2 great tit, 1 greenfinch about 15 linnet, about 20 goldfinch, 2 spotted flycatcher, 2 possible tree pipit (positive id from photos needed), about 12 swallows.
Holdens Farm to Burnt Edge:- Pheasant, Robin 2 Kestrel
Burnt Edge, past Quarry to Matchmoor Lane:- 5 kestrel playing tag in the wind over the cliff face, joined later by a buzzard, willow warbler heard in conifers.
Mast Road 3 wheatear, 10+ meadow pipits
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 28th of August 2014 07:52:38 PM
Three Whinchat and a Redstart currently at Holden's Farm
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Aug 26 10:41 PM, 2014
Additional sightings from today:
10 Wheatear along Mast Road Whinchat in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Road
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Dan Brown said
Tue Aug 26 6:07 PM, 2014
3.30 - 5.00pm
Georges Lane - 2 Redstart
- 1 Green Woodpecker
Brownstones - 4 Spotted Flycatcher
- 4 Willow Warbler
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 25 5:35 PM, 2014
A brief spell this morning produced:
1 Whinchat and 14 Wheatear in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Road
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Craig Higson said
Sun Aug 24 8:24 PM, 2014
Seems like it was a popular place to be today! Good to meet you too Simon, and nice to catch up with Andy who I've not seen for a long time. I spoke to a couple of other birders who may be on here. Sorry didnt ask names. Anyway, in addition to all the above:
Walker Fold / Holdens Farm area - Great spotted woodpecker 1, Wheatear 1, Redstart 2 female/juvenile types, one in the hedge on the left just past Holdens Farm heading to Holdens Plantation one on the opposite side of the field, Stonechat 3, Willow Warbler 6, Sparrowhawk 2, Jay 4, Mistle Thrush 2, Buzzard 2. There was a sizeable tit flock (coal, blue, great, long tailed) at the end of Walker Fold Woods which had a couple of Phylloscs in but they were very mobile and impossible to nail down.
Coal Pit Road - Great spotted Woodpecker 1, Linnet 12, Grey Wagtail 1 and a possible flyover Tree Pipit - called once and was only half heard.
Simon Warford said
Sun Aug 24 6:44 PM, 2014
This morning from 7am with Andy Makin, me till 12.30, Andy till late afternoon;
Black Redstart still present below Georges Lane, just in Lancs past the Kennels. 15 Whinchat (4 Fleet Moor, 3 Burnt Edge, 1 Deans Ditch, 3 Georges Lane & 4 along Mast Road) 6 Stonechat Grasshopper Warbler showing well along the lower path in Burnt Edge, chasing a Whinchat at one point. 5 Tree Pipit (3 seen and heard flying south and two heard only near Hampsons Farm). 5 Spotted Flycatchers (1 Newfields, 1 Brownstones, 3 Wilderswood/Georges area). 35 Swift 128 Wheatear 4 Redstart at the Big Hedge, Georges Lane (Ken & Jill).
Nice to meet Craig Higson for the first time, who also saw some stuff we didn't.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Sunday 24th of August 2014 07:13:03 PM
Bernard McGurrin said
Sun Aug 24 5:32 PM, 2014
Nice to meet Andy Makin and from Andy's info managed to see a black redstart near the ruins on Georges lane, from the same area a green woodpecker was feeding in the field,several wheatear, willow warbler,goldfinch and meadow pipit, 2 spotted flycatcher 1 near wilderswood car park 1 just beyond kennels, Mast road 1 raven, 6 pied wagtail, meadow pipit, wheatear,3 kestrel in different areas. Thanks for the info Andy much appreciated.
Neil Southworth said
Sun Aug 24 3:41 PM, 2014
In addition to Andrew's sightings, there were two singing Chiffchaff in The Dell, plus several more 'Willowchiffs', a Wheatear in field below the Kennels, a flock of c50 Goldfinch in the same field, and another different flock in Big Hedge.
Andrew Mitchell said
Sun Aug 24 2:33 PM, 2014
A few hours this morning in lovely weather:
2 Spotted Flycatcher - One at the start of George's Lane and one at Big Hedge, in the same tree as... 2-3 Redstart - flycatching from one of the bigger trees near Big Hedge. One male and 1-2 female/juvenile type 1 Treecreeper - Wilderswood 1 Nuthatch - Wilderswood 1 Wheatear - Off Mast Road 6 Buzzard, all circling in the air at once. Great to watch and to observe the differences in plumage 5 or more Kestrel 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Blackcap - Wilderswood 2 Raven
Plus loads of Swallow, Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. One possible Tree Pipit on the wires at Higher Meadows, but it didn't stay still long enough or call, frustratingly!
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 23 10:44 PM, 2014
Today's totals:
13 Spotted Flycatcher- 5 Brownstones, 2 Wilderswood, 6 Sheep Cote Gully. 4 Redstart with singles at Sheep Cote Gully, the big hedge, Georges Lane past the kennels and Gilligants Farm. 4 Whinchat with on 2 Fleet Moor and singles at Burnt Edge and Coal Pit Lane by Holdens Wood. 1 Tree pipit over Holdens Wood 103 Wheatear 9 Chiffchaff 10 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Rob Creek said
Sat Aug 23 7:25 PM, 2014
Approx 12.30 - 5pm
Started at Wilderswood, I walked through the wood towards the stone wall with the gap, and within minutes I managed... 1 Spotted Flycatcher 1 Coal Tit 1 Willow Tit (within feet of the Coal Tit) Long Tailed Tit family of 10+ moving through Great Tit and Blue Tit ...then it sounded like branches coming down on top of me, an almighty crash as 2 Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk came falling from the canopy to the forest floor infront of me. One Woodpigeon flew off, and the Sparrowhawk looked startled to see me stood there. It flew off leaving the Woodpigeon on the floor. It was gasping for breath but within a minute or so it was dead, and when I examined it, it had a puncture wound near the breast and a slice wound on its rump. Chances are the Sparrowhawk would've gone back for it.
A walk up to the mast produced good numbers of certain species, they seemed to be everywhere including...
Wheatear approx 50-60 Meadow Pipit approx 40-50 Goldfinch approx 40-50 Linnet approx 30-40 Pied Wagtail (mainly juv) approx 15-20 5 Kestrel (could be repeats) 1 Raven circling the mast Numerous Swallow all the way up to the mast and surprisingly some House Martin too. No sign of the Black Redstart for me.
Nice to bump into Andy Makin again, on Matchmoor Road. As we were talking a Stoat ran across the road and then back again, and yet more Wheatear in the area.
And also nice to see Steve Burke again, multitasking on Georges Lane. Sporting a new car and watching a Spotted Flycatcher at the edge of the paddock.
Oh yeah and an Alpaca in a garden, unringed but probably not of wild origin.
Cheers Rob
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 07:42:42 PM
Andy Voisey said
Sat Aug 23 2:50 PM, 2014
Thanks Ian.
Horwich Moor is a new area for me, I have only visited it 3 times.
The guide puts it all into perspective for me and opens up new bits to explore.
For some reason I seem to have skipped the moors guide when I first went through the website.
Cheers
Andy V
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 23 10:55 AM, 2014
Black Redstart currently on Winter Hill; around the rocket shaped mast on the Lancashire side.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 23 8:49 AM, 2014
Andy Voisey wrote:
I have checked my OS maps and can't find "higher meadows" where the big hedge is, could someone pinpoint it for me please?
Many thanks
Andy V
Check out the site guides on the Manchester Birding website...
Andy Voisey said
Sat Aug 23 8:39 AM, 2014
I also had a walk in the area From Matchmoor Lane, along Burnt Edge, round the plantation to Holden's Farm and back up to Matchmoor Lane.
Burnt Edge:- 1 Stonechat
Plantation Area:- 2 Stonechats and flock of about 15 meadow pipits
Holdens Farm:- 20+ swallows, about 10 linnets, 2 wheatear, 1 whinchat, 1 whitethroat, 1 great tit, 1 robin, 1 greenfinch, 2 young stonechat.
The farm area seems to be a magnet for bird activity.
I have checked my OS maps and can't find "higher meadows" where the big hedge is, could someone pinpoint it for me please?
Many thanks
Andy V
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 08:49:46 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Aug 22 11:21 PM, 2014
Further sightings from today:
3 Redstart with one along Georges Lane past the kennels, one in the big hedge at Higher Meadows and one which came off the moor and flew in to the dell at Georges Lane. 2 Tree Pipit 16 Spotted Flycatchers with 5 at Wilderswood; 3 the big hedge; 8 at Brownstones 46 Wheatear 6 Chiffchaff 25 Willow Warbler 1 Curlew
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Bob and Joyce Calder said
Fri Aug 22 7:37 PM, 2014
Highlights of a 3 hour walk around the area this afternoon:-
Whinchat, 5 (1 in field below the Kennels, 2 in the horse field along Mast Road, 2 below Burnt Edge) Stonechat, 6 (2 behind Holdens, family party of 2 adults and 2 juv along Burnt Edge) Wheatear, min 7 in various parts of the area Raven, 2 around Two Lads area Kestrel, min 4 birds around the area C Buzzard, 1 Long Tailed Tits, small party of around 7 birds in area around Big Hedge with a few Willow Warblers with them Two small groups of Goldfinch, one group in area below the Kennels the others along Mast Road where they were mixed with around 30 Meadow Pipits Few Pied Wagtails along Mast Road in horse field A few Willow Warblers scattered around the area
Bob & Joyce C
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Aug 21 10:46 PM, 2014
Today's totals;
5 Wheatears 9+ Tree Pipit with 5+on wires and bushes at the start of Walker Fold path; 2 at Burnt Edge; and 2 at Holden's Farm 5 Spotted Flycatchers at Wilderswood and 1 at Walker Fold 1 Redstart in the big hedge at Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 20 10:32 PM, 2014
Today's sightings:
1 Tree Pipit showing well on wires and in the clearing at Wilderswood, also 1 calling over Walker Fold Black Redstart on the top of Winter Hill and 1 again along Georges Land just within Lancashire Redstart along Georges Lane and 3 in the Big Hedge at Higher Meadows Spotted Flycatcher along Georges Lane, 1 at Wilderswood, 1 at Sheep Cote Green pasture and 5 in Walker Fold Wood Whinchat along Georges Lane past the kennels, 1 on Horwich moor and on 1 Fleet Moor 57 Wheatear 15 Goldcrest 29 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 20 7:27 AM, 2014
Black Redstart along Dean Ditch at 07:20 this morning; flew into the compound on the GM border, just east of the top of Mast Road.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 20 7:25 AM, 2014
Yesterday's sightings from all day:
151 Wheatear Whinchats along Scout Road and at Holdens Farm Redstart, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit at Higher Meadows but moved into Lancashire. Black Redstart still along Georges Lane in Lancashire
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 18 11:06 PM, 2014
Sightings from today, between Andy Makin, Dan Brown and myself.
2 Spotted Flycatcherby Wilderswood car park. 2 Tree Pipit; one low over Wilderswood and one by Walker Fold. 3 Whinchat; 1 Georges Lane, 1 Heather Hall and a juvenile at Hampsons Farm. 31 Wheatear 1 Yellow Wagtail by Holdens Farm 2 Redstart; one along Georges Lane in Lancashire and one in the big hedge at Higher Headows. Juvenile Black Redstart again along Georges Lane just inside Lancashire. 2 Swift Juvenile Green Woodpecker by the kennels on Georges Lane Probably 40+ Willow Warbler
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 16 10:16 PM, 2014
This morning in windy conditions:
2 Tree Pipits over Georges Lane 1 Whinchat on wires by Wilderswood car park 3 Spotted Flycatcher- 2 Sheep Cote Green and one by Walker Fold Wood 2 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
John Williams said
Sat Aug 16 5:13 PM, 2014
10.00-13.00 ( A strong Westerly meant small birds were hard to find throughout).
Georges Lane
1 Wheatear & 4 Goldfinches.
6 Kestrels (3 hovering over the moor simultaneously, whilst 3 were over the pasture below the kennels).
Burnt Edge
1 Kestrel, 1 Raven & 12 Meadow Pipits.
Walker Fold
8 Goldfinches
Holdens Farm
The pasture below the path lined with Hawthorns
5 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears, 1 Linnet and a Raven.
The Swallows around the farm (12 in the air together) were feeding fledged youngsters in flight.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Aug 15 9:21 PM, 2014
Other sightings from today:
1 Redstart at Georges Lane 6 Spotted Flycatcher; 4 in the big hedge at Higher Meadows; 1 at Sheep Cote Pasture; 1 at Brownstones. 5 Tree Pipit Merlin over Sheep Cote Pasture. 8 Wheatear 1 Golden Plover south 89 Willow Warbler 1 Whinchat at the top of Corn Edge Lane
Info thanks to Andy Makin
121 Meadow Pipits south
245 House Martin
355 Swallow
10 Sand Martin
7 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Simon Warford
1-12 pm till 3-05pm
4 Wheatears
many meadow Pipits i saw at least 50
1 Kestrel
35 Wheatears,
16 Meadow Pipits,
other birds were 2 Skylarks,
3 Kestrels
27 Swallows,
2 Whinchat and
1 Stonechat,
1 Curlew
Goshawk flew directly SW over Dean Ditch at 7:14 am
6 Grey Wagtails south
8 Whinchat in total over the area
4 Redstart: 1 big hedge, 2 male and a female past the kennels at Georges Lane
19 + Buzzard
44 Wheatear
1 Tree Pipit south over Edge Lane
1 Willow Tit at Matchmoor Lane and a Golden Plover over
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Burnt Edge
7 Goldfinches on thistles, 2 Wheatears, 1 Kestrel.
Path from Burnt Edge to Walkerfold, the area below the wires, 2 Linnets, 3 Stonechats and 1 Whinchat.
Walkerfold seemed birdless, with just a few butterflies around.
Holdens Farm
1 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaffs in a Blue/Great Tit flock.
2 Wheatears on the stonewall. 8+ Swallows still around the farm.
Georges Lane
1 Goldcrest & 1 Song Thrush amongst the conifers just North of the kennels.
Over the border, amongst the rocks, by the steps that lead down from the kissing gate, 3 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat.
Small flocks of Meadow Pipits abundant throughout, Raven heard near Holdens Farm but not seen.
1 Kestrel, 2 Magpie, several Carrion Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpoll, several Meadow Pipit, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, juvenile Common Whitethroat, juvenile Wheatear, heard Red Grouse.
Georges Lane, Manchester section: Magpie, Carrion Crow, 8 Goldfinch, Robin, several Meadow Pipit.
Winter Hill, on the walk up Mast Road I noted plenty Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark and a single Wheatear on a wall. At the top on the wall that lies next to the boundary between Lancashire & Manchester, there were at least 12 Wheatear and several Meadow Pipit. At the top of Mast Road, whilst talking to Andy Makin (Manchester Birding) he pointed out to me that there were three Red Grouse sat on the same wall but about 100yds to the south. Around the masts (on the LCC side) there were several more Meadow Pipits, a single Swallow, 3 Kestrel and 2 Carrion Crows. On the walk back down Mast Road I noted most of the Wheatear from the wall had dispersed, but there were at least 8 more by the empty compound on the hill with 6 Meadow Pipit and 1 Reed Bunting (all on Manchester side). Further down on the walls to the east of the road where there had been 1 Wheatear on the way up there were at least 50 Wheatear and a dozen or so Meadow Pipit. Farther down still was a single Kestrel being mobbed by at least a dozen Meadow Pipit. 1 Brown Hawker Dragonfly also seen.
2 Tree Pipits over going south
1 Wheatear mast rd
4 Red Grouse mast Road
6+ Goldcrests in the pines at the end of Wilderswood
3 Chiffchaffs
2 Sparrowhawks
4 Ravens
1 Spotted Flycatcher at Marklands Road.
8 Chiffchaff
3 Hobby through
1 Osprey at 4:50pm about 500ft SSE at the start of Georges Lane
1 Redstart past the kennels on Georges Lane and also 2 juvenile Green Woodpeckers
10 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin
1 Spotted Flycatcher in the cable compounds on Winter Hill along with 7 chiffchaff (day totals were 18) and 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Whinchat, while 3 Sparrowhawks hunted around compounds. A further 2 Spotted Flycatchers were along Georges Lane past the kennels, and a further 2 single Whinchat also there and another 3 at Burnt Edge.
33 Wheatear
1 Tree pipit Burnt Edge
1 Sedge Warbler briefly on the tops, which is a very rare bird here (first for 11 years).
2 Redstart with one in the plantation below Burnt Edge and one along Georges Lane
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Great tit,blue tit,robin, blackbird,chaffinch,5 linnet, 2 whinchat,7 swallow,masses of meadow pipit, at least 2 kestrel possibly 4, 2 pheasant, 2 raven over, magpie,carrion crow,wood pigeon, 1 jay.
Merlin flew south and chased a few Meadow Pipits along the way.
4 Whinchats Burnt Edge
1 Grasshopper Warbler
17 Wheatear
90 House Martin flew south in 3 groups.
Only 17 Wheatear and 4 Whinchat
Adult Yellow Wagtail at Higher Meadows
3 Tree Pipits briefly in Wilderswood clearing
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
Wilderswood :-
3 Spotted Flycatcher
Great spotted Woodpecker
Jay
Blue Tit, Great Tit and Long Tailed Tit
From Mast Road:-
Wheatear 3
Meadow Pipit too numerous to count
Mike
23 Whinchat
1 Cuckoo along Deans Ditch
4 Redstart
4 Tree Pipit
2 Hobby
89 Wheatear
19 Spotted Flycatcher
2 Yellow Wagtail
1 Ringed Plover over south
Spotted Flycatchers
3 Wilderswood and 3 Big Hedge
Whinchat 2
Wheatear 8+
Black Redstart just in Lancs
Redpoll
Whitethroat
Redstart
Few Swallows moving south
Swift 1
-- Edited by Alan Warford on Tuesday 2nd of September 2014 02:13:51 PM
1 spotted flycatcher at holdens farm
9 Tree Pipit over south
1 Greenshank and 1 Oystetcatcher over south
1 curlew over west
106 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin over south
Male Black Redstart moved rapidly down Mast road wall by the edge of Smithills Moor mid afternoon
1 Whinchat
1 Spotted Flycatcher at Brownstones
1 Yellow Wagtail at Higher Meadow
5 Wheatear
5 Chiffchaff
23 Meadow Pipit over north
Info thanks to Andy Makin
22 Wheatear
2 Spotted Flycatcher
Lesser Whitethroat
5 Willow Warbler
Chiffchaffs
Info thanks to Andy Makin
10 Wheatear
3 Spotted Flycatcher at Brownstones
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Phil Rhodes
7 Whinchat: 1 along Georges Lane past the kennels; 3 in the pony field at Mast Road; and 3 at Burnt Edge.
1 Redstart Georges Lane and 1 at Adams Hill Plantation.
2 Tree pipit heading south over Wilderswood and 1 south over Burnt Edge.
45 Wheatear.
3 Yellow Wagtails.
3 Willow Warbler.
7 Buzzard.
Into thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Georges Lane:- The mast was obscured by mist and birds were just leaving their roosts.
7 wheatear, 2 kestrel, 1jay, 1 juv redstart, 1 willow warbler heard only
Wilderswood:- 2 great tit
Matchmoor Lane to Holdens Farm:- 7 Starling, 2 blue tit 2 Wren, 3 Kestrel
Holdens Farm:- 2 whitethroat, 1 robin, 2 great tit, 1 greenfinch about 15 linnet, about 20 goldfinch, 2 spotted flycatcher, 2 possible tree pipit (positive id from photos needed), about 12 swallows.
Holdens Farm to Burnt Edge:- Pheasant, Robin 2 Kestrel
Burnt Edge, past Quarry to Matchmoor Lane:- 5 kestrel playing tag in the wind over the cliff face, joined later by a buzzard, willow warbler heard in conifers.
Mast Road 3 wheatear, 10+ meadow pipits
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 28th of August 2014 07:52:38 PM
25 Wheatear
8 Whinchat (4 Burnt Edge, 3 Coal Pit Lane, 1 pony fields at Mast Road)
3 Spotted Flycatcher (1 Brownstones, 2 Wilderswood
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
10 Wheatear along Mast Road
Whinchat in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Road
Info thanks to Andy Makin
1 Whinchat and 14 Wheatear in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Road
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Walker Fold / Holdens Farm area - Great spotted woodpecker 1, Wheatear 1, Redstart 2 female/juvenile types, one in the hedge on the left just past Holdens Farm heading to Holdens Plantation one on the opposite side of the field, Stonechat 3, Willow Warbler 6, Sparrowhawk 2, Jay 4, Mistle Thrush 2, Buzzard 2. There was a sizeable tit flock (coal, blue, great, long tailed) at the end of Walker Fold Woods which had a couple of Phylloscs in but they were very mobile and impossible to nail down.
Coal Pit Road - Great spotted Woodpecker 1, Linnet 12, Grey Wagtail 1 and a possible flyover Tree Pipit - called once and was only half heard.
Black Redstart still present below Georges Lane, just in Lancs past the Kennels.
15 Whinchat (4 Fleet Moor, 3 Burnt Edge, 1 Deans Ditch, 3 Georges Lane & 4 along Mast Road)
6 Stonechat
Grasshopper Warbler showing well along the lower path in Burnt Edge, chasing a Whinchat at one point.
5 Tree Pipit (3 seen and heard flying south and two heard only near Hampsons Farm).
5 Spotted Flycatchers (1 Newfields, 1 Brownstones, 3 Wilderswood/Georges area).
35 Swift
128 Wheatear
4 Redstart at the Big Hedge, Georges Lane (Ken & Jill).
Nice to meet Craig Higson for the first time, who also saw some stuff we didn't.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Sunday 24th of August 2014 07:13:03 PM
Mast road 1 raven, 6 pied wagtail, meadow pipit, wheatear,3 kestrel in different areas.
Thanks for the info Andy much appreciated.
2 Spotted Flycatcher - One at the start of George's Lane and one at Big Hedge, in the same tree as...
2-3 Redstart - flycatching from one of the bigger trees near Big Hedge. One male and 1-2 female/juvenile type
1 Treecreeper - Wilderswood
1 Nuthatch - Wilderswood
1 Wheatear - Off Mast Road
6 Buzzard, all circling in the air at once. Great to watch and to observe the differences in plumage
5 or more Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Blackcap - Wilderswood
2 Raven
Plus loads of Swallow, Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. One possible Tree Pipit on the wires at Higher Meadows, but it didn't stay still long enough or call, frustratingly!
13 Spotted Flycatcher- 5 Brownstones, 2 Wilderswood, 6 Sheep Cote Gully.
4 Redstart with singles at Sheep Cote Gully, the big hedge, Georges Lane past the kennels and Gilligants Farm.
4 Whinchat with on 2 Fleet Moor and singles at Burnt Edge and Coal Pit Lane by Holdens Wood.
1 Tree pipit over Holdens Wood
103 Wheatear
9 Chiffchaff
10 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Started at Wilderswood, I walked through the wood towards the stone wall with the gap, and within minutes I managed...
1 Spotted Flycatcher
1 Coal Tit
1 Willow Tit (within feet of the Coal Tit)
Long Tailed Tit family of 10+ moving through
Great Tit and Blue Tit
...then it sounded like branches coming down on top of me, an almighty crash as 2 Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk came falling from the canopy to the forest floor infront of me. One Woodpigeon flew off, and the Sparrowhawk looked startled to see me stood there. It flew off leaving the Woodpigeon on the floor. It was gasping for breath but within a minute or so it was dead, and when I examined it, it had a puncture wound near the breast and a slice wound on its rump. Chances are the Sparrowhawk would've gone back for it.
A walk up to the mast produced good numbers of certain species, they seemed to be everywhere including...
Wheatear approx 50-60
Meadow Pipit approx 40-50
Goldfinch approx 40-50
Linnet approx 30-40
Pied Wagtail (mainly juv) approx 15-20
5 Kestrel (could be repeats)
1 Raven circling the mast
Numerous Swallow all the way up to the mast and surprisingly some House Martin too.
No sign of the Black Redstart for me.
Nice to bump into Andy Makin again, on Matchmoor Road. As we were talking a Stoat ran across the road and then back again, and yet more Wheatear in the area.
And also nice to see Steve Burke again, multitasking on Georges Lane.
Sporting a new car and watching a Spotted Flycatcher at the edge of the paddock.
Oh yeah and an Alpaca in a garden, unringed but probably not of wild origin.
Cheers
Rob
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 07:42:42 PM
Horwich Moor is a new area for me, I have only visited it 3 times.
The guide puts it all into perspective for me and opens up new bits to explore.
For some reason I seem to have skipped the moors guide when I first went through the website.
Cheers
Andy V
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Check out the site guides on the Manchester Birding website...
Burnt Edge:- 1 Stonechat
Plantation Area:- 2 Stonechats and flock of about 15 meadow pipits
Holdens Farm:- 20+ swallows, about 10 linnets, 2 wheatear, 1 whinchat, 1 whitethroat, 1 great tit, 1 robin, 1 greenfinch, 2 young stonechat.
The farm area seems to be a magnet for bird activity.
I have checked my OS maps and can't find "higher meadows" where the big hedge is, could someone pinpoint it for me please?
Many thanks
Andy V
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 08:49:46 AM
3 Redstart with one along Georges Lane past the kennels, one in the big hedge at Higher Meadows and one which came off the moor and flew in to the dell at Georges Lane.
2 Tree Pipit
16 Spotted Flycatchers with 5 at Wilderswood; 3 the big hedge; 8 at Brownstones
46 Wheatear
6 Chiffchaff
25 Willow Warbler
1 Curlew
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Whinchat, 5 (1 in field below the Kennels, 2 in the horse field along Mast Road, 2 below Burnt Edge)
Stonechat, 6 (2 behind Holdens, family party of 2 adults and 2 juv along Burnt Edge)
Wheatear, min 7 in various parts of the area
Raven, 2 around Two Lads area
Kestrel, min 4 birds around the area
C Buzzard, 1
Long Tailed Tits, small party of around 7 birds in area around Big Hedge with a few Willow Warblers with them
Two small groups of Goldfinch, one group in area below the Kennels the others along Mast Road where they were mixed with around 30 Meadow Pipits
Few Pied Wagtails along Mast Road in horse field
A few Willow Warblers scattered around the area
Bob & Joyce C
5 Wheatears
9+ Tree Pipit with 5+on wires and bushes at the start of Walker Fold path; 2 at Burnt Edge; and 2 at Holden's Farm
5 Spotted Flycatchers at Wilderswood and 1 at Walker Fold
1 Redstart in the big hedge at Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
1 Tree Pipit showing well on wires and in the clearing at Wilderswood, also 1 calling over Walker Fold
Black Redstart on the top of Winter Hill and 1 again along Georges Land just within Lancashire
Redstart along Georges Lane and 3 in the Big Hedge at Higher Meadows
Spotted Flycatcher along Georges Lane, 1 at Wilderswood, 1 at Sheep Cote Green pasture and 5 in Walker Fold Wood
Whinchat along Georges Lane past the kennels, 1 on Horwich moor and on 1 Fleet Moor
57 Wheatear
15 Goldcrest
29 Willow Warbler
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
Info thanks to Andy Makin
151 Wheatear
Whinchats along Scout Road and at Holdens Farm
Redstart, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit at Higher Meadows but moved into Lancashire.
Black Redstart still along Georges Lane in Lancashire
Info thanks to Andy Makin
2 Spotted Flycatcherby Wilderswood car park.
2 Tree Pipit; one low over Wilderswood and one by Walker Fold.
3 Whinchat; 1 Georges Lane, 1 Heather Hall and a juvenile at Hampsons Farm.
31 Wheatear
1 Yellow Wagtail by Holdens Farm
2 Redstart; one along Georges Lane in Lancashire and one in the big hedge at Higher Headows.
Juvenile Black Redstart again along Georges Lane just inside Lancashire.
2 Swift
Juvenile Green Woodpecker by the kennels on Georges Lane
Probably 40+ Willow Warbler
2 Tree Pipits over Georges Lane
1 Whinchat on wires by Wilderswood car park
3 Spotted Flycatcher- 2 Sheep Cote Green and one by Walker Fold Wood
2 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin and Dan Brown
( A strong Westerly meant small birds were hard to find throughout).
Georges Lane
1 Wheatear & 4 Goldfinches.
6 Kestrels (3 hovering over the moor simultaneously, whilst 3 were over the pasture below the kennels).
Burnt Edge
1 Kestrel, 1 Raven & 12 Meadow Pipits.
Walker Fold
8 Goldfinches
Holdens Farm
The pasture below the path lined with Hawthorns
5 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears, 1 Linnet and a Raven.
The Swallows around the farm (12 in the air together) were feeding fledged youngsters in flight.
1 Redstart at Georges Lane
6 Spotted Flycatcher; 4 in the big hedge at Higher Meadows; 1 at Sheep Cote Pasture; 1 at Brownstones.
5 Tree Pipit
Merlin over Sheep Cote Pasture.
8 Wheatear
1 Golden Plover south
89 Willow Warbler
1 Whinchat at the top of Corn Edge Lane
Info thanks to Andy Makin