Have any more of us locals noticed the Well is dry, and anyone heard why?
Geoff Walton said
Sun Jun 10 4:03 AM, 2012
8pm Went down tonight to look at the Weir. Everything was under water. Whether or not the remains of the weir have gone will have to wair for the water subside to see. Never seen so much water. I have a picture before and after. If the local lads want a copy please e-mail me on a PM
4 Swifts over the river/wood 1 lone swallow hunting over the river.
Chris Greene said
Fri Jun 8 3:15 PM, 2012
Late post for yesterday ,14:00.... Damp and miserable, however... Juvenile dipper and male grey wagtail near bridge site. Several chiffchaff heard. Literally dozens of magpies everywhere. Otherwise,generally quiet. For those interested, the pre-fabricated bridge is due to be lifted into place on Thursday 14th June,( early pm , according to the sign !.) New footpath is completed,but not yet open.Unless a fence is erected,it should give loose dogs much greater access to the field where the lapwings and stock doves used to be !!!
Cheers Chris
Geoff Walton said
Tue May 22 4:14 PM, 2012
Not a lot around this afternoon. Two Treecreepers landed on a tree opposite the bench just round from the walled garden.
Blackcap's singing. AND
a set of working traffic lights in the Ford field where all the work is going on!!
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 22nd of May 2012 05:26:02 PM
Andy Bissitt said
Sun May 20 4:43 AM, 2012
Lesser whitethroat could be heard singing this afternoon from the hedgerow between the two largest fields. Not much else of great note really, and no surprise, what with a wedding reception going on at the chapel (anything for a buck eh, Stockport Council!), and the disturbance caused by the bridge building at the weir AND the intrusion at the back of the marsh which has removed valuable cover. Any 'improvements' to the area have been knocked back by these developments.
Chris Harper said
Sat Apr 28 4:36 PM, 2012
As mentioned on Goyt Valley post, single Common Sandpiper at entrance to estate on meander of river Goyt (8.20)
Geoff Walton said
Sat Apr 21 11:04 PM, 2012
2 pairs Mandarin Duck in Chapel Filed 1 male Gossander to the left of the weir on a very swollen river 2 Grey heron on the old mill pond usual small stuff
Geoff Walton said
Mon Apr 16 11:13 PM, 2012
1 pair Manderin Duck in Chapel Field 2 pairs on the river
Male Goosander on the river up from the weir
1 Grey Wagtail on the river up from the weir
1 jay in Little Wood
nothing else really visible.
Chris Greene said
Sun Apr 15 3:31 PM, 2012
Late post for yesterday, 2pm - 3 pm, just before I lost a fortune on the gee gees! Don't worry Geoff, there were two pairs of mandarins back on Chapel Field, also two stock doves. Single snipe seen on old mill pond. Pair of grey wagtails near new bridge site , one bird appeared to be hovering over the river ,taking small flies from the water's surface.. Female great spotted woodpecker , near last year's nest hole . Buzzard over, Three jays ,squabbling together , on edge of Kirk Wood . Plenty of the usual sp. around .
Cheers Chris
Geoff Walton said
Sat Apr 14 8:42 PM, 2012
9.30 to 10.30am
No sign of any Mandarin Duck today. It has swung between 2 pairs and just one more recently. I womder if that's it?
Grey Wagtail on the weir Gray Wagtail on the farm buildings
a pair of Jay In the wood just to the left of the well. A first for me to see two together.
Great Tits Blue Tits
Geoff Walton said
Sat Apr 7 1:25 PM, 2012
I thought we were safe, but no - 2 Canada Geese on the fast draining old mill pond. Nothing else around, but Grey heron flying over.
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Saturday 7th of April 2012 01:25:53 PM
Geoff Walton said
Sat Apr 7 7:53 AM, 2012
Late post Fri 9-10am Great Tits Blue Tits LT Tits Robins Grey heron on old mill pond 2 Treecreepers on a a tree in the car park - frist time I have seen a TC for ages.
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Saturday 7th of April 2012 01:25:38 PM
John Rayner said
Sun Apr 1 12:52 AM, 2012
4.30 - 5.10.
I went down to look at the new bridge construction from the Marple side of the river. No Harris Hawk for me but there were 6 Buzzards in the air at one time. One of the Buzzards appeared to have a small, square, creamy coloured wing tag on the right wing. No lettering noted.
12.00.
I heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling in the Marple Dale area. Presumably the bird moved downstream to Kirk Wood by 13.00.
Cheers, John
Geoff Walton said
Sun Apr 1 12:24 AM, 2012
3-4pm
Hi Ken, Went down with a friend, and as we were at the wooden gate to the weir, it was kind enough to fly lowish from the edge of Kirkwood in the direction of marple Hall School.
Did not have time to see it's head, but it was large,brown and the wings were more curved that that of a Buzzard, with a large fan tail.
Two Grey Wagtail on the river, and two pairs of Mandarin Duck still in Chapel Field. Several LT Tits.
Ken Dunning said
Sat Mar 31 2:58 PM, 2012
11-00 to 2-00pm
Great Spotted Woodpecker calling and drumming, actually managed to watch him drumming. 4 longtailed tits about 10 chiffchaff lots of Chaffinch 6 Nuthatch 4 Greenfinch 1 Pair of Mandarin duck on chapel pond.
At 1pm as I was about to return to my car when I heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling, so about turn and off in search. Managed a brief glimpse as it flew through kirkwood between the weir and the chapel. He then flew over the chapel, behind the barns. As I passed the walled garden I saw a large hawk in the sky. It was soaring at first then hovered for a moment then soared off again towards cherrytree. I believe it could have been the Harris hawk that Geoff mentioned but can't be certain. Mentioned it to the warden who told me he had seen it in the trees by the barns!
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 31st of March 2012 04:57:51 PM
Geoff Walton said
Fri Mar 30 8:02 PM, 2012
Early afternoon walk.
Two pairs of Mandarin Duck in Chapel Field Two Grey Wagtail just up from the Weir Two Gray Wagtail on the Barn side of the stream near the road bridge
One Harris Hawk overhead. I was speaking to the Rangers at the time, and they asked me if I had seen it yet, as it had been around for a couple of days.
No said I; when it appeared as we were talking. I do not know who first saw and identified it, but it must be a first for Chadkirk. It rode the thermals and then hovered for a few seconds.
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Friday 30th of March 2012 08:11:43 PM
Geoff Walton said
Sat Mar 24 1:30 PM, 2012
Sat 9.30-10.30
Goldfinch Nuthatch LT Tit G tit Dunnock Robin Chiffchaff Grey Heron on old mill lodge - but could not see any snipe GSWoodpecker drumming in Kirk Wood 2 pairs Mandarin Duck in the scape nearest the Chapel in Chapel Field 3 Buzzard over Kirk Wood
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 24th of March 2012 02:11:49 PM
Chris Greene said
Sat Mar 24 2:29 AM, 2012
Hi Geoff, the goldcrests were flicking around the trees/bushes near the new Chadkirk Industrial site sign,just before you get to the mill pond. Not bad for Chadkirk Chris
Geoff Walton said
Sat Mar 24 2:15 AM, 2012
Where were the Goldcrests Chris,down in the picknic area?
Chris Greene said
Fri Mar 23 5:28 PM, 2012
Did the circuit,14:00-15:00....highlights.... 2 goldcrests, 3 snipe on old mill pond, 2 pair of grey wagtails,one pair just upstream of new bridge site,the other pair,on the brook behind the farmhouse. 2 pair of mandarin ducks,near scrape on Chapel field. 3 chiffchaffs seen,plenty more heard. 1 female great spotted woodpecker. Buzzard,over. Plenty of usual tits,finches,nuthatches etc.
Cheers Chris
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 23rd of March 2012 05:33:22 PM
Joey Eccles said
Fri Mar 23 3:49 AM, 2012
I'm pretty sure that Kestrels 'cache' their prey items in larders. Presumably it's in readiness for feeding chicks, on a day where conditions dictate that the bird won't be able to hunt.
Ken Dunning said
Thu Mar 22 8:52 PM, 2012
Thanks for that Joey, I cant believe it but thats exactly what the wife deduced Ken
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:52:57 PM
Ken Dunning said
Thu Mar 22 8:31 PM, 2012
A lovely walk arround the estate this afternoon to check on the progress of the new footbridge at the weir, connecting Marple to Romiley, coming on nicely.
Had great views of two treecreepers (obviously without my camera) at close range. A couple of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were staking their territory, one either side of the Chapel hammering away to each other. Had a brief glimpse of a Sparrowhawk diving through the saplings.
But the highlight of the walk was a very obliging Kestrel came and perched about 50 yards away. Whilst I was watching he dropped into the undergrowth and caught a wood mouse. I saw the whole thing!
He then took it to a high branch and killed it, About two minutes laster he dropped down to a tree stump about 18" out ofthe ground, still with mouse, where I though he would consume it. But as my wife had taken control of the bins he took off again and she said he didnt have it with him.
I decided to examine the tree stump and scrambled up the banking (just above the walled garden) and sure enough there was the Woodmouse, dead, carefully placed is a depression in the stump.
I wonder if this is a common activity, as I have never heard of it before and didnt have time to wait to discover if he would have returned for it.
I would appreciate any comments, and once again a very lovely walk. Forgot to mention the Chiffchaffs, I should think about ten in all, seemed to be everywhere. Ken
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:33:17 PM
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:35:59 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 09:18:18 PM
Chris Greene said
Fri Mar 2 1:20 AM, 2012
This afternoon, 13:00-14:00... kingfisher seen on three separate occassions...(from main Otterspool road bridge, on main river behind Chadkirk Industrial Estate,and near weir... 3 mistle thrush, 3 stock dove, 1 male goosander upstream from weir, plenty of usual tits and finches, According to a newly erected sign,the construction of Chadkirk Bridge is due to commence on 05/03/12...work expected to last for approx. 14 weeks
Cheers Chris
John Rayner said
Thu Feb 9 12:21 AM, 2012
Co-incidence or not there were exactly 21 Lapwing in a field at Middle Farm, Bredbury this morning. One had a damaged wing which it couldn't fold and held high above its body.
Cheers, John
Geoff Walton said
Thu Feb 9 12:05 AM, 2012
21 Lapwing John!!! There was nought yesterday pm.
John Rayner said
Wed Feb 8 10:11 PM, 2012
A male Brambling showed very well in Kirk Wood this morning. Other than that the main interest was the police presence - I was questioned as to where I had been and what I was doing but I'm none the wiser as to what it was all about.
Survey work is underway in 'Pylon' Field. A footpath is to be laid on the field side of the hedge to take pedestrian traffic off the road. Work should also commence in March on the picnic site bridge over the Goyt.
Cheers, John
John Rowland said
Sun Feb 5 1:12 AM, 2012
Hi John,
great to see you this morning as it's been a while. i would just like to add to your records for chadkirk today. there was a small flock of 20 redwing in the wild flower meadow, which i saw again in the afternoon along with 18 starlings and 21 lapwings, which by the way is the largest number of lapwing that i have seen on site! Fantastic.
who knows maybe with the sheep grazing the field down low we may even get a pair trying to breed?! the sad part is if we do they probably get taken by the magpies.
i too got the three buzzards in the morning and there were 5 goosander on the river in the afternoon. all in all a good day.
if i don't see you before i'll give you a call with regards to checking the ponds for gcn and palmate newts.
cheers,
jr
John Rayner said
Sat Feb 4 9:19 PM, 2012
4th Feb
13 Snipe in pylon field 22 Fieldfare dropped in 3 Buzzards over 7 Lapwing over 16-26 Cormorants over (parties of 10 west, 4 and 12 east)
Afternoon wander along the Goyt from Marple Dale & a circuit of Chadkirk.
4 Goosander on the river (1M 3F) Dipper heading upstream Flock of 5 Long Tailed Tit...they seem to be everywhere at the moment 1 Moorhen just before the weir, don't ever remember seeing this species on this particular stretch of the river, but i'm sure someone will prove me wrong.
Alot of construction work has taken place recently on the new bridleway on the Marple side of the river, between the weir & the Chadkirk bend, be warned, its ankle deep in mud in some places.
Chadkirk produced 2 Buzzard & a Treecreeper, otherwise, pretty quiet.
Geoff Walton said
Wed Jan 18 4:23 PM, 2012
Tues 17th PM Two of us walked the curcuit.
Nuthatch in Little Wood Kingfisher flying the stream Heron Flying over the river GSW on feeders Usual Tits, Dunocks and Robins around No sign of Snipe however.
Geoff Walton said
Sat Jan 14 11:15 PM, 2012
When I had walked around the circuit, I went back and approached the Mill Pond. from the back in the estate. I saw a couple of Snipe fly, and flushed a couple as I tried to get near the water.
Not much else about. The usual Tits in the woods, and flying to and from at the House gate
Nigel Troup said
Sat Jan 14 1:22 PM, 2012
Approximately 12 Snipe were on the icy edges of the mill pond this bright morning, just beyond the wire fence close to the road. Two Sparrowhawks patrolled over the woods, mobbed briefly by a Carrion Crow. Lots of tits and Chaffinches in the woods, plus a male Great Spotted Woodpecker.
John Rayner said
Wed Jan 11 12:01 PM, 2012
Wed 11th Jan (10.30 - 11.40)
Song Thrush 3 Mistle Thrush 1 Snipe 5 on Mill Pool (7 on the 8th Jan) Chaffinch c25 Brambling 1 (with Chaffinch flock in Kirk Wood) Nuthatch 3 Coal Tit 1 Great/Blue/LT Tits Redwing 6
Cheers, John
Chris Greene said
Fri Nov 25 4:20 PM, 2011
Brief visit this afternoon, Highlights: Snipe, flushed from old mill pond area. Grey wagtail on brook, Jay eating an acorn, 2 mistle thrush, Numerous wrens and male blackbirds seen.
Cheers Chris.
Phil Panton said
Sun Jul 10 12:13 PM, 2011
Stroll along the Goyt at Marple Dale this morning. Grey Wagtail Dipper spent 10 minutes watching a pair of Willow Warbler feeding 3/4 Juveniles Juvenile Goosander looking lost without its parents Blue & LongTailed Tits in abundance & have discovered a new Wrens nest
Chris Greene said
Sat May 21 4:32 PM, 2011
Quick stroll around Chadkirk this afternoon between 3.00-4.00 pm. Fairly quiet on the bird front,highlights being, Dipper on main river. What appeared to be a juvenile grey wagtail flying up the brook( only a brief glimpse,due to large numbers of children and dogs in the water) Main highlight was watching a female Greater Spotted Woodpecker feeding her young!!
Cheers,Chris
Andy Bissitt said
Sat May 14 9:03 PM, 2011
A lesser whitethroat in good voice this afternoon in the hedgerow between the large 'meadow' opposite the Chapel and the field beyond. It was probably agitated by the fox sniffing around the hedge.
On the river at the picnic area, saw kingfisher and dipper within ten minutes. The kingfisher was sat on the nearside stone block of the weir. A few dozen house martins and swallows were swooping over the river and nearby fields wherever there was a bit of cover. Otherwise the usual buzzards, chiffchaffs, blackcaps etc...
Chris Knight said
Sat Apr 9 10:30 AM, 2011
A moorhen on the industrial estate pool, but an impressive peregrine, closely followed by a sparrowhawk just clipping Chadkirk airspace over the carpark ~0910 this morning as they circled above the ridge across the road. Also chiffchaff, nuthatch, jay, GS woodpecker and stockdove (plus singing blackcap just outside, up the hill from the chapel towards the canal)
Geoff Walton said
Tue Mar 1 3:06 PM, 2011
8 Snipe on the strip of water to the right of the pylon, plus a couple of Mistle Thrush on the other side of the field.
Glad you bore me in mind when you cut the hedge John -thanks
John Rayner said
Fri Feb 25 3:14 PM, 2011
3 Snipe on the industrial estate pool, which now has lots of water and looks really good habitat.
Cheers, John
Chris Greene said
Sat Feb 12 8:42 AM, 2011
Flying visit yesterday ,(11/02/11 ) pm . Usual selection of tits and finches , Goldcrest ,seen from bridge over the stream. Two dippers (flying downstream together ) single grey wagtail, Dozens of magpies, woodpigeons and jackdaws . only two stock doves two rooks over . nuthatch near feeders. Buzzard , ( very high over ) 6 m and 5f mallards , wandering between scrapes. Cheers Chris
Geoff Walton said
Tue Jan 4 6:51 PM, 2011
The mandarin are not in Chadkirk Sid Not really in Poise Brook either, but on the same road, so near enough for jazz.
sid ashton said
Tue Jan 4 5:04 PM, 2011
Thanks for the tour Geoff and the coffee - you forgot the Mandarins.
John Rowland said
Tue Jan 4 5:02 PM, 2011
Nice One Geoff,
A true Ambasidor for Chadkirk.
JR
Geoff Walton said
Tue Jan 4 3:22 PM, 2011
A brief stroll round to show "our patch" to A fellow GM Birder met at Woodley, but the Waxwings did not show. Blue Tits Great Tits LT Tits Blacbirds Maggies Treecreeper
Nice to meet up with you Sid
Geoff Walton said
Mon Jan 3 2:51 PM, 2011
I did a little better today, but not in the Wood. Spent 30/40 mins stopping here and there for the whole length of the Wood, but never saw a single bird. As soon as I got onto "our patch" and the bottom of the steps it changed. Robin Great Tit Blue Tit Wren Blackbird Jay on the fence and in the field between the ford path and the stream Mags by the million Crows Rooks Loads of Woodies and Stockdoves Greenfinch(I think) Mallard Nothing at all on the river, either at the Weir or from O.Bridge, and too many people/dogs/children to see anything flitting around the gates of Rose Leigh
Called at Woodley Precinct on the way home to see the Waxwings and met Mike Killelea and friends
John Rowland said
Sun Jan 2 1:33 PM, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the visitors and subscribers to Chadkirk, your reports and enthusiasm is very much appreciated.
first thing New Years day there was 26 Black headed Gulls on the open patch of water in the new scrape and 24 Canada Geese in the Wild Flower meadow.
the muck spreading also brought in large numbers of Woodies and Stock Dove with the usual Jackdaws and Mallards in Broadheys.
Steve,
The other good place to wait for Kingfisher is against the fence in the picnic area overlooking the broken wier, you may also get Dipper and Grey wagtail as well and Goosander, Heron etc. If you are looking for the Kingfisher on the brook then the best place is to wait around the concrete bridge and you may just get lucky as it's been seen there quite a lot in recent weeks.
Good luck and enjoy your birding, don't get too hung up on what you didn't see, just enjoy what you do see! why not give me a shout if you see me working around Chadkirk i may just be able to point you in the right direction.
Cheers,
JR
Phil Hampson said
Sun Jan 2 9:57 AM, 2011
Visit this morning : small flock of 9 redwing near the car park, mallard and carrion crow in the scrape field. Plenty of tits around and great to hear bird song. Layby by the pub had a large mixed tit flock and a confiding pair of tree creepers, mallard and cormorant on the river here.
Went down tonight to look at the Weir. Everything was under water. Whether or not the remains of the weir have gone will have to wair for the water subside to see. Never seen so much water. I have a picture before and after. If the local lads want a copy please e-mail me on a PM
4 Swifts over the river/wood
1 lone swallow hunting over the river.
Damp and miserable, however...
Juvenile dipper and male grey wagtail near bridge site.
Several chiffchaff heard.
Literally dozens of magpies everywhere.
Otherwise,generally quiet.
For those interested, the pre-fabricated bridge is due to be lifted into place on Thursday 14th June,( early pm , according to the sign !.)
New footpath is completed,but not yet open.Unless a fence is erected,it should give loose dogs much greater access to the field where the lapwings and stock doves used to be !!!
Cheers Chris
Blackcap's singing. AND
a set of working traffic lights in the Ford field where all the work is going on!!
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 22nd of May 2012 05:26:02 PM
1 male Gossander to the left of the weir on a very swollen river
2 Grey heron on the old mill pond
usual small stuff
2 pairs on the river
Male Goosander on the river up from the weir
1 Grey Wagtail on the river up from the weir
1 jay in Little Wood
nothing else really visible.
Don't worry Geoff, there were two pairs of mandarins back on Chapel Field, also two stock doves.
Single snipe seen on old mill pond.
Pair of grey wagtails near new bridge site , one bird appeared to be hovering over the river ,taking small flies from the water's surface..
Female great spotted woodpecker , near last year's nest hole .
Buzzard over,
Three jays ,squabbling together , on edge of Kirk Wood .
Plenty of the usual sp. around .
Cheers Chris
No sign of any Mandarin Duck today. It has swung between 2 pairs and just one more recently. I womder if that's it?
Grey Wagtail on the weir
Gray Wagtail on the farm buildings
a pair of Jay
In the wood just to the left of the well. A first for me to see two together.
Great Tits
Blue Tits
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Saturday 7th of April 2012 01:25:53 PM
Fri 9-10am
Great Tits
Blue Tits
LT Tits
Robins
Grey heron on old mill pond
2 Treecreepers on a a tree in the car park - frist time I have seen a TC for ages.
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Saturday 7th of April 2012 01:25:38 PM
I went down to look at the new bridge construction from the Marple side of the river. No Harris Hawk for me but there were 6 Buzzards in the air at one time. One of the Buzzards appeared to have a small, square, creamy coloured wing tag on the right wing. No lettering noted.
12.00.
I heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling in the Marple Dale area. Presumably the bird moved downstream to Kirk Wood by 13.00.
Cheers, John
Hi Ken,
Went down with a friend, and as we were at the wooden gate to the weir, it was kind enough to fly lowish from the edge of Kirkwood in the direction of marple Hall School.
Did not have time to see it's head, but it was large,brown and the wings were more curved that that of a Buzzard, with a large fan tail.
Two Grey Wagtail on the river, and two pairs of Mandarin Duck still in Chapel Field.
Several LT Tits.
Great Spotted Woodpecker calling and drumming, actually managed to watch him drumming.
4 longtailed tits
about 10 chiffchaff
lots of Chaffinch
6 Nuthatch
4 Greenfinch
1 Pair of Mandarin duck on chapel pond.
At 1pm as I was about to return to my car when I heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling, so about turn and off in search.
Managed a brief glimpse as it flew through kirkwood between the weir and the chapel. He then flew over the chapel, behind the barns. As I passed the walled garden I saw a large hawk in the sky. It was soaring at first then hovered for a moment then soared off again towards cherrytree.
I believe it could have been the Harris hawk that Geoff mentioned but can't be certain.
Mentioned it to the warden who told me he had seen it in the trees by the barns!
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 31st of March 2012 04:57:51 PM
Two pairs of Mandarin Duck in Chapel Field
Two Grey Wagtail just up from the Weir
Two Gray Wagtail on the Barn side of the stream near the road bridge
One Harris Hawk overhead. I was speaking to the Rangers at the time, and they asked me if I had seen it yet, as it had been around for a couple of days.
No said I; when it appeared as we were talking. I do not know who first saw and identified it, but it must be a first for Chadkirk. It rode the thermals and then hovered for a few seconds.
-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Friday 30th of March 2012 08:11:43 PM
Goldfinch
Nuthatch
LT Tit
G tit
Dunnock
Robin
Chiffchaff
Grey Heron on old mill lodge - but could not see any snipe
GSWoodpecker drumming in Kirk Wood
2 pairs Mandarin Duck in the scape nearest the Chapel in Chapel Field
3 Buzzard over Kirk Wood
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 24th of March 2012 02:11:49 PM
Not bad for Chadkirk
Chris
2 goldcrests,
3 snipe on old mill pond,
2 pair of grey wagtails,one pair just upstream of new bridge site,the other pair,on the brook behind the farmhouse.
2 pair of mandarin ducks,near scrape on Chapel field.
3 chiffchaffs seen,plenty more heard.
1 female great spotted woodpecker.
Buzzard,over.
Plenty of usual tits,finches,nuthatches etc.
Cheers Chris
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 23rd of March 2012 05:33:22 PM
I cant believe it but thats exactly what the wife deduced
Ken
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:52:57 PM
Had great views of two treecreepers (obviously without my camera) at close range.
A couple of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were staking their territory, one either side of the Chapel hammering away to each other.
Had a brief glimpse of a Sparrowhawk diving through the saplings.
But the highlight of the walk was a very obliging Kestrel came and perched about 50 yards away. Whilst I was watching he dropped into the undergrowth and caught a wood mouse. I saw the whole thing!
He then took it to a high branch and killed it, About two minutes laster he dropped down to a tree stump about 18" out ofthe ground, still with mouse, where I though he would consume it.
But as my wife had taken control of the bins he took off again and she said he didnt have it with him.
I decided to examine the tree stump and scrambled up the banking (just above the walled garden) and sure enough there was the Woodmouse, dead, carefully placed is a depression in the stump.
I wonder if this is a common activity, as I have never heard of it before and didnt have time to wait to discover if he would have returned for it.
I would appreciate any comments, and once again a very lovely walk.
Forgot to mention the Chiffchaffs, I should think about ten in all, seemed to be everywhere.
Ken
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:33:17 PM
-- Edited by Ken Dunning on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 08:35:59 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 22nd of March 2012 09:18:18 PM
kingfisher seen on three separate occassions...(from main Otterspool road bridge, on main river behind Chadkirk Industrial Estate,and near weir...
3 mistle thrush,
3 stock dove,
1 male goosander upstream from weir,
plenty of usual tits and finches,
According to a newly erected sign,the construction of Chadkirk Bridge is due to commence on 05/03/12...work expected to last for approx. 14 weeks
Cheers Chris
Cheers, John
There was nought yesterday pm.
Survey work is underway in 'Pylon' Field. A footpath is to be laid on the field side of the hedge to take pedestrian traffic off the road. Work should also commence in March on the picnic site bridge over the Goyt.
Cheers, John
great to see you this morning as it's been a while. i would just like to add to your records for chadkirk today. there was a small flock of 20 redwing in the wild flower meadow, which i saw again in the afternoon along with 18 starlings and 21 lapwings, which by the way is the largest number of lapwing that i have seen on site! Fantastic.
who knows maybe with the sheep grazing the field down low we may even get a pair trying to breed?! the sad part is if we do they probably get taken by the magpies.
i too got the three buzzards in the morning and there were 5 goosander on the river in the afternoon. all in all a good day.
if i don't see you before i'll give you a call with regards to checking the ponds for gcn and palmate newts.
cheers,
jr
13 Snipe in pylon field
22 Fieldfare dropped in
3 Buzzards over
7 Lapwing over
16-26 Cormorants over (parties of 10 west, 4 and 12 east)
LNY: 1 Brambling (per John Tromans)
1 Weasel at very close range.
Cheers, John
Goosander 13 (7m, 6f)
Mandarin (pair)
Dipper 1
Grey Heron 2
Also male Kestrel
Cheers, John
4 Goosander on the river (1M 3F)
Dipper heading upstream
Flock of 5 Long Tailed Tit...they seem to be everywhere at the moment
1 Moorhen just before the weir, don't ever remember seeing this species on this particular stretch of the river, but i'm sure someone will prove me wrong.
Alot of construction work has taken place recently on the new bridleway on the Marple side of the river, between the weir & the Chadkirk bend, be warned, its ankle
deep in mud in some places.
Chadkirk produced 2 Buzzard & a Treecreeper, otherwise, pretty quiet.
Two of us walked the curcuit.
Nuthatch in Little Wood
Kingfisher flying the stream
Heron Flying over the river
GSW on feeders
Usual Tits, Dunocks and Robins around
No sign of Snipe however.
When I had walked around the circuit, I went back and approached the Mill Pond. from the back in the estate. I saw a couple of Snipe fly, and flushed a couple as I tried to get near the water.
Not much else about. The usual Tits in the woods, and flying to and from at the House gate
Song Thrush 3
Mistle Thrush 1
Snipe 5 on Mill Pool (7 on the 8th Jan)
Chaffinch c25
Brambling 1 (with Chaffinch flock in Kirk Wood)
Nuthatch 3
Coal Tit 1
Great/Blue/LT Tits
Redwing 6
Cheers, John
Highlights:
Snipe, flushed from old mill pond area.
Grey wagtail on brook,
Jay eating an acorn,
2 mistle thrush,
Numerous wrens and male blackbirds seen.
Cheers Chris.
Grey Wagtail
Dipper
spent 10 minutes watching a pair of Willow Warbler feeding 3/4 Juveniles
Juvenile Goosander looking lost without its parents
Blue & LongTailed Tits in abundance
& have discovered a new Wrens nest
Fairly quiet on the bird front,highlights being,
Dipper on main river.
What appeared to be a juvenile grey wagtail flying up the brook( only a brief glimpse,due to large numbers of children and dogs in the water)
Main highlight was watching a female Greater Spotted Woodpecker feeding her young!!
Cheers,Chris
On the river at the picnic area, saw kingfisher and dipper within ten minutes. The kingfisher was sat on the nearside stone block of the weir. A few dozen house martins and swallows were swooping over the river and nearby fields wherever there was a bit of cover. Otherwise the usual buzzards, chiffchaffs, blackcaps etc...
Glad you bore me in mind when you cut the hedge John -thanks
Cheers, John
Usual selection of tits and finches ,
Goldcrest ,seen from bridge over the stream.
Two dippers (flying downstream together )
single grey wagtail,
Dozens of magpies, woodpigeons and jackdaws .
only two stock doves
two rooks over .
nuthatch near feeders.
Buzzard , ( very high over )
6 m and 5f mallards , wandering between scrapes.
Cheers Chris
A true Ambasidor for Chadkirk.
JR
Blue Tits
Great Tits
LT Tits
Blacbirds
Maggies
Treecreeper
Nice to meet up with you Sid
Robin
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Blackbird
Jay on the fence and in the field between the ford path and the stream
Mags by the million
Crows
Rooks
Loads of Woodies and Stockdoves
Greenfinch(I think)
Mallard
Nothing at all on the river, either at the Weir or from O.Bridge, and too many people/dogs/children to see anything flitting around the gates of Rose Leigh
Called at Woodley Precinct on the way home to see the Waxwings and met Mike Killelea and friends
first thing New Years day there was 26 Black headed Gulls on the open patch of water in the new scrape and 24 Canada Geese in the Wild Flower meadow.
the muck spreading also brought in large numbers of Woodies and Stock Dove with the usual Jackdaws and Mallards in Broadheys.
Steve,
The other good place to wait for Kingfisher is against the fence in the picnic area overlooking the broken wier, you may also get Dipper and Grey wagtail as well and Goosander, Heron etc. If you are looking for the Kingfisher on the brook then the best place is to wait around the concrete bridge and you may just get lucky as it's been seen there quite a lot in recent weeks.
Good luck and enjoy your birding, don't get too hung up on what you didn't see, just enjoy what you do see! why not give me a shout if you see me working around Chadkirk i may just be able to point you in the right direction.
Cheers,
JR
Phil