26th March: Oystercatcher calling over the Manor Park estate and not far out of the town centre a calling Yellowhammer went over Captains Lane
-- Edited by dave broome on Wednesday 27th of March 2019 07:43:11 AM
dave broome said
Sun Feb 24 9:46 AM, 2019
2 Tree Sparrow were near Ashton Athletic FC on 17th Feb
Rob Thorpe said
Thu Sep 6 9:53 AM, 2018
Thursday 06 September 2018
A Tree Pipit flew south, over Bryn Road South, at 08:55.
Rob Thorpe said
Thu Jun 21 8:46 PM, 2018
Thursday 21 June 2018
A Hobby was over the fields between Golborne Road and The Harrow pub at around 18:45 this evening.
dave broome said
Mon May 7 8:42 AM, 2018
A Peregrine was being mobbed by a Lesser Black-Backed Gull over the town centre yesterday
dave broome said
Thu Apr 5 12:52 PM, 2018
Male Blackcap feeding in gardens by Skitters Wood
dave broome said
Wed Apr 4 8:45 AM, 2018
4 vocal Oystercatcher went NE over the town centre just after 0840 this morning
Rob Thorpe said
Tue Mar 13 7:05 AM, 2018
Tuesday 13 March 2018
1 Curlew over, heading north-west, at 07:00.
dave broome said
Thu Mar 1 9:42 AM, 2018
Pair of Shoveler on Cromptons Lodge this morning.
Hooded Crow still present at Ashton Heath by the Eagle and Child pub
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 1st of March 2018 09:55:24 AM
Steven Heywood said
Mon Feb 26 9:27 PM, 2018
After having no luck with the smew at Scotman's Flash I thought I'd take a detour and get the 607 bus down to Ashton Heath for the hooded crow. As per usual it was sitting waiting for me at the bus stop when we arrived at 1:40 (I asked the driver if I could stay on at this terminus 'cos it was warmer than outside ). A very nice, obliging bird!
Andy Isherwood said
Sat Feb 24 4:28 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow still present c. 2.15pm today, still seemingly paired with a Carrion crow.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Feb 20 11:21 AM, 2018
The Hooded Crow was still present on Ashton Heath yesterday.
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
James Walsh said
Sun Feb 18 9:19 AM, 2018
Hooded Crow Ashton Heath at 9:15am opposite the Eagle & Child pub
dave broome said
Thu Feb 15 5:24 PM, 2018
A Raven flew low over Bolton Road towards the town centre at around 4pm
colin davies said
Thu Feb 15 5:07 PM, 2018
Hooded crow still present this afternoon opposite the Eagle and Child. There was no sign of it when I got there so I went for a walk along the perimeter fence of the racecourse and eventually found the bird feeding with a Carrion Crow on the racecourse (and hence in Merseyside). No sign of any Brambling along the hedge there so I headed back to my car and found that the hoodie had returned to Ashton Heath and was showing well in good light quite close to the footpath which runs along the edge of the woodland. I took a few photos and then returned to my car and sat and waited for it to come closer. which it usually does. No chance of that though, a photographer with a big lens and no binoculars arrived and walked straight across the grass towards it, chasing it for a while before eventually the bird flew over the pub and disappeared. I took a few photos of the photographer for future reference and then left. A raven flew over calling while I was watching the photographer, but he didn't look up, probably doesn't know the call of a raven. Six species of corvid here today, I was only missing jay and chough.
-- Edited by colin davies on Thursday 15th of February 2018 07:34:04 PM
Hooded Crow present on Ashton Heath at 15:45 near to the Eagle and Child
MJKeating said
Mon Feb 12 7:39 AM, 2018
Bit late updating this but I went to see the Hooded Crow last Friday. In usual place offering great views and although it had to keep flying from one side of the heath to the other due to walkers/dogs, it seems really tame. Lifer for me.
Late (and less interesting news) from late Friday night i.e. 23.50. Two Oystercatchers calling as they flew over heading east.
Thats reminded me that I also heard one on the same night, going over the Skitters Wood area some time just after midnight
Craig Higson said
Sun Feb 11 8:04 PM, 2018
Late (and less interesting news) from late Friday night i.e. 23.50. Two Oystercatchers calling as they flew over heading east.
Phil Owen said
Sat Feb 10 9:14 PM, 2018
Just missed you Paul. Arrived at 2pm in the rain with the wife and no sign initially with 4 Carrion Crows feeding away. After a five minute wait, 3 corvids flew in and a quick look with the bins revealed the Hooded Crow which proceeded to alight in the tree tops adjacent to the pub.
A walk down the path and great views were had along with hearing it call a few times in a different tone to the Carrion Crows.
A nice GM tick for me and a UK lifer for my wife, we headed to a family visit in Manchester soggy but happy!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 10th of February 2018 09:14:57 PM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 10th of February 2018 09:27:02 PM
Paul Heaton said
Sat Feb 10 2:16 PM, 2018
A grey day , so returned to watch the Hooded Crow showing very well 12.50.13.50.in the trees grooming feeding on the heath and flying around. A perfect bird for a grey day.
Woodpecker drumming somewhere in the woods.
Keep Birding
Tony Coatsworth said
Thu Feb 8 5:02 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow sheltering in trees across the heath, opposite Eagle & Child 4pm
Hooded Crow showing well on grass opposite Eagle and Child pub on Heath Road at 12.30 today
Mike
Craig Higson said
Tue Feb 6 11:12 PM, 2018
Cheers Sid.
sid ashton said
Tue Feb 6 10:27 PM, 2018
Craig Higson wrote:
sid ashton wrote:
I had a walk down through the wood toward the racecourse car park, plenty of Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits down there but no advance on the small group of Brambling seen in the trees opposite the pub.
Hi Sid - can you confirm your comment about the brambling being opposite the pub? I've only heard of sightings on the fields opposite the racecourse car park. When have they been seen on the heath? I may have been flogging a dead horse over the last few weekends looking in the wrong place
Craig there were 5 or 6 birds seen very briefly in the line of trees on the opposite side of the heath from the pub. They seemed to drop down into the field which heads down towards the racecourse stands. We had a look but viewing into the field is not of the best.
Craig Higson said
Tue Feb 6 9:02 PM, 2018
sid ashton wrote:
I had a walk down through the wood toward the racecourse car park, plenty of Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits down there but no advance on the small group of Brambling seen in the trees opposite the pub.
Hi Sid - can you confirm your comment about the brambling being opposite the pub? I've only heard of sightings on the fields opposite the racecourse car park. When have they been seen on the heath? I may have been flogging a dead horse over the last few weekends looking in the wrong place
sid ashton said
Mon Feb 5 3:05 PM, 2018
When I arrived at Ashton Heath this morning at 10.20 the Hooded Crow was on the edge of the heath at the North West end. As I parked the car and walked back a bit the bird crossed the road in my direction only to be scared off by the next car along!!! I then watched it for a good time back on the heath before it went into the trees. At that point the grey body plumage had looked quite dark. I had a walk down through the wood toward the racecourse car park, plenty of Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits down there but no advance on the small group of Brambling seen in the trees opposite the pub.
When I got back to car an hour later the Hooded Crow was back where I first saw it but this time the body plumage appeared a paler grey in the improved light, very much like previous Hooded Crows that I have seen.
Nice to meet and chat to Warrington birders Dave and Kevin.
Ian Chisnall said
Sun Feb 4 10:55 AM, 2018
Does anyone know what species of eagle it was?
Steven Nelson said
Sun Feb 4 10:43 AM, 2018
Hooded Crow opposite Eagle and Child pub at 10.00am feeding on the heath.
John Doherty said
Sat Feb 3 7:00 PM, 2018
The Hooded Crow was there at 3.30 today, a lifer, the second in a week with the Glaucous gull. The staff and patrons at The Eagle and Child were very friendly and I told them of the reason for the fuss when I went in for a celebration pint
Mark Burgess said
Sat Feb 3 8:42 AM, 2018
Hooded Crow still showing well 8.30 this morning on the heath opposite the Eagle and Child
Geoff Hargreaves said
Fri Feb 2 8:43 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow present near Eagle and Child pub at 16.30
cheers geoff
Carl Fletcher-Poole said
Fri Feb 2 2:44 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow in the usual place taken at about 1.30pm today (see pictures). Good to see everyone there, had some great banter before it decided to show
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Friday 2nd of February 2018 01:33:13 PM
phillipskelly said
Fri Feb 2 12:15 PM, 2018
The Hooded Crow was a first for me as with other birders, and I was suprised at the overall size of the bird ,especially it's beak. I watched it pull up tufts of grass (roots and all) with no problem. Sadly I didn't hear it call, but could See it doing so from about 300m away (due to the wind). Nice to meet Adam Jones from 250m away . Ps. His proboscis was nomal size and I didn't hear him call either . ( Adam ,were you at Hollingworth lake on Sunday ?)
-- Edited by phillipskelly on Friday 2nd of February 2018 12:16:35 PM
dave broome said
Fri Feb 2 9:35 AM, 2018
Hooded Crow still present this morning on Ashton Heath in the vicinity of the Eagle and Child pub
Adam Jones said
Fri Feb 2 7:52 AM, 2018
That was me in the blue jacket. Interests of the bird must always come first. Pictures are a bonus. Was just so pleased to see my first Hooded Crow.
phillipskelly said
Fri Feb 2 12:20 AM, 2018
As with the other birders visited Ashton heath this morning. I stepped out of my car, saw the Hooded Crow - digi-scoped it then watched it for a while after which I had a walk around the heath , upon my return to the car I saw a photographer stood below a tree with a long lens taking "Snaps,what a pillack ! After he left I saw another chap in a blue waterproof jacket taking pictures of the Hooded Crow , using a camera with a Mono pod . The difference was he was at a Respectable distance from the bird and didn't bother it at all. He also had a pair of Swarovski bins on him - obviously a birder ...... well done that man !
Andy Bissitt said
Thu Feb 1 8:15 PM, 2018
Adam Jones wrote:
colin davies wrote:
This morning I called in for another look at the hooded crow at Ashton-in-Makerfield. It was my first visit to the site since last Wednesday when I had a run in with a photographer which left me a bit disillusioned and depressed. I didn't even leave my car today, I simply pulled up at the side of the grass, with the sun behind me, put the window down and waited. After a few minutes the bird duly obliged and landed just a few metres from my car and I was able to take a few photos without chasing it or causing any disturbance. Eventually it was inevitably flushed by a photographer who decided to walk straight across the grass towards it, at which point the bird flew up into the trees and I left. No doubt this chap got some half silhouetted shots of a bird looking down from a tree, appearing harassed and afraid, which he's probably filed away under the heading wildlife photographs. Meanwhile, I'll have to content myself with these photos of the bird on the ground, looking relaxed and natural.
When I arrived today, it had been flushed by a photographer into the allotments on the other side of the trees. Like you Colin, I waited patiently and it eventually came back of it's own accord. No need to chase it or harass it. A lifer for me.
You can imagine (if you have never experienced it) what it is like to be on an expensive overseas holiday, and some idiot with a camera behaves like this, because they do. Too much money, too little common sense.
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Thursday 1st of February 2018 08:15:33 PM
Adam Jones said
Thu Feb 1 7:45 PM, 2018
colin davies wrote:
This morning I called in for another look at the hooded crow at Ashton-in-Makerfield. It was my first visit to the site since last Wednesday when I had a run in with a photographer which left me a bit disillusioned and depressed. I didn't even leave my car today, I simply pulled up at the side of the grass, with the sun behind me, put the window down and waited. After a few minutes the bird duly obliged and landed just a few metres from my car and I was able to take a few photos without chasing it or causing any disturbance. Eventually it was inevitably flushed by a photographer who decided to walk straight across the grass towards it, at which point the bird flew up into the trees and I left. No doubt this chap got some half silhouetted shots of a bird looking down from a tree, appearing harassed and afraid, which he's probably filed away under the heading wildlife photographs. Meanwhile, I'll have to content myself with these photos of the bird on the ground, looking relaxed and natural.
When I arrived today, it had been flushed by a photographer into the allotments on the other side of the trees. Like you Colin, I waited patiently and it eventually came back of it's own accord. No need to chase it or harass it. A lifer for me.
Richard Thew said
Thu Feb 1 2:12 PM, 2018
colin davies wrote:
didn't even leave my car today, I simply pulled up at the side of the grass, with the sun behind me, put the window down and waited. After a few minutes the bird duly obliged and landed just a few metres from my car and I was able to take a few photos without chasing it or causing any disturbance. Eventually it was inevitably flushed by a photographer who decided to walk straight across the grass towards it, at which point the bird flew up into the trees and I left.
Hope its ok and my appologies but I just had to add a comment for a good pointer, because Why can't more people out there photograph birds like Colin, which is perfect example of how it needs to be done and why. It really bugs me how people think they can just walk upto a WILD bird and instantly get great pictures. well done to you Colin, Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Thursday 1st of February 2018 02:15:30 PM
colin davies said
Thu Feb 1 1:04 PM, 2018
This morning I called in for another look at the hooded crow at Ashton-in-Makerfield. It was my first visit to the site since last Wednesday when I had a run in with a photographer which left me a bit disillusioned and depressed. I didn't even leave my car today, I simply pulled up at the side of the grass, with the sun behind me, put the window down and waited. After a few minutes the bird duly obliged and landed just a few metres from my car and I was able to take a few photos without chasing it or causing any disturbance. Eventually it was inevitably flushed by a photographer who decided to walk straight across the grass towards it, at which point the bird flew up into the trees and I left. No doubt this chap got some half silhouetted shots of a bird looking down from a tree, appearing harassed and afraid, which he's probably filed away under the heading wildlife photographs. Meanwhile, I'll have to content myself with these photos of the bird on the ground, looking relaxed and natural.
Hooded Crow still on Ashton Heath opposite the Eagle and Child at midday
Geoff Hargreaves said
Mon Jan 29 8:42 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow showing well in front of the pub 16.15 16.30,it was shunted around by dog walkers but stayed on the heath.
cheers geoff
dave broome said
Mon Jan 29 12:29 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow on hedgerow at Ashton Heath opposite Eagle And Child at 12:25
Chris Harper said
Sun Jan 28 6:25 PM, 2018
Arrived at 2 and again perfect timing as the Hooded Crow settled on the grass opposite the Eagle and Child pub giving excellent views.
Craig Higson said
Sun Jan 28 3:39 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow still present in hedgerow opposite the pub at 15:40.
I had a walk around the fields farther up the path to look for the Brambling flock. I did see a sizeable flock of finches in flight, maybe 50 or so. Quite distant and certainly too far away to pick out say, a female Brambling, however most of them appeared to be chaffinches from what I could see. The presence of half a dozen off road bikes on some rough ground nearby didn't help as the birds wouldn't settle. Definitely worth another look if anyone is up there for the crow. Walk to the end of the metalled road and continue up the track, through he stile and along the path adjacent to the racecourse car park. Alternatively turn left as you come through the stile walk along the old railway line which runs along the opposite edge of the field.
-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 28th of January 2018 04:38:05 PM
Andy Isherwood said
Sun Jan 28 3:28 PM, 2018
Hooded Crow still present on grass near Eagle and Child Pub at 2.05pm seemed to be associating with a single Carrion Crow.
Keith Mills said
Sun Jan 28 12:20 PM, 2018
On arrival at 12.10 Hooded Crow seen from my vehicle.. just by the Eagle and Child. Flew off at 12.15 probably due to a dog walker taking a phone camera shot too close. County Life tick for me.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jan 28 11:01 AM, 2018
Hooded Crow still present on the heath opposite the Eagle and Child pub at 08:05 but then flew over the hedgerow at the rear of the heath.
-- Edited by dave broome on Wednesday 27th of March 2019 07:43:11 AM
A Hobby was over the fields between Golborne Road and The Harrow pub at around 18:45 this evening.
1 Curlew over, heading north-west, at 07:00.
-- Edited by dave broome on Thursday 1st of March 2018 09:55:24 AM
After having no luck with the smew at Scotman's Flash I thought I'd take a detour and get the 607 bus down to Ashton Heath for the hooded crow. As per usual it was sitting waiting for me at the bus stop when we arrived at 1:40 (I asked the driver if I could stay on at this terminus 'cos it was warmer than outside
). A very nice, obliging bird!
The Hooded Crow was still present on Ashton Heath yesterday.
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
Hooded crow still present this afternoon opposite the Eagle and Child. There was no sign of it when I got there so I went for a walk along the perimeter fence of the racecourse and eventually found the bird feeding with a Carrion Crow on the racecourse (and hence in Merseyside). No sign of any Brambling along the hedge there so I headed back to my car and found that the hoodie had returned to Ashton Heath and was showing well in good light quite close to the footpath which runs along the edge of the woodland. I took a few photos and then returned to my car and sat and waited for it to come closer. which it usually does. No chance of that though, a photographer with a big lens and no binoculars arrived and walked straight across the grass towards it, chasing it for a while before eventually the bird flew over the pub and disappeared. I took a few photos of the photographer for future reference and then left. A raven flew over calling while I was watching the photographer, but he didn't look up, probably doesn't know the call of a raven. Six species of corvid here today, I was only missing jay and chough.
-- Edited by colin davies on Thursday 15th of February 2018 07:34:04 PM
Thats reminded me that I also heard one on the same night, going over the Skitters Wood area some time just after midnight
Just missed you Paul. Arrived at 2pm in the rain with the wife and no sign initially with 4 Carrion Crows feeding away. After a five minute wait, 3 corvids flew in and a quick look with the bins revealed the Hooded Crow which proceeded to alight in the tree tops adjacent to the pub.
A walk down the path and great views were had along with hearing it call a few times in a different tone to the Carrion Crows.
A nice GM tick for me and a UK lifer for my wife, we headed to a family visit in Manchester soggy but happy!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 10th of February 2018 09:14:57 PM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 10th of February 2018 09:27:02 PM
A grey day , so returned to watch the Hooded Crow showing very well 12.50.13.50.in the trees grooming feeding on the heath and flying around. A perfect bird for a grey day.
Woodpecker drumming somewhere in the woods.
Keep Birding
Hooded Crow sheltering in trees across the heath, opposite Eagle & Child 4pm
Hooded Crow showing well on grass opposite Eagle and Child pub on Heath Road at 12.30 today
Mike
Craig there were 5 or 6 birds seen very briefly in the line of trees on the opposite side of the heath from the pub. They seemed to drop down into the field which heads down towards the racecourse stands. We had a look but viewing into the field is not of the best.
Hi Sid - can you confirm your comment about the brambling being opposite the pub? I've only heard of sightings on the fields opposite the racecourse car park. When have they been seen on the heath? I may have been flogging a dead horse over the last few weekends looking in the wrong place
When I arrived at Ashton Heath this morning at 10.20 the Hooded Crow was on the edge of the heath at the North West end. As I parked the car and walked back a bit the bird crossed the road in my direction only to be scared off by the next car along!!! I then watched it for a good time back on the heath before it went into the trees. At that point the grey body plumage had looked quite dark. I had a walk down through the wood toward the racecourse car park, plenty of Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits down there but no advance on the small group of Brambling seen in the trees opposite the pub.
When I got back to car an hour later the Hooded Crow was back where I first saw it but this time the body plumage appeared a paler grey in the improved light, very much like previous Hooded Crows that I have seen.
Nice to meet and chat to Warrington birders Dave and Kevin.
Does anyone know what species of eagle it was?
The Hooded Crow was there at 3.30 today, a lifer, the second in a week with the Glaucous gull. The staff and patrons at The Eagle and Child were very friendly and I told them of the reason for the fuss when I went in for a celebration pint
Hooded Crow present near Eagle and Child pub at 16.30
cheers geoff
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Friday 2nd of February 2018 01:33:13 PM
Sadly I didn't hear it call, but could See it doing so from about 300m away (due to the wind).
Nice to meet Adam Jones from 250m away .
Ps. His proboscis was nomal size and I didn't hear him call either .
( Adam ,were you at Hollingworth lake on Sunday ?)
-- Edited by phillipskelly on Friday 2nd of February 2018 12:16:35 PM
I stepped out of my car, saw the Hooded Crow - digi-scoped it then watched it for a while after which I had a walk around the heath , upon my return to the car I saw a photographer stood below a tree with a long lens taking "Snaps,what a pillack !
After he left I saw another chap in a blue waterproof jacket taking pictures of the Hooded Crow , using a camera with a Mono pod . The difference was he was at a Respectable distance from the bird and didn't bother it at all. He also had a pair of Swarovski bins on him - obviously a birder ...... well done that man !
You can imagine (if you have never experienced it) what it is like to be on an expensive overseas holiday, and some idiot with a camera behaves like this, because they do. Too much money, too little common sense.
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Thursday 1st of February 2018 08:15:33 PM
When I arrived today, it had been flushed by a photographer into the allotments on the other side of the trees. Like you Colin, I waited patiently and it eventually came back of it's own accord. No need to chase it or harass it. A lifer for me.
Hope its ok and my appologies but I just had to add a comment for a good pointer, because Why can't more people out there photograph birds like Colin, which is perfect example of how it needs to be done and why. It really bugs me how people think they can just walk upto a WILD bird and instantly get great pictures.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Thursday 1st of February 2018 02:15:30 PM
This morning I called in for another look at the hooded crow at Ashton-in-Makerfield. It was my first visit to the site since last Wednesday when I had a run in with a photographer which left me a bit disillusioned and depressed. I didn't even leave my car today, I simply pulled up at the side of the grass, with the sun behind me, put the window down and waited. After a few minutes the bird duly obliged and landed just a few metres from my car and I was able to take a few photos without chasing it or causing any disturbance. Eventually it was inevitably flushed by a photographer who decided to walk straight across the grass towards it, at which point the bird flew up into the trees and I left. No doubt this chap got some half silhouetted shots of a bird looking down from a tree, appearing harassed and afraid, which he's probably filed away under the heading wildlife photographs. Meanwhile, I'll have to content myself with these photos of the bird on the ground, looking relaxed and natural.
Hooded Crow showing well in front of the pub 16.15 16.30,it was shunted around by dog walkers but stayed on the heath.
cheers geoff
Arrived at 2 and again perfect timing as the Hooded Crow settled on the grass opposite the Eagle and Child pub giving excellent views.
-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 28th of January 2018 04:38:05 PM
Flew off at 12.15 probably due to a dog walker taking a phone camera shot too close.
County Life tick for me.
Hooded Crow still present on the heath opposite the Eagle and Child pub at 08:05 but then flew over the hedgerow at the rear of the heath.
Info thanks to Paul Hammond