Holdens Farm: Sparrowhawk x1 (tried to grab the Whinchats and failed, then got battered by +50 Swallows as it flew off over Burnt Edge) Wood Pigeon Great Tit Blue Tit Whitethroat x2 Willow Warbler x3 Whinchat x2 Wheater x2 Linnet +30 Goldfinch +20 Meadow Pipit Carrion Crow Raven x1 (probably same individual as earlier) Magpie Swallow
Roscoes Tenement Clough and surrounding moors: Common Pheasant x1 Red Grouse (heard) x1 Curlew (heard) x1 Kestrel (female) x1 Blue Tit Great Tit Robin Wren Willow Warbler x2
Lomax Wifes Plantation: Sparrowhawk x1 Wood Pigeon Blue Tit Great Tit Robin Blackbird Chaffinch x12 Chiffchaff x1 Willow Warbler x2 Wren Meadow Pipit Swallow
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 26 4:44 AM, 2013
Further additional sightings from 3:30pm onwards this afternoon:
Female Merlin Whinchat at Green Nook 10 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Redstart (one adult male) at Lomax Wife's Plantation
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Sun Aug 25 7:34 PM, 2013
This morning, 7-11.30am with Chris Marston. Clear arrival of passerines and probably loads more to be found. Covered mainly Burnt Edge & Winter Hill itself:
7 Spotted Flycatchers (3 Newfields and along edge of Walker Fold Wood & 4 in Brownstones Quarry).
2 Tree Pipits in Burnt Edge / Holdens Farm area
9 Whinchats (2 Holdens, 1 Burnt Edge, 3 along mast road near barriers and 3 on Fleet Moor)
41 Wheatears (10 Edge Lane and getting in field near top, 10 Burnt Edge area, 5 by barriers along Mast Road, 10+ around Mast Building and Rocket shaped mast & 6 Fleet Moor).
1 Green Woodpecker 20+ Willow Warblers 45 House Martin flew east.
Huw Lloyd said
Fri Aug 23 5:26 PM, 2013
This morning from 06.45am to 09.30am:
Walker Folds Farm/Woods trail: Buzzard x1 Common Pheasant x1 Coal Tit Great Tit Bue Tit Goldcrest x4 Wren Robin x5 Blackbird Magpie Carrion Crow Wood Pigeon Swallow x8 House Martin x3
Holdens Farm at 7-8 am: Hobby x1 male flying Whinchat x1 Wheater x1 Stonechat x4 Reed Bunting x3 Meadow Pipit Chaffinch x1 Goldfinch x5 Linnet x52 (perched on wires) Blackbird x1 Great Tit x4 Coat Tit x2 Swallow +80 (perched on wires) Magpie Carrion Crow
Merlin 1 female chasing small passerine, probably a meadow pipit, giving a great view as it flew directly above me at Burnt Edge. Cheered me up as I was just getting back to the car. Stonechat 2 juvenile and 1 female Green Woodpecker 1 juvenile Great spotted Woodpecker 1 juvenile Grey Wagtail 1 flew over Buzzard 1
-- Edited by Dan Brown on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 02:33:21 PM
Paul Risley said
Mon Aug 19 6:10 AM, 2013
9.15 - 12 Wilderswood to the Terraced Gardens
Raven over Wilderswood Single Kestrel at Wilderswood but further along into Lancs airspace I think, 6 Kestrels were in the air together near to the terraced Gardens, hovering low over the slopes and dropping down to feed on large numbers of Craneflies, a few Magpies swallows and a family of Crows were also enjoying the feast. Family of Stonechats showing well same area Adult and Juvenile Buzzard lifted up from the woods below Pair of Lapwings were in the field near big Hedge along with a small charm of Goldfinches
12.30 - 2.15 Coal Pit Road to Holdens Farm. Another Kestrel Another family of Stonechats 4 young Swallows just fledged on wires near farm, birds still taking food into barn too Small numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches, still not caught up with the Whinchat yet
Butterfly fest on Coal Pit Road, good numbers of Peacocks and Large Whites, decent numbers of Meadow Brown, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small Copper and a single Comma. http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrisley/
Bob and Joyce Calder said
Sun Aug 18 2:37 PM, 2013
Sunday 18th August
9.00 am to 12.00 noon. Wilderswood car park, Mast Road, Burnt Edge, Holdens, Mast, Kennels, George's Lane, car park.
A breezy morning with frequent heavy showers and not a lot of birds showing :-
Min 13 Mistle Thrushes in horse field at bottom of Mast Road first thing, they flew over Wilderswood on our return to cap park. 4 Kestrels in this area with another nr Holdens. 1 Whinchat (juv) Holdens with probably another but disturbed by cyclists before we could confirm. 2 Sparrowhawks far end of Burnt Edge Meadow Pipits throughout the walk, only 1 Skylark, few Swallows moving through and not a lot else.
Bob & Joyce C
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 18th of August 2013 02:56:09 PM
Huw Lloyd said
Fri Aug 16 11:52 AM, 2013
This morning 9.30-11am, very windy:
Stonechat x2 pairs at Holden Farm Whinchat x1 at Holden Farm Nuthatch x3 at Holdens Plantation Meadow Pipits everywhere
Kestrel x2 at trail entrance to Walker Folds Wood (from the road by WF Farm)
Walker Folds Wood: Robin Blue Tit Great Tit Coal Tit Goldcrest Greenfinch
At Heather Hall Farm, highlights: Wheater x 4 Raven x4
Adam Hill/White Brow: Red Grouse x1
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 16th of August 2013 12:20:35 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Aug 14 10:01 PM, 2013
5 hours from 6:30 this morning, highlights were: -
2 Redstart- one along the boundary wall on the very top of Winter Hill and one behind Brownstone Cottages 3 Tree Pipit- singles at Wilderswood, Walker Fold by Newfields plantation and Holdens Farm 1 Whinchat- boundary wall on the very top of Winter Hill 14 Wheatear- various locations 40 Willow Warbler- entire area 4 Blackcap- various 103 Swift through Burnt Edge in 1.36 hours from 08:30am only; none before that period and none after!
Paul Richardson said
Wed Aug 14 9:01 PM, 2013
5 hours from 7am today!
Missed out on most of what you saw, Ian - put that down to inexperience!!
Was spellbound though by a group of four Kestrel - presumably parent and 3 juveniles - practising their hovering skills over the edge of the disused quarry. They were so intent on what they were at, I was able to watch unhindered for a full half hour. Never seen anything like it!
2 Ravens were about but not really competing in the aerobatics.
The other highlight was a very vocal female Sparrowhawk in Wilderswood.
Stonechat 1m 2 juv between Holdens Farm and Burnt Edge in the valley. Reed Bunting 1m 2 juv on Burnt Edge bracken.
Numerous Willow Warbler.
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 14th of August 2013 09:02:15 PM
Paul Risley said
Sun Aug 11 11:08 PM, 2013
Early morning, Burnt Edge to Georges Lane
Juvenile Male Merlin over Georges lane heading towards mast at speed 3 Kestrels, 1 male heavily in moult with prey near kennels, 2 Juveniles at burnt edge Female Sparrowhawk perched on posts in between quarries Green Woodpecker, Newfields plantation to holdens plantation Goldcrest 2 Ravens Stonechat family showing well at holdens farm Whitethroats x2 Willow Warblers, very good numbers Reed Bunting Goldfiches Swallows still feeding young in barns young Roe Deer
Huw Lloyd said
Sun Aug 11 4:54 PM, 2013
10-12 Wheater and a pair of Kestrels at Heather Hall Farm yesterday am
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Aug 11 2:57 PM, 2013
Whinchat still at Holdens Farm yesterday.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 10 3:44 PM, 2013
Osprey south over Georges Lane at 6:42 this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Aug 10 3:31 AM, 2013
A male Redstart was on fence posts by Adam Hill this morning.
Info thanks to Ian Woosey.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Aug 9 5:32 AM, 2013
Late sightings for yesterday morning: -
25 Willow Warbler between the Dell and Kennels along Georges Lane 3 Wheatear in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Lane with another around the mast buildings in the top of Winter Hill. 8 Buzzard soaring 2000 ft above Winter Hill, with a Hobby.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
steven burke said
Thu Aug 8 5:21 AM, 2013
11.30-7pm a good mooch around in lovely weather.
holdens farm..
female whinchat at 3.40pm 8 stonechats, 1 male, 2 females, 5 juvenilles 4 willow warblers 1 jay 4 reed buntings 3 ravens over plenty of swallows, linnets and goldfinches.
mast road...
3 wheatears 1 skylark 2 ravens over 2 reed buntings 1 pied wagtail plenty of mistle thrushes in the fields
wilderswood...
2 bullfinches 1 blackcap 2 whitethroats 3 coal tits redpolls over 2 sparrowhawks family of willow warblers with at least 4 juvenilles
plenty off meadow pipits and kestrels all around. 5 whitethroats along georges lane, plus 1 great black backed gull with big white patches on each wing
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Aug 6 11:43 PM, 2013
Single Whinchat at Holdens Farm this afternoon.
Paul Richardson said
Sun Aug 4 3:58 AM, 2013
Relatively quiet this morning during a brief round from Walker Fold Farm up to Burnt edge and back. 4 Mistle Thrush 1 Redpoll Reed Bunting 1m 2juv 1 Common Whitethroat Several Willow Warbler heard 3 seen 2 Jays 1 juv Stonechat on and around path along top of Burnt Edge. No sign of the rest of the family while we were there. Meadow Pipits Überall! Adults, juvs all over the place.
Paul Richardson said
Wed Jul 31 6:53 PM, 2013
This sounds very near to where I saw one on Saturday - not quite so far up the path, well before the gate onto the moor, just where the tall conifers start.
Thanks to Ian for help with ID 'cos this was a lifer for me. It sat and preened on a branch overhanging the path for several minutes before flying off to one of the tall fir trees. I was dead chuffed!
Paul
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jul 31 12:56 PM, 2013
Paul Richardson wrote:
This sounds very near to where I saw one on Saturday - not quite so far up the path, well before the gate onto the moor, just where the tall conifers start.
Thanks to Ian for help with ID 'cos this was a lifer for me. It sat and preened on a branch overhanging the path for several minutes before flying off to one of the tall fir trees. I was dead chuffed!
Paul
Yours was indeed in Newfields Plantation as discussed Paul, but sounds like it could now very well have been the same individual as that in Burnt Edge.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 31st of July 2013 01:12:24 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jul 31 7:00 AM, 2013
Late news for yesterday when a Spotted Flycatcher was present in the trees in the bottom of Burnt Edge valley by the northern end of Walker Fold Wood.
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
Simon Warford said
Sat Jul 27 8:17 PM, 2013
This morning, up to 11.45am with Andy Makin in warm sunny conditions.
Highlight was a juvenile Cuckoo feasting on caterpillars along the top of Burnt Edge for about an hour, at one point it got up and mobbed an adult Hobby which flew over several times, chasing Meadow Pipits and Swallows giving cracking views.
392 Swifts counted, many lingering, most moving slowly south also 1 Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin and 200 Swallows.
11 Crossbill in Walker Fold Wood (party of 9 and then joined by 2 more which flew in from the east).
Pair of Stonechats on Burnt Edge and a further 2 juvenile Stonechats at Holdens Farm, also at Holdens fields nice to see the first Whinchats of the autumn, an adult with 2 fresh scaly juveniles. Also a family of Reed Buntings and plenty of fledged Linnets and Goldfinches.
Plenty of Butterflies about, included loads of Large Whites, few Small Whites, Green-viened Whites, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large Skipper, Small Skippers and about 90 Small Tortoiseshells.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 27th of July 2013 08:25:26 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jul 25 4:19 AM, 2013
4 Crossbill nw at 9am and a flock calling high direct nw over Georges Lane at 9.10 am this morning. 7 Sand Martin sw and 25 Swift s plus female Wheatear at Deans Ditch.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Paul Richardson said
Wed Jul 24 10:00 PM, 2013
8am to noon
Walker Fold to Burnt Edge to Holdens Farm track, Holdens Plantation, Two Lads, along the top of the quarries and back to Burnt Edge, down through Walker Fold Woods.
Gorgeous, misty morning then warm sun, plenty of butterflies around.
Meadow Pipit +++ Goldfinches similarly abundant, several flocks of 30+ Wren 2 Willow Warbler - several singing, 2 adults, 4 juv. Starling - small flock approx 12 Jay 2 Reed Bunting 2 Linnet 4 Curlew 1 Raven 2 definite possibly 2 more ?juv Peregrine 1f Stonechat 4 (Burnt Edge - 1m 1f 2 juv)
plus plenty of magpies, carrion crows and woodpigeon.
Paul Risley said
Sun Jun 16 6:25 AM, 2013
A couple of hours late afternoon, Georges Lane to Holdens Farm
Meadow Pipits seem to be having a good year, at the moment it seems wherever you stop within a couple of minutes youll spot one with food. 6 Ravens, 2 Adults 4 Juveniles Pair of Redpolls Curlews heard Pied Wagtail Male Kestrel 3 Reed Buntings 2m 1f Swallows, around Holdens Farm and also along Georges Lane 4 Swifts Willow Warbler 2 Whitethroats singing Buzzard over Several Skylarks
Paul Risley said
Mon Jun 10 10:42 PM, 2013
quick hour at lunchtime
Cuckoo calling near wilderswood Skylark and meadow pipits carrying food pair of Linnets pair of Kestrels food passing
Huw Lloyd said
Sun Jun 9 9:16 PM, 2013
A few birders were out over Walker Folds/Burnt Edge/Winter Hill trails today, so hopefully lots of sightings may be posted by others later. Some highlights from a quick walk around ~ 09.30-10.30am this morning
Buzzard x1 Curlew x2 Grasshopper Warbler x3 (one pair near the entrance of the track, at the second bend of the trail from the main road as the trail ascends, three others heard and another seen in the tall bunch grass near the footbridge below Holdens Farm) Reed Bunting x2 Common Whitethroat x3 Linnet x3 Stonechat x2 (male and female) Lapwing Meadow Pipit Swift Swallow
Chris brown said
Sat Jun 8 4:47 AM, 2013
Walked round burnt edge area this afternoon on a rare day off from work! 3.00-4.30.
Walker fold- goldcrest, coal tit.
Walker fold wood/holdens farm-willow warblers.
Holdens farm a buzzard flew up in front of me from the ground.
Kestrel.
Burnt edge- meadow pipits galore, male stonechat.
Swallows all over the area.
Canada Geese. Pair nesting at Bryan Hey Reservoir & a pair at Green Nook Mallards at Bryan Hey Pheasants 1 Curlew above Coal Pit Road 4 Lapwings on fields above Wilton Quarries Black-headed Gulls flying over Woodpigeons 1 male Cuckoo. Distant call heard from the bottom end of Scout Road calling somewhere near Springs/Dingle reservoirs. Skylarks Meadow Pipits Swallows 1 Pied Wagtail with the Lapwings Wrens Robins 1 female Stonechat on a wall at Burnt Edge, closely watched by Linnets either side of it Blackbirds 1 Mistle Thrush Whitethroats all over, the commonest warbler by far 1 Blackcap at Walker Fold Woods Willow Warblers Blue Tits Great Tits Magpies Carrion Crows Chaffinches Greenfinches Goldfinches Linnets Reed Buntings
Rick Hall said
Thu May 23 6:09 PM, 2013
Cuckoo this morning in big hedge.
Paul Richardson said
Thu May 23 5:47 AM, 2013
11.30 - 1.30
Very cold and windy - not much in the air today apart from gulls!
14.25 to approx 15.45. (We even managed not to get soaked).
- Fairly quiet, highlights being 1 calling overflying Whimbrel (not seen), 3 Curlew, and 1 Cuckoo, which showed really well for some 20 mins prior to our departure.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri May 3 7:00 AM, 2013
Late news for yesterday (1st) when a male Whinchat was inside one of the mast compounds in the county.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Jon Bowen said
Thu May 2 2:59 AM, 2013
An hour from Walkers Fold to Holden Farm and back below Burnt Edge.
2 Curlew 4 Mallard 5 Wheatear ( all on the slopes below Burnt Edge) 15 Meadow Pipit ( 5 in field below Holden 10 at road end of Walkers Fold)
otherwise quite quiet
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 1 5:40 AM, 2013
7:15-11:30 this morning: -
Small movement of finch over Georges Lane in a NW direction with 10 Redpoll, 12 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch and 4 Siskin. 32 Wheatear scattered around the moors and 3 Whinchat on Fleet Moor (2 males and a female).
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Rick Hall said
Mon Apr 29 4:27 AM, 2013
Not quite sure where the county line lies, but had a woodcock at Rivington and Blackrod high school today at about 2pm whilst playing terrible village cricket in the rain.
John Williams said
Thu Apr 25 6:37 AM, 2013
12.00-14.30
Burnt Edge
5 Wheatears
Walked from Burnt Edge via Walker Fold and Holdens Fold to Mast Road and back.
Apart from Meadow Pipits, a single Skylark and a few Swallows, there was little else about on the moor.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Apr 25 2:20 AM, 2013
A brief spell on a rather windy moors this morning from Georges Lane: -
4 Wheatear 6 adult male Crossbill landed in trees by the dog kennels before heading off north
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Antony Wainwright said
Sun Apr 21 5:35 PM, 2013
5.30-9.00am. Burnt Edge to Two Lads Hill. Highlights as follows:
Grasshopper Warbler 1 reeling from rush below Burnt Edge Red Grouse 1 Stonechat 1 (Mast Rd) Tree Pipit 1 initially with Meadow Pipits in small plantation by Burnt Edge before departing north calling Wheatear 8 together at Burnt Edge
Lots of Meadow Pipits throughout, plenty of male Chaffinches chasing each other around the trees too.
Simon Warford said
Sun Apr 21 12:15 AM, 2013
This mornings highlights, up to 11.30am with Andy Makin,
Single Whimbrel north over Georges Lane at 6.50am and another Fleet Moor in field just behind Bobs Smithy. 2 Ring Ouzel Mast Road/Burnt Edge area but mobile. 70 Wheatear across the whole moor with the majority around Georges Lane, Mast Road & Holdens.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 20 6:10 AM, 2013
9.30-12:30 today: -
22 Wheatear single Twite low over Deans Ditch 3 Golden Plover down in fields south of the Burnt Edge track Stonechat on Mast Road by the barriors 6 displaying Curlew
Rather impressive overall totals are as follows (not down to specific locations though):
40 Spotted Flycatcher
12+ Tree Pipit
6 Redstart
13 Whinchat
8 Stonechat
75 Willow Warbler
2 Chiffchaff
3 Whitethroat
2 Blackcap
62+ Wheatear
1 female/immature Merlin
Walker Folds Farm Trail/Wood:
Buzzard x1
Robin
Blackbird
Great Tit
Coal Tit x4
Blue Tit
Goldcrest x4
Bullfinch x4
Goldfinch x2
Crossbill x2
Spotted Flycatcher x3
Willow Warbler x4
Wren
Dunnock
Meadow Pipit
Wood Pigeon
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Magpie
Raven x1
Swallow
Holdens Farm:
Sparrowhawk x1 (tried to grab the Whinchats and failed, then got battered by +50 Swallows as it flew off over Burnt Edge)
Wood Pigeon
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Whitethroat x2
Willow Warbler x3
Whinchat x2
Wheater x2
Linnet +30
Goldfinch +20
Meadow Pipit
Carrion Crow
Raven x1 (probably same individual as earlier)
Magpie
Swallow
Roscoes Tenement Clough and surrounding moors:
Common Pheasant x1
Red Grouse (heard) x1
Curlew (heard) x1
Kestrel (female) x1
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Wren
Willow Warbler x2
Green Nook Farm Area:
Common Pheasant x4
Chaffinch x5
Linnet
Goldfinch
Meadow Pipit
Wheater x6
Chiffchaff x1 (singing)
Dunnock
Wood Pigeon
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Swallow
Lomax Wifes Plantation:
Sparrowhawk x1
Wood Pigeon
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Blackbird
Chaffinch x12
Chiffchaff x1
Willow Warbler x2
Wren
Meadow Pipit
Swallow
Female Merlin
Whinchat at Green Nook
10 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Redstart (one adult male) at Lomax Wife's Plantation
Info thanks to Andy Makin
7 Spotted Flycatchers (3 Newfields and along edge of Walker Fold Wood & 4 in Brownstones Quarry).
2 Tree Pipits in Burnt Edge / Holdens Farm area
9 Whinchats (2 Holdens, 1 Burnt Edge, 3 along mast road near barriers and 3 on Fleet Moor)
41 Wheatears (10 Edge Lane and getting in field near top, 10 Burnt Edge area, 5 by barriers along Mast Road, 10+ around Mast Building and Rocket shaped mast & 6 Fleet Moor).
1 Green Woodpecker
20+ Willow Warblers
45 House Martin flew east.
Walker Folds Farm/Woods trail:
Buzzard x1
Common Pheasant x1
Coal Tit
Great Tit
Bue Tit
Goldcrest x4
Wren
Robin x5
Blackbird
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Wood Pigeon
Swallow x8
House Martin x3
Holdens Farm at 7-8 am:
Hobby x1 male flying
Whinchat x1
Wheater x1
Stonechat x4
Reed Bunting x3
Meadow Pipit
Chaffinch x1
Goldfinch x5
Linnet x52 (perched on wires)
Blackbird x1
Great Tit x4
Coat Tit x2
Swallow +80 (perched on wires)
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Heather Hall Farm:
Kestrel - pair
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Meadow Pipit
Swallow
Merlin 1 female chasing small passerine, probably a meadow pipit, giving a great view as it flew directly above me at Burnt Edge. Cheered me up as I was just getting back to the car.
Stonechat 2 juvenile and 1 female
Green Woodpecker 1 juvenile
Great spotted Woodpecker 1 juvenile
Grey Wagtail 1 flew over
Buzzard 1
No Whinchat for me.
Meadow Pipit c40
Linnet 2
Wheatear 5
Kestrel 2
Mistle Thrush 8
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 06:48:29 PM
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
18 Wheatear
2 Swift
1 Golden Plover (over south)
3 Snipe
On the 18th, 4 Crossbill were in Walker Fold Wood.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
4 Whinchat
1 Stonechat
1 Green Woodpecker
3 Wheatear
-- Edited by Dan Brown on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 02:33:21 PM
Raven over Wilderswood
Single Kestrel at Wilderswood but further along into Lancs airspace I think, 6 Kestrels were in the air together near to the terraced Gardens, hovering low over the slopes and dropping down to feed on large numbers of Craneflies, a few Magpies swallows and a family of Crows were also enjoying the feast.
Family of Stonechats showing well same area
Adult and Juvenile Buzzard lifted up from the woods below
Pair of Lapwings were in the field near big Hedge along with a small charm of Goldfinches
12.30 - 2.15 Coal Pit Road to Holdens Farm.
Another Kestrel
Another family of Stonechats
4 young Swallows just fledged on wires near farm, birds still taking food into barn too
Small numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches, still not caught up with the Whinchat yet
Butterfly fest on Coal Pit Road, good numbers of Peacocks and Large Whites, decent numbers of Meadow Brown, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small Copper and a single Comma.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrisley/
9.00 am to 12.00 noon. Wilderswood car park, Mast Road, Burnt Edge, Holdens, Mast, Kennels, George's Lane, car park.
A breezy morning with frequent heavy showers and not a lot of birds showing :-
Min 13 Mistle Thrushes in horse field at bottom of Mast Road first thing, they flew over Wilderswood on our return to cap park.
4 Kestrels in this area with another nr Holdens.
1 Whinchat (juv) Holdens with probably another but disturbed by cyclists before we could confirm.
2 Sparrowhawks far end of Burnt Edge
Meadow Pipits throughout the walk, only 1 Skylark, few Swallows moving through and not a lot else.
Bob & Joyce C
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 18th of August 2013 02:56:09 PM
Stonechat x2 pairs at Holden Farm
Whinchat x1 at Holden Farm
Nuthatch x3 at Holdens Plantation
Meadow Pipits everywhere
Kestrel x2 at trail entrance to Walker Folds Wood (from the road by WF Farm)
Walker Folds Wood:
Robin
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Goldcrest
Greenfinch
At Heather Hall Farm, highlights:
Wheater x 4
Raven x4
Adam Hill/White Brow:
Red Grouse x1
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 16th of August 2013 12:20:35 PM
2 Redstart- one along the boundary wall on the very top of Winter Hill and one behind Brownstone Cottages
3 Tree Pipit- singles at Wilderswood, Walker Fold by Newfields plantation and Holdens Farm
1 Whinchat- boundary wall on the very top of Winter Hill
14 Wheatear- various locations
40 Willow Warbler- entire area
4 Blackcap- various
103 Swift through Burnt Edge in 1.36 hours from 08:30am only; none before that period and none after!
Missed out on most of what you saw, Ian - put that down to inexperience!!
Was spellbound though by a group of four Kestrel - presumably parent and 3 juveniles - practising their hovering skills over the edge of the disused quarry. They were so intent on what they were at, I was able to watch unhindered for a full half hour. Never seen anything like it!
2 Ravens were about but not really competing in the aerobatics.
The other highlight was a very vocal female Sparrowhawk in Wilderswood.
Stonechat 1m 2 juv between Holdens Farm and Burnt Edge in the valley.
Reed Bunting 1m 2 juv on Burnt Edge bracken.
Numerous Willow Warbler.
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Wednesday 14th of August 2013 09:02:15 PM
Juvenile Male Merlin over Georges lane heading towards mast at speed
3 Kestrels, 1 male heavily in moult with prey near kennels, 2 Juveniles at burnt edge
Female Sparrowhawk perched on posts in between quarries
Green Woodpecker, Newfields plantation to holdens plantation
Goldcrest
2 Ravens
Stonechat family showing well at holdens farm
Whitethroats x2
Willow Warblers, very good numbers
Reed Bunting
Goldfiches
Swallows still feeding young in barns
young Roe Deer
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Ian Woosey.
25 Willow Warbler between the Dell and Kennels along Georges Lane
3 Wheatear in the pony fields at the bottom of Mast Lane with another around the mast buildings in the top of Winter Hill.
8 Buzzard soaring 2000 ft above Winter Hill, with a Hobby.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
holdens farm..
female whinchat at 3.40pm
8 stonechats, 1 male, 2 females, 5 juvenilles
4 willow warblers
1 jay
4 reed buntings
3 ravens over
plenty of swallows, linnets and goldfinches.
mast road...
3 wheatears
1 skylark
2 ravens over
2 reed buntings
1 pied wagtail
plenty of mistle thrushes in the fields
wilderswood...
2 bullfinches
1 blackcap
2 whitethroats
3 coal tits
redpolls over
2 sparrowhawks
family of willow warblers with at least 4 juvenilles
plenty off meadow pipits and kestrels all around.
5 whitethroats along georges lane, plus 1 great black backed gull with big white patches on each wing
4 Mistle Thrush
1 Redpoll
Reed Bunting 1m 2juv
1 Common Whitethroat
Several Willow Warbler heard 3 seen
2 Jays
1 juv Stonechat on and around path along top of Burnt Edge. No sign of the rest of the family while we were there.
Meadow Pipits Überall! Adults, juvs all over the place.
Thanks to Ian for help with ID 'cos this was a lifer for me. It sat and preened on a branch overhanging the path for several minutes before flying off to one of the tall fir trees. I was dead chuffed!
Paul
Yours was indeed in Newfields Plantation as discussed Paul, but sounds like it could now very well have been the same individual as that in Burnt Edge.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 31st of July 2013 01:12:24 PM
Info thanks to Brian Fogg
Highlight was a juvenile Cuckoo feasting on caterpillars along the top of Burnt Edge for about an hour, at one point it got up and mobbed an adult Hobby which flew over several times, chasing Meadow Pipits and Swallows giving cracking views.
392 Swifts counted, many lingering, most moving slowly south also 1 Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin and 200 Swallows.
11 Crossbill in Walker Fold Wood (party of 9 and then joined by 2 more which flew in from the east).
Pair of Stonechats on Burnt Edge and a further 2 juvenile Stonechats at Holdens Farm, also at Holdens fields nice to see the first Whinchats of the autumn, an adult with 2 fresh scaly juveniles. Also a family of Reed Buntings and plenty of fledged Linnets and Goldfinches.
Plenty of Butterflies about, included loads of Large Whites, few Small Whites, Green-viened Whites, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large Skipper, Small Skippers and about 90 Small Tortoiseshells.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 27th of July 2013 08:25:26 PM
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Walker Fold to Burnt Edge to Holdens Farm track, Holdens Plantation, Two Lads, along the top of the quarries and back to Burnt Edge, down through Walker Fold Woods.
Gorgeous, misty morning then warm sun, plenty of butterflies around.
Meadow Pipit +++
Goldfinches similarly abundant, several flocks of 30+
Wren 2
Willow Warbler - several singing, 2 adults, 4 juv.
Starling - small flock approx 12
Jay 2
Reed Bunting 2
Linnet 4
Curlew 1
Raven 2 definite possibly 2 more ?juv
Peregrine 1f
Stonechat 4 (Burnt Edge - 1m 1f 2 juv)
plus plenty of magpies, carrion crows and woodpigeon.
Meadow Pipits seem to be having a good year, at the moment it seems wherever you stop within a couple of minutes youll spot one with food.
6 Ravens, 2 Adults 4 Juveniles
Pair of Redpolls
Curlews heard
Pied Wagtail
Male Kestrel
3 Reed Buntings 2m 1f
Swallows, around Holdens Farm and also along Georges Lane
4 Swifts
Willow Warbler
2 Whitethroats singing
Buzzard over
Several Skylarks
quick hour at lunchtime
Cuckoo calling near wilderswood
Skylark and meadow pipits carrying food
pair of Linnets
pair of Kestrels food passing
Buzzard x1
Curlew x2
Grasshopper Warbler x3 (one pair near the entrance of the track, at the second bend of the trail from the main road as the trail ascends, three others heard and another seen in the tall bunch grass near the footbridge below Holdens Farm)
Reed Bunting x2
Common Whitethroat x3
Linnet x3
Stonechat x2 (male and female)
Lapwing
Meadow Pipit
Swift
Swallow
Burnt Edge
1 male Stonechat, 1 Buzzard, 6 Redpoll (including 1 collecting Cottongrass down)
1 Hobby high above Adam's Hill, then flew off towards the mast.
Lots of Swallows and Swifts swooping low over the heather, especially at Burnt Edge.
Meadow Pipits everywhere, just as they should be.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 7th of June 2013 05:39:24 PM
Canada Geese. Pair nesting at Bryan Hey Reservoir & a pair at Green Nook
Mallards at Bryan Hey
Pheasants
1 Curlew above Coal Pit Road
4 Lapwings on fields above Wilton Quarries
Black-headed Gulls flying over
Woodpigeons
1 male Cuckoo. Distant call heard from the bottom end of Scout Road calling somewhere near Springs/Dingle reservoirs.
Skylarks
Meadow Pipits
Swallows
1 Pied Wagtail with the Lapwings
Wrens
Robins
1 female Stonechat on a wall at Burnt Edge, closely watched by Linnets either side of it
Blackbirds
1 Mistle Thrush
Whitethroats all over, the commonest warbler by far
1 Blackcap at Walker Fold Woods
Willow Warblers
Blue Tits
Great Tits
Magpies
Carrion Crows
Chaffinches
Greenfinches
Goldfinches
Linnets
Reed Buntings
Very cold and windy - not much in the air today apart from gulls!
1 Wheatear (f)
3 Reed Bunting (Around Holden's Farm)
4 Lapwing
2 Linnet
No raptors seen
Update from 14th (Tuesday)
14.25 to approx 15.45. (We even managed not to get soaked).
- Fairly quiet, highlights being 1 calling overflying Whimbrel (not seen), 3 Curlew, and 1 Cuckoo, which showed really well for some 20 mins prior to our departure.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
2 Curlew
4 Mallard
5 Wheatear ( all on the slopes below Burnt Edge)
15 Meadow Pipit ( 5 in field below Holden 10 at road end of Walkers Fold)
otherwise quite quiet
Small movement of finch over Georges Lane in a NW direction with 10 Redpoll, 12 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch and 4 Siskin.
32 Wheatear scattered around the moors and 3 Whinchat on Fleet Moor (2 males and a female).
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Burnt Edge
5 Wheatears
Walked from Burnt Edge via Walker Fold and Holdens Fold to Mast Road and back.
Apart from Meadow Pipits, a single Skylark and a few Swallows, there was little else about on the moor.
4 Wheatear
6 adult male Crossbill landed in trees by the dog kennels before heading off north
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Grasshopper Warbler 1 reeling from rush below Burnt Edge
Red Grouse 1
Stonechat 1 (Mast Rd)
Tree Pipit 1 initially with Meadow Pipits in small plantation by Burnt Edge before departing north calling
Wheatear 8 together at Burnt Edge
Georges Lane
17 Wheatear, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Buzzards (in aerial combat), 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Lapwings, 12 Swallows and 4 Willow Warblers.
Redstart heard calling from the copse north of the kennels, but despite searching the top of every fence post and conifer I could'nt locate it.
Burnt Edge
2 Curlews, 1 Wheatear, 6 Swallows, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron and 4 Lapwings.
Holdens Plantation
3 Reed Buntings and 1 Chiffchaff
Lots of Meadow Pipits throughout, plenty of male Chaffinches chasing each other around the trees too.
Single Whimbrel north over Georges Lane at 6.50am and another Fleet Moor in field just behind Bobs Smithy.
2 Ring Ouzel Mast Road/Burnt Edge area but mobile.
70 Wheatear across the whole moor with the majority around Georges Lane, Mast Road & Holdens.
22 Wheatear
single Twite low over Deans Ditch
3 Golden Plover down in fields south of the Burnt Edge track
Stonechat on Mast Road by the barriors
6 displaying Curlew
Info thanks to Andy Makin