Quail calling this morning by junction of Holly Bush and Prospect Lanes. Also Little Ringed Plover off Moat Lane
Mike Duckham said
Mon Jun 4 11:57 PM, 2012
2 Corn Buntings singing this evening - only heard one last Monday. Nice to see good numbers of breeding Lapwing - a very brief look as was running out of time, there seemed to be at least 10 young of varying ages, some looking to have fledged and some nearly so. Singing Reed Bunting. A Skylark imitating a Green Sandpiper. Yellowhammer and Yellow Wagtail present. Cheers.
-- Edited by Mike Duckham on Monday 4th of June 2012 11:58:17 PM
Mike Baron said
Sat Jun 2 2:56 AM, 2012
Walk along the path from the end of Moss Side Lane (nr entrance to Colliers Landfill site) this evening
Lesser Whitethroat singing Grasshopper Warbler (opposite end of the path to previous bird and presumably a different one) 4 Yellowhammers
Plus
2 singing Lesser Whitethroats - one on Moat Lane and one behind the pools to the west 4 Buzzards 18 Mistle Thrushes in ploughed field at top end of Holly Bush Lane (6 adults, rest juveniles)
Around Moat Lane, the path from Moss Side Lane and the mosses themselves I estimate at least 30 singing Whitethroats and >45 birds all told seen / heard
200+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls on tip
Lots of butterflies today for first time - mainly Common Blue and Speckled Wood plus quite a few dragonflies with male and female Broad Bodied Chasers, several Four Spotted Chasers and a couple of Black-tailed Skimmers
Mike Baron said
Mon May 28 5:03 AM, 2012
Walk along the path from the end of Moss Side Lane (nr entrance to Colliers Landfill site) this evening
Quick walk round the claypits and singing birds included 3 goldcrest 3 willow warbler 2 chiffchaff sedge warbler 3 reed bunting blackcap and whitethroat.buzzard stock dove and heron also seen.nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker with young in the nest.
chrisdorney said
Sun May 13 4:53 PM, 2012
Late post for yesterday 6.00-8.30 pm.
Brook lane
10 yellowhammer 20 linnet white wagtail pied wagtail 6 yellow wagtail 4 wheatear30 swallows 5 house martin kestrel skylark mistle thrush pair 5 pairs of grey partridge and a female whinchat around the rubble mounds.3 whitethroat and an oystercatcher also seen.
-- Edited by chrisdorney on Sunday 13th of May 2012 05:20:20 PM
David Spencer said
Wed May 2 6:08 PM, 2012
Ian McKerchar wrote:
If we are asking users of the forum to contribute towards something they are unaware of at a site they don't know, it might be worthwhile giving some background as to the proposals and our reasons to oppose it
Ian
Apologies you are quite right. The background is that this is an application for a clay pigeon shooting centre on farmland on Rixton mosses at the end of Hollybush Lane, immediately south of the railway lane and Risley Moss. One controversial aspect of the proposal is that the application seems to be somewhat retrospective as there has already been some engineering works and construction done. The application is receiving a lot of opposition from local residents of Rixton, Oakwood and Gorse Covert mainly centered around the noise pollution, traffic and environmental disturbance to the farmland and adjacent Risley Moss.
I would support all these points. Somewhat selfishly I don't want my birding to be spoiled by the sound of gunfire (recognizing the shooters are just enjoying their hobby!). But of greater concern is the immediate loss of land and breeding habitat the project would cause and the longer term disturbance to the wildlife populations caused by the gunfire noise.
The planning statement (section 1-03 in my link, page 18) supporting the application summarises the ecological issues. One of the points to note is:
"The proposal will have an impact on certain bird species associated with Risley Moss. It is anticipated that the development will deter raptors from using Risley Moss and this impact is considered to be moderate in the long term. To ameliorate this impact and reduce noise levels over the reserve, all shotgun stands will fire towards the south and west of the site."
One thing I am unsure of is the timescale to object; I have a copy of a council letter dated 20th April which I believe was distributed to Oakwood residents regarding the application saying there are 21 days to respond from the date of the letter but the website suggests a consultation end date of 1st May.
Regards
David
-- Edited by David Spencer on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:09:02 PM
-- Edited by David Spencer on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:10:38 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 2 5:41 AM, 2012
If we are asking users of the forum to contribute towards something they are unaware of at a site they don't know, it might be worthwhile giving some background as to the proposals and our reasons to oppose it
Mike Baron said
Wed May 2 4:32 AM, 2012
14 Wheatears this evening - 6 in Prospect Lane and 8 in Holly Bush Lane plus:
oystercatcher lapwing gc grebe chiffchaff willow warbler whitethroat yellowhammer linnet bullfinch and a singing lesser whitethroat that eventually showed well briefly.
Prospect lane
Yellowhammer grey partridge 5 wheatear and at least 3 whitethroat along with 30+ swallows feeding around the fishing pools.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:34:58 AM
Mike Baron said
Mon Apr 30 11:23 PM, 2012
Male Whinchat with 9 Wheatears at far north end of the field next to the tip early afternoon. 4 more Wheatears around log pile and field opposite and another in field off Holly Bush Lane
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 29 1:24 AM, 2012
Hi David
One Garden Warbler can generally be heard near the cottage south of Moat Lane pools. This afternoon a second bird started singing right next to the main pool. Odd habitat and I don't expect it to stay there.
There were 5 Wheatears in the main ploughed field in HBL, 3 in the ploughed corner where the cranes were, 4 by the log pile and the rest in the field next to the tip. Lots of deep furrows and they can disappear quite easily.
Rgds
Mike
David Spencer said
Sun Apr 29 12:50 AM, 2012
Nice to meet you too Brian.
I could only get 6 Wheatears late this afternoon.
Where were the Garden Warblers Mike, they have eluded me so far?
Cheers
David
Mike Baron said
Sat Apr 28 11:35 PM, 2012
17 Wheatears around the mosses today plus 2 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Corn Buntings and 220+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 2 Garden Warblers at Moat Lane pools and 2 rabbits that decided to re-enact The Somme. They jumped into a ditch, got covered in mud and kicked 10 bells out of each other...
Brian Baird said
Sat Apr 28 9:43 PM, 2012
A Little Ringed Plover on Moat Lane Pool this am. and at least 3 Wheatear along Prospect Lane. Nice to meet David Spencer here as well this morning. Hope you weren't too late with the papers !
Mike Baron said
Fri Apr 27 1:25 PM, 2012
Common Sandpiper on Moat Lane pools today plus very noisy Green Woodpecker. Lots of warblers singing including a Garden Warbler and 2 Whitethroats.
A Long-tailed Tit took exception to my car, perching on the drivers side wing mirror and then attacking the rear window on that side!
10 Wheatears still on the fields off Prospect and Holly Bush Lanes this am
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Friday 27th of April 2012 01:26:04 PM
Mike Baron said
Thu Apr 26 5:27 PM, 2012
10 Wheatears off Prospect and Holly Bush Lanes this am
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Apr 26 6:22 AM, 2012
The Cranes took a trip to Astley Moss - but may have headed back late evening....
Mike Baron said
Thu Apr 26 1:26 AM, 2012
Glad David caught up with the cranes this am. They were not present at 07:30 or this evening. 9 Wheatears in the usual fields though and both Common Terns now back - one was back yesterday (courtesy of David Spencer)
DavidBowman said
Wed Apr 25 11:25 PM, 2012
Cranes still present at 6.30 am
Cheers David
Mike Baron said
Wed Apr 25 1:58 AM, 2012
Cranes have flown back into Risley Moss
Mike Baron said
Wed Apr 25 1:48 AM, 2012
Cranes currently present in field west of Hollybush Lane.
Note this is a private road. Park in Moat Lane and walk round.
Mike Baron said
Thu Apr 19 1:24 AM, 2012
Very soggy and bedraggled female Merlin in field off Prospect Lane this evening
chrisdorney said
Wed Apr 18 6:04 AM, 2012
Yellowhammer lapwing and stock dove in ploughed field opposite moat lane.quick walk round the claypits and plenty of birds in fine voice including reed bunting chiffchaff willow warbler blackcap song thrush and goldcrest.among the goldcrest was a talented fellow who managed to combine singing and feeding at the same time.he also had a partner perhaps looking to breed here again this year... Also seen:bullfinch GS woodpecker treecreeper buzzard heron willow tit nuthatch and usual selection of other birds. Thanks for the messages from mike and Stephen.I am sure I will see you both before long!
sid ashton said
Tue Apr 17 1:05 AM, 2012
Having only ever seen one Common Crane 5 years ago, and more in hope than expectation I set off to Rixton late afternoon. No sign of the Cranes but a pleasant enough walk - haven't been over there for a while. As it was a bit late in the day there wasn't that much about
Of note several Chiffchaff and my first Willow Warbler for the year near the fishing area on Moat Lane.
In the fields along Woodend Lane, Pied Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Skylark, several Yellowhammers and busy Lapwings.
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 15 5:27 PM, 2012
No further sign by 10:05
Also here:
Male Yellow Wagtail
2 White Wagtail
2 Wheatears
6 Corn Buntings
20+ Skylarks
1 Meadow Pipit
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Buzzard
6 Grey Partridges
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 15 4:24 PM, 2012
At 09:15 the cranes flew out of risley moss, spiraling up high and headed off Se
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 15 3:46 PM, 2012
The cranes flew into Risley Moss at 08:42
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 15 2:57 PM, 2012
Cranes adults and unringed. Still present
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 15 1:59 PM, 2012
Two Common Cranes currently in field west of Holly Bush Lane. Please note this is a private road. Park in Moat Lane and walk round VIA Moss Side and Prospect Lanes.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Apr 15 12:40 AM, 2012
2 Common Cranes present on Rixton Moss at 5:30pm today.
Seen over Risley Moss a couple of days ago, the birds were refound at Rixton Moss at 5:30pm today but flew back towards Risley Moss shortly afterwards, maybe to roost?
Info thanks to Mike Baron
Mike Baron said
Sat Apr 14 7:00 PM, 2012
Got some more info now.
Two cranes were observed by Pete Hilton to drop into Risley Moss yesterday. Late this afternoon the birds were observed by several people to fly out of the reserve and in the general direction of Rixton. I was informed by Jonathan Platt (who in turn had been notified by one of the observers) and headed over to Rixton to look for them. I relocated the birds in a field approx 100m west of the junction of Holly Bush and Prospect Lanes. Unfortunately they were quickly spooked by two people walking a dog who to be fair were on a public footpath and I don't think had noticed the cranes.
The cranes flew back into Risley Moss. I headed straight round there but no sign. I did discuss them with the Ranger and apparently the birds have spent their visit on some restored mossland right at the back of the reserve which is screened from view by trees. I suspect the birds are still there and will probably roost. Unless they move away from this area, they cannot be seen from any hide, footpath or the tower.
Risley Moss is open from 10am to 6pm tomorrow.
Mike
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Saturday 14th of April 2012 07:01:09 PM
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Saturday 14th of April 2012 07:02:13 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Apr 11 4:31 AM, 2012
In yesterdays downpours 1 Wheatear off Holly Bush Lane, 8 or so Corn Buntings, 3 Grey Partridges, 2 Red-legged Partridges & double figures of Yellowhammers. My first visit along these lanes thanks to posters on this forum - thanks Won't be my last visit
David Spencer said
Tue Apr 10 5:52 PM, 2012
2 Little Ringed Plovers off Moat Lane this morning. Green Sandpiper yesterday and Sunday on tip pools.
JOHN TYMON said
Sun Apr 8 8:30 PM, 2012
6 wheatears along holly bush lane at 11.30
Steven Nelson said
Fri Apr 6 6:20 AM, 2012
Whilst driving along the A57 at 10.10pm a Barn Owl flew over N to S against a full moon and cloudless night sky.
Mike Baron said
Sun Apr 1 4:25 PM, 2012
2 Wheatears present this morning, hanging around the wood pile. Looked like new birds. Also at least 7 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 25+ Skylarks, 7 Grey Partridges and 2 Buzzards.
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Sunday 1st of April 2012 04:25:53 PM
Mike Baron said
Sat Mar 31 7:03 PM, 2012
Five Wheatears still present
Mike Baron said
Sat Mar 31 1:27 AM, 2012
4 Wheatears still in Prospect Lane this evening (thanks David) plus a fifth in Holly Bush Lane
David Spencer said
Fri Mar 30 11:17 PM, 2012
4 male Wheatears off Prospect Ln this p.m.
Mike Baron said
Wed Mar 21 8:04 PM, 2012
Single Wheatear in Holly Bush Lane this morning plus 2 singing Corn Buntings
Mike Baron said
Tue Mar 20 3:53 AM, 2012
The Green Sandpiper is usually seen on the non-working pool i.e the larger one with the islands and was there on Saturday. Tonight it had moved to the working pool where clay extraction takes place. When disturbed it goes onto a third pool which is hard to access and also into a main ditch which runs past the third pool and across the mosses.
David Spencer said
Sun Mar 18 6:24 PM, 2012
No sign of Green Sandpiper but a Redshank on the working pit
2 male Wheatears along Woodend Ln together with Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammers.
Mike Baron said
Thu Mar 15 5:39 PM, 2012
Green Sandpiper still on Moat Lane pool and a flock of 70+ Fieldfares at top of Holly Bush Lane - otherwise quiet on the misty mosses this morning
Mike Baron said
Wed Mar 7 9:05 PM, 2012
Green Sandpiper again on Moat Lane pools today
Mike Baron said
Thu Mar 1 9:55 PM, 2012
Green Sandpiper on Moat Lane pools today plus Redshank
DavidBowman said
Sat Feb 25 10:11 PM, 2012
Had a brilliant morning walking the Rixton/Martinscroft Mosses, from dawn, with Dave Steel and Les Jones. Two Hares and a Fox added spice to the morning and the birding highlights were as follows:
Tawny Owl 4 (2 dueting pairs) Curlew 2 (flying west) Corn Bunting 2 (in song from the wires in Hollybush Lane) Yellowhammer 11 (inc. 7 in song) Reed Bunting 5 Grey Partridge 9 (inc. 4 pairs) Linnet 91 Stock Dove 2 Pied Wagtail 2 Skylark 29 (inc. 16 in song) Lapwing 180 Redwing 85 (from roost) Fieldfare 60 Chaffinch 35 Mistle Thrush 2 Song Thrush 2 Kestrel 2 Common Buzzard 2 House Sparrow 14
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Feb 18 3:40 PM, 2012
Martyn Jones wrote:
This was my first visit here and I was quite impressed with the range of habitat available. Today I saw:
2 GS Woodpeckers chasing each other and drumming on trees - both seemed to be female - also lots of Woodpecker-type holes in one particular tree. Lot of Blue Tits and LT Tits A couple of Great Tits, Robins and Blackbirds 2 Cormorants taking off the largest pool 1 Grey Heron flying low over the smaller pools Quite a few Coots and Tufted Ducks 2 Mute Swans 1 drake Shoveler At least 5 Gadwall (4 drake)
A lady I met also reported seeing two Buzzards circling over a nearby field, but didn't see them.
I can't see why this area seems to be under-reported as seems to have a lot of potential and I definitely be coming back during Spring.
The area is quite well covered by a few dedicated watchers,but they may not post every visit on here.
Martyn Jones said
Sat Feb 18 6:42 AM, 2012
This was my first visit here and I was quite impressed with the range of habitat available. Today I saw:
2 GS Woodpeckers chasing each other and drumming on trees - both seemed to be female - also lots of Woodpecker-type holes in one particular tree. Lot of Blue Tits and LT Tits A couple of Great Tits, Robins and Blackbirds 2 Cormorants taking off the largest pool 1 Grey Heron flying low over the smaller pools Quite a few Coots and Tufted Ducks 2 Mute Swans 1 drake Shoveler At least 5 Gadwall (4 drake)
A lady I met also reported seeing two Buzzards circling over a nearby field, but didn't see them.
I can't see why this area seems to be under-reported as seems to have a lot of potential and I definitely be coming back during Spring.
DavidBowman said
Sat Jan 28 11:25 PM, 2012
Had an amble round the Moss this morning, with Dave Steel, Les Jones and Sue Haddock, in stunningly crisp light. We walked along Hollybush Lane, had a look at the Martinscroft Moss area, then down Prospect Lane and back along Woodend Lane.
Key sightings were: 7 Tree Sparrows, 33 Grey Partridge (with some birds already pairing off), 258 Lapwing (mostly over-flying), 21 Linnets, 69 Skylarks, 4 Common Buzzards, 11 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 200 Starlings, 5 Kestrels, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 19 Reed Buntings, 15 Yellowhammers, 3 Song Thrushes, c.550 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull and c.35 Herring Gulls (on the Tip), 13 Goldfinches, 5 Coot, 2 Mute Swans and 2 Tufted Duck (on the fishing pools), 11 House Sparrows, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Jays, 6 Stock Doves, 1 Goldcrest, 150 Fieldfare and finally, a Sparrowhawk cruising slowly around a field on the west side of Hollybush Lane and flushing most of the buntings, larks and pipits.
Nice to see good numbers of breeding Lapwing - a very brief look as was running out of time, there seemed to be at least 10 young of varying ages, some looking to have fledged and some nearly so.
Singing Reed Bunting.
A Skylark imitating a Green Sandpiper.
Yellowhammer and Yellow Wagtail present.
Cheers.
-- Edited by Mike Duckham on Monday 4th of June 2012 11:58:17 PM
Lesser Whitethroat singing
Grasshopper Warbler (opposite end of the path to previous bird and presumably a different one)
4 Yellowhammers
Plus
2 singing Lesser Whitethroats - one on Moat Lane and one behind the pools to the west
4 Buzzards
18 Mistle Thrushes in ploughed field at top end of Holly Bush Lane (6 adults, rest juveniles)
Around Moat Lane, the path from Moss Side Lane and the mosses themselves I estimate at least 30 singing Whitethroats and >45 birds all told seen / heard
200+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls on tip
Lots of butterflies today for first time - mainly Common Blue and Speckled Wood plus quite a few dragonflies with male and female Broad Bodied Chasers, several Four Spotted Chasers and a couple of Black-tailed Skimmers
1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler
1 Reed Warbler
12 Whitethroats
2 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Cuckoo (male)
2 Little Grebes
4 Yellowhammers
Quick walk round the claypits and singing birds included 3 goldcrest 3 willow warbler 2 chiffchaff sedge warbler 3 reed bunting blackcap and whitethroat.buzzard stock dove and heron also seen.nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker with young in the nest.
Brook lane
10 yellowhammer 20 linnet white wagtail pied wagtail 6 yellow wagtail 4 wheatear30 swallows 5 house martin kestrel skylark mistle thrush pair 5 pairs of grey partridge and a female whinchat around the rubble mounds.3 whitethroat and an oystercatcher also seen.
-- Edited by chrisdorney on Sunday 13th of May 2012 05:20:20 PM
Ian
Apologies you are quite right. The background is that this is an application for a clay pigeon shooting centre on farmland on Rixton mosses at the end of Hollybush Lane, immediately south of the railway lane and Risley Moss. One controversial aspect of the proposal is that the application seems to be somewhat retrospective as there has already been some engineering works and construction done. The application is receiving a lot of opposition from local residents of Rixton, Oakwood and Gorse Covert mainly centered around the noise pollution, traffic and environmental disturbance to the farmland and adjacent Risley Moss.
I would support all these points. Somewhat selfishly I don't want my birding to be spoiled by the sound of gunfire (recognizing the shooters are just enjoying their hobby!). But of greater concern is the immediate loss of land and breeding habitat the project would cause and the longer term disturbance to the wildlife populations caused by the gunfire noise.
The planning statement (section 1-03 in my link, page 18) supporting the application summarises the ecological issues. One of the points to note is:
"The proposal will have an impact on certain bird species associated with Risley Moss. It is anticipated that the development will deter raptors from using Risley Moss and this impact is considered to be moderate in the long term. To ameliorate this impact and reduce noise levels over the reserve, all shotgun stands will fire towards the south and west of the site."
One thing I am unsure of is the timescale to object; I have a copy of a council letter dated 20th April which I believe was distributed to Oakwood residents regarding the application saying there are 21 days to respond from the date of the letter but the website suggests a consultation end date of 1st May.
Regards
David
-- Edited by David Spencer on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:09:02 PM
-- Edited by David Spencer on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:10:38 PM
11 Yellowhammers
1 Corn Bunting
14 Grey Partridges
2 Red-legged Partridges
110+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls
oystercatcher lapwing gc grebe chiffchaff willow warbler whitethroat yellowhammer linnet bullfinch and a singing lesser whitethroat that eventually showed well briefly.
Prospect lane
Yellowhammer grey partridge 5 wheatear and at least 3 whitethroat along with 30+ swallows feeding around the fishing pools.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 2nd of May 2012 06:34:58 AM
I could only get 6 Wheatears late this afternoon.
Where were the Garden Warblers Mike, they have eluded me so far?
Cheers
David
Nice to meet David Spencer here as well this morning. Hope you weren't too late with the papers !
A Long-tailed Tit took exception to my car, perching on the drivers side wing mirror and then attacking the rear window on that side!
10 Wheatears still on the fields off Prospect and Holly Bush Lanes this am
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Friday 27th of April 2012 01:26:04 PM
Cheers David
Also seen:bullfinch GS woodpecker treecreeper buzzard heron willow tit nuthatch and usual selection of other birds.
Thanks for the messages from mike and Stephen.I am sure I will see you both before long!
Of note several Chiffchaff and my first Willow Warbler for the year near the fishing area on Moat Lane.
In the fields along Woodend Lane, Pied Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Skylark, several Yellowhammers and busy Lapwings.
Seen over Risley Moss a couple of days ago, the birds were refound at Rixton Moss at 5:30pm today but flew back towards Risley Moss shortly afterwards, maybe to roost?
Info thanks to Mike Baron
Two cranes were observed by Pete Hilton to drop into Risley Moss yesterday. Late this afternoon the birds were observed by several people to fly out of the reserve and in the general direction of Rixton. I was informed by Jonathan Platt (who in turn had been notified by one of the observers) and headed over to Rixton to look for them. I relocated the birds in a field approx 100m west of the junction of Holly Bush and Prospect Lanes. Unfortunately they were quickly spooked by two people walking a dog who to be fair were on a public footpath and I don't think had noticed the cranes.
The cranes flew back into Risley Moss. I headed straight round there but no sign. I did discuss them with the Ranger and apparently the birds have spent their visit on some restored mossland right at the back of the reserve which is screened from view by trees. I suspect the birds are still there and will probably roost. Unless they move away from this area, they cannot be seen from any hide, footpath or the tower.
Risley Moss is open from 10am to 6pm tomorrow.
Mike
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Saturday 14th of April 2012 07:01:09 PM
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Saturday 14th of April 2012 07:02:13 PM
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Sunday 1st of April 2012 04:25:53 PM
2 male Wheatears along Woodend Ln together with Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammers.
Tawny Owl 4 (2 dueting pairs)
Curlew 2 (flying west)
Corn Bunting 2 (in song from the wires in Hollybush Lane)
Yellowhammer 11 (inc. 7 in song)
Reed Bunting 5
Grey Partridge 9 (inc. 4 pairs)
Linnet 91
Stock Dove 2
Pied Wagtail 2
Skylark 29 (inc. 16 in song)
Lapwing 180
Redwing 85 (from roost)
Fieldfare 60
Chaffinch 35
Mistle Thrush 2
Song Thrush 2
Kestrel 2
Common Buzzard 2
House Sparrow 14
The area is quite well covered by a few dedicated watchers,but they may not post every visit on here.
2 GS Woodpeckers chasing each other and drumming on trees - both seemed to be female - also lots of Woodpecker-type holes in one particular tree.
Lot of Blue Tits and LT Tits
A couple of Great Tits, Robins and Blackbirds
2 Cormorants taking off the largest pool
1 Grey Heron flying low over the smaller pools
Quite a few Coots and Tufted Ducks
2 Mute Swans
1 drake Shoveler
At least 5 Gadwall (4 drake)
A lady I met also reported seeing two Buzzards circling over a nearby field, but didn't see them.
I can't see why this area seems to be under-reported as seems to have a lot of potential and I definitely be coming back during Spring.
Key sightings were: 7 Tree Sparrows, 33 Grey Partridge (with some birds already pairing off), 258 Lapwing (mostly over-flying), 21 Linnets, 69 Skylarks, 4 Common Buzzards, 11 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 200 Starlings, 5 Kestrels, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 19 Reed Buntings, 15 Yellowhammers, 3 Song Thrushes, c.550 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull and c.35 Herring Gulls (on the Tip), 13 Goldfinches, 5 Coot, 2 Mute Swans and 2 Tufted Duck (on the fishing pools), 11 House Sparrows, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Jays, 6 Stock Doves, 1 Goldcrest, 150 Fieldfare and finally, a Sparrowhawk cruising slowly around a field on the west side of Hollybush Lane and flushing most of the buntings, larks and pipits.
Cheers David