2 Tawny Owls on the northern edge of the reservoir. Very good views of one, apparently hunting Blackbirds around the hawthorn bushes between 6.50 and 7.00am. 12+ Blackbirds A few Redwing over at first light, into the country park
On the reservoir.
1 Dipper 1 drake Mandarin 8 Mallard
David Walsh said
Mon Nov 11 7:52 AM, 2019
Monday 11th November 2019, 6.30 - 7.20am.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
None of yesterdays excitement - just one Dipper in the overflow Fieldfare heard chacking from the fields above the northern end of the dam, as it was coming light. Around 40 were present yesterday, in the hawthorn bushes.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Nov 10 5:16 PM, 2019
Sunday 10th Nov. 15.45 hrs. After a tip off from Dave Walsh.
12 Whooper Swan on Walkerwood Reservoir ..... 11 adults plus 1 juvenile. Speaking to walkers they had been there all day. All departed north at 16.20 hrs ... watched as far as Saddleworth.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 9 1:50 PM, 2019
Saturday 9th November 2019, 8.00 - 11.00am.
Brushes Valley, around Higher Swineshaw Reservoir on Swineshaw Moor, then back across Harridge, and down through the woods above the Gamekeepers Cottage.
Around Higher Swineshaw.
16 Reed Bunting 1 Kestrel 7 Dunnock 5 Robin 3 Wren 1 Great Tit 1 Lesser Redpoll over 2 Red Grouse 9 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir
Other than one Buzzard and a couple of Grouse, Harridge Moor was devoid of bird life.
Brushes Valley.
There are a few mixed flocks in the woods at present, particularly the moorland edges higher up the valley sides. One today contained mixed tits, Treecreepers, and Bullfinch, which seem to be calling from all around the valley at present.
20+ Bullfinch 6+ Chaffinch 3 Lesser Redpoll 40+ Long-tailed Tits, in three areas. I never tire of watching these beautiful little birds buzzing around. 6+ Coal Tits 4 Treecreeper 2 Nuthatch 2 Mistle Thrush 1 solitary Fieldfare calling as it made its way up the valley
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper
David Walsh said
Wed Nov 6 7:45 AM, 2019
Wednesday 6th November 2019, 6.45am.
Dipper singing in the overflow of Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 3 1:24 PM, 2019
Sunday 3rd November 2019, 10.00 - 11.00am.
Cote Farm, between Walkerwood Dam and Besom Lane.
c20 Redwing audible, and just visible in the gloom, moving around the hawthorn bushes beneath the Bridleway c12 Blackbirds doing the same 1 very noisy Mistle Thrush 1 Pied Wagtail on the dam
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 2 6:30 PM, 2019
Saturday 2nd November 2019, dusk.
2 Woodcock flew up together from the woods, over Lower Swineshaw scout hut, and out towards Lees Hill at 17.05. My first record since June, presumably recently arrived migrants. Impossible to tell, obviously. Tawny Owl calling from the woods above Brushes Reservoir.
This morning, 9.30 - 11.30am, Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw.
2 Dipper, one at Brushes Reservoir, the other at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Around the Swineshaws.
10 Reed Bunting, the majority around Lower Swineshaw 1 Raven 1 Meadow Pipit 3 Red Grouse 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 3 Redwing at the scout hut A flock of 7 Bullfinch below the scout hut
No Fieldfare seen today, but there have been good numbers this week, including a flock of approximately 90 moving around the area of Cote Farm and the Bridleway at Millbrook, as well as passage birds, and a couple at Flaxfield. Redwing numbers have been much lower.
David Walsh said
Wed Oct 30 7:42 PM, 2019
Wednesday 30th October 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
Walkerwood Dam to Cote Farm.
55 Fieldfare - 9, 3, and 25 west, and 18 moving around the hawthorns of Cote Farm 100 Woodpigeon over west in one flock, with another 30+ around the area Mandarin drake back on Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 29 7:52 AM, 2019
Tuesday 29th October 2019, 7.00am.
Walkerwood area.
Fieldfare, 90 west, 100 north, and 7 circling higher up Brushes Valley, looking as if to land. Redwing, 45 west 1 Buzzard over the valley Pied Wagtail on the Dam
Yesterday morning, 2 Sparrowhawks were together over Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 26 12:45 PM, 2019
Saturday 26th October 2019, 11.00am.
Dipper in the overflow of Brushes Reservoir.
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 24 12:14 PM, 2019
Thursday 24th October, 10.30 - 11.45am.
Around Cote Farm, between Walkerwood Dam and Besom Lane.
23 Fieldfare south at 11.30 3 Redwing feeding on hawthorn berries, before flying off south A group of 11 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare were perched on a pylon, before flying off towards Carrbrook 7 Blackbirds 1 Mistle Thrush 10+ Jays carrying acorns. There seemed to be a bird permanently flying over for the whole hour and a half. 18 Magpies 25 Black-headed Gulls in the fields 6 Pheasant
David Walsh said
Mon Oct 21 7:54 AM, 2019
Monday 21st October 2019, 7.00am.
Dipper flying around Walkerwood Dam before it was light
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 19 11:42 PM, 2019
Saturday 19th October 2019, 7.30 - 11.00am.
Conditions were horrendous from Lower Swineshaw upwards. Drizzle and hill fog, with visibility down to twenty yards in places.
An unprecedented three Dippers recorded in the valley. One in the overflow at Walkerwood, one at the far end of Brushes Reservoir, and one at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Other than the usual population of Reed Bunting, mostly heard only, the only other item of note was a group of 15 or so finches, at Lower Swineshaw, with a couple of Lesser Redpoll, and at least one Siskin.
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 17 9:41 PM, 2019
Thursday 17th October 2019, 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
4 Stonechat - 1 at Lower Swineshaw, and 3 together at Higher Swineshaw, which appear to be the remnants of a family group, being a pair and a first year bird. 3 Buzzard - 2 displaying over the woods, and a third at Higher Swineshaw 1 Kestrel at Higher Swineshaw 10+ Reed Bunting (not time to attempt a full count) 1 Cormorant circling over the valley Many Jays noisily collecting acorns 12+ Bullfinch 5 Meadow Pipits
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 15 7:41 AM, 2019
Tuesday 15th October 2019, 6.30 - 7.15am.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
A single Tawny Owl has been calling around dawn, from Cock Wood, for the past fortnight. This morning, the first hooting was heard from Cock Wood, with another mobile bird calling from the trees along the northern edge of the reservoir.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 15th of October 2019 07:13:46 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 12 11:55 PM, 2019
Saturday 12th October 2019, 9.00 - 11.45am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Higher Swineshaw.
21 Reed Bunting 3 Stonechat 10 Meadow Pipits 1 Kestrel 7 Skylark, in a single flock 1 Dipper, singing in Higher Swineshaw overflow
Bullfinch calling all along the valley, mainly juveniles 6 Lesser Redpoll at Lower Swineshaw scout hut 1 Raven over the valley 12+ Long-tailed Tits 12 Goldfinch in a single flock Several Jays stashing acorns
David Walsh said
Sat Oct 5 12:26 PM, 2019
Saturday 5th October 2019, 9.00 - 11.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, then Irontongue.
Lower Swineshaw
c25 Redwing and c6 Fieldfare flew north (?) out of the trees at the scout hut 9 Mistle Thrush followed them, noisily 3 Chiffchaff, two singing
Higher Swineshaw
2 Dipper were a very unusual sighting for this site 1 Cormorant 10+ Reed Bunting 20+ Meadow Pipits A flock of approximately 20 Blue and Long-tailed Tits flew across Boar Flat, landing briefly in the bracken at Higher Swineshaw Dam, then made off down the valley 1 Raven 1 Pied Wagtail
Irontongue.
A flock of approximately 80 Goldfinch feeding on the moor 2 Reed Bunting 10+ Meadow Pipits
Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Cormorant 11 Black-headed Gulls
David Walsh said
Fri Oct 4 7:46 AM, 2019
Friday 4th October 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper 2 Grey Wagtail
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 drake Mandarin 11 Mallard 1 Grey Wagtail
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 29 1:33 PM, 2019
Sunday 29th September 2019, 10.00 - 11.00am.
Only two sightings of any note, fittingly, given the conditions.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 drake Mandarin
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper in the torrent of an overflow channel
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 28 2:28 PM, 2019
Saturday 28th September 2019, 11.30am.
Pennine Bridleway, Brushes, in atrocious conditions.
46 Meadow Pipits south over Harridge 2 Raven
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 26 2:24 PM, 2019
Thursday 26th September 2019, 9.00 - 11.00am
Around the Gamekeepers cottage.
1 Kestrel hunting from a pylon 1 Buzzard 1 Raven c 20 Meadow Pipits, up in the air each time the Kestrel left the pylon 4 Swallows 5 Mistle Thrush on one pylon 3 Pied Wagtail
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 Mandarin drake yesterday was the first sighting for months 1 Cormorant 8 Mallard 17 Canada Geese yesterday was the highest count of autumn so far 1 Grey Wagtail
Country Park.
10 Chiffchaff 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Several Goldcrest 1 Song Thrush
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 22 12:42 AM, 2019
Saturday 21st September 2019, 8.00 - 11.30am.
Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue areas.
9 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow was unusual 7 Stonechat - 2 around Higher Swineshaw, and 5 at Swineshaw Brook, Boar Flat. 10+ Reed Bunting 40+ Meadow Pipits 6 Swallow and 6 House Martin through 1 Buzzard 2 Kestrel 1 Sparrowhawk at Lower Swineshaw
Friday, 7.00pm, Brushes Reservoir.
2 Cormorant
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 19 12:46 PM, 2019
Thursday 19th September 2019, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
13 Chiffchaff, one singing 2 Blackcap 2 Nuthatch 26 Robin (tried a full count today) 1 Wren 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 House Martin overhead Several Long-tailed Tits
Walkerwood.
1 Cormorant 1 Grey Wagtail 2 Chiffchaff 1 Blackcap Nuthatch on the feeders 4 Bullfinch
Around Brushes football pitch.
4 Chiffchaff feeding amongst Knotweed flowers 45 Starling 2 Buzzard over Wild Bank
David Walsh said
Tue Sep 17 1:01 PM, 2019
Tuesday 17th September 2019, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and around Lees Hill.
2 Wheatear, one at Higher Swineshaw Dam, the other between Lees Hill and Boar Flat. 2 juvenile Stonechat between Irontongue and Boar Flat 1 Raven over the valley Skylark heard only, flying down the valley
3 Chiffchaff singing, Brushes Valley
David Walsh said
Mon Sep 16 7:47 AM, 2019
Monday 16th September 2019,
Walkerwood area.
1 Kingfisher still around Walkerwood Dam 1 Grey Wagtail - yesterday there were three chasing around 1 Blackcap 1 Cormorant
David Walsh said
Sat Sep 14 2:09 PM, 2019
Saturday 14th September 2019, 7.00 - 10.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, Turf Pits, and the eastern slopes of Harridge Pike.
7 Stonechat, in three separate areas c 20 Skylark, mainly on the grassy slopes of Harridge Pike c 30 Reed Bunting at Higher Swineshaw 100+ Meadow Pipits 6 Chiffchaff 12 Red Grouse
David Walsh said
Fri Sep 13 7:50 AM, 2019
Friday 13th September 2019, 6.30 - 7.20am.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
2 Kingfisher 19 Mallard 2 Grey Wagtail 1 Grey Heron over the Country Park 1 Goldcrest around the feeders
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 12 11:38 PM, 2019
Thursday 12th September 2019, 10.00 - 11.30am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
10 Chiffchaff, one singing 4 Lesser Redpoll 6 Swallow overhead 4 Nuthatch 6+ Long-tailed Tits, in a small mixed tit flock 1 Buzzard over Brushes Valley 1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
David Walsh said
Tue Sep 10 3:29 PM, 2019
Tuesday 10th September 2019, 9.00 - 10.30am.
A very quick up and down the valley, as far as Higher Swineshaw Reservoir - quiet.
Three Raven very noisily around the top end of the valley, and Harridge. It appeared that two birds were trying to see off a third. 2 Siskin flew down the valley, calling 3 Chiffchaff along Brushes Valley Only a couple of Reed Bunting calling at Higher Swineshaw. No sign of the juvenile flock today. Several Nuthatch calling, including around the scout hut at Lower Swineshaw, and on the Walkerwood feeders 1 Buzzard over Harridge, being harassed by around 30 hirundines 1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 8 9:57 PM, 2019
Highlights for the weekend, Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Several Nuthatch 4 Coal Tit 1 Chiffchaff 1 Willow Warbler at Brushes Cottages 9 Long-tailed Tits in one flock
c80 Swallows were moving southwest over Walkerwood at 7.00pm yesterday
David Walsh said
Mon Aug 26 11:09 PM, 2019
Monday 26th August 2019, 9.00 - 11.00am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
8 Chiffchaff, one singing 5 Blackcap, including two juveniles feeding on elderberries 1 Willow Warbler 2 Nuthatch 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, one briefly drumming 3 Chaffinch 23 Great Tits 12 Blue Tits 2 Long-tailed Tits 2 Wren 14 Robins 2 House Martins 1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow 2 Blackbirds
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 24 2:39 PM, 2019
Saturday 24th August 2019, 6.30 - 10.30am.
An excellent morning, providing a stark contrast to the past few weeks, when you could have been forgiven for thinking that the upper part of the valley and surrounding moorland had been sterilised.
A lot of activity early on, in the bracken surrounding Higher Swineshaw Reservoir produced:
1 Whinchat 4+ Willow Warblers 1 Whitethroat 1 juvenile Blackcap 18+ Reed Bunting, mainly juveniles. They suddenly seem to have started flocking together, rather than skulking in the bracken. 30+ Meadow Pipits 1 pair of Stonechat with at least three juveniles 5 Red Grouse 1 Kestrel
A Wheatear flew low south west over the very top of the moor at Turf Pits
Also plenty of action in the trees around Lower Swineshaw on the way down:
At least one Spotted Flycatcher 6+ Willow Warblers 1 Whitethroat 6+ Long-tailed Tits 1 Treecreeper 1 juvenile Mistle Thrush
Many Nuthatch calling in the woods
1 Sparrowhawk sat on the wall of Brushes Cottages, eyeing up the feeders.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 24th of August 2019 02:40:31 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 17 1:59 PM, 2019
Saturday 17th August 2019, 9.00 - 11.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue Hill. Very blustery conditions.
Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue.
A Peregrine made a couple of unsuccessful stoops at Meadow Pipits, before heading off over Irontongue Hill, towards Mossley. Female Stonechat at Irontongue 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel c12 Swallows over Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 2 Reed Bunting 10+ Meadow Pipits
3 Kestrels over Harridge Plenty of Bullfinch around Walkerwood
Not a single bird on all four reservoirs.
David Walsh said
Thu Aug 15 3:54 PM, 2019
Thursday 15th August 2019, 10.00am.
Dipper on Brushes Reservoir was the only thing of any note.
David Walsh said
Sun Aug 11 6:53 PM, 2019
Sunday 11th August 2019, 4.30 - 5.45pm.
Higher Swineshaw.
Pair of Stonechat with 4 juveniles 1 male Whitethroat
2 Chiffchaff in Brushes Valley 1 female Sparrowhawk around Cock Wood 2 immature Grey Wagtails on Brushes Reservoir j 2 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Tue Aug 6 7:44 AM, 2019
Tuesday 6th August 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper 1 Dipper, initially around the overflow area, with the Sandpiper, then flew up towards the far end of the reservoir.
David Walsh said
Sat Aug 3 12:52 PM, 2019
Saturday 3rd August 2019, 7.00 - 11.00am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue Hill.
2 juvenile Wheatear flew onto the Boar Flat side of Swineshaw Brook, from the north east. They were constantly harassed by juvenile Stonechat and Reed Bunting. By the time I left, they had made their way as far as Higher Swineshaw Dam. 7 juvenile Stonechat, of varying ages 10+ Reed Bunting, mainly juveniles 10+ Willow Warblers, including some very yellow youngsters 2 Kestrel 3 Swift over Harridge Moor 10+ Meadow Pipits, including a couple carrying butterflies back to nest sites
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper 1 Grey Wagtail
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood
David Walsh said
Thu Aug 1 10:24 PM, 2019
Thursday 1st August 2019, 10.00pm.
Common Sandpiper calling from Brushes Reservoir at dusk.
David Walsh said
Tue Jul 30 10:46 PM, 2019
John Taylor wrote:
Maybe not the right place for this but there was a common sandpiper in the spillway at Buckton Vale Reservoir at 13:30 today.
It is close enough, John, (and frighteningly close to Mossley, whose border runs along the north western by-wash of the reservoir), though I usually post sightings from here in the Stalybridge, Ashton, and Dukinfield thread. I think the reservoir you mean is Cowbury Reservoir, which used to supply Buckton Vale Print and Dye Works. The valley, woods, and reservoir itself is another local area that promises much, but delivers very little. There were actually a pair of Common Sandpiper on the reservoir during the breeding season this year, along with Pied and Grey Wagtails, and very little else.
John Taylor said
Tue Jul 30 7:55 PM, 2019
Maybe not the right place for this but there was a common sandpiper in the spillway at Buckton Vale Reservoir at 13:30 today.
David Walsh said
Sat Jul 27 1:17 PM, 2019
Saturday 27th July 2019, 9.30 - 11.45am. Deathly quiet.
Higher Swineshaw.
1 Common Sandpiper on the reservoir 1 male Stonechat feeding caterpillars to a youngster Couple of Reed Bunting singing
Several Goldcrest in the woods
Common Sandpiper calling from Brushes Reservoir
David Walsh said
Fri Jul 26 10:52 PM, 2019
Friday 26th July, 8.00pm.
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper around the dam and northern shore. Also heard by another observer yesterday evening. 1 Kingfisher in the overflow channel - presumably the same bird as on Walkerwood this morning
David Walsh said
Fri Jul 26 7:50 AM, 2019
Friday 26th July 2019, 6.15 - 7.30am.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 Kingfisher patrolling the southern side of the reservoir 1 Grey Heron 1 adult Pied Wagtail with two juveniles
David Walsh said
Thu Jul 18 1:12 PM, 2019
Thursday 18th July 2019, 9.00 - 11.45am.
Higher Swineshaw.
1 singing Stonechat, and 5 separate, well grown juveniles. On Saturday up to ten juveniles were in the area 3 Common Sandpiper on the reservoir 1 adult Pied Wagtail with three well grown juveniles 3 Mistle Thrush picking through the newly mown dam banking 2 Lesser Redpoll 1 Whitethroat still singing Several Willow Warblers Several Reed Bunting
Harridge Moor.
40+ Meadow Pipits, including many juveniles 1 male Linnet 15+ Wren, again with many newly fledged birds, buzzing around the bracken.
David Walsh said
Sat Jul 13 11:45 PM, 2019
Saturday 13th July 2019, 7.30 - 11.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
5 Oystercatchers flew west at 8.35, calling. At least 4 Common Sandpiper on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 6+ Treecreepers, including one feeding juveniles. They have been much in evidence this week, throughout the area. Nuthatch calling Male Stonechat with young at Higher Swineshaw Whitethroat singing at Higher Swineshaw Plenty of Reed Bunting around Higher Swineshaw, including singing males, and several juveniles 1 Buzzard I picked up a Peregrine way up above Swineshaw Moor, which then came hurtling down, crashing into the bracken, feet away from me, before appearing several minutes later carrying off a kill.
David Walsh said
Wed Jul 10 7:55 AM, 2019
Wednesday 10th July 2019, 6.30am.
Juvenile Dipper in the spillway between Brushes and Walkerwood Reservoirs. A very occasional record for the valley. Always post breeding. 1 Mallard with seven ducklings in the same spillway. Not had many Mallard broods on all four Reservoirs this year. Juvenile Robins everywhere Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Robin, and Wrens carrying food.
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 7 10:05 PM, 2019
Sunday 7th July 2019, 8.30pm.
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the field between Brushes Road and the Rifle Ranges
David Walsh said
Sat Jul 6 10:35 PM, 2019
Saturday 6th July 2019, 8.30 - 11.00am, in cold, damp conditions.
1 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir. Two were heard on Brushes Reservoir after dark last night.
Higher Swineshaw.
1 Buzzard 1 male Stonechat 1 singing Whitethroat
Otherwise desperate
David Walsh said
Thu Jul 4 8:47 PM, 2019
Thursday 4th July 2019, 8.00pm.
Walkerwood and the Brushes end of the Bridleway.
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir 1 pair of Grey Wagtail 2 pairs of Swallows, feeding four juveniles each
Over Wild Bank.
At least 100 Swift, drifting slowly west 3 Kestrels 2 Buzzards
David Walsh said
Thu Jun 20 3:02 PM, 2019
Thursday 20th June 2019, am.
3 Siskin south, over Harridge Moor at 11.00am, were one of the highlights of a quiet morning.
Around Walkerwood Reservoir.
2 Tawny Owls on the northern edge of the reservoir. Very good views of one, apparently hunting Blackbirds around the hawthorn bushes between 6.50 and 7.00am.
12+ Blackbirds
A few Redwing over at first light, into the country park
On the reservoir.
1 Dipper
1 drake Mandarin
8 Mallard
Walkerwood Reservoir.
None of yesterdays excitement - just one Dipper in the overflow
Fieldfare heard chacking from the fields above the northern end of the dam, as it was coming light. Around 40 were present yesterday, in the hawthorn bushes.
After a tip off from Dave Walsh.
12 Whooper Swan on Walkerwood Reservoir ..... 11 adults plus 1 juvenile.
Speaking to walkers they had been there all day.
All departed north at 16.20 hrs ... watched as far as Saddleworth.
Roger.
Brushes Valley, around Higher Swineshaw Reservoir on Swineshaw Moor, then back across Harridge, and down through the woods above the Gamekeepers Cottage.
Around Higher Swineshaw.
16 Reed Bunting
1 Kestrel
7 Dunnock
5 Robin
3 Wren
1 Great Tit
1 Lesser Redpoll over
2 Red Grouse
9 Black-headed Gulls on the reservoir
Other than one Buzzard and a couple of Grouse, Harridge Moor was devoid of bird life.
Brushes Valley.
There are a few mixed flocks in the woods at present, particularly the moorland edges higher up the valley sides. One today contained mixed tits, Treecreepers, and Bullfinch, which seem to be calling from all around the valley at present.
20+ Bullfinch
6+ Chaffinch
3 Lesser Redpoll
40+ Long-tailed Tits, in three areas. I never tire of watching these beautiful little birds buzzing around.
6+ Coal Tits
4 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
2 Mistle Thrush
1 solitary Fieldfare calling as it made its way up the valley
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper
Dipper singing in the overflow of Walkerwood Reservoir
Cote Farm, between Walkerwood Dam and Besom Lane.
c20 Redwing audible, and just visible in the gloom, moving around the hawthorn bushes beneath the Bridleway
c12 Blackbirds doing the same
1 very noisy Mistle Thrush
1 Pied Wagtail on the dam
2 Woodcock flew up together from the woods, over Lower Swineshaw scout hut, and out towards Lees Hill at 17.05. My first record since June, presumably recently arrived migrants. Impossible to tell, obviously.
Tawny Owl calling from the woods above Brushes Reservoir.
This morning, 9.30 - 11.30am, Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw.
2 Dipper, one at Brushes Reservoir, the other at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Around the Swineshaws.
10 Reed Bunting, the majority around Lower Swineshaw
1 Raven
1 Meadow Pipit
3 Red Grouse
1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow
3 Redwing at the scout hut
A flock of 7 Bullfinch below the scout hut
No Fieldfare seen today, but there have been good numbers this week, including a flock of approximately 90 moving around the area of Cote Farm and the Bridleway at Millbrook, as well as passage birds, and a couple at Flaxfield. Redwing numbers have been much lower.
Walkerwood Dam to Cote Farm.
55 Fieldfare - 9, 3, and 25 west, and 18 moving around the hawthorns of Cote Farm
100 Woodpigeon over west in one flock, with another 30+ around the area
Mandarin drake back on Walkerwood Reservoir
Walkerwood area.
Fieldfare, 90 west, 100 north, and 7 circling higher up Brushes Valley, looking as if to land.
Redwing, 45 west
1 Buzzard over the valley
Pied Wagtail on the Dam
Yesterday morning, 2 Sparrowhawks were together over Wild Bank
Dipper in the overflow of Brushes Reservoir.
Around Cote Farm, between Walkerwood Dam and Besom Lane.
23 Fieldfare south at 11.30
3 Redwing feeding on hawthorn berries, before flying off south
A group of 11 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare were perched on a pylon, before flying off towards Carrbrook
7 Blackbirds
1 Mistle Thrush
10+ Jays carrying acorns. There seemed to be a bird permanently flying over for the whole hour and a half.
18 Magpies
25 Black-headed Gulls in the fields
6 Pheasant
Dipper flying around Walkerwood Dam before it was light
Conditions were horrendous from Lower Swineshaw upwards. Drizzle and hill fog, with visibility down to twenty yards in places.
An unprecedented three Dippers recorded in the valley. One in the overflow at Walkerwood, one at the far end of Brushes Reservoir, and one at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Other than the usual population of Reed Bunting, mostly heard only, the only other item of note was a group of 15 or so finches, at Lower Swineshaw, with a couple of Lesser Redpoll, and at least one Siskin.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
4 Stonechat - 1 at Lower Swineshaw, and 3 together at Higher Swineshaw, which appear to be the remnants of a family group, being a pair and a first year bird.
3 Buzzard - 2 displaying over the woods, and a third at Higher Swineshaw
1 Kestrel at Higher Swineshaw
10+ Reed Bunting (not time to attempt a full count)
1 Cormorant circling over the valley
Many Jays noisily collecting acorns
12+ Bullfinch
5 Meadow Pipits
Walkerwood Reservoir.
A single Tawny Owl has been calling around dawn, from Cock Wood, for the past fortnight. This morning, the first hooting was heard from Cock Wood, with another mobile bird calling from the trees along the northern edge of the reservoir.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 15th of October 2019 07:13:46 PM
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Higher Swineshaw.
21 Reed Bunting
3 Stonechat
10 Meadow Pipits
1 Kestrel
7 Skylark, in a single flock
1 Dipper, singing in Higher Swineshaw overflow
Bullfinch calling all along the valley, mainly juveniles
6 Lesser Redpoll at Lower Swineshaw scout hut
1 Raven over the valley
12+ Long-tailed Tits
12 Goldfinch in a single flock
Several Jays stashing acorns
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, then Irontongue.
Lower Swineshaw
c25 Redwing and c6 Fieldfare flew north (?) out of the trees at the scout hut
9 Mistle Thrush followed them, noisily
3 Chiffchaff, two singing
Higher Swineshaw
2 Dipper were a very unusual sighting for this site
1 Cormorant
10+ Reed Bunting
20+ Meadow Pipits
A flock of approximately 20 Blue and Long-tailed Tits flew across Boar Flat, landing briefly in the bracken at Higher Swineshaw Dam, then made off down the valley
1 Raven
1 Pied Wagtail
Irontongue.
A flock of approximately 80 Goldfinch feeding on the moor
2 Reed Bunting
10+ Meadow Pipits
Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Cormorant
11 Black-headed Gulls
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper
2 Grey Wagtail
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 drake Mandarin
11 Mallard
1 Grey Wagtail
Only two sightings of any note, fittingly, given the conditions.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 drake Mandarin
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Dipper in the torrent of an overflow channel
Pennine Bridleway, Brushes, in atrocious conditions.
46 Meadow Pipits south over Harridge
2 Raven
Around the Gamekeepers cottage.
1 Kestrel hunting from a pylon
1 Buzzard
1 Raven
c 20 Meadow Pipits, up in the air each time the Kestrel left the pylon
4 Swallows
5 Mistle Thrush on one pylon
3 Pied Wagtail
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 Mandarin drake yesterday was the first sighting for months
1 Cormorant
8 Mallard
17 Canada Geese yesterday was the highest count of autumn so far
1 Grey Wagtail
Country Park.
10 Chiffchaff
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Several Goldcrest
1 Song Thrush
Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue areas.
9 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow was unusual
7 Stonechat - 2 around Higher Swineshaw, and 5 at Swineshaw Brook, Boar Flat.
10+ Reed Bunting
40+ Meadow Pipits
6 Swallow and 6 House Martin through
1 Buzzard
2 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk at Lower Swineshaw
Friday, 7.00pm, Brushes Reservoir.
2 Cormorant
Stalybridge Country Park.
13 Chiffchaff, one singing
2 Blackcap
2 Nuthatch
26 Robin (tried a full count today)
1 Wren
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 House Martin overhead
Several Long-tailed Tits
Walkerwood.
1 Cormorant
1 Grey Wagtail
2 Chiffchaff
1 Blackcap
Nuthatch on the feeders
4 Bullfinch
Around Brushes football pitch.
4 Chiffchaff feeding amongst Knotweed flowers
45 Starling
2 Buzzard over Wild Bank
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and around Lees Hill.
2 Wheatear, one at Higher Swineshaw Dam, the other between Lees Hill and Boar Flat.
2 juvenile Stonechat between Irontongue and Boar Flat
1 Raven over the valley
Skylark heard only, flying down the valley
3 Chiffchaff singing, Brushes Valley
Walkerwood area.
1 Kingfisher still around Walkerwood Dam
1 Grey Wagtail - yesterday there were three chasing around
1 Blackcap
1 Cormorant
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, Turf Pits, and the eastern slopes of Harridge Pike.
7 Stonechat, in three separate areas
c 20 Skylark, mainly on the grassy slopes of Harridge Pike
c 30 Reed Bunting at Higher Swineshaw
100+ Meadow Pipits
6 Chiffchaff
12 Red Grouse
Walkerwood Reservoir.
2 Kingfisher
19 Mallard
2 Grey Wagtail
1 Grey Heron over the Country Park
1 Goldcrest around the feeders
Stalybridge Country Park.
10 Chiffchaff, one singing
4 Lesser Redpoll
6 Swallow overhead
4 Nuthatch
6+ Long-tailed Tits, in a small mixed tit flock
1 Buzzard over Brushes Valley
1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
A very quick up and down the valley, as far as Higher Swineshaw Reservoir - quiet.
Three Raven very noisily around the top end of the valley, and Harridge. It appeared that two birds were trying to see off a third.
2 Siskin flew down the valley, calling
3 Chiffchaff along Brushes Valley
Only a couple of Reed Bunting calling at Higher Swineshaw. No sign of the juvenile flock today.
Several Nuthatch calling, including around the scout hut at Lower Swineshaw, and on the Walkerwood feeders
1 Buzzard over Harridge, being harassed by around 30 hirundines
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
Higher Swineshaw area.
1 Wheatear, on Swineshaw Moor
24 Reed Bunting, mainly juveniles
20+ Meadow Pipits
1 pair of Stonechat
3 Chiffchaff
1 Whitethroat
1 Raven
1 Kestrel
c30 Goldfinch
1 Mistle Thrush
Brushes Valley.
Several Nuthatch
4 Coal Tit
1 Chiffchaff
1 Willow Warbler at Brushes Cottages
9 Long-tailed Tits in one flock
c80 Swallows were moving southwest over Walkerwood at 7.00pm yesterday
Stalybridge Country Park.
8 Chiffchaff, one singing
5 Blackcap, including two juveniles feeding on elderberries
1 Willow Warbler
2 Nuthatch
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, one briefly drumming
3 Chaffinch
23 Great Tits
12 Blue Tits
2 Long-tailed Tits
2 Wren
14 Robins
2 House Martins
1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
2 Blackbirds
An excellent morning, providing a stark contrast to the past few weeks, when you could have been forgiven for thinking that the upper part of the valley and surrounding moorland had been sterilised.
A lot of activity early on, in the bracken surrounding Higher Swineshaw Reservoir produced:
1 Whinchat
4+ Willow Warblers
1 Whitethroat
1 juvenile Blackcap
18+ Reed Bunting, mainly juveniles. They suddenly seem to have started flocking together, rather than skulking in the bracken.
30+ Meadow Pipits
1 pair of Stonechat with at least three juveniles
5 Red Grouse
1 Kestrel
A Wheatear flew low south west over the very top of the moor at Turf Pits
Also plenty of action in the trees around Lower Swineshaw on the way down:
At least one Spotted Flycatcher
6+ Willow Warblers
1 Whitethroat
6+ Long-tailed Tits
1 Treecreeper
1 juvenile Mistle Thrush
Many Nuthatch calling in the woods
1 Sparrowhawk sat on the wall of Brushes Cottages, eyeing up the feeders.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 24th of August 2019 02:40:31 PM
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue Hill. Very blustery conditions.
Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue.
A Peregrine made a couple of unsuccessful stoops at Meadow Pipits, before heading off over Irontongue Hill, towards Mossley.
Female Stonechat at Irontongue
1 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
c12 Swallows over Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
2 Reed Bunting
10+ Meadow Pipits
3 Kestrels over Harridge
Plenty of Bullfinch around Walkerwood
Not a single bird on all four reservoirs.
Dipper on Brushes Reservoir was the only thing of any note.
Higher Swineshaw.
Pair of Stonechat with 4 juveniles
1 male Whitethroat
2 Chiffchaff in Brushes Valley
1 female Sparrowhawk around Cock Wood
2 immature Grey Wagtails on Brushes Reservoir j
2 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Dipper, initially around the overflow area, with the Sandpiper, then flew up towards the far end of the reservoir.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw and Irontongue Hill.
2 juvenile Wheatear flew onto the Boar Flat side of Swineshaw Brook, from the north east. They were constantly harassed by juvenile Stonechat and Reed Bunting. By the time I left, they had made their way as far as Higher Swineshaw Dam.
7 juvenile Stonechat, of varying ages
10+ Reed Bunting, mainly juveniles
10+ Willow Warblers, including some very yellow youngsters
2 Kestrel
3 Swift over Harridge Moor
10+ Meadow Pipits, including a couple carrying butterflies back to nest sites
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood
Common Sandpiper calling from Brushes Reservoir at dusk.
It is close enough, John, (and frighteningly close to Mossley, whose border runs along the north western by-wash of the reservoir), though I usually post sightings from here in the Stalybridge, Ashton, and Dukinfield thread. I think the reservoir you mean is Cowbury Reservoir, which used to supply Buckton Vale Print and Dye Works. The valley, woods, and reservoir itself is another local area that promises much, but delivers very little. There were actually a pair of Common Sandpiper on the reservoir during the breeding season this year, along with Pied and Grey Wagtails, and very little else.
Higher Swineshaw.
1 Common Sandpiper on the reservoir
1 male Stonechat feeding caterpillars to a youngster
Couple of Reed Bunting singing
Several Goldcrest in the woods
Common Sandpiper calling from Brushes Reservoir
Brushes Reservoir.
1 Common Sandpiper around the dam and northern shore. Also heard by another observer yesterday evening.
1 Kingfisher in the overflow channel - presumably the same bird as on Walkerwood this morning
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 Kingfisher patrolling the southern side of the reservoir
1 Grey Heron
1 adult Pied Wagtail with two juveniles
Higher Swineshaw.
1 singing Stonechat, and 5 separate, well grown juveniles. On Saturday up to ten juveniles were in the area
3 Common Sandpiper on the reservoir
1 adult Pied Wagtail with three well grown juveniles
3 Mistle Thrush picking through the newly mown dam banking
2 Lesser Redpoll
1 Whitethroat still singing
Several Willow Warblers
Several Reed Bunting
Harridge Moor.
40+ Meadow Pipits, including many juveniles
1 male Linnet
15+ Wren, again with many newly fledged birds, buzzing around the bracken.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
5 Oystercatchers flew west at 8.35, calling.
At least 4 Common Sandpiper on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
6+ Treecreepers, including one feeding juveniles. They have been much in evidence this week, throughout the area.
Nuthatch calling
Male Stonechat with young at Higher Swineshaw
Whitethroat singing at Higher Swineshaw
Plenty of Reed Bunting around Higher Swineshaw, including singing males, and several juveniles
1 Buzzard
I picked up a Peregrine way up above Swineshaw Moor, which then came hurtling down, crashing into the bracken, feet away from me, before appearing several minutes later carrying off a kill.
Juvenile Dipper in the spillway between Brushes and Walkerwood Reservoirs. A very occasional record for the valley. Always post breeding.
1 Mallard with seven ducklings in the same spillway. Not had many Mallard broods on all four Reservoirs this year.
Juvenile Robins everywhere
Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Robin, and Wrens carrying food.
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the field between Brushes Road and the Rifle Ranges
1 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir. Two were heard on Brushes Reservoir after dark last night.
Higher Swineshaw.
1 Buzzard
1 male Stonechat
1 singing Whitethroat
Otherwise desperate
Walkerwood and the Brushes end of the Bridleway.
1 Cormorant on Walkerwood Reservoir
1 pair of Grey Wagtail
2 pairs of Swallows, feeding four juveniles each
Over Wild Bank.
At least 100 Swift, drifting slowly west
3 Kestrels
2 Buzzards
3 Siskin south, over Harridge Moor at 11.00am, were one of the highlights of a quiet morning.