Both Snow Buntings showing well in the next to last compound in the Lancs side late morning today.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Bob and Joyce Calder said
Sat Dec 24 7:06 PM, 2011
Similarly no sign of the Snow Buntings around 11.00 ish.
Two Ravens flew off the moor and over George's Lane nr the kennels around 12.30.
Otherwise 3/4 Kestrels, 1 Magpie, a couple of Crows and that was it in a mornings walking and birding.
Chris Dunn said
Sat Dec 24 4:44 PM, 2011
No sign of the Snow Buntings on Winter Hill, others I spoke to had the same luck as me . Nice to see 2 Ravens at 14:30 flying around the mast. Had a ride over to Burnt Edge from Matchmoor Lane and had good views of a Short Eared Owl at 15:40 for 15 mins. Thanks Jim for the tip. Chris.
-- Edited by Chris Dunn on Saturday 24th of December 2011 06:10:08 PM
Keith Mills said
Thu Dec 22 10:13 PM, 2011
Mike Chorley wrote:
keith mills wrote:
Steve Suttill wrote:
keith mills wrote:
Red Grouse ..fairy regular calling..2 seen flying
from the top of a Christmas tree?
Sorry, Keith!
Steve
Actually Steve, I did have a search round the Christmas trees in the plantation, at the top of Burnt Edge. I did find one tree decorated with an empty feeder. Now, perhaps, if I can get the right stuff to fill it..................
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 05:10:00 PM
Recalling an old bartenders' joke....Gin & Tonic
Recalling your ''two for the price of one'' offer at Castleshaw, make mine a double
Mike Chorley said
Thu Dec 22 9:32 PM, 2011
keith mills wrote:
Steve Suttill wrote:
keith mills wrote:
Red Grouse ..fairy regular calling..2 seen flying
from the top of a Christmas tree?
Sorry, Keith!
Steve
Actually Steve, I did have a search round the Christmas trees in the plantation, at the top of Burnt Edge. I did find one tree decorated with an empty feeder. Now, perhaps, if I can get the right stuff to fill it..................
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 05:10:00 PM
Recalling an old bartenders' joke....Gin & Tonic
Keith Mills said
Thu Dec 22 3:52 PM, 2011
Steve Suttill wrote:
keith mills wrote:
Red Grouse ..fairy regular calling..2 seen flying
from the top of a Christmas tree?
Sorry, Keith!
Steve
Actually Steve, I did have a search round the Christmas trees in the plantation, at the top of Burnt Edge. I did find one tree decorated with an empty feeder. Now, perhaps, if I can get the right stuff to fill it..................
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 05:10:00 PM
Steve Suttill said
Thu Dec 22 1:41 PM, 2011
keith mills wrote:
Red Grouse ..fairy regular calling..2 seen flying
from the top of a Christmas tree?
Sorry, Keith!
Steve
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Dec 22 1:41 PM, 2011
keith mills wrote:
Sunny and mild for the morning dog walk along Burnt Edge:-
..fairy regular calling..2 seen flying
Seeing fairies now Keith? I'm getting worried about you mate!!
Keith Mills said
Thu Dec 22 11:32 AM, 2011
Sunny and mild for the morning dog walk along Burnt Edge:-
Fieldfare, flock c70 plus 12, over...flying West. Red Grouse ..Frequently calling, and sometimes showing with a flutter from the heather. Two seen flying. Wood pigeons...10 circling Starlings ..c40 in Longhorn field Nice to meet Rick Hall
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 08:31:23 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Dec 22 11:31 AM, 2011
Unfortunately Rick, the ageing of Snow Buntings is a fairly difficult affair requiring very careful observation (photos can help here!) of particular feathers. The facial markings have no real relevance though as there is much individual variation.
That said, atleast one of the birds is indeed a first winter, something you can really only determine with good views of the distribution of black on its primary coverts and certain tail feathers!
Rick Hall said
Thu Dec 22 9:28 AM, 2011
2 snow buntings still present. 2nd to last compound. Lancs. 8.45am. Is one of them a 1st winter bird? Facial markings seemed much darker and less rufous that the other one.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Dec 20 6:36 PM, 2011
The two male Snow Buntings were still present again today, showing well next to the last compound (still in Lancs).
10 Crossbills flew west at Burnt Edge and a Short-eared Owl was also there (latter sighting by Ricky Hoyle)
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Dec 19 8:10 PM, 2011
Ollie Wright wrote:
I saw nothing out of the ordinary.....and Wigan Warriors RLFC squad on a training run).
-- Edited by Ollie Wright on Sunday 18th of December 2011 06:57:34 PM
Must have been the young lads - the seniors at Rugby League's finest are on pre season training in Florida!
Darren carr said
Sun Dec 18 7:16 PM, 2011
Finally got the sighting of the shorties thanks to Simon i think and ken and jill very grateful for the tip off also 2 woodcock was a nice bonus had to walk up the hill from georges lane due to icy roads but it was more than worth it very chuffed
Ollie Wright said
Sun Dec 18 6:56 PM, 2011
Had a brief sense of humour failure when seeing everybody's jubilant SE Owl posts just now - because I went up to the moor yesterday and came back empty handed.
My first idea was to go to Mast Rd to look for the Snow Bunting. By time I'd got up Winter Hill, I'd strained a muscle at the top of my leg and I was in quite a bit of pain. It was very foggy up by the mast and I saw nothing out of the ordinary, or anything much at all (2 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow, male Kestrel hunting - and Wigan Warriors RLFC squad on a training run).
Struggled back down Winter Hill and back home, via a taxi to the station from the Jolly Crofters, as my leg was troubling me so much. Had a rotten night's sleep, as well.
Couple this with my previous excursion, to Audenshaw Res, when I couldn't even get into the site and was then caught by a heavy hail / rain / God Anger storm and I'm starting to wonder if birding is the hobby for me!
Will try again. Merry Christmas one and all....
-- Edited by Ollie Wright on Sunday 18th of December 2011 06:57:34 PM
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 18 6:37 PM, 2011
Hi Dean,
It wasnt Ken who lost the rain cover.
Another fantastic last hour or so up on the moors today with a stunning sunset over the snow covered moor.
Ken and Jill saw a Ring ouzel in the small plantation at the top of Burnt edge around 3.30pm.
Then with Ken and Jill right up to 4.45pm two Short-eared owls put on a great display right next to burnt edge lane in the fading light, 4 Woodcock flew over at dusk, and to finish off a Barn owl flew in front of the car on Scout road.
Dean Macdonald said
Sun Dec 18 5:46 PM, 2011
NIKON RAIN COVER FOUND.
Whilst chatting with Ian Woosey my dog found a Nikon rain cover on the path from burnt edge to the quarry this afternoon. Ian thought it could belong to Ken or Jill who passed by. If anyone lost one please pm me.
Paul Risley said
Sun Dec 18 5:41 PM, 2011
A Couple of hours spare this afternoon and the dilema, christmas shopping or horwich moors? a nice hour spent on the moors this afternoon 2 till 3 , cracking views of 2 Short Eared Owls, missed them knocking the Kestrel off its perch but saw the Sparrowhawk have a go at one of them, largest covey of Red Grouse I've seen up there put up by them too, first a single then 17 at once splitting into 2 groups of 12 and 5 with a further pair being pushed up minutes later from the same area. nice to meet Ken and Jill up there and also nice to get back home to thaw my feet out cracking afternoon
Dean Macdonald said
Sun Dec 18 5:19 PM, 2011
3 short eared owls showed really well over burnt edge between 2/4pm mobbed by kestrel and sparrowhawk.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Dec 18 3:03 PM, 2011
Three Short-eared Owls out hunting at 3pm today.
Two at Adam Hill and one by Holdens Plantation.
Info thanks to Ian Woosey
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Dec 18 1:23 PM, 2011
Two Snow Buntings in the compound in Lancs at 1:15pm today.
Info thanks to Ian Woosey
Tim Wilcox said
Sun Dec 18 7:14 AM, 2011
Late post for yesterday. Two Short-eared Owls showing well over Burnt Edge from sunset to last light at 4.30. Thanks to the young birder who didn't give his name but got onto them first.
Dan Brown said
Fri Dec 16 7:38 PM, 2011
Thanks Keith.
Keith Mills said
Fri Dec 16 5:44 PM, 2011
Welcome to the Forum, Dan
Dan Brown said
Fri Dec 16 5:14 PM, 2011
3 Short-eared Owls hunting between Adam Hill and Slack Hall 3:00pm to 4:15pm.
4 Woodcock in the vicinity of the Burnt Edge parking spot. Much better views than the previous few evenings due to the snow. Could be seen on the ground in the Highland Cow field.
2 Kestrel 8 Red Grouse
Darren carr said
Fri Dec 16 1:31 PM, 2011
Came up here yesterday thurs Walked around burnt edge for an hour at 2pm Nothing but a crow magpie and pheasant. Then to hear reports of the shorties at 3pm How frustrating Im starting to hate this place very unlucky 4 me lol
Keith Mills said
Thu Dec 15 5:08 PM, 2011
Another ''beltin'' dog walk! 3 to 4.30 this pm, around Burnt Edge.
At 3pm with (nice to meet) Dan Brown ...Short- eared Owls.. 3. All the Owls around Slack Hall area. One sat on wall ...one on path signpost....
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 15th of December 2011 06:42:54 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Dec 15 1:35 PM, 2011
Snow Bunting still present in the next to last compound on the Lancs side this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Dec 14 9:55 PM, 2011
8:15-10:15 this morning:
5340 Woodpigeon over NNW 35 Pink-footed Geese SE at 8:50 and 120 at 9:34.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
simon ghilks said
Wed Dec 14 7:04 PM, 2011
14/12/2011 1530-1645
1 Short -eared Owl seen for about 10mins from Burnt Edge Lane looking toward Two Lads at about 4pm. Another or same seen about 20 mins later next to Slack Hall. With Ken and Jill, 6 Woodcock near junction of Burnt Edge Lane and Matchmoor Lane.
kevin kelly said
Tue Dec 13 3:24 PM, 2011
Hello! Had my second ever visit to the Moors today! Last time i dipped the wryneck. This time was much better, went at first light to try and get a view of the snow bunting, and as soon as we got to the mast there it was! Cracking little bird and as others have siad very confiding! It came towards us despite me and brother trying to keep a respectable distance! Also 4 Red Grouse on the moors too, no Owls but very windy morning Excellent place will definitely be back!
steven burke said
Mon Dec 12 8:06 PM, 2011
8.20am-3pm weather,gloomy morning,sunny at midday. 1 short eared owl, distant view from georges lane on the hill above quarry at 8.35am followed shortly by a peregrine falcon drifting over. 1 snow bunting, after missing the bird on saturday afternoon was pleased to see it at 9.30am for 20 mins before dissapearing into the mist. then again around 11 ish for over 30 mins but on the other side off the gate from the seed, so went for a little walk to warm up and returned at 12 (when the sun was shinning) and had fantastic/beltin views off upto 10ft and managed some good pics. excellent bird that was almost a kestrels dinner but it got away,hung around for another 30 mins but did not return. other birds.. 2 ravens 4-6 kestrels 11 bullfinches (near holdens plantation) 7 fieldfares (holdens farm) 2 red grouse 13 meadow pipits plus the pink footed geese on the appropriate thread.
nice to meet pat griffin, ian chisnall & paul risley.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Dec 12 7:47 PM, 2011
Moors totals today courtesy of Dan Brown, Jill Mills, Ken Haydock and Andy Makin:
Whooper Swan 4 east at 8.30 Pink footed Goose 120+ se at 8.43 and 150+ se at 8.48 Woodpigeon 580+ nw Lapwing 200 w Short eared Owl 2 above Burnt Edge late afternoon and 5 Woodcock at dusk.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Dec 12 4:37 PM, 2011
Male Hen Harrier hunting the side of the moor off Coal Pit Lane at 3:15 this afternoon.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Keith Mills said
Mon Dec 12 3:56 PM, 2011
''Beltin'' dog walk, Adam hill, 2 until 3 this pm.
Short- eared Owl 1, Kestrel 1, Raven 1. Owl got up from heather 40 yards away and flew short distance over stonewall.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Dec 12 2:23 PM, 2011
Snow Bunting still present at 2:20 today, in the next to last compound on the Lancs side.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Dec 11 5:29 PM, 2011
Simon Warford wrote:
2-3 Short-eared Owls around Burnt Edge and Burnt Edge Moor in the gloom 3-4pm, good close views perched up on posts, with Andy Makin.
An interesting sighting indeed, Andy Makin perched on a post! Glad to hear he's recovered from his Moors Fever!
Simon Warford said
Sun Dec 11 5:14 PM, 2011
2-3 Short-eared Owls around Burnt Edge and Burnt Edge Moor in the gloom 3-4pm, good close views perched up on posts, with Andy Makin.
Rick Hall said
Sun Dec 11 3:20 PM, 2011
Caught up with the Snow Bunting this afternoon on rubble next to Mast compound. Really good views, not sure it's the same bird I saw a couple of weeks back, cheek markings seemed much darker and slightly less colouration on chest. Stunning little bird though.
Disappointed with the visibility. took my wife up to see Short Eared Owls, but no joy. Bit of pea souper.
Chris brown said
Sun Dec 11 2:48 PM, 2011
Walked up mast road today with my daughter in the hope of seeing the snow bunting! Even though the weather was poor we were not disappointed!! Had excellent views at the mast compond but even better on the way down we had a great view of it washing in a puddle!! Nice to meet john and janice who gave us some excellent places to visit. Thanks for that. Will get back up on a better day for some pictures if the bunting stays around!!
steven burke said
Sat Dec 10 8:06 PM, 2011
12-4pm while others are having a fantastic/beltin few hours, i was just having a normal casual day. no signs off snow bunting between 2.45-3.45pm at least 8 red grouse (along mast rd) 2 ravens (mast) 1 stonechat (female, wilders moor) siskins & bullfinches (the dell) 4 kestrels 32 meadow pipits 4 mistle thrushes 1 pied wagtail 1 goosander (male, over at 1.02pm heading north west)
so it was karen that waved at me,did not realise it was you at first. i was on the train with the dissapointed fans
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Dec 10 7:10 PM, 2011
Dennis atherton wrote:
Beltin few hours, we also had a short eared owl on a fence post in the car headlights on the way home just in front of us,
Simon Warford wrote:
Fantastic few hours this afternoon, with Karen Foulkes and the last hour joined by Holly, Dennis, Ken and Jill.
male Snow Bunting still present by the main mast building, you just stand there and it comes to you! It almost ran into us. It got to about 15 feet from the gm boundary. There is now plenty of seed down on the track opposite the main building - feel free to keep topping it up though we could get a few more joining it.
Certainly three possibly four Short-eared Owls around the Burnt Edge moor area, ranging from Adams Hill to Newfields farm.
5 Woodcock flew over Burnt Edge at dusk.
Not a bad day Karen?
What a fantastic day, well worthy of a little slip-up!
County birding almost as good as it gets today
I have to thank Warfy for making sure I got to the station before all the disappointed Wanderers fans too
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 10th of December 2011 07:19:11 PM
Dennis atherton said
Sat Dec 10 5:58 PM, 2011
Beltin few hours, we also had a short eared owl on a fence post in the car headlights on the way home just in front of us,
Simon Warford wrote:
Fantastic few hours this afternoon, with Karen Foulkes and the last hour joined by Holly, Dennis, Ken and Jill.
male Snow Bunting still present by the main mast building, you just stand there and it comes to you! It almost ran into us. It got to about 15 feet from the gm boundary. There is now plenty of seed down on the track opposite the main building - feel free to keep topping it up though we could get a few more joining it.
Certainly three possibly four Short-eared Owls around the Burnt Edge moor area, ranging from Adams Hill to Newfields farm.
5 Woodcock flew over Burnt Edge at dusk.
Not a bad day Karen?
Simon Warford said
Sat Dec 10 5:52 PM, 2011
Fantastic few hours this afternoon, with Karen Foulkes and the last hour joined by Holly, Dennis, Ken and Jill.
male Snow Bunting still present by the main mast building, you just stand there and it comes to you! It almost ran into us. It got to about 15 feet from the gm boundary. There is now plenty of seed down on the track opposite the main building - feel free to keep topping it up though we could get a few more joining it.
Certainly three possibly four Short-eared Owls around the Burnt Edge moor area, ranging from Adams Hill to Newfields farm.
5 Woodcock flew over Burnt Edge at dusk, also Peregrine and 3 Raven.
348 Pink-feet SE early morning in 4 skiens. (Andy).
Not a bad day Karen?
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 10th of December 2011 05:57:38 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Dec 10 4:03 PM, 2011
Three Short-eared Owls currently around Adams Hill (near the northern edge of Burnt Edge)
Info thanks to Ken Haydock (via Andy Makin)
Rick Hall said
Sat Dec 10 1:52 PM, 2011
Short Eared Owl again present at Burnt Edge this morning 11.45 - 12.30. Managed to get a photo this time as well.
Went up for the Snow Bunting but got there just after the motorbike unfortunately.
Nice to meet Gary Liley up there, hopefully he got the Owl as well.
Also seen 28 Woodpigeon - 11 then 17 c30 Bullfinches in one flock was a nice sight and also sounded lovely 4 Red Grouse 3 Kestrel
Still no Merlin.
Joe Wynn said
Sat Dec 10 12:06 PM, 2011
Seems the string was just long enough Ian, Snow Bunting present when I left at 10:30, first time up on the moor, stunning views of the bird down to a few feet. Motorbiker put it up and into Manchester (I think), but of course I don't do listing Nice to meet Andy Makin up there. Also present, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat (fem.) and 5 Goldfinch.
Jon Bowen said
Sat Dec 10 10:20 AM, 2011
Walked up to the mast @ 8.30 this morning. On way up managed to see single short eared owl hunting below Two Lads Hill, also 2 red grouse nr second cattle grid. Snow bunting was showing well on track in front of first set of buildings nr main mast down to 10ft . Took some seed up with me so hopefully will continue to stick around
Chris brown said
Fri Dec 9 8:18 PM, 2011
I have been visiting the walker fold/burnt edge area regularly for 3-4 weeks now since seeing a flock of crossbills. Over this period I have seen all the usual woodland birds tits, gold crest, tree creeper, and an unidentified bunting etc. Not much really out of the ordinary. Today however, was on a par with my crossbill experience. First, as I was walking up burnt edge I saw 3 red grouse which was fantastic. Then as I was walking along the top of burnt edge a short eared owl was quartering. I watched it through my binoculars for several minutes having amazing veiws. It was then mobbed by a crow and disappeared from view. What is interesting is 2 other guys saw it at a similar time. A fantastic hour and half up there today!!
Chris
gary lilley said
Fri Dec 9 5:07 PM, 2011
No sign of the snow bunting ( left some wild bird seed) , 2 carrion crow and 2 raven on the top , nearby a kestrel hunting, on the way down mast road i spotted a male stonechat which gave some great views but the highlight was a single short eared owl hunting over burnt edge moor ( 4.00pm).
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Two Ravens flew off the moor and over George's Lane nr the kennels around 12.30.
Otherwise 3/4 Kestrels, 1 Magpie, a couple of Crows and that was it in a mornings walking and birding.
Had a ride over to Burnt Edge from Matchmoor Lane and had good views of a Short Eared Owl at 15:40 for 15 mins. Thanks Jim for the tip.
Chris.
-- Edited by Chris Dunn on Saturday 24th of December 2011 06:10:08 PM
Recalling your ''two for the price of one'' offer at Castleshaw, make mine a double
Recalling an old bartenders' joke....Gin & Tonic
Actually Steve, I did have a search round the Christmas trees in the plantation, at the top of Burnt Edge. I did find one tree decorated with an empty feeder. Now, perhaps, if I can get the right stuff to fill it..................
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 05:10:00 PM
from the top of a Christmas tree?
Sorry, Keith!
Steve
Seeing fairies now Keith? I'm getting worried about you mate!!
Fieldfare, flock c70 plus 12, over...flying West.
Red Grouse ..Frequently calling, and sometimes showing with a flutter from the heather. Two seen flying.
Wood pigeons...10 circling
Starlings ..c40 in Longhorn field
Nice to meet Rick Hall
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 08:31:23 PM
That said, atleast one of the birds is indeed a first winter, something you can really only determine with good views of the distribution of black on its primary coverts and certain tail feathers!
10 Crossbills flew west at Burnt Edge and a Short-eared Owl was also there (latter sighting by Ricky Hoyle)
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Must have been the young lads - the seniors at Rugby League's finest are on pre season training in Florida!
and ken and jill very grateful for the tip off
also 2 woodcock was a nice bonus
had to walk up the hill from georges lane due to icy roads
but it was more than worth it
very chuffed
My first idea was to go to Mast Rd to look for the Snow Bunting. By time I'd got up Winter Hill, I'd strained a muscle at the top of my leg and I was in quite a bit of pain. It was very foggy up by the mast and I saw nothing out of the ordinary, or anything much at all (2 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow, male Kestrel hunting - and Wigan Warriors RLFC squad on a training run).
Struggled back down Winter Hill and back home, via a taxi to the station from the Jolly Crofters, as my leg was troubling me so much. Had a rotten night's sleep, as well.
Couple this with my previous excursion, to Audenshaw Res, when I couldn't even get into the site and was then caught by a heavy hail / rain / God Anger storm and I'm starting to wonder if birding is the hobby for me!
Will try again. Merry Christmas one and all....
-- Edited by Ollie Wright on Sunday 18th of December 2011 06:57:34 PM
It wasnt Ken who lost the rain cover.
Another fantastic last hour or so up on the moors today with a stunning sunset over the snow covered moor.
Ken and Jill saw a Ring ouzel in the small plantation at the top of Burnt edge around 3.30pm.
Then with Ken and Jill right up to 4.45pm two Short-eared owls put on a great display right next to burnt edge lane in the fading light, 4 Woodcock flew over at dusk, and to finish off a Barn owl flew in front of the car on Scout road.
NIKON RAIN COVER FOUND.
Whilst chatting with Ian Woosey my dog found a Nikon rain cover on the path
from burnt edge to the quarry this afternoon. Ian thought it could belong to Ken or Jill who passed by. If anyone lost one please pm me.
3 short eared owls showed really well over burnt edge between 2/4pm mobbed by kestrel and sparrowhawk.
Two at Adam Hill and one by Holdens Plantation.
Info thanks to Ian Woosey
Info thanks to Ian Woosey
4 Woodcock in the vicinity of the Burnt Edge parking spot. Much better views than the previous few evenings due to the snow. Could be seen on the ground in the Highland Cow field.
2 Kestrel
8 Red Grouse
Walked around burnt edge for an hour at 2pm
Nothing but a crow magpie and pheasant.
Then to hear reports of the shorties at 3pm
How frustrating
Im starting to hate this place very unlucky 4 me lol
Another ''beltin'' dog walk!
3 to 4.30 this pm, around Burnt Edge.
At 3pm with (nice to meet) Dan Brown ...Short- eared Owls.. 3.
All the Owls around Slack Hall area.
One sat on wall ...one on path signpost....
Later:
Woodcock ....2 or three.
Heron 1
Kestrel 1
Pied Wagtail...1
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 15th of December 2011 06:42:54 PM
Info thanks to Andy Makin
5340 Woodpigeon over NNW
35 Pink-footed Geese SE at 8:50 and 120 at 9:34.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
1 Short -eared Owl seen for about 10mins from Burnt Edge Lane looking toward Two Lads at about 4pm.
Another or same seen about 20 mins later next to Slack Hall.
With Ken and Jill, 6 Woodcock near junction of Burnt Edge Lane and Matchmoor Lane.
Last time i dipped the wryneck.
This time was much better, went at first light to try and get a view of the snow bunting, and as soon as we got to the mast there it was! Cracking little bird and as others have siad very confiding! It came towards us despite me and brother trying to keep a respectable distance!
Also 4 Red Grouse on the moors too, no Owls but very windy morning
Excellent place will definitely be back!
1 short eared owl, distant view from georges lane on the hill above quarry at 8.35am followed shortly by a peregrine falcon drifting over.
1 snow bunting, after missing the bird on saturday afternoon was pleased to see it at 9.30am for 20 mins before dissapearing into the mist. then again around 11 ish for over 30 mins but on the other side off the gate from the seed, so went for a little walk to warm up and returned at 12 (when the sun was shinning) and had fantastic/beltin views off upto 10ft and managed some good pics. excellent bird that was almost a kestrels dinner but it got away,hung around for another 30 mins but did not return.
other birds..
2 ravens
4-6 kestrels
11 bullfinches (near holdens plantation)
7 fieldfares (holdens farm)
2 red grouse
13 meadow pipits
plus the pink footed geese on the appropriate thread.
nice to meet pat griffin, ian chisnall & paul risley.
Whooper Swan 4 east at 8.30
Pink footed Goose 120+ se at 8.43 and 150+ se at 8.48
Woodpigeon 580+ nw
Lapwing 200 w
Short eared Owl 2 above Burnt Edge late afternoon and 5 Woodcock at dusk.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
''Beltin'' dog walk, Adam hill, 2 until 3 this pm.
Short- eared Owl 1, Kestrel 1, Raven 1.
Owl got up from heather 40 yards away and flew short distance over stonewall.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
An interesting sighting indeed, Andy Makin perched on a post! Glad to hear he's recovered from his Moors Fever!
Disappointed with the visibility. took my wife up to see Short Eared Owls, but no joy. Bit of pea souper.
Will get back up on a better day for some pictures if the bunting stays around!!
while others are having a fantastic/beltin few hours, i was just having a normal casual day.
no signs off snow bunting between 2.45-3.45pm
at least 8 red grouse (along mast rd)
2 ravens (mast)
1 stonechat (female, wilders moor)
siskins & bullfinches (the dell)
4 kestrels
32 meadow pipits
4 mistle thrushes
1 pied wagtail
1 goosander (male, over at 1.02pm heading north west)
so it was karen that waved at me,did not realise it was you at first.
i was on the train with the dissapointed fans
What a fantastic day, well worthy of a little slip-up!
County birding almost as good as it gets today
I have to thank Warfy for making sure I got to the station before all the disappointed Wanderers fans too
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 10th of December 2011 07:19:11 PM
male Snow Bunting still present by the main mast building, you just stand there and it comes to you! It almost ran into us. It got to about 15 feet from the gm boundary. There is now plenty of seed down on the track opposite the main building - feel free to keep topping it up though we could get a few more joining it.
Certainly three possibly four Short-eared Owls around the Burnt Edge moor area, ranging from Adams Hill to Newfields farm.
5 Woodcock flew over Burnt Edge at dusk, also Peregrine and 3 Raven.
348 Pink-feet SE early morning in 4 skiens. (Andy).
Not a bad day Karen?
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 10th of December 2011 05:57:38 PM
Info thanks to Ken Haydock (via Andy Makin)
Went up for the Snow Bunting but got there just after the motorbike unfortunately.
Nice to meet Gary Liley up there, hopefully he got the Owl as well.
Also seen
28 Woodpigeon - 11 then 17
c30 Bullfinches in one flock was a nice sight and also sounded lovely
4 Red Grouse
3 Kestrel
Still no Merlin.
A fantastic hour and half up there today!!
Chris