1Buzzard above the shell station on the E. Lancs A580 just before the Higher Green, Astley turn off ( coming from Manc ) flying south (left) about 14.35. Wasn't sure if it was worth a mention ?

-- Edited by Pete Hines at 19:29, 2008-01-02

I've just returned home from the funeral of Richard Burnett R.I.P. A Stretford birder who found last years Ring-necked Duck on the River Mersey, sadly died of cancer on Xmas Eve. A top guy who will be sorely missed. Much birding banter at the funeral - even the service.

As well todays PFG sighting Tony O'Mahony had a Woodcock this morning near Ashton-on-Mersey ETW at Kickety Brook, Stretford SJ790920

A couple of people saw a Kingfisher at Chorlton Brook at Chorlton Park on their way to the funeral.

Tony even had his bins with him - though no Parakeets over the Southern Cemetary Crematorium.

31/12/07
1 Peregrine flying over Horrock's Fold, Bolton this afternoon.
1 Barn Owl near the Belmont Road/ Scout Road Junction at dusk. Several pellets also found nearby.

It would be really helpful if all Bolton birders could keep an eye open for any town centre Peregrines, and report them here or to me, so we have ammunition to get a box installed on the town hall.

Interesting, Richard. I was in Bolton town centre fri pm. I saw what i thought was a Peregrine fly into the Parish Church tower. Couldn't find where it landed, it was going dark.
Couldn't make a possitive id,no bins.

Dean.

22/12/07
1 Peregrine (probably a female) in Bolton Town Centre at dusk, perching up on the Town Hall by the clock.

It is Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!
There should be lots of red breasted birds
Merry Xmas

Robins robins and robins loads of the little blighters today 25 in total with 13 dunnocks 9 blackbirds 4 wrens can you tell I was doing my BTO bit today

You will have to put two and two together Judith as I am not allowed to put news out for this private site, but looked like a classic fall all over the site extra blackbirds dunnocks, and wrens also, plus a number of willow tits in the area.
going reed watching again this weekend
keep birding

Where were your Robins, Paul?

had a flock of robins this morning yes a flock 17 in one place then search of area revealed at least 35, never seen so many blooming robins, it was a first

12/12/07 1325-1525hrs

Chiffchaff found whilst doing my timed tedrad for the bird atlas.As well as the usual suspects I saw nearly 100 siskin in 5 different flocks, 4 brambling, 2 dipper, grey wag and g.s.woodpecker.

If any New Years Day listers want the location, we could come to some arrangement.
On the down side, as I was walking back home, I saw a goosander flying overhead-then realised if I was sat at home, it would have been visible from my front room window. Missed a garden tick.
-- Edited by riggers at 09:46, 2007-12-13

Thanks - I know which stores you mean. They like to get near the ducts where the warm air comes out - sensible birds!

male goosander took off from River Tame nr. Gret Portwood St. and away east over the Peel Centre 15.30 today.

Judit,

its just across the road from ashton moss and they normally roost on MFI & Pets at Home.

cheers

Andrew

Graham Jones tells me he counted 127 Pied Wagtails in a roost at Snipe Retail Park tonight. I think this is the one on the Ashton Moss development near A-u-L.

130 Starlings went to roost in Leylandii conifers next to ASDA's car park in Bury town centre at 1610 tonight - people might moan about Leylandii but they're great for roosting birds!

10/12/2007 -
Hale Barns (Davenport Green - SJ802865)
1 Snipe (flushed from bullrush depression)
20+ Siskins (flew over around Buttery House Lane)
2 Bullfinches
1 Nuthatch
2 Pied Wagtail (flew over)
3 Buzzards
30+ Starlings
and fantastic views of 2 Foxes hunting Pheasants!


-- Edited by henerz1 at 13:36, 2007-12-10

upper wood farm
1 grey wagtail
4 yellowhammers
and 2 roe deer

sat 01/12/07 hindley golf club lake 1 male goosander seen from the car

cheers geoff

28/11/07

3 Goosanders flying NW @ 08.25 along L&L canal, over the B5238, New Springs.

Again, Birdguides reported 10 Goosander on the River Mersey at Heaton Merey adjacent to the rugby club yesterday 8th Nov

Birdguides report yesterday 13th Oct

20 Goosander, Heaton Mersey on river next to Burnage Rugby Club

14/10/07

Tawny Owl calling in the grounds of Whelley Hospital, Wigan @ 06.20

27/9/07

2 Buzzards over the B5238, New Springs, Wigan @13.05

13/6/07 late-morning

Abram Flashes ;

Little Owl perched atop Lightshaw Hall Farm barn roof (try saying that after a few ! )

Hi Ian,

I popped up on my bike after work tonight but unfortunately couldnt hear anything other than Blackcaps

14/5/07 late afternoon Spotted Flycatcher along Longworth Lane, by Dunscar Golf Club, Bolton. (whilst looking for Wood Warbler, of which neither sight nor sound - but I could have been in the wrong area ? )