Along the wall: Wheatear 7 Skylarks 3 (Song flight 1) Meadow Pipits 4 STONECHAT (FEM) 1 Also:
Red Grouse... 2 (sitings) Kestrel 1 Amazing site of a Curlew attacking a Large Corvid !!
Otherwise very peaceful and pleasant here this evening.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu May 5 3:05 PM, 2011
13 Wheatear and 2 Stonechat along Mast Road this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Wed May 4 8:39 PM, 2011
Grasshopper Warbler on the path to Burnt Edge off Mast Road at 10:15am today.
Info thanks to Andy Little
Simon Warford said
Mon May 2 1:38 PM, 2011
Late am/early pm with dad and Andy Makin,
Tree Pipit along Georges Lane (Andy) Garden Warbler still singing Georges Lane 13 Wheatear, some greenland birds. Grasshopper Warbler. Frantic scanning from scout road but failed to connect with Phils Rumworth Red Kite which seemed to drop behind trees near High rid, but no sign up to 1.30pm.
Simon Warford said
Wed Apr 27 8:32 PM, 2011
This morning with Andy Makin,
male Ring Ouzel sat on the wall at Wildersmoor for a while. Garden Warbler still singing in the Dell, Georges Lane. 25 Wheatear scattered about.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 26 9:24 PM, 2011
This morning:
Green Woodpecker and Treecreeper below the kennels on Georges Lane 1 singing Garden Warbler in the Dell at Georges Lane. 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Siskin, 5 Swallow north and 14 Wheatear.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Fri Apr 22 10:49 PM, 2011
This morning,
30 Wheatear 3 Grasshopper Warbler Whitethroat & good views of the smog, was best the usual crew could find.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 19 4:49 PM, 2011
Ian, you could well be correct about the Ouzels. As I said in my post, todays views were the best I've ever had and so therefore I've no point of reference as far as ageing is concerned.
As for the Whimbrel, it circled around several times calling out (but not in an aggressive, panic calling way) before it finally landed somewhere out of view. I took this to be displaying calls but I could well be wrong.
I've got a few photo's of the Ouzel (one shot showing all three). I'll send them to you later.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 19 3:14 PM, 2011
Hi Nick, Andy's original three Ouzels were a pair and probable immature female (bearing in mind the potential difficulty in ageing them at this time of year. If you therefore had an immature male then it's a different bird although ageing spring males in the field is often difficult to say the least!
As for a displaying Whimbrel. That's remarkable and the first occasions that's ever been witnessed in the county I can ever recall.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 19 2:37 PM, 2011
After arriving at 9.30 this morning I soon picked up a single Ring Ouzel in the horse field by Mast Road. I then bumped into Keith Mills whereby we found another two. As Keith has already said, a full adult male, a female and what appeared to be a first year male. These were my best views of Ring Ouzel to date and it was good to compare the different plumages of the sexes and ages of the birds as they happily fed and soaked up the spring sunshine.
After spending an hour or so watching the ouzels I had a quick visit over to Burnt Edge but there was nothing apparent to be seen. I then had a little wander down Edge lane with the camera to photograph the pipits and Wheatear I'd seen down there and was also rewarded with a displaying Whimbrel right over my head.
I great morning to be out and also good to meet Keith. Always nice to put a face to a name!!
Keith Mills said
Tue Apr 19 11:48 AM, 2011
Horse fields at bottom of Mast Road, 9 to 11 am.
Ring Ouzels (still present) 3. A Pair plus one first summer female.( Thanks Andy) Very good prolonged views.
-- Edited by keith mills on Tuesday 19th of April 2011 12:01:33 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Apr 18 10:29 AM, 2011
Three Ring Ouzels this morning (male, female and probable first summer female) in the horse fields at the bottom of Mast Road.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Apr 17 9:32 PM, 2011
This mornings sightings:
4 Buzzard north 2 Grasshopper Warbler, one on the moor facing Green Nook Cottage and one by Holdens Clough were the paths meet 2 Fieldfare 1 female Ring Ouzel by Two Lads Hill 54 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Sat Apr 16 5:53 PM, 2011
This morning between me, my dad & Andy Makin,
Female Marsh Harrier north west over mast road then Wildersmoor 8am (Andy).
Male Ring Ouzel big hedge, Higher Meadows, 6.30am still present 9.30am but elusive.
Female Ring Ouzel by rocket shape mast just in Lancs, then flew into GM and off towards Deans ditch.
5 Whimbrel through north over Deans ditch 10.30am
67 Wheatear
1 Brambling
86 Meadow Pipit north
1 Little Owl
1 male Stonechat
1 Swallow north 2 Sand Martin north
26+ Willow Warbler
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Apr 15 12:42 PM, 2011
Thanks Fred, Ken Haydock also informed of it's location this morning.
fred fouracre said
Fri Apr 15 12:18 PM, 2011
heather hall is on the left on matchmoor lane after the quarry.
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Apr 14 9:03 PM, 2011
21 Wheatears on the moors today.
Also, Ken Haydock had a male Whinchat at Heather Hall (where ever that is?) at 4pm.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 14th of April 2011 09:06:34 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Apr 14 9:02 PM, 2011
Could also just as easily be a Common Buzzard from the description
Dennis atherton said
Thu Apr 14 6:08 PM, 2011
Hi Fred,
the very pale breast area and the very dark wings does sound very similar, it does have a whiteish light area very noticeable at the base of the red tail, it could be the same bird? i will send you a private email and send you the picture of the actual bird so you can compare
Note,
Im sure no-one actually thinks this is a wild bird and is most probably a escapee but im still very happy to find a Red tailed Hawk flying around up rivington, even an escapee
Superb
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 14th of April 2011 06:10:01 PM
fred fouracre said
Thu Apr 14 5:37 PM, 2011
with regard the posting below re a possible red tailed hawk.i saw a bird of prey today and dont know what it is.it was on a fence post by the gate on the path that leads from burnt edge to the mast road.it had a fairly dark brown back and a pale breast.it also seemed to have whitish blotches on its back.when it flew off towards the quarry it looked all dark but it flew close to the ground and against the heather it was difficult to follow it.help please!! also saw lots of meadow pipits and skylarks as well as a male grouse posing nicely on a wall.oh and at least 20 wheatear mainly along the wall at bottom of burnt edge
-- Edited by fred fouracre on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:16:26 PM
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 13 10:34 PM, 2011
10 Wheatear today with 6 at Holdens Farm (3 1st summer males, 1 adult male and 2 females), 1 on Burnt Edge (adult male) and 3 by the mast in GM (2 adult males and 1 female).
Keith Mills said
Wed Apr 13 8:32 AM, 2011
Around Brown Lowe(Sugar loaf Hill) Pleasant evening: Wheatear 6 together in field between hill and Coal pit Lane( 5 together on barb wire!) Curlew 1 over Chaffinch Pair Reed Buntings 2 Mixed flock c 8 disappeared into plantation one was a Fieldfare. Could the Ring Ouzel have been in this as I could not locate it? Also Curlews 3 in field at top of Smithills Dean. Had a long chat with two of the Local Farmers. One of whom is the sister in law of DR. Tim Melling . The RSPB North West Conservation Officer.
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 13th of April 2011 08:41:14 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 12 11:38 AM, 2011
2 female type Ring Ouzel by Suger Loaf Hill this morning, viewed from the Burnt Edge side of the track to Holdens. Also a pair of Stonechat on Mast Rd by the barrior.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Apr 11 2:28 PM, 2011
1 female Ring Ouzel with 6 Fieldfare in the field above Gillegans Farm off Coal Pit Lane this morning.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Jon Bowen said
Sun Apr 10 2:18 PM, 2011
Circular walk from Wilderswood, Holden Farm, Walker Fold, Burnt Edge produced 1 pair Stonechat 2 Curlew (flying over) 10 plus Wheatear across Burnt Edge Willow Warbler Siskin Kestrel Meadow Pipits Skylarks
Dennis atherton said
Sat Apr 9 8:34 PM, 2011
Today at 2ish walking from burnt edge to barrow bridge, looking left over the valley dip and over the woodlands area
i noticed a large buzzard type bird, from underneath very similar to a pale buzzard but as it turned it had a red tail leading to a pale whiteish rump area, i managed to get just one distant photo,
Photo seen by Ian Mc and he confirmed it looks very good for a Red Tailed hawk, pity the photo is too distant for a 100% ID
i thought it a good idea to post this infomation so anyone in the area can keep there eyes open for this bird,
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 9 10:42 AM, 2011
Pair of Ring Ouzel on Wildersmoor this morning.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Apr 8 10:29 PM, 2011
Other sightings over today:
2 Kestrel high n 2 Stock Dove 4 Woodpigeon high s 1 Golden Plover 6 single Swallow n 16 Sand Martin n 120 Meadow Pipit n 1 Fieldfare 4 Redpoll 2 Siskin 3 Chaffinch n
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Fri Apr 8 10:12 PM, 2011
A 2nd Ring Ouzel along Georges Lane this afternoon but elusive. Also up to 55 Wheatear over the whole area today, including several leaving the mast area to fly high to the north continuing their migration.
Info thanks to Andy Makin.
Keith Mills said
Fri Apr 8 7:22 PM, 2011
This evening Burnt Edge to Holdens: Meadow Pipits 10 Wheatear 6 In the field with the piled up Scrub at Holdens. 2 on fence posts. Curlew 1 Brown Lowe Search for Ring Ouzel posponed following a call from Dennis Atherton (see Cutacre Thread)
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Apr 8 12:07 PM, 2011
A single male or bright female Ring Ouzel and 10 Wheatears present at 11:45 this morning. The Ring Ouzel then flew to Hawthorns near Holdens Farm at 11:55.
Info thanks to Ken Haydock
Mark Rigby said
Sun Apr 3 7:20 PM, 2011
Karen Foulkes wrote:
Simon Warford wrote: Could also a see a fair size moorland fire somewhere over beyond stalybridge or that sort of area.
Could also see that from Audenshaw this evening, looks like the local scum/careless walkers are out and about again
The fire was at Dovestones. Talking to the ranger she said about 32 hectares of hillside had been burnt but did not get as far as the recently restored 'moorland' on the top of the ridge.
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Apr 2 9:27 PM, 2011
Simon Warford wrote:
Could also a see a fair size moorland fire somewhere over beyond stalybridge or that sort of area.
Could also see that from Audenshaw this evening, looks like the local scum/careless walkers are out and about again
Simon Warford said
Sat Apr 2 8:37 PM, 2011
9 Wheatear late afternoon/early evening seen between me, my dad & Ken at various locations. Most being 2 near Holdens farm & 3 below Lomax plantation looking towards Brian Hey Res where there are some perfect looking wheatear fields!
I spent some time from the trig point above Lomax hoping for an Osprey but no luck, although I did see a couple of Buzzards high up and a Raven at an unbelievable height circling for some time above Bolton town centre, so high some light airplanes were passing it by. A Brambling was heard calling in Lomax plantation but I didnt see it. Could also a see a fair size moorland fire somewhere over beyond stalybridge or that sort of area.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Apr 2 2:23 PM, 2011
Sightings from this morning:
Single Swallow, Brambling and Siskin Burnt Edge
Georges Lane from 10am:
30 LBbGull south 3 drake Common Scoter south over Horwich at 11:40 Male Merlin north-west 2 Sparrowhawk north (including a melanistic bird) 1 Buzzard north 2 Curlew 1 Oystercatcher north 1 Golden Plover south 9 Chaffinch, 5 Siskin and 25 Redpoll north 3 Linnet south 1 Skylark 161 Meadow Pipit north 116 Woodpigeon mainly south 1 House Martin north 2 Willow Warblers at Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Mar 31 3:52 PM, 2011
Early morning Georges Lane highlights (pre-10am) in strong wind:
Single Waxwing over Male Merlin through at supersonic speed Single Chiffchaff at Higher Meadows
Above info thanks to Andy Makin
Late morning/early afternoon in now near gale force wind!
104 Fieldfare with c110 Starling at Holdens Farm Chiffchaff still getting blown about at Higher Meadows! 240 Crow Burnt Edge 5 Curlew Holdens area
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 31st of March 2011 03:54:13 PM
Keith Mills said
Tue Mar 29 8:20 PM, 2011
Evening saunter from Walker Fold. 5.30pm.
Wheatear 1 male showing well on wall crossing down Burnt Edge.
Buzzard 2 over Holden's Plantation ...one being mobbed by a Crow.
Heron 1 and Sparrowhawk 1 ..both Walker Fold.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Mar 28 3:12 PM, 2011
Early morning today:
1 brambling north along Georges Lane Redshank over Deans Ditch, also 4 single curlew n, 2 1st summer male Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 3 Redpoll, 2 single Siskin, 3 Chaffinch, and 176 Meadow Pipit.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Sun Mar 27 4:19 PM, 2011
Also a third male Wheatear along Georges Lane this morning and a female Stonechat Holdens Clough.
Also just the other side of the mast in Lancs, a rather large part of the moorland has been burnt this week, approx 2km square.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Mar 27 2:08 PM, 2011
2 Wheatears on Winter Hill today plus a single Golden Plover.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Mar 25 12:48 PM, 2011
Mornings vismig 6:30-8am:
1 Twite calling north 1 Brambling n 2 Swallow nw 1 Crossbill s Total of 42 redpoll 1 Linnet 16 Siskin 18 Chaffinch 7 finch sp 22 Meadow Pipit 49 Woodpigeon nnw 4 single curlew n 1 Greylag Goose nw 1 Green Woodpecker Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin
fred fouracre said
Thu Mar 24 6:13 PM, 2011
2 kestrels displaying over the quarry lots of mipits some displaying 3 singing skylarks 200+ flock of rooks and jackdaws in fields off matchmoore lane 2 herons at holdens farm.i think they were eating frogs because all the little ponds in front of the farm were alive with croaking frogs and already solid with spawn
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Mar 24 3:02 PM, 2011
A single female Wheatear was around the mast area of Winter Hill this morning, on the GM side of the boundary.
Info thanks to Ken Haydock (via Andy Makin)
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Mar 23 12:49 PM, 2011
Sightings from today:
A nice pasage of birds mainly north/north-west this morning. Vismig watch from 6.45 until 9 and again from 10 until 11 along Georges Lane. Most movement 8 until 9. Most birds singles moving n/nw.
1 female merlin north 7.05 Good redpoll movement with 37 north Meadow Pipit 17 Skylark 5 Siskin 1 Chaffinch 19 Woodpigeon 33 nw in ones and twos Crossbill- a male heading south landed briefly at Wilderswood Finch sp. 12
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Simon Warford said
Sat Mar 19 9:20 PM, 2011
Vis mig sightings last couple of days from Georges Lane,
19/3/11 8.30-11.30am
1 Curlew N 11 Siskin N 22 Meadow Pipit N 31 Chaffinch N Also several Redpoll & Goldcrest along Georges Lane and a Peregrine stooping in front of us to catch a prey item.
18/3/11 am (Andy Makin only)
1 Dunlin N 1 Twite N 4 Brambling N 5 Siskin N 7 Chaffinch N 6 Redpoll 7 finch sp
Keith Mills said
Wed Mar 16 10:32 AM, 2011
This am. 9 to 10: Curlew, Calling and 3 low flights seen over fields near Sugar Loaf Plantation. One carrying (nesting material?). One flight down on top of knoll behind Holden's. Also: Kestrel 1 Burnt Edge. Heron 1 usual flight path. Carrion Crow 70 over conifers Plenty Pheasant G Tit 1 Blue Tit 1 Chaffinches singing
Simon Warford said
Tue Mar 8 10:41 PM, 2011
Some recent sightings from Andy Makin and myself.
Today(Andy), all birds heading north or north west:
3 female Crossbill over Georges Lane, also 4 Curlew 3 Skylark 14 Siskin 20 Chaffinch 1 Redpoll 10 Woodpigeon 1 Stock Dove 4 Lapwing
Sunday 6th March am (me)
20 Waxwing east over Burnt Edge at 9.50am 2 Curlew north 1 Skylark north 3 Buzzard
Sat 5th March am(Andy)
Single Golden Plover north Also singles of Curlew, Siskin & Skylark all north.
Joey Eccles said
Sun Mar 6 4:49 PM, 2011
this am:
warm in the sun but a biting wind Burnt edge to Winter hill, then down to walker fold woods
at least 4 raven 3 skylark seen, more singing single lapwing over grey heron over The more wooded areas produced: coal, blue and great tits nuthatch starling bullfinch and siskin heard and a stoat
Simon Warford said
Tue Mar 1 5:52 PM, 2011
This morning with Andy Makin, glorious weather, didnt even wear my gloves, first signs of spring vis mig.
Single Waxwing SE over Dean's ditch(Andy) 5 Golden Plover (1 high north & 4 landed on Smithills moor 2 Curlew N 9 Buzzard W & N 6 Skylark N & several others singing 2 Meadow Pipit N 3 Redpoll N 30 Siskin N in 4 groups 250 Fieldfare N - one single flock appeared from nowhere and flew off over the moor past the mast, no sign of any Fieldfare in the fields.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 1st of March 2011 05:54:15 PM
2 grasshopper warblers ( 1 seen 1 heard)
2 stonechat
13 Wheatear
2 Bullfinch
Reed Bunting
2 Curlew
3 Willow Warblers
3 Canada Geese
6 pheasant
Pied Wagtail
plus lots of M Pipits & Skylarks
Along the wall:
Wheatear 7
Skylarks 3 (Song flight 1)
Meadow Pipits 4
STONECHAT (FEM) 1
Also:
Red Grouse... 2 (sitings)
Kestrel 1
Amazing site of a Curlew attacking a Large Corvid !!
Otherwise very peaceful and pleasant here this evening.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Little
Tree Pipit along Georges Lane (Andy)
Garden Warbler still singing Georges Lane
13 Wheatear, some greenland birds.
Grasshopper Warbler.
Frantic scanning from scout road but failed to connect with Phils Rumworth Red Kite which seemed to drop behind trees near High rid, but no sign up to 1.30pm.
male Ring Ouzel sat on the wall at Wildersmoor for a while.
Garden Warbler still singing in the Dell, Georges Lane.
25 Wheatear scattered about.
Green Woodpecker and Treecreeper below the kennels on Georges Lane
1 singing Garden Warbler in the Dell at Georges Lane.
1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Siskin, 5 Swallow north and 14 Wheatear.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
30 Wheatear
3 Grasshopper Warbler
Whitethroat
& good views of the smog,
was best the usual crew could find.
As for the Whimbrel, it circled around several times calling out (but not in an aggressive, panic calling way) before it finally landed somewhere out of view. I took this to be displaying calls but I could well be wrong.
I've got a few photo's of the Ouzel (one shot showing all three). I'll send them to you later.
As for a displaying Whimbrel. That's remarkable and the first occasions that's ever been witnessed in the county I can ever recall.
After spending an hour or so watching the ouzels I had a quick visit over to Burnt Edge but there was nothing apparent to be seen. I then had a little wander down Edge lane with the camera to photograph the pipits and Wheatear I'd seen down there and was also rewarded with a displaying Whimbrel right over my head.
I great morning to be out and also good to meet Keith. Always nice to put a face to a name!!
Ring Ouzels (still present) 3. A Pair plus one first summer female.( Thanks Andy)
Very good prolonged views.
Mistle Thrush 2,
Blackbirds 4
Linnet 1
Pied Wagtail 1
Starlings 3
Pheasant 4
Lapwing 1
Wheatear 2
Willow Warbler 1
Gt. Tit 1
Meadow Pipits 4
Magpies
Nice to meet Nick Isherwood.
-- Edited by keith mills on Tuesday 19th of April 2011 12:01:33 PM
Info thanks to Andy Makin
4 Buzzard north
2 Grasshopper Warbler, one on the moor facing Green Nook Cottage and one by Holdens Clough were the paths meet
2 Fieldfare
1 female Ring Ouzel by Two Lads Hill
54 Wheatear
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Female Marsh Harrier north west over mast road then Wildersmoor 8am (Andy).
Male Ring Ouzel big hedge, Higher Meadows, 6.30am still present 9.30am but elusive.
Female Ring Ouzel by rocket shape mast just in Lancs, then flew into GM and off towards Deans ditch.
5 Whimbrel through north over Deans ditch 10.30am
67 Wheatear
1 Brambling
86 Meadow Pipit north
1 Little Owl
1 male Stonechat
1 Swallow north
2 Sand Martin north
26+ Willow Warbler
Also, Ken Haydock had a male Whinchat at Heather Hall (where ever that is?) at 4pm.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 14th of April 2011 09:06:34 PM
the very pale breast area and the very dark wings does sound very similar, it does have a whiteish light area very noticeable at the base of the red tail, it could be the same bird? i will send you a private email and send you the picture of the actual bird so you can compare
Note,
Im sure no-one actually thinks this is a wild bird and is most probably a escapee but im still very happy to find a Red tailed Hawk flying around up rivington, even an escapee
Superb
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 14th of April 2011 06:10:01 PM
also saw lots of meadow pipits and skylarks as well as a male grouse posing nicely on a wall.oh and at least 20 wheatear mainly along the wall at bottom of burnt edge
-- Edited by fred fouracre on Thursday 14th of April 2011 08:16:26 PM
Pleasant evening:
Wheatear 6 together in field between hill and Coal pit Lane( 5 together on barb wire!)
Curlew 1 over
Chaffinch Pair
Reed Buntings 2
Mixed flock c 8 disappeared into plantation one was a Fieldfare.
Could the Ring Ouzel have been in this as I could not locate it?
Also Curlews 3 in field at top of Smithills Dean.
Had a long chat with two of the Local Farmers. One of whom is the sister in law of DR. Tim Melling . The RSPB North West Conservation Officer.
-- Edited by keith mills on Wednesday 13th of April 2011 08:41:14 AM
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin
1 pair Stonechat
2 Curlew (flying over)
10 plus Wheatear across Burnt Edge
Willow Warbler
Siskin
Kestrel
Meadow Pipits
Skylarks
i noticed a large buzzard type bird, from underneath very similar to a pale buzzard but as it turned it had a red tail leading to a pale whiteish rump area, i managed to get just one distant photo,
Photo seen by Ian Mc and he confirmed it looks very good for a Red Tailed hawk, pity the photo is too distant for a 100% ID
i thought it a good idea to post this infomation so anyone in the area can keep there eyes open for this bird,
Info thanks to Simon Warford
2 Kestrel high n
2 Stock Dove
4 Woodpigeon high s
1 Golden Plover
6 single Swallow n
16 Sand Martin n
120 Meadow Pipit n
1 Fieldfare
4 Redpoll
2 Siskin
3 Chaffinch n
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin.
Meadow Pipits 10
Wheatear 6 In the field with the piled up Scrub at Holdens. 2 on fence posts.
Curlew 1 Brown Lowe
Search for Ring Ouzel posponed following a call from Dennis Atherton (see Cutacre
Thread)
Info thanks to Ken Haydock
The fire was at Dovestones. Talking to the ranger she said about 32 hectares of hillside had been burnt but did not get as far as the recently restored 'moorland' on the top of the ridge.
Single Swallow, Brambling and Siskin Burnt Edge
Georges Lane from 10am:
30 LBbGull south
3 drake Common Scoter south over Horwich at 11:40
Male Merlin north-west
2 Sparrowhawk north (including a melanistic bird)
1 Buzzard north
2 Curlew
1 Oystercatcher north
1 Golden Plover south
9 Chaffinch, 5 Siskin and 25 Redpoll north
3 Linnet south
1 Skylark
161 Meadow Pipit north
116 Woodpigeon mainly south
1 House Martin north
2 Willow Warblers at Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Single Waxwing over
Male Merlin through at supersonic speed
Single Chiffchaff at Higher Meadows
Above info thanks to Andy Makin
Late morning/early afternoon in now near gale force wind!
104 Fieldfare with c110 Starling at Holdens Farm
Chiffchaff still getting blown about at Higher Meadows!
240 Crow Burnt Edge
5 Curlew Holdens area
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 31st of March 2011 03:54:13 PM
1 brambling north along Georges Lane
Redshank over Deans Ditch, also 4 single curlew n, 2 1st summer male Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 3 Redpoll, 2 single Siskin, 3 Chaffinch, and 176 Meadow Pipit.
Info thanks to Andy Makin
Info thanks to Andy Makin
1 Twite calling north
1 Brambling n
2 Swallow nw
1 Crossbill s
Total of 42 redpoll
1 Linnet
16 Siskin
18 Chaffinch
7 finch sp
22 Meadow Pipit
49 Woodpigeon nnw
4 single curlew n
1 Greylag Goose nw
1 Green Woodpecker Higher Meadows
Info thanks to Andy Makin
lots of mipits some displaying
3 singing skylarks
200+ flock of rooks and jackdaws in fields off matchmoore lane
2 herons at holdens farm.i think they were eating frogs because all the little ponds in front of the farm were alive with croaking frogs and already solid with spawn
Info thanks to Ken Haydock (via Andy Makin)
A nice pasage of birds mainly north/north-west this morning. Vismig watch from 6.45 until 9 and again from 10 until 11 along Georges Lane. Most movement 8 until 9. Most birds singles moving n/nw.
1 female merlin north 7.05
Good redpoll movement with 37 north
Meadow Pipit 17
Skylark 5
Siskin 1
Chaffinch 19
Woodpigeon 33 nw in ones and twos
Crossbill- a male heading south landed briefly at Wilderswood
Finch sp. 12
Info thanks to Andy Makin
19/3/11 8.30-11.30am
1 Curlew N
11 Siskin N
22 Meadow Pipit N
31 Chaffinch N
Also several Redpoll & Goldcrest along Georges Lane and a Peregrine stooping in front of us to catch a prey item.
18/3/11 am (Andy Makin only)
1 Dunlin N
1 Twite N
4 Brambling N
5 Siskin N
7 Chaffinch N
6 Redpoll
7 finch sp
Curlew, Calling and 3 low flights seen over fields near Sugar Loaf Plantation.
One carrying (nesting material?). One flight down on top of knoll behind Holden's.
Also:
Kestrel 1 Burnt Edge.
Heron 1 usual flight path.
Carrion Crow 70 over conifers
Plenty Pheasant
G Tit 1
Blue Tit 1
Chaffinches singing
Today(Andy), all birds heading north or north west:
3 female Crossbill over Georges Lane, also
4 Curlew
3 Skylark
14 Siskin
20 Chaffinch
1 Redpoll
10 Woodpigeon
1 Stock Dove
4 Lapwing
Sunday 6th March am (me)
20 Waxwing east over Burnt Edge at 9.50am
2 Curlew north
1 Skylark north
3 Buzzard
Sat 5th March am(Andy)
Single Golden Plover north
Also singles of Curlew, Siskin & Skylark all north.
warm in the sun but a biting wind
Burnt edge to Winter hill, then down to walker fold woods
at least 4 raven
3 skylark seen, more singing
single lapwing over
grey heron over
The more wooded areas produced:
coal, blue and great tits
nuthatch
starling
bullfinch and siskin heard
and a stoat
Single Waxwing SE over Dean's ditch(Andy)
5 Golden Plover (1 high north & 4 landed on Smithills moor
2 Curlew N
9 Buzzard W & N
6 Skylark N & several others singing
2 Meadow Pipit N
3 Redpoll N
30 Siskin N in 4 groups
250 Fieldfare N - one single flock appeared from nowhere and flew off over the moor past the mast, no sign of any Fieldfare in the fields.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 1st of March 2011 05:54:15 PM