Highlights from a longer morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor:
Single Curlew and 8 Lapwing.
1 Buzzard, 1 Little Owl and 1 Raven.
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker including a drumming bird.
4 Stock Dove.
1 Dipper.
2 Goldcrest and 1 Treecreeper.
Flock of c 40 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Mar 2 11:53 AM, 2020
Highlights from a longer morning circuit:
1 Curlew, my first returning bird of the spring, and 6 Lapwing.
2 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
Small numbers of all 5 common Turdus species again.
10 singing Skylark on the highest ground.
Flighty flock of c20 Lesser Redpoll at the top of Redisher Wood.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Feb 25 3:45 PM, 2020
Highlights from a morning circuit today and a short one yesterday afternoon:
5 Lapwing braving the weather!
2 Kestrel.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
1 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Good mixed finch flock at the top of Redisher Wood that included at least 30 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Siskin.
1 Treecreeper.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Feb 17 9:17 AM, 2020
Late report on 2 short visits yesterday:
4 Lapwing, being the first returning birds of the spring.
1 Little Owl.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Feb 13 1:07 PM, 2020
Highlights from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
Pair of Goosander.
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Dipper and 3 Grey Wagtail together, with one of the Wagtails starting to get its summer plumage.
Flock of 10 Siskin.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Feb 6 11:57 AM, 2020
Highlights from a pleasant and calm(!) morning circuit including Moorbottom Road and the highest ground over the moor:
2 Little Owl and 1 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Stonechat and, best of all,
2 Skylark in full song on the highest ground!
Roger Halsey said
Mon Feb 3 12:20 PM, 2020
Highlights from a morning circuit:
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
3 Stock Dove.
Flock of 7 Raven together soaring and playing in the updraught on the side of the moor. I wonder what the age composition of such a flock is at this time of year?
Roger Halsey said
Thu Jan 23 4:38 PM, 2020
Morning highlights from the same circuit as Monday:
2 Kestrel.
2 Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, with the first drumming of the year noted.
All 5 Turdus, with 45+ Redwing.
1 Dipper, my first of the year here.
1 Reed Bunting.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Jan 20 12:27 PM, 2020
A bit more activity this morning with 31 species noted in a 2 hour circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road, with the best being:
1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker displaying.
All 5 Turdus species again.
1 Treecreeper.
2 Stonechat.
11 Bullfinch including a compact flock of at least 8 birds together.
Roger Halsey said
Wed Jan 15 12:56 PM, 2020
Rather quiet on a longer morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor, with the best being:
1 Little Owl, 1 Buzzard, and 2 Kestrel.
Small numbers of all 5 common Turdus species.
1 Grey Wagtail
2 Stonechat and 2 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Jan 6 11:29 AM, 2020
A good morning for raptors with Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel and Little Owl all being noted. Also 1 Raven and 25 Fieldfare.
Roger Halsey said
Sun Jan 5 7:03 PM, 2020
1 Green Woodpecker, c30 Redwing and 1 Lesser Redpoll in Redisher Wood this morning.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Dec 27 10:49 AM, 2019
Best from a short circuit through Redisher Wood only:
1 Goosander.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
2 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Dec 20 7:39 PM, 2019
Best from a brisk late afternoon circuit:
Poor views of 2 Partridge, presumably the Red-legged from earlier in the year.
1 Little Owl and 1 Kestrel.
Single flock of 32 Fieldfare heading SW.
1 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Wed Dec 18 1:02 PM, 2019
1 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl this morning and 2 flocks of Fieldfare headed south, totalling 30 birds.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Dec 17 11:49 AM, 2019
Best from a murky morning in Redisher Wood:
1 Teal and 1 Goosander- but no Mallard!
1 Kestrel.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
25+ Redwing.
1 Treecreeper and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
Roger Halsey said
Wed Dec 11 2:57 PM, 2019
A good sized mixed flock was in Redisher Wood this morning. Mainly Redwing and Blackbird, but also Goldcrest and Treecreeper among the Tits. There was an explosion of birds when a male Sparrowhawk came in and perched among them, but I think he went away empty handed ( or should it be taloned?) Also Dipper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Bullfinch and 4 Lesser Redpoll.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Dec 2 6:00 PM, 2019
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor:
2 male Goosander- my first of the season here.
1 Kestrel.
Dipper, 2 Goldcrest and a Treecreeper in Redisher Wood.
c 70 Redwing and 5 Fieldfare.
2 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Sun Nov 3 11:21 AM, 2019
Highlights from a murky morning circuit round Redisher Wood:
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Dipper.
Mixed flock of c30 Redwing and Fieldfare.
2 Siskin in with a flock of 15 Goldfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Oct 28 1:53 PM, 2019
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor.
2 Green Woodpecker.
2 Raven, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel.
Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
2 flocks of Fieldfare totalling 140+ birds with a few Redwing.
2 Stonechat.
Still c25 Meadow Pipit on the higher ground.
-- Edited by Roger Halsey on Monday 28th of October 2019 02:03:26 PM
Roger Halsey said
Fri Oct 25 11:31 AM, 2019
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood, Saplin Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Raven.
Dipper, Grey Wagtail and 3 Goldcrest in Redisher Wood.
Flock of c30 Fieldfare with a few Redwing and Blackbird.
Notable flock of 50-60 Lesser Redpoll at the top of Redisher Wood, with c20 Chaffinch and 3 Reed Bunting.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Oct 18 12:40 PM, 2019
Still plenty of activity during a morning circuit, but mainly common birds. Of interest:
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Green Woodpecker.
2 Raven.
1 Kingfisher, 2 Dipper, 1 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
12+ Redwing , 3 Song and 3 Mistle Thrush all appeared to be on the move.
2 Stonechat.
8 Bullfinch and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Oct 15 4:00 PM, 2019
An interesting morning circuit after the school run, with the highlights being:
2 Ring Ouzel in the area north of Saplin Wood and west of Moorbottom Road. Initially a female type was seen briefly in flight, but after a bit of searching a male was found in a hawthorn tree - and it was joined by the first bird. The 2 birds were associating with a group of Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush and a single Song Thrush.
Also 2 Red-legged Partridge, presumably the same birds from earlier in the year, in the same area.
2 Green Woodpecker.
What looked like a small influx of Goldcrest, with at least 5 birds noted, 1 Treecreeper.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Oct 11 4:12 PM, 2019
A surprisingly productive short afternoon circuit through Redisher Wood, with the highlights being:
1 Buzzard.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3 Raven over.
1 Dipper.
My first Redwing of the season, with 5 at the top of the Wood. 2 Mistle Thrush.
Flock of 22 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Oct 10 3:04 PM, 2019
A quiet long morning circuit through Redisher Wood, Red Brook Valley, Holcombe Moor and Peel Tower, but still some interest:
1 Little Owl.
2 Raven.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper and 2 Nuthatch.
Still 4 Meadow Pipit and 1 Skylark on the higher ground.
2 Bullfinch and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
Roger Halsey said
Wed Oct 2 4:17 PM, 2019
Best from a short morning circuit through Redisher Wood only:
2 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Mixed tit flock that included Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Mixed finch flock that included 12 Lesser Redpoll, and 1/2 Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Sep 30 2:06 PM, 2019
Highlights from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
1 Merlin zipped through in a southerly direction at about 12.00, my first site record. Also presumed migrant flock of 5 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 2 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker.
Flock of c60 Meadow Pipit , 4 Swallow and 6 Stonechat - all presumed migrants.
2 Raven.
2 Treecreeper and 10 Nuthatch.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Sep 27 11:16 AM, 2019
They are rebuilding a section of the retaining wall bordering the brook below the Hare and Hounds pub and have some scaffolding in the water. Perched on top of the scaffold boards this morning was a Dipper! Also 2 Grey Wagtail in the area and a 1 Buzzard, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Nuthatch in the woods.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Sep 23 2:01 PM, 2019
Limited highlights from a morning circuit including Redisher Wood and Moorbottom Road:
2 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawk.
5 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Treecreeper and 7 Nuthatch.
3 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Sep 19 1:54 PM, 2019
Highlights from a short morning circuit:
1 Spotted Flycatcher at the top of Redisher Wood.
1 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay and 2 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Sep 12 10:48 AM, 2019
A quiet morning circuit round Moorbottom Road, with the limited highlights being:
Mixed flock including Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
1 Snipe inadvertently flushed off the path back over the top.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Sep 10 1:18 PM, 2019
Another interesting, longer, circuit this morning and some different birds. Highlights:
1 Peregrine, 3 Kestrel, 3 Sparrowhawk and 1 Little Owl.
2 Green Woodpecker.
Apparent small movement of Thrushes with at least 3 Mistle and 2 Song moving south or south west.
Dipper in Redisher Wood.
Compact flock of c50 House Martin on the east side of the Moor, with c20 Swallow in the same area.
Another good mixed flock on Moorbottom Road with Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest among 4 species of Tit.
c30 Goldfinch with at least 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Roger Halsey said
Sat Sep 7 12:05 PM, 2019
An interesting lower level circuit this morning through Redisher and Saplin Wood.
2 Red-legged Partridge again. One bird looked rather pale and washed out, so maybe mixed parentage.
Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Three mixed flocks encountered all containing some summer migrants, although nothing unusual. The totals include all 4 common tits, 15+ Goldfinch, 7 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Linnet, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest.
Also 1 Treecreeper, 10 Nuthatch and an apparent influx of Robin with 30+ birds noted.
Roger Halsey said
Fri Sep 6 5:05 PM, 2019
Walked a longer circuit this afternoon after the rain had cleared, more for the exercise than the birds! However, some interest in the form of:
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
2 Stock Dove.
Treecreeper and 3 Nuthatch in Redisher Wood.
A few Swallow, House Martin, Skylark and Meadow Pipit on the higher ground.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Aug 27 2:38 PM, 2019
2 Spotted Flycatcher this morning in the trees between Saplin Wood and Moorbottom Road. Also Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff with them. 2 Goldcrest in Redisher Wood.
Roger Halsey said
Mon Aug 19 4:35 PM, 2019
Best from a longer circuit this morning:
Good raptor day with juvenile Peregrine, 3 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
1 adult and 2 juvenile Green Woodpecker.
2 Swift.
4 Wheatear and 8 Stonechat, but couldnt find a Whinchat.
2 Lesser Redpoll.
rob archer said
Thu Aug 15 7:44 PM, 2019
An adult male Merlin was perched up on the cairn on White Hill this afternoon before flying off north towards Bull Hill ( Lancs).
rob archer said
Sun Aug 11 7:31 PM, 2019
Whinchat still in with c8 Stonechat below Red Brook . 6 Snipe in the flooded field by Three Acres Farm this evening
rob archer said
Thu Aug 8 8:01 PM, 2019
Nice couple of hours sat in the sun above the bracken by Red Brook . At least 8 Stonechat ( mostly juv) here and another family party of 6 by the ruin below Lark Hill .
Also in the bracket below Red Brook... 2 Whinchat , 4 Willow Warbler and a few Meadow Pipit with 4 Wheatear on the higher slopes .
Roger Halsey said
Mon Aug 5 2:05 PM, 2019
Star bird from a longer morning circuit was a flighty juvenile Cuckoo. I saw it in flight and perched briefly in the area around Holcombe Head Farm. Best of the rest:
2 sightings of Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker.
3 Stock Dove.
At least 4 Jay together, presumably a family party.
c35 Swift, c50 Swallow, 2 House Martin and 1 Sand Martin feeding on the windward side of the Moor, with the Sand Martin being my first site record.
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, the only Warbler noted!
Lots of juvenile Wheatear, and 2 Stonechat.
2 Lesser Redpoll and flock of c120 Goldfinch.
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher in either of the previous locations.
Adrian Dancy said
Wed Jul 24 11:04 PM, 2019
Another trip to Holcombe Moor today. I stayed on Moorbottom Rd. In excess of 20 wheatears. The drab male with the missing tail was still present, nlt 3 females and the rest juveniles. 2 stonechat families with one seemingly being shadowed by Willow Warbler or possibly two on the open ground. 3 Kestrels and several pipits one of which I cannot properly identify. Many swallows not counted. Many Goldfinch not counted. Nuthatch calling from an isolated tree. More pictures to follow.
Adrian Dancy said
Tue Jul 23 8:04 PM, 2019
After a visit to a Sand Martin colony, I did a tour of Holcombe Moor. Very quiet and not much about around Redisher Wood...I hoped to see the Spotted Flycatcher but I did not know where to seek it out.
Crossing from the distal part of the Redisher path across the moor to Moorbottom Rd I came across 2 separate breeding territories of Meadow Pipit and I saw one adult Stonechat on the very long fence.
Moorbottom Road:- A male Wheatear moulting and no tail, adult female, and 8 juvenile birds. I have visited this location many times over the years and have never seen so many juvenile wheatears. There was 1 adult male Stonechat taking food to a nest site, 1 Kestrel. Around 50 Goldfinch and Swallows and 2 more Meadow Pipits, one of which I photographed.
When I sat down for a drink I was joined by a delightful juvenile Wheatear that posed and sunbathed right in front of me...couldn't wish for more really:)...except high overhead sun is a killer for good images:(
Mallard with 3 freshly hatched duckling on the tiny pond at the top of the building site.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
1 Spotted Flycatcher.
1 Swift and 18 House Martin.
3 Goldcrest and 1 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 3 Bullfinch including 1 juvenile.
rob archer said
Sun Jul 14 4:32 PM, 2019
A newly fledged female Peregrine ( unringed) spent most of the morning around Red Brook battling with everything it could find including a Hobby which we watched taking a Swallow .excellent entertainment ..with V Irving ...
Roger Halsey said
Mon Jul 8 2:01 PM, 2019
Best from a longer circuit this morning:
Spotted Flycatcher still present although now in a different location from previous sightings.
Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Sparrowhawk over.
1 Curlew.
Stonechat pair with 4 juveniles, and 1 Wheatear.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Bullfinch.
Roger Halsey said
Wed Jun 26 8:35 PM, 2019
Best from 3 short visits over the last 3 days:
1 Spotted Flycatcher still present today.
1 Curlew calling today.
1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker (Tuesday)
1 pair of Wheatear and 2 pairs of Stonechat.
2 singing Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
Roger Halsey said
Sun Jun 23 9:04 AM, 2019
Best from a short morning circuit through Redisher Wood:
1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.
Highlights from a longer morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor:
Single Curlew and 8 Lapwing.
1 Buzzard, 1 Little Owl and 1 Raven.
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker including a drumming bird.
4 Stock Dove.
1 Dipper.
2 Goldcrest and 1 Treecreeper.
Flock of c 40 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Bullfinch.
Highlights from a longer morning circuit:
1 Curlew, my first returning bird of the spring, and 6 Lapwing.
2 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
Small numbers of all 5 common Turdus species again.
10 singing Skylark on the highest ground.
Flighty flock of c20 Lesser Redpoll at the top of Redisher Wood.
Highlights from a morning circuit today and a short one yesterday afternoon:
5 Lapwing braving the weather!
2 Kestrel.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
1 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Good mixed finch flock at the top of Redisher Wood that included at least 30 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Siskin.
1 Treecreeper.
Late report on 2 short visits yesterday:
4 Lapwing, being the first returning birds of the spring.
1 Little Owl.
Highlights from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
Pair of Goosander.
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Dipper and 3 Grey Wagtail together, with one of the Wagtails starting to get its summer plumage.
Flock of 10 Siskin.
Highlights from a pleasant and calm(!) morning circuit including Moorbottom Road and the highest ground over the moor:
2 Little Owl and 1 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Stonechat and, best of all,
2 Skylark in full song on the highest ground!
Highlights from a morning circuit:
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
3 Stock Dove.
Flock of 7 Raven together soaring and playing in the updraught on the side of the moor. I wonder what the age composition of such a flock is at this time of year?
Morning highlights from the same circuit as Monday:
2 Kestrel.
2 Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, with the first drumming of the year noted.
All 5 Turdus, with 45+ Redwing.
1 Dipper, my first of the year here.
1 Reed Bunting.
A bit more activity this morning with 31 species noted in a 2 hour circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road, with the best being:
1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker displaying.
All 5 Turdus species again.
1 Treecreeper.
2 Stonechat.
11 Bullfinch including a compact flock of at least 8 birds together.
Rather quiet on a longer morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor, with the best being:
1 Little Owl, 1 Buzzard, and 2 Kestrel.
Small numbers of all 5 common Turdus species.
1 Grey Wagtail
2 Stonechat and 2 Bullfinch.
A good morning for raptors with Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel and Little Owl all being noted. Also 1 Raven and 25 Fieldfare.
1 Green Woodpecker, c30 Redwing and 1 Lesser Redpoll in Redisher Wood this morning.
Best from a short circuit through Redisher Wood only:
1 Goosander.
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
2 Bullfinch.
Best from a brisk late afternoon circuit:
Poor views of 2 Partridge, presumably the Red-legged from earlier in the year.
1 Little Owl and 1 Kestrel.
Single flock of 32 Fieldfare heading SW.
1 Bullfinch.
1 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl this morning and 2 flocks of Fieldfare headed south, totalling 30 birds.
Best from a murky morning in Redisher Wood:
1 Teal and 1 Goosander- but no Mallard!
1 Kestrel.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
25+ Redwing.
1 Treecreeper and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
A good sized mixed flock was in Redisher Wood this morning. Mainly Redwing and Blackbird, but also Goldcrest and Treecreeper among the Tits. There was an explosion of birds when a male Sparrowhawk came in and perched among them, but I think he went away empty handed ( or should it be taloned?) Also Dipper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Bullfinch and 4 Lesser Redpoll.
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor:
2 male Goosander- my first of the season here.
1 Kestrel.
Dipper, 2 Goldcrest and a Treecreeper in Redisher Wood.
c 70 Redwing and 5 Fieldfare.
2 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Bullfinch.
Highlights from a murky morning circuit round Redisher Wood:
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Dipper.
Mixed flock of c30 Redwing and Fieldfare.
2 Siskin in with a flock of 15 Goldfinch.
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and over the Moor.
2 Green Woodpecker.
2 Raven, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel.
Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
2 flocks of Fieldfare totalling 140+ birds with a few Redwing.
2 Stonechat.
Still c25 Meadow Pipit on the higher ground.
-- Edited by Roger Halsey on Monday 28th of October 2019 02:03:26 PM
Best from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood, Saplin Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
1 Green Woodpecker.
1 Raven.
Dipper, Grey Wagtail and 3 Goldcrest in Redisher Wood.
Flock of c30 Fieldfare with a few Redwing and Blackbird.
Notable flock of 50-60 Lesser Redpoll at the top of Redisher Wood, with c20 Chaffinch and 3 Reed Bunting.
Still plenty of activity during a morning circuit, but mainly common birds. Of interest:
1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Green Woodpecker.
2 Raven.
1 Kingfisher, 2 Dipper, 1 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
12+ Redwing , 3 Song and 3 Mistle Thrush all appeared to be on the move.
2 Stonechat.
8 Bullfinch and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
An interesting morning circuit after the school run, with the highlights being:
2 Ring Ouzel in the area north of Saplin Wood and west of Moorbottom Road. Initially a female type was seen briefly in flight, but after a bit of searching a male was found in a hawthorn tree - and it was joined by the first bird. The 2 birds were associating with a group of Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush and a single Song Thrush.
Also 2 Red-legged Partridge, presumably the same birds from earlier in the year, in the same area.
2 Green Woodpecker.
What looked like a small influx of Goldcrest, with at least 5 birds noted, 1 Treecreeper.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Bullfinch.
A surprisingly productive short afternoon circuit through Redisher Wood, with the highlights being:
1 Buzzard.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3 Raven over.
1 Dipper.
My first Redwing of the season, with 5 at the top of the Wood. 2 Mistle Thrush.
Flock of 22 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch.
A quiet long morning circuit through Redisher Wood, Red Brook Valley, Holcombe Moor and Peel Tower, but still some interest:
1 Little Owl.
2 Raven.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper and 2 Nuthatch.
Still 4 Meadow Pipit and 1 Skylark on the higher ground.
2 Bullfinch and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
Best from a short morning circuit through Redisher Wood only:
2 Dipper and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Mixed tit flock that included Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Mixed finch flock that included 12 Lesser Redpoll, and 1/2 Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Highlights from a morning circuit through Redisher Wood and along Moorbottom Road:
1 Merlin zipped through in a southerly direction at about 12.00, my first site record. Also presumed migrant flock of 5 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 2 Kestrel.
1 Green Woodpecker.
Flock of c60 Meadow Pipit , 4 Swallow and 6 Stonechat - all presumed migrants.
2 Raven.
2 Treecreeper and 10 Nuthatch.
They are rebuilding a section of the retaining wall bordering the brook below the Hare and Hounds pub and have some scaffolding in the water. Perched on top of the scaffold boards this morning was a Dipper! Also 2 Grey Wagtail in the area and a 1 Buzzard, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Nuthatch in the woods.
Limited highlights from a morning circuit including Redisher Wood and Moorbottom Road:
2 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawk.
5 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Treecreeper and 7 Nuthatch.
3 Bullfinch.
Highlights from a short morning circuit:
1 Spotted Flycatcher at the top of Redisher Wood.
1 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay and 2 Bullfinch.
A quiet morning circuit round Moorbottom Road, with the limited highlights being:
Mixed flock including Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
1 Snipe inadvertently flushed off the path back over the top.
Another interesting, longer, circuit this morning and some different birds. Highlights:
1 Peregrine, 3 Kestrel, 3 Sparrowhawk and 1 Little Owl.
2 Green Woodpecker.
Apparent small movement of Thrushes with at least 3 Mistle and 2 Song moving south or south west.
Dipper in Redisher Wood.
Compact flock of c50 House Martin on the east side of the Moor, with c20 Swallow in the same area.
Another good mixed flock on Moorbottom Road with Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest among 4 species of Tit.
c30 Goldfinch with at least 2 Lesser Redpoll.
An interesting lower level circuit this morning through Redisher and Saplin Wood.
2 Red-legged Partridge again. One bird looked rather pale and washed out, so maybe mixed parentage.
Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Three mixed flocks encountered all containing some summer migrants, although nothing unusual. The totals include all 4 common tits, 15+ Goldfinch, 7 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Linnet, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest.
Also 1 Treecreeper, 10 Nuthatch and an apparent influx of Robin with 30+ birds noted.
Walked a longer circuit this afternoon after the rain had cleared, more for the exercise than the birds! However, some interest in the form of:
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
2 Stock Dove.
Treecreeper and 3 Nuthatch in Redisher Wood.
A few Swallow, House Martin, Skylark and Meadow Pipit on the higher ground.
2 Spotted Flycatcher this morning in the trees between Saplin Wood and Moorbottom Road. Also Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff with them. 2 Goldcrest in Redisher Wood.
Best from a longer circuit this morning:
Good raptor day with juvenile Peregrine, 3 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
1 adult and 2 juvenile Green Woodpecker.
2 Swift.
4 Wheatear and 8 Stonechat, but couldnt find a Whinchat.
2 Lesser Redpoll.
An adult male Merlin was perched up on the cairn on White Hill this afternoon before flying off north towards Bull Hill ( Lancs).
Whinchat still in with c8 Stonechat below Red Brook . 6 Snipe in the flooded field by Three Acres Farm this evening
Nice couple of hours sat in the sun above the bracken by Red Brook . At least 8 Stonechat ( mostly juv) here and another family party of 6 by the ruin below Lark Hill .
Also in the bracket below Red Brook... 2 Whinchat , 4 Willow Warbler and a few Meadow Pipit with 4 Wheatear on the higher slopes .
Star bird from a longer morning circuit was a flighty juvenile Cuckoo. I saw it in flight and perched briefly in the area around Holcombe Head Farm. Best of the rest:
4 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl.
Dipper and Goldcrest in Redisher Wood.
3 Stonechat and 4 Wheatear.
Very worn adult meadow Pipit
A few images from my last visit.
Of note during a longer morning circuit today:
2 sightings of Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker.
3 Stock Dove.
At least 4 Jay together, presumably a family party.
c35 Swift, c50 Swallow, 2 House Martin and 1 Sand Martin feeding on the windward side of the Moor, with the Sand Martin being my first site record.
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, the only Warbler noted!
Lots of juvenile Wheatear, and 2 Stonechat.
2 Lesser Redpoll and flock of c120 Goldfinch.
No sign of Spotted Flycatcher in either of the previous locations.
After a visit to a Sand Martin colony, I did a tour of Holcombe Moor. Very quiet and not much about around Redisher Wood...I hoped to see the Spotted Flycatcher but I did not know where to seek it out.
Crossing from the distal part of the Redisher path across the moor to Moorbottom Rd I came across 2 separate breeding territories of Meadow Pipit and I saw one adult Stonechat on the very long fence.
Moorbottom Road:- A male Wheatear moulting and no tail, adult female, and 8 juvenile birds. I have visited this location many times over the years and have never seen so many juvenile wheatears. There was 1 adult male Stonechat taking food to a nest site, 1 Kestrel. Around 50 Goldfinch and Swallows and 2 more Meadow Pipits, one of which I photographed.
When I sat down for a drink I was joined by a delightful juvenile Wheatear that posed and sunbathed right in front of me...couldn't wish for more really:)...except high overhead sun is a killer for good images:(
Best from a short morning circuit:
Mallard with 3 freshly hatched duckling on the tiny pond at the top of the building site.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Stock Dove.
1 Spotted Flycatcher.
1 Swift and 18 House Martin.
3 Goldcrest and 1 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 3 Bullfinch including 1 juvenile.
A newly fledged female Peregrine ( unringed) spent most of the morning around Red Brook battling with everything it could find including a Hobby which we watched taking a Swallow .excellent entertainment ..with V Irving ...
Best from a longer circuit this morning:
Spotted Flycatcher still present although now in a different location from previous sightings.
Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
Single Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1 Sparrowhawk over.
1 Curlew.
Stonechat pair with 4 juveniles, and 1 Wheatear.
1 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Bullfinch.
Best from 3 short visits over the last 3 days:
1 Spotted Flycatcher still present today.
1 Curlew calling today.
1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
1 Green Woodpecker (Tuesday)
1 pair of Wheatear and 2 pairs of Stonechat.
2 singing Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail in Redisher Wood.
Best from a short morning circuit through Redisher Wood:
1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.